Rosecraft Blades expands its catalog with three new flipper-folders.
As the Rosecraft Blade crew was excited to herald during June’s BLADE Show, it has big things in store for this year. What the Tennessee designer was angling at became apparent this past month, with an interesting expansion of its catalog.
Rosecraft dropped three new knives in July, offering options in the mid to large range, all of them flipper folders. Here’s the breakdown of each.
MA-11
One of two new designs from Andy Armstrong, the MA-11 is a robust tanto flipper with a tactical look, with Rosecraft stating it’s angled at military, law enforcement and first responders. However, it’s not so geeked to preclude it from EDC in milder environments. Catching the eye right off is the bulldogged nose of the 3.9-inch RPM9-steel blade, a much steeper angle than seen on a majority of factory tantos recently. The method to the madness here appears to be creating an ample prying surface, a task the relatively thick blade should prove adept at.
The MA-11 has a stainless steel handle with G10 front cover, nicely textured to give a bit more grip to the knife. The kicker and thumb stud on the frame lock is ample, but not so aggressive as to get in the way or initiate a premature deployment. However, when the blade is required it comes out in a snap, thanks to a ceramic ball-bearing pivot. Other notables include an ambidextrous tip-up/tip-down carry pocket clip and a lanyard loop. MSRP: $77
Aeris Rex
An offering by designer Hawkins Rose, an early run of the Aeris Rex proved among the best sellers at BLADE Show, according to Rosecraft. It’s easy to see why, the harpoon tanto is darkly handsome, set off with copper bolsters. Fairly sizable, with an overall length of 8 inches and 5 ounces in weight, the knife nevertheless has clean lines and looks that should make it comfortable in any setting.
Offering supreme control, the Aeris Rex—Latin for “King of the Air” or “Air King”— boasts a fairly sizable handle and the choice of Micarta or carbon fiber handles. Both options are attractive, but the latter material tacks nearly $20 on the MSRP. Again, Rosecraft outfits the knife with both a kicker and thumbstud for deployment and utilizes a ceramic ball-bearing pivot. This liner lock also has a hidden lanyard hole and is ambidextrous, with a configurable tip-up/tip-down pocket clip. MSRP: $86 Micarta handle; $107 carbon fiber handle
Waya
Cherokee for wolf, the Waya is perhaps the most dapper of the three new releases—yet another creation of Armstrong. The clip point presents very clean lines and a striking dark appearance, complimented by a split G10 handle—black and an off-white in the above case. Overall a classy package that cuts an executive knife’s figure.
The smallest of the releases, the Waya sports a 3.4-inch RPM9-steel blade, topped off with a black PVD coating. Again, the knife is outfitted with a flipper and thumbstud, as well as a ceramic ball-bearing pivot for fast and easy opening. The G10 handle should provide a solid purchase on the knife and comes with an ambidextrous, deep-carry, tip-up pocket clip that helps the Waya disappear into a hip pocket. There is also an OD green handle option that comes with a stonewashed blade finish. MSRP: $74
Today’s framelock folders are built tough, stylish and sharp.
Framelocks are popular with folks who put folding knives to rough use. They are built more robust than linerlocks simply because the lockbar is cut out and bent from the steel or titanium frame of the handle. The lockbar is the exact width of the handle scale, whatever thickness that may be. Consequently, compared to the spring of a standard linerlock, there is significantly more material locking the blade open and, thus, greater lock strength.
Hinderer Knives Halftrack
At the end of the titanium lockbar of the Hinderer Halftrack is a bolted-in steel block that contacts the tang and reduces wear on, and thus adds longevity to, the lockbar.
Named for the specialized military vehicle with a tracked propulsion drive system, the Hinderer Knives Halftrack framelock folder is, like its namesake, practically unstoppable. Despite the knife’s compact size, it has the horsepower to muscle through tasks big and small.
Hinderer Knives is known for high-end folding and fixed-blade knives aimed at the tactical market. The Halftrack is a bulldog of a tactical folder and one of Hinderer’s biggest sellers. A scaled-down tactical folder, it’s easy to carry. One thing’s for sure, the Halftrack is stout, with a handle that’s a little over a half-inch thick. The 2.75-inch blade is high-octane CPM S45VN stainless steel. The classic bowie shape has a defined tip for precise cutting. Other blade pattern options are a Spanto—Hinderer’s in-house design of blade grind that results in a very stout spear point—a tanto, wharncliffe and drop point.
