Discover the Cold Steel Mini Wasp Stinger. Get full cutting power in a compact, discreet EDC fixed blade forged from premium 52100 steel for ultimate reliability.
When you think of Cold Steel, you’re probably thinking about the gear trusted by professionals and enthusiasts who rely on their tools daily. They’re seriously recognized as a leader in the outdoor knife and tool industry, always pushing boundaries with performance and craftsmanship. But let’s talk about an EDC essential that packs a serious punch while keeping a low profile: the Drop Forged Mini Wasp Stinger.
Compact Carry, Full Power
This isn’t your average pocket knife; it’s a masterful blend of compact design and unrelenting strength. The whole idea here is to give you full-sized precision and cutting power in a discreet package that “flies under the radar.” Seriously, weighing in at a mere 7.6 oz. and with a sleek 10.25-inch overall length, this fixed blade dagger is portable enough to ride unnoticed until you need it.
So, what makes it so tough?
It’s drop-forged from premium 52100 high carbon steel. This material ensures the 4-inch dagger-style blade delivers both exceptional durability and razor-sharp performance. Plus, with a robust 6mm thickness, this thing is engineered to tackle even the toughest tasks without breaking a sweat.
Precision and Confidence in Your Hand
Beyond the blade, the design is all about control. The handle features Micarta handle scales that ensure a secure, comfortable grip and, most importantly, a slip-resistant one in any conditions. That’s a huge boost of confidence for all tasks.
To keep you ready for action, the Mini Wasp Stinger comes complete with a Secure-Ex® Sheath for safe, easy storage and quick access.
This tactical dagger is truly engineered for those who demand both precision and reliability. If you’re looking for an ideal companion for discreet carry without sacrificing an ounce of power, the Mini Wasp Stinger might just be the EDC that belongs in your collection.
Hunting knives should be workhorses and these options are ready to shoulder the load as you take to the field.
Fixed-blade hunting knives are the workhorses of your hunting gear. They handle a lot of the grunt work associated with cutting, including field dressing game after the take-down to various cutting tasks while hunting or in camp. As a result, it is important to choose a hunter that not only has the features and the materials you want but one that fits your budget as well.
Hogue Knives Extrak
Despite the thin nature of the Extrak’s handle, slightly expanded front and rear sections help form a guard of sorts to avoid gripping difficulties.
With its slender form, the Hogue Knives Extrak takes a minimalist approach to fixed hunters. Hogue President Jim Bruhns designed it to be lightweight and agile. Available in two sizes, the Extrak and its bigger brother, the Extrak XL, both tackle heavy field-dress work while offering comfortable carry minus the bulk of many fixed hunters.
The modified clip-point blade is 3.3 inches of high-performance CPM MagnaCut stainless steel in a stonewashed finish. The peel-ply orange G-10 scales are textured enough so the material is a bit grabby. The orange fits right in with the hunter theme. Despite the handle’s thin nature, slightly expanded front and rear sections help form a guard of sorts to avoid gripping difficulties. Overall length: 7.375 inches.
Thanks to the thin blade stock and full, flat primary grind, think of this knife as a scalpel. Scalpels have lean handles but the blades are thin enough to cut easily with very little applied force. Same thing with the Extrak. The blade bites into meat so easily that the slender handle doesn’t matter.
At first I was a bit apprehensive that the thin grip would affect the knife’s use. The more I cut with the Extrak, the more I saw that the thin blade is where the work takes place. It slices so cleanly and efficiently that you need not apply pressure on the handle to make the cut. After a while, the lean grip doesn’t matter because you are too busy admiring the knife for its extreme cutting power and efficiency. From sausages, steaks and veggies to cardboard and opening mail, the Extrak dispatches all with aplomb. It’s a great candidate for your next restaurant outing. It is a very low-profile design that won’t attract unwanted attention in public, even with its bright orange handle.
The Hogue Extrak might be a lightweight and thin fixed blade but don’t let that fool you. Cutting performance wise, this knife punches above its class. The thin blade cuts like a scalpel.
