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Best Hunting Knives
for Field Dressing
When it comes to field dressing and game preparation, the right hunting knife makes all the difference. A well-designed blade not only ensures cleaner, more efficient work in the field but also minimizes fatigue and waste during processing. Whether you’re skinning a deer, quartering an elk, or cleaning small game, a dependable knife should feel like a natural extension of your hand, sharp, balanced, and easy to control even in wet or cold conditions. In this article, we explore some of the best hunting knives for field dressing and game prep, each chosen for...
Recent Articles
Best Balisongs for EDC
Balisongs have moved beyond their reputation as niche flippers to become capable, well-engineered tools suited for daily carry. The best examples combine precise action, thoughtful balance, and durable construction with the practicality expected of an EDC knife. Each of the models featured here reflects that evolution; designed not just for smooth tricks and controlled rotations, but for real-world cutting performance and long-term reliability. From compact utility builds to premium titanium and steel combinations, these balisongs represent the point where form...
Best Knives for
Horizontal Carry
Carrying a fixed blade horizontally across the belt, often called scout carry, has become a preferred method for many users who want a balance of comfort, discretion, and quick access. By distributing weight evenly and keeping the knife tucked close to the body, horizontal carry reduces snagging, stays comfortable when seated in a vehicle, and allows fast retrieval when needed. It’s a setup that works just as well for outdoorsmen navigating thick brush as it does for military or law enforcement personnel who need their gear out of the way, but...
Previous Articles
2024 Most Innovative American Design
The BLADE Show, known as the world’s largest knife show, annually hosts thousands of enthusiasts, collectors, and industry professionals. It serves as a platform for showcasing the latest in knife design and technology. At the 2024 event, the Spyderco Para Military 2 Salt stood out, winning the prestigious Most Innovative American Design award. This accolade highlights Spyderco's continued dedication to pushing the boundaries of knife manufacturing, blending functionality, durability, and cutting-edge innovation. Spyderco, founded in 1976 by Sal...
Best Automatic
Knives of 2025
Automatic knives, also known as switchblades, offer the convenience of one-handed opening with the press of a button or switch, making them a favored choice for many users who value quick deployment and ease of use. When considering the best automatic knives on the market, it's important to focus on quality, reliability, and legal compliance, as the legality of carrying these knives varies by location. Here's some of our top picks for automatic knives known for their craftsmanship, durability, and performance...
Best Modern Folding Knives of 2025
Every year brings a fresh wave of folding knives that highlight how varied and inventive the industry has become, and 2025 is no exception. From the precision-driven designs of Vero Engineering to Leatherman’s expansion into dedicated folders, the landscape feels broader than ever. Benchmade continues refining its approach to lightweight, everyday carry, while Hogue explores bold exclusives with Smoky Mountain Knife Works that blend utility with distinct personality. Heretic leans into daring aesthetics shaped by retro culture, and Kershaw...
Best Of:
Automatic Knives
2025 marks an exceptional year for automatic knives, defined by innovation, collaboration, and refined craftsmanship. Work Sharp introduces a modular approach that sets a new standard for versatility. Zero Tolerance’s award-winning design demonstrates how premium materials and lightweight construction can coexist in a high-performance folder. Heretic Knives pushes aesthetic boundaries with striking, stylized finishes, while Chaves and Pro-Tech combine forces to deliver a powerful yet precise tactical automatic...
Best Of:
OTF Knives
Out-the-front (OTF) knives represent the peak of convenience and efficiency in the world of folding knives. Designed for rapid, one-handed deployment, OTF knives feature a blade that slides directly out of the front of the handle at the push of a button or the slide of a lever. Ideal for emergency responders, military personnel, and everyday carry enthusiasts, these knives are revered for their quick-action mechanism, which allows for immediate use while maintaining a compact, portable profile. The best OTF knives...
Best Of:
Self Defense Tools
When it comes to personal safety and self-defense, having the right tools can make a life-saving difference. While carrying a firearm is an option for some, it's not suitable or legal for everyone. Fortunately, there are various alternatives available that can provide effective protection in threatening situations. From specialized blades to less-than-lethal options, these self-defense tools offer a range of choices to fit different needs and comfort levels. One classic option that has stood the test of time is the Ka-Bar TDI, designed specifically for law enforcement and hand-to-hand combat situations.
Best OTF
Knives of 2025
The out-the-front automatic knife remains one of the most technically demanding designs in the industry, and 2025 has marked a year of significant advancement across the category. Microtech has pushed the platform further with new engineering that eliminates blade play and strengthens deployment systems. CRKT made its long-anticipated entry into the OTF market through a partnership with Hogue and designer Brian Tighe, marking a new chapter for the brand. Heretic has continued to refine its distinctive single-action design with modern steel...
Best Traditional Folding Knives of 2025
Traditional pocketknives have always carried more than just utility. They hold patterns that have been passed down for generations, handle treatments that speak to artistry as much as function, and histories that tie them to trades, regions, and families. In 2025, knife makers, large and small, continued to honor those roots while introducing new materials, series, and interpretations that keep the tradition alive. From Case expanding its SMKW-exclusive Sea Dragon and PB&J lines, to Jack Wolf and Queen blending modern steels with classic patterns...
Top 5 Assisted
Opening Knives
Assisted-opening knives combine the quick deployment of an automatic with the control of a manual folder. The concept first emerged in 1995 when knifemaker Blackie Collins introduced the Strut-and-Cut, an innovative design inspired by the suspension system of his Ducati motorcycle. A few years later, Ken Onion brought assisted opening into the spotlight with his SpeedSafe mechanism for Kershaw, setting a new standard for smooth, one-handed deployment. Since then, brands like Kershaw, CRKT, Zero Tolerance, SOG, and Benchmade...
