Buyer's Guides Archives

East Beasts: Four Parangs Built To Last

Dexter Ewing

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October 19, 2022

This Quartet Of Knives, Inspired By The Parang Of The Malay Archipelago In Southeast Asia Are Tough, Rugged Fixed Blades.

There’s something about large blades with an Eastern flair, an exotic look, and that offer devastating function. They generally are built stouter and able to complete multiple hard-use tasks beyond those of a machete. Such knives clear vines and weedy vegetation, take out small saplings, and split wood for campfires. They are equal parts tool and, if necessary, weapon.

Condor Tool & Knife Pack Golok

Originating in the Malay Archipelago, the golok is used primarily in Indonesia, Malaysia, and the Philippines. Varying in size and weight, it is typically anywhere from 10 to 20 inches long. Often shorter and heavier than machetes, the golok is used for bush and branch cutting. Cutting edges tend to be convex, preventing the blade from being stuck in green wood. Carbon steel is often the preferred blade material, usually with a softer temper for ease of sharpening.

A good modern production example is the Condor Tool & Knife Pack Golok. The 11-inch upswept blade is 1075 carbon steel with a convex edge great at not sticking in green wood. The handle curves down near the butt and flares out a bit to prevent the knife from sliding out of your hand while chopping. The rich brown appearance of the walnut handle material elevates the Pack Golok’s appearance. Three large brass rivets secure the walnut slabs to the tang. A thong tube provides a hole for a lanyard. The overall length is 17 inches, long enough to tackle heavy work but not too long for belt carry or easy storage.

In use, the Pack Golok feels very sturdy and comfortable. The large diameter of the rounded walnut handle turns down a bit to help keep your hand in place. The generous diameter makes the handle easy to grip and fills the hand nicely. You feel in control of the knife at all times.

The solid convex grind puts a maximum amount of meat behind the edge for durability and helps resist chipping and rolling through heavy chopping. The edge is very sharp and easy to maintain so the knife serves well in the field.

The Pack Golok performs like a larger knife without being one. Of the test bunch, it’s the best chopper. It also excels at baton work. Conversely, it works just as well for finer tasks such as whittling.

The leather sheath is extremely well done. It features two button snap closures to secure the knife. Unsheathe it by simultaneously lifting the handle and pulling it out. There’s a large loop for belt carry.

MSRP: $107

DPx Gear HEFT 12 Chop

DPx Gear’s HEFT 12 Chop is a serious piece of kit. Robert Young Pelton, aka RYP, is the founder of DPx Gear, a noted journalist, and a documentary film director who spent considerable time in Iraq and elsewhere covering various conflicts. Based on the parang, which also is a favorite in the Malay Archipelago, the HEFT 12 Chop is optimized for cutting woody growth. Sporting a sweet-spot belly for chopping and forward-weighted balance, the parang is a multi-use cutting tool that can be quite handy in the wilderness.

In the HEFT 12 Chop, RYP wanted a tool that would serve as a machete, hatchet, and large survival knife all rolled into one. As a result, one knife can be carried instead of several. This is especially beneficial on long treks—the old “less is more” maxim.

The 12.5-inch blade is flat-ground D2 tool steel, a proven and highly consistent performer for hunting and survival knives. A black mil-spec blade coating enhances corrosion resistance and low reflectivity. The green G-10 handle is 3D machined and contoured for comfort with no hot spots to speak of. The grip turns down and flares out somewhat to act as a catch and prevent the hand from sliding backward. Three large Torx-head screws fasten the G-10 slabs to the full tang. There’s also a lanyard hole in the exposed tang. A single guard keeps the hand from sliding forward.

At 18.6 inches overall, the HEFT 12 Chop is a formidable cutting tool. Made in Italy by Lionsteel, it looks great with the black blade and OD green handle. When you lift the HEFT 12 Chop, you immediately notice the heavy blade-forward balance. This enhances chopping, building momentum, and using gravity to your advantage as you swing the blade. If you go into it with all muscle, trust me, you will get tired. Relax and let gravity do the job.

Rest the guard on your hand as if you are choking up and let the handle pivot a bit in your paw for additional power. A semi-loose grip works best—or at least it did for me. As you chop you can feel the power with each blow and where the blade’s sweet spot is (just behind the angled tip). The HEFT 12 takes out smaller and thinner vegetation with abandon—a testament to RYP’s design vision.

This is a wonderful blade for baton work. You can use the length for leverage as you pound the spine. The full flat grind is like a wedge, splitting wood effectively and quickly. The HEFT 12 Chop does not come with a sheath. It’s a bit on the pricey side but the design is backed by RYP’s years of real-world experience.

MSRP: $375

APOC Chop House

Boasting a flared reverse-tanto-style tip, the Chop House from APOC Survival Tools is based on the dao, which originated in China as a single-edge sword primarily used for slashing and chopping. The blade’s moderate curvature and angular tip are effective for thrusting. A 12.75-inch blade and overall length of 18 inches puts the Chop House right in the middle of machete territory. It boasts 9260 carbon blade steel, full-tang construction, and a black G-10 handle. A black oxide coating reduces glare and enhances rust protection.

