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The official blog of Knife Depot

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How Amazon Profits Off Counterfeits

Fake knives are a big concern. If you buy from eBay or some less than stellar sites like Alibaba, there’s a fair chance that the knife you get is a fake.

But, if you were to buy a knife from a site like Amazon, it has to be real, right? Not exactly.

We have had a lot of complaints about the way Amazon does business over the years. For example, earlier this year, we wrote about how the massive online store restricts the sale of legal knives to some people. Back in 2013, we also wrote about how sites like Amazon have a leg up selling knives against smaller businesses such as ours thanks to Google.

But, one of our biggest complaints with Amazon has been the fact that they are plagued with counterfeits. Now, a recent story reveals that Amazon not only sells counterfeits frequently but benefits when fakes are sold and does little to rectify the problem.

Amazon ‘Thrives’ from Fakes

An article in the Los Angeles Times reported on fake products, including fake charging cables, and how they’ve affected legitimate businesses.

spyderco counterfeit

Here’s an excerpt from the article:

Not only has the platform avoided any serious backlash for allowing the sale of fake goods, it’s actually thrived from it, say more than two dozen brand owners, e-commerce consultants, attorneys, investigators and public policy experts.

Counterfeiters help pressure brands to sell their wares on the site. Companies that avoid Amazon risk letting counterfeiters determine how their goods appear to customers on the most influential e-commerce site — ceding control, for instance, of which pictures are used to promote a product and which colors and sizes are offered.

The spread of cheaper knockoffs can also put pressure on authentic sellers and brands to lower their prices, helping Amazon win more customers.

The company has resisted calls to do more to police its site and address claims by businesses that they are losing millions in lost sales and reputational harm, according to experts.

One of the biggest culprits is the third-party sellers on Amazon. When you buy something off Amazon, a third-party seller will often fulfill the orders, but they may be selling fakes. Even when Amazon itself fulfills the order, the products in their inventory may be fake without them knowing about it.

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Is Amazon Restricting the Sale of Legal Knives to Some States?

There are hundreds of reasons not to buy knives from Amazon.

Not only is there a possibility you’d get a fake knife but it is also crippling small businesses like ours. (Oh, and Amazon also treat employees like crap.)

And now Amazon has started preventing law-abiding citizens from buying and shipping knives to certain states.

To be honest, I’m not entirely sure how long this has been going on or how widespread it is, but a customer brought it to our attention. Here’s the lowdown.

A customer tried to purchase a Kershaw Link from Amazon and have it shipped somewhere in Long Island, New York. However, upon checkout, they got a notice saying the item “can’t be shipped to your selected address.” So, he wisely bought the folder from Knife Depot instead.

Why?

New York & Massachusetts Restricted

After I did a little digging, I found one of the earliest incidence of a restricted knife purchase was in 2012 on a forum post at NY Firearms. That was chocked up to a possible error.

The issue didn’t seem to start gaining more attention until late 2017 when someone posted on Blade Forums about a knife purchase not going through. However, this one was from Massachusetts.

I did my own little experiment trying to buy and ship a Kershaw Cryo G-10 to an address in New York City.

This is what I got:

I thought it could just be because the address was in New York City so I picked an address in Central New York (Syracuse, to be exact). The same result.

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Why Does Google Lust for Amazon and Loathe Knife Depot?

Imagine if the most powerful Internet company — one that handles 100 billion searches for information a month — prohibited everyone except for the world’s largest e-commerce store to advertise for a specific product. What would that look like? It would look like this.


Above is a screenshot for the search term “throwing knives,” one of our most popular categories at Knife Depot.

We used to to run Google AdWords for throwing knives, but in May, Google turned off all ads for the search term “throwing knives” after they designated it a weapon. Obviously, we disagreed with such a characterization, but weren’t surprised, as in March Google had prohibited all ads for “Assisted Opening Knives” and canceled our entire AdWords account because we sold completely legal spring-assisted knives.

We were eventually reinstated on AdWords, but now for the second time Google has banned our ads for specific products, while Amazon continues to advertise for those products. And it doesn’t end with throwing knives either. Who’s currently running ads for the term “assisted- opening knives?”


