Fixed Blade Knives Archives

Best Skinner Knives: A Guide to Top-Rated Hunting Blades

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September 5, 2025

Best Skinner Knives: A Guide to Top-Rated Hunting Blades

Find the perfect hunting knife with our guide to the best skinners on the market. We review top models from respected makers.

A skinner is a knife purpose-built for the delicate but necessary job of skinning game animals. Its singular mission: separate hide from muscle without causing a mess that makes a taxidermist weep.

Skinning knives serve specific purposes. Primarily, they glide beneath the hide with minimal resistance. This feature allows for a smoother cutting experience, making it easier to separate the skin from the meat.

Skinners also aim to minimize accidental punctures to the underlying meat or organs. This is crucial for preserving the quality of the meat and ensuring that it remains uncontaminated during the skinning process. Finally, skinners offer the control necessary for making fine cuts around joints, facial features and paws. This level of precision is essential for skilled processing, allowing for clean and efficient work.

Good Skinners and Bad

A good skinner slices smoothly without requiring brute force, retaining the cutting edge throughout the job. It cleans easily, especially around the scales, and feels intuitive in your hand, almost as if the knife knows your intentions before you do. Moreover, it keeps the hide intact, avoiding headaches caused by unwanted holes.

A bad skinner features an overly aggressive tip that punctures organs at the slightest touch, slippery scales that become a liability when blood is involved, and poor edge retention that necessitates awkward sharpening breaks. It may possess a clunky balance that makes it feel more like a garden tool than a precision instrument and hard-to-clean crevices that turn into breeding grounds for bacteria.

In short, an effective skinner collaborates with, rather than works against, you; it’s about finesse, not sheer strength, resembling a scalpel instead of a medieval cleaver.

Classic Design Skinners

Classic skinners are all about specific design features as opposed to gimmicks. They typically have a blade with a wide belly and sweeping curve for long, confident strokes that excel at slicing through hide. Most use a drop point or semi-rounded tip to prevent accidental stabbing when dealing with gut sacks.

A flat or convex grind offers a good balance between sharpness and strength, while hollow grinds, though sometimes sharper, can be fragile. Blade lengths usually range from 3 to 4 inches for maneuverability in tight areas like hooves or facial contours. Ergonomics is also crucial, with grippy materials like Micarta® or textured rubber preferred to prevent slippage.

Montana Knife Co. Packout Skinner

The author indicated the Packout Skinner would make Nessmuk proud. With a MagnaCut stainless steel blade and textured G-10 handle, it sliced through Teriyaki chicken like a champ.

Pros

Top-Tier Steel
Compact and Maneuverable
Ergonomic Grip

Cons

Expensive

Packout Skinner Specs
Blade Length: 3”
Blade @Thickest: .11”
Blade Steel: MagnaCut stainless
Blade Finish: Stonewash
Scales: G-10
Weight: 2.98 ozs.
Overall Length: 7”
Sheath: Kydex
Country of Origin: U.S.A.
MSRP: $300

The Montana Knife Co. (MKC) Packout Skinner is a compact powerhouse built for precision in the field. It packs a generous belly into a tight footprint—ideal for long, clean skinning strokes. The blade offers top-tier edge retention, corrosion resistance and toughness that thrives in backcountry conditions. Full-tang construction is paired with a milled handle shaped for a secure, glove-friendly grip that stays comfortable through extended use. The ergonomic palm swell and thoughtful finger ramp give you control whether you’re slicing hide or fleshing out detail work.

A custom-molded sheath complements the package, providing secure retention and versatile carry options: horizontal, vertical or pack-mounted. This knife doesn’t just show up, it works hard—just like the hunters it is built for.

A simple knife test I use is rustic meat cooking and slicing. In my eyes, and according to George Washington Sears, aka Nessmuk, an outdoor knife should be able to skin, butcher and slice. The Packout Skinner would make him proud. It does it all. I had a small summer barbecue with Teriyaki chicken and the skinner sliced it like a champ.

The sheath came in scout carry mode, so that’s how I used it. It carried comfortably. However, bending forward processing meat and camp must-haves made me remove it for a few minutes. On the plus side, it was easy to remove and attach without having to take it off my belt.

W.R. Case & Sons Laramy Miller Sasquatch Skinner

The Sasquatch easily feathered wood that took a spark from a stout ferro rod. The edge was sharp and the spine has a good 90-degree angle for fire starting.

Pros

Excellent Edge Retention and Durability
Hidden Utility
Ergonomic Handle

Cons

Heavy

Sasquatch Skinner Specs
Blade Length: 3.94”
Blade @Thickest: .125”
Blade Material: 1095 carbon steel
Blade Finish: Caswell™
Scales: Natural Micarta®
Weight: 8.38 ozs.
Overall Length: 8.75”
Sheath: Brown leather
Country of Origin: U.S.A.
MSRP: $196.99

The W.R. Case & Sons Laramy Miller Sasquatch Skinner is a rugged fixed blade fashioned for serious field work. It strikes a balance between reach and control, perfect for skinning game or tackling camp chores. The blade has excellent edge retention and a stealthy, corrosion-resistant surface.

The smooth handle offers a secure, scratch-resistant grip with a soft feel that stays comfortable through prolonged use. The full-tang construction adds durability, while the ergonomic shape keeps your hand locked in when things get messy.

A fitted sheath completes the package, offering classic protection and easy belt carry. This knife is built to perform and last.

The rugged Sasquatch Skinner feels like a survival knife meant for hard use and skinning. The first thing I did was make a fire. I feathered a dry birch stick and was impressed with the skinner’s edge geometry. I made curls that were thin enough to take a spark via my Uberleben ferro rod and the blade spine. I didn’t read any info on the spine having a 90-degree angle. However, it’s a hidden gem! The second half of the spine—middle to tip—is where it’s sharp.

I employed the Sasquatch to split poplar and maple via a baton with no worries. I found the handle a bit thin for gripping during specific crafts. Maybe that’s why it’s a skinner, not a survival knife.

The edge was sharp and stayed that way. I like the absence of gimping as I don’t use it. However, most knife folks would disagree, especially with a skinner. The knife seemed like a ramped-up skinner, slightly on the heavy side, but then think of survivalist/mountain man Laramy Miller—they don’t call him Sasquatch for nothing!

