A sensational slip joint, Tim Britton’s Badger revives the Keen Kutter pattern with a ton of flare.
When ABS master smith Bruce Bump showed an old Keen Kutter penknife pattern to veteran knifemaker Tim Britton, Tim fell in love with it and immediately set to making his own iteration.
The blades are BG-42 stainless steel that, as Tim noted, has high ductility and holds an edge forever. He flat ground them on his “ancient” 18-inch, 200-pound Porter Cable disc sander. However, it’s the handle that really stands out. Consisting of stabilized diseased ash burl from Whistle in the Woods, the material looks synthetic but isn’t.
Tim Britton , 80, has been making knives since 1971 and has focused a lot in recent years on slip joints, with the Badger being the latest. He’s got about six antique pocketknife designs on his to-do list for this year, including a peanut and a copperhead. (knife image courtesy of Tim Britton)
“The light stuff in it looks like explosions,” Tim said. “I’ve never seen anything like it.” The projection on the spine fits right in between the user’s index and middle fingers and the groove on the underside cradles the latter for a comfortable, secure grip.
Calling it the Badger, Tim said he made 10 of them and had four or five at BLADE Show 2022.
Badger Spec Check Knife Name: Badger Maker: Tim Britton Blade Steel: BG-42 stainless Blade Grinds: Flat Handle Material: Stabilized diseased ash burl from Whistle in the Woods Closed Length: 3.5 inches Maker’s Price For A Similar Knife: $375
There Are Few Factory Makers As Well-Known As Kershaw. The Oregon-Based Company Continues To Innovate And Create Top-Tier Knives.
Kershaw is a beloved knife brand set to celebrate its 50th year in business in 2024. In the years since the company was founded a half-century ago, it has delivered some incredible products that continue to set industry standards today.
Kershaw has become a staple of the knife industry at large and they represent a significant percentage of what is being regularly carried in pockets all over the country. Pete Kershaw began the company to create excellent outdoor knives and eventually partnered with Japanese company Kai to bring more high-quality products to market.
The modern Kershaw knife is a truly high-quality tool, and lucky for us, the company has a dizzying number of options that can fit just about any niche you may have.
Kershaw’s Top Ten
Kershaw has a large fanbase because the company is incredibly consistent at making quality knives at quality prices. These 10 have stood out as some of the company’s best.
Kershaw Leek
The Kershaw Leek is arguably the most prominent product that the company has released in recent years. This knife is the epitome of what you would consider being an everyday carry tool: it is light, sleek, and has an extremely reliable mechanism.
The lines of the product are immediately recognizable and it has achieved iconic status among knife enthusiasts. At the time of this writing, Kershaw offers over a dozen variations of the Leek, and, while the internal mechanism is the same, you get your choice as far as cosmetic features go. Currently, handle materials range from plain aluminum or color-anodized aluminum to exciting options like copper.
The actual copper handle material will patina over time, giving your individual knife a unique look as you carry and use it. Despite the fact that copper weighs a little bit more than aluminum and this knife costs a bit more than the other products in the Leek line, it isn’t for everyone. The Leek’s mechanism is an assisted-open type, and it is one of the more reliable and energetic on the market. In carrying Leek knives over time, the author has never had a failure to open or to remain closed.
The Skyline was one of Kershaw’s most recognizable products. The simple, black-handled knife
was one of the more popular carry options of years past and it earned a reputation for being strong and reliable at a good price.
There are, of course, other products that now fill its niche, but the Skyline will not soon be forgotten. Its status as a common, affordable, and reliable knife helps it make this list even though it is no longer available.
Many Kershaw fans have lamented the decision to axe this otherwise popular knife, and it has achieved a moderate collector interest since early 2021 alongside the Shallot and Camber, themselves very well-received by fans of their respective styles.
Skyline Knife Specs
Overall Length: 7.4 inches
Blade Length: 3.1 inches
Blade Steel: 14C28N
Weight: 2.5 ounces
Handle Material: G-10
Kershaw Lucha Carbon Fiber
At a hefty $500 retail the Lucha in carbon fiber is one of the more unique and interesting offerings currently had by Kershaw. This balisong is arguably one of the highest quality production blades of its type. Even custom options available on the market may not be able to match the Lucha in terms of overall fit and finish at the price.
For fans of this type of knife, this is certainly a holy grail item, and it boasts some very nice features. The blade rides on KVT ball bearings for exceptionally smooth handling. At a full ounce lighter than the original model, the carbon fiber Lucha features striking handles that are composed of blued titanium and overlaid carbon fiber.
The price is quite hefty for an EDC knife, though it’s without a doubt worth it to the person who loves flipping and twirling. While the fidget spinner craze ended a few years ago, you’ll probably find yourself playing with this knife in your hand more than you will end up performing cutting tasks with it.
Lucha Carbon Fiber Specs
Overall Length: 10.25 inches
Blade Length: 4.6 inches
Blade Steel: CPM 20CV
Weight: 4.9 ounces
Handle Material: titanium with Carbon Fiber Overlay
MSRP: $499.99
Kershaw Federalist
Taking a departure from today’s tactical and overbuilt blades, the Kershaw Federalist is a rugged gentleman’s knife that has a number of interesting and tasteful features. While the company does make a number of traditional styles of gentlemen’s knives, the Federalist is geared for that man of taste that still has to get some work done throughout the day.
This knife has a more traditional closing and opening mechanism reminiscent of the knives of yesteryear. It has a nail nick for opening and lacks any assist mechanism. In fact, the company lists this blade as a non-locking slipjoint with a dual-detent system. You’ll likely want to save this knife for general tasks and leave the heavy lifting to a more substantial tool.
