The M7 Bayonet Has Been Used By The United States Military For Almost 60 Years. The Dynamic, Multi-Purpose Tool Is Just As Useful Now As When It First Went Into Service.
When you first think of a bayonet your mind probably goes to the battlefields of the Revolutionary and Civil Wars. But no, bayonets aren’t some relic from a bygone era. While the days of bayonet charges are long long, the knives are still in use by the military today and have evolved into a multi-faceted tool.
The M7 Bayonet stands out due to its longevity. Built on the back of the M4 bayonet, which was issued toward the tail end of World War 2, the M7 is designed to be used with the M16 or the M4 carbine, although it can fit on numerous other rifles.
The History Of The M7 Bayonet
The M7 was first introduced in 1964 during the Vietnam War. The knife was initially made by Bauer Ord Company, but numerous companies did eventually manufacture the M7. Today, the lone remaining maker of combat-deployed M7 bayonets is Ontario Knife, though the knife is still available from at least one other company (Smith & Wesson).
Despite being issued by the United States military, the M7 was also made in Canada, West Germany, Australia, and in several countries in Asia.
How Does The M7 Work?
The M7 connects to the M16 via a lug thanks to a dual-lever locking mechanism. This secures the blade to the barrel while keeping the muzzle unblocked. A release mechanism on the pommel of the knife allows it to detach from the firearm easily.
Ontario Knife Company M7 Bayonet
Ontario Knife Company M7 Bayonet
Ontario Knife Co. was one of many makers to manufacture the M7, and it is the last to make the military issue variety of the blade. There is also a commercial version as well, which will be reviewed here.
It starts with a 1080 carbon steel blade with a zinc phosphate finish married to a modified Kraton handle. The blade is 6.7 inches long, and the whole construction is just shy of a foot in length. It tips the scales at 1.15 pounds. It looks beefy and feels hefty in the hand, as you would expect from a such a knife.
The included molded plastic sheath is a pistol belt clip. The lightweight sheath allows for safe, easy transport of the knife. While this knife is designed for combat, it’s burly design allows for multiple different uses. This would be a an excellent all-rounder when camping.
Knife Collecting Is Different For Everyone. Some Folks Like To Stick With A Theme And Collect Everything They Can.
It’s all about perspective.
Everyone agrees that knife collecting is one of the greatest enterprises around. However, there are variations on a theme—if the collection even has one. Probably the biggest variation on the common thread of knife collecting is the existence or absence of a theme, a focus on the collection that revolves around a specific aspect such as an individual custom knifemaker, group of makers, handle material, style of knife, period of time—well, you get the idea.
Theme collecting has its followers and its detractors, and gaining insight into these points of view enriches the collecting experience. First, however, there is a single universally accepted piece of advice regarding the knife collecting adventure: collect the knives that you admire, enjoy, and make you feel good!
“When it comes to collecting, and I mean collecting anything, I think the first rule is to collect what you like,” related long-time knife enthusiast and collector Chris Schluter. “At the end of the day, whatever it is you’ve been collecting might not be worth anything except to you. The collection may go down in value, be obsolete, your kids may not care about it, etc., etc. Collect what you like and can afford. Having fun while doing it is a plus, too!”
Collector J.T. Oldham agrees. “My short answer is to collect what you like,” he said. “I’ve been to enough knife shows and have spoken with many collectors, purveyors, and dealers over the years, and that has been a prevailing sentiment. Collect what you like, with a focus on an element that is interesting or unique.”
Embracing Theme Collecting
If Chris Schluter’s collection of Bob Terzuola tactical folders isn’t comprehensive, it’s the next best thing.
Beyond the “like,” there are those collectors who find a theme and enjoy it for decades, buying, selling, trading, and thoroughly embracing a style or feature. Then it’s always possible to change course, switch ideas around, and find another path.
