Comprehensive Knife Guide

[Jason Voorhees]

Okay since everyone knows what kind of dark times we are living in right now. Carrying a Knife is essential. It is not just muh trying to be edgy faggot. It can make the difference between life or death. Knives are also extremely practical one of the best tools you can carry in your pocket

I’ll cover all knife types folders, fixed, switchblades, autos, OTFs, balisongs and break down laws, mechanisms, best picks, brands, price tiers, usage, and maintenance. This will basically be a full Knife 101.

Knife Types

1. Folding Knives

Blade folds into the handle.

Safer and compact for daily carry.

Sub-types:

Manual folders (need two hands or thumb stud to open)

Assisted folders (spring helps once you start opening)

Pros: Easy to carry, pocketable.
Cons: Not as tough as fixed blades.


2. Fixed Blade Knives(My favorite)

Blade is permanently exposed (with a sheath)

Stronger, no moving parts.

Sub-types:

Tactical Fixed Blade (self-defense, military)

Bushcraft Fixed Blade (outdoor survival, wood processing)

Hunting Knives (gutting/skinning game)

Pros: Strong, reliable for hard tasks.
Cons: Bulkier, needs a sheath.


3. Switchblades / Automatic Knives

Push-button deployment.

Blade springs open automatically.


Sub-types:

Side-opening autos (opens like a regular folder but automatic)

Out-the-front (OTF) autos (blade shoots straight out of handle)

Famous examples:

Microtech Ultratech (OTF king)

Benchmade Infidel (premium OTF)

Protech Godfather (classic side opener)


Pros: Very fast deployment, cool factor.
Cons: Heavily restricted in many places (explain in detail in other section).


4. Balisong / Butterfly Knives

Blade is hidden between two handles that rotate around the blade pivot.


Famous examples:

BRS Replicant (butterfly competition gold standard)

Benchmade 51 Morpho (lightweight EDC bali)

Pros: Fun to flip, fast opening with practice.
Cons: Tricky to master, illegal some places.


5. Multi-tools and Swiss Army Knives

Small folding blades + tools like screwdrivers, scissors, etc.


Best brands:

Victorinox (Swiss Army OG)

Leatherman (heavy-duty multitools)

Pros: Utility king.
Cons: Blades are usually weaker and smaller.


Knife Opening Mechanisms(Summary)

Mechanism	Action
Thumb Stub	Flick Open with Thumb
Flipper Tab	Push Tab,blade flips out
Axis Lock	Pull back bar
Button Unlock	Push button unlock
Compression Lock	Squeeze Spine Bar to Unlock
OTF button	Blade shoots out in front

Knife Steels and My opinion

S30V / S35VN: Top all-around steel. Great edge, stainless.

S90V / S110V: Ultra edge retention. Hard to sharpen.

D2: "Semi-stainless", tough, budget-friendly.

154CM: Stainless, solid performance.

M390 / 20CV / CTS-204P: Super steels best edge, best corrosion resistance.

1095 Carbon Steel: Super tough, easy to sharpen, but rusts fast without care.

MagnaCut-Extreme Corrosion resistance and very tough. Designed for use in and around water. Many U.S Marines preferred choice but expensive and hard to find

Damascus: Pattern-welded steel.Beautiful looks, decent toughness. Performance depends on base steels. Good as a show piece but Overall too expensive and better to stick to modern steels for practical use (S35VN, M390, MagnaCut, etc.)

Knife Laws (IMPORTANT)

Switchblade / Automatic Knife Laws

USA:

Federally legal to own, illegal to ship across states.

Some states (like Texas, Arizona) allow carry, others (California, New York) heavily restrict.

California law: Blade must be under 2" for carry.

Other Countries:

UK: Completely banned (both switchblades and balisongs) but people still carry and get away with especially switchblades are very popular in UK

Canada: Also banned.

Germany, France, Italy: Very restricted, local rules apply.


General Rule:

Know your local laws before buying or carrying an automatic knife.

Even folding knives over 3-4" can be restricted in cities.


Top Knife Brands (Ranked)

God Tier

Chris Reeve, Microtech, Shirogorov, Strider

High-End

Benchmade, Spyderco, Zero Tolerance, Protech

Mid-Range

Civivi, Kizer, Bestech

Budget Kings

CRKT, Ontario Knife Company, Cold Steel (some models)

Best Picks by Price Range

Under $50:

Ontario RAT 1

Civivi Mini Praxis

Kershaw Cryo II


$50-$150:

Benchmade Mini Griptilian

Spyderco Para 3 Lightweight

Civivi Elementum Button Lock

$150-$300:

Benchmade Bugout

Zero Tolerance 0350

Protech TR-3 Auto

$300+:

Microtech Ultratech OTF

Chris Reeve Sebenza 31

Shirogorov Neon

Care and Maintenance

Sharpen regularly: Use a whetstone or a guided system like Worksharp.

Oil pivots: Especially for autos and balisongs. (Use KPL Knife Oil.)

Keep carbon steels dry: Use a light coat of mineral oil to prevent rust.

Clean debris: Compressed air + alcohol wipes for OTFs and autos.

Some Tips for choosing a knife

Blade Length: 3-3.5” is the sweet spot for EDC.

Carry a beater knife: Don’t use your best knife for hard use. Keep a cheap folder for nasty tasks.

Don’t flick open autos/balisongs in public: People freak out, cops get called.

Build a sharpening habit: A dull $300 knife is worse than a sharp $20 knife.


Bonus Section: Coolest Knife Types

Gravity Knives: Blade falls out by gravity (Germany military issued these).

Karambits: Curved blade, mostly tactical and martial arts.

Tanto Blades: Strong tip for stabbing/piercing.

Wharncliffe Blades: Straight cutting edge, amazing control.

Conclusion

If you want everyday reliability:

Spyderco Para 3, Benchmade Bugout, or a Civivi Elementum.

If you want badass flex knives:

Microtech Ultratech, Benchmade Infidel, Protech Godfather.

If you want survival tank knives:

ESEE 5, Fallkniven F1, Cold Steel SRK


If you want a complete set of knife loadouts that will serve you well here are my recommendations. I'll give three loadouts depending on your budget.


