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Dexter Ewing

Assisted Open Knives: Fast And Flashy Options

Dexter Ewing
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Assisted Open Knives: Fast And Flashy Options

Assisted open knives that get the job done … quickly.

Although their popularity has leveled off in recent years, manufacturers still embrace the assisted-open genre and continue to produce new models. For those new to the hobby, who may not be familiar with this style of knife, allow us to explain how they work.

Assisted openers are usually EDC and tactical folding knives equipped with some sort of torsion spring affixed to the tang of the blade that aids in propelling it to full open. What results is a crisp and quick action akin to a fully automatic knife. But, and here’s the good part, it remains legal in most jurisdictions.  

There is a downside to the assisted opener; the spring creates a weak link. If it fails, the snappy action is absent. The knife remains usable, but, impetus gone, it’s practically a manual opener. Hence, some enthusiasts shun the assisted opener like the plague. Yet, the design still has its enthusiasts, who can’t get enough of its brisk and fast actions.

No matter where you stand on that spectrum, there are assisted-open knives worthy of consideration. We’ll cover four of the latest and greatest that deliver the thwack users love.

CRKT Butte

The Butte was designed by knifemaker Lucas Burnley and features CRKT Deadbolt lock. The author found the clip-point blade exceptional and the knife overall sized right.
The Butte was designed by knifemaker Lucas Burnley and features CRKT Deadbolt lock. The author found the clip-point blade exceptional and the knife overall sized right.

The Butte is named after its designer’s—Lucas Burnley’s—hilly hometown of Bend, Oregon. Like this rugged terrain, the CRKT knife is heavy-duty and blends style and function into one package, geared for the outdoors.

The Butte boasts a 3.3-inch blade with a clip point and is constructed from D2 tool steel. The material choice gives the knife enhanced edge holding capabilities and is relatively easy to sharpen. Additionally, the steel has good impact resistance, though it’s not stainless, so plan to exercise more care in its upkeep.

Moving down, the handle is OD green peel ply G-10, with dual steel liners providing the backbone. A bronze anodized aluminum back spacer rounds out the handle features.

CRKT utilizes its Deadbolt lock mechanism on the Butte, a solid choice for a knife meant for rough outdoor work. The system, developed by Brazilian custom knifemaker Flavio Ikoma, is essentially a button lock, but with two actuating steel posts. In the case of the Butte, the button design plays well into the overall streamlined look of the knife. It resides on the blade pivot and melts away into the knife’s lines.

The Butte's lock release is disguised as a pivot bolt, which makes unlocking the blade intuitive, even while wearing work gloves. It also keeps the knife’s sleek look.
The Butte’s lock release is disguised as a pivot bolt, which makes unlocking the blade intuitive, even while wearing work gloves. It also keeps the knife’s sleek look.

To keep the knife handy, CRKT outfits the assisted opener with a pocket clip oriented in the right-handed, tip-up-carry position. Unfortunately for lefties, the clip cannot be reconfigured.

The Butte’s size makes it very capable of tackling a wide variety of chores inside the home or in the great outdoors. Folding hunter or general work knife are both well within its wheelhouse. Could be an outdoor knife, could possibly be a folding hunter, or could be a general working knife.

Of its assets, I like the peel ply G-10, which is more grippy than regular G-10. The handle is also very comfortable, and the lock release is oriented smartly—it’s out of the way of the hand.

Flat out, I think the Butte is a winner when it comes to a working assisted-open. With an MSRP of $120, it’s also a great value.

Kershaw Raygun

The reverse tanto blade shape of the Kershaw knife makes it user friendly, with what the author describes as a gently sweeping edge that maximizes cutting efficiency.
The reverse tanto blade shape of the Kershaw knife makes it user friendly, with what the author describes as a gently sweeping edge that maximizes cutting efficiency.

Kershaw’s Raygun offers high utility, a slim form factor and assisted opening in one affordable package. Though it comes in smaller than the rest, with just 2.8 inches of blade to work with; however, a hollow-ground edge gives the compact option aggressive cutting abilities.

As does Raygun’s reverse tanto blade. The profile supplies a gently sweeping cutting edge for maximum efficiency, along with a defined tip for scoring. As to the knife’s steel, it’s 4Cr14 stainless. This is a compromise, balancing solid edge retention and price. Kershaw gives the blade an added layer of protection, stonewashing it to hide any scratches obtained along the way.

Deployment is strictly a flipper affair, which is nice given that it maintains the knife’s sleek look. And Kershaw—like many of its models—makes certain the deep-carry clip is ambidextrous, though strictly a tip-up affair.

Steel composes the liner lock’s liner and Kershaw outfits the handle with glass-filled nylon scale. It’s chamfered, cutting down on hot spots and well textured. The center features a wave pattern of increasing size toward the pivot. This provides the most traction on the handle.

The Raygun features a slender construction and compact size, paired with a highly utilitarian reverse tanto blade. Despite its size, the knife can tackle a variety of tasks, large and small.
The Raygun features a slender construction and compact size, paired with a highly utilitarian reverse tanto blade. Despite its size, the knife can tackle a variety of tasks, large and small.

The assisted opening mechanism is a classic, Kershaw’s own Speed Safe. For those who don’t know, this is a design of Blade Magazine Cutlery Hall of Fame® member Ken Onion, and is credited with kick-starting the assisted opening trend. It’s fast, durable and a mainstay in Kershaws.

The Raygun cuts efficiently, quickly and its compact size carries easily in slacks, jeans or even clipped to the waist of jogging shorts or sweatpants. I did find the knife’s size a plus and a minus. The downside, bigger hands might find it too difficult to manipulate and use. The upside, its opening is precise and predictable. Given the short, narrow blade, there isn’t a lot of blade mass to move.  

With an MSRP of $38, you get a lot of knife in a small package with the Raygun.

Case Westline

The Westline series of folders have drop point blades and a contoured handle. This particular specimen has eye-catching and lightweight blue and black carbon-fiber handles, paired with a stonewashed S35VN blade. The bigger blade helps to handle larger cutting chores like cutting thick hose.
The Westline series of folders have drop point blades and a contoured handle. This particular specimen has eye-catching and lightweight blue and black carbon-fiber handles, paired with a stonewashed S35VN blade. The bigger blade helps to handle larger cutting chores like cutting thick hose.

An interesting twist to the Case Knives plot, a few years ago, it designed and manufactured a line of modern folding knives. Finally, granddad’s pocketknife company embraced the EDC theme with blade locks, one-hand opening and high-tech materials. At the vanguard, the Westline series. The line also introduced assisted opening to Case.

The Westline I looked at was outfitted with 3.23-inch modified drop point blade, made from premium CPM S35VN stainless steel with a stonewash finish. This is a Crucible Industries material, one of the super steels, renowned for its exceptional toughness and edge retention.

The blade spine features a run of traction notches, allowing added pressure to a cut with your thumb or index finger. Furthermore, there are notches on the tang behind the cutting edge. Used in conjunction with the blade spine, you can choke up on the blade for more precise control.

As far as the handle goes, it is made from striking blue and black marbled carbon fiber that catches the eye. Underneath are two nested steel liners providing the backbone for the Westline’s handle. It is a liner lock, which engages smoothly and holds the blade secure in the open position. Finishing it off, a steel pocket clip is mounted to the handle to carry the knife in the tip-up configuration.

Large, angled and stepped thumbstuds make the blade of the Case Westline easy to open.
Large, angled and stepped thumbstuds make the blade of the Case Westline easy to open.

The blade deploys in either hand thanks to two large ambidextrous beveled thumbstuds. Speaking of opening, the Westline’s action is predictable, controllable and smooth. Case makes this a certainty, outfitting the knife with pivot bearings.

The Westline would make a great working folder where general-purpose cutting chores reign. It carries well, deploys fast and has a blade steel well known for its performance. It cut through a variety of materials with ease for me. My only complaint is the thumb stud placement. Case could have moved the studs back toward the tang more, thus shortening the arc of travel. The MSRP of the Case Westline with blue and black carbon fiber is $197, and it is made in the USA.  

Bear & Son Bear Edge True-Timber Sideliner

The Sideliner is a cutting champ, thanks to its hollow-ground blade. The assisted-opener made mincemeat of cardboard, rope and a variety of other materials.
The Sideliner is a cutting champ, thanks to its hollow-ground blade. The assisted-opener made mincemeat of cardboard, rope and a variety of other materials.

The Bear & Son Bear Edge True-Timber Sideliner folder offers a lot of desired features in an affordable package. The clip-point blade is 3.5 inches in length and is made from 440A stainless steel, a lower-end blade steel that is inexpensive but easy to sharpen.

The TrueTimber camo Zytel handle is lightweight, impact-resistant, and impervious to the weather as well as fluid absorption. It incorporates several ergonomic features, such as a primary finger recess with lower hand guard, screw-together construction, checker texturing that helps to improve grip, and there are traction notches all around the perimeter of the handle to aid in nonslip grip as well.

A deep carry pocket clip is attached to the handle to carry the knife in the tip-up position, and it can be switched to the opposite side for lefties.

I would say this Sideliner folder is a very viable option for those who want a good, solid, reliable folding knife at a very reasonable price. The hollow grind makes it easy to slice through any material with ease, but the factory edge out of the box was just OK in my observation. It would cut, but I did notice an improvement in performance once I was able to put my own edge on it.

The Bear & Son knife’s handle has textured grip panels for hand traction, as well as traction notches around the perimeter for an excellent all-weather grip.
The Bear & Son knife’s handle has textured grip panels for hand traction, as well as traction notches around the perimeter for an excellent all-weather grip.

