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ES, GEAR & TIPS

E
KNIV
2017
D
P

I
D WITH TO

GU
116 PAGES PACKE

BUYER’S
KNIVES BUYER’S GUIDE

BEST
NEW
KNIVES
SURVIVAL • BUSHCRAFT
HUNTING • EDC • TACTICAL
KNIFE
GRINDS
101

CUSTOMIZATION GUIDE
10 TIPS
knivesillustrated.com
BEFORE YOU BUY…
JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2017

MAKE A GOOD KNIFE BETTER


JAN/FEB 2017 • VOL 31, NO. 1 • U.S. $7.99 • DISPLAY UNTIL: 2/7/17

01

PLUS: MULTI-TOOLS &


7 25274 03124
ENGAGED MEDIA INC.
5 YOU MUST KNOW SHARPENING SOLUTIONS

KIBG_COVER_CX.indd 1 11/16/16 10:47 AM


KIBG_2017_C2 11/4/16 4:17 AM Page C2

The CASE BESH WEDGE


®

W.R. Case & Sons Cutlery Company proudly introduces the Case® BESH
Wedge. Designed by Brent Beshara and inspired by Case’s V-42 of World War
II fame, this revolutionary knife blends modern technology with optimal per-
formance and utility. It sports a unique blade shape, composed of two diago-
nally opposed bevels that converge to form a third cutting edge, that gives the
tip superior strength. Well balanced for a comfortable, responsive feel – the
Case® BESH Wedge is ready to serve.

Precision molded Blade-Tech® sheath with integrated Tec-Lok® attachment

CASE, , CASE XX, and other marks used herein are registered trademarks or trademarks
of CaseMark, Inc. and used under license to W.R. Case & Sons Cutlery Company in the USA.

Blade-Tech and Tek-Lok are registered trademarks of Blade-Tech Industries, Inc.


KIBG_2017_3 11/4/16 12:37 AM Page 3
C CONTENTS
JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2017
VOLUME 31, NUMBER 1
WWW.KNIVESILLUSTRATED.COM

BUYER’S GUIDES
08 FIXED
They have been the staple of mankind for
thousands of years. While they come in various
sizes and styles, they have one thing in common:
sturdiness. Numerous are the choices. Abundant
are the uses. They are fixed knives.

30 FOLDERS
Versatility is the folder’s strength. Use it for every-
day activities, including cutting twine, opening an
envelope or even self-defense. When you select
one, make sure it excels in form, fit and function.

58 BUSHCRAFT
What is the key to thriving in the bush? The right
tool. In this section, you’ll find the best choices
for any challenge the wilderness presents.

70 HUNTING
The hunt is over. Now it’s time to process the
game. A good hunting knife is mandatory, as it
will insure that you do not perforate the hide.
Hunting knives have evolved over the years.
Check out these top options for 2017.

80 SURVIVAL
Imagine the scenario: A freak storm has
destroyed your camp, and your supplies are
obliterated. Mother Nature’s unpredictability may
have created chaos for you, but you are prepared
with a survival knife for anything else that comes
your way.

100 TOMAHAWKS 08 58
Based on their versatility, simplicity and effective-
ness, tomahawks have endured for generations.
Use them for chopping, prying, hammering and
even combat. Reliability and the tomahawk go
hand in hand.

106 MULTI-TOOLS 100


Big things really can come in small packages.
When you carry a multi-tool, you have a virtual
toolbox at your disposal at all times.

110 SHARPENERS
We know some members of the SOF’s who
70
sharpen their knife after every use. If that does
not drive home the importance of a sharp blade,
nothing will. The art and science of sharpening
goes back to the Stone Age. Leap forward
millions of years and check out some choices
106
you have today.
110
KNIVES ILLUSTRATED (ISSN 0898-8943) is published 7 times a year, January/February, March/April, May/June, July/August, September/October, November and December, by Engaged Media, Inc., 17890 Sky Park Circle #250, Irvine,
CA 92614. Periodical postage paid at Anaheim, CA and additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: send address changes to KNIVES ILLUSTRATED c/o Engaged Media, Inc. VSI, Inc., 905 Kent St., Liberty, MO 64068. © 2017 by Engaged
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4 KNIVES ILLUSTRATED
BUYER’S GUIDE 2017

TOC_CX.indd 4 11/14/16 4:21 AM


KIBG_2017_5 11/4/16 12:38 AM Page 5

DX318 DOUBLE LOCK KNIFE

1-HANDED RUBBERIZED
OPENING HANDLE

WHY RISK IT?


DOUBLE LOCK, DOUBLE SAFE.
THE SAFEST WAY TO CUT LINER
The DX318 Knife is the first of it’s kind to combine LOCK
our Double Lock technology with a rubberized handle.
Utilizing our Double Lock technology, anyone can
work with confidence knowing that the added safety
prevents the knife from accidentally closing.

Since 1919 our mission has been to make


knives that make your jobs SAFER and EASIER.
DOUBLE ON
OFF
LOCK

SEE ALL OF OUR TECHNOLOGY AT COASTPORTLAND.COM/TECHNOLOGY


JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2017
Volume 31 • Number 1
24
EDITORIAL
Doug Jeffrey Editorial Director
Steve Sieberts Editor
Margaret Kavanagh Managing Editor
Nathan Tuvalu Assistant Editor
Henry DeKuyper Photographer

DESIGN
Eric Knagg Design Director

CONTRIBUTORS
Jerrie Barber, Reuben Bolieu, Kevin Estela, Douglas Flagg,
James E. House, Michael Janich, Sally Janich, Garrett Lucas, Jenna Martin, Doug Ritter,
Tim Stetzer, Bob Taylor, Clint Thompson, Jacob Tuinstra, Sharp By Coop

ADVERTISING
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52
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OPERATIONS
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KNIVES ILLUSTRATED (ISSN 0898-8943) is published 7 times a year, January/February,

94
March/April, May/June, July/August, September/October, November and December, by
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Inc., 905 Kent St., Liberty, MO 64068.
© 2017 by Engaged Media, Inc. All rights reserved. Reproduction of any material from this issue
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Canadian Post: Publications Mail Agreement PITNEY BOWES, INC.,
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24 KNIFE ANATOMY
Discover different blade grinds and the advantages of each.
By Jerrie Barber
ENGAGED MEDIA, INC.
Mike Savino CEO
Celia Merriday HR and Office Management
Jason Mulroney Content Director 52 THE ART OF CUSTOMIZING
Pinaki Bhattacharya Vertical Manager
Philip Trinkle Newsstand Sales Director
With some crafty modifications, you can make good blades even better.
Kris Roadruck Marketing Director By R. Bolieu
Sabra Morris Director of Content Marketing
Bob Hulsy Business Development Director

This magazine is purchased by the buyer with the understanding that 94 KNIFE BUYING 101
information presented is from various sources from which there can be no warranty or re-
sponsibility by Engaged Media Inc., as to the legality, completeness or technical accuracy. Don't pull the trigger on a new knife until you read this.
GST #855050365RT001 Our top survival expert provides 10 key items you must know.
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By Kevin Estela
PITNEY BOWES, INC., P.O. Box 25542, London, ON N6C 6B2, Canada

6 KNIVES ILLUSTRATED
BUYER’S GUIDE 2017

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14”

13”

12”

11”

10”

9”

8”

7”

6”

5”

F
4”

IXED - Those early


versions were used for
the same reasons as 3”
fixed-blade knives are
today: self-defense. With so many
size and style configurations,
choosing the right one can be
daunting. But, the right fixed-blad- 2”
ed knife can be a tool for a lifetime.
It can also serve as a backup tool
to a gun, and could make all the
difference in a defensive situation. 1”

Photos By Henry deKuyper

0”

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FIXED 14”

13”

12”

11”

10”

9”

8”

7”

01 Steel Will Knives


CENSOR 1312
OVERALL LENGTH: 7.68 inches 6”
BLADE LENGTH: 3.54 inches
BLADE MATERIAL: AUS-8 stainless steel
BLADE THICKNESS: 0.16 inch
HANDLE MATERIAL: Nylon
WEIGHT: NA
5”
MSRP: $64
WEBSITE: SteelWillKnives.com

02 Steel Will Knives


CHIEFTAIN 1620 4”
OVERALL LENGTH: 13.11 inches
BLADE LENGTH: 7.48 inches
BLADE MATERIAL: 1095 stainless steel
BLADE THICKNESS: 0.24 inch
HANDLE MATERIAL: Micarta 3”
WEIGHT: NA
MSRP: $199
WEBSITE: SteelWillKnives.com

2”
03 Steel Will Knives
ADEPT 1010
OVERALL LENGTH: 11.34 inches
BLADE LENGTH: 5.91 inches
BLADE MATERIAL: N690Co
stainless steel 1”
BLADE THICKNESS: 0.2 inch
HANDLE MATERIAL: G10
WEIGHT: NA
MSRP: $299
WEBSITE: SteelWillKnives.com 0”

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14” FIXED

13”

12”

11”

10”

9”

8”

7”

04 Ontario Knife
CERBERUS
6” OVERALL LENGTH: 10.2 inches
BLADE LENGTH: 4.8 inches
BLADE MATERIAL: D2 tool steel
BLADE THICKNESS: 0.188 inch
HANDLE MATERIAL: G10
5”
WEIGHT: 7.67 ounces
MSRP: $265
WEBSITE: OntarioKnife.com

05 CAS Iberia
4” CENTURION TACTICAL
KNIFE
OVERALL LENGTH: 10.750 inches
BLADE LENGTH: 5.750 inches
BLADE MATERIAL: AUS-8 stainless steel
3” BLADE THICKNESS: NA
HANDLE MATERIAL: Kraton
WEIGHT: 8.4 ounces
MSRP: $150
WEBSITE: CASIberia.com
2”
06 Bastillini Knives
BASTILLINI R.E.D.
OVERALL LENGTH: 8.00 inches
BLADE LENGTH: 3.50 inches
1” BLADE MATERIAL: AUS-8 stainless steel
BLADE THICKNESS: 0.13 inch
HANDLE MATERIAL: G-10
WEIGHT: 4.20 ounces
MSRP: $230
0” WEBSITE: BastilliniKnives.com

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FIXED 14”

13”

12”

11”

10”

9”

8”

7”
07 Steel Will Knives
1510 GEKKO
OVERALL LENGTH: 9.33 inches
BLADE LENGTH: 4.33 inches
BLADE MATERIAL: N690Co 6”
stainless steel
BLADE THICKNESS: 0.16 inch
HANDLE MATERIAL: Micarta
WEIGHT: 6.88 ounces
MSRP: $239 5”
WEBSITE: SteelWillKnives.com

08 CAS Iberia
SENPAI TACTICAL
TANTO KNIFE 4”
OVERALL LENGTH: 12.00 inches
BLADE LENGTH: 6.750 inches
BLADE MATERIAL: AUS-8
stainless steel
BLADE THICKNESS: 0.18 inch 3”
HANDLE MATERIAL: Kraton ABS
WEIGHT: 15.5 ounces
MSRP: $150
WEBSITE: CASIberia.com
2”
09 Bradford Knives
GUARDIAN 3
OVERALL LENGTH: 6.50 inches
BLADE LENGTH: 4.77 inches
BLADE MATERIAL: CPM 3V steel 1”
BLADE THICKNESS: 0.142 inch
HANDLE MATERIAL: Carbon fiber
WEIGHT: 3.56 ounces
MSRP: $194
WEBSITE: BradfordKnives.com 0”

12 KNIVES ILLUSTRATED
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14” FIXED

13”

12”

11”

10”

9”

8”

7”
10 Schrade
SCHF55
OVERALL LENGTH: 7.75 inches
BLADE LENGTH: 3.55 inches
6” BLADE MATERIAL: 1095 carbon steel
BLADE THICKNESS: 0.18 inch
HANDLE MATERIAL: Grivory
WEIGHT: 5.7 ounces
MSRP: $61
5” WEBSITE: TaylorBrandsLLC.com

11 Hogue Knives
EX-F02
OVERALL LENGTH: 9 inches
4” BLADE LENGTH: 4.5 inches
BLADE MATERIAL: A2 tool steel
BLADE THICKNESS: NA
HANDLE MATERIAL: Polymer/overmold-
ed rubber
3” WEIGHT: 5.5 ounces
MSRP: $149
WEBSITE: HogueInc.com

2” 12 Columbia River Knife & Tool


STING 3B
(BY A.G. RUSSELL)
OVERALL LENGTH: 7.19 inches
BLADE LENGTH: 3.42 inches
BLADE MATERIAL: 8CR13MOV
1” stainless steel
BLADE THICKNESS: NA
HANDLE MATERIAL: G10
WEIGHT: 1.8 ounces
MSRP: $59
0” WEBSITE: CRKT.com

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FIXED 14”

13”

12”

11”

10”

9”

8”

7”

13 TOPS Knives
C.A.T. 203
OVERALL LENGTH: 7.25 inches
BLADE LENGTH: 3.25 inches 6”
BLADE MATERIAL: 1095 steel
BLADE THICKNESS: NA
HANDLE MATERIAL: Black linen Micarta
WEIGHT: 5.6 ounces
MSRP: $115 5”
WEBSITE: TopsKnives.com

14 TOPS Knives
C.A.T. 200S-04
OVERALL LENGTH: 7.25 inches 4”
BLADE LENGTH: 3.25 inches
BLADE MATERIAL: 1095 steel
BLADE THICKNESS: 0.16 inch
HANDLE MATERIAL: Green canvas
Micarta 3”
WEIGHT: 5.6 ounces
MSRP: $120
WEBSITE: TopsKnives.com

2”
15 Cold Steel
AK-47 FIELD KNIFE
OVERALL LENGTH: 10.375 inches
BLADE LENGTH: 5.2 inches
BLADE MATERIAL: CPM 3-V high carbon
steel with DLC coating 1”
BLADE THICKNESS: 0.11 inch
HANDLE MATERIAL: G10
WEIGHT: 11.1 ounces
MSRP: $284
WEBSITE: ColdSteel.com 0”

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14” FIXED

13”

12”

11”

10”

9”

8”

16 Cold Steel
7” WARCRAFT TANTO
OVERALL LENGTH: 12.75 inches
BLADE LENGTH: 7.5 inches
BLADE MATERIAL: CPM 3-V
high carbon steel
6” BLADE THICKNESS: 0.11 inch
HANDLE MATERIAL: Long G10
WEIGHT: 13 ounces
MSRP: $329
WEBSITE: ColdSteel.com
5”
17 Zac Brown's Southern Grind
RAT NECK KNIFE
OVERALL LENGTH: 4.875 inches
BLADE LENGTH: 2.25 inches
4” BLADE MATERIAL: 8670M
high carbon steel
BLADE THICKNESS: 0.135 inch
HANDLE MATERIAL: Skeletonized 8670M
high carbon steel
3” WEIGHT: 1.5 ounces
MSRP: $99
WEBSITE: SouthernGrind.com

18 Gerber
2” STRONGARM FIXED
BLADE
OVERALL LENGTH: 9.8 inches
BLADE LENGTH: 4.8 inches
BLADE MATERIAL: 420HC steel
1” BLADE THICKNESS: NA
HANDLE MATERIAL: Glass-filled nylon
with rubber overmold
WEIGHT: 7.2 ounces
MSRP: $86
0” WEBSITE: GerberGear.com

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FIXED 14”

13”

12”

11”

10”

9”

8”

7”

19 Gerber
GHOSTSTRIKE
31-002720
OVERALL LENGTH: 6.9 inches 6”
BLADE LENGTH: 3.3 inches
BLADE MATERIAL: 420HC steel
BLADE THICKNESS: NA
HANDLE MATERIAL: Rubber overmold
WEIGHT: 6 ounces 5”
MSRP: $83
WEBSITE: GerberGear.com

20 KA-BAR Knives, Inc.


4”
BECKER CLEAR COAT
COMPANION
OVERALL LENGTH: 10.5 inches
BLADE LENGTH: 5.25 inches
BLADE MATERIAL: 1095 Cro-Van steel
BLADE THICKNESS: 0.25 inch 3”
HANDLE MATERIAL: Zytel
WEIGHT: 16 ounces
MSRP: $131
WEBSITE: Kabar.com
2”

