Hunting and outdoor endeavors, these blades are a cut above the rest.
Looking to kit up for the next hunting season? Need to start thinking about filleting this summer’s catch? Or maybe you just require a little summer to make camp life a little easier. We’ve got you covered! From stunning custom creations to workhorse production models, we’ve gathered up top-not hunting knives, camp knives and about every other blade to tackle your outdoor adventures.
Paul DiStefano: Hunter
BLADE LENGTH: 5” BLADE STEEL: Mosaic damascus BLADE GRIND: Flat HANDLE: Ivory Micarta® carved w/Japanese maple leaves and birds native to Japan; bird’s-beak butt design HANDLE CARVED BY: Paul DiStefano GUARD: Mosaic damascus OVERALL LENGTH: 9.5” MAKER’S PRICE FOR A SIMILAR KNIFE: $2,200 KNIFE TO KNOW: Paul DiStefano is an American Bladesmith Society journeyman smith MAKER: Paul DiStefano
Jacob Gaetz: Hunter
BLADE LENGTH: 4.5” BLADE MATERIAL: Mosaic damascus of 1084 carbon and 15N20 nickel-alloy steels ROCKWELL HARDNESS: 61 HRC BLADE GRIND: Full flat, .01”-thick BTE (behind the edge) HANDLE: Stabilized redwood burl HANDLE PIN: Argentium silver SPACER: Heat-colored damascus GUARD STEEL: Heat-colored 416 stainless OVERALL LENGTH: 9 5/8” MAKER’S PRICE FOR A SIMILAR KNIFE: $2,000 KNIFE TO KNOW: Jacob Gaetz is an American Bladesmith Society journeyman smith MAKER: Jacob Gaetz (Jocelyn Frasier image)
Tanner Couch: Rabbit Skinner
BLADE LENGTH: 3” BLADE STEEL: CPM 154 stainless BLADE GRIND: Hollow HANDLE FRAME: 410 stainless steel HANDLE MATERIAL: Ivory BOLSTER: 416 stainless CLOSED LENGTH: 37/8” MAKER’S PRICE FOR A SIMILAR KNIFE: $1,600 KNIFE TO KNOW: Tanner Couch is a card-carrying member of the South Texas Slipjoint Cartel MAKER: Tanner Couch (SharpByCoop image)
Chris Hamelin: Saratoga Hunter
BLADE LENGTH: 4” BLADE STEEL: 440C stainless BLADE GRIND: Flat HANDLE: Maple Valley Richlite w/copper pin and lanyard tube, natural Micarta® BOLSTER: Copper; engraved by Wolfgang Loerchner OVERALL LENGTH: 8.5” SHEATH (not shown): Belt model w/snap closure of leather and alligator skin inlay by Buffalo Bones MAKER’S PRICE FOR A SIMILAR KNIFE: $1,300 MAKER: Chris Hamelin (Jocelyn Frasier image edit)
Charlie Lloyd: Crushed W’s hunter
BLADE LENGTH: 5” BLADE MATERIAL: Crushed W’s damascus of 1080 carbon and 15N20 nickel-alloy steels BLADE GRIND: Flat GUARD: Damascus OVERALL LENGTH: 10” MAKER’S PRICE FOR A SIMILAR KNIFE: $1,200 KNIFE TO KNOW: Charlie Lloyd is a journeyman smith in the American Bladesmith Society MAKER: Charlie Lloyd (SharpByCoop image)
CAS Iberia: Modern Tanto
BLADE LENGTH: 10.5” BLADE MATERIAL: 1566 carbon steel w/hamon BLADE THICKNESS @ GUARD: .21” BLADE THICKNESS @ TIP: .157” TSUKA (handle): G-10 HABAKI (collar): Copper MENUKI (handle ornaments): Silver shi shi (lion dogs) SAYA (scabbard; not shown): Textured black WEIGHT: 15 ozs. OVERALL LENGTH: 16” MSRP: $259 COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: China COMPANY: CAS Iberia
Russell Roosevelt: Hunter
BLADE LENGTH: 5.5” BLADE MATERIAL: Ladder-pattern damascus of 1084 carbon and 15N20 nickel-alloy steels BLADE GRIND: Flat HANDLE: Amboyna burl GUARD: 416 stainless steel w/spacers OVERALL LENGTH: 10.75” KNIFE TO KNOW: Russell Roosevelt is a journeyman smith in the American Bladesmith Society MAKER: Russell Roosevelt (SharpByCoop image)
Josh Hults: Skinner/camp knife
