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13 Best Automatic Knives in 2024

January 2, 2024 / / 7 Comments

Despite the legal gray areas, automatic knives — often referred to as switchblades — remain some of the most satisfying and effective knives on the market.

For the uninitiated, an automatic knife opens with the push of a button or switch. If you’re curious about how they differ from assisted-opening knives, we’ve got a deep dive on that, here.

We’ve been steadily rounding up the best knives by brand and category, so it was only a matter of time before we tackled autos.

One quick note: This list does not include out-the-front (OTF) knives. While most OTFs are technically automatics, they’ve carved out their own category — and they have their own dedicated list.

Now, let’s get to it. Here are the best automatic knives right now.

1. Buck 110 Auto

The Buck 110 Folding Hunter is hands-down one of the most legendary folding knives of all time. The only real drawback? It’s not exactly quick to deploy one-handed.

That’s where the Buck 110 Auto comes in.

With a simple press of a button, the classic 3.75-inch clip-point blade snaps open with authority. It stays true to the original with 420HC stainless steel and the reliable lockback mechanism — a combo that delivers rock-solid performance and time-tested durability.

The handle features beautiful Crelicam genuine ebony, complete with brass bolsters and pins, maintaining that iconic look and feel.

Even decades later, the Buck 110 is still a top-tier choice — and the automatic version cranks things up a notch. If you’re looking for upgrades, the Buck 110 Auto Elite steps it up with S30V steel and a G-10 handle. And for something a bit more compact, the Buck 112 Auto is also worth checking out.

2. Kershaw Launch 6

With the Kershaw Launch 15 dropping in 2023, it’s honestly tough to pick just one Launch model for this list — they’re all that good.

But for the sake of variety, we went with the Kershaw Launch 6. This full-sized automatic features a 3.375-inch drop-point blade and a sleek aluminum handle.

Its all-black aesthetic gives it a clean, tactical look that’s hard not to love.

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Boker Plus Slike – Knife of the Week

December 29, 2023 / / 0 Comments

Boker Plus Slike

The OTF is a fan-favorite design because it’s so unique with a rich history. Unfortunately, most out-the-front designs are exclusively automatics, which means they’re illegal in many places.

However, there’s an increasing amount of manual OTF knives that skirt the definition of an automatic knife.

One of the best manual OTF knives is the Boker Plus Slike.

This manual OTF is as light as a feather at just 1.27 ounces. Despite its light weight, it features a 2.99-inch dagger blade made from D2 steel.

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"Victorinox Tinker" by James Case is licensed under CC BY 2.0

Top 10 First Knives to Give to a Kid

December 7, 2023 / / 19 Comments

Getting your first knife is a rite of passage. Whether you’re receiving one or giving it as a gift, it’s more than just a tool—it’s a symbol of trust, responsibility, and a step into maturity. A first knife should be practical, safe, and built to instill good habits. You want something that teaches respect for blades while also being useful and fun to carry.

Over the years, I’ve seen a lot of “first knives” given out—some great, some… not so much. Since writing the original version of this list back in 2012, I’ve not only handled thousands more knives, but I’ve also become a parent. That perspective has completely reshaped how I evaluate a “starter” blade. Maturity, dexterity, and responsibility should all factor into the decision. After all, you wouldn’t hand a Smith & Wesson MAGIC assisted opening knife to a seven-year-old.

So, whether you’re prepping for your kid’s first camping trip or looking for a simple starter knife for yourself or a friend, here are some of the best first knives out there—spanning different styles, price points, and ages.

Let us know your first knife in the comments!

Victorinox Swiss Army Knife Tinker

Swiss army knife classic

This classic is the go-to starter knife for good reason. It was my first knife and probably yours. The Tinker includes a blade and multiple useful tools, all in a non-threatening, easy-to-carry package. Its compact size and familiar design make it unintimidating for beginners, while its quality ensures it will last for years. If you’re unsure where to begin, the Tinker is a safe bet.

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Spyderco Ambitious

Spyderco makes an array of excellent knives that could work well for younger audiences. For example, there’s the Delica or Dragonfly (the latter of which you could get a wooden version as a trainer), but those tend to be a little more expensive.

Therefore, my choice is the Spyderco’s Ambitious, a small but mighty folding knife with a 2.25-inch blade. It features G-10 handle scales, a secure liner lock, and that signature Round Hole for easy one-handed opening. It’s the most compact member of the popular Tenacious family, offering high performance in a kid-friendly size.

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Spyderco UpTern – Knife of the Week

December 6, 2023 / / 1 Comment

Spyderco UpTern

The first Spyderco was a revolutionary folder. It had a thumb hole for one-handed opening, a lockback mechanism for strength, and a durable stainless steel handle.

More than 40 years after that first Spyderco folder, Spyderco took many of the design cues from the original while adding quality-of-life improvements.