21 KA-BAR Knives, Inc.


EK MODEL 5
OVERALL LENGTH: 12.93 inches
BLADE LENGTH: 6.87 inches
1”
BLADE MATERIAL: 1095 Cro-Van steel
BLADE THICKNESS: 0.154 inch
HANDLE MATERIAL: Glass-filled nylon
WEIGHT: 11.2 ounces
MSRP: $125
WEBSITE: Kabar.com 0”

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14” FIXED

13”

12”

11”

10”

9”

8”

7”

22 Mission
CSP-A2
6” OVERALL LENGTH: 10 inches
BLADE LENGTH: 4.75 inches
BLADE MATERIAL: A2 steel
BLADE THICKNESS: 0.25 inch
HANDLE MATERIAL: Glass-filled nylon
WEIGHT: 11.3 ounces
5”
MSRP: $249
WEBSITE: MissionKnives.com

23 Camillus Knives
4” DAGR
OVERALL LENGTH: 10.5 inches
BLADE LENGTH: 4.9 inches
BLADE MATERIAL: 1095HC steel
BLADE THICKNESS: 0.19 inch
3” HANDLE MATERIAL: G10
WEIGHT: 10.1 ounces
MSRP: $269
WEBSITE: CamillusKnives.com

2”
24 SOG Specialty Knives & Tools
SEAL STRIKE
OVERALL LENGTH: 9.6 inches
BLADE LENGTH: 4.9 inches
BLADE MATERIAL: AUS-8 stainless steel
1” BLADE THICKNESS: 0.16 inch
HANDLE MATERIAL: Glass-reinforced
nylon and stainless steel
WEIGHT: 5.6 ounces
MSRP: $83-$127
0” WEBSITE: SOGKnives.com

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FIXED 14”

13”

12”

11”

10”

9”

8”

25 Boker
APPLEGATE 5.5 7”
CENTURY EDITION
SPECIAL RUN
OVERALL LENGTH: 10.6 inches
BLADE LENGTH: 5.5 inches
BLADE MATERIAL: 154CM stainless steel 6”
BLADE THICKNESS: 0.196 inch
HANDLE MATERIAL: Palisander
WEIGHT: 8.5 ounces
MSRP: $399
WEBSITE: Boker.de/us 5”

26 Buck Knives
119 BRAHMA
OVERALL LENGTH: 10.5inches
BLADE LENGTH: 6 inches 4”
BLADE MATERIAL: 420HC steel with
black powder coating
BLADE THICKNESS: 0.175 inch
HANDLE MATERIAL: Stacked leather with
Micarta spacers 3”
WEIGHT: 9.3 ounces
MSRP: $115
WEBSITE: BuckKnives.com

2”
27 Buck Knives
MATT WOULD GO
(MWG)
OVERALL LENGTH: 9 inches
BLADE LENGTH: 4 inches
BLADE MATERIAL: 5160 coated steel 1”
BLADE THICKNESS: 0.165 inch
HANDLE MATERIAL: Camo Micarta
WEIGHT: 6.3 ounces
MSRP: $245
WEBSITE: BuckKnives.com 0”

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14” FIXED

13”

12”

11”

10”

9”

8”

7” 28 Kershaw
SECRET AGENT
OVERALL LENGTH: 8.7 inches
BLADE LENGTH: 4.4 inches
BLADE MATERIAL: 8Cr13MoV,
6” stainless steel with black-oxide coating
BLADE THICKNESS: 0.125 inch
HANDLE MATERIAL: Rubberized
co-molded
WEIGHT: 3 ounces
5” MSRP: $39
WEBSITE: Kershaw.KaiUsaLtd.com

29 Katz Knives
LION KING PREMIUM
4” 302 STIPPLED KRATON
OVERALL LENGTH: 10.88 inches
BLADE LENGTH: 6.13 inches
BLADE MATERIAL: XT80 stainless steel
BLADE THICKNESS: 0.197 inch
3” HANDLE MATERIAL: Kraton
WEIGHT: 11.5 ounces
MSRP: $338
WEBSITE: KatzKnives.com

2”
30 Katz Knives
WILD KAT 103
STIPPLED KRATON
OVERALL LENGTH: 9.38 inches
BLADE LENGTH: 4.63 inches
1” BLADE MATERIAL: XT80 stainless steel
BLADE THICKNESS: NA
HANDLE MATERIAL: Kraton
WEIGHT: 11 ounces
MSRP: $325
0” WEBSITE: KatzKnives.com

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F FIXED 14”

13”

12”

11”

10”

9”

8”

7”

31 Katz Knives
AVENGER STIPPLED
KRATON
OVERALL LENGTH: 8.75 inches 6”
BLADE LENGTH: 4.5 inches
BLADE MATERIAL: XT70 stainless steel
BLADE THICKNESS: NA
HANDLE MATERIAL: Kraton
WEIGHT: 6.5 ounces 5”
MSRP: $222
WEBSITE: KatzKnives.com

32 Microtech
ARBITER 4”
OVERALL LENGTH: 14 inches
BLADE LENGTH: 9 inches
BLADE MATERIAL: Bohler ELMAX
BLADE THICKNESS: NA
HANDLE MATERIAL: G10/FR4 Composite 3”
WEIGHT: 18 ounces
MSRP: Starting at $400
WEBSITE: MicrotechKnives.com

2”
33 KRUDO
BLISS BLACK
OVERALL LENGTH: 10.25 inches
BLADE LENGTH: 4.5 inches
BLADE MATERIAL: 9Cr18Mo
stainless steel 1”
BLADE THICKNESS: 0.190 inches
HANDLE MATERIAL: G10
WEIGHT: 5.4 ounces
MSRP: $95
WEBSITE: KrudoKnives.com KI 0”

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KIBG_2017_21 11/11/16 4:02 AM Page 21
KIBG_2017_22 11/11/16 4:03 AM Page 22
KIBG_2017_23 11/11/16 4:04 AM Page 23
ANATOMY
OF A BLADE
UNDERSTANDING GRINDS AND THEIR BENEFITS
BY JERRIE BARBER, LEAD PHOTO: NOAH NEMSLY

24 KNIVES ILLUSTRATED
BUYER’S GUIDE 2017

ANATOMY.indd 24 11/11/16 4:24 AM


I
t started at the beginning of time.
Since a caveman cut himself on a piece
of obsidian, man has been constantly
refining the way he cuts things.

From single-edge and double-edge


arrowheads made of stone, to limber steel,
to refined steels. From a ground edge to
a mirror-polished razor’s edge. Blades for
prying, for abuse and for elegance. Blades
to baton through limbs and blades to clean
your fingernails and open envelopes with.
Sure, when talking about the anatomy of
a knife, we could have talked about blade
metals or shapes, etc.

KNIVES ILLUSTRATED
BUYER’S GUIDE 2017 25

ANATOMY.indd 25 11/11/16 4:25 AM


The story could have gone on for continues for so much of the blade, ADVANTAGES
days. In the following story, we’re when splitting wood or cutting hard Knives with flat grinds are relatively
going to focus on a few grinds (the material, it acts more like a splitting easy to maintain, even as they wear
shape of the cross-section of the maul, keeping the material from the and age. Who hasn't seen that ancient
blade) and discuss the advantages sharpened cutting edge, helping the pocketknife with the one blade almost
of each. We will discuss why some blade stay sharp. A true Scandi-ground sharpened to the spine? With that
knives may be easy to sharpen or knife has no secondary bevel, which said, in the knife world, if it is easy to
easy to dull and how the geometry makes it different than the saber sharpen then it is easy to dull as well,
of the blade plays a role in both. I grind, and makes sharpening some- so there is some consideration when
will also briefly discuss makers be- what challenging. choosing a flat-ground blade.
cause they are the epitome of that
specific grind. Let's get started.

FLAT GRIND
“CONVEX BLADES ARE
EXTREMELY STRONG,
The flat grind is the most popu-
lar. This grind is most commonly
achieved by going from the back, or
ESPECIALLY BEHIND THE
CUTTING EDGE, AND MAKE
the spine of the blade and symmet-
rically removing metal in a straight
line toward the back of the primary
EXCELLENT HARD USE
KNIFES, USEFUL FOR
bevel, just before the sharpened
edge on either side of the spine.
In the end, the effect is an isosceles
PRYING AND FOR FIELD
CRAFT.”
triangle ground down to the cutting
edge. (Scandinavian grinds and
saber grinds also use flat grinds in
that at some point, that isosceles
triangle comes into play in the
symmetry of the blade.) Commonly
you would think of a chef’s knife or
a butcher’s knife. In our world, the
knife that comes to mind is nearly
any knife made by Spyderco that
incorporates the full flat grind into a
myriad of products in their catalog.

SABER GRIND
The Saber grind most commonly
will keep the width of the spine of
the blade to about halfway down
the distance of the blade toward No matter how
ornate the grinds
the cutting edge. This is to give on a blade, if the
grind begins at
strength to the blade for tasks such point A and ends
in a straight line at
as slashing and chopping. When point B, it is a flat
grind.
thinking of the most classic saber
grind knife, I often consider the
KA-BAR Marine knife, though many
makers incorporate a saber grind in
their blade design.

SCANDI GRIND
The Scandinavian grind (Scandi
grind) is similar in geometry to the
saber grind, except that the width
of the spine is carried out for almost
three-fourths of the of the blade, NEED TO KNOW WHATEVER HAPPENED TO…
until a flat grind is incorporated It is important to know how the grind of a knife works, A grind that has lost some in popularity over the years is the dagger,
to the primary bevel. This grind sharpens, and what that grind's common uses are. Not which has its thickness in the center and is sharpened on either side.
knowing what the common use of a grind is for is like When I was a kid, everyone had a Gerber boot knife and these come to
makes an excellent field craft knife.
having an automobile you never put gas in. mind when discussing this subject.
Because the width of the spine

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can sharpen a hollow ground knife on
almost anything, such as the bottom
of a ceramic coffee cup or the top
edge of your car window, to bring that
edge back to life. While I prefer a good
ADVANTAGES sharpening system, the above-men-
While you may believe this is the most tioned avenues for touch up are
useless of the four grinds I will discuss, available.
it is probably the most useful for every-
day carry. While it is true that a hollow Two, improvements in metallurgy, in
grind will chip easier during hard use, my opinion, gives us better metal to
there are two things to consider. work with and lessens the little dings
One, because of the narrowness of we used to get from lesser quality
the blade at the cutting edge, you metals.

Chris Reeve has


made an excellent

HOLLOW GRIND
product with his line
of folding knives.
These are the best
One grind that continues to spark example of a hollow
grind. Notice how
debate is the hollow grind. A hollow there is almost a
sweeping effect
ground blade starting from the spine of getting deeper and
the blade, starts to narrow and contin- deeper all the way
to the cutting edge.
ues the removing of metal in a convex
or inward grind to the cutting edge.
Picture a straight razor and apply that
to a knife blade. While there are sever-
al who use this grind, I most commonly
think right away of Chris Reeve knives,
who have mastered the hollow grind
and continue to make improvements
on this cutting technology.

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ANATOMY.indd 27 11/11/16 4:25 AM


DID YOU KNOW?
In discussing these grinds, it is important to re-
member, grinds have little to do with sharpness.
I can take any of these grinds and sharpen them
as fine as you like, however each grind has its
trick to achieve this sharpness, and that is true
with any blade.

CONVEX GRIND Full flat back, with a


“IN THE KNIFE WORLD IF IT
IS EASY TO SHARPEN THEN
A direct opposite of the hollow grind is flat grind starting at
the midway point of
the convex grind. the face of the knife

IT IS EASY TO DULL AS WELL,


with a steeper bevel
at the cutting edge.
Emerson knives are

SO THERE IS SOME CONSID-


A convex grind comes from the spine the epitome of the
chisel grind knife
and continues for a span as flat stock blade. This knife is

ERATION WHEN CHOOSING


an excellent user as
then slowly curves in a bow inward, well as a devastat-

A FLAT GROUND BLADE.”


toward the cutting edge. Other blade ing tactical defense
blade.
shapes come to mind, specifically the
Scandi grind, however the Scandi grind
comes to a point then makes a flat de-
scent to the cutting edge. When I think is a complete flat for about half the up, you can curl wood or other material
of the convex grind, no folding knife distance of the blade, then a drastic with ease, or turn the blade ground
comes to mind; however, what does flat grind to the cutting edge. This is an side up and remove a large amount
come to mind is several of the blade obscure blade shape but is commonly material with equal effectiveness.
designs that Bark River has in their EDC being used by new makers, now more
line. I own and often carry a Bark River than ever. While it is obvious to me AT A GLANCE
Little Creek, which is an outstanding and many others, when thinking of this While this is in no way a comprehen-
example of a convex grind. While it particular grind Emerson is the compa- sive look at all the grinds available
is harder to capture in photography ny that rises to the top of the list when in the knife world, they are the most
than the other grinds, you can feel the utilizing this grind for a folding knife. common grinds you’ll come across,
outward roll in the contour of this grind without getting into custom knives.
in this specific blade shape. ADVANTAGES There are plenty more grinds to learn
In considering the chisel grind, there about, and each has its own particular
ADVANTAGES are two major advantages that come use. KI
Knives with a convex grind are not to mind.
necessarily hard to sharpen but are
harder to sharpen without a good One, when sharpened correctly, a chisel
sharpening system. Convex ground ground knife possesses a devastating
knives over time become more difficult edge with the ability to do unspeak-
to sharpen in the long term without able damage to the target it is being
having some professional touch ups used against.
made to the blade. Convex blades are
extremely strong, especially behind Two, there is only one edge to be
the cutting edge, and make excellent sharpened, and it is nearly impossible
hard use knifes, useful for prying and to make a mistake. Simply use your
While this is a little
for field craft. tricky to see in a abrasive on the ground side. When
photograph, notice you have reached your desired level of
how the cutting
CHISEL GRIND edge of the knife
blade moves away
sharpness, remove the burr from the
Lastly, and probably the most obscure from the straight back side and the sharpening is com-
edge, rounding to
and least understood, is the chisel the cutting edge. plete. In the chisel grind, you also have
This Bark River
grind. A chisel grind is a complete flat Little Creek is an a double use in one blade. Much like a
example of a
back side of the blade, in the front convex grind. wood worker chisels with the flat side

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KIBG_2017_29 11/13/16 10:32 PM Page 29

CONQUER YOUR WORLD.


Expertly designed for all of your outdoor adventures, Camillus knives are titanium bonded and built to perform.
camillusknives.com/victory
No matter the challenge, consider it conquered.
1:1 ACTUAL
SIZE

F
OLDERS- A knife may be the last line of
defense for an individual interested in
self-defense and personal protection.
Folding knives are unique in that they offer
compact and concealable usability, along with the
durability of a fixed blade. They also provide the
security and confidence of being ready for an
aggressive encounter, no matter what social
situation you find yourself in.