In place of polished wood and silver inlay, the Federalist features green Micarta grip panels and a matte finish. Seeing as how assisted opening and larger, tactical-style blades have the majority of market share, it is refreshing to see that Kershaw is still catering to people who view knives as simple, everyday objects.
Federalist Knife Specs
Overall Length: 7.5 inches
Blade Length: 3.25 inches
Blade Material: CPM 154
Weight: 2.1 ounces
Handle Material: Micarta
MSRP: $169.99
Kershaw Launch 14
The Launch 14 is a large, automatic opening, cleaver-bladed knife. This is a hard-use tool that has the looks of a collector’s piece. Not all automatic-opening knives are meant for daily use, but this one breaks the mold and is geared for any task you may find on the job site or in your daily adventures.
The cleaver blade is not for everyone. Some people prefer to have a distinct drop point while others definitely prefer the more adaptable Wharncliffe style. The knife lacks a true puncturing tip, which to some could be considered a detriment. The steep tip angle on these cleaver-type blades is actually excellent for true cutting tasks where spear point or drop point blades may be too fragile.
Using a cleaver-style knife for puncturing can be achieved, although the stout angle of the tip may be too coarse for fine work. When it comes to cutting things like straps and heavy tubing, the type of knife we see here definitely excels. The Launch 14 is elegant in its execution and has very functional, subtle features, such as a recessed opening button and carbon fiber panels.
Launch 14 Knife Specs
Overall Length: 7.75 inches
Blade Length: 3.375 inches
Blade Steel: CPM 154
Weight: 3.2 ounces
Handle Material: 6061-T6 Aluminum, Carbon Fiber Scale Front
MSRP: $239.99
Kershaw Reverb XL
Borrowing the same features as its smaller namesake, the Reverb XL is a daily carry knife that has a wide range of uses for the outdoors. The knife has a long, upswept blade, reminiscent of fillet knives. Because of its size and light weight, it makes an excellent companion for the fisherman who enjoys working out of a canoe or kayak.
The knife doesn’t take up much space and doesn’t require an additional sheath. Not only that, at under $50, it won’t cause you financial issues if it accidentally falls overboard. The knife is very simple in terms of operation, it is a manually opening blade with a liner lock.
Although it lacks a fast opening blade, the discerning outdoorsman or angler shouldn’t find this to be an issue, considering that once the blade is out, it is likely going to get used for quite some time. If you find yourself in coastal towns, or perhaps going for a cold one after a fishing trip, this knife will not stand out like a fixed blade will.
Reverb XL Knife Specs
Overall Length: 7.4 inches
Blade Length: 3 inches
Blade Steel: 8Cr13MoV
Weight: 2.2 ounces
Handle Material: G10 with Carbon Fiber Overlay Front
MSRP: $53.99
Kershaw Lonerock RBK2
Knives with replaceable blades are something that have been around for quite some time. In the last 10 years, we’ve seen a greater interest in this style of knife, if you can even call it a knife in the first place.
The Lonerock RBK2 is a kit that includes a main, folding handle assembly, and a non-folding ‘buddy’ handle. The ‘buddy’ is simple and non-folding, but takes the same blades as the folding assembly. The basis of this system is meant for hunters as a means to keep sharp blades at the ready with no additional maintenance.
Keeping a good edge on the blade is no easy task in less than ideal conditions. Many people think that sharpening is as simple as pulling the blade through an off-the-shelf sharpener, but inevitably every knife needs to be professionally re-edged at a certain point. If your blade is replaceable, you shouldn’t have to worry about that latter part of the process. If the knife goes dull, simply pop in a new blade and keep working.
At just under $60 retail, the Interstellar is a mean looking knife that has function at its heart. While it appears to be an out-the-front automatic, the Interstellar is instead a manual knife that opens in the same way as a standard box cutter. The blade features a serrated tanto point and has an affordable price to match its rugged looks.
Kershaw lists this knife under their work knife category, and while it looks tactical, this knife is perfect for the job site. It is easy to use with heavy gloves on, and is excellent for controlled, one-handed operation. The tanto point is excellent for getting into those tight spaces and it is serrated for cutting through various types of cord and material.
People that work with materials like drywall will enjoy its ability to score easily before cutting. If basic folders and box cutters aren’t your style, you should really consider the Interstellar for your daily use. After a long day, you may want to break open some cold ones, and the Interstellar comes with an integrated bottle opener in its frame.
Interstellar Knife Specs
Overall Length: 6.9 inches
Blade Length: 2.7 inches
Blade Steel: 8Cr13MoV
Weight: 3.1 ounces
Handle Material: Glass-Filled Nylon
MSRP: $71.99
Kershaw Blur With Glassbreaker
The Blur is a rugged and popular design from Kershaw. Not only is it a suitable knife for daily carry, the glass breaker version is a simple-to-use and affordable rescue tool. Similar to Kershaw’s other assisted opening knives, the Blur can open with one hand and is ready to go into action. The glass breaker can be used with blade open or closed.
Additionally, the particular model we are talking about here also has a deep, swept belly with aggressive, scalloped serrations. This type of situation should make quick work of seatbelts or other types of common materials found in vehicles if someone needs to be removed quickly after an accident.
This knife features a pointed tip, so unlike other types of rescue tools that are designed to be completely blunt, you will need to take care not to accidentally stabbed or cut someone you were trying to free with this tool.
Emerson is well known for producing some exceptional tactical knives. The company needs no introduction here, and luckily, for us, they have collaborated extensively with Kershaw.
This particular knife, the CQC-10K, is striking to look at with its green scale handles and aggressive, Bowie tip. The knife features the patented Emerson Wave Feature that allows for an otherwise unassisted knife to open instantly upon draw. With practice, this knife can be drawn and opened in a fraction of a second, even faster than can be attained with an assisted opening mechanism.
