With a 1.85-inch blade and a weight of about 2.15 ounces, the Spry Mini fits squarely into the micro-EDC category. Despite its small size, Tekto used premium materials. That includes titanium-coated S35VN blade steel and a lightweight 6061-T6 aluminum handle.

I’ve carried several Tekto knives over the years. For example, the Tekto F1 Alpha is a larger folding option that has been in my EDC rotation for a while. The Spry Mini takes the opposite approach. It focuses on maximum portability while still offering automatic deployment. In daily use, the knife works well for typical light-duty tasks. Opening packages, cutting cord, trimming loose threads, and similar quick jobs are exactly what this compact automatic knife was built for.

Tekto A5 Spry Mini Specifications

• Blade Length: 1.85 in (47 mm)
• Handle Length: 3.20 in (83 mm)
• Open Length: 5.30 in (136 mm)
• Handle Width: 0.48 in (12 mm)
• Weight: Approx. 2.15 oz
• Blade Steel: Titanium-coated S35VN
• Blade Hardness: 60-62 HRC
• Handle Material: 6061-T6 Aluminum
• Glass Breaker: Tungsten carbide tip
• Blade Styles Available: Dagger, Drop Point, Tanto
• Locking Mechanism: Button lock automatic

Those numbers may look small on paper. However, they add up to a remarkably portable automatic knife that still feels solid in the hand.

Design and Build of the Tekto A5 Spry Mini Automatic Knife

The handle is made from 6061-T6 aluminum. As a result, the knife stays lightweight while still feeling rigid. There is no noticeable flex or rattle, and the slim profile helps the knife disappear into a pocket.

The blade uses titanium-coated S35VN steel. This is a premium steel known for strong edge retention and corrosion resistance. Combined with the compact frame, the overall result feels like a well-built micro-EDC rather than a novelty knife.

The base of the handle also includes a tungsten carbide glass breaker. Most owners may never need it. Even so, the feature adds emergency utility without increasing the knife’s compact size.

Automatic Deployment and Button Lock

The button lock mechanism is smooth and predictable. Pressing the button fires the blade open quickly. Retracting it feels equally controlled.

The tension strikes a good balance. It is firm enough to inspire confidence, but not so stiff that it becomes annoying during regular use. That matters on a knife this small. If the button were too light, it would not inspire much confidence. On the other hand, if it were too heavy, it would make the knife less convenient. Tekto landed in a useful middle ground.

Blade Style Options

The A5 Spry Mini is available with three blade styles: dagger, drop point, and tanto.

The drop point is the most versatile for everyday cutting tasks. The tanto version offers a reinforced tip and a slightly more aggressive look. Meanwhile, the dagger emphasizes symmetry and aesthetics, though it may face additional legal restrictions depending on where you live.

How I Tested the Tekto A5 Spry Mini

I carried the Spry Mini as a normal everyday carry knife. I used it for the kind of light-duty tasks a compact automatic knife is actually meant to handle.

My use included:

• Opening packages and mail
• Cutting cord and loose threads
• Light cardboard and packaging tasks
• Checking pocket carry comfort during normal daily use
• Repeated opening and closing to evaluate deployment feel

This is not a heavy-duty work knife, and I do not think it should be judged like one. Instead, the better question is whether it carries easily, deploys reliably, and handles quick cutting tasks without getting in the way. For that role, it makes a lot of sense.

Tekto A5 Spry Mini EDC Performance

In practical use, the Spry Mini handles typical everyday carry tasks without issue. Opening packages, cutting paracord, trimming loose threads, and preparing small items are all within its comfort zone.

The narrow 0.48-inch handle keeps it comfortable in the pocket. Also, the lightweight design means you may forget it is there until you need it. The ambidextrous pocket clip makes it easy to carry in different positions.

This is where the Spry Mini makes the most sense. It is not trying to replace a larger work knife. Instead, it gives you a small, fast-deploying automatic knife that is easy to carry and useful for quick daily tasks.

Is the Tekto A5 Spry Mini Legal?

Blade length plays a role in knife legality in some areas. With a blade length of 1.85 inches, the Spry Mini may comply with certain state restrictions that apply to larger automatic knives.

However, knife laws vary widely depending on location. It is always best to check local regulations before carrying any automatic knife, especially if you choose the dagger blade style.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Premium S35VN blade steel
• Extremely compact and lightweight
• Multiple blade styles available
• Smooth automatic deployment
• Slim profile ideal for everyday carry
• Integrated tungsten carbide glass breaker

Cons

• Short blade limits heavy-duty tasks
• Small handle may feel cramped for large hands
• Dagger blade may face legal restrictions in some areas
• Basic sheath is not as useful as pocket or clip carry

Where to Buy the Tekto A5 Spry Mini Automatic Knife

You can purchase the Spry Mini directly from Tekto.

Check current pricing for the Tekto A5 Spry Mini here.

Use coupon code INDUSTRYOUTSIDER to save 10% sitewide.

Conclusion: Should You Buy the Tekto A5 Spry Mini?

The Tekto A5 Spry Mini is a refined micro-EDC automatic knife. It prioritizes portability without sacrificing quality. Premium steel, reliable deployment, and a lightweight frame make it easy to carry every day.

Tekto does include a simple sheath with this knife. I find it very basic and just use the clip or pocket carry instead. Fortunately, the knife is small enough that the sheath is not a major concern.

If you prefer a slightly larger automatic knife, take a look at my Tekto A2 Badger review for comparison. The Spry Mini focuses on discretion and compact carry, while the Badger offers a bit more grip and cutting length.

Overall, the Spry Mini delivers an impressive balance of size, performance, and everyday practicality. It makes the most sense for someone who wants a compact automatic knife with premium materials, but does not need a large blade.

If you decide to buy one, coupon code INDUSTRYOUTSIDER saves 10% at TektoKnives.com. You can check current pricing here: Tekto A5 Spry Mini at TektoKnives.com.

As always, I’d like to thank Tekto for providing their knife for my testing and evaluation.

Despite its name, this is not some over-the-top tactical knife that feels out of place in normal daily use. I’m more likely to slice a sandwich at work, open packaging, or break down cardboard than fight off a ninja. But I still want an EDC folding knife that feels solid, locks up tight, and can handle more than light office tasks. In this Tekto F1 Alpha review, I’ll cover blade performance, handle material, deployment, pocket carry, and everyday usability.

Tekto F1 Alpha Knife Specifications

The Tekto F1 Alpha measures 4.5 inches closed and has a 3.1-inch titanium-coated D2 steel blade. That puts it in a useful middle ground for everyday carry. It is big enough to feel capable, but not so large that it becomes annoying in a pocket.

The handle is forged carbon fiber, which gives the knife a solid feel without adding much weight. At 3.3 ounces, the F1 Alpha is noticeable in the hand, but still light enough for all-day carry.

Key specs and features include:

• 3.1-inch titanium-coated D2 steel blade
• 4.5-inch closed length
• 3.3-ounce weight
• Forged carbon fiber handle
• Reversible pocket clip
• Lanyard hole and glass breaker
• Modified straight-back blade profile
• Rockwell hardness of 58-60

For comparison, I also reviewed the Tekto A2 Badger automatic knife, which is a slightly smaller automatic EDC option.

D2 Steel Blade Performance

D2 steel is known for good edge retention, and that is one of the main reasons this knife makes sense as an EDC folder. The Tekto F1 Alpha arrived sharp and handled regular daily cutting tasks without issue.

