Special report: Christmas knives from $40 to $600 – Part 1

In this feature we will provide a selection of knives, mostly but not necessarily EDCs, and a few variations on the theme as gift ideas. We have chosen knives with a price range from very cheap to rather expensive (considering that they are industrial products), trying to differentiate the range as much as possible but without looking for unnecessary extravagance. This report does not pretend to be exhaustive, of course, but only to give you some pointers in anticipation of Christmas shopping. Happy reading!

Civivi Clingman, the Youtuber's knife

The Civivi Clingman is a folding knife for everyday use with a very classic and American look, designed over the course of three years by Taylor Martin, the US Youtuber who edits the highly popular EDC Weekly channel. The name comes from Clingman Dome, one of the most notable peaks in the Appalachian Mountains, and in the intentions of its creator, this knife is intended to be a modern reinterpretation of a traditional design. Certainly, the goal has been achieved (at least on an aesthetic level) because the Civivi Clingman looks like a summary of several classic American knives revised in the light of the latest trends in materials and finishes. The  Nitro-V steel clip point blade in is 75 mm long and 3 mm thick. The Clingman comes in four versions, two with G10 handle (black and brick red) and two with Micarta handle (brown and green). The deployment method is multiple: using the classic thumb studs or with a front flipper. The latter system is not very suitable for folding knife novices, but once mastered it proves convenient. The blade has a satin or black stonewashed finish and the pivot assembly features a caged ceramic ball bearing that makes deployment extremely smooth. Among the concessions to modernity in an otherwise fairly retro knife, is the ever-present clip that is made of 6AL4V titanium and allows for tip-up carry. The blade locking mechanism is a tried and tested liner lock. Certainly the Civivi Clingman will be appreciated by those who appreciate knives in a more traditional style and with reminiscences of the great names of the American past – Buck among them. The list price of  $74 (or about 72 euro) is absolutely affordable, as for all Civivi knives. It is worth noting that these days, buying it directly on the manufacturer's website, you can enjoy a substantial discount.

Civivi Clingman technical specifications

CRKT M16-02X, the last heir to a dynasty

Designed by Kit Carson and first unveiled in 1999, the CRKT M-16 is one of the best-selling knives in history and has undergone a few refinements over the past quarter century while remaining true to itself. Its most recent incarnation is called the M16-02X and was presented in January 2025. Compared to the original model, the 02X features a new crossbar lock mechanism and a D2 steel blade. The symmetrical and ambidextrous crossbar lock system makes the knife safe and easy to open and close with one hand. The opening is smooth and supported by an IKBS ball-bearing pivot. The handle consists of two black coloured scales made of Grivory, a pleasantly matte-looking polyamide used in aeronautics that ensures maximum strength, stability and a firm grip even with wet hands. The D2 steel blade with stonewashed finish has an American tanto profile and is 79 mm long and 3 mm thick. The blade is deployed by means of classic studs on both sides of the blade, while it is closed by means of a spring-loaded crossbar that engages the blade heel. The knife can also be deployed by pushing back the crossbar itself and letting gravity and the weight of the blade do the rest. A stainless steel clip allows the knife to be carried tip-up. Weighing 85 grams and with a retail price of  $83 , the M-16 02X is a light and compact everyday carry knife that has all the charm of the heir to a glorious dynasty. The packaging is simple and spartan, in perfect CRKT style.

Technical Specifications

Kubey TLB: small in size, big in character

Designed by Alessandra De Santis of Hydra Design, the Kubey TLB – Tiny Little Bastard – is a compact fixed-blade knife that combines ergonomics and ruggedness in an extremely compact and manageable size.
It is available in two blade versions (drop point and clip point), two finishes (blackwashed and stonewashed), and two different handle materials (black G10 and brown Micarta), for a total of eight different configurations. The steel used is Sandvik 14C28N hardened to 60-62 HRC. The blade is 70 mm long and 4 mm thick, while the overall length of the "Tiny Little Bastard" is 171 mm. The real core feature of the TLB is its manoeuvrability. Despite its small size, the handle has been meticulously designed to provide a firm and secure grip in all conditions. Thanks to a combination of carefully designed curves, once gripped the Kubey TLB disappears into your hand, while still providing full control while working. It comes with a Kydex sheath with Tek-Lok belt attachment. The weight of the knife is 93 g, while that of the sheath alone is 61 g. The TLB is definitely worth considering if you want a fixed-blade knife that looks unobtrusive but can do its daily duty with efficiency and a touch of rational elegance. The Kubey TLB - Tiny Little Bastard is now available for purchase on the official Kubey website and from authorised dealers. The price is $110.