The boxy handle frame is stonewashed titanium and the framelock is one of the strongest on the market. At the end of the titanium lockbar is a bolted-in steel block that contacts the tang and reduces wear on, and thus adds longevity to, the lockbar. Not all knife companies incorporate such a feature on their framelocks. A sturdy titanium pocket clip carries the closed knife blade tip up in the pocket. G-10 inlay in several color options on the presentation side sports a nice 3D milling pattern that aids in traction. At 3.85 inches closed, the Halftrack is robustly built without being too bulky.
The Halftrack blade has an excellent edge out of the box and is ready to work. The CPM S45VN stainless steel has staying power and holds an edge exceptionally well. As the author noted, it’s a material that can go the distance.
The blade has an excellent edge out of the box and is ready to work. The S45VN has staying power and holds an edge exceptionally well. It’s a steel that can go the distance. The handle doesn’t seem that comfortable at first but once you work with it you’ll understand the purpose behind the design. The large finger recess forms an integral lower guard that seats your index finger and prevents forward hand movement, while the angled handle butt fits perfectly in the palm of your hand. The boxy shape helps prevent it from being “lost” in your grip while wearing work gloves, too.
Expect top notch performance all around. The blade sails through just about anything—cardboard, hose, wire, meat and a lot more. It does it all easily. The MSRP of $425 may be somewhat steep but the knife is well worth every dollar. It’s a tough folder that will take abuse and last for years. Country of origin: USA.
Kershaw Helitack
The 3.25-inch clip-point blade of the Helitack is built to excel at utility tasks. Such a pattern not only slices very well but also has a defined tip for precise cutting and scoring.
Named for the U.S. Forest Service helicopter borne firefighters who are flown to combat remote wildfires, the Helitack from Kershaw exhibits the same toughness and resolve that the special breed of firefighters possesses. Like firefighter gear, the Helitack is built tough and carries easily. The 3.26-inch modified clip-point blade of 8Cr13MoV stainless is razor sharp out of the box. (The 8Cr13MoV is the Chinese equivalent of Japanese AUS-8.) The blade deploys via a flipper tab and SpeedSafe assisted opener, and rides on a pair of caged bearings for the ultimate smoothness in opening and closing.
The handle is a stainless steel framelock and sports a chamfer around the edges to soften the grip and make it more comfortable. A reversible clip carries the knife deep in the pocket. The clip easily reverses to the opposite side using a standard T6 Torx driver. A steel lockbar stabilizer is integrated into the pivot on the lock side of the handle. It prevents the lockbar from traveling too far and thus losing tension when locking the blade open. The handle’s slender nature adds to the comfortable carry experience. The lock engages securely with zero play. The blade and handle sport a gray titanium nitride coating that’s handsome and low glare. The hardware is a contrasting black for an overall eye-catching look.
The Kershaw Helitack’s stainless steel framelock sports a chamfer around the edges to soften the grip and make it more comfortable. A reversible clip carries the knife deep in the pocket.
The 3.25-inch clip-point blade is built to excel at utility tasks. Such a pattern not only slices very well but also has a defined tip for precise cutting and scoring. The hollow grind allows the blade to be thinned out somewhat, giving the edge great bite without compromising strength. The Helitack tackles tougher materials with ease, something an EDC work knife must do.
The handle seems very comfortable and has no hot spots, though there were times I wished it were a bit wider to help me power through a cut. As slim as the handle is it carries very well. The lock held firmly. At an MSRP of $64.99, the knife is a great value. Country of origin: China.
Bastinelli Knives Bastien Coves
The BBR2’s titanium lock side is anodized a bronze color. The blade spine thumb rest is at the most forward point of the grip and has traction notches. The pocket clip carries the closed knife blade tip up and is non-reversible.
The knife designs of Bastien Coves of Bastinelli Knives are very progressive and geared toward tactical with an emphasis on high utility. Ergonomics are a priority with Bastinelli’s designs and they are some of the most comfortable tacticals around.
