The BLADE Magazine 2021 American Made Knife Of The Year®, The Case Marilla More Than Pulls Its Weight.
The BLADE Magazine 2021 American Made Knife Of The Year®, the Marilla from W.R. Case & Sons is a drop-point-blade EDC folder made for slicing and fine work. Aluminum framelock construction and CPM S35VN stainless blade steel result in a lightweight folder that doesn’t weigh your pocket down.
The Marilla opens fluidly via a flipper and closes positively. I really like the fact that the knife does not interfere with your hand when you reach into your pocket. That said, the Marilla must slice and dice to be an effective EDC.
How Sharp Is The Case Marilla
First, I like to do a quick sharpness test with copy paper. In full blade-length slices, the Marilla zipped through the stationery smoothly and with nary a snag. I could have sliced faster if I could have moved my fingers faster. The edge cut in outstanding fashion!
Heavy Cutting With The Marilla
Next up: double-walled cardboard. I used a push cut for a full blade-length slice. The Marilla was very aggressive parting the medium. The handle shape was a plus in controlling cut widths. The minimum curl of the sliced pieces was great.
The Marilla bit very aggressively while skiving a scrap piece of 8-ounce leather. It was very controllable on the thinness of the slices.
The Marilla bit very aggressively while skiving a scrap piece of 8-ounce leather. I could hear the crunching sound as the blade cut away. It was very controllable on the thinness of the slices and experienced no issues at all.
From there it was on to whittling firesticks. The edge made smooth cuts in the pine with a tight curl in the curly-cue. Thin curly-cues or thick, the Marilla kept the curls clean. The handle was very comfortable while making the deeper cuts, exhibiting no sharp edges in the wrong places to hurt my hand.
Marilla Edge Retention
To test edge holding, I like to use sisal rope. The Marilla crunched to 189 cuts before I felt the edge sliding a bit. Performance: excellent! The thumb notches helped in controlling the cuts. Again, the Marilla handle was comfortable even when I applied hard pressure to it.
Batonning The Marilla
To check the lock, I locked the knife open and batonned the blade into a piece of half-inch pine to make kindling. I hit the blade spine opposite the tip and middle and directly on top of the lock multiple times. The wood split with no problem and the lock stayed tight very well, maintaining 100 percent lockup throughout. There were no blade wobbles or looseness during opening, lockup or closing.
The final hurdle was the antler whack—wrist snapping the blade into an old whitetail deer horn to see if the edge would chip or roll. Thirty whacks later and the edge survived with no damage, indicating excellent heat treatment of the S35VN blade steel.
The final hurdle was the antler whack—wrist snapping the blade into an old whitetail deer horn to see if the edge would chip or roll. Thirty whacks later and the edge survived with no damage, indicating excellent heat treatment of the S35VN blade steel.
Report On The Case Marilla
The Marilla is an excellent EDC knife. It’s comfortable in the hand as well as the pocket. The blade stays sharp longer than most. It is a great choice for EDC.
I WOULD …
… prefer a hollow blade grind for keener slicing, though such a grind might compromise the blade steel.
As long as its knives are not abused, Case warrants them against defects. For more information, contact Case, attn: F. Feightner, Dept. BL2, 50 Owens Way, Bradford, PA 16701 800-523-6350 or 888-442-1932 [email protected], www.wrcase.com.
The Carabiners Knife Offers A Cool, Handy Way To Carry Your Everyday Knife.
The carabiner is most often associated with mountain climbing and rooted on the German word karabiner-haken, which roughly translates in English as “spring hook.” Spyderco brought the concept of adding a carabiner to a knife to prominence with its first Snap-It folder, the BLADE Magazine 1993 Overall Knife of the Year®.
In the years since, the carabiner knife concept has popped its head out of the foxhole from time-to-time, with Spyderco adding models to its line and other manufacturers following suit.
Simply stated, adding a carabiner to a knife offers an alternative way of carry. It’s a great way for a climber, camper or hiker to keep a knife handy, but what about the average everyday user? Is there a place for a carabiner cutter in your endeavors?
CRKT Compano Sheepsfoot
The Compano Sheepsfoot has a wicked-sharp blade that whipped through suede and paracord like butter. CRKT also offers the Compano in a drop-point version should you prefer a deeper-bellied blade.
