• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

BladeReviews.com

Knife Reviews

Menu
  • Home
  • Reviews by Brand
    • Al Mar Knives
    • Benchmade Knives
    • Boker Knives
    • Buck Knives
    • Cold Steel Knives
    • Chris Reeve Knives
    • CRKT Knives
    • DPx Gear
    • Emerson Knives
    • ESEE Knives
    • Fällkniven Knives
    • Fantoni Knives
    • Gerber Knives
    • Great Eastern Cutlery
    • Hinderer Knives
    • Hogue Knives
    • Ka-Bar Knives
    • Kershaw Knives
    • Kizer Knives
    • LionSteel Knives
    • Mcusta Knives
    • Mora Knives of Sweden
    • Microtech Knives
    • Ontario Knives
    • Opinel Knives
    • Reate Knives
    • Rockstead Knives
    • Schrade Knives
    • Shirogorov Knives
    • Smith & Wesson Knives
    • SOG Knives
    • Spartan Blades
    • Spyderco Knives
    • Steel Will Knives
    • Strider Knives
    • Victorinox Knives
    • Viper Knives
    • Zero Tolerance Knives
    • Close
  • Reviews by Purpose
    • EDC Knife Reviews
    • Tactical Knife Reviews
    • Survival Knife Reviews
    • Hard Use Folding Knives
    • High End Pocket Knives
    • Gentleman’s Folders
    • Rescue Knives
    • Traditional Knives
    • USA Made EDC Knives
    • Close
  • Reviews by Class
    • Folding Knives
    • Fixed Blade Knives
    • Assisted Opening Knives
    • Automatic Knives
    • Machetes
    • Titanium Frame Lock Knives
    • Close
  • Best Of
    • The Best EDC Knives
    • Best Survival Knives
    • Best Tactical Knives
    • Best High Value Knives
    • Close
  • Gear Reviews
    • Flashlight Reviews
    • Multi-Tool Reviews
    • Watch Reviews
    • Knife Sharpener Reviews
    • Close
  • FAQs
    • Knife Care and Maintenance
    • Knife Dictionary
    • Knife Steels
    • Steel Composition
    • Interviews
    • Close
  • Contact
  • About
    • About
    • Privacy
    • Links
    • Close

Dan Jackson

Dan is the creator of BladeReviews.com. He founded the site in 2010, and for the first 5 years Dan wrote all of the reviews and recorded all of the video reviews. He grew up using pocket knives, and the decision to start the website stemmed from his fascination of all things sharp combined with a deep passion for writing. At this point he has personally reviewed almost 300 knives of all shapes, sizes, and price points. He is widely recognized as an authority on daily carry knives and has consulted with knife companies on product design and has been featured on national media outlets including the WireCutter. In 2016 Dan decided to branch out and experiment with the website by reviewing watches, flashlights, and multi-tools. Today BladeReviews.com features a number of expert authors reviewing a wide range of daily carry gear. He is proud to write detailed long format reviews with original photography. The website remains largely independent with the vast majority of the products reviewed being purchased by Dan personally. When he isn't writing knife reviews from his home in Southwest Florida, or talking about himself in third person, he enjoys practicing law, reading, fishing, cigars, and weight lifting.

At this point he has personally reviewed almost 300 knives of all shapes, sizes, and price points. He is widely recognized as an authority on daily carry knives. He has consulted with knife companies on product design and his opinions on pocket knives have been featured on national media outlets including the WireCutter. In 2016 Dan decided to branch out and experiment with the website by reviewing watches, flashlights, and multi-tools. Today BladeReviews.com features a number of expert authors reviewing a wide range of daily carry gear. He is proud to write detailed long format reviews with original photography. The website remains largely independent with the vast majority of the products reviewed being purchased by Dan personally.

When he isn't writing knife reviews from his home in Southwest Florida, or talking about himself in third person, he enjoys practicing law, reading, fishing, cigars, and weight lifting.

Mcusta MC-1 Review

by Dan Jackson 4 Comments

Nestled in the heart of Seki Japan, Mcusta has been a part of Japan’s renown knifemaking industry since 1964. Often compared to Solingen, Germany, Seki is a knife-nut’s dream. Rich in resources such as iron sand, charcoal and water, Seki has been the center of Japanese cutlery production for over 780 years.

Mcusta MC-1
Buy the Mcusta MC-1 at BladeHQ

Buy on Amazon

The odd thing is, when most American knife enthusiasts hear about Seki-City, Spyderco is often the first company to come to mind. Indeed, Spyderco has recently been producing some beautiful knives in Seki City, but their roots are 100% American. On the other hand, Mcusta’s roots run deep into the Seki-City soil, and the company has only recently arrived on to US market.

Today for your consideration is the Mcusta MC-1 series knife. This is actually their “Basic Series” folder although what you get is anything but basic. For those seeking a gentleman’s folder or a high end EDC option I highly recommend the MC-1. There are some interesting nuances that differentiate this knife from the typical “American Style” folder. Follow along as I share with you what I like so much about these simple Japanese blades.

General Dimensions and Blade Details

The MC-1 has a 4.25″ handle, a 3.25″ blade, an overall length of 7.5″ and a weight of 3.4 ounces. To me these are almost ideal proportions perfect for EDC, and the knife is large enough to potentially be used as an emergency tactical knife (not recommended, but it’s better than nothing). The MC-1 features a plain edge drop point blade with a fine tip and a flat grind starting 3/4 of the way up the blade. This blade, like all of the metal components in Mcusta knives, is laser cut for a precision fit.

Mcusta MC-1 with Damascus Blade

For blade material Mcusta gives you the option of solid VG-10 or the handsome laminated damascus and VG-10 option shown above. This laminated knife is actually a core of VG-10 sandwiched in between 2 pieces of 33 layer nickle damascus and heat-treated to a Rockwell hardness of 59-60. This results in a visually stunning blade that is also very functional. As far as the steel goes, I love VG-10, it’s a very tough steel that can get wicked sharp and has excellent edge retention. Some find it a bit of a chore to sharpen, but I have never had a problem unless I let the knife get way too dull.

Handle, Ergonomics and Pocket Clip

Mcusta offers a wide range of handle scale materials including micarta, Corian (an interesting option) and a variety of exotic hardwoods. The knife featured in this review has African Ebony scales and the photograph below shows some of the other options. These scales are fitted over more laser cut steel and are hand finished. The simple pillar construction is a clean look that allows for easy maintenance. The knife is bolted together so if you wanted to, you could take it completely apart for a full cleaning. I’ve noticed that the liners aren’t milled out, but at 3.4 ounces the weight of this knife is still more than acceptable to me.

