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‘Most Innovative American-Made Design of the Year’ Winners at Blade Show Since 1990

June 18, 2024 / / 8 Comments

Every year, the finest knifemakers and manufacturers descend on Atlanta to reveal new knife models, talk shop, and receive awards at the Blade Show.

I’ve already delved deep into the past and laid out the “Overall Knife of the Year” winners since Blade Show first started in 1982.

In advance of the latest Blade Show, I thought I’d take a look back at a different category: the Most Innovative American-Made Design of the Year. This category (and its counterpart Most Innovative Imported Design of the Year) didn’t start until 1990, so that’s where we’ll pick up.

It gives a good insight into the thinking of the judges who pick the knives and whether any of these stood to the test of time (hint: many did!).

1990: Becker Knife & Tool Tactul II

The image features early Tactuls or possibly Divtuls — not sure which models or generations.

We’re starting with the very first entry in 1990: the Becker Knife & Tool Tactul II. These earlier knives are hard to nail down because they have evolved or gone the way of the dodo. You might not be familiar with the Tactul II, but you might know the modern day version better known as the KA-BAR Becker Tac Tool.

Before teaming up with KA-BAR, Ethan Becker had his own company who put out knives made by other manufacturers. The original description from Blade Magazine on the win says the knife is a “heavy duty diving/utility knife that is a saw, hammer/nail puller, screwdriver, chisel, pry bar and knife all in one.”

1991: Gerber Gator Serrated

A more recent version of the Gator.

The Gerber Gator feels like old news now but it was once one of the most innovative when first released. The overall design with the gator-like textured handle was superb. In fact, this — like the Tac Tool — remains a very good knife that’s still around.

1992: Equip USA El Diente

Image provided by Blade Magazine

I wasn’t able to find any information about the Equip USA El Diente, so I reached out to Blade Magazine (which sponsors the Blade Show) to find out more.

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‘Overall Knife of the Year’ Winners at Blade Show Since 1984

June 17, 2024 / / 35 Comments

With thousands of knives flooding the markets, it might seem like there’s so much overlap out there that all knives start to bleed together. If you actually believe that new knives no longer have much to offer, you have a lot of studying to do.

Every year manufacturers and designers work hard to bring something new and exciting to the table. To better illustrate how new knives are still proving their worth, we thought it’d be interesting to take a look at all the winners of Blade Magazine‘s “Overall Knife of the Year” award since the start.

The winners of this award are voted by attendees of the BLADE Show and a panel of special judges. These knives are typically prototypes at the time, but show real craftsmanship, expert designs, beautiful construction, and much more.

The first BLADE Show took place in 1982. From what I could find, the first Overall Knife of the Year award was given to a Fight’n Rooster knife, though I couldn’t pinpoint the model, so I didn’t add it here.

Also, the show did not have an Overall Knife of the Year winner in 1983. If I am wrong, please let me know. So with that, let’s start with the knife that won the award in 1984 and work our way to the present.

1984: Timberline Survival Hunter

1984: Timberline Survival Hunter

(The image is of a skinner version of the knife made by Timberline’s Vaughn Neely. These old knives are hard to find.)

The Survival Hunter is a design by Vaughn Neely, who founded Timberline, and was a beloved knife. You still see these vintage Survival Hunters for sale but they tend to go very quickly. Like I said, these earlier knives are difficult to find information on, but it also won the American Made Design of the Year in 1985.

1985: Gerber Clip-Lock

1985: Gerber Clip-Lock

The Clip-Lock from Gerber was a Black Collins design that’s now long discontinued. It had an unusual sheath design in that a clip locked it into place. Here is a quick video overview:

1986: Fight’n Rooster 7-blade Congress

1986: Fight’n Rooster 7-blade Congress

I’m honestly not too familiar with Fight’n Rooster Knives, but I was able to find out that the company was started in the ’70s by Frank Buster. Most of them were traditional slip joint designs typically made in Solingen, Germany. This 7-bladed Congress was all I could find of the knife, but if it’s not the correct model, please let me know.

1987: Buck Titanium

1987: Buck Titanium

The Buck Titanium was an interesting design with a titanium handle and an overall design reminiscent of the Buck 110 Folding Hunter. It had a monstrous pocket clip, which you can kind of see in the image above. It had a back lock and was just a solid knife.