BLADE LENGTH: 3.5” BLADE MATERIAL: Twisted ‘W’s’ damascus of 1084 carbon and 15N20 nickel-alloy steels BLADE GRIND: Flat HANDLE: Stabilized black ash HANDLE SPACERS: Copper and G-10 OVERALL LENGTH: 9.5” MAKER’S PRICE FOR A SIMILAR KNIFE: $800 KNIFE TO KNOW: Josh Hults is a journeyman smith in the American Bladesmith Society MAKER: Josh Hults (Jocelyn Frasier image edit)
Outdoor Edge: Razor VX 4
BLADE LENGTH: 3” BLADE STEEL: 420J2 stainless BLADE FINISH: Black oxide coated HANDLE MATERIAL: Forged carbon fiber LOCK: Linerlock LINERS: Vented stainless steel PIVOT: Ceramic ball bearing CLOSED LENGTH: 4.25” KNIFE TO KNOW: The Razor VX 4 is a replaceable-blade model; also available in handle materials of green Micarta® ($54.99) and Black G-10 w/spring assist $44.95) COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: China MSRP: $69.99 COMPANY: Outdoor Edge
Spyderco: Spyder Thrower, Small
DESIGNER: Harald Moeller BLADE LENGTH: 5.3” BLADE STEEL: 8Cr13MoV stainless BLADE GRIND: Dagger BLADE @ THICKEST: .217” BLADE FINISH: Two-tone black oxide and satin finish WEIGHT: 7 ozs. OVERALL LENGTH: 9” SHEATH: Leather KNIFE TO KNOW: Comes in a set of three w/three-tiered leather sheath and a copy of the instructional booklet, Knife Throwing: The Knives and Throwing Technique of Harald Moeller; designed to be thrown by either the blade tip or handle butt COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: China MSRP: $144 for the set Company: Spyderco
BLADE LENGTH: 7” BLADE STEEL: 400 series stainless BLADE FINISH: Corrosion-resistant coating HANDLE: Thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) w/non-slip soft grips and hole for a lanyard SHEATH (not shown): Breathable TPE KNIFE TO KNOW: Designed for cleaning small-to-medium-size fish like speckled trout or yellowtail snapper COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: China MSRP: $12.99 COMPANY: Smith’s Consumer Products Inc.
GiantMouse: ACE Iona V2
BLADE LENGTH: 3” BLADE STEEL: CPM MagnaCut stainless BLADE @ THICKEST: .115” BLADE FINISH: Stonewash HANDLE MATERIAL: Green canvas Micarta® POCKET CLIP: Wire, reversible PIVOT: Washer LOCK: Linerlock WEIGHT: 3.4 ozs. CLOSED LENGTH: 4.34” COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: Italy MSRP: $195 KNIFE TO KNOW: The knife is named after the Iona Bar, “a beloved establishment” in the Williamsburg neighborhood of Brooklyn, New York COMPANY: GiantMouse
Peltonen M07 Ranger Puukko makes the author’s all-time-best test list.
When I received the M07 Ranger Puukko from Peltonen Knives, I was really surprised to find that the Finnish company was using my favorite carbon steel, 80CRV2, my go-to blade material for the knives I make. It has suburb edge retention and a toughness equal to 5160 carbon steel. The TPV handle is firm but provides a great non-slip grip. However, the knife still has to come together as a comfortable cutter. Let’s get to the fun stuff.
M07 Ranger Sharpness
As I do with my blades to check for sharpness, the hair on my arm has to pop off. The M07 did not disappoint. It was hair popping from the start. For those who prefer the paper-slice sharpness test, using the weight of the knife only, I found the M07 very aggressive slicing the medium. You could hear every slice. The handle gave me great control.
Medium-Duty Cutting Tests
The author really had to control the cut of the 8-ounce leather with just a quick touch; any pushing and the knife was clear through the material.
I grabbed some heavy double-walled cardboard and continued slicing. The M07 parted the material quickly with no snagging. I could feel it biting into the cardboard. I had to be careful not to nick my finger. The knife is that scary sharp.
