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Best Minimalist Pocket Knives: Small, But Mighty EDC

Abe Elias
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Best Minimalist Pocket Knives: Small, But Mighty EDC

There’s no knife job too small for a compact cutter.

Folders come in all sizes and shapes.

Over the years, I have carried every size from compact and handy to needing to visit my chiropractor at the end of the day. I carry a Spyderco Para Military most often and other times I carry a Benchmade Griptilian. I can tell you that when I take out the Spyderco I get more comments on the size of the knife than the Griptilian.

I used to be a compact knife carrier and one of my favorites was the SOG Twitch II. I also favored two Kershaw Chives. To be fair, outside of some exceptions a compact carry did pretty much the majority of work I needed in an average day. I moved to the Spyderco only for the unexpected chores.

This time the focus is on smaller carries, the kind of carry a person in my age range would choose because his work is selling life insurance and he doesn’t need a blade that opens a person’s eyes as wide as a harvest moon. I put aside my regular carries for a number of weeks and downsized to bring you my thoughts on four factory compact carries.

CRKT MinimalX

CRKT minimalist pocketknife fuller
The fuller on the CRKT blade gives your index finger a nice purchase point for a controlled push cut while using a pinch grip.

CRKT MinimalX Frame Lock
Overall length: 5.3″
Blade length: 2.19″
Closed length: 3.2″
Stainless blade steel: 12C27
Scale material: Stainless steel
Locking system: Framelock
Pocket clip: Right side, low profile
Opening system: Flipper
Country of origin: China
MSRP: $60

Pros

  • Compact
  • Blade Utility
  • Aesthetic and Functional Features

Cons

  • Slick Handle Finish
  • Flipper Design Challenges

The first thing that strikes you about the CRKT MinimalX is how streamlined and compact it is. As probably will be the case with all four test knives, people with big hands might find them a bit difficult to use, a price you pay for the knives being compact and lighter.

To start, I have an issue with the handle finish. The stainless steel scales are a bit too slick. I find my thumb lacks purchase while opening the blade. To deploy the blade you use a flipper that sits even with the spine of the scales. CRKT provides a trim pocket clip mounted on a standoff platform. When closed, the knife is about the size of a pack of chewing gum.

Minimalist folded
The CRKT’s flipper is not proud of the back of the scales. According to the author, the tumble finish is a bit slick, though the finish color and smoothness accent the knife’s trim, compact proportions.

CRKT uses a pseudo chisel shape for the blade profile. It has a straight primary edge with a rounded chisel style tip. The blade works great for an urban EDC. As a handyman I used it several weeks for some fine trimming on door lock cuts in door frames, along with using it to scrape. Having a fuller on such a small blade adds character. It also provides a purchase point for a pinch hold.

The Darriel Caston design was hair popping sharp right out of the box. Lock up is solid as a vault. For a small carry, this is a well-built and excellent compact design. A knife like this could serve someone the better part of a lifetime.

CRKT MinimalX Gray Folding Knife

CRKT MinimalX Gray Folding Knife

$86.99
Palmetto State Armory $86.99
Prices accurate at time of publishing. Affiliate disclosure.

Boker Plus DW-1

Boker minimalist pocket knife
Boker provides a great little storage case with the DW-1. “Good EDC cases are hard to find, and expensive,” the author wrote. “I was excited about the case as much as the knife.”

Boker Plus DW-1 Specs
Overall length: 2.8″
Blade length: 1.06″
Closed length: 1.6″
Stainless blade steel: AUS-8
Scale material: Zytel/stainless steel
Locking system: Framelock
Pocket clip: Right hand, tip up
Opening system: Thumb stud
Country of origin: China
MSRP: $39.99

Pros

  • Ultra-Compact
  • Specialized Utility
  • Durable Construction

Cons

  • Awkward Ergonomics
  • Limited Functionality

I would have to drop the term compact and switch it to micro for the Boker Plus DW-1. Designed by Chad Los Banos, the smallest of the review knives comes with a solid pocket clip and framelock. One scale is stainless steel and the other is Zytel. The knife has Chad’s trademark design written all over it.

This is a minimalist carry. It is a great little blade for opening Amazon packages, cutting loose threads and string—basically all the little chores. Bigger jobs are not in the DW-1 domain. If you tried spreading peanut butter with it to make a sandwich for lunch, you would not be able to eat the same day.

DW-1 cutting zip tie
The DW-1 is great for those small jobs that you don’t want to risk a visit to the dentist on. Face it, everyday life doesn’t normally have you felling a mighty oak with your pocketknife.

Don’t get me wrong, the knife is made well and would be great for someone who worked retail stocking shelves and the like. As for fighting off a zombie horde, you could sharpen a small stick with it.

It would fit someone who needs an available edge but wants a subtle carry. If I worked retail, I would use it as a companion edge to my full-size model so I would not accidently shred the contents of the box—not that I ever did (hint, hint).

Boker Plus DW-1 Lock Money Clip Knife Zytel 01BO573

Boker Plus DW-1 Lock Money Clip Knife Zytel 01BO573

$35.66
Blade HQ $35.66
Prices accurate at time of publishing. Affiliate disclosure.

GiantMouse Ace Riv LL

GiantMouse compact edc knife
The GiantMouse just barely falls into a compact size for the author. It offers two opening options: blade hole and flipper.