“I started out collecting hunting knives,” recalled collector Chris Nolen. “This was due to my love of hunting. Later, I learned at gun shows as well as from informative magazines like BLADE® that there were many styles, as well as usages of the knife. I was drawn to bowie knives. I had been introduced to a professional maker, Jerry Berry of Natchitoches, Louisiana, and he was making my hunters because I had switched from commercially made to custom. I drew out a large bowie and sent the plan to Jerry. He built the knife and my theme changed from hunters to bowies. So, I must say, I recommend theme collecting.”
Nolen’s experience is compelling because his investment in that course-changing bowie began with the basics: a drawing. Therefore, the full experience of owning the knife involved an added depth. Nonetheless, other collectors are drawn to aspects of theme collecting that center on different attributes.
“While I do not necessarily collect thematically, upon reflection I realized that my wife, Marlene, does,” advised longtime collector Larry Marton. “Just to clarify the state of affairs in our home with regard to knife collecting, we have two collections—‘ours’ and ‘hers.’ Her collection consists of small knives, predominantly folders, that are about 3.5 inches open. This collection has been accumulated over the past 35-plus years. The knives were crafted by some of the finest knifemakers of our time, both living and unfortunately passed. Marlene convinced each one of them to make her a unique knife, even though most had never made a knife that size before and most would never make one of that size again.”
Oldham takes a long look at trends and depends on the assessments of those close to the industry. “Typically, I have always learned of what is trending in the knife community by reading BLADE Magazine. I’m certain most others do as well. Joe Kertzman has been instrumental in keeping collectors tuned into knife trends for years by editing the annual KNIVES publication. I mostly rely on my network of trusted purveyors. They attend most, if not all, knife shows, do the legwork, speak with makers, and have substantially greater buying power than I do. They tend to focus on particular makers, but due to the large volume of knives they come in contact with, might be able to identify a theme before it exists.”
While Oldham doesn’t consider himself positioned to recommend a theme, he readily admits that he enjoys damascus steel and knives that incorporate embellishments in the shapes/look of human skulls.
His acknowledgment of the variety of theme options presents the general collector population’s point of view well. There is no right or wrong answer when it comes to collecting with or without a theme, but an eye for certain aspects or commonalities among knives can enhance the effort to grow a collection.
Meeting Other Knife Collectors
This reproduction of a Daniel Searles bowie by Mark Banfield is representative of the period bowie repros in Chris Nolen’s collection. (image courtesy of Chris Nolen)
Among the best features of theme collecting is the opportunity to build relationships as collectors and custom knifemakers interact with one another.
“Within custom knives, I’ve always gravitated toward tactical folders, so I would say that’s my overall theme,” Schluter explained. “Within that theme, most are from Bob Terzuola, then there are a lot of custom Emersons and at least a dozen knives each from Kirby Lambert and Peter Rassenti, and then numerous knives from Sal Manaro, Mark Roe, Shane Sibert, Chad Nell, and others.
“In any business, if a producer and customer have enough interaction they often become friends, and that may be even more so in the knife hobby. It’s often said that you buy the maker not the knife, and this is absolutely true if you really know the maker. Having the theme I do collecting-wise has certainly produced some lifelong friendships.”
For Larry and Marlene, that premise has held true. “Not only is it exciting to craft a special collection,” Larry commented, “but it is a way to get to know the knifemakers very well and to share the ups and downs of technical and artistic challenges with them. Firm friendships have been molded by this endeavor. Accumulating the collection requires patience, as every knife is made to order. Collecting unique knives that are not today’s momentary trend as an investment is risky, although with patience it can turn into reality.”
According to Nolen, the theme approach applies to whatever the collector’s motivation may be: pure enjoyment, investment, or both. Finding the right balance is a part of the journey, and building a collection that leads to personal satisfaction and lasting value is a powerful combination.
“There are some collectors that look at knife collecting as an investment,” he said, “and I would still recommend choosing a theme and devoting your collection to that theme. Just remember to get the best possible price. One day you may want to sell, and what you thought may have been a good deal may not have been so swell.”
Stick With The Knives You Like
Another example of one of Oldham’s knives with a skull theme is this Brian Tighe folder. “This was a very popular knife and was published in one of Dr. David Darom’s books,” Oldham wrote.