When I started skiving 8-ounce leather, the M07 sliced all the way through as soon as I laid the edge on the medium. I really had to control the cut with just a quick touch; any pushing and the knife was clear through the leather.
Seventy crunching cuts of the 1-inch manila rope and there was no sign of slowing down. The knife is perfectly formed for heavy cutting chores.
I had enough half-inch sisal rope for the M07 to crunch to 200 cuts with no problem. So, I grabbed my last piece of 1-inch manila rope. It was no challenge for the M07. Seventy crunching cuts later and there was no sign of slowing down. The knife is perfectly formed for heavy cutting chores.
Heavy-Duty Cutting Tests
It did not matter if it took a small bite or a deeper one, the M07 produced nice curlicues.
It did not matter if it took a small bite or a deeper one, the M07 produced nice curlicues. I could hear the knife cut the wood. The soft handle made controlling the sharp blade easy. Again, the cutting was quite aggressive.
It was time to hack some seasoned hackberry. Using a dead blow hammer, I pounded the M07 through the log. The handle absorbed all the shock from the blows, making the baton job a comfortable experience. The blade bit deep with each blow. In less than 30 seconds I had the log quartered. There were wood smears on the blade and some of the coating at the top of the grind showed a little wear. The edge was still extremely sharp. Great job, Peltonen.
The M07 made short baton work of the hackberry log.
It was back to the paper slice for the final test. There were two snags due to catching my thumbnail with the edge. The knife zipped through the rest of it.
Final Cut
The only change I’d make is to bring the grind line up closer to the blade spine. Otherwise, the M07 has to be in the top 1 percent of the sharpest knives I’ve tested in the past 30 years, and also the most comfortable handle. You could use this knife all day long and not get a sore spot. And the heat treating is excellent.
A fillet knife that sharpens while you cut? That’s the bold promise Relentless Knives make with its Curved Fillet Knife.
In its pursuit of the elusive long-lasting edge, Relentless Knives called on titanium, carbide, crushed diamonds and nature. Using beaver teeth as a model, the company promotes blades that “sharpen as they cut.”
A “Power Strip” consisting of ultra-hard carbide and crushed diamonds is permanently bonded to one side of the titanium edge. The basic concept is that as you use the knife, the softer back side of the blade wears away, exposing more of the hard edge. The need for constant resharpening is eliminated, ergo Perpetual Edge Technology.
According to Relentless, you need not worry about your blade rusting or discoloring, even in saltwater, a dream for commercial operations or the fisherman who forgets to wipe his knife off after use. The base line is that the knife—in this case the Relentless 6-inch Fillet Fixed Blade—must cut. Let’s see if it does.
Relentless Knives Curved Fillet Knife Specs
A “Power Strip” consisting of ultra-hard carbide and crushed diamonds is permanently bonded to one side of the titanium edge. The basic concept is that as you use the knife, the softer back side of the blade wears away, exposing more of the hard edge.
Company: Relentless Knives Blade length: 6” Blade material: Grade 5 titanium Power Strip: Carbide/crushed diamond Blade grind: Flat Blade flex: Medium to stiff Handle material: True Grit glass-reinforced ABS Weight: 6 ozs. Overall length: 12” Sheath: Leather w/snap strap Country of origin: USA MSRP: $150
Pros
Innovative Perpetual Edge Technology
Rust and Corrosion Resistance
Exceptional Cutting Performance
Cons
Initial Roughness
Expensive
Curved Fillet Knife Cutting Tests
The paper slice is a quick way to check any edge. The fillet knife sliced strips of 20-pound copy paper without pressure, and I could feel the Power Strip grab the paper. Sharp, coarse cuts, the slices were not difficult to control and the handle felt comfortable.
The fillet knife crunched forcefully to 200 cuts very quickly. The author stated it cut great but it was weird feeling the flex. It seemed to slice smoother toward the last 50 cuts.
Single-walled cardboard was next. The first couple of slices were rough cuts, then it seemed to smooth out a bit making for faster slicing. The True Grit handle material really keeps the knife locked in your grip.
