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Msg Kim Breed (ret.)

B. Goode H.U.T. 4 Review: All-Star Performance

Msg Kim Breed (ret.)
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B. Goode H.U.T. 4 Review: All-Star Performance

B. Goode H.U.T. 4 high steps its way through the author’s test drills

The H.U.T. 4 by Brian Goode of B. Goode Knives reminds me of my military days—it just needs the “2, 3” before the “4.” The acronym and number stand for Hunter, Utility, Trail, 4 inch. An all-around edged tool that can be used for multiple tasks, it’s the one knife you always grab for when cutting needs to be done. How well it cut I’ll let you know.

Light Duty Cutting

There was no difference between the first paper cut test and the last one. The H.U.T. 4 stayed sharp.
There was no difference between the first paper cut test and the last one. The H.U.T. 4 stayed sharp.

I began with a simple yet effective test—the paper slice. I grabbed the H.U.T. 4 with my thumb and index finger and slid the edge into the paper. It kept slicing for the entire blade length. I could hear each slice, so it’s very aggressive in the 20-pound bond paper. You really have to watch closely so you don’t skin a flap from your finger.

Single-walled cardboard was next. I used a push cut and the knife didn’t fail. I felt no resistance while cutting. The H.U.T. 4 zipped through quickly. The blade did get some wipe marks on the acid finish.

Medium Duty Cutting

The knife sliced the 8-ounce leather quite forcefully. Each time the edge hit leather, the author heard it slice.
The knife sliced the 8-ounce leather quite forcefully. Each time the edge hit leather, the author heard it slice.

Grabbing some scrap 8-ounce leather, I did some skiving and slicing. The knife sliced quite forcefully once more. Each time the edge hit the leather, you could hear it cut. This is a very cool test to do. Brian’s knife is light and fast, so you must be quick and get your fingers out of harm’s way.

Heavy Duty Cutting

The H.U.T. 4 was a whittling beast on a ¾-inch dowel rod, providing extremely smooth cuts with nice curlicues at the end. The handle is very comfortable with no hot spots. I went from fine cuts to deep cuts with a slight movement of my wrist. The knife is easy to control.

Using a chunk of wood railing as a baton, the author beat the H.U.T. 4 into another piece of railing. The wood split very fast and no shock carried up the author’s arm.
Using a chunk of wood railing as a baton, the author beat the H.U.T. 4 into another piece of railing. The wood split very fast and no shock carried up the author’s arm.

Even though the knife has only a 4-inch blade, it can handle larger trail chores like splitting wood. Using a chunk of wood railing as a baton, I beat the H.U.T. 4 into another piece of railing. The wood split very fast and no shock carried up my arm. I split both with the grain and across the grain with no difference. The edge was still perfect and I gave it some wood smears for character. It is a fun knife to use.

It was on to my favorite medium: sisal rope using push cuts. The H.U.T. 4 didn’t let me down. Two-hundred sweet crunching cuts happened very quickly. This is one smooth slicing, sharp knife. As fast as I could move the knife it was cutting. The handle is contoured for control and comfort.

In what could be construed as abuse, I gave the fixed blade 30 whacks into a deer antler. After scattering antler chips all over the workbench, the knife passed with flying colors—no damage and still very sharp. Excellent heat treat!

It was back to the 20-pound bond paper for the final cut. There was no difference between the first paper cut and the last one. The H.U.T. 4 stayed sharp.

Bottom Line

This is a great knife to have on you all the time—not too big, not too small and extremely sharp. Any changes? Maybe some thumb notches.

H.U.T. 4 Specs
Maker: Brian Goode, B. Goode Knives
Blade length: 4”
Blade material: 8670 carbon steel on the test knife; other steels available
Blade grind: Full flat
Blade @thickest: .125”
Blade finish: Acid dipped
Scales: Red and black canvas Micarta®
Handle pins: G-10
Weight: 4.5 ozs.
Overall length: 8.5”
Sheath: Leather pouch/belt model
Weight w/sheath: 6 ozs.
Maker’s price for a similar knife and sheath: $350

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Bradford USA Guardian Review: Cutting Performance At Hand

Msg Kim Breed (ret.)
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Bradford USA Guardian Review: Cutting Performance At Hand

Bradford Guardian 3.2 in MagnaCut is a rope-eating animal.

