Knives Illustrated - October 2021 USA

CRKT RITUAL: CURVY, SEXY, SHARP
KARAMBITS
FOR DEFENSE
What You Need
To Know GERBER’S
DOWNWIND
SERIES
Tactical EDC:
Benchmade’s Tengu
Gold Class Flipper
2021 Legacy
SPECIAL SECTION: Collection:
Buck 110 Folding Hunter
knivesillustrated.com
Top Hunting Knives Tested: ESEE’s
Ashley Game Knife
SEPT./OCT. 2021 • VOL. 35, NO. 5 • U.S. $5.99 • DISPLAY UNTIL: 9/7/2021
Fixed-Blade Sensation
10 Dan Tope Covert Field Scalpel
Pint-Sized Power
0 71658 03124 1 Cold Steel Minis
ENGAGED MEDIA LLC
SHARPEN YOUR
MARILLA™ MODERN EDC KNIFE
CASE, , , and CASE XX are registered trademarks of W. R. Case & Sons Cutlery Company. ©2021 W. R. Case & Sons Cutlery Company
SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2021
VOLUME 35, NUMBER 5
WWW.KNIVESILLUSTRATED.COM
ON THE COVER
SPECIAL SECTION:
TACTICAL EDC
16 JUST IN CASE
Do you have defense in mind when you 18
pocket that knife? BY KI STAFF
18 SINBAD'S EDC
Persian-inspired excellence with the CRKT 26 32
Ritual. BY JIM COBB
26 THE CROWN JEWEL
This Benchmade limited edition Gold Class
Tengu Flipper exudes sophistication, hardcore
performance. BY MICHAEL D’ANGONA
32 NEW AGE NAVAJA
The Kershaw Strata: a 21st century knife
from a 16th century design. BY TIM STETZER
38 COLD STEEL MINI
LEATHERNECKS
Pint-sized powerhouses that won’t make
you pinch pennies. BY TIM STETZER
44 AY, KARAMBIT!
Can this mysterious curved blade make the cut
as your defensive knife? BY PATRICK VUONG
38
SPECIAL SECTION: 60
ON THE HUNT
52 BEFORE, AFTER THE SHOT
Game trail blades should be versatile and
handy. BY KI STAFF
54 LEGENDARY FOLDER
The latest iteration of the Buck 110 Folding
Hunter continues the tradition. 54
BY STEVEN PAUL BARLOW
60 GOT GAME
66
In the field or in camp, Gerber’s Downwind
hunting knives provide all you need.
BY STEVEN PAUL BARLOW
66 KNIFE ENOUGH
You don’t need a Bowie knife for most of your
hunting needs. BY STEVEN PAUL BARLOW
Cover Photo: Gerber Downwind Series, photo by Steven Paul Barlow

Cover Design: Jacqui Dawson
KNIVES ILLUSTRATED (ISSN 0898-8943) is published seven times a year, January/

February, March/April, May/June, July/August, September/October, November and
December, by Engaged Media, LLC, 2220 Sedwick Road, Durham, NC 27713. Periodical
postage paid at Durham, NC, and additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: send
address changes to KNIVES ILLUSTRATED c/o Engaged Media, LLC, Cenveo, 101
Workman Court, Eureka, MO 63025. ©2021 by Engaged Media, LLC. All rights reserved.
Reproduction of any material from this issue in whole or in part is strictly prohibited.
GST#855050365RT001 Canadian Post: Publications Mail Agreement PITNEY BOWES,
INC., PO Box 25542, London, ON N6C 6B2
4 KNIVES ILLUSTRATED • SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2021 knivesillustrated.com

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2021
Volume 35 • Number 5
EDITORIAL
Steven Paul Barlow Editor
Wendy Wilson Managing Editor
DESIGN
Jacqui Dawson Art Director
CONTRIBUTORS
Reuben Bolieu, Jim Cobb, Michael D’Angona,
70 Tim Stetzer, Patrick Vuong
ADVERTISING
Gabe Frimmel Ad Sales Director
(714) 200-1930
gfrimmel@engaged.media
Nathan Crooks Account Executive
(919) 368-7977
nathanc@engaged.media
Sebastian Tirkey Advertising Traffic Coordinator
OPERATIONS
Manish Kumar Mishra Operations Manager
Surajpal Singh Bisht Prepress Manager
Chandan Pandey Production & Newsstand Circulation Analyst
EDITORIAL, PRODUCTION & SALES OFFICE

2220 Sedwick Road, Durham, NC 27713
(714) 200-1984 • Fax: (919) 516-0950
www.knivesillustrated.com
facebook.com/knivesillustrated
KNIVES ILLUSTRATED (ISSN 0898-8943) is published seven times

78 a year—January/February, March/April, May/June, July/August,
September/October, November and December—by
Engaged Media, LLC, 2220 Sedwick Road, Durham, NC 27713.
Periodical postage paid at Durham, NC and additional mailing offices.
POSTMASTER: send address changes to KNIVES ILLUSTRATED
c/o Engaged Media, LLC, Cenveo, 101 Workman Court, Eureka, MO 63025.
© 2021 by Engaged Media, LLC. All rights reserved. Reproduction of
any material from this issue in whole or in part is strictly prohibited.
GST#855050365RT001
Canadian Post: Publications Mail Agreement PITNEY BOWES, INC.,
PO Box 25542, London, ON N6C 6B2
CUSTOMER SERVICE
Engaged Media, LLC
2220 Sedwick Road, Durham, NC 27713
Subscriptions, Address Changes, Renewals,
Missing or Damaged Copies
(800) 764-6278
Foreign Inquiries (239) 653-0225
subscriptions@engagedmediainc.com
customerservice@engagedmediainc.com
Back Issues: www.engagedmediamags.com
Books, Merchandise, Reprints
(800) 764-6278 • Foreign (239) 653-0225
10 Letters to Editor, New Products, or to Contribute a Story or Photo:
sbarlow@engaged.media
SUBSCRIPTION RATES
70 HUNTING, TACTICAL DUO $17.95/1 year, $29.95/2 years. Outside the U.S., add $20.00 per year
payable in U.S. funds. Single copy price is $5.99. Please allow 6 to 8
ESEE’s Ashley Game Knife and the S35VN version of the ESEE-3 are weeks for new subscriptions to begin.
ready for adventure. BY REUBEN BOLIEU
SIXSAILS GROUP
Scott Hall Chief Executive Officer
78 FROM FIELD TO FORK Carrie Rubalcaba Human Resources
Testing the Benchmade Meatcrafter in and out of the kitchen. BY JIM COBB Malaikah Choudhry General Counsel
OTHER FEATURES
ENGAGED MEDIA, LLC
10 SURGICAL PRECISION Prashant Upadhyaya, Chief Executive Officer
The Dan Tope Covert Field Scalpel is a small knife with big utility. Sonal Mehta Chief Operating Officer
Emil Reister Senior Vice President, Sales
BY JIM COBB Erin Masercola Content Director
Terry Rollman Audience Development Director
COLUMNS This magazine is purchased by the buyer with the

understanding that information presented is from various sources from
which there can be no warranty or responsibility by Engaged Media LLC as to
the legality, completeness or technical accuracy.
06 EDITOR’S EDGE BY STEVEN PAUL BARLOW
GST #855050365RT001
08 GEAR UP BY TIM STETZER Canada Post: Publications Mail Agreement #40612608
Return undeliverable Canadian addresses to: PITNEY BOWES, INC., P.O.
Box 25542, London, ON N6C 6B2, Canada
knivesillustrated.com SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2021 • KNIVES ILLUSTRATED 5

EDITOR’S EDGE
THE LUCKY
KNIFE
D
o you feel lucky? Well, do you? And if hunting jacket with the same gun. What had changed
you do, then I wonder if you think it has that could have changed my luck? Ah ha! I was
anything to do with what you’re carrying carrying a different knife. If that doesn’t constitute
in your pocket this minute. proof, I don’t know what does.
I don’t consider myself to be superstitious. And I went back to carrying that specific lucky knife. Did
normally I don’t believe my destiny can be swayed my luck change? No, of course not. Obviously, I had
one way or the other by the presence or absence of neglected the knife too long. You wouldn’t expect
some charm or talisman. Yet to be on the safe side, 5-year-old batteries to work in your flashlight, would
yes, I have at times put my trust in one mystical object you? I figured that I needed to carry that knife during
whose magic has yet to be explained by modern some fortuitous life event to recharge its lucky energy.
science. I speak, of course, of the lucky knife.
While I was waiting for that fortuitous life event,
The theory of the lucky knife holds that luck is a the knife was stolen. That was my bad luck, but my
type of energy that can be stored in objects or living faith didn’t waiver. That knife must have still had a
creatures in a similar way that electricity is stored in measure of luck remaining because the guy who stole
a battery. It can be absorbed, instilling an object with it had the good fortune never to be caught.
good luck, or discharged so that someone’s luck, as
Currently I’m trying to jump-start my good luck by
they say, rubs off on you—good for you, not so good
changing my EDC knives on a regular basis to see if I
for him as he could be, then, out of luck.
can find one that might have that positive energy. My
How this all works I don’t question. I just trust that it research is still in the preliminary stages, but so far I’m
does. Years ago, I had a string of three or four hunting finding that a specific traditional folder with jigged bone
seasons where I shot good bucks, culminating with a scales doesn’t give me more good luck, but it makes me
huge 10-pointer. Over the next five hunting seasons, feel better because it’s such a good-looking knife.
I didn’t even see a decent deer. I wasn’t hunting any
A flipper does just that: My luck flip-flops from good
differently. I was hunting the same area in the same
to bad to good again as easily as flicking my wrist. An
automatic doesn’t automatically provide good luck, and
an assisted opener gives only a thumb stud’s nudge in
the right direction. Next I’m going to experiment with
different blade shapes and then move on to fixed blades.
Perhaps a leather sheath will be luckier than Kydex.
At a custom knife show recently, I bought what I

consider a moderately priced fixed blade. I wasn’t
going to tell my wife just how much I spent on it,
but she saw the knife one day and it didn’t match
anything she found on her comprehensive mental
inventory of my extravagant outdoor gear. To top
it off, she found the receipt in my jacket pocket
KN I VES IL LUST RAT E D.CO M when she was mending a button. So, now I’m in the
doghouse. Isn’t that just my luck?
INSTAG RA M:
Steven Paul Barlow
@ KN I VESIL LUST RAT E D M AGAZ I N E
Editor

GEAR UP
BENCHMADE’S
CLAYMORE AUTO:
SLEEK AND STRONG
BY TIM STETZER, PHOTOS COURTESY OF THE MANUFACTURERS
SPECS: >
Benchmade Claymore Auto
• Overall Length: 8.60 inches
• Closed Length: 5.00 inches
• Blade Length: 3.60 inches
• Blade Thickness: 0.114 inch
• Handle Thickness: 0.60 inch
• Blade Material: CPM-D2 tool steel
• Blade Hardness: 60-62HRC 1. Benchmade Claymore Auto
• Blade Style: Drop point
With 44 states allowing the ownership and carry of at The handle is of textured Grivory in either always
• Blade Finish: Cobalt black least some form of automatic knife, auto knives are fashionable black or Ranger Green, and an adjustable
• Weight: 3.50 ounces becoming more popular than ever. Benchmade has carry clip allows for either left or right side, tip-up carry.
• Pocket Clip: Deep carry, tip up, long been a top tier producer of automatics, and its According to Benchmade, the Claymore has set a new bar
right or left new Claymore shows that history and experience with for closed break strength, making it its toughest folder
• Handle Material: Black or autos in its refined design. Benchmade manages to to date as well. With great looking ergonomics and a
Ranger Green Grivory pack power and strength into a slim, lightweight design compact size at only 5 inches closed, and just over a half
• Lock Mechanism: Push button with the Claymore. Featuring a 3.6-inch drop-point, inch thick and a weight of just 3.5 ounces, the Claymore is
• Origin: USA combo-edge blade of CPM-D2 tool steel, the Claymore big on performance without the bulk and weight of a big
• MSRP: $230 opens via a vigorous spring that’s activated by a left tactical blade. I have an old Benchmade Stryker that I’ve
Benchmade.com side push button firing mechanism. A sliding safety just carried for years at work, but I might need an upgrade to a
below the firing button is there if you need it. Claymore in the near future.

2. Cold Steel < SPECS:
Chinese 6-Inch Cold Steel Chinese
6-Inch Flange Mace
Flange Mace • Head Diameter: 3.5 inches
Knives are one of man’s oldest • Overall Length: 21 inches
tools, but the club is even older. • Steel: High carbon steel
Despite the club’s ancient origins, • Weight: 35.6 ounces
man continued to evolve them to be • MSRP: $84.99 4. CRKT Dually
more efficient at bashing folks they ColdSteel.com When I first saw the CRKT Dually, the
didn’t like. The mace is basically just words elegant and refined popped into my head.
a weighted club with a metal head on SPECS: > It really did fit the category of a gentleman’s folder,
it. Cold Steel has done a number of CRKT Dually and I was guessing the price would be at least $50 or $60
variations over the years, both modern • Blade Length: 1.717 inches bucks. Imagine my surprise when I found out the MSRP
and historical. Its 2021 offering is the • Handle Length: 3.506 inches is only $29.99 with street prices even lower. The Dually
Chinese Flange Mace. The flange mace • Overall Length: 4.813 inches is a compact, slip-joint design, but it’s a far cry from your
is a simple design consisting of a 21- • Blade Material: grandad’s slip-joint. A sleek and modern design, the Dually
inch hardwood shaft and a socketed 5Cr15MoV stainless steel consists of a petite 1.7-inch drop-point blade of 5Cr15MoV
six flange carbon steel head. Weight • Blade Thickness: 0.089 inch mated to a 3.5-inch handle of glass-reinforced nylon with
is a respectable 35.6 ounces, which • Blade Style: Drop point stainless steel liners. When the knife is closed a handy bottle
should be a nice mix of sufficient • Blade Finish: Bead blast opener is exposed. A deep carry pocket clip and a lanyard hole
mass for crushing blows without • Handle Material: give you a variety of options for carry. The handle has a carbon
Glass-reinforced nylon fiber pattern to it, and that’s what I thought it was until I
being too heavy to effectively swing.
• Locking Mechanism: looked at the specs. While there’s no lock, being a slip-joint
The flanged style mace was designed Slip-joint
to concentrate the force of the blow • Pocket Clip: Tip-up, right side design, the blade detent keeps the blade open until you put
on the individual flanges to deliver • Weight: 1.70 ounces some deliberate force on the blade to close it. This is a great
crushing force that could bash armor, • Designer: Richard Rogers knife for use in places that might not be knife friendly as its
crush bones, and incapacitate limbs. • Origin: China unintimidating size and clean modern lines make it obviously
If you like historical arms or want • MSRP: $29.99 a tool rather than a weapon. It’s also a great EDC blade for
something a little more serious than places that have blade length limits or prohibit locking knives.
CRKT.com
a baseball bat for your bedside, then
this may be just the thing for you.
< SPECS:
Kershaw Taskmaster 2 5. Work Sharp Mk.2
• Blade Length: 7.00 inches
• Closed Length: 9.125 inches
Knife & Tool Sharpener
3. Kershaw • Overall Length: 15.90 inches If you’ve been following the Gear Up column for any length
Taskmaster 2 • Blade Material: of time, you know I’m always looking for things to make
Folding Saw High carbon steel sharpening easier. I’ve used a number of Work Sharp
• Blade Finish: Nickel plated products over the years and have been impressed with their
While many folks prefer an axe or a • Handle Material: function and ease of use. Considering that the company has
hatchet, I’m a big fan of folding saws for Tan glass-filled nylon with sold millions of sharpeners out of its Southern Oregon based
woods use. They’re compact and light, rubber grip company since 1973, I’m not alone. The Mk.2 Knife & Tool
and work well for gathering firewood, • Locking Mechanism: Sharpener brings things to a new level. Work Sharp brought
Button lock
clearing braches around your tree a number of improvements in the new Mk.2 model. It now
• Weight: 8.7 ounces
stand or blind, and for building shelter. features a two-speed motor that will let you sharpen at high
Kershaw’s new Taskmaster 2 Folding Saw
• Origin: China
or low speeds for better control on knives or scissors, while
looks like a great addition to available
• MSRP: $49.99
still allowing the power needed to sharpen axes and garden
models. It has a respectable 7-inch blade
Kershaw.kaiusa.com
tools. A new edge guide helps you sharpen the blade of your
of high carbon steel with a nickel coating knife evenly all the way to the tip but can flip out of the way
for rust resistance, mated to a 9-inch SPECS: > if needed. It also has two settings that can be easily changed
glass-filled nylon handle with rubber Work Sharp Mk.2 from 25 degrees for outdoor knives to 20 degrees for kitchen
Knife & Tool Sharpener
grip inserts. The blade locks open with a knives. Sharpening is by means of a flexible abrasive belt like
• 20- and 25-degree
button lock for safety during use. There’s sharpening guides what most custom knifemakers use to
also a large lanyard slot in the handle. • 65-degree scissor guide sharpen their knives. The Mk.2 can
The color scheme is tan and black, which • Two P80 coarse abrasive belts work as a bench or tabletop
matches Kershaw’s Deschutes axe and • Two P220 medium abrasive belts sharpener, but can also
Camp 10 machete if you’re into having • Two 6000 fine abrasive belts be used by hand to
matching gear. At 9.125 inches closed • User’s guide, quick start guide sharpen larger tools
and under 9 ounces in weight, it’ll easily • 3-year warranty like axes, hedge
stash in a day pack or a game pocket MSRP: $99.95 trimmers or even
of a hunting jacket. WorkSharpTools.com shovels. KI

REVIEW
THE DAN TOPE COVERT FIELD SCALPEL

IS A SMALL KNIFE WITH BIG UTILITY
STORY AND PHOTOS BY JIM COBB

A
few years ago, I was in Escanaba, Michigan, visiting a couple of
knifemakers in the area. While I was sitting in Mike Stewart’s
office at Bark River Knives, Dan Tope walked in, spoke with
Mike for a second, and then left in a hurry, presumably to get back
to a grinder. Mike told me that Dan was an up-and-coming maker to
watch. He wasn’t wrong, not by a long shot, and Tope’s Covert Field
Scalpel is just one example why.
Ever since that trip to Michigan, I’ve been keeping an eye on Dan and his work.
I’m not the only one, either. His Facebook group, Tope Nation, has close to
10,000 rabid fans of his work. Dan and his business partner Mike Emch are
a regular presence in the group, letting people know when knife drops are
happening or offering up special one-off knives for sale.
LIFELONG OBSESSION
Dan has, by his own admission, been a knife nut almost his entire life. He’s
always been drawn to sharp edges and pointy tools. In his younger days, he
dabbled with modifying knives he’d buy or that he was given. Over the years,
he refined his knifemaking skills, learning through experience as well as by
studying other makers, and improved his workshop as he went along. Finally,
in 2014 he was able to make the jump to start making knives for a living.
Over the last several years, he’s developed almost 40 distinct knife models,
ranging in size from pocket-carry to full-size kukri. Among other things, Dan has
an amazingly intuitive sense for handle shape and size, with several of his models
being extraordinarily comfortable to use, even after extended periods of time.
When I saw photos of the Covert Field Scalpel, I knew I had to get one.
I’ve always had an affinity for small knives that can do solid work. Don’t
get me wrong; I like huge knives just as much as the next guy or gal. But
I love a knife that fits just right, that can handle a range of chores
without being a boat anchor on my hip.
Above: You could put

it on your belt, but the
Dan Tope Covert Field
Scalpel is a small, fixed-
blade knife sized right
for pocket carry.
“I’VE OWNED HUNDREDS OF

KNIVES AND THIS ONE EASILY
RANKS IN THE TOP FIVE
OF THEM ALL.”

