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.
The 841 Sprint Pro Is Yet Another High-Quality Knife From Buck That Can Be Your Trusty EDC For Decades With Ease.
Buck makes good knives, and the new 841 Sprint Pro is no exception. There’s nothing timid about this knife.
The 841 Sprint Pro has a blade just over three inches long made from a durable, corrosion resistant S30V steel hardened to a 59-61 HRC. The satin-finished drop point has a full belly, helping it stand up to more intense tasks than many other comparable EDC knives on the market.
It’s fun to use thanks to the flipper on top of the knife and a linerlock that keeps everything firm when deployed.
There are two types of handle materials you can choose from. There are two Micarta options, tan canvas and burlap, and there is also a version with a carbon fiber handle that is more expensive.
The one knock against the blade is that the material is difficult to sharpen at home and may need a professional’s hand. That can be a turn off due to the added cost.
Overall, this is a quality knife. Buck has once again elevated a tried and true EDC into something more than its constituent parts and something that you’ll proudly show off for years.
The holidays are around the corner and besides spending time with family and stuffing ourselves with excellent food it is a time to give gifts and celebrate those we love. For the knife lovers in your family, whether they prefer a folder or a rugged fixed blade, now is the time to take advantage of Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals. Below are BLADE’S top picks for the best knife deals this holiday season.
This article will be updated as more deals become available, so be sure to check back often.
Amazon
Of course, Amazon has a ton of deals and is worth a look daily—especially if you’re on the hunt for a knife deal.
If the knife enthusiast in you life has more exotic tastes, Blade City will like scratch their itch. The site has its Christmas deals page up and running.
Blade HQ has a number of Christmas promotionals up and running. One of the more intriguing is laser engraving for an extra $9.99 on a purchase. Also, they’re giving away Winchester Shotgun Shell knives with a purchase over $75. Pretty Sweet.
The HQ also has a number of categories to shop their deals during the holidays:
SMKWis bursting at the seams with deals, with nine pages of site busters. You’re certain to find something for the knife lover in your life—even if that happens to be yourself.
The Hardcore Hardware MILF-02 Is A Heavy-Duty Folder That’s Designed For Any Challenge Users Can Throw At It.
The MILF-02 folder from Hardcore Hardware is made for hardcore users. It’s big and beefy all the way around, has a dimple-textured handle and frame for an excellent non-slip grip, and a classic drop-point-blade shape.
The hollow grind extends halfway up the blade. Blade steel is CPM S30V stainless with a PVD (Physical Vapor Deposition) coating. It offers a classic black color on a framelock design with a flipper tab on the blade. It’s built heavy duty but it still has to cut.
Testing The MILF-02
The first inch of the cuts of the double-walled cardboard went well until the author had to use more pressure to push the cardboard over the thickness of the blade where the hollow grind stops. Once he got used to that, it was easy to overcome the twisting.
Right off the bat, the MILF sliced 20-pound-bond copy paper smoothly. The knife’s weight made the push cuts very easy. There were no snags or hang ups and it was simple to control the width of the slices.
Next: double-walled cardboard. The first inch of the cuts went well, then I had to use more pressure to push the cardboard over the thickness of the blade where the hollow grind stops. Once I got used to hitting this spot, it was easy to overcome the twisting. There were no edge hang ups at all.
I grabbed some 8-ounce leather for some skiving. The MILF was aggressive on every cut and emitted a crunching sound each time. Control was excellent in making fine slices and the handle filled my hand.
Cutting The Hard Stuff
The author gave the 2×4 chunk 20 hard chops and the MILF bit deep on every whack. The edges of each chop were smooth.
It was time for some whittling. The folder seemed to want to bite deep into the wood. I started off with a fine curly-cue and by the end of the cut the edge was well into the wood. The MILF didn’t hesitate at all on the deeper cuts; it just kept curling the wood. It is a heavy cutter for sure.
