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 CRKT Skeggox Is A Fun Little Hatchet That Swings A Big Game And Can Handle The Daily Tasks Around Your Property
A good hatchet is worth its weight in gold, and in the case of the CRKT Skeggox it weighs just 1.63 pounds.
This fun, tactical hatchet is one of the newest offerings from CRKT. I had the chance to try it out on my property as winter descended. I had never used a hatchet before. I don’t think I’ll be needing to get another one for quite a long time.
What Is The Skeggox Made Of?
Let’s start with the particulars. The Skeggox is 12.94 inches long with a 4.83-inch blade made from SK-5 carbon steel for good edge retention. The glass-reinforced nylon handle is lightweight, cool, and feels excellent in the hand when swung. The blade is powder coated for extra corrosion resistance and gives the Skeggox an all-black look.
The hatchet includes a thermoplastic sheath that I loved. It has a clip to fasten it securely shut, but it fit so snug that you could easily travel with it and not clasp the clip (although you absolutely should).
Testing the Skeggox
The vines I first went at with the Skeggox
When I went to test the Skeggox I had the perfect patient: this nightmare of vines and saplings in my backyard. Before the arborist came to remove it all I took the hatchet out there to see what it could do.
With the vines it was a thumbs down. The thin, almost grassy material was not easy to chop through. The fact that the blade would slide off of the vines instead of slicing through made me uncomfortable because I didn’t know where the blade was going to go. I quickly moved onto the saplings, which were entwined with the vines in their upper reaches.
But as you can see, these saplings were the perfect size to really see what the Skeggox could do. And boy howdy, could it do a lot!
The saplings before meeting the Skeggox.
I went to work swinging the hatchet with a smile on my face. The Skeggox is weighted so well that each swing made me want to swing it again. I was wearing my outdoor gloves and the handle never once slipped as I chopped at the tree.
It took a touch over two minutes, and it wasn’t the cleanest cut, but in the end, the sapling stood no chance.
The sapling after meeting the Skeggox.
I’m also getting my fence replaced in a few weeks so I took the Skeggox and began laying blows into the tops of the fence posts. I went as hard as I could to beat up the hatchet as much as possible.
Final Cut
And finally, I returned to my kitchen, put a fresh Campari tomato on a plate, and drew the Skeggox down toward it. It went through like a hot knife through butter. Then, for good measure, I even quartered the tomato just as easily.
This is an excellent piece of kit. I can’t recommend it more highly. If you own a home and are looking for an affordable hatchet to use in the yard, this is the piece to get.
When It Comes To Beautiful Custom Knives, Few Are Doing It As Well As Dawson Knives. This Fixed Blade Shows Everything The Maker Can Do.
A knife doesn’t just need to be a showpiece. A knife doesn’t just need to be a utilitarian tool. The Dawson Chief perfectly blends the two into a piece that could be mounted in a case or used out on a hunt.
The knife is a behemoth. At 10 ounces in weight with a 5.25-inch blade, the Chief is anything but dainty. The blade can attack almost anything. Made from a CPM MagnaCut stainless powder steel, its heat treated to a rugged 60-61 HRC and can hold an edge like a champ.
The finger choil and thumb ramp allow for maximum control and smooth cutting strokes when in use. You can choose between a G10 or carbon fiber handle. Both provide a secure grip and won’t warp. No stone was left unturned in the design of this knife.
Visually it’s beautiful thanks to the two-tone Specter finish. The custom hybrid leather/Kydex sheath is just as tough as the blade and allows you to carry the Chief on your belt line or on a pack. Everything together makes for the total package when it comes to a fixed blade.
Soldiers have carried blades to war throughout recorded history, but the kinds of blades they carried have changed since Herodotus. Swords have long since fallen into disuse. Even large fixed blades are not as commonly used as they were in World War II and Vietnam.
Like others, I carried a Randall Model 1 with a 7-inch blade when I was in uniform, which was shortly after the invention of repeating firearms. And recently we saw a photo of Billy Waugh, a legend in the Special Ops community, on horseback in Afghanistan with a 12-inch bowie on his belt.
Marines have their KA-BARs and some soldiers still carry large fixed blades, but small handy pieces, often folders, are the most common knives carried by today’s soldiers. These knives are often used as tools. Less often, though on critically important occasions, they serve as backup weapons.