Technical Specifications

CDS Knives Celtibero, the outsider from Spain

Spain was once a major manufacture of sporting knives, and in some ways still is. Taking a look at today's production, we came across this Celtiberian, named after a people who inhabited central Spain between the 6th and 1st centuries BC. It is made by CDS Knives, a company from Albacete that has a good catalogue of fixed-blade knives with an interesting price/quality ratio. The Celtibero is a full tang fixed blade made from a single billet of MOVA58 steel, a Molybdenum-Vanadium stainless widely used for sporting knives of Spanish origin. It measures 275 mm overall, with a drop point profile blade 145 mm long and a thickness of 5 mm, making it decidedly robust and suitable for stressful operations such as chopping. Factory hardening gives the blade a hardness of 56-58 HRC. The workmanship of the blade is meticulous, with a uniform satin finish. The edges of the back are not rounded, so it can be used with a fire steel. The handle of the version we present here is made of Micarta Yute in a beautiful light brown shade and is suitable for users with medium to large hands. The protruding pommel is triangular in shape and has a lanyard hole, which is matched by a similar hole on the blade heel, allowing for the use of a safety strap. The Celtibero comes with a good quality Kydex and Cordura sheath. Being relatively thick, the CDS Celtibero is no featherweight: it weighs 360 grams on its own and 460 g with the sheath, but holding it firmly in your hand gives you the impression that it can cope with even the toughest challenges. The list price is 170 euros (around $196), certainly commensurate with the quality of the knife, which is sold in a good-looking cardboard case. To find out more visit the CDS Knives website.

Technical Specifications

Fox Honos: the slipjoint now has a lock

The Fox Honos, like its sister model Fides, was born from the reinterpretation of the BB Dragotac Piemontes, designed by Bastinelli. The new model retains the slender and streamlined handle design, to which it pairs an unprecedented beautiful but also very usable blade thanks to its lowered tip and high grind. But the main innovation with respect to its predecessor is in the mechanics: whereas the fides was a friction folder, i.e. a knife without a locking mechanism, this one is a liner lock: a leaf spring, cut into the right liner, which snaps behind the blade, preventing it from closing until you disengage it with your thumb. The opening does not rely on holes or studs, but on a front flipper, i.e. a small tab that protrudes at the front of the closed knife, designed so well that the absence of other more traditional systems is not felt, which has the advantage of not disturbing the modern and clean design. In the hand, the Honos can be appreciated above all for its excellent ergonomics and lighweight, making it ideal for frequent use. On our specimen, the cutting edge has a stonewashed finish, ideal for concealing signs of use, while the handle consists of a pair of steel liners and two black G10 scales; alternatively, a variant is available with a stonewashed black Idroglider coating and a bead blasted Burgundy red Micarta handle. The folder has no clip: Fox preferred to combine it with a leather sheath, itself fitted with a metal clip. A solution that is certainly refined, but unfortunately not as practical as the usual pocket clip.

Technical Specifications

Leatherman Wave Alpha: the ultimate evolution

The Leatherman Wave Alpha multi-tool is another evolution of the best-selling model from the famous American brand. In addition to the livery of the specimen photographed, called Cascadia, there is the black Obsidian, or Canyonland, which differs from ours by its orange G10 handles. What has changed compared to previous Waves? The finish has improved and the available tools have been rationalised: the main blade has a different shape and is now crafted from ultra-premium MagnaCut steel, the small scissors have given way to larger and stronger one-handed scissors, positioned where the serrated blade used to be. Inside the handles, the tools remain the same, with the addition of a brand new awl with thread loop. With the Wave Alpha, Leatherman offers the following tool  in a compact package: replaceable wire and hard-wire cutters, main blade, awl, can opener with wire stripper, medium screwdriver, wood saw, scissors, small and large (proprietary) bit drivers, bottle opener, wood and metal file with one diamond-coated file. All tools that can be deployed when the pliers are closed feature a liner lock. The only bad news for enthusiasts is that, despite the list price, the belt holster is no longer included in the package and the very useful pocket clip remains an optional extra to be purchased separately.

Technical Specifications

Mercury Amon: high-tech you can really use

The Mercury Amon, designed by the now famous Denis Simonutti, is the perfect choice for anyone who wants a folder that is compact enough to be used often, has an attractive design and is made of modern materials and workmanship. Our version of the small Italian folding Knife has a CNC machined 6060 aluminum handle, titanium color anodised; alternatively the finish can be black, or you can choose the handle in Canvas Green or Red Burlap Micarta. For all versions, the blade, a clip point as gritty as it is versatile, is made of Elmax steel, a modern alloy produced by powder metallurgy, with stone washed finish. Despite its tiny size, the Amon manages somehow to offer excellent support for all fingers, allowing for a firm and secure grip. The open back of the grip prevents the handle from becoming a dirt receptacle as a result of prolonged carrying, in view of which there is a very discreet but also perfectly functional clip, which leaves only a small portion of the folder protruding from the pocket for easy removal. An ambidextrous stepped stud is used to open the Amon; rotation is quick and extremely smooth, thanks to the use of ball bearings. Safety is also excellent, thanks to the button-lock mechanism: a peg that snaps into place to lock the blade precisely and securely, which can be disengaged easily and intuitively when needed, even for those unfamiliar with handling folding knives.

