Considering how long hunting knives have been in use, it’s no surprise that there are plenty of variations and styles so that every hunter can adjust that to their individual sensibilities. Seeing as finding the right fit for you can be a potentially overwhelming task, we’re going to provide you with a detailed guide on fixed blade hunting knives and their uses!

Hunting Knife Uses

Before we discuss recommendations on the finest hunting knives on the market, we have to examine your reasons for buying the knife in the first place. In other words — what do you need the knife for? As you’ll soon see, there’s a wider variety of hunting knives than the average layman might think — making a good choice is important, because a quality hunting knife can be a significant investment.

Just like when you’re buying a compound bow for your hunting activities — your knife needs to be of sound quality as well. And this goes for other hunting gear as well; we might be focused solely on knives here, but equal value can be given to the rest of the arsenal, whether it’s bows, rifles, jackets, ammo, scopes, or a variety of other essentials we’re talking about.

But let’s get back to the subject – fixed-blade hunting knives. If you’re going to use your knife only for one intended activity, such as skinning game or cutting through tree branches — pick a knife that was specifically designed for such purposes. These specialty knives are produced by all major hunting brands.

There are also people who look for a hunting knife in order to use it as a tool during camping — in that situation, a specialized tool would be a worse choice than a generic hunting knife.

People seeking general-purpose tools in the form of knives would do well to find a fixed blade hunting knife. These do wonders when it comes to skinning or field-dressing — as well as a variety of other tasks like cutting your food, whittling wood while building a fire, or cutting twine and rope into smaller sections.

On the other hand, if you’re looking for something that can work as a plier or a screwdriver, you should look for multi-tool models.

You may also like: Best EDC Tactical Knives Explained

As we’ve mentioned before, depending on what you’ll be hunting — there might be the need for multiple specialized knives. This goes double if you’re going big game hunting for animals like elk. In that scenario, a fixed-blade hunting knife with a sturdy handle is your best bet. You need something that’s excellent at skinning, for this type of animal — a knife with a blade that has a saw-like quality. This is something you’ll use for separating the meat from the bones, for instance.

Conversely, small game hunting requires little more than a quality pocket knife — one that contains a fowl hook for gutting small fowl. Such knives don’t take up too much room, as you can neatly place them in your pocket, and they’re not too heavy either.

Benefits of Fixed Blade Knives

Fixed blade knives have quite a reputation in the hunting community — mostly among newbies, as they have a huge presence in pop culture. They’re always used by badass hunters in movies, so it’s no wonder that they are viewed as the most “serious” type of knife. That’s true in some ways, but they don’t have universal usage and they’re not the best choice in absolutely every situation.

Although this is a fact, there are plenty of benefits to fixed blade hunting knives. Firstly, they’re big and strong. You can find fixed blade knives in pretty much any size that you want — from huge ones to tiny handy tools.

Probably their biggest advantage is a simple fact that these knives don’t break. They’ve got no moving parts that could come undone. That also makes them much more practical in terms of maintenance — all you have to do is clean them and sharpen them from time to time, there’s no folding mechanism to worry about.

Besides that, there’s also the length of the blade to think about. These knives are usually made to be far longer than folding knives, which makes them better for tactical use as well. If you need to quickly take them out and use them in a dangerous situation, fixed blade knives will have a longer reach.

At the end of the day, they’re also better tools for general survival needs in the wilderness. Fixed blade knives give you a larger degree of versatility when it comes to prying, splitting, cutting, etc.

Damascus Steel Knives

Now that we’ve established the immense utility of fixed blade knives, we should take a look at the different materials you can choose from when buying this type of knife. Generally, you’ve got two main options — Damascus steel and carbon steel.

Damascus steel is a type of steel that is created by combining steel alloys and iron during the forging process. The result is often visually stunning, with unique wavy shapes and patterns that give your blade a charming personality. Besides that, this type of knife is also known due to its historical value — the name stems from the Middle-Eastern city that produced some of the finest blades in the Middle Ages.

Those ancient techniques are not known today, but Damascus steel still has its place among modern knives. However, it should be noted that Damascus blades are more cosmetically pleasing than they are useful. True professionals claim that carbon steel knives have a better performance.

Carbon Steel Knives

Carbon steel blades are exceptionally hard and sturdy, seeing as they’re made out of hardened materials. Carbon blades have a superior edge retention compared to pretty much any other material on the market, including Damascus blades. When it comes to cutting, this type of knife also provides more sharpness and precision. That’s why professional chefs use these knives — though you can see how such knives could have their use when it comes to hunting as well.

However, it should be noted that carbon knives don’t have the chromium content that a steel knife can boast with — meaning they’re more prone to rusting. They also crack more easily under pressure.

Custom Hunting Knives

Many people believe that knives which are made to be beautiful and interesting are generally less useful in the field. However, that isn’t necessarily so. In fact, longtime hunters know that some of the prettiest custom hunting knives are also winners in terms of field performance and ergonomics.

True knife aficionados realize that beauty can be successfully coupled with high performance. After all, the industrial design of luxury sports cars manages to have both extremely high performance and immeasurable beauty. If that’s true for such complex machines, there’s no reason why the same can’t be achieved with handmade hunting knives.

Best Hunting Knife Brands

Now that we’ve described some of the advantages of fixed blade hunting knives, their materials, and their characteristics, we’re going to examine the finest brands that create these knives. Let’s dive right into it.

Case Hunting Knives

The Case company is one of the premier manufacturers of all kinds of hunting knives. If you’re looking for a mainstream – but still high-quality hunting knife, their Case Bowie Fixed Knife is really all you need. It contains every classic feature a professional hunter would want in a top of the shelf knife. The knife’s blade is made out of stainless steel, and it is extremely durable as a result — this baby won’t rust.

The knife provides its users with more than enough stability due to the fact that it’s a fixed blade knife. In turn, this means your slices and cuts can be performed with optimal strength. The blade’s design is based on a drop point style — a pretty common sight with this type of blade.

Buck Hunting Knife

Another candidate for the top factory-made fixed blade hunting knives is the Buck 656 Pursuit knife. This is a traditional fixed blade knife made from the highest-quality materials you’d want in a relatively affordable blade. It has a nylon alloy handle that contains rubber over molds — allowing you to maintain a steady grip without investing too much strength.

Cheap Hunting Knives

At the end of the day, you may want to get an affordable hunting knife that doesn’t require too much of a financial investment. This is especially important for junior hunters that may not have the budget nor the inclination to invest a lot of money. In that case, something like the Opinel Beechwood Handle knife would be a good choice — it’ll set you back less than twenty bucks!

