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.
One of the most satisfying things an artist can experience is large-scale exposure, and the San Francisco Chronicle would qualify as a mass audience. American Bladesmith Society master smith Aaron Wilburn was recently featured in a human interest news story written by Tom Stienstra on the San Francisco Gate online blog. It also goes to show that the general public is interested in learning about age-old handcrafts brought current into the modern era. Not everyone is solely a reader of sensational headlines, and in-depth stories like this one should be shared.
(Michael Short / The San Francisco Chronicle photo)
The Best Pocketknives For Women Are Knives That Are Easy To Maintain And Can Be Deployed In A Flash. These Pieces Stand Out From The Pack.
A pocketknife in and of itself isn’t gendered. It’s a piece of steel and aluminum, maybe Micarta®, that’s shaped to be a cutting tool.
However, certain knives are better for women due to the convenience, the fact that they are a bit smaller, or that they are excellent knives that are great at protection as well as standard EDC tasks. Below are a quartet that stand out from a crowded field of knives, any of which would be a great gift for your wife, sister, or yourself.
Kershaw Leek
Kershaw makes excellent knives at excellent prices, and the Leek is no exception. With a 3-inch blade and coming in at just three ounces, the Leek would be a perfect carry in a bag or a clutch as it doesn’t take up too much space.
The drop-point blade of 14C28N stainless steel is shaped to be a great EDC cutting tool as well as a puncturing implement if called upon. The bead-blasted blade and steel handle give the knife a clean, monochrome look. Made in the USA, the Leek opens easily with a flipper, and will serve you well for a very long time.
MSRP: $79.99
Benchmade Mini Griptilian
Benchmade makes high-quality knives with exceptional craftsmanship. The Mini Griptilian is small, nimble, and rugged knife that will be your loyal sidekick. It starts with the glass-filled nylon handle that provides a great grip and can take a beating.
The 2.91-inch plain-edge drop-point blade is CPM S30V stainless steel, opens with a thumb stud, and has a flat grind designed for slicing through pretty much anything within reason. The AXIS lock is fun to use and secures the blade safely and solidly in the open position. At just 2.81 ounces it’s incredibly light and perfect for life on the go.
MSRP: $150
Brighten Blades Green Day
Brighten Blades is a small, women-run factory knife outfit based in Utah. The Green Day knife is part of the company’s “Not So Heavy Metal Series.”
The knife is a small, minimalist blade with a 2.5-inch 8Cr13MoV stainless steel blade and an aluminum handle in a rich green. The blade also comes with a suede carrying case to store in a purse or pocket. This also keeps the knife in one secure place and doesn’t allow for accidental deployment.
The knives are fun to use and come in many different colors and designs.
MSRP: $29.99
Victorinox Swiss Army Knife
The unstoppable Alpine Swiss Army knife (SAK) from Victorinox is a great pocketknife for women. Even this small version features numerous tools that will help every day, from a spear-point blade to tweezers, scissors, nail file, and screwdriver.
All of the tools are made from stainless steel and are designed to last for life. The Swiss Army knife isn’t just for the intense outdoor enthusiast or craftsperson; the tool is excellent for busy parents looking to have a small toolbox at hand for whatever the kids can throw at them. The SAK is utilitarian and has endured for a reason.
You can also customize this version in 10 different colors, ranging from teal and pink to black and lime green.
There Are Few Factory Makers As Well-Known As Kershaw. The Oregon-Based Company Continues To Innovate And Create Top-Tier Knives.
Kershaw is a beloved knife brand set to celebrate its 50th year in business in 2024. In the years since the company was founded a half-century ago, it has delivered some incredible products that continue to set industry standards today.
Kershaw has become a staple of the knife industry at large and they represent a significant percentage of what is being regularly carried in pockets all over the country. Pete Kershaw began the company to create excellent outdoor knives and eventually partnered with Japanese company Kai to bring more high-quality products to market.
The modern Kershaw knife is a truly high-quality tool, and lucky for us, the company has a dizzying number of options that can fit just about any niche you may have.
Kershaw’s Top Ten
Kershaw has a large fanbase because the company is incredibly consistent at making quality knives at quality prices. These 10 have stood out as some of the company’s best.
