Bastinelli

Bastien Coves and Bastinelli Knives

Bastien Coves is a French knife designer and maker behind Bastinelli Knives.

His work revolves around a straightforward principle: a knife can have a strong identity without allowing styling to take priority over function.

That philosophy can be seen in distinctive silhouettes, careful attention to ergonomics and a close relationship between shape, materials and intended use.

Today, the Bastinelli Knives universe includes fixed blades, folding knives, custom pieces and accessories. The brand also operates internationally, with part of its commercial activity based in the United States, while its founder remains a French designer whose work has become part of the wider international knife industry.

From design to production

One of the interesting aspects of Bastien Coves' work is his ability to translate a design across different forms of production.

The Bastinelli identity is therefore not limited to handmade customs or products sold directly under the Bastinelli Knives name.

His designs have also been produced through collaborations with established manufacturers.

FOX Knives officially credits Bastien Coves as the designer of the Geco, while Microtech developed several projects with Bastinelli Knives, including the Brachial, created together with Anthony Marfione. These projects demonstrate how Bastinelli's design language can be adapted to different manufacturers and construction methods while remaining recognisable. 

The MaxKnives collaboration follows the same principle through a smaller and more focused collection.

Karamdrink: a compact fixed blade with an additional function

The Karamdrink is one of the clearest expressions of the Bastinelli x MaxKnives collaboration.

It is a compact fixed blade combining 440C stainless steel with a G10 handle. The design incorporates a cutting blade together with an integrated bottle-opening function.

With an overall length listed at approximately 125 mm, the Karamdrink is deliberately compact.

Its identity comes from a straightforward construction, distinctive ergonomics and the way several functions are integrated into a relatively small object without relying on a complex mechanism.

Several versions exist within the MaxKnives range. Exact differences between individual references should be checked on the corresponding product pages.

Assaulyte Compact: the same design language at a larger scale

The Assaulyte Compact develops part of the same idea in a substantially larger fixed-blade format.

The documented versions again combine 440C steel and G10, this time in a knife with an overall length listed at approximately 220 mm.

Looking at the Karamdrink and Assaulyte Compact together helps explain the collaboration more effectively than treating them as unrelated products.

They represent two different scales of a common design approach, with recognisable similarities in materials, construction and visual language.

TactiDrink: Bastinelli design translated into an accessory

The Bastinelli x MaxKnives collaboration is not limited to knives.

The TactiDrink takes part of the collection's visual language and applies it to an anodised aluminium bottle opener.

Available in different variants, it offers a simpler way of carrying part of the collaboration's identity in an accessory without a blade.

A design identity built around ergonomics

Looking across Bastinelli designs reveals several recurring ideas.

The first is the importance of grip and ergonomics. Handle contours, curves, recesses and transitions are treated as integral parts of the design rather than secondary details.

The second is visual clarity. Even when the lines are assertive, the object remains easy to understand: the grip area, structure and functional elements remain visually distinct.

Finally, Bastien Coves' work is not defined by one material or one construction method. Its identity comes primarily from the relationship between form, ergonomics and function.

Which Bastinelli x MaxKnives product should you choose?

The three families serve very different purposes.

Karamdrink
A very compact fixed blade combining 440C steel, G10 and an integrated bottle-opening feature.

Assaulyte Compact
A larger fixed blade that develops part of the same Bastinelli design language on a different scale.

TactiDrink
An aluminium bottle opener that carries the visual identity of the collaboration without a blade.

Caring for Bastinelli x MaxKnives knives

Documented 440C stainless-steel models require straightforward regular maintenance.

Clean the blade after use and dry it thoroughly, particularly after contact with moisture or food residue.

G10 handles generally require little maintenance. A damp cloth or mild cleaning is usually sufficient; avoid aggressive solvents that may affect the surface or finish.

Where a knife is supplied with a sheath, periodically remove dust and debris from inside the sheath to prevent particles from marking the blade.

See our knife cleaning, maintenance and sharpening guides for more information.

Purchase, possession, carry and transport

The rules that apply to a knife do not depend solely on its size or appearance.

Being legally able to buy and own a product does not automatically mean that it can be carried or transported without restriction.

Before travelling with a knife, please consult our guide to knife purchase, possession, carry and transport in France, and check the rules applicable in your destination country.

Frequently asked questions

Who is behind Bastinelli Knives?
Bastinelli Knives is the design universe created by French knife designer and maker Bastien Coves. His work now includes custom knives, production models, accessories and international collaborations.

What is the difference between Karamdrink and Assaulyte Compact?
Karamdrink is a very compact fixed blade measuring approximately 125 mm overall, while Assaulyte Compact is significantly larger at around 220 mm. Documented versions nevertheless share several elements, including 440C steel and G10.

What is the TactiDrink?
TactiDrink is an anodised aluminium bottle opener designed within the Bastinelli x MaxKnives collection. It has no blade.