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BLADE Staff

First Look: Benchmade BK-1 Claymore

After The Massive Success Of The Original Claymore, Benchmade Has Released The BK-1 Claymore. This Knife Has A Plain Edge, Is Crazy Tough, And Opens With Authority

The original Claymore from Benchmade was a rousing success, and the new BK-1 Claymore looks to follow in its footsteps. The BK-1 features the same resilient CPM-D2 blade 60-62 HRC, only this time the blade is fully ground to a plain edge instead of a partially serrated one. The 3.6-inch blade has a cobalt black finish.

The BK-1 is just as nimble as it is tough thanks to weighing only 3.5 ounces. The molded Grivory handle provides excellent grip, and the push-button auto fires it open with confidence. This is the type of construction we’ve come to expect from Benchmade, and in the BK-1 they’ve made an exciting, worthy successor to the original Claymore.

MSRP: $230

Editor’s Note: This article was written by Mike Ableson.

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First Look: GiantMouse Ace Nibbler

The New Ace Nibbler From GiantMouse Comes In Five Different Colors. This Nimble Little Folder Is Perfect For A Keychain.

The newest folder from GiantMouse is a treat. The Ace Nibbler, named for the old Tom and Jerry character Nibbles, is a small, versatile piece that is excellent as an EDC and easily fits on a lanyard, in your pocket, or on a keychain. Best of all, rather than a single version, there are numerous ways you can personalize the knife.

It starts with the handle. There are three aluminum varieties (blue, green, or red), a green canvas micarta, and a titanium version. Each style of handle is married to a different type of steel.

The aluminum knives have a satin-finished N690 blade while the green canvas micarta is married to a stonewashed 20CV blade. The titanium construction is completed by a satin-finished 20CV steel.

All versions of the Ace Nibbler come in at 2.5 ounces or less. The features continue with a liner lock on all models as well as a reversible wire clip. The wide nail nick makes it easy to open. 

The price does differ based on handle type with the aluminum varieties being the least expensive and the titanium version being the most expensive. No matter what type you purchase, this diminutive knife is more than worth it and can be a loyal EDC for years to come.

MSRP: $95-185

Editor’s Note: This article was written by Mike Ableson.

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First Look: Buck 149 Hookset Breaker

Fishing Season Means Finding A High-Quality Fillet Knife You Can Trust, And The New 149 Hookset Breaker From Buck Can Handle The Abuse Of The High Seas With Ease.

Processing fish cleanly may be one of the hardest tasks you can do with a knife, and having the right equipment is so important to whether you slice off a clean filet or are left with chunks only good for a stew. The new 10-inch 149 Hookset Breaker is Buck’s newest fish fillet knife designed for use sailing the ocean or out on the lake. 

It all starts with the handle. It is glass-reinforced polypropylene with TPE rubber and provides a confident grip in all weather situations so you can slice with authority every time. The handle connects to a 5Cr15MoV blade coated in titanium for excellent corrosion resistance.

The blade is protected by an injection-molded sheath with an integrated belt loop for easy carry. The whole piece is 15.83 inches long from the tip of the blade to the butt of the handle.

MSRP: $44.99

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Editor’s Note: This article was written by Mike Ableson.

First Look: CRKT Minimalist Spear Point

This New Fixed-Blade From CRKT Is Everything You Could Want In An EDC And More. Designed By Alan Folts, The Spear Point Is An Absolute Winner

The new CRKT Spear Point is an excellent fixed-blade knife. Designed by Florida-based maker Alan Folts, and part of the company’s Minimalist line, the Spear Point is compact, rugged, and can cut through almost anything.

The piece is just 5.2 inches long and weighs a light 2.1 ounces. An included thermoplastic sheath keeps the stonewashed 8Cr13MoV blade safe and secure in transit. The high-carbon stainless steel retains its edge well, making this a great knife to bring with you camping or keeping it in your shop. It can get into tight places that larger knives, both folders and fixed blades, simply won’t be able to.

And it looks great thanks to the resin-infused fiber handle that has a rich, dark green color. The handle also has three finger notches built into the handle for easy, secure grip.

The CRKT Spear Point continues a long line of successful knives from one of America’s top factory makers. At an excellent price point, the Spear Point is, without question, worth the investment.

MSRP: $36.

Editor’s Note: This article was written by Mike Ableson.

First Look: Spyderco Webfoot Sharpener

This New Sharpener From Spyderco May Revolutionize Portable Knife Sharpeners Thanks To A State-Of-The-Art Superabrasive.

Coming soon from Spyderco is the Webfoot Sharpener. Small and compact, the Webfoot may turn the knife sharpening world on its head thanks to its construction.

The sharpener is made from a single piece of carbon steel coated in Cubic Boron Nitride which is a state-of-the-art superabrasive second in hardness to only diamond. The CBN coating can sharpen without oil, water, electricity, or any clamps or stabilizing devices. And it can all easily fit in your pocket.

Place the Webfoot on a flat surface and rock it side-to-side to align the outer edges for a perfect 40-degree angle, ideal for utility knives. When it’s on its side, the sharpener gives a perfect 12.5-degree edge, perfect for shears and scissors of all types. 

Yes it’s small, but the Webfoot contains 15 square inches of surface coated in abrasive, giving you multiple angles to sharpen whatever blade needs a once over, including those with a serrated edge. The included suede pouch acts both as a handy carrying case and a non-slip work surface when needed.

MSRP: $85.

Editor’s Note: This article was written by Mike Ableson.

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First Look: SOG Flash MT

The New Flash MT Is A Sleek, Contemporary Take On The Multi-Tool. With Seven Tools, The Flash MT Is Strong And Compact.

A good multi-tool is worth its weight in gold. The new Flash MT from SOG is a durable modern version of what a multi-tool can be. 

It all starts with the blade. The Cryo D2 steel blade is a 2.4-inch clip point with an assisted opening. No nail nick or slip joint for this knife. The compound leverage pliers are beefier than on many other multi-tools and are up to whatever challenge you throw its way.

The magnetic bit holder snugly holds the two-ended 4mm driver bits so you’ll have both a Phillips and a flathead at your disposal. A bottle opener and wire cutter round out the implements in the Flash MT.

When it folds away it looks like a thick EDC knife. It’s easy to use and not cumbersome to hold or deploy. SOG really hit it out of the part with this new piece.

MSRP: $69.95

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Editor’s Note: This article was written by Mike Ableson.

First Look: Boker Texas Tooth Pick

The Texas Tooth Pick Was Common In 19th-Century Texas. Today, Boker Has Taken This Historic Blade And Given It A Modern Revival.

The Texas Tooth Pick was used by people of all types in Texas during the 19th century. Everyone from farmers and fishermen to lawmen and outlaws, the Texas Tooth Pick was a common knife due to its versatility. And now, the team at Boker USA is reviving this Lone Star classic and giving it a modern look at a flipper. 

The VG-10 blade stays in place thanks to a linerlock and, as its name suggests, is narrow like a toothpick. The stonewash finish gives it a clean look, and the curved, textured G10 handle scales provide excellent grip.

Thanks to its narrow design, the piece is incredibly light. At just 1.52 ounces, there are many competing models out there where the blade itself weighs more. Thanks to the quality of its construction, this new Texas Tooth Pick is just as dynamic as the original but far more durable.

MSRP: $127.95

Editor’s Note: This post was written by Mike Ableson.

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