During normal use, I used it for opening packages, slicing food, breaking down cardboard, and cutting paracord. The blade shape works well for those kinds of tasks. It has enough belly for slicing, but still has a strong-looking tip and a practical overall profile.

D2 is not my favorite steel if quick sharpening is the top priority. It takes more effort to touch up than some softer steels. But that tradeoff makes sense if you want a knife that holds an edge through regular use. For an everyday carry knife, D2 offers a good balance of toughness, edge retention, and value.

Forged Carbon Handle and Ergonomics

The forged carbon handle is one of the better-looking features on the F1 Alpha. It gives the knife a more premium feel than plain black scales, but it does not look flashy or overdone. The texture and shape provide enough grip for normal use, and the handle fills the hand better than many smaller EDC knives.

The handle grooves remind me a bit of pistol slide serrations. They add control without being overly aggressive. The spine of the blade has fine jimping that carries into the handle area, giving your thumb a more secure place to land.

Overall, the F1 Alpha feels comfortable for repeated use. It is not tiny, and that is part of the appeal. If you prefer very slim minimalist knives, this may be more knife than you want. If you like an EDC knife that feels more substantial in the hand, it makes more sense.

Opening, Lockup, and Pocket Carry

Deployment is smooth and satisfying. The F1 Alpha uses ceramic ball bearings, and the blade opens easily with a quick flick. There is no spring assist, which I actually prefer on this style of folder. It opens smoothly when you want it to, but it does not feel like something that wants to launch itself in your pocket.

Once open, the liner lock holds the blade securely. I did not notice side-to-side movement, and the knife feels solid during use. That matters more to me than flashy marketing language. A folding knife can have great materials and still feel cheap if the lockup is sloppy. This one does not.

The reversible pocket clip is useful for carry preference, and the closed profile is still manageable despite the knife being larger than some of my usual EDC options. The F1 Alpha is not invisible in the pocket, but it is not a burden either.

How I Tested the Tekto F1 Alpha

I used the F1 Alpha as a normal everyday carry knife rather than treating it like a torture-test project. That means the testing focused on the kinds of tasks most people actually use a pocket knife for.

My use included:

• Opening packages and mail
• Breaking down cardboard
• Slicing food
• Cutting paracord and rope
• Carrying it clipped in a pocket during normal daily use

That kind of testing tells me more than cutting one thing for a photo and calling it done. An EDC knife needs to carry well, open smoothly, lock securely, and keep a useful edge after repeated small tasks.

Everyday Use and EDC Performance

In practical use, the Tekto F1 Alpha handled normal EDC tasks well. It opened boxes, cut cardboard, sliced food, and handled paracord and rope without feeling out of place. It is large enough to feel capable, but still compact enough for daily carry.

The blade came sharp out of the box and passed my basic sharpness checks without drama. More importantly, the edge held up during regular use. For me, that is the real test of a knife like this. Most knives can arrive sharp. A better EDC knife stays useful after repeated cutting.

The F1 Alpha also feels like a knife that can move between work, home, and outdoor use without seeming too specialized. It is not a tiny office knife, but it also does not feel like a ridiculous mall-ninja prop. That balance is part of why I kept carrying it.

The Tekto F1 Alpha Coupon Code

Tekto provided this knife for review. If you decide the F1 Alpha is a good fit, coupon code INDUSTRYOUTSIDER saves 10% at TektoKnives.com.

You can check current pricing here: Tekto F1 Alpha at TektoKnives.com.

I moved this note lower in the review because the knife should stand on its own first. The discount is useful, but it should not be the main reason to consider the F1 Alpha.

Pros and Cons of the Tekto F1 Alpha

Pros

• D2 steel blade with good edge retention
• Forged carbon handle looks good and feels secure
• Smooth ceramic-bearing deployment
• Solid liner lock with no noticeable blade play
• Reversible pocket clip
• Useful size for everyday carry

Cons

• Larger than some users may want for EDC
• D2 steel takes more effort to sharpen than softer steels
• Blade shape may not appeal to everyone
• Included pouch feels basic compared to the knife

Conclusion: Should You Buy the Tekto F1 Alpha?

The Tekto F1 Alpha is a solid EDC folding knife with a D2 steel blade, forged carbon handle, smooth deployment, and a secure liner lock. It feels more substantial than many compact EDC knives, but it is still practical enough for daily carry.

At around $139.99, it is not the cheapest folding knife in this category. But the materials, action, and overall feel make it easy to understand where the money goes. If you like D2 steel, want a forged carbon handle, and prefer a manual folder with smooth deployment, the F1 Alpha is worth considering.

If you decide to buy one, coupon code INDUSTRYOUTSIDER saves 10% at TektoKnives.com. You can use this link to check current pricing: Tekto F1 Alpha at TektoKnives.com.

Thanks to Tekto Knives for providing the F1 Alpha for testing and evaluation.

That is exactly what I need during the week. I am not putting myself in situations where a full-size knife would be welcome. This little guy is opening boxes, slicing sandwiches, and maybe cutting into frozen burrito wrappers. That daily stuff. Even so, it still feels like a capable tool if I needed more from it.

Tekto A2 Badger Automatic Knife Specifications

At 3.30 inches closed, the Tekto A2 Badger is easy to carry with the reversible pocket clip or loose in a pocket. Tekto also includes a simple carry pouch, but I am not a fan of the Velcro closure. For me, the clip or pocket carry makes more sense.

The aluminum handle and 1.85-inch D2 steel blade keep the weight down to just 2.18 ounces. Opened, it is still only 5.26 inches long with a width of 0.48 inches. There is a sliding button on the side to deploy and retract the blade, plus a glass breaker on the bottom.

The handle is 6061-T6 aluminum with what appears to be an anodized finish. It is a nice match to the matte black titanium-coated tanto blade. That blade has a fine edge with a hardness of 58-60 Rockwell. If those numbers do not show how compact it is, the photo below shows it next to a standard Bic lighter.

About the D2 Steel Blade

Choosing a steel for a knife blade usually involves compromise. We all want a blade that stays very sharp. However, the same properties that help a blade hold an edge can also make it harder to sharpen.

A hard blade resists wear. That helps with edge retention. But sharpening requires removing a small amount of steel to restore the edge. So a blade that resists wear may also take more work to touch up.

D2 is on the “holds a great edge” end of that scale. It takes a sharp edge and should hold it through regular use. Touching it up when it starts to dull will take some extra work. In my opinion, that is a fair tradeoff. A decent sharpener does not have to be expensive, and sharpening is a good skill to have.

Deployment and Blade Play

On the long end of the contoured deployment button, the grooves have increasingly wider spacing. The shorter end has narrow, even spacing between the grooves. Both sections provide good traction for deploying and retracting the blade.

The sliding button has a good amount of tension. It is easy enough to operate, but not so light that it feels careless. The day my Tekto A2 Badger arrived, the first thing I did was show it to my wife. She could open and close it easily, which says a lot about how manageable the action is.

While the blade was fully extended, there was a tiny bit of play. It is not a big deal, but it is there if you look for it.

The Legality of Automatic Knives

I live in Utah, one of several states that have never restricted the sale or public carry of automatic knives. Historically, it has been easier to get your hands on an automatic knife than alcohol. The American Knife & Tool Institute tracks legality by state. Here is their link to state laws regarding automatic knives.