The BBR2 framelock folder showcases Bastien’s fine design talent. Made in Italy by Lionsteel, the knife has a 3.1-inch drop-point blade of D2 tool steel in a stonewash finish for a good visual contrast. The blade is rather interesting as it is a “dropped” design in relation to the handle. This permits Bastinelli to make full use of the ergonomic handle and allows the blade to be used to its full potential by lowering the cutting edge below the handle, reducing interference from the user’s hand and making the blade more useful in various cutting tasks. D2 was chosen for its high performance for the money. Dual thumb studs provide ease of one-hand opening, and the pivot’s Ikoma Korth Bearing System (IKBS) ensures ultra-smooth blade rotation. A fuller milled into the blade reduces weight and provides a nice visual and an aggressive presence.
If you follow Bastinelli’s work, you know the BBR2 is available in a plain edge blade. Starting in 2024, Bastinelli will begin offering the BBR2 in a partly serrated blade as well, and provided an early sample of the semi-serrated iteration to road test for the article.
A partly serrated blade on the Bastinelli BBR2 is new for 2024.
The handle is a half-and-half construction, with a milled G-10 presentation side and a titanium lock side anodized bronze. The curved handle with prominent index finger groove is one of the best things about the BBR2. It is super comfortable. The handle edges are chamfered as is the grip to remove some material to fit your hand better. The blade spine thumb rest is at the most forward point of the grip and has traction notches. An aluminum spacer protrudes stylistically at the handle butt to form a skull cracker point. The pocket clip carries the closed knife blade tip up and is non-reversible. (Sorry, southpaws.) I also like the rounded G-10, which helps the knife sit better in your hand. At first it did feel a bit weird with the rounded G-10 and the flat titanium lock side, but after working with the knife for a while you get used to it. MSRP: $250.
CRKT Padawan
For using, the author’s favorite of the two blade patterns of the CRKT Padawan is the wharncliffe. The full flat grind gradually tapers down to the edge and makes it an absolute slicer.
CRKT’s newest folder design, the Padawan is designed by Brazilian knifemaker Pedro Buzetti of Presidential Prudente, Brazil. Buzetti is the protege of Flavio Ikoma (page 36), the Ikoma of the Ikoma Korth Bearing System (IKBS) and a well-known Brazilian knifemaker who also has several collaborations with CRKT. The Padawan is Buzetti’s first collaboration with the company and is a stylish EDC folder. Pretty much a scaled-down tactical folder, the Padawan features a steel handle and framelock construction. It comes in two blade styles—an upswept semi-skinner and a wharncliffe, both 3 inches long. Blade steel is Sandvik 14C28N stainless, comparable to AUS-8.
There are two choices of handle overlays: textured black G-10 for the wharncliffe and brown canvas Micarta® for the semi-skinner. The overlays not only provide enhanced grip and visual styling but also act as a lockbar stabilizer. At 4.1 inches closed, the Padawan rides very well in the pocket, thanks in part to a blade-tip-up, deep-carry clip. Unfortunately, the clip is not reversible. Both knives feature flipper opening and the IKBS to provide easy, fast blade deployment.
For using, my favorite of the two blade patterns is the wharncliffe. The full flat grind gradually tapers down to the edge and makes it an absolute slicer. The wharncliffe has a more defined tip than the semi-skinner’s drop point. The Sandvik 14C28N steel holds an edge well for the money and is fairly easy to resharpen.
The CRKT Padawan offers two choices of handle overlays: textured black G-10 for the wharncliffe and brown canvas Micarta® for the semi-skinner. The overlays not only provide enhanced grip and visual styling but also act as a lockbar stabilizer.
The Padawan is a breeze to carry. It just disappears in your pocket. The handle is slender and comfortable, with the primary finger groove helping your index finger seat itself, with the rest of the fingers falling into place naturally. Chamfers in the grip make the handle feel slimmer than it actually is. Attention to detail is not lost at all, from the stylized tri-wing pivot screws to the mirror-polished, crowned blade spine. Such little touches make a good knife even better and add value. The Padawan is a great EDC framelock built stout that carries well without feeling bulky. MSRP for either version is a very reasonable $99.99. Country of origin: China.
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.”
Summer brings a focused shift toward portability and pocket-ready performance, highlighting a diverse lineup of high-tech folders and streamlined carry options. This month’s selection focuses on the incredible versatility of the modern knives, showcasing the work of veteran masters with decades of experience alongside award-winning new makers. Whether you are looking for an ultra-premium custom bowie to round out a collection or a hard-use automatic for daily carry, our July 2026 roundup proves that the industry’s drive for innovation remains as sharp as ever.