That resulted in a new yet instant classic called the Spyderco UpTern.

The UpTern actually has a unique backstory. It was inspired by a nonlocking model made specifically for Spyderco’s budget brand Byrd Knives in 2012 called the Tern. However, they upgraded almost everything and put in many of the classic Spyderco design elements.

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20 Knife Gift Ideas Under $100

December 1, 2023 / / 6 Comments

This post was updated in 2023.

Our suggestions for gift ideas at certain price ranges continues with 20 knife gift ideas under $100.

This list only features knives in the $50 to $100 price range. If you’re interested in the $20 to $50 range, check out our 20 knife gift ideas under $50 post. For prices under that, check out our 20 knife gift ideas under $20.

These recommendations cover the full gamut of styles, designs, and functions, so if you can’t find something to your satisfaction, you’re trying too hard.

Check out way more knife gift ideas under $100 on our collections page.

1. CIVIVI Elementum

The first few iterations of this list featured the iconic Benchmade Mini Griptilian and then the fantastic Spyderco Para 3 Lightweight here. Unfortunately, rising prices have pushed these still great knives off the list. But the replacement may be a better overall knife and value.

The CIVIVI Elementum is one of the best everyday carry knives on the market. It is a simple design that countless people have fallen in love with the past few years. The great thing about the Elementum is that it comes in countless varieties, so you can get the Elementum that matches the personality of the recipient.

An even better aspect is that all of the CIVIVI Elementums fall in the $50 to $100 price range.

The one highlighted here is the handsome version with wood handles and a black blade.

2. CRKT Taco Viper

Despite its silly-sounding name, the CRKT Taco Viper is an amazing and underrated folder.

It has a great history because it’s made by veteran Antonio Rodriguez and gets its moniker from a nickname given to 82nd Airborne because they gave their leftover Taco Tuesday scraps to the snakes while serving in Afghanistan.

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20 Knife Gift Ideas Under $50

November 29, 2023 / / 4 Comments

Note: Post updated in 2023.

If you’re like me, trying to find a gift is the worst. Fortunately, for you, helping you find the perfect gift is part of my job.

I’ve written about 20 different knife-related gifts for under $20 with some great options. But, if your budget for a good friend or a brother is a little higher, we got you covered.

Here are 20 knife-related gift ideas for under $50. These include some of the best-sellers at Knife Depot and products people have been excited about recently.

For a more robust list, check out the gift ideas under $50 collections page.

1. Spyderco UpTern

When we first made this list a few years back, the Spyderco Tenacious was one of the top picks for knives under $50, but its price is now well over the $50 mark.

However, Spyderco still has a handful of knives under the $50, including the relatively recent UpTern. This knife is unique in that it’s one of the few Byrd knives to get a Spyderco upgrade (rather than the other way around).

This is an all steel model that’s similar to those original Delica/Endura models. This one has a finger choil that makes gripping this folder very comfortable.

2. Kershaw Bracket

Kershaw has a ton of great knives at just under the $50 mark. The Bracket is a great choice for those looking to get a knife that’s a little different from the rest.

This cleaver style folder has a 3.4-inch blade with a steel pivot overly over a glass-filled nylon front scale. It is a robust yet balanced knife.

3. Smith & Wesson Bullseye Throwers

Smith & Wesson Bullseye Throwers

Does your gift recipient already have a ton of foldings knives and fixed blades? Try getting him or her a set of throwing knives. This set from Smith & Wesson comes with six throwing knives that are durable and great for everyone.

Knife throwing is quickly becoming a popular sport that people can play in the comfort of their own backyard. Start a new tradition with this set.

4. Engraved Old Timer 6OT Golden Bear

From the modern to the classic, the next item under $50 is the Old Timer 6OT Golden Bear from Schrade. I’ve always been a big fan of Old Timer knives — the saw cut Delrin handles and the brass bolsters/pins give this knife a look that harkens back to the days of old.

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20 Knife Gift Ideas Under $20

November 29, 2023 / / 5 Comments

Note: Post updated in 2023.

Finding a gift for someone is stressful, whether it’s a small Christmas gift for a coworker, a graduation gift for your little brother, or a present for Father’s Day.

But don’t worry; we have your back with a good knife.

We first wrote this post a few years ago, but due to prices creeping up, we had to give this list an overhaul. So here’s a look at 20 easy knife-related gift ideas that are sure to get some genuine smiles and thanks.

The best part is that everything’s under $20. Check out more gift ideas under a slightly elevated threshold of $25 at our gift ideas under $25 collections page.

1. Kershaw Cinder

The fantastic Kershaw Shuffle used to hold this spot, but it’s unfortunately a few dollars over our arbitrary $20 limit. But Kershaw has another small multifunctional pocket knife for under $20 — the Kershaw Cinder in copper.

