We take a gander at some of the knives that showed up at the first BLADE Tactical at CANCON Carolina.
Sun, guns and a whole bunch of knives—BLADE Tactical was a whole new twist on BLADE Show. And a heck of a marriage between it and one of our sister events, CANCON Carolina.
Held Nov. 7-8 at South Carolina’s Clinton House Plantation range, the inaugural BLADE Tactical brought together some 25 knifemakers to show and sell their wares, all of the blades with a definite tactical bent. The knife show ran the first day, on the periphery of the shooting events. It had a different feel than any of our legacy shows, given it was outdoors and had the constant report of suppressed gunfire as background noise. But it wasn’t too far off our big three with some knife enthusiasts spending the night in the parking lot so they could be the first to the BLADE Tactical pavilion.
With that sort of enthusiasm, we’ll chalk the event down as a success.
For those who were unable to make the BLADE Tactical show or have their interest piqued, we’ve put together a recap of some of the knives that made their way to central South Carolina. Take a gander at what was up for sale and start planning now for next year’s B-Tact extravaganza. For anyone looking to pick up a hot new knife and burn some powder at the range—consider the gathering your Valhalla!
Krein Knives
Tactical doesn’t preclude good looks, which is certainly the case with this Krein Knives Alpha. The blue thumb studs add a nice flare to this top-end framelock.
Carver Knives
Carver Knives‘ Waif has it going on. Up front is a titanium handled-model, in the back a dark Ti handle. Both are thin as a minute, particularly when measured up the knucks in the middle.
Pro Tech Knives
Pro-Tech came to BLADE Tactical with an offer you couldn’t refuse, like a number of these thin and wicked Godfather autos.
The company also offered a nice bit of custom bling for the show, a CANCON blaze orange G-10 insert on several of it’s knives buttons.
Elishewitz Custom Creations
With the Ek Integral, Elishewitz Custom Creations combined class and performance in a light and functional package. A nice dagger-style blade deploys in the wink of an eye via a thumb stud.
McNees Knives
Some hefty debuts from McNees Knives at BLADE Tactical. In the rear, is the Ringed Agent and up front the Stalker. Par usual for McNees, both feel like their built to beat the world.
Somewhat from the neighborhood (Alabama), the McNees crew drove to BLADE Tactical. Needless to say, they did so in style… nice wheels.
Nicholas Nichols Knives
Certainly, the Guppy is no small fry. Nichols Knives drop point has plenty of size to get nearly any job done, but stays light in the pocket thanks to a titanium handle.
Spartan Blades
Spartan Blades was right at home at BLADE Tactical—no surprise there. But the belle of the ball was the company’s Ronin-Torii, a traditional tanto, which few would want to find themselves on the wrong end of.
Nottingham Tactical
Believe it or not, you’re looking at six-years of development. Nottingham Tactical was game for a carbon-fiber model, but it took a ton of work to get it to come together, from finding the carbon-fiber up to the abuse to getting the right adhesives to get the metal parts to stay.
Vero Engineering
It wasn’t all fixed blades and folders for the knife side of the show. After BLADE Tactical closed, the knifemakers hit the range at CANCON for some therapeutic trigger time. Here’s Joseph Vero of Vero Engineering getting on one of Maxim Defense’s shorties.
Knife industry pros give their takes on what the hot knife steels will be in the year ahead.
Every cutlery buyer faces a dizzying array of steel choices when it comes to buying that next knife, an array that represents the proverbial “double-edged sword.” While it’s nice to have choices, it can also be hard to keep up with so many options. Fortunately, industry professionals are available to help sort out which stainless and carbon varieties are either catching fire or cooling off.
*The steels are listed in no particular order by the knife patterns/types for which they are favored most by users and makers, according to the story’s sources.
MagnaCut Reigns Supreme
Last year when BLADE took the temperature of steel suppliers, the clear-cut champion of blade materials was Crucible Industries’ CPM MagnaCut stainless. The creation of steel guru Larrin Thomas, MagnaCut remains on top and will stay there for the foreseeable future. Bob Shabala, president of Niagara Specialty Metals, praised the high-performance blade material last year and still does today.