The Sideliner’s assisted opening action is quick and sure. A firm push out of one of the thumbstuds causes the blade to spring into action. However, whenever there is a flipper option, I prefer using that instead, as it’s easier and faster to get to. A simple press on the flipper will activate the assist, and the blade is opened, locked and ready for action.  

The 440A stainless steel isn’t going to hold an edge like the mid-grade or high-grade stainless steel, but it is easy to resharpen, so there’s that. There’s a trade-off for an MSRP of $60. Still, it really is not a bad price for this piece. Knowing you will generally pay a bit less than this makes it a great buy.

More Reviews:

Automatic Knives: American-Made Quick Cutters

Dexter Ewing
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Automatic Knives: American-Made Quick Cutters

We gather up a bevvy of top stateside-manufactured automatic knives, certain to give you an edge on fast deployment.

Automatics long have been a popular knife category for the tactical/serve-and-save professions, as well as the military. In recent years, they have shifted from tactical only to include EDC, too. Autos continue to be like other tactical and EDC lines in that they also leverage the advantage of hi-tech materials for blades and handles, thus creating stronger and harder-working knives that anyone can use.

Bear Ops KATAKT

The part serrated blade of the Bear Ops KATAKT II offers cutting versatility and the option to use the serrations for parting tougher materials like cardboard or rope.
The part serrated blade of the Bear Ops KATAKT II offers cutting versatility and the option to use the serrations for parting tougher materials like cardboard or rope.

The tactical division of Bear & Son Cutlery, Bear Ops, offers the KATAKT series of tactical/EDC knives with the latest in blade and handle materials. At 4.5 inches closed, the KATAKT II sports a 3.25-inch blade of Bohler M390 high-performance blade steel. M390 provides the ultimate in edge-holding power, is designed to go the distance and eliminates frequent sharpening. Simply put, it is one of the best high-performance blade steels going.

The drop point blade shape is very utility-friendly and able to handle multiple cutting tasks, large and small. It comes in both plain and partly serrated edge formats. The review sample has the latter, giving the best of both worlds in one blade, including the ability to tackle tough cutting jobs—though with the serrations, rope especially. The belly provides an ample amount of plain edge for finer cutting. A swedge gives an edgy look that isn’t threatening at all. A notched thumb rest enables thumb placement where downward pressure can be applied to power the blade through tougher cutting tasks. The black blade coat is low-glare.

Anodized black, the aluminum handle incorporates multiple features for a comfortable, safe using experience. A large finger recess at the pivot helps secure your grip on the handle and index it as well. The chamfer along the grip side bevels the handle material back some so you can wrap your fingers around it easily without hotspots forming.

The version of the crossbar lock Bear Ops calls the Slide Lock serves as both the blade lock and firing mechanism of the KATAKT II. To fire the blade, pull back on either side of the lockbar. As the author opined, this truly is an ambidextrous automatic.
The version of the crossbar lock Bear Ops calls the Slide Lock serves as both the blade lock and firing mechanism of the KATAKT II. To fire the blade, pull back on either side of the lockbar. As the author opined, this truly is an ambidextrous automatic.

A deep carry, fold-over steel pocket clip carries the closed knife blade tip up and is reversible to accommodate southpaws—simply back out two T6 Torx screws and reposition the clip on the other side. A filler tab covers the machined recess for the clip, providing a more streamlined overall appearance. The copper-colored pivot rings and backspacer inject a subtle contrast of color on the otherwise all-black knife. 

The blade is secured using the Slide Lock mechanism, Bear’s version of the crosslock. It’s ambidextrous, easy and safe, removing the fingers from the radial path of the closing blade to eliminate accidental nicks. The lock is very strong and can withstand a high degree of abuse. To unlock the knife, pull one of the exposed lockbar ends back to move the lockbar away, allowing the blade to rotate closed.

With most autos, blade deployment is initiated by simply pressing a button. From the closed position, the KATAKT II uses the Slide Lock as both the blade lock and release. To open the knife, pull back on the exposed lockbar with your thumb until the blade fires.

Medford Knife & Tool’s Smooth Criminal

Thanks to its ergonomic handle and drop point blade, the Medford Smooth Criminal is a compact auto very easy to carry and use. Tasks like wire stripping that require extra control are a snap.  
Thanks to its ergonomic handle and drop point blade, the Medford Smooth Criminal is a compact auto very easy to carry and use. Tasks like wire stripping that require extra control are a snap.  

At just 4 inches closed, Medford Knife & Tool’s Smooth Criminal is a compact powerhouse auto. Don’t expect anything less than a heavy-duty folder with this one. An anodized aluminum handle, CPM S35VN stainless blade and a titanium pocket clip round out the overall package that’s easy to carry yet works as hard as the day is long.

The drop point blade is a good general-use one that offers a belly for slicing tasks and a decent point for puncturing and scoring. The 3-inch blade is an ideal length for EDC purposes—short enough to carry comfortably and not get in the way but long enough to tackle most reasonable cutting tasks. The polished finish looks great and helps keep the blade cleaner and rust-free by not allowing much to stick to it, nor liquids to bead on it. S35VN has proven itself time and again as one of the ultimate steels for high-end knives. It’s a bit tougher than S30V though not nearly as hard to resharpen. It is a top user and will go the distance for edge holding. All my experiences with this blade steel have been nothing but very positive.

The ergonomic grip is a lightweight yet tough aluminum alloy available in a range of hard anodized colors, though you cannot go wrong with standard black anodizing, which looks striking with the tumbled (stonewashed) blade. The black and silver look is just timeless; it’s used a lot with motorcycles and vehicles for a reason.

The lock release/firing button of the Medford Knife & Tool Smooth Criminal is domed and sports holes reminiscent of a car hubcap. It’s a nice styling addition to an area most manufacturers ignore.  
The lock release/firing button of the Medford Knife & Tool Smooth Criminal is domed and sports holes reminiscent of a car hubcap. It’s a nice styling addition to an area most manufacturers ignore.  

The handle sports a few features that enhance user comfort and safety, such as the finger recess to help index your grip. Stepped chamfering provides a comfortable place for your fingers to wrap around. A utilitarian lanyard hold is incorporated into the handle spacer.  A titanium pocket clip carries the knife tip up.
 
The blade is actuated by a typical push button, tapered/plug locking system, which secures it in both the closed and open positions. The button sports decorative holes that resemble a car hubcap, a nice visual touch and a great alternative to a plain button.

Action-wise, the Smooth Criminal is also a smooth operator. The blade rides on a pair of caged bearings that promote silky smooth rotation. You can feel that when you fire the blade and it rotates out with precision and locks securely. Performance-wise, the knife is perfect for folks who need a good, solid, tough working folder without the bulk and length of a larger model. As a result, the Smooth Criminal rides comfortably in a pocket. The entire knife gets in and out of tasks easily. MSRP: $375.  

Heretic Knives Wraith

The V.4 features improvements to the blade and handle that make the knife sleeker and better ergonomically than previous Wraiths. It’s an efficient cutting tool for tactical or general use.
The V.4 features improvements to the blade and handle that make the knife sleeker and better ergonomically than previous Wraiths. It’s an efficient cutting tool for tactical or general use.

The Wraith is the flagship side-opening automatic from Heretic Knives. It’s a large tactical folder with a bold design and advanced ergonomics. In 2025, Heretic unveiled the Wraith V.4, a highly updated version of its signature folder that incorporates quite a few changes that could result in this model being the cornerstone of the company’s tactical knife line.

The blade is available in a choice of bowie or tanto shapes, the latter reviewed here. Steel has been upgraded to CPM MagnaCut stainless to offer the best in edge holding and corrosion resistance. The blade has a recessed cavity machined into the flats, done purely for aesthetics. The tanto shape is ideal for maximum penetration as the tip shears simultaneously as it pierces. It’s an optical illusion, but the blade seems too tall for the handle. However, when you close it, the blade nestles inside the handle just so. As an added touch, the thumb rest portion of the spine sports notches for sure grip traction.
 
The handle is hard-anodized T6 6061 aluminum alloy. It’s also thinner than the previous Wraith version and thus carries better in the pocket. The handle edges are chamfered nicely to allow the knife to sit in your grip with high comfort. Two inlays per side of rubber tape enhance purchase. The firing/lock button is round as opposed to rectangular as with the older Wraith model.

The Heretic Wraith V.4 comes standard with a steel pocket clip that works very well. For $49 extra, you can upgrade to a milled titanium clip with a carbide ball.
The Heretic Wraith V.4 comes standard with a steel pocket clip that works very well. For $49 extra, you can upgrade to a milled titanium clip with a carbide ball.

A steel pocket clip carries the knife tip up and is reversible for ambidextrous use. A milled titanium clip with a silicon carbide ball is $49 extra. It looks very upscale and is great at keeping the closed knife in your pocket. The carbide ball provides the right amount of tension and slides nicely when removing the knife from or returning it to your pocket.

While the V.4 is sleeker and more refined than previous Wraiths, it still packs a punch as a large, using folder. The tanto’s straight edge is a great slicer and cuts through most anything you need to with no struggle. The 3.7-inch blade affords enough real estate to facilitate this. The angled tip is great for more precise cuts as well as light-duty scraping. 

The handle is quite comfortable with no hotspots and provides excellent blade control at all times. The rubber grip tape inlays are inset enough to be out of the way, so as to not affect removing or inserting the knife into a pocket. The knife sits low in the pocket but with some handle sticking out for purchase. The V.4 is extremely well-made and looks spectacular with the all-black finish. Very stealthy! MSRP: $300.

