Rosecraft Blades expands its catalog with three new flipper-folders.
As the Rosecraft Blade crew was excited to herald during June’s BLADE Show, it has big things in store for this year. What the Tennessee designer was angling at became apparent this past month, with an interesting expansion of its catalog.
Rosecraft dropped three new knives in July, offering options in the mid to large range, all of them flipper folders. Here’s the breakdown of each.
MA-11
One of two new designs from Andy Armstrong, the MA-11 is a robust tanto flipper with a tactical look, with Rosecraft stating it’s angled at military, law enforcement and first responders. However, it’s not so geeked to preclude it from EDC in milder environments. Catching the eye right off is the bulldogged nose of the 3.9-inch RPM9-steel blade, a much steeper angle than seen on a majority of factory tantos recently. The method to the madness here appears to be creating an ample prying surface, a task the relatively thick blade should prove adept at.
The MA-11 has a stainless steel handle with G10 front cover, nicely textured to give a bit more grip to the knife. The kicker and thumb stud on the frame lock is ample, but not so aggressive as to get in the way or initiate a premature deployment. However, when the blade is required it comes out in a snap, thanks to a ceramic ball-bearing pivot. Other notables include an ambidextrous tip-up/tip-down carry pocket clip and a lanyard loop. MSRP: $77
Aeris Rex
An offering by designer Hawkins Rose, an early run of the Aeris Rex proved among the best sellers at BLADE Show, according to Rosecraft. It’s easy to see why, the harpoon tanto is darkly handsome, set off with copper bolsters. Fairly sizable, with an overall length of 8 inches and 5 ounces in weight, the knife nevertheless has clean lines and looks that should make it comfortable in any setting.
Offering supreme control, the Aeris Rex—Latin for “King of the Air” or “Air King”— boasts a fairly sizable handle and the choice of Micarta or carbon fiber handles. Both options are attractive, but the latter material tacks nearly $20 on the MSRP. Again, Rosecraft outfits the knife with both a kicker and thumbstud for deployment and utilizes a ceramic ball-bearing pivot. This liner lock also has a hidden lanyard hole and is ambidextrous, with a configurable tip-up/tip-down pocket clip. MSRP: $86 Micarta handle; $107 carbon fiber handle
Waya
Cherokee for wolf, the Waya is perhaps the most dapper of the three new releases—yet another creation of Armstrong. The clip point presents very clean lines and a striking dark appearance, complimented by a split G10 handle—black and an off-white in the above case. Overall a classy package that cuts an executive knife’s figure.
The smallest of the releases, the Waya sports a 3.4-inch RPM9-steel blade, topped off with a black PVD coating. Again, the knife is outfitted with a flipper and thumbstud, as well as a ceramic ball-bearing pivot for fast and easy opening. The G10 handle should provide a solid purchase on the knife and comes with an ambidextrous, deep-carry, tip-up pocket clip that helps the Waya disappear into a hip pocket. There is also an OD green handle option that comes with a stonewashed blade finish. MSRP: $74
With the K-Tact Kukri, Condor goes both old school and modern.
As with all knives, the steel is only as strong as the hand that wields it—and perhaps with no knife is this so true as the kukri.
The kukri—aka khukuri—has a reputation so legendary that even some non-knife enthusiasts recognize the knife when they see one. To understand how the kukri got its reputation, let’s examine the people who used it and help grow the legend.
Kukri History
You can’t mention the kukri without mentioning the hand behind the blade: the Gurkhas. The history of the Gurkhas dates back several centuries to the small mountainous kingdom of Gorkha, located in what is now central Nepal. In the early 19th century, the British East India Company was expanding through the Indian subcontinent and faced challenges from local rulers and neighboring powers. The Gurkhas had a reputation for being a substantial military force in the region. So, the company began recruiting Gurkhas into its own army. The first Gurkha units were formed in 1815 and they quickly gained a reputation for bravery and loyalty.
Gurkhas not only were fearsome warriors with their kukris, they also used them for daily chores. This sketch shows Gurkhas catching fish with their kukris in India’s Bazar Valley circa 1900. (Istockphoto.com image)
Since the first Gurkha units were formed, they played a pivotal role in many conflicts and to this day remain an important part of the British Army. The Gurkhas fought for the British during the two World Wars, with Gurkha soldiers serving in various theaters of operations, including the Western Front, North Africa and Southeast Asia. About 200,000—virtually an entire male population—enlisted to fight in World War I. About 250,000 fought in World War II. In the two wars, 30,000 Gurkha troops were killed.
Continuing to serve with the British, they participated in the Falklands War in 1982, and have been involved in recent conflicts in Malaya, Borneo, Bosnia, Iraq—including the Gulf War—and Afghanistan. Soldiers that have served alongside the Gurkhas regard them with respect. The spine-chilling cry of “Ayo Gurkhali!”—“The Gurkhas are coming!”—has terrified countless enemies. The Gurkhas’ bravery and determination in battle earned them numerous honors and awards. In the two World Wars alone, they won nearly 5,000 medals for gallantry.
