Made in the USA

Northwoods Knives Indian River Jack Review

I have been interested in traditional slip joint knives for a while now. I am not alone. Many have come to enjoy the pocket friendly lines of a simple slip joint, and the thinly ground blades cut like nothing else. Some might find the absence of a lock unnerving, but in my experience most of the time a slip joint is more than enough knife for normal utility tasks.

Buy the Northwoods Indian River Jack at KnivesShipFree

As I wandered down the slip joint rabbit hole I eventually came across the Northwoods Knives Indian River Jack. Here is a simple single blade pattern, but with an upgraded blade steel (in this case, CPM-154). No other bells or whistles to speak of. Some might refer to this as an ever elusive “perfect EDC knife”.

The Northwoods Knives brand was purchased by Derrick Bohn of KnivesShipFree sometime around 2010-2011. Northwoods were originally made by Great Eastern Cutlery and Queen Cutlery (2 American companies specializing in traditional folders), and Derrick has continued the tradition of having the knives made in the USA by these manufacturers. The knife in this review was made by GEC, although the current version of the knife is made by Queen (at the time of writing this article, mid 2015). IRJ’s are released in small batches. Due to the limited supply and unique selling proposition of a 154CM blade, demand for the IRJ is out of control. The knives quickly sell out every time a batch hits Derrick’s website.

I was fortunate enough to snag one of the 2014 GEC manufactured IRJs, and have been carrying the knife for many months now.

General Dimensions and Blade Details

The IRJ has an overall length of approximately 6.25″, a 2.5″ blade, weighs 2.2 ounces, and is made in the USA. This knife has a similar footprint to my cherished Victorinox Cadet, and is an ideal size for every day carry (EDC) in my book. Certainly, this makes for a fine gentleman’s folder. And given the limited quantities of the IRJ I would classify this as a collectible as well. As I try to compare the IRJ with other knives in my collection, I would almost classify this as a cross between the Cadet and CRK Mnandi.

The blade of the Indian River Jack is a simple drop point pattern. Again, it reminds me of the blade on the Cadet. Just dead simple. In this instance there is a very slight swedge. Still very simple. The blade has a full flat grind with satin finish, and is thin behind the edge. It is a beautiful slicer. Perfect for light tasks like opening mail and cutting up fruit, but certainly capable of tougher chores. It slides through cardboard, cuts rope, and whittles wood with ease.

My version of the Indian River Jack came in CPM-154 stainless steel. As much as I enjoy the charm of the high carbon steel blade on my GEC Viper, there is something to be said for the ease of maintenance of stainless steel. I can ride this knife hard, put it away wet (sometimes literally), and not have to worry about rust or heavy oxidation. I have been guilty of occasionally not cleaning and oiling my high carbon bladed slip joints as well as I should have, and coming back to find the blade covered with rust. Plus CPM-154 is just excellent steel. It takes an edge easily enough and holds it for a long time. Combine that with the super thin geometry of the IRJ’s grind, and you are left with almost unmatchable slicing performance.

Handle, and Ergonomics

The handle of the Indian River Jack is a simple pill shape, with nickle silver bolsters and brass liners. The handle comes in a variety of “covers” (handle scale materials). Mine happens to have jigged bone for the handle material, which is a handle material that I don’t have a lot of experience with. It certainly fits the traditional aspects of the knife. The nickle silver bolsters are highly reflective and lend a touch of class (and extra heft) to the IRJ.

Everything has been riveted together. Fit and finish is pretty good on my knife. The transition between backspring and spine of the blade on my example could be better, and there is a tiny gap between the liners and backspring. But beyond that the pieces line up and the finish work is nice. Given the price I am not disappointed.

In hand the Indian River Jack is a capable little knife. There is no jimping, no finger choils, no lanyard hole, no skull crusher pommel, no rubber inserts, or skateboard tape. Yet still the IRJ seems to work just fine. There is plenty to hold onto and I have enjoyed using the knife for a multitude of basic chores. As with any folding knife, it needs to be treated with care and respect.

While there is no pocket clip to speak of on the Indian River Jack, KnivesShipFree does include a leather slip case with the knife. The leather on the slip case is thick, and carrying the knife in the case is akin to carrying a small secondary wallet. Slip cases prevent the knife from getting beat up in your pocket, and I am a fan of these kinds of cases – especially for dressier pieces like this. It’s a nice touch and a great option for the IRJ, especially if you want to preserve the knife as a collectible.

Walk and Talk

I have disbanded with the usual “Deployment and Lockup” section since this is a slip joint. Instead, lets discuss the “walk and talk” of this modern traditional folder. The IRJ features a slim nail nick to access the blade. It is cut sharply and the knife is easy enough to open and close with two hands. This will never compare with the easy opening of a thumb stud, thumb hole, or flipper, but that is part of the charm of these older patterns.

The backspring on the IRJ is pretty snappy. I won’t proclaim to be an expert on the walk and talk of slip joints, but compared with some of my other slippies, I’d say it’s a on the strong side. The blade opens and shuts with a satisfying snap. There is no hard half stop, but the blade does seem to naturally rest in the half position. There is a little pinch of resistance there as you push the blade open or closed. All said the action on this slip joint is smooth and satisfying.

Indian River Jack – Final Thoughts

It should come as no surprise that I really like the Indian River Jack. The classic design, good fit and finish, and CPM-154 blade all serve to make it a winner in my book. Despite being somewhat rare and coveted, this is still a working knife at the end of the day. It isn’t perfect, but that makes it all the more endearing. Compared with the fancy folders of today, the $130 price tag is relatively modest.

In a way I have struggled to write this review. This knife is understated, but excellent. I wanted to give it the respect and appreciation it deserves without being over the top, because doing so would be incongruous with the knife. But maybe I should be over the top. This knife is worthy of the praise.