Even California allows automatics with blades under 2 inches, making the Tekto A2 Badger a size that may matter in some restricted areas. However, knife laws vary by location. Check your local laws before buying or carrying any automatic knife.

How I Tested the Tekto A2 Badger

I carried the Tekto A2 Badger as a normal everyday carry knife. I used it for the kinds of tasks I actually need a small pocketknife to handle.

My use included:

• Opening boxes and packages
• Slicing food
• Cutting wrappers and small packaging
• Testing the factory edge on paper
• Repeatedly opening and closing the blade to evaluate the deployment feel

Out of the box, its fine edge sliced thin curls off paper, so it passed my initial sharpness test. The side notches and machined grooves also make the handle easy to control for such a small knife.

Pros and Cons of the Tekto A2 Badger

At $139.99, the price is fair for a compact automatic knife with a D2 steel blade. It is not perfect, but its faults are minor.

Pros

• Compact size works well for discreet EDC
• D2 steel blade offers good edge retention
• Automatic deployment is easy to use
• Reversible pocket clip
• Lightweight aluminum handle
• Glass breaker adds emergency utility

Cons

• Small blade limits heavier cutting tasks
• Tiny bit of blade play when fully extended
• Tanto blade may take more care to sharpen than a drop point
• Included pouch is not as useful as clip or pocket carry

I would prefer a drop point blade when it is time to sharpen it, but the tanto shape does offer a bit more utility at the tip.

Tekto A2 Badger Coupon Code

Tekto provided the A2 Badger for testing and evaluation. If you decide this compact automatic knife is a good fit, coupon code INDUSTRYOUTSIDER saves 10% at TektoKnives.com.

You can check current pricing here: Tekto A2 Badger at TektoKnives.com.

Conclusion

It should be pretty obvious by now that I like the Tekto A2 Badger. It is compact, easy to carry, quick to deploy, and built around a D2 steel blade that should hold up well to regular EDC use.

This is not a large work knife, and it is not trying to be one. Instead, it makes sense as a small automatic knife for daily tasks where portability matters. If you want something discreet that still opens quickly and feels solid in the hand, the A2 Badger is worth a look.

If you decide to buy one, coupon code INDUSTRYOUTSIDER saves 10% at TektoKnives.com. You can check current pricing here: Tekto A2 Badger at TektoKnives.com.

As always, I’d like to thank the folks at Tekto Knives for sending me their Tekto A2 Badger for testing and evaluation.

Relentless™Perpetual Edge™Fillet Knives – inspired by nature

Conventional logic dictates that the best way to keep a blade sharp is to start with really hard steel. Which is all well and good, but it has some downsides. One, the hardest steels are usually somewhat brittle, resulting in chipped blades. Two, today’s hardest steels also require a lot more effort to sharpen. Everything is a trade-off when it comes to metallurgy. Enter “Nature’s chainsaw”, AKA the beaver. Beavers cut through trees using nothing but their teeth. Turns out those teeth are hard as nails on the front and softer on the backside. As they gnaw away on trees, the back of their teeth wears down faster than the front. This results in a nice sharp edge that stays sharp. Good for the beaver, bad for trees. Also inspirational.

Relentless Knives took this as a design cue. Their blades are a very hard carbide and crushed diamond “Power Strip” fused to a softer titanium base. By itself, this makes for a great cutting edge. Since the titanium is softer than the carbide and diamond side, it slowly wears down with use. As it wears, it continually exposes that Power Strip. And the result is a knife that never needs sharpening. Keep in mind that titanium is still pretty hard. So when I mention wear, it’s a very slow process. Even with daily professional use, it’s going to take a long time to wear down this blade.

Perpetual Edge™ Technology

There’s nothing else on the market quite like this technology. I’ve got a knife with a blade that’s comprised of high carbon steel laminated to 18/8 stainless. But it still requires sharpening. And it’s neither thin nor particularly light. Relentless Knives utilize 100% aerospace-grade titanium in their blades. Since titanium is both light and strong, the knives are lighter than expected, while being exceptionally strong too. And they will never rust, corrode, or degrade, even when exposed to harsh saltwater environments. I wish I could say the same for some of my other knives.

As you might imagine, the micro-serrated carbide/diamond cutting edge on a Relentless™Knife allows it to easily cut through soft fish with ease. Because fish are generally soft, they require a thin and sharp blade that has a bit of flex, but doesn’t crush the meat. Think filleting, not cleaving. To make this even more effective, one side of the blade is treated with SlickCut. This boron nitride compound reduces friction while enhancing lubricity. It’s not too different from nickel ammo cases, or nickel boron bolt carrier groups. The metal gets a super slick coating that lets it glide through whatever is being cut.

Getting a handle on Relentless™Perpetual Edge™Fillet Knives

With a blade this sharp, you’ll want a firm grip. So the knives employ a True Grit handle, which is made from glass-reinforced ABS. Taking it a step further, it’s covered with some gritty material for even more control. That material is the same stuff used around swimming pools to minimize slipping and maximize barefoot traction when wet. So you can trust it with your wet hands. It’s ideal for knife handles and well-utilized here. While they were at it, they also used a faceted surface texture, which scatters light. This prevents that black handle from getting hot in the sun.

Five Relentless Knife models:

Straight – This is the knife preferred for flatter fish like halibut and salmon, for which it has to maneuver around the spine during cutting. MSRP $239.99

Curved – Designed for bigger fish like large Mahi and other more significant fish. Allows for a single cut to slab out the side of a fish. MSRP $219.99

Straight – Our version of the traditional straight-blade knife that is known for maneuverability around fish spines and gills. Ideal for Grouper and bottom fish
with stout, complex spines. MSRP $219.99

Curved – Ideal for the coastal fisherman for cleaning larger Mahi, Snapper and the like. Also, for the freshwater fisherman who prefers a larger knife. MSRP $209.99

Curved – Designed for the freshwater fisherman and inshore saltwater fisherman. Also a good knife for cutting bait. MSRP $209.99

For more information, please visit RelentlessKnivesUSA.com or contact Customer
Service at customerservice@relentlessknivesusa.com.

Specs

At 6.7 ounces, the Pentagon OTF isn’t exactly a lightweight. Of course, if you’re looking for a pro grade edged tool, weight probably isn’t your first concern. Overall length is about 5.25″ when closed, and once opened, 9.08″, of which 3.79″ is the blade. That blade’s got a durable black titanium nitride finish for long wear. It’s a mere 0.11″ thin, with a straight edge and spear point.

A generously sized OTF switch extends and retracts the blade. SOG’s Dynamic Locking System keeps it in place whether parked, or open for business. The handle itself is aluminum with a matte finish. I’d guess Type III Hardcoat, but it looks better than what I see on most firearms. On the back side of the handle is a small clip for point-down carry.

Cryo CPM S35VN blade

An American made steel developed by Crucible Industries, this high end blade is a great example of CPM technology. Crucible Particle Metal more evenly distributes the hard carbides within the metal. This results in a tough blade that is still relatively easy to machine, but resists chips in its final form. So the blade holds its edge well, although the trade-off is that sharpening requires more skill and effort. If you want a sharp blade that stands up to hard use over time, this is it.

