Automatic Knives Archives

Military Knives: Veteran-Designed & Military-Inspired Steel

Dexter Ewing

-

July 23, 2026

Military Knives: Veteran-Designed & Military-Inspired Steel

These veteran-designed or manufactured knives are ready to serve.

A rare combination, military knives aren’t simply utilitarian tools; they stir something deep inside of us. Whether an inborn call of duty or a profound respect for those who served, edged implements meant for battle call to knife aficionados with a patriotic streak. Which, simply put, makes them wildly hot in the eyes of manufacturers and collectors alike.

Not all military knives are issued. Some of the most storied were picked up as “just in case” purchases at post PXs or sporting goods stores throughout the years. This doesn’t make them any less ready to serve. And, today, there are a slew of options engineered or built by veterans, meant for action—in the field of battle and for everyday protection and chores—and more than able to cut muster.

Winkler Knives Operator

Originally founded to produce specialized breaching tools at the request of the SOF community, Winkler Knives of Blowing Rock, North Carolina, is certainly no stranger to tactical knives. Their Operator series offers a unique design that is a crossover of sorts. Yes, it was designed as a tactical knife, yet has proven popular as both a camp, general outdoor and hunting knife.

Designed by former Navy SEAL Kevin Holland, the Operator features a 4⅛-inch-long clip-point blade made of 80CrV2 tool steel and given a black oxide coating for rust protection. This steel is an excellent choice for a multi-use knife as it is resistant to impact and holds an edge reasonably well. When it’s time to resharpen, most are pleasantly surprised by how quickly the edge comes back with basic manual sharpening equipment. Given that the blade tapers to a sharp point, it excels as both a weapon and a tool. It has excellent penetration qualities and the thick stock, combined with a flat grind, allows the blade to slice with little resistance.

The Operator’s handle is very well designed, facilitating an excellent grip—a rarity on many compact fixed blades. A subtle finger groove helps index your grip and a flare at the butt and slight downward turn secures the hand from sliding backwards. All the edges on the grip are rounded for maximum comfort and the Operator certainly feels good in hand. I evaluated the antique maple-finished handle for this review. Other materials are available, including Micarta. As to the wood version, it feels warm in the hand, secure and the grain gives a nod to being like a fine furniture.

The Winkler Knives Operator isn't afraid to tackle delicate cutting tasks. It easily sliced Styrofoam packing peanuts, a testament to how well the blade is engineered with its distal taper spine, full height flat grind and razor-sharp factory edge. — The Winkler Knives Operator isn’t afraid to tackle delicate cutting tasks. It easily sliced Styrofoam packing peanuts, a testament to how well the blade is engineered with its distal taper spine, full height flat grind and razor-sharp factory edge.

Standard with the Operator is a formed leather sheath, designed and made by DeSantis Gunhide, specially for Winkler Knives. It has a set screw to control the tension on the knife so you can customize the retention—a nice touch, not often offered. As for carry, there is a fold-over metal belt loop affixed with two screws, facilitating traditional outside-the-waistband and pocket carry. The latter leaves the handle sticking out for quick access.

Overall, I love how the handle feels in-hand with the contouring of the facets making it lie in your grip as if it were made for it. I found the Operator’s slender yet robust build allows it to tackle heavy cutting chores without the unnecessary bulk. It also carries well in the pocket or on the belt.

Operator Specs
Blade Length: 4.125″
Overall Length: 9″
Blade Steel: 80CrV2
Blade Profile: Drop Point
Handle: Maple
Sheath: Leather-Covered Kydex
MSRP: $350
Country of Origin: U.S.A.

Stroup Knives HM1

The HM1 from Stroup Knives showcases a prominent clip point blade and a sweeping cutting edge. Both help it excel in either defensive or conventional chores. As a bonus, the tip of the blade is so acute it tackles precise cutting chores with ease.

Based in Fayetteville, North Carolina, Stroup Knives specializes in tactical and utility fixed blades. Company founder Chris Stroup is an Army veteran with 11 years of service to our country. His final assignment was with a special missions unit based out of Fort Bragg. Medically discharged in 2020, Stroup Knives was born, and in 2022, Stroup made the decision to go full-time into knifemaking.

