Bradford Guardian 3.2 in MagnaCut is a rope-eating animal.
EDC fixed blades are very popular, small enough to avoid unwanted attention yet able to do most jobs. They often range from 2-to-4-inch blade lengths and 3-to-4-inch handles. Usually carried in a cross draw or pocket sheath, in a pinch they can be used for self-protection (if you have training).
In general, it is a very useful tool that is always on you. I carry one constantly. The Guardian 3.2 in CPM MagnaCut stainless blade steel from Bradford USA definitely fits the bill. As to how well it works, letās see if it holds up to everyday carry uses.
Guardian Light-Duty Cutting
I started with a 20-pound bond paper slice to check the fresh edge. The Guardian 3.2 was scary sharp. I nicked my fingernail three times by being slow. The blade made smooth, forceful slices with very little pressure. I did all push cuts with nary a snag or rolling of the paper.
Very aggressive slicing into the 8-ounce leather resulted in nice crunching noises.
Single-walled cardboard was next on the menu. The results werenāt much different from the bond paper, though there was a slight drag when the thicker part of the blade encountered the cardboard. That didn’t stop the Guardian 3.2 from doing its job. It sliced the cardboard as fast as I could move my fingers out of the way.
Guardian Medium-Duty Cutting
It was time to skive 8-ounce leather. Very aggressive slicing into the leather resulted in nice crunching noises. The handle provided positive control of blade depth and angle during the skiving. I even did some end-grain slicing to keep the crunching going. This is a very sharp knife indeed.
The pouch sheath of 6-to-7-ounce leather holds the knife securely. (BLADEĀ® staff image)
Springtime means camping so I needed to whittle lots of fire sticks. Using leftover pine, I whittled a bunch of excellent curlicues. The Guardian cut very smoothly. The thumb notches on the spine aided in control of cutting depth. Deep cuts or fine cuts, it can do both.
I used the Guardian to baton cut and it split the pine nicely, providing a nice pile of kindling. The handle felt comfortable. There was just one small point by the lanyard hole that was sharp when I rotated my grip. The knife does excellent wood work.
Guardian Heavy-Duty Cutting
As expected, after 30 hard whacks, the MagnaCut blade had a couple of very small nicks along the edge. It would be no big deal to work out the nicks with a very fine diamond hone.
Using leftover pine, the author whittled a bunch of excellent curlicues. The Guardian cut quite smoothly.
To show that the small nicks are not that big of a deal, I went back to the 20-pound bond paper slice. There was only one snag when I tried to start a cut on the edge nick. Otherwise, the edge sailed through the paper without tearing. I was impressed the edge didnāt have more issues.
Final Cut
The thumb notches on the spine aided in control of cutting depth. (BLADEĀ® staff image)
Some softening at the back of the handle is in order. This knife is designed for slicing every day. The Guardian 3.2 is an impressive fixed-blade EDC.
Guardian 3.2 Specs Company: Bradford USA Blade length: 3 1/8ā Blade steel: CPM MagnaCut stainless Rockwell hardness: 63-64 HRC Blade finish: Stonewashed black Blade grind: Saber Blade pattern: Drop point Scales: Jade-green G-10 Construction: Full tang Weight: 4.5 ozs. Overall length: 7 1/8ā Sheath: Pouch type in 6-to-7-oz. leather Country of origin: USA MSRP: $229
In ancient Greek myth, Kronos (or Cronos) was king of the Titansāthe first generation of gods who ruled the cosmos. Itās a pretty weighty title to hang on a knife company, but one the new(ish) upstart affiliated with gunmaker Palmetto State Armory has done a solid job of filling. Since its founding in 2024, Kronos Knives has left its mark on the industry and recently developed a line likely to further solidify its position.
Shake hands with the Gung Ho! line designed by Ken Onion.
Always a head-turner among knife buyers in the know, Onion designs have proved sought after. However, the Kronos knives are a far cry from many of the BLADE Cutlery Hall of Fame memberās recent entries. The four knives comprising the collection are big, brutish and ready for backwoods or tactical action. Honestly, it was more than what Mike Probyn expected when he initially talked with Onion about creating the line.
āI told Ken he had free reign to do whatever he wanted,ā the President of Kronos said. āWhen I saw what he came up with, I told him there wasnāt a thing that needed to be changed.
Weāll look a little closer at each model of the Gung Ho! line in a second, but for the sake of expediency, let’s cover the knives’ commonalities first. Each of the knives is a full-tang fixed blade constructed out of 1095 steel and boasts G10 handles. The scale is held in place by oversized torx screws and the butt of the knife has a lanyard hole. Finally, all the Gung Ho! knives are American-made.