At the $349.95 MSRP, most knife buyers are steel geeks, and know the composition already. For those that aren’t, the big deal is the N in the steel’s name. That represents the 0.5% Niobium. Its inclusion increases hardness, as well as wear and corrosion resistance.  This represents a small change over S30V, which was already a very well-respected premium steel. Oh, and Cryo refers to the cryogenic treatment (usually with liquid nitrogen) during the quench and temper process. If you’re getting the idea that this steel is high tech and labor intensive, you’re not wrong.

Overall design

SOG gave the handle of the Pentagon OTF several different surface treatments. On both sides is some machining that looks like fine firearm checkering. Shallow cutouts on either side near the top allow for a solid grip when in use. Cuts on the front and back, combine with a series of raised bumps along the edges, continue that theme of good grip. The slightly tapered base gets the same treatment. Although there’s no doubt this is a fairly large and bulky knife, the beveled sides make it fit better in hand. Visually, they seem to make the Pentagon OTF appear smaller and less bulky too. Finally, the OTF switch is prominent, yet balanced for the size of the knife. Semi-circular cuts provide plenty of traction for bare or gloved hands.

In use

While not my first automatic, this is my first OTF. I’ve handled many, and one thing that always disappointed me was the blade lockup. That’s not the case with the Pentagon OTF. I’ve already mentioned that it’s rattle-free in the closed position. When opened, there is no movement either. None. And by design, it should stay that tight even as internal parts wear a bit. The large button makes it easy to get it open, and easy to close. Either thumb it from the middle or the bottom of the button to open, the from the top or middle to close. It doesn’t take an unusual amount of force, but the blade’s not going anywhere by accident either.

I’ve only had it a few weeks, and cut everything I could get my hands on. That includes opening the multiple packages I receive each week, some of which had staples that the blade just shrugged off. And then slicing up the empty boxes. Lots of empty boxes. While cleaning my garage, I found some old rope, and sliced through that for fun. It cut right through the heavy plastic bands on my new steel targets. And it pried at least a dozen stuck empties out of my new rifle. That was a disappointment (the rifle, not the knife). It’s going to take a lot more than a couple of weeks to dull the Cryo CPM S35VN blade enough that it needs sharpening though. As I was writing this article, it still cut clean curls off a sheet of paper. The quality of the blade was never in question.

The verdict

SOG fans with the budget for it will buy the Pentagon OTF. And for the most part, they won’t be disappointed. It’s priced well for the design features, and the blade steel. Collectors will enjoy it. It’s a legit tool for anyone that needs a “stabby, pokey, slicey”. As a knife, it’s effective for its intended use. I certainly look forward to carrying it more. If I have a complaint, it’s that the clip is parallel to the handle, where it should have a bit of a curve. Clipping it to my pocket takes a tiny bit more effort than it should. Other than that, no complaints.

One thing I do want to address is the opening mechanism. I’ve read other reviews where it has not deployed correctly 100% of the time. Two of my nephews experienced that. As much as I tried, I could not reproduce it. I have opened and closed it at every possible angle, until my thumb was sore, and it didn’t fail. Not sure what they did different, but I can’t repeat it. Perhaps they were a bit timid, and didn’t slide the button with authority? I just don’t know. If it does fail to open, holding the button up while flicking the knife will lock the blade in place. Should there be an actual issue, the Pentagon OTF is backed by SOG’s lifetime warranty. I don’t expect to need it.

So was it worth the wait? I think so. It’s going to be a while before I need to sharpen it, but I have an excellent sharpening system, and plenty of practice. If I manage to wear the Dynamic Locking System, I’ll report back on that too. For now, it’s been everything I’ve expected. SOG has a winner in the Pentagon OTF. Find it here. Note that this knife is not legal for sale in certain states. It’s the responsibility of the buyer to confirm legality before ordering.

Comments? Questions? Have any of our readers bought or at least checked out the Pentagon OTF? Feel free to share below.

First impressions

Inside the cardboard shipping box was a nice little wooden box. It contained the Hemingway, and a simple, but attractive leather belt sheath. Despite the high quality photos on the Forseti site, the Hemingway looks even better in real life. And even though I read the specs, it was a bit smaller than expected. Not in a bad way though. It’s a pocketknife, and sized accordingly. The blade opens smoothly, and locks up solidly, which was my experience for the duration of the review. I grabbed a sheet of paper, and was able to shave some curls off with ease. So it’s delivered with a decent edge. It also retained that edge during nearly two months of light use.

The blade

Made from 1095 high-carbon steel, this pattern-welded Damascus blade has 256 layers. With Damascus, fewer layers can create a bolder pattern, while too many layers might result in a barely visible pattern. So 256 strikes a good balance, with a plenty of contrast and texture. This provides a very distinctive (and individualized) look. No two will be exactly alike.

As mentioned, it’s three inches long, and 4mm thick, with a classic drop point. There are some cuts along the spine that contribute even more visual interest to what is already a knife that begs one to take a closer look.

The handle

All the visual appeal of the blade isn’t enough to detract from the handle. At either end is polished brass, with stained bone and brass spacers plus pins filling in the middle. If you’re someone who only wants to see perfectly machined lines, this is not for you. The Hemingway is handmade, and it’s quite the opposite of perfection. Instead, it should be appreciated for the work that went into fitting the bone and brass together. Again, this is what makes them unique. Like the blade itself, no two handles are alike. Each Hemingway is as original as its owner.

The sheath

Let’s be honest – despite being a pocketknife, you’re probably not going to carry the Hemingway in your pocket. I wouldn’t want mine banging around my keys and spare change. If you’ve got an unencumbered pocket, you could carry it that way, but the belt sheath is probably a better choice. It’s a simple design, maybe a little retro even. Warm leather, contrasting stitching, and a button with an antiqued finish. Both fitting and befitting the knife it’s designed to hold. When I first tried it, buttoning it shut was not so easy. So I left it in there for a while, and the leather seems to have taking a liking to it. It’s a nice, rattle-free fit. Note that the loop on the back doesn’t have much slack. Works fine with a traditional leather belt, but a tactical style buckle, like a Cobra, is a no-go. Not that you would.

Using the Forseti Steel Hemingway

I’ll readily admit that the primary purpose of the Hemingway, at least when I first got it, was just showing it to my friends. Watching others give it a good once-over, admiring the blade and handles, was its one job. Eventually though, I put it to work. I’ve used it to cut and score the sheets of cardboard we use for homemade targets at the range. It’s opened plenty of boxes and letters, with ease. Because it needs to be kept oiled, it hasn’t been used for food prep of any sort, other than trimming corn before putting it on the grill. Overall, it’s been as handy and useful as any other pocketknife.

The more I used it, the more I realized that it wouldn’t get used the way some of my other knives have. It won’t be used to cut up sod, or strip wire. I won’t poke the lump charcoal in my grill with it either. Not because it’s not durable – I’m sure it is. But this is more of a gentleman’s knife than a tool. And then I thought, what would Ernest do, with this knife named after him? Notch a cigar (also named after him)? Slice some bread and cheese while enjoying a glass or two or three and watching the bullfights?

Conclusion

While researching for this article, I located a reproduction of the actual knife Hemingway carried. It had a bone handle as well (stag, actually) and two blades, plus a saw. And it should go without saying that it included a corkscrew too. It’s also got an $1,100 price tag. So I’m happy to stick with this modern interpretation of what he might have carried. After all, he was known for his pen, and penchant for drinking, and beard, and cigars, and love of women and bullfights. He was not known so much for his pocketknife.

