Bear Edge unveils a trio of American-made EDC options at SHOT Show.
Now that the dust has settled on SHOT Show 2026, we’re taking a closer look at the new releases from Bear Edge. The Alabama-based maker unveiled a trio of everyday carry folders that lean into modern ergonomics and practical materials without breaking the bank. As a brand under the Bear & Son Cutlery umbrella, Bear Edge continues to leverage decades of American manufacturing expertise to produce knives that are as reliable as they are accessible.
The Light Gray Aluminum Folder
If you’re looking for a sleek, no-nonsense worker, Model 71140 is the pick of the litter. Built entirely in their Alabama factory, this 4-inch folder features a modified drop point blade made from 440 stainless steel. What catches the eye is the red spacer with integrated jimping—it adds a nice pop of color and serves as a functional lanyard attachment point. The aluminum handle keeps the weight balanced, and the dual deployment (thumb studs or flipper) makes it a versatile companion for any task.
The Dark Gray Assisted Opener
For those who prefer a more tactical, “stealth” aesthetic, Bear Edge introduced Model 71141. This is a narrow, modern profile featuring a 3 5/8-inch drop point blade with a black finish. The assisted opening is snappy, and the textured grooves on the gray aluminum handle provide a noticeably secure grip. It’s a narrow carry that fits comfortably in the pocket, especially with the reversible tip-up clip.
The Tan G10 Tanto
Demanding jobs usually require a bit more “meat” on the bone, and Model 71139 delivers. This full-sized folder swaps out aluminum for Tan G10 scales, providing a high-strength, lightweight handle that won’t slip. The business end is a modified tanto blade with a black finish, optimized for piercing and heavy-duty slicing. Like its siblings, it features a rapid-deployment flipper and a deep-carry pocket clip that’s sturdy enough for a duty belt.
Final Cut
Bear Edge continues to prove that “American-made” and “affordable” don’t have to be mutually exclusive. These SHOT Show debuts show Bear Edge is cutting into the modern EDC movement, providing users a tool that looks good on the desk but performs even better in the field.
We dive into the new additions to the CRKT 2026 catalog.
Columbia River Knife & Tool (CRKT) has officially pulled the curtain back on its 2026 lineup, and it’s a diverse spread that leans heavily into premium materials and clever engineering. By collaborating with some of the biggest names in the custom knife world, CRKT is continuing its push to bring high-end design language to the production market.
According to Kyle Stuart, CRKT’s VP of Marketing, the goal this year was to pair “smart innovation with practical, purpose-driven design.” Here is a breakdown of the standouts from the new collection.
Sero
Designed by Richard Rogers, the Sero is where high fashion meets the everyday carry world. It’s a low-profile flipper that takes inspiration from Art Deco styling but doesn’t skimp on performance. The blade is S35VN—a favorite for edge retention—and it rides on an IKBS™ ball bearing pivot for snappy deployment. The lines are incredibly clean, with a flipper tab that disappears into the bolster when open. It also features a Crossbar Lock, making it fully ambidextrous. MSRP: $140 ($250 damascus/titanium version)
Princeton Wong brings his award-winning custom vision to the production line with the Orochi. Named after the mythical eight-headed Japanese serpent, this knife features a distinct clip point recurve blade made from 14C28N steel. You can deploy it via a discreet “hidden” flipper tab or dual thumbstuds. The G10 handle and stainless-steel bolsters give it a solid, ergonomic feel that punches way above its weight class in terms of refinement. MSRP: $140 ($200 damascus/titanium model)
