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Men’s Gear Awards: Best Pocket Knife Brands Of 2021

One of the most common things we’re asked about at Men’s Gear is our stance on knives. We cover a lot of them, so we can understand why this comes up so often. The hardest question to ask us is which pocket knife we love the most. It’s a nearly impossible answer. However, we do have certain pocket knife brands that we swear by over others.

To us, it is still difficult to pick the best. There are a lot of factors to consider there. It was like when we had to pick out just 150 camping gadgets. We went over the top and picked more because we loved this stuff so much. When you ask about the top pocket knife brands, you’re looping together just about every company that makes outdoor knives.

They all make a pocket knife or something in that world like it. They also make hatchets and axes, with some even going as far as making tactical tomahawks. In fact, tactical-led companies have some of the best knives you’ll ever find, and they have to be when you’re going to need them in the field.

Overall, pocket knives are another breed of knife altogether. The pocket knife brands picked by us below were all judged by a number of factors. However, the main thing we focused on was only legal versions of knives. Most brands have assisted open and others that are legal in most countries but switchblades are not.

We only picked brands that fit the closed, smaller knife criteria. They have to count as a pocket knife, as in one that fits in your pocket, basically. Without further wait, enjoy our list of the best pocket knife brands in the world today.

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Editors Rating

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Spyderco makes some of the best knives you’ll ever see. This is especially true of pocket knives. In fact, people are discovering just how impressive Spyderco’s pocket knives are as of late.

So much so, several of these knives from the brand has reached top ten lists for top knife-centered websites as well as outdoor sites.

This is not shocking when you see what they have to offer. All of the knives are made with only the best materials, yet they don’t charge an arm and a leg for their products either. More on that later.

What makes Spyderco stand out over some of the others out there is their countless list of knives that are only sold by them. They trademarked or have copyright on a ton of their knives. Most of the ones that are pocket knife related are in that listing of brand-only knives too.

With that said, let’s get to some of these amazing knives and why they stand out.

Spyderco Pocket Knives 

While some may define pocket knives differently than us, we define them as knives that can fit in your pocket without a protective sheath. That means they are either too small to stab you in the leg if you put them in your pants pocket, or they fold up.

Something must cover them with a protector otherwise, which to us cannot count as a pocket knife. Everything that makes a pocket knife must come attached to the base of the knife or something of that nature. At Spyderco, they have multiple knives that fit this.

Here are the brand knives you should know about:

  • A.T.R.™ 2
  • Advocate™
  • Alcyone™ G-10 Grey
  • Amalgam™
  • Bradley Folder™ 2
  • Brouwer™ Folder
  • Caly™ 3.5 Carbon Fiber ZDP 189
  • Caribbean™ Leaf
  • Caribbean™ Sheepfoot
  • Civilian™ G-10 Black
  • ClipiTool™ Rescue™
  • ClipiTool™ Standard™
  • Cricket™ Stainless Steel
  • Harpy™
  • Hundred Pacer™
  • Karahawk™ G-10 All Black
  • Karahawk™ G-10 Black
  • Magnitude™ Carbon Fiber
  • Manbug™ Salt Sheepfoot
  • McBee™
  • Opus™
  • P’Kal™
  • Reinhold Rhino™
  • Rescue 79 mm™ Lightweight
  • Rubicon™ 2
  • Salt™ 2
  • Saver Salt™
  • Schempp Bowie™
  • Snap-It Salt™ Lightweight / Kraton
  • SpydieChef™ Titanium
  • Subvert™
  • Tatanka™ G-10
  • Techno™
  • Tropen™
  • Tusk™
  • Vallotton Sub-Hilt™
  • Wolfspyder

As you can tell, their list of impressive one-off knives is fantastic. However, Spyderco decided to continue some beyond a few knives. In fact, they have entire knife lines dedicated to them. These are the lines you should really check out:

  • The Assist Salt™ Lightweight Line
  • The Chaparral™ Line
  • The D’Allara™ 4 Line
  • The Dragonfly™ 2 Line
  • The Endura® 4 Line
  • The Lil’ Native® Line
  • The Manix™ 2 Line
  • The Matriarch™ 2 Lightweight Line
  • The Military™ Model Line
  • The Native® 5 Line
  • The Para Military™ 2 Line
  • The Para™ 3 Line
  • The Police™ Model Line
  • The Sage™ Line
  • The Shaman™ Line
  • The Spyderco Line
  • The Stretch™ 2 Line
  • The Tasman™ Salt 2 Line
  • The Tenacious™ Line
  • The Yojimbo™ Line

Each line and knife is made for different reasons. Some are better for hunting or fishing while others are better for camping. Carbon fiber, Titanium, and other materials are used in these knives too. Overall, you cannot go wrong with any of them.

Some of the designs are unique, not just in the handle but in the blade itself. While you still see the classic serrated or straight look in the blade, it may be shaped differently than you might normally see. This only makes them more valuable and unique, in our opinion.

Price Range:

The prices at Spyderco are around the industry average for pocket knife brands. You’ll pay as much here as anywhere else, but not every brand makes knives as impressively as they do. It is quite clear that they are in the average, but what is it exactly?

You’ll spend anywhere between $60 to $800 here. However, most of their knives meet in the middle where you won’t spend much more than $300 most days. The higher knives are usually more specialty-driven. This is why for $140 or $250, you can buy a quality knife from them just as easily as you could for those north of $300.

Spyderco does offer a warranty, but it looks to be a basic Limited Lifetime Warranty. They do have conditions with their warranty, however. One of them is that the service life of a knife will run out eventually, due to the knife needing to be retired from use. Sometimes, knives do reach their expiration. At this point, Spyderco does not fix anything.

They also do not fix the knife if it was used outside the realm of its abilities. If you would like to know more about what the warranty does or doesn’t cover, click here.

Spyderco is also a very big supporter of the Armed Forces. This led them to do what they call a Military Lottery. Each month, they pick 50 Military Personel to give a knife to for absolutely free of charge. This had to do mostly with deploying men and women.

If you want to find out more or you wish to enter the knife lottery with Spyderco, click here.

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Editors Rating

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Victorinox is a master in the craft of Swiss Army Knives. This is likely due to the fact that they are a Switzerland based company. This sort of helps them with that sort of thing, we feel.

Due to Victorinox being so good with Swiss Army Knives, they obviously have to land on the pocket knife brands list. These types of knives are really what people think about first when they think up a pocket knife.

Swiss Army Knives have been popular for years and it makes sense. They include a blade, sometimes multiple. They may also include tweezers, a bottle opener, nail file, and much more.

Overall, when you think about these types of knives, you know you’re getting more bang for your buck. This is due to the fact that they come with so much, so it feels like you have a one-stop shop for all the things you might need in a given day.

No one is better than Victorinox at making these knives. That said, let’s examine the knives they have and why you should pay attention to them.

Victorinox Pocket Knives 

The Victorinox pocket knives are not nearly as vast as Spyderco. This was to be expected, considering this brand focuses so much on the Swiss Army Knife. That means for every knife other brands might make, Victorinox is making 5 to 6 in one basically.

What knives should you keep an eye on here? These are our favorites among them:

  • Cadet Alox Limited Edition 2019
  • Pioneer Alox Limited Edition 2019
  • Classic Limited Edition 2018
  • Hunter Pro
  • Hunter Pro M Alox
  • Skipper
  • Skipper Pro
  • Huntsman
  • Classic SD
  • Huntsman Year of the Pig 2018
  • Sportsman
  • Spartan Wood
  • Victorinox@Work
  • Jettsetter@Work
  • Midnite Manager@Work
  • Work Champ
  • Hercules
  • Evolution S54
  • Equestrian 
  • CyberTool L
  • Swiss Champ XLT
  • Ranger Grip

As you’ll notice, the selection is vast at Victorinox. It is pretty clear that you’ll find exactly what you need here too. For proper Swiss Army Knives that count as Pocket Knives, there are few better places to shop.

Unlike other models of these knife types, the blades are not half-assed. They make them perfectly and they don’t just mess up with the smallest issue. The blade or blades you get here are perfectly designed for doing what they’re supposed to.

That means you won’t deal with the unsharp problems. The tools inside are also high-quality, making them worth the buy.

Price Range:

The prices on the Victorinox knives are all relatively good. They are a bit under the median of the industry standard. Pocket knife brands do not always have clear pricing. Sometimes you can see a knife for $50 then one similar for $500. This makes a range heavily needed.

Due to being made in Switzerland, they do not charge as much as Victorinox as people might think. The prices can range a bit wildly though. This seems to be from $25 to $250. The reason for the price difference makes a lot of sense, however.

They charge more depending on the number of tools or blades they have inside their particular Swiss Army knife. That means it’s worth the extra money, and you’re not getting cheated.

The company currently has a nice free 2-day shipping option, which should save you money on orders of any amount. They also have free returns if you need to send something back. This is only for a limited time after your purchase, however.

Victorinox even has a good warranty on their knives. Each knife has a Lifetime Warranty on it.

These guys do not mess around, as they feel their products are the best possible version of Swiss Army Knives you’ll find. So if you ever need to get something fixed, you just need to go to their Product Service Center.

You just have to go online and find the service center, fill out the form, and they’ll get back to you on what they can do. Since we’re nice guys, we found the place to go. That said, just click here to go straight to the service center and form area.

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Editors Rating

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The Columbia River Knife & Tool brand is one of the very best knife companies in the world today. They can literally do it all. It’s almost shocking to see how they can make some of the most incredible knives today.

We’re constantly seeing them make top ten lists on the internet, and some people swear by their knives right now. They are consistently making new and improved knives in every category.

They make perfect knives for fishing and hunting, yet they also make great tactical and protective knives too. CRKT knows how to make a proper pocket knife, so we’re not shocked that they make so many lists along with other great knives.

That said, let’s examine the best pocket knives from the CRKT brand.

CRKT Knives 

CRKT likes to make knives that can be used for just about anything. While they design them for specific tasks, we’ve found that you can use them in several crossover projects. Their pocket knives are a huge area that they love to perfect.

With that knowledge, we were sure they had plenty of knives to show off. However, they have major top rated versions that we feel need to be highlighted more. From single make to major lines, we wanted to highlight the best of the best CRKT has to offer. Let’s do that now:

  • HOMEFRONT™
  • K.I.S.S.® COMMEMORATIVE
  • SHENANIGAN™ Z CAMO REALTREE XTRA®
  • SQUID™ COPPER – LIMITED EDITION
  • SLACKER™
  • PREQUEL™
  • AVANT™
  • FLAT OUT™
  • BEV-EDGE™
  • INCENDIARY™
  • DAKTYL™
  • SNAP LOCK™ WITH TRIPLE POINT™ SERRATIONS
  • RIPSNORT™
  • HELICAL™
  • GUSSET™
  • DELILAH’S P.E.C.K.™
  • JETTISON™ 
  • GRAPHITE™ 
  • MOXIE™ 
  • DEVIATION™ 
  • MY TIGHE™ 
  • TIGHE TAC™ 
  • WRINKLE™ Red

As for those impressive lines we mentioned, here’s the best of the best:

  • The PILAR® Line
  • The Crossbones Line
  • The FOSSIL™ Line
  • The M4™ Line
  • The M16™ Line
  • The M21™ Line
  • The PAZODA™ Line

We cannot get enough of Columbia River’s major lines that seriously continue to improve, and only become greater each time they add more to them. They are often made with nearly indestructible blades. This only makes them more valuable.

They are perfect for hunting, fishing, and everyday activity. Overall, we see these knives all over the place and it is for good reason. They’re simply too difficult to kill and that adds value that cannot be overlooked.

Price Range:

We know that the CRKT knives are impressive, but did you know they are insanely well-priced too? It’s true. The company is actually under the median normal price range among pocket knife brands.

You’ll pay anywhere between $25 and $300 here. Nearly all are under $100, which makes the knives very affordable for everyone. This is perfect for fishermen and hunters who do not like overspending. The newer the knife, the higher the knife’s price is at CRKT.

The brand offers free shipping for any orders over $100. They even have a Limited Lifetime Warranty on all of their knives too. To find out what it does and does not cover, click here.

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Gerber Knives have been huge in the last few years. They have developed key partnerships with impressive people, like Survivalist and TV Presenter Bear Grylls alone. Heck, he even has his own knife with them.

Their Gator Grip knife is known by many to be among the best knives in the world, full stop. Yet when you’re trying to think of the best pocket knife brands, Gerber continues to rank highly. It is hard to overlook them mostly because they make incredibly popular knives.

The respect they have earned and the popularity they have managed to get over the last few years is clearly giving them an edge in the market right now. While they may be known for their hunting and fishing knives, their pocket knife listing is downright massive.

Let’s examine those knives and explain why they’re so well-liked.

Gerber Pocket Knives 

The Gerber line of knives is massive, but the biggest collection they have is clearly in their pocket knife section. They have dozens that can all be considered top tier. Most feel the biggest issue Gerber has is that their selection is so hard to choose from.

Happily, unlike some other knife brands, they don’t have a bunch of the same knife. They have multiple different types that can all be used for different things. These are a few that you should keep your eye on:

  • HINDERER RESCUE – SERRATED, SHEATH
  • HINDERER CLS
  • EAB POCKET KNIFE
  • GERBER EDGE
  • VITAL POCKET FOLDER
  • POCKET SQUARE – ALUMINUM HANDLE
  • COVERT FAST – BLACK, SERRATED
  • PROPEL AO
  • PROPEL DOWNRANGE AO
  • US-ASSIST S30V
  • HAUL
  • ANSWER F.A.S.T. SM, DROP POINT, FINE EDGE
  • SWAGGER AO

They have several automatic open knives too. These do not technically count as switchblades, but they can be considered similar. Some states in the United States ban auto-open, so we won’t highlight those here.

Of course, they also partner up with survival experts and military personnel too. The BEAR GRYLLS SCOUT and BEAR GRYLLS FOLDING SHEATH are spectacular, top-rated knives. Meanwhile, they have a serrated option called the SHARKBELLY that has been tested and used in disaster relief efforts.

Overall, Gerber gets it done every time with their work. They even do it at fair prices. Speaking of those.

Price Range:

The Gerber prices are actually quite impressive. They are actually on the low end of prices compared to other pocket knife brands from what we can tell.  At Gerber, you’ll spend anywhere between $25 and $225.

Almost all of the major pocket knives are less than $100 too, making even their specialty knives completely affordable.

While not all of their products are made in the United States, a large number of them are. This could be why there is a price difference on those compared to the other knives, however, it is not by much.

Gerber has one of the best warranties you’ll find among pocket knife brands too. They have a Limited Lifetime Warranty on their products for customers in North America only. For those outside the continent, they have a 25-year warranty. This is pretty impressive, we think.

Not everything is covered by Gerber, but a lot is. To know what the company does and does not cover, click here. They also have knife sharpening covered within this warranty, which often costs more elsewhere.

If you think you might buy a lot from the Gerber brand, and who can blame you, why not save some money while you do it? Gerber has a Pro Program that provides exclusive offers to get their products at reduced prices. To find out more about the program, click here.

5SOG Flash II Serrated

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SOG might be known as a tactical company, yet they are masters when it comes to knives overall. It’s quite clear that they can make just about any type of knife they want, including pocket knives, and rank high on any list.

Since they have a large selection of pocket knives, it should come as no surprise that people love SOG for their work in this department. In fact, one might say that SOG really made their name on the backs of their pocket knives.

They are specially made, each and every single one. This is why, even if they have a knife line, all of those knives end up being different. Whether it’s the handle, the blade, the style, etc. It really does not matter, as they will continue to differ.

Let’s go over some of SOG’s biggest and most well-liked knives of today to prove this.

SOG Pocket Knives 

SOG has a lot of smaller knives, but not all of them fold up to count in our pocket knife category we established at the start. This is why we only counted the folded versions of their knives, whether they were part of a line or a special solo version knife.

Here are some to keep your eye on:

  • The Flash II Line
  • The Twitch II Line
  • Trident
  • Kiku Assisted
  • Kiku Folding
  • SOG-TAC Line
  • Strat Ops Auto
  • Traction Tanto
  • Aegis
  • Slimjim Line
  • X-Ray Vision
  • Zoom Mini
  • Flashback-Black Tini
  • Vulcan Tanto Mini
  • Terminus
  • Salute Mini-Beaded Blast
  • Ultra C-Ti
  • Kilowatt

Overall, the company has all sorts of knives. The ones that are folded or assisted open are listed here, but not their automatic types. Again, we wanted to avoid any that are considered illegal for any state in the United States.

The SOG brand has been known to vary their knives and you can tell the differences in all of these we highlighted above. This is the key thing we feel makes everything better for them. They put their hard work to good use and made everything better in the end.

Price Range:

The prices for SOG knives are relatively industry standard. Here you’ll pay between $50 and $300 with most knives coming under $200.

SOG also has a Limited Lifetime Warranty on all of their knives. To learn more about what they do or do not cover, click here.

Overview Of The Best Pocket Knife Brands

As you clearly noticed from our list, the premier pocket knife brands are those that know their customers. While some knives may be used only for hunting, tactical, fishing, etc., it really does not matter. Pocket knives can be used for a lot of different things, and the right brands will know this.

That is why they may separate them out for what a knife might be perfect at, but they won’t hold them back either. They won’t tell a hunter that he cannot use a certain pocket knife for something, even though they may guide them to better-equipped versions.

This is essential, we feel, to making a good knife. When you can do just about anything with it, regardless of its original design, that is a great thing. Proper pocket knife brands will have knives that may include a lot of extra material beyond the normal blade. The infamous Swiss Army Knives often have several tool attachments, for example.

Yet the proper pocket knife will be one that, well, fits in the pocket. The Swiss are great at making those it appears. To us, it comes down to the fit at the end of the day. Some blade are bigger than others, and some are straight over serrated. In the end, none of that matters as long as it fits the job you needed the knife for.

These pocket knife brands seem to deliver what you need each time. If you’re getting the opinion of Men’s Gear, that is what one must deem most important in a brand. When they can deliver, no matter what, they have done the job you need. These brands just so happen to be the best at it in this category.

Buyer’s Guide To The Best Tactical Pens

Would you like to have a pocket knife but need something more covert? Why not try out a tactical pen? They double as a real pen that also works as a knife. This is better than Janice from Accounting trying to use her letter opener, right? Check these tactical pens out and keep yourself protected at the office or anywhere else you may end up.

CLICK HERE

July 25, 2021 / Comments Off on Men’s Gear Awards: Best Pocket Knife Brands Of 2021
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Best 16 Throwing Knives

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June 10, 2021 / Comments Off on Best 16 Throwing Knives
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Beginners Guide To Hunting In Colorado

Colorado, United States, is an excellent location for various outdoor experiences that range from hiking and camping to hunting elk and moose. Even though hunting is considered a controversial outdoor activity, the regions strict regulation laws and policies assure hunters that they are not harming the animal population. As a result, aspiring beginners are advised to pursue hunting education courses. This will teach them the legal details and information for hunting in the region.

However, for beginners, you are likely searching for comprehensive information on how to get started properly. It’s not as simple as purchasing a firearm and heading down to a nature reserve. One needs to consider various safety precautions, handling, and other specifics on their first hunting adventure. This informative guide will help you get started the right way.