Top 5
Boot Knives
Boot knives have long been valued for their slim designs, discreet carry, and dependable performance, serving equally well as defensive tools, backup blades, or compact fixed knives for daily use. Their ability to stay out of sight until needed has made them a trusted option for outdoorsmen, law enforcement, and everyday users alike. Companies like CRKT, Bear & Son Cutlery, Cold Steel, Kershaw, and Smith & Wesson have each brought their own approach to the style, offering variations that emphasize everything from rugged field durability to lightweight concealability. The following...
Top 5 Budget
Blade Steels
Navigating the world of affordable knives without sacrificing quality is a common challenge for enthusiasts and practical users alike. Key to this quest are the blade steels that offer the best of both worlds: commendable performance and durability at a price point that won't leave wallets empty. Highlighted in offerings from esteemed brands like Boker, Honey Badger, Leatherman, and CRKT, certain blade steels stand out. These materials blend the critical attributes of edge retention, corrosion resistance, and ease of maintenance, making them ideal choices for anyone seeking great value in their cutting tools...
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Top 5 Kitchen
Knife Sets
A high-quality kitchen knife set isn’t just a culinary convenience; it’s the foundation of a well-prepared meal and a chef’s most trusted tool. Whether you’re dicing vegetables, carving a roast, or slicing through crusty bread, the right set of knives can elevate your cooking experience with precision, comfort, and durability. A thoughtfully chosen knife set not only streamlines prep work but also brings confidence and consistency to every cut, making cooking more enjoyable and efficient. In this article, we explore five outstanding kitchen knife...
Top 5 Mid-Range
Blade Steels
When it comes to choosing a knife, the blade steel is one of the most important considerations. The steel determines the blade's edge retention, corrosion resistance, ease of sharpening, and overall performance. While expensive super steels and budget-friendly steels have their place, mid-range blade steels offer an excellent balance of performance and value. In this article, we'll explore the top five mid-range blade steels that are popular among knife enthusiasts and manufacturers...
Top 5 Premium
Blade Steels
In the realm of premium knives, the selection of blade steel is a crucial factor that separates the exceptional from the ordinary. For the discerning knife enthusiast, the choice of steel can make all the difference in terms of edge retention, corrosion resistance, and overall performance. In this comprehensive guide, we explore the top 5 premium blade steels, including their unique chemical compositions, that have captured the attention of both professionals and aficionados...
Top 5 Utility
Blade Steels
Utility knives are one of the most used and abused tools in any kit. Whether you're cutting down boxes, scoring materials, or handling quick jobs that don’t justify pulling out a full-size folder, a reliable utility knife gets it done. But not all are created equal. The five knives below go beyond disposable hardware-store options, offering upgraded materials, smoother mechanisms, and thoughtful design. From compact slide-locks to gravity-operated blades, these are the utility knives that stand out for their build quality, ease of use, and everyday...
Top 10
Bushcraft Knives
Bushcraft knives are essential tools for outdoor enthusiasts, survivalists, and wilderness adventurers. They are designed to handle various tasks, from carving wood and preparing food to constructing shelters and processing firewood. The best bushcraft knives combine durability, sharpness, and ergonomic design to ensure reliability in demanding situations. In this article, we will explore the top 10 bushcraft knives, each renowned for its unique features and capabilities. Whether you are a seasoned bushcrafter...
Top 10
Fixed Blade Knives
When it comes to fixed blade knives, a diverse selection can cater to any outdoor enthusiast, survivalist, or collector. Each knife brings a unique set of qualities tailored to specific tasks, whether it’s the versatile design of the KA-BAR Becker Nessmuk, the robust functionality of the ESEE 4, or the specialized performance of the Benchmade Meatcrafter. From timeless classics like the Buck 119 to innovative options like the Benchmade Anonimus, these knives offer a range of features designed to enhance durability, precision, and comfort...
Top 10
Folding Knives
Traditional folding knives hold a special place in the hearts of collectors and enthusiasts. Their rich histories, timeless designs, and superb craftsmanship make them beloved tools and treasured heirlooms. From the rugged utility of a trapper knife to the elegance of a gentleman’s pocket knife, these blades serve as a reminder of a bygone era of knife-making. This article explores the top 10 traditional folding knives, each chosen for its unique features, historical significance, and enduring...
Top 10
Survival Knives
When it comes to survival, few tools are as essential, or as heavily debated, as the knife. The right survival knife has to be more than sharp; it must be dependable when chopping, slicing, batoning, or even striking sparks to start a fire. It should balance durability with control, toughness with versatility, and portability with enough size to take on the unexpected. From heavy-duty blades built for breaking down wood and tackling the most punishing tasks to more versatile designs that handle everyday camp chores with ease, survival knives come in many forms. In this guide...
Unique
Machete Designs
A machete is more than just a tool; it’s an essential piece of gear with a rich history and endless utility. Traditionally used for clearing vegetation, agricultural tasks, and survival situations, machetes come in various styles and designs tailored to specific needs and environments. With blade lengths typically ranging from 12 to 18 inches, these versatile tools can handle everything from chopping and slicing to precise cutting and trailblazing. Over the years, innovations and cultural influences have led to the creation of unique machetes that combine...
Expert Reviewed
T.C. Barnette
T.C. Barnette is a dynamic media personality and the esteemed spokesperson for SMKW (Smoky Mountain Knife Works), where his passion for knives intersects with his captivating on-screen presence. With a magnetic charisma and deep expertise in cutlery, T.C. has become a beloved figure in the knife community.









