The Cutting Edge

Modern EDC Slipjoints

May 1, 2023 / Tim / 3 Comments

If you don’t have a tactical folder that can hold the weight of a car, do you really have a functional knife?

Yes! The truth is for countless years people have successfully used nonlocking folders for all kinds of jobs. In fact, in more recent years, companies have started making slipjoint knives you can carry as an EDC folder.

While these knives aren’t something you’d want to baton with (get a fixed blade for that unless you’re Advanced Knife Bro), nonlocking folders are a great option for an EDC. You don’t have to settle for an old Case knife either (not that there’s anything wrong with that). You can now get a modern-looking slipjoint that uses higher end materials.

Here are some of the best modern EDC slipjoints currently available.

Byrd Tern

Unfortunately, Spyderco recently did away with many of its best slipjoint models — such as the Pingo and the PITS. OK, so the PITS isn’t really a slipjoint, but it’s still a nonlocking folder. However, the sub brand of Spyderco called Byrd Knives has an inexpensive slipjoint called the Tern that features a modern look.

The knife is essentially a cheaper version of the UK Penknife.

CRKT Symmetry

There was one point a few years back when CRKT discontinued most of its modern EDC slip joints. However, they’ve made a comeback. The CRKT is a relatively new slipjoint designed by Richard Rogers.

Boker Plus Wasabi

Boker is probably the brand with the most modern EDC slipjoints, as you’ll see farther down the list. One of the best and newest is the Wasabi, an interesting design from Kansei Matsuno.

KA-BAR Modified Tanto – Knife of the Week

April 28, 2023 / Tim / 0 Comments

No knife is more iconic than the KA-BAR.

Even though the original is still going as strong as ever, it’s always nice to give worthy knives an update or alternative design.

That’s exactly what happened with the KA-BAR Modified Tanto.

KA-BAR took the original design of the old fighting knife and added some elements to make it more modern.

This version of the fixed blade trades the stacked leather handle for a Kraton G handle. This synthetic material can withstand almost anything you throw at it and conforms to the hand even better.

Kershaw Interstellar – Knife of the Week

April 12, 2023 / Tim / 0 Comments

Plenty of knives look the same, feel the same, and work the same. For those times you want something that’s more unconventional, reach for the Kershaw Interstellar.

The Interstellar is a fun knife with a unique-opening mechanism. It boasts a manual out-the-front blade with a tactically inspired design that’s sure to turn heads.

Its blade is 2.7 inches and uses a modified tanto profile. This is a great blade shape for utility purposes, like opening boxes. A partially serrated edge also increases its overall functionality.

Cold Steel Ultimate Hunter – Knife of the Week

April 6, 2023 / Tim / 0 Comments

The folding hunter is an iconic knife design that almost every knife company has tried to mimic. But instead of making a carbon copy of the classic 110, Cold Steel decided to forgo tradition and make a folding hunter that’s modern and better.

The result is the Cold Steel Ultimate Hunter.

Cold Steel skips the tired clip-point blade profile of the other folding hunters and opts for a drop-point blade, a profile Bob Loveless popularized for its versatility as a hunter.

Its 3.5-inch blade uses premium S35VN steel with a bead-blasted finish and a full-flat grind. It essentially makes the Ultimate Hunter a folding version of Bob Loveless’ beloved fixed-blade hunter.

Gerber StrongArm – Knife of the Week

March 31, 2023 / Tim / 0 Comments

Gerber knives can be hit-or-miss, but there is one fixed blade that not only stands above other Gerber fixed blades but also competes as one of the best outdoor knives, period.

Take a look at the Gerber StrongArm.

The coyote iteration of the Gerber StrongArm was a Knife of the Week way back in 2016, but this all-black version of the beloved knife is even better.

If you want to see all iterations of the Gerber StrongArm, click here.

So what makes the StrongArm such a formidable knife? It starts with the simple yet perfect 4.8-inch drop point blade. Made from 420HC steel with a black Cerakote coating, the blade is versatile and outrageously functional.

Spyderco Paramilitary 2 in Micarta & Cru-Wear – Knife of the Week

March 24, 2023 / Tim / 0 Comments

When you talk about the best knives of all time, only a few models jump out: the Buck 110, Swiss Army knife, KA-BAR, and Spyderco Paramilitary 2.

In terms of modernity and functionality, the Paramilitary 2 (also known affectionately as the PM2) is truly the apex of the knife world.