The Extrak also makes a great utility knife. However, shy away from rough use and any sort of cutting where you simultaneously twist the blade. MagnaCut is a tough steel but as thin as the knife is, you can damage the edge or break the tip if you use it too hard. It is a precise cutting tool. I rate the knife high on the list for an EDC fixed blade as well.
Due to the knife’s minimalist design, it might be possible to custom fabricate a Kydex neck sheath for it to wear under a shirt for more discreet carry. Don’t try it with the supplied slip cover as there isn’t enough tension to hold the blade securely for such neck carry. The molded ABS plastic sheath features an UltiClip fastener. The setup enables you to carry the knife clipped to the top of a pants pocket, much as you would a tactical folder. The knife rides securely in this manner, with the entire handle sticking out for easy deployment. The sheath is simple but works and is of pretty good quality. Country of origin: USA. MSRP: $199.95.
Spartan Blades Harsey Nessmuk
The skinner-like blade of the Spartan Harsey Nessmuk excels at slicing tasks.
The Spartan Blades Harsey Nessmuk is the largest knife of the test group. The classic Nessmuk design with its distinctive bulbous tip has proven to be a very effective outdoor knife that excels at many tasks, from field dressing to camp utility chores. The skinner-esque blade is a highly effective slicer. Do an internet search for George Washington Sears and the Nessmuk blade style. The history of how the design came about is a rather interesting read and gives some insight as to why the blade is shaped as it is.
In the Spartan entry, the Nessmuk blade is paired with the handle design of BLADE Magazine Cutlery Hall-of-Fame® member Bill Harsey. The Creswell, Oregon, knifemaker is widely known for his tough fixed-blade designs for the Special Forces and his work with Cutlery Hall of Famers Col. Rex Applegate and Al Mar. The Nessmuk is yet another Harsey design for Spartan that includes the pair’s tactical and other outdoor collaborations. It is part of Spartan’s Silver Line, aka Professional Line, a mid-priced/made-in-the-USA (KA-BAR factory in upstate New York) series that is less expensive than the company’s flagship Gold Line.
The Nessmuk blade is 5⅛ inches of flat-ground 1095 CRO-VAN carbon steel with a Rockwell hardness of 56-58 HRC. The 1095 offers a great balance of edge retention and ease of sharpening without the need of a complicated sharpener. At .1875-inch at the thickest and with a corrosion-resistant/low-glare black powder coat, the blade is well-equipped for high-performance outdoor work.
As the author noted, one of the hallmarks of a true Bill Harsey design is the handle. “His handle designs are among the best in the industry,” the author observed. “They are contoured to fit your hand like a glove, without any hot spots.” Handle features also prevent forward or backward sliding of the hand, while the 3D texturing adds enough grip to be secure but not aggressive.
The rugged, molded thermoplastic sheath has a fabric-fastener loop to attach to a wide range of belt sizes. A thumb-retention lock holds the knife in place and three slits vent water, making it ideal for wet environments.
The handle is Grivory, an impact and fluid-resistant material that can be molded with various contours and chamfers that aid in attaining a comfortable, secure grip. The durable/usable handle feels as if it were molded to your hand and has no hot spots. At 10.8 ounces and 10 inches overall, the Spartan Harsey Nessmuk is big yet lightweight enough to tackle most any hunting knife chore you throw its way. MSRP: $225.
Fallkniven F1L3GMM Next Generation
The convex-ground blade of the Fallkniven powers easily through most any medium. According to the author, “it is one of the sharpest cutting edges out there.”
The Fallkniven F1L3GMM Next Generation fixed blade was designed as a pilot survival knife but is also a knockout crossover fixed hunter. The blade boasts a laser etching of the JAS 39 Gripen Next Generation Swedish fighter jet, but don’t let that fool you. The Fallkniven entry actually has a hunting knife pedigree.
