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 Kershaw Heist Offers A Righty/Lefty-Friendly Option, Built Tough For Optimal EDC
Southpaws and righties can both rejoice! Kershaw has you covered with one of its newest additions to its extensive EDC lineup. Shake hands with the Heist.
While every knife—save examples like a traditional Nakiri—are ambidextrous sheerly by being a knife, Kershaw has tweaked the Heist to make it a bit more appealing to sinistral users. In particular, the knife’s bar lock with a release situated on both sides of the handle makes it a smidgen more user-friendly no matter the dominant hand.
Added to this, Kershaw has outfitted the Heist with a reversible deep-carry pocket clip, allowing for safe tip-up carry in any pants pocket, thus keeping it right at hand—left or right. Slightly protruding over the handle, the clip also puts the knife deep undercover when not in use, yet facilitates quick retrieval thanks to a flared end.
Kershaw Heist Blade
As to the makeup of the Kershaw Heist, the Oregon-based company appears to have put together a serious work tool. Sporting a 3.2-inch D2 steel blade, the knife should have respectable edge retention and excellent toughness—especially for a knife at its affordable price point.
Furthermore, for tool steel, D2 has decent corrosion resistance, nice since Kershaw seems to aim it as a utilitarian option meant for hard use. But it’s still carbon steel at heart, thus requires maintenance to keep it in good shape and absolutely corrosion free.
The blade has a clip-point profile with a long, wide belly, excellent for long slices. On this, the folder is outfitted with a decent-sized thumb stud. Little surprise here, as Kershaw has stayed true to the opening method, even as flippers have become more popular. And the company has applied a stonewash finish, which gives it a flat, blue-collar look that hides minor dings it’s sure to endure.
Other Heist Features
The Heist boasts a glass-filled nylon handle, made to withstand a beating. Its Duralock opening system is outfitted with a brass washer, which aids in the knife’s fast and smooth opening. And if you need to tether the Heist to something or want to add a quick-retrieval lanyard, the handle comes with a lanyard hole.
Perhaps the Kershaw Heist’s most attractive asset is its price. With an MSRP $85, the knife falls within almost every buyer’s budget. And at this price point, it just begs for hard everyday use, without worrying about shedding tears if you happen to bust it up.
Whether traditional or just made in the Land of the Rising Sun, Japanese kitchen knives are a sharp addition to any chef’s arsenal.
The Japanese kitchen knife is prized for being one of the most durable culinary tools. Many Japanese knives have a different construction than Western- or German-style knives, which are the norm in most American kitchens.
History Of Japanese Kitchen Knives
The Japanese kitchen knife was born out of Japan’s long sword-making history. When samurai were banned from carrying swords after the Meiji Restoration in the mid-19th century, metalsmiths turned their attention and talents to making knives for home use.
Today, the city of Seki, in central Japan, is the epicenter of Japanese cutlery and features museums, shows, and festivals dedicated to all things knives.
How Are Japanese Kitchen Knives Different From Western Knives
Japanese knives are different from Western varieties in numerous different ways. The most prominent is in the grind of the edge.
Nearly all Western-style knives have a double bevel, that is both sides of the knife are ground to a point meeting at the edge. Conversely, Japanese knives are traditionally single-bevel blades or only ground on one side.
The single-bevel blade in Japan is steeped in culture and history. No one knows how exactly it originated, but the tradition is maintained to this day. The blade is sharpened on only one side, also known as a chisel grind, and is designed specifically for precise slicing.
A Western double-bevel knife will be ground to equal angles on both sides of the blade, meeting in the middle. A single-bevel blade is only ground down on one side, which allows for a sharper edge.
In Japanese the parts of the blade are:
Shinogi: The flat cutting surface of the blade that runs to the edge
Urasuki: The concave surface on the opposite side of the blade from the edge
Uraoshi: The thin flat rim that surrounds the urasuki–essentially on the blade and the spine
This unique design endows Japanese blades with an unusual characteristic–knives specific to right- and left-handed people (most tend to be ground on the right for righties). Though, ambidextrous models exist. These models are similar to western-style knives in their grind but still use Japanese forging techniques and steels.
Great, the Japanese made dominant-hand-specific knives, so what? Well, there are some benefits to this unique design. The most predominant being a finer edge. Logically this means a sharper knife adept at making long thin cuts.