The sheath carries traditionally on the belt at a medium height. It’s not too much of a rib jabber, nor does it carry too low.

White River Knife & Tool Model 1 Skinner

The grip on the Model 1 was secure and the spine’s forward gimping proved useful. After an hour of skinning and deboning, the author had no complaints. The thin grind made cutting effortless and the taper is outstanding.

Pros

Premium Materials
Lightweight and Compact
Controlable

Cons

Lower Blade Hardness

Model 1 Skinner Specs
Blade Length: 3”
Blade @Thickest: .13”
Blade Steel: CPM S35VN stainless
Rockwell Hardness: 58-60 HRC
Finish: Stonewash
Scales: Textured orange G-10
Weight: 3.5 ozs.
Overall Length: 7”
Sheath: Kydex
Country of Origin: U.S.A.
MSRP: $160

The White River Knife & Tool Model 1 Skinner is a target-constructed field knife that blends compact control with premium materials perfectly sized for precision work without sacrificing reach. The blade has excellent edge retention and corrosion resistance for repeated use in harsh conditions. The textured handle provides a secure, ergonomic grip—wet or gloved—while the large choil and gimping enhance control during delicate skinning tasks. A custom-molded sheath ensures safe carry and quick access, whether belt-mounted or pack-ready. Lightweight and razor sharp, the Model 1 is a reliable companion for hunters who demand performance without bulk.

While there wasn’t a running wild game season in my area of the Northeast when I wrote these words, I stuck with simplicity. One bird always in season is chicken. I buy skin-on, bone-in and prefer to do the preparation. The Model 1 makes for an excellent, nimble butcher knife. I used the little gem to debone split-chicken breasts and skinned them with ease. The grip was never in question and the forward spine gimping proved helpful. I used it for about one hour, skinning and deboning with no complaints. The thin grind glided through the meat with ease and the taper is excellent.

TOPS Knives Backwoods Skinner

In ulu mode with the Backwoods Skinner, the author sliced raw carrots effortlessly. The edge geometry works for food and game prepping.

Pros

Versatile and Multi-Purpose
Unique and Secure Gut Hook
Excellent Ergonomics

Cons

Gut Hook Deployment

Backwoods Skinner Specs
Designer: Joshua Swanagon
Blade Length: 3”
Blade @Thickest: .16”
Blade Material: 1095 carbon steel
Blade Finish: Coyote tan coating
Scales: Green canvas Micarta®
Weight: 5.4 ozs.
Overall Length: 6.75”
Sheath: Black leather
Country of Origin: U.S.A.
MSRP: $270

The TOPS Knives Backwoods Skinner is a compact ulu-inspired knife built for precision and endurance. The deep-bellied blade is perfect for slicing through hide and tackling bushcraft tasks without flinching.

The gut hook nestled in the handle is excellent for hunting season. I used it as a cord cutter. The sharp hook is a standard fixture for search-and-rescue personnel to slice cord and rope and to free people from entanglements. Remove the grenade pin and carefully take out the gut hook. Reverse the hook and install it in the proper hole for security. Make sure to put the sheath on to prevent cuts. My gut hook took some working in with another object until it fit. I suggest using leather gloves to avoid cuts from the hook.

The handle features an ovulated grip and deep choil, offering fatigue-free control and a confident hold even in messy conditions. Hidden in the pommel is a clever gut hook, deployable when needed and safely tucked away when not. A sheath combining classic style with belt-loop-carry convenience augment the package. Designed by survival authority Joshua Swanagon, the knife is ready for big game, small game and everything in between.

I remember a video with designer Joshua Swanagon talking about the ulu-shaped blade. I saw the ulu pattern immediately when I first saw the knife. Luckily for me, carrots were in season. I used the Backwoods Skinner as I would an ulu, slicing and dicing. Carrots are more difficult to cut due to their hardness. A dull or too thickly beveled blade will wedge and split the vegetable. However, there was none of that. I used my forefinger on the drop portion of the blade tip as intended for controlled slices. I also used it like a regular kitchen knife, choking up in a chef’s pinch grip. Both worked perfectly fine and were comfortable.

Check Out More Outdoor Knives:

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The Joy of Cooking Knife Review

Steve Shackleford

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October 18, 2024

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Ethan Becker and Dan Eastland collaborate on a sharp tool for the kitchen.

Long-time knife designer Ethan Becker and Dan Eastland of Dogwood Custom Knives have collaborated on a chef’s knife that combines each of the principals’ vision of exactly what such a knife should be.

Introduced at BLADE Show 2024, the Joy of Cooking 8-inch K-tip chef’s knife is a mix of Japanese and Western styles and premium stainless steel and synthetic handle materials.

It also has the iconic Joy of Cooking logo on the blade, Joy of Cooking the internationally renowned cookbook originally written by Becker’s mother, Irma Rombauer, and edited in some subsequent editions by Ethan. He handed those duties off and today the book is co-edited most ably by his son, John, and Megan Scott.

The heel of the blade curves toward the rear and sits flat on the surface for controlled cutting.

With extensive experience as both a knifemaker and a cook, Eastland brings the kind of know-how to the project that gives it edged gravitas.

“Dan is pretty much the perfect person to do this because he’s been in a commercial kitchen and knows his way around that,” Ethan said.

Dan also spent a number of years as an apprentice maker to Georgia Knife Makers Guild member Andy Roy of Fiddleback Forge in North Georgia, and now builds knives at Dogwood Custom Knives in Greenville, South Carolina.

Joy of cooking knife handle — Handle materials come in a choice of natural (shown here; note the texture and grain) and black Micarta® and blue, red or black G-10.

As for the Joy of Cooking knife and its features, Dan approaches it all from the maker/cook perspective.

“The blade has a Japanese influence. I always liked Japanese blade geometry and balance, but I didn’t like their handles. Ethan and I both like a little palm swell,” he noted, “so we wanted more of a Western-style handle.”

In Joy of Cooking, Ethan writes about a grip for home cooks that’s comfortable, Dan said, so the handle has rounded corners to eliminate hot spots and an overall design that helps promote a pinch grip. The blade is weighted toward the front for balance and has the K tip for precise tip work.