A) Practical Knife Loadout (Budget-$100-$180)

1. EDC Folder

Civivi Elementum (Button Lock)

Smooth, classy, legal in most places, easy to carry.

2. Outdoor Fixed Blade

ESEE 3 or ESEE 4

Absolute tanks. 1095 carbon steel. Easy to sharpen. Lifetime warranty even if you break it.

3. Fun Knife

Kershaw Launch 4 (tiny auto if legal)

Or a Boker Kalashnikov auto if you want cheaper fun.

4. Beater Knife

Ontario RAT 1

Legendary cheap folder. Beat the hell out of it.


B) Starting Collector Loadout (Budget-$250-$500)

1. EDC Folder

Spyderco Para 3 Lightweight (S30V steel)

Ergonomic, slicey, premium but not too flashy.


2. Outdoor Fixed Blade

Fallkniven F1 (Swedish air force survival knife)

VG10 steel core, laminated, insanely tough and rust-proof.

3. Fun Knife

Protech TR-3 Auto

One of the fastest, cleanest automatics.


4. Beater Knife

CRKT M16-01KS

Tactical styled, cheap but reliable.


C) GigaChad Loadout. Best of the best knives and heirloom pieces (Budget-$600+)

1. EDC Folder

Chris Reeve Small Sebenza 31

King of folding knives. Butter smooth, lifetime knife.


2. Outdoor Fixed Blade

Busse Combat Knife (any model)

Overbuilt survival monsters. INFI steel (almost mythic toughness).


3. Fun Knife

Microtech Ultratech OTF

Blade shoots straight out — flex level 999. Loud, dangerous, badass.

4. Beater Knife

Cold Steel SR1 Lite

Thick slab of steel for rough use.

 

[Shahnameh]

UK: Completely banned (both switchblades and balisongs) but people still carry and get away with especially switchblades are very popular in UK

Completely banned in Australia too

 

[Jason Voorhees]

@Chadeep @loyolaxavvierretard @deadstock @neverlookback @menas @JeanneDArcAlter

 

[loyolaxavvierretard]

I read 3/4ths. Will read the last section later.

Good compilation

 

[trench]

gr8 thread

 

[Jason Voorhees]

@666PSL @widdi @It'snotover

 

[666PSL]

Learning basic hand-to-hand combat with knives is also a game-changer, its a must for Karambits.

 

[It'snotover]

Good guide even tho kitchen knifes mogs

 

[Jason Voorhees]

Good guide even tho kitchen knifes mogs
View attachment 3683311

Some kitchen knives are actually insane quality, better than a lot of "tactical" knives. They outperform them in edge retention but aren't great for heavy duty applications

 

[It'snotover]

Some kitchen knives are actually insane quality, better than a lot of "tactical" knives. They outperform them in edge retention but aren't great for heavy duty applications

Yeah of course close combat is only possible with tactial small knifes and kitchen knifes are pretty uncomfortable to carry around as opposed to them, a smaller blade is more versatile and can do different tasks. But there's something about kitchen knifes, probably that long, sharp and shiny blade that makes them beautiful to look at.

 

[GabachoCopium]

Okay since everyone knows what kind of dark times we are living in right now. Carrying a Knife is essential. It is not just muh trying to be edgy faggot. It can make the difference between life or death. Knives are also extremely practical one of the best tools you can carry in your pocket

I’ll cover all knife types folders, fixed, switchblades, autos, OTFs, balisongs and break down laws, mechanisms, best picks, brands, price tiers, usage, and maintenance. This will basically be a full Knife 101.

Knife Types

1. Folding Knives

Blade folds into the handle.

Safer and compact for daily carry.

Sub-types:

Manual folders (need two hands or thumb stud to open)

View attachment 3683257

Assisted folders (spring helps once you start opening)

View attachment 3683258



Pros: Easy to carry, pocketable.
Cons: Not as tough as fixed blades.


2. Fixed Blade Knives(My favorite)

Blade is permanently exposed (with a sheath)

Stronger, no moving parts.

Sub-types:

Tactical Fixed Blade (self-defense, military)

View attachment 3683266

Bushcraft Fixed Blade (outdoor survival, wood processing)

View attachment 3683268


Hunting Knives (gutting/skinning game)

View attachment 3683269

Pros: Strong, reliable for hard tasks.
Cons: Bulkier, needs a sheath.


3. Switchblades / Automatic Knives

Push-button deployment.

Blade springs open automatically.


Sub-types:

Side-opening autos (opens like a regular folder but automatic)
View attachment 3683271

Out-the-front (OTF) autos (blade shoots straight out of handle)

View attachment 3683260

Famous examples:

Microtech Ultratech (OTF king)

Benchmade Infidel (premium OTF)

Protech Godfather (classic side opener)


Pros: Very fast deployment, cool factor.
Cons: Heavily restricted in many places (explain in detail in other section).


4. Balisong / Butterfly Knives

Blade is hidden between two handles that rotate around the blade pivot.


Famous examples:

BRS Replicant (butterfly competition gold standard)
View attachment 3683273


Benchmade 51 Morpho (lightweight EDC bali)
View attachment 3683275

Pros: Fun to flip, fast opening with practice.
Cons: Tricky to master, illegal some places.


5. Multi-tools and Swiss Army Knives

Small folding blades + tools like screwdrivers, scissors, etc.


Best brands:

Victorinox (Swiss Army OG)
View attachment 3683276

Leatherman (heavy-duty multitools)
View attachment 3683278

Pros: Utility king.
Cons: Blades are usually weaker and smaller.


Knife Opening Mechanisms(Summary)

Mechanism	Action
Thumb Stub	Flick Open with Thumb
Flipper Tab	Push Tab,blade flips out
Axis Lock	Pull back bar
Button Unlock	Push button unlock
Compression Lock	Squeeze Spine Bar to Unlock
OTF button	Blade shoots out in front

Knife Steels and My opinion

S30V / S35VN: Top all-around steel. Great edge, stainless.

S90V / S110V: Ultra edge retention. Hard to sharpen.

D2: "Semi-stainless", tough, budget-friendly.

154CM: Stainless, solid performance.

