Terrain 365 is a new brand for us, coming to us from custom knifemaker Michael Vagnino and founder of Prometheus Design Werx, Patrick Ma. The two have teamed up to introduce a line of knives made in the USA with Terravantium dendritic cobalt blades. Technically not a steel, Terravantium is a completely rustproof, non-magnetic cast cobalt alloy that contains ultra-hard carbides to provide a long-lasting edge.
You'd never guess the high-tech metallurgy that went into the blade of the Otter slipjoint, which is a complement its unpretentious looks and practical design make it suitable for carry just about anywhere. Unlike traditional slipjoints with rust-prone carbon steels, the blade of the Terrain 365 Otter is built to tackle adventures off trail and come back unscathed.
The all-new Asada is a follow-up to Gerber's smash hit Flatiron design. It features the same cool straight razor-inspired blade shape and frame lock construction, but features manual flipper deployment and a pocket friendly 3” blade size! Available now with red or gray aluminum scales, the Asada is sure to be another hit with those who want a sturdy, affordable everyday carry knife with style to spare.
When you think of a hard-use bushcraft knife, the name L.T. Wright Knives should be at the top of your list. Handcrafted in Ohio, they have built a reputation of making a quality tool that just won't quit, turning out both classic and modern patterns that come with a lifetime warranty just in case. We recently received a new batch that you'll want to see, including the beautiful new GP Medium with desert ironwood scales and orange liners pictured above.
If you don't have a Leatherman multi-tool in both your survival and go-bags, you're doing yourself a disservice. Nothing gives you as much functionality in such a compact package, and we think the Signal is one of their best full-size models for the bushcrafter or outdoorsman. It's outfitted with an array of tools and additional goodies - like safety whistle, ferro rod, and diamond sharpener - that allow it to shine out in the bush.
Inspired by traditional Scandinavian knife patterns, the American-made Benchmade Leuku represents a heck of a bargain. Featuring premium 3V steel, it has an ideal combination of toughness and edge retention that is perfect for an outdoor knife. The Santoprene handles molded over the full tang are executed nicely as well. They are contoured perfectly, keep your hands from touching bare metal, and provide gobs of grip when conditions get cold or wet. The bushcraft sheath that is included perfectly rounds out the package with classic leather looks and multiple carry options.
The Selkirk isn't your typical-looking Buck Knife, and they are built for rugged survival conditions and available as a fixed blade or folder, each in two sizes. Take them into the woods or wilderness and the drop point blades are perfect for any task you can think of. Our favorite part is the heavily contoured Micarta handle scales (yes, even on the folders!) that make these knives very comfortable to use hard. Bonus: the larger sized fixed blade and folder even feature a heavy-duty Kydex sheath with a combination fire starter and safety whistle.
Swiss Army Knives don't get much more Swiss than this new limited edition Explorer! Not only do the scales boast scenes from the Swiss alpine, but they also contain goodies like a sewing pin and pressurized pen in addition to the usual toothpick and tweezers. Beyond that, the Explorer model has the perfect blend of tools to navigate both daily life and your adventures on the weekend, including dual blades, scissors, even a magnifying glass, and more.
Sometimes, you don't need something too fancy with extra features that get in the way. Instead you need a tool that is built for purpose and just plain works. That is where this hatchet from Marble's comes in - the distillation of the camp axe form that is ready to chop, split, hammer, and carve its way through your next adventure. Made in El Salvador with an American hickory handle, it is the perfect combination of performance and affordability.
The HEST folder is a hard-use, survival, tactical tank of a pocket knife: tough enough for demanding work but small enough to carry every day. The beefy blade incorporates a cap lifter/pocket deployer and wire breakers to add extra grunt, and the Italian-made models even incorporate a RotoBlock to bolster the strength of the already tough framelock. For even more strength you can get the fixed blade version which is made in the USA by Rowen (the same folks who make ESEE Knives) so you can be confident they are built to last!
A huge wave of new knives washed into the KnifeCenter last week, and the best of them are here in our weekly round-up. We've got a unique everyday carry fixed blade from Viper Knives, the tiniest Benchmade knife you've ever seen, a small-batch tactical knife with an exotic steel, and a high-value design worth paying attention to from Kizer. Let's take a look!
The Viper Berus is a compact, utilitarian fixed blade that is designed to be carried clipped to a pocket instead of buckled to your belt. It's a great way to bridge the gap between folders and fixed blades; you get the low-impact carry of a folder, but the durability and reliability of a fixed blade. It also helps that the Berus is quite stylish, thanks to a refined design by Tommaso Rumici.
