THE KNIVES ARE OUT
As the saying goes: the sharper your knife, the easier your life. Gear Editor MATTHEW STERNE looks at some new options
These four beautifully crafted tools are useful, too
A SLIGHT EDGE
R1 999, capeunionmart.co.za
Only 50 of the Kaliber Damascus Collector’s Edition have been made. This 18cm knife, weighing 113g, is unique compared to others in the range as it’s constructed with 72 layers of Japanese steel. The handle is Micarta laminate and the straight-back fixed blade has a Damascus finish (patterns reminiscent of flowing water). The traditional Damascus ‘steel of the ancients’ was first produced over 2 000 years ago.
HOME SLICE
R139, campandclimb.co.za
Anglo Arms is known for high-quality yet budget-friendly knives, crossbows and archery bows. Its latest item in the Camp and Climb stable is this lock knife with a two-tone handle. When open, the knife measures 17cm, when closed 9,6cm, ensuring it’s small enough to stow easily but big enough to get the job done. Weighing in at just 103g, it’s also very light. The black blade and grey, leafy ‘camo’ overlay on the handle give the knife a rugged yet stylish look.
OF THE SAME ELK
R259, campandclimb.co.za
This Elk Ridge ER-072W folding knife opens by using the nail nick, like a traditional pocket knife, to reveal a blade sporting a laser engraving of a wolf. The 11cm handle is made from two-tone burl wood, which locks the 8cm blade in place. It’s made by Master Cutlery in the US, which describes it as ‘a great knife for a true outdoorsman’.
BLADE RUNNER
R1 599, outdoorwarehouse.co.za
This Ka-Bar Marine Hunter knife, with leather sheath, looks good on the hip and comes in handy on the wilderness trips it’s made for.
Its classic clip-point blade reflects like a mirror and is held by an eye-catching, stacked-leather handle. The stainless-steel blade is 14,9cm long and slips into a plastic-lined, brown leather sheath with rivets. The overall length of the knife is 27cm and weighs 205g, so it’s easy to carry on any excursion.