“THE COVERT FIELD SCALPEL TRULY IS THE IDEAL SIZE
FOR A POCKET CARRY FIXED BLADE. IT RUNS 6.5 INCHES
END TO END, WITH A 3-INCH BLADE.”
CONSULTING Michigan, as Jenna Martin is my Above, Left: The

red liners add some
for steel is CPM 3V, which is the case
THE MENU usual leathersmith of choice for such pop against the steel
and the black canvas
here. While it isn’t a stainless steel, it
As with many Tope models, the things. However, as luck would have Micarta scales. They does have great corrosion resistance.
also add just a slight
Covert Field Scalpel is a semi-custom it, right after purchasing the Scalpel, increase in overall It also holds an edge very well.
thickness to the handle.
knife. The standard practice is to I won a sheath from Delta Sheath, The handle is blocky but rounded
put down a small deposit when LLC in a raffle. Its Tru-Lock Mini Shield Above, Right: The
where it counts so as to be
jimping adds a little
ordering, along with specifying any model fits the knife perfectly. extra traction when
comfortable to use. There is a bit of
manipulating the
special blade finish (acid stonewash, Scalpel for detail work.
jimping on the spine opposite the
bead blast, hamon, torn) or handle RUNNING THE choil. Overall, it is thin and low-key,
material (carbon fiber, resin, wood, NUMBERS weighing just shy of 2 ounces. Even
upgraded G10, or Micarta), along with The Covert Field Scalpel truly is the with the sheath, it fits into any
whether you want flared tubes or ideal size for a pocket carry fixed pocket easily and comfortably.
mosaic pins in place of the standard blade. It runs 6.5 inches end to end,
pins. You can also request a tapered with a 3-inch blade. The overall “OH, THAT’S HANDY!”
tang if you’d like. Naturally, each of shape is reminiscent of, well, a SOURCES That was the first thing a friend of
these adornments or adjustments scalpel with a long handle in relation mine said when I showed him the
Dan Tope Knives
will add to the final cost. to the blade. For me, this is ideal as I knife. He’s a knife aficionado like most
www.facebook.com/
don’t care for any sort of a three- dtopeknives of us, and as a chief of police, he has
It is worth noting that the Covert
finger grip. There is plenty of room been using knives both professionally
Field Scalpel does not come with
for all four fingers, especially when Delta Sheath LLC and personally for ages.
a sheath. The buyer must procure
one from the maker or vendor of
using the generous finger choil. 906-233-7636 I’ve been carrying the Covert Field
their choice, if they’re not looking This is a full-tang knife, with a 3/16- DeltaSheath.com Scalpel almost daily for over three
to just make their own. Initially, I’d inch spine. This thickness gives the DLTTrading.com months now. It has gone with me
planned to secure the services of Skin knife a stout feel, despite the slim BladeHQ.com on about a dozen different hikes
Bender Leather Works in Gladstone, overall size. Tope’s standard choice throughout the county. I’ve used it for

opening boxes and mail, a bit of food
prep here and there, and all manner
of other run-of-the-mill knife chores.
After using this knife extensively,
for the purposes of this review I
decided to put the Scalpel through
a few deliberate tests.
LEATHER
Some time ago, I picked up a bag full
of scrap leather at a surplus store. It
makes for great testing material for
knife reviews. I tossed a couple of office. I started by cutting off about Top, Right: The finger
pieces onto an old board and went
to work. I started with long, dragging
slices through the leather. From there,
a foot or so from the hank. This was
cut in half, simply looping it over the
blade’s edge and pulling it to cut.
choil is large, with
radiused edges for
comfort.
Bottom, Right:
SPECS
I tried some push cuts. The knife Then, I doubled it up and repeated
Leather scraps posed
little challenge for the
knife, though push cuts
DAN TOPE
sliced through the leather without
pulling or hesitating on the slices.
the cut. I doubled it one more time,
cutting a full four pieces of paracord
were more difficult
than slices. COVERT FIELD SCALPEL
It had a little trouble on the push at once. This last round took a little Overall length: 6.5 inches
cuts, but not so much that I found it effort, but that was to be expected.
concerning. I then stacked up several The Scalpel did fine, though, making Blade length: 3.0 inches
of the pieces and carefully pushed clean cuts all around.
the Scalpel down into the pile. Owing Steel: CPM 3V
to the sharp point as well as the KITCHEN
shape of the blade, it pierced through Just about every knife I review must Weight: 1.9 ounces
every layer before I quit pushing. do a turn on the kitchen counter.
As an EDC knife, the Covert Field Handle: Black canvas Micarta
CORDAGE Scalpel isn’t something I’d typically
Next, I grabbed a hank of paracord, use for full-scale food prep, given MSRP: $200 base price
something that is ever-present in my the short blade.

DELTA SHEATH, LLC
OFFERS VARIETY OF
STANDARD SHEATHS
Based in Escanaba, Michigan,
Delta Sheath is a premier
provider of production and
semi-production sheaths. It has
a longstanding relationship
with a number of knifemakers,
including Bark River Knives, Blue
Ridge Knives, Parker River Knife,
and Rapid River Knifeworks.
While the company offers one-

off sheaths and other leather
projects on its website, what Top, Left: With steady
pressure, the point
However, I could easily see someone RANKS HIGHLY
it refers to as “Therapy Builds” of the Scalpel drove
through several layers
using it to cut fruit or something
I’m telling you right now, I’ve
of leather. at lunch, say at the office or out on
due to the comfort and fun they a work site. So, I grabbed an apple
owned hundreds of knives and
Top, Right: A quick this one easily ranks in the top
provide to the staff, it produces snack was easily sliced
up with the Scalpel. from the refrigerator, something
five of them all. It is just the right
a large line of standard sheaths that pleased my wife as I don’t eat
size for many chores around the
Bottom, Left and nearly enough fresh fruit, and sliced
that are distributed through Right: Four loops of house, without being cumbersome
standard paracord it up. This was after three months
DLT Trading and Blade HQ. They were cut cleanly with a or awkward in tight spaces. It is
single attempt. of use as well as the previous tests
the sort of knife that sort of melts
are available in a few different and I’d not so much as touched
into your grip, incredibly easy to
sizes and a range of colors. If up the blade’s edge. It performed
manipulate in any number of ways.
flawlessly. The only negative was
you’re in doubt as to which style that even at 3/16-inch, the blade’s The Covert Field Scalpel is a great
or size sheath you need for your thickness didn’t allow for truly precise choice for anyone seeking a fixed
knife, Delta Sheath’s experts are slices through the apple, not until I’d blade that will fit into a pocket
sectioned it down into smaller pieces. for daily carry. But, you’ll have to
simply a phone call away. Still, I wouldn’t call that a slight or find your own as this one is never
a drawback of the knife’s design. leaving my collection. KI

Quenching Oils JANTZ Pattern Blades
Custom quality 100% made in USA
from the best USA made steels &
cryogenically heat treated. Will not
find a better product or value.
1-800-351-8900
Liner Material Pattern #31 Blade
Overall 7 5/8", 3” Blade, 1 1/8” Width, 5/32” Thick.
Knifemaker:
Bidinger Knives CAT.# DESCRIPTION PRICE Hole sizes: Bolster 1/8", Handle 1/4", Lanyard 1/4".
BS201 CITGO Oil 1 gal. $51.95 CAT.# STEEL FINISH PRICE
BS205 CITGO Oil 5 gal. $169.95 J3196 1095 Stonewash $27.45
80CrV2 Steel BS301 PARK’S 50 Oil 1 gal. $56.95
BS305 PARK’S 50 Oil 5 gal. $212.95
The high carbon, chrome-vanadium BS401 PARK’S AAA Oil 1 gal. $44.95
chemical composition makes BS405 PARK’S AAA Oil 5 gal. $159.95
80CrV2 a good steel for knives.
Pattern #3 Blade
Overall 7", 2 1/2” Blade, 1” Width, 5/32” Thick. Hole
Machines easy, has great edge Metal Powders sizes: Bolster 1/8", Handle 1/8", Lanyard 1/4".
retention, wear resisitance, and 325 mesh metal powders - perfect CAT.# STEEL FINISH PRICE
toughness. Aim Hardness 57. for creating your own mokume, J3828 D2 Satin $38.45
G10 Liners Chemistry:C .85, Cr .60, Mn .50, Si adding inlays, or cold casting J3838 CPM® S30V® Satin $49.45
Available in two thicknesses, 1/64” or .30, Ni .40, Mo .10, P .025, S .020 parts for your next project. Metal
1/32”. 5” x 10” G10 Spacer Material CAT# SIZE LENGTH PRICE powders of 1084, 1095 or 1080 with
Specify thickness & color when CZ0615 3/32” x 1 1/2” 18” $8.95 a 2% pure nickel or 4% pure nickel
ordering $7.95 Each CZ0620 3/32” x 2” 18” $11.95 mix for making canister damascus. Pattern #21 Blade
CZ0815 1/8” x 1 1/2” 18” $9.75 Overall 7 3/4", 3” Blade, 1 1/8” Width, 5/32” Thick.
Hole sizes: Bolster 1/8", Handle 1/4", Lanyard 1/4".
CZ0820 1/8” x 2” 18” $12.95
CAT.# STEEL FINISH PRICE
CZ1015 5/32” x 1 1/2” 18” $12.15
CZ1020 5/32” x 2” 18” $16.25 J2108 440C Satin $37.35
CZ1215 3/16” x 1 1/2” 18” $14.65 J2128 D2 Satin $37.35
CZ1220 3/16” x 2” 18” $19.50 Save time and money
CZ1615 1/4” x 1 1/2” 18” $19.25 when you select Norton
Vulcanized Fiber CZ1620 1/4” x 2” 18” $25.65 Blaze or BlueFire belts,
Set of 10 - One of each color
CV0615 3/32” x 1 1/2” 36” $15.40 which last 50 to 200 percent longer
#MI995 - $12.95 than comparable belts. Blaze belts
CV0620 3/32” x 2” 36” $20.50
G-10 Rods CV0815 1/8” x 1 1/2” 36” $16.85 are also offered in 1” x 30”, 1” x 42”
CV0820 1/8” x 2” 36” $22.45 CAT# and 2” x 48”.
METAL SIZE PRICE
CV1015 5/32” x 1 1/2” 36” $20.95 PSBR2 Brass 2 lb $33.95
CV1020 5/32” x 2” 36” $27.95 PSCU2 Copper 2 lb $39.95
CV1215 3/16” x 1 1/2” 36” $25.25 PSBZ2 Bronze 2 lb $39.95
CV1220 3/16” x 2” 36” $33.65 PSNS2 Nickel Silver 2 lb $68.95 CAT.#
CV1615 1/4” x 1 1/2” 36” $32.95 DESCRIPTION PRICE
CV1620 1/4” x 2” 36” $43.95 PSBR5 Brass 5 lb $73.95 NA72036 2” x 72”..36 grit $12.95
Knife
PSCU5 Copper 5 lb $97.95 NA72050 2” x 72”..50 grit $12.95
Maker:
Bidinger 15N20 PSBZ5 Bronze 5 lb $84.95 NA72060 2” x 72”..60 grit $10.45
Knives With a 2% high nickel content, PSNS5 Nickel Silver 5 lb $143.95 NA72080 2” x 72”..80 grit $10.45
..
15N20 is the layer of steel that PSNI1 Pure Nickel 1 lb $45.95 NA72120 2” x 72” 120 grit $9.95
G-10 colors rods used for pinning produces the bright contrast
handles. Offered in three diameters all for making Damascus. Typical PS845 1084 5 lbs $28.95
with 12” lengths. chemistry:C .75, Mn .40, Si .30, PS955 1095 5 lbs $29.95 CAT.# DESCRIPTION PRICE
CAT# COLOR SIZE PRICE Ni 2.00, P max .020, S max .010 PS802 1080 w/2% Ni 5 lbs $29.95 NA8036 2” x 72”..36 grit $9.95
MI28411 Blue 1/8” $4.99 CAT# PS804 1080 w/4% Ni 5 lbs $31.95 NA8050 2” x 72”..50 grit $8.50
SIZE LENGTH PRICE
25 lbs $142.95 NA8060 .. $7.95
MI28071 Lime Green 1/8” $4.99 XN152 .049” x 1 1/2” 12” $4.50 PS841 1084 2” x 72” 60 grit
..
MI28211 Red 1/8” $4.99 XN252 PS951 1095 25 lbs $142.95 NA8080 2” x 72” 80 grit $7.50
.049” x 2” 12” $5.50 ..
MI28311 Orange 1/8” $4.99 NA8120 2” x 72” 120 grit $6.50
XN198 .095” x 1 1/2” 18” $12.95 Knifemakers
MI23411 Blue 3/16” $5.99 XN298 .095” x 2” 18” $14.95 Center 3/16” x 12” Mosaic Pins
MI23071 Lime Green 3/16” $5.99 XN118 .120” x 1 1/2” 18” $14.95
MI23211 Red 3/16” $5.99 XN218 .120” x 2” 18” $17.95 Scribe
MI23311 Orange 3/16” $5.99
XN196 .090” x 1 1/2” 36” $26.95 Shown #MP300 #MP310 #MP320 #MP330
MI24411 Blue 1/4” $6.99 XN296 .090” x 2” 36” $31.95 marking CAT.# DESCRIPTION PRICE
MI24071 Lime Green 1/4” $6.99 XN116 .120” x 1 1/2” 36” $33.95 center in steel
$37.95 MP300 Morning Star $23.95
MI24211 Red 1/4” $6.99 XN216 .120” x 2” 36”
MI24311 Orange 1/4” $6.99 Scribe the center lines as a guide MP310 Lucky Clover $23.95
1084 High Carbon Steel for grinding knife blades. Can be MP320 Speeding Bullet $30.95
West System Adhesives adjusted from 0-1/2” with 1/32” per MP330 Sunrise Glory $30.95
1084 Forging Steel is an excellent revolution using the fine adjustment
G/Flex® steel for beginning knife makers screw. Uses a Carbide tip.
Epoxy and professionals alike. An ideal CAT.# DESCRIPTION PRICE
choice for forging and for layering
with 15N20 for Damascus. Hot JS305 Center Scribe $39.95
rolled and annealed. JS307 Replace Carbide Tip $9.95
Chemistry:C .80/.93, Mn .60/.90
G5 Epoxy
CAT# SIZE LENGTH PRICE
Hardened File
Guide Heavy Duty Red Canvas Handle
XW1215 3/16” x 1 1/2” 18” $13.23
WEST SYSTEM G-FLEX EPOXY with Lucky Clover Mosaic Pin
is a toughened, resilient two-part
XW1220 3/16” x 2” 18” $19.26
epoxy engineered for superior grip. XW1240 3/16” x 4” 18” $33.75 1/4” x 12” Mosaic Pins
G-Flex absorbs the stresses of XW1615 1/4” x 1 1/2” 18” $19.26
expansion, contraction, shock and XW1620 1/4” x 2” 18” $22.89
vibration. Cures in 3-4 hours. XW1640 1/4” x 4” 18” $48.24
Precision machined from A-2 tool
G5 EPOXY is a fast curing epoxy for XV1215 3/16” x 1 1/2” 36” $24.09 steel and hardened to 62RHC. #MP485 #MP405 #MP400 #MP430
quick repairs, tooling and general XV1220 3/16” x 2” 36” $33.75 Overall 3.250”, maximum blade CAT.# DESCRIPTION PRICE
bonding. Cures in 3-5 mins. XV1240 3/16” x 4” 36” $63.94 width 2”, each jaw is 3/8” x 3/4”. MP440 Silver Star $45.95
CAT.# DESCRIPTION PRICE XV1615 1/4” x 1 1/2” 36” $33.75 Made in USA. MP405 Circle Of Light $45.95
WE6508 G-Flex Liquid 8oz $26.95 XV1620 1/4” x 2” 36” $48.24 CAT.# DESCRIPTION PRICE MP400 Pandora’s Box $45.95
WE8654 G5 5 Minute Epoxy $25.95 XV1640 1/4” x 4” 36” $90.51 FG101 File Guide $49.95 MP430 Full House $45.95
SPECIAL SECTION
TACTICAL EDC

SPECIAL SECTION
TACTICAL EDC
Below: Perfect
examples of the
tactical blade:
Benchmade’s Contego
(top) and the Black
Talon II from Cold
Steel (bottom).
JUST
IN
CASE
DO YOU HAVE DEFENSE
IN MIND WHEN YOU
POCKET THAT KNIFE?
BY KI STAFF
I
t seems that everything is labeled “tactical” these days. The
dictionary meaning can be very broad: “of or relating to a maneuver
or plan of action designed as an expedient toward gaining a desired
end or temporary advantage,” according to Dictionary.com. It’s most
often used in reference to military operations.
As civilians, we want things to be expedient to gain an advantage too. When
it comes to an everyday carry knife, most often we refer to it as “tactical”
if we have it in mind as a possible last-resort tool for self-defense. In the
following section, we present reviews of several knives that we might see as
taking on a potential life-saving role in desperate circumstances. Here we
present some karambits—surely defensive—as well as some small, affordable
Cold Steel fixed blades, the high-end Benchmade Tengu folder, curvy CRKT
Ritual, and Spanish Navaja-inspired Kershaw Strata.

SPECIAL SECTION
TACTICAL EDC

SPECIAL SECTION
,
TACTICAL EDC
Sinbad s
EDC
PERSIAN-INSPIRED
EXCELLENCE WITH THE
CRKT RITUAL
I
know I’m dating myself by saying this, but I grew up watching
The CRKT Ritual is a Ray Harryhausen’s amazing stop-motion animation on films
rather big knife with such as “Jason and the Argonauts,” “The Golden Voyage of
a sweeping 4.37-inch
blade. Sinbad,” and “Clash of the Titans.” Tell you what: If I ever did have
to face an angry mob of skeletons and the classic scimitar wasn’t
available, the CRKT Ritual wouldn’t be a bad choice for armament.
From the moment you pick it up, the Ritual calls to mind riding horseback
in the desert, chasing down a lamp that hides a djinn that will grant
your wishes…for a price. This was one of the most highly anticipated
2021 releases from CRKT, and for good reason. Just look at it!