At the same time, beware of the trend that may glow white-hot and then fade quickly. Experience and a good sense of direction help prevent a misstep.
Concentrating on a specific theme will help insulate a collection from a haphazard mishmash of “stuff.” However, a collector may choose to purchase on more of a freestyle basis.
“If one were to follow hot themes exclusively,” Oldham said, “then one’s collection would be all over the place. I feel that it’s best to acknowledge the arrival of the hot themes, and then follow them to see if they become trends. A good example of this is the tactical theme or style. We can all safely attribute that style to Bob Terzuola and Ernest Emerson. As soon as that was considered a thing, makers like Brian Tighe, [the late] Darrell Ralph, and Allen Elishewitz were all over it, and at that point, I enthusiastically embraced it and they have become a major focus of my collection. They have all taken that theme to the next level, again and again, to the point that they’re now what I consider ‘rock star makers’ and have created their own genre, which I call ‘tacti-cool.’”
“I believe collecting bowies is very popular right now due to the Forged in Fire series on the History Channel,” Nolen observed. “This is not always the best path to take due to costs. A custom forged bowie can be very expensive. Collectors must first make sure they can afford the elected theme they choose. Small custom hunters and even fighters will most likely be less expensive. I made sure that I could cover the expense, but I suggest that any theme collector set a ceiling on the funds devoted to their collection.”
While expense is always a consideration and at times a downright barrier to entry in collecting higher-end or theme-related knives, the collectors are forever in charge. They may scale their collection toward the right value range and gradually, perhaps, increase funds devoted to the theme. A word of caution does address a fear factor—the fear of missing out.
“One thing I will say is that if you focus too much on one maker or type of knife you may miss out on others,” Schluter cautioned. “However, if you keep an open mind, go to shows, are active on social media, read BLADE, etc., you will still be exposed to plenty of other work. That said, the big plus, at least for me, of having a significant focus on a few particular makers is that you can really get to know their work and can also get to know them personally.”
Knife collectors, whether or not they are theme enthusiasts, are continually looking for enjoyment and satisfaction. Choosing the collecting path is part of the fun, so remembering the basics of trust, quality craftsmanship, and collecting what you like will always make the love of custom knives worthwhile.
New Kitchen Knife Set From Imarku Looks Spectacular And Is Packed With Features That Any Home Chef Would Want.
The new 9-piece knife set from Imarku has everything a home cook could ask for. The most noticeable thing about it is the color and design. The rich blue hue of the knife block is complemented by the acrylic window that lets you look inside and see the knives while they’re inside the block.
Imarku has made a comprehensive knife set with this new release. The blades are made from high-carbon Japanese stainless steel, and the flat-edge knives are sharpened to a 16-degree edge with a Rockwell hardness of 57-59 HRC.
The set includes an 8.5-inch chef’s knife, 8.5-inch bread knife, 8-inch slicing knife, 7.5-inch Santoku, 6-inch boning knife, 5-inch utility knife, 3.5-inch paring knife, and a honing rod. The ergonomic pakkawood handle and tapered bolsters allow for an easy, firm grip when slicing and matches the bright blue of the solid walnut block.
This knife set is not only an excellent set of tools for your kitchen, but it’s also a great conversation piece and will add a bright splash of color to any countertop.
Whether Large Or Small Game, A Good Hunting Knife Kit Is A Must
Skinning knives. Gut hooks. Fillet knives. There are so many different tools for a hunter to use when dressing their kill. However, having just one of those knives could make the process incredibly difficult. That’s where hunting knife kits come in.
These kits feature multiple knives and other tools to help make the process of, well, processing much easier.
Why Should I Buy A Hunting Knife Set?
One word: convenience.
Sure, you could try to skin, dress, and clean a whole buck or fillet a fish with just a caping knife, but good luck with that. A quality hunting knife kit should cover all the bases and give you the confidence of knowing that your needs will be met on a hunt.
What Do I Need In A Hunting Knife Kit?
Your specific needs may differ depending on the types of animals you’re hunting. However, regardless of the species there’s a few items you will definitely want in your hunting knife set.
