Here are BLADE Magazine’s Featured Knives of the Week. Browse through these articles to find the best knives available from both custom knifemakers and factory knives.
Friedly/Rudolph collaboration is an homage to American Indian culture
Based on the famous sculpture by James Earle Fraser, The End of The Trail by Dennis Friedly memorializes the struggles for survival of the American Indian and the Plains bison. Gil Rudolph did the copious amount of 24k-gold inlay and raised gold engraving in assorted American Indian motifs. (SharpByCoop knife image)
The End of The Trail by Dennis Friedly is a theme piece dealing with the separate battles that American Indians and the Plains bison fought for survival in 19th-century America.
The famous sculpture of the same name by James Earle Fraser is reproduced in 24k gold inlay engraving by Gil Rudolph on one bolster and an American bison on the other. The look and even of the texture of the distinctive ancient bark ivory slabs resemble that of a bison. Meanwhile, Rudolph’s spectacular 24k-gold and raised gold work engravings are configured to represent various symbols of American Indian culture, including all over the guard, pommel and spines of the handle and blade.
SPEC CHECK
Knife: The End of The Trail
Maker: Dennis Friedly
Blade length: 8.5”
Blade steel: Robert Eggerling damascus
Handle material: Ancient bark ivory
Engraving: 24k gold in inlay and raised gold work, all by Gil Rudolph
Construction: Take down
Maker’s price for a similar knife: $14,500
For more information contact Dennis Friedly, Dept. BL9, 12 Cottontail Ln. E, Cody, WY 82414 307-527-6811 [email protected], friedlyknives.com.
Today’s gent’s knives are what they are instead of what they used to be.
In years past, there was a genre of knife small, fancy and unobtrusive. It went by gent’s knife or Sunday-go-to-meeting knife, the latter where the hard-working sodbuster was laid down on the day of rest for something to better match the formal Sunday duds. Loosely defined, that knife consisted of fancier materials and a blade less than 3 inches long
However, the argument can be made that today’s gent’s knives are exclusively gent’s knives no more. According to officials of the knife companies that make them, all kinds of people spring for the knives popularly known as gent’s knives. There are sub genres, and their popularity is growing.
Take, for instance, A.G. Russell Knives, whose customers tend to gravitate not toward EDCs or tactical knives but smaller gent’s-type knives.
“In the past year or so, we are seeing an increase in interest in these smaller knives that can be carried unobtrusively, both with pocket clips and without,” the team at A.G. Russell wrote in an e-mail. The knives worn with the Sunday best tend to be more traditional, according to the company’s spokespeople. It’s a subcategory of small knives that sport a sharp appearance that includes premium handle materials. Added the Russell team, “A great gent’s knife is not too large, has an elegance about it, but still performs well.”
A.G. Russell Knives Vest Pocket Semi-Skinner
Bob Loveless introduced A.G. Russell to the semi-skinner blade shape and Russell fell in love with it, pairing it with a sparkling carbon-fiber handle in the Vest Pocket Semi-Skinner.
For an example of a piece that represents the new generation of gent’s knife, look no further than the A.G. Russell Vest PocketSemi-Skinner. Designed by the late company founder and BLADE Magazine Cutlery Hall-Of-Fame member® A.G. Russell, the knife is a mix between classic design and contemporary materials—the latter being a carbon-fiber handle and premium CPM S35VN stainless blade steel.
The heart of the knife is the bigger-than-it-should-be semi-skinner blade. As the company website noted, A.G. loved the semi-skinner blade, a pattern he credited Cutlery Hall-Of-Famer Bob Loveless for introducing to him. “A.G. saw the need for a small, lightweight pocket knife that would sit comfortable in any pocket, especially vest pockets, and the opportunity to create one with the blade he liked so much,” the site explains.
It is a blade shape that excels with work done at the tip, which is critical for a smaller knife.
“A good gent’s knife is really good at detail work,” the site notes,“in which blade and tip control are very important.” As a result, the Vest Pocket’s blade is at ground and boasts a thin edge geometry ideal for slicing cuts.
The stainless steel bolster is also critical to the design, as it covers the squared-off heel of the blade that connects with the lockbar. Unprotected, the heel could wear away at the fine fabrics of a vest pocket, for instance.
A.G.’s sketch of the knife (pictured below) was scanned into a CAD program in March 2018. Un-fortunately, he didn’t get to see the knife in production, as the iconic knife entrepreneur passed away in October of the same year before the design could be fully realized.
