What To Know To Get The Best Dive Knife

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January 12, 2023

A vital safety tool for underwater adventure, a solid dive knife is a must-have for your dive kit. Here’s what you need to know to get the best one.

Dive knives are specialized edged tool that is made for people who spend time in the water. This seems like a wide definition, but water sports are a huge series of pastimes as well as a profession for millions of people across the world.

Diving, be it scuba or free diving, is inherently dangerous and rife with hazards, including the gear you may have on your person. The dive knife varies in profile and material, but in the end, it is a tool that can be relied on to remove yourself or another from a tangle of floating netting, a strap caught on an underwater branch, or to evacuate a struggling diver from their tank.

The dive knife is more than a rescue tool, though. In the alien environment that exists underwater it is a lifeline to the surface and a last resort in the worst situations.

Dive Knife Construction

In the course of use, most real-world knives are going to get wet, however, but are not meant to stay wet for extended periods. Getting caught in a rainstorm or left outside by the fire are things that happen, but being submerged in saltwater for weeks on end would destroy most knives as well as erode and damage handles and sheaths. Leather is not found on serious dive knives, nor is wood or carbon steel. These materials are simply eaten away by salt water and are also easily damaged in fresh water.

A safety tool, a dive knife is a worthy addition to many adventurer's underwater kit.

Dive knives are typically constructed using corrosion-resistant materials and have handles molded directly to them. The idea is to reduce the number of areas where water can enter, making the knives last longer. Very few materials are absolutely corrosion-proof, but they can be made resistant to the point where they won’t degrade for years or decades, sometimes even the lifetime of the owner.

Dive knives are also less rugged for on-land work. Most of the blades of dive knives are thin, sitting in the .12- to .16-inch range, making them unsuitable for heavy use on wood or for camp work. In the water, you’re likely not going to baton logs, so the thickness of the stock is unimportant except for its ability to cut through materials.

Nylon and plastic are the main prey of dive knives, it is the main material for everything from rope to fishing nets and is the basis of most straps on a diver’s gear. It is not that there is only one used in this sense, rather it is that the vast majority of materials a dive knife needs to cut are man-made and are of a relatively normative quality.

Dive Knife Features

When looking at the must-have features on dive knives, one finds that there is no specific answer.

As noted above, the general concept of a dive knife is to cut through maritime-related cordage. The secondary functions are almost irrelevant to this, self-defense isn’t even a tertiary topic considering that shark attacks are exceedingly rare. Natural obstacles like kelp can hang a diver up, and this is perhaps the only naturally occurring material dive knives are commonly used on.

A Sharp edge is the knife’s the main feature and is simply a must—no questions asked. Serration is very ideal on a whole edge and is truly better for cutting rope or nets over a plain edge. A plain edge is great as well, but for cuts that don’t necessitate a sawing motion. Glass breakers in the pommel, paracord wraps, and other features aren’t necessary and may even get in the way. Simplicity is paramount in a dive knife, you should never have to guess where your edges are when working in poor lighting conditions with limited oxygen.

Dive Knife Designs

Popular profiles vary, usually by tip profile. Some divers prefer a Bowie style with a sharp, aggressive tip. This is nice for fine work, especially on primary knives that may be used for harvesting oysters and other such tasks.

A flat tip can prove a safety feature for some on dive knives.

The other main category is blunted or flat-tip knives. These have a tip similar to pry knives in that they have an abbreviated, square-edged tip. They can also be used for various purposes, but their main advantage is that they can be slipped under straps on a diver’s body safely without risking stabbing or lacerating them. Injuries can still occur, but the serious risk is reduced.

Best Dive Knife Size

There is a general limit to the effectiveness of a knife used underwater. Thrusts and slashes are slowed down by the resistance of the water itself, and you tire much easier than on land. As a result, there is certainly too big of a knife, with the lower limit being around 3 inches, or just enough to get under most straps and tie-downs.

The handle should not be too small, however. Many of these designs have a dagger-like overall profile, though, a good scuba or dive knife should not have a dagger handle. You need to know where the edge is by indexing the handle. As a result, a beefy handle and 3- to 5-inch blade are what you want to look for a dive knife.

Steel Vs Titanium Dive Knives

Titanium is hands-down the better material for use on dive knives from a corrosion perspective. Titanium, however, doesn’t hold an edge as well as steel, but when sharp it cuts maritime materials just as well. Sharpness is a main benefit of steel, though even the best steel can experience corrosion over extended saltwater exposure.

Steel or titanium (such as the one pictured), is an eternal debate over dive knife blade material.

Some divers swear by steel, others by titanium, and this seems to be an ongoing debate. Steel coatings are better and better these days, and some steel knives are available with a titanium coating. Again, the benefits are largely subjective, most users won’t notice a difference with regular maintenance. Like all hobbies, the vast majority of conjecture takes place in the 1-percent of professional or constant participants.

Best Dive Knives At All Price Points

Benchmade H20 Fixed Dive Knife

Benchmade is well known for some incredible and durable products. The H2O fixed dive knife is an example of this.

