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.
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.
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.
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
Hitting the right notes as a gentleman and EDC knife, the Boker Plus Modern Gentleman offers the best of both worlds.
Not every situation—or person’s routine—calls for a decked-out and oversized blade. Though, in some cases, EDC knives have trended this way. However, the pendulum may be returning to a more refined and aggressive design for a do-all tote around.
As the name suggests, the flipper/folder has the lines of a knife you wouldn’t be afraid to use among polite company or button-down business associates. However, it is proportioned right and ruggedly constructed to tackle heavier chores in which a true gentleman’s knife might falter. A hybrid of sorts, the Modern Gentleman offers the best of both worlds.
The knife features a relatively understated drop-point blade that at 2.95 inches offers plenty of utility. Constructed from Nitro-V, a nitrogen-enhanced steel with a reputation for good toughness; it’s a material that’s been picking up steam in recent years. As for the blade’s profile, it has just enough belly to enhance slicking duties, with a nice long straight section back to the choil for substantive push cuts. It comes to a pronounced tip, making it fairly capable of punctures and perforation.
Adding a touch of class to the Modern Gentleman’s design is a steel bolster, coated black—titanium—like the blade. The dark overtones of the steel components are offset by a canvas Micarta scale—a very fetching two-tone effect. While thin, the handle offers plenty of real estate to get a grip on the knife, measuring in at just a few ticks of the tape under 4 inches. Yet, its overall svelteness keeps the Modern Gentleman at a very carry-friendly 2.26 ounces.
Other points of interest, the knife has and low-key kicker that does its best to avoid deploying out of the pocket, yet with a tuned detent is quick to deploy. Though there is likely a sticky point in the liner for some—the clip is non-reversible. OK if you dig front-pocket, tip-up carry and you’re a righty, not so hot for others.
Overall, Boker prices the Modern Gentleman to move, listing it at $59.95 on its website. At that price, certainly, many knife enthusiasts will find the gentlemanly EDC the perfect companion, for work or play.
Modern Gentleman Plus Specs Overall Length: 6.69 in Blade Length: 2.95 in Blade Thickness: 0.09 in Weight: 2.26 oz Blade Material: Nitro-V Handle Material: Micarta Opener: Flipper Opening: Manual Lock Type: Linerlock MSRP: $59.98
We gathered up a bevy of new custom damascus blades that are sure to knock your socks off.
Our latest knife roundup features a stunning collection of new custom Damascus blades that are sure to impress. These meticulously crafted knives showcase the intricate patterns and superior craftsmanship that Damascus steel is known for, making each piece a work of art. Whether you’re a collector or simply appreciate high-quality blades, this selection is bound to knock your socks off with its blend of beauty, durability, and cutting-edge performance.
Brent Dignam Hunter
BLADE LENGTH: 5” BLADE MATERIAL: San-mai damascus w/1084 carbon steel core forged by Robert Corey Scott of Bulldog Damascus BLADE GRIND: Flat HANDLE MATERIAL: Curly maple LINER MATERIAL: G-10 SPACER MATERIAL: Mammoth molar OVERALL LENGTH: 9” MAKER’S PRICE FOR A SIMILAR KNIFE: $800 MAKER: Brent Dignam (SharpByCoop image)
Rick Dunkerley Persian Folder
BLADE LENGTH: 4.25” BLADE MATERIAL: Feather pattern damascus of 1080 carbon and 15N20 nickel alloy steels; Dellana Dots in 18k gold BLADE GRIND: Double fighter HANDLE MATERIAL: Antique shell BOLSTERS: Milled steel EMBELLISHMENT: 24k-gold inlay in blade and bolsters CLOSED LENGTH: 5.25” MAKER’S PRICE FOR A SIMILAR KNIFE: $15,000 KNIFE TO KNOW: Rick Dunkerley is a master smith in the American Bladesmith Society MAKER: Rick Dunkerley (Mitchell Cohen image)