A.G. Russell Knives Vest Pocket Semi-Skinner Specs: Designer: A.G. Russell Blade Length: 2.53” Blade Steel: CPM S35VN stainless Blade Grind: Flat Handle Material: Carbon fiber Pocket Clip: None Bolsters: Stainless steel Lock: Lockback Weight: 2.5 ozs. Closed Length: 3.125” Country Of Origin: China MSRP: $100
Maserin Knives Turtle
Some of the more notable features of the Turtle by Maserin Knives are the pivot pin with its concentric lines and the skeletonized titanium clip anodized blue.
No discussion of gent’s knives would be complete without mentioning the classic designs that hail from all over the globe. Take for example the Turtle, a timeless design Maserin injected with traditional materials and refinement throughout.
In 2006, Italian knifemaker Claudio Volpato designed a small knife with a blade under 2 inches and sent the prototype to Maserin. “We industrialized it,” recalled Claudia Maserin, along with her two brothers owner of Maserin, and the Turtle was born. “ The knife is still popular considering we first showed it long ago. The best handles are ebony and briarwood, and the damascus blade version is still very appreciated.”
Some of the small knife’s more notable features are the pivot pin with its concentric lines, and the skeletonized titanium clip anodized blue. Part of the goal was to take classic materials and transform them “We looked for elegant and traditional materials,” Claudia explained, “wooden handles like ebony and olive.”
Realizing that some women were gravitating to the Turtle because of its small size, Maserin officials handled the knife in pink giraffe bone several years ago. “We don’t design a knife thinking of final users in terms of gender but in projecting elegant knives,” Claudia stated. “We know they can be perfect both for women and men.”
Early versions of the blade were at ground of 440C stainless steel. Now, they are N690 stainless. The result is a knifes mall enough to slip into the small pocket of a pair of jeans and that opens easily one-handed.
“Our gent’s knife is good for everyday carry,” Claudia maintained. “You can open an envelope, a parcel, cut a fruit. It is the knife you need when you find yourself saying ‘If I had a knife …’
Maserin Knives Turtle Specs: Designer: Claudio Volpato Blade Length: 1.56” Blade Steel: N690 stainless or stainless damascus Blade Grind: Flat Handle Material: Woods of bocote, briar, ebony, olive or walnut Pocket Clip: Skeletonized titanium anodized blue Lock: Linerlock Weight: 2.05 ozs. Closed Length: 2.5” Country Of Origin: Italy MSRP: Depending on options, from about $77 to $19
Spyderco Pochi
Like many small Spyderco knives, the Pochi is designed to offer large cutting power in a small package. “The dog tail rotates out to create a pinky shelf,” Joyce Laituri noted of the extension on the butt, “adding length to the handle for a better grip.”
Rigid definitions of a gent’s knife don’t quite cut it in Joyce Laituri’s book. The Spyderco spokesperson met a knife enthusiast at a knife show out to acquire some knives. The man towered well over 6 feet and was “built like an NFL linebacker, with paws like a bear,” she recounted. Though he appeared gentle-manly, a blade under 3 inches would be too small for him.
“In today’s industry,” Laituri began,“there is a broader view of what constitutes a dress knife. Is it its size, cost, function, materials, appearance? That definition is unique to each knife carrier.”
For some, a gent’s knife may be a small, elegant knife. Others, Laituri points out, decide that the most gentlemanly knife they can carry on their wedding day is a 5-inch folder or even a Spyderco Military model. The company eschews the term gent’s knives for prestige knives, Laituri said, in order to better describe the breadth of people who carry such edged tools. Meanwhile, a Spyderco knife that has attracted knife carriers for a whole slew of reasons is the Pochi, a flipper-folder collaboration with Japanese custom knifemaker Kazuyuki Sakurai.
“There is a market for anyone look-ing for the non-traditional,” Laituri said,“and the Pochi has been well received—surprisingly so—because it is so different from traditional pocketknives.
Some Pochi users, she added, like the design because they find it both charming and functional. Others are attracted to its upswept blade hollow ground from high-end CPM S45VN stainless steel. Some, attracted to the zoomorphism of the design, carry it because they like dogs, Laituri said.