The M390 sheepsfoot blade with its subtle negative angle would make it a perfect work knife, but it's also available with a drop point blade shape for better general utility. The handle is thoughtfully shaped to provide reassuring grip without a lot of extra bulk, and the UltiClip keeps the sheath anchored to the inside of your pocket or waistband. If you want an easy-to-carry fixed blade that can still handle cutting tasks that require force and control, you'll want to consider the Berus. Plus, it comes in 8 variants to suit any taste, featuring Micarta, G10, and carbon fiber handles.
Designed by Jared Oeser, the Benchmade Tengu Tool is a premium pocket companion: one part multitool, one part gentleman's friction folder. When the blade is closed, the extended tang works as a pry tool and bottle opener; when the blade is open it's a mini tanto utility knife made from CPM-20CV steel.
Sure, the knife is tiny, but in terms of utility per ounce the Tengu Tool is on top. It weighs just an ounce, and is small enough to slip into your watch pocket and forget about until you need it. Dressed to the nines in stark black and white G10, the Tengu Tool has the look of a traditional knife but a whole lot of unique personality and modern construction and blade steel, to boot.
Meet the Strix, the latest bold design from VDK Knives. The flipping action has a fluid, free-dropping feel that makes the knife nigh impossible to put down. And when it's time to put it to work, the contoured titanium handles and 3.75” M398 blade are more than up to the task.
No, that's not a typo the blade on this Strix is made from M398 steel, an exotic new alloy that truly pushes the limits of edge retention for a stainless steel. By taking M390 and adding a bit more carbon and nearly double the amount of vanadium, M398 significantly increases the wear resistance of an already famously hard-wearing steel.
Designed by Justin Lundquist, the compact Kizer Contrail is made to work and feel like a much bigger knife. The two-inch blade length is made from 154CM steel — a great balance of value and performance — and the handle is wide and thoughtfully shaped to fill the hand despite its short length.
The competition at the ~$60 price point is fierce, but the Contrail hangs with the best of them, especially if you need a smaller knife that can handle big work. This go-everywhere locking folder is ready for action, and available in green, black, or gray.

When you're looking for a new knife, most likely you'll come across different kinds of knives including the German ones. However, as German knives are one of the most prevalent ones, it's wise to clearly understand the key features of them. Whether you're a professional or beginner chef, a German knife is perhaps your best bet in the kitchen. In addition, if you're purchasing your knife from a renowned manufacturer, chances of going wrong is quite less. However, remember that a knife that's best-suited for somebody else may not be easier for you to handle. A German knife may seem to have a shape similar to other knives but it caters to different purposes in the kitchen because of its characteristics as described below.

German knives usually come with a full length tang and a bolster.
The steel used in German knives usually has ratings between 56 and 58 on the Rockwell hardness scale.
The blade grind of a German knife is symmetrical.
The thick piece of steel or the bolster of the knife is located right before its handle.
A German knife comes with an angle of 20 to 22 degrees.
Though weight differs from blade to blade, a German knife tends to be heavyweight. For instance, a Wusthof 8 inch chef's knife weighs around 9.6 ounces.
Thicker, heavier German knives empower you to perform robust chores more conveniently.
Don't require regular maintenance such as weekly cleaning or annual sharpening.
Dishwater safe.

German knife producers have been manufacturing premium knives since the 19th century and these unique features are perhaps the key reasons why chefs across the world prefer German knives.
Available in sizes varying from 6" to 10", these bread knives with slightly curved or straight blades with a serrated edge offer great balance and strength to cut through any kind of bread. While the smaller knives are ideal for slicing bagels (and even tomatoes), the longer ones with 10” blades can cut through boule, ciabatta, or any other category of artisan bread. Many consider the 9” blade to be one for all-around use, which can be used to cut a small tomato or a large loaf of bread with equal ease. Made of the German 1.4116 stainless carbon alloy, the blades of these knives are resistant to corrosion and stains, exhibit durability, retain their edge much longer (30% in case of Wusthof knives) than the other knives, and are easy to re-sharpen to get a razor-like edge. With excellent fit and finish, these knives are good for decades of service.
With a fine edged blade measuring 4.5” made of the finest German steel alloy, these carving knives can cut through steaks with minimal effort. Being expertly crafted to have a fine edge slicing blade that comes with an upward curved tip, these knives are at home on any table. Offering the user a great feel, fit and balance, these knives can just glide through just about anything they encounter. With sharp and durable blades, these elegant looking knives can last you almost a lifetime despite serious abuse. Forget getting your steak ripped and torn in a messy manner because with German steak knives, you can now get clean, efficient cuts.
