Fixed Blade Knives Archives

2026 BLADE Show Knife Drops: Hot In Atlanta

BLADE Staff

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June 12, 2026

2026 BLADE Show Knife Drops: Hot In Atlanta

Get a look at the new knives released at BLADE Show, the world’s largest knife show.

More than simply the foremost industry event and knife axis mundi, BLADE Show is also the preferred venue to launch knives. Makes sense, when for three days straight, Atlanta’s Cobb Convention Center sees a steady stream of thousands of knife fanatics. We’ll have more down the road, but here is some of what was dropped at the world’s largest knife show.

Bradford Knives Guardian 3.5XL

RARE BREED GUARDIAN—Bradford Knives’ fan asked for it and at BLADE Show they’ll get the shot to own the Guardian 3.5XL with a 4-inch MagnaCut blade. This limited run comes with a new sheath design, offering both vertical and horizontal carry options. Overall Length: 8.25 inches. Blade Profile: Sabre. Weight: 4.7 ounces. MSRP: TBD. Available: June

Ansø of Denmark Mudtrack Exoframe

FRAME JOB—Stripped down in material, the Toko features Ansø of Denmark’s skeletonized black titanium Mudtrack Exoframe, stripping the flipper’s weight to a scant 2.86 ounces. Outfitted with a do-all drop-point blade of RWL34 steel, the build had versatile built in. Lock: Button. Blade Length: 3.35 inches. MSRP: $995. Available: June

McNees Knives Mini Dixon

MIGHTY MITE—A scaled-down version of a McNees classic, the Mini Dixon boasts a compact 3.35-inch MagnaCut blade matted to a Grade 5 titanium handle. The modified clip point has a hollow grind and comes in a very svelte 4.5 ounces. Lock: Framelock. Overall Length: 7.75 inches. MSRP: $549. Available: June

UG Tools EKM Fighting Knife Set

DOUBLE TROUBLE—The UG Tools EKM Fighting Knife Set was developed Special Mission Units and is already being supplied to a German Tier 1 unit. The set comes with a 2.4-inch blade dagger and 4.7-inch blade drop point, highly modular sheath, attachment system and full contact training knives. Blade Material: CPM MagnaCut. Weight: Dagger 1.6 ounces, Drop Point 4.6 ounces. Country of Origin: German. MSRP: ~$1,000 Available: Autumn 2026

Spartan Blades Pandia

MOONLIT PRECISION—Named for the Greek goddess of the full moon, the Spartan Blades Pandia features a 3.25-inch CPM MagnaCut spear-point blade optimized via a proprietary double deep cryogenic treatment. The 8.25-inch Curtis Iovito design utilizes an IKBS bearing system for fluid flipper deployment. Handle Material: Titanium. Clip: Titanium. Weight: 4 ounces. Country of Origin: USA. MSRP: $495. Available: Now

Maserin Outback

BUILT FOR THE BUSH—Featuring a Böhler N690 steel blade and paired with an ergonomic G10 handle, the Maserin Outback is available in three colours: black, gray, and orange. It comes with a black Italian cordura sheath, and a sharpener and a survival saw. Blade Length: 5.51 inches. Overall Length: 10.9 inches. Country of Origin: Italy. MSRP: $239. Available: Now

Scorpion 6 Jörmungandr

SHARP LEVIATHAN—Named for a sea serpent of Norse mythology, the Jörmungandr from Scorpion 6 is made completely without any CNC machining and features 5.3-inch a double hollow grind freehanded by Shane Magnussen. Blade Steel: CPM S90V. Overall Length: 8.82 inches. Clip: Titanium. Internals: Delrin Caged Ceramic Bearings. MSRP: Starts at $1,500. Available: Now

QSP Badger

BRIDGING OVER—The QSP Badger gives a reason for righties and lefties to cheer with the company’s Bridgelock. Essentially a crossbar lock, it features a saddle that runs on the back of the handle for an oversized and ambidextrous release. Blade Pattern: Wharncliff. Blade Steel: Nitro V. Handle Material: G10. Blade Length: 3.35 inches. MSRP: TBD. Available: September

Opinel No. 8 Horizon

MODERNIZED CLASSIC—Designed to brave the outdoors, Opinel’s No. 8 Horizon features several element-resistant features, including a stainless steel Yatagan blade, fiberglass-reinforced polymer handle and a light 2.2-ounce weight. Blade Length: 3.15 inches. Lock: Friction, Virobloc Safety Ring. Grind: Convex. MSRP: $40. Available: June.

Buck Knives Heritage Slim Elite 110

CLIPPING CALL—A refined evolution of Buck Knives’ classic 110 Folding Hunter, the Heritage Slim Elite is nearly .25-inch slimmer, 3-ounces lighter and featuring a deep carry pocket clip and BOS heat-treated MagnaCut steel blade. Blade Pattern: Clip Point. Blade Length: 3.75 inches. Scale: Ebony. MSRP: $250. Available: May

Crescent Edges Celestial Entity

STAR STRUCK—A 3.5-inch tanto blade of MagnaCut steel, milled titanium scale, satin DLC blade finish and a solid frame lock, the Crescent Edges Celestial Entity is an otherworldly EDC option. Overall Length: 8.23 inches. Weight: 4.5 ounces. Country of Origin: China. MSRP: $375 Available: Now

CRKT Grvitic Flip

FIDGET FACTOR—Not your typical OTF, the CRKT Garvitic Flip utilizes a vintage-inspired flip-insert mechanism to deploy its 3.18-inch blade. Once out, tabs on the blade insert into recesses to keep the blade in place. Blade Steel: 5Cr13MoV. Blade Pattern: Spearpoint. Overall Length: 7.5 inches. MSRP: $50. Available: Now

Lionsteel Emmet

INTREPID INTEGRAL—Gentlemanly in appearance, the 2.83-inch LionSteel Emmet features a solid integral handle in either titanium or aluminum. The titanium model comes with carbon fiber inlayed scale, the aluminum with a hammertone texture. Blade Material: MagnaCut. Blade Pattern: Drop Point. Overall Length: 6.73 inches. Country of Origin: Italy. MSRP: Ti $225; Al: $130. Available: Now

NortoriousEDC Dirty Deed Pry Bar

DOWN AND DIRTY—Constructed from Grade 5 titanium and a solid 3.5 inches in length, the NotoriousEDC Dirty Deed Pry Bar is ready every day for jimmying chores. The tool ships with a deep carry clip installed and includes an optional filler tab. Thickness: 3/16 inch. Width: 5/8 inch. Finish: Stonewashed. MSRP: $75. Available: Now

Vero Engineering Slip Joint

UNKNOWN SOLIDER—Vero Engineering’s new Wharncliffe is so recent that at writing it was yet have a name. What is known is that the slip joint will have a 2.75-inch MagnaMax blade, with the Vero trademark rectangular milling serving as the nail nick. Overall Length: 6 inches. Weight: 2.6 ounces. Handle Material: Titanium. Country of Origin: U.S.A. MSRP: $198. Available: June

