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Taking The Foot Path: Top Sheepsfoot Knives

Reuben Bolieu
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Taking The Foot Path: Top Sheepsfoot Knives

Three unique sheepsfoot blades for top pocket performance.

A sheepsfoot blade hides its edge behind a quiet profile. It slices clean and never wanders. These three nowhere-near-a-kind blades remind you why the shape keeps earning loyal fans.

Sheepsfoot Advantage

A sheepsfoot blade shape delivers straight, predictable cuts without risk of a piercing tip. The sheepsfoot blade gets its name from its shape, which resembles a sheep’s hoof. The edge runs flat so the user can push through rope, cardboard and fabric with complete control. The dropped, rounded nose keeps the point out of the work, which helps during rescue tasks and close-quarters cutting. The shape shines in utility roles, but it trades away penetration and fine-tip detail work. Users who need a safe, steady cutter reach for a sheepsfoot. Users who need a sharp, probing point usually look elsewhere.

Reiff Knives Circadia

Taking it into the woods, the author found the Reiff Knives Circadian Sheepsfoot performed like a larger knife due to the full-sized handle and wide blade. The perfect tool for both the camp and kitchen.
Taking it into the woods, the author found the Reiff Knives Circadian Sheepsfoot performed like a larger knife due to the full-sized handle and wide blade. The perfect tool for both the camp and kitchen.

Reiff Knives built its reputation on hard-use tools designed for people who work and live outdoors. The Circadian Sheepsfoot fits that mission cleanly. Reiff Knives is a family run and veteran-owned company, and it’s carved out a niche by blending modern steels with field-driven ergonomics. Its knives aren’t showpieces—they’re workhorses built to survive real use in the backcountry, the shop or the boat. The Circadian line has been one of the company’s best sellers, and the sheepsfoot variant pushes the platform into pure utility.

The Circadian Sheepsfoot features a compact EDC profile, measuring roughly 7 inches in overall length, depending on the sheath and scale configuration. The blade measures about 3 inches and is cut from CPM MagnaCut, a steel chosen for its balance of toughness, edge retention and corrosion resistance—a smart match for a knife meant to live outdoors. Reiff offers the blade in stonewash or black DLC, both finishes built for durability and low glare. The 90-degree spine is sharp enough to spark from a ferro rod, adding value for fieldcraft.

Handle scales are available in canvas Micarta, colored black or green depending on the model. The geometry favors control: a deep index cut, a neutral mid-section and a palm swell that locks the hand without forcing a grip. It’s a compact knife that still feels anchored during push cuts, rope work and fine carving.

Reiff pairs the Circadian Sheepsfoot with a Kydex sheath, sold in multiple colors and patterns, including black, OD green and multicam. Reiff designed the sheath for belt or pack-strap carry with enough retention for active movement. It’s an EDC fixed blade—small enough for daily tasks and tough enough for field abuse.

Circadian Sheepsfoot Specs
Overall Length: 7.25”
Blade Length: 3.28”
Blade Thickness: 0.120
Steel: CPM-MagnaCut Stainless
Finish: Stonewash
Weight: 4.10 oz.
Scales: OD Green Canvas Micarta
Sheath: Ambidextrous Universal Kydex with Tek-Lok
Made in the U.S.A.
MSRP: $285

Circadian Performance

Sheepsfoot blades excel in the kitchen, similar to a santoku knife with a flat blade. The Circadian slices with authority, performing pull slices with the tip.
Sheepsfoot blades excel in the kitchen, similar to a santoku knife with a flat blade. The Circadian slices with authority, performing pull slices with the tip.

Even though these three knives are in the EDC realm, the Circadian Sheepsfoot feels like the big brother. I have to give comfort and solidness to it. The knife has the heft to baton wood for the dry parts, and the edge geometry to feather wood like an ordained bushcraft knife. On top of that, the 90-degree spine showered sparks on every part, even the jimping.

It acts like a mini santoku knife in the woods, cabin and home kitchen. It performs draw cuts like a champ on food, cardboard, cordage, paper and leather. I made it my woods sheepsfoot blade and relied on it solo and teamed up with a chopper/splitter in the winter months. I touched up the MagnaCut blade once while testing it, and it wasn’t a chore, because I never let it get dull enough to need the sharpening stone.

I added an UltiClip to the sheath, carried it in my utility pocket and called it good!
The Circadian Sheepsfoot delivers reliable cutting performance for those who need a dependable tool that never falters. It’s simple, rugged and purpose-driven—exactly what Reiff Knives promises with every tool they ship!