Chavez Knives/Pro-Tech Redencion

According to the author, the modified tanto blade of the Pro-Tech/Chaves Knives Redencion 229 has a top that isn’t styled like typical tantos. The secondary edge has a bit of belly that makes it a more efficient cutter by accentuating penetration power.
According to the author, the modified tanto blade of the Pro-Tech/Chaves Knives Redencion 229 has a top that isn’t styled like typical tantos. The secondary edge has a bit of belly that makes it a more efficient cutter by accentuating penetration power.

The Redencion 229 auto is a collaboration between Pro-Tech and Ramon Chavez of Chaves Knives. Based on the Chaves Knives Redencion folder, the 229 brings an exciting automatic to the market that incorporates Pro-Tech’s manufacturing excellence and strong spring action with Chaves’ bold styling highlights.

The 3.3-inch modified tanto blade is S35VN. A swedge enhances penetration power, along with multiple large traction notches on the spine to provide a comfortable place to rest the thumb when placing downward pressure to the blade. Available in stonewash or DLC finishes, the blade is stout as it is sharp. The test sample is a dark stonewash, which contrasts nicely with the handle anodized a beautiful battle-worn purple. 

The grip is T6 6061 aluminum alloy available in multiple anodized colors. It is treated to appear as though the knife has seen considerable pocket time and use by wearing away the anodizing at the very edges. It looks worn-in even when brand new! While the design itself is rather boxy, the chamfered handle edges make the knife comfortable to hold—no hotspots in-hand, no nothing.

Function and durability are built into the skull pocket clip of the Pro-Tech/Chaves Knives 229. The skull is a trademark of the Chaves Knives brand, and the design and titanium material beef up the clip, making it more difficult to spring out of shape if it accidentally catches on something.
Function and durability are built into the skull pocket clip of the Pro-Tech/Chaves Knives 229. The skull is a trademark of the Chaves Knives brand, and the design and titanium material beef up the clip, making it more difficult to spring out of shape if it accidentally catches on something.

The auto carries tip up via a distinctive Chaves pocket clip design in the shape of a skull. All Chaves folders have the clip design, sort of a trademark of the brand. While the skull clip may be too much for some, it is more than just for appearance. Its width means more of the tough titanium material is used, which prevents it from being bent out in case you snag it on something. Also, screws attach the clip to the handle from the inside. This means no visible clip screws. Very trick! Few folder clips on the market attach in such a way. On the downside, the clip isn’t reversible and thus not southpaw-friendly. 

At 4.5 inches closed, the Redencion 229 makes a great working folder. Out of the box, it’s sharp and ready to cut. Hit the button and the blade rockets out with authority, as all Pro-Tech autos do. The straight-line primary edge tackles general tasks nicely, and the secondary edge at top is great for scoring work or cuts requiring extra control. The secondary edge has a bit of a belly, something most tantos are without. This helps accentuate penetration power. S35VN steel holds an edge really well, so you need not resharpen frequently. The knife cuts with abandon and is easy to carry. What’s not to like? MSRP: $300 and up, depending on options.

More On Autos:

Tomahawks: Wicked Hacking Options That Have An Edge

Dexter Ewing
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Tomahawks: Wicked Hacking Options That Have An Edge

We put a bevvy of today’s tomahawks through the wringer to see which of these choppers has bite.

Tomahawks are interesting tools. They’re not knives but can cut like them. Though not full-blown axes, they can chop like them. Similar to knives, hawks are both tools and weapons. Like knives, they come in all price points, materials and features, as well as sheath styles/materials. Finally, they find wide acceptance in both the tactical and outdoor/hunting communities. Let’s take a deep dive into a quad of top factory examples of the genre.

Winkler Knives Ridge Line

The Ridge Line’s shortened scales leave half of the tang exposed to prevent handle material damage in the event of a missed strike.
The Ridge Line’s shortened scales leave half of the tang exposed to prevent handle material damage in the event of a missed strike.

The Ridge Line from Winkler Knives is a hatchet that embodies elements from years of hatchet and hawk making, incorporating some of the more notable improvements made along the way into one piece. The head is 80CrV2 carbon steel for toughness and edge-holding ability. Stock thickness is ⅜ inch, giving the Ridge Line good balance while remaining somewhat lightweight and more agile in-hand. Cutting edge: 3 inches. Overall length: 13 ⅞ inches.

The shortened scales leave half of the tang exposed to prevent handle damage in the event of a missed strike. The scales come in several choices of Micarta® and maple. The material is attached to the tang using Micarta pins. The maple of the review sample is contoured well, has no hot spots and is quite comfortable.

The sheath is Boltaron® done in a way few do it. Winkler goes the extra step by lining the inside with felt so the hawks don’t get scratched up on insertion/removal. The biggest advantage of the felt lining is it’s not noisy during sheathing/unsheathing like standard Boltaron. A pair of nylon webbing belt loops with Pull-the-DOT® button snaps attach to a belt. A strand of 3/16-inch shock cord wraps around the head to secure it to the sheath. The sheath complements the high-quality construction of the hatchet itself.

The curve of the head of the Winkler Ridge Line attacks wood at a slight radius, amplifying chopping power.
The curve of the head of the Winkler Ridge Line attacks wood at a slight radius, amplifying chopping power.

The Ridge Line is an absolute beast for chopping. The curve of the head attacks wood at a slight radius, amplifying chopping power. The forward weight means you can easily deliver powerful blows with minimal effort by letting gravity do its thing. The 80CrV2 takes an edge easily, so sharpening is not an issue. It also holds an edge respectably well, so performance wise it’s very reliable. I like how the handle flares toward the butt, acting as a stop to prevent the hawk from flying out of your grip during use.

Unlike a couple of the test hawks, the Ridge Line is strictly a chopping tool. Hence, using it for other tasks can be a bit awkward given the handle configuration and the exposed tang. If you’re looking for a pure chopping tool well designed and executed, this is it. Simply put, Winkler’s hawks are among the best in the business.

Multiple handle material options include camo G-10, black and tan laminate, black canvas laminate, brown canvas laminate, green canvas laminate, maple and walnut. The laminate material is similar to Micarta. There are also sculpting options on the camo G-10 and black/tan laminate handles. No matter the material, the Ridge Line has an MSRP of $635 and is made in the USA. At press time there was about a two-to-four-month lead time for delivery. 

RMJ Tactical Dvalinn

The specially designed cutting head of the RMJ Tactical Dvalinn is sharpened on each side, increasing both utility and effectiveness as a CQB tool. A spike at the opposite end punctures effectively.
The specially designed cutting head of the RMJ Tactical Dvalinn is sharpened on each side, increasing both utility and effectiveness as a CQB tool. A spike at the opposite end punctures effectively.

The RMJ Tactical Dvalinn is a collaboration with Andrew Bawidamann of Bawidamann Knives. It is equal parts defense/CQB (close-quarters battle/close-quarters combat) and cutting/chopping tool, all in a compact size for trouble-free portability. At 10.25 inches overall, the Dvalinn is easily carried on the belt or stashed in a backpack and can substitute for a fixed blade in some scenarios.

Starting with 0.270-inch-thick Nitro-V stainless steel, the Dvalinn is built equally tough as RMJ’s larger hawks. The specially designed cutting head is sharpened on both sides, increasing both utility and effectiveness as a CQB tool. A spike at the opposite end punctures effectively.

A single-beveled, exposed tang on the handle butt acts as a pry tool. The black G-10 grip sports a spiral-type machining pattern that enhances purchase with or without gloves. There are three Cerakote® finishes and handle colors: OD green coating with Dirty Olive G-10, tan coating with Hyena Brown G-10 and Savage Stainless with solid black G-10.

Each Dvalinn rides in a molded Kydex sheath with belt loops. Remove the retention strap and the hawk can be accessed and deployed quickly and effortlessly with one swift tug on the handle without having to worry about unbuttoning the strap first. The strap is a bit redundant as the sheath is very well designed and has more than enough tension to retain the hawk. However, the strap also is easily removable, which alleviates one step in freeing the tool.

If you choke up against the Dvalinn’s head—though be mindful of the inside edge and the spike—you have plenty of control for whittling. According to the author, the hawk is surprisingly agile in such a grip.
If you choke up against the Dvalinn’s head—though be mindful of the inside edge and the spike—you have plenty of control for whittling. According to the author, the hawk is surprisingly agile in such a grip.

Though the Dvalinn is not designed for field use and is more for self-defense/CQB purposes, it still can be used for outdoor and general cutting tasks. Chopping is very limited due to the tool’s short length. It can handle common knife chores like cutting cardboard or plastic and any other applicable task. If you choke up against the head—though be mindful of the inside edge and the spike—you have plenty of control for whittling. It is surprisingly agile in such a grip.

The flat-ground head and excellent factory edge enable the Dvalinn to excel at general cutting. The top edge corner penetrates similarly to the tip of a knife blade. The spike is deadly, plain and simple. It’s ground and sharpened just right so it penetrates with surprisingly good results for such a compact hawk. The steel seems to hold an edge well. RMJ has built a solid reputation designing and building some of the industry’s best production hawks, and the Dvalinn is a great example. Country of origin: USA. MSRP in your choice of handle materials: $495.