As the company website notes, the work of BLADE Magazine Cutlery Hall-of-Fame® member Bob Loveless was the inspiration for the F1L3GMM. You can almost see it in the knife’s lines. The 3.9-inch drop-point blade has plenty of belly to facilitate slicing chores. The maroon Micarta® handle is very elegant and sports the right contours to accommodate your hand, and is very comfortable to hold with no worry of hot spots. The nickel-silver guard fits the tang seamlessly and is a great anchor point to prevent your hand from sliding forward. The handle fastens to the tang with a pair of Corby bolts, and a gold medallion with three crowns decorates the grip’s center. At 8.2 inches overall, the F1L3GMM is sized just right for a hunter. The sewn black leather belt sheath sports quality construction, and the “F1”-stamped flap closure with button snap conceals the entire knife.
The Fallkniven entry is a hard-use beast. The blade slices very cleanly and expediently. If you’ve never used a knife with a full convex edge, you are definitely in for a treat. Fallkniven is known for convex edges that are both sharp and quite durable, not to mention easier to maintain due to the geometry. The convex edge bites in deep and hard, and you can use it a tad rough as well without fear of the edge chipping out. It is also very well suited for general use around camp or the kitchen. The blade is fairly thick but, due to the convex edge, dives into whatever is being cut and propels the rest of the blade through. Just because it’s thick doesn’t mean it cannot slice effectively. This is a knife of heirloom quality that also has plenty of horsepower for getting real work done.
Maroon Micarta® is the handle material of choice for the Fallkniven F1L3GMM fixed hunter. It is pinned to the tang using Corby rivets.
The handle is comfortable, rounded and contoured in the right places and devoid of hot spots during extended use. I have always been a big fan of Micarta® for both folder and fixed-blade handles. It’s pretty much the ultimate user material given its light weight, dimensional stability and imperviousness to most known liquids. Plus, it comes in a wide array of colors, and the maroon adds a nice splash of color without being overly flashy. You don’t see too many maroon-handled knives, so this one is a breath of fresh air.
Yes, it is on the pricey side for a production hunter but in return you get a very well-built cutter executed with the best materials. I don’t think you can find a better knife for the money. If you love European engineering and manufacturing, this is the hunter for you. Country of origin: Sweden. MSRP: $499.99.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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BEST TOMAHAWKS: OUR TOP HAWKS FOR BACKWOODS TO BATTLEFIELDS
SOG and designer Kiku Matsuda launch the Hidaka XR folder and FX fixed blade—rugged, Japanese-inspired knives built for outdoor adventure.
SOG has never been afraid to push boundaries, and the brand’s latest collaboration with master Japanese designer Kiku Matsuda proves it once again. August 2025 marks the debut of two new additions to the Hidaka series—the Hidaka XR folding knife and the Hidaka FX fixed blade. Both builds reflect Matsuda’s trademark blend of Japanese tradition and Western practicality, creating tools that are as striking to look at as they are dependable in the field.
The Hidaka XR takes the foundation of the original folder and turns up the performance. This isn’t just a cosmetic refresh. SOG gave the XR a 4-inch modified tanto blade made from CPM 3V steel—steel that’s known for taking abuse and holding an edge long after lesser alloys give out. Designed with outdoor use in mind, the XR can chop, pry, and slice with equal confidence. The textured Micarta handle not only looks the part, it locks into the hand, even when wet, and the company’s XR lock system secures the blade under up to 1,500 pounds of force. In practice, it feels closer to a fixed blade than a folder, making it a smart option for anyone who needs a folding knife that can survive hard use.
SOG Hidaka XR
Then there’s the Hidaka FX, a fixed blade that ticks all the boxes for serious outdoorsmen. Its 4.8-inch CRYO 3V steel blade, satin-finished for clean cuts, is built for durability and edge retention. A linen Micarta handle ensures a secure grip, while resisting heat, moisture, and impact. Add in the streamlined Kydex sheath, and the FX becomes an easy-carry knife ready for camp chores, trail tasks, or emergency situations.