SPECIAL SECTION
TACTICAL EDC
“THE CRKT RITUAL IS THE SORT OF KNIFE THAT

YOU CARRY FOR LOOKS AS MUCH AS YOU DO FOR
FUNCTIONALITY. IT WILL DEFINITELY TURN HEADS
NO MATTER WHERE YOU GO.”
Top: The CRKT Ritual The handle is a really handsome

BY THE NUMBERS is a very functional
Make no mistake, this is a big knife.
knife with a bit combination of ivory Micarta
more style than your
It is just a hair under 10 full inches ordinary EDC folder. with blue stainless-steel bolsters
when open. Closed, it is still about 5.5 and black hardware. It is almost
Center: Closed, the impossible to capture in photos, but
inches long. It weighs in at 6.1 ounces, CRKT Ritual measures
so while it isn’t a brick in the pocket, it 5.49 inches. CRKT the Micarta does have very slight
photo.
does certainly have a little heft. texturing. There is a non-reversible
Left: The knife’s liner
pocket clip orienting the knife in a
The blade has a dramatic curve, lock is simple, yet
secure. CRKT photo.
tip-up carry position in the pocket.
one that matches the handle,
terminating in a needle-sharp Given the size of the blade, it
point. While the blade is 4.37 inches makes sense that the Ritual is an
long, due to the curve the cutting assisted opening knife. It has an
edge is actually just shy of 5 inches. IKBS ball bearing pivot system
There is just a bit of jimping on the that opens the knife smoothly.
thumb rise part of the spine. There is an ambidextrous thumb

SPECIAL SECTION
TACTICAL EDC
stud for those who prefer that Top: The Ritual fills The edge arrived sharp, but not what
even a large hand with
style opening device over the real estate to spare on I’d call “shaving sharp.” However,
the handle.
standard flipper. Either option I make it a point to review a knife
deploys the blade lightning fast Center, Left: in the condition it arrives to me,
The liner lock is
and it snaps into place with extremely secure. without touching up the edge at all.
There is absolutely no
authority. A liner lock keeps it wiggle in the blade
solidly in place until you’re ready

whatsoever. PERFORMANCE
Center, Right: There Lacking easy access to a cyclops,
to close it. There is absolutely no is a bit of jimping
on the blade spine, dragon, or a griffin, I had to come
wiggle in the blade at all. exactly where the
thumb naturally up with a few other decidedly
As I said, this is a big knife. I wear wants to rest. more mundane tasks in order to
a L/XL size glove and often have Left: If you look get a feel for how the Ritual would
closely, you can see
trouble finding folding knives that the faint texturing on handle. While I would have loved
the ivory Micarta.
offer no more than a three-finger to tackle a mythological creature
grip for me. That’s not an issue or two, you have to work with what
with the Ritual, not in the least. you have available.

SPECIAL SECTION
TACTICAL EDC
“…THE RITUAL FAIRLY MELTS INTO MY HAND. THE CURVE

OF THE HANDLE, COMBINED WITH THE CONTOURING OF IT,
GIVE THE KNIFE INCREDIBLY COMFORTABLE ERGONOMICS.”
Rope of rocking back and forth to Top: Sisal rope was no into the material. All of this adds up
match for the slicing
One of the most common chores completely sever the rope. ability of the Ritual. to something that will quickly dull
where we reach for a knife is an edge. In this instance, the Ritual
cutting cordage of some sort. For Cardboard
Bottom: A webbed
did fairly well. I sliced both with and
this review, I decided to use the Let’s face it, the reality is that belt was a little tough
on the Ritual, but with
against the “grain” of the cardboard.
last hank of sisal rope I had on we use our knives to break down a couple of passes it
did the job.
Each cut was clean, and I didn’t have
hand. This is a rather abrasive cardboard boxes far more often
to repeat cuts to part the cardboard.
material, more difficult to cut than we’ll ever use them to save
However, I did feel I needed to press
than, say, cotton clothesline. For the world, or even just one damsel
fairly hard with the slices, due to
the first couple of cuts, I looped in distress. This material is also
the performance on the sisal rope
the rope over the blade and sliced terrible for the knife’s edge. The glue
immediately prior.
it easily. This was not a surprise, used in manufacturing corrugated
given the amount of belly on the cardboard dries extremely hard. Web Belt
blade. Then, I tried some push Plus, there’s invariably some amount By this point, the blade was
cuts. These required a fair amount of dust and grit that works its way noticeably duller than when I’d

SPECIAL SECTION
TACTICAL EDC
SPECS
CRKT RITUAL
Type: Assisted-opening folding knife
Top: The Ritual was
Overall Length: 9.88 inches
started. Not ridiculously so, but Food Prep
definitely noticeable. I pick up old I wanted to see how the Ritual
definitely up to the
task of processing Blade Length: 4.37 inches
cardboard down into
web belts at thrift stores from would do with some impromptu smaller pieces, both
with and against Closed Length: 5.49 inches
time to time for the sole purpose food prep. This isn’t at all the style of the grain of the
of using them to gauge a knife’s knife I’d normally choose for kitchen
corrugation.
Steel: 12C27 Sandvik
performance. I laid one out and use, but I try to always give a knife a Blade Thickness: 0.13 inch
began slicing pieces from it with chance to surprise me. In this case, I Bottom: Food prep
the Ritual. Despite all of the use grabbed a handful of radishes from
went fine with the
Ritual, though the Weight: 6.10 ounces
large blade was a little
so far, the blade’s edge did pretty the refrigerator. The blade is thin, awkward for small
chores such as this. Handle: Ivory Micarta with
well. Most of the cuts took two just 0.13 inch at the spine, so I figured stainless steel bolster
passes to get entirely through the it would do OK for this sort of chore,
material, but this wasn’t entirely unlike a thicker, more bushcraft-style Lock Mechanism: Liner lock
unexpected. These belts are thick blade. I trimmed the radishes, then MSRP: $125
and tough. cut them into quarters. No problem

SPECIAL SECTION
TACTICAL EDC
WHY SO
CURVY?
The curved sword was historically
popular in the Middle East,
at all, other than the knife felt with the blade edge facing out. Top: The CRKT Ritual
is a large, curvy folder
whereas Europeans favored a
slightly clumsy, with such a large
blade performing a more delicate
Reversing it so the edge faces
the wrist is workable but feels as
with an “Arabian
Nights” vibe. CRKT
photo.
straight blade. The reasons for
chore like this. In a nutshell, if I though the hold on the knife is a the preference for them in these
Bottom: The pocket
had packed cheese and sausage little weak in this position.
for a picnic and this was the knife
clip is not reversible
and holds the knife in desert lands were largely due to
Personally, I like a knife that has a tip-up position in the
I had with me, I’d not struggle or
little heft to it. The Ritual is by no
pocket.
the battles fought on horseback.
be frustrated. But a smaller knife
would obviously be handier for
means dead weight, but there’s The shape of the blade allowed
enough there to let you know
something like that.
you’re holding a well-built tool. The for devastating slashing attacks
ERGONOMICS balance point is right where the
bolster meets the white Micarta.
while on the move. It is physics,
Now, the point of putting any knife
through testing like that actually has more or less, due to the curve
little to do with whether the knife can NOT YOUR
actually cut the given material. With AVERAGE EDC of the blade approximating the
enough time, steel will always win The CRKT Ritual is the sort of knife swing of the user’s arm.
over fabric, cordage, and such. Instead, that you carry for looks as much
the idea is to see how well the knife as you do for functionality. It will
handles, how comfortable it is to use. definitely turn heads no matter While there are many variations
Despite the size, the Ritual fairly
where you go. While it performed on this theme, the word
perfectly adequately, users should
melts into my hand. The curve of
the handle, combined with the
be prepared to touch up the blade “scimitar” has become something
contouring of it, give the knife
with some stropping before putting
the knife to serious use.
of a catch-all to refer to single-
incredibly comfortable ergonomics.
The pocket clip is flat enough that As an EDC knife, it is a bit much, but
edged swords with a curved blade.
it doesn’t generate a hot spot for those seeking something a little SOURCE The truth is there are numerous
in the palm. The handle itself flashier than the same old thing, this is
is long, obviously, but narrow just the ticket. And if your daily routine Columbia River iterations of this basic blade
Knife & Tool
enough that it doesn’t feel like occasionally involves battling hordes
shape, including the shamshir,
your grip is overloaded. It is equally of harpies or giant scorpions, you’ll CRKT.com
comfortable in an icepick grip definitely be ready for action! KI kilij, and talwar.
Scared or prepared?
Of course it is better to be prepared in order to enjoy nature. Your
basic equipment should include a strong, safe knife. The X knife
series won’t let you down.
Visit www.fallkniven.com for more information.
F1xb
S1xb
A1xb
F1x
S1x
A1x
Beware of counterfeits! US distributors:

Visit our website for more @officialfallkniven www.blueridgeknives.com
www.jboutman.com
information about how
FallknivenSweden www.ssisports.net
to recognize a counterfeit www.fallkniven.com
product. info@fallkniven.se
SPECIAL SECTION
TACTICAL EDC
THE
CROWN
JEWEL
THIS BENCHMADE LIMITED EDITION,
GOLD CLASS TENGU FLIPPER EXUDES
SOPHISTICATION, HARDCORE PERFORMANCE
STORY BY MICHAEL D’ANGONA
PHOTOS COURTESY OF BENCHMADE
E
very once in a while, a knife comes along that takes precision
craftsmanship, artistic beauty, and everyday practicality and merges
them together to produce a knife that sets itself apart from most
others. The Gold Class Tengu Flipper is one such knife.
The always good people from Benchmade Knives sent me a sample of this blade
and my jaw dropped in awe of its super-fine craftsmanship. But the intent was to
treat it as the cutting tool it is. I wanted to see if there was brawn behind the beauty
and if it would stand up to a number of tests in the field. No spoilers here, but trust
me when I say, “You need to see and use it, and you’ll be an instant believer.”

SPECIAL SECTION
TACTICAL EDC
“THIS GOLD CLASS

KNIFE FROM
BENCHMADE, OUT
OF THE EXQUISITE
SHEATH, WAS
TRULY AN OBJECT
OF BEAUTY.”
OVERALL APPEARANCE
Upon opening the box, I was greeted by a sheath holding
the Tengu Flipper. But unlike most knives, this sheath
was created from black sharkskin leather, with brilliant
blue stitching throughout. Just from this experience with
the sheath, I knew I was in for a treat as I proceeded.
This Gold Class knife from Benchmade, out of the exquisite
sheath, was truly an object of beauty. The marbleization
on the handle caught my attention first, with the brilliant
blue “gem” and decorative hardware a close second.
What surprised me a bit was the weight of the knife. I
expected, most likely due to the extravagant design for
the knife, that it would be weighty and cumbersome. But
this just wasn’t the case. It had a very comfortable weight
in hand without being too light or feeling flimsy to hold.
When I flicked the flipper mechanism, the tanto-style
blade came to life and locked immediately into place,
and it too, like the handle, was decorated with a
design. This version, however, was etched directly into
the steel and illustrated a random swirling pattern,
perfect to complement the adjacent handle.
It could easily be displayed under glass in any home
and become a wonderful conversation piece when
company was over; it’s just that magnificent. But then
again, it’s a functional knife and it’s my job to test if
this knife has it where it counts.
Above, Left:
The limited edition
Benchmade Gold
Class Tengu Flipper
EASE OF OPERATION
is an extraordinary For me, and perhaps many knife enthusiasts out in
knife that’s striking in
appearance. Author the world, reviewing a knife’s features doesn’t start
photo.
and stop at the blade itself. Rather it begins as soon
Above, Right: The
as I pick it up and continues with the smoothness of
Tengu Flipper fits operation, the feel within my hand, and the ease of
conveniently in its
included, unique closing it and storing it on my person. With these steps
sharkskin leather
sheath. Author photo. in mind, I began my observations.

SPECIAL SECTION
TACTICAL EDC
The knife, overall, was a bit small of the flipper mechanism, and I Top, Left: White and
black marbled carbon FUNCTIONALITY
for my hand. I do have long, slender have to say it operated flawlessly. fiber with blue G10
If a highly decorative knife were not
shield inlay make up
fingers, so for those who don’t The blade snapped and locked this knife’s handle.
intended to be used, it would be
this may not be an issue. For me, into place with both an audible more of a prop than a tool. This knife
Top, Right: Sapphire
however, it was a bit of a challenge crispness as well as a superbly blue PVD hardware definitely needed to be put through the
accent this incredible
to keep both a secure grip on the refined smoothness. knife. The flipper ringer to test the mettle of the metal,
mechanism opens the
knife, as well as a comfortable blade lightning quick along with its overall cutting abilities.
When extended, the lightweight
position to open the blade with the for almost instant use.
body and the 2.75-inch blade I wanted to first experiment with the
flipper “switch.” I soon figured that
exhibited the perfect balance Above: The blue tanto-style tip, specifically its ability
using only my thumb and middle G10 inlay illustrates
in my palm, not top heavy and the fine details that to puncture without resistance.
finger to hold the knife, I could this knife represents,
definitely not all “handle” as some making it truly in a The back of the blade isn’t on the
easily release the blade with my class above most
inferior knives on the market today others. thin side, so I wasn’t certain by any
index finger without any problem.
exemplify. What I also did notice stretch that a relatively thick piece of
It would be my suggestion to try which was a pleasant surprise was cardboard wouldn’t pose a problem
several different configurations that the Tengu Flipper, when held for the knife. With a short, quick, and
for you to hold the knife before in a reverse grip, offered the perfect forceful downward strike, the Tengu
you dismiss it as uncomfortable. amount of handle for my four flipper pierced the durable cardboard
You will find the best one for you, fingers to close around and secure. I with no push-back from the
guaranteed, and you won’t be regularly use the reverse grip, mainly cardboard. I continued with multiple
inclined to pass on this spectacular for self-defense applications, and punctures and all strikes issued the
specimen. Once firmly in my hand, in this case, it was ideal in both its same results: clean piercings with no
I tested the fluidity and speed length and shape of its handle. distinctive resistance.

SPECIAL SECTION
TACTICAL EDC
Cordage and tape posed no problem tape, even without being pulled Above, Left: In
relation in size to two
for the Tengu Flipper. Both these tightly, didn’t pose a problem for coins, this knife can
find a home easily
items are frequently encountered the knife. in pants or jacket
pockets.
throughout the day and both offer
One thing to note is that even
more difficulty than one may think. Right: No area of
though this blade is ideal for this knife can be
Gunky tape residue and reinforced considered “plain,”
cutting, you may very well want to from the decorative
cordage usually prove difficult handle to the BiFrost
keep it for special occasions due pattern on the blade
for household scissors and small itself.
to both its amazing craftsmanship
pocketknives. This knife sliced
and it being an all-around
through the multi-strand cordage
conversation piece.
with ease, even though the interior
components included snare wire,
FEELING IS BELIEVING
fishing line, and tinder cord in
The Tengu Flipper does have a
addition to the 550 strands.
huge negative, and that is photos
Tape, especially duct tape and of this Gold Class knife can’t
electrical tape with their reinforced do it justice when compared to it offered a complete package: a
cloth interior and extreme having it within your grasp or highly functional blade with its
elasticity, respectively, can also put displayed on a shelf. If it was accompanying opening mechanism
up a fight with a blade, even one only pleasing in aesthetics, then SOURCE that paired well with its classy
with a very good edge. The duct I wouldn’t have given it a second outer shell and accessories.
Benchmade
tape didn’t stand a chance against thought, because a display prop is Benchmade.com This knife won’t last, and I don’t
the sharpened blade. The electrical something I don’t need. However, mean that in a quality sense. I’m

SPECIAL SECTION
TACTICAL EDC
JARED OESER
BLENDS BEAUTY
“…THIS KNIFE WILL BE SOUGHT AFTER
BY COLLECTORS AND KNIFE ENTHUSIASTS
WITH BRAWN
ALIKE, SO MUCH SO, YOU MAY MISS OUT Jared Oeser, designer of the Benchmade Tengu Flipper, was always
WHEN TRYING TO SNAG ONE
FOR YOURSELF.” “into” knives. From using them regularly to collecting, the knife,
to Jared, had a special place in his life. A home builder by trade,
he first dabbled at the idea of creating a knife about 10 years ago.
He reached out to his long-time friend, David Lang, to show him
the basics and to put his love of knives into creating his own. This
started the wheels turning in his highly creative mind and Jared
has not looked back since.
Today, he works as a knife designer full time and puts his natural
artistic talents into every blade he creates. His philosophy is simple:
“…never call a blade finished until it looks and performs like a knife
he himself would buy and keep,” and he would always make, “what
he liked and not what someone else likes.”
Today, he continually creates knives that not only function well, but
do what is expected from them, and that is to cut extremely well.
Above: Whether
opened or closed, this With that, one can sum up Jared’s underlining mantra when it comes
exquisitely created knife
exudes sophistication
and class. With more
to the knives he designs and creates and that is, “The knife has to be
than 2.75 inches of
cutting edge, don’t functional, has to be comfortable and can’t be ugly.” These are truly
forget this knife is as
practical to use as it’s
beautiful. three traits that all knife enthusiasts want, and Jared truly hit the nail
on the head with what he delivers to the eager consumers.
SPECS
BENCHMADE GOLD CLASS
TENGU FLIPPER, 601-211
Blade Length: 2.77 inches
Blade Thickness: 0.121 inch
Closed Length: 3.85 inches
Weight: 2.62 ounces
Handle Thickness: 0.44 inch
Handle Material: suggesting that this knife will be Above, Left and
Right: Cordage
pay for in life, and knife buying is no
Marbled carbon fiber sought after by collectors and knife didn’t stand a chance
against the Tengu
different. Every dollar put in is truly
enthusiasts alike, so much so, you Flipper. Author photo. apparent in all facets of the knife’s
Sheath Weight: 0.32 ounce may miss out when trying to snag design, decoration, construction, and
MSRP: $550 one for yourself. Is it a bit pricey? functionality. This is the Gold Class
Perhaps, but you do get what you at its best, and it fully shows. KI

11.00"
10.05" The Guardian Series
9.75"
9.2"
9.125"
Customize
7.25"
6.75" your
Guardian
Overall Length
today
@Bradfordknives.com
Made in America
EDC Tactical
LANSKY.COM
AN EDGE
ABOVET
THE RES
C-CLIP The New C-Clip Combo includes three
THE NEW
legendary Lansky tools that will
C-CLIP
COMBO help keep your blade sharp
regardless of experience.
Stay Sharp | Find us on

SPECIAL SECTION
TACTICAL EDC
“THE STRATA SERIES

CONSISTS OF TWO MODELS,
BOTH OF WHICH COULD FILL
EITHER THE FIGHTER OR THE
UTILITY ROLE.”
Left: The Kershaw

Strata and Strata XL
imbue the spirit of the
Spanish Navaja fighting
knife and reincarnate
it as a modern 21st
century folder.