Mark Lambert Hunter
BLADE LENGTH: 4.75” BLADE MATERIAL: 320-layer ladder-pattern damascus of 1084 carbon and 15N20 nickel-alloy steels HANDLE MATERIAL: Bog oak GUARD MATERIAL: 413 stainless steel OVERALL LENGTH: 9 3/8” KNIFE TO KNOW: Contoured grip includes flats on either side starting around midway and extending to the bird’s-beak butt; Mark Lambert is an apprentice smith in the American Bladesmith Society MAKER’S PRICE FOR A SIMILAR KNIFE: Contact maker for more information MAKER: Mark Lambert (Jocelyn Frasier image)
John Horrigan Automatic
BLADE LENGTH: 3.75” BLADE MATERIAL: 6-bar Turkish twist damascus w/Dellana Dots BLADE GRIND: Hollow BLADE OPENER: Push button HANDLE FRAME: 416 stainless steel HANDLE INLAY: Edwards black jade MAKER’S PRICE FOR A SIMILAR KNIFE: $5,200 KNIFE TO KNOW: John Horrigan is a master smith in the American Bladesmith Society and sole authors all of his knives MAKER: John Horrigan (Mitchell Cohen image)
Q Hardtner Blades Fixed Blade
KNIFE TYPE: Fixed blade BLADE LENGTH: 8.5” BLADE GRIND: Flat BLADE MATERIAL: Feather damascus of 1084 carbon and 15N20 nickel-alloy steels FURNITURE: 416 stainless steel HANDLE MATERIAL: Ancient walrus tusk CONSTRUCTION: Takedown OVERALL LENGTH: 13.5” SHEATH: Made and handcarved by Bob Bobbitt MAKER’S PRICE FOR A SIMILAR KNIFE: $2,200 KNIFE TO KNOW: Quintin Hardtner has been making knives for about two years and mentored under veteran maker Dan Graves MAKER: Q Hardtner Blades (SharpByCoop image)
Trevor Morgan Jr. Chef’s Knife
BLADE LENGTH: 9” BLADE MATERIAL: Feather-pattern damascus of 1084 carbon and 15N20 nickel-alloy steels BLADE GRIND: Slightly convex flat HANDLE MATERIAL: Curly koa BOLSTER: Integral OVERALL LENGTH: 14” MAKER’S PRICE FOR A SIMILAR KNIFE: $1,750 MAKER: Trevor Morgan Jr. (SharpByCoop image)
David Longworth Emergence
KNIFE TYPE: Folder BLADE LENGTH: 3.8” BLADE MATERIAL: Mosaic damascus of 1084 carbon and 15N20 nickel-alloy steels BLADE GRIND: Flat HANDLE FRAME: 416 stainless steel HANDLE MATERIAL: Black-lip mother-of-pearl LOCK: Rocker Lock CLOSED LENGTH: 4.9” KNIFE TO KNOW: The Rocker Lock locks the blade in the open and closed positions; when the knife is closed, push the lower side of the button to unlock the blade; when the knife is open, push the upper side of the button to unlock it; the knife is a California or assisted opener, so the blade pops out a little when the button is pushed; all steel on the knife is hardened MAKER’S PRICE FOR A SIMILAR KNIFE: $8,000 MAKER:David Longworth (SharpByCoop image)
Koen Knives Chef’s Knife
KNIFE PATTERN: Chef’s knife BLADE LENGTH: 7.87” BLADE MATERIAL: Damascus of 1084 carbon and 15N20 nickel alloy steels BLADE THICKNESS @RICASSO: .157” BLADE @ WIDEST: 2.165” BLADE GRIND: Full flat HANDLE MATERIAL: Stabilized red mallee burl FERRULE: Brass and G-10 OVERALL LENGTH: 13.38” MAKER’S PRICE FOR A SIMILAR KNIFE: $600 at press-time exchange rate MAKER: Koen Knives (Rod Hoare image)
Adamas Forge Integral Horizontal-Tang Damascus Chef’s Knife
MODEL NAME: Horizontal Tang BLADE LENGTH: 7.87” BLADE MATERIAL: Damascus of 1084 carbon and 15N20 nickel-alloy steels BLADE @ THICKEST: .102” BLADE @ WIDEST: 2.04” BLADE GRIND: Full flat HANDLE MATERIAL: Stabilized white American oak OVERALL LENGTH: 12.59” MAKER’S PRICE FOR A SIMILAR KNIFE: Contact maker for more information MAKER:Adamas Forge (Rod Hoare image)
Brook Turner Integral Gyuto
KNIFE PATTERN: Integral gyuto BLADE LENGTH: 9.05” BLADE MATERIAL: 280-layer random-pattern damascus of 1084 carbon and 15N20 nickel-alloy steels BLADE THICKNESS @RICASSO: .216” BLADE @ WIDEST: 2.04” BLADE GRIND: Convex HANDLE MATERIAL: Stabilized huon pine burl OVERALL LENGTH: 14.17” MAKER’S PRICE FOR A SIMILAR KNIFE: $1,500 KNIFE TO KNOW: Brook Turner is a member of the Australian Knifemakers Guild MAKER:Brook Turner Blades (Rod Hoare image)
