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.
The Reverse Tanto Is One Of The Most Interesting Blade Designs. By Putting A Spin On A Classic Pattern, The Reverse Tanto Stands Out From The Pack.
In general terms, a knife profile isn’t something that seems like it should be reversed. The American tanto blade pattern, commonly seen on modern tactical and combat knives, is a modified version of the somewhat longer and more flowing traditional Japanese tanto. While there are variations, the American tanto blade features a hard angle in the belly curve up to the shallow, chisel-ground tip.
A reverse tanto profile keeps the hard angle of the tanto profile but moves it to the spine, thus “reversing” the conventional tanto style. This edge profile doesn’t usually have as harsh of an angle on the spine; on a tanto the tip usually curves up, akin to the larger katana profile. By flipping the edge over, the tip is brought into a straighter line with the hand and offers a good deal more stabbing ability.
An interesting point is that, at least in my direct experience, the reverse tanto is much better at cutting and stabbing tasks than the tanto. Profile matters a great deal in this case. The reverse tanto can be thought of as a very muted bowie in that it has a narrow tip and smooth edge, yet a good height to the spine; the tip can get into a medium easily and the rest follows with minimal effort.
An American tanto profile’s chisel-type tip has a more severe geometry that doesn’t easily lend itself to going through materials or fine cutting work. The area on an American tanto that usually takes the most damage is the tip angle itself. Not only that but, thanks to the severe angles, it is difficult to keep sharp.
The reverse tanto offers an easily maintainable edge and fine tip while having the strength of a larger blade. This allows the profile to be ground quite thin and remain very strong. The reverse tanto folders in this article are some of the lightest I’ve ever tested, and they cut far above their weight class.
Leatherman Skeletool KBX
Leatherman Skeletool KBX
The Leatherman Skeletool KBX is the smallest knife in the test—so small it could probably ride on a key ring. It is the only serrated knife of the test bunch. Despite being so small, the KBX offers a wide degree of general utility. It is not a heavy cutter like a few in this review. It is neither comfortable enough nor large enough to commit to hard use. It is instead something of a mini multi-tool suitable for the most basic use. It has an integrated bottle opener, which is a very nice touch—and it works!
The size of the piece is the best part and also the worst. As an EDC knife, it is somewhat small. However, for the right person wanting a low-profile knife, this one fits the bill. For basic work like opening boxes, cutting string, or just popping open a cold one, it’s great.
MSRP: $39.95
Benchmade Mini Osborne
Benchmade Mini Osborne
The Benchmade Mini Osborne is a perfect EDC folder. Not only is it extremely lightweight, it’s comfortable in the hand for medium tasks. The AXIS® lock is easy to operate. Closing the knife is not a challenge, though it is something of a two-hand operation in that you must pull back on the lock and then fold the blade down. Locked open it is very strong and has no flex or movement when working.
The Benchmade is probably the best balance of weight to cutting ability in the review. Consequently, it is also relatively costly. Benchmade has an understandable reputation as a top brand and this little folder demonstrates that a knife can be light, comfortable, and very sharp. It is great for domestic and simple chores and can be used to make kindling and spark. Like the Skeletool, it is really too small to be anything other than a light-duty blade.
MSRP: $210
Krudo Vice BA
Krudo Vice BA
The Vice BA (Bad Attitude) folder from Krudo is the largest knife in the test and the heaviest. There is a substantial difference between it and the other test models in terms of cutting ability and the size of materials it can digest. The Krudo has a large disc/thumb rest atop the spine, not only for ease of opening but also as a place to apply downward pressure for cutting. This alone puts the knife in a different category altogether in that it can break down medium sticks, and can even be used to hack off medium limbs. It excels at making tinder and has a thick blade and strong lock mechanism. It is easy to strike with as well.
The knife’s size is both a benefit and a downfall. It’s the toughest in the test but also meaty enough that you are aware of it in your pocket most of the time. If you’re in the woods or on the job site, the Vice BA would be a welcome friend and easy to use constantly.
MSRP: $244
Kershaw Lithium
Kershaw Lithium
The Kershaw Lithium is the only assisted opener in the bunch. It has a large amount of utility for the moderate cost and is a great EDC knife that offers a keen, clean edge and a very sharp point. The knife is heavy in the blade and comfortable in the grip.
It cuts quite well and can be worked with for extended periods of time comfortably, unlike the two smaller test knives. It has a matte finish, isn’t flashy, and offers nothing to immediately catch the prying eye of a passerby.
The tip can punch through most common materials and there’s enough mass to the blade that it can slash as well. As far as general utility, it can spark and is useful for making kindling and dealing with minor twigs and branches. It lacks true chopping power but like the others will work given the necessity.
MSRP: $51.99
Artisan Cygnus ATZ
Artisan Cygnus ATZ
The Artisan Cygnus ATZ arrived very, very sharp and with a most aggressive tip design. The blade is slender and light and lacks forward mass. As a result, it lends itself well for use in a stabbing motion, easily penetrating many materials. However, the grip is geometric and somewhat angular, thus making repeated stabs somewhat uncomfortable. It is a thin blade and shouldn’t be used to pry (a use most knives shouldn’t be put to in the first place).
While quite visually appealing, the ATZ takes up more space than all but the Krudo. The Artisan offers the best cutting ability of the bunch in general slicing. In the course of testing it maintained an edge very easily and the tip proved strong despite being thin.
While not designed as an outdoor knife or for preparing kindling, it sparks nicely. If you spend most of your time in town, this one is a bit flashier than the rest but still isn’t outside the realm of daily use, and likely won’t draw much attention from snooping eyes.
MSRP: $85.99
The reverse tanto excels at domestic cutting tasks. All the test folders would make fine EDCs, my preference being the Benchmade in terms of weight to size. You really can’t go wrong with any of the review knives as long as you keep the end use to a realistic setting. Don’t try to make any of these knives your primary outdoor tool. There are better knife styles for such use, though the reverse tanto works if it’s all you have.