M390 / 20CV / CTS-204P: Super steels best edge, best corrosion resistance.

1095 Carbon Steel: Super tough, easy to sharpen, but rusts fast without care.

Damascus: Pattern-welded steel.Beautiful looks, decent toughness. Performance depends on base steels. Good as a show piece but Overall too expensive and better to stick to modern steels for practical use (S35VN, M390, MagnaCut, etc.)

Knife Laws (IMPORTANT)

Switchblade / Automatic Knife Laws

USA:

Federally legal to own, illegal to ship across states.

Some states (like Texas, Arizona) allow carry, others (California, New York) heavily restrict.

California law: Blade must be under 2" for carry.

Other Countries:

UK: Completely banned (both switchblades and balisongs) but people still carry and get away with especially switchblades are very popular in UK

Canada: Also banned.

Germany, France, Italy: Very restricted, local rules apply.


General Rule:

Know your local laws before buying or carrying an automatic knife.

Even folding knives over 3-4" can be restricted in cities.


Top Knife Brands (Ranked)

God Tier

Chris Reeve, Microtech, Shirogorov, Strider

High-End

Benchmade, Spyderco, Zero Tolerance, Protech

Mid-Range

Civivi, Kizer, Bestech

Budget Kings

CRKT, Ontario Knife Company, Cold Steel (some models)

Best Picks by Price Range

Under $50:

Ontario RAT 1

Civivi Mini Praxis

Kershaw Cryo II


$50-$150:

Benchmade Mini Griptilian

Spyderco Para 3 Lightweight

Civivi Elementum Button Lock

$150-$300:

Benchmade Bugout

Zero Tolerance 0350

Protech TR-3 Auto

$300+:

Microtech Ultratech OTF

Chris Reeve Sebenza 31

Shirogorov Neon

Care and Maintenance

Sharpen regularly: Use a whetstone or a guided system like Worksharp.

View attachment 3683285

Oil pivots: Especially for autos and balisongs. (Use KPL Knife Oil.)
View attachment 3683286

Keep carbon steels dry: Use a light coat of mineral oil to prevent rust.

Clean debris: Compressed air + alcohol wipes for OTFs and autos.

Some Tips for choosing a knife

Blade Length: 3-3.5” is the sweet spot for EDC.

Carry a beater knife: Don’t use your best knife for hard use. Keep a cheap folder for nasty tasks.

Don’t flick open autos/balisongs in public: People freak out, cops get called.

Build a sharpening habit: A dull $300 knife is worse than a sharp $20 knife.


Bonus Section: Coolest Knife Types

Gravity Knives: Blade falls out by gravity (Germany military issued these).

View attachment 3683290

Karambits: Curved blade, mostly tactical and martial arts.
View attachment 3683292

Tanto Blades: Strong tip for stabbing/piercing.
View attachment 3683293

Wharncliffe Blades: Straight cutting edge, amazing control.
View attachment 3683295


Conclusion

If you want everyday reliability:

Spyderco Para 3, Benchmade Bugout, or a Civivi Elementum.

If you want badass flex knives:

Microtech Ultratech, Benchmade Infidel, Protech Godfather.

If you want survival tank knives:

ESEE 5, Fallkniven F1, Cold Steel SRK


If you want a complete set of knife loadouts that will serve you well here are my recommendations. I'll give three loadouts depending on your budget.


A) Practical Knife Loadout (Budget-$100-$180)

1. EDC Folder

Civivi Elementum (Button Lock)

Smooth, classy, legal in most places, easy to carry.

2. Outdoor Fixed Blade

ESEE 3 or ESEE 4

Absolute tanks. 1095 carbon steel. Easy to sharpen. Lifetime warranty even if you break it.

3. Fun Knife

Kershaw Launch 4 (tiny auto if legal)

Or a Boker Kalashnikov auto if you want cheaper fun.

4. Beater Knife

Ontario RAT 1

Legendary cheap folder. Beat the hell out of it.


B) Starting Collector Loadout (Budget-$250-$500)

1. EDC Folder

Spyderco Para 3 Lightweight (S30V steel)

Ergonomic, slicey, premium but not too flashy.


2. Outdoor Fixed Blade

Fallkniven F1 (Swedish air force survival knife)

VG10 steel core, laminated, insanely tough and rust-proof.

3. Fun Knife

Protech TR-3 Auto

One of the fastest, cleanest automatics.


4. Beater Knife

CRKT M16-01KS

Tactical styled, cheap but reliable.


C) GigaChad Loadout. Best of the best knives and heirloom pieces (Budget-$600+)

1. EDC Folder

Chris Reeve Small Sebenza 31

King of folding knives. Butter smooth, lifetime knife.


2. Outdoor Fixed Blade

Busse Combat Knife (any model)

Overbuilt survival monsters. INFI steel (almost mythic toughness).


3. Fun Knife

Microtech Ultratech OTF

Blade shoots straight out — flex level 999. Loud, dangerous, badass.

4. Beater Knife

Cold Steel SR1 Lite

Thick slab of steel for rough use.

i actually appreciate this, ive been thinking about buying an edc knife for a couple days now

 

[uksucks]

If you're in UK, just stay away from blacks and you're probably ok

 

[Jason Voorhees]

@sigma boii @wishIwasSalludon @SecularIslamist @diditeverbegin

 

[SecularIslamist]

They will ban all pointy objects in the UK soon.

 

[Jason Voorhees]

If you're in UK, just stay away from blacks and you're probably ok

Same applies in USA for guns @666PSL

 

[sigma boii]

I'm getting fixed blade knife soon

 

[Jason Voorhees]

@Sprinkles

 

[Jason Voorhees]

I'm getting fixed blade knife soon

Which one?

 

[sigma boii]

Which one?

Whichever one is on amazon

 

[Jason Voorhees]

Whichever one is on amazon

Buy ESEE 4P. It is only amazon

 

[True truecel]

UK shenanigans

 

[Jason Voorhees]

@HimmyButlerV2 @Alias! @NoReedemingFeature

 

[Panzram]

Learning basic hand-to-hand combat with knives is also a game-changer, its a must for Karambits.