In that context, this knife carefully straddles the line between a light duty tool, and a little piece of collectible art. It’s functional and useful, yet attractive without being pretentious or shallow. Yes, there are imperfections in the handle. Because it’s handmade. And the Damascus pattern may not suit everyone. But the price is $94.99. I reached out to a friend that is fairly well-known for his custom blades, and asked what he charges for Damascus. If you want a custom Damascus knife, his price starts at $100 per inch. And that’s just for the blade. Which certainly puts the Hemingway into perspective for me. It checks a lot of boxes (Damascus, unique, handmade, attractive) without breaking the bank. If you feel the same way, or just want to check out the other interesting knives they offer, head over to ForsetiSteel.com and check out the rest of their product line. You won’t be disappointed.

I’d like to thank Forseti Steel for providing their Hemingway knife for my review and evaluation. It’s an interesting knife, and I’m glad I was able to examine it and use it for a few weeks.

Specs

The Lancer 42 G10 is a pocket knife by every measure. At 6.5″ long, with a 2.76″ blade, it’s small and compact. Tipping the scales at only 2.75 ounces, it won’t weigh you down. It’s got just enough heft to remind you it’s in your pocket. Most of that weight comes from the .12″ thick drop point blade made from D2 steel. As the name implies, the scale itself is G10, with a finely textured pattern. Only the front of the handle is G10 though. On the back, it’s stainless steel.

A cutout in the grip exposes a simple nail nick for opening. As a framelock, moving parts are kept to a minimum. Yet there are still a few features. They include the lanyard hole as well as a non-reversible clip, for tip-up carry. The blade, back, and clip are given a nice stonewash finish. Not matte, but not too shiny, this gives it a subdued, understated look. If you’re avoiding the “tacticool” image, but want an attractive EDC (every day carry) knife, this is it.

Design aesthetic

Normally, I wouldn’t spend so much time on the design details. But I really like the little touches that went into this knife . At first glance, it seemed to be just a compact pocketknife. Closer inspection revealed the beveled edges on both sides. Not a hard edge, not a polished edge, but a nice machined bevel. I’ve seen similar knives without the bevel, and they feel much chunkier.

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At the bottom of the handle, where the lanyard hole is, it’s a bit more rounded. The opposite corner has an angled cut. Again, these give it a more svelte appearance than straight edges would. It actually reminds me of an old Art Deco cigarette lighter with curves and bevels. Even the cutout for the nail nick is interesting. Almost squared, it’s a notch, rather than semi-circle. None of this is groundbreaking, but together, it certainly adds visual interest to what is mostly just a tool to some folks. I ended up comparing the Lancer 42 to about half a dozen other knives in my collection. It’s just more visually satisfying.

Performance

None of those design details would mean anything if the knife didn’t do its job. Out of the box, that D2 blade was razor sharp. While there are plenty of sexy new steel options on the market, D2 isn’t one of them. It’s been around for more than a century, with good reason. I guess that makes it sexy old steel. It will easily take and hold an edge. And it has great wear resistance. Which is about all I could ask for in a pocket knife. If the blade saw heavier work, I might think differently. But for everyday use, it’s a solid choice. Over two months of testing, I had to sharpen it once, and that was easy enough.

In use

I hope that this site is still around long after Covid-19 is a memory. Because my typical day has changed in the last few months. My commute to work no longer involves my car, but a single flight of stairs. My day job and running this site are now done from the same location. I probably cut down less boxes and open less mail than I used to. And I have no one to split my lunch with. So I had to get creative.

Instead of boxes and rope and drip irrigation tubing, I found other things to cut. Pizza, quesadillas, cheese, steak, and jerky. Whatever meals or snacks I had at work, I sliced and diced. Thin sliced jalapenos and cheese (gotta melt it quick on my break), then deep cuts through the quesadilla so I can dip wedges into salsa. Or cutting pizza into strips so it’s easier to dip into the tiny container of Ranch dressing. Yes, I also cut down some boxes, but not nearly as many as I used to. In hindsight, I probably could have cut and eaten more vegetables. Yet the Lancer 42 did a fine job, and only required a quick wipe with a paper towel before going back in my pocket. Comfortable to hold, the G10 provided enough grip and allowed for some dexterity.

Options

If I’ve painted an attractive picture of a quality knife, but you’re not excited about the G10, don’t sweat it. The Lance 42 is also available in carbon fiber, cocobolo wood, and even an all steel option. Prices vary a bit, with all the other models having a slightly higher MSRP than the G10, which lists for $89.95. Actual retail price is a fair amount lower.

Conclusion

Personally, I cannot find anything not to like about this knife. It’s compact, yet big enough for my large hands. Not only is it easy to sharpen, but it holds that edge. It looks great. These days, I like a knife that’s as suitable for sharing a sandwich as it is for defensive work. But without looking like a weapon. And for as many people out there who buy $300+ custom knives, there are dozens upon dozens that set their limit under $20. Somewhere in the middle are those that don’t lose their knives often (hopefully), and are willing to spend a bit more, without going overboard. This is for them. Check it out at BokerUSA.com.

The Böker Plus Lancer 42 G10 was provided by Böker for testing and evaluation. As with all our reviews, I‘ve made every effort to provide an honest opinion, including overall quality, function, and durability. If it‘s not something I would buy myself, or recommend to friends, I don‘t share it with our readers.

Comments? Questions? Have any of our readers tried out any of the Böker Plus Lancer series of knives? Feel free to share below.

Opinel then and now

Joseph Opinel invented the now-famous Opinel folding knife in 1890 in Savoie, France. And they‘ve been making essentially the same knife ever since. They offer it in more sizes, and in more materials, but the knife design is pretty much unchanged. Opinel has had a lot of exposure recently on various article sites. Usually under headings like, “20 things on Amazon that you‘ll only have to buy once” or “15 items for dad that he‘ll love”, etc. And they‘re not wrong. Opinel makes a quality product at a pretty reasonable price, even if it‘s a little quirky. 

This is a decidedly French company and a decidedly French product. It‘s a bit of a metaphor for French culture in that it fiercely maintains tradition with a “You don‘t like it? Oh well, we‘ll keep doing it this way” sort of attitude. 

Design considerations

Which brings us to the locking ring. This definitely feels like a late 19th-century solution, even if it was introduced in 1955. It‘s just a shaped strip of metal bent around the neck of the handle with a small gap. When it is turned away from the handle cutout it locks the blade in place, either closed or opened. Certainly sturdier than a slip joint, clasp lock, or lever lock. It’s a lot simpler design than these or frame locks or lockbacks. It’s also a bit more cumbersome, and in a brand-new knife, it takes a bit of force and learning to engage and disengage it one-handed. But that‘s okay because this is an Opinel. This is not a knife for flicking open off of a belt clip with a spring release.

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Construction and details

The Opinel Outdoor Knife only comes in the No. 8 size (8.5cm/3.35in blade). This was a little small for me but still usable. Their traditional pocket knives range in size from 1.38 in to 4.72in. The blade is Sandvik 12C27 modified stainless steel which is a great balanced alloy. It’s strong, holds a good edge, and doesn‘t require special maintenance. The blade is thick enough to be sturdy, but not heavy. It wasn’t super sharp when I got the knife, but it took a pretty fine edge.  Even after a fair bit of general use, and a little abuse, it kept it well.