Most folks will recognize the advantage of these assets if they’ve eaten any sashimi, a form of culinary art practically defined by long thin cuts. That and good fish.
Shape also defines Japanese kitchen knives, particularly the blade, which is round at the tip. Additionally, the handle is typically different. Almost across the board, Western knives will have a bolster between the heel of the blade and the handle. Japanese knives are sans this feature.
There are more, but some of the more common types of single-bevel Japanese kitchen knives are:
Gyuto: A Japanese Chef’s Knife
Santoku: Shorter and wider than the Gyuto, the Santoku is made for slicing, cutting, and chopping
Sujihiki: Long and narrow, this is made for slicing fish and meats in long, single motions
Kiritsuke: Hybrid of the Sujihiki and Gyuto. This knife is difficult to use and shows off the skill of the chef when used well
Best Japanese Kitchen Knives
Miyabi Chef’s Knife
Miyabi Chef’s Knife, 8-Inch
Miyabi makes wonderful knives, and their chef’s knife is no exception. Eight inches long, and with an SG2 micro-carbide steel core, the blade is ground to an incredibly sharp 9.5-12 degrees. The damascus pattern is made from 101 layers and it has been Cryodur ice-hardened to a 63 HRC.
The handle is composed of Karelian Birchwood, the only wood ever used in the construction of a Fabrege egg, and has a mosaic pin accent and red spacers. This model is handmade in Seki, Japan.
MSRP: $349.95
Kai PRO 8-Inch Wasabi Chef’s Knife
Kai PRO 8-Inch Wasabi Chef’s Knife
The Pro 8-inch Wasabi Chef’s Knife from Kai is an excellent budget option. The cost-saving is due to the fact it’s a relatively plain Jane, missing the bells and whistles–such as damascus blade–that runs up the price. And also it definitely has Western influences in its design. Yet it’s a well-made workhorse from a well-respected manufacturer (Kai makes excellent scissors, by the way).
The Wasabi’s extra-wide, stainless-steel blade is where it wins points, creating plenty of clearance to chop, dice or whathaveyou at lightning speed. Additionally, its curved belly facilitates an effortless rocking motion, also picking up the pace. Interestingly, the traditional Japanese-style handle is fairly futuristic in its material–bamboo and polypropylene. While not a dead nuts traditional Japanese kitchen knife, Kai’s entry is nonetheless a top cutter from the Land of the Rising Sun.
MSRP: $43.50
Shun Premier Paring 4-Inch
Shun Premier Paring 4-Inch
A paring knife is one of the most important types of kitchen knives, and Shun knocks this one out of the park. The 69-layer damascus blade is wrapped around a VG-MAX core and has a hammered Tsuchime finish. The finish is ideal for the style of knife, helping the food release while you’re cutting.
The handle is walnut-finished, contoured Pakkawood. Also, it enhances the overall use of the Premier, with a slight bulge filling the hand and offering more control. About the only negative is the knife is on the spendy side. But for perhaps the second-most used knife in the kitchen, it’s well worth the investment.
MSRP: $169
Morado Kiritsuke Kuro-uchi
Morado Kiritsuke Kuro-uchi
There is an elegant strength in this special tool. The Morado Kiritsuke Kuro-uchi is a versatile monster that will control whatever you’re chopping or slicing.
Hand-forged from a core of Hitachi’s Super Blue Steel wrapped in stainless, the blade has been heat-treated to a 63 HRC. The kuro-uchi (black) patina on the upper half of the knife helps protect the material, and the hammer dents give it a traditional look and keep food from sticking. As a bonus, the finish makes it look wickedly beautiful.
The steel is extra tough thanks to .4% vanadium in the alloy, and its high-carbon content makes it easy to sharpen. The Japanese Wa handle is ovular and remains comfortable even in the face of large workloads. Furthermore, the smooth rosewood has a dark stain to bring out its rich hue.
MSRP: $275
Mutsumi Hinoura Shirogami Kurouchi
Mutsumi Hinoura Shirogami Kurouchi
We round out our list with a splash of color and another high-quality damascus blade. The Mutsumi Hinoura Shirogami Kurouchi looks tremendous and cuts even better.