I started cutting scrap 8-ounce leather. At first the edge was still grippy while slicing, then seemed to find its groove and got smoother. The cutting action was very aggressive—I could hear every cut. Using the other end of the leather strip, I did some skiving. The slices were thin and I still heard every cut. Using a choke-up grip, control was very easy.
The knife produced nice curlicues. Note: use the edge close to the guard for stability. The Power Strip wanted to dig deeper into the scrap pine, so the author had to control cutting depth.
It was scrap-pine whittling time. The knife produced some nice curlicues. Note: use the edge close to the guard for stability. The Power Strip wanted to dig deeper into the wood, so I had to control cutting depth. It’s fun to try but watch out for your fingers!
It was on to half-inch sisal rope. The fillet knife crunched aggressively to 200 cuts very quickly. The challenge on my part was to watch for the blade flexing. It cut great but it was weird feeling the flex. It seemed to slice smoother toward the last 50 cuts. I was probably knocking the newness off the Power Strip.
Curved Fillet Knife Processing Game
Hunting season was in full swing where I live at press time, and I like cooking fresh venison backstrap. The fillet knife zipped through the meat quite smoothly and cleanly. With the temperature at 22°F, the handle stayed tight in my cold hand.
The knife zipped through the venison quite smoothly and cleanly. With the temperature at 22°F, the handle stayed tight in the author’s cold hand.
I found some whole tilapia to fillet. After thawing, it was ready for action. The knife excelled at preparing the fish. It glided along the bones in short order. Dang, I needed this blade when I was younger working for a commercial fish house in Wisconsin! I went back in to thaw out my fingers and fry some fish.
The final test was back to slicing the copy paper. What a difference from the first test. The edge was smooth slicing and a lot cleaner in the cuts. The more you use the knife the better it gets. Perpetual Edge all the way!
Final Cut
I’m impressed with the Relentless blade’s ability to stay sharp by itself. It’s very well suited for saltwater and freshwater use. Hats off to the Relentless crew. I would have to do a lot more testing to come up with any changes. I’m waiting for a Relentless hunting-style knife to come out soon. Stay tuned to the Relentless website (see below) for more details.
Keep your knife cutting ready with today’s top sharpeners.
It’s not much of a knife if it’s dull. Getting a blade sharp and keeping it that way is what the top sharpeners are all about. Pull throughs, V sharpeners, adjustable angle models and more, contemporary sharpeners not only will keep your knives keen, some are multi-tools with Torx tools and bits, screwdrivers, fire starters and window breakers. From those for use in the kitchen, camp or workshop to portable use and more, make way for today’s sharp makers.
Lansky Master’s Edge Sharpener
The Lansky Master’s Edge All Diamond Sharpener has a rubberized non-slip base with integrated hand guard for safe use.
Master’s Edge All Diamond Sharpener Model type: V sharpener Type of abrasive: Diamond coated Grit: 400 & 600 grit round rods; triangular rod for serrations Types of knives sharpened: Fillet/slicing, butcher, paring, skinning/kitchen/hunting, camping, utility and chef’s Types of edges sharpened: Plain and serrated Weight: 1.4 lbs. Country of origin: China MSRP: $139.95
Inspired by the design of Lansky’s top-selling Master’s Edge Sharpener, the Master’s Edge All Diamond Sharpener and its diamond-coated abrasives put a factory edge on hunting, utility, kitchen and other knives with just a few strokes. The unit includes a pair of medium (400 grit) and fine (600 grit) diamond-coated-abrasive rods for sharpening and polishing at your choice of preset angles: 17, 20 and 25 degrees. The 17-degree setting is for fillet and fine slicing knives, while the 20-degree angle is for slicing, butcher, paring and skinning knives. The 25-degree setting sharpens hunting, camping, utility and chef’s knives. A diamond-coated triangular rod sharpens serrated blades and also awls and fishhooks. A rubberized non-slip base with integrated hand guard ensures safe use and features easy snap-in storage in its underside. The unit can be kept on a counter or stores easily in a drawer.
Work Sharp Folding Field Sharpener
Especially effective on EDC knives, the new Work Sharp Folding Field Sharpener is one whiz-bang of a portable unit.