Pochi, which roughly translates to the most common name for a dog in Japanese, has all the essential canine elements, resembling something like a pug on the go. Like many small Spyderco knives, Laituri said the Pochi is designed to bring large cutting power in a small package. “ The dog tail rotates out to create a pinky shelf,” Laituri noted, “adding length to the handle for a better grip.”
Spyderco Pochi Specs: Designer: Kazuyuki Sakurai Blade Length: 1.58” Blade Steel: CPM S45VN stainless Blade Grind: Hollow Handle Material: Titanium Pocket Clip: Titanium anodized blue;closed knife carries blade tip up Lock: R.I.L. (Reeve Integral Lock)WEIGHT:1.7 ozs. Closed Length: 2.6” Country Of Origin: Taiwan MSRP: $270
Bear & Son’s Bold Action
The Bear OPS Bold Action 14 comes in a wealth of different colors thanks to the anodization of its aluminum handle.
According to Matt Griffey of Bear &Son Cutlery, the world of gent’s knives has been changing and part of that has been due to the evolving nature of the workplace.
“We see less manufacturing professionals and more office setting careers,” he said. “Gentleman’s knives t the workforce movement and the lifestyles that come with it—accounting, computer techs, engineers and so on—with the knife having a small or slim physique and constructed from higher quality materials.”
At the same time, Griffey notes some of the slim knives are growing in size, and in the forefront of that change has been the increase in autos.
“Automatic knives have always intrigued both the traditional and modern knife enthusiast,” Griffey wrote, “and to-day more states are approving the daily carry and ownership of these types of knives.”
Trying to comply with many of the new auto laws, Bear & Son introduced the BearOPS Bold Action 14. The result is a knife available in a selection of color choices with its anodized aluminum handles and also the Sandvik 14C28N stainless steel blade, all made at Bear’s plant in Alabama.
Aluminum is a lightweight, low-maintenance material and 14C28 has a reputation of being corrosion resistant, durable and “an awesome performance steel”—essential features on a knife with a smaller blade and plenty of tasks to do.
“The Bold Action 14’s typical use would be common cutting chores around the office/home like opening small packages, cutting cordage and opening envelopes,”Griffey said, noting the knife can handle bigger tasks, too.
Meanwhile, expect more gent’s knives—or whatever you want to call the small fancy folders—in the future
“There is a market space for gentleman’s knives,” Griffey said. “Today, there are a lot of different choices and we’re lucky to and so many knife designers pushing the limits with materials, sizes and overall de-sign in the category.
Bear & Son’s Bold Action Specs: Designer: N/A Blade Length: 1.75″ Blade Steel: 14C28N Sandvik Blade Grind: Hollow Handle Material: Stainless Steel Pocket Clip: Reversable Bolsters: N/A Lock: Auto Weight: .14 oz Closed Length: 2.50″ Country Of Origin: USA MSRP: $140
CRKT Pilar
Designed by Danish knifemaker Jesper Voxnaes of Vox Knives, the size and blade shape of the CRKT Pilar are well matched for heavy cutting jobs. The handle is very comfortable and secure in the hand.
How could CRKT and Voxnaes make the knife even better? The answer is to offer a new larger version for 2019. The Pilar II offers the same performance and ergonomic advantages as the original, including robust framelock construction with an all-steel handle. The 2.6-inch blade is 8Cr13MoV stainless steel and offers a great balance of edge holding and maintenance ease. It is the Chinese equivalent of the Japanese-made AUS- 8. Due to the increase in size and blade mass, the Pilar II features a flipper, something the Pilar lacks.
Voxnaes is known internationally for his straightforward designs with a nod to utility and outdoor applications. Originally he made prototypes of the Pilar in two versions: one with a flipper tab and one without. “With lots of people asking for a flipper version, it was an easy fix,” Jesper notes. The blade rides on Teflon washers and flips open nicely without the use of pivot bearings. It also sports an oblong hole for ambidextrous opening.
The stainless steel handle supplies heft and a solid backbone. The grip’s edges are chamfered, offering comfort and eliminating hot spots or general discomfort. A solid steel spacer adds handle strength. A steel pocket clip carries the knife tip up or down for right-hand carry only. If you prefer half-and-half-type handle construction with your framelock folder—that is, each handle side comes in a different material, in this case stainless steel and lightweight G-10—the Pilar II is so equipped. The G-10 offers a bit more weight savings plus a nice grippy texture. The all-steel-handle version has weight-saving pocket reliefs milled into the inside of the scale.
