This is a very common question many knife owners have asked. The “Paper Cut” test is commonplace in the knife community to get a good glimpse on how sharp your blade is. But does cutting paper actually dull your knife?
Short answer: For most instances – No. The average piece of paper with a razor sharp knife will be sliced like butter.
However, there are a lot of assumptions being made there. There are so many factors that go into the “Paper Cut” test that will determine the end result of your knife blade’s sharpness.
For instance – What type of paper are you cutting? What is the hardness of your blade? Angle of the blade edge? Geometry of the blade?
I could go on and on, so let’s set some “average knife” parameters and continue from there.
Let’s say our average pocket knife has a drop point blade as shown below
Benchmade Bugout
The angle of the blade is a common 20 ° and the hardness at HRC 58.
How well would the knife hold up versus the following paper products?
Printer Paper – Your knife will stay plenty sharp. You most likely could cut soft printer paper for an hour straight and see no discernible difference in sharpness.
Glossy Photo Paper – Alright, now you aren’t only cutting paper, but a glossy layer on top of it. Your knife will dull much faster with photo paper because not only is it thicker, harder, and made of different materials – but there is an adhesive layer between the paper and gloss as well.
3-Hole Punched Binder Paper – You might as well be slicing butter. You could cut binder paper all day and not see a difference in sharpness.
In conclusion, most readily-available types of paper won’t harm your blade’s sharpness so feel free to do the “Paper Cut” test regularly.
Knife batoning is when you use your knife in the same fashion that you would use an axe – to split wood. The difference between using an axe and using your knife is that, for the most part, your knife doesn’t have the weight and blade geometry of an axe.
In order to make your knife function more like an axe, a piece of wood or other heavy club is used to provide more force to the wood you are trying to split.
What Is The Best Knife For Batoning
There are many good choices. Our personal favorite is the Becker BK9. Ethan Becker is well known among knife fanatics and he designs some of the most robust blades on the market today.
The Becker BK9 is a knife that has stood the test of time. We here at I Luv Knives believe that the BK9 is not only the best knife for batoning, but also the best bang for your buck if you are looking for a blade that will last you a lifetime.
The main thing about a batoning knife is that it needs to have a heavy blade in order to chop through wood. The entire premise of batoning is to chop or hack through. You are mimicking the action of an axe.
Are you in need of a high-quality, lightweight folding knife that you can carry in your pocket on a daily basis and rely on? Faaaaantastic. Then look no further than these top 4 manufacturers: Benchmade, SOG, Spyderco, and Gerber. These brands offer a range of folding knives with features and designs that make them ideal for a variety of uses and lightweight carry. Each of these manufacturers brings their own unique approach to making durable, lightweight, and functional knives. Alright, time take a closer look at these options and see what makes each of them stand out. I’ll start off with a basic summary of each brand and then give you my top model for each manufacturer.
Benchmade
Famous for their sleek designs and durability, Benchmade is one of the major leaders in the knife industry. If you need a reliable and lightweight option, the Bugout 535 is a top pick. Made with G10 handles and an S30V steel blade, this knife is built to last and can handle just about any task you throw in front of it. Let’s talk about the weight… It’s quite light, weighing in at just over two ounces – PERFECT for everyday carry. You won’t have to worry about carrying a giant hunk of steel around, like you would with most Cold Steel products. Another great, even lighter, Benchmade option is the Mini Griptilian 555, but take in mind that it is smaller than the Bugout 535, so there are some limitations, but it may be perfect for someone who needs a more compact knife.
SOG
If you’re looking for a knife that can handle anything you throw at it, look no further than the SOG Flash II. This knife features a durable stainless steel drop-point blade and a grippy zytel handle. It also has a comfortable, ergonomic design that will fit your hand perfectly – even if you’re wearing gloves. And with its ambidexterous pocket clip, you can carry it however you prefer. If you’re looking for a more compact option, the SOG Vulcan is a great choice. It features a similar blade size with a more flashy design, making it perfect for everyday carry.
Spyderco
If you’re looking for a high-quality folding knife that you can count on, Spyderco is a great option. The Yojimbo 2 is a popular choice thanks to its lightweight design and strong, durable blade. It features a compression lock for easy one-handed operation and a G10 handle with a grippy texture. For those who prefer a stronger blade shape, the Manix 2 is another great option.v It features a full-flat grind and a solid lock mechanism, making it perfect for heavy-duty tasks.