This knife is not just for self-defense situations, it is ruggedly built, and should be an excellent friend for the field and trail. Thanks to its fine point, it can also be used for tasks such as fishing or skinning small game.
CQC-10K Knife Specs
Overall Length: 8.5 inches
Blade Length: 3.5 inches
Blade Steel: 8Cr14MoV
Weight: 5.1 ounces
Handle Material: G10 Front, 410 Stainless Steel Back
The CJRB Crag Is A Fairly-Priced Knife That Looks Great, Cuts Greats, And Is Absolutely Worth The Investment.
Lighter isn’t always better. As many makers produce more and more knives that are at or below two ounces in weight, a bigger, beefier folder can stand out and appeal to a different type of consumer. Enter the CJRB Crag.
This tactical folder looks cool and feels hefty in all the right ways at 6 ounces in weight. The 3.43-inch blade is flat ground and has a black PVD coating to help with corrosion resistance. It’s ready to rock and roll out of the box thanks to being treated to a 59-61 HRC. The cleaver-style blade is an excellent chopping tool. This knife was built to confidently chop and slice.
What makes it feel even more rugged than it is is the handle. The carbon fiber handle is incredibly light and allows for the weight to be allocated elsewhere in the construction.
What CJRB has done is create a knife that will stand up to intense use and done it to keep things affordable for the consumer. It’s a win/win all the way.
Knifemakers Continue To Evolve Their Use Of Social Media Platforms To Promote Their Work And Expand Their Customer Base.
It’s been around a while now—long enough for an update on its relevance and impact on the knife industry. Meanwhile, social media in some ways remains a new frontier for both knifemakers and the market.
It isn’t unusual for those interested in buying an existing knife or commissioning one from a pro to use social media such as Instagram, Facebook, and other windows into the lives and work of custom makers. The media provide outreach and information on an unprecedented scale, and custom makers who take advantage of the opportunity to put themselves in front of the buying public take different approaches.
Some use video, others still photos. Some use music, others narration of what the viewer is seeing. Some allow the hum and whir of machines or the ring of the hammer to set the tone and convey the message. The answers to the questions of where and how to apply social media in their work lives vary among makers, but the involvement of social media in their marketing and sales efforts has become a regular part of their routine.
“Instagram broadens the customer base, and if you aren’t using it you are missing out on that client base,” related knifemaker/5th Special Forces veteran/BLADE® field editor Kim Breed (@kimbreed1911 on Instagram). “I was dead set against it, but my son Keith got me going and said that it was something I needed to do. You can target your audience with a hashtag, and then when someone searches for something in particular it will come up.”
Kim likes to use music as a backdrop for his videos and especially enjoys the rock band AC/DC (the band’s song “Thunderstruck” is among Kim’s favorites). Of course, there are other musical selections, and he ties the tune into what is happening on his Instagram and Reels posts.
“When I’m doing hand hammering or power hammering, I love AC/DC,” he smiled, “and sometimes I’ll use dramatic songs when I’m etching, or whatever. Instagram is easy. I can do it on my phone and post it in five minutes, and I’m sure you can do the same thing with Facebook.”
Since the social media surge, Kim has found that how-to video posts are more popular than pictures of knives alone. He also advocates frequent posting of relevant work in progress.
“I try to post something at least once a day,” he remarked, “and it may be something like etching damascus steel. I get good hits and feedback on that and anytime I post videos working with a milling machine or grinder so people can actually see me building a knife.”
Making Social Media Work For You
Isaiah Schroeder, whose forged gyuto was featured on page 82 of the October BLADE®, uses both Instagram and Facebook and publishes an email newsletter around once a month with his latest knives and prices. That way, everyone signed up for the newsletter gets it at the same time and has an equal chance to get one of his new knives. (SharpByCoop image)
Isaiah Schroeder uses both Instagram and Facebook with the handle @schroederknifeworks and has found a much wider audience than might otherwise have become familiar with his work. He is regularly in front of his followers with updates and information.
“I started doing my email newsletter [www.schroederknifeworks.com/newsletter] several years ago,” he commented, “mostly so that I don’t have to be completely dependent on Instagram’s algorithm to show my customers when my new work is available. With this newsletter, everybody who is signed up for it gets it at the same time and has an equal chance to get one of the knives. I do the whole thing myself using a service called Mailchimp, which just makes it easier to keep the list and format the content. My goal is to have one batch of knives per month and one newsletter per month.”
Schroeder uses Instagram primarily but cross-posts to Facebook when preparing social media input. He sees Instagram as a way to reach more people, and a gallery of his work conveys the quality of his knives and materials he uses. Recently, he has seen short videos take hold and is using these to reveal his shop work. The result has been dramatic.
“Instagram has been great for my business,” he smiled. “I’ve sold knives around the world because of it. I focus on cooking knives, and there is a large foodie presence on Instagram so that meshes well with my content.”
Isaiah also appreciates the free flow of information afforded by social media, everything from the knifemaking process to presentation to pricing. The volume of information at the fingertips of the viewer is incredible, and knowledge is buying power.
“I’m not too shy about posting my prices for the public to see,” he reasoned. “I’ve always wondered why some makers won’t post prices. It’s something people always ask about, so they clearly want to know. I’d rather make it known. Then people can have time to decide whether they think it’s worth it for them or not. I guess it might be different if I were selling through a retailer or making custom orders.”
Knifemakers Grow Their Brand
For his custom knives, Mike Vagnino indicated posting work in progress seems to get the best response and exposure regardless of whether they are still shots or videos. (Vagnino image)
Just getting a custom knife enterprise off the ground from a marketing perspective can be a huge challenge, and when custom knifemaker Mike Vagnino and business partner Patrick Ma kicked off Terrain 365, they immediately began looking for ways to raise their new company’s profile.
