The Cutting Edge

What Should I Engrave on a Knife? 10 Engraving Ideas

November 15, 2022 / Tim / 5 Comments

engraved knives

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.

CRKT Squid XM – Knife of the Week

November 14, 2022 / Tim / 0 Comments

The CRKT Squid is often called the best “little big knife” available.

So what happens when you make it bigger and better? You get one of the best regular knives available.

The CRKT Squid XM is a larger version of the overbuilt Squid with a 2.95-inch blade and 7-inch overall length when opened.

Its strong drop point blade now features a black coating and tough D2 steel, making it great for demanding work tasks. The blade engages via flipper or thumb stud with the help of an IKBS ball-bearing pivot and assisted-opening mechanism.

Top 6 Titanium Spyderco Knives

November 13, 2022 / Tim / 3 Comments

The Native 5 Fluted Titanium photographed by the spydercollector

This article was first published back in May 2016. It was updated in November 2022 to reflect newer models.

Behold the wonders of titanium.

This metal alloy has so many advantages in its favor—from superior corrosion resistance to excellent durability—that it’s a coveted material. Even though it’s heavier than other materials like carbon fiber, titanium is surprisingly lightweight for a strong metal. The amalgamation of all these characteristics makes titanium one hell of a material for knife handles.

No company has done a better job at making titanium handles than Spyderco. So, we decided to take a look at six Spyderco knives that expertly utilized titanium handles.

1. Spyderco SpydieChef

Let’s kick things off with one of Spyderco’s best knives available: the Spyderco SpydieChef. Back when this article was first published, it wasn’t out yet. Since its release, this titanium folder has vaulted up to become not just one of best titanium Spyderco knives but one of Spyderco’s best knives ever.

Old Timer Golden Bear – Knife of the Week

November 7, 2022 / Tim / 2 Comments

What’s better than a timeless knife with a classic design? A knife with a laser engraving.

The Old Timer 6OT Golden Bear is a knife that’s been around for a long time but still feels as fresh and useful as any knife available today.

The Golden Bear features a classic buck-knife design with a 3.5-inch clip-point blade and a back lock.

Its blade is made from high-carbon stainless steel and has a nail nick for easy opening.

Why Engraved Knives Make the Best Gifts

November 4, 2022 / Tim / 2 Comments

Engraved knife

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.

10 Best CIVIVI Knives

November 3, 2022 / Tim / 3 Comments

Best CIVIVI Knives

In terms of knife companies, CIVIVI Knives (a subset of WE Knife Company) is relatively new.

Yet somehow the brand has catapulted itself into contention for one of the best knife brands around. Its name has become synonymous with high-quality knives at shockingly low prices.

While these knives are made in China, more and more companies are proving that knives you buy from China can no longer be dismissed as cheap junk. So if you’re interested in seeing what CIVIVI has to offer, these are their 10 best knives currently available.

CIVIVI Elementum

Let’s start with a no-brainer: the Elementum. The Elementum is no longer simply one of CIVIVI’s best knives but may be the very best EDC knife for its price.

Almost everything about the knife is perfect. It’s a good size with a 2.96-inch blade that flips open effortlessly and reliably. It has a simple yet ergonomic handle. It’s not adorned with a bunch of logos and numbers. Instead, it’s just a simple knife that works.

And because the knife has become so darn popular, CIVIVI has created this knife in more than a dozen different styles. You can the knife in your choice of handle material and color. There are higher-end versions and larger versions and versions with button locks and Damascus versions. The list goes on and on.

If you want to see just some of the variations, check out the CIVIVI Elementum collection here.

CIVIVI Conspirator

From a more people-friendly design to a more tactically-focused design, the CIVIVI Conspirator is a larger knife with a more aggressive profile.

Kershaw Kapsule: Knife of the Week

October 31, 2022 / Tim / 0 Comments

OTF (out-the-front) knives are all the rage these days. Unfortunately, the automatic versions are illegal in many places. So, Kershaw decided to team up with Jens Anso for this unique manual OTF called the Kershaw Kapsule.

The Kershaw Kapsule is a small but compelling everyday carry with an eccentric design you won’t want to put down.

Here’s how the knife works: you manually push upward on the blue actuator until the blade locks into place with a button lock. When you want to close it, you push the blue button and manually pull it back down. It’s as simple as that and a unique opening mechanism.

Smith & Wesson Sideburn – Knife of the Week

October 26, 2022 / Tim / 0 Comments

Who says you can’t get a good budget knife for under $25? The Smith & Wesson Sideburn begs to differ.

The Sideburn is a solid, budget-friendly everyday carry with a unique design that works well.

It has a 3-inch modified Wharncliffe blade made from functional 8Cr13MoV stainless steel. The blade profile offers a strong, piercing point with a subtle curve in the blade’s edge.

A flipper tab allows the blade to spring open manually but reliably, while a cutout notch allows for a more controlled method of opening.

Behold the Ultra Premium Utility Knife from Hawk Knives

October 24, 2022 / Tim / 1 Comment

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.

Images from Mitchell D Cohen Photography

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

Cold Steel SR1 Lite – Knife of the Week

October 18, 2022 / Tim / 2 Comments

The Cold Steel SRK (Survival Rescue Knife) is one of the best all-around survival fixed blades you can buy at an affordable price. So Cold Steel transferred much of what made it successful and made the premium SR1.

Now, you can get everything that the robust folder has to offer in a more affordable package with the Cold Steel SR1 Lite.

Take a look at this review from Pete (and Bricky) from Cedric & Ada Gear and Outdoors:

The SR1 Lite boasts a 4-inch blade with affordable and durable 8Cr13MoV stainless steel. This version has the same clip point blade found in the SRK, but you can also get the tanto SR1 Lite if you prefer.