The CRKT Compano Sheepsfoot is a sibling to the standard Compano drop-point model. Designed by Mike Bond of Honolulu, Hawaii, the Compano companions are designed as keychain knives with an edge. The folder’s cylindrical pivot is 1 inch in diameter—3/4 inch inside—with synthetic blue gear-like caps mounted to a stonewashed stainless-steel frame. The folder’s wicked little 1.44-inch blade opens by way of an oblong cutout and, interestingly, has a half-stop along the way. The handle has a generous-sized carabiner with a spring-loaded gate for capturing your key ring.
The svelte Compano Sheepsfoot can be clipped to a belt loop with no problem. The whole assemblage—Compano and keys, all on a keyring—can be carried loose in the pocket, too. I like the Compano not as a keychain knife but as a back-up, hideaway piece that can be clipped not just to a belt loop or toted loose in the pocket, but corded and worn as a neck knife as well.
Tests with the sheepsfoot blade were conclusive—the little rascal can cut! I laid out a flat of 4-inch suede and the blade sliced through it effortlessly. It liked paracord as well. In a self-defense situation with your index finger in the knife’s large pivot hole, the knife would be very difficult for a foe to dislodge. Regardless of how you plan to use this little mighty mite, I believe it would be money well spent.
CRKT COMPANO SHEEPSFOOT Blade length: 1.44 inches Blade steel: CPM S30V stainless Blade pattern: Sheepsfoot Handle material: Stonewashed stainless steel Lock: Non-locking slip joint Carry: Carabiner or in pocket Special features: Large finger-hole pivot Weight: 2.2 ounces Closed length: 3.25 inches Country of origin: China MSRP: $44
Kershaw Reverb XL
The Kershaw Reverb XL has a trailing-point blade the author found ideally geared for slicing. Notice there is no thumb stub or flipper tab for opening, with Kershaw opting instead for a finger groove to keep the Reverb snag-proof.
Kershaw makes no bones about the Reverb XL—it is made for the great outdoors. The slim 1-inch carabiner on the spine of the handle butt attaches to gear or a belt loop. A 1.5-inch pocket clip on the back handle slab can be used alternately. The Reverb XL has a sweeping trailing point or Persian-style blade with a gray finish. The blade thumbs open via a groove that follows the spine on both sides—no thumb studs or a flipper tab make it snag proof. The front slab is an attractive composite of black carbon fiber and blue G-10; the back slab is gray stainless with an interesting framelock cut completely inside the slab itself. The lock is accessed from the front slab via a cutout that exposes the lock spring.
The XL’s lock spring takes a little getting used to, but, once you get it, you get it. The knife’s extremely lightweight and won’t be a burden on any hiker, camper or climber. This is not a workhorse knife per se, rather an assistant for things like light meal prep and cutting rope or paracord. I tested it cutting sausage, paracord and 3/8-inch rappelling rope, all on a flat wood surface. The thin blade slices very well. Tough projects will leave you wanting more blade, but that’s not this knife’s design purpose. Keep it in its lane and it will serve you well.
KERSHAW REVERB XL Blade steel: 8Cr13MoV stainless Blade length: 3 inches Blade pattern: Trailing point Handle material: Carbon fiber, G-10, stainless steel Lock: Framelock Carry: Carabiner or blade-tip-up pocket clip Special features: Framelock, groove blade opener Weight: 2.31 ounces Closed length: 4.25 inches Country of origin: China MSRP: $53.95
DPx HEAT Hiker Stonewashed
The author found the DPx Gear HEAT Hiker brutish in both looks and action, whipping through this 3/8-inch rappelling rope with nice, clean cuts from the CPM S30V stainless steel blade. The HEAT Hiker has by far the largest, most accommodating carabiner of the review knives.
The DPx HEAT Hiker Stonewashed is an upscale version of the original DPx versions released in 2014. With White River Knife & Tool handling the manufacturing chores, DPx Gear ordered these up with premium CPM S30V stainless steel blades in a stonewashed finish. Other than that, all the knife’s popular trademark features—skeletonized carabiner handle, cap lifter on the lower blade spine and nifty Kydex breakaway neck sheath—are preserved for HEAT Hiker fans to enjoy. The Hiker blade is built on 0.16-inch-thick steel so you can bet it’s plenty stout, while still lightweight enough to make it a breeze to carry.