Designed for military use, the knife carries a national stocking number (NSN) and is exceptionally well laid out for its purpose. Interestingly, this knife has features that are not necessarily in line with what many of the experts say are best.

For starters, it has a relatively simple grip that lacks the excessive texturing found on many other dive knives. The blade is also made of steel, which stands in the face of those that say titanium is a must-have for saltwater exposure. This is not to say that it is the end-all, be-all knife for use in the water.

While the military has picked some good products in the past, it can’t be said that they are correct every time. This knife is a great starting point at a medium price, you get a blunted tip, strap cutter and serration, as well as a generous lanyard loop. The sheath, while relatively basic, can be adapted to many types of carry depending on what you’re doing in the water.

MSRP: $170

Hogue Knives EX-FO2 Dive Knife

As a general purpose outdoor knife, Hogue has a winner in the EX-FO2. This knife is right in the “perfect size” range for a dive knife, however, it has some features that make it both spot-on and a bit questionable at the same time.

Looking at the positive angle first, this knife is very well laid out and has a nicely shaped handle that has positive reviews for water use. The sheath setup is also excellent, it comes ready for attachment to your arm or leg with a padded backer. This is a knife that has multiple end uses. It is sort of a hybrid of a fishing knife and bushcrafter in that it has a stout blade that can be great for filleting but strong enough for general use.

This knife is available as listed with only a tanto point or clip point. For general use this is fine, however, it can be a liability diving. A completely sharp tip is a negative to some, the risk of puncture or personal injury is potentially much higher as opposed to a blunted point.

MSRP: $159

Fox Knives Tenko Military II Dive Knife

Fox Knives is an Italian company that makes high-quality products at reasonable prices. The author has used Fox products for quite some time, and all of them have held up very well.

Their dive knife is feature-rich, almost to a fault. The knife is double-edged, one serrated and the other clean. The rear part of the spine has a cord hook directly behind the separation. Unlike the others on this list, the Fox knife has a full cross guard that allows you to choke up on the blade for high-impact puncturing or slashing. This knife has a very fine tip, and while it is military-themed, this tip is a bit too aggressive for rescue work or freeing even yourself from a tangle. A bonus of this knife is that it has a full rubber handle as opposed to textured plastic.

MSRP: $117

Spyderco Salt Fish Hunter

Unlike the rest of the names on this list, the Fish Hunter is exactly that, a hunting knife. While many of these knives can be used for fishing in general, Spyderco’s product here is expressly made with the intent to be used as a companion for spearfishing and adventurous free divers. This is a specially designed product, and shouldn’t be confused with other dive knives or dedicated scuba knives.

The blade is hollow ground and comes to a very aggressive tip. Serration starts just after the tip and continues to the handle. Many fish are surprisingly thick-skinned and are quite difficult to kill, this knife makes it relatively effortless and the serration allows for quick cuts through even the thickest scales.

While this knife of course can be used to aid in an emergency, it would likely be best to bring a dedicated, blunted rescue tool as well. Spyderco designed their Salt line to fit this bill, and you can find products that are geared towards rescue and escape as well in their lineup.

MSRP: $196

Extrema Ratio Ultramarine

By far the most expensive dive knife on this list, and perhaps the production market, the Italian-made Extrema Ratio Ultramarine is a purpose-built, do-all dive knife. Curiously, for being so costly, it is not made of titanium or another material less subject to corrosion.

Much like the Benchmade H2O, it is a steel knife. The Ultramarine is double-edged, one clean, and one serrated, and it includes a strap cutter and wrapped handle for a very sure grip underwater. The covering is removable. The knife comes with a functional sheath and case.

You may ask yourself just what you get in terms of the extra hundreds of dollars and, well, that is something only you can know. The possibility of losing such an investment in the deep is not something many people want to stomach considering that many dedicated dive knives are less than $100. This is one serious knife for perhaps the most serious users.

MSRP: $792

Aqua Lung Argonaut Blunt-Tip Titanium

Aqua Lung has a real winner here with the Argonaut. This knife is available as a blunt tip, as well as what they call a Spartan tip, which has a leaf-shaped, pointed profile. For our purposes, here, the blunt-tip version is the knife that we are going to be looking at.

As a scuba knife, it is perfectly suited for the task. The squared, blunt tip profile allows it to easily get underneath any strap, and, depending on what you need to cut, it has a sharp plain edge and a serrated edge. The knife is made of titanium, which is a choice for many people that spend time in the water. This material is far less vulnerable to corrosion and is also quite light. It is relatively thin for its end use at .15 inch, so prying is not on the menu.

This knife comes with a dedicated leg or arm sheath and is moderately affordable at around $200 retail. The handle is simply wrapped in cord, which somebody finds to be a detriment over a high texture Nylon handle.

MSRP: $195

Promate Snorkel SCUBA Knife Titanium

The Snorkel is an affordable, multi-function, titanium knife that is very well thought out. It has a plain main edge and a serrated spine with a cord cutter. While it is substantially less expensive than the others on this list, it boasts very high reviews across the board and is by all accounts the standard, by which all scuba knives are judged. If it does not perform as well as this affordable model, it probably is not going to perform at all.