SOG War Fighter

The handle of the SOG War Fighter is solid steel encased in black G-10 featuring multi-faceted machining for a superior grip. A raised diamond-type texturing accommodates your thumb and fingers.
The handle of the SOG War Fighter is solid steel encased in black G-10 featuring multi-faceted machining for a superior grip. A raised diamond-type texturing accommodates your thumb and fingers.

The SOG Knives War Fighter is even shorter than the Dvalinn yet still packs a punch. At 8.75 inches overall, it is about as long as some larger field-grade fixed blades. The 4-inch head and spike are 3Cr13MoV stainless steel in a black stonewash finish. Like the Dvalinn, the head’s underside is sharpened for more cutting versatility. A beveled spike is on the opposite end.

The handle is solid steel encased in black G-10 featuring multi-faceted machining for a superior grip. A raised diamond-type texturing accommodates your thumb and fingers. A bolted-on steel buttcap serves as an improvised hammer if needed. The hammer function is something the other test hawks don’t have. If you need a hammer get one, but that’s not possible in some scenarios and having a tool that can provide such a function is valuable.

The War Fighter has a molded plastic sheath that fully encases the head and spike. A single webbing retention strap holds the hawk securely. A molded plastic belt loop attaches to your belt and is reversible for ambidextrous use. The sheath snaps on securely. Insert the spike end first then push in the rest of the head until you hear an audible snap. The sheath is on a par with most molded knife sheaths—nothing fancy but it does the job well.

The War Fighter’s 4-inch head and spike are 3Cr13MoV stainless steel in a black stonewash finish. The head’s underside is sharpened for more cutting versatility. The spike is beveled.
The War Fighter’s 4-inch head and spike are 3Cr13MoV stainless steel in a black stonewash finish. The head’s underside is sharpened for more cutting versatility. The spike is beveled.

Out of the box the War Fighter seemed an OK chopper. It’s short like the Dvalinn but has more head weight. I found the edge a tad thick so I used my belt grinder to reprofile it thinner, doing the final resharpening at 22 degrees convex. The bite and chopping noticeably improved as a result.  

Another issue is the spike. It needs to be pointier and more aggressive. Out of the box it was blunt. To be a viable self-defense/CQB tool, the spike needs to have a sharp point to maximize penetration. As is it penetrates wood only so far. Additionally, the four notches cut into the spike are useless. Each one is very sharp and catches kind of like a fishhook. My recommendation is to remove those. I’d rather see the spike pointier than have the notches.

The handle with its various surface features does a great job at keeping your hand in place. I wore leather work gloves during testing and never felt the War Fighter was going to get away from me. G-10 is an excellent choice for handle material, given its dimensional stability and being impervious to most fluids. Country of origin: China. MSRP: $94.99.  

Hogue EX-T01

The Hogue sheath is intriguing. It integrates into the EX-T01’s head via a specially designed cutout that both reduces weight and provides an interface to secure the hawk to the sheath itself. 

Designed by custom knifemaker Allen Elishewitz, the Hogue EX-T01 is designed to be an easily carried chopping tool and sports a distinctive carry system. The 3-inch head is S7 tool steel. The full-tang construction yields to a machined G-10 handle for superior grip with or without gloves in all weather conditions.

A smart design feature is a partially exposed tang about 2 inches below the head—from there the G-10 transitions to a fully encased design. The partially exposed tang would appear to protect the handle material against overstrikes. And the orange Cerakote finish appeals to hunters, being easier to spot if you drop the hawk in the field.
S7 is easy to resharpen, a plus for field carry. The downside is it is not stainless, which partially explains the rust-resistant Cerakote finish. S7 is an excellent candidate for chopping due to its resistance to deformation or dulling from hard-use applications. It is the type of steel you want for a chopper.  

The G-10 is chamfered nicely to eliminate hot spots, and the texturing helps provide a nonslip grip in all weather conditions. I like the bird’s-beak pommel forming a hook to capture the user’s hand. Five sets of bolts along the handle’s entire length hold the G-10 onto the full tang. 

A smart design feature of the Hogue EX-T01 is a partially exposed tang about 2 inches below the head—from there the G-10 transitions to a fully encased grip.
A smart design feature of the Hogue EX-T01 is a partially exposed tang about 2 inches below the head—from there the G-10 transitions to a fully encased grip.

The sheath system is rather intriguing. It integrates into the cutting head via a specially designed cutout that both reduces weight and provides an interface to secure the hawk to it. The main part is machined black G-10. The centerpiece is of the same shape as the head cutout, as well as a ridge section that protects the edge from inadvertent contact when sheathed. 

Three rare earth magnets inlaid into the sheath plate in three different locations grab and hold the EX-T01 securely. Moreover, an integrated latch that turns and detents into place prevents the hawk from detaching. A flexible, contoured plastic-belt-loop attachment affixed to the sheath plate slides over and affixes to a belt. You need not loosen your belt to attach or remove it, so it’s quick, too. It’s a really neat way of carrying a tomahawk, very secure, safe and easy to use, and different from standard sheath systems.

Last but certainly not least, the EX-T01 is a blast to use. This is one dynamic setup, providing a lot for the money. Overall length: 14 1/8 inches. Country of origin: USA. MSRP: $329.95. 

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Crossbar Lock Folders: Lockdown Picks Of This Handy Design

Dexter Ewing
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Crossbar Lock Folders: Lockdown Picks Of This Handy Design

Since its advent in the 1990s, the crossbar lock has taken the knife world by storm. We look at a few top picks from this class of knives.

The crossbar lock has taken the folding knife industry by storm. Originally designed by knifemakers William McHenry and Jason Williams in the 1990s and released in 2000 by Benchmade Knife Co. as the Axis Lock, the mechanism offers strength and ease of ambidextrous operation. It is also safer to operate because you do not have to place your thumb or finger in the radial path of the closing blade to unlock it as with most other lock types.

Benchmade incorporated the Axis Lock in many of its folders that spanned the tactical, hunting, outdoor and EDC knife markets from the turn of the century forward. Finally, two decades after the patent was issued, it expired. This opened the door for many production knife companies to bring about their own versions of the Axis, now referred to generically as a crossbar lock, though it goes by other company-specific names as well.

Microtech RAM-LOK

The tactical version of the Microtech MSI polymer is black on black. As the author noted, “It’s definitely ‘murdered out,’ as they say, and it looks very slick, too.” The MSI polymer is also available in a choice of handle colors and blade finishes, including colored Cerakote®..
The tactical version of the Microtech MSI polymer is black on black. As the author noted, “It’s definitely ‘murdered out,’ as they say, and it looks very slick, too.” The MSI polymer is also available in a choice of handle colors and blade finishes, including colored Cerakote®..

Microtech dubs its adaptation the RAM-LOK. The company ups the ante by using a rectangular-shaped lockbar as opposed to a round one, one of the major differences between Microtech’s version of the crossbar lock and others. The RAM-LOK is available only in such Microtech manual folders as the Stitch RAM-LOK, Amphibian RAM-LOK and the test knife: the MSI (Microtech Standard Issue).

One look at the MSI and you can tell it was designed and built for work. It is available in several different handle materials and colors, including the test knife’s polymer version in a molded thermoplastic.

The reverse tanto blade is 3.8 inches of flat-ground Bohler M390MK stainless steel, a special formulation of Bohler’s standard M390 available on Microtech knives only. The M390 was tweaked to get a bit more toughness and edge retention to arrive at the M390MK.

The straight-line cutting edge makes the MSI an excellent worker. Edge formats come in plain, part serrated and fully serrated. Blade finishes range from the basic stonewashed to the apocalyptic (acid wash), and Cerakote® available in an array of colors and, of course, black tactical. An oblong blade hole permits easy ambidextrous deployment.

Featuring all-Torx-screw construction, the handle has all the right contours and chamfers, making the knife very comfortable to hold and work with for extended periods. The gripping surface has what Microtech calls Tri-Grip texturing. The handle spacer is titanium. A fold-over deep-carry clip attaches the closed knife tip up.

The Microtech MSI polymer’s RAM-LOK release buttons are 3D milled in an “X” pattern that provides positive thumb purchase. Microtech uses the pattern on its out-the-front autos, too.
The Microtech MSI polymer’s RAM-LOK release buttons are 3D milled in an “X” pattern that provides positive thumb purchase. Microtech uses the pattern on its out-the-front autos, too.

The RAM-LOK is extremely smooth and strong. The release buttons have an “X” stepped machining pattern found on all Microtech OTF autos. The machining helps you grip the lock button easily and pull it back to release and close the blade. The RAM-LOK also differs from other crossbar locks in that a coil spring provides the lock tension. Many other crossbar locks use a pair of Omega-shaped springs affixed to either end of the lockbar concealed beneath the handle. The coil spring is more durable than the Omegas. You can see the spring by looking down on the handle spine.

For integrity, within the scales are dual stainless steel partial liners. They are minimum sized to conserve weight. The polymer scales are unlike those on many lightweight folders. They have a high degree of rigidity so that flex is kept to an absolute minimum. For those of you who dislike thermoplastic-molded scales because they flex too much, the MSI polymer may change your mind.

At 5.1 inches closed the MSI is a formidable folder ready for most any cutting task. Pull cuts seem to fit the reverse tanto blade shape best, though it makes standard push cuts simple as well. The traction notches on the blade spine accept an index finger or thumb to put more pressure into the cut. The blade opens and closes very easily thanks to the pivot bearings, which facilitate inertia openings, too—simply hold the handle securely, pull back on the RAM-LOK release buttons, flick your wrist and the blade rotates out smoothly. It closes in the same manner so deployment and closing can happen seamlessly.