Bob Ohlemann Freelancer XL Model 2
KNIFE TYPE: Folder BLADE LENGTH: 3.5” BLADE MATERIAL: Chad Nichols stainless Boomerang damascus BLADE GRIND: Full flat BLADE PATTERN: Recurve w/harpoon swedge BLADE FINISH: Hand rubbed/etched BLADE OPENER: Thumb stud HANDLE MATERIAL: Double black Micarta® LOCK: Linerlock POCKET CLIP: Timascus; right-handed, blade tip up LINERS: Titanium, jeweled and anodized BOLSTER & PIVOT SCREWS: Zirconium PIVOT COLLARS: Timascus™ BACKSPACER: Titanium in black Cerakote® finish CLOSED LENGTH: 4.5” MAKER’S PRICE FOR A SIMILAR KNIFE: $2,060 MAKER:Bob Ohlemann (Jocelyn Frasier image)
In the conclusion, consider the balance of the BLADE Show’s factory knife debuts
It’s hard to believe it’s been almost three months since BLADE Show 2024 blew the doors off the Cobb Galleria Centre in Atlanta. With all the commotion and introductions of new knives, even if you were there you couldn’t help but miss many.
Previously we featured some of the factory knives that debuted in the Cobb but, as those of you who were paying attention know, we didn’t have enough room for the balance of the few we were able to assemble. Ergo, the conclusion this time. We think you will enjoy them all. As for the many we are unable to publish in this two-part story due to space and other limitations, stay tuned to future issues of BLADE® for a goodly number of them.
Kershaw Tilt 50th Anniversary
Knife type: Folder Blade length: 3.65” Blade steel: CPM CruWear, 14C28N Rockwell hardness: 60-62 HRC Blade grind: Flat Blade @ thickest: .156” Blade pattern: Composite Blade finish: Bead-blasted Blade opener: Flipper tab Handle material: Titanium Lock: Sub-Frame Pivot materials: KVT ball-bearings Pocket clip material: Titanium Weight: 5.7 ozs. Closed length: 5.8” Knife to know: Carbon fiber inlay front and bank; hidden hardware Country of origin: USA MSRP: $500 Available: NOW
A.G. Russell Knives Premium Scout
Model type: Traditional slipjoint pocketknife Designer: A.G. Russell Main blade length: 2 5/8” Blade steel: VG-10 stainless Rockwell hardness: 59-61 HRC Blade grind: Flat Blade @ thickest: .09” Blade pattern: Spear point Blade finish: Satin Blade opener: Nail nick Handle material options: Stag and red saw-cut bone Weight: 3.5-3.7 ozs. Closed length: 3 3/4” Special features: Can opener, screwdriver, caplifter & leather punch Country of origin: China MSRP: $74.95-$94.95 Available: NOW
CobraTec Koonsman
Knife type: Fixed-blade hunter Designer: Chad Cochran Blade length: 4” Blade material: D2 tool steel Rockwell hardness: 61 HRC Blade grind: Convex Blade @ widest: 1.125” Blade pattern: Drop point Blade finish: Satin Construction: Full Tang Handle material: Micarta® in color options of black, green and tan Weight: 5.7 ozs. Overall length: 8.4375” Sheath type and materials: Belt/pouch and leather Country of origin: China MSRP: $79.99 Available: NOW
Bradford USA Gatsby
Knife type: Specialty steak knife Blade length: 4.5” Blade steel: N690 stainless Rockwell hardness: 61 HRC Blade grind: Full height flat Blade @ thickest: .11” Blade finish options: Stonewash and high polish Handle material options: Maroon, wheat, ivory canvas Micarta® and carbon fiber Overall length: 8.5” Country of origin: USA MSRP: $199 Available: NOW
Spyderco Techno 3
Knife type: Folder Designer: Marcin Slysz Blade length: 2.64” Blade steel: CTS XHP stainless Blade grind: High flat Blade @ thickest: .127” Blade pattern: Drop point Blade finish: Satin Blade opener: Flipper Handle material: Titanium Lock: Reeve Integral Lock (R.I.L.) Pivot material: Ball bearings Pocket clip material and type: Titanium, right-handed, tip-up Weight: 3.3 ozs. Closed length: 3.7” Country of origin: Italy MSRP: $400 Available: To be announced
Boker Plus Cutweazle