Mcusta MC-1 Handle Varieties

As far as ergonomics are concerned the handles feature some deep finger grooves for comfort and control. These grooves provide good grip in both forward and reverse holds. One thing to notice is the distinct lack of jimping on the thumb ramp (to dismay of some I am sure). In fact, there isn’t much of a thumb ramp at all. For a classier knife, I don’t think you really need it, but Mcusta does make some other models with these features (I’ll be reviewing a tactical version soon) if you want something with a little more utility.

Mcusta MC-1 Handle Detail

Pocket clips are almost always a source of issues and the MC-1 is no exception. The good news is that this clip is both sturdy and elegant. Also, the clip is positioned at the very top of the handle so the knife practically disappears into a pocket. The bad news is that the clip is absolutely not reversible and only accomidates tip down right pocket carry. Notches have been cut into the handle to accommodate this “low rider” clip so flipping it over for left pocket carry is simply not an option. This is disheartening for me and the other lefties out there, but thankfully Mcusta offers other knives with a reversible clip (better than nothing).

Deployment and Lockup

The MC-1’s blade is deployed with a flick of a thumb stud. Deployment is silky smooth thanks to a teflon washer system. Teflon is a departure from the phosphor bronze washers found in most high end knives, but the deployment is still incredibly fast. I haven’t heard of any issues (either short term or long) with these teflon washers. The blade is locked in place with a thick liner lock. This is a very solid liner lock that is capable of taking some abuse and there is zero play in the blade.

Mcusta MC-1 Review – Final Thoughts

One thing that needs to be commented on here is value. Depending on the materials you can pick buy a new MC-1 for as low as $90 and they top out at around $140. When you consider the materials and workmanship involved here this strikes me as an incredible value.

Mcusta MC-1: Final Thoughts

Also, I have to say that it’s been a while since I’ve been so moved by a knife. You really need to see one of these in person to understand where I am coming from. I’ll admit that I am a sucker for hardwood handles, but the simple design and beautiful craftsmanship really hits home with me.

Of course, the MC-1 isn’t without fault, and my main contention is the non-ambidextrous pocket clip. Others may like to see more jimping, milled liners and perhaps even phosphor bronze washers (I’m curious to see how the teflon washers will stand up to the test of time). I’ll concede that these are valid concerns however, lets not forget the purpose of this knife and also consider the potential differences in the Japanese knifemaking industry. My guess is that the physical disconnect between Mcusta and the American market is largely to blame.

In my Mcusta Tactility review I explore a knife that addresses some of my perceived issues with the MC-1.

Mcusta Basic MC-14DR Indian Rosewood Dasmascus w/Clip
Mcusta Basic MC-14DR Indian Rosewood Dasmascus w/Clip
Buy on Amazon

I recommend purchasing the Mcusta MC-1 at BladeHQ or Amazon. BladeHQ has a great selection of Mcusta knives in general, and their customer service is bar none. Buying anything through any of the links on this site earns the site a small commission at absolutely zero additional cost to you. This is how I keep the site running. Thank you very much for any and all support.

Filed Under: Collectable Knives, EDC Knives, Folding Knives, Mcusta Tagged With: damascus, laminated steel, Made in Japan, VG-10

Emerson CQC-7 Review

by Dan Jackson 8 Comments

Last Updated: October 3, 2016
Tactical knives are trendy, and it’s easy to get swept up in the latest trends. While I have seen a lot of great new knives come out recently, I’m still drawn to the classics… and you can’t talk about classic folding tactical knives without mentioning Emerson Knives.

Emerson CQC-7
Buy the CQC-7 at BladeHQ

[easyazon_cta add_to_cart=”default” align=”center” asin=”B00W536APE” cloaking=”default” height=”42″ key=”tall-orange” localization=”default” locale=”US” nofollow=”default” new_window=”default” tag=”brdfkdfk-20″ width=”120″]

In fact, many credit Ernest Emerson with the original folding tactical knife and his decades of work as a custom knifemaker has brought numerous innovations to the industry. Thankfully, Emerson produces a line of production knives that puts his rugged designs within the grasp of the common man (his custom pieces are crazy expensive – if you can even find one for sale). One knife that showcases a lot of what Emerson Knives is all about is the Emerson CQC7. The CQC-7 is also the subject of today’s review.

“CQC” stands for “close quarter combat” and “7” identifies the model in this distinctive series of knives. The CQC-7 was actually based off of Emerson’s CQC-6 design (which is only available as a custom piece) and was licensed out to Benchmade in 1994. After that license expired, Emerson began producing the knife in his own factory. My point here is, this knife has been around the block. It’s a simple and brutally effective tool.

Over the years Emerson has produced a variety of sizes and styles of the CQC-7. I’ll be examining the standard CQC-7 with a 154CM combo edge, G10 scales, Emerson wave (more on that later) and a titanium liner lock.

Intended Use

The CQC-7 is fully intended to be a combat knife. The name alone should be enough to tell you that this knife is designed for up close, last resort, hand-to-hand combat, but I’ll be going into what specifically makes this a weapon. That said, you could also EDC this knife. Aside from its size, it has some interesting nuances that might dissuade you from wanting to carry this knife every day, but I know a lot of people who love the CQC-7 and use it for every day tasks.

Emerson CQC-7 and a Gun

General Dimensions and Blade Details

The CQC-7 has an overall length of 8.0″, a blade length of 3.3″, a weight of 4.0 ounces and is made in the USA. The CQC-7 comes in a couple blade shapes. I’m reviewing the version with the tanto blade shape (CQC-7B) although you can also opt for a drop point version (the CQC-7A) in various finishes. The tanto shape has an inherently strong tip which makes the knife ideal for stabbing and thrust cuts – the kinds of cuts you would be performing in a defensive situation. A downside to the tanto is that I find it harder to sharpen.

Emerson CQC-7 Blade

There are 2 very interesting features about the CQC-7 blade that I need to talk about; the wave and the chisel grind.

