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Nessmuk Knife: Options In The All-American Outdoor Knife

Reuben Bolieu
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Nessmuk Knife: Options In The All-American Outdoor Knife

History repeats itself in modern renditions of an all-American classic.

Some patterns stand the test of time and become legendary for a reason, be it a story, movie or book. The Nessmuk-style knife stands out because of its shape.

Nessmuk was the pen name of George Washington Sears, a 19th-century American writer, conservationist and outdoorsman. He wrote about his wilderness adventures, particularly his solo canoe trips in the Adirondacks, a picturesque mountain range in northeastern New York state. He promoted a simple and lightweight approach to camping and woodcraft.

A modern “Nessmuk Trinity” with a Helm Forge hatchet, Victorinox camper, and TOPS Knives Camp Creek.
A modern “Nessmuk Trinity” with a Helm Forge hatchet, Victorinox camper, and TOPS Knives Camp Creek. Nessmuk would be proud of this edged-tool setup.

According to the story, the Nessmuk knife was named after a childhood friend of Sears’s from the American Indian community. The knife was not well documented and very little is known about it except for a diagram in Sears’s book Woodcraft and Camping. The book describes the knife as “thin in the blade, and handy for skinning, cutting meat, or eating with.”

What Is A Nessmuk

The Nessmuk-style knife has a unique shape that sets it apart from other models. The 4-to-5-inch blade has a hump on the spine that is closer to the point. The blade also has a deep belly and an upswept point, which makes it ideal for slicing, skinning and similar tasks. The distinct blade shape is the defining feature of a Nessmuk-style knife.

George Washington Sears, aka Nessmuk, preferred thin knives with keen edges. He paired his knife with a double-bit hatchet and a folding knife, forming his “trinity” of cutting tools.

Nuge Camptoku, TOPS Knives Camp Creek, Bear Forest Knives PuuMuk and KA-BAR/Becker BK-19 Nessmuk knives.
The Nessmuk-type knife is a highly regarded design. The test versions are, from top: Knives By Nuge Camptoku, TOPS Knives Camp Creek, Bear Forest Knives PuuMuk and KA-BAR/Becker BK-19.

Usually, a Nessmuk blade is carbon steel ranging from 3/32 to 1/8 inch at the thickest. The handle comes in a variety of materials, including wood, bone or antler depending on availability and user preference. It is important for the handle to be comfortable and ergonomic, fitting the hand well.

What Makes A Good Nessmuk

A Nessmuk knife is a fixed blade Sears designed and used for his expeditions. It has a distinctive curved blade that resembles a skinner or a butcher knife and a handle that fits comfortably in the hand.

A quality Nessmuk knife should be able to perform various tasks in the woods, such as skinning game, slicing meat, carving wood, making feather sticks, cutting cord—even shaving. It should be sharp, sturdy, well balanced and easy to maintain. A Nessmuk knife should also be lightweight and compact so as not to add much bulk or weight.

TOPS Knives Camp Creek

Camp Creek combines all the features of a superior hunting knife with impeccable fit and finish
The Camp Creek combines all the features of a superior hunting knife with impeccable fit and finish. It sliced camp food and passed the tomato test with flying colors.

The TOPS Knives Camp Creek is a hunting/camping knife designed by Leo Espinoza, company president. The blade is CPM S35VN steel, which boasts superior edge retention and stainless properties. The handle is a three-color camo-style G-10.

The Nessmuk-like design is perfect for hunting, skinning, processing wood and food prep around the campsite. The knife has a contemporary tan Kydex sheath and a brown leather dangler on a swivel.

Camp-style kabobs were my focus with the Camp Creek due to its classic butcher knife shape. I knew it would excel slicing meat and veggies and it didn’t disappoint. It aced the tomato-slicing test and will see more dirt time in the future.

Definitely the most Nessmuk shaped of the review knives, the super-sharp, flat-ground blade has all the right curves and excels at food prep and woodcraft.

Camp Creek Specs
Designer: Leo Espinoza
Blade Length: 4.38”
Blade Steel: CPM S35VN stainless
Blade Grind: Flat
Blade @ Thickest: .13”
Blade Finish: Tumble
Handle Material: Camo G-10
Overall Length: 9”
Sheath: Coyote tan Kydex and leather
Country of origin: USA
MSRP: $305

Bear Forest Knives PuuMuk

Eating off the Nessmuk hump
The author ate off the Nessmuk hump of the PuuMuk, perhaps the way Nessmuk himself did a century-and-a-half ago.

Made by Bear Forest Knives (BFK), the PuuMuk combines the design elements of a puukko and a Nessmuk-style knife. It has a straight handle without a guard and a choice of blade grinds: high saber or Scandi. The knife features full-tang construction. The blade was sharp as can be, especially the Scandi version.

The handle is like all the knives I have used from BFK—comfort is not compromised in any way. The red oak scales are secure and comfortable in any grip.

I used the PuuMuk as I would a general camp knife. I improvised carving a fork out of wood and general woodcraft like making feather sticks for a fire. The PuuMuk prepared food outdoors, slicing bacon, tomatoes, avocados and peppers. I used it as an impromptu spoon to eat off the back of the Nessmuk blade hump; perhaps Sears did the same. I used the PuuMuk for one month straight in the kitchen, doing all a kitchen knife would typically do. It didn’t take much time before the steel took on a respectable patina, adding to the look of the old-timey pattern.

The knife’s standout feature is the thin Scandi-ground blade and sharp 90-degree spine, adding a modern improvement to the classic pattern.