Educational Courses

There are a ton of firearm handling courses out there and sifting through them may seem challenging. You will need to find a suitable course that specifically outlines hunting elements. However, because firearm ownership remains a controversial topic with various restrictions, it will be in your best interest to opt for firearm classes that cover all the basics of general firearm ownership.

You will need to know how to safely store your weapons even when you aren’t enjoying an invigorating hunting experience. In addition to this, you will also need to be aware of all maintenance practices to ensure your weapon is always in pristine condition. The more you brush up on your knowledge of firearm ownership via recommended classes, the more successful your hunting experience will be.

Learning About The Landscape

Hunting in this region can feel relatively boundless as the pristine landscapes are simply enchanting and untouched. Colorado hosts one of the worlds largest elk herds as well, rendering these animals a suitable choice for hunters of all skill levels.

Moreover, the large elk population also improves the chances of success for beginner hunters. But before you start planning your hunting trip there, its essential that one prepares. They can do this in several ways. Familiarizing the certain aspects of the natural landscape, seasonal conditions, and elk movement habits can spell success. You will need to know what to expect before making the journey.

Arming Yourself Correctly

Hunting specific prey requires certain firearms as you won’t be able to take down an elk with an ordinary handgun. Your educational hunting course will likely inform you of the most suitable choice for your upcoming trip. However, it is highly likely that most models of rifles or shotguns will be appropriate.

Your choice of weapon when hunting will determine your success when hunting for the first time. Whether you opt for a centerfire rifle or other types of firearms, it is vital to ensure you are on familiar with handling, maintenance, and its storage requirements or recommendations.

Some of the most popular choices of hunting firearms include only four options. The Remington Model 870 12-gauge shotgun, the Ruger 10/22 rifle, the Remington Model 700 Springfield, and the CZ-550 American Safari Magnum. These are widely considered top-tier options for hunting various types of prey. Before purchasing your firearm, you should consider the kind of game you are after. This will determine the type and model of gun one should buy.

Hunting Gear Essentials

It’s likely you already know that a firearm is not the only gear you need to enjoy a hunting trip. Before heading out, you should create a packing list to ensure you have everything necessary for your first attempt. Your packing list should include items such as a backpack, camouflage clothing, quality hiking boots, binoculars, a bone saw, bug repellents, and other essential items.

There are resources readily available online that will help you with your list. Packing additional unneeded items that will just weigh you down. Furthermore, it will also be a great idea to consider packing your hunting gear ahead of time. Preferably, this should be before you embark on your trip as this will give you enough opportunity to evaluate your choice of equipment.

Arriving for a hunting trip only to discover that you have forgotten certain items can set you back quite a bit and ultimately render your first attempt unsuccessful. As you will be stalking your prey for lengthy periods, you won’t just need unwavering patience. Still, you will also need to be sure your hunting gear is not too heavy to carry around for extended periods.

Consider Hunting Guides

Whether you are planning your first hunting trip as a solo adventure, with a group of friends, or family, it will be a unique challenge for beginners. Instead of taking a chance and risking failure, hiring an experienced hunting guide is a great option. Most areas have experienced park rangers and experts that are ready to assist adventurous beginners. You can find out more about hunting guides by contacting the nature reserve of the park that you have selected for your first hunting trip.

Looking Forward to the Experience

Hunting has been an exhilarating outdoor activity for centuries. In fact, many cultures consider it a right of passage for young adults. However, regardless of your reasons for going on one, it is best to keep your expectations within realistic boundaries.

You will need to consider aspects such as your general safety as wildlife attacks are unfortunately quite common. Therefore, part of your education may delve into the depths of protecting yourself while hunting and camping in the great outdoors.

You will also need to know how to preserve and respect the environment you are exploring during your hunting trip. This could mean avoiding fires, the basics keeping your campsite clean, and ensuring its litter-free. While it is normal to feel eager about the experience of hunting for the very first time, you will have to undergo a lengthy educational process. It’s not just to ensure success but also to respect nature at all times.

November 9, 2020 / Comments Off on Beginners Guide To Hunting In Colorado
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10 Things Every Survivalist Needs

Whether you are prepping for survival in the wilderness or for potential disasters in the future, the motto of any good survivalist is “be prepared”. Naturally, the first step in being prepared is knowing what you will need to stay safe and secure under any circumstances.

You cannot always have everything, and survivalists know that a survival kit needs to be reduced to the absolute essentials. At the same time, you have to have enough of the right gear to be sure that you can handle any challenges that are thrown in your way. Finding the right balance and knowing how to plan is essential.

Let’s look at ten of the essential things that every survivalist needs in their kit.

1. Rifle Scope

Having a high-quality rifle scope from a company like Steiner is a must for any serious survivalist. Hunting potential food is much easier when you can clearly target game. Make sure to choose a scope that is compatible with your rifle.

2. Rifle

A reliable and powerful rifle for hunting wild game if and when the need arises is important. Make sure to consider your options carefully and invest in a rifle that you are confident will serve you well. Practice often with your rifle to have confidence in your ability to hunt.

3. Fire Starter

Fire is an absolute necessity when it comes to survival. When emergencies happen or when crisis situations emerge, there is not always electricity or easily accessible sources of heat or energy. Fire starting supplies need to be a part of your kit. And plan for redundancies: include at least a few different options just in case one does not work when you need it.

4. First Aid Kit

In an emergency, or when you are in the wilderness, there often no means of reaching a hospital or trained medical personnel. Therefore, it is important to have a basic understanding of first aid, and the supplies you will need to administer it.

5. Survival Whistle

Calling for help when you need it is important, and a survival whistle will let others know where you are. If you are stranded or lost, then it is not a sign of defeat to blow a survival whistle to get help! Having a means of calling out is sometimes what makes the difference between life and death.

6. Water Filtration/Purification

Water is one of the most important commodities in a survival situation. Without adequate hydration, your body will rapidly start to become weak, and you will start to experience confusion. Being in such a state is never good, but it is especially bad when you are in the wilderness or in an emergency. Have a water filtration or purification system in your kit.

7. Survival Knife

A reliable knife performs many functions and is invaluable in a survival situation. Whether you need an implement to cut up your food or to prepare a shelter, a well-maintained knife at your side will be a trusted companion.

8. Cordage

Having plenty of cordages will similarly help you in a variety of situations. Cordage can be used to set up a sturdy shelter or to stow your food in the trees away from curious animals.

9. Proper Clothing

For any expedition into the wilderness, you need to pack the right clothing. And when it comes to the right clothing, it is usually best to be prepared for anything. Make sure to include enough warm clothing to ward off the cold. Even summer nights can get chilly and create new problems for you if you are not prepared.

10. Compass

Survivalists know that technology often fails. And when it does, old and reliable methods work best. Having a compass around for when your GPS fails is essential. Make sure that you are familiar with how a compass works and how to use it for orienting yourself in the wilderness.

Stay Prepared For The Worst

These ten items are absolute must-haves for any survivalist kit. Be sure to stock up on each of them before you head out for a wilderness adventure or if you are concerned about being prepared for whatever may come in the future.

July 10, 2020 / Comments Off on 10 Things Every Survivalist Needs
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20 Best Father’s Day Gifts Every Dad Will Love

Father’s Day is an interesting time of year for many men and women alike. Some of our fathers passed away or we may have never known them. Meanwhile, there are others that were cruel and terrible at the job. However, for those dads that were amazing and the ones that still are, it is always great to honor them with Father’s Day gifts.

Your biological father does not always have to be the one that you can consider a dad. There are step-fathers that are amazing out there, as well as uncles and grandfathers. Perhaps, there is a friend of the family that is like a dad to you or maybe even a teacher and a coach.

Whomever you consider a father or like one to you, it is great to do all you can to honor them as well. While just calling to tell them how you feel about them is nice and even seeing them, it’s nice to buy a little something too.

You’re no longer a boy so buying him a tie or socks isn’t enough. However, we are not asking you to break the bank with your purchase either. Men’s Gear thought long and hard about what we’d like to buy our fathers and came up with this list.

While some of the products may come off as weird, others are absolutely awesome! We found perfect gifts from the outdoor, tech, entertainment, and style worlds that every dad will love!

That said, check these out and let us know which of these Father’s Day gifts you’ll want to buy!

1Osprey Hydration Pack

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The Osprey brand has provided some absolutely amazing products over the years. However, they are most known to the outdoor world as one of the best backpack companies out there.

One of the most common things we at Men’s Gear hear about the brand is that they can do no wrong with their bags. Yet the best thing they offer is a low price and/or reasonable price for everything they add to make them.

At the top of this list is their hydration backpacks. What are they? These bags are specifically made for things like climbing and hiking. They have a water sleeve inside the backpack that you can fill with water or whatever else you might want.

Special tubing is added within the bag and through the shoulder straps, with an endpoint being a straw that you can drink water from. The sleeves are usually capable of holding at least half a gallon of water.

Osprey usually has 2.5L or more in their specialized Osprey Hydraulics® reservoir sleeve. This is more than enough to use for a nice hike, and it won’t be too difficult to carry.

The sleeve fits inside the backpack quite well too, with its own dedicated hook to keep the water safe from other things you might be carrying.

Most of these backpacks from Osprey are under $120 too! Best of all, Osprey’s warranty policy is one of the best in the business. All in all, this is one of the best Father’s Day gifts you could buy for your dad.

Pros

  • checkAll Mighty Guarantee Warranty
  • checkEvery Osprey Hydration Bag Is $130 And Under
  • checkCan Buy Online Or At A Local Outdoor Store
  • checkMost Offer Dual Zippered Side Hip Pockets

Cons

  • cross-altMost Hydration Backpacks Are Small In Space. Many Are Under 30L
2Gerber Off-Road Survival Kit

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Gerber is one of the absolute best outdoor brands in the world. If we even thought for a second that we could ignore them on a list of Father’s Day gifts, we wouldn’t be a real men’s website. Gerber has a ton of great products.

However, if you’re looking for Father’s Day gifts that will fit most any man, you cannot go wrong with their Off-Road Survival Kit. This kit is literally designed for those certain moments when everything goes to hell and dad needs to stay alive.

The reason it is called an off-road survival kit is two-fold. Clearly, you are not going to be driving when you need something like this. On top of that, if you run out of gas or have a bad accident and your car cannot run, you still have to survive.

What happens when the phone is broken, you’re on a dark and unpopulated road, and you’re injured? Gerber wanted to prepare you with a kit for this situation. Everything in the kit is perfect for emergency situations, such as the example we gave above.

It comes with an MP 600 Multi-Tool, Back Paxe Axe, Maglite Pro+ Flashlight, Exchange-A-Blade Handsaw, Concertina Wire Cutter, E-Tool, and a small/basic First Aid Kit.

This fits inside anything dad might drive from a Truck or SUV to a Porsche. It’s compact at just 12″ x 11″ x 3″ in the complete dimensions,

The best thing is that all of this when bought separately from Gerber will cost you quite a lot of money. A few items in this kit can easily be near $100 or beyond it. Yet this survival kit comes in just under $500.

As far as Father’s Day gifts go, it is one of the best you’ll find for what it offers.

Pros

  • checkConcertina Wire Cutter/E-Tool/Handsaw Easily Add Value To The Price
  • checkSmall And Compact, Works For Any Vehicle
  • checkGerber Guarantee
  • checkLimited Lifetime Warranty For North Americans, 25 Years Outside North America

Cons

  • cross-altPrice Tag. Though It Makes Sense, Some May Not Care For It
3Wilson

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Wilson’s Leather may very well be the absolute best leather jacket company that we have ever seen. They have multiple jackets with terrific styles across all fields a leather jacket could be used.

Some men and women may not care for leather itself, so Wilson’s offers other options for those people. They have several jackets from their faux-leather line that are terrific for those looking to feel less guilty.

However, men are usually not going to care about this sort of thing. That is why we direct your attention to one of the company’s best leather jackets. They call it the Wilson’s Classic Leather Jacket.

It comes in brown, which is said to be “Cognac” apparently. As you can see, this jacket is absolutely terrific. Brown tends to match with a lot, but for men, it seems that anything leather can work with their outfit in the casual or business casual department.

Every man has a nice leather jacket in their closet to work for several different functions they might attend.

This specific jacket is quilted to perfection with everything you need to have both a comfortable AND stylish fit. It looks great both open and closed and even has zippered pockets for perfect insulation and an assist to the style.

Although this jacket normally sells for $600, they cut this down by nearly 50% to get right at the $330 price tag. It appears they also brought down the price again for a special sale, meaning this item could be yours for a steal currently!

This falls under Father’s Day gifts that fit nearly any budget.

Pros

  • checkZippered Pockets
  • checkFully Lined, Using 100% Polyester
  • checkGenuine Leather
  • checkSizes Offered XS to XXL
  • checkFree Shipping On Orders $50 And Up
  • checkCurrently On Sale For 50% Off

Cons

  • cross-altMade In Pakistan
  • cross-altNo True Warranty To Speak Of
4Meditations by Marcus Aurelius

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Considered by many to be one of the greatest self-help books for men ever written, Meditations is completely brilliant. It was written by former Roman Emperor himself, Marcus Aurelius.

Yes, THAT Marcus Aurelius.

While the movie Gladiator completely disregards mostly all Roman history when using Marcus, they were not wrong about a few things. Marcus was a tremendous General and brilliant tactician. His ideology was considered to be so impressive that no one questioned his moves.

The biggest issue that Rome dealt with at the time was that Roman Emperors rarely used their children as rulers after they served. They’d name someone to the position and then take them on as a son of sorts. Marcus had this honor yet fought in wars anyway.

The reason Marcus was so well-liked was due to the army believing in him. He never could have ruled without this. Respect from the Roman Army was worth gold to an incoming Emperor. If they questioned you, it could result in a bad situation.

This was something Marcus did not consider in his later life, resulting in his son being killed when he took the throne.

Yet this was the only true mistake Marcus made. The Meditations book was officially formed after his death yet uses all of Aurelius’ stories and thoughts. He was considered to be an impressive Stoic Philosopher due to his writings. Yet his wise nature impressed everyone around him, especially the jackals of the Senate.

However, he never wrote his thoughts down with the intention to publish them. People simply read what he wrote and thought it was just too impressive for the world to never see it. In his writings, he describes the numerous things he dealt with during his time. He does this by making his work into philosophical material.

Marcus’ philosophical writing was written mostly for himself. This is why it feels like he is writing as if he did this for others to enjoy. Yet that simply wasn’t his intention. If anything, Marcus would simply say to people what he thought rather than have them read it.

Due to his impressive writings being read by Generals, Kings, Queens, and your average Joe…the book has remained popular for hundreds of years. Officially, it did not become a major published book until the late 1700s yet the writing itself is nearly 2,000 years old.

When you’re considering Father’s Day gifts for the dad that reads, Meditations is absolutely perfect.

Pros

  • checkBrilliant Thoughts And Stories
  • checkMost Of The Versions For The Book (Paperback & Hardcover) Are Under $10
5MVMT Classic Black Watch

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MVMT is one of the best watch brands in the world, yet they are also among the newest of the major brands. Like others, they sell more than just watches at MVMT, yet that is what made them famous.

Officially, most of their watches are used for fashion purposes and not really proper for use outside in the elements. Yet they have several watch lines and every version of them are made for specific purposes. Some of which are made so that you can use them for more than just fashion.

It is impossible for a man to not find a watch here that he’ll love. Seriously, take any man and put them in front of all of their watches and we’ll bet you all the money in our piggy bank that he’ll love something.

This is due to what MVMT brings to the table. They have a ton of different minimalist options, which works for the older and younger father alike. However, they also have watch types that certain fathers may love more such as their Voyager, Odyssey, and Revolver options.

These options are also made to use outdoors and are often water resistant. Their Modern Sport line is the most durable, however. These will be the type you’d want to use on a hike or when you’re going camping.

However, their Classic series is truly what made them famous originally. This mixes in a great look that is both old and new. It’s a hybrid of both styles and looks absolutely terrific. You often have a minimalist appearance with the band and outer-watch contents.

Then they go new school with the watch look underneath the cap. The model in our image above shows you this the best, however.

Father’s Day gifts like this are perfect for the dad that likes to be fashionable. The best part is that MVMT watches work for fathers in any age-group.

Pros

  • checkUniversal Designs To Fit Any Father From Any Age-Group
  • check90% Of The Watches Are $200 And Under
  • checkFree Shipping Worldwide On Online Orders Through MVMT Website
  • check2-Year Warranty

Cons

  • cross-altSizes Only Go Up To 24MM
6Yamaha EAD

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Yamaha has been a huge name in the world of music for years, however, they are most prominent for their drums. A lot of fathers out there may be huge fans of music and they may even want to share that love with others.

Yamaha gives them that option with their Electric Acoustic Drums. This is a hybrid of the Electric Drums and your regular Acoustic Drum set that has been around for decades.

They simply take your acoustic drums and have you put the product on them. This allows your acoustic drums to become electric as well!

This is something you’ll see in a music studio today, as it gives the band the sound they need while not compromising with the sound quality. The ability to switch up sound like electric drums is efficient yet classic drummers will love the appeal of the normal design and set up.

You can easily record your play too. All you need to do is download their application, plug in your phone to the system when you’re ready to record, and you’re all set. It is literally that simple.

This app even allows you to record yourself playing live, and not just record the sound. Of course, that only gives you the ability to see yourself play and notice any mistakes you might make. Thus, this is also a good drum set to learn on.

Best of all, unlike normal electric drums, you do not need anything to be “turned on” for these drums to work. The drums are still acoustic, as you’re either buying a normal set to play on from Yamaha or you have your own that you’re adding the product to.

They can be unhooked from any electric properties and still operate like normal acoustic drums.

This is a huge asset that makes them well worth getting for ALL drummers. Of course, the electric part only works when they are plugged in, naturally. Plus, you’ll get a better quality overall sound with them being plugged in too.

When one considers Father’s Day gifts, this may be out of the budget. Yet it’s really awesome, so maybe you can have fun with this along with Dad.

Pros

  • checkGreat For Learning Drums On
  • checkCan Record Using Various Sounds
  • checkCapable Of Use Without Being Plugged In

Cons

  • cross-altPrice, As It’s $630
7Icemule Boss

Editors Rating

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The Icemule Boss™ backpack is quite unique and well worth your investment. What is it?

While it acts as a regular backpack, 30L of space we might add, it is sooo much more. The Icemule brand makes coolers, which are world renowned for their ability to handle the heat.

Unlike some coolers that end up getting hot and melt the ice inside of them, Icemule holds up well enough to last numerous hours within it. In most cases, the Icemule Boss™ is the best among them and can last days keeping things cold.

Seriously, put ice in this thing and leave it outside a day or two. You’ll be shocked to see that nothing has truly melted in that time.

Of course, this depends on the temperature outside. Yet regardless of 100-degree temps, it can still manage at least a day before it starts to have trouble.

The way Icemule manages to do this is through their own genius designs. They use their PolarLayer XT™ Insulation foam and IM AirValve™ to keep things cool.

Essentially, the insulation helps to prevent anything from getting out. Meanwhile, the air valve keeps everything from getting in, including warm air. They manage to triple their protection of the inside contents with their Tri-Fold DriTop™ too.

