The BV-Tac 8 is a versatile performer and does so comfortably.
The BV-Tac 8 “multitool” from Bear Valley Tactical is designed for firefighters, first responders, hunters, campers and other action seekers. It features plenty of uses for the average person that makes it a handy tool to have.
It features hydrant and spanner wrenches, hammer, axe blade, pry bar, 7/16- and 5/16-inch wrenches, gas turnoff, and 15 feet of paracord in the handle. The axe blade and hammer are very useful.
Bear Valley also offers attachments such as a shovel, pick with a hoe, bow saw and sand anchor (coming soon). The BV-Tac 8 is made in the USA.
Axe Test
The weight was perfect to split the wood for kindling. The only thing the author worried about was the prybar. As a right-hander and with the prybar angled toward the right, he had to be sure it did not hit his forearm.
To test the axe head, I split some pine. The multitool was very controllable. The weight was perfect to split the wood for kindling. The paracord handle prevented any shock to my hand. The only thing I worried about was the prybar when using the axe. I’m a right-hander and with the prybar angled toward the right, I had to be sure it did not hit my forearm.
I had a seasoned hackberry chunk I needed to split. The BV-Tac 8 was up to the task. It bit deep and within a few whacks the log was quartered. You can really get some power behind your chops with this puppy. Again, the paracord handle absorbed any shock to my arm.
Tool Test
The bolts fit tight into the prybar slots but you are limited by space around a bolt for use. There’s plenty of leverage if you can get to the bolt.
I found a few bolts that fit into the slot of the pry bar. They fit tight into the respective slots but you are limited by space around a bolt for use. The BV-Tac 8 has plenty of leverage if you can get to the bolt.
Grasping the hammer, I drove finishing and roofing nails into a 2×4. The hammer has great balance and hits where you aim. There is enough weight to drive the nails deeply on each blow. The handle is extremely comfortable and doesn’t roll during hammering. It is very well done.
I used the pry bar to pull the nails I had hammered into the 2×4. After prying them up about a quarter inch, I was able to slide the nail head into the prybar’s “V.” I lifted the nails out easily. This thing is—you guessed it—handy.
Hard-Use Test
The author used the hammer to drive finishing and roofing nails into a 2×4. There is enough weight to drive the nails deeply on each blow. The handle is extremely comfortable and doesn’t roll during hammering.
I had to push the limits of the hammer and axe. An old steel screen chair had one more use: whack attack! The hammer easily busted the screen out from the welded channel. Seven or eight hard blows and all I did was mark up the Cerakote® finish.
On to the axe head, same drill—seven or eight hard blows to the screen. Most of the blows penetrated around halfway through the screen. The edge maintained its sharpness but I sure can mess up a great Cerakote finish. It’s “seasoned” now.
Final Cut
I might add a tip guard for the prybar. The BV-Tac 8 is an extremely versatile tool to have in your vehicle or strapped to your rucksack.
BV-Tac 8 Specs Edge Length: 4.75” Head/Edge Material: S7 tool steel Head Finish: Coyote brown Cerakote® Handle: Paracord wrapped Special Features: Several built-in tools (see copy) Weight: 3 lbs. Overall Length: 17” Blade Cover: Synthetic Country of Origin: USA MSRP: $199.99
Folder or fixed blade, EDC or kitchen and more, one of these will fill the bill.
In the wake of BLADE Show 2024 there is a slew of new knives hitting the custom and factory markets. We scoured both to bring you some of the latest and greatest handmade and production gems. Keep your eyes peeled for these fantastic options hitting dealers’ shelves soon.
