Birds have always fascinated us.
Their freedom and beauty inspired us to create bird-themed everyday carry (EDC) pocket knives.
First, we introduced The Magpie and The Crow, versatile tools capturing the essence of these iconic birds. Then came The Kookaburra, a playful nod to Australia's beloved laughing bird.
Now, we proudly introduce a new addition to our lineup: The Glossy Black Cockatoo (GBC). The GBC is a rare gem here in Australia, mainly found on Kangaroo Island.
The Glossy Black Cockatoo Pocket Knife is available to pre-order via Kickstarter for $145 AUD until 25/7/24
Our knives go beyond mere tools and become companions crafted for everyone—whether you're a surfer, photographer, farmer, or explorer. Blending art, design, engineering, and style, they become perfect for daily adventures.
Features and Specifications
Crafted for everyday use, the Glossy Black Cockatoo Pocket Knife combines functionality with aesthetics. It seamlessly fits into diverse lifestyles—from surfing to photography and everything in between.
It features a 95.8mm blade that folds neatly into a 110mm frame, weighing a mere 115g, ensuring effortless carry wherever you go.
Detailed Specifications
The knife features 14C28N Sandvik Swedish Steel, known for its robustness and edge retention, heat-treated to enhance durability. It maintains sharpness through varied tasks, making it ideal for everyday needs.
The blade, 2.5mm thick, balances strength and precision, catering to both cutting and detail work.
Blade Material and Construction
The blade uses 14C28N Sandvik Swedish Steel, which ensures durability and sharpness retention. Heat treatment enhances its resilience for everyday use.
Handle Materials and Design
Compared to its predecessors, the Glossy Black Cockatoo Knife introduces a distinctive handle composition—resin, wood, and G10—crafted not only for durability but also for aesthetic appeal. This blend ensures a secure grip and comfortable handling, adapting effortlessly to your grip. The ergonomic design naturally contours to the hand, offering stability and control whether you're opening packages or preparing for outdoor adventures.
The Glossy Black Cockatoo: An Endangered Icon
The Glossy Black Cockatoo (GBC) is renowned for its distinctive appearance. Males boast plain brown heads and vibrant red panels in their tail feathers, while females are marked by barred red tail panels and yellow neck markings. These striking birds typically measure between 40 to 50 centimeters in size.
Habitat and Distribution
Once widespread, GBCs are now predominantly found on Kangaroo Island. They became extinct on mainland South Australia in the 1970s, primarily due to the loss of their habitat, particularly the clearance of Drooping Sheoak forests, which are their main food source.
Subspecies and Ranges
GBCs have various subspecies across different regions, each adapted to specific habitats. The South-eastern and Kangaroo Island subspecies are particularly notable, with the latter being endangered.
Diet and Ecological Role
GBCs have a specialized diet, feeding almost exclusively on Sheoak (Allocasuarina) seeds. They play a crucial ecological role as seed dispersers and forest pruners, significantly contributing to forest health and biodiversity.
Cultural and Ecological Significance
The Glossy Black Cockatoo holds profound spiritual and cultural significance for Aboriginal Australians, deeply woven into Dreaming stories and song lines that span generations. It symbolizes Traditional Ecological Knowledge, representing a deep connection to ancestral lands and the natural world.
Conservation Efforts and Challenges
Conserving these iconic birds presents significant challenges. Habitat loss, predation, and competition for nesting sites from other species like galahs and possums are major threats. The 2019-20 Kangaroo Island bushfires further compounded these issues, destroying critical Sheoak feeding grounds and nesting sites.
Despite these hurdles, ongoing conservation programs have been vital in aiding population recovery. The resilience of the Glossy Black Cockatoo, especially evident in post-fire population surveys, highlights the importance of sustained conservation efforts.
Design and Commitment to Quality
Koi Knives began with Ramon and Shannon, childhood friends bonded by a passion for craftsmanship. Their journey into knife-making was fueled by a shared love for design and steel. At Koi, art, engineering, and style converge, driving their philosophy of creating tools that seamlessly marry form with function.
Innovation is at the core of their process, constantly pushing boundaries with materials and techniques. The Glossy Black Cockatoo Pocket Knife is a prime example of this ethos, born from Shannon's personal fascination with the bird and its subtle elegance.
Why the Glossy Black Cockatoo?
In January 2024, during a family retreat on Kangaroo Island, Shannon encountered the Glossy Black Cockatoo firsthand. The sighting sparked excitement in the community, highlighting the bird's unique allure. This experience deepened Shannon's connection to the Glossy Black Cockatoo, inspiring the knife's design as a tribute to its beauty and significance.
Final Thoughts
The Glossy Black Cockatoo Pocket Knife stands out for its blend of functionality and style, designed to accompany you wherever you go. With its robust Sandvik steel blade and ergonomic handle crafted from resin, wood, and G10, it's a tool built to last.
Explore the artistry behind each knife, where form meets function in every detail. Appreciate the craftsmanship that captures the essence of Australia's wildlife in a practical everyday carry.
Curious about adding the Glossy Black Cockatoo to your collection? Keep an eye out for when this EDC gem hits our store and discover how you can integrate it into your daily adventures.
The Glossy Black Cockatoo Pocket Knife is available to pre-order via Kickstarter for $145 AUD until 25/7/24
