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//INDEPENDENT KNIFE GUIDES

Knife Guides, Blade Steels & Reviews

Practical guides covering knife steels, blade geometry, EDC, fixed blades, sharpening, maintenance and equipment selection.

INDEPENDENT GUIDES
[SYS.DIR_08 // ACTIVE_INDEX]

KNOWLEDGE DIRECTORY

Comprehensive technical guides, field comparisons, and maintenance blueprints structured for equipment clarity.

[01/08]CORE SPEC
BLADE STEELS & METALLURGY
Technical analysis of CPM-MagnaCut, S90V, D2, and carbon steels covering edge retention, toughness, and corrosion resistance.
EXPLORE SPEC
[02/08]MECHANICAL
FOLDING MECHANISMS & LOCKS
Comparative analysis of frame locks, liner locks, crossbar and button deployments, and mechanical engagement tolerances.
EXPLORE SPEC
[03/08]FIELD READY
FIXED BLADE GEOMETRY
Full-tang construction, Scandi vs. flat grinds, spine thickness considerations, and field sheath carry configurations.
EXPLORE SPEC
[04/08]SHARPENING
PRECISION SHARPENING SYSTEMS
Guided-angle systems, diamond abrasives, micro-bevel angles, and stropping techniques for razor-sharp edge restoration.
EXPLORE SPEC
[05/08]EVERYDAY CARRY
EDC KNIVES & CARRY
Pocket clip retention, deployment speed, blade length considerations, and low-profile everyday carry organization.
EXPLORE SPEC
[06/08]PROFILES
BLADE SHAPES & PROFILES
Comparing drop point, tanto, clip point, sheepsfoot, and wharncliffe profiles for specialized piercing and slicing tasks.
EXPLORE SPEC
[07/08]MATERIALS
HANDLE MATERIALS & ERGONOMICS
Evaluating G-10, titanium, Micarta, and carbon fiber for grip traction, weight balance, and long-term durability.
EXPLORE SPEC
[08/08]MAINTENANCE
KNIFE MAINTENANCE & CARE
Disassembly protocols, pivot lubrication, rust prevention, patina care, and long-term edge upkeep strategies.
EXPLORE SPEC

EXPLORE RELATED GEAR

RAVEN ROCK ARMORY
// 02 · LATEST COVERAGE

LATEST KNIFE COVERAGE

// 03 · ESSENTIAL GUIDES

Essential Knife Guides

Core reference guides on steel selection, blade geometry, sharpening and knife choice.

Detailed view of high performance blade steel micro structure and blade edge
BLADE STEELS
// GUIDE 01

Knife Steel Guide: Metallurgy & Selection

A technical comparison of CPM-MagnaCut, M390, S90V, D2, and 1095 for EDC and field use.
READ GUIDE
Comparison of a heavy duty tactical fixed blade and a folding knife
EDC & TACTICAL
// GUIDE 02

Fixed Blade vs Folding Knife: Selection Criteria

Structural integrity, deployment speed, lock mechanisms, and ergonomics for field applications.
READ GUIDE
Diagrammatic overlay comparing American tanto tip geometry with drop point blade
BLADE GEOMETRY
// GUIDE 03

Knife Blade Shapes Explained

Analyzing tanto, drop point, clip point, and wharncliffe geometries for piercing and slicing performance.
READ GUIDE
Guided diamond sharpening system set up at a precise angle
MAINTENANCE
// GUIDE 04

How to Sharpen a Knife: Bevel Angles & Technique

Understanding bevel angles, micro-bevels, diamond stropping, and maintaining razor edges on super steels.
READ GUIDE
Metallurgical comparison chart and blade edges testing
METALLURGY
// GUIDE 05

Edge Retention vs Toughness in Knife Steels

Evaluating trade-offs between wear resistance and impact resistance across popular blade alloys.
READ GUIDE
Side by side comparison of patina carbon steel blade and stainless steel blade
MATERIALS
// GUIDE 06

Stainless vs Carbon Steel Knives

Corrosion resistance, edge maintenance, patinas, and practical environment recommendations.
// TOPIC OVERVIEW
KNOWLEDGE BASE · TECHNICAL REFERENCE FOR KNIFE SELECTION AND UPKEEP
BROWSE ALL GUIDES INDEX →
// 04 · KNIFE KNOWLEDGE

KNIFE KNOWLEDGE

01

BLADE STEEL

CPM-MagnaCut • M390 • D2 • Heat Treat • Toughness vs Retention

Understanding alloy composition, Rockwell hardness (HRC), carbide structure, and corrosion resistance for optimal blade steel selection.

Ref #01
02

EDGE GEOMETRY

Flat Grind • Hollow • Convex • Scandi • Primary Angle • Apex Bevel

Geometry determines cutting performance, wedge effect, edge strength, and ease of field sharpening under varied demands.

Ref #02
03

BLADE SHAPES

Drop Point • Tanto • Clip Point • Sheepsfoot • Wharncliffe • Dagger

Blade profile selection based on piercing capability, slicing belly, tip utility, and intended task profile.

Ref #03
04

LOCKING SYSTEMS

Frame Lock • Liner Lock • AXIS / Crossbar • Compression • Slipjoint

Structural integrity, lock bar engagement tolerance, shear stress resistance, and single-hand disengagement safety.

Ref #04
05

HANDLE MATERIALS

G-10 • Titanium • Carbon Fiber • Micarta • Anodized Aluminum

Tactile traction under wet conditions, ergonomic weight distribution, and environmental stress resilience.

Ref #05
06

MAINTENANCE

Sharpening • Lubrication • Disassembly • Rust Prevention • Stropping

Field care protocols, abrasive grit progressions, detent tuning, and long-term hardware preservation.

Ref #06
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Blade Gunner provides the research. Products and categories discussed in our guides may be available through our affiliated retail partner, Raven Rock Armory.

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DISCLOSURE: Blade Gunner is affiliated with Raven Rock Armory. Some articles may link to products or categories available through Raven Rock Armory.

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