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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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 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.
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 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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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 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 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 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.
Allen Elishewitz/Les George knife collaborations are four point oh.
If you are into custom tactical knives, chances are very good that you have heard of knifemaking United States Marine Corps veterans Les George and Allen Elishewitz.
The two are at or near the top of the list for anyone wanting a high-quality custom tactical. Both possess an excellent knowledge of tactical design and the ability to execute same gained through their years of making knives—Les has 33 years of experience and Allen has 37. Their talent levels are extremely elevated.
Their time in service to their country walking the walk and talking the talk has helped each to fully understand the strengths and weaknesses of tactical knives. They have collaborated with factory brands such as Kershaw and Zero Tolerance (George), Benchmade, CRKT and Hogue Knives (Elishewitz), and Fox Knives and Pro-Tech (both of them). They also have collaborated with each other on some special custom knives.
One of the more recent collaborative efforts between Allen Elishewitz and Les George is the Cerberus, a flipper folder in CPM 154 stainless blade steel and a titanium frame with insert. Closed length: 5 inches.
Perhaps most importantly, they are really good friends and inspire each other in many ways.
“I knew Allen by reputation and from the internet knife forums,” Les said. “When I moved to Texas, we were not far away [from each other].” It was about 15 years ago that Les first reached out and paid Allen a visit.
“He contacted me after he got out of the USMC. He happened to be in Texas and wanted to swing by my shop,” Allen recalled. “I guess we hit it off OK,” Les undersold the moment with his trademark brand of sarcasm.
In that initial meeting the two not only bonded over their service to their country but also their love of knifemaking, common grounds to forge a solid friendship. Each is outgoing and has a great sense of humor, not to mention an outstanding feel for knife design and ergonomics.
An excellent example of a collaboration between U.S. Marine veterans/knifemakers Allen Elishewitz and Les George is two iterations of the EGA (Elishewitz/George Association) Dagger, their spin on the iconic Fairbairn-Sykes dagger. The blade comes in a choice of CTS XHP stainless steel ($875 MSRP) and Chad Nichols stainless damascus ($1,200).
Allen’s first Military Occupational Specialty, or MOS, was designated O861 for Fire Support Marine, and his second was designated O321 for Reconnaissance Marine. In O861, he called in naval artillery and air support on targets, while in O321 he honed his recon skills in scouting and patrolling, small boat operations, long range communications and reconnaissance.
George’s path was slightly different.
“I started out as a heavy equipment mechanic, then volunteered for embassy guard duty,” he said.
Following embassy duty, he became an EOD (Explosive Ordinance Disposal) technician*.
“You know, making the bad bombs stop,” he quipped.
USMC Sergeant Allen Elishewitz takes a lunch break outside a Marine facility in the early ’90s.
The discipline and fortitude each gained in his respective duties set the stage for them to become solo entrepreneurs as knife designers and knifemakers. It also had a major influence on their approach to tactical knife design.
Their knifemaking styles are highly complementary.
“There are a lot of overlapping skill sets,” George observed.
For instance, Les has CNC experience while Allen has more manual machine know-how.
“Les uses CAD and CNC, I am strictly handmade,” Elishewitz reiterated.
USMC Staff Sergeant Les George holds an artillery shell aloft somewhere in Iraq in the early 2000s.
“We can take a design and I can help scale it up and make more knives, while Allen can add the final touch,” Les noted.
“I see Les’s knives as very practical and utilitarian,” Allen said. “I have the same approach but with a little more emphasis on artistic flair.”
Both makers craft excellent cutting tools that are highly utilitarian. You can see the imagination and style in each of Elishewitz’s pieces. Meanwhile, form follows function with George’s work, where the beauty lies in how he builds his designs.
Long-Distance Teamwork
As with any business relationship, especially long-distance ones, it takes work to maintain along with the help of technology. Les lives in Blue Springs, Mississippi, and Allen in New Braunfels, Texas.
Allen Elishewitz has made and designed award-winning tactical and other hi-tech folding knives since 1988.
“We send designs back and forth through emails and texts,” Elishewitz explained. “Les has 3D printing capabilities for quick prototyping that has been a game changer.”
Making use of technology almost makes it feel like you are working with someone in the same space even though there is a significant physical distance. Despite the distance, these two always find ways to make things work and to collaborate on beautiful edged pieces.
Behind every good man is an even better woman, and it was never truer than with Allen and Les. Both are happily married and their wives wholeheartedly support their husbands’ endeavors in the knife industry.
“Bianca is interested and supportive but not usually super involved,” Les stated of his better half. His passion is knifemaking, hers is abuzz with a passion for beekeeping.
“Lots and lots of bees!” George affirmed.
Les George is heavily influenced by classic military fixed blade designs and modern tactical folders and fixed blades.
