Some knives cost more than your weekly groceries, others are cheap but loyal. Either way, they all deserve a proper clean. Skip the dishwasher, grab a towel, and let’s run through the basics.
Here are some quick knife cleaning tips for every type of blade.
Fixed blades are easy. Rinse with warm water and mild soap. Scrub gently with a sponge—anything too abrasive, dry it immediately. If it’s carbon steel, rub on a little mineral oil to prevent rust.
I’ve pitched tents in the rain, sliced salami on tree stumps, and chopped kindling by headlamp.
Through it all, these three knives have earned their place in my camping kit. In this post, I break down the combo I trust in the backcountry—plus some “don’t even pack it” mistakes you can skip.
I carry a full-time fixed blade for heavy jobs. Mines the Cold Steel SRK Compact, it’s short enough to handle, but thick enough to baton with or dig out a stubborn tent stake. No nonsense, just sharp steel and a solid grip. It’s the knife I reach for when something needs to be done quickly: splitting kindling, clearing brush, or slicing into a stubborn food pouch.
Because flowers wilt and spa gift cards expire—but a good blade? That’s forever.
Mother’s Day is sneaking up on us like a well-camouflaged survivalist, and if your mom is more likely to be found pitching a tent than picking out throw pillows, then it’s time to get her a gift that truly cuts it. Forget the scented candles—this year, we’re celebrating the moms who hike harder, fish smarter, and aren’t afraid to baton wood better than the rest of us.
We’ve rounded up some of the best giftable knives available—each one rugged, reliable, and ready for Mom’s next outdoor adventure. Let’s dive into the steel-hearted shortlist.
Why it’s perfect for Mom:
Lightweight? Check. Super sharp? Check.
This little slicer is like the Swiss Army Knife of ultralight folders—only sleeker, stronger, and easier to open one-handed when Mom’s wrangling a fishing line with the other.
Gift-Worthy Features:
One of our customers gifted this to his mom last year, and now she keeps it clipped to her hiking pack like it’s her passport. Which, honestly, it kind of is.
Let’s be honest: carrying a knife every day isn’t just about utility—it’s a lifestyle. Whether you’re opening packages, prepping an impromptu charcuterie board, or just admiring the satisfying snick of your favorite flipper, your EDC blade is a trusty sidekick.
But with great edge comes great responsibility.
Too often, we see EDC fans treat knife safety like the speed limit—technically important, but easy to ignore. Until something goes wrong. So whether you’re a seasoned slicer or fresh to the fold, let’s run through some essential knife safety tips that every EDC user should not only know but live by. And maybe, just maybe, tattoo on their forearm. (Okay, maybe don’t.)
You’ve probably heard this one a million times—and for good reason. Cutting toward yourself is basically inviting a blade to meet your femoral artery for coffee.
Real Talk: We knew a guy who was cutting zip ties off of some packaging and applying a decent amount of force. When the knife made it through the zip tie it continued into his hand. Maybe not the best tool for the job.
Bottom line: Always cut away. No exceptions. Not even for that one super precise slice you’re sure will be fine.
This post was originally published in 2018 and has since been updated yearly to reflect newer and better models.
Disaster can strike anytime anywhere.
Your car might suddenly careen off the road before landing upside down in a creek or your clothing could get trapped in an escalator unexpectedly.
In either situation, only a knife can save you from certain doom. While any knife can save someone in a pinch, manufacturers have seized the opportunity to create models specifically designed to aid in a rescue.
So we compiled a list of 10 of the best rescue knives. These come in all designs and styles, from small folders to massive fixed blades.
Take a look and let us know your favorites.
The Kershaw Funxion EMT is an updated version of the knife with a feature-rich design. The knife comes with a 3-inch partially serrated blade that deploys with the SpeedSafe assisted-opening mechanism.
Hidden within the K-texture GFN handle is a carabiner clip, hex wrench, cord cutter, glass breaker tip, and screwdriver tip. This is a nice multitool to carry that would come in handy in the event of an emergency. This knife is particularly useful for an EMT or medic.
Spyderco makes some bizarre knives, but there’s no denying they’re great at their job. The Assist is no exception.
When Ernest Emerson created the CQC-7 in the 1990s, he defined and popularized the tactical folder that we all know today. The CQC-7 is still going strong, but it’s the CQC-8 that Emerson considers one of the best combat designs he’s ever produced.
A while back Emerson teamed up with Kershaw to bring his iconic designs to the masses, which is why the Kershaw Emerson CQC-8K is so affordable for being such an icon.
This version of the tactical folder has a 3.5-inch tanto blade with black coating and two methods of opening: the classic Emerson Wave and the thumb disk.
This post was first written in August 2016 and was updated in April 2024.
A pocket clip can make or break a knife.
Even though it’s easy to remove a pocket clip on most models (and there are some good reasons why you should remove it), many people won’t buy a knife with a poorly designed clip.
During our time selling and handling knives, we’ve come across some major disappointments in the pocket clip area. While we don’t think a knife is lost beyond redemption because of a bad clip (replacing a clip is also just as easy as removing it), it can be the low point on a great knife.
So we assembled a list of 10 of the worst pocket clips around. (We opted for knives still or recently in production because it’s too easy to pick on an old model like the Schrade Cliphanger.) All of these are a matter of opinion, so while you may hate some of these, others may love them. That’s just the way these things go.
Sometimes when a knife designer tries to do something different from the norm, it can be hit or miss. The clip on the WE Vision R tries to shake things up to middling success. This is a clip that many people hate and a few people admire.
It essentially takes the classic clip but instead of putting it on the side, it’s on the top of the knife. Most people say it’s just too awkward to put in the pocket and take out.
This clip style isn’t brand new, of course. The late Jon Graham was one of the first pioneers of this type of clip, but those were just a little better.
Ken Onion is one of the most influential knife makers alive, having set an industry standard for assisted openers and folding knives in general. But he just can’t seem to make an outstanding pocket clip.
The clip on Onion’s CRKT Eros is not his worst (that’s still to come), but it’s nothing to write home about. CRKT calls it “an extremely unique custom style carry clip” in its product description, but it looks very gangly and thin.
Along with the fact that it’s a one position clip—tip-down, right hand—some have complained it’s susceptible to bending. That’s not surprising considering how narrow it is.
Hogue may be better known for its gun grips, but it makes some darn good knives. The Hogue EX-04 was one of our Badass Knives of the Week a while back. Despite its well-made knives, the clips are frequently a subject of derision among knife fans.
I’ve read several accounts of people saying they won’t buy a Hogue because of the clip. Many Hogue models feature a spoon-style clip that’s fairly large and almost feminine as Dan from Blade Reviews calls it.
The original Benchmade Freek was a natural evolution of the beloved Griptilian. It had better scales, a better blade design, and better steel.
So, when Benchmade decided to give the Freek an upgrade, that awesome folder became one of the best EDC knives on the market and praised by everyone who used it.
The Super Freek is the culmination of EDC design from Benchmade. The knife features a 3.6-inch drop point blade made from M4 steel, an alloy celebrated for its toughness and edge retention.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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