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.   
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!
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. 
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.
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.
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.

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.
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!
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!