Technical Specifications

Ocaso Solstice, the gentleman from America

Ocaso Knives is a US company founded by Ric valdez, a manager with over twenty years of experience working for major names in sports knives. The Ocaso Knives Solstice is a gentleman's knife that combines elegance, discretion and everyday functionality. The philosophy behind this model, designed in the USA by Andrew Demko and manufactured with great care in Taiwan, is to offer a refined tool that does not want to appear aggressive or "tactical", but rather a classy accessory, useful in small everyday tasks. The minimalist handle is available in titanium or carbon fiber, with clean lines and no visible screws. This contributes to an understated and sophisticated aesthetic. Among the various options are the scroll engravings on the titanium handle scales, which recall the tradition of classic hunting guns. The blade, 89 mm long and 2 mm thick, is made of S35VN: a "super steel" with a hardness of 60-61 HRC, characterized by excellent edge retention and wear resistance. Three blade profiles are available: Utility (versatile), Wharncliffe (for precision cuts), Harpoon (with increased tip strength). Opening is by means of a caged bearings and a flipper mechanism, which guarantees a lightning-fast and safe deployment. The classic liner-lock mechanism is sturdy and easy to operate. The Solstice is designed to be inconspicuous, so it features a very small and discreet clip, recessed and designed for deep carry, so that the knife is indistinguishable from a pen when carried in a pocket. The weight is low: 71 grams in the titanium handle version and just 48 grams in the carbon fiber version, making it extremely light for everyday use. With all these features, one cannot expect the Solstice to be cheap either: the retail price varies depending on the handle material, but to give an example, the titanium version costs $229.99. Recently, models with a Damasteel blade and Fat Carbon handle have also been added to the Ocaso catalog, which will cost around twice as much. 

Technical Specifications

QSP Penguin V2, an entry level in Jeans

An EDC folding knife with a D2 steel blade and a price tag of less than 40 bucks? In fact, the QSP Knife Penguin V2 is priced at $37 online and is the least expensive knife we present in this report. It certainly represents the "entry level" price range very well with a solid construction and a reliable opening and locking mechanism. The Penguin is a liner lock folding knife that opens using ceramic ball bearings via the classic studs that protrude on both sides of the blade. The latter measures 78 mm with a thickness of 3 mm and has a Sheepsfoot profile with a straight edge and a low point, making it ideal for classic desk work, even precision work. The handle is the classic pair of stainless steel plates onto which are screwed Denim Micarta scales, which go perfectly with a pair of blue jeans. The Penguin model is a bit of a QSP flagship and actually surprises with its level of workmanship, which should always be assessed bearing in mind the retail price. There is certainly better workmanship around, but not at this price. The packaging is also relatively fancy, with a silver logo box, a molded foam interior that also contains the guarantee certificate and two stickers, making it perfect as an undemanding but effective gift. For less than $40, you can't expect more. Spending a few bucks more, you can buy the Penguin with grip scales in the most assorted materials and colors, from shredded carbon fiber to G10 with copper foil. Here too, the knife can be bought directly from the QSP Knife website, which often has favorable promotions for customers.

Technical Specifications

WeKnife Orc Boss: all power to the imagination

Grant Chambers is a Canadian goldsmith who successfully designs knives. Openly inspired by masters such as Buster Warenski and Anders Hogstrom, he designs blades with sinuous and in some ways menacing lines, like that of the Orc Boss. And indeed, there is a touch of Fantasy in this high-end folding knife manufactured by WeKnife. Made in three versions, this sinuous folder offers original lines and a touch of technology, with a Hawkbill type blade full of curves and hollowed-out surfaces. It is impossible to find a straight line in the Orc Boss, and the aesthetic effect is absolutely winning. Made from CPM-20CV steel, the blade of the Orc Boss is 97 mm long with a thickness of 4.5 mm and thanks to its profile it is excellent for rip cuts. It is no coincidence that this kind of profile was, and is, very popular on knives used by farmers and sailors. In the case of Grant Chambers' creature, the form has gone a little beyond function, enriching itself with detail and truly fascinating interplay of flat and concave surfaces. The handle is no less impressive, with its titanium frame and back spacers in grey, bronze or black, and its  twill, shredded or aluminum foil  carbon fiber inlays. No doubt, the WeKnife Orc Boss is a knife with original and eccentric lines, suitable as a gift for those who are not afraid to go against the grain. The classic and, to say the least, lush  packaging is typical of WeKnife, and this further accentuates the knife's vocation as a "gift item" . The downside is the rather high price, from $550 to $587. However, we suggest you visit the WeKnife website because it sells direct and often offers advantageous promotions.

Technical Specifications