Tip of the joy of cooking knife — The K tip gives the knife a piercing feature lacking in such Japanese designs as the santoku.

Ethan said he’s a big fan of the santoku style and has designed santokus and used them in the kitchen almost exclusively for 20 years.

“The one problem with the santoku is it really doesn’t have a good piercer,” he noted. “You can get by without a piercer if you keep the knife really sharp but guess what—most people don’t keep their knives sharp enough. But for such jobs as taking off the top of a tomato, for instance, the K tip works pretty good.”

Dan lauded the utility of the K tip for other tasks as well, adding, “My grandmother opened all the packaging with the tip of a kitchen knife. No matter what knife you gave her, she sliced the top of the package open with the tip and went to work.” The K tip is tailor made for such chores, as well as others.

Joy of cooking knife handle palm swell — The collaborators prefer a Western-style handle and gave the Joy of Cooking Knife grip a palm swell as a result.

The edge has a nice curvature for rock chopping and push cutting meats and vegetables. The heel of the blade also curves toward the rear and sits flat on the surface for controlled cutting.

“The neat thing is when the blade comes down [at the heel during a rocking cut or chop], it stops,” Ethan explained. “It’s also good for a push cut,” Dan added, “so it’s good for both a rock chop and push cut. And having that heel down a little bit it will bottom out, so you cut all the way through something and don’t wind up with little partially cut bits at the end.”

Joy Of Cooking Knife Details

The 8-inch blade is CPM S35VN stainless steel. The Rockwell hardness is 60 HRC and the blade is 3/32-inch thick at the thickest. Along with the contoured handle the knife weighs in at a scant 5.5 ounces.

Joy of cooking knife sheath — A hard plastic cover with plastic snaps contains and protects the knife.

“I’m of the opinion the Greeks told us everything we need to know about a double-inclined plane—the longer the plane and the lower the angle, the more efficient it is,” Dan said. “A knife blade is a double-inclined plane, and I wanted to make this knife as light as possible.”

He returned to his grandmother’s experience.

“And again, my grandmother used to complain that Henckels and Wusthof, she loved the knives, but they weighed almost as much as she did. By using the S35VN we’ve been able to thin it out and get a mechanically better cutting blade, but also a lighter blade.”

Ethan agreed that most kitchen knives are too heavy.

From left at BLADE Show 2024: John Becker, co-editor of Joy of Cooking, Dan Eastland of Dogwood Custom Knives and long-time knife designer Ethan Becker.

“The wrist gets tired easy and to be able to not have very much weight that you’re working with, hey, what’s wrong with that?” he observed. “Most traditional kitchen blades were thick because they were forged before they were ground … The cutlers in Europe were very, very concerned that the housewives would use the blades for things they weren’t supposed to, so they used soft steel so it wouldn’t nick and if they opened bottles with it it wouldn’t hurt it. The result was blades that didn’t hold an edge worth a damn and were not terribly efficient.”

Dan said the S35VN has good corrosion resistance and the edge retention is phenomenal.

“We tested the knife extensively in an industrial kitchen to ensure edge retention and durability, and I like S35VN because it’s a good balance of durability and edge retention. And we can get that 60 Rockwell so it can take a nice, keen edge and we don’t have to worry about it chipping out.”

As noted, Dan and Ethan wanted a Western-style handle with a palm swell and offer it in a choice of G-10 and Micarta®. The Micarta is available in black and natural versions, both with texture and grain for purchase. The G-10 comes in red, black and blue.

“Those colors will always be the same over time as we introduce other knives in the lineup, so you can buy a knife that will match whichever color knife you previously bought,” Dan said. The intent is for there to be a complete set of Joy of Cooking knives, though nothing was set in stone in that regard at press time.

Pros

Collaborative Expertise
Versatile Blade Design
Premium Blade Material

Cons

Higher Price Point
Plastic Snap Cover

Joy Of Cooking 8” Chef’s Knife Specs
Designers: Ethan Becker and Dan Eastland
Company: Dogwood Custom Knives
Blade Length: 8”
Blade Steel: CPM S35VN stainless
Rockwell Hardness: 60 HRC
Blade @Thickest: 3/32”
Handle: Black and natural Micarta® and blue, red and black G-10 options
Overall Length: 13”
Carry: Plastic snap cover
Knife to Know: K tip blade; lightweight design; hidden handle pins
Country of Origin: USA
MSRP: $200

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The Cutlass: From The Sea To The Screen

Mike Ableson

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March 4, 2023

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The Cutlass Is A Short Sword Used For Centuries. Today, It Is Mostly A Ceremonial Blade, But One That Continues To Inspire

A sword can be more than just a weapon of war, the cutlass is an excellent example. For centuries, the cutlass was used by fighting forces throughout Europe as a short, one-handed stabbing and slashing weapon.

For many, the cutlass is best known as the sword of the pirates in the Atlantic Ocean during the 17th and 18th centuries. In a lesser-known role, it also was regularly used in agriculture throughout the Caribbean like the machete is today. In English-speaking Caribbean countries, the word “cutlass” is used to mean a machete.

In the modern era, the cutlass has left behind its fighting phase and is almost used exclusively as a ceremonial sword by several navies. However, its popularity endures among collectors and history buffs alike, thanks to its extensive use during the pirate era and the Age of The Sail.

What Is A Cutlass?

A cutlass drill on the HMS Wolverine , 1882 (Public Domain)

The cutlass is a one-handed, single-edged sword used for close-quarters fighting that was the evolution of naval sabers into a more compact, nimble short sword. While the edge does come to a fine point, the cutlass was designed for slashing and swinging at your enemies when fighting hand-to-hand.

This is why the sword was a popular seafaring weapon. With a slightly-curved blade, usually between 28-32 inches, the cutlass is adept in the close confines of a ship. The straight handle and clipped guards of most cutlasses protected your hand when in battle. Additionally, the cutlass was robust enough to tackle general maritime tasks like slicing through heavy rope or thick fabric like canvas or even wood. And its size made it the perfect weapon for the type of in-your-face fighting that would happen on the high seas.

On land, the cutlass wasn’t as dashing, mostly used to chop sugarcane and clear tracts of land in the rainforest in the New World. Though, the same qualities that made it a great fighting implement made it adept on the farm. The short, swooping blade allowed a great deal of force to transfer from the arm to the material with every swing.