EDC fixed blades are very popular, small enough to avoid unwanted attention yet able to do most jobs. They often range from 2-to-4-inch blade lengths and 3-to-4-inch handles. Usually carried in a cross draw or pocket sheath, in a pinch they can be used for self-protection (if you have training).

In general, it is a very useful tool that is always on you. I carry one constantly. The Guardian 3.2 in CPM MagnaCut stainless blade steel from Bradford USA definitely fits the bill. As to how well it works, let’s see if it holds up to everyday carry uses.

Guardian Light-Duty Cutting

I started with a 20-pound bond paper slice to check the fresh edge. The Guardian 3.2 was scary sharp. I nicked my fingernail three times by being slow. The blade made smooth, forceful slices with very little pressure. I did all push cuts with nary a snag or rolling of the paper.

Very aggressive slicing into the 8-ounce leather resulted in nice crunching noises.
Very aggressive slicing into the 8-ounce leather resulted in nice crunching noises.

Single-walled cardboard was next on the menu. The results weren’t much different from the bond paper, though there was a slight drag when the thicker part of the blade encountered the cardboard. That didn’t stop the Guardian 3.2 from doing its job. It sliced the cardboard as fast as I could move my fingers out of the way.

Guardian Medium-Duty Cutting

It was time to skive 8-ounce leather. Very aggressive slicing into the leather resulted in nice crunching noises. The handle provided positive control of blade depth and angle during the skiving. I even did some end-grain slicing to keep the crunching going. This is a very sharp knife indeed.

The pouch sheath of 6-to-7-ounce leather holds the knife securely. (BLADE® staff image)
The pouch sheath of 6-to-7-ounce leather holds the knife securely. (BLADE® staff image)

Springtime means camping so I needed to whittle lots of fire sticks. Using leftover pine, I whittled a bunch of excellent curlicues. The Guardian cut very smoothly. The thumb notches on the spine aided in control of cutting depth. Deep cuts or fine cuts, it can do both.

I used the Guardian to baton cut and it split the pine nicely, providing a nice pile of kindling. The handle felt comfortable. There was just one small point by the lanyard hole that was sharp when I rotated my grip. The knife does excellent wood work.

Guardian Heavy-Duty Cutting

As expected, after 30 hard whacks, the MagnaCut blade had a couple of very small nicks along the edge. It would be no big deal to work out the nicks with a very fine diamond hone.

Using leftover pine, the author whittled a bunch of excellent curlicues. The Guardian cut quite smoothly.
Using leftover pine, the author whittled a bunch of excellent curlicues. The Guardian cut quite smoothly.

To show that the small nicks are not that big of a deal, I went back to the 20-pound bond paper slice. There was only one snag when I tried to start a cut on the edge nick. Otherwise, the edge sailed through the paper without tearing. I was impressed the edge didn’t have more issues.

Final Cut

The thumb notches on the spine aided in control of cutting depth. (BLADE® staff image)
The thumb notches on the spine aided in control of cutting depth. (BLADE® staff image)

Some softening at the back of the handle is in order. This knife is designed for slicing every day. The Guardian 3.2 is an impressive fixed-blade EDC.

Guardian 3.2 Specs
Company: Bradford USA
Blade length: 3 1/8”
Blade steel: CPM MagnaCut stainless
Rockwell hardness: 63-64 HRC
Blade finish: Stonewashed black
Blade grind: Saber
Blade pattern: Drop point
Scales: Jade-green G-10
Construction: Full tang
Weight: 4.5 ozs.
Overall length: 7 1/8”
Sheath: Pouch type in 6-to-7-oz. leather
Country of origin: USA
MSRP: $229

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Sharps Bros. Meanstreak Review: Keen, Mean Cutting Machine

Msg Kim Breed (ret.)
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Sharps Bros. Meanstreak Review: Keen, Mean Cutting Machine

A somewhat new player, Sharps Bros. makes the cut with the Meanstreak.