30 KNIVES ILLUSTRATED
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9”
1:1 ACTUAL
SIZE

8”

7”

6”

5”

4”

3”

2”

1”

0”
Photos By Henry deKuyper
KNIVES ILLUSTRATED
BUYER’S GUIDE 2017 31

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FOLDERS
1:1 ACTUAL
SIZE
9”

8”

7”

6”

5”

01 Chris Reeve Knives


LARGE INKOSI
OVERALL LENGTH: 8.4 inches
BLADE LENGTH: 3.6 inches
BLADE MATERIAL: Crucible S35VN
stainless steel 4”
BLADE THICKNESS: 0.14 inch
HANDLE MATERIAL: 6Al4V titanium
WEIGHT: 4.96 ounces
MSRP: $445.00
WEBSITE: ChrisReeve.com

02 Chris Reeve Knives 3”


SMALL INKOSI
OVERALL LENGTH: 6.37 inches
BLADE LENGTH: 2.75 inches
BLADE MATERIAL: S35VN stainless steel
BLADE THICKNESS: 0.128 inch
HANDLE MATERIAL: Titanium
WEIGHT: 3.01 ounces
MSRP: $375 2”
WEBSITE: ChrisReeve.com

03 Bear & Son Cutlery


ARMOR PIERCING
BUTTERFLY 5 3/8"
OVERALL LENGTH: 8.75 inches
BLADE LENGTH: 3.37 inches 1”
BLADE MATERIAL: 14C28N Sanvick
stainless steel
BLADE THICKNESS: NA
HANDLE MATERIAL: T6 aircraft
aluminum
WEIGHT: 4.5 ounces
MSRP: $158
WEBSITE: BearAndSonCutlery.com 0”

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FOLDERS
9”
1:1 ACTUAL
SIZE

8”

7”

6”

5”

04 Bear & Son Cutlery


STILETTO DAMASCUS
(CARBON FIBER
HANDLE)
4” OVERALL LENGTH: 7.62 inches
BLADE LENGTH: 3.25 inches
BLADE MATERIAL: High definition
Damascus steel
BLADE THICKNESS: NA
HANDLE MATERIAL: Carbon fiber
WEIGHT: 2.5 ounces
MSRP: $300
3” WEBSITE: BearAndSonCutlery.com

05 Ontario Knife
DOZIER ARROW BP
OVERALL LENGTH: 8.20 inches
BLADE LENGTH: 3.60 inches
BLADE MATERIAL: D2 steel
2” BLADE THICKNESS: 0.11 inch
HANDLE MATERIAL: G10
WEIGHT: 2.88 ounces
MSRP: $81
WEBSITE: OntarioKnife.com

06 Ontario Knife
1” DOZIER ARROW SP
OVERALL LENGTH: 8.20 inches
BLADE LENGTH: 3.60 inches
BLADE MATERIAL: D2 steel
BLADE THICKNESS: 0.11 inch
HANDLE MATERIAL: G10
WEIGHT: 2.92 ounces
MSRP: $78.95
0” WEBSITE: OntarioKnife.com

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FOLDERS
1:1 ACTUAL
SIZE
9”

8”

7”

6”

5”

07 TOPS Knives
TAC-RAZE
OVERALL LENGTH: 7.63 inches
BLADE LENGTH: 3.25 inches 4”
BLADE MATERIAL: 1095 high
carbon steel
BLADE THICKNESS: 0.13 inch
HANDLE MATERIAL: Black G10
WEIGHT: 2.7 ounces
MSRP: $130
WEBSITE: TopsKnives.com
3”

08 Bastinelli Knives
SAFE FRAME LOCK
OVERALL LENGTH: 8.625 inches
BLADE LENGTH: 3.625 inches
BLADE MATERIAL: D2
BLADE THICKNESS: 0.16 inch
HANDLE MATERIAL: Titanium 2”
WEIGHT: 5.58 ounces
MSRP: $400
WEBSITE: BastinelliKnives.com

09 Zero Tolerance
0220
OVERALL LENGTH: 8.4 inches 1”
BLADE LENGTH: 3.5 inches
BLADE MATERIAL: S35VN
stainless steel
BLADE THICKNESS: 0.16 inch
HANDLE MATERIAL: Titanium
WEIGHT: 6.2 ounces
MSRP: $285
WEBSITE: ZT.KaiUsaLtd.com 0”

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FOLDERS
9”
1:1 ACTUAL
SIZE

8”

7”

6”

5”
10 Zero Tolerance
0450CF
OVERALL LENGTH: 7.4 inches
BLADE LENGTH: 3.25 inches
BLADE MATERIAL: S35VN stainless steel
BLADE THICKNESS: 0.12 inch
HANDLE MATERIAL: Carbon fiber front,
4” titanium back
WEIGHT: 2.7 inches
MSRP: $225
WEBSITE: ZT.KaiUsaLtd.com

11 Spyderco
TENACIOUS BLACK
3” BLADE
OVERALL LENGTH: 7.76 inches
BLADE LENGTH: 3.39 inches
BLADE MATERIAL: 8Cr13MoV
stainless steel
BLADE THICKNESS: 0.118 inch
HANDLE MATERIAL: G10
WEIGHT: 4.1 ounces
2” MSRP: $74.95
WEBSITE: Spyderco.com

12 Spyderco
SAGE 5 COMPRESSION
LOCK
OVERALL LENGTH: 7.17 inches
1” BLADE LENGTH: 3.0 inches
BLADE MATERIAL: CPM S30V
stainless steel
BLADE THICKNESS: 0.118 inch
HANDLE MATERIAL: Carbon fiber G10
laminate
WEIGHT: 3.1 ounces
MSRP: $219
0” WEBSITE: Spyderco.com

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FOLDERS
1:1 ACTUAL
SIZE
9”

8”

7”

6”

5”

13 Spyderco
STARLING 2 G-10
OVERALL LENGTH: 4.42 inches
BLADE LENGTH: 1.95 inches
BLADE MATERIAL: CTS BD1 stainless steel
4”
BLADE THICKNESS: 0.091 inch
HANDLE MATERIAL: G10
WEIGHT: 1.1 ounces
MSRP: $44.95
WEBSITE: Spyderco.com

14 Spyderco
3”
ROBIN 2 TITANIUM
OVERALL LENGTH: 5.70 inches
BLADE LENGTH: 2.40 inches
BLADE MATERIAL: 8Cr13MoV
stainless steel
BLADE THICKNESS: 0.098 inch
HANDLE MATERIAL: Titanium
WEIGHT: 2.2 ounces
2”
MSRP: $79.95
WEBSITE: Spyderco.com

15 Spyderco
SPYDERCO DELICA 4
ZOME GREEN
OVERALL LENGTH: 7.15 inches
1”
BLADE LENGTH: 2.90 inches
BLADE MATERIAL: VG10 stainless steel
BLADE THICKNESS: 0.098 inch
HANDLE MATERIAL: Fiberglass-reinforced
nylon (FRN)
WEIGHT: 2.4 ounces
MSRP: $109.95
WEBSITE: Spyderco.com
0”

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FOLDERS
9”
1:1 ACTUAL
SIZE

8”

7”

6”

5”

16 Kershaw
4” LAUNCH 5 EMERSON
OVERALL LENGTH: 8.5 inches
BLADE LENGTH: 3.4 inches
BLADE MATERIAL: CPM154 stainless steel
BLADE THICKNESS: NA
HANDLE MATERIAL: Anodized aluminum
WEIGHT: 4.1 ounces
MSRP: $169.99
3” WEBSITE: Kershaw.KaiUsaLtd.com

17 Zero Tolerance
0095BW
OVERALL LENGTH: 8.4 inches
BLADE LENGTH: 3.6 inches
BLADE MATERIAL: S35VN stainless steel
2” BLADE THICKNESS: NA
HANDLE MATERIAL: Titanium
WEIGHT: 5.3 ounces
MSRP: $275
WEBSITE: ZT.KaiUsaLtd.com

18 Kershaw
1” LINK
OVERALL LENGTH: 7.6 inches
BLADE LENGTH: 3.25 inches
BLADE MATERIAL: 420HC stainless steel
BLADE THICKNESS: 0.11 inch
HANDLE MATERIAL: Aluminum
WEIGHT: 4.8 ounces
MSRP: $69.99
0” WEBSITE: Kershaw.KaiUsaLtd.com

16 17 18 KNIVES ILLUSTRATED
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FOLDERS
1:1 ACTUAL
SIZE
9”

8”

7”

6”

5”

19 Kershaw
RJ TACTICAL 3.0
OVERALL LENGTH: 6.9 inches
BLADE LENGTH: 3.0 inches 4”
BLADE MATERIAL: 8Cr13MoV
stainless steel
BLADE THICKNESS: NA
HANDLE MATERIAL: Glass-filled nylon
WEIGHT: 2.8 ounces
MSRP: $39.99
WEBSITE: Kershaw.KaiUsaLtd.com
3”

20 Kershaw
VALMARA
OVERALL LENGTH: 7.1 inches
BLADE LENGTH: 3.0 inches
BLADE MATERIAL: 8Cr13MoV
stainless steel
BLADE THICKNESS: NA 2”
HANDLE MATERIAL: Glass-filled nylon
WEIGHT: 3.96 ounces
MSRP: $39.99
WEBSITE: Kershaw.KaiUsaLtd.com

21 Kershaw
LINK - TANTO 1”
OVERALL LENGTH: 7.6 inches
BLADE LENGTH: 3.25 inches
BLADE MATERIAL: 420HC stainless steel
BLADE THICKNESS: NA
HANDLE MATERIAL: Glass-filled nylon
WEIGHT: 4.0 ounces
MSRP: $69.99
WEBSITE: Kershaw.KaiUsaLtd.com 0”

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FOLDERS
9”
1:1 ACTUAL
SIZE

8”

7”

6”

5”

22 Kershaw
CQC-9K
OVERALL LENGTH: 8.8 inches
BLADE LENGTH: 3.6 inches
4” BLADE MATERIAL: 8Cr14MoV
stainless steel
BLADE THICKNESS: NA
HANDLE MATERIAL: G10
WEIGHT: 6.4 ounces
MSRP: $69.99
WEBSITE: Kershaw.KaiUsaLtd.com

3”
23 Kershaw
FATBACK
OVERALL LENGTH: 7.75 inches
BLADE LENGTH: 3.5 inches
BLADE MATERIAL: 8Cr13MoV
stainless steel
BLADE THICKNESS: NA
2” HANDLE MATERIAL: Glass-filled nylon
WEIGHT: 3.6 ounces
MSRP: $39.99
WEBSITE: Kershaw.KaiUsaLtd.com

24 Kershaw
FERRITE
1” OVERALL LENGTH: 7.5 inches
BLADE LENGTH: 3.25 inches
BLADE MATERIAL: 8Cr13MoV
stainless steel
BLADE THICKNESS: 0.11 inch
HANDLE MATERIAL: Stainless steel
WEIGHT: 4.19 ounces
MSRP: $59.99
0” WEBSITE: Kershaw.KaiUsaLtd.com

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FOLDERS
1:1 ACTUAL
SIZE
9”

8”

7”

6”

5”

25 Kershaw
GRID
OVERALL LENGTH: 8.4 inches
BLADE LENGTH: 3.7 inches
BLADE MATERIAL: 8Cr13MoV
stainless steel
BLADE THICKNESS: NA 4”
HANDLE MATERIAL: Titanium
carbo-nitride coated steel
WEIGHT: 4.8 ounces
MSRP: $49.99
WEBSITE: Kershaw.KaiUsaLtd.com

26 Kershaw 3”
BARGE
OVERALL LENGTH: 7.3 inches
BLADE LENGTH: 2.6 inches
BLADE MATERIAL: Cr13MoV
stainless steel
BLADE THICKNESS: NA
HANDLE MATERIAL: Glass-filled nylon,
steel back 2”
WEIGHT: 5.4 ounces
MSRP: $39.99
WEBSITE: Kershaw.KaiUsaLtd.com

27 Kershaw
PICO
OVERALL LENGTH: 6.8 inches 1”
BLADE LENGTH: 2.9 inches
BLADE MATERIAL: 8Cr13MoV
stainless steel
BLADE THICKNESS: NA
HANDLE MATERIAL: Steel
WEIGHT: 3.7 ounces
MSRP: $44.99
WEBSITE: Kershaw.KaiUsaLtd.com 0”

40 KNIVES ILLUSTRATED
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FOLDERS
9”
1:1 ACTUAL
SIZE

8”

7”

6”

5”
28 Kershaw
ROVE
OVERALL LENGTH: 7.8 inches
BLADE LENGTH: 3.3 inches
BLADE MATERIAL: 8Cr13MoV
stainless steel
4” BLADE THICKNESS: NA
HANDLE MATERIAL: Glass-filled nylon
WEIGHT: 3.4 ounces
MSRP: $39.99
WEBSITE: Kershaw.KaiUsaLtd.com

29 Kershaw
3” LAUNCH 4
OVERALL LENGTH: 5.1 inches
BLADE LENGTH: 1.9 inches
BLADE MATERIAL: CPM154
stainless steel
BLADE THICKNESS: NA
HANDLE MATERIAL: Anodized
aluminum
2” WEIGHT: 1.8 ounces
MSRP: $119.99
WEBSITE: Kershaw.KaiUsaLtd.com

30 Kershaw
LAUNCH 6
OVERALL LENGTH: 8.7 inches
1” BLADE LENGTH: 3.75 inches
BLADE MATERIAL: CPM154
stainless steel
BLADE THICKNESS: 0.12 inch
HANDLE MATERIAL: Anodized
aluminum
WEIGHT: 3.8 ounces
MSRP: $169.99
0” WEBSITE: Kershaw.KaiUsaLtd.com

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FOLDERS
1:1 ACTUAL
SIZE
9”

8”

7”

6”

5”

31 Buck Knives
710 VOLT
OVERALL LENGTH: 7.75 inches
BLADE LENGTH: 3.25 inches
BLADE MATERIAL: 420HC stainless steel
4”
BLADE THICKNESS: 0.110 inch
HANDLE MATERIAL: Anodized
aluminum
WEIGHT: 2.8 inches
MSRP: $55
WEBSITE: BuckKnives.com

3”
32 Knives of Alaska
STRIKE FORCE AUTO
OD/BLACK
OVERALL LENGTH: 8.0 inches
BLADE LENGTH: 3.0 inches
BLADE MATERIAL: D2 semi-stainless
steel
BLADE THICKNESS: 0.11 inch
2”
HANDLE MATERIAL: Micarta
WEIGHT: 3.1 ounces
MSRP: $149.99
WEBSITE: KnivesOfAlaska.com

33 Benchmade
AMICUS FLIPPER
1”
OVERALL LENGTH: 8.0 inches
BLADE LENGTH: 3.2 inches
BLADE MATERIAL: CPM-S90V steel
BLADE THICKNESS: 0.090 inch
HANDLE MATERIAL: Aluminum
WEIGHT: 2.88 ounces
MSRP: $250
WEBSITE: Benchmade.com
0”

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FOLDERS
9”
1:1 ACTUAL
SIZE

8”

7”

6”

5”

34 Benchmade
MINI GRIPTILLIAN
OVERALL LENGTH: 6.7 inches
BLADE LENGTH: 2.91 inches
4” BLADE MATERIAL: 154CM steel
BLADE THICKNESS: 0.100 inch
HANDLE MATERIAL: Glass or G10
WEIGHT: Varies – depending on blade
tip type
MSRP: $105
WEBSITE: Benchmade.com

3”
35 Emerson
CQC-7BW FLIPPER
OVERALL LENGTH: 8.0 inches
BLADE LENGTH: 4.65 inches
BLADE MATERIAL: CPM S35VN
stainless steel
BLADE THICKNESS: 0.125 inch
2” HANDLE MATERIAL: G10
WEIGHT: 5.0 ounces
MSRP: $259.95
WEBSITE: EmersonKnives.com

36 Emerson
COMBAT KARAMBIT
1” OVERALL LENGTH: 6.80 inches
BLADE LENGTH: 2.60 inches
BLADE MATERIAL: 154CM stainless steel
BLADE THICKNESS: 0.125 inch
HANDLE MATERIAL: G10, epoxy,
laminate
WEIGHT: 3.6 ounces
MSRP: $270
0” WEBSITE: EmersonKnives.com

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FOLDERS
1:1 ACTUAL
SIZE
9”

8”

7”

6”

5”

37 Emerson
SHEEPDOG SPEAR
POINT
OVERALL LENGTH: 8.375 inches 4”
BLADE LENGTH: 3.50 inches
BLADE MATERIAL: 154CM stainless steel
BLADE THICKNESS: 0.13 inch
HANDLE MATERIAL: G10
WEIGHT: 5.54 ounces
MSRP: $239.95
WEBSITE: EmersonKnives.com
3”

38 Zero Tolerance
MODEL 0909
OVERALL LENGTH: 8.50 inches
BLADE LENGTH: 3.80 inches
BLADE MATERIAL: S35VM stainless steel
BLADE THICKNESS: NA
HANDLE MATERIAL: G10 2”
WEIGHT: 7.5 ounces
MSRP: $225
WEBSITE: ZT.KaiUsaLtd.com

39 Boker
WILDCAT
OVERALL LENGTH: 7.125 inches 1”
BLADE LENGTH: 2.875 inches
BLADE MATERIAL: D2 semi-stainless steel
BLADE THICKNESS: NA
HANDLE MATERIAL: G10
WEIGHT: 4.6 ounces
MSRP: $119
WEBSITE: Boker.de
0”

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FOLDERS
9”
1:1 ACTUAL
SIZE

8”

7”

6”

5”

40 Boker
SCOUT HONEYCOMB
OVERALL LENGTH: 7.250 inches
BLADE LENGTH: 3.125 inches
4” BLADE MATERIAL: N690 stainless steel
BLADE THICKNESS: NA
HANDLE MATERIAL: G10
WEIGHT: 5.6 ounces
MSRP: $229
WEBSITE: Boker.de