I put a 2×4 chunk in my vise and gave the wood 20 hard chops. The MILF bit deep on every whack. The edges of each chop were smooth. Lockup was still at 100 percent. The knife is a great chopper with the bigger handle and all, but the inside edges of the handle need softening. They’re a tad on the sharp side
I took the same 2×4 and used the folder to split it into smaller pieces. All it took was a light tap from a dead blow hammer and the wood split with a pop. The thicker blade worked great for this phase of the testing. Lockup was still at 100 percent.
Half-inch sisal rope was next on the slicing block. The MILF crunched through 200 clean cuts very quickly, showing no signs of slowing down. I stopped cutting to save on rope. Edge holding was excellent and the heat treatment was great.
To take the testing further, I grabbed a deer antler for some more whacking. I gave the antler 20 hard wallops and the blade edge suffered no rolling or chipping. I did manage to remove a very thin wire edge on the blade. However, the main edge was still very sharp.
I returned to the paper slice to recheck the edge. I noticed a few hang ups and found more of the wire edge still intact. Two strops on some leather and the edge was back to original sharpness. Excellent job on the heat treat!
Final Thoughts
I would soften the inside edges of the handle for a smoother grip. Beyond that, the MILF is a heavy-duty using folder that holds a great edge. It’s too big for my tastes but a cutter it is.
The Texas Tooth Pick Was Common In 19th-Century Texas. Today, Boker Has Taken This Historic Blade And Given It A Modern Revival.
The Texas Tooth Pick was used by people of all types in Texas during the 19th century. Everyone from farmers and fishermen to lawmen and outlaws, the Texas Tooth Pick was a common knife due to its versatility. And now, the team at Boker USA is reviving this Lone Star classic and giving it a modern look at a flipper.
The VG-10 blade stays in place thanks to a linerlock and, as its name suggests, is narrow like a toothpick. The stonewash finish gives it a clean look, and the curved, textured G10 handle scales provide excellent grip.
Thanks to its narrow design, the piece is incredibly light. At just 1.52 ounces, there are many competing models out there where the blade itself weighs more. Thanks to the quality of its construction, this new Texas Tooth Pick is just as dynamic as the original but far more durable.
MSRP: $127.95
Editor’s Note: This post was written by Mike Ableson.
Survival Knives Need To Be Versatile, Durable, And Strong. These 10 Blades Are Everything You Could Ask For When In A Sticky Situation
A survival knife is most often a heavy-duty fixed blade built to withstand hard use in multiple roles, generally in the wilderness. It must be able to whittle, carve, chop, slice, and maybe dig. It also holds down the regular duties of a knife and assists in all cutting chores. Additionally, if your back is up against a proverbial wall, it should have the chops to serve as a weapon.
Survival Knife Features
When looking for a quality survival knife there are four key things you need to look for: the quality of the steel, handle material, the robustness of the guard, and the caliber of the sheath.
Steel
As with all knives, it all starts with the blade steel. Carbon steel and stainless steel are both used with survival knives, both have their pros and cons.
Carbon steel requires a bit more diligence to maintain and keep from rusting but offers ease of in-field sharpening. Stainless steels are more resistant to the elements and, if you spend the money, the higher grades offer enhanced edge-holding capabilities.
Handle
Next, you want to look for a knife that has a comfortable handle. This is key, given you’ll use the knife for extended periods of time.
What you need to consider is:
How is the handle contoured?
Does it feel good in your hand?
Is it made of synthetic or natural handle materials?
Personally, I would stay away from leather because of its nature to soak up moisture. I would look to some sort of synthetic like G-10, micarta, or reinforced thermoplastic. These synthetic materials are dimensionally stable and are not affected by changes in temperature, humidity, and exposure to UV.
Guard
The guard keeps your hand in place by preventing any forward movement while the knife is in use. You might be able to wrap a finger around the guard to further choke up on the handle for extra control during cutting or whittling.
Given survival knives are tasked with a number of rough-and-tumble duties, it’s wise to consider an ample guard—at least for the sake of safety.