The knife features a Shirogami #2 steel core wrapped in stainless and treated to a 63-64 HRC. A Gyuto style knife, which literally translates to “cow sword,” reveals its intent–to cut large slabs of meat. Today, it’s a great all-rounder chef’s knife that can handle almost any kitchen task and is a joy to use.
The handle is what catches the eye and is made from European maple burl, dyed green and blue. It takes two years for the wood to dry out to the point it can be stabilized and dyed. It’s cut into the traditional octagonal shape for superior grip and ease of use.
This is the priciest knife on our list, but we feel that it lives up to the lofty dollar amount.
Women Bladesmiths Thrive And Continue To Shape The Knife Industry.
Women’s pocketknives? Can’t anyone buy any type of pocketknife?
Sure, but knives designed and marketed specifically for women are few and far between even among the big knifemakers.
Enter Brighten Knives, a small, upstart knife company based in Utah. Founded by Diane Carver and her daughters Kristy, Katie, and Kimi, Brighten has grown into a successful maker thanks to a strong vision and some good luck.
“We worked with [the Salt Lake Tribune],” Diane said. “They wrote an article about us because aside from being women’s knives, which is kind of a cool product, it was also a human-interest story where it was a mom and three daughters starting a knife company.
“It was unique and different. They put an article out and it kind of snowballed from there. A radio station picked up on it, and our Utah Senator Mike Lee even sent us a letter.”
All that good press, along with a Kickstarter that raised almost $14,000 (almost triple the initial $5,000 goal), and Brighten has been on a roll ever since.
Brighten’s Inspirational line of knives all come in bright, bold colors.
The company is built on Diane’s decades of experience in the industry. She was the knife product manager for Browning for 17 years and has worked with Fox Knives, along with marketing* household cutlery for companies like Traeger.
Diane’s experience in the industry is complemented by her daughters’ work. Kristy created all the original designs and colorways of the company’s knives. Kimi has worked in product development and sales, and Katie has a background in sales and writing as well.
As the quartet designed their knives the hard question to answer was: What exactly does a woman’s pocketknife look like?
“Being in the industry for so long I know that most women, and I don’t want to generalize because there are a lot of women that carry it in their pockets, but a lot of our pants are made where they can’t even hold a knife,” Diane said. “The one thing that we did that kind of separated us was including the case. The case comes with all of our knives no matter [the product line] so that you can throw it in your purse or your glove compartment.”
Brighten has two original lines of knives: the Inspirational line and the Not So Heavy Metal Series. They all come with a case that’s roughly the size of a wallet that is easily portable. Additionally, all of the knives are available in a smaller keychain variety.
All of the blades are made from 8Cr13MoV stainless steel. For the larger varieties, the blades are between 2.5- and 2.56-inches long, and the keychain knives are between 1.6- and 1.65-inches long. The knives open with a thumb stud and feature a linerlock.
The Inspirational line is the company’s original line of knives. Each blade is married to an aluminum handle resplendent in brightly colored designs. The blades all also have a different inspirational word on the steel, words like “Faith” and “Hope” and “Brave.”
“All of the designs on the knives and cases are originally designed by my daughter Kristy,” Diane said. “I know it’s kind of unusual to see words like “laugh” and “faith” and “love” on knives, but we wanted it to be something fun. On the packaging, there’s a quote that goes along with each one. One thing we’ve seen is people like purchasing them for specific things. Our Hope knife is a breast cancer knife, and the quote on it is ‘When the world says give up, hope whispers try one more time.’”
Diane’s market research showed there was a large segment that wanted more muted colors and streamlined designs. Enter the Not So Heavy Metal line. Every color is named after a popular rock-and-roll band or song.
The knives in the Not So Heavy Metal line come in more muted, monochrome colorways with a steel bolster.
Diane laughed, mentioning the generational differences as her daughters recommended Green Day while she mentioned names like Purple Rain and Blue Oyster Cult.
“There was about 25 percent [of women] that said they were more of a minimalist and wanted more plain, solid-colored things,” Diane said. “We want Brighten to be the premier knife company for women and so we wanted something that would appeal to everyone. That’s how we came out with our Not So Heavy Metal line. We had a ton of fun naming the colors.”
The full-length knives retail for $29.99, and the keychain knives sell for $19.99.