Who Uses The Cutlass Today?

Today, the cutlass is used almost exclusively as a ceremonial sword. While it was at its most popular centuries ago, the cutlass was still a standard issue sword until around World War 2 before it became wholly ceremonial.

The British transitioned the sword to ceremonial duty in 1936, and the United States followed suit in 1949. Both countries incorporate the sword into military ceremonies today. The Brits issue cutlasses to naval chief petty officers. The United States also offers chief petty officers the ability to wear a cutlass with their formal dress for ceremonies and the like.

Can I Buy A Cutlass?

Absolutely. There are many companies making cutlasses today. While they may not be as pristine as the ones issued by the military, there are numerous companies making these types of blades.

Factory Cutlass Options

Cutlasses are still made today, but, in general, they aren’t built to the same combat standard as in centuries past. The vast majority of these swords are showpieces meant to be hung on the wall and start conversations. However, if you are a true lover of the Age of Sail, these swords more than fit the bill.

Windlass English Cutlass

This 30.5-inch sword from Windlass is an elegant modern Cutlass, and, for a fee, can be sharpened into a real, proper sword. As is, the high-carbon steel blade is hand forged and mated to a solid brass guard. You’ll really feel like Blackbeard with it in your hand.

The sword comes with a leather scabbard adorned with a brass tip and throat to up the visual appeal of the piece. All told, this is a high-quality replica of the cutlass that will get people talking at your next party and look great in your office or hanging on the wall.

MSRP: $190

Condor Naval Cutlass

The Naval Cutlass from Condor Tool & Knife is a more modern take on the classic blade. The first thing you notice about it is the black epoxy powder finish to the blade. We’re pretty sure pirates of the 18th century didn’t have powder-coating technology, but would have loved to have had the extra corrosion resistance on the high seas.

The blade checks in at 24 inches in length and is made from 1075 steel ground to a razor’s edge. Yes, this sword comes sharpened right out of the box for no extra fees. The smooth hardwood handle is triple riveted, and a powder-coated guard keeps your hand protected when holding the sword. A black welted leather scabbard fits snugly around the blade and keeps everything protected even if dropped.

While it certainly doesn’t look like a sword from the movies, it’s designed to be a true, proper modern cutlass.

MSRP: $148.49

Kult Of Athena Pirate Sword

Complete with a skull and crossbones etched into the scabbard’s throat, the Pirate Sword from Kult of Athena looks like it could have been taken from the set of any swashbuckling movie set.

The 22-inch blade is made from stainless steel and comes, according to KoA, moderately sharp out of the box. That means it might need a more refined sharpening at home if you’re looking for a razor’s edge. However, the blade itself is .16 inches thick, thin enough to slice well but thick enough to hold up to some wear if used for more robust cutting tasks. But be aware, the sword is classed as “decorative”, or for display only, so keep that in mind before playing out your high seas fantasies.

The cast metal handle is surrounded by a bronze-plated cup guard which features a pirate ship design. The black leather scabbard has a cast tip and throat to complete the look.

MSRP: $49

Kingston Arms Atrim Cutlass

The Kingston Arms Atrim Cutlass shows that not all collectible blades need to be centuries old. Made in the style of a naval cutlass, the Atrim utilizes modern materials and methods to make a truly remarkable sword.

The 9260 spring field falchion-style blade is hand forged and comes in a satin finish. At 25.75 inches it’s a bit smaller than some other cutlasses, letting it move more fluidly in your hand and taking up a smaller display space. The full-tang construction terminated with a stainless steel guard and pommel around a brown leather handle that provides a strong grip.

This is the most expensive sword of all the cutlasses showcased in this piece, and it’s worth every penny for the discerning, high-end collector.

MSRP: $432.95

Cold Steel 1917 Cutlass Sword

When it comes to collector pieces outside of auctions, Cold Steel’s 1917 Cutlass Sword is a prime example of what’s being made today. While it is designed for display and collection, the 1055 steel blade does come with a serviceable edge out of the box.

In terms of size, it’s exactly what you’d expect a cutlass to be. At just under 30 inches long and 37.6 ounces, it’s a nimble sword that will feel good to hold and wield when showing off all of its intricacies. The wood handle and blued steel hand guard complete the look, and the included leather scabbard keeps the sword looking classy even when put away.

MSRP: $289.99

APOC Survival Cutlass

This option is rated for proper use rather than display. That’s abundantly clear considering it comes with a MOLLE-compatible Kydex scabbard. That doesn’t come with swords meant to be hung on the wall.

The APOC is a tactical sword that has a 21.5-inch black oxide blade made from 9260 spring steel. The black G-10 handles complete the monochromatic look and provide excellent grip in myriad conditions.

At just under 2 pounds, this is a lightweight cutlass meant to be used as a survival tool out on the trail or in more intense outdoor situations. The blade is meant to slice, of course, and the edge comes to a fine point, making this a puncturing tool as well. Versatility is the name of the game in survival equipment, and, while a machete or shorter knife might be a better option, the APOC cutlass is built for the outdoors and to handle the elements.

MSRP: $169.95

Custom Cutlass Options

There are numerous people making custom cutlasses and other swords. Whether it is for the private use and display of an individual or to be used as props in movies, at renaissance fairs, or in other forms of entertainment, there are makers and smiths crafting modern versions of the centuries-old blade.

Even the popular YouTube Series Man At Arms: Reforged did an episode about the cutlass and showed multiple ways to craft them.

Tony Swatton

Swatton runs Sword & Stone in Burbank, CA and makes arms and armor for film and television. He, and his shop, were the star of the original Man at Arms series nearly a decade ago. He’s self-educated and has been making armor since he was 17.

The first movie his work appeared in was Hook in 1991, and since then his weapons have been seen on screen in more than 300 movies including massively popular films such as Pirates of the Caribbean, Batman, and Thor. He also designed the cutlass used in Assassin’s Creed 4.

David Lisch

Lisch makes custom knives and swords exclusively from damascus steel. His 26 years of experience in the field are seen in the intricacy of his mosaic patterns and one-of-a-kind blade designs. He’s made landscapes and sunrise designs on his blades.