Pro-Tech Knives Avalon
Lock: Button Lock Deployment: Thumb Studs Blade Length: 4.25” Blade Material: MagnaCut Blade Pattern: Drop Point Scales: 6061 Aluminum Overall Length: 9.25” Weight: 3.69 oz. MSRP: $310 Country Of Origin: U.S.A. protechknives.com
Lin Rhea Slip Joint Folder
Jocelyn Frasier image
Blade Length: 4” Blade Material: 80CrV2 Blade Pattern: Drop Point Scales: Micarta Overall Length: 9” Knife To Know: Includes sheath made by Kay Rhea Maker’s Price: $1,300 Country Of Origin: U.S.A. Maker’s price for a similar knife: $1,300
Work Sharp RMX Thumbstud
Blade Length: 3.2” Lock: Button Lock Blade Material: M390 Blade Pattern: Drop Point Handle: Magnesium Overall Length: 7.5” Weight: 2.6 oz. Knife To Know: Handle is integral, reversable clip MSRP: $140 Country Of Origin: Assembled in U.S.A. from foreign components worksharptools.com
Cody Adolphson Vest Bowie
Jocelyn Frasier image
Knife Type: Vest Bowie Blade Material: 1084/15N20 Damascus Pattern: Dark Core Feathered Damascus Blade Pattern: Drop Point Blade Grind: Flat Handle Material: Ancient Walrus Ivory, Nickel Silber Accents, Damascus Pommel Guard: Twist Damascus Overall Length: 10” Maker’s Price For A Similar Knife: $1,400 Country Of Origin: U.S.A.
Justin Burton Kukri
Jocelyn Frasier image
Blade Length: 10.5” Blade Material: 80CrV2/15N20 Blade Pattern: Twisted Damascus San Mai Blade Grind: Flat Handle: Black dyed curly mango with red G-10 spacers Guard: Nebular Fat Carbon Knife To Know: Custom bead made with Elforyn Supertusk and Damasteel Maker’s Price For A Similar Knife: $1,500 Country Of Origin: U.S.A.
TOPS Knives Sidekick Diver
Designer: Ana Espinoza Blade Length: 5.75” Blade Material: N690 Blade Pattern: Spear Blade Finish: Black Traction Coating Scales: G10 Overall Length: 11.25” Weight: 12.8 oz. Sheath: Black Kydex Knife To Know: Integral line cutter on the spine. Also available with a double edge. MSRP: $395 Country Of Origin: U.S.A. topsknives.com
WE Knife Dracarys
Lock: Frame Lock Blade Length: 3.58” Blade Material: Böhler M390 Blade Pattern: Clip Point Blade Grind: Flat Handle Material: 6AL4V Titanium Overall Length: 8.13” Closed Length: 4.55” Weight: 3.66 oz. Knife To Know: Limited to 199 pieces, 6AL4V titanium pocketclip, caged ceramic ball MSRP: $370 Country Of Origin: China weknife.com
Chad Fox Bowie
Jocelyn Frasier image
Blade Length: 9.25” Blade Material: W2 Blade Pattern: Clip Point Handle: Koa Overall Length: 14.5” Knife To Know: Salt blackened mild steel Maker’s Price For A Similar Knife: $950 Country Of Origin: U.S.A.
Colten Tippetts Neck Knife
Jocelyn Frasier image
Name: Dinker Blade Length: 2” Blade Material: Ladder Damascus Blade Pattern: Drop Point Handle: Desert Ironwood Overall Length: 3.5” Knife To Know: Also made in 01 Tool Steel with Dymondwood handles. Maker’s Price: $150 Country Of Origin: U.S.A.
Craig Camerer Slim Pickers Fighter
Jocelyn Frasier image
Knife Type: Fighter Blade Length: 7” Blade Material: 1080/15N20 Blade Pattern: Dancing Martian Damascus Blade Grind: Flat Handle: African Blackwood Guard: Nickel Silver Overall Length: 12.5” Maker’s Price For A Similar Knife: $750 Country Of Origin: U.S.A.
Bear & Son Cutlery Auto Bold Action XIV
Blade Length: 4.5” Blade Material: S35VN Blade Pattern: Drop Point Blade Grind: Hollow Handle: Aluminum Overall Length: 8.75 Weight: 1.5 oz. Knife To Know: OTS Automatic, tip-up carry. MSRP: $230 Country Of Origin: U.S.A. bearandsoncutlery.com
The New Kizer Drop Bear Is An Excellent EDC, And The Clutch Lock Is A Worthy New Addition To The World Of Axis Lock Knives
In the ever-growing world of EDC knives, finding ways to stand out is difficult. So many brands, so many steels, so much of everything. And even in that crowded field, the new Drop Bear from Kizer finds ways to catch the eye.