“Our primary source for promoting the business is social media, which has worked very well for us,” Mike explained. “Our goal, of course, is to sell knives by making people aware of our brand and drawing them to our website. Patrick handles our social media for Terrain 365, and the key seems to be posting often and consistently.”
While Mike emphasizes he is no social media expert, he acknowledges social media’s inclusion in a sales-and-marketing strategy will pay dividends.
“I use Instagram and Facebook primarily to promote my custom knives and any new projects I’m working on, not necessarily to generate immediate sales, but to keep my name out there. For my custom knives, posting work in process seems to get the best response and exposure regardless of whether they are still shots or videos. I choose not to speak during the video because I think what I’m showing is explanation enough—not because I think it’s more intriguing—although that may be the effect. Actually, I think telling a story might help if it’s interesting enough, but keeping the video short to match the people’s attention span nowadays is what I keep in mind.”
In promoting Terrain 365, Mike and Patrick have found that outdoor photos of the knives in action work best. Since their company is geared toward everyday carry knives and those that are ideal for use in the outdoor environment, their knives are constructed in rust-proof, non-magnetic materials. Take a look at Mike on Instagram @michaelvagnino.
Making First Impressions
David Lisch says Instagram may be the place many knife consumers see a maker’s work for the first time, so everything the maker posts should be first rate.
ABS master smith David Lisch issues both an endorsement and a warning when it comes to his use of social media.
“I have found that social media is both a blessing and a curse,” he observed. “It has been a struggle for me to find a balance. If you let it, social media can eat up so much of your time, time you could spend creating, making, and being in life. It is important to find the balance.”
Indeed, every opportunity carries a requirement for thorough evaluation and an awareness of the unintended consequences.
“I have focused my social media on Instagram primarily,” David added. “It is where I share my knowledge and sell my knives and meet my students. I have taken time to figure out what works for me and how to present myself. It might not seem like it at times, but I take Instagram very seriously.”
For those makers beginning to consider social media as an enhancement to their overall livelihood, Lisch provides a voice of experience and makes a few sound recommendations.
“My advice for knifemakers new to Instagram is to treat your feed like a portfolio page. This is the place people will see your work, maybe for the first time. It is your first chance to make an impression on a potential collector. Go in and clean up your feed on occasion and remove any stupid stuff.
“Keep it engaging,” Lisch continued. “Show work in progress as well as finished work. Use your storyline to keep folks up to date with what you are working on, or what is happening on a lighter side. Because your storyline is only up for 24 hours, it is self-cleaning. It is a great opportunity to have fun and connect with the folks interested in your life. Be yourself; do not try too hard to create content that is not you. Use hashtags and try different ones. Post to Reels, and if they are good they may go viral. As your audience grows, remember you are also a role model. If you are working, wear your safety gear. Be real.”
David can be found on https://www.instagram.com/davidlisch/. Click “Highlights” on his Instagram home page for his free video classes.
The social media phenomenon is sure to stay with makers into the future, and participating in the most effective ways will produce the desired benefits for them and their customers. True enough, getting involved may be a bit intimidating, but taking the plunge is becoming more of a necessity every day.
The Assisted-Opening Knife Is A Powerful Type Of Pocketknife Beloved By Blade Lovers Around The World. These 12 Stand Out From The Pack.
There are quite a few minor differences that separate various types of knives that are otherwise visually or externally indistinguishable. In the same vein as a sword is a sword or an axe is an axe, many people treat knives simply as a variation on a basic theme. In the case of assisted-opening knives, this has led to a great deal of confusion, and for the most part, a large amount of legal misunderstanding.
ORIGINS OF THE ASSISTED-OPENING KNIFE
The foundational designers of the assisted-opening knife modeled their mechanisms along very similar lines—mostly based on motorcycle kickstands. BLADE Magazine Cutlery Hall-Of-Fame® member Ken Onion is a well-known knife designer and was among the first to arrive at a mass-produced design.
While Onion was not the first, his basic design set the stage for what we have today. Before him, Cutlery Hall-Of-Famer Blackie Collins arrived at a design that was successful. There is a distinction at this point. Some assisted openers are described as “gravity knives” or “flick knives” and this is both true and false.
Some of the first successful gravity knife designs required the user to open the mechanism and the blade would slide down without spring assistance. Flick knives are generally undefined, but in general, require a flick of the wrist to deploy the blade either out the front or from the frame.
One of the most widely issued versions of this is from the Nazi German Air Force, where most aircrews in the Luftwaffe were given a type of out-the-front gravity knife. These became popular bring-back trophies and were oftentimes miscategorized as automatic or switchblade-style knives, and as flick knives.
The original German models never had a spring inside the mechanism. If they had, they would have qualified under modern law as an out-the-front automatic. This knife does deploy extremely quickly, often as fast as a spring-loaded variant.
These incorrect terms are bundled and grouped into the broad ‘bad knife’ generalization. The mechanical function of the assisted-opening knife is to finish opening the blade, not to deploy the blade on its own. This may seem like a minor thing but it is very important legally.
IS AN ASSISTED-OPENING KNIFE REALLY A SWITCHBLADE?
A relatively confusing aspect of this topic is what exactly constitutes a knife that falls into the dubious “switchblade” category, and what is an assisted-opening mechanism. The casual observer may not notice any difference in terms of function. In most cases, it appears that the blade simply pops out on its own from the handle.
The primary difference in this is that an automatic knife is self-actuated, usually with the push of a button. A knife that operates via an assisted-opening mechanism requires a person to start the opening process before the blade actuates and finishes opening itself.
This may seem like a trivial difference, but when it comes to skirting or working around restrictive laws, there is a great deal of importance that is occupied in that slight separation. We tend to see this in many cases where even cosmetic details can determine legality.