Bear & Son Culery Large Sheepfoot Barlow

Bear & Son blends tradition with Alabama craftsmanship in the Large Sheepfoot Barlow, featuring simple mechanics and quality materials. Even living up to modern performance expectations, the author found the stag handle gave it “old-timey” appeal.
Bear & Son blends tradition with Alabama craftsmanship in the Large Sheepfoot Barlow, featuring simple mechanics and quality materials. Even living up to modern performance expectations, the author found the stag handle gave it “old-timey” appeal.

Bear & Son Cutlery operates out of Jacksonville, Alabama, where it machines, grinds, assembles and sharpens every knife under one roof. That full-control approach gives its traditional patterns a level of consistency collectors and working users both appreciate. The Large Sheepfoot Barlow sits squarely in that tradition. It blends a classic American pattern with modern steel choices and multiple handle options, giving the user a pocket tool that feels familiar but performs with modern reliability.

The knife measures 7 inches in overall length and 4 inches closed. Bear & Son fits the frame with a 2.75-inch sheepsfoot blade cut from stainless steel. The second blade mirrors a traditional Barlow layout, providing a backup edge for finer work. The sheepsfoot profile drives straight cuts through rope, cardboard and daily tasks with predictable control. The company shapes the spine with a clean, squared feel, which helps during controlled push cuts and scraping chores.

Handle options include rosewood, Genuine India Stag Bone and white smooth bone. Each material gives the knife a different personality: rosewood for warmth, stag for texture and smooth bone for a classic pocket-worn look. Nickel-silver bolsters anchor the Barlow silhouette and add durability at the pivot.

The knife is a slipjoint, so it stays legal in most jurisdictions and fits the traditional-carry crowd. Bear & Son ships it without a sheath, as expected for a pocket Barlow. The weight lands at 3.7 ounces, which keeps it planted in the pocket without feeling bulky.

2-Blade Barlow Sheepsfoot
Overall Length: 7”
Blade Length: 3”
Closed: 4”
Blade Thickness: 0.90″
Steel: Stainless
Finish: Satin
Weight: 2.9 oz.
Scales: Rosewood, Genuine India Stag Bone, White Smooth Bone
Sheath: None
Made in the U.S.A.
MSRP: $79

Large Sheepfoot Barlow Performance

The Sheepfoot Barlow's large blade cut through leather and nylon webbing easily. Meanwhile, the comfortable, tapered handle made pull slicing smooth.
The Sheepfoot Barlow’s large blade cut through leather and nylon webbing easily. Meanwhile, the comfortable, tapered handle made pull slicing smooth.

The Large Sheepfoot Barlow had some weight and an old-timey impression. It made me feel classy when I used it and it sliced like a champ. Its solid feel was substantial, though I took extra care when pulling the blades out. The liners inside the handles were sharp—near paper-cut sharp. But I didn’t draw blood when I opened it. They were just rough to the touch.

Both blades were wicked sharp. The smaller blade had a more awl-like shape and was thick enough to use as one. Or it could be your up-close, carving-in-tight-places blade. Pick your poison. The main blade excels at slicing rope, and the sharp tip makes short work of leather. What surprised me most was how detailed the sheepsfoot was mincing fresh garlic in the kitchen. Naturally, the stainless steel remained worry-free around moisture.

Bear & Son continues to push traditional patterns forward while keeping the work in Alabama. The Large Sheepfoot Barlow reflects that mission: simple mechanics, honest materials and a pattern that earned its place over generations.

Tactile Knife Co. Redhawk

Kept to the company’s tight tolerances, the Tactile Knife Co. Redhawk is a versatile cutter designed for everyday use—indoors or outdoors. The author found the knife’s design and build quality impeccable.
Kept to the company’s tight tolerances, the Tactile Knife Co. Redhawk is a versatile cutter designed for everyday use—indoors or outdoors. The author found the knife’s design and build quality impeccable.

The Redhawk marks Tactile Knife Co.’s push into the compact fixed-blade EDC space, and it carries the same machining pedigree that put the Dallas-based shop on the map. Tactile started as a precision pen company before expanding into knives, but its through-line never changed: tight tolerances, clean lines and American-made materials. Its shop in Texas machines nearly every component in-house, and the company leans hard into heirloom-grade build quality. The Redhawk reflects that ethos—simple, durable and purpose-driven.

Taylor Martin created the Redhawk after years of carrying fixed blades that fell short. It’s a compact knife punching above its size without feeling delicate. It measures just under 7 inches in overall length (6.9 inches OAL) with a 2.75- or 3-inch blade, depending on the variant. The blade, cut from CPM MagnaCut, is a steel chosen for its balance of toughness, edge retention and corrosion resistance. Its reverse tanto/modified sheepsfoot profile gives it a tall cutting surface and a fine, workable tip. Blade stock runs 0.12-inch, keeping it slicey without feeling thin.