GiantMouse ACE Pontius

HARPOONS AWAY—Designed with input from Chris Pontius, the GiantMouse ACE Pontius features a 3.2-inch harpoon-inspired clip point blade and titanium scale. The linerlock will also be available in Green G10 or Black Canvas Micarta. Blade Steel: Elmax. Overall Length: 7.7 inches. Liners: Hardened 420 Stainless Steel. MSRP: $325. Available: June

Shirogorov F95 Ursus

BEAR OF THE NORTH—The Shirogorov F95 Ursus offers a rugged, work-oriented take on the refined F95 pattern, featuring a 3.74-inch Elmax stainless steel blade with a 5/6ths grind. This iteration utilizes a Multi-Row Bearing System (MRBS) for smooth deployment and a dependable liner lock. Scale: Micarta. Overall Length: 8.66 inches. Weight: 4.69 ounces. MSRP: $650–$700. Available: June

StraightLine EDC Bigger Digger

GOLDEN DIGGER—The StraightLine EDC Bigger Digger is a purpose-built fixed blade designed for daily carry, featuring a 3.74-inch drop-point blade of 14C28N stainless steel. Ensuring a secure grip in all conditions, the 7.52-inch profile is outfitted with green canvas Micarta scales and a flat grind for efficient slicing. Weight: 3.17 ounces. Grind: Flat. Sheath: Kydex. MSRP: $80. Available: June.

Rothman Knives Fabricator Series Gentlemen’s Trapper

BLUE-COLLAR GENTLEMAN—The Rothman Knives Fabricator Series Gentlemen’s Trapper is a modern, lightweight take on the classic slip joint, weighing in at just 1.6 ounces. The 2 7/8-inch Nitro-V stainless steel blade features a deep 14-inch hollow grind for exceptional slicing geometry. Overall Length: 7 inches. Scale: Carbon Fiber. MSRP: $400. Available: June

Browning Stormy Pass Trapper

STORM A BREWIN’—The Browning Stormy Pass Trapper is a traditional slip joint built with an emphasis on longevity and classic aesthetics. It features a 3-inch damascus steel blade with a hollow grind, paired with stainless steel liners and wood scales. Overall Length: 6.25 inches. Weight: 2.4 ounces. Blade Pattern: Trapper. MSRP: $100. Available: September

Bestech IKA Dagger

FRANKISH FLARE—Bestech’s IKA Dagger is the first integral handle design from French designer Tashi Bharucha. This folder features a 3.9-inch M390 stainless steel blade and ceramic ball bearings for fluid deployment. Overall Length: 8.85. Frame Material: Titanium. Blade Pattern: Dagger. Blade Thickness: 0.16 inch. Closed Length: 4.95 inches. MSRP: $580. Available: June

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New Production Knives: Factory Picks For ’26

BLADE Staff

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May 12, 2026

1

New Production Knives: Factory Picks For ’26

Get an edge on your cutting needs with the latest production knives.

The 2026 production knives are defined by an impressive range of styles and sizes, spanning from 1.5-inch neck knives to massive 12-inch folders. This year’s buyer’s guide highlights a sophisticated move toward premium materials, with CPM MagnaCut and M390 appearing across diverse price points, alongside traditional touches like India Stag Bone and Damascus. From task-specific hunter sets and tactical folders to “fidget-friendly” button locks and US-made fixed blades, these releases represent the cutting edge of modern manufacturing and designer collaboration.

GiantMouse The Redington

Knife Type: Fixed Blade
Blade Length: 5.1″
Overall Length: 9.7″
Blade Grind: Stonewash
Scale: Double Black Canvas Micarta
Blade Material: CPM MagnaCut
Sheath: Black Kydex
Date Available: Now
Inside Edge: Designed with input from the instructors at SERE East. Limited-Run of CPM MagnaCut.
MSRP: $425

Demko Knives AD22

Knife Type: Folding
Blade Length: 3.0″
Blade Shape: Shark Foot
Overall Length: 7.5″
Weight: 5.4 oz.
Scale: Titanium (Smooth or Milled)
Blade Material: CPM MagnaCut
Date Available: Currently and throughout 2026
Inside Edge: Made in the USA at Demkp headquarters in New Castle, PA. Also available with G10 scale in multiple colors.
MSRP: $700

Fallkniven BT1 (Bird & Trout)

Knife Type: Hunting/All Purpose
Blade Length: 2.68”
Overall Length: 6.69”
Blade Grind: Convex
Scale/Handle: Thermorun
Blade Material: Elmax
Sheath: Zytel
Date Available: 2026
MSRP: TBD

Bestech Nyrrdreki

Pattern: Cleaver
Designer: Fabian Hobbelen
Lock Type: Button‑Operated Frame Lock
Blade Length: 3.09”
Overall Length: 7.04”
Blade Grind: Hollow
Scale: Titanium
Blade Material: M390
Date Available: August
Inside Edge: Designed by Fabian Hobbelen, the Nyrrdreki hides a small surprise in its blade. The hole allows the knife to be flipped open with the pinky finger, turning a traditional opening feature into a playful and highly addictive fidget action.
MSRP: Approx. $350

Dagger Trading Begemot

Pattern: Modified Cleaver
Knife Type: Folding
Blade Length: 3.88″
Overall Length: 8.625″
Liners: Steel
Blade Grind: Flat
Scale: G10 with 3D print
Blade Material: VG10
Date Available: Now
MSRP: $71

Vero Engineering Aura

Knife Type: Folding
Blade Length: 3.3”
Overall Length: 7.7”
Liners: Steel
Blade Finish: Machine Belt Satin/Stonewash
Scale: Aluminum
Blade Material: 14C28N
Date Available: Summer 2026
Inside Edge: The Aura has a reversible wire pocket clip.
MSRP: Approx. $100

Bear & Son Cutlery Locking Farmhand w/clip

Pattern: Drop Point
Knife Type: Pocketknife
Blade Length: 2.75”
Overall Length: 6.375”
Closed Length: 3.625”
Locking Mechanism: Lockback
Handle: Genuine India Stag Bone
Blade Material: High Carbon Stainless Steel
Date Available: Now
Inside Edge: Made in Alabama
MSRP: $56

Emerson Knives Iron Drake

Pattern: Compound Recurve
Knife Type: Folding Knife
Blade Length: 3.8″
Overall Length: 8.9”
Liners: Titanium
Blade Grind: Conventional V Grind
Scale: G-10
Blade Material: S35VN
Availability: Now
MSRP: TBA

Boker USA Backcountry Black

Knife Type: Fixed Blade
Blade Length: 3.6″
Overall Length: 7.48″
Pattern: Drop Point
Scale: Textured Black G10
Blade Material: 154CM
Sheath: Black Custom-Fitted Kydex
Date Available: Now
Inside Edge: Handcrafted by Boker USA in Denver, Colorado. Perfect for bushcraft, hunting, survival, trekking, camping & EDC. Also available in a high-visibility orange G10, MagnaCut version.
MSRP: $200