We hope this guide was useful to you and that you have expanded your knowledge on fixed blade hunting knives. Make you’re staying safe in these times we are all going through. Have a good one, guys!

The post Fixed Blade Hunting Knives Explained appeared first on Gunivore.

Tips for Beginners

There is some basic knowledge you need to know when purchasing your first survival knife. 

The tang of a knife is worth considering. Tang simply means the metal part that extends from the blade into the handle. They are separated into full-tang and partial-tang knives. Simply put, full tang means the metal extends to the end of the handle and partial tang means it only extends around halfway. You generally want to purchase a knife with a full tang because it is going to be more stable. Knives used out in the woods or on treks can often take a beating, so the extra structural integrity can make a huge difference.

Another thing to know about knives is the different types of steel. The two main types used are stainless steel and carbon steel. Stainless steel is known for being resistant to rust. If you are somewhere known for being high in humidity, then you may want to go with a stainless-steel knife. Carbon steel is generally stronger though. This isn’t to say that stainless steel knives are flimsy, but carbon steel knives will usually hold up better. Laminated steel is another option. Basically, you have a carbon steel blade sandwiched between two pieces of stainless steel on the outside. You get the structural integrity of a carbon steel blade with the rust resistance of stainless steel. The only drawback is that these knives are pricier.

Hunting Knives

One of the most common uses for knives in the wilderness is hunting, and there are different types of hunting knives to choose from.

The bowie knife has become somewhat iconic. The story of how the knife came to be involves family, drama, and close combat. It is an interesting story, which you can read about if interested, although it is unclear how much truth lies in the stories. Legends aside, it became a staple of hunting knives and has remained so to this day. For a start, both sides of the blade are useful. The straight side is generally used for slicing meat off of animals. The other side is curved, which gives it much of its iconic look. It is used for separating skin from meat and bone. These knives were also once used as fighting knives, and today they’re sometimes used in boar hunting. 

There are more knives that can be used for hunting. For most game, you want to use find a fixed blade knife with a blade that is fairly straight with a slight curve. A boning knife is slim and is used to separate meat from animals. Skinning knives are long and curved blades that are used to separate skin from flesh. While a bowie knife can perform the tasks of both boning knives and skinning knives, some find the bowie knife a little clumsy to use when they want precision. This will mostly come down to personal preferences.

An option you may want to consider is the gut hook. This isn’t a type of knife as much as a feature that some knives have. A gut hook is a part of the top of the blade where the steel curves inward to form a hook. It is sharp, essentially another bladed portion, and is used to “open” animals up, hence the name “gut hook”

Along with hunting, fishing is another great thing to do while out in the wild. While many knives can be used to clean fish, fillet knives are designed specifically for it. They have long, skinny blades that slightly curve all the way through. They are great for making clean slices when cutting fish open and collecting the meat. They aren’t too different from boning knives though, so if you already have one, you can probably use it for fish as well.

Machetes

The machete is a tool hailed by people along the equator in both hemispheres. You’ll find it heavily used in places like the Congo, India, Brazil, and even Florida. They are very long knives that almost border on the edge of swords. They have blades that start off straight, and as you get close to the end they curve.

They are great to bring anywhere where you will be around a lot of thick vegetation. You can use it to chop through things like vines, shrubbery, brush, and small trees. If you’re going to be clearing an area for a campsite or clearing a path through the forest, the machete is a great knife to bring along. 

Rambo Survival Knives

These knives are characterized by a straight, long blade that often has a curvature at the top. You could think of it like a skinnier Bowie knife in some ways. The novelty of these knives comes from the handle. Instead of a tang that extends all the way through, they usually use a circular handle that is hollowed out at the end. The hollowed-out portion can hold small bits of gear like string and matches. The cap that screws off the end will often double as a compass. 

Rambo knives get their nickname from the knife popularized by Sylvester Stallone in the Rambo franchise. While all knives come in at a variety of price points and qualities, the gap is very pronounced here. You have cheap knives that are marketed as Rambo knives for the novelty, and high-quality knives actually meant for survival. If you purchase one, just take a little extra care to research the brand and make sure they are manufacturing legitimate survival gear.

Well-Rounded Survival Knives

There may be some cases where it is not practical to take multiple knives into the woods. Maybe you’ll be doing a little fishing, but not enough to come with multiple specialized tools. Perhaps you’ll need to move some vines out of the campsite, but you won’t need to spend more than a minute doing it. Essentially, you need a jack of all trades. This is where a well-rounded knife comes into play. 

Firstly, you still want to follow the rules laid out in the beginning. Go with full tang, choose your steel based on the climate, and probably go with a fixed blade knife. The camp knife is probably the best go-to knife for general survival. It has a fixed blade, and it has a simple drop point blade. You can cut things, skin things, and protect yourself.

It may be worth considering multi-tools. If a “well-rounded survival knife” is the jack of all trades among blades, this is the jack of all trades among tools. The idea was made popular by the Swiss Army Knife, but many companies manufacture them. They generally contain tools such as blades, scissors, files, and pliers among many others. Different companies will manufacture multi-tools with a range of different tools attached.

Protection

When it comes to protection, you don’t necessarily need a specialized knife. In general, a fixed blade knife is a better choice over a folding knife. It takes a time to pull out a fixed blade knife, open it, and ready yourself. Those 5 seconds can make a difference in the heat of the moment. Having a fixed blade knife on your side in a sheathe is going to have you more prepared. The best choices would be between bowie knives, camp knives, and (Rambo) survival knives. 

* This guest post is brought to you by our friend Jay Chambers *

Jay is a pro free speech business owner based in Austin, Texas. Having lived through several natural disasters and more than a few man-made ones (hello 2008), he believes that resilience and self-sufficiency are essential in this increasingly unpredictable world. That’s why he started a business! Jay writes over at Minuteman Review.

The post Survival in the Woods – Which Knives Should Beginners Take appeared first on Gunivore.

You know Smith & Wesson makes awesome guns, but did you know they make awesome knives? Smith & Wesson knives fly under the radar for many gun owners, but that’s about to change. Knives come in handy daily for all kinds of tasks with everything from opening boxes to peeling an apple. First, a quick history of the brand.

M&P Name

Smith & Wesson got its start in 1852, and after various corporate changes, now operates out of Springfield, Massachusetts. Fast forward to over a century later with the M&P pistol line launching in 2005. M&P pistols debuted a new polymer frame style that was geared toward law enforcement officials and was adopted by over 100 departments in the first year.