Boasting a high-quality blade, simple handle, and innovative lock, the Drop Bear is the kind of knife you’ll want to use every day … more so, it’s the type of blade you’ll go out of your way to use.
Getting The Drop On The Drop Bear
The Drop Bear in both of its colorways: Gunsteel on top and Black, with the bright purple thumb stud, below.
First that name. For those wondering it originates from a beast of Australian folklore that–as the legend goes–drops from trees to attack humans. Pleasant.
However, Kizer’s Drop Bear (MSRP $158) allure isn’t its reference to free-falling arboreal bruins. Instead, it’s Kizer’s twist to Benchmade’s Axis™ lock configuration.
Called a Clutch Lock by the China-based company, the mechanism provides a dead-tight lockup. I put this through the wringer, but we’ll get to that in a moment. And while few locking mechanisms have ever sold a knife, this adds enough of a spin to the traditional drop point to make it stand out.
So, let’s talk a little bit about the Drop Bear’s Clutch Lock.
Clutch Player
The clutch lock seen after removing one of the scales. The lock can be adjusted, and scales replaced, in less than two minutes.
As the fidgety type, I have to confess up front I love this knife. Right off that should give some indication of what the Clutch Lock brings to the table.
Where Kizer gets it correct is by not improving an already proven system, with the blade unlocking similar to most other Axis-type locks. For those unfamiliar, a pair of buttons situated on either side of the knife–in this case behind the pivot–are retracted, thus releasing the blade. As mentioned, it’s an ideal lock for those of us who fidget.
However, Kizer has improved the system by tinkering with the pair of Gemini springs hidden beneath the scales. The rub here, their tension is adjustable. This is a big deal.
This concept is not entirely foreign to those bold enough to have skunk worked spring tension for years. Many times the results were less than optimal, which is why Kizer’s setup is desirable. Basically, you won’t make the Drop Bear a victim of shoddy kitchen-table knifesmithing.
The tension adjustment itself is simple, even for the mechanically challenged. The frame has five holes on each side in which the spring is loosened or tightened. If you want a faster open and tighter lockup, crank it up to the holes closest to the blade. Desire a looser action, dial it down.
Interestingly, and probably grasped by the mathematically inclined in the audience, the five holes on each side don’t add up to five settings. Instead, it’s 5X5 settings for a total of 25. Boy, if you can’t find what you’re looking for in that range, then nearly any knife is likely to leave you cold.
Bear Necessities
The Drop Bear is a sleek, nimble knife as seen from above.
Novel as the Drop Bear’s Clutch Lock is, it wouldn’t add up to a pile of scrap if Kizer didn’t finish the job with all the parts to make a solid knife. Overall, they make it worth the price of admission.
With a quality EDC knife in mind, Kiser outfitted the Drop Bear with a blade a shade under 3-inches long–legal in most jurisdictions. The 154CM stainless steel, again becoming popular in this role, offers a Rockwell hardness of 58-61 HRC.
Topping off this end of the knife, Kizer applies a flat grind to help create the edge. Good choice, because it comes out of the box frighteningly sharp. Outfitted with moderately sized thumb studs with plenty of clearance, this attribute is quickly deployed.
In the hand, the knife feels light–listed as 3.7 ounces–but not light as air. This is a good middle ground for this class of knife, where it feels substantial in your hand yet won’t tear the rivets out of your jean’s hip pockets.
Much of the weight savings come from an attractive skeletonized frame, under the aluminum handle scale. With an ergonomic swell toward the middle of the handle, the Drop Bear offers purchase and plenty of control.
As for aesthetics, the knife comes in two colorways. The first style is a gun steel blade with a satin finish and black thumb stud. The second has a black blade with an eye-catching purple thumb stud.
Finally, a tip-up clip keeps the knife at hand and riding deep in the pocket.
Testing The Drop Bear
The Drop Bear was a joy to test and cuts most types of material with ease.
It’s an EDC so I wasn’t going to try and chop through the vines slowly overtaking the corner of my backyard fence. I used it around the house for a few days.