Kronos Truedefender
The knife has perhaps the most unique lines of the collection, boasting a wide belly on the blade and a modified drop-point profile. The knife has a sight rake at the grip, giving the blade an aggressive edge-forward posture when in the hand. While not pegged to any one particular role, the Truedefender certainly would excel as a bushcrafter or fall into any tactical task with ease. MSRP: $228
Kronos Maxhunter
Living up to its name, the Maxhunter is a traditional hunting knife profile, with a long clip-point blade. The knife has somewhat of a dual personality. A thick spine towards the rear ensures it’s stout enough for tough chores, such as chopping or battoning. The tip comes to a sender finish, making it deft at more delicate tasks, like skinning. MSRP: $228
Kronos Elitesurvival
Aimed at bushcrafting, the Elitesurvival provides a very rugged design for those who thrive in the backwoods looking for. The drop-point blade is meaty and hardy enough to take the abuse commonly doled out in camp and survival tasks. A nice touch, the tapered grind on the spineānear the tipāprovides a good striking surface for firecraft. MSRP: $256
Kronos Stiffneck
Maybe the wickedest looking one of the bunch, the Stiffneck offers up a dagger profile with a single edge. The false edge on the blade, however, comes down thin enough that it would likely be no issue to grind an actual one onto itāif itās legal in your neck of the woods. Though, it doesnāt hold like a dagger as the handle is not asymmetrical, with an aggressive rake similar to the Truedefender. MSRP: $220
Check out a few of the new blades that caught our eye in Las Vegas.
It was a busy week at the Sands Expo Center in Las Vegas for the outdoor and shooting extravaganza known as the SHOT Show. Of course, there were plenty of factory makers in attendance with plenty of new releases for the coming year.
Sadly, we were unable to make every cutler in the house for the big dance but we did stop by a good number and caught a glimpse of some of the new blades for 2025.
Kronos Knives Gung Ho! Line By Ken Onion
Kronos is a new kid on the block, one-year-old as of SHOT Show 2025. The upstart knifemaker had a heck of an anniversary surprise at the home of its launch. The South Carolina-based company unveiled four Ken Onion-designed Gung Ho! line of fixed blades. The four knives that make up the line are all outdoor/tactically angled with 1095 steel blades and G10 handles. The models include the Stiffneck (MSRP $220), Maxhunter ($228), Elitesurvival ($256), and Truedefender ($228, pictured above). Kronos will have them for sale at the end of February.
Case Sculped Ridgeback
Case gives a modern and rugged look to its Ridgeback Hunter line with the introduction of the Sculpted Ridgeback. The fixed blade still has the sexy sweeping stainless steel blade true to the line but is dressed out in a durable and attractive new handle. In this case, canvass Micarta with G10 liners. The texturing is aggressive, making a workhorse thatās not afraid of bad weather but just as attractive as its rosewood predecessor which it is pictured with above. Case has a $128 MSRP on the knife.
Vero Engineering/Pro-Tech Custom Synapse
The Custom Synapse Auto is a pretty sweet meeting between two of the knife industry’s heavy hitters. Given the fanbase of both companies, expect these to fly off the shelves with the $525-$700 price points. Jeez, who doesnāt want an auto Synapse? Especially one done up with Pro-Techās typical flareāpearl inlay button, an action that snaps like a wet gym towel, etc. Mouths will have to water for a while, the auto Synapse doesnāt go public for another six months or so.
CRKT Provoke X Axe
An axe in your pocket? You betāthanks to the mad geniuses at CRKT. Unveiled at the show, the Provoke X Axe is the latest in the forward-thinking Provoke line. Designed by Joe Caswell, the axe’s head and spike fold flush against the handle, deploying with a flick of the wrist. Built from D2 steel, it’s too light for felling trees but perfect for its tactical roleāand it looks like it means business. With an MSRP of $350, the Provoke X Axe is set to drop to the public later this year.
We put production tactical knives to the test to see which ones come out as best in class.
Originally conceived for law enforcement and military and rescue personnel, tactical knives quickly found their way into the hands of those looking for a heavy-duty edged tool robust enough to withstand extreme use and abuseāand to do so without falling apart.
Modern tactical knives are some of the most refined and precisely manufactured of cutters in terms of ergonomics, edge holding and price points, and the market is saturated with all the big names producing them in almost all price ranges.
No matter the mission, one of these sharp tactical knives can cut it.
Originally conceived for law enforcement and military and rescue personnel, tactical knives quickly found their way into the hands of those looking for a heavy-duty edged tool robust enough to withstand extreme use and abuseāand to do so without falling apart. Modern tactical knives are some of the most refined and precisely manufactured of cutters in terms of ergonomics, edge holding and price points, and the market is saturated with all the big names producing them in most all price ranges.
What Is A Tactical Knife?
Exactly what constitutes a tactical knife has been addressed in BLADEĀ®, other knife magazinesāone of which was even called Tactical KnivesāKnifeForums and other knife discussion forums, social media, books, the national media and elsewhere. Some originally described it, and still do, as a folding or fixed-blade knife with a non-glare blade and black synthetic handle ideal for any number of utility purposes, including combat. There are other qualifications but these three seem to universally apply to tactical knives.
The Wall Street Journal
even referred to the Buck Metro keychain knife as a tactical knife.
As for who the father of tactical knives is, that is a question guaranteed to spark healthy debates. Some say custom knifemaker Bob Terzuola made the first tactical folding knife, while others say custom knifemaker Ernest Emerson did. Some say any number of other makers made the first one. The argument even can be made that the original popularizer of the term is Greg Walker, editor of the now-defunct Fighting Knives magazine, who wrote extensively about tactical knives during FK’s run in the 1990s. Some say the original tactical knife is the Buck 110 folding hunter, which was introduced in 1964 and used by many American GIs in the Vietnam War. Of course, if Glesser’s definition holds true, then the first knife fashioned by early man from a bone, rock, obsidian or what have you many millennia ago is the original tactical knife.