For those on the quest for the “perfect EDC knife”, the Indian River Jack could be a contender depending on your preferences. If you are like me, and gravitate towards small sleek knives for daily carry, then the IRJ checks a lot of boxes. Perhaps the limited availability is the biggest detractor to the IRJ. You have to scour the secondary market or keep an eagle eye on KniveShipFree (the only purveyor of Northwoods Knives) for when they get new shipments in. Regardless, the IRJ makes my list of best EDC knives. Highly recommended for fans of minimalist and traditional folding knives.

Indian River Jack – From $130.00
From: KnivesShipFree

I recommend purchasing the Indian River Jack at KnivesShipFree. Please consider that buying anything through any of the links on this website helps support BladeReviews.com, and keeps the site going. As always, any and all support is greatly appreciated. Thank you very much.

Buck Marksman Review

by Dan Jackson 12 Comments

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 Buck Marksman at BladeHQ

Buy on Amazon

The Marksman is a collaboration with Grant and Gavin Hawk. Grant and Gavin are known for pushing the envelope with unique designs and locking mechanisms. They have done a number of collaborations with Kershaw, Chris Reeve, and Zero Tolerance. I think it was especially cool that they teamed up with Buck, because Buck is so well known as a traditional brand, and Grant and Gavin are so well known for re-imagining the folding knife. It is an interesting juxtaposition, and it definitely got my attention. Toss in a 154CM blade, bearings, “made in the USA” quality, and a retail price of under $100, and I’m thinking there might be room for another Buck review on this website.

General Dimensions and Blade Details

The Marksman has an overall length of 8.25″, a 3.5″ blade, and weighs 4.3 ounces. This full size knife feels surprisingly lightweight thanks to the aluminum handle. I have mostly been using the Marksman for yard work and weekend chores, and it has made a great carry for those heavier duty applications. I have cut down bamboo, busted open zip ties, broken down boxes, and performed mild food prep. The Marksman cuts well and is lightweight and functional.

It’s the kind of user knife like the Benchmade Volli, Hogue EX04, and Cold Steel American Lawman, that manages to remain in my collection. For whatever reason, most of my fancier knives end up getting sold, but I have a hell of a time parting ways with a good user.

The blade shape of the Marksman is classic Buck drop point. It has the oval thumb hole that they seem to favor, and the design is mild mannered when compared to the handle. It’s also a functional blade shape with a sturdy tip and high hollow grind. The blade has been left with a matte finish which isn’t anything too spectacular. You can still see some rough grind lines and the finish will pick up scuffs and scratches. The laser etched logos on the blade also has shown signs of wear and have faded after the occasional application of Bar Keepers Friend (a metal cleaner). I photographed the knife after using it regularly for a couple months and you can see how the black laser etching has been scrubbed away. I consider this a “happy accident” as I’m a big fan of sterile blades.

Buck went with good ole 154 CM stainless steel heat treated by Paul Bos. The edge has held up well and the Marksman is a fantastic cutter. I have mentioned earlier how I have been using this knife pretty hard (for me at least) and I have been pleased with the performance. It keeps a good edge yet remains easy to sharpen. I have always been a fan of 154CM so I am not particularly surprised by my experience. I will say that I have had 154CM rust on me a little on more than one occasion, so you need to keep an eye on it, especially if you are going to use the knife for food prep and not clean it like I have on several occasions. If you don’t let the knife get too crusty, a little of that Bar Keepers Friend will bring it back to new.

Handle, Ergonomics, and Pocket Clip

The Marksman has a black anodized aluminum handle with a steel backspacer. This makes for a lightweight and strong handle. The anodization on the aluminum has held up well and there are grooves milled into the handle for a little texture and visual interest. The backspacer integrates with the strap lock (more on that below) so you have something of a “closed construction” design. While aluminum isn’t the most sexy of handle materials, it is very practical. I think it suits the design of this knife. Although it first appears as if there is a lot going on with this knife, at the end of the day construction is simple and sturdy. All the pieces have been nicely finished and the handle has been well executed.

The Marksman is a full size knife. Ergonomically it is straightforward and performs like you would expect. What impresses me most when I use the Marksman is how nice and light it feels in hand. I will say that the strap lock is uncomfortable to use repeatedly – at least until you build some callouses up on your hands. The serrations on the lock are no joke, and they tore up my thumb at first. Having used the knife for months now I don’t feel anything uncomfortable, but it took some getting used to.

Buck went with a deep carry reversible pocket clip mounted on the butt of the handle. This is a lot like the clip found on the LionSteel SR-1. The clip itself is simple and sturdy. It buries the knife discretely into the pocket. I like the clip and the way the Marksman carries. It’s worth mentioning that the knife is fully ambidextrous.

Here is your pocket clip shot:

Deployment and Lockup

Grant and Gavin really know how to shake things up in the deployment and lockup section. Sometimes I find myself starting to yawn when I put this part of the review together, but the Marksman really gives me something to talk about.

So you are probably already aware that the Marksman uses a “strap lock” to lock the blade in place. Chances are you have never encountered a strap lock on a knife before. It’s a big strip of stainless steel that runs the length of the back of the handle and snaps into place over a protrusion on the back of the blade. What makes it cool is that in the closed position, it serves as a big spring, and when you hit the flipper the knife launches open effortlessly.

Here is a size comparison with a Spyderco Delica and Spyderco Endura:

I have never been a huge fan of assisted openers, but the action on the Marksman is really cool and satisfying. It’s unlike any other spring assisted knife I have handled, to the point where I am reluctant to even identify it as an assisted opening knife. Closing the blade is kind of like setting a bear trap, and the trigger takes only a very light touch. It makes a very distinct tinny sound when you deploy it. Even my girlfriend could pick up on the fact that something was different with this knife. If the novel deployment system wasn’t enough, Buck also included a caged bearing system. The bearings work great and the action is so smooth that the blade just falls shut. This is a knife that you can easily open with the flipper or the thumb hole.