Skinning Knife
Your list should start here. Any land animal, whether it’s a 10-point buck or a small rabbit, will need to be skinned as one of the first steps of processing. Having a nimble skinning knife in your kit will make your life far easier than trying to brute force it with a pocketknife or something much larger like a kukri.
Caping Knife
A capable caping knife is necessary to get into the little nooks to get all off the meat off the carcass. Small and nimble, a good caping knife is worth its weight in gold and absolutely necessary for hunters of all types.
Boning/Fillet Knife
This is a must especially if you’re fishing. The boning and fillet knife will allow you to remove the flesh from the skin and cut through smaller, more finicky, bones.
Bone Saw/Cleaver
While both are vastly different from each other, they both accomplish the same thing: breaking through large bones. A boning knife won’t be able to easily cut through something like the sternum or hip bones. A bone saw or a cleaver is the way to go. The cleaver, though, is more versatile as you can also prep the meat for cooking with it.
Gut Hook
The gut hook, at least a good gut hook, should open up the belly of a kill like a zipper and allow you to easily pull the guts and innards out. There are many high-end gut hook/skinning knife combo tools available so look for those as they’ll do both the jobs while also saving room in your pack. Standalone gut hooks are available as well.
5 Best Hunting Knife Kits
Gerber Myth Field Dress Kit
Gerber Myth Field Dress Kit
This is a perfect mix of rugged tools and true portability. This kit from Gerber only has two knives, but they’re both of the highest quality. A 7.25-inch caping knife and an 8.5-inch gut hook are both strong enough to process big game thanks to the stainless blades. The rubber handles provide an excellent grip while also being moisture resistant.
The piggyback sheath is just as important here, too. Both knives easily fit into the sheath, which is paracord friendly if not fully MOLLE compatible, and the built-in carbide sharpener will keep your blades slicing true when in the field.
The only knock on this set is that there is no saw included, but the quality of the tools here is more than enough to dress deer, rabbit, quail, and a whole lot more.
MSRP: $75
Ruko 131
Ruko 131
The last kit came in a sheath. This one comes in a briefcase. The 131 set from Ruko comes with eight different tools. The list includes a caping knife, skinning knife, bone saw, fillet knife, game shears, gut hook knife, standalone gut hook, and a cleaver. Yes, two gut hooks.
All of these tools come with an easy-to-see orange handle and are contained in a black polypropylene case. It truly is a one-size-fits-all set for hunters.
The tradeoff is in blade quality. All of the tools are made from 420HC stainless which, yes has good corrosion resistance but isn’t the top-quality steel of some other sets on this list. Regardless, if you’re looking for a high-volume, fairly-priced hunting knife kit, Ruko has you covered.
MSRP: $59.99
Victorinox Fish Fillet Kit
Victorinox Fish Fillet Kit
The first animal-specific set on our list is from Victorinox, the maker of the iconic Swiss Army knife. The company’s high quality and attention to detail is on display in this kit just like it is their famous red multi-tools.
This set includes a 3.25-inch paring knife, 6-inch boning knife, 8-inch fillet knife, and 10-inch breaking knife. There’s also a handheld sharpener and an included 8-slot knife roll. The high-carbon stainless steel blades are made in Switzerland and are just as at home at the campsite as they are in the kitchen.
While made for fish and smaller game like rabbits, especially the three smaller knives, the beefy breaking knife can also be used when processing larger kills.
MSRP: $172.99
Outdoor Edge ButcherLite Game Processing Kit
Outdoor Edge ButcherLite Game Processing Kit
This eight-piece hunting kit from Outdoor Edge is designed to process game all the way from field to freezer. The set includes a gut hook skinner, caping knife, boning/fillet knife, bone saw, rib cage spreader, game cleaning gloves, and a tungsten carbide sharpener so you can reset your knives’ edge when out in the field.
The blades are made from 420J2 high-carbon stainless steel that provides quality edge protection and the full-tang construction, along with rubberized handles, provide a well-balanced knife that’s easy to grip.