Stroup Knives’ latest knife, the HM1, represents a multi-use fixed blade for utility, tactical and outdoor use. The design’s focus is on retention, control and high utility. The blade of the HM1 is 4 inches in length and made of 1095 carbon steel with a black stonewashed finish. The clip-point shape gives the blade its distinct bowie-like profile. Honestly, the tip on this one is flat-out wicked! It’s pointy and will penetrate softer materials easily.

The knife sports a distinct machined texturing, making it easily recognizable as a Stroup; a lot of the company’s knives have this distinguishing pattern. Proportional to the blade, the handle also measures 4 inches and has several features making the HM1 noteworthy. Most prominent is the finger ring. The ring provides a measure of security and retention by allowing you to lock your grip in place through it with your pinky finger. Further, the feature makes dropping the knife, even by accident, difficult.

Stroup uses G-10 for the handle, and it sports a 3D-sculpted pattern to aid hand traction. Each HM1 comes with a fold-over Kydex sheath with Teklok attachment. The setup is Spartan, but hey, this style of sheath is widely used in the industry and it always works well. It locks the knife in place and there isn’t any rattling. The belt attachment is solid and is easy to put on and take off without removing your belt.

Made from 1095 carbon steel, the HM1’s blade is simple to maintain and take a wicked edge. Double-walled cardboard melted like butter under the knife’s edge.

The HM1 can function as both a backup weapon and a utility tool. The blade profile is not only excellent at puncturing, but also is fine enough at the tip for precise cutting or scoring tasks. The knife’s 1095 carbon steel is widely praised—it sharpens quickly and it is less expensive than all of the high-performance CPM stainless steels.

I appreciate the dual role the HM1 plays. The knife seems well thought out as an edged weapon and an EDC tool. The HM1 is available in two black acid wash blade finishes (one with black G-10 handles, the other with OD green G-10 handles) and two Cerakote blades (FDE and OD green G-10 and black with black G-10 handles).

HM1 Specs
Blade Length: 3.75″
Overall Length: 8″
Blade Steel: 1095
Blade Profile: Clip Point
Handle: G10
Sheath: Kydex
MSRP: $270
Country of Origin: U.S.A.

Spartan Blades Spartan Harsey Dagger

The Spartan Harsey Dagger’s handle has a lot going on with a distinctive oval profile that lies in the palm naturally and makes the edge easy to index—even in low-light environments.

Spartan Blades, founded by retired Green Berets Curtis Iovito and Mark Carey, has earned a strong reputation for high-end factory-made tactical fixed blades. Several of those knives were designed in collaboration with Bill Harsey, a well-known knifemaker who specializes in custom tactical fixed blades that are on the next level. Harsey’s impressive background includes knife work for the late legendary Col. Rex Applegate, prototyping the Applegate-Fairbairn fighting knife.

The Spartan Harsey Dagger takes what Harsey learned from working with Col. Applegate and applies it to modern-day production tactical fixed blades. It is a modernized version of the Fairbairn-Sykes, if you will. It has an upgraded handle design, upgraded materials and a beefier build overall, yet still retains the design hallmarks of the legendary F-S.

The dagger has a 6-inch-long double-edge blade, hollow ground from premium CPM MagnaCut steel. A black DLC coating is applied for low reflectivity, as well as boosting the corrosion-resistant properties of MagnaCut. The knife also has some notable features like a long, tapered flat section in the middle of the blade for lateral strength and the hollow ground bevels, thinning the edge for a sharper blade.

The handle is where the magic begins and what sets the Spartan Harsey Dagger apart from the rest. The finger recesses behind the guard help to index your grip and lock it in your hand. The recesses have traction notches in them, not only for a non-slip grip but also for tactile cutting edge orientation. The way the handle flares out toward the butt of the handle catches your pinky to prevent rearward sliding and aids in references a clean grip to clear the blade from its sheath. The Spartan Harsey Dagger has a hidden tang design with the Micarta scales fully encapsulating it. There is a bit exposed at the very end of the handle for use as a non-lethal striker. The double hand guard is angled away from the user a bit to provide a comfortable thumb rest.

The Spartan dagger is made from thicker stock, even so, the hollow-ground bevels and a needle point, the knife punches cleanly and quickly.

Each Spartan Harsey Dagger comes with a Kydex carry sheath with MOLLE-compatible straps. The sheath locks on the double guard and provides a very secure fit with zero rattle or any other movement.