Gerber
If you’re looking for a budget-friendly option, look no further than Gerber. Gerbers knives are known for being high quality knives that won’t break the bank. My favorite Gerber folder is the Gerber E-Z Out. Now, DON’T get the non-serrated version of this knife. Why? Because the serrations on this particular blade are AMAZING. Something about the geometry of the serrations made me EDC this knife for over a year exclusively. Now, this was before I had two nickels to rub together. So, if you are looking for a budget-friendly folder from one of the top knife brands, but still want a GREAT knife – Gerber E-Z Out.
Alright folks, that’s all I’ve got for this one. The bottomline is that you really can’t go wrong with any of these brands. These are world-class knife manufacturers that have a proven track record and numerous happy customers. If you end up picking up a blade from one of these knife makers then you’ll end up smiling from ear-to-ear knowing that the manufacturing process they used was well-above the ‘cheaper’ brands. Thanks for reading, and as always – Have a lovely day.
Below is a list of my personal favorite and best inexpensive folding knives, all of which can be bought for less than $30. There are many quality knives with a Sub-$30 price tag, but the knives below I feel deserve special recognition.
1. Ontario Rat Model 1
Of course no inexpensive folding knives list would be complete without noting the almighty Rat Model 1 from Ontario. With 3.5 of AUS-8 Steel for a blade and a very comfortable nylon handle, thats enough reason to take interest. However, dont just consider the fact that I am interested, consider the fact that this knife has had a 5 star rating on Amazon for years now. Ive gone camping with this knife numerous amounts of times and am pleased with how well its flat ground, satin finished blade slices through just about anything you would reasonably cut with a knife. This knife is the standard for other budget folding knives. Its buttery-smooth manual opening and closing is truly a treat.
2. CRKT Drifter
Next up on the list is none other than the CRKT Drifter. This knife can be a tricky purchase since it has two different versions, a stainless steel handled version and a G10 version. I highly recommend the G10 version over the stainless steel because the slick handle on the stainless steel will slip right out of sweaty or wet hands. With a 3-inch blade and solid liner lock, this knife fits perfectly into an every day carry role. The Drifter also has a gorgeous Titanium Gray finish on the blade. I wouldnt recommend this purchase for someone with larger hands, but if you have small to medium sized hands, there is much to love about the Drifter.
3. Kershaw Cryo
Do you like assisted knives? Then you will love the Kershaw Cryo. With a 2.75 blade and Kershaws SpeedSafe assisted opening system, this blade flies out as soon as you press down on the flipper or thumbstud. This is one of Kershaws most purchased knives, and for good reason. There arent a whole lot of inexpensive folding knives with a frame lock and lockbar stabilizer at under $30, but somehow Kershaw can still make one and turn a profit. If you have heard about this knife before and considered purchasing, all I can say is you wont regret it.
4. Gerber EZ Out
Ok, first off the review on this knife is going to be quite bias. While it may not be the most popular knife, this is my personal favorite inexpensive EDC (every day carry) knife of all time. No, its not pretty. No, it doesnt have any fancy assisted opening system or Titanium coating. Yes, it is very plain looking, but hear me out. This is one of the most comfortable inexpensive folding knives that I have ever had in my large hands. It is truly a pleasure to open and close with an authoritative click! every time you flick it out to use it. I have been using an completely abusing this knife for over ten years. I love trying and using different inexpensive folding knives, but this knife always seems to come back into my pocket over the years. The only reason that I didnt make this knife the first on my list is for the fact that most people would stop reading immediately if they saw this knife in the number 1 spot. I recommend this knife to anyone who wants a knife that always seems to get the job done, even though it may not be the prettiest looking knife.
5. Spyderco Byrd Cara Cara 2
The Byrd line is Spydercos budget or inexpensive folding knives line. Dont fret though, just because these are inexpensive knives, doesnt mean that Spyderco made dramatic changes in quality. While the US, Japanese, and Taiwanese knives manufactured by Spyderco have absolutely incredible standards of quality, their Chinese made knives are better than most other knives that you can find at their price-point. The Byrd Cara Cara 2 is made in China and has a 3.75 blade made from 8Cr13MoV stainless steel. The knife is 5.6 ounces but surprisingly feels like there is nothing in your pocket when you are carrying it. For me, the handle is the only drawback, as it has some sharp edges that dont feel great after you have been cutting something for a long period of time. However, many people love it and it is definitely one of the better inexpensive folding knives with superior quality, so it deserves a place on the list.