CPM MagnaCut stainless ruled among knife steels in 2024 and will continue to hold sway in 2025. A representative example is the new CRKT Q, a folder in titanium and carbon fiber designed by Richard Rogers. Country of origin: Italy. MSRP: $225.
“We have sold about 320 tons of CPM MagnaCut since its introduction in 2020. It is our biggest selling cutlery grade right now and I don’t expect that to change anytime soon,” Bob said, adding the qualifier, “This is from Niagara Specialty Metals’ limited perspective. I’m sure other mills are working on new grades which I’m not privy to.”
One reason MagnaCut is so popular is it embraces all cutlery genres with ease.
“CPM MagnaCut remains in high demand across various knife patterns,” Bob observed. “Some customers currently using MagnaCut for fixed blades are expanding into folding knives and have expressed plans to continue using the steel for their new designs, reflecting its versatility and ongoing popularity.”
MagnaCut maestro Larrin Thomas
Scott Devanna, vice president of technology and a metallurgist for SB Specialty Metals, tends to concur.
“I’m not sure there will be a new ‘super steel’ introduced in 2025. The introduction of new steels seems to have a three-to-four-year cycle, and with the recent intro of CPM MagnaCut such new introductions may be a few years off. We sell a lot of MagnaCut,” he stated. “I’ve learned over the years that new is very often the primary driver when new grades are introduced. This is what happened with CPM S30V, CPM 20CV and its European equivalent M390, and a few other grades.”
It should be noted that MagnaCut technically is going into its fifth year of existence. As you can see, it takes a while for a steel to work its way into the manufacturing pipeline and be given a thumbs up or thumbs down by the end user.
Specialty Grade Steels
Meanwhile, other specialty grade steels aren’t being ignored. In fact, many knife consumers prefer other steels that suit their needs better, both of the stainless and carbon varieties.
CPM 154 stainless will continue to be a steel of choice for custom hunting knives, here on the Cowboy Knife by David Fleming in a handle of sheep horn from a Rocky Mountain bighorn. Overall length: 7 inches.
“CPM S30V, one of the original cutlery-grade steels, continues to be one of our best-selling products,” Shabala noted. “Despite its age*, S30V maintains a strong position in the market, demonstrating its enduring reliability and widespread appeal among knifemakers.
Devanna agrees.
“CPM S30V is still a favorite for hunting knives, as well as CPM 154,” he noted. “For everyday carry folders, M390, CPM 20CV and CPM 154 are still used quite a bit as well.”
Scott said CPM S30V and S35VN remain strong for tactical folders.
Bob Shabala, Niagara Specialty Metals
Custom knifemakers aren’t as easily swayed by trends and tend to go with steels they are comfortable using, are time-proven to them personally, or geared to their particular customer base. While many are on the MagnaCut train, they tend to be more diverse in their choices.
“Other steels popular among custom knifemakers are M390, CPM 20CV, CPM 154, and to a lesser extent CPM S30V and CPM S35VN,” Devanna stated. “I have heard that CTS-XHP will be re-introduced, and this grade developed quite a following when it was readily available—especially for kitchen knives and high-end folders.”
Added Shabala, “CPM 154 is always popular with the custom makers.”
Carbon Steel
THE CARBON EQUATION The outdoor crowd—bushcrafters, survivalists and open-air tactical users—has to be pleased with the attention they’ve been getting from the industry. These users’ requirements are different and they prefer a subset of steels all their own.
While major outdoor knife manufacturers like TOPS and ESEE still sell the bulk of their knives in 1095, they have been gradually offering their customers more steel diversity, including stainless versions such as S35VN. The TOPS Shadow Hunter has a 4.5-inch blade of 1095 carbon steel in a tungsten Cerakote®. Country of origin: USA. MSRP: $250.
“CPM 3V and 4V are favored for hard-use knives due to the steels’ toughness, while CPM S90V and 20CV are popular among users who prioritize wear and corrosion resistance,” Shabala observed. “CPM 3V and CPM 4V are carbon steels that continue to sell well in specific areas. 3V is in high demand for bushcraft knives and 4V is being used by the current national champion in BladeSports International cutting competitions, Ben Propst. His wife Sue Ann is now using it and in 2024 they both won cutting events in Kokomo and the Smoky Mountain Knife Works fall festival.”