Editor’s note: Bob Lum is credited by many with designing the original custom American tanto, while Cold Steel popularized the blade pattern in the factory knife industry.
Get a look at the new knives released at BLADE Show, the world’s largest knife show.
More than simply the foremost industry event and knife axis mundi, BLADE Show is also the preferred venue to launch knives. Makes sense, when for three days straight, Atlanta’s Cobb Convention Center sees a steady stream of thousands of knife fanatics. We’ll have more down the road, but here is some of what was dropped at the world’s largest knife show.
Bradford Knives Guardian 3.5XL
RARE BREED GUARDIAN—Bradford Knives’ fan asked for it and at BLADE Show they’ll get the shot to own the Guardian 3.5XL with a 4-inch MagnaCut blade. This limited run comes with a new sheath design, offering both vertical and horizontal carry options. Overall Length: 8.25 inches. Blade Profile: Sabre. Weight: 4.7 ounces. MSRP: TBD. Available: June
Ansø of Denmark Mudtrack Exoframe
FRAME JOB—Stripped down in material, the Toko features Ansø of Denmark’s skeletonized black titanium Mudtrack Exoframe, stripping the flipper’s weight to a scant 2.86 ounces. Outfitted with a do-all drop-point blade of RWL34 steel, the build had versatile built in. Lock: Button. Blade Length: 3.35 inches. MSRP: $995. Available: June
McNees Knives Mini Dixon
MIGHTY MITE—A scaled-down version of a McNees classic, the Mini Dixon boasts a compact 3.35-inch MagnaCut blade matted to a Grade 5 titanium handle. The modified clip point has a hollow grind and comes in a very svelte 4.5 ounces. Lock: Framelock. Overall Length: 7.75 inches. MSRP: $549. Available: June
UG Tools EKM Fighting Knife Set
DOUBLE TROUBLE—The UG Tools EKM Fighting Knife Set was developed Special Mission Units and is already being supplied to a German Tier 1 unit. The set comes with a 2.4-inch blade dagger and 4.7-inch blade drop point, highly modular sheath, attachment system and full contact training knives. Blade Material: CPM MagnaCut. Weight: Dagger 1.6 ounces, Drop Point 4.6 ounces. Country of Origin: German. MSRP: ~$1,000 Available: Autumn 2026
Spartan Blades Pandia
MOONLIT PRECISION—Named for the Greek goddess of the full moon, the Spartan Blades Pandia features a 3.25-inch CPM MagnaCut spear-point blade optimized via a proprietary double deep cryogenic treatment. The 8.25-inch Curtis Iovito design utilizes an IKBS bearing system for fluid flipper deployment. Handle Material: Titanium. Clip: Titanium. Weight: 4 ounces. Country of Origin: USA. MSRP: $495. Available: Now
Maserin Outback
BUILT FOR THE BUSH—Featuring a Böhler N690 steel blade and paired with an ergonomic G10 handle, the Maserin Outback is available in three colours: black, gray, and orange. It comes with a black Italian cordura sheath, and a sharpener and a survival saw. Blade Length: 5.51 inches. Overall Length: 10.9 inches. Country of Origin: Italy. MSRP: $239. Available: Now
Scorpion 6 Jörmungandr
SHARP LEVIATHAN—Named for a sea serpent of Norse mythology, the Jörmungandr from Scorpion 6 is made completely without any CNC machining and features 5.3-inch a double hollow grind freehanded by Shane Magnussen. Blade Steel: CPM S90V. Overall Length: 8.82 inches. Clip: Titanium. Internals: Delrin Caged Ceramic Bearings. MSRP: Starts at $1,500. Available: Now
QSP Badger
BRIDGING OVER—The QSP Badger gives a reason for righties and lefties to cheer with the company’s Bridgelock. Essentially a crossbar lock, it features a saddle that runs on the back of the handle for an oversized and ambidextrous release. Blade Pattern: Wharncliff. Blade Steel: Nitro V. Handle Material: G10. Blade Length: 3.35 inches. MSRP: TBD. Available: September
Opinel No. 8 Horizon
MODERNIZED CLASSIC—Designed to brave the outdoors, Opinel’s No. 8 Horizon features several element-resistant features, including a stainless steel Yatagan blade, fiberglass-reinforced polymer handle and a light 2.2-ounce weight. Blade Length: 3.15 inches. Lock: Friction, Virobloc Safety Ring. Grind: Convex. MSRP: $40. Available: June.
