Buyer's Guides Archives

Finding The Best Spearpoint Blade Knife

Buyer's Guides

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July 17, 2023

There’s a reason why spearpoint blade knives are common as bluegrass.

Spearpoint blades are very common blade shape that is used primarily with folding knives but also found on some varieties of fixed blades. This blade shape can either be long and slender or short and on the fat side.

What defines a spearpoint blade is the upsweep that forms the belly of the cutting edge and the equidistant spine that meet at the centerline of the blade’s width. Much as its name suggests, the profile mimics the shape of a spear.

Spearpoint Blade Uses

The spearpoint blade is a handy profile, as it’s very adaptable to any cutting task at hand. There’s enough blade belly present to do slicing work and enough of a point to do scoring and piercing tasks.

Common Spearpoint Blade Knives

Along with the standard single grind spearpoint blade shape, there are a couple of variants of such that you might also be familiar with as well.

Dagger: The dagger is a popular option in fixed-blade tactical knives and are commonly spearpoint blades. The big difference between it and the more common spearpoints, daggers have a double grind. These begin at the centerline of the blade and taper down to the cutting edge, forming two cutting edges instead of just one.

The dagger’s design lends it to penetrating tasks, as well as giving it a certain sexiness due to its symmetry. However, laws are very restrictive when it comes to dagger blades. Additionally, the dagger is not well suited for working tasks due to the relative fragileness of the blade shape thanks to its grinds.

Pen Blade: These are commonly found as a smaller secondary blade on many multi-blade slip joint folding pocketknives. The pen blade is good for just general, mundane cutting tasks like opening mail and packages, or light-duty scraping.

Pedestrian as the role may seem, these spearpoints see a lot of action in day-to-day tasks. It’s safe to say, the world’s fingernails would likely prove much dirtier without this little workhorse.

Spearpoint Blade Knife Buyer’s Guide

We’ve gone through the effort to compile a listing of some of the more popular spearpoint knives on the market. These knives have the spearpoint shape as the primary blade. But please keep in mind that there are more than just these, as the profile is among the most popular in use today. Furthermore, keep an eye open and be sure to do your research carefully to select the best knife to fit both your needs and budget.

FIXED BLADES

Condor Tool & Knife CTK247 Kephart

Designed by noted survival expert Joe Flowers, the Kephart is a good general-use survival knife that is ready to tackle the chores on your camping or hiking trip. The 4 ½-inch long blade is made of 1075 carbon steel for low cost and easy resharpening out in the field and sports a flat grind for cutting efficiency. The handle is made of walnut and features a rounded profile for easy use. Condor uses rivets in the tang to prevent the handle from loosening even under very hard use. Made in El Salvador, the Kephart comes with a sewn leather belt sheath to round out the package.

MSRP: $72, Made In El Salvador

ESEE KNIVES LASER STRIKE

The Laser Strike has a 5-inch blade ground from 1095 carbon steel and sports an ultra-tough black epoxy coating. The coating is a nice extra, protecting the steel from the elements, as well as furnishing a nice low profile with no reflective appearance. A series of traction notches are cut into the blade spine at the thumb rest area, providing a nonslip resting place for your thumb or index finger for extra pressure and more control or power. The handle scales are green canvas micarta, which does an excellent job of being a dimensionally stable and providing a great grip quality. A thoughtful feature, a finger choil at the tang for when you need to choke up on the blade for extra control. Each Laser Strike comes with a form-fitting Kydex belt sheath for easy portability in all conditions.

MSRP: $200, Made In The USA

TOPS KNIVES COVERT ANTITERRORISM (CAT)

With its skeletonized structure, the TOPS Covert Antiterrorism (CAT) is an easy-to-carry, medium-sized, heavy-use fixed blade. Its 3 ¼-inch blade is made from 1095 carbon steel and boasts a flat grind. A pronounced thumb rest allows for more pressure and control while not allowing any slippage at all. The skeletonized handle is outfitted with multiple finger grooves that help seat your hand securely. Multiple oblong cutouts reduce the overall weight further. With an overall length of 7 ¼ inches, the CAT is carried via a multi-carry Kydex sheath so you have the knife with you at all times. This knife here can withstand some hard use for its size.

MSRP: $130, Made In The USA

HALFBREED BLADES MEDIUM CLEARANCE

Australia’s Halfbreed Blades offers up its Medium Clearance MCK-01 model as both a tool and a backup weapon. The blade is beautifully constructed out of Austrian-origin Bohler K110 tool steel that is similar in performance to D2. The blade appears to be a double edge, but in reality, it is only a single, however, it has a more aggressive dagger grind to it. At 4 ½-inches long, the blade is a good size for carry as well as getting your cutting tasks done in short order.

A pronounced guard keeps your hand from sliding up onto the blade. To protect the blade from the elements, a flat dark earth Teflon coating is applied. As a bonus, this also allows easy clean up. The handle is G-10 and sports a milled texturing pattern which works well with both bare and gloves hands. The extended blade tang at the rear of the handle can be used as a glass breaker as well as a blunt strike option as well. The MCK-01 comes with a Kydex sheath that is both belt and MOLLE-compatible attachment.

MSRP: $240, Made In Australia

CRKT MINIMALIST SPEARPOINT

An extension of CRKT’s wildly popular Minimalist fixed blades, the spearpoint iteration is the more general use profile of the line. Starting with the 2.1-inch blade, it is ground from 8Cr13MoV stainless steel for enhanced edge retention. As an added visual touch, there is a fuller (blood groove) cut into the blade. Typically, this is something found on larger knives. The handle sports a series of deep finger grooves that help to seat the Minimalist Spearpoint in your hand safely. The handle material is “resin-infused fiber” which sounds a lot like micarta and even feels similar. Whatever it is, it does a great job of providing traction. Each Minimalist comes with a molded ABS plastic sheath for ease of carry. The sheath can be worn either on the belt or set up for neck knife carry with the included ball chain necklace. So the carry options here are really good!

MSRP: $50, Made In China

FOLDING KNIVES

VICTORINOX PIONEER X

Everybody loves a Swiss Army Knife! The Victorinox brand has a zillion configurations and sizes of this popular multiblade multitool knife. It has a universal appeal that extends way beyond the knife enthusiast. The Pioneer X model is a popular model amongst the Alox (aluminum handle) options. Essentially, the company took its long-standing Pioneer Alox and inserted a pair of scissors, hence the “X”. The Pioneer X has a 2 ½-inch long spearpoint stainless blade, an awl, a combination flathead screwdriver and bottle cap opener, a can opener, and the aforementioned scissors. The checkered textured Alox handle is available in standard silver Alox, and colored versions may be purchased at various Victorinox dealers as exclusives to those outfits. One of the reasons why Alox models prove poplar is they feel very solid and the checkered aluminum has a nice hand traction.

The overall quality of manufacture for the Pioneer X is perfect. The blades and tools have a nice polished finish which not only looks good but also makes them easier to clean up. The spearpoint blade on this one is a real cutter. The full flat grind tapers the cross section down to a precise thin edge. One thing about all Swiss Army Knives is that they are easily sharpened. The scissors are simply the best small scissors I have used on any pocketknife. This is just a very handy pocketknife and you will find that it will go with you wherever you go, quite easily. Boasting an excellent price, it is not only quite handy but affordable as well. Plus, you can guaranteed every Victorinox comes perfect from the factory. Don’t be afraid to purchase sight unseen with confidence.