Folding Field Sharpener Model type: Compact field sharpener Type of abrasive: Diamond grit plate and fine grit ceramic plate Grit: Coarse 400-grit for each plate Unit dimensions: 4.75 x .75 x .5” Unit materials: Sharpening plates, plastic, aluminum Types of knives sharpened: Pocketknives, hunting knives, EDC Types of edges sharpened: Plain Special features: Folding design; edge angle guides (20 & 25 degrees) help maintain a consistent angle when sharpening and honing; pocket clip Weight: 4.6 ozs. Country of origin: Designed, calibrated and quality checked in Ashland, Oregon, using foreign components MSRP: $29.95
The Work Sharp Folding Field Sharpener is a compact, lightweight model designed for on-the-go sharpening. It features a 400-grit diamond plate with 20-degree sharpening guides and a fine-grit ceramic plate with 25-degree honing guides, ensuring consistent, reliable edges wherever you are. The folding design and integrated pocket clip make it easy to carry almost everywhere. A big package in a small platform, it’s designed to bring back an edge after a hard day’s use or simply for touchups. Especially effective on EDC knives, it is one whiz bang of a portable-type sharpener.
CRKT Knife Maintenance Tool
Designed by Tom Stokes, the CRKT Knife Maintenance Tool is two sharpeners and a multi-tool all rolled into one.
Knife Maintenance Tool Model type: Keychain/pocket field sharpener and multi-tool Type of abrasive: Tungsten carbide sharpener with ceramic honing edge Unit dimensions: 2.7 x 1.18 x .47” Handle: Glass-reinforced nylon Types of knives sharpened: Pocketknives, EDC Types of edges sharpened: Plain Special features: T6 and T8 Torx tools/bits, flathead screwdriver, bottle opener, keychain compatible Weight: 2.2 ozs. Country of origin: China MSRP: $30
Designed by mechanical engineer Tom Stokes, the CRKT Knife Maintenance Tool is a multi-tool sharpener that reflects Tom’s more than 25 years of experience in the aerospace industry, including his work with CAD software and rapid prototyping technology. He designed the Knife Maintenance Tool to prepare you for life’s various exigencies, everything from emergency repairs, popping a top on your favorite beverage—and, yes, sharpening your knives.
The Tool includes two pull-through sharpeners—one a tungsten carbide abrasive to establish a sharp edge, the other a ceramic abrasive to fine tune it—and two sizes of Torx tools/bits: T6 and T8. The sharpeners are on either side of the front of the handle, which is topped off with a bottle opener and flat-head screwdriver/lanyard hole for a keychain loop. The Torx tools are also on either side of the handle and fold out independently of one another for torquing screws pistol-grip style.
Wicked Edge GO-WE60 Precision Knife Sharpener
Premium abrasives on the Wicked Edge GO-WE60 are 200/600 grit monocrystalline diamond-coated stones.
GO-WE60 Precision Knife Sharpener Blade Length Capacity: Up to 15” Blade Thickness Capacity: Up to .25” (longer screws available for thicker blades) Angle Markings: Calibrated for the blade’s edge to sit at 5/8” above the top of the vise Guide Rod Length: 8.75” Unit Weight: 3.6 lbs. Country of origin: USA MSRP: $299
The Wicked Edge GO-WE60 Precision Knife Sharpener is designed for novices and seasoned old pros alike, whether at home, in the field or on the road. A redesigned standard vise clamps fully flat-ground and distally tapered blades such as on pocketknives and household cutlery. Sharpening angles are adjustable from 13 to 31 degrees per side (26-62 degrees inclusive) in 1-degree increments for precise edge maintenance. Premium abrasives are 200/600 grit monocrystalline diamond-coated stones. Mounting options include securing to any flat surface with the included C-clamp or attaching directly using predrilled holes.
Bear & Son GATCO Scepter 2.0 Diamond
The multi-purpose GATCO Scepter 2.0 sharpens plain and serrated edges and has a magnesium rod for starting fires.
