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Outdoor Edge Cutlery
Published: January 10, 2025
Outdoor Edge Cutlery has grown into a leading name in the world of outdoor tools, with a reputation for quality, innovation, and functionality. David Bloch, the founder of Outdoor Edge, grew up in Paramus, New Jersey before his family relocated to Colorado in 1977. The move sparked his love for the outdoors, with Colorado’s rugged landscape and outdoor culture offering inspiration. Though not from a hunting family, Bloch’s passion for outdoor activities, combined with his engineering background, would become the foundation of his company.
As a child, Bloch developed a fascination with knives, influenced by camping trips with the Scouts and his grandfather’s interest in knife collecting. After earning a degree in mechanical engineering and metallurgy from the Colorado School of Mines, Bloch designed his first hunting knife, the Game Skinner, as a senior design project. This unique knife, featuring a pistol-grip T-handle design and a gut hook, was developed with input from hunters and taxidermists. By 1988, Bloch had patented the design and launched Outdoor Edge, debuting the Game Skinner at the SHOT Show in Las Vegas.
Outdoor Edge's rise to prominence is rooted in its focus on solving real-world problems for outdoor enthusiasts. One of the company’s standout innovations is its replaceable blade system, which was introduced with the Razor-Lite series. Hunters and outdoorsmen often face the challenge of dull blades during fieldwork, and Bloch’s engineering expertise led to a breakthrough: a knife with razor-sharp, replaceable blades supported by a robust stainless-steel holder.
The Razor-Lite series addressed two major concerns that users had with competing products. First, it ensured durability by sandwiching the blade within a stainless-steel frame, reducing the risk of breakage. Second, it introduced a safe and easy-to-use blade replacement system, addressing concerns about injuries during blade changes. These innovations made the Razor-Lite a favorite among hunters and general users alike.
- Outdoor Edge Cutlery was founded by David Bloch (pictured above)
- In 1988, Bloch debuted the Game Skinner at the SHOT Show in Las Vegas, Nevada
- The Outdoor Edge Razor-Lite (pictured above) featured replaceable blades
Outdoor Edge’s commitment to functionality extends beyond knives. The Razor-Pro, a dual-blade folder featuring a gutting blade and a razor-sharp replaceable blade, builds on the success of earlier models, offering hunters a versatile and time-saving tool. Other products, like the ChowPal, a multi-functional eating utensil, demonstrate the company’s ability to create tools that appeal to a broad audience, from backcountry hunters to everyday campers.
Starting a business in the cutlery industry wasn’t without challenges. Bloch recalls early struggles, such as finding reliable manufacturing partners and navigating the complexities of intellectual property law. With guidance from industry veterans like Sal Glesser of Spyderco, Bloch established production partnerships in Seki City, Japan, a renowned hub for knife manufacturing.
Despite early obstacles, Outdoor Edge has flourished, earning accolades from customers and industry professionals alike. The company’s success lies in its ability to listen to user feedback and continually improve its products. For example, the Razor-Lite’s design was shaped by hunters’ experiences, addressing common frustrations with existing tools.
For Bloch, Outdoor Edge is more than a business, it’s a way to connect with the outdoor community and inspire others to enjoy nature responsibly. Though he didn’t grow up hunting, Bloch has embraced the lifestyle, participating in hunts around the world, from caribou in Alaska to deer and elk in Colorado. He views hunting as a way to connect with nature and share meaningful experiences, from the thrill of the chase to the satisfaction of processing game and sharing a meal with family.
Outdoor Edge’s commitment to enhancing outdoor experiences extends to its customers. Whether it’s creating a clean and efficient tool for field dressing or a multi-functional utensil for backpacking trips, the company aims to make outdoor activities safer, easier, and more enjoyable.
As Outdoor Edge continues to grow, its mission remains the same: to innovate and provide practical solutions for outdoor enthusiasts. With a product lineup that includes over 140 unique models, the company is well-positioned to meet the evolving needs of its customers. From its humble beginnings with the Game Skinner to its current status as an industry leader, Outdoor Edge exemplifies how a passion for innovation and a commitment to quality can transform a simple idea into a trusted global brand.
Written by Drew Clifton
What to Buy
The Outdoor Edge RazorLite is a versatile folding lockback knife ideal for hunting and everyday carry. Its replaceable blade design includes 3 extra 3.5-inch blades made from durable Japanese 420J2 stainless steel, eliminating the need for sharpening in the field. The knife features a lightweight 2.0 oz build with a robust 7.5-inch overall length. Blade changes are effortless with a push-button release, while smooth deployment is ensured by thumb stud openers. The grivory handle with rubberized TPR inserts provides a secure, non-slip grip, even in wet conditions. A stainless steel pocket clip offers convenient carry. Designed for reliability and ease of use, the RazorLite is a must-have tool for outdoor enthusiasts.
The Outdoor Edge Chasm is a lightweight, durable, and versatile everyday carry knife. Featuring a 3.3-inch 8Cr13MoV stainless steel clip-point blade with a Blackstone-coated finish, it excels in slicing tough materials and precise tasks. This manual folder includes double-sided thumb studs for easy operation, and the lockback mechanism ensures safety during use. The handle, made from brown Zytel glass-filled nylon with rubberized TPR inserts, provides a secure, ergonomic grip. At 4.4 inches closed and weighing just 2.2 ounces, it’s compact yet sturdy. A 420 stainless steel Blackstone-coated tip-down pocket clip adds convenience for on-the-go accessibility.
The Outdoor Edge Pivot is the ultimate fixed blade for outdoor enthusiasts and EDC fans, combining durability with innovative design. It features a 2.6" 8Cr13MoV stainless steel Wharncliffe blade with a Blackstone coating for enhanced strength and corrosion resistance. The full-tang fixed blade, measuring 6.8" overall and weighing just 3.2oz, is paired with a black rubberized TPR handle, ensuring a secure and comfortable grip. Its versatile black polypropylene sheath includes a quick-release locking latch and a removable 360-degree rotating clip for easy attachment to a belt or MOLLE system. The Pivot’s rotating sheath system offers convenient access and secure storage, making it a reliable companion for any adventure.
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.