As Brighten Knives has continued to expand, the press and publicity around it has swelled. YouTubers such as Neeves Knives have reached out and produced content about Brighten, as have other digital creators.
Carver said the goal is to make knives that are women-forward that take care in their design and construction rather than just slapping some pink scales on the side and calling it a day. She did speak positively about the Kershaw Chive and some of Spyderco’s knives but that she hadn’t seen any marketing directly for women from those factory makers.
There is also the Femme Fatale line of women’s pocketknives from Defense Divas which are marketed as spring-assisted self-protection knives.
The Sneakerhead rescue folder is an example of the types of knives, both in terms of utility and style, made by Defense Divas.
While all of Brighten’s knives have a story and purpose behind their design there is one question Diane and her team get regularly: Can these knives be used in self-defense?”
“We have a lot of questions about whether these are self-defense knives,” Carver said. “Obviously, any knife can be used for self-defense in a pinch, but that’s not what these knives are designed for. They’re in a case in your bag. We are coming out with some designs for self-defense but that’s another story.”
That “another story” will feature self-defense videos made by the company featuring self-defense experts with military backgrounds. Everything is one step at a time as the company looks to grow and sustain itself going forward.
For now, the company started by a mother and her three daughters continues to grow and thrive, and make fun, exciting pocketknives for women.
Female Knifemaking Standout Audra Draper
Few women in the field are as accomplished as Audra Draper. The Wyomingite was the first woman to earn master smith status in the American Bladesmith Society back in 2000. Since then she’s made pretty much everything and, along with her husband Mike, taught countless new makers the craft of making knives.
“Back in the day it was hard to get people to acknowledge that yes, a girl can do this, too,” Draper said. “But now it’s not a big deal, people don’t react so crazy anymore and that helped, because if you’re a young girl and walk up to a knifemaker’s table at a show and tell them you want to make knives, you need them to react like ‘Sweet, what can I do to help you?’ which everyone does now.”
While Draper is as experienced as it comes, one thing has both eluded her and caused her very little concern: making knives specifically for women. She said that she just wants to make beautiful, functional knives that people will want.
She said the only key difference can be making knives with a smaller handle since a woman’s hands are usually smaller than a man’s.
Audra Draper’s Turmoil is a beautiful damascus fixed blade. (Image: SharpByCoop)
“Most women that are interested in knives don’t want a woman-specific knife,” Draper said. “They just want what the guys are carrying. I’ve made some knives that I was so certain would be purchased by a woman, and a man buys them 99 percent of the time. The women are usually hunters and fishers or they want it for the kitchen. The only difference if you’re a woman or a man is maybe a smaller handle.”
She laughed thinking about the times she’d made knives designed for women utilizing materials like turquoise, and when they hit the table the piece was scooped up by a man. She stressed that knives are neither feminine nor masculine–they just are.
And for young women interested in learning the craft she had one simple bit of advice–reach out and ask people to help.
“Just ask questions. Talk to people,” Draper said. “There’s plenty of info our there now and plenty of courses to take. I would highly recommend before buying expensive equipment to take a course with an established maker because that’s going to tell them right away if this is something they want to do.”
Young Women Shining In The Knifemaking World
Raegan Lee and Karis Fisher are two young makers establishing themselves in the world of bladesmithing. Lee, an Idaho native, is just 21 years old but has been making fixed-blade knives for years from CPM 154 stainless. Are these specific knives for women? No, but having an enthusiastic, creative woman making knives will help craft what a “woman’s knife” becomes.
“I want to get into folders, specifically slip joints,” Lee said when we talked at BLADE Show West. “That’s where I’m heading. To be one of those makers that can bring three knives to a show and sell out on a lottery is a great feeling. To really be known in the community would be a huge, huge thing.”
Raegan Lee’s “Cow Poke” with red fiber Micarta® handle. Her price: $200
Lee went on to say how important it is to have female makers creating knives and being mentors and examples for young artisans entering the field. She said Audra Draper was an inspiration for her.
“I think it’s extremely important,” Lee said. “I do knives most of the time, but I’m also an aluminum welder at an off-road company, and that’s also a male-dominated world. I just think there has to be one of us, and the rest of us can see [what’s possible]. The more we have the more it’ll be great for us.”
Fisher is the daughter of ABS master smith Josh Fisher. Even though just a recent high school grad, her fixed blades are stunning and show off her skill in the forge and with the hammer.