Buck Knives Heritage Slim Elite 110
CLIPPING CALL—A refined evolution of Buck Knives’ classic 110 Folding Hunter, the Heritage Slim Elite is nearly .25-inch slimmer, 3-ounces lighter and featuring a deep carry pocket clip and BOS heat-treated MagnaCut steel blade. Blade Pattern: Clip Point. Blade Length: 3.75 inches. Scale: Ebony. MSRP: $250. Available: May
Crescent Edges Celestial Entity
STAR STRUCK—A 3.5-inch tanto blade of MagnaCut steel, milled titanium scale, satin DLC blade finish and a solid frame lock, the Crescent Edges Celestial Entity is an otherworldly EDC option. Overall Length: 8.23 inches. Weight: 4.5 ounces. Country of Origin: China. MSRP: $375 Available: Now
CRKT Grvitic Flip
FIDGET FACTOR—Not your typical OTF, the CRKT Garvitic Flip utilizes a vintage-inspired flip-insert mechanism to deploy its 3.18-inch blade. Once out, tabs on the blade insert into recesses to keep the blade in place. Blade Steel: 5Cr13MoV. Blade Pattern: Spearpoint. Overall Length: 7.5 inches. MSRP: $50. Available: Now
Lionsteel Emmet
INTREPID INTEGRAL—Gentlemanly in appearance, the 2.83-inch LionSteel Emmet features a solid integral handle in either titanium or aluminum. The titanium model comes with carbon fiber inlayed scale, the aluminum with a hammertone texture. Blade Material: MagnaCut. Blade Pattern: Drop Point. Overall Length: 6.73 inches. Country of Origin: Italy. MSRP: Ti $225; Al: $130. Available: Now
NortoriousEDC Dirty Deed Pry Bar
DOWN AND DIRTY—Constructed from Grade 5 titanium and a solid 3.5 inches in length, the NotoriousEDC Dirty Deed Pry Bar is ready every day for jimmying chores. The tool ships with a deep carry clip installed and includes an optional filler tab. Thickness: 3/16 inch. Width: 5/8 inch. Finish: Stonewashed. MSRP: $75. Available: Now
Vero Engineering Slip Joint
UNKNOWN SOLIDER—Vero Engineering’s new Wharncliffe is so recent that at writing it was yet have a name. What is known is that the slip joint will have a 2.75-inch MagnaMax blade, with the Vero trademark rectangular milling serving as the nail nick. Overall Length: 6 inches. Weight: 2.6 ounces. Handle Material: Titanium. Country of Origin: U.S.A. MSRP: $198. Available: June
GiantMouse ACE Pontius
HARPOONS AWAY—Designed with input from Chris Pontius, the GiantMouse ACE Pontius features a 3.2-inch harpoon-inspired clip point blade and titanium scale. The linerlock will also be available in Green G10 or Black Canvas Micarta. Blade Steel: Elmax. Overall Length: 7.7 inches. Liners: Hardened 420 Stainless Steel. MSRP: $325. Available: June
Shirogorov F95 Ursus
BEAR OF THE NORTH—The Shirogorov F95 Ursus offers a rugged, work-oriented take on the refined F95 pattern, featuring a 3.74-inch Elmax stainless steel blade with a 5/6ths grind. This iteration utilizes a Multi-Row Bearing System (MRBS) for smooth deployment and a dependable liner lock. Scale: Micarta. Overall Length: 8.66 inches. Weight: 4.69 ounces. MSRP: $650–$700. Available: June
StraightLine EDC Bigger Digger
GOLDEN DIGGER—The StraightLine EDC Bigger Digger is a purpose-built fixed blade designed for daily carry, featuring a 3.74-inch drop-point blade of 14C28N stainless steel. Ensuring a secure grip in all conditions, the 7.52-inch profile is outfitted with green canvas Micarta scales and a flat grind for efficient slicing. Weight: 3.17 ounces. Grind: Flat. Sheath: Kydex. MSRP: $80. Available: June.
Rothman Knives Fabricator Series Gentlemen’s Trapper
BLUE-COLLAR GENTLEMAN—The Rothman Knives Fabricator Series Gentlemen’s Trapper is a modern, lightweight take on the classic slip joint, weighing in at just 1.6 ounces. The 2 7/8-inch Nitro-V stainless steel blade features a deep 14-inch hollow grind for exceptional slicing geometry. Overall Length: 7 inches. Scale: Carbon Fiber. MSRP: $400. Available: June
Browning Stormy Pass Trapper
STORM A BREWIN’—The Browning Stormy Pass Trapper is a traditional slip joint built with an emphasis on longevity and classic aesthetics. It features a 3-inch damascus steel blade with a hollow grind, paired with stainless steel liners and wood scales. Overall Length: 6.25 inches. Weight: 2.4 ounces. Blade Pattern: Trapper. MSRP: $100. Available: September
Bestech IKA Dagger
FRANKISH FLARE—Bestech’s IKA Dagger is the first integral handle design from French designer Tashi Bharucha. This folder features a 3.9-inch M390 stainless steel blade and ceramic ball bearings for fluid deployment. Overall Length: 8.85. Frame Material: Titanium. Blade Pattern: Dagger. Blade Thickness: 0.16 inch. Closed Length: 4.95 inches. MSRP: $580. Available: June
Buck Knives is among the most historic manufacturers in the county. We attempt to pick the best knives it has ever created.
The famous 110 Folding Hunter was introduced to the market in 1964. This was a significant point for Buck Knives, and a significant point for the knife industry as a whole.
Buck did not start in spirit in 1964, it began much earlier at the turn of the century, and was the culmination of over half a century of Hoyt Buck’s knifemaking experience. Several generations of the Buck family worked to build the company, and the result was nothing short of extraordinary. Buck Knives are one of the most recognizable brands in the country, and they have a well-earned reputation for quality. It is currently in its fourth generation of family ownership, an amazing feat in today’s fast-paced corporate environment.
Buck knives are exceptionally well-made and will hold up for a lifetime if properly maintained. The knives also carry one of the best warranties in the industry which guarantees their products against any defects for life. This whole segment has nothing from him about how Hoyt formally started and built the company.
History Of Buck Knives
The Buck 119 Special is one of the company’s many fixed blades.
While it was not technically a company, Hoyt buck began making knives around 1900 and developed a way to temper steel that he deemed to be superior to what was being done at the time. It may seem a bit uppity of an apprentice blacksmith to take on something that had not been done in all of the history of man’s knife-making, but Hoyt Buck was not to be deterred.
Sure enough, his methods became well-known and he made knives one at a time for decades afterward. His knives had superior edge retention as a result of his tempering process and to this day Buck knives are well-known for their ability to hold an edge.
While the seeds of Buck Knives were planted thanks to Hoyt and his skill on the anvil, the company’s journey is so much more than that. Hoyt had six children, and his oldest son Al would eventually play a key role in the company’s growth.
By 1941 Hoyt and his wife were now living in Idaho, and he was a church pastor. However, the attack on Pearl Harbor roused his patriotism. As a way to help the war effort, he opened a small blacksmith shop in the basement of his church and began making knives once again. His knives became extremely popular on the military bases on the Pacific Coast and soldiers would come from all over to get one of his blades.