Knife type: Utility Designer: Ben Logan/Turnback Knife Co. Blade length: 1.18” Blade steel: Standard replaceable stainless utility blade Blade grind: Flat Blade @ thickest: .03” Blade finish: Satin Handle material: G-10/stainless steel Lock: Button lock Blade opener: Thumb slide Pocket clip material and type: Stainless steel, deep carry, right-handed, tip-down Weight: 1.38 ozs. Closed length: 3.7” Special features: Push button on slide lock allows the blade to be pushed forward in stages or in a single movement and locked in the predetermined recesses; retracts into the handle when pushed again w/a sliding movement Country of origin: China MSRP: $56.95 Available: September 2024
Browning Primal Scalpel 2-Blade
Main blade length: 2.75” Blade steel: 420-J2 stainless Rockwell hardness: Scalpel 50-55 HRC, drop point 55-59 HRC Blade openers: Thumb stud and nail nick Lock: Linerlock Handle: Synthetic in orange or black Pocket clip: Tip-up Closed length: 4 1/8” Country of origin: China MSRP: $59.99 Available: NOW
Stroup Knives MK2
Knife type: Fixed blade Designer: Unnamed active-duty Tier 1 Operator Blade length: 4” Blade material: 1095 carbon steel Rockwell hardness: 58 HRC Blade grind: Flat Blade @ thickest: 3/16” Blade pattern: Spear point Blade finish: Acid etched & rock tumbled Construction: Full Tang Handle material: G10 & nitrile Pocket clip: Designed by Discreet Carry Concepts, Inc. Weight: 4.2 ozs. Overall length: 8” Sheath material: Kydex Knife to know: The nitrile in the handle provides extra grip, especially when wet Country of origin: USA MSRP: $279.99 Available: NOW
Lionsteel Twain
Model type: EDC folder Blade length: 3.15” Blade steel: CPM MagnaCut stainless Blade grind: Flat Handle material: Titanium + carbon fiber or Micarta® Lock: Button lock Pocket clip type and material: Bent steel Special features: Double Solid construction (integral frame and integral handle) Weight: 3.03 ozs. Closed length: 4.14” Country of origin: Italy MSRP: $380 Available: NOW
KME Precision Control Plus/Professional Knife Sharpening System
Abrasive type: Diamond-coated stones Grit assortment: 140, 300, 600, 1,500 Dimensions: 13” x 12” x 8” Construction materials: CNC-machined, anodized aluminum components, laser-cut, powder-coated steel base, CNC cherry hardwood grip, stainless-steel-backed diamond stones Weight: 2 lbs., 13.9 ozs. Blade sizes sharpened: Maximum-blade-thickness saber grind 3/8” or more and full flat grind 3/16” Angle range: 10 to 45 degrees per side Special features: Smooth friction-drive angle system w/micro adjustment feature; operates w/one hand and absolute angle control; rod end guide w/360° rotation; threaded Monopod brace provides rock-solid sharpening platform; adjustable stone carrier w/magnetic plate for angle cube sharpening uses any stone between 4” and 6”; full line of accessory stones, strops and diamond lapping films in both 4” and 6” lengths Country of origin: USA MSRP: $474.95 Available: NOW
CIVIVI Biophase
Knife type: Folder Blade length: 3.48” Blade steel: Nitro-V stainless Rockwell hardness: 58-60 HRC Blade grind: Hollow Blade @ thickest: .12” Blade finish: Black stonewash (satin finish and black stonewash w/satin flat and damascus are optional) Handle material: Aluminum & G-10 Lock: Button lock Blade opener: Flipper tab Pivot materials: Stainless steel pivot w/caged ceramic ball bearings Pocket clip material and type: Stainless steel, tip-up, ambidextrous Weight: 2.61 ozs. Closed length: 4.67” Country of origin: China MSRP: $98.70 at press-time exchange rate Available: Late summer
RoseCraft Clinch River Button Lock
Model type: Modern/traditional pocketknife Blade length: 3.125” Blade material: M390 stainless Blade grind: Flat Handle material: Micarta® or Ultem w/titanium bolster & liners Lock: Button lock Pocket clip material: Titanium Knife to know: Modern take on the Clinch River Swayback that won BLADE Magazine 2023 Imported Knife of the Year®; opens and closes via a button lock Weight: 2.8 ozs. Closed length: 4” Country of origin: China MSRP: $129.99 Available: NOW
