Massdrop x Tashi Bharucha Prism Folding Knife

Based on knifemaker Tashi Bharucha’s overwhelmingly popular custom knife, the Church (which can only be found for upwards of six times the cost), the Massdrop x Tashi Bharucha Prism is a production version that’s just as striking and even more structurally sound. Thanks to a seamlessly connected two-piece titanium construction, the Prism is absent of backspacers or standoffs. The result is an elegant skeletonized frame with a super-smooth handle that’s even stronger than before. The 3.4-inch blade is made from RWL34 stainless steel. Named after legendary knifemaker Robert W. Loveless, it’s characterized by its high edge strength, toughness, hardness after heat treatment, and corrosion resistance. The blade's modified wharncliffe profile offers excellent control with plenty of belly for slicing. While it can be opened however you like, it’s meant to be deployed from the backside with a middle finger.

Measuring 7.4 inches, the Prism is slightly smaller and more EDC-friendly than the Church. The blade, though a bit smaller as well, lends itself to a wide range of tasks, like opening packages, slicing food, whittling, and cutting rope and twine. To secure the blade when open, there’s a built-in frame lock. To ensure the lock doesn’t wear out over time, it’s fitted with a hardened steel lockbar insert. Blade deployment may require a little practice, but once you’ve got the middle-finger flick down, the Prism opens like a dream. Also notable is the oversized choil at the base of the blade, which allows you to choke up for tasks that involve more precision. The choil also makes the knife far easier to sharpen. Fitted with a right-handed tip-up clip, the 3.6-ounce Prism won’t weigh you down on the go.

RWL34 is named after iconic knifemaker Bob Loveless, who popularized the hollow-ground drop-point blade and the use of full-tapered tangs and screw-type handle scale fasteners. Loveless originally employed ATS34 ball-bearing steel to meet the demands of his custom knives, but knew it could be improved further. Similar to ATS34, but made through Damasteel's state-of-the-art Rapid Solidified Powder process, RWL34 is a tribute to Loveless’s legend. It performs best at high hardness, takes a wicked sharp edge, and can be sharpened with relative ease—all while maintaining excellent toughness and strength. It also takes a great finish (whether satin or high polish), and is one of Tashi's favorite steels.

Tashi Bharucha didn’t start as a knifemaker. A graphic designer by trade, he grew up with an affinity for precise, highly finished objects. Early on, that manifested itself in the form of knives—specifically Spyderco knives, on which he spent much of his disposable income. But it wasn’t until he started designing knives himself that he took such a liking to them. Taking a more broad approach to knife design than many other makers, Bharucha is renowned for his ability to pair wide, functional blades with slender, ergonomic handles. His long list of collaborations reads like a who’s who of knifemaking legends, including names like Bob Terzuola, Peter Carey, Jens Anso, Alan Elishewitz, Tom Mayo, Lee Williams, and many more.