The Emerson Wave Feature

The Emerson wave is a small protruding piece of metal on the top of the blade (back by the thumb disk) designed for rapid one hand deployment of the knife. It works by catching the wave on the edge of your pocket and forcing the knife open. Operated correctly wave deployment is the fastest way to open up a folding knife. If I did a poor job explaining the wave feature here is a video. (I didn’t film this so don’t blame me if the music isn’t exactly your thing.)

The wave is a great feature if fast deployment is your thing. Other knife manufacturers employ a wave feature but Emerson is the original. One thing to keep in mind is that you have to be careful deploying a knife like this in public because it snaps open so quickly – the average person probably hasn’t seen anything like it.

Chisel Grind

The other major feature with the blade is that it is chisel ground. For those unfamiliar with a chisel grind, it’s exactly what it sounds like – the knife is sharpened on one side only like a chisel, and the “back” of the blade is completely flat. Emerson apparently has their reasons for doing this including that it is easier to sharpen, holds an edge longer, and it has become something of a trademark for them. If you hunt around they do make knives in the more common “V” grind, but the CQC-7 I am reviewing does not have this kind of grind. One issue with the chisel grind is that it is hard to get a straight cut, the blade tends to drift towards the chisel side of the knife. If you are going to use this knife for long and precise cuts you may want to consider a version with the “V” grind.

Emerson CQC-7: Chisel Grind

Blade Steel

Emerson went with CPM-154CM steel for the blade. Benchmade uses a lot of 154CM and it is an all around excellent steel. That said, when you consider the price of this knife new (in the $120 range) a lot of people like to see more exotic steels. Honestly, this is another point that I will leave for you to consider. Of course I would like to see a more exotic steel but I think 154CM is very good. I certainly wouldn’t make it into a deal-breaker.

Handle, Ergonomic,s and Pocket Clip

The handle of the CQC-7 is made of G-10 scales over titanium liners. The handle has a glass laminate backspacer and is held together with phillips screws. I always prefer the pillar, or flow-through, construction knives but I know that this knife was meant to be tough so a partial backspacer makes sense as it probably affords more rigidity. I also think that titanium was an excellent choice for the liners. It is both strong and light and is a big part of what keeps this full size folder nice and light. The phillips screws are an interesting touch. Emerson reportedly uses phillips screws for easy take-down in the field – it’s a little different and I like it.

Emerson CQC-7 Handle

The ergonomics on the CQC-7 is where this knife really shines. The handle is spacious and the edges are perfectly contoured to meet the hand. The G10 is nicely textured to provide good grip. There is some jimping on the large thumb ramp as well as the choil although the thumb ramp jimping is still pretty smooth. This knife feels great in both forward and reverse grips and is built like a tank. These are major concerns for a fighting knife so it’s no surprise that “the original tactical knife” has great ergonomics and solid construction.

Emerson CQC-7 Pocket Clip

The pocket clip is superb if you are right handed. It is blackened, and has great retention. Unfortunately, the clip is not ambidextrous. In my opinion this is a major misstep. Also, the clip isn’t reversible from top to bottom so you are left with tip up carry only. If you are right handed and want to use the wave feature this should be fine, but for everyone else the non-positional clip leaves something to be desired.

Deployment and Lock

The CQC-7 has two main deployment options, the wave and the thumb disk. I’ve already spoke at length about the wave method of deployment and there isn’t a whole lot to say about the thumb disk. It is a disk that sits on top of the blade and functions like a thumb stud. It is big and the edges are ridged and provides a lot of room for you to easily deploy the knife with your thumb. I like the thumb disk, and with a little practice it becomes very natural to open the CQC-7.

Emerson CQC-7 Deployment

The pivot screw of the CQC-7 is actually a flat head screw. This is another departure from most “normal” folding knives where you will find a torx or allen head pivot screw. Again, Emerson selected this for ease of take down in the field. I find the slot of the screw to be a little thin and impractical, but if you had to take this knife apart in the field it could be done.

Emerson CQC-7 Liner Lock

Emerson selected a titanium liner lock for the CQC-7. The lock is adequately thick and does a good job holding the blade in place with zero play in any direction. That said, for a combat knife you might want something more substantial like a frame lock, axis lock or even a lock back. Knifemakers are raising the bar and I have reviewed a number of knives with solid titanium frame locks. The CQC-7 might be a little behind the times here although I think if Emerson added a frame lock it would probably push the price right up to the $200 mark.

Emerson CQC-7 Review – Final Thoughts

After handling a number of production blades, I can safely say that the CQC-7 is a really unique folding knife. The wave feature, chisel grind, and nuances in design and construction make this a “love it or leave it” type of blade. Some guys only carry Emerson knives while others have had a few and decided to trade or sell them off.

Personally, the quality and history behind the knives intrigues me but I am somewhat turned off by the chisel grind, relatively high price tag, and especially the non-ambidextrous pocket clip. That said, Emerson does make dedicated lefty models and there is plenty left to appreciate about this knife. The rugged design, solid build quality, and details that make an Emerson, well, an Emerson continue to please a large number of tactical knife enthusiasts.

[easyazon_block add_to_cart=”default” align=”center” asin=”B00W536APE” cloaking=”default” layout=”top” localization=”default” locale=”US” nofollow=”default” new_window=”default” tag=”brdfkdfk-20″]

I recommend purchasing the CQC-7 at Amazon or BladeHQ. BladeHQ has a great selection of CQC-7s and their prices are very competitive. Purchasing anything through any of the links on this site helps support BladeReviews at no additional charge to you. Any and all support is greatly appreciated – thank you very much.

Photo Credits: Many thanks to Mr. Smashy for the great pictures of the CQC-7. Thanks again Smashy!

Please note that these pictures are actually of the Mini CQC-7 but the knives look very similar (with the only difference being the overall size of the knives).

Filed Under: EDC Knives, Emerson, Folding Knives, Made in the USA, Tactical Knives, USA Made EDC Knives Tagged With: 154cm, Ernest Emerson, tanto, wave feature

Spyderco Sage 2 Review

by Dan Jackson 14 Comments

Last Updated: August 2, 2019
Today I am looking at another beautiful knife, the Spyderco Sage 2. The Sage series is designed to pay homage to various pioneers in the knifemaking industry and to recognize some of the talented custom knifemakers that have helped re-define pocket knives.