GATCO Scepter 2.0 Model type: Pull through and tapered diamond rod Type of abrasive: Diamond coated and tungsten carbide Unit dimensions: 6.125″ Unit material: 6061-T6 aluminum housing Types of knives sharpened: Hunting, EDC, kitchen Types of edges sharpened: Plain and serrated Special features: Tapered diamond rod, magnesium fire starter rod, window breaker Weight: 3.2 ozs. Country of origin: China MSRP: $49.99
The compact GATCO Scepter 2.0 Diamond Take Down Sharpener & Fire Survival Tool from Bear & Son is a multi-purpose implement for everyday pocket carry, the toolbox, to take camping and/or makes an ideal necessity for your bug-out bag. A magnesium rod for fire starting stows inside the tapered diamond sharpener, the latter which includes a groove for sharpening fishhooks. The rod and tapered sharpener are contained inside the CNC-machined, 6061-T6 aluminum carbide body, which has a pull-through tungsten carbide sharpener on the end. Each component features precision-machined threads and an outer “O” ring.
Since its advent in the 1990s, the crossbar lock has taken the knife world by storm. We look at a few top picks from this class of knives.
The crossbar lock has taken the folding knife industry by storm. Originally designed by knifemakers William McHenry and Jason Williams in the 1990s and released in 2000 by Benchmade Knife Co. as the Axis Lock, the mechanism offers strength and ease of ambidextrous operation. It is also safer to operate because you do not have to place your thumb or finger in the radial path of the closing blade to unlock it as with most other lock types.
Benchmade incorporated the Axis Lock in many of its folders that spanned the tactical, hunting, outdoor and EDC knife markets from the turn of the century forward. Finally, two decades after the patent was issued, it expired. This opened the door for many production knife companies to bring about their own versions of the Axis, now referred to generically as a crossbar lock, though it goes by other company-specific names as well.
Microtech RAM-LOK
The tactical version of the Microtech MSI polymer is black on black. As the author noted, “It’s definitely ‘murdered out,’ as they say, and it looks very slick, too.” The MSI polymer is also available in a choice of handle colors and blade finishes, including colored Cerakote®..
Microtech dubs its adaptation the RAM-LOK. The company ups the ante by using a rectangular-shaped lockbar as opposed to a round one, one of the major differences between Microtech’s version of the crossbar lock and others. The RAM-LOK is available only in such Microtech manual folders as the Stitch RAM-LOK, Amphibian RAM-LOK and the test knife: the MSI (Microtech Standard Issue).
One look at the MSI and you can tell it was designed and built for work. It is available in several different handle materials and colors, including the test knife’s polymer version in a molded thermoplastic.
The reverse tanto blade is 3.8 inches of flat-ground Bohler M390MK stainless steel, a special formulation of Bohler’s standard M390 available on Microtech knives only. The M390 was tweaked to get a bit more toughness and edge retention to arrive at the M390MK.
The straight-line cutting edge makes the MSI an excellent worker. Edge formats come in plain, part serrated and fully serrated. Blade finishes range from the basic stonewashed to the apocalyptic (acid wash), and Cerakote® available in an array of colors and, of course, black tactical. An oblong blade hole permits easy ambidextrous deployment.
Featuring all-Torx-screw construction, the handle has all the right contours and chamfers, making the knife very comfortable to hold and work with for extended periods. The gripping surface has what Microtech calls Tri-Grip texturing. The handle spacer is titanium. A fold-over deep-carry clip attaches the closed knife tip up.
The Microtech MSI polymer’s RAM-LOK release buttons are 3D milled in an “X” pattern that provides positive thumb purchase. Microtech uses the pattern on its out-the-front autos, too.
The RAM-LOK is extremely smooth and strong. The release buttons have an “X” stepped machining pattern found on all Microtech OTF autos. The machining helps you grip the lock button easily and pull it back to release and close the blade. The RAM-LOK also differs from other crossbar locks in that a coil spring provides the lock tension. Many other crossbar locks use a pair of Omega-shaped springs affixed to either end of the lockbar concealed beneath the handle. The coil spring is more durable than the Omegas. You can see the spring by looking down on the handle spine.
For integrity, within the scales are dual stainless steel partial liners. They are minimum sized to conserve weight. The polymer scales are unlike those on many lightweight folders. They have a high degree of rigidity so that flex is kept to an absolute minimum. For those of you who dislike thermoplastic-molded scales because they flex too much, the MSI polymer may change your mind.
At 5.1 inches closed the MSI is a formidable folder ready for most any cutting task. Pull cuts seem to fit the reverse tanto blade shape best, though it makes standard push cuts simple as well. The traction notches on the blade spine accept an index finger or thumb to put more pressure into the cut. The blade opens and closes very easily thanks to the pivot bearings, which facilitate inertia openings, too—simply hold the handle securely, pull back on the RAM-LOK release buttons, flick your wrist and the blade rotates out smoothly. It closes in the same manner so deployment and closing can happen seamlessly.