I like how well the MSI performs overall. It is a solid cutting tool that withstands the heavy use and abuse knife guys dish out. You can’t tell a difference performance wise between M390MK and M390, but if you are familiar with M390 you pretty much know what to expect—edge holding that goes the distance and a steel that nails heavy-duty cutting tasks.

For a great value in a USA-made folder, consider the MSI polymer. With an MSRP of $211, it is an excellent opportunity to dive into Microtech precision and reliability at a lower price point.

SRM Knives Mirage 239X-GB

The author stated he likes the extra relief milling done on the G-10 around the lock-release button to promote a better grip when operating the blade of the SRM Mirage.
The author stated he likes the extra relief milling done on the G-10 around the lock-release button to promote a better grip when operating the blade of the SRM Mirage.

The SRM Knives Mirage 239X-GB folding hunter is designed to be a high-tech knife that isn’t afraid to work. It incorporates some interesting technology I’ve never seen on a folder before.

The heart and soul of the Mirage is a 3.6-inch drop-point blade flat ground from Sandvik 14C28N stainless steel. It’s a steel known for excellent edge holding as well as fairly affordable cost, which is why it is a favorite among entry-level-to-mid-range knives. An oblong blade hole permits easy ambidextrous deployment. Each blade comes in a fine ceramic bead-blast finish. Out of the box the edge is shaving sharp and ready to work immediately. The blade deploys smoothly on pivot bearings.

The handle features stainless steel liners and black G-10 scales. The G-10 has milled-in grooves and a prominent center channel for grip enhancement, along with the texture for which the popular synthetic handle material is known.

With the knife open, part of the tang and the front end of the handle form a finger groove for choking up for extra control. An integral guard prevents your hand from sliding forward during use.

SRM calls its crossbar variant the Ambi Lock. I like the extra relief milling on the G-10 around the lock-release buttons to promote a better grip when locking the blade.

The SRM Mirage folder’s integral liners comprise what the company calls the Mono Chassis. Instead of using two separate plates, the Mono Chassis is bent from one piece of steel, as evidenced by the integral backspacer. This results in a stronger handle design that also supports the knife’s Ambi Lock.
The SRM Mirage folder’s integral liners comprise what the company calls the Mono Chassis. Instead of using two separate plates, the Mono Chassis is bent from one piece of steel, as evidenced by the integral backspacer. This results in a stronger handle design that also supports the knife’s Ambi Lock.

The steel liners comprise one of the more interesting aspects. Normally on a crossbar lock folder the liners are two separate plates joined together by a handle spacer and screws. On the Mirage, SRM uses what it calls a Mono Chassis design. Basically, the liners are integral. The handle spacer is created when the two halves of the liners are bent and formed. No assembly screws are used to hold the handle together. The SRM literature indicates the Mono Chassis results in a stronger handle design that better supports the Ambi Lock and makes it more stable. I have never seen this done on any folder before and must admit it does look cool. The almost full-length spacer also makes the Mirage feel more comfortable for prolonged use. This is pretty trick and impressive! I wish the innovation were used in more knives. 

Country of origin: China. MSRP: $49.95. Built to go the distance, the Mirage is a highly useful folder for a plethora of cutting chores.

CobraTec Zebrawood Crossbar Lock Folder

Laser-engraved checkering promotes a nonslip grip on the CobraTec Zebrawood Crossbar Lock Folder. The zebrawood looks good, is warm to the touch and has an organic feel.
Laser-engraved checkering promotes a nonslip grip on the CobraTec Zebrawood Crossbar Lock Folder. The zebrawood looks good, is warm to the touch and has an organic feel.

Known for its budget-friendly OTF autos, CobraTec also makes manual folders and the Zebrawood Crossbar Lock Folder is one of the latest.
The EDC knife is as elegant as it is useful, sporting a 3-inch drop-point blade of D2 tool steel and a striking zebrawood handle. D2 addresses both cost and performance issues, being relatively inexpensive and offering well-documented edge-holding performance and impact resistance. Though not fully stainless, D2 has a bit more stain resistance than most carbon steels. It’s also easy to sharpen. Ambidextrous thumb studs open the blade quickly and easily. The blade shape is great overall, utilitarian and easily adaptable to a wide range of cutting tasks.  

Deep-carry clips are in and the Cobratec Zebrawood Crossbar Lock folder has one to keep the knife close at your side. The fold-over clip carries the folder blade tip up. 
Deep-carry clips are in and the Cobratec Zebrawood Crossbar Lock folder has one to keep the knife close at your side. The fold-over clip carries the folder blade tip up. 

The handle has double stainless-steel liners skeletonized to lighten the load. Laser-engraved checkering promotes a nonslip grip. The zebrawood not only looks good but like most woods is warm to the touch and has an organic feel. The blade rides on a pair of caged bearings for ultra-smooth opening and closing. It is a great EDC folder that won’t weigh you down nor break your budget.  

Considering the straightforward design, the knife carries very comfortably. It is assembled in the USA with overseas parts. MSRP: $59.99. 

CRKT Redemption Compact

The CRKT Redemption Compact’s blade features the symmetry of a true dagger. It has a single sharpened edge for legal reasons but still offers ease of penetration into tougher materials.
The CRKT Redemption Compact’s blade features the symmetry of a true dagger. It has a single sharpened edge for legal reasons but still offers ease of penetration into tougher materials.

The CRKT Redemption Compact is a production version of BLADE Magazine Cutlery Hall-of-Fame® member Ken Onion’s Dead Man’s Hand custom folder. It emulates knives carried by Wild West outlaws—easily concealed and fast on the draw.

The Redemption Compact scales things down to a much more EDC-friendly 3.2-inch blade. The knife is sized right and still packs a punch. The dagger-style blade is CPM MagnaCut stainless steel and sharpened on one side only to remain legal in most jurisdictions. The coffin-shaped handle is accented by a double-fluted steel bolster and a deep-carry pocket clip. The scales are smooth black G-10. 
 
Manufactured in the USA for CRKT by Hogue Knives, the knife boasts a crossbar lock that holds the blade open quite securely. The closed blade sits so deep in the handle that it’s almost impossible to attach thumb studs or a thumb disk to the blade to facilitate easy one-hand opening. To open, hold the knife in your dominant hand, pull back on the lock and use a circular motion to rotate the blade out from the handle. The blade rides on a pair of caged bearings that prompts ultra-smooth rotation open and closed. With a bit of practice you will get the hang of how far back to pull the lock to get the blade to swing out freely.

The CRKT Redemption Compact’s steel bolsters help make the crossbar lock stronger and add to lock integrity. The knife is based on the Dead Man’s Hand design of BLADE Magazine Cutlery Hall-of-Fame® member Ken Onion.
The CRKT Redemption Compact’s steel bolsters help make the crossbar lock stronger and add to lock integrity. The knife is based on the Dead Man’s Hand design of BLADE Magazine Cutlery Hall-of-Fame® member Ken Onion.

Carry wise, the Redemption Compact packs a lot of utility and character. Thanks to the deep-carry clip, the closed knife rides very low in the pocket; some might even complain there’s not enough handle sticking out to grab onto. That’s the trade out with deep-carry clips—you get the low visibility but some also have a degree of difficulty in retrieving the knife.

The double-ground dagger-style blade affords easy penetration, even with the single edge. The spear-point shape tackles most cutting chores with ease. The look plays into this particular design as it is nearly symmetrical in both handle and blade—sleek, compact and loads of character. MagnaCut is regarded by many as today’s best high-performance stainless. It holds an edge so you will be resharpening less and using the knife more. MSRP: $250.

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Collaboration Knives: Knives Offering The Best Of Both Worlds

Dexter Ewing
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Collaboration Knives: Knives Offering The Best Of Both Worlds

Cool collaborations offer the best of both blade worlds.

Custom/factory collaboration knives have long been popular sellers. A custom knifemaker designs the knife and the company either makes or has it made, providing cutlery consumers with a knife at a lower price point and readier availability than almost always is the case when ordering a custom version directly from a custom maker.

KA-BAR Dozier Folding Hunter

Thicker materials like cardboard and hose are no match for the blade of the SOG Hidaka FX 3V, a Kiku Matsuda design. A slight hint of a recurve to the main cutting edge no doubt helps cutting power. Overall length: 10 inches.
Thicker materials like cardboard and hose are no match for the blade of the SOG Hidaka FX 3V, a Kiku Matsuda design. A slight hint of a recurve to the main cutting edge no doubt helps cutting power. Overall length: 10 inches.

A long-time example of the genre is the collaborations between KA-BAR Knives and veteran knifemaker Bob Dozier. The original Dozier Folding Hunter series consists of mid-sized lockbacks with manufacturers’ suggested retail prices south of $50, offering plenty of bang for the buck. The knives provide ease of portability combined with the high utility of a drop-point blade.

The series proved such an excellent seller for KA-BAR that the company decided to also market it in a higher-grade steel to enhance performance and edge holding: CPM S35VN stainless. The standard KA-BAR Dozier Folding Hunter has D2, a very respectable, hard-wearing blade steel that’s tried and true in the industry. MSRP: $47.58. The S35VN iteration has an MSRP of $97.01 and like the D2 version is made in Taiwan.

While somewhat of a significant price increase, remember, you’re getting a high-end blade steel in return. S35VN behaves a lot like its predecessor, S30V, with a bit more edge-holding power. It’s also easier to resharpen than S30V. S35VN will go the distance, drastically increasing your intervals of sharpening over standard D2. This is especially important if you field dress game on a regular basis. Even though S35VN is stainless, the knife comes with a DLC-coated blade for low glare as well as added corrosion resistance.