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Best Knives to Give to Your Dad on Father’s Day

June 4, 2024 / / 6 Comments

We originally wrote this list back in 2012 but we’ve since updated it to include newer knives.

When you think back to your first knife, it’s likely that your dad was the person who gave it to you. So, to honor your dad with the same special gift he bestowed upon you, consider getting him a brand new knife for Father’s Day this weekend.

CRKT CEO Flipper

The CEO series from CRKT is the ultimate dad knife. This knife was originally designed by Richard Rogers as an understated slim folder that you could comfortably carry and use at work. It would slip into your pocket and could be mistaken as a pen.

Needless to say, it was a big hit. But the best version is probably the CEO Flipper, which has the same slim profile but with a flipper mechanism for easier opening.

Buck 110 Folding Hunter

Fewer brands exhibit class and quality like Buck Knives. Show your dad that you’re no slouch when it comes to picking character over value by giving him Buck’s signature knife the Folding Hunter. The knife features a woodgrain handle and a classic lockback system and is widely recognized as one of the most iconic knives of all time.

The Buck 110 is still one of the most affordable US-made knives. We also have it available for engraving.

Benchmade Bugout

If you want to splurge a little on your dad and get him something that’s known for quality and craftsmanship, opt for the Benchmade Bugout. This is the ultimate weekender or adventurer knife because it’s so lightweight yet durable.

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Best Work Folders

April 22, 2024 / / 15 Comments

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While all knives are meant to cut, there are only a few knives you’d really want to put through the wringer on a busy job site. So I did my best to pick out a few folding knives you can bet your fingers on at work after getting some recommendations from blue-collar workers (not some blog boy like myself).

The pocket knives on this list are a mix of “overbuilt” knives that you can pretty much pry with and less expensive but very serviceable blades you could happily carry onto a construction site.

I tried to take price into consideration, which is why you won’t see a Medford Praetorian, Hinderer XM-18, or a few others that are around $500. Also, if you’re serious about a true work knife, you might want to consider a more reliable and easier to maintain fixed blade. With those caveats out of the way, let’s get to the list.

Post originally posted in September 2018 before being updated in February 2023 to include current knives.

Cold Steel AD-10

When it comes to hard-use folders that are overbuilt and ready for work, there’s a new king in town: the AD-10.

This relatively new knife boasts a 3.5-inch chunk of S35VN steel for its blade. The sculpted G-10 handle feels great in the hand. The AD-10 also has a Tri-Ad lock for even greater power. This may be pricier than others, but it will never fail on you.

There is also a “lite” version of the AD-10 that’s a bit cheaper.

Benchmade Adamas Auto

The Benchmade Adamas is one of the most common models you’ll see on lists about work knives. The reason? It’s large, reliable, and strong. The blade is 3.78 inches and uses exceptionally strong CruWear steel on a no-nonsense drop point blade. Not only is the blade stock thick but so are the liners and G-10 scales.

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15 Worst Knife Pocket Clips

April 9, 2024 / / 32 Comments

pocket-clips

This post was first written in August 2016 and was updated in April 2024.

A pocket clip can make or break a knife.

Even though it’s easy to remove a pocket clip on most models (and there are some good reasons why you should remove it), many people won’t buy a knife with a poorly designed clip.

During our time selling and handling knives, we’ve come across some major disappointments in the pocket clip area. While we don’t think a knife is lost beyond redemption because of a bad clip (replacing a clip is also just as easy as removing it), it can be the low point on a great knife.

So we assembled a list of 10 of the worst pocket clips around. (We opted for knives still or recently in production because it’s too easy to pick on an old model like the Schrade Cliphanger.) All of these are a matter of opinion, so while you may hate some of these, others may love them. That’s just the way these things go.

15. WE Vision R

Sometimes when a knife designer tries to do something different from the norm, it can be hit or miss. The clip on the WE Vision R tries to shake things up to middling success. This is a clip that many people hate and a few people admire.

It essentially takes the classic clip but instead of putting it on the side, it’s on the top of the knife. Most people say it’s just too awkward to put in the pocket and take out.

This clip style isn’t brand new, of course. The late Jon Graham was one of the first pioneers of this type of clip, but those were just a little better.