When you see Ken Onion’s name on a knife, you expect smooth curves and real-world utility, and the Counterpart series delivers. This is a collection of purpose-built folders available in four different models. Most feature 12C27 drop point blades, though there is a D2 tanto version for those who prefer a more tactical edge. All of them utilize an ambidextrous Crossbar Lock and a reversible deep-carry pocket clip. MSRP: $89 – $99
The late Kit Carson’s M16 is perhaps one of the most recognizable silhouettes in the knife industry. For 2026, CRKT has taken that DNA and moved it into the world of butterfly knives. These aren’t just “fidget flippers”; they are serious, American-made tools crafted in Colorado. Featuring MagnaCut steel—the current “super steel” king of corrosion resistance—and titanium handles, these are available in both tanto (M16-02) and drop point (M16-03) configurations. MSRP: $300
Matthew Lerch is known for clean lines, and the Zephyr is a perfect example of his philosophy. It uses a sheepsfoot blade profile which is ideal for the sort of controlled, precise cutting most people actually do on a daily basis. The G10 handle keeps it light, while the IKBS pivot ensures it’s fast. For those who want something a bit flashier, a premium version offers an acid-etched Damascus blade and titanium scales. MSRP: $100 – $130 ($160 damascus/titanium version)
CRKT isn’t just about the blades this year. Designed with Joe Wu, the ToGo Driver is a compact maintenance tool for the person who likes to keep their gear in top shape. The anodized aluminum handle hides an internal compartment for seven precision micro bits. It even features a ball-bearing spinner on the end, making those tedious takedowns and reassemblies significantly smoother. MSRP: $50
Technically a late-2025 arrival, the Provoke X is still a major head-turner for 2026. Using the Kinematic® technology that made the Provoke karambit famous, this is a “morphing axe” that fits in a pocket and snaps open with a flick of the wrist. It’s secured by the Deadbolt® lock and features a titanium nitride-coated SUJ2 steel blade. It’s easily one of the most unique tools we’ve seen in recent years. MSRP: $350
From Ancient Inspiration to Modern Innovation: A First Look at the Year’s Most Anticipated Custom and Production Blades.
The new year kicks off with a formidable array of steel, ranging from primitive-inspired spears to high-tech tactical folders. This month’s selection highlights the incredible versatility of the modern cutlery world, showcasing the work of veteran masters with nearly four decades of experience alongside award-winning new makers. Whether you are looking for an ultra-premium custom Bowie for a collection or a hard-use MagnaCut automatic for daily carry, our January 2026 roundup proves that the industry’s innovation shows no signs of slowing down.
Jean-Pierre Potvin Short Spear
Blade length: 3.5” Blade material: Damascus of 1084 carbon and 15N20 nickel-alloy steels Blade grind: Flat Handle: Ash w/burnt and oiled finish Furniture: Bronze and copper Overall length: 18.5” Knife to know: Jean-Pierre Potvin created the texture for the blade steel by forging damascus and using a rotary tool to accentuate the details … he “wanted the texture to be similar to the flint spearheads that existed long ago”; he has been making knives for 36 years Maker’s price for a similar piece: $2,500 Maker: Jean-Pierre Potvin (SharpByCoop image)
Grant Cunningham Trench knife
Blade length: 8” Blade material: 52100 carbon steel Blade grind: Double convex Handle: Handmade brass knuckles, vulcanized fiber liners S-guard: Brass Overall length: 13” Sheath: By Grey Leather Co.; black leather w/snap strap Maker’s price for a similar knife: $1,250 Maker: Grant Cunningham, cunninghamcustomshop.com (Jocelyn Frasier image)
Rian Doudle Doudle Streetfighter Bowie
Blade length: 7.1” Blade material: W’s pattern damascus in 1084 carbon and 15N20 nickel-alloy steels Blade grind: Flat Scales: Western myall, an Australian hardwood Guard: Wrought iron Overall length: 12.6” Maker’s price for a similar knife: $1,200 at press-time exchange rate Maker: Rian Doudle, Fallen Forge, fallenforge.com.au (Rod Hoare image)
