Category: Knife Stuff (page 2 of 10)

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.

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.

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.

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!

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

This post was first published in 2017 and updated in October 2023.

They say a rose by any other name would smell as sweet… but if they were called stenchblossoms or crapweeds, I imagine they would be a bit less appealing.

The same thing goes for a knife. The almost universally acclaimed Ontario RAT Model 1 would still perform just as well if it were called the Ontario Elephant Earwax 7, but it might not be quite as popular.

While I acknowledge naming something is extremely difficult (I considered naming my son Humphrey), it can really kill the whole vibe of a knife. So I scoured the Internet and my memory bank to come up with a list of the worst knife names around. Many of these knives are well-made and perfectly usable but simply have a name that is off-putting.

This is my personal preference, so take that as you will. If you have any to add, let me know in the comments.

Note: I excluded custom knifemakers because they have a little more creative leeway. I also tried to exclude knives with people’s names. For example, I dislike all the Brian Tighe-related pun names (Tighe Rade, My Tighe, Tighe Coon, etc), but it’s the guy’s name so I let them be.

Finally, the LA Police Gear “The Best F***ing Knife” S35VN Every Day Carry Folding Knife (yes, that’s the full name) was considered for this list but I couldn’t figure out whether the overly descriptive and braggadocios name was so over the top it was the best name ever or the worst. I decided to leave it off for now.

25. Kershaw Wild Wild Turkey

Let’s start with one that’s a bit innocuous: the Kershaw Wild Wild Turkey. This now discontinued knife was actually a well-made and sleek gentleman’s folder. The steel was ATS 34 with titanium handles (if I’m correct). The name Wild Turkey is already a bit silly but the addition of another Wild takes things to another level.

I think Kershaw learned its lesson because future iterations of the knife were simply named Wild Turkey. Still, despite the name, this knife is still sought after by aficionados.

24. TOPS Felony Stop

Next we have the first of many TOPS Knives with the Felony Stop. Knives already get a bad rap because of their misuse by a few individuals and you don’t want to call attention to that fact. The name Felony Stop is a bit confusing anyway. Is it supposed to be an instruction to stop a felony or is the knife itself a felony stop? Either way, the knife wouldn’t be so bad if it didn’t say FELONY in big bold letters right on the knife.

The knife, designed by the great Laci Szabo, is said to be only intended for law enforcement personnel and specialists, so take that as you will.

23. CRKT Hootenanny

Hootenanny is an Appalachian colloquialism that originally started off as a Scottish word meaning party or celebration. It has since evolved to mean thingamajig or whatchamacallit or doohickey. So when you say pass me that “Hootenanny,” it just sounds funny.

Continue reading

Big utility knives don’t always need to be bulky and unwieldy. The Kershaw Strata Cleaver is the perfect example.

This ultra-modern folding cleaver boasts a design that evolved from Kershaw’s attempt at a Spanish-style Navaja. The designers at Kershaw decided to take it another step further and make something completely different.

The Kershaw Strata Cleaver features a long 4-inch cleaver-style blade that looks like it belongs in a kitchen. But the unique blade shape allows the knife to be used in various applications, from preparing food to opening boxes.

Made from D2 steel, the stonewash-finished blade opens smoothly with a flipper tab and KVT ball bearings.

It locks open with a frame lock.

Continue reading

For nearly 40 years, the M-9 bayonet has been the faithful companion of countless military personnel around the world through conflicts like the Gulf War and the Iraq War.

Now everyone can experience the refined design with this commercial version of the bayonet from Smith & Wesson.

The Smith & Wesson Special Ops M-9 Bayonet is an essential tool with a ton of history behind it. It’s also one of the best Smith & Wesson knives you can buy.

The original design was made by Charles Albert Mickey Finn, who went from carving sandwiches at a delicatessen to making a knife that could carve wood, cut wire, withstand electrical shocks, open bottles, and more.

Continue reading

Laser-engraved knives make exceptional gifts for a reason—they’re both practical and personal. We’ve written a lot about why they’re such meaningful presents, but the short version is this: they’re tools people actually use, with a custom touch that shows you care.

But here’s the big question: What should you engrave on the knife?

That simple decision can elevate your gift—or make it fall flat.

At Knife Depot, we’ve engraved thousands of knives over the years, and we’ve learned what works best when it comes to meaningful and visually appealing engraving.

If you’re stuck on what to write, here are some helpful tips and ideas to get you started.

Name

Of all the knives we’ve engraved over the years, names are by far the most popular choice—and for good reason.

At first, it might seem a little unusual to put your name on a knife, but it instantly transforms a generic tool into something personal and meaningful.

Continue reading

There’s nothing worse than trying to find the perfect gift.

You spend countless hours thinking about a gift only to see the recipient disappointed when opening it up.

But, there is one thing that has been my go-to gift with excellent results every time: engraved knives.

Here’s why.

1. The person will actually use it.

Let’s start with one of the best arguments for a knife as a gift: it’s functional!

How many times have you given or received a gift that ends up stuffed deep into a closet or tossed in a drawer?

Now think of all the times you’ve pulled out your pocket knife in the last hour alone. If you’re anything like me, it’s a fair amount. I have used my knife to open packaging from Knife Depot, cut a straw in half (a long story involving my son), and break down cardboard.

If you’re worried the gift recipient may not be familiar with all the uses of a knife, share my look at 101 uses for the pocket knife.

2. You can find the perfect engraved knife for any personality.

Since the knife has been around for millions of years, countless variations and designs exist. This means you can find a knife that matches up with the personality of the recipient.

Continue reading

It’s no secret that Grant and Gavin Hawk are among my favorite knifemakers. Their designs aren’t always the most practical but they constantly push themselves to make truly innovative designs.

So I was excited when they announced a brand new design that’s sure to ruffle feathers.

Behold the Hawk Knives Shortcut.

The Shortcut is an ultra premium utility knife made with top-notch materials and a trailblazing design not normally reserved for simple utility knives.

Continue reading

It’s a common concern among knife collectors. You spend just over $150 (if you’re lucky) on a brand new knife with the latest steel, only to second guess whether it’s the steel you paid for.

It may be because the steel is starting to rust in some spots, dulls quicker than you expect, or isn’t as tough as you thought it should be.

That’s when you start to ask yourself: do knife companies mislabel or lie about the type of steel they’re using?

The truth is that sometimes they do.

Yes, Some Brands Intentionally Mislabel Steel

I decided to write this post after watching a video knifemaker and former Cold Steel collaborator Andrew Demko did on a YouTube channel in November 2020.

When the interviewer mentioned that people were ambivalent about the use of AUS10A steel in one of Cold Steel’s knives, Demko said that the reason certain steel gets a bad reputation is because some knife companies are intentionally passing off lower end steel like AUS6A for AUS8A.

Continue reading

For more than a decade, people have been begging Spyderco to bring back one knife above all others. It’s a little knife called the Massad Ayoob.

And, exactly 20 years after it was first released, the Spyderco Massad Ayoob came back for a limited time as a Sprint Run in a plain version and a serrated version.

So what makes the Massad Ayoob so special? Read on.

Who is Massad Ayoob?

If you’re not familiar with Massad Ayoob, he is a renowned designer and premier firearms expert. He’s been the handgun editor at Guns magazine and law enforcement columnist for American Handgunner for more than 50 years.

He’s run trainings for law enforcement personnel and was named the president of the Second Amendment Foundation in 2020.

Continue reading