Meanwhile, Valerie Elishewitz not only is very supportive of her husband’s career, she plays an active role in it.
“Valerie is a crucial part of my business,” Allen stressed. “She takes care of all the administrative tasks which would eat up a lot of my time if I had to do it.”
Valerie sometimes answers emails, private messages, posts on Allen’s Facebook and Instagram accounts, helps pack and ship knife orders, and even helps her husband staff his table at knife shows. If you have bought a knife from Elishewitz at a knife show, chances are you met Valerie.
Upcoming ventures hold promise.
“Allen is doing several designs with my production company, Defiant7,” George observed.
“I’m really excited about the way those projects are shaping up.” Added Elishewitz, “We are going to do more of the Fairbairn-Sykes custom daggers. We made them a few years back and they were very popular.”
He also hints that he submitted designs to Les for what Elishewitz calls the BK, or Bangkok Special, a compact fixed blade for concealed carry for the Defiant7 line. He also submitted a blade design to accompany the handle of George’s M320 model for Defiant7.
Last but not least, Allen said, “Later this year I am going to send Les a crossbar-lock SOG bowie that is going to be killer!”
Allen and Les designed the Ek Integral Folder for Ketuo, winner of Best Imported Knife in the factory knife judging competition at the 2024 BLADE Show Texas. The knife is based on the Model 2 Ek Commando fixed blade. (SharpByCoop image)
All this in addition to keeping up with orders for their custom knives, too. Not too shabby for a couple of Marine veterans, right?
*Les George won the BLADE Magazine 2023 Publisher’s Award for his humanitarian effort in making 300 mine probes for shipment to Ukraine to help remove the thousands of deadly explosive devices buried throughout the war-torn country.
Latest assisteds have all you need in swift, sharp folders.
The assisted opener appeals to many who are mechanism oriented and like to fidget with their knives. There’s something satisfying about tapping a flipper tab or nudging a thumb stud and then having spring force kick in and propel the blade open crisply and quickly. It’s sort of like an automatic but it’s not. In fact, in most areas its legality is no different than a standard one-hand folder* because you initiate the opening by manually pressing the flipper or thumb stud as opposed to releasing the blade under spring tension via a push button as done with an auto.
Kershaw Dawnstar
The flipper tab of the Kershaw Dawnstar is highly effective at deploying the blade. The large semi-circular choil is sort of unusual and adds to the knife’s distinct appearance
Kershaw was one of the first manufacturers to go all-in with assisted openers in the mid-to-late 1990s. It teamed with BLADE Magazine Cutlery Hall-of-Fame® member Ken Onion to make a line of collaboration knives that incorporated Onion’s SpeedSafe assisted-opening mechanism. The knives not only were great sellers for the company, but, more importantly, helped start the assisted-opening revolution in the knife industry. Soon after, other manufacturers began producing versions of folders with mechanisms that closely mirrored the SpeedSafe for both tactical and EDC purposes.
The Dawnstar is Kershaw’s latest entry in the genre. Sporting a hawkbill blade paired with a true tactical handle offering deep, tip-up carry, it is one of the company’s more radical configurations. The hawkbill isn’t seen too widely in tactical folders, so it stands out both visually and functionally. The 3.5-inch blade is 8Cr13MoV stainless steel.
The main grind is hollow with a swedge, making the blade look a bit aggressive and also following through in use. A flipper tab deploys the blade quickly and is the only opening method. The handle is molded glass reinforced nylon (GRN) with dual skeletonized steel liners for strength. Strategically placed cutouts reduce weight. The handle is textured for a comfortable, nonslip grip.
The knife cuts best in a pulling motion, allowing the hawkbill to gather the material being cut into the blade’s curvature, not unlike pulling a zipper. The hawkbill is an aggressive pattern and goes through a variety of materials with ease. This is where the hollow grind really makes a difference. Cardboard, foam, even wire stripping—the assisted opener sails through it all. If you cut a lot of cardboard or make long, straight-line cuts in any material, the Dawnstar is for you. The handle is easy to hold onto. The large finger recess helps seat your hand.
Approximate closed length: 4.4 inches. Country of origin: China. MSRP: $54.99.
SOG Twitch III
The Twitch III is ultra-light, ultra-slim and elegant in appearance. A simple design with high function, it goes well with dress or casual clothes.
The Twitch III is the third installment in a highly successful series of assisted openers from SOG. It is a slim, stylish EDC capable of tackling a wide variety of cutting chores. It features a 3.1-inch spearpoint blade fully flat ground from 154CM stainless steel with ambidextrous thumb studs and a low-profile flipper tab for an additional opening option. A light press on the flipper and the blade pops out with authority.
