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Spartan Blades Poros Review [Tested]

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

The Poros takes a beating and keeps on cutting.

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

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

Poros Light Cutting Duties

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

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

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

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

Poros Medium Cutting Duties

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

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

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

Poros Heavy Cutting Duties

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

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

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

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

Final Cut

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

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

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Massachusetts Supreme Court Strikes Down Switchblade Ban

Elwood Shelton
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Massachusetts Supreme Court Strikes Down Switchblade Ban

Nearly 70-year-old automatic-knife ban meets its demise in a 5-0 decision.

Massachusetts hasn’t been a haven for arms rights since the shot that was heard around the world, but things are changing in the Bay State.

In a rather shocking 5-0 decision on Aug. 27, the Massachusetts Supreme Court struck the state’s nearly 70-year-old prohibition of the carry of automatic knives with blades greater than 1.5 inches. This is an enormous win for knife rights, given the state is among the most hostile to the carry of any weapon. And, with other recent cases, the decision shows a softening toward the possession and carry of automatic knives.

Canjura Switchblade Case

The Massachusetts ruling stemmed from the arrest of David E. Canjura in 2020 in Boston, in response to an altercation between him and his girlfriend. Upon searching Canjura, police found what they described as an “orange firearm-shaped knife with a spring-assisted blade” or in popular parlance, a switchblade.

Canjura subsequently challenged the constitutionality of the charge, arguing the knife was an arm and was protected under the Second Amendment. The Massachusetts Supreme Court agreed.

Justice Serge Georges Jr. authored the court’s 24-page written decision, drawing heavily upon landmark U.S. Supreme Court decisions of Bruen and Heller. Despite both cases pertaining to the Constitutional rights of possessing and carrying firearms, the opinions have carried over to the lawful possession and carry of other arms.

Pertinent to the Massachusetts ruling was the historic test laid out in the Bruen ruling, which requires historical precedent from when the Constitution was ratified in 1791 to maintain a prohibition on arms. Georges found this sorely lacking in Massachusetts’ ban on carrying switchblades.

Georges wrote in the decision, “Given the long history of folding pocket knives generally and switchblade knives in particular, switchblades constitute “bearable arms” within the protection of the Second Amendment.”

Massachusetts Ban

Like so many switchblade bans, Massachusetts dates back to the time of patent leather jackets and witch-trial-like panic over the supposed corruption of the nation’s youth. The state law was passed in 1957, several years after the publication of the anti-automatic knife article, The Toy that Kills. Despite being cinema classics, Rebel Without A Cause and Blackboard Jungle didn’t help out the switchblade’s reputation.

Massachusetts was a year ahead of the curve in pushing autos to the fringes of society, with the federal government passing the Switchblade Act of 1958. Drawing upon the federal government’s interstate commerce power, it act prohibited the purchase, sale, and trade of automatic knives between all 50 states.

Yeah, But…

Despite a good outcome for knife rights and following other wins for automatic knives nationwide, there are points Massachusetts enthusiasts should be aware of before throwing an auto in their pocket.

The potential stands the case may be appealed and the decision stayed. Furthermore, as pointed out by Knife Rights, there are some wrinkles knife owners to keep in mind to state on the right side of the law still.

  • Carry of any double-edged blade—including switchblades—is still prohibited.
  • Knife law preemption does not exist in Massachusetts, so cities and counties may have or might pass auto bans (check your local laws).
  • The state’s ban on the manufacture and sale of switchblades remains on the books.

Even with these prohibitions, Bay Staters should be pleased with the recent ruling.

More On Auto Knives:

Cool Custom: Rhidian Gatrill’s Safety Hunter Reproduction

BLADE Staff
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Cool Custom: Rhidian Gatrill’s Safety Hunter Reproduction

Rhidian Gatrill reproduces the folding Marble’s Safety Hunter in grand style.

Rhidian Gatrill not only satisfied a personal goal of reproducing the classic Marble’s Safety Hunter but also parlayed it into Best Hunter and Best of Show at the 2024 Oregon Knife Show.

He said he had always wanted to reproduce the clever old pattern with the folding catch piece that covers the tip of the closed blade. Not only does the catch piece enable the folder to have a blade longer than the handle, it also locks the blade of the slipjoint knife open. As Rhidian noted, “I just thought the mechanism was really cool, and it’s a big knife. I like big knives, but mostly it’s just the mechanism.”