Maserin 917 Woodsman

Pattern: Bushcraft
Knife Type: Fixed Blade
Blade Length: 4.01”
Overall Length: 9.21”
Weight: 6.35 oz.
Blade Grind: Flat
Scale: Brown Paper Stone Micarta (Also Available In Green Jute Micarta and Black Denim Jeans Micarta)
Blade Material: Nitro X7
Blade Finish: Stone Washed
Sheath: Black Italian leather sheath with removable dual belt loop position and hook.
Date Available: Now
MSRP: $ 215

CRKT Orochi

Knife Type: Folding Knife
Lock Type: Frame Lock
Blade: Clip Point
Blade Length: 3.55″
Overall Length: 8.16″
Liners: Titanium
Blade Grind: Flat
Scale: Titanium With Damascus Bolster
Blade Material: Damascus
Date Available: Now
Inside Edge: Named after the legendary Japanese serpent and its presence in anime, the Orochi features flowing lines, including a clip point, recurve blade, for balance and precise handling. The knife can be deployed either with discreet flipper tab, mirroring the custom knife its inspired by, or by its dual thumbstuds.
MSRP: $200

Big Idea Design Ti Manu

Designer: Ken Onion Jr.
Overall Length: 7.5”
Blade Length: 3.25”
Blade Steel: S90V
Blade Shape: Modified Drop Point
Handles: Grade 5 Titanium
Opening: Dual Thumbstuds
Date Available: August
Inside Edge: All Big Idea Design knives only have 2 screws, The pivot and a screw in the back for the reversible pocket clips. The Ti Manu also was designed to work with both Phosphor bronze washers and bearings. Both options will be included so people can swap them out at will. The lock face is an integrated ceramic ball bearings in lieu of an insert, so it has a super smooth travel and lockup.
MSRP: $250

Civivi Knives Kitefin

Knife Type: Folding
Lock Type: Button Lock
Blade Length: 3.22″
Overall Length: 7.52″
Blade Grind: Hollow
Scale: Aluminum
Blade Material: Damascus (14C28N option also available)
Date Available: Now
MSRP: $110

Halfbreed Blades MILF-05

Action: Flipper Folder
Carry: Pocket Clip
Designer: Jonathan Loftes
Lock Type: Frame Lock
Blade Steel: CPM S35VN
Blade Grind: V
Blade Edge: Plain Edge & Partially Serrated options
Blade & Handle Finish: PVD Coated
Blade Style: Spear Point
Blade Length: 3.54″
Handle Material: 420J2 Stainless Steel frame, liner, spacers; G10 scale
Washers: Phosphor Bronze
Overall Length Open: 8.26″
Date Available: Now
Inside Edge: The MILF-05 comes pre-set with a firm action; this can be adjusted for speed via the Torx head pivot point.
MSRP: $240

Bear OPS Load Out

Pattern: Drop Point
Knife Type: Folder
Blade Length: 3.5”
Overall Length: 8”
Closed Length: 4.5”
Lock Type: Liner Lock
Handle: Aluminum
Blade Material: 14C28N Sandvik
Date Available: Now
Inside Edge: Made in Alabama with assisted opening, reversible pocket clip and ball bearing washers.
MSRP: $110

Liong Mah Design SFD-Small Field Duty

Pattern: Drop Point
Knife Type: Folder
Blade Length: 3” (2.6” cutting edge)
Overall Length: 6.75”
Liners: Steel
Blade Grind: Flat
Scale: Titanium
Blade Material: CPM MagnaCut
Date Available: August
Inside Edge: Hand rubbed satin finish on the blade.
MSRP: $278

Browning Knives Stormy Pass Fixed Small

Pattern: Drop Point
Knife Type: Fixed Blade
Blade Length: 3.5”
Overall Length: 7.75”
Blade Grind: Hollow
Scale: Hidden Tang Wood
Blade Material: Damascus
Sheath: Leather
Date Available: Now
Knife To Know: Stainless Guard with black Micarta spacer.
MSRP: $140

Bear Edge Light Grey Aluminum Folder

Pattern: Drop Point
Knife Type: Folder
Blade Length: 3”
Overall Length: 7”
Lock Type: Liner Lock
Handle: Aluminum
Blade Material: 440 Stainless Steel
Weight: 3.2 oz.
Date Available: Now
MSRP: $43

Straightline EDC Ally

Knife Type: Fixed Blade
Blade Length: 2.68”
Overall Length: 5.98”
Blade Grind: Flat
Scale: 3D Milled Bronze Anodized Gr. 5 Titanium
Blade Material: M390
Blade Finish: Black PVD + Stonewash
Sheath: Black Leather Sheath With Magnets
Inside Edge: Igor Bortolussi, founder of the company, named the knife after his daughter Allegra and its design is based on a drawing she made when she was 4 years old. She’s 9 now.
Date Available: Now
MSRP: $249

SOG Specialty Knife & Tool Kiku XR

Pattern: Tanto
Knife Type: Folder
Blade Length: 3.03”
Closed Length: 4.30”
Lock Type: XR Lock
Handle: Fatcarbon Carbon Fiber
Blade Material: CTS XHP
Date Available: Now
Inside Edge: Reversible low-carry belt clip with XR Lock, thumb hole, kick opening mechanism.
MSRP: $400

BLACKHAWK Garra Fixed Karambit

Pattern: Karambit
Knife Type: Fixed-Blade
Blade Length: 3.25”
Overall Length: 8”
Handle: Black Zytel
Blade Material: D2 Tool
Sheath: Kydex
Date Available: Now
Inside Edge: Comes with conceal carry holster, removable Kydex sheath.
MSRP: $160

Camillus Knives Heater Mini

Pattern: Drop Point
Knife Type: Neck Knife
Blade Length: 1.5”
Overall Length: 3”
Blade Grind: Plain
Handle: G10
Blade Material: 3CR13
Sheath: Kydex
Date Available: Now
MSRP: $19

Utica Cutler Co. Disruption I

Pattern: Modified Wharncliff
Blade Length: 2.25″
Overall Length: 5.38″
Liners: Steel
Lock Type: Liner Lock
Blade Finish: Black Stonewash
Blade Grind: Flat
Blade Material: D2
Handle Material: G10
Inside Edge: Moveable Pocket Clip
Date Available: Now
MSRP: $70

Cold Steel Knife & Tool RECON 1 XL

Pattern: Clip Point
Knife Type: Folder
Blade Length: 5.25”
Overall Length: 12.25”
Closed Length: 3.63”
Lock Type: Tri-Ad Lock
Handle: G10
Blade Material: XHP w/ PVC Coating
Date Available: Now
Inside Edge: Ambidextrous Pocket/Belt Clip
MSRP: $330

Sharps Bros Meanstreak

Pattern: American Tanto
Lock Type: Button Lock
Blade Length: 3.25″
Overall Length: 7.75″
Liners: Brass Bearing With Ceramic Ball
Blade Grind: Flat
Scale: Titanium Scales & Clip
Blade Material: VG10/Copper Damascus, With Copper Pivot
Date Available: Now
MSRP: $170

Winkler Knives Drop Point Hunter

Pattern: Drop Point
Knife Type: Fixed Blade
Blade Length: 4”
Overall Length: 8.625”
Blade Grind: Flat
Scale: Walnut
Blade Material: 80CrV2
Sheath: Lined Boltaron with leather cover
Date Available: Limited Availability at BLADE Texas 2026 and BLADE Show Atlanta 2026. Publicly Available June.
Inside Edge: This knife was designed by combining popular features from several models to create an all-in-one blade tough enough for the hardest tasks yet aesthetically appealing enough for everyday enjoyment.
MSRP: $375

Case Knives XR Sod Buster Jr.

