The Sword of Odin Knife Blog

CRKT Foresight Folding Knife Review

2012-12-13T22:16:00.000-05:00

Columbia River Ken Onion Foresight Folding 3.5" AUS 8 Plain Black Blade, Aluminum Handles

Columbia River Knife and Tool bases its success on innovation, technical quality and functional design. If you think everything’s already been done, you won’t land a job at CRKT. That doesn’t mean they make complicated knives, but there’s always something unusual in the build. CRKT’s first success, the K.I.S.S. folder, caught the eye of dealers and buyers because there’s nothing there but two pieces of high carbon stainless, arranged to be knife blade, handle, pocket clip, frame lock and sheath. Ed Halligan’s design “Keeps It Super Simple” in ways no one considered before, and laid the groundwork for many more fine CRKT ideas.

Today's knife review is on the CRKT Foresight. The CRKT Foresight is a well-balanced, award-winning design by award-winning custom knifemaker Ken Onion that is very well constructed and brought to market at a relatively reasonable price point.

First off, I want to mention that the CRKT Foresight won the 2012 Blade Show, Import Knife Design of the year. This is an award given to a knife by fellow industry peers. What you see in the Onion design is "form follows function". The profile of the "Foresight" looks like a chiseled physique just waiting to pounce on your next cutting task.

Columbia River Ken Onion Foresight Folding 3.5" AUS 8 Plain Black Blade, Aluminum Handles

The CRKT Foresight Knife features a 3.5" modified drop-point blade, with a generous belly and recurve cutting edge for maximizing the full utility of the blade. I really like the recurve blade design, as you actually get more cutting surface than the measured length of the blade. The Foresight is available with a plain razor-sharp cutting edge or a combined razor sharp edge with triple-point serrations. The blade is made of AUS 8 stainless steel with a Rockwell Hardness of 58-59HRC and a black titanium nitride finish on the blade for that super-cool tactical look. The blade holds an edge for a good long time, and is fairly easy to re-sharpen. Through three days of daily wear and random cutting tasks, the Foresight has held its edge well and I have not needed to hone the blade. The overall length of the knife in the open position is 8.69" with a closed length of 5.17" and it weighs in at 6.3 oz - not too heavy and not too light.

Columbia River Ken Onion Foresight Folding 3.5" AUS 8 Plain Black Blade, Aluminum Handles

The cold-forged black aluminum handle on the CRKT Foresight is purposefully styled and shaped with swept finger grooves and a proper palm swell to provide a secure and comfortable grip. When opening the blade, there is the super smooth Ikoma Korth Bearing System (IKBS) ball bearing pivot system coupled with Interframe style mechanism which makes this one of the smoothest opening folders available anywhere. This knife does not have thumb studs - instead, there is a flipper on the blade - you simply apply a small amount of pressure to the flipper, and the blade effortlessly swings out of the handle scales and securely locks in place leaving the holder with a confident handful of knife. The knife almost feels like it's an auto-opening folder because of the little amount of effort required to get the blade deployed. The knife's super smooth opening is very impressive, and I can understand why industry peers voted the Foresight as the 2012 Blade Show Import Knife of the year.

Columbia River Ken Onion Foresight Folding 3.5" AUS 8 Plain Black Blade, Aluminum Handles

The CRKT Ken Onion Foresight comes with a small pocket clip that is fixed in position. The pocket clip is located near the top of the knife that allows you to hold the knife on a belt or on clothing. The small clip limits your carry options and makes the knife difficult to extract from a pocket quickly. I would prefer to have more options for clip placement and a larger clip. This is one of my favorite CRKT Folding Knives! Overall, I rate the CRKT Foresight a 9 out of 10. I recommend it!

To buy or get more information on the Columbia River Ken Onion Foresight with Folding 3.5" AUS 8 Plain Black Blade and Aluminum Handles, click the link below.

Columbia River Ken Onion Foresight Folding 3.5" AUS 8 Plain Black Blade, Aluminum Handles

Columbia River Ken Onion Foresight Folding 3.5" AUS 8 Plain Black Blade, Aluminum Handles

To buy or get more information on the Columbia River Ken Onion Foresight with Folding 3.5" AUS 8 Black Combo Blade and Aluminum Handles, click the link below.

Columbia River Ken Onion Foresight Folding 3.5" AUS 8 Black Combo Blade, Aluminum Handles

Columbia River Ken Onion Foresight Folding 3.5" AUS 8 Black Combo Blade, Aluminum Handles

All Comments are Welcome and Appreciated.

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Gerber Prodigy Fixed Blade Survival Knife Review

2012-11-29T21:10:00.000-05:00

Gerber Prodigy Combat 4.8" Black Combo Edge Fixed Blade with Sheath

The Gerber Prodigy Survival Knife was engineered by Gerber’s Jeff Freeman. The Prodigy is 9.75" in overall length, with a blade length of 4.75". It has a full tang and the 440 Stainless Steel blade is big. The combo edge serves well for quick cutting of straps and rope, with enough plain edge up front for ordinary work. The Gerber Prodigy has a black oxide coating for corrosion protection and also dampens any shine that could give a person away in a combat situation. The black oxide coating has the non-reflective finish that real tactical knives need and other types often copy. The grip is ergonomic. The over-molded rubber handle ensures a soft, comfortable, but secure grip in any situation.

Gerber Prodigy Combat 4.8" Black Combo Edge Fixed Blade with Sheath

The Gerber Prodigy Survival Knife would be a great knife even without serrated edges. In my opinion, serrated edges are a must on Survival Knives. A serrated edge just increases the effectiveness of a good knife. The options for what you can cut and hack with such a knife in a survival situation just jumps tremendously when your survival knife has a serrated edge.

Military considerations influenced the design of the sheath, which is built for silent work. A soft-grip coating on the textured handle and the sheath dampens noise as the Prodigy leaves the scabbard. Another feature of the ballistic nylon sheath is a friction release thumb catch, which locks the Prodigy in the scabbard until pressed. For anyone who crawls through heavy brush on occasion, that's a real plus. Adding a thigh strap to the sheath makes it even more secure.

Gerber Prodigy Combat 4.8" Black Combo Edge Fixed Blade with Sheath

Though it was designed with the military in mind, the Prodigy is a good knife for anyone needing a dependable but light survival knife or emergency blade. 7.3 ounces is a very reasonable weight for a good belt knife, so the Gerber Prodigy will be welcome on the trail as well as on the road. The butt of the handle is stout enough to be used as a window breaker, so the Prodigy can double as the emergency escape tool everyone should have in the car.

The Gerber Prodigy comes with a great Limited Lifetime Warranty and If the product fails while being used as it was intended to be used, they will service the Survival Knife under the warranty. At Gerber’s option, defective product will be repaired, replaced, or substituted with a product of equal value.

Overall, I rate the Gerber Prodigy a solid 9 out of 10. Whatever outdoor experience you deal with next, this Gerber prodigy Survival Knife will be there to get you through. I recommend it!

To buy or get more information on the Gerber Prodigy Combat 4.8" Black Combo Edge Fixed Blade with Sheath, click the link below.

Gerber Prodigy Combat 4.8" Black Combo Edge Fixed Blade with Sheath

Gerber Prodigy Combat 4.8" Black Combo Edge Fixed Blade with Sheath

All Comments are Welcome and Appreciated.

Buck Hoodlum Survival Knife Review

2012-11-08T21:45:00.000-05:00

Buck 060 Buck/Hood Hoodlum Survival Knife Fixed 10" Carbon Steel Blade, Micarta Handles

The Buck Hoodlum was designed by the famous late survival expert and knife designer Ron Hood. The design on this knife is excellent, the lightweight large blade design makes this knife the best of both worlds. At 14.6 oz it is one of the lightest blades for its size and durability on the market. this knife is an excellent batoning knife and makes chopping a breeze. The great thing about the Buck Hoodlum is that not only is it great for all of the big camp tasks but it is also really good at the small tasks like making notches for traps and friction fire parts.

Buck 060 Buck/Hood Hoodlum Survival Knife Fixed 10" Carbon Steel Blade, Micarta Handles

The Buck Hoodlum Knife features a 10" blade made out of 5160 spring steel with an overall length of 15.5". The blade thickness is 0.220" - thick enough for tough chores, and thin enough to make the knife balance nicely in the hand. The Hoodlum is large enough and tough enough for chopping wood and has a large choil for control in detailed uses. This versatile tool also has a small "cut out" in the blade spine for everything from scoring bone and bending wire to removing pots from the campfire. Also this knife is plenty big enough for defensive and/or offensive purposes.

One of the primary concerns I have heard regarding the Buck Hoodlum Knife is that due to it's light weight of 14.6 ounces it would lack major chopping ability. That is simply not the case. The Buck Hoodlum is an excellent chopper. I attribute this to the balance. Since the handle is light, when the knife is held in the standard position, it has a good forward balance. However, the pivot point is at the center of the choil, therefore, when you choke up on the blade, it becomes very easy to control.