To disengage the blade you have to pull up on the strap with the serrations on the side of it. The serrations are rough and your thumb will get chewed up when you first start using the knife – especially if you obsessively open and close it like I did. The initial pain is definitely a negative, but overall I found the strap lock mechanism endearing, and like it more than I thought I would. With some practice you can learn how to open and close the knife one handed. It takes some tough thumbs and a little finesse but even this southpaw has managed to figure it out.

Another interesting aspect about the lock is that it is fully adjustable with a set screw on the pommel. I have used the knife for months and have opened it thousands of times. I have yet to notice any blade play, but if some were to develop you could tune it out with the set screw and pivot.

Here is a parting shot with my Spyderco Para 2:

Blade centering is perfect on my knife.

Buck Marksman Review – Final Thoughts

The novelty of the Marksman is what made me buy it. The thoughtful design, solid build quality, and excellent performance are what made me keep it. I would have never guessed that I would like the Marksman as much as I do. I wrote this review back in 2014, and as I update it in 2019, the Marksman is still part of my rotation. It’s a truly excellent knife. Perfect for those looking for a workhorse EDC that’s different.

The knife definitely has some novel features to it, and it doesn’t disappoint in that respect. But at the end of the day what impresses me most about the Marksman is that it’s actually a really good knife. The strap lock is unique, and I love how the blade deploys. The knife is also lightweight, tough, and functional. The materials are all high quality and it’s nicely put together – especially at the price point and considering that it is USA made. It carries well, cuts cleanly, and is a lot of fun to open and close. The Marksman has really grown on me. I would go so far as to say this is one of my favorite designs in 2014. I am glad I gave it a chance.

With all of that said I realize that this knife isn’t for everyone. The futuristic design is bound to polarize people, and the strap lock and it’s sharp edges could be a deal killer as well. But if you are in the market for something different and like a good user blade, then the Buck Marksman should definitely be on your radar. I liked it so much it earned a spot on my recommended EDC knives page.

Buck Knives 830 Marksman Folding Knife with One Hand Opening Action

RAZOR SHARP BLADE- 3-1/2" Drop Point 154CM Steel Blade delivers excellent edge retention, corrosion resistance, and is suitable for heavy cutting applications. Closed Length 4-3/4" Weight 4.0 oz.
AMBIDEXTROUS ONE HAND OPEN - Opens with the flick of a finger. The unique SLS Strong Lock System is one of the strongest locking mechanisms on the market. Once deployed, it offers the strength of a fixed blade knife
SAFE AND SECURE GRIP - The Black anodized aluminum handle provides a comfortable and secure grip while you work. This tactical knife will hold up in the most demanding situations
CONVENIENT CARRY - Includes a removable, reversible, tip-up discreet deep pocket carry clip for easy attachment to your belt, pocket, or in your bag
MADE IN THE USA - FOREVER WARRANTY - Since 1902 Buck Knives has offered a lifetime warranty on our knives because we believe in the integrity of our products. This knife is proudly made in the USA.

I recommend purchasing the Marksman at Amazon.com or BladeHQ. Please consider that buying anything through any of the links on this website helps support BladeReviews.com, and keeps the site going. As always, any and all support is greatly appreciated. Thank you very much.

ESEE Candiru Review

by Dan Jackson 12 Comments

Last Updated: August 1, 2019
Small, sharp, and damn near indestructible. If you want the short version of my Candiru review, that was it. Coming from ESEE, a company with a pedigree for making tough as nails outdoors and survival blades, that should come as no surprise. Fans of their extremely popular Izula pattern will no doubt be intrigued by this smaller cousin. Named after a most nefarious of jungle catfish, the Candiru is meant to be lightweight, discrete, and versatile.

Buy the ESEE Candiru at BladeHQ

Buy on Amazon

I carried mine for some time as an urban EDC, and also tested the knife outdoors on an extended trip to the rugged Canadian coast. Does it live up to expectations forged by ESEE’s other blockbuster blades like the ESEE 3 and Junglas? Lets find out…

General Dimensions and Blade Details

The Candiru is a small knife with an overall length of 5.13″, a 2″ blade, and a weight of 1.7 ounces (not including the sheath). The Candiru is made in the USA. This has been a nice backup knife for suburban EDC and has also served as a (very) small outdoors blade. ESEE also suggests this knife to round out your Personal Survivavl Kit (PSK), or as part of your First Aid Kit. I think all of these are legitimate uses for the Candiru.

Each knife ships with a fold-over cordura sheath, and the entire package makes for an extremely slim and discrete carry. I find the knife very easy to tuck away in a pocket and also would work well as a neck knife. Any way you carry it, the Candiru is the kind of blade that is soon to be forgotten until that moment arrives when you need something sharp.

The blade is a simple drop point shape with a partial flat grind. The entire knife is cut from a piece of 1/8″ thick 1095 high carbon steel, powdercoated in your choice of OD green, desert tan, or black. As I mentioned earlier, the entire package is damn near indestructible. The Candiru has held up well to heavy cutting, batoning, and even prying apart a particularly nasty piece of salt cured driftwood. The edge geometry on the Candiru is pretty stout, and the powdercoat finish is textured – so don’t expect the most amazing slicer. On the plus side you can pound this thing through a 2×4, and the knife will be no worse for the wear. I found the knife useful for everything from opening package, to building fires, to even helping dismantle a lobster dinner.