Kershaw Leek
The Kershaw Leek is arguably the most prominent product that the company has released in recent years. This knife is the epitome of what you would consider being an everyday carry tool: it is light, sleek, and has an extremely reliable mechanism.
The lines of the product are immediately recognizable and it has achieved iconic status among knife enthusiasts. At the time of this writing, Kershaw offers over a dozen variations of the Leek, and, while the internal mechanism is the same, you get your choice as far as cosmetic features go. Currently, handle materials range from plain aluminum or color-anodized aluminum to exciting options like copper.
The actual copper handle material will patina over time, giving your individual knife a unique look as you carry and use it. Despite the fact that copper weighs a little bit more than aluminum and this knife costs a bit more than the other products in the Leek line, it isn’t for everyone. The Leek’s mechanism is an assisted-open type, and it is one of the more reliable and energetic on the market. In carrying Leek knives over time, the author has never had a failure to open or to remain closed.
The Skyline was one of Kershaw’s most recognizable products. The simple, black-handled knife
was one of the more popular carry options of years past and it earned a reputation for being strong and reliable at a good price.
There are, of course, other products that now fill its niche, but the Skyline will not soon be forgotten. Its status as a common, affordable, and reliable knife helps it make this list even though it is no longer available.
Many Kershaw fans have lamented the decision to axe this otherwise popular knife, and it has achieved a moderate collector interest since early 2021 alongside the Shallot and Camber, themselves very well-received by fans of their respective styles.
Skyline Knife Specs
Overall Length: 7.4 inches
Blade Length: 3.1 inches
Blade Steel: 14C28N
Weight: 2.5 ounces
Handle Material: G-10
Kershaw Lucha Carbon Fiber
At a hefty $500 retail the Lucha in carbon fiber is one of the more unique and interesting offerings currently had by Kershaw. This balisong is arguably one of the highest quality production blades of its type. Even custom options available on the market may not be able to match the Lucha in terms of overall fit and finish at the price.
For fans of this type of knife, this is certainly a holy grail item, and it boasts some very nice features. The blade rides on KVT ball bearings for exceptionally smooth handling. At a full ounce lighter than the original model, the carbon fiber Lucha features striking handles that are composed of blued titanium and overlaid carbon fiber.
The price is quite hefty for an EDC knife, though it’s without a doubt worth it to the person who loves flipping and twirling. While the fidget spinner craze ended a few years ago, you’ll probably find yourself playing with this knife in your hand more than you will end up performing cutting tasks with it.
Lucha Carbon Fiber Specs
Overall Length: 10.25 inches
Blade Length: 4.6 inches
Blade Steel: CPM 20CV
Weight: 4.9 ounces
Handle Material: titanium with Carbon Fiber Overlay
MSRP: $499.99
Kershaw Federalist
Taking a departure from today’s tactical and overbuilt blades, the Kershaw Federalist is a rugged gentleman’s knife that has a number of interesting and tasteful features. While the company does make a number of traditional styles of gentlemen’s knives, the Federalist is geared for that man of taste that still has to get some work done throughout the day.
This knife has a more traditional closing and opening mechanism reminiscent of the knives of yesteryear. It has a nail nick for opening and lacks any assist mechanism. In fact, the company lists this blade as a non-locking slipjoint with a dual-detent system. You’ll likely want to save this knife for general tasks and leave the heavy lifting to a more substantial tool.
In place of polished wood and silver inlay, the Federalist features green Micarta grip panels and a matte finish. Seeing as how assisted opening and larger, tactical-style blades have the majority of market share, it is refreshing to see that Kershaw is still catering to people who view knives as simple, everyday objects.
Federalist Knife Specs
Overall Length: 7.5 inches
Blade Length: 3.25 inches
Blade Material: CPM 154
Weight: 2.1 ounces
Handle Material: Micarta
MSRP: $169.99
Kershaw Launch 14
The Launch 14 is a large, automatic opening, cleaver-bladed knife. This is a hard-use tool that has the looks of a collector’s piece. Not all automatic-opening knives are meant for daily use, but this one breaks the mold and is geared for any task you may find on the job site or in your daily adventures.
The cleaver blade is not for everyone. Some people prefer to have a distinct drop point while others definitely prefer the more adaptable Wharncliffe style. The knife lacks a true puncturing tip, which to some could be considered a detriment. The steep tip angle on these cleaver-type blades is actually excellent for true cutting tasks where spear point or drop point blades may be too fragile.