Frank Edwards Push Dagger
Blade length: 3.25” Blade material: Twist-pattern damascus of 1084 carbon and 15N20 nickel-alloy steels Blade grind: Dagger Scales: Carved interior mammoth ivory Overall length: 6.5” Maker’s price for a similar knife: $2,550 Maker: Frank Edwards (Jocelyn Frasier image)
SOG Knives Gambit XL
Knife type: Fixed-blade karambit Blade length: 4” Blade steel: CRYO AUS-10A stainless Blade @the thickest: 0.19” Blade finish: Black stonewash Blade finish: Hawkbill Handle: Green paracord wrapped Weight: 4.75 ozs. Overall length: 8.75” Sheath: Kydex® w/Safe-Lock clip Country of origin: China MSRP: $139.95 Company: SOG Knives, sogknives.com
APOC Wallace Small Puukko
Designer: Mike Wallace Blade length: 3” Blade material: D2 tool steel Blade @thickest: 0.118” Blade pattern: Drop point Blade finish: Titanium coated Scales: Black G-10 Weight: 3 ozs. Overall length: 6.88” Sheath: Kydex®; comes w/fire steel Knife to know: Specs vary from piece to piece Country of origin: China MSRP: $82 Company: APOC, casiberia.com
CRKT Xolotl OTF
Knife type: Out-the-front auto Designer: Michael Rodriguez, U.S. Army Green Beret Blade length: 3.5” Blade steel: MagnaCut stainless Blade @the thickest: 0.13” Blade pattern: Spear point, ground on both edges Blade finish: Titanium nitride Scales: Aluminum Opening mechanism: Dual action Pocket clip: Sternum shaped, reversible Weight: 3.2 ozs. Closed length: 5.31” Knife to know: An Aztec deity, Xolotl is “the guide of souls to the afterlife” … the handle has 21 ribs, one for each of the designer’s years in service Country of origin: USA MSRP: $324.99 Company: CRKT, crkt.com
Cold Steel Frenzy II
Knife type: Tactical folder Knife designer: Andrew Demko Blade length: 5.5” Blade steel: S35VN stainless Blade polish: Satin Scales: G-10 Pocket clip: Yes Lock type: Tri-Ad® Weight: 5.7 ozs. Closed length: 6.75” Country of origin: Taiwan Knife to know: Design based on the kabutowari, an ancient Japanese design MSRP: $239.99 Company: Cold Steel, coldsteel.com
TOPS Knives A-Klub
Designer: Amanda Kaye Blade length: 12.38” Blade material: 1095 carbon steel Rockwell hardness: 56-58 HRC Blade @the thickest: 0.19” Blade finish: Acid Rain Scales: Green canvas Micarta® Weight: 23.8 ozs. Overall length: 17.88” Sheath: Black Kydex® Sheath clip: Dangler Weight w/sheath: 33 ozs. Country of origin: USA Knife to know: The A-Klub is the first TOPS knife designed by a woman, Amanda Kay, a past participant on TV’s Naked and Afraid; design influenced by American Indian war clubs MSRP: $409.95 Company: TOPS Knives, topsknives.com
Geoff Keyes Pirate Bowie
Blade length: 16” Blade material: 1080 carbon steel Blade grind: Flat Scales: Buffalo Furniture: Integral bolster, steel and copper Extras: Silk tassels handmade by Marianne George Overall length: 22” Maker’s price for a similar knife: $1,500 Maker: Geoff Keyes, 5elementsforge.com (Jocelyn Frasier image)
Taran Ma Sanctum
Knife type: Utility folder Blade length: 3.5” Blade steel: MagnaCut stainless Blade openers: Blade oval and ambidextrous thumb studs Scales: Titanium Lock type: Framelock Pocket clip: Yes Closed length: 4.25” Knife to know: Taran Ma has been making knives for 1 year Maker’s price for a similar knife: Contact maker for information Maker: Taran Ma (SharpByCoop image)
Josh Davis Sgian Dubh
Blade length: 3.46” Blade material: 80CrV2 carbon steel Blade grind: Hollow Blade thickness @ricasso: 0.118” Blade @the widest: 1.8” Scales: Ebony, mosaic pin, TruStone and brass Overall length: 7.9” Sheath: By the maker Maker’s price for a similar knife: Contact maker for more info Knife to know: Josh Davis won Best New Maker for his sgian dubh at the 2025 Adelaide Cutlers Expo; he is also a member of the Australian Knifemakers Guild Maker: Josh Davis, CSC Knives (Rod Hoare image)
Class meets capability: Exploring Kizer’s ambidextrous Clutch Lock folders featuring AEB-L stainless steel and premium handle scales.
