Buyer's Guides Archives

Nessmuk Knife: Options In The All-American Outdoor Knife

-

March 28, 2024

Nessmuk Knife: Options In The All-American Outdoor Knife

History repeats itself in modern renditions of an all-American classic.

Some patterns stand the test of time and become legendary for a reason, be it a story, movie or book. The Nessmuk-style knife stands out because of its shape.

Nessmuk was the pen name of George Washington Sears, a 19th-century American writer, conservationist and outdoorsman. He wrote about his wilderness adventures, particularly his solo canoe trips in the Adirondacks, a picturesque mountain range in northeastern New York state. He promoted a simple and lightweight approach to camping and woodcraft.

A modern “Nessmuk Trinity” with a Helm Forge hatchet, Victorinox camper, and TOPS Knives Camp Creek. Nessmuk would be proud of this edged-tool setup.

According to the story, the Nessmuk knife was named after a childhood friend of Sears’s from the American Indian community. The knife was not well documented and very little is known about it except for a diagram in Sears’s book Woodcraft and Camping. The book describes the knife as “thin in the blade, and handy for skinning, cutting meat, or eating with.”

What Is A Nessmuk

The Nessmuk-style knife has a unique shape that sets it apart from other models. The 4-to-5-inch blade has a hump on the spine that is closer to the point. The blade also has a deep belly and an upswept point, which makes it ideal for slicing, skinning and similar tasks. The distinct blade shape is the defining feature of a Nessmuk-style knife.

George Washington Sears, aka Nessmuk, preferred thin knives with keen edges. He paired his knife with a double-bit hatchet and a folding knife, forming his “trinity” of cutting tools.

Nuge Camptoku, TOPS Knives Camp Creek, Bear Forest Knives PuuMuk and KA-BAR/Becker BK-19 Nessmuk knives. — The Nessmuk-type knife is a highly regarded design. The test versions are, from top: Knives By Nuge Camptoku, TOPS Knives Camp Creek, Bear Forest Knives PuuMuk and KA-BAR/Becker BK-19.

Usually, a Nessmuk blade is carbon steel ranging from 3/32 to 1/8 inch at the thickest. The handle comes in a variety of materials, including wood, bone or antler depending on availability and user preference. It is important for the handle to be comfortable and ergonomic, fitting the hand well.

What Makes A Good Nessmuk

A Nessmuk knife is a fixed blade Sears designed and used for his expeditions. It has a distinctive curved blade that resembles a skinner or a butcher knife and a handle that fits comfortably in the hand.

A quality Nessmuk knife should be able to perform various tasks in the woods, such as skinning game, slicing meat, carving wood, making feather sticks, cutting cord—even shaving. It should be sharp, sturdy, well balanced and easy to maintain. A Nessmuk knife should also be lightweight and compact so as not to add much bulk or weight.

TOPS Knives Camp Creek

The Camp Creek combines all the features of a superior hunting knife with impeccable fit and finish. It sliced camp food and passed the tomato test with flying colors.

The TOPS Knives Camp Creek is a hunting/camping knife designed by Leo Espinoza, company president. The blade is CPM S35VN steel, which boasts superior edge retention and stainless properties. The handle is a three-color camo-style G-10.

The Nessmuk-like design is perfect for hunting, skinning, processing wood and food prep around the campsite. The knife has a contemporary tan Kydex sheath and a brown leather dangler on a swivel.

Camp-style kabobs were my focus with the Camp Creek due to its classic butcher knife shape. I knew it would excel slicing meat and veggies and it didn’t disappoint. It aced the tomato-slicing test and will see more dirt time in the future.

Definitely the most Nessmuk shaped of the review knives, the super-sharp, flat-ground blade has all the right curves and excels at food prep and woodcraft.

Camp Creek Specs
Designer: Leo Espinoza
Blade Length: 4.38”
Blade Steel: CPM S35VN stainless
Blade Grind: Flat
Blade @ Thickest: .13”
Blade Finish: Tumble
Handle Material: Camo G-10
Overall Length: 9”
Sheath: Coyote tan Kydex and leather
Country of origin: USA
MSRP: $305

Bear Forest Knives PuuMuk

Eating off the Nessmuk hump — The author ate off the Nessmuk hump of the PuuMuk, perhaps the way Nessmuk himself did a century-and-a-half ago.

Made by Bear Forest Knives (BFK), the PuuMuk combines the design elements of a puukko and a Nessmuk-style knife. It has a straight handle without a guard and a choice of blade grinds: high saber or Scandi. The knife features full-tang construction. The blade was sharp as can be, especially the Scandi version.

The handle is like all the knives I have used from BFK—comfort is not compromised in any way. The red oak scales are secure and comfortable in any grip.

I used the PuuMuk as I would a general camp knife. I improvised carving a fork out of wood and general woodcraft like making feather sticks for a fire. The PuuMuk prepared food outdoors, slicing bacon, tomatoes, avocados and peppers. I used it as an impromptu spoon to eat off the back of the Nessmuk blade hump; perhaps Sears did the same. I used the PuuMuk for one month straight in the kitchen, doing all a kitchen knife would typically do. It didn’t take much time before the steel took on a respectable patina, adding to the look of the old-timey pattern.

The knife’s standout feature is the thin Scandi-ground blade and sharp 90-degree spine, adding a modern improvement to the classic pattern.

PuuMuk Specs
Blade Length: 3.75”
Blade Material: 80CrV2 carbon steel
Blade Grinds: Scandi and high saber options
Blade @ Thickest: 3/32”
Blade Finish: Acid wash
Knife to know: The blade’s 90-degree spine accommodates ferro rod striking and tinder scraping
Handle Material: Red oak
Overall Length: 8.375”
Sheath: JRE Industries brown leather
Country of origin: USA
MSRP: $179.99

KA-BAR Becker BK-19

BD-19 Trap — In survival Nessmuk mode, the author made a figure-four trap with the BK-19 in a jiffy.