We reviewed three knives that fit into today’s parameters: two fixed blades and one folder. We cut nylon webbing and cord, rubber tubing, wall paneling and tough saddle leather. We also stabbed layered saddle leather, a plastic barrel and two zombies. I’m kidding about the zombies—just making sure you’re awake. In fact, no zombies were injured during this review.
Cold Steel Mini Leatherneck Double Edge
The Mini Leatherneck slices garden hose. Some daggers, due to steep blade geometries, do not cut very well. Not so this little puppy.
The Cold Steel Mini Leatherneck Double Edge is a diminutive dagger terrific at what daggers are designed to do: stab things. The Mini Leatherneck penetrated deeper and with less effort than the other review knives in five layers of saddle leather, and went deeper into the thick plastic barrel than the others. Some daggers, due to steep blade geometries, do not cut very well. Not so this little puppy. We were surprised at just how well the fairly thick-bladed little dagger did cut, well enough to make it useful as an all-around tool as well as a weapon of last resort. The blade needed sharpening after hard use but we expected that. Comfortable handle, solid guard, secure sheath, what more do you need? And all for 29 bucks, please. Try to find a better bargain.
Puma SGB Stonewashed Tactical Folder
The Puma tanto blade created some resistance while pushing into simple things like cardboard, but the edge and steel more than made up for it.
Today’s troops, except for some Special Forces units, carry folders by a ratio of at least five-to-one over fixed blades, and with good reason. Modern tactical folders with clips are convenient to carry, quick to the hand with various opening devices,
and, though not as strong as fixed blades, can serve as formidable backup weapons of last resort. The Puma SGB Stonewashed Tactical Folder with Seat Belt Cutter and Glass Breaker—Puma SGB TAC for short—fulfills these functions and adds a glass breaker that works and a seat-belt cutter that’s safer to deploy than an ordinary blade. The tanto point penetrates reasonably well, though not with the ease of the Cold Steel dagger. It is, nonetheless, very strong. When we punched it into the tough plastic drum, there was no doubt the point would withstand twisting and ripping. The straight edge cut well and didn’t need sharpening. Secure clip, easy opening with thumb stud, locks open solidly—all in all, a good tool and backup knife for soldiers.
RMJ Tactical UCAP (Up Close and Personal)
The RMJ UCAP stabs through five layers of saddle leather.
Sharp, tough and handy, the RMJ Tactical UCAP (Up Close and Personal) fixed blade reflects its name and fits into the current mode of small fixed blades. The curved edge was the best slasher and cutter of the group, and indeed was a stand-out. The reinforced point penetrates almost as well as the Cold Steel and gives up nothing in strength to the tanto-pointed Puma. The blade has a small fuller, which contributes to good overall balance. The grooved handle is secure and comfortable. The single integral guard adds to grip security during a full power stab. This is a well-designed, well made, handy-sized fixed blade that would serve a soldier well and be equally good as a bushcraft knife. The Kydex sheath is versatile, secures the knife in three positions and can be attached to a MOLLE system. This one is a winner.
When Hunting, One Knife Is Good But More Knives Are Better. These Knife Sets Can Help Make The Hunt Easier No Matter The Size Of The Game.
Each year hunting season rolls around there are experienced hunters and first-time hunters anxious to make their way into the field. Whether a bow hunter or a firearms hunter, one thing remains consistent between the two: They both need something to clean game and prepare it to be able to get it out of the field and home.
No one would argue that you don’t need a knife, but sure enough each hunter would back his choice of blade in a discussion led by the question “What do you use?”
This year, as usual, I found some likely candidates to add to the discussion of whose knife is better, though this time, instead of a single knife to tackle the project, let’s consider knife sets. They can’t get your game for you but we can put them through their paces to see if they can help make the most out of what you do get.
Gerber Moment
Here you get a good look at the size difference between the large Utility knife and small Finesse knife in the Gerber Moment. Sometimes a good picture is worth a thousand measurements. Blade and overall lengths: 3.625/3 and 8.625/7 inches. Blade and handle materials: 5Cr15MoV stainless and rubber overmold, glass-filled nylon
The Gerber Moment is a two-knife set. Of the test entries, this one is for the budget-minded hunters looking to spend the short dollar. It is made in China and the fit and finish is darn respectable considering each knife runs about $17.
The two knives were not hair-popping sharp out of the package, though it didn’t take long to up their edge games. Both the large utility knife and the small finesse model come with contoured rubber grips.
