WE Knife Banter 2004K – 2.9″ Black Stonewashed CPM S35VN Drop Point, Cuibourtia Wood, Nested Liner Lock

WE Knife Banter 2004K – 2.9" CPM S35VN Drop Point Folding Knife

The WE Knife Banter 2004K is the wood-handled version of Ben Petersen's Banter, a compact everyday carry folder built around a 2.9" black stonewashed CPM S35VN drop point blade. Cuibourtia wood scales over black stainless liners give it a warmer, more understated look than the G10 and carbon fiber variants, while caged ceramic ball bearings and a titanium thumb stud keep deployment fast. At 6.52" open and 2.89oz, the Banter 2004K sits in the sweet spot for a pocket knife you actually carry every day.

Highlights

• 2.9" CPM S35VN drop point blade — a premium powder-metallurgy stainless steel with excellent edge retention and toughness, run at 58–60 HRC with a flat grind.
• Black stonewashed finish — hides scratches and wear while cutting glare.
• Cuibourtia wood handle — a dense hardwood scale that warms in the hand and gives each knife its own grain pattern.
• Nested liner lock — stainless liners nested into the scales keep the knife slim at 0.45" handle thickness without giving up lockup strength.
• Caged ceramic ball bearings — smooth, low-friction thumb-stud deployment with a 6AL4V titanium thumb stud and presentation-side pivot.
• Ambidextrous tip-up carry — stainless pocket clip mounts left or right.
• Ben Petersen design — the Banter is one of the most recognized budget-premium EDC folders in the WE / Civivi family.

Specifications

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the blade length of the WE Knife Banter 2004K?

The WE Knife Banter 2004K has a 2.9" (73.7mm) blade, measures 6.52" (165.6mm) open, and closes down to 3.62" (91.9mm) — a sub-3" blade that stays within the carry limits many cities and states set.

Is CPM S35VN good knife steel?

Yes. CPM S35VN is a powder-metallurgy stainless steel widely regarded as a premium EDC steel, balancing edge retention, toughness, and corrosion resistance. On the WE Knife Banter 2004K it is heat treated to 58–60 HRC and given a flat grind for efficient slicing.

What is a drop point blade?

A drop point has a spine that curves gently down to the tip, producing a strong point with a generous cutting belly. On the WE Knife Banter 2004K this makes it a versatile all-rounder for boxes, cordage, food, and general everyday cutting.

What is Cuibourtia wood?

Cuibourtia — often sold as bubinga — is a dense African hardwood prized for its tight grain and reddish-brown figure. The WE Knife Banter 2004K uses it for the handle scales, so every knife carries a slightly different grain pattern and the wood warms quickly in the hand.

How does the nested liner lock on the WE Knife Banter 2004K work?

When you open the WE Knife Banter 2004K, the stainless liner springs behind the blade tang and holds it open. The liners are nested into recesses milled in the handle scales, which keeps the knife slim (0.45" thick) while retaining full lock strength. To close, push the liner aside with your thumb and fold the blade down.

How do you sharpen the WE Knife Banter 2004K?

CPM S35VN benefits from diamond or ceramic abrasives. Match the factory edge angle on the WE Knife Banter 2004K, work both sides evenly with light pressure, and finish on a strop to remove the burr. A guided system makes it easier to hold a consistent angle on the flat grind.

Is the WE Knife Banter 2004K a good EDC knife?

Yes. The WE Knife Banter 2004K is light at 2.89oz, slim at 0.45", carries tip-up on either side, and pairs a premium CPM S35VN blade with a warm wood handle. It is a widely recommended first premium folder and an easy daily carry.

Where can I buy the WE Knife Banter 2004K?

You can buy the WE Knife Banter 2004K at Going Gear, an authorized dealer.