I like how well the MSI performs overall. It is a solid cutting tool that withstands the heavy use and abuse knife guys dish out. You can’t tell a difference performance wise between M390MK and M390, but if you are familiar with M390 you pretty much know what to expect—edge holding that goes the distance and a steel that nails heavy-duty cutting tasks.
For a great value in a USA-made folder, consider the MSI polymer. With an MSRP of $211, it is an excellent opportunity to dive into Microtech precision and reliability at a lower price point.
SRM Knives Mirage 239X-GB
The author stated he likes the extra relief milling done on the G-10 around the lock-release button to promote a better grip when operating the blade of the SRM Mirage.
The SRM Knives Mirage 239X-GB folding hunter is designed to be a high-tech knife that isn’t afraid to work. It incorporates some interesting technology I’ve never seen on a folder before.
The heart and soul of the Mirage is a 3.6-inch drop-point blade flat ground from Sandvik 14C28N stainless steel. It’s a steel known for excellent edge holding as well as fairly affordable cost, which is why it is a favorite among entry-level-to-mid-range knives. An oblong blade hole permits easy ambidextrous deployment. Each blade comes in a fine ceramic bead-blast finish. Out of the box the edge is shaving sharp and ready to work immediately. The blade deploys smoothly on pivot bearings.
The handle features stainless steel liners and black G-10 scales. The G-10 has milled-in grooves and a prominent center channel for grip enhancement, along with the texture for which the popular synthetic handle material is known.
With the knife open, part of the tang and the front end of the handle form a finger groove for choking up for extra control. An integral guard prevents your hand from sliding forward during use.
SRM calls its crossbar variant the Ambi Lock. I like the extra relief milling on the G-10 around the lock-release buttons to promote a better grip when locking the blade.
The SRM Mirage folder’s integral liners comprise what the company calls the Mono Chassis. Instead of using two separate plates, the Mono Chassis is bent from one piece of steel, as evidenced by the integral backspacer. This results in a stronger handle design that also supports the knife’s Ambi Lock.
The steel liners comprise one of the more interesting aspects. Normally on a crossbar lock folder the liners are two separate plates joined together by a handle spacer and screws. On the Mirage, SRM uses what it calls a Mono Chassis design. Basically, the liners are integral. The handle spacer is created when the two halves of the liners are bent and formed. No assembly screws are used to hold the handle together. The SRM literature indicates the Mono Chassis results in a stronger handle design that better supports the Ambi Lock and makes it more stable. I have never seen this done on any folder before and must admit it does look cool. The almost full-length spacer also makes the Mirage feel more comfortable for prolonged use. This is pretty trick and impressive! I wish the innovation were used in more knives.
Country of origin: China. MSRP: $49.95. Built to go the distance, the Mirage is a highly useful folder for a plethora of cutting chores.
CobraTec Zebrawood Crossbar Lock Folder
Laser-engraved checkering promotes a nonslip grip on the CobraTec Zebrawood Crossbar Lock Folder. The zebrawood looks good, is warm to the touch and has an organic feel.
Known for its budget-friendly OTF autos, CobraTec also makes manual folders and the Zebrawood Crossbar Lock Folder is one of the latest. The EDC knife is as elegant as it is useful, sporting a 3-inch drop-point blade of D2 tool steel and a striking zebrawood handle. D2 addresses both cost and performance issues, being relatively inexpensive and offering well-documented edge-holding performance and impact resistance. Though not fully stainless, D2 has a bit more stain resistance than most carbon steels. It’s also easy to sharpen. Ambidextrous thumb studs open the blade quickly and easily. The blade shape is great overall, utilitarian and easily adaptable to a wide range of cutting tasks.
Deep-carry clips are in and the Cobratec Zebrawood Crossbar Lock folder has one to keep the knife close at your side. The fold-over clip carries the folder blade tip up.
The handle has double stainless-steel liners skeletonized to lighten the load. Laser-engraved checkering promotes a nonslip grip. The zebrawood not only looks good but like most woods is warm to the touch and has an organic feel. The blade rides on a pair of caged bearings for ultra-smooth opening and closing. It is a great EDC folder that won’t weigh you down nor break your budget.