3” 41 Buck Knives
898 IMPACT
OVERALL LENGTH: 7.250 inches
BLADE LENGTH: 3.125 inches
BLADE MATERIAL: S30V stainless steel
BLADE THICKNESS: NA
HANDLE MATERIAL: Anodized
aluminum
2” WEIGHT: 4.1 ounces
MSRP: $225
WEBSITE: BuckKnives.com

42 CAS Iberia
KIZLYAR SUPREME
BLOKE
1” OVERALL LENGTH: 8.875 inches
BLADE LENGTH: 3.875 inches
BLADE MATERIAL: D2 semi-stainless
steel
BLADE THICKNESS: NA
HANDLE MATERIAL: G10
WEIGHT: 6.6 ounces
MSRP: $127
0” WEBSITE: CASIberia.com

40 41 42 KNIVES ILLUSTRATED
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F FOLDERS
1:1 ACTUAL
SIZE
9”

8”

43 Emerson
BULLDOG
OVERALL LENGTH: 7.50 inches
BLADE LENGTH: 3.20 inches 7”
BLADE MATERIAL: 154CM stainless steel
BLADE THICKNESS: 0.13 inch
HANDLE MATERIAL: G10
WEIGHT: 4.65 ounces
MSRP: $207
WEBSITE: EmersonKnives.com

6”
44 CAS Iberia
ROMAN FOLDER
OVERALL LENGTH: 8.50 inches
BLADE LENGTH: 3.750 inches
BLADE MATERIAL: DNH7 steel
BLADE THICKNESS: NA
HANDLE MATERIAL: Troyeng
hardwood scales 5”
WEIGHT: 5 ounces
MSRP: $209
WEBSITE: CASIberia.com

45 SOG Specialty Knives


KIKU
OVERALL LENGTH: 8.0 inches 4”
BLADE LENGTH: 3.5 inches
BLADE MATERIAL: AUS-8 steel
BLADE THICKNESS: 0.16 inch
HANDLE MATERIAL: Micarta
WEIGHT: 4.2 ounces
MSRP: $145
WEBSITE: SOGKnives.com
3”

46 SOG Specialty Knives


PENT ARC
OVERALL LENGTH: 8.0 inches
BLADE LENGTH: 3.5 inches
BLADE MATERIAL: Damascus steel
BLADE THICKNESS: 0.15 inch
HANDLE MATERIAL: Carbon fiber 2”
WEIGHT: 4.5 ounces
MSRP: $624
WEBSITE: SOGKnives.com

47 Benchmade
PAGAN
OVERALL LENGTH: 8.95 inches. 1”
BLADE LENGTH: 3.95 inches
BLADE MATERIAL: 154CM steel
BLADE THICKNESS: 0.94 inch
HANDLE MATERIAL: 6061-T6 aluminum
WEIGHT: 5 ounces
MSRP: $420 (satin blade), $435 (black
coated blade)
WEBSITE: Benchmade.com 0”

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KI-1607-Jantz2 4/4/16 10:55 AM Page 1

9” CREATE
YOUR
8”
OWN
KNIFE
Jantz
7” Pattern
blades
are flat
ground and
cryogenically
processed
during heat
treating for
6” optimal
e d g e
holding
capability.
Choose your
f a v o r i t e
h a n d l e
material,
5” color and
texture along
with hardware
such as guard,
screws or pins
to complement
your chosen
Jantz USA
4” Pattern blade.

Shown:
Pattern 37 #J3708
440C Stainless Steel
$31.95, #K374 stainless
bolster $6.95, #A846
stainless pins $1.99 and #G3750
3” Olive Drab sandstorm pattern
handle material $19.95. Overall
length 6 5/8”, Blade Length 2
5/8”, Blade Width 7/8”, Blade
Thickness 1/8”. Bolster holes
1/8”, Handle Holes 1/8”, Thong
Hole 3/16”. Available in D2,
CPMS 30V, 440C, 1095 High
2” Carbon and Damascus.
See other patterns
of Jantz USA blades
along with supplies and
download our full color
catalog at
1”
knifemaking.com
JANTZ SUPPLY
309 W MAIN
DAVIS OK 73030
1-800-351-8900
0”

46 47 KNIVES ILLUSTRATED
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F FOLDERS
1:1 ACTUAL
SIZE
9”

8”

7”

6”

5”

48 Boker
BOKER PLUS GRIPLOC
OVERALL LENGTH: 7.5 inches
BLADE LENGTH: 3.3 inches
BLADE MATERIAL: AUS-8 stainless steel 4”
BLADE THICKNESS: 0.1 inch
HANDLE MATERIAL: Aluminum
WEIGHT: 2.9 ounces
MSRP: $109
WEBSITE: Boker.de

49 Browning 3”
DAMASCUS FOLDER,
MAMMOTH TOOTH
OVERALL LENGTH: 7.25 inches
BLADE LENGTH: 3 inches
BLADE MATERIAL: Damascus steel
BLADE THICKNESS: NA
HANDLE MATERIAL: Mammoth tooth
WEIGHT: 6 ounces 2”
MSRP: $555
WEBSITE: Browning.com

50 Browning
BLACK LABEL
UNLEASHED
ASSISTED OPEN 1”
OVERALL LENGTH: 7.875 inches
BLADE LENGTH: 3.375 inches
BLADE MATERIAL: 440 stainless steel
BLADE THICKNESS: NA
HANDLE MATERIAL: G10
WEIGHT: 5 ounces
MSRP: $29.95
WEBSITE: Browning.com 0”

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BUYER’S GUIDE 2017
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KIBG_2017_49 11/9/16 12:01 AM Page 49

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FOLDERS
1:1 ACTUAL
SIZE
9”

8”

7”

6”

5”

51 Browning
VORTEX, BIRD &
TROUT
OVERALL LENGTH: 7.75
BLADE LENGTH: 3.5 inches 4”
BLADE MATERIAL: 440 stainless steel
BLADE THICKNESS: NA
HANDLE MATERIAL: G10
WEIGHT: 3 ounces
MSRP: $33
WEBSITE: Browning.com

3”
52 Camillus
HEAT 19167
OVERALL LENGTH: 8 inches
BLADE LENGTH: 3.25 inches
BLADE MATERIAL: Japanese AUS-8 steel
BLADE THICKNESS: NA
HANDLE MATERIAL: Glass-filled nylon
with stainless steel accents 2”
WEIGHT: 4 ounces
MSRP: $54.99
WEBSITE: CamillusKnives.com

53 Coast
DX311 DOUBLE LOCK
FOLDER 1”
OVERALL LENGTH: 7.75 inches
BLADE LENGTH: 3.5 inches
BLADE MATERIAL: 7CR17 stainless steel
BLADE THICKNESS: NA
HANDLE MATERIAL: Aluminum
WEIGHT: 3.2 ounces
MSRP: $17.99
WEBSITE: CoastPortland.com KI 0”

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KIBG_2017_51 11/4/16 2:52 AM Page 51

T ICA
U
CUTLERY CO
®

UT
KS4
9.6
”o
ver
a ll le
ngt
h

UT
KS5
10.
6”
ove
rall le
ngt
h

UT
KB
• Blades 61
2.6
1095 carbon steel 53-59RC/ textured ”o
ver
powder coated a ll le
ngt
h
• Handles
1mm gray liner, 5mm black canvas Micarta
• Bolsters FIRE STARTER SHARPENER
2 shot molded hard plastic core with hard
rubber anti slip texture
• Sheaths
Hi Tech/Molded
MADE IN USA

Sheath can be worn


vertically or horizontally

UTICA CUTLERY COMPANY 820 Noyes Street Utica, NY 13502 • Tel: 800-888-4223 • Fax: 315-733-6602
sales@uticacutlery.com • www.uticacutlery.com
ART OF
THE

CUSTOMIZING
MAKE GOOD BLADES EVEN BETTER
WITH SOME CRAFTY MODIFICATIONS
STORY AND PHOTOS BY R. BOLIEU

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CUSTOM.indd 52 11/10/16 10:29 PM


“I
t’s almost perfect. If only the handle
guard wasn’t there or if the coating was
removed.”

“It would chop better if the edge was a


different profile.”

These are words most of us knife nuts have


said out loud at one time or another.

A knife’s look and functionality are major


factors when selecting outdoor tools. Com-
fort and usability often take a backseat to
those traits until the tools are actually used.
Only then do the blisters or hot spots rear
their ugly heads. Sometimes it’s just the
physical aesthetics of a tool, like the coat-
ing of a blade or axe head, that bothers us.
Either way, there is a large population of
knife and tool users who want to custom-
ize their tools to suit their needs. Following
is what you need to know.

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TOP CHOICES The author had
edge. This helps prevent the thin ma- and sandpaper to shape the handle
Are there certain blades that are an 18-inch Ontario chete blade from sticking in wood and scales and blade.
Machete fitted with
suited for customizing? Machetes custom Micarta makes it a tougher edge in general.
handles and a
from the Ontario Knife Company, convex edge. The I had a Tramontina 14-inch Bolo ma-
black coating was
Marbles, Tramontina, and Cold also removed The first two inches of the blade, down chete modified into a golok shape. The
and a new sheath
Steel are all perfect candidates was made for this near the ricasso area, always get a handle was sanded flush with the tang
time-tested work- straight Scandinavian edge, for fine to eliminate any hot spots. Naturally,
for customizing. In North America, horse of a tool.
Ontario Machetes seem to be very shaving and controlled carving. The top it got a convex edge and the clear
popular for camping and prized as of the blade (spine) gets the file again; lacquer it came with was also stripped
“survival machetes,” due to their I make the top section (a few inches) off. It was finished with a treatment of
wide availability, low cost and flat and as close to a 90-degree angle boiled linseed oil to protect the handle
easy-to-do modifications They sport as possible for striking a ferrocerium and give it a darker appearance. This
a 1/8-inch-thick blade and come rod to light the camp fire. This is easiest particular machete is truly one of my
in three popular lengths: 12 inches, to do on soft-to-medium-soft carbon favorite customized blades yet.
18 inches and 22 inches. Some steel. Machete coatings are usually
feature a molded handle and have inexpensive paint or low-grade epoxy, The famed Mora Knives from Sweden
large D-shaped guards, which are and can be removed with many differ- have been the most modified knives to
easily cut off with a multi-tool saw ent paint and epoxy removers or good date. Their low cost ($20-$30) makes
or a hacksaw. I use the 12-inch and old sandpaper and elbow grease. I’ve them them ideal for experimenting
18-inch models, and they have all used a brand called Jasco, which is like on when it comes to customizing and
been modified. a thick paste applied with a paint brush it allows people to feel more at ease
and left on for a few minutes. when trying their hand. In general,
THE MOD ANGLE Ontario Old Hickory knives are another Mora knives are comfortable, donning
Modifications are purely based on popular choice for woodsmen to cus- an oval cross section on their handles
user needs and practicality, rather tomize. Also made by the Ontario Knife
than appearance. Comfort in any Company, these stout kitchen knives
work tool, be it a framing hammer, are made of 1095 high carbon steel
knife or saw is of the utmost impor- and can be reshaped with grinders,
tance for serious work. Dremel tools, files, hacksaws, stones

A simple mill bastard file is all you


really need for general sharpening
and knife modification. However,
there are many people who have
access to better machines and
gadgets who take it to another
level—almost custom-knife level.
It’s important to recognize that ma-
chetes, for the most part, are mass
produced and almost 90 percent
of the time, will not come with a
sharpened edge. A file will take
care of this.

I must mention that I always put


a convex edge on the machete
by filing down the shoulder of the
bevel and just thinning it out so that
it creates a bullet shape, tapering
gradually from the shoulder to the

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“MODIFICATIONS ARE PURELY
BASED ON USER NEEDS AND
PRACTICALITY, RATHER
THAN APPEARANCE.”

The wooden handles found on the


red-handled classic Mora models can
be sanded and stained any color. The
plastic handles may be drilled to insert
a lanyard. Models with guards can be
modified with a simple hacksaw or
multi-tool saw. I have cut guards off of
the old Mora 511 and the newer Basic
to make them more universal. They 511 models. The rough edges can be
use soft carbon and stainless steel. This filed down using a coarse stone or left
makes a particular knife modification as is. To blend the white, fresh filing of
very easy: the 90-degree spine. Again, the plastic, use a flame from a lighter
This Tramontina
machete has a new a trusty file is employed to square off or match to blend and clean up the ap-
edge and blade
shape. It started the spine for striking a ferrocerium rod pearance a bit. A simple electric hand
life out as a 14-inch and for scraping soft wood, bamboo
bolo machete, and sander or Dremel tool can easily shape
was turned into a or fatwood for tinder. This really is an- a wood handle and plastic handle to
golok, with a more
comfortable handle. other tool in itself. On the carbon steel suit your hand.
blades, it’s popular to apply a forced
patina to the blade before it develops PRODUCTION KNIVES
rust. A lot of folks don’t care about rust, Even production knives are not
me included. Normal use on meat, immune to modifications. Years ago, I
vegetables and green sticks will patina had the ESEE Knives’ (then RAT Cutlery)
a knife blade, naturally. To apply a pa-
tina to protect the blade faster, or just
for looks, you can soak a carbon steel
DID YOU KNOW?
Following are the most common ways to
blade in vinegar. This makes the blade modify a knife:
dark and you can sand it to even out
the finish, no matter how the patina
is applied. Smearing mustard on the 01 Handle: Smoothing out rough or sharp
corners or changing the scales to wood
or Micarta.
blade will also result in a patina, but
will leave a spotted or striped look; it is
a very artificial-looking patina. Sticking
the knife into a potato, overnight, is
02 Blade Coating: Stripping off coating to
have a more classic look, possibly a patina.

Here is the pattern


that was cut into
the new golok tip
shape from a stock
another option, but is also very uneven.
This process often has to be repeated 03 Blade Shape/Profile: Changing the
shape of a knife blade or the bevel to a
convex or “V” grind.
Tramontina 14-inch for best effect. I feel the easiest, fastest
bolo machete. Any
way to apply a uniform, classic-looking
04
type of machete Sheathing: Custom Kydex or leather
will normally have patina to a carbon steel blade is by
soft enough carbon sheaths are often desired to truly cus-
steel, allowing for dipping the blade, point first, into black tomize a knife.
the same type of
customizations. coffee.

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ESEE-3/ESEE-4 modified by removing The customized
Cold Steel Pipe
the choil guard and the coating. The Hawk (top) and
Frontier Hawk
ESEE-4 had a convex edge put on, (bottom). The
handles and heads
and both needed new pants made have both been
customized with a
for them, made from Kydex, as the file and sandpaper.
original sheaths would no longer hold
the knives securely once the guard was
removed.

OTHER OPTIONS
Besides stripping off the blade coating
and some minor sanding of the handle
scales, the bulk of the modifications are
better off handled by a professional.
The best people to send your tools out
to for customizing are custom knife-
makers. This is especially true when it
comes to regrinding blades and cutting
sections of steel off, like the handle
guard or choil. Custom knifemakers al- CUSTOMIZING TOMAHAWKS
ready have all the tools and machinery The Cold Steel company has had much success with their line of drop forged, carbon steel tomahawks. They
feature a 21-inch-long, hickory handle and black-coated tomahawk head. These ‘hawks are good quality,
for this kind of work. For leather and
but the presentation is not the strongest. The wooden handle has a coating of clear lacquer and the head
Kydex sheaths, custom sheath makers Mora Knives are is painted with inexpensive black paint. The head is not seated snugly, so they are fitted with a set screw to
are the authority if you want to get arguably the
most customized hold them in place, which it doesn’t do well.
your knives into some new pants! knives and sheaths
today. This Mora
Basic 511 had the To add to it, the edge is almost non-existent. However, the steel is good quality; it holds a decent edge and
MAKE IT BETTER
guard cut off with can easily be sharpened. The hickory handle, also of good quality, can be sanded down and finished with a
a small saw and
the bottom finger wood stain, or just left natural and treated with beeswax or boiled linseed oil. The black paint on the head
A bastard file, hacksaw, electric hand guard sanded down
to accommodate can be stripped off or sanded, then cold blued or a patina can be applied. The handle can be carved a bit to
sander, sandpaper, lighter, diamond chest-lever grips allow the head to fit correctly on the handle. Besides, a tomahawk is a friction fit tool in the first place.
sharpening stone, belt sander, grinder, more comfortably.
The author added The edge can be sharpened with many tools and methods, even with just a file and sandpaper.
and Dremel tool can all be used to a 90-degree spine
with a file and the
customize any knife, machete, axe, blade has a natural Cold Steel also sells hickory handles which can be cut down to different sizes so the tool will have more
patina from slicing
or tomahawk and make it truly yours, food, green wood versatility. I have 19-inch, 16-inch and 12-inch handles for my tomahawks.
and stirring coffee Cold Steel Tomahawks are the real deal.
creating an original. Make something in camp.
good—even better! KI

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KIBG_2017_57 11/4/16 2:58 AM Page 57

THE SCHRADE SURE-LOCK. Self-sufficiency is more attainable with


all your digits. Blade lock rated to 300 pounds. Razor-sharp high-carbon
AUS-8 stainless steel blade. Aluminum handle. Pocket clip.
B
USHCRAFT - Bushcrafting
has been around for
hundreds of years, and
it's all about surviving in
a natural environment. But a good
knife is key to actually thriving; if
you have the right tool and some
specific skills, you have what it takes
to tackle and tame the challenges of
the wild.