Handle scales are made of Micarta and come in multiple colors. Tactile shaped them with a scalloped pinch-grip area for control during fine work and heavy cuts using a chest-lever grip. Finish options include stonewashed, tumbled Cerakote and black Cerakote, depending on the retailer. The spine is ground clean and crisp, suitable for scraping tinder or striking a ferro rod. Tactile doesn’t explicitly market it as a 90-degree spine, but it behaves like one in use.

The knife ships with either a Kydex or leather sheath, both set up for pocket carry with a clip, making it a true EDC fixed blade rather than a belt-only option.

Redhawk Specs
Designer: Taylor Martin
Overall Length: 6.9”
Blade Length: 2.75”
Blade Thickness: 0.120
Steel: CPM-MagnaCut Stainless
Finish: Cerakote (black)
Weight: 3.16 oz.
Scales: 3D Contoured Micarta Handles (black)
Sheath: Kydex Discreet Carry Concepts Sheath Clip
Made in the U.S.A.
MSRP: $249

Redhawk Performance

The Redhawk was a woods camp breakfast companion during the author’s testing. The sheepsfoot both helped with fire, food prep and eating.
The Redhawk was a woods camp breakfast companion during the author’s testing. The sheepsfoot both helped with fire, food prep and eating.

I first saw the Redhawk in Taylor Martin’s hand at an outdoor event. We talked about it later that evening, and I was eager to get one and put it through the wringer. First stop—the Irish pub to show the guys. After show-and-tell, it was nearing the holiday season and the Redhawk went to work on package duty. Work included heavy plastic strapping, paper and plastic packaging, bubble wrapping and—as little as possible—tape. I hate sticky blades, so usually I cut through cardboard when breaking them down flat. Believe it or not, paper, grass and cardboard are all hard on an edge.

In the woods, the Redhawk made feather sticks for a fire from wet wood and went on to slice ham and sausages. It kept a small bio stove well fed in the colder end of autumn. The blade performed as expected—well! The handle was nimble, yet substantially comfortable. The scalloped grooves in the Micarta scales did their job, especially in chest-lever and pinch grips.

The Redhawk is a compact cutter built for daily tasks, but it carries the machining DNA of a much larger knife. It’s a minimalist tool with maximum intent—exactly what Tactile Knife Co. set out to build.

Closing

The sheepsfoot blade shape shares genetic material with many knives, such as the Malaysian parang, the Japanese santoku knife, rescue knives and Serbian-style cleavers. There’s no escaping this timeless pattern!

Knife Reviews:

The X-Rhea Experience: A Journey Of Craftsmanship And Connection

Masoud Hashemabadi
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The X-Rhea Experience: A Journey Of Craftsmanship And Connection

Follow the journey of Iranian bladesmith Masoud Hashemabadi, AKA Apurak, as he masters the art of the X-Rhea knife.

In February 2020, after months of contemplation and with the support of my wife, Maryam, I embarked on my journey in bladesmithing here in Iran. And I finally answered a long-standing urge within me—to delve into the world of forging and knifemaking. I was drawn not simply to the act of shaping steel but to the intricate, multifaceted craft of bladesmithing. Bladesmithing demands a convergence of skills: precise forging, material management, heat treatment, bevel grinding, understanding edge geometry, honing razor-sharp edges and more. Handmade knives, though ancient tools, continue to captivate enthusiasts today, representing a connection to human history.

Each of my works bears the mark Apurak, also my handle on Instagram where I go by apurak.co. The word translates to “The Maker” in Pahlavi or the Middle Persian language—an ancient language.

I began forging with basic tools: a steel block as an anvil, a simple hammer, a homemade coal forge, an angle grinder, a hand drill and a welding machine. I spent six months making additional tools and immersed myself in every piece of content I could find on forging. My first knives were rudimentary—simple full-tang and hidden-tang fixed blades. They were decent, but they didn’t fully satisfy me. During this time, I experimented with different designs, including the old blacksmith’s knife (sometimes known as the Viking knife). None of them quite captured my imagination.

Masoud (left) began his blade smithing journey in 2020 after much contemplation and the support of his wife, Maryam (right). The desire to endeavor upon the multi-skilled craft of making knives had been longstanding in Masoud, he recounts.
Masoud (left) began his blade smithing journey in 2020 after much contemplation and the support of his wife, Maryam (right). The desire to endeavor upon the multi-skilled craft of making knives had been longstanding in Masoud, he recounts.

Then, about a year into my journey, I came across ABS master smith Lin Rhea’s X-Rhea design on his Instagram account. This design—seamless, balanced and powerful—struck a deep chord within me. I knew I had to learn to forge this knife, so I respectfully reached out to Lin for permission. I watched his videos, analyzed every detail and eventually began my own attempts at creating an X-Rhea. This journey marked a new chapter in my life.