The traditional kukri includes a natural handle material and the double-notched choil. Note the extra small knife and a sharpening steel—their handles protrude from the sheath here—that ride in the sheath. (Istockphoto.com image)
After the second World War, the British started to pull back from their colonial interests, allowing their various colonies to practice more independent self-governance. Even so, the British Army continued including the Gurkhas as an important part of their operations. Meanwhile, the kukri legend had no choice but to grow as it was made famous by the Gurkhas’ outstanding reputation for bravery and loyalty.
K-Tact Kukri Updates
The traditionally made kukri is a coveted piece in anyone’s collection. Condor Tool & Knife has updated the design with the use of modern materials to bring about a new tool with a pedigree. With the K-Tact Kukri Knife Army Green designed by Joe Flowers, the company remains loyal to the original shape but modified some materials and proportions.
The overall profile of the Condor Tool & Knife K-Tact Kukri forms somewhat of a pistol grip. The grip angle serves well during chopping and carving. In less peaceful times, it accommodates thrusting without the need for a guard. Blade and overall lengths: 10 and 14.5 inches.
Instead of using the wide variety of natural handle materials seen on kukris over the years, Condor opted for a green Micarta®. Micarta is much more stable, and for better grip Condor gives it a textured bead-blasted finish.
You may have heard how the blades of the originals were made from truck leaf springs. Truck leaf springs were made from such carbon steels as 5160 or 1095, or reasonable facsimiles. I often wonder about the truck leaf spring story. If you think about it, seeing as how the kukri also was used by villagers along with other patterns of knives to get work done, that means a lot of trucks would be losing their springs. Condor uses 1075 carbon steel with a bead-blasted finish for the K-Tact, which is named after Alan Kay, season one winner of History Channel’s Alone reality survival show.
The pommel helps balance the knife and serves as a hammer. According to the author, the synthetic Micarta® deals with any vibration from hammering and chopping better than natural materials.
Traditional kukris have a convex edge and are finished in a high polish. Condor convexes the K-Tact only part way up the blade and then leaves it flat. Blade thickness is .2 inch, thinner than most traditional models.
The average Nepalese villager’s kukri was made differently than the official Gurkha model. Possibly due to the time needed to make them and the lack of available steel, villager kukris had stick tangs. The Gurkha models have always been full tang and so is the K-Tact. Because of the thinner stock and the fact Condor took some weight off the blade with a stylized dip in the spine, the knife is livelier in the hand and feels more balanced.
Any of the traditional kukris I have held have had forward-heavy blades. They have a thick pommel plate the same thickness as that of the blade material. Having a thick pommel gives you a convenient hammer when needed and also enhances the knife’s balance.
K-Tact Kukri Versatility
One of the big keys to the kukri design is that it’s a great maker’s tool. It is not used for combat only. Among the recognized attributes of the Gurkha fighting units is their resourcefulness, and a large part of that is that the kukri lends itself to being a maker’s tool. Just the overall shape allows you to do many chores. It can act as a small draw knife due to the arched shape.
The author is not a big fan of batonning. “If you are going to do so,” he observed, “the rule of thumb is baton through nothing larger than one third the length of the knife. Following that rule allows you to keep leverage on the cut.”
For the sheath, instead of the traditional water-buffalo-covered wood, Condor uses a molded Kydex with a drop-leg leather strap and a retention strap. Despite being a huge traditionalist at times, I have to say the modern sheath is a huge improvement. The fit is spot on and you get none of the Kydex-rattling syndrome.
If I had to voice a disappointment in the K-Tact, to be fair it would be more of a “I want my cake and eat it, too” complaint. On a traditional kukri you get an extra small knife and a steel that ride behind the blade next to your body in the same sheath. Though I don’t have much use for the sharpening steel—I carry other sharpeners—a secondary small blade is a key part to the maker’s aspect of the knife.
Due to the profile of the kukri, the sweet spot for chopping is at the belly a bit farther back from the tip than on a number of other chopper designs.
Yes, I know, I can carry another smaller knife, hence the “cake and eat it, too.” Having said that, there is still something about the knife presenting as a kit all in one housing. Keep in mind I am a father-and-son-knife-set collector. All I’m saying is, it would have been nice to have a matching small blade with it.
Use Before Buying
I must say I have enjoyed playing with this knife. It works well. Kukri-style knives aren’t for everyone, so do try and use one before you buy. Each knife style has its own little ins and outs. If all knives worked the same, what reason would enthusiasts have to collect multiples?
As a final thought, the K-Tact is a good, solid, dependable piece of kit and in the right hands can take you far. Who knows? You might discover that you just want a modern version of a legendary style. Made in El Salvador, it has an MSRP of $162.84.
Josh Wisor makes a special knife for a special customer.
If you think Josh Wisor’s Alaska Ulu looks a bit different, that’s because it is—Josh built it for a customer who lost an arm and suffered nerve damage to the other as a result of a farming accident.