A hunting knife with an ironwood handle made by Karis Fisher
For Fisher, the biggest way to grow the base of female makers is simply by exposing more people to the craft of bladesmithing. TV shows and numerous YouTube channels have certainly helped a lot in bringing knifemaking more into the mainstream in recent years, and Fisher said that can only help.
Fisher even said that if her dad wasn’t a successful smith she probably wouldn’t even know about knifemaking.
“I think not too many people really know that knifemaking’s out there,” Fisher said. “If more people knew about it, it might be more [popular]. Forged in Fire does quite a bit for it.”
The Bowie Is A Beloved, Historic Knife That Continues To Inspire Makers Today. This Trio Of Factory Bowies Stands Out.
Perhaps no other pattern in knife history has as rich a legacy as the bowie. It is a highly recognizable design featuring a large blade in a variety of shapes, some of which have a prominent swedge, and handles of varying designs, often with a guard.
The pattern dates back to 1827 as a knife given by Rezin Bowie to his legendary brother, BLADE Magazine Cutlery Hall-Of-Fame® member Jim Bowie, the famous American pioneer who participated in the Texas Revolution and who was killed in the Battle of the Alamo on March 6, 1836. Jim Bowie was a principal in the Sandbar Fight of Sept. 29, 1827, a melee that established the bowie’s reputation as a fearsome combat knife that lives on to this day.
Boker Magnum Giant Bowie
Whittling is easy for the Giant Bowie. The knife is well balanced and agile in hand.
The bowie remains a widely sought-after pattern for knife collectors and users alike. Its commanding stature attracts attention. A striking example is the Boker Magnum Giant Bowie, Magnum being Boker’s more affordable knife line made in China.
Boasting a stacked leather-washer handle with integrated finger grooves, polished double guard and pommel, and clip-point blade with a pronounced swedge, the Giant Bowie looks all business.
The 8-1/8-inch blade is 440A stainless steel. The handle is comfortable and the finger grooves index your grip nicely. The leather is covered with a clear coat that prevents moisture from soaking in and ruining the handle. The buttcap screws down to compress the washers.
One drawback is I cannot find any evidence that the handle is of a full-tang construction. It doesn’t have the balance of such in hand, as it is slightly blade heavy. As a result, use this one with caution—meaning no use bordering on abuse.
The black leather sheath has a single retention strap with a button snap. A small accessory pocket also has a button-snap closure and contains a sharpening stone. The stone is too small for major resharpening but can be used for quick field touch ups.
MSRP: $65.95
Spyderco FB44GP Respect Bowie
The Respect chops with controlled reckless abandon and makes chunks of wood fly. The massive stock thickness gives a blade-heavy feel, an excellent trait for such tasks
Spyderco’s FB44GP Respect Bowie pays homage to classic bowie design, hence its name. Sal Glesser, company founder and BLADE Magazine Cutlery Hall-Of-Fame® member, designed this beast to be his version of the bowie executed in modern materials and manufacturing techniques.
Incorporating massive .3-inch-thick CPM 154 stainless steel, the 7-inch blade is fully flat ground. While the blade is massive, the distal taper of the spine lightens it progressively toward the tip and makes it feel agile in hand. The ergonomic G-10 handle has rounded edges, which make for a very comfortable grip.
A stainless steel double guard provides ample protection from your hand sliding up on the blade, and acts as a positive stop for choking up for additional control. You can move your grip rearward on the handle to shift the balance point to where the feel is blade heavy for chopping tasks. Torx® screws fasten the scales to the full tang securely.
The Respect makes an excellent expedient chopper, with the flat-ground blade providing excellent bite into saplings. It aggressively eats away at green wood, sending chunks flying with each blow. Toning it down, the blade makes a great slicer with the graceful curve of the cutting edge that terminates at the tip. It sliced foam blocks easily, an indication that the cutting edge quality and blade grinds are spot on. There is enough of a defined tip to perform scoring jobs if needed. The blade can do some serious penetration as well. There were no problems with cutting performance.
The heavy-duty sheath is sewn leather. A brass frog helps secure the leather retainer strap over the guard to prevent the knife from falling out of the sheath. A belt loop on the reverse side provides further ease of carry should you opt for it.