Yeah, you guessed, Amazon is in the house, joined by Walmart and Cabella’s. It’s a mega-brand menage-a-trois, with poor Knife Depot relegated to the sideline.

If you looked a year ago, there would have been probably close to a dozen sites advertising for this term. Now, it seems that Google has managed to successfully eliminate all advertisers except for their big-spending compadres.

Why does Google Apply Its Adwords Policy Unfairly?

That’s a fantastic question and one that your pals at Knife Depot have asked ad nauseum to AdWords support staff over the last year. Over hundreds of emails, Google has rarely countered our claims that they are favoring big brands. In fact, in one email this spring a customer service representative affirmed our point:

“I am still waiting on an answer to my reply where I asked for a universal enforcement of the policy OR we allow knife depot back online. I replied and said, I refuse to tell knife-depot they need to remove a product category that 7 other competitors are advertising & selling the same products. I then named each domain, called out the double standard, and requested that they state the clear differences that allows these competitors to serve & knife depot to be suspended. Still waiting on this reply.“

Google’s AdWords support staff is an intractable bureaucracy that makes decisions based on policy edicts that they seemingly have no power to influence or change. Clearly, one huge element of that policy is to never take down ads or suspend the accounts of big-spending AdWords partners. Continue reading

Battle of the Blades: Fixed vs. Folding

Which Side Are You On?

One locks tight. The other folds nice. The debate rages on.

Whether you’re skinning game in the backwoods, opening Amazon boxes like they’re Christmas morning, or just want to feel cooler than your multi-tool-toting cousin, your knife says a lot about you. And at the heart of every sharp conversation in the knife world, there’s one timeless clash:

Fixed blade or folding knife?

Let’s dive into both camps, break down the pros, cons, and highlight some legendary picks from each side. No judgment here—just a friendly blade-to-blade showdown.

The Fixed Blade Camp: “Why Fold What You Can Trust?”

KABAR Becker BK2

Fixed blade fans are like the black coffee drinkers of the knife world. No frills, no hinges, no worries. You pull it out, it’s ready to go. Whether you’re batoning firewood or field dressing a deer, fixed blades are the go-to for sheer durability.

Pros:

  • Stronger build (no moving parts = fewer points of failure)
  • Easy to clean (especially important after messy tasks like fish cleaning or zombie slaying)
  • Always ready—no flick, flip, or fidget required

Cons:

  • Harder to carry discreetly (unless you’re cool with belt sheaths and side-eye in the checkout line)
  • Takes up more space (sorry, skinny jeans)

Fan Favorite:
The Ka-Bar Becker BK2 – a tank of a knife that’s chopped wood, carved shelters, and probably scared a few grizzly bears off someone’s campsite.

The Folding Knife Camp: “Pocketable Power, Anytime”

Benchmade Bugout

Foldable knives are the EDC darling. They’re slim, slick, and easy to stash in your pocket (or seven different pockets, if you’re a cargo shorts loyalist). Whether you’re at work, on a hike, or opening snack bags with style, folders are there for the small stuff—and sometimes the big stuff too.

Pros:

  • Compact and portable (the definition of Everyday Carry)
  • Legal in more places (depending on size—always check your local laws)
  • Quick one-hand access (especially if you love a good thumb stud or flipper tab)

Cons:

  • More moving parts = more maintenance
  • Not ideal for heavy-duty abuse (leave the log-splitting to your axe, please)

Fan Favorite:
The Benchmade Bugout – ultralight, razor-sharp, and built for EDC glory. It’s the knife your pocket dreams about.

Which Blade Wins?

Here’s the truth: there’s no wrong choice—just the right knife for the right job. Many seasoned knife nuts carry both. A fixed blade on the belt, a folder in the pocket. Why choose one when you can have tactical harmony?

Still, we want to know where you stand in this great knife debate.

Which Side Are You On?

Are you a diehard fixed-blade fan who scoffs at anything that folds? Or a folder-lover who values sleek EDC over brute strength?