M&P today is synonymous with affordable quality. Not only do law enforcement officials carry M&P gear, but average and competitive shooters of all types do as well. The Bodyguard, Shield 9 and Shield 40 have taken the concealed carry world by storm and are three of the best options available today.

Knife Specs

• Overall Length: 8.875”
• Blade Length: 3.50”
• Handle Length: 5.375”
• Action: Out the Front Spring Assisted
• Blade Steel: AUS-8
• Handle Material: Aluminum
• Weight: 5.87 oz.
• Glass Breaker
• Safety Switch
• Colors: Gray, Green, Tan
• Price: $44.95

M&P Knife Materials

M&P OTF knives are built to not break the bank. Nothing about the materials on this knife scream top-of-the-line, but they are perfectly serviceable and will last with use. Aluminum handles can be found on a wide range of knives.

Wait, aluminum? Many people hear that and they’re surprised that aluminum can be a good, durable metal for knives. This isn’t your average soda can aluminum and will be able to take years upon years of use.

The AUS-8 blade steel is known as a budget steel. The greatest aspect of AUS-8 is that it is easy to sharpen with all kinds of different sharpeners. It will hold an edge for a decent amount of time and is pretty corrosion-resistant. The blade is coated as well, which will inhibit rust.

The single-action on this knife allows for rapid blade deployment with a slide of the switch. The thumb button can then be pushed on the top of the knife and the blade retracted using the slide. The safety is a cool feature that isn’t available on many knives. It gives extra peace of mind that the blade can’t be deployed when it’s in the pocket.

For the price, this M&P OTF knife is a great option to carry alongside your Shield.

M&P Knife Quality

Because M&P has a great reputation for quality, many people expect that from all their products. You can find Smith & Wesson guns in pretty much all price ranges. Their knives are a little bit of a different story as they focus only on affordable knives with every one of them coming in at under $85.

I’ve touched on the quality of different materials of this knife, so let’s talk about the feel. When you hold it in hand you can tell it’s a sturdy blade. It has a good amount of heft to it weighing in at close to 6 ounces, but it isn’t too heavy to where you wouldn’t want it in your pocket. It’s relatively slim and fits nicely both in hand and in pocket. The firing switch is smooth and the blade retraction is easy.

Does It Stack Up?

The knife market is saturated with expensive OTF knives. From Microtech to Benchmade and Guardian Tactical, you can easily spend hundreds of dollars on a good OTF knife. While these high-end knives have their places in the knife market, the M&P OTF lineup does as well.

Like I mentioned above, Smith & Wesson M&P knives aren’t set out to turn heads with premium materials. Their focus is producing a quality product that isn’t going to break the bank. At just $45, these knives are a great. When you think of it as a complement to your EDC lineup and concealed carry, this knife is priced right in that affordability sweet spot.

OTF Knife Use

Out the Front knives are cool. That snappy sound and rapid deployment make them appealing to all types of gear lovers. That said, there’s a stigma around OTF knives that they’re not as functional as regular folding pocket knives. While the introduction of a spring-assisted action allows more parts to fail, you can rest assured knowing these M&P knives are built to use.

OTF knives need lubrication to function. There are plenty of knife lubes out there, but you can also use your favorite gun oil. Spray some compressed air in there and put some drops down the opening where the blade comes out then fire the action a few times. This will keep it from gumming up and causing any misfires. As long as the knife is maintained and you’re not burying it in sand and dirt, this knife will function like it’s supposed to.

Conclusion

There you have it, folks. Whether you carry your Shield daily or save it for the range, Smith & Wesson M&P knives are great to have around. Keep one in pocket or put it in your gear bag and you’ll be good to go. The spring-assisted OTF action is great when you need an easily deployable blade and it’s just a joy to use.

For just $45, you could do much worse than to have one of these riding along in your pocket.

Disclaimer

Out the Front knives have received a lot of criticism through history. They were initially banned with the Federal Switchblade Act of 1958, but have made been made legal in some areas of the US. That’s SOME areas. Be sure to check your local laws before purchasing or carrying an OTF knife.

Knife Rights and AKTI are both hard at work in repealing outdated knife laws and can help answer any legality questions you have.

* This guest post is brought to you by our friend Trevor Brown *

Trevor is the SEO Specialist at Blade HQ and loves all things sharp and pointy. When he’s not playing with knives you can find him at his local outdoor gun range, on the lake, or doing his best to stay out of trouble in the great outdoors.

The post The Best M&P Knife to Complement Your Shield appeared first on Gunivore.

Table of Contents

• Zero Tolerance Hinderer
• Kershaw Cyro
• Spyderco Paramilitary
• Benchmade Griptilian
• Gerber Covert
• Conclusion

We here at Gunivore love all things guns (obviously), but we can’t ignore the importance of proper knife and blade proficiency. With that being the case, we sat down to discuss the best EDC and tactical knives the market has to offer. This was no easy task, especially now that there are countless popular brands, each with multiple lines of highly-effective, ultra-reliable, and sexy blades and tools. For instance, Chris Reeve may not be Superman, but he sure as hell makes some of the best knives on the planet. Nevertheless, we wanted to stick with the affordable and practical. Similarly, we wanted to keep our count at just 5, so we expect there to be plenty of other top-notch options out there.

Zero Tolerance Hinderer

The highly-rated Zero Tolerance Hinderer may be expensive, but the pricy blade is well-worth the cost. The award-winning manufacturer collaborated with one of the industry’s most skilled experts to craft this classy tool and it won’t disappoint. In addition to incorporating high-strength low-weight materials, the Hinderer was built with EDC lovers in mind. While the Zero Tolerance knife is quite sharp right out of the box, I’m more impressed by how well it stays sharp over time. In fact, the American company designed their premier knife with a long clip for deep pocket carrying and multiple mounting capabilities.

Kershaw Cryo

Kershaw is one of the most recognized brands in cutlery and the Cryo is just one of many incredible blades they have to offer. Headed by hall of fame knife designer, Ken Onion, Kershaw refuses to sacrifice their quality yet still manages to provide everyday carriers with high-end affordable blades. Although it was hard to pick our favorite Kershaw tactical knife, we managed to narrow it down to the unbelievably versatile Cryo. Like the Zero Tolerance blade, the Kershaw Cryo was also designed by the renowned Rick Hinderer. While the Cryo may look ordinary, it was built for toughness and can withstand some serious abuse, making it an excellent choice for EDC.