The Respect is a high-end production knife through and through and very well engineered at that. Made in Golden, Colorado, at the Spyderco facility, the bowie comes with a zippered padded storage pouch.
MSRP: $616
A.G. Russell Knives California Bowie
Though the knife is not blade heavy, chopping with the California Bowie is possible. The edge quality and flat grind make the blade bite into green wood easily. You will have to use more deliberate muscle action than relying on a heavyweight blade.
Built in the A.G. Russell Knives shop in Rogers, Arkansas, the California Bowie is based on an English-style pattern popularized by knifemaker D.E. Henry in the 1960s and ’70s. Henry was thought by many to be the best at the time in crafting this style of bowie, the end result being a handmade knife of meticulous fit and finish that garnered him fans worldwide. ]
The 8.5-inch clip-point blade is 154CM stainless steel with a full flat grind. Stock thickness is .185 inches, thick enough to handle the heavy work but not so thin as to be fragile. The stainless steel guard fits tight to the tang with no gaps.
The handle is beautiful wild African wild olivewood, and there is also a version with African Ironwood scales as well. The material is a blonde color with a highly contrasting grain for a stimulating visual effect. Red fiber liners give a pop of color, something seen more in custom knives than production.
The wood scales are pinned to the full tang, and the inward curved handle lines make the knife sit in your grip very nice and secure. It may be a boxy style handle but the way it is executed makes for a comfortable feel. There is no lanyard hole.
The sheath is done right: brown leather with contrasting white stitching and a simple button-snap retention strap. The shade of brown complements the color of the scales quite well. Knife and sheath are a “10” in overall appearance. Another nice touch is the satin finish throughout, including the blade, double guard and tang, so there’s that continuity.
The California Bowie is a real slicer. The knife is balanced in proportion to the hand and feels agile and very controllable, though it is not much of a chopper due to the lack of a blade-heavy feel. If you are primarily slicing, this knife is for you. It may be a looker but it’s also a really nice user.
The New SOG Aegis AT Is A Clean, Sleek Assisted Folder That’s Great For EDC Or More Intense Outdoor Use.
The new SOG Aegis AT is bright, colorful and fun. The knife immediately catches the eye with its bright indigo and acid design. The indigo GRN scales are textured for a better grip, and the electric yellow accents pop in a big way.
The features are solid starting with a Cryo D2 tool steel blade boasting a titanium nitride finish for added durability, and a powerful assisted opening mechanism. Just give the thumb stud a little nudge and the blade deploys in a flash. SOG’s new AT-XR lock, similar to Benchmade’s Axis and Kizer’s Clutch Lock, keeps everything secure.
The blade is 3.13 inches long and the whole piece weighs in at 4.4 ounces so it will feel robust in the hand. A large lanyard hole accepts a thong for easy carry.
The safety on the back of the Aegis AT, which is easy to see thanks to the red accent dot, easily locks the knife closed and acts as a thumb backstop when deployed to aid in using the knife. Overall, this is a fine folder, especially considering it comes in at under $100.
The Cutlass Is A Short Sword Used For Centuries. Today, It Is Mostly A Ceremonial Blade, But One That Continues To Inspire
A sword can be more than just a weapon of war, the cutlass is an excellent example. For centuries, the cutlass was used by fighting forces throughout Europe as a short, one-handed stabbing and slashing weapon.
For many, the cutlass is best known as the sword of the pirates in the Atlantic Ocean during the 17th and 18th centuries. In a lesser-known role, it also was regularly used in agriculture throughout the Caribbean like the machete is today. In English-speaking Caribbean countries, the word “cutlass” is used to mean a machete.
In the modern era, the cutlass has left behind its fighting phase and is almost used exclusively as a ceremonial sword by several navies. However, its popularity endures among collectors and history buffs alike, thanks to its extensive use during the pirate era and the Age of The Sail.
What Is A Cutlass?
A cutlass drill on the HMS Wolverine , 1882 (Public Domain)
The cutlass is a one-handed, single-edged sword used for close-quarters fighting that was the evolution of naval sabers into a more compact, nimble short sword. While the edge does come to a fine point, the cutlass was designed for slashing and swinging at your enemies when fighting hand-to-hand.
