Folding Knives Archives

EDC Clip Points: Little Big Clips

Pat Covert

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July 13, 2026

Small-in-stature clip points that punch above their weight.

There’s a reason Buck Knives chose a clip-point blade for their iconic, mega-selling Model 110 as the blade style for their folding knife. The profile has a history of being a hard-working blade. The clip point’s most distinguishing characteristic is a noticeable change in the downward angle of the blade in its spine, which makes for a sharper angle of the blade toward the tip. This change can be subtle to severe, but it always results in a thinner blade height. In essence, the break in the blade angle “clips” it to a thinner, sleeker, more pointed shape. In this BLADE® feature, we’ll look at four modern and totable clip points and their attributes to see how they fit your needs.

Civivi Slippy Sendy

The Civivi Slippy Sendy is the only gentleman’s folder of our test group, and it carries the banner well. Having no pocket clip, it is made for pure loose pocket carry, and at just 1.90 ounces, its weight is no issue. The Micarta handle is a simple slab-style with an overall length of 3.7 inches with a flat, rounded-cornered top that ends in a 1-inch, semi-circular base. The backside scale has a 1/2-inch cut-out that allows the user to access the blade’s rectangular nail nick to engage the blade.

The 2.8-inch blade has its clip breaking 0.80 inch from the tip, while the cutting edge is 0.60 wide, flat-ground and is rounded toward the tip. The blade is Nitro V stainless, a very respectable proprietary knife steel from New Jersey Steel Baron that allows the Civivi Slippy Sendy to punch above its class.

The author kept the Civivi Slippy Sendy on his office desk for a few days and tested it cutting various and sundry “desk stuff.” The 2.8-inch Nitro V stainless blade was plenty sharp and did a good job of cutting crisp, sharp lines on this card stock.

This is an all-round lightweight pocketknife that is very good for light duty around the home, office or on the go. It is not a tactical knife because it doesn’t lock up or have a fighting blade style of thick blade steel. That said, the Civivi Slippy Sendy is handy for tackling mail duty, light meal prep and other unexacting duties encountered daily. I tested it on heavy card stock, packaging twine and thick packing tapes of all types and found the upgraded steel and comfortable ergonomics both handy for all-around use daily.

Cold Steel Engage 2.5

The Cold Steel Engage’s 2.5 sports a 4116 stainless steel made by Böhler of Germany. Of all the knives tested, this is the one that most resembled a modern-day tactical knife.

The Cold Steel Engage 2.5 may be small, but it’s a lot of knife in a 6-inch package. The blade width is just shy of 1-inch wide (0.90-inch), and it looks like a scaled-down tactical, which, in fact, it is. This knife is a shrunken version of the Engage 3.5 and is part of a whole series of varied models in the same platform. The Engage 2.5 is named for its blade length, leaving 3.5 inches for the handle.

The 2.5-inch clip-point blade is 4116 stainless steel made by Böhler of Germany, which opens via ambidextrous thumb studs on either side of the blade. The handle features Cold Steel’s patented Atlas slide lock located on the upper spine. An ambidextrous 1.5-inch pocket clip is located on the rear base.

Even though its steel didn’t sport an upscale moniker, the Cold Steel Engage 2.5 did a yeoman’s job of cutting sharp, crisp lengths of this tough leather.

I tested the Cold Steel Engage 2.5 on some thick, cured boot leather. Taking off lengths of the tough material in strips using a metal ruler as a guide, the blade of the knife never wavered or tried to change angles as lesser steels are prone to do. The curved front tip of the blade dug in at an angle and stayed on course with each slice and despite the blade not being a glitzy name brand, the 4116 stainless did its job well and the Engage 2.5 proved its worth.

Demko Knives Nano Shark

The Demko Knives Nano Shark is a pint-sized EDC designed for serious slicing. The very slightly curved blade has always been a workhorse, but during the modern tactical knife era, many edged weapons specialists embraced the blade for its ability to grab and not let go until it had done serious damage.

The Nano Shark has a 2.25-inch blade that breaks to its clip 1 inch into its traverse forward, then breaks downward again where it meets the blade’s flat-ground edge. The upper rear portion of the blade features a healthy, rounded cutout for opening the blade once the user has released it via a pull-down thumb lock. The Nano Shark’s 3.5-inch GRN handle is ample enough to house the entire blade with only the thumb cutout protruding. A reversible 1.75-inch pocket clip completes the package.

The Nano Shark may be a short knife, but it acts like a behemoth thanks to its tall profile and blade thickness. The blade is similar to a short bowie, which makes it a serious small work knife. I tested it as such on a stubborn 3/8-inch synthetic rope. I started by just taking off short lengths on a flat surface before tying a large knot into both ends and free-handing the excess off each knot. I ended up with two tidy knots at each end. When in doubt, practice first!

Big Idea Design TI Lookout

The 6.2-inch Big Idea Design TI Lookout is a simple fixed-blade knife with very few parts to break so it is better for stronger tasks. The Ti Lookout is basically one large piece of premium CMP MagnaCut stainless steel from tip to base with two lightweight, diagonally textured Grade 5 Titanium handle scales for gripping. Aside from the few pieces of hardware holding the handle together and forming its lanyard fitting at the base, that’s basically the sum of parts.