Featuring 3D-machined and contoured facets, the handle is certainly one of the knife’s most interesting elements. Three sets of Torx®-head screws fasten the G-10 slabs to the tang. A prominent finger groove trails a recessed grip area, and the handle flares out to create a catch for your hand, stopping rearward sliding.

An integral double guard provides additional protection. Wrap your hand around the handle and feel your fingers nestle in and lock into place. Depending on your hand size, you might feel some hot spots around the palm. In fact, those with bigger hands might find the grip objectionable.

The Chop House feels agile and has more of a neutral balance than the rest of the test bunch. As a result, it excels more at such machete tasks as cutting tall weeds, grass, vines and maybe taking out the occasional sapling. To be an effective chopper, the balance must bias toward blade-heavy, something the Chop House does not do. It has a balance more typical of a standard machete. This isn’t bad, it just means carefully selecting what you use it for.

The factory edge did not last long out of the box and I wound up resharpening the blade to my liking. It might be wise to apply your own edge before putting the knife to use as well.

MSRP: $159

Fox Knives Parang

Don’t let the Fox Parang’s short length fool you. It chops quite well, with plenty of bite to the blade.

The Fox Knives Military Division (FKMD) Parang is an outstanding example of a compact fixed blade that serves as a chopping, camp, and kitchen knife while remaining easy to manipulate and carry. Taking design cues from the traditional parang with the forward-weighted feature, the 7-inch blade has a bulbous, rounded tip great for slicing and as a skinning knife if need be.

The N690 stainless blade steel has a layer of black Cerakote® for additional corrosion protection. N690 is higher-end steel that exhibits an excellent balance of edge holding, corrosion resistance, and sharpening ease.

The ergonomic handle is Forprene, a molded thermoplastic tacky to the touch. Several large scallops on the grip section accommodate the user’s fingers comfortably. Along with the main groove, the largest scallop seats the index finger. This locks in your grip and the rest of the fingers fall naturally into place. The tang has a choil and gimping ahead of it to promote a secure choke-up grip for finer cutting tasks that require additional control. Though the handle is boxy, the edges are rounded to soften things up.

In action, the Parang—one of this issue’s cover knives—is impressive. As a chopper, the blade bites in deep and hard. The flat grind and excellent edge quality out of the box help make this possible. The Fox entry can give some larger knives a serious run for the money in terms of chopping effectiveness. When you choke up, tasks that require control like whittling are as easy as chopping. The knife feels comfortable and balanced in the choke-up grip. The large blade belly slices very well and the grip is no slip.

The Forprene handle mitigates some shock from impact when chopping. Its slightly tacky quality makes for a good grip with wet, dry, hot, or cold hands. Some may think the handle material looks cheap but the Forprene offers function rather than aesthetics—crucial when considering an outdoor blade for hard work. I wear gloves when using big fixed blades and even with gloves, the Forprene still felt very secure.

The Parang seems the most useful of the review models as it serves well as a chopper/camp and kitchen knife. If you stash a chopper in your vehicle, the compact length makes it ideal for the role. You can do the same with the other test knives but their additional length may pose an issue.

A very nicely made ballistic nylon sheath with Kydex liners for rigidity and protection from blade puncture comes standard. A wide dual-snap retention strap fastens around the handle. A smaller strap secures the knife at an additional point below the main retention straps.

This might seem redundant but when wearing the Parang on your belt in the wilds, you don’t want it to exit accidentally! A loop accommodates a variety of belt widths. There are MOLLE attachment points and a leg tie, too.

One drawback: the sheath is OD green and the Forprene handle is tan. I’d prefer the handle color to match the sheath. An aluminum box with a snap-on lid that contains common assorted survival items is included.

MSRP: $365

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5 Tactical Pens That Write And More

Mike Ableson

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October 17, 2022

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Tactical Pens Allow You To Have A Self-Defense Multi-Tool On You Even In Places Where A Knife Isn’t Allowed. These Are Five Pens That Will Keep You On Top Of Your Work And Can Keep You Safe.

The tactical pen is the perfect protection tool to have when you’re going somewhere where knives simply aren’t allowed. A tactical pen is great to take to the airport, to the big game, or to have in your pocket every day simply: it is a pen, after all.

Beyond just writing, tactical pens usually come with a glass-breaking tip, but many have additional features that make them far more than just a rugged pen.

Why Should I Buy A Tactical Pen?

For starters, they are high-quality pens that can write in adverse conditions. Beyond that, they are excellent safety tools that can go with you anywhere. Sure, you could look at a tactical pen and think “this is really excessive for a pen,” but that would miss the point of why they are so useful.

A tactical pen is an excellent way to keep yourself prepared for whatever life can throw at you. Sure, you may never need to use the pen for much more than signing checks, but it is a lot better to have the tools at hand and not need them than to need them and not have them.