58 KNIVES ILLUSTRATED
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Photos By Henry deKuyper

KNIVES ILLUSTRATED
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BUSHCRAFT
15”

14”

13”

12”

11”

10”

9”

8”

01 Morakniv
MORAKNIV ELDRIS 7”
OVERALL LENGTH: 5.6 inches
BLADE LENGTH: 2.2 inches
BLADE MATERIAL: Stainless steel
BLADE THICKNESS: 0.08 inch
HANDLE MATERIAL: TPE 6”
WEIGHT: 2.8 ounces
MSRP: $29
WEBSITE: Morakniv.se/en/

5”
02 Morakniv
MORAKNIV GARBERG
OVERALL LENGTH: 9 inches
BLADE LENGTH: 4.3 inches
BLADE MATERIAL: Stainless steel 4”
BLADE THICKNESS: 0.13 inch
HANDLE MATERIAL: Polyamide
WEIGHT: 9.6 ounces
MSRP: $119
WEBSITE: Morakniv.se/en/ 3”

03 Bear & Son Cutlery


BABY BOWIE
OVERALL LENGTH: 6.5 inches 2”
BLADE LENGTH: 3 inches
BLADE MATERIAL: High definition
Damascus steel
BLADE THICKNESS: 0.144-0.152 inch
HANDLE MATERIAL: Genuine India 1”
stag bone
WEIGHT: 2.5 ounces
MSRP: $189
WEBSITE: BearAndSonCutlery.com 0”

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BUSHCRAFT
15”

14”

13”

12”

11”

10”

9”

8”

04 Boker
7”
BOKER PLUS CARACAL
FOLDER
OVERALL LENGTH: 9 inches
BLADE LENGTH: 4.125 inches
BLADE MATERIAL: D2
6” BLADE THICKNESS: 0.188 inch
HANDLE MATERIAL: G10
WEIGHT: 7.4 ounces
MSRP: $129
WEBSITE: Boker.de
5”
05 CAS Iberia
CASSTROM KNIFE
OVERALL LENGTH: 8 inches
4” BLADE LENGTH: 3.5 inches
BLADE MATERIAL: O2
BLADE THICKNESS: 0.157 inch
HANDLE MATERIAL: Curly birch
WEIGHT: 5.5 ounces
3” MSRP: $230
WEBSITE: CASIberia.com

06 Fiddleback Forge
2” BUSHCRAFTER SR.
OVERALL LENGTH: 9.5 inches
BLADE LENGTH: 4 inches
BLADE MATERIAL: A2 carbon steel
BLADE THICKNESS: 0.532 inch
1” HANDLE MATERIAL: Shade tree purple
burlap
WEIGHT: NA
MSRP: $325 plus
WEBSITE: FiddlebackForge.com
0”

04 05 06 KNIVES ILLUSTRATED
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BUSHCRAFT
15”

14”

13”

12”

11”

10”

9”

8”

07 Fiddleback Forge
SYLVERFALCEN
OVERALL LENGTH: 6.75 inches 7”
BLADE LENGTH: 3 inches
BLADE MATERIAL: A2 carbon steel
BLADE THICKNESS: 0.125 inch
HANDLE MATERIAL: Natural bolstered
maple burl 6”
WEIGHT: NA
MSRP: $250 plus
WEBSITE: FiddlebackForge.com

5”
08 Fox Cutlery
SLIM DRAGOTAC
PIEMONTES
OVERALL LENGTH: 7.3 inches
BLADE LENGTH: 3.15 inches 4”
BLADE MATERIAL: Stainless steel
N690Co
BLADE THICKNESS: 0.2 inch
HANDLE MATERIAL: Ziricote
WEIGHT: 2.64 ounces 3”
MSRP: TBD
WEBSITE: FoxCutlery.com

09 Half Face Blades 2”


FACE PLUG
OVERALL LENGTH: 6.5 inches
BLADE LENGTH: 3 inches
BLADE MATERIAL: CPM S35VN steel
BLADE THICKNESS: 0.12 inch 1”
HANDLE MATERIAL: Various
WEIGHT: 3 ounces
MSRP: $250 plus
WEBSITE: Facebook.com/HalfFaceBlades
0”

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BUSHCRAFT
15”

14”

13”

12”

11”

10”

9”

8”

10 Knives of Alaska
ALPHA WOLF
7”
OVERALL LENGTH: 7.5 inches
BLADE LENGTH: 3.5 inches
BLADE MATERIAL: D2
BLADE THICKNESS: 0.100 inch
6” HANDLE MATERIAL: Sanoprene
WEIGHT: 2.9 ounces
MSRP: $79
WEBSITE: KnivesOfAlaska.com

5”
11 Ontario Knife
HEIRLOOM HUNTER
(DROP POINT)
OVERALL LENGTH: 9.1 inches
4” BLADE LENGTH: 4.2 inches
BLADE MATERIAL: D2 tool steel
BLADE THICKNESS: 0.125 inch
HANDLE MATERIAL: Laminated
hardwood
3” WEIGHT: NA
MSRP: $229
WEBSITE: OntarioKnife.com

2” 12 Spyderco
PROFICIENT
OVERALL LENGTH: 8.75 inches
BLADE LENGTH: 4 inches
BLADE THICKNESS: NA
1” BLADE MATERIAL: CPM S90V
HANDLE MATERIAL: Carbon fiber
WEIGHT: 6.3 ounces
MSRP: $489
WEBSITE: Spyderco.com
0”

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BUSHCRAFT
15”

14”

13”

12”

11”

10”

9”

8”

13 Diamond Blade 7”
HERITAGE
OVERALL LENGTH: 8 inches
BLADE LENGTH: 3.25 inches
BLADE THICKNESS: 0.12 inch
BLADE MATERIAL: 440C stainless steel 6”
HANDLE MATERIAL: NA
WEIGHT: 4.2 ounces
MSRP: $450
WEBSITE: DiamondBladeKnives.com
5”
14 Knives of Alaska
BUSH CAMP - STAG
OVERALL LENGTH: 10.5 inches
BLADE LENGTH: 6 inches 4”
BLADE THICKNESS: 0.14 inch
BLADE MATERIAL: D2
HANDLE MATERIAL: Stag
WEIGHT: 8.3 ounces
MSRP: $189 3”
WEBSITE: KnivesOfAlaska.com

15 Cold Steel
BUSHMAN 2”
OVERALL LENGTH: 12.25 inches
BLADE LENGTH: 7 inches
BLADE THICKNESS: 0.098 inch
BLADE MATERIAL: SK-5 high carbon steel
HANDLE MATERIAL: SK-5 high carbon 1”
steel
WEIGHT: 10.1 ounces
MSRP: $41
WEBSITE: ColdSteel.com
0”

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BUSHCRAFT
15”

14”

13”

12”

11”

10”

9”

8”

16 Benchmade
7”
BUSHCRAFTER
OVERALL LENGTH: 9.2 inches
BLADE LENGTH: 4.43 inches
BLADE THICKNESS: 0.164 inch
BLADE MATERIAL: S30V steel
6” HANDLE MATERIAL: G10 handle scales,
titanium tubing
WEIGHT: 7.72 ounces
MSRP: $215
WEBSITE: Benchmade.com
5”
17 Ontario Knife Company
BUSHCRAFT
WOODSMAN
4” OVERALL LENGTH: 15 inches
BLADE LENGTH: 9.1 inches
BLADE THICKNESS: 0.25 inch
BLADE MATERIAL: 5160 steel
HANDLE MATERIAL: American walnut
3” WEIGHT: NA
MSRP: $162
WEBSITE: OntarioKnife.com

2” 18 Klecker Knives
ABIQUA HUNTER
OVERALL LENGTH: 8.9 inches
BLADE LENGTH: 3.97 inches
BLADE THICKNESS: 0.157 inch
1” BLADE MATERIAL: 7Cr17 steel
HANDLE MATERIAL: Glass-filled nylon
WEIGHT: 7.6 ounces
MSRP: $129
WEBSITE: KleckerKnives.com
0”

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B BUSHCRAFT
15”

14”

13”

12”

11”

10”

9”

8”

19 Helle
UTVAER 7”
OVERALL LENGTH: 8.2 inches
BLADE LENGTH: 3.9 inches
BLADE THICKNESS: 0.12 inch
BLADE MATERIAL: Sandvik 12C27
stainless steel 6”
HANDLE MATERIAL: Curly birch and
Vulcanfibre
WEIGHT: 5.6 ounces
MSRP: $239
WEBSITE: Helle.no 5”

20 Fiddleback Forge
MID-TECH CAMP KNIFE
OVERALL LENGTH: 12 inches 4”
BLADE LENGTH: 6.5 inches
BLADE THICKNESS: 0.375 inch
BLADE MATERIAL: CPM 3V steel
HANDLE MATERIAL: Canvas Micarta
WEIGHT: 14 ounces 3”
MSRP: $350
WEBSITE: FiddlebackForge.com

21 Behring Made 2”
UPLANDER
OVERALL LENGTH: 8.25 inches
BLADE LENGTH: 3.5 inches
BLADE THICKNESS: NA
BLADE MATERIAL: S7 steel 1”
HANDLE MATERIAL: Micarta, G10
WEIGHT: NA
MSRP: $275
WEBSITE: BehringMade.com
0”

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B BUSHCRAFT
15”

14”

13”

12”

11”

10”

9”

8”
22 Katz Knives
PRO HUNTER
CHERRYWOOD
OVERALL LENGTH: 9 inches
7”
BLADE LENGTH: 4.375 inches
BLADE THICKNESS: NA
BLADE MATERIAL: XT80 stainless steel
HANDLE MATERIAL: Cherrywood
WEIGHT: 4.11 ounces 6”
MSRP: $299
WEBSITE: KatzKnives.com

23 Katz Knives 5”
WILD KAT 103 WHITE
MICARTA
OVERALL LENGTH: 9.38 inches
BLADE LENGTH: 4.63 inches
BLADE THICKNESS: NA 4”
BLADE MATERIAL: XT70 stainless steel
HANDLE MATERIAL: White Micarta
WEIGHT: 11 ounces
MSRP: $399
WEBSITE: KatzKnives.com 3”

24 Helle
DIDI GALGALU
OVERALL LENGTH: 9.79 inches 2”
BLADE LENGTH: 5.07 inches
BLADE THICKNESS: 0.12 inch
BLADE MATERIAL: Sandvik 12C27
stainless steel
HANDLE MATERIAL: African Kiaat and 1”
Vulcanfibre
WEIGHT: 4.9 ounces
MSRP: $249
WEBSITE: Helle.no KI
0”

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KIBG_2017_69 11/4/16 3:20 AM Page 69

create a quality sheath


for your quality knives

All the supplies you need at tandyleather.com


FREE Buyer’s Guide available
TLF_KNIVESILLAD_0315
HUNTING
16”

15”

14”

13”

12”

11”

10”

9”

8”

7”

6”

5”

4”

3”

2”

1”

0”

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HUNTING
16”

15”

14”

13”

12”

11”

10”

9”

8”

H
UNTING - The hunting knife is one
of those specialized
7” tools that many
people think they can do without. It's
designed to process game in such a
way that no meat is left behind, and the hide
6”
is not perforated or cut in any way. Specialized
knives designed for the hunting fields have
evolved over time, with unique blade shapes
and profiles that help5” the hunter manage his
kill quickly and efficiently without damaging
any part of the animal.

4”

3”

2”

1”

0” Photos By Henry deKuyper

KNIVES ILLUSTRATED
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HUNTING
16”

15”

14”

13”

12”

11”

10”

9”

8”
01 Benchmade
NESTUCCA CLEAVER
OVERALL LENGTH: 6.56 inches
BLADE LENGTH: 4.41 inches
BLADE MATERIAL: CPM-S30V 7”
BLADE THICKNESS: 0.140 inch
HANDLE MATERIAL: G10
WEIGHT: 4.95 ounces
MSRP: $145 6”
WEBSITE: Benchmade.com

02 Buck Knives
BUCK 853 SMALL 5”
SELKIRK
OVERALL LENGTH: 9.5
BLADE LENGTH: 4 5/8 inches
BLADE MATERIAL: 420HC 4”
BLADE THICKNESS: 0.125 inch
HANDLE MATERIAL: CNC contoured
Micarta
WEIGHT: 7.6 ounces
MSRP: $80 3”
WEBSITE: BuckKnives.com

03 Columbia River Knife & Tool 2”


DW POINT
OVERALL LENGTH: 7.5 inches
BLADE LENGTH: 3.17 inches
BLADE MATERIAL: 8Cr13MoV, 58-59 HRC
BLADE THICKNESS: NA 1”
HANDLE MATERIAL: 0.128 inch
WEIGHT: 4.40 ounces
MSRP: TBD
WEBSITE: CRKT.com
0”

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HUNTING
16”

15”

14”

13”

12”

11”

10”

9”

8”
04 CAS Iberia
KK0114 COLADA
OVERALL LENGTH: 8 3/8 inches
7” BLADE LENGTH: 4 inches
BLADE MATERIAL: CPM S35VN
BLADE THICKNESS: NA
HANDLE MATERIAL: Blue/black Micarta
WEIGHT: 6 ounces
6” MSRP: $175
WEBSITE: CASIberia.com

5” 05 Columbia River Knife & Tool


HOLLOW POINT +P
OVERALL LENGTH: 8.5 inches
BLADE LENGTH: 3.60 inches
BLADE MATERIAL: 8Cr13MoV, 58-59 HRC
4” BLADE THICKNESS: 0.147 inch
HANDLE MATERIAL: Stainless steel
with inserts
WEIGHT: 6 ounces
3” MSRP: TBD
WEBSITE: CRKT.com

06 TOPS Knives
2” SKULLCRUSHER’S
XTREME BLADE
OVERALL LENGTH: 15.75 inches
BLADE LENGTH: 9.38 inches
BLADE THICKNESS: NA
1”
BLADE MATERIAL: 1095 RC 56-58 steel
HANDLE MATERIAL: Black linen Micarta
WEIGHT: 26 ounces
MSRP: $240
0” WEBSITE: TopsKnives.com

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H HUNTING
16”

15”

14”

13”

12”

11”

10”

9”

8”

07 Columbia River Knife & Tool


STRAFE
OVERALL LENGTH: 9.5 inches 7”
BLADE LENGTH: 4.612 inches
BLADE MATERIAL: 8Cr13MoV
BLADE THICKNESS: 0.184 inch
HANDLE MATERIAL: Glass-reinforced
nylon 6”
WEIGHT: 6.5 ounces
MSRP: $79
WEBSITE: CRKT.com
5”
08 Fiddleback Forge
KEPHART
OVERALL LENGTH: 8.5 inches
BLADE LENGTH: 4 inches 4”
BLADE MATERIAL: S35VN
BLADE THICKNESS: 1/8 inch
HANDLE MATERIAL: Canvas Micarta
WEIGHT: TBD
MSRP: $225 3”
WEBSITE: FiddlebackForge.com