This opens up to allow the user to put ice and contents inside. You merely fold it and put it into the bag. This foldable top ensures even less warmth gets in. With all of this in play, it is not shocking to see it hold up so well.

This is not where things end with this cooler either.

Due to being a backpack as well, it is truly meant for portability. You can carry cold stuff as well as other things you might need to take along with you. It even uses PakShield™ zippers to keep things together.

It is capable of easily handling 60lbs too. On top of all of this is Icemule’s specialized MuleSkin™ fabric. This fabric allows the bag/cooler to be 100% waterproof. That means you can take this into rainstorms and you’re ensured a dry inside when you arrive at your destination.

This is something that can work for both a young and older father, in our opinion. It is perfect for camping or outdoor get-togethers. Father’s Day gifts like this are special and well worth the investment you make. It is something your dad can use over and over for numerous things.

Pros

  • checkWaterproof MuleSkin™ fabric
  • checkPakShield™ Zippers
  • checkTri-Fold DriTop™
  • checkPolarLayer XT™ Insulation
  • checkIM AirValve™
  • checkExtreme Portability
  • check30L space & 60lbs handle
  • check$300 Price Tag Is The Best In The Industry For Such A Bag

Cons

  • cross-altOnly a 90-Day Warranty
8Columbia PFG

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Columbia is considered by many to be one of the best outdoor clothing brands in the world today. It is not hard to see why, as they have managed to do quite well with men and even women with their clothing.

They sell better than most brands, which has ultimately allowed them to specialize their clothing items. This is where their Performance Fishing Gear comes into play. There is a ton of gear in this line to be excited about if you’re a fisherman.

Although it depends on your interests and needs, they seem to have a perfect line that can work for every man. Here are some of the things you can buy:

  • Terminal Deflector Zero™ Hoodie
  • Super Terminal Tackle™ Long Sleeve Shirt
  • Force XII Zero™ Long Sleeve Hybrid Shirt
  • Slack Tide™ Camp Shirt
  • Bahama™ II Short Sleeve Shirt
  • Tamiami™ II Short Sleeve Shirt
  • Bahama™ II Long Sleeve Shirt
  • Tamiami™ II Long Sleeve Shirt
  • Low Drag Offshore™ Short Sleeve Shirt
  • Terminal Tackle PFG Americana Fish™ Long Sleeve Shirt
  • Fish Series™ II Terminal Tackle Long Sleeve Shirt
  • Tamiami Hurricane™ Jacket
  • Force XII™ Pant
  • Half Moon™ III Short—Big
  • Backcast III™ Water Short
  • Super Harborside™ Chino Short
  • Harborside™ Chino Short
  • Brewha II™ Short
  • Harborside™ Chino Pant
  • Blood and Guts™ III Convertible Pant

They also have specially designed shoes that will be perfect for fishing nearly anywhere. Since most can handle water pretty well, you won’t have to worry about the issues normal sneakers might provide. Here are a few of the shoes you can get from Columbia:

  • Force 12™ II PFG Shoe
  • Bahama™ Vent PFG Shoe
  • Dorado™ CVO PFG Shoe
  • Bahama™ Vent Relaxed PFG Shoe
  • Bahama™ Vent Loco Relaxed II PFG Shoe
  • Delray™ CVO PFG Shoe
  • Bahama™ Vent Marlin PFG Boat Shoe
  • Bahama™ Vent PFG Shoe – Wide
  • Delray™ PFG Shoe
  • Bahama™ Relaxed Marlin PFG Boat Shoe
  • Dorado™ Slip PFG Shoe

This is only a small portion of the gear line too. They have plenty of hats, gloves, and much more clothing on top of that. We recommend you check them out whenever possible.

If the selection depth wasn’t enough for you, the price sure could be. Most of the items listed above are $75 and under. The shirts average $25 to $50 alone! That means you could easily buy dad an entire outfit of sorts with these prices for $100 or less!

When we think about Father’s Day gifts that dad will love, our first thought is how universal the choices will be. It is clear that most men will love gear like this either to fish in or to use outdoors.

That said, you cannot go wrong with picking something from the Columbia Performance Fishing Gear line.

Pros

  • checkFree Shipping Through Free Greater Rewards Program
  • checkAll PFG Is Considered Water Resistant or Waterproof
  • checkLong 60-Day Return Policy
  • checkAll Gear Is Multi-Use
  • checkAll Items Presented Are $75 Or Under

Cons

  • cross-altWarranty Isn’t Clear Enough And Changes Up Depending On The Item
9Filson C.C.F. Utility Jacket

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Filson has been one of the best work jacket brands in the world the last number of years. However, they really took a shot at other companies when they introduced an affordable line of utility and work jackets.

The reason companies took it as a shot at them was due to Filson making these jackets and the entire line of gear insanely affordable. The biggest example of this in their entire line is the C.C.F. Utility Jacket.

You can purchase this impressive jacket for just $150. You may assume that this is a bit pricey, but it’s actually not. In fact, an average jacket just like this will cost you $300 to $400 elsewhere.

Carhartt among other brands sell the same type of jacket for that price, so Filson knew they could beat that with an affordable price on their items. While most of their clothing items are fairly priced, something bigger comes out of this.

Filson makes everything in North America, with most items being made in the United States of America. Their C.C.F. Utility Jacket happens to be made in Canada.

This jacket is made using cotton duck canvas, and it is filled with lightweight polyester insulation. The hood on the jacket is also insulated and even adjustable. The jacket also has two chest pockets, interior security pocket, and handwarmer pockets.

These pockets are also made larger to accommodate when you’re wearing gloves.

They are made for work, being out in the field, and even everyday use. It’s truly a universal jacket that is affordable for nearly anyone. This jacket is great for Father’s Day in our book. Father’s Day gifts like this may not be used right now, but it’ll certainly be used down the line.

Pros

  • checkMade in Canada
  • checkAffordable $150 Price Tag
  • checkLarger Hand-Warming Pockets
  • checkFilson Lifetime Guarantee Warranty
  • checkMachine Washable
10Jack Daniels Whiskey

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If you’re looking for something that’ll be perfect for any father at any stage of their life, it’s gotta be Jack.

Trust us, every dad needs a drink every once in a while. You were quite a handful and likely still are for them. Due to this, they always needed something strong to drink to help them deal with it all.

Heck, they may still have your mother to deal with on a regular basis. We all know that she makes him deal with a lot more than he’s capable of at times.

That said, Jack Daniel’s Whiskey is a perfect gift for him.

While in America one must be 21 years of age or older, you can always find a bottle that you think he’ll like and give him the money to buy it for himself. If you’re of age, go ahead and buy it for the guy. If not, try that option and either way, he’ll be good with the decision.

What can you choose for him?

Jack is known as one of the best Rye Whiskey companies in the world and especially the United States. That said, their Tennessee Rye may be the best option if you know your father likes this type.

Maybe you’re not sure what dad likes.

That means you may need to guess the best possible option, but you won’t need to search too hard on this. There are a few you cannot go wrong with. That’s the Gentleman Jack & Old No. 7.

These are some of the top whiskeys in the country, period. They also can be used in various food dishes. Old No. 7 alone has a mellow taste that isn’t really very strong. The alcohol isn’t too overbearing, so it tastes good and still gives you the buzz a normal whiskey offers.

This is also the type of Jack Daniels whiskey most people use for the infamous “Jack & Coke” option.

Meanwhile, the Gentleman Jack is both mellow and smooth. This smoothness is a big deal for men who do not drink very much. A lot of men prefer to have something that goes down easy even if they do have a drink on the regular.

This is why the Gentleman Jack is so useful. It is a universal whiskey that isn’t too much for any man to deal with. Plus, it tastes very good. It has an oaky taste due to the barrel it was in and they add vanilla & caramel to the drink mix to give it a small sweet taste too. It’s a terrific combo.

Most Jack bottles are going to be 750ML or 1.75L in size. That means you can get a good bit out of one bottle that dad can return to a lot when needed. The prices are pretty easy to handle for all the versions we mentioned too.

You’ll spend anywhere between $25 and $50, depending on the size you get and where you buy it from. Father’s Day gifts like this are cheaper and in every budget. Plus, we all know Dad needs a drink almost every day.

Pros

  • checkOne Of The Best American Whiskeys
  • checkAverage $25 to $50 Asking Price

Cons

  • cross-altMust Be 21 Or Older To Buy In America
  • cross-altHarder To Get Outside North America
11KEEN Dover Utility Boots

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KEEN is a brand that Men’s Gear absolutely loves. We have written on their products many times and have added them to our best brand lists when it comes to work & outdoor boots.

They are a friend to the site, so we could not avoid adding them to the list. We truly believe in their boots and shoes and we feel the Dover boots are some of the best KEEN has to offer.

They are among the newest in their line of utility boots.

The best thing about KEEN is that they make utility boots look like something you’d wear to work our out in public. At the same time, you’re getting an amazing pair of boots that keep your feet safe and help you from having any major issues.

The Men’s Dover boots have a carbon fiber toe, which allows for the boots to be more mobile while also protecting you from most falling objects. That could be something as simple as a wrench falling or even something more serious, like a knife.

This won’t protect like a steel toe boot, keep in mind. Yet for your basic needs, your toes are safe from major issues.

KEEN puts ALL of their utility boots through extreme testing in not only their own testing center but also with safety companies. This allows them to make a pair of boots that meet all safety regulations,

The Dover meets the following safety ratings:

  • The ASTM F1677-96 MARK II Non-Slip Testing Standards
  • The ASTM F2412-17 and F2913-17 F I/75 C/75 EH Standards
  • And the ASTM F2913-17 SATRA Non-Slip Testing Standards

Some of you may not know what that stuff means. However, for the man who may work outside or in a factory…you’ll know all about these regulations.

The Dover also uses special KEEN technology. The Dover is capable of a lot, which is why so many seem to love it already. Here is what you can look for in the KEEN Dover boots:

  • KEEN.DRY WATERPROOF, BREATHABLE MEMBRANE
  • WATERPROOF LEATHER UPPER
  • KONNECTFIT HEEL-CAPTURE SYSTEM FOR A LOCKED-IN FIT
  • TPU SHANK FOR MIDFOOT SUPPORT
  • REMOVABLE METATOMICAL PU FOOTBED
  • 90° HEEL (5/8″ HEIGHT)
  • KEEN LUFTCELL DUAL-DENSITY PU MIDSOLE, INFUSED WITH AIR FOR WEIGHTLESS COMFORT
  • OIL- AND SLIP-RESISTANT NON-MARKING RUBBER OUTSOLE

Best of all, the Dover boots are made in the United States. You’ll be supporting working Americans by buying them, so why not?

The Dover boots are lightweight despite all the safety they have, and they’re insanely comfortable. Shoes made for people to work in must be comfortable, otherwise, it would be difficult to get a job done, right?

To get some discounts, all students can use their Student Program and get a little bit off of the cost. The same can be done for people who sign up for the KEEN Pro Program.

Pros

  • checkFree 3-Day Shipping On All Orders $150 And Up
  • checkKEEN Guaranteed 1-Year Warranty
  • checkBoots Are Virtually Waterproof
  • checkCapable Of Multiple Uses
  • checkCan Be Purchased For Both Regular And Wide Foot Needs
  • checkMade In The United States of America
  • checkComfortable, Breathable Fit

Cons

  • cross-altLimited Sizing, Only Goes From Size 7 to 15
12SOG Flash II Serrated

Editors Rating

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SOG is one of the best knife makers we’ve ever seen. The best part is that they offer all of their knives at affordable prices that anyone can afford. Although they do have specialty knives that can be a bit expensive, around 90% of them are less than $100.

This brings us to one of the best Father’s Day gifts one can buy, the SOG Flash II.

This knife is part of a line of knives from SOG under the Flash II banner. All of the knives are assisted open, however, they also differ mostly when it comes to the blade. We prefer a certain one in the line called the Flash II Black Tini.

It comes with a serrated blade that takes up half the overall blade. The remaining portion of it is a straight fixed blade type. This allows the overall blade to be capable of cutting nearly anything.

To top it off, it is a great knife to have for protection.

As mentioned, it’s assisted open. This is actually legal in all 50 states across America and even legal in The UK. Switchblades are often banned in several countries as well as many states in America.

Meanwhile, assisted open knives are not considered as dangerous. Yet they can still open fast enough to give you the proper speed when you need them most.

To further add to its usefulness, the knife also comes with a clip that allows men to attach it to a belt or on their person somewhere else.

If you feel another from the Flash II line is best, then, by all means, buy it. You cannot go wrong with any SOG knife, in our opinion.

SOG puts a lifetime guarantee on their knives, so they are well worth the buy. On top of this, every knife from the Flash II line is under $100. Currently, a sale is going on to get one for less than $60.

Pros

  • checkSOG Lifetime Guarantee
  • checkClip For Easy Portability
  • checkCurrent $57 Asking Price, $71 Normally
  • checkPartial Serrated Blade
  • checkLegal Assisted Open System
  • checkStainless Steel Blade
13Cloudstyle Suit

Editors Rating

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You may not know a lot about the Cloudstyle brand, but they are one of the most affordable suit companies we have seen. To top it off, they also bring quality to their work and therefore their clothing does not come off cheaply made.

Established in 2014, Cloudstyle became an international trade company. This means they are capable of getting a product to anyone nearly anywhere in the world. Currently, they export suits and other clothing to over 100 countries around the world.

Based in Canada but have clothing made all over the world, they set out on a mission to make quality suits affordable to the masses. So far, Cloudstyle has lived up to their concept. For Father’s Day, it makes total sense to buy one of their best suits.

For us, it’s their 2-piece Slim Fit Business Suit. This suit comes in 10 different colors, so you’re bound to find one you like. The current colors offered are green, black, maroon, pink, purple, blue, navy, khaki, and dark cyan.

One thing we like about Cloudstyle is that they are very open about their sizing and what is in their suits. For example, their Business Suit is made with 67.9% Polyester, 31.2% Viscose, and 0.9% of Spandex.

We recommend you check the sizing chart that they clearly put on the screen before you buy. Their sizing slightly differs from American sizing. This is very important.

Father’s Day gifts like this may be best for the younger father. Yet it could also make a slightly older man look damn good too. We’re sure he’ll love it.

Pros

  • checkAffordable Suit Option At Less Than $100
  • check10 Colors To Choose From
  • checkFree Shipping Option
  • check15-Day Return Policy
  • checkFree Returns Due To Shipping Damages
  • checkCan Pay Using PayPal As Well As Standard Methods

Cons

  • cross-altSizes Are Only XS To XL In Different Sizing Compared To American
  • cross-altSlim Fit May Not Work Well For Some Men
14OMEN Mindframe Headset

Editors Rating

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One of the best Father’s Day gifts this year might very well be the Omen Mindframe Headset by HP. This headset is purposely made for gamers but it can be used for multiple purposes like podcasts, listening to music, and much more.

The coolest part about these headphones, literally, is the frost cap technology.

Do you know how after your use of them for a while, the headset can end up making your ears kinda hot? Gamers especially know this feeling. That is why the Omen added the frost cap, as it’s quite literally designed to keep you cool.

Inside the headphones, you’ll see a metal-looking cap. This is where the cooling comes in while you’re wearing them. If you feel like you’re getting too warm at any point, you can always just push them close to your ear to get cooler quicker.

This is not all the Omen offers.

The sound quality is extremely effective, capable of delivering full immersion in the game or the music. This allows them to be noise-canceling while also delivering quality sound at the same time.

The sound can be insanely loud or very little. It is fully adjustable on the headset. It also uses realistic positional audio. Meaning if you hear gunshots in a game from the right side, your right ear will hear it and not the other. If something is far away or close, you’ll hear it based on the volume it would realistically be heard.

In order to use the mic on the headset, you merely need to just pull the mic down. To turn it off, you just push it up in the original position it came in.

The fit is also perfect for most heads, even those with larger heads. You know who we’re talking about…Gerald.

They took the price down from its normal $200 to only $130. That means it’s the perfect time to buy!

Pros

  • checkFrost Cap Technology
  • checkPrice Cut To $130
  • checkRealistic Sound Quality
  • checkNoise-Canceling Headset
  • checkDropdown Microphone Feature
  • checkUsual 3-Year Warranty

Cons

  • cross-altThese Are USB-Corded Headphones
15UA RUSH Long Sleeve Compression Shirt

Editors Rating

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The RUSH™ line by Under Armour is the newest line from the company. A lot of the time, new lines mean higher prices and thus less affordable options. However, that was never the idea for Under Armour.

They wanted to make a clothing line that could fit the average man’s needs while also making a profit that the company could benefit from. There are some products from Under Armour that might be higher in price than needed, but not the RUSH™ line.

One of the best products from it is their Compression Long-Sleeve Shirt.

This is perfect for the athletic father as well as the one who just likes to go to the gym. It’s also for the type of guy that wants to look a bit better. Since this is a compression shirt, it smushes the fat in. Therefore, it can be worn underneath normal clothing and make a man look slightly slimmer.

This shirt is ultralight according to UA. So much so, it’s called a “second skin” by those who have used it. The shirt also helps to improve endurance and strength. The way it does this is by using the clothing to absorb energy and reflect it back into the muscles and tissues.

All of the RUSH™ gear offers anti-odor technology to prevent the growth of odor-causing microbes. The compression shirt offers mesh panels, providing tremendous ventilation.

Powered by Celliant, the body of the product is made of 82% of Polyester as well as 18% Elastane. Meanwhile, the mesh panels are made up of 90% Polyester and 10% Elastane.

The UA RUSH™ line is athlete tested and athlete approved, so we’re pretty sure dad will love the gear. We feel even stronger about the compression shirt, as it is perfect for any man who chooses to buy one or take one on as a gift.

Father’s Day gifts like this can be used throughout the year, so it’ll more be worth the investment.

Pros

  • checkTremendous Breathability
  • checkFairly Priced At $60
  • checkWide Sizing: SM to XXXL

Cons

  • cross-altComes In Only Two Colors-Black & Gray
16Victorinox SwissTool Spirit XC Plus Ratchet

Editors Rating

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A multi-tool is really hard to find when you think about it. At least, a good one is hard to find. There are plenty out there with a few interesting things in them. However, they are usually cheaply made and from a random business in China or something.

We did not want to guide you to one of those, but we knew we wanted to mention multi-tools in this piece. Men love multi-tools, especially fathers. You know how much crap we have to put together, so having something that can work for any need is incredibly useful.

The best at making them, in our book, is Victorinox. The Swiss masters are obviously a top company for the infamous Swiss Army Knives. However, it does not take much for them to merely adjust things and make an amazing multi-tool.

They’re clearly Swiss enough to make this sort of thing work out well for themselves. That said, their clear best is the SwissTool Spirit XC, the Plus Racket version. What does it contain? An impressive 29 tools!!

Those tools are:

With so many tools and useful material in this multi-tool, it is something every man can benefit from having. It is quite clear that your father will obviously have a use for it, which means you won’t be wasting money on something you know he likely won’t use.

Fathers are nothing if not always in need of more tools, at least the ones that we’ve known.

