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Victorinox Cadet – Badass Knife of the Week

September 21, 2015 / Tim / 1 Comment

Is there any symbol that represents quality, longevity, and ingenuity more than the red and white emblem of Victorinox? We think not.

And that’s why the Victorinox Cadet is the Badass Knife of the Week.

The Cadet is a quintessential Swiss Army knife that’s found its way into the pockets of knife enthusiasts and amateurs alike.

Considered one of the best everyday carry knives for someone on a budget, the 84mm (that’s 3.3 inches to you) Cadet has all the essential tools you need in an everyday multi-tool.

Knives Save Lives: The Unrelenting Escalator

September 17, 2015 / Tim / 3 Comments

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There’s a danger lurking behind one of the most mundane things known to man. It’s in malls and airports around the country. Yes, it’s the escalator.

You might not think twice about stepping onto those convenient steel steps as they guide you from one floor to the next, but the escalator has been in the news quite a bit lately.

In July, a mother was killed after falling inside an escalator when the panel at the top gave way. A few days later, a stroller was trapped between a step and the platform. Fortunately, no one was injured. But that’s not the only danger escalators pose.

On Monday, Sept. 7, a woman took an escalator in the Forest Hills Station of the MBTA. She seemed a little drunk, a little tired, and was carrying too much. Unexpectedly her skirt became caught by the escalator.

OKC Bushcraft Field Knife – Badass Knife of the Week

September 14, 2015 / Tim / 1 Comment

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When it comes to surviving in the wilderness, sometimes less is more. This is no more evident than in our latest Badass Knife of the Week: the Bushcraft Field Knife from Ontario Knife Company.

This knife doesn’t have all the bells and whistles found on many of the current survival knives, but the Bushcraft Field Knife has two traits you need the most: dependability and durability.

Winner of the 2014 Best of the Best award from Field & Stream Magazine, the knife shows OKC at its best.

How Do You Sharpen a Knife Without a Sharpener? Using These 10 Everyday Items

September 10, 2015 / Tim / 68 Comments

Knife On Ceramic Mug

Whether you’re out in the wilderness with only a few pieces of gear or can’t find a sharp knife to save your life, a knife sharpener isn’t always there when you need it most. Fortunately, knowing the basics of how to sharpen a knife and some creative thinking, you can sharpen or hone your blade using a variety of common household items.

Before we delve into things, it’s important to understand what we mean by “sharpening.” Technically, sharpening refers to removing metal from the blade to create a new, keener edge.

Not all of these objects will sharpen a knife in the truest sense of the word like a traditional knife sharpener. Honing or stropping, doesn’t remove metal but realigns the existing edge to make the knife perform sharper. Many of the methods below fall into one of these two categories—and both can be useful in a pinch.

Here are 10 everyday items you can use to sharpen or hone your knife when a traditional sharpener isn’t available:

Coffee Mug

A ceramic mug with an unglazed bottom edge can function much like a sharpening stone. Just flip the mug over, find the rough ring on the base, and drag the blade across it at a 15–20 degree angle. If it’s working, you’ll see a dark line where the metal is being removed. This method is surprisingly effective and readily available in most kitchens.

Leather Belt

Leather Belt for Sharpening a Knife

While it won’t sharpen in the strictest sense, a leather belt is perfect for stropping your knife, which realigns the edge and improves sharpness. Avoid belts with stitching or embossing, and always strop by moving the blade away from its edge. This method is especially useful for touch-ups after using one of the more abrasive methods listed.

Gerber Hinderer CLS – Badass Knife of the Week

September 7, 2015 / Tim / 0 Comments

Knives are constantly demonized as dangerous weapons and nothing more. Our latest Badass Knife of the Week offers definitive proof that knives are useful tools that can save lives.

The Gerber Hinderer CLS, which stands for Combat Life Saver, is a feature-rich folding knife that’s optimized for rescue operations and everyday use.

Its 3.5-inch partially serrated blade is made from 440A stainless steel and has oversized thumb studs to allow for quick deployment, even if you’re wearing thick gloves.

See the Swiss Army Machete for Zombie Defense

September 4, 2015 / Tim / 3 Comments

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There are many ways to kill a zombie—decapitation, crushing the skull, de-braining, and more. Think of how much more convenient it would be to have all the zombie-defense tools you would ever need in one place.

Well, you’re in luck.

A dude on Instructables made a Swiss Army Machete he calls the Zombie Defense Multi-tool.

We’ve seen a lot of crazy knives over the years—the world’s largest pocket knife, the legendary squid knife, and the knife chainsaw to name a few—but this one might take the cake.