By the time the war ended in 1945 Hoyt and his wife Daisy decided to move south to San Diego and live near Al. In 1946 Hoyt opened his first manufacturing plant, really just a small lean-to attached to Al’s house, with his son. It was then that Buck Knives was officially born.
Al took over the company when his father passed, and today the company remains in the family as CJ Buck is the fourth-generation CEO and Chairman of Buck Knives.
Hoyt’s Tempering Process
Hoyt Buck was 13 years old and an apprentice blacksmith in 1902. According to the company’s own history, Hoyt was dissatisfied with the edge hardness on common farming implements. Farmers seemed to be bringing in their tools far more often than he liked to see and thought of some solutions to make the edges stronger and able to hold their sharpness longer. He began experimenting with these tools and eventually figured out a quenching method to achieve his desired result.
Essentially, the secret Buck discovered was quenching the entire blade when it was all precisely the same temperature. Not an easy task, especially in the day and age he came up with the process. However, overcoming the technological challenges reaped impressive benefits. The uniformity of the tempering process ensured the metal had no soft spots–weakness that could eventually lead to damage. Furthermore, the even tempering–when applied to knives–resulted in blades that were extremely hard and were capable of retaining an edge.
How To Date A Buck Knife
The Buck 375 shows off the company’s continued commitment to detail.
Unlike many knives across the industry, Buck knives are marked in certain ways to identify them based on the year they were made. The original Buck knives from 1961 to 1967 or simply stamped with ‘BUCK’.
From 1967 to 1972, the knives featured the mark ‘BUCK, USA’. The 1972 to 1986 period had the knives labeled with ‘BUCK 110, USA’ with additional model information. From 1986 onwards, each year of manufacture has a unique symbol that is added to the blade. You can very quickly and easily identify this and match it to the model year on the Buck website.
Buck knife collectors tend to have some of their own methods for identifying early knives. While it comes down to a degree of pseudoscience, there is demand for Buck knives that retain their original packaging, and even original receipts that can prove the age of the knife. Typically, the older the knife, the more it is worth.
Vintage Buck knives do not tend to sell for all that much by comparison to other knives, but there is a healthy following all across the country. Most people do not sell their Buck knives at all, and they are passed down generationally.
Best Buck Knives
Whether it’s a contemporary knife or a classic, these 10 knives from Buck continue to be top sellers and beloved by knife aficionados around the world.
110 FOLDING HUNTER KNIFE
This is the one that started it all. The 110 Folding Hunter needs no introduction here. It is one of the most storied and respected knives in American history. What is remarkable is that the price is relatively low, even for Buck’s lineup. The price of this knife sets it apart because it is well-known for its durability and sharpness. At under $70, you can easily buy this knife without breaking the bank.
MSRP: $65
124 FRONTIERSMAN KNIFE
This knife harkens back to the old days in appearance but is all modern in terms of execution. The Frontiersmen knife is just about the perfect size if you prefer to carry a fixed blade. The design of the knife is completely functional and you should be able to accomplish just about anything you need to accomplish out in the woods or around the farm.
MSRP: $185
055 ‘THE 55’ KNIFE
The 55 gets its name for being half the size of the famous 110. It is a popular and common pocket knife that is just as strong as its big brother. While it lacks many of the features of modern assisted-open knives or other types of more complicated designs, it makes up for it by being exceptionally durable and easy to use. Much like the larger 110, this is a knife that you will keep for life and pass down to your kids.
MSRP: $70
120 GENERAL KNIFE
There are very few knives that are as recognizable as the 120 General Knife. This Buck design is a classic, reminiscent of the military Ka-Bar. It is a bigger knife than what most people use for their everyday chores. The General Knife will be a companion for hunting, skinning, and preparing wood near the campfire.
MSRP: $130
103 SKINNER PRO KNIFE
Back in the old days, a skinning knife was part of a larger set that you would take into the field. This knife profile saw its heyday during the decimation of the buffalo herds. Buck has an excellent skinning knife in the form of the 103 Skinner Pro. It is a fine tool and is exceptionally attractive in appearance. If you like to have separate tools for your various hunting chores, you would do yourself well to equip this knife alongside the larger 120 General Knife.
MSRP: $170
102 BUCK WOODSMAN KNIFE
For many young men, the Woodsman was the first serious knife they ever received. This is a classic design and is among the most popular and well-recognized American fixed-blade knives ever made. It is not the largest knife Buck has made, but this medium-sized Bowie profile blade has seen more use than most knife models could ever hope to achieve.
This is an excellent knife for the aspiring outdoorsman. It can be used in just about any setting that requires medium lifting. It is a bit too thin to be used for wood splitting but can be used easily for making kindling by scraping. It is also an excellent small game knife and can be used for all sorts of camp chores. If you think about the knife that you would have in the Scouts, this would likely be as close to that knife as you can get.
MSRP: $75
BUCK ZIPPER KNIFE
The Buck Zipper is one of the many knives sold by the company today.
The Buck Zipper knife is arguably one of the most popular gut hook knives in the country, and it is fair to say that it is in more deer hunters’ hands than it’s not. As far as traditional designs go, the Zipper knife is not just well-made, it is also a symbol of the trade for many hunters that take to the field every fall. Gut hook knives do have other utility, they can be used in fishing settings for cutting line and for gutting as well. For a general-use hunting knife, you really can’t go wrong here.
MSRP: $129.99
863 SELKIRK KNIFE w. FIRE STARTER
Bushcraft knives are all the rage these days. There are a plethora of TV shows dedicated to the topic, and it seems that every knife company out there is making something that fits the bill. The Selkirk knife is a nicely priced addition to the Buckline. The knife is well equipped and comes with a durable micarta handle and a sheath-mounted fire steel. The kit you get is able to function right out of the box. You can pretty easily get started with practicing right in your yard. MSRP $80
The knife does have a couple of downsides, though, from a Bushcraft perspective, it is relatively thin. A blade really needs to have some meat to it to be able to make it through the tanning for kindling You’ll never really get much life out of a thin blade if you snap it off in use. Even though Buck has a good warranty, you should take care to not treat a thin blade like this as a dedicated tool for splitting. The knife can, however, be used for making tinder out of smaller pieces of wood, and it should have no problem getting them to light.
