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Tekto’s Heavy Hitter That Doesn’t Hold Back

Let’s get one thing straight: the Tekto Zastava Series is not here to play nice. This isn’t your dainty desk knife or your sleek, fashion-forward EDC that looks great in an Instagram flat lay next to a latte. The Zastava is what you reach for when you mean business—whether that business is carving wood, breaching boxes, or just intimidating that clamshell packaging into submission.

This knife doesn’t whisper. It growls. And we couldn’t love it more.

First Look: Built Like a Tank, Handles Like a Sports Car

At first glance, the Zastava looks like it just returned from a covert mission—and probably succeeded. With aggressive lines, a beefy handle, and a tanto-style blade that practically demands respect, this thing screams durability.

But don’t be fooled by the bulk. Tekto somehow pulled off the rare balancing act of brute strength with surprisingly smooth action. You get the muscle and the moves—like a linebacker who can salsa.

Blade Breakdown: Tactical Meets Practical

Let’s talk specs, because the Zastava doesn’t skimp:

• Blade Steel: D2 tool steel—because sometimes you need to slice and survive.
• Blade Style: Tanto point. Strong, sharp, and ready to pierce just about anything short of a tank hull.
• Handle: Military-grade aluminum with texturing that grips back. Glove-friendly and glove-optional.
• Deployment: OTF (out-the-front) automatic action that’s snappy, decisive, and addictive. Yes, you will play with it at your desk.

Here’s a walkthrough courtesy of Tekto

Where It Shines (and Where It Surprises)

Strength: This is where the Zastava dominates. It’s tough enough for field work, yet not so massive it feels like wielding a crowbar.

Reliability: The action never failed us. Whether it was 40 degrees or 90, dry or sweaty hands, the blade popped with precision.

Ergonomics: Despite its size, the handle fits naturally in the hand. No hot spots, no weird angles—just good design.

Not for Minimalists: If you’re into featherweight, sleek knives that disappear in your pocket, this isn’t your jam. The Zastava wants to be noticed.

Your Turn: What’s Your Favorite Heavy Hitter?

Got a go-to knife that’s more brawler than ballet dancer? Or maybe you’ve taken the Zastava for a spin and have your own tales of glory (or survival)? We want to hear them.

Drop your stories in the comments—bonus points if they involve unexpected field tests, animal encounters, or heroic cardboard takedowns.

The Top Eco-Friendly Outdoor Knife Brands for 2025

Slicing Through Sustainability, One Blade at a Time

Let’s face it: the knife world isn’t exactly known for its granola-crunching tree-huggers. We’re more steel and edge than hemp and sprouts. But even in our world of blades and badassery, there’s a growing movement toward sustainability—and some of our favorite knife makers are leading the charge.

Victorinox: Old School Swiss Meets New School Sustainability

Victorinox, the maker of the iconic Swiss Army Knife (aka the most useful thing in your junk drawer), has been ahead of the eco-game since before it was trendy. These guys don’t just care about efficiency in their tools—they apply it to their entire operation.

Here’s how Victorinox is slicing into sustainability:

• 100% Hydropower: The main Victorinox factory in Ibach, Switzerland runs entirely on hydropower. That’s right—the Swiss Army Knife is powered by Swiss water. Efficiency meets alpine cool.
• Recycling: Scrap steel from the knife-making process? Recycled. Plastic trimmings? Reused. Even the heat from their own furnaces is repurposed to warm up local homes and their own buildings.
• Built to Last (and Last and Last): Victorinox famously doesn’t retire knife models often, and they offer repairs instead of replacements. That means fewer knives in landfills and more in your pocket—where they belong.

Fun fact: They even have a knife museum that reuses part of the original factory space.

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Let’s face it—most “tactical” knives look like they were built for a zombie apocalypse… and not in the stylish, Mad Max way. But every once in a while, a blade comes along that blends battlefield grit with runway-worthy design. Enter the Tekto A5 SPRY Series—a knife that’s equal parts James Bond and John Wick.

We took a deep dive into this OTF (out-the-front) bad boy to see what makes it tick—and whether it’s all looks or the real deal. Spoiler: it’s not just a pretty face.

A Knife That Dresses Up and Throws Down

At first glance, the A5 SPRY could pass for something you’d pull out at a black-tie event (assuming it’s the kind of party where slicing through rope is on the itinerary). With its sleek aircraft-grade aluminum handle and clean lines, it’s got that “refined operator” vibe—like a secret agent who knows 12 languages and always carries floss.

But don’t let the polish fool you. This thing’s built for action. The D2 steel blade is as tough as they come—ready to take on EDC tasks, outdoor abuse, and the occasional overzealous Amazon box.