The scales do not totally cover the full-tang handle design. A small perimeter of the tang is left exposed around the scales. At the rear of each tang are small oblong-shaped notches to serve as lanyard holes. They’re small holes at that, as you won’t get much more than paracord through them. As mentioned, the edges of the tang are proud of the scale but not so much as to cause any hot spots.
Both knives are drop-point designs, with the large knife being hollow ground and sporting a gut hook. The small Finesse is a full-flat-ground drop point. Texturing on the rubber grips helps provide a good, solid purchase. Of the two, as you would expect, the small detailing knife is pretty agile, though it isn’t like the large one is clumsy. To tote them both Gerber provides a dual-carry nylon belt sheath with plastic liner inserts.
Overall, the knives are quite well made. The design cleans up easy. After you do some work to bump up edge performance, you’ve got some users.
I have never been much for gut hooks. I remember when the Wyoming Knife was new and loads of hunters were sold for life on gut-hook knives. Even though I don’t use them, I can see how some hunters could like them. The gut hook on the Moment is pretty large.
I would have to give the set a thumbs up. It would be good for a hunter on a budget or one looking to try out different styles until finding one that suits him best.
MSRP: $34
Outdoor Edge Razor Guide Pak
Some of the extra blades you get in the Outdoor Edge Guide Pak Razorbone include a selection of drop point, gut hook and boning/fillet patterns. All are neatly store in the waxed canvas roll. Blade steel: 420J2 stainless.
The Outdoor Edge Razor Guide Pak comes with two knives—the RazorBone and the RazorCape—along with a small bone saw. The knives take replaceable razor-blade-style inserts. Both are folders and come with multiple replacement blades.
Outdoor Edge provides a boning/fillet-style blade along with a drop point and gutting blade for the RazorBone. For the RazorCape knife, you get two cape-blade inserts. Both have glass nylon and TPR rubber inlay handles.
A lockback system secures the blades in the open position. The handles don’t have a lot of cross-sectional contouring and the texturing on the rubber inserts provides some traction to your grip. There’s a thumb groove with jimping on the spine of the blade holder.
What worked well for me was the difference in thicknesses between the blade holder and the blade gave me a great lip to secure my handhold while executing a pinch grip. As I used the RazorBone in a butcher grip, the thin tip of the insert snaked through joints and kept me close to the bone so that I didn’t leave any of the good stuff behind.
The RazorCape knife works well but has a large choil. I find such choils a waste of potential edge length. As if that isn’t bad enough on a hunting knife, they basically become a fur catcher. Both folders come with a pocket clip, though for me they are not pocket-carry-style knives. All the inserts come scalpel-sharp, so show them respect while handling them.
Lastly, the Flip n’ Zip saw works well but the anodized aluminum handle doesn’t do a lot for me. It makes a nice, thin package. A lockback system securely holds the blade in place. It’s just that the aluminum handle, even with CNC grooves, is thin and pretty slippery in my hands once things get wet.
Also, the handle is so thin it makes it a bit difficult for my fat mitts to hold onto it. I would hate to try it with gloves on while the handle is covered in blood. The extra blades, all 420J2 stainless steel, are stored in a wax canvas roll.
MSRP: $99
Knives Of Alaska Bobcat Combo
Knives of Alaska includes a top-notch leather sheath with the Bobcat Combo. The sheath has the hallmarks of solid craftsmanship. (The author indicated he put the nick there.)
The set from Knives of Alaska (KOA) comes with the Alpha Wolf knife and the Bobcat Hatchet—hence, the Bobcat Combo. I’ve used the Alpha Wolf before. It’s a full-tang design made of D2 tool steel and a layered polymer handle. The handle contouring includes four finger grooves, with the index groove on the ricasso. It is a straightforward, fully flat-ground drop-point design.
The Alpha Wolf comes shaving sharp out of the box and has a general curve to the cutting edge. I have to say as a game knife it handles well and you can exert a great deal of control over the cutting edge with little effort.
The design fits well in my meaty hand and the cuts get made where I need them without struggling. At the rear of the edge is a micro choil and, as usual, when the material being cut gets hung up there, it frustrates my workflow. I would say the only thing I would prefer is a bit of texturing to up the grip game.