He found a copy of the original Marble’s patent drawing dated May 19, 1903, on the internet and used it as a reference to make the knife. ABS master smith Tommy Gann forged the damascus specifically for the repro. “Tommy and I discussed a collaboration, and I figured if a master smith was going to make some damascus for me then it should be for a big bad knife, and so the Safety Hunter was definitely it. I sent him my drawing,” Rhidian wrote, “and he forged the steel to fit the blade and parts.”

Gatrill Safety Hunter Specs
Knife: Marble’s Safety Hunter reproduction
Maker: Rhidian Gatrill
Blade length: 5”
Blade steel: A lower-layer, four-bar Turkish twist damascus forged by ABS master smith Tommy Gann
Swing guard: Same material as the blade and sculpted by Rhidian
Action: Slipjoint construction w/half stop; blade tip catch piece doubles as a lock to lock the blade open
Handle material: European red stag in a Coke bottle pattern
Bolsters: Stainless steel fluted by the maker
Closed length: 4.75”
Rhidian’s price for a similar knife: $5,000 ($3,500-$4,000 if in straight stainless or carbon blade steel)

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First Look: Boker Plus Modern Gentleman

Elwood Shelton
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First Look: Boker Plus Modern Gentleman

Hitting the right notes as a gentleman and EDC knife, the Boker Plus Modern Gentleman offers the best of both worlds.

Not every situation—or person’s routine—calls for a decked-out and oversized blade. Though, in some cases, EDC knives have trended this way. However, the pendulum may be returning to a more refined and aggressive design for a do-all tote around.

Case in point, Boker Plus’s Modern Gentleman.

As the name suggests, the flipper/folder has the lines of a knife you wouldn’t be afraid to use among polite company or button-down business associates. However, it is proportioned right and ruggedly constructed to tackle heavier chores in which a true gentleman’s knife might falter. A hybrid of sorts, the Modern Gentleman offers the best of both worlds.

The knife features a relatively understated drop-point blade that at 2.95 inches offers plenty of utility. Constructed from Nitro-V, a nitrogen-enhanced steel with a reputation for good toughness; it’s a material that’s been picking up steam in recent years. As for the blade’s profile, it has just enough belly to enhance slicking duties, with a nice long straight section back to the choil for substantive push cuts. It comes to a pronounced tip, making it fairly capable of punctures and perforation.

Boker Modern Gentleman Closed

Adding a touch of class to the Modern Gentleman’s design is a steel bolster, coated black—titanium—like the blade. The dark overtones of the steel components are offset by a canvas Micarta scale—a very fetching two-tone effect. While thin, the handle offers plenty of real estate to get a grip on the knife, measuring in at just a few ticks of the tape under 4 inches. Yet, its overall svelteness keeps the Modern Gentleman at a very carry-friendly 2.26 ounces.

Other points of interest, the knife has and low-key kicker that does its best to avoid deploying out of the pocket, yet with a tuned detent is quick to deploy. Though there is likely a sticky point in the liner for some—the clip is non-reversible. OK if you dig front-pocket, tip-up carry and you’re a righty, not so hot for others.

Overall, Boker prices the Modern Gentleman to move, listing it at $59.95 on its website. At that price, certainly, many knife enthusiasts will find the gentlemanly EDC the perfect companion, for work or play.

Modern Gentleman Plus Specs
Overall Length: 6.69 in
Blade Length: 2.95 in
Blade Thickness: 0.09 in
Weight: 2.26 oz
Blade Material: Nitro-V
Handle Material: Micarta
Opener: Flipper
Opening: Manual
Lock Type: Linerlock
MSRP: $59.98

More On Boker Knives:

Knife Steel Alloys: A Down-And-Dirty Guide

Jason Fry
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Knife Steel Alloys: A Down-And-Dirty Guide

We break down what common steel alloying elements add to a knife.

Alloy… in the knife world we hear the word often. Blade aficionados—many almost journeyman metallurgists in their own rights—pour over steel composition. Newbies to collecting and making, however, might be a bit perplexed over exactly what the material modification is all about.

With this in mind, we’ve boiled down what certain elements—when alloyed with iron—bring to the table for your knife. Now this isn’t a deep dive into the nitty-gritty of what each element does in a steel alloy, complete with phase diagrams and quenching charts. Honestly, if you need to cut to this quick, we recommend Larrin Thomas’ website KnifeSteelNerd.com. The son of BLADE Cutlery Hall of Fame member Devin Thomas and PhD metallurgist and material scientist, Thomas offers a much more in-depth look at steel from an engineer and knifemaker’s point of view.