The choice of steel is 1095 – a high carbon non-stainless steel selected for it’s toughness and ability to easily take a keen edge. All ESEE knives come in 1095, and at this point I am very familiar with the steel. 1095 will rust if you aren’t careful, and I experienced some slight rust spotting on the logo and edge – so you will want to keep the knife clean and oiled. That said, I think the corrosive tendencies of the steel are well outweighed by the excellent toughness of the steel. I experienced no issues with chipping, and the tip passed some gruesome pry tests with flying colors.

Handle and Ergonomics

A stock Candiru ships without any handle scales. I didn’t mind this at first as it kept the weight down and the knife slim, but I have greatly enjoyed the micarta scales on my Izula II and I kind of regret not purchasing the optional micarta or G10 scales for the Candiru. My guess is they are well worth the $15, although I am sure an enterprising individual could fashion his own scales for a fraction of the price.

As far as ergonomics are concerned the Candiru is a 3 finger knife. For most of your EDC tasks this isn’t going to be an issue, but I found that for outdoor use the small knife tended to slip in my rather clumsy grip. A short run of jimping helps control the blade, but I found myself using this one in a pinch grip a lot. That said, this thing is plenty capable, and will be fine for small woodworking jobs as well as typical chores around camp. I managed to prepare food, cut rope, and whittle sticks without major issues. Like I said before I think the optional scales would have been nice on this one, and I would recommend the upgrade.

Sheath

The original Candiru came with a small black cordura sheath. It’s a fold-over style sheath with a little piece of velcro for the closure. Inside the sheath is a plastic lining where the blade fits snugly inside. Besides that the only other landmarks are a belt loop and a small metal grommet for attachment to a lanyard. The sheath works. It requires 2 hands to get at the knife, but given the size of the knife it all seems reasonable. That said, I am such a big fan of the plastic sheath on the Izulas that I would prefer that ESEE shipped the Candiru with a polymer (plastic) sheath.

Well, I was apparently not alone in my desire for a polymer sheath for the Candiru, and ESEE eventually switched over and now a polymer sheath comes standard. I have not had a chance to check it out personally, but from what I have gathered it is a nice upgrade over the original cloth sheath.

ESEE Candiru Review – Final Thoughts

The Candiru is a charming little knife. It manages to pack rugged functionality into a tiny sub 2 ounce package, and is built with the same practical and rugged mindset of everything else in the ESEE lineup. And of course the knife comes with ESEE’s legendary no questions asked use-or-abuse warranty, and the Candiru is 100% made in the USA. Those in need of an ultra light backup knife, or a small fixed blade for a PSK or First Aid Kit could certainly do much worse than the Candiru. I happen to like mine a lot. That said, I do have one lingering issue with the knife.

My biggest beef is with the price. ESEE knives are typically on the spendy side, and I tend to justify the premium with the USA craftsmanship and the killer warranty (well justified in my opinion). But the Candiru is priced at the point where it starts to compete with other blades in the ESEE lineup – which is where the real dilemma emerges.

As shown the Candiru sets you back $47. If you were to buy the OEM scales the entire package easily pushes the $60 mark. At that price, you are firmly in Izula territory. Around $55 gets you an Izula, and around $65 gets you the excellent Izula II (which includes the knife, micarta scales, and a nice plastic sheath). If you want an ESEE and are able to carry the larger Izula II, I would definitely go with the Izula II. I find it to be a much easier knife to work with as it includes full 4 finger grip ergonomics, a bigger and beefier blade, and a more convenient plastic sheath.

So for that reason I have some difficulty giving the Candiru my absolute full endorsement. It’s a cool knife, but unless you absolutely need something that small I think the Izula is a much better buy. That said, if you really do need something as small as the Candiru (maybe for ultralight backpacking or a PSK) then I can definitely say the knife is a cool piece of kit. It is also just as well built as anything else in the company’s lineup – which is saying a lot as ESEE’s build quality is typically excellent.

While I wouldn’t call the Candiru a “must have knife,” it’s certainly not a bad blade either. If you can get past the price you are left with a solid performer for urban EDC and outdoor use alike. Small, sharp, and damn near indestructible.

ESEE Knives Black CANDIRU Fixed Blade Knife w/Polymer Sheath

I recommend purchasing the Candiru at Amazon or BladeHQ.

Buck Vantage Pro Review

by Dan Jackson 20 Comments

Last Updated: August 3, 2019
I know my father has a couple Buck Knives stashed away in a sock drawer somewhere, and I wouldn’t be surprised to learn that a majority of American men over the age of 50 are in a similar position. Buck is known for making reliable hunting and outdoor blades, and they have been doing just that for over 100 years.

Buy the Buck Vantage at BladeHQ

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Oddly enough, part of what made Buck so popular then is part of the challenge that Buck and many other classic cutlery companies face today. I’m talking about keeping their products relevant, their designs iconic, and their products in the hands of the consumer. Knife companies want their knives on your belts and in your pockets, not stashed away with Walkman’s, brick-sized cell phones, and other every-day articles of yore. And while the cutlery industry may not have evolved as rapidly as the electronics industry, it has certainly experienced its fair share of change. Things like pocket clips, exotic steels, and one-hand deployment have gone from curiosity to industry standard in a relatively short period of time.

And it is also important to note that the US cutlery industry is not without it’s casualties. Long standing companies like Schrade and Camillus have literally gone the way of the dodo. Both companies filed for bankruptcy in the past decade. Their assets were liquidated to satisfy their debts, and rights to their trademarks and designs were sold to the highest bidder. The knives made under these brands today are hollow shells of their former selves with their lineups largely comprised of cheap knives manufactured overseas.

But it’s not all doom and gloom. From the ashes phoenix soar to new heights. Plenty of new US knife companies have stepped up to the plate, and Buck is still going strong as they adapt to new market realities. In many ways the Vantage Pro is leading Buck’s charge to both preserve their brand and provide their take on the modern folding knife. The Vantage is made in America, features high end materials, and is priced reasonably. Lets see if this is enough to bring Buck into the 21st century.