The handle is lightweight yet strong aluminum, with dual steel liners providing the backbone. A subtle finger recess forms a bit of an integral guard to prevent your hand from sliding forward. A deep-carry, bayonet-style clip is affixed to the butt and positions the folder as low as possible in the pocket for ultimate concealment. The handle profile is flat and slender, making it extremely comfortable for daily pocket carry. The knife is equally at home in dress or casual clothes.
For a slim knife the Twitch III performs very well. The blade glides through various materials with surprising ease. The 154CM offers more mileage for edge retention than lesser steels such as D2, 8Cr13MoV and AUS-8. It is the type knife you can carry for a range of varied-use scenarios, from slicing steak to more mundane things such as opening mail, packages, etc.
It excels at cutting open blister packs due to its pointy tip and flat- ground blade. Performance is great and the folder carries exceptionally well, so what’s not to like? However, I would caution against prolonged use due to the slender, flat profile and slick aluminum scales. If your hand is wet or sweaty, grip retention might be an issue.
The Twitch III comes in three varieties: all-black blade and handle, natural finished aluminum with satin blade and gold TiN coated hardware, and gray aluminum handle with black blade and hardware anodized a light blue. All are great-looking EDCs and a welcome addition to your collection.
Closed length: 3.9 inches. Country of origin: China. MSRP: $79.95 for any of the three variants.
Benchmade PSK 593BK-01
Benchmade’s PSK is a high-end outdoor folder using CPM MagnaCut stainless blade steel. MagnaCut holds an edge extremely well in addition to having excellent corrosion resistance—pretty much the perfect outdoor blade material.
The brawny Benchmade PSK 593BK-01 is a rugged assisted opener engineered for survival use. It exhibits all the hallmarks of what makes applicable Benchmade knives standards in the industry: the AXIS crossbar lock mechanism and advanced materials for the handle and blade, including carbon fiber, G-10 and CPM MagnaCut stainless steel. The 3.4-inch modified drop-point blade has excellent edge retention and superior corrosion resistance—a perfect steel for a knife to carry while hiking, camping, hunting, etc.
An exposed flat area below the thumb stud that resembles a choil serves as a spot to use a ferrocerium rod for fire starting. It’s such a thoughtful touch on the PSK. The ergonomic handle incorporates forward and rear integral guards to prevent slipping and seats your hand well. Black carbon fiber bolsters are mated with black G-10 scales, with the blade DLC coated for additional corrosion resistance and a low-profile appearance—in other words, the knife is “murdered out” in mostly all black.
The ambidextrous thumb studs are anodized red for an interesting splash of color. A deep carry pocket clip positions the PSK tip up and switches to the opposite side to accommodate lefties. The AXIS Lock Assist is rock solid while remaining easy to disengage by pulling back on the studs, then rotating the blade closed. A sliding switch safety in the handle spine locks the blade closed to help prevent the knife from accidentally flying open in your pocket or during inside waistband carry.
The PSK looks great and performs even better. Grip quality is excellent; the 3D machined grooves in the handle and bolster work great at keeping your hand in place without feeling overly aggressive, and they displace water as well. The blade rockets out via the assisted opener very quick and sure, almost like an automatic.
The robust build and ergonomic grip instill user confidence in any climate. The PSK handles anything you throw at it, from slicing meat to whittling. The flat grind leaves enough cross-sectional steel on the blade to give it structural integrity, yet thins the edge down to where it has bite.
Approximate closed length: 4.6 inches. Country of origin: USA. MSRP: $450.
Editor’s note: For that matter, in the many states and jurisdictions where bans against automatics have been lifted, neither is an assisted opener’s legality any different than an auto.
Three new models are but a smattering of the boom in factory-made automatics.
When it comes to a truly original American knife, it’s hard to top the auto.
Unfairly maligned over the decades as the “weapon of street gangs” and other inaccurate smears, the knife still known to many as the switchblade is enjoying a renaissance in popularity due to the reversals of many statewide auto bans spearheaded in large part by the two leading pro-knife legislative action groups: Knife Rights and the American Knife & Tool Institute.
With autos now legal to many thousands of enthusiasts in dozens of states, one of the results has been a boom in factory-made autos by a growing number of knife companies.
CobraTec FS-3 Molon Labe
The handle of the CobraTec OTF has a Cerakote® finish and graphics with the Molon Labe—Latin for “come and take it”—text. A ramped thumb slide switch actuates the blade, which deploys and retracts with quick, crisp action.
If you’re into OTF (Out The Front) autos, Texas-based CobraTec Knives should be of interest. The small, family-owned operation offers entry-level, midgrade and high-end automatic and manual opening knives, as well as fixed blades.
Its OTFs* are a great bang for the buck. The medium FS-3 Molon Labe edition features a 3-inch clip-point blade of satin-finished D2 tool steel paired with a 4.5-inch aluminum handle. Available in either a plain or partially serrated edge, the test model is the latter. The serrations give extra cutting power through thick or fibrous materials.