What we have here is a quick and dirty guide to alloy elements and what they bring to a knife.

What An Alloy Is

If your high school chemistry class is a bit foggy right now, perhaps we should take a moment to do a quick review of exactly what constitutes an alloy. Quite simply, an alloy is a mixture of two or more elements, where at least one of the elements is a metal. Note alloys are mixtures, not compounds—the former is a physical combination, the latter a chemical. For a mixture, think of something like oil emulsified in vinegar to create a tasty salad topping, while a compound is two gases like hydrogen and water bonding together to form water.

Alloying elements is done to enhance the properties of a material. In the case of knife steel elements are combined to improve toughness, wear resistance, corrosion resistance or other factors. While we won’t delve that deep in this article, we’ll point alloys can be classified into two main types:

Substitutional Alloys: In these alloys, the atoms of one element replace or substitute for the atoms of another in the metal lattice. An example is brass, which is an alloy of copper and zinc.

Interstitial Alloys: In these alloys, smaller atoms fit into the spaces (interstices) between the larger metal atoms in the lattice. Steel, which is an alloy of iron and carbon, is an example of an interstitial alloy.

Since we’ve dusted off some of those long-lost materials lessons you learned, let’s get into the down-and-dirty of what each common alloying element brings to knife steel.

Knife Steel Alloy Elements

Carbon: This ingredient makes the difference between iron and steel; all steel will have some amount of carbon. It is the most important hardening element, but it makes hardness by combining with other elements. As a simple generalization, the amount of carbon in the steel tells you a lot about the quality of the steel. Low-carbon steel has 0.3% carbon or less, medium has between 0.4-0.7% and high-carbon steel is 0.8% and above, maxing out at around 1.2% carbon for knife steels. Up to a point, the higher the carbon content within the range, the harder the steel will get.

Chromium: Chromium combines with carbon to make chromium carbides, which are resistant to corrosion. Stainless steel knives will have chromium as a major ingredient, typically at a minimum of 12-13%. Chromium also increases the strength of a knife to a degree, but adding chromium in large amounts decreases toughness.

Cobalt: In small amounts, cobalt increases toughness.

Manganese: This changes the rate of hardening. Manganese in carbon steels yields “deeper” hardening, which requires a slower speed quench and gives a wider range of acceptable heat before quench. If added in high quantities, it can increase brittleness. Manganese makes steel etch dark in damascus.

Molybdenum: Adding this maintains the steel’s strength at high temperatures.

Nickel: Nickel adds toughness to steel. It also makes steel etch bright in damascus.

Nitrogen: This element is sometimes used as a substitute for carbon in steel.

Silicon: Silicon increases strength and removes oxygen from the metal while it is being formed. It’s typically present in small quantities in most steels.

Sulfur: This increases machinability but decreases toughness.

Tungsten: Adding this increases wear resistance and forms tungsten carbides that are very hard.

Vanadium: Vanadium leads to smaller grains within the steel. Vanadium carbides are very small and hard, which increases wear resistance and edge retention.

More On Knife Steel:

New Custom Knives Dripping With Damascus

Elwood Shelton
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New Custom Knives Dripping With Damascus

We gathered up a bevy of new custom damascus blades that are sure to knock your socks off.

Our latest knife roundup features a stunning collection of new custom Damascus blades that are sure to impress. These meticulously crafted knives showcase the intricate patterns and superior craftsmanship that Damascus steel is known for, making each piece a work of art. Whether you’re a collector or simply appreciate high-quality blades, this selection is bound to knock your socks off with its blend of beauty, durability, and cutting-edge performance.

Brent Dignam Hunter

Brent Dignam Hunter

BLADE LENGTH: 5”
BLADE MATERIAL: San-mai damascus w/1084 carbon steel core forged by Robert Corey Scott of Bulldog Damascus
BLADE GRIND: Flat
HANDLE MATERIAL: Curly maple
LINER MATERIAL: G-10
SPACER MATERIAL: Mammoth molar
OVERALL LENGTH: 9”
MAKER’S PRICE FOR A SIMILAR KNIFE: $800
MAKER: Brent Dignam (SharpByCoop image)