Spyderco Sage 2

Buy the Sage 2 at BladeHQ

Buy on Amazon

The Sage 1 pays homage to knifemaker Michael Walker who invented the liner lock and features carbon fiber scales while the Sage 2 focuses on knifemaker Chris Reeve’s Reeve Integral Lock (or frame lock). For those unfamiliar with Chris Reeve Knives (CRK), his “semi-production” knives are considered to be the holy grail among many knife enthusiasts. They are beautiful pieces and are quite pricey. What appeals to me about the Sage 2 is that you get a lot of what makes the CRK so desirable at a fraction of the cost.

General Dimensions and Blade Details

The Sage 2 has an overall length of 7 1/8″, a 3″ blade, and weighs of 3.5 ounces. These are great numbers in my opinion. The Sage 2 packs a lot into a small and lightweight package. This is an ideal size for every day carry, and the Sage 1 has proven itself to be one of my all time favorite EDC knives. The Sage 2 is just as carryable and makes for a great upscale EDC. The Sage 2 is made in Taichung Taiwan.

The blade is 1/8″ thick which is nice and beefy, it makes for a stout knife which is still light and agile. Spyderco went with their classic leaf shaped blade, with the full flat grind that many people love. The full flat grind is beautiful and makes this knife a great slicer.

Spyderco Sage 2 Blade

Spyderco selected CPM S30V for the blade steel. Back when I first penned this review in 2011, S30V was a high end steel. Today (late 2016), S30V has lost some of its luster next to steels like S35VN, CTS-XHP, and even more exotic steels like M390, but this is still serviceable steel. It’s a little more brittle than I would like, and can be difficult to sharpen at times, but it’s still reasonably easy to sharpen and holds a good edge. It’s a good steel, but admittedly not a great steel. I’d like to see Spyderco update the Sage series to S35VN at some point.

Handle, Ergonomics and Pocket Clip

The handle is where the Sage 2 really shines. It is made of 2 thick slabs of titanium and is held together by 3 torx bolts. I really like the simplicity of the handle. The titanium keeps this knife lightweight and is nicely finished. The flow through construction and easy disassembly are two other features that I love. They make this an easy knife to clean and maintain.

Spyderco Sage 2 Handle

The ergonomics are also very nice. The handle length is only 4 3/16″ however the jimping on the thumb ramp and choil allow you to choke up real close to the blade. Like most Spyderco knives I have held the Sage 2 feels good in hand and will make an excellent user for someone looking at a high end working knife or EDC item. The handle edges are also well finished with no sharp edges or “hot spots.”

Spyderco Sage 2 Pocket Clip

The pocket clip is the Spyderco wire clip. I think that this is a great pocket clip design because it is simple, strong and easy to conceal. Some people do not like the wire clip. I think those people are nuts, but there is plenty of room for multiple opinions.

The retention of the pocket clip is perfect and the deep carry nature of the clip makes the knife almost disappear in pocket. Spyderco designed this knife tip up carry only however the clip is ambidextrous. For me this isn’t a problem although I understand that sometimes people prefer tip down. If that is your desire Spyderco makes plenty of knives with that feature. I tend to prefer blackened clips as it makes them even more discreet, but I can see how that might spoil the aesthetics of the Sage 2.

Deployment and Lock

Deployment on the Sage 2 is a breeze with the standard Spyder-hole and phosphor bronze bushings. The blade moves with very little effort from your thumb and the sound the knife makes when it locks is very fun and satisfying. With the Caly 3 (and other lockback knives) I noticed it takes some effort to flick the blade out but the Sage is practically effortless. That said, retention is still good, it’s not like the blade is falling out of the handle – it’s only once you give it that initial push that you get the incredibly smooth deployment.

Spyderco Sage 2 Chris Reeve Integral Lock

Now, the lock is really the first thing I wanted to talk about (since the entire knife is designed to showcase the lock) but I try to keep a method to the madness here and like to do my reviews “in order” so my regular readers know where to find exactly what they are looking for. The Chris Reeve’s designed framelock is a beast and is among the strongest locks you can buy. The lock’s strength lies in its simplicity. The entire titanium handle locks the blade in place.

Spyderco Sage 1 and 2

I am left handed and this is not a left handed knife. That said, this knife is still easy to disengage with my left hand although I would love to see a dedicated lefty version some day.

Spyderco Sage 2 Review – Final Thoughts

The Sage 2 is an excellent knife and a worthy successor to the Sage 1. The materials, fit, and finish are top notch and the design is pure Spyderco. The retail price for the Sage 2 is around $175. I know for some that will be too much money to spend on a knife, but when you compare that to the other titanium frame lock knives on the market (including Hinderer, Strider, and Chris Reeve Knives) the Sage 2 offers a compelling value proposition. Granted, the Sage 2 is made overseas, but Spyderco’s Taiwanese knives are all excellent. There is not a single manufacturing flaw with the knife and I am extremely impressed with the level of fit and finish. I can’t think of another titanium framelock out there that can touch the value and performance of the Spyderco Sage 2 except for perhaps the Boker Urban Trapper.

If you are in the market for a titanium frame lock knife, but aren’t ready to shell out the big bucks for Chris Reeve, or similar offering, then I can absolutely recommend the Spyderco Sage 2. The Sage 2, along with the Sage 1, are some of my all time favorite EDC knives. These are top shelf knives that can both be had for a reasonable amount of money.

Spyderco Sage2 Titanium PlainEdge Knife
Spyderco Sage2 Titanium PlainEdge Knife
  • Deep-pocket wire clip for left or right hand carry
  • Closed Length (Inches): 4.19, Overall Length (Inches): 7.19, Blade Length (Inches):3, Blade Steel: CPM S30V, Grind: Full-Flat
  • A spear-point shaped, full-flat ground CPM S30V blade
  • All screw constructed titanium handle
  • Michael Walker Linerlock with ball bearing detent
Buy on Amazon

I recommend purchasing the Spyderco Sage 2 at ]Amazon, or BladeHQ.

Filed Under: Collectable Knives, EDC Knives, Folding Knives, Spyderco, Titanium Frame Lock Knives Tagged With: Frame Lock, made in Taiwan, s30v, titanium

An Interview with David Decker

by Dan Jackson Leave a Comment

When I first started this website, it was simply a place to put some knife reviews. I enjoy collecting knives and building websites so it was a natural progression. I would have never guessed that I would soon be meeting fascinating people from around the world sharing a passion for knives.

One of those people is David Decker. A martial artist, author, knife designer, teacher, collector, enthusiast, scholar and father, Dave is truly a renaissance man. Yet despite this diversity of interests Dave has managed to channel his energies in his quest to find the “Pure Warrior.”