PuuMuk Specs
Blade Length: 3.75”
Blade Material: 80CrV2 carbon steel
Blade Grinds: Scandi and high saber options
Blade @ Thickest: 3/32”
Blade Finish: Acid wash
Knife to know: The blade’s 90-degree spine accommodates ferro rod striking and tinder scraping
Handle Material: Red oak
Overall Length: 8.375”
Sheath: JRE Industries brown leather
Country of origin: USA
MSRP: $179.99

KA-BAR Becker BK-19

BD-19 Trap
In survival Nessmuk mode, the author made a figure-four trap with the BK-19 in a jiffy.

The KA-BAR Becker BK-19 is a solid tool battened down with stainless steel Torx hardware and comes with a MOLLE-compatible, bulletproof Celcon sheath. Designed by Ethan Becker of Becker Knife & Tool, the 9.6-ounce edged tool stands out with the beloved Nessmuk blade shape so highly regarded in the bushcraft community.

The blade has more of a drop-point look than the other three test models. It is a survival Nessmuk if ever there was one. I put the knife into the deep end, splitting wood via a stout baton and crafting a figure-four deadfall trap. The robust blade easily split timber and processed wood for a late winter fire.

The handle was comfortable in several grips, and the exposed tang pommel added another degree of usefulness among the bunch, standing out as the hard-use survival Nessmuk the likes of which Mr. Sears would be proud.

The standout feature of this compact powerhouse is the sheath, which can be worn on a belt or in a scout carry orientation. The belt loop webbing is removable, and the retention is so good that the snap closure at the top is unnecessary. However, the closure can come in handy when in transit. KA-BAR has figured it out for you with two drain holes to help keep the sheathed blade dry in wet conditions.

BK-19 Specs
Designer: Ethan Becker
Blade Length: 4.3125”
Blade Material: 1095 Cro-Van carbon steel
Blade Grind: Flat
Blade @ Thickest: .165”
Blade Finish: Burnt bronze
Handle Material: Ultramid synthetic
Overall Length: 9.125”
Sheath: Celcon
Country of origin: USA
MSRP: $165.38

Camptoku Knives By Nuge

Camptoku Nessmuk
The Camptoku has a sharpened 90-degree section at the front of the spine, allowing the author to ignite some tinder with a ferro rod quickly.

The Camptoku from Knives By Nuge is a versatile general-purpose camp knife blending the esteemed Nessmuk blade with a santoku pattern, resulting in a rugged tool for outdoor and meal tasks. The Nitro-V stainless steel blade offers excellent durability and easy maintenance. The Camptoku comes with G-10 or wood scales and a custom-made slip sheath (no belt loop).

It is the longest of the bunch and a bit of a divergence from the traditional Nessy. However, it pays homage to the revered design and moves it into a new era. The thin blade screams kitchen use and allows for a comfortable chef’s pinch grip with a rounded spine for comfort. Meanwhile, the front 1.5-inch section from the Nessmuk hump to the tip has a sharp 90-degree spine for striking a ferro rod or scraping tinder.

The handle is a generous 4.75 inches, making it suitable for kitchen and woodcraft grips. Incredibly comfortable in a fist handhold, the knife is a chameleon when put into service in a chest-lever or pinch grip. The G-10 liners and pins offer that dash of undeniable modern class.

In the field the Camptoku served as the ordained kitchen knife, slicing tomatoes, meat and vegetables for stew while also starting fires to cook what it had been used to prepare.

Camptoku Specs
Blade Length: 5.5”
Blade Steel: Nitro-V stainless
Blade Grind: Saber
Blade @ Thickest: 3/32”
Blade Finish: Satin
Knife to know: The blade has a 90-degree spine in a 1.5” section from the hump to the tip for ferro rod striking and tinder scraping
Handle Material: Choice of G-10 or maple burl
Overall Length: 10.5”
Sheath: Kydex
Country of origin: USA
MSRP: $425

Dime Novel Knives?

George Washington “Nessmuk” Sears spoke ill of the bowie- and hunting-style knives of his era (mid-to-late 19th century), writing of them, “The ‘bowies’ and ‘hunting knives’ usually kept on sale are thick, clumsy affairs, with a sort of ridge along the middle of the blade, murderous-looking, but of little use; rather fitted to adorn a dime novel or the belt of ‘Billy the Kid’ than the outfit of the hunter.”

Here To Stay

The Nessmuk knife is a versatile and practical tool that can easily handle various outdoor tasks. The pattern has become crucial to American cutlery history and shows no signs of going away. Here’s hoping it never does.

Check Out More Outdoor Knives:

Nothing Foul Or Fishy About These Bird And Trout Knives

Reuben Bolieu
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Nothing Foul Or Fishy About These Bird And Trout Knives

Know what they are, how to use them and how well they perform.

A bird and trout knife is a compact, fixed blade designed for hunters and anglers to process small game and fish, such as squirrels, rabbits, birds and trout. The knives are known for their portability and convenience, as they can easily fit into a backpack or pocket. The name is derived from the knife’s popularity among outdoor enthusiasts who require a reliable tool to assist them in their hunting or fishing activities.

When choosing a hunting or fishing knife, there are a few key factors to consider. First and foremost, the blade material is essential. To ensure optimal performance and longevity, your blade should be crafted from high-quality stainless or carbon steels. Equally important is the blade design; a thin, flexible drop- or trailing-point shape will allow for easy filleting and deboning, and precise cuts and slices. The handle should also be comfortable and ergonomic, with a good grip and balance.

Bird and Trout Knife and Sheaths
The sheaths are simple affairs, usually made from leather with a belt loop. The Exodus 3 has a Kydex sheath (right) made for scout carry.

A secure and durable sheath is a must-have. Some even feature a thumb lock to prevent accidental slips. Remember these factors for a trusty tool that you will keep by your side for years to come.

Case Mini Finn

Case Mini Finn cuts chicken
A bird always in season is the chicken. The Case Mini Finn sliced through dense breast and also onions and peppers for chicken kabobs, one of the author’s favorites.