From Inspiration To Learning

No one can create a truly unique knife design early in their career. We all start by holding onto something, following established paths until we understand our own direction in the field. For me, the X-Rhea was this guidepost. My early attempts were crude and far from perfect—out of proportion and visibly flawed. But I was thrilled to make progress. With each X-Rhea, I learned more, not only about the design but about the fundamental techniques of forging. This process fulfilled me in ways I hadn’t anticipated.

Regular feedback from Lin himself was invaluable. We communicated frequently through Whats-App and Instagram, discussing various approaches to forging, hammer techniques, and the finer points of knife-making. Lin became more than a mentor; he became a friend, generously sharing his knowledge and guiding me through my early missteps.

X-Rhea Process

Masoud Hashemabadi maker's mark, Apurak. The word is from Middle Persian and means "The Maker." The numbering, seen on the spine of his work, is the year it was created according to the Cyrus Imperial Calendar.
Masoud Hashemabadi maker’s mark, Apurak. The word is from Middle Persian and means “The Maker.” The numbering, seen on the spine of his work, is the year it was created according to the Cyrus Imperial Calendar.

The X-Rhea has a unique shape, but the process of creating it is what makes it truly special. Unlike most designs, which often involve templates or precise measurements to envision the final product, the X-Rhea requires a different approach. You start with a rough sketch and rely on imagination, skill and a sense of flow to bring the knife to life. Each hammer strike must be deliberate and you visualize the end result throughout. This approach makes the final product feel like a true reward, a direct extension of the maker’s vision and hand.

For me, the X-Rhea became more than a knife—it became a pathway toward mastering my craft. Unlike conventional knives, which can incorporate multiple materials like wood, Micarta or stag, the X-Rhea is a single piece of steel. This simplicity, however, does not mean it’s easy to make. Achieving a knife that is functional, strong, ergonomic and aesthetically pleasing in a single piece requires foresight, skill and an understanding of the material’s properties.

Lin and I often spoke about this unique forging process. He explained how the X-Rhea or one-piece concept demands a cohesive flow of thought, a continuity that aligns with the uninterrupted structure of the knife itself. “There’s no breaking point,” he said. His words perfectly captured what I was experiencing in practice. This concept aligned with my personal philosophy: as makers, we should focus more on our skills and presence than on the tools themselves.

X-Rhea Of Tradition

A look at Masoud's tools he made in his early journey into knifemaking, including (top from the left) a bench vise, coal forge, (below going clockwise) belt grinder, clamps and a heat-treating oven.
A look at Masoud’s tools he made in his early journey into knifemaking, including (top from the left) a bench vise, coal forge, (below going clockwise) belt grinder, clamps and a heat-treating oven.

Throughout history, craftsmen have created extraordinary works with simple tools. When we look at the objects in museums, we see artifacts made with skills and techniques that, even today, seem nearly impossible to replicate. These craftsmen weren’t limited by the tools of their time. They relied on their presence, creativity and mastery, developing techniques that allowed them to reach incredible levels of precision and artistry. With the X-Rhea, I felt a connection to this tradition. Using only the most essential tools, I was able to engage deeply with each piece I crafted.

In today’s world, technology allows us to create faster and with greater efficiency, but it also risks overshadowing the maker’s role. Many makers, when faced with limited tools, may consider certain tasks impossible. Yet through my experience with X-Rhea knives, I found that fewer tools could offer a sense of creative freedom, encouraging me to explore what’s possible with technique alone. Each knife became a unique testament to the skill, discipline and power of traditional craftsmanship.

Working with Lin, I learned to view knifemaking through a different lens. He encouraged me to see the X-Rhea as an art form that goes beyond simple functionality. In his words, this process is like “a physical manifestation of a simple musical tune.” It became a flowing, intuitive rhythm rather than a rigid sequence of steps.

Editor’s Note: This is the first part of a two-part article. The second part of the article will be added to this story once it runs in the May 2026 issue of BLADE Magazine.

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Replaceable-Blade Utility Knives: Irreplaceable Utility

Abe Elias
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Replaceable-Blade Utility Knives: Irreplaceable Utility

These replaceable-blade utility knives cut to the quick of convenient EDC.

I have to say, I have never been a fan of utility-style knives for everyday carry. Certainly, there is a place for them, and they are suitable for a multitude of jobs a regular knife might not do as well. Handyman detail comes to mind, where an always sharp blade and thin edge are appreciated. However, traditional everyday carry knives tend to excel in EDC duty, except, perhaps, in one facet—convenience.

From air travel to avoiding the sharpening stone, EDC utility blades have an undeniable edge on their fixed and folding counterparts. Additionally, knifemakers have further improved the utility of these pocketable cutters, offering different blade styles tailored to different circumstances, allowing the right tool for the job.