The outdoor model differs from their traditional pocket knife line by sporting a fiberglass-reinforced polyamide handle. It’s also got a built-in whistle and tether. Additional features include a shackle wrench cut into the blade, and a rope cutting serration in the lower blade edge. These seemed to be oddly specific features at first glance, and it really threw me off for a while. I happened to have a small shackle at home, and found the in-blade wrench to work just fine for that task. Certainly better than having to take an adjustable end wrench with you.

I didn‘t have any proper climbing rope handy around the house, but the rope-cutting serration was smooth enough to rip freely through some old hemp rope I did have lying around in the garage. I‘d say this is actually a great feature that makes the knife quite useful, even if it does take up a fair bit of real estate on the blade.

Final thoughts and musings

This is certainly not a “bush knife”, and by American standards, it‘s not really much of an outdoor or camping knife. It is quality-designed and manufactured, if a bit quirky. But it‘s about as useful for camping as any other moderately sized folding knife. Still, I kept getting hung up on it being called specifically an “outdoor” knife.

Then I recalled a conversation that I had with a friend in Denmark about the differences between how Americans and Europeans do “wilderness activity”. He told me that the idea of hiking up into the mountains and setting up a tent by a lake, etc. was a bit of a foreign idea to a European. By and large, they go out into nature more casually.

This is, I suppose, partially because they don‘t necessarily have a lot of “distant” wilderness to go to.  And because what wilderness they have is very close to civilization. So you go for a hike through green space in or near town after work or on the weekend. Or you holiday in the Alps and do mountainous activities. Or you take a small sailboat out on the fjord for a few hours. Then you overnight at home or in a hotel or something.

There are certainly hardcores that go hunting in the woods of Sweden or go on long overland treks following Hadrian‘s wall across northern England. But they‘re not really doing much bushwhacking or wilderness survival. So the more I thought about it, the more I embraced the idea that this knife was decidedly French. And learning more about the company and where they came from, I realized this is a little bit different idea of an outdoor knife than what we’re used to in the U.S. In a way, it‘s a bit of an allegory for differences between French and American culture. It‘s particular, and a little bit different than what we‘re used to, but that‘s not a bad thing. 

The Opinel No. 08 Outdoor Knife is available on their website for $39. It comes in 4 colors, Blue, Orange, Earth-Green, and Earth-Red.

Merci beaucoup to Opinel for providing the No. °08 Outdoor Knife for me to review.

The designer

Since 1992, Kansei Matsuno has been making knives that mix classic Japanese style with modern features. Many modern knives lean towards thick, heavy blades, with complex designs. Matsuno’s knives are slim, elegant, and lightweight. As fads come and go, his knives will always be popular, thanks to their timeless looks.

The knife

With its 2.8″ long, 0.10″ thick 440C blade, the 6.9″ long (open) Wasabi weighs a mere 1.6 ounces. Complementing the time-honored Japanese style blade is genuine cocobolo for the handles. Angled cuts plus nice grain patterns add visual interest. Inside, it gets smooth ball bearings which work well for this flipper. Although it doesn’t lock open, a slip joint and detent ball hold it open better than no lock at all. Rounding it all out is a milled pocket clip which is not reversible. Should you want to take it apart for cleaning, or if anything loosens up, a small wrench is included.

The experience

This design is as nice to look at as it is to hold and use. It flips open smoothly, and handles well for such a slender design. Rather than the usual heavy duty cutting, we gave it some light chores. That included slicing sandwiches and fruit, opening envelopes, and dispatching the occasional loose thread. All tasks befitting a “gentleman’s” knife. Just about any old knife can cut. But slicing food requires a sharp, thin blade, so it doesn’t crush its way through. Here, the Wasabi excels. Same with opening boxes and envelopes. The lean and mean blade is like a razor knife. Even after a couple of weeks, that 440C stainless blade looks and cuts like new.

Conclusion

Until I misplaced it, I had a similar blade I referred to as my “church knife”. Just fancy enough to carry in a suit pocket, it also lacked the “tactical” look that you sometimes want to avoid. Now, the Wasabi fills that void. Ideal for when you dress up a bit, but still want all the utility of a good EDC knife. Check it out in G10 or carbon fiber as well, at BökerUSA.com.

A special thanks to Böker for providing their Wasabi for this review.

Background

Ruger’s president, and COO, Chris Killoy, stated “Ruger is focused on bringing affordable, rugged and reliable products to our consumer base”. With that in mind, Ruger approached Columbia River Knife & Tool about a partnership. The result is a collection of knives for everyday carry and preparedness, as well as hunting and tactical applications. Based on the design, the Accurate™seems most suited for EDC and hunting.

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Specifications

With its 3.380″ plain edge and 8Cr13MoV steel blade, the Accurate™is anything but exotic. When folded, it’s 4.644″ long, and 8.063″ when open. Forget about assisted opening, or even a thumb stud. It’s got a good old nail nick and a liner lock. And with all the options out there, the handle is pretty no-nonsense too. A thermoplastic elastomer over glass reinforced nylon gets the job done. One fancy touch is the Ruger medallion, inset on one side of the handle. On the included nylon sheath is the name Ruger, as well.

First Impressions

Those numbers are fine, but they don’t tell you much about the Accurate. At 5.4 ounces on my scale, it feels nice in hand. Not too heavy, not too light or fragile. And the grip is great, wet or dry. Then there is the satin finish of the blade and stainless bolsters. Immediately, I was reminded of the stainless firearms in my collection. And the liner lock is one of the most robust I have ever seen. It covers at least half of the 0.149″ thick blade. With the blade locked open, there is zero play. Everything feels better than expected for a knife with an MSRP of $79.99.

The Blade

Before I used it, I tested the Accurate™by shaving some curls off a sheet of paper. The factory edge was plenty sharp. While 8Cr13MoV is one of the “value steels”, it holds an edge well enough, and is easy to sharpen. For daily use, it’s nice to have a blade that can be quickly touched up. It’s easy to get caught up in chasing the latest exotic steels, but for EDC, I’ll take low maintenance every time.

In use

Although I prefer pocket carry, I did use the included sheath. As mentioned, the weight is fine when you’re using it, but a bit much in your pocket. And this is a knife you’ll enjoy using. Food prep, whittling, cutting packing tape, slicing the end off a tube of caulk, it was just effortless. Although I didn’t process any game, I did break down a lot of cardboard for recycling. There is nothing glamorous about how I use a pocket knife. It would be great to say I slashed a seatbelt, and saved someone from a burning car, but that’s not the case. Instead, I open mail, open boxes, and cut the occasional loose thread off an old shirt or new jacket. No matter the task, the Accurate was at hand, and got it done.

Conclusion

I’ve handled a lot of pocket knives, but still don’t consider myself a “knife nerd”, or even an expert. I’m just a guy that appreciates always having a good blade available. If that’s you too, you’ll like the Accurate. And if you’re a fan of Ruger, even more so. It’s a solid knife that has a quality feel. Edge retention was more than good enough for my needs. Although the MSRP is $79.99, you’ll find it much lower if you shop around a bit, making it an excellent value. Check out CRKT.com to see all their knives and tools.

A special thanks to CRKT for providing their Accurate for this review.

