Knives Illustrated July/August 2023

I own lots of knives. That’s not a surprise. I know you do, too. There are many more that I have my eye on that I’d like to acquire. So, when it comes to picking the knives I am going to carry on any particular day, I have to make some difficult choices. In this issue, we have a special section on EDC folders that includes five articles reviewing some new pocketknife options. I tend to get enthusiastic about many of the knives I get a chance to test. That only complicates things, because if I decide to put them into my regular rotation, I have to be honest with myself and admit I really don’t have a “regular rotation.” No matter how many knives I acquire, I tend to…

1. 5.11 Field Watch 2.0 Sure, a lot of folks use their phones to check the time these days, but watches still have a solid following. If you’re going to wear one, there’s something to be said for a sturdy analog watch. It’s classy, simple, and it works. It may not show you your texts or the weather, but it tells time just fine. If you want a watch that’s just a watch, then the Japanese movement Field Watch 2.0 from 5.11 Tactical is worth a look. 5.11 upgraded its basic Field Watch with phosphorescent Super-LumiNova hour and second hands for readability in dark conditions and an easy-to-see date window. It has a scratch-resistant mineral crystal and a stainless steel case with IP finish. The Field Watch is water resistant…

For good reasons, Condor Tool and Knife has secured a prominent place in the bushcraft and survival communities. The company’s various patterns include machetes, knives, axes, fighting blades, and more. Let’s not forget that the company’s products sell for a more-than-fair price point, too. Condor’s new King Kukri upholds that reputation. It’s a big, high-quality blade that’s ready for all of your camp chores. KUKRI BRIEF Embodying centuries of history and culture, the iconic kukri knife symbolizes power and strength. It is an adventure-worthy tool for everyday tasks. Dating back to the 16th-century Nepalese war tactics, these curved blades became renowned throughout South Asia as formidable weapons in conflicts. Once used for close combat by Gurkha soldiers, it now serves more for ceremonial purposes. Still, the kukri has a timeless…

ESEE has introduced a friction folder named after the trail that winds through hundreds of miles of the Appalachian Mountains: the Pinhoti. Friction folders are an impressive feat of engineering. With no locks or springs, these versatile folding knives rely solely upon the handle’s friction against its extended tang to stay open—letting you slice and dice quickly. This unique folding-knife design has been steadily refined over the years, with an extended tang to ensure secure and safe handling so you won’t end up getting bit. The ESEE Knives Pinhoti is proudly earning its place in this tool’s long-running history. FRICTION FOLDERS Fewer moving parts trumps complexity any day. Friction folding knives have a long history found in many cultures around the world. It has been said that early Native Americans…

BACK TO BASICS When you get right down to it, a knife consists of two distinct parts, and they’re both equally important. The blade has the sharp edge that does the knife’s work of cutting and slicing. But without a handle, that blade would be pretty tough to hold and use. A knife blade’s ability to cut is based on a variety of factors, from type of steel to profile to grind. Similarly, the handle’s comfort and ease of use are determined by its shape as well as its material. The very first handle material was likely animal hide or fibrous plant material wrapped around one end of a piece of flint or obsidian. Thankfully, though, we’ve improved handle technology since then, and knives have gotten a bit more comfortable…

SPECIAL SECTION EDC FOLDERS If you carry a folding knife, chances are the solution to your next problem is in your pocket. From making small repairs to improvising things you need to fending off an attacker, a knife can literally be a lifesaver. It can handle the little jobs, too, from opening packages to cutting string to slicing a sandwich for your lunch. In this special section, we highlight a few select folders that we feel are worthy candidates to be your next pocket partner.…