MSRP: $80
841 SPRINT PRO KNIFE BURLAP MICARTA
Another modern design, the Sprint Pro is a sleek looking folder that also has some classic lines. The knife is available in a couple of forms, most interesting is the burlap micarta model. Burlap micarta is made through an interesting process that suspends fabric in a resin base material. The result is a unique, very durable, and highly functional grip material that looks as good as it performs. This is a flipper-style knife and can be operated easily with one hand. The locking mechanism is a standard liner lock. Overall, it is a well-reviewed and well-designed knife that, while not the most visually striking, will give years of use.
MSRP: $155
417 BUDGIE KNIFE
The Budgie is a very compact EDC knife that can go just about anywhere. The tiny design is minimalistic yet functional. It is a frame-like design that is available in a couple of colors, most notably natural green G10. This is a new design that does not necessarily have much in common cosmetically with the classic Buck lineup. That said, it is just about all the knife the average person needs for their daily life, and it can be kept on the person quite easily. While it is a bit more costly than the average mini pocket knife, the Budgie is backed by the same warranty extended to all Buck products and is going to last you for quite some time performing light and medium-duty tasks.
Decades ago in America the pocketknife was universal, with such patterns as the barlow, stockman, trapper and folding hunter well represented in the pockets of our fathers, grandfathers and great-grandfathers. But what about today, when the most likely pocketknife task is opening an Amazon box or trimming a string off a shirt? To find out not only what folks are carrying but why, BLADE® asked several industry insiders, “What makes the perfect pocketknife?”
Pocket Knife Funtionality
Let’s begin our hunt with a look at the past. Many BLADE readers know Joe Culpepper for his and wife Kristi’s knife handle material business, Culpepper & Co. For many years the Culpeppers have provided the knife industry with quality jigged bone, Sambar stag and other exotic materials. Joe is also a student of the slip-joint/traditional pocketknife in all its variations, and sells vintage knives under the business name of Old School Knife Works.
A Case knife in damascus is in the traditional fish knife pattern, an early folding fillet knife. (Old School Knife Works image)
“A good pocketknife first and foremost should perform and function reliably in the way it was designed,” he began. “Whether we’re talking about an electrician’s knife, fish knife, melon tester or trapper, the most important thing is that it does its job.”
The melon tester pattern, here in an advertising knife configuration, almost always has a long, thin single blade. (Old School Knife Works image)
It has been a while since I used a knife to test a melon and Joe, too, was quick to acknowledge that many of the knife tasks of yesteryear have fallen by the wayside. “Frankly,” he admitted, “many of our pocketknives are simply just really nice box cutters.”
Pocket Knife Blade Size
Sticking with the nice box cutter theme, Knafs co-founder Ben Petersen added that he likes knives suited to the “dad life”—cutting apples cleanly without splitting them, opening boxes and whittling the occasional stick. “I’m not out to stab people,” he grinned. “For me, I think a 2.9-inch blade is perfect. Being under 3 inches keeps you safe from most restrictive knife laws, and it also is the perfect length for the finger test.” Ben went on to explain. “Most of the time when I cut, I put my index finger along the spine of the blade,” he noted. “I want the point of the blade right in the middle of my fingertip where it won’t cut me, but also gives me very precise control.”
Medford Knife & Tool offers a range of titanium framelock folders, including the Praetorian T in CPM S35VN stainless blade steel. Weight: 9.3 ounces. Closed length: 4.9 inches. MSRPs start at $785.
Ben had a fun take on the perfect knife. “You know,” he reflected, “to a 12-year-old a gas station knife* is perfect. The perfect knife is totally different to everyone.” I smiled, remembering how much joy my 14-year-old son got from a rusty Bass Pro Shops framelock, missing a screw, that we found in a pasture on a dove hunt.
Types Of Pocketknives
Most of us BLADE readers probably already have a good idea of what we like in a pocketknife. We know if we like small ones or bigger ones for everyday carry. We know the steel types we like, and whether we prefer a single or multi-blade. Joe offered some generalizations that match my experience.
Tradional
Another older Case edition, the hobo knife features a blade and fork in a handy pocket-sized folding knife. (Old School Knife Works image)
“As we get more into knives we tend to evolve into one of two categories, and they’re often correlated with age,” he reasoned. “The older generation tends to go for the more traditional slip joints with natural materials and carbon steel like their dad or grandad carried.”
Joe considers some “classic” patterns and brands among his favorites, particularly the knives manufactured pre-1970 by the old American firms that mostly have gone out of business. “When you hold an old Schrade, Empire, Robeson or even a vintage Case you get a certain sense of nostalgia,” he noted.
Modern
Jordan Wagner said the market is strong for high-quality USA-made titanium framelocks. Among those fitting the niche is the XM-18 3.5 flipper folder from Rick Hinderer Knives. Closed length: 4.75 inches.
As for the other category, Joe finds that younger folks tend to lean toward modern conveniences like pocket clips, modern steels and the more tactical types of knives like Benchmades. Being just a bit on the older side myself, as well as a bit of a traditionalist, I reached out to Jordan Wagner at DLT Trading for some thoughts about what makes a “perfect pocketknife” from a modern point of view.
From an online merchant’s perspective, he said the market is very strong for quality USA-made framelocks. Titanium framelocks from makers like Rick Hinderer Knives, Chris Reeve Knives, Medford Knife & Tool and custom knifemaker Les George in the $400-to-600 price range continue to be popular.
