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.
1. Benchmade Bugout
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:
CPM-S30V premium stainless steel blade
Grivory handle that’s feather-light but durable
Ambidextrous AXIS® lock—lefty moms rejoice!
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.)
1. Always Cut Away From Yourself (Yes, Even If You’re “Careful”)
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.
1. Kershaw Funxion
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.
When you mix impressive speed and a premium build that’s designed for hard-use, you get the Hogue Ballista I.
Since it was introduced a few years ago, this everyday carry automatic that’s capable of tackling any work task you need has been among our most popular knives.
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.
Kershaw Knives has a long history that dates back to 1974 when Pete Kershaw left his job at Gerber to form his own company. More than 40 years later, the Oregon-based company continues to flex its muscle and show why it remains one of the best knife companies around.
The company has evolved over the years with popular and revolutionary knife models coming and going, but we wanted to take a look at the best knives currently in production at Kershaw.
Note: Best is obviously a very subjective term. While there will be some bias in which knives to include, I will try to select the knives that receive generally widespread acclaim from professional reviewers and customers. Some knives may also get some bonus points for being important to the company. New knives often need a few years to gain the stature needed to be called the best but there are always some that are obvious additions.
If you feel any knives have been slighted or want to mention a knife you feel is the best, let me know in the comments.
1. Kershaw Leek
I’m kicking off the list with the most iconic Kershaw knife ever made: the Leek. This Ken Onion design has always been lumped in with the historically important knives (it made our own list of most iconic knives) and for good reason.
The Leek is simple, effective, and is a gold standard for EDC knives. The knife features a 3-inch modified Wharncliffe blade made from quality 142C28N steel, a stainless steel handle with a frame lock, and the SpeedSafe assisted-opening mechanism.
This post was originally posted in August 2018 and is updated every year.
Formally known as Columbia River Knife & Tool, CRKT is a relatively new company in terms of big knife brands, having only been established in 1994.
In nearly 30 years, CRKT has released hundreds of models, earning a reputation for bold innovation and standout collaborations with top-tier designers. There’s a lot to admire—from clever opening mechanisms to unique blade shapes—but the brand has also faced some criticism for relying on budget materials. Thankfully, in recent years, CRKT has taken steps to level up in that department.
Narrowing down the 10 best CRKT knives started out easy… until I remembered just how many gems the brand has churned out over the years. With CRKT constantly rotating its lineup—adding fresh designs and retiring old favorites—this list ended up being a mix of classics and current standouts.
Think we missed a deserving blade? Drop your picks in the comments—we’d love to hear what makes your top 10.
CRKT M16
Let’s kick things off with CRKT’s flagship series: the legendary M16. Designed by the late, great Kit Carson—a pioneer of the flipper tab—the M16 played a huge role in putting CRKT on the map. In fact, Carson’s original design was named one of Blade Magazine’s top 10 tactical knives of the decade. CRKT’s version? Still a force to be reckoned with.
KA-BAR is a legendary name in the knife world, with a legacy that spans more than a century—though it hasn’t always operated under the same name. While the iconic USMC KA-BAR remains its most famous blade, the Olean, New York-based company has built a surprisingly diverse lineup over the years.
By collaborating with some of the top names in the business—like Ethan Becker, Rick Hinderer, and Bob Dozier—KA-BAR continues to show a serious commitment to quality and innovation.
There’ve been plenty of solid new releases, but none have dethroned these tried-and-true classics.
Here are the 10 best KA-BAR knives you can get your hands on right now.
KA-BAR USMC Fighting Knife
Let’s kick things off with the icon—the original KA-BAR. I won’t go too deep into the history here (because I’ve already done that) but it’s worth noting that several companies produced the KA-BAR knife over the years. Still, the ones made by the company we now know as KA-BAR were always held in the highest regard.
Decades later, this legendary fighting knife remains a favorite among both military personnel and civilians.
Honestly, I could have filled this whole list with different versions of the KA-BAR utility knife. But to keep things varied, I’m letting the classic USMC model represent the whole family—like the Kraton-handled variants, tanto versions, short versions and more.