GiantMouse Ace Riv LL Specs
Overall length: 5.75″
Blade length: 2.44″
Closed length: 3.375″
Stainless blade steel: CPM MagnaCut
Scale material: Double black canvas Micarta®
Locking system: Linerlock
Pocket clip: Ambidextrous, tip up
Opening system: Thumb hole
Country of origin: Italy
MSRP: $276

Pros

  • Smooth Deployment
  • Stylish
  • Reversible Pocket Clip

Cons

  • Premium Pricing

There is nary a hot spot on the Ace Riv LL from GiantMouse. The bearings make the blade simply pop open via a flipper or thumb hole. Housing a linerlock, the textured Micarta® handle provides a good surface for a secure grip. The blade has a tip down profile, making it good for utility cuts.

“I like Spyderco’s Compression lock,” the author noted. “The system certainly screams innovation. However, it is not as agile operating one handed as other systems.”
“I like Spyderco’s Compression lock,” the author noted. “The system certainly screams innovation. However, it is not as agile operating one handed as other systems.”

GiantMouse provides a wire-style reversible pocket clip. I dislike wire pocket clips. Over the years, I have found them to be the least sturdy and they often get bent. The knife is a great compact carry with some style and not so small as to be heavily limited.

Spyderco MicroJimbo

MicroJimbo blade has a very aggressive
The MicroJimbo blade has a very aggressive yet highly controllable tip. Only the slightest bit of pressure can puncture several materials.

Spyderco MicroJimbo Specs
Overall length: 6.22″
Blade length: 2.45″
Closed length: 3.8″
Stainless blade steel: CPM S30V
Scale material: G-10
Locking system: Compression Lock
Pocket clip: Ambidextrous, tip up
Opening system: Thumb hole
Country of origin: United States
MSRP: $245

Pros

  • Ergonomic Handle
  • Utility Blade Design
  • Compression Lock System

Cons

  • Borderline Midsize
  • Expensive

The Spyderco MicroJimbo is based on the original Yojimbo design named after a Japanese Samurai movie character. First off, the MicroJimbo borders on midsize. The handle size has always been a bit larger in proportion on the Spyderco Yojimbo line. Even on a compact carry, I favor having a handle that fits my hand. Control is key to enjoying any knife.

The MicroJimbo uses a utility style blade with a straight edge and aggressive tip. A stylized spine profile really sets the blade off. Spyderco uses the Compression blade-lock system. The textured scales are black G-10 with a wire pocket clip.

Minimalist pocket knife clip
Consider two different styles of wire pocket clips. The lip on the clip of the GiantMouse (left) is tighter to the scale, with a slight lift. The Spyderco (right) lifts the lip a bit to aid in trapping the pocket rim.

The shapes of Spyderco’s clips are more effective for attaching to a variety of pocket styles than most, though the fact that it’s in the wire style gives it the same issues as mentioned with the GiantMouse. Due to its distinctive look, the MicroJimbo might not be everyone’s cup of tea. It is a solid carry with an unusual style and loads of function.

Spyderco Microjimbo Sprint Run Pocket Knife 2.45" Wharncliffe CPM S30V Black DLC Blade G-10 Handle Pink

Spyderco Microjimbo Sprint Run Pocket Knife 2.45" Wharncliffe CPM S30V Black DLC Blade G-10 Handle Pink

$257.00 $192.75
Optics Planet $192.75
Prices accurate at time of publishing. Affiliate disclosure.

EDC KIT

Compact cutters will do the majority of most common daily knife tasks. Add a little creativity and you can stretch their function sometimes.

My EDC kit consists of my wallet, keys, pen, butane lighter, flashlight, bandana and my knife. That sounds like a lot, and it is. There are times when I add to the kit depending on what I’m doing. No doubt, it obviously increases weight and bulk.

Carrying a large kit means that I buy cargo pants only for daily wear. If there is anything I can do to save space and weight, I start by carry more compact versions of my gear. Obviously, my knife would be a start.

Read More Knife Reviews:

First Look: True Knives Berm Cleaver Flipper

Elwood Shelton
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First Look: True Knives Berm Cleaver Flipper

A budge-priced EDC cleaver that is priced for rough use.

Cleavers have broken out of the butcher shop and kitchen in recent years to become a sought-after EDC. Seems counterintuitive, but there’s a method in the knife-buying world’s madness.

One of the more interesting conversations I had at BLADE Show West 2024 came with a crane rigger who favored this style of blade.  With the flat cutting edge that makes mincemeat of heavy-duty rope and a muted tip, he didn’t have to worry about perforating himself, the knife class is highly practical in the pocket.

This is all a long way to say, there’s a new pocket cleaver in town with True Knives dropping the Berm Cleaver Flipper.

Part of the brand’s new Berm series, the knife offers a budget option most users won’t shy away from rough use. Yet, for its price, the knife offers a nice profile, though it might lack some in the steel True Knives uses for the blade.

Berm Cleaver Flipper Blade

To that point, the Berm Cleaver Flipper is constructed of 7Cr17MoV, a popular choice in budget knives. While the metal does take a good edge and has respectable hardness and excellent corrosion resistance, it has a few hitches in its giddyap. In particular, its toughness—particularly in thinner blades—is wanting, and edge retention is not among the best.

Still, this is a budget EDC we’re talking about.  Despite the steel’s drawback, True Knife has come up with a fairly spiffy blade profile. The knife has a fairly traditional cleaver look, though the 2.5-inch blade boasts a slight belly and does have a bit of a tip. The tip is welcome, making the knife more useful for everyday tasks where a puncturing point is required.

The brand includes generous jimping on nearly the entirety of the spine, offering extra purchase on chopping tasks. Additionally, there is a good choil on the blade, which helps in making sure you can sharpen the entire blade.

Berm Cleaver Flipper Handle

The grip is where the cleaver shines, with a relatively nice affair laid out. First off, I’m a sucker for the translucent green G-10, it gives the knife a modern look without being too audacious. Plus, particularly on a build at this price point, the G-10 is a solid material choice—textured nicely to make it stick to the hand.