SPECIAL SECTION
TACTICAL EDC
NEW AGE
Below: The Stratas
have one handle slab
of black G10 (top)
that’s contoured and
textured for a secure
grip. The Strata’s other
scale (bottom) is made
from stainless steel
with an incorporated
frame lock.
NAVAJA THE KERSHAW STRATA:
A 21ST CENTURY KNIFE FROM
A 16TH CENTURY DESIGN
STORY BY TIM STETZER, PHOTOS BY TIM AND EMILY STETZER
T
raditional designs hang around for a reason. Sure, there
may be some nostalgia and sense of history, but for them
to continue in everyday use, there also has to be a degree of
practical form and function. That’s not to say that they can’t be
updated with the times, though.
Take a look at Buck’s classic 110 folder. It’s been an American mainstay
since the mid 1960s, but Buck continues to evolve it with modern
materials and it’s still a popular user today. Well, Kershaw also looked to
a traditional design for its new Strata and Strata XL, but the company
went back a little further than the 1960s. The Strata is a modern
evolution of the Spanish Navaja, which dates back to the late 1600s.
THE STRATA SERIES

Kershaw took the 1600’s design and pulled it into the 21st century with
an update in materials, engineering, and styling, while still keeping true
to the lines and function of the originals. The Strata series consists of two
models, both of which could fill either the fighter or the utility role.
Right: The CRKT
Ritual is a rather big Each Strata model features a clip-point blade of D2 tool steel with a high,
knife with a sweeping
4.37-inch blade. flat grind and a matte finish. The blade rides on a KVT ball bearing system
and opens by means of a spine mounted flipper. An inch long section of
jimping can be found on the spine of the blade right where your thumb
rests in a saber grip, which is handy for utility use. One of the traditional
fighting holds of the Navaja involves keeping the thumb on the spine of
the blade so it works quite well for that too.

SPECIAL SECTION
TACTICAL EDC
Right: While built from Left and Below: The
thoroughly modern handle on the Stratas
materials, Kershaw’s follows the curving
Stratas reflect the blade horn shape lines of the
and handle lines of a original.
traditional Navaja. The
Stratas both sport a clip
point blade made from
D2 tool steel and having
a high, flat grind.
The Strata’s frame is of stainless

steel, and it uses a frame lock
to secure the blade in the open
position. The frame also has a
discreet matte finish on the steel
lock side and is mated to a black
G10 scale on the other side. Copper
accents and spacers add a pop
of color and adornment similar and a 5.4-inch handle for an Center, Left: The Strata
to some of the flashier Navajas has a copper pivot CARRY AND
overall length of 9.9 inches. Its cap as well as copper
of old. The G10 scale is sculpted anodized spacers that CAPABILITIES
weight is only 3.7 ounces despite add a subtle, classy
and textured to ensure a positive look to the knives. The Stratas have a distinctive look
the respectable size of the knife.
grip, and the handle shape follows to them, thanks to the Navaja lines
The Strata XL is, no surprise, the Center, Right:
the horn or crescent shape of a Both Stratas use the that sets them apart from most
bigger of the two models, carrying a same deep carry, low
traditional Navaja. A deep carry profile pocket clip. currently produced folders. They’re
5.4-inch blade mated to a 6.6-inch The well-designed
pocket clip is affixed to the tapered clip slips onto the sleek and elegant, but those clean
handle for an overall length of a pocket lip easily but
pommel and is set up for tip-up, still provides good lines conceal a formidable folder.
whopping 12 inches. It’s substantial, retention for the knife.
right-hand carry. although the weight is still only 5.8 Both Stratas are fast to deploy
Bottom: A 1-inch
The difference between the two ounces. The Strata has an MSRP or section of jumping on thanks to the flipper and KVT ball
the spine of the blade
models is blade and overall size. $99.99, while the XL comes in 20 gives the user a secure bearing system. Kershaw has a lot of
place to rest their
The Strata has a 4.5-inch blade bucks more at $119.99. thumb. experience with this type of opening

SPECIAL SECTION
TACTICAL EDC
SPECS
KERSHAW STRATA
Blade Length: 4.50 inches (11.4 cm)
Closed Length: 5.40 inches (13.7 cm)
Overall Length: 9.90 inches (25.1 cm)
Blade Material: D2 tool steel
Blade Style: Clip point
Blade Finish: Bead blast
Handle Material: G10 and stainless steel
Locking Mechanism: Frame lock
Pivot Assembly: KVT bearings
Pocket Clip: Tip-up, right carry
Weight: 3.7 ounces (105 g)
Origin: China
MSRP: $99.99
“…IN THE POCKET
EVEN THE LARGE STRATA SPECS
XL IS INDISCERNIBLE
KERSHAW STRATA XL
FROM A 3-INCH OR SO Blade Length: 5.40 inches (13.7 cm)
EDC KNIFE.” Closed Length: 6.60 inches (16.8 cm)
system, so it’s no surprise that it got Top: The Strata
Overall Length: 12.00 inches (30.5 cm)
(left) and Strata XL
it right on these, even with the big (right) are both hand
filling knives capable
Blade Material: D2 tool steel
5.4-inch blade on the XL. of serious utility or
defense work. Both
knives feature handles
Blade Style: Clip point
While the clip may be set up for plenty long enough for
right-hand carry, the opening system even large hands. Blade Finish: Bead blast
works just as well with either hand. Left, Top: The big
Strata XL disappears
Handle Material: G10 and stainless steel
If you don’t want to startle someone in the pocket thanks to
by flipping the blade open, its easy to the discreet carry clip.
Just by looking at that,
Locking Mechanism: Frame lock
grasp the flats of the blade between an observer can’t tell if
you’re carrying a 3-inch
folder or the 5.4-inch
Pivot Assembly: KVT bearings
your thumb and index finger and
beast of the XL.
open it manually as well. There’s no Pocket Clip: Tip-up, right carry
need for a nail nick or thumb studs. Left, Bottom:
Kershaw has lots
of experience with
Weight: 5.8 ounces (164 g)
The curved handle with its textured flippers, and that’s the
G10 scale is comfortable in the hand. system used to open
the Stratas.
Origin: China
You’ll notice that despite the size MSRP: $119.99
of these knives, the handle is rather

SPECIAL SECTION
TACTICAL EDC
boxes, cutting tape, and things like

that. They also did decent on some
casual wood carving and make
Top, Left: The Strata handy picnic knives.
XL (top) and Strata
(bottom) compared
to a Buck 110 (middle) Because the Stratas come from a
to give an idea of how
substantial these line of fighting knives, I evaluated
thin at only about 3/8-inch wide. and I literally forgot I was carrying. blades are.
them from that perspective as
Sometimes thin handles can be No one at work commented on it as well. Keep in mind, I’m not a
Bottom, Left:
uncomfortable, but I didn’t find that folders are common on my job, and Underneath the pivot trained martial artist or knife
cap is a KVT bearing
to be the case on the Strata. you couldn’t tell how big it was from system that ensures fighter, but I understand the basic
the Strata’s blade
The other advantage of the thinner the only thing showing, the clip. I had opens smoothly and principles so considered them from
swiftly.
handle is that it makes the knife intended to show it to a coworker who that perspective. First off, they’re
carry flat and discreetly in the likes big blades but, as mentioned, I Top, Right: The fast to deploy and nimble in the
literally forgot I had it with me that Strata works well in a
pocket. Couple that with the low traditional saber grip. hand. They seem to work equally
profile carry clip and most people day. The less than 6-ounce weight and well in a classic saber grip or a
aren’t going to realize you’re carrying flat profile help a lot to balance out Bottom, Right: reverse edge out grip.
The high, flat grind
a such a large blade. In fact, in the the big 6.6-inch size closed. and keen edge of the
Strata’s D2 blade The clip-point blade has a decent
pocket even the large Strata XL is make it a keen carver
In general use, the Strata handles and slicer. belly to it and did well slashing
indiscernible from a 3-inch or so EDC nicely. The high flat grind leads to cardboard test targets. It also
knife. Its only when you draw the a fairly thin blade profile, and the slashed through heavy denim
beast from your pocket and flip it knives are great slicers. Factory fabric that I covered the target
open that people will realize what edge was very good and would with. The long clip point with its
you’ve been packing all along. pop hair out of the box. They were unsharpened swedge makes for
At one point I was carrying the Strata obviously great at common utility a fine point and did a good job at
XL in the pocket of my work trousers tasks like cutting cordage, opening thrusting. The finger groove in the

SPECIAL SECTION
TACTICAL EDC
THE NAVAJA:
AN INTERESTING HISTORY
As mentioned, the Spanish Navaja design goes back to the late 1600s. The initial knives were non-locking
peasants’ knives used for basic utility purposes. As steel technology improved, a backspring was added and
handle, along with the textured G10 Above, Left: Even the
smaller Strata is big
eventually, in the 18th century, a clever ratcheting lock system. The ratchet system produced a distinctive clack-
grip slab, helped keep your hand enough to act as an
clack sound as the blade was opened, which had a similar psychological effect as racking a pump shotgun.
impromptu kubaton
in place during stabs. Even closed, or impact device when
folded and grasped in
either Strata is long enough that a closed fist. If you were a citizen walking home at night and heard that sound behind you, you knew you were in
the pommel protrudes from your trouble. The Navaja had a reputation as a blade used by ruffians and criminals, but in fact it was used by
Above, Right: The
grip and can be used for kubaton Kershaw’s lineage is all classes in Spanish society. Examples can be found with rather plain finishes all the way up to intricately
obvious when you look
techniques if you know them or for at it compared to a
traditional ratcheting engraved models inlaid with precious metals.
simple hammer blows. lock Navaja (top) and
a simple non-locking
peasant version The blade of the Navaja was typically a deep bellied affair with a long, needle-sharp point and pronounced
REGULAR OR (bottom).
clip. It was well suited for both vicious slashes and piercing stabs. This was paired with a long curved, horn
SUPERSIZED?
So, if you’ve gotten this far and are shaped handle with a pronounced curve towards the end.
thinking you may need a Strata in Handles could be of wood or bone and often had steel liners for strength. Some models had bolsters and
your life, the question is regular or
pommels of brass or other materials as well. Larger Navajas were often carried tucked into a sash of belt
supersized? Even the basic Strata
still packs a 4.5-inch blade, so it and the curved pommel provided a convenient way to quickly draw them when they were needed. The
isn’t a small folder. It’s a great EDC Navaja’s blade and use as a fighting knife was thought to be a major influence for the American Bowie
knife that carries flat and smaller knife that would come later.
than it really is but offers plenty of
functionality for EDC tasks while While smaller Navajas were used as utility knives, larger models with blades more than 4 inches and
still being as big as or bigger than sometimes up to 8 or even 12 inches were used primarily as fighting knives. Spain was known for its martial
most tactical folders. blade traditions and world-renowned fencing schools. Eventually the same became true of schools that
If you’re looking for a dedicated
SOURCE taught fighting with the Navaja, including a method that used subterfuge and deception by pairing the
fighter, though, or just like the Navaja with a cloak or jacket wrapped around the fighter’s other arm, which could be used for distraction,
novelty of a massive folder that’s Kershaw Knives blocks, and cover. These martial skills were exported, along with the knives, to other Spanish speaking
still easily packable, then the KAI USA
Strata XL is really the way to go. countries as well, particularly Argentina and the Philippines.
18600 SW Teton Ave
Considering there’s only about a $20 While the Navaja’s use declined as firearms evolved, the design has never gone away, and Navajas can
Tualatin, OR 97062
price difference between the two, it
1-800-325-2891 still be readily found in Spain in the rural areas as the utility knives that their ancestors carried. They’re
really just comes to what you want.
I think you’ll be well served with Kershaw.KAIUSA.com also available in shops and markets for tourist consumption as the romance and the history of the design
whichever one you choose. KI continues to draw blade aficionados to the style today.

SPECIAL SECTION
TACTICAL EDC

SPECIAL SECTION
TACTICAL EDC
COLD STEELMINI
LEATHERNECKS
PINT-SIZED
POWERHOUSES
THAT WON’T
MAKE YOU
Left: Cold Steel’s Mini
Leatherneck series is
based on its full-sized
Leatherneck combat
PINCH PENNIES
utility knives but pared
down to a handy
EDC size. STORY BY TIM STETZER
PHOTOS BY TIM AND EMILY STETZER
C
old Steel always has a robust catalog of
new items every year, often consisting of
big folders, swords, and machetes. Good
things don’t always have to be big though, and the
company’s new Mini Leatherneck series is proof of
that. Cold Steel has taken its popular Leatherneck
series combat utility knife and pared it down to
“I’D PUT THESE AS HANDY, create a trio of pint-sized but functional blades
suitable for EDC, backpacking, or even tactical use
LIGHTWEIGHT UTILITY BLADES, for folks who don’t want to take up a lot of space or
WITH THE POSSIBLE EXCEPTION add weight to their tac vests.
OF THE DOUBLE-EDGE MODEL, UPSCALE DOWNSIZING

The Mini Leathernecks are available in a clip point, a
WHICH WOULD MAKE A PRETTY tanto, and a double-edge pattern. They all feature
GOOD BOOT KNIFE.” 3.5-inch blades of 3-mm-thick 8Cr13MoV stainless
steel and a broad stainless steel double-quillon guard.
The 3.25-inch-long handle is made of grooved and
textured Kray-Ex, which is firm but has a slightly “grippy,”
rubbery feel to it. The handle is styled like the full-sized

SPECIAL SECTION
TACTICAL EDC
SPECS
COLD STEEL MINI
LEATHERNECK
Blade Style: Clip point, tanto,
or double edge
Blade Thickness: 3.0 millimeters
Handle: 3.25 inches
Handle Material: Kray-Ex
Weight: 3.3 ounces (3.1 for the
double edge)
Right: The Mini
Steel: 8Cr13MoV stainless steel Leatherneck comes in
a choice of three blade
styles: clip point, tanto,
Sheath: Secure-Ex or double-edged.
Origin: China
MSRP: $29.99
Leatherneck, which in turn is based

on the stacked leather handles of
the Marine Corp combat knife.
The overall length is 6.75 inches
and weight is only 3.3 ounces, You can carry the knives on a lanyard Left: All of the Mini the rivet holes are too small for the
series knives come
with the double-edge model or beaded chain of your choosing with a sturdy Secure- screws that come with those, so you
Ex sheath that can be
coming in a wee bit less at 3.1 or use a Cold Steel C-Clip (not used with a beaded should probably stick to the Cold
chain or a Cold Steel
ounces. The knives come with provided) to clip the knives to your C-Clip. Steel C-Clip.
sturdy Secure-Ex sheaths that are belt, pack, or vest. You could also Above: The Mini’s
well molded to the blades and easily zip tie or 100 MPH tape the Kray-Ex handles mimic
the style of their larger LOTS OF UTILITY
Leatherneck cousins.
offer excellent retention without sheath to your gear as well. I did Now, despite being based on the
making it difficult to remove the try them with a small Tek-Lok and Leatherneck, I wouldn’t classify
knives when needed. Bawidamann PUP MOLLE plate, but these as combat knives by any

SPECIAL SECTION
TACTICAL EDC
Left: The author can

just get four fingers
on the grip of the Mini
Leatherneck with a
little bit of overhang
on his pinky finger.
Right: The Mini

Leatherneck is handily
sized at only 6.75
inches overall and
weighs only 3.3 ounces.
means, although obviously any free-hanging paper. I suspect it’ll Above: The Mini hand will probably be getting a
Leathernecks all have
blade can be pressed into service touch up quickly on a strop too. 3.5-inch blades of three-finger grip and wrapping the
8Cr13MoV stainless
in a pinch. I’d put these as handy, 8Cr13MoV isn’t a miracle steel, but steel. pinky along the pommel. That’s
lightweight utility blades, with it sharpens easily and typically OK for the nature of the work that
the possible exception of the holds a decent edge. these will likely be doing. They’ll
double-edge model, which would The handles on these aren’t huge. handle EDC cutting chores with no
make a pretty good boot knife. The I can just get my medium-sized issue and light camp chores, such as
factory edge wasn’t hair-popping hand on them with just a touch cutting open meal packets or MREs,
sharp, but it would cleanly slice of overhang by my pinky. A larger ammo boxes, cordage, or tinder prep

SPECIAL SECTION
TACTICAL EDC
ANOTHER OPTION IS THE

KYOTO MINI
JAPANESE
If you like the size of the Mini Leatherneck
but want something with a little more Asian
influence, Cold Steel also offers the Kyoto Mini
“…BEING SO AFFORDABLE, YOU CAN GRAB A Japanese in both a traditional reinforced point
KYOTO AND A MINI LEATHERNECK OF YOUR CHOICE and a Western-style tanto point. The general
AND SEE WHAT WORKS BEST FOR YOU.” size and material specs are similar to the Mini
Leathernecks, but the Kyoto’s have a Japanese
just fine. I tested the spine of the Above: If you prefer
Tsumami Maki style handle, like a Katana
clip-point model with a ferro rod and
found that the unsharpened false
an Asian flair to your
EDC fixed blade, Cold
Steel’s Kyoto I and II
in the Mini Japanese
series are both
SPECS wrap, although the handle is still made out
swedge on the spine worked quite aesthetically pleasing
and extremely KYOTO MINI JAPANESE I & II of Kray-Ex. It’s a good looking handle though,
well for throwing sparks. functional choices.
Blade Style: Traditional reinforced and quite comfortable. It also affords a very
VERY AFFORDABLE point, Western-style tanto point positive grip between the material and the
Probably the best thing about the
Mini is the price. The MSRP on these Weight: 3.2 ounces wrap style texture.
is only $29.99, and street prices tend Blade Thickness: 3 millimeters The guard on the Kyoto’s a bit thicker and much
to knock a few more bucks off of
that. At that price you can afford to Handle Length: 3 3/8 inches smaller than the Leatherneck’s. I like the blade
grab the whole set or grab multiples
Handle material: Kray-Ex styles on the Kyoto’s quite a bit, and for me
of your favorite model and drop one
Blade Steel: 8Cr13MoV stainless steel the handles are a little more comfortable than
in your daypack, one in the glovebox
of your car, and keep one handy for the Mini Leathernecks. They’re priced the same
SOURCE Blade Length: 3 3/8 inches
EDC or use around the shop. With though, so being so affordable, you can grab a
the size and the affordable price, Cold Steel Overall Length: 6 ¾ inches
Kyoto and a Mini Leatherneck of your choice and
they’d also make a great starter ColdSteel.com MSRP: $29.99
blade for kids too. KI see what works best for you.

