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Choosing a Tactical Knife for Survival, Emergency, or Self Defense

February 18, 2020 / admin / 5 Comments

If you’re in the market for a knife that will serve you in any situation, it’s not a subject to be taken lightly. The fact of the matter is, a good tactical knife can save your life in a myriad of ways.

Whether you’re looking for a knife for survival, self-defense, or any potential emergency, you need to take your time and find the right one for every day carry. The ideal tactical knife will be able to handle whatever you throw at it. It should have a strong blade that holds its edge and a solid handle.

However, that only just begins to cover the criteria. Keep reading for an in-depth look at how to choose the best tactical knife for your needs.

Concealability

One of the most important factors to consider when choosing a tactical knife is how you want to carry it. For example, if you’re looking for a knife to carry around town that’s relatively subtle if not entirely undetectable, your best bet is a pocket knife. This is especially important if you’re carrying the knife for self-defense, as the element of surprise is always a good thing to have on your side.

Alternatively, if you’re looking for a knife to serve you well in the bush (hunting, fishing, camping, general survival) then there’s nothing wrong with strapping a big fixed blade to your belt like this Ka-BAR Heavy-Duty Warthog. Some people carry it on their hip, others on their thigh.

Regardless, consider where and how you want to carry your knife, as well as whether or not you want anyone to know about it.

Size

Size is another vital component in choosing the right tactical knife for your needs. As stated above, if you plan to use your knife as a daily concealed carry, you’ll want to lean on the conservative side in terms of size.

A big, girthy knife could start to get uncomfortable. However, too small of a knife could be relatively useless in most scenarios. We recommend a minimum of 3.5 inches for blade size.

On the flip side, you can also end up buying a knife with too much size. While we all love the idea of carrying around a massive blade, keep practicality in mind, as with this Cold Steel Demko. Unless you’re talking about a machete, no one needs a two-foot-long tactical knife.

Folder or Fixed Blade

Now you need to decide if you want a folder or a fixed blade. Both have their pros and cons. Folders are easily concealable and more publically accepted, but fixed blades are stronger and more durable, such as the Schrade Frontier.

In terms of fixed tactical knives, we recommend looking for a full tang blade. That means there’s one solid piece of metal from the tip of the blade to the base of the handle. The handle is then fitted over the top of the tang.

In terms of tactical folders, you have several options:

Regular folders – opens using both hands to unfold the blade
Gravity folder – uses the force of gravity and a flick of the wrist to open the blade
Assisted opening folders – uses a spring assist to open the blade one opening is initiated
Automatic Knives and Switchblades – opens automatically at the push of a button (spring-loaded)

Depending on where you live, some of these types of openers may be illegal.

Blade and Tip

Next, you need to consider what type of blade you want on your tactical knife. Both folders and fixed blades come with the same basic options.

First, do you want your knife to be a combo blade (partially serrated)? A serrated blade is your best option for cutting through softer materials such as fabrics, ropes, belts, and other flexible materials. However, it does decrease your total cutting edge and can be difficult to sharpen.

You also need to consider what type of tip you want your tactical knife to have. A tanto tip provides an incredible stong point for stabbing through touch objects but loses some of its slicing ability.

A gut hook is designed to help hunters skin wild game without damaging the internals like on this Damascus Steel Hunting Knife. A spear point is ideal for thrusting into soft targets. A drop point (one of the most common) is great for slicing and provide a strong tip.

Quality

One of the absolute essentials in picking out the right tactical knife is choosing one of high quality. A high-quality blade will be tough and hold it’s edge well.

For example, not all blade materials can withstand the same abuse. If you ever have to use your knife to pry something open, will it bend the blade or break the tip?

Pay attention to the grade of steel used in stainless steel knives to ensure you’re getting a strong blade. Typical carbon steel blades, as well as those infused with other metals such as chromium, can prove to be highly durable.

Quality is also important when it comes to picking out the right handle. Regardless of if you’re looking at fixed blades or folders, the handle needs to fit firmly in your hand (people are often surprised how easily a knife gets knocked out of their hands in a fight or other emergency situation).

The handle also needs to be tough and durable, after all a good blade nearly useless without a handle.

Extras

Finally, when looking for a tactical knife, pay attention to any of the perks that come along with it. For example, if you’re choosing a field or survival knife, what type of sheath does it have, will it hold up to snagging on trees and being dragged through the mud?

Additionally, does the survival knife come with any extras? A sharpener on the back of the sheath can give you a sharp edge in the field. A flint and steel combo can help you light fires.

For example, the United Cutlery Bushmaster Survival Knife comes with matches, a small compass, an animal snare, snakebite kit, and even a flashlight. Though, these knives with hollow handles for storage obviously don’t have full tang blades, which may be a negative aspect in your mind.

Looking for a Tactical Knife?