Drop your pick in the comments and tell us why. Bonus points if you name your all-time favorite knife—and double bonus if it has a nickname.

 

Top Folding Knives for Everyday Carry

Not all folding knives are created equal—and in the world of EDC, only the strongest survive.

Whether you’re slicing open Amazon packages like a modern-day warrior or needing a blade that won’t quit when you’re deep in the woods, your everyday carry (EDC) knife is your most faithful sidekick. We’ve tested, flipped, flicked, and fidgeted our way through a mountain of folding knives to bring you the top seven picks that combine form, function, and a little fun.

Here’s our cut of the best EDC knives that actually deserve a ride in your pocket.

Spyderco Paramilitary 2 – The Legend Lives

Spyderco Paramilitary 2

This one’s basically the Chuck Norris of folding knives.

  • Blade: 3.44″ S30V steel
  • Open: One-handed via iconic thumb hole
  • Pocket Feel: Slim and unassuming

Perfect for tactical types and urban ninjas alike. The compression lock is buttery smooth, and yes, you will find yourself opening and closing it for no reason whatsoever.

Buy

Civivi Elementum – Budget Beauty

CIVIVI Elementum

You don’t have to spend a fortune to get quality.

  • Blade: D2 steel, drop point
  • Open: Flipper tab with buttery bearings
  • Why it rocks: Classy wood, G-10, or micarta scales

This is the knife you’d take home to meet your parents—clean, reliable, and surprisingly sharp.

Buy

Benchmade Bugout – Lightweight Champ

Benchmade Bugout

If you’re counting ounces (and who isn’t?), the Bugout is a game-changer.

  • Blade: S30V steel
  • Weight: Just 1.85 oz!
  • Pocket Profile: So thin it might vanish

Hikers, campers, and minimalists rejoice—this one disappears in your pocket but is always ready for action.

Buy

Kershaw Blur – Grip It and Rip It

Kershaw Blur

Ken Onion’s masterpiece still punches hard.

  • Blade: Sandvik 14C28N
  • Open: Speedsafe assisted
  • Vibe: Rugged and ready

Great for those who work with their hands and need a knife that can keep up (and not slip out mid-job).

Buy

CRKT Pilar IV – Small but Mighty

CRKT Pilar IV

Don’t let the compact size fool you.

  • Blade: 3.09″ clip point blade
  • Design: Jesper Voxnaes—yes, that Voxnaes
  • Standout Feature: Thumb slot opening with IKBS ball bearing pivot system

Ideal for utility tasks and anyone who likes a bit of heft in a compact form.

Buy


From budget-friendly bruisers to featherlight fidget toys, EDC knives come in all flavors. These folders are comfortable in the pocket, durable under pressure, and perfect for one-handed operation—because sometimes your other hand is holding a coffee, a dog leash, or your sanity.

What’s your EDC weapon of choice? Drop a comment and let us know what you carry daily—or better yet, snap a pic and tag us on Instagram. Are you all about the Bugout? Or do you ride with the Spyder? Let’s see what you’re packin’.

Stay sharp out there, friends.

 

Father’s Day Gift Guide

Sharp Ideas for Dad

Let’s be honest—your dad probably doesn’t want another “#1 Dad” mug this Father’s Day. He’s already got six of them, and none of them open boxes, prep steaks, or make him feel like an action movie extra. This year, give the guy who taught you how to tie a knot (or at least tried) something with an edge.

Whether he’s a backyard griller, a garage tinker-er, or the type who still carries cash and a pocket knife, we’ve rounded up the best blades and tools to celebrate Father’s Day the Knife Depot way: with passion, practicality, and a little playful sharpness.

For the Classic Dad: The Timeless Folder

Buck 110 Folding Hunter

Some dads have a taste for the old-school—and for them, a wood-handled gentleman’s folder never goes out of style.

Top Pick: Buck 110 Folding Hunter
A legend for a reason. It’s got that iconic brass bolster and lockback action that’ll remind Dad of the first knife he ever owned—and maybe the one he lost fishing in ‘86.

Bonus points if you get it engraved with his initials.