The small knife in the Case leather hunter two-knife hunting set is the Mini Finn, sold separately. It’s a durable, reliable fixed blade for outdoors, hunting and hiking. The rugged knife features a 3.13-inch clip-point blade and polished leather handle for a secure grip. Blade steel is Tru-Sharp™ stainless, Case’s version of 420HC. The knife is ideal for small game.

EVALUATION: The blade was sharp from the get-go. Small and agile, the knife and its concave-ground blade proved perfect for the tasks it was dealt. A section about 1 inch long on the spine has subtle ridges for purchase if that’s how you like to grip a knife.

Mini Finn making feather stick
Making a feather stick was a snap with the Mini Finn.

The blade quickly sliced the only bird in season—chicken—for kabobs in the cabin. When making tent stakes the blade sliced through green witch hazel with authority. The handle is a hidden gem, paying homage to the traditional stacked-leather grip. Holding it feels like a throwback to the early 1900s Finnish style. The knife has a decent finger guard and a grip for three fingers. However, when the Mini Finn is held in a sideways or chest-lever grip, the buttcap feels a bit awkward.

A simple leather sheath completes the package. It sports a drain hole and can be worn on a thin belt or as a neck knife. The sheath is basic—nothing new under the sun—but why change a good thing? The Mini Finn is easily the best buy of the test quartet.

Case Mini Finn Specs
Blade Length: 3.13”
Blade Steel: Tru-Sharp™ Stainless
Blade @ Thickest: .062”
Blade Finish: Mirror polished
Scales: Leather
Weight: 2.5 ozs.
Overall Length: 6.5”
Sheath: Leather
Country of Origin: USA
MSRP: $82.99

ESEE CR2.5

ESEE CR2.5 excels at woodcraft
Designed for small game, birds and fish, the ESEE CR2.5 excels at woodcraft, too. The 90-degree spine scrapes tinder and a ferro rod, while the sharp edge effortlessly shaves feather sticks.

The ESEE CR2.5 is a little bird-and-trout-style knife designed by Cody Rowen of Rowen Manufacturing. It features a sturdy 1095 carbon steel blade with a black-oxide-stonewashed finish and ESEE logo. It is lightweight and easy to carry. The handle is available in Micarta® or G-10, providing a comfortable and secure grip.

Evaluation: This slick little cutter is an excellent tool for fishing, small game hunting and general woodcraft. The blade is flat ground and has a sharp 90-degree spine that can be used to scrape tinder with a ferro rod. During a survival class in Alabama, it was used to carve feather sticks and scrape fine wood shavings for a fire. Additionally, it proved handy for skinning squirrels.

Butchering with the CR2.5
The CR2.5 makes butchering effortless, especially for small, delicate game like birds and trout—and squirrels.

The handle has a comfortable grip for three to four fingers. With use, it will develop a patina similar to the blade. ESEE offers the grip in orange G-10 and Micarta. A leather pouch-style sheath, which can be used as a necker due to its light weight, keeps the knife secure and safe. There’s no drain hole on this one but it has a generously sized belt loop.

Paired with a chopper, the CR2.5 will definitely get it done. It takes third place among the test bunch as the best buy for the money.

ESEE CR2.5 Specs
Designer: Cody Rowen
Blade Length: 2.5”
Blade Material: 1095 carbon steel
Rockwell Hardness: 55-57 HRC
Blade @ Thickest: .125”
Blade Finish: Black oxide stonewashed
Scales: Micarta® or G-10
Weight: 2.5 ozs.
Overall Length: 6.25”
Sheath: Leather pouch
Country of Origin: USA
MSRP: $143.50

TOPS Knives Bird and Trout Knife (BTK)

TOPS BTK bird and trout knife
The TOPS BTK excels at delicate work like scoring salmon skin and scaling. The slight upsweep helps ensure the tip doesn’t penetrate anything it shouldn’t.

Allen Jensen, also known as the Axeman, designed the TOPS Knives Bird and Trout Knife (BTK). With a stainless steel blade, a stonewash finish and a black canvas Micarta handle, the knife is perfect for camping, kitchen chores and other outdoor activities. The handle design allows multiple grip options, making it a great skinning tool for tough hides like bear and beaver.

Evaluation: Of the test bunch, the BTK is closest to a regular-size fixed blade. The blade shape’s slight upsweep lends itself well to food preparation, especially from a standing position. The blade came extremely sharp and performed flawlessly, especially processing food. I used the BTK to section a piece of fresh salmon and as a fish scaler. The upsweep didn’t tear any of the fillet in the process. The sharp edge scored the skin quickly, aiding in rendering super-crunchy-skin salmon.

Battoning with the BTK
The TOPS BTK is a superb EDC knife for the woods. Due in no small part to the blade’s healthy .13-inch thickness, it easily baton cut through green witch hazel

The handle features an ergonomic design, providing a secure grip when it’s gooey. The scales don’t extend to the blade, allowing greater versatility when choking up for skinning.

The choice of black leather for the sheath was wise, as it hides stains from food and game. The sheath is heavy duty and comes with an average belt loop, but no drain hole. The BTK is the priciest of the bunch but well worth it.

TOPS Knives BTK Specs
Designer: Allen Jensen
Blade Length: 3”
Blade Steel: 440C stainless
Rockwell Hardness: Cryo-treated to 58-60 HRC
Blade @ Thickest: .13”
Blade Finish: Stonewash
Scales: Black canvas Micarta®
Weight: 3.5 ozs.
Overall Length: 6.75”
Sheath: Black leather
Country of Origin: USA
MSRP: $175

White River Knife & Tool Exodus 3

Exodus 3 bird and trout knife
Using the Exodus 3, the author created an eight-notch try stick. He tested the knife’s ability to slice through green wood and found the narrow blade allowed easy maneuvering in small spaces.