Josh made the ulu open-ended so the customer can more easily grip the handle and thus use it more easily as well with the hand of his nerve-damaged arm. The customer uses the knife for food prep and even on deer in hunting camp.
Josh’s customer demonstrates how the Alaska ulu’s open-ended design enables him to easily grip the handle.
A big fan of damascus, the customer wanted a pattern-welded blade, so Josh accommodated him with one of 1084 carbon and 15N20 nickel-alloy steels heat treated to a Rockwell hardness of 60-61 HRC. In other words, it is equipped to do some serious cutting.
The result is a noteworthy using knife for a more-than-satisfied customer.
Super affordable and lightweight, these stash knives are cool.
Since some knife fans long have been obsessed with what steel blades are made from, maybe it’s time to talk about blades that aren’t made of steel at all. I’m referring to the covert type built from materials designed to be less detectable, the kind you might want to keep as a backup.
There are knives made with just such materials. Five are the VZ Grips Executive Hydra Black Gray, Cold Steel FGX Ring Dagger and FGX Boot Blade, and the Kershaw Interval and Arise. The list is by no means exhaustive, though I am covering more knives than I usually do in my BLADE® stories. It also doesn’t include ceramic, obsidian, flint and other non-metal models. My goal was to test knives less likely to show up by scanning methods such as X-ray and metal detection.
Are Non-Metallic Knives Legal?
According to Doug Ritter of Knife Rights, there are restrictions in some states concerning non-metallic knives. For the legal status of non-metallics in your state, visit LegalBlade.org for links to Knife Rights’ free Legal Blade knife law app for state-by-state information on laws concerning undetectable knives.
There is a move to ban knives of the non-metallic type. Knives are covered by the Second Amendment, so to keep legislatures from infringing on your rights, remain vigilant. To both stay informed and for how you can help protect your 2A rights, visit the respective sites of Knife Rights and the American Knife & Tool Institute.
Versatile: VZ Grips Executive Gen 2 Hydra
In all my years of collecting, I’d never held a knife with a G-10 blade—until the test model from VZ Grips. Such knives have been around a long time but until now I really hadn’t given them much thought. When I saw the VZ Grips Executive Gen 2 Hydra Black and Grey during a search for pistol grips, I made note of it for just such an occasion. Out of the knives reviewed, it has the most versatility in presentation options. As you can imagine, with pistol grips being VZ’s primary business, the variety of G-10 materials it offers is practically endless. The company has other non-metallic knives as well.
The VZ Executive is a palm-style knife with an indentation in the handle just before the blade. Thin and sleek, it has a profile made for punching holes.
G-10 blades aren’t particularly useful for EDC work. You can do things like open some packages with them all right. They also make great letter openers. If you live in an area where you need a backup tool for self-protection and weight is a concern, these knives tuck away nicely. I carried the Executive inside my waistline at the 4 o’clock position for a few days. It comes with a sheath that has a belt loop, which tucked behind my belt. After a short while it didn’t feel as if I were carrying a knife at all.
It is in a sleek double-edge dagger style but because the edges aren’t sharp, it doesn’t count as a double-edged knife. It is a palm-held piece because it lacks a guard, and the tip is more than sharp enough for use. To enhance grip there’s a thumb depression where the handle meets the blade. Overall, it is a great little package and will find a place in my gear somewhere.
Budget Friendly: Cold Steel’s FGX Boot Blade And FGX Ring Dagger
Cold Steel uses a checkered-pattern Kray-Ex overmold rubber on the handle of the FGX Boot Dagger. The checkering isn’t very aggressive but still provides solid purchase.
At manufacturer’s suggested retail prices (MSRPs) of only $8.99 each, Cold Steel’s FGX Boot Blade and FGX Ring Dagger are the most economical of the test bunch. If this knife genre interests you, these two are but a smattering of Cold Steel’s non-metallic blade offerings. The company reproduces a number of its steel models in the non-metallic material Griv-Ex. I chose these two because they are among the styles that represent a traditional-looking boot dagger. Both knives come with a metal ring through the handle and no sheath. The Boot Blade has a Kray-Ex grip. Both have guards that encourage a hammer grip.
Two interesting features on the Ring Dagger are a reinforced tip and serrated edges. During the penetration tests when I stabbed a bunch of cardboard, the reinforced tip helped the Ring Dagger a lot. As for the serrated edge it did well cutting several things, though of course not as well as a steel edge. I put it up against cardboard, plastic packaging and packing bands. The edge will help in a pinch but I would not count on it as an everyday user.
The combination of the Cold Steel Ring Dagger’s reinforced tip and dual serrated edge make it a very aggressive blade for soft materials.
For the money the knives are an outstanding deal. Without sheaths, though, just finding a way to carry them might end up costing you more than the knives themselves. The tips are sharp enough to pierce some clothes, so stashing them in a bag might be problematic.
Concealable: Kershaw Interval And Arise
At press time, the Interval and Arise were Kershaw’s lone offerings in the genre. As you may or may not know, I like to comment on knife names. In this case and with the cutlery market so flooded these days, it seems Kershaw might have just opened a dictionary and pointed. Conversely, names have little to do with quality.