The Snorkel is available as a blunt tip, as well as a very aggressive Bowie profile. Depending on what you’re going to do with it, the former is more functional for general use, while the latter is going to give you an advantage if you are spearfishing or free diving. Because they are half the price or less than almost everything on this list, you can get one of each and still have cash in hand. These knives are available in different colors to suit your interest and come with a functional sheath setup for use in the water.

MSRP: $75

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Tim Britton’s Badger: Old Keen Kutter Pattern Reborn

BLADE Staff

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January 11, 2023

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Tim Britton’s Badger: Old Keen Kutter Pattern Reborn

A sensational slip joint, Tim Britton’s Badger revives the Keen Kutter pattern with a ton of flare.

When ABS master smith Bruce Bump showed an old Keen Kutter penknife pattern to veteran knifemaker Tim Britton, Tim fell in love with it and immediately set to making his own iteration.

The blades are BG-42 stainless steel that, as Tim noted, has high ductility and holds an edge forever. He flat ground them on his “ancient” 18-inch, 200-pound Porter Cable disc sander. However, it’s the handle that really stands out. Consisting of stabilized diseased ash burl from Whistle in the Woods, the material looks synthetic but isn’t.

Tim Britton , 80, has been making knives since 1971 and has focused a lot in recent years on slip joints, with the Badger being the latest. He’s got about six antique pocketknife designs on his to-do list for this year, including a peanut and a copperhead. (knife image courtesy of Tim Britton)

“The light stuff in it looks like explosions,” Tim said. “I’ve never seen anything like it.” The projection on the spine fits right in between the user’s index and middle fingers and the groove on the underside cradles the latter for a comfortable, secure grip.

Calling it the Badger, Tim said he made 10 of them and had four or five at BLADE Show 2022.

Badger Spec Check
Knife Name: Badger
Maker: Tim Britton
Blade Steel: BG-42 stainless
Blade Grinds: Flat
Handle Material: Stabilized diseased ash burl from Whistle in the Woods
Closed Length: 3.5 inches
Maker’s Price For A Similar Knife: $375

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Manzano: Appealing Look And Performance

Msg Kim Breed (ret.)

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January 10, 2023

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Visually Appealing Thanks To A Distinctive Rasp Pattern On The Blade And Attractive Handle, The Manzano Proves A Sharp Operator.

Old-school knives often have a classic look, and it’s even better when you can tell what the original material or tool was before it was transformed into a blade. When using recycled steel, more time is involved to prep the material for its new life. Can it be hardened, will it forge, will the steel take a polish?

Paul Gonzales did his homework in producing the Manzano Farrier Rasp Blade. There’s no doubt as to what the blade was before it became a knife.

Manzano Farrier Rasp Blade Edge Assessment

To assess the original edge, I sliced 20-pound-bond copy paper. The Manzano performed smoothly, making a zipping noise as it went through the paper. The knife’s weight made the push cuts easy to control.

As a final test, the author checked the edge once again on the copy paper. The Manzano didn’t skip a beat, slicing smoothly.

Heavy Cutting With The Manzano Farrier Rasp Blade

Next up, single-walled cardboard. At the start of the slice, the cardboard parted smoothly. The sliced strips crinkled from the grind bevels as the cut went deeper, maybe due a little bit to the rasp pattern in the steel. The Manzano’s sharp edge cut smoothly.

I used some dense foam left over from my Kydex press for the next test medium. I had great control over the slices using push cuts. The edge easily passed through the foam.

The author used the dead-blow hammer to baton the Manzano through a chunk of 2x10. The knife split the wood in two smacks with no excess shock transferred to the author’s hand, and then produced some nice kindling, too. — The author used the dead-blow hammer to baton the Manzano through a chunk of 2×10. The knife split the wood in two smacks with no excess shock transferred to the author’s hand, and then produced some nice kindling, too.

From there, on to 8-ounce leather. The Manzano was very aggressive skiving the material, producing nice crunching noises on each cut. The mirror-polished blade slid through the leather with ease. Paul did a nice job abrading the steel by the choil so there were no sharp edges where there shouldn’t be.

Firesticks were next. It was very simple to make smooth, fine curly-cues, as well as larger coarse ones. The handle is contoured perfectly for my hand for deeper cuts. The edge performed great while whittling wood.

The author checked the edge for toughness with the antler chop. Twenty hard whacks later and the edge and, therefore, the blade’s heat treatment, passed with flying colors.

For splitting larger wood I used a chunk of 2×10 and the dead-blow hammer. The Manzano parted the wood in two smacks with no excess shock transferred to my hand. The knife was very comfortable to use in this manner.

It was time for my favorite test material, sisal rope. Positioning half-inch sisal on my cutting board, I started with push cuts. The Manzano crunched its way to 200 cuts with no signs of stopping. That was plenty for my hand. There were no hot spots with the handle and the thumb notches were grippy but not sharp. This is a very comfortable knife to use—or did I already say that?

The Manzano crunched its way to 200 cuts in the half-inch rope with no signs of stopping. There were zero hot spots with the handle and the thumb notches were grippy but not sharp.