Knife Type: Slip-Joint Folder
Blade Length: 2.8”
Overall Length: 3.625”
Weight: 2.1 oz.
Blade Grind: Flat
Blade Finish: Stonewash Satin
Scale: Red, White & Blue Burl G-10
Blade Material: S35VN (Stainless)
Inside Edge: This knife will be made in limited quantities. “USA” is lasered into the G-10 on one end.
Date Available: Now
MSRP: $125

White River Knives S&S 3 Knife Chef Set

Pattern: Chef Set
Knife Type: Chef, Boning, Paring set
Designer: Smith & Sons
Blade Length: 7.5″, 5.8″, 3.4″
Overall Length: 12.5″, 9.9″, 7.25″
Blade Grind: Flat
Scale: G10 (Richlite)
Blade Material: CMP MagnaCut
Available: Now
Inside Edge: Designed by Smith & Sons and crafted in the U.S.A. by White River Knives, this premium kitchen set includes three essential blades: a 7.5″ Chef Knife, a 5.8″ Boning Knife, and a 3.4″ Paring Knife. Together, they cover nearly every task in the kitchen—from precision prep work to heavier slicing and trimming. Each knife is built from ultra‑durable, highly corrosion‑resistant MagnaCut steel, heat-treated to a remarkable 63–64 HRC for exceptional edge retention and long‑lasting performance.
MSRP: $600

Puma Knife Trophy Car Set

Blade Length: 2.8″ (Gut Hook), 2.5” (Caping, Fleshing)
Blade Grind: Hollow Ground, Satin Finished
Scale: POM Commando Stag (Synthetic Material)
Blade Material: 1.4116 German Cutlery
Sheath: Rugged Leather Sheath (Holds All Three Knives)
Date Available: Now
Inside Edge: Purpose-built trophy care kit for hunters—includes a gut hook skinner, caping knife, and fleshing knife with a premium leather sheath to keep the full set organized. Designed to handle skinning, caping, and hide prep cleanly whether you’re in camp or at home, and ideal for getting a trophy ready for the taxidermist.
MSRP: $175

DPx HEST F Urban Ti Redeye

Knife Type: Folding
Blade Length: 2.9”
Overall Length: 6.7”
Blade Grind: High Saber
Scale: Titanium
Blade Material: M390
Date Available: Now
Inside Edge: Flipper with red aluminum pivot ring and red backspacer.
MSRP: $425

Check Out Other Months:

First Look: TOPS Knives Sidekick Diver and Snake River Rescue

BLADE Staff

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April 27, 2026

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First Look: TOPS Knives Sidekick Diver and Snake River Rescue

TOPS Offers Surface-Level Performance, Subsurface Strength In Pair Of Water-Focused Blades.

For years, the dive knife market has been saturated with “emergency only” gear—tools often made from low-grade stainless steel that prioritize corrosion resistance at the total expense of edge retention. TOPS Knives is challenging that status quo with a dual-release born from their annual Employee Design Challenge. The Sidekick Diver and the Snake River Rescue represent a shift in philosophy: these are high-performance cutting tools first, engineered to survive the brine while maintaining the surgical bite expected of a professional blade.

Both models utilize N690 stainless steel, a cobalt-enriched alloy known for its ability to hold a fine edge and resist the aggressive nature of saltwater. To ensure these blades could handle real-world neglect, TOPS subjected prototypes to high-salinity brine soaks, allowing them to air-dry without rinsing—a “torture test” designed to mimic the exact conditions where most dive gear fails.

The Sidekick Diver, designed by Ana Espinoza, is a formidable 11.25-inch tool tailored for the spearfisherman. With a 5.75-inch blade featuring a fine tip and an integrated spine-mounted line cutter, it is built for the precision tasks of dispatching fish and clearing entangled lines. The contoured gray and black G10 handles are sized for a locked-in grip, whether you are bare-handed or wearing thick neoprene gloves.

In contrast, the Snake River Rescue, designed by Jon Garcia, serves the needs of SCUBA and rescue professionals. It features a blunt safety tip to prevent accidental punctures in high-stress, low-visibility underwater environments. The high-visibility yellow and black G10 scales ensure the tool is easy to locate if dropped, while an extended metal pommel serves as a functional tank tapper for signaling and monitoring air supply. Its dual-edge geometry, featuring a 2.5-inch fully serrated section on the spine, is specifically tuned for sawing through heavy rope and netting.

Both knives are finished in a Black Traction Coating for added protection and ship with a secure Kydex sheath. By moving away from the “disposable” mindset of traditional dive gear, TOPS has delivered a pair of aquatic workhorses built to be used, sharpened, and relied upon long after the first dive.

Sidekick Diver Specs

Blade Steel: N690 (RC 58-60)
Blade Length: 5.75 inches
Overall Length: 11.25 inches
Handle Material: Gray/Black G10
Weight: 12.8 ounces
MSRP: $395 – $400

Snake River Rescue Specs

Blade Steel: N690 (RC 58-60)
Blade Length: 5.5 inches
Overall Length: 9.38 inches
Handle Material: Yellow/Black G10
Weight: 10.9 ounces
MSRP: $395

More New Releases:

First Look: WE Knife Co. Dracarys Anniversary Special
First Look: GiantMouse ACE Atelier
First Look: Spyderco Retract Angles At EDC Kukri
First Look: The James Brand Barnes Titanium & Damasteel

Beating The Bush: Top Bushcrafting Knives

Reuben Bolieu

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April 22, 2026

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Beating The Bush: Top Bushcrafting Knives

Four Blades, One Purpose: Bushcraft Mastery

A bushcraft knife is more than a cutting tool—it’s a partner in the woods. Unlike kitchen cutlery or tactical blades, bushcraft knives balance durability with precision. They carve, split and shape wood, strike sparks and handle camp chores with ease. Key traits of a good bushcraft knife include a full tang for strength, a comfortable handle for extended use and a grind suited to carving and slicing. Blade steel must retain an edge while resisting chipping and the sheath should securely hold the knife in rugged conditions. In short, bushcraft knives are built for living outdoors, not just surviving it.

Survival Knives vs. Bushcraft Knives

Survival knives feature a robust design for emergencies, allowing users to chop, pry and withstand heavy abuse. They may feature serrations, hollow handles or multi-purpose functions aimed at crisis situations. Bushcraft knives, by contrast, emphasize control and precision. They carve wood, prepare food and perform camp tasks with efficiency. Where survival knives lean on brute strength, bushcraft knives rely on finesse. The distinction lies in intent: survival knives help you endure unexpected hardship, while bushcraft knives help you thrive in the wilderness through daily, deliberate use.