The knife is sized just right to handle most cutting tasks and still be compact enough for comfortable carry. The handle has a Cerakote® finish and graphics with the Molon Labe—Ancient Greek for “come and take it”—text. A deep carry, reversible/ambidextrous pocket clip held by a large screw doubles as a glass breaker. A ramped thumb slide switch actuates the blade, which deploys and retracts with quick, crisp action.
A ramped thumb slide switch actuates the blade, which deploys and retracts with quick, crisp action.
D2 is known for toughness, edge holding and ease of resharpening. It’s been a popular choice for custom knifemakers for years and has become widely adopted in the production industry as an alternative to low-grade stainless steel, offering the enhanced edge retention at a nominal price increase, if any. The belly of the modified clip point blade has excellent slicing abilities.
Medford Knife & Tool MERC-1
The MERC-1 has a symmetrical dagger-style blade of CPM S45VN stainless for enhanced edge holding.
If you think the Medford Knife & Tool MERC-1 is like all the other OTFs on the market, you’re wrong. The 3.75-inch blade comes in either a double-edge dagger style or Medford’s single-edge Praetorian-style drop point, each in CPM S45VN stainless.
Sporting two sets of fullers, the dagger test blade is loaded with attitude. The 5-inch handle is hard anodized aluminum. A sturdy, wide, deep-carry pocket clip is affixed to the end of the handle by a large screw and has a glassbreaker point.
One of the more interesting facts about the MERC-1 is there are no handle assembly screws. How is this done? The top handle cover slides onto the body via a tongue and channel system. The large clip screw fastens the two together, preventing unwanted movement of the top cover. The no-screws approach provides a visually streamlined, cleaner look than most.
Note the MERC-1 blade’s dual fullers (page 44), reducing weight as well as giving the knife a double dose of attitude.
The MERC-1 is a solid performer. Blade deployment and retraction are quick with a solid feel. The sliding button requires some force to push and pull but once you get used to it, it’s no problem. This is done by design to prevent inadvertent blade movement.
The knife does well at general cutting but needs a bit of pushing to get through some tasks. Dagger blades are more for thrusting and penetration. One thing is certain, the MERC-1’s is definitely cool looking! (Author’s note: the knife for this review is an earlier version with a hex-bolt machining pattern on the handle. The pattern has been changed to a series of chevron lines and an engraving of a crossbow.) The MERC-1 is Medford’s first attempt at an OTF and an excellent one at that.
Vero Engineering/Pro-Tech Synapse
The Synapse handle is a half-and-half hybrid construction style, with a black Micarta® presentation side and the opposite side (right) hard-coat-anodized T6-6061 aluminum alloy for strength, light weight and minimal mass. A stylish milled titanium pocket clip carries the closed knife blade tip up in the pocket.
Pro-Tech Knives has teamed with Vero Engineering to produce a collaborative auto: the Pro-Tech Synapse. The framelock design features all advanced materials in a no-nonsense folder ideal for EDC. It’s especially notable for the infusion of Pro-Tech’s trademark ultra-snappy automatic opening action.
The 3.2-inch drop-point blade is flat-ground CPM MagnaCut stainless steel, which is known for its edge holding and corrosion resistance. The drop point shape provides plenty of blade belly.
The handle is a half-and-half hybrid construction style, with a black Micarta presentation side and the opposite side hard-coat-anodized T6-6061 aluminum alloy for strength, light weight and minimal mass. A stylish milled titanium pocket clip carries the closed knife tip up in the pocket. Another nice touch is the firing button, which sits inside a milled cavity to help prevent accidental blade deployment.
The Synapse’s drop-point blade of CPM MagnaCut stainless is conducive to a wide range of tasks. The blade action is quick and snappy as with all Pro-Tech autos.
With a closed length of 4.1 inches, the Synapse is neither too big nor too small. The large finger groove helps lock your grip onto the handle effectively, allowing a more secure grip with or without gloves.
The blade has an aggressive bite to it and the curve of the belly makes slicing almost effortless. The Synapse is a great working folder.
*Editor’s Note: According to CobraTec, its OTFs have a built-in safety feature that prevents the blade from fully deploying if anything is obstructing its path. Once in “safety mode” the blade must be reset by pulling it all the way into its locked position, making it fully functional again.
We put production tactical knives to the test to see which ones come out as best in class.
Originally conceived for law enforcement and military and rescue personnel, tactical knives quickly found their way into the hands of those looking for a heavy-duty edged tool robust enough to withstand extreme use and abuse—and to do so without falling apart.
Modern tactical knives are some of the most refined and precisely manufactured of cutters in terms of ergonomics, edge holding and price points, and the market is saturated with all the big names producing them in almost all price ranges.
No matter the mission, one of these sharp tactical knives can cut it.