Knives in the modern category tend to have a few common characteristics. They feature premium blade steels. They all have some kind of one-hand-opening device such as a thumb stud, blade hole, flipper tab, etc. In general, these are mid-tech production or small batch customs made in shops as often as in factories. The next level below the mid-techs are the larger-batch manufactured knives by companies like Zero Tolerance, Spyderco and Benchmade. They’re often high quality, built in factories to tight tolerances and most often made in the USA.
Often within these and other brands are quality, lower-price-point knives made overseas as well, such as the production Demko AD 20.5 made in Taiwan. There are also quality knives made by China-based companies like Reate, WE and its sister brand CIVIVI and others.
Case remains the leader in the current production of traditional patterns. But is it because there’s a demand by knife users for a two-blade trapper? Maybe, maybe not. The folks at Case know and understand that there are two big segments of customers that they serve—users and collectors—and they make patterns to please both groups.
The Perfect Pocketknife?
I think about “perfect” in terms of pragmatism. When was the last time the average knife user needed a hobo knife with a fork? Have you ever seen a titanium framelock melon tester? Culpepper has his finger on the vintage-slip-joint market, and his take is that the rise of social media has opened up huge new audiences to the vintage knives.
“The unique patterns always have a market and a strong following,” he said. “For the unique vintage knives there’s good demand, whether they’re made in the USA or even England or Germany.”
To be competitive, today’s balisongs must excel at flipping as well as cutting.
It’s a focus of versatility. From the style of opening to the enthusiasts who perform a variety of maneuvers with it, blade exposed, the balisong/butterfly knife is an object of curiosity and fascination.
The original term for the subject knife, balisong, is a favorite of Lucas Cao, founder and president of Squid Industries, which produces the popular Tsunami balisong. “Butterfly is a great slang name that describes the mechanism,” he remarked, “but the word balisong has a rich cultural history behind it.”
Flipping competitions have played a key role in the resurgence of the popularity of balisongs, especially among young enthusiasts. James Hill is an example of the latter. He won first prize of $1,000 at the West Coast Flipping Championship during BLADE Show West in Salt Lake City this past October.
With that observation in mind, the Tsunami is true to the Squid concepts of user accommodation. “Each knife we’ve created is on the basis of more variety while still offering a premium flipper experience no matter the price point,” Cao explained. “At the top of our ladder is the Tsunami, which we designed to embody peak performance and build quality.”
Squid Industries Tsunami
The Tsunami features a traditional Japanese-style tanto blade in a straight-back clip point and flat-ground CPM S35VN stainless steel.
The Tsunami features a traditional Japanese-style tanto blade in a straight-back clip point and flat ground CPM S35VN stainless steel intended to perform well across the spectrum of cutting requirements. However, the knife’s main constituency is the flipper community. “We serve a variety of customers with different requirements,” Lucas said, “but a majority of our customers are focused on the flipping aspect. If I had to estimate the customer desirability, I would say approximately 99 percent flipping and 1 percent cutting.”
The Tsunami employs a combination of bushings and phosphorous bronze washers in its mechanism, ensuring smooth deployment. “This is critical to flipping because it allows the user to consistently and reliably manipulate the knife,” he added. “Bearings aren’t used in our products and many other competitive balisongs from other brands because they produce a flipping experience that’s usually too smooth. Bushings are the preferred style because they offer a specific amount of smoothness and speed.”
The Tsunami reflects Squid Industries’ goal of offering balisongs that exhibit both variety and flipping fun, no matter the price. “At the top of our ladder is the Tsunami,” Squid’s Lucas Cao noted, “which we designed to embody peak performance and build quality.”
The Tsunami design is referred to as a “chainwich,” as its 6Al-4V titanium handles come together to mimic an integral grip. The handles themselves are designed with two specific tapers, one along the width and the other along the thickness. This dual taper design in combination with the rounding on the top create a comfortable and controllable feel in the hand, according to Cao.
Squid Industries Tsunami Specs Blade Length: 4.5” Blade Steel: CPM S35VN stainless Blade Grind: Flat Handle Material: 6Al-4V titanium Latch: N/A Pivot: Bushings and phosphorous bronze washers Weight: 4 ozs. Closed Length: 5.6” Country of Origin: USA MSRP: $775
Kershaw Lucha Carbon Fiber
Kershaw’s Lucha Carbon Fiber is a premium edition of the company’s standard Lucha, including such high-end materials as CPM 20CV stainless blade steel and titanium handles with carbon fiber overlays.
The Kershaw Lucha Carbon Fiber’s spear-point blade of premium CPM 20CV stainless blade steel is ideal for piercing and slicing, while the “working” finish hides scratches from hard use. Company spokesperson Dominic Aiello related, “Our goal at Kershaw is to offer something for everyone, whether that be a budget-friendly knife you can abuse and lose all the way to a premium USA-made automatic. With that said, when we brought the original Lucha to the market, our goal was to offer a value packed, affordable, high-quality butterfly knife. It has been a huge hit and as a result we decided to release a premium version.”
Though the original emphasis on the practical use of the Lucha remains with cutting ability front and center, the knife illustrates the versatility inherent in the balisong style. “Of course, cutting is a critical component for any knife,” Aiello reasoned, “but with butterfly knives the flip ability, balance, and comfort are equally as important, if not more important. A lot of customers enjoy the Lucha for the fun and challenge of flipping, but there is also a segment of users that carry it as an EDC.”
The handles of the Lucha Carbon Fiber are titanium anodized blue overlaid with machined carbon fiber. The handles and carbon fiber are contoured for a rounded profile and ease of use.
The Lucha combines good looks with smooth mechanics and easy maintenance. “Each pivot uses two KVT ball bearings, four total,” Dominic commented. “The ball bearings provide an extremely fast and smooth action for easy flipping. The handles are blue anodized titanium with machined carbon fiber overlays. The handles and carbon fiber have been contoured for a rounded profile and ease of use.”