14. CRKT Eros

Ken Onion is one of the most influential knife makers alive, having set an industry standard for assisted openers and folding knives in general. But he just can’t seem to make an outstanding pocket clip.

crkt-eros

The clip on Onion’s CRKT Eros is not his worst (that’s still to come), but it’s nothing to write home about. CRKT calls it “an extremely unique custom style carry clip” in its product description, but it looks very gangly and thin.

Along with the fact that it’s a one position clip—tip-down, right hand—some have complained it’s susceptible to bending. That’s not surprising considering how narrow it is.

13. Hogue EX-01

Hogue may be better known for its gun grips, but it makes some darn good knives. The Hogue EX-04 was one of our Badass Knives of the Week a while back. Despite its well-made knives, the clips are frequently a subject of derision among knife fans.

EX01

I’ve read several accounts of people saying they won’t buy a Hogue because of the clip. Many Hogue models feature a spoon-style clip that’s fairly large and almost feminine as Dan from Blade Reviews calls it.

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15 Best Wharncliffe Blade Knives

March 22, 2024 / / 37 Comments

For nearly two centuries, the Wharncliffe blade design has remained a staple of the knife community.

While the function has evolved from a whittling knife to more of a self-defense or EDC purpose, the Wharncliffe continues to be a useful tool.

A few weeks back, I wrote about the History of the Wharncliffe, and now I’m taking it to the next step with a look at the best production knives with Wharncliffe blades.

I’m capping the list at 20, although I will undoubtedly be missing a few essential additions, so let me know in the comments.

1. SOG Snarl

Let’s start small with this popular and versatile Wharncliffe fixed blade from SOG. Designed by Jason Brous of Brous Blades, the Snarl is one thick knife.

It has a 2.3-inch Wharncliffe blade and a skeletonized handle. The whole thing is made of steel and fits into an included sheath that you can clip to your boot or belt or wear around your neck.

2. Gerber Pledge

The Gerber Pledge is a compact folder with a price you won’t believe. For a little over $20, you can get this knife with a longer 3.7-inch Wharncliffe blade and urban blue handle made from GFN.

This EDC really extols the virtues of a Wharncliffe blade for everyday activities like opening boxes and envelopes.

3. KA-BAR TDI LDK

KA-BAR TDI LDK Small Wharncliffe Knife

The KA-BAR TDI Last Ditch Knife takes cues from Janich’s Ronin. This small fixed blade is made to be used in last ditch self-defense situation. The overall length is only 3.6 inches and it is meant to be put in its sheath in a boot or wallet. The backup knife is great at slashing and piercing.

4. Spyderco McBee

Spyderco went crazy the past few years making Wharncliffe versions out of almost every one of its folders. While they cut back on most of those designs, the McBee with its Wharncliffe-style blade is still among the best.

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15 Bright Green Knives

March 12, 2024 / / 8 Comments

best green knives

It’s an old tradition to wear something green on St. Patrick’s Day. Some people wear green shoelaces or a green hat, but if you’re the kind of knife nut who’s reading this blog, you’re probably going to carry green knives.

In honor of St. Patrick’s Day, we’re looking at 15 great knives with green handles.

This article has been updated a few times since its first publication in 2014 to get rid of discontinued models and put some new ones.

Spyderco Pacific Salt 2, Green

We used to have the Dragonfly 2 in ZDP-189 in this spot, but that knife is no longer available. The Spyderco Pacific Salt 2 with modified drop point blade made from LC200N and bright green handle scales is the next best thing.

Kershaw Link, Olive

Olive is kind of a tamped down green color, so we decided to add it to this list. The Kershaw Link is one of the best US-made EDC folders, and Kershaw made it even better by making this version have premium 20CV steel with olive scales.

CobraTec Green Diablo

CobraTec has a number of excellent green knives, including the CobraTec Green Ryker. But the Green Diablo features a brighter green handle that complements the black-finished D2 blade.

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10 Best EDC Fixed Blade Knives

March 12, 2024 / / 18 Comments

Best EDC Fixed Blade Knives

This post was originally published in 2017 and updated in 2024 to include newer models and more knives.

We all know that folding knives make the best knives for EDC — they’re often lightweight, easily concealable, versatile and can be folded up into the pocket.