CRKT Nucleus
Knife type: Folder Designer: Princeton Wong Blade length: 3.19” Blade steel: 12C27 stainless Rockwell hardness: 58-60 HRC Blade grind: Flat Blade @ thickest: .13” Blade pattern: Reverse tanto Blade finish: Bead blast Construction: Screw Handle material: Stainless steel w/G-10 overlay Lock: Framelock Blade openers: Front and rear flipper tabs & blade hole Pivot material: Ikoma Korth Bearing System (ball bearings) Pocket clip material and type: Stainless steel; tip-up Weight: 3.1 ozs. Closed length: 4.19” Country of origin: China MSRP: $113 Knife to know: The knife opens three ways: front and rear flipper tabs and via the blade hole Available: NOW
Halfbreed MIK-04 SOFMAK
Knife type: Fixed blade Blade steel: K340 stainless Rockwell hardness: 59-60 HRC Blade finish: PVD coat Blade style: Drop point Blade length: 5.31” Blade @ thickest: .25” Handle material: G-10 Weight: 11.14 ozs. Overall length: 10.31” Sheath material: Injection molded plastic Mounting: Belt & PALS/MOLLE (DOTS) Country of origin: Comprises Australian & Taiwanese make MSRP: $285 Knife to know: The knife is a collaboration between Halfbreed and Joseph Teti, Force Recon Marine and Army Special Forces Green Beret veteran and former operative with the CIA Special Activities Division/Special Operations Group; MIK stands for medium infantry knife and SOFMAK for special operations forces multi-purpose assault knife MSRP: $285 Available: September 2024
ESNYX Silver Line Beer Buster Jr.
Knife type: Slipjoint Blade length: 2.63” Blade steel: M390 stainless Blade @ thickest: .125” Blade grind: Flat Blade pattern: Drop point Blade finish: Handrubbed satin Blade opener: Nail nick Handle: Blasted titanium Weight: 2 ozs. Closed length: 3.5” Country of origin: China Knife to know: Slipjoint has half stop; bottle-shaped handle shield; bottle opener in butt MSRP: $265 Available: NOW
Rough Ryder Reserve Whiskey Ryder
Knife type: Swayback doctor’s knife slipjoint Designer: Brian Wilhoite Blade length: 3.5” Blade material: D2 tool steel Blade @ thickest: 3/16” Blade pattern: Wharncliffe Blade finish: Brushed satin Handle material: Black burlap Micarta® Weight: 3.2 ozs. Closed length: 4.5” Special features: Slipjoint features half stop Country of origin: China MSRP: $54.99 Available: NOW
Warthog V-Sharp A4 Model
Sharpener Type: Patented V-Sharp spring-loaded pull-through Abrasive Type: Diamond-coated Grit selection: 325 grit natural diamond hone & hardened hone steel for finishing the edge (270, 325, 600, 1,000 and ceramic hones available) Dimensions: 8.75” x 8.25” x 2.25” Construction Materials: Lightweight zinc-cast metal frame, non-slip rubber base and durable powder coat finish Weight: 1.1 lbs. Special Features: Four adjustable sharpening angles: 15, 20, 25 & 30 degrees Types of blades sharpened: All plain-edge knives; serrated knives can be sharpened w/the ceramic hones Country of origin: South Africa MSRP: $109.99 Available: NOW
SOG Knives Bulwark
Designer: Mikkel Willumsen Knife type: EDC flipper folder Blade length: 3” Blade material: D2 tool steel Blade grind: Hollow Blade @ thickest: .14” Blade finish: Black PVD coat Blade pattern: Drop point Blade openers: Flipper tab and blade hole Handle material: Micarta® in blue and OD green color options Pocket clip: Tip-up Lock: Framelock Weight: 6.25 ozs. Closed length: 4.2” Country of origin: China MSRP: $134.99 Available: Late summer 2024
Cold Steel Recon M1
Knife type: EDC folder Blade length: 4” Blade steel: CPM MagnaCut stainless Blade finish: Stonewash Blade pattern: Clip point Handle material: G-10 Lock: Tri-Ad Pocket clip: Yes Weight: 5.2 ozs. Closed length: 5.5” Country of origin: Italy MSRP: $259.99 Available: NOW
Somewhere between an EDC and a gentleman’s knife, the ACE Bleecker looks to be a slick sidekick.