Considering the straightforward design, the knife carries very comfortably. It is assembled in the USA with overseas parts. MSRP: $59.99.
CRKT Redemption Compact
The CRKT Redemption Compact’s blade features the symmetry of a true dagger. It has a single sharpened edge for legal reasons but still offers ease of penetration into tougher materials.
The CRKT Redemption Compact is a production version of BLADE Magazine Cutlery Hall-of-Fame® member Ken Onion’s Dead Man’s Hand custom folder. It emulates knives carried by Wild West outlaws—easily concealed and fast on the draw.
The Redemption Compact scales things down to a much more EDC-friendly 3.2-inch blade. The knife is sized right and still packs a punch. The dagger-style blade is CPM MagnaCut stainless steel and sharpened on one side only to remain legal in most jurisdictions. The coffin-shaped handle is accented by a double-fluted steel bolster and a deep-carry pocket clip. The scales are smooth black G-10.
Manufactured in the USA for CRKT by Hogue Knives, the knife boasts a crossbar lock that holds the blade open quite securely. The closed blade sits so deep in the handle that it’s almost impossible to attach thumb studs or a thumb disk to the blade to facilitate easy one-hand opening. To open, hold the knife in your dominant hand, pull back on the lock and use a circular motion to rotate the blade out from the handle. The blade rides on a pair of caged bearings that prompts ultra-smooth rotation open and closed. With a bit of practice you will get the hang of how far back to pull the lock to get the blade to swing out freely.
The CRKT Redemption Compact’s steel bolsters help make the crossbar lock stronger and add to lock integrity. The knife is based on the Dead Man’s Hand design of BLADE Magazine Cutlery Hall-of-Fame® member Ken Onion.
Carry wise, the Redemption Compact packs a lot of utility and character. Thanks to the deep-carry clip, the closed knife rides very low in the pocket; some might even complain there’s not enough handle sticking out to grab onto. That’s the trade out with deep-carry clips—you get the low visibility but some also have a degree of difficulty in retrieving the knife.
The double-ground dagger-style blade affords easy penetration, even with the single edge. The spear-point shape tackles most cutting chores with ease. The look plays into this particular design as it is nearly symmetrical in both handle and blade—sleek, compact and loads of character. MagnaCut is regarded by many as today’s best high-performance stainless. It holds an edge so you will be resharpening less and using the knife more. MSRP: $250.
CIVIVI Dracolisk aims to help you master the balisong flip without the sting.
Balisong flipping has evolved from a niche martial art into a high-speed skill sport, where the fluid motion of the handles is just as important as the steel between them. For those looking to enter the world of butterfly knives, the barrier to entry is often the steep learning curve—and the inevitable nicks that come with it. CIVIVI is addressing this head-on with the Dracolisk, a dedicated trainer designed to offer a authentic flipping experience without the risk of a live edge.
The Dracolisk represents CIVIVI’s first foray into the balisong market, and they have chosen to focus exclusively on the practice-friendly format. The 4.57-inch blade is crafted from 9Cr18MoV stainless steel, featuring a stonewashed finish and a dramatic clip point profile. While the “edge” is completely dull, the blade is ground and weighted to mimic the physics of a live blade, ensuring that the muscle memory developed during practice translates accurately to a real knife later on.
Mechanical simplicity is a hallmark of a good trainer, and the Dracolisk delivers with a latch-less construction. This design choice provides clean lines and eliminates the common annoyance of a latch interfering with handles during complex aerials or rollovers. The handles themselves are machined from lightweight aluminum with a 3D anti-slip texture, providing a secure grip even during high-intensity sessions.
Under the hood, CIVIVI opted for bronze washers at the pivots. While many modern folders utilize ball bearings, washers are often preferred in the balisong community for their predictable, smooth drag and long-term durability under the constant impact of flipping. At 4.18 ounces, the Dracolisk sits in the “sweet spot” for many flippers—heavy enough to carry momentum through transitions, but light enough to avoid fatigue.
Whether you are a seasoned flipper looking for a safe way to test new combos or a beginner starting from scratch, the Dracolisk provides a professional-grade platform to hone your skills.
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