‘Tis the season for sharp gifts to place under the tree for your favorite knife enthusiast. Kizer Cutlery has a little something to stuff stockings with once the Yuletide season closes.
Set to officially launch in January 2026, the company’s Pokiman series is described as a collection of gentleman knives. The set of six knives—three models, each with two variations—may look suitable for a church picnic or the office, but they are not small and delicate.
All knives in the Kizer collection are essentially full-sized EDC options. Each one boasts a 3.16-inch blade. Overall length is just under 8 inches. This size provides enough tool for prying at a stuck locker lid or making mincemeat of sisal rope.
Yet, boasting everything from sheepsfoot to clip point blades and Micarta to aluminum and PEI scale, the knives have the look and lines for more suave tasks.
Common across the models are AEB-L steel blades, a very old and respected stainless steel, known for its fine carbide structure and a good balance between hardness and toughness. Plus, it’s known to take and hold an edge.
Kizer outfits the Pokiman line with its Clutch Lock, the company’s take on the ever-popular Axis Lock, presently sweeping the knife world. And why wouldn’t it, given its design makes a knife ambidextrous and offers a fast and quick, one-handed opening/closing option.
Interestingly, and seeming to walk hand-in-hand with the Axis Lock trend, Kaiser turns to thumb studs alone for the opening method on all the knives.
Depending on the model, the Pokiman line has MSRPs from $60-$70. While not available presently, several online retailers already have them on pre-order.
Pokiman CS Specs
Blade Length: 3.16″ Closed Length: 4.21″ Overall Length: 7.36″ Blade Material: AEB-L Stainless Steel Thickness: 0.110″ Blade Hardness: 58-60HRC Blade Style: Sheepsfoot Blade Grind: Flat Blade Finish: Black PVD or Gray Stonewashed Handle Material: Tan Aluminum or PEI Locking Mechanism: Clutch Lock Pivot Assembly: Bearings Pocket Clip: Deep Carry, Tip-Up, Right/Left Carry Weight: 3.08 oz. Origin: Made in China MSRP: Micarta & Stonwashed $60; Aluminum & Satin $70
Pokiman CC
Blade Length: 3.16″ Closed Length: 4.21″ Overall Length: 7.36″ Blade Material: AEB-L Stainless Steel Thickness: 0.110″ Blade Hardness: 58-60HRC Blade Style: Clip Point Blade Grind: Flat Blade Finish: Gray Stonewash or Satin Handle Material: PEI or Blue Aluminum Locking Mechanism: Clutch Lock Pivot Assembly: Bearings Pocket Clip: Deep Carry (Tip-Up, Right/Left Carry) Weight: 2.49 oz. Origin: Made in China MSRP: PEI & Stonewashed $60; Aluminum & Satin $70
Pokiman CD
Blade Length: 3.16″ Closed Length: 4.21″ Overall Length: 7.36″ Blade Material: AEB-L Stainless Steel Thickness: 0.110″ Blade Hardness: 58-60HRC Blade Style: Drop Point Blade Grind: Flat Blade Finish: Satin or Stonewashed Handle Material: Gray Aluminum or Black Micarta Locking Mechanism: Clutch Lock Pivot Assembly: Bearings Pocket Clip: Deep Carry (Tip-Up, Right/Left Carry) Weight: 3.07 oz. Origin: Made in China MSRP: Micarta & Stonwashed $60; Aluminum & Satin $70
If it needs cutting, do it in style with one of these gems.