“At first it may seem we simply upscaled the original Pilar design, but the knife was actually redesigned from scratch to make the ergonomics feel perfect,” Jesper concludes.
Don’t let the gent’s knife label for the large Pilar fool you. It’s a knife that isn’t afraid to get down and dirty with its rugged build and utility-friendly blade shape. Like its little brother, the large Pilar is easy to carry and rides securely in a pocket. The choil indexes your grip and the rest of your fingers fall naturally around the handle. Due to the handle shape and size, those with larger hands may find the knife too small.
However, for those whose hands are filled nicely by the grip, the large Pilar is very comfortable to hold.
CRKT Pilar Specs: Designer: Jesper Voxnaes Blade Length: 2.40″ Blade Steel: 8Cr13MoV Blade Grind: Plain Handle Material: Stainless Steel Pocket Clip: Stainless Steel Bolsters: N/A Lock: Frame Lock Weight: 4.20 oz. Closed Length: 3.53″ Country Of Origin: China MSRP: $39
Fallkniven FH9 MOP
The Fallkniven FH9MOP is dressed to the nines with a mother-of-pearl handle accented by abalone and a mirror-polished blade. This is the knife you want to carry to dressy social functions, as the handle treatment sets the tone for an upscale outing or maybe even church on Sundays. According to Peter Hjortberger, Fallkniven president, the design is based on a folding hunter and a traditional lockback system.
Employing Fallkniven’s best blade material, a laminated 3G powder steel with a Super Gold steel core with a Rockwell hardness of 62 HRC, the FH9MOP is built for use. The 2.5-inch drop-point blade is neither too small nor too large. The knife is by far the best looking of the test bunch. The pearl handle and abalone accents create a stunning visual effect.
Structurally, the FH9MOP is built quite solid with dual stainless steel liners, steel bolsters and a steel handle spacer. Inlaid Fallkniven logo shields in the handle cap things off, and the blade sports a nail nick on each side for easy ambidextrous opening. A nice suede slip sheath protects the knife from rubbing up against keys, coins, etc., in your pocket.
The blade came out of the box razor sharp. I had no problem using it to open mail, cut stray threads, or any other similar gent’s knife duty. It is too beautiful a knife for the same jobs as a tactical folder, so use would be limited.
It sure is an eye-catcher, though. For a model more suited for general utility needs, step down to the standard FH9, which gives you the same blade steel but with the more work-friendly Micarta® handle material. Either way, the knives are sharpened pocket jewelry at its best.
Fallkniven FH9 MOP Specs: Designer: N/A Blade Length: 2.6″ Blade Steel: 3G Blade Grind: Plain Handle Material: Mother Of Pearl Pocket Clip: None Bolsters: Steel Lock: Lockback Weight: 3.35 oz. Closed Length: 3.625″ Country Of Origin: Sweden MSRP: $540
GiantMouse ACE Nibbler
Designed by custom knifemakers Jesper Vox and Jens Anso, the Nibbler holds fast via a reversible wire clip.
“A great gent’s knife is a fully functioning tool that stands strong in the ‘looks and class’ department,” explained Jim Wirth of GiantMouse. “It’s a knife that is capable of cutting tasks but also for social events, Sunday church or a Thursday evening cocktail.”
GiantMouse makes a bold statement among gent’s knives with the Nibbler, a compact, efficient folder that Wirth says works as a great EDC in areas and situations where size matters. “Although the Nibbler is small, it packs a serious punch,” he pointed out. “Our definition of a gentleman’s knife is a knife that you can EDC in almost any environment, from the church to the office so to speak, a knife that does not raise eyebrows but will be welcomed when put to use. This could very well be the modern definition of this type of knife.”
The Nibbler is bound to fill the bill for that light-cutting job and to exude a positive image. “It’s inspired by the fictional character Nibbles ‘Tuffy’ Mouse from the hit cartoon series Tom and Jerry,” Jim explained. “Nibbles may be small but he sure is mighty, just like our new ACE Nibbler, a petite folder that packs a serious punch and doesn’t lack in the fun department, either.”
Wirth concludes that both men and women will find the Nibbler a great choice for EDC. “We don’t think that making a pink handle on a knife will make it more suitable for women,” he reasoned. “We don’t believe in designing specifically for a gender; all our knives are equally suited for men or women.”