Böker Bronco Mini

The Böker Bronco Mini Fixed Blade measures 8.23 inches overall with a 3.375-inch CPM 3V blade in a drop point profile. Finished in satin and stonewash, the blade combines toughness with clean cutting ability. A Scandi grind makes it ideal for carving wood and bushcraft tasks, giving precise control in camp chores. To ensure stability, the tang is continuous and extends slightly beyond the handle end, allowing it to withstand strong impacts, such as striking a log. Additionally, a brief segment at the back of the blade features sharp 90-degree edges on both sides. The exposed tang can be used to generate sparks with an optional fire starter. The green TPE handle is textured for grip and measures 4.625 inches, providing comfort and security during extended use. At 4.8 ounces, it balances portability with durability.

A Kydex sheath provides ambidextrous carry and locks the knife securely with a solid click. Compact yet rugged, Böker built the Bronco Mini to baton kindling, process game, and thrive as a daily outdoor companion.

Unbroken Bronco

The exposed pommel/ferro rod striker is an outstanding feature of the Böker Bronco Mini for added utility.

Although the Böker Bronco Mini did all the bushcraft chores as well as any, it really shone in a utility role. I created a solid, realistic gauntlet of slicing tasks for the Böker Bronco Mini. I started with cutting heavy-duty scrap leather on a cutting board, holding it in one hand while slicing with the other. Next, I did the same with high-strength tow strapping. This task was difficult and would dull most new blade edges. This then set the stage for the lighter jobs. Old phone cord and zip ties fell victim to the Scandi blade, as did the jute twine. I cut up a lot of strong plastic package strapping, as we were close to the box-breaking-down season. Still, no issues.

With the amount of traveling I do, my life is full of luggage tags and boarding passes. If the edge wouldn’t slice these, I’d know the more robust materials dimmed it down. The Böker Bronco Mini passed the utility test like a champ. These were very realistic everyday chores that extend past the duration of this review.

Knives By Nuge Cub‑Muk

The Cub-Muk is a newish installment of the Knives By Nuge Cub series. The author used it as his companion blade in the Adirondacks with Nuge.

Inspired by the classic Nessmuk pattern, the Cub-Muk offers a compact yet full-featured design. Measuring 7 inches overall and featuring a 2.75-inch blade, with AEB-L stainless steel and a blackened, tumbled finish for durability. The Scandi grind, also available in Saber, excels at carving wood and shaping camp tools. Canvas Micarta scales provide a secure, weather-resistant grip, while the leather sheath adds traditional appeal and reliable retention. With its stout blade and full-sized handle, the Cub-Muk delivers agility and precision, making it a favorite for fine bushcraft work where control and efficiency matter most.

Floatplane-Camp Test

In the Adirondacks (upper right), the author prepared food for the camp using the KBK Cub-Muk. Proving the Scandi blade can slice tomatoes and process food. — In the Adirondacks, the author prepared food for the camp using the KBK Cub-Muk. Proving the Scandi blade can slice tomatoes and process food.

During my time in camp, the Knives By Nuge Cub‑Muk proved itself as a true workhorse. I carried it five days straight in the Adirondacks, relying on it for every small task that came up. Food prep, cordage cutting, and campcrafts were routine. The AEB‑L steel held a keen edge, and the hump‑backed spine added utility, scraping fish clean and even scooping meals when needed. Safely, of course.

Projects around camp highlighted the Nessmuk’s strengths. I carved pot hangers, stakes, and tool handles from both green and seasoned wood. Instead of chasing perfect points for stakes, I favored wedge ends that drove easily into the soil. Light taps with a stick set stop cuts for notches, giving me clean results without heavy batoning. The Scandi grind excelled at feather sticks, producing fine curls that caught quickly. Paired with a ferro rod, the squared spine showered sparks, igniting tinder in seconds.

The Cub‑Muk blends Nessmuk’s classic lines with modern materials, creating a compact knife that sees constant use. Its sharp edge, comfortable handle, and versatile design made it indispensable. From carving camp gear to starting fires, it delivered precision and reliability, proving that small knives often carry the biggest load in the woods.

Winkler Woodsman

The Winkler Woodsman measures 8.75 inches overall with a 4.25-inch blade forged from 80CrV2 steel and finished in Caswell black oxide for corrosion resistance. Its flat grind and drop-point profile provide versatility for carving, slicing and light chopping. The sculpted maple or canvas laminate handle offers a secure grip, while the skeletonized tang reduces weight without sacrificing strength.

A lined Boltaron sheath with a leather overlay and a spring-steel belt clip ensures reliable carry. Built for balance and control, the Woodsman blends rugged durability with refined handling, making it a standout choice for serious bushcraft tasks.

Table To Woods

A bushcraft stew wizard, the Winkler Woodsman performed well on a rustic chicken stew.

It was a cold-weather stew week when I got the Winkler Woodsman, so I put it to work right away in the kitchen. Carrots are always a more challenging task for a bushcraft knife. Typically, bushcraft knives’ thickness and Scandi grind messily wedge and split root veggies. Luckily, the Winkler Woodsman has a high saber grind, which some would call flat. It easily cut the stubborn carrots using a longer stroke. Celery and onions were just as simple with the longish bush blade, thanks to its sharpness out of the box and its grind. I used a chef’s grip (pinch grip) with comfort. The potatoes were russet, which aren’t too hard and cook rather quickly. Still, they can be difficult like carrots. No worries with the Winkler Woodsman, however.

Lastly, there was a delicate chicken breast, which I butterflied and boiled for easier, faster cooking. The blade shape was perfect for this task. I don’t think any other blade for this review could have done the same stellar job for a winter chicken stew as the Winkler Woodsman.

Bear Forest Simple 2

The author uses the Bear Forest Knives Simple 2 in a chest-lever grip for making camp tools.

Sized down from the original Simple series (4-inch blade), the Bear Forest Simple 2 measures about 6 inches overall. It features a 3.5-inch AEB-L stainless steel blade. Its zero Scandi grind bites cleanly into wood, excelling at carving and slicing tasks. Butterscotch and Mocha paper Micarta with red burlap “bearcarta” scales give the handle a warm, secure feel.

The ambidextrous JRE leather sheath (black) allows for belt or neck carry. Lightweight yet tough, the Simple 2 blends corrosion resistance with practical design. It’s streamlined for everyday bushcraft chores, offering a reliable companion for carving, camp setup and field use without excess bulk.

Simply Qualified

The author made a try stick with the Bear Forest knife, quickly and efficiently.

I gave each knife a project suited to its strengths. For the Bear Forest Knives Simple 2, I chose the classic try stick—a green branch about arm’s length and thumb to broomstick thick. It’s a perfect way to practice knife control and notch work. Over several months, I used the Simple 2 for fire prep, food tasks, and camp projects, including tarp stakes and a bowsaw, but the try stick demonstrated its precision. I carved 11 practical notches, from root strippers and V-notches to square reductions, latch notches, and lashing crosscuts. In the middle, I shaped double flats and pierced a square hole with the pointed tip, cradling the handle in my palm for control. I added a saddle notch, a round reduction, a pot hook and a rounded end for digging sticks or stakes.