The KA-BAR Becker BK-19 is a solid tool battened down with stainless steel Torx hardware and comes with a MOLLE-compatible, bulletproof Celcon sheath. Designed by Ethan Becker of Becker Knife & Tool, the 9.6-ounce edged tool stands out with the beloved Nessmuk blade shape so highly regarded in the bushcraft community.

The blade has more of a drop-point look than the other three test models. It is a survival Nessmuk if ever there was one. I put the knife into the deep end, splitting wood via a stout baton and crafting a figure-four deadfall trap. The robust blade easily split timber and processed wood for a late winter fire.

The handle was comfortable in several grips, and the exposed tang pommel added another degree of usefulness among the bunch, standing out as the hard-use survival Nessmuk the likes of which Mr. Sears would be proud.

The standout feature of this compact powerhouse is the sheath, which can be worn on a belt or in a scout carry orientation. The belt loop webbing is removable, and the retention is so good that the snap closure at the top is unnecessary. However, the closure can come in handy when in transit. KA-BAR has figured it out for you with two drain holes to help keep the sheathed blade dry in wet conditions.

BK-19 Specs
Designer: Ethan Becker
Blade Length: 4.3125”
Blade Material: 1095 Cro-Van carbon steel
Blade Grind: Flat
Blade @ Thickest: .165”
Blade Finish: Burnt bronze
Handle Material: Ultramid synthetic
Overall Length: 9.125”
Sheath: Celcon
Country of origin: USA
MSRP: $165.38

Camptoku Knives By Nuge

Camptoku Nessmuk — The Camptoku has a sharpened 90-degree section at the front of the spine, allowing the author to ignite some tinder with a ferro rod quickly.

The Camptoku from Knives By Nuge is a versatile general-purpose camp knife blending the esteemed Nessmuk blade with a santoku pattern, resulting in a rugged tool for outdoor and meal tasks. The Nitro-V stainless steel blade offers excellent durability and easy maintenance. The Camptoku comes with G-10 or wood scales and a custom-made slip sheath (no belt loop).

It is the longest of the bunch and a bit of a divergence from the traditional Nessy. However, it pays homage to the revered design and moves it into a new era. The thin blade screams kitchen use and allows for a comfortable chef’s pinch grip with a rounded spine for comfort. Meanwhile, the front 1.5-inch section from the Nessmuk hump to the tip has a sharp 90-degree spine for striking a ferro rod or scraping tinder.

The handle is a generous 4.75 inches, making it suitable for kitchen and woodcraft grips. Incredibly comfortable in a fist handhold, the knife is a chameleon when put into service in a chest-lever or pinch grip. The G-10 liners and pins offer that dash of undeniable modern class.

In the field the Camptoku served as the ordained kitchen knife, slicing tomatoes, meat and vegetables for stew while also starting fires to cook what it had been used to prepare.

Camptoku Specs
Blade Length: 5.5”
Blade Steel: Nitro-V stainless
Blade Grind: Saber
Blade @ Thickest: 3/32”
Blade Finish: Satin
Knife to know: The blade has a 90-degree spine in a 1.5” section from the hump to the tip for ferro rod striking and tinder scraping
Handle Material: Choice of G-10 or maple burl
Overall Length: 10.5”
Sheath: Kydex
Country of origin: USA
MSRP: $425

Dime Novel Knives?

George Washington “Nessmuk” Sears spoke ill of the bowie- and hunting-style knives of his era (mid-to-late 19th century), writing of them, “The ‘bowies’ and ‘hunting knives’ usually kept on sale are thick, clumsy affairs, with a sort of ridge along the middle of the blade, murderous-looking, but of little use; rather fitted to adorn a dime novel or the belt of ‘Billy the Kid’ than the outfit of the hunter.”

Here To Stay

The Nessmuk knife is a versatile and practical tool that can easily handle various outdoor tasks. The pattern has become crucial to American cutlery history and shows no signs of going away. Here’s hoping it never does.

Check Out More Outdoor Knives:

BEST TOMAHAWKS: OUR TOP HAWKS FOR BACKWOODS TO BATTLEFIELDS
BEST BUSHCRAFT KNIFE: WHEN STEEL MEETS THE WOODS
BEST EDC FIXED BLADE KNIFE: A CUT ABOVE THE REST
BEST CAMP KNIVES: OUTDOORS DO-ALLS

Pocketful Of Miracles: New Pocketknife Drops

BLADE Staff

-

March 26, 2024

0

Pocketful Of Miracles: New Pocketknife Drops

Hip pocket feel empty? We got the cure for that…

The pocketknife was once a rare term, most likely because back in the pioneering day fixed blades of all types ruled the roost. With few bears to skin nowadays and more wire to strip and boxes to dismember, a pocketknife practically means knife to a wide swath of people. This ubiquitous class of knives helps make our daily world go round—be they tactical do-alls or slip-joint stunners. And we have gathered a load of new ones—factory and custom—hitting the market.