This is why the sword was a popular seafaring weapon. With a slightly-curved blade, usually between 28-32 inches, the cutlass is adept in the close confines of a ship. The straight handle and clipped guards of most cutlasses protected your hand when in battle. Additionally, the cutlass was robust enough to tackle general maritime tasks like slicing through heavy rope or thick fabric like canvas or even wood. And its size made it the perfect weapon for the type of in-your-face fighting that would happen on the high seas.
On land, the cutlass wasn’t as dashing, mostly used to chop sugarcane and clear tracts of land in the rainforest in the New World. Though, the same qualities that made it a great fighting implement made it adept on the farm. The short, swooping blade allowed a great deal of force to transfer from the arm to the material with every swing.
Who Uses The Cutlass Today?
Today, the cutlass is used almost exclusively as a ceremonial sword. While it was at its most popular centuries ago, the cutlass was still a standard issue sword until around World War 2 before it became wholly ceremonial.
The British transitioned the sword to ceremonial duty in 1936, and the United States followed suit in 1949. Both countries incorporate the sword into military ceremonies today. The Brits issue cutlasses to naval chief petty officers. The United States also offers chief petty officers the ability to wear a cutlass with their formal dress for ceremonies and the like.
Can I Buy A Cutlass?
Absolutely. There are many companies making cutlasses today. While they may not be as pristine as the ones issued by the military, there are numerous companies making these types of blades.
Factory Cutlass Options
Cutlasses are still made today, but, in general, they aren’t built to the same combat standard as in centuries past. The vast majority of these swords are showpieces meant to be hung on the wall and start conversations. However, if you are a true lover of the Age of Sail, these swords more than fit the bill.
Windlass English Cutlass
This 30.5-inch sword from Windlass is an elegant modern Cutlass, and, for a fee, can be sharpened into a real, proper sword. As is, the high-carbon steel blade is hand forged and mated to a solid brass guard. You’ll really feel like Blackbeard with it in your hand.
The sword comes with a leather scabbard adorned with a brass tip and throat to up the visual appeal of the piece. All told, this is a high-quality replica of the cutlass that will get people talking at your next party and look great in your office or hanging on the wall.
MSRP: $190
Condor Naval Cutlass
The Naval Cutlass from Condor Tool & Knife is a more modern take on the classic blade. The first thing you notice about it is the black epoxy powder finish to the blade. We’re pretty sure pirates of the 18th century didn’t have powder-coating technology, but would have loved to have had the extra corrosion resistance on the high seas.
The blade checks in at 24 inches in length and is made from 1075 steel ground to a razor’s edge. Yes, this sword comes sharpened right out of the box for no extra fees. The smooth hardwood handle is triple riveted, and a powder-coated guard keeps your hand protected when holding the sword. A black welted leather scabbard fits snugly around the blade and keeps everything protected even if dropped.
While it certainly doesn’t look like a sword from the movies, it’s designed to be a true, proper modern cutlass.
MSRP: $148.49
Kult Of Athena Pirate Sword
Complete with a skull and crossbones etched into the scabbard’s throat, the Pirate Sword from Kult of Athena looks like it could have been taken from the set of any swashbuckling movie set.
The 22-inch blade is made from stainless steel and comes, according to KoA, moderately sharp out of the box. That means it might need a more refined sharpening at home if you’re looking for a razor’s edge. However, the blade itself is .16 inches thick, thin enough to slice well but thick enough to hold up to some wear if used for more robust cutting tasks. But be aware, the sword is classed as “decorative”, or for display only, so keep that in mind before playing out your high seas fantasies.
The cast metal handle is surrounded by a bronze-plated cup guard which features a pirate ship design. The black leather scabbard has a cast tip and throat to complete the look.
MSRP: $49
Kingston Arms Atrim Cutlass
The Kingston Arms Atrim Cutlass shows that not all collectible blades need to be centuries old. Made in the style of a naval cutlass, the Atrim utilizes modern materials and methods to make a truly remarkable sword.
The 9260 spring field falchion-style blade is hand forged and comes in a satin finish. At 25.75 inches it’s a bit smaller than some other cutlasses, letting it move more fluidly in your hand and taking up a smaller display space. The full-tang construction terminated with a stainless steel guard and pommel around a brown leather handle that provides a strong grip.
This is the most expensive sword of all the cutlasses showcased in this piece, and it’s worth every penny for the discerning, high-end collector.