With so few parts to break, the fixed-blade can handle larger, tougher tasks. The downside is the user doesn’t have the compact convenience of a folding knife, but sometimes it is necessary to get the job done. The Lookout comes with a small 4.5-inch black Kydex sheath with a steel hanger fitted to the rear for added strength.

The Ti Lookout fixed-blade offers the safety of having no moving parts to break under extreme pressure whereas the folding knife can be vulnerable at its blade pivot. When in doubt, call on a fixed blade for the tough chores.

I gave the little fixed Ti Lookout a run for its money on a length of dried redwood 2-by-4. Holding the plank vertically, I dug the blade in at an angle, taking off shavings and holding in consecutively longer and deeper lengths. The Big Idea Design fixed-blade bit in and did its job until its size was simply outweighed by the larger length of wood, but not before the small fixer had proven its worth. I never felt during the process that the Ti Lookout was going to fold or break. That’s why you use a fixed-blade for the tough jobs.

More Reviews:

Mike Bradshaw’s Large Hunter Review: Large And In Charge
Pepperwool Merino MM Review [Field Tested]
KSW Custom Knives Bushcrafter Review: Upcycled Edge
Hults Bruk Spika Review: Backwoods Beast

The Best Wharncliffe Options

Mike Ableson

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October 13, 2022

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The Wharncliffe Is An Interesting Blade Design With A Captivating History. Over The Years It’s Grown Into A Desirable EDC Blade. These Five Wharncliffes Stand Out From The Pack.

There aren’t many blade styles like the wharncliffe. The wharncliffe stands out from many other blade designs thanks to its long, straight cutting edge and spine that tapers to the point. This allows for a variety of shapes of wharncliffe blades, with some being more squared off with a sharp taper and others being more rounded with a more gentle taper.

Regardless of the taper or size of the blade, the wharncliffe has grown into a beloved blade that has evolved to meet the needs of knife lovers over the last 200 years.

Where Does The Name Wharncliffe Come From?

If you guessed that it was named for a person you’d be correct, or at least almost correct. The name for the blade dates back to the 1820s and British Colonel James Archibald Stuart-Wortley-Mackenzie, the first Lord of Wharncliffe.

One night, while having dinner with his cousin, Archdeacon Corbett, Wharncliffe was lamenting how staid and tired the cutlery industry in Britain had become. The two then worked on a new type of knife to present to the Joseph Rodgers & Sons cutlery company in Sheffield, the epicenter of the cutlery trade in the UK.

Rodgers liked the blade so much that the company put it into production and named it the wharncliffe in the Lord’s honor.

What Is The Wharncliffe Used For?

The wharncliffe initially was used mainly as a whittling knife. The long, straight edge made it perfect for long strokes on a piece of wood. Over time, the blade has evolved with the rest of the knife industry and is now a quality all-rounder EDC. The straight edge is excellent at transferring energy from the hand into the material being cut. Not great at puncturing, it’s very good at most other cutting tasks.

5 Wharncliffes You Should Look Into Buying

Today, the wharncliffe has become a standard blade design by makers around the world. These are five that you should take a look at.

Spyderco Salt 2

Few companies have dived deeper into wharncliffes than Spyderco. The Salt 2 is a prime example of how the company has smartly developed the blade style, although there are many knives on the company’s roster that utilize it as well.

The ergonomic green FRN handle makes this knife easy to use, especially considering how it was designed to be used near water. The H-1 steel is highly corrosion resistant, which makes this knife the perfect choice to use near water. You can choose between a plain edge and a serrated edge, and the lockback keeps everything secure even when drenched.

Spyderco is beloved because of the quality of its knives, and the Salt 2 shows many things the company can do.

MSRP: $124.25

CRKT Inara

A simple, elegant design from Richard Rogers, the CRKT Inara is a perfect example of a quality, affordable wharncliffe EDC.

The framelock is strong. The deployment is smooth. The G-10 stands firm even in extreme conditions. This little flipper really does it all and looks good while doing it. The stonewashed 8Cr14MoV stainless blade is 2.78 inches long and the whole construction weighs just 1.8 ounces.

A small, nimble knife, the Inara showcases why the wharncliffe has become a regular EDC blade.

MSRP: $56

Emerson Knives P-Sark

If the last knife was for day-to-day use, the Emerson Knives P-Sark is for the most extreme situations. This is the standard issue knife for U.S. Navy Rescue Teams, according to Emerson Knives. It’s a thick, beefy blade designed to extract people in severe situations.

The 3.5-inch blade is made from 154CM stainless steel with a chisel grind. The G-10 handle is waterproof and perfect for the type of intense moments this knife was built for. The blade comes in both black and stonewashed varieties.

Sure, this could be used as an EDC, but this knife is designed for much more than just opening boxes and stripping wires, and is priced accordingly. If you want a strong, physical knife, then this is the one for you, but you’ll be able to find good EDC wharncliffes at more affordable prices.

MSRP: $226.95

Kershaw Leek

Kershaw has them all, and it’s no surprise that it offers a solid EDC wharncliffe. The Leek line of knives runs 16 deep, but we are concentrating on the original.

The whole construction is stainless steel with a 3-inch blade made from 14C28N stainless steel. The Ken Onion-designed knife is a sleek, sturdy flipper held in place with a framelock. At 3 ounces it’s a bit heavier than some of the other knives on this list, which is good because it helps the piece feel better in the hand and more secure in use.