He also has a lovely daughter, Gwynne, whose story is perhaps even richer than her father’s. Trained in all forms of combat, she has traveled the world working, studying and enjoying life to the fullest.

David and Gwynne Decker: Duel

Dave and Gwynne currently work together operating White Shadow Security, a firm that provides executive security, martial arts training and high end weapon sourcing. Dave designs knives on the side and the two have written several books together. It’s with great pleasure that I welcome Dave Decker to BladeReviews.

Hi Dave, great to have you here. Since this is BladeReviews let me start off by asking what got you into knives.

Hi Dan, That is an easy question. As a child I had an uncle close in age and we always played knights, cowboys and Indians, army, that sort of thing so we were always making swords and shields, knives and toy guns for whatever we were into at the time. Notice I said “make” because in the 50s money was very tight and we used our imaginations to make whatever we needed.

At about age ten my father went into the National Guard to supplement our income. Every Summer, while he was at camp, he would buy me a knife of some sort. Now as I said, I was maybe only ten years old, and I regularly traveled the woods with a knife and often a 22 caliber rifle all by myself. The need for a knife was ever present when camping for building shelters or cutting kindling for a campfire.

Fairbairn Sykes Knife

The knife that really got me into collecting and interested in learning how to use a fighting knife was an old WW-II Fairbairn -Sykes. I have always admired the clean lines of an F/S and have collected them now for over forty years. So the focus of my collecting quickly centered on fighting knives.

When did you begin studying martial arts?

About 1995 my daughter heard about a karate class in our small rural town and she wanted take lessons. She was age twelve and I took her to meet the instructor. After a couple months she said to me that the class was quite small and I ought to come too. Besides the instructor, I was the only adult student at that time.

I was forty years old and not very limber. When I was a child I was fascinated by David Carradine’s character in the TV series Kung Fu. During my stint in the Seabees in the late 60s I went through military training before deploying to Vietnam but there was no Hand to Hand combat training. So I jumped at the opportunity to study karate.

David Decker

I asked the instructor if I could train without taking any rank. I had seen a lot of black belts who were full of themselves and I wanted to make sure that my training was dedicated to learning not just advancing in rank. I trained, and also taught, as a white belt. Our instructor taught GoJu Ryu karate and Filipino martial arts, some Silat, and other forms that included knife work. I encouraged that of course.

After five years, at a meeting of three dojo, the instructor promoted me to ShoDan (black belt). He did this in front of the assembled karateka so I could hardly refuse. You should have heard the buzz among the younger students. “Did you see that? He just went from white to black belt.”

My training eventually took a different turn when I discovered an instructor an hour from my home who taught Yagyu Shinkage Ryu swordsmanship. This young man was here from Japan attending college. After observing his performance at a Japan-Day festival I would not leave until I had an opportunity to ask him if I could train with him. He eventually returned to Japan but I still practice Yagyu Shinkage Ryu at my own small dojo. I have been blessed to train under Yagyu Nobuharu sensei (deceased) and his heir, Yagyu Koichi sensei.
David Decker

 
That is pretty cool that you took up martial arts at 40! That gives people like me some hope…

I suppose a love of knives and martial arts had to result in a study of edged weapons combat. Was this an immediate goal when you began training or did you eventually study this specialized form of combat?

I guess I have explained some of this in the above paragraph. The knife-fighter who inspires me the most today is James Keating, a true master of empty-hand and the bladed arts. Many people consider knife-fighting a less noble art. If you use a sword to fight with you are somehow seen as a superior artist to one holding a knife. I disagree with that bias. Knife-fighting to me is the natural extension of empty-hand fighting.

But, I want to make it very clear, that you cannot stick a knife in your hand and use empty-hand techniques unless you want to die quickly! In my early karate years our first instructor taught this style of suicidal knife work. I could clearly see gaping holes in these techniques. The training was useful though because now I knew the way that most “trained” knife-fighters would attack or defend. From that base I began to develop counters to all of those techniques.

David Decker: Bowie Knife Training Class

This study resulted in my first book on knife defense, The Rhythm of One. My coming book, When Two Tigers Fight, will be an in depth exploration into knife fighting not just knife defense. I have read every book I can find on knife fighting and many old texts on European sword work, especially small sword and rapier. I took fencing classes for a little while too, in search of commonalities of movement.

I really admire how you continue to study and advance your training. I think that kind of attitude is inspiring because so many people become complacent. It’s my opinion that if you aren’t learning, you aren’t living.

What got you into designing your own knives?

Simply put, the search for a weapon that worked the techniques I wanted to use. Laci Szabo (martial artist and knife designer supreme) said that a knife must be adapted to the person not the other way around. That’s a poor paraphrase of Laci’s comment but you get the idea. I completely agree with Laci’s philosophy.

You currently have a knife in production, the Cobra, what went into designing this knife?

If the knife doesn’t fit your techniques you have two options, change the knife or change the techniques. I liked my techniques so I designed a knife to fit them.

David Decker Cobra

My first knife design was more traditional with a seven inch blade with a sharpened back edge and a re-curved primary edge. It is a beautiful design but too large for most people for EDC (every day carry). So I decided to scrunch up the design and out of that came the Cobra. They are handmade by Brent Sandow of Auckland, New Zealand. The Cobra in the photos is the final evolution of four design changes. The major shape never changed, only the details. When people first pick it up they instinctively put it in reverse grip. They are pleasantly surprised to find it fits equally well in forward grip. The short, curved handle really facilitates grip changes. The teeth on the backside are very aggressive and designed for the trapping and passing techniques commonly used in the Filipino and Indonesian Martial Arts.

My other favorite fighting knife is the traditional Bowie, but obviously I have to alter the way I fight. This is where my short training experience on the fencing strip pays off, because Bowie fighting tends to be more linear than Indonesian styles. I am currently waiting on two prototype “Snubby” Bowies as my next design offering. These would be maximum blade, minimal handle, for a powerful concealed carry Bowie.

Very interesting. I read some materials on the Cobra and I was impressed by how much thought went into every detail of the blade.

Tell us a little about your daughter. I would love to get her on here for her own interview at some point, but from what I could tell she has an amazing story so please share some of it.