The Bear Song VIII includes a tanto-style blade in flat-ground 154CM stainless steel ideal for detailed cutting and general use.
Matt Griffey of Bear & Son Cutlery says the company has referred to the balisong as the “butterfly knife” since 1986. To that end, the company has continued to develop the famed flippers. With the release of the Bear Song VIII, the company’s design eye was fixed on a knife “being symmetrical and balanced, the most important design elements to start,” Griffey explained.
The Bear Song VIII includes a tanto-style blade in 154CM stainless steel, flat ground and ideal for fine cutting and general use. According to Griffey, the knife’s aptitude is 80 percent flipping and 20 percent cutting.
“A butterfly knife is the strongest folding knife, and as long as you are holding both handles it is as close to a fixed blade as possible for a folding knife,” Matt reasoned. “If the knife is maintained and tight there is almost no chance of lock failure. Maintenance should be just keeping it clean and oiled and checking it periodically to make sure it is not getting loose anywhere on the knife. If you find anything loose, remove the screw, and use Loctite® to replace the screw to the correct tension and let it set for at least twice as long as the thread locker recommends. We find they always give a time that is the bare minimum for the thread lock to work.”
The Bear Song VIII sports stainless steel handles, rounded edges, and milled stepped holes and slots for user comfort. A spring-loaded locking latch and a stainless-steel pocket clip in a short design for easy carry and that can be removed if the user chooses completes the package.
In light of simple maintenance, the Bear Song VIII features an encased bearing design that is easily lubricated, while stainless steel handles, rounded edges, and milled stepped holes and slots provide user comfort. A spring-loaded locking latch makes operation a pleasure. A stainless-steel clip is in a short design for easy carry and can be removed if the user chooses.
“The Bear Song VIII has all the modern features with the timeless classic look,” noted Griffey, who sees the recent legislation regarding butterfly knives as positive (see sidebar). “Butterflies are far slower to open than a modern knife with a flipper on the blade that doesn’t have any spring mechanism. So anyone wasting time in their legislation to target this is just trying to fill time so they don’t have to do any work that might help the people they were elected to serve.”
Bear & Son Bear Song VIII Specs Blade Length: 4” Blade Steel: 154CM stainless Blade Grind: Flat Handle Material: Stainless steel w/Cerakote® finish Latch: Spring loaded Pivot: Ball-bearing washers Weight: 5.1 ozs. Closed Length: 5.25” Country of Origin: USA MSRP: $182.99
Butterfly Knife History
Butterfly knives, also known as balisongs, are one of the most popular knife styles today. They consist of a blade with two handles that rotate around a pivot and wrap around the blade in the closed position. That much is agreed upon. The origin of butterfly knives is still up for debate.
Where Were Butterfly Knives Invented?
Butterfly knives have a rich history, though much of it has been left up to speculation. Walk up to a knife enthusiast and ask, “Where did butterfly knives originate?” and you may get two very different answers.
Fuzzy historical records and well worn legends are to blame. The two main countries of focus are France and the Philippines. Each has evidence and supporters.
One Version: Butterfly Knives Came from the Philippines
Authentic Filipino balisongs (Image from Balislinger on bladeforums.com)
The Philippines is often cited as the birthplace of butterfly knives, where “balisong” is a more appropriate term. Legend has it that the balisong knife has roots that go back to around 800 AD. This style of knife could be opened quickly with one hand and easily used as a weapon. It proved a common choice for self-defense and utility uses.
A rich balisong tradition has been present in the Philippines for more than a century. Countless stands and stores sell handmade butterfly knives today, and Filipino province of Batangas and the area of Balisong in Taal are known for the blades.
At the very least, the word “balisong” is widely recognized to have come from there. That said, the lack of physical evidence to support a Filipino origin fuels the argument.
Another Version: Butterfly Knives Came from France
A vintage example of the Pied Du Roi. (Image from balisong.net)
Another claim is that the butterfly knife was invented in France between 1500 and 1700. The reason for this is the “Pied Du Roi,” which means “foot of the king” and is a French measurement tool that dates to the 1700s. The “Pied Du Roi” greatly resembles a butterfly knife. This tool has been pictured with measurement handles and a blade that folds out on one end. It looks like a butterfly knife, but could it be considered the first one ever made?
Proponents of the French origin argue that Spain, allied with France at the time, adopted the butterfly knife in their tasks and eventually took it to the Philippines as sailors sailed to different countries. Sounds reasonable, but hasn’t been proven.
Another supporting argument for the French is that these knives comes from Germany and England, where some butterflies can trace back to prior to 1900. I recently came across a collector’s piece online made in England with markings dating to 1873. This rules out the butterfly knife originating in the early 1900s in the Philippines, but like I said earlier, it has also been claimed to be influenced from similar Filipino knife models as early as 800 AD.
So Where Did Butterfly Knives Actually Come From?
Due to the popularity of balisongs in the Philippines, it isn’t surprising to suspect it started there. The lore passed down from generation to generation also support this idea.
On the other hand, France has pictures and documentation of a measurement device that resembles a butterfly knife and dates back hundreds of years. However, that measurement device likely wasn’t used for self-defense, flipping, or other tasks common to butterfly knives today. Could it be considered the same thing? Hard to tell.
Both sides have great arguments. More information is needed to finally determine this unsolved piece of butterfly knife history.
Butterfly Knives Today
Regardless of history, butterfly knives are rising in popularity due to the fun of “flipping.” Flipping involves tossing butterfly knives open to perform all kinds of tricks. Whether it’s the danger of it, the community, the collectible appeal, or anything else, there’s no doubt flippers are mesmerizing to watch.
Editor’s Note: Mike Haskew and Trevor Brown contributed to this article.
With solid steel, bold styling, and a pocket-friendly profile, the Merino MM proves that great things really do come in small blades.
A lesson quickly learned in hunting, dressing game doesn’t require a big knife. Funny thing is, the same holds for most EDC chores for your EDC knife.