Of any class of knife, there’s nothing handier than an EDC blade. From mending hoses to knocking down cardboard boxes and prying open stuck latches, these knives trim down daily chores. Though what exactly defines an EDC knife? Honestly, anything could be an everyday carry if you simply carry it every day. And while a few of our new knife picks aren’t precisely what you call your typical EDC, they’re certainly worthy of keeping at hand to cut into your workload.
Brian Milinski Paratrooper
BLADE LENGTH: 3.25” BLADE MATERIAL: Dragonskin damascus by Bertie Rietveld BLADE GRIND: Hollow BLADE FINISH: Nitre salt blued SCALES: Carbon fiber CLOSED LENGTH: 4.5” MAKER’S PRICE FOR A SIMILAR KNIFE: $1,650 MAKER: Brian Milinski, mrknives.com (Felipe Silva image)
Buck Knives 791 Range Elite
KNIFE TYPE: Folder BLADE LENGTH: 3 3/8” BLADE STEEL: MagnaCut stainless BLADE GRIND: High-panel flat BLADE OPENER: Thumb stud HANDLE MATERIAL: Anodized aluminum LINERS: Tumble-polished stainless LOCK: Crossbar POCKET CLIP: Deep carry, reversible WEIGHT: 3.3 ozs. CLOSED LENGTH: 4.5” SPECIAL FEATURES: Spine gimping COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: USA MSRP: $275 COMPANY: Buck Knives, buckknives.com
Sean Alonzo Dalisay 2.8 Cigar Cutter
BLADE LENGTH: 2.8” BLADE MATERIAL: Yggdrasil pattern damascus by Damasteel BLADE GRIND: Single bevel SCALES: Mammoth tusk ivory BOLSTER: Black burlap Micarta® KNIFE TO KNOW: Pivot collar, inlay and thumb screws are mammoth ivory; zirconium pivot and backspacer MAKER’S PRICE FOR A SIMILAR KNIFE: $4,200 MAKER: Sean Alonzo, baleteblades.shop (Jocelyn Frasier image)
Brion Tomberlin Personal Carry Fighter
BLADE LENGTH: 4.5” BLADE MATERIAL: W2 tool steel w/hamon BLADE GRIND: Flat SCALES: Ironwood GUARD: 416 stainless steel OVERALL LENGTH: 9.5” MAKER’S PRICE FOR A SIMILAR KNIFE: $650 KNIFE TO KNOW: Brion Tomberlin is a master smith in the American Bladesmith Society MAKER: Brion Tomberlin (Jocelyn Frasier image)
Craig Brewer Slipjoint
BLADE LENGTH: 2.5” BLADE MATERIAL: Mike Norris stainless damascus in a Frequency pattern BLADE GRIND: Hollow SCALES: Mammoth ivory CLOSED LENGTH: 3” MAKER’S PRICE FOR A SIMILAR KNIFE: $1,100 KNIFE TO KNOW: Craig Brewer is an apprentice smith in the American Bladesmith Society MAKER: Craig Brewer (Jocelyn Frasier image)
Quintin T. Hardtner IV Take-Down Frame-Handle Bowie
BLADE LENGTH: 8.25” BLADE MATERIAL: Feather damascus of 1084 carbon and 15N20 nickel-alloy steels BLADE GRIND: Flat SCALES: Curly koa FURNITURE MATERIAL: Same as blade SPACERS: Nickel silver OVERALL LENGTH: 13.5” KNIFE TO KNOW: Won Best Fixed Blade and Best of Show at the 2025 Louisiana Knife Show SHEATH: Leather; custom made by Bob Bobbitt MAKER’S PRICE FOR A SIMILAR KNIFE: $3,000 MAKER: Quintin T. Hardtner IV (Jocelyn Frasier image)
Spartan Blades Soter Carbon Fiber Edition