Originally conceived for law enforcement and military and rescue personnel, tactical knives quickly found their way into the hands of those looking for a heavy-duty edged tool robust enough to withstand extreme use and abuse—and to do so without falling apart. Modern tactical knives are some of the most refined and precisely manufactured of cutters in terms of ergonomics, edge holding and price points, and the market is saturated with all the big names producing them in most all price ranges.
What Is A Tactical Knife?
Exactly what constitutes a tactical knife has been addressed in BLADE®, other knife magazines—one of which was even called Tactical Knives—KnifeForums and other knife discussion forums, social media, books, the national media and elsewhere. Some originally described it, and still do, as a folding or fixed-blade knife with a non-glare blade and black synthetic handle ideal for any number of utility purposes, including combat. There are other qualifications but these three seem to universally apply to tactical knives.
The Wall Street Journal
even referred to the Buck Metro keychain knife as a tactical knife.
As for who the father of tactical knives is, that is a question guaranteed to spark healthy debates. Some say custom knifemaker Bob Terzuola made the first tactical folding knife, while others say custom knifemaker Ernest Emerson did. Some say any number of other makers made the first one. The argument even can be made that the original popularizer of the term is Greg Walker, editor of the now-defunct Fighting Knives magazine, who wrote extensively about tactical knives during FK’s run in the 1990s. Some say the original tactical knife is the Buck 110 folding hunter, which was introduced in 1964 and used by many American GIs in the Vietnam War. Of course, if Glesser’s definition holds true, then the first knife fashioned by early man from a bone, rock, obsidian or what have you many millennia ago is the original tactical knife.
Whatever the case, tactical knives have been hot for over two decades with no end in sight. Observers have predicted the end of the tactical knife phenomenon any number of times, with the knife and its spinoffs enjoying almost as many popularity spikes as the predictions of its demise. About the only thing that seems certain about tactical knives is that such forecasts will continue until one of them actually comes true.
Then again, who really knows anything for sure when the subject is tactical knives?
Best Tactical Knives Specs Comparison
Knife
Blade Length (inches)
Overall Length (inches)
Weight (ounces)
Blade Steel
Handle Material
MSRP
CRKT Septimo
3.62
8.19
8Cr13MoV
$70
Halfbreed Blades CCK-03 Tuhon Raptor
3.94
7.79
3.53
Bohler K110
G10
3.15
Fallkniven R2 Scout
8.625
5.2
440 Stainless Steel
Zytel
$35
Bear Edge Brisk 1.0
3.82
8.93
6.54
CPM-Cru-Wear
G10
$325
Benchmade Adamas
3.82
8.93
6.54
CPM-Cru-Wear
G10
$325
CobraTec Special Ops
3.75
8.625
5.9
M390
Titanium
$500
Maserin 920/TP Tactical
3.582
8.26
440C Stainless steel
Anodized Aluminum
~$165
Hogue Deka Manual
3.25
7.5
2.3
CPM 20CV Stainless Steel
G10
$195
CRKT Septimo
In a pinch, the Ve serration of the CRKT
Septimo can be used to strip electrical
wire. Doing it this way a ords great cutting
control, thus increasing user safety.
CRKT is among the industry leaders in production tacticals that strike an outstanding balance between affordability and the most modern of designs. What’s more, the company has a great reputation for offering the biggest bang for the buck. Among its many forward-thinking designs is the Septimo tactical folder.
Jeremy Valdez of Olalla, Washington, is an Army veteran who served with the 7th Special Forces. The primary inspiration for the Septimo—the name means seventh in Spanish, an homage to Jeremy’s brothers in the 7th—came from his tour of duty in Afghanistan in 2009. While there, he was aboard a helicopter when it crashed. The knife Valdez had on him at the time proved ineffective at cutting through various materials during the exit from the chopper carcass. Soon after, he set out to design a tactical folder that could fulfill multiple roles as a backup weapon and cutting and rescue tool. The Septimo is the result.
Jeremy’s design for CRKT has a 3.6- inch tanto blade of 8Cr13MoV stainless steel with a black oxide coating to bolster corrosion resistance and reduce glare. While it may seem you can thumb the blade open by the oblong hole, it actually is difficult to do so, which is why the blade has a flipper tab opener. A flick of your index finger is all it takes to deploy the blade quickly. The action is very smooth.
The blade’s most noticeable feature is the single large Ve serration close to the tang. The serration’s large tooth helps gather and hold the material in as it’s being cut, so it provides a lot of control. It severs webbing, cord, string, paracord, small diameter tubing and most anything else that fits inside it.
