Most folding knives do one thing. The NexTool Knight K40 quietly does several — and it doesn’t make a big deal about it. Tucked into the handle alongside a solid 14C28N steel blade is a locking bit driver with swappable bits, all wrapped up in a G10-scaled, axis-lock package that weighs just 90 grams. It’s the kind of knife that earns its pocket space without needing to shout about it.
First Impressions and Packaging
The unboxing experience is pretty no-frills — a crumpled user guide and a small accessory pack greet you before you get to the knife itself. But once the knife is in hand, the build quality speaks for itself. NexTool has been consistently delivering well-constructed knives, and the Knight K40 is no exception. The blade is well-centered, the G10 scales feel solid, and the fit and finish is exactly what you’d expect from a brand that’s been stepping up its game.
Blade: Sandvik 14C28N Steel
The main blade is made from Sandvik 14C28N steel, and this particular alloy has been showing up more and more in NexTool’s lineup — which is a good thing. It’s a Swedish steel, and while it’s not quite as hard as D2, it’s actually tougher and offers better corrosion resistance. The “N” in 14C28N stands for nitrogen, which is used in the hardening process — the same technology you’ll find in steels like Nitro-V. So it’s a smart choice for an EDC blade that needs to hold up to real-world use and occasional exposure to moisture.
The blade profile is a sheep’s foot, which is very much on-brand for NexTool — most of their blades lean this direction. The spine stays thick from the hilt almost all the way to the tip, then tapers sharply at the edge in a style reminiscent of a reverse tanto. The result is an extremely strong tip. There’s also some gimping near the spine for added grip, and the blade sports a bead-blasted finish that keeps things looking clean without being flashy.
Axis Lock and Handling
The Knight K40 uses an axis lock for one-handed operation, and it’s smooth and satisfying to use. Opening and closing is easy, and the knife has a definite fidget factor — the kind you don’t mind because it means the action is just that good. The thumb stud gives you a reliable deployment point, and the lock itself feels secure without being overly stiff.
One minor note: the pocket clip offers deep carry for discreet carry, which is a great feature, but it’s not reversible. That’s because switching it over would block the bit driver on the opposite side. For most people, this won’t be an issue, but it’s worth knowing upfront if you’re a lefty or have strong clip placement preferences.
The Bonus: Built-In Bit Driver
Here’s where things get interesting. The Knight K40 includes a locking bit driver that sits right in the handle. It locks into position at 180 degrees and uses a magnet to hold 4mm bits in place. In the box, you get two bits: a slotted 3.5mm and a Phillips #1.
Now, it would have been ideal if this were a standard quarter-inch bit driver, since that opens up a much wider world of compatible bits. With 4mm, your options are more limited. That said, it’s still genuinely useful — and you can always swap in a larger Phillips like the one from the Victorinox Cybertool 2 if you need more capability. Or, if screwdrivers aren’t your priority, you could even swap in an Ohto Horizon mechanical pencil refill cartridge — a surprisingly handy thing to keep in a bit driver slot.
The bit driver itself is fully lined, and the liner has lightening holes cut into it — a nice touch. One thing worth mentioning is that there’s only one spring tension setting available for the axis lock. NexTool seems to have erred on the side of extra clearance, which means the action is a little stiffer than I’d personally like, and there’s no way to adjust it. It’s not a dealbreaker, but it is a missed opportunity.
Specs at a Glance
- Blade Steel: Sandvik 14C28N
- Handle Material: G10
- Frame Material: 420J1 stainless steel
- Lock Type: Axis lock
- Blade Profile: Sheep’s foot
- Blade Length: 77mm
- Closed Dimensions: 91 x 26 x 17mm
- Weight: 90g (±5g)
- Bit Driver: 4mm, magnetic, locking
- Warranty: NexTool 10-year warranty
- Made in: China
How I’d Carry It
The Knight K40 is a knife I’d pair with a compact pair of pliers — something like the Knipex Cobra XS. Together, you’ve got a solid, lightweight kit that covers most real-world EDC scenarios. The knife is the most important tool to have in an emergency or survival situation, and with the built-in bit driver throwing in Phillips and flathead capability, you’re getting more value out of a single pocket slot than most knives offer.
Final Thoughts
The NexTool Knight K40 is a well-built, thoughtfully designed folding knife that punches above its weight class. The 14C28N steel is a genuinely good choice, the axis lock is smooth and reliable, and the integrated bit driver adds real utility without compromising the knife’s profile or usability. The non-reversible clip and fixed spring tension are minor drawbacks, but they don’t take away from what is otherwise a very capable everyday carry knife.
I like where NexTool is heading with this one. If you’re looking for a knife that brings a little extra to the table — literally — the Knight K40 is worth a serious look. Drop a comment below and let me know: is this something you’d carry every day?
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