Using a cleaver-style knife for puncturing can be achieved, although the stout angle of the tip may be too coarse for fine work. When it comes to cutting things like straps and heavy tubing, the type of knife we see here definitely excels. The Launch 14 is elegant in its execution and has very functional, subtle features, such as a recessed opening button and carbon fiber panels.
Launch 14 Knife Specs
Overall Length: 7.75 inches
Blade Length: 3.375 inches
Blade Steel: CPM 154
Weight: 3.2 ounces
Handle Material: 6061-T6 Aluminum, Carbon Fiber Scale Front
MSRP: $239.99
Kershaw Reverb XL
Borrowing the same features as its smaller namesake, the Reverb XL is a daily carry knife that has a wide range of uses for the outdoors. The knife has a long, upswept blade, reminiscent of fillet knives. Because of its size and light weight, it makes an excellent companion for the fisherman who enjoys working out of a canoe or kayak.
The knife doesn’t take up much space and doesn’t require an additional sheath. Not only that, at under $50, it won’t cause you financial issues if it accidentally falls overboard. The knife is very simple in terms of operation, it is a manually opening blade with a liner lock.
Although it lacks a fast opening blade, the discerning outdoorsman or angler shouldn’t find this to be an issue, considering that once the blade is out, it is likely going to get used for quite some time. If you find yourself in coastal towns, or perhaps going for a cold one after a fishing trip, this knife will not stand out like a fixed blade will.
Reverb XL Knife Specs
Overall Length: 7.4 inches
Blade Length: 3 inches
Blade Steel: 8Cr13MoV
Weight: 2.2 ounces
Handle Material: G10 with Carbon Fiber Overlay Front
MSRP: $53.99
Kershaw Lonerock RBK2
Knives with replaceable blades are something that have been around for quite some time. In the last 10 years, we’ve seen a greater interest in this style of knife, if you can even call it a knife in the first place.
The Lonerock RBK2 is a kit that includes a main, folding handle assembly, and a non-folding ‘buddy’ handle. The ‘buddy’ is simple and non-folding, but takes the same blades as the folding assembly. The basis of this system is meant for hunters as a means to keep sharp blades at the ready with no additional maintenance.
Keeping a good edge on the blade is no easy task in less than ideal conditions. Many people think that sharpening is as simple as pulling the blade through an off-the-shelf sharpener, but inevitably every knife needs to be professionally re-edged at a certain point. If your blade is replaceable, you shouldn’t have to worry about that latter part of the process. If the knife goes dull, simply pop in a new blade and keep working.
At just under $60 retail, the Interstellar is a mean looking knife that has function at its heart. While it appears to be an out-the-front automatic, the Interstellar is instead a manual knife that opens in the same way as a standard box cutter. The blade features a serrated tanto point and has an affordable price to match its rugged looks.
Kershaw lists this knife under their work knife category, and while it looks tactical, this knife is perfect for the job site. It is easy to use with heavy gloves on, and is excellent for controlled, one-handed operation. The tanto point is excellent for getting into those tight spaces and it is serrated for cutting through various types of cord and material.
People that work with materials like drywall will enjoy its ability to score easily before cutting. If basic folders and box cutters aren’t your style, you should really consider the Interstellar for your daily use. After a long day, you may want to break open some cold ones, and the Interstellar comes with an integrated bottle opener in its frame.
Interstellar Knife Specs
Overall Length: 6.9 inches
Blade Length: 2.7 inches
Blade Steel: 8Cr13MoV
Weight: 3.1 ounces
Handle Material: Glass-Filled Nylon
MSRP: $71.99
Kershaw Blur With Glassbreaker
The Blur is a rugged and popular design from Kershaw. Not only is it a suitable knife for daily carry, the glass breaker version is a simple-to-use and affordable rescue tool. Similar to Kershaw’s other assisted opening knives, the Blur can open with one hand and is ready to go into action. The glass breaker can be used with blade open or closed.
Additionally, the particular model we are talking about here also has a deep, swept belly with aggressive, scalloped serrations. This type of situation should make quick work of seatbelts or other types of common materials found in vehicles if someone needs to be removed quickly after an accident.
