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Knives Save Lives: Gerber Knife vs. Burning Truck

November 7, 2011 / Tim / 2 Comments

McHenry County Sheriff The term “hero” is usually tossed around with careless abandon these days. You might call someone who gets you a shopping cart or someone who finds your favorite pair of pants a hero.

There are certainly a variety of uses for the term, but a true hero is someone who risks their life to save another. That’s why it’s no surprise that the two men in the next post in our series documenting how knives save lives are aptly deemed heroes.

According to the American Knife and Tool Institute, the whole story begins July 2011 on a highway in Illinois where David Kieffer was driving his Chevy S-10 pickup. As these stories always go, disaster was swift and unexpected. Out of nowhere Kieffer’s truck was rear-ended by a massive semi-truck and the power of that thing was tremendous. His truck burst into flames and he was trapped inside the crumpled vehicle.

This is always the pivotal point of a story. There could be so many possibilities. Nobody might stop to help or someone without a knife might stop and end up being ineffective regardless of intentions. Fortunately, unlike many other stories that end in disaster, two heroic men with the right tools were not far away.

Professional stuntman Daniel Narciso and National Guard vet James Halterman were nearby and instantly went to help Kieffer without worrying about getting burned or injured themselves. Since Kieffer was trapped in the burning vehicle by his seat belt, the only thing that could save him was a knife. Luckily, Halterman had his reliable Gerber Covert 154CM knife on him.

5 Badass knife trick videos

November 1, 2011 / Tim / 0 Comments

I don’t have to tell you that knives can be dangerous if used incorrectly, but sometimes when people use knives in a not-so-smart way, you get some pretty cool tricks. If you’re reading this, you’re probably old enough to know that you should not try this at home. These are crazy people doing crazy things that are potentially harmful and have probably cut themselves countless times.

1. Double Butterfly Knives

This guy may not be the smoothest, especially when his friends butt into his video, but he sure knows how to yield butterfly knives.

2. The Home-Made Switchblade

This is less of a trick than it is an awesome creation. Since switchblades are illegal, this guy created his own device that opens a knife quickly.

3. The Old-Fashioned Knife Trick

Spyderco collector dishes on future trends and new prototypes (part 2)

October 30, 2011 / Tim / 2 Comments

Friday, we posted the first part of our interview with Wouter, who runs a site called Spydercollector that is devoted to all things Spyderco. In the second part, Wouter discusses possible trends we might expect from past and future Spyderco knives.

UKPK courtesy of Spydercollector

In your opinion, what defines a good knife?

It may seem obvious, but first and foremost it has to cut well. In my book, that means a thin edge with a full flat grind, and no bolted-on thumbstuds or -discs. It also has to be easy to sharpen; as most thin edges are. After that it has to have good ergonomics and be lefty-friendly. I want to be able to work with a knife for more than ten minutes and not have any hotspots on my hand. Furthermore, a knife has to be easy to carry. That problem is usually solved by a well placed pocketclip. The basic pattern for a good knife –for me- is the Spyderco Calypso jr./Caly 3/UKPK pattern. It combines all the aforementioned features.

You’ve been lucky enough to have access to many new models. What trends have you noticed in Spyderco prototypes over the years?

It’s worth noting that everyone who is able to attend the Amsterdam Meets, or a major knifeshow with a Spyderco Booth, has access to these prototypes. After the first few Amsterdam Meets I’ve been asked to photograph and publish the knives for the online knifeknuts. The deal is that I can publish the production prototypes but not the concept models, which are further away from production.

Back to your question, I’ve seen a couple of trends. Generally, I’ve seen faster development times, more experiments with new materials, more use of ethnic designs and more knives that are adapted to changing knife laws. More importantly, I’ve noticed that the Spydercrew incorporates more user feedback every year. Even when a knife is trashed in a review and most people think that the knife was abused beyond reasonable use. Well, cooler heads prevail I guess and Spyderco comes up with an improved version of the knife in question. Spyderco wants to make a knife you can use and trust in any environment. The world is changing, both in terms of legislation and technology, and Spyderco is using both to keep making using knives.