I grabbed four replaceable-blade knives and took each of them to work with me to see the pros and cons of each. A large part of my focus was on convenience, as you can buy different blades for all of them, save one. Let’s roll on to what I found out about these tools while putting them to work.

CobraTech OTF Utility

The fact the blade holder on the CobraTec extends further out from the handle gives you the opportunity to get a better look at the edge for fine cutting. When it is important you follow a precise line for an accurate cut, you want to see the blade.
The fact the blade holder on the CobraTec extends further out from the handle gives you the opportunity to get a better look at the edge for fine cutting. When it is important you follow a precise line for an accurate cut, you want to see the blade.

I thought I would start off with the coolest concept for a replaceable-blade utility knife. For folks who need a fidget toy, CobraTec’s OTF Utility fits the bill. Someone there had their thinking cap on with the design. It takes a standard utility blade—with toolless replacement—but this genre offers several styles—hooked, serrated and razor. If you need some added durability, titanium-coated and ceramic blades are options. Note, pay attention to the blades you use; the quality can vary widely.

CobraTec’s OTF works just like any other OTF automatic, perhaps making it among the coolest utility knives.
CobraTec’s OTF works just like any other OTF automatic, perhaps making it among the coolest utility knives.

The body of the knife is built out of 6061 aluminum that is anodized blue or green. For the blade bracket—what holds the blade—CobraTec uses steel. There was only a small amount of play in the bracket when deployed, an important feature. You want as little wiggle as possible to facilitate an easy and accurate cut. The OTF Utility is a double-action auto, shooting the blade in and out crisply through a switch on the side. The company provides two carry options: a sturdy pocket clip and a small nylon belt pouch. Personally, I would chuck the pouch. The pocket clip makes it much more convenient. It is a solid tool and cool as well. The OTF Utility has an MSRP of $90.

Outdoor Edge Slidewinder

The one drawback to the light-duty SlideWinder is it doesn’t offer much blade when fully deployed. On the flipside, it does give users a splash of color with three different options: orange, black and blue.
The one drawback to the light-duty SlideWinder is it doesn’t offer much blade when fully deployed. On the flipside, it does give users a splash of color with three different options: orange, black and blue.

Outdoor Edge has a neat little tool in the Slidewinder. I first stumbled upon this when I was looking for something TSA-compliant to take with me to trade shows. The blade is easily removable, and the frame by itself should pass through TSA. At least it has for me in the past. I have taken it on a few airplane trips without a hassle. Keep in mind, in the end, it depends on what TSA agent you get when you go through security. When I get to my destination, I simply buy another blade.

The Slidewinder is multitalented, boasting a bottle opener, a standard screwdriver and a flat Philips screwdriver to go along with its blade. The credit-card-sized tool takes regular utility blades and holds them securely in place. Blade replacement is a snap, as simple as pressing a button on the slide. To deploy the blade, you move the slide forward.

The Outdoor Edge SlideWinder has utility beyond cutting. At the 12-o’clock position, over the blade, is a bottle opener, at 1 o’clock is a flat-head screwdriver and at 7 a flat Phillips-head screwdriver.
The Outdoor Edge SlideWinder has utility beyond cutting. At the 9-o’clock position, over the blade, is a bottle opener, at 1 o’clock is a flat-head screwdriver and at 7 a flat Phillips-head screwdriver.

Outdoor Edge uses one steel scale and one G10 scale, available in orange, blue and black. For easy carry, the knife has a low-profile pocket clip. I would have to say the SlideWinder makes for a great little tool and is convenient for travel, as I mentioned. On the other hand, its size makes it more of a light everyday carry and not suited to heavy jobs. Outdoor Edge puts an MSRP of $11 on the SlideWinder.

Havalon REDI

The Havalon REDI cut through this seat belt material like nobody’s business. What makes it better fit for these tougher jobs is a longer cutting edge than that found on utility blades.
The Havalon REDI cut through this seat belt material like nobody’s business. What makes it better fit for these tougher jobs is a longer cutting edge than that found on utility blades.

Havalon’s REDI is an assisted-opening everyday carry knife. The company uses a proprietary blade made from AUS-8 stainless steel in a drop-point pattern. The knife comes with two blades with different edges—razor and half serrated. A nice touch, the company includes a small plastic case to carry the extra blade. Changing the blades is easy, with a retention release button and a forward slide freeing the cutting portion of the knife. Havalon provides a tool with the knife to depress the retention button, but it isn’t necessary. A thumbnail should suffice.