The Spyderco Polestar has a leaf-shaped blade and it uses American-made CTS BD1 stainless steel.  The knife came from the factory razor sharp and the blade held its edge well for months.  I used the knife to cut cordage, cardboard, plastic and the Polestar saw some time whittling sticks and wood.  If a knife leaves the factory sharp like the Polestar did, you can be pretty sure it will sharpen well, and the Polestar does just that.  The Polestar‘s blade features a Spyderco trademark round hole for one-handed opening.  A liner lock holds the blade open which I found easy to push to the side and close the knife.  The knife is very easy to open and close one-handed, so you can hang onto things and get the knife out.

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The leaf shaped blade of the Spyderco Polestar works great for lots of tasks.  The sharp tip makes precision tasks easier and it also makes good longer cuts.  The cutting edge extends the full length of the blade, so there‘s no finger choil.  The top of the blade maximizes the usable length of the cutting edge and allows powerful cuts with the heel of the blade.  A ramp for the thumb with nice jimping helps with grip.

The handle of the Spyderco Polestar is shaped well to fit in the hand, and its open-backed design doesn‘t trap dirt and trash.  A textured G-10 material makes up the scales of the handle.  The scales mount to fully skeletonized stainless-steel liners.  The handle has a nice soft feel and it offers plenty of grip.  There‘s a bit of a hollow spot around the blade lock but I barely notice it while gripping and it makes getting to the lock easy.  The knife feels very solid and the blade operates smoothly.  A four-position hourglass clip lets you carry the knife tip up or tip down on the right side or left.  A good-sized hole at the end of the handle makes an attachment point for a lanyard.

Closed, the Spyderco Polestar is 4.51 inches long.  It‘s on the larger side of knives that I usually carry but it disappears into the pockets of pants well.  Opened, the knife measures 7.81 inches and the blade is 3.3 inches long.  The thickness of the blade is just over 1/8 inches and the knife weighs just under 4 ounces.  In everyday use, I haven‘t come across a job for the knife that was too big.

Spyderco says the Polestar is designed for the budget conscious user and I agree.  The Polestar has an MSRP of $99.95 but with a little searching on the web, you can get one for a lot less.  I haven‘t carried anything else since I got the Spyderco Polestar.  It‘s going to take a really spectacular knife to take the spot in my pocket.  Check out the Spyderco website HERE.

I‘d like to thank Spyderco for providing the Polestar for testing and review.  We have budgets just like everyone else.  Being able to pass along information helps us to pay it forward in a way to benefit everyone.

The system:

After 30 or so years of using a plain old two-sided stone, I figured it was time to try something new. The Guided Sharpening System is similar to a stone, but with some clever touches. It comes with a coarse 320 grit diamond plate and a fine 600 grit diamond plate. There’s also a ceramic rod. Finally, reversible guides offer 17 or 20 degree angles. All three fit on a base with rubber feet, so it doesn’t slide on your table or bench. And the base itself has a trick up its sleeve too.

Sharpening with a stone or the Guided Sharpening System is easy enough until you have to sharpen a curved blade. The smart folks at Work Sharp realized this and came up with a simple solution. On the base of the system is a sliding lock. When locked, it works like a traditional stone. Unlocked, the plate can pivot, allowing you to easily sharpen a curved blade. While this took me a bit to get used to, it’s easy to master.

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Using them:

Using the Guided Sharpening System is pretty easy. After choosing the appropriate guide, snap the coarse plate into place. A few passes should create a small burr along the edge of your blade. Flip your blade over, and make the same amount of passes on the opposite side. Do the same with the fine grit plate, then proceed to the ceramic rod. Again, it works like a stone, but the pivot action really makes it easy to follow the curve of the blade. When done, I can shave fine curls off a piece of paper.

Working much the same way, the 6-3/4 inch Guided Field Sharpener is designed for use on the go. Angles are fixed at 20 degrees, and the plates are 220 grit (slightly more coarse), and 600 grit. Strong magnets keep the plates in place. A ceramic rod rotates for coarse, fine, plus grooves for fish hooks. There’s even a short narrow diameter ceramic rod for serrations, and a leather strop on the opposite side. All this, and light enough to throw in your pack and forget about, until you need it.

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Conclusion:

Over the course of several months, I sharpened just about every knife I had. I took the sharpeners to work, and let my coworkers test them out too. Feedback was pretty consistent – everyone found it easy to get a sharp edge, even on curved blades. Once I explained the pivot to them, even a relative novice could do a good job. And that’s what it comes down to. I’m not an expert on all things knives. But I do own plenty of sharp objects. If you’re not an expert, but just want to keep your blades sharp, this is a great option. Of course, if you are an expert, you won’t be disappointed either.

Both carry a very fair MSRP – $59.95 for the Guided Sharpening System, and $34.95 for the Guided Field Sharpener. And they come with a 42 year warranty. Why 42 years? Because that’s how long Work Sharp has been in business. And they look forward to serving their customers for at least another 42 years. Check them out, along with the rest of the product line, at worksharptools.com.

A special thanks to Work Sharp for providing their sharpeners for this review. We review several knives each year, and end up loaning them out to staff, friends, and family. Now we’ve got an easy way to keep them all sharp.

Designed by Sé¡ndor Hegyes, of Hungary, this knife is all business. Sé¡ndor’s specialty is no-frills practicality. For the Bushcraft Kormoran, that means hard G-10 handles with deep grooves and fine texture. It also means a .20 inch thick, 9.6 inch long slab of Sandvik 14C28N steel. Of that, 4.7 inches is the blade itself. A black stonewash finish complements the black handles, which attach with silver hex head hardware. The only other shiny bit is the edge of the blade itself. Nothing fancy here, but the overall look is attractive.

If you look closely at the photos, you’ll notice it extends a bit past the handle. There is just enough exposed steel to use for light hammering chores. Recessed cuts in the handle allow room for a lanyard to be threaded through as well. The Kydex sheath includes a belt adapter too, which I found somewhat awkward, but still usable.

Out of the box, the blade is sharp. Much sharper than expected. Now, I’m not an expert on every knife steel, so I had to do a little homework. Turns out this Scandinavian steel has my favorite properties. I found that Sandvik 14C28N is not only easy to get razor sharp, but it holds that edge well. And it’s easy to touch up. Not that I’ve had to touch this one up at all. This is a knife made for hard use, without needing much maintenance.

Like every other knife I’ve owned and reviewed, I used the Kormoran for a variety of tasks. When it comes to outdoor work, it really shines. I chopped some small branches, made a few feather sticks, and even tried whittling with it. Making fine cuts in wood was easy enough too. Despite the size and thick blade, the Kormoran is easy to handle. It hacks and chops, but doesn’t give up the ability to do fine work. More often than not, I found myself using it to whittle sticks for marshmallows around the fire pit. If I needed a stack of sharp sticks, I’d start with the Kormoran. It’s more than capable of getting the job done.

Around the house, it got put to use too. From recycling cardboard and padded mailers, to opening boxes, it sliced everything with ease. Usually, I would try out a knife in the kitchen, but the blade is overkill for fruits and vegetables. It’s just too thick for that kind of food. That said, it’s great on meat, as long as you’re cutting chunks, not deli-thin slices.

Starting fires is a basic bushcraft skill. Me, I’m going to use a Bic lighter most of the time. But that doesn’t mean I don’t keep in practice. Using the backside of the Kormoran and a firesteel, I was able to throw plenty of hot sparks. And I’m happy to point out that doing this didn’t affect the stonewash finish. Beating up gear is part of using and reviewing stuff, but I hadn’t taken any photos when it was new. So I was afraid it would look like crap when it came time for photos. Instead, it hardly looks used.