When it comes to your kitchen, having a quality chef knife is crucial. However, a top-of-the-line chef knife can be quite expensive, leaving many wondering if there are any affordable alternatives. Luckily, there are several budget-friendly options available that offer exceptional performance and value for the money. A good kitchen knife is essential, because a bad one can lead to injury. Below, we’ll explore my top 3 picks for inexpensive, but high-quality chef’s knives on the market.
Victorinox Fibrox Pro Chef’s Knife
Pros:
Affordable: Available at an value-busting price, the Victorinox Fibrox Pro Chef’s Knife provides exceptional value for money.
High-quality steel: The Victorinox Fibrox Pro Chef’s Knife is made from a high-carbon stainless steel with a fiber-reinforced handle, making it a durable and reliable option.
Excellent performance: The Victorinox Fibrox Pro Chef’s Knife is widely regarded as one of the best budget chef’s knives on the market, mainly thanks to its thin blade and exceptional performance.
Mercer Culinary Millenia Chef’s Knife
Pros:
Excellent value for money: Like the Victorinox, the Mercer Culinary Millenia Chef’s Knife is another exceptional value-for-money option when it comes to kitchen knives.
High-quality steel: The Mercer Culinary Millenia Chef’s Knife is made from a high-carbon steel, making it corrosion-resistant and reliable choice.
Highly-Rated By Reviewers: The Mercer Culinary Millenia Chef’s Knife is highly rated for its performance, with many users remarking on its ability to hold an edge for prolonged periods of time and a insane ability to cut through foods with ease (Of course, this requires keeping the knife sharp).
Dalstrong Shogun Chef’s Knife
Pros:
Exceptional performance: The Dalstrong Shogun Chef’s Knife is widely-regarded as THE best-performing chef’s knife for the price.
SUPER steel: The Dalstrong Shogun Chef’s Knife is made from Japanese AUS-10V Super Steel.
Ergonomic Handle: The handle on the Dalstrong Shogun Chef’s Knife has a smooth design, which fits comfortably in the hand and provides a stable grip. This can help to prevent wrist strain and improve slicing accuracy while cutting anything from tough meats to soft tomatoes.
Sharpening: The Dalstrong Shogun Chef’s Knife has a wide blade for a kitchen knife, which provides optimal blade geometry for a sharp and even cut. Additionally, many packages containing the knife come with an in-box sharpening steel to help maintain the edge.
Style and Design: The Dalstrong Shogun Chef’s Knife has a unique and stylish design, which makes it an attractive option for not only Chefs, but also knife enthusiasts who also enjoy using their kitchen tools as a statement piece of beauty and quality.
Those are the Top 3 Best Value chef knife selections on the market today. You really can’t go wrong with any of these three choices. Personally, I would spend the extra and go with the Dalstrong Shogun, but the Victorinox Fibrox is a solid knife in its own right. Thanks for reading, and have a wonderful day!
With thousands of different designs available, why choose a recurve knife? Simple. Due to recurve knives having a curved blade that bends inward toward the handle, the blade geometry naturally creates a force multiplier. This allows the user to slice through whatever they may be cutting a heck of a lot easier than other blade geometries. Now you may be asking, “Great, but what is the best recurve knife out there?” I’m glad you asked. Here are my three top choices. Let’s start off with a fixed-blade tactical recurve knife.
Tops Tom Brown Tracker Field Edition
One of the most well-known and uniquely-shaped recurve knives is the Tops Tom Brown Tracker Field Edition. This knife features a 6.5-inch blade made from O1 high-carbon steel and comes with an upgraded G10 handle for improved grip and control. The recurve blade on this knife makes it a great choice for hunting, as the curved blade allows for improved cutting power and precision. The knife includes a durable kydex sheath designed to protect the knife while not in use. The only downside to this the Tops Tom Brown Tracker is that, due to the irregular blade shape (which is AWESOME in my opinion), it can be difficult to sharpen.