His knives have won awards and he teaches classes in blacksmithing and knifemaking with his wife Andrea at their school in Yelm, Washington, about an hour south of Seattle.

Collecting Cutlasses

The cutlass is collected by all sorts: sword lovers, pirate aficionados and history buffs. Specialty dealers help these collectors find the pieces they are looking for, and it helps keep the cutlass alive and in public consciousness.

Additionally, cutlasses have made it to auction houses around the world, sometimes fetching as much as $10,000 before the hammer falls at auction houses like Morphy’s, Sotheby’s, and Rock Island.

In late 2022, the 1860 naval cutlass belonging to John H. Ferrell, a Congressional Medal of Honor recipient, went to auction at Morphy’s and sold for $14,760. The sale showed how, even today, the popularity of the cutlass continues to endure in a big way.

Read More

Japanese War Swords: Part 1
Japanese War Swords: Part 2
First Look: Condor Buccaneer Sword

CRKT Soldotna Commemorates Company’s 30th Anniversary

Elwood Shelton

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April 18, 2024

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CRKT Soldotna Commemorates Company’s 30th Anniversary

Fixed-blade hunter finds its roots a knife gifted to CRKT’s founder.

CRKT is 30 years old this year, but who’s counting candles? Apparently, the company, because it’s commemorating the milestone with the release of a little something. And what better way for an outdoorsy brand from Oregan to mark an anniversary than with a hunting knife—a dang slick-looking one at that.

Shake hands with the Soldotna.

Designed by renowned craftsman, guide and all-around outdoorsman Russ Kommer the knife is a bit of a team effort. With the Soldotna, CRKT partnered with the master blacksmiths at Vegas Forge in Nevada to make the blade’s Damascus steel and worked with TOPS Knives in Idaho to manufacture the knife. It comes with a full-grain leather sheath with a belt loop and stud closer, which is hand-made in Idaho. Yet, the design itself is pure Kommer.

The Soldotna’s roots lie in a custom knife the maker and backwoodsman created for CRKT founder Rod Bremer. As the story goes, it was a gift for Bremer’s grandson who had a particularly special hunt planned. The name of the knife, interestingly, comes from an Alaskan town near the Kenai River where Kommer and Bremer would angle for king salmon together.

Soldotna carbon steel — In addition to the limited edition, CRKT is offering a carbon steel version with a tan canvas Micarta handle.

As for the knife itself, it’s designed as a do-all hunting knife boasting a 3.5-inch drop-point blade, with a flat grind. It has enough belly for skinning detail but is svelte enough—particularly at the point—to handle more fine jobs in the field.

Ergonomics take the front seat in this extremely manageable knife, with a slight palm swell in the walnut handle to ensure it fills the hand. Furthermore, there’s a slight curvature near the finger guard, a safety feature that locks the knife in hand and prevents slipping. Well thought out, to say the least.

CRKT is only doing a limited run of the damascus Soldotna, with only 200 pieces up for sale. One of these beauties will set you back $500. However, if you don’t have that sort of change floating around your couch cushions, CRKT is offering a Cerakoted carbon steel Soldotna at a much more affordable $200. Note, the carbon steel model has the same specs as the Damascus, except in steel and handle material, which is tan canvas Micarta.

Soldotna Limited Edition Specs
Blade Steel: Damascus
Blade Edge: Plain
Blade Finish: Acid Etch
Blade Length: 3.53″
Blade Thickness: 0.13″
Overall Length: 7.63″
Weight: 3.00 oz.
MSRP: $500

Soldotna Carbon Steel Specs
Blade Steel: 1095 Carbon Steel
Blade Edge: Plain
Blade Finish: Cerakote
Blade Length: 3.48″
Blade Thickness: 0.12″
Overall Length: 7.63″
Weight: 3.30 oz.
MSRP: $200

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Best Daggers: Top Options That Get To The Point [Tested]

Pat Covert

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December 30, 2024

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Best Daggers: Top Options That Get To The Point [Tested]

Modern takes on a Stone Age standard come in a spectrum of styles.

Daggers have been a favorite go-to blade of humans for many millennia. Before the advent of metals, symmetrical blade styles such as daggers and spear points, as well as projectile points, were the earliest formal cutting edges of Stone Age peoples. It was only natural these forms carried over into the Bronze Age and, indeed, through to today.

The knife with the decidedly pointed tip and double edge* played a prominent role in both World Wars and continues to be a prime choice of many operatives. Some prefer one for self-protection in the home or as an EDC, and many cutlery enthusiasts collect them for sheer sentimental value. As an everyday working knife there are better-focused blade options, but in a pinch the dagger can perform basic functions. Where it shines, however, is when used for stabbing and slicing. Let’s look at several factory options and put them through their paces.

KA-BAR Ek Commando Presentation Knife

The Ek performed equally well in quick pull-throughs on the pork tenderloin and in piercing/splitting the apple.

KA-BAR Ek Commando Presentation Knife Specs
Blade length: 6.625”
Blade steel: 440C stainless
Handle material: Walnut
Weight: 8.8 ozs.
Overall length: 12.625”
Sheath: Brown leather belt model
Country of origin: USA
MSRP: $351.64

Pros

Historic Design
High-Quality Materials
Secure Grip

Cons

Weight Toward Tip
Expensive

The Ek Commando Presentation Knife is a high-grade commemorative in KA-BAR’s historic John Ek Knife Co. series. It features a double-ground, slightly waisted spear point blade in a mirror finish. The blade has a long, flat ricasso etched with the Ek Commando Knife Co. shield logo plus KA-BAR Olean, NY above the guard. The handle is lacquered walnut and the guard and lugs are brass with copper-washed accents.

Fox Knives Tactical Elementum Dagger

The Fox Tactical Elementum Dagger’s serrations provide an added level of utility. The knife dispatched 2-inch-wide seatbelt webbing with gusto. The dagger blade may not be as effective as other, more utilitarian styles but it can still cut well when needed.