This knife features a pointed tip, so unlike other types of rescue tools that are designed to be completely blunt, you will need to take care not to accidentally stabbed or cut someone you were trying to free with this tool.
Emerson is well known for producing some exceptional tactical knives. The company needs no introduction here, and luckily, for us, they have collaborated extensively with Kershaw.
This particular knife, the CQC-10K, is striking to look at with its green scale handles and aggressive, Bowie tip. The knife features the patented Emerson Wave Feature that allows for an otherwise unassisted knife to open instantly upon draw. With practice, this knife can be drawn and opened in a fraction of a second, even faster than can be attained with an assisted opening mechanism.
This knife is not just for self-defense situations, it is ruggedly built, and should be an excellent friend for the field and trail. Thanks to its fine point, it can also be used for tasks such as fishing or skinning small game.
CQC-10K Knife Specs
Overall Length: 8.5 inches
Blade Length: 3.5 inches
Blade Steel: 8Cr14MoV
Weight: 5.1 ounces
Handle Material: G10 Front, 410 Stainless Steel Back
Nothing Is More Terrifying Than Being Caught In The Woods Without The Tools Needed To Get Through The Night. At Least One Of These Tool Arrays Should Meet Your Short-Term Survival Needs.
Prepping and survival equipment came to the forefront of public attention about 15 years ago with the expansion of the popular zombie film and TV genre. In fact, it got to the point where there was at least a two-year industry-wide emphasis on zombie merchandise, guns, ammo, and equipment.
While that remains a fond memory for many, what it really served to do was appeal to the broader masses, and many people began thinking about just what they would do in a real, non-zombie emergency.
Since then, the world has experienced no shortage of natural disasters, from massive wildfires to coastal tsunamis, floods, volcanic eruptions, and more. The world is no safer a place now than it was before. However, in lieu of zombies and green goo, the public has taken a keen interest in survival and its tactics.
Shows like Alone, Survivorman, Life Below Zero, and others captured the interest of many, and bushcrafting, foraging and fieldcraft exploded in popularity. Suffice to say, there is no shortage of specialized equipment to better your odds in a bad place.
What Is A Survival Kit?
I break down survival items and kits into four categories: full kit, partial kit, last-ditch and, knife-only. I would classify our trio of review kits as last-ditch in that they contain a variety of small items not meant for extended use but rather as a single-day advantage. The items can save your life in a pinch but by nature of size and weight will likely not last in a long-term survival situation.
Examining the survival kit theory requires considering the context of just what a survival kit is. The category I identify as a full kit is exactly as it sounds: likely a backpack setup with excellent weight distribution. This includes weapons and ammunition, ideally a rifle or shotgun, or a modern bow. Like it or not, survival in a bad situation increases dramatically with the presence of a firearm.
When I go into the woods, I have a rifle and a handgun at minimum with 100 rounds for each, usually in magazines. For the non-American readers out there this amounts to around five boxes of rifle ammo and two of most handgun loads. Hunting use is the primary idea but signaling and self-defense from large predators are also valid uses. If you have the ability to own a gun, you absolutely should, even if that gun is an antique design or black powder cartridge.
A partial kit is what you need for a minor excursion, the type of kit you may put in your vehicle if you are far from home but not too far from civilization or a gas station. In the kit I would prioritize a single firearm, typically a pistol of .22 caliber up to .357 Magnum (99 percent of all game can be taken with these rounds), medical supplies, and equipment to take down saplings or branches, such as a folding saw or hatchet. Unlike a full kit, this is to get you through an area as opposed to intentionally staying in one. Clothing appropriate to the short-term environment would ideally already be on your person.
Having the materials to quickly build a fire is a must for any survival kit.
The last-ditch kits reviewed here are for if you have already screwed up, failed to bring a suitable weapon, or are fully out of ammunition or supplies. Baseline, when you break open one of these kits, you are already on your last legs as far as survival goes. The kits in this article are short-term, almost single-use in nature. All three come with materials enough to work on small pieces of wood and at least signal or start a fire.
Lastly, if you have a single knife good enough to spark with and know how to use it, I’d say that you stand a pretty good chance of survival. I say this because, unlike a last-ditch kit, a good, heavy-bladed knife can be used to move a surprising amount of material, often quite quickly.