This one makes an excellent gift. Why? This is a good all-around EDC tool with the dual purpose of being a bottle opener and pry bar. That alone makes this gift a no-brainer.

It’s small enough to fit in a keychain, but the locking blade is nothing to scoff at. The fact that this version comes in copper makes it even more special.

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2. Smith & Wesson SW1101

Smith & Wesson is best known for its firearms, but the S&W knives are more than capable. The value on the SW1101 cannot be overstated.

This is a solid EDC with a 3-inch blade that opens via flipper or thumb stud and has a rubberized aluminum handle. You can’t beat this knife for the price.

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3. Gerber Mini Paraframe

The Gerber Paraframe is a classic design that pretty much everyone has had in their life.

This mini version with a 2.22-inch blade keeps that same iconic skeletonized design but shrinks it down into a package that’s easier to carry and gift.

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4. Tac-Force Knuckle Knife

Is this a novelty knife or unique EDC knife for around the house? Yes and yes!

The Tac-Force Tactical Knuckle Knife is an interesting folder with an assisted-opening blade that springs open via flipper. But you will probably immediately notice the built-in knuckle guard that’s reminiscent of old trench knives.

Just makes sure knuckle knives are legal in your area!

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5. Lansky Blade Medic

All knives need a touch-up at some point in their life, but the need always comes at the worst times. That’s what the Lansky Blade Medic is for.

This pocket sharpening kit is billed as the first responder for field repairs because it’s an entire sharpening system that fits right in your pocket. It has tungsten carbide, ceramic sharpening rods, a serrated knife sharpener, and a diamond tapered rod.

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CRKT Taco Viper – Knife of the Week

November 8, 2023 / / 0 Comments

CRKT Taco Viper

With Veteran’s Day this week, we thought it only made sense to pick a knife designed by a veteran as the latest Knife of the Week.

The CRKT Taco Viper was the obvious choice.

Designed by Antonio Rodriguez, a veteran of the 82nd Airborne and son of Michael Rodriguez, the Taco Viper was created as a reliable flipper for high-stakes situations like those paratroopers might find themselves.

The knife was made as part of the Forged by War program, which sees veterans team up with CRKT to bring their visions to life.

The first thing you probably noticed is not the design but the awesome name.

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Best Bowie Knives

November 7, 2023 / / 4 Comments

This post was first written in 2019 and was most recently updated in 2023.

When you think of American knives, there should only be one knife that jumps to mind: the Bowie Knife.

We’ve written a ton about the Bowie knife. In fact, the very first blog post back in August 2010 was about the legendary Jim Bowie.

If you don’t know about the legend of Jim Bowie and his knife, check out our definitive look at the legend of the Bowie knife.

There are a lot of bad quality Bowie knives on the market. Cheap, low-quality steel and bad workmanship are rife. We’re here to help you find only high quality Bowie knives.

What Makes a Good Bowie Knife?

As I’ve said many times, there is not a consensus on the dimensions of the original, but a Bowie knife is broadly defined as a large fixed blade with a clip-point profile.

These days, designers play with the elements of the Bowie to create knives that fit the general framework of the Bowie while pushing the boundaries. You get some original creations that could still be defined as a Bowie knife. We’re including some of those here too.

Cold Steel Wild West

Let’s start with the Wild West Bowie. This is the knife most people probably envision of when they think of a Bowie knife.

It has a long 10.75-inch clip-point blade made from 1090 carbon steel with a rosewood handle. A brass-colored hand guard also adds to the traditional look of the knife.

KA-BAR Bowie

The KA-BAR Bowie is a little small to be a Bowie knife, since it has a 6.9-inch blade (that’s still pretty long).

The original KA-BAR is essentially a Bowie knife too, although most probably wouldn’t instantly recognize it as one. This model has a clip point blade with a stacked leather handle and a small guard. It comes with a leather sheath.

Schrade Leroy Bowie

Here’s where we start to get a little more playful with the design choices. This isn’t the type of Bowie that old Jim would have carried as he defended the Alamo. But the Leroy Bowie still makes a good Bowie knife.

It has an all-black design with a 9.55-inch clip-point blade.

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BnB Damascus Push Dagger – Knife of the Week

November 1, 2023 / / 0 Comments

BnB Damascus Push Dagger

The push dagger is a unique design initially conceived as a self-defense tool. However, more people are beginning to use them for daily tasks.

The BnB Damascus Push Dagger is the perfect fixed blade for EDC.

This small yet capable knife is very attractive, thanks to its handsome 3.5-inch Damascus steel blade. Because the steel is made from 256 layers of 1095 and 15N20 steel folded over one another, each knife has a distinct look.

A polished bolster brings out that etched design of the steel that’s captivating and eye-catching

The handle boasts polished walnut scales that add to the charm of the knife.

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