Ahh, I could spend all day talking about Gwynne, “the Kid” as I call her. She is our only child, by choice. She grew up in the company of men, mostly my friends. We are all of Highland ancestry and weapons and martial heroics were often a part of the conversation. She was never a tomboy despite perhaps being the only little girl who enjoyed watching She Ra Warrior Princess, Platoon, and Air Wolf on TV. She became the youngest black belt in our karate school and eventually a NiDan. Gwynne also took over as instructor at the age of fourteen!
Gwynne Decker

 
Her karate studies waned as she went off to college, but after graduation she spent a year in Japan training in Yagyu Shinkage Ryu and even took some naginata classes. She took fencing in college and also the local classes with me. Her martial ways, and desire to be a warrior, led her to enroll with ESI, Executive Security International, to become a close protection specialist. Gwynne is the first woman at ESI to be recognized as a certified instructor. She is currently working in the field of close protection and has developed skills with firearms that far exceed my own. She has been my inspiration and training partner for many years now. She also co-authored and edited our first book.

That’s right, you and your daughter have written a number of books, what made you guys decide to do that?

I have always enjoyed writing and continue to do so with my blog. I do not have any formal background in writing and I am sure my high-school English teacher would be appalled.

Our first book began as a compilation of short articles written for my knife and karate students. I finally decided to put it all together in a format that flowed a little better and then have it bound. It is in a spiral binding, which publishers strongly dislike. I have kept it that way so that it can be laid flat on the floor and used, not just read and stuck on a bookshelf. We have sold copies all over the world in small numbers.

Our second book will actually delve more into the philosophy and Art of offensive knife fighting, and I have some reservations about putting that material out on the market. Some of our best techniques we reserve for ourselves or very close students. When Two Tigers Fight will, I think, provide a deeper insight into the more esoteric or mental aspects of knife fighting than any other book written. As I said, I have read almost all of them, even the very obscure and out of print ones.
Gwynne and David Decker: When 2 Tigers Fight

What are your future plans for White Shadow Security?

Actually Gwynne is White Shadow Security LLC! I am her supporter and confidant. My position with regards to the company will be as an instructor in edged weapons as we begin to develop a presence in the industry. I have a complete course written and we already rolled it out once for a trial run. Gwynne is planning to expand her close protection services under White Shadow Security LLC as a contractor for high profile clients, domestically and abroad. She is already making a name for herself as a highly qualified and sought after female agent.

That is really cool. I will be keeping my eye on White Shadow Security and look forward to following up with Gwynne as she expands the business.

What is your current EDC knife?

Generally I carry a Benchmade® folder of some variety on a daily basis. As far as I am concerned Benchmade® provides the best quality for a reasonable price. I prefer something with the axis-lock for its smooth opening and solid lock-up. When I travel by air I always pack a Cobra in my checked bags, a Gary Bradburn Tanto, or even a Bowie as well as a folder. The bigger knives give me something to “play with” in the hotel room as I continue to refine my techniques. If I travel by auto I also pack a handgun, either my Kimber® 45ACP or perhaps one of my Smith and Wesson® 357 magnums. (I have three concealed carry permits that are accepted by most of the states I travel in.)

David Decker Cobra with Sheath

Is there anything else you would like to add?

I want to thank you for this wonderful opportunity to talk a little about my interests, my daughter, and our company. I have a small batch of The Rhythm of One books still available. If anyone is interested they can contact me directly by email. I hope they will visit my blog and our website. I am always interested in hearing from other people of like interests, especially those with any constructive comments or critiques of my book or blog. Have a great day!

My pleasure Dave, thanks again for doing the interview!

Filed Under: "Industry" Interviews

Benchmade 710 Review

by Dan Jackson 23 Comments

Last Updated: December 29, 2018

I recently reviewed the Benchmade Griptilian, a model I consider to be a classic Benchmade knife. The Benchmade 710 is another one of those classic Benchmade knives.

Benchmade 710

No products found.

The 710 was designed by knife makers Bill McHenry and Jason Williams. This is a father and stepson team that invented the Axis lock. They subsequently and then sold the rights to the Axis lock to Benchmade. Benchmade asked McHenry & Williams to design a knife to feature this new locking mechanism and the 710 is what they came up with. The 710 is the first Benchmade knife to ever feature the Axis lock.

Since it’s introduction the 710 has received a lot of praise. Most notably the 710 earned the Shooting Industry Magazine’s Knife of the Year Award after it was introduced in 1999.

Needless to say both the 710 and the Axis lock went on to become big hits, and now more than a decade later both the knife and the locking system are still wildly popular among users and enthusiasts alike.

General Dimensions and Blade Detail

The 710 is on the large side. The overall length is 8.8″ with a 3.9″ blade, a blade thickness of .115″ and a weight of 4.5 ounces. Obviously this is not a feather light every day carry (EDC) blade. Personally I find this more of a “nights and weekends carry” when I can carry a bigger knife. That said I know plenty of people EDC the 710.

The blade is a modified clip point shape with an elegant unsharpened swedge that comes to a fine point, ideal for piercing and thrust cuts. The edge has a slight recurve which helps with draw cuts and allows the already long blade to perform like a slightly larger knife. The 710 has a hollow grind which begins high on the blade and makes this an excellent slicer.

Benchmade 710 Blade Detail

Benchmade went with D2 steel for the blade. D2 is a “semi-stainless” high carbon tool steel known for its toughness and edge retention. Benchmade has heat treated the blade to a rockwell hardness of 60-62 which is quite hard, especially before the introduction of super steels like S90V. The nice thing about D2 is that it can actually handle this kind of hardness without becoming brittle and chippy.

One potential issue with D2 is because it is such a hard and tough steel it is more difficult to sharpen. The recurve doesn’t help. This is the kind of knife that you will want to maintain regularly. Allowing this knife to get completely dull will make it difficult to resharpen without diamond stones. I would recommend a Spyderco Sharpmaker with diamond rods to maintain this knife. While I am able to keep a decent edge on my 710, I readily acknowledge that it is not the easiest knife to sharpen.

Another potential issue is corrosion. Like all steels, D2 can rust. D2 has a high chromium content, which helps to prevent rust, but there is not enough chromium to classify it as a stainless steel. D2 is comprised of approximately 12% chromium, and a stainless steel is usually classified as 13% or above. This is why D2 is often referred to as a “semi-stainless” steel. Regular cleaning and a little preventative maintenance will go a long way to combating issues with corrosion. However, you can see in the pictures of my knife some patina and staining that has formed.

