KPL Guide: Synthetic Handle Materials

KPL Guide: Synthetic Handle Materials

When it comes to knife handle materials, there are a lot of options and many materials have values well beyond their aesthetic properties! With so many options it is sometimes hard to narrow down what the best handle material is for our needs, but KPL has you covered and we are putting together guides to help you find the perfect handle material for you! In This week's guide we will be looking at some of the most common synthetic handle materials and the benefits they have for us.
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. 
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!
Collage of 5 knives with text "Custom Knives"

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.
The KPL 2022 Holiday Gift Guide

The KPL 2022 Holiday Gift Guide

With the holiday season fast approaching, many people may be left wondering what they can get for their special EDC enthusiast, knife nut, or outdoors person in their life. Fortunately, Knife Pivot Lube has you covered with our 2022 Holiday Gift Guide! We have assembled some of the very best offerings that are sure to please, and many of our choices won’t break the bank! Each of these knives, EDC accessories, and outdoor tools have been vetted by members of the KPL team to ensure they are of the very best quality.

A Brief History of Pocket Knives

A Brief History of Pocket Knives

Today there are thousands of different pocket knives made with a wide variety of opening/locking mechanisms and materials. While the popularity of pocket knives has grown significantly in the last few decades, these handy tools have humble origins in ancient history! Let's look at the early history of pocket knives, as well as some of the significant breakthroughs in technology and design that have led us to the amazing knives we have today.
Knife Laws in the 50 States

Knife Laws in the 50 States

Knife laws in the US can sometimes be vague and confusing, varying from state to state, and sometimes even city to city. Let's take a look at the laws in the 50 US states regarding automatic knives, folding knives, and fixed blades, and translate the legalese into plain English.
8 Essentials for Maintaining Your Knives in the Wilderness

8 Essentials for Maintaining Your Knives in the Wilderness

Knives are probably the most important tool to bring on your adventures into the wilderness, with a wide range of functions including processing wood, starting fires, and more. With all this use comes the need for routine maintenance, so let's take a look at 8 of the most essential products to bring with you on your wilderness treks!

 

9 Popular Blade Shapes and What They're Used For

9 Popular Blade Shapes and What They're Used For

Blade shapes are more than just visually appealing, they also play a big part in the functionality and strengths of the knife. We believe in helping our readers find the right knife for the job, so we will go over some of the most common blade shapes today and discuss the intended functions of each of them!
The 8 Biggest Mistakes in Knife Maintenance (and What to Do About Them)

The 8 Biggest Mistakes in Knife Maintenance (and What to Do About Them)

Like any other tool, knives need maintenance to keep them running at peak performance. Unfortunately, many knife owners make mistakes when it comes to maintenance, but fortunately, KPL is here to help! Today we will discuss some of the most common mistakes and misconceptions when it comes to knife maintenance, and provide some helpful tips to keep your cutting tools safe and ready to work when you need them!
Top Aftermarket Knife Accessories

Top Aftermarket Knife Accessories

If You are reading this there is a very good chance that you love knives as much as I do. Having a great knife (or 20) available to help you through your daily tasks, outdoor adventures, or work day is a great feeling! What makes a great knife better? Some awesome accessories of course! In this article, we will discuss some exceptional accessories ranging from cosmetic upgrades to valuable maintenance tools!
JK Design Monarch v2, made with S35VN steel

Knife Steel Types: Comparing their Properties, Uses, and Price

Come check out our guide to types of knife steels and a breakdown of their edge retention, ease of sharpening, toughness, and rust resistance. This is a great guide to help you find the right knife steel to fit your needs!