Sheaths
Not as sexy, sheaths are equally as important as the knife itself. Essentially, the accessory helps protect the knife when not in use, as well as provides a means of portability. Most attach to a belt or MOLLY field, in the case of a backpack.
Materials such as Kydex provide the best options. Why? The thermoplastic is light, form-fitted to the knife blade, and impervious to the elements. What more could you ask for?
You might also notice some sheaths are made of ballistic nylon with a hard plastic liner inside to prevent the knife from destroying the sheath. These are also a good alternative and are more cost-effective along with being fairly weather resistant.
Leather and other natural materials on the other hand, generally ware out quickly with active use. Worse yet, they retain moisture, which can be hell on a blade—especially a carbon-steel blade.
What To Avoid When Buying A Survival Knife
Yes, survival knives come with a host of features but there are some that are useless or worse. These three features aren’t worth the price.
Spine Serrations
Ugh … serrations on the blade spine. Admittedly, some like having serrations as a cutting option for certain materials. However, generally blade spine serrations offer limited use at best and are more of a hazard because of how close they are to your hand.
Honestly, if you need serrations, bring along a serrated folding knife like a Spyderco Delica or Endura. Problem solved.
Blade Holes
Alright, these serve no function at all, except they make the knife look cool. That might be alright for a collection novelty, but not a wise course when in the wilds.
Worst of all, the holes in the blade do nothing but weaken it. Stay away from them.
Odd Blade Designs
Like blade holes, they may look cool but rarely do they enhance the function of a survival knife. We’re striving for utility here, not unique looks.
Stick with the traditional blade styles—spear point, clip point, and drop point. These are proven and do the job perfectly.
10 Best Survival Knives
There are countless makers producing dozens of different survival knives. These 10 stand out from the pack for either their features, their toughness, or their price.
Mora Garberg
Mora is the king of value when it comes to inexpensive survival knives. Most come in at less than $50, but you are hardly compromising in quality.
I personally favor the Garberg, which has a 4.3-inch carbon-steel blade with a Scandi grind and a full tang through the handle.
The blade spine is at 90-degree, designed specifically for use with a ferrocerium fire starting rod. The dual-molded handle is made from weather-resistant polyamide. Its unique Multi-Mount sheath is included and fastens the Garberg to an ATV or snowmobile, as well as a belt.
It’s a tough too, so you are getting a lot of knife for your money. It’s made in Sweden and sold worldwide.
MSRP: $111.99
Cold Steel 49LCK-DTBK SRK Survival Rescue Knife
A long time classic of the Cold Steel product line, this knife is a proven, solid performer in the outdoors. Its 6-inch clip point blade is made of SK-5 carbon steel and attached to a textured desert tan Kray-Ex rubber-like handle that is textured for a great all-weather grip.
The blade has a black, epoxy-coat for low visibility and high weather resistance. And its single lower handle guard indexes to the grip.
The SRK is suitable as a hunting knife, survival knife, or even a fixed blade for military use. It’s a very handy design that excels at camp utility and food prep.
The stainless-steel blade provides ample resistance to the elements and holds an edge well. Its drop point design has plenty of belly for slicing and the partial run of serrations adds a bit more utility to the knife.
The handle material is rubber for an excellent non-slip grip. The large finger recess indexes your grip and allows for maximum user comfort. The butt cap of the handle is steel and can be used as a light-duty hammer when needed.
The hybrid nylon webbing and molded plastic sheath is durable and includes a fire starter and blade sharpener.
Superior handle ergonomics paired with a useful blade shape and partial serrations are what makes this one a winner.
MSRP: $62
Benchmade Anonimus 539GY
This is Benchmade‘s new high-end fixed blade, with some excellent features. First and foremost, high-end CPM CRUWEAR tool steel, which provides ultimate wear resistance and edge retention.
The flat ground, 5-inch long drop point blade offers plenty of belly for effective slicing and cutting. Notches on the blade spine provide a secure non-slip grip for your thumb or index finger, and the single, lower guard keeps your hand in place.
The Anonimus is secured by a molded Boltaron belt sheath very similar to Kydex. The G-10 handle sports machined-in texturing for a non-slip grip.