The Septimo blade’s most noticeable feature is the single large Ve serration. The large tooth helps gather and
hold material in as it’s being cut, so it provides a lot of control. It severs webbing, cord, string, paracord, small
diameter tubing and anything else that fi ts inside it. Country of origin: China. (CRKT image)
The ergonomic handle has T-6 6061 aluminum scales with textured TPR (thermoplastic rubber) inlays for grip enhancement. Two stainless steel liners provide the knife’s backbone. The linerlock engages securely. The clip is mounted to carry the closed knife blade tip up and as deep as possible in the pocket. Multiple grooves provide comfortable placement to wrap your fingers around the handle. A solid steel spacer anchors the rear of the handle and includes a lanyard hole. The Septimo is an ideal tactical folder for those in law enforcement and the military. Thanks to its distinctly angled tip, the tanto blade has a great reputation for penetration power.
Crkt Septimo "Forged By War" Liner Lock Knife 7050
The Halfbreed Blades CCK (Compact Clearance Knife) series was developed as low-profile bladeware for fast-access self-defense situations. Designed for discreet carry, the series shares a common handle design but with varied blade patterns. The handle is very slender and features a ring at the end, which accommodates an index finger to lock in your grip. The top of the ring has an indentation to seat the thumb comfortably, as well as aid in applying downward pressure on the blade. The CCK-03 Tuhon Raptor is one of the most distinctively shaped blades in the series.
Designed by Special Operations CQC instructor Jared Wihongi, the blade is designed to be implemented in multiple ways, including to trap and hook. The talon-shaped tip has a devastatingly e effective ability to slash as well as thrust, with its slight hook implementing a gathering action. The main and top edges offer options for slashing in either direction. While most of the blade is sharp all the way around, a portion is unsharpened to incorporate a feature called a live edge identifier. It can be seen as a raised protrusion on the handle. You can use it to index the knife, that is, determine by the feel which way the blade is oriented.
The talon-like tip of the Halfbreed Blades Tuhon Raptor acts as your own personal claw. The curved edge grabs and feeds on the material to be cut—as in slicing a section of air hose lengthwise—thus amplifying the force applied.
At 8 inches overall and sporting a 3.94-inch blade, the Tuhon Raptor has plenty of length to get the job done while remaining compact in nature. The D2 blade steel boasts a balance of toughness, edge holding and value pricing. The knife comes in three hues: black, desert tan and OD green. Each color permeates the knife with matching G-10 handle overlays. The injection-molded plastic sheath corresponds in color to match the knife. It is a single-column design molded as one piece, not halves riveted together. The sheath is MOLLE compatible and there’s a Blade-Tech Tek Lok for those who prefer belt carry. The knife locks into the sheath very securely—no worries about it falling out accidentally. It locks with a firm and deliberate push.
Unlike the other two test pieces, the Tuhon Raptor is a single-purpose modern tactical knife. It is meant for self-defense and not as a utility tool. The handle design is not conducive for lengthy cutting in a traditional grip. However, in a pinch it can be used as a scoring tool or even to open packages and mail. Nonetheless, if you want to use the knife for self-defense, you should not subject it to any sort of utility use to preserve the sharpness of the edge.
Fallkniven’s R2 Scout is a smaller knife designed for users with littler hands, or for folks who just prefer a somewhat undersized blade. Meanwhile, it’s a myth that smaller knives cannot function as tactical tools. Smaller knives are just as capable, or maybe even more so, as their larger counterparts for certain tactical tasks. They can be just as strong as well.
At only 3.1 inches long, the R2’s drop point blade is .196-inch thick, which is quite thick for a short blade. The thickness is intentional to give the knife strength to withstand heavy-duty tasks. The blade’s ELMAX Swedish stainless particle steel is known for superb edge holding, and its Scandi grind descends straight down to a sharp edge. This is known as a zero edge because there is an absence of a cutting-edge bevel. What results is a blade that’s very sharp and easy to maintain.
The Fallkniven R2 Scout’s extra-thick blade enables it to tackle tougher tasks such as baton work easily. The extra thickness works as a wedge to split wood quickly. Country of origin: Sweden. The zero-grind edge of the Fallkniven R2 Scout has excellent bite and is great for whittling tasks that require the ultimate in sharpness.
The sheath of the R2 carries well on the belt and has the freedom to move when you sit down or snag it on something. (Fallkniven image)
The handle is Thermorun, a sturdy, grippy plastic with rubber-like properties. It has a coarse textured finish on the sides, which does a great job at preventing the handle from slipping out of your hand in adverse conditions. The sheath is equally well thought out, too. Molded of Zytel, it incorporates a webbing belt loop and an imaginative locking system that holds the knife securely. Activate the lock and the knife is guarded against accidental loss. You also can choose not to activate the lock, as the sheath otherwise holds the knife via an ever-present spring detent.
