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.
Folders. OTF knives. Switchblades. Fixed Blades. There are so many different types of pocketknives. Each of them opens and closes differently so knowing how to close a pocketknife is important aspect to consider before buying one.
While it might be basic, we take a look at how to close the most common types of pocketknives on the market today. No matter the blade, it’s important to know how to close them safely, so you keep all your digits.
Frame Lock
A frame lock works by using the pressure of the frame itself to hold the blade in place once it’s open. To close it, you’ll need to gently push that part of the frame outward and away from the bottom of the blade. This will free the steel and allow you to fold it back into the housing.
Liner Lock
The liner lock is one of the most common types of locking mechanisms. While simple and straightforward, doing it too quickly can put your fingers in danger so be careful. As you’ll see in the video below, taking your time makes this one of the easiest things you can do.
You free the blade by pushing the liner out of the way, but it’s imperative that you move slowly when you start to push the blade down. Too much weight and it’s going right into your thumb.
Slip Joint
The slip joint has no internal locking mechanism. You just open and close the blade by pulling or pushing the blade. Famous slip joint knives include the Swiss Army knife and the Opinel #8. Since there is no locking mechanism, you push the blade down into the handle to close it.
Some knives, like the #8, have a lock to hold the blade in place while it is open or closed, but it isn’t used during the process of opening or closing the blade.
Lockback Knife
Lockback knives have a small notch toward the back of the spine of the knife. Pressing down on it will release the blade from the locked position. From there, it’s similar to a slip joint in that you’ll need to guide the steel back into the closed position.
Other Types Of Knives
The world of knives stretches far beyond folders. These knives are all closed differently.
Fixed-Blade
It’s not a closing, per se, but many fixed-blade knives come with a sheath or a sheath can be purchased for them. It’s important to keep these blades sheathed for both your safety and the safety and longevity of the knife itself.
Automatic Knives
Automatic knives, or switchblades, are spring-loaded and open via a push button. To close an out the side opener, it operates similarly to a liner lock. You push the tab on the bolster to one side to take the blade out of tension and then fold it back into the housing.
Butterfly Knife/Balisong
The most dramatic knife of them all, closing a butterfly knife is a form of theater. There are many tricks you can do with a balisong but the first two to learn are how to safely open and close it. The flowing movements of the handle and blade are always an entertaining sight, but be careful and remember to never catch it if it falls.
The American Knife and Tool Institute (AKTI) is running an auction to raise awareness of their fight to remove legislation banning the carry of certain knives as well as clarifying knife laws around the country.
The auction will run from August 19-21 and is being sponsored by some of the biggest names in American knives. The sponsors include such brands as Buck, Benchmade, Cobratec, CRKT, and more.
You can learn more about the auction here as well as other ways you can support the Institute’s work.
The Newest Budget EDC From Gerber Gear Is Light And Flexible. The Fuse Would Be An Excellent Knife to Handle Day-To-Day Life.
Gerber Gear’s newest EDC succeeds thanks to its construction. The Fuse has a 7Cr blade connected to a glass-filled nylon handle that makes for a strong, rigid knife. The blade is electroformed stainless, and there are additional stainless liners for even more strength. The liner lock helps keep everything secure and safe while cutting.
The Fuse is the type of knife that is perfect for someone with a new interest in knives or is looking for an EDC that won’t break the bank. There’s a lot to like here. The piece weighs only 2.83 ounces and you can choose between black and flat sage for the handle color.
Is this a revolutionary knife? No. Has Gerber a model that is an entry point for new knife owners? Absolutely.
MSRP: $40
Editor’s Note: This article was written by Mike Ableson.
There Is A Robust Market Of Japanese Pocketknife Makers. These Blades Stand Out As Some Of The Best.
Japanese knifemakers are among some of the best on the planet. With traditions dating back to the days of the samurai, makers in Japan have long known what it takes to make high-quality blades.
As the tastes of blade lovers have changed throughout the years, so too have the pieces made in Japan. Today, with pocketknives being one of the dominant styles, makers are creating EDC knives that wow.
What Sets Japanese Pocketknives Apart From Western Blades?
There is a traditional style of Japanese pocketknife that many modern models are still based on. The higonokami was first developed in the city of Miki in Hyogo prefecture in 1896. These knives operate as friction folders with no lock that open by the friction of the swivel or by using the thumb lever, known as the chikiri.
The blades of the knives set themselves apart from many Western-style knives due to their flat grind without a secondary bevel.
The name higonokami was trademarked by a guild in Miki so now only one maker, Nagao KameKoma, can officially use the name when marketing their knives. But many makers throughout the country still make knives in the style but simply call them “higo” knives or “made in the higonokami style.”
Best Five Japanese Pocketknives
As you’ll see, not all Japanese pocketknives are higonokami. But many high-quality blades are as they blend traditional design with modern construction.
