Engineered for upland hunting and fine-detail game prep, Civivi’s latest fixed blade puts precision first.
Civivi is expanding its lineup of dedicated field tools with the High Grass Field Knife, a compact fixed-blade built specifically for upland hunters and small-game processing. Designed by Michigan custom knifemaker Matt Gentry, the production model translates years of hands-on experience in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula into an accessible, purpose-built knife where fine control takes priority over raw size.
The inspiration for the High Grass stems directly from Gentry’s time spent pursuing small game with his son across Michigan’s northern terrain. Rather than modifying a general-purpose camp knife, Gentry set out to build a nimble tool optimized for delicate field-dressing tasks of fowl and small game.
To achieve that level of precision, the knife features a 2.93-inch drop-point blade with a flat grind and an ultra-fine tip, making detail work around joints and skinning far more manageable. Dual sections of jimping along the spine provide tactile indexing points, allowing users to safely choke up on the blade for tight, controlled cuts.
Field-Ready Materials
Civivi opted for Sandvik 14C28N stainless steel for the blade stock, heat-treated to 58–60 HRC. The steel offers a solid balance of edge retention, corrosion resistance and ease of resharpening in the field. A stonewashed finish helps mask the inevitable scuffs and scratches that come with regular use.
For the handle, natural Guibourtia wood scales offer a classic look that honors traditional hunting gear while maintaining a comfortable, ergonomic fill in the hand. Stainless steel hardware keeps the construction secure, and at an overall length of 7 inches with a weight of 2.26 ounces, the knife carries light on a belt or in a pack.
The High Grass Field Knife ships ready for the field with a molded black Kydex sheath. The setup features a T-Clip mounting system designed by knife industry veteran and BLADE Magazine Cutlery Hall of Fame® member Bob Terzuola, providing versatile attachment options for belts or pack webbing. A pre-tied black paracord lanyard comes installed from the factory for added draw leverage.
High Grass Field Knife Specs Designer: Matt Gentry Overall Length: 7” Blade Length: 2” Cutting Edge: 3.09” Blade Thickness: .12” Blade Steel: Sandvik 14C28N (58–60 HRC) Blade Grind/Finish: Flat grind, stonewashed Handle Material: Guibourtia wood Handle Thickness: .56” Knife Weight: 2.26 oz. Sheath: Black Kydex with Terzuola T-Clip Extras: Tied black paracord lanyard MSRP: Starting at $59
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.
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.
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
At first glance, the Winkler Knives Operator seems like the average utility fixed blade or a larger bird and trout knife. Looks can be deceiving as the Operator functions both as a utility tool and weapon—important in the theater of battle.
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.
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.
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.
Böker teams up with popular German bushcrafters to deliver a pocket-friendly, G10-scaled multi-tool packed with essential field implements.
The multi-tool market has long been divided between heavy-duty plier platforms and traditional red-scaled pocketknives. Böker bridges that gap with the Naturensöhne MK II NXT, a fresh take on the classic multi-functional folder built specifically for outdoor utility.
Created in collaboration with Die Naturensöhne, the popular German YouTube duo known for their bushcraft challenges, this tool ditches shiny plastic for field-ready ergonomics. The handles feature textured forest-green G10 scales that offer a solid, slip-resistant grip when working in wet conditions.
At the core of the tool is a 2.8-inch drop-point blade made from Sandvik 12C27 stainless steel. Finished in a muted grey stonewash, the blade relies on a traditional nail nick and non-locking slipjoint mechanism. That two-handed opening makes it a legal-friendly option in regions with strict lock-knife regulations.
Instead of clogging the frame with rarely used gimmicks, Böker packed in targeted outdoor implements:
A wood saw for clearing branches or notch-cutting
Mini combination pliers for light bending tasks and quick repairs
A reamer and awl for punching leather, wood, or gear
Fine tweezers and a scale-mounted toothpick
A dedicated glass breaker located at the pommel
Weighing in at 4.23 ounces and measuring 6.57 inches overall, the MK II NXT carries like a standard pocketknife thanks to an integrated tip-down pocket clip. For campers, bushcrafters, and daily carry enthusiasts looking for multi-tool versatility without the bulk of a full plier chassis, Böker’s latest collaboration delivers a slick, highly functional compromise.
Naturensöhne MK II NXT Specs Overall Length: 6.57″ Blade Length: 2.80″ Blade Thickness: .09″ Weight: 4.23 oz Blade Material: 12C27 Handle Material: G10 Opener: Nail Nick Opening: Manual Country Of Origin: Asia Color: Green Blade Color: Gray MSRP: $129
Summer brings a focused shift toward portability and pocket-ready performance, highlighting a diverse lineup of high-tech folders and streamlined carry options. This month’s selection focuses on the incredible versatility of the modern knives, showcasing the work of veteran masters with decades of experience alongside award-winning new makers. Whether you are looking for an ultra-premium custom bowie to round out a collection or a hard-use automatic for daily carry, our July 2026 roundup proves that the industry’s drive for innovation remains as sharp as ever.