Boker Arbolito Buffalo Soul
For those looking for a more unique style of knife, the Boker Arbolito Buffalo Soul is a phenomenal choice. This knife features a 4-inch blade made from high-carbon steel and comes with a classic-style handle made from grippy micarta. The recurve blade on this knife is designed to provide a smooth and straight cutting edge and is perfect for tasks like skinning and filleting. Due to the hardness of the steel, the edge retention holds up quite well on this specific model. The knife also includes a cordura belt sheath and warranty, making it a great choice for those looking for an affordable, yet high-quality knife. Also, this knife is great for beginners learning how to sharpen a recurve blade.
Kershaw Blur
The Kershaw Blur is massively popular, and for good reason. The Blur is a high-performance knife with a modern recurve design that features grippy G10 handle scales and an assist-opening mechanism. The blade is made from a high-performance Sandvik 14C28N stainless-steel, which provides excellent edge retention and a strong, sharp edge. The blade is specifically shaped to provide precision and control, while the handle is designed to be ergonomic and comfortable. The Blur has become so popular that it is now available in multiple colors. If you read about these three choices and don’t know which one to pick – Go with the Blur. The Kershaw Blur is a great choice for both everyday carry and hardcore outdoor use.
In conclusion, choosing the right recurve blade is all about finding a design that you find visually appealing and the tasks you plan on using it with. While there are countless options available, you really can’t go wrong with ANY of these three knife choices. If you can’t decide which one of these three to go with, go with the Kershaw Blur. I own at least three Blurs (I forget how many I have). I have my favorite one as part of my EDC (Every Day Carry) rotation. It has replaced my SOG Flash II since the lock of the Flash II failed on me. Alright, I am starting to rant so I better wrap this one up. Thanks for reading and, as always, have a lovely day.
The U.S. Navy in 1917 decided to replace its Model 1860 cutlass with a new and improved model. Cold Steel designed this replica to be as authentic as possible, and I must say, they did a near-perfect job in doing so. The Cold Steel Version of these cool swords has a 25″ curved blade and a half basket guard which is stamped out of heavy 18-gauge high carbon steel. The handle is made from shaped hardwood, which is painted brown and secured to the tang with three heavy brass cutler’s rivets. This sword is awesome and worth every penny. Check it out more pictures and reviews of this excellent sword by clicking the Amazon.com button above.
2. Middle Ages Broadsword by Tomahawk
Medieval? Check. Awesome? Check. Inexpensive? Check. If you are looking for good-looking and really cheap cool swords, look no further. Your holy grail has been found, my friend. This broadsword, manufactured by Tomahawk, comes with a scabbard that looks awesome as well. If you are just going for looks, then this is the sword to pick up. This sword could possibly break since it is made from a cheap steel. The blade is only half-tang too, which means that the steel doesn’t go all the way through the handle. But then again, if you are spending under $30 on a full-sized sword, your quality expectations should be within reason.
3. Ace Martial Arts Handmade Katana
Alright, I confess, I am a katana fanboy. I had to put one on the list. Now of course this isn’t the greatest katana ever made, but it is certainly well worth the price that Amazon charges for it. I have sliced so many water jugs and paint cans open with this sword. I liked it so much, that I had to get another. The blade is made from a nicely heat-treated, high quality 1045 Carbon Steel. If you need a sword to take a beating and still look pretty doing it, then this katana won’t disappoint you.
The U.S. Navy in 1917 decided to replace its Model 1860 cutlass with a new and improved model. Cold Steel designed this replica to be as authentic as possible, and I must say, they did a near-perfect job in doing so. The Cold Steel Version of this cool sword has a 25″ curved blade and a half basket guard which is stamped out of heavy 18-gauge high carbon steel. The handle is made from shaped hardwood, which is painted brown and secured to the tang with three heavy brass cutler’s rivets. This sword is awesome and worth every penny. Check it out more pictures and reviews of this excellent sword by clicking the Amazon.com button above.
2. Middle Ages Broadsword by Tomahawk
Medieval? Check. Awesome? Check. Inexpensive? Check. If you are looking for a good-looking and really cheap cool sword, look no further. Your holy grail has been found, my friend. This broadsword, manufactured by Tomahawk, comes with a scabbard that looks awesome as well. If you are just going for looks, then this is the sword to pick up. This sword could possibly break since it is made from a cheap steel. The blade is only half-tang too, which means that the steel doesn’t go all the way through the handle. But then again, if you are spending under $30 on a full-sized sword, your quality expectations should be within reason.
