Comic books and EDC tools don’t typically share the same panel, but Detroit-based WESN just flipped the script with its most visually striking release to date. The Cell Shaded Collection transforms the brand’s two signature models — the compact Microblade and the versatile Allman — into what looks like animated props pulled straight from the pages of your favorite graphic novel.
DETROIT MEETS MANGA
WESN’s story began back in 2017 when founder Billy Chester launched a Kickstarter for what would become the Microblade. What started as a personal project quickly evolved into a full-fledged brand blending Detroit’s industrial heritage with Scandinavian minimalism.
Fans of the brand already know the Microblade became the cornerstone of WESN’s identity and one of the best neck knives in the game. It was later joined by the beefier Allman to round out their core lineup. Both knives earned reputations for balancing form and function, utilizing grade 5 titanium handles, quality steel, and frame locks that actually work.
CELL SHADED STUNNERS
For this limited collection, WESN partnered with Michigan-based Way of Knife to create something truly different in the EDC space. Going beyond mere splashes of color, the Cell Shaded treatment boasts a meticulous process that gives each titanium knife handle bold black outlines and carefully placed white highlights that mimic the look of hand-drawn illustrations.
Available in five distinct grip colorways for each model — Ultraviolet Purple, Cryo Freeze Blue, Gamma Ray Green, Gold Rush Yellow, and Dust Ripper Brown — these knives have been literally transformed into functional artwork. We have to say, these will go down as one of our favorite releases of the year.
The beauty here is that WESN didn’t sacrifice performance for style. The Allman still features its 2.8-inch CPM S35VN blade steel and frame lock mechanism, while the Microblade retains its 1.5-inch D2 tool steel blade. Both still deploy via flipper tabs, both still have the same ergonomics that made them EDC favorites. The only difference is they now look like they belong in the pocket of, say, Deadpool or the Winter Soldier.
RARITY IN THE PANELS
Just like an exclusive cover variant, these blades are limited-edition releases expected to go quite quickly. WESN is capping production at just 100 Allmans and 200 Microblades total across all colorways. Once they’re gone, they’re gone — that is, unless the brand decides to make a “reprint” in the future.
SPEC SHEET
Models: Allman & Microblade
Handle Material: Grade 5 Titanium w/ cell shading anodization
Blade Steel: CPM S35VN (Allman), D2 Tool Steel (Microblade)
Blade Length: 2.8″ (Allman), 1.5″ (Microblade)
Overall Length: 6.65″ (Allman), 3.75″ (Microblade)
Weight: 3.65oz (Allman), 1oz (Microblade)
Lock Type: Frame Lock
Colors: Ultraviolet Purple, Cryo Freeze Blue, Gamma Ray Green, Gold Rush Yellow, Dust Ripper Brown
Limited Edition?: Yes, 100 (Allman), 200 (Microblade)
PRICING & AVAILABILITY
Launching May 21, The Cell Shaded Allman is priced at $229, with the Microblade at $129. Being made-to-order in Michigan, the first batch is expected to ship in July 2025. With only 300 pieces total across both models, set those alarms if you’re looking to add one to your collection.
Recap
WESN The Cell Shaded Collection Allman & Microblade
WESN tapped Way of Knife to make colorful versions of the Microblade and Allman that look like they’ve been literally ripped from the pages of comic books.