In 2009, there was a federal effort to clearly define and limit the number of restrictions that could be placed on knives that were determined to be of the open-assist and one-hand-opening variety, as opposed to those categorized directly as switchblades. 15 US Code 1224 Exemption 5 states that:
“A knife that contains a spring, detent, or other mechanism designed to create a bias toward closure of the blade and that requires exertion applied to the blade by hand, wrist, or arm to overcome the bias toward closure to assist in opening the knife.”
In other words, this defines an assisted opener as a knife that is designed to remain closed until acted upon, whereas a switchblade could thus be assumed to be a knife that is biased to remain open unless retained. These small variations in legalese are all we have that draw a line between what constitutes a legal assisted-opening knife and something reputedly “more inherently dangerous.”
HOW DO ASSISTED-OPENING KNIVES WORK?
As mentioned above in the legal definition of an assisted opener, the preeminent design feature is that the blade remains closed under a given mechanism until a force is applied to it. The mechanism necessary for a knife to accomplish this is quite complicated.
Not only must the blade be able to interact with an internal spring, but that spring also needs to generate enough pressure on a very small rotational axis to extend it to its final position and provide the energy to bypass the locking feature. This could be a linerlock or any number of locking mechanisms.
Because there are a tremendous number of functions being asked of this mechanism, they tend to become quite intricate, and for the most part, should not be disassembled by the owner. If something goes wrong with any type of assisted-opening knife, the owner should contact the manufacturer and get it repaired at the factory. Many of these mechanisms share more in common with watches and other fine pieces of machinery than they do with other knives.
There is a wide range of variation in terms of design from company to company. As a result, you will tend to see that, while assisted-opening knives are a general category, most manufacturers prefer to put their own spin on the terminology used to describe their product.
There isn’t a functional difference between what a company calls its design and what it accomplishes. What matters at the end of the day with assisted-opening knives is that they produce the same end result preceded by meeting the legal requirement of being an assisted opener. It doesn’t really matter if the mechanism is actuated by a thumb peg, flipper tab or wrist flick, the end result is the activation of the spring override forcing the blade to lock into the open position.
The basic design of most assisted-opening knives requires the blade to be manually opened at least 1/4-1/3 of its total travel before the spring takes over and opens it the rest of the way. This can be accomplished through numerous designs. The most common relies on an internal spring in the mechanism that resides on a cam, the latter interacting with the geometry of the rear of the blade surrounding the hinge pin.
Past a certain point, the shape of the parts allows the spring-loaded cam to interact with the gradual, declining angle of the back of the blade, thus forcing it open against the tension. Of course, this is just one way to describe how this works, and individual designers and companies will work around existing patents and models to create new ways to get the job done.
ARE ASSISTED-OPENING KNIVES LEGAL ACROSS THE BOARD?
The short answer to this is, yes, and no. In some states, it matters more how you carry the knife than what type of knife you were actually carrying. Michigan, for instance, allows the open carry of most knife types, regardless of features.
When it comes to carrying concealed, there are some murky definitions. In general, if a knife is visible, at least partially, such as in a front pocket, it is considered open carry. The vast majority of states allow everyday carry for assisted-opening knives. In fact, many states also allow the carrying of automatic knives as well.
Best Assisted-Opening Knives For The Money
While assisted-opening knives may not be for everyone, they are incredibly popular and made by manufacturers around the world. These dozen show off the breadth of models available on the market today.
Kershaw Cryo II
The Cryo II is a very clean, basic carry knife that features a smooth, curved edge without separation. The knife is slab-sided without texture; it can be slippery in the hands if wet or sweaty. The framelock mechanism is very strong and should provide years of reliable service for a very modest price.
The Kershaw Barstow is a very affordable knife at a suggested retail price of under $40. It features a spearpoint blade and a black-washed finish. For being as inexpensive as it is, it is a true assisted-opening knife and affords the owner a great deal of function at a very low price. While not the highest-end model out there, this low-profile knife will be sure to please.
This attractive and very affordable knife bears the Smith & Wesson logo. Its sheepsfoot blade has a clean, straight edge. Despite its low price, this knife has a great degree of utility and is a welcome companion in the pocket or work bag. The blade profile lends itself to general work, and it shouldn’t draw attention when out in public.
The ‘Amazon Special’ is fashionable and quite affordable. The tanto-style blade comes in serrated and plain-edged varieties. For being as inexpensive as it is, it has an impressive number of features that are extremely well thought out. The handle has an anti-slip texture and is machined from durable G10. The blade pivots on ceramic ball bearings. For being a Chinese import, it punches above its class.
Moving up quite substantially in price is Benchmade’s 495 Vector. This is a symmetrical pocketknife that simply bleeds quality while being fairly low profile at the same time. If you prefer to carry a top-of-the-line design without drawing unwanted attention to yourself, this is going to be a top choice.
Another top-shelf choice from Benchmade, the Barrage has an aggressive, tactical look that features a plain-edge blade. While it certainly has that bad boy look, it is quite functional in terms of features and utility for cutting tasks at a relatively high cost compared to other assisted-opening folders. If you want top quality and want to look good doing it, this one is hard to beat.
P.S.D. stands for Particle Separation Device, and CRKT’s folder certainly lives up to the futuristic nomenclature. While the materials used in the construction of this knife are becoming more commonplace, it is hard to find them for this price point, and the PSD delivers a very nice, clean appearance for a relatively low cost. CRKT is well known for the quality and affordability of its edged tools, and the PSD is sure to be a favorite come the holidays.
The Gerber Highbrow is ambidextrous and features an easy-to-use sliding lock just under the spine next to the pivot. The edge is plain with a distinct, drop-point profile. At a price of around $50, it is affordable and makes for a good gift for that someone who is worth the extra few dollars around the holidays.