Together, the Hidaka XR and FX show where SOG is headed—knives that merge artistry, ruggedness, and advanced engineering. With Matsuda’s design touch and SOG’s proven reputation for innovation since 1986, these new Hidakas aren’t just fresh models. They’re proof the brand is still redefining what a modern survival and outdoor knife can be.
Bear & Son Cutlery’s new White Smooth Bone Professional Fillet Knife delivers precision, durability and American craftsmanship for serious anglers.
Summer fishing season just got a serious upgrade. Bear & Son Cutlery has introduced the new 11 7/8-inch White Smooth Bone Professional Fillet Knife, a purpose-built tool for anglers who demand precision from dock to dinner table.
Crafted in Alabama by a company known for keeping every step of production in-house, the WSB66 combines classic styling with modern steel performance. Bear & Son Cutlery’s fully self-contained factory handles everything—from blanking dies and heat treating to grinding, assembly, and hand-finishing—ensuring consistent quality and genuine American craftsmanship in every knife.
At the core of the Professional Fillet Knife is a 7-inch Sandvik 14C28N stainless steel blade, engineered for razor-sharp cuts, long-lasting edge retention and resistance to corrosion, even in saltwater environments. Whether trimming trout in the mountains or breaking down snapper on the coast, the blade delivers clean, efficient slices with ease.
Weighing just 4.9 ounces, the knife offers balance and control that make quick work of everything from panfish to redfish. Its White Smooth Bone handle provides a secure, comfortable grip while adding a touch of traditional character. A protective plastic blade guard ensures safe transport and storage, whether stowed in a tackle box or kitchen drawer.
True to Bear & Son’s mission of building affordable, American-made knives, the Professional Fillet Knife is designed for anglers of all levels—weekend fishermen, seasoned guides and anyone who values a dependable blade at camp or on the water.
White Smooth Bone Professional Fillet Knife Specs Blade Material: Sandvik 14C28N Stainless Steel Handle Material: White Smooth Bone Overall Length: 11 7/8″ Blade Length: 7″ Features: Protective Plastic Blade Guard Weight: 4.9 oz. Origin: Jacksonville, Alabama MSRP: $140
Blades and Bands Kukri is a forward-cutting knife design.
In the search for knives to test for “Spec Sheet,” I get referrals. Tracy Price is one. He’s a fairly new knifemaker but does quality work. The Kukri is a knife he made for himself to push his skills, something most makers do.
It’s always good to learn a different way to do things or a new shape. The more skills, the wider variety of knives the maker can build. No matter how pretty they look, form and function must be there. Let’s see how the Kukri functions.
The cardboard slices curled from the edge geometry but resulted in no slowing down of the edge.
For a quick edge check, I use the paper slice. The knife cut smoothly and fast. The blade shape pulled the edge through the paper. I had to control the knife’s forward weight, but after a few slices, it was no issue. It’s a sharp blade for sure.
I cut up an old postage box and used a side of it for a single-walled cardboard cut. The knife sliced aggressively and was easy to control. The slices curled from the edge geometry but resulted in no slowing down of the edge.
Kukri Medium-Duty Cutting
The Kukri smoked the leather cut.
Next up: 8-ounce leather for skiving. I shaved a thin slice of leather to remove the squared-off cut during sheath construction to get the leather to flow together. It was fairly easy to skive the leather; I just had to be careful of the excess part of the blade I was not using. In other words, I was both skiving leather and shaving wood off my workbench at the same time.
Cutting leather was one push and the edge hit bottom. The Kukri smoked the leather cut. I moved up and down the blade and couldn’t find a dull spot. The blade belly was the smoothest. Again, I forgot to check the clearance on the first cut and carved into my benchtop. I’m blaming it on the heat.
It was time to whittle some fire sticks. I easily controlled the depth of the curlicues by choking up on the handle. The knife curlicued the cedar very quickly. Yes, the Kukri can be used for finer chores, too.
Kukri Heavy-Duty Cutting
The author easily controlled the depth of the curlicues by choking up on the handle.