5 Tactical Pens That Will Make Your Life Easier

These five pens feature a bevy of different tools and features that make them all incredibly useful as an EDC. No, none of them have built-in blades, but they do all have something that will make life much easier, and you safer when needed.

Atomic Bear SWAT Pen

Don’t let the low price of this pen fool you: it is the real deal. The SWAT pen is a beast. Made from 6061-T6 aircraft-grade aluminum, the SWAT pen is light and can take a beating. The tungsten carbide tip at the end is perfect for shattering glass when necessary and can provide an added bit of malice if you need to protect yourself.

The writing implement is smooth and easy. The inkwell takes Parker G2 ink, which is easy to find and easy to replace. All in all, this is a high-quality tactical pen at a bargain of a price.

MSRP: $15.99

Boker Plus Quest Commando Pen

Boker makes great knives and that craftsmanship carries over to their tactical pens. The Quest Commando was designed by Kevin Passon & David Cyr, and the duo left no stone unturned. The six-inch, black aluminum pen can be used like a kubaton in self-defense situations. The writing implement uses Lamy M-22 ink and is smooth as butter.

This is a durable, quality pen that you can travel the world with and feel confident when it’s in your hands.

MSRP: $44.96

Smith & Wesson Stylus Tactical Pen

It’s not a firearm but it’s made with the same care as Smith & Wesson’s famous guns. The Stylus Tactical Pen is a self-defense tool for the modern age. Yes, it is a good pen and uses Schmidt P900M parker ink cartridges, but this pen shines by what it does away from the page.

Most notable is the stylus tip atop the screw cap. This rubberized tip allows you to use the pen on all touchscreens, which is easier on your hands, especially on a phone screen, and allows you to still use your tech even in wet or cold conditions.

The window breaker at the opposite end of the pen tip works as advertised and is ridiculously strong.

MSRP: $39.99

Nitecore NTP10 Titanium Tactical Pen

The priciest pen on our list is from Nitecore. It’s the only knife on our list made from titanium instead of aluminum. Milled to a thickness of 1.8 mm, the NTP10 is almost unbreakable, and the tungsten steel tip at the end does what you expect. It is insanely light at just .64 of an ounce and takes German Schneider gel ink.

The main thing to think about with this pen is the price. Yes, the titanium is robust in a way that aluminum isn’t, but is it worth it? That’s for you to decide.

MSRP: $119.95

Schrade SCPEN4BK

Is it the most expensive? No. Is it the beefiest tactical pen? No. But boy, did Schrade pack a boatload of features into this pen at an incredibly fair price.

Of course, there’s a tungsten steel glassbreaker at one end, and the pen uses Black Starminen Fine Point D1 Pen Cartridges. But beyond that, the pen elevates to a proper survival tool. When removed from the body, the pen cap doubles as an ear-piercing survival whistle. It’ll get the attention of anyone in the vicinity and even a bit further than that.

Also embedded in the pen is a ferro rod that can be accessed by unscrewing the back half of the pen. There is a striker plate underneath the tungsten steel breaker and is reverse threaded into the pen body so you can’t accidentally unscrew it and lose it, as it is very small.

So many features in such a small space, and at a great price too. Schrade hit a home run with the SCPEN4BK.

MSRP: $33.19

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Sharp In Reverse: 5 Reverse Tanto Blades Worth Your Time

Josh Wayner

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September 14, 2022

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The Reverse Tanto Is One Of The Most Interesting Blade Designs. By Putting A Spin On A Classic Pattern, The Reverse Tanto Stands Out From The Pack.

In general terms, a knife profile isn’t something that seems like it should be reversed. The American tanto blade pattern, commonly seen on modern tactical and combat knives, is a modified version of the somewhat longer and more flowing traditional Japanese tanto. While there are variations, the American tanto blade features a hard angle in the belly curve up to the shallow, chisel-ground tip.

A reverse tanto profile keeps the hard angle of the tanto profile but moves it to the spine, thus “reversing” the conventional tanto style. This edge profile doesn’t usually have as harsh of an angle on the spine; on a tanto the tip usually curves up, akin to the larger katana profile. By flipping the edge over, the tip is brought into a straighter line with the hand and offers a good deal more stabbing ability.

An interesting point is that, at least in my direct experience, the reverse tanto is much better at cutting and stabbing tasks than the tanto. Profile matters a great deal in this case. The reverse tanto can be thought of as a very muted bowie in that it has a narrow tip and smooth edge, yet a good height to the spine; the tip can get into a medium easily and the rest follows with minimal effort.

An American tanto profile’s chisel-type tip has a more severe geometry that doesn’t easily lend itself to going through materials or fine cutting work. The area on an American tanto that usually takes the most damage is the tip angle itself. Not only that but, thanks to the severe angles, it is difficult to keep sharp.

The reverse tanto offers an easily maintainable edge and fine tip while having the strength of a larger blade. This allows the profile to be ground quite thin and remain very strong. The reverse tanto folders in this article are some of the lightest I’ve ever tested, and they cut far above their weight class.