The thoughtfully designed deep carry clip and the thin, lightweight nature of the Pro-Tech Newport 3405 make it a good choice for wearing dress slacks, as it won’t tear up the pocket or be heavy enough to make it sag.
At Pro-Tech, Dave Wattenberg takes pride in the Newport, a gent’s knife that exudes personality. “It’s our thinnest and lightest full-size auto,” he commented. “It packs three inches of S35VN steel for all your EDC tasks into a precision-machined aircraft-aluminum frame that is only .38 inch thick.
The thoughtfully designed deep carry clip and the thin, light carry of the Newport make it a great choice for someone wearing a nice trouser or dress slacks, as it won’t tear up the pocket or be heavy enough to make it sag.”
Dave is excited about the versatility of the Newport, its swift deployment, unobtrusive profile, and variety when it comes to materials while running the gamut from EDC to investor/collector-grade presentations.
“From solid aluminum handle/stonewash base models all the way to investor customs, there’s a Newport model to suit just about any taste and budget,” he remarked. “Pro-Tech is well known, of course, for superior coil-spring-action auto knives, and while the Newport is no exception to this, users will find the action controlled, smooth and satisfying—not the huge snap of one of the tactical response series, but a more gentlemanly switchblade action.”
Pro-Tech Newport Specs: Designer: N/A Blade Length: 3″ Blade Steel: S35-VN Blade Grind: Plain Handle Material: Aluminum Pocket Clip: Tip-Up Bolsters: N/A Lock: Auto Weight: 2 oz. Closed Length: 4.125″ Country Of Origin: USA MSRP: $240
Sandrin Torino
The polyhedral tungsten carbide blade of the Sandrin Torino is designed to retain its razor-sharp edge far beyond that of steel blades in Sandrin’s “StaySharp Technology.”
The Sandrin Torino exemplifies the ideals of the gent’s knife, and Sandrin’s Rob Bianchin says he knows why. “The Torino is exceptionally lightweight at only 2.29 ounces,” he remarked. “It’s pretty easy to forget that you have it in your pocket. The lightweight characteristics are deceiving as the blade performance exceeds that of a steel knife for edge retention. For anyone who can appreciate metallurgy, the polyhedral tungsten carbide blade is a state-of-the-art super metal and was not thought possible just a few years ago.”
According to Rob, the entire Sandrin knife experience is centered around the blade material. Polyhedral tungsten carbide is not steel. Instead, according to Sandrin, it is an engineered “super metal” invented and patented for blades by Sandrin director Alessandro Colombatto. “Tungsten carbide can be used for cutting steel or for wear parts that undergo extraordinary stress and corrosion,” Bianchin added. “Polyhedral tungsten carbide has advantages over steel, such as consistent molecular structure. It cannot rust and typically is in the 71 [HRC] Rockwell hardness range* or higher.”
The polyhedral tungsten carbide blade lends itself nicely to the Torino gent’s knife presentation, and Rob sees a natural fit. “In my view, the definition of a gent’s knife has evolved with the times and includes knives of quality that are also effective cutting instruments and not just for show. The Torino can be carried and used daily but is also a point of conversation as it is still exceedingly rare to own a knife made from new metal.”
The appeal of the Torino once again embraces the spectrum of potential users—both men and women, factory or office workers. “Gender is not a design consideration,” Rob said. “The Torino is suited for men or women. Men are the predominant consumers of pocketknives, but I suppose in today’s world the industry should call such knives a ladies’ or gentlemen’s folder.”
Sandrin Torino Specs: Designer: N/A Blade Length: 2.95″ Blade Steel: HRC71 Blade Grind: Plain Handle Material: G-10 Pocket Clip: Titanium Bolsters: N/A Lock: Recoil Weight: 2.29 oz Closed Length: 4″ Country Of Origin: Italy MSRP: $260
Case Black Sea Dichrolam Tear Drop
The Case Tear Drop Black Sea Dichrolam spear-point blade is designed with a strong tip for piercing, which comes in handy for such gent’s knife jobs as opening mail, packages and the like.
Case has long been a star performer in the manufacture and presentation of gent’s knives, and the company continues the tradition with the Black Sea Dichrolam Tear Drop, a beauty with a composite handle material that mimics the luster of an opal gemstone. Fitting nicely within the spectrum of gent’s knives, the Black Sea Dichrolam Tear Drop brings excitement to the Case fan base.
