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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.

The Ek Commando Model 4 is the first Commando knife that KA-BAR helped revive. Even after all these years, it remains a remarkable fixed blade.

Kershaw Iridium – Knife of the Week

February 21, 2023 / Tim / 0 Comments

At the start of this year, Kershaw surprised the knife community with its interpretation of the crossbar lock called the DuraLock. All four new DuraLock knives offer something different, but the one that’s been turning heads the most is the Kershaw Iridium.

The Kershaw Iridium is a modern everyday carry work folder with a clean design that blends functionality and elegance.

Its blade is 3.4 inches long with a spear-point profile that excels at piercing and slicing. Kershaw has been upgrading its steel on most of its lineup to D2, and the Iridium is no different. D2 is tough with high wear resistance, making it ideal for work situations.

The real highlight of the Iridium is the DuraLock mechanism. This new crossbar lock is strong, easy to use, and keeps your fingers out of the blade’s path when closing.

Reasons to Get Engraved Knives For Groomsmen

February 17, 2023 / Tim / 4 Comments

engraved knives for groomsmen

If you’re reading this, chances are you’re getting married.

Congratulations on taking the plunge. That also means you’ve probably been planning your wedding for ages. The venue is chosen, the flavor of your cake is set in marble, your music is finalized, and you’re still working on your vows.

But there’s the little matter of thinking about your groomsmen.

Your brother or buddy was likely put up to the task of best man or groomsman. It’s safe to say he’d much rather be out hunting or watching a basketball game. Instead he’s getting fit for a tux or going to rehearsals.

That’s why it’s always nice to thank them with a gift.

And there’s no better groomsmen gift than an engraved knife.

Considering this is a knife blog, I know we are very biased, but I honestly believe personalized knives make the best gifts for groomsmen.

Here’s why.

Knives are actually useful!

If you do a quick Google search on the best groomsmen gifts, thousands of articles with suggestions will come up. Most of them are filled with absolute junk that people don’t really want, like cufflinks (who wears these?), leather bags (come on!), pocket watches (what year is this?), and even personalized underwear.

Except for alcohol, every single one of those gifts is getting thrown in a drawer.

Knives, on the other hand, are extremely useful.

Hogue Deka – Knife of the Week

February 15, 2023 / Tim / 0 Comments

The knife community often speaks hyperbolically about the next great knife. But it’s hard to argue with the fact that the Hogue Deka in MagnaCut may be the ultimate EDC for the price.

The Deka design originally started out with 20CV steel and G-10 scales. However, once Hogue adopted the new super steel and switched to lightweight polymer scales, the Deka entered a new stratosphere. (There’s a reason we named it one of the best new knives of 2022!)

This version of the Deka has a 3.25-inch blade with dual thumb studs. It comes in either a modified Wharncliffe blade or a clip-point blade, but the one we’re highlighting here is the clip-point Deka.

Ontario Air Force Survival Knife – Knife of the Week

February 8, 2023 / Tim / 0 Comments

We’ve all heard fantastic tales of stranded Air Force pilots making the best of bad situations, with only a few emergency rations and a single Air Force survival knife on hand as they fought for their lives in enemy territory.

What’s most impressive is that even decades later, several branches of the U.S. Armed Forces continue to use the same rugged fixed blade as an indispensable tool.

The Ontario Air Force Survival Knife is no joke.

Built in accordance with the specifications of the U.S. Government, the Ontario Survival Knife offers a tried-and-true design at a value few others can offer. It is one of the best Ontario knives you can buy.

10 Best Gerber Knives

February 7, 2023 / Tim / 21 Comments

This post was originally published in May 2018 but was updated in October 2021 to include newer models.

Gerber has a long history dating back to 1939. The brand has evolved over the years — undergoing some ups and downs as some of the best designers and knifemakers around left the company to start their own ventures.

Gerber has been relatively quiet the past few years, releasing an assortment of higher-end knives mixed with brand-new budget designs. None have really stood out from the bunch, and plenty of the older models that were great have been discontinued.

It’s been a rocky two decades, but Gerber seems to be on firm footing by doubling down on their best knives. Here is a look at Gerber’s 10 best knives currently in production.

Note: As always, these best-of lists are highly subjective. However, I do my due diligence through personal experience as well as consensus from around the internet. These lists will always skew toward the tried-and-true models, but new models will always make the jump.

1. Gerber LMF II Infantry

Gerber has remade itself over the past few years thanks to three very reliable (and pretty similar) fixed blades. The Gerber LMF II has an undisputed spot on this list for good reason. Gerber says the knife was originally designed to free an aircrew from a downed aircraft, and it remains an adaptable fixed blade that can be used in all types of situations.

The blade is 4.84 inches made from 420HC stainless steel. It has partial serrations and glass-filled nylon with TPV overmold handles.

You can see all the Gerber LMF II Infantry variations here.

2. Gerber Gator

This list is heavily populated with perennial favorites, and the Gerber Gator is no exception. It was first introduced in the early ’90s when it was named “Most Innovative Knife of the Year” at the 1991 Blade Show. Despite being so old, the knife remains one of the best Gerber has to offer.

The Cutting Edge

The official blog of Knife Depot