Leatherman Skeletool KBX

The Leatherman Skeletool KBX is the smallest knife in the test—so small it could probably ride on a key ring. It is the only serrated knife of the test bunch. Despite being so small, the KBX offers a wide degree of general utility. It is not a heavy cutter like a few in this review. It is neither comfortable enough nor large enough to commit to hard use. It is instead something of a mini multi-tool suitable for the most basic use. It has an integrated bottle opener, which is a very nice touch—and it works!

The size of the piece is the best part and also the worst. As an EDC knife, it is somewhat small. However, for the right person wanting a low-profile knife, this one fits the bill. For basic work like opening boxes, cutting string, or just popping open a cold one, it’s great.

MSRP: $39.95

Benchmade Mini Osborne

The Benchmade Mini Osborne is a perfect EDC folder. Not only is it extremely lightweight, it’s comfortable in the hand for medium tasks. The AXIS® lock is easy to operate. Closing the knife is not a challenge, though it is something of a two-hand operation in that you must pull back on the lock and then fold the blade down. Locked open it is very strong and has no flex or movement when working.

The Benchmade is probably the best balance of weight to cutting ability in the review. Consequently, it is also relatively costly. Benchmade has an understandable reputation as a top brand and this little folder demonstrates that a knife can be light, comfortable, and very sharp. It is great for domestic and simple chores and can be used to make kindling and spark. Like the Skeletool, it is really too small to be anything other than a light-duty blade.

MSRP: $210

Krudo Vice BA

The Vice BA (Bad Attitude) folder from Krudo is the largest knife in the test and the heaviest. There is a substantial difference between it and the other test models in terms of cutting ability and the size of materials it can digest. The Krudo has a large disc/thumb rest atop the spine, not only for ease of opening but also as a place to apply downward pressure for cutting. This alone puts the knife in a different category altogether in that it can break down medium sticks, and can even be used to hack off medium limbs. It excels at making tinder and has a thick blade and strong lock mechanism. It is easy to strike with as well.

The knife’s size is both a benefit and a downfall. It’s the toughest in the test but also meaty enough that you are aware of it in your pocket most of the time. If you’re in the woods or on the job site, the Vice BA would be a welcome friend and easy to use constantly.

MSRP: $244

Kershaw Lithium

The Kershaw Lithium is the only assisted opener in the bunch. It has a large amount of utility for the moderate cost and is a great EDC knife that offers a keen, clean edge and a very sharp point. The knife is heavy in the blade and comfortable in the grip.

It cuts quite well and can be worked with for extended periods of time comfortably, unlike the two smaller test knives. It has a matte finish, isn’t flashy, and offers nothing to immediately catch the prying eye of a passerby.

The tip can punch through most common materials and there’s enough mass to the blade that it can slash as well. As far as general utility, it can spark and is useful for making kindling and dealing with minor twigs and branches. It lacks true chopping power but like the others will work given the necessity.

MSRP: $51.99

Artisan Cygnus ATZ

The Artisan Cygnus ATZ arrived very, very sharp and with a most aggressive tip design. The blade is slender and light and lacks forward mass. As a result, it lends itself well for use in a stabbing motion, easily penetrating many materials. However, the grip is geometric and somewhat angular, thus making repeated stabs somewhat uncomfortable. It is a thin blade and shouldn’t be used to pry (a use most knives shouldn’t be put to in the first place).

While quite visually appealing, the ATZ takes up more space than all but the Krudo. The Artisan offers the best cutting ability of the bunch in general slicing. In the course of testing it maintained an edge very easily and the tip proved strong despite being thin.

While not designed as an outdoor knife or for preparing kindling, it sparks nicely. If you spend most of your time in town, this one is a bit flashier than the rest but still isn’t outside the realm of daily use, and likely won’t draw much attention from snooping eyes.

MSRP: $85.99

The reverse tanto excels at domestic cutting tasks. All the test folders would make fine EDCs, my preference being the Benchmade in terms of weight to size. You really can’t go wrong with any of the review knives as long as you keep the end use to a realistic setting. Don’t try to make any of these knives your primary outdoor tool. There are better knife styles for such use, though the reverse tanto works if it’s all you have.

Editor’s note: Bob Lum is credited by many with designing the original custom American tanto, while Cold Steel popularized the blade pattern in the factory knife industry.

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The M7 Bayonet: From Combat To The Campsite

Mike Ableson

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September 14, 2022

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The M7 Bayonet Has Been Used By The United States Military For Almost 60 Years. The Dynamic, Multi-Purpose Tool Is Just As Useful Now As When It First Went Into Service.

When you first think of a bayonet your mind probably goes to the battlefields of the Revolutionary and Civil Wars. But no, bayonets aren’t some relic from a bygone era. While the days of bayonet charges are long long, the knives are still in use by the military today and have evolved into a multi-faceted tool.

The M7 Bayonet stands out due to its longevity. Built on the back of the M4 bayonet, which was issued toward the tail end of World War 2, the M7 is designed to be used with the M16 or the M4 carbine, although it can fit on numerous other rifles.