The thin edge bit deeply, shaving clean curls for tinder. The belly of the blade handled reductions, while the sharp spine proved useful for peeling bark. The oval handle stayed comfortable, with a rounded butt that anchored the grip. Compact yet capable, the Simple 2 excelled at fine carving and practical camp work, proving itself a reliable bushcraft companion.

Bushcraft Breakdown

You can’t go wrong with any of the bushcraft blades here. They have their strengths without many drawbacks!

More Reviews:

Mike Bradshaw’s Large Hunter Review: Large And In Charge
Pepperwool Merino MM Review [Field Tested]
KSW Custom Knives Bushcrafter Review: Upcycled Edge
Hults Bruk Spika Review: Backwoods Beast

Head-To-Head Of Two Fillet Knives

Abe Elias

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April 20, 2026

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Comparing Smith’s Flex Fillet and Bear & Son Smooth White Bone Pro Fillet in fish-skinning dominance.

I was just about to type “fishing season is nearly upon us.” Living in Canada, it has never stopped. Up here, thousands of fishermen are manning their shanties, huddled over a hole, heaters blazing their favorite brand of barley pop nearby. Up north, fishing is a sport that runs year-round.

Why do men go ice fishing? Maybe they go for the love of it? Maybe the solitude and peace on the ice? Either way, they are out there. And certainly, a part of their kit is a good fillet knife. If you intend on eating some of what you catch, you need one. Which brings us to our topic.

We’ll head-to-head two fillet knives at opposite ends of the price spectrum. At the budget end is the Smith’s Flex Fillet Knife, and in the premium tier, the Bear & Son Smooth White Bone Professional Fillet Knife. Both knives have 7-inch-long blades, and both will be tested on some fresh catch from Lake Erie. Crossing my fingers, we get fillets for a meal.

A buddy of mine who is braver than I for facing the cold brought in a variety of pickerel (walleye for my American readers) and my favorite, yellow perch. Anyway, let’s talk knives. Some would figure that putting a $145 dollar knife up against a $20 isn’t a fair comparison. I would suggest that price sometimes doesn’t matter as much as value.

Tale Of The Tape

With a 7-inch blade, the Smith’s Flex has a mid-range flex to it. Beyond filleting fish, the author could see this stiffness making it a solid boning knife.

Given its thicker stock, the author found the White Smooth Bone’s blade on the stiff side. Out of the two blades, he could see this knife pulling duty cleaning game.

Handle ergonomics is important in a knife used for long periods of time. It is one thing to chop an onion and a completely different thing when you need to manipulate a blade to make detailed cuts repeatedly. Ergonomics on the Bear & Son are pretty good. The overall profile of the handle has the right contours. Out of the two, there is no doubt that the White Bone Professional has better looks with its split 25 percent black and 75 percent white handle scales. Part of the presentation of the handle is black liners that run into the black bolsters. Bear & Son use screws to fasten the scales to the full tang design. They also include a lanyard hole.

Smith’s, on the other hand, goes with a light injection-molded plastic handle. Unfortunately, they do not detail what material the handle is made from, and since do not play guessing games I will not hazard a misinformed guess. The molded handle on the Smith’s is lightweight. On the weight (without sheaths), the Bear & Son weighed in at 5.46 ounces, and the Smith’s weighed in at 2.98 ounces, according to my kitchen scale. Therefore, the Smith’s came in at almost half the heft. If you prefer a knife with a little heft to it, the Bear & Son is your model.

The author liked the Smith’s handle and found the design made the tip controllable for detailing jobs.

Sheaths for these knives are not a main area of concern, as a fillet knife isn’t generally meant for belt carry. You do want the blade protected. Naturally, you want to avoid holes in whatever you choose to tote your fishing gear in. Smith’s comes in a very minimal sheath, no belt loop and plenty of drainage holes, allowing the blade to dry. All those slots make sure the sheath is easy to wash out. The Professional comes with a sturdy molded sheath with various lashing points so you can attach it to your gear. Furthermore, it has a great friction lock-up. The only drawback to the Bear & Son sheath is a tiny drainage hole. This, however, is easily fixed with a large drill bit.

Fillet Fray

A good, sharp knife like the Smith’s Flex made it easy for the author to get clean fillets off the fish.

The Professional is made from 14C28N stainless steel, popular in fishing and fillet knives. The Smith’s is listed as a 400 series stainless steel, found in more budget-conscious blades—particularly kitchen cutlery. Despite the differences in materials, the Smith’s knife was sharp out of the box. The blade cleaned the fish with ease. We cut around the ribs to start, and, for the test, we cut through the ribs. Then, we deboned the fillets.

Next came the White Smooth Bone Professional. Right off, it needed work on its edge. Luckily, my friend had a draw-through type sharpener, and he touched up the edge. This improved the knife’s performance a bit, but it was still not optimal for the job at hand. Cutting through the ribs was more like breaking through them. Out-of-the-box sharpness, hands down, goes to the Smith’s Flex. In fact, we finished the rest of the haul with the knife, and it is still sharp enough to clean fish.

The author liked the Smooth White Bone Professional Fillet’s ergonomics and aesthetics. Once he upgraded the edge, it handled well and made easy work of its filleting tasks.

I will note that I worked on the Professional later after the test and did get the edge up to snuff, but it wasn’t there fresh from the box.

Final Cut

My final thoughts on the two are, for the money, the Smith’s probably gives a fisherman as much knife as most he’ll need. And it does so from the get-go. How will it perform long-term? I will have to do the hard work of going fishing to find out.

As for the Bear & Son? If you like the knife, you likely have to do some work to get its performance up. Please keep in mind that these are samples of one of each knife and may not hold true as a rule for either blade across the board. In the knifemaking process, the final step of putting an edge on the blade is mostly still done by hand. Whoever put the edge on the White Smooth Bone didn’t form it properly. Human error isn’t uncommon.

Either choice, good luck out there, and catch a bunch.

More Reviews:

Mike Bradshaw’s Large Hunter Review: Large And In Charge
Pepperwool Merino MM Review [Field Tested]
KSW Custom Knives Bushcrafter Review: Upcycled Edge
Hults Bruk Spika Review: Backwoods Beast

Spycraft Knives SK-4 Sentinel Review: Covert Ringer

Msg Kim Breed (ret.)

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April 15, 2026

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Spycraft Knives SK-4 Sentinel Review: Covert Ringer

Spycraft Knives’ wharncliffe gives you an undercover edge.

Spycraft Knives is a new player in the game and offers some cloak-and-dagger in its design. As the company’s name suggests, its SK-4 Sentinel is designed with input from ex-SpecOps personnel and is designed for carry on your person or gear.

It’s a ringed knife with a handle shape that feels good in the hand and feels heavy in the hand. Its wharncliffe-shaped blade is a great all-around style, and the angled false edge slims the tip a little. It’s definitely a stout knife, but above all, it must cut. So, let’s run it through the basics.