Spyderco Paramilitary

If you are at all familiar with tactical knives, you will have heard of Spyderco. This legendary Colorado manufacturer is definitely not your standard EDC knife and is more than capable of handling all of your tactical needs. The impressive steel blade is insanely sharp and features the patented round hole on the blade in place of a stud for releasing. Additionally, the Paramilitary blade fits surprisingly comfortable in the hand thanks to its innovative G-10 handle.

Benchmade Griptilian

Like Spyderco, Benchmade is one of the trademark names in the EDC and tactical blade industry. As with most Benchmade knives, the Griptilian provides users with a highly-functional and prolific tool to meet all of your tactical needs. To give the Griptilian an added EDC touch, Benchmade crafted their popular knife with one of the market’s best grips that works well even with gloved hands. Similarly, they outfitted the lightweight Griptilian with reversible components, a lock safety button, and one hell of a warranty. Plus, for an even better tactical choice, check out the Griptilian Mini.

Gerber Covert

Few companies can boast a collection as massive and as impressive as Gerber. Designed by a former American Military Officer and WWII Vet, the Gerber Covert tactical knife actually borders on a combat weapon. Fans of the Gerber blade will tell you that the speed of this knife has to be seen to be believed, thanks to their patented F.A.S.T. blade opening tech. Although it may be a bit expensive for some people, the Gerber EDC knife is loaded with premium quality materials and built to last. To keep the Covert lightweight yet durable and reliable, they outfitted it with the popular G-10 grip, a double bevel blade, roto-lock mechanism, and a titanium coating.

Conclusion

Between hunting, fishing, self-defense, and everyday tactical uses, there are countless reasons why you should be carrying a knife. Furthermore, EDC is not just about being equipped with a blade, it’s about being prepared for whatever life throws at you and making order out of chaos. I hope our list has given you an idea of the incredible quality and versatility you have to choose from, the rest is up to you!

Thanks for joining us here at Gunivore & let us know what your EDC choice is in the comments!

The post Fast Five: Best EDC Tactical Knives appeared first on Gunivore.

Okay, let’s get some things out of the way. This knife has gotten something of a bad rep, and in my opinion it isn’t really justified. I feel Ka-Bar is very consistent with their designs, be they big or small, of U.S. or Chinese origin, and that generally they provide great value for your money.

The Ka-Bar Acheron Skeleton Knife is made up entirely of 5Cr13 stainless steel. It is 6 3/8 of an inch long, with the blade taking up 3 1/8 of the surface. The Acheron’s handle is a skeleton design, but if you are not comfortable or confident enough when gripping it, some paracord will definitely strengthen and affirm your hold on it.

The blade is thin (0.110 of an inch) but very useful. If there is one thing Ka-Bar knives are, it is efficient. Speaking of efficiency, fun fact: The ZK “Zombie Killer” title was a gag made by Ka-Bar’s ‘higher ups’, who said they should design knives meant for times when firearms would be rendered useless. True to its name, this knife has indeed stopped many-a-zombie. Or so I assume.

Be Prepared with the Skeleton Knife from Ka-Bar

Many of Ka-Bar’s blades are made of high carbon 1095 Cro-van. This one happens to be made of stainless steel. Each kind of steel has its pros and cons, and even though 1095 is regarded as a standard in the military and combat world, 5Cr13 handles nicely. This knife may not be the iconic USMC Ka-Bar Fighting Knife, but it has its uses. It is light, it is concealable (comes with its own hard plastic sheath), and it holds a nice edge. And, let us not forget, the average price of this knife is $10. Like I said – value for money.

This is a small knife. It is meant to be small. Even Ka-Bar’s website refers to the “Acheron” as a “petite skeleton-handled knife”. And yet, people are complaining about the size of the knife. Personally, I just don’t get it. If you don’t want a small blade, don’t get one. If you’re looking for something to baton a log with, this may not be the knife for you. You get what you pay for, and in this case what you pay for is a small, high-quality knife. If you are expecting anything else, prepare to be disappointed.

If, however, you are in the market for a light, compact, and concealable blade, then do yourself a favor and pick this one up. It’s good for general use, and it works great as a knife which can be thrown in the trunk, put into a toolbox, or worn around your neck.

The Ka-Bar skeleton knife is not a combat knife, or a chef’s knife, or a survival knife, but – can it be used as a last resort to keep you from being attacked? Yes. Can it be used to chop tomatoes and onions for the soup? Yes. Can it be useful on a 3-day hike? Obviously. So, while it may not be Ka-Bar’s most illustrious knife, it does have its place in everyday life. They say good things come in small packages, and the “Acheron” is no exception.

The Ka-Bar Acheron Skeleton Knife

Ka-Bar have been making knives for over 100 years. They are one of the oldest and most respected fighting/utility companies out there. It isn’t by chance that Marines and Navy were issued a Ka-Bar in WWII. Ka-Bar knives are known for their durability and reliability. If you abuse this knife long enough, there is no doubt that it will sustain some damage. But, like any other Ka-Bar, it is built to last, and it is covered by a limited lifetime warranty.

So, whether you’re setting up the campfire, opening an envelope, making a salad, cutting a wire, or doing any of the millions of things in which a knife can come in handy – you will be glad that you got this nifty little knife by your side. For its price (and within its overall price range), it can’t be beat. It’s a Ka-Bar, and it lives up to its reputation in my opinion.

The sheath is hard plastic, but after some time it will wear. The sheath material may also dull the knife’s edge after repeatedly drawing it. Put simply, I will say that there are better sheaths out there. I am not so much for leather, so hard plastic was my first choice, however this sheath is not the greatest I have owned.

That, as far as I can tell, is the only downside to this otherwise great little acquisition of knife and sheath. As far as sharpening goes, this type of steel does require it, but not too often. Obviously, that depends entirely on the types of jobs you have lined up for it. As always, your mileage may vary.

Solid, sharp, and discreet, the Ka-Bar ZK “Acheron” Skeleton knife has the potential to replace your current every day carry (EDC) knife. I don’t know which knife you are carrying now, but if you happen to like this one, you may find that it is moving quickly up the ranks, getting more and more carry time, and escalating ever so boldly to the top of your EDC list.

So, to sum this up, this is a great little knife from Ka-Bar. It has pros and cons, just like any other knife, but the bottom line is that this thing is useful and practical. Perhaps not for every task, but for general use it is a viable option. A knife which you can leave in your car, stuff in your jeans pocket, or stash in your dresser. The steel is decent, the price is right, and the value is built right in.

This knife may very well be the sole reason for your survival, and the survival of your loved ones, in the upcoming apocalypse.