Time to stress the edge and check its toughness with the antler chop. I gave the medium 20 hard whacks, flinging chips all over my work bench. The results? The antler was chopped up and there was no damage to the edge. Kudos on the heat treatment.

Manzano Farrier Rasp Blade Edge Retention

Finally, it was time to return to the 20-pound bond paper. The Manzano didn’t skip a beat, slicing smoothly. I caught the paper with the choil/sharpening notch a few times, tearing it a bit. That was on me.

I Would

Bring the grind up closer to the spine for smoother slicing.

Final Cut

The Manzano is a great performer—classic looking all around and a very comfortable daily user. It’s made to cut.

Paul Gonzales warrants his knives against defects in materials and workmanship as long as the knives have not been abused. For more information contact Gonzales Blades 505-480-7982.

Manzano / Paul Gonzales
Blade Length: 3.25 inches
Blade Material: Farrier’s rasp
Blade Temper: Differential
Handle: Kirinite synthetic
Handle Liners: White G-10
Handle Pins: Nickel silver
Weight: 6 ounces
Overall Length: 7.5 inches
Sheath: Belt pouch design in 8-ounces leather
Weight of Sheathed Knife: 8.5 ounces
Maker’s Price: $200

Read More About Pocketknives

Finding The Best Penknife For Practical Modern Use

Josh Wayner

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January 9, 2023

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Finding The Best Penknife For Practical Modern Use

While no longer required to keep lines of communication open, the utilitarian penknife continues to prove its EDC cred.

The penknife is a tool that has grown to fit our needs for centuries. It used to be an item that was in the pocket or purse of just about every individual alive, but today is easily confused with multi-tools and ‘Swiss Army’ knives.

The penknife is the ancient great-granddaddy of EDC knives, it was not just an EDC knife like we understand today in our assist-open or fixed blade defines knives, rather it was an edged tool that accomplished all daily chore-cutting, from maintaining writing utensils to working on small game.

History Of The Penknife

The original penknives were created to help maintain quill pens, the kind you see in movies made from feathers. These were called dip-pens, as they were dipped into ink to write with. The tips of these pens were shaped with penknives. As the quill lost its integrity from use, the tip was reshaped until it was depleted.

Though fairly modern, the Buck 375 Deuce closely resembles what most think of when it comes to a penknife. On one end a small pen blade (in this case a coping blade) and the other a clip point.

The penknife was small, usually only a few inches long with a fixed blade. They remained in their original form for much of history until the 1700s saw some variation as pencils began to appear on the scene, though in limited numbers. Interestingly, the knives excelled as the maintenance tool of the newer writing implement. Through World War 2 the penknife was considered the most functional and least wasteful means to sharpen a pencil. The British famously banned the use of mechanical pencil sharpeners in the war due to how quickly they consumed graphite and wood.

The last major leap forward in design changes came in the mid-1800s when penknives commonly become folders, where they remain today as a standard design element. These knives rarely had any kind of locking mechanism, and even today many are simply opened with a nail nick and held open with a slipjoint design. The pen blades were later combined with larger blades, usually, clip-points and the utility was expanded beyond simple maintenance functions.

Traditional Penknife Design Points

The penknife in its double-blade form became standardized into one of two categories, those being knives with blades mounted at each end of the grip and those with two blades mounted on one end. The latter is referred to commonly as a ‘trapper’ style, itself a design that has a following even today.

The penknife reached something of a crossroads in the modern era. Knives have always been used for regular tasks, however, as pocket knives changed they diverged from multi-tools. Penknives can fall into either category depending on who you ask, some consider any small, sub-3-inch folder to be a penknife, while others would happily call a Leatherman tool a glorified penknife.

The tool aspect is something that blurs the line today, the original utility was as a tool, but in adding more tools to create more function, it moves into a new category…or does it? As we are about to discuss, the penknife isn’t one particular thing. It is what we need it to be.

Practicality Of The Modern Penknife

Victorinox and its classic SD model set up the penknife as a multi-function tool as opposed to a task-oriented specialty item. Some would argue that a true penknife is simply that, a penknife and any added function beyond maintaining quills or pencils move it from this category. That is not something that has legs to stand on in the author’s opinion, as the entire original premise of the penknife has been thoroughly antiquated as quill pens fell out of use.

The Victorinox Classic SD is likely what comes to mind when talking modern penknives. Though, does the extra utility of the knife cross the line from pen to pocketknife?

The pen blade was functional for general use, but then again so was the larger blade. So what to keep? Many of these multi-function knives still carry two blades of different styles and lengths, however, nobody but perhaps a few dozen individuals worldwide are using modern penknives to maintain quill pens. The inclusion of pen blades on these knives is, as of 2023, purely ceremonial or simply a callback to what many see as a necessary feature. Adding things like scissors or a file was the first step in making these small knives functional for regular life, which was of course their original intent, but life changed beyond their utility.

As materials have evolved, so have the strength and utility of these small blades. Despite this, penknives are not for heavy lifting. It is beyond its role to pry, baton, or otherwise abuse these small knives, but it should be your expectation it hold up to regular use in a light-duty setting.