Even though S35VN is stainless, the Dozier comes with a DLC-coated blade for low glare as well as added corrosion resistance. Raised diamond texturing molded into the handle does a great job at keeping your hand in place even when wet. Country of origin: Taiwan. Closed length: 4.25 inches.
Even though S35VN is stainless, the Dozier comes with a DLC-coated blade for low glare as well as added corrosion resistance. Raised diamond texturing molded into the handle does a great job at keeping your hand in place even when wet. Country of origin: Taiwan. Closed length: 4.25 inches.

Out of the box the edge on the sample was good, but not quite there for my tastes. So, with a bit of work I got the blade hair-popping sharp. The 3-inch blade is a sweet spot length for EDC—big enough to tackle most cutting chores and small enough to carry comfortably without added bulk or length.

The handle’s slender nature also enhances EDC ability. It’s flat and doesn’t “print” in the pocket. Raised diamond texturing molded into the black, lightweight Zytel scales does a great job keeping your hand in place even when wet. It might not be the best-looking grip but it’s definitely geared for function, and that’s very important in a working folder. The pocket clip carries the knife blade tip up and is reversible to accommodate lefties.

The single thumb stud deploys the blade easily and the action is smooth. The knife is very controllable at all times, a testament to both its overall size and handle design/ergonomics. The lockback mechanism is swift and secure. I had no problems with it at all. For a nice, sturdy, compact lockback folder, the Dozier in S35VN is hard to beat.

Spyderco/Paul Alexander SLIPIT

Designed by Paul Alexander, the Spyderco Nand and its angular handle theme carries over into the ergonomics, with finger recesses and a choil as well. Despite its angular appearance, the handle is quite comfortable. Closed length: 4.66 inches.
Designed by Paul Alexander, the Spyderco Nand and its angular handle theme carries over into the ergonomics, with finger recesses and a choil as well. Despite its angular appearance, the handle is quite comfortable. Closed length: 4.66 inches.

When it comes to collaborations, Spyderco has always been in the forefront of the genre. It also has some interesting folders in its SLIPIT family of non-locking folders. The Nand is an unusual, exciting example of both. Designed by Paul Alexander, an accomplished automotive mechanical engineer and a seasoned knife enthusiast, the Nand combines an angular approach to folding knife design with high-tech materials, all with the precise execution that Italian manufacturing offers. The result is sort of the Cybertruck of folders.

The 3.19-inch reverse tanto blade is fully flat ground from a new super stainless steel from Bohler called M398. Basically, Bohler took its M390 and increased the carbon and vanadium content for even more edge holding.

There are two methods of deploying the blade. The trademark Spyderco round hole is present as well as the extended blade spine that allows the Nand to be thumbed open similarly to a straight razor. The correct terminology for it is a front flipper.

Machined of titanium, the handle translates into an extremely lightweight knife and is where things get a bit interesting. The integral double-ball-bearing detent system not only holds the blade closed but also provides a positive detent when the blade is open. The “spring arms” for the detents are cut out of each handle half and, to create pressure, are bent in a similar manner to a framelock. Ceramic balls implanted on the ends of the spring arms create the open and close detents.

The wharncliffe blade has a full flat grind, which makes the Nand an excellent slicer. Out of the box, the knife cut plastic foam peanuts easily.
The wharncliffe blade has a full flat grind, which makes the Nand an excellent slicer. Out of the box, the knife cut plastic foam peanuts easily.

The handle’s angular features might make the knife look a bit awkward but don’t dismiss it until you put the Nand in your hand (see what I did there?). With the knife open, a kind of choil forms so you can choke up on the blade for an extra measure of control. Barring that, you can hold the knife a bit further back with your index finger resting inside the handle’s finger recess. Either grip brings your hand over the blade spine of the opened knife and helps secures the blade open as an added measure to prevent accidental closure. The minimalist wire clip is reversible to accommodate ambidextrous carry.

While the Nand may look a bit different, it’s easy to use and holds its own as an EDC folder. The reverse tanto blade has a highly effective tip that pierces easily. The straight-line cutting edge is simple to resharpen, has a lot of bite and slices through tough materials effortlessly. The knife feels very secure despite its slender nature. Choking up around the choil feels good and secure in-hand, rendering the Nand easily controllable.

SOG KNIVES Kiku Matsuda Hidaka FX 3V

Thicker materials like cardboard and hose are no match for the blade of the SOG Hidaka FX 3V, a Kiku Matsuda design. A slight hint of a recurve to the main cutting edge no doubt helps cutting power. Overall length: 10 inches.
Thicker materials like cardboard and hose are no match for the blade of the SOG Hidaka FX 3V, a Kiku Matsuda design. A slight hint of a recurve to the main cutting edge no doubt helps cutting power. Overall length: 10 inches.

The Hidaka FX 3V is a continuation of the exciting collaboration between SOG Knives and legendary Japanese knifemaker Kiku Matsuda. Known for their distinctive, flowing design style, intricately sculpted handles and hollow-to-flat compound-ground blades, Matsuda’s designs stand out.

His new SOG entry is an exciting tactical/outdoor fixed blade with a 4.8-inch tanto blade ground from ultra-tough CPM 3V carbon steel paired with a multi-faceted sculpted handle of black Micarta®. The blade’s angled tanto tip has a flat grind and the primary cutting edge is hollow ground. When you look at the blade in the light, you can see the grinds transition. Very cool—not too many factory knives have this feature and no doubt it’s much trickier to pull off than a standard tanto blade.

The flat-ground tip has a thicker cross section for greater penetration strength and general tip durability during hard use. The hollow-ground main bevel allows the blade to slice easily. Notches on the thumb-rest portion enhance control and a non-slip grip when bearing down on the blade. A black PVD coating helps with corrosion resistance and low-profile visibility.

The handle is as interesting as the blade. The distinct, intricately sculpted grip features are a Matsuda trademark. The sculpting is not purely for looks but where form follows function. The middle of the handle is hollowed out on each side like one long groove. The handle edges sport a heavy chamfer and a series of scallops all the way around, the latter to enhance grip. A prominent groove helps seat the index finger and provide an anchor point. The total blacked-out look—handle screws included—gives a somewhat sinister tactical appearance. The exposed pommel also sports traction notches for a better thumb purchase.

The SOG’S handle edges sport a heavy chamfer and a series of scallops all the way around, the latter to enhance grip. A sturdy molded Kydex sheath holds the blade securely and an audible snap lets you know when the knife is fully seated.
The SOG’S handle edges sport a heavy chamfer and a series of scallops all the way around, the latter to enhance grip. A sturdy molded Kydex sheath holds the blade securely and an audible snap lets you know when the knife is fully seated.

Overall, the Hidaka FX 3V is just an interesting fixed blade. Not only does the compound-ground blade look cool but it is also very practical. Thicker materials like cardboard and hose are no match for it. A slight hint of a recurve to the main cutting edge no doubt helps cutting power.

The knife comes with a sturdy molded Kydex sheath. It holds the blade securely and an audible snap lets you know when the knife is seated. A hinged fastener affixes the sheath to your belt. The device is similar to the Blade-Tech Tek-Lok and operates similarly. The knife rides comfortably on a belt and the handle is easily accessible. Country of origin: Taiwan. MSRP: $309.95.

Pro-Tech Knives Ramon Chavez Redencion 229

The Redencion 229 is a workhorse folder. The aluminum handle and S35VN steel blade denote that it’s in it for the long haul. Cardboard is no match.
The Redencion 229 is a workhorse folder. The aluminum handle and S35VN steel blade denote that it’s in it for the long haul. Cardboard is no match.

One of the most exciting factory automatics going is the Chaves Redencion 229 by Pro-Tech Knives. Designed by knifemaker Ramon Chavez, the auto combines his bold design style with Pro-Tech’s excellent manufacturing capabilities and automatic action. The 3.3-inch tanto blade is high-performance CPM S35VN. The handle is T6-6061 hard-anodized aluminum for light weight and strength. The Chavez signature skull pocket clip adds attitude to the hard-firing automatic. At 4.5 inches closed, the folder carries well and works hard.

With the press of a button, the blade flies with authority and hits hard when it locks. If you’ve played with Pro-Techs you know what I’m talking about. The blade is flat ground and comes with a very sharp cutting edge out of the box. It will easily handle most tough cutting chores. It goes through cardboard and hose easily.

Designed by Ramon Chavez, the Pro-Tech Redencion 229 and its skull pocket clip stand out. Given the clip’s width, it’s also highly functional and durable. You are not going to spring this clip from your pocket accidentally. Note that the clip screws are inserted from inside the handle for a cleaner look.
Designed by Ramon Chavez, the Pro-Tech Redencion 229 and its skull pocket clip stand out. Given the clip’s width, it’s also highly functional and durable. You are not going to spring this clip from your pocket accidentally. Note that the clip screws are inserted from inside the handle for a cleaner look.

The blocky handle allows for a secure grip. I noticed no hotspots or any hand discomfort. The aluminum scales are solid and generally hold up to hard use. Some might be apprehensive about the pocket clip as I was at first. Its size and width makes it hard to feel in-hand. Another good thing is the width means it won’t accidentally disengage if caught on anything. It’s stout! It provides the right amount of tension when the knife is clipped to the pocket. Another neat thing is you see no clip mounting screws because the clip is screwed to the handle from the inside—a very cool extra touch.