Also appreciated, the cleaver’s clip is not only reversible but can be situated for tip-up or down carry. A versatile bonus on the knife.

Berm Cleaver Flipper Action

As its name suggests, the Berm Cleaver Flipper, though it’s a front flipper offering both index finger and thumb deployment. Additionally, it has a prominent thumb hole.

Smartly, True Knives has cut away some of the handle to offer access to the deployment mechanism, allowing users plenty of leverage options to get the blade to work. Caged bearing aids in a smooth and fast opening.

Final Cut

With an MSRP of $30, the Berm Cleaver Flipper is made for heavy use and abuse. The best part, if you put it through the wringer you won’t cry over a broken knife.

Check Out Our Knife Reviews:

CRKT Drops Five New Knives At BLADE Show West

Elwood Shelton
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CRKT Drops Five New Knives At BLADE Show West

Knives showcase Richard Roger’s design prowess.

BLADE Show West hasn’t only grown to become one of the largest knife shows in the West, it’s also become a prime venue for late-season knife drops. With a bevy of new designs, CRKT has a bevy of new blades it plans to unveil to the public in Salt Lake City.

In all, the Oregon-based company will release five knives at the Salt Palace Convention Center, fittingly coming from a premiere Western knifemaker. Richard Roger’s prime gig New Mexico cattleman, but over the years has become a well-known custom maker whose designs perfectly combine clean lines, practicality, as well as eye-catching use of materials.
The folder specialist’s knives are meant for use, but dang, if they aren’t pretty enough to show off.

Here’s a gander of what Rogers and CRKT have cooked up for BLADE Show West.

CRKT Q

CRKT Q Open

The limited-edition Q—based on Roger’s custom knife of the same name—has everything you want in a small-batch knife—chief among them, top-notch materials. The frame lock marries a titanium handle with carbon fiber inlay with a 3.31-inch MagnaCut steel blade. The lines on the drop-point knife are positively dialed in, with the point of the blade directly aligning with the pocket clip when deployed. The blade is put into action via a kicker. Topping off the Q is a floating backspacer that adds a splash of detail and hints at the knife’s premium nature, but otherwise, the Q remains perfectly understated. MSRP: $225.

CRKT Q Compact

q compact

Dang near identical to the Q, the compact model is simply scaled down for easier EDC carry. At 4 inches closed and only 2 ounces in weight, it fits the bill as an easy-to-tote option. The materials are different from the full-sized model, with an S35VN blade and a lightweight aluminum handle with G10 inlay. As well as, the small fry is also a liner lock. MSRP: $195.

CRKT Persian

CRKT Persian

Building on a fan-favorite Rogers classic, the upgraded Persian takes all the great features of the original and cranks them up a notch. The blade’s new “harpoon Persian” shape is eye-catching, and it’s crafted from tough MagnaCut steel, known for its superior strength, wear resistance, and corrosion protection. The titanium handle is lightweight, with a cool milled pattern inspired by Richard’s custom design. Made in Italy by Lionsteel Knives, this limited-edition folding knife is a must-have for collectors. MSRP: $275.

CRKT Pup

CRKT Pup

After the success of his CEO folding knife, Richard Rogers is back with the Pup, a compact everyday carry with smooth, rounded edges that slip easily into a pocket or purse. Built for modern life, it’s unobtrusive but ready to perform. The Pup comes in two models: a flipper with IKBS™ bearings, an AUS 10 steel blade, and a glass-reinforced nylon handle, or an Italian-made slip joint with a Super Dense Twist™ Damasteel® blade and a titanium handle with carbon fiber inlay for strength and style. MSRP: $70 and $275 respectively.
 

Check Out Our Knife Reviews:

Buckhorn Review: Ketuo-Ken Onion Hit It Out Of The Park

Dexter Ewing
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Buckhorn Review: Ketuo-Ken Onion Hit It Out Of The Park

The Buckhorn collaboration is about as good as it gets without going custom.

Ketuo Knives partnered with renowned custom knifemaker and designer Ken Onion, to come out with a collaboration knife unlike any other collaboration Onion has previously done.

Dubbed the Buckhorn and marketed under the Karbon Knives banner, the knife debuted at the 2024 BLADE Show in Atlanta in June, and it won the 2024 Knife Collaboration of the Year in the Knife of the Year award. And it takes partnership knives to the next level offering a bevy of top-shelf features at a price that doesn’t blow your budget.

Honestly, it’s shocking!

BUCKHORN Blade

Buckhorn blade
Known to hold up against heavy usage, the blade’s S35VN steel blade is a solid choice.

Onion has outfitted the Buckhorn with a modified 3.8-inch drop-point blade constructed from S35VN stainless steel. The material is a tried-and-true high-performance blade steel that holds an edge well and be fairly easy to sharpen when the need arises. To this is applied a high, flat grind that progressively thins down, giving the folder an elegant cross-section capable of cleaving through even tough materials. Topping it off, the blade is given a nice ceramic blast finish which is subdued but also has a nice sheen to it that is rather classy and dressy.
Action

Onion opted for dual thumbstuds on the Buckhorn, making the folder friendly to both lefties and righties. Additionally, a flipper tab is included, for effortless blade deployment with the flick of your index finger.

A hidden gem, Ken Onion is hidden away on the backside of the spacer.
A hidden gem, Ken Onion is hidden away on the backside of the spacer.

The blade rides on a pair of caged ceramic bearings in the pivot for the ultimate smoothness in opening and closing. The flipper action is very dialed in as well. Place your index finger on the flipper and press on it for a second and you’ll feel it load up then the detent lets the blade go, and it rotates to the fully open and locked position effortlessly.