There is some play in the blade, but the retention system holds it in place. The blade itself is held in place with a liner lock and has a solid deployment via thumb studs. To aid your grip, Havalon uses polymer scales that are textured and come in three color choices: orange, black, and green. The REDI has an ambidextrous tip-up carry pocket clip. I find tip-up works well with an assisted opener.

Conveniently, the Havalon REDI comes with two blades. The razor edge blade (left) and mounted on the knife is the combo serrated/razor blade (right). Unlike the other knives, the blades are proprietary and longer then a standard utility blade.
Conveniently, the Havalon REDI comes with two blades. The razor edge blade (left) and mounted on the knife is the combo serrated/razor blade (right). Unlike the other knives, the blades are proprietary and longer then a standard utility blade.

It’s a good knife and a solid carry option with a replaceable blade. My one point of contention with knives is the proprietary blades. You must keep extras on you. I know people would say it’s a similar story with other utility knives. The obvious difference is that I can source regular utility blades nearly anywhere. Overall, the REDI is a good carry and very versatile, just keep the blade issue in mind. With an MSRP of $55, the REDI is at the more expensive end of this class of knife.

Gerber EAB Slim

The Gerber EAB Slim (top) offers more grip than the original EAB (bottom) thanks to a buit-in keyring. It might not seem like much at first glance, but it offers more leverage than on the trim package.
The Gerber EAB Slim (top) offers more grip than the original EAB (bottom) thanks to a buit-in keyring. It might not seem like much at first glance, but it offers more leverage than on the trim package.

The EAB Slim is exactly that—slim. Compared to earlier models I tested, like Gerber’s Prybrid and the original EAB, this model is trimmer. Yet, the extra length gives the utility knife a better grip, even compared to some of the options in this article. The EAB uses a standard utility blade and deploys from a slide lock. It is not the smoothest system, but it works and is dependable. If you want to retract the blade, just reverse the motion. Gerber added a bottle opener and a lanyard hole for some bells and whistles. I suppose you could put it on your key chain, but I would find it a bit bulky because of its 4.4-inch length.

Gerber has added some subtle gimping at the front of the handle. The texture is helpful and keeps you from struggling with the thin knife’s profile. It’s a good tool I would carry for light jobs—opening packages or even as an extra, inexpensive blade to stash in a backup kit. When I worked retail, this would be a perfect edge for all my regular chores, without adding bulk to my pockets. At $16, the Slim is light on the pocketbook.

Convenient Utility Carry

These utility knives aren’t full-fledged knives, but they do everything we need over an ordinary day. Working in maintenance, these knives cover most of my cutting duties and are easy to carry to boot. Due to their compact size, they aren’t my first pick for heavy-duty jobs. However, if you aren’t in maintenance or construction, these would be a great way to carry an edge for quick jobs.

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Aaron Wilburn’s BodyGuard Review: Cutting At Another Level

Msg Kim Breed (ret.)
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Aaron Wilburn’s BodyGuard Review: Cutting At Another Level

Aaron Wilburn’s BodyGuard pushes the performance bounds of a hard-work knife.

ABS master smith Aaron Wilburn produces spot-on precision works of art. His mosaic damascus is gorgeous, yet he still likes to make hard-working blades. The BodyGuard is one of the latter. It’s no frills, just tuned 52100 steel and textured non-slip Micarta handles.

A lot of knowledge is poured into these heavy-duty knives. It’s a little on the larger side for an EDC, but once in your hand, it’s very hard to use anything else. I’m all about the feel of a knife in your hand and the sharpness of its blade. Aaron’s BodyGuard is spot on in both fields. So, let’s get to cutting with the BodyGuard.

Skiving 8-ounce leather, the author found the slight curve to the belly of the knife let him roll rapidly into each thin slice.
Skiving 8-ounce leather, the author found the slight curve to the belly of the knife let him roll rapidly into each thin slice.

To start, I executed a simple slice of paper to check the fresh edge. The BodyGuard sheared smoothly and quickly, with the edge showing itself on the aggressive side, meaning you could hear each slice. I had to move fast with my fingers so no nicks would occur. The knife’s balance felt correct while cutting.

Next, I was on to some single-walled cardboard. The BodyGuard was slicing so fast and so sharply that none of the cuts distorted the cardboard. This is due to its full flat grind. The Cerekote coating helped, as well, reducing drag. Once more, the edge was notably audible and forceful through the material.

The BodyGuard’s plunge lines were spot on, uniform in depth and angle. This is always a sure sign of a well-made knife.
The BodyGuard’s plunge lines were spot on, uniform in depth and angle. This is always a sure sign of a well-made knife.

I pulled some scrap 8-ounce leather to skive. The BodyGuard made quick work of it. The slight curve to the belly of the knife let me roll rapidly into each thin slice. It was a fast enough pace that I managed to put a nick in my fingernail. The textured canvas handles proved very grippy and had a comfortable feeling. With the leather on its edge, I made more cuts, happily segmenting it without removing any of my flesh. Each cut gave me a nice crunching sound. Very sharp edge.