MSRP: $290
CRKT Catchall
Designed by custom knifemaker Russ Kommer, the Catchall by CRKT is on the heavy-duty side of things.
This broad chopper-style blade measures 5.5 inches in length and has a sheepsfoot-style blade. The blade is made from 8Cr13MoV stainless steel, which holds a decent edge and provides excellent corrosion resistance.
The ergonomic handle features finger grooves for a secure hold, and the handle material is rubberized glass-reinforced nylon. The Catchall might not be the type of knife for lighter cutting jobs but rather more intense tasks, such as chopping and baton work for splitting kindling for firewood.
The Catchall would be great paired with a lighter duty survival knife dedicated to finer chores. The sheath is a glass-reinforced nylon variation with ballistic nylon webbing belt loops. A single webbing strap with button snap holds the knife inside the sheath securely
MSRP: $79.99
Buck Knives 119 Special
This is one of Buck‘s signature fixed blades. Sporting a 6-inch-long Bowie-style clip point blade made from 420HC stainless steel, the 119 Special has found its home in the outdoors with hunters and outdoorsmen alike.
The handle is a black phenolic resin, which is durable and highly weather resistant. And the knife comes with a black leather sheath. The handle butt cap and double guard are made from aluminum. The 119 Special is capable of handling both camp utility chores like whittling and baton work. The piece is also balanced enough to handle food prep.
MSRP: $96
Condor Knife and Tool Pack Golok
The Pack Golok from Condor Tool And Knife is a devastatingly effective chopping tool, with its 11-inch long, convex-ground 1075 carbon-steel blade attached to a rounded walnut wood handle that adds tons of user comfort and control.
The upswept blade profile adds forward weight to the balance, which is key to the performance of this knife. It can take down saplings with ease and slay its way through weedy growth like a machete. It also handles baton work like a champ.
The Pack Golok is much more than just a machete and more useful than one, and it comes with a leather sheath and swivel belt loop for portability.
MSRP: $101
White River Knives’ Firecraft FC3.5 Pro
TheFirecraft FC3.5 Pro from White River Knives has a 3.5-inch-long spear point blade ground from high end CPM S35VN stainless steel. The handle is coarse-textured G-10 and comes in a choice of orange, black, or OD green.
Regardless of which handle color you choose, you are getting a no-nonsense fixed blade able to handle a wide variety of tasks at the campsite or out in the wilderness.
The notch in the blade spine allows for easy use with a ferrocerium fire starter rod. The wide blade can handle food prep chores and camp utility tasks. The finger ring allows you to dangle the knife from the pinky finger, keeping it close at hand, while retaining the ability to use your hand to grab or hold items.
The S35VN steel holds an edge well and is able to power through tough cutting. Each knife comes with a molded Kydex belt sheath.
MSRP: $160
RMJ Tactical Combat Africa
The RMJ Tactical Combat Africa is one serious piece of bladeware that can serve as a survival or military knife. It’s 7-inch-long blade is made from 80CRV2 tool steel. The .25-inch thick stock means this knife can withstand some serious use and some prying as well.
The clip point shape allows for optimal penetration, with some belly for slicing applications. The 3D machined G-10 handle has diagonal flutes, adding hand traction and channeling water away for a comfortable grip.
Furthermore, the lower hand guard and blade spine thumb ramp help to keep your hand safe from sliding forward. The knife is capable of chopping, prying, batoning, and slicing.
The knife is a bit on the steep side when it come to price. But in return you receive the superior engineering and craftsmanship for which RMJ Tactical is known.
MSRP: $395
TOPS Brakimo
The TOPS Brakimo was designed by noted survival expert Joe Flowers, who owns and runs Bushcraft Global, a renowned survival school.
Flowers designed this knife to be a backup to a machete or a main camp knife. The 5.25-inch drop point blade is made from 1095 carbon steel. It is wide and sports a Scandi grind for optimal edge geometry for camp tasks. As a bonus, the carbon steel is easy to sharpen in the field.
