The SOG Fusion Fixation Bowie knife achieves quite a lot for its reasonable price and will connect with a lot of knife enthuisasts. SOG has wisely answered the trend of high value, high quality blades with their Chinese-produced “Fusion” line of blades. The Fixation Bowie is a favorite of mine in the series. Measuring out at the same as a KaBar Combat knife (7″ blade), the Fixation looks to be a good choice as a deployment, light survival, or all-around outdoor blade. The 8Cr13Mov steel, similar to AUS-8, should hold an edge adequately (like the Spyderco “Byrd” models do), be easy to sharpen, and offer some rust resistance. Other upsides include: a hammer-capable pommel (love those!), nice long handle, excellent jimping on the thumb ramp, good quality Cordura nylon sheath with a sharpener pocket, and excellent fit and finish throughout. All this weighs in at a very packable 12.8 ounces… great job SOG! Downsides might include a delicate tip, less-than-sharp factory edge, and a handle material that is reminiscent of vinyl (but has sharp checkering). Nevertheless, the SOG Fixations -ish pricetag makes it a steal and it will attract cash-strapped knife addicts like Rosie ODonnel to free donuts. ////////////////////Nutnfancy Likeability Scale: 9 out of 10 (price considered)

The Benchmade Pika II is difficult to open handed due to its overly strong back spring. That with some other minor issues resulted in my low likability and a tepid review previously. Enter the Pika G10 model, marketed under the BM Harley Davidson banner for now. It fixes some of the “Pinkachu” issues and is really a different knife. First, the Pika G10 deploys much quicker since it has a well-balanced back spring; not too strong, not too weak (it amazes me when a company gets this simplest …

Previously reviewed by me, the Pika II has some issues which do not endear the knife to me. One of the most serious was the lack of grip the spine jimping lacks. Here is a quick fix you might want to try that fixed the problem. Tools? Just a Dremel tool with a thin cut off wheel and some 400 grit sandpaper on a small wood block. Knife becomes a lot more useful with this mod!

In the field of daily carry knives, the SOG FLASH 1 is a fast, lightweight, well-built, and securely carried companion. I have many of these knives and have used them extensively for both duty and personal use. As my VIDEO shows, the FLASH 1’s size is perfect as is the deep carry clip. Add its good quality AUS8 steel and most importantly it’s feathery 1.2 oz weight (not 1.4 oz ike I said in video) and you have the near-perfect daily carry knife. For a knife you’ll have on your person at ALL …

On paper the Benchmade Pika II knife should be a hit. Great price, adequate steel, good blade shape, decent handle, and a nice clip. But its notat least with Nutnfancy. Thats because the Pinkachu has some surprising misses even at its affordable price point. Take for instance the Pika IIs overly strong blade retention due to perhaps an overly strong back spring. That makes this Pokemon a slow deploying blade, by comparison, that requires good thumb tension and wrist technique to get it out …

Discontinued by BM, the Ambush is/was a high value knife. AUS8 steel with an attractive finish, excellent blade shape, strong diecast aluminum handle, good ergos, good deployment speed, and an acceptable clip round out this Benchmade Redline (Imported) folding tactical/utility knife. The 4″ blade is impressive and would provide devastating slashing capability. The rolling lock with in-draft works well and seems to give you a little assist on the deployment. The only real downside on the …

It’s no picnic finding high quality blades that impress me for around . Yes the variety and quality of all blades has expanded exponentially in the last few years. But I still don’t like making compromises on the big things: steel, deployment speed, lockup, ergonomics, and looks. Few make the cut at this restrictive price point. I also, just like you, I have my preferences. But here’s two that make the list: the Benchmade H&K (BM) Ascender Mdl 14352BT and its smaller brother the H&K Mini …

Offering near-perfect balance, speed, and quality, the Benchmade Mini-Griptilian 556 is an excellent utility or every day carry (EDC) knife choice. Various steels are used in the Mini-Grips, like that the 440C and limited edition D2 Cabelas models shown, but current versions are offered in the very useful 154CM steel. Blades have various finishes and grinds as well but my favorite is the bright finished plain edge clip versions. Mini-Grips are good looking and functional blades with …