KNIFE TYPE: EDC folder BLADE LENGTH: 3.25” BLADE STEEL: CPM S35VN stainless ROCKWELL HARDNESS: 58-60 HRC BLADE FINISH: Satin HANDLE MATERIAL: Carbon fiber/G-10 composite LOCK: RaceLock™ POCKET CLIP: Machined from one piece of steel, PVD-coated in flat dark earth WEIGHT: 3.9 ozs. COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: USA MSRP: $310 KNIFE TO KNOW: Soter is the Greek mythological figure known as the “protector” COMPANY: Spartan Blades, spartanbladesusa.com
Tory Utt Arkansas Hunter
KNIFE TYPE: Slipjoint BLADE LENGTH: 4” BLADE MATERIAL: Feather pattern damascus forged by Bill Poor BLADE GRIND: Flat BLADE PATTERN: Clip point HANDLE FRAME: Nickel silver SCALES: Westinghouse Micarta® SHIELD: Mother-of-pearl BOLSTERS: Topo pattern damascus forged by Tory Utt CLOSED LENGTH: 4.25” MAKER’S PRICE FOR A SIMILAR KNIFE: $1,300 range KNIFE TO KNOW: Tory Utt has been making knives for 12 years MAKER: Tory Utt, sacredbearknives.com (SharpByCoop image)
Mace Vitale Bowie
BLADE LENGTH: 12.5” BLADE MATERIAL: W2 tool steel w/hamon BLADE GRIND: Flat SCALES: Tasmanian blackwood GUARD & FERRULE: Mild steel OVERALL LENGTH: 17.5” KNIFE TO KNOW: The design is inspired by early American knives; Mace Vitale is a journeyman smith in the American Bladesmith Society MAKER’S PRICE FOR A SIMILAR KNIFE: $1,750 MAKER: Mace Vitale (SharpByCoop image)
Bear & Son Cutlery 112A 4” Stainless Steel Framelock
BLADE LENGTH: 2 7/8” BLADE MATERIAL: Stainless steel BLADE PATTERN: Drop point BLADE OPENERS: Flipper and thumb stud OPENING MECHANISM: Assisted HANDLE MATERIAL: Stainless steel LOCK: Framelock POCKET CLIP: Yes WEIGHT: 3.8 ozs. CLOSED LENGTH: 3¾” COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: USA MSRP: $59.99 COMPANY: Bear & Son Cutlery, bearandsoncutlery.com
Camillus Explorer
BLADE LENGTH: 3” BLADE STEEL: 3Cr13 stainless BLADE PATTERN: Drop point HANDLE MATERIAL: Nylon glass fiber LOCK: Crossbar WEIGHT: 3 3/8 ozs. CLOSED LENGTH: 4.5” COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: Offshore MSRP: $29.99 COMPANY: Camillus, camillusknives.com
5.11 Pryme Double Duty DP
KNIFE TYPE: Folder BLADE LENGTH: 3.25” BLADE MATERIAL: D2 tool steel BLADE GRIND: Compound BLADE PATTERN: Drop point BLADE OPENERS: Flipper and thumb stud HANDLE MATERIAL: G-10 on mark side/420J2 stainless on lock side BOLSTER MATERIAL: 420J2 LOCK: Framelock POCKET CLIP: Steel, deep carry, reversible WEIGHT: 5.3 ozs. CLOSED LENGTH: 5.125” SPECIAL FEATURES: Built-in, full-handle-length pry tool/screwdriver/optic COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: China MSRP: $85 CONTACT: 5.11, 5.11tactical.com
From GiantMouse’s GM line, these new drops continue a storied tradition.
GiantMouse’s GM line has an impressive pedigree. Not only has it produced a BLADE Magazine’s Knife of the Year—the GMX—it has also proven among the company’s most popular collections.
One of the aspects adding to the line’s intrigue is the limited aspect of the knives that compose it. Early on, only 400 pieces were produced for each design—300 of the standard and 100 of the P version; now, it’s 600 total knives—400 standard and 200 of the P version. But in either amount, once the run is done, so is the design. So, if you like a knife from this line, you’ll need to be quick on the draw to procure one.