Knives suck for self defence, they are good for murder tho.

 

[Jason Voorhees]

Knives suck for self defence, they are good for murder tho.

Knives can work for self-defense but only if you have training, quick reflexes.
They are better weapons for sudden attack than clean self-defense but Knives are extremely lethal at close range way more than most people realize. Even a 2-3 inch small blade can hit arteries or vital organs easily

 

[Jason Voorhees]

Knives suck for self defence, they are good for murder tho.

Baton /Extendable Sticks are generally best for self defense. They give a ton of range and have good stopping power but it hard to conceal them. That is why I always recommend to carry a Pepper Spray / OC Spray or Tactical Flashlight along with a fixed blade knife for self defence if guns are illegal in your state or you don't want to deal with black market places to acquire firearms. You are fully covered for almost all kinds of situations with a knife and a pepper spray.

 

[Panzram]

Knives can work for self-defense but only if you have training, quick reflexes.
They are better weapons for sudden attack than clean self-defense but Knives are extremely lethal at close range way more than most people realize. Even a 2-3 inch small blade can hit arteries or vital organs easily

If your opponent is armed with a knife as well (one of the most common thug weapons outside America) then knives suck for self defence. I would pick a knife against a bat or any impact weapon tho. However you cant fence with knives, too close range and prone to end up in a clinch. Both parties are likely to die.

Also knives have no stopping power. If someone is much stronger than you he can still bodyslam you on your head or knock you out after you stab him. The fact I have to be in reach of my opponent to use it is a massive disadvantage. Any sane person in America if serious should carry a gun if they are concerned about self defence. Not to even mention how the courts and public look at knive use.

 

[Panzram]

Baton /Extendable Sticks are generally best for self defense. They give a ton of range and have good stopping power but it hard to conceal them. That is why I always recommend to carry a Pepper Spray / OC Spray or Tactical Flashlight along with a fixed blade knife for self defence if guns are illegal in your state or you don't want to deal with black market places to acquire firearms. You are fully covered for almost all kinds of situations with a knife and a pepper spray.

The problem with batons is that you still have to be strong to use it. I am sure you have seen a lot of video where people refuse to go down or stop after taking a horrible beating with a batton or a bat. Unironicaly empty handed skills and raw strength are the most important for defence after guns. A strong man trained in MMA can always use a batton and fall back on his skills if his opponent closes the distance and tackles him.

Pepper spay is very good tho.

 

[Jason Voorhees]

If your opponent is armed with a knife as well (one of the most common thug weapons outside America) then knives suck for self defence. I would pick a knife against a bat or any inpact weapon tho. However you cant fence with knives, too close range and prone to end up in a clinch. Both parties are likely to die.

Also knives have no stopping power. If someone is much stronger than you he can still bodyslam you on your head or knock you out after you stab him. The fact I have to be in reach of my opponent to use it is a massive disadvantage. Any sane person in America if serious should carry a gun if they are concerned about self defence. Not to even mention how the courts and public look at knive use.

True, dynamics change completely when both opponents are armed with knives and that's where knives become a much more risky choice for self-defense but in a close-range, chaotic altercation, a knife is deadly, and if used well. It can stop the fight before the other person can overpower.

Knives are quicker to deploy than a bat especially if you're carrying a small, accessible blade. A bat requires more room to swing effectively and could leave you open to being stabbed in return.

But yes using it like this requires a lot of skill. Unless you were in special forces where they teach you how to fight with tactical knives you are likely going to get cut. It is not realistic for the average guy because it takes extreme precision, skill, and focus to keep a distance while handling a blade effectively in close combat. Firearms are the king but knives are next best thing imo

 

[Jason Voorhees]

@我需要阴部

 

[Judge Holden]

Okay since everyone knows what kind of dark times we are living in right now. Carrying a Knife is essential. It is not just muh trying to be edgy faggot. It can make the difference between life or death. Knives are also extremely practical one of the best tools you can carry in your pocket

I’ll cover all knife types folders, fixed, switchblades, autos, OTFs, balisongs and break down laws, mechanisms, best picks, brands, price tiers, usage, and maintenance. This will basically be a full Knife 101.

Knife Types

1. Folding Knives

Blade folds into the handle.

Safer and compact for daily carry.

Sub-types:

Manual folders (need two hands or thumb stud to open)

View attachment 3683257

Assisted folders (spring helps once you start opening)

View attachment 3683258



Pros: Easy to carry, pocketable.
Cons: Not as tough as fixed blades.


2. Fixed Blade Knives(My favorite)

Blade is permanently exposed (with a sheath)

Stronger, no moving parts.

Sub-types:

Tactical Fixed Blade (self-defense, military)

View attachment 3683266

Bushcraft Fixed Blade (outdoor survival, wood processing)

View attachment 3683268


Hunting Knives (gutting/skinning game)

View attachment 3683269

Pros: Strong, reliable for hard tasks.
Cons: Bulkier, needs a sheath.


3. Switchblades / Automatic Knives

Push-button deployment.

Blade springs open automatically.


Sub-types:

Side-opening autos (opens like a regular folder but automatic)
View attachment 3683271

Out-the-front (OTF) autos (blade shoots straight out of handle)

View attachment 3683260

Famous examples:

Microtech Ultratech (OTF king)

Benchmade Infidel (premium OTF)

Protech Godfather (classic side opener)


Pros: Very fast deployment, cool factor.
Cons: Heavily restricted in many places (explain in detail in other section).


4. Balisong / Butterfly Knives

Blade is hidden between two handles that rotate around the blade pivot.


Famous examples:

BRS Replicant (butterfly competition gold standard)
View attachment 3683273


Benchmade 51 Morpho (lightweight EDC bali)
View attachment 3683275

Pros: Fun to flip, fast opening with practice.
Cons: Tricky to master, illegal some places.


5. Multi-tools and Swiss Army Knives

Small folding blades + tools like screwdrivers, scissors, etc.


Best brands:

Victorinox (Swiss Army OG)
View attachment 3683276

Leatherman (heavy-duty multitools)
View attachment 3683278

Pros: Utility king.
Cons: Blades are usually weaker and smaller.