“I think CPM 3V and CPM Cruwear—mostly for bushcraft/survival knives as well as tactical fixed blades—are gaining popularity in the market,” Devanna opined. “CPM 3V has proven itself over the years and continues to be a popular grade. CTS PD#1 was in this category but availability of this grade is a problem.”
While major outdoor knife manufacturers like TOPS and ESEE still sell the bulk of their knives in 1095 carbon steel, they have been slowly offering their customers more diversity in their lines, including such stainless versions as S35VN.
Overall Take
As Shabala and Devanna noted, MagnaCut will be the top dog among steels in 2025, but it’s certainly not the only hound in the kennel.
Shane Magnussen uses the CPM S90V supplied by New Jersey Steel Baron on his model BBV2 folder. Closed length: 4.54 inches. (SharpByCoop image)
The cutlery industry is so diverse in the competition among manufacturers, custom makers, genres of knives and budget categories, there’s room for many different stainless and carbon steels. While what’s in the works remains unknown to most, you can bet there are teams of metallurgists working on the next great knife steel as these words are written.
As a knife enthusiast and cutlery buyer your choices are bountiful in all categories—from EDC to outdoor, fixed blade to folder—and affordable to expensive. Some users buy one knife to last for years while others rotate their carry or require cutting fare for specific purposes.
The good news is your knife and steel options have never been better!
*Editor’s note: The first-ever steel both designed and made specifically for knife blades, CPM S30V has been used for knives since 2001.
Bowie knives are as legendary as the man their named after.
When it comes to iconic blades, few can match the legendary status of the Bowie knife. This distinctive and formidable knife has a storied history that spans centuries, and its enduring popularity is a testament to its imperishable design and utility.
In this comprehensive guide to the Bowie knife, we’ll take a deep dive into the world of the iconic knife. We’ll look at its history, design, modern uses, and legality. Then we’ll finish up with an extensive selection of the best Bowie knives currently on the market.
History of the Bowie
The debate about who made the first Bowie knife rages on to this day, adding to the mystique of this legendary blade. Some credit the knife’s creation to Jim Bowie himself, while others argue that it was the work of various blacksmiths and bladesmiths in the early 19th century. What is certain is that Jim Bowie’s association with the knife’s name and his prominent role in a violent sandbar fight in 1827 contributed significantly to its fame.
In addition to his participating in the famous Sandbar Fight after which his knife became a sensation on both sides of the Atlantic, Jim Bowie also fought and died in the Battle of the Alamo.
One of the most pivotal moments in the knife’s history was the infamous sandbar fight that took place in Mississippi in 1827. During this brutal encounter, Jim Bowie and a group of men defended themselves against an opposing faction. Jim Bowie’s remarkable fighting skills and his knife’s performance in the fight led to the weapon being forever associated with his name. This event catapulted the Bowie knife into the realm of legend, ensuring its enduring fame.
Bowie Knife Design: Choosing a Good Knife
The Bowie knife is known and loved for its distinctive design. While variations exist, several key features define this iconic blade:
Blade Style: The knives typically have a clip point blade, which is characterized by a concave curve on the top edge and a fine, sharp point. This design allows for both slicing and piercing, making it a versatile tool for a wide range of tasks.
Blade Length: Bowie knives come in various blade lengths, with the most common falling between 6 and 12 inches. The length of the blade influences its utility, with longer blades being suitable for chopping and combat, while shorter ones excel at precise cutting.
Crossguard: Most Bowie knives feature a crossguard, a metal piece positioned between the blade and the handle. This crossguard serves to protect the user’s hand during combat and can also be used for utility purposes.
Full-Tang Construction: Bowie knives are typically constructed with a full tang, meaning the blade extends through the handle, providing stability and strength. This design ensures the knife can withstand heavy use and remain a reliable companion in various situations.
Handle Material: Bowie knife handles come in a range of materials, from classic hardwoods to modern synthetics like Kraton. The choice of handle material impacts the knife’s aesthetics and grip comfort, catering to the user’s preferences.
Modern Uses for Bowie Knives
While the Bowie knife was originally designed for self-defense and survival in the wilderness, its uses have evolved over the years. Today, Bowie knives are valued for their versatility and can serve a variety of purposes:
Camping and Outdoor Activities: Bowie knives are popular among outdoor enthusiasts for tasks such as chopping wood, preparing food, and building shelters. Their sturdy design makes them reliable tools in the wilderness, where dependability is crucial.