The assisted-opening flipper, the tip lock to keep it secure when closed, and the reversible pocket clip are all features on the knife that elevate it from just a good knife to a high-quality EDC.

MSRP: $79.99

Cold Steel Tuff Lite

Small. Tough. Durable. Three ways to describe the Tuff Lite from Cold Steel. This little wharncliffe is a rugged little beast. Made from Japanese AUS-8A stainless steel, the Tuff Lite’s blade is just 2.5 inches long with a relatively squared-off tip that makes it perfect for deep cutting tasks.

The handle is made from Griv-Ex which, when paired with Cold Steel’s Tri-Ad lock, provides a rock-hard construction when deployed. This is the most affordable knife on our list, but it may be the highest value thanks to how the knife was put together.

MSRP: $40.99

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Spyderco Tenacious Review: The Relentless Workingman’s Knife

Dexter Ewing

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November 28, 2023

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Spyderco Tenacious Review: The Relentless Workingman’s Knife

Built like a top-shelf Spyderco, but at a fraction of the price the Tenacious more than lives up to its name.

Spyderco’s knives are about as high-performance as you can get in a production knife. They look at things from all angles, from blade grinds to handle ergonomics and how each plays an important role in the other. It’s a symbiosis of sorts. Therefore, most of their knives are on the pricey side but very well worth it.

The use of high-end materials with superior ergonomics and cutting-edge blade steels get everyone drooling, but there is one factor that spoils it for some. The high price.

“No thank you”, some might retort. Then resort to looking at other brands, whose offerings might be a bit cheaper and more within their budget range. Still, they crave Spyderco.

Fear not my penny-pinching friends.

Spyderco Tenacious neutral open copy — Affordable and capable, the Tenacious proves a capable workingman’s knife. Photo: Marty Stanfield

Spyderco had exactly you in mind when it unleashed the C122GP Tenacious. An excellent value folder from incorporating all the hallmarks of a Spyderco design and execution but without the scary high price tag. Essentially, it’s an everyman’s knife, with the elite performance the company has built its name on.

How’s that for value?

Spyderco Tenacious Blade

Starting with the modified clip point blade of the Tenacious, 8Cr13MoV stainless steel was chosen because of its great balance between edge retention, ease of sharpening and low cost. For those not familiar, 8Cr13MoV is the Chinese equivalent of the Japanese-made AUS-8. A lot of entry-level to mid-range knives have this steel. It makes a great choice for a working folder as 8Cr13MoV is relatively easy to resharpen and takes a good edge in minimal time.

The blade length is 3 ⅜ inches, long enough to for serious work but short enough to carry easily in the pocket. Jimping on the thumb rest allows you to place your thumb there to apply downward pressure on the blade. The rest sample we were sent has a satin-finished blade, though, Spyderco offer the Tenacious with a black coated blade for low visibility, as well.

Spyderco Tenacious Blade — A 8Cr13MoV drop-point blade offers respectable steel in a useful profile.Photo: Marty Stanfield

Additionally, partially serrated edge formats are available for enhanced cutting power. This blade design is a workhorse, with its flat grind and distal taper, which allows the blade to become a voraciously efficient slicing tool. Honestly, Tenacious in hand, you’ll be able to slice through your biggest and toughest cutting tasks with ease.

Spyderco Tenacious Handle

Look at some other budget folding knives on the market and you can tell where corners were cut. One evident area is handle design. No so with the Tenacious.

Spyderco has some of the best handle designs on the market, the company has an intimate understanding of how to design a comfortable interface comfortable for extended hard usage. In this case, the knife uses a black textured G-10 phenolic resin handle for both reduced weight and an excellent grip. As a side note, the handle length is 4 7/16-inces long and overall, well thought out. In the hand, it proves comfortable, important with any knife. There are no hot spots to speak of and it seem designed for long periods of use without fatigue.

Spyderco Tenacious lock vertical copy — In addition to G10 scale, the Tenacious has a study double stainless-steel liner to provide the handle plenty of backbone. Photo: Marty Stanfield

Double stainless-steel liners provide a solid backbone for the handle, and a sturdy liner lock secures the blade in the open position for ultimate user safety. A radiused gripping area accommodates the fingers well and the perimeter of the G-10 is chamfered to reduce sharp corners for a comfortable grip.

Four sets of clip screw holes are drilled into the handle, offering a have-it-your-way approach to pocket clip mounting. You can mount the clip for left-hand use or right-hand use and within these two, you can have either a tip-up or a tip-down configuration. The clip comes from the factory set up for right-handed, tip-down configuration.

Practicality Of The Spyderco Tenacious

If you are in any of the trades and use tools in your job—a knife being one of them—it’s very important to select your work knife carefully not just from a budget/financial standpoint but feature-wise as well. Just because it is a budget knife doesn’t mean it’s stripped down and basic.

Budget knives can include some creature comforts that make work easier. The Tenacious packs in one hand ambidextrous opening, a secure blade lock, open handle construction with dual steel liners and textured G-10 handles. Furthermore it boasts a pocket clip with user-selectable modes of carry, and a properly designed blade that will cut efficiently. All this, in one knife.

Spyderco Tenacious clip_ copy — Righty, lefty, doesn’t matter. Spyderco enginereed a clip that caters to either hand and nearly any style of carry. Photo: Marty Stanfield

With this being said, the Tenacious lives up to its name as it is eager to tackle any cutting task that awaits. The MSRP for the Chinese made Tenacious is $86, which means it probably can be purchased online for around $60. This makes it a great bargain for a sturdy, well-designed work knife. And if you lose it, you are not out a lot of money.

