Military Times Outdoor Gear Guide: Top knives, blades and ... a chow kit?

Editor’s note: Check out the best new knives, multitools and more for 2018 below. Need more new gear? Click here for the latest in crossbows, optics and firearm accessories, and here for blinds, decoys and more gear for the hunt.

BUCK 110 FOLDING HUNTER LT AND FOLDING HUNTER PRO

What: The 110 folder is an American classic, revolutionary in its time. The LT is a lighter version, weighing just 2.1 ounces (less than a third of the original) and sporting a slimmer, nylon handle and cryogenically treated 420HC steel blade.

Specs: Closed length is 4 7/8 inches. Blade length is 3¾ inches. The Folding Hunter Pro is the same size but weighs 7.7 ounces and includes a blade made from S30V steel (a hardened, wear- and corrosion-resistant stainless steel) plus a G10 high-pressure fiberglass laminate composite handle with nickel silver bolsters. The Pro comes with a leather sheath, the LT comes with a polyester sheath.

Price: $38 for the LT, $125 for the Pro. Engrave a name on the blade for an extra $7.

OUTDOOR EDGE REEL FLEX FILLET KNIFES

What: These professional-grade fillet knives are made from German 4116 stainless steel. I used the largest model to fillet everything from Asian carp taken while bowfishing in Kentucky to Potomac River rockfish. I like this knife; it made easy work of filleting big fish. It has an ergonomically shaped plastic handle and a polypropylene sheath with swivel clip belt attachment.

Specs: Available in 6-, 7.5- and 9.5-inch blade lengths.

Price: $22.95-$24.95.

OUTDOOR EDGE RAZOR-LITE EDC

What: This knife is a super-lightweight, ultra-sharp tool designed for slicing and skinning. The black-oxide coated blade holder firmly supports the Japanese 420J2 stainless steel blade inserts. You simply push a button to release the blade when it becomes dull. The double-molded, rigid nylon/fiberglass handle fits tight to the blade holder — no wiggle. The back of the blade holder has a double-sided thumb stud to facilitate one-hand opening. The handle has an integrated pocket clip (no sheath).

Specs: 2.8 ounces, 3.5-inch razor-blade inserts (comes with six replacement blades, with additional replacement packs sold separately). Available in several colors.

Price: $34.95.

OUTDOOR EDGE CHOWPAL

What: This product almost seems to be a throwback to World War II — something a GI would carry in a mess kit. It’s a stainless steel utensil set/multitool that adds a can opener, bottle opener, flathead screwdriver and wrench set to the nested fork and folding knife/spoon. The unit locks together but easily slides apart when it’s time to eat. It comes with an orange, nylon carry pouch.

Specs: The two-piece set weighs 2.4 ounces and is 6.5 inches long. The knife/spoon utensil features a locking, single-bevel knife blade that folds flat against the spoon, while the fork features a graduated wrench (8, 10, 11 and 13mm), a can opener, bottle opener and screwdriver.

Price: $27.50.

GERBER CONTROLLER FILLET KNIFE SYSTEM

What: This knife, available in three sizes, feels good in your hands. The “Guidefins” atop the blade and a tacky-feeling grip give you excellent control and maneuverability. The sheath has a convenient, integrated sharpening rod. You can clip it onto a pocket or slide a belt through it.

Specs: 6-, 8- and 10-inch options.

Price: $48, $53 and $59.

GERBER PROCESSOR TAKE-A-PART SHEARS

What: These interesting shears easily separate for cleaning and feature a gut hook, cutting shears, a knife blade, fin clipper, scaler and ergonomic handle. While designed for fish, the betting is it’ll also become a favorite tool for breaking down small game birds.

Price: $42.

GERBER LINEDRIVER MANAGEMENT MULTITOOL

What: This tiny tool has several functions designed to make fishing a little easier. Integrated into one device not much bigger than a fat pencil is a spinning line vise, an eyelet clearing spike, a hook threader, some sharp scissor snips and a split shot sinker crimper. There’s a ring to attach a tether if you want to hang it around your neck.

Price: $42.

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