The penknife today should be thought of as a companion tool and that very much depends on what you do with your life. If you don’t want scissors in yours, they make a variety without. If you need a bottle opener, you’re covered. Hell, if you need a can opener, Boker makes a great replica Japanese version that includes one.

The penknife is the knife for your life, and even if you aren’t trimming feathers, you will certainly benefit from one of these clever little knives.

Traditional Style Penknife Options To Write Home About

Case & Sons Small Pen w/Stag Grip

Case has been making pen knives since time started. Well, probably not that long, but they have been the leader in the category for decades. Just about every hardware store across the country has a Case display hosting the company’s various small pocket knives, among them their famous penknives.

The knives are available in a variety of styles, however, the standout example of a penknife is their Small Pen with stag scales. The knife features two blades, one at each end, and it is just about as classic as you can imagine. It has one pen blade and the other a functionally designed clip point. Despite being a rather benign presentation compared to today’s advanced materials, you’ll never want for function with this old-school setup. For all light tasks you are covered, and to make it better, chances are your granddad carried this exact knife… or at least one very close to it.

MSRP: $106

Benchmade 317-1 Weekender

Benchmade manufactures a dizzying number of knives, however, each is very well thought out and of extremely high quality. While not exactly a penknife in the strictest sense, this modern twist has a bit of added function and pizzazz. The Weekender is designed as the perfect weekend companion and has features that make it great for light tasks. It is great for work on small fish or small game and is also equipped with a bottle opener, because let’s face it, you’re probably going to be killing beers more often than you’re going to be killing game.

The knife is finished in green micarta and bears flashy copper-colored accents. It has just the right amount of flair to match the rest of your daily gear but isn’t made of easily damaged materials. Think of this little guy as the ultimate modern penknife. It is the most expensive option listed here, but it is arguably the strongest and sharpest of the bunch. For what it’s worth, these are advantages of a small knife where cutting ability is limited and strength is lacking.

MSRP: $275

Schrade Old Timer

In the world of penknives, there is little room for variation except in price. These small knives are not designed for the strength of heavy work, and in some cases, they are made to a standard that more closely resembles their class in terms of cost.

The Shrade knife here retails at under $20, making it a fraction of the price of some on this list. It has a clip-point blade as well as a pen blade and a pair of small scissors. For the duty of a penknife, you don’t need to spend more and this will last you years if used accordingly. Light duty is something that needs to be stressed here, but at this low cost, you won’t be out much if you do break it. Shrade priced this right to be bought and used, and it makes a great gift or stocking stuffer for that hard-to-buy-for person in your life.

MSRP: $19

Hen & Rooster Stag Penknife

Hen & Rooster knives are great, medium-cost alternatives to Case or other penknife brands. The company is not as well known as the others on this list, but they make a great product that rivals all in quality and appearance.

Its stag-griped penknife is extremely simple and priced right for someone looking to have a nice knife with real materials as opposed to lookalikes or plastic stand-ins for antler. The knife features both clip point and pen blades and is exactly how you figure a penknife should look. Stag isn’t the only material offered for grips, and the company has a tremendous number of models and variants available.

MSRP: $45

Boker Historical Japanese Army Penknife

There is a long history of small utility knives integrated with other tools to make them just a bit more functional. This offering by Boker is a replica of a Japanese army penknife that has an integrated bottle and can opener. This penknife served to open rations and prepare food in the field and it is good for just about anything minor.

It is an exceedingly slim knife in all proportions, the single blade being just 2 inches. The blade folds into the steel frame, itself just slightly wider than the blade itself. History buffs may not be aware of this little tool, but they sure will love it when they open it. Boker has a winner here, and to boot, they also have a Japanese multitool and other historical knives should you want to start collecting modern replicas you can use in your daily life.

MSRP: $30

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Best Carabiner Knife: Options That Hang Tough

Pat Covert

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January 4, 2023

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Best Carabiner Knife: Options That Hang Tough

The Carabiners Knife Offers A Cool, Handy Way To Carry Your Everyday Knife.

The carabiner is most often associated with mountain climbing and rooted on the German word karabiner-haken, which roughly translates in English as “spring hook.” Spyderco brought the concept of adding a carabiner to a knife to prominence with its first Snap-It folder, the BLADE Magazine 1993 Overall Knife of the Year®.

In the years since, the carabiner knife concept has popped its head out of the foxhole from time-to-time, with Spyderco adding models to its line and other manufacturers following suit.

Simply stated, adding a carabiner to a knife offers an alternative way of carry. It’s a great way for a climber, camper or hiker to keep a knife handy, but what about the average everyday user? Is there a place for a carabiner cutter in your endeavors?

CRKT Compano Sheepsfoot

The Compano Sheepsfoot has a wicked-sharp blade that whipped through suede and paracord like butter. CRKT also offers the Compano in a drop-point version should you prefer a deeper-bellied blade.