Pro-Tech Knives Avalon
Lock: Button Lock Deployment: Thumb Studs Blade Length: 4.25” Blade Material: MagnaCut Blade Pattern: Drop Point Scales: 6061 Aluminum Overall Length: 9.25” Weight: 3.69 oz. MSRP: $310 Country Of Origin: U.S.A. protechknives.com
Lin Rhea Slip Joint Folder
Jocelyn Frasier image
Blade Length: 4” Blade Material: 80CrV2 Blade Pattern: Drop Point Scales: Micarta Overall Length: 9” Knife To Know: Includes sheath made by Kay Rhea Maker’s Price: $1,300 Country Of Origin: U.S.A. Maker’s price for a similar knife: $1,300
Work Sharp RMX Thumbstud
Blade Length: 3.2” Lock: Button Lock Blade Material: M390 Blade Pattern: Drop Point Handle: Magnesium Overall Length: 7.5” Weight: 2.6 oz. Knife To Know: Handle is integral, reversable clip MSRP: $140 Country Of Origin: Assembled in U.S.A. from foreign components worksharptools.com
Cody Adolphson Vest Bowie
Jocelyn Frasier image
Knife Type: Vest Bowie Blade Material: 1084/15N20 Damascus Pattern: Dark Core Feathered Damascus Blade Pattern: Drop Point Blade Grind: Flat Handle Material: Ancient Walrus Ivory, Nickel Silber Accents, Damascus Pommel Guard: Twist Damascus Overall Length: 10” Maker’s Price For A Similar Knife: $1,400 Country Of Origin: U.S.A.
Justin Burton Kukri
Jocelyn Frasier image
Blade Length: 10.5” Blade Material: 80CrV2/15N20 Blade Pattern: Twisted Damascus San Mai Blade Grind: Flat Handle: Black dyed curly mango with red G-10 spacers Guard: Nebular Fat Carbon Knife To Know: Custom bead made with Elforyn Supertusk and Damasteel Maker’s Price For A Similar Knife: $1,500 Country Of Origin: U.S.A.
TOPS Knives Sidekick Diver
Designer: Ana Espinoza Blade Length: 5.75” Blade Material: N690 Blade Pattern: Spear Blade Finish: Black Traction Coating Scales: G10 Overall Length: 11.25” Weight: 12.8 oz. Sheath: Black Kydex Knife To Know: Integral line cutter on the spine. Also available with a double edge. MSRP: $395 Country Of Origin: U.S.A. topsknives.com
WE Knife Dracarys
Lock: Frame Lock Blade Length: 3.58” Blade Material: Böhler M390 Blade Pattern: Clip Point Blade Grind: Flat Handle Material: 6AL4V Titanium Overall Length: 8.13” Closed Length: 4.55” Weight: 3.66 oz. Knife To Know: Limited to 199 pieces, 6AL4V titanium pocketclip, caged ceramic ball MSRP: $370 Country Of Origin: China weknife.com
Chad Fox Bowie
Jocelyn Frasier image
Blade Length: 9.25” Blade Material: W2 Blade Pattern: Clip Point Handle: Koa Overall Length: 14.5” Knife To Know: Salt blackened mild steel Maker’s Price For A Similar Knife: $950 Country Of Origin: U.S.A.
Colten Tippetts Neck Knife
Jocelyn Frasier image
Name: Dinker Blade Length: 2” Blade Material: Ladder Damascus Blade Pattern: Drop Point Handle: Desert Ironwood Overall Length: 3.5” Knife To Know: Also made in 01 Tool Steel with Dymondwood handles. Maker’s Price: $150 Country Of Origin: U.S.A.
Craig Camerer Slim Pickers Fighter
Jocelyn Frasier image
Knife Type: Fighter Blade Length: 7” Blade Material: 1080/15N20 Blade Pattern: Dancing Martian Damascus Blade Grind: Flat Handle: African Blackwood Guard: Nickel Silver Overall Length: 12.5” Maker’s Price For A Similar Knife: $750 Country Of Origin: U.S.A.
Bear & Son Cutlery Auto Bold Action XIV
Blade Length: 4.5” Blade Material: S35VN Blade Pattern: Drop Point Blade Grind: Hollow Handle: Aluminum Overall Length: 8.75 Weight: 1.5 oz. Knife To Know: OTS Automatic, tip-up carry. MSRP: $230 Country Of Origin: U.S.A. bearandsoncutlery.com
An American-made tactical EDC folder featuring a Sandvik 14C28N blade and lightweight aluminum handle.