Light-Duty Testing

Cardboard did curl, but the author didn’t chalk that up to issues with the knife’s hollow grind. Instead, it was more a factor of the knife’s thickness binding on cuts through the stiffer material.

Up first I tested the edge out of the box with paper slices. The SK-4 sliced fairly quickly with its factory edge and produced a clean cut on all but one attempt. I had a tear, but I put that on operator error as I caught the sharpening notch. Overall, the edge seems to have a medium grit finish designed for heavier work.

I moved on to single-walled cardboard with the Sentinel producing nice, clean cuts with plenty of curling. This was thanks to the knife’s hollow grind in its thick blade steel. It’s possible to get a bit of binding in certain materials with the blade, but it’s possible to push through it. Here, the edge was aggressive, and I had to make sure to keep my fingers clear and had a few close calls with shaving skin.

Through leather, the Sentinel was particularly aggressive, the author reports. Both cutting and skiving the hide were audible. Skiving was especially impressive, with the knife producing thin, uniform slices.

On to 8-ounce leather, the SK-4 was really aggressive. Slicing, I got a crunching sound with every cut and found the thumb notch helped keep the cuts evenly spaced. When I switched to skiving, the knife was still talking to me with every cut. Honestly, I didn’t feel any resistance when I was attacking the leather.

Heavy-Duty Testing

The knife had some nice attributes when challenging tougher materials, such as this pine. The author was able to exert more force when creating curly cues thanks to a smartly placed thumb notch on the spine.

Pinewood was the SK-4’s next task and some whittling. I had to use a steeper angle because of the grind, but the knife produced very uniform curly cues for a fire stick. The contoured handles gave me plenty of control while making the longest cuts and thickest curly cues.

I batoned the SK-4 into seasoned Hackberry wood. The first hit buried the blade, then I banged on the tip till the wood split. I tried holding the knife by the ring to give my hand room once the tip was buried. It worked, but I felt a lot of shock in my hand. Once the larger chunk of Hackberry was split, the SK-4 quickly split the thinner pieces. I found no noticeable damage to the edge, though it had a few wood smears to oil out.

The SK-4 was up to the tasks of splitting seasoned hackberry, however, it did leave the author with a sore hand when he tried to hold on to the ring while batoning.

Time for my favorite medium, sisal rope. The SK-4 crunched its way to 146 cuts before the edge started to slide. Nicely done. What was especially nice was that I found no hot spots on my hand from the handle. Overall, the wharncliffe blade aggressively zipped through the rope.

Overall Take

The SK-4 is a lot of knife in a smaller package. It has good edge retention with a comfortable handle. I am not a big fan of ringed knives, and I would like thinner steel used to keep weight down.

SK-4 Sentinel Specs
Maker: Spycraft Knives
Steel: K340 tool
Grind: Hollow
Overall Length: 9”
Blade Length: 4.09”
Weight: 7.26 ounces
Finish: PVD
Blade style: Wharncliffe
Handles: Textured G10
MSRP: $399

More Reviews:

Mike Bradshaw’s Large Hunter Review: Large And In Charge
Pepperwool Merino MM Review [Field Tested]
KSW Custom Knives Bushcrafter Review: Upcycled Edge
Hults Bruk Spika Review: Backwoods Beast

Taking The Foot Path: Top Sheepsfoot Knives

Reuben Bolieu

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March 10, 2026

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Taking The Foot Path: Top Sheepsfoot Knives

Three unique sheepsfoot blades for top pocket performance.

A sheepsfoot blade hides its edge behind a quiet profile. It slices clean and never wanders. These three nowhere-near-a-kind blades remind you why the shape keeps earning loyal fans.

Sheepsfoot Advantage

A sheepsfoot blade shape delivers straight, predictable cuts without risk of a piercing tip. The sheepsfoot blade gets its name from its shape, which resembles a sheep’s hoof. The edge runs flat so the user can push through rope, cardboard and fabric with complete control. The dropped, rounded nose keeps the point out of the work, which helps during rescue tasks and close-quarters cutting. The shape shines in utility roles, but it trades away penetration and fine-tip detail work. Users who need a safe, steady cutter reach for a sheepsfoot. Users who need a sharp, probing point usually look elsewhere.

Reiff Knives Circadia

Reiff Knives built its reputation on hard-use tools designed for people who work and live outdoors. The Circadian Sheepsfoot fits that mission cleanly. Reiff Knives is a family run and veteran-owned company, and it’s carved out a niche by blending modern steels with field-driven ergonomics. Its knives aren’t showpieces—they’re workhorses built to survive real use in the backcountry, the shop or the boat. The Circadian line has been one of the company’s best sellers, and the sheepsfoot variant pushes the platform into pure utility.

The Circadian Sheepsfoot features a compact EDC profile, measuring roughly 7 inches in overall length, depending on the sheath and scale configuration. The blade measures about 3 inches and is cut from CPM MagnaCut, a steel chosen for its balance of toughness, edge retention and corrosion resistance—a smart match for a knife meant to live outdoors. Reiff offers the blade in stonewash or black DLC, both finishes built for durability and low glare. The 90-degree spine is sharp enough to spark from a ferro rod, adding value for fieldcraft.

Handle scales are available in canvas Micarta, colored black or green depending on the model. The geometry favors control: a deep index cut, a neutral mid-section and a palm swell that locks the hand without forcing a grip. It’s a compact knife that still feels anchored during push cuts, rope work and fine carving.

Reiff pairs the Circadian Sheepsfoot with a Kydex sheath, sold in multiple colors and patterns, including black, OD green and multicam. Reiff designed the sheath for belt or pack-strap carry with enough retention for active movement. It’s an EDC fixed blade—small enough for daily tasks and tough enough for field abuse.

Circadian Sheepsfoot Specs
Overall Length: 7.25”
Blade Length: 3.28”
Blade Thickness: 0.120
Steel: CPM-MagnaCut Stainless
Finish: Stonewash
Weight: 4.10 oz.
Scales: OD Green Canvas Micarta
Sheath: Ambidextrous Universal Kydex with Tek-Lok
Made in the U.S.A.
MSRP: $285

Circadian Performance

Sheepsfoot blades excel in the kitchen, similar to a santoku knife with a flat blade. The Circadian slices with authority, performing pull slices with the tip.

Even though these three knives are in the EDC realm, the Circadian Sheepsfoot feels like the big brother. I have to give comfort and solidness to it. The knife has the heft to baton wood for the dry parts, and the edge geometry to feather wood like an ordained bushcraft knife. On top of that, the 90-degree spine showered sparks on every part, even the jimping.

It acts like a mini santoku knife in the woods, cabin and home kitchen. It performs draw cuts like a champ on food, cardboard, cordage, paper and leather. I made it my woods sheepsfoot blade and relied on it solo and teamed up with a chopper/splitter in the winter months. I touched up the MagnaCut blade once while testing it, and it wasn’t a chore, because I never let it get dull enough to need the sharpening stone.