Barnett Custom Knives 6-Blade Congress

Knife pattern: 6-blade congress
Master blade length: 17/8”
Blade steel: Ladder-pattern damascus
Blade grinds: Flat
Scales: Gold-lip mother-of-pearl
Handle frame: .030” 410 stainless steel
Bolsters: 416 stainless
Closed length: 3.5”
Knife to know: Bruce Barnett is an ABS journeyman smith
Maker’s price for a similar knife: $2,750
Maker: Barnett Custom Knives (Rod Hoare image)

Manuele Messori Little Blue

Knife name: Little Blue
Blade length: 3.5”
Blade material: Björkmans Twist damascus forged by Damasteel w/Fat Carbon White Storm inlay
Pivot: Ceramic bearings
Scales: Titanium GR5 w/Fat Carbon White Storm, zirconium and mother-of-pearl inlays
Backspacer: Zirconium
Hardware: Titanium screws
Closed length: 4”
Maker: Manuele Messori (SharpByCoop image)

Andrew Demko Full-custom AD-20 Stinger Tanto

Knife name: Full-custom AD-20 Stinger Tanto
Blade length: 3.5”
Blade steel: CPM MagnaCut stainless
Blade grind: Compound
Scales: Fat Carbon
Liner material: Titanium
Lock: Shark Lock
Closed length: 5”
Maker’s price for a similar knife: $2,000 (standard U.S.-made AD-20 starts at $450)
Maker: Andrew Demko (SharpByCoop image)

Bob Hook Linerlock Folder

Knife type: Linerlock folder
Blade length: 3.75”
Blade steel: Reptilian damascus by Vegas Forge
Blade grind: Flat
Scales: Caramelized musk ox
Bolster: Same material as blade
Closed length: 3 5/8”
Knife to know: Handle has detailed screws and liners; maker’s name in the interior; stud opener; the maker is an ABS journeyman smith
Maker’s price for a similar knife: $1,200
Maker: Bob Hook (Jocelyn Frasier image)

Fallkniven GPbm

Knife model: GPbm
Blade length: 3.07”
Blade material: Laminated CoS (cobalt steel) stainless
Rockwell hardness: 60 HRC
Blade grind: Flat
Blade @ thickest: .11”
Lock: Linerlock
Weight: 3.3 ozs.
Closed length: 3.94”
Carry: Suede pouch
Knife to know: GPbm stands for Gentleman’s Pocketknife Black Micarta
Country of origin: Japan
MSRP: $327.95 at press-time exchange rate
Company: Fallkniven

Kershaw Livewire

Knife name: Livewire – Double Edge
Designers: Kershaw Originals and Matt Diskin
Knife type: Out-the-front automatic
Blade length: 3.45”
Blade steel: CPM MagnaCut stainless
Rockwell hardness: 60-63 HRC
Blade @ thickest: .125”
Handle material: Textured 6061-T6 aluminum
Pocket clip: Deep carry, right/left, blade tip down w/black Cerakote® finish
Hardware: Black-oxide steel screws
Knife to know: Double-action (opens and retracts automatically w/sliding button)
Weight: 3.1 ozs.
Closed length: 4.8”
Country of origin: USA
MSRP: $400
Company: Kershaw

GiantMouse ACE Biblio XL

Knife name: ACE Biblio XL – Green Canvas
Blade length: 3.2”
Blade steel: Elmax stainless
Blade @ thickest: .138”
Blade finish: Stonewashed
Scales: Green canvas Micarta®
Lock: Linerlock
Pocket clip: Wire, reversible
Backspacers: Brass
Weight: 3.915 ozs.
Closed length: 4.375”
Country of origin: Italy
MSRP: $225
Company: GiantMouse

A Sharp Life with Bob Terzuola

Video series: A Sharp Life with Bob Terzuola
What’s included: 11 episodes start to finish of building one of BLADE Magazine Cutlery Hall-Of-Fame® member Bob Terzuola’s groundbreaking ATCF tactical folders, and also on knifemaking in general.
Knife to know: Buy the entire series alone or bundle it with Bob’s monthly subscription service, Shoptalk, the latter which includes weekly Q&A Zoom calls with Bob and two “deep dive” educational videos per month, “Terzuola Swag” and more.

Halfbreed Blades MILSPEC MILF-02PS

Knife name: MILSPEC MILF-02PS
Knife type: Flipper folder
Blade length: 3.54”
Blade steel: CPM S30V stainless
Rockwell hardness: 59-60 HRC
Blade grind: Hollow
Blade @ thickest: .19”
Blade style: Harpoon drop point
Finish: PVD coated throughout
Washers: Phosphor bronze
Handle frame, liner & spacers: 420J2 stainless
Scales: G-10
Pocket clip: Ambidextrous, blade tip up or down
Lock: Framelock
Weight: 7.34 ozs.
Closed length: 4.84”
Country of origin: Comprises Australian and Taiwanese manufacture
MSRP: $185 at press-time exchange rate
Company: Halfbreed Blades

Barking Gecko Forge Eureka Jack

Knife pattern: Eureka jack
Blade lengths: 2.44” (main) and 1.57” (pen)
Blade steel: CPM 154 stainless
Blade grinds: Hollow
Scales: Giraffe bone
Bolster: Fluted 416 stainless steel
Sharp stuff: Domed pins, fileworked liners and center spacer, jeweled liners and stainless steel shield; long-pull nail nick on main blade
Closed length: 3.54”
Maker’s price for a similar knife: $795 at press-time rate of exchange
Maker: Barking Gecko Forge (Rod Hoare image)

Rothman Knives Elephant Toenail

Knife pattern: Elephant toenail
Blade length: 2”
Blade steel: CPM 154 stainless
Blade grind: 14” hollow
Handle frame: 416 stainless in an integral construction
Scales: Mammoth ivory
Knife to know: Fileworked liners; the elephant toenail is also known as a sunfish; the maker is a probationary member of The Knifemakers’ Guild
Closed length: 3.5”
Maker’s price for a similar knife: $1,200
Maker: Rothman Knives (SharpByCoop image)

Shane Taylor Linerlock Folder

Knife type: Linerlock folder
Blade length: 3”
Blade steel: Dragon damascus
Blade grind: Flat w/convex edge
Bolster: Same as blade
Scales: Mammoth ivory
Lock type: Linerlock
Backbar: Engraved
Closed length: 3.75”
Maker’s price for a similar knife: $2,800
Knife to know: The maker is an ABS master smith
Maker: Shane Taylor, Miles City, Montana, [email protected], taylorknives.com (Jocelyn Frasier image)

Check Out More Knife Drops:

Production And Custom Kitchen Kinves
Production And Custom Damascus And Stainless Steel Knives
Production And Custom Large Blade Knives

Keychain Knives: Unlocking The Secrets To The Convenience Blade

Pat Covert

-

March 25, 2024

0

Keychain Knives: Unlocking The Secrets To The Convenience Blade

Handy keychain knives are pocket pards ready to sever and serve.

