Gear Artistic Knives – Unusual Suspects Recoil Staff September 26, 2012 Join the Conversation At RECOIL, we review every product fairly and without bias. Making a purchase through one of our links may earn us a small commission, and helps support independent gun reviews. Learn More Find out more about how we test products. A Work of Art in Your Pocket A good knife is an indispensable tool that is used for everything from busting open that package you just got delivered to getting you out of a tricky situation. Shown here in actual size are a range of knives, from one that was designed for close quarters combat to one that includes a retractable, glass breaker. Precisely machined, these pocket-works of art are almost too beautiful to be used…almost. Brand Colombia River Knife & Tool Model K.I.S.S.ASSist OAL 6.75 inches Blade Length 2.75 inches Weight 2.5 ounces MSRP $69 URL www.crkt.com This knife features a Fire-Safe mechanism that allows for safe and fast, one-hand assisted opening and one-hand closing. Brand Spartan Blades Model CQB Tool OAL 6.94 inches Blade Length 2.88 inches Weight 2 ounces MSRP $160 URL www.spartanbladesusa.com Designed for close-quarters-grappling situations, this ring dagger comes with its own MOLLE/PALS-compatible kydex sheath. Brand SOG Model Aegis Mini Tanto-Black TiNi OAL 7 inches Blade Length 3 inches Weight 2 ounces MSRP $90 URL www.sogknives.com This ultralightweight knife features an assisted opening and a reversible pocket clip. Brand Spyderco Model Assist Black Blade OAL 8.44 inches Blade Length 3.69 inches Weight 4 ounces MSRP $150 URL www.spyderco.com Made for emergencies, this blunt-nosed knife includes a glass breaker and a whistle, and can be converted to safely cut rope without exposing the knife's edge to the user. Brand Zero Tolerance Knives Model Ranger Green Assisted Folder OAL 8.63 inches Blade Length 3.75 inches Weight 8 ounces MSRP $340 URL www.kershawknives.com This collaboration between ZT and Strider Knives is deployed one-handed thanks to its smooth operation and ambidextrous blade protrusion. Brand Benchmade Model Adamas Folder OAL 8.7 inches Blade Length 3.82 inches Weight 7.7 ounces MSRP $195 URL www.benchmade.com Featuring great overall balance, smooth blade operation, and nice grip feel, the individually numbered blade puts this knife over the top. Brand 5.11 Model Tanto Surge OAL 8.85 inches Blade Length 4.25 inches Weight 7 ounces MSRP $90 URL www.511tactical.com The Tanto Surge has serrated, index-finger and thumb grips for control and comes with its own MOLLE-compatible sheath. Brand Houge Model EX-01 Tactical Folder G-Mascus OAL 9 inches Blade Length 4 inches Weight 5.2 ounces MSRP $240 URL www.hogueknives.com The EX-01 features a chemical-resistant G10 grip and locking blade safety. Why you can trust RECOIL Since our founding in 2012, RECOIL remains the premier firearms lifestyle publication for the modern shooting enthusiast. We deliver cutting-edge coverage of guns, gear, accessories and technology. We go beyond basic reviews, providing no B.S. buyer’s guides, hands-on testing and expert analysis on everything from firearms and survival equipment to watches and vehicles. Our reviewers are the backbone of our operation and come from diverse shooting backgrounds: Former law enforcement, military veterans, competitive shooters, seasoned hunters and plain old firearms enthusiasts. Furthermore, we’re not just gun experts, but dedicated journalists who adhere to the strictest standards of our profession. At RECOIL, editorial independence is the foundation of everything we publish and the cornerstone of reader trust. Our editors, writers and content creators make all editorial decisions independently, free from outside influence. That boils down to: advertisers don’t dictate our coverage, the outcomes of our reviews or what we recommend in our buyer’s guides. First and always, our commitment is to our audience—ensuring every review and article is accurate, unbiased, and driven by real-world experience. Whether you’re selecting your next firearm, upgrading your gear, or exploring the latest innovations in the shooting world, RECOIL provides the trusted insights you need to make informed decisions. Learn more about our Editorial Standards and how we review products. NEXT STEP: Download Your Free Target Pack from RECOILFor years, RECOIL magazine has treated its readers to a full-size (sometimes full color!) shooting target tucked into each big issue. Now we've compiled over 50 of our most popular targets into this one digital PDF download. From handgun drills to AR-15 practice, these 50+ targets have you covered. Print off as many as you like (ammo not included). Get your pack of 50 Print-at-Home targets when you subscribe to the RECOIL email newsletter. We'll send you weekly updates on guns, gear, industry news, and special offers from leading manufacturers - your guide to the firearms lifestyle.You want this. Trust Us.