That said, Father’s Day gifts like this are obviously going to be well worth it. On top of this, buying from Victorinox offers some big perks. Not only are you getting quality but also a company that stands by their products.

Their multi-tools have a lifetime guarantee. This means that you never have to worry about getting value out of your purchase. It’ll clearly be worth it or the company will fix the problems that prevent it from being just that.

Pros

  • check29 Tools For Ultimate Use
  • check38 Total Functions
  • checkVictorinox Lifetime Guarantee
  • checkGreat $150 Asking Price
  • checkFree 2-Day Shipping On Orders Over $30

Cons

  • cross-altThe Knife Could Be Sharper
17CRKT Kangee T-Hawk

Editors Rating

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The Kangee™ T-Hawk is one of the absolute best tactical tomahawks in the world today. If nothing else can be said about it, the Kangee™ has managed to stand out over other tomahawks due to how impressively it’s made.

It was originally designed for Columbia River Knife & Tool, CRKT, by Ryan Johnson of RMJ Tactical. He has made several different products involving blades over the years, but he’s one of the true best when it comes to tomahawk designs.

The Kangee™ T-Hawk is incredibly well-made and designed. It stands out due to its versatility and how durable it happens to be.

This tomahawk uses the incredible SK5 Carbon Steel for the sharp side of the product. It then uses tremendous glass reinforced nylon handles, with an additional textured grip. It also comes in a Boltaron® Sheath, which includes a buckled strap.

This makes the sheath MOLLE compatible.

Due to the nylon handles and gripping, this tomahawk can be used in the rain and snow without the risk of it slipping from your hands. The coolest part is that you could drop this in a puddle of mud or a lake and then be capable of using it without an issue.

The actual blade is made with durable carbon steel, which makes it nearly impossible to destroy. The Kangee™ actually comes with a spike end, which allows you to use the T-Hawk for protection from animals as well as other humans, and even fishing.

If that wasn’t enough, it comes in at a price that is affordable and among the best in the industry for tomahawks of this value.

We love Father’s Day gifts like this because it can be used for so much. On top of this, you’re getting a product that’ll last for a very long time.

Pros

  • checkCan Use Wet Or Dry
  • checkMOLLE Compatible
  • checkUse Of SK5 Carbon Steel
  • checkSpike Addition Makes It Multi-Purpose
  • checkIndustry Standard $185 Asking Price
  • checkDesigned By Master Tomahawk Maker Ryan Johnson
  • checkCRKT Limited Lifetime Guarantee Warranty Included

Cons

  • cross-altOrange Design Discontinued, Offering Only One Kangee™ Design
18Apex Pants by 5.11 Tactical

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5.11 Tactical is clearly a company known for its tactical products. You don’t need us to tell you that, but they also have several impressive outdoor products overall. We could not recommend them enough for your needs in this area.

The company often makes products that can be considered universal or great for use every single day. This is especially true about their Apex Pants, which are some of the most comfortable and useful tactical pants on the market.

The biggest issue with pants and jeans is that you cannot move well in them. Men usually have to go to sweatpants to get that kind of freedom. Even shorts are better for this.

5.11 wanted to end that problem, which is why their pants overall are very impressive. You can move easily in them due to the material in them being capable of stretching. This allows you to move up, down, left, and right without an issue.

The Apex Pants are useful due to all they provide the wearer. Due to so much being involved in these pants, we felt we needed to just show you the list of special additions you’re going to be getting out of them. Check all of this out:

  • Internal cargo pouch magazine pockets
  • Twin back yoke magazine pockets
  • Flex cuff pocket inside waist
  • Two-way Flex-Tac® mechanical stretch
  • Handcuff key pocket inside rear waist
  • Teflon® treated to repel stains, soil, and moisture
  • Gusseted construction
  • Comfort waistband
  • Articulated knees
  • Deep cargo pockets with clean interior finish
  • Reinforced knife clip area
  • Seven reinforced belt loops
  • Bartacking at key stress locations
  • Genuine YKK® zipper hardware
  • Made with 67% Polyester/ 33% Cotton

It’s clear with all of this in the pants, they’re going to be quite helpful to any man who decides to wear them. This makes them perfect for Dad, who could truly get a lot of wear out of these pants for sure.

They even come in 10 different colors. Those are:

  • Ranger Green
  • Black
  • Khaki
  • Storm
  • Volcanic
  • Battle Brown
  • Burnt
  • TDU Green
  • Tundra
  • Dark Navy

They come in a ton of different sizes to meet most men’s needs. In fact, they offer waist sizes 28 to 44. Although they only have 4 length sizes, those are 30, 32, 34, and 36.

That could be problematic for taller men, but it likely covers the vast majority of them.

We love Father’s Day gifts like this, as it certainly makes sense for Dads. It fits what they’d want and need, so you’re getting a present that you can be sure they’ll get a lot of use out of. You may need to speak with your mom or him about sizing first, however.

Pros

  • check10 Color Options
  • checkWide Variety of Waist Sizes
  • checkComfort Waistband
  • checkTwo-Way Flex-Tac® Mechanical Stretch
  • checkYKK® Zipper Hardware
  • checkTeflon® Treated
  • check$80 Asking Price

Cons

  • cross-altOnly 4 Lengths Offered
19Justin Original Pulley Steel Toe Boots

Editors Rating

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While we always like KEEN due to their versatile line of shoes and boots that can be used for work or casual activity, it’s hard to hate a good pair of boots specifically made for work. Justin Original is a terrific brand that knows how to make a solid pair of work boots.

While they can make a casual pair too, they are known for their affordable work boots that are extremely well-made. One of the best pairs they have is their Pulley Steel Toe option that is exactly as it sounds, steel toe boots.

These are part of their 8-inch lace-up boot line, which is extremely popular with the brand.

You get a lot with these boots, so let’s go over what you’ll be getting for Dad here.

The boots are “distressed brown leather.” This gives it a slightly older yet vintage look. As with every pair of Justin Original boots, the patented J-Flex Flexible Comfort System® insole comes with this pair of boots too. This helps protect your feet with a comfortable inside.

While the comfort system will help you well throughout a given day, the Stampede™ Rubber and EVA Combination is insanely helpful to the boots overall. This makes them resistant to abrasions, chips, slipping, and marking.

This allows for the wearer to move about any surface without the risk of any major issues.

The inclusion of this also allows these boots to be worn in Electrical Hazards up to 18,000 volts. Meanwhile, the steel toe in the boots allows men to wear this pair in most factories across the United States.

On top of this, the impressive insole allows for men to wear them on a ranch without the risk of any discomfort throughout a given day.

While many products made by Justin Original are made in America, they do not tend to have a great warranty policy. They do have a good 60-day return policy in place but the 1-year warranty they offer is quite limited, unlike that of rival companies.

Many of which offer a lifetime deal or fully cover shoes and/or boots for the 1 to 2 years they are under warranty for any reason.

Outside of this, there really isn’t a bad thing to say about the boots. Typically a warranty or return isn’t needed because the boots are so impressive. Most men get years out of their boots before any repairs or replacements need to be made when they buy Justin Original.

Father’s Day gifts like this are practical and well worth the investment.

Pros

  • check60-Day Return Policy
  • checkJ-Flex Flexible Comfort System® Insole
  • checkStampede™ Rubber & EVA Combination
  • checkElectrical Hazard Protection Up To 18,000 Volts
  • checkSteel Toe
  • checkDespite Size, Not Heavy To Move In

Cons

  • cross-alt1-Year Limited Warranty
20Queen Band

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With the success of the Bohemian Rhapsody film, the band known as Queen has become a big deal once again. They’re now even traveling, doing several big concerts with Adam Lambert stepping in for the brilliant Freddy Mercury.

While Queen is not making any new music truthfully, they are still known for their amazing work. It’s pretty obvious that your Dad will love a great Queen CD to listen to.

Luckily, Queen has a great way for you to listen to them. There is a “Best Of” CD right now that will cost you less than $30 to buy. It costs around $20, which makes it a cheaper option for your old man.

Father’s Day gifts don’t have to be expensive. While most of us may buy a CD via iTunes, it’s likely your Dad will want something to listen to the old fashioned way. To do this, he’ll need a CD, despite their uselessness in today’s medium for most of us.

That said, we’ve managed to find a “Best Of” CD for Queen that includes most of their biggest hits. It’s under what is known as the Queen Platinum Collection. That means you’ll see songs on here such as:

  • Another One Bites The Dust
  • Killer Queen
  • Crazy Little Thing Called Love
  • Somebody To Love
  • Don’t Stop Me Now
  • Fat Bottom Girls
  • We Will Rock You
  • We Are the Champions
  • Under Pressure
  • Bohemian Rhapsody
  • Play The Game
  • The Show Must Go On
  • These Are The Days Of Our Lives

These major songs and many more are in the collection, making it terrific for the biggest Queen fan. Father’s Day Gifts like this are cheaper, yet perfect for the Dad who loves music.

When you think of Father’s Day gifts, it’s hard to not consider a more expensive option for your Dad. However, it does not matter if he’s 30, 50, or 70. Every dude loves Queen!

Pros

  • checkThe Collection Includes The Best Queen Songs
  • checkCosts Only $20

May 29, 2019 / Comments Off on 20 Best Father’s Day Gifts Every Dad Will Love
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1373

Top 12 Mens Tactical Pants in 2019

So, Superman, you are setting off to save the world. Got everything? Map, compass, x-ray vision, pants? Yes, pants. No kidding. If clothes maketh the man, a decent pair of tactical pants has to make a superhero. Not just any old superhero either. One that is ready to take on the challenges of just about anything the world has to throw at him and his durable yet fashionable outerwear.

When you’re ready to undertake a tactical mission and have all your superhero gear in place, you’re not good to go until you’re wearing the best tactical pants. While they may look like any ordinary piece of clothing, like the real Superman’s cape, they are different. These are highly durable, heavy-duty pants, laden with pockets perfect for carrying plenty of the stuff that any self respecting superhero needs. Just the ticket when you are off on a mission to explore the planet.

TOP MENS TACTICAL PANTS

1

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These pants so comfortable that you wouldn’t mind buying more than one. The pockets are many and all of them are great. The back pockets are expandable with hook and loop enclosures enabling you to secure whatever items you want to put in.

There are also 2 accessory pockets which have stiff inner lining to keep sharp objects like knife or cutter. The cargo pockets give you easy access to put your regular use stuff like mobile phone or wallet. The colors come as shown, even the Khaki one is exactly how it has been shown in the picture. There is ample room for you to crouch, bend and crawl if you select your size properly.

The pants are quite flexible and the expander waist ensures you are comfortable even after having a hearty meal at work or during travel. Be sure to select the right size. If you buy a too tight one, the stitch near the inner thighs may open when you bend excessively creating a potential disaster.

Pros

  • checkIt dries quickly and is wrinkle-resistant.
  • checkIt comes with many pockets, including expandable back pockets, for storage.
  • checkIt is extremely lightweight and durable.

Cons

  • cross-altAfter repeated wash for a year, the color starts to fade.

Specs

  • Brand Name Tru-Spec
  • Weight 0.66 Pounds
2

Editors Rating

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Here comes quality and durability without shelling out a hell lot of money. The waistband doesn’t have any elastic, so you don’t have to worry about any marks when you wear them for long.

The fluid resistance works perfectly no matter how much fluid you throw at it (just about anything from water to blood to puke). There are plenty of pockets that give you a lot of space to keep all your stuff – mobile, wallet, keys, even mini pocket guides and books and other essentials.

You need to wash the material with care. When in constant contact with hot water, the color starts to fade. Besides, when exposed to extreme heat or flames, the material will start melting and can cause serious issues for the person using it.

The fitting is quite loose in the thighs, which ensures you are able to freely move, squat, bend or crawl. The only flip side is that the stitching of the buttons is not all that great and with regular washing, the buttons will eventually come out. Buy the correct size, as the tight one may not be a good option for you. There are chances of the cloth getting torn while bending or squatting if it is too tight.

Pros

  • checkThey use anti-odor technology for longer use.
  • checkThey repel water quite nicely.
  • checkThey feature a fuller cut for all-round comfort and flexibility.

Cons

  • cross-altVery light material, so not suitable for winters.

Specs

  • Brand Name Under Armour
  • Weight 1 Pound
3

Editors Rating

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If you want comfortable yet professional looking pants, which you can wear even to your office or during any travel, this is the one. These tactical pants are semi-thin and light on the skin, and give a relaxed feeling. They keep you cool during hot weather too.

The pants look soft but are rugged enough to be even suitable for hiking. The quality is very good and whether you bend, squat or crawl, the stitching won’t move even the slightest. Easy to clean and wash, durable, can be worn daily, this pant is really worth the price even if it is on the higher side.

The color options are quite different but they may be a bit different in reality from what’s shown in the picture. For example, the cannon color is actually the regular dark brown. Choose your size after going through the size chart. Usually, you may want to go for a size lower than your usual one as these pants are meant for loose fitting.

Pros

  • checkYou will have a plenty of unique colors to choose from
  • checkThe material is comfortable and offers ultimate breathability.
  • checkThey are water and wrinkle-resistant.

Cons

  • cross-altPrice is quite high.

Specs

  • Brand Name Under Armour
  • Weight 1 Pound
4

Editors Rating

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These cargo pants offer great performance, durability and near-perfect quality. The material is designed for robustness and flexibility. You can’t resist buying more than one once you see and use the product. There are also plenty of pockets so you can keep your stuff everywhere. The front and side pockets are quite spacious and you can keep any model of phone easily. The back pockets come with Velcro and are slanted for an easy access.

When you decide to buy, choose one size bigger as it will fit you better than the exact size. For example, if you want a medium, you could go for a large. The colors don’t fade away even after multiple washes. You can wear them daily, and they will look the same every day.

From casual wear to hiking, you can wear them anywhere anytime. They are also a good wear for winters and provide good warmth. The only major flipside is that the buttons are not stitched well and come out easily with a few washes.

Pros

  • checkThey repel fluids, dirt and other contaminants (oh my god, so awesome!).
  • checkThey deliver great performance and durability.
  • checkThese are fade and wrinkle resistant and do not shrink.

Cons

  • cross-altFitting may not be great if you are a bit over-sized.
  • cross-altButtons are not that great.

Specs

  • Brand Name CQR
  • Weight 0.2 Pounds
5

Editors Rating

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When you demand some serious durability from your tactical pants, look no further than what the PROPPER has to offer. Thanks to its nine-pocket design, you will never run short of storage spaces. From your large screen smartphone to your bulky multi-tool, you can carry anything in these pockets and access them whenever you want.

The durability is not going to be an issue with these pants because they use rugged canvas fabric, but it is nice to see it come with DuPont Teflon fabric protector that make these pants stain and water resistant. Just like durability, the company has not cut any corners to make these pants comfortable too. You will love how an action-stretch waistband is introduced to enhance the overall comfort level. With its internal opening on the knee pads, you will find it easier to bend and crawl at will.

Overall, it is a really nice option for anyone looking for a right pair of tactical pants, but some users have complained about the low quality of the zipper. Other than this, you will have no real problems, be it their reinforced stitching or spacious pockets with pocket guards. It certainly offers a good value for money!

Pros

  • checkIt uses a combo of polyester and cotton for durability.
  • checkIt is shrink, fade, and wrinkle resistant.
  • checkIt comes with nine pockets for ample storage options.

Cons

  • cross-altThe zipper is not of the highest quality.

Specs

  • Brand Name PROPPER
  • Weight 2 Pounds
6

Editors Rating

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The combination of cotton and polyester with Teflon fabric protector gives you a pair of highly durable yet comfortable tactical pants. You will never have to miss pockets, as there are plenty of them – nine in total basically – and they are spacious enough to hold your stuff. Interestingly, you will find a couple of hook and loop back pockets that are highly efficient, especially when you notice they come with wallet “pocket in a pocket”. The availability of a couple of hidden coin pockets is an added advantage of buying these pants.

With these tactical pants, you don’t have to worry about durability because they withstand heavy use perfectly. They are water and stain resistant as well, so you will have a greater peace of mind when enjoying on your next camping expedition. The presence of YKK zipper, extra-large belt loops, PRYM snap, action-stretch waistband, and reinforced seat and knee also plays a big role in making these one of the most popular tactical pants from the POPPER. Just keep in mind that these pants are not cheap and cost much more than many others in the same category.

Pros

  • checkThey use Teflon fabric protector for added durability.
  • checkYou will love an additional wallet “pocket in a pocket”.
  • checkYou will appreciate its relaxed fit and comfortable fabric.

Cons

  • cross-altThe price may be a bit high.

Specs

  • Brand Name PROPPER
  • Weight 3 Pounds
7

Editors Rating

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Because of their relatively looser look, they work great to provide you with ample freedom to move around on your camping expedition. In fact, you’re never going to experience any issue in terms of mobility, and that is also because it comes with fully gusseted crotch.

Their design makes them look quite like your regular cargo pants, which certainly makes them a great option for everyday wear, but they serve much more than your regular cargo pants. You will find a variety of pockets, some small, some large, but they are all highly usably and placed perfectly. With all these pockets, you can carry everything from your compass and tactical pen to your police bad, pepper spray, and of course, your smartphone. You will also find a double front belt loop that you can whenever you like.

The fabric is durable, yet extremely comfortable. The presence of an adjustable elasticized waistband means you can adjust everything without having to ratchet down the belt first. While it is generally a comfortable pair of pants, the only issue is related to the silicon strip that you will find in the waistband. It is there to keep your shirt in place but it chafes your skin and is quite irritating. Everything is just perfect!

Pros

  • checkThese pants are true to their sizes and fit nicely.
  • checkThe size of the belt loops is just perfect.
  • checkThere are plenty of pockets to carry stuff.

Cons

  • cross-altThe silicone strip on the waistband is irritating.

Specs

  • Brand Name Blackhawk
  • Weight 1 Pound
8

Editors Rating

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Thanks to the use of Flec-Tac proprietary fabric and two-way mechanical stretch cotton/polyester ripstop fabric, you will never experience any issues in terms of comfort and durability. The use of this specially designed fabric makes these pants durable without adding weight to them. You will feel extremely comfortable in every condition, recreational and professional.

The availability of so many pockets is another reason behind the popularity of these tactical pants. There are 12 pockets in total, but you will really love double-deep cargo pockets, especially designed for tactical use.

You will notice that these pants use the Teflon fabric treatment, which means there shouldn’t be any issue related to stains and spills. Even after a tough day on the field, your pants will continue to look perfect. In terms of comfort, there shouldn’t be any problem with features like a fully gusseted crotch, a self-adjusting tunnel waistband, and articulated knees. With these features, kneeling, running, and crawling will become a breeze. You will love it for the way it performs, but be sure to cough up some money because it seems a bit pricier than other similar pants in the market.

Pros

  • checkThese pants use Flec-Tac proprietary fabric for added comfort.
  • checkThey use a combination of cotton and polyester ripstop fabric for durability.
  • checkThey are stain and liquid resistant.

Cons

  • cross-altThey are a bit pricey.

Specs

  • Brand Name 5.11
  • Weight 0.6 Ounces
9

Editors Rating

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These tactical pants from Vertx use a fabric containing Lycra and cotton. The blend really works great to offer added durability without making you feel uncomfortable on those hot summer days when you decide to hit the field. You can wear them for as long as you want and still feel comfortable, as they handle extreme temperatures exceptionally well.

