KPL Guides: Flat Grinds

KPL Guides: Flat Grinds

A flat grind features a V shaped bevel that is symmetrical on both sides, because of this, they are easier to sharpen and maintain when compared to other grind types. In terms of edge strength they fall into the mid-range and are often, but not always reinforced with a secondary bevel which is the actual cutting edge. While most flat grinds are great for general purposes, each of the three types of flat grinds have distinct characteristics that differentiate them from one another.
KPL EDC Monthly: Rikki Hernandez

KPL EDC Monthly: Rikki Hernandez

This month we are featuring an outstanding member of the EDC Community, Rikki Hernandez known to many as Capt.Rikki on social media. Rikki is a professional videographer who has worked in numerous areas, but is currently focused on creating content in the EDC community. He is currently working as a full time videographer for Taylor Martin of Best Damn EDC and Carry Commission, as well as producing high end video content for his own personal brand and Knives by Nuge.   
Blade Steel 101

Blade Steel 101

Blade steel is always a hot topic in the EDC, outdoor, and knife enthusiast communities. There are a ton of different steel choices out there, and even more opinions as to what the best steel is. In reality there is no one perfect steel, and the right steel for you will depend on your intended tasks, personal preferences, and to some degree the collectability and resale value of the knife. While we have gone over steel in depth in past articles, this guide will serve more to give our readers direction when navigating the sea of steel options!
KPL EDC Monthly Feature: Nick Italiano

KPL EDC Monthly Feature: Nick Italiano

There is no “right way” when it comes to everyday carry; what people carry will be influenced by their line of work, hobbies, and personal preferences. These differences make for a robust and diverse EDC community, but it also creates some confusion for people when they are deciding what gear to acquire! To help we have decided to start Knife Pivot Lube EDC Monthly! This series of articles will feature the everyday carry loadout of KPL Team Members, individuals from the community, and industry professionals! By showing what other people carry and why they carry specific items, it is our hope that you will find a style that matches yours and find some great gear that works for you. This month we are featuring Nick Italiano, who is an avid outdoorsman, founder of Black Flag Survival, Black Flag Business Solutions, host of the Raise The Flag Podcast, and writer of the KPL Blog!
KPL First Look: Knives By Nuge G10 Primitive Wicket XL

KPL First Look: Knives By Nuge G10 Primitive Wicket XL

Knives by Nuge is an up and coming knife company that specializes in purpose designed outdoor fixed blades. Due to the size, excellent craftsmanship, and superb ergonomics many of KBN’s models have become quite popular in the greater EDC community! You can read more about KBN, and the owner Tom Nugent in our Maker Feature article! Today we are excited to bring you a First Look at the G10 Primitive Wicket XL

Knife Collecting: More than a hobby, it's a community!

Knife Collecting: More than a hobby, it's a community!

If you are reading this article there is a pretty strong chance that you have an interest in collecting and using knives of some sort. There is an incredible assortment of folding knives, fixed blades, balisongs, and chef knives out there to fit into just about any enthusiast's budget. What many people may not be aware of is the robust community that exists to bring knife enthusiasts together! In this article we will discuss some of the places, both virtual and in person, that you can connect with people who share your passion for awesome cutting tools!
2023 KPL Holiday Gift Guide

2023 KPL Holiday Gift Guide

It’s that time of year again and the annual KPL holiday gift guide is here! This year we have assembled gift ideas that blend the lines of everyday carry and outdoor use, and every item is sure to delight the discerning Knife Lover, EDC Aficionado, or Outdoor Enthusiast in your life! Each of these tools has been vetted for quality and functionality and a majority of them are used on a regular basis by members of the KPL team. We even reached out to a few professionals to get some input as to what they think would make a great gift! 
KPL Guide to Blade Coatings

KPL Guide to Blade Coatings

Blade coatings, simply stated, is a layer of material that is applied to the surface of a knife blade. Blade coatings have become a standard offering in the knife industry for both practical uses and aesthetic value. These coatings were originally designed to help prevent damage to the knife blade particularly from rust and corrosion on high carbon steels. Beyond just the ability to protect your blade, coatings also offer a variety of colors allowing knife makers and manufacturers the ability to customize the look of their knives. 
Georgia Bushcraft Fall Gathering: A Great Event for Outdoor and EDC Enthusiasts

Georgia Bushcraft Fall Gathering: A Great Event for Outdoor and EDC Enthusiasts

Watkinsville, Georgia. The event has attendance options that include weekend camping passes that will allow attendees to camp on site in tents or in an RV, but if camping isn't your thing you can grab a day pass. Let’s take a deeper look at what the Georgia Bushcraft Fall Gathering has to offer.
KPL Maker Feature: Knives by Nuge

KPL Maker Feature: Knives by Nuge

One of the best parts of making knife maintenance products is that we get to talk to a lot of different knife makers! It is always a thrilling experience to get a behind the scenes look as to what it takes to make knives well and what it takes to run a knife making business. We decided that it would be cool to share some of that with our readers so that each of you can get to know some of the amazing knife makers and designers out there a little bit better. For our first Maker Feature we are highlighting a good friend of KPL, Tom Nugent owner of Knives by Nuge!

The Hinderer Knives Half Track: Small Size, Big Capability

The Hinderer Knives Half Track: Small Size, Big Capability

Rick Hinderer is a name that most knife and EDC enthusiasts are familiar with, and for very good reason, he has been designing and making knives for well over 30 years! Rick Hinderer’s designs can be found in the line up of Kershaw Knives, Zero Tolerance Knives, Viper Knives, Gerber Knives, Kabar Knives, and of course his own company Hinderer Knives. Rick has designed both folding knives and fixed blades, and no single design is as iconic as the XM-18 folding knife that has seen a variety of iterations, sizes, and blade grinds. While the XM line is the most well known, Hinderer has many great designs, including a personal favorite of mine the Half Track. Today we will dive into the Hinderer Knives Half Track and see why it is such a great knife!
The Rise of EDC Fixed Blades

The Rise of EDC Fixed Blades

While we love all the variety and innovation of the folding knife market, we can’t ignore the unparalleled utility and reliability that fixed blades can provide. Fixed blades do not have any locking or deployment mechanisms that can fail during use, making maintenance much easier and allows for safer and more reliable use. The lack of mechanical parts also keeps production costs lower, which often keeps the price down for the end consumer.  Despite these benefits, fixed blades were traditionally larger than their folding knife counterparts, and relied on leather or kydex belt sheaths for carry. For those of us who live in rural environments that is not really an issue, but public perception and even local regulations have made it more difficult for the urban and suburban knife enthusiast to carry a fixed blade.