Whatever the case, tactical knives have been hot for over two decades with no end in sight. Observers have predicted the end of the tactical knife phenomenon any number of times, with the knife and its spinoffs enjoying almost as many popularity spikes as the predictions of its demise. About the only thing that seems certain about tactical knives is that such forecasts will continue until one of them actually comes true.
Then again, who really knows anything for sure when the subject is tactical knives?
Best Tactical Knives Specs Comparison
Knife
Blade Length (inches)
Overall Length (inches)
Weight (ounces)
Blade Steel
Handle Material
MSRP
CRKT Septimo
3.62
8.19
8Cr13MoV
$70
Halfbreed Blades CCK-03 Tuhon Raptor
3.94
7.79
3.53
Bohler K110
G10
3.15
Fallkniven R2 Scout
8.625
5.2
440 Stainless Steel
Zytel
$35
Bear Edge Brisk 1.0
3.82
8.93
6.54
CPM-Cru-Wear
G10
$325
Benchmade Adamas
3.82
8.93
6.54
CPM-Cru-Wear
G10
$325
CobraTec Special Ops
3.75
8.625
5.9
M390
Titanium
$500
Maserin 920/TP Tactical
3.582
8.26
440C Stainless steel
Anodized Aluminum
~$165
Hogue Deka Manual
3.25
7.5
2.3
CPM 20CV Stainless Steel
G10
$195
CRKT Septimo
In a pinch, the Ve serration of the CRKT
Septimo can be used to strip electrical
wire. Doing it this way a ords great cutting
control, thus increasing user safety.
CRKT is among the industry leaders in production tacticals that strike an outstanding balance between affordability and the most modern of designs. Whatās more, the company has a great reputation for offering the biggest bang for the buck. Among its many forward-thinking designs is the Septimo tactical folder.
Jeremy Valdez of Olalla, Washington, is an Army veteran who served with the 7th Special Forces. The primary inspiration for the Septimoāthe name means seventh in Spanish, an homage to Jeremyās brothers in the 7thācame from his tour of duty in Afghanistan in 2009. While there, he was aboard a helicopter when it crashed. The knife Valdez had on him at the time proved ineffective at cutting through various materials during the exit from the chopper carcass. Soon after, he set out to design a tactical folder that could fulfill multiple roles as a backup weapon and cutting and rescue tool. The Septimo is the result.
Jeremyās design for CRKT has a 3.6- inch tanto blade of 8Cr13MoV stainless steel with a black oxide coating to bolster corrosion resistance and reduce glare. While it may seem you can thumb the blade open by the oblong hole, it actually is difficult to do so, which is why the blade has a flipper tab opener. A flick of your index finger is all it takes to deploy the blade quickly. The action is very smooth.
The bladeās most noticeable feature is the single large Ve serration close to the tang. The serrationās large tooth helps gather and hold the material in as itās being cut, so it provides a lot of control. It severs webbing, cord, string, paracord, small diameter tubing and most anything else that fits inside it.
The Septimo bladeās most noticeable feature is the single large Ve serration. The large tooth helps gather and
hold material in as itās being cut, so it provides a lot of control. It severs webbing, cord, string, paracord, small
diameter tubing and anything else that fi ts inside it. Country of origin: China. (CRKT image)
The ergonomic handle has T-6 6061 aluminum scales with textured TPR (thermoplastic rubber) inlays for grip enhancement. Two stainless steel liners provide the knifeās backbone. The linerlock engages securely. The clip is mounted to carry the closed knife blade tip up and as deep as possible in the pocket. Multiple grooves provide comfortable placement to wrap your fingers around the handle. A solid steel spacer anchors the rear of the handle and includes a lanyard hole. The Septimo is an ideal tactical folder for those in law enforcement and the military. Thanks to its distinctly angled tip, the tanto blade has a great reputation for penetration power.
Crkt Septimo "Forged By War" Liner Lock Knife 7050
The Halfbreed Blades CCK (Compact Clearance Knife) series was developed as low-profile bladeware for fast-access self-defense situations. Designed for discreet carry, the series shares a common handle design but with varied blade patterns. The handle is very slender and features a ring at the end, which accommodates an index finger to lock in your grip. The top of the ring has an indentation to seat the thumb comfortably, as well as aid in applying downward pressure on the blade. The CCK-03 Tuhon Raptor is one of the most distinctively shaped blades in the series.
Designed by Special Operations CQC instructor Jared Wihongi, the blade is designed to be implemented in multiple ways, including to trap and hook. The talon-shaped tip has a devastatingly e effective ability to slash as well as thrust, with its slight hook implementing a gathering action. The main and top edges offer options for slashing in either direction. While most of the blade is sharp all the way around, a portion is unsharpened to incorporate a feature called a live edge identifier. It can be seen as a raised protrusion on the handle. You can use it to index the knife, that is, determine by the feel which way the blade is oriented.
The talon-like tip of the Halfbreed Blades Tuhon Raptor acts as your own personal claw. The curved edge grabs and feeds on the material to be cutāas in slicing a section of air hose lengthwiseāthus amplifying the force applied.