Relatively new to the knife arena, Sharps Bros. made its original mark in the gun world. The company team used their machining know-how to produce some well-built fixed blades and folders. The Meanstreak 3-inch Button Lock Folder is one of the latter.

The author said the machining of the Meanstreak’s titanium frame is “superb.”
The author said the machining of the Meanstreak’s titanium frame is “superb.”

It’s a button lock—to unlock the blade, simply depress the logo button on the bolster. The blade opens manually via a flipper. The machine work on the titanium frame is superb. Opening and closing the knife is smooth. Question is, does the blade cut?

Meanstreak Specs

Company: Sharps Bros.
Knife type: Flipper folder
Blade length: 3”
Blade steel: CPM S35VN stainless
Blade grind: Hollow
Blade finish: Non-glare
Pivot: Brass and ceramic bearing system
Lock: Button lock
Handle: Titanium and stainless
Pocket clip: Titanium, deep carry
Hardware: Torx
Weight: 5 ozs.
Closed length: 4.25”
MSRP: $200

Pros

  • Exceptional Blade Performance
  • Smooth Button Lock Mechanism
  • Superb Machining Quality

Cons

  • Potential Hot Spots

Light-Duty Cutting

I used the Meanstreak straight from the box to slice 20-pound bond paper. The knife did so smoothly and aggressively. I could hear every slice. The handle shape aided in positive control. (I had already nicked the meat of my thumb on the blade tip. Ouch.)

The edge withstood 30 antler whacks and then cut the paper smoothly to culminate testing. Spot-on heat treatment!
The edge withstood 30 antler whacks and then cut the paper smoothly to culminate testing. Spot-on heat treatment!

Single-walled cardboard was next on the test menu and the Meanstreak made short work of slicing it up. The relatively small blade cut straight with no hangups. From there it was time to slice leather scraps. I cut sideways into the 8-ounce leather and the CPM S35VN blade zipped through the medium as fast as I could move my fingers out of the way. The folder made some very nice crunching noises.

I wanted to hear more crunching, so I started skiving the leather. It was easy to control the Meanstreak, so I didn’t cut all the way through the material. This is a sharp little knife!

Heavy-Duty Cutting

Next up: whittling a fire stick. To get it to curl I used dry wood and shallow cuts. With my thumb on the spine notches, the curls started coming. Controlling depth was easy, though the inside of the frame was a little too sharp on my hand for the grip I was using. The Meanstreak made nice curlicues.

The Meanstreak made nice curlicues. However, the inside of the frame was a tad too sharp on the author’s hand for the the grip he used.
The Meanstreak made nice curlicues. However, the inside of the frame was a tad too sharp on the author’s hand for the the grip he used.

On to my favorite test medium: sisal rope. The Meanstreak produced 225 crunching cuts and was ready for more, but my arm was done. It was very forceful cutting. I wore a thin glove to protect my hand against hot spots as I used more pressure with the cuts. A fine emery board would take care of the unwanted sharp areas.

To check the edge for brittleness, I subjected it to several whacks on my trusty whitetail deer horn. After 30 hard whacks there was no edge damage. Heat treatment is spot on—excellent job! To prove it, I sliced up the other half of the 20-pound bond paper from the initial test. I could not tell the difference in blade performance between the first and last paper slices.

Final Cut


As for changes, soften the inside edges of the handle frame. (Editor’s note: The pivot could use better action as well as the blade is a bit sluggish when opened via the flipper.)

For a factory knife especially, fit and finish is impressive.
For a factory knife especially, fit and finish is impressive.

The Meanstreak is one sharp knife. Since there was no dulling of the blade it seemed like I didn’t cut anything with it at all. Plus, it’s made in the USA!

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Relentless Knives Curved Fillet Knife Review [Tested]

Msg Kim Breed (ret.)
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0
Relentless Knives Curved Fillet Knife Review [Tested]

A fillet knife that sharpens while you cut? That’s the bold promise Relentless Knives make with its Curved Fillet Knife.