The Buck Hood Hoodlum comes equipped with Micarta handles and are built with a Shock Mitigation System (SMS). This feature alleviates shock and wasted energy even in the most demanding uses. Many outdoorsmen note it for its extraordinary functionality and usability, saying it functions pretty much as a smaller-sized machete. This is despite the fact that it weighs just 14.6 ounces. I would like to see G-10 handles scales, as it is stronger than Micarta - and who knows, maybe Buck will come out with a G-10 handle version. There is also a lanyard hole in the butt of the knife.

The one thing about this knife that didn't thrill me was the blade's finish. Now, any finish will wear down over time, and it's something easily fixed, so that is not a deal breaker. The Hoodlum's finish just seemed to wear down all the way to bare steel faster than I'd ever seen. It is definitely not a miss for me, but there is always room for improvement.

Buck 060 Buck/Hood Hoodlum Survival Knife Fixed 10" Carbon Steel Blade, Micarta Handles

The sheath is built of heavy-duty nylon, M.O.L.L.E. compatible with leg strap cord and a roomy front storage carry pouch that will fit a sharpening stone, and/or other items. There are many ways this knife can be worn or attached to other gear, and the sheath is feather-light, coming in at just over 7 ounces.

Overall I rate this knife a 9 out of 10. The Buck Hoodlum is a great knife if you are looking for one this large, this is one of my favorite survival knives. I recommend it!

To buy or get more information on the Buck 060 Buck/Hood Hoodlum Survival Knife Fixed 10" Carbon Steel Blade with Micarta Handles, click the link below.

Buck 060 Buck/Hood Hoodlum Survival Knife Fixed 10" Carbon Steel Blade, Micarta Handles

All Comments are Welcome and Appreciated.

Gerber Bear Grylls Folding Sheath Knife Review

2012-10-24T21:45:00.000-04:00

Gerber 31-000752 Bear Grylls Folding Sheath Knife 3.6" Combo Blade, Rubber Grip Handles

The Bear Grylls Folding Sheath Knife has a compact blade made of High Carbon Stainless Steel that can fit in a sheath or on your belt, and out of the way. But don’t be fooled by its compact size. This is a serious blade. Half the blade is serrated, which can be used for cutting rope. The overall length of this knife is 8.5 inches with a blade length of 3.6 inches. That makes it comparable to many of the medium-sized survival knives on the market. The blade has a lock back feature which keeps the blade in place while it is open for extra safety. The closed length is 4.9 inches. The blade has a thumb stud which can be used to open the knife with one hand. This can come in handy when you’re out in the field with a handful of anything. This knife weighs 5.3 ounces with the sheath and 4.3 ounces without the sheath so it is relatively light for its full size.

Gerber 31-000752 Bear Grylls Folding Sheath Knife 3.6" Combo Blade, Rubber Grip Handles

The grip is excellent on the Gerber Bear Grylls Folding Knife. This is one of the more comfortable grips I handled lately and feels good in all handling positions. Rubberized and textured ensures that you will have a strong grip, no matter the conditions you are working in. The ergonomic shape makes this handle very comfortable. The dark grey rubber overlay material works nicely in conjunction with the much harder orange base material. I am a huge fan of rubberized grips when it comes to using a knife in the field when weather conditions may not be optimal.

Gerber 31-000752 Bear Grylls Folding Sheath Knife 3.6" Combo Blade, Rubber Grip Handles

The Gerber Bear Grylls Folding Sheath Knife comes with a durable nylon sheath which is mildew resistant and accommodates horizontal as well as vertical carry. I am not a huge fan of nylon sheaths but it does the job. I prefer hard plastic type sheaths because more care has to be taken with nylon sheaths, so as not to have the knife sitting in a moisture pit, causing corrosion. Good sheaths are inexpensive so this is not a deal breaker and at least it’s not leather.

This knife comes with Bear Grylls Survival pocket guide. It has survival basics which you can follow to help keep you alive in a survival situation. I personally think this is a gimmick to appeal to a specific demographic and see no real use for it, at least not for most people interested in survival knives.

Overall I rate this knife a 7.5. The Gerber Folding Sheath Knife is a good option survival knife, priced affordably and worth it for the abilities of this blade.

To buy or get more information on the Gerber 31-000752 Bear Grylls Folding Sheath Knife with 3.6" Combo Blade and Rubber Grip Handles, click the link below.

Gerber 31-000752 Bear Grylls Folding Sheath Knife 3.6" Combo Blade, Rubber Grip Handles

Gerber 31-000752 Bear Grylls Folding Sheath Knife 3.6" Combo Blade, Rubber Grip Handles

All Comments are Welcome and Appreciated.

Gerber LHR Fixed Blade Combat Knife Review

2012-10-10T22:02:00.000-04:00

Gerber LHR Combat Knife 6.87" Fixed Blade, Reeve and Harsey Design, Strap On Sheath

Knife makers William W. Harsey Jr. and Chris Reeve collaborated on the technical details of the Gerber LHR Combat Knife, but Matt Larsen, an expert in close quarters combat also contributed some unusual ideas. Larsen studied hundreds of actual combat encounters before finalizing the LHR concept. Designed for the urban soldier, the Gerber LHR concept is as much about knife retention as it is about the fighting blade.

The Gerber LHR features a 6.87 inch part serrated blade of low luster high carbon stainless steel. It has an overall length of 12.5 inches and weighs 11.2 ounces. The hefty full tang handle includes a deep finger choil and generous dropped bolster. The black Tachide handle is textured for a secure grip even in wet situations. The slightly dropped heel contributes to retention when pulling the knife back from the target, and the V-shaped pommel with lanyard hole also serves as a glass breaker pommel. The knife's false upper edge adds to its piercing power, and there's a short section of serrated edge to take care of rope and straps quickly.

Gerber LHR Combat Knife 6.87" Fixed Blade, Reeve and Harsey Design, Strap On Sheath

I am quite impressed with the sheath of the Gerber LHR. The sheath features an unusual locking mechanism which has a built in safety release that can only release the knife by the wearer. Grip the hilt, push the release plate down, and pull the knife free. If anyone else tries it, they won't have the proper leverage to make it happen. That's certainly a handy feature, but it will take some practice before it's fast and instinctive. Getting the knife back in the sheath and past the lock is also a little tricky, but you won't need to worry about the LHR coming loose whether you're fighting or just fighting your way through heavy brush.

Gerber LHR Combat Knife 6.87" Fixed Blade, Reeve and Harsey Design, Strap On Sheath

Overall, I rate the Gerber LHR Knife an 8 out of 10. Here's why -- As a primary fixed blade knife, for the purpose of tactical / combat deployment, I think it's a very innovative development, and I commend Gerber for it. When you pick this knife up, you know it means business. There is no doubt that this knife was built for combat, but with a survival edge to it as well. In my opinion, when comparing the Gerber LHR to the full combat-oriented Silver Trident and the Survival/Egress-oriented LMF II, you realize that Gerber implemented both qualities into one platform. This happened in both function and price as the LHR is somewhat between the Silver Trident and LMF II in pricing. The LHR Knife has a thick and somewhat "tapering" spine as you get to the point but it's still good enough to baton with, and the serrations are small enough to not matter to plain blade enthusiasts, but be there when you have that thick rope you need to cut through immediately.

To buy or get more information on the Gerber LHR Combat Knife 6.87" Fixed Blade, Reeve and Harsey Design with Strap On Sheath, click the link below.

Gerber LHR Combat Knife 6.87" Fixed Blade, Reeve and Harsey Design, Strap On Sheath

Gerber LHR Combat Knife 6.87" Fixed Blade, Reeve and Harsey Design, Strap On Sheath

All Comments are Welcome and Appreciated.

CRKT Folts Minimalist Knife Review

2012-09-26T21:45:00.000-04:00

Columbia River Folts Minimalist Neck Knife 2" Wharncliffe Blade

Designed by acclaimed custom Knife maker, Alan Folts of Greenville, N.C., the Folts Minimalist neck knife produced by Columbia River Knife and Tool friction-fits in an inverted Zytel sheath worn around the neck. Grasp the deep finger grooves of the handle or the braided nylon fob hanging from it and pull the knife free for quick one-handed deployment.

Columbia River Folts Minimalist Neck Knife 2" Wharncliffe Blade

The CRKT Minimalist features a full-tang Wharncliffe blade with micarta scales. The Wharncliffe blade, only 2 inches of straight-edged, talon-shaped 5Cr15MoV stainless steel with a Rockwell hardness of 55-57, provides considerable strength in spite of the knife's light weight of 1.1 ounces. This knife came with an exceptionally sharp edge and has a very pleasing bead blasted finish. Also, the back side of the blade has grip serrations milled for your thumb for maximal force if needed. Ground with a rugged flat taper and built with a full tang micarta-slab handle, this knife doesn't have the cheap feel of other neck knives made from thinner stock. Used for slicing cuts as intended, it's a sensible blade.