The CRKT Compano Sheepsfoot is a sibling to the standard Compano drop-point model. Designed by Mike Bond of Honolulu, Hawaii, the Compano companions are designed as keychain knives with an edge. The folder’s cylindrical pivot is 1 inch in diameter—3/4 inch inside—with synthetic blue gear-like caps mounted to a stonewashed stainless-steel frame. The folder’s wicked little 1.44-inch blade opens by way of an oblong cutout and, interestingly, has a half-stop along the way. The handle has a generous-sized carabiner with a spring-loaded gate for capturing your key ring.

The svelte Compano Sheepsfoot can be clipped to a belt loop with no problem. The whole assemblage—Compano and keys, all on a keyring—can be carried loose in the pocket, too. I like the Compano not as a keychain knife but as a back-up, hideaway piece that can be clipped not just to a belt loop or toted loose in the pocket, but corded and worn as a neck knife as well.

Tests with the sheepsfoot blade were conclusive—the little rascal can cut! I laid out a flat of 4-inch suede and the blade sliced through it effortlessly. It liked paracord as well. In a self-defense situation with your index finger in the knife’s large pivot hole, the knife would be very difficult for a foe to dislodge. Regardless of how you plan to use this little mighty mite, I believe it would be money well spent.

CRKT COMPANO SHEEPSFOOT
Blade length: 1.44 inches
Blade steel: CPM S30V stainless
Blade pattern: Sheepsfoot
Handle material: Stonewashed stainless steel
Lock: Non-locking slip joint
Carry: Carabiner or in pocket
Special features: Large finger-hole pivot
Weight: 2.2 ounces
Closed length: 3.25 inches
Country of origin: China
MSRP: $44

Kershaw Reverb XL

Kershaw makes no bones about the Reverb XL—it is made for the great outdoors. The slim 1-inch carabiner on the spine of the handle butt attaches to gear or a belt loop. A 1.5-inch pocket clip on the back handle slab can be used alternately. The Reverb XL has a sweeping trailing point or Persian-style blade with a gray finish. The blade thumbs open via a groove that follows the spine on both sides—no thumb studs or a flipper tab make it snag proof. The front slab is an attractive composite of black carbon fiber and blue G-10; the back slab is gray stainless with an interesting framelock cut completely inside the slab itself. The lock is accessed from the front slab via a cutout that exposes the lock spring.

The XL’s lock spring takes a little getting used to, but, once you get it, you get it. The knife’s extremely lightweight and won’t be a burden on any hiker, camper or climber. This is not a workhorse knife per se, rather an assistant for things like light meal prep and cutting rope or paracord. I tested it cutting sausage, paracord and 3/8-inch rappelling rope, all on a flat wood surface. The thin blade slices very well. Tough projects will leave you wanting more blade, but that’s not this knife’s design purpose. Keep it in its lane and it will serve you well.

KERSHAW REVERB XL
Blade steel: 8Cr13MoV stainless
Blade length: 3 inches
Blade pattern: Trailing point
Handle material: Carbon fiber, G-10, stainless steel
Lock: Framelock
Carry: Carabiner or blade-tip-up pocket clip
Special features: Framelock, groove blade opener
Weight: 2.31 ounces
Closed length: 4.25 inches
Country of origin: China
MSRP: $53.95

DPx HEAT Hiker Stonewashed

The author found the DPx Gear HEAT Hiker brutish in both looks and action, whipping through this 3/8-inch rappelling rope with nice, clean cuts from the CPM S30V stainless steel blade. The HEAT Hiker has by far the largest, most accommodating carabiner of the review knives.

The DPx HEAT Hiker Stonewashed is an upscale version of the original DPx versions released in 2014. With White River Knife & Tool handling the manufacturing chores, DPx Gear ordered these up with premium CPM S30V stainless steel blades in a stonewashed finish. Other than that, all the knife’s popular trademark features—skeletonized carabiner handle, cap lifter on the lower blade spine and nifty Kydex breakaway neck sheath—are preserved for HEAT Hiker fans to enjoy. The Hiker blade is built on 0.16-inch-thick steel so you can bet it’s plenty stout, while still lightweight enough to make it a breeze to carry.

The curves on the integral handle fit the hand well, and cutting through 3/8-inch rappelling rope was as easy as eating puffed wheat for breakfast. The knife’s short blade will shave wood for fire starter and is limited only by its length. An area the Hiker truly excels in is its carry options. The gaping carabiner allows it to easily hook onto belt loops or gear, and its thin cross-section allows it to lay flat against the chest when worn as a neck knife. Can you say EDC? Designed by adventurist/journalist Robert Young Pelton, aka RYP, you can tell the HEAT Hiker had a lot of thought and experience behind its development.

DPx HEAT HIKER
Blade steel: CPM S30V stainless
Blade length: 2.5 inches
Blade type: Drop point
Handle material: Skeletonized steel
Carry: Carabiner or Kydex neck sheath
Special features: Bottle opener/breakaway sheath
Weight: 2.15 ounces
Overall length: 6.25 inches
Country of origin: USA
MSRP: $125

Fox Knives Ferox

The Fox Knives Ferox carabiner knife brings a couple of extra tools to the table, namely a set of Phillips and flat-head bit drivers along with a 2-inch extension. Designer Tommaso Rumici saw a need to add the two components because knife users often get caught flat-footed by not having screwdrivers on hand and end up using the tips of their knife blades—which is not only hazardous to the knife but can cause harm to the user as well.