These tactical pants are great for everyday use because of a low profile. The reason is that most of those cargo pockets are concealed, making these pants look like a pair of casual cargo trousers. On the right side, there are concealed cargo pockets with zippers to protect your stuff. The back pocket comes with a credential flap that also helps keeping your stuff safe. The only issue is that you will not find reinforcement for the main pockets, which means you will have a hard time sorting heavier objects.

Overall, these pants are comfortable and durable with plenty of storing capabilities. Articulated knees and a gusseted crotch will also go a long way in keeping you comfortable while on a camping trip.

Pros

  • checkThey feature a gusseted crotch for maximum mobility.
  • checkThey have concealed tactical pockets for a cool look.
  • checkThey have plenty of pockets of storage.

Cons

  • cross-altYou will miss reinforcement for main pockets.

Specs

  • Brand Name Vertyx
  • Weight 2 Pounds
10

Editors Rating

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Designed mainly to provide you with the mobility, speed, and comfort you need to fulfill any tactical mission with ease, these tactical pants is something you should have in your possession. There are many pockets to help you carry a lot of your stuff. Having inset zipper pockets combined with internal attachment points is another added benefit. Because of those attachment points, you don’t have to worry about losing your belongings while moving around.

These pants use Amphibious cloth (AC) material, which is not only durable but comfortable and lightweight as well. The fabric dries quickly too, so you don’t have to worry about what conditions you find yourself in on a tactical mission. It also resists wrinkles and liquid naturally, so you will find it easier to wash them.  These pants come with a gusseted crotch, which means the freedom of motion will never be an issue. Its standard fit also adds to the overall comfort. The only thing to consider is the price tag, as it may be a bit expensive than most other tactical pants available on the market.

Pros

  • checkThey feature pockets with internal attachment points for safety.
  • checkThey have plenty of pockets to carry a variety of objects, both small and large.
  • checkThey feature a gusseted crotch to enhance freedom of motion.

Cons

  • cross-altA bit pricey.

Specs

  • Brand Name TAD Gear
  • Weight N/A
11

Editors Rating

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If you’re looking for a tough pair of tactical pants, you will never go wrong with your decision to buy these Challenge Pants from GORUCK. The use of a two-way stretch fabric is the reason why it can withstand harsh conditions while keeping you comfortable.

You will find so many pockets on these tactical pants to help you store your stuff easily. The good thing is that back pockets are reversible, which means you can pull out and clean them quickly. Those cargo pockets come with interior drain holes to keep everything dry. With two specially designed horizontal pockets and rear welt pockets, you will never have to worry about carrying your belongings.

The freedom of movement is great too because it features a diamond gusset for extra comfort. They use abrasion resistant spandex to provide you with the right stretch and recovery. Articulated knees also play a role here and provide you with additional room for kneeling and squatting. Overall, it’s all good, but with a pair of pants of this caliber, you have to be ready to shell out some cash.

Pros

  • checkThey feature a curved waistband for comfort.
  • checkThey have a diamond gusset to allow for extra stretch.
  • checkThey feature pockets with interior drain holes.

Cons

  • cross-altThey are a bit expensive.

Specs

  • Brand Name GORUCK
  • Weight N/A
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The pair of Force 10AC cargo pants is a great choice for anyone looking for a combination comfort, durability, and ample storage capabilities. You will find eight logically placed pockets on these pants. There are also a couple of hidden passport pockets that you can use to carry your sensitive documents discretely. There are internal pocket dividers as well that help secure flashlights, radios, and even spare magazines. The cargo flaps feature pass-though slots that can be used to carry longer items.

Because of their unique design, you can always turn them into your pants for everyday use.  However, it is mainly designed for tactical use, which you can tell from its bellowed design that allows for expanded storage space. The use of nylon fabric means that the pants are comfortable and durable at the same time.  They repel water quite effectively.  Another nice feature is the use of inserts at the knee that offer increased protection. It is worth mentioning that though these cargo pants are expensive, they certainly offer a good value for your money.

Pros

  • checkThey feature eight pockets in total.
  • checkThey are wrinkle and stain resistant.
  • checkThey have inserts at the knee for added protection.

Cons

  • cross-altThey come with a high price tag.

Specs

  • Brand Name FORCE
  • Weight N/A

BUYING GUIDE & FAQ’S

What are the main benefits of wearing tactical pants?

Do not be confused into thinking any regular cargo pants have the capacity to compete with top-notch tactical pants. They are designed with strength, durability and functionality at the forefront of the designer’s mind.

These heavy-duty pants stand no nonsense. Made mainly for law enforcement, and for saving the world, no matter what strains are placed on them during your outdoor activities, they hold their own and more.

Most are constructed from heavy duty cotton, although there are some made from even stronger materials out there. They easily withstand the rough and tumble of the outdoors which is why they are a favorite for military men and outdoor enthusiasts as well as other, more run of the mill superheroes.

Pockets are good, but more pockets are better. Moreover, pockets that are strategically placed are just perfect for the modern “explorer”. You never know what you are going to need and having it handy somewhere in your pants is just a bonus.

To make sure you don’t blow your cover or maybe to keep items discreet and safe, these modern, out of this world pants have hidden inside pockets. That means even more carrying power when you are out and about and no hassles walking around with a cumbersome tool belt.

Even a Superman likes to be comfy and these pants offer all that. Knee pads for when you are ferreting around on the ground doing your super thing, with drawstrings at the ankles that keep dust and insects out. And if you get a chilly, in your ice palace or wherever, you can always stuff the bottom of the pants down into your tactical boots and get yourself a bit cozy. With the flexibility of the material, you won’t feel restricted or all trussed up and nothing is going to tear. That leaves you comfortable for having a perfect time out in the wild.

What are the main things to consider when buying tactical pants?

Now that you have gathered the fact that tactical pants do play a big role in determining the quality of time you have in the outdoors, it’s time to buy one for you. Here are the few main features to consider when you are thinking about investing in a new pair of tactical pants.

Style

While your focus is always on having some real fun out of every expedition, it never hurts to move around in some style. There are two styles to choose from in tactical pants, the casual and formal

Casual and Classic

The casual tactical pants have all the visible features of classic tactical style from big side pockets to comfortable loose waistband. These pants are ideal for your lazy days at home or for your adventurous trips out to save buses from cliffs. Anytime you need comfort and convenience to be your top priority.  Use the roomy side pockets of these comfy pants to carry along any equipment you’ll need like your multitool or useful bits of string and the TV remote control.

Formal Style

Formal style or low profile tactical pants combine the comfort of tactical pants with formal dressing. Great for a guy who doesn’t know what the day will fling at him. These pants have all the features of classical tactical pants but they are not so in your face. The big cargo pockets are hidden and stay flat when empty going unnoticed. You could easily wear these pants at your work or when going out without looking too casual.

Durability and Versatility of the Material

The tactical pants are often used for camping and adventurous sports, like leaping off tall buildings, so the durability and versatility of its material matter a lot. It should be waterproof and withstand in all kinds of weathers be it a light snow flurry or full on stormy. Choose your pants wisely, keeping in mind how and where you’re going to wear them. For water and beach, there’s fast drying but if it’s durability that counts, it pays to be savvy about what you intend buying.

The tactical pants available in the market are made with different types of materials. Here is the list of all you can choose from including the treated and blended ones.

  • Pure Cotton Pants: Cotton is the most comfortable and durable material. It is rough and tough and keeps you comfortable by retaining water in the fibers. But they are not good for wearing on outdoor adventurous trips as they are quite heavy. Cotton blends are more preferred by people to pure cotton pants, as they don’t retain the water making them lightweight and fast drying.
  • Teflon Coated Pants: Water resistant pants are good for going out in damp weather but they are not waterproof. Teflon coated pants are better at repelling water and keep your pants good looking even on rainy days. These treated pants don’t allow water to stay on its surface and roll it back. But these pants are not completely waterproof and won’t go well if you are planning to paddle around in water.
  • Silicone Treated Pants: Silicone treated cotton material is even more resistant to water and perform comparatively better than all the treated and blended cotton when it comes to waterproofing. You can use silicone treated cotton pants for water fun and adventures but it is not 100 percent waterproof although they dry faster.
  • Canvas Pants: Canvas is a completely natural and waterproof material which is why it is used to make sails. Canvas woven material is best for vigorous water activity as they are completely non-absorbent. Canvas pants ensure no water retaining, but they are inflexible and limit your movements due to their heavy weight.
  • Synthetic Pants: Synthetic materials, like Lycra and spandex, are ideal for pants especially for water sports as they don’t absorb any water and are lightweight. Although they are not always that comfortable they ensure complete protection from dampness and keep moisture away.

If you are a sports enthusiast and enjoy your adventures outdoors, then it’s worth paying for quality pants every time. Like anything, you get what you pay for, and paying the most you can afford is an excellent strategy for buying tactical pants.

Flexible Pants

No one likes to be restricted in their movements when they out and about doing superhero things. A tight crotch can upset anyone’s day and sap the fun right out of any thrilling adventure. So, apart from trying them on and performing a few squats, look for stretchable materials and gussets and pleats in the appropriate places for all round comfort.

Pockets and zippers

One of the most ubiquitous features of tactical pants are the big pockets on either side. Carefully check them over for their storage capacity and zippers, to make sure they are where you want them and the sizes you need. These pockets carry your required tools and other basic stuff like a flashlight and rope easily but it’s good to be able to reach them when you need to, particularly when you are on the go. These pockets often come with zippers to keep things secure. Most of the pants have these feature pockets but some have them smaller and more low key, so think carefully about what you want from your pants before you pay up apart from just keeping your legs warm.

Size and weight of the pants

You definitely want your pants to be portable for when you have to carry spares on your long missions. Make sure your pants are lightweight and will roll up to occupy minimum storage space to ensure easy traveling.

The color of the pants

Tactical pants come in an almost endless variety of colors. Choose yours on the basis of your preferences and according to the requirements of your tasks and situation. So if you plan to be out hunting the supervillains often, I am sure you can work out, it’s best to go for the colors that help you blend in with your surroundings.

Are my tactical pants waterproof?

Well, the answer to this question is that no tactical pants are completely waterproof like your scuba wetsuit. But these pants are water resistant and keep you away from dampness in rainy weather. They can resist any kind of liquid pouring on them, staying just fine even if oil spills on them. These pants though, can’t rescue you if you waddle on the beach or walk in the pool of water. They become wet and soak up some water. But the beneficial feature is that they dry fast once you are out of the water.

How I will find the perfect loop size?

Tactical pants are meant to be used with tactical belts, they are needed to fasten pants snug on your waist. Every manufacturer has different size charts for its loops so follow these ways to find the size of yours before cashing out on a belt.

  • Check the product description on the manufacturer’s website, the information regarding the sizes is often easily available there. Manufacturers keep on updating their sites with their new arrivals and keep customers informed about the availability of old stocks.
  • Check the reviews from other customers about the same product. You will get an idea about the size from the discussions and reviews. You may also get some valuable information in the question answer thread about the product as many other people will be interested in sizing details.

If you fail to get any information from the above two sources then contact the customer support center and ask them directly. They are the best people to guide you as they have exact information usually at their fingertips although you may have to wait for their reply in case of an email query.

Are these pants weather resistant?

Like your other clothing accessories, no single pair of tactical pants can go well in hot and cold weather alike. Different materials are suitable for different weather. Polyester pants go well in the cold and rain keeping you insulated. However, polyester pants can give you heat rashes and boil your skin on hot sunny days. Breathable cotton pants are ideal for summers as they retain water and keep you cool but are totally useless in rainy weather as they will soak water up and give no protection at all.

Invest your money wisely in the pants that go well with the average climate of your territory and can be used all year long. Buying specific pairs for summers and winters, and separate pants for different campaigns is the absolutely best investment if you’re crazy about wearing tactical pants and frequently on the go for missions.

How heavy are tactical pants usually? Will they weigh me down?

Tactical pants are designed to keep you comfortable and well protected when you’re on a tactical mission or simply enjoying a camping trip. Therefore, they have to use durable material, but they are not heavy at all, as adding more weight would slow you down, which defeats the whole purpose of buying a pair of tactical pants. Most of these pants use a lightweight poly-cotton ripstop fabric that is durable and light. Just keep in mind that the overall weight actually depends on the gear you carry because these pants usually come with 8-9 pockets and have the ability to store a lot.

CONCLUSION.

The fact of the matter is that you will benefit a lot by going for tactical pants for any tough mission. They offer added protection and have so many storage options available – some of them even come with concealed pockets for added safety. The good thing is that you can now find many brands offering pants that look quite like your regular cargo pants but are super efficient too. Just be sure to consider your budget constraints and compare the available options to buy the best tactical pants for you.

May 3, 2019 / Comments Off on Top 12 Mens Tactical Pants in 2019
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Best 14 Bowie Knives

BEST BOWIE KNIVES IN 2019

1Mossy Oak Survival Knife

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Starting our list off is a knife that probably looks as awesome as it is tough. This fine 10 inch fixed blade, bowie specimen by Mossy Oak, offers quite a bit of bang for your buck. The black trim with the dark color of the steel makes for an extremely pleasing on the eye bowie knife.

The blade itself is fashioned from 440C stainless steel which will not easily dull and should be minimal on the maintenance side of things. That being said the blade itself is just under 2/16 of an inch which does make the knife much lighter and easier to handle. Albeit so, the knife is still quite large which makes it better suited for chopping and abrasive jobs, but not the best option for filleting.

The edge itself may dull with harder or regular use, but that’s what makes the addition of a sharpener so great, as you should have this knife sharp and ready to go in no time at all.

This larger-than-life and tough-as-nails bowie knife also come with a fire starter, which makes it the perfect tool to complete an outdoorsman’s must have list. Perhaps not the highest quality on this list but for the amazing price you could buy one of these just to add to your collection and still be more than satisfied.

Specs

  • Blade Length 10 inch
  • Overall Knife Length 15 inch
  • Black Thickness 0.12 inch
  • Sheath Nylon Sheath
  • Tang Full Tang
2SOG Seal Strike- Black

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The Seal Strike is a serious piece of hardware, brought to you by SOG who are renowned for their military grade wares. This bowie knife is aimed at the more serious hunters and survivalists out there. This is definitely a smaller 4.9 inch fixed blade, which offers much greater utility.

The AUS-8 steel used for the construction of the blade is certainly a higher grade of steel produced through a specialized heating and cooling technique. This high grade of steel will not easily dull, chip or crack. In addition to the amazing quality of the steel, this bowie knife also sports a small serrated section on the blade which offers extra assistance which carving up a kill during hunting.

As it was designed with underwater use in mind, the textured high impact nylon handle fits snugly into your hand and will not easily slip, even during more rugged use. This handle additionally requires no care and is extremely light weight. Apart from being an absolute pleasure to handle, this knife’s design is also extremely eye catching and should not take up much space or even be noticed on your hip.

For a few extra dollars you can also upgrade to the deluxe sheath. Both however do have a belt clip attached which can either be clipped to your belt or woven through, depending on your personal preference.

Definitely a bit more than just a camping blade and even though it does cost a bit more than some of the other knives on this list its worth the extra cash and also makes a great gift for any hobbyist or serious user alike.

Specs

  • Blade Length 4.9 inch
  • Overall Knife Length 9.6 inch
  • Black Thickness 0.16 inch
  • Sheath Hard Molded Nylon Sheath
  • Tang Full Tang
3Whetstone Tactical Bowie Knife

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The Whetstone Tactical Bowie Knife comes in a matte black and steel finish, which really is breath-taking just to look at. The most impressive features of this knife are the ergonomics and modified features for ease of use. This includes the slim design with black rubber handle and cut-out in the blade for reduced weight.

The Whetstone Tactical Bowie Knife knife is mainly aimed at those looking for something to take along on camping, hunting and fishing trips and should have no issues cutting up meat, smaller bones and even some kindling for the fire. This is a great design for a utility knife which is designed not only for its eye-catching features but also for its great versatility.

This knife is light weight and easy to use, making it an excellent companion for hunting and camping. The handle additionally has a hole for threading a wrist wrap through, which is perfect for keeping it nearby when skinning game. This knife comes standard with a nylon sheath.

This knife has by no means a small blade, but its elegant design lends it to some finer uses, not really the heavy bush-wacker some bowie knives can be. This bowie knife does not come with any extras though. All in all, you would struggle to find a better blade for the price.

Specs

  • Blade Length 10 inch
  • Overall Knife Length 15.25 inch
  • Black Thickness 0.14 inch
  • Sheath Nylon Sheath
  • Tang Half Tang
4Handmade Damascus Steel 14.00 Inches Bowie Knife

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One look at this beauty and almost any knife enthusiast will be sold- love at first site! This hand crafted bowie knife is one of the bigger boys on this list but certainly holds it weight. The blade is comprised of a beautiful alloy steel forged with 176 layer or folds which finishes with an almost iridescent speckled shimmer.

The handle and sheath are also hand made. The handle is made from a Marandi wood while the sheath is a leather sheath. Now, this is a handmade bowie knife and may not stand up to some of the high-tech wizardry on this list but still does make a good all-round knife. We would however not recommend intensely hard usage of this knife as the steel is forged by hand and therefore a softer steel.

This may thus require a bit of extra care through regular sharpening of the blade as well as treatment with oil to avoid any potential blemishes on the lovely surface. This knife probably will not be your best bet for heavy-duty skinning and cutting up of meat and bones, but should be able to if it is required. This gem of a bowie knife is also extremely well balanced which just feels so at home in your hand. It absolutely fits like a glove.

Definitely more of a collectable than a utility type of bowie knife, but still for something made by hand (which is increasingly rare these days), this knife still cracks a nod from us just because it’s amazing to look at an not too pricey all things considered.

If you do plan on getting yourself one, we recommend general camping usage or even display, just be sure to make sure you keep this bowie knife in tip-top condition.

Specs

  • Blade Length 9 inch
  • Overall Knife Length 14 inch
  • Black Thickness 0.19 inch
  • Sheath Leather Sheath
  • Tang Full Tang
5USMC KA-BAR Knife

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These are just one of those things where you get that, “what more can I say” feeling- literally the most famous knife in the world! The amazing thing about the KA-BAR is that it lives up to all the hype. Originally given to U.S troops deployed during WWII, not much has changed in the design since, mainly because it’s just that hard to improve on.

Let’s just for a minute try to get past the uber iconic looks of this masterpiece and get down to brass tax. The steel of the blade is made from 1095 Cro-van steel, finished with a leather handle. The blade is 7inches long with a 4 inch handle, making it a really comfortable size, but most definitely not too small.

Now, this may not be the hardest steel on the market but this old-faithful will not chip crack or break and what makes it so amazing is how easy the blade is to sharpen. Of course the right tools for the job are always recommended but, this knife could literally be sharpened with so many basic pebbles or stones one may find in the woods.

Maybe because of its history, this knife has been used as a blade, digging tool, pry bar, screwdriver, and who knows what else. Whatever you may potentially need the bowie knife for, it will almost certainly fit the bill.