If you have more expensive knives in your collection and are hesitant to beat on as a work knife, then the Tenacious fills that role well. What you have here is a midsize folding knife that feels good in the hand and cuts exceptionally well.

Final Cut

As an owner of quite a few high-end Spyderco models such as the Military, Paramilitary 2, Manix 2, Shaman, and a few others, I can honestly say the Tenacious performance-wise is almost identical. Bold statement, I know. But all Spyderco knives just have that feel to them—no matter the price. If you are a fellow Spyderco owner, you know exactly what I am talking about.

Spyderco Tenacious action 2 copy — Spyderco created an affordable gem in the Tenacious. Photo: Marty Stanfield

The 8Cr13MoV steel holds an edge well but don’t expect it to be like S30V and hold an edge for a long time. Maintenance in the field is possible with the right sharpener and the steel responds well to routine touch-ups.

Just do yourself a favor and purchase a Tenacious and put it to work. You won’t be disappointed. Spyderco did their homework with this budget-conscious folder that’s packed with features that also are found on their more expensive knives.

More Spyderco Knives:

Cutting Critique: Spyderco Presistence
Spyderco Yojimbo 2: Fantastic Straightedge Folder
Spyderco Tenacious Review: The Relentless Workingman’s Knife
Spyderco Paramiliary 2 Review: Still A Cut Above The Rest

Bear & Son Cutlery Offers Up Two New EDC Folders

Elwood Shelton

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December 31, 2023

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Bear & Son Cutlery Offers Up Two New EDC Folders

Bear & Son’s Mini Rancor IX and 778SR Sideliner come in at the right price for EDC performance.

Look at the calendar and it’s apparent the year is dwindling down to its final days. Yet, there are some knifemakers still as busy as ever, squeezing new models into the final days of 2023. Among these is Bear & Son Cutlery.

Earlier this month, the Jacksonville, Ala., manufacturer unveiled two new folders, each with the trappings of solid EDC options. The OPS Mini Rancor IX and 778SR Sideliner are both designed to provide everyday, at-hand performance. However, the knives go about offering this up in slightly different ways.

OPS Mini Rancor IX

Bear & Son Mini Rancor IX — Mini Rancor IX

No bigger than a minute, the drop point flipper is the smallest option in Bear & Son’s growing Rancor line. While its predecessors weren’t gargantuan by any stretch of the imagination, the Mini Rancor IX is sized much more practically for a day-to-day option and for lighter duty.

Bear outfits the knife with a 2.5-inch blade, for a package that measures in at a very nimble and usable 6 inches in overall length when deployed. The manufacturer opted for D2 stainless steel—a high carbon, high chromium alloy—a common option for higher-end production knives. The steel gives the blade excellent edge retention and wear resistance, plus the ability to easily get touched up when resharpening is required. Giving the stainless steel an extra layer of corrosion and stain resistance, Bear & Son applies a black finish.

The handle of the knife is Zytel—a thermoplastic from the nylon family—with jimping along the spine and along the lower front. Further enhancing the hold of the knife, Bear textures the grip with significant milling, which in the sand-colored handle gives it a dynamic look. The ergonomics appear comfortable and the tapered profile of the handle should give the user a supreme purchase on the knife.

Rounding the knife off is a slide lock—similar to an axis—with offers strong lockup, as well as a fast and safe ability to put the blade away. Also, with familiarity, the lock can also make deployment lightning fast. Adding to getting the blade into action are ambidextrous thumb studs and a kicker. The knife boasts a stainless steel insert to provide backbone and it comes outfitted with a deep carry, tip-up pocket clip.

Bear OPS Mini Rancor IX Specs:
Model Number: MC-900-DS7-B
Blade Material: D2 Tool Steel
Handle Material: Tan Zytel
Rockwell: 58-60
Closed Length: 3.62 inches
Locking Type: Slide Lock
Open Length: 6 inches
Edge Length: 2.30 inches
Weight: 1.60 ounces
Extras: Thumb Studs, pocket clip, stainless steel inserts, Lifetime Warranty
Origin: Jacksonville, Alabama
MSRP: $91

778SR Sideliner

A slightly larger option, the 778SR Sideliner nevertheless offers up a fairly tidy package for those looking for a budget knife. Catching the eye right off is the high-polished 3.25-inch, 440 stainless steel blade with a drop point profile. A quick note on the steel choice, it is softer than many other alloys but does—in general—provide a balanced package of edge retention and corrosion resistance. The tip comes to a very fine point, not only making it dexterous on fine-cutting jobs but also making it great at puncturing. Adding to its cutting prowess are aggressive serrations at the hind of the edge and terminating before the belly.

Again, Bear & Son opts for Zytel for the handle and gives it a pebble finish with some milling down the midline. Given its long and tapered shape, the thermoplastic should provide a comfortable grip and fit most hands fairly well. In its core, the liner lock has a stainless-steel liner, giving the knife a measure of overall ruggedness. Rounding out the package are both thumb studs and a kicker for deployment.