KATSU Damascus Steel Higonokami Japanese Razor Knife
KATSU Damascus Steel Higonokami Japanese Razor Knife
First up is this knife from Katsu. A contemporary take on the higonokami, the Razor Knife is a beautiful piece that shows why the higonokami style endures and the skill of the makers at Katsu.
The three-inch damascus reverse tanto blade is married to a damascus bolster and snakewood handle. The chikiri is damascus as well. Fully closed, the knife is 7.5 inches long and weighs just under four ounces. It’s a lovely piece to look at and use.
MSRP: $73.99
Moki Kronos Lockback
Moki Kronos Lockback
This folder from Moki looks like it wouldn’t be out of place in the catalog of many American companies and is an excellent representation of how the Japanese pocketknife market has evolved over the years.
The Kronos has a handle made of amber stag horn and a polished satin VG-10 blade. The drop point features a flat grind and is 2.75 inches in length. The knife opens with a nail nick and comes with an included leather-lined sheath. The Kronos has an august, regal look to it.
Moki has been making knives for over a century in Seki, the epicenter of Japanese knifemaking. The Kronos blends the old with the new in an elegant yet rugged construction.
MSRP: $189.95
Mcusta Tsuchi Large Pocket Knife
Mcusta Tsuchi Large Pocket Knife
A stunning, modern knife, Mcusta’s large pocket knife is an eye-catcher. The hammered-patterned steel gives the handle a wonderful textured feel and the damascus stainless blade looks as good as it cuts.
Made with a VG-10 core, the drop point blade is laser cut so there are no mistakes in construction. Each Mcusta knife is assembled and finished by hand which means you’re getting what you pay for with this blade in the best possible way.
The pivot pin washer system allows the blade to move like a hot knife through butter, which this knife could cut through with ease even when ice cold. When it comes to factory Japanese pocketknives on the, please forgive the pun, cutting edge of style and tech, this piece from Mcusta is high on that list.
MSRP: $176.40
Albatross EDC Mini
Albatross EDC Mini
Sometimes you want a small knife that packs a big punch. Look no further than the mini from Albatross. This 2-inch damascus blade is composed of 71 layers of steel around a VG10 core and hardened to a 58-60 HRC. The ergonomic ebony handle sits well in the hand and allows for easy, flowing movement with the blade.
Great for camping and the home, the Mini has a lanyard for easy carry and arrives in a lovely box, making it great to give as a gift. Yes, it’s a small blade, but when you’re camping you’ll probably be cutting mainly in tight quarters, making this knife the perfect choice for the job.
Oh, and it’s under $50, and you can never go wrong with a good knife at that price.
MSRP: $45.50
Nagao-Kanekoma MN-20B Original Higonokami
Nagao-Kanekoma MN-20B Original Higonokami
Our list concludes with an official higonokami from Nagao-Kanekoma. This small knife is incredibly strong. The Aogami damascus is hardened to a 60-61 HRC which gives the blade a rugged, durable edge that can handle far tougher use than you might expect from a knife weighing just under 2.5 ounces. The blade is connected to a sleek black-coated brass handle.
This feels like a time machine to some of the first Japanese pocketknives. You can see the craftsmanship in every inch of the knife and can feel the maker’s skill when you hold it. It’s smack in the middle of our list in terms of price so you won’t have to break the bank to have a piece of living history.
After The Massive Success Of The Original Claymore, Benchmade Has Released The BK-1 Claymore. This Knife Has A Plain Edge, Is Crazy Tough, And Opens With Authority
The original Claymore from Benchmade was a rousing success, and the new BK-1 Claymore looks to follow in its footsteps. The BK-1 features the same resilient CPM-D2 blade 60-62 HRC, only this time the blade is fully ground to a plain edge instead of a partially serrated one. The 3.6-inch blade has a cobalt black finish.
The BK-1 is just as nimble as it is tough thanks to weighing only 3.5 ounces. The molded Grivory handle provides excellent grip, and the push-button auto fires it open with confidence. This is the type of construction we’ve come to expect from Benchmade, and in the BK-1 they’ve made an exciting, worthy successor to the original Claymore.
MSRP: $230
Editor’s Note: This article was written by Mike Ableson.
The New Ace Nibbler From GiantMouse Comes In Five Different Colors. This Nimble Little Folder Is Perfect For A Keychain.
The newest folder from GiantMouse is a treat. The Ace Nibbler, named for the old Tom and Jerry character Nibbles, is a small, versatile piece that is excellent as an EDC and easily fits on a lanyard, in your pocket, or on a keychain. Best of all, rather than a single version, there are numerous ways you can personalize the knife.
It starts with the handle. There are three aluminum varieties (blue, green, or red), a green canvas micarta, and a titanium version. Each style of handle is married to a different type of steel.