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Talking Spyderco with avid knife collector Wouter (part 1)

October 28, 2011 / Tim / 2 Comments

Here at the Cutting Edge, we like to get perspectives on different brands of knives, so for Spyderco, we decided to talk to Wouter, a communications worker in the Netherlands, who runs the great site Spydercollector. At the site, he gives reviews, posts pictures of prototypes and talks all things Spyderco, so check it out.

If you’re not familiar with Spyderco, it’s a knife brand founded in 1978 and based in Colorado. Spyderco knives are known for their simplicity and reliability. Here’s the first part of our interview with Wouter.

Spyderco Kopa Series

What made you interested in collecting Spyderco knives?

The interwebs. Over ten years ago I had a few high-priced and extremely well-made knives, like the Chris Reeve Sebenza and the Microtech SOCOM. Up until then, my experience was that more expensive knives meant you got better knives. The Spyderco forum on BladeForums.com was pretty popular at the time and these guys just wouldn’t stop raving about the then newly revamped Military folder and the Moran fixed blade. I basically figured let’s see what the fuss is all about. I was blown away.

The Spyderco knives cut just as well, if not better, than my expensive Sebenza and SOCOM. Furthermore, the ergonomics of the Spyderco knives were way better, and for the same amount of money I could get more knives. Moreover, the Spyderco tri-angle sharpmaker taught me how to properly sharpen knives – I started using the knives much harder.

What do you like most about Spyderco?

The knives have a unique look but they were actually designed in the dark. Every design begins with a specific task or use in mind. Everything else is designed to reach that goal: blade shape and grind, ergonomics, locking system, opening action, construction etc… They end up with a pretty unusual looking knife, but they work really well. I think the Kopa series was Sal’s first and only attempt to deliberately make a ‘pretty knife’. Furthermore, the wide range of models Spyderco makes, means I can carry and use a knife for any occasion; whether it’s in a suit at the office or in the woods.

How big is your collection?

They come and they go. I never counted them, but let’s just say I can rotate my EDC (everyday carry) often.

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Always Use Knife Safety When Carving a Pumpkin

October 25, 2011 / Tim / 0 Comments

There are few things more symbolic of fall than bright orange pumpkins sitting on doorsteps and the toothy grins they begin to wear around Halloween. Carving those jack-o-lanterns is a fun part of Halloween and an activity greatly enjoyed by the kids.

Without knife safety, pumpkin carving can turn into a nightmare. Research shows that Halloween is a top holiday for ER visits – and it’s all due to hand and finger injuries.

The outside of the pumpkin is uneven, hard and slippery. This is a horrible combination for making smooth, safe cuts. Additionally, when you start pulling the pulp out of the pumpkin, your hands, the knife and the outside of the pumpkin can become slimy.

When said like this, it almost seems safer to avoid pumpkin carving altogether. But, of course, there’s a safe way to go about it. The first step is to use the right knives.

A serrated knife works best for cutting through the hard pumpkin skin and soft flesh. Many injuries come when the knife unexpectedly breaks through the skin and slices your hand on the opposite side. For this reason, choose a small blade, like a serrated steak knife. Also, avoid holding your other hand directly opposite of where the blade could come through.

Like in any other situation involving knives, you want to have complete control of the blade. When you’re carving, this means you need to keep the pumpkin clean and dry. Scoop seeds and pulp into a bag to keep it away from the pumpkin. When you finish removing the pulp, wash and dry your hands and the knife; slimy hands or a wet knife handle can lead to an accidental slip of the blade.

Most Halloween hand injuries occur in children between the ages of 10 to 14. For this reason, doctors recommend that children don’t do the actual carving. While this may be disappointing to the kids, you can still keep them involved in the activity. Let your child pick out the pumpkin, draw the entire design and help clean out the inside of the pumpkin. They’ll get to participate in everything except the actual handling of the knife, and you’ll have the reassurance that only a responsible, knowledgeable adult has the blade.