All of the tools tuck neatly away into the included nylon roll pack that converts to a belt scabbard for easy access when processing the animal. And, at just 2.4 pounds, this hunting knife set is light enough to easily tuck away in your pack.
MSRP: $64.95
Smith And Wesson Campfire Set
Smith And Wesson Campfire Set
This three-knife set features beefy blades and a straight-to-the-point ethos. With a caping knife, gut hook skinner, and cleaver, Smith and Wesson has made a no-nonsense set of knives that’s easy to pack away and versatile enough to break down your kills.
Made from 3Cr13 stainless, these blades come sharp and can handle the abuse you’ll most certainly throw at them. The included all-in-one sheath allows you to neatly pack away your knives for easy carry and transport.
There is no fillet knife so processing fish might be difficult, but the cleaver in place of a bone saw provides added flexibility. The cleaver can chop through most bones while also helping to prep food around a campfire.
Utility Knives Are The Great All-Rounder For The Home. These Small Blades Are Popular With Contractors And Homeowners Alike To Solve All Sorts Of Problems.
Yes, there is a kitchen knife called a utility knife, but if use the phrase “utility knife” in conversation it’s almost a certainty that you’re talking about the diminutive yet mighty knives that are ubiquitous on job sites and in homes around the country. Even if you call it a box cutter, the person you’re talking to will absolutely know what you mean.
Also called a Stanley knife, because of the company that helped to pioneer them, utility knives are compact blades meant to breeze through the small and mundane tasks that can slow down your flow.
Cutting through some rope? Utility knife. Need to score a piece of glass? Utility knife? Looking for the best tool to quickly open a box? The utility knife has your back there.
Whether folding, fixed-blade, or even retractable, these are five of the best, most dynamic utility knives on the market today.
Milwaukee Fastback Flip Utility Knife
Milwaukee Fastback Flip Utility Knife
First on our list is this bright red folder from Milwaukee. Traditionally, folding utility knives have needed two hands just to open, but Milwaukee engineered a deployment system that not only drastically cuts down on time but is also a ton of fun to use.
By pressing the button on the handle you’re able to quickly flick the blade out and into a locked position. Sticking with the convenience theme, you can store a second blade in the handle and can change blades without tools.
The fact that there is also a built-in gut hook and wire stripper that cuts up to 10 gauge is just ridiculous on top of all the other tech in the knife. The ergonomic handle in the famous Milwaukee red sits well in the hand. This knife really does do it all.
MSRP: $15.59
Workpro Retractable Utility Knife
Workpro Retractable Utility Knife
Retractable utility knives allow you to slide the blade in and out of a fixed handle. This model from Workpro is an excellent example of that with the added bonus of having a huge amount of storage.
The multi-color handle is made from a zinc alloy and rubberized, ergonomic grip. The knife features a four-stage deployment system so you can use just the tip of the blade for finite tasks or send out the whole thing to slice through something beefier.
Inside the handle there’s enough room to store five blades so you’ll never be without a fresh razor to switch to at a moment’s notice.
MSRP: $9.99
Gerber EAB Lite
Gerber EAB Lite
This tight little folder from Gerber is great for your pocket or your purse. When folded, it can tuck away easily thanks to a beefy pocket clip, and when deployed it secures via a liner lock to provide a sturdy hold and cutting edge.
The stainless steel body looks good and will serve you well when in use. At just 2.5 ounces it’s incredibly lightweight and easy to maneuver. The only knock on this knife is that there is no built-in storage compartment like the knives above. Even without the storage, this is a great utility knife to have with you for daily use. You could even make this your EDC.
MSRP: $18
Stanley 6 In Swivel-Lock Fixed Blade
Stanley 6 In Swivel-Lock Fixed Blade
From the company which innovated the utility knife, this multi-dimensional tool from Stanley is robust enough to be a handy companion on a job site. The contoured handle sits well in the handle and won’t slip even when sweaty on a hot day.
The handle swivels open to hold multiple replacement blades and is compatible with most Stanley replacement blades so you won’t need to stress about finding the right ones. It also comes with three replacement blades in the package to get you off on the right foot.