At 8 inches overall and sporting a 3.94-inch blade, the Tuhon Raptor has plenty of length to get the job done while remaining compact in nature. The D2 blade steel boasts a balance of toughness, edge holding and value pricing. The knife comes in three hues: black, desert tan and OD green. Each color permeates the knife with matching G-10 handle overlays. The injection-molded plastic sheath corresponds in color to match the knife. It is a single-column design molded as one piece, not halves riveted together. The sheath is MOLLE compatible and thereās a Blade-Tech Tek Lok for those who prefer belt carry. The knife locks into the sheath very securelyāno worries about it falling out accidentally. It locks with a firm and deliberate push.
Unlike the other two test pieces, the Tuhon Raptor is a single-purpose modern tactical knife. It is meant for self-defense and not as a utility tool. The handle design is not conducive for lengthy cutting in a traditional grip. However, in a pinch it can be used as a scoring tool or even to open packages and mail. Nonetheless, if you want to use the knife for self-defense, you should not subject it to any sort of utility use to preserve the sharpness of the edge.
Fallknivenās R2 Scout is a smaller knife designed for users with littler hands, or for folks who just prefer a somewhat undersized blade. Meanwhile, itās a myth that smaller knives cannot function as tactical tools. Smaller knives are just as capable, or maybe even more so, as their larger counterparts for certain tactical tasks. They can be just as strong as well.
At only 3.1 inches long, the R2ās drop point blade is .196-inch thick, which is quite thick for a short blade. The thickness is intentional to give the knife strength to withstand heavy-duty tasks. The bladeās ELMAX Swedish stainless particle steel is known for superb edge holding, and its Scandi grind descends straight down to a sharp edge. This is known as a zero edge because there is an absence of a cutting-edge bevel. What results is a blade thatās very sharp and easy to maintain.
The Fallkniven R2 Scout’s extra-thick blade enables it to tackle tougher tasks such as baton work easily. The extra thickness works as a wedge to split wood quickly. Country of origin: Sweden. The zero-grind edge of the Fallkniven R2 Scout has excellent bite and is great for whittling tasks that require the ultimate in sharpness.
The sheath of the R2 carries well on the belt and has the freedom to move when you sit down or snag it on something. (Fallkniven image)
The handle is Thermorun, a sturdy, grippy plastic with rubber-like properties. It has a coarse textured finish on the sides, which does a great job at preventing the handle from slipping out of your hand in adverse conditions. The sheath is equally well thought out, too. Molded of Zytel, it incorporates a webbing belt loop and an imaginative locking system that holds the knife securely. Activate the lock and the knife is guarded against accidental loss. You also can choose not to activate the lock, as the sheath otherwise holds the knife via an ever-present spring detent.
The sheath carries well on the belt and has freedom to move in case you sit down or snag it on something. The R2 is a workhorse of a compact fixed blade. The zero-grind edge has an incredibly aggressive bite. The blade is well suited for camp chores, food prep and carving/whittling utility jobs. As thick as the blade is, donāt be afraid to use it hard. Dig right in with it without worrying about the blade tip breaking or the blade bending. It withstands batonning well. Full-tang construction lends it a nice balance. Since the tang protrudes a bit through the handle butt, you can use it as a crushing tool. I found the texture of the handle to be just right; it gives a great grip in all conditions.
The Bear Edge Brisk 1.0 tactical fixed blade features a 4ā -inch modified drop-point blade of 440A stainless steel with a black-epoxy-type coating. The cutting edge is partially serrated to power through tough materials. The ergonomic handle is stainless steel with a soft touch coating for grip comfort. Five oblong holes through the full tang and handle provide additional grip traction, as well as lighten the load. A large forward finger recess aids in indexing your grip, and the dropped-butt design helps seat your fingers and prevent your hand from sliding backward off the handle. The lower integral guard and choil allow you to employ a choke grip for precise cutting tasks. The knife has a folder counterpart in the Brisk 1.0 series, which, along with the slimmed-down handles, explains why the fixed blade sports a folder look.
While the knife has an overall tactical appearance and feel, it seems better suited to outdoor use. Why? The blade grind is hollow. Most tactical fixed blades have a flat grind to leave more steel in the cross-section, therefore increasing lateral strength. And then thereās the slim handle. For a tactical fixed blade, the handle needs to be wider to accommodate a secure grip. The thin handle doesnāt feel that secure in-hand, so I would be hesitant to use it for tactical tasks. While the slim handle minimizes weight and bulk, making the knife carry on a belt very easily, itās just not geared toward a hard-use environment most tactical fixed blades must tackle.
The partially serrated 440A stainless steel blade of the Bear Edge Brisk 1.0 eats through tough and fibrous materials with ease.
As for the blade, it slices easily. The edge was extremely sharp out of the box and had the right amount of bite that I prefer, though it wonāt last long due to its lower-end 440A stainless. Itās just not a steel known for edge holding. Conversely, itās easy to sharpen in the field because itās not wear resistant. Hence, if you prefer stainless blades for outdoor leisure activities and donāt want to fool with the extra care of carbon steel blades, consider the Brisk 1.0. The serrations are equally as sharp and eat through fibrous materials with ease. Those who love partially serrated blades will enjoy their versatility with cutting tasks. Plus, it saves you from carrying a separate serrated knife.
The knife includes a ballistic nylon belt sheath with button-snap closure. Itās a basic style sheath, nothing to get excited about. It just does the job.