With that in mind, GiantMouse fans might need to limber up their left-mouse-click fingers, because the company has two new GMs about to drop—the GM14 and GMP14. These are the first additions to the collection in a spell and are sure to be popular when they go live on the GiantMouse website Dec. 9.
As the name suggests, the knives are very similar in design. The GMP offers some premium features. At the quick, what are collectors getting in the GM14 and GMP14? A slick, sleek and modern design. These knives are as comfortable in a three-piece suit as they would be in a pair of casual jeans.
The liner locks teeter on the larger side, with the blades measuring in at 3.6 inches and an overall length of 8.6 inches. Even with the size, the knives are featherweight, with the heavier of the two—the GMP—tipping the scales at less than 5 ounces. Much of the weight savings is thanks to titanium handles, which do a number on the knives’ overall mass.
GiantMouse uses Vanax steel for the blade, a nitrogen-alloy offering some pretty desirable traits. Among the most notable are its corrosion resistance, toughness and edge retention. You find this steel in a lot of high-end fishing knives or blades bound for moist environments.
Where the GM14 and GMP14 split paths is the bling GiantMouse incorporated into each design. In particular, the GMP features a darker PVD titanium handle, PVD Vanax blade and rich bronze inlays. An interesting aspect of the use of bronze is that it will patina over time, making each knife unique to its owner.
As for price, the GM14 rings up at $395, while the GMP14 has an MSRP of $445. Both look like solid additions to a storied line.
Don’t let these blades’ swanky good looks lull you into thinking they aren’t up to the job. They’re not just gents, but workhorses.
Gent’s knife is a fitting name for a pocketknife that’s just downright handy. It’s a refined edged tool good to have for all types of small chores you encounter on a daily basis, from cutting cord to opening packages.
Fallkniven U2vi Virgo
The author used the Fallkniven U2Vi Virgo to score two tails of cord vertically and peel off the coating, leaving tails of bare wire ready to splice. The blade was plenty sharp and did the job well.
The U2vi Virgo is the latest in a long line of Fallkniven’s “U2” models that date back to 2004. I tested Fallkniven’s first U2 and it’s been in my pocket ever since. Back then I was highly impressed with the blade and the then-new Lamellar steel, and Fallkniven has used the U2 as a platform to showcase new steels ever since. The platform has a black Grilon synthetic handle with a cutout for a lockback release. There is no pocket clip—the knife is a pure pocket rider.
I tested the Virgo around the office. One task was stripping electrical cord for splicing—first by slitting the cord up the middle, then around the perimeter, separating the two lengths. I scored the two tails of cord vertically and peeled off the coating, leaving the two tails of bare wire ready to splice. The blade was plenty sharp and did the job well. The Virgo is a featherweight folding knife you don’t know is there until you need it.
U2vi Virgo Specs Blade length: 2.5” Blade steel: SGPS laminate Blade grind: Flat Blade type: Drop point Handle material: Black Grilon Lock: Lockback Carry: Pocket Pocket clip: No Weight: 1.4 ozs. Closed length: 3.38” Knife to Know: SGPS stands for Super Gold Powdered Steel Country of origin: China MSRP: $140
Spyderco Metropolitan Lightweight
The Spyderco Metropolitan Lightweight’s wide blade excels at prepping snacks and larger tasks, too.
The Metropolitan Lightweight is an all-new SLIPIT model by Spyderco, though you just might recognize it as an old friend. It was designed to fill a void between the company’s UK Pen Knife and Urban models and fit the gent’s knife size perfectly. Other than its size the Metropolitan looks identical to its fellow stablemates, from its wide blade and Spydie hole to its curvaceous, finely textured checkered scales with embossed company logo. The slipjoint action includes a notched-joint mechanism* for measured opening and closing. Those who like options will appreciate the tip-up pocket clip, reversible for southpaw carry.