Bear OPS, the tactical division of Alabama-based Bear & Son Cutlery, is expanding its everyday carry lineup with the release of the Nekema II. Manufactured entirely at the company’s facility in Jacksonville, Alabama, this new folder is designed as a streamlined, budget-conscious option for tactical use, concealed carry, and general daily wear.
At the center of the design is a 3.5-inch modified drop-point blade made from Sandvik 14C28N stainless steel. This Swedish steel has become a staple for modern EDC knives due to its balanced performance, offering high corrosion resistance, user-friendly sharpening, and respectable edge retention. For users seeking extra protection and a non-reflective finish, Bear OPS is offering the blade with a black DLC (Diamond-Like Carbon) coating.
To keep the knife pocket-friendly, the Nekema II utilizes a lightweight aluminum handle, keeping the overall weight to a nimble 3.5 ounces. For deployment and lockup, the folder is equipped with dual thumb studs, ball-bearing washers for a smooth pivot action, and a secure slide-lock mechanism. A reversible pocket clip and Torx screw construction finish off the assembly.
The Nekema II is available in either Black & Copper or Gray & Blue colorways, with retail pricing set between $92.49 and $97.49 depending on the specific finish. For more details, visit local retailers or head over to the Bear & Son Cutlery website.
We slash away with three machete options to see which is ready to tame your greenery.
Spring uncovers what winter buries. Duff piles up, vines tighten their grip and brush crowds every trail and fence line. A machete cuts through that mess with reach and rhythm. The long blade sweeps low to clear ground clutter, snaps vines before they climb and trims brush without constant repositioning. One tool handles duff, extra brush and creeping vines in a continuous flow, so a hillside that looked wild at breakfast starts to open by lunch.
A good machete carries authority without dead weight. Thin stock bites deep and releases clean, so each swing clears more space with less effort. The long edge opens lanes. The spine knocks dead twigs free. The tip digs, pries and handles rough chores that punish smaller blades. In much of the world, a machete counts as the only daily tool. That heritage still matters in 2026, whether you reclaim a backyard slope or beat a trail back into shape. These three long blades are our picks to tame your wild hills, homestead and camp.
Getting The Swing Of The Machete
Brush changes the fight, so your swing must change with it. Light grass needs quick wrist cuts that keep your pace steady. Thin vines demand snap cuts that break tension before the blade binds. Thick brush calls for short power strokes that drive the edge through stubborn growth. Deadfall needs controlled chops that protect the edge from hidden knots. Each swing builds from stance, grip and rhythm, not brute force. When you match technique to terrain, the machete feels faster and safer. The right swing turns rough ground into clean, workable space without burning your energy.
Condor Roarlock
Chopping Japanese barberry, an invasive vine with painful thorns, is a necessary and annoying chore—the Condor Roarlock hacked it!
Condor’s Roarlock brings Southeast Asian machete influence into a compact, modern clearing tool. The 14.24‑inch blade has a 20.33‑inch overall length and a 0.12-inch thickness of 1075 high-carbon steel. This design keeps the weight at about 21.5 ounces. The etched damascus‑style finish gives the blade a wild, worked look, while the convex grind drives deep into vines, saplings and stubborn brush without sticking. A high‑impact polypropylene handle locks into the hand and shrugs off weather, sweat and abuse. A full‑tang build runs through the handle, so the Roarlock feels solid when you lean into heavy swings.
The ballistic nylon sheath carries light, rides tough and lets the machete move from truck to trail without fuss. Designed by Joe Flowers for 2026, the Roarlock feels like a fast, compact power tool built for real brush, not just catalog photos.
Beating Barberry Back
The Roarlock has the Godzilla silhouette, with usable features for digging and root-cutting.
I’m a fan of any long blade that has more bend than a straight blade, especially when it has some drop to it. Like a Filipino bolo and kukri, whenever the blade precedes the chopping hand, that’s a good thing. Max impact and leverage are far superior to using an all-straight design. The Roarlock has this!
Chopping the most annoying and painful vines in my forest was a must-do chore. Japanese barberry is an invasive plant with small thorns that are sure to get my knuckles and fingers when removed. They stab directly through hiking pants and most layers of clothing. A machete works best at beating them back, but it’s hard to get to the base without suffering a few thorns. The longer reach of the 14.24‑inch blade on the Roarlock helps. Especially when using a helper stick to push back the thorny shrub of mayhem.