“Based on our interactions with knife enthusiasts at consumer events, our Classic Case folding patterns like the tear drop are considered by many as a ‘Sunday-go-to-meeting knife,’” commented Fred Feightner, Case director of marketing communications. “But more modern knives are more and more often carried and considered to be a ‘gentleman’s knife.’ The definition lies in the eye of the beholder.”
With the new tear drop entry, Case has bridged any perceived gap between men and women as far as carrying a dressy, functional knife. “We’ve definitely seen an uptick in people carrying Case pocketknives over recent years,” Fred continued, “and they realize that a good, sharp knife is handy to have on your person for all kinds of reasons, from hiking and camping to doing detail work that’s done by hand. Whether kept in a pocket, purse or hanging on a carabiner, a pocketknife is a must have for most any person.”
For occasions when an unobtrusive EDC knife is in the mix, Case fashioned the Black Sea Dichrolam Tear Drop. “Our tear drop pattern has a single spear-shaped blade,” Fred related. “The long, sharp edge can cover everything from cutting threads on clothing to gathering fruit or nuts outdoors. The tip adds functionality for tasks like piercing through a clam shell package or scoring leather to fashion a sheath.”
Case’s tear drops, particularly the Black Sea Dichrolam, perform as excellent light-duty tools, according to Fred. The slim design and small “form factor” make them great for close-up and close-in work, handy little EDC knives that are not only up to the tasks a gent’s knife is meant to perform, but easy on the eyes as well.
Case Black Sea Dichrolam Tear Drop Specs: Designer: John Blazy Blade Length: 2.44″ Blade Steel: Trusharp Surgical Steel Blade Grind: Plain Handle Material: Dichrolam Composite Laminate Pocket Clip: None Bolsters: N/A Lock: Slip Joint Weight: 1.4 oz. Closed Length: 3.63″ Country Of Origin: USA MSRP: $106
Editor’s Note: Dainel Jackson, Dexture and Mike Haskew contributed to this post.
An EDC That Does It All, The Outdoor Edge FieldLite Is An Excellent And Affordable Option That Stands Out From The Pack.
What’s better than a strong, easy-to-use EDC that shines in numerous situations? A knife that does all that and clocks in under $30. Say hello to your new best friend: The FieldLife from Outdoor Edge.
With the DNA of a robust hunting knife flowing through it, the FieldLite stands out in a crowded EDC market thanks to its steel as well as its light and durable handle. The handle is a mix of glass and nylon with rubberized inserts embedded to enhance grip. Coupled with
Outdoor Edge FieldLite
a thumb stud on one side, this knife is fun to hold and fun to open. It also has a clip so it can easily slide onto a belt or purse strap.
The 3.3-inch blade is made from 8Cr13MoV stainless steel. A budget steel that swings above its weight with a Rockwell Hardness of 62, the knife holds an edge well and resists wear and corrosion thank to its high percentage of Chromium.
At just 7.5 inches in total length, and weighing in at only 2.6 ounces, the FieldLite is absolutely worth a look if you are interested in a fairly-priced knife that can handle day-to-day tasks as well as more intense work while out hunting.
With an MSRP of $29.95, the FieldLite can be purchased online or at numerous sporting good retailers.
Editor’s Note: This article was written by Mike Ableson.
The White Whale For Many A Knife Owner Is A High-Quality EDC At An Affordable Price. This Quartet Of Knives Are Great Pieces At Great Prices.
An everyday carry knife means convenience. The knife is ready when you are, effortlessly moving from pocket to hand and easily deployed. Innovation is a prime mover in the EDC world, and the latest in the more affordable factory offerings of the workingman’s edged tool provide the necessary toughness, accessibility, and good looks—all for around $50 or less.
KA-BAR Becker BK40
At .138 inch at its thickest, the AUS 8A stainless steel blade of the BK40 is middle-of-the-road thickness for a KA-BAR knife, and the intent is to allow for flexibility to perform a variety of routine tasks. The handle is based on the Becker fixed-blade designs, and the handy pocket clip provides a combination of strength and limited weight.
At KA-BAR, the Becker BK40—the first-ever folder in the KA-BAR/Becker Knife & Tool line—was put through its paces before reaching the shelves of the nearest hardware or cutlery store. Thoroughly once-overed by designer Ethan Becker, the linerlock folder stands up to the challenges of EDC in spades.