A thick blade can easily take down small trees with minimal exertion, baton firewood, make kindling, spark, and be lashed to a shaft to use as a spear. In a pinch, you can use a knife to make a bow, though that takes skill and time. For fishing, it can make spears and clean your catch.
Picking The Right Survival Kit For You
Understanding the theory of use behind these levels of preparedness, as well as their limits, is crucial to making it through a situation into which you may or may not have intentionally entered. In looking at the review kits I am assuming that we have run out of all other equipment, say a kayak tipping over in the river after hitting an underwater tree on a hunting trip. You, being a forward thinker, slipped one of these kits into the dry bag you stowed in your kayak before you fell in.
You’re wet, you’ve lost your gun, and you don’t have the rest of your gear. You’re in normal temperate conditions, but nightfall will be cold. To make matters worse, your kayak has cracked and has taken on water.
Colonial Pocket Size Survival Kit
The Colonial Pocket Size Survival Kit is the only one of the test entries that is waterproofed, and the baggy can be used to keep tinder dry. Country of origin: USA. MSRP: $130.
At first glance, the Colonial Pocket Size Survival Kit looks like a Boy Scout put it together in his dad’s garage. The items are simply tossed into a thick baggy and are mostly off-the-shelf. The kit, however, is extremely well thought out and is almost entirely usable. It is the only one of the test entries that is waterproofed, and the baggy can be used to keep your tinder dry.
It consists of a signaling whistle; compass; waterproof matches; a military general-purpose pocketknife (containing a blade, can opener, screwdriver and pick); a survival blanket; aluminum foil; small candles; firestarter brick; fishing tackle; floss; adhesive bandages; gauze; and alcohol swabs.
Of note is that this kit did not come with a striker rod or visual signaling device. While not a disadvantage, the kit relies on matches as a source of fire making. I typically will always have matches on me if outdoors, but I try to use them as a last resort. In the present scenario, you would immediately begin gathering branches and medium kindling like grass or leaves, knowing you have dry matches and can immediately get warm and dry.
Building a shelter with this kit isn’t really going to happen, but at least you can build a fire fast and try to catch fish in the river. You get your fire going, get your socks and boots drying, and you luckily caught a fish with your tackle.
Using a flat river rock and aluminum foil, you wrap it up and fry your catch. You survive the night warm and dry and set out back to the guide camp the following morning, stopping to fish by hand as you go, expecting to cook your catch in the early evening. You must be mindful of your health and dehydration on the walk because you have no ability to make water safe to drink, though, knowing you’re close, you figure you’ll just take some medicinal drugs when you get home.
Fox Knives BlackFox Survival Kit
All packed in a sealed metal can, the Fox Knives BlackFox Survival Kit contains a fire starter and striker, compass, whistle, a wire saw, razor blade, bandages, and so much more. Country of origin: Italy. MSRP: Approximately $55.
Start over at the point of your crash, this time with the Fox Knives BlackFox Survival Kit. It contains a fire starter and striker, candle, compass, whistle, tackle, a tiny Swiss Army-style knife; safety pins, a wire saw, razor blade, sewing kit, wire, match carrier (but no matches, none came with the kit), bandages, repair tape, cotton balls, and a notepad and pencil. It is all packed in a sealed metal can.
You take a different approach to your night in the woods. You know you must get dry first, and this kit has a rod and striker. You set about gathering kindling and starting a decent fire to get warm and dry. You set about fishing as well and make a good catch. You have to cook it on a stick over the fire but had no issue gutting it with the razor blade. You use your wire saw to cut saplings to make a shelter. You end the night warm and dry in your shelter, and with a full belly.
In the morning, you use the repair tape on your kayak and harvest sap from the trees you took down to smear it on the outside of the craft for waterproofing. You paddle back to your basecamp and then return to the spot with your friends to retrieve your gear from the river. Because you knew you could paddle back, you didn’t risk drinking river water, so your hunt continues.
Lansky P.R.E.P Kit
The Lansky P.R.E.P. (Preparedness, Resource, Equipment Pack) Kit stores a survival blanket, multi-tool, flashlight, fire striker, and LifeStraw water filter among many other tools in a compact black nylon bag. Countries of origin: USA and “various others.” MSRP: $129.99.