The sheath carries well on the belt and has freedom to move in case you sit down or snag it on something. The R2 is a workhorse of a compact fixed blade. The zero-grind edge has an incredibly aggressive bite. The blade is well suited for camp chores, food prep and carving/whittling utility jobs. As thick as the blade is, don’t be afraid to use it hard. Dig right in with it without worrying about the blade tip breaking or the blade bending. It withstands batonning well. Full-tang construction lends it a nice balance. Since the tang protrudes a bit through the handle butt, you can use it as a crushing tool. I found the texture of the handle to be just right; it gives a great grip in all conditions.
The Bear Edge Brisk 1.0 tactical fixed blade features a 4⅞-inch modified drop-point blade of 440A stainless steel with a black-epoxy-type coating. The cutting edge is partially serrated to power through tough materials. The ergonomic handle is stainless steel with a soft touch coating for grip comfort. Five oblong holes through the full tang and handle provide additional grip traction, as well as lighten the load. A large forward finger recess aids in indexing your grip, and the dropped-butt design helps seat your fingers and prevent your hand from sliding backward off the handle. The lower integral guard and choil allow you to employ a choke grip for precise cutting tasks. The knife has a folder counterpart in the Brisk 1.0 series, which, along with the slimmed-down handles, explains why the fixed blade sports a folder look.
While the knife has an overall tactical appearance and feel, it seems better suited to outdoor use. Why? The blade grind is hollow. Most tactical fixed blades have a flat grind to leave more steel in the cross-section, therefore increasing lateral strength. And then there’s the slim handle. For a tactical fixed blade, the handle needs to be wider to accommodate a secure grip. The thin handle doesn’t feel that secure in-hand, so I would be hesitant to use it for tactical tasks. While the slim handle minimizes weight and bulk, making the knife carry on a belt very easily, it’s just not geared toward a hard-use environment most tactical fixed blades must tackle.
The partially serrated 440A stainless steel blade of the Bear Edge Brisk 1.0 eats through tough and fibrous materials with ease.
As for the blade, it slices easily. The edge was extremely sharp out of the box and had the right amount of bite that I prefer, though it won’t last long due to its lower-end 440A stainless. It’s just not a steel known for edge holding. Conversely, it’s easy to sharpen in the field because it’s not wear resistant. Hence, if you prefer stainless blades for outdoor leisure activities and don’t want to fool with the extra care of carbon steel blades, consider the Brisk 1.0. The serrations are equally as sharp and eat through fibrous materials with ease. Those who love partially serrated blades will enjoy their versatility with cutting tasks. Plus, it saves you from carrying a separate serrated knife.
The knife includes a ballistic nylon belt sheath with button-snap closure. It’s a basic style sheath, nothing to get excited about. It just does the job.
The Benchmade Adamas is a stout, full-on, all-in tactical folder that oozes brawn and might in appearance and has the muscle to back it up. Knifemaker Shane Sibert designed the Adamas series and is known for heavy-duty tactical folders and fixed blades. The original comes in a larger size with a 3.7-inch blade, but customers started asking for a more pocket friendly, scaled-down version. Enter the Benchmade 273GY-1 Mini Adamas. With a blade of 3.25 inches and at 4.35 inches closed, the Mini Adamas is probably the toughest small folder you’ll ever meet.
The drop-point blade is CPM Cru-Wear tool steel to go the distance in edge holding and toughness—two important factors in tactical knives. The blade has a fuller milled in on both sides and sports dual conical-shaped thumb studs for easy one-hand opening. The tank-like handle comes in a choice of black or OD green G-10. The design incorporates three holes and milled grooves to enhance grip and aesthetics.
The Axis™ Lock provides the ultimate in blade lockup while being easy to disengage and close. Integral forward and rear lower guards prevent your hand from sliding off, and a deep-carry pocket clip positions the knife blade tip up. Additional screw holes permit relocating the clip to accommodate southpaws.
The Mini Adamas is a good chunk and larger and wider than other mini folders. Compared with its bigger brother, the 275 Adamas, it’s scaled down. Still, it carries better in the pocket and is easy to deploy. The Axis Lock has a longstanding reputation as one of the best locks on the market, and Benchmade has it dialed in with being ultra-solid yet easy to operate—even for novices. If you like the Adamas design but say the regular size is too big for EDC, the 273 is for you.
The Benchmade Mini Adamas is easy to control for finer cutting tasks like stripping wires. The edge geometry of the CPM Cru-Wear blade from the factory is spot on.
A common complaint about mini folders is when you reduce the size, it changes the in-hand dynamics from the original. Not so much here. There’s still plenty to hold onto! The same cutting power and durability is present, and the boxy handle shape is still comfortable in-hand, more so than you expect—which is a good thing. It is a good working folder and/or tailored for hiking, camping and other outdoor activities.
Cru-Wear goes the distance and is a perfect choice for such a knife. It isn’t stainless so you will have to take some care of it, even though it has a Cerakote coating. The tungsten gray Cerakote has some sparkle to it, is kind of reminiscent of Teflon-coated cookware, and goes well with the black G-10 handle. Don’t be fooled, this mini is definitely mighty.