The lightweight White River Knife & Tool Exodus 3, also known as Adventurecraft, is a small but robust survival knife. It’s the perfect size for bird and trout tasks, game dressing, food preparation and everyday carry.

Evaluation: Rather than the regular use as before, I put this one through a special gauntlet. The blade is tough. The thick spine culminates in a thin, flat grind—it’s a slicer. I wasted no time making an eight-notch try stick*. The blade’s geometry sliced through green wood like butter. I moved onto a survival fishing spear made from dry maple and the edge had no issues muscling through the seasoned wood. As a final coup de gras, I pounded the blade into an ammo canister. The blade remained unscathed and I was not surprised.

Exodus 3 to make a spear for fish
The author employed the Exodus 3 to make a spear for fish and frog gigging. The knife effectively balances between being a bird and trout knife and woods companion.

The handle is long enough for a four-finger grip yet is the narrowest of the test knives. Narrow handles can lead to fatigue by overcompensating when gripping. The scales are a “10” on the cool factor scale and provide a secure grip to back it up.

The Exodus 3 was the only test knife I could scout carry, keeping it out of the way when on the trail or in camp. Blade retention also was outstanding in the sheath and on the belt. The knife is the second best buy of the gang.

White River Exodus 3 Specs
Blade Length: 3.15”
Blade Steel: CPM S35VN stainless
Blade @ Thickest: .13”
Blade Finish: Stonewash
Scales: Canvas Micarta®
Weight: 2.3 ozs.
Overall Length: 7.2”
Sheath: Black Kydex
Country of Origin: USA
MSRP: $140

*In bushcraft, a try stick is a wooden stick carved with notches for use as a teaching aid.

More Outdoor Knives:

New Knives: From Tactical To Outdoor Blades

BLADE Staff
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New Knives: From Tactical To Outdoor Blades

These babies are jaw droppers…

Have a hankering to extend your wish list with a little something new? Look no further as we’ve gathered up a slew of new custom and factory blades fresh on the market and ready to please. This collection has a definite tactical and outdoor tilt to it, with plenty of fixed blades. But, we’ve snuck a few worthy folders in just to keep the balance.

Erik McCright Fighter

New mccright

Fighter Specs
Blade length: 7.5”
Blade material: Old W2 tool steel w/hamon
Handle material: Vintage Micarta® w/a fileworked frame
Bolster: Textured mild steel
Overall length: 12”
Knife to know: Erik McCright is an ABS journeyman smith
Maker: Erik McCright (Jocelyn Frasier image)

Simone Milanesi Lacantina Indy

New Lacantina

Indy Specs
Pattern: Bowie
Blade length: 6.29”
Blade material: Mosaic damascus of K720 tool and 15n20 nickel-alloy steels forged by Spina Gianluca
Blade grind: Full flat
Blade finish: DLC (diamond-like carbon)
Handle material: Rosewood w/carbon pin
Guard & fittings: Fat Carbon
Overall length: 11.6”
Maker’s price for a similar knife: $2,000
Knife to know: Simone Milanesi Lacantina’s Indy won The Knifemakers’ Guild Best Bowie Award at BLADE Show 2023
Maker: Simone Milanesi Lacantin (SharpByCoop image)

Paul LeBatard Recurve Bowie

New LeBatard

Recurve Bowie Specs
Blade length: 7”
Blade steel: CPM 154 stainless
Rockwell hardness: 61 HRC
Blade grind: The top false edge and primary bevels are hollow ground on a 10” contact wheel and satin polished; the flats are hand finished to 800 grit
Blade @ thickest: 3/16”
Handle material: California buckeye burl
Lanyard material: Desert camo 550 paracord
Double guard: 7075-T6 aluminum
Overall length: 12”
Maker’s price for a similar knife: $750
Maker: Paul LeBatard (Jocelyn Frasier image)

Jim Poling Dagger

New Poling

Dagger Specs
Blade length: 6.5”
Blade material: 5160 carbon steel
Blade grind: Flat/convex
Handle material: Rosewood
Fittings: Mild steel
Overall length: 12”
Maker’s price for a similar knife: $600
Maker: Jim Poling (SharpByCoop image)

A.G. Russell Knives Power Ball C2

Russel Knife

Power Ball C2 Specs
Knife type: EDC
Blade length: 33/8”
Blade material: D2 tool steel
Rockwell hardness: 59-60 HRC
Blade finish: Stonewash
Blade pattern: Drop point
Handle: Black G-10 w/blue pivot accent ring
Pocket clip: Reversible, deep carry
Lock: Linerlock
Weight: 3.7 ozs.
Closed length: 4.75”
Knife to know: Also available in a green handle w/orange pivot accent ring
Country of origin: China
MSRP: $67.95
Company: A.G. Russell Knives

Halfbreed Blades CFK-02 (Compact Field Knife)

New CFK

CFK-02 (Compact Field Knife) Specs
Knife type: Fixed blade
Blade length: 4.01”
Blade steel: N690 stainless
Rockwell hardness: 59-60 HRC
Blade @ thickest: .16”
Blade finish: PVD coated and stonewash options
Blade pattern: Pikal
Handle steel: VG-10 stainless
Weight: 4.87 ozs.
Overall length: 8.07”
Sheath: Injection-molded plastic
Mounting: Ulticlip and DOTS Belt
Countries of origin: Australia and Taiwan
MSRP: $275
Company: Halfbreed Blades

