2021-03-01 Knives Illustrated

The edge has been around for more than 40,000 years.
Invented to separate matter, its

form has been stone, copper, bronze, iron, steel and other odd materials, and yet its spirit
is still a ghost that humans refine and improve across the years.
Golden, Colorado USA Earth

GERBER TERRACRAFT: All-Purpose Fixed Bla
ROAD TRIP?
How to
Choose a Legal-
Everywhere
Knife
Spyderco’s
Siren folder and
CAMP
Itamae Bunka Bocho
FROM
TO KITCHEN
SPECIAL SECTION
The Best “Recipes”
for Food Prep Blades
Prometheus When B JB Knifeworks

Werx: Rust-Pr Better: Matched Pair:
EDC Folder Chop Ho and Hatchet Com
knivesillustrated.com
MARCH/APRIL 2021 • VOL. 35, NO. 2 • U.S. $5.99 • DISPLAY UNTIL: 3/23/2021
04
UPDATED MORAKNIV CLASSICS
0 71658 03124
ENGAGED MEDIA LLC
1 Timeless Bushcraft Design
MARCH/APRIL 2021
VOLUME 35, NUMBER 2
WWW.KNIVESILLUSTRATED.COM
COVER STORY
SPECIAL SECTION:
CAMP TO KITCHEN
30 FOOD PREP PERFECTED
Wherever you’re cooking, having the best
tools is the best recipe.
BY KI STAFF
32 THE COMBAT KITCHEN

Slice, dice, chop, and cut: food prep with
blades from popular tactical knife companies.
BY MIKE SEARSON
40 CULINARY CUTS
From basic to embellished, good knives are the
workhorses of the kitchen.
BY STEVEN PAUL BARLOW
46 GOURMET GLAMOUR
This is not your everyday household cutlery.
PHOTOS BY SHARPBYCOOP
30
OTHER FEATURES
10 CRAFTY BLADE
Gerber’s Terracraft faces both urban and
rural challenges like a pro.
BY MICHAEL D’ANGONA
18 TRAVELING LIGHT
Sometimes, inexpensive utility blades you pick
up at your destination can get the job done.
BY ABE ELIAS
24 ONE FOR THE ROAD 10 18

Choosing an “everywhere knife” can be
difficult due to complicated knife laws.
BY DOUGLAS S. RITTER
52 WHEN BIGGER IS BETTER

The CAS Iberia Chop House is a machete
that provides big blade cutting power.
BY TIM STETZER
ON THE COVER: Spyderco Siren folder and Spyderco Itamae Bunka Bocha.
Photo by Michael Janich, Spyderco. Cover Design: Jacqui Dawson
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MARCH/APRIL 2021
Volume 35 • Number 2
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Prometheus Design Werx Terravantium STS-AT: a rust-proof EDC folder
BY KEVIN ESTELA
68 MORAKNIV CLASSICS
These timeless bushcraft knives have been updated and are better than ever.
BY REUBEN BOLIEU ENGAGED MEDIA, LLC
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knivesillustrated.com MARCH/APRIL 2021 • KNIVES ILLUSTRATED 5

EDITOR’S EDGE
KITCHEN KNIVES
DON'T HAVE TO BE DULL
I
have a confession to make. See if this sounds
familiar. I take meticulous care of the knives
I use for everyday carry, hunting, and general
woods wandering. I wipe them down with an
oily cloth after use and I never let them get too
dull. Seldom do I have to restore a damaged edge.
Most of the time I simply touch up the edges of
my pocketknives with a few careful strokes across
the rough bottom of a ceramic coffee cup. That’s
usually all that’s needed. I don’t use my knives
as screwdrivers or pry bars. As a matter of fact, I
still have the very first knife I ever owned, an old
Boy Scout knife that was handed down from my
older brother. The blades have a deep patina that
comes with using carbon steel over the years, but
the knife is very usable still.
So, what’s my confession? In this issue, we have a special
section on knives for food prep, covering blades you
might use in camp or kitchen. That led me to assess
my own kitchen knife drawer and immediately I felt
embarrassed. There I was confronted by a jumble of
neglected, mostly cheap knives, including a couple I had
Above: While maybe last few years, I’ve elevated my cooking on camping and
as a bachelor a lifetime ago. Some of the blades were not as exciting as
getting your first hunting trips beyond opening a can of beans. And I’ve
bent and most were so dull, there was little difference knife, it’s easy to be
enthusiastic about a been cooking more at home for myself recently with
between the cutting edges and the spines. really good kitchen
knife. my wife picking up more long shifts at the hospital. I
I think my problem is that in the past, it was easy for me don’t meddle in the kitchen much when she’s home
to get excited about the latest tactical folder or fixed because she’s not fond of my cooking, which she would
blade survival knife, but I always had a ho-hum reaction characterize as experiments in culinary terrorism.
to kitchen knives. But I’m cooking more now. Over the
Still, as a result of being more involved in food prep, I’ve
taken more of an interest in the knives needed to get
the job done. My kitchen knives wouldn’t have to be dull,
as in not sharp, if I cared for them the way I do my other
knives. And they don’t have to be dull, as in boring. The
knives showcased in this issue attest to those truths.
As a self-proclaimed knife devotee, it’s sad that I can

whittle utensils, chop kindling, and build a shelter in the
wilderness, but I have trouble slicing a tomato at home
without turning it to mush. Throwing away any knife
sometimes seems like a sacrilege to me, but I think I’m
going to box up everything in that kitchen knife drawer
and toss that box in the trash. I think I need to start
KNI VESILLUSTRATE D.COM clean and build a good selection of quality, sharp kitchen
knives that will forever remove that dull impression I
IN STAGRAM : once had when it comes to household cutlery.
@K NIV ES IL LUSTRATE D M AGAZI NE Steven Paul Barlow
Editor

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GEAR UP
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TEXT BY TIM STETZER, PHOTOS COURTESY OF THE MANUFACTURERS
1. American Tomahawk
Company Trench Club
In these days of turmoil and civil unrest, sometimes it
doesn’t hurt to kick it old school. Nothing says I’d prefer
not to be dragged out of my car like a 25-ounce steel SPECS: >
mace head. American Tomahawk Company takes a ATC Trench Club
modern spin on the World War I Trench Mace with its • Overall Length:
new Trench Club. The trenches of World War I were brutal
14 inches
places with up close and personal combat, and troops in • Head Diameter:
3 inches
the field improvised with materials at hand.
• Head Material:
American Tomahawk’s version of the trench mace Carbon steel with black
powdercoat
uses a 14-inch nylon handle like the company uses on
• Handle Material:
its tomahawks, mated to a Martin 60B11 roller chain STN66 super tough nylon
sprocket modified to fit the handle. The sprockets use • Weight: 25 ounces
hardened steel teeth and have a black powdercoat for • MSRP: $125
durability. This mating of a sprocket head to an existing
• Made in the USA
handle is traditional, too, as that’s how many trench
• AmericanTomahawk.com
clubs and maces were made during World War I.
2. American Tomahawk Company MP Baton

If the ATC Trench Club is a little too much for you, the
< SPECS:
company is also making a great version of the old
ATC MP Baton Military Police baton. ATC does a faithful recreation
• Overall Length:
22 inches of the U.S. military-issued MP batons to the original
• Handle Length: GI specifications. Only ATC does it better. I still have
5.5 inches an old GI one from when I was assigned to an MP
• Diameter: 1 3/8 inches company decades ago, and while the size and feel
• Material: Hard maple of the ATC are the same, it’s finished to a higher
• Finish: standard. It’s basically a masterwork version of
Natural or black
the GI design. I recall reading that the issue batons
• Weight: 12 ounces
just specified “hardwood.” ATC uses maple and it’s
• MSRP: $60
available in either a natural wood finish or black. It’s
• Made in the USA
engraved with the ATC logo on the shaft, just above
• AmericanTomahawk.com
the grip, and comes with a paracord lanyard attached.

SPECS: > 3. Blade Pro Epoxy 4. Wazoo Cache Cap
Blade Pro Epoxy If you’re into knife making, then you know the Wazoo Survival’s Cache Cap has six hidden pockets for
• MSRP: $39.95 importance of using a good epoxy when it comes stashing your gear, even if all you have on is your hat. The
• SystemThree.com to fastening handles in place. System Three Resins Cache Cap starts out as a well-made ball cap of ripstop
sealing and epoxy products are used on everything material with a hook-and-loop adjustable strap and a front
from wood floors to fishing poles to boats. The hook-and-loop area for adding your favorite morale patch.
company’s new Blade Pro epoxy is designed There are three pockets in the main crows of the hat to stash
specifically for knife making. It’s a two part 1:1 gear—one secured by a hook-and-loop closure located on
epoxy made to bond wood, micarta, and G10, the middle of the bill and two more side narrow slot pockets
as well as other materials to stainless and also on the bill. Wazoo recommends you store survival gear in
carbon steel and other there, such as what the company has in its Cache kit, which
nonferrous materials. is an amazingly compact 23-piece survival kit that contains
It’s machinable in everything from cordage to fire-starting gear and even a
12 to 14 hours after small blade. You could also use the pockets to hold ID, spare
application cash, or any
and creates a number of
waterproof seal other small
between the items.
tang and handle
SPECS: >
material. Once dry
Wazoo Cache Cap
it offers superior
• MSRP: $30
impact and fracture
• WazooSurvivalGear.com
resistance.
5. “Outdoors the Scandinavian Way”

Summer Edition by Lars Fält
Lars Fält is a world-renowned survival and bushcraft expert and the founder
of the Swedish Army Survival Unit. He’s authored more than 10 books on
survival skills and the outdoors, and Casstrom Publishing is bringing the
English version of the new summer edition of “Outdoors the Scandinavian
Way” to the US. It’s a high-quality hardback printed on thick stock and
beautifully illustrated with color drawings depicting the topics Lars covers.
Although Lars is a survival and bushcraft expert, I hesitate to classify this
book as either because it’s really just about thriving in the outdoors. He
covers gear selection, including a very thorough section on knives, axes, and
saws. He moves on to navigation, hiking, and canoeing, and then proceeds
to talk about life in camp and the skills you need. He transitions to cooking,
fishing, and wild edibles. There’s a very
SPECS: > thorough section on fire, and he discusses a
Outdoors the Scandinavian Way, bit about survival and accidents in the wild.
Summer Edition He tops that off with a section on knots.
• MSRP: $40 The book is available through CAS Iberia,
which also carries the Swedish Casstrom
• CASIberia.com
knives that Lars designed.

REVIEW
CRAFTY
BLADE
GERBER’S TERRACRAFT FACES BOTH

URBAN AND RURAL CHALLENGES LIKE A PRO
STORY BY MICHAEL D’ANGONA, PHOTOS BY MICHAEL D’ANGONA AND GERBER

Above: Gerber's
Terracraft knife is
one of the premier
knives of its new
Reserve Program.
Michael D’Angona
photo.

G
erber is no stranger to tougher-than-nails knives that can
withstand the punishments dealt out by Mother Nature.
Now, the company steps it up quite a few notches with
the Terracraft knife, one of the premier knives of its new Reserve
Program (more on that later).
Terracraft, which
research, boasted hammer-ready
This top-quality knife pulls double of its class, or is it far more style pulls double-duty for effectiveness, and it appeared to be
bushcraft and urban
duty as both a rural aid for all than substance? The answer lies EDC applications. able to back up that claim. Three
types of bushcraft and survival ahead, but just a hint: Order yours pre-drilled holes were equally spaced
applications, as well as urban today before they’re gone. on the handle, no doubt contributing
uses for both tactical needs and to the well-balanced feel.
general-purpose, everyday use. INITIAL The sheath was equally impressive.
What sets these knives apart from IMPRESSION The thickness of the American-
others is that they are created Simple and solid are two adjectives made leather was exceptional with
in small batches. That ensures that came to mind as soon as I both rivets and double stitching
each knife receives individualized picked up the Terracraft knife. With holding the material together. A top
attention to overall quality, proper full tang construction and a handle snap locked in the blade snugly with
functionality, and small details that was absorbed into the contours little give; it was a sorely needed
that may otherwise be overlooked of my palm, the knife exhibited the trait for traversing through thick
if mass produced. perfect extension of my own hand. brush when the risk of losing your
I had a chance to take the The 4-inch blade offered just the knife is a very real possibility. Basic,
Terracraft in hand to review its right amount of cutting length, but in a good way, and yet quite
sleek design and characteristics, and looking at the thickness of the functional in design, the included
as well as test the blade under blade, I knew this knife could hold sheath attached easily to my belt
intense real-life situations. Will it up to loads of abuse out in the field. without issue and stayed put during
incur top marks and reach the top The pommel, upon some pre-test my short hike through the brush.

Above: American-
made, S30V steel
backs this durable
HANDLING,
blade. Michael
D’Angona photo.
FUNCTIONALITY
The true measure of a knife is, of
course, its usefulness as arguably the
number one survival or emergency
Left: A top snap on the
Terracraft's included tool you can have. It needs to stand
sheath locks the blade
snugly so that there is up to the abuse and constant use for
little risk of losing your
knife while traversing the numerous tasks that you may
through thick brush.
encounter when out in the field.
The Terracraft knife, if chosen to
be your “knife of choice,” had to fit
these requirements. So, I trekked
to a nearby wooded area cluttered
with tropical trees and foliage and
put the Terracraft through a series
of specialized cutting tests to find
the answer, and the results were
SPECS overwhelmingly remarkable.

The knife’s handle was designed
GERBER TERRACRAFT for multiple grips, all which serve
one or more specific purposes. You
Blade Use: Bushcraft, Survival, Tactical can comfortably hold the knife in a
baseball grip, which allows you to
Overall Length: 9.10 ounces put a great amount of power and
Blade Length: 4.00 inches pressure into your cuts. This is ideal
for batoning larger saplings and
Blade Thickness: 0.166 inch small logs. The chest grip makes
shaving tinder easy and precise.
Blade Material: S30V Steel And finally, the precision grip,
Handle Material: Layered G10 scales which as its name states, makes
very precise, delicate cuts, useful
Weight: 6.00 ounces for preparing dinner or for small
Sheath: American leather carving projects. These options
allowed me to apply the Terracraft
MSRP: $150 to a number of possible outdoor or
survival scenarios.

With a small sapling, I was able
to test the baseball grip, which for
many is their go-to style of holding
a knife. I first sliced off the small,
flexible branches with no effort,
which would be a person’s first step
when creating a spear (as I did) or
walking stick. Next, I focused the
blade at the tip and began to chip
off pieces of wood to create a rough
tip. From there, my cuts were more
precise until an even and smooth,
pointed tip was created. At no time
did my knife feel resistance during
“…IT WILL HANG AT YOUR

SIDE WITH BOTH STYLE AND
SUBSTANCE.”
the cuts. It also didn’t dig into the
shaft and chip pieces off due to the
sharpness and cutting area of the
blade. Overall, it only took a few
minutes to transform a sapling into
Above, Top: The
Terracraft knife a fully functional spear.
includes a hearty
American leather
sheath. Gerber photo. Shaving tinder is an absolute
necessity when fire needs to be
Above, Center:
created. Paper-thin shavings of
Delicate or precision wood make an excellent source
cutting is achievable
through the Terracraft’s of tinder and that was something
ergonomic handle.
Gerber photo. I wanted to attempt with the
Terracraft. I chose a fallen branch,
Left: Ideal for outdoor dead, but not decayed. With my left
applications, the
Terracraft can be a hand I held the end of the stick while
trusted Bushcraft
knife. Gerber photo. planting the other end firmly into
the ground. This created a stable
setup for me to shave. Using an
extended version of the chest grip, I
angled my knife and began. It took
no more than a half dozen strokes to
create a fluffy pile of tinder. This test
was indeed a success.