Special Ops Specs Blade Length: 3.75″ Overall Length: 8.625″ Weight: 5.9 oz. Blade Steel: M390 Handle Material: Titanium MSRP: $500
Pros
Durable Blade Design
Smooth Flipper Action
Aesthetically Unique
Cons
Handle Could Be Better
I would have to put the CobraTec Special Ops in the large folder category. It’s built like a tank. The blade is stout, with a well-executed grind. It’s thick enough to have plenty of strength for hard use yet fine enough to create a keen cutting edge. It is definitely not a folding pry bar.
The knife has a blade thumb hole and a flipper for opening. The thumb hole is a little too close to the scale for me. Having the hole so close prevented me from opening the blade smoothly; I just couldn’t get a comfortable angle on it. On the other hand, the flipper is so smooth it’s like that first sip of a good coffee in the morning. I just love the fast, crisp action.
CobraTec takes advantage of the titanium handle by using a framelock system. As the blade opens, the locking bar slides over smooth and easy for a bank-vault action. The dimensions and finish are down pat on the framelock. Sometimes on framelocks you find the lock binds a bit. Not on the CobraTec—everything seems to flow on the knife’s action.
The flipper action on the Special Ops is smooth. “One of the reasons CobraTec has such a smooth action is they don’t skimp on the flipper,” the author noted. “You can easily get a purchase on it and it is large enough to follow through on the action.”
Handle fit is spot on. As for the texturing, it is a milled CNC design. I understand the urge to look different and have appealing aesthetics but the most important thing should be ergonomics. I am not saying the knife is painful to hold but it isn’t like a broken-in pair of house slippers, either. At this price range, grabbing the handle should give me shivers. If the handle ergonomics were as sweet as the action, I would be a new fan boy. The pocket clip is too tight. A large blade provides plenty of length for penetration. The knife is a solid build so there is no reason why you can’t expect faithful service from it for a lifetime.
I would call the Maserin 920/TP Tactical a small boot knife or even a modern dagger. It has a dagger blade profile with one side a combination serrated/razor and the other a false edge. Keep in mind dual-edged blades are illegal in some areas, so know your local laws before you decide to sharpen the second side.
The guard is integral to the handle. A mechanical system fastens the aluminum scales to the blade. The 920/TP is not a full-tang knife. Maserin screws the scales to a short tang and then uses spacers at the back, somewhat like a folder. A through-handle construction such as this does not lend the knife to extreme hard use. The 440C stainless blade steel is tolerant of close-to-the-body carry without getting rusty, and the heavy blade coating helps resist rust.
The construction of the 920/TP lacks a full tang and uses a through handle design like some folders. Observed the author, “I would not pick this design for tough use.”
A molded Kydex sheath accommodates MOLLE and horizontal or vertical belt carry. The sheath was so tight that I struggled to pull the knife out. I’m not a strongman competitor and I don’t want to have to work that hard. After repeated drawing, unsheathing the knife did become manageable. I would say the grip is good and serviceable. Overall, the knife is light and nimble but is not built to abuse. I think it would make a good 4:30 or vest carry.
Hogue Deka Manual
Positioned here at 10:30 to the pivot, an Ambidextrous Bar Lock Enhanced (ABLE) mechanism secures the Deka blade open. Simple to use and very convenient, the lock matches up well with the thumb stud blade opener.
According to Hogue, the Deka Manual is one of its more popular folders. It’s easy to see why, since without missing any points on style it maintains a straightforward user design. CNC-milled G-10 scales with a “V” design are basic in nature yet effective in helping gain a solid hold. An Ambidextrous Bar Lock Enhanced (ABLE) mechanism secures the blade open. Simple to use and very convenient, the lock matches up well with the thumb stud blade opener. You can pull back the lock and give the knife a decent flick to open it as well.
I would like to spend some time on the blade. Aesthetically, the wharncliffe pattern the company uses isn’t my cup of tea, though I must say the design has plenty of utility and for that reason alone has appeal. Hogue uses a compound angle grind. At the base, the edge starts out following one angle and then takes a crisp but slight upward angle. Wharncliffe tips give plenty of engagement to manipulate the point during cuts. Add the gimping on the thumb ramp and you can control the force you drive into the cut.
The Deka was razor sharp out of the box. A straight angle on the back of the blade allows you to put some power into a cut without the material trying to run along the blade.
The Deka has a deep carry, ambidextrous pocket clip that carries the knife tip up. I would like to see a sturdier clip but it does its job, and I had not experienced any issues with it as of press time. Sometimes the simple designs stand out most because they are solid users. I think the Hogue is a user-driven knife, unlike many knives that are popular for their Gucci factor. It comes in more colors than black but since there’s a black one it can be tactical.
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