3. Ace Martial Arts Handmade Katana
Alright, I confess, I am a katana fanboy. I had to put one on the list. Now of course this isn’t the greatest katana ever made, but it is certainly well worth the price that Amazon charges for it. I have sliced so many water jugs and paint cans open with this sword. I liked it so much, that I had to get another. The blade is made from a nicely heat-treated, high quality 1045 Carbon Steel. If you need a sword to take a beating and still look pretty doing it, then this katana won’t disappoint you.
Clip point knives are a very common and popular style of knife with a curved blade that gradually comes to a sharp tip. They are used for a variety of purposes, from hunting to outdoor activities like hiking and camping. In this article, I’ll be discussing my top three clip point blade recommendations and what makes them stand out from the plethora of other choices out there.
Buck 110
The Buck 110 Folding Hunter Knife is a classic clip point knife that has become a favorite among outdoor enthusiasts. This knife features a large, 3.75-inch blade made from 420HC steel, which is known for its durability and resistance to rust. The handle is made from genuine wood and has a brass rivet for a traditional look. The knife also comes with a leather sheath for easy carrying and storage.
One of the best things about this knife is its ability to hold an edge. The 420HC steel blade is strong and holds a sharp edge for an extended period of time, even when used on tough materials. The knife is also very reliable and can be counted on for heavy-duty tasks.
KA-BAR Fighting Knife
The KA-BAR Fighting Knife is a classic clip point fixed blade that has been trusted by soldiers and outdoor enthusiasts for decades. The long, thick blade is made from high-carbon steel and features an absolutely AMAZING grip wrap and guard for a secure grip under any conditions. The pommel is solid metal and is perfectly suited for rugged outdoor use.
Voyager Vaquero
The Voyager Vaquero by Cold Steel is a modern take on the classic clip point knife with a contoured G-10 handle and high-performance steel. It is made of high-quality Japanese AUS-10A steel, which is known for its toughness and excellent edge retention. The Voyager Vaquero also features a back lock opening system, which provides excellent lock up and a secure grip. This knife is designed for both EDC and outdoor use and is an excellent option for those looking for a high-quality clip point knife with a more modern kukri design. If you are unsure of what size to go with, go with the XL (Trust me, it’s exactly as awesome as it looks).
Those are my top 3 choices for knives with a clip-point blade. Never forget, a drop point may LOOK similar, but the main difference of a clip point vs drop point is that a clip point knife has a ‘clipped’ spine. A drop point ‘drops’ into the spine. The Romans used to clip coins, so think of it like that. Anyway, that’s all I’ve got for today. Thanks for reading, and have a wonderful rest of your week.
I was trolling around a Goodwill Thift Store one sunny summer afternoon. I was just about to go to a job interview and so I needed a pair of pants before I interviewed. So, after I found a pair of pants I strolled by the glass cased section and this beauty crossed my eyes. Yep, a Spyderco Native in S30V!
Forgive me for the blurry photos, my phone has a potato as a camera, but I was super stoked to have found this gem. Now you are probably wondering… Okay, great knife, how much – drum roll please……. $4.98! As for the job, I didn’t get it. But, just getting the knife made the trip worth while. It was up in the gorgeous city of Chico, California. Beautiful city, super green with tons of trees.
Lovely S30V Steel Blade
So, naturally after the job interview I started whittling on pieces of wood and making mini spears. I must say, the knife was kept in incredible condition. I managed to chip the blade though on a piece of oak wood. It was on a knot in the wood, but for $4.98, I wanted to test how far S30V could push.
Turns out, this steel is pretty tough. I went HARD on the knife in a short amount of time and only managed to chip two small parts, which is much better than something I would expect from a 440C or an AUS8.
Any Other Blade Updates?
Unfortunately, this is all I’ve got for today, but I’ll let you know how this knife resharpens once I get the chips out of the blade and strop it to a razors edge. The next knife purchase that I have had my eye on is the Cold Steel American Lawman knife. I LOVE that black on black look. Maybe soon, but not today.
