Msg Kim Breed (ret.), Author at BLADE Magazine

Relentless Knives Curved Fillet Knife Review [Tested]

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December 23, 2024

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

More Outdoors Knife Reviews:

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

Buyer's Guides

Msg Kim Breed (ret.)

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November 26, 2024

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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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Iron Sapper Forge Carver Review
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Henckels Everpoint Review: More Knife Than Meets The Eye

Msg Kim Breed (ret.)

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September 27, 2024

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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

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Spartan Blades Poros Review [Tested]

Msg Kim Breed (ret.)

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September 2, 2024

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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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Iron Sapper Forge Carver Review: Small But Mighty

Msg Kim Breed (ret.)

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July 31, 2024

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Iron Sapper Forge Carver Review: Small But Mighty

Vincent Silva’s Carver packs healthy cutting power in a compact package.

After Vincent Silva retired from the military, he came across HealingFlamesForge.org, a Tennessee-based non-profit blacksmith shop for veterans. He took to the hammers and hot steel quickly, which progressed into making knives. Creating a functional tool from a piece of steel became his goal, and the Carver is one result. It begged to be tested and I was only too happy to oblige.

Carver Light-Duty Cutting

For the first edge test, the knife aggressively sliced into graphing paper even though the paper was slightly limp from the humidity. I applied smooth downward pressure and it cut cleanly. This is a well-balanced little blade.

Full-length push cuts went swiftly through the cardboard. The handle aided in blade control while keeping cuts as even as possible.

Single-walled cardboard supplied the next challenge. Full-length push cuts went quickly. It was hard to keep my fingers out of the cutting zone if I went too fast. The handle aided in control of the blade while keeping cuts as even as possible (in the cardboard, not my finger). I could hear a small crunch sound as the edge parted the material.

Carver Medium-Duty Cutting

Next up: 8-ounce leather. The Carver zipped through it swiftly. The blade’s edge geometry is spot on for working leather. I used a push cut while skiving the material.

The Carver cuts leather — The Carver zipped through 8-ounce leather very quickly. The blade’s edge geometry is spot on for working leather. The author used a push cut while skiving the material.

I like to be ahead of the game during camping weather, so a good supply of fire sticks is always a must. The Carver produced nice, feathered curlicues in some pine. The handle shape made it easy to control the depth of the feathering. All cuts came out smooth with just enough curl.

Carver Heavy-Duty Cutting

The Carver might be on the small side but it can handle such large jobs as splitting wood. Using a dead-blow hammer, I repeatedly pounded the blade through seasoned hackberry. A nice pile of kindling was the result. The handle was comfortable throughout and the blade was just big enough to beat on the tip to split the wood completely. There was no damage to the blued finish or the edge. Nicely done, Vincent.

It was time for my favorite cutting medium, natural rope—in this case, half-inch sisal on a cutting board. The Carver crunched its way to 192 cuts before the edge started to slide. The handle created no hot spots. The gimping was a tad sharp for my thumb but great for ferro-rod use. This is one cutting little knife!

The Iron Sapper Forge Carver splits wood — The knife is small but can handle such larger jobs as splitting wood. Using a dead-blow hammer, the author repeatedly pounded the blade through seasoned hackberry for a nice kindling pile.

It was back to the graphing paper for the final slice test. The blade still cut very well and lost only a bit of its aggressiveness.

To push things over the edge, I conducted a brass rod test to make sure the temper was done correctly. I could see the edge flex and return to true. Verdict: the heat treatment was spot on.

CHANGES
To mee, the edges could be softened a bit more, especially on the spine gimping. However, the Carver is a very well-made EDC sheath knife that performs at a higher level. It’s a sweet little blade.

Carver Specs
Maker: Vincent Silva of Iron Sapper Forge
Blade length: 3.5”
Blade material: 1095 carbon steel
Blade grind: Flat
Heat treatment: Differential
Handle: Pinecone resin by @sappercsmwife (Instagram)
Weight: 6.5 ozs.
Overall length: 75/8”
Sheath: Kydex or leather pouch
Maker’s list price: $250

Peltonen M07 Ranger Review: The Perfect Puukko?

Msg Kim Breed (ret.)