The Breakdown: Why It Works

Here’s why the SPRY Series isn’t just another tactical wannabe:

• D2 Blade Steel: High carbon, high chromium, high performance. It holds an edge longer than your buddy holds onto fishing stories.
• OTF Mechanism: With a flick of the switch, the blade snaps out faster than a cat spotting a laser pointer. It’s smooth, reliable, and extremely satisfying.
• Build Quality: Tekto’s fit and finish are top-notch. No rattle, no wobble—just a solid, precision-crafted tool.

Real Talk: SPRY in the Wild

I took the A5 SPRY on a weekend camping trip in the Rockies—half to test it, half to convince my family that nature is still cool. Over two days, it tackled food prep, feather-sticking kindling, and some impromptu zip tie removal (don’t ask). Despite dirt, sap, and questionable weather, it never flinched. The OTF deployment never jammed, even with some grime buildup. That’s the kind of reliability that makes you feel like you’re starring in your own action movie.

Check out this unboxing/testing video.

Looks Can Kill (In a Good Way)

One thing I appreciate about the SPRY is that it doesn’t scream “tactical.” It whispers it. Clean silhouette, refined edges—this is the knife that’ll impress your knife buddies and your design-obsessed cousin who still uses a butter knife to open packages.

TL;DR Summary

• What It Is: A tactical OTF knife with sleek styling.
• Best For: EDC, light outdoor use, tactical fans who also appreciate aesthetics.
• Why We Love It: Tough, sharp, reliable, and cool enough to make you invent cutting tasks.

Let’s Talk Knives

What’s your take on knives that blur the line between tactical and classy? Have you carried the A5 SPRY—or something like it—that surprised you in both looks and performance?

Drop your stories, thoughts, or your favorite “unexpectedly useful” knife moment in the comments. We’re always up for some good edge talk.

When you’re out in the wild, you don’t need a knife with 17 features and a Bluetooth connection; you need something that works.

Here are 10 survival knives that keep it simple, sturdy, and ready when it counts:

KA-BAR Becker BK2 – Built like a tank, thick blade, solid grip; can butcher an elk and chop chili with ease

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So, you’re ready to buy your first real knife.

Congratulations—you’re entering a world sharper than your average steakhouse. But where to start? Fixed blade or folding? Tactical or practical?

This beginner knife guide walks you through the basics without the boring bits.

Learn what matters most: steel types, handle materials, and how you’ll actually use the knife. We’ll even help you dodge the “Mall Ninja” mistake.

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Knife terminology can be confusing; some of it sounds like engineering, and some sounds like medieval saw talk. If you’ve ever felt lost reading product descriptions, you’re not alone. Here’s a plain English guide to common knife terms:

Drop point: A popular blade shape where the spine slopes down to the tip. It’s strong, easy to control, and useful for everyday cutting.

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A sharp knife might look scary, but an a dull one is the real troublemaker. It slips which makes you press harder, and that’s when accidents happen. If you’re using your knife for anything from camping to kitchen prep, keeping it sharp is basic self-care for your blade.

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Sounds like movie magic, right? But with the right technique and tools, you can spark a fire using a knife. It’s not just survivalist fantasy—it’s a real, rugged skill every knife owner should know.

First, let’s talk gear. You will need a carbon steel knife with a sharp 90-degree file, something like the Cold Steel Wild West Bowie works well, and a ferro rod. Forget stainless blades; they don’t throw sparks well. This method uses the edge scraping against the rod to ignite your tinder. It doesn’t take much pressure, just the right angle and a clean strike.

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Some knives cost more than your weekly groceries, others are cheap but loyal. Either way, they all deserve a proper clean. Skip the dishwasher, grab a towel, and let’s run through the basics.

Here are some quick knife cleaning tips for every type of blade.

1. Fixed Blades

Fixed blades are easy. Rinse with warm water and mild soap. Scrub gently with a sponge—anything too abrasive, dry it immediately. If it’s carbon steel, rub on a little mineral oil to prevent rust.

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I’ve pitched tents in the rain, sliced salami on tree stumps, and chopped kindling by headlamp.

Through it all, these three knives have earned their place in my camping kit. In this post, I break down the combo I trust in the backcountry—plus some “don’t even pack it” mistakes you can skip.

1. Fixed Blade Workhorse

I carry a full-time fixed blade for heavy jobs. Mines the Cold Steel SRK Compact, it’s short enough to handle, but thick enough to baton with or dig out a stubborn tent stake. No nonsense, just sharp steel and a solid grip. It’s the knife I reach for when something needs to be done quickly: splitting kindling, clearing brush, or slicing into a stubborn food pouch.

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