A boon for woodsman, hunters and armed forces alike, all users swear by it and say it’s likely the last knife you’ll ever buy. It’s just that good. It little more than you likely to pay for most new bowie knives, but when it comes to such a tried and tested knife what’s a couple extra dollars for peace of mind? Not really a purchase but more of an investment.

Specs

  • Blade Length 7 inch
  • Overall Knife Length 11 inch
  • Black Thickness 0.165 inch
  • Sheath Leather Sheath
  • Tang Rat Tail Tang
6Winchester Brown Large Bowie Knife

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You might be thinking, do they do knives as well? Luckily for the world of knives they do. Now when they say large bowie knife they mean large! This iconic throwback to a simpler time pays homage to the great James Bowie himself with this classic design.

This Winchester Bowie Knife is crafted from AUS-8 stainless steel which means you get high durability from this item which should be able to tackle any heavy duty use you can think of. Now, one must note that for this price you are not getting the very top of the line bowie knife, the finish is quite simple and the handle is crafter from wood with brass studs for finishing.

The large design and large blade complete with full tang make this a perfect utility knife for rugged outdoor such as skinning, chopping and digging. Sharpening may be a bit of a task, but because it is surgical stainless steel, the blade does not quickly dull and should last you for decades.

Some serious outdoor enthusiasts sing this bowie knife’s praise and quite frankly it would even be great just as a show piece. Do not be fooled by the relatively low cost of this knife, it is definitely value for money and just gives you that frontier, manly-man feeling holding it in your hand.

The only potential drawback of this knife is that it may feel too big for a smaller set of hands and because of the smooth wooden handle, could be a touch slippery if being used to baton wood. Our verdict is however that one should definitely consider this as a valuable addition to any knife collection.

Specs

  • Blade Length 8.75 inch
  • Overall Knife Length 14.25 inch
  • Black Thickness 0.17 inch
  • Sheath Nylon
  • Tang Full Tang
7Marine Force Recon Sawback Bowie

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Wish a jagged blade measuring a whopping 11.5 inch, this bowie knife is perhaps one of the most visually intimidating knives on this list. Just how big that is may be lost on most readers without seeing it in person, but do make a clear mental note that the blade alone is just shy of a foot in length!

Now, the blade itself is made from quality AUS-4 steel, which provides you with decent durability and at that size, should easily be able to take care of most hacking and chopping you can throw at it. This bowie knife is perfect for survival, camping and hunting purposes. Many of the buyers however are just happy to add it to their collection, as the design is just so breathtaking.

Having said that, most will find it a bit big for sticking on their belts and carrying it around as it can be a bit heavy. The rubber mold handle however does give one a firm grip when handling this knife even if it may not be suited for more finicky tasks, such as skinning of smaller animals or using for fishing.

Even though this knife it on the heavy side, it compensates for that buy being a well-balanced weapon/tool. Now you should first consider your intended use before settling on this specific bowie knife, but at a reasonable price point, even if it doesn’t fit into the “take it everywhere” category of knives you will be glad to have this by your side. This bowie knife will serve you well and is an excellent value buy- not exactly the cheapest but certainly a far way off from being the most expensive knife on the list.

Specs

  • Blade Length 11.5 inch
  • Overall Knife Length 16.4 inch
  • Black Thickness 0.182 inch
  • Sheath Nylon
  • Tang Rat Tail Tang
8Smith & Wesson SW3B

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The Smith & Wesson SW3B, prides itself on being a high quality, reliable, all-purpose bowie knife. Now this bowie knife may hold a bit more appeal for those who are interested in getting a bayonet for their Smith & Wesson Special Ops M-9 rifle, but is still an excellent choice for general outdoor use.

This bowie knife is made from high quality 420J2 powder-coated, black oxide stainless steel. As oxide stainless steel tends to be a higher grade of steel, you will most likely not need to sharpen this bowie knife regularly and it should be up to most tasks. Thus one can easily incorporate it into most hunting, camping or survival trips.

Interestingly, enough its functional yet understated looks are also a selling point for this knife which is touted as a concealable self-defence tool or “every day carry”. The knife also comes with a wire cutters and stone sharpener.

The black finish and notched spine do give it somewhat of a more military professional swag, which just makes this both pleasing on the eye as well as intimidating to any potential attackers or assailants.

The handle is finished in a textured nylon fibre, which enhances the gripping capabilities of this knife without adding unnecessary weight to the product. Overall this bowie knife is a classy showing by Smith and Wesson. While this is certainly not the most expensive knife on the list, be sure to note that you will be paying a bit more than the average bowie knife price for this item, which based on the overall quality, will not let you down.

Specs

  • Blade Length 7.8 inch
  • Overall Knife Length 12.8 inch
  • Black Thickness 0.14 inch
  • Sheath Nylon
  • Tang Full Tang
9Survivor Fixed Blade Tactical Hunting Survival Knife

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This bowie knife falls into the no nonsense category of knives, in that the design itself may seem a bit fancy but it’s as straightforward as you may expect from just about any bowie knife. This bowie knife is around the average size, when comparing blade sizing, with a pretty standard 7 inch blade length. Be that as it may, the blade is constructed from a very modest stainless steel. This is however offset by the fact that the blade is finished in a very stylish black with some serration on the front and back edges.

The black color theme is carried over onto the handle which is made of a tasteful mix of rubber and nylon fiber and finished in black and olive green. On the whole quite a pleasure to look at even though this bowie knife is quite simple.

The sheath is also made of plain nylon which rounds out this great value for money offering by Survivor. This is however more along the budget side of the options on the list and it should be noted that the steel itself should best not be put to rough work as it may quickly dull.

Perhaps a small price to pay as this is still quite a great buy for the price and should be more than capable of handling general camping, hunting and survival duties. This may not be your best bet for cleaving bone but while sharp should make light work of simpler cutting duties.

Specs

  • Blade Length 7 inch
  • Overall Knife Length 12.5 inch
  • Black Thickness 0.126 inch
  • Sheath Nylon
  • Tang Full Tang
10Anaconda Bowie

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Now a look at one of our high end selections on this list, the Anaconda Bowie, fixed blade knife by Tops Knives. Once again, just like the famous USMC KA-BAR bowie, the Anaconda is made from extremely high quality 1095 steel. Also quite similarly, this fine bowie knife is made locally in the U.S which is generally a sign of quality you can rely on, for decades to come.

As with the USMC, the blade of this knife is extremely solid and will not chip or crack but due to the slightly softer nature of the 1095 steel it may dull with heavy use but should be easy to sharpen. It may be worth noting that due to the curvature of the blade this bowie knife would be easiest to sharpen with a sharpening tool and not just a random stone you find while trekking across the jungle.  That being said sharpening the blade should be relatively easy, but is possibly not something you are likely to do often.

This is mainly owing to the fact that the blade is rather sizeable and thick, making this a very durable blade that is great for chopping through dense undergrowth or being used to baton wood. It should work just fine for cutting and skinning but may be a bit heavy when it comes to more delicate slicing jobs.

On the whole, this is a well-balanced and well-constructed blade which should make the perfect survival and hunting companion; perhaps a bit heavy duty for camping but one can never be too well-prepared either. Definitely on the pricier side but not a purchase you will be likely to make twice during your lifetime. This fine blade also comes up spades as far as aesthetics are concerned. Basically a bit more refined than the USMC, but still a tool for those in search of a bit of rugged adventure.

Specs

  • Blade Length 7.5 inch
  • Overall Knife Length 13 inch
  • Black Thickness 0.25 inch
  • Sheath Nylon
  • Tang Full Tang
119

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Here we have an entry that is one of those really cool knives you can purchase for your next camping trip and really make all your friends envious. This is what may be referred to as a small bowie knife, with a blade length of only 5 inches, this bowie knife is a lot more compact than others on this list.

Don’t be fooled though, this nuggety blade is nearly 0.2 inch thick which makes a stout bowie knife more of an apt description. Because of its compact dimensions this knife works well as a carry-everywhere tool or weapon. For survival, camping or even hunting, this blade offers a compact companion that can easily be thrown onto your belt and should be more than capable of taking care of grittier jobs that other regular bushcraft knives may be a bit too fragile for.

Whether you need to open up a can of beans or quickly skin a kill, the G10 is your guy! You should also note that the design along with smaller size, makes this a stand-out among its peers and should easily turn a few heads. The stonewash finish on the blade is also just another one of those little details that make this knife so great, especially for the price- a real knife to be used.

The handle does seem a bit shorter than some and this may be a concern for those fellas with slightly bigger paws, but it is deceptively comfortable and provides a solid grip for heavier duty jobs. The sheath may also not be the flashiest or sturdiest material but once again is very practical and should fit snugly on almost any belt.

A lovely blade for any outdoor enthusiast and can even be taken along as a “smaller” option with a larger bowie knife, as you can’t really have too many bowie knives now can you.

Specs

  • Blade Length 5 inch
  • Overall Knife Length 9 inch
  • Black Thickness 0.18 inch
  • Sheath Nylon
  • Tang Full Tang
12CRKT Rakkasan

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Here we find another short bowie knife on the list, but unlike the previous entry, this one is on the higher end of the budget for a shorter blade bowie knife. This finely crafted tool just screams understated elegance while still providing a gritty and menacing appeal. From the very base, we find a high quality black powder coated SK5 carbon steel, which is some serious steel for a bowie knife.

This superior construction on a smaller blade means that it is highly unlikely that you will damage the blade, especially seeing as most of its uses will be centered on cutting or slicing and skinning. Don’t be fooled though even though the knife itself is perfect for more precise work, it should be more than capable of keeping up the pace with some of the more rugged boys on this list.

While it makes a splendid utility tool, this bowie knife was designed by a war vet for troops still on tour, so needless to say that this is a fine defensive tool as well. While the slightly smaller size makes it a lot less conspicuous- one may even say concealable. In addition to some of the obvious advantages of this knife, the G10 handle offers a comfortable and stable grip for this well-balanced bowie knife.

As it goes, shape of the blade is a preference that will vary from person to person with some finding that a curved end of the blade may in some ways compromise control while others may find it simply sublime. Either way, the sheath offers amazing draw/sheathing capability which just makes this such a wonderful and practical choice.

The quality should last you for a lifetime and if you are a person that enjoys a more modern take on a classic knife then this is definitely for you.

Specs

  • Blade Length 4.875 inch
  • Overall Knife Length 8.875 inch
  • Black Thickness 0.125 inch
  • Sheath Hard Molded Plastic
  • Tang Full Tang
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This is one of the less traditional selections on this list and should peek a healthy amount of interest just by observing its slightly curved blade on a regular-sized bowie knife. This dark-bladed bowie knife is, as mentioned, something outside of the norm, but still does provide a few tried and tested specifications. Regular bowie knife inclusions such as a stainless steel blade with a leather covered handle provide some of the tried and tested things that most knife enthusiasts look for in a hunting or survival tool.

That knife itself is well balanced and the leather on the handle is not only confortable but also provide you with a sturdy grip. Having said that, the quality of the steel is not exactly the best on this list and while the knife can be sharpened to razor-like sharpness, one should tread carefully when handling around more robust or heavy duty tasks.

The stainless steel means that the blade is not likely to dull too easily but will require a bit of effort to sharpen. This has been taken into consideration by Marble and they have very thoughtfully provided a sharpener as part of the package, very conveniently nestled in the leather sheath.

It’s often those little things that knife collectors like to see when reviewing a bowie knife and with these unique looks and attention to detail, this could easily form part of a knife collection; even if you not going to go up against mother nature with it every other day.

An interesting take on a very popular knife and for a really reasonable price it could easily sit up there with some of the more mainstream offerings on this list. Just so you know- you don’t have to be a pilot to try this one out.

Specs

  • Blade 7.6 inch
  • Overall Knife Length 11.8 inch
  • Black Thickness 0.12 inch
  • Sheath Leather
  • Tang Rat Tail Tang
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Last but not least on this list is the only folding bowie that managed to crack the nod from the boys over at Men’s Gear. Folding bowie knives can be a very divisive topic, but we felt it only fair to include at least one option on the list and to be quite fair, this one does stand up pretty well to some of the fixed blade bowies on this list.

So, what we have here a well-crafted knife by a company that is renowned for giving customers bang for their buck and that’s something almost anyone can appreciate. The blade of this knife is 440C stainless steel which is something that can be found on a few knives that are quite a bit more, granted this knife is quite small.

However, what you also get are a few higher end features with this blade as compared to other folding knives, such as the axle style lock and the G10 handle with a carbon fiber finish. All in all this is quite pleasant on the eye, considering that it is aimed at budget conscious consumers.

The blade is not too thick, which can be an issue with budget friendly knives that try to hide poor quality, which means that you are getting a comparably good bowie knife. Be that as it may, this is a small bowie knife which is normal for folding bowie knives, making is convenient to carry and still giving you some of that sturdy craftsmanship you may be expecting from something labeled a bowie knife.

This provides a great concealed option for personal protection but can just as easily find a spot among camping and fishing gear or in a survival kit. The sturdy blade should not let you down but it won’t be of much use to baton wood or cut down thick bushes and small trees.

Specs

  • Blade Length 3.5 inch
  • Overall Knife Length 8.25 inch
  • Black Thickness 0.13 inch
  • Sheath None
  • Tang N/A

BUYING GUIDE & FAQ’S

What is a bowie knife and what can it be used for?

A bowie knife truly is something that is hard to describe in a very exact manner because of the multiple designs and uses that have evolved since its inception. Be that as it may, the bowie knife was described by a historian as in essence being, a knife lengthy enough to be a sword, as sharp as a razor and as heavy as a hatchet. Essentially, this was the one-size-fits-all knife for the distinguished manly-man.

Originally the bowie knife was conceived as a weapon which could be used in close combat situations, and could be carried on your person. Most bowie knives are most easily recognized by the clip point on the back of the blade. This is usually a smallish curvature of the back of the blade, which brings the tip back in line with the handle for greater accuracy during use.

There are however other distinguishing features of the bowie knife which also meets general conformity among the myriad of available designs. This includes the fact that all blade lengths vary between 8 and 12 inches, the handle is fitted with a hilt to protect the user’s hand and the blade itself is between 1/16 and ¼ inches thick. The blade of the bowie knife is also made out of steel, although not all steel is made equal and its grade may greatly vary from one knife to the next.

The overall design in terms of esthetics and functionality can vary greatly depending on the intended use of the knife itself. While you would probably have seen these knives on just about any movie that features the armed forces, many find these extremely useful when camping and hunting. Of course, owing to their popularity and prevalence throughout history and in pop culture, there are also many collectors of these knives. Some of them can fetch up to hundreds of thousands of dollars. Of course, in addition to hunting they can also be extremely handy for fishing, especially some of the smaller bowie knives.

On hunting trips, bowie knives are preferred as they have longer blades which give you more power when skinning and butchering your kill, without compromising any of the accuracy needed to work some of the trickier spots. This can be an incredible boon on longer trips as  you may want to skin and butcher the meat while still fresh in order to preserve the fruits of your labor.

Alternative if you need to defend yourself against human or animal attackers, the bowie knife provides you with superior reach and is capable of dealing considerable damage owing to its weight.

As a general survival tool, which has become increasingly popular lately, the bowie knife allows you to cut down smaller trees and branches as well as carve the wood for creating basic utensils and even making simple shelters. Because bowie knives are so durable, literally military grade in most cases, you are unlikely to damage or break the blade so the sky is really the limit as far as its uses are concerned.

How to select the Best Bowie Knife and what to look for?

Selecting the perfect bowie knife is really a personal thing, as beauty is in the eye of the beholder and who wouldn’t want a do-it-all knife that they think looks bad to the bone? But the aesthetics of a bowie knife would generally appeal most to those who want to buy one for collecting and display.

For the vast majority of you, there is generally an intended usage or purpose for getting a bowie knife, so let’s go through some of the features to watch out for when getting one- especially your first one.

Size:

Let’s just end the debate right here and now; size does matter! When selecting the perfect knife to use, size is a critical criterion to consider, but surprise surprise- bigger is not always better. The size of the knife will greatly impact its weight and maneuverability. While having a bowie knife with a foot-long blade is almost guaranteed to scare off a would-be attacker, you are not likely to easily maneuver is when skinning a deer. In addition to the general size of the knife, you have to decide what suits you physically better, if you’re a big boy, you probably won’t be looking at the entry level 8 or so inches.

A bigger blade is likely to offer a bit more power and durability, which in turn could make brush clearing a lot easier when constructing your shelter for the night.

Material:

If you’re thinking to yourself, that’s simple, steel- you have another thing coming. The blades were traditionally made from carbon steel, which was generally durable and quite easy to sharpen. For purists or collectors, this may be all you will ever need. However, modern materials such as stainless steel are the norm these days with some even being made available in metals such as aluminum alloys.

That being said, most of these will do just fine for hunting, fishing and bushcraft purposes. The question you will however need to ask yourself is, how will the blade’s material affect the weight of the knife, what is the durability of that blade, how quickly will your use dull the blade and most importantly, how easy will sharpening and general care of that material be.

While there are just too many varieties to touch on each of them, you should be aware that some types and grades of steel may stay sharper for longer but these will generally require much more work to sharpen after the fact. Additionally the use of softer materials in the blade itself may reduce shock during hardier uses, but this will come with a bump in the price.

Tang:

The tang is the skank that connects the blade of the bowie knife to the handle and while many are divided on what you will need in a tang, it is understand that a full tang offers greater durability. That being said some have argued that certain swords do just fine with a partial tang, but if you are considering more heavy-handed use of your bowie knife, it’s probably best to opt for a full tang.

Skill Level:

This may seem like a moot point as I’m sure we all envision ourselves to be John Rambo when we pick up a bowie knife, all of us may not have the same level of expertise with a knife. A big bowie knife may not necessarily be easy for an inexperienced user to handle and could make the task more difficult or seem more labor intensive. Of even bigger concern is general safety. If you don’t know your way around a knife, you may want to consider something with a bigger cross-guard and a blunt or non-sharpened back edge on the blade as you can easily harm yourself if used incorrectly.

That being said, if you are not too experienced, it’s often the best to get some form of professional training in using your new knife. Not only does this ensure your safety, you may just learn a couple of cool tricks too- which is always good to know, just in case.

Should I go for a Fixed Blade or Folding Bowie Knife?

Once again you will have to consider your intended use and which option suits you better personally. Both options have clear benefits which should make it easy to decide, but if you do really like your toys and can’t choose either, then both is also a perfectly ok option.

Folding Bowie Knives:

Even though many consider a folding blade to be less sturdy, a high quality folding knife should have a blade that’s just as durable as a fixed blade.

Perhaps the biggest draw of a folding bowie knife is its ease of storage and transport. They can literally fit in your pocket and because of this are also easier to conceal, should the need arise. If convenience and space is king, then a folding knife is the clear winner for you.

Fixed Blade Bowie Knife:

The list of advantages for fixed blade bowies are a bit more extensive as you will see, but still we reiterate, it’s all about personal choice.

Fixed blade bowie knives tend to have longer blades, which automatically makes them seem like more serious tools/weapons. That being said, they do not have any moving parts which makes them easier to clean and maintain, as well as less likely to break.

The final advantage of the fixed blade bowie is it’s tactical superiority, as these knives can be drawn or brought into a situation much faster than their folding blade relatives.

