The Cutting Edge

UK Looking to Ban the Sale of "Zombie Killer" Knives

January 13, 2016 / Tim / 2 Comments

It’s a well-known fact by now that the UK is cracking down on knives, but police officials across the pond are now taking aim at a specific type of knife: zombie killer knives.

“Zombie killer” knives or, as we like to call them, zombie apocalypse survival tools are a genre of knives that many consider novelty items. Apparently, local gangs are using these knives as status symbols or for intimidation.

Here’s more from the Independent:

Sales of so-called “zombie killer” knives, serrated weapons with long blades inspired by horror films, have led to calls for a crackdown on the marketing methods of online vendors who sell them as collectors’ items to “exterminate the undead”.

But police forces have become so concerned at the potential proliferation of the knives in big cities that steps are now being taken to introduce an outright ban on the weapons.

If you still don’t know what we’re talking about, check out this Zombie Killer War Blade Set—a best-seller here at Knife Depot.

So those aren’t exactly the type of knives that are functional or designed for anything else other than collecting and showing your buddies. However, zombie survival tools can be quite useful for more than just “decapitating zombies.”

Cold Steel Sure Balance Thrower – Badass Knife of the Week

January 11, 2016 / Tim / 0 Comments

Is there anything more satisfying than throwing a well-built piece of metal at a target a few feet away? We think not.

Whether you’re trying to add some variety to your throwing knives or trying to find a way into the hobby, the Cold Steel Sure Balance Thrower is the perfect throwing knife for beginners and experts alike.

Built like a tank, this single thrower is in the heavyweight class of throwing knives. With an overall length of 13.38 inches and a weight of 18.3 ounces, it’s not hard to see why.

Washington State’s Top Court Rules No Constitutional Right to Carry a Knife

January 5, 2016 / Tim / 9 Comments

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In a setback for knife rights advocates, Washington State’s high court upheld a ban on knives in Seattle, ruling that there is no constitutional right to carry a knife.

Wait, what?

Let’s go back to the beginning. In February 2010, Wayne Anthony Evans was pulled over for speeding in Seattle. Evans told the officer he had a sheathed kitchen knife in his pocket when the officer asked. As a result, prosecutors from Seattle charged Evans with unlawful possession of a “dangerous” knife under the city’s ordinance.

After being charged with a misdemeanor, Evans appealed the conviction claiming his constitutional rights were violated.

In 2014, the state court of appeals in Washington upheld the conviction because it concluded that kitchen knives shouldn’t be considered “arms” and therefore were not protected by the Second Amendment.

A paring knife, which may have been similar to the one Evans was carrying when he was pulled over.

A paring knife, which may have been similar to the one Evans was carrying when he was charged.

Then, a week ago, the Supreme Court of Washington State confirmed the earlier ruling that the Seattle law prohibiting the carrying of small fixed blades does not conflict with the Second Amendment.

Kershaw Emerson CQC-6K – Badass Knife of the Week

January 4, 2016 / Tim / 2 Comments

If you retrace the lineage of the tactical folder over the past 20 years, then you’d eventually come to one knife: the Emerson CQC-6.

The handmade tactical folding knife designed by the legendary Ernest Emerson is widely considered the knife that popularized the tactical folder (along with designs by Sal Glesser and Bob Terzuola).

Even after more than 20 years of being made, the waitlist on this custom knife stretched several years. So Emerson partnered with Kershaw to bring a factory version of the knife called the Kershaw Emerson CQC-6K.

But could Kershaw recreate the design, fit, and finish that made the custom so popular with a smaller budget? The answer is a resounding yes.

Mantis MK-3vXb Encore Karambit – Badass Knife of the Week

December 28, 2015 / Tim / 0 Comments

The Mantis MK-3vXb Encore Folding Karambit doesn’t just raise the bar for karambits, it sets a whole new standard.

The Encore boasts an inspired design from top to bottom. Its 2-inch blade is made of quality M-vX Proprietary Steel that’s tough as nails and made for maximum edge retention and corrosion resistance.

And that’s just the start of it.

The Encore uses the Mantis Spike-Spine, which allows the blade to engage as the knife is removed from the pocket—similar to the Emerson Wave feature. The blade also has two opening holes, both to decrease the weight and provide additional opening options.