778SR Specs:
Model Number: 778SR
Blade Material: 440 Stainless Steel
Blade Shape: Drop Point
Handle Material: Black Zytel
Lock Type: Linerlock
Overall Length: 7-1/4 in.
Edge Length: 3-1/4 in.
Weight: 2.9 ounces
Extras: Stainless Steel Pocketknife, Thumb Studs, Torx Screws, Lifetime Warranty
Origin: Jacksonville, Alabama
MSRP: $45

Check Out Our Knife Reviews:

Oknife Beagle Review
Versa Rescue Knife Review
Knife Review: CRKT Bamboozled
M-1 Folder Review: How Good Is This Folder?

Flip Out: Four Balisongs To Trick Out Your Collection

Mike Haskew

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March 3, 2023

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Known By Many Names, The Balisong Is A Flipper’s Favorite Knife. These Four New Balis Are On The Cutting Edge Of The Style.

The balisong presents knife manufacturers with an excellent opportunity to express their design creativity and material preferences in a style that promotes pure enjoyment among flipping enthusiasts.

Long popular amid the knife-buying public, the balisong—aka bali, butterfly knife or simply butterfly—is a favorite of those who appreciate its mechanics, good looks and the sheer fun of flipping. With safety in mind, the manufacturers whose stock in trade includes the balisong provide new and innovative models on a regular basis.

Along with these, training versions are often available, while seminars, videos, instructional courses, and online conversations are always at hand for those learning to use the balisong for the first time, as well as seasoned veterans who want to broaden their horizons.

Squid Industries Krake Raken Bowie V2.5

Lucas Cao, president of Squid Industries, is excited with the performance of the company’s Krake Raken Bowie V2.5.

“It’s wonderful that everything about it is highly optimized for the best flipping experience possible,” he said. “Some notable special features are the machined handle texture and its unique balance profile. The mechanism is a combination of stainless-steel bushings and phosphorus bronze washers. What makes the bushings special is we manufacture them in-house on our own Citizen Cincom L12 Type 7 Swiss lathe with extreme precision. Our expert assemblers use the bushings to then create the glassy smooth swing that the Krake Raken is known for.”

The Krake Raken is available in both live and training versions, allowing users to become familiar with its operations without the worry of an injury, according to Cao. And reliability is a watchword from the factory floor to the buyer’s hand.

“All of our balisongs go through rigorous testing across a long period of time and with many different users,” Lucas explained. “Balisong flipping is highly subjective, so we make sure that the feedback we gather is from both beginners and experts inside and outside of the organization. While Squid Industries has several top-tier flippers in our own ranks, we also work with top flippers around the world to hear their thoughts on our latest developments.”

An accomplished flipper in his own right, the Squid boss sees customers in the balisong universe always on the lookout for excellent ergonomics, grip, balance and durability. The ideals are addressed at Squid with continuing revisions and upgrades to its balisong line that are generated through robust customer feedback.

Finding Squid in the marketplace is easy, and its commitment to the education and popularization of the balisong is evident in its sponsorship of the West Coast Flipping Championship, a 32-person-event live competition held each year at BLADE Show West. In addition, YouTube is well stocked with flipping and maintenance tutorial videos.

Knife Specs

Blade Length: 4.5 inches

Blade Steel: AEB-L stainless

Blade Closure: Latchless design

Handle Material: 7075 T651 aluminum

Weight: 4.33 ounces

Closed Length: 5.625”

Country of Origin: USA

MSRP: $284.99

Premium Alpha Beast Kukri

The Premium Alpha Beast Kukri is the latest from Bladerunner Systems and is another example of the continuing outreach the company provides relating to balisongs.

“Spreading the word has been part of our primary focus,” commented Bladerunner’s Edward Anthonis. “We have been active in the community, hosted online tournaments, provided video content, and partnered with retailers to spread the word about balisongs and what a fulfilling and amazing hobby and sport it is and has become.”

With the Premium Alpha Beast Kukri, Bladerunner puts its best foot forward.

“What makes any knife transcend being just a knife will always be the attention to detail given from a maker or designer that truly understands what makes a purpose-driven knife the best in actual application,” Anthonis remarked. “Our balisongs are built not only to be great knives but also to be great for balisong manipulation.”

The bushings of the Premium Alpha Beast Kukri are something special, and Edward says they are an integral component of most Bladerunner folding knives.

“We use bushings in most of our knives, and we find the action of a balisong on bushings works best for the intended application,” he stated. “Having the critical dimensions of a balisong in place combined with a well-tuned bushing system makes for the best flipping experience.”

For Anthonis and company, testing is always a part of a quality manufacturing process, particularly since he and co-owner Lawrence Ho are flippers themselves.

“Since we both flip and have our feet firmly planted in the balisong community,” Edward related, “we can test the products and also get them into the hands of other flippers to solicit their feedback.”

KnifeSpecs

Blade Length: 4.5 inches

Blade Steel: 154CM stainless

Blade Closure: Latch

Handle Material: Titanium

Pocket Clip: Yes

Closed Length: 5.375 inches

Weight: 5.3 ounces

Country of Origin: USA

MSRP: $439.99

Kershaw Moonsault 5050

“Our butterfly knives utilize four KVT-ball bearing systems,” explained Dominic Aiello of Kershaw/Kai-USA. “On each side of the two pivots is a ring of ‘caged’ ball bearings that enable the blade and handles to move quickly and smoothly.”

So it is with the Kershaw Moonsault 5050. Customer appreciation and response to knife offerings help move the company forward, and with its latest balisong the reviews have been quite positive.