IN THE KITCHEN
My final test occurred not within
the wooded area of the previous
one, but rather in my own kitchen. A
well-rounded survival or bushcraft
knife should be able to assist in URBAN
preparing a meal if needed. After APPLICATIONS
cleaning it thoroughly, I chose Not everyone spends time in the
a large piece of beef to break great outdoors, whether by chance
down into a number of smaller or by choice. In fact, the majority Top: Three holes,
evenly drilled through
medallions to sear on my cooktop. of individuals throughout the the handle of the
knife, makes spear
The point penetrated the fibrous country reside in urban or suburban attachments easy.
Michael D’Angona
muscle tissue. With controlled environments. With that being said, photo.
movements of my hand, I guided the does the Terracraft have a place in lacked stability against the flexible
knife across the large piece of meat. the concrete jungle? The answer is Above, Right: The
three pre-drilled holes
materials. However, once the slack
The sharpness of the blade did the an astounding yes. on the Terracraft are was removed, the knife did its job.
equally spaced on the
handle, contributing to
majority of the work. The handle’s This knife can cut through plastic its well-balanced feel. As previously mentioned, the butt of
Michael D’Angona
design, as mentioned earlier, hosing, zip ties, wiring, and duct photo. the knife is hammer-ready, that is,
made hand transitions easy and tape, just as well as it does through able to be used for minor striking of
controlled. This knife truly could find small branches and vines. Many Above: Full tang
construction only adds
various materials. These could include
a permanent home in an individual’s of these items I found throughout to the Terracraft’s nails, vehicle glass, windows, weak or
toughness and
kitchen, but unfortunately that my home and they offered no durability. Michael thin wooden boards or panels, ceiling
D’Angona photo.
would limit its plethora of other challenge to the sharpened edge of tiles, etc. Knowing that the non-sharp
uses. However, when camping and the knife. The only limitation is the end of the knife can be used without
it’s time for dinner, the Terracraft flexibility of the material. For hoses causing damage to the knife itself is
would surely show its talents. and zip ties, for example, the knife an absolute plus.

Above: Gerber Gear’s Although definitely not an intended
GERBER RESERVE PROGRAM OFFERS

custom shop allows
customization of the primary use for the Terracraft, it can
Terracraft knife. Gerber
be used for self-defense purposes.
GREATNESS IN SMALL BATCHES
photo.
Without complicated “bells and
whistles” to impede your grip or
deny access of the blade within the
American-made products, premium quality, and small-batch craftsmanship: sheath, you can, if needed, draw
that’s the backbone of Gerber Gear’s new Reserve Program. Proudly the knife quickly if or when danger
comes your way.
produced in Portland, Oregon, consumers can enjoy knives directly shipped
from Gerber featuring only the best, premium-grade materials. Their first FOR TODAY AND
selection in the Reserve Program is the Terracraft knife itself, followed by YEARS TO COME
If you’re wavering between
the Sedulo, with more incredible selections down the road. purchasing this knife and passing on
it, then let me help with your decision.
The Terracraft is not only a knife to
In addition to buying each Reserve knife as-is, the recipient can also use daily, but one that will last for
customize it in Gerber’s custom shop. This gives everyone the opportunity to years and perhaps decades down
the line. Its superb construction and
take an already top-tier knife and personalize to their own wants and needs. durability, coupled with its simple
From vibrant colored handles to etched metal blades, there’s a style just design lend itself to basic, everyday
tasks, as well as emergency or
waiting for your individualized touch. survival applications. In addition, the
Terracraft is the flagship of Gerber
Check out the Reserve Program Terracraft Knife at GerberGear.com and SOURCE Gear’s Reserve collection, so this
distinctive blade, especially if you
explore the custom shop to add your own unique flair to your EDC knife. GERBER GEAR choose to customize it, will hang at
GerberGear.com your side with both personalized style
and hardcore-tested substance. KI

T R AV E L I N G
Top row from the left

moving clockwise:
Gerber EAB Lite, Gerber
EAB, and Gerber
Prybrid; Outdoor
Edge SlideWinder
(black, orange, and
blue); GilTek RUK V2
Aluminum; GilTek V2
Titanium; Big I Design
TPT; and Big I Design
TPT Slide.
LIGHT
SOMETIMES, INEXPENSIVE UTILITY BLADES YOU PICK
UP AT YOUR DESTINATION CAN GET THE JOB DONE
STORY AND PHOTOS BY ABE ELIAS
I
f you are used to carrying an everyday carry (EDC) blade, whenever you are without one you feel half dressed.
Oftentimes, I will choose my EDC according to what I think my day will be like. If I am doing a lot of maintenance
work or construction, I pick a multitool-style carry. Going outdoors, I’ll choose something suited to those tasks
perhaps. If all I am looking for is a blade, the world is my oyster. I am a firm believer that there is a tool out there for
every job. Therefore, what do you carry, say, if you are going to a tradeshow and opening a lot of boxes? Now add the
fact you are flying to these tradeshows and you need something that TSA won't confiscate.

My company started sending me on it out, you use the same button. It
the tradeshow circuit. Not wanting to operates similarly to some of the
be without an EDC, I started looking at regular utility knives, except it is
utility blade-based EDCs. Surprisingly, compact. One of the main reasons
there is more than one supplier of why I decided to try this style was
these, yet the market is not flooded the fact it used utility blades.
with them. I grabbed some utility
When I fly, I can’t take a knife on
knife EDCs from four companies.
the plane and checking luggage Top, Left: Outdoor straight away to opening the knife
These knives traveled with me to the Edge’s SlideWinder
is a pain and expensive. With this comes in three colors: once I drew it from my pocket.
shows and got a workout just as my blue, orange, and
style of knife, I am able to remove black. If you have a
EDC knife when I wasn’t traveling. tendency to misplace Other features on the knife include a
the blade and take the knife in my things when you set
The models I chose were the carry-on bag, and when I reach them down, I would point to act as a Philips screwdriver
give the lighter colors
Outdoor Edge SlideWinder, the my destination there are plenty of a look. The textured and flat head screwdriver and pry
scales help the user to
Gerber Exchange-A-Blade (EAB) sources for these blades. I actually maintain a grip on the platform. As can be expected,
knives.
(EAB Lite), Gerber Prybrid, the went to Walmart and bought a there’s a bottle opener as well. If
GilTek Ruk, and the Big I Design pack of five blades for 97 cents. At you want to drop it into your pocket
Top, Right: The
Titanium Pocket Tool (TPT) (TPT the end of every tradeshow, I took SlideWinder is quick but still find it quickly, there is also
and easy to use.
Slide). For me, these tools fall into the blade out and stored it in the Having a limited a lanyard hole on the back. I really
amount of the blade
the categories of convenient and toolbox for the booth. There was sticking out helps liked this knife. It was quick and easy
prevent serious injuries to use even with the tip-up carry.
functional. So, no destruction tests nothing wrong with the quality of and helps prevent
or cutting trials. It was simply, do the blades for what I was using them
you from accidentally
cutting into the
Light and functional, I was pleased
they work and are they easy to for: I open catalog boxes and other
contents of a package
when opening it.
to have it. I worked it hard and it did
use. Anything else would be pretty cartons. I can tell you it felt good to not let me down.
much a bonus. be able to have an EDC, and the TSA
GERBER’S EAB and
Bottom, Right: Both
the Gerber EAB Lite
said nothing most of the time. (top) and EAB open.
OUTDOOR EDGE’S Outdoor Edge mounted a pocket
In the open position,
their length is almost EAB LITE (MSRP $15)
SLIDEWINDER clip on the stainless-steel side of the
double. The carbon
blades maintain a
good edge but are
Both the EAB and EAB Lite are
(MSRP $14.95) SlideWinder. Given the size of my prone to rusting,
especially sitting in a
essentially the same knife with one
The SlideWinder is available in hands, the pocket clip was a welcome sweaty pocket. exception: Gerber skeletonized the
three colors: orange, blue, and addition, as its added girth aided in frame on the EAB Lite to reduce
black. One scale of the knife is my purchase. If I had a complaint weight. The MSRP on the EAB may
stainless steel while the other scale about the knife, it would be that the be $15, but I have repeatedly seen it
is textured glass reinforced nylon. knife is designed with the pocket for around the $8 mark.
To open the SlideWinder, simply clip creating a tip-up carry. With the Unlike the others in this field, the
push forward on the slide and the tip-up carry, you have to do a little knife unfolds and locks open using a
blade locks in place. To retract the manipulation to open the knife, liner-lock system. The fact it unfolds
blade, just press the button on the which slows you down. If they only creates a larger platform for a person
slide. To change the blade or take had it as a tip-down carry, I could go to hold onto, allowing the user to

“FINDING THE RIGHT EDC
IS NOT AS DIFFICULT AS
FINDING THE PERFECT EDC.”
Below: The pry bar
feature on the Gerber
Prybrid may not work
on 3-inch spiral nails,
but it is handy for small
jobs such as pulling this
stripped screw up until
the threads catch.
exert more force during cutting. The one-handed opener and changing Top, Left: As the
Gerber EAB was a folder, GILTEK’S RUK
design is clean and sleek. the blade doesn’t require a tool. It I thought it would
(MSRP V2 $35 TO $100)
be good if it could be
Gerber’s version of the utility EDC has a full frame construction with opened one handed.
I tried replacing the
G10 scales. It is like a mini pry bar standard screw with a The RUK is a super exercise in
comes with a beefy pocket clip, socket head, hoping that
with a knife on board. There is no the head would make a keeping it simple. To open the
which can double as a money clip. All thumb stud for opening.
pocket clip, therefore it has spent knife, press on the side of the
around it is a utility knife that rides It turns out the hole was
the majority of its time in my tool
counter bored too deep. blade, lining it up with the track,
the line between a regular knife for
belt working on those never-ending Top, Center: The EAB then push it forward. To close it
size and durability. One issue I have models lock the blade
house renovations. It also comes open using a sturdy just do the same and pull it back. If
with it, is that it is not a one-handed liner lock system. The
with a bottle opener and cord cutter. system is beefy given you want to remove the blade just
opener. All the other knives in the the size of the tool.
slide it forward until the side spring
field leave the EAB in the dust on It is a good knife, but I would more Top, Right: The
Gerber EAB Lite on is no longer pressing on the blade.
opening. A second issue is that to likely keep it in its role as a utility the left is not only
skeletonized to make Then you grab the blade and pull it
change the blade it requires a slotted knife on my toolbelt than an EDC due it lighter, but it seems
to be a bit wider near out. Things don't get much simpler.
screwdriver. Having said that, the to its size. Its beefy nature makes it a the pivot point than
knife is still a good serviceable EDC bit much for the bottom of a pocket, the regular EAB.
The RUK V2 is available in
and I appreciated having it with me. but in many ways, it is well suited for Bottom, Right: Here
you get an idea of the anodized aluminium and titanium,
toolbelt work. I actually use the pry size difference between hence the reason for the two
GERBER PRYBRID bar feature quite a bit. For example, I
the SlideWinder
and the Prybrid. The
SlideWinder (top) limits
prices. Other features on the RUK
(MSRP $25) lever stripped screws up with it until the amount of blade are a bottle opener, cord cutter,
you can have sticking
Gerber may have gone larger with the threads grab. If they ever come up out, which adds a level and quarter-inch hex bit holder. It
of safety when you are
the Prybrid, but the company also with a version that has a pocket clip, I opening packages, so is a solid tool if only you bought it
that you don’t damage
went for more convenience. It is a would try it more in an EDC role. the contents. for the knife feature alone.

“…I AM ABLE TO REMOVE THE BLADE
AND TAKE THE KNIFE IN MY CARRY-ON
BAG. …WHEN I REACH MY DESTINATION
THERE ARE PLENTY OF SOURCES FOR
THESE BLADES.”
Left, Top: A side-by-
side look at the GilTek
V2 Aluminum and the
Big I Design TPT. Out
of the field of knives,
both companies take
a minimalist design
approach to their
tools. In the end, they
create a lightweight
carry option.
Top, Right: A backside

view of both the GilTek
V2 Titanium and the
V2 Aluminum. Note the
SOURCES
pry bar, bottle opener,
bit holder, and cord
cutter from here. You
can also see how the OUTDOOR
pocket clip attachment
limits access to the pry
bar and bit holder.
EDGE
OutdoorEdge.com
Left, Center: The bit
holder systems work
on the Big I Design
TPT and GilTek V2
BIG IDEA
Aluminum, but they
are not something I
DESIGN
would readily use in
place of a screwdriver.
And in a pinch would
BigIDesign.com
you even be carrying
extra bits with you?
GERBER
Left, Bottom: On the
top is the TPT slide,
GerberGear.com
which I have outfitted
with a serrated blade.
On the bottom is the
TPT with a razor edge
and on the right is a
GIL-TEK
finger safe blade. You
can get a variety of
blades for these knives
Gil-Tek.com
including hook blades.

Above: The cord
cutter works great for
stripping single-strand
BIG I DESIGN
solid wire. Just place
the wire in the groove,
TPT SLIDE (MSRP $80)
do one turn with the
tool while pressing The TPT—Titanium Pocket Tool
the wire in, and the
insulation will pull off. Slide—has such a long name for
It is a lot easier than
trying to shave it off such an abbreviated tool. I do mean
with the blade without tool, as the Big I Design Company
nicking the wire.
packs a fair bit into this little piece
Left, Top: No need of titanium. As well as access to a
to snap the tip of
your pocketknife cutting edge, you have a quarter-inch
blade off prying on hex bit socket, a pry bar/flat head
something. I can’t tell
you how many tips on
pocketknives I have
screwdriver and a universal wrench.
had to regrind for
people. These utility Big I Design has a couple of
knives have pry points
built in giving them a models, but I chose this one
bit more versatility in
everyday use. because of the convenience of
opening the blade. Just depress a
Left, Center: The button with your thumb and slide
utility blade may
not be able to fell a the blade forward. Big I Design
mighty oak, but for
small jobs, such as includes what it calls a finger safe
stripping Romex 14/2
wire, it is a great little blade with the tool, along with a
tool. Small utility
blade knives are quick, carrying case that has a pocket
handy, and don't have
to be re-sharpened. for an extra blade. The finger safe
blade, as you might guess, does
Left, Bottom: Here not have an edge.
I have the pocket clip
attachment on the
GilTek V2 Titanium. Having a titanium construction
The attachment gets
in the way of the pry makes it as tough as a coffin
bar and makes the pry
bar inaccessible. nail and keeps it from rusting. I
found the knife easy to use and
convenient to carry. I used the
included pocket clip more than
the case. Because the button

for the slide is on the spine, it is
ambidextrous. I liked it so much,
I have since moved this into my
ankle trauma kit for everyday carry.
SEARCH FOR
PERFECTION
If only we could carry a thousand
knives at once. Finding the right
EDC is not as difficult as finding
the perfect EDC. For the most
part, these knives do the vast
majority of jobs I come across
in a day. As I mentioned, they
caught my eye as a solution while
traveling. I took the knives on a
couple flights each and the TSA
only searched my bag once to
Left: Big I Design confirm that there was no blade in
provides a nice pouch
to carry your tool and
a spare blade. If you
the body of the RUK. Other than
were carrying this off
body in a kit perhaps,
that, they normally let it sail. I
the case would add bulk like the concept and they let you
making it easier to find
as well as protect other go about your business without
items from getting
scratched by it. raising too many eyebrows. KI
Knives that cut

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ONE FOR THE
ROAD
Many arrests for illegal

knife possession start
with a police interaction
for another reason. Photo
©Firebrandphotography/
Dreamstime.com
CHOOSING AN “EVERYWHERE
KNIFE” CAN BE DIFFICULT DUE TO
COMPLICATED KNIFE LAWS
STORY BY KNIFE RIGHTS FOUNDER & CHAIRMAN DOUGLAS S. RITTER, PHOTOS
COURTESY OF THE MANUFACTURERS (EXCEPT WHERE OTHERWISE CREDITED)
I
am often asked the question, particularly by folks who travel by car crossing many states, cities, and
towns, “What knife can I carry that is 100% legal everywhere I go?” The unfortunate answer is that there
is no such thing. However, we can come close.