Because of its popularity, the PM2 is available in tons of variations. However, Spyderco finally made the definitive version of the best knife of all time.

Take a look at the Spyderco Paramilitary 2 in Micarta and Cru-Wear.

It features the beloved 3.47-inch blade that locks securely with the unparalleled Compression Lock. It was also named one of the best Spyderco knives.

Top 20 Knives with D2 Steel

March 21, 2023 / Tim / 14 Comments

top knives with D2 steel

This post was originally written in September 2017 and updated in March 2023 to include newer models.

Finding the perfect steel is tough. Not only are there so many types available but there are also tons of factors to consider — price, ease of sharpening, hardness, corrosion resistance, and more.

The perfect steel is ever elusive, but you can pick the right steel for the job. If you want a steel that’s nearly stainless but has great edge retention and wear-resistance, opt for D2.

D2 tool steel has been around for a very long time. It became popular as a tool steel during World War II in factories. In terms of knives, knife makers Wayne Goddard and Bob Dozier pioneered the use of D2 steel in knives. In fact, Dozier is sometimes called Dr. D2.

Here is an excerpt from Steve Shackleford’s Blade Magazine post on why D2 is still so great after all these years:

While D2 may not be stainless, it remains a top performer due in no small part to its high wear resistance/edge-holding ability. “It will hold an edge for a very long time before it will go dull,” says Paul Tsujimoto, director of engineering at Ontario Knife Co. Combined with its relatively inexpensive price, this makes D2 a favorite of manufacturers and custom makers alike. “For us, it’s the perfect combination of performance and an affordable price,” notes Dietmar Pohl of Pohl Force Knives. Agrees Devanna, “It’s the best bang for the buck because it’s priced reasonably and works well.”

While D2 does sacrifice ease of sharpening and some corrosion resistance, it remains an excellent choice for knife users everywhere.

If you’re interested in seeing what D2 has to offer, I collected a list of 20 knives that showcase the variety of D2 knives. Take a look.

1. CRKT Pilar III

The CRKT Pilar has been an unexpected hit the last few years. Although the larger Pilar was fine, it didn’t live up to the original. But the Pilar III definitely does.

Smith & Wesson M&P SWMP4LS Folder – Knife of the Week

March 16, 2023 / Tim / 1 Comment

When it comes to unique yet functional tactical rescue knives, Smith & Wesson is king. And the SWMP4LS is the perfect example.

This Military & Police model boasts a robust design with a 3.6-inch partially serrated blade with black coating. Its modified clip-point blade offers a strong piercing point and enough belly for long slicing cuts.

The folder uses Smith & Wesson’s second-generation M.A.G.I.C. assisted-opening technology. The M.A.G.I.C. mechanism (Multipurpose, Assisted, Generational, Innovative Cutlery) ensures the knife bursts open reliably when you need it most.

Because flexibility in an emergency is key, the SWMP4LS offers a flipper tab or ambidextrous thumb disk for easy one-handed opening. It’s also one of the best assisted-opening knives.

CRKT Provoke EDC – Knife of the Week

March 8, 2023 / Tim / 6 Comments

When Joe Caswell’s “Morphing Karambit” hit Kickstarter in 2020, it represented one of the most unique innovations in knife-opening mechanisms since the flipper tab.

A year later, CRKT brought the folding karambit to public at a more reasonable price. Now for 2023, the Provoke is in its most EDC-friendly iteration yet.

The CRKT Provoke EDC takes the aggressive original karambit design and transforms it into an absolutely perfect everyday carry knife.

The main difference starts with the new drop-point blade, a drastic change from the original hawkbill-style blade. The new blade is 2.56 inches long and made from D2 steel. The strong blade is more amenable to tasks around the house or at work.

Another added benefit of the new blade style is how it minimizes the profile when closed, making it infinitely more comfortable to carry in the pocket.

KA-BAR Ek Model 4 – Knife of the Week

March 1, 2023 / Tim / 0 Comments

With a rich history that dates back to World War II, the KA-BAR Ek Model 4 is a truly iconic fighting knife.

The origins of the fixed blade begin in 1941. That’s when John Ek created the Ek Commando Knife Company and produced fighting knives for the war effort. The knife was never officially issued by the military. However, it was the knife of choice among those who bought their own knives for combat.

The company changed owners throughout the years until KA-BAR acquired the designs and brought them back to their former glory.