Buckhorn Handle

Ketuo-Ken Onion Buckhorn closed
Very nicely textured and featuring a palm swell, the Buckhorn fits the hand just right.

The handle of the Buckhorn is really, where all the magic is.

Perhaps the most unique design trait of the handle is the palm swell machined into the middle of the handle. This is employed to help seat the knife firmly in your hand and make it easier to grip. Continuing on, there’s the eye-catching 3D checkerboard micro-milling pattern at both ends of the handle, on both sides. Even the stylish minimalist titanium pocket clip sports the same 3D micro-milling pattern on the back, providing visual continuity to the clip side of the handle.

Speaking of the pocket clip, it is held onto the handle with one Torx screw. The handle end of the clip sits in a matching cavity to prevent it from rotating, thus remain secure with one fastening point.

The pivot screw is brass colored, as is the pivot ring. Eye-catching, the tandem give the illusion of the end of a shotgun shell, which is a unique aesthetic to the Buckhorn. The brass color pops against the bead-blasted handle. The matching titanium handle spacer covers about ¾ of the handle length, and at the end of the handle, the spacer forms an integral lanyard loop.

Keuto-Onion Buckhorn pivot.
An absouletely stunning design point, the pivot screw looks like a shotshell head. Interestingly, the other side where the torx head is looks like a fired shell with a firing pin impression.

The framelock lockup engages the lower third of the width of the tang, so an easy lockup. It engages solidly without any movement in any direction. With a firm push of your thumb, the lock disengages allowing the blade to rotate closed.

I don’t believe you’re going to have any concerns over the lock holding or failing on this one. Ketuo did this one right!

Buckhorn Tested

Buckhorn half open
Outfitted with thumbstuds and a kicker, the knife is quick into action.

In action, the Buckhorn is a very efficient cutting tool. It deploys easily and with the flat ground blade, it slices easily and effortlessly.
The front section of the blade has the wedge and is the thinnest portion, sailing through various materials with ease. I like how the entire cutting edge has a graceful curve to it. Not only visually appealing, this feature allows you to make use of the entire length of the cutting edge.

S35VN is a top-performing steel and is an excellent choice for the Buckhorn. This steel will go the distance and withstand heavy usage. Also, dig the fact the ambidextrous thumb studs are positioned as far back on the blade as possible, this gets them out of the way to eliminate hanging up on material being cut. A smart move!

Ken Onion Buckhorn lanyard loop
Then handle spacer is also titanium and forms an intergral lanyard loop at the aft of the knife.

With the handle’s ergonomic features, I felt in control of the knife at all times and found no hot spots to speak of. It just fits the hand so perfectly. This is a testament to Ken Onion’s design prowess and intimate understanding of handle design.

Final Cut

This knife is about as close as anyone will get to owning a full-blow custom knife from the man himself. At MSRP $275 and made in China, the Buckhorn is an excellent deal for what you get in return. It’s an exciting-looking design from one of the best in the game, using high-end materials with 3D machined titanium and S35VN, and a sturdy framelock. Well worth the price of admission.

Pros

  • Stunning overall design
  • Excellent materials
  • Crisp action
  • Priced right

Cons

  • Nice enough you may not want to carry it.

Buckhorn Specs
Blade Material: S35VN
Blade Angle: >60°
Full Length: 8.78″
Handle Length: 4.84″
Blade Length: 3.85″
Type: Folding Blade Knife
Handle Material: 6AL-4V
Finishing: Bead blast & Anodizing
Weight: 4.44 oz
Color: Silver w/ Gold Ano Accents
Designer: Ken Onion
Brand: Karbon Knives
Manufacturer: Ketuo Knife

Buckhorn Deals:

BladeHQ$270Check Price
Karbon Knives$275Check Price
White Mountain Knives$270Check Price

New Knives September 2024

BLADE Staff
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New Knives September 2024

Damascus, drop points and much, much more…

Autumn is here and, unlike the weather, knifemakers show no signs of cooling down. If anything, factory and custom makers are as hot as ever with a ton of new knives hitting the market. We picked out 12 great-looking recent drops certain to carve a place into your heart.

Jess Hoffman Donegal

Donegal

Knife pattern: Skinner
Blade length: 4”
Blade steel: AEB-L stainless
Blade grind: Full flat
Handle material: Camel bone
Overall length: 8.25”
Sheath: Leather
Maker’s price for a similar knife and sheath: $230
Maker’s remarks: “My Donegal is a cross between a Nessmuk and a Canadian belt knife. It’s available in three different overall sizes: 8.25, 6.75 and 5.75 inches.”
Maker: Jess Hoffman, jhoffmanknives.com (Jocelyn Frasier image)

Kyle Royer Damascene Hunter

Damascene Hunter

Knife type: Fixed blade
Blade length: 5”
Blade material: Ladder-pattern damascus of 1084 carbon and 15N20 nickel-alloy steels
Blade grind: Flat w/convex edge
Handle: Sculpted blackwood w/texturing
Bolster: Damascene-covered guard w/24k gold and gun bluing
Overall length: 9.25”
Maker’s price for a similar knife: $9,500
Maker’s remarks: “This piece is particularly special as it’s the first gold overlay I’ve done using hundreds of tiny 24k-gold wires. Additionally, it has a beautifully textured blackwood handle.”
Maker: Kyle Royer, kyleroyerknives.com (Jocelyn Frasier image)