MSRP: $432.95
Cold Steel 1917 Cutlass Sword
When it comes to collector pieces outside of auctions, Cold Steel’s 1917 Cutlass Sword is a prime example of what’s being made today. While it is designed for display and collection, the 1055 steel blade does come with a serviceable edge out of the box.
In terms of size, it’s exactly what you’d expect a cutlass to be. At just under 30 inches long and 37.6 ounces, it’s a nimble sword that will feel good to hold and wield when showing off all of its intricacies. The wood handle and blued steel hand guard complete the look, and the included leather scabbard keeps the sword looking classy even when put away.
MSRP: $289.99
APOC Survival Cutlass
This option is rated for proper use rather than display. That’s abundantly clear considering it comes with a MOLLE-compatible Kydex scabbard. That doesn’t come with swords meant to be hung on the wall.
The APOC is a tactical sword that has a 21.5-inch black oxide blade made from 9260 spring steel. The black G-10 handles complete the monochromatic look and provide excellent grip in myriad conditions.
At just under 2 pounds, this is a lightweight cutlass meant to be used as a survival tool out on the trail or in more intense outdoor situations. The blade is meant to slice, of course, and the edge comes to a fine point, making this a puncturing tool as well. Versatility is the name of the game in survival equipment, and, while a machete or shorter knife might be a better option, the APOC cutlass is built for the outdoors and to handle the elements.
MSRP: $169.95
Custom Cutlass Options
There are numerous people making custom cutlasses and other swords. Whether it is for the private use and display of an individual or to be used as props in movies, at renaissance fairs, or in other forms of entertainment, there are makers and smiths crafting modern versions of the centuries-old blade.
Even the popular YouTube Series Man At Arms: Reforged did an episode about the cutlass and showed multiple ways to craft them.
Tony Swatton
Swatton runs Sword & Stone in Burbank, CA and makes arms and armor for film and television. He, and his shop, were the star of the original Man at Arms series nearly a decade ago. He’s self-educated and has been making armor since he was 17.
The first movie his work appeared in was Hook in 1991, and since then his weapons have been seen on screen in more than 300 movies including massively popular films such as Pirates of the Caribbean, Batman, and Thor. He also designed the cutlass used in Assassin’s Creed 4.
David Lisch
Lisch makes custom knives and swords exclusively from damascus steel. His 26 years of experience in the field are seen in the intricacy of his mosaic patterns and one-of-a-kind blade designs. He’s made landscapes and sunrise designs on his blades.
An example of David Lisch’s damascus work.
His knives have won awards and he teaches classes in blacksmithing and knifemaking with his wife Andrea at their school in Yelm, Washington, about an hour south of Seattle.
Collecting Cutlasses
The cutlass is collected by all sorts: sword lovers, pirate aficionados and history buffs. Specialty dealers help these collectors find the pieces they are looking for, and it helps keep the cutlass alive and in public consciousness.
Additionally, cutlasses have made it to auction houses around the world, sometimes fetching as much as $10,000 before the hammer falls at auction houses like Morphy’s, Sotheby’s, and Rock Island.
In late 2022, the 1860 naval cutlass belonging to John H. Ferrell, a Congressional Medal of Honor recipient, went to auction at Morphy’s and sold for $14,760. The sale showed how, even today, the popularity of the cutlass continues to endure in a big way.
The New Flash MT Is A Sleek, Contemporary Take On The Multi-Tool. With Seven Tools, The Flash MT Is Strong And Compact.
A good multi-tool is worth its weight in gold. The new Flash MT from SOG is a durable modern version of what a multi-tool can be.
It all starts with the blade. The Cryo D2 steel blade is a 2.4-inch clip point with an assisted opening. No nail nick or slip joint for this knife. The compound leverage pliers are beefier than on many other multi-tools and are up to whatever challenge you throw its way.
The magnetic bit holder snugly holds the two-ended 4mm driver bits so you’ll have both a Phillips and a flathead at your disposal. A bottle opener and wire cutter round out the implements in the Flash MT.
When it folds away it looks like a thick EDC knife. It’s easy to use and not cumbersome to hold or deploy. SOG really hit it out of the part with this new piece.
MSRP: $69.95
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Editor’s Note: This article was written by Mike Ableson.