Handle, Ergonomics and Pocket Clip

The 710 has a G10 and stainless steel handle with a Fiberglass Reinforced Nylon (FRN) backspacer. The 410 stainless steel liners have been skeletonized to reduce the weight and the machined G10 is very handsome. Generally, I like the handle a lot, although I do have some criticisms. First of all, I prefer open (pillar) construction with my handles. It makes the knife much easier to clean so to see a FRN backspacer here is a bit of a disappointment. That said, this isn’t a deal breaker and ultimately what we have here is a very strong handle.

Benchmade 710 - Handle Detail

What may be more concerning is the texturing on the G10 handle. The texturing is not that aggressive and the handle can become slippery when wet. On a tactical knife, this bothers me. Also, there isn’t a finger choil, which again can compromise the integrity of your grip. The McHenry and Williams flared the handle (in both the thumb ramp and finger choil area), this does help the grip, even in the absence of any functional jimping (which is typical for Benchmade and not an issue for me). If you are seriously considering the 710 as a weapon, I would try one out in person before committing the $140+ this knife retails for.

That said, the handle feels great with it’s rounded edges and lightly textured scales. For an EDC / user knife, the handle will be adequate for most purposes. I imagine Benchmade went with a slightly less grippy texturing to give the knife a more refined look and in order to appeal to a wider audience.

Benchmade 710 Pocket Clip

The pocket clip is a standard blackened Benchmade clip. The 710 allows for ambidextrous tip up carry. Some might lament the lack of a “4 corners” pocket clip, but personally, I only use tip up anyways so this is not a big deal (I’d love to hear some comments if this is truly an issue for you). The knife rides low in the pocket, with about a half inch of the handle poking out of the top. For me, this is perfect. I like something to grip onto when I am trying to pull the knife from my pocket.

Deployment and Lock

Not a whole lot needs to be said here, the deployment and lock of the 710 is excellent. This is largely due to the Axis lock and Benchmade’s stellar quality control. If I was writing this review back when the 710 first came out, this probably would have been the longest part of the review, but the Axis lock has been proven and I have written at length about it.

Benchmade Axis Lock

Just to cover a couple points however, the axis lock on the 710 is as smooth as butter. The knife has beefy phosphor bronze bushings which provide a low friction environment to allow the blade to fly out when deployed. With a little practice this knife can deploy almost as fast as an automatic. The lockup is very solid with out any play. I’ll also say the blade retention on this knife is also very good so you don’t need to worry about it accidentally opening in your pocket.

Benchmade 710 Review – Final Thoughts

The Benchmade 710 is a true workhorse of a knife. I have put my 710 through a lot over the years, and it has never failed me. It’s large and comfortable handle matches up to an equally large and sharp blade. The end result is a tool that is ideally suited for outdoorsmen, law enforcement, and military personnel. I enjoy the simplicity of the 710. It sort of reminds me of Glock handguns. It’s not a fancy design, but it works, and it forged the way for many excellent Benchmade knives featuring the axis lock.

With that said, the 710 is far from perfect. D2 steel was probably a great choice back when this knife first came out, but these days there are better options. Also the recurve makes this knife more difficult to sharpen. The recurve adds subtle elegance to the 710, but I’d be willing to sacrifice some classiness for ease of sharpening. Finally, the texturing on the handle is a little weak. For a work knife I’d like to see grippier G10.

The 710 is a classic with much deserved reputation. This is a design that has stood the test of time, and is still an excellent knife after all these years. At the end of the day, the 710 it cuts well and feels good in the hand. What else do you need from a big folding knife? If you are a fan of folding tactical knives, then you should check out the 710 at some point. This modern classic still gets the job done.

No products found.

I recommend purchasing the 710 from Amazon and BladeHQ. Buying anything through any of the links on this website earns BladeReviews.com a small commission (at absolutely no cost to you) and helps support the site. Any and all support is greatly appreciated. Thank you very much.

Filed Under: Benchmade, Folding Knives, Made in the USA, Recommended Tactical Knives, Tactical Knives, USA Made EDC Knives Tagged With: axis lock, d2, Made in USA, McHenry & Williams

An Interview With Jose Diaz – Custom Knifemaker

by Dan Jackson 3 Comments

Between making his own custom knives, functioning as the executive director for BladeSports International, and making time for his large network of family and friends, Jose Diaz is a busy guy. I managed to snag an interview with him and I was blown away by his passion for knives and commitment to BladeSports. In the space of a few emails I was invited to his home to learn the art of competition cutting from him personally.

I still feel like a fool for asking for a raincheck, but I hope to take him up on his offer some day soon. Either way, it is with great pleasure that I present an interview with the one and only Jose Diaz.

Jose Diaz Damascus Competition Cutting Knife

Welcome to BladeReviews, Jose – it is an honor to have you. Can you tell us a bit about what got you started making knives?

I have always been interested in metal smithing and knife and tool making. I didn’t get my start, though, until I met Ed Schempp. I guess I was just waiting for the right mentor, and he was it! Prior to becoming a knife maker, I was a wood carver, and my initial interest was to learn to create more carving tools. Ed Schempp told me that tool making was a type of freedom, and empowerment. I would agree with this.

That is cool. If you are going to learn how to make knives from someone Ed Schempp is one heck of a mentor. Can you tell us about your philosophy behind your knives?

I believe that knives are tools. I was taught to look at solving the problem of how to create a knife was to look at the work the knife is intended for. So I design my knives by starting at the edge, or working surface of the knife. The handle is the second thing that is designed. That is where the tool user interacts with the tool. The handle need not only to be comfortable, but be at the proper position to present the working surface to the task at hand. So I guess my knives are more about function than form.

I once had a critique by a prominent knifemaker, and he told me that his first impression of my knives was that they were ugly. Honestly, I didn’t take offense… I did, after all, ask him for his opinion. But I was disappointed that he did not pick any of them up.

Jose Diaz: Frog Leg with Carbon Fiber Handle

When I designed the Frog Leg, I was proud. I felt that this knife accomplished the goal of functionality and ergonomics. But I couldn’t get anyone interested in it. One day, I asked a passer by at a knife show to pick up the knife. It was funny, because this fellow literally was walking by my table without any intention of stopping. I got the knife in his hand, and the first thing he said was “Oh!” Like he finally got the punchline of a difficult to understand joke! He bought the knife.

