A POCKET KNIFE YOU CAN WEAR.
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TOUCAN is a pocket knife designed for people without pockets. It uses an innovative mechanism and material-using method to create flexibility and toughness at the same time. It provides users with new ways of carrying pocket knives.
Pocket knives require pockets
Not everyone wears jeans every day
Some people wear loose clothing
How should they carry their pocket knives?
WHAT IF A KNIFE IS A SOFT GOOD?
Most folding and pocket knives are made of hard materials such as metal and plastic. But this is also requiring a certain carrying method. TOUCAN is breaking users' preconceived ideas about knives by providing them with a new knife-carrying method.
Benchmade New Market
Most Benchmade users are familiar with knives
Delivering the benefits of knives to users in a brand new way
Design Challenge from new customers
have preconceived ideas about knives
existing knives didn’t match users’ style
have no pockets/ difficulty to carry pocket knives
HOW TO USE THIS MAGIC
1: Remove the knife from the bracelet
3: Unfold the support mechanism
2: Straighten the soft handle
4: Unfold the blade and you are ready to go
USER SCENARIO
Cutting herbs/trimming flowers
Unpacking parcels/cutting cardboard
PROTOTYPE DEMO VIDEO
HOW IT CAN BE WORN
CPM S30V steel is the blade material to make the blade strong and sharp. The flexible material of the handle part uses high-quality silicone to give it the same tactile feeling and flexibility as a watch strap.
TOUCAN contains two parts: A knife and a wristband. The knife will serve as a detachable part of the bracelet. The handle is made of flexible material, which allows customers to carry it in a very fashionable way.
The knife is designed to be foldable and flexible while still providing the user with correct ergonomics. At the end of use, simply fold the mechanism back to make the handle flexible again.
The two-stage structure mechanism creates support between the two pieces of the handle. It will help to create a comfortable grip feeling and the right ergonomics for users when they are using the knife.
TOUCAN's storage box is designed based on the concept that a knife can be stored like jewelry. This is also part of a sustainable strategy to extend the life of TOUCAN by providing proper storage conditions.
What if a knife is actually a soft good?
Mock-Ups & Improvements
Cardboard Mock-Ups and Improvements:
-Decided the overall measurement.
-Assess the components’ placement.
-Designed the overall ergonomics.
Mechanism Mock-Ups and Improvements:
-Explored different mechanism methods.
-Tested different handle materials.
-Understood the problems brought by friction.
-Designed the shape of the blade and its holder.
FINAL DESIGN
PROTOTYPES
Design Improvements:
-Designed with the right ergonomics for a comfortable grip feeling.
-Found flexible materials and CMF for wearables.
-Explored the proper dimension so that it doesn't look clunky.
-Designed the mechanism to create strength for the handle.
-Designed a unique carrying method that requires no pocket.