The Metropolitan is not much longer than the Fallkniven Virgo but the configuration is quite different. The wider Spyderco blade is well suited for cutting food or snacks. It easily sliced up a link for summer sausage for lunch. In other words, the wider blade can tackle larger chores, something to consider if your routine calls for such. Each knife has its advantages.
Metropolitan Lightweight Specs Knife type: Slipjoint Blade length: 2.68” Blade steel: M398 stainless Blade grind: Flat Blade pattern: Spear point Handle material: Black FRN (fiberglass-reinforced nylon) Carry: Pocket or wire clip; ambidextrous, tip-up Special features: Slipjoint has a notched-joint mechanism Weight: 1.6 ozs. Closed length: 3.73” Country of origin: Italy MSRP: $110
GiantMouse Ace Farley V2
The GiantMouse Ace Farley V2 is an upscale example many enthusiasts envision when they think of a classic gent’s knife, from the satin-bolstered frame to the meticulous surfaces of the finely finished scales and understated blade.
The GiantMouse Ace Farley V2 is a gent’s knife to the extreme. It is the upscale example many knife enthusiasts envision when they think of the genre. It has all the right stuff, from its satin-bolstered frame to the meticulous surfaces of its finely finished scales and understated blade. It smacks of the good stuff and it is. This knife is very pocketable.
The Farley V2 is a decked-out gent’s knife much the same size as the Virgo, so I tested them together. The Farley proved a very good cutter and the handle is comfortable. It is a finely finished folder. The blade action is powerful and has a half stop. You may want to wear it by the pocket clip so your friends can ask about it. It’s a shame to hide it in your pocket and deny them the pleasure of seeing such an attractive gem.
Ace Farley V2 Specs Knife type: Slipjoint Blade length: 3.625” Blade steel: Elmax stainless Blade pattern: Drop point Handle material: Carbon fiber/titanium Carry: Pocket or reversible wire clip Weight: 1.9 ozs. Closed length: 3.75” Special features: Slipjoint outfitted w/a half stop Country of origin: China MSRP: $225
SOG One-Zero Automatic
The SOG One-Zero Auto has the same pull-down blade release on both sides, a boon to southpaws who often get—ahem—“left” out of the design equation. The wide cutting edge is quite utilitarian.
The SOG One-Zero Automatic is noticeably larger than the other three test knives but is a high-stepping gent’s knife in its own right. It drips with refinement and its technical features are every bit as impressive. First off, it fires its premium-steel blade with authority. An easy, indiscriminate pull-down thumb release deploys the blade from either side—a bonus for lefties. Finally, the killer frosted aluminum handle reeks of class, replete with a stamped chrome clip.
You might call the One-Zero Auto a gent’s fighter, but it’s much more usable thanks to the grind midway up the blade as opposed to a pure dagger style—and the blade is stout. There’s nothing flimsy about the knife; it is rock solid from stem to stern. If you need protection and a nice amount of utility to go with it, the One-Zero Auto will serve you well.
One-Zero Auto Specs Knife type: Automatic Blade length: 3.1” Blade steel: S35VN stainless Blade pattern: Drop point Handle material: Satin-finished aluminum Carry: Stamped chrome pocket clip Weight: 3.3 ozs. Closed length: 4.7” Special features: Auto equipped with pull-down thumb release Country of origin: USA MSRP: $300
*Editor’s note: Though the Spyderco Metropolitan Lightweight’s notched-joint mechanism operates similarly to a half stop, it is not a half stop. “The best way to think of it is a back lock with a fixed backspring instead of a rocker,” Spyderco’s Michael Janich explained. “Now, take the locking lug and round off the corners so it ‘snags’ more than a slipjoint but doesn’t mechanically lock. A half stop is a flat spot on the tang of a slipjoint that creates a stop midway through the blade’s closing arc as a safety feature so the blade doesn’t snap shut too aggressively.”