The History Of The M7 Bayonet

The M7 was first introduced in 1964 during the Vietnam War. The knife was initially made by Bauer Ord Company, but numerous companies did eventually manufacture the M7. Today, the lone remaining maker of combat-deployed M7 bayonets is Ontario Knife, though the knife is still available from at least one other company (Smith & Wesson).

Despite being issued by the United States military, the M7 was also made in Canada, West Germany, Australia, and in several countries in Asia.

How Does The M7 Work?

The M7 connects to the M16 via a lug thanks to a dual-lever locking mechanism. This secures the blade to the barrel while keeping the muzzle unblocked. A release mechanism on the pommel of the knife allows it to detach from the firearm easily.

Ontario Knife Company M7 Bayonet

Ontario Knife Co. was one of many makers to manufacture the M7, and it is the last to make the military issue variety of the blade. There is also a commercial version as well, which will be reviewed here.

It starts with a 1080 carbon steel blade with a zinc phosphate finish married to a modified Kraton handle. The blade is 6.7 inches long, and the whole construction is just shy of a foot in length. It tips the scales at 1.15 pounds. It looks beefy and feels hefty in the hand, as you would expect from a such a knife.

The included molded plastic sheath is a pistol belt clip. The lightweight sheath allows for safe, easy transport of the knife. While this knife is designed for combat, it’s burly design allows for multiple different uses. This would be a an excellent all-rounder when camping.

MSRP: $114.95

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Best Hunting Knife Kits: Process Your Game With Ease

Mike Ableson

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September 12, 2022

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Whether Large Or Small Game, A Good Hunting Knife Kit Is A Must

Skinning knives. Gut hooks. Fillet knives. There are so many different tools for a hunter to use when dressing their kill. However, having just one of those knives could make the process incredibly difficult. That’s where hunting knife kits come in.

These kits feature multiple knives and other tools to help make the process of, well, processing much easier.

Why Should I Buy A Hunting Knife Set?

One word: convenience.

Sure, you could try to skin, dress, and clean a whole buck or fillet a fish with just a caping knife, but good luck with that. A quality hunting knife kit should cover all the bases and give you the confidence of knowing that your needs will be met on a hunt.

What Do I Need In A Hunting Knife Kit?

Your specific needs may differ depending on the types of animals you’re hunting. However, regardless of the species there’s a few items you will definitely want in your hunting knife set.

Skinning Knife

Your list should start here. Any land animal, whether it’s a 10-point buck or a small rabbit, will need to be skinned as one of the first steps of processing. Having a nimble skinning knife in your kit will make your life far easier than trying to brute force it with a pocketknife or something much larger like a kukri.

Caping Knife

A capable caping knife is necessary to get into the little nooks to get all off the meat off the carcass. Small and nimble, a good caping knife is worth its weight in gold and absolutely necessary for hunters of all types.

Boning/Fillet Knife

This is a must especially if you’re fishing. The boning and fillet knife will allow you to remove the flesh from the skin and cut through smaller, more finicky, bones.

Bone Saw/Cleaver

While both are vastly different from each other, they both accomplish the same thing: breaking through large bones. A boning knife won’t be able to easily cut through something like the sternum or hip bones. A bone saw or a cleaver is the way to go. The cleaver, though, is more versatile as you can also prep the meat for cooking with it.

Gut Hook

The gut hook, at least a good gut hook, should open up the belly of a kill like a zipper and allow you to easily pull the guts and innards out. There are many high-end gut hook/skinning knife combo tools available so look for those as they’ll do both the jobs while also saving room in your pack. Standalone gut hooks are available as well.

5 Best Hunting Knife Kits

Gerber Myth Field Dress Kit

This is a perfect mix of rugged tools and true portability. This kit from Gerber only has two knives, but they’re both of the highest quality. A 7.25-inch caping knife and an 8.5-inch gut hook are both strong enough to process big game thanks to the stainless blades. The rubber handles provide an excellent grip while also being moisture resistant.

The piggyback sheath is just as important here, too. Both knives easily fit into the sheath, which is paracord friendly if not fully MOLLE compatible, and the built-in carbide sharpener will keep your blades slicing true when in the field.

The only knock on this set is that there is no saw included, but the quality of the tools here is more than enough to dress deer, rabbit, quail, and a whole lot more.

MSRP: $75

Ruko 131

The last kit came in a sheath. This one comes in a briefcase. The 131 set from Ruko comes with eight different tools. The list includes a caping knife, skinning knife, bone saw, fillet knife, game shears, gut hook knife, standalone gut hook, and a cleaver. Yes, two gut hooks.

All of these tools come with an easy-to-see orange handle and are contained in a black polypropylene case. It truly is a one-size-fits-all set for hunters.

The tradeoff is in blade quality. All of the tools are made from 420HC stainless which, yes has good corrosion resistance but isn’t the top-quality steel of some other sets on this list. Regardless, if you’re looking for a high-volume, fairly-priced hunting knife kit, Ruko has you covered.