As competitive as today’s cutlery market is, it behooves a factory knife company to fill as many categories as it can—including the keychain knife. In fact, keychain knives offer a number of the same utilitarian functions as many contemporary tacticals and EDCs. Whether you need a small knife to handle daily chores or a back-up to your back-up in an emergency, a keychain knife can answer the call.

Bear & Son 3-inch Keychain Knife

The Bear & Son 3-inch Keychain Knife is a study in curves and its all-silver frame and blade add a classy touch. The blade sports a brushed finish and rolls out via a nail nick. Key hauling is handled by a 1-inch flat split ring on the base, very adequate unless you carry a large number of keys. In that case you can always add a larger split ring. A cap lifter is on the lower backside of the handle.

I sliced 1-inch-diameter smoked sausage and the blade performed admirably—not that you’d typically grab your keychain knife to perform such a task but it’s there if you need it. The cap lifter is handy. There is no pocket clip but the Bear & Son is not overburdening for loose pocket carry. This is a stout keychain knife well worth the money.

Schrade Roadie

The Schrade Roadie is a little bulldog of a keychain knife that doesn’t pretend to be anything else—it’s strictly a knife. In fact, it looks like a squeezed tactical folder. The blade opens via a flipper tab. The handle is black G-10 over black-coated stainless liners, with the rear liner serving as an unusual exposed locking leaf. Keys carry via a 4-inch black ball chain that dangles approximately 2 inches off a hole in the base.

I tested the blade on 3/8-inch synthetic rappelling rope to see how the reverse tanto pattern—a cousin to a modified wharncliffe—performed. It had no problem taking 3/8-to-1/2-inch slices in a single pass. The grip is excellent, aided even more by gimping on the upper rear handle close to the blade spine. This is a heck of a small knife and I only had one beef with it—the ball-chain key dangler. With the weight of keys tugging on the chain both sloshing around inside the pocket and while in use, you are asking for it to break. By the nature of ball-chain construction there are simply too many points along the way it can fail. I’ve got a remedy for that I’ll discuss later.

Smith & Wesson Stonewash Keychain

Smith & Wesson keychain knife — The Smith & Wesson’s 2.1-inch drop-point blade of ti-nitride-coated 8Cr13MoV stainless steel sliced its way through 1/8-inch harness leather, something the author indicated the other knives would have more trouble doing. Weight: 2 ounces. Closed length: 3.2 inches.

The Smith & Wesson Stonewash Keychain is the largest of the test bunch and it, too, resembles a scaled-down tactical folder. There’s a cap-lifter cut-out on the back frame slab. Keys mount at the base using a 3-inch ball-chain loop. This is the first of two review knives with a convenient pocket clip. The keys must be removed before using it because the clip is mounted for tip-up carry only, and if you use the keys they will hang out the top of your pocket. If this is acceptable to you, go for it.

I tested the blade on 2-inch-wide harness leather. Looping the leather strip over I did pull-throughs and found the little cutter more than up to the task. The framelock knife is built like a tank with the exception of a ball-chain key carrier which, as stated, I believe will give you issues down the road. That said, if you’re comfortable with it, go for it. I like this otherwise sturdy knife and it’s worth every penny of the price tag.

Gerber Key Note

Key Note cutting leather — The Key Note’s satin-finished 5Cr stainless blade is too short for slicing but the tip scores quite well.

The Gerber Key Note wins the Keychain Outside The Box Award for its sheer imaginative design. With a stubby tanto blade, this offering radically differs from the pack. Both praised and panned on YouTube, the Key Note’s stubby .8-inch double-ground blade is certainly different. The frame has black-anodized aluminum rails with black stainless steel liners, the front which houses a linerlock. A flipper on the back side of the tang gets the blade rolling but only deploys it halfway, after which you pinch it for full deployment. You can also use the nail nick. Two nice touches are a wide tip-down pocket clip and a healthy 1.25-inch-diameter split ring for holding keys.

The blade is limited by its small size but I found it useful in scoring mode taking off strips of suede leather, and it is a heck of a box cutter. It will also push-cut paracord on a flat surface. The beefy tip-down pocket clip can be used with keys attached. The amply sized split ring is the best of the test knives, providing plenty of room for key-a-holics.

Is the Gerber Key Note different? Yes, but it may do just what you need a keychain knife to do.

Keychain Knife Carry Options

keychain knife carriers — Modifying a keychain knife to suit your preferred carry can be done any number of ways. Examples include, from left: lanyard mini-carabiner for neck carry, a belt clip with split ring, the Roadie with ball chain removed, ready to modify, and a quick-release carrier that allows you to easily separate the knife from the keys.

There are other ways to carry these diminutive cutters than in or on the pocket. Accessories and findings (jewelry making parts) can be had by a various number of sources such as hobby stores, online at eBay and Etsy, or by doing an internet jewelry search such as Rio Grande Jewelry Making Supplies. Neck lanyards, belt clips, split rings large and small, breakaway connectors, small carabiners, and more are all available to modify your keychain carry to suit you. Any one of our candidates may suit your tastes as is, but if you want to mod it to suit your needs, there are plenty of options!

Check Out More Buyer’s Guides:

Best EDC Fixed Blade Knife Options
Best Bushcraft Knife: When Steel Meets The Woods
Best Neck Knife: Options To Yoke Up With
Best Tomahawks: Our Top Hawks For Backwoods To Battlefields

Collaboration Knives That Cut To The Quick

BLADE Staff

-

March 25, 2024

0

Collaboration Knives That Cut To The Quick

Designers and companies join forces to help consumers win with these knife collaborations.