Knife Opening Mechanisms(Summary)

Mechanism	Action
Thumb Stub	Flick Open with Thumb
Flipper Tab	Push Tab,blade flips out
Axis Lock	Pull back bar
Button Unlock	Push button unlock
Compression Lock	Squeeze Spine Bar to Unlock
OTF button	Blade shoots out in front

Knife Steels and My opinion

S30V / S35VN: Top all-around steel. Great edge, stainless.

S90V / S110V: Ultra edge retention. Hard to sharpen.

D2: "Semi-stainless", tough, budget-friendly.

154CM: Stainless, solid performance.

M390 / 20CV / CTS-204P: Super steels best edge, best corrosion resistance.

1095 Carbon Steel: Super tough, easy to sharpen, but rusts fast without care.

Damascus: Pattern-welded steel.Beautiful looks, decent toughness. Performance depends on base steels. Good as a show piece but Overall too expensive and better to stick to modern steels for practical use (S35VN, M390, MagnaCut, etc.)

Knife Laws (IMPORTANT)

Switchblade / Automatic Knife Laws

USA:

Federally legal to own, illegal to ship across states.

Some states (like Texas, Arizona) allow carry, others (California, New York) heavily restrict.

California law: Blade must be under 2" for carry.

Other Countries:

UK: Completely banned (both switchblades and balisongs) but people still carry and get away with especially switchblades are very popular in UK

Canada: Also banned.

Germany, France, Italy: Very restricted, local rules apply.


General Rule:

Know your local laws before buying or carrying an automatic knife.

Even folding knives over 3-4" can be restricted in cities.


Top Knife Brands (Ranked)

God Tier

Chris Reeve, Microtech, Shirogorov, Strider

High-End

Benchmade, Spyderco, Zero Tolerance, Protech

Mid-Range

Civivi, Kizer, Bestech

Budget Kings

CRKT, Ontario Knife Company, Cold Steel (some models)

Best Picks by Price Range

Under $50:

Ontario RAT 1

Civivi Mini Praxis

Kershaw Cryo II


$50-$150:

Benchmade Mini Griptilian

Spyderco Para 3 Lightweight

Civivi Elementum Button Lock

$150-$300:

Benchmade Bugout

Zero Tolerance 0350

Protech TR-3 Auto

$300+:

Microtech Ultratech OTF

Chris Reeve Sebenza 31

Shirogorov Neon

Care and Maintenance

Sharpen regularly: Use a whetstone or a guided system like Worksharp.

View attachment 3683285

Oil pivots: Especially for autos and balisongs. (Use KPL Knife Oil.)
View attachment 3683286

Keep carbon steels dry: Use a light coat of mineral oil to prevent rust.

Clean debris: Compressed air + alcohol wipes for OTFs and autos.

Some Tips for choosing a knife

Blade Length: 3-3.5” is the sweet spot for EDC.

Carry a beater knife: Don’t use your best knife for hard use. Keep a cheap folder for nasty tasks.

Don’t flick open autos/balisongs in public: People freak out, cops get called.

Build a sharpening habit: A dull $300 knife is worse than a sharp $20 knife.


Bonus Section: Coolest Knife Types

Gravity Knives: Blade falls out by gravity (Germany military issued these).

View attachment 3683290

Karambits: Curved blade, mostly tactical and martial arts.
View attachment 3683292

Tanto Blades: Strong tip for stabbing/piercing.
View attachment 3683293

Wharncliffe Blades: Straight cutting edge, amazing control.
View attachment 3683295


Conclusion

If you want everyday reliability:

Spyderco Para 3, Benchmade Bugout, or a Civivi Elementum.

If you want badass flex knives:

Microtech Ultratech, Benchmade Infidel, Protech Godfather.

If you want survival tank knives:

ESEE 5, Fallkniven F1, Cold Steel SRK


If you want a complete set of knife loadouts that will serve you well here are my recommendations. I'll give three loadouts depending on your budget.


A) Practical Knife Loadout (Budget-$100-$180)

1. EDC Folder

Civivi Elementum (Button Lock)

Smooth, classy, legal in most places, easy to carry.

2. Outdoor Fixed Blade

ESEE 3 or ESEE 4

Absolute tanks. 1095 carbon steel. Easy to sharpen. Lifetime warranty even if you break it.

3. Fun Knife

Kershaw Launch 4 (tiny auto if legal)

Or a Boker Kalashnikov auto if you want cheaper fun.

4. Beater Knife

Ontario RAT 1

Legendary cheap folder. Beat the hell out of it.


B) Starting Collector Loadout (Budget-$250-$500)

1. EDC Folder

Spyderco Para 3 Lightweight (S30V steel)

Ergonomic, slicey, premium but not too flashy.


2. Outdoor Fixed Blade

Fallkniven F1 (Swedish air force survival knife)

VG10 steel core, laminated, insanely tough and rust-proof.

3. Fun Knife

Protech TR-3 Auto

One of the fastest, cleanest automatics.


4. Beater Knife

CRKT M16-01KS

Tactical styled, cheap but reliable.


C) GigaChad Loadout. Best of the best knives and heirloom pieces (Budget-$600+)

1. EDC Folder

Chris Reeve Small Sebenza 31

King of folding knives. Butter smooth, lifetime knife.


2. Outdoor Fixed Blade

Busse Combat Knife (any model)

Overbuilt survival monsters. INFI steel (almost mythic toughness).


3. Fun Knife

Microtech Ultratech OTF

Blade shoots straight out — flex level 999. Loud, dangerous, badass.

4. Beater Knife

Cold Steel SR1 Lite

Thick slab of steel for rough use.

mirin brah

 

[我需要阴部]

@我需要阴部

I live in Australia. If I get caught with one, my life will be over. They are extremely strict on weapons here...

 

[Judge Holden]

mirin brah

I will wait for the next guide

 

[Jason Voorhees]

I live in Australia. If I get caught with one, my life will be over. They are extremely strict on weapons here...

Pepper Spray/Capsicum Spray are legal almost everywhere. You could also carry tactical flash lights and Extendable batons in your backpack. Even stunguns are legal in most countries.

 

[Jason Voorhees]

I will wait for the next guide

Will tag you in the guns for self and home defense guide.