Chris
Reeve
Knives CPM S45VN
MADE IN THE USA
6AL4V TITANIUM
INKOSI
ORDER AT CHRISREEVE.COM
Follow us on
www.facebook.com/knivesillustrated
www.instagram.com/knivesillustratedmagazine
SPECIAL SECTION
TACTICAL EDC
AY,
DISCLAIMER:
This story is for illustrative purposes only
and is not to be construed as training
or legal/medical advice. Consult with a
lawyer, doctor, and reputable instructor
before attempting anything herein.
Right: The karambit,

as marketed today, is
a specialized fighting
tool that can be
devastating in combat
if used properly.

SPECIAL SECTION
TACTICAL EDC
KARAMBIT!
CAN THIS MYSTERIOUS
CURVED BLADE MAKE THE CUT AS
YOUR DEFENSIVE KNIFE?
STORY AND PHOTOS BY PATRICK VUONG
T
he karambit is one mysterious mistress. With her smooth curve, sexy ring, and exotic
origins, this blade from Southeast Asia has captured the knife world’s attention,
turning a mild flirtation into a full-blown fixation.
Whether it’s a modern classic such as the Emerson Knives Combat Karambit or CRKT’s
Transformers-like Provoke, the popularity of this type of edged weapon has exploded
in recent years to the point where dedicated websites sell nothing but karambits. The
mystique around this claw-shaped tool has only grown exponentially thanks to its use in
recent movies such as “John Wick 3” and Netflix’s “Extraction.”
But does it mean it’s an ideal daily-carry defensive knife? Let’s take a stab at examining
this question—as well as a few myths associated with this edged weapon.
CURVED-EDGE ANATOMY
The karambit—which is sometimes spelled
“kerambit” or “korambit”—has specific uses
and, therefore, must be designed with those
uses in mind.
The Blade: Why is the business end curved? Is it
deadlier than a straight one?
Before I answer those questions, it’s important to
acknowledge where it came from: the farmlands of Indonesia.
While some folks argue that it was a battlefield weapon inspired
by the tiger’s claw and shrunken down to pocketsize for easier
concealment, the generally accepted theory based on oral
history is that this ancient design started off as a utility and
farming implement roughly 1,000 years ago. The curvature was
ideal for cutting crops, raking roots, and slicing string.
This is not to say curved swords for warfare didn’t
exist concurrently back then. There’s just no written

SPECIAL SECTION
TACTICAL EDC
“THE KARAMBIT IS A DEADLY

EDGED WEAPON—BUT IT’S NOT
FOR EVERYONE.”
documentation showing that one Instead, a well-made karambit Above: It’s said the while the rest of your hand grabs
blade of the karambit
design led to another, or vice versa. should have the ring forward of the was inspired by the around the handle, with the blade
tiger’s claw. It can be
handle so that the inside of the long and quite hooked pointed downward.
The Retention Ring: This or short and slightly
ring lines up with the outside of curved. The Bastinelli
feature allowed workers to use Knives Pika has the This is also the ideal grip to use if
the handle, forming more of a “p” perfect dimensions
their fingers for non-cutting tasks to be a get-off-me you plan to set up your karambit as
shape rather than an “i.” secondary weapon.
while still possessing the knife a get-off-me weapon, with a pistol
with a single digit. The ring also or bigger blade as your primary tool.
prevented accidental cuts by
CURVED-EDGED GRIPS In worst-case scenarios, such as
Some self-defense “experts” can get
stopping the knife from slipping someone grabbing a hold of your
pretty elaborate with their exotic
through a user’s hands, especially firearm, your support hand can draw
grips and outlandish justifications for
when working in wet conditions your karambit and slice upward
using them. I’ll keep it simple.
such as in rice fields. Hence why (being careful not to cut yourself) to
it’s also called a safety ring. Forward Grip: Grab the handle as if free your primary weapon.
you’re holding a hammer. It provides
On the flipside, it’s extremely
difficult to disarm a knife-wielding
the most amount of meat on the CURVED-EDGE
opponent when he has a finger
handle, supports your cuts with TECHNIQUES
maximum leverage, and prevents So, does this ancient design make
looped through the ring. Moreover,
others from disarming you. the karambit deadlier than, say,
fighters also use the ring to strike
Should you put your pinkie through a Bowie knife? Not necessarily.
with, sort of like a brass knuckle.
the ring? That ultimately comes Why? Here’s a shocker: Any knife
The Handle: And the third aspect can be deadly in the hands of
down to personal preference. Mine
of a karambit is the handle—or, a determined user. They don’t
is not to, because it takes fine motor
should I say, how the handle even need to be trained. So, the
control to “thread that needle”—
and ring line up. A lot of U.S. question is less about whether
something you’ll probably lose
knifemakers (especially those the karambit is better than other
the moment adrenaline courses
without martial arts training) knives and more about whether
through your body as a response to
simply add a ring onto the handle, you know how to use one.
a (perceived) lethal threat.
like the dot at the top of the letter
Reverse Grip: Now this is the grip Here’s a broad breakdown of the
“i.” But that results in misaligned
you’ll want to use to put a finger karambit techniques for self-defense.
fingers. It’s the knife equivalent
of designing a handgun with the through the retention ring. In this Thrusting: When it comes to edged
trigger set back by a half-inch or case, your strongest finger, your weapons in a self-defense scenario,
more. Can you say awkward? index finger, loops through the ring the technique that delivers the most

SPECIAL SECTION
TACTICAL EDC
let alone a psychotic criminal

determined to end your life. Your
best bet is to never flip your
karambit in a violent situation and
instead keep a firm grip on it.
stopping power is the straight thrust. does “trapping” mean? In bladed Above, Top: A
karambit’s retention CURVED-EDGE
Like a bullet from a firearm, a blade arts such as Silat, Kali, and Kuntao, ring offers a strong
anchor for your grip LEGALITIES
can pierce into a bad guy’s neck, the karambit is often used as a while making it
harder for others to OK, so you’re sold on karambits
heart, lungs, or other parts to inflict defensive weapon. So, when an disarm you. Some
are designed to be as a defensive blade. Which one
catastrophic internal damage. attack comes in (be it a punch, a used like a brass
knuckle, hence the should you get? Well, before that,
club, a knife, a gun, etc.), the user pointed pommel on
Unfortunately, a karambit doesn’t this Dragon Tail from you have to ask yourself some key
will typically “defang the snake,” or Combative Edge.
stab very well. It’s difficult to get an questions: Is a karambit legal in
cut the offending limb, while also
accurate thrust with this knife due your state? If it is, is it legal in your
using the curved blade to move the Above, Inset: Sadly,
to its curvature. Even with a double- most karambits from county? How about your city?
limb to set up more counter-cuts. the West are poorly
edged karambit, the shape still won’t designed, with the
The last thing a good guy like you
retention ring added
allow for deep penetration. Some The curve of the blade acts like like the dot on top
of the letter “i,” needs when protecting yourself or
practitioners argue that you just have a cupped hand, moving the resulting in poor finger
alignment. Instead,
your loved one against a violent
to cant your wrist when thrusting attacker’s neck, arm, leg, or torso the ring should be
forward of the handle
criminal is to find yourself in a second
but, sorry folks, poor body mechanics while at the same time digging tucked inward so fight, a legal one, after the fact.
deeper into the flesh, often right that the inside of the
cannot overcompensate for physics. circle is in line with Figure out the laws in your region
to the bone. In this manner, the the outside of the
Slicing: When it comes to extreme handle, much like it is first, consult with a lawyer if you need
karambit can even be used as a with the Combative
close-quarters combat, this is where Edge Dragon Tail. to, and then and only then do you
lever for throws and takedowns. The red line shows
the karambit is king. In fact, the the proper alignment move onto selecting a karambit.
of the handle and
karambit is ideal for a specific type Flipping: Some martial artists use ring. Not surprisingly,
of slicing: ripping of veins, muscles, the karambit’s retention ring to “flip” it’s designed by two
martial artists who
CURVED-EDGE
tendons, ligaments, and arteries. it like a cowboy spinning his six- understand not just
the weapon but also
SELECTION
shooter. They say you can twirl it as a how it’s used. Here are some aspects to consider
The forward path of the blade means momentary distraction or to smack when selecting the karambit that’s
the tip will dig into flesh, allowing the a bad guy like a whip or to use the best for you.
curve to sever muscle and tendons added reach to slice a thug’s neck. Fixed Blade: This is ideal because it’s
that are deeper. And as the user
I’d be willing to bet they’ve never “live” the moment you draw it. There’s
follows through with the swing,
pressure-tested any of those no button to push or thumb-stud to
the claw-like shape rips through
techniques in slow drills—let alone manipulate—both of which require
whatever wasn’t immediately cut.
realistic, high-speed training. Why? fine motor control, which will be in
Trapping: Another benefit is the Because if they did, they would short supply during an adrenaline-
karambit’s ability to not only slice have found that those techniques filled fight. Plus, the fewer moving
but simultaneously trap. What fail against a resistant partner— parts, the less chance of failure.

SPECIAL SECTION
TACTICAL EDC
“…THE KARAMBIT IS IDEAL FOR A SPECIFIC TYPE OF SLICING:

RIPPING OF VEINS, MUSCLES, TENDONS, LIGAMENTS, AND ARTERIES.”
The blade shouldn’t be overly circular. Folding Blade: A folder eliminates Above: The karambit’s
curved blade has a
Some models have a crescent-
moon shape—that’s too aggressive
the need for a sheath but requires
a lot more forethought. You want
dual purpose when
used defensively: It
both cuts and traps
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
simultaneously. Here
unless your intent is primarily to an opening mechanism that’s the author teaches
firearms instructor Patrick Vuong is a lifelong
trap your opponent, which requires reliable, but also quick to actuate Emily Chen how to parry
a stab while cutting to knife knut, a writer/
serious training. Instead, look for a in a life-and-death situation. Plus, the bicep. From here she
can pin his arm against
mild curve or even a karambit with with the exception of one type his body, move it to journalist, and the co-
either side, or transition
no curve, though some argue that of opening mechanism, a folding to other slices to set founder of Tiga Tactics
him up for a takedown
it’s not a karambit at that point. karambit will almost always be using the blade.
(a combatives training
drawn only in forward grip.
Look for a karambit that has a company). As a self-defense
comfortable handle in either Here’s a look at the pros and cons of
each type of opening: teacher since 1999, he uses
forward or reverse grip. It should SOURCES
be easy to find the ring with your = Thumb-stud: As the most
his diverse knowledge of
index finger if you’re drawing it in common opening mechanism, Bastinelli Knives fighting methods to close
reverse grip and equally as easy to a thumb-stud is easy to use in BastinelliKnives.com the wide gap between
grab with all five fingers if you’re ordinary circumstances. The Combative Edge two traditionally separate
deploying it in forward grip. problem is that most of these CombativeEdge.com warriors: martial artists and
You’ll also need a high-quality sheath pegs are small (less than a
quarter inch wide in most cases), Columbia River firearms enthusiasts. He’s an
that can be mounted in various Knife & Tool
positions: side carry, appendix carry, making them hard to grope for instructor in several systems,
during a violent encounter. CRKT.com
horizontal carry, etc. Ideally, the knife including the Filipino bladed
should come with such a sheath, = Thumbhole: Like the trademark Emerson Knives
art of Pekiti-Tirsia Kali. For
but you could also purchase a circle found on virtually all EmersonKnives.com
custom-made sheath if you’re in Spyderco folding blades, a more information, go to
Keen Edge Knives
love with a particular karambit but thumbhole is much easier to www.edckarambit.training.
KeenEdgeKnives.com
not its carry equipment. index under duress. But I’ve found

SPECIAL SECTION
TACTICAL EDC
Top, Left: A fixed

blade is the ideal
choice for a defensive
karambit because it’s
quick to deploy and
has no moving parts
that could break. But
you’ll need to make
sure it comes with a
quality sheath that can
be carried in different
positions, e.g. side
carry, appendix carry,
horizontal carry, etc.
that sometimes I don’t always = Pocket-deploy: Out of all the
get a clean open with it due to openings, this will provide you
the length of my thumb, the with the fastest way to draw Top, Right: While a
tad slower to deploy
placement of the hole, and the your folding karambit. It works than a fixed blade, a them or yourself before you
folding karambit is
arc of the opening. Yet, some of by catching a part of the blade more convenient to draw. Likewise, if you’re backed
carry (and culturally
my friends swear by the Spyderco (usually a protrusion on the accepted in some up against a wall, you might not
areas). Just make sure
patented thumbhole. Obviously, spine) on your pocket so that the pocket clip is strong have the clearance to fully draw.
and durable.
your mileage will vary. the blade opens as your draw
This is why I advocate for your
the knife. The most well-
= Flipper tabs: This is the folding karambit to have at least
known is the Emerson Knives Bottom, Left: Fast
protrusion found on the back of pocket-deploy: That two reliable ways of opening, such
Wave Feature. For defensive protrusion sticking
the handle that you push with out of the spine of the as a pocket-deploy mechanism
purposes, a pocket-deploy Super Karambit’s blade
your index finger, activating the is Emerson Knives’ and a thumb-stud or flipper tab.
karambit is most ideal because patented Wave Feature.
blade. When the knife is open, It catches on the lip
of the speed factor. of your pants pocket, CURVED-EDGED
the tab then acts as a finger instantly opening the
guard. This ingenious feature But there are drawbacks. You blade as you draw. CONCLUSION
is easy to use and helps stop have to quickly pull it back to The mystique surrounding this curved
your finger from sliding onto the open it properly. This means Bottom, Right: Folding blade from Indonesia can often
or transforming? The
blade. But it often requires an anyone standing behind you CRKT Provoke features overshadow both its usefulness and
a revolutionary design
extra wrist flick to get the blade (say, your wife or child) is at that isn’t so much a its drawbacks. Don’t let the Hollywood
folding karambit as it is a
to open all the way. risk, so you’ll need to reposition morphing karambit. fight scenes or the knife industry’s

SPECIAL SECTION
TACTICAL EDC
THE AUTHOR’S FAVORITES:

There is no single best karambit, just the best karambit for you. My selections will no doubt not be for
everyone. With that said, here are three curved blades that fit my self-defense needs.
Bastinelli Knives Pika

This baby blade is a near perfect get-off-
me tool—use it with your support hand
in the event a bad guy tries to grab your
primary weapon, such as a firearm. At just
1.27 ounces with an overall length of 5.1
inches, the Pika can be carried in almost
any configuration, concealed or openly.
Despite its diminutive size, it packs a lot
of punch. The blade is 1.65 inches long and
made from N690Co, a European stainless
steel known for its edge retention, corrosion
resistance, and overall toughness. It was
designed by Bastinelli’s Bastien Coves, an
accomplished martial artist, with input from
Doug Marcaida of “Forged in Fire” and Paulo
Rubio of Funker Tactical.
Combative Edge
Above, Top: The Pika
from Bastinelli Knives
is a small karambit
more of a drop-point profile, it’s far more Emerson Knives
Dragon Tail
that would be
especially useful as a
backup and employed
versatile as an EDC knife. Super Karambit
for weapon retention.
This is an ideal fixed karambit for daily Its ring-to-handle alignment is perfect, The Super Karambit is hard to beat. The
Above, Bottom:
carry. With a 6.75-inch overall length, a The Super Karambit
from Emerson Knives
so your knuckles line up regardless of 3-inch blade features a laser-like chisel
employs the Wave
2.3-inch cutting edge, and a 0.175-inch Feature: a tab on
the blade spine that
grip. In fact, the Dragon Tail feels great grind and is made out of 154CM stainless
catches on the pocket
thickness, the Dragon Tail is a slim, to open the blade when
the knife is drawn.
whether in forward or reverse grip. It was steel. Combined with a large thumbhole
medium-ish fixed blade that doesn’t print designed by two martial artists, though, and the patented Wave Feature, the
while concealed yet gives you plenty of so it makes sense why it’s so functional Super Karambit is lightning fast to open.
power. And because the hybrid blade has and comfortable. The handle has gritty G10 scales for

SPECIAL SECTION
TACTICAL EDC
marketing machine fool you. The karambit But what it is, is a defensive-minded edged
is a deadly edged weapon—but it’s not weapon that can be used to devastating
for everyone. If you’re looking for a knife effects. The karambit can claw its way into your
that has immediate stopping power, look defensive knife rotation so long as you have the
elsewhere. If you’re looking for an easy-to- right mindset and a good amount of training—
use, versatile EDC blade, keep looking. whether you’re John Wick or John Q. Public. KI
added traction, a super strong pocket

clip, and a titanium liner lock for a
secured lockup.
The only con? The inside of the retention
ring doesn’t quite line up with the
outside of the handle, causing my
fingers to be slightly misaligned. But
that’s the price to pay to prevent the
knife from taking up too much pocket
real estate. Overall, though, it’s a top-
quality defensive folder.
Keen Edge Knives

Carrying a defensive knife is a big
responsibility, one that requires training.
A lot of it. That’s why we’re big advocates
for getting a blunt training knife that
replicates (or at least approximates) your
live-blade EDC knife. If a manufacturer
doesn’t make a trainer version of your
favorite karambit, consider getting one
from Keen Edge Knives. This Colorado-
based company, headed by a long-time
martial artist, offers an assortment
of realistic aluminum trainers and
can make special orders based specific
models if requested.
knivesillustrated.com
SPECIAL SECTION
ON THE HUNT

SPECIAL SECTION
ON THE HUNT
BEFORE,
AFTER
Below: These knives
can handle the rigors of
the hunt, or pull double
duty in camp. From
top to bottom: custom
Adams & Son fixed
blade, Buck 110 Folding
Hunter 2021 Legacy
Collection limited
edition, Canal Street
Cutlery fixed blade,
and CRKT Free Range
Hunter Folder.
THE
SHOT
GAME TRAIL BLADES
SHOULD BE VERSATILE
AND HANDY
BY KI STAFF
T
he hunting seasons will be here before you know it. When
wild game is on the menu, you will need knives: first in the
field, when the animal is down, and back in camp or kitchen
when it’s time to prepare your meal. But before all that happens,
you might need that same knife to perform other campcraft chores.
In this special section, we take a look at some blades to get those
jobs done. Both fixed and folders, they range from knives specially
designed with the hunter in mind, to versatile EDC blades that can
pull double duty.

SPECIAL SECTION
ON THE HUNT
Above: The limited

edition 2021 Legacy
Collection version of
the Buck 110 Folding
Hunter has a new look
and new lightweight
materials.
Right: As good as
the new model is, the
author will never give
up his first Model 110
Folding Hunter he
received as a teenager.