In its pursuit of the elusive long-lasting edge, Relentless Knives called on titanium, carbide, crushed diamonds and nature. Using beaver teeth as a model, the company promotes blades that “sharpen as they cut.”

A “Power Strip” consisting of ultra-hard carbide and crushed diamonds is permanently bonded to one side of the titanium edge. The basic concept is that as you use the knife, the softer back side of the blade wears away, exposing more of the hard edge. The need for constant resharpening is eliminated, ergo Perpetual Edge Technology.

According to Relentless, you need not worry about your blade rusting or discoloring, even in saltwater, a dream for commercial operations or the fisherman who forgets to wipe his knife off after use. The base line is that the knife—in this case the Relentless 6-inch Fillet Fixed Blade—must cut. Let’s see if it does.

Relentless Knives Curved Fillet Knife Specs

A “Power Strip” consisting of ultra-hard carbide and crushed diamonds is permanently bonded to one side of the titanium edge. The basic concept is that as you use the knife, the softer back side of the blade wears away, exposing more of the hard edge.
A “Power Strip” consisting of ultra-hard carbide and crushed diamonds is permanently bonded to one side of the titanium edge. The basic concept is that as you use the knife, the softer back side of the blade wears away, exposing more of the hard edge.

Company: Relentless Knives
Blade length: 6”
Blade material: Grade 5 titanium
Power Strip: Carbide/crushed diamond
Blade grind: Flat
Blade flex: Medium to stiff
Handle material: True Grit glass-reinforced ABS
Weight: 6 ozs.
Overall length: 12”
Sheath: Leather w/snap strap
Country of origin: USA
MSRP: $150

Pros

  • Innovative Perpetual Edge Technology
  • Rust and Corrosion Resistance
  • Exceptional Cutting Performance

Cons

  • Initial Roughness
  • Expensive

Curved Fillet Knife Cutting Tests

The paper slice is a quick way to check any edge. The fillet knife sliced strips of 20-pound copy paper without pressure, and I could feel the Power Strip grab the paper. Sharp, coarse cuts, the slices were not difficult to control and the handle felt comfortable.

The fillet knife crunched forcefully to 200 cuts very quickly. The author stated it cut great but it was weird feeling the flex. It seemed to slice smoother toward the last 50 cuts.
The fillet knife crunched forcefully to 200 cuts very quickly. The author stated it cut great but it was weird feeling the flex. It seemed to slice smoother toward the last 50 cuts.

Single-walled cardboard was next. The first couple of slices were rough cuts, then it seemed to smooth out a bit making for faster slicing. The True Grit handle material really keeps the knife locked in your grip.

I started cutting scrap 8-ounce leather. At first the edge was still grippy while slicing, then seemed to find its groove and got smoother. The cutting action was very aggressive—I could hear every cut. Using the other end of the leather strip, I did some skiving. The slices were thin and I still heard every cut. Using a choke-up grip, control was very easy.

The knife produced nice curlicues. Note: use the edge close to the guard for stability. The Power Strip wanted to dig deeper into the scrap pine, so the author had to control cutting depth.
The knife produced nice curlicues. Note: use the edge close to the guard for stability. The Power Strip wanted to dig deeper into the scrap pine, so the author had to control cutting depth.

It was scrap-pine whittling time. The knife produced some nice curlicues. Note: use the edge close to the guard for stability. The Power Strip wanted to dig deeper into the wood, so I had to control cutting depth. It’s fun to try but watch out for your fingers!

It was on to half-inch sisal rope. The fillet knife crunched aggressively to 200 cuts very quickly. The challenge on my part was to watch for the blade flexing. It cut great but it was weird feeling the flex. It seemed to slice smoother toward the last 50 cuts. I was probably knocking the newness off the Power Strip.

Curved Fillet Knife Processing Game

Hunting season was in full swing where I live at press time, and I like cooking fresh venison backstrap. The fillet knife zipped through the meat quite smoothly and cleanly. With the temperature at 22°F, the handle stayed tight in my cold hand.