 

[Lefty Rankin]

Okay since everyone knows what kind of dark times we are living in right now. Carrying a Knife is essential. It is not just muh trying to be edgy faggot. It can make the difference between life or death. Knives are also extremely practical one of the best tools you can carry in your pocket

I’ll cover all knife types folders, fixed, switchblades, autos, OTFs, balisongs and break down laws, mechanisms, best picks, brands, price tiers, usage, and maintenance. This will basically be a full Knife 101.

Knife Types

1. Folding Knives

Blade folds into the handle.

Safer and compact for daily carry.

Sub-types:

Manual folders (need two hands or thumb stud to open)

View attachment 3683257

Assisted folders (spring helps once you start opening)

View attachment 3683258



Pros: Easy to carry, pocketable.
Cons: Not as tough as fixed blades.


2. Fixed Blade Knives(My favorite)

Blade is permanently exposed (with a sheath)

Stronger, no moving parts.

Sub-types:

Tactical Fixed Blade (self-defense, military)

View attachment 3683266

Bushcraft Fixed Blade (outdoor survival, wood processing)

View attachment 3683268


Hunting Knives (gutting/skinning game)

View attachment 3683269

Pros: Strong, reliable for hard tasks.
Cons: Bulkier, needs a sheath.


3. Switchblades / Automatic Knives

Push-button deployment.

Blade springs open automatically.


Sub-types:

Side-opening autos (opens like a regular folder but automatic)
View attachment 3683271

Out-the-front (OTF) autos (blade shoots straight out of handle)

View attachment 3683260

Famous examples:

Microtech Ultratech (OTF king)

Benchmade Infidel (premium OTF)

Protech Godfather (classic side opener)


Pros: Very fast deployment, cool factor.
Cons: Heavily restricted in many places (explain in detail in other section).


4. Balisong / Butterfly Knives

Blade is hidden between two handles that rotate around the blade pivot.


Famous examples:

BRS Replicant (butterfly competition gold standard)
View attachment 3683273


Benchmade 51 Morpho (lightweight EDC bali)
View attachment 3683275

Pros: Fun to flip, fast opening with practice.
Cons: Tricky to master, illegal some places.


5. Multi-tools and Swiss Army Knives

Small folding blades + tools like screwdrivers, scissors, etc.


Best brands:

Victorinox (Swiss Army OG)
View attachment 3683276

Leatherman (heavy-duty multitools)
View attachment 3683278

Pros: Utility king.
Cons: Blades are usually weaker and smaller.


Knife Opening Mechanisms(Summary)

Mechanism	Action
Thumb Stub	Flick Open with Thumb
Flipper Tab	Push Tab,blade flips out
Axis Lock	Pull back bar
Button Unlock	Push button unlock
Compression Lock	Squeeze Spine Bar to Unlock
OTF button	Blade shoots out in front

Knife Steels and My opinion

S30V / S35VN: Top all-around steel. Great edge, stainless.

S90V / S110V: Ultra edge retention. Hard to sharpen.

D2: "Semi-stainless", tough, budget-friendly.

154CM: Stainless, solid performance.

M390 / 20CV / CTS-204P: Super steels best edge, best corrosion resistance.

1095 Carbon Steel: Super tough, easy to sharpen, but rusts fast without care.

Damascus: Pattern-welded steel.Beautiful looks, decent toughness. Performance depends on base steels. Good as a show piece but Overall too expensive and better to stick to modern steels for practical use (S35VN, M390, MagnaCut, etc.)

Knife Laws (IMPORTANT)

Switchblade / Automatic Knife Laws

USA:

Federally legal to own, illegal to ship across states.

Some states (like Texas, Arizona) allow carry, others (California, New York) heavily restrict.

California law: Blade must be under 2" for carry.

Other Countries:

UK: Completely banned (both switchblades and balisongs) but people still carry and get away with especially switchblades are very popular in UK

Canada: Also banned.

Germany, France, Italy: Very restricted, local rules apply.


General Rule:

Know your local laws before buying or carrying an automatic knife.

Even folding knives over 3-4" can be restricted in cities.


Top Knife Brands (Ranked)

God Tier

Chris Reeve, Microtech, Shirogorov, Strider

High-End

Benchmade, Spyderco, Zero Tolerance, Protech

Mid-Range

Civivi, Kizer, Bestech

Budget Kings

CRKT, Ontario Knife Company, Cold Steel (some models)

Best Picks by Price Range

Under $50:

Ontario RAT 1

Civivi Mini Praxis

Kershaw Cryo II


$50-$150:

Benchmade Mini Griptilian

Spyderco Para 3 Lightweight

Civivi Elementum Button Lock

$150-$300:

Benchmade Bugout

Zero Tolerance 0350

Protech TR-3 Auto

$300+:

Microtech Ultratech OTF

Chris Reeve Sebenza 31

Shirogorov Neon

Care and Maintenance

Sharpen regularly: Use a whetstone or a guided system like Worksharp.

View attachment 3683285

Oil pivots: Especially for autos and balisongs. (Use KPL Knife Oil.)
View attachment 3683286

Keep carbon steels dry: Use a light coat of mineral oil to prevent rust.

Clean debris: Compressed air + alcohol wipes for OTFs and autos.

Some Tips for choosing a knife

Blade Length: 3-3.5” is the sweet spot for EDC.

Carry a beater knife: Don’t use your best knife for hard use. Keep a cheap folder for nasty tasks.

Don’t flick open autos/balisongs in public: People freak out, cops get called.

Build a sharpening habit: A dull $300 knife is worse than a sharp $20 knife.


Bonus Section: Coolest Knife Types

Gravity Knives: Blade falls out by gravity (Germany military issued these).

View attachment 3683290

Karambits: Curved blade, mostly tactical and martial arts.
View attachment 3683292

Tanto Blades: Strong tip for stabbing/piercing.
View attachment 3683293

Wharncliffe Blades: Straight cutting edge, amazing control.
View attachment 3683295


Conclusion

If you want everyday reliability:

Spyderco Para 3, Benchmade Bugout, or a Civivi Elementum.