MSRP: $69, Made In Switzerland

KERSHAW KNIVES LAUNCH 4

Kershaw Knives’ highly successful Launch series of USA-made automatic opening knives have been a great success. The cutting-edge automatics are made with premium materials, but come in at a comfortable price. The 7500BLK Launch 4 is the smallest of the line, with a California-friendly 1.9-inch blade. CPM154 stainless steel is used for the blade, offering enhanced edge retention and corrosion resistance. It is the particle steel equivalent of 154CM, which is used widely in the cutlery industry and lower-tier premium steel. The blade sports a DLC black coating for the ultimate in corrosion resistance and low reflectivity. The handle is machined from T6 6061 aluminum alloy for light weight and strength. It is anodized black and features matching black hardware. A steel pocket clip carries the Launch 4 in the tip-up configuration in the pocket. With an overall length of a bit over 5 inches, this compact cutter carries easily and also doubles as a money clip. Pressing on the lock button causes the blade to rocket out of the handle, snapping open with authority. The same button serves as the blade’s lock release from the open position. The Launch 4 is a fun little automatic opener that proves a great value.

MSRP: $165, Made In The USA

KABAR DOZIER FOLDING HUNTER

Bob Dozier is a respected name in the knife industry. He is an accomplished custom knifemaker whose creations are aimed at the outdoor market with hunters and campers in mind. He has partnered with Kabar Knives to produce his Folding Hunter design. The 3-inch blade is ground from AUS-8 stainless steel and features a hollow grind. A single thumb stud allows you to deploy the blade quickly and easily. The handle is molded from lightweight Zytel to keep the overall weight of the knife to a minimum (2.2 oz) for comfortable carry. A pocket clip carries the Folding Hunter tip up and can be swapped to the opposite side of the handle for lefties. Don’t let the name fool you, this knife excels at daily carry, for those who relish the bang-for-the-buck factor. Made in Taiwan, it is one of the best values for a custom-designed folding hunter. The Kabar Bob Dozier Folding Hunter comes in an array of handle colors to suit your preference.

MSRP: $35, Made In Taiwan

EMERSON KNIVES MINI SHEEPDOG

The Mini Sheepdog is a downsized version of Emerson Knives’ Sheepdog flipper folder. Featuring a 3-inch long spearpoint blade, its 154CM stainless steel is the material of choice for going the distance with work tasks. The blade incorporates three methods of opening: a thumb disk, Emerson’s Wave Remote Pocket Opener, and a flipper. The blade has two options for finishes—satin-finished or black-coated. The blade rides on bearings for the ultimate smoothness in blade action. The handle is ergonomically shaped to seat the hand comfortably. The expanded sections on the front and back of the handle help prevent forward and rearward sliding. Textured black G-10 composite provides a non-slip grip. There is a pocket clip that carries the Mini Sheepdog in the tip-up configuration in the pocket. Emerson Knives is a trusted leader in the production of tactical knives.

MSRP: $240, Made In The USA

HOGUE X5

Designed by custom knifemaker Allen Elishewitz, the X5 represents the latest in tactical folder technology. It does so by offering a flipper opening, button lock in a premium handle and excellent blade materials. The X5 is offered in two blade styles and two sizes within. There is a modified Wharncliffe and a spearpoint, in both 3 ½-inch and 4-inch blade lengths. CPM154 stainless steel is the material of choice for the blade, offering enhanced edge retention. The spearpoint features a harpoon-style swedge, adding an aggressive stylistic note to the appearance. And the high flat grind of the blade bevels make the X5 spearpoint a cutting machine. The handle is highly ergonomic, incorporating chamfers, a prominent finger groove, and an integrated handle spacer for ultimate strength. The X5 comes in your choice of several hard anodized handle finishes: black, OD green, blue, and tan. Certain models also feature textured G-10 inlay for grip enhancement and a styling note. A button lock secures the blade solidly in the open position and also is easy to release and close the blade one-handed. Each X5 comes with a steel deep carry pocket clip—tip up—and an extra clip for lefties.

MSRP: $210, Made In The USA.

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

Outdoor Edge Pivot: Light, Nimble And Affordable

Elwood Shelton

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July 12, 2023

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Outdoor Edge Pivot: Light, Nimble And Affordable

Oh, the Outdoor Edge Pivot is a budget option, but not one without its charms.

Traditionally outdoor focused—hence the name—Outdoor Edge has crept into other knife niches. Perhaps it’s a directive from the powers on high at Revo Brand Group (think Real Avid), who acquired the knife company in 2022. Or perhaps it’s because you can only make so many gut hooks and replaceable-blade caping knives. In either case, the company has come out with some intriguing EDC designs that are definitely budget options, but ones that get the job done.

Its most recent unveiling is the lightweight, skeletonized handled Pivot. For most knife enthusiasts, it’s difficult not to like what Outdoor Edge has offered up in the redesign of the company’s Le Hawk and Le Duck knives —particularly its price. A cool $30 ($29.99) puts the fixed blade on your beltline, giving you an edged tool you can treat like a rented mule and not shed any tears if a rough task delivers a coup de gras. Everybody needs one of those to pry away at rusty latches and strip spools of copper wire.

Pivot’s Steel

Constructed from 8Cr13Mov stainless steel, the knife was likely birthed in China—it’s one of the country’s budget stainless options. While inexpensive, the steel generally acquits itself well in wear and corrosion resistance but maybe doesn’t earn top honors in hardness (57 HRC) and edge retention. Though, 8Cr13Mov is known to be pretty forgiving in sharpening, so its edge is quickly regained. Outdoor Edge gives the Pivot’s blade an extra barrier to environmental factors with what it calls its Blackstone Coating, which also gives the knife a dark appeal.

Blade Profiles

The company offers two blade styles on the model, a drop-point and Wharncliffe both virtually the same length. The drop-point measures in at 2.5 inches, and the Wharncliffe is another .1-inch longer. In either case, married to a roughly 4-inch handle, the blade should prove fairly nimble and quite deft at most everyday tasks around the home, ranch or worksite. As mentioned, the handle is skeletonized, which cuts the Pivot’s weight down to a svelte 3.2 ounces. And Outdoor Edge applies a rubberized coat to it, giving the knife a fairly positive grip even if wet.

Where Exactly Does It Pivot?

Now we get to the name of the knife—the Pivot—which seem much more apt for a folder than a fixed blade. But there’s a method in Outdoor Edge’s madness, with it referring to the carrying system. The polypropylene sheath comes with a quick-release locking latch and a removable 360-degree rotating clip (there’s the pivot point) for easy attachment to a belt or MOLLE webbing. It’s a nice system, allowing the user to adjust the cant to their carry style, putting the blade at quick access no matter where it’s carried.

Most would agree the Outdoor Edge Pivot isn’t the Superman of EDC knives, nor the one somebody pulls out for bragging rights. But for a blade to use and abuse on your day’s dirtiest jobs, well it pretty well fits the bill.

More On Fixed Blades:

Best EDC Fixed Blade Knife: A Cut Above The Rest
Four Battle Tough Military-Style Fixed Blade Knives
World War II Fixed Blade Knives
Fire Starter Knife: Blades Designed To Spark A Flame

Damned Designs Basilisk Review: Wide And Wicked

Msg Kim Breed (ret.)