Elementum Dagger Specs
Blade length: 3.94”
Blade steel: Bohler N690 stainless
Handle material: Black polypropylene and Thermorubber (PP and TPE)
Weight: 3.53 ozs.
Overall length: 8.11”
Special feature: One side plain, one side serrated
Sheath: Kydex w/dual MOLLE mounts
Country of origin: Italy
MSRP: $123.40 at press-time exchange rate

Pros

Durable Finish
Ergonomic Handle
Compact

Cons

Niche Utility

Italian knife manufacturer Fox Knives originally designed the Tactical Elementum Dagger for flight crews of French combat helicopters. The knife boasts hidden-tang construction and a short blade in a matte black Idroglider finish. The two blade grinds meet in the middle at a small ricasso marked with the Fox logo, company location and blade steel. The handle has a ribbed double-guard at the top and six beefy diagonal ribs on the lower half terminating with a lanyard hole in the base.

Spartan-George Raider

The author tested the Spartan-George’s slim, trim blade for slice ability on pork tenderloin. Using quick, single pull-through strokes he cut off medallions of the tenderloin with ease.

Spartan-George Raider Specs
Designer: Les George
Blade length: 7”
Blade material: SK5 carbon steel
Handle material: Black thermoplastic
Weight: 7.1 ozs.
Overall length: 12”
Knife to know: Tribute to U.S. Marine Corps Raider stiletto of World War II
Sheath: Black injection molded
Country of origin: Taiwan
MSRP: $150

Pros

Great Edge
Comfortable Handle
Durable Finish

Cons

Narrow Blade

Knifemaker/United States Marine Corps veteran Les George designed the Spartan-George Raider as a tribute to the U.S. Marine Corps Raider stiletto of World War II. The sleek dagger sports a double-ground, black-powder-coated blade. The opposing blade grinds meet in the middle, leaving a small ricasso at the base upon which a small Spartan and George logo are tastefully imprinted. The handle incorporates a double guard and a large ovate checkered section on each side of the grip for enhanced purchase. The sheath includes a 1.5-inch-wide black nylon hanger.

Spartan Blades George Raider Dagger

$150.00 $111.99

Optics Planet $111.99

Prices accurate at time of publishing. Affiliate disclosure.

SOG Pentagon FX Covert

The SOG nailed one of the functions daggers do best—stabbing.

Pentagon FX Covert Specs
Blade length: 3.41”
Blade steel: Crucible Cryo S35VN stainless
Handle material: G-10, flat dark earth
Weight: 3.9 ozs.
Overall length: 7.52”
Special feature: Customizable grip
Sheath: GRN (Glass Reinforced Nylon) thermoplastic, SOG Universal Mount
Country of origin: Taiwan
MSRP: $189.95

Pros

Removable Scales
Full-Tang Construction
Enhanced Grip

Cons

Specialized Design

The FX makeover of the SOG Pentagon is both innovative in its cosmetics and versatility. The blade is black titanium nitride coated. The grinds meet in the middle and there is a section above the short ricasso grooved two-thirds of the way up. The name of the knife is finely imprinted on the top front grind and the steel type and country of origin on the back. The blade and full-tang handle are fully exposed around the perimeter of the scales with gimping below the guard and on the base. The scales can be removed by a single lug on the base, allowing them to be swapped out, or the skeletonized steel frame can be used without them.

Sog Pentagon FX Covert Fixed Blade Knife

$189.95

MidwayUSA $189.95 Blade HQ $189.95

Prices accurate at time of publishing. Affiliate disclosure.

Testing The Daggers

I tested the Ek and Spartan-George Raider for stabbing prowess by plunging them down through the core of fresh apples. The Ek took no prisoners, not only piercing through top to bottom but laying the fruit out in two neatly cleaved halves. The Spartan-George provided similar results, penetrating the apple but not quite splitting it in half due to the narrower blade width and thinner blade steel—though wicked nonetheless.

Pork tenderloin was the slicing medium. Using rapid, single strokes, I took the Spartan-George to task. The dagger is extremely sharp on both edges, so I took turns on each side of the blade doing pull-throughs on the hapless tenderloin. The knife sliced off perfect pork medallions at will, passing the slice test with flying colors.

The SOG Pentagon FX Covert (bottom) and Fox Tactical Elementum (top) proved useful when cutting paracord and rappelling rope. The shorter blades are very much in the scale to what many knife users are accustomed. The author indicated the test group’s two smaller daggers are easier to use than the larger ones “when getting down to the nitty gritty” is required.

After cooking the tenderloin, I tested the Ek in similar fashion and got similar results. The waisted blade profile shifts with more weight toward the tip and gives it excellent grab similar to a recurve. Like the Raider, the Ek performed quick pull-throughs with ease.

What the two smaller test knives, the Fox and the SOG, lack in size they make up for in ease of concealment. Both have EDC potential for a high degree of self-protection with a modicum of utility.

I tested the Fox’s serrated edge slicing standard 2-inch nylon seatbelt webbing and achieved excellent results. Likewise, the plain edges on both knives handled paracord in one pull stroke, and 3/8-inch rappelling rope laid flat on a wood surface in two strokes. Both daggers passed the pork tenderloin stab test with aplomb. Because they’re smaller, it’s easier to do detail and utility work with blades in their size range than with blades twice their length.

Dagger Sheaths

The Spartan-George Raider sheath (top) is more durable and versatile, while the Ek Commando’s commemorative leather sheath captures the period as it was intended.

The Fox has a MOLLE-compatible sheath with two simple DOTS gates that can be modified with a myriad of readily available aftermarket attachments. The SOG uses a proprietary setup—the SOG Universal Mounting System—developed for a group of the company’s fixed blades. Both of the smaller daggers can double as boot knives as well.

The sheaths of the Fox (left) and SOG (right) are radically different. The Fox has a simple MOLLE sheath with two simple DOTS gates, enabling you to modify it with a variety of attachments. The SOG uses a proprietary setup—the SOG Universal Mounting System.

The Raider’s black injection-molded unit is durable and versatile, while the Ek captures the period as it was intended. The Raider sheath lends itself to converting to a concealed inside-the-jacket shoulder rig as well.

Going Large Or Small

Daggers come in many shapes and sizes but all are primarily geared for self-defense, with any utility abilities a bonus. The first question you need to answer is whether a large or small dagger suits you best. Large daggers like the Ek and Spartan-George excel at sheer combat because they reach out and touch someone, aka an assailant, more easily. If ease of carry, especially concealed, is a top priority, both the SOG and Fox will serve you well. Choices abound in the world of the dagger.