Weird Knives: Largest functional kitchen knife ever

October 24, 2011 / Tim / 1 Comment

In this age of excess, you sometimes see accessories trying to keep up with the growing size of food. For example, you see extra long hotdog buns or reinforced ice cream cones to support numerous scoops. Unfortunately (or fortunately, depending on who you’re talking to), knives have fallen victim to this same excess.

According to a recent article on FOX news, there is a massive kitchen knife with a five-foot blade and one-foot handle. That comes to an overall length of a whopping six feet long. So, what’s the reason for this massive knife? To cut 700-pound bluefin tuna properly without letting anything go to waste.

When I first read the article, I just assumed the long knife was some sort of sword or Japanese Tanto knife, but it really is just a long kitchen knife. The knife is called a maguro bōchō knife, which usually come in much smaller sizes, can cut a whole giant bluefin.

Talking hunting knives with huntress Lisa Jane

October 22, 2011 / Tim / 1 Comment

There’s something primal, skillful and undeniably enjoyable about hunting. Weapons are integral elements of a hunter’s repertoire, so to get a perspective on hunting knives, the Cutting Edge spoke with Lisa Jane, better known as the Writing Huntress. Lisa loves hunting, has a writing degree from Niagara University and runs a fantastic blog about her hunting experiences called Hunt Like You’re Hungry, which I highly recommend you check out.

Here’s part of our interview with Lisa.

What do you love about hunting?

I adore the way an opaque stretch of woods magically turns into a different world after sunrise. I love the adrenaline rush that accompanies the sudden appearance of a strutting tom, an elusive deer or highflying duck. I esteem the sense of camaraderie of hunters, the way a community can be formed and held fast simply because the members live to hunt. Most of all, I love hunting because the feeling of providing food to my dinner table is unsurpassed.

What do you hunt?

I hunt anything I can legally kill in legal North Carolinian seasons. Currently, we’re in archery season for deer, which has been unfruitful thus far. I kill deer, duck, goose, and soon to be bear! I’ll try anything twice so let me know what else I should be hunting!

How important is it to have a knife while you’re on the hunt?

Knives are as important as guns or bows during a hunt for many reasons, but the main reason is field dressing. Without a proper knife, especially in North Carolina early seasons, meat can spoil and innards may rupture. Besides field dressing, knives are used constantly, whether they’re needed cutting camo netting for a blind, hewing small branches for a shot lane or for emergencies.

What are the traits of a good hunting knife?

The key characteristic of a good hunting knife is durability. The knife needs to be able to last many seasons, without falling apart in a deer’s belly or getting lodged in a tree. Also, a great blade that can last many sharpenings without losing its razor-esque qualities is absolutely necessary. Personally, I would love a knife that cannot be lost. For some odd reason, I have lost both knives that I had owned previously and adored. If a company can create an ever-lasting, misplace-resistant knife, do let me know!

What advice would you give someone who’s thinking about buying a hunting knife?

I would advise the person to evaluate what kind of game he or she is buying the knife for. If you’re stalking large game, a small knife intended for rodent dressing will not be practical. Also, knowing what type of game will determine the style of knife. Will you want to cut cleanly through the hide or roughly get through layers of muscle and tissue? Do you need a hooked knife for waterfowl dressing? Personally, I am a big supporter of camo knives and those with non-slip handles. While the latter may be extremely practical, the first may be the primary reason why I can never find my knives once they’re lost.

What do you think is the best hunting knives?

Mike, my partner in crime, carries a Kershaw Ken Onion Leek, which he states is the “best knife I’ve ever owned.” I have used it for field dressing and I can’t disagree. The knife works extremely well for its size, consistently keeps a sharp edge and the assisted opening is extraordinarily advantageous when one needs a blade in a pinch.

There is also a knife that sits atop my bookcase. It never sees action anymore, but I’m sure it skinned its fair share of animals when my granddad wielded it. The box smells old and the pamphlets within tell a hunting tale that speaks to an era far surpassed. The knife, for all the years it has seen, still functions wonderfully. Maybe that is what should be searched for, a knife that exhibits all of the long-lasting, hardworking technologies of yore.

To read more about Lisa Jane’s (The Writing Huntress) hunting adventures, go to her site Hunt Like You’re Hungry.