Top: Here are some some other incident that brings you
carry options that
aren’t likely to get you into contact with an officer, such
in trouble: a Bear &
Son Barlow, a Case as a traffic stop, being drunk and
Medium Stockman,
and a Victorinox Swiss disorderly, or something similar.
Army Knife.
There are always exceptions to
every rule and New York City is
Above, Left: The
the most infamous exception to
PITFALLS ON as well as anything else “that has Spyderco Slipit Urban
was specifically
designed for carry in
this one. Most knife violations and
THE ROAD a cutting edge similar to that of a
knife.” Penalty is not less than $300
those areas where
locking blades aren’t
confiscations (illegally seized, but
First off, the answer to why there is no permitted. Photo they don’t care) in NYC result from
and imprisonment for not less than courtesy of Spyderco.
such thing is that, in some places, no having a knife clipped to a pocket.
90 days.
knife is legal for most people to carry. NYC code prohibits any legal
The most notorious example of this is How often such ordinances Above, Right: The knife (under 4-inch blade) being
Boker Plus Subcom
Philadelphia. Its draconian ordinance are enforced is another matter Friction is a small, visibly carried, so it must be carried
lightweight knife that
§10-820 Cutting Weapons in Public entirely, but do you want to take should be good to go completely concealed.
in most jurisdictions.
Places prohibits any person except the chance that you run into Photo courtesy of Boker.
first responders from the “use or the odd law enforcement officer PENALTIES VARY
possess[ion of] any cutting weapon with a bad attitude or having a If you know exactly where you will
upon the public streets or upon any bad day? That’s when it can get be traveling, you can use Knife
public property at any time” unless it expensive, or even potentially life Rights’ LegalBlade app to find out
is being used in a “trade, profession, changing. Worth noting is that in what is the law (see sidebar on page
or calling.” Their definition of a our experience, most knife arrests 28) in that location. I’d recommend
“cutting weapon” covers “any knife,” or violations occur as a result of it to anyone who travels.

“…MOST KNIFE ARRESTS OR
VIOLATIONS OCCUR AS A RESULT
OF SOME OTHER INCIDENT
THAT BRINGS YOU INTO
CONTACT WITH AN OFFICER…”
Beyond outright prohibition on New Jersey is the only state Above, Left: No, no,
and no. Stay away
In a number of places, folders with
carry of a knife, many states, cities, where violating any of its knife from the stiletto, the assisted-opening (spring-assisted)
butterfly, and assisted
and towns prohibit knives with prohibitions is a felony. Other openers for cross- blades are also banned or are
country travel.
particular operating mechanisms, states allow for a misdemeanor potentially considered switchblades
blade length, blade shape, or offense to be upgraded to a felony under the law. Unfortunately,
Above, Right: Slip-
how it is carried, as well as other if the defendant has a prior criminal joint pocketknives, many officers are ignorant of the
such as those from
considerations. Many places also conviction. Our experience is that Case with blades difference between an assisted-
under 3 inches long,
have a vague catch-all weapon this felony upgrade is almost are a safe bet for most opener and an auto and may cite or
areas. Photo courtesy
prohibition and/or a vague always prosecuted. In New York of Case. arrest you for carrying a perfectly
“carry with intent to use against City, for example, we commonly see legal knife they mistakenly believe
another” prohibition that are open this, even when the original criminal to be illegal where autos are
to interpretation. Major metro conviction is decades old. banned. We see this occur even in
areas particularly tend to enforce states that have clear statues that
these vague laws and ordinances SAFER BETS allow for assisted openers.
aggressively against any knife If your goal is a “universal” or
they perceive as a “weapon,” as “nearly universal” carry, let’s look Usually that can be sorted out with a
opposed to a “tool.” at what is generally prohibited and competent attorney, but it’ll cost you
may potentially cause problems so time and money and you may still not
The penalties for breaking get your knife back, or get it returned
you can avoid carrying these knives
these laws, ordinances, or in worse condition than when it
when traveling.
administrative codes vary, but the was seized. And, no, this is generally
vast majority are misdemeanor Six states still outright ban not something over which you can
offenses if it’s a state law, which automatic knives, and an successfully bring a civil lawsuit for an
is still a very serious concern. Or additional 11 states ban, or unlawful arrest or the like. Also worth
it can be equivalent to a traffic restrict in some manner, open keeping in mind, in our experience,
ticket if it’s local code, which is carry. These bans generally also arguing points of law with an officer
generally less expensive but still include butterfly (balisong) and usually does not end well.
painful. Sometimes the knife is gravity knives (though there are
confiscated, and although that a few exceptions.) If looking for Blade locking mechanisms are not
isn’t always lawful, arguing with an a “universal” knife, take autos, illegal under any state law, however
officer over that can escalate the butterfly knives, and gravity knives there are local bans in some of
issue into a much bigger problem. off your list. the 37 states without Knife Law

Preemption. Knife Rights’ success edges and doesn’t say “dagger,” it Above, Left: In
some locations, an
in passing Knife Law Preemption, generally means any blade with a exposed pocket clip
constitutes open carry
ensuring that no local law can be sharp top edge, even if just partial and is against the law.
Photo © Viktor Yatsuk/
more restrictive than state law, has and not symmetrical. Dreamstime.com.
repealed many of these and other

Then there are the problems we
local bans, but they still exist here
see with what some would consider Above, Right:
Don’t overlook simple
and there. As such, your “universal”
“aggressive” blades shapes as well keychain knives and
carry folder should not have a tools, such as this
as those promoted specifically as Victorinox Classic
locking blade. SD and Leatherman
weapons. This is especially a problem Micra, which provide
some utility without
When it comes to blade shape when the law prohibits any knife causing concern in
most regions.
(style), there are two issues. The “designed for use as a weapon,”
first is a straightforward ban at “designed to stab,” or some similar
Right: When
state or local levels of certain blades language. It doesn't matter that you traveling cross
country, it’s probably very difficult for your attorney to
styles. Daggers, dirks, and stilettos don’t look at the blade in that manner best to leave the
claim the knife is “just a tool” when
are the most commonly banned or that there’s a history of non- tactical knives at
home and make
the seller or manufacturer has
from carry, but Bowie knives are also weapon use. The problem is that law use of other devices
for self-defense advertised it as a weapon, or it is
commonly prohibited. In most cases enforcement in anti-knife jurisdictions purposes. Photo ©
Adrin Shamsudin/ similar or identical to knives that
these designations are not defined view it that way. Blade styles that Dreamstime.com.
are. Moreover, if the manufacturer’s
under the law, though sometimes potentially cause issues in this regard
model name for the knife is, itself,
they are defined in some manner include tanto, hawkbill (karambit),
suggestive that it is a weapon, this
by court precedent. and talon, to name some common
is another strike against you.
examples. If it looks like something a
Usually, the prohibition doesn’t bad guy in a Hollywood movie or TV Some few ordinances specifically
differentiate between a folder show would carry, it’s not likely a good outlaw serrated edges. In other
or fixed blade. In the case of a choice for “universal” carry. cases, that serves as a means by
dagger, etc., while that is generally which an officer may determine
interpreted as requiring two SCARY NAMES that your knife is a weapon, not a
sharp edges, and some statutes If the manufacturer or seller tool, even when not in the law. It
are specific and include “double- promotes it as a weapon (defensive doesn’t matter that this is irrational
edged” knives, it is not always the or offensive), then that just or not specifically illegal; that’s just
case. Where the law bans double compounds your problem. It is our real-world experience.

IS MY KNIFE
LEGAL? FREE
APP WILL HELP
Knife Rights continues to aggressively
rewrite knife law in America with dozens of
bills repealing knife bans enacted since 2010,
but knife owners in many jurisdictions still
need to be careful about what knives they
possess and carry. Knife Rights’ LegalBlade
app provides guidance at your fingertips to
the knife laws of all 50 states, the District
of Columbia, and over 40 cities. Knowledge
of the law is the first step in avoiding an
unfortunate arrest, loss of your knife, or
other legal complications.
The app presents the laws in easy-to-

understand color-coded tables. It also
includes the text of the law, plus applicable
portions of court decisions that further
define what is legal and what is not.
“What to Do If Stopped or Arrested,”

Top: Are you kidding? accessed by a red button on the app
No, in some places
concealing any fixed
blade knife, even one
opening screen, provides clear, concise
as small as this CRKT
Minimalist, can mean
trouble.
information from knife law legal eagle
Evan F. Nappen. Review it to protect your
Center: The
Benchmade 9400 rights if you are ever stopped for carrying
Auto Osborne is a
great knife, but you
should carry it only
a knife or arrested for a knife law violation.
where you are sure
automatic-opening
knives are permitted.
Photo courtesy of The app also includes the information
Benchmade.
and links needed to help find the
Left: This Bear & Son
Mini Trapper should
hundreds of local knife laws and
handle most of your
cutting tasks during a
road trip without too
ordinances not included in the app.
much worry about legal
entanglements. Photo
courtesy of Bear & Son. Knife Rights’ LegalBlade App is available for
iOS (App Store) or Android (Play Store).
Search for “LegalBlade” (one word), or
go to LegalBlade.org and download and
install LegalBlade for free.

SO LONG, and top of the knife is visible. Nor, Above: A medium
size Swiss Army
entirely, or provide an exception
generally, is a folder carried in Knife is a great travel only under restricted circumstances,
TOO LONG pouch on your belt.
companion. Not only
is this type of knife such as when with a parent or
Restrictions on blade length are legal in most places,
There are other oddball prohibitions but it’s convincing guardian or at work. As but one
fairly common, particularly in local you’re carrying a tool
of various sorts in some places, and not a weapon. example, if under 18, you cannot
ordinances where there’s no state
but the above cover the biggest carry a knife in Chicago that has a
Knife Law Preemption statute.
problems for knife carriers trying to blade 2 inches long or longer.
Some cover any carry; some are for
select a knife that most likely won’t
concealed carry only. Most are not
terribly onerous, even if they rub us get them in trouble. SILENCE IS GOLDEN
Finally, a word about dealing with
the wrong way. New York City’s under
4-inch limit, for example, still allows
WHAT’S LEFT? an officer who is overly interested
So, what choices does this leave in the knife you are carrying. Knife
of a wide range of knives to carry.
you for a knife least likely to create Rights and our legal advisors
The most common length a problem when carried, wherever strongly suggest you assert your
limitation is 3 inches or under 3 you travel in the U.S.? Your best right to remain silent if stopped and
inches. That is one reason you see a bet is a non-locking folder with questioned by an officer under any
lot of folders with 2.9-inch blades. a non-aggressive blade shape, “KNIFE circumstances.
But that isn’t 100% universal. plain (non-serrated) edge, and RIGHTS’ While silence is the best policy, if you
Chicago for example, has an under an under 3-inch blade if carried LEGALBLADE choose not to do so and the officer
2.5-inch limit for concealed carry. open (clipped) or 2.5-inch blade APP asks, “Why are you carrying this
Concealed versus open carry is also a (if carried concealed). Bottom line PROVIDES knife?” we suggest that you do not
consideration. Many places prohibit on blade style for your “universal” GUIDANCE claim it’s for self-defense. In many
concealed carry or limit the blade knife is stick to non-aggressive AT YOUR cases, that’s an invitation to arrest
length or style of knife that can be “working tool” shapes such as drop FINGERTIPS under their “intent” law. Your knife is
carried concealed, as noted above. point, mild clip point, sheepsfoot, TO THE a tool, period. You can view more on
California, as another example, Wharncliffe, and the like. KNIFE this critical subject at KnifeRights.
prohibits concealed carry of any fixed You are unlikely to have a problem LAWS OF org/if-arrested. Most of us never
blade. At the opposite extreme, New with a traditional or modern style ALL 50 expect to be stopped or arrested, but
York City is the only city of which slip-joint pocketknife, Swiss Army STATES, then it happens. Be prepared to deal
we are aware that requires 100% Knife, or similar. If looking for a THE with it and you will put yourself in a
concealed carry. A knife clipped to one-hand opener, a number of DISTRICT far better legal defense position.
your pocket or on your belt will get companies make non-locking one- OF This article does not constitute
you stopped in NYC. hand opening folders. COLUMBIA, legal advice and should not be
Generally speaking, in regard to If you are under 18 years of AND OVER relied upon as legal advice. Legal
concealed vs. open carry, a folder age, then there may be other 40 CITIES.” advice can only be obtained by an
clipped to your pocket is not considerations. Many places either attorney licensed to practice in the
considered concealed as the clip outlaw knife carry by minors jurisdiction in question. KI

S P E C I A L S E C T I O N
CAMP TO KITCHEN
FOOD

CAMP TO KITCHEN
PREP
PERFECTED
WHEREVER
YOU’RE COOKING,
HAVING THE BEST
TOOLS IS THE
BEST RECIPE
BY KI STAFF
P
reparing delicious meals often
entails getting the meat and
veggies pared down to bite-
sized morsels. Did you know that some
of your favorite companies for tactical,
bushcraft, and EDC knives also make
some top-shelf kitchen knives? Some
of these blades, such as the new
Benchmade Table Knife shown here,
are created to be dedicated food prep
cutters, whether you’re preparing a
shore lunch or a family meal at home.
Others are timeless, versatile designs
that can perform double duty for all
The Benchmade Table
your daily chores, from camp to kitchen
Knife, photo courtesy
of Benchmade. and anywhere in between.

CAMP TO KITCHEN
THE
COMBAT
KITCHEN
CAMP TO KITCHEN
Left and Above:

Many kitchen knives SLICE, DICE, CHOP,
AND CUT: FOOD
have connections to
traditional fighting
designs, while many
PREP WITH BLADES

of today's tactical and
bushcraft blades also
serve well for food prep.
FROM POPULAR
TACTICAL KNIFE
COMPANIES
STORY AND PHOTOS BY MIKE SEARSON
W
ithout a doubt, the most common knife
in the world is a kitchen knife. Even the
most basic kitchen will have at least a
chef’s knife, four steak knives, and a few butter
knives. Watch a typical horror movie or thriller and
when the ill-prepared homeowners or apartment
dwellers hear a bump in the night, the first thing
they run for is the chef’s knife on the knife block.
As a knife collector or connoisseur, I’m hoping that
your kitchen knives of choice aren’t those plastic
handled set of Faberware blades you bought at
Walmart when you got your first apartment or as a gift
from a cheap uncle on your wedding day.
There is a plethora of knives that serve almost dual
purposes when it comes to food prep and either self-
defense or self-reliance.