If you’re in the market for a new tactical knife, we personally recommend the Gerber Propel Automatic Knife, the Smith and Wesson Spec Ops Bayonet, or the CRKT Desert Big Dog.

We also have a massive inventory with everything from hunting knives to every type of folder imaginable. For ultimate survivor mode, check out our Zombie Apocalypse Survival Knife collection.

9 Spyderco Knives to Consider Buying in 2020

February 14, 2020 / admin / 1 Comment

You may not know it, but every manufacturer sure does: The knife industry is no joke.

Business is booming, so endless brands are competing for your buck. No matter how many times you’ve shopped, if you’re really a knife fan, you’re not sticking to one brand. Naturally, you try as many as you can.

So before you choose your next knife, you have to decide. But there are so many brands out there—how do you choose?

Don’t even worry about it. This is what you want right now: Spyderco knives.

These are the facts: For over 40 years, Spyderco has been an innovator. Offering the best in both form and function, they’re a knife fan’s dream.

Now that you know your brand, what model will you choose? Whether you’re new or a seasoned expert, it’s vital to get all the opinions you can before you make a purchase.

To help you out, here’s a list of nine of the best Spyderco knives to buy in 2020.

1. Paramilitary 2

The Spyderco Paramilitary 2 is arguably the best Spyderco knife out there. It’s gotten rave reviews from knife lovers everywhere, and here’s why:

Your Everyday Spyderco Flipper

The Paramilitary 2 is beyond easy to open and hold
Its full flat ground blade makes for effortless cutting
It’s become a basic necessity for any knife aficionado; you don’t want to be caught without one

2. Dragonfly 2 Salt

Do you spend a lot of time around water? Will you be bringing your knife on a boat?

15 Best Lightweight Fixed Blade Knives

January 31, 2020 / Tim / 5 Comments

Small Fixed Blade KA-Bar Knife

The old saying goes that the best lock mechanism on a knife is a fixed blade.

Back in the day, fixed blades were mostly robust outdoor tools, but the trend has been increasingly toward lighter and lighter fixed blades. That’s a plus for everyone.

A few years back, I wrote a post on the best EDC fixed blade knives. While all the knives performed well at EDC tasks, many of them were quite hefty.

So I decided to take the concept of an EDC fixed blade and narrow it down even more to the best lightweight fixed blades. All of these knives are at least under 3 ounces — with many of them being under 2.

Check them out.

CRKT Minimalist Wharncliffe Fixed Blade Knife

Weight: 1.1 oz
Blade Length: 2″
Overall Length: 5″

OK, I know my love for the CRKT Minimalist permeates everything around here, as this model makes it onto many best-of lists (including the aforementioned best EDC fixed blades). But it deserves another mention here. In the best EDC fixed blades post, I highlighted the Bowie version, but the Wharncliffe version is even lighter at a mere 1.1 ounces.

This is one of those knives you can feel confident carrying anywhere you go and feels big in the hand, despite the — well — minimalist handle.

Spyderco ARK Fixed Blade Knife

Weight: 0.9 oz
Blade Length: 2.56″
Overall Length: 4.98″

A Spyderco made it on the best EDC fixed blades, but the Street Beat is a pretty heavy folder. Enter the Spyderco ARK. Standing for “Always Ready Knife,” the ARK was designed as a personal defense knife by U.S. Army combat veteran John Shirley and his friend Sam Owens.

2020 Discontinued Spyderco Knives

January 4, 2020 / Tim / 1 Comment

With a new year comes new cuts to old favorites. Spyderco announced which knives were getting the ax back in September on their forum.

While that’s bad news for those who loved the knives, there is still some good news to be had. Most of these knives are still available but only for a little longer.

To help you, we’ve assembled the list of about 30 discontinued knives with links to where you can buy them. Then later in the post, we’ll talk about which models we’ll miss the most.

All 2020 Discontinued Spyderco Knives

BY03TIP2 – Cara Cara 2 Titanium (Sold Out)
BY04TIP2 – Meadowlark 2 Titanium (Sold Out)
BY10TIP2 – Robin 2 Titanium (Sold Out)
C07GP4 – Police 4 G-10
C28S – Dragonfly Stainless SPY
C28SBK2 – Dragonfly 2 Black SPY
C69GP3 – Lil’ Temperance 3 G-10
C82GP3 – D’Allara 3
C91SYL – Pacific Salt Yellow SPY (Look for the Pacific Salt 2 in 2020)
C91PYL – Pacific Salt Yellow PLN (Look for the Pacific Salt 2 in 2020)
C91SBK – Pacific Salt Black SPY (Look for the Pacific Salt 2 in 2020)
C91PBK – Pacific Salt Black PLN (Look for the Pacific Salt 2 in 2020)
C91PBBK – Pacific Salt Black Blade PLN (Look for the Pacific Salt 2 in 2020)
C91SBBK – Pacific Salt Black Blade SPY (Look for the Pacific Salt 2 in 2020)
C123CFP – Sage 1 Carbon Fiber
C152STIBLP – Chaparral Blue Stepped Ti
C152STIP – Chaparral Stepped Ti (Out)
C170GP – Karahawk G-10 Satin (Out)
C193PGY – Squarehead Lightweight Gray
C193PBK – Squarehead Lightweight Black
C203TIP – Mantra 2 Titanium
C212CFP – Magnitude Carbon Fiber
C214TIP – Advocate Titanium
C218GP – Opus G-10
C219GP – Q-Ball G-10
C224GP – Lil’ Sub-Hilt G-10
C225GP – Hundred Pacer
C227GP – Hanan G-10
FB38GP – Junction
K11S – Cooks Knife SPY