Columbia River Folts Minimalist Neck Knife 2" Wharncliffe Blade

The handle allows for a secure grip due to the deep finger grooves with no chance of slipping. Another huge plus is the scales are removable with a standard torx bit. The scales fit perfectly with zero gaps and have a very cool green/black coloration. The lanyard on the knife is also very functional and allows your pinky finger to get a firm grip and adds to the excellent fit in the hand as well as something to grip when removing it from its sheath. The sheath holds the knife very firmly yet allows you easy access and release when removing. The weight is less than two ounces (1.6oz) with the knife and sheath, meaning you don't really notice that you have the knife on your person. The paracord necklace is also great and easily adjustable to the length that you prefer.

As an emergency blade or a backup knife, the CRKT Minimalist Knife makes better sense strapped to gear or sewn to the inside of a hunting vest. At 1.6 ounces including the Zytel sheath and nylon neck cord, it's a dependable but light-duty knife that outdoorsmen won't notice until it's needed. Overall I rate this knife an 8 out of 10. If you have either ever considered a neck knife, have a different model, or even if you haven't, I recommend you check this knife out. It might just become your favorite and could potentially help you out of a sticky situation.

To buy or get more information on the Columbia River Folts Minimalist Neck Knife with 2" Wharncliffe Blade, click the link below.

Columbia River Folts Minimalist Neck Knife 2" Wharncliffe Blade

All Comments are Welcome and Appreciated.

KA-BAR 1213 Full Size Fighting/Utility Knife Review

2012-09-12T21:50:00.000-04:00

KA-BAR 1213 Full Size Fighting Knife 7" Black Plain Blade, Kraton G Handle, Kydex Sheath

The Ka-Bar Full Size Black Survival Knife features a Clip Point blade with a 20 degree angle . It is made from 1095 Cro-Van Steel with a Rockwell hardness of 56-58 and is very easy to sharpen. Since it is not a stainless steel you will have a little more maintenance on your hands, but nothing major, just keep the blade oiled between uses and when storing your survival knife. The length of the blade is 7 inches and the overall length of the Ka-Bar 1213 Knife is 11.75 inches. The blade shape and design has a proven design and has been used not only on the battlefield, but also by woodsmen. This knife is ideal for self defense, hunting, dicing, cutting, carving, hacking, whittling, slicing rope, cords or bandages and a variety of other utilitarian purposes. Also, this blade is thick enough to use as a pry bar if you really needed to, although I don’t recommend that you use your survival knife for prying unless you absolutely, positively had no other choice.

KA-BAR 1213 Full Size Fighting Knife 7" Black Plain Blade, Kraton G Handle, Kydex Sheath

The handle is Ka-Bar’s Kraton-G which gives a secure grip even in wet or muddy conditions, which is something I look for in a survival knife, unless you are going to be using it in perfect weather, this is an important consideration for proper functionality and safety. One point to note is that the Ka-Bar 1213 survival knife is still manufactured in the U.S.A. and most survival knives are no longer made in the U.S.A.

KA-BAR 1213 Full Size Fighting Knife 7" Black Plain Blade, Kraton G Handle, Kydex Sheath

The Ka-Bar Full Size Survival Knife comes with sheath that is not made in the U.S.A. but it does the job as well as a sheath can. The sheath is made of Kydex, a tough, durable reinforced plastic which provides a hard surface which protects your knife during rough use. The Kydex sheath gives you a variety of mounting options which is helpful for a knife this large. And most importantly the Kydex sheath won’t retain moisture like a leather or nylon sheath will. Overall I rate this knife a 9 out of 10. The Ka Bar 1213 is an great knife if you are looking for one this large, this is one of the best survival knives at this length at this price point.

To buy or get more information on the KA-BAR 1213 Full Size Fighting Knife with 7" Black Plain Blade, Kraton G Handle and Kydex Sheath, click the link below.

KA-BAR 1213 Full Size Fighting Knife 7" Black Plain Blade, Kraton G Handle, Kydex Sheath

KA-BAR 1213 Full Size Fighting Knife 7" Black Plain Blade, Kraton G Handle, Kydex Sheath

All Comments are Welcome and Appreciated.

Smith & Wesson Search and Rescue Fixed Blade Knife Review

2012-08-29T22:10:00.005-04:00

Smith & Wesson CKSUR1 Search & Rescue, 6. in. Blk Blade w/Blood Line, Nylon Sheath

Smith & Wesson is mostly known for its handguns and ammunition than for its knives. Although many Smith & Wesson models carry tactical names like Swat, Homeland Security and Extreme Ops, blade styles and opening systems frequently qualify them as sporting knives. Many are suitable for civilian use, even though still popular with military and law enforcement personnel. Smith & Wesson no longer manufactures Smith & Wesson knives, which are now made in China and marketed by Taylor Brands, LLC.

Smith & Wesson CKSUR1 Search & Rescue, 6. in. Blk Blade w/Blood Line, Nylon Sheath

The Smith and Wesson CKSUR1 Bullseye Search and Rescue Fixed Blade Survival Knife features a 5.88" modified clip point blade made of 440 stainless steel. Stainless steel blades are virtually indestructible, can take a beating and last a long time without rusting. The blade has a blood groove, and is powder coated in a black coat that minimizes glare and reflection. The Smith & Wesson Search and Rescue logo is stamped on the blade. This blade arrived hair-shaving sharp out of the box. The Smith & Wesson Search and Rescue Knife is 10.5" in overall length.

The blade on the Smith and Wesson Search and Rescue is not serrated. So the knife will work better for chopping wood and is much easier to sharpen. A good smooth stone can even be used to sharpen a straight blade if you are without a whetstone.

The handle is made from rubberized aluminum and has grooves for a very comfortable and secure grip. The handle has a forward bending metal cross guard and a butt cap which can be used for light duty hammering.

Smith & Wesson CKSUR1 Search & Rescue, 6. in. Blk Blade w/Blood Line, Nylon Sheath

The nylon sheath is actually decent and is constructed with a hard synthetic liner and metal reinforcements. The sheath also includes a D ring, lashing slots, and a front mounted nylon storage pouch with Velcro closure. The knife securing loop is also Velcro which is a bummer when it comes to drawing the knife quietly when needed. This knife comes with a sharpener but I recommend you do yourself a favor and buy something better. The sharpener is of inferior quality. Many people will tell you that the quality of this Survival Knife is very good for the price. It stands up to heavy usage pretty well, as well as survival knives that cost 3 times as much. This is a solid knife, with a decent nylon sheath, especially when considering the cost. Overall, I rate the Smith and Wesson CKSUR1 an 8 out of 10.

To buy or get more information on the Smith & Wesson CKSUR1 Search & Rescue, 6. in. Black Blade with Blood Line and Nylon Sheath, click the link below.

Smith & Wesson CKSUR1 Search & Rescue, 6. in. Blk Blade w/Blood Line, Nylon Sheath

Smith & Wesson CKSUR1 Search & Rescue, 6. in. Blk Blade w/Blood Line, Nylon Sheath

All Comments are Welcome and Appreciated.

ESEE Junglas Fixed Blade Knife Review

2012-08-15T21:15:00.000-04:00

ESEE Knives Junglas Machete 10" Blade, Micarta Handles, Kydex Sheath

Randall's Adventure and Training manufactures several excellent survival knives. This company has only been around since 1997 but they are making a huge impact in the knife world. They recently changed their name from RAT to ESEE due to ongoing confusion with Ontario Knives using their RAT name. Using superior materials and keeping a close eye on function has made these knives a favorite to many outdoorsmen. Plus their knives are made here in the U.S.A.

Although their current knife catalog is relatively small (but growing) compared to the larger knife companies, they more than make up for it in quality, function, and customer service on their knives.

ESEE Knives Junglas Machete 10" Blade, Micarta Handles, Kydex Sheath

The blade of the ESEE Junglas is 1095 carbon steel with a thickness of .188" and an overall length of 16.5". When properly heat treated, it is a reasonably tough steel, is easy to sharpen and holds an edge well. It does, however, rust easily. You will find that most 1095 blades have a protective coating to help minimize the rusting. Nonetheless, it is important that you keep the blade lightly oiled after use. The ESEE Junglas' overall length is 16.5" and the blade is 10.5". Without the sheath, the Junglas weighs 22.5 ounces and with the sheath is 33 ounces.

ESEE Knives Junglas Machete 10" Blade, Micarta Handles, Kydex Sheath

The ESEE Junglas Knife is equipped with removable canvas micarta handles. When I first picked up this knife, it felt like ESEE Knives made this knife especially for me. The handles literally melted into my hands... simply put, the ergononics are quite exceptional. I don't think ESEE Knives could have chosen a better handle material. The canvas micarta scales are very robust and sturdy, sure to provide a solid, secure grip. The canvas micarta scales are held in place with 3 allen bolts which can be removed whenever you need to clean and / or oil your Junglas Knife.