Best-Selling Swiss Army Knives at Knife Depot

December 27, 2015 / Tim / 1 Comment

Our look at the best-selling knives in different categories continues this week with the top-selling Swiss Army knives. Just like the previous entries into the best-selling knives, this is a general look at the knives our customers have been buying the most

This information is fluid and will change as time goes on. In fact, it has already changed. If you take into account the best-selling Swiss Army knives of the past few years, you’d see the Black Anodized SwissTool near the top, but since the item is no longer available, we’re not including it here.

This also takes into account some of the different variations. Here are some of the best-sellers.

5. Victorinox Huntsman

The Huntsman is a pretty recent addition to the list. It’s hard to say why this one is on the list, except for the fact that it’s a solid SAK. This model is essentially a lighter version of the Camper with tools like a large blade, small blade, corkscrew, wood saw, scissors, and a few others. It only weighs 3.5 ounces.

4. Victorinox Tinker

Tinker

The Tinker is another one of those models with a small selection of tools. This 91mm SAK has similar tools as the Huntsman but without scissors. What gives the Tinker a leg up is the fact that it comes in a variety of colors, including black, sapphire, and red.

Leatherman Wave – Badass Knife of the Week

December 21, 2015 / Tim / 1 Comment

Imagine a world in which nearly every tool you could possibly need is always at the tip of your fingers, whether you’re at a worksite or a dinner party. Our latest Badass Knife of the Week takes that imaginary world and makes it a reality.

The Leatherman Wave is a handyman’s dream tool, and the second-generation version of Leatherman’s most popular tool is stronger and better than ever.

The Wave is most famous for having functional and liner-locking blades that are accessible even with the tool is closed. But the usefulness doesn’t stop there.

10 Ways People Have Tried to Sneak Knives on Planes

December 20, 2015 / Tim / 12 Comments

Click here for 20 more ways people have tried to sneak knives on planes.

Don’t try to take your knives on planes!

We know the restrictions can be pretty stringent and unnecessary (at one point the TSA was going to allow knives back on planes before people flipped out), but knives are not allowed on planes.

Not only will your knives get confiscated but you will also be pulled aside and maybe even charged, depending on the situation.

We’ve written about this before way back in 2012 when the TSA shared how someone tried to smuggle a knife inside a jar of mayonnaise, but the organization has only become more brazen in sharing the things they’ve found. The TSA is still reviled by most people, but their Instagram account is a must-follow to see what kinds of things people try to take onboard planes.

In honor of the impending holiday season, here are 10 ways people have tried to smuggle knives on planes. (This isn’t counting the concealed knives like belt buckle knives and comb knives—only regular knives hidden in different places. We’ll save concealed knives for another post.)

By the way, if you’re planning on flying this holiday season, here is a post on TSA knife rules and ways to prevent your knife from being taken.

1. Inside a shoe (hidden beneath the sole)

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A post shared by Travel Tips & Dad Joke Hits 🎶 (@tsa)

Apparently this dude tried to take two knives onboard the plane—a bullet knife and what looks to be a balisong. A cutout was made in the heel.

KA-BAR BK9 Becker Combat Bowie

December 14, 2015 / Tim / 3 Comments

KA-BAR BK9 Becker Combat Bowie

When you hold the KA-BAR BK9 Becker Combat Bowie in your hands, you’ll instantly realize why this large knife is our latest Badass Knife of the Week.

The 14.75-inch knife boasts impressive power and versatility without feeling clumsy or burdensome. That’s thanks to Ethan Becker’s trademark ergonomic handle made from Grivory. This durable yet comfortable material cuts down on fatigue when you’re wielding the 1.05-pound Bowie knife for extended periods of time.

But the real power of the Combat Bowie shine’s through the long 9-inch blade made from 1095 Cro-Van steel, which is a carbon steel known for being tough and easy to sharpen.

What’s the Deal with Cancer Warnings on Knives?

December 13, 2015 / Tim / 58 Comments

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If you bought a knife in the past, you probably noticed the inclusion of a sticker or piece of paper that says something along the lines of “WARNING: This product contains chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm.”

Don’t be alarmed. You’re not going to get cancer or cause birth defects if you use and carry the knife regularly.

This warning, which can be found on knives from companies like Buck and Schrade, is the result of California’s Proposition 65. Way back in 1986, California voters passed an initiative aimed at reducing the presence of cancer-causing chemicals in drinking water. For the most part, the proposition was successful, but there were some downsides.

Part of Prop 65 prohibits businesses from knowingly exposing individuals to select substances without providing a clear and reasonable warning. That’s fine in theory—who wouldn’t want to know if there are cancer-causing chemicals in things. The only problem is that the substances on the list are pretty much present in everything.