CAMP TO KITCHEN
WHICH CAME TOPS has been leading the charge Above, Top: TOPS
Knives Nata is part
made from burlap Micarta and are
with a number of its designs that cleaver, part hatchet very comfortable.
FIRST? double as fighting knives and food
and can be used in the
kitchen, in the backyard,
While the knife may be mankind’s on the ranch, or on the
TOPS Tidal Force ($220)
prep blades. I’ve had a chance to use street. It has a canted
oldest tool, there is probably some handle to allow more
a few over the past several months in leverage when used as a If you prefer more of a straight
debate as to whether the first stone chopper. Photo courtesy
the kitchen, at a campsite, and in the of TOPS. as opposed to a canted handle
blades were designed to skin animals
field. Each and every one of them was on a cleaver, then the TOPS Tidal
and cut food or used as weapons Above, Bottom:
well-suited for whatever I threw at it. TOPS Knives Nata
Force is tough to beat. Styled like a
against other humans or animals. comes with a thick traditional cleaver, the Tidal Force
Regardless of which was the first TOPS Nata ($230) and sturdy leather belt
sheath. Photo courtesy incorporates a ring on the rear of the
This may have been the knife that of TOPS.
intent, the second probably made handle like a karambit. This greatly
itself very clear within a short matter started me on this quest. It is based on
Opposite Page, aids in retention, especially if you’re
of time. So it goes today when we a Japanese designed blade that was Top: TOPS Knives
Frog Market Special processing a large animal like a hog,
see a number of manufacturers offer intended for cutting tree limbs and slices, dices, cuts,
and stabs. It is the deer, cow, or sheep. Yet it can easily
kitchen knives influenced by the various other cutting and chopping thinnest blade that
TOPS offers—but look be used to defend yourself should
tactical side of the knife world as tasks around the home and farm. With at that belly! Photo
courtesy of TOPS.
that situation arise. Like the Nata,
well as tactical knives influenced by a 0.25-inch thick blade that’s over 6
the handle scales are burlap Micarta.
what we see in the kitchen. inches long, made of 1095 steel, and
able to tip the scales at 26 ounces, the Blade thickness is 0.19 inch, making
TOPS KNIVES Nata is all business. I felt it had great it an effective slicer without the
Based out of Idaho, TOPS Knives has potential as a cleaver in spite of the thickness and weight of the Nata.
been one of the leaders in designing angle of the cant of the handle. This The sheath is Kydex attached to a
performance-based blades with input was designed to give greater chopping steel ring, which can then be attached
from real world users, be they Marines, power and, coupled with that broad to your belt with a leather dangler.
Army Rangers, police officers, survival rectangular blade, it is a clear winner This makes for a very convenient and
experts, or other knife makers. in this regard. Handle scales are versatile mode of carry.

CAMP TO KITCHEN
“…A NUMBER OF
MANUFACTURERS OFFER
KITCHEN KNIVES INFLUENCED
BY THE TACTICAL SIDE OF
THE KNIFE WORLD AS WELL AS
TACTICAL KNIVES INFLUENCED
BY WHAT WE SEE IN THE
KITCHEN.”
Left, Top: TOPS Knives

Frog Market Special is TOPS Frog Market
a lightweight, easily
carried kitchen knife
Special ($150)
suitable for a variety Based on the traditional designs
of tasks. It has a multi-
position sheath for of Southeast Asia with a wide
various modes of carry
and is proudly made heel, the Frog Market Special is the
in the U.S.A. Photo
courtesy of TOPS. thinnest blade design that TOPS
Left, Center: The has ever offered at 1/16-inch. More
TOPS Tidal Force is part than just a slicer and dicer, the Frog
karambit, part cleaver,
but all business. The
karambit ring goes back
Market Special excels as a filet or
to when Karambits were
designed as a working
boning knife and has just enough
knife and the ring flex without sacrificing strength.
worked for retention.
Photo courtesy of TOPS.
Handles are canvas Micarta and
Left, Bottom: The the sheath is Kydex. TOPS offers
sheath for the TOPS
Knives Tidal Force an XL version of this knife as well,
is one of the more
ingenious styles the but I found the standard version to
author has used. Photo
courtesy of TOPS. excel at every task.

CAMP TO KITCHEN
Gerber Tri-Tip ($36) Spyderco Wakiita

I first saw this as more of a Funayuki ($215)
novelty type of blade until I put it Translated as “ship going,” the
through its paces on the cutting versatile Funayuki pattern was
board. It doesn’t have the size or extremely popular with fishermen.
weight of a typical cleaver, but its It excels at chopping, draw-cutting,
smaller size and dimensions make and other general kitchen tasks.
it indispensable for slicing and
Wakiita literally means “near the
chopping as well as easy to carry.
cutting board” and is a term used
A true utilitarian piece, the Tri-Tip to refer to senior apprentices skilled Above, Top and Inset:
Gerber's Tri-Tip is a mini
that provides a superior balance
can ride on the belt or in a pack enough to assist high-ranking cleaver with a lot of of hardness, edge holding, and
value packed inside.
for food prep on the go as well as chefs. Equivalent to sous chefs corrosion resistance. Like all knives
for any other utilitarian tasks. The or journeyman chefs in Western in the Murray Carter Collection,
stainless-steel blade may not hold kitchens, they are accomplished they are ground exceptionally thin
an edge as well as one of the TOPS culinary professionals well on their and straight for superior cutting
knives made from 1095 carbon way to becoming master chefs. As performance and proudly feature
steel, but if you are just cutting the second tier of Spyderco’s Murray the signature “Carter Elbow”—a
meat and chopping vegetables, Carter Collection, the Wakiita distinctive taper from the spine to the
it will last a lot longer than you Series captures the spirit of the point that reinforces the blade’s tip.
might think. journeyman chef by expressing In classic style, the knives of the
Carter’s highly refined designs with Wakiita Series showcase traditional
Probably the only downside of the
solid stainless-steel blades. “wa-style” (octagonal) handles.
Tri-Tip is the aluminum handle may
not be the most comfortable for The blades of Wakiita Series Painstakingly crafted from solid black
long periods of sustained usage. For knives are precision ground G10, a durable fiberglass and epoxy
example, you won’t spend hours from CTS BD1N—a high-carbon, laminate, the polished handles ensure
batoning firewood with this one. nitrogen-enriched stainless steel both comfort and precise control.

CAMP TO KITCHEN
I use this a lot for processing one normally associates with a Above: Murray
Carter's Japanese
to cut a rare New York Strip steak.
chicken, fish, and cutting filets of kitchen knife, but the concept is not inspired designs for A number of manufacturers have
Spyderco, such as this
beef. If you find yourself as that new. Folding dirks were relatively Wakiita Funayuki, are followed suit and tailored their
some of the greatest
lone survivor in a horror film and common on ships in the 18th and kitchen knives the folding pocketknives to act more like
author has used. They
have to grab something from the 19th centuries where the blade bring out the Master folding steak or chef knives.
Chef in anyone who
knife block to fend off the villain, partially folded into the handle and uses them.
Emerson Folding Steak
this should be your choice. was worn in a sheath on a belt. The Knife ($324.95)
sailor could cut his food with the When most of us think of Emerson
GOING THE 4-inch blade in the folded position. SOURCES Knives, the last thing we think of is
OTHER WAY But if he had to respond to a close TOPS kitchen cutlery. However, Emerson
The previous knives may seem combat situation on board, he could TOPSKnives.com is as much of an aficionado of a
like beefed up or high-end kitchen open the dirk to its full 8-inch size good steak as he is of the study
and work on repelling boarders.
Gerber
knives with a twist that lets them of martial arts. This is reflected in
GerberGear.com
double as fighting or tactical knives, I encountered the use of a folding the Emerson Folding Steak Knife.
but the next ones are tactical knife for kitchen work for the first Spyderco It is built to the same exacting
folding knives that found their way time nearly 30 years ago when a Spyderco.com specifications as the company’s line
back to the kitchen. of fighting and utility knives.
steakhouse presented me with a Emerson
Most important, they are folding knife that wouldn’t cut butter and I EmersonKnives.com A titanium liner lock sporting Richlite
knives. That is not an attribute fell back to my Chris Reeve Sebenza scales and a blade of 154 CM, this

CAMP TO KITCHEN
KITCHEN KNIFE CARE

If you’re hung up on whether you should
knife is more than just made for Yet somehow Spyderco made that a Top, Left: The Emerson put your knives in the dishwasher, it is not
Folding Steak Knife: a
cutting steak. In the few months that reality with the Spydiechef. Designed steak knife designed always a good idea. I always wash my knives
with the same materials
I have been carrying it, I can attest to by Marcin Slysz, the Spydiechef is and thought processes by hand with hot soapy water and dry them
as Emerson’s combat
its ability against cardboard boxes, loaded with features in spite of its folders. down with a towel. Some of the steels used
nylon rope, sisal rope, as well as rather Spartan appearance. First here, like 1095 carbon, are not rust resistant.
Top, Right: The folding
against a good cut of beef and of all is the angle of the handle. It dirk may have been And although the blades receive a treatment
one of the first knives
fruits and vegetables. almost guarantees that the blade designed with a true from TOPS, the heat and vibration of the
dual purpose for eating
will hit the cutting board before your dishwasher will eventually break this down
It carries tip up and has no traction and fighting.
knuckles will. This feature in turn and make them vulnerable to corrosion.
grooves on the back of the blade. At
means that the knife carries further Above, Left: The
first, I thought this might be a minus Spyderco Spydiechef Another thing to be careful of is the butcher’s
as most of Emerson’s knives are set back in the pocket in an EDC role. may be one of the best
EDC knives in addition steel. It comes with most sets of kitchen
to being capable in the
up that way, but I found myself liking kitchen. In the bottom knives and is often sold individually. You may
Speaking of EDC, the wire clip may view, you can see that
it after a few days. The pocket clip the wire clip on the see butchers or chefs rubbing the blade of
look plain and simple at first, but its Spydiechef keeps out of
is positioned in such a way that it one of their knives against a steel and think
position and contour means it will the way while cutting.
Photos courtesy of
is unobtrusive when cutting into a they are sharpening or honing the blade. The
stay out of the way when you’re using Spyderco.
ribeye or Porterhouse. steel is really used to smooth out dents in the
this one extensively. The blade is a bit
edge and should only be done occasionally.
Spyderco’s Spydiechef of an enigma. The top is very similar
($335) to a Wharncliffe, yet the edge has a If you need to sharpen your blades in the
If you told me a year ago that one of my rotund belly meaning the strength kitchen, use a traditional knife sharpener. If
favorite knives to use around the kitchen is maximized and equal from front Above, Right: you need to use a butcher’s steel to smooth
The author suggests
would be a titanium frame lock with a to rear. The deep belly or heel of the using traditional knife an edge that has been dented or rolled, make
sharpeners to maintain
3.3-inch blade made from LC200N steel, blade makes this a perfect portable the edges on kitchen sure it is the same steel as the blade, or you
knives. Photo courtesy
I would have laughed in your face. carving knife. KI of Spyderco. will eventually ruin your knife.

AEB-L Culinary Line
*Microtextured Black G-10 Handle*
Get yours TODAY @BradfordKnives.com

CAMP TO KITCHEN
CULINARY
CUTS
FROM BASIC TO EMBELLISHED,

GOOD KNIVES ARE THE
WORKHORSES OF THE KITCHEN
STORY BY STEVEN PAUL BARLOW, PHOTOS COURTESY OF THE MANUFACTURERS

CAMP TO KITCHEN
F
rom lightweight, basic must-have knives
for the outdoor kit to fancy yet functional
chef-worthy cutlery that adorns the stylish
kitchen, the knives we use to prepare our meals
come in every shape and size. Having a good
selection of knives and keeping them sharp is
critical for any kitchen.
And in this instance, “kitchen” can mean that well-
appointed focal point of the home where family and
friends congregate to share a meal and good company.
Or it can mean a folding table outside your tent or a
frying pan on a wood fire with a nearby log on which to
sit. No matter what type of kitchen you’re in, makeshift
or marvelous, good knives are an important part of it.
On family camping trips, I am the chief cook and
bottle washer. No, I’m not a great cook. But early in
my marriage it was my concession that if we were to
go on these camping trips, I would cook the meals and
do the dishes. I keep a bin of frequently used camping
Left: This Victorinox
Grand Maitre is one equipment for family trips. Much of it is related to the
chef’s knife that would
be equally at home camp kitchen: old pots and pans, utensils, potholders,
in a city apartment or
country cabin. can opener, cutting board, and such. In this bin I keep
several sharp, lightweight knives that are relatively
inexpensive. If they can’t do the job, I replace them.
Below: The complete
Itamae series in the
Spyderco Murray Carter Sometimes, knives are pressed into service for kitchen
Collection can handle chores that their designers might never have envisioned,
most any kitchen task
and be elegant doing it. yet they perform admirably. I recall a fishing trip in Canada
a few years ago when our group gathered in one of the
rented cabins for the evening meal. We were having steak,
which shows you how well we were doing with the fishing.
The kitchens of the cabins were stocked with utensils, but
the knives, like many of my own kitchen knives, were very
dull from neglect. I carried a Buck Woodsman fixed blade
hunting knife on my belt that trip. It was a knife that could
handle most any task, yet it wasn’t expensive or hard to
replace if I lost it or dropped it overboard. I took out that
Buck knife and began using it to cut my steak. Everyone
noticed, and that knife soon made the rounds as
everyone asked for a turn with it to cut their own steaks.
The Buck Woodsman as a kitchen knife? Why not?
Here are some other knives that pull KP duty from
companies you might not expect:
SPYDERCO
Spyderco offers much more than its popular folding knives
with the famous Trademark Thumb Hole. The company’s
Murray Carter Collection includes both the Itamae and
Wakiita series of kitchen knives. These are excellent,
well-crafted knives that are very attractive as well. Mike
Searson in the previous article has been working with
the Wakiita Funayuki, while I’ve been putting the Itamae
Funayuki through an extended test. Its size and shape
make this a go-to knife for so many kitchen tasks. Also in
each series is a Nakiri, Gyuto, Petty, and Bunka Bocho.