Kershaw’s Interval is so slim it tucks in perfectly into the tight spaces in your EDC gear and clothing.
Both knives are made from a PA-66 glass fiber. A traditional dagger design bests describes the Arise. For whatever reason Kershaw decided to install four Torx® screws in the handle. The presence of screws obviously makes the knife detectable by metal detectors. As a traditional dagger design it has a guard to prevent your hand from slipping forward. As with the VZ knife the edges aren’t sharp so it should be legal in states that restrict double-edge knives. The blade shape is somewhat difficult to describe since Kershaw takes an angular approach. For sturdiness the blade has a fuller. A simple ribbed design provides handle texture.
The Interval is a palm-style knife with no guard. It’s very lightweight and for whatever reason there’s a metal insert on the inside of the diamond-shaped lanyard hole, which makes the knife detectable by a metal detector as well. A geometric-style surface design provides handle texture. I like the knife very much. It is the easiest to stash of the review pieces so I can see getting more examples as backups and putting them in my kit. The tip is sharp but the main edge isn’t.
Steel Torx® bolts in the handle make the Kershaw Arise detectable by metal scanners. If you want, you can remove the bolts.
Both knives come without a sheath but due to the sharp tips I would still prefer a sheath for carry. Given the knives’ size (7.4-inch overall lengths) sheaths would be nothing to make. You want to keep stash blades tucked away and undetectable. As one who has dug through many EDC bags looking for stuff stowed properly, one of these knives would be hard to find for a person who didn’t know it was there, say at the bottom of a pocket or in a small fold. My only beef is the inclusion of the metal lanyard ring/insert or these knives would be practically invisible. Both models did well in cutting tests and would make good stash blades.
VZ Executive Gen 2
Blade Material: G-10 Overall Length: 7.75″ Blade Length: 3.25″ Metal Parts: None MSRP: $79.99 Country of Origin: USA
Kershaw Interval
Blade Material: PA-66 glass fiber Overall Length: 7.4″ Blade Length: 3.5″ Metal Parts: Yes MSRP: $11.99 Country of Origin: China
Cold Steel FGX Ring Dagger
Blade Material: Griv-Ex/Kray-Ex Overall Length: 9.1875″ Blade Length: 3.5″ Metal Parts: Yes MSRP: $8.99 Country of Origin: Offshore
Cold Steel FGX Boot Blade
Blade Material: Griv-Ex/Kray-Ex Overall Length: 9.5″ Blade Length: 4.875″ Metal Parts: Yes MSRP: $8.99 Country of Origin: Offshore
Kershaw Arise
Blade Material: PA-66 glass fiber Overall Length: 8.4″ Blade Length: 4.2″ Metal Parts: Yes MSRP: $14.39 Country of Origin: China
Feel the burn of the hottest makers’ hottest Custom EDC Knives—both folded and fixed.
Tommy Gann: Coke Bottle Slip Joint
As Daniel O’Malley of BladeGallery.com noted, “ABS master smith Tommy Gann makes an exceptional knife. The 52100 carbon steel wharncliffe blade of his Coke Bottle Slip Joint has a handrubbed satin finish, smooth, consistent action, a firm half stop and easily opens with a light pull.” Blade and closed lengths: 2.9 and 3.9”. Bolsters: 416 stainless steel. BladeGallery.com’s price: $550. (BladeGallery.com image)
Willem Steenkamp: Raider Flipper Folder
The 3.5-inch blade of hollow-ground CTS XHP stainless steel on Willem Steenkamp’s Raider flipper folder pivots on an Ikoma Korth Bearing System. Handle: Silver-strike carbon fiber. Pivot collar: stainless damascus. Pocket clip: 3D-machined titanium anodized blue, configured for right-side, blade-tip-up carry. Lock: linerlock. Weight: 3.2 ozs. Closed length: 3.83”. BladeGallery.com’s price: $680. (BladeGallery.com image)
David Breniere: Mini Inglorious Slip Joint
“The Mini Inglorious slip joint by David Breniere offers a handrubbed Elmax stainless steel blade with David’s W’s pattern damascus bolster and Sambar stag scales,” stated Dave Stark of Steel Addiction Custom Knives. “The knife just melts into the hand. Truly topper fit and finish.” Blade and closed lengths: 2 7/8 and 3.25”. Weight: 3.2 ozs. Retail price: $2,000. (Steel Addiction Custom Knives image)
Brian Efros: Elder Tactical Folder
The Elder tactical folder by Brian Efros has a drop-point recurve blade with dual bead-blasted thumb studs. Blade length and steel: 3” and CTS XHP stainless. Handle: carbon fiber with Chad Nichols Dark-Ti damascus bolsters and backspacer, and zirconium pivot collars. The Dark-Ti pocket clip provides blade-tip-up carry. Lock: linerlock. According to Arizona Custom Knives (AZCK), the Elder has “very nice action, detent and blade seating.” Weight: 5.2 ozs. Closed length: 4.25”. AZCK’s price: $3,295. (AZCK image)
Jacek Hnatow: Bushcraft 1
The Bushcraft 1 by Jacek Hnatow boasts full-tang construction and excellent balance and handle ergonomics. “Though designed for bushcraft, the knife makes an outstanding all-around utility tool,” observed Les Robertson of Robertson’s Custom Cutlery. Blade length, style and steel: 5.5”, drop point and Bohler N690 stainless. Handle width and material: 3.75” and textured black G-10. Overall length: 14.5”. Sheath: custom made of leather by the maker. Maker’s price for a similar knife and sheath: $325. (ImpressByDesign image)