A collaboration knife is produced when a designer or knifemaker partners up with a knife company to produce a particular knife. And more often times than not, such models offer the best of both worlds. Designers able to focus purely on designing and not confined to the limits of their shop can shoot for the stars. While companies take the reigns of producing the knife to exacting specs and usually at a buyer’s price. In the end, the knife consumer wins. Here is a handful of the latest collaboration drops certain to get knife aficionados juices flowing.

Harlock Mini / Boker Plus

If you’re looking for an elegant knife present for that special someone, you could do a lot worse than gift him or her the Boker Plus Harlock Mini designed by custom knifemaker Darriel Caston.

Designer: Darriel Caston
Knife type: Push-button automatic
Blade length: 2.05”
Blade steel: Black-coated 154 CM stainless
Blade grind: Convex
Handle material: Black-coated aluminum
Hardware: Brass
Knife to Know: A latching slide lock locks the blade closed and prevents accidental release
Closed length: 2.87”
Carry: Pocket clip and nylon pouch
Country of origin: USA
MSRP: $146

A.P.C. (Always. Pocket. Carry.) / CRKT

Unlike traditional slip joints, Steigerwalt’s new slip joint design for CRKT does not have a standard steel backspring. Instead, the slip joint springs from the liners and connects the liner springs with a hardened steel block that contacts the heel of the blade, eliminating the need for the backspring. Among other advantages, this reduces a fair amount of the weight a backspring would add, there is more space inside the handle to hold a wider blade, the position of the blade pivot pin can be changed and more.

Designer: Ken Steigerwalt
Knife type: Slip joint
Blade length: 2.88”
Blade steel: Bohler M390 stainless
Rockwell hardness: 59-61 HRC
Blade grind: Flat
Handle material: Fat Carbon Dark Matter
Weight: 1.7 ozs.
Closed length: 3.72”
Country of origin: Taiwan
MSRP: $175

The Sicilian / Fox Knives

According to Fox’s Athena Greta Barbieri, “Bob Terzuola conceived the Sicilian taking inspiration from traditional knives used by ordinary people for everyday activities such as eating or working in the fields. The idea for this knife evokes images of landscapes warmed by the Sicilian sun and simple meals eaten among olive trees and vineyards.”

Designer: BLADE Magazine Cutlery Hall-Of-Fame® member Bob Terzuola
Knife type: EDC folder
Blade length: 3.35”
Blade steel: BECUT stainless
Rockwell hardness: 58-60 HRC
Blade @ thickest: .12”
Blade finish: Stonewashed
Blade opener: Disc
Handle material: OD green canvas Micarta®
Spacer: Aluminum anodized orange
Pocket clip: Wire
Lock: Linerlock
Weight: 3.53 ozs.
Closed length: 4.52”
Country of origin: Italy
MSRP: $164

Prohen XR / SOG

Designed by custom knifemaker Mikkel Willumsen for SOG, the beefy Prohen XR flipper folder is a mix of curves and angles that features the XR Lock, a sliding transverse bar that locks the blade in place and promotes ambidextrous one-hand operation.

Designer: Mikkel Willumsen
Knife type: Flipper folder
Blade length: 3.4”
Blade material: Cryo D2 tool steel
Blade @ thickest: .157”
Blade grind: Flat
Blade pattern: Drop point
Blade finish: TiNi
Blade opener: Flipper tab or thumb hole
Handle: G-10
Pocket clip: Reversible, low carry
Lock: XR Lock
Knife to know: The XR Lock can withstand 1,500 lbs. of force
Weight: 5.6 ozs.
Closed length: 4.8”
Country of origin: China
MSRP: $70

Dmitry Sinkevich / Spyderco

The Spyderco knife’s handle includes a titanium scale on one side and a solid carbon fiber scale and nested stainless steel liner on the other. The titanium scale is “webbed” to reduce weight and forms the basis for the knife’s Reeve Integral Lock (R.I.L.) mechanism, which includes a long-wearing stainless steel interface. Both scales are meticulously machined with the intricate “drunken” texture that gives the knife its name, and are accented by a matching color-anodized backspacer, pivot assembly, and right-side, tip-up pocket clip.

Designer: Dmitry Sinkevich
Blade length: 3.45”
Blade steel: CPM S90V stainless
Blade grind: Full-flat
Blade @ thickest: .138”
Blade finish: Tumbled
Handle: Carbon fiber/ titanium
Pocket clip: Right-handed, blade tip up
Lock: R.I.L. (Reeve Integral Lock)
Weight: 3.8 ozs.
Closed length: 4.61”
Country of origin: Taiwan
MSRP: $770

More On Collaboration Knives:

ANDY SHARPE/CHUCK RICHARDS COLLABORATION SALUTES THE HEROES OF THE BATTLE OF ATTU
FRIEDLY/RUDOLPH COLLABORATION IS AN HOMAGE TO AMERICAN INDIAN CULTURE
WHICH KNIFE COLLABORATIONS WOULD YOU ARRANGE?

Nothing Foul Or Fishy About These Bird And Trout Knives

Reuben Bolieu

-

March 20, 2024

0

Nothing Foul Or Fishy About These Bird And Trout Knives

Know what they are, how to use them and how well they perform.

A bird and trout knife is a compact, fixed blade designed for hunters and anglers to process small game and fish, such as squirrels, rabbits, birds and trout. The knives are known for their portability and convenience, as they can easily fit into a backpack or pocket. The name is derived from the knife’s popularity among outdoor enthusiasts who require a reliable tool to assist them in their hunting or fishing activities.

When choosing a hunting or fishing knife, there are a few key factors to consider. First and foremost, the blade material is essential. To ensure optimal performance and longevity, your blade should be crafted from high-quality stainless or carbon steels. Equally important is the blade design; a thin, flexible drop- or trailing-point shape will allow for easy filleting and deboning, and precise cuts and slices. The handle should also be comfortable and ergonomic, with a good grip and balance.