Hunting: Many hunters rely on Bowie knives for field dressing and skinning game. The sharp blade and clip point make these knives well-suited for precision work, ensuring a clean and efficient process.
Collection and Display: Bowie knives have transcended their practical utility to become sought-after collectibles. Enthusiasts appreciate their historical significance and craftsmanship, often displaying them as works of art in custom cases or on stands.
Self-Defense: While not as commonly carried for self-defense as smaller knives or firearms, Bowie knives can still serve as formidable weapons in a close-quarters encounter. Their imposing presence and sharp blade can deter potential threats.
Survival: Bowie knives remain a popular choice for survivalists due to their robust construction and multi-purpose design. Whether it’s building a shelter, cutting through rope, or processing wood for fire, a Bowie knife is up to the challenge.
Cooking: In the kitchen, Bowie knives with shorter blades can be used as versatile chef’s knives. Their sharp edges and comfortable handles make them suitable for slicing, dicing, and other food preparation tasks.
Legality of Bowie Knives
The legality of owning and carrying Bowie knives varies from place to place and can be subject to specific regulations. It’s crucial to understand your local laws and regulations regarding these knives. In some areas, Bowie knives may be considered illegal if carried in public, while in others, they are legal for both open and concealed carry.
It’s important to note that while Bowie knives have a rich history and practical uses, they can be seen as intimidating weapons by law enforcement and the public. Therefore, it’s essential to use them responsibly and within the bounds of the law.
Best Bowie Knife Specs
Model
Type
Blade Lenght (inches)
Overall Length (inches)
Weight (ounces)
Blade Material
Handle Material
Other Features
MSRP
Cold Steel Trail Master
Fixed
9.5
14.63
18
VG1 San Mai III®
Kray-Ex™
Secure-Ex® Sheath
$500
Buck Knives 124 Frontiersman
Fixed
6.25
11.75
13.3
420HC
Micarta
Leather Sheath
$200
Gerber StrongArm
Fixed
4.8
9.8
7.2
420HC
Rubber
MOLLE-compatible multi-mount sheath
$90
SOG Super Bowie
Fixed
7.5
12.88
17.4
AUS-8
Leather Washers
Leather Sheath
$250
Ontario Knife Company OKC 498
Fixed
7
12
16
1095
Kraton
Nylon Sheath
$98
KA-BAR USMC Fighting Knife
Fixed
7
11.875
11.2
1095 Cro-Van
Leather
Leather Sheath
$140
Emerson CQC-7BW
Folder
3.3
9
6.3
154CM
G-10
Wave Opener Blade
$275
TOPS Knives Tom Brown Tracker
Fixed
6.38
11.88
21
1095
Micarta
Kydex Sheath
$365
ESEE Junglas
Fixed
10.38
16.5
23
1095
Micarta
N/A
$310
Condor Tool & Knife Undertaker Bowie
Fixed
10.2
15.6
24
1075
Walnut
Welted Leather Sheath
$118
Best Bowie Knives And Bowie-Inspired Knives For Any Budget
The Cold Steel Trail Master is a rugged Bowie knife designed for heavy-duty tasks. Its 9.5-inch blade is made from VG-1 stainless steel, known for its exceptional sharpness and resistance to corrosion. This knife’s clip-point blade design, with a concave curve on the top edge, allows for precise slicing and piercing.
The Kraton handle provides a comfortable and secure grip even in wet conditions, making it an excellent choice for outdoor enthusiasts. The full tang construction ensures durability and stability, making it capable of withstanding substantial abuse. The Trail Master is the go-to option when you need a reliable, high-performance Bowie knife for demanding tasks in the field.
Buck Knives’ 124 Frontiersman is a classic Bowie knife that pays homage to the heritage of American bladesmithing. Its 6.25-inch 420HC stainless steel blade is known for its edge retention and ease of maintenance. This Bowie knife boasts a timeless design with a sweeping clip-point blade and a polished brass guard.
The handle is made of rich and dark micarta, which not only adds to the knife’s aesthetics but also provides an excellent grip. This knife’s combination of traditional craftsmanship and modern materials makes it an excellent choice for those who appreciate the artistry of a well-made Bowie knife.