Certainly, a Crocodile-Dundee sized bowie raises eyebrows and wows crowds. What it doesn’t do is a better job of breaking down boxes and managing everyday emergencies than just the right amount of steel.
Size does matter and with a well-thought-out design and good looks to boot, Pepperwool’s Merino MM proves that more blade isn’t necessarily more better.
Merino MM Specs
Overall Length: 5.25″ Blade Length: 2.25″ Cutting Edge: 2.125″ Blade Width: 0.96″ Blade Thickness: 0.11″ Blade Material: CPM S35VN Blade Style: Clip point Finish: Blue Edge Type: Plain Handle Length: 3.00″ Handle Thickness: 0.35″ Handle Material: G-10 Color: White Weight: 1.60 oz. Pocket Clip: Tip-Up Lock Type: Axis Country of Origin: China MSRP: $130
Pros
Ultra-Lightweight
Smart Blade Geometry
Ambidextrous
Cons
Handle May Be Too Small for Larger Hands
Merino MM Concept
The Merino’s blade is terse, but punch well above its weight in most tasks.
The brainchild of Pepperwool founder Beren McKay, the Merino MM takes a hack at a high-functioning micro-EDC knife.
McKay’s thought process is petite beats beastly when it offers many of the same assets and is something you never second-guess throwing in your pocket. You won’t do that because the axis-lock flipper is about as convenient as your local 7-11.
By the tape, the initial offer from the relatively new company measures in at 3-inches closed, 5.25-inches open and .35-inches thick. At 1.6 ounces, it’s about like throwing a Zippo lighter in your pocket—and as easy to forget on your person.
Merino MM Blade Steel
As is obvious as the dawn, a knife is only as good as its blade and a blade is only as good as its steel. Pepperwool has succeeded here with the cryo-treated S35VN. The steel itself is well-rounded, with good hardness and edge retention when heat-treated properly.
The former is likely the more important factor here, given the wispy thickness of the blade. Despite being as thin as a shadow, the blade is stiff enough to punch above its weight on demanding cutting and prying jobs.
Merino MM Blade Profile
An axis lock, the Merino is ambidextrous and quick to deploy.
Here’s where I really like the Merino, and not simply because I’m a sucker for a clip point blade. And Pepperwool has included a dandy version on the knife with a generous upper blade a belly.
Given that the knife is natural to choke up onto the blade, it arms users with a very controllable slicing edge for very fine tasks. Still, if you need a straight edge for push or pull cuts, the Merino’s lower edge has a surprising amount of real estate.
Worth noting, Pepperwool finishes the blade with titanium nitride for an extra level of corrosion and wear resistance. As a bonus, the ceramic is a very attractive cobalt blue for added panache.
Merino MM Handle
It’s tough to go wrong with G10 for a knife handle—the stuff just seems made for the job. And it’s welcome on the Merino.
Since there isn’t a lot of knife to grip onto, the well-textured material gives the user a strong purchase on the tool. Furthermore, it’s slightly off-white, which matches up well with the blue blade—simply in the looks department.
Chamfered, the G10 also ensures there are no hotspots when the knife is in hand. This surprised me a bit, given the grip is boxy in geometry, which usually spells at least one edge that bites into your hand.
Topping everything off is a very sturdy pocket clip, also finished in dark blue. It sits level with the butt of the Marino, but is designed to sink the entire knife into your pocket, sight unseen. By the way, it is reversible from a single set screw, but the knife is strictly a tip-up carry affair.
Merino MM Lock
The pocket clip is very attractive. Good thing, because in the pocket it the only thing you’ll see on the knife.
This might be the belle of the ball on the knife, at least from a practicality standpoint. The axis lock isn’t anything new, but the convenience of the lock is ideal for an EDC knife. First off, it offers a quick opening and closing system to get the blade in or out of play. But more importantly, the lock makes the knife truly ambidextrous—a boon for lefties.
Testing The Merino MM
I didn’t set a challenge course of tasks for the Merino to accomplish in putting it through the wringer. Instead, for roughly two months of this summer, it was my go-to hiking and fishing knife—roles I’m certain Pepperwool figured it’d fill.
In this time, I used the knife for everything from cutting nylon cord and fishing line to prying open a paint can and, on one occasion, shaving feather sticks. On all counts, the knife proved its mettle.
The knife came sharp and until the latter part of the second month, only required the lightest touch-up to hone its edge. The blade was especially adept at finer tasks—such as trimming tags on hair rigs.
Admittedly, the handle is terse—my pinky hangs off—but with a nice tapper toward the guard, I always felt I had full control of the blade. And the action on deployment is effortless, but limited. For me, it’s always an index-finger affair; the one time I attempted with my thumb, it poked into my ring finger, due to the knife’s small size.
The knife is a solid choice for most outdoor adventures, particularly where weight might be an issue.
The best aspect of the knife, from my time with it, is that it’s absolutely a second thought to carry. Tucked away in the hip pocket, the Merino is easy to forget about given its size, and I did on more than one occasion.
The Merino MM certainly isn’t a first choice for more heavy-duty endeavors—it isn’t a bushcrafter by any stretch of the imagination. But as a piece of lightweight kit, exactly what I used it for—hiking, fishing, camping—it definitely has an edge.
Is there anything I dislike about the knife? Yes, I don’t care for the fluorescent green on the lock and liner, but that’s an eye-of-the-beholder deal. And it’s not a make-or-break feature of the knife.
Final Cut
Pepperwool’s aim was a knife you have no second thoughts about carrying. With style, function and convenience, the Merino MM scores on all points. And, I’d say it’s scored big enough that it’d make many question if it’s time to go small on their EDC.
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![Pepperwool Merino MM Review [Field Tested]](https://blademag.com/wp-content/uploads/Merino-2-768x579.jpg "Pepperwool Merino MM Review [Field Tested]")