Rambo knife contest winners announced!

October 21, 2011 / Tim / 1 Comment

Our Rambo knife contest was only scheduled to go on for a week, but at some point I got locked in my room with nothing but a 10-pack of bandannas and four walls of Sly Stallone posters and lost track of time.

Nevertheless, the moment has come to announce the winners. As you may remember, entrants were initially required to submit a photo of themselves dressed as Rambo to win, but due to a lack of macho submissions, we changed the contest to advising Rambo on how to get out of the following situation.

Rambo is hanging from his feet while being lashed with a razor-sharp switch by a chain-smoking soldier. In addition to disposing of the soldier who is torturing him, Rambo must paddle across a moat full of crocodiles, scale a 16-foot electric fence, kill ten guards, release POWs, perform minor surgery upon the wounded, subdue a wild boar and flag down a helicopter for his escape.

In his possession is his trusty survival knife, a scorpion pocket knife with real scorpions encased in the blade, a lighter, some rope, bubble gum, an 8-ounce Budweiser can, a pair of brass knuckles, a Taser, a Glock, a dart gun and a grenade. If he can only bring three of these items with him, which ones should he bring and how should he use them to finish his mission.

Yes, it was the sort of situation only a man like John Rambo could escape from. We had a number of worthy submissions and props to everyone who gave it a shot. Without further delay, the winners are as follows:

In second place, picking up a tricked-out pocket knife with real scorpions encased in the blade, in exchange for his fierce survival advice is Dartus Hopper, who advised Rambo to:

Pour gun powder on the POW’s wound and use the flint and steel in his SURVIVAL KNIFE to ignite the powder in order to cauterize the wound. Then, use the glock to kill the boar for food along the way to the landing zone, where he again uses his knife’s flint-n-steel to start a pig fat smoke fire/signal for the chopper. When the helicopter lands, they all jump in and enjoy some great wild boar ribs durning the ride home!!

In first place, winning the world’s most badass 9.5-inch signature-edition Rambo survival knife is Matthew Rygus, whose 1,112 word manifesto was unmatched in its ingenuity, style, and creative use of wanton bloodshed. Here’s a highlight

He paddles across the moat, just as he approaches the other side, he takes another sip of beer. Right as he’s drinking the king of beers, another crocodiles jumps out at him. He delivers a deadly uppercut on the croc’s jaw and sends it flying back into the water. He finishes his sip and smiles because he know he didn’t spill a single drop.

Thanks to everyone who entered and check back soon for more great contests from The Cutting Edge!

5 Undeniable traits of an ultimate knife warrior

October 18, 2011 / Tim / 1 Comment

This post is part of our Rambo Giveaway, scroll down to the end of the article or click here for details on how to win a signature-edition Rambo knife.

If you’re like me, you’ve undoubtedly wondered just what makes the quintessential knife warrior. That’s why we’ve taken the liberty of unscientifically analyzing all the great knife warriors throughout cinema history. In each of these knife-wielding heroes and villains, we managed to find five undeniable traits that helped them become great knife fighters. So, here are the five characteristics that make the ultimate knife warrior through the lens of cinema.

1. Insanity (ex. Die Hard With a Vengeance)

Let’s face it. It’s impossible to name a knife warrior from the movies who is completely sane and even-keeled. Everyone who wields a knife seems to have a few screws loose, which isn’t necessarily a bad thing. To be an expert with a knife and fearlessly wield it, you can’t have the capacity to think too hard about its ramifications. The perfect example of insanity with a knife is Sam Phillips in Die Hard With a Vengeance. She mercilessly does ballet while slicing people in her path to death. Pretty crazy.

2. Experience in the art of battle (ex. Rambo)

It’s not usually good enough to merely be skilled at knife fighting, but a true knife warrior needs to have seen some prior action, particularly in war. Veterans not getting the respect or medical attention they deserve is a common theme in many movies and is seen most clearly in the first Rambo. John Rambo is a Vietnam vet who is pushed too far by a small town cop. It’s his time experience seeing too much war that pushed him over the edge. Here’s a little tease of Rambo’s knife.