Category: Knife Stuff (page 3 of 14)

Not all folding knives are created equal—and in the world of EDC, only the strongest survive.

Whether you’re slicing open Amazon packages like a modern-day warrior or needing a blade that won’t quit when you’re deep in the woods, your everyday carry (EDC) knife is your most faithful sidekick. We’ve tested, flipped, flicked, and fidgeted our way through a mountain of folding knives to bring you our top picks that combine form, function, and a little fun.

Here’s our cut of the best EDC knives that actually deserve a ride in your pocket.

Spyderco Paramilitary 2 – The Legend Lives

This one’s basically the Chuck Norris of folding knives.

• Blade: 3.44″ S30V steel
• Open: One-handed via iconic thumb hole
• Pocket Feel: Slim and unassuming

Perfect for tactical types and urban ninjas alike. The compression lock is buttery smooth, and yes, you will find yourself opening and closing it for no reason whatsoever.

Buy

Civivi Elementum – Budget Beauty

You don’t have to spend a fortune to get quality.

• Blade: D2 steel, drop point
• Open: Flipper tab with buttery bearings
• Why it rocks: Classy wood, G-10, or micarta scales

This is the knife you’d take home to meet your parents—clean, reliable, and surprisingly sharp.

Buy

Benchmade Bugout – Lightweight Champ

If you’re counting ounces (and who isn’t?), the Bugout is a game-changer.

• Blade: S30V steel
• Weight: Just 1.85 oz!
• Pocket Profile: So thin it might vanish

Hikers, campers, and minimalists rejoice—this one disappears in your pocket but is always ready for action.

Buy

Kershaw Blur – Grip It and Rip It

Ken Onion’s masterpiece still punches hard.

• Blade: Sandvik 14C28N
• Open: Speedsafe assisted
• Vibe: Rugged and ready

Great for those who work with their hands and need a knife that can keep up (and not slip out mid-job).

Buy

CRKT Pilar IV – Small but Mighty

Don’t let the compact size fool you.

• Blade: 3.09″ clip point blade
• Design: Jesper Voxnaes—yes, that Voxnaes
• Standout Feature: Thumb slot opening with IKBS ball bearing pivot system

Ideal for utility tasks and anyone who likes a bit of heft in a compact form.

Buy

---

From budget-friendly bruisers to featherlight fidget toys, EDC knives come in all flavors. These folders are comfortable in the pocket, durable under pressure, and perfect for one-handed operation—because sometimes your other hand is holding a coffee, a dog leash, or your sanity.

---

What’s your EDC weapon of choice? Drop a comment and let us know what you carry daily—or better yet, snap a pic and tag us on Instagram. Are you all about the Bugout? Or do you ride with the Spyder? Let’s see what you’re packin’.

Stay sharp out there, friends.

 

You can spend a fortune on the perfect blade—D2 steel, G-10 handle, maybe even a custom engraving that says “Born to Slice.” But leave it in the wrong drawer for a few months, and what do you get? A sad, crusty tragedy in orange.

Let’s make one thing clear: rust is the enemy. It creeps in when you’re not looking. It thrives on neglect. And worst of all? It can ruin your favorite knife faster than you can say “carbon steel.”

The good news? Rust is beatable. Here’s how to stop it in its corroded little tracks.

Master the Art of Airtight Storage

First rule of rust prevention: keep moisture out. That means airtight containers, sealed knife safes, or even vacuum-sealed bags if you’re extra. If you’re storing long-term, add a few silica gel packs—those weird little bags you usually throw away. They’re moisture magnets.

Pro Tip: Toss your EDC in a sealed container at night if you live in humid climates. It’s like a spa retreat—but for steel.

When to Oil (and What to Use)

Not every knife needs a daily oil bath, but a light coating of oil goes a long way, especially for high-carbon steel or knives used outdoors.

• Use food-safe mineral oil for kitchen knives.
• Gun oil or a light synthetic blend works great for tactical and EDC blades.
• Avoid heavy oils or greasy overkill—you want protection, not a slip ‘n slide.

