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.
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.
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.
Sounds like movie magic, right? But with the right technique and tools, you can spark a fire using a knife. It’s not just survivalist fantasy—it’s a real, rugged skill every knife owner should know.
First, let’s talk gear. You will need a carbon steel knife with a sharp 90-degree file, something like the Cold Steel Wild West Bowie works well, and a ferro rod. Forget stainless blades; they don’t throw sparks well. This method uses the edge scraping against the rod to ignite your tinder. It doesn’t take much pressure, just the right angle and a clean strike.
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.
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