Triple C Knives Model #3
Knife pattern: Fixed-blade hunter Blade length: 4” Blade material: Damascus of 5160 carbon and 15N20 nickel-alloy steels Blade grind: Hollow Handle: Mammoth ivory Bolster: Stainless steel Overall length: 7.75” Maker’s price for a similar knife: $1,000 Maker: Triple C Knives (SharpByCoop image)
Bubba Crouch Trapper
Knife type: Slipjoint Blade length: 3 7/8” Blade steel: Damascus forged by ABS master smith Rick Dunkerley Blade grind: Hollow Handle material: African goat horn Handle frame: 416 stainless steel in an integral construction Bolster: 416 stainless Knife to know: The CPM 154 stainless backspring features filework; the arrowhead shield is damascus Closed length: 4” Maker’s price for a similar knife: $2,500 Maker: Bubba Crouch (SharpByCoop image)
Erik Fritz Petty Chef’s Knife
Blade length: 6.5” Blade material: Triple-quenched 52100 carbon steel Blade grind: Flat w/convex edge Handle: Buckeye burl Bolster: 416 stainless steel Overall length: 11” Maker’s price for a similar knife: $400 Knife to know: Erik Fritz is an ABS journeyman smith Maker: Erik Fritz (Jocelyn Frasier image edit)
Ben Akin Bowie
Blade length: 83/8” Blade material: W2 tool steel w/hamon Blade grind: Flat Handle: Box elder burl w/carbon fiber and red G-10 spacers and a mosaic pin Guard: Wrought iron Overall length: 135/8” Knife to know: Ben Akin is an ABS apprentice smith Maker’s price for a similar knife: $800 Maker:Ben Akin (Jocelyn Frasier image edit)
Egginton Presentation George Wostenholm I*XL barlow
Knife type: Slipjoint Blade length: 2.16” Blade steel: 420S45 stainless Blade pattern: Clip point Blade finish: Crocus polished Scales: Stabilized birch burl in Cutlers Company green Bolster: Nickel silver marked w/400-year anniversary emblem Knife to know: Commemorates the 400th year of The Company of Cutlers in Hallamshire, UK; The Company of Cutlers was formed by an act of Parliament in 1624 to “protect and promote the cutler and steel products made” in Sheffield, England; made in a limited edition of 2024 in recognition of the company’s 400th anniversary year; each knife is serial numbered Weight: 2.18 ozs. Closed length: 3.16” Country of origin: United Kingdom MSRP: $185 at press-time exchange rate Company:Egginton
Boker Plus Gust Copper
Knife type: Manual one-hand folder Designer: Serge Panchenko Blade length: 2.87” Blade material: D2 tool steel Blade @ thickest: .14” Blade pattern: Drop point Blade finish: Stonewashed Blade opener: Thumb hole Handle material: Copper w/hole for a lanyard Lock: Framelock Pocket clip: Tip up, right-handed Weight: 4.44 ozs. Closed length: 3.7” Carry: Nylon pouch Country of origin: China MSRP: $119.95 Company:Boker Plus
Valhalla Blades Surtr
Pattern: Bowie Blade length: 11” Blade material: 1084 carbon steel Blade grind: Flat Handle material: Dyed, stabilized maple burl Guard: Brass Overall length: 16” Maker’s price for a similar knife: $250 at press-time exchange rate Maker: Valhalla Blades (Rod Hoare image)
TOPS Knives Shadow Hunter
Knife type: Fixed blade Blade length: 4.5” Blade material: 1095 carbon steel Rockwell hardness: 56-58 HRC Blade @ thickest: .19” Blade finish: Tungsten Cerakote® Handle material: Black canvas and tan canvas Micarta® Weight: 10.1 ozs. Overall length: 9.25” Sheath: Tan Kydex Weight w/sheath: 12.8 ozs. Knife to know: While the original was a favorite of company founder Mike Fuller, the new iteration is fine-tuned for enhanced performance, including a more ergonomic handle, slightly extended blade and modernized finishes Country of origin: USA MSRP: $250 Company: TOPS Knives
Montana Knife Co. MKC Whitetail
Pattern: Hunting knife Blade length: 4” Blade @ thickest: .135” Blade steel: MagnaCut stainless Blade pattern: Drop point Handle material: G-10 Construction: Full tang Overall weight: 4.3 ozs. Overall length: 8 5/8” Sheath: Kydex, open carry, reversible quick-attachment belt clip, vertical handle down or horizontal carry, built-in retention screw to customize blade tension Knife to know: Also available in buck skin, black, green and black, tan and black, and grey handle colors; integral guard; gimping on blade spine Country of origin: USA MSRP: $315 Company:Montana Knife Co.
The Australian Cutlery Fixed-Blade Hunter
Blade length: 4” Blade steel: CPM S35VN stainless Blade grind: Hollow sabre Blade thickness @ ricasso: 1/8” Blade @ widest: 1” Blade finish: Bead blast Handle material: Hunter orange G-10 w/bead blast finish and custom Australian cutler mosaic pin Overall length: 8.5” Sheath: Matching hunter orange Kydex model made by Adam Grosskopf Maker’s price for a similar knife and sheath: $230 at press-time exchange rate Maker: The Australian Cutlery (Rod Hoare image)
Spyderco Manix 2 MagnaCut Lightweight Salt Knife Yellow Polymer
Knife type: Manual one-hand folder Blade length: 3.375” Blade steel: MagnaCut stainless Blade grind: Flat Blade @ thickest: .13” Blade pattern: Drop point Blade finish: Satin Blade opener: Thumb hole Handle material: Yellow polymer over stainless steel liners Lock: Ball-bearing lock Pocket clip: Reversible, tip up Weight: 3 ozs. Closed length: 4.625” Country of origin: USA MSRP: $232.99 Company:Spyderco
Cold Steel Espada XL
Knife type: Folder Blade length: 7.5” Blade steel: AUS-10A stainless Blade @ thickest: .137” Blade grind: Hollow Blade pattern: Clip point Blade finish: Black PVD Handle material: Ruby red G-10 Lock: Tri-Ad Lock Pocket clip: Blade tip up Weight: 14.8 ozs. Closed length: 9.25” Knife to know: The knife is inspired by the classic Spanish navaja folder and is a collaboration between Lynn Thompson and custom knifemaker Andrew Demko Country of origin: Taiwan MSRP: $299.99 Company:Cold Steel
Today’s framelock folders are built tough, stylish and sharp.