Rick Dunkerley Persian Folder

Rick Dunkerley Persian Folder

BLADE LENGTH: 4.25”
BLADE MATERIAL: Feather pattern damascus of 1080 carbon and 15N20 nickel alloy steels; Dellana Dots in 18k gold
BLADE GRIND: Double fighter
HANDLE MATERIAL: Antique shell
BOLSTERS: Milled steel
EMBELLISHMENT: 24k-gold inlay in blade and bolsters
CLOSED LENGTH: 5.25”
MAKER’S PRICE FOR A SIMILAR KNIFE: $15,000
KNIFE TO KNOW: Rick Dunkerley is a master smith in the American Bladesmith Society
MAKER: Rick Dunkerley (Mitchell Cohen image)

Mark Lambert Hunter

Mark Lambert Hunter

BLADE LENGTH: 4.75”
BLADE MATERIAL: 320-layer ladder-pattern damascus of 1084 carbon and 15N20 nickel-alloy steels
HANDLE MATERIAL: Bog oak
GUARD MATERIAL: 413 stainless steel
OVERALL LENGTH: 9 3/8”
KNIFE TO KNOW: Contoured grip includes flats on either side starting around midway and extending to the bird’s-beak butt; Mark Lambert is an apprentice smith in the American Bladesmith Society
MAKER’S PRICE FOR A SIMILAR KNIFE: Contact maker for more information
MAKER: Mark Lambert (Jocelyn Frasier image)

John Horrigan Automatic

John Horrigan Automatic

BLADE LENGTH: 3.75”
BLADE MATERIAL: 6-bar Turkish twist damascus w/Dellana Dots
BLADE GRIND: Hollow
BLADE OPENER: Push button
HANDLE FRAME: 416 stainless steel
HANDLE INLAY: Edwards black jade
MAKER’S PRICE FOR A SIMILAR KNIFE: $5,200
KNIFE TO KNOW: John Horrigan is a master smith in the American Bladesmith Society and sole authors all of his knives
MAKER: John Horrigan (Mitchell Cohen image)

Q Hardtner Blades Fixed Blade

Q Hardtner Blades Fixed Blade

KNIFE TYPE: Fixed blade
BLADE LENGTH: 8.5”
BLADE GRIND: Flat
BLADE MATERIAL: Feather damascus of 1084 carbon and 15N20 nickel-alloy steels
FURNITURE: 416 stainless steel
HANDLE MATERIAL: Ancient walrus tusk
CONSTRUCTION: Takedown
OVERALL LENGTH: 13.5”
SHEATH: Made and handcarved by Bob Bobbitt
MAKER’S PRICE FOR A SIMILAR KNIFE: $2,200
KNIFE TO KNOW: Quintin Hardtner has been making knives for about two years and mentored under veteran maker Dan Graves
MAKER: Q Hardtner Blades (SharpByCoop image)

Trevor Morgan Jr. Chef’s Knife

Trevor Morgan Jr. Chef’s Knife

BLADE LENGTH: 9”
BLADE MATERIAL: Feather-pattern damascus of 1084 carbon and 15N20 nickel-alloy steels
BLADE GRIND: Slightly convex flat
HANDLE MATERIAL: Curly koa
BOLSTER: Integral
OVERALL LENGTH: 14”
MAKER’S PRICE FOR A SIMILAR KNIFE: $1,750
MAKER: Trevor Morgan Jr. (SharpByCoop image)

David Longworth Emergence

David Longworth Emergence

KNIFE TYPE: Folder
BLADE LENGTH: 3.8”
BLADE MATERIAL: Mosaic damascus of 1084 carbon and 15N20 nickel-alloy steels
BLADE GRIND: Flat
HANDLE FRAME: 416 stainless steel
HANDLE MATERIAL: Black-lip mother-of-pearl
LOCK: Rocker Lock
CLOSED LENGTH: 4.9”
KNIFE TO KNOW: The Rocker Lock locks the blade in the open and closed positions; when the knife is closed, push the lower side of the button to unlock the blade; when the knife is open, push the upper side of the button to unlock it; the knife is a California or assisted opener, so the blade pops out a little when the button is pushed; all steel on the knife is hardened
MAKER’S PRICE FOR A SIMILAR KNIFE: $8,000
MAKER: David Longworth (SharpByCoop image)

Koen Knives Chef’s Knife

Koen Knives Chef’s Knife

KNIFE PATTERN: Chef’s knife
BLADE LENGTH: 7.87”
BLADE MATERIAL: Damascus of 1084 carbon and 15N20 nickel alloy steels
BLADE THICKNESS @RICASSO: .157”
BLADE @ WIDEST: 2.165”
BLADE GRIND: Full flat
HANDLE MATERIAL: Stabilized red mallee burl
FERRULE: Brass and G-10
OVERALL LENGTH: 13.38”
MAKER’S PRICE FOR A SIMILAR KNIFE: $600 at press-time exchange rate
MAKER: Koen Knives (Rod Hoare image)