A question of which one suits you better usually depends on the intended environment of use, as outdoorsman tend to prefer the fixed blade bowie, while those looking for a knife to carry in an urban environment will tend to rely on folding blade bowies.

Should I go for a small or large bowie knife?

Well a large bowie knife does have a certain grandeur to it, and is likely to turn heads on your next hunting trip. It is hard to pit these two options against each other as ideally, if you needed an a-z tool, you would want both a large and a small blade.

Be that as it may, larger bowie knives are more useful if you need to them for survival in the wild with just your wits and your knife. They are easier to cut down and branches and brush for creating a shelter, as they will require to time and effort for this purpose. In addition to this they make for better protection against wild animals and can even be used for hunting and killing certain types of prey such as wild boar.

Large bowie knives can then be used for cutting off chunks of meat and even severing bone if needs be. The will also make decent digging implements and can be used for digging up tubers from the ground.

While big bowie knives work better as powerful cutting and chopping instruments, small bowie knives work much better for gutting, skinning and cleaning smaller game and fish, which may just be impossible with a big blade. Also, for crafting utensils and traps from wood, you will have much better luck making things like notches with a small blade. Last but not least, a small blade is much lighter which makes it much easier to carry and even conceal, which may be convenient if you need to optimize mobility.

Pros & Cons

Pros:

  • A bowie knife is extremely versatile. This one tool/weapon could easily replace several others on your next outdoor excursion
  • If your bowie knife is constructed with high quality materials, it will last a lifetime
  • These knives are usually extremely durable which means that you can use it basically as you please while still requiring minimal maintenance
  • The visually intimidating nature of bowie knives make them excellent defensive weapons

Cons:

  • Bowie knives are usually on the larger side which makes them less easy to conceal or use for more delicate knife work
  • Because of their side and quality of materials a good bowie knife usually costs a bit more than other types of knives.

Conclusion

Just so many wonderful knives to choose from and if you are anything like us, surely you will want at one of each of these 15 bowie knives, or at least more than one! However with such great options to choose from, you may only need one for the rest of your life as well.

It really is hard to pinpoint any one that would serve you best, that all depends on what you need it for. Some options are heavy duty, some have more finesse and some are simply put utility jack-of-all-trades. You should probably also narrow down what you may want based on how much you looking at spending on a bowie knife, although with the exception of one or two, most of these bowie knives are really budget friendly.

The crazy thing is that even though they won’t really hurt your pocket, you can still get a bowie knife made of some of the best materials available, with some of the finest design and construction on the market. We completely understand if you feel a bit like a kid in a candy store.

If however, you need to fulfill very specific tasks with your bowie knife, pairing it up with a second knife could also be an extremely viable option.

That being said, most outdoorsmen tend to have several knives in their collection, as getting to know the various pros and cons first hand can not only improve your understanding and skill with the knife but can also provide you with more precise options for whatever you may want to achieve. Some of the purists may prefer some of the more traditional designs and constructions while some of you may want something a bit more modern sleek.

It is also advisable, if you still can’t decide, it may be useful for you to head down to a retailer that stocks bowie knives to try out some options for yourself. The weight and size of the knife will definitely speak to you a little more once you have it in your hand, especially for those of you with less knife experience.

The most important thing however is that you realize, there is definitely something for everyone!

April 19, 2019 / Comments Off on Best 14 Bowie Knives
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Best 9 Karambit Knives

BEST KARAMBIT KNIVES

1Fox Knives Karambit Fox 599 G10 Emerson Wave

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We’re not pulling any punches with this guide, looking at the Fox 599 G10 folding karambit, which is a rather awesome combination of function and form. As it’s got the Fox Knives branding, you know it’ll be a high-quality piece that is reliable and durable. It benefits from incorporating the Emerson Wave blade constructed from top-notch stainless steel with a handle that’s comfortable for hands that measure 3.5-inches or less across the back of your knuckles. This ensures that the deployment of the blade is quick and smooth.

Although it’s 7-inches in length when opened, the actual blade is only 2.25-inches and the whole thing folds down to 4.75-inches, so its perfect for carrying concealed and won’t take up too much space in a backpack or pocket. With the strap along the side of the handle, the finger spaces and the ring at the base, there’s several options for using it to get the best out of it. So, if you’re inclined to use a karambit (or if you’re relatively new to them, any knife) in a way, you’ll find that this is very accommodating. All in all, a stunning little thing!

Specs

  • Type Folding
  • Dimensions 7-inches (when fully extended)
2Fox Knives Folding Karambit

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Another great folding karambit from Fox Knives is this model that has a more simplistic design than the one above, with just the handle grips and finger ring for holding options, is still very appealing. The Emerson Wave-style blade, made from high-end stainless-steel noted for its durability and robustness, this is worthy of considering for your EDC carry or backpack for those trips out into the great outdoors.

While it has an overall length of 8.64-inches, it closes to around 5-inches. Therefore, if you’re looking for a lightweight and compact knife with a tough blade, this is it. Weighing a little under 5-ounces, it won’t feel too heavy. The only downside we could find is the fact that this is not ideal for wearing gloves with, but that’s a small compromise to pay really for the slick style and sophistication of this knife.

Specs

  • Type Folding
  • Dimensions 8.64-inches (when fully extended)
3MTech Tactical Hunting Stainless-Steel Karambit Knife

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Next, we have an MTech fixed karambit knife. This would suit being placed in a sheath of some kind, as it’s not foldable and much harder to conceal. However, if you’re heading into woodland, a forest or even on a trip to the rainforest, it would be handy to have this attached to your backpack or utility belt, or just somewhere where you knew you’d be able to draw it quickly for cutting at plants or hunting prey.

The grip is not quite as pronounced or as indented as others in our guide, which makes for a smoother feel in your hand. It’s also much smoother and simpler compared to others with more elaborately designed blades. As is the case with all karambit knives featured here, this utilizes only the finest stainless-steel in the blade, for a durable performance that gives you real value for money.

Specs

  • Type Fixed
  • Dimensions 7.75-inches
4Masalong Big White Shark/Fox Claw Folding Knife

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Masalong may not have the same sterling reputation as some of the bigger names in the tactical and EDC knife world, but this karambit from the manufacturer is a good entry to the market. The design is based on and inspired by the classic Emerson Wave-style blade that is incredibly popular and although it is not a genuine Emerson (nor does it claim to be), it is a very good representation of that style.

Weighing at just over 4-ounces, it may not be the lightest knife in our guide, but it’s also not the heaviest either. Some have commented that they felt it was a little long to be a true EDC knife, but we’d tend to disagree. Although we’d probably reserve this for more rough and rugged activities out in the wilds, than opening parcels etc. If you’ve got other, more expensive knives in your collection, this is a great choice, though, if you want to ensure your better blades stay in good condition and only use them when completely necessary. All in all, this has a pleasing look and feel and folds away nicely.

Specs

  • Type Folding
  • Dimensions 6.8-inches
5Bastinelli Creations Diagnostic Fixed Karambit with Sheath

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From the world-famous Bastinelli Creations, comes one of the most minimalist karambit-style knives in our guide. Rather than having a full-size handle, the Diagnostic and its relatively small 1.5-inch blade, has a curve for holding it around a finger, with an extra roomy finger ring. Constructed to a high-standard from stainless-steel and finished in black Cerakote, this is a sexy little blade,

It may be small and lightweight, but do not underestimate the quality or strength of this knife. Thanks to its perfectly compact size, its perfect for concealing, but will equally sit well in a utility belt or attached to your pack, when exploring the wilderness. It comes with a special Black Krydex sheath and beaded chain for wearing it around your neck. We love the smooth curve, as well as the Bastinelli logo with the scratch/knife marks and the fox emblem.

Specs

  • Type Fixed
  • Dimensions 3.75-inches
6Knife Geeks Doppler Phase 2 Pro Series Karambit

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If the last few karambit knives in our guide have seemed a little on the subtle side, why not opt for this big and bold number from Knife Geeks. The Doppler Phase 2 Pro Series is an awesome piece of knife design and construction to behold. Featuring an ABS handle and sheath and a very sharp and menacing-looking stainless-steel blade, this is one you’ll want to be careful with. In the construction process, the blade skin has been bonded on a molecular level to the blade and, as a result, the pattern on your blade will be different to any other from the same line. Perfectly balanced, the sharp blade is ready to use out of the box.

Ideal for hunting and wilderness adventures, it comes in a special presentation box with a display stand, so you can always show it off to your buddies and keep it safe. The grips on the handle have been expertly engineered and as standard, there’s a nicely-shaped and sized finger ring, providing you with versatility when it comes to getting the best out of using the blade.

Specs

  • Type Fixed
  • Dimensions 7.48-inches
7United Cutlery Honshu Karambit Silver Boot Sheath

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From the highly regarded and reliable producers of excellent quality utility and self defense blades comes the Honshu Karambit Silver knife. United Cutlery are known for their commitment to designing and constructing high-quality knives and accessories and this karambit is no exception to that rule. This is featuring a comfortable and functional 4.7-inch long blade engineered from incredibly robust and durable stainless steel. As it contains a higher amount of carbon, the blade retention is better, and it has a hardness that’s hard to beat.

Although primarily marketed as a self defense tool, this would work exceptionally well for any sort of outdoor pursuit or survivalist situation. Sharp enough to help with cutting small branches, splitting kindling for that fire you need to bring warmth to your camp, making tent pegs or even as a spearhead if you’re fishing and hunting. Although it’s fixed, it does come with the hardy boot-style sheath that will keep the blade safe and avoid accidents when you’re not actually using the knife.

Specs

  • Type Fixed
  • Dimensions 7.48-inches
8MTech Full Tang Hawk Blade Holster Karambit

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There’s something about a red blade, or just a colored blade in general, that gets us excited here at Men’s Gear. And not for the reasons you may think. It just seems to highlight the definition and smoothness of the edges and how sharp the stainless steel is. This tactical karambit knife is made by MTech, a US-based brand that we’ve already featured. Whether you’re looking for a good quality tactical hunting knife, combat knife or just EDC, this is a good option. Though, you need to be careful as it has a fixed blade.

Having said that it does come with a Hawk blade holster. So, this full tang karambit will only be unleashed when you want it to be. Rather than the smooth edge that many karambits, particularly those featured here, have, this has a Snaggletooth-style serrated blade that allows you to really cut into things easily and quickly. Although any sharp knife will cut through a piece of rope, having those little points to give you some leverage can really make the difference.

Specs

  • Type Fixed
  • Dimensions 5-inches
9Edge Knives Reptilian Spring Assist Karambit

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We finish on a high in our guide to the best karambit knives with this hot blade from EDGE knives. Appropriately named Reptilian, it has a textured handle that includes a scaly design, akin to a snake, lizard or other reptile (like the Indonesian resident Komodo Dragon) and features the superbly practical spring-assist opening. This means that you can use the knife quickly and without fuss, when you really need to. Whether it’s cutting through the overgrown bushes and trees or to cut materials when the weather turns nasty and you need shelter.

With a stainless-steel blade, finished in the rather fetching black coloring, and a thickness of 3mm, you can’t go wrong with this in your rucksack or in your pocket. When fully open, it still only measures at 7.125-inches, so is easy to keep concealed when necessary.

Specs

  • Type Folding
  • Dimensions 7.125-inches

BUYING GUIDE & FAQ’S

What is a Karambit?

The karambit knife is a rather nifty and practical tactical blade that has several uses that it excels in. It is also widely known by the name names kerambit, karambiak, karambol and even kurambik. This blade originated, it’s thought, with the native Minangkabau people in Western Sumatra and takes its design queues from the formidable and intimidatingly effective claws of a tiger.

As is the case with most blades and other implements that were weaponized in the area, it was uses solely in the beginning as a tool for raking at roots, gathering the threshing and planting rice. It didn’t start out quite as curved and was used as a smaller version of the sickles used throughout Southeast Asia. Once it became weaponized though, the curve was increased to improve the potential of its cutting performance. Modern karambit knives are used as one of the main weapons of the Indonesian martial art Silat.

Having said that, it doesn’t need to be used as a self defense and makes for an excellent EDC, utility or tactical knife.

How Do You Hold a Karambit?

If you’re going to go to the bother of investing in a karambit, whether you’re going to use it as a self-defense weapon or something more practical, you don’t want to look a fool. Or, get the best use out of it, you need to know how to hold it.

Normally, you hold a karambit knife so that the blade is pointing downwards from the base of the first. Although it’s normally used with the curve pointing forwards, it can be utilized backwards.

How to Use a Karambit?

Karambit knives are designed to be used with either a hooking or slashing motion. However, because of the finger ring that many of them come designed with, a punching motion can also be utilized. Another option is to use it with a hammering movement. One of the things that makes this style of knife so attractive and appealing is the fact that it can be used to strike in a variety of different ways.

The above may make it sound like it’s a self defense weapon, it can be used for any number of applications, such as:

  • EDC – When you have serious issues to deal with and are caught unaware, a karambit could be a great EDC implement to have on you. For instance, if you’re involved in a car crash or need to free yourself from something like a seatbelt or a harness.
  • Hunting – Just as natives have used the karambit for centuries, the karambit can be used for fashioning traps, as well as putting your prey out of its misery and even cutting and hacking at it to prepare it for cooking.
  • Camping – There’s so many ways that a karambit can be a useful accessory when you’re camping. It can be used to prepare kindling for your fire, cutting rope, making a shelter. At a push, if you find yourself up against a wild animal that won’t run away scared, it’s a nice weapon to have as protection while camping.
  • Fishing – If you’re a keen fisher, but don’t have a good quality paring knife, a karambit is a good alternative. Obviously, it will come down to just how fine and sharp the blade is, but it can be used to clean up your fish before you take them home to cook at your next BBQ or if you like, while out by the river.

How to Sharpen a Karambit

An important aspect of owning any type of knife, especially one you’ve invested a pretty penny or two in, is knowing how to sharpen it properly. Most karambits, particularly those featured in our guide, come sharp and ready to use straight out of the box. However, over time, the more you use your knife, the more the blade will dull and that’s when you’ll need to look at sharpening it.

To begin with, and this is the exact same process for any kind of knife or blade, you need to ensure it’s free of any dirt and debris and is clean. Then, give it a wipe with a soft, dry cloth.

Next hold it firmly, but not as if you’re in the fight of your life or anything like that. Remember, you’re just looking to sharp it. The act of sharpening a knife is all about being steady, continuous and methodical. Make sure your wrist is nice and flexible and ensure the angle you’re holding the blade to your sharpener is as small as possible. If not, you may end up changing the shape of the blade entirely or could even damage it.

Use a medium grit and start stroking the blade across the surface of the sharpener in a single and smooth motion. Be gentle, and always use the exact same stroke count on each side. You want to have an evenly sharpened blade. After you’ve completed that stage, switch to a finer grit surface and repeat this process until you achieve the sharpness you’re looking for. The finer grit is used to tweak the knife’s edge sharply. Once you’re done, you need to then wipe the blade once more with a dry, soft cloth to get rid of any debris that may have built up during the sharpening process.

You need a Sharp Blade and Mind in the Wilderness!

Our guide to the best fixed blade karambit and folding karambit knives on the market may have been short, but we do hope it was sweet. We didn’t see any point in bombarding you with too huge a product count for this one, instead, homing in on the finest tactical blades. So, if you had preconceived ideas about wanting a folding knife or a fixed knife, we’ve delivered both in spades. Whereas, if you had no idea what type of karambit you really wanted, we hope we’ve been able to steer you in the right direction.

April 17, 2019 / Comments Off on Best 9 Karambit Knives
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Best 15 Pocket Knife Sharpeners

BEST POCKET KNIFE SHARPENERS

1Sharpal Pocket Knife

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The first slice of our buyer guide looking for the best pocket knife sharpener will take us to the work of Sharpal. These guys have not only made an awesome product, but they are also selling it for a super affordable price.

This is much more than a pocket knife sharpener. It has a total of six different functions, making it perfect for men who like to hunt, fish and explore nature. These functions include two edges for sharpening your knives, a fire starter tool, lanyard hole, a tapered diamond rod and even an emergency whistle that has a significantly high pitch to attract attention when in danger. The knife sharpening components are made with tungsten carbide blades to make easy work of keeping your knives razor sharp. The tapered diamond rod is also a talking point. It is made with grooves to cater to fish hooks, gut hooks and serrated blades.

Pros

  • checkTwo effective sharpening slots
  • checkDiamond rod
  • checkEmergency whistle
  • checkLanyard hole
  • checkFire starting tool
  • checkAffordable model

Cons

  • cross-altDifficult to replace carbide blades

Specs

  • Weight 1.44oz
  • Slot Material tungsten carbide
  • Extra Features Yes
2Smith’s Pocket Knife Sharpener

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Hunters and knife throwers may want to consider the Smith’s pocket knife sharpener instead. Also at a cheap price, this sharpener offers many features. It has two slots to sharpen your knife. Both slots have had their angles preset so you can be guaranteed of the perfect sharpen for your knives every time. The two slots are not equal either. One slot has been equipped with carbide blades while the other is made with ceramic stone perfect for polishing.

The two options are a great addition, but it gets better. Both are reversible to double the life of the pocket knife sharpener – giving you even more value for money. The other features on this model are a tapered diamond rod to tackle serrated edges. These quality inclusions are matched by the product’s overall convenience. Not only does it have a lanyard hole, but it’s also one of the lightest and most compact pocket knife sharpeners on the current market. It’s the perfect addition to your adventuring backpack.

Pros

  • checkTwo sharpening slots
  • checkCarbide and ceramic material
  • checkReversible blades for longevity
  • checkLanyard hole
  • checkSharpens serrated and straight edges
  • checkExceptionally lightweight and compact

Cons

  • cross-altMore additional features elsewhere

Specs

  • Weight 0.32oz
  • Slot Material carbide and ceramic
  • Extra Features Yes
3Work Sharp Pocket Knife Sharpener

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The first two pocket knife sharpeners were similar in their design. The third model we’re featuring from Work Sharp is much different. So, what did this 4th generation family business from Oregon, USA, come up with? Well, the answer is options.

Along one edge is a ceramic rod that rotates to reveal a coarse finish perfect for sharpening tools, and in particular, fish hooks. On the opposite edge is a leather strop. This is ideal for keeping similar tools a cut above the rest. There is also a diamond plate and ceramic rods to help sharpen straight and serrated edges. It even has an angle guide to make sure you sharpen your knives in the right way. Altogether, this tool offers multiple types of materials to get a brand-new fell for your knives.

Pros

  • checkCeramic rotating rod
  • checkLeather strop
  • checkReplaceable blades
  • checkLanyard hole
  • checkAngle guide

Cons

  • cross-altPriced above average

Specs

  • Weight 2.56oz
  • Slot Material Multiple
  • Extra Features No
4Housolution Pocket Knife Sharpener

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Next up is a pocket knife sharpener by the popular Housolution. This is also the first model that comes with color options. You can get it in a red or black color, and you can also choose to add a keychain to either color. Interestingly, the models with the keychain included are slightly cheaper. We’re not sure why either…

It also has two sharpening slots. The ceramic slot is fine while the carbide slot is slightly more coarse. Both are perfect for sharpening your straight edges exactly as required. There is also a concealed tapered diamond rod that folds out ready to be used on your knives and serrated tools. To make use even easier, the manufacturers have added a finger groove to help you hold the tool securely when in use.