Boker Plus offers the Kihon designed in conjunction with custom knifemaker Lucas Burnley. Lucas is a hot tactical maker whose Japanese-inspired designs have garnered him worldwide acclaim.
The Kihon’s modified clip-point blade is a little over 3 inches long and made from D2 tool steel, long known for toughness and impact resistance. The blade is flat ground for exceptional cutting through a variety of media. A machined recess on the spine serves as a thumb rest to apply pressure and more control. Ambidextrous thumb studs double as the blade’s positive stop when open. A flipper tab offers quick, easy one-hand opening. Caged bearings in the pivot ensure smooth blade rotation.
The handle is a hybrid construction of a stainless steel framelock side mated with a textured OD green G-10 scale for weight reduction and grip enhancement. Gold-colored collars provide a classy visual touch to the pivot and handle screws. A large standoff is also anodized gold to match the other accents.
The lock side features a lockbar stabilizer disc to prevent blade overtravel. A neat wire pocket clip carries the closed knife blade tip up. The blade and steel lock side have a black stonewash finish for low glare and added corrosion resistance. However, the clip is not reversible for lefties. Milled-out oblong cavities in the handle’s lock side reduce weight.
The Kihon is a great EDC. The thumb rest relief helps control the blade, which provides enough length and belly to do most cutting chores. The action is smooth and predictable. Press the flipper, feel the tension load up and the blade propels to the open and locked position.
The assist mechanism performs like the Kershaw SpeedSafe originally designed by BLADE Magazine Cutlery Hall-Of-Fame® member Ken Onion. If you own any SpeedSafe knives then you know how the action is, and the Kihon is very similar in feel. There are no problems with handle comfort, either. The knife is easy to hold and there are no hot spots.
MSRP: $119.95
CRKT Oxcart
You may snicker at the Oxcart moniker but once you see the knife, you will clearly understand the name. The new entry from CRKT is somewhat of a dichotomy—the handle slab and blade stock thicknesses are what you would normally find on a large, heavy-duty folder, while the Oxcart is compact and slender.
Knifemaker Robert Carter is the designer. He is the son of maker Joe Pardue and grandson of Cutlery Hall-Of-Famer Mel Pardue, so the pedigree is impeccable. The modified clip-point blade is hollow ground from .16-inch-thick AUS-8 stainless steel. The blade is 3 inches, ideal for an EDC work knife. Large dual thumb studs provide purchase for rapid opening, and an extended flipper tab quickly deploys the blade. The blade rides on the Ikoma Korth Bearing System (IKBS) for ultra-smooth action.
The stainless-steel handle is .15 inches thick—about as thick as the blade. Drilled holes reduce weight and enhance aesthetics. A sturdy framelock secures the blade open with bank-vault lockup and zero play. A stabilizer prevents blade overtravel.
A large finger recess enables you to index your grip. The butt tapers to fit the heel of your palm. All handle edges are rounded for further comfort. The deep carry pocket clip positions the closed Oxcart blade tip up and is reversible for lefties. While the heavy-duty build gives the knife impressive heft at 4.7 ounces, it doesn’t weigh you down in the pocket.
As a work knife, the Oxcart shines. The hollow-ground blade bites hard and deep. It is a very efficient cutter. It’s so sharp we had to guard against nicking the wires inside the casing when stripping electrical wire. Due to the extra width of blade and handle, the Oxcart can be used hard without worry that the blade will break or the tip will snap.
One minor complaint with the compact grip: I found myself wanting a bit more to grasp when bearing down to cut through tough materials. However, it being a “compact big knife,” that would ruin the design philosophy. The assist mechanism is CRKT’s multi-wave torsion bar design that provides firm, fast action, with excellent detent closure. A semi-solid push on the flipper overcomes the detent, sending the blade to the locked position in one swift motion.
AUS-8 steel is well known in more moderately-priced knives as having a good balance of edge holding and ease of maintenance. No problems with the steel—it’s a solid performer. I also like how positive the framelock engages, so there are no worries about accidental unlocking. It’s very tight but easy to unlock when needed.
MSRP: $99.99.
Camillus Arvo
The Camillus Arvo is the most value-conscious of the test group. The 3-inch drop-point blade is made from 420 stainless in a nice satin finish. The blade is utility friendly, with a defined tip for scoring tasks and a belly for most general cutting chores.
The flipper tab extends far enough to function equally as well as a single guard. The sole method of deployment is the flipper; the blade is devoid of thumb studs or discs for a streamlined appearance.
The handle features a typical construction method for tactical folders with dual stainless liners and scales of brown linen Micarta® for strength, high rigidity and dimensional stability, regardless of the elements. The linerlock release has a series of notches for purchase with your thumb when the blade is unlocked. A heavy-duty steel clip provides deep pocket carry of the closed knife in the blade-tip-up position.
The Arvo’s price point is very affordable, which appears to have resulted in a few “oversights.” First, the scales were not finished as smooth as I would have liked. The surface had a texture like peach fuzz from the linen in the Micarta. Don’t get me wrong—having a rougher finish on Micarta isn’t necessarily a bad thing, as the rougher texture aids in grip traction. Nonetheless, the surface finish could be improved.
Second, the edges of the blade spine and flipper tab are crisp. If you are into bushcraft knives, you know that a 90-degree spine is good for striking with a ferro rod to make sparks for fire. However, a 90-degree spine in an EDC folder creates unnecessary sharp corners. Luckily, these can be easily remedied with a metal file and gently rubbing the corners to soften them.
Finally, most flipper folders have the tab with traction notches on it for purchase. The Arvo has no such notches. Otherwise, the knife is a great size for EDC and the handle design is good and comfortable. I love the integral guard formed by the front of the handle at the pivot.