For the Everyday Hero: EDC That Works as Hard as He Does

Kershaw Leek

Whether your dad’s fixing the fence, trimming kindling, or cutting zip ties off lawn chairs, he needs a knife that’s up to the job without weighing him down.

Top Pick: Kershaw Leek
Slim, sleek, and deceptively tough. The assisted opening is a fidget-friendly bonus, and the blade shape is perfect for everything from slicing apples to opening stubborn Amazon boxes.

For the Tactical Dad: Built for Action

CRKT M16-13SFG

Does your dad refer to his basement as “the gear room”? Is his idea of relaxing watching survival videos on YouTube while sharpening something? You need to go tactical.

Top Pick: CRKT M16-13SFG
With its beefy dual grind tanto blade and Veff serrations, this thing means business. If Dad’s ever uttered the phrase “just in case,” he’ll love it.

For the Sentimental Type: Personal Touches

Some dads want a knife that means something—a gift that’s more than just steel and edge. Consider pairing a blade with a story.

  • Choose a model you both carry for a shared tradition
  • Add custom engraving (“Love you, Old Man” hits harder than you think)
  • Pair it with a handwritten note about a favorite memory—camping trips, BBQs, or backyard adventures

Quickfire Gift Ideas (Because We Know You’re Shopping Last-Minute)

  • Multi-tool Combos – For dads who do all the things
  • Sharpeners – He’ll appreciate the edge you helped maintain
  • Knife Roll or Display Case – Show off the collection he won’t admit he’s proud of
  • EDC Pouches – Because loose tools in cargo shorts are chaos

Summary

Father’s Day is about showing the guy who’s always had your back that you see him—and what better way than with something sharp, reliable, and undeniably cool? Whether he’s a minimalist EDC type or a gear-head with an affinity for tactical tools, there’s a blade with his name on it (figuratively—or literally, if you get it engraved).

Your Turn: What’s the Sharpest Gift You’ve Given Dad?

Got a great knife story about your old man? Share it in the comments or tag us in your Father’s Day carry pics. Let’s give dads the credit—and edge—they deserve.
#FathersDayCarry #KnifeDepotGifts

 

Tactical Knives vs. Everyday Carry

What’s the Real Difference?

Let’s clear something up: just because a knife looks like it could repel a zombie horde doesn’t mean it’s the best fit for opening Amazon boxes or slicing apples on your lunch break.

Tactical knives and EDC (Everyday Carry) knives often get tossed into the same bin—sometimes literally. But while they can overlap, they’re built with very different missions in mind. Whether you’re commuting to the office or training for the apocalypse, knowing what sets these blades apart can make all the difference.

So, What Makes a Knife “Tactical”?

It’s more than just black paint and aggressive angles (though, let’s be honest, those don’t hurt).

Tactical knives are designed for high-stress, high-stakes situations—think military use, self-defense, emergency response. That means:

  • Fast deployment – one-hand opening is a must
  • Strong, grippy handles – wet hands? Gloves? No problem
  • Pointy with purpose – blades often have a tip optimized for penetration
  • Durability – these blades are built to take a beating and keep slicing

Take the Spyderco Matriarch 2, for example. Based on the original Civilian model, it features a viciously serrated reverse-S blade that’s all business. Designed with input from law enforcement, the Matriarch 2 is compact, light, and devastatingly effective in close-quarters defense. It’s not the blade you loan to your cousin for opening his mail—it’s the one you reach for when things get hairy.

When to Go Tactical

Tactical knives shine in situations where performance and reliability under pressure are non-negotiable. They’re ideal if you:

  • Work in law enforcement, military, or security
  • Train for self-defense or martial arts
  • Spend time in remote areas or survival scenarios

Basically, if your “oh no” moments are bigger than a broken zip tie, a tactical blade has your back.

What Makes an EDC Knife Tick?

Now, EDC knives are your daily driver—they live in your pocket, handle most cutting tasks with ease, and won’t raise eyebrows when you pull them out at a BBQ.