The inclusion of a lanyard hole makes this pocket knife sharpener perfect for any man who likes to go on outdoor adventures as well as backpackers. Click the button below to sharpen your knowledge on the Housolution Pocket Knife Sharpener.

Pros

  • checkColor options
  • checkOptional keychain
  • checkTwo sharpening slots
  • checkLanyard hole
  • checkPull-out diamond-tapered rod
  • checkFinger groove adds control

Cons

  • cross-altNon-reversible blades

Specs

  • Weight 0.96oz
  • Slot Material carbide and ceramic
  • Extra Features No
5Accusharp Pocket Knife Sharpener

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You might not get color options with the Accusharp Pocket Knife Sharpener, but you do get the option to buy in bulk for a friendlier price. This is something a lot of guys do because they can then keep a sharpener in a different location from their bug-out backpack to their kitchen drawer. However, not to overlook that the color of this model is a bright orange which comes in useful if you’re looking for the sharpener in low-light conditions.

This model doesn’t have all the bells and whistles as the previous ones do. By that we mean that it doesn’t have lots of extra features that can come in useful in different situations. Instead, it does what it’s meant to and sharpens knives – even serrated ones. Accusharp even claims that it can be used on machetes and hand axes effectively. Whatever you use it on, you can enjoy enhanced safety from their grip-like design.

Pros

  • checkMultipack option
  • checkOrange color for overnight convenience
  • checkTo-the-point design
  • checkUseful on hand axes too
  • checkIncludes safety handle design

Cons

  • cross-altNo extra features

Specs

  • Weight 2.08oz
  • Slot Material carbide blades
  • Extra Features No
6Lansky Pocket Knife Sharpener

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If the last one was straight to the point, then the Lansky Pocket Knife Sharpener is straight to lots of points. What are we going on about? Well, this design actually has four different sharpening slots to cater to different angles. And that isn’t even mentioning the built-in ceramic stone either. This stone is your go-to tool to complete fine polishing.

The four sharpening slots are made with effective carbide blades. Each slot works at a different angle to cater to your different knives and tools. There is a slot with a 17-, 20-, 25- and 30-degree angle. All of which are clearly labeled so you know the exact angled blade you’re using. This cool design is rounded off with a generous lanyard hole. It wouldn’t be impossible to clip other things on this hole such as your keychain or an ID badge.

Pros

  • checkMultiple sharpening slots
  • checkPolishing stone
  • checkCaters to different angles
  • checkLanyard/keychain hole
  • checkAvailable to buy in packs

Cons

  • cross-altNot as compact/lightweight as others

Specs

  • Weight 4.2oz
  • Slot Material carbide blades
  • Extra Features Yes
7Sungwoo Pocket Knife Sharpener

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Another fantastic and highly in-demand pocket knife sharpener is this model by Sungwoo. This sharpener has been made to be your outdoor companion. Its smaller dimensions and foldability have made it so. Yet, it has also been made to work well for kitchen knives and indoor tools.

There are two stones on this sharpener. These are made with different grit ratings and can be used to sharpen different knives and tools. The folding design keeps these two stones protected when not in use. The folding design also maintains the transportability of the item but allows it to be much bigger than most other pocket knife sharpeners. In fact, when unfolded, this model reaches a length of just under 9 inches. It’s also another model that has been made to keep your fingers protected. This is achieved through a friction handle that keeps you in control while honing.

Pros

  • checkInnovative folding design
  • checkMaintain compactness
  • checkTwo stones for sharpening
  • checkSafety grip
  • checkMultipurpose knife sharpener
  • checkWorks on serrated blades too

Cons

  • cross-altNo bells or whistles

Specs

  • Weight 2.8oz
  • Slot Material Titanium
  • Extra Features No
8Work Sharp Pocket Knife Sharpener For Workshops

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We already saw some of the work from American-born Work Sharp. Well, this product from them brings a new dimension to the table – quite literally. Instead of getting a pocket knife sharpener that can slip into your pocket, some of our following will be looking for sharpeners to go on their workbench. Here is your answer in their bench-top model.

This model isn’t designed to accompany you up the side of a mountain. It’s a worktop knife sharpener ready to maintain your knives from home or work. For that reason, they’re slightly chunkier and heavier than the other models we’ve seen so far. They also come at a slightly bigger cost. Although you can buy in packs of five to save a few bucks.

The product has two sharpening stations to cater to different knives, tools and needs. One of the stations is a unique abrasive belt while the other is a ceramic surface. Together, they cater to flat edges and serrated knives effectively. It’s also an efficient model that makes easy work of keeping your knives a cut above the competition.

Pros

  • checkEffective and efficient sharpening
  • checkSturdy design
  • checkCan buy in bulk
  • checkTwo types of cutting stations
  • checkAngle-guided design

Cons

  • cross-altNot transportable
  • cross-alt Pricier option

Specs

  • Weight 19.2oz
  • Slot Material abrasive belt/ceramic
  • Extra Features Yes
9Work Sharp Compact Pocket Knife Sharpener

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Sticking with the Work Shop gang but showcasing their different talents is this compact pocket knife sharpener. It’s compact, light and ready to go on your next adventure with the guys. It’s the perfect gift for any outdoor-loving guy at a wallet-friendly cost.

It includes two sharpening stations. One of them is a 320-grit diamond plate with a 20-degree angle. The other is a fine ceramic station with a 25-degree angle. When using either station, your hand is placed in a central space with grooves, so you always remain in control when sharpening your pocket knives.

Some other worthy points about this design are that it comes pre-assembled, so you can get straight to sharpening your knives without waiting. Moreover, it comes with a lifetime warranty for the whole family. If this model has an issue in your ownership or when owned by a family member, you can count on Work Shop to replace it for you.

Pros

  • checkCompact for transporting
  • checkTwo sharpening stations
  • checkGrooves help you stay in control
  • checkPre-assembled
  • checkDifferent angle guides
  • checkLifetime manufacturer guarantee

Cons

  • cross-altNo additional features

Specs

  • Weight 1.6oz
  • Slot Material diamond plate
  • Extra Features No
10Smith’s 50264 Pocket Knife Sharpener

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One of the most innovative and well-designed pocket knife sharpeners on the market is the Smith’s 50264 model. It has a slightly different shape to many of the other designs by separating the soft rubber handle from the main area of the tool. This may add a little more bulk, but it certainly enhances safety and adds control. It also has rubber feet to prevent the tool slipping when placed onto a surface.

There are three sharpening stations on this design. There are a coarse slot, a fine slot and a slot for serrated knives. Where it excels the standards set by many other pocket knife sharpeners is in one awesome feature. The sharpener includes a dial which adjusts the angle of both the coarse and fine sharpening slots. Simply turn this dial to fine-tune your sharpening between 14 and 24 degrees. It may not have any additional features, but it has a phenomenal main act.

Pros

  • checkThree different sharpening stations
  • checkDial to tailor sharpening angle
  • checkNon-slip rubber feet
  • checkSoft rubber handle
  • checkInnovative manufacturing

Cons

  • cross-altLess portable than some others

Specs

  • Weight N/A
  • Slot Material N/A
  • Extra Features No
11AccuSharp 001C Pocket Knife Sharpener

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The next pocket knife sharpener is a no-thrills design but will sharpen your knives, kitchen knives and small tools effectively. This USA-born model is perfect for sharpening newbies who have never used one of these products before. It prioritizes safety ahead of anything else. It has a generous ergonomic handle. Below the handle is a full-length rubber strap to work as a barrier between your fingers and your knife’s blades.

The product features one sharpening station with carbide blades to cater to many types of knives. Their blades are expected to last between five and 10 years too – so you know this is a quality investment. When in need of maintenance, you simply get out some soap and water or stick it in the dishwasher. Hit the below link and learn even more about this quality item.

Pros

  • checkErgonomic handle
  • checkAdditional finger safety
  • checkDishwasher friendly
  • checkLong-lasting carbide blade
  • checkReliable and trusted brand

Cons

  • cross-altOnly one sharpening station

Specs

  • Weight 1.6oz
  • Slot Material Aluminum carbide blades
  • Extra Features No
12Lansky UTR7 Pocket Knife Sharpener Pack

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We’ve also thrown a combo pack into our featured list. Instead of just getting a pocket knife sharpener, you can get an EDC pocket knife here as well. This cool and sturdy 440C stainless-steel blade is the cherry on the top of an awesome product.

The sharpener has a ceramic rod made for serrated blades and two other sharpening stations. One of them is another ceramic slot while the other is made with carbide blades. These multiple sharpening stations mean the product doesn’t just cater to one type of pocket knife but can be a versatile addition to your adventuring kit.

Pros

  • checkComes with top-quality knife
  • checkMultiple sharpening blades
  • checkVersatile use
  • checkRespected and experienced brand
  • checkLanyard hole

Cons

  • cross-altNot everyone needs the knife

Specs

  • Weight 9.6oz (combined)
  • Slot Material N/A
  • Extra Features No
13Smith’s 50364 Pocket Knife Sharpener

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We might be calling this Smith’s creation a pocket knife sharpener, but really, it’s every man’s must-have survival tool. This piece of quality gear does more than sharpen your knives and tools. It has multiple additional features to keep you safe and prepared for the great outdoors.

So, what little extras does it include? You will find a firestarter with twice the ehm, firepower, than regular firestarters. It also has a compass to keep you in the right direction, a signal whistle in case of emergencies and an LED light to help you find your way or your other outdoor gear in low light conditions. Despite all these useful accessories, this is one of the lightest pocket knife sharpeners on our list.

These are fantastic supporting acts to the tool’s main function. There are multiple sharpening slots on this product. It has a tapered diamond rod to take care of gut hooks and to sharpen serrated blades. There is also a ceramic and carbide slot to take care of your other pocket knives and tools. You get all these sharpening options and extras for an unbelievable price. Don’t believe us? Take a look for yourself.

Pros

  • checkMultiple sharpening tools
  • checkCompass
  • checkEmergency whistle
  • checkLED light
  • checkFirestarter included

Cons

  • cross-altCompass adds bulk

Specs

  • Weight 0.32oz
  • Slot Material carbide blades
  • Extra Features Yes
14Smith’s 50185 Pocket Knife Sharpener

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We’ve seen similar designs to the Smith’s 50185 model. This ergonomic-handle design will certainly appeal to many guys. However, while most of these designs have offered limited sharpening stations, this model manages to merge their ergonomic handle with multiple sharpening slots. Not an easy feat and certainly not something to be overlooked!

In fact, there are three different sharpening stations on this one pocket knife sharpener. Two of them are featured towards the front of the design and the handle will make using these slots convenient and exceptionally safe. Smith’s have then cleverly added a cutting station within their handle. This is perfect to be used on various knives but is especially useful for sharpening scissors. Certainly not something that every manufacturer has considered but an exceptional and convenient inclusion.

Pros

  • checkErgonomic handle
  • checkMultiple sharpening options
  • checkSharpens scissors easily
  • checkOpen handle works as a clip
  • checkSafer design

Cons

  • cross-altHeavier model

Specs

  • Weight: 5.6oz
  • Slot Material carbide blades
  • Extra Features No
15JEOutdoors Pocket Knife Sharpener

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We will finish our look at the best pocket knife sharpeners with an aluminum design that has not yet been featured. JEOutdoors are the team responsible for this creation and we’re sure they will accept responsibility of such innovation.

This is by far the sleekest and most compact design from all the products listed here. Unlike the rest, this one is exceptionally thin and offers sharpening options in a different way. On one side is a carbide slot to set the edge of your knife perfectly. On the other side is a ceramic slot with carbide blades to maintain your edge.

To ensure your safety without offering a proper handle, it has been created with a hole in the center. This hole is for your finger so you can maintain control and safety when sharpening your pocket knife. There is also a lanyard loop attached to help you keep it on your backpack. To round off an excellent pocket knife sharpener, JEOutdoors provide this item with a lifetime warranty.

Pros

  • checkInnovative sleek design
  • checkMaintains safety with finger hole
  • checkMultiple sharpening slots
  • checkLanyard attached
  • checkManufacturers lifetime warranty included

Cons

  • cross-altMinimalist design won’t be for everyone

Specs

  • Weight 2.4oz
  • Slot Material carbide and ceramic
  • Extra Features Yes

BUYING GUIDE & FAQ’S

What Can A Pocket Knife Be Used For?

Not everyone in the market for a pocket knife sharpener will already own a pocket knife. Some men may be here browsing these cool accessories straight from considering if they need a pocket knife. Well, if you like outdoor adventures then you do. But there are also many uses for a pocket knife at home or in your man cave. Here are just some of the best uses for a pocket knife:

Meal times – when in the wild and needing to refuel, you will find that a pocket knife comes in handy for many tasks. From gutting your catch of the day to just cutting up some fruit, they come in handy when preparing meals and keeping everyone fed.

Camp building – When on your campsite, a pocket knife can be used to help you build many different useful things. They can help you make a washing line for your clothes, or if you’re really in touch with nature, they can help you make your shelter for the evening. Not to forget that they can be used to cut kindling for your firepit.

Opening packages – say goodbye to frustrating attempts at getting into your deliveries. A pocket knife is a perfect tool to get into boxes. The best benefit of using a pocket knife to cut through tape is that you maintain the condition of the packaging. This lets you re-use the box in the future and keeps it intact in case you need to return your delivery.

Emergencies – we’ve all seen movie stars using a pocket knife to save the day. Whether it’s cutting someone free who has gotten stuck, cutting clothes to assess an injury or even performing minor surgery, a pocket knife can be a great help. The various emergency situations that may arise mean there are countless uses for a pocket knife in emergency scenarios.

These are just a few picks of the uses of a pocket knife. Here are some other uses:

  • Opening wine
  • Hanging up your jacket
  • Peeling potatoes
  • Opening a can
  • Skinning
  • Tightening screws

What Are The Benefits Of Owning A Pocket Knife?

Those are the uses of a pocket knife, but what are the benefits? Here are a few of the perks that you get when owning one of these must-have accessories:

Save money – buying a new piece of gear doesn’t sound like the best way to save money. However, if you are already the proud owner of a decent pocket knife, you really don’t want to be spending a lot of money on buying a replacement when the blade gets a little dull. Instead, a pocket knife sharpener is the cost-effective option. These tools come at relatively little cost and can extend the life of your knives considerably.

Convenience – many designs allow users to sharpen their knives and tools anywhere they like. The compact dimensions and lightweight design make them come in extremely useful in some of the most demanding situations. Many of these situations are when a pocket knife would be the only solution – making a pocket knife sharpener a very important tool.

Easy to use – once you understand the different ways to sharpen a knife and the angle of your knife, these tools can be used with confidence. This is why we’ve also addressed these issues here. Now you can use a pocket knife sharpener in nature – like second nature.

Multifunctional – one of the other benefits of a pocket knife sharpener are in the additional features that many of the designs come with. Many of the best models – like the ones above – have other uses that come in useful on outdoor adventures. Expect to see pocket knife sharpeners with firestarters, compasses, emergency whistles, lanyard holes and more.

What Different Types Of Sharpeners Are Available?

Just as our list of pocket knife sharpeners includes many different designs, there are also lots of different types of pocket knife sharpeners. However, not all of them are portable and suitable to be taken on your hunting trips with the guys.

One popular method is to use a sharpening stone. These stones are more commonly referred to as whetstones. They can be of different quality and made from varied materials, including ceramic and diamond. These can be single products, or the stone can be attached to a multifunctional sharpener like we saw in some of the above products. A big advantage of whetstones is that they are highly versatile. They can be used on your knives but can also sharpen tools and fishing gear.

Another popular type of pocket knife sharpener is a honing device. Nearly all of the models above included some sort of honing slot. However, there are different types of slots – as you’ve also seen in our top 15. Some slots will hone and polish your blades while others will sharpen them.

Benchtop knife sharpeners and electric sharpeners provide another option for us guys. They are usually made in the same way as honing devices but may include abrasive belts as well. These models can be some of the most efficient and effective because of their size and power. However, this same benefit prevents them from being taken on your adventures.

These are the three most popular types of knife sharpeners which give you food for thought. You will also discover that many of the more portable models combine honing slots with whetstone-like stations.

Straight Vs Serrated Blade Sharpeners

First, let’s understand the difference between straight and serrated blades. A straight blade is any knife with a straight edge. Most knives have a straight edge. However, some blades have a jagged edge. If you’re struggling to imagine this then think of a bread knife. These serrated knives have a serrated edge which have increased in popularity due to their aggressive and rugged aesthetic. Interestingly, some more modern pocket knives use both edges in a type of straight-serrated combo.

Because these blades are significantly different, they require different types of sharpeners to keep them well maintained. While most types of sharpeners can cater to straight edges, rods are the most effective way to sharpen serrated knives. You will notice that many of the models on our buyer guide include a pull-out rod. These rods give you more accuracy to sharpen the contours of the serrated blade.

A Guide To Pocket Knife Sharpening Angles

When you sharpen your knife, you may have to choose a pocket knife sharpener that adheres to your knife’s angle or find one that can be tailored to your needs (check out product 10 above for a sharpener that has a dial so you can tailor its sharpening angle to your knife!). To help you understand knife angles a little better, here is a handy guide that covers the basics:

Sub 10 degrees – knives with an angle below 10 degrees are often used for cutting materials that are relatively soft. Pocket knives with an angle of around seven or eight degrees will almost certainly be straight-edge designs.

10-20 degrees – these sorts of angles will come in useful for gutting fish and chopping meat around your campfire. They are generally not ideal for chopping stronger materials or to be used in a chopping technique.

20-30 degrees – these knives will be more durable than those with a lesser angle. They can be considered as hunting knives and are great for skinning and similar activities. They will also be more robust for tackling some building tasks in the wild.

30+ degrees – even more durable are knives with an angle above 30 degrees. These knives can be utilized with much more brute force to achieve cutting.

Whichever type of knife you have or plan to own, it’s important that you get a pocket knife sharpener that matches it. Many models have multiple slots to be tailored to knives within a specific angle range. More sophisticated models can be bought that provide a wider range of angles.

Did One Of Them Make The Cut?

We’ve had the pleasure of walking you through some of the best pocket knife sharpeners on the market. We’ve taken a detailed look at models from the likes of Smith’s, Work Sharp, Accusharp and more. There are different types of sharpeners with vastly different designs which is why we made our showcase full of difference to cater to all men and their needs. So, did one of these pocket knife sharpeners make the cut for you?

If you’ve managed to narrow down your search and need some help to make your decision, then click on the links to discover more about each product. Remember, there is no perfect pocket knife sharpener. You just have to find the one that matches your needs and uses perfectly.

Thanks for joining our buyer guide and sharpening your knowledge with us. We hope we have been able to get to the bottom of some of your questions regarding these products. But more importantly, we hope we have managed to help you find another quality possession that will last you for years more of adventuring. Why not check out some tactical tomahawks next to go with your pocket knife sharpener?

April 10, 2019 / Comments Off on Best 15 Pocket Knife Sharpeners
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