The assist mechanism works very well. Again, judging by the action, I’d say it’s similar to the SpeedSafe torsion-bar type. Deploying the blade is fast and easy. The action is smooth and swift, with the blade riding on Teflon washers. There are no bearings.
The low-end 420 stainless blade steel doesn’t hold an edge nearly as long as even the mid-grade stainless steels such as AUS-8, 8Cr13MoV and VG-10. However, the tradeoff is it’s easier to resharpen. Out-of-the-box sharpness is just OK. I’ve seen better on budget knives and I’ve seen worse. When I put my own edge on it, that’s when performance improved.
At its price point, the Arvo serves well as a work knife. It’s a great alternative to Zytel-handle locking folders and you get upgraded handle material with the Micarta. The hollow grind allows the blade to slice effectively and bite into materials easier. The edge dulls quickly depending on what you’re cutting, so you might benefit from carrying some sort of compact sharpener. And if you end up losing the Arvo, you can buy another one without breaking the bank.
The only thing I found as a slight issue with this particular sample is the blade was off-center a bit when closed. Given the low price, I am more forgiving of such things. However, it has no bearing on the action or cutting performance. The lockup is firm and sure.
There’s a lot of features going for this knife for the price: Micarta handle, deep carry pocket clip, flipper tab, assisted opening and open handle spine. Many of these features are found in knives priced way higher.
MSRP: $27.99
Pro-Tech TR-5 SA
Known widely for autos, Pro-Tech offers an assisted opener with the TR-5 SA. Essentially a scaled-down version of the company’s TR-4, it has tactical styling, superior materials and a distinctive spring-assist mechanism.
The 3.25-inch blade is CPM S35VN high-performance stainless. The modified drop-point pattern has flat-ground main bevels with a swedge added for a bit of attitude. A single thumb stud helps open the knife. The blade comes in a nice stonewash finish that hides scratches and helps resist corrosion.
The handle features rounded ends and a tapered design from pivot to butt. Several large finger grooves help seat your hand securely, along with a series of traction notches following the three finger grooves.
On the handle spine, traction notches are milled into the thumb rest for a non-slip grip. The handle spacer is milled from 416 stainless and also has traction notches to enhance grip. The end of the spacer protrudes a bit at the butt, forming a skull crusher pommel.
The handle slabs are T6-6061 aluminum given a Type III hard anodized black coat for scratch resistance and aesthetics. A deep carry pocket clip presents the closed knife blade tip up. When clipped in the pocket, none of the knife protrudes above the seam.
The handle feels very comfortable and instills user confidence, with no hot spots. Pro-Tech’s high standards for manufacturing excellence carry over into its base models with plain aluminum handles such as this one. The pivot screw and lock button sport spun finishes that reflect light in a refined manner. It’s such nice little touches that set Pro-Tech apart.
The assist mechanism is different from other assisted openers. For starters, it uses the same coil-spring design that drives the company’s automatics. If you’ve handled a Pro-Tech auto, you know it has a strong spring and a nice recoil. The same goes for the TR-5 SA.
There’s an additional component to the mechanism designed by award-winning maker Matthew Lerch: an unusual spring-loaded detent that holds the blade closed. The result is a strong detent that requires a firm push of the thumb stud to overcome; from there the coil spring takes over and drives the blade open. As a result, you get the legendary Pro-Tech action for those who cannot legally buy autos. The action is indeed the fastest of the featured assisted openers and, I believe, the fastest on the market.
Acclaimed Makers Tom Krein, Jerry Moen, And Ben Breda Take Us Into Their Workshops And Show Us How They Turn Steel Into Knives.
For Tom Krein, making the shop comfortable is a big step in being productive and efficient.
“While it might not be quite what you expect, I consider things like a restroom, central heat and air, and a full kitchen as things that keep me at the shop and productive,” he commented. “I’m often here 12-to-15 hours a day, and having these available makes me comfortable and able to work longer. While it’s probably not something that would immediately come to mind, I consider this setup one of my most useful tools.”
Since Tom’s shop is not at his home, these add-ons make a difference in time and travel. No doubt, the ability to work and then take a quick break improves the quality of his finished knives as well.
When hard at work, Tom utilizes several key pieces of equipment. A variable speed mini mill from Little Machine Shop is a workhorse.
Tom does his CNC work on his HAAS Super Mini Mill.
“I have two of these that are very similar,” he said. “I’ve used these to build many folders. They take a lot more time than a floor model Bridgeport, but they can get the work done. Now that I have the HAAS CNC, I mostly use these for precision drilling, deburring and counterboring.”
While working for long-time custom maker Bob Dozier in 1998, Tom bought a grinder from his employer.
“I actually got paid to put it together,” he smiled. “I grind on it day in and day out. It wasn’t cheap when I purchased it, but it has never let me down. I’ve literally ground thousands of blades on it.”
Dozier was also influential on another of Tom’s most important shop tools.
“Bob helped me build a variable speed buffer in 1998, too,” Tom said. “This is another machine that I use on every single knife multiple times. I don’t know how I would make knives without it. It is currently set up with a ¼-inch cardboard wheel on the left-hand side for sharpening and a deburring wheel on the right-hand side.”
Tom Krein gravitates more toward making folders these days, such as his Alpha model. (Whetstone Studio knife image)
Tom has been making custom knives for nearly 30 years, and he is gravitating more toward folders now due to a touch of arthritis in his hands, but continues to make some fixed blades. His signature materials are D2 tool steel—a preference he gleaned from Dozier—and NitroV stainless steel as well. He uses a lot of G-10 and Micarta® for handles along with stabilized koa, stag and mammoth.
Jerry Moen
The day-to-day grind in the custom knifemaker’s shop is typically only as productive as the maker’s tools will allow. Skill, investment of time, and precision in the finished product are heavily influenced by the function and quality of the tools, and what the available equipment will allow.