I added an UltiClip to the sheath, carried it in my utility pocket and called it good!
The Circadian Sheepsfoot delivers reliable cutting performance for those who need a dependable tool that never falters. It’s simple, rugged and purpose-driven—exactly what Reiff Knives promises with every tool they ship!

Bear & Son Culery Large Sheepfoot Barlow

Bear & Son blends tradition with Alabama craftsmanship in the Large Sheepfoot Barlow, featuring simple mechanics and quality materials. Even living up to modern performance expectations, the author found the stag handle gave it “old-timey” appeal.

Bear & Son Cutlery operates out of Jacksonville, Alabama, where it machines, grinds, assembles and sharpens every knife under one roof. That full-control approach gives its traditional patterns a level of consistency collectors and working users both appreciate. The Large Sheepfoot Barlow sits squarely in that tradition. It blends a classic American pattern with modern steel choices and multiple handle options, giving the user a pocket tool that feels familiar but performs with modern reliability.

The knife measures 7 inches in overall length and 4 inches closed. Bear & Son fits the frame with a 2.75-inch sheepsfoot blade cut from stainless steel. The second blade mirrors a traditional Barlow layout, providing a backup edge for finer work. The sheepsfoot profile drives straight cuts through rope, cardboard and daily tasks with predictable control. The company shapes the spine with a clean, squared feel, which helps during controlled push cuts and scraping chores.

Handle options include rosewood, Genuine India Stag Bone and white smooth bone. Each material gives the knife a different personality: rosewood for warmth, stag for texture and smooth bone for a classic pocket-worn look. Nickel-silver bolsters anchor the Barlow silhouette and add durability at the pivot.

The knife is a slipjoint, so it stays legal in most jurisdictions and fits the traditional-carry crowd. Bear & Son ships it without a sheath, as expected for a pocket Barlow. The weight lands at 3.7 ounces, which keeps it planted in the pocket without feeling bulky.

2-Blade Barlow Sheepsfoot
Overall Length: 7”
Blade Length: 3”
Closed: 4”
Blade Thickness: 0.90″
Steel: Stainless
Finish: Satin
Weight: 2.9 oz.
Scales: Rosewood, Genuine India Stag Bone, White Smooth Bone
Sheath: None
Made in the U.S.A.
MSRP: $79

Large Sheepfoot Barlow Performance

The Sheepfoot Barlow's large blade cut through leather and nylon webbing easily. Meanwhile, the comfortable, tapered handle made pull slicing smooth. — The Sheepfoot Barlow’s large blade cut through leather and nylon webbing easily. Meanwhile, the comfortable, tapered handle made pull slicing smooth.

The Large Sheepfoot Barlow had some weight and an old-timey impression. It made me feel classy when I used it and it sliced like a champ. Its solid feel was substantial, though I took extra care when pulling the blades out. The liners inside the handles were sharp—near paper-cut sharp. But I didn’t draw blood when I opened it. They were just rough to the touch.

Both blades were wicked sharp. The smaller blade had a more awl-like shape and was thick enough to use as one. Or it could be your up-close, carving-in-tight-places blade. Pick your poison. The main blade excels at slicing rope, and the sharp tip makes short work of leather. What surprised me most was how detailed the sheepsfoot was mincing fresh garlic in the kitchen. Naturally, the stainless steel remained worry-free around moisture.

Bear & Son continues to push traditional patterns forward while keeping the work in Alabama. The Large Sheepfoot Barlow reflects that mission: simple mechanics, honest materials and a pattern that earned its place over generations.

Tactile Knife Co. Redhawk

The Redhawk marks Tactile Knife Co.’s push into the compact fixed-blade EDC space, and it carries the same machining pedigree that put the Dallas-based shop on the map. Tactile started as a precision pen company before expanding into knives, but its through-line never changed: tight tolerances, clean lines and American-made materials. Its shop in Texas machines nearly every component in-house, and the company leans hard into heirloom-grade build quality. The Redhawk reflects that ethos—simple, durable and purpose-driven.

Taylor Martin created the Redhawk after years of carrying fixed blades that fell short. It’s a compact knife punching above its size without feeling delicate. It measures just under 7 inches in overall length (6.9 inches OAL) with a 2.75- or 3-inch blade, depending on the variant. The blade, cut from CPM MagnaCut, is a steel chosen for its balance of toughness, edge retention and corrosion resistance. Its reverse tanto/modified sheepsfoot profile gives it a tall cutting surface and a fine, workable tip. Blade stock runs 0.12-inch, keeping it slicey without feeling thin.

Handle scales are made of Micarta and come in multiple colors. Tactile shaped them with a scalloped pinch-grip area for control during fine work and heavy cuts using a chest-lever grip. Finish options include stonewashed, tumbled Cerakote and black Cerakote, depending on the retailer. The spine is ground clean and crisp, suitable for scraping tinder or striking a ferro rod. Tactile doesn’t explicitly market it as a 90-degree spine, but it behaves like one in use.

The knife ships with either a Kydex or leather sheath, both set up for pocket carry with a clip, making it a true EDC fixed blade rather than a belt-only option.

Redhawk Specs
Designer: Taylor Martin
Overall Length: 6.9”
Blade Length: 2.75”
Blade Thickness: 0.120
Steel: CPM-MagnaCut Stainless
Finish: Cerakote (black)
Weight: 3.16 oz.
Scales: 3D Contoured Micarta Handles (black)
Sheath: Kydex Discreet Carry Concepts Sheath Clip
Made in the U.S.A.
MSRP: $249

Redhawk Performance

The Redhawk was a woods camp breakfast companion during the author’s testing. The sheepsfoot both helped with fire, food prep and eating.

I first saw the Redhawk in Taylor Martin’s hand at an outdoor event. We talked about it later that evening, and I was eager to get one and put it through the wringer. First stop—the Irish pub to show the guys. After show-and-tell, it was nearing the holiday season and the Redhawk went to work on package duty. Work included heavy plastic strapping, paper and plastic packaging, bubble wrapping and—as little as possible—tape. I hate sticky blades, so usually I cut through cardboard when breaking them down flat. Believe it or not, paper, grass and cardboard are all hard on an edge.

In the woods, the Redhawk made feather sticks for a fire from wet wood and went on to slice ham and sausages. It kept a small bio stove well fed in the colder end of autumn. The blade performed as expected—well! The handle was nimble, yet substantially comfortable. The scalloped grooves in the Micarta scales did their job, especially in chest-lever and pinch grips.

The Redhawk is a compact cutter built for daily tasks, but it carries the machining DNA of a much larger knife. It’s a minimalist tool with maximum intent—exactly what Tactile Knife Co. set out to build.

Closing

The sheepsfoot blade shape shares genetic material with many knives, such as the Malaysian parang, the Japanese santoku knife, rescue knives and Serbian-style cleavers. There’s no escaping this timeless pattern!

Knife Reviews:

Sharps Bros. Meanstreak Review: Keen, Mean Cutting Machine
Relentless Knives Curved Fillet Knife Review
Cold Steel Finn Bear Review: Light, Sharp And Up To Snuff
Spartan Blades Clandestina Review: 2024 Blade Knife of the Year