The Ferox is a black-coated, mid-sized integral straight knife with a blade available in either a plain or partially serrated edge. The handle butt houses a round finger-sized carabiner 1 inch in inside diameter with a .5-inch spring gate. The scales are black G-10, grooved in the middle to house the Phillips and flat-head bits on either side. There are eight O-rings on the handle that serve to trap the bits until ready to use, and also to add purchase. The Ferox includes a black Kydex sheath with a Tek-Lok belt attachment.

There’s a lot to unpack here. The Ferox and its sheath weigh 9 ounces, which, in my opinion, is a little too much for hanging off a belt loop, though ideal for gear with a decent size strap or metal ring. The knife is very well made, and the blade sliced through 3/8-inch rappelling rope and took off firewood shavings from a wood block effortlessly. This is a heavy-duty knife for its size and the blade steel is praiseworthy.

The bit driver is an interesting addition. The drive extension must be kept track of separately as there is no place for it to attach to the sheath. While I think the bit driver is a handy addition—and it does work—I like the knife more for its other characteristics: it’s built like a tank, has excellent steel and cuts like a house afire. I’d opt for the plain-edge version to get even more slice out of the superb blade.

FOX KNIVES FEROX
Designer: Tommaso Rumici
Blade steel: Bohler N690 stainless
Blade pattern: Drop point
Blade length: 3.54 inches
Handle material: Black G-10
Carry: Carabiner or sheath
Special features: Integral design, flat-head and Phillips driver bits
Weight: 5.29 ounces
Overall length: 7.27 inches
Country of origin: Italy
MSRP: $299

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Time Is Running Out To Get Your CANCON Tickets!

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Elwood Shelton

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October 9, 2022

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Time Is Running Out To Get Your CANCON Tickets!

SUPPRESSORS, NIGHT SHOOT, FOOD, AND FAMILY FUN!

Welcome to CANCON A Fully Suppressed RECOIL Range Day!

Save the date and make your plans to come down on Veterans Day weekend, Nov. 11-13 to the 17 South Rod and Gun Club in Savannah, Georgia.

Hundreds of the newest and best suppressors, firearms, and optics will be on the firing line for you to get hands-on trigger time.

All ammo will be provided, just bring your trigger finger!

Veterans get in FREE Friday, so come spend your Veterans Day weekend with us at CANCON!

SATURDAY NIGHT VIPs will have the opportunity to shoot suppressed with night vision goggles, clip-on night vision optics, IR lasers, tracers, and more.

CANCON will even have activities for kids, making this a completely family-friendly event.

Expect to see hundreds of firearms and suppressors, every one of them available to shoot. Don’t forget your eyes and ears for safety!

Not every day you get to shoot cool stuff like this!

Great food will be available on-site for when you need to recharge between shooting bays.

More information and ticket pre-sales coming soon!

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5 Best Serbian Chef’s Knives You Can Buy

Mike Ableson

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July 29, 2022

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5 Best Serbian Chef’s Knives You Can Buy

Growing In Popularity, The Serbian Chef’s Knife Has Gained A Reputation For Strength And Versatility.

When many think of kitchen knives it falls into two categories: Japanese-style knives and German/Western-style knives. However, there is slowly a third type of knife gaining popularity: the Serbian knife.

Also known as an Almazan knife (or just an Almazan), the Serbian chef’s knife has a unique history when compared to other blade styles. Rather than evolving and adapting over time, the Serbian chef’s knife is tied back specifically to Almazan Kitchen.

Almazan Knife And Kitchen Backstory

The company was founded by two men in Serbia, uncle and nephew Boban and Aleksandar Almazan. Essentially, clever marketing and a unique look have vaulted the knife into the limelight.

Despite Almazan’s and other knives’ bucolic charm, there is little attaching the style to a particular historic Serbian design. Instead, the moniker comes from the Almanzan clan hailing from Serbia. In some corners of the globe, the knife is simply known as an Almanzan knife … makes sense.

Interestingly, the Almanzans seemed able to harness to disparate trends in the knife world with the Serbian chef’s knife. On one side, was the ever-growing interest in cooking, the other the rise of cleaver-like knives for bushcraft. They must have had some passing inkling of this crux, given they marketed their knives to both communities, as well as played up the wilderness and food prep in their marketing.

Serbian Chef Knife Design Points

Unless you’ve lost your glasses, it’s fairly apparent what sets the knife apart from its counterparts–its huge hooking blade. If we’re honest with ourselves it’s a cleaver with a tip–somewhat reminiscent of a large deba bōchō, but overall heftier.

Generally, most Serbian chef’s knife makers tout their wares as handmade–of course at factory scale, with all that entails. Most of the blades have a very thick spine giving them the chops to tackle heavy-duty jobs. Though, most lack a defined belly, lending them better hacking jobs.