Bird and Trout Knife and Sheaths — The sheaths are simple affairs, usually made from leather with a belt loop. The Exodus 3 has a Kydex sheath (right) made for scout carry.

A secure and durable sheath is a must-have. Some even feature a thumb lock to prevent accidental slips. Remember these factors for a trusty tool that you will keep by your side for years to come.

Case Mini Finn

The small knife in the C a se leather hunter two-knife hunting set is the Mini Finn, sold separately. It’s a durable, reliable fixed blade for outdoors, hunting and hiking. The rugged knife features a 3.13-inch clip-point blade and polished leather handle for a secure grip. Blade steel is Tru-Sharp™ stainless, Case’s version of 420HC. The knife is ideal for small game.

EVALUATION: The blade was sharp from the get-go. Small and agile, the knife and its concave-ground blade proved perfect for the tasks it was dealt. A section about 1 inch long on the spine has subtle ridges for purchase if that’s how you like to grip a knife.

Mini Finn making feather stick — Making a feather stick was a snap with the Mini Finn.

The blade quickly sliced the only bird in season—chicken—for kabobs in the cabin. When making tent stakes the blade sliced through green witch hazel with authority. The handle is a hidden gem, paying homage to the traditional stacked-leather grip. Holding it feels like a throwback to the early 1900s Finnish style. The knife has a decent finger guard and a grip for three fingers. However, when the Mini Finn is held in a sideways or chest-lever grip, the buttcap feels a bit awkward.

A simple leather sheath completes the package. It sports a drain hole and can be worn on a thin belt or as a neck knife. The sheath is basic—nothing new under the sun—but why change a good thing? The Mini Finn is easily the best buy of the test quartet.

Case Mini Finn Specs
Blade Length: 3.13”
Blade Steel: Tru-Sharp™ Stainless
Blade @ Thickest: .062”
Blade Finish: Mirror polished
Scales: Leather
Weight: 2.5 ozs.
Overall Length: 6.5”
Sheath: Leather
Country of Origin: USA
MSRP: $82.99

ESEE CR2.5

The ESEE CR2.5 is a little bird-and-trout-style knife designed by Cody Rowen of Rowen Manufacturing. It features a sturdy 1095 carbon steel blade with a black-oxide-stonewashed finish and ESEE logo. It is lightweight and easy to carry. The handle is available in Micarta® or G-10, providing a comfortable and secure grip.

Evaluation: This slick little cutter is an excellent tool for fishing, small game hunting and general woodcraft. The blade is flat ground and has a sharp 90-degree spine that can be used to scrape tinder with a ferro rod. During a survival class in Alabama, it was used to carve feather sticks and scrape fine wood shavings for a fire. Additionally, it proved handy for skinning squirrels.

Butchering with the CR2.5 — The CR2.5 makes butchering effortless, especially for small, delicate game like birds and trout—and squirrels.

The handle has a comfortable grip for three to four fingers. With use, it will develop a patina similar to the blade. ESEE offers the grip in orange G-10 and Micarta. A leather pouch-style sheath, which can be used as a necker due to its light weight, keeps the knife secure and safe. There’s no drain hole on this one but it has a generously sized belt loop.

Paired with a chopper, the CR2.5 will definitely get it done. It takes third place among the test bunch as the best buy for the money.

ESEE CR2.5 Specs
Designer: Cody Rowen
Blade Length: 2.5”
Blade Material: 1095 carbon steel
Rockwell Hardness: 55-57 HRC
Blade @ Thickest: .125”
Blade Finish: Black oxide stonewashed
Scales: Micarta® or G-10
Weight: 2.5 ozs.
Overall Length: 6.25”
Sheath: Leather pouch
Country of Origin: USA
MSRP: $143.50

TOPS Knives Bird and Trout Knife (BTK)

TOPS BTK bird and trout knife — The TOPS BTK excels at delicate work like scoring salmon skin and scaling. The slight upsweep helps ensure the tip doesn’t penetrate anything it shouldn’t.

Allen Jensen, also known as the Axeman, designed the TOPS Knives Bird and Trout Knife (BTK). With a stainless steel blade, a stonewash finish and a black canvas Micarta handle, the knife is perfect for camping, kitchen chores and other outdoor activities. The handle design allows multiple grip options, making it a great skinning tool for tough hides like bear and beaver.

Evaluation: Of the test bunch, the BTK is closest to a regular-size fixed blade. The blade shape’s slight upsweep lends itself well to food preparation, especially from a standing position. The blade came extremely sharp and performed flawlessly, especially processing food. I used the BTK to section a piece of fresh salmon and as a fish scaler. The upsweep didn’t tear any of the fillet in the process. The sharp edge scored the skin quickly, aiding in rendering super-crunchy-skin salmon.

Battoning with the BTK — The TOPS BTK is a superb EDC knife for the woods. Due in no small part to the blade’s healthy .13-inch thickness, it easily baton cut through green witch hazel

The handle features an ergonomic design, providing a secure grip when it’s gooey. The scales don’t extend to the blade, allowing greater versatility when choking up for skinning.

The choice of black leather for the sheath was wise, as it hides stains from food and game. The sheath is heavy duty and comes with an average belt loop, but no drain hole. The BTK is the priciest of the bunch but well worth it.

TOPS Knives BTK Specs
Designer: Allen Jensen
Blade Length: 3”
Blade Steel: 440C stainless
Rockwell Hardness: Cryo-treated to 58-60 HRC
Blade @ Thickest: .13”
Blade Finish: Stonewash
Scales: Black canvas Micarta®
Weight: 3.5 ozs.
Overall Length: 6.75”
Sheath: Black leather
Country of Origin: USA
MSRP: $175

White River Knife & Tool Exodus 3

Exodus 3 bird and trout knife — Using the Exodus 3, the author created an eight-notch try stick. He tested the knife’s ability to slice through green wood and found the narrow blade allowed easy maneuvering in small spaces.

