Bladebenchguide

Knives and blades reviewed by people who actually use them.

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How to Choose the Right Bushcraft Knives
May 29, 2025

How to Choose the Right Bushcraft Knives

As a maker, I look first at the metallurgy. High-carbon steels like 1095 offer superior toughness and ease of sharpening in the field, while modern powdered metallurgy steels like CPM-3V provide excep

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Best Bushcraft Knives for Everyday Use
May 24, 2025

Best Bushcraft Knives for Everyday Use

I make knives and I use them in the woods — so when I talk bushcraft blades I'm talking steel choice, edge geometry, and how a handle feels after a day of baton‑work and spoon carving. Bushcraft tools

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Pocket Knives Buying Guide: What to Look For in 2026
May 20, 2025

Pocket Knives Buying Guide: What to Look For in 2026

Choosing the right pocket knife isn’t just about brand or style—it's about understanding the core elements that make a blade perform reliably in real-world tasks. Whether you're hunting, bushcrafting,

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How to Choose the Right Pocket Knives
May 16, 2025

How to Choose the Right Pocket Knives

About the Author: Derek Stone — Derek is a custom knife maker and former wildland firefighter who has carried and used blades in the field for 15 years. He reviews knives based on edge retention, ergo

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Best Pocket Knives for Everyday Use
May 11, 2025

Best Pocket Knives for Everyday Use

When I’m choosing a knife for everyday carry, I weigh hardness, toughness, and how well the steel handles moisture. Stainless options like VG-10, S30V/CPM-20CV, and M390 resist corrosion in rain, swea

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Fixed Blade Knives Buying Guide: What to Look For in 2026
May 07, 2025

Fixed Blade Knives Buying Guide: What to Look For in 2026

Choosing steel is about balance. Carbon steels like 1095 bite hard and take a razor edge, but they rust if neglected. Stainless candidates such as CPM S35VN, CTS-XHP, and M390 resist corrosion and kee

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How to Choose the Right Fixed Blade Knives
May 02, 2025

How to Choose the Right Fixed Blade Knives

When it comes to selecting a fixed blade knife, especially for demanding outdoor activities like hunting, bushcraft, or survival, making an informed choice is crucial. Your knife is not just a tool—it

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Best Fixed Blade Knives for Everyday Use
April 28, 2025

Best Fixed Blade Knives for Everyday Use

Steel chemistry and heat treatment drive edge retention, corrosion resistance, and ease of field touch-ups, so start there. In practical field testing, carbide-rich alloys like M390, CPM S35VN, and VG

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Folding Knives Buying Guide: What to Look For in 2026
April 24, 2025

Folding Knives Buying Guide: What to Look For in 2026

The heart of any folder is the steel, and your choice dictates how long the knife stays sharp under abuse. For heavy-duty bushcraft and hunting, look for high-carbon steels like CPM-3V or 154CM, which

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How to Choose the Right Folding Knives
April 19, 2025

How to Choose the Right Folding Knives

Folding knives are among the most versatile tools you can carry—perfect for EDC, hunting, bushcraft, or everyday tasks. The key to making the right choice lies in understanding how steel types, blade

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Best Folding Knives for Everyday Use
April 15, 2025

Best Folding Knives for Everyday Use

When evaluating steels for a folding knife, corrosion resistance, edge retention, and toughness are your triad. Premium stainless steels like S35VN, S30V, M390, and CTS-204P resist corrosion in field

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Hunting Knives Buying Guide: What to Look For in 2026
April 10, 2025

Hunting Knives Buying Guide: What to Look For in 2026

As a knife maker and field user, I've honed my expertise in crafting knives that excel in both cutting performance and durability. This roundup aims to equip you, the discerning hunter, camper, and bu

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