MSRP: $59.99

Victorinox Fish Fillet Kit

The first animal-specific set on our list is from Victorinox, the maker of the iconic Swiss Army knife. The company’s high quality and attention to detail is on display in this kit just like it is their famous red multi-tools.

This set includes a 3.25-inch paring knife, 6-inch boning knife, 8-inch fillet knife, and 10-inch breaking knife. There’s also a handheld sharpener and an included 8-slot knife roll. The high-carbon stainless steel blades are made in Switzerland and are just as at home at the campsite as they are in the kitchen.

While made for fish and smaller game like rabbits, especially the three smaller knives, the beefy breaking knife can also be used when processing larger kills.

MSRP: $172.99

Outdoor Edge ButcherLite Game Processing Kit

This eight-piece hunting kit from Outdoor Edge is designed to process game all the way from field to freezer. The set includes a gut hook skinner, caping knife, boning/fillet knife, bone saw, rib cage spreader, game cleaning gloves, and a tungsten carbide sharpener so you can reset your knives’ edge when out in the field.

The blades are made from 420J2 high-carbon stainless steel that provides quality edge protection and the full-tang construction, along with rubberized handles, provide a well-balanced knife that’s easy to grip.

All of the tools tuck neatly away into the included nylon roll pack that converts to a belt scabbard for easy access when processing the animal. And, at just 2.4 pounds, this hunting knife set is light enough to easily tuck away in your pack.

MSRP: $64.95

Smith And Wesson Campfire Set

This three-knife set features beefy blades and a straight-to-the-point ethos. With a caping knife, gut hook skinner, and cleaver, Smith and Wesson has made a no-nonsense set of knives that’s easy to pack away and versatile enough to break down your kills.

Made from 3Cr13 stainless, these blades come sharp and can handle the abuse you’ll most certainly throw at them. The included all-in-one sheath allows you to neatly pack away your knives for easy carry and transport.

There is no fillet knife so processing fish might be difficult, but the cleaver in place of a bone saw provides added flexibility. The cleaver can chop through most bones while also helping to prep food around a campfire.

MSRP: $45.66

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Utility Knives: A Worker’s Best Friend

Mike Ableson

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September 11, 2022

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Utility Knives Are The Great All-Rounder For The Home. These Small Blades Are Popular With Contractors And Homeowners Alike To Solve All Sorts Of Problems.

Yes, there is a kitchen knife called a utility knife, but if use the phrase “utility knife” in conversation it’s almost a certainty that you’re talking about the diminutive yet mighty knives that are ubiquitous on job sites and in homes around the country. Even if you call it a box cutter, the person you’re talking to will absolutely know what you mean.

Also called a Stanley knife, because of the company that helped to pioneer them, utility knives are compact blades meant to breeze through the small and mundane tasks that can slow down your flow.

Cutting through some rope? Utility knife. Need to score a piece of glass? Utility knife? Looking for the best tool to quickly open a box? The utility knife has your back there.

Whether folding, fixed-blade, or even retractable, these are five of the best, most dynamic utility knives on the market today.

Milwaukee Fastback Flip Utility Knife

First on our list is this bright red folder from Milwaukee. Traditionally, folding utility knives have needed two hands just to open, but Milwaukee engineered a deployment system that not only drastically cuts down on time but is also a ton of fun to use.

By pressing the button on the handle you’re able to quickly flick the blade out and into a locked position. Sticking with the convenience theme, you can store a second blade in the handle and can change blades without tools.

The fact that there is also a built-in gut hook and wire stripper that cuts up to 10 gauge is just ridiculous on top of all the other tech in the knife. The ergonomic handle in the famous Milwaukee red sits well in the hand. This knife really does do it all.

MSRP: $15.59

Workpro Retractable Utility Knife

Retractable utility knives allow you to slide the blade in and out of a fixed handle. This model from Workpro is an excellent example of that with the added bonus of having a huge amount of storage.

The multi-color handle is made from a zinc alloy and rubberized, ergonomic grip. The knife features a four-stage deployment system so you can use just the tip of the blade for finite tasks or send out the whole thing to slice through something beefier.

Inside the handle there’s enough room to store five blades so you’ll never be without a fresh razor to switch to at a moment’s notice.

MSRP: $9.99

Gerber EAB Lite

This tight little folder from Gerber is great for your pocket or your purse. When folded, it can tuck away easily thanks to a beefy pocket clip, and when deployed it secures via a liner lock to provide a sturdy hold and cutting edge.

The stainless steel body looks good and will serve you well when in use. At just 2.5 ounces it’s incredibly lightweight and easy to maneuver. The only knock on this knife is that there is no built-in storage compartment like the knives above. Even without the storage, this is a great utility knife to have with you for daily use. You could even make this your EDC.

MSRP: $18

Stanley 6 In Swivel-Lock Fixed Blade

From the company which innovated the utility knife, this multi-dimensional tool from Stanley is robust enough to be a handy companion on a job site. The contoured handle sits well in the handle and won’t slip even when sweaty on a hot day.