*Despite recent advances in pro-knife legislation, check your local and state ordinances for laws concerning knives with double-edged blades. The same goes for concealed-carry knives.

Best Big Bushcraft Knives: Huge Backwoods Hackers [Tested]

Ed Sanow

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April 2, 2025

0

Best Big Bushcraft Knives: Huge Backwoods Hackers [Tested]

Part big knife/part small machete, 4 fixed blades do both well.

All-terrain has been used to describe the cross between a small machete and a large knife. It’s a tool that doubles as a machete for brush clearing, but, unlike a machete, can do fine cutting and, unlike even a large hunting knife, can build a shelter. It’s less than a kukri, bolo, parang or machete but more than “just” a big knife.

My team and I compared four such crossover hard-use knives, each with blades roughly 10 inches long. All use 1095, 1095 Cro-Van or 1075 carbon blade steels—in other words, alloys that are survival oriented and field-sharpening friendly. All have some standard knife features such as integral guards and bowie-type blades, and some standard machete traits like serviceable blade bellies and large handles. Some have simple, subdued features while others are more aggressive and exaggerated. All are compromises between a big hunting knife and a small machete.

To test the knives as objectively as possible, we did some common BladeSports International (BSI) trials, which have their origins with some of the American Bladesmith Society tests for journeyman and master smith ratings. Among other abilities, the knives of BSI contestants must cut through a 1-inch free-hanging rope and chop clean through a 2-by-4 board.

All test materials (hemp rope, 2-by-4s, 4-by-4 posts, paper tubes and water-filled plastic bottles) were consistent from knife to knife, and we made all feathersticks and tent pegs from the same branches. Yes, we treated backwoods knives like competition choppers to objectively find their real strengths and weaknesses.

The knives were tested right out of the box, with the factory edge and with only a 600-grit stone sharpening before all the stages were repeated to get the average results. All tests were done with bare hands—if there were hot spots during hard work or precise use, we wanted to find them. Four knife enthusiasts with different hand sizes did some of the evaluations.

ESEE Junglas

The author initially wondered if a choil would be needed for precise cutting, but got along surprisingly well without one making notched tent pegs and feathersticks with the ESEE Junglas.

Junglas Specs
Designer: Jeff Randall
Blade Length: 10.4″
Blade Steel: 1095
Cutting Edge Length: 9.8″
Maximum Blade Width: 2.0″
Blade @ Thickest: 0.188″
Blade Pattern: Drop Point
Blade Grind: Full Flat
Blade Finish: Powder Coat
Handle Length: 6.1″
Handle Material: Micarta
Pommel: hammer
Lanyard Hole: one
Weight: 23.0 ozs.
Overall Length: 16.5″
Sheath Material: Kydex, MOLLE
Country of Origin: USA
MSRP: $309

Like most ESEE knives, the Junglas (pronounced “HOON-glas”) is based on the lessons learned from jungle operations, in this instance after ESEE co-owner Jeff Randall spent time with the Colombian Jungla Special Operations Forces. Thus the name of the Junglas, designed to have the strength and rigidity of a fixed blade and the cutting efficiency of a machete.

The 1095 of the Junglas is the go-to steel for many military, survival, hunting, camping, tactical and bushcraft blades. Compared to all carbon, tool, high speed and stainless steels, 1095 is on the low end for edge retention but in the middle for toughness. What makes it a favorite choice for survival/bushcraft knives is its toughness and very high overall rating for ease of field sharpening with small, simple hand tools. As a carbon steel it has a very low rating for corrosion resistance, which is why nearly all 1095 blades, like with the Junglas, have a protective coating.

During our tests, we found the Junglas to have excellent balance. The Micarta® scales have the right amount of texture, and their shape allowed full control and orientation of the blade and point. We initially wondered if a choil would be needed for precise cutting, but got along surprisingly well making notched tent pegs and feathersticks.

The Junglas has a Cordura®-backed sheath with snap retaining strap and full pommel cover. The sheath has an adjustable blade tension, which doubles as a knife lock. Like all ESEE knives, the Junglas is no-frills simple and totally functional. It performed extremely well in every test and in the subjective cutting impressions review. It really is a knife, ax and machete all in one.

TOPS Armageddon

Armageddon Specs
Designer: Trace Rinaldi
Blade Length: 10.6″
Blade Steel: 1095
Cutting Edge Length: 10.0″
Maximum Blade Width: 1.9″
Blade @ Thickest: 0.25″
Blade Pattern: Drop Point, Recurve
Blade Grind: Partial Flat
Blade Finish: Powder Coat
Handle Length: 5.9″
Handle Material: Micarta
Pommel: Hammer
Lanyard Hole: Two
Weight: 24.0 ozs.
Overall Length: 16.6″
Sheath Material: Ball. Nylon, MOLLE
Country of Origin: USA
MSRP: $350

All four review knives chopped, cut, batonned and carved nearly the same. Blade steel and edge geometry are very similar. The big differences are in the handles and the most distinctive grip belongs to the TOPS Armageddon. Consider Forged in Fire’s Doug Marcaida and his emphasis on the handle. You must be able to “feel” where the point and edge are, and the handle must not have hot spots. That said, the Armageddon grip gives some good handling options.

If you choke all the way back for chopping on this bushcraft knife, and your hand is large or larger, your little finger will be up against the bird’s-beak pommel, a definite hot spot. The obvious solution is to put your forefinger in the finger cutout. This makes the grip extremely secure when chopping, and there is plenty of room for the other three fingers. That is how we held the Armageddon during the 2-by-4 chop and 1-inch rope cut, when the big TOPS knife exhibited plenty of power.

In fine cutting, we used the choil cutout and spine gimping for precise blade control. With this grip, the finger cutout fit between the middle and ring fingers. If this grip is not completely comfortable, three minutes of radiusing and rounding with a Dremel® tool will customize the choil and finger cutouts and bird’s-beak pommel to your hand.

Blade steel is 1095. The Micarta scales are a clear solution for heavy use, offering the right amount of texture for bare hands under wet conditions. The exposed full tang can easily be hammered, and we found the twin lanyard holes helpful.