Apply a thin coat with a microfiber cloth or even your fingers (we won’t tell), then wipe off the excess.

Blade Displays: Look Sharp, Stay Sharp

We get it. You want to show off your collection—and you should. But open-air displays come with risks.

The Do’s:

• Dust weekly.
• Keep away from kitchen steam or windows with condensation.
• Use climate-controlled display cases if possible.

The Don’ts:

• Never leave blades in leather sheaths for long-term storage (leather traps moisture).
• Don’t display near heat sources—temperature swings are rust accelerators.

Tactical Bags, Rolls & Safe Zones

If you’re on the move or just want quick access to your gear, invest in knife rolls, tactical pouches, or storage cases with padded dividers. Look for water-resistant or waterproof materials, and always store knives dry.

The Bottom Line

Whether your knives are tools, trophies, or both—they deserve better than a rusty retirement. A little care goes a long way. Store smart. Oil wisely. And always respect the steel.

Tell Us:
How do you keep your blades pristine? Got a favorite product or homegrown hack? Drop it in the comments—we’re always looking to sharpen our game.

 

Knife + Multi-Tool Combos That Work

Let’s be honest—life has a way of throwing curveballs, flat tires, and mysterious packages held together by enough tape to survive reentry. And while we can’t prepare for everything, we can carry smart. That’s where the legendary knife + multi-tool combo comes in: the Batman-and-Robin of your EDC lineup.

Because life doesn’t always come with a toolkit—but your pocket should.

Why Carry Two? Because One Tool Can’t Do It All

Yes, your knife is your MVP—cutting rope, opening boxes, slicing apples like a campfire gourmet. But let’s not pretend it’s the best tool for everything. Tight screw? Prying open paint cans? Cracking a cold one? That’s where the multi-tool combo shines.

Pairing a solid folding knife with a streamlined multi-tool gives you versatility without bulking up like you’re prepping for a mission to Mars.

Slim Combos That Won’t Bulge Your Jeans

We’re not trying to turn your pockets into cargo shorts. These pairings are sleek, lightweight, and genuinely useful:

• Civivi Elementum + Gerber Dime: The Elementum is smooth, slicey, and pocket-friendly. The Dime gives you pliers, scissors, a mini pry bar, and a bottle opener—all without tipping the scales.
• Kershaw Link + Leatherman ARC: The Link gives you no-frills cutting power. The ARC? Loaded with pliers, scissors, and a highly-requested bit driver.

Must-Have Tools (AKA Save Your Teeth)

We’ve all been there. Beer in hand, no opener in sight—and your teeth look awfully… available. Don’t do it, Chad. Carry tools.

Here are the MVPs you want in your EDC multi-tool:

• Bottle Opener: For obvious reasons (and hero status at BBQs).
• Mini Pry Bar: For opening paint cans, scraping gunk, and not wrecking your knife tip.
• Scissors: Because not everything should be stabbed.
• Tweezers: Splinters are nature’s way of testing your patience.

Brands That Hold Up Under Pressure

• Leatherman: The gold standard. Built like tanks, backed by stellar warranties.
• Gerber: USA-made, budget-conscious, and creatively designed.
• Victorinox: Swiss precision, timeless design, and the best tweezers in the business.
• SOG: Rugged and innovative, especially for more tactical setups.

Match any of these with a trusty blade from Spyderco, Benchmade, or Kershaw, and you’ve got a combo ready for anything from tent setup to taco night.

Editor’s Pick: What’s in My Pockets?

I keep it classic: a Spyderco Para 3 Lightweight in the right pocket, paired with a Leatherman Skeletool CX in the left. Between the slicing power of the Para 3 and the pliers/bottle opener on the Skeletool, I’ve opened packages, tuned up my bike, and fixed a friend’s sunglasses. All in one coffee-fueled afternoon.

TL;DR Summary

• Why It Matters: Knife + multi-tool combos cover more ground, more cleanly.
• What to Look For: Slim builds, must-have tools (opener, pry, scissors), reliable brands.
• Pro Tip: Don’t pry with your blade. Your knife deserves better.