Soon enough, I had a pile of various vines, including blackberry, dry grasses, small creeper vines and the dreaded barberry. Also, soon enough, I hit a rock or two and mashed the tool’s tip. So what? It’s 1075 carbon steel and would be easy to get back in order. However, it’ll happen again, but this is a tool meant for work!
ESEE Expat El Deguello
Expat El Deguello, influenced by years of travel and Randall’s Adventure & Training, features a 12.75-inch 1075 carbon steel blade.
The ESEE Expat El Deguello grew out of years of Expat travel and hanging out with Randall’s Adventure & Training. This was in places where a machete counted as daily life support, not a luxury. The blade is about 12.75 inches of 1075 carbon steel with a dark stonewashed finish, set in an overall length of around 18.75 to 19 inches. The blade’s shape has a parang-ish style, giving the machete a strong, weight‑forward feel without turning it into a boat anchor. A flat grind keeps the edge lively and easy to touch up with a pocket stone in the field. Black linen Micarta scales wrap the full tang and give a secure, textured grip that stays honest in sweat, rain and humidity. A brass‑lined lanyard hole anchors a safety cord for steep slopes or riverbanks.
The tan canvas sheath rides light on the belt and matches the tool’s no‑nonsense attitude. Built in El Salvador as part of the Expat line, the El Deguello blends South American machete DNA with ESEE’s survival mindset. Making it a dependable long‑blade for trail clearing, camp work and hard bushcraft.
Seasonal Slashing
I got my hands on the El Deguello Expat machete in winter. I wasn’t sure how it would do in a snowy environment. However, we needed to travel through uneven terrain with gear weight, so light was right. No axe or thick splitting tool accompanied we three adventurers on this trip. In fact, we had two Expat machetes in camp as my buddy brought his Expat Darien machete.
The El Deguello started earning its keep from the start. Due to many branches and small trees succumbing to the weight of the snow, the El Deguello shone. I cleared woody and leafy debris to make the path easier for campers arriving later in the day. By the time I got to camp, I was already a believer of the utility the El Deguello packs. Chopping frozen wood from previous campfires and new dead branches were on the docket. This was predominantly a hardwood forest, so the El Deguello had to be hatchet-ready. And it was!
TOPS Knives Sneak Reaper
The TOPS Knives Sneak Reaper features an 18.5-inch length and a fast-moving 12-inch blade, designed for tight brush.
The TOPS Knives Sneak Reaper draws on Ed Calderon’s counter‑custody background, shaping a fast, purposeful blade built for tight spaces. It has a lean profile that favors quick cuts through vines and brush. The long edge rewards snap cuts, while the balanced weight keeps the machete quick instead of front‑heavy. The handle geometry follows Calderon’s no‑wasted‑motion mindset and gives a locked grip during hard clearing strokes and tight work around obstacles.
The Sneak Reaper has an overall length of 18.5 inches and a 12-inch blade that moves fast through tight brush. The black powder coating protects the blade and supports Calderon’s stripped‑down, purpose‑driven style. The saber grind gives the edge a strong bite, enabling it to handle vines and stubborn growth without slowing your rhythm. The 0.125‑inch thickness keeps the blade lively and responsive during long clearing sessions.
The sheath system supports fast deployment and secure carry, echoing the tool’s defensive roots and utility. Final production specs have not yet been added to TOPS’ catalog pages.
In The Thickets
The TOPS Sneak Reaper has a 5-inch tan Micarta handle that offers a confident, secure grip with great traction.
Once I got this cutting machine in the woods, it called to more substantial branches and green wood. It wasn’t the weight as much as the thickness and feel. The sweet spot was several inches from the tip, making it feel like a shorter machete. This aspect got me thinking of what a great camp machete it would make. However, the pronounced upsweep had its benefits while standing or bending slightly. The front curve can easily nip nasty, thorny vines and thin, new growth without needing to get low. It reminded me of a smaller panga-style machete.
Turning the blade over revealed a sharp tip that could drag and pull the brush back after chopping it. This tip was also excellent at impaling scrap wood and relocating it. I love a tool that helps out.
The 5‑inch handle uses contoured tan Micarta that locks into the hand with confident traction. The 15‑ounce blade weight creates a sharp balance between speed and authority during heavy swings. In a standing position, slashing out front, the curve helped continually slice through materials with authority. I can’t wait to use this one on meat and coconuts.
Final Cut
Three styles of machete sheaths for each trail tamer From left, the Sneak Reaper, El Deguello and Roarlock.
The Roarlock was the clear pick for me while beating back the new brush of spring. Had this been a machete camp challenge, the TOPS Sneak Reaper and Expat El Deguello would shine. Maybe that’s better left for another article!