Giant Mouse is going gentlemanly but with an attitude. At least, that appears to happen with the newest addition to its catalog—the ACE Bleecker.
Named after Manhattan, N.Y.’s trendy Bleecker Street, the company seems to aim the frame lock toward hipsters’ hip pockets. The same with the sleek, yet somewhat understated lines. However, robustly built with premium steel and components the Italian import likely has the chops to pull off EDC duty—at least for those who tend to smaller knives.
Right off the bat, the notable aspect of the ACE Bleecker is its slim design accentuated by a trailing point blade. In many respects, it’s reminiscent of Giant Mouse’s Knife of the Year award-winning GMX, only smaller and without an integral handle. Despite its svelteness, the company has ensured the knife is capable of more than cutting the foil off wine bottles by making the handle full-sized. It is a bit skinny in the hand, yet it nestles in the palm well enough to handle more aggressive cutting duties.
Giant Mouse went top-shelf for the blade steel, choosing Magnacut—albeit a softer version than some prefer. The company rates it at 62 HRC, a facet that might raise the hackles for the edge-retention obsessive. That aside, the geometry of the 3.26-inch blade is exquisite with a thick(ish) spine adding toughness to the design. The tip doesn’t jut too far above the spine, allowing users to choke up on the blade for finer work. And, boy howdy, should it ever prove apt at fine work, with a very fine tip.
The company has opted for a thumb hole as the opening mechanism on the Bleecker but has made it oblong. The choice is for more than aesthetics, making the knife deployable not only in the traditional style—the thumb—but also in reverse open. As an added benefit, this also makes the knife relatively left-hand friendly. The Bleecker’s well-tuned detent also goes a long way in adding to all these aspects—not so light as to facilitate a negligent deployment, but not overly stiff where users will struggle to get the blade to work.
As for the handle, Giant Mouse offers two options—titanium and carbon fiber. Both are attractive, though I tend to the titanium as it gives the knife more overall continuity and class. In both cases, the knife tips the scales at right around 2 ounces—the titanium a hair more—and measures at 7.43 inches in overall length. Worth note, Giant Mouse includes a notch on the thumb side and a chamfer on the lock that go a long way in making opening the knife simple. Also, it boasts a reversible wire pocket clip for tip-up carry.
With a gentleman’s design comes a gentleman’s price on the Bleecker. Giant Mouse lists the titanium model at $285 and the carbon fiber version at a slightly more affordable $245.
Honing Rods. Honing Steel. Sharpening Steel. Here are our top picks.
Whether it’s in your knife block or you saw Gordon Ramsay using it on TV, you’ve probably seen a honing rod. While it’s a ubiquitous piece of kit in the kitchen, it’s a bit of an enigma. Many think that this long steel rod is meant to sharpen your knives, but that’s not the case. Beyond that, contemporary rods are made from materials other than stainless steel like ceramic and diamond-coated steel.