The Gerber StrongArm offers a modern take on the classic Bowie design. Its 4.8-inch stainless steel blade is versatile, featuring a fine edge and serrations on the spine for additional cutting options. The blade’s black ceramic coating enhances durability and corrosion resistance.
What sets the StrongArm apart is its diamond-textured rubber handle. This design ensures a secure grip in various weather conditions, making it an ideal choice for those who value a reliable grip during outdoor activities. The knife also features a striking pommel at the base of the handle, which can be used for various tasks, including glass breaking.
For those seeking a premium Bowie knife, the SOG Super Bowie delivers both style and substance. Its 7.5-inch AUS-8 stainless steel blade offers excellent edge retention and corrosion resistance. The stacked leather handle adds a touch of elegance while providing a comfortable grip.
This Bowie knife combines the best of classic design with modern materials and craftsmanship. It features a brass handguard and pommel, enhancing its overall aesthetics. The Super Bowie is an excellent choice for collectors and enthusiasts who appreciate the fusion of tradition and innovation in a high-quality knife.
The OKC 498 is a straightforward and dependable Bowie knife designed for practicality. Its 8-inch carbon steel blade is rugged and easy to sharpen, making it an excellent choice for outdoor enthusiasts who value simplicity and reliability.
The Kraton handle offers a secure and comfortable grip, even in wet conditions. This knife’s utilitarian design makes it a versatile tool for a wide range of tasks, from campsite chores to survival situations. If you’re looking for a no-nonsense Bowie knife that gets the job done, the OKC 498 is an excellent choice.
While not a traditional Bowie knife, the KA-BAR USMC Fighting Knife has earned its place among classic American blades. With a 7-inch 1095 Cro-Van steel blade, it’s renowned for its durability and edge retention. This knife has a rich military history, having served the U.S. Marine Corps during World War II.
The leather handle provides a comfortable and secure grip, while the double guard protects the hand during combat or utility tasks. The USMC Fighting Knife is a versatile and iconic choice for those who appreciate a knife with a storied history, and one that is of course tied to the Bowie that inspired it.
The Emerson CQC-7BW is a modern take on the Bowie design, featuring a folding blade for everyday carry (EDC) convenience. With a 3.3-inch stainless steel blade, this knife is compact and versatile, making it suitable for a wide range of daily tasks. The clip-point blade design provides excellent piercing capability, and the thumb disk allows for easy one-handed opening.
The G-10 handle scales offer durability and a secure grip. Emerson Knives are known for their tactical functionality, and the CQC-7BW lives up to this reputation. If you’re looking for a compact and reliable EDC option inspired by the Bowie style, this knife is an excellent choice.
The TOPS Knives Tom Brown Tracker is a unique Bowie-inspired knife with a distinctive multi-purpose design. Its 6.38-inch 1095 high carbon steel blade features a variety of edges and angles, making it suitable for a wide range of tasks, from chopping to carving. This versatility has made it a favorite among survivalists and outdoor enthusiasts.
The handle is made of Micarta, providing a comfortable and secure grip. The Tracker is designed to handle tough wilderness challenges, making it an excellent choice for those who want a dependable tool for camping, bushcraft, and survival scenarios.
The ESEE Junglas is a heavy-duty Bowie knife built to withstand the most demanding survival situations. With a massive 10.38-inch 1095 carbon steel blade and full tang construction, it’s a powerhouse of a knife. The blade’s black powder coating enhances durability and corrosion resistance.
The Micarta handle scales offer a comfortable and secure grip, even during extended use. The Junglas is designed for heavy chopping, batoning, and other rugged tasks that might arise in the wilderness. If you need a Bowie knife that can handle the toughest challenges, this is a top choice.
Condor’s Undertaker Bowie combines traditional craftsmanship with affordability. Its 10-inch 1075 high carbon steel blade is known for its toughness and ease of sharpening. This knife is designed for practicality, making it an ideal choice for outdoor enthusiasts and those who appreciate a robust tool.
The hardwood handle not only adds to the knife’s aesthetics but also provides a comfortable and secure grip. The Undertaker Bowie excels in tasks such as wood processing and campsite chores, making it a dependable companion in the great outdoors.