As you can imagine, the Bobcat hatchet does things like splitting the sternum, cutting the pelvic bone and, if you want, it will bust out some of the tougher joints. It doesn’t have the heft of a full-size hatchet but as my buddy is fond of saying: if you put enough force behind anything you can make it fly. To me, it would be certainly neater than a chainsaw (don’t ask, it’s a drunken Canadian hunter thing). A gut hook is on the back.
A top-notch-made leather sheath carries the combo. I never reviewed a knife from KOA on which the leather wasn’t well executed. It’s a good combo and the Bobcat hatchet is such a neat tool I couldn’t resist using it in the kitchen as a small hand chopper. I know, somewhat sacrilegious, but it’s my kitchen. It’s a great set and as much of a trophy as the game you kill.
MSRP: $209.99
There’s a wide range of knives here from budget to bang and represents only a small sampling of the tools available to hunters these days. If you’re going for the big game, don’t ruin the moment by struggling with a poorly crafted tool. Take the time to round out your kit with a good field-dressing knife set.
A Good Multi-Tool Can Help You In A Pinch In Numerous Ways. This Quartet Of Tools Are Up To The Task Of Getting You Out Of A Bind.
Right off the bat, anyone who needs a multi-tool on a daily basis will face one huge question when making a purchase: How much multi-tool do I need? Options abound on the multi-faceted workhorses. Blades, pliers, shears, screwdrivers, wrenches, wire strippers/snips, files, cap lifters, can openers and the like are great to have when you need them.
The dilemma is weeding out what you do and don’t need, plus what size multi-tool you’re willing to carry. Alternatively, if you just need a multi-tool for the tool or glove box, the world is your oyster. Let’s test four diverse multi-tools that offer a wide variety of talents to help make your choice easier.
Boker Plus Specialist II
Boker Plus Specialist II
The Boker Plus Specialist II is a full-blown multi-tool with a load of tools. Like many of its type, it centers the workload around a beefy set of pliers. At the pliers’ base are a wire stripper and cutter. Tucked in the butterfly handles are a host of other tools including a knife, hex wrenches, bit driver with storage, glass breaker, file, ruler, wood saw, can opener, and bottle opener. At 10.13 ounces it’s the heaviest of the review multis, but then it also has the most extensive tool kit.
The Specialist II has a full-size pair of spring-loaded pliers with special cutting blades built into the base of the jaws—a sign that it’s serious about cutting wire and cord. I honed in on this feature by giving the cutters a go on some multi-strand computer cable, snipping off half-inch lengths.
The blades handled cutting the cable with ease as if it were an afterthought. The assortment of tools is admirable, especially the knife and saw blades that are large enough to do some serious work, a trait not always found on multis. The nylon belt sheath is a must-have on a multi-tool of the Specialist II’s weight. Kudos to Boker for including it.
MSRP: $89.95
Paul Chen Professional Multi-Tool
Paul Chen Professional Multi-Tool
The Paul Chen Professional Multi-Tool from CAS Iberia is a large multi that, unlike many, centers around a stout pair of spring-loaded carbon steel shears that slide out on rails by pressing locking buttons on each side of the handle.
Once the shears are out the handles separate, giving easy access to the Professional’s other tools: knife and saw blades, fold-out pliers, small flat-head screwdriver/can opener combo, Phillips head screwdriver, and removable sharpening file. There’s a pocket clip on the back side.
The Professional surprised me with how stout it is considering its low price tag. The main feature is shears that have 1.5-inch blades of carbon steel. I gave these a run through various materials such as canvas and cardboard and they cut like a walk in the park, so I upped the ante with some quarter-inch lasso rope.
This is a very stiff, wax-impregnated rope that some blades aren’t particularly fond of. The hungry shears took off nice, clean lengths with little effort. This multi-tool is limited in scope with its tool selection—not surprising at its cost—but there are enough implements to get you by. The knife blade opens via a thumb stud and a linerlock secures it open. At 15 bucks you could buy several of these and sprinkle them in such places as the glovebox, tool drawer, and/or backpack.
MSRP: $15
CRKT Septimo
CRKT Septimo
CRKT has never followed the pack with its multi-tool designs and the Septimo is no different. Based on a flat, compact 4.84 x 1.25 x .4-inch somewhat rectangular platform and at 4.4 ounces, the black-oxide-coated Septimo is roughly half the load of the larger test multis.
Notable is an adjustable wrench for tightening and loosening nuts and bolts. The tanto blade has a deep Veff serration at the base and secures open via a linerlock. Other tools include Phillips and flat-head screwdrivers, a glass breaker, and a bottle opener. It has a pocket clip for easy carry.