The handle swivels open to hold multiple replacement blades and is compatible with most Stanley replacement blades so you won’t need to stress about finding the right ones. It also comes with three replacement blades in the package to get you off on the right foot.

For a knife this inexpensive, it swings well above its weight. Whether a professional contractor or just a home DIYer, this knife would be perfect for you.

MSRP: $7.99

Olfa LA-X

Our list wraps up with the longest blade of the bunch from Olfa. This retractable knife has a massive, by the standard of a utility knife, 3.25-inch blade which is great for long cuts and can be retracted for more precise slices. The blade is also scored so the top section can be broken off to reveal a sharper tip section.

The handle is made from reinforced fiberglass with an ergonomic rubberized grip which gives you a secure hold of the knife when in use.

The blade does have a few drawbacks at expense of the longer blade. The locking mechanism is a little wiggly and not as robust as some of the other knives on this list, and the flathead screwdriver tip at the end of the handle isn’t as strong as you might want it to be.

The LA-X is great for less intense cutting tasks, especially those when more extra blade length is needed.

MSRP: $12.50

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Last-Ditch Survival Kits

Josh Wayner

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September 7, 2022

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Nothing Is More Terrifying Than Being Caught In The Woods Without The Tools Needed To Get Through The Night. At Least One Of These Tool Arrays Should Meet Your Short-Term Survival Needs.

Prepping and survival equipment came to the forefront of public attention about 15 years ago with the expansion of the popular zombie film and TV genre. In fact, it got to the point where there was at least a two-year industry-wide emphasis on zombie merchandise, guns, ammo, and equipment.

While that remains a fond memory for many, what it really served to do was appeal to the broader masses, and many people began thinking about just what they would do in a real, non-zombie emergency.

Since then, the world has experienced no shortage of natural disasters, from massive wildfires to coastal tsunamis, floods, volcanic eruptions, and more. The world is no safer a place now than it was before. However, in lieu of zombies and green goo, the public has taken a keen interest in survival and its tactics.

Shows like Alone, Survivorman, Life Below Zero, and others captured the interest of many, and bushcrafting, foraging and fieldcraft exploded in popularity. Suffice to say, there is no shortage of specialized equipment to better your odds in a bad place.

What Is A Survival Kit?

I break down survival items and kits into four categories: full kit, partial kit, last-ditch and, knife-only. I would classify our trio of review kits as last-ditch in that they contain a variety of small items not meant for extended use but rather as a single-day advantage. The items can save your life in a pinch but by nature of size and weight will likely not last in a long-term survival situation.

Examining the survival kit theory requires considering the context of just what a survival kit is. The category I identify as a full kit is exactly as it sounds: likely a backpack setup with excellent weight distribution. This includes weapons and ammunition, ideally a rifle or shotgun, or a modern bow. Like it or not, survival in a bad situation increases dramatically with the presence of a firearm.

When I go into the woods, I have a rifle and a handgun at minimum with 100 rounds for each, usually in magazines. For the non-American readers out there this amounts to around five boxes of rifle ammo and two of most handgun loads. Hunting use is the primary idea but signaling and self-defense from large predators are also valid uses. If you have the ability to own a gun, you absolutely should, even if that gun is an antique design or black powder cartridge.

A partial kit is what you need for a minor excursion, the type of kit you may put in your vehicle if you are far from home but not too far from civilization or a gas station. In the kit I would prioritize a single firearm, typically a pistol of .22 caliber up to .357 Magnum (99 percent of all game can be taken with these rounds), medical supplies, and equipment to take down saplings or branches, such as a folding saw or hatchet. Unlike a full kit, this is to get you through an area as opposed to intentionally staying in one. Clothing appropriate to the short-term environment would ideally already be on your person.

Having the materials to quickly build a fire is a must for any survival kit.

The last-ditch kits reviewed here are for if you have already screwed up, failed to bring a suitable weapon, or are fully out of ammunition or supplies. Baseline, when you break open one of these kits, you are already on your last legs as far as survival goes. The kits in this article are short-term, almost single-use in nature. All three come with materials enough to work on small pieces of wood and at least signal or start a fire.

Lastly, if you have a single knife good enough to spark with and know how to use it, I’d say that you stand a pretty good chance of survival. I say this because, unlike a last-ditch kit, a good, heavy-bladed knife can be used to move a surprising amount of material, often quite quickly.

A thick blade can easily take down small trees with minimal exertion, baton firewood, make kindling, spark, and be lashed to a shaft to use as a spear. In a pinch, you can use a knife to make a bow, though that takes skill and time. For fishing, it can make spears and clean your catch.

Picking The Right Survival Kit For You

Understanding the theory of use behind these levels of preparedness, as well as their limits, is crucial to making it through a situation into which you may or may not have intentionally entered. In looking at the review kits I am assuming that we have run out of all other equipment, say a kayak tipping over in the river after hitting an underwater tree on a hunting trip. You, being a forward thinker, slipped one of these kits into the dry bag you stowed in your kayak before you fell in.