The knife is rather weighty for its size at 9.4 ounces. The sculpted handle is made from OD green canvas micarta for a comfortable and nonslip grip. The handle’s downward turn at the butt allows you to choke up at the end of the handle during chopping. Each Brakimo comes with a molded Kydex belt sheath with large metal clip for easy belt attachment.
Custom Flipping Folders Are Becoming More And More Popular By The Day. These Are Some Of The Coolest Custom Flippers.
The energy surrounding the custom flipper folder market is rising to new heights these days with the fit and finish, good looks and liveliness of high-quality materials, incredible skill, and, best of all, imagination.
A look at the current trends among some of the best in the class offers the custom knife market perspective on the future while also allowing a moment to appreciate and absorb the excellence around us. The commitment to make flipper folders isn’t taken lightly; it involves a concentrated effort to achieve, meet, and overcome the challenges in bringing this type of custom knife to life.
Dan Thornburg – Albuquerque, NM
Of his flipper folders Dan Thornburg said, “Little things like the cutout on the lockbar or depth of bearing pockets all affect how smooth the action will be.” The blade is Moku-Mai by Baker Forge and the handle is ancient walrus ivory. Closed length: 5 inches. His price for a similar knife: $2,000. (Image: SharpByCoop)
“I really enjoy making flipper folders because of the challenge they present in both mechanical function and working with different materials,” explained Dan Thornburg of Albuquerque, New Mexico. “I like figuring out how things work or why something doesn’t.”
Thornburg got started in flipper folders after meeting Paul Lusk at a Houston knife show years ago. “This guy is one of the smartest people I’ve ever met and is one heck of a good businessman,” Dan said of Paul. “His encouragement helped my knifemaking get to the next level.”
Evidence of that next level is readily apparent in Dan’s flipper in a handle of ancient walrus ivory with damascus bolsters. Made by Baker Forge, the blade material is Moku-Mai—mokume forge welded over 80CrV2 carbon steel. Dan said it’s not unlike a san-mai construction using mokume. The product of his ingenuity reflects an intense technical appreciation.
“I don’t think I’ve changed the design as much as refined the design,” he reasoned. “Little things like the cutout on the lockbar or depth of bearing pockets all affect how smooth the action will be. I do try to keep it simple and not reinvent the wheel, so to speak.”
Thornburg succeeds handsomely in his mission, paying close attention to detail and applying a natural talent for precision. He indicated he likes the flipper tab to double as a single guard and fashions it with the same material as the blade. Then, he advises the owners of his flipper folders to learn their safe operation.
“I think, just like most things, operating a flipper folder is a learned thing,” he said. “The more you flip it open, the easier it becomes. My dad still couldn’t open the best and smoothest folder I’ve made—too old school I guess! For someone that owns and loves flippers, most will fly open.”
Eliot Maldonado – Bulverde, TX
“Having a shorter tab is easier on pockets and looks cleaner,” Eliot Maldonado stated. “When the knife is closed, the tab doubles as a guard, but it is still short enough so that it does not ‘ouch’ your finger when closing.” His flipper employs a tanto blade of Moku-Mai by Baker Forge Steel and a marbled-carbon-fiber handle and Micarta® bolsters. Closed length: 4 inches. (Image: SharpByCoop)
Eliot Maldonado of Bulverde, Texas, started his custom knifemaking career making slip joints and then saw an opportunity. About 15 years ago, he had helped knifemaking friend Alan Davis work with slippies, and Davis assisted Maldonado with linerlocks in turn.
“Soon after, and knowing the function of linerlocks, I experimented with flippers,” Eliot explained. “It was a successful outcome and the passion for flippers started.”
Eliot’s flipper in Baker Forge damascus, a Micarta® bolster, and a marbled carbon-fiber handle demonstrate his appreciation of the finer points in the endeavor. His use of materials has also progressed from the early days. Back then he used basics just in case something went wrong. As he has become more proficient, upgrades to higher-quality blade and handle materials followed.