The curves on the integral handle fit the hand well, and cutting through 3/8-inch rappelling rope was as easy as eating puffed wheat for breakfast. The knife’s short blade will shave wood for fire starter and is limited only by its length. An area the Hiker truly excels in is its carry options. The gaping carabiner allows it to easily hook onto belt loops or gear, and its thin cross-section allows it to lay flat against the chest when worn as a neck knife. Can you say EDC? Designed by adventurist/journalist Robert Young Pelton, aka RYP, you can tell the HEAT Hiker had a lot of thought and experience behind its development.
DPx HEAT HIKER Blade steel: CPM S30V stainless Blade length: 2.5 inches Blade type: Drop point Handle material: Skeletonized steel Carry: Carabiner or Kydex neck sheath Special features: Bottle opener/breakaway sheath Weight: 2.15 ounces Overall length: 6.25 inches Country of origin: USA MSRP: $125
Fox Knives Ferox
Using the plain-edge portion, the 3.54-inch Bohler N690 stainless steel blade of the Fox Knives Ferox serves up some nice shavings from a block of wood.
The Fox Knives Ferox carabiner knife brings a couple of extra tools to the table, namely a set of Phillips and flat-head bit drivers along with a 2-inch extension. Designer Tommaso Rumici saw a need to add the two components because knife users often get caught flat-footed by not having screwdrivers on hand and end up using the tips of their knife blades—which is not only hazardous to the knife but can cause harm to the user as well.
The Ferox is a black-coated, mid-sized integral straight knife with a blade available in either a plain or partially serrated edge. The handle butt houses a round finger-sized carabiner 1 inch in inside diameter with a .5-inch spring gate. The scales are black G-10, grooved in the middle to house the Phillips and flat-head bits on either side. There are eight O-rings on the handle that serve to trap the bits until ready to use, and also to add purchase. The Ferox includes a black Kydex sheath with a Tek-Lok belt attachment.
There’s a lot to unpack here. The Ferox and its sheath weigh 9 ounces, which, in my opinion, is a little too much for hanging off a belt loop, though ideal for gear with a decent size strap or metal ring. The knife is very well made, and the blade sliced through 3/8-inch rappelling rope and took off firewood shavings from a wood block effortlessly. This is a heavy-duty knife for its size and the blade steel is praiseworthy.
The bit driver is an interesting addition. The drive extension must be kept track of separately as there is no place for it to attach to the sheath. While I think the bit driver is a handy addition—and it does work—I like the knife more for its other characteristics: it’s built like a tank, has excellent steel and cuts like a house afire. I’d opt for the plain-edge version to get even more slice out of the superb blade.
FOX KNIVES FEROX Designer: Tommaso Rumici Blade steel: Bohler N690 stainless Blade pattern: Drop point Blade length: 3.54 inches Handle material: Black G-10 Carry: Carabiner or sheath Special features: Integral design, flat-head and Phillips driver bits Weight: 5.29 ounces Overall length: 7.27 inches Country of origin: Italy MSRP: $299
New Limited Edition Swiss Army Knife Comes As A Result Of A Collaboration Between Off-White And Victorinox.
The Italian-based premium lifestyle brand Off-White has collaborated with venerable Swiss knifemaker Victorinox to make a Swiss Army knife for the brand’s Equipment project done with Korean brand Post Archive Faction.
The knife is gorgeous thanks to the white Corian scales with black silhouettes of the tools included in the knife. The Corian material is a composite of acrylic and a mix of natural materials, the majority of which are derived from bauxite. The piece is modeled after the story of Adam and Eve, and the silhouettes of the tools can be positioned to look like the collaboration’s design motif which is a fig leaf.
The knife itself is a gem, and only 3,000 are being made. There are both small and large blades, two sizes of screwdriver, and a bottle opener among many other tools you’d expect to see on a SAK of this size.
The whole construction is just 2.9 ounces in weight, and it is packed with features big and small. However, get ready to pay big for this knife due to its small production run.