Framelocks are popular with folks who put folding knives to rough use. They are built more robust than linerlocks simply because the lockbar is cut out and bent from the steel or titanium frame of the handle. The lockbar is the exact width of the handle scale, whatever thickness that may be. Consequently, compared to the spring of a standard linerlock, there is significantly more material locking the blade open and, thus, greater lock strength.
Hinderer Knives Halftrack
At the end of the titanium lockbar of the Hinderer Halftrack is a bolted-in steel block that contacts the tang and reduces wear on, and thus adds longevity to, the lockbar.
Named for the specialized military vehicle with a tracked propulsion drive system, the Hinderer Knives Halftrack framelock folder is, like its namesake, practically unstoppable. Despite the knife’s compact size, it has the horsepower to muscle through tasks big and small.
Hinderer Knives is known for high-end folding and fixed-blade knives aimed at the tactical market. The Halftrack is a bulldog of a tactical folder and one of Hinderer’s biggest sellers. A scaled-down tactical folder, it’s easy to carry. One thing’s for sure, the Halftrack is stout, with a handle that’s a little over a half-inch thick. The 2.75-inch blade is high-octane CPM S45VN stainless steel. The classic bowie shape has a defined tip for precise cutting. Other blade pattern options are a Spanto—Hinderer’s in-house design of blade grind that results in a very stout spear point—a tanto, wharncliffe and drop point.
The boxy handle frame is stonewashed titanium and the framelock is one of the strongest on the market. At the end of the titanium lockbar is a bolted-in steel block that contacts the tang and reduces wear on, and thus adds longevity to, the lockbar. Not all knife companies incorporate such a feature on their framelocks. A sturdy titanium pocket clip carries the closed knife blade tip up in the pocket. G-10 inlay in several color options on the presentation side sports a nice 3D milling pattern that aids in traction. At 3.85 inches closed, the Halftrack is robustly built without being too bulky.
The Halftrack blade has an excellent edge out of the box and is ready to work. The CPM S45VN stainless steel has staying power and holds an edge exceptionally well. As the author noted, it’s a material that can go the distance.
The blade has an excellent edge out of the box and is ready to work. The S45VN has staying power and holds an edge exceptionally well. It’s a steel that can go the distance. The handle doesn’t seem that comfortable at first but once you work with it you’ll understand the purpose behind the design. The large finger recess forms an integral lower guard that seats your index finger and prevents forward hand movement, while the angled handle butt fits perfectly in the palm of your hand. The boxy shape helps prevent it from being “lost” in your grip while wearing work gloves, too.
Expect top notch performance all around. The blade sails through just about anything—cardboard, hose, wire, meat and a lot more. It does it all easily. The MSRP of $425 may be somewhat steep but the knife is well worth every dollar. It’s a tough folder that will take abuse and last for years. Country of origin: USA.
Kershaw Helitack
The 3.25-inch clip-point blade of the Helitack is built to excel at utility tasks. Such a pattern not only slices very well but also has a defined tip for precise cutting and scoring.
Named for the U.S. Forest Service helicopter borne firefighters who are flown to combat remote wildfires, the Helitack from Kershaw exhibits the same toughness and resolve that the special breed of firefighters possesses. Like firefighter gear, the Helitack is built tough and carries easily. The 3.26-inch modified clip-point blade of 8Cr13MoV stainless is razor sharp out of the box. (The 8Cr13MoV is the Chinese equivalent of Japanese AUS-8.) The blade deploys via a flipper tab and SpeedSafe assisted opener, and rides on a pair of caged bearings for the ultimate smoothness in opening and closing.
The handle is a stainless steel framelock and sports a chamfer around the edges to soften the grip and make it more comfortable. A reversible clip carries the knife deep in the pocket. The clip easily reverses to the opposite side using a standard T6 Torx driver. A steel lockbar stabilizer is integrated into the pivot on the lock side of the handle. It prevents the lockbar from traveling too far and thus losing tension when locking the blade open. The handle’s slender nature adds to the comfortable carry experience. The lock engages securely with zero play. The blade and handle sport a gray titanium nitride coating that’s handsome and low glare. The hardware is a contrasting black for an overall eye-catching look.
The Kershaw Helitack’s stainless steel framelock sports a chamfer around the edges to soften the grip and make it more comfortable. A reversible clip carries the knife deep in the pocket.