CRKT Redemption

New crkt redemption

Redemption Specs
Designer: BLADE Magazine Cutlery Hall-Of-Fame® member Ken Onion
Blade length: 4.06”
Blade steel: MagnaCut stainless
Blade @ thickest: .15”
Blade finish: Stonewash
Handle material: G-10
Bolster: Stainless steel
Lock: Crossbar
Weight: 4.9 ozs.
Closed length: 5.1”
Knife to know: The Redemption is based on Onion’s Deadman’s Hand custom knife named after the aces-and-eights hand Wild Bill Hickok purportedly held at the time of his death
Country of origin: Made in the USA in collaboration w/Hogue Knives
MSRP: $225
Company: CRKT

Gerber Center Drive

New Gerber CenterDrivePlus

Center Drive Specs
Knife type: Multi-tool
Blade length: 3.25”
Blade steel: 420HC stainless
Implements: Serrated blade, file, awl, pry tool w/nail puller & bottle opener, scissors, fine- & coarse-sided file, pliers, rotatable carbide wire cutters & strippers; magnetic flathead and Phillips bits; in/cm ruler
Weight: 9.5 ozs.
Closed length: 4.7”
Sheath: Fabric
Knife to know: One-thumb opening system; the pliers are spring-loaded; magnetic 3.2” Center-Axis bit driver; tool lock
Country of origin: USA (sheath made in China)
MSRP: $130-$145
Company: Gerber

Winkler Knives WK Hunter Axe LT

New WK Hunter Axe LT

New LeBatard
Head length: 4.75”
Axe material: 80CrV2 carbon steel
Blade @ thickest: .25”
Blade finish: No-glare black oxide
Handle: A wide variety of natural and synthetic options; contact maker for info
Construction: Skeletonized full tang
Overall length: 9”
Sheath: Fast-draw carrier, lined Boltaron®, HD shockcord quick-release retention system, nylon belt straps, multi-carry options
Country of origin: USA
MSRP: $450
Company: Winkler Knives

Jesse Hu Tanto

New Hu

Tanto Specs
Blade length: 12”
Blade material: Twist Damascus of 1084 carbon and 15N20 nickel-alloy steels
Blade grind: Traditionally ground w/a shinogi-zukuri geometry
Handle material: Poplar and leather w/brass spacer
Habaki (collar): Copper
Overall length: 17.5”
Maker’s price for a similar knife: $3,000-$4,000
Knife to know: The maker is an ABS apprentice smith
Maker: Jesse Hu (Jocelyn Frasier image)

Pearson Industries MOST

Person

MOST Specs
Knife type: Fixed blade
Blade length: 11.375”
Blade material: 1075 carbon steel
Blade finish: Black Traction powder coat
Blade @ thickest: .196”
Handle material: Black canvas Micarta®
Construction: Full tang
Weight: 24 ozs.
Overall length: 17.125”
Sheath: Kydex
Country of origin: El Salvador
MSRP: $279.95
Company: Pearson Industries

Joseph Bandeko Fixed Blade

New Bandeko

Fixed Blade Specs
Pattern: Double-keyhole dagger
Blade length: 11.28”
Blade material: 15N20 nickel-alloy steel
Blade grind: Flat
Handle material: African blackwood
Handle pins: Argentium silver
Pommel: 416 stainless steel
Overall length: 16.93”
Maker’s price for a similar knife: $4,495
Maker: Joseph Bandeko (SharpByCoop image)

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Case Knives: Bevy Of New Knife Drops For The New Year

Elwood Shelton
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Case Knives: Bevy Of New Knife Drops For The New Year

Case Knives is celebrating its 135th year with some top-notch new knives.

Creeping up on a century and a half of knifemaking, Case seems to feel its oats still. Or, that’s the way it seemed from the prolific 135-year-old Pennsylvania manufacturer’s recent releases at the 2024 SHOT Show, held in January in Las Vegas. The company had a full-court press of drops at the gun and outdoor gear hoedown, with a bevy of new lines, releases, collabs and model iterations. This should prove sweet music to the army of the brand’s collectors.

There isn’t space enough to cover every whipstitch of what Case is bringing to the table in 2024, but we’ll take a gander at some of the company’s weightier introductions for the coming year. There’s a little bit of everything for case fans out there, from classic patterns with new twists to brand-new knives that strike original ground.

Bridgeline Series

Not wandering too far off the beaten path, Case’s newest series of knives offers some nice updates for users seeking a modern knife. At the vanguard of the line are the Highbanks and Longhouse, both of which should prove excellent everyday carry options with the chops to handle most tasks thrown in front of them. Each features aluminum frames and bolsters, screw construction, ball bearing pivots, deep-carry pocket clips and CPM-20CV steel blades.

Case isn’t shying from the use of powdered steel for its blades, and the choice in these knives offers up a premium option used in a number of higher-end production knives. It’s similar to D2 and other tool steels—respectable toughnesss and edge retention—but with the added benefit of improved corrosion resistance.

Highbanks

Case Highbanks

Certainly a break from the tried and true, the Highbanks veers to the more traditional in the Bridgeline Series. Namely, because the knife is a non-locking folder bosting a nail nick and a Wharncliffe blade. Still, with the high-performance blade steel and the choice of Micartia or hardwood grips, this certainly isn’t your granddad’s jackknife. I particularly like the handle ergonomics of the Highbanks, tapering nicely to the blade and fitting the hand just right. Spoiler… so does the Longhouse.

Longhouse

Case Longhouse 2

Here we see Case move its design a bit more forward with the flipper Longhouse. The liner lock boasts plenty of blade, a clip-point profile with a beef spine that should help the knife stand up to any job put in front of it. However, the hand mimics the Highbanks, giving the knife a timeless look I’d wager many Case fans will appreciate.