Keep in mind a knife like the Harsey Dagger is not a box cutter or a utility knife. If you need a working knife, look elsewhere. It is likely best served, away from the military, as a backup weapon to a firearm. The blade is engineered to penetrate and it’s frightening how adept it is at its job.

One thing most folks agree upon, the Harsey oozes sexiness, with its curvaceous handle and no-nonsense blade. It is a looker for sure, but it can also perform when called upon. The Spartan Harsey Dagger comes in two colors—the black blade and black Micarta handle, as evaluated here, along with an FDE blade and black Micarta handle.

Spartan Harsey Dagger Specs
Blade Length: 6″
Overall Length: 10.75″
Blade Steel: CPM MagnaCut
Blade Profile: Dagger
Handle: Canvas Micarta
Sheath: Lined Nylon MOLLE
MSRP: $475
Country of Origin: U.S.A.

CRKT Xolotl Automatic

The points at the ends of the CRKT Xolotl OTF handle not only add visual style but also allow the knife to be used as a non-lethal defense striking tool when the blade is retracted into the handle.

The Xolotl (Show-low-tol) Automatic is CRKT’s second OTF auto in the company’s lineup. The double-action was designed by Michael Rodriguez, a former Green Beret and veteran. It is named for the Aztec god of lightning and fire.

The overall look of the Xolotl Automatic is symmetrical in both handle and blade shape. In turn, it is very pleasing to the eye. The blade is 3.5 inches and is a true dagger, sharpened on both sides. CRKT’s steel of choice is CPM MagnaCut—pretty much the perfect high-end blade material, if there ever was one.

The handle is machined from T6 6061 aluminum alloy, and its thickness is kept to a minimum so that the Xolotl carries well in the pocket. It also features circular machined grooves for enhanced grip retention. Interestingly, there are 21 grooves, one for each year of Rodriguez’s service. The handle ends up tapering to stylized points of sorts, adding intrigue to the overall look by possibly providing a non-lethal method of striking defense. A deep carry pocket clip rounds out the entire package, allowing the Xolotl to ride undercover. A sliding switch on the handle spine controls the blade’s movement, which is very swift and secure.

The thinner blade stock on the CRKT Xolotl OTF allows for great penetration. Additionally, its MagnaCut steel holds an edge like nobody’s business and is highly corrosion resistant.

Dagger blade OTF’s are very cool-looking, and they are fun to own. But they are limited in providing a full functional cutting tool. By this, I mean that given the material removed to form a dagger profile, it is more susceptible to damage by torque. Further, dual edges mean you can’t use a digit to exert more latitudinal force in a cut or more control. Yet, the dagger does have the advantage of two cutting edges, so if you damage one, you have the other.

All this being said, the Xolotl is a capable cutter, opening mail, packages, cutting up cardboard boxes and anything else that you need to slice. I would not subject the knife to hard use of any kind, given its thinner blade.

Xolotl Specs
Blade Length: 3.5″
Overall Length: 8.88″
Blade Steel: CPM MagnaCut
Blade Profile: Spear
Handle: Aluminum
Country of Origin: U.S.A.

Military Knives:

What U.S. Military Members Look for in a Knife
Combat Legacy: Modern Military Knives
Military Knives: Soldiers’ EDC From The Past 50 Years
U.S. Made Military Knives And Makers

First Look: Work Sharp RMX–Folder/Auto

Elwood Shelton

-

May 19, 2025

0

With its first foray into knifemaking, Work Sharp cooks up a doozie–a knife that’s both a folder and an automatic.

Work Sharp has five decades of experience keeping the knife world as sharp as ever. At that time, the tool and knife sharpening implements company had never dipped its toe into knifemaking—until now.

At the 2025 BLADE Show, the Ashland, Ore., company will debut its first foray into edged tools with the introduction of the RMX EDC-style knife. And while the pocket partner might seem like just another folder at first blush, the knife’s internals make it an innovative addition to nearly anyone’s collection. Work Sharp isn’t lying when it says the RMX is “Your knife. Your Way.”

Manual Or Auto

The groundbreaking aspect of the RMX (Replaceable Mechanism Exchange) is that the knife is both an auto and a manual action. And no, it’s not just manual by muscling open an auto or flicking open a manual.