Chopping was next on the test menu. Finally, I got to use the Kukri and put some whacking into it. Using some red cedar firewood as a base, I started chopping kindling. One whack and I was halfway through the piece. The forward balance worked perfectly for splitting—and man, does it whack! The choil does have a sharp spot but that was easily fixed.
I went back to slicing the original piece of paper to check for dulling and/or chips. The Kukri sliced the now-damp paper very well (97° F and 90 percent humidity make paper kind of soggy). It was simply too hot to stay in the shop—test over!
Final Cut
The Kukri is an excellent field/camp knife. It’s made to chop and whack in the outdoors. However, I soften the edge of the steel at the choil.
Summer Steel: June’s Hottest Custom and Production Knives You Need to Know.
From mosaic fighters to modern flippers, this month’s standout blades bring a mix of artistic craftsmanship and everyday utility. Whether you’re in the market for a hand-forged Damascus showpiece or a no-nonsense EDC, June’s lineup has something sharp for every collector and user. Here’s a closer look at what’s turning heads in the knife world this month.
Miguel Navarro Fixed Blade
Blade length: 4.25” Blade material: Diamond Damascus by Baker Forge & Tool Blade grind: Hollow Scales: Fat Carbon Gold Snake w/black and red G-10 liners Weight: 7.4 ozs. Overall length: 9” Maker’s price for a similar knife (includes custom sheath): $550-$600 Maker: Miguel Navarro (SharpByCoop image)
Dale Holt Mosaic Fighter
Blade length: 10” Blade materials: 1084 carbon and 15N20 nickel alloy steels Blade grind: Flat Blade pattern: Clip-point recurve Handle material: Spalted sassafrass Spacers: Textured brass and nickel silver Guard: Blued mild steel Knife to know: Design features include an S-guard and dropped handle; Dale Holt is an ABS journeyman smith Overall length: 15” Maker’s price for a similar model: Contact maker for details Maker: Dale Holt (Jocelyn Frasier image)
Kelly Frasier Paring Knife
Kelly Frasier Paring Knife Blade length: 3.5” Blade material: 26C3 carbon steel Blade grind: Flat Blade finish: Mustard patina Scales: G-10 w/red liners Overall length: 7.5” Maker’s price for a similar model: Contact maker for details Maker: Kelly Frasier (Jocelyn Frasier image)
Sam Renwick Farmer’s Lockback
Knife type: Folder Blade length: 2.78” Blade steel: Nitro-V stainless Blade grind: Flat Blade @thickest: .98” Scales: Spalted maple Frame & bolsters: 416 stainless Knife to know: The bolsters are dovetailed Weight: 5.3 ozs. Closed length: 3.38” Maker’s price for a similar knife: $291 at press-time rate of exchange Maker: Sam Renwick (Rod Hoare image)
Bjorn Jacobsen Ghost Recon Chef
Blade length: 7.87” Blade material: 1084 (the black core) laminated w/stainless steel etched Blade grind: Flat w/forged texture on top half Blade @thickest: .118” Blade @widest: 1.97” Handle: Curly birch dyed w/black leather dye and sanded w/600 grit paper, then sanded mostly off again at 1500 grit, blue leather dyed and sanded w/1500 grit yet again; finished w/Uncle Bjorn’s Handle Finish Fittings: Stainless Weight: 6 ozs. Overall length: 12.6” Knife to know: Blade etched in ferric chloride to make the carbon migration “pop,” then left in instant coffee overnight to make the 1084 core black Maker’s price for a similar knife: $320 at press-time exchange rate Maker: Bjorn Jacobsen (Rod Hoare image)
Rob Wayman Knives Feather Damascus Fighter