Bear & Son Cutlery Farmhand

Farmhand

Blade length: 3 5/8”
Blade steel: 440 stainless
Blade pattern: Drop point
Blade opener: Nail nick
Handle material: Aluminum, bone and rosewood (shown) options
Pocket clip: Yes
Lock: Lockback
Weight: 1.1 ozs.
Closed length: 2.75”
Knife to know: Handle color options include black, blue, orange, purple, red and white smooth bone, and brown rosewood
Country of origin: USA
MSRP: $37.49 to $51.99
Company: Bear & Son Cutlery, www.bearandsoncutlery.com

Craig Brosman Hunter

Hunter

Blade length: 2.75”
Blade steel: RWL 34 stainless
Blade grind: Hollow
Blade pattern: Drop point
Blade finish: Mirror polished
Handle material: European red stag and Westinghouse Micarta® liners; w/hole for lanyard
Construction: Tapered tang
Bolster/guard: 416 stainless
Overall length: 6 9/16”
Sheath: Leather pouch w/clip by Aaron Sybrant
Maker’s price for a similar knife & sheath: $550
Maker: Craig Brosman, (SharpByCoop image)

Billy Pearce Hunter

Billy Pearce Hunter

Blade length: 5.1”
Blade material: 1075 carbon steel
Blade grind: “V”
Blade thickness @ricasso: .177”
Blade @widest: 1.18”
Blade pattern: Clip point
Handle: Bocote wood
Spacer: G-10
Guard & pin: 416 stainless steel
Overall length: 9.64”
Knife to know: Billy Pearce is an apprentice smith in the American Bladesmith Society
Maker’s price for a similar knife: Contact maker for info
Maker: Billy Pearce, (Rod Hoare image)

RMJ Tactical Lady Death

RMJ Tactical Lady Death

Knife pattern: Classic trench knife
Blade length: 9 5/8”
Blade material: CPM 3V carbon steel
Rockwell hardness: 60-61 HRC
Blade @thickest: 3/16”
Blade finish: Cobalt Cerakote®
Handle: Checkered Dirty Olive G-10
Handle hardware: Grade 5 titanium anodized bronze
Weight: 18.3 ozs.
Overall length: 15”
Sheath: Brown leather w/green canvas inlay; ambidextrous and wears on a belt or attached to PALS webbing
Knife to know: Double-edged blade w/long fuller; knuckle-duster-style handle; pommel pronounced for use as a hammer
Country of origin: USA
MSRP: $975
Company: RMJ Tactical, www.rmjtactical.com

GiantMouse Carryology Sonoma V2 Auxikko

GiantMouse Carryology Sonoma V2 Auxikko

Knife type: EDC folder
Blade length: 3.425”
Blade steel: Elmax stainless
Rockwell hardness: 60 HRC
Blade @thickest: .138”
Blade finish: Satin
Lock: Linerlock
Pivot hardware: Ball bearings
Handle material: Titanium laser engraved w/the Carryology Auxikko pattern
Backspacer: Aluminum anodized orange w/built-in hole for a lanyard
Pocket clip: Wire, deep carry, reversible
Weight: 3.8 ozs.
Closed length: 4.5”
Knife to know: Limited edition of 400 numbered pieces
Country of origin: Made by Reate in China
MSRP: $295
Company: GiantMouse, giantmouse.com

Gary Martindale Loveless Chute Knife Repro

Blade length: 4.25”
Blade steel: CPM 154 stainless
Blade grind: Hollow
Handle: Amber stag
Bolster/crossguard: 416 stainless
Overall length: 9”
Sheath: Basketweave-leather belt pouch w/snap
Maker’s price for a similar knife: Contact maker for info
Maker: Gary Martindale, (SharpByCoop image)

Grimdog Blades Australia Draugr Mk III

Grimdog Blades Australia Draugr Mk III

Knife type: Military utility
Blade length: 4.9”
Blade material: Thyssenkrupp 80CrV2 carbon steel
Blade grind: Flat sabre
Blade thickness @ricasso: .138”
Blade finish: Cerakote® H190 Armour Black
Handle material: Olive green G-10
Overall length: 10.47”
Maker’s price for a similar knife: Contact maker for info
Knife to know: Christian Holm is a member of the Australian Knifemakers Guild
Maker: Grimdog Blades Australia, (Rod Hoare image)

Liam Walle Bird & Trout

Liam Walle Bird & Trout

Knife type: Fixed blade
Blade length: 3.6”
Blade materials: Crushed W’s damascus of 1084 carbon and 15N20 nickel-alloy steels
Blade grind: Flat
Handle: Pōhutakawa wood w/domed brass pin
Guard/bolster: Antiqued bronze
Overall length: 7.6”
Maker’s price for a similar knife: $750 at press-time exchange rate
Maker: Liam Walle, liamvallaknives.com (Jocelyn Frasier image)

Cold Steel Full Metal Atlas

Cold Steel Full Metal Atlas

Knife type: EDC folder
Blade length: 3.5”
Blade steel: CPM S35VN stainless
Blade grind: High saber
Blade pattern: Drop point
Blade opener: Thumb stud
Lock: Atlas® Lock
Handle: Textured titanium
Weight: 3.8 ozs.
Closed length: 5 7/8”
Knife to know: Knife comes in all-black (shown) or standard stonewashed finishes; handle includes a single finger groove w/integral guard
Country of origin: Taiwan
MSRP: $229.99
Company: Cold Steel, www.coldsteel.com

Halfbreed Blades MIK-03P Gen-2 K340

Halfbreed Blades MIK-03P Gen-2 K340

Knife type: Fixed blade
Blade length: 5.31”
Blade steel: K340 ISODUR
Rockwell hardness: 59-60 HRC
Blade @thickest: .25”
Blade pattern: Modified drop point
Blade finish: PVD coated
Construction: One-piece full tang
Handle: G-10
Weight: 11.14 ozs.
Overall length: 10.43”
Sheath: Injection-molded plastic w/belt & PALS/MOLLE mounting
Knife to know: MIK stands for Medium Infantry Knife
MSRP: $212 at press-time exchange rate
Company: Halfbreed Blades, halfbreedblades.com.au

Check Out More Knife Drops:

Spartan Blades Poros Review [Tested]

Msg Kim Breed (ret.)
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Spartan Blades Poros Review [Tested]

The Poros takes a beating and keeps on cutting.