“The BK40 was tested by Ethan Becker in Montana* during every step of its creation,” related Joe Bradley, KA-BAR sales and marketing manager. “We also tested the knife here [at KA-BAR], with several staff members carrying and using it during hunting season, as well as day-to-day use in our warehouse.”
The knife is intended to complement other popular models designed by the prolific Becker and brought to market through KA-BAR.
“We look at the BK40 as a portable and compact extension of the Becker fixed blades,” Bradley explained. “You can’t always carry a BK2 Campanion but you can have the BK40 with you to do tasks around the campsite, job site or any other miscellaneous cutting task you may encounter. The BK40 captures many of the things that make Ethan’s fixed blades so popular. Its tough and straightforward design won’t break the bank. It’s comfortable to carry and backed up by our lifetime warranty.”
At .138 inch at its thickest, the AUS 8A stainless steel blade is middle-of-the-road thickness for a KA-BAR knife, and the intent is to allow for flexibility to perform a variety of routine tasks. The Becker line has a reputation for standing up to hard use and the BK40 walks a fine line between being compact and fast while simultaneously strong and robust. The handle is based on those of the hearty Becker fixed-blade designs, and the handy pocket clip provides the best combination of strength and limited weight.
MSRP: $59.19
Cold Steel Kiridashi
The Cold Steel Kiridashi employs the Andrew Demko Triad lock system for super strength, and the 4034 stainless steel blade is tough yet easy to resharpen.
The Cold Steel Kiridashi is an example of a “great EDC knife, sharp, light, tough, compact and easy to maneuver,” said Keith Beam, Cold Steel director of product innovation. “A great EDC knife has to fit your hand perfectly. It should clip in your pocket and be easy to deploy.”
According to Beam, the original kiridashi, an ancient fixed blade designed long ago in Japan, was configured to be nimble enough to teach children the art of whittling and making fine cuts. With an ambidextrous nylon pocket clip that helps deploy the knife without tearing garments and a resilient nylon Griv Ex grip built to never rot, warp or crack, the folding Cold Steel Kiridashi not only is nimble but meant to take plenty of punishment as well.
It stands up to challenges that include the locked knife supporting the weight of a hanging engine block to test the lock’s strength, and also stabbing, whittling and other cutting chores. “My knife is used for everything from cutting boxes open to trimming axe handles to fit the heads,” Keith commented. “Wire, tape, wood, cardboard, no problem. I’ve even it used to crease-cut drywall.”
The Kiridashi utilizes the Andrew Demko Triad lock system for super strength, and the 4034 stainless steel blade, .118 inch thick at the thickest, is tough yet easy to resharpen.
MSRP: $42.99
Spyderco Flight
The PlainEdge blade of the Byrd Flight in 8Cr13MoV stainless steel opens via the “Comet Hole” in the blade. Also available in a CombinationEdge, the Byrd Flight blade secures in the open position via a frontlock.
Joyce Laituri, head of marketing, communications, and public relations at Spyderco, said the Flight in the company’s Byrd line of knives is “a mid-sized, all-stainless steel folder with an ergonomic handle and twin finger grooves that fill the palm. Its hollow-ground blade converges with an unsharpened swedge, creating an acute-pointed fine tip that is well-suited to detailed cutting chores.” The Flight comes in a choice of a PlainEdge or CombinationEdge (plain and serrated) blade.
For Joyce, the definition of a great EDC knife means getting up every morning and “putting on” what you know will be comfortable, reliable, and necessary for chores during the day ahead. “It’s something you feel at ease using in any situation, except maybe lending it to a friend for a minute,” she laughed.
The Flight is intended for the budget-conscious knife user. The Byrd line was directly inspired by some of the most popular Spyderco models, offering the same function and versatility but at an affordable price.
Byrd knives feature the trademarked “Comet Hole” blade design for immediate one-hand opening, phosphor bronze washers, screw-together construction, 8Cr13MoV stainless blade steel, a multi-position pocket clip, and a mid-range blade thickness of .118 inch.
“These features combine to make the Flight an easy, functional, ready-to-carry folder,” Laituri said. “Spyderco also performs rigorous testing on all of our knives, including the Byrd line. We have an in-house testing facility and a specialized crew running the shop. I wish I could tell you what we use for testing, but much of that is proprietary and has been developed specifically by and for our testing needs.”