ESEE Knives Junglas Machete 10" Blade, Micarta Handles, Kydex Sheath

The sheath of the ESEE Junglas is made of kydex and comes with a cordura MOLLE back. It is ambidextrous and has very good retention, but not so much that you must fight to remove it. A thumb on the corner of the sheath allows it to be removed easily. The knife is secured to the sheath by an adjustable snap that holds the handle in place and keeps if from rattling around. Simply put, the sheath that comes with the Junglas Knife is very well made and of excellent quality.

I rate the ESEE Junglas Knife a 9 out of 10. With the Junglas, not only do you get an awesome knife and sheath ... but you also get one of the best no nonsense lifetime warranties in the business! The ESEE Junglas is a great knife for the wilderness, survival, and all around machete for the field. I recommend it!

To buy or get more information on the ESEE Knives Junglas Machete 10" Blade with Micarta Handles and Kydex Sheath, click the link below.

ESEE Knives Junglas Machete 10" Blade, Micarta Handles, Kydex Sheath

FREE SHIPPING!! (for a limited time)

ESEE Knives Junglas Machete 10" Blade, Micarta Handles, Kydex Sheath

FREE SHIPPING!!
(for a limited time)

All Comments are Welcome and Appreciated.

Boker Plus Elegance BOB Fixed Blade Knife Review

2012-08-01T21:15:00.000-04:00

Boker Plus Elegance Vox Bob Fixed 3-3/4" Blade, Micarta Handles

Today's review is on the Boker Plus Elegance BOB fixed blade knife. BOB is an acronym for "bug out bag" or "bail out bag". The Boker Plus Elegance BOB fixed blade is designed by Danish knifemaker Jesper Voxnaes.

A Boker / Jesper Voxnaes collaboration, the Boker BOB is made with a 7mm thick slab of AUS-8 stainless steel. When I first ran across this knife I knew I had to get one. When you have an appreciation of knives, or edged tools, you have very likely felt the same as many times as I have.

Boker Plus Elegance Vox Bob Fixed 3-3/4" Blade, Micarta Handles

The Boker Plus BOB has a 3-3/4" clip point blade with a full flat grind, and is 7-3/4" overall. It weighs a hefty 9.5 ounces. This knife features a beastly skull crusher / glass breaking pommel and a very appealing contoured, three dimensional green canvas micarta handle with red liners and a couple of stainless steel tubular pins. The excellent design of the ergonomic handle are sure to provide you with a solid, secure grip in any condition.

Boker Plus Elegance Vox Bob Fixed 3-3/4" Blade, Micarta Handles

The blade steel used for the Boker Plus Elegance BOB is AUS-8 stainless steel with a thickness of 7mm and comes out of the box razor sharp. AUS-8 is a low to medium carbon, high chromium stainless steel, which offers a superb balance of edge sharpness, toughness, strength and corrosion resistance. Despite the thick 7mm blade stock the Boker Vox BOB has proven to be very effective in a variety of cutting tasks, such as food preparation, opening carboard boxes. The pronounced belly of the blade will make this knife ideal for field dressing small game. The blade grind allows for maximum cutting performance without reducing the heft. The Boker BOB is also heavy enough for chopping and thick enough for splitting wood.

Boker Plus Elegance Vox Bob Fixed 3-3/4" Blade, Micarta Handles

This knife is shipped with a black kydex sheath by none other than Tom Krein. Tom Krein is a highly respected US knifemaker also known for his own collaborations with Boker. When I first received my Vox BOB, I found it difficult to remove the knife from the sheath. I quickly resolved this issue by inserting and taking the knife out of the sheath a few times. I can see how this knife and sheath are perfect for each other. Overall, I rate the Boker Plus Elegance BOB a solid 9 out of 10. I am very pleased! Thank you Boker!

To buy or get more information on the Boker Plus Elegance Vox Bob Fixed 3-3/4" Blade with Micarta Handles, click the link below.

Boker Plus Elegance Vox Bob Fixed 3-3/4" Blade, Micarta Handles

Boker Plus Elegance Vox Bob Fixed 3-3/4" Blade, Micarta Handles

All Comments are Welcome and Appreciated.

SOG Seal Pup Fixed Blade Knife Review

2012-07-18T21:30:00.001-04:00

SOG SEAL Pup 4.75" Powder Coated Combo Edge Blade with Nylon Sheath

The SOG SEAL Pup continues with the same service and quality of the well known SOG SEAL Knife, the knife used by the Navy SEALs. The SOG SEAL Pup has all the benefits of the original SEAL Knife, but in a smaller version. Everywhere you look people love the SOG SEAL Pup. It consistently gets great reviews all around. You will have a hard time finding a Survival Knife as good as this for such a great price.

The blade is made from AUS8 stainless steel and is partially serrated to provide easy rope cutting capabilities. I prefer the serrations on top of the top side of a blade but these serrations only cover a small portion of the sharp side of the blade and this survival knife just feels so right that I am willing to overlook that minor detail. The blade is powder coated to help increase strength and to provide corrosion resistance as well as reflection reduction. The blade is very easily managed at 4.75 inches in length. With the overall length at 9 inches you will have no problem wearing this knife for easy access whatever situation you find yourself in.

SOG SEAL Pup 4.75" Powder Coated Combo Edge Blade with Nylon Sheath

The SEAL Pup has a Zytel handle with diamond-knurled grip and is glass-reinforced so that you will be able to keep a handle on things, even when conditions aren’t the best. Survival Knife grips are a personal preference but I believe that once you hold this knife in your hand, your personal preference will lean towards the Zytel knurled grips. Rubberized grips flex slightly to provide a strong secure grip and I’m telling you, you could grease this handle up and still have a good grip (You shouldn’t grease the handle up though).

The SEAL Pup comes with a multi-mounting nylon sheath and the handle has a lanyard hole at the top. I prefer the Kydex sheath because it won’t retain moisture which in turn promotes corrosion (even stainless steel can corrode if it isn’t taken care of properly). The SOG M37-K is the same exact SOG Seal Pup Survival Knife but it replaces the nylon sheath with the kydex sheath. If you already have the kydex sheath for this survival knife or don’t mind the nylon sheath, then this is the survival knife for you. Otherwise, look at the SOG Specialty Knives & Tools M37-K Seal Pup Knife with Kydex Sheath. It won’t take much research to come to the conclusion that this is one of the best Survival Knives out there at this price. The SOG SEAL Pup is, without a doubt, one of the best survival knifes I have ever seen.

To buy or get more information on the SOG SEAL Pup 4.75" Powder Coated Combo Edge Blade with Nylon Sheath, click the link below.

SOG SEAL Pup 4.75" Powder Coated Combo Edge Blade with Nylon Sheath

SOG SEAL Pup 4.75" Powder Coated Combo Edge Blade with Nylon Sheath

All Comments are Welcome and Appreciated.

Case Stag Trapperlock Folding Knife Review

2012-07-11T21:50:00.000-04:00

Case Genuine Stag TrapperLock 4-1/8" Closed (5154 SS) Gift Box/Tin

Almost too good to be true, the Case Stag Series 5154L Trapperlock takes an old but loved pocket knife and makes it better. If you already own the traditional model but secretly envy the newer one-handled locking folders, this is your chance to discreetly retire the Trapper slip joint and join modern society.

This really is the old reliable Case XX Trapper -- one of the company's most popular pocket folder knives since the Case company began producing knives in 1889 -- but with modern perks that are rapidly becoming standard features. The old Trapper opened with a thumb notch and snapped into place with a pressure-release spring bar (the slip joint method). The new Case Trapperlock Knife is a whole new beast. The Trapperlock's clip point blade spins open on a precision bearing, easy enough to flick open with the thumb in a one-handed movement. Fully open, the blade seats with a stout liner lock that holds the blade open until intentionally released by side pressure. There may no longer be the need for that cautious father-son discussion about how pocket knives tend to close up on a person's fingers if used incorrectly. This is a much safer and more practical knife.

Locked open, the Trapperlock Knife has much of the blade security of a small fixed blade, but still has the look of the classic Case pocket knife. Genuine stag antler handle slabs and polished nickel bolsters form the grip, and the knife folds to a convenient 4-1/8 inches with no sharp edges to wear holes in your pocket. In 2008, Case began production of three classic styles in the Trapperlock design including Yellow Handle, Red Bone, and this knife in India Stag.

I rate the Case Stag Trapperlock a solid 9.5 out of 10. This knife is yet another excellent example of the fine craftsmanship that marks Case knives.

To buy or get more information on the Case Genuine Stag TrapperLock 4-1/8" Closed (5154 SS) Gift Box/Tin, click the link below.

Case Genuine Stag TrapperLock 4-1/8" Closed (5154 SS) Gift Box/Tin

Case Genuine Stag TrapperLock 4-1/8" Closed (5154 SS) Gift Box/Tin

All Comments are Welcome and Appreciated.

