Knives Illustrated Knives BG - January/February 2019

THE OUTDOORS CAN BE BRUTAL. Whether you wilfully trek into the deep woods to keep your bushcraft skills honed, or are thrust into it while under survival conditions, one of your most valuable tools to always have in hand is a knife. Bear in mind, just any knife won’t do. You’ll need one that’s rugged, multifunctional and built to face Mother Nature at her worst. It’s time to step up to a serious knife when facing an equally serious and possibly life-threatening situation. 01 Flexcut DRIFTER Overall Length: 8.0 inches Blade Length: 3.60 inches Blade Material: 1095 steel Blade Thickness: 0.15 inch Handle Material: Richlite Weight: 5.60 ounces MSRP: $279.95 Website: Flexcut.com 02 Fiddleback Forge KE BUSHIE FIXED BLADE Overall Length: 8.25 inches Blade Length: 3.75 inches Blade Material:…

TRUTH BE TOLD, HUNTING CAN BE A MESSY ORDEAL. From skinning, to breaking down game, to chopping through sinew, muscle and even bone, it takes a tough knife to stand up to the rigors of the hunting ground. In addition, muck, grime and dirt can do severe damage to both blade and sheath, so it takes a specialized knife to tackle these constant problems. These relentless knives have the power to keep pressing onward until the job is done, culminating in a highly successful and rewarding hunt. 01 Buck Knives 112 AUTO RANGER Overall Length: 7.20 inches Blade Length: 3.0 inches Blade Material: 420HC stainless steel Blade Thickness: 0.12 inch Handle Material: Macassar ebony Dymondwood Weight: 5.90 ounces MSRP: $175.00 Website: BuckKnives.com 02 Bear & Son Cutlery BEAR EDGE…

There’s a lot of mystery when it comes to custom knives and the makers behind them. Many say that the price of a custom knife is unjustified when compared to mass-produced alternatives. Others would argue; custom knives allow for quality and comfort that can’t be replicated in mass-produced alternatives. The reality is a bit more complicated. There are several different types of custom knifemakers. The term “custom” itself would imply an individual can have any design they want made. While this is true with some makers, it’s not always a possibility. Custom knife work comes in three main categories: Unique, non-modified creations designed by the maker; knives that are based on a standard theme that the designer is comfortable with; and knifemakers who only make one-of-a-kind creations with input from…

THE CONVENIENCE OF HAVING A RAZOR-SHARP CUTTING TOOL IS VITAL FOR MOST SMALL PROJECTS, IMPROMPTU EMERGENCIES, AND EVEN PERSONAL DEFENSE IN A PINCH. From folders to fixed, to both large blades and small, a knife in your hand, strapped to your side, or clipped to your pocket is an indispensable tool throughout daily life. While a task-specific knife will work for specialized jobs, an all-around blade should be part of everyone’s personal tool kit. 01 A.G. Russell ONE-HAND KNIFE STAINLESS Overall Length: 7.0 inches Blade Length: 3.12 inches Blade Material: Bohler N690 stainless, 58-60 RC Blade Thickness: 0.094 inch Handle Material: Stainless Weight: 2.5 ounces MSRP: $165.00 Website: AGRussell.com 02 A.G. Russell WHARNCLIFFE LOCKBACK JIGBONE Overall Length: 6.93 inches Blade Length: 3.125 inches Blade Material: 8Cr13MoV, 57-59 RC Blade…

FOR NEARLY EVERYWHERE YOU TRAVEL, PERSONAL PROTECTION IS AN ABSOLUTE MUST. Typically, an EDC knife will sport a blade length of no longer than 3 to 4 inches, depending upon your local law restrictions, as well as double-edged blades being prohibited for use. However, with numerous choices ranging from fixed blade, to folder, to hanging neck knives and more, your everyday carry on the city streets can be a very effective source for self-defense. Don’t be left at a severe disadvantage during a physical conflict — be prepared with one or more of these possibly lifesaving streetwise necessities. 01 Half Face Blades K9 PUSH BLADE Overall Length: 4.25 inches Blade Length: 2.5 inches Blade Material: S35vn steel Blade Thickness: 0.12 inch Handle Material: Carbon fiber Weight: 5.0 ounces MSRP: $300.00…

YOUR “KNOWING BUDGET AND WITHIN SHOPPING YOUR NARROW MEANS HELPS DOWN YOUR CHOICES.” I’VE OFTEN SAID THAT WE LIVE IN A GOLDEN AGE OF KNIFE BUYING, WITH A DIVERSE MARKET, AND MORE CHOICES AVAILABLE TO THE CONSUMER THAN AT ANY TIME IN HISTORY. While that’s a great thing for the person in the market for a new knife, it can also be somewhat overwhelming. This is especially true if you’re new to the hobby, or you’re not a hobbyist at all and just need a knife for an intended purpose. I often get asked the questions “What should I buy?” or, “Is Brand X or Model A, a good knife?” My answer usually is … it depends. There are a lot factors involved with buying a new knife, or, for…