For veteran knifemaker Jerry Moen, his best offerings from the shop are homegrown to a great extent. After selling a large number of shop tools and pieces of equipment to custom knifemaker and friend Todd Begg a few years ago, he regularly employs his own creations from Moen Tooling.
The Moen Blade Grinding Fixture includes carbide file guide blade clamps, a rugged anodized coating, friction-free nylon gliding surface, dual handles and adjustable blade standoffs. Jerry demonstrates it here in conjunction with the Turbo Grind Evo3 at BLADE Show Texas 2022.
“I use the basic stuff in my shop when I’m making a knife,” Jerry began, “so there really isn’t anything special about those things. But the platen from Moen Tooling has been a game changer for many makers who have ordered it so far. I can’t thank Princeton Wong enough for his contribution to Moen Tooling, either. Princeton is a brilliant young engineer, and I first realized his talent at the Fort Worth Show when he won best new maker.”
The platen indexes the knife blade and virtually eliminates the problems with belt bumps and heat that go along with other such products. The result is better symmetry and a smoother grind. The grinding process is also cooler, allowing the maker to use finer belts and minimize the bump.
“I’m a user of all the grinding fixtures Jerry has produced,” commented custom maker Tom Overeynder. “Using the new platen and grinding fixtures will greatly jump start new makers as well as old timers in accomplishing more accurate grinds. The user can hog off stock and can do the most delicate jobs. Overall, I love it and highly recommend it to anyone interested in doing top drawer workmanship.”
Moen pairs his platen with two other indispensable pieces of shop equipment. The first is his functional Outlaw grinder, and he believes it is adequate for the jobs at hand. However, he is close to a deal with AmeriBrade to promote its products.
He has also developed the Moen Blade Grinding Fixture, which includes carbide file guide blade clamps, a rugged anodized coating, friction-free nylon gliding surface, dual handles and adjustable blade standoffs. The dovetailed clamps help with transitions and the fixture is well-suited for flat, hollow or small-wheel grinding.
“This fixture takes all the guesswork out of it,” Moen noted. “It’s all indexed perfectly, and you can set angles where you need them. It holds the blade and sets the bevel you put on it, and you can flip it from one side to the other and take it to a 1200-grit finish in 30 minutes.”
Jerry sold Princeton 25 percent of Moen Tooling some time ago, and the two have made an impressive team.
Jerry Moen makes fine folders such as this one in a lightning-strike carbon fiber handle and is founder of Moen Tooling. (Eric Eggly/PointSeven knife image)
“He can do CAD and has helped with the design on some of our new stuff,” Moen added. “I might be the one with imagination but I depend on the best people I can find for what I’m short at.”
Custom maker Bob Ohlemann has put the Moen platen and fixture system to work as well.
“These days, I spend about as much time teaching knifemaking as I do making my own knives,” Bob remarked. “Most of my ‘dress tactical linerlock’ students are established makers looking to expand their skill set and offer new products to their customers. One of the most important techniques students look to learn in my classes is how to create high-precision bevel grinds with beautiful sweeping plunges and reduce their time hand finishing blades. This is where the Moen Tools platen and fixture system excel.”
Ben Breda
American Bladesmith Society Journeyman Smith Ben Breda tackles the forging of custom knives with an array of proven shop tools and equipment.
He has been forging knives for 10 years and has been full time for six of those, specializing in chef’s knives, hunters , bowies and fighters. He uses premium handle materials such as wood burls, stag and ivory. When fully engaged making knives, Ben has John Perry handle broaches nearby.
“These are a must for properly fitting hidden-tang handles,” he explained. “They are very well built and make fitting handles effortless.”
Ben said his John Perry handle broaches are a must for properly fitting hidden-tang handles.
Ben’s variable-speed-head Bridgeport milling machine is in continual use, and for good reason.
“This machine allows the maker to fit guards quickly and accurately, which is a must in any knife shop,” he commented. “This machine was a Craigslist find and similar machines often come up for sale. They are pretty easy to find.”
Pounding away at a piece of steel is part of the process for Ben, and he depends on a 50-pound Little Giant Power Hammer to get the job done.
Ben Breda counts such majestic bowies as this one among his specialties.
“With this old mechanical hammer, the maker can break down large steel stock and damascus billets and forge blades with ease,” Ben noted. “I bought this hammer from a retired knifemaker and had it shipped to my shop.”
Ben identifies the Wuertz TW90 belt grinder as another of the most important tools in his shop.
“Blades can be ground to very precise dimensions with this,” he related, “as well as hardware shaping and, of course, sculpting knife handles. The machine can be used at slow speeds for wood and high speeds for grinding steel away fast. It comes with several attachments as well as a horizontal option, making it a very versatile machine. These grinders can be bought directly from the Wuertz machine company.”
Two New Exclusive Versions Of The Kershaw Misdirect Look Fantastic And Show An Evolution For The Popular EDC Folder.
Exclusive to kershawknives.com, the two new variants of the Misdirect are visually stunning and built to last. Both versions are made from S35VN steel and PVD-coated handles.
The Misdirect above features a BlackWash reverse tanto blade and bronze handle. The one at the bottom of the article has a spear point blade and blue handle.
The all-stainless construction is rugged and feels great in the hand. The assisted-opening flipping mechanism deploys the blade quickly and smoothly, and a frame lock holds everything in place. The is 2.9 inches in length, and, when deployed, the 2.9-ounce knife is just under seven inches long.
Both versions are beautiful, minimalist knives. The difference comes down to taste in knives. The blue version is a better puncturing tool with the spear point, and the bronze version has all the versatility that comes with a reverse tanto.
Only available in limited qualities, both knives are priced fairly for the quality and style.