The Septimo is a very pocketable multi-tool with an inch of its total length dedicated to the adjustable wrench/glass breaker on one end. Though the Septimo’s handle is not as comfortable as that of a typical knife, the multi’s blade did the trick slicing two-layer corrugated cardboard, paracord, and even 3/8-inch rappelling rope.
I would have chosen a more utilitarian blade pattern like a sheepsfoot or drop point, but that’s me, and the tanto did more than enough to impress. The adjustable wrench can accept up to a half-inch bolt head. I gave it a twirl tightening and loosening a 3/8-inch bolt on a rock clamp I use doing lapidary work. The wrench did an excellent job. All in all, you’ll like the unorthodox yet effective Septimo.
MSRP: $56
SOG Flash MT
SOG Flash MT
The SOG Flash MT multi-tool is a great companion to your SOG Flash AT folder, but don’t let that stop you should you prefer a different knife.
The Flash MT is a barebones seven-tool multi with an assisted-opening clip-point blade, full-size pliers, a wire cutter and stripper, a large combo flat-head screwdriver/bottle opener, and a small double-ended Phillips/flat-head screwdriver with a bit drive in the base. It is the only test multi-tool in which the main body is designed specifically as a conventional knife handle.
The Flash MT has an asymmetrical handle design in that one half of the butterfly grip is slim, holding only the small bits in a foldout cyan holder, while the other grip is packed with tools. The blade did a good job cutting paracord and rappelling rope.
The wire cutter/stripper handled its chores well—not a surprise as SOG is well known for making some serious multi-tools. Using the main body of the handle with just the blade for cutting was very comfortable, with only the pocket clip feeling a tad out of place if you’re right-handed like me.
That said, the back-side clip is right at home; in fact, it’s no different from carrying a mid-sized EDC folder. This is a well-designed multi that deserves your consideration.
MSRP: $69.95
The review multi-tools provide many choices in size and tool selection. You can go big with the Boker Plus and Paul Chen multis or lighten the load with the CRKT and SOG models. Pick prudently and you’ll have a workmate worthy of your daily workload.
When it comes to EDC folder locks, the linerlock is hard to beat
Few folding knife locks perform as well for everyday carry (EDC) as the linerlock. Constructed properly, the linerlock is easy to open and, especially on a knife that includes a blade opener and a pocket clip, is a snap to carry, deploy, open and close, all with one hand—an EDC hallmark.
CRKT Knives CEO
Designed by award-winning knifemaker Richard Rogers, the CEO Bamboo linerlock folder is one of the more slender knives from CRKT. It’s an unobtrusive folder that won’t weigh you down and is ideal for dress suit carry. In fact, it can carry attached to a shirt pocket a la a ballpoint pen. It blends well with the office crowd, as it is a low profile design that will not raise eyebrows.
Just over 3 inches long, the blade is 8Cr13MoV stainless steel for a good balance of edge holding and resharpening ease. The trailing-point blade opens quickly and efficiently via a thumb stud. The pivot’s Ikoma Korth Bearing System (IKBS) enhances smooth blade action. A saber-style primary grind combined with a full-length swedge grind gives the blade a bit of attitude.
Award-winning knifemaker Richard Rogers designed the CEO Bamboo from CRKT to be the quintessential office carry folder. It is tailored for such daily uses as trimming stray threads from clothing.
The handle consists of two stainless steel liners and glass-reinforced nylon scales. The scales are molded in a color and shape/texture to mimic bamboo. The handle’s squared off butt resembles the classic doctor’s knife/pillbuster pocketknife pattern. A deep carry, fold-over clip allows the knife to ride low in a pants or shirt pocket, or inside a sport coat breast pocket.
The linerlock engages firmly and secures the blade open with no play. Simply hit the thumb stud and the blade pops open fast to the locked position thanks to the IKBS. Firmly push the edge of the exposed portion of the lock spring, and the blade unlocks and rotates closed as easily as it opens. I like how simple it is to open and close the blade, especially for such a slender folder. Many such folders do not manipulate easily due to their size.
Opening mail is one of the many tasks the slender blade of the CRKT CEO Bamboo does well.