Let’s Hear It: What Two Tools Live in Your Pockets Every Day?

Are you a blade-and-bit driver kind of person? Got a favorite combo that’s saved your bacon more than once? We want to hear your EDC pairings and why they work for you.

Drop a comment with your setup—and hey, no shame if you’ve ever tried to open a beer with a house key. We’ve all got stories.

 

Tekto’s Heavy Hitter That Doesn’t Hold Back

Let’s get one thing straight: the Tekto Zastava Series is not here to play nice. This isn’t your dainty desk knife or your sleek, fashion-forward EDC that looks great in an Instagram flat lay next to a latte. The Zastava is what you reach for when you mean business—whether that business is carving wood, breaching boxes, or just intimidating that clamshell packaging into submission.

This knife doesn’t whisper. It growls. And we couldn’t love it more.

First Look: Built Like a Tank, Handles Like a Sports Car

At first glance, the Zastava looks like it just returned from a covert mission—and probably succeeded. With aggressive lines, a beefy handle, and a tanto-style blade that practically demands respect, this thing screams durability.

But don’t be fooled by the bulk. Tekto somehow pulled off the rare balancing act of brute strength with surprisingly smooth action. You get the muscle and the moves—like a linebacker who can salsa.

Blade Breakdown: Tactical Meets Practical

Let’s talk specs, because the Zastava doesn’t skimp:

• Blade Steel: D2 tool steel—because sometimes you need to slice and survive.
• Blade Style: Tanto point. Strong, sharp, and ready to pierce just about anything short of a tank hull.
• Handle: Military-grade aluminum with texturing that grips back. Glove-friendly and glove-optional.
• Deployment: OTF (out-the-front) automatic action that’s snappy, decisive, and addictive. Yes, you will play with it at your desk.

Here’s a walkthrough courtesy of Tekto

Where It Shines (and Where It Surprises)

Strength: This is where the Zastava dominates. It’s tough enough for field work, yet not so massive it feels like wielding a crowbar.

Reliability: The action never failed us. Whether it was 40 degrees or 90, dry or sweaty hands, the blade popped with precision.

Ergonomics: Despite its size, the handle fits naturally in the hand. No hot spots, no weird angles—just good design.

Not for Minimalists: If you’re into featherweight, sleek knives that disappear in your pocket, this isn’t your jam. The Zastava wants to be noticed.

Your Turn: What’s Your Favorite Heavy Hitter?

Got a go-to knife that’s more brawler than ballet dancer? Or maybe you’ve taken the Zastava for a spin and have your own tales of glory (or survival)? We want to hear them.

Drop your stories in the comments—bonus points if they involve unexpected field tests, animal encounters, or heroic cardboard takedowns.

The Top Eco-Friendly Outdoor Knife Brands for 2025

Slicing Through Sustainability, One Blade at a Time

Let’s face it: the knife world isn’t exactly known for its granola-crunching tree-huggers. We’re more steel and edge than hemp and sprouts. But even in our world of blades and badassery, there’s a growing movement toward sustainability—and some of our favorite knife makers are leading the charge.

Victorinox: Old School Swiss Meets New School Sustainability

Victorinox, the maker of the iconic Swiss Army Knife (aka the most useful thing in your junk drawer), has been ahead of the eco-game since before it was trendy. These guys don’t just care about efficiency in their tools—they apply it to their entire operation.

Here’s how Victorinox is slicing into sustainability:

• 100% Hydropower: The main Victorinox factory in Ibach, Switzerland runs entirely on hydropower. That’s right—the Swiss Army Knife is powered by Swiss water. Efficiency meets alpine cool.
• Recycling: Scrap steel from the knife-making process? Recycled. Plastic trimmings? Reused. Even the heat from their own furnaces is repurposed to warm up local homes and their own buildings.
• Built to Last (and Last and Last): Victorinox famously doesn’t retire knife models often, and they offer repairs instead of replacements. That means fewer knives in landfills and more in your pocket—where they belong.

Fun fact: They even have a knife museum that reuses part of the original factory space.