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July 10, 2024

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Peltonen M07 Ranger Review: The Perfect Puukko?

Peltonen M07 Ranger Puukko makes the author’s all-time-best test list.

When I received the M07 Ranger Puukko from Peltonen Knives, I was really surprised to find that the Finnish company was using my favorite carbon steel, 80CRV2, my go-to blade material for the knives I make. It has suburb edge retention and a toughness equal to 5160 carbon steel. The TPV handle is firm but provides a great non-slip grip. However, the knife still has to come together as a comfortable cutter. Let’s get to the fun stuff.

M07 Ranger Sharpness

As I do with my blades to check for sharpness, the hair on my arm has to pop off. The M07 did not disappoint. It was hair popping from the start. For those who prefer the paper-slice sharpness test, using the weight of the knife only, I found the M07 very aggressive slicing the medium. You could hear every slice. The handle gave me great control.

Medium-Duty Cutting Tests

M07 slices leather — The author really had to control the cut of the 8-ounce leather with just a quick touch; any pushing and the knife was clear through the material.

I grabbed some heavy double-walled cardboard and continued slicing. The M07 parted the material quickly with no snagging. I could feel it biting into the cardboard. I had to be careful not to nick my finger. The knife is that scary sharp.

When I started skiving 8-ounce leather, the M07 sliced all the way through as soon as I laid the edge on the medium. I really had to control the cut with just a quick touch; any pushing and the knife was clear through the leather.

M07 cutting rope — Seventy crunching cuts of the 1-inch manila rope and there was no sign of slowing down. The knife is perfectly formed for heavy cutting chores.

I had enough half-inch sisal rope for the M07 to crunch to 200 cuts with no problem. So, I grabbed my last piece of 1-inch manila rope. It was no challenge for the M07. Seventy crunching cuts later and there was no sign of slowing down. The knife is perfectly formed for heavy cutting chores.

Heavy-Duty Cutting Tests

It did not matter if it took a small bite or a deeper one, the M07 produced nice curlicues. I could hear the knife cut the wood. The soft handle made controlling the sharp blade easy. Again, the cutting was quite aggressive.

It was time to hack some seasoned hackberry. Using a dead blow hammer, I pounded the M07 through the log. The handle absorbed all the shock from the blows, making the baton job a comfortable experience. The blade bit deep with each blow. In less than 30 seconds I had the log quartered. There were wood smears on the blade and some of the coating at the top of the grind showed a little wear. The edge was still extremely sharp. Great job, Peltonen.

The M07 made short baton work of the hackberry log.

It was back to the paper slice for the final test. There were two snags due to catching my thumbnail with the edge. The knife zipped through the rest of it.

Final Cut

The only change I’d make is to bring the grind line up closer to the blade spine. Otherwise, the M07 has to be in the top 1 percent of the sharpest knives I’ve tested in the past 30 years, and also the most comfortable handle. You could use this knife all day long and not get a sore spot. And the heat treating is excellent.

Peltonen Knives M07 Specs
Blade length: 4.68”
Blade material: 80CrV2 carbon steel
Rockwell hardness: 59 HRC
Blade grind: Saber
Blade @ thickest: .167”
Blade pattern: Drop point
Blade finish: PTFE Teflon (uncoated and Cerakote® finish also available)
Handle: TPV plastic blend
Weight: 3.75 ozs.
Overall length: 9.56”
Sheath: Plastic composite w/EasyLock locking mechanism; ambidextrous; MOLLE/PALS-webbing compatible (leather and Kydex versions also available)
Sheath weight: 1.75 ozs. (plastic composite)
MSRP: $68.43 at press-time exchange rate

Bear Valley BV-Tac 8 Multitool: Multi-Purpose Whacker

Buyer's Guides

Msg Kim Breed (ret.)

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June 21, 2024

0

Bear Valley BV-Tac 8 Multitool: Multi-Purpose Whacker

The BV-Tac 8 is a versatile performer and does so comfortably.

The BV-Tac 8 “multitool” from Bear Valley Tactical is designed for firefighters, first responders, hunters, campers and other action seekers. It features plenty of uses for the average person that makes it a handy tool to have.