The 3.25-inch clip-point blade is built to excel at utility tasks. Such a pattern not only slices very well but also has a defined tip for precise cutting and scoring. The hollow grind allows the blade to be thinned out somewhat, giving the edge great bite without compromising strength. The Helitack tackles tougher materials with ease, something an EDC work knife must do.
The handle seems very comfortable and has no hot spots, though there were times I wished it were a bit wider to help me power through a cut. As slim as the handle is it carries very well. The lock held firmly. At an MSRP of $64.99, the knife is a great value. Country of origin: China.
Bastinelli Knives Bastien Coves
The BBR2’s titanium lock side is anodized a bronze color. The blade spine thumb rest is at the most forward point of the grip and has traction notches. The pocket clip carries the closed knife blade tip up and is non-reversible.
The knife designs of Bastien Coves of Bastinelli Knives are very progressive and geared toward tactical with an emphasis on high utility. Ergonomics are a priority with Bastinelli’s designs and they are some of the most comfortable tacticals around.
The BBR2 framelock folder showcases Bastien’s fine design talent. Made in Italy by Lionsteel, the knife has a 3.1-inch drop-point blade of D2 tool steel in a stonewash finish for a good visual contrast. The blade is rather interesting as it is a “dropped” design in relation to the handle. This permits Bastinelli to make full use of the ergonomic handle and allows the blade to be used to its full potential by lowering the cutting edge below the handle, reducing interference from the user’s hand and making the blade more useful in various cutting tasks. D2 was chosen for its high performance for the money. Dual thumb studs provide ease of one-hand opening, and the pivot’s Ikoma Korth Bearing System (IKBS) ensures ultra-smooth blade rotation. A fuller milled into the blade reduces weight and provides a nice visual and an aggressive presence.
If you follow Bastinelli’s work, you know the BBR2 is available in a plain edge blade. Starting in 2024, Bastinelli will begin offering the BBR2 in a partly serrated blade as well, and provided an early sample of the semi-serrated iteration to road test for the article.
A partly serrated blade on the Bastinelli BBR2 is new for 2024.
The handle is a half-and-half construction, with a milled G-10 presentation side and a titanium lock side anodized bronze. The curved handle with prominent index finger groove is one of the best things about the BBR2. It is super comfortable. The handle edges are chamfered as is the grip to remove some material to fit your hand better. The blade spine thumb rest is at the most forward point of the grip and has traction notches. An aluminum spacer protrudes stylistically at the handle butt to form a skull cracker point. The pocket clip carries the closed knife blade tip up and is non-reversible. (Sorry, southpaws.) I also like the rounded G-10, which helps the knife sit better in your hand. At first it did feel a bit weird with the rounded G-10 and the flat titanium lock side, but after working with the knife for a while you get used to it. MSRP: $250.
CRKT Padawan
For using, the author’s favorite of the two blade patterns of the CRKT Padawan is the wharncliffe. The full flat grind gradually tapers down to the edge and makes it an absolute slicer.
CRKT’s newest folder design, the Padawan is designed by Brazilian knifemaker Pedro Buzetti of Presidential Prudente, Brazil. Buzetti is the protege of Flavio Ikoma (page 36), the Ikoma of the Ikoma Korth Bearing System (IKBS) and a well-known Brazilian knifemaker who also has several collaborations with CRKT. The Padawan is Buzetti’s first collaboration with the company and is a stylish EDC folder. Pretty much a scaled-down tactical folder, the Padawan features a steel handle and framelock construction. It comes in two blade styles—an upswept semi-skinner and a wharncliffe, both 3 inches long. Blade steel is Sandvik 14C28N stainless, comparable to AUS-8.
There are two choices of handle overlays: textured black G-10 for the wharncliffe and brown canvas Micarta® for the semi-skinner. The overlays not only provide enhanced grip and visual styling but also act as a lockbar stabilizer. At 4.1 inches closed, the Padawan rides very well in the pocket, thanks in part to a blade-tip-up, deep-carry clip. Unfortunately, the clip is not reversible. Both knives feature flipper opening and the IKBS to provide easy, fast blade deployment.
For using, my favorite of the two blade patterns is the wharncliffe. The full flat grind gradually tapers down to the edge and makes it an absolute slicer. The wharncliffe has a more defined tip than the semi-skinner’s drop point. The Sandvik 14C28N steel holds an edge well for the money and is fairly easy to resharpen.
The CRKT Padawan offers two choices of handle overlays: textured black G-10 for the wharncliffe and brown canvas Micarta® for the semi-skinner. The overlays not only provide enhanced grip and visual styling but also act as a lockbar stabilizer.