The aluminum knives have a satin-finished N690 blade while the green canvas micarta is married to a stonewashed 20CV blade. The titanium construction is completed by a satin-finished 20CV steel.
All versions of the Ace Nibbler come in at 2.5 ounces or less. The features continue with a liner lock on all models as well as a reversible wire clip. The wide nail nick makes it easy to open.
The price does differ based on handle type with the aluminum varieties being the least expensive and the titanium version being the most expensive. No matter what type you purchase, this diminutive knife is more than worth it and can be a loyal EDC for years to come.
MSRP: $95-185
Editor’s Note: This article was written by Mike Ableson.
D2 Delivers In Edge Holding, Overall Performance, And Affordability. These Four D2 Knives Are Emblematic Of The Toughness Of The Material
Even if you haven’t used a knife of D2 tool steel, you’re no stranger to it if you have been into knives for any length of time. Many knife manufacturers use D2, as have numerous custom knifemakers.
Why is D2 so popular? Two reasons are it offers the best bang for the buck in terms of edge holding and overall performance. D2 is regarded as a step up from basic, low-grade stainless steel and is often found in entry-level to mid-grade production knives. One drawback: D2 is not a stainless steel so it will require a bit more care. Still, the performance advantages outweigh that drawback and you get a knife with enhanced edge-holding power that handles tough cutting chores.
D2 comes from the metalworking industry. There it is primarily used to make steel cutting dies, so that tells you all you need to know: It basically is a steel used to cut steel. Think about that for a minute. D2’s chemistry in percentages is 1.4 to 1.6 carbon, .7 to 1.2 molybdenum, 11 to 13 chromium, and 1.1 vanadium. It can be hardened past 60-61 HRC on the Rockwell scale without being brittle. BLADE Magazine Cutlery Hall-Of-Fame® members Jimmy Lile and Wayne Goddard used D2 a lot in their knives, as does Bob “Dr. D2” Dozier extensively in his outdoor models. Top production knife companies such as CRKT, Kershaw, SOG, A.G. Russell Knives, Ontario and KA-BAR are but a few that have multiple offerings using D2.
CRKT Fawkes
The CRKT Fawkes is an excellent choice for a stylish EDC folder, featuring flipper operation and IKBS pivot bearings for smooth opening and closing.
Maker Alan Folts designed the CRKT Fawkes to be a stylish, colorful EDC linerlock folder. The knife’s name is derived from the Harry Potter movie franchise, specifically the phoenix that appears in the series.
With a closed length of just 3.76 inches the Fawkes carries comfortably, and the blade deploys fast and easy thanks to the IKBS-ball-bearing pivot and assisted-opening spring. The two work in conjunction to provide swift, smooth deployment, and the assist helps detent the blade in the closed position.
The multi-layer orange G-10 handle generates visual excitement and a splash of color. The ergonomic design provides a comfy grip for cutting tasks. The 2.74-inch, clip-point blade is flat ground and sports a swedge as well as a milled-in fuller, which creates a bit of attitude. A flipper tab helps initiate blade deployment. The knife carries securely thanks to a deep carry, fold-over-style clip that holds the closed Fawkes blade tip up and as low as possible in a pocket.
The handle shape is striking. A pronounced finger groove near the pivot helps index your grip, while chamfering eliminates harsh edges and hot spots. The matching orange G-10 handle spacer sports a series of large notches that help seat the knife in your grip. Blade action is quick and authoritative. The linerlock engages the tang with zero movement. CRKT will make the Fawkes a regular production knife model this year, with the only change being a switch to 1.4116 stainless for blade steel.
Made in Taiwan, the MSRP for the Fawkes is $89.99.
Kershaw Endgame
The high flat grind of the Kershaw Endgame makes it a great choice for a working utility knife.
Kershaw‘s Endgame flipper folder features a highly usable modified drop-point blade, along with an ergonomic handle featuring modern design elements, all translating into a classy EDC that opens easily via the flipper tab.
The 3.25-inch flat-ground blade incorporates a distinctive humpbacked swedge for an aggressive look. A notched rest on the spine allows comfortable thumb placement for greater blade control. A stonewashed finish seals the tiny pores of the steel’s surface to fight corrosion as well as give the blade an industrial look. It also hides scratches from use pretty well and reduces glare.
A stainless steel framelock ensures solid lockup. The large finger recess at the pivot end helps index your grip. The handle curves aid in secure purchase every time.
The handle’s aesthetics are interesting. There’s bronze PVD (physical-vapor-deposition)-coated steel accents, textured FRN (fiberglass-reinforced-nylon) scales and a window cutout. The multi-layered visual adds more subtle color to the otherwise gray blade and handle. I do not care for it—it seems too busy. I don’t mind one type of overlay or even some machined-in grooves on the handle surface—both achieve function along with a sensible appearance. A deep carry pocket clip positions the closed Endgame nice and low in the pocket away from probing eyes.