Continue reading

Let’s face it—most “tactical” knives look like they were built for a zombie apocalypse… and not in the stylish, Mad Max way. But every once in a while, a blade comes along that blends battlefield grit with runway-worthy design. Enter the Tekto A5 SPRY Series—a knife that’s equal parts James Bond and John Wick.

We took a deep dive into this OTF (out-the-front) bad boy to see what makes it tick—and whether it’s all looks or the real deal. Spoiler: it’s not just a pretty face.

A Knife That Dresses Up and Throws Down

At first glance, the A5 SPRY could pass for something you’d pull out at a black-tie event (assuming it’s the kind of party where slicing through rope is on the itinerary). With its sleek aircraft-grade aluminum handle and clean lines, it’s got that “refined operator” vibe—like a secret agent who knows 12 languages and always carries floss.

But don’t let the polish fool you. This thing’s built for action. The D2 steel blade is as tough as they come—ready to take on EDC tasks, outdoor abuse, and the occasional overzealous Amazon box.

The Breakdown: Why It Works

Here’s why the SPRY Series isn’t just another tactical wannabe:

• D2 Blade Steel: High carbon, high chromium, high performance. It holds an edge longer than your buddy holds onto fishing stories.
• OTF Mechanism: With a flick of the switch, the blade snaps out faster than a cat spotting a laser pointer. It’s smooth, reliable, and extremely satisfying.
• Build Quality: Tekto’s fit and finish are top-notch. No rattle, no wobble—just a solid, precision-crafted tool.

Real Talk: SPRY in the Wild

I took the A5 SPRY on a weekend camping trip in the Rockies—half to test it, half to convince my family that nature is still cool. Over two days, it tackled food prep, feather-sticking kindling, and some impromptu zip tie removal (don’t ask). Despite dirt, sap, and questionable weather, it never flinched. The OTF deployment never jammed, even with some grime buildup. That’s the kind of reliability that makes you feel like you’re starring in your own action movie.

Check out this unboxing/testing video.

Looks Can Kill (In a Good Way)

One thing I appreciate about the SPRY is that it doesn’t scream “tactical.” It whispers it. Clean silhouette, refined edges—this is the knife that’ll impress your knife buddies and your design-obsessed cousin who still uses a butter knife to open packages.

---

TL;DR Summary

• What It Is: A tactical OTF knife with sleek styling.
• Best For: EDC, light outdoor use, tactical fans who also appreciate aesthetics.
• Why We Love It: Tough, sharp, reliable, and cool enough to make you invent cutting tasks.

---

Let’s Talk Knives

What’s your take on knives that blur the line between tactical and classy? Have you carried the A5 SPRY—or something like it—that surprised you in both looks and performance?

Drop your stories, thoughts, or your favorite “unexpectedly useful” knife moment in the comments. We’re always up for some good edge talk.

 

When you’re out in the wild, you don’t need a knife with 17 features and a Bluetooth connection; you need something that works.

Here are 10 survival knives that keep it simple, sturdy, and ready when it counts:

KA-BAR Becker BK2 – Built like a tank, thick blade, solid grip; can butcher an elk and chop chili with ease

Continue reading

So, you’re ready to buy your first real knife.

Congratulations—you’re entering a world sharper than your average steakhouse. But where to start? Fixed blade or folding? Tactical or practical?

This beginner knife guide walks you through the basics without the boring bits.

Learn what matters most: steel types, handle materials, and how you’ll actually use the knife. We’ll even help you dodge the “Mall Ninja” mistake.

Continue reading

Knife terminology can be confusing; some of it sounds like engineering, and some sounds like medieval saw talk. If you’ve ever felt lost reading product descriptions, you’re not alone. Here’s a plain English guide to common knife terms:

Drop point: A popular blade shape where the spine slopes down to the tip. It’s strong, easy to control, and useful for everyday cutting.

Continue reading

A sharp knife might look scary, but an a dull one is the real troublemaker. It slips which makes you press harder, and that’s when accidents happen. If you’re using your knife for anything from camping to kitchen prep, keeping it sharp is basic self-care for your blade.

Continue reading