And for a slender folder, the CEO has plenty of bite. The slim blade slits open envelopes and packages effortlessly. I like how it blends in and does its thing with no unnecessary fanfare. The only negative about the CEO is also a positive—the deep carry clip. The fold-over design creates a hot spot when you grip the handle but carries the closed folder deep in the pocket, which is nice. Given that the knife isn’t made for prolonged, heavy duty use, I find the clip to be a good thing. Made in China, the CEO has a manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) of $54.99. It is a great value.
EXCELLENT SLICER: Citadel Kampot
The Citadel Kampot linerlock folder sports a 3-inch drop point blade of Bohler N690 stainless steel. N690 is a mid-grade stainless with great edge holding properties but also is rather easy to resharpen. It is a fine alternative to today’s “super steels.” The ergonomic handle has double stainless steel liners and stabilized blue beech scales. Red liners add a subtle pop of color. The scales are nicely rounded and contoured so the folder rests in your grip comfortably with no hot spots. An integrated guard prevents your hand from sliding onto the blade edge and, together with a bird’s beak butt, keeps your hand on the handle.
The linerlock secures tightly with zero blade play. Five large notches in the end of the liner aid thumb traction in unlocking the blade. The Kampot has a nail nick opener instead of a thumb stud, hole, disc or flipper, so it is the only knife of the test bunch that requires two hands to open, though it does close with one hand like the others. Neither does it have a clip.
The Citadel Kampot (left) easily rivals most any working folder with its drop point blade. The high polish of the steel makes it easy to clean as well.
At 4.5 inches closed the Kampot is rather large, which might make it a bit uncomfortable for pocket carry. A braided leather lanyard attached to the handle permits you to fish the folder easily from a pocket. The knife is good looking, with the blade, liners and handle screws exhibiting a high polish.
The flat-ground blade is an excellent slicer. However, out of the box it was not as sharp as I prefer. I gave it a few light strokes on a ceramic rod followed by stropping and that enhanced its bite. The grip is very comfortable and a great alternative to folders with flat handle profiles. It is really nice looking. The beech scales differ slightly in color. The test model has streaks of tan and blue-green as well. It reminds me of how brass and copper patina when exposed to the elements over time and get a blueish green hue. The Kampot is a great alternative if you’re not into the all black and edgy tactical folder look. The blade pivot is not exposed, so the pivot tension is not adjustable. This cleans up the look, though I know some knife guys like to adjust the pivot tension to their own liking.
Citadel’s Kampot folder is a bit rough around the edges but remains a very efficient cutting tool. The flat-ground blade slices through a variety of materials with gusto.
A negative is the knife’s size, though for some that is a good thing. The lack of a clip is compounded by the lack of a belt sheath. The Kampot needs one. For me, the knife is too big to carry in the pocket, so belt carry would be the best option. On the other hand, ready-made belt sheaths are rather easy to find (a good source is Smoky Mountain Knife Works at smkw.com/knife-accessories/sheaths). Made in Cambodia, the Kampot has an MSRP of $205.
CHECKS ’EM ALL: Puma SGB
The Mach 1, along with the Sonic, are linerlock flipper folders Puma SGB introduced in 2020. They are identical, sharing the same handle materials/design and blade material. The only difference is the Sonic features a clip point blade and the Mach 1 has a modified drop point. With its hollow ground main bevel and generous, sweeping belly, the 3.6-inch blade in the latter pattern accomplishes a wide variety of cutting tasks. It is a large folder ideal for the ample knife jobs you have, indoors or out.
The German 1.4116 stainless steel holds an edge well and is fairly easy to resharpen. It is a steel found mainly in kitchen knives and is highly stain resistant. It isn’t commonly used in the knife industry, and expect performance to be equivalent to 440A or even 420HC stainless. Its lower overall production costs are passed on to you in the form of a great value.
A flipper tab offers quick and effortless one-hand deployment. The swift, smooth action is aided by a pair of ceramic caged ball bearings in the pivot. The handle features nice carbon fiber scales, giving the Mach 1 a modern, futuristic appearance—it is eye catching the way the light reflects off the strands in the weave pattern. The chamfered edges of the carbon fiber are textured to aid grip retention. A deep carry, fold-over pocket clip totes the closed folder blade tip down in the pocket, deep enough to conceal the knife yet hold it within easy reach.
The Puma SGB Mach 1 matches 1.4116 stainless steel with a sturdy handle sporting carbon fiber scales and stainless steel liners. The blade rides on ceramic bearings for smooth opening and closing.