It cut through plastic and tape like there was nothing there at all. It’s a perfect letter opener. The Drop Bear easily handles the daily tasks you’ll see every day. Taking it a step further, I used it as my only knife when prepping dinner for my wife and I.
First was the romaine lettuce, which the knife handled with ease. Whether holding the Drop Bear in the pinch grip like a chef’s knife or by using the jimping and pressing down with my thumb from the top down, the knife dispatched the lettuce easily.
Up next was the tomatoes, and it was the best experience I’ve had with a flat-edge knife cutting tomatoes. They were Campari tomatoes, so smaller and more delicate than beefsteak or Roma tomatoes, and the Drop Bear went through the flesh easily. This was best done in a pinch grip and got incredibly thin slices of tomato for the salad.
Celery is stiff and crunchy, and it was no problem for the Drop Bear. The chicken breast was easy too. I preferred cutting the chicken by utilizing the jimping, and the knife bit down easily and sliced through the meat without a hiccup.
My single favorite cutting task was the bell pepper. I chose to cut the pepper through the skin side as that is traditionally more difficult than cutting through the interior flesh. I have never cut through a bell pepper easier than I did with the Drop Bear. It left me thinking that this could reasonably replace a paring knife.
However, the Drop Bear did meet its match against a large carrot. The knife did not enjoy fighting through the harder, denser flesh, forcing me to switch to a kitchen knife to finish the job.
Beyond the kitchen, the Drop Bear shined. It gets through cardboard boxes like nothing. The corrugated cardboard can be the test upon which many knives fail, but the Drop Bear didn’t even blink.
Additionally, I tested it on some brand new ⅜-inch polypropylene cord. I figured that the cord would provide some sort of fight for the Drop Bear. Instead, it was a first-round knockout as the blade smoothly sliced through the rope, leaving a clean cut with little in terms of frayed strands.
As for the action, I preferred the knife a little looser and set it at the second position. And the lock, I put the strength of the lock through the ringer. I did everything I could to break it. I bent it backward, sideways, every which way I could to flex the knife. The lock held firm and never budged.
Final Cut
Overall, the Drop Bear makes the cut for me.
The knife has enough mechanical allure to make it intriguing while remaining practical. For tinkers and fidgeters, this is a big plus. For those less inclined to get wowed by engineering wizardry, Kizer’s creation still shows sharp.
The Drop Bear is more than ready to tackle most EDC jobs, though you might not want to push it too far out of its comfort zone. What knife isn’t that true for? But for the price, it seems Kizer has hit the mythological sweet spot for this class of knife.
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
From kitchen to camp and beyond, these puppies will perform.
Christmas may have passed and all your presents have been unwrapped, but that doesn’t mean you can’t start building out your wish list for the coming year. We’re here to help with a slew of new knives—and non-knives—that are certain to tantalize and tempt. From production options full of pomp and customs cutting one-of-a-kind profiles, there’s something for knife lover.
Greiner Chef’s Knife
Blade length: 10” Blade material: 80CrV2 carbon steel w/forged finish Blade grind: Flat Handle material: Double-stabilized karelian birch Overall length: 14.5” Maker’s price for a similar knife: $600 Maker: Erik Greiner, greinerblades.com (SharpByCoop image)
Franklin Bread Knife
Blade length: 9.25” Blade material: 52100 carbon steel Handle material: Hawaiian koa Overall length: 14” Maker’s price for a similar knife: $575 Knife to know: Also comes in a set of three that includes chef’s and paring knives w/a price of $1,750 for the entire set; Thomas Franklin is an ABS apprentice smith Maker: Thomas Franklin (Jfrasierphotography.com)
Spyderco Petty