SPECIAL SECTION
ON THE HUNT
THE LATEST
ITERATION OF THE
BUCK 110 FOLDING HUNTER
CONTINUES THE TRADITION
STORY AND PHOTOS BY STEVEN PAUL BARLOW
W
hen I was a teenager, back it seems about 100 years
ago, my older brother and his wife gave me one of my
most treasured gifts that I’ve ever received: a Buck
110 Folding Hunter.
That model has stood the test of time. After all these years
and so many knives later, I still carry mine at times
when I’m hunting, not just for the sake of nostalgia,
but because it’s still a very good knife for the
purpose. This year, Buck has released a
limited edition Model 110 as part of its
2021 Legacy Collection. It differs in
some substantial ways from the
first models of those knives
of 50-plus years ago, but
what hasn’t changed
is its usefulness in
the field.

SPECIAL SECTION
ON THE HUNT
THE ORIGINAL only by hunters, but by blue collar Above: The 2021
Legacy Collection
days are designed with super-thin
That first Buck 110 I received in the workers who needed a hard-use version of the Model handles for carry convenience, but
110 Folding Hunter
1970s came as I first was becoming knife on a daily basis. When I first (top) looks very often at the expense of comfort
different than the
interested in hunting. That model, became a police officer in the mid- knife the author and control during extended use or
received as a gift in the
which had been around since 1963, 1980s, a good many cops carried 1970s. Handling and tough chores.
performance are still
had already made a substantial, the Buck 110 too, even after lighter excellent.
lasting impact in the knife industry. weight locking folders became LEGACY EDITION
Here was a folder with a stainless available, such as the Spyderco So, what makes the Buck 110 2021
steel blade that was configured models that also provided the Legacy Collection knife special?
and sized right for field-dressing ability to open them one-handed. It still has the 3.75-inch clip-point
big game and had a strong, secure blade. But the steel has been
To this day, when you hold a Buck
locking mechanism. upgraded from 420HC to S45VN.
110 Folding Hunter in your hand,
Sure, it was heavy, approaching it feels right. You get the notion That blade now has a device for
a half pound—a brick by today’s that you have something of one-handed opening: a two-sided
standards—so not many carried it solid quality. It’s always been an thumb stud clamped with a tiny
in a pocket. No matter, the knife attractive knife too, with ebony hex bolt to the spine of the blade.
came with a black leather belt handle scales and brass bolsters. That stud is coated with black
sheath. That made it easier to The handle is substantial enough Cerakote and is angled and grooved
carry than a fixed-blade hunting to allow for a secure, comfortable on one side to make it easier for use
knife. It was quickly adopted not grasp. Too many knives these by right-handed users.

SPECIAL SECTION
ON THE HUNT
“THE USE OF THOSE NEW MATERIALS…

CUTS THE WEIGHT FROM 7.2 OUNCES FOR
THE STANDARD MODEL 110 TO 4.8 OUNCES IN
THE LEGACY COLLECTION EDITION.”
This limited edition knife has a Left, Top: The blade

GOING TO WORK of the limited edition
very different look too. Instead of In putting this knife to the test,
knife has the same
profile, but the steel
brass bolsters, it features bead- the first thing to note is that the
has been upgraded to
S45VN.
blasted aluminum bolsters for a locking bar is very stiff and strong.
subdued look. Instead of wood It presents considerable resistance Left, Bottom:
Because the new
scales, this knife has marbled gray as it rocks back when opening model weighs just
4.8 ounces, it can be
carbon fiber inlays held in place the blade. The blade locks solidly carried more easily
in a pocket than the
with three bolts on each side. into place with a substantial, original models. So, this
knife features a strong
The use of those new materials confidence-inspiring click. But if pocket clip.
not only changes the look of the you’re used to a knife that has a Right, Top: Yes, this
knife, but it cuts the weight from free-flowing pivot that you can Buck 110 can be opened
with one hand thanks
7.2 ounces for the standard model flip open with the flick of a wrist, to the bilateral thumb
stud fastened to the
110 to 4.8 ounces in the Legacy you won’t find it here. That’s not a blade spine. Despite the different grip materials,
Collection edition. That makes concern for me as I view this knife I found this new model to be every
Right, Bottom:
it viable for pocket carry and, as as having an intended role for This year’s limited bit as comfortable to use. The
edition of the knife
a result, the knife doesn’t come hunting, general field use, or on the features gray carbon handle allows for a full grip on the
fiber handle scales
with a belt sheath. Instead, the job site. I don’t see it as a defensive attached with screws. knife. It’s shaped well enough to
It’s an attractive,
knife comes with a sturdy metal blade or for a wannabe showing off modern look. allow you to choke up on the handle
pocket clip that’s reversible for in an attempt to convince people and get over the top of the blade
tip-up carry. that he’s a badass. with your thumb for more control.

SPECIAL SECTION
ON THE HUNT
SPECS
BUCK 110 LIMITED EDITION
2021 LEGACY COLLECTION
Type: Lockback folder
Blade Configuration: Clip point
Blade Thickness: 0.12 inch
Blade Steel: S45VN stainless
Length Closed: 4.75 inches
Weight: 4.8 ounces
Handle: Aluminum with marbled
carbon fiber inlays
Other: Thumb studs for one-handed
opening, reversible pocket clip
THERE ARE OTHER
for tip-up carry MODEL 110S TOO
Origin: USA Buck Knives offers several Model 110 knives in its
MSRP: $215 “…I PROBABLY COULD catalog these days. There’s the 110 Auto and Auto
HAVE GONE THROUGH MY Elite for those who favor an automatic opener
and are allowed to have them. At the other end of
WHOLE LIFE AND USED NOTHING BUT the spectrum is the Folding Hunter LT, a 3.2-ounce
A BUCK 110 FOLDING HUNTER…AND… lightweight with nylon handle and polyester
GOTTEN ALONG JUST FINE.” sheath. It’s the least expensive of the 110s at a
suggested $32, but it’s every bit as useful.
Yet it’s also long enough so you can my ceramic coffee mug—wiped it Above, Top: The knife
fits the hand well and Yes, the original Folding Hunter is still available,
inch back away from the blade when a down with an oily rag, and stowed it is long enough so you
can grasp it several although Buck rounded the bolsters on this
bit more reach is needed, such as when until next time. Neglect is the worst ways as needed.
you’re elbow deep in a deer carcass. enemy of a knife. model years ago. There’s a model with S30V steel
Above, Inset: The
The blade was very sharp as it came The upgrade of the blade steel to Folding Hunter LT and nickel silver bolsters, the Folding Hunter
is a lightweight,
from the factory. I never had any Crucible’s S45VN in this new model, inexpensive version of
the Model 110 with a
Pro, and a 110 Slim Pro with Micarta handle
issues with the blade on my old however, is a welcome change as nylon handle. scales. The 110 Slim Select has a nylon handle.
Folding Hunter. I not only used it it should boost edge retention, For those who don’t want a clip-point blade,
to field-dress many deer but in the toughness, and corrosion resistance.
SOURCE there’s the Folding Hunter Drop Point. Or you
butchering process a number of It readily cut everything around the
times too. As with all my knives, I house that my wife would allow Buck Knives can start from scratch and order a custom 110
used it, cleaned it, touched up the me to destroy. I haven’t needed to and choose among several options for your own
BuckKnives.com
edge—usually on the bottom of touch up the blade yet. steel, handle material, sheath, and engraving.

Above: This new Buck
110 Folding Hunter
brings an old standard
up to date and is a
worthy choice for a
field knife, especially
for hunters.
STILL THE ONE variety of knives I own, the several

I’ve used many knives through the Buck 110 Folding Hunters I have will
years. And I’ll continue to enjoy continue to have a special place
many brands, styles, and designs. among my collection. This limited
But I’ve often said that I probably edition 2021 Legacy Collection
could have gone through my whole knife looks different and has been Blue Ridge Knives , INC.
life and used nothing but a Buck modernized and updated. But it’s
110 Folding Hunter for all my knife still a Buck 110 Folding Hunter at
needs and would have gotten along heart and that’s what’s important
just fine. While I am glad for the to me. KI
Follow us on
www.facebook.com/knivesillustrated
www.instagram.com/knivesillustratedmagazine
SPECIAL SECTION
ON THE HUNT
GOT GAME? Below: The three

blades that comprise
Gerber’s new Downwind
Series provide an
excellent and affordable
set designed with the
hunter in mind.

SPECIAL SECTION
ON THE HUNT
IN THE FIELD OR IN CAMP,

GERBER’S DOWNWIND HUNTING
KNIVES PROVIDE ALL YOU NEED
Above: The sheaths for

the knives in the Gerber
Downwind Series are
made of waxed canvas
and add a retro look to
the otherwise modern
blades.
G
erber’s new Downwind Series of hunting knives combines a bit of nostalgia with modern
materials and manufacturing. Together, they are three affordable blades with matching
handles and sheaths that provide everything a hunter will probably need in the field.
No, there’s nothing fancy about these knives, nothing ground-breaking in their design. They’re simply very usable
knives, well made, one complementing the next. These knives aren’t offered as a set—you’d have to buy them
individually. But with the complete series, you could go from the woods to your cutting board needing little else
in the way of cutting tools. And you wouldn’t have to sell your favorite big-game rifle to pay for them.

SPECIAL SECTION
ON THE HUNT
“THEY’RE SIMPLY VERY USABLE KNIVES, WELL

MADE, ONE COMPLEMENTING THE NEXT.”
SPECS Above: The Downwind
Drop Point is sized right
to make a great all-
around field knife.
DOWNWIND TRIO
The Gerber Downwind Series consists
houses all of your pans, utensils,
and spices that you can tilt upright
of three full-tang, fixed-blade knives for easy access when preparing
GERBER DOWNWIND at this point: a mid-sized drop- meals. I keep meaning to make one
DROP POINT point, a caper, and an ulu. All three of those. It’s on my list.
are made with 7Cr17Mov steel and For many families, hunting is a
Blade Length: 4.25 inches have grippy layered G10 handles tradition handed down through
machined with beveled edges to the generations. To give these
Overall Length: 8.97 inches stay comfortable and secure in the knives the feel of something your
hand. Mine arrived with handles of grandfather might have used,
Steel: 7Cr17Mov alternating green (olive) and black each knife in the Downwind Series
G10 layers. They’re also available with comes with waxed canvas sheath.
Weight: 4.59 ounces black and gray handle scales.
All of the handles feature lanyard DOWNWIND
Handle Material: G10 holes, something I make use of DROP POINT
more often when I’m over water in The Downwind Drop Point is
Other: Lanyard hole; a canoe or kayak. Still, fitted with the all-arounder of this crew. It
waxed canvas sheath short lanyards, these knives could features a 4.25-inch blade, which
be hung from hooks on a camp is approaching the upper limit
MSRP: $42 kitchen cupboard, one of those in my mind of the blade length
homemade wooden boxes that that’s handy for field-dressing a

SPECIAL SECTION
ON THE HUNT
deer. And let’s face it, when many

hunters are thinking of a knife for
and they decide they’d better go
looking for you. This knife can
Left: The Downwind
Caper is capable of
much more than caping
out an animal’s hide.
SPECS
hunting, they have hunting deer handle those jobs and more. A large, finger-groove
in mind. The overall length of the

choil provides a way
of choking up on the
GERBER DOWNWIND
blade for precision cuts.
knife is 8.97 inches, and it weighs a DOWNWIND CAPER CAPER
mere 4.59 ounces. So, it will carry A caper, as the name suggests, is
easily on your belt without the a knife designed for meticulously Right, Top: Jimping
on the back of the
need of adding suspenders too. removing the cape of an animal, Downwind Drop Point
The size and configuration of this

cutting the hide from the nose to blade and handle
provide an extra secure
gripping surface when
behind the shoulders for the purpose making detail cuts.
knife lend themselves well to
other necessary tasks. Maybe you
of having a trophy head mounted by Steel: 7Cr17Mov
a taxidermist. A caper might also be Right, Bottom:
need to carve thin slivers of wood
to start a fire to cook your lunch.
used for removing the complete pelt
The Gerber Downwind
Caper was comfortable
in the hand when using
Weight: 2.1 ounces
of a furbearer, although there are several different grips
Perhaps you want to construct
a travois to make it easier for
specially designed, narrow-bladed on the knife.
Handle Material: G10
pelting knives for that.
hauling out your deer when you’re
alone. Or maybe you’ve twisted an Despite that designation, a caper Other: Lanyard hole;
ankle and you need to improvise isn’t limited in usefulness to that waxed canvas sheath
a rudimentary emergency shelter one task, quite the opposite. It’s
until your buddies back at camp simply a smaller fixed-blade knife MSRP: $37
realize it’s your turn to cook dinner that is configured for excellent

SPECIAL SECTION
ON THE HUNT
SPECS control and making precision cuts.

Such a knife can handle most of
what you need done. The Gerber
Above: The Downwind
Ulu has the crescent
blade of the traditional
Arctic knife, but with
an extended handle
DOWNWIND ULU
The ulu is a traditional knife
of native Arctic tribes, once
GERBER DOWNWIND Downwind Caper is a good example.
more reminiscent of a
cleaver.
predominately used by women
ULU It’s 7.24 inches overall with a 3.19-
inch blade. The choil is enlarged
when gender roles were more
distinctly defined. Historically, they
Blade Length: 3.42 inches to become a complete finger
groove. That allows you to take a
used it for cleaning and filleting
fish, skinning and butchering game,
Overall Length: 6.54 inches comfortable and safe forward grip
on the knife, getting more of your
and preparing meals. A classic ulu
consists of a blade with a crescent-
Steel: 7Cr17Mov hand out over the top of the spine. shaped cutting edge with a handle
The Downwind Caper is actually directly over the blade.
Weight: 5.1 ounces plenty big enough to field-dress a The Gerber Downwind Ulu has the
deer-sized animal. And at just 2.1 crescent-shaped cutting edge, 3.42
Handle Material: G10 ounces, it might be a good choice inches in this case, but the handle
when traveling light, especially when extends back away from the blade
Other: Lanyard hole; you need to cover miles or traverse more like a cleaver. The overall length
SOURCE
waxed canvas sheath difficult terrain. You’re not going to is 6.54 inches. It too comes with the
split firewood with it, but that’s not Gerber waxed canvas sheath. But this sheath
MSRP: $52 a job you normally perform when
you’re hunting far from camp.
GerberGear.com has a belt loop sewn to the back of
the sheath where the Drop Point

SPECIAL SECTION
ON THE HUNT
Above: The Downwind

Ulu’s usefulness is
limited only by the
imagination. The author
found it made an
excellent pizza cutter.
“…WITH THE COMPLETE SERIES,

YOU COULD GO FROM THE
WOODS TO YOUR CUTTING BOARD
NEEDING LITTLE ELSE IN THE
WAY OF CUTTING TOOLS.”
and Caper sheaths have belt loops has jimping on top of the handle
attached to danglers. I don’t see many and blade spine for a better grip
hunters carrying the Downwind Ulu on and control. Any one of them
their belts. It would excel at food prep would be useful in its own way as a
and as such I see it playing a bigger stand-alone knife. And you might
role back at camp or in the kitchen. choose just the one you think you
When using this knife, rather than might need most often.
taking advantage of that extended I’m glad I have all three. The
Left, Top: The author handle in a chopping motion as I matching handles and sheaths are
believes the Downwind might with a cleaver, I found myself
Drop Point is probably a nice touch, although when I’m in
near the upper limit inching up over the blade to take
in size of what he’d deer camp—or any other time—I’m
use for field-dressing a more ulu-centric grip (yes, I just
a deer, but that size not overly concerned about being
also allows for this invented that phrase). That over- color coordinated or fashionable.
knife to have greater
all-around utility in the the-top grip allowed me to rock Those handles, however, are very
woods. Gerber photo.
that crescent edge back and forth good dry, wet, or sticky—a good
Left, Center: The when making cuts. Control was thing because things can get
Downwind Caper could
be carried alone when excellent, and I had to slow myself messy with a game knife.
traveling light and
could perform most down purposely on occasion as my
chores you need to chef skills aren’t fully developed I think all three knives in the Gerber
do with a knife in the
field. Gerber photo. and I didn’t want to add finger meat Downwind Series are winners. With
to the veggies. I discovered it also these three, you can be equipped
Left, Bottom: The to do most of what you need
Downwind Ulu could made a great pizza cutter.
be used in the field for cutting tools to do in the field and
processing game and
fish, but the author
supposes it will likely
GET THE SET back at camp. At their suggested
see most use back in All of these knives were sufficiently retail prices, you can have all of
camp for food prep.
Gerber photo. sharp when I received them. Each them for $131 total. KI

SPECIAL SECTION
ON THE HUNT
KNIFE ENOUGH
YOU DON’T NEED A BOWIE KNIFE FOR
MOST OF YOUR HUNTING NEEDS
M
ention “hunting knife”
to someone who’s not a
knife enthusiast and most
likely some humongous fixed blade
comes to mind. Mention hunting Below: Hunting knives
can vary greatly. They
knife to a hunter and you’ll usually can be large or small,
fixed or folder. Once you
get quite a different picture. find one you like, hold
on to it. Shown are a
Kershaw 1082OR Field
Whitetail deer, squirrels, and Knife (top) and an old
Camillus two-bladed
rabbits were regular menu items lockback.
in my household during the early,
low-income days of my adult life.
Hunting was more than recreation;
it was a way to put meat on the
table. Over time, I formed some
preferences on the types of knives
I carry while hunting. Here’s my
thinking on the subject:
BLADES FOR
LARGE GAME
You don’t need a machete or a Bowie
knife to field-dress a deer. Generally
speaking, blades in the 2 ¾- to 4-inch
range are usually the handiest
for the job, although those aren’t
strict limits. A non-slip handle with
enough room for all your fingers is
recommended. I prefer a narrow
blade, which is better suited during
the field-dressing process when,
how should I say it, you’re working
at freeing the terminal end of the
animal’s digestive tract.
As far as the blade configuration is
concerned, I know countless writers
before me have said a drop-point is

SPECIAL SECTION
ON THE HUNT
“WHICHEVER KNIFE YOU CHOOSE,

TAKE CARE OF IT AND YOU’LL INFUSE
IT WITH MANY FOND MEMORIES OF
TIMES AFIELD.”
best because there’s less chance of Don’t discount your EDC

knife for hunting. Some,
cutting into the messy organs than such as the Doug Ritter
RSK MK1-G2 by Hogue
if you were using a pointy blade. (top) and the Spyderco
Naturally, I have to be contrary. I’ve Endura, can perform
very well on most any
always favored a slight clip-point cutting task.
or trailing-point blade. The reason Top, Left:

Hunters often
is that I often use the upswept prefer fixed blade
knives because they’re
tip when—without getting too easier to clean after
the messy task of field-
graphic—I’m up to my elbow in the dressing game. Shown
A knife such as the Buck 110 Folding FIXED BLADES
are a TOPS Skinat Hunter is timeless. The CRKT
carcass cutting the windpipe free. (top) and a Spyderco Fixed-blade knives are strong, easy
Oops, I guess that was graphic, sorry. Bow River, two of the Homefront is excellent because it to access, easy to clean, and you
author’s favorites.
can be completely disassembled don’t have to be concerned with
FOLDERS Top, Right: Among
without tools for cleaning and it folding on your fingers. Again,
Folders are a good choice for hunting the author’s favorites maintenance. Don’t overlook the
of current production you don’t need a really large blade.
when you want to carry your knife in folding knives for hunting knife you’re carrying this minute. Actually, knives labeled as “trout
are the CRKT Homefront
a pocket as opposed to on your belt (top) and the Victorinox Many EDC knives—the Spyderco and bird” knives or “capers” usually
Hunter Pro Alox.
or in your pack. I’d suggest a simple Endura and the Hogue Doug Ritter work great and handle better in
locking mechanism—not an assisted Bottom, Left: Blade
RSK MK1-G2 for instance—would be tight quarters. I find the gut hooks
opener or auto. An open back is a configuration—clip or fine as hunting companions. Other incorporated on the back of many
drop point—is a matter
plus because it will be easier to clean of personal preference. current production folders I like are hunting knives these days to be
Shown are the Cold
later, but many of my favorites don’t Steel Ultimate Hunter the Cold Steel Ultimate Hunter and unnecessary and in the way at times
(left) and Buck 110
have that feature. Folding Hunter. Victorinox Hunter Pro Alox. when using the knife for other tasks.