It features hydrant and spanner wrenches, hammer, axe blade, pry bar, 7/16- and 5/16-inch wrenches, gas turnoff, and 15 feet of paracord in the handle. The axe blade and hammer are very useful.

Bear Valley also offers attachments such as a shovel, pick with a hoe, bow saw and sand anchor (coming soon). The BV-Tac 8 is made in the USA.

Axe Test

To test the axe head, I split some pine. The multitool was very controllable. The weight was perfect to split the wood for kindling. The paracord handle prevented any shock to my hand. The only thing I worried about was the prybar when using the axe. I’m a right-hander and with the prybar angled toward the right, I had to be sure it did not hit my forearm.

I had a seasoned hackberry chunk I needed to split. The BV-Tac 8 was up to the task. It bit deep and within a few whacks the log was quartered. You can really get some power behind your chops with this puppy. Again, the paracord handle absorbed any shock to my arm.

Tool Test

The bolts fit tight into the prybar slots but you are limited by space around a bolt for use. There’s plenty of leverage if you can get to the bolt.

I found a few bolts that fit into the slot of the pry bar. They fit tight into the respective slots but you are limited by space around a bolt for use. The BV-Tac 8 has plenty of leverage if you can get to the bolt.

Grasping the hammer, I drove finishing and roofing nails into a 2×4. The hammer has great balance and hits where you aim. There is enough weight to drive the nails deeply on each blow. The handle is extremely comfortable and doesn’t roll during hammering. It is very well done.

I used the pry bar to pull the nails I had hammered into the 2×4. After prying them up about a quarter inch, I was able to slide the nail head into the prybar’s “V.” I lifted the nails out easily. This thing is—you guessed it—handy.

Hard-Use Test

The author used the hammer to drive finishing and roofing nails into a 2×4. There is enough weight to drive the nails deeply on each blow. The handle is extremely comfortable and doesn’t roll during hammering.

I had to push the limits of the hammer and axe. An old steel screen chair had one more use: whack attack! The hammer easily busted the screen out from the welded channel. Seven or eight hard blows and all I did was mark up the Cerakote® finish.

On to the axe head, same drill—seven or eight hard blows to the screen. Most of the blows penetrated around halfway through the screen. The edge maintained its sharpness but I sure can mess up a great Cerakote finish. It’s “seasoned” now.

Final Cut

I might add a tip guard for the prybar. The BV-Tac 8 is an extremely versatile tool to have in your vehicle or strapped to your rucksack.

BV-Tac 8 Specs
Edge Length: 4.75”
Head/Edge Material: S7 tool steel
Head Finish: Coyote brown Cerakote®
Handle: Paracord wrapped
Special Features: Several built-in tools (see copy)
Weight: 3 lbs.
Overall Length: 17”
Blade Cover: Synthetic
Country of Origin: USA
MSRP: $199.99

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Msg Kim Breed (ret.)

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

Relentless Knives Curved Fillet Knife Specs

Pros

Cons

Curved Fillet Knife Cutting Tests

Curved Fillet Knife Processing Game

Final Cut

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

Cold Steel Finn Bear Specs

Pros

Cons

Finn Bear Sharpness Test

Finn Bear Light-Duty Cutting

Finn Bear Heavy-Duty Cutting

Finn Bear Edge Retention Test

Final Cut

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

Henckels Everpoint Sharpness Test

Henckels Everpoint Food Prep

Henckels Everpoint Medium Duty Tests

Henckels Everpoint Heavy Duty Tests

Final Cut

Henckels Everpoint Deals

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The Poros takes a beating and keeps on cutting.

Poros Light Cutting Duties

Poros Medium Cutting Duties

Poros Heavy Cutting Duties

Final Cut

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Vincent Silva’s Carver packs healthy cutting power in a compact package.

Carver Light-Duty Cutting

Carver Medium-Duty Cutting

Carver Heavy-Duty Cutting

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Peltonen M07 Ranger Puukko makes the author’s all-time-best test list.

M07 Ranger Sharpness

Medium-Duty Cutting Tests

Heavy-Duty Cutting Tests

Final Cut

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The BV-Tac 8 is a versatile performer and does so comfortably.

Axe Test

Tool Test

Hard-Use Test

Final Cut

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