If you want badass flex knives:

Microtech Ultratech, Benchmade Infidel, Protech Godfather.

If you want survival tank knives:

ESEE 5, Fallkniven F1, Cold Steel SRK


If you want a complete set of knife loadouts that will serve you well here are my recommendations. I'll give three loadouts depending on your budget.


A) Practical Knife Loadout (Budget-$100-$180)

1. EDC Folder

Civivi Elementum (Button Lock)

Smooth, classy, legal in most places, easy to carry.

2. Outdoor Fixed Blade

ESEE 3 or ESEE 4

Absolute tanks. 1095 carbon steel. Easy to sharpen. Lifetime warranty even if you break it.

3. Fun Knife

Kershaw Launch 4 (tiny auto if legal)

Or a Boker Kalashnikov auto if you want cheaper fun.

4. Beater Knife

Ontario RAT 1

Legendary cheap folder. Beat the hell out of it.


B) Starting Collector Loadout (Budget-$250-$500)

1. EDC Folder

Spyderco Para 3 Lightweight (S30V steel)

Ergonomic, slicey, premium but not too flashy.


2. Outdoor Fixed Blade

Fallkniven F1 (Swedish air force survival knife)

VG10 steel core, laminated, insanely tough and rust-proof.

3. Fun Knife

Protech TR-3 Auto

One of the fastest, cleanest automatics.


4. Beater Knife

CRKT M16-01KS

Tactical styled, cheap but reliable.


C) GigaChad Loadout. Best of the best knives and heirloom pieces (Budget-$600+)

1. EDC Folder

Chris Reeve Small Sebenza 31

King of folding knives. Butter smooth, lifetime knife.


2. Outdoor Fixed Blade

Busse Combat Knife (any model)

Overbuilt survival monsters. INFI steel (almost mythic toughness).


3. Fun Knife

Microtech Ultratech OTF

Blade shoots straight out — flex level 999. Loud, dangerous, badass.

4. Beater Knife

Cold Steel SR1 Lite

Thick slab of steel for rough use.

For assisted folding blades never get cheap made in China one. Always get a good American made name brand one. Average price should be around $200.

 

[我需要阴部]

Pepper Spray/Capsicum Spray are legal almost everywhere. You could also carry tactical flash lights and Extendable batons in your backpack. Even stunguns are legal in most countries.

ahaha pepper spray is also illegal here. I carry spray deodrant tho

 

[Jason Voorhees]

ahaha pepper spray is also illegal here. I carry spray deodrant tho

Tactical Flashlight must be legal for sure. No way they are illegal. Also sometimes laws only exist on paper. In U.K all kinds of knives are banned but people still carry switchblades often. They are easily concealed and even if the cops find you with one they let it slide if you clean track record

 

[Jason Voorhees]

@Magnus Ironblood

 

[Jason Voorhees]

@Latinolooksmaxxer @TheBlackpilledOne @gymceltard @wsada @pprimus43 @3links2

 

[TheBlackpilledOne]

@Latinolooksmaxxer @TheBlackpilledOne @gymceltard @wsada @pprimus43 @3links2

High T thread tbh
Make one about guns
Bookmarked btw

 

[Jason Voorhees]

@TheLightOfMyLife @Clark69

 

[Latinolooksmaxxer]

here in brazil its in general outlawed to walk around porting a blade but no one gives a shit usually

you can still get busted by an asshole cop for it though

 

[Jason Voorhees]

What's so funny nigga? @wsada

 

[pprimus43]

Okay since everyone knows what kind of dark times we are living in right now. Carrying a Knife is essential. It is not just muh trying to be edgy faggot. It can make the difference between life or death. Knives are also extremely practical one of the best tools you can carry in your pocket

I’ll cover all knife types folders, fixed, switchblades, autos, OTFs, balisongs and break down laws, mechanisms, best picks, brands, price tiers, usage, and maintenance. This will basically be a full Knife 101.

Knife Types

1. Folding Knives

Blade folds into the handle.

Safer and compact for daily carry.

Sub-types:

Manual folders (need two hands or thumb stud to open)

View attachment 3683257

Assisted folders (spring helps once you start opening)

View attachment 3683258



Pros: Easy to carry, pocketable.
Cons: Not as tough as fixed blades.


2. Fixed Blade Knives(My favorite)

Blade is permanently exposed (with a sheath)

Stronger, no moving parts.

Sub-types:

Tactical Fixed Blade (self-defense, military)

View attachment 3683266

Bushcraft Fixed Blade (outdoor survival, wood processing)

View attachment 3683268


Hunting Knives (gutting/skinning game)

View attachment 3683269

Pros: Strong, reliable for hard tasks.
Cons: Bulkier, needs a sheath.


3. Switchblades / Automatic Knives

Push-button deployment.

Blade springs open automatically.


Sub-types:

Side-opening autos (opens like a regular folder but automatic)
View attachment 3683271

Out-the-front (OTF) autos (blade shoots straight out of handle)

View attachment 3683260

Famous examples:

Microtech Ultratech (OTF king)

Benchmade Infidel (premium OTF)

Protech Godfather (classic side opener)


Pros: Very fast deployment, cool factor.
Cons: Heavily restricted in many places (explain in detail in other section).


4. Balisong / Butterfly Knives

Blade is hidden between two handles that rotate around the blade pivot.


Famous examples:

BRS Replicant (butterfly competition gold standard)
View attachment 3683273


Benchmade 51 Morpho (lightweight EDC bali)
View attachment 3683275

Pros: Fun to flip, fast opening with practice.
Cons: Tricky to master, illegal some places.


5. Multi-tools and Swiss Army Knives

Small folding blades + tools like screwdrivers, scissors, etc.


Best brands:

Victorinox (Swiss Army OG)
View attachment 3683276

Leatherman (heavy-duty multitools)
View attachment 3683278

Pros: Utility king.
Cons: Blades are usually weaker and smaller.


Knife Opening Mechanisms(Summary)

Mechanism	Action
Thumb Stub	Flick Open with Thumb
Flipper Tab	Push Tab,blade flips out
Axis Lock	Pull back bar
Button Unlock	Push button unlock
Compression Lock	Squeeze Spine Bar to Unlock
OTF button	Blade shoots out in front

Knife Steels and My opinion

S30V / S35VN: Top all-around steel. Great edge, stainless.