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July 11, 2023

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Damned Designs Basilisk Review: Wide And Wicked

The Basilisk is a lightweight fixed blade that cuts well above its weight class.

I’m really liking the wider blade of the Basilisk* by Damned Designs. The full flat grind combined with the blade’s ample width makes for almost perfect edge geometry—a thin edge for slicing with enough meat behind it for added strength. The thinner blade stops any binding while slicing thicker material like cardboard.

Basilisk in sheath — The fold-over Kydex sheath is first class.

The G-10 slabs have enough texture for a good grip. The Basilisk is a solid EDC knife. It uses Sandvik 14C28N stainless for blade material, a great using steel.

But how well does it cut?

Basilisk Sharpness Test

A baseline edge check using 20-pound bond copy paper went fast. The blade was very sharp from the factory. I’m glad I have calluses on my fingers as the Basilisk nicked them twice because I was slow getting them out of the way.

Light Cutting Duty

Single-walled cardboard was the second test medium. The blade sliced very smoothly and was aggressive its entire length. The cut strips laid straight due to the flat grind, so no binding on this one. I slowed the slicing down to save my fingers and all went well.

Damned Design Basilisk cutting leather — The thin edge and flat grind produced excellent curlicues for a firestick.

Eight-ounce leather was next. The Basilisk was very aggressive cutting animal skin. I could hear it slice its way through. The handle shape made it easy to control each cut’s width while also being comfortable. I also did some skiving. The Basilisk skived very quickly and evenly. Man, this knife is sharp!

Heavy Duty Cutting

Time for making some firesticks by whittling curlicues. The thin flat grind produced excellent wood curls. The thickness of the curlicues was eminently controllable. However, when I went in for deep cuts the edges of the G-10 handle were a bit hard on my hand.

Damned Design Basilisk vs rope — A total of 225 crunching cuts made mincemeat of the half-inch sisal rope.

Next up: half-inch sisal rope. The Basilisk made 100 crunching cuts before I had to don a glove to cover a hot spot. The knife dished out another 125 crunching cuts before I stopped. The edge showed no signs of slowing down. Total: 225 crunching cuts.

Toughness Tests

I batonned the Basilisk through some aged hackberry, a tough wood when dried. I whacked the rear, middle and tip of the blade spine for four complete splits. It worked excellent, with no damage to the edge or knife overall other than some wood smears on the stonewashed finish.

Basilisk vs wood — The thin edge and flat grind produced excellent curlicues for a firestick.

To really push the edge/heat treatment, I grabbed an old whitetail deer antler. After 30 hard whacks on it I checked the edge for chipping. There was none to be found. Heat treat is on the money for sure. Excellent job.

Edge Retention

Time to check the final edge with the 20-pound bond paper. The Basilisk still sliced smoothly even though the paper was getting damp from it raining all day. There were a few tears in the paper from the dampness.

Suggest Changes To The Basilisk

I would soften the handle edges a bit more.

Basilisk chopping antlers — After 30 hard whacks on the deer antler, the author checked the edge for any chipping. There was none to be found. The heat treat is on the money.

Final Cut

The Basilisk is a very nice knife, excellent for EDC or camp. It’s definitely a top pick on my list.

Damned Designs Basilisk Specs

Knife Type: Fixed blade
Blade Length: 4.25”
Blade Steel: Sandvik 14C28N stainless
Blade Width at Widest: 1.75”
Blade Finish: Stonewashed
Handle: G-10
Handle at Thickest: .5”
Weight: 7.25 ozs.
Overall Length: 8.75”
Sheath: Kydex fold-over
Weight w/Sheath: 11 ozs.
MSRP: $75

*The basilisk is a legendary serpent king that killed those who looked into its eyes.

Fire Starter Knife: Blades Designed To Spark A Flame

Josh Wayner

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July 10, 2023

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Fire Starter Knife: Blades Designed To Spark A Flame

Fire-starter knives make sparks when you need them most.

Bushcraft skills have grown immensely in popularity in the past few years. It could be the slew of TV shows promoting survival situations or just perhaps an interest in self-sufficiency. What is true is that the knife industry is playing catch-up to the bushcrafting market, and many new products pop up that have features dedicated to keeping you alive and warm in the woods.

Fire Starting Knives

Recent years have seen an influx of knife features deemed ideal for use with another essential tool—the ferro rod striker. Ferro rods are made of ferrocerium, an alloy consisting of several base metals and magnesium. Magnesium is highly reactive and generates showers of sparks as it is scraped against steel. Think of it as a more modern version of flint. Ideally, the ferro rod is struck against a sharp, acute surface. Many people use the blade’s edge for this, though this is not recommended as dull spots can emerge quickly.

As time passed, people began sharpening the blade spines to 90 degrees, making a hard, sharp angle that is not on the cutting edge. Still, others find this feature annoying, as it is fully possible to injure your hand on a squared spine. I know because I’ve done it.

As a remedy, people started cutting in little semi-circular cutouts into the spine that still retain a square shoulder, thus allowing for safer handling when striking. Both a fully sharpened spine and the sharpened cutout are valid features; it depends on what style you prefer.

Striking the rod — Strike the rod against the sharp corner of the blade spine to create sparks and ignite the tinder. (Mary Lou Ayres image)

The smaller cutout is really just a striking feature but the fully sharpened spine can be used for a number of other ends, most notably an easy and effective means of peeling carrots, potatoes and other root vegetables for the camp kitchen. Many top fire-making knives have sharp-angled spines and cutouts ideal for striking.

Bowdrill Divits

Some bushcraft knives have bow drill divots in the grips. No less than 10 knives I’ve tested in the past year have the feature and I’ve yet to master its use.

A bow drill is a very primitive means of starting a fire with friction. It takes about forever and even then is not a guaranteed success. In terms of time management and the amount of calories used in a survival situation, I really don’t think it is worthwhile, though it’s nice that the feature is there.

The bow drill is basically a stick you press down on while at the same time you spin it with a bow (a stick with string wrapped around it) to create an ember. The idea behind a knife with a divot on the handle is it allows you to make kindling and all the tools you need to make a basic fire. You can use the knife to make the string (plant fiber), the drilling board (piece of dry wood) and bow/drill (stick).

Knives with fires started — All three knives were tested side-by-side in equal conditions to see how well they performed in making a fire. All succeeded.

BLADE® Editor Steve Shackleford asked me to test the knives in this capacity as long as it didn’t detract from the other standard knife testing. “Skip it if it’s too much,” he stated. “I don’t want to wear you out.” However, in the spirit of making the story as detailed as possible inside the 1,500-word limit, I tried the TOPS and White River knives with the handle divots to see if I could, in fact, start a fire using the bow drill.

I was unsuccessful with both but did end up getting a fire going with a cheap bow drill kit from Amazon. No matter how you slice it, using a bow drill is just a huge pain in the keister and I’d rather stick a standard lighter in every pocket of my gear and an extra one in my boot than have to resign myself to using a bow drill.

A large reason why I really didn’t like using the divot features was that they really require you to keep the knife in the sheath. Otherwise, you’re just sitting there putting pressure on a knife with the edge floating out in space. It is easy to get into a trance while using a bow drill, and I found myself not paying attention at several points—not a safe situation.

Holding the knives in their sheaths is not very comfortable as they are hard Kydex. There was no real comfortable way to put pressure on the drill while gripping the sheath. Eventually, I gave up and decided if I ever did have to use a bow drill, I’d just find another piece of wood and carve a divot with the knife instead.

