Knife Pivot Lube
Best EDC Fixed Blades of Blade Show 2024
Blade Show 2024 is a wrap and we had another amazing year getting awesome maintenance products into the hands of the knife community! One of my favorite things about Blade Show is the opportunity to see the hard work of the many amazing knife companies and makers out there. This year I was a man on a mission, I was on the hunt for the best EDC fixed blades made by small companies and makers! With all of the booths and tables across the two rooms of Cobb Galleria, not to mention the massive crowds of knife enthusiasts filling the aisles it is hard to see everyone, but I was able to identify some amazing EDC fixed blades and speak to the people who made them! Join us as we take a brief look at some of our favorite EDC fixed blades of Blade Show Atlanta 2024!
Why EDC a Fixed Blade?
Fixed blades have long been associated with the outdoors, hunting, fishing, and tactical applications but recently we have seen a great deal of enthusiasm for EDC fixed blades. Thankfully, many small makers and production companies have noticed the trend and started designing fixed blades specifically for EDC purposes! In this week's article we will be exploring some of the advantages to carrying EDC fixed blades as well as the innovations makers have come up with to make carrying an EDC fixed blade easy and comfortable.
What is an EDC Knife?
In the greater knife community we often hear the term EDC, which stands for everyday carry, but the question often comes up as to what this actually means. At the root of the term it literally means the things that we carry on us on a daily basis. By this definition every single person has some kind of EDC. It could be a wallet, their cell phone, keys, briefcase, purse, and the whole litany of items that modern people take with them when they set out into the world. Within the Knife Community this term has taken on new meaning, while it still on the surface represents the original definition, it has now become an entire community of people that are enthusiastic about the things they carry on a daily basis. As with all communities there are a wide variety of specific interests and styles that can influence people's definition of what the proper way to EDC is and a lot of strong opinions that come along with it. As we care about the community as a whole, in this article we will explore some of the factors that apply when choosing an EDC Knife and hopefully dispel the idea that there is a right or wrong way to EDC.
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 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
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
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
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.
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 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.
Why and How to Properly Store Your Knives
Though often neglected, proper knife storage is imperative to their long-term reliability. Improper storage can lead to corrosion and rust, severely reducing a knife's usability and life span. Here are some of the best storage methods to keep your knives rust-free and at peak functionality!
What Do You Get With a Custom Knife?
Custom knives are a large and often misunderstood sector of the greater knife community, so let's dive into the world of custom knives, alleviate misunderstandings, and feature some exceptional knife makers in the community.
