The Cutting Edge

The official blog of Knife Depot

Search results: "assisted" (page 1 of 14)

6 Best Budget Spring Assisted Knives

From collectors to avid outdoorsmen (and women), day laborers or simply those who like having a versatile tool ready at hand, spring assisted blades have skyrocketed in popularity.

Also known as assisted-opening knives, these blades are revered for their fast and reliable deployment while reducing the risk of human error and injury.

Many of us have been there, with even the most well-practiced knife-wielder experiencing a misfire from time to time with manual flipper knives. The same cannot be said for spring assisted openers. Short of catastrophic mechanical failure (a rarity), these blades deploy with unparalleled reliability.

Continue reading

Why Do People Hate Assisted-Openers?

If you were to peruse some popular knife forums, you’d think the invention of the assisted-opening mechanism was the worst thing to happen to the knife world.

The truth is that the average user could not care less whether the knife is spring-assisted. As long as it opens reliably and is relatively cheap, most people barley notice.

So, why do most knife nuts seem to hate assisted-opening knives with a passion? These are the most common arguments against assisted blades.

(Note: I’m being the devil’s advocate and citing some common arguments. I honestly don’t have a preference between assisted-openers and manual folders.)

1. Assisted-openers are dangerous

One of the biggest complaints about assisted-openers is that they’re dangerous. There are stories from people across the internet who say an assisted opener engaged while in the pocket. Those with flipper tabs are likely more dangerous because they can open up pretty easily when some pressure is applied to the edge of the closed knife. (This is a problem that can be mostly prevented with right-handed tip-down carry where the pocket would help keep it closed.)

I’ve carried assisted-openers before and never had one open. However, I have had an unassisted knife open slightly in my pocket. I don’t remember the circumstances that caused it, but any type of knife can be dangerous. Take a look at what could happen with an auto:

A first for me. Boker Kalashnikov opened in my pocket. from knives

Some have even complained that the strength of the assisted open is so powerful that the knife feels like it’s going to jump out of the hand.

2. Safety lock negates any advantages

To combat the first complaint, many knives come with safety mechanisms that keep the blade closed. For example, many Kershaw SpeedSafe models have a little peg that slides behind the blade to keep it from opening up accidentally. While it does increase the safety of the knife, it also counteracts the quickness and accessibility of the knife.

Continue reading

Win a Kershaw Blur S30V for Assisted-Opening Knife Week

assisted-opening-knives-week2

The assisted-opening knife is a relatively recent innovation in the world of knives, but it transformed the landscape and created an entirely new genre.

We’ve been celebrating landmarks and anniversaries throughout the year here at Knife Depot. This week we’re celebrating Assisted-Opening Knife Week.

Assisted openers were invented as a way to circumvent the ban on switchblades while offering users an option to engage a knife quickly with one hand. Here’s a good description of the difference between the two.

There’s some debate as to who created the first assisted-opening mechanism, but it’s likely that both Blackie Collins and Ken Onion developed a similar mechanism concurrently.

Since then, most brands carry assisted-opening knives that use trade names like SpeedSafe, SOG Assisted Technology, Outburst, and others.

Throughout the week, we’ll be writing cool stories and having exclusive sales related to assisted openers. To kick things off, we’re giving away a Kershaw Blur S30V. This iconic pocket knife uses a SpeedSafe assisted-opening mechanism and boasts a stonewashed blade with a slight recurve. This iteration has upgrade S30V steel, making it a perfect EDC.

The winner will be announced Saturday.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Best-Selling Assisted-Opening Knives at Knife Depot

Every few weeks, we like to reflect on the most popular knives here at Knife Depot. This information is fluid, meaning in a few weeks these may not be the same knives topping our best-sellers lists.

However, it does give a good indication as to what kinds of knives people are interested in the most these days. We’ve gone through a number of categories, including best-selling kukris, best-selling Spyderco Knives, and best-selling CRKT Knives, so we decided to take a look at assisted-opening knives.

Here are some of the best-selling assisted openers.

5. Kershaw Blur

9_513484

First up on the list is a veteran of the assisted opening world: the Kershaw Blur. The Blur and its cousin the Leek (spoiler alert: it’s next on the list!) really set the standard for assisted-opening knives. Ken Onion was one of the first designers to use an assisted-opening mechanism on his knives (using a device he calls the SpeedSafe mechanism).

The Blur is a hefty knife with a 3.38-inch drop point blade made from Sandvik 14C28N. It has a black aluminum handle and a tungsten DLC coating on the blade.