It isn’t known when honing steels were first invented, but there are records from the Company of Cutlers in Hallamshire making honing steels in Sheffield, UK as far back as the early 1600’s.
With such a long history of use by knife owners, it’s important to know what a honing rod is, how to use it, and how to find the right one for you.
What Is A Honing Rod?
While many people call it a sharpening rod, a honing rod or steel hones your blade rather than sharpens it. With regular use, your knives will start to lose their edge. Standard wear and tear such as cutting through fibrous meats or knicking the cutting board will eventually bend your knife’s edge at the microscopic level.
By using your honing rod, you fix those small deformations to keep your knife’s edge like new. It’s important to note that you’re not removing material like you do when sharpening on a stone. A honing rod won’t help you if a knife has a totally blunt edge.
The best way to think about it is that your honing steel should be used a few times a week, or even daily, while a proper sharpening of your knives should be done once or twice a year.
Honing Rod Vs. Kitchen Sharpener
Traditional honing steel will help keep your knives sharper longer. Newer honing rods made from ceramic and diamond-coated steel do remove a minimal amount of steel when honing, usually tiny bits hanging onto your blade by a thread. No matter what material rod you use, it is healthier for your knives to use them regularly to maintain the edge for as long as possible.
Popular YouTuber Ethan Chlebowski goes in-depth on honing and how to hone to keep your knives fit for daily use.
Best Honing Rods
Whether they’re made from steel, ceramic, or even coated in diamond, honing rods come in all sizes, materials, and even shapes. These stand out from the rest.
Best Honing Rods Comparison
Rod
Weight (Ounces)
Rod Material
Handle Material
Country of Origin
MSRP
Wusthof 9-Inch Classic Ikon Honing Steel
11.6
Stainless Steel
Polyoxymethylene
Germany
$200
Zwilling 12-Inch Professional Oval Sharpening Steel
14.4
Stainless Steel
Polyoxymethylene
Germany
$60
JB Prince Mac Black Ceramic Honing Rod With Grooves 10.5-Inch
13.4
Ceramic, Steel Core
Polypropylene
Taiwan
$64
Opinel 10-Inch Diamond Steel Sharpening Rod
24
Diamond-Coated Stainless Steel
Wood
China
$60
Green Elephant Ceramic Sharpening Rod
7.2
White Ceramic
Polypropylene
Taiwan
$30
Friedr Dick 10-Inch Honing/Polishing Rod
4.9
Stainless Steel
Plastic
Germany
$83
Kuma Kitchen Knife Sharpener
8.6
Stainless Steel
Polyoxymethylene
Japan
$48
Friedr Dick Multicut Steel
15
Stainless Steel
Plastic
Germany
$150
Wusthof 9-Inch Classic Ikon Honing Steel
Wusthof 9-Inch Honing Steel
A classic honing steel by any measure, the Wusthof 9-inch steel is a great honing rod to have in your kitchen. Made of stainless steel, this is everything you want from a honing rod. It’s light and tough and made by a company with more than two centuries of history making knives.
A strong, robust honing rod is what every knife owner should be looking for, and this one checks the boxes.
Classic Ikon Honing Steel Specs Weight: 11.6 ounces Rod Material: Stainless Steel Handle Material: Polyoxymethylene Country of Origin: Germany MSRP: $200
Zwilling 12-Inch Professional Oval Sharpening Steel
Zwilling 12-Inch Professional Oval Sharpening Steel
Sometimes you just need something a little bigger and heartier. This steel from Zwilling is up to the task. Its oval shape and longer length make it great for bigger knives. The chrome-plated steel is hard enough to hone most types of steel with ease and is easy to clean.
The loop at the end lets you hang it up easily too. Weighing in at just under a pound, don’t let that fool you. This is a heavyweight rod that will withstand years of use in your kitchen.
Professional Oval Sharpening Steel Specs Weight: 14.4 ounces Rod Material: Stainless Steel Handle Material: Polyoxymethylene Country of Origin: Germany MSRP: $60
JB Prince Mac Black Ceramic Honing Rod With Grooves 10.5-Inch
With a fine 1200 grit, this ceramic rod from JB Prince is incredibly hard and durable. Its black ceramic coating is harder than both white ceramic and steel, and it’s also resistant to breaking so it can handle whatever you throw at it. Since it’s ceramic, it has the benefit of being completely rust-resistant, unlike traditional steel rods.