Spyderco Sage 1

The Sage series is a great idea — taking a great design and making it with different lock mechanisms. Unfortunately, many in the Sage series have been discontinued, including the Sage 1 with a liner lock this year.

How To Choose The Best Pocket Knife For You: A First-Time Buyer’s Guide

October 14, 2019 / Tim / 1 Comment

Buying your first pocket knife?

Purchasing one can seem intimidating if it’s your first time. Some people assume pocket knives are all the same but they’re not! There are so many factors to consider if you want to buy the best pocket knife for your specific needs.

Take a deep breath; we’re here to help you out. Check out our guide below for 8 crucial steps to get the best folding knife:

1. How Many Blades?

One of the first things you have to figure out is whether you want one blade, two, or more. This decision heavily alters all other factors and this is why we’re looking at it first.

A knife with a single blade gives you optimal functionality but for one purpose. You’ll get a dedicated carving knife, a dedicated hunting knife, and so on.

Getting multiple blades works the other way around. Swiss knives a Jack-of-All-Trades deal. They’re good at multiple tasks but none of the blades are strong enough to be your ideal choice.

If you’re out hunting, a single blade is all you need. If you need a knife for odd repairs, then a Swiss knife with different blades and small tools is a better fit.

2. Carrying It Around

Decided whether you want a single blade or a multi-blade knife? Congratulations, now you have to figure out how to carry it.

Take a moment to read pocketknife reviews and videos before buying. Look for any indications of how the knife locks to your pocket or belt.

Smaller pocket knives often don’t come with clips but they’re easy to slide loosely into your pocket. Larger knives use clips and this ensures they don’t weigh down on your pockets. The best pocket knife should satisfy both aesthetics and comfort demands so consider which carrying style suits your tastes.

3. Open and Lock Systems

These are some of the most important aspects to consider. When you buy pocket knife products, take time to first learn the legalities of the opening system in your area.

Some places, like in the UK, don’t allow people to carry a fully-automatic system. In the US, it differs from state to state.

There are three main types: manual open, automatic open, and semi-automatic open.

Manual knives are the old-fashioned designs in which you have to pull the blade out of the fold, requiring two hands. Semi-automatics require you to pull the blade out a bit before it pops out. Automatic open simply require a button press to open the blade and lock it steadily in place.

Also, consider the locking system too. Frame locks, liner locks, and lock-backs determine you can use the knife with one hand or two.

4. Blade Size

If this is your first pocket knife, don’t forget to look at the length of the blade too. Smaller blades are great for light tasks and are likely legal anywhere you go. Medium to large blades are heavier and you may run into legal issues depending on local laws regarding weapons and dangerous tools.

The blade’s length also determines the kind of work it can tackle. Smaller blades are great for tasks in tight spaces and those that need a fragile touch. Larger blades won’t work well for those cases but they’re the better choice for heavy-duty work.

5. Knife Material

When it comes to materials and build of the blade, it boils down to two main options: carbon and stainless steel. There are also high-carbon stainless steel knives and alloys of different mixtures.

Carbon and stainless steel reign supreme due to their durability. To determine a knife’s hardness, ask for its HRC rating. HRC refers to the Rockwell C scale and many consider it more accurate compared to the Mohs scale, which measures resistance.

There is one thing to take note: if you find a pocket knife built from alloy steel, look for a specific list of the metals used. If the knife simply states “stainless steel” with no HRC rating or popular brand, don’t buy it.

6. The Knife Edge

Do you need to cut rope or something similarly tough? Get a pocket knife with a serrated edge. If you need a pocket knife for smooth slicing or push cutting, get a knife with a plain edge.

If you’re not sure or if you might need both edges, get a pocket knife that has both. Some hunting knives have a plain edge along the upper half, close to the tip, and a serrated edge closer to the handle.

7. The Knife Handle

A good edge and a quick open/lock system won’t do you good if the handle isn’t up to standards. Consider the size of the handle with your hands and look around for something with an ergonomic design as this guarantees a comfortable grip.