However, a small but growing number of people are ditching folders for fixed blades as their EDC knives. Why? A fixed blade can be more reliable, stronger, and a bevy of new designs means it can be just as compact and lightweight as a pocket knife.

If you’re thinking about starting to carry a fixed blade as an EDC in lieu of a folder, here are 10 of the best EDC fixed blade knives to start with.

CRKT Razel

Let’s kick things off with a knife that looks like a very functional fixed blade and that’s exactly what it is. The razel blade profile from the late Jon Graham has always been one focused on versatility. For example, the straight edge is great at slicing and opening up packages while the front of the blade excels at scraping.

The CRKT Razel is a great all-around EDC knife because it is unassuming, comfortable to use, and easy to carry with a pocket carry sheath.

When you add in the D2 steel, Micarta handle, and overall length of 6.75 inches, you get a

Cold Steel Urban Edge

It might seem crazy to put a push dagger on this list of best EDC fixed blades because it’s really only designed for one thing, but you’d be surprised at just how versatile the knife actually is.

This version of the Cold Steel Urban Edge has a 2.5-inch blade with one edge plain and the other serrated. This gives it an extra level of functionality when wielding around the house. Need to open a box? Use the plain edge. Need to cut some rope? Use the serrated edge.

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15 Strange and Unique Blade Shapes

February 26, 2024 / / 13 Comments

From the infamous Shark Knife to the slew of amazing art knives by Paul Ehlers, we’ve covered an array of interesting knife designs on this blog.

One thing we haven’t really touched on are bizarre blade shades. Sure, various novelty knives like the Scorpion Knife qualify for this post, but we decided to bring you only real knives that are functional—or at least were meant to be functional.

This post was originally published way back in September 2013 (10 years ago!), so we decided to give it an update by replacing older less unique blades and adding in some newer models.

1. Microtech Jagdkommando

In the world of bizarre blade designs, the Microtech Jagdkommando is one of the kings.

Even though this knife is no longer made by Microtech, it’s still one of the most unique blades ever made. It is essentially three razor-sharp edges that spiral into a piercing point.

This knife was criticized by many for the fact that it has almost no functional use, except for hurting someone… and hurting them very badly. Still the blade design is novel and interesting to look at.

2. CRKT Razel

The Razel blade design by the late Jon Graham was originally on the list and remains a worthy addition.

This blade design is one of the newest blade profiles to come out since others like the drop point, tanto point, clip point, and spear point have been around for decades.

Unlike the Jagdkommando, the Razel is highly functional and downright useful. Anyone who’s owned the knife loves it and the chisel point makes it really versatile. It’s not something you would ever put on display though.

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15 Bold Knives with Blue Handles

January 15, 2024 / / 1 Comment

This post was originally published back in Jan 2016 but was updated in January 2024 to include newer models.

Not fond of all the black-handled knives out there? Well, we’ve got a series of posts for you.

We’re exploring some of the best knives in different handle colors. Knives with orange handles and knives with green handles are already in the bag, so we thought blue-handled knives were in order.

You can find other blue knives by searching at knife-depot.com, but hopefully some of these will inspire your own blue period.

Kershaw Blur

Let’s kick things off with an iconic EDC from Kershaw. The Blur is available in all types of colors and materials.

This version with navy blue scales and black Trac-Tec inserts is quite a looker.

Hogue Ballista I

The Ballista is a real beauty and one of the best EDC automatics to come out in the past five years (it’s not surprise we named it one of the best new knives of 2022).

This version has blue aluminum scales with a drop point blade, but the Hogue Ballista I available in a few different iterations

Spyderco Resilience

Spyderco went through and upgraded some of the knives on its Value Series of folders named after admirable traits. The Resilience is one of our favorites because it’s much longer with a 4.2-inch blade. It uses S35VN steel and a dark blue FRN handle.

Cold Steel Tuff Lite

Cold Steel is best known for its huge folders, but the Tuff Lite may very well be the best EDC Cold Steel has to offer. This small Wharncliffe-bladed folder uses Demko’s Tri-Ad locking mechanism. This version has an eye-catching blue handle.

KA-BAR Dozier Folding Hunter

The Dozier Folding Hunter has been a mainstay of KA-BAR, so it’s no surprise this folding hunting knife continues to receive praise and varied colors.

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