The Benchmade Adamas is a stout, full-on, all-in tactical folder that oozes brawn and might in appearance and has the muscle to back it up. Knifemaker Shane Sibert designed the Adamas series and is known for heavy-duty tactical folders and fixed blades. The original comes in a larger size with a 3.7-inch blade, but customers started asking for a more pocket friendly, scaled-down version. Enter the Benchmade 273GY-1 Mini Adamas. With a blade of 3.25 inches and at 4.35 inches closed, the Mini Adamas is probably the toughest small folder youāll ever meet.
The drop-point blade is CPM Cru-Wear tool steel to go the distance in edge holding and toughnessātwo important factors in tactical knives. The blade has a fuller milled in on both sides and sports dual conical-shaped thumb studs for easy one-hand opening. The tank-like handle comes in a choice of black or OD green G-10. The design incorporates three holes and milled grooves to enhance grip and aesthetics.
The Axis™ Lock provides the ultimate in blade lockup while being easy to disengage and close. Integral forward and rear lower guards prevent your hand from sliding off, and a deep-carry pocket clip positions the knife blade tip up. Additional screw holes permit relocating the clip to accommodate southpaws.
The Mini Adamas is a good chunk and larger and wider than other mini folders. Compared with its bigger brother, the 275 Adamas, itās scaled down. Still, it carries better in the pocket and is easy to deploy. The Axis Lock has a longstanding reputation as one of the best locks on the market, and Benchmade has it dialed in with being ultra-solid yet easy to operateāeven for novices. If you like the Adamas design but say the regular size is too big for EDC, the 273 is for you.
The Benchmade Mini Adamas is easy to control for finer cutting tasks like stripping wires. The edge geometry of the CPM Cru-Wear blade from the factory is spot on.
A common complaint about mini folders is when you reduce the size, it changes the in-hand dynamics from the original. Not so much here. Thereās still plenty to hold onto! The same cutting power and durability is present, and the boxy handle shape is still comfortable in-hand, more so than you expectāwhich is a good thing. It is a good working folder and/or tailored for hiking, camping and other outdoor activities.
Cru-Wear goes the distance and is a perfect choice for such a knife. It isnāt stainless so you will have to take some care of it, even though it has a Cerakote coating. The tungsten gray Cerakote has some sparkle to it, is kind of reminiscent of Teflon-coated cookware, and goes well with the black G-10 handle. Donāt be fooled, this mini is definitely mighty.
Special Ops Specs Blade Length: 3.75″ Overall Length: 8.625″ Weight: 5.9 oz. Blade Steel: M390 Handle Material: Titanium MSRP: $500
Pros
Durable Blade Design
Smooth Flipper Action
Aesthetically Unique
Cons
Handle Could Be Better
I would have to put the CobraTec Special Ops in the large folder category. Itās built like a tank. The blade is stout, with a well-executed grind. Itās thick enough to have plenty of strength for hard use yet fine enough to create a keen cutting edge. It is definitely not a folding pry bar.
The knife has a blade thumb hole and a flipper for opening. The thumb hole is a little too close to the scale for me. Having the hole so close prevented me from opening the blade smoothly; I just couldnāt get a comfortable angle on it. On the other hand, the flipper is so smooth itās like that first sip of a good coffee in the morning. I just love the fast, crisp action.
CobraTec takes advantage of the titanium handle by using a framelock system. As the blade opens, the locking bar slides over smooth and easy for a bank-vault action. The dimensions and finish are down pat on the framelock. Sometimes on framelocks you find the lock binds a bit. Not on the CobraTecāeverything seems to flow on the knifeās action.
The flipper action on the Special Ops is smooth. āOne of the reasons CobraTec has such a smooth action is they donāt skimp on the flipper,ā the author noted. āYou can easily get a purchase on it and it is large enough to follow through on the action.ā
Handle fit is spot on. As for the texturing, it is a milled CNC design. I understand the urge to look different and have appealing aesthetics but the most important thing should be ergonomics. I am not saying the knife is painful to hold but it isnāt like a broken-in pair of house slippers, either. At this price range, grabbing the handle should give me shivers. If the handle ergonomics were as sweet as the action, I would be a new fan boy. The pocket clip is too tight. A large blade provides plenty of length for penetration. The knife is a solid build so there is no reason why you canāt expect faithful service from it for a lifetime.
I would call the Maserin 920/TP Tactical a small boot knife or even a modern dagger. It has a dagger blade profile with one side a combination serrated/razor and the other a false edge. Keep in mind dual-edged blades are illegal in some areas, so know your local laws before you decide to sharpen the second side.
The guard is integral to the handle. A mechanical system fastens the aluminum scales to the blade. The 920/TP is not a full-tang knife. Maserin screws the scales to a short tang and then uses spacers at the back, somewhat like a folder. A through-handle construction such as this does not lend the knife to extreme hard use. The 440C stainless blade steel is tolerant of close-to-the-body carry without getting rusty, and the heavy blade coating helps resist rust.
The construction of the 920/TP lacks a full tang and uses a through handle design like some folders. Observed the author, āI would not pick this design for tough use.ā
A molded Kydex sheath accommodates MOLLE and horizontal or vertical belt carry. The sheath was so tight that I struggled to pull the knife out. Iām not a strongman competitor and I donāt want to have to work that hard. After repeated drawing, unsheathing the knife did become manageable. I would say the grip is good and serviceable. Overall, the knife is light and nimble but is not built to abuse. I think it would make a good 4:30 or vest carry.