Bill Koenig: Arius Flipper Folder
Bill Koenig’s Custom Arius flipper folder has a 3.5-inch blade of CPM 20CV stainless steel with a handrubbed satin finish and mirror-washed accents. The handle on the custom EDC knife is copper-dust carbon fiber on the front side and titanium with C-pattern milling on the framelock side. Hardware and screws: zirconium. Pocket clip: handrubbed titanium configured to carry the knife blade tip up. Closed length: 5”. Maker’s price for a similar knife: $3,510. Recon 1 sold price: $6,500. (Recon 1 image)
Piotr Gosciniak: Breaker Tanto
Of Piotr Gosciniak’s Breaker Les Robertson writes, “The compound grind provides the penetration of a tanto-style blade and slicing ability of a recurve blade. The texture of the black Micarta® handle gives additional grip, particularly in a wet environment.” Blade length, steel and finish: 4.7”, Elmax stainless and satin. Overall length: 10”. Sheath: custom made of Kydex® by the maker. Maker’s price for a similar knife and sheath: $415. (ImpressByDesign image)
Sean Kendrick: Ruiner Tactical Folder
Sean Kendrick’s Ruiner is a framelock tactical folder with a 3.125-inch black blade of an “unknown material,” zirconium thumb studs and a notched thumb rest. Handle: dark Timascus™ front scale, backspacer and blade-tip-up pocket clip, and an orange-peel-finished and anodized titanium lockside. Pivot: zirconium. Weight: 6.1 ozs. Closed length: 4.5”. Sean names Mike Franklin of Hawg Knives as one of his top mentors. AZCK’s price: $5,995. (AZCK image)
Tashi Bharucha: Onion LegacyFliper Folder
“The Legacy project is Tashi Bharucha’s way of paying homage to the icons of the knife world that have influenced him,” Dave Stark observed. “The Onion Legacy, his tribute to Ken Onion, was limited to nine pieces featuring a handrubbed RWL-34 stainless steel blade running on caged bearings. The frames are stonewashed and bead-blasted titanium with laser etching, accented by a custom-heat-colored Mokuti clip and pivot rings.” Weight and blade and closed lengths: 6.2 ozs., 4 and 4.75”. Retail price: $1,875. (Steel Addiction Custom Knives image)
Matthew Christensen: Full Dress Dreadeye
The Full Dress Dreadeye by Matthew Christensen sports a 3.375-inch high-satin-finished blade of Mike Norris Fire Clone damascus and dual zirconium thumb studs. Handle: Zirblast-finished Ant Farm Mokuti scales, and zirconium pivot collars, backspacer and blade-tip-up pocket clip. Weight: 4.9 ozs. Closed length: 4.625”. One of Matthew’s leading mentors is Dave Curtiss of Curtiss Knives. AZCK’s price: $3,595. (AZCK image)
Riann Manser: H4 Flipper Folder
South African Riann Manser’s H4 custom EDC knife has a 3.7-inch blade of satin-finished M390 stainless steel that runs on caged bearings. “It is perfectly centered, has silky-smooth action” and opens easily via a flipper tab, Daniel O’Malley noted. Handle: black G-10 with gold snakeskin FatCarbon inlaid into each side. Backspacer: black G-10. Liners: bead-blasted Gr6 titanium. Lock: linerlock. Pocket clip: bead-blasted titanium, configured for right-side, blade-tip-up carry. Closed length: 4.8”. BladeGallery.com’s price: $695. (BladeGallery.com image)
Sergey Shirogorov: Mini Quantum Flipper Folder
The Mini Quantum flipper folder by Sergey Shirogorov is highlighted by a rotating titanium pocket clip that carries the knife blade tip up. Blade length and steel: 3.5” and Mike Norris damascus. Handle: titanium. Closed length: 4.5”. Maker’s price: varies depending on what the knife brings at the various auctions where it is sold. Recon 1’s price: $10,000. (Recon 1 image)
RJ Martin: Q36 Flipper Folder
Custom knife purveyor Les Robertson has been buying Q36s since RJ Martin started making them. According to Les, “RJ never ceases to amaze me how he incrementally improves this knife: serrated thumb ramp, extremely lightweight, hypersonic flipper opener and bank-vault lockup.” Blade length and steel: 4” and MagnaCut stainless. Frame: grooved titanium. Closed length: 4 7/8”. RJ’s price for a similar knife: $3,200. (ImpressByDesign image)
Thomas Gony: Speartac Front Flipper
Frenchman Thomas Gony’s Speartac front flipper has a 3 3/8-inch blade of handrubbed RWL-34 stainless steel. The titanium handle features Zircuti inlays, pivot rings and pocket clip (blade tip up). Weight: 4.8 ozs. Closed length: 4.5”. Retail: $2,600. According to Dave Stark, there is such a huge demand for Gony’s work that Thomas can no longer take custom orders. (Steel Addiction Custom Knives image)
Dmitry Sinkevich: Skiving Tanto
A 3.125-inch tanto blade of K110-core san-mai and a titanium handle help complete the Skiving Tanto prototype by Dmitry Sinkevich. The pivot and blade-tip-up pocket clip are zirconium on this custom EDC knife, and the body screws are titanium. Closed length: 4”. Maker’s price: varies depending on what the knife brings at the various auctions where it is sold. Recon 1’s price: $10,000. (Recon 1 image)
There’s a reason why spearpoint blade knives are common as bluegrass.