CAMP TO KITCHEN
“… ‘KITCHEN’ CAN MEAN THAT

WELL-APPOINTED FOCAL POINT OF THE
HOME … OR IT CAN MEAN A FOLDING TABLE
OUTSIDE YOUR TENT OR A FRYING PAN
ON A WOOD FIRE …”
The difference between the two clean and safe. Spyderco’s 4.5-inch
series is that the Itamae features a Utility Knife is one I know I’ll be
laminated steel—a Aogami Super reaching for regularly in preparing
Blue core sandwiched between my camp meals. While I have both
layers of SUS410 stainless steel, plain and serrated blades in my kit,
while the Wakiita knives are made with a multipurpose kitchen knife
of CTS BD1N stainless steel. I such as this, I find myself reaching
have a Wakiita Nakiri too, and for the serrated knife more often.
it’s proving to be exceptional for And no one does a serrated edge
processing veggies. better than Spyderco.
While I would probably keep the If I’m backpacking or otherwise
Murray Carter Collection knives traveling light, I might not be able
in the home kitchen, Spyderco to take dedicated kitchen knives
makes several budget friendly, along. In those cases, an EDC
Top, Left: The Spyderco
Z-Cut knives are among
the author’s favorites
BENCHMADE
lightweight knives that I’m adding for his camp kitchen. Yes, Benchmade now has a kitchen
blade that can also handle meal They’re inexpensive and
to my family camping kit. I find perform very well. cutlery line. The company’s first
prep is ideal. The Spyderco Siren is
the Z-Cut knives to have excellent offering is the Table Knife Set and it
such a knife. Its 3.6-inch blade is
handling qualities. The handle would be a perfect addition to either
made of LC200N steel that’s one Top, Right:
is offset and above the blade, Benchmade has you home kitchen or the counter
of the most corrosion-resistant introduced its first
making this safe and easy on the entry in its new at your cabin getaway. These are
steels out there. So, it won’t mind kitchen knife line.
knuckles. They come in either The Table Knife Set configured as heavy-duty steak
being washed repeatedly. The consists of four knives
blunt-tipped or pointed with your knives, but you’ll find yourself using
grip has a very coarse, aggressive and can be ordered
with custom handle
choice of plain or serrated edge. them for food prep and not just for
texturing. That stands to reason as and blade options.
the place settings at the table.
Likewise, the Counter Puppy comes the knife was originally designed
with either a plain or serrated edge. with kayak fishermen in mind. But The 4001 Table Knife Set consists
Above, Right: The
This little knife has little stylized that texturing works well when Victorinox Swiss of four American-made, 5.13-inch
Classic 4-Piece Kitchen
“puppy feet” on the handle, allowing the knife is pressed into service Set is a good start in blades of CPM154 stainless steel
establishing the food
it to stand upright to keep the blade handling messy kitchen chores. prep tools you need. with clip points and Benchmade’s

CAMP TO KITCHEN
proprietary 14-degree SelectEdge professional. A good place to start Top, Left: The
Victorinox Fibrox series
Victorinox offers a good selection
that includes some forward outfitting your camp or kitchen is of kitchen knives aren’t of utensils and flatware too. And
fancy, but they get the
serrations for versatile performance. with the Victorinox Swiss Classic job done. every camp or kitchen needs a good
Each set comes in a handcrafted 4-Piece Kitchen Set. This set cutting board. Victorinox sells the
red birch box excellent for storing includes multipurpose kitchen Allrounder Cutting Board in medium
the knives and attractive enough to shears, universal peeler, tomato Top, Right: The new and large sizes. They’re made of
Benchmade table
display on your countertop. and table knife, and a Santoku. knives are sure to eco-friendly wood fiber that won’t
see lots of use in the
kitchen as well as at damage your knife blades.
The knives feature black G10 There are wood-handled carving the table.
handles, but you can change that sets great for everyday kitchen use
as this set will be available through or you can step up to the company’s
TOPS
TOPS Knives is renowned for its
the Benchmade Custom Knife Grand Maitre line of cutlery. For the Bottom, Left:
The TOPS Dicer set of rugged fixed blades large and small.
Builder Program, which allows you to camp kitchen, Victorinox recently knives are as attractive
as they are ruggedly But the company offers some kitchen-
customize your knives with several introduced the Swiss Classic built. What more could
you ask? appropriate knives too. So not only
blade finishes and handle options. Foldable Paring Knife. It features
can you fend off that hungry bear, but
a 4.3-inch folding blade that locks
VICTORINOX open. It’s available with either a
Bottom, Right:
you can skin it, butcher it, and turn it
into a hearty stew or casserole.
Victorinox, of Swiss Army Knife plain or serrated edge. An alternative This selection of Case
kitchen knives features
fame, has extensive kitchen knife is any of the knives in the company’s solid walnut handles Knives in the company’s Dicer
and comes in a butcher
offerings for the beginner to the plastic handled Fibrox series. block holder. series include paring, steak, slicer,

CAMP TO KITCHEN
chef, and bread knives. They feature

COLD STEEL Top, Left: The Cold
Steel Western Hunter
get them with either rosewood or
CPM S35Vn steel and contoured with its available sheath India stag bone handles.
Cold Steel built its reputation would make a good all-
blue and black handles of laminated around camp knife.
micarta and G10. While not part of

on knives for martial artists. The ESEE
company’s Commercial Series of ESEE is geared toward bushcraft,
the Dicer series, the TOPS XXX Dicer
affordable, hard-use knives would Center, Left: This
survival, and rescue. Many of those
should be part of your kitchen. It’s Cold Steel Cleaver is
serve well in any camp or kitchen. part of the company’s knives by virtue of their versatile
a cleaver-like blade that can chop, affordable Commercial
Offerings include boning, butcher, Series of knives. designs can handle kitchen tasks as
dice, slice, and make do as a spatula
skinning, chef’s, and filet knives as well. The ESEE CR2.5 is a wonderful
if necessary. It’s made of 440C steel
well as a cleaver. The steel is German little knife for small game and kitchen
with a red and black G10 handle. Bottom, Left:
4116 stainless steel. The handle is The ESEE JG5 is duties. The ESEE JG5 is based on the
reminiscent of the
synthetic Kray-Ex for a sure-handed
CASE grip. If limited to just one in this line,
Nessmuk knife and
would make a great
historic Nessmuk knife with its 4.9-
Rarely am I without a Case knife. all-around camp knife. inch oblong skinning type blade and
I’d choose the Western Hunter with sculpted Micarta handle. The Expat CL1
So, why should it be any different
6-inch blade and its available plastic Cleaver is a beast of a blade for kitchen
in the kitchen? Of special note is
sheath for all-around use. Top, Right: The
and camp work. All feature 1095 high
the company’s Household Cutlery Gerber Flatiron is a
folding knife with a
carbon steel, so they’d demand a bit of
line that includes the 9-Piece Block
BEAR & SON cleaver-like blade.
attention, but that’s no problem.
Set. This set includes wooden block
Always known for its affordable
holder, steel, chef’s knife, slicer,
bread knife, boning knife, clip-point
U.S.-made traditional Bottom, Right:
Bear & Son Cutlery
GERBER
pocketknives, Bear & Son Cutlery is offers sets of steak The Gerber Flatiron is unusual
paring knife, Santoku, and tomato knives with either
gaining ground in the industry with rosewood (shown) in that it’s a folding knife with a
slicer. The handles are solid walnut, or India stag bone
its tactical folders and butterfly handles. 3.6-inch cleaver-shaped blade. It
and the blade steel is the company’s
knives too. I’ve had one of the has a frame lock and is built with
Tru-Sharp stainless steel.
company’s Bowie knives for years. 7Cr17MoV steel. This is another
For meals on the go, Case has the It offers steak knife sets too. Four Opposite Page: blade that seems destined to
This ESEE Expat
Hobo, a folding knife with spoon, knives come in a set. They’re made Cleaver would be a be put into action on the camp
good addition to any
knife, fork, and bottle opener. of 440 stainless steel, and you can camp or kitchen. kitchen cutting board.

“SOMETIMES, KNIVES ARE PRESSED
INTO SERVICE FOR KITCHEN CHORES
THAT THEIR DESIGNERS MIGHT
NEVER HAVE ENVISIONED, YET
THEY PERFORM ADMIRABLY.”
SOURCES
Spyderco: Spyderco.com
Benchmade:
Benchmade.com
Victorinox: Victorinox.com
TOPS: TOPSKnives.com
Case: CaseKnives.com
Bear & Son:
MANY MORE BearAndSonCutlery.com
I’m sorry if I missed one of your favorites. There are so Gerber: GerberGear.com
many knives out there that are either designed for kitchen
work or, like my Buck Woodsman, could serve well in that ESEE: ESEEKnives.com
capacity when needed. The idea is to make good meals an Cold Steel: ColdSteel.com
integral part of your life’s adventure. So, get cookin’. KI
Chris
Reeve
Knives
IMPINDA
a modern slip joint
Order at chrisreeve.com
CAMP TO KITCHEN
GOURMET
GLAMOUR
THIS IS
NOT YOUR
EVERYDAY
HOUSEHOLD
CUTLERY
BY KNIVES ILLUSTRATED STAFF,
PHOTOS BY SHARPBYCOOP
I
f that meal you’re preparing
is going to be a work of art,
why not the knives you
use in creating it? A gorgeous
kitchen takes more than a new
countertop. Everything in it,
even the things you use the
most—your knives—should be
a reflection of your style and
personality. Surround yourself
with beauty. Sharp at the edge
and just as sharp in appearance,
here are some examples of
custom kitchen cutlery by some
creative masters.
+ SPECS
ANDREASKALANI
Model: Lagertha Middle-East
Overall Length: 14.5 inches
Blade: High carbon 1095
Handle: Natural Galaxy with Middle Eastern
turquoise and flowers
Contact: AndreasKalani.com

S P E C I L S E C T I O N
CAMP KITCHEN
+ SPECS
JASONELLARD
Model: Kitchen Knife
Blade: Dragon’s Breath mosaic feather Damascus
Handle: Dyed, stabilized maple burl
Contact: EllardBlacksmithing@gmail.com

CAMP TO KITCHEN
+ SPECS
MACKENZIE
ARRINGTON
NiceHandmadeKnives
Model: Primetime 3-piece kitchen set
Overall Length: 8, 6, 3.5 inches
Blade: 15N20 high carbon
Handle: Black and gold marble trustone,
yellow brass, and G10
Contact: NiceHandmadeKnives.com

CAMP TO KITCHEN
+ SPECS
JORDAN LAMOTHE
Model: Chef Knife
Blade: Mosaic Damascus
Handle: Bog oak, mammoth tooth, silver, meteorite
Contact: JordanLaMothe.com

CAMP TO KITCHEN
+ SPECS
MATTHEWPARKINSON
Model: 5-Piece Kitchen
Overall Length: 6.68,8.75,7.25,11.68,11.68 inches
Blade: Damasteel Baldar and Damsteel
Bjorkmans Twist
Handle: Dyed stabilized birch, curly maple,
stabilized mango burl
Contact: DragonsBreathForge.com

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REVIEW
Above: The CAS

Iberia Chop House
might be designed
for the apocalypse,
but its rugged build
and excellent design
qualities make it a
fine camp chopper
and survival blade.

“…A BIG BLADE… NEEDS TO BE RUGGED AND
CAPABLE OF WITHSTANDING A LOT OF ABUSE…AND
BE ABLE TO CHOP. THOSE CRITERIA FIT THE CHOP
HOUSE FROM CAS IBERIA PERFECTLY.”
THE CAS IBERIA CHOP HOUSE

IS A MACHETE THAT PROVIDES
BIG BLADE CUTTING POWER
STORY AND PHOTOS BY TIM STETZER
G
enerally speaking, I’m content with a 4- to 5-inch field knife when I go into
the woods. I can usually do whatever I need to do with a knife that size. I’ll
concede, though, that there are definitely some tasks that you can do faster
or better with a big blade.
This may not be a big deal in temperate weather, but when you’re cold and wet, and
snow is on the ground or falling, things such as shelter building and fire prep take on a bit
more urgency. That’s when being able to work faster and more efficiently with a big blade
becomes important. With that in mind, a big blade to me needs to be rugged and capable
of withstanding a lot of abuse, be able to stand up to harsh conditions, and be able to chop.
Those criteria fit the Chop House from CAS Iberia perfectly.

The Chop House
uses a comfortable
and well-contoured
handle of milled
G10 secured by Torx
screws.
The Chop House

features a 12 ¾-inch
blade of 9260
spring steel for a
good combination
of edge retention
and durability.
MEET THE
Above: While cleaver
like in profile the
blade profile of
CHOP HOUSE the Chop House is
really inspired by the
The Chop House may not be what Chinese Dao sword.
you think of when you think of a

Right: The Chop House
foul weather survival knife, but it features a thick 5.5 mm
spine which tapers to a
works quite fine in that role. At first fine edge due to its full
height flat grind.
glance you’ll see a lot of cleaver
influence in the Chop House. Upon
Below: The Chop
closer look, you’ll see those lines House comes with a
MOLLE compatible
are really that of the Chinese Dao Kydex sheath capable
of being carried or
sword, taken down to a more mounted in a variety
of ways.
compact, yet still formidable size.
The Chop House is part of CAS
Iberia’s APOC line. The APOC
Survival Tool line is made at its
Dragon King forge in Dalian, China.
If you’re familiar with CAS Iberia’s
sword lines, you’ll know that the
Dragon King forge puts out some
top quality, functional swords.
While the APOC line uses some
sometimes-humorous marketing
to pitch it as an “end of the world”
survival line, the build quality of the
tools makes them quite suitable for
day-to-day tasks around camp and
in the woods too.

“ABUNDANT MOLLE
SLOTS ON THE SHEATH
BODY MAKE IT EASY TO
LASH TO A PACK, ATV,
SNOWMOBILE, PACK LLAMA,
OR WHATEVER ELSE YOU’RE
USING TO TRANSPORT
YOUR TOOLS.”
SPECS
CAS IBERIA
Left, Top:
A secondary retention
CHOP HOUSE MACHETE
strap on the Chop
House’s sheath
ensures that it stays
Overall Length: 18 ¼ inches
put even under
rigorous use. Blade Length: 12 ¾ inches
Handle Length: 4 ¾ inches
Left, Center:
The Chop House
makes for a fine
Weight: 1 pound, 4 ounces
companion for your
outdoor expeditions. Blade Thickness: 5.5 mm
Thickness at Guard: 6 mm
Left, Bottom:
The hidden lanyard Blade Steel: 9260
hole of the Chop
House can take cord
up to the thickness of Edge Hardness: 56 HRC
paracord although the
author made a field
expedient lanyard out
of available cordage.
Blade finish: Black anodized
Handle Material: Milled G10
Sheath: MOLLE compatible Kydex
MSRP: $149
The Chop House is 18.25 inches in

overall length, with a 12.75-inch
blade and a 4.75-inch handle.
It’s made from a single piece of 6
mm thick 9260 steel. According
to Continental Steel, 9260 is a
high-silicon, spring alloy steel
that offers “outstanding corrosion
resistance, hardness, toughness,
and strength.” All of which are
features that make for an excellent
choice for a chopping blade.
Dragon King heat treats the
steel to a 56 Rockwell, which is a
good compromise between edge
retention and toughness. The blade
is 5.5 mm thick at the spine and the
blade has a full height flat grind

that tapers down to a surprisingly The Chop House comes with a
fine edge with a secondary bevel. black sheath made from riveted
The Chop House didn’t arrive hair Kydex with a nylon belt loop and
popping sharp out of the box, but retention strap. The loop is wide
it had a decent user edge suitable enough for belts or straps up to 4 Above, Top: Even a
big knife can be used
that you’re unfortunate enough
for a chopper. The blade is coated inches wide, and it opens with a for small knife tasks to have this happen to you, the
with proper technique.
in a black anodized finish to further hook-and-loop fastener and snap retention strap still ensures that the
provide corrosion resistance. so that you can put it on or take Above, Right: The Chop House doesn’t fall free. Suffice
Chop Houses anodized
it off without having to undo your finish held up well to it to say that the combination of
The Chop’s 6 mm thick full-tang exposure to water,
belt. Abundant MOLLE slots on the weather and even Kydex retention and the retention
handle features a built-in double fish guts.
sheath body make it easy to lash strap do their job.
guard. The guard is short and
to a pack, ATV, snowmobile, pack SOURCE
unobtrusive but provides plenty of Build quality on the Chop House
llama, or whatever else you’re using
protection to keep your hand off of CAS Iberia is very good, and the milled G10
to transport your tools.
the blade. The handle consists of handles especially are well executed.
a set of nicely contoured black G10 The Kydex is well molded to the Address: There are some minor grind marks
scales affixed with three Torx screws blade and the Chop House clicks into
650 Industrial Blvd., visible on the blade, visible through
on either side. It features a single place on the guard when you seat it
Sale Creek,TN 37373 the coating, and there are some
finger notch and prominent pommel in the sheath. Due to the weight of Phone: acute corners on the guard. It wasn’t
flair to keep your hand in place while the blade—a bit over a pound—you 800-635-9366 anything that really would interfere
you’re using the knife. A hidden can pop it free if you hold it upside Website: with use, but I’d prefer smoother
lanyard hole is tastefully situated at down and shake it vigorously. This CASIberia.com edges. I confirmed with CAS Iberia
the butt of the knife, which allows is unlikely to happen unless you get that they’re aware of the issue and
you a further option to keep the picked up by a Yeti and are held by
Email: that future models will have all of
info@casiberia.com
knife secure when in use. your feet and shaken. In the event those hard angles chamfered.