As its name suggests, the RMX utilizes what Work Sharp claims is the first-ever interchangeable pivot cartridge. Essentially, the knife comes with two pivots—one ball bearing (manual) and one spring-loaded (auto). Simply switch one out for the other via a 2mm hex head.

Furthermore, internally, the tension is adjustable thus, the deployment of the blade in both manual and auto configurations is tunable. It’s a slick system, not only because of the implications of having two knives in one, but also legally.

Theoretically, the RMX should make shipping the sometimes automatic knife all the simpler, while also giving users more control over exactly what they’re carrying. Not to mention, it’s a plain and simple concept.

As for deployment, a push-button near the pivot kicks the blade out as an auto and acts as the release as well.

RMX Blades

The Work Sharp RMX comes in two blade styles and three sizes. The one I’ve seen making the most headlines is the full-sized 3.2-inch Reverse Tanto profile—a wicked-looking blade with an ultra-thin edge and excellent slicing properties. The company is also offering a drop-point profile in two sizes, 3.2 inches and a compact 2.4-inch option. Both come with a saber grind.

As for blade material, Work Sharp utilized Crucible Industries’ CPM 3V steel. This is a solid choice, given the metal is known for its toughness, high wear resistance and ability to hold a very fine edge.

RMX Handle

Interestingly, especially for a knife with auto guts, the RMX is feather light, thanks mainly to its handle. Work Sharp opted for magnesium, keeping the knife between 2.24 ounces and 2.7 ounces, depending on its configuration. Additionally, the material imparts a good deal of stiffness to the knives and, with a gray Cerakote treatment, proves plenty durable, not to mention eye-catching.

Complete Package

Even for the sheer novelty, the Work Sharp RMX is an intriguing system made even more so due to an affordable price. The RMX compact has an MSRP of $130 and the full-sized version an MSRP of $140, making the line competitive in both the folder and auto markets—very competitive. Overall, the offering makes one wonder why it took Work Sharp so long to take a stab at knife manufacturing.

More Pocketknife Info:

5 Pocketknife Breakthroughs That Changed The Class Of Knife
What Makes A Great Pocketknife? The Pros Weigh In
What Makes The Perfect Pocketknife?
How To Close A Pocketknife

Tactical And Switchblade Combs That Keep You Looking Cool

Mike Ableson

-

November 5, 2022

0

A Switchblade Comb Is A Fun Take On The Knife Design. Unlike The Knife, The Switchblade Comb Can Be Taken On A Plane.

The switchblade looks cool. The blade firing out at speed and satisfyingly clicking into place is one of the great joys of the knife world. However, many legal codes of countries around the world don’t look fondly on the fast-moving blade. But that cool factor has endured and can be seen in switchblade combs. And they have the added benefit of being far, far cheaper than even the lowest-quality stiletto.

Switchblade combs?

Yes. It’s a comb that deploys like a switchblade. Maybe you’re looking for a comb with a burst of excitement, or a comb that isn’t made of cheap, flimsy plastic. Or maybe you’re a Jet or a Shark that needs to look good for their next rumble.

No matter what the reason, the switchblade comb is a fun little tool to have. This knife… I mean comb shows what the switchblade comb is all about.

Etrading Italian-Style Automatic Comb

This comb is a perfect example of what a switchblade comb can be. The handle is made from pearl-toned polymer, and the blade is made from 440 stainless steel that’s built to last. At nine inches in length, with a five-inch handle, the comb sits well in the hand and feels good to use.

The stainless bolsters help take the look to the next level, and it all comes together thanks to the push-button deployment that sends the comb out in a blink. Additionally, there is a trigger lock-out that prevents the comb from opening in your pocket or bag.

This is a fun piece that you can show off to friends and keep your hair well-coiffed too.

MSRP: $10.50

Tops Knives Tac-Rake

For something a bit more robust there is the Tac-Rake from TOPS Knives. This beard comb is of the fixed-blade variety (yes, not a switchblade but it’s so good) that’s made from black traction-coated steel meted to a tan canvas micarta handle.

It’s only 5.88 inches in total length so it’s probably not the best comb for a full head of hair, but it is specially made for a beard and will keep your facial hair looking clean and sharp. The fact that you’ll feel like a champ while using it is just an added bonus.

The included leather sheath makes traveling with the comb easy and stress-free.

