Knives enjoy a long history in their various guises. In fact, without it, our ancestors wouldn’t have developed into the proficient hunters, fishermen, farmers, and builders they became. It took considerable time for the knife to find its place as tableware. Cutlery didn’t play a role until well into the Middle Ages. Instead, it was common practice for people to carry a knife sheathed on their belt that could be used to impale food and raise it to the mouth.
DEEJO—WHAT’S BEHIND THE NAME?
In 2010, Stéphan Lebeau had a desire to “recapture the elegance of a timeless gesture from the past” and designed his first ultralight pocket knife.
Several years later, Luc Foin, Stéphan’s partner, was responsible for the art of personalisation by making it possible for a knife to reflect its owner’s character, memories or passion.
The raison d’être behind these state-of-the-art pocket knives is for them to find their presence as an everyday component in every owner’s lifestyle—everywhere and always.
The perfect accoutrement, and the perfect gift.
A QUESTION OF FAITH
Don’t be misled by their ultralight weights of 15 g, 27 g, and 37 g. Not to be belittled, these knives possess blades measuring 6 cm (2.36”), 8 cm (3.15”) and 9.5 cm (3.74”) respectively. Manufactured from stainless steel, the minimalistic skeleton body is largely responsible for the weight saving—a feature that, when combined with the slim blade and two-handed operation, is not typical for an overland lifestyle. If outdoors, then probably for weight conscious backpackers, you say? No, there’s definitely more to it.
GETTING PERSONAL
Navigate to the website and click “create my Deejo” where you can design your own knife in every detail. This is where the fun starts.
Once you have selected one of the three surface finishes—mirror, titanium or black—you have a basis upon which to build. You can choose from a wide range of tattoo designs which embellish one side of the blade and, in some cases, extend along the handle. The lower part of the liner, which also secures the blade when open, can be engraved with a name or short message of up to 35 characters.
Personalisation continues. You can choose between naked, five styles of wood, and two composite applications. Each knife has a strong pocket clip which stows the knife in a point-down position.
ACCESSORISE
With your knife complete, further enhancements include a sharpener which promises to keep the cutting edge in shape without scuffing the tattoo, leather sheathes for attaching to a belt or simply pocketing, and a collector’s box capable of storing 12 knives in individual slots—for those who crave a knife for every mood and occasion.
PUTTING IT ALL INTO PERSPECTIVE
There are a lot of choices when it comes to defining “your personal” Deejo. Regardless of the configuration, the personalised Deejo is generally ready for shipment within two working days. Once it arrives, unpacking the box is a revelation: holding the sleek knife for the first time is an experience. With the blade open, it is well-balanced with full control and a confident grip resulting from the constellation of skeleton frame, storage clip and wood detailed handle.
All surfaces are immaculately finished without any burrs or sharp corners. Slipping easily into a trouser pocket, the securing clip allows the knife to be settled deep in the pocket thanks to its generous design and ability to comfortably accommodate thick seams.
Tattoos are etched into the surface for durability. The sharpener is a worthwhile investment to help keep the engraving intact for as long as possible, especially if you, like me, never part with it in the field.
And then there’s the wow effect when you take out the knife to cut into a steak. The Deejo’s elegant functionality quickly becomes the topic of discussion.
CONCLUSION
Building yourself a personalised Deejo lets your own DNA flow into its character, and the chances of coming across an identical one elsewhere are pretty slim.
I can understand why some people need a collector’s box. Deejo is addictive.
deejo.fr | from €59,90