09 Fiddleback Forge 2”
RECLUSE
OVERALL LENGTH: 8.5 inches
BLADE LENGTH: 4 inches
BLADE MATERIAL: A2
BLADE THICKNESS: 0.532 inch 1”
HANDLE MATERIAL: Dyed box elder burl
WEIGHT: TBD
MSRP: $275 plus
WEBSITE: FiddlebackForge.com 0”

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HUNTING H
16”

15”

14”

13”

12”

11”

10”

9”

8”

10 Fox Cutlery
7” BF 710 VESUVIUS
OVERALL LENGTH: 8.66 inches
BLADE LENGTH: 4.13 inches
BLADE MATERIAL: 440 C stainless steel
BLADE THICKNESS: 0.2 inch
6” HANDLE MATERIAL: G10
WEIGHT: 8.47 ounces
MSRP: TBD
WEBSITE: FoxCutlery.com
5”
11 Fox Cutlery
DESERT FOX
OVERALL LENGTH: 8.54 inches
4” BLADE LENGTH: 3.74 inches
BLADE MATERIAL: N690Co stainless steel
BLADE THICKNESS: 0.16 inch
HANDLE MATERIAL: G10
WEIGHT: 6.7 ounces
3” MSRP: TBD
WEBSITE: FoxCutlery.com

2” 12 Half Face Blades


COMBAT FILET
OVERALL LENGTH: 9.25 inches
BLADE LENGTH: 4.75 inches
BLADE MATERIAL: CPM S35VN steel
1” BLADE THICKNESS: 0.12 inch
HANDLE MATERIAL: G10
WEIGHT: 5 ounces
MSRP: $350 plus
0” WEBSITE: Facebook.com/HalfFaceBlades

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H HUNTING
16”

13 Knives of Alaska
FEATHERLIGHT 15”
HUNTER
OVERALL LENGTH: 7.5 inches
BLADE LENGTH: 2.75 inches
BLADE MATERIAL: D2
14”
BLADE THICKNESS: 0.100 inch
HANDLE MATERIAL: Suregrip
WEIGHT: 2 ounces
MSRP: $74
WEBSITE: KnivesOfAlaska.com 13”

14 Ontario Knife
HEIRLOOM HUNTER
OVERALL LENGTH: 9.1 inches
BLADE LENGTH: 4.2 inches 12”
BLADE MATERIAL: D2 tool steel
BLADE THICKNESS: 0.125 inch
HANDLE MATERIAL: Laminated
hardwood 11”
WEIGHT: TBD
MSRP: $229
WEBSITE: OntarioKnife.com

15 Knives of Alaska 10”


BUSH MASTER
LEATHER SHEATH
OVERALL LENGTH: 14.75 inches
BLADE LENGTH: 10 inches 9”
BLADE MATERIAL: D2
BLADE THICKNESS: 0.135 inch
HANDLE MATERIAL: Suregrip
WEIGHT: 9.5 ounces
MSRP: $74 8”
WEBSITE: KnivesOfAlaska.com

16 Steel Will
STEEL WILL 820 7”
ARGONAUT
OVERALL LENGTH: 12.28 inches
BLADE LENGTH: 6.5 inches
BLADE MATERIAL: AUS-8
BLADE THICKNESS: 0.18 inch 6”
HANDLE MATERIAL: TPR rubber
WEIGHT: 9.95 ounces
MSRP: $99
WEBSITE: SteelWillKnives.com
5”
17 TOPS Knives
LIONESS ELITE
OVERALL LENGTH: 7.63 inches
BLADE LENGTH: 3.50 inches 4”
BLADE MATERIAL: 1095 RC 56-58
BLADE THICKNESS: 0.13 inch
HANDLE MATERIAL: Black G10
WEIGHT: 3.6 ounces
MSRP: $145 3”
WEBSITE: TopsKnives.com

18 TOPS Knives
LIONESS ROCKIES 2”
EDITION
OVERALL LENGTH: 7.63 inches
BLADE LENGTH: 4.13 inches
BLADE MATERIAL: 1095 RC 56-58
BLADE THICKNESS: 0.13 inch 1”
HANDLE MATERIAL: Tan canvas Micarta
WEIGHT: 3.6 ounces
MSRP: $155
WEBSITE: TopsKnives.com 0”

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KI-1612-Bear & Sons Cutlery_stockman 8/25/16 11

HUNTING
16”

15”

14”

13”

12”

11”

10”
440 Stainless
Steel BLADE
9” rosewood Handle
5-5/8’’ open Length

8”
3-1/4’’ closed Length
2-3/8” Blade Length
1.5 oz. Weight
7”
Extras : Nickel Silver
Bolsters & Hollow
Ground Blade
6”
MADE IN
THE U.S.A.

5”

Model: 218 R
4”
midsize
stockman
3”

2”

1”

GET YOURS AT
www.bearandsoncutlery.com
0”

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HUNTING
16”

15”

14”

13”

12”

11”

10”

9”

19 TOPS Knives 8”
TUNDRA TREKKER
OVERALL LENGTH: 12.5 inches
BLADE LENGTH: 7.38 inches
BLADE MATERIAL: 1095 RC 56-58 7”
BLADE THICKNESS: 0.25 inch
HANDLE MATERIAL: Green canvas
Micarta
WEIGHT: 16.5 ounces
MSRP: TBD 6”
WEBSITE: TopsKnives.com

20 PUMA Knife Company 5”


BUFFALO HUNTER
OVERALL LENGTH: 10 inches
BLADE LENGTH: 5.7 inches
BLADE MATERIAL: 440A
BLADE THICKNESS: 0.2 inch 4”
HANDLE MATERIAL: Micarta
WEIGHT: 7.7 ounces
MSRP: $28
WEBSITE: PumaKnifeCompanyUSA.com
3”

21 Boker
ARBOLITO ESCULTA
STAG 2”
OVERALL LENGTH: 11.5 inches
BLADE LENGTH: 5.7 inches
BLADE MATERIAL: N695
BLADE THICKNESS: 0.2 inch
HANDLE MATERIAL: Stag 1”
WEIGHT: 13.2 ounces
MSRP: $229
* includes Leather sheath
WEBSITE: Boker.de/us KI 0”

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KIBG_2017_79 11/4/16 3:33 AM Page 79

the
ADVOCATE
TM

a GAYLE BRADLEY custom collaboration

• CPM® M4 Tool Steel Blade


• 3-D-Machined Solid Titanium Scales
• Reeve Integral Lock Mechanism
• Index-Finger Flipper and Fully
Functional Trademark Round HoleTM

Visit www.spyderco.com or your local Spyderco dealer.


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18”

17”

16”

15”

14”

13”

12”

11”

10”

9”

8”

S
URVIVAL - The survival knife may be called upon to 7”
perform under any number of conditions and scenarios.
The unpredictable nature of a survival situation means
the knife has to stand up to anything thrown at it and 6”
come out on top. Buying a survival knife means not compromis-
ing any aspect of the knife and making sure it's versatile and
durable enough to handle any circumstance. 5”

4”

3”

2”

1”

Photos By Henry deKuyper


0”

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SURVIVAL
18”

17”

16”

15”

14”

13”

12”

11”

10”

9”

01 Morakniv Bushcraft
SURVIVAL BLACK
OVERALL LENGTH: 10.51 inches 8”
BLADE LENGTH: 4.29 inches
BLADE MATERIAL: Carbon steel
BLADE THICKNESS: 0.125 inch
HANDLE MATERIAL: TPE rubber 7”
WEIGHT: 8.07 ounces
MSRP: $103
WEBSITE: Morakniv.se/en
6”
02 Schrade
SCHF52 7 1095
OVERALL LENGTH: 13 inches
BLADE LENGTH: 7 inches 5”
BLADE MATERIAL: 1095 high
carbon steel
BLADE THICKNESS: 0.225 inch
HANDLE MATERIAL:TPE rubber 4”
WEIGHT: 1 pound
MSRP: $60
WEBSITE:TaylorBrandsLLC.com
3”

03 Bradford USA
GUARDIAN 4
OVERALL LENGTH: 9 inches 2”
BLADE LENGTH: 4.6 inches
BLADE MATERIAL: Bohler M390
BLADE THICKNESS: 0.165 inch
HANDLE MATERIAL:3D contoured 1”
Micarta
WEIGHT: 6.43 ounces
MSRP: $249
WEBSITE: BradfordKnives.com 0”

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SURVIVAL
18”

17”

16”

15”

14”

13”

12”

11”

10”

9”
04 CAS Iberia
KH2491
SURVIVAL KUKHRI
8” OVERALL LENGTH: 17.37 inches
BLADE LENGTH: 12.25 inches
BLADE MATERIAL: 5160
BLADE THICKNESS: 0.232 inch
7” HANDLE MATERIAL: Stainless/ABS steel
WEIGHT: 1 pound, 7 ounces
MSRP: $250
WEBSITE: CASIberia.com
6”
05 Colonial Knife Company
CE-100W
OVERALL LENGTH: 8.5 inches
5” BLADE LENGTH: 4.75 inches
BLADE MATERIAL: 154CM
BLADE THICKNESS: 0.197 inch
HANDLE MATERIAL: G10
4” WEIGHT: 2 ounces
MSRP: $200
WEBSITE: ColonialKnifeCorp.com
3”
06 Columbia River Knife & Tool
KAREN HOOD CHOPPER
OVERALL LENGTH: 15.199 inches
2” BLADE LENGTH: 9.125 inches
BLADE MATERIAL: 1095 high carbon
steel, HRC 56-58
BLADE THICKNESS: 0.25 inch
1” HANDLE MATERIAL: Polished resin-
infused fiber
WEIGHT: 1.2 pounds
MSRP: $375
0” WEBSITE: CRKT.com

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SURVIVAL
18”

17”

16”

15”

14”

13”

12”

11”

10”

9”

07 Fiddleback Forge
DUKE W/ BLACK
CANVAS MICARTA 8”
OVERALL LENGTH: 10.5 inches
BLADE LENGTH: 5.5 inches
BLADE MATERIAL: S35VN
BLADE THICKNESS: 0.532 inch 7”
HANDLE MATERIAL: Black canvas
Micarta
WEIGHT: NA
MSRP: $275
6”
WEBSITE: FiddlebackForge.com

08 Half Face Blades


CROW JR. 5”
OVERALL LENGTH: 8.75 inches
BLADE LENGTH: 4 inches
BLADE MATERIAL: CPM 35VN steel
BLADE THICKNESS: 0.12 inch 4”
HANDLE MATERIAL: Micarta
WEIGHT: 8 ounces
MSRP: $350 plus
WEBSITE: Facebook.com/HalfFaceBlades 3”

09 Knives of Alaska
SURVIVAL 2”
OVERALL LENGTH: 11.5 inches
BLADE LENGTH: 6 inches
BLADE MATERIAL: D2
BLADE THICKNESS: 0.155-0.165 inch 1”
HANDLE MATERIAL: Canvas Micarta
WEIGHT: 7 ounces
MSRP: $179
WEBSITE: KnivesOfAlaska.com 0”

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SURVIVAL
18”

17”

16”

15”

14”

13”

12”

11”

10”

9”

8” 10 Ontario Knife
SK-4 BLACK BIRD
OVERALL LENGTH: 8 inches
BLADE LENGTH: 4 inches
7” BLADE MATERIAL: 154 CM stainless steel
BLADE THICKNESS: 0.125 inch
HANDLE MATERIAL: G10
WEIGHT: NA
MSRP: $225
6”
WEBSITE: OntarioKnife.com

11 Steel Will
5” 291 DRUID
OVERALL LENGTH: 8.94 inches
BLADE LENGTH: 3.74 inches
BLADE MATERIAL: N690Co
4” BLADE THICKNESS: 0.14 inch
HANDLE MATERIAL: Nylon and fiberglass
WEIGHT: 6.42 ounces
MSRP: $119
3” WEBSITE: SteelWillKnives.com

12 TOPS Knives
2” MINI SCANDI SURVIVAL
OVERALL LENGTH: 6.13 inches
BLADE LENGTH: 3 inches
BLADE THICKNESS: NA
1” BLADE MATERIAL: 1095 RC 56-58 steel
HANDLE MATERIAL: Black linen Micarta
WEIGHT: 2.3 ounces
MSRP: $95
0” WEBSITE: TopsKnives.com

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SURVIVAL
18”

17”

16”

15”

14”

13”

12”

11”

10”

13 KutMaster
THE POTBELLY 9”
OVERALL LENGTH: 13 inches
BLADE LENGTH: 6.5 inches
BLADE THICKNESS: 0.125 inch
BLADE MATERIAL: 420 stainless steel 8”
black oxidized blade
HANDLE MATERIAL: Green
paracord-wrapped handle
WEIGHT: 14.5 ounces 7”
MSRP: $34
WEBSITE: KutMaster.com

6”
14 KutMaster
WILDFIRE
CAMOUFLAGE
RESCUE KNIFE
OVERALL LENGTH: 4.5 inches 5”
BLADE LENGTH: 3.2 inches
BLADE THICKNESS: 0.125 inch
BLADE MATERIAL: 420 stainless steel
black oxidized blade 4”
HANDLE MATERIAL: Camo
WEIGHT: 4 ounces
MSRP: $23
WEBSITE: KutMaster.com 3”

15 CAT
TRAIL BLAZER 2”
OVERALL LENGTH: 13
BLADE LENGTH: 7 inches
BLADE THICKNESS: 0.125 inch
BLADE MATERIAL: 420 stainless steel 1”
HANDLE MATERIAL: Paracord wrapped
WEIGHT: 9.5 ounces
MSRP: $31
WEBSITE: KutMaster.com 0”

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SURVIVAL
18”

17”

16”

15”

14”

13”

12”

11”

10”

9”
16 Zac Brown’s Southern Grind
JACKAL KNIFE
OVERALL LENGTH: 9.25 inches
8” BLADE LENGTH: 4.75 inches
BLADE THICKNESS: NA
BLADE MATERIAL: 8670M high carbon
steel
7” HANDLE MATERIAL: 3D milled solid G10
WEIGHT: 9.5 ounces
MSRP: $229
WEBSITE: SouthernGrind.com
6”
17 Zac Brown’s Southern Grind
GRANDADDY FIXED
BLADE MACHETE
5” OVERALL LENGTH: 16.875 inches
BLADE LENGTH: 11.125 inches
BLADE THICKNESS: NA
BLADE MATERIAL: 8670M high carbon
4” steel
HANDLE MATERIAL: Black Micarta
WEIGHT: 15 ounces
MSRP: $149
3” WEBSITE: SouthernGrind.com

18 KA-BAR Knives, Inc.


2” MARK I
OVERALL LENGTH: 9.375 inches
BLADE LENGTH: 5.125 inches
BLADE THICKNESS: NA
1” BLADE MATERIAL: 095 Cro-Van steel
HANDLE MATERIAL: Leather
WEIGHT: 8 ounces
MSRP: $107
0” WEBSITE: Kabar.com

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S SURVIVAL
18”

17”

16”

15”

14”

13”

12”

11”

10”

9”

19 Benchmade
JUNGLE BOLO
OVERALL LENGTH: 13.5 inches 8”
BLADE LENGTH: 9 inches
BLADE THICKNESS: NA
BLADE MATERIAL: 1095 spring steel
HANDLE MATERIAL: Rubberized 7”
Santoprene
WEIGHT: 11.7 ounces
MSRP: $125
WEBSITE: Benchmade.com 6”

20 CAS Iberia
TTY HUNTING 5”
DAGGER BY CITADEL
OVERALL LENGTH: 13.5 in ches
BLADE LENGTH: 7.08 inches
BLADE MATERIAL: DNH7
4”
BLADE THICKNESS: NA
HANDLE MATERIAL: Palisander
WEIGHT: 10.2 ounces
MSRP: $275
WEBSITE: CASIberia.com 3”

21 ESEE Knives
JG3 2”
OVERALL LENGTH: 7.6 inches
BLADE LENGTH: 3 inches
BLADE THICKNESS: 0.125 inch
BLADE MATERIAL: 1095HC 1”
HANDLE MATERIAL: Micarta
WEIGHT: 4.5 ounces
MSRP: TBD
WEBSITE: ESEEKnives.com 0”

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SURVIVAL S
18”

17”

16”

15”

14”

13”

12”

11”

10”

9”