S90V / S110V: Ultra edge retention. Hard to sharpen.

D2: "Semi-stainless", tough, budget-friendly.

154CM: Stainless, solid performance.

M390 / 20CV / CTS-204P: Super steels best edge, best corrosion resistance.

1095 Carbon Steel: Super tough, easy to sharpen, but rusts fast without care.

Damascus: Pattern-welded steel.Beautiful looks, decent toughness. Performance depends on base steels. Good as a show piece but Overall too expensive and better to stick to modern steels for practical use (S35VN, M390, MagnaCut, etc.)

Knife Laws (IMPORTANT)

Switchblade / Automatic Knife Laws

USA:

Federally legal to own, illegal to ship across states.

Some states (like Texas, Arizona) allow carry, others (California, New York) heavily restrict.

California law: Blade must be under 2" for carry.

Other Countries:

UK: Completely banned (both switchblades and balisongs) but people still carry and get away with especially switchblades are very popular in UK

Canada: Also banned.

Germany, France, Italy: Very restricted, local rules apply.


General Rule:

Know your local laws before buying or carrying an automatic knife.

Even folding knives over 3-4" can be restricted in cities.


Top Knife Brands (Ranked)

God Tier

Chris Reeve, Microtech, Shirogorov, Strider

High-End

Benchmade, Spyderco, Zero Tolerance, Protech

Mid-Range

Civivi, Kizer, Bestech

Budget Kings

CRKT, Ontario Knife Company, Cold Steel (some models)

Best Picks by Price Range

Under $50:

Ontario RAT 1

Civivi Mini Praxis

Kershaw Cryo II


$50-$150:

Benchmade Mini Griptilian

Spyderco Para 3 Lightweight

Civivi Elementum Button Lock

$150-$300:

Benchmade Bugout

Zero Tolerance 0350

Protech TR-3 Auto

$300+:

Microtech Ultratech OTF

Chris Reeve Sebenza 31

Shirogorov Neon

Care and Maintenance

Sharpen regularly: Use a whetstone or a guided system like Worksharp.

View attachment 3683285

Oil pivots: Especially for autos and balisongs. (Use KPL Knife Oil.)
View attachment 3683286

Keep carbon steels dry: Use a light coat of mineral oil to prevent rust.

Clean debris: Compressed air + alcohol wipes for OTFs and autos.

Some Tips for choosing a knife

Blade Length: 3-3.5” is the sweet spot for EDC.

Carry a beater knife: Don’t use your best knife for hard use. Keep a cheap folder for nasty tasks.

Don’t flick open autos/balisongs in public: People freak out, cops get called.

Build a sharpening habit: A dull $300 knife is worse than a sharp $20 knife.


Bonus Section: Coolest Knife Types

Gravity Knives: Blade falls out by gravity (Germany military issued these).

View attachment 3683290

Karambits: Curved blade, mostly tactical and martial arts.
View attachment 3683292

Tanto Blades: Strong tip for stabbing/piercing.
View attachment 3683293

Wharncliffe Blades: Straight cutting edge, amazing control.
View attachment 3683295


Conclusion

If you want everyday reliability:

Spyderco Para 3, Benchmade Bugout, or a Civivi Elementum.

If you want badass flex knives:

Microtech Ultratech, Benchmade Infidel, Protech Godfather.

If you want survival tank knives:

ESEE 5, Fallkniven F1, Cold Steel SRK


If you want a complete set of knife loadouts that will serve you well here are my recommendations. I'll give three loadouts depending on your budget.


A) Practical Knife Loadout (Budget-$100-$180)

1. EDC Folder

Civivi Elementum (Button Lock)

Smooth, classy, legal in most places, easy to carry.

2. Outdoor Fixed Blade

ESEE 3 or ESEE 4

Absolute tanks. 1095 carbon steel. Easy to sharpen. Lifetime warranty even if you break it.

3. Fun Knife

Kershaw Launch 4 (tiny auto if legal)

Or a Boker Kalashnikov auto if you want cheaper fun.

4. Beater Knife

Ontario RAT 1

Legendary cheap folder. Beat the hell out of it.


B) Starting Collector Loadout (Budget-$250-$500)

1. EDC Folder

Spyderco Para 3 Lightweight (S30V steel)

Ergonomic, slicey, premium but not too flashy.


2. Outdoor Fixed Blade

Fallkniven F1 (Swedish air force survival knife)

VG10 steel core, laminated, insanely tough and rust-proof.

3. Fun Knife

Protech TR-3 Auto

One of the fastest, cleanest automatics.


4. Beater Knife

CRKT M16-01KS

Tactical styled, cheap but reliable.


C) GigaChad Loadout. Best of the best knives and heirloom pieces (Budget-$600+)

1. EDC Folder

Chris Reeve Small Sebenza 31

King of folding knives. Butter smooth, lifetime knife.


2. Outdoor Fixed Blade

Busse Combat Knife (any model)

Overbuilt survival monsters. INFI steel (almost mythic toughness).


3. Fun Knife

Microtech Ultratech OTF

Blade shoots straight out — flex level 999. Loud, dangerous, badass.

4. Beater Knife

Cold Steel SR1 Lite

Thick slab of steel for rough use.

Nice

 

[Jason Voorhees]

Care to elaborate on the ugh react @TiktokUser

 

[Jason Voorhees]

@optimisticzoomer @rand anon @mayo mogger @Cleetus Cornfield

 

[TiktokUser]

Care to elaborate on the ugh react @TiktokUser

@trench is a faggot and deserves to be ughed

 

[Jason Voorhees]

@castizo_ascender @sub5outsider

 

[Jason Voorhees]

Why jfl? This is even more useful for you because u live in the UK @optimisticzoomer

 

[optimisticzoomer]

Why jfl? This is even more useful for you because u live in the UK @optimisticzoomer

Knife crime and violence in general is overestimated
UK is safer than most countries
I'm not carrying a knife, that's retarded. If anything you should carry something legal like a pool ball in a long sock