“I also started changing up patterns, those patterns that appealed to me,” Maldonado said, “like, I enjoy making folders with a classic kind of western—cowboy—look but still make more traditional tactical-type flippers as well.”
Eliot pays special attention to the flipper tab, applying a technique that enhances the action of blade deployment.
“Of course, the use of bearings changes the game when it comes to flippers, and I like a shorter tab with a checkering or ridge for traction. I feel having a shorter tab is easier on pockets and looks cleaner. When the knife is closed, the tab doubles as a guard, but it is still short enough so that it does not ‘ouch’ your finger when closing.”
Eliot is a firm believer in the assertive action of a flipper folder, and he makes no apologies for being a purist.
“I believe a flipper should snap to open position when flicked by a finger,” he related. “Anything other than that is just not acceptable to me. The way I achieve that is by using caged bearings, stop pin position, the liner relief cut, and the perfect tolerance on the blade and back spacer. The result should be a fast opening with zero blade play and strong lockup.”
Todd Rexford – Florissant, CO
Todd Rexford’s futuristic flipper folder features a stainless damascus blade and a handle of DarkTi zirconium and titanium overlays. The overlays extend into the inside of the frame, while the mechanism features an inlaid lockbar and detent pin. Closed length: 4.6 inches. (Image: SharpByCoop)
The flipper folder genre has changed since Todd Rexford of Florissant, Colorado, began his journey some years ago. He credits demand as the catalyst for focusing his creativity on flipper folders.
“They were in their infancy when I started making them,” he commented. “There were some very good makers doing it, but back then the thumb stud still ruled the folder world. It was really my customers that wanted me to start making them, and I had ideas for my own flippers as well, for what I wanted to see and what the way forward was for my knives.”
The way forward for Todd is clearly indicated by a fine flipper folder of stainless damascus with a handle of DarkTi zirconium and titanium overlays. The overlays extend into the inside of the frame, while the mechanism features a hardened stainless pivot, inlaid lockbar, and detent pin with the Rexford radius bearing system integrated. A titanium pocket clip and back spacer complete the stunning package.
Todd sees the operation of the flipper folder as a critical element of the overall presentation, but hesitates to favor fully opening vs. more of an assisted movement.
“I don’t judge,” he offered. “If a wrist snap is needed, then so be it. We can’t forget that when I make a stiff-detent lockbar flipper, you won’t be able to open it slowly. It will open with authority and everyone around you will hear it. This goes to show that each detent force has its own place depending on the end users and their task requirements.”
Nonetheless, the smooth operation of the flipper folder is a hallmark of a successfully completed professional effort.
“The detent force, and how much preload you can place on the system before it overcomes the detent, is one factor that determines if the knife will fully open or not,” Rexford asserted.
“The other factor is the person and his or her finger,” he continued. “Through my years of building flippers, I’ve built everything on the spectrum of this force. Take a stiff detent to a show and half the people love it; half the people can’t open it. I’ve had users time some of my very fast knives in a pseudo drag race using camera-frame timing because they love it, but for a lot of people they may not be able to open that knife. At the end of the day it’s a preference, and I have stopped ‘standardizing’ my force. Yes, a flick will open the knife, but the velocity of the tip may change to suit different customers.”
The Skiff Family – Broadalbin, NY
The Culprit flipper folder by Steven Skiff, Jr. and Sr. won Best in Show at the 2022 NCCA Show. The blade is Damasteel stainless damascus in a Fafnir pattern. Closed length: 4.25 inches. The makers’ price for a similar knife: $1,495.
The father-son team of Steven Skiff, Sr., and Steven Skiff, Jr., from Broadalbin, New York, collaborates to make their own bold statement in the flipper folder realm. While Steven, Sr. makes the blades and does fit and finish, Steven, Jr. handles the CNC milling and produces blade bearings for the Skiffs’ projects, as well as bearings for other customers in the knife industry.
The Skiffs enjoy tackling the relative intricacy of flipper folder construction and relish the opportunity to demonstrate their proficiency, particularly with their team approach.
