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!
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.
What makes Dry Film™ by Knife Pivot Lube different?

What makes Dry Film™ by Knife Pivot Lube different?

After years as the leader in knife protection and lubrication Knife Pivot Lube, manufacturer of knife oils, rust preventives and maintenance items has now released KPL DRY FILM. Unlike our synthetic fluid lubricants (KPL Original, Ultra-Light, and Heavy), DRY FILM™ goes on as a liquid, but quickly flashes off to leave behind a 100% dry fluorinated layer.

Best Pocket Knives Overall for 2023

Best Pocket Knives Overall for 2023

If we had to pick just one knife to add to our collection in 2023, we'd fail.  If we had to pick a handful, these would be some of them!
April 25, 2023 — KPL Ry
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!
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!
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!