The Flight pocket clip is right-handed and adjusted for blade-tip-up or tip-down carry by manipulating three screws. The handle’s sequence of ergonomic curves fit the palm for comfort and fatigue-free control while cutting. For additional safety, a portion of the lock release is ground away. Called the Boye Dent, this is an add-on conceived by custom knifemaker David Boye designed to eliminate gripping the knife so tightly as to unintentionally release the lock.
MSRP: $57
Camillus Bolt
The Camillus Bolt blade is hollow ground from 440 stainless steel bonded with a Carbonitride Titanium finish to provide solid edge retention. The deep-carry pocket clip is a malleable steel to withstand abuse while allowing the knife to ride low rather than protruding from the pocket.
“It’s said that beauty is in the eye of the beholder,” commented Sam Dodge, senior brand manager of Camillus Knives, “and I think the same goes for an EDC knife. The knife needs to suit the everyday needs of the user. If you have a lot of one-handed tasks, easy open and close is a must. If you need something that gets significant rugged use, either being able to retain an edge or quickly sharpen it is key.”
For Dodge, the Camillus Bolt fills the bill as an outstanding and affordable EDC knife. “We opted to use a modified sheepsfoot blade on this knife,” he explained. “As a result, it doesn’t have the sharp fine point you find with most drop-point blades. It’s made for slicing, cutting and chopping.”
The Bolt blade is fashioned from 440 stainless steel bonded with a Carbonitride Titanium finish to provide solid edge retention, and, according to Dodge, after substantial use will take a renewed edge easily. At its thickest the blade spine measures .118 inch and tapers down to the hollow-ground edge. The grind was chosen for razor sharpness and to provide a nice platform to restore the edge during sharpening.
“We run our knives through their paces and torture test them,” Dodge added. “Drop them, open them thousands of times, and make sure that the locking mechanism is rock solid. I carry each one of our new knives in my pocket for at least a month and make sure they are used day in and day out for just about everything we can throw at them.”
The Bolt employs the Camillus CUDA lock, a sliding lock technology that has been a company mainstay for years. The handle is glass-filled nylon with a crosshatch diamond pattern to provide solid grip assurance. The deep-carry pocket clip is a malleable steel to stand up to abuse while allowing the knife to ride low rather than protruding from the pocket.
MSRP: $38.38
*Ethan lives in a most beautiful area of northwest Montana, where he tests knives in the Becker Knife & Tool line, including the BK40.
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
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
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
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
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
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.
The New Lucid From Kershaw Is An Exciting New Entry To The EDC Market That Can Also Be Your Companion On A Jobsite.
There are thousands of knives that are great EDC options but nowhere near as many that can also handle the abuse of being a workhorse on the jobsite. The new Kershaw Lucid is an exception.
The handle provides an excellent grip. One side is a glass-filled nylon scale in a rich shade of blue, and the other side is made from stainless steel with a nylon inlay. The 8Cr13MoV blade holds an edge well and is easy to resharpen. The knife looks great, feels great, and sits well in the hand. The assisted flipper is fun and easy to use, and the frame lock keeps everything tight and secure.
It’s a simple knife that is more than the sum of its parts. And there’s an elegance in that. Add in a price tag under $50, and you have a knife that’s a winner in multiple ways.
The Center-Drive Rescue Is An Exciting, New Multi-Tool From Gerber. With 14 Tools, the CDR Is As Feature-Packed As It Gets.
Fun new toys should truly be fun, and the new Center-Drive Rescue from Gerber is as exciting as it gets for a multi-tool today. The CDR is packed tight with 14 tools ranging from a set of spring-loaded needlenose pliers to a file. One of the showpiece tools is the screwdriver with more than a dozen magnetic bits included when you buy the CDR.
There’s an included sheath as part of the package, and you can choose which one is best for you. You have the choice of a MOLLE-compatible sheath or a Berry-compliant sheath so you’ll be able to customize the CDR to fit your needs.
If there is a knock on the CDR it’s that it has been designed solely for the jobsite or campground. While many other multi-tools feature tools meant for the home like a nail file, tweezers, or toothpick, the CDR has been packed with tools to help you get your job done faster.
Overall, this is a well-constructed multi-tool that can take a beating and be your trusty sidekick for decades to come.
Other Tools: Awl, File, Spring-Loaded Needlenose Pliers With X-Channel Rail System, Magnetic 3.2-inch Center-Axis Bit Driver, Pry Bar With Nail Puller & Bottle Opener, Magnetic Flathead & Phillips Bits, Bit Set