MSRP: $105

Microtech UTX-85

This OTF comb is the Cadillac of combs. The blade is stainless, and the handle is anodized aluminum. It’s luxurious to use, and the dual-action mechanism deploys and retracts the knife in the blink of an eye.

The teeth are nice and fine so it’ll brush your hair and your beard with ease. Adding to the tactical nature of the comb, the glass breaker at the butt of the piece is a handy tool to have on your person. And, since this isn’t a proper sharpened knife, you can take this with you wherever you go from a baseball game to a restaurant and even on a plane.

MSRP: $340

BeardAir Tactical Beard Comb

For a tactical combing experience, there is this sleek comb from BeardAir. With a blade made from 17-4PH steel, and a handle made from aviation aluminum. It’s light and strong, and the automatic open/close function deploys the comb with speed and style.

Unlike the other combs on this list, the Tactical Beard Comb comes in all sorts of different colors so you can find the one that fits your aesthetic the best whether it’s a more traditional black knife with red accents or something more wild like the olive green and pink one above.

MSRP: $59.99

Read More

The Sharp And Controversial Stiletto Switchblade.

Virginia Lifts Ban on Concealed Carry Switchblades: What You Need to Know

Automatic Knives

Elwood Shelton

-

March 29, 2023

0

Virginia Lifts Ban on Concealed Carry Switchblades: What You Need to Know

Repealing the prohibition on concealed carry switchblades marks the second major knife rights win in Virginia in as many years.

Chalk up another win for knife and Second Amendment rights in Old Dominion. On the heels of last year’s repeal of Virginia’s ban on switchblades or automatic knives, the state has now removed them from the list of weapons that cannot be carried concealed.

Cavaliers shouldn’t go throwing their OTF blades into their hip pockets just yet. While Governor Glen Youngkin (R) may have inked the repeal (HB 2298) on March 27, the law doesn’t go into effect until July 1. Until then, the knives remain illegal to carry in the state.

The latest legislation marks a sea-change in Virginia knife right under Youngkin, who broke what was a frustrating stalemate between the state’s legislative and executive branches. Despite legislators’ efforts to temper the state’s longstanding ban on switchblades, the Governor’s two predecessors vetoed the bills leading in that direction—Terry McAuliffe and Ralph Northam, both Democrats. The 2022 repeal not only saw the executive’s support but passed with overwhelming support from a politically divided General Assembly.

The removal of switchblades from the list of prohibited concealed carry items also proved extremely popular, passing unanimously in the Virginia Senate and with close to ¾’s of the House’s support. In addition to further safeguarding valuable civil liberties, the legislation also shows changing attitudes concerning switchblades.

Why Switchblades Are Illegal

A witch-trial panic swept mid-century America concerning switchblades, sparked by an article by an article titled The Toy that Kills and backed up by movies such as Rebel Without A Cause and Blackboard Jungle.

Aside from stigmatizing paten-leather jackets, politicians and social crusaders squarely set their sights on switchblades as a tool of the country’s wild youth. Despite essentially being a silver-screen fantasy, draconian laws that pushed switchblades to the margins of society were passed and in many corners of the country the tools became so rare as to be considered oddities. Though, before this era, auto knives were quite common.

Three jigged bone switchblades, from top: Schrade Cutlery Co., George Schrade Knife Co. and one of the rarest of antique models, one stamped “Keen Kutter,” a trademark of Shapleigh Hardware. Schrade made the knife. — Before the mid-century switchblade panic, the knives were quite common, such as the World War II-vintage Schrade Cutlery Co. examples above.

“I grew up in Washington D.C. in the 40s and 50s and almost every school kid had a switchblade knife. And you played mumblety-peg, throw it to stick in trees. I don’t ever remember anybody being stabbed by a pocket switchblade knife,” Senate Majority Leader Dick Saslaw (D) said in a 2022 interview with Virginia Mercury.

Prohibition On Other Edged Weapons

The concealed carry repeal is a step in the right direction, but the law still maintains the prohibition on several other edged weapons for carry. Bowie knives, dirks, throwing stars and “oriental darts” remain verboten for everyday carry and continue to carry stiff penalties if the law is enforced. A first offense is a Class 1 misdemeanor which is punishable by up to 12 months in jail and a fine of up to $2,500. A second offense could earn a Class 6 felony, which carries a 1-5 prison stretch and a $2,500 fine. And a third offense could net a Class 5 felony, with a 1-10 prison stretch and a $2,500 fine.