Available in sizes varying from 3.5" (boning paring knife) and 4" (petite chef's knife) to 7" stealth chef's knife, 8" carving knives and 10" scalloped baker's bread knives, these knives are forged from a solitary billet of premium German stainless steel alloy that can stand the test of time. Made available with the most robust, industrial strength, ergonomic handle, these knives can be used for various tasks – from cleaning small sized fish or deboning poultry, to coring or making precise cuts on vegetables and fruits. Thanks to the bolsterless heel, you can use the whole blade from heel to tip, which simplifies your honing, cutting and sharpening tasks.
From the petite chef's knives with 4" blades to the stealth chef's knives with blades of varying sizes from 8" to 10", these knives have the finest German stainless carbon alloy blades that are stain- and corrosion-resistant. Since the blades are more deeply and continuously curved along the entire cutting edge, you can perform various tasks with them – from mincing herbs to chopping onions and working through chicken ribs and fish pin bones. Apart from being tough and durable, these knives can hold their edge retention, and are easy to re-sharpen back to their earlier razor-sharp edge.
Usually 3" to 6" in length, these knives have a narrow blade and sharp point, which make them ideal for removing the bones of fish, meat and poultry. Unlike other “thick” kitchen knives, the narrow blade of these German boning knives make precision boning easy, especially where you need to make deep holes or cuts. Being made of the finest German stainless steel alloy, these knives can resist stains and corrosion. Coming fitted with ergonomic handles, these knives give you a flexible and great fit that's required for boning tasks.
Available in sizes varying from 6" to 8", these wide bladed knives have a razor-sharp blade that's created to tackle both precision and heavy-duty cutting. Precision forged from a solitary piece of robust high-carbon steel, these knives resist corrosion and stains. With superior edge retention and sharper blades than many other similar products available in the market, these knives work equally well for mincing and chopping tough ingredients – be it breaking down larger portions of meat, or cutting through the bones. Most of these German cleavers have blades triple riveted to the handle, thus offering exceptional durability. With ergonomic handles contoured for a comfortable grip, you can handle heavier cleaving and lighter cutting with equal ease.
Crafted from a solitary blank of high carbon stainless steel, the two pronged forks are available in 6" and 7" that are tempered to 57-58? Rockwell. These knives help in slicing large roasts efficiently while guiding the carving knife away from your hands. While serving or slicing, you can even use the meat forks to hold the piece of meat in place. These knives have their full tang riveted to an extremely durable and comfortable polyoxymethylene (POM) handle for precise control. With blades that are durable, stain- and corrosion-resistant, hold their edge retention, and can be easily re-sharpened to a razor-like edge, these German forks that can also resist discoloration and fading can be precious to have in your kitchen.
Available in sizes varying from 2.5" to 4", these knives have a fine edge blade that tapers to a point. Crafted from a solitary billet of premium German stainless steel alloy and coming fitted with the most robust industrial strength, ergonomic handle, these German pairing knives are designed to be all-purpose knives – somewhat similar to a chef's knife, the only difference being their smaller size. With a compact blade fitted atop a molded handle, you can use such knives for peeling, trimming and slicing of a variety of produce. The sharp, corrosion- and stain-resistant blades of these knives are heat treated and cooled to get a Rockwell of 57-58.
Available in sizes of 4.5", 5" and 6", these are your everyday go-to knife with a scalloped edge and compact blade size. From mincing onions, shallots and herbs to cutting vegetables and small meats, carving slice hams, roasted chickens, cheeses, soft skinned vegetables and fruits, you can handle a wide variety of tasks with them. You may even use them for cutting small cakes, bagels and pastries. Forged from a solitary blank of high carbon stainless steel, the robust corrosion- and stain-resistant blade of these knives are riveted on the handle to give you a great fit and precise control.
Having stood the test of time, these fine German knives are a treasure to have in every kitchen. With 57-58 Rockwell rating in hardness, the blades of these knives forged from a single billet of premium German stainless steel alloy offer durability, unmatched sharpness with better edge retention than other varieties as well as resistance to stains and corrosion, among others. Since you can easily re-sharpen them back to their lost glory, you can continue using these knives and they will last you a lifetime. With ergonomic handles and blades that are riveted to the handles to offer a great feel and fit, your chopping, dicing, boning and other kitchen tasks are bound to become easier and more efficient with these German knives. Handcrafted in Germany's Solingen - the historic cutlery capital, these knives come equipped with a lifetime warranty against manufacturing and material defects, making it yet another reason to invest in them as they offer complete value for money.