Kershaw Clash Knife Review

2012-07-05T22:50:00.000-04:00

Kershaw Clash Assisted 3" Bead-Blast Plain Blade, Polyimide Handles

The Kershaw Clash, model 1605, is possibly one of the more attractive assisted-open folding knives I've seen in a while. It fits the hand perfectly, is easy to use, and has a glass-filled nylon handle that's just grippy enough, but remains comfortable as you use it. The drop point blade has a nice belly and comes with a bead-blasted finish. I've used the Speedsafe-enabled Clash in a variety of applications and carried it for weeks. I have to say, once you pick up this knife and start to use it, you may not put it down again... at least not anywhere your friends might "accidentally" walk away with it!

Before doing a review on a knife, what I always do is open it up to see what it looks like, how it feels - and discern the intent of the blade. Is it tactical? Is it made for EDC? Will it blend? Often a blade has a specific purpose which governs its design and features, but sometimes a knife comes across as an all-around versatile tool that just seems "right". The Clash falls into the second category. It's not a tactical weapon. It doesn't have any features specifically for safety, or the workplace. It's not colorful or particularly rugged-looking. But it's got a nice shape - both to the blade and the handle. It "feels" right when you hold it, with excellent balance and just the right sizing to make it a great EDC (every day carry) knife.

Kershaw Clash Assisted 3" Bead-Blast Plain Blade, Polyimide Handles

Look at the drop point blade, for example. While some may not prefer this blade style, the Kershaw Clash Knife includes a nicely rounded belly on the blade that gives it a slight recurve, with a bit more girth and rigidity during use. It also allows you to "aim" the knife for more delicate and focused trimming or shaving as opposed to a flatter blade. The back of the blade lacks any real jimping (notches on the back side where your thumb rests in the forward position), but it has a smooth and comfortable depression. As such, this isn't a knife that's meant to be "wielded" so much as easily handled and controlled for general use.

And that general use doesn't mean you can't manhandle the Kershaw Clash 1605. The liner lock is thick, providing a solid pressure to stop the blade and hold it secure in the open position. At the same time, it's a simple thumb move to release it. The Speedsafe function worked flawlessly and I only noticed a slight amount of side-to-side wobble in the blade which I was able to remove by slightly tightening the Allen-head screw at the blade pivot point. I am not sure if this was just a QC (quality control) issue from the factory, or what, but the blade never loosened up again after I tightened it.

Kershaw Clash Assisted 3" Bead-Blast Plain Blade, Polyimide Handles

The texture on the glass-filled nylon handle isn't terribly rough, which is partly why the blade is so easy to hold and maneuver. It has just enough variance to give it a solid grip without being too aggressive. You're not likely to drop the Clash, or have it accidentally slip out of your hand while handling it. The included belt clip is unusually large - and by "large" I mean "fat". It's wider than what I typically see on EDC knives and, while robust, we questioned why Kershaw chose such a design. There is also a rather steep angle along the top of the clip, which helps it seat itself perfectly in pockets that flatten out (like the typical jean style) but which may prove to be awkward on pockets that angle all the way down to the bottom (as with some work pants).

Kershaw Clash Assisted 3" Bead-Blast Plain Blade, Polyimide Handles

The clip is also positioned such that the knife sticks out about 7/8 of an inch when you carry it and Kershaw could have saved 1/8-inch on this easily simply by shortening the distance from the holes to the top of the clip. The clip can be mounted to the bottom of the knife, but you can't reverse it to the other side for a left-hand carry.

Opening this knife is a most satisfying experience. The Speedsafe combined with the blade shape and size give it a very satisfying 'snap' on open. It's also loud and will get the attention of everyone in a small room (which could be good or bad, so exercise with caution). The Kershaw Clash Folding Knife is well-balanced and you can really wrap your hand all the way around it for near-perfect control over slicing, cutting and shaping. There are two positions my thumb liked to be in, depending upon whether I was looking for more control (on the curved part of the spine) or speed (on the small jimping ridges). I did everything with this knife, carrying it for weeks and opening boxes, cutting through nylon rope... it even served me well whittling up some sticks for hot dogs and various other food prep tasks on a recent family barbecue. Even after all that, the blade was relatively sharp, but we took out my Spyderco Tri-angle Sharpmaker and touched it up, noting that the 8CR13MOV stainless steel of this V-ground blade is a very easy material to sharpen. This is a Chinese steel that is comparable to AUS-8 and so far it's proven to be reliable and resistant to rust, though further use will tell over the long haul how well it withstands the elements. As with anything, good maintenance and care will help you enjoy your blade for a much longer time and Kershaw's limited lifetime warranty means that the blade is guaranteed against manufacturing defects (but not rust or damage from prying). They'll also sharpen your knife for free if you send it to them - you just need to pay for shipping to the company.

I rate the Kershaw Clash 1605 an 8 out of 10. If you want a nice EDC knife that has a versatile blade that is good for cutting, slicing and shaping, it's going to be difficult to top the Kershaw Clash 1605. I love the drop tip blade, and the entire knife just feels right. Weight, handling, and grip are all in good balance. The pocket clip could be improved, but it's not a very serious ding on an otherwise excellent knife. While I've used this blade as my EDC for the past several weeks, it's one that will be hard to give up. While it retails for $39.95, I've seen it online for a lot less than that, making it not only a great knife, but a great bargain.

To buy or get more information on the Kershaw Clash Model 1605 Assisted 3" Bead-Blast Plain Blade with Polyimide Handles, click the link below.

Kershaw Clash Assisted 3" Bead-Blast Plain Blade, Polyimide Handles

Kershaw Clash Assisted 3" Bead-Blast Plain Blade, Polyimide Handles

All Comments are Welcome and Appreciated.

ESEE RC-5 Fixed Blade Knife Review

2012-06-27T22:15:00.002-04:00

ESEE Knives ESEE-5 Fixed 5.25" Black Combo Blade, Black Kydex Sheath

The designers of ESEE Knives, Mike Perrin and Jeff Randall, who are also the owners of ESEE Knives, weren't happy with the knives they were purchasing and taking on Jungle tours in South America so they set out to build their own knives that could stand up to almost any challenge. ESEE is pronounced "S" "E" wich stands for Escuela de Supervivencia (School of Survival), Escape and Evasion.

Although their current knife catalog is relatively small (but growing) compared to the larger knife companies, they more than make up for it in quality, function, and customer service on their knives.

Because of a rare trait among some people today, that trait being honesty, the ESEE 5 no longer carries the SERE name on it. After assuming that SERE was in the public domain and marketing their RC-5 with the SERE acronym, ESEE Knives (formerly RAT Cutlery) did some digging and discovered that the SERE mark was actually owned by someone. As it turns out it was a friend of theirs in the knife industry.

ESEE has been having legal issues with a company they did business with previously over the use of RAT for their knives (which ultimately lead to their own name change), so they were extremely sensitive to the issues of intellectual property.

Although this knife was designed by SERE instructors it will not carry the SERE mark. The logo has been changed, on the ESEE Knives site the ESEE 5 Knife logo is shown with a skull that has two knives crossed behind it and the letters ES EE. This stands for Escuela de Supervivencia - Evasion Escape, as mentioned above.

This knife has a couple of nice features, it has a bow drill divot on the handle for using a bow drill for starting a fire, and it has a point on the end of the pommel that can be used for breaking glass.

The ESEE RC-5 is an extremely solid survival knife and is a top pick for many folks in the field. The Esse is 10.88 inches overall with a 1/4 inch thick 1095 carbon steel blade at 5 1/4 inches long. The Blade is powder coated for finish and durability and has a saber grind which keeps the blade thickness all the way out to the point.

The handle of the Esee RC5 is canvas micarta and also features a lanyard / glass breaking pommel at the butt of the knife.

The sheath is kydex and relatively basic. The great thing about the sheaths on the ESSE knives is that they have a sliding bolt at the top of the sheath that helps to lock the knife in place while you are in the woods.

Without a doubt, if I was out there in the wilds and could only have one knife, the ESEE RC-5 would be at the top of the list. I simply wouldn't have to worry what I had to use it for it ain't gonna fail.

ESEE Knives ESEE-5 Fixed 5.25" Black Combo Blade, Black Kydex Sheath

In the woods the knife preformed well on basic tasks, shaving fuzz sticks for a fire, then batoning logs, and it would still shave hair on my arm. One interesting feature of the ESEE-5 is a small depression in the handle that can be used for a spindle if one is attempting a bow drill fire. I did not have the opportunity to test this feature, but I do plan to give it a try shortly. The high carbon steel of the blade will throw an excellent shower of sparks from flint or a metal match only from the cutting edge as the rest of the blade is coated!

Overall, I rate this knife a nine out of ten. This knife is like a Becker BK2 or a RAT 5 on steroids. It is extremely well thought out and is a serious workhorse.

To buy or get more information on the ESEE Knives ESEE-5 Fixed 5.25" Black Combo Blade with Black Kydex Sheath, click the link below.

ESEE Knives ESEE-5 Fixed 5.25" Black Combo Blade, Black Kydex Sheath

ESEE Knives ESEE-5 Fixed 5.25" Black Combo Blade, Black Kydex Sheath

All Comments are Welcome and Appreciated.