Off-White ℅ Victorinox Knife Specs
Length: 3.7 inches
Height: .7 inches
Width: 1.6 inches
Weight: 2.9 ounces
Tools: Reamer, punch, and sewing awl, corkscrew, bottle opener, wood saw, large blade, 6mm screwdriver, can opener, wire stripper, 3mm screwdriver, small blade, key ring
The Center-Drive Rescue Is An Exciting, New Multi-Tool From Gerber. With 14 Tools, the CDR Is As Feature-Packed As It Gets.
Fun new toys should truly be fun, and the new Center-Drive Rescue from Gerber is as exciting as it gets for a multi-tool today. The CDR is packed tight with 14 tools ranging from a set of spring-loaded needlenose pliers to a file. One of the showpiece tools is the screwdriver with more than a dozen magnetic bits included when you buy the CDR.
There’s an included sheath as part of the package, and you can choose which one is best for you. You have the choice of a MOLLE-compatible sheath or a Berry-compliant sheath so you’ll be able to customize the CDR to fit your needs.
If there is a knock on the CDR it’s that it has been designed solely for the jobsite or campground. While many other multi-tools feature tools meant for the home like a nail file, tweezers, or toothpick, the CDR has been packed with tools to help you get your job done faster.
Overall, this is a well-constructed multi-tool that can take a beating and be your trusty sidekick for decades to come.
Other Tools: Awl, File, Spring-Loaded Needlenose Pliers With X-Channel Rail System, Magnetic 3.2-inch Center-Axis Bit Driver, Pry Bar With Nail Puller & Bottle Opener, Magnetic Flathead & Phillips Bits, Bit Set
Smith & Wesson Makes More Than Just Firearms, And The Company’s New Multi-Tool Is Compact, Fun To Use, And Perfectly Utilitarian.
Sometimes smaller is better, and this new multi-tool from Smith & Wesson is a compact gem. At just over an ounce in total weight, the multi-tool is full of features.
For starters, there’s a full folding drop point blade in here. Yes, there’s a proper EDC-style blade tucked into this tiny tool, and it’s two inches in length. The butt features a bottle opener with a lanyard hole, perfect to put on a keychain or on a chain to turn it into a neck knife. In the middle of the construction there’s a trio of holes designed for hex screws of varying sizes.
Sure, there’s no showcase pair of pliers or wrench here but there doesn’t need to be. This tool is elegant in its simplicity. The folding blade and bottle opener combination alone makes this a must-have for most anyone, and the hex screw holes are just icing on the cake.
Tool Specs
Overall Length: 5.5 inches
Blade Length: 2 inches
Blade Material: Stainless Steel
Weight: 1.28 inches
Handle Material: Stainless Steel
Features: Drop Point Blade, Bottle Opener, Lanyard Hole, 4mm, 5mm, and 6mm Hex Screw Holes
Acclaimed, Talented Knifemaker Henning Wilkinson Is Making Beautiful Knives And Living A Life Worth Emulating.
I’ve been in the blade-making business right at 50 years. I’ve met and befriended hundreds of bladesmiths and knifemakers. I have a long history of designing and making knives and other edged tools in carbon steel and mosaic damascus. I have pioneered many of the modern techniques used in the production of these blades. The techniques are now in their third generation.
The newer smiths and makers — especially in the damascus end of the business — do things with steel and design that border on magical. Some of these modern magicians have been in the business only a few years. I feel very privileged to have met some of them and spent shop time with a few more. One is Henning Wilkinson.
I started following his social media posts a few years ago. Even then, the level of his work was nothing short of astounding. His blade designs and mosaic patterning are all well thought out and extraordinary. He and I began corresponding on social media and developed a friendship through our mutual interest in damascus blades.
His blade designs and fitting of all the design parts is in my opinion some of the best on the planet. As a result, I wanted to see his methods firsthand. Meanwhile, Henning also had great interest in my methods of forging and pattern development. So began the plan to spend time in the shop.
We agreed I should go to South Africa and teach a couple of classes. The trip coincided with the Knifemakers Guild of Southern Africa Show. It was great fun meeting new friends and visiting with many old ones half a world away. The classes were a great success and I learned much, including that braai* has no equal and biltong+ is better than jerky. (I had to throw that in for my South African friends).