Blade length: 8” Blade material: Feather damascus of 1084 carbon and 15N20 nickel-alloy steels Blade grind: Full flat Handle materials: Stabilized bog oak, black G-10 and stainless steel spacers, dyed/stabilized fossilized brain coral, and stabilized curly narra Guard & pommel: Feather damascus Overall length: 13.75” Sheath: By Rob Wayman; belt model of vegetable-tanned leather w/stingray inlay Maker’s price for a similar knife and sheath: $2,400 Maker’s remark: “I’m all about sole authorship, so I make all my own steel and keep everything in house.” Maker: Rob Wayman Knives (SharpByCoop image)
Shining Blades: From the Aldo and Edda Lorenzi Collection
Authors: Aldo and Edda Lorenzi Format: Hardcover, 9 x 9.75 inches Pages: 344, including 280 in color Publication date: May 27, 2025 Publisher: Silvana Editoriale Content: BLADE Magazine Cutlery Hall-of-Fame® members, the authors operated the G. Lorenzi retail knife shop in Milan, Italy, from 1959 to 2014. To stock their store and to add to their collection, they traveled far and wide in search of all manner of knives, scissors, razors, corkscrews and other edged tools. They acquired over 2,000 pieces from the Etruscan period to the present, many incredible specimens of which are illustrated in their book—including those by some of the most famous custom knifemakers of all time—along with the stories of how the Lorenzis obtained the pieces, met the makers and much more. A must read for true knife and edged tool aficionados, both present and future alike. List price: $50 Order: artbooks.com
Bear & Son Cutlery Lawman
Bear & Son Cutlery Lawman Knife type: EDC folder Blade length: 3.25” Blade material: D2 tool steel Rockwell hardness: 59-61 HRC Blade grind: Taper Blade finish: Polished Blade opener: Thumb stud Pivot: Ball-bearing washers Scales: White smooth bone Bolsters: Carbon fiber Lock: Slidelock Pocket clip: Blade tip up Weight: 3.5 ozs. Closed length: 4 3/8” City & state of origin: Jacksonville, Alabama MSRP: $119.99 Company: Bear & Son Cutlery
APOC Wallace Bowie
Designer: Mike Wallace Blade length: 9 5/8” Blade material: D2 tool steel Blade thickness @guard & tip: .256” & .039” Blade finish: Titanium coat Slabs: G-10 Knife to know: Handle screws accept a size T9 Torx or star bit; any other bit used may strip the screws Weight: 1 lb., 5 ozs. Overall length: 15 1/8” Sheath: Kydex, vertical or horizontal carry, MOLLE compatible Country of origin: China MSRP: $117 Company: APOC
CIVIVI Clingman
Designer: Taylor Martin Knife type: Flipper folder Blade length: 2.99” Blade steel: Nitro-V stainless Rockwell hardness: 58-60 HRC Blade grind: Hollow Blade @thickest: .12” Blade finish: Black stonewashed Pivot: Caged ceramic ball bearings Lock: Linerlock Scales: Black G-10 Handle @thickest: .47” Liners: Stainless steel Pocket clip: 6Al4V titanium; ambidextrous, tip up Weight: 2.8 ozs. Country of origin: China MSRP: $71.70 Company: CIVIVI
Boker Plus LRF G10
Knife type: Flipper folder Designer: Japanese knifemaker Kansei Matsuno Blade length: 3.07” Blade steel: VG-10 stainless Blade @thickest: .075” Pivot: Ball bearings Scales: G-10 Lock: Linerlock Weight: 1.94 ozs. Closed length: 4” Continent of origin: Asia MSRP: $108.69 at press-time exchange rate Company: Boker Plus
Jack Wolf Knives The Benny Fat Carbon Arctic Storm
Knife type: Slipjoint Pattern: Lanny’s Clip Blade length: 3.25” Blade steel: CPM S90V stainless Rockwell hardness: 60-61 HRC Blade grind: Hollow Blade finish: Belt satin Blade @thickest: .12” Lock: Framelock/bolster lock Pivot: Ceramic bearings Scales: Fat Carbon Arctic Storm Bolsters: 6Al/4V dark-blasted titanium Pocket clip: Titanium anodized a light blue Knife to know: A pocket-clip recess plug provides clipless carry option Weight: 3.5 ozs. Country of origin: China MSRP: $279.99 Company: Jack Wolf Knives
