Back in March of 2021, boutique knife brand WESN introduced the world to the Samla — an heirloom-quality, sheep’s foot-bladed friction folder that took inspiration from WESN’s founder’s Scandinavian heritage. Though initially released with a Sandvik blade and the option of Rosewood or titanium handles, WESN would later deploy more top-shelf versions of the folder with Damascus and Böhler M390 blade steel variants. Never one to rest on its laurels, the Detroit-based micro-brand has now unveiled what’s undoubtedly the most substantial update the knife has ever seen with the WESN Momotaro Samla.
Measuring 5.70” when opened, the Momotaro Samla features a rear handle scale crafted from grade 5 titanium. The knife’s front-facing handle is comprised of a custom item that’s made from genuine Momotaro denim Micarta and accented via a pink G-10 liner. Spanning approximately 3.25”, the handle features a friction retention system as well as bronze-finished hardware and a set of Phosphor bronze washers to smoothly guide its blade.
Mated to the handle is a 2.45” sheepsfoot blade that’s deployed via an extended straight razor-inspired thumb tang. WESN has also decorated the blade with custom Momotaro branding. And, in addition to being offered with a Sandvik 12c27 blade steel like the original Samla variants, WESN is also offering the Momotaro edition folder in markedly more premium Böhler M390 and Damasteel Damascus steel options. Engineered to offer a lifetime of use before being passed down to future generations, this heirloom-quality knife is also made by hand in Sweden and is sold with a custom handcrafted leather sheath.
Limited to only 100 units in total, the WESN Momotaro Samla Knife has been priced at $225 for the 12c27 version, $300 for the M390-spec, and $400 for the top-of-the-line Damasteel variant.