TOPS Buck 650 Nighthawk Fixed Blade Combat Knife Review

2012-06-20T22:30:00.000-04:00

TOPS/Buck 650 Nighthawk Combat Knife Fixed 6-1/2" Plain Blade, Nylon Handles

The TOPS/Buck 650 Nighthawk Combat Knife is a rugged fixed blade tactical knife with a nice looking and ergonomically designed handle. The blade is 6.5 inches long and is a modified clip point shape. Made from 420 High Carbon Black Oxide Stainless Steel, Buck uses an excellent heat treatment that maximizes the steel’s hardiness. The blade is on the thicker side so it isn’t the greatest at slicing but it can be used as a pry bar. This blade also isn’t the best at chopping but it stabs with great penetration. It is 11-1/4 inches in overall length and weighs 10 oz.The weight is distributed nicely and it feels comfortable even at 11 plus inches. I think part of the reason it feels comfortable to hold is due to the rubberized grip.

TOPS/Buck 650 Nighthawk Combat Knife Fixed 6-1/2" Plain Blade, Nylon Handles

The TOPS Buck Nighthawk has a reinforced molded black nylon handle, with a rubber overlay that is textured. I think this is one of Buck Knives better handles because of the textured rubber. It still provides a good grip even in wet conditions but I am partial to rubberized type of grips for that reason alone. Unless you use your knives in a bubble I think rubberized handles are a serious consideration when looking to purchase a Survival Knife. One thing to be concerned with is how you treat the handle. The handle is somewhat durable but don’t go hammering with it because there is no steel pommel underneath it. I haven’t heard of any problems with the handle but my concern is being an overlay that separation can occur over time.

This knife comes with a black nylon sheath that is better than the normal Buck Knives leather sheaths. It’s not the best sheath out there but it is decent and doesn’t necessarily need to be replaced. This knife is an excellent outdoor utility blade that doubles nicely as a self-defense weapon.

To buy or get more information on the TOPS/Buck 650 Nighthawk Combat Knife Fixed 6-1/2" Plain Blade with Nylon Handles, click the link below.

TOPS/Buck 650 Nighthawk Combat Knife Fixed 6-1/2" Plain Blade, Nylon Handles

TOPS/Buck 650 Nighthawk Combat Knife Fixed 6-1/2" Plain Blade, Nylon Handles

All Comments are Welcome and Appreciated.

Cold Steel Paradox Knife Review

2012-06-13T21:30:00.001-04:00

Cold Steel Paradox Butterfly-Style (Two Handed Opener) 4-1/2" Blade, Aluminum Handles

The Cold Steel Paradox operates smoothly but differently from the traditional balisong or butterfly knife. The modified design was created to put this knife in the same category as folding pocket knives. Any truly one-handed opening knife is subject to legal restrictions, and the Paradox is not a one-handed opener. The Paradox adapts balisong components to fit the needs of modern American users.

Cold Steel Paradox Butterfly-Style (Two Handed Opener) 4-1/2" Blade, Aluminum Handles

Since the Cold Steel Paradox Knife is based upon spring-loaded handle billets that require two hands to open and close, some of the drama of the flashy balisong has gone away here. The compensation for that is a very solid design without any of the slop that goes along with the average butterfly knife. The twin steel springs lock the blade in both closed and open positions.

Cold Steel Paradox Butterfly-Style (Two Handed Opener) 4-1/2" Blade, Aluminum Handles

Cold Steel uses the best construction method -- channeled handles -- to build this knife. Blade grooves in each handle half are accurately machined from polished aircraft aluminum, not cast metal as in cheaper versions of the butterfly knife. A 4-1/2-inch leaf-point hollow ground high carbon AUS 8A stainless steel blade, plus the artistically skeletonized 5-inch handle, unfolds to a full length of 9-1/2 inches. Since that's a little too large to lie comfortably at the bottom of a pocket, owners will find the stainless steel pocket clip very handy. Aluminum components are hard anodized for added luster and durability.

I am very impressed with the quality of the Cold Steel Paradox Knife. The fit and finish is perfect. This knife can serve excellently as an edc or defensive knife. I recommend it.

To buy or get more information on the Cold Steel Paradox Butterfly-Style (Two Handed Opener) with 4-1/2" Blade and Aluminum Handles, click the link below.

Cold Steel Paradox Butterfly-Style (Two Handed Opener) 4-1/2" Blade, Aluminum Handles

Cold Steel Paradox Butterfly-Style (Two Handed Opener) 4-1/2" Blade, Aluminum Handles

All Comments are Welcome and Appreciated.

Buck 110fg Folding Knife Review

2012-06-06T21:15:00.000-04:00

Buck Folding Hunter Finger Grooved 4-7/8" Closed Wood Handle with Leather Sheath

If you ever need a replacement for the Buck 110, I wouldn't hesitate to recommend the Buck 110FG Folding Lockback Hunter with Finger Grooves. I hope the Buck Company stops trying to improve this knife beyond that minor change, because it's an idea that doesn't need fixing.

Buck Folding Hunter Finger Grooved 4-7/8" Closed Wood Handle with Leather Sheath

The Buck 110FG lockback is a little heavy for some people, with a single 420HC high carbon stainless steel clip point blade and solid brass liners and bolsters. The handle slabs are genuine rosewood, a material so naturally dense and stable that -- even without an occasional rubdown with oil -- it remains lustrous and smooth. Other hardwoods may become rough and splintery if abused, but rosewood carries on. It seems to become better with use. Those good construction materials add up to a 7.2-ounce folder with a closed length of 4-7/8 inches. Buck makes modernized full tang hunters that weigh about the same as this pocket knife. The 110FG with scalloped finger grooves in the belly of the handle is big enough and strong enough for serious work. Not only is it great for hunting, it's great for those jobs around the campsite or on a hike that require a sharp knife. It's a versatile knife that has many uses from field dressing a buck to cutting small items around the campsite or on the hiking trail. The lockback is solid and trustworthy. I don't run across everyday tasks that are too much for my pocketknife to handle if I carry the 110, and the 110FG matches that standard.

The leather pouch sheath that comes with this knife is very useful, because keeping a knife this big in your pocket will actually wear a hole in your jeans in a surprisingly short time.

Buck Folding Hunter Finger Grooved 4-7/8" Closed Wood Handle with Leather Sheath

Overall the Buck 110fg is a great quality knife. I have no problems recommending this to anyone looking for a quality knife. The balance and design of the knife are nearly perfect.

To buy or get more information on the Buck Folding Hunter Finger Grooved 4-7/8" Closed Wood Handle with Leather Sheath, click the link below.

Buck Folding Hunter Finger Grooved 4-7/8" Closed Wood Handle with Leather Sheath

Buck Folding Hunter Finger Grooved 4-7/8" Closed Wood Handle with Leather Sheath

All Comments are Welcome and Appreciated.

Boker Plus Hyper Folding Knife Review

2012-05-30T21:15:00.001-04:00

BokerPlus Hyper by Chad Los Banos 2 3/4" Plain Edge Blade G10 Handle

Designed by Chad Los Banos and manufactured by Boker, the Hyper streamlines one of Los Banos's earlier knives -- the Subcom. Built thinner but just as solid, this 3.2-ounce, one-handed opening knife slips neatly into the pocket with a barely noticeable profile.

Dual thumb studs allow opening from either side of the blade, and the wide stainless steel pocket clip reverses for tip-up or tip-down carrying. The Boker Hyper's tactical black coating eliminates the shine of the AUS-8 high carbon stainless steel blade and all other visible metal parts. The Hyper has a very stout blade which has a very slight recurve. The swedge is (of course) not sharpened and serves to lighten the look of the blade. It hopefully goes without saying that it was hair shaving sharp out of the box. An internal frame lock holds the blade securely in the open position and releases easily.

BokerPlus Hyper by Chad Los Banos 2 3/4" Plain Edge Blade G10 Handle

The Boker Plus Hyper extends to a full length of 6-5/8 inches with a wide handle and a comfortable grip of fiber-reinforced dark nylon. Textured handle slabs provide a non-slip surface enhanced by grip-zone notches and shallow finger choils. There's considerable strength in the wide blade of the Hyper and an improved cutting design. Length of cutting edge is actually slightly longer than the 2-3/4-inch blade because of the slight recurve at the base. That shallow concave section focuses cutting pressure near the handle where the leverage advantage is greatest. When cutting heavy material like rope or seat belt webbing, the material sinks deeper against the cutting edge as it moves forward on the blade. Even with a plain edge, the knife grips as it cuts.

BokerPlus Hyper by Chad Los Banos 2 3/4" Plain Edge Blade G10 Handle

Even the Hyper's stainless steel pocket clip seems better than average, wider than the standard clip and strong enough to actually keep the knife in place. Conservative in size, the Boker Hyper Knife packs a lot of quality into a small package. In summary, this knife is an absolute bargain for a titanium coated, G-10 scaled small frame lock folder. It is well designed, well built, easy to carry and discreet.