Another thing I try to focus on in my knife making is affordability. I believe that it is important to make custom knifes that regular working people can afford. I stay away from expensive handle materials, and multi-piece knives. I try to keep things simple and functional. Custom knives are a luxury item. I do understand that. But I think that once someone tries a custom knife that is well designed, they will be hard pressed to find a better replacement.

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Your entire approach resonates with me, but the functionality and affordability factors really hit home.

I noticed by reading on your site and watching some of your you tube videos, that you are an avid outdoorsman. The video where you guys are camping in the Washington winter by sleeping in hammocks was especially interesting to a Southern boy like myself.

I have always been an avid outdoorsman. I love camping, fishing, hiking and hunting. I enjoy challenging myself physically and mentally in the outdoors. Winter camping is just part of that challenge. Staying comfortable in cold temperatures is a challenge, but can be done easily with preparation. My father is not an outdoorsman. He often asks how miserable I was during an outing. I tell him that it’s not about being miserable, but being comfortable and cozy in the outdoors that makes it so appealing. Many of my knife designs are inspired from my outdoor adventures. Designing the perfect tool for the outdoors is almost every knife maker’s dream.

Jose Diaz: Groda

I think that is a great perspective. Not only are you a fan of the outdoors, but I know you are also a big fan of frogs. You use a frog in your logo and a lot of your knives have frog-related names. What is that all about?

I love frogs. They are one of the most adaptable animals in the world. They literally live in every climate in the world. There is even an arctic variety that lives in Northern Alaska. They also taste good. I am from Puerto Rico. Ask any Puerto Rican about the Coqui. It is the Puerto Rican tree frog, indigenous only to that island. We as a culture are very proud of this little guy! That is where the frog in my logo came from. I just decided at some point to stay with that theme, and it’s worked for me so far.

It’s definitely a unique – I dig it.

Lets talk about cutting competitions. Now I know you make some competition cutting knives, and that you participate in the competitions yourself, but what I didn’t realize is that you are the executive director of BladeSports International, the premier competition cutting organization. What got you into competition cutting and how did you find yourself at the helm of this growing sport?

I have Ed Schempp, again, to blame for this. Ed is a renowned rope cutter, and has himself won many rope cutting competitions. One day I asked him about it, and asked him to teach me how to do it. The first time I cut the rope, I was addicted. He calls it the “Excaliber” effect. You accomplish something like rope cutting, then you look at the blade in awe, look at the cut rope and want to hold the blade aloft and yell!

I found that cutting competitions were a great test bed for knife design. I have learned so much about design, heat treatment and edge geometry participating in this sport.

Jose Diaz Competition Cutting Knife

Like every hobby I get into, it’s difficult for me not to become fully involved. The Board of BladeSports quickly recognized my zealousness (read obsession) and picked me to lead. One of the main missions of BladeSports, is to promote “knife as tool.” This is a mission I believe in, and try to promote in my own business.

Also, the hedonistic side of me loves participating in cutting events. It’s way more fun than it should be. We’re out there chopping up new 2x4s, unused water bottles, perfectly good golf and tennis balls. I should be feeling kind of bad ruining all these things by cutting them up.

This is the only sport for knife enthusiasts. I honestly believe that this sport has a bright future. I am proud to be a part of it.

Well that is totally awesome. It has inspired me to get more involved and I will be trying to feature more stuff on BladeSports in the future.

I’ve noticed that your competition cutters have a distinctive handle design. I am also really impressed by the youtube video of your Damascus competition cutter. Not only is it a beautiful knife but it looks to be very good at what it does.

Thanks for the compliments. I am proud of that piece. Fortunately the person who bought that knife lets me visit it from time to time. I designed that knife as worker, but I am glad you think it’s pretty. I do too.

The drop in the handle of that knife represents an ergonomic theory I have about the movements in cutting. It allows the wrist to stay in a relaxed position during heavy movements, and allows for further reach with hyperextension of the wrist, giving more range of movement. The forefinger area is narrow, again allowing for more range of movement at the fulcrum.

Knifemakers agree that these cutting competitions are the ultimate test of a blade and it’s interesting to see the kinds of innovations that come out of them. What advice do you have for anyone looking to get more involved in BladeSports and competition cutting?

Get ahold of us. We’ll get you trained in the safety aspects of competition cutting, which for us is the most important. We’ll travel to you if you cannot come to us. We just require a minimum of 5 students, cutting benches, materials to cut, and a place to hold the training and competition. We can get the training and competition done in a weekend. We’ll supply the instructors and even bring the knives.

Jose Diaz Damascus Competition Cutting Knife: Detail

Too cool, you guys are BladeSports are incredibly dedicated. I look forward to watching the sport grow and hope to get involved myself someday soon.

One last question; what knives do you like to carry every day?

I carry a variety of knives – it depends on the occasion. For more formal affairs: Ed Schempp/Spyderco Khukri. Shop time: carbon steel Opinel folder. Hiking/Backpacking: Frog Leg neck knife.

Jose Diaz: Frog Leg

A knife for every occasion, I would expect nothing less. 😉 Thanks so much for your time Jose, is there anything else you would like to say?

I’d like to thank my collectors, and customers. The folks who have been willing to spend their hard earned money on my knives. I’m glad you’ve seen value in my product!

And to Ed Schempp: “I still blame you!” Thanks for your patience and time! I’m glad to know that I am still worthy of both. I am fortunate to have and honest and insightful mentor.

Jose Diaz: Rana

Thanks again for the great interview. You can learn more about Jose and his knives by visiting the Diaz Tools website. I also recommend checking out his YouTube channel. He has a nice mix of knife related videos and it’s being regularly updated.

Filed Under: Custom Knifemaker Interviews

  • « Go to Previous Page
  • Page 1
  • Interim pages omitted …
  • Page 41
  • Page 42
  • Page 43
  • Page 44
  • Page 45
  • Interim pages omitted …
  • Page 50
  • Go to Next Page »

Primary Sidebar

Follow Us on FacebookFollow Us on TwitterFollow Us on YouTubeFollow Us on RSS

Subscribe to Email Updates and Never Miss a Review (No Spam)!

Enter your email address:

Delivered by FeedBurner

Shop BladeHQ

Shop Outdoor Gear on Amazon

Shop KniveShipFree.com

Search BladeReviews:

Best of BladeReviews:

Best EDC Knives
Best Survival Knives
Best Tactical Knives
Best High Value Knives

Copyright © 2025 · Log in