The lightweight White River Knife & Tool Exodus 3, also known as Adventurecraft, is a small but robust survival knife. It’s the perfect size for bird and trout tasks, game dressing, food preparation and everyday carry.

Evaluation: Rather than the regular use as before, I put this one through a special gauntlet. The blade is tough. The thick spine culminates in a thin, flat grind—it’s a slicer. I wasted no time making an eight-notch try stick*. The blade’s geometry sliced through green wood like butter. I moved onto a survival fishing spear made from dry maple and the edge had no issues muscling through the seasoned wood. As a final coup de gras, I pounded the blade into an ammo canister. The blade remained unscathed and I was not surprised.

The author employed the Exodus 3 to make a spear for fish and frog gigging. The knife effectively balances between being a bird and trout knife and woods companion.

The handle is long enough for a four-finger grip yet is the narrowest of the test knives. Narrow handles can lead to fatigue by overcompensating when gripping. The scales are a “10” on the cool factor scale and provide a secure grip to back it up.

The Exodus 3 was the only test knife I could scout carry, keeping it out of the way when on the trail or in camp. Blade retention also was outstanding in the sheath and on the belt. The knife is the second best buy of the gang.

White River Exodus 3 Specs
Blade Length: 3.15”
Blade Steel: CPM S35VN stainless
Blade @ Thickest: .13”
Blade Finish: Stonewash
Scales: Canvas Micarta®
Weight: 2.3 ozs.
Overall Length: 7.2”
Sheath: Black Kydex
Country of Origin: USA
MSRP: $140

*In bushcraft, a try stick is a wooden stick carved with notches for use as a teaching aid.

More Outdoor Knives:

BEST CAMP KNIVES: OUTDOORS DO-ALLS
BEST BUSHCRAFT KNIFE: WHEN STEEL MEETS THE WOODS
WHAT DEFINES THE BEST CUSTOM HUNTING KNIVES?
BEST SKINNING KNIVES: WHEN YOU DRESS THE KILL

First Look: Bear OPS Unveils the Double Clutch IV

Buyer's Guides

Elwood Shelton

-

March 14, 2024

0

First Look: Bear OPS Unveils the Double Clutch IV

Bear OPS introduces the 4 ½” Double Clutch IV. An out-the-front automatic engineered to meet the demands of EDC carry.

Bear OPS has been on a roll in 2024 with a couple of drops early this year. However, its most recent introduction is perhaps its most intriguing, if for no other reason than it’s an automatic—and those are always interesting. Especially when it’s a pocket-friendly OTF, such as the Double Clutch IV, priced right to make it a viable EDC option you won’t be afraid to scratch the paint on.

Don’t get me wrong, the $290 price tag is still steep for many, but measured against the rest of the out-the-front market the knife comes in competitively priced. And Bear OPS hasn’t skimped in making a fairly rough-and-tumble option. Particularly opting for good ol’ D2 steel for the Double Clutch IV’s 2.5-inch blade and aircraft-grade aluminum for the handle. For those not in the know, D2 is a long-used knife material—a high-carbon tool steel, with both good wear resistance and toughness, as well as respectable corrosion resistance. Arguably there are new options with better qualities, but D2 still holds its place.

As to the blade profile, Bear OPS offers two options, tanto and drop point. In both cases, the blades are straight-edged but have some nice points that accentuate each design. The drop point boasts a wide belly, giving it plenty of slicing surface. While the tanto has a fairly sharp, but abbreviated tip, which should make it a puncturing pro.

The Double Clutch IV’s action has a crisp deployment, facilitated by an understated—yet functional—thumb slide. It’s just about the right size for the small knife, not protruding so much as to cause an errant fire, but prominent enough that you won’t fumble to get the knife into action.

The knife boasts aluminum milled handles that not only enhance its toughness but also contribute to its ergonomic design. With grip ridges for added traction, these handles provide a comfortable and secure grip in any situation, ensuring optimal control even when wearing gloves.

Despite its robust construction, the Double Clutch IV remains remarkably concealable, seamlessly integrating into your everyday carry apparel. Whether tucked away in a pocket, duty belt, or plate carrier, this knife remains discreet yet readily accessible, ready to defend and protect at a moment’s notice. And at a scant 3.3 ounces, it won’t bog you down.

Oh yeah, it also comes outfitted with a pocket clip for tip-down carry and a lanyard hole, a slick feature that might help get the knife into the fray.

Double Clutch IV Specs
Blade Styles: Tanto, Drop Point
Blade Material: D2 Tool Steel
Handle Material: Aircraft Aluminum w/grip ridges
Rockwell: 59-61
Closed Length: 4 1/2″
Edge: 2-1/2″
Weight: 3.3 oz.
Extras: Automatic, Pocket Clip provides for Tip-Down Carry, Lanyard Hole
MSRP: $290

Check Out Our Knife Reviews:

Oknife Beagle Review
Versa Rescue Knife Review
Knife Review: CRKT Bamboozled
M-1 Folder Review: How Good Is This Folder?

Neo-Slippies: Not Your Granddad’s Slip Joint Knives

Abe Elias

-

March 13, 2024

0

Neo-Slippies: Not Your Granddad’s Slip Joint Knives

Tradition meshes with modern in today’s new-age factory slip joint knives.

Like all tools, slip-joint pocketknives have seen their own evolutionary journey. In the olden days there were quality tools and then there were ones produced to be a bit more affordable, yet they still had their utility. These days many people buy knives for their utility, and I would say a number buy them for what I call the “Gucci factor.” As times change what’s considered attractive changes too, and, of course, makers leave their marks with their own innovations.