Chris Taylor Hunters

Teaming up with renowned custom knifemaker Chris Taylor, Case has cooked up an intriguing hunting-knife collection. This year, the partnership unveils three unique fixed blades, each a fairly unique take on the must-have outdoor implement.

CT1

Case CT1

Crafted to exude rugged dependability, the CT1 showcases a top-tier Nitro V steel Clip-point blade. Known for its outstanding edge retention, corrosion resistance, and easy maintenance, Nitro V steel ensures that your knife remains ready and reliable whenever and wherever you require it. Case gives the knife an OD green burlap Micara handle, a plus for a hard-use knife that will likely be used in inclement weather. The CT1 also boasts aggressive jimping on its spine, so you have a solid contact point on more forceful cuts.

CT2

Case CT2

Cutting a much sleeker profile, the CT2 has the most modern feel among the CT hunters. Built around a resilient S35VN steel drop point blade, the knife doesn’t offer as much belly as the others in the line. But with a defined point, should prove at pro at perforation. The carbon-fiber handle is a nice touch, adding to the CT2’s modern looks, and proves very ergonomic and nimble in the hand.

CT3

Case CT3

Tailored for the wilderness, the CT3 has more of a traditional hunter profile. Constructed from premium 1095 carbon steel, its specialized coated skinner blade boasts razor-sharpness, facilitating precision cuts and providing a sharpening advantage compared to many other steels. Outfitted with a hunter orange handle, the nice part about the CT3 is it will be difficult to lose in the woods.

Razor

Case Razor

Case is commemorating its 135-year legacy by dusting off a real classic eye-catcher—the Razor. Reintroduced from the Case XX Vault, the knife is available in two patterns: a single-bladed version featuring a broad Clip blade with a distinctively curved tip, and a two-bladed variant with an additional Pen blade. Available in over a dozen handle styles, such as Smooth Abalone, Micarta, Smooth Brown Maple Burl Wood, and Sawcut Jig Caribbean Blue Bone, the Razor is a great Case throwback and a fantastic knife for the company to pay homage to its rich history.

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Breed’s Battle Blade Review: Author Puts His Knife To The Test

Msg Kim Breed (ret.)
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Breed’s Battle Blade Review: Author Puts His Knife To The Test

The author takes his Battle Blade to the next test level and up.

Ever since I started writing for BLADE® in 1990, I generally stick to similar cutting media to check the performance of the knives I test in “Spec Sheet.” That way it gives me a baseline as to how the different blades and their steels should perform. However, as a writer, I find it sometimes gets old doing the same testing. So why not beat the heck out of one of the test knives?

Well, first off, the knives are owned by someone else. They might be scheduled to be sold. You can see why I only push Spec Sheet test knives to a certain point. Unfortunately, the craving to give a test knife a brutal workout keeps coming, only to be done during my own testing using my knives.

Here’s a crazy idea—I’ll test one of the knives I make! So, after pleading my case to the BLADE management, it was OK’d. Now it’s time to get down and dirty with my Battle Blade that has been my truck knife for the past year.
Let the whacking begin.

Battle Blade Vs Normal Media

Serious whacking aside, I still executed a 20-pound-bond paper slice to show initial edge sharpness. The Battle Blade zipped quickly through the paper even with rust spots on the blade and edge. It was very smooth and aggressive during slicing.

Battle blade cuts paper
To test initial sharpness, the author executed a 20-pound-bond paper slice. The Battle Blade zipped quickly through the paper even with rust spots on the blade and edge.

On to a nice 2×8 pine board locked in my shop leg vise. After 20 whacks I had a deep “V” chopped into the wood. The exercise didn’t bother the edge at all; it took a three-quarter-to-1 inch bite on each chop. The handle was comfortable but slightly smooth. (I should have put a thong cord on it.)

Since the whitetail antler I normally use in stories for edge whacking was all whacked up, it was time to replace it. As a result, I chopped it up into 1-inch pieces. The Battle Blade removed all the tines with nice, clean chops. The edge was still very sharp with no damage. Now I have chunks of deer antler all around my forge!

Battle Blade Vs Abnormal Media

For the first “abnormal medium” I went with 3/8-inch-diameter twisted copper wire. I used the Battle Blade as a draw knife to flatten the 2×8 for a surface on which to chop the copper braid. Six hard whacks and the edge still didn’t make it through all eight wires. It seems the Battle Blade drove the last two wires into the 2×8. Note to self: use a hardwood next time. The copper braid only put a few streaks on the blade. There was no damage to the edge.

Battle Blade cuts copper wire
For the first “abnormal medium” the author used 3/8-inch-diameter twisted copper wire. Six hard whacks and the edge still didn’t make it through all eight wires. The copper braid only put a few streaks on the blade. There was no damage to the edge.

Next up: the acetone can stab. The Battle Blade fully penetrated both sides of the can repeatedly. I was worried about stabbing the leg vise more than any damage to the blade from the can. There were some nice scratches on the finish but the edge held up perfectly, as well as the tip.

It was time to get some steel involved: an older patio chair headed to the scrapyard, and its steel tubing. Bingo! So I dragged the chair into my forging area and prepared to trash my Battle Blade. Swinging as hard as I could, I chopped down into the arm of the chair. A loud clang let me know it was a solid hit. The Battle Blade bit a half-inch deep, through the top and bottom corners of the chair, along with the sidewall. I saw a little glint from the blade’s edge. Oh well! I gave the chair arm seven more very hard whacks. The edge had two little glints of rolls and three very small nicks.

Knife chops board
After 20 whacks the Battle Blade had a deep “V” chopped into the 2×8 pine board. The edge took a three-quarter-to-1 inch bite on each chop and emerged unscathed.

The edge still felt sharp, so I returned to the 20-pound-bond paper slice. The edge sliced the paper, though not as smooth as at the start. I’ll take that anytime.