Hogue Deka Manual
Positioned here at 10:30 to the pivot, an Ambidextrous Bar Lock Enhanced (ABLE) mechanism secures the Deka blade open. Simple to use and very convenient, the lock matches up well with the thumb stud blade opener.
According to Hogue, the Deka Manual is one of its more popular folders. Itās easy to see why, since without missing any points on style it maintains a straightforward user design. CNC-milled G-10 scales with a āVā design are basic in nature yet effective in helping gain a solid hold. An Ambidextrous Bar Lock Enhanced (ABLE) mechanism secures the blade open. Simple to use and very convenient, the lock matches up well with the thumb stud blade opener. You can pull back the lock and give the knife a decent flick to open it as well.
I would like to spend some time on the blade. Aesthetically, the wharncliffe pattern the company uses isnāt my cup of tea, though I must say the design has plenty of utility and for that reason alone has appeal. Hogue uses a compound angle grind. At the base, the edge starts out following one angle and then takes a crisp but slight upward angle. Wharncliffe tips give plenty of engagement to manipulate the point during cuts. Add the gimping on the thumb ramp and you can control the force you drive into the cut.
The Deka was razor sharp out of the box. A straight angle on the back of the blade allows you to put some power into a cut without the material trying to run along the blade.
The Deka has a deep carry, ambidextrous pocket clip that carries the knife tip up. I would like to see a sturdier clip but it does its job, and I had not experienced any issues with it as of press time. Sometimes the simple designs stand out most because they are solid users. I think the Hogue is a user-driven knife, unlike many knives that are popular for their Gucci factor. It comes in more colors than black but since thereās a black one it can be tactical.
Cut like a Viking with some top factory interpretations of an ancient design.
When knife fans think Vikings and Viking blades, the seax is at or near the top of the list. The seax (pronounced sax) blade shape originated in northern Europe from late Roman to early medieval times and was used widely by the Germanic tribes.
Seax means knife or cutting tool, both of which aptly describe the useful blade shape that is equally at home as a tool or a weapon.Ā Typical uses include but are not limited to food preparation, general cutting, carving and more.Ā Medieval warriors entered battle carrying swords, axes and the seax as a back-up.Ā It was a very well-rounded knife design that played a prominent role in daily life.Ā Ā
Typical seax construction included forged carbon steel blades paired with wood, bone or antler handles. The handle often was adorned with decorative carvings or inlays. In size, the knife ranged from small utility models to swords and everything in between. It also was a symbol of status and identity. Today the seax comes in a wide range of materials, sizes, price ranges and more.
A leading example is the TOPS Knives Storm Vector. Featuring a 12.6-inch blade of 1095 carbon steel and an 18.25-inch overall length, the Storm Vector is the largest seax of the test bunch. Itās an intriguing twist of seax meets machete that results in an interesting cutting tool.Ā Done right, 1095 can hold an edge quite well but is also very easy to sharpen in the field, a major selling point.Ā A Sniper Gray coating protects the blade from stains and corrosion and provides a subdued, tactical look.Ā
The ergonomic handle is black MicartaĀ®. Blue liners give a subtle pop of color to an otherwise dark knife.Ā The handleās curve, prominent finger grooves and expanded butt all help to make the knife feel as if it were molded to your hand.Ā The Micarta corners are rounded for more comfort.Ā
Make no mistake, this isnāt a lightweight.Ā The blade is a quarter inch at the thickest and the knife tips the scales at a healthy 24 ounces.Ā The side-break Kydex sheath has a button snap/strap closure to secure the knife, and a neat dangler belt loop allows the sheath to swing freely and not bind up on vegetation. Overall sheath quality: excellent.
Designed by TOPS Knives headman Leo Espinozaāinset holding one at BLADE Show Westāthe Storm Vector handles baton work like, well, a Viking. (image of Espinoza by BLADEĀ® staff)
The Storm Vector especially excels at chopping.Ā It has the weight to support it, as well as superior handle ergonomics.Ā My hand felt very secure throughout testing; never did I feel as if I were losing control of the knife.Ā TOPS has superb handle ergonomics on many of its larger fixed blades.Ā Rounded, contoured Micarta edges make the handle comfortable to hold, even for extended periods.Ā
TOPS excels at making superb outdoor knives and the Storm Vector is testament to this.Ā It offers excellent fit and finish. If you want a heavy-duty chopper you can throw around and not have to worry about durability, the Storm Vector is it.
CAS Iberia Legacy Arms Witham Seax
The CAS Iberia Legacy Arms Witham Seax feels agile in hand and can easily chop small saplings with ease.
Based on a 10th-century seax design and at 17.25 inches overall, the Legacy Arms Witham Seax from CAS Iberia is pretty impressive size wise.Ā The 12-inch blade offers plenty of edged real estate paired with a simple handle sporting minimal adornment.Ā
The 5160 carbon steel blade is flat ground with a convex edge for razor sharpness.Ā A forward guard at the tang is inlaid with what appears to be copper diamond shapes.Ā The motif carries over to the steel buttcap, which boasts the same adornment.Ā The brushed finish of the guard and buttcap complements the bladeās satin finish, rounding out the knifeās overall appearance nicely.