This time we’re not only going to test the latest in factory slip joints but also examine how companies and designers are innovating the age-old design to ensure it’s useful enough for the user and pretty enough for the collector. I took them all for a spin by shoehorning them into my everyday carry (EDC) rotation. The results are revealing.

CRKT Forebear

A couple of things update the CRKT Forebear. The first is the modified wharncliffe blades of 12C27 stainless steel. They’re not too big of a departure from the traditional style but still enough to make you notice. They are streamlined with an aggressive tip. Second is the use of a streaked-red-and-black G-10 handle. Unlike using texture to add dimension like, say, in a jigged material such as bone, the handle has two contrasting colors instead.

The knife is in a two-blade configuration—small and large wharncliffes—designed by custom maker Darriel Caston. The blades remind me of those on German chip-carving knives. Such blades are excellent for detail work and chores at which utility-style blades excel. They are flat ground and have long nail nicks that follow the spine.

I must say I was disappointed with the out-of-the-box finished edges on the blades. They were very uneven. One side had a larger micro bevel than the other. Machines do the great majority of the work creating the parts of a factory knife. In the end, though, the final edge is most often applied by hand. Before getting full use out of the knife I had to even out the bevels.

CRKT Forebarer slip joint — A handle closeup gives you a good idea of the depth the two-colored G-10 scales bring to the Forebear. At 3.43 inches closed, it’s a nice size for the watch pocket on your jeans.

Again, fit and finish was a bit of a disappointment, especially coming from CRKT. I have come to expect great value from the finishes on the company’s knives. Both scales exhibited shaping flaws and were left unpolished in spots, leaving an uneven appearance.

I actually like the design. It has great potential for everyday use with the two wharncliffes. It needs some work as mentioned on the edges. With a user knife it’s easier to overlook some fit-and-finish errors. After all, knives become better looking with familiarity as enthusiasts grow attached to their EDCs. As for the edge, it’s very fixable but it should come ready to use out of the box.

Boker Plus Koteyka

Boker Koteyka — The file-style work on the spine of the Koteyka breaks up the profile and gives the blade some character.

The Boker Plus Koteyka is a stylized clip-point-blade folder. The handle is jigged black G-10. The blade is flat-ground D2 tool steel and opens via a nail nick. Closed length: 3.5 inches. I really like that Boker Plus sends the Koteyka in a box wrapped in wax paper like the old-time knives. On the back of the blade is some machining that resembles filework.

Out of the box it cut very well after I stropped it to bring it to the crazy sharp level. The finish on the G-10 has machining marks for a rustic look. One day I will end up hitting it on a buffing wheel. With a high luster polish I think it would be killer. Granted, the MSRP is only $69, so I’m just expressing my own thoughts on its presentation. Texture wise it can be a little rough on your hand, so that is another reason why I will buff it. The blade action and spring tension are good. It is a great little pocketknife update. I look forward to using it further.

Lionsteel Bestman

In the Bestman, Lionsteel offers a pocketknife with all the traditional elements, though it’s the presentation and materials that give it the updated look. The folder has three choices of blade configuration: clip and spear points and a combination two-blade set up of clip point and wharncliffe. I received the clip point for the test. Blade steel: M390 stainless. Closed length: 3.75 inches.

The Bestman features two sets of bolsters with a decorative groove. Handle materials come in an array of natural or synthetic materials, from olive wood to carbon fiber. I chose the canvas Micarta® for the rugged look. Lionsteel kept the design blocky while smoothing over the edges to avoid hot spots. None of the metal on the knife is polished. It has a satin finish, as did some of the older high-end brands in which one side of the blade would be polished and the other side hand rubbed. In place of pins are Torx fasteners. Even the execution of the grind on the clip point departs from the traditional by keeping all the lines crisp.

The blade opens via a nail nick. The blade action is smooth yet has a definite half stop. The spring tension is dead on. I must say I am impressed and like it. It came right out of the box ready for work. The materials and design will last a lifetime of chores.

Heretic Jinn

At first, adding the Jinn by Heretic Knives to the review was iffy at best for me. I saw it on the company’s website and I somewhat reluctantly included it. To me, a pocketknife design from Heretic is akin to having a thrasher band perform Simon & Garfunkel. Nothing personal, I just thought Heretic couldn’t pull it off. In the end, though, I am the fool standing there clapping after the rest of the audience has stopped.

The sheepsfoot blade of CPM MagnaCut stainless with a combination serrated/plain edge has great application for EDC use. It can cut everything from soup to nuts. For style Heretic includes a false grind. The knife opens via a long nail nick at the blade’s back half. If I had one criticism it would be the position of the nail nick. There would be a greater advantage in opening the blade if the nick were farther away from the pivot point. Just pinching the blade closer to the tip allows for a smoother pull-on opening.

Heretic Jinn clip — The Jinn is the only slip joint reviewed with a pocket clip.

A half stop enhances user safety and the knife is finished off in carbon fiber scales with a trim, low-profile pocket clip. The clip is my next issue. It is too tight to easily clip onto floppy and thick pocket rims. The design is such that you really don’t want to bend the clip, either.

All else considered, the Jinn really surprised me. It is a great worker. Overall, its looks fit right in with any modern one-hand-opening pocketknife. Closed length: 3.8 inches.

A CERTAIN ROMANCE
Slip joints have a certain romance to them. On a base level the designs have tons of utility, and updating their appearances helps keep consumers interested. Of course, there will always be the ongoing love affair with the traditional designs. Many wouldn’t have it any other way.

More On Pocketknives:

Kershaw Blur Review: Focusing On The EDC Classic
The Challenge Of Creating Lockback Whittlers
Kershaw Leek Review: Not Your Garden-Variety EDC Knife
Spyderco Paramilitary 2 Review: Still A Cut Above The Rest

Buyer's Guides