Latest Articles

Gerber Paraframe Review & Sharpness Test

TL;DR: The Gerber Paraframe is an interesting 3" skeletonized EDC folder. Its 314 stainless blade and handle come coated in TiN. Decent sharpness out...

The Guide to Carbides and Knife Steel Elements

Regardless of whether its carbon, stainless, or tool steel, all knife alloys have some (or all) of the following elements in their composition. When...

14C28N Steel Composition & Review

You've probably seen Sandvik 14C28N steel listed alongside the specifications for a cheap folding knife or pocket knife. Is it a good knife steel?...

Elmax Steel Composition & Review

Elmax is a high-end stainless CPM (Crucible Particle Metallurgy) steel developed by the Austrian steel company Böhler-Uddeholm. Böhler makes specialized alloys for aerospace companies...

CJRB “Ria” Knife Review & Sharpness Test

TL;DR: At $33 to $55, the CJRB Ria isn't enough knife for the price. For such a thin, high grind, its sharpness is mediocre....

8Cr13MoV Knife Steel Composition & Review

The 8Cr13MoV alloy has been called "cheap" -- it is, after all, a Chinese stainless alloy -- but that doesn't meant it isn't a good knife steel. Let's review its composition, popular knife blades that use it, and its pros and cons.

Kershaw Link Review & Sharpness Test

The US-made Kershaw Link is a durable and compact cutter. Thanks to its CPM 20CV steel, its cutting edge has some of the best edge retention of all knives we've tested. It's also heavy. Is it worth $80? Find out here.

Knife Steel Composition Charts

Let's compare carbon, tool, and stainless steel. Today, we're also reviewing powdered metals. Let's also see what elements and carbides contribute to a knife blade's performance, and how they work.

How-To's

What is Stropping? How to Refine Your Knife’s Edge

Stropping helps refine your blade by cleaning up tiny burrs, and by thinning out the apex. But what, exactly, what is stropping? How does it work? Here’s a review backed by microscopic photography and knife science.

Knife Knowledge

Are Butterfly Knives Illegal? (Federal & State Laws)

We've seen a lot of misinformation about the legality of butterfly knives, also known as Balisongs. Other sites have written that Balisongs are illegal in states like Texas, Wisconsin, Utah, and Kansas. These claims are false.