The Padawan is a breeze to carry. It just disappears in your pocket. The handle is slender and comfortable, with the primary finger groove helping your index finger seat itself, with the rest of the fingers falling into place naturally. Chamfers in the grip make the handle feel slimmer than it actually is. Attention to detail is not lost at all, from the stylized tri-wing pivot screws to the mirror-polished, crowned blade spine. Such little touches make a good knife even better and add value. The Padawan is a great EDC framelock built stout that carries well without feeling bulky. MSRP for either version is a very reasonable $99.99. Country of origin: China.
Though always open to TSA interpretation, these tools just might pass muster.
It’s the job of Transportation Security Administration (TSA) agents to help ensure the safety of all commercial flights, which includes confiscating anything and everything from passenger carry-on that might jeopardize such safety. With the summer vacation season and the plane travel that accompanies it beckoning, the focus of this story is to avail you of some EDCs that might pass TSA muster.
Before continuing, there is always going to be that one TSA agent who will find something wrong with a carry-on EDC, no matter what it is, so be prepared for that eventuality. For the most part I read through the TSA’s rules and there appears to be some openings for such EDCs—not many, mind you, but some.
From left: the Leatherman Raptor, Big Idea Design TPT Slide and Gerber Prybrid-X.
One is the TPT Slide from Big Idea Design. Lets dive right in to why I think the TSA would OK the TPT for carry-on. First, simply because, in my experience, the TSA has. Back in my trade show days I carried several knives that were structured like the TPT. It is a utility knife with a removable blade. I would throw the knife in my carry-on minus the blade. Since I was working trade shows, I would simply leave some utility blades in the booth for when I got there. If you don’t have a setup like that it is easy enough to just buy a pack of blades in a store at your destination. When you depart to come home, leave them as an extra tip to the chambermaid.
The TPT takes utility blades, the single trapezoid style. You need no tools to remove the blade. In other knives of this style I have seen many different ways to remove the blade. The TPT’s method isn’t difficult but it isn’t a cakewalk like some others, either. Once you get the hang of it, though, you will have an easier time.
A flat-head screwdriver/pry bar is incorporated into the handle butt. There’s also a socket that takes quarter-inch bits. It is a trim package and has a pocket clip for carry or sleek leather pouch that also holds an extra blade. The pocket clip is tight—tight enough that when you get it, give it a good stretch to open it up. Included are two faux blades. They look exactly like utility blades but have no edge. They would be great for chores like breaking tape on packages, though I would not advise attempting to take them through security. You might be pushing your luck.
The author found the scissors of the Leatherman Raptor very useful. He carries a pair in his service bag. Good scissors can cut a variety of materials, from paper to cord and zip ties.
The TPT is a nice piece of kit and gives you a compact tool for EDC, though I can’t see why you couldn’t carry on any utility knife without the blades as long as it fits the guidelines. I do like it enough that it will see duty in my EDC rotation. Country of origin: USA. MSRP: $80.
Sound Substitue
The Leatherman Raptor is basically a set of EMT shears with a few tricks up its sleeve. If you read through the TSA guidelines, they exclude any scissors or shears with blades longer than 3 inches from the pivot point. The Raptor’s blades are only 1.9 inches. As well, I would figure the fact the blade tips are not sharp/pointed wouldn’t raise any alarms either. Keep in mind, I have not carried a Raptor on a plane. Unlike utility knives, I have no firsthand experience with shears to fall back on.
To carry the Raptor you have two choices: a plastic molded belt sheath and a belt clip. You can use the belt clip only when the scissors are folded. They fold up for a nice stowaway package. Other scissors features are an oxygen tank wrench, ring cutter, strap-cutter and a glassbreaker. The sheath will accommodate up to a 1.5-inch-wide belt. I know a number of firefighters who carry a Raptor on a belt daily. I carried one for years on my ankle first-aid kit.
Use the tip of the TPT Slide’s faux blade to cut open packages and such. The faux blade is great in areas with knife restrictions.
It is a versatile tool with tons of cutting power. The one blade is shaped like a sheepsfoot and, if you use the point, can be manipulated to score or cut things. The Raptor might not be as quick to use as a knife but it does have uses a knife doesn’t. Best of all, it doesn’t incorporate a bottle opener. (As you may or may not know, I hate having bottle openers on everything. At the current rate, pretty soon humans will be born with bottle-opening appendages.) If I were limited to what I could carry for an EDC, the Raptor would be a good practical alternative to a knife. Country of origin: USA. MSRP: $79.95.
Light L’il Bro
The Gerber Prybrid-X might look familiar as it has a big bro, the Prybrid. The Prybrid-X appears to fall under the TSA’s removal-blade category, but instead of a utility blade it takes a #11 crafting blade. The latter might not be as widely available as a utility blade, though by no means is it like shopping for hen’s teeth, either.
To deploy the blade, depress a button and push the blade out the front. The Prybrid-X comes with a pry bar, wire stripper, bottle opener and two flat-head screwdrivers formed out to the tips of the pry bar. It is a design that takes up very little real estate in your pocket. It does have a clip but the paracord lanyard makes it easy to find at the bottom of a pocket.