The knife zipped through the venison quite smoothly and cleanly. With the temperature at 22°F, the handle stayed tight in the author’s cold hand.
The knife zipped through the venison quite smoothly and cleanly. With the temperature at 22°F, the handle stayed tight in the author’s cold hand.

I found some whole tilapia to fillet. After thawing, it was ready for action. The knife excelled at preparing the fish. It glided along the bones in short order. Dang, I needed this blade when I was younger working for a commercial fish house in Wisconsin! I went back in to thaw out my fingers and fry some fish.

The final test was back to slicing the copy paper. What a difference from the first test. The edge was smooth slicing and a lot cleaner in the cuts. The more you use the knife the better it gets. Perpetual Edge all the way!

Final Cut

I’m impressed with the Relentless blade’s ability to stay sharp by itself. It’s very well suited for saltwater and freshwater use. Hats off to the Relentless crew. I would have to do a lot more testing to come up with any changes. I’m waiting for a Relentless hunting-style knife to come out soon. Stay tuned to the Relentless website (see below) for more details.

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Cold Steel Finn Bear Review: Light, Sharp And Up To Snuff

Msg Kim Breed (ret.)
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Cold Steel Finn Bear Review: Light, Sharp And Up To Snuff

A very simple and practical design, Cold Steel’s Laplander-inspired knife cuts through chores.

It’s nice to see a lightweight knife that can fill a multiple range of uses. While attending Norway’s ski school, I was introduced to the Laplander style of knife.

Very light and super sharp, it is used for most every cutting chore. The Cold Steel Finn Bear reminds me of such knives. And don’t let the thin blade fool you, it’s a sturdy cutting instrument.

Cold Steel Finn Bear Specs

Blade length: 4”
Blade steel: 4116 stainless sub-zeroed
Rockwell hardness: 56-57 HRC
Blade grind: Hollow
Blade @thickest: .098”
Handle material: Textured polypropylene modified diamond
Weight: 2.8 ozs.
Overall length: 8.5”
Sheath: Polymer; pouch type w/clip
Country Of Origin: Taiwan
MSRP: $20.99

Pros

  • Superb Sharpness
  • Lightweight
  • Edge Retention
  • Versatile

Cons

  • Thin Blade
  • Handle Shape May Not Suit All Users

Finn Bear Sharpness Test

Finn Bear Cuts Paper
The author checked the new edge for sharpness on the copy paper and the blade sliced quickly and smoothly.

Slicing 20-pound bond paper checked the new edge for sharpness. It sliced quickly and smoothly. I had to move my fingers quickly so I didn’t nick myself. It was a great factory edge to start off with.

Finn Bear Light-Duty Cutting

Double-walled cardboard was next on the docket. Again, the Finn Bear was very smooth in its slices. It worked faster with a push cut rather than a pull cut. The knife made full-blade-length slices. The edge was very aggressive. The tear-drop handle shape designed by Tapio Wirkkala provided great control.

I fetched a piece of scrap 8-ounce leather to slice next. The material offered no resistance to the super-sharp blade. I could hear the edge biting into the leather. It was hard to control the depth of cutting as the blade zipped straight to the bottom of the medium.

Finn Bear Cuts Rope
The Finn Bear quickly made 200 cuts in the half-inch sisal rope and was ready for more.

Using the other side of the leather strip, I did some skiving. The blade was very aggressive and cut as fast as I could move my fingers out of the way. It rendered smooth slices in the animal skin with hardly any pressure. I could hear the leather crunching sound with each pass. The tear-drop handle was very controllable.

Finn Bear Heavy-Duty Cutting

It was time to whittle a firestick from pine/fir wood. The Finn Bear produced the best curlicues I’ve seen in a long time—smooth wood cuts with multiple curls on each whittle. Performance at the task was excellent.

Next up: baton the knife into a 2×3. The thin blade split the wood in no time with no edge damage. Gripping the handle tighter to control the knife made the bottom of the tear drop seem too pointy for the shape of my hand—not uncomfortable, just harder to grip.