Ask any zombie. They’re terrified.

The post Ka-Bar Acheron Skeleton Knife appeared first on Gunivore.

Years ago, when I first heard of the tanto knife, my mind immediately went to the Lone Ranger and his faithful companion. However, when I looked closer at the spelling, I quickly realized that wasn’t what this knife was about. Shame, really. Lone Ranger‘s Tonto probably would have liked it if there was a knife named after him.

The Ka-Bar black Tanto knife is actually not an homage to the beloved, old-school television character, but rather a modern take on an ancient Japanese sword. The Japanese word tanto translates into ‘short blade’. The Tanto sword was worn by Samurai warriors, and it still has a place of honor in Japan’s martial arts and legacy. It is used in a variety of fighting styles, such as ninjutsu, kempo, jujitsu, aikido, and others.

What sets the tanto blade apart is its penetration ability. The blade’s shape, point, and hollow knife grinds are ideal for stabbing and slashing, which is why this makes a great self-defense weapon. Whether it is fit for everyday carry or not, that is something which is up for discussion.

Technical Specifications of Ka-Bar Black Tanto Knife

The blade is fixed, and it is 8 inches long. The knife’s overall length is 12.8 inches. The Tanto’s steel is carbon-based 1095 Cro-van, and its handle is made of the popular rubber-substitute Kraton G. The overall weight of this knife is 0.70 lb. and the blade thickness is 0.165 of an inch. The blade continues to run in a “rat tail” tang throughout the handle, coming to a stop at the end of the knife. This unique knife’s attributes (and Japanese legacy) make a sort-of unspoken promise to the owner: that this knife is one which will serve you well. The Ka-Bar Black Tanto knife certainly delivers on that promise, and then some.

Since the 1980s, many knife manufacturers have produced and released their own version of the Tanto. The original Japanese sword has certain defining characteristics, such as blade size, material, etc. Some companies have produced really classic, authentic-looking Tanto swords, which appear as though they have come straight out of Feudal Japan. On the other hand, there are those who take the philosophy of use behind the Tanto and manage to reinvent it in their own way, making it a modern, Asian-influenced combat knife.

The Black Tanto is a combination edge, and it is partly where the “modernization” of the Tanto can be plainly seen. The first 2 inches (or so) of the 8 inch blade are serrated, as opposed to the rest of it which is true-to-tradition straight-edged.

Keep in mind that the Tanto is a fighter’s knife, and not a real bushcraft/camping/hunting knife. Don’t get me wrong, it could do well out in the wilderness – it is simply not its designated or primary use. It’s a combat knife. I haven’t done a “versus” test, but I don’t see the Tanto functioning as well as, say, Ka-Bar’s Becker BK2 or Heavy Duty Warthog, which are specifically designed for outdoor use.

The bevel opposite the combo edge comes unsharpened by the factory, but you can have it sharpened if you want, effectively turning your Tanto into a lean, mean, double-edged sword.

NOTE: The United States has different laws and regulations having to do with buying and owning a knife. Some states have laws pertaining specifically to double-edged weapons. Before you go about buying or ordering a knife, online or offline, be sure that you comply with any regional legislation which may apply to you and/or your purchase.

My Ka-Bar Tanto Knife

There are so many great things that can be said about this knife, and its looks are also worth mentioning. It is a beauty. It looks great. You get your hand around that knife, tighten your grip, feel the traction between your fingers and the handle – there’s power there, and this knife has the ability to send a tingling up and down my spine. What can I say? I have a soft spot for awesome knives.

The Tanto’s black coating does wear off with time or abuse, but it still looks and fits great. Being a Ka-Bar, it has a limited lifetime warranty, although if you treat your knife right, you may never need it. From what I have seen and heard, Ka-Bar’s customer service department is very helpful, and it goes the extra mile to keep Ka-Bar owners happy.

Speaking of happiness – this knife is very reasonably priced, which makes it an excellent gift idea for military personnel, law enforcement officers, martial artists, and the like. Basically, anyone who is into knives or fighting gear is sure to love this blade.

The Ka-Bar Tanto comes with a glass-filled nylon (hard plastic aka Kydex) sheath. This sheath works really well for some, and less for others. I don’t mean to say that they are defective or cheap, but rather that the design of this sheath makes it so it that takes a little longer to draw the knife from it. You have two security straps on this sheath, which snap into place. There are also knife guard tabs, which keep the knife from accidentally coming loose, even if the straps are unfastened.

Obviously, with time, patience, and practice, you could teach yourself to pull out your Tanto in the blink of an eye – but, there are those who rapidly switch to a different sheath. As with every weapon accessory ever made, it is a matter of personal taste and preference of use.

Quick note: the Tanto knife is made at the Ka-Bar facilities in Olean, NY, but the sheath is made in Taiwan. Regardless of the country of origin, the sheath is definitely up to Ka-Bar’s standards. When you’re talking about a fighting knife like the Black Tanto, you can bet Ka-Bar did everything so the sheath will honor the knife which dwells within it.

To sum up, this knife is a piece of work. It indeed can tackle the “toughest tasks”, as Ka-Bar’s website states, and it does so with all of the elegance and efficiency of a premium cutting tool. In my opinion, worth every penny. You will not be disappointed.

Another popular model to check out is the best-selling USMC Ka-Bar Fighting Knife

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Table of Contents

• Tac Tool from Ka-Bar
• Technical Specs
• The BK3 Tac Tool
• Conclusion

Ka-Bar’s reputation is one which is incontrovertible. With a history of over 100 years of knife-making, Ka-Bar is a force to be reckoned with. The company makes over 100 models of knives, for a wide range of uses: tactical, survival, utility, etc.

Tac Tool from Ka-Bar

The Ka-Bar Becker Tac Tool knife is the result of a collaboration between Ethan Becker and John Benner. Each of these men has brought something unique to this knife, and it shows.

John Benner is the chief instructor and president of the Tactical Defense Institute in Ohio. He is a former Police Lieutenant and Vietnam veteran who has won many awards and handled many different weapons.

Ethan Becker is a full-blooded outdoorsman, survivalist, and primitive skills aficionado. In 2007, Becker joined the Ka-Bar team, after the company he had partnered with went belly up. Becker is also a trained chef and a renowned knife maker. His designs are unique, and Ka-Bar did the right bringing him on board. The proof? It yielded something like the BK3.

Cliché though it may be, the BK3 is not just a knife. It was specifically named a “tool”, and for good reason. Ka-Bar’s limited lifetime warranty states that a Ka-Bar knife should only be used for its designated purpose. For this reason, activities like batoning, chiseling, and throwing are not covered by the warranty.