Laying The Wood

Using a leftover piece of pine, I did some whittling for a firestick. I ended up with thin curlicues and thick curlicue. All cuts were smooth, like they were from a carving tool. Its handle provided a positive grip on this more challenging medium and ensured smooth cuts. The finish took some wood smears, as expected, but the edge was still like a razor.

The BodyGuard was no hack in testing its edge against whitetail deer antler. The author littered his shop with antler fragments, however, the knife’s edge remained pristine.
The BodyGuard was no hack in testing its edge against whitetail deer antler. The author littered his shop with antler fragments, however, the knife’s edge remained pristine.

Subsequently, I gave the BodyGuard a beating or I should say a batoning. Using a piece of seasoned hackberry, I batoned the blade into it to split some kindling. I found the false edge was ground almost too sharply; it wanted to stick into the baton piece of wood on the first two whacks. No issues after that with the BodyGuard making short work of the chunk of hackberry. I did notice the ends of the handles were a little sharp on the inside of my palm during this exercise. A few wipes of 400-grit sandpaper removed the edge. Again, more wood smears on the Cerakote, but the coating was 100 percent attached. Excellent job.

After some hard material, I tested the knife’s edge retention on 1/2-inch sisal rope. Man, does the BodyGuard cut, crunching through 200 cuts of the rope in record time. The edge felt like it was getting sharper with every slash. Even after all that, the knife remained extremely sharp.

The BodyGuard was no hack in testing its edge against whitetail deer antler. The author littered his shop with antler fragments, however, the knife’s edge remained pristine.
The BodyGuard was no hack in testing its edge against whitetail deer antler. The author littered his shop with antler fragments, however, the knife’s edge remained pristine.

Finally, it was time to get busy on a whitetail deer antler with 30 hard whacks. All that did was send antler chunks all over my shop without even a micro nick on the edge. That demonstrated excellent heat treatment. And the edge still felt razor sharp.

The last step was to retest the edge on paper. The BodyGuard seemed to slice even faster after all its use. Smooth cuts through the 20-pound-bonded with no tear outs. Enough said and cut.

Bottom Line

I just make a minor softening on the end of the handle. Otherwise, the BodyGuard from Aaron Wilburn is in the top 1 percent of the knives I’ve tested. It will handle civilian, hunters and military chores with ease. Hats off to the maker.

More Reviews:

Cool Custom: Robert Logan’s Tiny Fighter

BLADE Staff
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Cool Custom: Robert Logan’s Tiny Fighter

Robert Logan had a scrap to pull off his Tiny Fighter.

ABS apprentice smith and member of the Texas Knifemakers Guild, Robert Logan, has developed a varied catalog over his nearly nine-year career. His work in kitchen cutlery has raised eyebrows in some corners of the knife world. Yet, his smaller projects are certainly worth consideration.

Such is the case with Robert’s Tiny Fighter, a minuscule fighter whose detailed execution is hard to miss—even if it’s no larger than a penny. The knife measures a scant 2.875 inches in overall length, with a 1.6875-inch damascus blade (192 layer 1084-15n20). Setting it all off is a mammoth-ivory handle and a beautiful guard featuring engraving by Alice Carter.

Robert Logan
Robert Logan

Robert has tinkered with miniatures previously, making a couple of dozen scaled-down versions of his Mini Cleaver Belt Knife. But the Tiny Fighter, he said, was his first crack at venturing deeper than a simple slab handle in a miniature piece. Without special equipment for the job, it was especially tricky.

“Honestly, the most challenging thing about making tiny knives for me is just holding on to them,” Robert confessed. “I don’t use grinding jigs, so just holding on to the thing to grind, it was hilarious.”

More Custom Knives:

Two Generations Of Dennehy Knives Now At The Alamo

BLADE Staff
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Two Generations Of Dennehy Knives Now At The Alamo

John Dennehy’s replica of his father’s Dan D Alamo Bowie, was accepted by the site on the 190th Anniversary of the historic battle.

We should always remember the Alamo, but 2026 is a particularly good year to keep the battle top of mind. It’s the 190th anniversary of the defining fight for Texas independence, and a fitting backdrop to a father-son knifemaking tale.

When Dan Dennehy donated his custom Dan D Alamo Bowie to the Daughters of the Republic of Texas in 1968, little did he know that a reproduction of the very same knife would be presented almost 60 years later to representatives of Alamo Trust just a few months before the historic anniversary of the Battle of the Alamo.