White River Knife & Tool FC-PKO

The White River FC-PKO is an end-stage tool in that it can readily start fires, the author noted, but lacks the strength and blade thickness to take down anything more than sticks.

White River Knife & Tool makes excellent knives. In fact, they are some of the most well-laid out and functional I’ve tested in my time with BLADE®. I have used the company’s larger FC7 as my main deer hunting knife in camp and have, between myself and my friends, packed out no less than 50 deer with it. I was happy to review the smaller FC-PKO, sort of a little brother to the FC7.

The FC-PKO is a modified puukko style with a Scandi grind and a ring pommel. The Kydex sheath is low profile. My initial impressions were that the knife is small, thin and razor sharp. I immediately thought it would be a perfect knife for pheasant or duck. I found it a champion at cutting tinder and kindling, but not up to larger work. The knife is an end-stage tool in that it can readily start fires, but lacks the strength and blade thickness to take down anything more than sticks. You’ll need a larger tool to actually prepare the wood prior to using the FC-PKO.

As far as fire-making ability, it is a solid performer. The knife has a small notch on the spine that ignites the ferro rod easily. The edge can trim extremely fine curls of tinder. Where I ran into problems was the ring pommel. I have large hands and long fingers, so this may not be an issue to everyone, but I found my pinky largely just floating in space. I couldn’t get comfortable with the ring. That said, it is overall a great knife that will ultimately see years of service on my belt.

White River Knife & Tool FC-PKO Specs
Knife Type: Modified puukko
Blade Length: 3.7”
Blade Steel: CPM S35VN stainless
Blade Grind: Scandi
Blade at Thickest: .125”
Handle Material: Micarta® w/orange liners and bow-drill divot
Weight: 4.6 ozs.
Overall Length: 8.1”
Sheath: Black Kydex w/striker loop
Striker: Included, basic rubber grip
Country of Origin: U.S.A.
MSRP: $200

TOPS Knives Fieldcraft

TOPS Fieldcraft — The author described the Fieldcraft as “a beast of a knife that weighs nearly a pound and is built like a tank.”

The TOPS Knives Fieldcraft by Brothers of Bushcraft is a beast of a knife that weighs nearly a pound and is built like a tank. The edge is razor sharp despite the steep grind and can split medium-size firewood easily. The handle is thick and robust and you can really get a grip on it. I find large knives like this almost too much for regular use, but this one fits into the niche of being large enough for constant use and not too big to be a burden.

The knife has a striker cut in the pommel as opposed to the blade spine. That said, you can order it with a sharpened spine if you wish. I wanted to test the base model to get an idea of what the average owner would experience. If I want to add a sharp spine, I can do so on my grinder or have TOPS do it. The pommel striker is not easy to get used to—you have to find a safe direction to point the blade, which can be difficult. That said, you can leave it in the sheath for this part—just be careful not to launch it out while striking. The cutout is effective once you get used to it.

TOPS Knives Fieldcraft Specs
Knife Type: Full-size bushcrafter
Blade Length: 4.75”
Blade Steel: 154CM stainless
Blade Grind: Modified Scandi
Blade at Thickest: .19”
Handle Material: Tan canvas Micarta® w/red liners and bow-drill divot
Weight: 14 ozs.
Overall Length: 10”
Sheath: Black Kydex w/striker loop
Striker: Included, basic aluminum grip
Knife to Know: There are numerous other Fieldcraft models available in different materials and colors
Country of Origin: U.S.A.
MSRP: $295

Casström No. 10 Swedish Forest Knife

Casstrom fire starter knife — According to the author, the Casström “has everything I like and nothing I didn’t—not too big, not too small and pleasant to look at.”

The classic-looking Casström No. 10 Swedish Forest Knife is reminiscent of such Scandinavian knives as the puukko. It is not a traditional puukko but rather a somewhat modern take on the longstanding Nordic tradition of general-use fixed blades. Many American knives in the bushcraft world have a somewhat gritty, tactical feel and a somewhat industrial appearance. The No. 10 is not terribly exciting in looks but hides its function under a gentle exterior. It was my favorite knife in the review, which may surprise you. It has everything I like and nothing I didn’t—not too big, not too small and pleasant to look at.

The knife has a smooth grip—be careful if you’re not wearing gloves, it can get a tad slippery—and a plain, graceful blade. The angle of the spine is sharpened but not so aggressively that it would risk injury. It is not a particularly thick blade but can handle some medium-to-small splitting work if you’re careful, and makes kindling and scrapes tinder well. The knife strikes easily anywhere on the spine and offers a great deal of control. Of note, the sheath is leather and has a ferro rod with a matching green/black Micarta® grip. As a set the knife and rod look very nice together. The rod was also the easiest to hold onto thanks to it having the largest grip area.

Casström No. 10 Swedish Forest Knife Specs
Knife Type: General-purpose Scandi
Blade Length: 3.75”
Blade Steel: Sandvik 14C28N stainless
Blade Grind: Full flat
Blade at Thickest: .13”
Handle Material: Green/black Micarta® w/black liners
Weight: 5.75 ozs.
Overall Length: 8.6”
Sheath: Black leather w/striker loop
Striker: Included, matching green/black Micarta handle
Knife to Know: According to the author, the knife has the most user-friendly sheath of the test bunch
Country of Origin: Sweden
MSRP: Approximately $200

Fire Starter Knife Final Cut

Starting a fire can be a challenge, especially in adverse conditions. Considering just how cheap common lighters and survival matches are, knives like the ones in this article should probably not be your primary means of starting a fire in an emergency. These knives are capable tools that provide a level of redundancy to your kit in some very good, non-obtrusive ways. The base-level skills needed to start a fire can be obtained with each of these knives with relative ease, but you will still need to make sure to have the skills necessary to maintain a fire in the wilderness.

Always be sure that you are not making a bad situation worse with fire, and make sure you’re not using a knife under less-than-ideal conditions. If you have a lighter or matches, use them first, especially in the dark.

More Wilderness Knives:

Best Bushcraft Knife: When Steel Meets The Woods
BEST SURVIVAL KNIFE: These 10 Blades Could Save Your Skin
Last-Ditch Survival Kits
Is The Scandi Grind The Best For Bushcraft Knives?

Best Flipper Knife: Blades That Win The Fidget Factor (2023)

BLADE Staff

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July 7, 2023

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Best Flipper Knife: Blades That Win The Fidget Factor (2023)

Early flipper folders were used in conjunction with assisted-opening mechanisms as a means for initiating movement, allowing the spring or torsion assists to open the blades the rest of the way. A few years later, folder pivots incorporated ball bearings, nearly negating the need for assisted-opening mechanisms on flippers.

This reduced friction simplified folder construction and provided glassy smooth blade rotation. Although a few companies still offer assisted-opening flipper folders, most production versions rely on ball bearings.

Flipper Folders: Function Flows From Form

A flipper tab and ball bearings don’t necessarily equate a folder with quick action and secure deployment. A flipper mechanism will not work properly without a well-designed detent.

Imperative is the detent’s power to secure and hold the blade shut. When placing pressure on the flipper tab with an index finger, the user should be able to feel the grab of the detent. With more pressure on the flipper, the inertia of the blade overrides the pressure of the detent, and kinetic energy swings the blade into the fully open and locked position.