For a knife this inexpensive, it swings well above its weight. Whether a professional contractor or just a home DIYer, this knife would be perfect for you.
MSRP:$7.99
Olfa LA-X
Olfa LA-X
Our list wraps up with the longest blade of the bunch from Olfa. This retractable knife has a massive, by the standard of a utility knife, 3.25-inch blade which is great for long cuts and can be retracted for more precise slices. The blade is also scored so the top section can be broken off to reveal a sharper tip section.
The handle is made from reinforced fiberglass with an ergonomic rubberized grip which gives you a secure hold of the knife when in use.
The blade does have a few drawbacks at expense of the longer blade. The locking mechanism is a little wiggly and not as robust as some of the other knives on this list, and the flathead screwdriver tip at the end of the handle isn’t as strong as you might want it to be.
The LA-X is great for less intense cutting tasks, especially those when more extra blade length is needed.
Opening A Balisong Is One Of The Funnest Things You Can Do With A Knife. There Are Numerous Butterfly Knife Tricks You Can Learn To Up Your Game.
Opening most knives is either wholly forgettable or simply a fun way to fidget. Nail nicks, thumb studs, and opening holes like those on Spyderco blades are all common ways to open a knife that don’t leave much of a mark.
However, the butterfly knife stands alone. It’s so dynamic to open and manipulate that there are professional competitions showcasing new and exciting ways to make the knife dance in the hand. Once you know how to open and close the knife safely you’ll be able to build a skillset of more and more difficult, exciting butterfly knife tricks.
How Do I Open A Butterfly Knife
Before opening a butterfly knife it’s important to know which handle you’re holding. Every balisong has two handles: a safe handle and a bite handle. The safe handle is straightforward; holding this handle will protect your hand from the sharp edge of the blade.
The bite handle is one the side of the sharpened edge. Early on it’s incredibly important to keep your hand off of that handle lest you slice off a finger. More advanced tricks will have you switching handles, but you should only do that once you’ve mastered basic skills and can move the knife safely.
Luckily, there are many different types of trainer butterfly knives available to learn the moves safely without even having to worry about a sharp edge. These knives are made from steel, aluminum, and even plastic. We have a whole primer on finding the best trainer butterfly knife.
What Are The Different Butterfly Knife Tricks?
Just like other sports like skateboarding and figure skating, where tricks involve spins and flips, the names of balisong tricks all have fantastical names. From the more simply-named rollovers and aerials to the blender, the Van Gogh and the Neck Catch, and the Ladder Aerial to Reverse Chaplin, the names are as fun as the moves themselves.
And everything builds off basics. Once you can smoothly and confidently open the knife, you can learn rollovers (which involve rolling the knife around your thumb) and keep escalating until you’re throwing the knife in the air and catching it again in one smooth motion.
In the video below, professional knife flipper Corbin Lovins goes in-depth into all things balisong tricks from the basic to the complex. The young Hoosier won the balisong flipping tournament at Blade Show in 2019 and debuted his own line of Butterfly Knives, Strix, at the most recent Blade Show in Atlanta.
The New Endela Wharncliffe K390 From Spyderco Is The Newest In The Endela Line And Uses A Distinctive Blade Design And State-Of-The-Art Tool Steel To Stand Out.
When Spyderco releases new knives they’re always fun and push the boundaries of what an EDC can be. In the case of the new Endela Wharncliffe K390, there’s so much new about it that it stands out even in comparison to other knives from the company.
It all starts with the K390 MICROCLEAN blade steel. This all-new particle metallurgy tool steel was designed with wear resistance and compressive strength in mind. The straight-edged blade takes the steel and turns it into an exceptional folder that’s tough enough to handle all sorts of intense industrial applications. At 3.42 inches long, the blade is beefy enough to attack big tasks while compact enough for more intricate work.
The blade is married to an FRN handle, and the back lock keeps the whole thing solid and firm in your hand when deployed. The ambidextrous pocket clip allows for easy carry on either side of your body, in your purse, or in a travel pack.
Once again, Spyderco has knocked it out of the park with their newest addition to the Endela line.