“FOR BASIC
CHOPPING WORK THE
CHOP HOUSE IS VERY
EFFICIENT. SAPLINGS
IN THE 1½-INCH
DIAMETER RANGE
EASILY FELL WITH
ONE SWING.”
FIELDWORK We did some work making stakes

and found that the Chop House
I had a chance to use the Chop
carved fairly well.
House on a trip I made to
Southwestern Virginia with Joe There’s about an inch of edge
Flowers of Bushcraft Global and just forward of the choil that’s Top, Left: Snap cuts able to choke up on the forward part
to limb saplings were
Condor Knife and Tool fame, and flattened where the grind begins, easy to do with the of the blade and use it to gut the fish
cleaver style blade of
Glen “Spen” Stelzer of the leather so you need to move just ahead of the Chop House. as well. A smaller knife would have
shop JRE Industries. We stayed at a that to start using the edge as a been easier, but he was able to do it
Top, Right: The Chop
hunting cabin along the New River carver. Because the guard is there House easily sliced without too much effort.
and had access to hundreds of acres to keep your hand off the blade, through saplings with
a single blow. We spent a fair bit of time on fire
of hunting reserve. While there, we I’d rather have the edge sharpened
prep and batoned the Chop House
used the Chop House to clear out all the way down to the choil, but Bottom, Left:
Carving items such as through some hard, dried oak
an area of saplings around Joe’s that’s something you could do for stakes was well within
the Chop House’s logs. The blade shape and length
semi-permanent base camp on his yourself with a file or belt sander if wheelhouse.
made it well suited to using with a
property, split some firewood, and you really wanted to that.
Top, Right: The blade
wooden mallet, and we had no issue
even used it to clean trout.
Just as you can do big knife jobs size and shape of the processing 6-inch or so diameter
Chop House made it
For basic chopping work the Chop with a smaller knife, although not as well suited for use as a logs down for kindling. We were able
draw knife.
House is very efficient. Saplings in efficiently, the converse is true when to get some decent curls out of the
the 1½-inch diameter range easily using big blades for small jobs. Joe oak for tinder too. We also found
fell with one swing. The thin edge and Spen did a bit of trout fishing that the Chop House worked quite
bit deeply into larger wood whether on the trip and Joe used the Chop well as a draw knife. The relatively
green or dried. The cleaver-like blade House to clean his catch. Obviously straight edge and length of the
and handle shape worked very well chopping the head off was easy work blade made it easy to hold by the
for limbing using simple snap cuts. for a blade like this, but he was also handle and spine of the blade near

BIGGER, BETTER, FASTER,
ESPECIALLY IN THE COLD
As I alluded to in my intro, I generally like to work with a smaller knife in the woods. Top: Big jobs like
firewood prep are
the tip and draw towards you to
possible with smaller smooth out planks for bushcraft
They’re easy and light to carry, and they generally are sized right for detail work for me. I knives but go much
faster with a big blade projects, or to shave tinder off of
like the Chop House.
can generally cut down saplings, process kindling and tinder and do most of what I need bigger pieces of wood. The spine
is fairly sharp and did work with a
to do with a knife in the 4- to 5-inch blade range. With that said, it can take more time Above, Left: The ferro rod, although I had to wear a
Chop House made fine
and effort to do that. That’s fine on a leisurely camping trip, and in good weather. When curls of dried oak for
use as fire tinder.
spot of the tough anodized finish
you’re cold and miserable, though, and you want to get out of the weather you don’t off first for it to work.
always have time for finesse. Above, Right: The Because we were evaluating the
12-inch 9260 blade
worked well with a Chop House at least partially
Sometimes a big blade just works better. It also needs less finesse and fine motor skills mallet for batoning.
with an eye toward cold-weather
camping and survival use, we were
can start to be impacted when your hands are cold and numb. A blade with enough mass
curious how the edge would hold up
to chop in fewer strokes and harvest larger pieces of wood conserves energy and speeds on ice. The idea was that you might
up your job. The less effort you expend translates to fewer calories burned and more need to hack through a couple
inches of ice-covered frozen wood,
energy available for keeping you warm. Shelter and warmth are key in cold weather, so as I did on a February Appalachian
you want tools that will help you to acquire them as efficiently as possible. Trail trip years ago following an

ice storm, or to hack through ice to
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Following the hard oak and ice, I spoon Retail Price $58.95
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carvin’
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damage after all of that. There were Retail Price
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that was more than acceptable.
EXCELLENT
CAMP TOOL
Overall, the Chop House performed
extremely well for a big blade, which I
guess it should as it’s billed to survive
the apocalypse. I’ll leave fighting
carvin’®
radioactive mutants up to you, but
I can say that it’s a great camp tool
jack
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The 9260 steel proved to be
extremely durable and tolerant of Retail Price $95.95
abuse and the blade finish held up
extremely well. Often, I’ll see finish
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wear after batoning, but other than Order Or Online at Flexcut.com
a few scuff marks, the finish looked
Made in USA
as good as new once wiped down
with oil. I didn’t bother with more
than a cursory cleaning with a dry
cloth while using the blade too and
didn’t find any indications of rust
during my testing either. It is carbon
steel, so needs maintained as such,
but it seems quite forgiving to harsh
use. If you need a big chopper for
your outdoor use or for your bugout
bag, in case some crazy government
vaccine goes bad and creates
zombies or something, then I think
the Chop House would be worth
checking out. KI
REVIEW
PROMETHEUS DESIGN WERX

TERRAVANTIUM STS-AT:
A RUST-PROOF EDC FOLDER
STORY AND PHOTOS BY KEVIN ESTELA
Above: This folder

was inspired by the
classic chute knife
design.

I
first learned about Prometheus Design
Werx around 2016. The company caught
my eye, and I noticed it understood the
spirit of adventure. A deep dive into the
company’s website revealed more than a
handful of overland and backcountry trips
in varying environments and a flair for the
classic designs used by woodsmen and
sportsmen brought up to date with modern
materials and manufacturing.
A company like Prometheus Design Werx doesn’t
mess around with the gear it carries and, for full
disclosure, as a sponsored brand representative,
I will say its gear holds up in all of my own
travels and adventures. I’m fortunate to be one
of its writers blogging about my adventures
and general bushcraft and outdoors skills on
its affiliate site, Danger Ranger Bear. Simply
put, adventure and exploring run deep in this
company on all levels.
FOLDING CHUTE KNIFE

I’ve had the good fortune to use Prometheus
Design Werx equipment on the water and
underneath it as a boater and diver. I’ve taken its
gear to the arctic on fishing trips as well as to the
tropics while hiking in the rainforest. I have a great
relationship with the company and give feedback
“THE STS-AT DESIGN IS VERY on products as my experience with them grows.
MUCH INSPIRED BY THE CHUTE Well, recently PDW paired with the knife
KNIFE, BUT A CONTEMPORARY company Terrain 365 to produce something I
FOLDER WHICH MAKES FOR A want for future adventures but was only given
a temporary loaner for now. The PDW Limited
PRACTICAL DAILY CARRY…” Edition of the Terrain 365 STS-AT knife is truly
a combination of old-school cool with modern
technology and manufacturing.
The chute knife design by Bob Loveless, Harry
Archer, and Ken Warner is a classic knife from
the latter half of the 20th century. The knife was
originally meant to be carried by pilots for overt
or covert military/government operations. The
original knives command a hefty price tag and
there are many fixed blade versions available
from modern makers paying tribute to the
originals. Prometheus Design Werx is a company
that embraces tradition and practicality.
“The STS-AT design is very much inspired by
the chute knife, but a contemporary folder
which makes for a practical daily carry, and
of course utilizing a new nonferrous alloy for
the blade to expand its capabilities in various
environments,” said PDW owner Patrick York
Ma. “It is a design which really takes from the
past, present, and also future.”
The standard chute knife design dictates a blade
upwards of 5.5 inches, which can be too large for
most to carry on a daily basis. The solution was to

create a pocket version of a knife that Above: The STS-AT
comes with a padded
retained the swedge (unsharpened) case for storage when
not in use.
and classic lines of the original. I
wondered if a scaled-down version
of the chute knife could perform
Right: Prometheus
necessary daily and outdoors tasks Design Werx is known
for titanium accessories
and be equally admirable. including compasses,
whistles, and
lighters. The STS-AT
INCREDIBLE pairs perfectly with
Prometheus Design
MATERIALS Werx EDC items.
Perhaps the most intriguing

part of the design of the STS-
AT knife is the materials used in
the construction. Prometheus
Design Werx is known for its use of
titanium in everyday carry items
including compass housings,
whistles, and peanut lighters.
The STS-AT folder features a
handle with a 6AL-4V titanium
slab on one side and an olive drab
handle on the other. The olive
drab color scheme is a great subtle
homage to the chute knife’s military
roots. The handle has small fullers
milled into the sides that provide a
secure grip and a little extra flair.
The more I examined the knife inside
and out, the more attention to detail
I found. The dual thumb studs glow
in the dark and help with opening

the knife with the ring finger or
SPECS thumb. The knife opens and closes

incredibly smoothly, and one may
say it feels “like glass.” That’s close,
PDW LIMITED EDITION but the knife’s action is actually
TERRAIN 365 STS-AT riding on ceramic bearings.
Overall Length: 8.1 inches Of course, the real star of the design
materials is the Terravantium
Blade Length: 3.5 inches dendritic cobalt blade. If you’ve never
Blade Material: Terravantium heard of the material, which we
should tell you is not “steel,” pay close
Blade Thickness: 0.150 inch attention. Terravantium dendritic
cobalt is a non-magnetic and non-
Handle Material: G10 and ferrous alloy. It will not rust, it will not
6AL-4V Titanium corrode, and it will not pit. It could
potentially be a dream material for
Weight: 3.8 ounces a knife that could be carried into wet
Price: $375 weather and extreme conditions that
would destroy other blades.
“TERRAVANTIUM
DENDRITIC COBALT IS
A NON-MAGNETIC AND
NON-FERROUS ALLOY.
IT WILL NOT RUST, IT
WILL NOT CORRODE,
AND IT WILL NOT PIT.”
Top, Left: The STS-AT
cuts cordage easily
The more I researched this material,
much like the original the more I realized how incredible
Loveless chute knife.
these claims are. In other words,
I stopped before I read about the
Center, Left: Features
such as a titanium “microscopic, highly aggressive saw
pivot pin and glow-in-
the-dark thumb stud blade” formed by the carbides and
set the STS-AT apart
from other folders. needless to say, they had me at “will
never rust, corrode, pit, or stain.” I
Bottom, Left: The got right to testing.
PDW STS-AT opens
easily and smoothly
with an ambidextrous
thumb stud.
FIELD TEST
When it comes to field testing a
folder, the best way is to call upon
it daily as part of your everyday
carry. When this loaner showed up,
it immediately found a place in my
pocket and was carried for weeks
on end and used all hours of the
day and for any task that came
up. The weather in New England
was changing from moderate
temperature autumn to snowy
winter very quickly. I also used the
knife on a few trips to the great
outdoors where the knife was used
MARCH/APRIL 2021 • KNIVES ILLUSTRATED 63

“WE LEARN FROM THE PAST, LOOK TO
in your typical camp fashion. It saw THE FUTURE, AND BUILD FOR TODAY.”
plenty of use and different testers. — PROMETHEUS DESIGN WERX MISSION STATEMENT
One of the first things I noticed with
this knife is the manner in which
was with the tip up and using the ring Top, Left: The During the course of my field
the clip makes it ride in the pocket. titanium frame lock
finger along with a snap of the wrist. proved strong and test, there was a period of heavy
On one hand, deep pocket carry is reliable.
rain, snow, and some interesting
excellent to keep the knife secured In hand, the knife has a substantial
temperature swings. I left the knife
in the pocket. On the other hand, feel, but it isn’t a boat anchor. In Top, Right: Pocket
carry is deep with a clip out in the backyard to let Mother
deep pocket carry means having to terms of lock up and play, the frame that closely hugs the
fabric. Nature do her bidding. All the muck
reach slightly, and I mean slightly, slides perfectly in place and the blade
this knife was subjected to had no
deeper into the pocket to access has no lateral wiggle. The frame lock
Above: The STS-AT effect on the blade. At first, I thought
the blade. At first, I didn’t notice the slips into place positively. The STS-AT wears the Prometheus
Design Werx “Kraken” there was an issue with rust around
internal lanyard pin at the tail end handle feels great and the slim clip logo of its special
projects division. the pivot pin, but it was just some
of the knife, but once I did, I added doesn’t affect the grip. I assessed
minor grit it picked up either in my
a small blaze orange paracord the STS-AT’s ability to cut rope and
pocket, from the steaks I cut, or grit
lanyard that made it easy to draw parachute cord, the intended purpose
from good old-fashioned use.
the knife and find it if I dropped it or of the original chute knife. No cordage
put it down in the brush. posed any issue. This knife simply will not rust.
Everything on this knife is non-
It took a while to get the opening In a more choked up grip, the ever-so-
magnetic and rust resistant down to
of the knife down with the correct slight top guard really doesn’t get in
the titanium screws. I gave the knife
pressure and direction of force. Some the way, and the rounded edges of the
a pass over with a strong magnet
of our testers initially had trouble blade and jimping are nice touches
and there was no attraction.
opening the knife, but after describing for using the folder in saber grip while
how to hold the knife and apply carving. I carved a whole host of trap One bit of advice: No matter how
pressure with the side of the thumb, triggers and various spearheads that saltwater resistant your folding knife
there was no issue. In fact, I found could be used by a “downed pilot” in is, you should always wash it out
there were multiple ways to open the the spirit of the original chute knife. with fresh water to clean out any
knife easily depending on the level of The belly of the blade worked great for residual salt. This is to prevent salt
stress, speed, or loss of dexterity. One getting inside the radius of my notches granules from making the opening
of the easiest ways I opened the knife and it whittled cleanly. and closing action rough. I gave the

STS-AT a good rinse with the garden
hose and blew out the water with an
air compressor. The knife was back
to smooth-as-glass opening and
closing when I was done.
When it came to touching up the
edge, I didn’t want to do anything
that ran counter to what I read about
the blade. Normally, my standard
Top: The STS-AT
sharpening and honing regimen
blade, made from
Terravantium, will not
includes finishing the edge to a mirror
rust or corrode. It’s with a polishing compound. Instead, I
ideal for wet weather
carry. The author just used an 800-grit diamond stone
added a blaze orange
paracord lanyard to and black compound on my honing
help make retrieving
the STS-AT easier. strop for a “toothier” edge.
This lanyard came in
handy for locating the
knife when it was put Granted, the knife didn’t see heavy
down a couple times.
cutting over an extremely extended
period of time, but it did see use,
Above: A leather strop including plenty of exposure to acidic
with compound was
used to keep the edge food in my kitchen and no shortage
in working order during
the author’s field-
testing phase.
of breaking down cardboard boxes
and cutting branches out of the way
near some of my favorite bow-
Left: Regardless of
what gets on the hunting spots. Sharpening was not
Terravantium blade
from food prep, you difficult as it is with some of the
know it won’t affect
the blade. super steels out there. Moderate