An imprecise detent results in either sloppy action or a flipper mechanism that requires too much pressure against the narrow tab. Optimally, with pressure on the flipper tab, the detent holds its load for a second before letting the blade go with enough energy to snap it open.

Finding Fun In The Fidget Factor

It’s the flipper action that is so satisfying. It imbues a “fidget factor” that causes knife users to snap open their folders while watching TV, talking on the phone, lying in bed or practicing any number of mundane daily routines.

The latest flipper folders not only offer pleasing aesthetics but stay true to the ideals of their predecessors. With premium materials, designs that make use a pleasure and looks that astound, they epitomize some of the coolest knives around.

Best Flipper Knives

Kershaw Inception

At Kershaw, the Inception is looking good with performance to match. “I love the clean, stylish look,” related Kershaw Marketing Manager Dominic Aiello, “but the satisfyingly smooth action is what really makes the Inception a top-notch manual everyday carry.”

The flipper tab was not designed with the intention of acting as a single guard, Aiello says, but rather in combination with the textured handle overlays to help prevent the user’s hand from slipping. Along with that, the D2 tool steel blade .11-inch at the thickest provides enough heft to balance durability and ease of slicing. The clip is reversible and deep carry with flush screws that won’t snag in the pocket or impede quick deployment.

Kershaw Inception Specs
Company: Kershaw
Blade Length: 3.25 inches
Blade Material: D2 tool steel
Handle Material: G-10
Lock: Linerlock
Weight: 3.1 ounces
Pocket Clip: Ambidextrous/reversible, deep carry, tip up
Closed Length: 4 inches
Country Of Origin: China
MSRP: $99.99

Medford Knife & Tool USMC Fighter Flipper

Flipper Knife Medfor USMC — The CPM S35VN stainless blade of the Medford Fighter Flipper is 3/16-inch thick at the thickest and has a Rockwell hardness of 58 HRC.

The USMC Fighter Flipper from Medford Knife & Tool boasts an iconic name and incorporates titanium along with other highly durable components.
“Where to start?” commented Medford representative Geoff Oprandy. “First, the USMC Fighter Flipper has superior design, engineering and aesthetics. When Greg Medford was inspired to make this knife, it didn’t take long for initial sketches to appear. He wanted a worthy companion piece for our top-selling Fixed Fighter, which has been a category king for quite some time.”

Oprandy describes the USMC Fighter Flipper as “a unique mixture of titanium components with the best CPM S35VN blade steel. This is a big, manly knife that’s as comfortable working as it is cruising around in your pocket. There is so much going on with it that it’s hard to take in, from the retro milling on the handles, drop-point blade, and integral Ti pommel to the bearing pressed into the one-of-a-kind pocket clip. The tab is designed to be a tad longer and has a unique radius with a knurled feature. For being a large knife [it provides] great purchase, and the flipper tab combined with the finger-indexing groove enable a great grip. The knife runs on phosphor-bronze washers custom made to meet our specs.”

According to Geoff, the knife has a special connection with the United States Marines Corps. As designer Greg Medford related, “When you hold it in your hand, almost 250 years of Marines speak to your soul.”

The design is intended to feel at home with users who prefer the “connection” made with a large folder, Oprandy says. “When people position the knife correctly and begin to use it,” he stated, “the energy transfer seems balanced, natural and confidence inspiring.”

USMC Fighter Flipper Specs
Company: Medford Knife & Tool
Designer: Greg Medford
Blade Length: 4.25 inches
Blade Steel: CPM S35VN stainless
Handle Material: Titanium
Pivot Action: Phosphor-bronze washers
Weight: 9.8 ounces
Pocket Clip: Titanium; standard carry
Closed Length: 5.25 inches
Country Of Origin: U.S.A.
MSRP: $840 and up

Rick Hinderer Knives Full Track Spearpoint “Nuked”

Flipper Knife Rick Hinderer Knives Full Track — The Full Track Spearpoint “Nuked” has a removable tool seated in the spine for disassembly/assembly of the knife. The scale on the show side is removable to store spare washers and spacers.

Sam Santa Rita, general manager of Rick Hinderer Knives, says the Full Track Spearpoint “Nuked” is a bigger version of the company’s “very popular Half Track model. It is one of our larger folders at 3.75 inches and has titanium handles with G-10 inserts. The Full Track features a removable tool seated in the spine of the folder that is capable of complete disassembly of the knife.” The folder also utilizes a G-10 insert cover on its show side that hides a pocket for the storage of steel inserts and washers for the Rick Hinderer Knives Tri-Way Pivot System. This allows the user to easily swap from bearings to washers or vice versa depending on the situation.

“Its size and durability coupled with the ease of maintenance and ‘customizability’ makes the knife a perfect hard-use folder capable in any environment,” Sam added. The Full Track is available in stainless blade steel options of CPM S35VN, CPM 20CV and M390. Another blade steel option will be released later this year.

The Full Track flipper tab doubles as a single guard, while the blade pivots on caged thrust bearings. Meanwhile, the Tri-Way Pivot System allows for the aforementioned use of Teflon™ and phosphor-bronze washers as well, which come standard with the knife.

Full Track Spearpoint “Nuked” Specs
Company: Rick Hinderer Knives
Designer: Rick Hinderer
Blade Length: 3.75 inches
Blade Steel: CPM 20CV stainless
Handle Material: G-10
Lock: Framelock
Pocket Clip: Yes
Weight: 6.9 ounces
Closed Length: 5.125 inches
Country Of Origin: U.S.A.
MSRP: $820

Spyderco Sliverax

The Sliverax is a bit of a departure for Spyderco. “It’s a flipper design, which is not common among Spydercos,” explained Joyce Laituri, company marketing manager. “The designer, Paul Alexander, is a different type of cutlery designer we have worked with in the past. He holds a doctorate in industrial design and mechanical engineering, and is a leading researcher for a company in the automotive industry.”

The Sliverax brings a shape with seamless flow and a slightly negative blade angle to enhance leverage, placing the point on the knife’s centerline for utility and control. “The negative angle also shortens the opening arc combined with the round hole and flipper mechanism for a full spectrum of positive, high-speed one-hand-opening options,” Joyce commented.

“The flipper tab doubles as a guard,” she continued, “and it’s easy to see and feel when the knife is held. There is a large, deep finger choil already, and the flipper mechanism in the open position extends the choil, creating a comfortable and deep guard for the index finger, or pinky if held in a reverse grip.”

Laituri describes the opening experience with the Sliverax as “slick as a Slip & Slide.” The mechanism features a phosphor-bronze bushing with ball bearings and a nested liner for structural strength. The CPM S30V stainless blade is exceptional in its combination of toughness, wear resistance and corrosion resistance as well, while the ergonomics of the handle are derived directly from its innovative shape, super-thin choil and expansion at the butt to fill the hand.

Spyderco Sliverax Specs
Company: Spyderco
Designer: Paul Alexander
Blade Length: 3.48 inches
Blade Steel: CPM S30V stainless
Handle Material: Carbon fiber/G-10 laminate
Lock: Compression Lock®
Weight: 3.3 ounces
Pocket Clip: Deep pocket, wire, ambidextrous, tip up
Closed Length: 4.52 inches
Country Of Origin: Taiwan
MSRP: $306

Editor’s Note: Mike Haskew and Dexter Ewing contributed to this post.

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

BLADE Show Factory Knife Debuts 2023

BLADE Staff

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June 27, 2023

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Eyeball a few factory knives that will debut at the BLADE Show.