Made by Dan’s son John, the presentation reproduction is based on the original donated by Dan to the DRT in 1968. Save the engraving on the accompanying brass plaque. John did the entire repro project, which included 5/16-inch O1 tool steel like the blade material on his father’s original Dan D Alamo Bowie, and an embellished oak presentation frame.

Engraved number 5 of 10 by Pearce Richardson, the brass plaque reads: “Commemorative Dan D Alamo Bowie” over “In Honor of Those who Lost their Lives defending the Alamo in March 1836 and to the late Daniel J. Dennehy, Knifemaker, whose Alamo Bowie has proudly been on display at the Alamo since 1968.”

“It’s an honor that we can say we have knives from a father and son in our collection,” Alamo Senior Researcher and Historian Kolby Lanham said. “We are grateful to both Dan and John, two generations of knifemakers who chose to create works of art honoring James Bowie and the Alamo.”

John’s project started soon after his father’s death in 2011.

“The Alamo let me take pictures of Dan’s original knife in the spring right after his death,” he said. “I used those pictures and his knife pattern to make the reproductions. I wanted to jazz up the handle a bit since they are special editions with ivory Micarta and imitation ivory Micarta, along with some brass spacers for bling.”

From his own retelling of the story, Dan was inspired to make the donation during a visit to the Alamo, when he realized the historic site then didn’t have a single bowie knife. The namesake of the blade—Jim Bowie—was among the heroic men who fought and lost their lives at the battle.

The original Dan D Alamo Bowie is displayed inside the lobby of the Alamo Exhibit at the Ralston Family Collections Center, according to Lanham. John’s knife resides in the Alamo’s artifact vault.

There are other storied knifemakers whose works are displayed at the iconic Texas site, including a reproduction of the Joe Musso bowie by BLADE Magazine Cutlery Hall-of-Fame® member Gil Hibben.

A founding member of The Knifemakers’ Guild, Dan Dennehy was also a member of the Cutlery Hall of Fame and the International Knife Throwers Hall of Fame, and for many years conducted knife-and-tomahawk-throwing demonstrations at the BLADE Show. John makes knives and sheaths and has conducted seminars on how to make sheaths at both the BLADE Show and BLADE University.

New York-born, Dan was always a Westerner at heart, John pointed out, known as “Tex” in the Navy and wearing cowboy boots and a hat most of his adult life. He also loved and revered the history of the Alamo, finding it as sacred a location as native Texans.

“Having one of his knives on display [there] was one of his most cherished accomplishments,” John said.

Read More:

Ed Fowler: Custom Knifemaker, Writer, Teacher Passes

BLADE Staff
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Ed Fowler: Custom Knifemaker, Writer, Teacher Passes

Fowler had a lasting impact on handmade knives and knife writing.

The cutlery world recently lost one of its most steadfast creators and philosophers. Ed Fowler, a man who epitomized the spirit of the custom knife movement, passed away on January 17.

Ed’s journey in the industry began in 1962. Over the following six decades, he became a driving force in the evolution of functional cutlery. While he didn’t invent the use of 52100 ball-bearing steel, he was arguably its greatest champion, popularizing the material alongside his then-controversial methods of multiple quenching during heat treatment. For Ed, a knife wasn’t just a tool; it was an ongoing experiment in maximum performance.

To the readers of BLADE Magazine, Ed was a household name. For over a quarter century, he penned his monthly “Knife Talk” column, which consistently ranked at the top of reader surveys alongside BLADE Magazine Cutlery Hall of Fame® member Wayne Goddard. His writings were eventually compiled into two essential volumes: Knife Talk I: The Art & Science of Knife Making and Knife Talk II: The High Performance Blade. Whether he was conducting demos at BLADE Show or teaching at BLADE University, Ed was always eager to share his findings with anyone who sought a deeper understanding of the craft.

A former ABS master smith, Ed eventually founded the High Endurance Performance Knife Association. This organization was a reflection of his own soul—dedicated to understanding the limits of steel and ensuring every knife reached its absolute potential.

Ed’s voice was unmistakable. In his writing, a knife was never an “it”—always a “she” or “her.” He spent his life in a relentless search for what he called “Excalibur,” his version of the perfect knife. He drew deep inspiration from the legends of the past, including Hall of Famers Bill Moran, William Scagel, Rudy Ruana, and the 19th-century bowies of Henry Huber.

He was perhaps most famous for his insistence on testing. Ed had no patience for makers or companies that didn’t put their blades to the trial, and he was never shy about saying so. This commitment to truth in steel earned him a fiercely loyal following. Many of his readers didn’t just follow his column; they traveled across the country to visit him at his Willow Bow Ranch in Riverton, Wyoming, to spend time in the shop with the man who helped define the modern high-performance blade.

Remembering Others The Knife Industry Has Lost:

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