The BK3 is different. It is not your classic knife, not even by Ka-Bar’s standards. It is like having a very sharp prying tool/hammer/cutter/digger/chopper/saw/ax/etc. It is more like a tool that you would keep sheathed in a toolbox, than an everyday carry or self-defense weapon.

Technical Specs

This is a hefty tool, weighing in at 1.30 lb.

• Blade length: 7 inches
• Overall length: 12.5 inches
• Steel: Carbon-based 1095 Cro-van
• Blade Grinds: flat
• Blade thickness: a whopping quarter of an inch, and that is saying a lot. When properly wielded, this thing is a beast.
• Handle: made of Ultramid – a strong, nylon-based, high-density plastic.

The BK3 is made in the U.S., and the hard plastic sheath which comes with it is made in Taiwan. You could argue that getting a better sheath is necessary, but the knife itself is top notch. A solid slab of steel that is here strictly to do your bidding. No more, no less. A fixed blade, combo (straight and serrated) edge, and a hook with a lot of power.

Being made of 1095 steel, this tool does require a good oiling and cleaning occasionally. However, once maintained and sharpened, it will hold its edge beautifully. Chances are you won’t need to maintain it for a while after that. In that sense, it is very low maintenance, even though it is not stainless steel. This thing can take a lot of abuse, and keep on truckin’.

I mentioned Becker’s designs earlier, and this is one knife where Becker’s influence is really apparent. Being an experienced outdoorsman, he knew exactly what kind of challenges this tool would be up against. Benner, on the other hand, probably has a more urban sort of mindset (for lack of a better word), which also contributed to this knife’s versatility.

The combination of these two individuals’ life experience and expertise, coupled with Ka-Bar’s ongoing commitment to excellence and innovation, is precisely why the BK3 Tac Tool is one of Ka-Bar’s most popular items.

The BK3 Tac Tool

Is this Ka-Bar’s best knife? No. It is a multi-purpose tool, not a knife. On Ka-Bar’s official website, the short product description focuses more on the many jobs it can do other than cut, simply because cutting is not this amazing tool’s primary function. If it were, I would most likely be disappointed with it. Ka-Bar has delivered far better cutting tools than this.

But, when you look at it from a day to day point of view, it is something which can easily replace a few of the tools in your toolbox. Conversely, you could also take it on a camping trip, and find that it makes almost any job that much easier. Remember that 0.25 inch thick hardened carbon steel. Doesn’t that sound like something you would want to take with you into the woods? It does to me.

Some users have said that the Ka-Bar Becker BK3 Tac Tool knife is a fine tool in theory, but that it doesn’t impress them all that much.

On the one hand, this tool has the potential to replace many others. It is a multi-tool by definition. On the other hand, there are better knives, hammers, chisels, diggers, saws, etc. out there.

This tool is not for everyone. When it comes to any weapon or tool – be it a gun, a knife, a pair of pliers, or a sock full of quarters – it all depends on what your designated use is. It is a matter of personal taste and choice, and it varies accordingly. For some, the BK3 is their personal savior, and is used all the time. For others, it may not be such a big deal, and it could be months before they even touch it, favoring other tools they possess over it.

Perusing some of the reviews on various websites, you really get a mixed sort of feeling. I did, anyway. It seems that the BK3 either does it all, or does almost nothing. One thing is clear – you should know why you are buying the BK3 Tac Tool. Do your research, read reviews, visit forums, and figure out if it is the tool for you. After all, this thing’s price is not cheap – over $100, usually. Is it worth it? Yes. In my opinion, the answer is a resounding yes. Your mileage may vary.

Conclusion

There are pros and cons to every tool, and the BK3 is no exception. In spite of what certain companies and promoters would have you believe, there is no ultimate ‘does it all’ tool that is loved by everyone, everywhere, all the time.

Is the BK3 the tool for you? It is on you to find out the answer to that question. Good luck!

Be sure to check out our Aimpoint Comp M2, G19 vs. G26, and Glock 19 Accessories features while you’re here at Gunivore!

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This is one knife you cannot ignore. It’s black, it’s beautiful, and it’s partially serrated. It is one of Ka-Bar’s best-selling utility knives, and it isn’t showing any signs of slowing down.

The Ka-Bar Serrated Edge Knife

This model may not be their biggest, measuring in at 11.75 inches, but the thing is pretty darn useful. The blade is made of 1095 Cro-van steel, it is 7 inches long, and it is at a fixed position. The knife handle materials are made of Kraton G, which is a synthetic rubber substitute. It’s tough, durable, and is very low maintenance. Unlike leather, it will be less susceptible to natural wear and the elements.

As knife grinds go, one of the cool things about this particular model having a flat grind means that there is less drag when you are using it. It is precise and deadly in its efficiency. The blade’s thickness is 0.165 inches, and the knife weighs 0.70 lb. This is yet another model which is very popular with various branches of government, law enforcement, and military. The steel is easy to handle and sharpen, and the handle fits in your hand like a boss. There is no doubt in my mind that even though historically, leather has been used for much longer – some of these synthetic alternatives are giving leather a run for its money.

Who Doesn’t Love a Good Anecdote About Ka-Bar Knives?

Pretty much anyone who owns a Ka-Bar knife is also the proud owner of at least one Ka-Bar story. It could be about anything, from a military/law-enforcement anecdote to cutting down coconuts right off the tree while on vacation in rural Jamaica.

I have one such story regarding this particular knife. Now, I don’t personally own this model, but I did get a chance to see it in action, up close and personal. This is the story of how that came about.

When I was about to be a high school senior, I went on a three-day deer hunting trip with my father, my uncle, and my two cousins. It was summer, and I was looking forward to this trip a great deal. My uncle didn’t come around to our neck of the woods too often, so it was cause for celebration. Instead of just going out to dinner somewhere, as usual, my father – in his infinite wisdom – suggested we plan ahead this time, take a camping trip, and really make some memories. We did just that. And it was awesome.

One such memory is that of my uncle dressing a small deer with his black Ka-Bar. Many would agree that this isn’t the ideal knife for dressing game, but it was still one of the fastest operations I had ever seen. My uncle shot it with some type of AR-15 rifle (the precise make and model elude me), and went to work quickly. He pulled out his Ka-Bar, and in no time that deer was good to go. What is great about this knife is that it is a combo knife. The plain edge and serrated edge were both used in the process, and I got to see just how useful a combination edge can be.