For the knife event where more cutlery companies introduce more of their new knives, the BLADE Show takes a backseat to none—which figures since the BLADE Show is the sharpest shindig of them all.

On this and the accompanying pages are samples of some of the factory knives that either debuted at the BLADE Show or had their consumer show introductions there.*

We didn’t have room for all the debut knives of every exhibiting company, so do some legwork and you’ll probably find new/debut knives you like even better than these.

STRIDER PT+ AUTO/PRO-TECH

Knife type: EDC folder/automatic
Blade length: 3.14”
Blade material: MAGNACUT stainless steel
Blade grind: Flat
Handle material: Lightweight anodized aluminum
Lock/opening mechanism: Push-button auto
Pocket clip: DLC-coated mini deep carry
Special Features: Strider’s signature design and compact form have been updated to a slightly larger size; the spring has been upgraded to snap the blade open with authority
Weight: 3.21 ozs.
Closed length: 3.96”
Country of origin: USA
MSRP: $300
AVAILABLE FOR SALE TO THE PUBLIC: NOW; through the year additional colors and variations will be available (image by Derek Lawrence)

SHADOW/KETUO

Knife type: Flipper folder
Blade length: 3.78”
Blade material: Bohler M390 stainless steel
Blade grind: Flat
Handle material: 6Al4V titanium
Lock mechanism: Flipper Lock
Pocket clip: 6Al4V titanium
Weight: 5.29 ozs.
Closed length: 4.96’”
Country of origin: China
MSRP: $380-$420
AVAILABLE FOR SALE TO THE PUBLIC: June

GENTLEMAN’S FOLDER/OCASO

Knife pattern: Gentleman’s folder
Designer: Andrew Demko
Blade length: 3.5”
Blade material: Choice of CPM S35VN stainless steel or German damascus
Blade grind: Full flat
Handle material: Carbon fiber, titanium or fat carbon
Lock/opening mechanism: Flipper w/linerlock or framelock
Pocket clip: Ambidextrous stainless steel in a Demko signature fold-over deep-carry design
Action: Stainless-steel caged bearings
Weight: 1.7 ozs. (carbon fiber) or 2.5 ozs. (titanium)
Closed length: 4.26”
Country of origin: Taiwan or Italy
MSRP: $209.99-$399.99
AVAILABLE FOR SALE TO THE PUBLIC: NOW

TERRACHETTE/CONDOR TOOL & KNIFE

Knife type: Bushcraft machete
Blade length: 14.6”
Blade material: 1075 carbon steel
Blade grind: Convex
Handle material: High/impact polypropylene
Special features: Near the handle the edge is designed for more controlled carving; extended pommel
Weight: 25.4 ozs.
Overall length: 20.72”
Country of origin: El Salvador
MSRP: $69.69
AVAILABLE FOR SALE TO THE PUBLIC: Most everywhere by BLADE Show

RIE COLLABORATION SPORT 100/MCUSTA

Designer: Mike Irie
Knife pattern: Hunter
Blade length: 3”
Blade material: VG-10-core damascus
Blade grind: Hollow
Handle material: Micarta®
Special features: Tsuchime-finished blade
Weight: 3.4 ozs.
Overall length: 6.5”
Country of origin: Japan
MSRP: $300
Available for sale to the public: Summer ’23

WILLY/LIONSTEEL

Model type: Fixed-blade EDC
Blade length: 2.55”
Blade material: M390 stainless steel
Blade grind: V flat
Handle material: Choice of canvas Micarta®, woods, carbon fiber
Special features: Titanium guard
Weight: 2.04 ozs.
Country of origin: Italy
MSRP: $201.70 (at press time rate of exchange)
Available for sale to the public: June

VICEROY/MEDFORD KNIFE & TOOL

Knife pattern: Balisong
Blade length: 4.5”
Blade material: CPM S45VN stainless steel
Blade patterns: Choice of drop point, tanto, dagger, seax and wharncliffe
Handle material: Titanium
Handle lock: Latchless
Pocket clip: None
Special features: Integral solid channel, zen pin, custom bushings, rounded handles, Chaplin groove, machined handle texture, hand-ground blades
Weight: 4.3 ozs.
Closed length: 5.7”
Country of origin: USA
MSRP: $750
AVAILABLE FOR SALE TO THE PUBLIC: At BLADE Show ’23

VULPIS/FOX

Model type: Multi-purpose multi-blade
Main blade length: 5.31”
Blade material: M390 stainless steel
Blade grind: Flat
Handle material: Bead-blasted titanium w/lanyard hole
Lock/opening mechanism: Slip joint
Special features: Bottle opener, can opener, flat-head screwdriver, hacksaw and scissors
Weight: 2.25 ozs.
Closed length: 2.94”
Country of origin: Italy
MSRP: $119
AVAILABLE FOR SALE TO THE PUBLIC: May

STOK BOWIE/SPYDERCO

Model type: Fixed blade
Blade length: 2.95”
Blade material: 8Cr13MoV stainless steel
Blade grind: Saber
Handle material: OD green G-10
Knife to know: Designed as an urban EDC fixed blade
Weight: 2.1 ozs.
Overall length: 6.45”
Sheath: Boltaron® w/G-Clip™ attachment for adjustable belt and inside-the-waistband carry
Country of origin: China
MSRP: $100.
AVAILABLE FOR SALE TO THE PUBLIC: NOW

SPARTAN-KA-BAR/SPARTAN BLADES

Designer: KA-BAR Knives
Overall length: 12”
Blade length: 7”
Blade at thickest: .165”
Blade material: CPM MagnaCut stainless
Rockwell hardness: 60-62 HRC
Blade pattern: Clip point
Blade grind: Flat saber
Blade finish: Choice of PVD-tungsten DLC (flat black) or ZrN (flat dark earth)
Handle Material: Kraton G®
Buttcap/guard: 301 stainless steel w/PVD-tungsten DLC (flat black) coat
Weight: 10.78 ozs.
Sheath: Leather
Country of origin: USA
MSRP: Starts at $325
Available for sale to the public: NOW

ENERGY/MASERIN

Model type: EDC flipper folder
Blade length: 4.133”
Blade material: D2 tool steel
Blade grind: Flat
Handle material: Titanium
Pocket clip: Titanium
Weight: 5.926 ozs.
Closed length: 5.23”
Country of origin: Italy
MSRP: $328
Available for sale to the public: May

LIVEWIRE/KERSHAW

Model type: Out-the-front auto
Blade length: 3.3”
Blade material: CPM 20CV stainless steel
Blade grind: Flat
Handle material: Aluminum
Pocket clip: Reversible deep-carry, steel
Special features: Lightweight button
Weight: 3 ozs.
Closed length: 4.8”
Country of origin: USA
MSRP: $380
AVAILABLE FOR SALE TO THE PUBLIC: NOW

GHOSTFISH/ROUGH RYDER RESERVE

Designer: Brian Wilhoite
Model type: EZ-Open sunfish
Blade length: 2 7/8”
Blade material: D2 tool steel
Handle material: White Micarta®
Lock/opening mechanism: Slip joint w/half stop
Weight: 5.5 ozs.
Closed length: 3 7/8”
Country of origin: China
MSRP: $84.95
AVAILABLE FOR SALE TO THE PUBLIC: Late fall