The wood handle is wrapped with leather for a luxurious vibe. It definitely is comfortable to hold. The double-stitched leather sheath is dyed a light brown and features two horizontal carry belt loops. The sheath is pretty basic but is all thatās needed to protect the blade.
The Withamās double-stitched leather sheath is dyed a light brown and features two horizontal carry belt loops.Ā
The Witham Seax is very well made. The quality of finishing is superb and the cutting edge was reasonably sharp out of the box, though I was able to improve it using a coarse-grit diamond sharpening rod. The 5160 sharpens quickly and easily. The fit of both the guard and buttcap to the tang is excellent.
This is a slender, agile knife.Ā It feels great. It is a bit blade heavy but not so much that it can be employed as a dedicated chopper. While it handles chopping well, I would opt for a design that is more blade heavy and also a more ergonomic handle. That being said, the Witham Seax shines as a general cutting tool.Ā The blade has great bite and the 5160 responds well to steeling or stropping, something you can do easily in the field to prolong a sharp edge.Ā The inlaid edges of the guard are a nice visual touch as well.Ā This is as much a collector piece as it is a user.
Condor Tool & Knife Norse Dragon Seax
Decorative laser etching adorns both sides of the handle of the Condor Norse Dragon Seax, with the same motif carried onto both sides of the classy, well-made leather sheath.
The Condor Tool & Knife Norse Dragon Seax features a broken back seax blade design with an angled tip reminiscent of todayās reverse tanto pattern.Ā The 7-inch blade is 1095 and features a two-tone finishāthe bevels are satin finished and the flats sport the natural darkened finish a blade exhibits emerging from heat treatment.
The simple handle design is durable hickory with a single brass spacer where the handle meets the tang, accenting the handsome overall look. Decorative laser etching adorns both sides of the handle, with the same motif carried onto both sides of the classy, well-made leather sheath.Ā At 11.7 inches overall, the Condor entry can tackle a wide variety of chores both indoor and out.Ā Ā
The Norse Dragon Seax does well on a variety of media thanks to its Scandi-like grind and easy-to-sharpen 1095 carbon steel.Ā
The Norse Dragon Seax has great blade geometry, enabling it to sail through various materials with ease. The edge out of the box wasnāt quite keen enough but I was able to fine tune it with my arsenal of sharpening equipment very quickly. Once I got the edge to my liking, the Norse Dragon tackled cutting chores with aplomb. The hickory handle is comfortable, though possibly could be a bit thicker to make it easier to grip for folks with larger hands.
This knife is not a chopper.Ā It lacks the mass and blade length as well as handle ergonomics for the activity. However, for a tool that slices and dices, this is it.Ā As long as you limit it to cutting only, you should have no issues.Ā In fact, it is a highly capable cutter that would find a good home in any fixed blade fanās collection.
Emerson Knives Seax
Thanks to a conventional double āVā grind, whittling is no problem with the Emerson Seax Fixed Blade. The Wave design at the end of the ramp helps identify the knife as an Emerson.
Emerson Knives, Inc., has folding and fixed-blade versions of the seax, the latter which is the entry for this review.Ā It is more toward the tactical side, as most of Emersonās knife line is.Ā Ten inches overall, it sports the companyās superb signature grip ergonomics.Ā
The handle curves encourage firm, non-slip purchase and the chamfer of the G-10 scales checks the comfort box.Ā The handle surface is textured and sports a series of well-placed golf-ball-like dimples that further enhance purchase.Ā
The spine thumb ramp terminates in another Emerson signature design, the Wave.Ā Normally used on the companyās folders to assist in opening the blade, the thumb ramp/Wave allows you not only to lock in your grip but also to exert downward pressure to make cuts. One look and itās an Emerson design for sure, so the thumb ramp/Wave serves as a visual identifier as well.
The 4.8-inch blade boasts a conventional double āVā grind, though the chisel cutting edge bevel is single sided only. The 154CM stainless steel holds an edge very well and is fairly easy to sharpen. The fold-over, taco-style Kydex sheath is drilled to accept a Blade-Tech Tek-Lok or similar belt attachment. The sheath is basic but a quality make and functions well.
To help enhance purchase, the handle surface of the Emerson Seax Fixed Blade is textured with well-placed golf-ball-like dimples. The fold-over, taco-style Kydex sheath is drilled to accept a Blade-Tech Tek-Lok or similar belt attachment.
Though the knife has a tactical design and feel, donāt let that discourage you from using it in outdoor or general settings. First and foremost, it is a great all-around cutting tool. The straight edge easily cuts cardboard, hose, plastic sheeting and foam, and more. It also handles whittling well, with the chisel-ground edge biting into wood aggressively and deeply.
One of the things I have always loved about Emerson knives is the companyās expert application of handle ergonomics. Iāve yet to use an Emerson handle I donāt like.Ā In addition to enhancing purchase, the handle dimples help displace moisture, providing an excellent grip even with wet hands.Ā Emerson builds knives meant for hard use, so donāt fear putting the knife through its paces.Ā It is built for the long haul and wonāt let you down.Ā
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. Letās 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: 6.625ā Blade steel: 440C stainless Handle material: Walnut Weight: 8.8 ozs. Overall length: 12.625ā 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-BARās 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 Daggerās 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: 3.94ā Blade steel: Bohler N690 stainless Handle material: Black polypropylene and Thermorubber (PP and TPE) Weight: 3.53 ozs. Overall length: 8.11ā 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-Georgeās 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: 7ā Blade material: SK5 carbon steel Handle material: Black thermoplastic Weight: 7.1 ozs. Overall length: 12ā 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.