Adamas Forge Integral Horizontal-Tang Damascus Chef’s Knife

Adamas Forge Integral Horizontal-Tang Damascus Chef’s Knife

MODEL NAME: Horizontal Tang
BLADE LENGTH: 7.87”
BLADE MATERIAL: Damascus of 1084 carbon and 15N20 nickel-alloy steels
BLADE @ THICKEST: .102”
BLADE @ WIDEST: 2.04”
BLADE GRIND: Full flat
HANDLE MATERIAL: Stabilized white American oak
OVERALL LENGTH: 12.59”
MAKER’S PRICE FOR A SIMILAR KNIFE: Contact maker for more information
MAKER: Adamas Forge (Rod Hoare image)

Brook Turner Integral Gyuto

Brook Turner Integral Gyuto

KNIFE PATTERN: Integral gyuto
BLADE LENGTH: 9.05”
BLADE MATERIAL: 280-layer random-pattern damascus of 1084 carbon and 15N20 nickel-alloy steels
BLADE THICKNESS @RICASSO: .216”
BLADE @ WIDEST: 2.04”
BLADE GRIND: Convex
HANDLE MATERIAL: Stabilized huon pine burl
OVERALL LENGTH: 14.17”
MAKER’S PRICE FOR A SIMILAR KNIFE: $1,500
KNIFE TO KNOW: Brook Turner is a member of the Australian Knifemakers Guild
MAKER: Brook Turner Blades (Rod Hoare image)

Bob Ohlemann Freelancer XL Model 2

Bob Ohlemann Freelancer XL Model 2

KNIFE TYPE: Folder
BLADE LENGTH: 3.5”
BLADE MATERIAL: Chad Nichols stainless Boomerang damascus
BLADE GRIND: Full flat
BLADE PATTERN: Recurve w/harpoon swedge
BLADE FINISH: Hand rubbed/etched
BLADE OPENER: Thumb stud
HANDLE MATERIAL: Double black Micarta®
LOCK: Linerlock
POCKET CLIP: Timascus; right-handed, blade tip up
LINERS: Titanium, jeweled and anodized
BOLSTER & PIVOT SCREWS: Zirconium
PIVOT COLLARS: Timascus™
BACKSPACER: Titanium in black Cerakote® finish
CLOSED LENGTH: 4.5”
MAKER’S PRICE FOR A SIMILAR KNIFE: $2,060
MAKER: Bob Ohlemann (Jocelyn Frasier image)

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2024 BLADE Show Debuts: New Knives Launched In Atlanta

BLADE Staff
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2024 BLADE Show Debuts: New Knives Launched In Atlanta

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

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

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

Kershaw Tilt 50th Anniversary

Kershaw Tilt 50th Anniversary

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

A.G. Russell Knives Premium Scout

A.G. Russell Knives Premium Scout

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

CobraTec Koonsman

CobraTec Koonsman

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

Bradford USA Gatsby

Bradford USA Gatsby

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

Spyderco Techno 3

Spyderco Techno 3

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

Boker Plus Cutweazle

Boker Plus Cutweazle

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

Browning Primal Scalpel 2-Blade

Browning Primal Scalpel 2-Blade

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

Stroup Knives MK2

Stroup Knives MK2

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

Lionsteel Twain

Lionsteel Twain

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

KME Precision Control Plus/Professional Knife Sharpening System

KME Precision Control Plus/Professional Knife Sharpening System

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

CIVIVI Biophase

CIVIVI Biophase

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

RoseCraft Clinch River Button Lock

RoseCraft Clinch River Button Lock

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

CRKT Nucleus

CRKT Nucleus

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

Halfbreed MIK-04 SOFMAK

Halfbreed MIK-04 SOFMAK

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

ESNYX Silver Line Beer Buster Jr.

ESNYX Silver Line Beer Buster Jr.

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

Rough Ryder Reserve Whiskey Ryder

Rough Ryder Reserve Whiskey Ryder

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

Warthog V-Sharp A4 Model

Warthog V-Sharp A4 Model

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

SOG Knives Bulwark

SOG Knives Bulwark

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

Cold Steel Recon M1

Cold Steel Recon M1

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

Check Out More Buyer’s Guides:

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