Typical EDC features:

  • Simplicity and comfort – lightweight and easy to carry
  • Utility-focused design – plain-edge blades, drop-point shapes
  • User-friendly – non-aggressive styling, legal carry length in most areas

Think Spyderco Para 3 and the Benchmade Bugout. These knives slice, peel, cut, and pry without looking like they belong on a SWAT vest.

The Best of Both Worlds: Crossover Blades

Some knives toe the line beautifully. Tactical enough to handle stress, subtle enough for daily life. Here are a few crossover champs:

  • Benchmade Griptilian – Strong grip, smooth axis lock, and ready for EDC or field use.
  • Kershaw Blur – Assisted opening, grippy scales, and a blade that balances utility and attitude.

Summary

Tactical knives are built for the tough stuff—self-defense, survival, and worst-case scenarios. EDC knives, on the other hand, are the quiet heroes of everyday life. Choose based on your mission: if you’re commuting, go light and practical; if you’re patrolling, training, or preparing for chaos, go tactical.

What’s Your Take?

Are you rocking a low-key slicer or a high-speed tactical terror? Got a favorite crossover blade?
Drop your go-to knife in the comments or tag us in your EDC photo—let’s see what you’re carrying and why.
#TacticalVsEDC #KnifeDepotCarry

 

Top Folding Knives for Everyday Carry

Not all folding knives are created equal—and in the world of EDC, only the strongest survive.

Whether you’re slicing open Amazon packages like a modern-day warrior or needing a blade that won’t quit when you’re deep in the woods, your everyday carry (EDC) knife is your most faithful sidekick. We’ve tested, flipped, flicked, and fidgeted our way through a mountain of folding knives to bring you our top picks that combine form, function, and a little fun.

Here’s our cut of the best EDC knives that actually deserve a ride in your pocket.

Spyderco Paramilitary 2 – The Legend Lives

This one’s basically the Chuck Norris of folding knives.

  • Blade: 3.44″ S30V steel
  • Open: One-handed via iconic thumb hole
  • Pocket Feel: Slim and unassuming

Perfect for tactical types and urban ninjas alike. The compression lock is buttery smooth, and yes, you will find yourself opening and closing it for no reason whatsoever.

Buy

Civivi Elementum – Budget Beauty

You don’t have to spend a fortune to get quality.

  • Blade: D2 steel, drop point
  • Open: Flipper tab with buttery bearings
  • Why it rocks: Classy wood, G-10, or micarta scales

This is the knife you’d take home to meet your parents—clean, reliable, and surprisingly sharp.

Buy

Benchmade Bugout – Lightweight Champ

If you’re counting ounces (and who isn’t?), the Bugout is a game-changer.

  • Blade: S30V steel
  • Weight: Just 1.85 oz!
  • Pocket Profile: So thin it might vanish

Hikers, campers, and minimalists rejoice—this one disappears in your pocket but is always ready for action.

Buy

Kershaw Blur – Grip It and Rip It

Ken Onion’s masterpiece still punches hard.

  • Blade: Sandvik 14C28N
  • Open: Speedsafe assisted
  • Vibe: Rugged and ready

Great for those who work with their hands and need a knife that can keep up (and not slip out mid-job).

Buy

CRKT Pilar IV – Small but Mighty

Don’t let the compact size fool you.

  • Blade: 3.09″ clip point blade
  • Design: Jesper Voxnaes—yes, that Voxnaes
  • Standout Feature: Thumb slot opening with IKBS ball bearing pivot system

Ideal for utility tasks and anyone who likes a bit of heft in a compact form.

Buy


From budget-friendly bruisers to featherlight fidget toys, EDC knives come in all flavors. These folders are comfortable in the pocket, durable under pressure, and perfect for one-handed operation—because sometimes your other hand is holding a coffee, a dog leash, or your sanity.


What’s your EDC weapon of choice? Drop a comment and let us know what you carry daily—or better yet, snap a pic and tag us on Instagram. Are you all about the Bugout? Or do you ride with the Spyder? Let’s see what you’re packin’.

Stay sharp out there, friends.

 

Tactical Meet Sleek: Breaking Down the Tekto A5 SPRY Series

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.

 

How to Make Fire with a Knife

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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