Sometimes a blade’s ease of access is more important than its size. You can do a lot of chores with the small, sharp blade of the Prybrid-X.
It is a light-duty tool for opening packages, stripping Romex® wire, digging out splinters, etc. If working in non-knife-friendly places like some retail stores, it is a great tool due to its low profile. For the size and weight, I can see it in, say, a tactical pocket pouch or just as that extra blade crazy knife guys like to carry. Country of origin: USA. MSRP: $28.
The Challenge
Carrying an EDC can be challenging at times for many reasons, including regulations and workplace rules. I have a friend whose workplace banned knives. Hence, he couldn’t carry a Swiss Army knife to work but could carry a multi-tool because it was “not technically a knife.”
A trim piece such as the TPT is easily carried in the belt line. The author likes carrying it in a belt loop. It saves space in a pocket and promotes easy access.
Fortunately, the knife community is constantly innovating and finding ways to address situations where a “TSA safe” tool is needed, though such tools are few and far between. And that is the challenge. I would like to know if there are more such implements out there. Instead of utility knives, you just remove the blades from, list the more creative stuff in the comments below, the things that make you sit up and take notice.
Doug Ritter’s folder more than ready to cut you out of trouble.
A folder always comes in handy. It hides in your pocket until you need it. Most people won’t freak out if you cut your steak in a restaurant with it. It’s a handy item for everyday use. The Doug Ritter RSK MK1-G2 is a classic example.
Let the cutting begin.
Light-Duty Cutting Test
Twenty-pound bond paper is my first choice for testing edge sharpness. The knife was aggressive and smooth slicing. The handle texture made control easy, so I didn’t lose any skin. I pushed the belly of the blade straight into the paper. (I’ll return to the medium for the last test to see if the blade will still slice.)
The blade made great crunching music as it bit quickly into the leather.
Double-walled cardboard was next. Cutting aggressively, the MK1-G2 bit deep into the cardboard and did so quickly. The cutting action was smooth with no snags. The cut pieces didn’t have much curl to them as the flat grind and thin blade cleanly parted the fibers.
I did some push cuts on 8-ounce leather. Nice crunching sounds accompanied each slice. The knife performed great—crunch, crunch, crunch! It was fun to do. The handle texture worked extremely well when I used a sidewinder grip, locking my fingers and hand in place.
As long as I was on leather, I might as well do some skiving—thin slices to thinner to the end of the leather. Once again the folder made great crunching music as it bit quickly into the leather. The test nicked a bit of my fingernail. I needed to be faster with the skiving for sure.
Heavy-Duty Cutting Test
It was time for my favorite camping slack time filler: whittling. I whittled some cool curlicues from a two-by-four. The flat-ground blade made it easy to get fine curlicues. The MK1-G2 also liked thick cuts into the wood. It was very controllable during both depths of cut.
The knife excelled at thick cuts in the two-by-four.
I clamped a two-by-four slab in the vise for a small chop test for the edge and the lock. For a folder the MK1-G2 provided some deep chops, and there were no problems with the handle sliding around in my hand. The edge went through knots and straight grain wood very quickly. The edge was awesome and lockup was 100 percent.
Half-inch sisal rope was next on the docket. I checked to see if the notches on the blade spine would be too sharp on my thumb. To my surprise, they were among the best-feeling thumb notches I’ve experienced on a folder. They provided a good grip and are softened on the points, an indication of paying excellent attention to detail. After 100 crunching cuts, I switched to my sidewinder grip and managed to get another 97 crunching cuts before the bite slowed down. I didn’t find a single hot spot on the knife—outstanding work again.
I returned to the 20-pound bond paper. The folder still sliced smoothly, though I did tear the paper in a couple of places. I believe the tears were more my fault than the knife’s.
Final Cut
The flat-ground blade made getting fine curlicues a snap.
I might make the grind line a tad higher. I like this folder a lot. I would put it in my bugout bag.
Doug Ritter RSK MK1-G2 Specs Company: Hogue Knives Knife type: Locking folder Blade Length: 3.44” Blade Steel: CPM 20CV stainless Blade Grind: Flat Lock: ABLE Lock Liners: 301 stainless steel Handle: Black G-10 Weight: 5 ozs. Closed length: 4 13/16” Country of origin: USA MSRP: $179.95
Work Sharp’s Ken Onion Knife & Tool Sharpener has been keeping knife enthusiasts’ edges sharp for a decade. A good run, by anyone’s measure. But the device’s time is up as the company welcomes the dawning of a new era—the Ken Onion Knife & Tool Sharpener MK.2. I’m sure some of you saw that coming.
Thankfully, Work Sharp hasn’t reinvented the wheel with the refresh of this time-tested multitool. Instead, the unit maintains many of the features that made it popular in the first place but offer a few notable enhancements that sharpeners and makers should find welcome, including a MK.2 Elite model with grinding functions.
