This page is still under construction. Click here for my page on automatic knives.
Assisted Opening Knife Reviews:
- SOG Twitch II Review
I’m hardly the first to say it, but the rise of well-designed manual flippers has really thrown the value of automatic knives into question. When already-good flippers are paired with assisted-opening mechanisms, true autos are obviated ever further. That said, my beef with many assisted-opening flippers is that they’re chasing an aspect of autos I ... - SOG SEAL XR Review
For some, getting right up to the point of “too much” is exactly the point. I’d read once that Chevrolet didn’t see any need to put a stronger engine in the Corvette in the sixth and seventh generations because without a mid-engine chassis, adding more power would just spin the tires. Sensible enough. Meanwhile, Dodge ... - Microtech Exocet Review
In these uncertain times, it feels like an indulgence to sit down and write a knife review. I ask, should I even be doing this? To go about reviewing expensive pocket trinkets while the world unravels like a ball of yarn? The website has always been a bit of a guilty pleasure, but I’ve yet ... - Kershaw Bareknuckle Review
It’s been a long time coming. The Kershaw Bareknuckle is the latest iteration of a knife design that has been churning between sister brands (and rival companies) since Zero Tolerance unveiled the 0777 back in 2011. It’s also something of a new flagship for Kershaw, who haven’t introduced a moderately priced, USA-made, manual action folder ... - Kershaw Launch 4 Review
Regular readers may recall I’m attempting to step outside of my comfort zone and review more automatic knives. I started with a couple high end Microtechs, swung down to the Boker AK-74, and have now changed course towards something resembling the middle ground: The Kershaw Launch 4. Buy the Kershaw Launch 4 at BladeHQ The Launch ... - Microtech Halo VI Review
“I tried being reasonable. I didn’t like it.” Buy the Microtech Halo VI at BladeHQ I always enjoyed that quote from Clint Eastwood, and couldn’t help but think about it as I wielded the Halo VI. There is absolutely nothing reasonable about this knife. Any justification that this would be my “new EDC” went completely out ... - Benchmade Mini Boost Review
As a rule of thumb, most knife nerds steer clear of blades with assisted openers. They’re regarded as obnoxious, tough to maintain, and not as prestigious as something with a truly dialed in detent. But can you guess which type of folks tend to prefer assisted openers? In my experience, the answer is simple – ... - Boker Plus Kalashnikov AK-74 Automatic Knife Review
My recent review of the Microtech Stitch ignited my interest in automatic knives. I think it’s easy to see why. The Stitch is a beautiful and unique knife. It is also a $400 knife. That’s a significant chunk of change. I wanted to check out a more affordable segment of the market. - Kershaw Link 1776GRYBW Review
It has been a while since I have visited Kershaw’s value offerings. The Injection 3.0, the Emerson Collabs, and the Strobe are nice knives for the money, but I think each model left the reviewer asking for a little more. Buy the Kershaw Link at BladeHQ Admittedly, these knives are all in the $20-30 range. It’s ... - Protech Runt J4 Review
Last Updated: March 7, 2021 Over the last few years, pro-knife legislation in many states has contributed to a renewed interest in automatic knives. In part, these laws recognize the futility of banning automatic knives (also known as switchblades) when modern folders can be deployed just as quickly. The advent of the frame lock ... - Buck Marksman Review
Last Updated: December 2, 2019 You may have noticed a lack of reviews of Buck knives. I have nothing against Buck. I reviewed the Vantage a couple years back, and haven’t gotten around to reviewing anything else because nothing else in their lineup interested me that much. That is, until I saw the Marksman. Buy the ... - Kershaw 1870 Knockout Review
I have always been a huge fan of user knives. Blades like the Benchmade 710, Spyderco Gayle Bradley, and Cold Steel American Lawman have always resonated with me as great knives because they are great tools. As a collector I am still enthused by the latest and greatest in materials and technology, but I will ... - Zero Tolerance 0566 Review
Last Updated: July 13, 2019 I have recently been making regular appearances on the GearGeeksLive podcast with Tony and Andrew. Tony and I recently had Thomas Welk from KAI (Kershaw/Zero Tolerance) on the air for an episode about KAI. I found it fascinating to get inside the head of a prominent representative of a major cutlery ... - Kershaw Turbulence Review
Last Updated: September 17, 2019 I’ve mentioned in previous reviews that I sometimes find that Kershaw’s product line falls into a bit of a slump. In the $20-50 range you have a number of what I feel are quite frankly, forgettable knives. Typically it involves some sort of black handle, and bead blasted blade. Many come ... - Kershaw Cryo Review