You’re wet, you’ve lost your gun, and you don’t have the rest of your gear. You’re in normal temperate conditions, but nightfall will be cold. To make matters worse, your kayak has cracked and has taken on water.

Colonial Pocket Size Survival Kit

At first glance, the Colonial Pocket Size Survival Kit looks like a Boy Scout put it together in his dad’s garage. The items are simply tossed into a thick baggy and are mostly off-the-shelf. The kit, however, is extremely well thought out and is almost entirely usable. It is the only one of the test entries that is waterproofed, and the baggy can be used to keep your tinder dry.

It consists of a signaling whistle; compass; waterproof matches; a military general-purpose pocketknife (containing a blade, can opener, screwdriver and pick); a survival blanket; aluminum foil; small candles; firestarter brick; fishing tackle; floss; adhesive bandages; gauze; and alcohol swabs.

Of note is that this kit did not come with a striker rod or visual signaling device. While not a disadvantage, the kit relies on matches as a source of fire making. I typically will always have matches on me if outdoors, but I try to use them as a last resort. In the present scenario, you would immediately begin gathering branches and medium kindling like grass or leaves, knowing you have dry matches and can immediately get warm and dry.

Building a shelter with this kit isn’t really going to happen, but at least you can build a fire fast and try to catch fish in the river. You get your fire going, get your socks and boots drying, and you luckily caught a fish with your tackle.

Using a flat river rock and aluminum foil, you wrap it up and fry your catch. You survive the night warm and dry and set out back to the guide camp the following morning, stopping to fish by hand as you go, expecting to cook your catch in the early evening. You must be mindful of your health and dehydration on the walk because you have no ability to make water safe to drink, though, knowing you’re close, you figure you’ll just take some medicinal drugs when you get home.

Fox Knives BlackFox Survival Kit

Start over at the point of your crash, this time with the Fox Knives BlackFox Survival Kit. It contains a fire starter and striker, candle, compass, whistle, tackle, a tiny Swiss Army-style knife; safety pins, a wire saw, razor blade, sewing kit, wire, match carrier (but no matches, none came with the kit), bandages, repair tape, cotton balls, and a notepad and pencil. It is all packed in a sealed metal can.

You take a different approach to your night in the woods. You know you must get dry first, and this kit has a rod and striker. You set about gathering kindling and starting a decent fire to get warm and dry. You set about fishing as well and make a good catch. You have to cook it on a stick over the fire but had no issue gutting it with the razor blade. You use your wire saw to cut saplings to make a shelter. You end the night warm and dry in your shelter, and with a full belly.

In the morning, you use the repair tape on your kayak and harvest sap from the trees you took down to smear it on the outside of the craft for waterproofing. You paddle back to your basecamp and then return to the spot with your friends to retrieve your gear from the river. Because you knew you could paddle back, you didn’t risk drinking river water, so your hunt continues.

Lansky P.R.E.P Kit

The Lansky P.R.E.P. (Preparedness, Resource, Equipment Pack) Kit stores a survival blanket, multi-tool, flashlight, fire striker, and LifeStraw water filter among many other tools in a compact black nylon bag. Countries of origin: USA and “various others.” MSRP: $129.99.

In this scenario, you have the Lansky P.R.E.P. (Preparedness, Resource, Equipment Pack) Kit and its survival blanket, first-aid kit, tackle, a small multi-tool, flashlight, paracord bracelet, survival guide, fire striker with compass, collapsible water bottle, LifeStraw water filter, Lansky UTR7 Responder knife, and Blademedic sharpener. All are packed in a black nylon bag.

Upon dragging your kayak back to land, you need to make a fire. Your kit is waterlogged but the items inside are not damaged. You need to gather wood and kindling, and it takes some effort, but you get a fire going using the bracelet to start the initial burn.

Once warming up, you catch some fish and gut them with the knife. You build a rudimentary shelter using the knife to cut down small branches, and rest until morning. You’re hydrated thanks to the LifeStraw and thus won’t need to see a doctor when you get home.

However, you failed to check in with your friends, so they come looking for you in this scenario. You hear distant noises and get out your flashlight and signal them. Your friends arrive after dark and take you back to camp. They brought a retrieval magnet and you get your rifle and equipment back that night. You clean the firearm and test it in the morning, ready to resume your hunt.

Tempering Your Expectations

None of the review kits are going to assuredly get you out of trouble. They can, however, offer you a stay on the inevitable and get you to a point where you can signal for help or make it to a safe location. Survival isn’t a guarantee and the scenario changes dramatically if you were injured in the accident. These kits can be the difference between life and death, make no mistake about that. Having one on hand is cheap insurance if things take a turn for the worse.

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Nothing Is More Terrifying Than Being Caught In The Woods Without The Tools Needed To Get Through The Night. At Least One Of These Tool Arrays Should Meet Your Short-Term Survival Needs.

What Is A Survival Kit?

Picking The Right Survival Kit For You

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Tempering Your Expectations

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