Henning is a deeply religious man who lives his faith as best he can in all he does. His knifemaking skills are a showcase of that dedication. He is an advanced martial artist and very skilled with firearms. Some of his techniques and skills come from a trained gunsmith background, and are a lot of what drove me to fly halfway around the world to see those handwork skills with my own eyes. I was not disappointed. I asked Henning to send me his biography to help with this story.
Henning Wilkinson: In His Own Words
Damascus, ivory and gold engraving help highlight Henning’s dagger with a Renaissance flavor.
I was born Jan. 13, 1978, in the little town of Brakpan, South Africa. My dad was a blue-collar worker who started his working life at 16 doing an apprenticeship as a tool-and-die maker. He was always busy on weekends doing all sorts of jobs, from building concrete mixers to doing electrical work — pretty much anything you could think of. He now owns his own wood furnisher business.
Growing up, using machines and tools for whatever reason was never a problem for me. My father believed that to work with your hands from an early age would give you a head start and an advantage in life.
My mother was always busy with something to generate extra cash. I remember from a very early age her making clothing as a seamstress, from wedding dresses to underwear. Even my wife had the privilege of having her wedding dress made by her mother-in-law. My mom was always carting all the kids around from one sports event to another. Both my parents supported us however they could, and still do.
My first recollection of Christ was growing up in a home where He was loved and honored. I can remember as a young child walking into my parents’ room in the early hours of the morning and finding them both on their knees praying. This has remained my foundation for every decision and my way of living.
I joined the family business in woodworking where I learned a great deal in all different fields, from electrical to mechanical, as we did all our own repairs and maintenance on the machines in the factory. I started my apprenticeship as a gunsmith in 1998. I learned a lot about the fine finishing and fittings of different materials to one another.
I started making knives in 2000 while doing my gunsmithing apprenticeship. I fell in love with a knife called the Commander made by Ernest Emerson, which at that stage I couldn’t afford (it would have been three months’ salary for me back then). Having a father who taught me whatever you cannot afford you can make yourself, I jumped to the task not knowing what I was getting myself into.
During the process I met a good friend, Carel Smith, who guided and still guides me in everything knifemaking related. Carel invited me to the Knifemakers Guild of Southern Africa Show and my eyes were opened to the possibility of real knifemaking.
After I built a folder, Carel invited me to forge a blade and make some damascus. I was immediately hooked, captivated by the process of forging damascus, spending the first couple of years building and perfecting machines to make my own. In 2006 I was admitted into the Knifemakers Guild of Southern Africa, being only the second person to forge blades to be so honored.
Right from the start I attempted to make a better knife than the one before. I would not settle for anything other than my absolute best effort on every piece, from fit and finish to heat treatment and into the smallest detail, always trying to push my limit.
Then everything changed.
In 2012 I walked away from knifemaking as I believed I could not provide for my family the way the world told me to. I took on a job in the oil and petroleum trade as an underground utility surveyor. I thought I had it made. However, after a couple of years I was in a deeper hole than when I started—physically, emotionally and pretty much every way thinkable.
God slowly decided to drag me back into what I was made to do.
In late 2018 I decided to carry on as a full-time knifemaker. It was a leap of faith and the most rewarding decision of my life. Being able to do what you love can only be described as a massive blessing.
I am a Christian and I believe that God forms every piece through my hands, which is why I have a 9k-gold cross as a maker’s mark. My aim is to craft each piece in praise to God, and to make it so it will set itself apart and stand out as the best knife in any collection.
Picture In Steel
Henning (left) and Schwarzer (second from left) hammer hot steel while interested observers observe in the two friends’ forging class in South Africa.
On June 15, 2018, I did a Facebook video on how to grind a false edge. I received a comment from a gentleman whose work changed the way I looked at knifemaking. I used to think that because I could make damascus and drill a couple of holes, my knives were good. However, a “picture painted in steel” of a bird hunter with his rifle and his dog# made me realize that this could be far more—it could be an art that would leave people in awe of what can be done. The gentleman is Steve Schwarzer, whom I am now lucky enough to have as a close friend.