Hinderer’s XM-18 out the side autos each pack a punch.
Rick Hinderer Knives offers two of its latest iterations of what industry observers say will continue to be a hot knife style for the foreseeable future—the automatic—in the XM-18 3.5 Bowie Auto and XM-18 3.5 Spearpoint Auto.
The knives come in different handle colors and inlays and are basically the same design with the same dependable out-the-side automatic opening mechanism, but each offers its own different blade pattern and material.
XM-18 3.5 Spearpoint Auto
The 3.5 Bowie has a clip-point bowie blade of CPM S45VN stainless steel, while the 3.5 Spearpoint sports a spear-point blade of CPM 20CV stainless. In addition to each knife being a style to continue to watch in 2025, the steels bear serious eyeballing in the coming year as well as each makes the list of steels that will thrive in 2025 (see page 74).
Each knife features Hinderer’s patent-pending titanium half liners, with the XM-18 3.5 Spearpoint Auto doing the honors here.
Each knife features traction ridges on the base of the blade spine and handles with single, traction-ridged finger grooves, ridges on the bottom of the handle toward the butt, an integral guard and a hole for a lanyard. Each also has Hinderer’s patent-pending titanium half liners reinforcing the aluminum handles.
Welcome to CANCON A Fully Suppressed Range Day! The World’s Favorite Suppressed Shooting Festival moves to the Carolinas!
We can’t wait to welcome you to the new home of CANCON on the East Coast: Clinton, South Carolina. Join us on November 8th & 9th, 2024 for an action-packed weekend of fully suppressed shooting!
With a new BIGGER venue to host CANCON there will be MORE sponsors, more bays, more guns, more suppressors, and more fun!
The Clinton House Plantation Shooting Complex is a massive venue and gives CANCON the room we need to expand! Located just 45 minutes south of Greenville, South Carolina, 1 hour north of Columbia, and 2 hours south-west of Charlotte, NC.
More space means more shooting lanes and more sponsors! Find more guns to shoot, more suppressors to test, all for the same low price of $50 per day.
New this year will be a 1,000-yard AND 1-mile shooting range! Get to test high-performance rifles AND high-performance suppressors and see how far you can reach out.
Friday only stop by the Blade Magazine Tactical area and shop custom tactical knives!
Clinton House has tons of FREE onsite parking! Shooting all that free ammo will make you hungry so stop by the concessions to refuel!
General admission is available Friday and Saturday, Nov 8 & 9th, $50 per day, or save money and get the entire weekend at a discount!
More information and ticket pre-sales are now available at the CANCON WEBSITE!
Returning to CANCON is PROS Vs. JOES! We select a random participant from the crowd to go head-to-head against a seasoned pro shooter. Can an everyday Joe outshoot a Recoil Pro in a high-stakes shooting competition? If they do, they win BIG!
CANCON T-shirts will be available for pre-order and at CANCON! These are high-quality shirts that feel great and look awesome.
Filmed on location is a RECOILtv original, Run N Gun! Watch your favorite Sponsor as they run through our Run N Gun course of fire.
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People with a government-issued ID card showing they live in the following zipcodes are eligible:
27830
28801
28720
28735
28778
A government-issued identification card that states that you live in one of the following zipcodes. Bring your ID to the festival, as it will be checked at the gate to confirm your residence. Note: CANCON is only accepting ID cards, and will not accept utility bills or other proof of residence.
Eligible people can unlock their free ticket by going to the CANCON CAROLINAS tickets page or visit Universe.com, clicking on the ‘Have an access key’ link, and entering HELENERELIEF into the box.
If you’re on Universe, you will have to click the GET TICKETS button.
Click the link and enter the code HELENERELIEF into the box that appears. Click the UNLOCK button. A free Hurricane Helene ticket for Friday, November 8th should now be available to you.
Change the dropdown next to the Hurricane Helene ticket from 0 to 1.
Check out. You will receive an email with your ticket. REMEMBER, every free ticket holder will need to bring a Government-issued ID showing that you live in one of the Zipcodes above in order to gain entry with a Helene relief Ticket.
Only one free ticket is allowed per visitor. Once they check out on the site, they will need to bring their digital free ticket, along with their ID card showing their residence to CANCON in Clinton, South Carolina.
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.