The Poros by Spartan Blades is a great feeling folder. The flipper design is spot-on for hand placement.

Company co-founders Curtis Iovito and Mark Carey are excellent to work with and built Spartan from scratch. Both are retired from Special Forces and have a lot of pride in workmanship. The Poros is their field-grade-version linerlock. It might not have the fancy material and looks but the performance is top shelf.

Poros Light Cutting Duties

Initial slicing of 20-pound copy paper was excellent. The Poros was very smooth and aggressive. The blade shape really helped slicing paper, especially when I employed a roll cut. The flat-ground blade sliced straight with no curling of the paper.

Poros Cutting Leather
The 154CM stainless steel blade was exceptionally aggressive in the 8-ounce leather slice.

The Poros easily devoured single-walled cardboard. As with the copy paper, the blade sliced it both forcefully and effortlessly, resulting in nice, straight cuts. The slices were extremely quick with no resistance felt.

The folder was quite aggressive again in the 8-ounce leather slice. It was very easy to control the thickness of the skiving—I just needed to move my fingers faster. I had two fingernail nicks after the skiving. The edge remained sharp.

Poros Medium Cutting Duties

It was time to do a fire stick. The flat grind produced excellent curlicues. It sliced the wood incredibly fast and I had to slow down for more control to keep the curlicues on the stick. The handle was comfortable while making the deeper cuts. It was awfully simple to whittle with the knife.

Spartan Blades Poros cutting curlicues
The flat grind produced excellent curlicues. It sliced the wood awfully fast and the author had to slow down for more control to keep the curlicues on the stick.

For the next exercise I used 1-inch manila rope. The Poros crunched to 197 cuts before I ran out of rope. The edge was still good. The handle was very comfortable during heavy use. There were no issues with the blade lock. Nicely done, Spartan.

Poros Heavy Cutting Duties

I split kindling into smaller pieces to check lockup by doing baton work. There continued to be no issues with lockup or edge retention. The knife can handle a beating for sure. It’s not that I recommend baton work with a folder but if you have to it can be done with the Poros.

Poros splitting wood
The author split kindling into smaller pieces to check lockup via some baton work. There were no issues with lockup or edge retention.

To push the knife a bit further, I grabbed my trusty whitetail deer antler. After 30 hard whacks on it, the edge was still sharp with no rolling or chips, indicating spot-on heat treatment.

The last test was back to the copy paper slice. The Poros continued cutting smoothly and my arm was tired. Outstanding job, guys!

Final Cut

The Poros folder is worthy of riding in anyone’s pocket. It’s well designed, sharp and easy on—and comfortable in—the hand. I really don’t know what I’d change on this one, though I would love to see an A-2 tool steel version.

Poros Specs
Maker: Spartan Blades
Knife type: Flipper folder
Blade length: 3 7/8”
Blade steel: 154CM stainless
Rockwell hardness: 58-60 HRC
Blade finish: Black PVD
Handle: Carbon-fiber-patterned G-10
Lock: Linerlock
Closed length: 5 1/8”
Country of origin: USA
MSRP: $190

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2024 BLADE Show Debuts: New Knives Launched In Atlanta

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2024 BLADE Show Debuts: New Knives Launched In Atlanta

In the conclusion, consider the balance of the BLADE Show’s factory knife debuts

It’s hard to believe it’s been almost three months since BLADE Show 2024 blew the doors off the Cobb Galleria Centre in Atlanta. With all the commotion and introductions of new knives, even if you were there you couldn’t help but miss many.

Previously we featured some of the factory knives that debuted in the Cobb but, as those of you who were paying attention know, we didn’t have enough room for the balance of the few we were able to assemble. Ergo, the conclusion this time. We think you will enjoy them all.
As for the many we are unable to publish in this two-part story due to space and other limitations, stay tuned to future issues of BLADE® for a goodly number of them.

Kershaw Tilt 50th Anniversary

Kershaw Tilt 50th Anniversary

Knife type: Folder
Blade length: 3.65”
Blade steel: CPM CruWear, 14C28N
Rockwell hardness: 60-62 HRC
Blade grind: Flat
Blade @ thickest: .156”
Blade pattern: Composite
Blade finish: Bead-blasted
Blade opener: Flipper tab
Handle material: Titanium
Lock: Sub-Frame
Pivot materials: KVT ball-bearings
Pocket clip material: Titanium
Weight: 5.7 ozs.
Closed length: 5.8”
Knife to know: Carbon fiber inlay front and bank; hidden hardware
Country of origin: USA
MSRP: $500
Available: NOW

A.G. Russell Knives Premium Scout

A.G. Russell Knives Premium Scout

Model type: Traditional slipjoint pocketknife
Designer: A.G. Russell
Main blade length: 2 5/8”
Blade steel: VG-10 stainless
Rockwell hardness: 59-61 HRC
Blade grind: Flat
Blade @ thickest: .09”
Blade pattern: Spear point
Blade finish: Satin
Blade opener: Nail nick
Handle material options: Stag and red saw-cut bone
Weight: 3.5-3.7 ozs.
Closed length: 3 3/4”
Special features: Can opener, screwdriver, caplifter & leather punch
Country of origin: China
MSRP: $74.95-$94.95
Available: NOW