In 2019 I was able to exhibit at the BLADE Show, and was immediately accepted into the family of worldwide knifemakers. This has left me inspired to inspire those whom I see as my peers.
Shortly after BLADE Show 2019, Steve visited me in South Africa. We had the privilege of spending time together and learning from each other. It was a massive honor to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with him during a damascus course we hosted together.
During the visit I learned the definition of what a true master is. It is not a stamp on a knife or an award certificate. It is someone who never stops in striving to learn every intricacy of his or her art, perfecting every part no matter how big or small it might be, staying humble in the process and never assuming his or her own greatness.
Among a thousand lessons learned during Steve’s visit, for me this was the most important. The second lesson is that we will only have this journey called life once, and the decisions we make will be the determining outcome of that journey. I have never laughed as hard in my life during Steve’s two-week visit. His friendship and guidance are an invaluable blessing to me. It is an honor to call him my friend.
To me, knifemaking is a way of life, constantly trying to perfect and add new aspects to the knives I make. Through the fashioning of these pieces I continue to learn more about myself as God wants me to be. Knifemaking has given me the freedom to be a father to my two children and a husband to my four wives (my loving wife and the best three dogs ever).
One of the memories I will always cherish is one of my son as a small child standing on a tin in front of a lathe machining some steel. He has recently started making knives and this next journey together as father and son working in the shop together is another great blessing for me.
I specialize in art knives and high-end exclusive pieces, from folding knives to swords, using only the best end materials. Bringing 20 years of knifemaking experience and a lot of passion to each piece, I am proud to be a 100 % sole authorship maker. I am a member of the Knifemakers Guild of Southern Africa and the American Bladesmith Society. I hope you can see the passion in my work and will enjoy every moment you spend with it.
*Braai is South African barbecue
+Biltong is a form of dried, cured meat that originated in Southern African countries.
#The “picture painted in steel” was Steve Schwarzer’s groundbreaking scene of hunter with rifle and dog done in mosaic damascus in the early 1990s that set the world of knives on its ear.
There Are Few Factory Makers As Well-Known As Kershaw. The Oregon-Based Company Continues To Innovate And Create Top-Tier Knives.
Kershaw is a beloved knife brand set to celebrate its 50th year in business in 2024. In the years since the company was founded a half-century ago, it has delivered some incredible products that continue to set industry standards today.
Kershaw has become a staple of the knife industry at large and they represent a significant percentage of what is being regularly carried in pockets all over the country. Pete Kershaw began the company to create excellent outdoor knives and eventually partnered with Japanese company Kai to bring more high-quality products to market.
The modern Kershaw knife is a truly high-quality tool, and lucky for us, the company has a dizzying number of options that can fit just about any niche you may have.
Kershaw’s Top Ten
Kershaw has a large fanbase because the company is incredibly consistent at making quality knives at quality prices. These 10 have stood out as some of the company’s best.
Kershaw Leek
The Kershaw Leek is arguably the most prominent product that the company has released in recent years. This knife is the epitome of what you would consider being an everyday carry tool: it is light, sleek, and has an extremely reliable mechanism.
The lines of the product are immediately recognizable and it has achieved iconic status among knife enthusiasts. At the time of this writing, Kershaw offers over a dozen variations of the Leek, and, while the internal mechanism is the same, you get your choice as far as cosmetic features go. Currently, handle materials range from plain aluminum or color-anodized aluminum to exciting options like copper.
The actual copper handle material will patina over time, giving your individual knife a unique look as you carry and use it. Despite the fact that copper weighs a little bit more than aluminum and this knife costs a bit more than the other products in the Leek line, it isn’t for everyone. The Leek’s mechanism is an assisted-open type, and it is one of the more reliable and energetic on the market. In carrying Leek knives over time, the author has never had a failure to open or to remain closed.
The Skyline was one of Kershaw’s most recognizable products. The simple, black-handled knife
was one of the more popular carry options of years past and it earned a reputation for being strong and reliable at a good price.
There are, of course, other products that now fill its niche, but the Skyline will not soon be forgotten. Its status as a common, affordable, and reliable knife helps it make this list even though it is no longer available.