General Dimensions and Blade Details

The Vantage comes in 2 sizes (small and large) and in a variety of trim levels. For the large knife, our overall length is 7-1/2″, our blade length is 3-1/4″, and we have a weight of 4 ounces. The small version weighs 2.3 ounces, has an overall length of 6-1/4″, and sports a 2-3/4″ blade. At 4 ounces I find the large Vantage a little on the chunky side, but find both sizes to be well suited for EDC. As for listing the varying trim levels, well, I figure it’s easier to do this with a chart.

Model	Steel	Handle Material
Pro	S30-V	G10
Avid	13C26	Dymondwood
Select	420HC	Zytel

Since we have a total of 9 possible configurations here I decided to simply buy the largest, most expensive version, and also the smallest most inexpensive version. So what you are looking at in the photos is a large Vantage Pro and a small Vantage Select. But this is mainly a review of the full size Vantage Pro. The large Pro is the flagship of the series, and is the knife that I was most interested in examining.

The blade on the Vantage is a no frills drop point design with a high hollow grind and a nice sweeping belly. Buck selected an adequately thick piece of steel here and I found the tip to be both sturdy and functional. The edge on my Vantage Pro was neatly applied although my less expensive Vantage Select was a little less precise. All in all I like the blade shape – it’s simple and extremely functional. A great choice for an every day carry blade.

Per my chart, steel runs the gamut from lowly 420HC to excellent S30V. Given that the prices range from approximately $25 up to $60 I think that is pretty interesting. I was very pleased to learn that the Vantage Pro included a S30V blade. S30V is something you don’t see on a lot of knives in the $50 range (with the Spyderco Native being the only thing that immediately comes to mind), especially $50 knives made in America. If you are contemplating a Vantage, my advice is to spring for at least the “Avid” level Vantage. Sandvik 13C26 will be a substantial improvement over 420HC, which a soft steel that is easy to sharpen, but doesn’t hold it’s edge particularly well.

Handle, Ergonomics and Pocket Clip

The Vantage features varying grades of handle material over full stainless steel liners. On the full size knife these are thick liners, and I suspect that they add a fair amount to the 4 ounce carry weight. Price permitting, I’d prefer to see them milled out. I like how everything is screwed together, and the clean flow through construction. I found both my knives to be solid, but I did notice that some of edges of the G10 peeked out a little over the liners on my Vantage Pro. All in all this is a well-made handle.

In hand the large Vantage is pretty good. The G10 is given a smooth finish, but the handle isn’t slippery. There is plenty of room for a full grip, and the flipper doubles as a small finger choil to prevent forward sliding forward on the blade. The edges of the handle were a little sharp for my taste, but they are reasonable given the intended use. I actually liked the way the small Vantage fit in my hand a little more. It’s a tight fit for larger hands, but the corners aren’t as sharp.

The Buck Vantage Pro sports a nice deep carry pocket clip. This clip offers ambidextrous tip up carry, has nice retention, and is very discrete. I like the clip a lot. The Vantage itself is a flat knife and makes for an easy and unobtrusive carry.

Deployment and Lockup

Deployment is achieved primarily by means of a flipper, although you have the option of using a small oval thumb hole set close to the handle. This thumb hole is blocked somewhat on the left side, so really it’s best used by a righty. For me the easiest way to deploy this knife was by the flipper. I found that the Vantage snapped out crisply with a little wrist action. Buck included phosphor bronze washers to aid in a smooth and reliable deployment. They are small washers, but they get the job done.

For lockup the Vantage makes use of a liner lock. Lockup was nice and tight on both of my knives, and I detected no blade play at all. However, I noticed that the lockup was pretty late on my large Vantage, and sometimes it would engage a little earlier, sometimes it would engage a little later. For EDC use I’m not terribly concerned, but I’d like to see Buck iron out this kink.

I also wanted to mention blade centering and other matters of fit and finish. When this knife first came out in 2009-2010, there were reports of off-center blades rubbing liners, and tips getting blunted on the backspacer. Buck responded to these issues like champs, both fixing customer’s knives and refining their manufacturing process to avoid future issues. I am pleased to say that I didn’t experience any of these fatal fit and finish issues with my two knives (purchased late 2011).

Buck Vantage Pro Review – Final Thoughts

All things considered I feel that the Buck Vantage Pro is a very solid offering. I especially like the price, the high end blade steel, the G10 scales, the attractive design, the nice pocket clip, and seeing “USA” stamped on the blade. Fit and finish isn’t quite 100%, and I think the ergonomics could use some tweaking, but these are relatively minor issues that I can easily overlook when presented with the bigger picture of this knife.

What Buck has done here is provide something appealing to the modern knife user without sacrificing the core values that built their business in the first place. It’s so refreshing to see a high quality steel like S30V on a ~$50 knife, let alone a ~$50 USA made knife. I hope Buck will continue along this path of success by continuing to pay attention to the consumer, refining their designs, and releasing more knives that stand out from the pack. In a stormy knife industry Buck has decided to make their own waves – and that’s great news.

Buck Knives 0347BKS Vantage PRO Folding Knife with Clip

SUPREMELY SHARP BLADE - 3-1/4" Drop Point S30V Steel Blade delivers a combination of edge retention, ductility, hardness, toughness, wear resistance and corrosion resistance for optimal performance. The full bellied blade offers remarkable cutting ability
CONVENIENT ONE HAND OPENING - A Thumb Hole on the blade facilitates a smooth one-handed opening action and locks open using a stainless steel liner lock. Built with two stainless steel liners for extra durability and safety.
SAFE AND SECURE GRIP - The Ergonomic Grip made from Injection Molded reinforced nylon with CNC contoured G10 material provides a comfortable and secure grip while you work. Closed Length 4-3/8", Weight 4 oz.
EVERY DAY CARRY - Includes a removable, reversible, deep pocket tip-up carry clip for easy carry in your pocket, on your belt or in your bag. The Vantage Series comes in two sizes, handle choices and steel options. It's an ideal knife for every day carry
MADE IN THE USA - FOREVER WARRANTY - Since 1902 Buck Knives has offered a lifetime warranty on our knives because we believe in the integrity of our products. This knife is proudly made in the USA.