While there is scant evidence the prior concealed carry switchblade ban was ever exercised to the full extent of the law, its repeal is likely a load off knife owners’ minds. For a tool that’s used more by first responders than in gangland rumbles, it’s also a big victory.

Chaves Knives CHUB OTF Review: The Always Sharp Auto

Msg Kim Breed (ret.)

-

July 29, 2026

0

Chaves Knives CHUB OTF Review: The Always Sharp Auto

Chaves’ OTF utility blade is one fast slicer.

Whether you need a pristine edge for skinning game or a razor-sharp utility blade for daily EDC chores, it is easy to see why replaceable-blade knives have exploded in popularity. Chaves Knives takes this a step further.

The Pleasant Grove, Utah, manufacturer is known for thinking outside the box with its designs and this holds true for its CHUB. A very fast out-the-front (OTF) double-action small pocket utility knife ensures you never have a dull blade, can get it into action no matter what the circumstances,and is fun. Even so, the knife must
perform, so let’s see if the CHUB cuts it.

Expected from most utility knives, the Chaves model ate up cardboard in the course of testing. It was quick work, but for the author, somewhat challenging given the CHUB's smaller handle. — Expected from most utility knives, the Chaves model ate up cardboard in the course of testing. It was quick work, but for the author, somewhat challenging given the CHUB’s smaller handle.

I started with a standard paper slice to test the factory edge on the replaceable blade. I used graph paper and, as expected, the CHUB’s edge zipped through it quickly, producing clean slices and smooth cuts. The knife’s handle was comfortable, even though it was a tad short for my hand.

Onto single-walled cardboard, the CHUB burned through the medium. I could get used to this performance, as I break down cardboard daily. No folding or sliding, just an aggressive in and out through the material. The handle provided a positive grip, a plus on the more challenging cardboard. As a note, the knife rides very nicely in any pocket.

Slapping Leather

The author figures leatherworkers might find the knife very handy as it proved aggressive against leather. Given its fast deployment, it’d be very suitable in this role.

I grabbed a leftover piece of 8-ounce leather to shred. The CHUB was very aggressive on the hide. Vertical slices were fast and easy to control, and with the leather flat on the bench, it sliced through smoothly. If you happen to work with leather, it would be a great job for the CHUB.

Pitting a blade against wood is always a must, so I moved on to some whittling. A ¾-inch dowel proved no problem for the CHUB. The replaceable blade shaved smooth curly cues, but deeper bites were harder on the hand because of the smaller handle. Still, it got the work done.

Pitted against a ¾-inch dowel proved no problem for the utility blade, wich shaved smooth curly cues and made deep bites into the wood.

Just to push the knife a little farther, I cut up some ½-inch sisal rope. The CHUB did 125 crunching cuts, which was impressive, given it was the same blade I started the test with. The action stayed tight and crisp, no play at all. Again, the handle size was challenging in a task that required stronger pressure. But overall, it was a fun challenge.

Lastly, I was back to the graph paper slices. I had a few snags at the bottom of the blade but the front half sliced smoothly. Not bad at all. Job well done by the Chaves Knife crew. I also still had a fresh edge, since all I had to do was push a tab over, flip the blade and close the tab. Pretty simple and fast.

Overall Take

The CHUB rides comfortably in any pocket, according to the author. Helping with it in this task is a clip with Chaves’ trademark skull.

Some people might call it a fad, but the CHUB will cut. Now add in the cool factor of it being an OTF pocket utility knife, and you have a handy knife to use daily. The CHUB is designed to take standard Stanley and Lenox-style blades—2 7/16-inch long, ¾-inch wide—but off brands might not prove compatible.

CHUB OTF Specs
Action: Double-Action OTF Automatic
Body: Aluminum blackened
OAL: 5.125”
Blade Length: 1”
Blade: Utility/Razor
Retail: $250

More Reviews:

Mike Bradshaw’s Large Hunter Review: Large And In Charge
Pepperwool Merino MM Review [Field Tested]
KSW Custom Knives Bushcrafter Review: Upcycled Edge
Hults Bruk Spika Review: Backwoods Beast

Automatic Knives