CobraTec Koonsman

CobraTec Koonsman

Knife type: Fixed-blade hunter
Designer: Chad Cochran
Blade length: 4”
Blade material: D2 tool steel
Rockwell hardness: 61 HRC
Blade grind: Convex
Blade @ widest: 1.125”
Blade pattern: Drop point
Blade finish: Satin
Construction: Full Tang
Handle material: Micarta® in color options of black, green and tan
Weight: 5.7 ozs.
Overall length: 8.4375”
Sheath type and materials: Belt/pouch and leather
Country of origin: China
MSRP: $79.99
Available: NOW

Bradford USA Gatsby

Bradford USA Gatsby

Knife type: Specialty steak knife
Blade length: 4.5”
Blade steel: N690 stainless
Rockwell hardness: 61 HRC
Blade grind: Full height flat
Blade @ thickest: .11”
Blade finish options: Stonewash and high polish
Handle material options: Maroon, wheat, ivory canvas Micarta® and carbon fiber
Overall length: 8.5”
Country of origin: USA
MSRP: $199
Available: NOW

Spyderco Techno 3

Spyderco Techno 3

Knife type: Folder
Designer: Marcin Slysz
Blade length: 2.64”
Blade steel: CTS XHP stainless
Blade grind: High flat
Blade @ thickest: .127”
Blade pattern: Drop point
Blade finish: Satin
Blade opener: Flipper
Handle material: Titanium
Lock: Reeve Integral Lock (R.I.L.)
Pivot material: Ball bearings
Pocket clip material and type: Titanium, right-handed, tip-up 
Weight: 3.3 ozs.
Closed length: 3.7”
Country of origin: Italy
MSRP: $400
Available: To be announced

Boker Plus Cutweazle

Boker Plus Cutweazle

Knife type: Utility 
Designer: Ben Logan/Turnback Knife Co.
Blade length: 1.18”
Blade steel: Standard replaceable stainless utility blade
Blade grind: Flat
Blade @ thickest: .03”
Blade finish: Satin
Handle material: G-10/stainless steel 
Lock: Button lock
Blade opener: Thumb slide
Pocket clip material and type: Stainless steel, deep carry, right-handed, tip-down 
Weight: 1.38 ozs.
Closed length: 3.7”
Special features: Push button on slide lock allows the blade to be pushed forward in stages or in a single movement and locked in the predetermined recesses; retracts into the handle when pushed again w/a sliding movement
Country of origin: China
MSRP: $56.95 
Available: September 2024

Browning Primal Scalpel 2-Blade

Browning Primal Scalpel 2-Blade

Main blade length: 2.75”
Blade steel: 420-J2 stainless
Rockwell hardness: Scalpel 50-55 HRC, drop point 55-59 HRC
Blade openers: Thumb stud and nail nick
Lock: Linerlock
Handle: Synthetic in orange or black
Pocket clip: Tip-up
Closed length: 4 1/8”
Country of origin: China
MSRP: $59.99
Available: NOW

Stroup Knives MK2

Stroup Knives MK2

Knife type: Fixed blade
Designer: Unnamed active-duty Tier 1 Operator
Blade length: 4”
Blade material: 1095 carbon steel
Rockwell hardness: 58 HRC
Blade grind: Flat
Blade @ thickest: 3/16”
Blade pattern: Spear point
Blade finish: Acid etched & rock tumbled
Construction: Full Tang
Handle material: G10 & nitrile
Pocket clip: Designed by Discreet Carry Concepts, Inc.
Weight: 4.2 ozs.
Overall length: 8”
Sheath material: Kydex
Knife to know: The nitrile in the handle provides extra grip, especially when wet
Country of origin: USA
MSRP: $279.99
Available: NOW

Lionsteel Twain

Lionsteel Twain

Model type: EDC folder
Blade length: 3.15”
Blade steel: CPM MagnaCut stainless
Blade grind: Flat
Handle material: Titanium + carbon fiber or Micarta®
Lock: Button lock
Pocket clip type and material: Bent steel
Special features: Double Solid construction (integral frame and integral handle)
Weight: 3.03 ozs.
Closed length: 4.14”
Country of origin: Italy
MSRP: $380
Available: NOW

KME Precision Control Plus/Professional Knife Sharpening System

KME Precision Control Plus/Professional Knife Sharpening System

Abrasive type: Diamond-coated stones
Grit assortment: 140, 300, 600, 1,500
Dimensions: 13” x 12” x 8”
Construction materials: CNC-machined, anodized aluminum components, laser-cut, powder-coated steel base, CNC cherry hardwood grip, stainless-steel-backed diamond stones
Weight: 2 lbs., 13.9 ozs.
Blade sizes sharpened: Maximum-blade-thickness saber grind 3/8” or more and full flat grind 3/16”
Angle range: 10 to 45 degrees per side
Special features: Smooth friction-drive angle system w/micro adjustment feature; operates w/one hand and absolute angle control; rod end guide w/360° rotation; threaded Monopod brace provides rock-solid sharpening platform; adjustable stone carrier w/magnetic plate for angle cube sharpening uses any stone between 4” and 6”; full line of accessory stones, strops and diamond lapping films in both 4” and 6” lengths
Country of origin: USA
MSRP: $474.95
Available: NOW

CIVIVI Biophase

CIVIVI Biophase

Knife type: Folder
Blade length: 3.48”
Blade steel: Nitro-V stainless
Rockwell hardness: 58-60 HRC
Blade grind: Hollow
Blade @ thickest: .12”
Blade finish: Black stonewash (satin finish and black stonewash w/satin flat and damascus are optional)
Handle material: Aluminum & G-10
Lock: Button lock
Blade opener: Flipper tab
Pivot materials: Stainless steel pivot w/caged ceramic ball bearings
Pocket clip material and type: Stainless steel, tip-up, ambidextrous
Weight: 2.61 ozs.
Closed length: 4.67”
Country of origin: China
MSRP: $98.70 at press-time exchange rate
Available: Late summer