Chief among the enhancements is the MK.2’s speed control, now offering seven preset speed settings to provide consistent and repeatable results. A new torque control delivers consistent power, even under load. To make the sharpener easier to dial in, Work Sharp has included a very clear amber LED indicator light for the belt speed selection for quick and precise adjustment. Furthermore, a scope click adjustment knob on the sharpening guide, with detent clicks, allows users to adjust in half-degree increments by touch. Incidentally, the guide is adjustable from 15 degrees at the low end to 30 degrees at the high, hitting nearly every angle for both knives and tools.
The MK.2 also comes with leather-lined angle guides that offer protection for knives during sharpening. Users will also note a lockout belt tensioner on the sharpening cassette that helps make changing abrasive belts fast and simple. The Ken Onion MK.2 will come with five grits to accommodate the full spectrum of sharpening from repair to ultra-fine polishing.
As for the grinding, the Ken Onion MK.2 Elite model has some interesting aspects too. The redesigned grinder attachment quickly and easily mounts to the power base without tools or calibration. Once attached, the grinder boasts on-the-fly motor speed control and continuous run time. Additionally, an adjustable, three-position convex pulley system allows users to customize their grind profile depending on personal preference or the type of knives being sharpened.
The Ken Onion Knife & Tool Sharpener MK.2 boasts a $200 MSRP for the base model and $300 MSRP for the Elite. While the original sharpener has been a standby for a long time, the new addition to the Work Sharp lineup should prove sharp.
Swords with a Scottish pedigree get two impressive reproductions.
People tend to look at the past quite romantically, and, in no uncertain terms, seem to have a love for those who died while living passionately, even if it meant the end of their way of life. This type of Shakespearean melodrama played out across the world over the centuries, especially when one industrialized nation defeated and subjugated people with a decentralized clan system. The scenario transpired time and again in Europe, America, the Orient and more. The idea of what might have been in a traditional, seemingly carefree society is something many cling to today as progress inevitably marches on toward an unknown, uncharted destination.
For the traditional Scottish clans, the quest for self-determination ended on April 16, 1746, in the Battle of Culloden. A significant reason for their defeat came not just from their tactics but also the weapons that were used. Meanwhile, along with their defeat went their widespread ownership of swords and guns.
According to the author, the CAS Iberia sword has an incredibly comfortable grip assembly.
The Scots, especially the Highlanders, were tartan-clad savages capable of easily overwhelming and annihilating the British by use of ambush at extremely close range. In particular, the Highlanders were adept at destroying British formations using a tactic called the Highland Charge. The tactic involved what is essentially a human wave attack with sword and shield wherein the Highlanders charged at full sprint directly into the enemy, often before the latter could fire a shot. When attacked with such speed, the British soldiers were at best able to get one, maybe two shots out of their muskets before they were completely overcome and cut down. Knowing this, the British commander, the Duke of Cumberland, trained his soldiers to repel this devastating attack.
Traditionally, the Scottish warrior carried a sword and a targe. A small shield held in the weak hand, the targe was used to deflect bayonets and swords while the Highlander brought his blade down on his enemy’s exposed neck and head. This was an incredibly effective tactic; it rendered the musket nearly useless and prevented the British soldier from being able to fight by simple bayonet thrust. The British commander instructed his men to not fight the Highlander directly in front of them, as they would surely be cut down in a heartbeat. Instead, he had each British soldier focus on one Highlander over; when the Highlander raised his targe to deflect a bayonet, the soldier would stab the Highlander’s exposed under arm. The simple change in tactics resulted in a devastating loss for the Highlanders, who, for decades, had fought proudly with their bold method. The resulting battle would see thousands of clansmen dead and a complete British victory.
Scottish EDC
The two blades sport different finishes: the Cold Steel (on bottom) has a mirror polished surface while the CAS Iberia (on top) has an etched, antiqued finish. The author indicated the latter is a bit less functional in that it has a slightly rough texture. On the other hand, some may prefer the low-glare look.
The Scots revered the steel and often swore their oath on it. Like many traditional cultures, the Scottish clans held their swords as sacred and a substantial majority of men carried them every day. Unlike the Japanese and their feudal system, where only samurai could carry swords, the average Scot could carry one if he could afford it. It was not a small purchase, and to have a sword was a display of wealth. The swords were often passed down, though it should be noted that at the time of the Battle of Culloden, there was a significant number of in-fashion designs that existed among the Highlanders, meaning that new blades were being purchased regularly.