Most knife blocks that come with a honing rod will have a steel varietal, but looking beyond the block can lead you to quality rods like this one that can last a lifetime.
Mac Black Ceramic Honing Rod With Grooves 10.5-Inch Specs Weight: 13.4 ounces Rod Material: Ceramic, steel core Handle Material: Polypropylene Country of Origin: Taiwan MSRP: $64
Opinel 10-Inch Diamond Steel Sharpening Rod
Opinel 10-Inch Diamond Steel Sharpening Rod
When it comes to rods that also sharpen, you can’t go better than diamond steel. This Opinel rod has a coating embedded with diamonds that sharpens as it hones. It’s good for both kitchen and pocket knives so you sharpen your EDC with it as well.
With a beechwood handle, and weighing 21 ounces, this rod feels good in the hand and will leave a pristine edge on your knives. Worth the price in every way for the discerning knife owner.
10-Inch Diamond Steel Sharpening Rod Specs Weight: 24 ounces Rod Material: Diamond-coated stainless steel Handle Material: Wood Country of Origin: China MSRP: $60
Green Elephant Ceramic Sharpening Rod
Yes, there are many ceramic rods on the market today, but you’d have a hard time finding one as robust and durable as this one from Green Elephant. With a grit of 1500, the rod is fine enough to lightly sharpen along with honing and realigning your blade. It’s also suitable for Japanese knives which may come with only one cutting edge instead of a Western, or German, style double-edged knife.
The silicone seal between the rod and the handle is designed to absorb vibrations and the whole construction is built to withstand being dropped without cracking. Lightweight and fairly-priced, this 11-inch rod is worth a look.
Ceramic Sharpening Rod Specs Weight: 7.2 ounces Rod Material: White ceramic Handle Material: Polypropylene Country of Origin: Taiwan MSRP: $30
Friedr Dick 10-Inch Honing/Polishing Rod
It is almost impossible to chip this rod thanks to being coated in diamond dust. From German maker Friedr Dick, this 10-inch rod is diamond-coated steel is designed for the heavy knife user in mind.
An oval shape allows more of the blade to contact the rod with each pass which means each knife takes less passes to hone. The ergonomic, dual-density polymer grip keeps everything safe and secure when passing the blade down the rod.
The catch-22 is the diamond itself. Yes, it will return your knife’s edge quicker, but use the rod too often and it’ll scrape off material far faster than other types of rods.
10-Inch Honing/Polishing Rod Specs Weight: 4.9 Rod Material: Stainless Steel Handle Material: Plastic Country of Origin: Germany MSRP: $83
Kuma Kitchen Knife Sharpener
Some rods are designed for only one type or knife or are too short to properly hone long chef’s or slicing knives. This honing steel from Kuma is the consummate all-arounder. The steel reliably restores your knife’s edge thanks to its carbon steel construction. The triple-riveted ergonomic handle is slip resistant so even honing wet knives (although you shouldn’t do that on a honing rod) can be done safely.
Unlike most of the other rods on this list, this steel will need more hands-on maintenance due to its carbon steel construction otherwise it will rust.
Kitchen Knife Sharpener Specs Item Weight: 8.6 ounces Rod Material: Carbon Steel Handle Material: Polyoxymethylene Country of Origin: Japan MSRP: $48
Friedr Dick Multicut Steel
Another entry on this list from the German maker, this honing steel looks unlike anything else out there today. At first glance it’s easy to think this is a misplaced paddle, but in reality it’s a multi-dimensional honing steel.
The flat 11-inch blade has six parallel grooves running through it. Slide your knife down the main body of the steel and it’ll hone like any other rod. However, slide down one of the grooves and you can more precisely remove burrs and imperfections from the blade.
This is far and away the priciest honing steel on the list so you’ll need to determine if it’s worth the investment or if you would be better served using one of the other rods to hone your knives.
Multicut Steel Specs Weight: 15 ounces Rod Material: Stainless Steel Handle Material: Plastic Country of Origin: Germany MSRP: $150
Editor’s Note: This article was written by Mike Ableson.
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 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 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
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