The SOG nailed one of the functions daggers do bestāstabbing.
Pentagon FX Covert Specs Blade length: 3.41ā Blade steel: Crucible Cryo S35VN stainless Handle material: G-10, flat dark earth Weight: 3.9 ozs. Overall length: 7.52ā 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.
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 steelāthough 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 groupās two smaller daggers are easier to use than the larger ones āwhen getting down to the nitty grittyā 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 Foxās 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 theyāre smaller, itās 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 Commandoās 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 setupāthe SOG Universal Mounting Systemādeveloped for a group of the companyās 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 setupāthe SOG Universal Mounting System.
The Raiderās 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.
A fillet knife that sharpens while you cut? That’s the bold promise Relentless Knives make with its Curved Fillet Knife.
In its pursuit of the elusive long-lasting edge, Relentless Knives called on titanium, carbide, crushed diamonds and nature. Using beaver teeth as a model, the company promotes blades that āsharpen as they cut.ā
A āPower Stripā consisting of ultra-hard carbide and crushed diamonds is permanently bonded to one side of the titanium edge. The basic concept is that as you use the knife, the softer back side of the blade wears away, exposing more of the hard edge. The need for constant resharpening is eliminated, ergo Perpetual Edge Technology.
According to Relentless, you need not worry about your blade rusting or discoloring, even in saltwater, a dream for commercial operations or the fisherman who forgets to wipe his knife off after use. The base line is that the knifeāin this case the Relentless 6-inch Fillet Fixed Bladeāmust cut. Letās see if it does.
Relentless Knives Curved Fillet Knife Specs
A āPower Stripā consisting of ultra-hard carbide and crushed diamonds is permanently bonded to one side of the titanium edge. The basic concept is that as you use the knife, the softer back side of the blade wears away, exposing more of the hard edge.
Company: Relentless Knives Blade length: 6ā Blade material: Grade 5 titanium Power Strip: Carbide/crushed diamond Blade grind: Flat Blade flex: Medium to stiff Handle material: True Grit glass-reinforced ABS Weight: 6 ozs. Overall length: 12ā Sheath: Leather w/snap strap Country of origin: USA MSRP: $150
Pros
Innovative Perpetual Edge Technology
Rust and Corrosion Resistance
Exceptional Cutting Performance
Cons
Initial Roughness
Expensive
Curved Fillet Knife Cutting Tests
The paper slice is a quick way to check any edge. The fillet knife sliced strips of 20-pound copy paper without pressure, and I could feel the Power Strip grab the paper. Sharp, coarse cuts, the slices were not difficult to control and the handle felt comfortable.
The fillet knife crunched forcefully to 200 cuts very quickly. The author stated it cut great but it was weird feeling the flex. It seemed to slice smoother toward the last 50 cuts.
Single-walled cardboard was next. The first couple of slices were rough cuts, then it seemed to smooth out a bit making for faster slicing. The True Grit handle material really keeps the knife locked in your grip.
I started cutting scrap 8-ounce leather. At first the edge was still grippy while slicing, then seemed to find its groove and got smoother. The cutting action was very aggressiveāI could hear every cut. Using the other end of the leather strip, I did some skiving. The slices were thin and I still heard every cut. Using a choke-up grip, control was very easy.
The knife produced nice curlicues. Note: use the edge close to the guard for stability. The Power Strip wanted to dig deeper into the scrap pine, so the author had to control cutting depth.
It was scrap-pine whittling time. The knife produced some nice curlicues. Note: use the edge close to the guard for stability. The Power Strip wanted to dig deeper into the wood, so I had to control cutting depth. Itās fun to try but watch out for your fingers!
It was on to half-inch sisal rope. The fillet knife crunched aggressively to 200 cuts very quickly. The challenge on my part was to watch for the blade flexing. It cut great but it was weird feeling the flex. It seemed to slice smoother toward the last 50 cuts. I was probably knocking the newness off the Power Strip.
Curved Fillet Knife Processing Game
Hunting season was in full swing where I live at press time, and I like cooking fresh venison backstrap. The fillet knife zipped through the meat quite smoothly and cleanly. With the temperature at 22Ā°F, the handle stayed tight in my cold hand.
The knife zipped through the venison quite smoothly and cleanly. With the temperature at 22Ā°F, the handle stayed tight in the authorās cold hand.
I found some whole tilapia to fillet. After thawing, it was ready for action. The knife excelled at preparing the fish. It glided along the bones in short order. Dang, I needed this blade when I was younger working for a commercial fish house in Wisconsin! I went back in to thaw out my fingers and fry some fish.
The final test was back to slicing the copy paper. What a difference from the first test. The edge was smooth slicing and a lot cleaner in the cuts. The more you use the knife the better it gets. Perpetual Edge all the way!
Final Cut
Iām impressed with the Relentless bladeās ability to stay sharp by itself. Itās very well suited for saltwater and freshwater use. Hats off to the Relentless crew. I would have to do a lot more testing to come up with any changes. Iām waiting for a Relentless hunting-style knife to come out soon. Stay tuned to the Relentless website (see below) for more details.
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