Finn Bear Cuts Wood
The Finn Bear produced the best curlicues the author’s seen in a long time—smooth wood cuts with multiple curls on each whittle.

It was on to the half-inch sisal rope. The Finn Bear quickly crunched to 200 cuts and was ready for more. I had to change my grip to more of a sidewinder style. I couldn’t place my thumb on the spine because of the blade’s thinness. No matter how I held the knife, it cut the rope. The knife is very sharp indeed.

Finn Bear Edge Retention Test

For the final test, it was back to the 20-pound bond paper. The Finn Bear sliced the medium just as quickly as the first time. I did have two tears in the paper but that was due to it being soggy. It rained the whole time I was testing.

Final Cut

Finn Bear Sheath
A sturdy integral clip attaches the synthetic pouch sheath to a vest, pack, etc.

I would make the bottom of the handle a tad wider for a better grip. The Finn Bear is a “should have” knife. It’s lightweight and cuts like the wind. It’s perfect for everything from camp chores up to chopping.

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Henckels Everpoint Review: More Knife Than Meets The Eye

Msg Kim Breed (ret.)
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0
Henckels Everpoint Review: More Knife Than Meets The Eye

See how an over-the-counter Henckels survives the Breed test.

This time I decided to hit the local retail store trail for a knife just about anyone can buy anytime. Nothing tweaked my fancy till I hit a major chain store. There I found an inexpensive Henckels Everpoint 8-inch chef’s knife. Well, let’s just say I’m impressed with the quality of the Henckels. Read on and see why.

Henckels Everpoint Sharpness Test

Henckels Everpoint stays sharp
The knife had to slice paper once more to see if the horn whacks did any harm the author could not feel. It was still slicing and dicing like in the beginning.

First was the 20-pound-bond-copy-paper slice. The knife was very sharp and aggressive slicing the paper. I had to take care not to skin parts of my finger off. As fast as I could move, I could slice the paper. The knife was off to a great start.

Henckels Everpoint Food Prep

Everpoint slicing tomatoes
The knife sliced the tomatoes fast without mushing them and produced very thin slices.

Now to use the Everpoint for its intended purpose: food preparation. I picked some cherry tomatoes and the last yellow squash from the garden. The knife sliced the tomatoes fast without mushing them. I could get very thin slices. The same went for the yellow squash. The knife was light in hand and well balanced.

Henckels Everpoint Medium Duty Tests

Henckels Everpoint cuts rope.
The Henckels surprised the author by making 200 crunching cuts in the sisal rope, and the knife was ready for more.

The rest of the test was to see how far the knife would go before the edge failed. Getting my technique down with some single-walled cardboard, the chef’s knife sailed through it aggressively with no problems. Very nice!

Next was some whittling on pine. The Henckels gave me some very smooth curlicues. I was surprised at how controllable the knife was, from very fine shavings to deep bites with heavy pieces. It’s a lot different whittling with an 8-inch chef’s knife but it came through with flying colors.

Skiving 8-ounce leather was next. The knife crunched aggressively with every cut, rendering very thin slices and one close call on my finger. The leather was no challenge at all. It was still fun to do quickly and I didn’t need to apply much pressure.

Henckels Everpoint Heavy Duty Tests

Henckels chops wood
The Everpoint chopped the 2×4 very well. The balanced blade and comfortable handle made it a pleasure to use. The author whacked the wood “pretty hard” but could see or feel no damage to the edge.

It was time to move into the big leagues by chopping into part of a 2×4. The Everpoint chopped very well. The balanced blade and comfortable handle made it a pleasure. I was whacking pretty hard into the wood but I could see or feel no damage to the edge.

All knives have to cut sisal rope. No exceptions. The Henckels surprised me by going for 200 crunching cuts and was ready for more. The plastic scales were extremely comfortable. The knife floated in my hand on every cut. Heat treatment grade: excellent.

I returned to the paper slice to see if the edge had slowed down any. Nope, it sliced just as fast as before. This chef’s knife cuts!