While ergonomic and comfortable, the handle is a bit lacking in the midsection. For extended use, I would not recommend this knife. My hand grips the handle tighter to make up for the lack of bulk in the midsection. The answer is to redesign the handle and give it more mass. However, for tasks requiring choking up on the blade and handle for extra control, such as wire stripping, the Endgame is ideal. I felt in full control of the blade and was able to make precise cuts easily. If you do a lot of detail cutting, this might be the knife for you, or even if you need a folder for mundane slicing tasks. It’s got a great blade shape that is stylish.
Made in China, the Endgame has an MSRP of $107.99.
Medford Knife & Tool 187DP
At 5 5/8 inches closed, the biggest knife of the test bunch is the Medford Knife & Tool 187DP. Its hollow-ground drop-point blade makes short work of most any cutting task. The half-titanium/half-G-10 handle is equipped with a framelock.
Medford Knife & Tool specializes in manufacturing hard-use knives in the USA. These are not safe queens—they are engineered to hold up in real-world survival situations. The 187DP heavy-duty framelock folder is a representative example. The hollow-ground blade is 3.75 inches and comes in a utilitarian drop-point pattern. Closed length: 55/8 inches. An oblong hole facilitates easy one-hand opening. Dual thumb studs function as the blade stop in the fully open and closed positions.
The blade is 3/16-inch thick. Make no mistake, the 187DP is quite a chunk! The grip is ⅝-inch thick, and you will know when it’s in your pocket. A milled titanium clip carries the closed knife blade tip up but is not reversible. Any company using milled clips gets bonus points in my book. Regular stamped steel clips do a very good job at holding your knife at the top of the pocket for easy access, but, in my opinion, are not much on style points. Milled clips look more stylish and also hold the knife securely to the pocket lip.
If you are a rough user and use your knives outdoors or just plain beat them up, the 187DP is for you. Its rock solid build and bulk stand up to the heaviest use. I like the way the handle tapers toward the butt end, enabling you to get a secure hold. A series of traction notches machined close to the butt further assist in obtaining a solid no-slip handhold. It feels fixed in your hand and instills confidence in controlling the large blade. The steady grip allows you to bear down on the blade to power it through cuts.
Many who favor tactical folders will tell you a framelock is best for hard use. The 187DP’s framelock engages quite securely and disengages with a firm push. A milled-out section on the lockbar accommodates a thumb to disengage the lock—nice touch by the Medford crew. The blade cuts aggressively and dispatches most any material and food with aplomb.
Out of the box I really liked the factory edge. The ultra-strong lockup makes the knife feel like a fixed blade. Consequently, user confidence is high and you don’t have any reservations about putting it through the toughest jobs. While a large tactical folder, it can easily be tamed for precise cutting by making use of the choil to choke up on the blade and handle.
There’s also about an inch-and-a-half-long run of traction notches on the spine just above the blade hole. Your thumb rests comfortably there and you can execute controlled cuts easily—a very nice touch and positive attribute.
The only complaint I have about the 187DP is the size and, therefore, the weight, both of which exceed the limit for what I consider an EDC folder. You can feel its bulk and presence in the pocket, especially when you bend over.
MSRP: $475.
SOG Stout FLK
The SOG Stout FLK is definitely stout! Don’t let this compact folder fool you—it’s built for heavy work. It can get down to precise work as well, such as stripping wire.
The SOG Stout FLK is configured in collaboration with Danish maker Mikkel Willumsen. In appearance, the framelock folder lives up to its name and has a 2.62-inch drop-point blade. Closed length: 3.38 inches.
If you’re looking for an inexpensive work knife, the Stout FLK is it. It’s big enough to handle most cutting chores but not too big to be in the way or too cumbersome to carry. With its flat grind and short swedge, the blade shape is utility friendly. An oblong hole permits you to thumb the blade open as you would any one-hand folder, or you can use the flipper tab instead.
A pronounced choil enables choking up on the blade for more exact control and works with the large finger recess in the handle as well. Spyderco does this sort of thing, too. It’s a way to make smaller knives feel large in the hand and provide more blade control.
The handle is in the familiar half-and-half framelock construction, using textured G-10 on the presentation side. This saves weight as opposed to having an all-metal handle and also adds traction for sure handling. A matching steel spacer provides balance as well as structural rigidity.
The deep-carry pocket clip is ambidextrous and holds the Stout FLK low in the pocket while keeping it easily accessible. The clip is attached to the butt end and comes over the side. SOG calls it a bayonet-style clip, a style used quite a bit in the company’s line.
Made in China, the MSRP for the Stout FLK is $54.95. Finally, SOG will release the knife as a slip joint this year.