To buy or get more information on the BokerPlus Hyper by Chad Los Banos with 2 3/4" Plain Edge Blade and G10 Handle, click the link below.

BokerPlus Hyper by Chad Los Banos 2 3/4" Plain Edge Blade G10 Handle

BokerPlus Hyper by Chad Los Banos 2 3/4" Plain Edge Blade G10 Handle

All Comments are Welcome and Appreciated.

KA-BAR TDI LDK Last Ditch Knife Review

2012-05-23T21:30:00.000-04:00

KA-BAR Last Ditch LDK TDI Law Enforcement Ankle / Neck Knife 1.7" Blade

The smallest knife so far in the KA-BAR TDI series, the Last Ditch Knife could actually be stored in your wallet. The Last Defense Knife isn't much larger than a credit card and wields a wicked cutting edge just 1-5/8 inches long.

The flat build uses the same pistol handle theory as TDI's larger knives, but the grip only accommodates two fingers. The jimped spine of the blade allows some backup pressure from your thumb, but there's very little knife here to hang on to. The hard plastic sheath of the LDK could be worn on a necklace, with the knife hanging upside down in the friction lock scabbard. A firm tug on the handle pulls it loose, but the bouncing and vibration of a hard run should leave it in place.

KA-BAR Last Ditch LDK TDI Law Enforcement Ankle / Neck Knife 1.7" Blade

The small size makes the knife easily concealed. KA-BAR suggests that the LDK tucks discreetly away under harness straps -- stitched on through the edges of the sheath -- if you're suited up for tactical assault. Tucked away in a civilian pocket or purse, or strapped to running gear, the KA-BAR Last Ditch Knife could be a confidence builder for some. TDI's fighting concept regards the knife as a claw, and the unique handle orientation presents the blade in that instinctive way. Made from 9Cr18 high carbon steel, hollow ground at a shallow 15-degree angle, the tiny LDK holds a razor-sharp edge.

The KA-BAR TDI Last Ditch Knife should be considered if you don’t already have one in your knife collection. This minuscule lightweight design provides for simple every day carry which allows it to go unnoticed till ultimately needed.

To buy or get more information on the KA-BAR Last Ditch LDK TDI Law Enforcement Ankle / Neck Knife 1.7" Blade, click the link below.

KA-BAR 1478BP Last Ditch LDK TDI Law Enforcement Ankle / Neck Knife 1.7" Blade

KA-BAR Last Ditch LDK TDI Law Enforcement Ankle / Neck Knife 1.7" Blade

All Comments are Welcome and Appreciated.

SOG Woodline Large Fixed Blade Knife Review

2012-05-16T20:26:00.000-04:00

SOG Woodline (Large) Fixed 4.8" Satin Plain Blade, Wood Handles

SOG's Woodline knives put the company's tactical quality to work for the hunter and fisherman. Built for practical camp work and survival needs, the Woodline knives skip the military features civilians don't require.

There's no tactical black coating, and you won't find a dagger point built for stabbing. The SOG Woodline's blade has the curve of a good hunter/skinner knife, providing enough plain cutting edge for precise work when dressing out game. The Woodline's flat grind also holds up to the harder chores like splitting kindling or taking down saplings. There's plenty of strong blade spine for driving that edge with a wooden club if need be, and you won't risk folding it over.

SOG Woodline (Large) Fixed 4.8" Satin Plain Blade, Wood Handles

SOG built the Woodline with a distinctive style that's still very practical. The slanted bead-blasted stainless steel bolster is wide enough that the finger choil doesn't even cut into the hardwood handle slabs. The wooden handle completely encloses the tang, but the tang is still wide enough for stout riveted construction and a lanyard fitting at the heel.

Jimping on the spine of the 4.8 inch long 8Cr13MoV high carbon stainless steel knife extends nearly half the length of the blade, giving more thumb control and leverage. The 10.4 inch Woodline weighs 8.3 ounces, enough to inspire confidence when you tackle something tough.

SOG Woodline (Large) Fixed 4.8" Satin Plain Blade, Wood Handles

The SOG Woodline Fixed Blade includes a belt sheath of real leather, and with the sheath's security strap snapped, you won't need to worry about the knife getting lost. With the strap around the finger choil, the knife is securely locked in place. String a wrist lanyard through the heel of the handle for extra safety.

The SOG Woodline is s great outdoor/camp and/or hunting knife. It comes with an excellent edge and curvature of the blade, and fits perfectly in my hand. The handle could be thicker for an even better grip. Its very rigid and can take heavy use.

For the money I would have to strongly recommend the SOG Woodline Knife, its price is very low and your getting not just a quality sheath where most knives in this price range will give you a cheap cardboard like sheath but a knife as well and from all the knives I have seen in this price range you will have to go far to find a better one or even one that matches this quality for the price!

To buy or get more information on the SOG Woodline (Large) Fixed 4.8" Satin Plain Blade with Wood Handles, click the link below.

SOG Woodline (Large) Fixed 4.8" Satin Plain Blade, Wood Handles

All Comments are Welcome and Appreciated.

Ontario SP8 Spec Plus Machete/Survival Knife Review

2012-05-01T23:30:00.000-04:00

Ontario Spec Plus Machete 10" Blade

If I were to take a machete into the North American wilderness, I think I'd like one that was shorter and heavier than the jungle variety. Maybe something that would fit into a belt sheath, so I could use my hands for other things; something with a secure grip instead of the plain handle most machetes have.

Ontario SP8 pretty much fits the bill and I liked this knife as soon as I saw it. It's a modern knife built for modern times, but follows the pattern of traditional North American backwoods blades, heavy but not overly long. If this doesn't make sense to you then you've not spent a lot of time in thickets so dense you can't even swing anything with a long blade. What you need in those conditions is something shorter and sort of heavy, like a tomahawk--or this machete.

Ontario Spec Plus Machete 10" Blade

The Ontario SP-8 was sharp right out of the box. There were no issues with the cosmetic quality of the knife or the standard issue Ontario sheath. The 1095 carbon steel blade is a full 1/4″ thick almost all the way forward to the tip. The main cutting edge is flat ground while the forward cutting edge has a convex grind. Overall length is around 15″. It’s close in size and weight to the SP10 Raider Bowie.

The Ontario SP8 Machete even has a saw blade back that could actually cut through a fair sized branch, something a decorative knife with a dozen jagged teeth won't do. You'd have to be careful, because the dangerous side would be aimed toward you, but this knife design hasn't set aside the finger guard so you wouldn't be risking much by trying.

Black anodized carbon steel adds to the plus side of this survival knife's features. The best survival tools aren't the "do everything" knives with LED lights and a packet of Band-Aids lashed to the sheath; the best are the simple ones that work. Put your first aid kit in the pack where it should be. This knife is a tool.

Ontario Spec Plus Machete 10" Blade

The sheath is made of heavy black Cordura and black leather. On the side, there are three snaps attached to a leather flap, and they attach to snaps on the front of the sheath. I'm assuming this is so the sawback doesn't shred your sheath. You also get a standard snap that goes over the back of the knife, but it's not really needed. You cannot remove the knife from the sheath without undoing the sides first; a portion of the top of the sheath is sewn (and riveted) together. The sheath comes with a plastic D-ring that has some more black shoestring cord attached. The sheath is attached to your belt via leather belt loop. The leather loop attaches to the leather on the sheath, and there's no plastic involved. The D-ring that acts as the dangler is blackened steel. The belt loop will accommodate a belt up to 2-1/2" wide.

If you are looking for a great survival tool, the Ontario Spec Plus Machete can serve you as an excellent and very affordable wilderness or urban survival tool.

To buy or get more information on the Ontario SP8 Spec Plus Machete with 10" Blade, click the link below.

Ontario Spec Plus Machete 10" Blade

All Comments are Welcome and Appreciated.

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Spyderco Dragonfly 2 Folding Knife Review

2012-04-24T23:00:00.002-04:00

Spyderco C28SBK2 Dragonfly 2 Folding Knife 2-5/16" VG10 Serrated Blade, Black FRN Handles

Many of us buy small gentlemen's knives assuming we'll use them for undemanding cutting chores. While that is normally the case, the Dragonfly's diminutive size belies its cutting capabilities. When need be, it will cut and perform like a much larger folder because Spyderco's Research and Development team focused on creating a small but ergonomically superior package out of high-performance materials. A good choice for the ultra light backpacker (full weight of this knife is only 1.2 ounces) this also is a solid favorite as a pocket knife choice for everyday urban users. The 2 5/16 inch stainless steel blade and serrated edge serves well for the usual tasks (opening mail, opening boxes, wishing you were somewhere else doing something you liked, etc.) as well as the occasional real and satisfying cutting chore.

Spyderco C28SBK2 Dragonfly 2 Folding Knife 2-5/16" VG10 Serrated Blade, Black FRN Handles

In the woods, if you find frequent reasons to cut rope or fabric the serrated edge is a plus. If you like to whittle, find a plain edge style (Spyderco sells many different models in this same range). If you intend to sharpen it yourself rather than send it back to Spyderco for that, the plain edge models are mandatory.