22 Morakniv
8” PRO C
OVERALL LENGTH: 8.25 inches
BLADE LENGTH: 3.6 inches
BLADE THICKNESS: 0.1 inch
7” BLADE MATERIAL: Carbon
HANDLE MATERIAL: TPE rubber
WEIGHT: 4 ounces
MSRP: $13
WEBSITE: Morakniv.se/en
6”

23 RMJ Tactical
KUKRI
5” OVERALL LENGTH: 15.5 inches
BLADE LENGTH: 10 inches
BLADE THICKNESS: NA
BLADE MATERIAL: 80CrV2 carbon
4” HANDLE MATERIAL: G-10 FR4
WEIGHT: 11 ounces
MSRP: TBD
WEBSITE: RMJTactical.com
3”

24 Buck Knives
SELKIRK
2” OVERALL LENGTH: 9.5 inches
BLADE MATERIAL: 420HC
BLADE LENGTH: 4.6 inches
BLADE THICKNESS: 0.135 inch
1” HANDLE MATERIAL: CNC contoured
Micarta with steel bolsters
WEIGHT: 7.6 ounces
MSRP: $85
0” WEBSITE: BuckKnives.com

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S SURVIVAL
18”

17”

16”

25 Kilimanjaro Gear 15”


SHIRA SURVIVAL
OVERALL LENGTH: 10 inches
BLADE LENGTH: 4.7 inches
BLADE THICKNESS: NA
14”
BLADE MATERIAL: 8Cr13MoV
HANDLE MATERIAL: Rubberized
overlay
WEIGHT: 6.9 ounces
MSRP: $69 13”
WEBSITE: KilimanjaroGear.com

26 Katz Knives 12”


ALLEY KAT 8008
DAMASCUS
OVERALL LENGTH: 13 inches
BLADE LENGTH: 8 inches 11”
BLADE THICKNESS: NA
BLADE MATERIAL: Damascus
HANDLE MATERIAL: White Micarta
WEIGHT: 11 ounces 10”
MSRP: $1,480
WEBSITE: KatzKnives.com

9”
27 Katz Knives
ALLEY KAT 8008
KRATON
OVERALL LENGTH: 13 inches 8”
BLADE LENGTH: 8 inches
BLADE THICKNESS: 0.25 inch
BLADE MATERIAL: XT70 stainless steel
HANDLE MATERIAL: Kraton 7”
WEIGHT: 11 ounces
MSRP: $330
WEBSITE: KatzKnives.com
6”
28 Ontario Knife Company
CHIMERA FIGHTER
OVERALL LENGTH: 13.625 inches
5”
BLADE LENGTH: 8.25 inches
BLADE THICKNESS: 0.2 inch
BLADE MATERIAL: 1095 carbon steel
HANDLE MATERIAL: Kraton
WEIGHT: 4 ounces 4”
MSRP: $1,275
WEBSITE: OntarioKnife.com
3”
29 TOPS Knives
SKULLCRUSHER
EXTREME
OVERALL LENGTH: 15.75 inches 2”
BLADE LENGTH: 9.38 inches
BLADE THICKNESS: 0.250 inch
BLADE MATERIAL: 1095 RC 56-58
HANDLE MATERIAL: Black linen 1”
Micarta
WEIGHT: 34 ounces (with sheath)
MSRP: $300
WEBSITE: TopsKnives.com 0”

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KI-BG17-Condor Knife & Tool 10/25/16 10:22 AM Page 1

18”

17”

16”

15”

14”

13”

12”

11”

10”
KI-BG17-Colonial Knife Co 10/31/16 9:31 AM Page

9”

AD INDEX

8” ADVERTISER PAGE
BATTLBOX LLC 67
BEAR AND SON CUTLERY 77, 93, 99
BILL BROTHERS & CO. 57
BLADEGALLERY.COM 49
7”
BLUE RIDGE KNIVES 69, 105
BRADFORD USA 105
CAMILLUS & WESTERN CUTLERY 29
CHRIS REEVE KNIVES 99
6” COAST PRODUCTS 5
COLONIAL KNIFE COMPANY 91
COLUMBIA RIVER KNIFE & TOOL 21
CONDOR KNIFE & TOOL, INC. 91
DOUBLESTAR CORP 3
5” FLEXCUT TOOL COMPANY 29
FRANKLIN HORTON, AUTHOR 7
HOGUE GRIPS 67
JANTZ SUPPLY 22-23, 47

4” KAYNE & SON 93


KERSHAW KNIVES 116
KNIFE AND GUN FINISHING SUPPLY 69
KNIFE CENTER OF THE INTERNET 99
KRUDO KNIVES 69
3” LANSKY SHARPENERS 105
NIAGARA SPECIALTY METALS 93
ONTARIO KNIFE COMPANY 21
PAT CRAWFORD KNIVES 79
RANDALL MADE KNIVES 79
2” SPARTAN BLADES USA 93
SPORT MANUFACTURING GROUP 57
SPYDERCO INC. 79
TANDY LEATHER FACTORY 69
1” TOPS KNIVES 115
TRU-GRIT, INC. 99
UTICA KNIFE CO./KUTMASTER 51
W.R. CASE & SONS CUTLERY CO. 2
WILSON COMBAT 79
0”

28 29 KNIVES ILLUSTRATED
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S SURVIVAL
18”

17”

16”

15”

14”

13”

12”

11”

10”

9”

8”

7”

6”

30 CAS Iberia 5”
GURKHA KUKRI
OVERALL LENGTH: 13.75 inches
BLADE LENGTH: 8.25 inches
BLADE THICKNESS: 0.24 inch (at guard) 4”
BLADE MATERIAL: DNH7HC
HANDLE MATERIAL: Palisander wood
WEIGHT: 18.5 ounces
MSRP: $415 3”
WEBSITE: CASIberia.com

31 Browning
IGNITE 2”
OVERALL LENGTH: 11.5 inches
BLADE LENGTH: 8.5 inches
BLADE THICKNESS: NA
BLADE MATERIAL: 7Cr 1”
HANDLE MATERIAL: Injection molded
WEIGHT: 8.0 ounces
MSRP: $29
WEBSITE: Browning.com KI 0”

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KIBG_2017_93 11/4/16 3:54 AM Page 93

R11600
ASSISTED
OPENING
FOLDER

Black checkered aluminum handle


with lanyard hole and pocket clip
Black Oxidized Stainless Steel Blade
7 5/8" Open Length
4 1/2" Closed Length
4.3 oz Weight

GET YOURS AT
WWW.REMINGTONCUTLERY.COM
KNIFE
BUYING
101
10 TIPS TO CONSIDER
WHEN DECIDING WHAT
TO BUY
BY KEVIN ESTELA

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A
s a professional survival expert
and Filipino martial arts in-
structor, I field many questions
about the knives I’ve carried
over the years. Students and seminar
attendees want to know what works best
for me.

While I do have my preferences and find


it flattering they respect my opinion, I
generally respond by asking questions to
help these inquiring minds discover which
knives suit them best. The same logic we
use in, say, finding footwear, should also
apply to preferable cutlery. My size-13
winter boot would be too loose for a
smaller foot, and too warm for someone in
a tropical climate.

We differ physically and have distinct


attributes, making the perfect fit anything
but universal. To help you determine what
works best for you as a knife buyer, here
are a few questions to get you started:

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“THERE IS NOTHING WORSE
01 WHAT’S MY
BUDGET?
THAN FINDING OUT THE
KNIFE OF YOUR DREAMS
Here’s an expression that rings true
for knife purchases: “When you
buy quality, you only cry once.” You
IS A QUARTER-OF-
AN-INCH TOO
should purchase the best you can
afford. The key word is “afford.”
At every price, there are knives for
LONG FOR
EVERYDAY
survival in the street as well as in the
woods. Knives beyond your budget

CARRY.”
are fantastical; spend too much on
a fancy-looking knife and your heart
may break when your circumstances
require you to use it as a tool. Don’t
buy what you can’t replace. Stay
within your budget.

02 WHAT’S THE
TASK?
Knife designs can evoke emotional
responses. Sometimes the knife
we want is not the knife we need.
Popular fictitious characters like
Crocodile Dundee, Rambo and Jack
Top) What is the
Bauer blur the understanding of a purpose of the
knife’s function. Instead of focusing blade you want?
The RMJ Kukri is a
on form first, think about the knife’s chopping machine
and perfectly suited
function. A large Bowie knife isn’t for cutting through
material in urban
the best choice for filleting fish. A and remote set-
tings. The reverse
double-edge dagger serves as a bet- curve of the blade
maximizes cutting
ter defensive blade than a bushcraft potential.
knife. Think about what tasks you
need to accomplish before settling
on a knife design.

03 WHICH STEEL
IS BEST FOR MY
PURPOSE?
The average knife user has a hard
time differentiating between most of
the exotic steels available. Without
the label, it would be tough to tell
the difference between carbon and Right) A compact
stainless steel. There are various blade, like the RAT
from Headhunter
grades of carbon steel, crucible met- Blades, is a great
option for those
als and non-magnetics. With all the who go into harm’s
way. Worn opposite
options available, do a quick internet the firearm, it
provides another
search on “which steel is best for option for lethal
force when it is
___,” and insert your need in the deemed necessary.
blank. Instead of jumping right for Photo credit: Voo-
dooman
the latest and greatest, a bit of re-
search will help you purchase a more right fit, a handle with a thick contour get a feel for the handle. If the knife
reliable and longer-lasting blade. (my preference) won’t fit as comfort- isn’t comfortable in your hand, move
ably in a smaller hand. Depending on on to something that works for you.

04 IS THE HANDLE
COMFORTABLE?
When watching others use a knife,
the use of the knife, an aggressively
textured handle is a better purchase
in defensive scenarios, but can cause 05 WHERE AM I
GOING TO USE IT?
we sometimes forget about the han- blisters during prolonged use. When- Think about the environmental factors
dle inside their clenched fingers. Just ever possible, hold a knife and work that may affect your knife’s perfor-
like my analogy with shoes for the through various grip manipulations to mance when you use it. This can help

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BUDGETING
What knife would you buy with $20?
With $100? With $500? The options are
endless, and these questions have been
posed countless times in knife community
discussions.

As a serious outdoorsman, you probably


wouldn’t carry a single knife. For this reason,
you address which steel and handle consider a backup blade you can purchase
you preferably want. Bushcrafters in at each of those price points. Maybe you’re
dry environments may favor 01 steel starting from scratch or maybe you already
and other high carbons, but those in have a reliable blade on your belt and you’re
coastal areas where moisture is high looking for complementary blades, much like
the famed Nessmuk Trio (belt knife, hatchet
will likely prefer 3V, S35VN or S30V
and pocket knife). A good multi-tool or folding
steel due to its corrosive resistance. Of knife, plus a chopping tool, should be part of
course, you’ll need to balance these your budget as well.
factors against the results from the
questions you’ve answered. If your life depends on your knife, keeping it
sharp will mean purchasing a quality field

06 WHAT DO sharpener, and a more dedicated, less portable


unit for home. If the sheath your knife came
OTHERS SAY with is old, doesn’t retain the blade as you like
ABOUT THIS KNIFE or simply doesn’t work for you, your budget
AND WHY DO OPINIONS should include the cost of a replacement.
VARY?
Thanks to the internet, it’s easy to Of course, if you have unlimited funds, you can
find reviews of just about any knife. purchase what you need from anywhere. But if
funds are limited, we advise you to seek out the
Depending on distribution, you may
secondary markets found on discussion forums,
find a few hundred observations or used-knives tables at gun-and-knife shows,
reviews from people who have used eBay and pawn shops. Ask around if anyone
knives in the field. Look for patterns in your circle of friends is looking to move any
and repeated comments. Opinions will of their gear, and consider bartering goods or
vary based on the overall experience of services in exchange for your desired item. If you
can save money now, you’ll probably have more
acquiring and using the knife. Be wary
to work with at the next price point the next
and look at the big picture: Some feed- time you upgrade or replace your gear.
back may be negative due to a buyer’s
expense or user error. Likewise, overly
zealous feedback might lead you to
believe the knife could chop firewood LEARN THE LAWS
all on its own. Each user has his own Do you know what the knife laws are in
your state? Can you answer the following
opinion when it comes to knife use.
questions? How long is a legal blade?
Experiences vary based on knowledge Where can’t you legally carry a blade?
and blade skills. Take them with a grain What exactly is the difference between
of salt and try to get a balanced view an assisted-opening knife, a switchblade,
by reading a wide range of opinions. and a gravity knife? Is a blade measured
from the tip to the plunge line, by the

07 CAN I LEGALLY sharpened portion only, or in some other


manner?
PURCHASE,
POSSESS, AND CARRY IT? For instance, a recreational-use statute allows
Consult with a reputable source, such you to carry some blades only while you are
as the Legal Blade app from Knife engaged only in a recreational pursuit, such as a
Rights (www.KnifeRights.org) before 9-inch long fillet knife while fishing.
your knife purchase. There is nothing
Lawyers are expensive and you would probably
worse than finding out the knife of rather use your money for your next blade,
your dreams is a quarter-of-an-inch adventure or accessory, instead of legal fees.
too long for everyday carry. Be a smart
Utilizing an S35VN blade, A Scandi-ground knife and legal knife owner when buying, It isn’t a bad idea to carry a miniaturized
the Martin Knives Phoenix excels at cutting wood carrying, and using knives. photocopy of your local laws in your wallet as a
is a top-of-the-line hol- and holds up to the
low-handle survival knife elements when ground pocket reference. You can find more information

08 IS THE KNIFE
that holds up in the damp- from a “super steel” like at KnifeRights.org.
est environments and the Martin Knives Bush-
DURABLE? WHAT
keeps the handle contents craft Classic in S35VN.
dry. Martin Knives has The comfortable handle
never had a blade returned
broken at the hilt.
will not blister the hand
after prolonged use. IS THE WARRANTY?

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A good warranty on a knife means the
maker stands behind his work, which
means you can trust its durability. A
good warranty also means it can be
serviced if it’s accidentally damaged
during training. Personally warranties
don’t mean a damn thing in an emer-
gency, but buy the most robust knife
you can afford.

09 HOW DOES THE


SHEATH CARRY
THE BLADE?
A sheath is to knife, as holster is to
pistol. A sheath should hold the knife in
a secure, but easily accessible manner.
Self-defense knives should be easily
drawn from sheaths, free of interfering
straps. Bushcraft knives should have
deep pouch sheaths to protect the
blade and handle and should fasten
securely to prevent accidental loss.
Tactical knives likely have provisions to
attach the blade to MOLLE or web gear
in any number of positions. Depending
on the user, the sheath may feature
“click” retention or a friction fit. Also
worthy of consideration is the location
where the sheath allows carry on the
body or pack.

10 WHERE CAN I
FIND ONE?
Once you have your knife selection nar-
rowed down, it’s time to search places

“THINK ABOUT THE


The Vehement
such as eBay, Amazon, Google, online Blades Combat
Dagger is an excel-

ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS
message boards, and forums to locate lent example of a
done-right
potential bargains. The extra money double-edged

THAT MAY AFFECT YOUR


you keep can be placed aside for a defensive knife.
Perfectly balanced
backup blade purchase, supplemental and made from

KNIFE’S PERFORMANCE
modern materials,
gear, or for training. Don’t waste any of it is an excellent

WHEN YOU USE IT.”


complement to the
your hard-earned money by paying too combative loadout.
much. KI

KNIFE TYPES
• EDC: An EDC blade is a practical • Bushcraft: Bushcraft knives are • Survival: Survival knives are not com- • Tactical: Depending on your training and mission,
blade for true everyday carry. Car- knives meant for processing natural promising. Compared to other knife types, your desired tactical knife design will vary. True
ried in pocket slips, belt pouches resources while living in the outdoors. they are meant for absolute dependability. tactical knives don’t resemble the vast majority of
or clipped to your pants, this knife In general, this means wood carving, A survival knife may be a single tool meant knives sold with the “tactical” label. Tactical knives
should be carried in a consistent scraping with the spine, preparing food to do the work of many. It should be able aren’t anti-personnel knives. If your tactics require
place every day. An occasionally in camp and cleaning wild-caught fish to slice, chop, pierce and cut just about any cutting a shooting lane or hole, your tactical knife
carried knife is not an EDC knife. and game. Bushcraft knives should be reasonable material found in the area of should be for more field craft than fighting. Tactical
An EDC knife is meant for opening comfortable for extended use in-hand operations of the user. These knives may knives should be grounded in reality, not fantasy.
letters, cutting up lunch, cutting in a number of positions. Depending not be used daily, they may be stored for If your tactics include using a blade for defense/of-
a notch in a cigar, cutting cord on the intent of the user (from casual long periods of time and they are likely to fense when better options are available, reconsider
and other regularly occurring hobbyist to professional guide), the be exposed to the elements and the worst- your strategy. Depending on group size, maneuvers,
tasks in an average day. These knife can be constructed from case atmospheric conditions. Hard use in a and additional equipment, a small center-line
knives never leave your side and traditional materials purely for looks moment of stress or in a prolonged survival carried backup blade may work as a tactical knife. A
their selection may be the most or from the most modern for durability situation should not damage or adversely tactical blade must be easily accessed, unsheathed,
difficult to make. and longevity in the field. affect this style of knife. and deployed with either hand.