Among these was the backsword, a fashionable sword that featured a triangular cross-section with a single-edge blade. This type of blade was common throughout Europe and saw favor among the Highlanders, as it was a weight reduction over the double-edge broadsword. The double-edge broadsword could accomplish virtually all its tasks with its tip and lower edge; its upper edge was something of an accessory in that it was not typically used for reverse cuts. The broadsword’s hilt was completely engulfed by a protective basket. Upward swings with this type of sword are awkward and do not lend themselves to significant leverage. The backsword remedied this by shaving over a pound off the sword’s weight while reducing none of its function on the battlefield.
Culloden Types
The author stated he’d like to see the baskethilt of the Cold Steel slightly lighter in construction and the grip a half to 3/4 of an inch shorter.
The two featured reproductions of Scottish swords, one from Cold Steel and the other from CAS Iberia, are exceptionally well-constructed, functional swords made of modern materials and blade steels. There are, of course, custom swords out there, but expect to pay well into the thousands to get one from a top maker. They are not easy swords to make, and the fact the two companies sell them for the stated price points is a great deal—if nothing else, a steal.
The two are variations of swords that would have been present at Culloden. Cold Steel’s is reminiscent of the traditional double-edge Scottish broadsword. The CAS Iberia repro is of a single-edge backsword, something quite common for the time, and arguably the last evolution of the combat sword before guns took over. These are functional repros; they arrive sharp and the blades are very capable of delivering cuts and slashes. As with any real sword, they aren’t meant for chopping lumber or taking down brush. They are fine conversation pieces and, at worst, attractive wall hangers.
The Cold Steel blade features a triple fuller that helps reduce weight.
Being versed in some swordplay, I put the swords through their paces. For cutting ability, the Cold Steel version is an absolute beast. The blade is tough and can chop and stab through cloth, leather and even light metal. A wide range of objects were cut, from heavy cardboard tubes to deer carcasses. The Cold Steel showed no edge deformation and the finish was hardly scuffed. The only downside is that the hilt and basket area are very large, and I have large hands at that. Ideally, a baskethilt will contain the hand while not allowing a great degree of front-to-back play; this heavy-bladed piece wants to pull out of the hand on hard strokes. I’d like to see the basket be slightly lighter in construction and the grip a half to 3/4 of an inch shorter.
The CAS Iberia backsword has an antiqued etched finish and, at least for my purposes, just about the most perfect grip size possible. The Cold Steel sword is impressive and powerful but lacks some refinement. The CAS Iberia sword is elegant, light and supremely easy to wield. It’s not as sharp or heavy as the Cold Steel but capable of lightning-fast slashes and deep stabs. The top of the tip has a false edge that could easily be sharpened, and the narrow, diamond-shaped cross-section allows for effortless punctures through most materials. It is hard to even feel it go through most materials, from fabric to flesh. The downside is the blade finish. While it is interesting and adds character, it is also a trap for moisture and needs to be kept well-oiled.
Both swords come with very nice leather scabbards. They match the swords’ fixtures and should be compatible with a wide range of hangers or sword belts.
Both swords come with very nice leather scabbards. They match the swords’ fixtures and should be compatible with a wide range of hangers or sword belts. The scabbards are also very close to how the originals were made, though like most things today there are some liberties taken with internal construction.
Duly Impressed
Overall, I’m extremely impressed with the featured swords. If it were up to me, I’d take the blade from the Cold Steel and fit it to the basket and grip of the CAS Iberia, making a sword fit to my hand that can deal hard, deep strokes.
For what it’s worth, you can’t really go wrong with either sword. They are cool and should make conversation starters at your next viewing of Rob Roy, Outlander or any other applicable Scottish-themed flick.
SCOTTISH BASKETHILT SWORDSPECS STYLE: 18th-century Scottish baskethilt broadsword COMPANY: Cold Steel BLADE LENGTH: 30.5” BLADE MATERIAL: 1055 carbon steel HANDLE MATERIAL: Blued-steel baskethilt; handle is wood wrapped in rayskin and wire. WEIGHT: 53 ozs. OVERALL LENGTH: 37.75” SCABBARD: Black leather w/blued fittings COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: India MSRP: $299.99 AUTHOR’S NOTES: An authentic, functional replica; a bit heavy overall, but solid and well-constructed
SCOTTISH BASKETHILT BACKSWORDSPECS STYLE: 18th-century Scottish baskethilt backsword COMPANY: CAS Iberia BLADE LENGTH: 33” BLADE MATERIAL: 65Mn carbon spring steel BLADE FINISH: Antique HANDLE MATERIAL: Blackened steel baskethilt with “beastie” plaques; handle wrapped in rayskin and wire WEIGHT: 50 ozs. OVERALL LENGTH: 39.5” SCABBARD: Tan leather w/blackened steel fittings COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: China MSRP: $565 AUTHOR’S NOTES: Period correct to the Battle of Culloden and based on a sword in the United Kingdom’s Royal Armouries. While more costly than the featured Cold Steel repro, it has the feel of a more balanced and elegant sword.