Designer: ABS master smith Murray Carter Blade length: 4.64” Blade steel: CTS BD1N stainless Blade grind: Full-flat Blade @ thickest: .068” Handle design: Wa style (octagonal) Handle material: Black polypropylene Weight: 1.8 ozs. Overall length: 8.87” Knife to know: The Petty is part of Spyderco’s Minarai Series; meaning “to look and learn,” minarai is the Japanese way of describing the role of an apprentice Country of origin: Japan Company: Spyderco, spyderco.com
Morakniv Rombo
Model: Camp chef’s knife Blade length: 3.86” Blade steel: Swedish stainless Blade grind: Flat Blade @ thickest: .09” Blade finish: Two-tone Handle material: Wood Weight: 5.5 ozs. Overall length: 8” Country of origin: Sweden Knife to know: Designed for right-hand use MSRP: $230 (at press time rate of exchange) Company: Morakniv, industrialrev.com
Spartan Blades Poros
Designer: Curtis Iovito Knife type: Flipper folder Blade length: 3.75” Blade steel: 154CM stainless Rockwell hardness: 58-60 HRC Blade grind: Flat Blade @ thickest: .125” Blade finish: Black titanium nitride coating Blade pattern: Drop point Pivot action: Ikoma Korth Bearing System (IKBS) Handle material: Carbon fiber/G-10 composite Lock: Linerlock Pocket clip: Deep carry Hardware & liner: Stainless steel w/black electro-deposit powder coating Weight: 5.3 ozs. Closed length: 4.25” Country of origin: USA MSRP: $190 Company: Spartan Blades, spartanbladesusa.com
Cold Steel The Republic
Knife type: Bushcraft fixed blade Blade length: 5” Blade steel: CPM S35VN stainless Rockwell hardness: 58-60 HRC Blade @ thickest: .1535” Blade finish: Corrosion resistant/no-glare Ionbond Blade pattern: Drop point Handle material: Micarta® w/single integral guard and lanyard hole Knife to know: Handle is removable for customization based on situation/undertaking; spine gimping for extra control Weight: 8.4 ozs. Overall length: 10” Sheath: Leather pouch MSRP: $269.99 Country of origin: USA Company: Cold Steel, coldsteel.com
WE Knife Zonda
Pattern: Flipper folder Blade length: 4.04” Blade steel: CPM 20CV stainless Blade finish: Stonewashed Blade @ thickest: .13” Handle material: Black titanium w/flamed titanium inlay Pocket clip: Right-hand, blade-tip-up carry Lock: Framelock Closed length: 4.85” Country of origin: China MSRP: $480 Company: WE Knife, weknife.com
Halfbreed Blades MILF-03PS
Blade length: 3.54” Blade steel: CPM S30V stainless Rockwell hardness: 59-60 HRC Blade grind: Hollow Blade @ thickest: .19” Blade finish: PVD coat Blade pattern: Tanto Handle material: G-10 Washers: Phosphor bronze Weight: 7.34 ozs. Closed length: 5.51” Handle @ thickest: .59” Country of origin: Australian and Taiwanese make MSRP: $280 Company: Halfbreed Blades, halfbreedblades.com.au
Pattern: Slicer Blade length: 11.8” Blade material: San-mai construction of 410 stainless steel, nickel and 52100 carbon steel forged by Brook Turner Rockwell hardness: 62 HRC Blade grind: Flat/convex Blade thickness @ ricasso: .118” Blade @ widest: 1.496” Handle material: Coolabah burl Bolster/guard: African blackwood Overall length: 18.5” Maker: Marc Stewart, Mark Josef Knives, marcjosefknives.com.au (Rod Hoare image)
TOPS Knives El Pionero
Designer: Ed Calderon Blade length: 3.38” Blade material: 1095 carbon steel Blade @ thickest: .09” Blade finish: Tumble Handle material: Tan canvas Micarta® w/finger divot that aids in blade orientation, etc. Weight: 2.9 ozs. Overall length: 7.63” Sheath: Black Kydex Weight w/sheath: 4.1 ozs. Knife to know: The El Pionero is a “paring knife-esque design”; Ed Calderon (edsmanifesto.com) worked as a counter-narcotics officer in Mexico and more recently as a trainer and “guru in the tactical space” Country of origin: USA MSRP: $220 Company: TOPS Knives, topsknives.com
Dr. Jim Lucie: A Bladesmith’s Life & Legacy
What it’s about: ABS journeyman smith Dr. Jim Lucie had a unique background: he served as the personal physician for, and learned about knifemaking from, the man recognized as the grandfather of custom knives—BLADE Magazine Cutlery Hall-Of-Fame® member William Scagel. The author, Stephanie Lucie, is Lucie’s youngest of four daughters. She paints a picture of her father like no other, from childhood to adulthood, his bladesmithing mentors and friends, the many stories written about him and much more. Format: 9.25 x 12.5-inch hardback, limited to 1,500 copies in the first edition, over 300 color photos, including more than 200 knives Lucie made, and over 100 pictures of his life and accomplishments. MSRP: $120 Contact:jimluciebook.com