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Inkosi
The

Zulu: Chief
Giving you more features in a
smaller knife

Large
Hollow Grind
Technology

2.75” Blade
Length

S35VN Blade
Steel

Angled Pocket Clip

Ceramic Ball Lock Interface 58-60 ROCKWELL

3-1/4" EDGE
Oversized Washers
4-3/8" CLOSED LENGTH
Large Pivot
2.5 OZ. WEIGHT

EXTRAS: POCKET CLIP


chrisreeve.com & TIP DOWN CARRY

MADE IN
THE U.S.A.

MODEL : MC-300-CF-LD

STILETTO
DAMASCUS
HIGH DEFINITION
DAMASCUS STEEL
BLADE WITH CARBON
FIBER HANDLE.

GET YOURS AT
WWW.BEARANDSONCUTLERY.COM
TOMAHAWKS
20”

19”

18”

17”

16”

15”

14”

13”

12”

11”

10”

9”

8”

T
7”
OMAHAWK - The tomahawk is a
timeless relic that functions with
6”
versatility and simplicity. Since early
history, tomahawks have been
instrumental in every field process. For
5”
chopping, prying, and even defensive uses,
the tomahawk never fails as an effective
camp and combat tool.
4”

3”

2”

1”

0”

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TOMAHAWKS
20”

19”

18”

17”

16”

15”

14”

13”

12”

11”

10”

9”

8”

7”

6”

5”

4”

3”

2”

1”

0” Photos By Henry deKuyper


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TOMAHAWKS
20”

19”

18”

17”

16”

15”

14”

13”

12”

11”

01 COLONIAL KNIFE AND TOOL


TOMAHAWK T200
(THROWING) 10”
OVERALL LENGTH: 14.0 INCHES
BLADE LENGTH: 3.5 INCHES
BLADE MATERIAL: 8670 STEEL 9”
BLADE THICKNESS: 0.625 INCH
HANDLE MATERIAL: 550 PARACORD
WRAPPED (NOT SHOWN)
WEIGHT: 19 OUNCES 8”
MSRP: $500
WEBSITE: COLONIALKNIFECORP.COM
7”
02 COLUMBIA RIVER KNIFE & TOOL
CHOGAN T-HAWK
OVERALL LENGTH: 19.13 INCHES 6”
BLADE LENGTH: 4.21 INCHES
BLADE MATERIAL: 1055 CARBON STEEL
BLADE THICKNESS: 0.52 INCH
HANDLE MATERIAL: TENNESSEE 5”
HICKORY
WEIGHT: 2.9 POUNDS
MSRP: $69
WEBSITE: CRKT.COM 4”

03 HALF FACE BLADES 3”


GEN 2 TOMAHAWK
OVERALL LENGTH: 13.125 INCHES
BLADE LENGTH: 6.0 INCHES
BLADE MATERIAL: S35VN 2”
BLADE THICKNESS: 0.25 INCH
HANDLE MATERIAL: G10 OR 750
MICARTA
1”
WEIGHT: 22.0 OUNCES
MSRP: $600
WEBSITE: FACEBOOK.COM/
HALFFACEBLADES/ 0”

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TOMAHAWKS
20”

19”

18”

17”

16”

15”

14”

13”

12”

11”

04 TOPS KNIVES
HAKET
10” OVERALL LENGTH: 15.00 INCHES
BLADE LENGTH: 8.5 INCHES
BLADE MATERIAL: 1095 RC- 56-58
9”
BLADE THICKNESS: 0.190 INCH
HANDLE MATERIAL: CHROME MOLY
TUBE WITH CORD WRAP
WEIGHT: 40.0 OUNCES (WITH SHEATH)
8” MSRP: $240
WEBSITE: TOPSKNIVES.COM

7” 05 SCHRADE
TACTICAL HATCHET
OVERALL LENGTH: 12.8 INCHES
6” BLADE LENGTH: 3.1 INCHES
BLADE MATERIAL: POWDER COATED SK5
HIGH CARBON STAINLESS STEEL
BLADE THICKNESS: NA
5” HANDLE MATERIAL: GLASS-FILLED
NYLON FIBER SLABS
WEIGHT: 1.56 POUNDS
MSRP: $106
4” WEBSITE: TAYLORBRANDSLLC.COM

3” 06 KERSHAW
SIEGE
OVERALL LENGTH: 16 INCHES
BLADE LENGTH: 4 INCHES
2” BLADE MATERIAL: 3CR13 STEEL,
BLACK-OXIDE COATING
BLADE THICKNESS: NA
HANDLE MATERIAL: RIVETED GLASS-
1” FILLED NYLON SCALES, K-TEXTURE™ GRIP
WEIGHT: 31.8 OUNCES
MSRP: $79
0” WEBSITE: KERSHAW.KAIUSALTD.COM

04 05 06 KNIVES ILLUSTRATED
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T TOMAHAWKS
20”

19”

18”

17”

16”

15”

14”

13”

12”

11”

07 BOKER
MAGNUM 10”
CARNIVORE
OVERALL LENGTH: 14.25 INCHES
BLADE LENGTH: 2.5 INCHES
9”
BLADE THICKNESS: NA
BLADE MATERIAL: SK5 HIGH
CARBON STEEL
HANDLE MATERIAL: G10 8”
WEIGHT: 37.0 OUNCES
MSRP: $179
WEBSITE: BOKER.DE/US
7”

08 COLD STEEL
WAR HAWK 6”
OVERALL LENGTH: 19 INCHES
BLADE LENGTH: 3 INCHES
BLADE THICKNESS: NA
BLADE MATERIAL: DROP FORGED 5”
1055 CARBON
HANDLE MATERIAL: POLYPROPYLENE
WEIGHT: 1.84 POUNDS
MSRP: $69 4”
WEBSITE: COLDSTEEL.COM

3”
09 COLUMBIA RIVER KNIFE & TOOL
KANGEE T-HAWK
OVERALL LENGTH: 13.75 INCHES
BLADE LENGTH: 2.93 INCHES 2”
BLADE THICKNESS: 0.23 INCH
BLADE MATERIAL: SK5 CARBON STEEL
HANDLE MATERIAL: GLASS-FILLED
NYLON 1”
WEIGHT: 3.6 POUNDS
MSRP: $185
WEBSITE: CRKT.COM KI 0”

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M
ULTI-TOOL - The development of the multi-tool in
recent years means that the knife aficionado has, at
his fingertips, a virtual toolbox of useful implements,
including the right tool when he needs it most. The
capability of the modern multi-tool has grown by leaps and
bounds, due to dedicated engineering devoted to its develop-
ment. These new tools put high-tech functionality in a compact
and portable format you can tuck in your back pocket.

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MULTI-TOOL

Photos By Henry deKuyper

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MULTI-TOOL

01 Leatherman
KNIFELESS REBAR
OVERALL LENGTH: 4 inches (closed)
BLADE LENGTH: 3 inches
HANDLE MATERIAL: 420HC steel
WEIGHT: 6.7 ounces 01 02
MSRP: $80
WEBSITE: Leatherman.com

02 Leatherman
REBAR
OVERALL LENGTH: 4.0 inches (closed)
BLADE LENGTH: 2.9 inches
BLADE MATERIAL: 420HC steel
HANDLE MATERIAL: 420HC steel
WEIGHT: 6.7 ounces
MSRP: $60.85
WEBSITE: Leatherman.com
03
03 Victorinox
TRAILMASTER
OVERALL LENGTH: 4.37 inches (closed)
BLADE LENGTH: 3.38 inches
BLADE MATERIAL: 420HC steel
HANDLE MATERIAL: Polymide
WEIGHT: 4.51 ounces
MSRP: $65
WEBSITE: Victorinox.com

04 Leatherman
SKELETOOL RX
OVERALL LENGTH: 4.0 inches (closed)
BLADE LENGTH: 2.6 inches
BLADE MATERIAL: 420HC steel
HANDLE MATERIAL: 154 steel w/
Cerakote
WEIGHT: 5 ounces
MSRP: Starts at $89.95
WEBSITE: Leatherman.com

05 Leatherman
SIGNAL
OVERALL LENGTH: 4.5 inches (closed)
BLADE LENGTH: 2.75 inches
BLADE MATERIAL: 420HC steel
HANDLE MATERIAL: 420HC steel
WEIGHT: 7.5 ounces
MSRP: $99
WEBSITE: Leatherman.com
04 05
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MULTI-TOOL

06 Victorinox
PIONEER X – SILVER
ALOX
OVERALL LENGTH: 3.7 inches (closed)
BLADE LENGTH: 2.65 inches
BLADE MATERIAL: 420HC steel
HANDLE MATERIAL: Aluminum
WEIGHT: 4.51 ounces
MSRP: $45
WEBSITE: Victorinox.com
06 07
07 Victorinox
CLASSIC SD
OVERALL LENGTH: 2.3 inches (closed)
BLADE LENGTH: 1.075 inches
BLADE MATERIAL: 420HC steel
HANDLE MATERIAL: ABS/Celidor
WEIGHT: 0.8 ounces
MSRP: $20
WEBSITE: Victorinox.com

08 Gerber
CENTER-DRIVE
MULTI-TOOL

08 OVERALL LENGTH: 4.7 inches (closed)


BLADE LENGTH: 3.25 inches
TOOL OPEN LENGTH: 6.6 inches
BLADE MATERIAL: 420HC steel
HANDLE MATERIAL: U.S. stainless steel
WEIGHT: 9.5 ounces
MSRP: $89
WEBSITE: GerberGear.com

09 Gerber
MP1
OVERALL LENGTH: 4.38 inches (closed)
BLADE LENGTH: 2.8 inches
BLADE MATERIAL: 6150 carbon steel
jaws; 420HC steel blades
HANDLE MATERIAL: Textured G10
WEIGHT: 8 ounces
MSRP: $132
WEBSITE: GerberGear.com

10 Coast
LED140 LED
MULTI TOOL
OVERALL LENGTH: 3.85 inches (closed)
BLADE LENGTH: 1.75 inches
BLADE MATERIAL: 3CR13 steel
HANDLE MATERIAL: Stainless steel with
rubber padding

09
WEIGHT: 10.1 ounces
10 MSRP: $39
WEBSITE: CoastPortland.com KI

KNIVES ILLUSTRATED
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110 KNIVES ILLUSTRATED
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S
HARPENERS -The art and science
of knife sharpening goes back to
the Stone Age, when early man was
putting an edge on obsidian. Back
then, getting a sharp edge meant hitting the
stone at just the right angle to produce the
required edge. Today, getting and keeping
a knife blade sharp means the same thing:
holding the knife blade and the proper angle
to achieve the proper edge, although there
are tools and techniques available to make
that job easier and quicker.

Photos By Henry deKuyper

KNIVES ILLUSTRATED
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S SHARPENERS

01
01 Work Sharp
KEN ONION EDITION
KNIFE & TOOL
SHARPENER
Work Sharp has partnered with legendary
Hall of Fame knifemaker, Ken Onion, to
develop a new knife and tool sharpening
platform with expanded features! The
combination of Work Sharp engineering and
Ken Onion’s industrial design has created
a fast, easy and stylish way to sharpen all
your knives and tools with precision and
repeatability. The Ken Onion Edition Knife
& Tool Sharpener is designed to sharpen
every knife you own. Using a fully adjustable
precision sharpening guide, variable speed
and wide flexible abrasive belts, it sharpens
pocket and hunting knives, serrated knives,
kitchen knives and any other shape or type
of blade you own. 02
FEATURES:
Motor: 120VAC/1.5 amp
Power Switch: Variable speed; on /off /
momentary
Duty Cycle: 1 hour continuous
Abrasives Included: P120 X65 (P220)
X22 (P1000) X4 (P3000) 6000
Abrasive Size: ¾ x 12-inches
Sharpening Guides: Adjustable, 15° - 30°
Retractable Honing Rod: No
Attachments: Tool grinding attachment,
blade grinding attachment
MSRP: $99
WEBSITE: WorkSharpTools.com

02 Work Sharp
KEN ONION BLADE
GRINDING
ATTACHMENT
If you’re ready to step up your game and
start customizing your knife sharpening,
then you should consider the Blade Grinding
Attachment (add-on) for the Ken Onion
Edition Knife & Tool Sharpener. With five
belts, ranging from P120 to Micro Mesh
P12,000, you can customize any knife you
have with the grind you want. Its four
pulleys allow you to fully adjust your angle
from 10° to 35° in 1-degree increments. With
03
its simple tool-less attachment design, you
can be using it in no time.

THE BLADE GRINDING ATTACHMENT


INCLUDES 1 EACH OF THE FOLLOW-
ING 1X18-INCH BELTS:
• P120
• X4
• X22
• X65
• 12,000
MSRP: $99.95
WEBSITE: WorkSharpTools.com

112 KNIVES ILLUSTRATED


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SHARPENERS S
03 Work Sharp
ORIGINAL KNIFE AN
TOOL SHARPENER
04 FEATURES:
• 40-degree kitchen knife guide
• 50-degree outdoor knife guide
• P80 coarse abrasive belts
• P220 medium abrasive belts
• 6000 extra-fine abrasive belts
• Retractable honing rod
• Storage bag
• DVD – Secrets to “Shaving Sharp” Knives
• User’s guide
MSRP: $99
WEBSITE: WorkSharpTools.com

04 Work Sharp
CERAMIC FIELD
HONE - GUIDED
SHARPENING SYSTEM
The Work Sharp Guided Sharpening System
is a complete sharpening solution for every
knife you own. It features the innovative

05 Pivot-Response System which allows the


abrasive to follow the curve of the blade –
making manual sharpening faster, easier
and more precise than ever.

FEATURES:
• 1.25 x 6-inches coarse (320 grit) and fine
(600 grit) diamond sharpening plates
• 17-degree and 20-degree angle guides
• Coarse and fine ceramic hone with built-in
angle guides
• 3 sizes of ceramic rods to sharpen serrations
• Pivot-response technology
• Removable diamond plate holder for
sharpening tools
MSRP: $59
WEBSITE: WorkSharpTools.com
FOLLOW US ON
05 Work Sharp
GUIDED FIELD
SHARPENER
The Guided Field Sharpener is a complete
sharpening solution for field, home or shop
use. It is the first angle-guided, 5-stage
sharpening solution designed for sportsmen
who need a complete, robust and compact
field sharpening solution.

FEATURES:
• 2 Diamond Plates: 1 coarse (220 grit)
for shaping and repairing, and 1 fine (600
Discover the premier grit) for sharpening; plates measure 6 x
1.25-inches
knife magazine. • 2 Ceramic Rods: a 3-position ceramic rod
incorporating coarse grit, fine grit and fish
hook honing sides, plus a smaller diameter,
fine grit serration sharpener
• 1 Leather Strop: conditioned with a
micro-abrasive to finish your blades to a
facebook.com/knivesillustrated razor-sharp edge
MSRP: $59
WEBSITE: WorkSharpTools.com KI

KNIVES ILLUSTRATED
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KIBG_2017_114 11/8/16 12:04 AM Page 114

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KIBG_2017_C3 11/4/16 4:18 AM Page C3
KIBG_2017_C4 11/4/16 4:20 AM Page C4

GO BOLD ZTKNIVES.COM
Premium materials define ZT. We
don’t do cheap. You shouldn’t
either. For the all-important blade,
we turn to high-performance steels
like CTS-204P, S30V, and S35VN.
For handles, it’s titanium and
carbon fiber. Premium materials,
obsessive attention to detail, and
ultra-precise fit and finish make ZT
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0450CF

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