THE DOODLER

This week Fitz and I sat down to talk all things Doodler. Where it came from, how it came to be, and prototypes containing a hidden spirograph? If you're the video type, give it a watch above. If you're the reading type, you're in luck, you're in the right place.

From Sketch to Steel: The Prototype Phase

One of the best parts of the video is getting to see the evolution of the Doodler. Fitz walks us through the early prototypes, showing exactly how a knife transforms from a rough concept into a dialed-in production model.

Designing a knife with a hidden micro-pen in the handle scale isn't exactly standard operating procedure. It takes a lot of trial, error, and tweaking to make sure the pen integrates seamlessly without ruining the ergonomics or making the knife feel like a cheap novelty. Hearing Fitz explain the mechanics of fitting a CPM-S35VN blade, three different deployment methods, and a usable pen into a 2.35-ounce package is a masterclass in modern knife design.

How Do We Actually Name These Things?

If you’ve ever looked at our lineup—the Lander, the Sendy, the Doodler—and wondered who is in charge of naming these things, Fitz finally spills the beans.

They dive into the dynamic between Fitz and Ben Petersen when it comes to naming new knives. It is a fun, slightly chaotic look into the Knafs creative process. Spoilers: it involves a lot of brainstorming, tossing out bad ideas, and eventually landing on something that perfectly captures the fun, utilitarian spirit of the knife itself. "The Doodler" just made too much sense for a knife that quite literally lets you doodle during your Tuesday morning budget meeting. Fitz also mentions that the original plan for all Knafs knives names do end in "er" like Lander, Banter, what was going to be the Cedar. 

The Designer's Intent

What really shines through in this sit-down is Fitz’s vision for the Doodler. We wanted to build something that felt right at home in a business-casual environment—a knife that you can deploy with a quiet nail nick in an office without raising any eyebrows, but that still has the premium materials and snappy flipper action you expect from a serious EDC tool. A knife that looks as good as it performs!

I highly suggest watching the whole video here!