It makes this list because this includes the various types of Kershaw Blur variations, including the S30V version and the tanto with black-green handle version.

buy-button2

4. Kershaw Leek

9_538204

The Kershaw Blur and Kershaw Leek are always lumped together as two of the most influential modern knives around. What makes these great knives is the fact that they complement each other. Whereas the Blur is dark and stout, the Leek is bright and sleek.

The Leek uses the same patented SpeedSafe technology to make this EDC lightning quick. It has a 3-inch blade made from Sandvik 14C28N with a bead-blasted finish and a pure stainless steel handle. The knife is light and thin, making it an ideal EDC knife.

Continue reading

Watch ‘The Story of the Knife’, Win a Tactical Assisted Opener from Trademark Knives

Every now and again, something so badass comes around that we just have to share it. Enter the “Story of the Knife” from Knife Depot.

We’re so confident that this new Knife Depot video will relate to you that we’re giving away this tactical knife just for watching it. Here’s how you could be the lucky winner.

1. Watch the video above.

2. Write the name of one of the knives you see in the video in the comment section below.

3. Receive a bonus entry by leaving a comment on the YouTube video telling us why you love knives.

You can also click one of the tweet, share on Facebook or share on Reddit icons below for some extra luck.

It’s as simple as that. We’ll announce the winner at the end of the week, so start watching for your chance to win the Assisted Opening Tactical Rescue Pocket Knife from Trademark Knives.

Tactical Folding Knife

20 Knife Gift Ideas Under $100

This post was updated in 2023.

Our suggestions for gift ideas at certain price ranges continues with 20 knife gift ideas under $100.

This list only features knives in the $50 to $100 price range. If you’re interested in the $20 to $50 range, check out our 20 knife gift ideas under $50 post. For prices under that, check out our 20 knife gift ideas under $20.

These recommendations cover the full gamut of styles, designs, and functions, so if you can’t find something to your satisfaction, you’re trying too hard.

Check out way more knife gift ideas under $100 on our collections page.

1. CIVIVI Elementum

The first few iterations of this list featured the iconic Benchmade Mini Griptilian and then the fantastic Spyderco Para 3 Lightweight here. Unfortunately, rising prices have pushed these still great knives off the list. But the replacement may be a better overall knife and value.

The CIVIVI Elementum is one of the best everyday carry knives on the market. It is a simple design that countless people have fallen in love with the past few years. The great thing about the Elementum is that it comes in countless varieties, so you can get the Elementum that matches the personality of the recipient.

An even better aspect is that all of the CIVIVI Elementums fall in the $50 to $100 price range.

The one highlighted here is the handsome version with wood handles and a black blade.

2. CRKT Taco Viper

Despite its silly-sounding name, the CRKT Taco Viper is an amazing and underrated folder.

It has a great history because it’s made by veteran Antonio Rodriguez and gets its moniker from a nickname given to 82nd Airborne because they gave their leftover Taco Tuesday scraps to the snakes while serving in Afghanistan.

Continue reading

20 Knife Gift Ideas Under $50

Note: Post updated in 2023.

If you’re like me, trying to find a gift is the worst. Fortunately, for you, helping you find the perfect gift is part of my job.

I’ve written about 20 different knife-related gifts for under $20 with some great options. But, if your budget for a good friend or a brother is a little higher, we got you covered.

Here are 20 knife-related gift ideas for under $50. These include some of the best-sellers at Knife Depot and products people have been excited about recently.

For a more robust list, check out the gift ideas under $50 collections page.

1. Spyderco UpTern

When we first made this list a few years back, the Spyderco Tenacious was one of the top picks for knives under $50, but its price is now well over the $50 mark.

However, Spyderco still has a handful of knives under the $50, including the relatively recent UpTern. This knife is unique in that it’s one of the few Byrd knives to get a Spyderco upgrade (rather than the other way around).

This is an all steel model that’s similar to those original Delica/Endura models. This one has a finger choil that makes gripping this folder very comfortable.

2. Kershaw Bracket

Kershaw has a ton of great knives at just under the $50 mark. The Bracket is a great choice for those looking to get a knife that’s a little different from the rest.

This cleaver style folder has a 3.4-inch blade with a steel pivot overly over a glass-filled nylon front scale. It is a robust yet balanced knife.

3. Smith & Wesson Bullseye Throwers

Smith & Wesson Bullseye Throwers

Does your gift recipient already have a ton of foldings knives and fixed blades? Try getting him or her a set of throwing knives. This set from Smith & Wesson comes with six throwing knives that are durable and great for everyone.

Knife throwing is quickly becoming a popular sport that people can play in the comfort of their own backyard. Start a new tradition with this set.