Spearpoint blades are very common blade shape that is used primarily with folding knives but also found on some varieties of fixed blades. This blade shape can either be long and slender or short and on the fat side.
What defines a spearpoint blade is the upsweep that forms the belly of the cutting edge and the equidistant spine that meet at the centerline of the blade’s width. Much as its name suggests, the profile mimics the shape of a spear.
Spearpoint Blade Uses
The spearpoint blade is a handy profile, as it’s very adaptable to any cutting task at hand. There’s enough blade belly present to do slicing work and enough of a point to do scoring and piercing tasks.
Common Spearpoint Blade Knives
Along with the standard single grind spearpoint blade shape, there are a couple of variants of such that you might also be familiar with as well.
Dagger: The dagger is a popular option in fixed-blade tactical knives and are commonly spearpoint blades. The big difference between it and the more common spearpoints, daggers have a double grind. These begin at the centerline of the blade and taper down to the cutting edge, forming two cutting edges instead of just one.
The dagger’s design lends it to penetrating tasks, as well as giving it a certain sexiness due to its symmetry. However, laws are very restrictive when it comes to dagger blades. Additionally, the dagger is not well suited for working tasks due to the relative fragileness of the blade shape thanks to its grinds.
Pen Blade: These are commonly found as a smaller secondary blade on many multi-blade slip joint folding pocketknives. The pen blade is good for just general, mundane cutting tasks like opening mail and packages, or light-duty scraping.
Pedestrian as the role may seem, these spearpoints see a lot of action in day-to-day tasks. It’s safe to say, the world’s fingernails would likely prove much dirtier without this little workhorse.
Spearpoint Blade Knife Buyer’s Guide
We’ve gone through the effort to compile a listing of some of the more popular spearpoint knives on the market. These knives have the spearpoint shape as the primary blade. But please keep in mind that there are more than just these, as the profile is among the most popular in use today. Furthermore, keep an eye open and be sure to do your research carefully to select the best knife to fit both your needs and budget.
FIXED BLADES
Condor Tool & Knife CTK247 Kephart
Designed by noted survival expert Joe Flowers, the Kephart is a good general-use survival knife that is ready to tackle the chores on your camping or hiking trip. The 4 ½-inch long blade is made of 1075 carbon steel for low cost and easy resharpening out in the field and sports a flat grind for cutting efficiency. The handle is made of walnut and features a rounded profile for easy use. Condor uses rivets in the tang to prevent the handle from loosening even under very hard use. Made in El Salvador, the Kephart comes with a sewn leather belt sheath to round out the package.
MSRP: $72, Made In El Salvador
ESEE KNIVES LASER STRIKE
The Laser Strike has a 5-inch blade ground from 1095 carbon steel and sports an ultra-tough black epoxy coating. The coating is a nice extra, protecting the steel from the elements, as well as furnishing a nice low profile with no reflective appearance. A series of traction notches are cut into the blade spine at the thumb rest area, providing a nonslip resting place for your thumb or index finger for extra pressure and more control or power. The handle scales are green canvas micarta, which does an excellent job of being a dimensionally stable and providing a great grip quality. A thoughtful feature, a finger choil at the tang for when you need to choke up on the blade for extra control. Each Laser Strike comes with a form-fitting Kydex belt sheath for easy portability in all conditions.
MSRP: $200, Made In The USA
TOPS KNIVES COVERT ANTITERRORISM (CAT)
With its skeletonized structure, the TOPS Covert Antiterrorism (CAT) is an easy-to-carry, medium-sized, heavy-use fixed blade. Its 3 ¼-inch blade is made from 1095 carbon steel and boasts a flat grind. A pronounced thumb rest allows for more pressure and control while not allowing any slippage at all. The skeletonized handle is outfitted with multiple finger grooves that help seat your hand securely. Multiple oblong cutouts reduce the overall weight further. With an overall length of 7 ¼ inches, the CAT is carried via a multi-carry Kydex sheath so you have the knife with you at all times. This knife here can withstand some hard use for its size.