“When we develop our butterfly knives, our goal is simple,” Aiello related. “We want to offer a high-quality USA-made product that is affordable and fun for everyday knife users and flippers. With that said, smooth flipping, comfortable handles, and good weight balance are keys with butterfly knives.”

For beginners interested in learning more about the fun of flipping, Kershaw offers the Lucha trainer. It closely replicates the size, weight and design of the original Kershaw Lucha bali.

Knife Specs

Blade Length: 4.6 inches

Blade Steel: 14C28N stainless steel

Blade Closure: Latch

Handle Material: Stainless steel

Weight: 6.1 ounces

Closed Length: 5.65 inches

Country of Origin: USA

MSRP: $249.99

Benchmade 85 Billet Ti Balisong

The Benchmade 85 Billet Ti Balisong is the product of modern technologies, processes and materials applied to a very traditional knife, says Vance Collver, company director of product line management. The knife’s best attributes include smooth, consistent action, and those who experience it are the best judges of that slick performance.

“If a balisong has any drag or ‘sticky’ spots in the rotation, it can affect timing during flipping,” Collver reasoned. “Durable materials—think about how often these knives get dropped when flippers are learning or trying out new or complex tricks—and style since it must look good too, are important factors. A balisong must be ‘cool,’ solid and function flawlessly.”

Benchmade folks take pleasure in walking customers through basic, fundamental flipping techniques at shows and various customer interactions, and several balisong enthusiasts and experienced flippers on staff at Benchmade put the company’s new product offerings through their paces.

“This knife is not available in a trainer version and is intended for experienced flippers or collectors only,” Collver advised. “Balisongs are part of our DNA at Benchmade. Our company was founded in the pursuit of the balisong, and to this day our logo remains a butterfly harkening back to our origin.”

Knife Specs

Blade Length: 4.4”

Blade Steel: CPM S30V stainless

Blade Closure: Latch

Handle Material: Titanium

Weight: 5.28 ozs.

Closed Length: 5.6”

Country of Origin: USA

MSRP: $750

Read More

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Trainer Butterfly Knife: Options To Hone Your Tricks
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Neo-Slippies: Not Your Granddad’s Slip Joint Knives

Abe Elias

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March 13, 2024

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Neo-Slippies: Not Your Granddad’s Slip Joint Knives

Tradition meshes with modern in today’s new-age factory slip joint knives.

Like all tools, slip-joint pocketknives have seen their own evolutionary journey. In the olden days there were quality tools and then there were ones produced to be a bit more affordable, yet they still had their utility. These days many people buy knives for their utility, and I would say a number buy them for what I call the “Gucci factor.” As times change what’s considered attractive changes too, and, of course, makers leave their marks with their own innovations.

This time we’re not only going to test the latest in factory slip joints but also examine how companies and designers are innovating the age-old design to ensure it’s useful enough for the user and pretty enough for the collector. I took them all for a spin by shoehorning them into my everyday carry (EDC) rotation. The results are revealing.

CRKT Forebear

A couple of things update the CRKT Forebear. The first is the modified wharncliffe blades of 12C27 stainless steel. They’re not too big of a departure from the traditional style but still enough to make you notice. They are streamlined with an aggressive tip. Second is the use of a streaked-red-and-black G-10 handle. Unlike using texture to add dimension like, say, in a jigged material such as bone, the handle has two contrasting colors instead.

The knife is in a two-blade configuration—small and large wharncliffes—designed by custom maker Darriel Caston. The blades remind me of those on German chip-carving knives. Such blades are excellent for detail work and chores at which utility-style blades excel. They are flat ground and have long nail nicks that follow the spine.

I must say I was disappointed with the out-of-the-box finished edges on the blades. They were very uneven. One side had a larger micro bevel than the other. Machines do the great majority of the work creating the parts of a factory knife. In the end, though, the final edge is most often applied by hand. Before getting full use out of the knife I had to even out the bevels.

CRKT Forebarer slip joint — A handle closeup gives you a good idea of the depth the two-colored G-10 scales bring to the Forebear. At 3.43 inches closed, it’s a nice size for the watch pocket on your jeans.

Again, fit and finish was a bit of a disappointment, especially coming from CRKT. I have come to expect great value from the finishes on the company’s knives. Both scales exhibited shaping flaws and were left unpolished in spots, leaving an uneven appearance.

I actually like the design. It has great potential for everyday use with the two wharncliffes. It needs some work as mentioned on the edges. With a user knife it’s easier to overlook some fit-and-finish errors. After all, knives become better looking with familiarity as enthusiasts grow attached to their EDCs. As for the edge, it’s very fixable but it should come ready to use out of the box.

Boker Plus Koteyka

Boker Koteyka — The file-style work on the spine of the Koteyka breaks up the profile and gives the blade some character.

The Boker Plus Koteyka is a stylized clip-point-blade folder. The handle is jigged black G-10. The blade is flat-ground D2 tool steel and opens via a nail nick. Closed length: 3.5 inches. I really like that Boker Plus sends the Koteyka in a box wrapped in wax paper like the old-time knives. On the back of the blade is some machining that resembles filework.

Out of the box it cut very well after I stropped it to bring it to the crazy sharp level. The finish on the G-10 has machining marks for a rustic look. One day I will end up hitting it on a buffing wheel. With a high luster polish I think it would be killer. Granted, the MSRP is only $69, so I’m just expressing my own thoughts on its presentation. Texture wise it can be a little rough on your hand, so that is another reason why I will buff it. The blade action and spring tension are good. It is a great little pocketknife update. I look forward to using it further.