SPECIAL SECTION
ON THE HUNT
“GENERALLY SPEAKING,
BLADES IN THE 2 ¾-
TO 4-INCH RANGE ARE
USUALLY THE HANDIEST
FOR THE JOB…”
Top, Left: You can do

more with a bushcraft
blade than whittle a SMALL GAME something totally different than
spoon. Many, such as
the ESEE-4 HM (top) For cleaning squirrels and skinning anything I’ve mentioned here—buy
and CRKT Saker, could
And I think they’re ugly too, but that’s, be used to field-dress two of them. Once you designate
big game animals.
rabbits, I’ve often used traditional,
as they say, in the eye of the beholder. one of your knives as a “favorite,”
slip-joint pocketknives. I’ve never
Bottom, Left: The
The drop-point TOPS Skinat is one open back on this needed anything more specialized. there’s a good chance the company
Hogue Doug Ritter RSK will discontinue it.
of my favorite all-around knives, and MK1-G2 makes it easier If you feel more comfortable with
to clean after messy
I’ve often carried it and used it when work and helps to keep a knife that has a locking blade, The Kershaw 1082OR Field Knife
debris from building up
hunting. I only have two of them inside the mechanism. that’s fine. But with small game, had a super-sharp, well-contoured
now, but I want a third, even though Bottom, Center: the cuts are fewer. Often you’re thin blade and easy-to-spot orange
An advantage of the
the first one has several generations CRKT Homefront pulling off the hide. Early on I handle. As soon as I fell in love with
as a hunting/field
of hunters to serve before it’ll knife is that it can be used Old Timers made by the old it, they disappeared from the face of
taken apart without
ever be retired. The Spyderco Bow tools for cleaning and Schrade company. These days I the earth. Do you hear me Kershaw?
River with slight trailing point is an maintenance. opt for Case knives, especially the Bring it back. The CRKT Free Range
affordable knife with thin blade and Bottom, Right: You three-blade Stockman, two-blade
don’t need a specialized Hunter Folder designed by Russ
comfortable handle perfect for use knife for tending small Barlow, and two-blade Trapper. Kommer that I love also is no longer
game in the field. For
in processing downed game. I’ve game such as rabbits made. I had other favorites too that
and squirrels, the author
used the Buck Woodsman many frequently used what
was in his pocket at the
FAVORITES CURSE were discontinued because the
times, but I’d prefer it if the clip- time, such as one of When you find a favorite hunting company vanished. A Canal Street
these Case three-blade
point wasn’t quite so upswept. Stockman models. knife—and for you it might just be Cutlery fixed blade comes to mind.

SPECIAL SECTION
ON THE HUNT
The hunter’s knife work doesn’t necessarily

end with field-dressing. The author saved a
Unfortunately, many of the author’s old lot of money over the years butchering deer
favorites have been discontinued. Shown (from himself. Shown (from the left) are the Buck
the left) are: Schrade PH 1, Kershaw 1082OR Woodsman, Pathfinder and Skinner, and
Field Knife, Camillus two-blade lockback, and the Benchmade Nestucca. And yes,
CRKT Kommer Free Range Hunter Folder. that’s beef, not venison in the photo.
DON’T BOTCH THE

BUTCHERING
You can save some money by
butchering wild game yourself.
I’ve often used a set of Buck fixed
blades—Woodsman, Pathfinder,
Skinner, and Special—to assist. A
fillet knife or other thin blade is
handy too for removing the back
straps and tenderloins. Lately,
I’ve been using some knives from
the TOPS Dicer Series. These
are excellent knives that truly
bridge the gap between camp and
kitchen and can be used for every THE MEMORIES KNIFE Top, Left: This Gerber
Shorty once belonged
SOURCES
to the author’s father-
step of the butchering and food Whichever knife you choose, take in-law and has great
prep process. care of it and you’ll infuse it with sentimental value. The
author field-dressed
CRKT, CRKT.com
his first deer with it.
many fond memories of times It’s still an excellent Victorinox, SwissArmy.com
OTHER CHORES afield. For me, there’s the Buck 110 hunting knife.
Keep in mind that you might Folding Hunter that was my first real
Buck Knives, BuckKnives.com
employ your hunting knife for hunting knife; the made-in-the-U.S. Top, Right: An original
Schrade Sharpfinger,
Kershaw, Kershaw.KAIUSA.com
chores other than cutting meat, Schrade Old Timer Sharpfinger that while an inexpensive
Spyderco, Spyderco.com
blade, holds lots of
such as processing tinder, cutting was a gift from my wife when we memories for the
cord or rope, as well as myriad were young and on a tight budget;
author. He bought a
second one just to have
TOPS Knives, TOPSKnives.com
it while they were still
survival tasks. For that reason, if I and the Gerber Shorty aluminum- made in the U.S. ESEE Knives, ESEEKnives.com
choose a very thin blade for field- handled fixed blade that belonged Hogue’s Doug Ritter RSK MK1-G2
dressing, I’ll often carry a heavier to my father-in-law. What hunting available at KnifeWorks.com
blade for bushcraft chores. knife stands out in your memory? KI

SPECIAL SECTION
ON THE HUNT
HUNTING
TACTICAL
DUO
ESEE’S ASHLEY GAME KNIFE AND

THE S35VN VERSION OF THE ESEE-3
ARE READY FOR ADVENTURE
STORY AND PHOTOS BY REUBEN BOLIEU

SPECIAL SECTION
ON THE HUNT
E
SEE Knives has soared to a
new level by having more
purpose driven, specialty
knives from the marriage between
Rowen Manufacturing and the
guys in the know. ESEE Knives
has gone from a small company
fueled by real-world dirt time
to one of the biggest names in
survival and no-nonsense knives.
ONE FOR HUNTERS

The Ashley Game Knife (AGK) was
designed by Ashley Emerson. As a
guide and hunter from Alaska to
Africa, he’s used many different
knives and modified them to fit
what works, and the AGK was born
from his vast experience handling
Left: With the addition
of the Ashley Game game in the field.
Knife (top) and a
revamped ESEE-3 with
S35VN steel (bottom), At first glance, it fits in with the look
ESEE Knives now has of other ESEE Knives, but not quite
a perfect duo of knives
for hunters and all- the typical blade style. This spear-
around outdoorsmen.
like drop-point has a bit of a soft
recurve, in that the cutting width
of the blade is narrower near the
ricasso area than it is in the middle.
This gives it a bit more belly.
The blade width allows for working
inside the pelvic cavity of the
average whitetail, and the subtle
sweep of the blade places the
point in line with the handle. This
still allows an optimal drop point
and an edge that is continually
curved. With no sharpening notch
at the choil, you won’t have to
worry about the knife catching on
material such as hides. The lengths
of both the blade and the handle
have been optimized for leveraging
jobs like splitting a sternum. In my
opinion, 3.5 inches is the perfect
length for a field knife that needs to
“…ESEE KNIVES be nimble and easy to maneuver.
ANSWERED THE CRIES The handle incorporates a guard
OF MANY CUSTOMERS for a little more reassurance during
BY REVAMPING THEIR those slippery jobs. The knife is
available with scales of either
CLASSIC ESEE-3 WITH canvas Micarta or orange G10,
S35VN STEEL AND which is a solid handle material
that doesn’t slip when wet. Ashley
CONTOURED 3D has used a wide variety of scale
G10 SCALES.” materials, and he prefers Micarta
for working knives, as the grip and
SPECIAL SECTION
ON THE HUNT
Above: ESEE Knives Ashley Game Knife comes

in your choice of orange G10 scales (top) or
canvas Micarta (bottom) and an attractive
black oxide finish. It features a drop point
blade-shape and longer handle than blade.
“A CAMP KNIFE IS OFTEN PUSHED INTO THE

LATE INNINGS, SERVING DOUBLE AND TRIPLE-
DUTY, WHICH TEETERS ON THE EDGE OF ABUSE.”
feel is way more important when The narrow portion of the blade
working game than the scales closer down toward the handle
being impervious to sweat, blood, seemed to almost catch on the
and other fluids. wood more, helping to produce more
curls in the wood. This was also
A radiused lanyard hole large
obvious when I was carving some
enough for a loop of 550 cord
quick yet much needed camp tools
rounds out the design. Like the
like tongs and a real coffee stirrer. Up
stonewashed black-oxide blade,
until now, the AGK had been stirring
the Micarta scales develop a great
stew and coffee, which didn’t bother
“worn-in” look with use.
me much. Lifting the lid for my cook Right, Top: The
ESEE Knives Ashley we have two or three. A camp knife
DIRT TIME pot with the blade tip was another Game Knife comes
job that was given to the AGK. standard with a stout, is often pushed into the late innings,
I listened to the pitter patter of the brown leather sheath
featuring a belt loop serving double and triple-duty,
snow coming down on the tarp as Luckily, no chipping or edge loss was that fits most size belts.
I got to know the AGK by way of noticeable even after using a rock
Currently, it comes in which teeters on the edge of abuse.
brown and is capable of
right-hand carry only.
carving. Nothing like a little rain as a cutting board for some tasks. A cutting tool is made into a splitter,
Right, Bottom: A large pot lifter, as well as a stirring spoon
and snow to keep a camper under It carved out roasting sticks and spatula was roughed
the tarp, or as I call it—indoors. I made other parts of camp more out for stirring stew and for coffee and stew. The AGK was
scrapping ice off the tarp
roughed out a large spatula from a comfortable. I believe in the “right in a winter camp. Making used for a winter stew when the
something is a good
piece of seasoned wood. Granted, tool for the right job” school of way of testing out edge temperatures dropped below
geometry and handle
it won’t carve like my Scandinavian thinking. However, we aren’t always comfort. An outdoors freezing. Put into service as a kitchen
knife must carve, chop,
ground knives, but it still had a keen in the comfort of all our tools. In a slice, and cleave for it knife, the AGK was made for cutting
to be considered worth
edge from the factory. real-world situation in the outdoors, the weight to carry. all things food related. I used a

SPECIAL SECTION
ON THE HUNT
baton to help cleave through bone in was getting thick, and eventually, Left: ESEE Knives
chicken. It sliced celery, mushrooms,

carrots, and onions with the ease
the snow came. This called for a
color that would peer through the
has teamed up
with Armatus Carry
(Architect sheath
model pictured) to
offer two no-questions-
SPECS
of a kitchen knife due to the flat natural color of the forest duff. No
grind. The orange G10 scales proved matter how careful people are when
asked, made in the
U.S.A. products. With
this duo you are
ESEE ASHLEY GAME KNIFE
to be non-slip through the food it comes to keeping track of tools,
covered for life. (AGK)
preparation process despite icy rain we get distracted, and rather than
Right, Top: Overall Length: 8.25 inches
and snow coming down in camp. sheath the knife, we just lay it down The ESEE AGK sitting
Making something is a sure

and tend to something else. I know
atop a hog from a
recent hunting trip
with Ashley Emerson.
I do this when cutting food or when ESEE Knives was on
way to find if a knife handle is
the knife is just really dirty or wet.
hand in Texas to catch
up with Ashley and
Thickness: 0.156 inch
comfortable. Any protrusions or test his new offering.
rough spots on the handle will
Then, I get that, “Oh crap, where’s Shane Adams photo. Weight: 5.1 ounces
the knife?” feeling. It doesn’t help if
be magnified when the handle
is wet, adding just that much
the knife blends in too much, so one Right, Bottom:
The AGK being used to
Steel: 1095 high carbon steel, 55-57 Rc.
that stands out is important to me. skin a wild hog from a
extra abrasion and sting. The
Ashley designed the length of the
recent hunt in Texas.
The knife blade is
Finish: Black oxide, stonewashed
G10 handles had more grip than suitable for a variety of
the Micarta scales, which tend to handle (approximately 5 inches) to grips, and this displays
its versatility. Shane
Handles: Canvas Micarta or G10
smooth out after some use, yet be longer than the blade for extra Adams photo.
don’t get slippery—ever. leverage he may need, rather than Sheath: Leather
extra cutting edge and being able
STANDING OUT to choke back on the handle if he
Origin: U.S.A.
For the majority of the testing, I used needed. I definitely agree in that MSRP: $166.06
the G10 scales because the foliage respect. I like a small blade, longer

SPECIAL SECTION
ON THE HUNT
SPECS
ESEE-3 S35VN
handle on just about anything it fared well with no sharpening Above: ESEE-3 S35VN Cutting Edge Length: 3.38 inches
featuring highly
besides a long chopping blade. for the first four days of use. When textured 3D G10 scales.
The reemergence of Overall Blade Length: 3.88 inches
A word about the finish, which is it did come down to sharpening, I the flagship knife
not to be mistaken with a coating of used a mini Crock Stick (ceramic)

has the same ESEE-3
classic shape and size Maximum Thickness: 0.125 inch
with upgraded super
sorts. The stonewashed black oxide is from Lansky Sharpeners, which is stainless steel and a
contoured handle.
Steel: S35VN, 59-60 Rc.
a blade finish, not a coating. There is my go-to sharpener for touching up It is built for comfort
a stark difference between a coating an edge on any V-grind knife I have.

and speed. Weight: 6 ounces (knife only),
that inhibits rust and a finish that If it gets too dull, I start with stones 9 ounces (knife w/ sheath)
and finish on the Crock Stick, but
looks like a patina. I personally like the
I try not to ever let them get that Opposite Page, Sheath: Molded
look of the black oxide, which is really Top: The author
a tumble finish on bare metal, not to far gone as it ends up being a lot of went to work cutting
and slashing fibrous Finish: Stonewashed
work to bring the edge back. materials and stabbing
be confused with a patina. into light metal. Tow
strapping, leather, Handle: 3D G10
cardboard, and zip ties
I don’t worry much about rust and SHEATH OPTIONS were a few things the Origin: U.S.A.
ESEE-3 S35VN 3D G10
corrosion, and I use my knives in Since ESEE came out with the was used on.
humid environments. I simply know Camp-Lore series that come MSRP: $205
Opposite Page,
that I use my knives enough on the standard with leather sheaths, the Bottom: As an
sorts of things that will naturally outdoors knife the
company has had a few variations ESEE AGK was used
patina them before any corrosion on the materials and style. Now, to prepare multiple with a laminated nylon soft loop,
fires. The thin edge
sets in. After using the AGK quite a the AGK comes sporting a leather shaved wood well with including a MIL-SPEC Pull-the-Dot
the continuous curve
bit in the wetness of winter, cutting sheath, which really captures the making thin curls a snap. All Armatus Carry sheaths are
breeze.
veggies and meat, or just plain essence of the knife. All ESEE Knives made from one piece of 0.08-inch
leaving it out on the cutting board, sheaths are made from U.S.A. Kydex for ultimate durability. Like
I didn’t notice any corrosion. This leather and each sheath is brown, ESEE, Armatus also has a no-
questions-asked lifetime warranty.
would have been a different story pouch style with a belt loop. SOURCE
had it been humid.
In addition to the handsome leather ESEE Knives MODERN TACTICAL
Edge retention is right on the level that is standard on the AGK, ESEE ESEE Knives first appeared on
ESEEKnives.com
with every other ESEE knife I have offers another option: Armatus Carry the knife scene around 2007 with
used. Despite its multi-tasking makes its Architect Sheath model Email: a design that became an iconic
duties, not limited to just cutting, for the AGK. It comes standard
info@eseeknives.com
tactical knife. After founders Jeff

SPECIAL SECTION
ON THE HUNT
ASHLEY EMERSON,
ACCOMPLISHED OUTDOORSMAN
Ashley Emerson has had a varied career. Aside from his input for ESEE’s
Ashley Game Knive, he has created or refined many popular gun sights
and scope mounts. He worked at B-Square in the early ’90s and then was
head designer and co-owner at Miniature Machine Corp (MMC), where he
designed the MMC Adjustable Combat Sight for pistols and shotguns.
He is well known for adapting and popularizing express sights for defensive
handguns and for long-gun sights utilizing a ghost-ring rear and white-
Randall and Mike Perrin designed ESEE-4) got their first production stripe front, both commercialized through Ashley Outdoors (now XS Sight
the RAT-3 for the Ontario Knife modification with the HM (handle Systems). Since then, he has remained active in the industry, providing
Company, it was the first design modified) series. Gone was the ideas for many popular products as a friend, customer, or consultant. Ashley
brought out when ESEE Knives choil and thumb jimping, while the
possesses extensive knowledge and real-world experience gained from time
(Formerly RAT Cutlery) teamed up handle was retrofitted with a more
with Rowen Manufacturing. It was ergonomically rounded handle. The in the classroom, in the field, and on the range.
dubbed the ESEE-3 and after all sheaths were leather, but Kydex
these years it is still a favorite among was soon added for another option.
Since 2012, Ashley has owned and operated Garrett Cartridges of
law enforcement and military teams Texas, continuing Randy Garrett’s line of exceptional .44 Magnum
Jumping ahead to 2020, ESEE
due to its light weight, thin profile
Knives answered the cries of and .45-70 hunting ammunition and expanding the line with
and various sheath options. This is
many customers by revamping its additional .45-70 loads and new .45 Colt and .454 Casull offerings.
the model that started it all.
classic ESEE-3 with S35VN steel
There have been quite a few and contoured 3D G10 scales. Prior to his industry involvement, Ashley earned a bachelor’s degree in
different sheath options and The knife shape remained the criminal justice with a minor in industrial technology. He served as a
blade finishes that have given same while the steel and handle
deputy in the early ’80s in the Texas counties of Comanche and Somervell,
the classic ESEE-3 upgrades over scales were changed. The knife
the years. However, in 2016 the has a stonewashed finish and and he later worked at machine shops providing parts for a variety of
classic ESEE Knives (ESEE-3, black colored scales. For those customers, including the Superconducting Super Collider project.