We selected or excluded knives for this roundup partially based on the sheaths. The Armageddon comes with a ballistic nylon model over a rigid plastic insert. It has two fabric-fastener handle straps and can be belt worn. The twin accessory pouches can hold a sharpening stone, fire kits, mini med kits, multi-tool and/or flashlight.

The tests showed just how effective the big TOPS knife can be. At a quarter-inch thick, it has the stoutest blade of the test bunch, which helped chop and baton. The flat grind kept the thick blade competitive during slicing tests. The choil/finger-cutout handle offers cutting technique options not found on any of the other test knives.

KA-BAR/Becker Knife & Tool BK9 Combat Bowie

The lightest knife of the test group, the KA-BAR/Becker BK9 Combat Bowie easily split the 4-by-4 posts with no handle shock or grip slip.

BK9 Combat Bowie Specs
Designer: Ethan Becker
Blade Length: 9.3″
Blade Steel: 1095 Cro-Van
Cutting Edge Length: 9.3″
Maximum Blade Width: 1.9″
Blade @ Thickest: 0.188″
Blade Pattern: Clip Point
Blade Grind: Partial Flat
Blade Finish: Powder Coat
Handle Length: 5.5″
Handle Material: Ultramid® Nylon
Pommel: Hammer
Lanyard Hole: One
Weight: 16.8 ozs.
Overall Length: 14.8″
Sheath Material: Ball. Nylon, MOLLE
Country of Origin: USA
MSRP: $195

The KA-BAR/Becker Knife & Tool BK9 Combat Bowie is a large, low-profile bushcraft knife. During the tests, it did everything we expected a big bowie to do. It chopped, hacked and batonned with gusto, and cut, sliced and slashed quite well, especially considering it is by far the lightest and nearly the shortest of the review knives.

Used by KA-BAR on assorted of the company’s knives, 1095 Cro-Van is essentially 1095 with the addition of several elements. Arguably, 1095 Cro-Van is an incremental improvement in edge retention and toughness over 1095. While the chemistry is there, we didn’t notice any big differences in testing.

The knife has smooth, rounded nylon scales. We decided to use from-the-factory models in the testing, even if factory parts were available to improve performance. Indeed, high-texture Micarta scales are available from KA-BAR. Somewhat surprisingly, the smooth scales with palm swell proved perfectly acceptable during testing, even the hard chopping. Since one of the tests involved cutting water-filled plastic bottles, our hands got wet. However, there was no noticeable hand slipping and the handle was comfortable in hard use.

The BK9 comes with a ballistic nylon sheath over a rigid plastic insert, and one snap retention strap. If you order Micarta replacement scales from KA-BAR, consider getting the Becker Remora skeleton knife, which fits in the BK9’s sheath pouch.

The lighter, shorter Becker excelled at smaller carving and whittling jobs. In close work, it did the precise cutting easily. We like the gimped thumb rise and used it for precision work. Overall, this is a very versatile bush blade. The big Becker punched way above its weight class in every test.

Condor Tool & Knife Plan A Bowie

Making a featherstick tests blade sharpness, edge geometry and edge retention. It also gauges whether the knife enables the user to choke up enough for precise work. The Condor Plan A passed muster on all fronts.

Plan A Bowie Specs
Designer: Julio Diez
Blade Length: 9.0″
Blade Steel: 1075
Cutting Edge Length: 8.8″
Maximum Blade Width: 2.0″
Blade @ Thickest: 0.188″
Blade Pattern: Clip Point
Blade Grind: Partial Flat
Blade Finish: Polished
Handle Length: 6.5″
Handle Material: Micarta®
Pommel: Covered tang
Lanyard Hole: One
Weight: 18.0 ozs.
Overall Length: 14.5″
Sheath Material: Kydex®
Country of Origin: El Salvador
MSRP: $168

The Plan A Bowie from Condor Tool & Knife is very much a big bushcraft knife, complete with an upswept, false edge, clip-point blade. It has the shortest blade of the test knives and the shortest overall length. However, the blade’s partial flat grind and longest handle of the review models kept the weight up a bit. As a result, it held its own in heavy chopping, the difficult slicing and precise carving.

The 1075 blade steel is very similar to 1095. Each alloy has slight advantages. The 1095 is harder and known for better edge retention, while 1075 is known for enhanced toughness, making it ideal for chopping.

The knife sports sculpted palm-swell scales and a pronounced kukri-type pommel swell. We found the handle comfortable and secure during testing and the subjective evaluations. The kukri swell is sharp cornered but we didn’t find it to be a hot spot.

The Condor is the only review knife with the scales covering the full tang, and an exposed tang to hammer with is sometimes helpful in the field. There is a hole for a lanyard. The full sheath has a molded retention feature and a thick leather belt loop.

The knife handled like the big bowie that it is. It performed as confidently during chopping as during slicing. It took the hanging rope, water bottles and 2-by-4 in stride. There is something special about a big, aggressive bowie and the Plan A has that something.

Cross-Over Success

Each knife was able to cross over into virtually all areas of bushcraft. Perhaps a bit more chopping to make a tent peg than carving in some cases, but the end result was still a usable tent peg. Each passed such standards as slicing through the hanging 1-inch rope and chopping through a 2-by-4. Each is a little different from the other, a little better in some areas than others. Overall, however, they are more alike in performance than different in appearance.

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

Elwood Shelton

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February 14, 2024

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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

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

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

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

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

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 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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Fixed Blade Knives

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Modern takes on a Stone Age standard come in a spectrum of styles.

KA-BAR Ek Commando Presentation Knife

Pros

Cons

Fox Knives Tactical Elementum Dagger

Pros

Cons

Spartan-George Raider

Pros

Cons

Spartan Blades George Raider Dagger

SOG Pentagon FX Covert

Pros

Cons

Sog Pentagon FX Covert Fixed Blade Knife

Testing The Daggers

Dagger Sheaths

Going Large Or Small

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Part big knife/part small machete, 4 fixed blades do both well.

ESEE Junglas

TOPS Armageddon

KA-BAR/Becker Knife & Tool BK9 Combat Bowie

Condor Tool & Knife Plan A Bowie

Cross-Over Success

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

Bridgeline Series

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Longhouse

Chris Taylor Hunters

CT1

CT2

CT3

Razor

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