I recommend purchasing the Buck Vantage Pro at Amazon or BladeHQ.

Spyderco Paramilitary 2 Review

by Dan Jackson 50 Comments

Last Updated: July 13, 2019
Poll any knife reviewer, knife YouTube Channel, or knife forum, asking what the best Every Day Carry (EDC) knife is, and the Spyderco Paramilitary 2 is going to come up time and time again. It’s a rock star in the EDC world, and for good reason. It’s a form follows function design with great cutting ability, great ergonomics, and that difficult to describe “X” factor that keeps people coming back year after year.

Buy the Para 2 at BladeHQ

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I originally purchased and reviewed this knife in 2012. Looking back, the review is a little stale, but the knife continues to be in my personal rotation of daily carry blades, and it continues to have captured the hearts and minds of knife enthusiasts around the globe. So I am going to try to break down why the knife is so good in this updated Spyderco Paramilitary 2 review.

And let me assure you that this is not some flash in the pan hot take. I’ve owned this knife for over 5 years now, and have compared it to hundreds of knives. I’m giving the review a major update in 2018. So strap in and lets explore why this USA Made gem continues to hit all the buttons for edged enthusiasts.

General Dimensions and Blade Details

The Para 2 has an overall length of 8.3″, a 3.4″ blade, weighs 3.75 ounces, and is made in the USA. This is a larger knife, designed to be either a tactical knife or a heavy-duty utility folder. I also know that for many, this is an EDC knife. Personally, the Para 2 is a little bigger than what I typically like to carry, but my knife has seen plenty of use on the weekends.

I must not be alone in finding the Para 2 on the large side, because in 2017 Spyderco released the Paramilitary 3. Ben wrote a full review on it.

The Para 2 features a classic Spyderco drop point blade. It’s been given a full flat grind and is made from 3.5mm blade stock. The knife has a nice amount of belly, an excellent tip and has proven to be a tremendous slicer. Rounding things out is a well ground edge that came extremely sharp. I have found that this is a great knife for food prep. For example, I had to slice a lot of large ciabatta rolls, and the 3.4″ blade really made easy work of the task.

You have the option of a satin finish (shown here) or a diamond like carbon (DLC) coating for the blade on your Paramilitary 2. I like DLC coatings a lot, they are about as good as a knife coating can get, but I have no experience with Spyderco’s formulation. I can say that everything I read about their DLC coating was favorable, and I love my satin finished version.

Blade steel is the very capable S30V. Knife enthusiasts won’t need me to say much about S30V, it has been popular for close to a decade now. But for the uninitiated this is an all around excellent steel. It has been usurped by S35VN and other even more premium steels over the year, but S30V remains more than adequate for most people. S30V is relatively easy to sharpen, takes a very nice edge, and can hold a good working edge for a very long time. It’s also quite resistant to rust and corrosion.

Spyderco has released a number of sprint runs of the Paramilitary 2 over the years in a wide range of exotic steels and handle colors. I’d like to see them upgrade the standard Para 2 to S35VN or CTS-XHP at some point. For the time being a premium version of the knife in S110V with blurple scales is available (apparently as a non-sprint run on Spyderco’s regular lineup for the foreseeable future).

And here is a size comparison with the Para 2 next to my Sage 1:

Handle, Ergonomics and Pocket Clip

The Paramilitary 2 handle is black G10 over nested stainless steel liners. The liners have been milled out somewhat to reduce the weight, and at 3.75 ounces the knife is very light overall. The corners have all been nicely rounded and the liners sit flush with the G10. Everything is screwed together and you have an open construction design with 2 pillars and a very large lanyard loop. All in all, handle construction is top notch.

The ergonomics on the Para 2 are outstanding. Spyderco has once again made excellent use of a 50-50 choil to give you more options and better control over your knife. A 50-50 choil is a finger choil made from both the blade stock and the handle. What I like about this is that you have the option of setting your hand back on the knife to maximize reach, or you can choke up for more detailed cutting tasks. Either way the handle is plenty big and extremely comfortable.

The 50-50 choil is part of the reason why so many Spyderco knives consistently get excellent ergonomic ratings from me. Rounding things out is perhaps one of the best jimped thumb ramps I’ve ever come across. The jimping is just phenomenal on this knife. It practically super-glues your thumb in place without being so toothy it’s uncomfortable.

The pocket clip is a standard Spyderco hour-glass shaped clip. It’s large and has a bright satin finish. It offers good retention and a decently deep carry. The clip works, but I’d love to see a blackened deep carry clip to come standard. That would make the knife more discreet in your pocket. Casey Lynch has developed a deep carry titanium pocket clip for the Para 2, and frankly I think I should get one of these. The standard Spyderco clip works, but it’s not my favorite.

The Spyderco Paramilitary 2 carries great in the pocket. Although this is a larger knife, the Para 2 is thin and relatively lightweight, so it doesn’t weigh down your pockets and doesn’t create much bulk. It’s no Dragonfly II, a knife I routinely forget I’m carrying, but the Para 2 carries surprisingly well for a larger knife thanks to the thin design.