The Spyderco Dragonfly 2 includes a pocket clip, so it won't get lost in the depths of your pants, but again this is more an urban solution than a wilderness concept; going through heavy brush, it wouldn't take long for this knife to get flipped out and far away, if you rely on just that pocket clip to hold it.

Spyderco C28PBK2 Dragonfly 2 Folding Knife 2-5/16" VG10 Plain Blade, Black FRN Handles

In order for the knife to feel like a larger knife in the hand, it needed well-designed ergonomics. A forefinger-choil and thumb-rest give the hand purchase points, filling out the palm and offering cutting control. Its leaf-shaped blade is flat-ground VG-10 and the Spyderco Round Hole is 11mm facilitating easy opening. FRN handle is textured with Volcano-Grip and a tip-up integral pocket clip. Low profiled and weighing just over one ounce, the Spyderco Dragonfly Knives are one of the flagship models in Spyderco's Little Big Guy Knife line up. This knife is backed by an excellent warranty, and you can even open it with one hand.

To buy or get more information on the Spyderco Dragonfly 2 Folding Knife with 2-5/16" VG10 Serrated Blade and Black FRN Handles, click the link below.

Spyderco C28SBK2 Dragonfly 2 Folding Knife 2-5/16" VG10 Serrated Blade, Black FRN Handles

To buy or get more information on the Spyderco Dragonfly 2 Folding Knife with 2-5/16" VG10 Plain Blade and Black FRN Handles, click the link below.

Spyderco C28PBK2 Dragonfly 2 Folding Knife 2-5/16" VG10 Plain Blade, Black FRN Handles

All Comments are Welcome and Appreciated.

KA-BAR 1211 Full Size Black Fighting Knife Review

2012-04-17T23:15:00.002-04:00

KA-BAR 1211 Full Size Fighting Knife 7" Black Plain Blade, Kraton G Handle, Leather Sheath

The Ka-Bar 1211 knife has a Clip Point blade with a 20 degree angle . It is made from 1095 High Carbon Steel which is very easy to sharpen and harder than most stainless steels. Because it is not a stainless steel you will have a little more maintenance on your hands, but nothing major, just keep the blade oiled between uses and when storing your survival knife. The blade length of the blade is 7 inches and the overall length of this Ka-Bar Survival Knife is 11.75 inches. This knife is great for bigger jobs like batoning wood because of its size and weight. It weighs in at .66 lbs which is very manageable for a knife this size. The blade is thick enough to use as a pry bar if you really needed to, although I don’t recommend that you use your survival knife for prying unless you had no other choice.

KA-BAR 1211 Full Size Fighting Knife 7" Black Plain Blade, Kraton G Handle, Leather Sheath

The handle is Ka-Bar’s Kraton-G which gives a nice grip even in muddy or wet conditions, which is something I look for in a survival knife, unless you are going to be using it in perfect weather, this is an important consideration for proper functionality and safety. One point to note is that this survival knife is still manufactured in the U.S. and most survival knives are no longer made in the USA. It’s nice to see something with great quality still manufactured in the USA as rare as it is these days.

KA-BAR 1211 Full Size Fighting Knife 7" Black Plain Blade, Kraton G Handle, Leather Sheath

The sheath that comes with this Ka-Bar 1211 Knife is not made in the USA but it does the job as well as a sheath can. The sheath is made of leather and it looks nice but I think leather sheaths are the worst material they can make sheaths from. If you actually use your knife then it will get wet and a leather sheath will hold moisture which is no good for preventing corrosion. I usually buy the Kydex Sheath when I can get one for a particular knife. The kydex sheath is much thinner and gives you a lot more mounting options which is helpful for a knife this large. And most importantly the Kydex sheath won’t retain moisture like a leather or nylon sheath will. Overall this is a great knife if you are looking for one this large, this might be the best survival knife at this length at this price point.

To buy or get more information on the KA-BAR 1211 Full Size Fighting Knife 7" Black Plain Blade, Kraton G Handle, Leather Sheath, click the link below.

KA-BAR 1211 Full Size Fighting Knife 7" Black Plain Blade, Kraton G Handle, Leather Sheath

KA-BAR 1211 Full Size Fighting Knife 7" Black Plain Blade, Kraton G Handle, Leather Sheath

To buy or get more information on the KA-BAR 1216 Replacement Sheath (Kydex), Fits Most KA-BAR 7" Blades, click the link below.

KA-BAR 1216 Replacement Sheath (Kydex), Fits Most KA-BAR 7" Blades

KA-BAR 1216 Replacement Sheath (Kydex), Fits Most KA-BAR 7" Blades

All Comments are Welcome and Appreciated.

Ontario Rat 3 Fixed Blade Knife Review

2012-04-10T23:30:00.002-04:00

Ontario Knife Company Rat 3 Knife with Canvas Linen Micarta Handle and 1095 Plain Blade

Ontario Knife has gained a reputation for making top-notch military and tactical knives. In my opinion, The RAT-3 knife meets all the requirements for a good survival knife.

The Ontario Rat 3 is one of the smaller knives in this class at 7.8 inches in overall length and a blade length of 3.75 inches. The Rat 3 Survival Knife weighs only 5.3 ounces and is a good size for carrying on your side. The blade is made of 1095 High Carbon Steel and holds its edge for a long time but does take a little extra effort when sharpening. It wasn’t as sharp as I like it right out of the box but once I sharpened it to my liking, it has really kept its edge well. The blade has a black powder coating which seems to be holding up for now but I can see it starting to wear at the blade edge, which is to be expected. This particular version of the Ontario Rat 3 Knife has a small section of serrations on the top of the blade which is where I prefer serrations to be if a knife has them. That is a personal preference but I hate to lose precious blade edge to serrations, especially on smaller blades like this one. Make sure you get the correct Rat 3 before ordering. There are different versions offered with and without serrations.

Ontario Knife Company Rat 3 Knife with Canvas Linen Micarta Handle and 1095 Plain Blade

The sheath that came with my knife is a kydex sheath and I love it. It can be mounted sideways or upright and comes with a TekLok adapter which makes it easy to attach or detach the sheath from your belt. Some people have stated that they did not get the kydex sheath when they got their Rat 3 knife. Instead they have said the sheath that they received is made of durable plastic but had no complaints about it. I would check the exact listing before ordering if you prefer the kydex sheaths like I do.

Ontario Knife Company Rat 3 Knife with Canvas Linen Micarta Handle and 1095 Plain Blade

The handle is a nice green color and made of Micarta. The handle provides a nice strong grip. I personally prefer rubberized grips because I like the grip they provide even in wet conditions, but this grip feels nice. The balance of this knife is great and it definitely can handle some decent jobs for a smaller blade. You can even baton wood with decent results which might not seem possible due to the size and weight of this knife. This is a great survival knife with a great blade that holds its edge well and can take the stress of everyday use. It’s a great everyday carry knife to have in your collection.

To buy or get more information on the Ontario Rat 3 Knife with Canvas Linen Micarta Handle and 1095 Plain Blade, click the link below.

Ontario Knife Company Rat 3 Knife with Canvas Linen Micarta Handle and 1095 Plain Blade

All Comments are Welcome and Appreciated.

KA-BAR US Army Fighting Knife Review

2012-04-02T18:33:00.035-04:00

KA-BAR US Army Fighting Knife

This classic fighting knife from Ka-Bar, first manufactured at the onset of WWII, has survived more than fifty years of industry changes unscathed. Look around you for other items with that longevity and you'll find only a few. Hammers, wrenches, and Ka-Bar knives head the list.

Ka-Bar makes several models of this well known blade, some with modern materials and new blade styles. Except for the non-reflective black epoxy coating this 11 7/8" U. S. Army version with its 7" high carbon steel clip point blade and stacked leather disc handle is true to the original design. You can argue whether the new materials available are better than these, but in the end it's more a question of what feels right to you. If you grew up with stainless steel and kraton you probably like that, unless you are into classic knives anyway.

One of my first knives was a WWII bayonet a friend gave me. Built in the same style as this Ka-Bar (except for the epoxy, of course) it survived everything I could do to it until a house fire took it out in 1975. Some companies test their knives today by doing extraordinary things, like driving the blade through the top of a steel drum. With a Ka-Bar you just assume that kind of abuse is ok. There are few knives so tough you can use the butt cap to drive nails; you can do that with a Ka-Bar.

KA-BAR US Army Fighting Knife

I am very impressed with the KA-BAR US Army knife. The finish is perfect, and it has a razor sharp edge and hard steel. This knife holds an edge very well and take time to sharpen with a good set of stones. The KA-BAR US Army Fighting Knife would make an excellent addition to your emergency survival gear. I recommend it!

To buy or get more information on the KA-BAR US Army Fighting Knife with 7" Blade, click the link below.

KA-BAR US Army Fighting Knife 7" Blade

KA-BAR US Army Fighting Knife

All Comments are Welcome and Appreciated.