Last Updated: March 18, 2019 At long last, the Kershaw Cryo. This is another one of those Hinderer/KAI collabs that tantalized knife collectors back at SHOT Show 2011 (or was it 2012? the years just blend together). Whichever year it was, we waited what seemed like forever for this little knife. Finally, after eons of patiently ... - Benchmade 581 Barrage Review
Benchmade has always struck me as a company that both innovates and inspires. They can take a functional object, refine it’s performance, and give it a slight twist to elevate a knife something beyond mere G10 and steel. That is a rare accomplishment in the world of production knives, and this handsome 581 Barrage a ... - Zero Tolerance 0350 Review
Last Updated: April 5, 2020 My Zero Tolerance 0300 got a lot of looks when I carried it around. At over 9″ long and with a weight of 8.6 ounces, it definitely raised some eyebrows. The excellent S30V blade was a force to be reckoned with, and I really enjoyed the loud “thwack” of the assisted ... - Benchmade 890 Torrent Review
Last Updated: August 7, 2019 It has been decided – I am a total sucker for a cool “gentleman’s tactical folder.” I remember first drooling over the 890 Torrent when it came out in 2009. Flash forward a couple years, and today I am the proud owner of my very own Torrent, a sleek Steigerwalt design ... - Kershaw Volt II Review
Last Updated: August 8, 2019 It has been too long since I’ve examined a nice budget EDC blade. This time around I picked up a Kershaw Volt II, and could immediately tell that I grabbed a real winner. First off, the original Volt is a true collectors piece. It’s not a particularly old design, but it’s ... - SOG Aegis Review
Last Updated: August 26, 2019 The term “aegis” has ancient roots. Commonly used in Greek mythology, aegis means “protector” and has been often symbolized in the form of a shield. In many ways the ]SOG Aegis is emblematic of a protector as well. Buy the SOG Aegis at BladeHQ If ever needed the Aegis could certainly offer ... - Kershaw Needs Work Review
Last Updated: August 21, 2019 In my opinion the wharncliffe is one of the most under-appreciated blade shapes out there. Many may write the shape off as a novelty, but in my experience a wharncliffe blade can be incredibly useful for a lot of every day tasks. That’s why I wanted to make sure I eventually ... - SOG Flash II Review
Last Updated: July 29, 2019 SOG is a company that has always intrigued me. They have eschewed the more mainstream model of production knife design, which typically involves a team of in-house designers and a deep roster of freelancers, instead favoring a one man approach. All of SOG’s knives are designed by president and founder Spencer ... - Kershaw Blur Review
Last Updated: February 20, 2019 While I enjoy reviewing all kinds of knives, it’s the mid size edc “working man’s” knives that I especially enjoy reviewing because these mid size EDC’s are what spend the most time in my pockets and in my hands. The Kershaw Blur is such a quintessential mid size EDC knife that ... - CRKT Ripple Review
Last Updated: August 4, 2019 The CKRT Ripple is a design that had me doing a double take. The flowing lines and sharp looks were very “Ken Onion-y” and upon closer inspection the knife was in fact designed by Ken Onion. It turns out Mr. Onion has parted ways with the folks at Kershaw and he ... - Kershaw Leek Review
Last Updated: December 1, 2019 The Kershaw Leek is a popular EDC knife designed by legendary custom knife maker Ken Onion. Between his designs for Zero Tolerance Knives, Kershaw, and CRKT, Ken’s work has received a lot of attention on this site. This is for good reason as he is highly regarded as a knife designer. ... - Zero Tolerance 0300 Review
When Zero Tolerance first came on the scene the 0300 is one of their knives that really caught my eye. The graceful curves reminded me of some deep sea mammal while the construction reminded me of a semi truck. So I wasn’t surprised to learn that the 0300 was a collaboration between Ken Onion and ... - Schrade Extreme Survival Assisted OTF
I was at a gun show outside New Orleans when I first saw the Schrade Extreme Survival Assisted Out The Front (OTF). I think I said something like “Dang that is COOL” when I first shot the blade out the front of the knife. 5 minutes and $35 later the OTF was heading home ...
GAVE MY RETIRED NAVY (PO1-NUKE-USS ENTERPRISE) SON-IN-LAW, A CRKT “HAMMOND DESERT CRUISER” UPON HIS RETURN FROM HIS SECOND TOUR OF DUTY IN THE PERSIAN GULF WAR, FIGHTING TERRORISM. HE HAS HAD NOTHING BUT HIGH PRAISE FOR ITS RUGGED CONSTRUCTION, EASE & SPEED OF OPENING, & IT’S EXTREME UTILITY FOR MOST ALL CUTTING PURPOSES. HE IS NOW A SENIOR @ TA&MU PURSUING A DEGREE IN ELEC. ENG.—GIG ‘EM AGGIES!!!