In this scenario, you have the Lansky P.R.E.P. (Preparedness, Resource, Equipment Pack) Kit and its survival blanket, first-aid kit, tackle, a small multi-tool, flashlight, paracord bracelet, survival guide, fire striker with compass, collapsible water bottle, LifeStraw water filter, Lansky UTR7 Responder knife, and Blademedic sharpener. All are packed in a black nylon bag.
Upon dragging your kayak back to land, you need to make a fire. Your kit is waterlogged but the items inside are not damaged. You need to gather wood and kindling, and it takes some effort, but you get a fire going using the bracelet to start the initial burn.
Once warming up, you catch some fish and gut them with the knife. You build a rudimentary shelter using the knife to cut down small branches, and rest until morning. You’re hydrated thanks to the LifeStraw and thus won’t need to see a doctor when you get home.
However, you failed to check in with your friends, so they come looking for you in this scenario. You hear distant noises and get out your flashlight and signal them. Your friends arrive after dark and take you back to camp. They brought a retrieval magnet and you get your rifle and equipment back that night. You clean the firearm and test it in the morning, ready to resume your hunt.
Tempering Your Expectations
None of the review kits are going to assuredly get you out of trouble. They can, however, offer you a stay on the inevitable and get you to a point where you can signal for help or make it to a safe location. Survival isn’t a guarantee and the scenario changes dramatically if you were injured in the accident. These kits can be the difference between life and death, make no mistake about that. Having one on hand is cheap insurance if things take a turn for the worse.
SOG marks four decades with a limited, 500-piece run honoring its original MACV-SOG combat bowie root.
To mark four decades in business, SOG Knives has released a limited-edition homage to the blade that started it all: the 40th Anniversary Fat Guard Bowie. Drawing direct design cues from the original S1 Bowie introduced in 1986, the new release pays tribute to the covert fighting knives carried by MACV-SOG personnel during the Vietnam War.
Historical Roots, Modern Production
The 40th Anniversary model centers around a 6.1-inch clip-point blade forged from AUS-8 stainless steel. SOG finished the steel with a black PVD coating for added corrosion resistance and reduced reflection.
True to the traditional combat bowie silhouette, the handle is built from stacked leather, offering a classic aesthetic alongside a contoured grip. A substantial brass guard and matching butt cap frame the handle assembly. Production is strictly capped at 500 individually serialized units, with each knife’s specific number etched directly into the pommel.
Commemorative Display Package
Rather than shipping as a standalone tool, SOG packaged the anniversary Bowie as a complete collector’s set. The knife sits inside a handcrafted pine display case outfitted with a clear glass viewing lid and an engraved anniversary plaque.
Accompanying the fixed blade inside the presentation box is a custom SOG 40th anniversary Zippo lighter and a signed certificate of authenticity. For field carry or storage, the set includes a heavy-duty black leather belt sheath, complete with a front-mounted snap pocket containing a touch-up sharpening stone.
The 40th Anniversary Fat Guard Bowie package is available directly through SOG’s website while supplies last.
The New Endela Wharncliffe K390 From Spyderco Is The Newest In The Endela Line And Uses A Distinctive Blade Design And State-Of-The-Art Tool Steel To Stand Out.
When Spyderco releases new knives they’re always fun and push the boundaries of what an EDC can be. In the case of the new Endela Wharncliffe K390, there’s so much new about it that it stands out even in comparison to other knives from the company.
It all starts with the K390 MICROCLEAN blade steel. This all-new particle metallurgy tool steel was designed with wear resistance and compressive strength in mind. The straight-edged blade takes the steel and turns it into an exceptional folder that’s tough enough to handle all sorts of intense industrial applications. At 3.42 inches long, the blade is beefy enough to attack big tasks while compact enough for more intricate work.
The blade is married to an FRN handle, and the back lock keeps the whole thing solid and firm in your hand when deployed. The ambidextrous pocket clip allows for easy carry on either side of your body, in your purse, or in a travel pack.
Once again, Spyderco has knocked it out of the park with their newest addition to the Endela line.
D2 Delivers In Edge Holding, Overall Performance, And Affordability. These Four D2 Knives Are Emblematic Of The Toughness Of The Material
Even if you haven’t used a knife of D2 tool steel, you’re no stranger to it if you have been into knives for any length of time. Many knife manufacturers use D2, as have numerous custom knifemakers.