The Mach 1 checks all the boxes: great fit and finish, silky smooth blade action, and super sharp and ready to work right out of the box. The drop point blade adapts to most any task. The edge has a nice bite and easily sinks into the material being cut. As wide as the handle is, you can get a really good grip that instills confidence. The open-frame handle promotes ease of cleaning. Country oforigin: China. MSRP: $149.99. For the money, it’s a solid value in features and performance.
The hollow grind of the Puma SGB Mach 1’s drop point blade (middle left) helps provide plenty of bite for tough tasks such as cutting thick rubber hose.
NEW LEVEL of CHIC: F24 Nutcracker from Steel Will Knives
Taking EDC folders to a new level of chic, the F24 Nutcracker from Steel Will Knives features bold styling with a sheepsfoot blade and an ergonomic handle. The 3.4-inch blade is Bohler N690 stainless steel. The flat grind is tailored for both stout utility applications and lateral strength. A flipper is integrated for fast opening and is assisted by ceramic bearings, which promote super-smooth action and rapid deployment.
A large finger recess at the pivot allows you to index the G-10 grip, while the “bird’s beak” butt captures your hand. The G-10 has a light 3-D machining pattern that aids purchase. Traction notches at the thumb rest on the spine supply grip to bear down for power cuts. Dual nested stainless steel liners provide a rigid backbone and the nesting feature reduces overall handle thickness. Two large standoffs add style. A smaller standoff at the rear acts as a tie-off point for a lanyard (not included).
Even the pocket clip is nicely done. It’s sculpted, styled titanium that carries the closed folder blade tip up and is secured via one large screw. The clip’s shape mimics the handle’s curvature, and the overlay adds to aesthetics. It’s great to see a company put extra effort and thought into the clip, which looks better than standard stamped clips. It definitely holds the knife securely in the pocket.
The F24-33 Nutcracker has a black stonewashed blade, black liners, standoffs and clip, and a green G-10 handle. At 4.5 inches closed, theknife is sized just right to handle just about any cutting task. The linerlock secures quite tightly at the lower third of the tang with no blade play. A series of traction notches at the exposed portion of the liner permits the thumb to easily seat and secure itself to unlock the blade.
HOW LINERLOCKS SHOULD LOCK
Many knife nuts in-the-know have certain preferences to where a brand new linerlock knife’s lock spring should hit on the tang when the blade is locked open. Some prefer it to hit in the lower third of the tang, from the linerlock side. Some prefer it to hit in the middle.
One thing to remember about linerlocks is there is a break-in period for the lock. In other words, as the metal on the end of the lock spring wears to conform with the tang, it is likely that the spring will travel more toward the center of the tang—not a whole lot, just a little. Hence, it is probably best to select a linerlock knife where the spring hits on the lower third so it can compensate some following the break-in period.
— by Dexter Ewing
Above: The test linerlocks exhibit how they wedge the blades open at the tangs, from left: Steel Will Nutcracker, Puma SGB Mach I, Citadel Kampot and CRT CEO Bamboo. On the tang of the blade where the linerlock spring directly hits, the face is machined at an angle so that when the spring moves into place, there is a wedging effect that stops the spring from moving any farther. Titanium is an ideal material for the spring as titanium tends to gall, or stick, to steel, and, of course, the tang is steel.
The New Iredale Is A Quality Multi-Blade Slipjoint That Stands Out As A Classic-Style Knife With A Minimalist, Modern Look.
The eternal debate of “classic vs modern” has been had across society for centuries. In the world of knives, that can come down to mechanical choices as well as design. Kershaw took the best of both worlds with its new Iredale.
Named for the Peter Iredale, a sailing ship that ran aground on the Oregon coast in 1906, the Iredale is a sleek knife for the 21st-century explorer. The model has three blades (a clip point, Wharncliffe, and Spey blade) all contained in a handle with black, polished micarta scales.
The non-locking slipjoint design allows for flexibility in the position of the knives so even with three blades, there are endless ways to position them to get the most from them. The blades are all made from 7Cr17MoV stainless and satin polished for a clean, traditional look. All three blades open with a nail nick for quick deployment.
The shipwreck of the Peter Iredale can still be seen in the sands of Fort Stevens State Park so you can take your new Iredale and explore around its namesake on a warm summer’s night.
MSRP: $47.99
Editor’s Note: This post was written by Mike Ableson.