GMX/GIANTMOUSE

Model type: EDC /outdoor folder
Blade length: 3.25”
Blade material: CPM S90V stainless steel
Blade grind: High flat saber
Handle material: Titanium w/brass inlaid bolster
Lock: Framelock
Pocket clip: 3D-machined titanium
Special features: Integral titanium handle
Weight: 3.8 ozs.
Closed length: 4.3”
Country of origin: China; manufactured by Reate
MSRP: $445
AVAILABLE FOR SALE TO THE PUBLIC: NOW

5” GALAXY BUTTERFLY/BEAR & SON

Model type: EDC balisong
Blade length: 3 5/8”
Blade material: 440 stainless steel
Blade grind: Hollow
Handle material: Zinc w/Galaxy finish
Lock: Latch
Weight: 5 ozs.
Closed length: 5”
Country of origin: USA
MSRP: $68.99
AVAILABLE FOR SALE TO THE PUBLIC: NOW

MODERN GLADIUS/TOPS KNIVES

Knife type: Tactical
Blade length: 6.5”
Blade material: 1095 high carbon steel
Blade grind: Dagger/flat
Handle material: Tan canvas Micarta®
Knife to know: Blade has a double edge
Weight: 8.3 ozs.
Overall length: 11.5”
Country of origin: USA
MSRP: TBD
AVAILABLE FOR SALE TO THE PUBLIC: TBD

YUUKI/LATAMA x VICTORIAM

Model type: EDC flipper folder
Blade length: 3.5”
Blade material: CPM 20CV stainless steel
Blade grind: Kissaki-unokubi-zukuri compound; hollow belly and convex tip
Handle material: Grade 5 titanium
Lock: Button lock
Pocket clip: Titanium
Weight: 4.59 ozs.
Closed length: 4 5/8”
Country of origin: China
MSRP: $200 (estimated)
Available for sale to the public: May

BUCKMARK SLIM/BROWNING

Knife type: Flipper folder
Blade length: 2.75”
Blade material: D2 tool steel
Rockwell hardness: 56-60 HRC
Blade pattern: Drop point
Opening mechanism: Assisted
Pivot action: Ball bearings
Handle: Polymer
Bolster: Stainless steel
Pocket clip: Adjustable
Lock: Linerlock
Closed length: 3.75”
Country of origin: China
MSRP: $29.99
Available for sale to the public: NOW

LULBEGRUD/OUTLIER

Designer: Craig Caudill
Category: EDC/outdoors/self-defense
Blade Length: 3.68”
Blade material: 52100 carbon steel
Blade at thickest: 1/8”
Blade finish: Parkerized and tumbled
Blade pattern: Drop point
Blade grind: Flat
Edge sharpening angle: 18 degrees
Handle: Coarse-textured, layered G-10
Weight: 6.84 ozs.
Sheath: .08”-thick thermoplastic
Overall length: 8.62”
Sheathed weight: 8.26 ozs.
Country of origin: USA
MSRP: Approximately $200
AVAILABLE FOR SALE TO THE PUBLIC: At BLADE Show ’23

*Some of the knives shown for the first time at the show won’t be available for sale to the general public until later in the year. Check each individual knife’s spec box for details.

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

Best Clip-Point Knife: Picking The Sharpest Of This Classic Profile

Dexter Ewing

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June 26, 2023

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Classic and competent, no wonder why the clip-point knife remains among the most popular designs.

Clip-point blades are one of the most common profiles you will see throughout custom and production knives. You likely know the style, the familiar drop-off of the blade spine to a curved or linear transition that terminates at the blade tip.

The earliest noted clip-point blade style dates back to the Macedonian era. Flint-knapped stone blades in a clip-point shape were discovered from this time period. Today, clip points are found across a lot of knife genres from tactical to EDC to pocket knives to fixed blades.

Pros Of Clip Points

Due to its highly streamlined and optimized blade tip, the clip point has excellent puncturing capabilities. There is more of a true point that helps to penetrate thicker materials with ease. It is more aerodynamic than a drop point and even a spear point. Think of an arrowhead and how it penetrates, and you will get the idea. Clip points are also favored among the tactical crowd because of this characteristic.

The 5.4-inch clip-point blade of the Kizlyar Supreme Caspian provides plenty of sharpened real estate to process camp tasks. Overall length: 10 inches.

The defined point also makes great scoring cuts because placing pressure on the blade tip results in the tip cutting through aggressively on the first cut. So, this blade shape is also one that is favored among those who use their knives for the trades, where having a good knife is imperative to the work at hand.

Cons Of The Clip Point

Conversely, the blade tip being tapered also results in a blade design that has a weaker tip. You cannot have everything, I guess! With a smaller clip-point blade like those found on pocket knives, refrain from any sort of prying with the tip because it will bend or break off entirely.

Clip-Point Styles

It’s interesting to note that there are different variants of the clip point blade. Two of the most recognizable are the California clip point and Turkish clip point.

California: Exhibits a long taper, which originates almost to the blade tang and gradually and progressively tapers down to the blade tip.

Turkish: It has a long taper as well (but not as dramatic as the California style) but also incorporates a little bit of a blade belly as well. The Turkish clip looks very stylish and eye-catching when done right.

You’ll see other variants like a saber ground clip point with a pronounced swedge, and even some fixed fighters with sharpened clip sections for added bite and powerful penetration.

Jack-Of-All-Trades

For general-purpose use, nothing beats a clip point for its versatility. You cannot go wrong by selecting a knife with this blade shape. Chances are high that if you are reading this, you already own a few knives that have a clip-point shape. If you don’t have any yet, here’s a rundown of 10 clip point blades knives that you should be on the lookout for and add one (or more) to your collection.

Among The Best Clip-Point Fixed Blade Knives Available Now

Kabar USMC Fighting Knife

This iconic fixed blade has seen action on battlefields the world over. This knife first saw action during WWII and it still is going to this day.

The 7-inch long blade is made from 1095 carbon steel, making it easy to maintain in the field. It’s fuller adds style and strength to the blade. The iconic stacked leather washer handle is both handsome as well as very practical with its deep grooves that enhance grip and the flat metal pommel which is useful for light hammering and crushing tasks. The double guard prevents your hand from sliding up on the blade. As a bonus, each USMC Fighting Knife comes with a leather sheath.

MSRP: $135 Origin: USA

CRKT Minimalist Bowie

Designed by custom knifemaker Alan Folts, the Minimalist Bowie is one of Folts’ best-selling custom knives. It is available to the masses in the form of the CRKT version which sports a 2.1-inch long Bowie-style clip-point blade, made from 5Cr15MoV stainless steel.

Its prominent swedge adds style with function, permitting the blade easily penetrate most materials. The deep finger grooved handle has resin-infused fiber scales for light weight and strength. The entire knife is super comfortable to hold and it feels like the knife melts in your hand and remains very secure.
It’s a small fixed blade without the bulk.

MSRP: $45 Origin: China

Schrade Uncle Henry Golden Spike

This one is an older design still manufactured today.

Its 5-inch 7Cr17MoV stainless steel clip point blade is a good example of what we call a California clip point, with its long taper to the blade tip. The handle is faux stag in Delrin, with finger grooves for security and control.

It is capped off at both ends with a brass guard and pommel to offset the overall appearance. This knife will fit the fill of an outdoor knife perfectly and not blow the budget. Each Golden Spike comes shipped with a leather sheath for easy portability.

MSRP: $46 Origin: China.