“Making flippers is a challenge,” Steven, Sr remarked. “They are deceptively simple looking to make. It can be difficult to get the action exactly the way you want. It’s that challenge that I enjoy and it makes me prefer making them over other knives.”
The Skiffs’ Culprit framelock flipper folder features a blade of Damasteel stainless damascus in a Fafnir pattern, and a titanium handle with zirconium accents and seafoam anodizing. The result is dazzling, and Steven, Sr. credits custom knifemaking greats Andre Thorburn, R.J. Martin, and Kirby Lambert for “having a hand in increasing my interest to continue making flippers.”
The flipper construction process has progressed in the years since the Skiffs began to concentrate on the style. One aspect of that progress is the addition of an over-travel stop.
“That’s an example of one important advancement that [a number of] us makers started using on framelocks a while ago,” Steven, Sr. observed. “Another advancement includes the evolution of using bearings instead of thrust washers, and we also use a hardened insert in the lockbar to prevent wear.”
The Flipper Folder Continues To Grow
The firm foundation of the flipper folder, both in popularity and mechanical and aesthetic quality, sets the stage for the future.
“I do predict we will see further refinement in materials, as well as in material quality over the coming years,” Rexford assessed. “We have also seen new locking mechanisms being adapted for the flipper category of knives.”
Maldonado looks ahead to “future advances in making a double-action flipper/auto. Of course, using new and exotic blade and handle materials is always something that keeps evolving.”
Future generations of collectors and users come to mind with Thornburg’s ideas of tomorrow. He commented, “I like to use materials that are not common when making my flippers. Mammoth, walrus and elk antler are my main scale materials, and my idea is a fine gentleman’s flipper folder for the upscale customer that will be handed down to their children.”
Altogether, the custom makers and their colleagues are doing their part to ensure that the flipper folder has staying power.
Knives Are Becoming More Multidimensional Every Year. These Sporty Kitchen Knives Are Ready For The Cutting Board Or The Campsite
When many of us blade enthusiasts think kitchen knives, we don’t necessarily associate them with outdoor or sport use. Likewise, many of us would not consider bringing our hard-use blades into the kitchen for prep work. Nonetheless, there are a few knives that have a broad range of uses in both the kitchen and camp.
I tend to see a knife not just by the edge but by its blade thickness. While there is a utility to extremely thin-edged knives with thin spines, such blades are almost always designed for secondary or finishing uses. In my opinion, the thicker the spine the more utility a knife has for crossover work between kitchen and field.
On the other hand, the thicker the spine gets, the harder it is to use for fine work—it can even be dangerous. Thinner blades are much better in the kitchen. As far as field use goes, they are pretty much only for light work and very small amounts of game processing. I’ve seen many thin blades break while working on deer. Some of these have resulted in injuries to the user.
Best 3 Sporting Kitchen Knives
There is a sweet spot for crossover, though, and the test knives fit the mold. None would be my preference for dressing a whitetail, but all certainly would be at home in camp or the kitchen after the heavy lifting has been accomplished.
The TOPS Frog Market Special test knives could be used as skinning knives, as could the White River, but the main enemy of any thin blade is going to be breaking and edge chipping. Of the test group, the White River is the only one thick enough to be a primary use hunting knife, but it is a rather small knife with a slender handle. On small game it will work, if it’s not a bit obtuse in spine thickness, though when moving large amounts of muscle and skin, the hand would fatigue.
So, if we tend to think of a kitchen sporty as a secondary tool, a wide number of its features become handy that would not be so great on a primary field knife or even a primary kitchen knife. The first is the ease of cleaning and the ability to hold an edge.
I put the review knives to work quite extensively in the kitchen, doing everything short of fully deboning large game. All were used on cuts of meat, to cut vegetables, peel apples, cook over an open flame, and as eating knives at the table or camp. In the process, I learned a few things about each one.
White River Exodus 4
Of the test group, the White River Exodus 4 is probably the most well-rounded for field and table use. A relatively small knife, it is very slender in overall profile, both grip and blade. For general use, it is extremely functional. I found it suitable for virtually all small game, able to process a whole chicken and an excellent skinner.