4. Engraved Old Timer 6OT Golden Bear

From the modern to the classic, the next item under $50 is the Old Timer 6OT Golden Bear from Schrade. I’ve always been a big fan of Old Timer knives — the saw cut Delrin handles and the brass bolsters/pins give this knife a look that harkens back to the days of old.

Continue reading

20 Knife Gift Ideas Under $20

Note: Post updated in 2023.

Finding a gift for someone is stressful, whether it’s a small Christmas gift for a coworker, a graduation gift for your little brother, or a present for Father’s Day.

But don’t worry; we have your back with a good knife.

We first wrote this post a few years ago, but due to prices creeping up, we had to give this list an overhaul. So here’s a look at 20 easy knife-related gift ideas that are sure to get some genuine smiles and thanks.

The best part is that everything’s under $20. Check out more gift ideas under a slightly elevated threshold of $25 at our gift ideas under $25 collections page.

1. Kershaw Cinder

The fantastic Kershaw Shuffle used to hold this spot, but it’s unfortunately a few dollars over our arbitrary $20 limit. But Kershaw has another small multifunctional pocket knife for under $20 — the Kershaw Cinder in copper.

This one makes an excellent gift. Why? This is a good all-around EDC tool with the dual purpose of being a bottle opener and pry bar. That alone makes this gift a no-brainer.

It’s small enough to fit in a keychain, but the locking blade is nothing to scoff at. The fact that this version comes in copper makes it even more special.

buy-button2

2. Smith & Wesson SW1101

Smith & Wesson is best known for its firearms, but the S&W knives are more than capable. The value on the SW1101 cannot be overstated.

This is a solid EDC with a 3-inch blade that opens via flipper or thumb stud and has a rubberized aluminum handle. You can’t beat this knife for the price.

buy-button2

3. Gerber Mini Paraframe

The Gerber Paraframe is a classic design that pretty much everyone has had in their life.

This mini version with a 2.22-inch blade keeps that same iconic skeletonized design but shrinks it down into a package that’s easier to carry and gift.

buy-button2

4. Tac-Force Knuckle Knife

Is this a novelty knife or unique EDC knife for around the house? Yes and yes!

The Tac-Force Tactical Knuckle Knife is an interesting folder with an assisted-opening blade that springs open via flipper. But you will probably immediately notice the built-in knuckle guard that’s reminiscent of old trench knives.

Just makes sure knuckle knives are legal in your area!

buy-button2

5. Lansky Blade Medic

All knives need a touch-up at some point in their life, but the need always comes at the worst times. That’s what the Lansky Blade Medic is for.

This pocket sharpening kit is billed as the first responder for field repairs because it’s an entire sharpening system that fits right in your pocket. It has tungsten carbide, ceramic sharpening rods, a serrated knife sharpener, and a diamond tapered rod.

Continue reading

CRKT Taco Viper – Knife of the Week

CRKT Taco Viper

With Veteran’s Day this week, we thought it only made sense to pick a knife designed by a veteran as the latest Knife of the Week.

The CRKT Taco Viper was the obvious choice.

Designed by Antonio Rodriguez, a veteran of the 82nd Airborne and son of Michael Rodriguez, the Taco Viper was created as a reliable flipper for high-stakes situations like those paratroopers might find themselves.

The knife was made as part of the Forged by War program, which sees veterans team up with CRKT to bring their visions to life.

The first thing you probably noticed is not the design but the awesome name.

Continue reading

7 Striking Orange Knives

This article on orange knives was originally published in 2015 but has been updated to include newer models.

If you look at all the colors that knives and their handles come in, you’ll notice a trend. Yup, they’re pretty much all black. Black is a popular color for knives because of its lowkey appearance and versatility.

While the majority of people opt for those sexy black knives, it’s the other colors that don’t get enough love. So we decided to do a series of posts dedicated to those knives in different colors.

So today we’re looking at orange knives.

1. CIVIVI Elementum

The Elementum is one of the best EDC knives ever made due to its simple yet effective design and highly competitive price. This knife is available in tons of variations, but for this post, the Elementum with orange G-10 scales and a black blade is perfect.

It really gets into the spirit of the fall and Halloween, but it can be a great knife to carry year-round.

2. Colonial M-724 Paratrooper Auto

The Colonial Knife Company Paratrooper Auto is by far the oldest knife on this list. The M-724 is currently issued in all military aircraft ejection seat survival kits. It has everything you need for survival.

The blade is 2.78 inches long and opens with the press of a button. There’s also a manual-opening shroud cutter that can be used by parachutists and those in need of a seat-belt cutter.

Continue reading

« Older posts

© 2023 The Cutting Edge

Theme by Anders NorenUp ↑

123