RoseCraft Clinch River Button Lock

RoseCraft Clinch River Button Lock

Model type: Modern/traditional pocketknife
Blade length: 3.125”
Blade material: M390 stainless
Blade grind: Flat
Handle material: Micarta® or Ultem w/titanium bolster & liners
Lock: Button lock
Pocket clip material: Titanium
Knife to know: Modern take on the Clinch River Swayback that won BLADE Magazine 2023 Imported Knife of the Year®; opens and closes via a button lock
Weight: 2.8 ozs.
Closed length: 4”
Country of origin: China
MSRP: $129.99
Available: NOW

CRKT Nucleus

CRKT Nucleus

Knife type: Folder 
Designer: Princeton Wong
Blade length: 3.19”
Blade steel: 12C27 stainless
Rockwell hardness: 58-60 HRC
Blade grind: Flat
Blade @ thickest: .13”
Blade pattern: Reverse tanto
Blade finish: Bead blast
Construction: Screw
Handle material: Stainless steel w/G-10 overlay
Lock: Framelock
Blade openers: Front and rear flipper tabs & blade hole
Pivot material: Ikoma Korth Bearing System (ball bearings)
Pocket clip material and type: Stainless steel; tip-up
Weight: 3.1 ozs.
Closed length: 4.19”
Country of origin: China
MSRP: $113
Knife to know: The knife opens three ways: front and rear flipper tabs and via the blade hole
Available: NOW

Halfbreed MIK-04 SOFMAK

Halfbreed MIK-04 SOFMAK

Knife type: Fixed blade
Blade steel: K340 stainless
Rockwell hardness: 59-60 HRC
Blade finish: PVD coat
Blade style: Drop point
Blade length: 5.31”
Blade @ thickest: .25”
Handle material: G-10
Weight: 11.14 ozs.
Overall length: 10.31”
Sheath material: Injection molded plastic
Mounting: Belt & PALS/MOLLE (DOTS)
Country of origin: Comprises Australian & Taiwanese make
MSRP: $285
Knife to know: The knife is a collaboration between Halfbreed and Joseph Teti, Force Recon Marine and Army Special Forces Green Beret veteran and former operative with the CIA Special Activities Division/Special Operations Group; MIK stands for medium infantry knife and SOFMAK for special operations forces multi-purpose assault knife
MSRP: $285
Available: September 2024

ESNYX Silver Line Beer Buster Jr.

ESNYX Silver Line Beer Buster Jr.

Knife type: Slipjoint
Blade length: 2.63”
Blade steel: M390 stainless
Blade @ thickest: .125”
Blade grind: Flat
Blade pattern: Drop point
Blade finish: Handrubbed satin
Blade opener: Nail nick
Handle: Blasted titanium
Weight: 2 ozs.
Closed length: 3.5”
Country of origin: China
Knife to know: Slipjoint has half stop; bottle-shaped handle shield; bottle opener in butt
MSRP: $265
Available: NOW

Rough Ryder Reserve Whiskey Ryder

Rough Ryder Reserve Whiskey Ryder

Knife type: Swayback doctor’s knife slipjoint
Designer: Brian Wilhoite
Blade length: 3.5”
Blade material: D2 tool steel
Blade @ thickest: 3/16”
Blade pattern: Wharncliffe
Blade finish: Brushed satin
Handle material: Black burlap Micarta®
Weight: 3.2 ozs.
Closed length: 4.5”
Special features: Slipjoint features half stop
Country of origin: China
MSRP: $54.99
Available: NOW

Warthog V-Sharp A4 Model

Warthog V-Sharp A4 Model

Sharpener Type: Patented V-Sharp spring-loaded pull-through
Abrasive Type: Diamond-coated
Grit selection: 325 grit natural diamond hone & hardened hone steel for finishing the edge (270, 325, 600, 1,000 and ceramic hones available)
Dimensions: 8.75” x 8.25” x 2.25”
Construction Materials: Lightweight zinc-cast metal frame, non-slip rubber base and durable powder coat finish
Weight: 1.1 lbs.
Special Features: Four adjustable sharpening angles: 15, 20, 25 & 30 degrees
Types of blades sharpened: All plain-edge knives; serrated knives can be sharpened w/the ceramic hones
Country of origin: South Africa
MSRP: $109.99
Available: NOW

SOG Knives Bulwark

SOG Knives Bulwark

Designer: Mikkel Willumsen
Knife type: EDC flipper folder
Blade length: 3”
Blade material: D2 tool steel
Blade grind: Hollow
Blade @ thickest: .14”
Blade finish: Black PVD coat
Blade pattern: Drop point
Blade openers: Flipper tab and blade hole
Handle material: Micarta® in blue and OD green color options
Pocket clip: Tip-up
Lock: Framelock
Weight: 6.25 ozs.
Closed length: 4.2”
Country of origin: China
MSRP: $134.99
Available: Late summer 2024

Cold Steel Recon M1

Cold Steel Recon M1

Knife type: EDC folder
Blade length: 4”
Blade steel: CPM MagnaCut stainless
Blade finish: Stonewash
Blade pattern: Clip point
Handle material: G-10
Lock: Tri-Ad
Pocket clip: Yes
Weight: 5.2 ozs.
Closed length: 5.5”
Country of origin: Italy
MSRP: $259.99
Available: NOW

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