KA-BAR TDI Law Enforcement – Badass Knife of the Week

August 31, 2015 / Tim / 1 Comment

When you’re in trouble and need something to defend yourself in a pinch, reach for the KA-BAR TDI Law Enforcement.

This badass knife is one of the collaborations between John Benner of the Tactical Defense Institute (TDI) and KA-BAR. Benner is the chief instructor at TDI and a 37-year veteran police Lieutenant, so he knows a thing or two about self-defense.

The TDI Law Enforcement, with its uniquely curved blade, is designed to be used when all else has failed. As a self-defense tool, the original idea behind the TDI Law Enforcement was to offer police officers protection from someone reaching for his or her firearm. However, it’s also found life among civilians as a versatile fixed blade.

Top 5 Best-Selling Spyderco Knives at Knife Depot

August 27, 2015 / Tim / 3 Comments

Spyderco is an institution in the knife industry. Even though they started off making knives without any care for aesthetic qualities, Spyderco knives are some of the most mimicked around.

People often ask me about the best or most popular model from Spyderco. Each Spyderco has its own attributes and qualities that may appeal to one person and not to another. I usually point them to our thorough article, which also has a list of the most iconic Spyderco knives. However, that doesn’t tell the full story.

Since people oftentimes speak truth through their wallet, I went into the sales of Knife Depot to look at the best-selling Spyderco models. Although this doesn’t mean they’re the best or most popular elsewhere, it’s a good indication as to what Spyderco knives people are looking to buy.

5. Spyderco Endura 4

It’s no surprise the Endura 4 is in the top five. Not only did it make our list of most iconic knives ever but it’s also touted as an important and game-changing knife that defines the brand. The Endura, now in its fourth iteration, was released in 1990 and looked unlike many other knives back then. Along with the Delica (which only missed this list of best-sellers by a hair), the Endura remains one of Spyderco’s masterpieces.

4. Spyderco Tenacious

Try to find a bad review of the Spyderco Tenacious. We’ll save you hours of searching and just tell you that there’s not much negative stuff out there. Spyderco can be polarizing, but they seemed to have found a sweet spot with the Tenacious. This knife is a budget EDC with a leaf-shaped blade, G-10 handles, and a liner lock.

3. Spyderco Military

The Military was the other Spyderco that made it on our list of most iconic knives ever. This knife is the cornerstone of the Save and Serve lineup and remains one of the most copied knives around. Like some of the other models on this list, the Military comes in a few styles, including models with a black blade and camo handle scales.

Kershaw Skyline – Badass Knife of the Week

August 25, 2015 / Tim / 0 Comments

Kershaw Skyline

If you take a quick glance at the Kershaw Skyline, you might think it’s just another folding knife. But this unassuming and understated knife is one of the most highly rated and beloved budget folders on the market.

Once you get this badass knife in your hands, it’s not hard to see why people love this knife. The Skyline is a lightweight, slim, and elegant folder that embodies everything you want in an everyday carry.

History of Roman Daggers & Swords

August 20, 2015 / Tim / 5 Comments

Gladiator Scene

In honor of our current giveaway of the Roman-inspired Thraex XII Tactical from US Gladius, we’re taking a more in-depth look at the swords and daggers from Ancient Rome.

When it comes to swords from history, it’s hard to think of better-known weapons than those from the Roman times. Due to the countless parallels with modern day society and the drama that took place during the time, our fascination with Ancient Rome is almost as old as Rome itself.

Before we venture into the swords and daggers, we’ll start with what Ancient dRome was like.

Life in Ancient Rome

Even though the peak of Ancient Rome was way back between 753 BC and 476 AD, Roman society was extremely advanced. Most of the wealthy Romans lived extravagant lifestyles with luxurious furnishings. The poor were on the other side of the spectrum. They didn’t have such lavish lives, but they did kill some time watching things like chariot races and gladiator fights.

After a hard day’s work, Romans from all backgrounds would head over to the public baths—where they would relax, gossip, mingle, and recuperate.

Rome wasn’t all fun and games, though. The Roman Empire—and the Republic to a lesser extent—were bent on expanding its territories through conflicts and conquests. Along with the gladiator events, weapons came in handy during battles.

Types of Roman Swords and Daggers

Maybe it’s just because of the countless movies set in Ancient Rome (such as Spartacus and Gladiator), but Roman weapons are very distinct. Let’s take a look at a few.

Gladius

The gladius was the primary weapon for the foot soldiers of Ancient Rome. The name was derived from the words gladiator, which means swordsman, and gladiolus, which means little sword. In general terms, the gladius sword features a double-edged blade that’s meant for thrusting with a few slices. Its other discerning feature is a knobbed hilt, which was typically ornate.

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