By and large, Serbian knives are constructed of carbon steel and have won some kudos for maintaining a good edge. Furthermore, almost all makers favor a wood handle of some sort, most likely because it maintains the rustic, outdoorsy aesthetic Almazan originally pioneered.

Should I Get A Serbian Chef’s Knife?

Honestly, like all things knives, that’s up to you. Maybe the Serbian chef’s knife is the kitchen or backwoods tool you’ve been waiting for or perhaps is all online hoopla. There are many who fall in the latter category and are vocal about it.

Despite this, it does seem the cleaver-style design has a place in the galley, particularly if you happen to process chuck wagons full of meat. The large width of the blade makes it ideal for hacking, particularly joints and bone. Additionally, boasting a tip, it could potentially tackle basic kitchen jobs in a pinch.

That said, as a catch-all chef’s knife, most cooks are likely going to find themself more comfortable behind a traditional design. The large blade is unwieldy for basic cooking jobs, such as chopping and mincing. Furthermore, the lack of a belly on most examples slows the knife down considerably on general tasks.

Bushcraft? Sure, there’s the potential. A Serbian chef’s knife certainly has the ability to work in a hatchet’s stead. Outside of that, well, things get dicey. It’s not exactly the style of blade you’d reach for to skin a buck or whittle fuzz sticks. Not to mention, do you really envision toting one of those beasts in your kit? (Add a pound to your ruck, not mine!)

Of course, this is coming from a more traditional mindset of kitchen and backcountry work and utility. And much like beauty, utility is often times in the eye of the beholder.

5 Top Serbian Chef’s Knives

Almazan Kitchen Original Serbian Chef’s Knife

The blade that started the craze. The Original from Almazan Kitchen set the standard for every Serbian knife that’s come after it. Hand forged in Serbia, and weighing a shade under 1 pound, this blade is a menace in the best possible way.

The carbon-alloy blade is tempered to a 58-60 HRC. The full-tang construction features a triple-riveted handle for grip and gives the user a sense of confidence. The uncle-and-nephew team that founded the company, Boban and Aleksandar Almazan, wanted to make a knife that would be as comfortable in the forest as it would be in the kitchen, for some they’ve succeeded.

Beyond just the knife itself, Almazan also sells accessories including leather sheaths, cutting boards, and kitchen equipment made from olivewood.

The knives have also benefitted from the company’s wildly successful marketing, in particular the Almazan YouTube channel. Fueled by more than 3 million subscribers, the company and its knife have blown up in recent years.

MSRP: $152.92 (There is also a stainless version for $30 less)

Damas Knives Bushcraft Serbian Knife

This model from Damas Knives is emblematic of the new(ish) design, with its wide blade and rustic handle. The knife is hand-forged from a single sheet of XC75 high-carbon steel with a 59 HRC and ground to a 21-degree angle.

The blade’s strength and the Rosewood handle’s sturdiness allow the user to butcher big cuts of meats, nimbly dice veggies, and even slice right through small bones. Beyond the food uses, this piece can tackle cutting wood and brush on a hike.

MSRP: $145

Imarku Butcher Knife

From one of the most trusted names in kitchen knives comes a budget Serbian chef’s knife that swings far above its price point.

This knife from Imarku features a hammered design and is hand forged. The blade is made from high-carbon, high-manganese German X50CrMov15 steel. The hard 56-60 HRC steel holds a razor edge and has good rust resistance as well. You can see the spots from the hammering up and down the blade, which gives it its signature look.

The knife comes with a leather sheath and, like other Serbian knives, has the strength to cut through bones and butcher large meats.

Imarku stands apart from other Almazans due to the price. The company has found a way to make a top-tier example for under $100.

MSRP: $59.99

Kopala Original Kitchen Knife

Now for a little something different from Kopala. Its original kitchen knife is made in the Serbian style but in a far different shape from the other knives on this list.

Instead of the rounded cleaver-esque design, Kopala has made a smaller, swooping blade–reminiscent of a scimitar–attached to a triple-riveted Rosewood handle. The high-carbon blade is balanced enough to cut through raw fish and other assorted meats.

The main drawback on the knife, unlike the others on this list, is the company did not design it to cut through bone. That takes away the versatility that makes the traditional Serbian knife so beloved. However, as the most inexpensive knife on our list, if that’s a compromise you’re willing to make then the knife is more than worth it.

MSRP: $29.88

HDMD Serbian Chef Knife

Rounding out our list is a fine all-rounder from HDMD Knives. Handmade from high-carbon steel and pakkawood, this blade from HDMD is an excellent middle ground if you have any interest in a Serbian knife.

It follows the construction of knives like the original Almazan. It’s hand forged, roughly six inches long, and has a 56-58 HRC. It weighs about .75 pounds and can handle whatever you throw at it in the kitchen.

Where it stands apart is in the price. This blade is under $100, which makes it a perfect entry point for this style of knife.

MSRP: $79

Read More

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BLADE 101: Types Of Kitchen Knives
5 Best Meat Cleaver Options
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The Beauty Of Handmade Kitchen Knives
Best Kitchen Knife Set To Upgrade Your Galley
5 Of The Best Chef’s Knives Available Today

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