PROMETHEUS DESIGN WERX CEO, LEAD
DESIGNER, AND FOUNDER PATRICK YORK MA
Patrick York Ma is the Prometheus Design Werx front man. With a long history
in designing products, Patrick is careful not to bring goods to market unless he
tests them thoroughly. Raised in the mountains of Pennsylvania where weather
conditions change quickly, his upbringing exploring the outdoors helped carve Top, Right: The author pressure on a diamond stone was the key
the path for his company. used the PDW STS-AT
to create wooden tools to keeping this knife just as sharp as it was
that could be used in
Ma is a modern-day renaissance man with passions in vintage motorcycles, a survival situation for
protection or food.
when it was received.
wildlife conservation, exploring the great outdoors, and great knives, of course.
I WANT ONE
“Being a true nomad in the backcountry means that you are well versed and Above:
The construction of
Perhaps the only criticism I can predict
prepared for any condition, weather, and environment,” Ma said. “I want to the STS-AT allows it to
tolerate conditions that
users making is the lack of reversible
create products that are as versatile and capable as the people that use them and would destroy most pocket clip. Since 9/10 of the population
other folding knives.
is right-handed, I don’t anticipate
support their outdoor lifestyle.” this becoming a major issue or actual
This translated into using natural materials such as wool used for thousands dealbreaker. The final verdict is that
of years as a standalone fabric or paired with modern synthetics for the best I want one and it really was difficult
parting with this sample on the way back
solution. Patrick’s work has helped build a loyal following with outdoorsmen
to the manufacturer.
around the globe, members of the military, and with the occasional adventurer
As a professional knife guy, it’s usually
(dare we say “weekend warriors”) who simply appreciates the quality of easy to move from one knife review to
construction of the gear they purchase. the next, but this is a knife I want in
PDW constantly is looking to improve the performance of equipment and my stable. If you’re like me, you may
find yourself in a situation where your
draws on the collective experience of industry peers, trusted “insiders” (or is it gear ends up wet for days while out on
“outsiders”), professionals in the civilian and military, and classic industrial SOURCE a remote trail in the tropics. I love the
design influences from Dieter Rams. Patrick continues to expand the reach of his Prometheus maintenance-free aspect of this knife
company and push the envelope of the gear and apparel it produces. Design Werx and knowing the blade will be good to go
whenever I reach for it. I’ll use the hell out
Prometheus Design Werx and the leadership of Ma can be best summed up by Prometheus of it and take it on any adventure to the
a snippet from their mission statement: “We learn from the past, look to the DesignWerx.com great outdoors or just around the block in
future, and build for today.” my personal EDC. KI

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REVIEW
Left: New Morakniv

Classics No.’s 1/0, 2,
and 3 are revamped
with rat-tail tangs,
stained birch handles,
and upgraded sheaths.
Morakniv Classic
knives were meant
to honor all the knife
manufacturers that
ever were in Mora.
Opposite Page, Top:

The smallest of the
Morakniv Classics is the
No. 1/0 with a 3-inch-
long blade. It was relied
on for fire preparation.
Making feather sticks
and whittling were its
strong points.
Opposite Page,
Bottom: The author
considers the Morakniv
Classics No. 1/0 to
be the gentleman’s
bushcrafter. It was
always on hand
for slicing cheese,
whittling, and general
utility.

Classics
MORAKNIV
THESE TIMELESS BUSHCRAFT

KNIVES HAVE BEEN UPDATED
AND ARE BETTER THAN EVER
STORY AND PHOTOS BY REUBEN BOLIEU
T
ruly classic designs can be as much of a force in the present
as they have been in the past. A Morakniv is always made in
Mora, Sweden, in the village of Östnor, where the company
has been located for centuries. Firmly anchored in a long tradition
of craftsmanship, its first factory was founded on the outskirts of
Mora in 1891. It successfully combined the benefits of hand-forged
blades and industrial manufacturing. The result was a knife with a
grip friendly handle and a very sharp, robust blade. Today, the knives
from Morakniv are known for their high quality and consistency, and
they’re recognized as a national symbol of Sweden.
Morakniv has been granted a Royal warrant of appointment by His Majesty
the King of Sweden. It is an honor awarded to companies as proof that the
company’s products are appreciated by a member of the Royal Family.
CLASSIC REVAMP
The Morakniv Classics are made of carbon steel and are easily identified
by their characteristic barrel-shaped, red-stained birch handles. They
were first introduced around 100 years ago with the ambition to portray
an exclusive mahogany knife. The new polymer sheath has an elegant,
polished look donning the Swedish Coat of Arms. This is complemented
with a belt strap made of Swedish vegetable tanned leather, designed to
stand the test of time for generations to come. The edge angles and blade
shapes are basically the same, but now have rat-tail tangs.
BLUEPRINT KNIFE
In 2007, I purchased the Morakniv Classic No. 2, the first Scandinavian
knife I ever owned of its kind. It had an uncoated carbon steel blade,
Scandinavian grind, and wood handle without a guard. I felt it was a huge
leap of faith for me and quite the diversion from the knives I had been
using. Three things immediately stood out to me as pluses: the weight,
comfort, and sharpness. Up until this point I don’t remember using a knife
that hit these three points like the Morakniv Classic No. 2. The only knife
that came close was my Victorinox Swiss Army Knife.

The company recently released a Top, Left: Morakniv
Classic No. 1/0 easily
new collection of Morakniv Classic attaches to a thin
belt or belt loop via a
knives, including a new Morakniv carabiner. The leather
belt hanger was flexible
Classic No. 2, and so I had to and easy to move out of
the way when bending
compare it to my original. When I over and sitting.
opened the box, I noticed no real
Top, Center: The thin
size difference as I did a cosmetic 2 mm-thick blade on
the Classic No. 1/0 was a
facelift. It still had a blade length good food slicer despite
it having a Scandinavian
just a hair over 4 inches (105 mm). grind. It often was
used slicing onions,
The sheath was obviously more rigid peppers, mushrooms,
and tomatoes, which
and shiny, polished more so than quickly gave it a nice
patina.
any other Morakniv I can remember.
Also, the leather belt attachment Top, Right: Although
was an obvious change for the small, the Morakniv
Classic No. 1/0 fits the
better. However, I was on the team authors’ size-large
glove hand fairly well.
of people who never had a problem It is narrower than the
other Classics, which
with the old Classic sheaths. is more obvious when
used for long periods
of time.
The most noticeable upgrade to
the knife was the new stained
birchwood handle, rather than
the red painted previous versions,
which have also changed in
color and texture throughout
the decades. This new feature
really gives each Morakniv Classic Right: The Morakniv
Classic No. 2 was used
individuality. Every handle will along with a saw and
baton to cut a chunk
have different grain that will be of wood out of a split
log for a sharpening
accented by the stain, as do all stone to fit inside. It
made the initial crack
three of my new Morakniv Classics. by being hammered
on the butt, point first,
A closer look will reveal the top and then carved a
wedge that would fit
of the blade spine is now smooth into the initial crack
it created. This was
and “finished,” opposed to the true Bushcraft, using
what’s available to
unfinished appearance of most make other tools.

“MORAKNIV KNIVES PLACE
FUNCTION BEFORE STYLE, YET
THE CLASSICS HAVE THEIR OWN
SCANDINAVIAN RUSTIC CHARM…”
I wasted no time getting to work on I had been using the same Burtonsville
a few woods projects. I had an idea Cooking Rig arm for the last four
to make a sharpening log out of a years in my semi-permanent camp.
carborundum stone for my tools. I It had seen some hard winters,
used a bowsaw to cut the log and scorching summers, and everything
split it with a hatchet. Laying the in between. However, it was time
log flat, I measured and scored the for a new one and the Morakniv
length of the stone with a few cuts No. 2 was perfect for the job.
of the saw, the depth of the stone.
Left: The author made
With a Swiss Army Knife saw, a
a replacement arm The Morakniv No. 2 had the job of broomstick-thick, green piece of
for his Burtonsville
Cooking Rig with the wedging out the slab of wood to witch-hazel was procured for the
Morakniv Classic No.
2. It’s basically one fit the stone. I gave it a few whacks project. A stout baton was used
pot-hanger style
notch repeated by with a light baton on the butt of the to cross-grain baton the blade
batoning the blade in
an X-shape, and then handle and got it in the wood just to section the parts I needed. It
carving upwards from
the X to create a bird’s enough to stick a wedge in the crack. sheered right through, as expected.
beak point.
I repeated the process on the other After measuring out where I wanted
side, and then I carved a hardwood my cuts, I began making four
wedge to baton in the cracks made bird’s-beak notches that started
from the Classic No. 2. out with an X stop-cut batoned into
the wood. The blade was slightly
This is my idea of Bushcraft: using
angled into the top V of the cut.
tools to make other tools and
Top, Left: The Morakniv This creates a natural overhang
Morakniv Classic knives. I say most Classic No. 2 often pulled working with what you have. The
camp kitchen duty, slicing and makes it easier to carve out
because the Classic carving series red chilies, tomatoes, and baton split in half, which presented
onions. The medium- the notch. Carving from the bottom
knives have smooth spines for high Scandinavian grind another opportunity. I used the
sliced before wedging too of the X up to the top will leave a
comfort while performing thumb much like most Scandi maple baton half and cleaned up
ground knives can. pointed beak hanging down that
assisted push cuts. A big change to the flat (split) part before thinning
Top, Right: The author will rest on the support pole, which
most may be the blade tang that made a spatula from a
out the other rounded side of the
was already made. Job done.
now goes through the handle length broken piece of a baton
by carving the rounded
baton. It took some doing and a
and can be seen on the butt end of side of the baton and comfortable handle to fashion it into In the camp kitchen the Morakniv
flattening out the split
the wood. This is a full rat-tailed end with the Morakniv a serviceable spatula. Carving thick No. 2 did its share of slicing and
Classic No. 2. The
tang, not a complete full tang, as barrel-shaped handle chunks of wood and making fine-tip dicing peppers, onions, and
remained comfortable
the steel is not visible to the eye or during this hard work adjustments is what a Morakniv tomatoes for an omelet along with
due to the shape and
hand, sandwiched between scales. thickness of the handle. Classic was made for. general camp chores. The Morakniv

“THE MORAKNIV CLASSICS
ARE MADE OF CARBON STEEL
AND ARE EASILY IDENTIFIED
BY THEIR CHARACTERISTIC
BARREL-SHAPED, RED-
STAINED BIRCH HANDLES.”
Classic No. 2 (and No. 1) have been Top, Left: Although like this thickness for the smaller Slicing peppers, onions, and
0.75 inch shorter
referred to as the blueprint of almost than the original, the blade. It seems to be a hair longer, mushrooms for camp kabobs or
Morakniv Classic No. 3
every so called “Bushcraft knife” is still the largest of the at 3 inches long exactly. It is indeed morning omelets was a regular task
Morakniv Classics. At
today. Having spent a considerable 10 inches overall, it has a different blade, obviously thinner, for this small, very able cutter. The
a 5.35-inch blade and
amount of time using knives from nearly a 4-inch handle. and like the original Classic No. 2/0, blade slices food exceptionally well
many other makers, I have to agree. it has a full rat-tail tang. for a Scandinavian grind due to the
Top, Right: The author kitchen knife-like thinness. Morakniv
used the Morakniv Besides a new, attractive look to
FAMILIAR FRIEND Classic No. 3 as a draw
knife to shave wood the birch handle, it is wider. It’s
Classic No. 1/0 looks and feels like a
After feeling the Morakniv Classic down to its dry center. comfortable pair of shoes. It's an old
He used a green piece noticeable in the hand and even
No. 1/0 in my hand, it was all clear. of wood that was split reliable tool that is dependable and
by the Classic No. 3 as a more so swapping sheaths to see
The model number may have guiding handle. consistent, just like a familiar friend.
how each fit. I enjoy this difference
changed, but it was in fact the old
Morakniv Classic No. 2/0. It was
Opposite Page, Top
Right: The length of
and consider it an upgrade. BIG BROTHER
the Morakniv Classic I carried this bite-sized knife on a I originally purchased the Morakniv
renamed and upgraded just as the No. 3 helped during
kitchen duties both at small carabiner hooked to my belt Classic No. 3, with a 6 inch long,
other Classics for 2020, but with a home and in the bush
kitchen. The knuckles loop. I used it on dry poplar, hickory, carbon steel blade about 12 years
slight difference in handle width and don’t clear the cutting
board, but the tip and and maple to make kindling for the ago. It was a lot of blade, and I
blade thickness. belly can be used to
compromise. fire in the form of feather sticks. It eventually traded it. Now, many
I have always liked this size blade, performed exactly as a Morakniv years later I find myself using
Opposite Page, Inset
which hovers around 3 inches long. Right: The author uses Classic should, slicing and curling another Classic No. 3, with a twist.
The specs for the original Classic No. a modified, chest-lever wood with every stroke. Sitting The new Morakniv Classic No. 3 has
type of side grip to
2/0 have it at 2.9 inches long (74 clean jalapeno peppers
in camp. Because it
by the fire, whittling and filling up all the upgrades of the Classic No. 2
mm) and 2.5 mm thick. The Classic weighs only 4 ounces, my tinder/kindling coffee can with and No. 1/0 but had about 0.75 inch
the larger Morakniv
1/0 is listed at 3 inches long (77 mm) Classic No. 3 is still shavings was my nighttime routine cut from the original blade, literally.
quite nimble in the
with a 2 mm thick blade. I really hand despite its size. with the Morakniv Classic No. 1/0. It sits at 10 inches overall, with a

5.35-inch-long blade (135 mm), yet more modified pinch-grip with my
still manages the low weight of 4.4 fingers more curled, gripping higher
ounces (125 g). up the handle width. It gives a less
secure grip, but it works for the small
The Morakniv Classic No. 3 is the
amount of food prepping needed in
largest of the Classics. The handle is
a camping situation.
just under 5 inches long. People with
larger hands will appreciate this one, The Classic No. 3 had a long enough
while others with smaller hands may blade to use as a drawknife. After
find it on the large, bulky side. some heavy rain it was time to do
some fire prepping.
A knife this size can still cut and slice
with such eloquence, due to the 2.5 I used a green piece of witch-hazel, Right: Rat-tail tangs
on the current Classic
mm thickness, which is the same thick enough to baton the knife (right). The previous
version had a cross
as the Classic No. 2. When using through and not split it completely. pressed into the wood,
to get the torque when
the Morakniv Classic No. 3 prepping I put the knife in, tip first and milling the handle. It
has been replaced with
food on a cutting board indoors, whacked the butt into the green a diamond-like shape
it performed well, slightly under a wood. It was enough to use as a that Morakniv refers to
as its rhomb pattern.
regular kitchen knife. It wasn’t as handle and make long shavings for
thin or as long as a kitchen knife
and wasn’t designed with knuckle
kindling. The Classic No. 3 blade
bit deep and shaved quickly down RAT-TAILED TANG VS. GLUED
clearance in mind. When holding the to the dry area. It responded well
knife in a pinch-grip, I should’ve been to light batoning; however, I had a The previous Morakniv Classic No. 1 and No. 2 had a glued tang,
able to make a full downward stroke thicker tool meant for that. because Morakniv used the same blade for the models: 510, 511, and
without the knuckles coming into
The new Morakniv Classic No. 3 did the HighQ collection, which were all the same blade as Classic No. 1.
contact with the cutting board.
an outstanding job bridging the gap
As for the models: 521, 711, 911, and Companion, they had the same
The Morakniv Classics are very between food and bushcrafting
straight lined, but the length of the chores. Although larger than blade as the Classic No. 2. The new Morakniv Classic knives have a full
Classic No. 3 gives more space and most bushcraft knives and all the rat-tail tang that runs through the handle completely and is riveted
slightly more belly to still pull off Classics, it still carved like any
food cutting chores, especially in other Morakniv, with added handle
at the back end. Now, the blades are made exclusively for the Classics
camp. I had to adjust my grip to a thickness and blade length. making the new Morakniv Classic blades truly unique.