Why is D2 so popular? Two reasons are it offers the best bang for the buck in terms of edge holding and overall performance. D2 is regarded as a step up from basic, low-grade stainless steel and is often found in entry-level to mid-grade production knives. One drawback: D2 is not a stainless steel so it will require a bit more care. Still, the performance advantages outweigh that drawback and you get a knife with enhanced edge-holding power that handles tough cutting chores.
D2 comes from the metalworking industry. There it is primarily used to make steel cutting dies, so that tells you all you need to know: It basically is a steel used to cut steel. Think about that for a minute. D2’s chemistry in percentages is 1.4 to 1.6 carbon, .7 to 1.2 molybdenum, 11 to 13 chromium, and 1.1 vanadium. It can be hardened past 60-61 HRC on the Rockwell scale without being brittle. BLADE Magazine Cutlery Hall-Of-Fame® members Jimmy Lile and Wayne Goddard used D2 a lot in their knives, as does Bob “Dr. D2” Dozier extensively in his outdoor models. Top production knife companies such as CRKT, Kershaw, SOG, A.G. Russell Knives, Ontario and KA-BAR are but a few that have multiple offerings using D2.
CRKT Fawkes
The CRKT Fawkes is an excellent choice for a stylish EDC folder, featuring flipper operation and IKBS pivot bearings for smooth opening and closing.
Maker Alan Folts designed the CRKT Fawkes to be a stylish, colorful EDC linerlock folder. The knife’s name is derived from the Harry Potter movie franchise, specifically the phoenix that appears in the series.
With a closed length of just 3.76 inches the Fawkes carries comfortably, and the blade deploys fast and easy thanks to the IKBS-ball-bearing pivot and assisted-opening spring. The two work in conjunction to provide swift, smooth deployment, and the assist helps detent the blade in the closed position.
The multi-layer orange G-10 handle generates visual excitement and a splash of color. The ergonomic design provides a comfy grip for cutting tasks. The 2.74-inch, clip-point blade is flat ground and sports a swedge as well as a milled-in fuller, which creates a bit of attitude. A flipper tab helps initiate blade deployment. The knife carries securely thanks to a deep carry, fold-over-style clip that holds the closed Fawkes blade tip up and as low as possible in a pocket.
The handle shape is striking. A pronounced finger groove near the pivot helps index your grip, while chamfering eliminates harsh edges and hot spots. The matching orange G-10 handle spacer sports a series of large notches that help seat the knife in your grip. Blade action is quick and authoritative. The linerlock engages the tang with zero movement. CRKT will make the Fawkes a regular production knife model this year, with the only change being a switch to 1.4116 stainless for blade steel.
Made in Taiwan, the MSRP for the Fawkes is $89.99.
Kershaw Endgame
The high flat grind of the Kershaw Endgame makes it a great choice for a working utility knife.
Kershaw‘s Endgame flipper folder features a highly usable modified drop-point blade, along with an ergonomic handle featuring modern design elements, all translating into a classy EDC that opens easily via the flipper tab.
The 3.25-inch flat-ground blade incorporates a distinctive humpbacked swedge for an aggressive look. A notched rest on the spine allows comfortable thumb placement for greater blade control. A stonewashed finish seals the tiny pores of the steel’s surface to fight corrosion as well as give the blade an industrial look. It also hides scratches from use pretty well and reduces glare.
A stainless steel framelock ensures solid lockup. The large finger recess at the pivot end helps index your grip. The handle curves aid in secure purchase every time.
The handle’s aesthetics are interesting. There’s bronze PVD (physical-vapor-deposition)-coated steel accents, textured FRN (fiberglass-reinforced-nylon) scales and a window cutout. The multi-layered visual adds more subtle color to the otherwise gray blade and handle. I do not care for it—it seems too busy. I don’t mind one type of overlay or even some machined-in grooves on the handle surface—both achieve function along with a sensible appearance. A deep carry pocket clip positions the closed Endgame nice and low in the pocket away from probing eyes.
While ergonomic and comfortable, the handle is a bit lacking in the midsection. For extended use, I would not recommend this knife. My hand grips the handle tighter to make up for the lack of bulk in the midsection. The answer is to redesign the handle and give it more mass. However, for tasks requiring choking up on the blade and handle for extra control, such as wire stripping, the Endgame is ideal. I felt in full control of the blade and was able to make precise cuts easily. If you do a lot of detail cutting, this might be the knife for you, or even if you need a folder for mundane slicing tasks. It’s got a great blade shape that is stylish.