SPECIAL SECTION
ON THE HUNT
who want a super stainless
steel with superior edge holding
capabilities—this one’s for you.
The carbon steel model now has
a plethora of 3D G10 scales to
choose from, yet the S35VN model
currently comes in black only. One
good thing about this change was
that the old model ESEE-3 sheaths
all fit the S35VN model.
SLASH AND BASH

I first used the ESEE-3 S35VN on
some 10,000-pound tow strapping,
securely holding one end and
slicing through a few times using
different parts of the blade. No
drag, no hesitation. Then, I placed
the tow strap on a cutting board
and sliced it like I would peppers
an extra test I shaved hair off my
for a stir fry, also no problem. From
arm at the end of all the slashing,
that point on it was a slasher fest.
puncturing, slicing, and dicing.
Nothing was sacred. Cardboard was
No problems after the array of
next because it is quite abrasive on
materials cut—that’s S35VN steel.
cutting edges and may hamper the
results of the materials to come. MOLDED SHEATHS
Paracord, jute twine, bankline, and The ESEE-3 and ESEE-4 knives
zip ties were next, all without a have come standard with molded
hitch. I had recently retired an old plastic sheaths. These sheaths fit
pair of cowhide leather gloves and the standard models with Micarta
gave them a single slash, cleanly scales and the new 3D handle
through. I cut through the plastic models. I still use my original
holder of a watch and then a length molded sheath carrying my ESEE-3
of USB cord for a phone. Then, I inverted. Never has it come loose
moved onto the hard stuff. hiking and bouldering. It is quite
indestructible as far as sheaths go.
I stabbed into an Altoids mint tin
The same clip plate and MOLLE
and then deep into a tin can to
back fits both the ESEE-3 and
simulate using the knife if need be Above, Top: Even
ESEE-4 as an added plus. S35VN steel can
as a can opener. The aftermath: patina from acidic
vegetables. The steel
two small chips, one from the
PROVEN DESIGNS won’t darken like
carbon or tool steel,
Altoids tin and the other from the but it will show a
Tactical and hunting are just badge of use.
tin can. This was nothing to cry
two areas where ESEE Knives
about. The true test of this super Above, Bottom: In
shine. With the addition of the hand shot of the ESEE-3
steel was yet to come and would S35VN 3D G10 knife.
AGK, the company now has one Hand filling and agile at
tell if the edge holding abilities 8.19 inches overall, with
for the hunters and all-around
lived up to the claims. a 3.88-inch blade (3.38-
outdoorsmen. Rumors have it that inch cutting edge).
It was time to see how the edge there will be an AGK in S35VN, Right, Top: ESEE-3
had suffered after all the fibrous which to many people would be S35VN featuring 3D
G10 scales and a black
materials. I would see if it degraded their Holy Grail knife. Leave it to molded sheath that
will fit all other ESEE-3
or lost any keenness on food. ESEE Knives to make a good thing models.
Tomatoes, carrots, peppers, and better with its upgraded ESEE-3 Right, Bottom: The
celery were about to tell me the and ESEE-4 knives in S35VN steel new contoured 3D G10
scales on the ESEE-3
answer. It sliced like it was new out with 3D G10 scales. This time- S35VN show some
gentle subtle curves.
of the box. The belly and thin edge proven design is a modern legend This knife is definitely
built for comfort and
only complemented the S35VN. As of the cutlery industry. KI speed.

Sharpen Your
Skills with This
Great Deal
SAVE
BIG ONLY $42.95
Get a 1-year subscription to
both Knives Illustrated and
American Survival Guide
and save 71% on the combined
cover price! Limited-Time Offer:
Act Now!
Fill out the order form below and mail it, along with your payment information, to:
Engaged Media LLC, PO Box 88761, Chicago, IL 60680-1761
IT
U STIT SEND YES! Sign me up for a subscription to Knives Illustrated and American Survival Guide for just $42.95.
J CUT
T That’s 19 issues for a total savings of $106.86 on the cover price.
FILL I
Method Of Payment Check Enclosed Credit Card Money Order Bill Me Later
Payment Through Credit Card Visa MC AMEX Discover Name On Credit Card
Credit Card Number Expiration Date / /
Subscriber Name First Middle Last
Address
City State
Phone Email
Signature Date / /
Scan QR code & pay

Or, log on to www.engagedmediamags.com/combo_kiasg and use promo code A113L4V1
online to get additional
or call 800-764-6278 to order your subscription. Allow 6 to 8 weeks for delivery of first issue.
discount on offer price.
Outside U.S., add $49 per year for postage. Payment in U.S. funds only.
SPECIAL SECTION
ON THE HUNT
FROM FIELD
TESTING THE
BENCHMADE MEATCRAFTER
IN AND OUT OF THE KITCHEN
E
very outdoorsman and outdoorswoman know the value of a good knife. The same thing
goes for every cook and chef. Whether we’re processing kindling or slicing meat, a sharp
blade is a tool that sees frequent use. However, not all knives work equally well in both
environments. A thick Scandi blade might work great for wood carving, but it isn’t going to do
nearly as well with thinly slicing potatoes for frying. Conversely, your favorite chef’s knife isn’t
going to be fun to use to split wood or whittle a figure-four deadfall trigger.
From the moment Benchmade announced the introduction of the Meatcrafter, I was eager to
get my hands on it. I’m the cook in our family, a role I mostly enjoy. As such, I’m always cutting,
chopping, and slicing food, from fresh vegetables to roasts. Benchmade has long been known
for reliable knives built for real world use in the field. Whether fixed blades or folders, its product
line is deep with dependability. With its Meatcrafter model, it is bridging the gap between
wilderness and kitchen, which is right in my wheelhouse.

SPECIAL SECTION
ON THE HUNT
TO FORK
Above: The
Meatcrafter, with long,
thin trailing-point
blade and grippy
handle, can work
equally well in the
field or in the kitchen.
Benchmade photo.
“THE PLAIN-EDGE BLADE IS THIN…AND…

HAS A BIT OF FLEXIBILITY, LANDING SOMEWHERE
BETWEEN A BONING KNIFE AND A FILLET KNIFE.
IT HAS A TRAILING POINT PROFILE TERMINATING
IN A VERY SHARP POINT.”

SPECIAL SECTION
ON THE HUNT
GET A GRIP
The very first thing I noticed about
the Meatcrafter was the handle.
The orange Santoprene material is The plain-edge blade is thin, 0.09- Top, Left: The sheath desired. The knife snaps into place
doesn’t have a proper
a thermoplastic elastomer, sort of a inch to be precise, and stretches belt loop, but it does securely but can be pulled easily
have eyelets and slots
kissing cousin to rubber in terms of feel just a hair longer than 6 inches. It that can be used to from it when needed.
lash the sheath to a
and performance. In this application, it also has a bit of flexibility, landing pack or other location.
provides a tremendously comfortable somewhere between a boning FIELD AND KITCHEN

grip on the knife. knife and a fillet knife. It has a Because the Meatcrafter is designed
Above: The sheath is
trailing point profile terminating two-toned: black on to be both a kitchen and a field
There are ridges along the contoured one side and bright
knife, I wanted to do some testing
in a very sharp point. The CPM-154 orange on the other.
bottom side of the handle as well with a range of materials, food and
steel has a bead blasted finish,
as near the molded guard for added otherwise. While part of the testing
giving it a handsome appearance.
traction. Honestly, I don’t know is always to see how the knife cuts
that they’re truly needed as the Between the slender silhouette and and slices the various mediums, the
Santoprene has enough grip all the almost featherlike 3.24-ounce primary idea is to see how the knife
on its own. Truth be told, the knife weight, the Meatcrafter is very quick handles during the various chores.
handle feels almost sticky, but not in the hand. It arrived hair-popping
uncomfortably so. It’s more along sharp, with no need for touching up I’m not one for torture-testing
the lines of having full confidence prior to use. knives. I don’t need to know if I can
that this knife isn’t going anywhere pound it through a cinderblock and
The sheath is two-tone, black on one then carve a delicate flower from
once you have it in your grasp.
side and orange on the other. It is a a cucumber without so much as
I have big hands and knife handles plastic material that feels similar to stropping the edge.
are sometimes problematic as Kydex, but with a little bit of flex to
a result, but there were no such it. It lacks an actual belt loop, but it FOOD PREP
issues with the Meatcrafter. The does have slots on either side that We had a couple of leftover grilled
handle is slim, about 5/8-inch could be used to thread the sheath chicken breasts in the refrigerator,
thick at the widest point of the onto a thin belt. It does have several so they were the first to go under
palm swell, but there’s still plenty eyelets that can be used to lash the the knife. Given the thinness of
of real estate for a firm, solid grip. sheath to a pack or something, if the blade, I shouldn’t have been

SPECIAL SECTION
ON THE HUNT
SPECS
BENCHMADE MEATCRAFTER
Type: Fixed blade knife
surprised at the precision of the with traction or grip and the knife Above: Slicing a
knife’s slicing ability. Each cut was never wavered in my hand.

cooked and chilled
chicken breast was Overall length: 11.06 inches
made ridiculously easy
like using a laser and I was able to
LEATHER
with the Meatcrafter.
The Santoprene has Blade length: 6.08 inches
make very thin slices over and over. plenty of traction for a
Yes, the chicken was just as tasty I always say that those who solid grip, even without
the added ridges. Blade thickness: 0.09 inch
as it looks, too. do knife reviews can often be
identified by the boxes of oddball Blade Configuration: Plain edge;
Not content with just the chicken,
items they keep around, strictly trailing point
I grabbed a green pepper and a
to be cut and sliced to ribbons at
couple of carrots. The Meatcrafter
some point. From my box of junk, I
Blade Material: CPM-154 with
slid through the pepper cleanly,
grabbed a leather belt I picked up bead-blasted finish
while the thin point worked great
at picking out the few leftover
at a thrift store a while back. The Weight: 3.24 ounces
knife’s edge sliced cleanly through
seeds. This knife is a bit longer than
the ones I normally use to process
the leather several times, without Handle: Orange Santoprene
a single drag. I then used push cuts
fresh veggies, but it handled very
and didn’t even have to rock the
MSRP: $160
well and wasn’t cumbersome or
blade back and forth for the edge to
awkward in the least. I sliced the
cut through each time. With the Meatcrafter, there were no
pepper into strips for use on salads
later in the day and it took mere such problems at all. Just a slight
RUBBER HOSE dragging slice was all it took to
seconds to finish. After peeling the
This material can often be a little get the cut going, then I was able
carrots, I sliced them into sticks,
troublesome for a knife. While the to push down almost completely
then used a pinch grip on the knife
rubber is thick, it still has enough through the hose. A bit of back and
to chop them up. The knife handled
flex that a push cut won’t work forth slicing at the end finished the
like a dream and made short work
well, at least not at first. Instead, job. I repeated this a few times and
of this task. The chopped carrots
you have to slice a bit so the edge from the first to the last, no issues.
will go into homemade fried rice.
bites, then you can push through.
Worth noting is that the vegetables More than once, I’ve had knives SOURCE FEATHER STICKS
were rinsed and thus my hands where I ended up having to drive Benchmade Knives This is a common test of a knife
were wet during this part of the the point into the rubber first, then Benchmade.com edge, but admittedly one that I’ve
testing. Yet, there were no problems work the edge around the hose. not entirely mastered. I can’t quite

SPECIAL SECTION
ON THE HUNT
“WHAT I TRULY LOVE ABOUT THE MEATCRAFTER

IS HOW WELL IT HANDLES…THE ERGONOMICS
OF THE KNIFE ARE OUTSTANDING.”
pull off the big, beautiful blossoms comfortably. The ergonomics of the
of wood curls some others routinely knife are outstanding.
manage. However, I can whittle
The light weight combined with
and make shavings with the best
the thin blade make it easy to use
of them, which is essentially the
for considerable lengths of time
same thing, just the bits of wood
without being tiring. The knife is
don’t remain attached to the stick.
incredibly agile and was able to
As expected with such a razor-sharp
work into tight spaces, such as the
blade, the Meatcrafter did great
Top, Left: Whether
interior of a green pepper, without
WHAT IS
with this chore. The only issue I had
slicing or chopping any trouble at all, despite the
vegetables, the knife was that the knife at first would
performed flawlessly, lengthy blade.
making it a desirable bite a bit deeper into the wood
SELECTEDGE?
addition to any kitchen.
than I liked, simply because I wasn’t Overall, the Meatcrafter is definitely
Top, Right: From quite accustomed to using the thin a worthy addition to the kitchen.
slicing to push cuts,
edge on this dense material. It can easily pull double duty as a
the Meatcrafter made
The Meatcrafter is equipped with the Benchmade short work of a thick
leather belt.
field knife as well and transition
SelectEdge technology. The edge is 14 degrees on a side, HANDLES WELL between the two environments
What I truly love about the with ease. The bright orange handle
28 degrees inclusive. The idea behind this design was to Bottom, Left: Rubber
hose, with a layer of
mineral deposit running Meatcrafter is how well it handles. and sheath make it easy to spot,
provide for a fine, sharp edge that is particularly good through the inside,
No matter what material was used, whether it is in your pack or the
was no match for the
with push cuts. Benchmade has said that this edge is Meatcrafter. the knife didn’t just slice and dice kitchen drawer. This one is highly
the sharpest in its product line to date. without fail. It did so incredibly recommended. KI
To maintain the edge, the company has a few

suggestions: In the field, carry a ceramic rod and
a leather strop to touch up the blade between
uses. At home, use a WorkSharp guided sharpening AD INDEX
system along with a leather strop.
LifeSharp Service: Benchmade offers lifetime ADVERTISER PAGE ADVERTISER PAGE ADVERTISER PAGE
A.G. RUSSELL KNIVES 25 HAVALON 83 NIAGARA SPECIALTY METALS 51
sharpening, oiling, and similar services to all of its BLADEGALLERY.COM 3 JANTZ SUPPLY 15 RANDALL MADE KNIVES 59
customers. According to its website, it is running BLUE RIDGE KNIVES 59 KAYNE & SON 51 SPYDERCO INC. 84
BRADFORD USA 31 KRUDO KNIVES 43 TOPS KNIVES 7
about a two-week turnaround. Find all of the
CHRIS REEVE KNIVES 43 LANSKY SHARPENERS 31 W.R. CASE & SONS CUTLERY CO. 2
details on this service at www.benchmade.com/ FALLKNIVEN 25
lifesharp-service/.

knives and accessories since 1976
TM
RELIABLE HIGH PERFORMANCE spyderco.com 800 525 7770

Knives Illustrated - October 2021 USA

Uploaded by

Document Information

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

Knives Illustrated - October 2021 USA

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

CRKT RITUAL: CURVY, SEXY, SHARP

MARILLA™ MODERN EDC KNIFE

Cover Photo: Gerber Downwind Series, photo by Steven Paul Barlow

KNIVES ILLUSTRATED (ISSN 0898-8943) is published seven times a year, January/

4 KNIVES ILLUSTRATED • SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2021 knivesillustrated.com

70 Tim Stetzer, Patrick Vuong

EDITORIAL, PRODUCTION & SALES OFFICE

KNIVES ILLUSTRATED (ISSN 0898-8943) is published seven times

COLUMNS This magazine is purchased by the buyer with the

knivesillustrated.com SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2021 • KNIVES ILLUSTRATED 5

At a custom knife show recently, I bought what I

6 KNIVES ILLUSTRATED • SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2021 knivesillustrated.com

8 KNIVES ILLUSTRATED • SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2021 knivesillustrated.com

knivesillustrated.com SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2021 • KNIVES ILLUSTRATED 9

THE DAN TOPE COVERT FIELD SCALPEL

10 KNIVES ILLUSTRATED • SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2021 knivesillustrated.com

Above: You could put

“I’VE OWNED HUNDREDS OF

knivesillustrated.com SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2021 • KNIVES ILLUSTRATED 11

CONSULTING Michigan, as Jenna Martin is my Above, Left: The

12 KNIVES ILLUSTRATED • SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2021 knivesillustrated.com

knivesillustrated.com SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2021 • KNIVES ILLUSTRATED 13

While the company offers one-

14 KNIVES ILLUSTRATED • SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2021 knivesillustrated.com

16 KNIVES ILLUSTRATED • SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2021 knivesillustrated.com

knivesillustrated.com SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2021 • KNIVES ILLUSTRATED 17

18 KNIVES ILLUSTRATED • SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2021 knivesillustrated.com

knivesillustrated.com SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2021 • KNIVES ILLUSTRATED 19

“THE CRKT RITUAL IS THE SORT OF KNIFE THAT

Top: The CRKT Ritual The handle is a really handsome

20 KNIVES ILLUSTRATED • SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2021 knivesillustrated.com

solidly in place until you’re ready

knivesillustrated.com SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2021 • KNIVES ILLUSTRATED 21

“…THE RITUAL FAIRLY MELTS INTO MY HAND. THE CURVE

22 KNIVES ILLUSTRATED • SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2021 knivesillustrated.com

knivesillustrated.com SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2021 • KNIVES ILLUSTRATED 23

Visit www.fallkniven.com for more information.

Beware of counterfeits! US distributors:

26 KNIVES ILLUSTRATED • SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2021 knivesillustrated.com

“THIS GOLD CLASS

knivesillustrated.com SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2021 • KNIVES ILLUSTRATED 27

28 KNIVES ILLUSTRATED • SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2021 knivesillustrated.com

knivesillustrated.com SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2021 • KNIVES ILLUSTRATED 29

30 KNIVES ILLUSTRATED • SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2021 knivesillustrated.com

Stay Sharp | Find us on

“THE STRATA SERIES

Left: The Kershaw

32 KNIVES ILLUSTRATED • SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2021 knivesillustrated.com

THE STRATA SERIES

knivesillustrated.com SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2021 • KNIVES ILLUSTRATED 33

The Strata’s frame is of stainless

34 KNIVES ILLUSTRATED • SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2021 knivesillustrated.com

knivesillustrated.com SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2021 • KNIVES ILLUSTRATED 35

boxes, cutting tape, and things like

36 KNIVES ILLUSTRATED • SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2021 knivesillustrated.com

knivesillustrated.com SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2021 • KNIVES ILLUSTRATED 37

38 KNIVES ILLUSTRATED • SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2021 knivesillustrated.com

WITH THE POSSIBLE EXCEPTION add weight to their tac vests.

OF THE DOUBLE-EDGE MODEL, UPSCALE DOWNSIZING

knivesillustrated.com SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2021 • KNIVES ILLUSTRATED 39

Leatherneck, which in turn is based

40 KNIVES ILLUSTRATED • SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2021 knivesillustrated.com

Left: The author can

Right: The Mini