Lionsteel Bestman

In the Bestman, Lionsteel offers a pocketknife with all the traditional elements, though it’s the presentation and materials that give it the updated look. The folder has three choices of blade configuration: clip and spear points and a combination two-blade set up of clip point and wharncliffe. I received the clip point for the test. Blade steel: M390 stainless. Closed length: 3.75 inches.

The Bestman features two sets of bolsters with a decorative groove. Handle materials come in an array of natural or synthetic materials, from olive wood to carbon fiber. I chose the canvas Micarta® for the rugged look. Lionsteel kept the design blocky while smoothing over the edges to avoid hot spots. None of the metal on the knife is polished. It has a satin finish, as did some of the older high-end brands in which one side of the blade would be polished and the other side hand rubbed. In place of pins are Torx fasteners. Even the execution of the grind on the clip point departs from the traditional by keeping all the lines crisp.

The blade opens via a nail nick. The blade action is smooth yet has a definite half stop. The spring tension is dead on. I must say I am impressed and like it. It came right out of the box ready for work. The materials and design will last a lifetime of chores.

Heretic Jinn

At first, adding the Jinn by Heretic Knives to the review was iffy at best for me. I saw it on the company’s website and I somewhat reluctantly included it. To me, a pocketknife design from Heretic is akin to having a thrasher band perform Simon & Garfunkel. Nothing personal, I just thought Heretic couldn’t pull it off. In the end, though, I am the fool standing there clapping after the rest of the audience has stopped.

The sheepsfoot blade of CPM MagnaCut stainless with a combination serrated/plain edge has great application for EDC use. It can cut everything from soup to nuts. For style Heretic includes a false grind. The knife opens via a long nail nick at the blade’s back half. If I had one criticism it would be the position of the nail nick. There would be a greater advantage in opening the blade if the nick were farther away from the pivot point. Just pinching the blade closer to the tip allows for a smoother pull-on opening.

Heretic Jinn clip — The Jinn is the only slip joint reviewed with a pocket clip.

A half stop enhances user safety and the knife is finished off in carbon fiber scales with a trim, low-profile pocket clip. The clip is my next issue. It is too tight to easily clip onto floppy and thick pocket rims. The design is such that you really don’t want to bend the clip, either.

All else considered, the Jinn really surprised me. It is a great worker. Overall, its looks fit right in with any modern one-hand-opening pocketknife. Closed length: 3.8 inches.

A CERTAIN ROMANCE
Slip joints have a certain romance to them. On a base level the designs have tons of utility, and updating their appearances helps keep consumers interested. Of course, there will always be the ongoing love affair with the traditional designs. Many wouldn’t have it any other way.

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Swiss Army Knife: One Folder To Rule Them All

Reuben Bolieu

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May 27, 2026

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Swiss Army Knife: One Folder To Rule Them All

From the author’s experience, one folding knife has it all.

Most folks pick a folding knife the same way they pick a favorite coffee mug. They grab the one that feels right and doesn’t complicate life. I’ve handled everything from titanium frame-locks to flippers tuned like race cars, yet one knife keeps drifting back into my pocket. A Victorinox Swiss Army Knife (SAK) Camper.

It carries the friendliest profile in the knife world. TSA agents used to relax when they saw it. Camp kids and parents borrow it without hesitation. Neighbors assume you plan to fix something, not start trouble. That kind of energy matters when you choose a knife for real life. So, while hype is infinite, for me the best folding knife is the one that moves through life without causing friction—and that’s where the SAK shines.

Simplicity Succeeds

The Swiss Army Knife survived more trends than any other pocket tool. Bearings exploded onto the scene. Super steels rose and fell. Pocket clips multiplied. Through all of that noise, the SAK kept its shape, its purpose and its quiet confidence. It solves real problems without drama. It tightens screws, trims campfire sticks, opens packages and handles small woodworking tasks with steady control. It never alarms anyone. It never begs for maintenance. It shrugs off grit, pocket lint, and weather. It stays relevant because it never chases trends, delivering honest function through simple mechanics. That kind of timeless design sets up the story of its enduring legacy.

In Bora Bora's jungle, the author navigated with a sturdy Swiss Camper, ideal for both hotels and outdoor adventures. — In Bora Bora’s jungle, the author navigated with a sturdy Swiss Camper, ideal for both hotels and outdoor adventures.

The history of the Swiss Army Knife and company can fill the entire pages of this issue. So, I’ll save it, as BLADE® Magazine has put out a wealth of useful SAK information over the years.

Always Prepared

It’s true, the Swiss Camp was my first love of the Victorinox collection. It served me well for three decades and was my consummate companion throughout the world in all environments.

The Victorinox Camper packs a tight set of working parts into a pocket-friendly 3.5-inch frame. The large (2.75-inch) and small (1.398-inch) blades handle most cutting tasks with steady control. Meanwhile, the wood saw chews through branches far bigger than the knife’s size suggests. The can opener, bottle opener and built-in screwdrivers tackle camp, urban chores and quick fixes without hesitation. The reamer punches clean holes in leather and wood, and the corkscrew earns its keep on knots and party saving. The tweezers, toothpick and key ring round out the toolset, keeping the knife welcoming of everyday surprises!