KA-BAR BK2 Becker Campanion
Just like I could’ve packed this list with nothing but fighting knives, I could just as easily fill it entirely with models from the KA-BAR Becker line. Ethan Becker is a true knife-designing savant, and his work with KA-BAR is all the proof you need. One standout in the lineup? The BK2 Becker Campanion.
Every year, the finest knifemakers and manufacturers descend on Atlanta to reveal new knife models, talk shop, and receive awards at the Blade Show.
I’ve already delved deep into the past and laid out the “Overall Knife of the Year” winners since Blade Show first started in 1982.
In advance of the latest Blade Show, I thought I’d take a look back at a different category: the Most Innovative American-Made Design of the Year. This category (and its counterpart Most Innovative Imported Design of the Year) didn’t start until 1990, so that’s where we’ll pick up.
It gives a good insight into the thinking of the judges who pick the knives and whether any of these stood to the test of time (hint: many did!).
1990: Becker Knife & Tool Tactul II
The image features early Tactuls or possibly Divtuls — not sure which models or generations.
We’re starting with the very first entry in 1990: the Becker Knife & Tool Tactul II. These earlier knives are hard to nail down because they have evolved or gone the way of the dodo. You might not be familiar with the Tactul II, but you might know the modern day version better known as the KA-BAR Becker Tac Tool.
Before teaming up with KA-BAR, Ethan Becker had his own company who put out knives made by other manufacturers. The original description from Blade Magazine on the win says the knife is a “heavy duty diving/utility knife that is a saw, hammer/nail puller, screwdriver, chisel, pry bar and knife all in one.”
1991: Gerber Gator Serrated
A more recent version of the Gator.
The Gerber Gator feels like old news now but it was once one of the most innovative when first released. The overall design with the gator-like textured handle was superb. In fact, this — like the Tac Tool — remains a very good knife that’s still around.
1992: Equip USA El Diente
Image provided by Blade Magazine
I wasn’t able to find any information about the Equip USA El Diente, so I reached out to Blade Magazine (which sponsors the Blade Show) to find out more.
With thousands of knives flooding the markets, it might seem like there’s so much overlap out there that all knives start to bleed together. If you actually believe that new knives no longer have much to offer, you have a lot of studying to do.
Every year manufacturers and designers work hard to bring something new and exciting to the table. To better illustrate how new knives are still proving their worth, we thought it’d be interesting to take a look at all the winners of Blade Magazine‘s “Overall Knife of the Year” award since the start.
The winners of this award are voted by attendees of the BLADE Show and a panel of special judges. These knives are typically prototypes at the time, but show real craftsmanship, expert designs, beautiful construction, and much more.
The first BLADE Show took place in 1982. From what I could find, the first Overall Knife of the Year award was given to a Fight’n Rooster knife, though I couldn’t pinpoint the model, so I didn’t add it here.
Also, the show did not have an Overall Knife of the Year winner in 1983. If I am wrong, please let me know. So with that, let’s start with the knife that won the award in 1984 and work our way to the present.
1984: Timberline Survival Hunter
(The image is of a skinner version of the knife made by Timberline’s Vaughn Neely. These old knives are hard to find.)
The Survival Hunter is a design by Vaughn Neely, who founded Timberline, and was a beloved knife. You still see these vintage Survival Hunters for sale but they tend to go very quickly. Like I said, these earlier knives are difficult to find information on, but it also won the American Made Design of the Year in 1985.
1985: Gerber Clip-Lock
The Clip-Lock from Gerber was a Black Collins design that’s now long discontinued. It had an unusual sheath design in that a clip locked it into place. Here is a quick video overview:
1986: Fight’n Rooster 7-blade Congress
I’m honestly not too familiar with Fight’n Rooster Knives, but I was able to find out that the company was started in the ’70s by Frank Buster. Most of them were traditional slip joint designs typically made in Solingen, Germany. This 7-bladed Congress was all I could find of the knife, but if it’s not the correct model, please let me know.
1987: Buck Titanium
The Buck Titanium was an interesting design with a titanium handle and an overall design reminiscent of the Buck 110 Folding Hunter. It had a monstrous pocket clip, which you can kind of see in the image above. It had a back lock and was just a solid knife.