The Redencion 229 is a great EDC automatic that has attitude and high utility all in one interesting folder. Made in the USA, the model with a stonewashed blade and black anodized handle has an MSRP of $300. Black blade iterations are also available, as well as a recently released drop-point version.

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Hunting Knives: Field Fixed Blades Made For Grunt Work

Dexter Ewing
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Hunting Knives: Field Fixed Blades Made For Grunt Work

Hunting knives should be workhorses and these options are ready to shoulder the load as you take to the field.

Fixed-blade hunting knives are the workhorses of your hunting gear. They handle a lot of the grunt work associated with cutting, including field dressing game after the take-down to various cutting tasks while hunting or in camp. As a result, it is important to choose a hunter that not only has the features and the materials you want but one that fits your budget as well.

Hogue Knives Extrak

Despite the thin nature of the Extrak’s handle, slightly expanded front and rear sections help form a guard of sorts to avoid gripping difficulties.
Despite the thin nature of the Extrak’s handle, slightly expanded front and rear sections help form a guard of sorts to avoid gripping difficulties.

With its slender form, the Hogue Knives Extrak takes a minimalist approach to fixed hunters. Hogue President Jim Bruhns designed it to be lightweight and agile. Available in two sizes, the Extrak and its bigger brother, the Extrak XL, both tackle heavy field-dress work while offering comfortable carry minus the bulk of many fixed hunters.

The modified clip-point blade is 3.3 inches of high-performance CPM MagnaCut stainless steel in a stonewashed finish. The peel-ply orange G-10 scales are textured enough so the material is a bit grabby. The orange fits right in with the hunter theme. Despite the handle’s thin nature, slightly expanded front and rear sections help form a guard of sorts to avoid gripping difficulties. Overall length: 7.375 inches.

Thanks to the thin blade stock and full, flat primary grind, think of this knife as a scalpel. Scalpels have lean handles but the blades are thin enough to cut easily with very little applied force. Same thing with the Extrak. The blade bites into meat so easily that the slender handle doesn’t matter.

At first I was a bit apprehensive that the thin grip would affect the knife’s use. The more I cut with the Extrak, the more I saw that the thin blade is where the work takes place. It slices so cleanly and efficiently that you need not apply pressure on the handle to make the cut. After a while, the lean grip doesn’t matter because you are too busy admiring the knife for its extreme cutting power and efficiency. From sausages, steaks and veggies to cardboard and opening mail, the Extrak dispatches all with aplomb. It’s a great candidate for your next restaurant outing. It is a very low-profile design that won’t attract unwanted attention in public, even with its bright orange handle.

The Hogue Extrak might be a lightweight and thin fixed blade but don’t let that fool you. Cutting performance wise, this knife punches above its class. The thin blade cuts like a scalpel.
The Hogue Extrak might be a lightweight and thin fixed blade but don’t let that fool you. Cutting performance wise, this knife punches above its class. The thin blade cuts like a scalpel.

The Extrak also makes a great utility knife. However, shy away from rough use and any sort of cutting where you simultaneously twist the blade. MagnaCut is a tough steel but as thin as the knife is, you can damage the edge or break the tip if you use it too hard. It is a precise cutting tool. I rate the knife high on the list for an EDC fixed blade as well.

Due to the knife’s minimalist design, it might be possible to custom fabricate a Kydex neck sheath for it to wear under a shirt for more discreet carry. Don’t try it with the supplied slip cover as there isn’t enough tension to hold the blade securely for such neck carry. The molded ABS plastic sheath features an UltiClip fastener. The setup enables you to carry the knife clipped to the top of a pants pocket, much as you would a tactical folder. The knife rides securely in this manner, with the entire handle sticking out for easy deployment. The sheath is simple but works and is of pretty good quality. Country of origin: USA. MSRP: $199.95.

Spartan Blades Harsey Nessmuk

The skinner-like blade of the Spartan Harsey Nessmuk excels at slicing tasks.
The skinner-like blade of the Spartan Harsey Nessmuk excels at slicing tasks.

The Spartan Blades Harsey Nessmuk is the largest knife of the test group. The classic Nessmuk design with its distinctive bulbous tip has proven to be a very effective outdoor knife that excels at many tasks, from field dressing to camp utility chores. The skinner-esque blade is a highly effective slicer. Do an internet search for George Washington Sears and the Nessmuk blade style. The history of how the design came about is a rather interesting read and gives some insight as to why the blade is shaped as it is.

In the Spartan entry, the Nessmuk blade is paired with the handle design of BLADE Magazine Cutlery Hall-of-Fame® member Bill Harsey. The Creswell, Oregon, knifemaker is widely known for his tough fixed-blade designs for the Special Forces and his work with Cutlery Hall of Famers Col. Rex Applegate and Al Mar. The Nessmuk is yet another Harsey design for Spartan that includes the pair’s tactical and other outdoor collaborations. It is part of Spartan’s Silver Line, aka Professional Line, a mid-priced/made-in-the-USA (KA-BAR factory in upstate New York) series that is less expensive than the company’s flagship Gold Line.

The Nessmuk blade is 5⅛ inches of flat-ground 1095 CRO-VAN carbon steel with a Rockwell hardness of 56-58 HRC. The 1095 offers a great balance of edge retention and ease of sharpening without the need of a complicated sharpener. At .1875-inch at the thickest and with a corrosion-resistant/low-glare black powder coat, the blade is well-equipped for high-performance outdoor work.

As the author noted, one of the hallmarks of a true Bill Harsey design is the handle. “His handle designs are among the best in the industry,” the author observed. “They are contoured to fit your hand like a glove, without any hot spots.” Handle features also prevent forward or backward sliding of the hand, while the 3D texturing adds enough grip to be secure but not aggressive.
As the author noted, one of the hallmarks of a true Bill Harsey design is the handle. “His handle designs are among the best in the industry,” the author observed. “They are contoured to fit your hand like a glove, without any hot spots.” Handle features also prevent forward or backward sliding of the hand, while the 3D texturing adds enough grip to be secure but not aggressive.

The rugged, molded thermoplastic sheath has a fabric-fastener loop to attach to a wide range of belt sizes. A thumb-retention lock holds the knife in place and three slits vent water, making it ideal for wet environments.

The handle is Grivory, an impact and fluid-resistant material that can be molded with various contours and chamfers that aid in attaining a comfortable, secure grip. The durable/usable handle feels as if it were molded to your hand and has no hot spots. At 10.8 ounces and 10 inches overall, the Spartan Harsey Nessmuk is big yet lightweight enough to tackle most any hunting knife chore you throw its way. MSRP: $225.

Fallkniven F1L3GMM Next Generation

The convex-ground blade of the Fallkniven powers easily through most any medium. According to the author, “it is one of the sharpest cutting edges out there.”
The convex-ground blade of the Fallkniven powers easily through most any medium. According to the author, “it is one of the sharpest cutting edges out there.”

The Fallkniven F1L3GMM Next Generation fixed blade was designed as a pilot survival knife but is also a knockout crossover fixed hunter. The blade boasts a laser etching of the JAS 39 Gripen Next Generation Swedish fighter jet, but don’t let that fool you. The Fallkniven entry actually has a hunting knife pedigree.

As the company website notes, the work of BLADE Magazine Cutlery Hall-of-Fame® member Bob Loveless was the inspiration for the F1L3GMM. You can almost see it in the knife’s lines. The 3.9-inch drop-point blade has plenty of belly to facilitate slicing chores. The maroon Micarta® handle is very elegant and sports the right contours to accommodate your hand, and is very comfortable to hold with no worry of hot spots. The nickel-silver guard fits the tang seamlessly and is a great anchor point to prevent your hand from sliding forward. The handle fastens to the tang with a pair of Corby bolts, and a gold medallion with three crowns decorates the grip’s center. At 8.2 inches overall, the F1L3GMM is sized just right for a hunter. The sewn black leather belt sheath sports quality construction, and the “F1”-stamped flap closure with button snap conceals the entire knife.

The Fallkniven entry is a hard-use beast. The blade slices very cleanly and expediently. If you’ve never used a knife with a full convex edge, you are definitely in for a treat. Fallkniven is known for convex edges that are both sharp and quite durable, not to mention easier to maintain due to the geometry. The convex edge bites in deep and hard, and you can use it a tad rough as well without fear of the edge chipping out. It is also very well suited for general use around camp or the kitchen. The blade is fairly thick but, due to the convex edge, dives into whatever is being cut and propels the rest of the blade through. Just because it’s thick doesn’t mean it cannot slice effectively. This is a knife of heirloom quality that also has plenty of horsepower for getting real work done.

Maroon Micarta® is the handle material of choice for the Fallkniven F1L3GMM fixed hunter. It is pinned to the tang using Corby rivets.
Maroon Micarta® is the handle material of choice for the Fallkniven F1L3GMM fixed hunter. It is pinned to the tang using Corby rivets.

The handle is comfortable, rounded and contoured in the right places and devoid of hot spots during extended use. I have always been a big fan of Micarta® for both folder and fixed-blade handles. It’s pretty much the ultimate user material given its light weight, dimensional stability and imperviousness to most known liquids. Plus, it comes in a wide array of colors, and the maroon adds a nice splash of color without being overly flashy. You don’t see too many maroon-handled knives, so this one is a breath of fresh air.

Yes, it is on the pricey side for a production hunter but in return you get a very well-built cutter executed with the best materials. I don’t think you can find a better knife for the money. If you love European engineering and manufacturing, this is the hunter for you. Country of origin: Sweden. MSRP: $499.99.