The author relied solely on a Swiss Army Camper during his trip above 9,000 feet in the Eastern Sierra Mountains.

Knife For All Season

Consider how many knives you can take to a wedding, an office meeting or a fishing trip? How many might you present to overseas officials, use in a restaurant, take camping and fix the odds and ends in our lives? Maybe all. However, they wouldn’t be appropriately accepted. The SAK teeters on multi-tool territory. It is a knife-based multitool, yet a knife at heart.

The question, “Do I need something more tactical or bushcrafty for the woods?” is often raised in my head. Woodsy is the answer. When I need more grip, cutting power, and blade length, along with faster deployment, the One-Handed Trekker (known as the Trailfinder in Europe) is the answer.

Hidden Talents

The Camper model's main blade excels in crafting feather sticks for tinder and kindling, thanks to its thin V-grind edge. — The Camper model’s main blade excels in crafting feather sticks for tinder and kindling, thanks to its thin V-grind edge.

I hate sticky blades, yet I get a lot of packages in the mail. Some have an alternative surface to slice through, but most use tape. The can opener opens boxes, as does the awl. Even the combo tool on other models that open cans and lift bottle lids will do an excellent job on packages. However, when it’s time to slice and slash through heavy nylon strapping, twine and cardboard, it’s hard to beat the sharp main blade.

I always need a saw on a SAK that’s going into the woods for a day hike, bushcraft or any camping trip. It’s one of the best saws in business—sharp and tough. It does an excellent job on the obvious—sawing. I learned about 20 years ago that it excels at a ferro rod striker. The spine is a true 90-degree angle and shaves thin curls on fatwood, bamboo, rivercane and softer woods like poplar easily.

Slow But Steady

The One-Handed Trekker, utilized by the author on various Amazon Jungle and backpacking excursions, includes a locking screwdriver and blade.

I love me a good flipper. Fast, safer than a thumb stud and simpler. Let’s not forget the cool snap factor. That’s my opinion solely. However, the near maintenance-free action of the standard slip joint wins in my book. I understand it may not be a crowd favorite in the current high-tech, super-trendy EDC culture. But it suits me fine.

The deployment speed is slow—I’m not in a rush to slice much. I don’t work in an environment where I need super-slick deployment for attackers or emergencies. If so, I have a Trekker that has a smooth one-handed opening system. Although I like to sit and fondle a SAK like most do their high-speed folders, others may not think it has that cool factor. I do!

Metal Winner

The One-Handed Trekker SAK boasts an exceptional 3½-inch wood saw that serves as a fire steel striker on its spine.

I like simple steels. I’ve used enough teaching and working with various types. For me, it comes down to what’s easy to sharpen and to show students in a learning situation. Especially when there’s not a lot of time on a break to grind away on something too hard. Or better yet, when it’s time to build swamp beds in the jungle as the sun is setting fast. This is the reason why inexpensive tools from Moraskniv, Tramaontina and Victorinox are excellent performers.

MagnaCut won’t save you here. Getting the work done, sharpening it and going on with camp life is serious business on an extended expedition. Nothing against the super steel, it’s just better suited for a completely different situation. It makes sense to buy a MagnaCut steel knife if all you do is break down boxes or cut mundane materials. However, it’s overkill when something like a SAK has been doing that for decades without the hefty price tag. I’m a fan of what works!

Washers Vs. Bearings

In the desert, a hiker or camper needs just a blade, saw and awl for essential utility and crafting.

Knife people love pivot debates, but the truth stays simple enough for any reader. Bearings feel fast and slick. They open with a little thrill and shine in clean environments. They hate dirt, though. Sand and pocket debris grind them down and slow them.

Washers handle the rough stuff better. They tolerate grit, mud and long days outdoors. They deliver smooth, controlled movement under pressure and keep working after hard use. They win when conditions turn unpredictable. That’s why so many outdoor knives still rely on phosphor-bronze washers. It’s the same reason why the Swiss Army Knife’s friction-based slip joint still holds its own. Fewer moving parts mean fewer failure points and more consistency when I need it.

Conclusion

Readers don’t need a metallurgy seminar to pick a good folder. They need clarity. Blade shape guides the job. Lock type guides confidence. Steel choice guides edge life and ease of sharpening. Ergonomics guides comfort. Maintenance guides longevity. The rest comes from real use, not spec sheets. The Victorinox SAK Camper is a gentlemanly woods and EDC folder more in line with my everyday chores!

Camper Specs
Main Blade Length: 2.75”
Secondary Blade Length: 1.4”
Blade Material: Stainless steel
Blade Grind: Flat
Blade @ Thickest: 0.70″
Blade Finish: Satin
Functions: 13
Handle Material: Celidor & Cellulose Acetate Butyrate
Closed Length: 3.58″
Country of Origin: Switzerland
MSRP: $39

Trekker Specs
Blade Length: 3.4″
Blade Material: Stainless wteel
Blade Grind: Flat
Blade @ Thickest: .07″
Blade Finish: Satin
Functions: 12
Handle Material: Polyamide (Nylon)
Closed Length: 4.37″
Country of Origin: Switzerland
MSRP: $64

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From the author’s experience, one folding knife has it all.

Simplicity Succeeds

Always Prepared

Knife For All Season

Hidden Talents

Slow But Steady

Metal Winner

Washers Vs. Bearings

Conclusion

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