SPECS
CLASSIC NO. 1/0, CLASSIC NO. 2,
and CLASSIC NO. 3
Handle: Red-stained birch
Sheath: Black polymer with
leather belt strap
Blade Material: Carbon steel
CLASSICNO.1/0
Total Length: 6.7 inches (170 mm)
The Red Color
Above: Practically
identical, the original
Morakniv Classic No. 2/0
Blade Length: 3.0 inches (77 mm) (left) is the predecessor
to the new Classic No.
1/0 (right). The Classic
Blade Thickness: 2.0 mm No. 1/0 has a stained
handle rather than
The typical red handle over time has
painted, and a slightly
Product Weight: 1.9 ounces (55 g) wider, birch handle. become something of a sign for the
MSRP: $28.80 Left, Top: Morakniv
Classic No. 1 positioned
knives from Östnor, Mora. From the
CLASSICNO.2
in the middle of the
new No. 2 and No. 1/0 beginning, curly birch was the obvious
for size comparison. The
TotalLength:8.25inches(210mm)
iconic No. 1 has not been
revamped like the rest of material for the more expensive knives,
the series yet.
BladeLength:4.13inches(105mm) but when there was a shortage, ordinary

Left, Bottom:
Thickness: 2.5 mm Three versions of
the Morakniv Classic
birch was stained with a red color
sheaths over the
ProductWeight:3.2ounces(90g) years. All sheaths
display the Made in
before being varnished. As production
Sweden emblem. The
MSRP:$31.20 current No. 2 sheath
on the right, with the
increased, the stains were abandoned
older No. 2 sheath in
and the handles were painted with a
CLASSICNO.3 the middle, and the
original Classic No. 1
far left.
dark red color instead, which eventually
TotalLength:10inches(254mm)
BladeLength:5.35inches(135mm) appeared in many different shades
Thickness:2.5mm through the years. The new Morakniv
ProductWeight:4.4 ounces(125g) Classic handles are once again stained,
MSRP:$32.00 each becoming one of a kind.

FUNCTIONAL
CLASSICS
It’s hard to go wrong with any of the
new Morakniv Classics, especially
if you are a fan already. Simplicity
of functionality has a beauty all its
own. Morakniv knives place function
before style, yet the Classics have
their own Scandinavian rustic charm,
which is a style to me. Morakniv
Classics have grown into some of
the most beloved lifestyle knives in
the world—a timeless Morakniv in its
purest form. KI
SOURCE
Left: Three different
styles of belt hangers
from the Classic series.
MORAKNIV
The current leather
belt hanger (right)
is flexible and easier
info@morakniv.se
to move when sitting
down or kneeling. Morakniv.se
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REVIEW
MATCHED
PAIR
JB KNIFEWORKS LAYMAN KNIFE AND

GAMBIT HATCHET COMBO: ONE PICKS
UP WHERE THE OTHER LEAVES OFF
STORY BY KEVIN ESTELA, PHOTOS BY BRITNI PASTYRNAK

“I BELIEVE IN
OPTIONS, AND
WHEN A MAKER
OFFERS UP A
COMBO SET OF
TOOLS MY EARS
PERK UP.”
A
true outdoorsman carries the correct tools for the
job at hand. In terms of cutting tools, this may
include a pocketknife, belt knife, and saw. Or, the
outdoorsman could carry a chopping tool, a multitool, and
a game-processing knife. I believe in options, and when a
maker offers up a combo set of tools my ears perk up. I like
to see what the combo contains and why the maker pairs
one tool with another. Recently, Joey Berry, a graduate of
the Fiddleback Forge apprentice program, released a knife
and hatchet set I just had to take to the woods and put
through an evaluation.
ABOUT THE MAKER

Understanding a maker’s background helps explain the
“why” behind their designs. Joey Berry is a man with a unique
background and set of skills that set him up for an excellent run
as a knifemaker. Berry spent part of his life as a butcher, and if
you’ve ever seen a butcher use a blade, you know they know how
to handle a knife. They also know what works in terms of a knife
design for slicing and separating tasks and how one should feel
and function.
Berry also spent time in his previous life as a gunsmith, which
taught him how to work with wood and steel. It seemed
natural he would combine his past work experience along with
his lifelong interest as an outdoorsman to follow a deeper path
into knifemaking. Eventually, Berry sought out a mentor and
found one in Andy Roy of Fiddleback Forge.
“After I made a few knives and started selling them pretty
quickly, I decided to step my game up,” said Berry. “I went
Left: The Layman knife
and Gambit hatchet
through the apprentice program with Andy Roy at Fiddleback
complement each Forge. I wanted to learn the techniques to speed up and
other in both looks and
performance. improve my knifemaking and work more efficiently. After
graduation from the Fiddleback Forge apprentice program, I
stayed on as the shop foreman to manage shop operations.”
Berry went on to create JB Knifeworks and make a name for
himself in the industry.

“THIS KNIFE LIVES IN
THE WORLD WHERE TERMS
SUCH AS ‘PRESENTATION
GRADE’ AND ‘FANCY’ EXIST,
BUT…WHERE ‘TOUGH’ AND
‘RUGGED’ ALSO ARE USED.”
Top: Because of its
SPECS practical-sized drop

point blade, handle,
and overall length,
the Layman knife
works well for many
different tasks in the
JB KNIFEWORKS great outdoors or as an
unobtrusive everyday
LAYMAN carry piece.
Blade Length: 3.75 inches Center: The author

Overall Length: 8.5 inches batoned the thin stock
of the Layman through
seasoned firewood
Blade Thickness: 0.125 inch without any issues.
Blade Material: 8670 Steel Bottom: The Layman

feathers wood easily,
Handle Material: Lager G10 and the long belly of
the blade curls wood
tightly.
Weight: 5.25 ounces
MSRP: $350-$400

THE “LAYMAN”
KNIFE
The word “layman” can be taken a
couple different ways. It can mean
“non-expert” or “unspecialized,”
which sounds somewhat derogatory.
Or, when applied to a knife, it can
be viewed as “general purpose”
and complimentary in nature.
Some knives easily give away their
purpose by their contours, shape, and
construction. Other knives are easily
placed in a metaphorical box for
tasks like fileting fish, chopping wood,
or cutting rope. Knives such as the
Layman are more difficult to define.
“I wanted this knife to be for the
Above: The author
everyday knife user, the layman, not
tested the tip strength the butcher or the fisherman or the
of the Layman by
driving it tip first into chef,” said Berry. “It still has a full-
wood to split kindling.
height, very thin convex grind, and
it’s in 8670. So, it’ll take anything you
throw at it and keep asking for more.”
Left: The author used I fell in love with the non-descript
the JB Knifeworks
Layman to process
venison roast and to
design of this blade and the
slice up tenderloins. initial feel it has in hand. When I
first picked up this knife, I didn’t
conclude it was “unspecialized”
but rather that it would work really
well for so many different tasks in
the great outdoors given the drop
point blade and handle size. Given
the practical-sized blade, handle,
and overall length, this knife could
be carried as an everyday carry
Bottom, Left: The
Layman blade features
piece and accompany the user
a full-height grind, unobtrusively. This knife lives in
making it an excellent
slicer. the world where terms such as
“presentation grade” and “fancy”
Bottom, Right:
exist, but it can be found where
The Layman and “tough” and “rugged” also are used.
the Gambit feature
Lager G10 with white
liners and natural
Micarta layers.

“I USED THE GAMBIT TO LIMB SOME OF THE
BRANCHES AND FOUND IT CLEANLY CUT THROUGH
INCH-THICK BRANCHES WITHOUT ISSUE.”
Above: The Gambit
hatchet felt good in THE GAMBIT make a baton out of hardwood or
the author’s hand and use the flat of the blade as a light
was well balanced. HATCHET hammer. If the latter of the two
Just when I thought I had used up
Left: The Gambit methods is used, the edge will be
hatchet has a coffin- all of my love on the Layman knife,
shaped handle, Lager exposed, and that could lead to
G10 scales, and hollow I handled the JB Knifeworks Gambit
pins. accidental damage or injury.
hatchet and mustered up some
Top, Right: The
Gambit hatchet can be
more. First and foremost, the fact
the handles and finishes match
CONSTRUCTION
used with a choked-up
grip for fine work. Both the knife and hatchet are
so perfectly addresses a mild case
made from 8670 steel. This is an
of undocumented OCD in my gear
Below: The Gambit all-American low alloy nickel carbon
hatchet worked preferences. Second, this hatchet
extremely well while steel and one of the toughest
limbing a recently has a great heft for its size.
downed tree. carbon steels available.
The problem with many hatchets,
“It is so tough that we are tempering
if you want to view it as a problem,
knives to 61-62 HRC with no worries,”
is their weight and bulk. An integral
Berry said. “I’m making my chef’s
hatchet such as this one from Joey
knives in 8670 at 62-63 HRC. At this
Berry, is made from stock removal,
hardness, it’s still plenty tough and
and the width of the head is the
edge retention is very good.”
same as the tang of the throat
onnecting it to the handle. It If you’ve ever worried about
manages to be compact but also chipping an edge, you probably
an efficient chopper with the right have also sought out knives with
balance and weight distribution. lower hardness levels. This steel
defies the conventional ideas about
This hatchet packs easily inside your
hardness and toughness. Pop’s
backpack or satchel. Yet another
Knife Supply has popularized this
reason for my infatuation with this
steel and it’s becoming the number
hatchet is the edge geometry. Think
one selling steel in the store. The
of this hatchet as a true cutting tool
knifemaker and the user alike love it.
apable of much more than just
hopping. Keep in mind, this hatchet Lager G10 is the handle material used
is made from stock removal, so it on the Layman knife and Gambit
lacks the hammer of a true hammer hatchet. This handle material has a
poll. This will force the user to either unique look when exposed to varying

SPECS
JB KNIFEWORKS
GAMBIT
Blade Length: 3.75 inches
Overall Length: 12 inches
levels of light. The underlying white Choked up just under the head on Above: The Gambit
Head Thickness: 3/16 inch
hatchet is an excellent
liners on top of thin Micarta layers the Gambit, I was able to create chopping tool and cut
deeply with each swing.
Blade Material: 8670 Steel
really stand out when sunlight hits shavings for fire starting easily. I
the Lager G10. In fact, the handle also found the shape of the head to
Handle Material: Lager G10
almost appears to change colors be similar to that of an ulu. While Weight: 17.6 ounces
similar to the way exotic hardwoods I messed around with using it in
such as Hawaiian Koa do in the the kitchen like an ulu, it worked MSRP: $350-$400
varying light conditions. OK, but the length of the handle
got in the way and made it clumsy. I heard about 8670 with no visible
IN THE FIELD Good to know it could cut like this if rolls, chips, or dings to the edge. I
One thing I noticed about using the necessary albeit impractical. know what you’re thinking at this
hatchet is the comfort in hand. It is the point—the hatchet was used like a
I used the Layman for tip-splitting
perfect size for rough forming carving knife and the knife was used like a
pieces of mixed hard and softwood
projects and shaping objects such as hatchet. They sure were.
kindling. I used it for batoning too.
stakes, “Ys” and “Vs” for bushcraft
Even at 0.125 inch thick, this knife Eventually, I used the knife for more
projects, and so on. Turns out, the
easily held up to the rigors of hard civilized uses, such as processing a
comfort in hand was deliberate.
use, and I started to believe what venison roast for the slow cooker
“Steel tang hatchets are known for
THE POP’S KNIFE SUPPLY CONNECTION

transferring a lot of shock into the
user’s hand,” said Berry. “I fixed this
problem by tapering the tangs of
the hatchets. The 8-inch handle and If you’ve ever heard a knifemaker or manufacturer inform a buyer, “We’re just waiting on a supply of (insert whatever knife
tapered tangs make my hatchet have component you want here),” you know frustration can be a real factor when it comes to knife delivery. It seems like everyone
no more shock than a traditional is waiting on someone or something. What happens when a knifemaker is tied to a company that supplies knifemakers? The
wooden-handled hatchet.”
answer is a speedy turnaround. Joey Berry is one of the guys behind the scenes at Pop’s Knife Supply. For full disclosure, he is
During the course of my testing, I
actually one of four owners, including knifemakers Andy Roy, Allen Surls, and Dirk Loots. While our knife and hatchet combo
experienced a windstorm and had a
few trees come down in the woods
came with Lager G10, rest assured you can get handle scales made from any exotic wood or synthetic you can imagine.
nearby. I used the Gambit to limb some Pop’s Knife Supply has been around for almost 40 years and was started by James Poplin. The company earned a reputation
of the branches and found it cleanly cut for growing the knife industry by helping makers purchase supplies sold at low margins and with actual shipping costs. Pop’s
through inch-thick branches without
Knife Supply is a staple in the knife community, and everything from steel to fittings along with sharpening and handle
issue. I swung for the fences and
managed to cut through even thicker materials can be found on its website. The best part? Pop’s is a company you can still actually get someone on the phone to
branches with a single cut. speak to if there is ever an issue. Rest assured, if you need it, you can likely get it from Pop’s.

WARLANDER ENTERPRISES
FOR FINE LEATHER
Amy Valerious is the craftswoman behind Warlander
Enterprises. She is a knifemaker and a leatherworker who
teams up with Joey Berry to supply sheaths for his knives.
We’re very particular about knife sheaths and especially and slicing up backstrap while entertaining hunting and
leather ones. Amy’s work is simply amazing, and the proof fishing buddies around the fire. I used the Layman for
making classic bushcraft try sticks with seasoned wood,
is in the little details. The leather used is from American stressing the edge laterally on purpose along the way.
tanneries, including Hermann Oak and Wickett & Craig, that Using some of the limbed branches from the downed
provide premium leather. Amy burnishes the edges of the tree previously mentioned, I fuzzed up some sticks and
used the belly of the blade to create curls down the
entire sheath so even the opening of the sheath and the belt length of the wood. I noticed the blade performed well,
loop are finished smooth like the side where the top and but the real standout was the generous 4.5-inch handle
comfort in hand. The knife seemed to melt into my hands
bottom meet the welt. and it really felt comfortable in anything I did. By the
end of the test, the knife was starting to develop a deep
Her basket weave tooling pattern is very clean, and her patina, and this added to the character of the blade.
stitching lines are as sharp as the JB knives they hold. SOURCES A WORTHY PAIR
Basketweave in general is a very strong way to make a POP’S KNIFE Overall, this combination worked perfectly well on trips
sheath—not just decorative but durable. Since basketweave SUPPLY to the great outdoors, hunts, and in the kitchen. The only
thing I would like to add to this combo is a strong folding
patterns are hammered into the leather, the leather is made PopsKnife.Supplies saw and I believe you would have all you need to tackle
harder to scratch. Amy’s background in knifemaking helps WARLANDER
the great outdoors. The 8670 steel was impressive and
needed very little touchup other than some passes on a
her design sheaths that work well for the intended purpose LEATHER ceramic rod and some oiling to prevent rust. Eventually,
of the knives they carry. The Outdoorsman Combo I was ENTERPRISES the heavier the patina, the less I had to worry about
sent was given the Warlander treatment with a handsome Warlander minor rust spots. While this combo set worked great
Enterprises.com together, either of the tools on their own would be a great
matching leather sheath and edge guard. addition to your collection or load out. KI

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The edge has been around for more than 40,000 years.

Invented to separate matter, its

Golden, Colorado USA Earth

Prometheus When B JB Knifeworks

32 THE COMBAT KITCHEN

24 ONE FOR THE ROAD 10 18

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GERBER’S TERRACRAFT FACES BOTH

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Top row from the left

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Top, Right: A backside

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Knives that cut

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Left and Above:

PREP WITH BLADES

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Left, Top: TOPS Knives

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