Made in China, the Endgame has an MSRP of $107.99.
Medford Knife & Tool 187DP
At 5 5/8 inches closed, the biggest knife of the test bunch is the Medford Knife & Tool 187DP. Its hollow-ground drop-point blade makes short work of most any cutting task. The half-titanium/half-G-10 handle is equipped with a framelock.
Medford Knife & Tool specializes in manufacturing hard-use knives in the USA. These are not safe queens—they are engineered to hold up in real-world survival situations. The 187DP heavy-duty framelock folder is a representative example. The hollow-ground blade is 3.75 inches and comes in a utilitarian drop-point pattern. Closed length: 55/8 inches. An oblong hole facilitates easy one-hand opening. Dual thumb studs function as the blade stop in the fully open and closed positions.
The blade is 3/16-inch thick. Make no mistake, the 187DP is quite a chunk! The grip is ⅝-inch thick, and you will know when it’s in your pocket. A milled titanium clip carries the closed knife blade tip up but is not reversible. Any company using milled clips gets bonus points in my book. Regular stamped steel clips do a very good job at holding your knife at the top of the pocket for easy access, but, in my opinion, are not much on style points. Milled clips look more stylish and also hold the knife securely to the pocket lip.
If you are a rough user and use your knives outdoors or just plain beat them up, the 187DP is for you. Its rock solid build and bulk stand up to the heaviest use. I like the way the handle tapers toward the butt end, enabling you to get a secure hold. A series of traction notches machined close to the butt further assist in obtaining a solid no-slip handhold. It feels fixed in your hand and instills confidence in controlling the large blade. The steady grip allows you to bear down on the blade to power it through cuts.
Many who favor tactical folders will tell you a framelock is best for hard use. The 187DP’s framelock engages quite securely and disengages with a firm push. A milled-out section on the lockbar accommodates a thumb to disengage the lock—nice touch by the Medford crew. The blade cuts aggressively and dispatches most any material and food with aplomb.
Out of the box I really liked the factory edge. The ultra-strong lockup makes the knife feel like a fixed blade. Consequently, user confidence is high and you don’t have any reservations about putting it through the toughest jobs. While a large tactical folder, it can easily be tamed for precise cutting by making use of the choil to choke up on the blade and handle.
There’s also about an inch-and-a-half-long run of traction notches on the spine just above the blade hole. Your thumb rests comfortably there and you can execute controlled cuts easily—a very nice touch and positive attribute.
The only complaint I have about the 187DP is the size and, therefore, the weight, both of which exceed the limit for what I consider an EDC folder. You can feel its bulk and presence in the pocket, especially when you bend over.
MSRP: $475.
SOG Stout FLK
The SOG Stout FLK is definitely stout! Don’t let this compact folder fool you—it’s built for heavy work. It can get down to precise work as well, such as stripping wire.
The SOG Stout FLK is configured in collaboration with Danish maker Mikkel Willumsen. In appearance, the framelock folder lives up to its name and has a 2.62-inch drop-point blade. Closed length: 3.38 inches.
If you’re looking for an inexpensive work knife, the Stout FLK is it. It’s big enough to handle most cutting chores but not too big to be in the way or too cumbersome to carry. With its flat grind and short swedge, the blade shape is utility friendly. An oblong hole permits you to thumb the blade open as you would any one-hand folder, or you can use the flipper tab instead.
A pronounced choil enables choking up on the blade for more exact control and works with the large finger recess in the handle as well. Spyderco does this sort of thing, too. It’s a way to make smaller knives feel large in the hand and provide more blade control.
The handle is in the familiar half-and-half framelock construction, using textured G-10 on the presentation side. This saves weight as opposed to having an all-metal handle and also adds traction for sure handling. A matching steel spacer provides balance as well as structural rigidity.
The deep-carry pocket clip is ambidextrous and holds the Stout FLK low in the pocket while keeping it easily accessible. The clip is attached to the butt end and comes over the side. SOG calls it a bayonet-style clip, a style used quite a bit in the company’s line.
Made in China, the MSRP for the Stout FLK is $54.95. Finally, SOG will release the knife as a slip joint this year.
