Tim Stetzer September 12, 2024 Feature Stories
A knife is still one of our most useful tools. Having one that’s easy to carry and use for EDC or in the field doesn’t have to cost a fortune. The Scout from Gerber features a 440A stainless steel drop-point blade, contoured Micarta handle scales, and an ambidextrous Pivot lock, plus a reversible stainless steel pocket clip for easy carrying.
Specifications:
Blade Length: 3.19″
Closed Length: 4.45″
Overall Length: 7.64″
Blade Material: 440A stainless steel
Blade Style: Drop point
Blade Grind: Flat
Blade Finish: Black
Handle Material: Sage Micarta
Locking Mechanism: Pivot lock
Pocket Clip: Reversible tip-up
Weight: 3.7 oz
Made in China
MSRP: $60
Having a knife that holds up to the elements and doesn’t get lost on the trail is a big deal. Spyderco’s Manix 2 Salt uses a full-flat-ground MagnaCut blade and ultra-corrosion-resistant handle hardware. It has a bright yellow fiberglass handle with a textured pattern, a reversible tip-up wire clip, an ambidextrous lock, and Spyderco’s Round Hole in the blade for easy opening.
Specifications:
Blade Length: 3.37″
Cutting Edge: 2.88″
Closed Length: 4.66″
Overall Length: 8.03″
Blade Material: CPM-MagnaCut stainless steel
Blade Thickness: 0.125″
Blade Style: Leaf shaped
Blade Grind: Full-flat
Blade Finish: Satin
Handle Material: Yellow FRN
Locking Mechanism: Ball-bearing
Pocket Clip: (Tip up, right/left carry)
Weight: 2.90 oz Made in Golden, CO
MSRP: $232
The new Lulbegrud from the Nature Reliance School is a compact, sturdy, and practical tool designed by Craig Caudill and built by Outlier Knife Company in Kentucky. One of the neat things about the Classic model is the use of reclaimed American Chestnut handle scales. You can get Micarta handles on the Original model as well, but I like the history and character of the American Chestnut.
Specifications:
Overall Length: 8.62″
Cutting Edge Length: 3.68″
Blade Thickness: 0.125″
Grind: Flat, sharpening angle 18
Blade Steel: 52100
Handle Type: Reclaimed American chestnut, OD green liners
HRC: 61-62 cryogenic treatment
Knife Weight (w/o Sheath): 0.42 lb
Sheath: Veg tanned cow leather from JRE Industries
Made in USA MSRP: $170 classic, $160 original
Machetes aren’t just for the jungle. Whether you need to clear light debris from a trail or prep a campsite, the handmade Overland Machete from L.T. Wright Knives will do the trick. Add in some sweet Micarta grip scales and an ambidextrous leather sheath from JRE Industries, with everything made in the USA, and you have a winner.
Specifications:
Blade Length: 12.25″
Cutting Edge: 12″
Handle Length: 6.5″
Overall Length: 18.75″
Blade Material: 1075 carbon steel
Blade Thickness: 0.09″ Blade
Hardness: 57-59 HRC
Blade Style: Drop point
Blade Grind: Convex edge
Blade Finish: Custom patina
Handle Material: Natural Micarta
Handle Thickness: 0.9″
Weight: 19.5 oz
Country of Origin: USA
MSRP: $189
CRKT’s Skeggox is a Norse-inspired bearded axe designed by James Williams made of glass-reinforced nylon and modern SK-5 carbon steel with a powdercoated finish. The contoured handle gives you excellent control and a rakish, Viking appearance. Don’t let the looks fool you though; this is a tough capable camp tool.
Specifications:
Blade Length: 4.83″
Overall Length: 12.94″
Blade Material: SK-5 carbon steel
Blade Thickness: 0.25″
Blade Style: Axe
Blade Finish: Black powdercoating
Handle Material: Black GRN (Glass-Reinforced Nylon)
Weight: 1.63 lbs
Designer: James Williams Made in Taiwan
MSRP: $113
The ARC is the new flagship of the Leatherman line. The ARC is the first-ever multitool that uses premium MagnaCut steel. It has an impressive array of 20 tools and a number of carry options as well with a removable pocket clip and a four-pocket nylon sheath that holds the included nine double-ended bits.
Specifications:
Blade Length: 2.76″
Closed Length: 4.25″
Overall Length: 6.45″
Blade Material: CPM-MagnaCut stainless steel
Blade Thickness: 0.100″
Blade Finish: Black DLC
Handle Material: Silver/black 420HC stainless steel
Handle Thickness: 0.67″
Pocket Clip: Stainless steel (tip-up, right/left carry)
Weight: 8.61 oz
Weight with Sheath: 10.44 oz
Assembled in the USA
MSRP: $229.95
Another great fixed blade is the new Armiger 4 from Demko Knives. Andrew Demko has always been known for ultra-rugged, effective tools, and the Armiger 4 is no exception. It’s a full tang design available with a clip point, tanto point, or spear point blade of 80CrV2 tool steel and either a black or OD green thermal plastic rubber handle. The Tanto and Spear points are available fully serrated if that’s your thing.
Specifications:
Blade Length: 4.25″
Cutting Edge: 4″
Handle Length: 4.375″
Overall Length: 8.625″
Blade Material: 80CrV2 tool steel
Blade Thickness: 0.157″
Blade Style: Clip point Blade Grind: Flat
Blade Finish: Black powdercoat
Handle Material: Black or OD green thermal plastic rubber
Handle Thickness: 0.62 inch
Sheath Material: MOLLE compatible Kydex
Weight: 5.43 oz
Weight with Sheath: 7.62 oz
Designer: Andrew Demko
Full Tang Made in Taiwan
MSRP $74.99
This machete, designed by Walter Matthews, takes its cues from the Scottish falchion sword, a powerful chopper. The machete version is a lot lighter and more nimble and will do a great job clearing brush. It’s got a tough 1075 carbon steel blade, walnut handles, and is accented with Scottish engraving and symbols on the blade, handle, and sheath.
Specifications:
Blade Length: 12.21″
Overall Length: 19.05″
Blade Thickness: 0.18″
Blade Material: 1075 high carbon steel
Blade Finish: Blasted satin
Handle Material: Walnut wood
Sheath: Handcrafted welted leather
Designer: Walter A. Matthews
Weight: 27.87 oz Made in El Salvador
MSRP: $148.70
Editor’s Note: A version of this article appeared in TREAD July/August 2024
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