Hunting Knives:

Damascus Folder: Top Options Straight From The Factory

Dexter Ewing
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Damascus Folder: Top Options Straight From The Factory

We review four exquisite factory-made damascus folders that deliver the elegant look of custom work at a more affordable price.

Quality damascus knives have always been elegant. The steel, known for its unique surface appearance, defines “upscale” when it comes to high-end factory or custom knives. An increasing number of factory brands seem to be offering select models in damascus, bringing the knives to the masses at less than custom prices. For a nominal fee over the cost of a premium factory model—sometimes even less—you can have an exquisite damascus piece for your collection or daily carry rotation.

The A.G. Russell Knives Slim Damascus Folder

The A.G. Russell Knives Slim Damascus Folder is one of the better bangs for the buck in the genre. The 3⅝-inch drop-point blade is a damascus san-mai hybrid of sorts, featuring a core of 9Cr13MoV stainless steel clad with stainless damascus on either side. The construction allows the blade to be made for a more affordable price while also offering a distinctive appearance with the center core showing through near the cutting edge. 

The A.G. Russell’s 3-inch drop point blade is a damascus san-mai hybrid of sorts, featuring a core of 9Cr13MoV stainless steel clad with stainless damascus on either side.
The A.G. Russell’s 3-inch drop point blade is a damascus san-mai hybrid of sorts, featuring a core of 9Cr13MoV stainless steel clad with stainless damascus on either side.

The top of the thumb rest is notched for a non-slip grip, and the blade opens easily by a flipper tab. With the blade riding on a pair of caged bearings, the opening action is very smooth and sure. The 9Cr13MoV is a Chinese-made stainless that exhibits performance characteristics similar to the more familiar Japanese-made AUS-8 stainless.

The handle has stainless steel liners with beautiful chambray blue G-10 scales. The color is akin to a blueish gray that is less common for G-10. The double stainless liners are slightly oversized and chamfered for a refined appearance. A steel pocket clip carries the knife tip up. Overall construction is somewhat basic but executed extremely well.

Its overall slim form enables the folder to be carried comfortably in a variety of scenarios, from casual to full dress wear. As slender as it is, the handle remains a width that’s easy to grip and use. The smooth scales are slightly contoured to better fit the hand. The linerlock secures tight and safe, with zero blade play in any direction.

At about an eighth of an inch, the blade is moderately thick for such a slender folder. Add a shallow main grind bevel and there is a slight wedging effect when cutting cardboard, plastic foam and other materials, so you will have to apply a bit more force to get the blade through such media.

Cutting plastic foam into thin slices was a favorite edge tester of BLADE Magazine Cutlery Hall-of-Fame® member A.G. Russell, and the A.G. Russell Knives Slim Damascus Folder tackled the task with aplomb.
Cutting plastic foam into thin slices was a favorite edge tester of BLADE Magazine Cutlery Hall-of-Fame® member A.G. Russell, and the A.G. Russell Knives Slim Damascus Folder tackled the task with aplomb.

The handle is very straight, devoid of any features that prevent your hand from sliding forward or rearward. Combined with the blade grind, this doesn’t make the knife a good candidate for heavy/extended use. However, for casual and dress carry it’s perfect. It also makes a great folding steak knife. It’s low profile enough as not to catch unwanted attention in public. At a remarkably low manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) of $125, the knife represents a great value in a factory damascus folder. Made in China with the typical excellent manufacturing quality that is expected of such knives, the folder represents an excellent value. 

Lionsteel’s Twain

Lionsteel’s Twain damascus folder stands out in a crowd. Lionsteel calls it a double integral folder for its one-piece handle and one-piece scale. The handle is a solid piece of machined titanium—nothing new, though not too common, either.

Lionsteel calls the Twain a double integral folder for its one-piece machined titanium handle and one-piece carbon-fiber scale.
Lionsteel calls the Twain a double integral folder for its one-piece machined titanium handle and one-piece carbon-fiber scale.

It isn’t exactly the easiest nor most cost-effective manner of making a knife handle, but it has loads of “wow factor.” It incorporates considerable CNC machining to arrive at the one-piece handle and one-piece scale. The resulting construction explains the knife’s high cost. It is an extremely strong design since the handle is a true integral as opposed to being composed of multiple parts. It is shaped so that it seats your hand comfortably, especially for prolonged use. The integral scale is 3D-machined carbon fiber and incorporates an integral spacer as well. The scale flows continuously around the spine for an appearance unseen on few if any other production folders.

The knife carries very deep in a pocket, with the clip fastened to the handle butt. When the knife is in your pocket, all that’s visible is the clip. You practically do not feel a thing when carrying it. The weight of titanium and carbon fiber are at a minimum and do not bog you down at all.

The versatile, user-friendly drop-point blade is 3.15 inches of Chad Nichols stainless damascus. Called Scrambled, the pattern gets its name from its eye-catching radial shapes. The flat-ground blade features an oblong hole for easy opening with either hand. The blade spine is crowned, meaning there is a slight radius to it. This is a very nice touch that not all manufacturers offer. It also creates a comfortable surface for a finger rest.

The scale flows continuously around the spine of the Twain for an appearance unseen on few if any other production folders.
The scale flows continuously around the spine of the Twain for an appearance unseen on few if any other production folders.

The Twain’s high-tech approach to design and manufacturing yields a folder that is both very stylish and functional.  The blade has a sweeping belly that makes it easy to tackle mundane daily cutting tasks with ease, such as opening mail and packages, and even cutting food in a restaurant. It’s also not shy about tackling heavier cutting jobs like breaking down cardboard boxes. It is a lighter weight folder but feels very solid in-hand because of the integral titanium frame and super-secure button lock. 

The MSRP of $542 gets you a high-end folder with top-flight materials made of the finest craftsmanship in Maniago, Italy.  

Pro-Tech Knives Cambria

Known widely for superior-quality automatics, Pro-Tech Knives also makes equally exceptional manual folders such as the Cambria 2 button-lock flipper. The company released the updated version of the Cambria flipper this year, tweaking the design a bit for aesthetics and ergonomics—thus the Cambria 2. It’s designed primarily as an upscale EDC folder that combines style and function into one easy-to-carry package that comes in either a base, working knife format or a highly impressive full-dress model sure to please the most discriminating knife enthusiast.

The Cambria 2’s 3.5-inch drop-point blade of a ladder-pattern stainless damascus forged by Chad Nichols is slender and opens fast via the flipper tab.
The Cambria 2’s 3.5-inch drop-point blade of a ladder-pattern stainless damascus forged by Chad Nichols is slender and opens fast via the flipper tab.

The 3.5-inch drop-point blade of ladder-pattern stainless damascus forged by Chad Nichols is slender and opens fast via the flipper tab. The ergonomic aluminum handle is anodized black and has an integral lower guard to help keep your grip in place. The back end is oval shaped to conform to your hand. The maple burl inlay adds an organic touch to a high-tech knife. Each Cambria 2 comes with a deep carry pocket clip that totes the closed folder tip up. To add an ever-so-slight dash of panache, the lock button is inlaid with a mosaic pin.

Deploying the blade is a pure pleasure as it rides on a pair of caged bearings for super smooth action. Out of the box, the edge is super sharp and ready for work. In the pocket, the Cambria 2 rides comfortably. Due to its overall slender form, it practically disappears in your pocket. There is absolutely no bulk associated with this knife. You almost forget you have it! I really like how it slices. The flat grind thins the blade out nicely and gives the edge plenty of bite. Overall fit and finish is what you expect from Pro-Tech—flawless in every way. Country of origin: USA. MSRP: $570. Pro-Tech turns out each damascus piece in low quantities, so if you want one, you’d better act quickly.

Spartan Blades Harsey

The Spartan Blades Harsey 3.25 folder is a scaled-down, EDC-size version of the Spartan Harsey Folder. The company had been receiving requests for a smaller size that’s easier to carry and less bulky while still retaining the heavy-duty build of the original. Enter the 3.25—and just like the larger Harsey Folder, Spartan also offers the 3.25 in a more-dressed-up version sporting a damascus blade paired with a handle of your choice of plain or a decorative machined titanium. The test knife is the former, a damascus blade with a bead-blasted titanium handle, simply stated but elegantly executed.  

The bead-blast titanium handle of the 3.25 boasts titanium hardware anodized a light blue for an interesting pop of color. 
The bead-blast titanium handle of the 3.25 boasts titanium hardware anodized a light blue for an interesting pop of color. 

The drop-point blade is 3.25 (hence the name) inches of Chad Nichols stainless steel damascus in a raindrop pattern. Dual-machined titanium thumb studs provide ease of one-handed opening with either paw. The thumb rest on the spine has some traction notches for a nonslip grip and to apply more pressure to the blade. The bead-blast titanium handle boasts titanium hardware anodized a light blue for an interesting pop of color. The blade secures by a framelock, and a titanium pocket clip also anodized a light blue carries the closed knife tip up. It is a very handsome folder incorporating some heavy-duty elements that make it a great candidate for a user piece.

The 3.25 is a compact workhorse built to go the distance. The flat-ground blade can readily tackle most any daily cutting task: opening packages, breaking down cardboard boxes, slicing steak, or anything else that needs cutting, trimming or stripping. The blade opens smoothly with no play in any direction. It is very solid all around. Multiple finger grooves help seat your hand, providing no-slip control. All handle edges are chamfered to soften the grip and allow the knife to ride in your pocket comfortably. The blade is plenty sharp out of the box and ready for work.  Country of origin: USA. MSRP: $545.

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