You should also consider the handle materials.

Bone and wood are the classic choices but you can find pocket knives that use plastic capable of emulating their style and feel. Composite materials and metal are available too and these offer a more contemporary look.

The design matters too. Karambit pocket knives, which originated from the Philippines and Indonesia, have a large loop so you can lock your thumb or small finger. This ensures people can’t slap it off your hand.

Other designs focus on multi-tasking convenience or durability.

8. Price Matters

Now you have to look at pocket knives that fit the previous seven categories and your budget.

How much are pocket knives? Fortunately, pocket knives come in a wide assortment of price ranges, meaning you’re bound to find something that fits your needs and budget. You can find something below $25 and some that go over $100.

Get the Best Pocket Knife Today!

It’s easy to find the best pocket knife once you go through this list and narrow down exactly what you want. The next step is to look for knives that fit all these criteria.

The good news is you’re in luck. We have a wide selection of pocket knives. If you’re having trouble finding what you need, don’t hesitate to message us and let us help you sort things out.

15 Wood Handle EDC Knives

September 2, 2019 / Tim / 8 Comments

Article originally published in February 2018 before being updated to include different knives.

Picking the handle material that appeals to you the most depends on a ton of factors, including looks, purpose, durability, and more.

If you want something that’s durable and won’t warp, opt for a synthetic material. If you want something that’s probably the first handle material ever, go for bone. If you want something sleek and strong, pick a knife with a metal handle.

But, if you want a knife that’s downright good-looking and feels good in the handle, it’s hard to beat good old-fashioned wood.

Pros and Cons of Wood

I won’t go until detail about the pros and cons of wood because you probably already know, so I’ll boil it down. The Good: Comfortable, beautiful, varied, durable, potentially inexpensive. The Bad: Unstable at times, prone to warpage, requires more maintenance, potentially expensive.

The fact that there are so many types of wood out there means you can get the look and durability you desire while maintaining that natural looks.

There are some stabilized laminates on par with plywood in this list, including Dymondwood. If that doesn’t jibe with you, then I apologize in advance.

Without further ado, here’s a look at 15 excellent folding knives with wooden handles.

1. Boker Magnum Backpacker (Soft Wood)

I wanted to start off with the Backpacker. This is a really handsome knife with a simple yet solid construction. It has a 3.4-inch drop point blade made from 440 stainless steel. It opens via a thumb stud and locks with a liner.

Kershaw Natrix – Badass Knife of the Week

July 22, 2019 / Tim / 10 Comments

In 2011, Kershaw and Zero Tolerance created a highly ambitious knife that pushed the envelope — a knife called the ZT 0777. Difficulties in production and issues with availability in materials caused the knife to see a very limited run.

Six years later, Kershaw created a budget-friendly iteration of the original that’s smaller and more economical while retaining many of the design features that captured the attention of the knife community.

That knife is the Badass Knife of the Week. Continue reading

Benchmade Infidel – Badass Knife of the Week

July 15, 2019 / Tim / 0 Comments

If you could only choose one OTF automatic knife for your collection, reach for the Benchmade Infidel.

The Infidel is the flagship out-the-front model from the iconic butterfly brand and has been a mainstay of its lineup for years. Continue reading

Victorinox Rambler – Badass Knife of the Week

July 8, 2019 / Tim / 1 Comment

While it’s the biggest and baddest knives that get all the attention, it’s the small, industrious knives that do most of the work.

The Victorinox Rambler is the perfect example. This small Swiss Army Knife is the same size as the world famous Classic SD model when closed. However, it packs 10 different functions into the diminutive design.

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Because knife is in the name, we thought we’d start there. It has a small pen blade that gets the job done for small tasks and can become razor sharp easily. Another fan favorite is the scissors, which can be used for everything from trimming stray hairs to getting off plastic tags.

Spyderco Paramilitary 2 S110V – Badass Knife of the Week

July 1, 2019 / Tim / 0 Comments

Even after all these years, when you ask for recommendations on the best everyday carry knife, the Spyderco Paramilitary 2 will undoubtedly be the top choice. The PM2 has been a previous Badass Knife of the Week, but in honor of the week we celebrate the country’s independence, we decided to run back the PM2 with the upgraded S110V blade and Blurple handles.

The Spyderco Paramilitary 2 remains the go-to choice for best EDC knife with its nearly flawless design. So what could be better than a PM2? A PM2 with upgraded steel and sexy handle scales.

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This version of the popular folder features all the same assets we’ve come to love and respect in the original. The 3.42-inch blade has an excellent slicing belly and piercing point. It opens with the iconic RoundHole and locks into place with the Compression Lock. Not only is the lock reliable and safer than something like a liner lock but it makes opening and closing the blade almost hypnotic.

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