All right, with such a thin blade I figured an antler chop should knock the edge down a bit. Dang, it proved me wrong. Thirty hard whacks into the whitetail horn and there was no edge damage whatsoever. I’m impressed. The knife had to slice paper once more to see if the horn did some harm I could not feel. It was still slicing and dicing like in the beginning. Outstanding!

Final Cut

This chef’s knife really impressed me—low price with top end performance.

Everpoint 8” Specs
Blade Length: 8”
Blade Steel: Stainless
Blade Grind: Flat
Blade @Thickest: .09”
Blade Width: 1.75”
Blade Finish: Satin
Handle: Black plastic
Rivets: Stainless
Construction: Full tang
Weight: 7 ozs.
Overall Length: 13.25”
Country of Origin: India
MSRP: $14.88

Henckels Everpoint Deals

Amazon$25
Wal-Mark$15Check Price
Zwilling$69Check Price

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Spartan Blades Poros Review [Tested]

Msg Kim Breed (ret.)
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0
Spartan Blades Poros Review [Tested]

The Poros takes a beating and keeps on cutting.

The Poros by Spartan Blades is a great feeling folder. The flipper design is spot-on for hand placement.

Company co-founders Curtis Iovito and Mark Carey are excellent to work with and built Spartan from scratch. Both are retired from Special Forces and have a lot of pride in workmanship. The Poros is their field-grade-version linerlock. It might not have the fancy material and looks but the performance is top shelf.

Poros Light Cutting Duties

Initial slicing of 20-pound copy paper was excellent. The Poros was very smooth and aggressive. The blade shape really helped slicing paper, especially when I employed a roll cut. The flat-ground blade sliced straight with no curling of the paper.

Poros Cutting Leather
The 154CM stainless steel blade was exceptionally aggressive in the 8-ounce leather slice.

The Poros easily devoured single-walled cardboard. As with the copy paper, the blade sliced it both forcefully and effortlessly, resulting in nice, straight cuts. The slices were extremely quick with no resistance felt.

The folder was quite aggressive again in the 8-ounce leather slice. It was very easy to control the thickness of the skiving—I just needed to move my fingers faster. I had two fingernail nicks after the skiving. The edge remained sharp.

Poros Medium Cutting Duties

It was time to do a fire stick. The flat grind produced excellent curlicues. It sliced the wood incredibly fast and I had to slow down for more control to keep the curlicues on the stick. The handle was comfortable while making the deeper cuts. It was awfully simple to whittle with the knife.

Spartan Blades Poros cutting curlicues
The flat grind produced excellent curlicues. It sliced the wood awfully fast and the author had to slow down for more control to keep the curlicues on the stick.

For the next exercise I used 1-inch manila rope. The Poros crunched to 197 cuts before I ran out of rope. The edge was still good. The handle was very comfortable during heavy use. There were no issues with the blade lock. Nicely done, Spartan.

Poros Heavy Cutting Duties

I split kindling into smaller pieces to check lockup by doing baton work. There continued to be no issues with lockup or edge retention. The knife can handle a beating for sure. It’s not that I recommend baton work with a folder but if you have to it can be done with the Poros.

Poros splitting wood
The author split kindling into smaller pieces to check lockup via some baton work. There were no issues with lockup or edge retention.

To push the knife a bit further, I grabbed my trusty whitetail deer antler. After 30 hard whacks on it, the edge was still sharp with no rolling or chips, indicating spot-on heat treatment.

The last test was back to the copy paper slice. The Poros continued cutting smoothly and my arm was tired. Outstanding job, guys!

Final Cut

The Poros folder is worthy of riding in anyone’s pocket. It’s well designed, sharp and easy on—and comfortable in—the hand. I really don’t know what I’d change on this one, though I would love to see an A-2 tool steel version.

Poros Specs
Maker: Spartan Blades
Knife type: Flipper folder
Blade length: 3 7/8”
Blade steel: 154CM stainless
Rockwell hardness: 58-60 HRC
Blade finish: Black PVD
Handle: Carbon-fiber-patterned G-10
Lock: Linerlock
Closed length: 5 1/8”
Country of origin: USA
MSRP: $190

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