Guns and tactical knives go together like peanut butter and jelly. I happen to be a big fan of knives so one thing I always look forward to at Shot Show is the plethora of stabby things and sharp objects to check out spread across the Shot floor. This year definitely did not disappoint in the knife category.
Benchmade Mini Osborne Gold Class
I happen to be obsessed with Damascus steel so when I saw the Benchmade Mini Osborne limited edition gold class folder I had to check it out. The Osborne family of tactical knives from Benchmade are some of the most iconic designs around. This new limited edition model features a reverse tanto blade shape with a brand-new pattern of Damascus steel. They call the pattern Aegir. The pattern is inspired from Norse mythology and takes design cues from the Baltic Sea. The new design has fat carbon “Arctic Storm” handles with very attractive blue accents and gold-plated floating back spacers.
The idea was to give the knife a cold look, like the chilling waters off Sweden’s coast. The blade is 2.92 inches long with a 6.76-inch total length when open. At only 2.24 ounces this knife is ideal for everyday carry. However, this Osborne is not an ordinary design and there is going to be a very limited quantity made so I don’t know if I would want to be carrying it. This knife will sell out very quickly even with the $700 price tag. Check it out at https://www.benchmade.com/945-221-mini-osborne.html
Spyderco Murray Carter Minarai Series
My other passion happens to be competition BBQ so culinary knives are a big deal for me. Spyderco teamed up with world-renowned knifemaker Murray Carter who is the official heir to a 420-year-old Japanese bladesmithing lineage, to bring us the Spyderco Murray Carter Collection. The newest additions to this proud family of knives are his Minarai Series. The Minarai Series features five designs in an economical format featuring solid CTS BD1N stainless steel blades and injection-molded polypropylene handles. A fantastic fusion of time-tested traditional designs and state-of-the-art modern materials.
The Series includes 5 designs that all boast a special purpose in the kitchen. The K15PBK Petty—From the French petit meaning “small,” this knife is the equivalent of a Western paring knife and is ideal for peeling and slicing fruits and vegetables. The K16PBK Funayuki—Literally translated as “ship going,” this versatile pattern was extremely popular with fishermen. It excels at chopping, draw-cutting, and other general kitchen tasks. The K17PBK Nakiri— Meaning “vegetable cutter,” Clearly we can tell what this one will do. The K18PBK Bunka Bocho— the Bunka Bocho literally means “cultural knife,” and is my favorite of the line. It is an all-purpose knife suitable for preparing meat, vegetables, and fish. It is very similar to a traditional Santoku knife. The last knife in the series is the K19PBK Gyuto—Literally meaning “cow blade,” the Gyuto is the Japanese equivalent of the Western chef’s knife.
Check out the entire line at https://www.spyderco.com/catalog/category/culinary
CRKT Provoke Compact
The Provoke Compact is a classic Karambit design reimagined and redesigned to be an ultra-portable everyday carry machine. Its sturdy aluminum handle adds to its lightweight design making the Provoke possibly the perfect self-defense carry knife. It Features Kinematic technology which deploys the blade simply with push of the thumb. Thumb pressure on the upper crossbar sets the chain reaction in motion, causing the blade to lunge to action while you’ve got a firm grasp on the handle. It’s crafted of aircraft-grade 6061 aluminum for supreme toughness.
The blade stays neatly tucked away in transit, and comes to life when called to duty. The 2.26 inch blade is made from D2 blade steel for excellent edge retention and is finished with a stone washed hard coat for durability. Opened, the knife is only 6.63 inches long and weighs 4.40 ounces. The low profile pocket clip will keep the blade safely attached to your pocket or belt. The Provoke has an MSRP of $150. Check it out at https://www.crkt.com/shop/whats-new/provoke-compact.html
Red Horse Knife Works Condor Cigar Cutter
I told you I like all things that cut. Cigar cutters may not be tactical knives, but this may very well be the highest quality cigar cutter I have ever seen. A piece for the most discerning connoisseur. Every detail of the Condor Cutter has been carefully designed and engineered to ensure the highest quality of cut as well as overall longevity and reliability. The body is built from 6al4v titanium, which is guaranteed to never rust or corrode and is much tougher than aluminum. The inlays are either stylish carbon fiber or G10.
The blade is made from German Bohler M390 steel which is heat treated to 60 rockwell hardness and is a certified “super steel” known for its excellent balance of toughness, ability to take a keen edge, edge toughness, and corrosion resistance. It also has a chisel style ground meaning it is only ground and angled on one side giving a nice flat cut to the cigar. Furthermore, the blade is ground similar to high-end kitchen knife that prevents deforming of the cigar end and is capable of cutting up to a 58 ring gauge. These incredible cigar cutters start at $340.00. Check them out at https://www.redhorseknifeworks.com/products/condor-cutter-cigar-cutter?variant=30344353415264
KA-BAR Gunny Knife
Let’s be honest, when you think “tactical knives” you think KA-BAR. I thought it was very cool to hold a knife that was designed by R. Lee Ermey, also known as “The Gunny” right before he passed away. This was literally the last project The Gunny worked on before his passing in 2018. Created chiefly to be used in any and all terrains and situations. The fixed blade weighs 0.95 lbs and is 9.75 inches long. The entire knife sits at 15.312 inches in length.
The spear point blade is made from 1095 Cro-Van steel with a Webb Wood handle. Additionally, a portion of sales of the Gunny Knife will be donated to TAPS, the Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors. TAPS provides comfort, care and resources to all those grieving the death of a military loved one. Lastly, the Gunny has an MSRP of $292.73. Check this beautiful American Made blade out at https://www.kabar.com/products/5300
Tops Hornero
Most cutting tasks out there can be performed with blades 3.5” or shorter. Usually though, smaller blades also come with smaller handles. While that’s great when it comes to overall size and carry-ability of a knife, sometimes, having a smaller blade with a larger handle is to one’s advantage, especially if you’re going to be using it for a while. That’s where the Hornero comes in. The handle is large for a 3” blade, but it fills the hand nicely with its contoured mix of tan and black canvas Micarta.
The sheep’s foot blade is made from 3/16” 1095 with TOPS famous differential heat treat and black powder coat finish. The included black Kydex sheath has a Kydex belt loop that puts the knife comfortably on a belt up to 2” wide, making this knife easy to carry all day, every day. Above all, the Hornero is a simple, yet very effective EDC design that you’ll be glad you picked up. It may not be the most hardcore member of our tactical knives, but you’ll love to carry it. MSRP $180.00 https://www.topsknives.com/knives/hornero