Deployment and Lock

Deployment on the Paramilitary 2 is accomplished via an oversized Spyder-hole. And I really do mean oversized. At 14mm in diameter it is really a much bigger thumb hole than I am used to – but I quickly grew accustomed to it and now I absolutely love it. Deployment is incredibly, fast, smooth and consistent. This is a great knife to use with gloves and it ensures a smooth and effortless deployment with every flick. Backing up that oversized thumb hole is a pair of large phosphor bronze washers. These washers are very smooth and only get better as the knife breaks in. So deployment is just outstanding.

The Spyderco Paramilitary 2 makes use of a compression lock to lock the blade open. This is my first review of a knife with a compression lock, and my impressions of the mechanism are extremely favorable.

At first glance this might just appear to be a liner lock on the back of the knife – in practice that really couldn’t be further from the truth. The compression lock works by wedging a piece of the liner between the tang and a stop pin. As force is applied to the knife (from either the spine or the edge) the lock compresses and the sandwich of tang, liner and pin hold the blade firmly in place. The harder you push on the knife, the tighter the lock gets. It’s an incredibly strong design and is really quite ingenious.

There is no blade play of any kind with my knife, and the compression lock is easy to use with one hand. I like how you can disengage the lock and fold away the blade without placing your fingers within the path of the blade.

Another thing I really like about the compression lock is how easy it is to disengage with one hand. It may take a little practice at first, but it’s easy to close the knife one hand without putting your fingers anywhere near the path of the edge – a total impossibility with a liner lock or frame lock. This makes the knife infinitely fun to manipulate. In terms of pure blade-flicking enjoyment I rank it right up there with an axis lock. I’ve heard some accounts of the lock being sticky, I have not experienced that personally and would think that any stickiness would go away as the knife breaks in.

Here is a parting shot of my Para 2 next to the Benchmade Griptilian. And while I’m at it, here is a link to an article I wrote on the Spyderco Paramilitary 2 vs. the Benchmade Griptilian if you are trying to decide between the two.

Blade centering on my knife is perfect.

Spyderco Paramilitary 2 vs. Para 3

I’m sure many readers are looking for a size comparison between the Para 2 and Para 3. Ben reviewed the Para 3 back in 2017, and I acquired and reviewed a Para 3 Lightweight in 2019. Here is a size comparison between the two knives:

As you can see the Para 3 is significantly shorter. Now, I’ve got the LW version of the Para 3 so this isn’t exactly an “apples to apples” comparison, but the major difference between the Para 2 and 3 that I noticed is the shorter handle of the Para 3. It’s a good deal shorter. I’ve found the ergonomics aren’t quite as good on the Para 3, but it’s much more pocketable. That’s the biggest trade off.

You sacrifice some comfort and blade length for a smaller, easier to carry knife. True Spyderco fans will inevitably acquire both.

Spyderco Paramilitary 2 Review – Final Thoughts

The Spyderco Paramilitary 2 is just an outstanding knife. It’s no surprise that this is the EDC of a lot of serious knife collectors. If you poll a group of people who routinely purchase $100-500+ knives, odds are very good that a Paramilitary 2 is a serious part of their EDC rotation. This is for very good reason. You have a tough knife with premium steel that is wonderfully balanced, highly ergonomic, and extremely functional. When you factor in the ~$100 price tag and fact that it’s made in the USA, well, the knife just speaks for itself.

If you want a workhorse of an EDC or a robust folding tactical knife, I think that the Paramilitary 2 should be very high on your list. It easily makes my best EDC knives list and receives my highest endorsement.

Spyderco Para Military 2 Signature Knife with 3.42" CPM S45VN Steel Blade and Durable G-10 Handle - PlainEdge - C81GP2

An Improved Classic: Undeniably one of Spyderco's most popular and in-demand designs, the Para Military 2 distills the world-class performance of our legendary Military Model into a more compact, Pocket-Friendly package.
Superior Quality: We kept the same high-performance full flat-ground blade but we've also lengthened the blade's tip and added additional surface jimping to both the spine and finger coil.
A Secure Grip: The G-10 handle is narrowed at the end improving the Ergonomics. The handle and blade have been profile thinner; removing uncomfortable angles when in the closed position.
Easy-to-Use: The Para Military 2 features extreme strength, reliability, and ease of use of our patented Compression Lock mechanism and versatility of a 4-position pocket clip.
Dependable: Refinements to overall construction may not be drastic but from the G-10 textured handle to the steel full flat blade, everything is sharper, smoother and guaranteed to provide performance and user comfort.

I recommend purchasing the Spyderco Paramilitary 2 at Amazon or BladeHQ. Purchasing anything through any of the links on this site helps support BladeReviews.com, and keep this review train running. As always, any and all support is greatly appreciated.

Kershaw Blur Review

by Dan Jackson 22 Comments

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 a full review is long overdo.

Buy the Kershaw Blur at BladeHQ

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Also, I can’t ignore the fact that this another Ken Onion design. Ken Onion is the man behind a lot of the knives I have reviewed (such as the CRKT Ripple), and his designs are very famous for their flowing shapes. In contrast some of his other work, the Blur looks fairly pedestrian, but it is a good size knife with a very functional design which is part of the reason why I think the Blur has become so popular.

General Dimensions and Blade Details

The Blur has an overall length of 7.875″, a 3.375″ blade, weighs 3.9 ounces, and is made in the USA. It’s a medium to large size folding knife. I would classify this as a larger EDC knife or a tactical knife.

The Blur comes in many flavors and there is a little something for everyone with different colors, blade steels, handle inserts, and blade shapes. The “standard” Blur comes with a nice hollow ground drop point blade, but you also have the option of a tanto blade and there is even a blunt tip version for EMT and rescue applications. You also have the option of plain edge or partially serrated. Kershaw also sells this knife with a black DLC (Diamond Like Coating) on the blade – it’s an attractive option and wears really well.

