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Knives for Off the Beaten Path
Compiled by Corey Decker
Photos from the Manufacturers
FOX Knives YARU
The Yaru model was specifically designed for more intensive use than its more compact sibling, the Suru. The main objective was to design a functional knife that offered a solid feel during use and could compete in performance with a small fixed blade. To meet these requirements, the 2023 edition of this line was launched, consisting of five knives with a blade made of M398, thus providing a higher level of strength and durability to meet even the most demanding challenges.
FOX Knives YARU
Designer: VOX
Overall Length: 6.89” (175 mm)
Blade Length: 2.76” (70 mm)
Blade Steel: M398 stainless steel
Weight: 3.42 oz (97 g)
Blade Thickness: 0.16” (4 mm)
Blade Coating: Black stonewashed PVD
Handle: 3K carbon fiber
Hardness: HRC 60-62
Clip: Black idroglider AISI302 stainless steel
Spacer: Black stonewashed PVD titanium
Screws: Bronze anodized titanium
Liner/frame Lock Material: Black idroglider AISI 420 stainless steel
Sheath: Leather
Origin: Italy
MSRP: $263
Saddle Mountain Skinner
Intentionally built for the pursuit of a passion, the 15002 Saddle Mountain Skinner is a hunt fixed-blade designed for big game hunters around the globe. Based on in-field feedback, improvements to the jimping location, ergonomics, and blade profile provide increased comfort and control, while the updated sheath design ensures that your knife stays protected mile after mile.
Saddle Mountain Skinner
Open Length: 8.7’’ (22.1 cm)
Blade Length: 4.2’’ (10.67cm)
Blade Thickness: 0.12’’ (3.05 mm)
Handle Thickness: 0.66’’ (16.76 mm)
Mechanism: Fixed blade
Blade Style: Drop point
Handle: Stabilized wood
Blade Finish: Stonewash
Blade Color: Satin
Ambidextrous: Yes
Handle Color: Dark brown wood
Lanyard Hole: Yes
Blade Steel: CPM-S30V premium stainless steel (58-60 HRC)
Weight: 4.3 oz (121.9 g)
Sheath: Leather with belt loop and snap retention strap Sheath Weight: 2.46 oz (69.74 g)
MSRP: $220
Gerber LMF II Infantry
Gerber’s LMF II Infantry Knife is an American-made work knife designed for military applications. It meets Aircrew Survival/Egress Knife requirements, with its partially serrated blade, glass breaker pommel, rubberized handle, and MOLLE sheath with integral sharpener. The Infantry comes with MOLLE sheath with integral sharpener, removable leg straps, and lashing holes for use as a spear
Gerber LMF II Infantry
Overall Length: 10.59”
Blade Length: 4.84”
Blade Style: Drop point
Blade Material: 420HC stainless steel
Handle: Glass-filled nylon with TPV overmold
Weight: 24 oz
Country of Origin: USA
MSRP: $135
Kershaw Launch 16
Enter the tactical cutting world with the Launch 16, featuring a partially serrated tanto blade with extremely high edge retention. This automatic opener withstands the toughest cutting tasks with its thick blade profile and high-end M4, a balanced super steel with superior hardness and toughness. The tanto blade shape is ideal for piercing cuts, and the partially serrated edge will easily saw through rope. Trac-Tec handle inserts, oversized jimping, and a finger choil offer a secure grip. This push-button rocket is all stealthy with a black anodized handle and a black Cerakote blade. Carry it comfortably on the go with a reversible deep-carry pocket clip. While discreet, the Launch 16 also makes a lot of noise with a standout blade and unbeatable ergonomics.
Kershaw Launch 16
Blade Length: 3.45 in (8.8 cm)
Blade Material: CPM M4
Blade Hardness: HRC 63
Blade Finish/Coating: Black Cerakote
Blade Thickness: 0.16 in (4.1 mm)
Closed Length: D4.95 in (12.6 cm)
Handle Material: 6061-T6 aluminum, Trac-Tec inserts
Handle Finish/Coating: Black anodized
Handle Thickness: 0.55 in (14 mm)
Overall Length: 8.4 in (21.3 cm)
Weight: 4 oz (113 g)
Country of Origin: USA
MSRP: $249.99
Giant Mouse GMF1-XL Green Canvas
Designed to offer exceptional ergonomics and utility, the GMF1-XL steps up with increased size and enhanced features, making it a formidable companion for all your everyday carry needs. The GMF1-XL maintains the sleek, compact nature of the original GMF1, but with a larger blade and handle, as well as scales for improved functionality and grip. The lanyard hole at the back and a strategically placed front hole not only provide a better grip but also add to the knife’s artistic appeal you would expect from GiantMouse. For those who prefer a skeletonized handle, simply remove the scales and wrap paracord through the holes for a custom, tactical look.
Giant Mouse GMF1-XL Green Canvas
Blade Steel: N690 Cobalt high performance steel
Finish: Fine stonewash
Handle: Green canvas Micarta
Blade Steel Hardness: 60 HRC
Sheath: Leather handcrafted in Italy
Blade Length: 3.47” (88.24 mm)
Blade Thickness: 0.15” (3.96 mm)
Handle Length: 3.12” (79.31 mm)
Overall Length: 6.5” (165.1 mm)
Weight: 3.3 oz (96g)
Country of Origin: Italy
MSRP: $195
Spyderco Techno 3
Based on Polish custom knifemaker Marcin Slysz’ incredibly popular “Mouse 3” folder, the third-generation expression of the Techno continues the evolution of this compact, workhorse design. In addition to its refined lines, it adds a flipper opener, ball bearing pivot washers, a steel interface/overtravel stop on the Reeve Integral Lock mechanism, and a meticulously machined titanium pocket clip. The Techno 3’s blade is crafted from CTS XHP stainless steel and features a high flat grind, a satin finish, and a stylish swedge to provide both low-friction cutting performance and excellent point utility. Its handle scales are precision machined from solid titanium and include faceted chamfers that also enhance the knife’s ergonomics. Configured for right-side, tip-up carry, the Techno 3 faithfully translates Marcin Slysz’ custom design into an elegantly practical cutting tool.
Spyderco Techno 3
Overall Length: 6.32” (161 mm) Blade Length: 2.64” (67 mm)
Steel: CTS XHP Closed Length: 3.70” (94 mm)
Edge Length: 2.48” (63 mm) Weight: 3.3 oz (93 g)
Blade Thickness: 0.127” (3.2 mm) Handle: Titanium
Clip Position: Right Tip Carry Position: Tip-up
Lock Type: R.I.L. Grind: Flat
Origin: Italy MSRP: $400