The US Military and Ka-Bar Relationship

This may be something of a controversial statement, but it is my opinion that Ka-Bar knives were practically made to be covered in blood, guts, and sweat. Ka-Bar has been a staple of the American armed forces since the 1940’s, and their knives are still used by people in the service today, as well as other branches of government. They are even used by EMTs and rescue personnel. I am not condoning violence for the sake of violence in any way, but let’s face it – these knives are deadly weapons, and they sure as hell weren’t made for frosting birthday cakes. I mean, you could use it for that, I suppose. But I digress…

I remember sitting next to the campfire, watching my uncle get down and dirty with that deer. I was enthralled. Granted, I didn’t have that much camping experience, so I had no solid frame of reference – but it was pretty amazing watching my uncle rack him, gut him from the bottom up, remove the organs, skin it, and prepare it for transport. His Ford was more than up to the task, and it was one camping trip which I never forgot.

I had seen my uncle’s knife before, of course, but I don’t think I ever saw him use it up until that point. Definitely not like that. It changed the way I looked at knives, I guess. Firearms have their place, of course, especially when it comes to hunting. But, there is something about a knife that is a lot more primitive, and I mean that in the best possible way.

If you are at all into survival, hunting, camping, or anything related to primitive skills – this is one knife that you will want to check out. Like I said, I don’t own this particular model, but it is definitely one which is on my make-believe wish list. The black serrated edge is a tool which, in my own opinion, represents many of the qualities which have made Ka-Bar so famous for a century: fine American craftsmanship, superb materials, innovative designs, and an overall legacy of excellence.

There are many knives on the market, and some of them are really excellent (Spyderco, TOPS, Cold Steel, and Victorinox come to mind), but for me Ka-Bar has that extra something. Perhaps it is the fact that this knife was issued to U.S. troops in WWII, Korea, and ‘Nam. To this day, the words “ka bar” are synonymous with a top-quality combat knife. The military wouldn’t just accept any design. It had to be a great knife for the Marines to consider adding it to their standard equipment.

These are knives which have linked and transcended generations. Some of them have literally been passed on from one family member to the other, ever since the Second World War. It reminds me of Christopher Walken’s “Gold Watch” monologue in Quentin Tarantino’s Pulp Fiction.

You could argue that there are better Ka-Bar models out there, like the special Becker designs, the iconic USMC knife, or the D2 Extreme Fighting. What can I say? To each his own. I have seen the Ka-Bar black serrated edge knife in action, and it was such a powerful and memorable image, that I just had to tell the story.

Could a different Ka-Bar model, or another knife entirely, have achieved such results with that deer? Yes. Without a doubt, yes. But still, there is something about Ka-Bar which just calls out to me. To be honest, I don’t go camping nearly as much as I would like these days, but when I do get the chance to take a break and get the hell out of the city, I take a Ka-Bar with me. You never know when you’re gonna need it.

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The Ka-Bar Becker BK2 Campanion knife is a full length, fixed blade, ergonomic survival knife. It is very high quality, extremely durable, affordable, and is up for just about any task.

The Becker Campanion Knife

The knife’s steel is 1095 Cro-van. The blade measures 5.5 inches in length, and the knife weighs in at 1 lb., overall. The BK2’s knife handle material is known as Grivory, or Ultramid. Grivory is a polymer-like type of reinforced nylon (not unlike fiberglass), and it performs very well.

Epoxy is used to coat the blade to prevent corrosion, and what you end up with is a real survivalist’s knife. The coating may wear off, but the knife’s other attributes will not. Measuring at 10.5 inches overall, the BK2 is big enough to handle anything you could throw in its path. The blade thickness is a quarter of an inch, and that just goes to show that this knife is an all business, no nonsense kind of tool. The BK2 comes with a glass-reinforced hard nylon (kydex) sheath, and it fits the blade perfectly. There is also the option of ordering a polyester sheath.

The hardened sheath with which it comes has its disadvantages. I read some reviews which say that the material used in the reinforced nylon sheath is one which could potentially dull the blade. I wouldn’t know about that, since I haven’t encountered it firsthand. However, even if the sheath does prove to be problematic, the knife itself is not. If you don’t care for the sheath which comes with the BK2, simply get a different one.

This is one knife which will not let you down. You can count on it to perform when you need it. I don’t believe Becker would let an inferior product come out from under him. As a knife maker and seasoned outdoorsman, Becker knows what is important for those who are camping/hunting/surviving, and he does his best to accommodate them with this design. In a word, this knife is a badass.

When you’re in the bush, you need to be able to maneuver and get what you need. Out in the wild (or whatever counts for wild in your area), there are times when a knife is the perfect solution for many issues. You can say what you want about hunting rifles and other kinds of weapons, but I feel knives are a lot more essential. You may hunt wild game with a firearm, but I would love to watch you try to process a wild rabbit, fish, or squirrel (let alone something larger) using a 10/22 Ruger or AR-15.

Who Was Ethan Becker?

This knife is one of many which have been designed by Ethan Becker. Becker is a trained chef, knife maker, mountain climber, all-around outdoorsman, and primitive skills maven. In the 1980’s, he founded the Becker Knife and Tool Company. Later on, Becker’s company partnered with Camillus Cutlery (until its 2007 bankruptcy), and these days it is Ka-Bar who is producing Becker’s unique knife designs. Ka-Bar certainly knew what they were doing when they asked Becker to join their team.

Becker has been with Ka-Bar since 2007. For almost 10 years, this partnership has yielded great results and provided knife collectors and carriers with a series of high quality blades. Ka-Bar has been making knives for over 100 years. It is still one of the greatest options out there, when it comes to outdoors/utility knives. The BK2 is one of their most popular models, and it is very easy to see why. It is a great size, it has a thick blade, it sits comfortably in just about any hand, and it is built to last.

This knife is not a lightweight, literally and figuratively, nor is it meant to be. No, this knife is a camping and survival knife, through and through. You can feel it when you grab hold of its handle. It is meant for heavy duties.

NOTE: Ka-Bar does not recommend using any of their knives for batoning, throwing, chiseling, or any other task for which their knives were not specifically intended. However, the BK2 knife can certainly be used for such things. Just keep in mind that if something should happen to the knife while engaging in activities of that nature, the knife may no longer be covered by Ka-Bar’s limited lifetime warranty. For further details, see Ka-Bar’s warranty.

The limited lifetime warranty covers many failures and defects, and Ka-Bar’s customer service department is known for its willingness to accommodate, even if it means not going strictly by the book. Obviously, you shouldn’t bank on that, but still.