Final Cut

I’m very happy with the performance and feel of the Battle Blade. Normally I use a better gripping handle material for this model but this one’s mine. It had to be bold. The only change I’ll make, thread some cord through the thong hole for a more secure grip.

Battle Blade Specs
Maker: Breed Custom Knives
Blade length: 75/8”
Blade material: 80CrV2 carbon steel
Blade grind: Full flat
Blade @ thickest: 3/16”
Blade finish: Bead blasted
Heat treatment: Differential
Handle material: Swirl by J. Hue Customs
Weight: 15 ozs.
Overall length: 13 1/8”
Sheath: Kydex w/Ulticlip
Weight w/sheath: 1.25 lbs.
Maker’s price for a similar knife & sheath: $450

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Cool Custom: Ray Rybar’s Prospector Push Dagger Strikes It Rich

BLADE Staff
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Cool Custom: Ray Rybar’s Prospector Push Dagger Strikes It Rich

Sourced from Geronimo country Rybar’s Prospector dagger and bolo combo prove pure gold.

The Prospector by Ray Rybar is a push dagger/bolo combo that bespeaks not only his talent as an ABS master smith but also the array of beautiful, valuable ore in and around his home in Camp Verde, Arizona.

Ray lives in the middle of an Apache reservation where he owns three or four gold mine claims. Camp Verde was the headquarters of U.S. Army Gen. George Crook during the Army’s pursuit and eventual defeat of Geronimo and his Chiricahua Apache band in 1886. Navajos live in the area as well.

Ray Rybar Prospector Push Dagger and bolo
Also from near one of his claims, the rock for the inlay has a naturally occurring “stringer” of gold down the center. A local Apache weaved the beautiful leather bolo strap, and Ray forged the shovel and pick of carbon steel and heat colored them. (Eric Eggly/PointSeven images)

Ray teaches various forging and other classes. On occasion he takes his students out to forage for blade and other materials in and around his claims. There they find not only gold every so often but also iron/nickel meteorite, samples of Fe3 and Fe4 iron, ore that can be developed into copper, silver and more. He teaches his students how to convert the iron ore into high-carbon steel. He saves up the leftover steel forged by his students and also rocks he finds and slices with a slab saw for his knives and sheaths. The results can be spectacular—of which The Prospector is a most representative example.

Prospector Specs
Knife name: The Prospector
Maker: ABS master smith Ray Rybar
Knife type: Push dagger/bolo
Blade length: 4”
Blade material: Damascus forged from iron ore converted to high carbon steel and also iron/nickel meteorite
Handle: Ancient walrus ivory w/silver pins and backing
Handle inlay: Prospector is solid silver and his tray contains real gold nuggets
Sheath: Silver front and back and ebony center w/silver pins; decorated with various marks/designs made with stamps Ray cut from carbon steel and based on those used by the local Apaches and Navajos
Sheath inlay: Rock containing quartz, feldspar and a stringer of gold
Bolo strap: Leather weaved by a local Apache
Maker’s price for a similar push dagger/bolo: $6,500

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New Knives: Hunting Knives And Outdoor Blades

BLADE Staff
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New Knives: Hunting Knives And Outdoor Blades

Hunting and outdoor endeavors, these blades are a cut above the rest.

Looking to kit up for the next hunting season? Need to start thinking about filleting this summer’s catch? Or maybe you just require a little summer to make camp life a little easier. We’ve got you covered! From stunning custom creations to workhorse production models, we’ve gathered up top-not hunting knives, camp knives and about every other blade to tackle your outdoor adventures.

Paul DiStefano: Hunter

Paul DiStefano: Hunter


BLADE LENGTH: 5”
BLADE STEEL: Mosaic damascus
BLADE GRIND: Flat
HANDLE: Ivory Micarta® carved w/Japanese maple leaves and birds native to Japan; bird’s-beak butt design
HANDLE CARVED BY: Paul DiStefano
GUARD: Mosaic damascus
OVERALL LENGTH: 9.5”
MAKER’S PRICE FOR A SIMILAR KNIFE: $2,200
KNIFE TO KNOW: Paul DiStefano is an American Bladesmith Society journeyman smith
MAKER: Paul DiStefano

Jacob Gaetz: Hunter

Jacob Gaetz: Hunter

BLADE LENGTH: 4.5”
BLADE MATERIAL: Mosaic damascus of 1084 carbon and 15N20 nickel-alloy steels
ROCKWELL HARDNESS: 61 HRC
BLADE GRIND: Full flat, .01”-thick BTE (behind the edge)
HANDLE: Stabilized redwood burl
HANDLE PIN: Argentium silver
SPACER: Heat-colored damascus
GUARD STEEL: Heat-colored 416 stainless
OVERALL LENGTH: 9 5/8”
MAKER’S PRICE FOR A SIMILAR KNIFE: $2,000
KNIFE TO KNOW: Jacob Gaetz is an American Bladesmith Society journeyman smith
MAKER: Jacob Gaetz (Jocelyn Frasier image)

Tanner Couch: Rabbit Skinner

Tanner Couch: Rabbit Skinner

BLADE LENGTH: 3”
BLADE STEEL: CPM 154 stainless
BLADE GRIND: Hollow
HANDLE FRAME: 410 stainless steel
HANDLE MATERIAL: Ivory
BOLSTER: 416 stainless
CLOSED LENGTH: 37/8”
MAKER’S PRICE FOR A SIMILAR KNIFE: $1,600
KNIFE TO KNOW: Tanner Couch is a card-carrying member of the South Texas Slipjoint Cartel
MAKER: Tanner Couch (SharpByCoop image)