MSRP: $130, Made In The USA
HALFBREED BLADES MEDIUM CLEARANCE
Australia’s Halfbreed Blades offers up its Medium Clearance MCK-01 model as both a tool and a backup weapon. The blade is beautifully constructed out of Austrian-origin Bohler K110 tool steel that is similar in performance to D2. The blade appears to be a double edge, but in reality, it is only a single, however, it has a more aggressive dagger grind to it. At 4 ½-inches long, the blade is a good size for carry as well as getting your cutting tasks done in short order.
A pronounced guard keeps your hand from sliding up onto the blade. To protect the blade from the elements, a flat dark earth Teflon coating is applied. As a bonus, this also allows easy clean up. The handle is G-10 and sports a milled texturing pattern which works well with both bare and gloves hands. The extended blade tang at the rear of the handle can be used as a glass breaker as well as a blunt strike option as well. The MCK-01 comes with a Kydex sheath that is both belt and MOLLE-compatible attachment.
MSRP: $240, Made In Australia
CRKT MINIMALIST SPEARPOINT
An extension of CRKT’s wildly popular Minimalist fixed blades, the spearpoint iteration is the more general use profile of the line. Starting with the 2.1-inch blade, it is ground from 8Cr13MoV stainless steel for enhanced edge retention. As an added visual touch, there is a fuller (blood groove) cut into the blade. Typically, this is something found on larger knives. The handle sports a series of deep finger grooves that help to seat the Minimalist Spearpoint in your hand safely. The handle material is “resin-infused fiber” which sounds a lot like micarta and even feels similar. Whatever it is, it does a great job of providing traction. Each Minimalist comes with a molded ABS plastic sheath for ease of carry. The sheath can be worn either on the belt or set up for neck knife carry with the included ball chain necklace. So the carry options here are really good!
MSRP: $50, Made In China
FOLDING KNIVES
VICTORINOX PIONEER X
Everybody loves a Swiss Army Knife! The Victorinox brand has a zillion configurations and sizes of this popular multiblade multitool knife. It has a universal appeal that extends way beyond the knife enthusiast. The Pioneer X model is a popular model amongst the Alox (aluminum handle) options. Essentially, the company took its long-standing Pioneer Alox and inserted a pair of scissors, hence the “X”. The Pioneer X has a 2 ½-inch long spearpoint stainless blade, an awl, a combination flathead screwdriver and bottle cap opener, a can opener, and the aforementioned scissors. The checkered textured Alox handle is available in standard silver Alox, and colored versions may be purchased at various Victorinox dealers as exclusives to those outfits. One of the reasons why Alox models prove poplar is they feel very solid and the checkered aluminum has a nice hand traction.
The overall quality of manufacture for the Pioneer X is perfect. The blades and tools have a nice polished finish which not only looks good but also makes them easier to clean up. The spearpoint blade on this one is a real cutter. The full flat grind tapers the cross section down to a precise thin edge. One thing about all Swiss Army Knives is that they are easily sharpened. The scissors are simply the best small scissors I have used on any pocketknife. This is just a very handy pocketknife and you will find that it will go with you wherever you go, quite easily. Boasting an excellent price, it is not only quite handy but affordable as well. Plus, you can guaranteed every Victorinox comes perfect from the factory. Don’t be afraid to purchase sight unseen with confidence.
MSRP: $69, Made In Switzerland
KERSHAW KNIVES LAUNCH 4
Kershaw Knives’ highly successful Launch series of USA-made automatic opening knives have been a great success. The cutting-edge automatics are made with premium materials, but come in at a comfortable price. The 7500BLK Launch 4 is the smallest of the line, with a California-friendly 1.9-inch blade. CPM154 stainless steel is used for the blade, offering enhanced edge retention and corrosion resistance. It is the particle steel equivalent of 154CM, which is used widely in the cutlery industry and lower-tier premium steel. The blade sports a DLC black coating for the ultimate in corrosion resistance and low reflectivity. The handle is machined from T6 6061 aluminum alloy for light weight and strength. It is anodized black and features matching black hardware. A steel pocket clip carries the Launch 4 in the tip-up configuration in the pocket. With an overall length of a bit over 5 inches, this compact cutter carries easily and also doubles as a money clip. Pressing on the lock button causes the blade to rocket out of the handle, snapping open with authority. The same button serves as the blade’s lock release from the open position. The Launch 4 is a fun little automatic opener that proves a great value.
MSRP: $165, Made In The USA
KABAR DOZIER FOLDING HUNTER
Bob Dozier is a respected name in the knife industry. He is an accomplished custom knifemaker whose creations are aimed at the outdoor market with hunters and campers in mind. He has partnered with Kabar Knives to produce his Folding Hunter design. The 3-inch blade is ground from AUS-8 stainless steel and features a hollow grind. A single thumb stud allows you to deploy the blade quickly and easily. The handle is molded from lightweight Zytel to keep the overall weight of the knife to a minimum (2.2 oz) for comfortable carry. A pocket clip carries the Folding Hunter tip up and can be swapped to the opposite side of the handle for lefties. Don’t let the name fool you, this knife excels at daily carry, for those who relish the bang-for-the-buck factor. Made in Taiwan, it is one of the best values for a custom-designed folding hunter. The Kabar Bob Dozier Folding Hunter comes in an array of handle colors to suit your preference.