Cold Steel Trailmaster Bowie

This knife commands attention with its sheer size and heavy-duty build.

The Trailmaster Bowie is one of Cold Steel’s most recognizable fixed blades. The impressive 9 ½ inch long clip point blade is made of CPM 3V tool steel for toughness and edge holding. The unsharpened swedge gives the knife its attitude, and a full flat grind allows the Trailmaster to be an effective slicer and chopper as well.

The textured Kray-Ex rubber handle helps the Trailmaster remain in your grip and a double guard up front keeps your hand in place during use. The Trailmaster is adept at chopping and other hard-use outdoor tasks for the campsite.

It is the knife to have with you and instills user confidence when tackling tough cutting and chopping chores.

MSRP: $540 Origin: Taiwan

Condor Tool & Knife Little Bowie

Little knife…big attitude! That’s exactly what you get with the Condor Tool & Knife Little Bowie.

The 4.6-inch long blade makes it compact enough to carry comfortably on the belt. Overall length is just over 9.5 inches, making this knife about as long as some of the higher-end tactical folders when open. 1075 carbon steel was selected for the blade, making this knife both tough and easy to maintain. The bead-blasted finish adds a subdued finish for low reflectivity.

The ergonomic-shaped handle has black Micarta scales for a comfortable, all-weather grip. If you like Bowie fixed blades but don’t want to carry a full-size Bowie on the belt, the Condor Little Bowie fits the bill nicely. Each knife is shipped with a sewn leather belt sheath to keep the knife close at hand.

MSRP: $123 Origin: El Salvador.

Among The Best Clip-Point Folders Available Now

Benchmade Crooked River

The flagship of their outdoor folding knife line, the Benchmade Crooked River is built tough for the outdoors, with a 4-inch clip point S30V stainless steel blade, anodized aluminum bolsters, and Dymondwood handle scales. The handle has a slight contour to it, making it lay in your grip that much easier.

The knife also features Benchmade’s own Axis Lock crossbar lock system for a safe and secure lockup. The Axis Lock is a Benchmade innovation that allows the blade to rotate smoothly and locks up tight, with very little blade play.

At over 9 inches overall, the Crooked River is a formidable folder that is ready to help tackle your field dressing or camp utility tasks. A steel pocket clip allows for easy carry. A Mini Crooked River is also available, scaling down the Crooked River model to a 3.4-inch blade length, and making it more EDC-friendly.

MSRP: $380 Origin: USA

SOG SEAL XR

You want big and brawny? You got it with the SOG SEAL XR! Its 3.9-inch long Bowie style clip point blade is flat ground from premium CPM S45VN high-performance stainless steel. A blade hole and a flipper tab are present to offer two distinct methods of one-handed opening. The handle design is very similar to that of the SOG SEAL fixed blade. The build of the handle is definitely robust and heavy-duty, there’s weight to this knife that you notice when you pick it up.

Weighing in at a healthy 8.2 ounces, the handle has two steel liners, a steel handle spacer with an integrated extension that can be used as a blunt strike tool, and grooved, textured, and traction notches all around. The handle design is made to keep your hand in place. There is an integrated lower hand guard that prevents your hand from sliding forward. The blade lock is SOG’s own XR crossbar lock that offers true ambidextrous operation.

A beefy, wide steel pocket clip rounds out the SOG SEAL XR package. The clip won’t be sprung for sure, even with rough carry. This is by far an EDC folder due to the size and weight but if you need a knife for rough use and outdoor use, the SOG SEAL XR is it.

MSRP: $224.95 Origin: USA

Case Large Stockman 10375

Clip points are found on many different patterns of multi-blade slipjoint knives, such as this Case Large Stockman pattern, model 10375. The main blade is a 3.3-inch long clip point, and two smaller blades – a 2.3-inch long sheepsfoot blade as well as a 2.2-inch spey blade. The blades are ground from Case’s proprietary Tru-Sharp surgical steel, and the handles are of black and green canvas micarta phenolic synthetic for long-lasting durability.

The beauty of knives like these is they are handy to have with you at all times as they sit in the pocket perfectly and they are low profile enough that using them in public won’t raise any eyebrows. These knives are used by everyone from farmers, ranchers, plumbers, electricians, carpenters, warehouse workers, and countless individuals who just want a good solid pocketknife. The main blade does well with opening packages, mail, cutting tape, stripping wire, cutting up cardboard, and any sort of utility or mundane cutting task that tend to pop up in daily life.

The clip point blade is ground fairly thin so it has really good performance characteristics and easily cuts whatever you need to. The Tru Sharp stainless sharpens up quickly and holds an edge fairly well. The stockman pattern is very handy due to the three distinct blade shapes, it’s the perfect pattern to have if you use a pocketknife frequently.

MSRP: $96 (Micarta Handle) Origin: USA

Buck 110 Folding Hunter

This knife perhaps is the signature clip-point bladed folder. Its design was innovative back in 1963 when it was released, and its quality and build have withstood the test of time.

Even today, the 110 Folding Hunter is still made and enjoyed by many. The 3.75-inch long blade is of a Bowie shape and is hollow ground from 420HC stainless steel. The handle is of a robust build, with double brass bolsters and a Crelicam ebony, stabilized hardwood handle. The handle definitely has weight to it, and it’s this exact heavy-duty build that has allowed the 110 Folding Hunter to withstand hard use over time, and still hold up beautifully. The lockback design secures the blade in the open position with a satisfying audible click.

The clip-point blade is ideal for field dressing as well as general cutting tasks. The 110 Folding Hunter originally was designed for hunters as an alternative to a fixed-blade hunting knife. But the knife also found favor with those who are in agriculture, the military, law enforcement, and countless knife enthusiasts as well. For all intents and purposes, it was the predecessor to what we know now as the modern tactical folder.

Still produced to this day in the Buck Knives product line, the 110 Folding Hunter has a few variants including a lightweight budget version, a pro-grade modern version with high-end blade steel and handle material, an automatic opening version, as well as countless collector variants available through the years from Buck as well as select Buck Knives retailers as exclusives.

MSRP: $88 (original 110) Origin: USA

Spyderco C81GP2 Paramilitary 2

Spyderco’s Paramilitary 2 folder – better known simply as the Para2 – is a downsized version of the company’s popular C36 Military folder.

The Para2 offers the same cutting prowess of the full-size Military model with its full flat grind clip-point blade but in a more compact, pocket-friendlier form factor. The Para2’s blade measures 3.4 inches long and is ground out of premium CPM S45VN blade steel that is known for its enhanced edge-holding capabilities. The handle is textured black G-10 and mimics the ergonomics found on the C36 folder that make this one of the most comfortable and handy midsize folding knives on the market.

With an overall length of 8.2 inches, the Para2 is still large enough to tackle sizable cutting tasks. The blade is secured open by Spyderco’s own Compression Lock system, which permits easy one-hand opening and closing. It also allows the blade to have such smooth, silky-like action. The Para2 is a slender knife and carries well in the pocket.

The large blade hole allows for easy one-hand opening with either hand, even while wearing work gloves.

Performance-wise, this is one of the best in high-end folders as the flat grind clip-point blade sails through thick and tough materials easily. Spyderco engineers its blades to be some of the most efficient cutting tools on that market by paying attention to blade shape and blade grinds and optimizing both to create a cutting tool that is unmatched in both performance and value.

MSRP: $265 Orgin: USA.

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