This is why the BK2 is such a hot item. It wouldn’t stay this popular if it were a junk item. Those who are lucky enough to own one, understand very well just how important a quality knife can be.

Some of Becker’s other designs currently being produced by Ka-Bar:

The Becker Necker

• The Becker Necker is a neck knife which packs a mean punch, and makes a great sidekick for any type of activity
• Blade: 1095 Cro-van, fixed blade, flat grind
• Blade length: 3.25 inches
• Overall length: 6.75 inches

The Becker TacTool

• The Becker TacTool is a partially serrated knife which can hammer, cut, pry, lift, and perform a wide range of tasks, both indoors and outdoors
• Blade: 1095 Cro-van, fixed blade, flat grind
• Blade length: 7 inches
• Overall length: 12.5 inches

The Becker Combat Bowie

• The Becker Combat Bowie is Becker’s take on the traditional Bowie blade
• Blade: 1095 Cro-van, fixed blade, flat grind
• Blade length: 9.25 inches
• Overall length: 14.74 inches

The Becker Remora

• As the Ka-Bar website states, the Becker Remora is a “perfect little pack knife” – it is small, which means it is very concealable and compact, but still strong enough to handle anything
• Blade: 1095 Cro-van, fixed blade, hollow grind
• Blade length: 2.375 inches
• Overall length: 5.125 inches

The Becker/Reinhardt Kukri

• The Kuriki is a traditional curved blade hailing from Nepal and the surrounding areas, and Becker partnered with armorer and author Hank Reinhardt for this design
• Blade: 1095 Cro-van, fixed blade, flat grind
• Blade length: 13.25 inches
• Overall length: 18.75 inches

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The Ka-Bar USMC Fighting Knife is a jack of all trades, and a master of none. There isn’t one particular task at which it excels or stands out – but that is not a bad thing. This knife simply does it all, and it does it well. This is what has kept it consistently popular for over 70 years.

There is a reason why the U.S. military chose this particular design for its troops. Even in this modern age of electronic warfare, long-range missiles, and drone excursions – a combat knife is an infantry soldier’s close, personal companion. It is a great backup weapon to have in any situation, and it gets the job done.

History of the USMC Fighting Knife

In December of 1941, following the bombing of Pearl Harbor by the Japanese, the United States joined the Second World War. The Marine Corps was one of the first branches of the military to be sent into action, and the Marines were equipped with a standard issue bronze or alloy-handed WWI-era knife, such as the Mark I trench knife.

These knives had several significant drawbacks: the different knife blades were relatively thin, and thus prone to breakage; they were not too comfortable to handle, due to their finger-guard; they were expensive and time-consuming to produce; and they were made of metals which were necessary for the war effort.

Many troops complained about the Mark I trench knife and its performance. The War Department saw there was a need for a new type of fighting / utility knife, which would be out into service, replacing the older models. In 1942, the War Dpt. issued a call for military suppliers to join in the war efforts, and submit a design for what would become the standard issue combat knife.

This knife design had to be able to withstand harsh conditions and abuse – weather, salt-water, and the like. It had to be versatile, multi-purpose in nature, and ideally it would be made out of non-essential metals. The country was conserving scrap metal at the time, and every little effort counted towards victory over Nazi Germany and its allies.

Ka-Bar submitted its design, the 1219C2, to the military, for testing and trials. In November of 1942, it was officially accepted into service by the Marine Corps. The first series of knives was produced in early 1943, and sent out to the USMC’s elite units operating overseas.

Seeing the success of the 1219C2, the United States Navy also became interested in the combat knife, and it also accepted it into service, renaming it the U.S. Navy Utility Knife, Mark 2. The Marines followed suit, and renamed the knife the Ka-Bar USMC Mark 2 Combat Knife, or the Knife, Fighting Utility.

After the War ended, Navy and Marines continued using the Mark 2. The knife was a great success with the troops, and the name Ka-Bar became synonymous with “combat knife”, regardless of whether Ka-Bar was the actual manufacturer. Ka-Bar decided to produce a civilian version of the knife, and it has since become one of the most recognized and widely-used hunting/utility knives in the world.

The USMC Mark 2 Specs

The USMC Mark 2 is a fixed blade knife. It measures 7 inches in length, and weighs in at 10.5 oz. The knife handle material is made of stacked leather, and its sheath is also made of leather (an option for a nylon sheath is available). The handle on this knife fits the hand like a charm, and it manages to tread on that fine line – the handle is big and sturdy, without being too big.

The blade’s steel is Carbon-based 1095 Cro-van. It is easy to sharpen, durable, and it holds a great edge. Because it isn’t stainless steel, it does require some regular lubing, but that is a minor issue compared with the advantages of a carbon-based blade. If you treat your USMC Fighting Knife well, you will be rewarded with a lifetime of use.

The knife is made in the United States, though the sheath is imported. Ka-Bar’s facilities are located in Olean, NY, and the USMC model is still one of the company’s best-sellers. Many different versions of the USMC model are in existence. The original USMC model served as the basis for other Ka-Bar knives such as the Tanto, the Big Brother, the D2 Extreme Fighting, and others.

Over the years, Ka-Bar has also produced approximately 30 commemorative USMC fighting knives, honoring those who fought in WWII, Korea, Vietnam, Iraq, Afghanistan, and other military operations.

Ka-Bar Knives are Highly Effective

This knife is everything you would expect it to be. Unlike other knife manufacturers, Ka-Bar doesn’t rely too much on “tacticool-ness” or buzzwords. The USMC Fighting knife is a straight up multi-purpose cutting tool, which can be used for anything from slicing onions and chopping kindling, to cleaning fish, opening up packages, and taking out Nazi soldiers.

When it comes to price, this is one area where opinions could greatly differ. That being said, I haven’t encountered a single person who has handled the actual knife, and didn’t think it was worth the money. This is one of the best knives you can get. The value of this knife is incontrovertible, and it is a purchase that can last a lifetime. And speaking of “lifetime”…

Like all Ka-Bar knives, this one also comes with a limited lifetime warranty. Providing that you use the knife for its designated tasks, the Ka-Bar company will replace or repair your knife (or parts of the knife) should it fail to satisfy. Customers need only send the knife back to the company, with an attached letter detailing the particular defect or failure which prompted the customer to send the knife back.

NOTE: In the U.S., different states have laws of procurement and conduct which apply to knife owners. Before purchasing a knife of any kind, be sure to check with your local authorities for any regional legislation which may apply. Part of carrying a knife is being prepared, so make sure that you stay within the limits of the law.

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