MSRP: $35, Made In Taiwan
EMERSON KNIVES MINI SHEEPDOG
The Mini Sheepdog is a downsized version of Emerson Knives’ Sheepdog flipper folder. Featuring a 3-inch long spearpoint blade, its 154CM stainless steel is the material of choice for going the distance with work tasks. The blade incorporates three methods of opening: a thumb disk, Emerson’s Wave Remote Pocket Opener, and a flipper. The blade has two options for finishes—satin-finished or black-coated. The blade rides on bearings for the ultimate smoothness in blade action. The handle is ergonomically shaped to seat the hand comfortably. The expanded sections on the front and back of the handle help prevent forward and rearward sliding. Textured black G-10 composite provides a non-slip grip. There is a pocket clip that carries the Mini Sheepdog in the tip-up configuration in the pocket. Emerson Knives is a trusted leader in the production of tactical knives.
MSRP: $240, Made In The USA
HOGUE X5
Designed by custom knifemaker Allen Elishewitz, the X5 represents the latest in tactical folder technology. It does so by offering a flipper opening, button lock in a premium handle and excellent blade materials. The X5 is offered in two blade styles and two sizes within. There is a modified Wharncliffe and a spearpoint, in both 3 ½-inch and 4-inch blade lengths. CPM154 stainless steel is the material of choice for the blade, offering enhanced edge retention. The spearpoint features a harpoon-style swedge, adding an aggressive stylistic note to the appearance. And the high flat grind of the blade bevels make the X5 spearpoint a cutting machine. The handle is highly ergonomic, incorporating chamfers, a prominent finger groove, and an integrated handle spacer for ultimate strength. The X5 comes in your choice of several hard anodized handle finishes: black, OD green, blue, and tan. Certain models also feature textured G-10 inlay for grip enhancement and a styling note. A button lock secures the blade solidly in the open position and also is easy to release and close the blade one-handed. Each X5 comes with a steel deep carry pocket clip—tip up—and an extra clip for lefties.
Oh, the Outdoor Edge Pivot is a budget option, but not one without its charms.
Traditionally outdoor focused—hence the name—Outdoor Edge has crept into other knife niches. Perhaps it’s a directive from the powers on high at Revo Brand Group (think Real Avid), who acquired the knife company in 2022. Or perhaps it’s because you can only make so many gut hooks and replaceable-blade caping knives. In either case, the company has come out with some intriguing EDC designs that are definitely budget options, but ones that get the job done.
Its most recent unveiling is the lightweight, skeletonized handled Pivot. For most knife enthusiasts, it’s difficult not to like what Outdoor Edge has offered up in the redesign of the company’s Le Hawk and Le Duck knives —particularly its price. A cool $30 ($29.99) puts the fixed blade on your beltline, giving you an edged tool you can treat like a rented mule and not shed any tears if a rough task delivers a coup de gras. Everybody needs one of those to pry away at rusty latches and strip spools of copper wire.
Pivot’s Steel
Constructed from 8Cr13Mov stainless steel, the knife was likely birthed in China—it’s one of the country’s budget stainless options. While inexpensive, the steel generally acquits itself well in wear and corrosion resistance but maybe doesn’t earn top honors in hardness (57 HRC) and edge retention. Though, 8Cr13Mov is known to be pretty forgiving in sharpening, so its edge is quickly regained. Outdoor Edge gives the Pivot’s blade an extra barrier to environmental factors with what it calls its Blackstone Coating, which also gives the knife a dark appeal.
Blade Profiles
The company offers two blade styles on the model, a drop-point and Wharncliffe both virtually the same length. The drop-point measures in at 2.5 inches, and the Wharncliffe is another .1-inch longer. In either case, married to a roughly 4-inch handle, the blade should prove fairly nimble and quite deft at most everyday tasks around the home, ranch or worksite. As mentioned, the handle is skeletonized, which cuts the Pivot’s weight down to a svelte 3.2 ounces. And Outdoor Edge applies a rubberized coat to it, giving the knife a fairly positive grip even if wet.
Where Exactly Does It Pivot?
Now we get to the name of the knife—the Pivot—which seem much more apt for a folder than a fixed blade. But there’s a method in Outdoor Edge’s madness, with it referring to the carrying system. The polypropylene sheath comes with a quick-release locking latch and a removable 360-degree rotating clip (there’s the pivot point) for easy attachment to a belt or MOLLE webbing. It’s a nice system, allowing the user to adjust the cant to their carry style, putting the blade at quick access no matter where it’s carried.
Most would agree the Outdoor Edge Pivot isn’t the Superman of EDC knives, nor the one somebody pulls out for bragging rights. But for a blade to use and abuse on your day’s dirtiest jobs, well it pretty well fits the bill.