It could be used for slicing vegetables, chopping onions, and cutting many other types of fruit and produce as well. The edge profile does not lend itself to fine cuts. For presentation or fancy plates, it tends to split rather than give clean cuts, especially in apples and things like cucumbers. This is not a major concern, just something to note.
The Micarta® handle is contoured superbly and cleans easily. It isn’t slippery when wet. Notably, it’s a full-tang blade that’s extremely strong. Despite its size, it has a blade profile thick enough for baton work on small pieces of wood, though it would not be my first choice for such a job. The blade spine has a sharp 90-degree profile excellent for use with a ferro rod.
There aren’t many if any, downsides to this knife. It can be used in just about any setting and will not look out of place if you take it to town for dinner. You also will not look like “that guy” if you use it to cut a sandwich in half or an apple for your kids in public. Note: The sheath is a bit stiff when you first get it but it breaks in fairly quickly. The knife was very easy to keep clean and sharp.
MSRP: $175
TOPS Knives Frog Market Special
I’ve used the Frog Market Special (FMS) models by TOPS Knives for a couple of years. They’ve given me a long time of service in the kitchen as well as around the campfire. They’re available as individual pieces or a set. If you get the set, it comes with a piggyback sheath. The sheath is very nice and has a belt clip.
Steven Dick, U.S. Army ranger veteran and editor of the old Tactical Knives magazine, based his design for the FMS on knives he saw on a trip to Hanoi, Vietnam. He watched butchers and fishmongers using knives of a pattern he’d never seen before. They prepared meats and fish of many varieties easily using the blades.
I’ve done just about everything you can imagine with my FMS knives in the kitchen, and also processed dozens of deer with them. They maintain their edges very well and required only occasional resharpening. Because of the unusual blade shape, the knife can cut just about any type of meat and vegetable, including slicing, chopping, and in a rocking motion. They’ve replaced several other knives in my kitchen and serve as my go-to set.
While they have a large, deep-bellied profile, the FMS knives aren’t especially durable for field use. I have not used them to break down large game for the same reason I would be afraid of breaking any thin-spined knife. They excel for chicken and duck, as well as other small game. The Micarta handle is very comfortable and slip-resistant.
I’ve had an extremely good time with these knives but they have a downside—the blade finish. I’ve had excellent luck with all my TOPS knives, though I’ve never been a fan of the finish. I prefer knives that are bare metal. I don’t like it when the coatings begin to chip away. In a couple years of use, the finish has begun to flake and the metal underneath has become discolored, even with oiling and care. While it is a minor gripe, for knives used to process food I don’t like the idea I may also be eating blade coating. I would like to see this profile in some sort of stainless, or perhaps a slightly thicker spine in a tougher steel.
MSRP: $375 for the set
Spyderco Utility Knives
Spyderco offers some very affordable and high-performance knives that are at home in the kitchen and easy to clean and maintain in the field. The company sent me its 4.5-inch Utility Knife with a serrated edge and red handle, as well as a plain edge 6.5-inch model in black.
The first thing about these knives is they are extremely slender and likely would not be suitable for hard field use. However, if you are already at camp, these are exceptional for end processing and cooking. I used them for weeks straight for all my cooking and they never dulled or chipped. They were both so sharp at the end of the review that they could still cut paper-thin slices of tomato, a hard feat for most knives.
One of the most important parts of these knives is they are essentially foolproof. Even after cooking with them for several meals a day for a long time, I cleaned them without issue and returned them to the knife block. The fact they are so easy to clean and stay sharp for so long really makes them worth the already low price. You don’t really have to worry about oiling them or keeping them in a special container.
In a pinch, the knives can be used for striking on a rod, though I would not recommend it long term. Their utility in the field is very limited, though when it comes to fishing or pursuits that don’t involve moving large animals, they’re just fine. I would not replace my fillet knives with either of these, though they certainly work for the task.