In addition to that high hollow grind, there is also a slight recurve on the edge (which is more pronounced with the rescue version). The recurve is slight, which keeps this knife reasonably easy to sharpen. There is a swedge running along the top which keeps the tip of the drop point version strong.

In practice the Blur is a formidable slicer. The slight recurve and hollow grind make the knife excellent for cardboard. The tip provides a good combination of strength and piercing ability. This is designed to be a work knife, and I don’t hesitate to use it in that capacity.

As for blade steel, the base model comes with a fairly unassuming Sandvik 14NC28 steel blade (shown here). This is a good mid range steel, ideal for EDC. It takes an edge easily and holds it well. I have had no issues with rust – especially with the DLC coating. I would put 14NC28 above AUS-8 but below 154CM.

Kershaw also offers the Blur in S30V, CPM154CM, and a even a composite blade with Sandvik 14NC28 with a ZDP189 edge. I have also seen this knife in 440A, 420HC, and few others. The S30V version is especially popular, and a number of limited editions have been released over the years. There is a steel here for every taste (and every budget).

Handle, Ergonomics and Pocket Clip

The first thing you will notice about the handle is the sandpaper looking inserts. Kershaw calls this “Trac-Tec” and it is actually a rubberized material that provides plenty of traction without tearing up your hands. The rest of the handle is made from anodized 6061 aluminum and features a flow though (pillar construction) design. All in all this is a very strong design. The handles are very nicely finished and relatively light weight – I have no complaints.

The ergonomics of the Blur are excellent. This simple handle gets out of your way and affords a comfortable grip for small and large hands alike. There is a short run of jimping on the gently sloping thumb ramp. It provides just enough traction to index your thumb and hold it in place. The rubber trac-tec inserts aren’t my favorite feature of the knife, but I must admit they provide plenty of grip. All the corners have been rounded and the knife feels natural in hand. Perfect for getting plenty of work done.

The pocket clip is fairly well executed. Depending on your particular model, it comes with a matte black finish and rides pretty low in the pocket (not “super” low, if that is something you are looking for). It does allow for tip up or tip down carry, but it is not ambidextrous. One thing I especially like is how Kershaw doesn’t include their Trac-Tec texturing where the clip touches the handle. This makes the knife much easier to remove from the pocket (although I do find it sometimes hangs up a little.

Deployment and Lockup

Kershaw opted for ambidextrous thumbstuds here. The thumb studs are cut at an angle and dig into your thumb. One review I read said that the thumb studs looked like a “stair case” which is actually a pretty good description. Some people love these thumb studs, others hate them. I find that they work alright for my purposes. I think that these thumb studs work best with an assisted opener, but I think they are a little fiddly and not my favorite.

Being an early Ken Onion / Kershaw collaboration, this knife comes with Ken’s Speedsafe assisted opening system pre-installed. I am not the biggest fan of assisted opening knives, but the Speedsafe on the Blur is robust and the action is good. Of course, you can always take the spring out and reduce the Blur to a 100% manually opening blade if that is what you prefer. There is a small detent so the blade won’t fall out of the handle if you take away the assisted opening spring.

The Blur features a liner lock. I think the lock works well here, especially in the EDC and backup tactical roles. The liner engages early and the lock-up is strong with zero movement. The whole deployment and lockup aspects of this knife is a real plus in my book because it is very smooth. Kershaw knows how to put assisted openings and liner locks together and the Blur is an outstanding example of that knowledge.

Blade centering on my knife is pretty much perfect.

Kershaw Blur Review – Final Thoughts

The Kershaw Blur is a modern classic. Offered in a myriad of different blade steels and handle colors, there is a little something for everyone. This is one of Ken Onion’s more restrained designs for Kershaw, and the clean lines of the Blur has garnered it broad appeal, and the knife continues to sell well even years after it’s release.

In fact, the knife has developed something of a cult following among enthusiasts of high end knives. This is a humble blade, but it makes for a great beater. I respect the Blur in the same way that I respect the Cold Steel American Lawman, Buck Marksman, and Hogue EX04 (these are among my favorite folders with ~3.5″ blades). This is a tough working knife and was designed to be used.

The Blur is made in the USA, is well constructed, features quality materials, and is priced reasonably – usually between $45 and $75 depending on the trim level. This everyman’s folder gets a lot of things right, and for that reason I have included it as one of the my recommended EDC knives.

Kershaw Blur Black (1670BLK) Everyday Carry Pocketknife, 3.4 inch Stainless Steel Drop Point Blade, Cerakote Blade Finish, SpeedSafe Opening, Reversible Pocketclip; 3.9 OZ

KERSHAW BLUR BLACK POCKETKNIFE: A classic Kershaw with a do-it-all blade and dark good looks, the Blur is the perfect EDC for multi-tasking thanks to its big, slightly recurved blade. Made in the USA.
DROP POINT RECURVE PLAIN EDGE BLADE: Made from high-performance Sandvik 14C28N stainless-steel that holds its edge and resharpens easily. A Cerakote blade coating adds protection and enhances performance.
6061-T6 ALUMINUM HANDLE: The black anodized aluminum handle is scratch and fade-resistant. Trac-Tec inserts promote a secure, comfortable grip during use. Includes reversible pocketclip for right, tip-up/down carry.
DESIGNED WITH SAFETY IN MIND: Equipped with Kershaw’s assisted opening for easy one-handed release with thumb-stud. Inset liner lock secures blade in place for ensured user safety.
SIZE SPECIFICATIONS: Blade Length: 3.4in. Closed Length: 4.5in. Overall Length: 7.9in. Weighing in at 3.9oz. Backed by Kershaw’s Limited Lifetime Warranty.

I recommend purchasing the Blur at Amazon or BladeHQ. Please consider that purchasing anything through any of the links on this website helps support BladeReviews.com, and keeps the site going. As always, any and all support is greatly appreciated. Thank you very much.