My only disappointment with the Kormoran was in no way the fault of the designer. Being a large fixed blade, I can’t really bring it to work. But if there was a smaller, folding version, I would love to add it to my EDC rotation. It’s just so solid and business-like. And it holds an edge like nobody’s business. It’s built for hard work, and tough-as-nails for a camp knife. Yet it handles big and small tasks with ease. Check it out at BokerUSA.com.

A special thanks to Boker for sending out their Kormoran for me to use and abuse. It’s a tough knife, and I suspect my son will inherit one days many years from now.

About the Kansbol

The Kansbol is named after a fäbod (a small collection of cottages and barns in the woods where a village would traditionally summer their cattle) near Mora. Lovingly printed on the box are the actual coordinates to this location. The companies that would eventually conglomerate into Mora of Sweden in 2005 (renamed Morakniv in 2016) have been making knives in the same village in Dalarna County in the heartland of Sweden since 1891. But the heritage of knife making in Mora goes back over 400 years.

All Morakniv knives are manufactured start to finish at their headquarters in Mora. Swedish steel hardened using a proprietary and closely guarded heat treating process brings the Sandvik 12C27 stainless steel in the Kansbol to 57-58Rc. It offers good durability and tight microstructure that can take and hold a very sharp edge.

The Kansbol is essentially an update on the Mora 2000. This capable outdoor knife has become ubiquitous in the forests of Sweden since its introduction in the early 90‘s. The blades of the two knives are essentially identical, at 4.3”. A profile grind on the front half provides precision along with the famous Scandi grind edge. This makes it easier to sharpen and keep sharp.

Along with the Scandi and profile grinds, the Kansbol‘s spine is ground with edges that can be used with a fire starter. The shape of the handle is evocative of the classic wooden Mora handle (their literature refers to it as a “coil” shape). But it integrates a drop guard in the front to protect your fingers a bit while improving grip and handling. The butt also has a drop flare on the bottom side, and a lanyard hole if you want to put a tether or rope on it.

The handle is similar/identical to the one on the Eldris and the full-tang Garberg. But the highlight of the Kansbol‘s handle is the rubber polymer outer layer, which improves the grip significantly and reduces fatigue with extended use. The knife is also exceptionally light for its size, weighing only 4.7oz at 8.9” total length. That‘s less than half the weight of the Garberg, which again helps with precision and fatigue. It almost feels ethereal to hold and use, being so light with the grip that is just the right amount of supple. The symmetrical design also makes this knife great for right or left handed use. And unlike many of their other outdoor knives, is well suited to forward and reverse handling.

One of my favorite things about this knife, though, is the modular sheath system. This is a pretty innovative design that almost surpasses the design of the knife itself. Like the knife, the polypropylene sheath is inspired by classic Mora designs, and is likewise symmetrical. There are two drain holes in the bottom for ventilation, and some neat traditional flairs like the Mora emblem and heart-shaped style lines. My wife‘s favorite thing about the sheath is that the knife click locks into it. So you don‘t have to worry about it slipping out when you bend over or leave it in a drawer or pack.

The Multi-mount version has an additional secondary lock that slide-clicks on to the outside of the sheath. Plus a leather strap that holds the knife in the sheath with a heavy-duty snap. Both versions of the Kansbol include a leather belt loop that snaps on to the outside of the sheath with the same kind of plastic ring as the secondary lock. The only thing I can think to complain about with this knife is that there is not a single ring with both the belt loop and the secondary lock on it, because you can‘t really use both on the sheath simultaneously. Maybe that‘s something they can work on.

Mora and me (a little history)

I was first exposed to Mora knives in the early summer of 2009, on a trip through Scandinavia that had already passed through the islands and rolling hills of Denmark and the crags and fjords of Norway. On a tourism day that took us to the 1000-year old copper mine in Falun and the historic Ornässtugan loft building in Borlänge, we stopped at Grannas A. Olssons Hemslöjd in Nusnäs. This is the oldest existing Dala horse manufacturer, which lies just 14km (8.7miles) down along the north shore of the great lake Siljan from the knife factory in Mora.

These little painted wooden horses, like the Mora knives often used to carve them, are a living artifact of Swedish history and culture. Both have been manufactured locally in the region for over 100 years. And both are based on much more ancient local traditions. I purchased a few horses to distribute among family at the gift shop. But the real gems I got were across the street in the wood shop. Here they sold tools of the trade, I assume mostly for the locals who carve and paint the horses. There I purchased two red-painted birch handled Mora of Sweden knives with laminated steel blades.  One was for my dad and one for myself. I was immediately impressed by the quality and the affordability, as well as the traditional aesthetic of these carving/utility knives. It is one of my favorite souvenirs, and one of my favorite knives. Its got durability and style, as well as an uncanny ability to take and hold a near-razor edge.

At the risk of making generalizations, the Swedes (and Scandinavians in general) are obsessed with this idea of balancing form, function, and value. It‘s probably why the Nordic countries‘ primary exports are finished goods, be they furniture, cars, audio equipment, toys, or telecom. Morakniv also applies this concept of balance to their manufacturing process. Mixing modern automation with traditional handcraft works to keep costs down and quality high while keeping everything in-house.

I‘d been anxious for some time to try Mora‘s stainless or carbon steel knives. I wasn‘t keen on most of their other outdoor knives, with their plastic, angled one-way handles. When I saw the Kansbol, though, my interest was piqued.

So how did it do?

For testing, I put this knife through its paces in a few traditional ways, as well as some unorthodox methods for an outdoor knife. The first test was a matter of circumstance. I was installing a bathroom fan, and couldn‘t find my drywall saw. I wasn‘t making a lot of headway with the utility knife. Then I remembered that the knife still sitting in its box had a cool profile grind that makes the tip nice and thin. Turns out the Kansbol does a pretty decent job of poking neat, clean holes in drywall. And an equally good job slicing edges off. After a good cleaning, I was still able to cleave cherry tomatoes without even honing it.

I also tried making a feather stick, which went fine. Then I did some basic whittling of some apple and cherry branches that I had laying around. The combination of the size, lightness, grip, and sharpness of the Kansbol provided an amazing amount of control which takes a little getting used to, honestly. This knife can be readily used both for broader tasks like cutting rope and prepping kindling, as well as for fine woodcarving and precision food prep. Perhaps the most impressive test I used, though, was slicing open those annoying plastic blister packs. The blade slid through like it was cutting through the air. Unlike many knives that will easily lose control and cut dangerously wild.

I‘ve also used it for opening packages and breaking down cardboard boxes for the last 3 weeks or so (I have 2 kids still in diapers, so we go through a lot of boxes). And I haven‘t yet needed to do more than a light honing to bring the edge back to paper-slicing effectiveness.

Overall, the Kansbol is a high quality, exceptionally durable and capable knife, especially for its surprisingly low price. Again, it doesn‘t quite fill the role of a serious bushcraft knife, but it‘ll do the job in a pinch. As light and useful as it is, I almost want to use it as my daily carry knife instead of a folding knife in my pocket, but I‘m not sure if I‘m ready for the stares I‘d get.

MSRP is $39.99 for the basic knife & sheath, or $59.99 with the Multi-mount system. The Morakniv Kansbol is available through their official U.S. distributor, Industrial Revolution. Please note that they generously supplied the knife for this review.