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!
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.
Why and How to Properly Store Your Knives

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!
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.
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!

 

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!
The Pros and Cons of High-Carbon Steel

The Pros and Cons of High-Carbon Steel

Although there are several advantages to high-carbon steels, there are two sides to every coin. Here we'll take a look at some of the pros and cons of high-carbon steel, as well as some tips and tricks to helping you maintain your high-carbon blades.

An assortment of fixed blade knives mentioned in the article

Choosing the Right Fixed Blade for the Job

Choosing the right fixed blade for the job isn't always easy, but this guide will give you some recommendations for selecting the right knife for various EDC and outdoor activities.