Many Kershaw fans have lamented the decision to axe this otherwise popular knife, and it has achieved a moderate collector interest since early 2021 alongside the Shallot and Camber, themselves very well-received by fans of their respective styles.
Skyline Knife Specs
Overall Length: 7.4 inches
Blade Length: 3.1 inches
Blade Steel: 14C28N
Weight: 2.5 ounces
Handle Material: G-10
Kershaw Lucha Carbon Fiber
At a hefty $500 retail the Lucha in carbon fiber is one of the more unique and interesting offerings currently had by Kershaw. This balisong is arguably one of the highest quality production blades of its type. Even custom options available on the market may not be able to match the Lucha in terms of overall fit and finish at the price.
For fans of this type of knife, this is certainly a holy grail item, and it boasts some very nice features. The blade rides on KVT ball bearings for exceptionally smooth handling. At a full ounce lighter than the original model, the carbon fiber Lucha features striking handles that are composed of blued titanium and overlaid carbon fiber.
The price is quite hefty for an EDC knife, though it’s without a doubt worth it to the person who loves flipping and twirling. While the fidget spinner craze ended a few years ago, you’ll probably find yourself playing with this knife in your hand more than you will end up performing cutting tasks with it.
Lucha Carbon Fiber Specs
Overall Length: 10.25 inches
Blade Length: 4.6 inches
Blade Steel: CPM 20CV
Weight: 4.9 ounces
Handle Material: titanium with Carbon Fiber Overlay
MSRP: $499.99
Kershaw Federalist
Taking a departure from today’s tactical and overbuilt blades, the Kershaw Federalist is a rugged gentleman’s knife that has a number of interesting and tasteful features. While the company does make a number of traditional styles of gentlemen’s knives, the Federalist is geared for that man of taste that still has to get some work done throughout the day.
This knife has a more traditional closing and opening mechanism reminiscent of the knives of yesteryear. It has a nail nick for opening and lacks any assist mechanism. In fact, the company lists this blade as a non-locking slipjoint with a dual-detent system. You’ll likely want to save this knife for general tasks and leave the heavy lifting to a more substantial tool.
In place of polished wood and silver inlay, the Federalist features green Micarta grip panels and a matte finish. Seeing as how assisted opening and larger, tactical-style blades have the majority of market share, it is refreshing to see that Kershaw is still catering to people who view knives as simple, everyday objects.
Federalist Knife Specs
Overall Length: 7.5 inches
Blade Length: 3.25 inches
Blade Material: CPM 154
Weight: 2.1 ounces
Handle Material: Micarta
MSRP: $169.99
Kershaw Launch 14
The Launch 14 is a large, automatic opening, cleaver-bladed knife. This is a hard-use tool that has the looks of a collector’s piece. Not all automatic-opening knives are meant for daily use, but this one breaks the mold and is geared for any task you may find on the job site or in your daily adventures.
The cleaver blade is not for everyone. Some people prefer to have a distinct drop point while others definitely prefer the more adaptable Wharncliffe style. The knife lacks a true puncturing tip, which to some could be considered a detriment. The steep tip angle on these cleaver-type blades is actually excellent for true cutting tasks where spear point or drop point blades may be too fragile.
Using a cleaver-style knife for puncturing can be achieved, although the stout angle of the tip may be too coarse for fine work. When it comes to cutting things like straps and heavy tubing, the type of knife we see here definitely excels. The Launch 14 is elegant in its execution and has very functional, subtle features, such as a recessed opening button and carbon fiber panels.
Launch 14 Knife Specs
Overall Length: 7.75 inches
Blade Length: 3.375 inches
Blade Steel: CPM 154
Weight: 3.2 ounces
Handle Material: 6061-T6 Aluminum, Carbon Fiber Scale Front
MSRP: $239.99
Kershaw Reverb XL
Borrowing the same features as its smaller namesake, the Reverb XL is a daily carry knife that has a wide range of uses for the outdoors. The knife has a long, upswept blade, reminiscent of fillet knives. Because of its size and light weight, it makes an excellent companion for the fisherman who enjoys working out of a canoe or kayak.