Chris Hamelin: Saratoga Hunter

Chris Hamelin: Saratoga Hunter

BLADE LENGTH: 4”
BLADE STEEL: 440C stainless
BLADE GRIND: Flat
HANDLE: Maple Valley Richlite w/copper pin and lanyard tube, natural Micarta®
BOLSTER: Copper; engraved by Wolfgang Loerchner
OVERALL LENGTH: 8.5”
SHEATH (not shown): Belt model w/snap closure of leather and alligator skin inlay by Buffalo Bones
MAKER’S PRICE FOR A SIMILAR KNIFE: $1,300
MAKER: Chris Hamelin (Jocelyn Frasier image edit)

Charlie Lloyd: Crushed W’s hunter

Charlie Lloyd: Crushed W’s hunter

BLADE LENGTH: 5”
BLADE MATERIAL: Crushed W’s damascus of 1080 carbon and 15N20 nickel-alloy steels
BLADE GRIND: Flat
GUARD: Damascus
OVERALL LENGTH: 10”
MAKER’S PRICE FOR A SIMILAR KNIFE: $1,200
KNIFE TO KNOW: Charlie Lloyd is a journeyman smith in the American Bladesmith Society
MAKER: Charlie Lloyd (SharpByCoop image)

CAS Iberia: Modern Tanto

CAS Iberia: Modern Tanto

BLADE LENGTH: 10.5”
BLADE MATERIAL: 1566 carbon steel w/hamon
BLADE THICKNESS @ GUARD: .21”
BLADE THICKNESS @ TIP: .157”
TSUKA (handle): G-10
HABAKI (collar): Copper
MENUKI (handle ornaments): Silver shi shi (lion dogs)
SAYA (scabbard; not shown): Textured black
WEIGHT: 15 ozs.
OVERALL LENGTH: 16”
MSRP: $259
COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: China
COMPANY: CAS Iberia

Russell Roosevelt: Hunter

Russell Roosevelt: Hunter

BLADE LENGTH: 5.5”
BLADE MATERIAL: Ladder-pattern damascus of 1084 carbon and 15N20 nickel-alloy steels
BLADE GRIND: Flat
HANDLE: Amboyna burl
GUARD: 416 stainless steel w/spacers
OVERALL LENGTH: 10.75”
KNIFE TO KNOW: Russell Roosevelt is a journeyman smith in the American Bladesmith Society
MAKER: Russell Roosevelt (SharpByCoop image)

Josh Hults: Skinner/camp knife

Josh Hults: Skinner/camp knife

BLADE LENGTH: 3.5”
BLADE MATERIAL: Twisted ‘W’s’ damascus of 1084 carbon and 15N20 nickel-alloy steels
BLADE GRIND: Flat
HANDLE: Stabilized black ash
HANDLE SPACERS: Copper and G-10
OVERALL LENGTH: 9.5”
MAKER’S PRICE FOR A SIMILAR KNIFE: $800
KNIFE TO KNOW: Josh Hults is a journeyman smith in the American Bladesmith Society
MAKER: Josh Hults (Jocelyn Frasier image edit)

Outdoor Edge: Razor VX 4

Outdoor Edge: Razor VX 4

BLADE LENGTH: 3”
BLADE STEEL: 420J2 stainless
BLADE FINISH: Black oxide coated
HANDLE MATERIAL: Forged carbon fiber
LOCK: Linerlock
LINERS: Vented stainless steel
PIVOT: Ceramic ball bearing
CLOSED LENGTH: 4.25”
KNIFE TO KNOW: The Razor VX 4 is a replaceable-blade model; also available in handle materials of green Micarta® ($54.99) and Black G-10 w/spring assist $44.95)
COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: China
MSRP: $69.99
COMPANY: Outdoor Edge

Spyderco: Spyder Thrower, Small

Spyderco: Spyder Thrower, Small

DESIGNER: Harald Moeller
BLADE LENGTH: 5.3”
BLADE STEEL: 8Cr13MoV stainless
BLADE GRIND: Dagger
BLADE @ THICKEST: .217”
BLADE FINISH: Two-tone black oxide and satin finish
WEIGHT: 7 ozs.
OVERALL LENGTH: 9”
SHEATH: Leather
KNIFE TO KNOW: Comes in a set of three w/three-tiered leather sheath and a copy of the instructional booklet, Knife Throwing: The Knives and Throwing Technique of Harald Moeller; designed to be thrown by either the blade tip or handle butt
COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: China
MSRP: $144 for the set
Company: Spyderco

Smith’s Consumer Products Inc.: Lawaia Flex Fillet Knife

Smith’s Consumer Products Inc.: Lawaia Flex Fillet Knife

BLADE LENGTH: 7”
BLADE STEEL: 400 series stainless
BLADE FINISH: Corrosion-resistant coating
HANDLE: Thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) w/non-slip soft grips and hole for a lanyard
SHEATH (not shown): Breathable TPE
KNIFE TO KNOW: Designed for cleaning small-to-medium-size fish like speckled trout or yellowtail snapper
COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: China
MSRP: $12.99
COMPANY: Smith’s Consumer Products Inc.

GiantMouse: ACE Iona V2

GiantMouse: ACE Iona V2

BLADE LENGTH: 3”
BLADE STEEL: CPM MagnaCut stainless
BLADE @ THICKEST: .115”
BLADE FINISH: Stonewash
HANDLE MATERIAL: Green canvas Micarta®
POCKET CLIP: Wire, reversible
PIVOT: Washer
LOCK: Linerlock
WEIGHT: 3.4 ozs.
CLOSED LENGTH: 4.34”
COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: Italy
MSRP: $195
KNIFE TO KNOW: The knife is named after the Iona Bar, “a beloved establishment” in the Williamsburg neighborhood of Brooklyn, New York
COMPANY: GiantMouse

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