The knife doesn’t take up much space and doesn’t require an additional sheath. Not only that, at under $50, it won’t cause you financial issues if it accidentally falls overboard. The knife is very simple in terms of operation, it is a manually opening blade with a liner lock.
Although it lacks a fast opening blade, the discerning outdoorsman or angler shouldn’t find this to be an issue, considering that once the blade is out, it is likely going to get used for quite some time. If you find yourself in coastal towns, or perhaps going for a cold one after a fishing trip, this knife will not stand out like a fixed blade will.
Reverb XL Knife Specs
Overall Length: 7.4 inches
Blade Length: 3 inches
Blade Steel: 8Cr13MoV
Weight: 2.2 ounces
Handle Material: G10 with Carbon Fiber Overlay Front
MSRP: $53.99
Kershaw Lonerock RBK2
Knives with replaceable blades are something that have been around for quite some time. In the last 10 years, we’ve seen a greater interest in this style of knife, if you can even call it a knife in the first place.
The Lonerock RBK2 is a kit that includes a main, folding handle assembly, and a non-folding ‘buddy’ handle. The ‘buddy’ is simple and non-folding, but takes the same blades as the folding assembly. The basis of this system is meant for hunters as a means to keep sharp blades at the ready with no additional maintenance.
Keeping a good edge on the blade is no easy task in less than ideal conditions. Many people think that sharpening is as simple as pulling the blade through an off-the-shelf sharpener, but inevitably every knife needs to be professionally re-edged at a certain point. If your blade is replaceable, you shouldn’t have to worry about that latter part of the process. If the knife goes dull, simply pop in a new blade and keep working.
At just under $60 retail, the Interstellar is a mean looking knife that has function at its heart. While it appears to be an out-the-front automatic, the Interstellar is instead a manual knife that opens in the same way as a standard box cutter. The blade features a serrated tanto point and has an affordable price to match its rugged looks.
Kershaw lists this knife under their work knife category, and while it looks tactical, this knife is perfect for the job site. It is easy to use with heavy gloves on, and is excellent for controlled, one-handed operation. The tanto point is excellent for getting into those tight spaces and it is serrated for cutting through various types of cord and material.
People that work with materials like drywall will enjoy its ability to score easily before cutting. If basic folders and box cutters aren’t your style, you should really consider the Interstellar for your daily use. After a long day, you may want to break open some cold ones, and the Interstellar comes with an integrated bottle opener in its frame.
Interstellar Knife Specs
Overall Length: 6.9 inches
Blade Length: 2.7 inches
Blade Steel: 8Cr13MoV
Weight: 3.1 ounces
Handle Material: Glass-Filled Nylon
MSRP: $71.99
Kershaw Blur With Glassbreaker
The Blur is a rugged and popular design from Kershaw. Not only is it a suitable knife for daily carry, the glass breaker version is a simple-to-use and affordable rescue tool. Similar to Kershaw’s other assisted opening knives, the Blur can open with one hand and is ready to go into action. The glass breaker can be used with blade open or closed.
Additionally, the particular model we are talking about here also has a deep, swept belly with aggressive, scalloped serrations. This type of situation should make quick work of seatbelts or other types of common materials found in vehicles if someone needs to be removed quickly after an accident.
This knife features a pointed tip, so unlike other types of rescue tools that are designed to be completely blunt, you will need to take care not to accidentally stabbed or cut someone you were trying to free with this tool.
Emerson is well known for producing some exceptional tactical knives. The company needs no introduction here, and luckily, for us, they have collaborated extensively with Kershaw.
This particular knife, the CQC-10K, is striking to look at with its green scale handles and aggressive, Bowie tip. The knife features the patented Emerson Wave Feature that allows for an otherwise unassisted knife to open instantly upon draw. With practice, this knife can be drawn and opened in a fraction of a second, even faster than can be attained with an assisted opening mechanism.
This knife is not just for self-defense situations, it is ruggedly built, and should be an excellent friend for the field and trail. Thanks to its fine point, it can also be used for tasks such as fishing or skinning small game.
CQC-10K Knife Specs
Overall Length: 8.5 inches
Blade Length: 3.5 inches
Blade Steel: 8Cr14MoV
Weight: 5.1 ounces
Handle Material: G10 Front, 410 Stainless Steel Back
