Comparison Xiaomi NexTool Flagship Pro vs Metabo Multi Tool

The number of additional features provided in the design of the knife - in addition to the blade itself, which in this case is not taken into account. We also note that in our catalog this number is not counted by the actual number of tools, but by the number of tool types: for example, three flat screwdrivers of different sizes are counted as one function. See "Features and Features" for details on optional equipment.

Type of lock - a device for fixing the main blade - used in a folding knife (see “Design”). Theoretically, such a device should provide additional protection by preventing unauthorized closing (and sometimes opening) of the knife; however, in practice, much depends on the type of particular lock: different types can differ markedly in reliability, and there are solutions that do not provide for rigid fixation of the blade at all.

Among the most popular modern locks are liner lock, frame lock, back lock, axis lock, button lock and tri-ad lock, however, in addition to them, there are other options, including double auto, compression lock, viroblock and slip-joint. Let's look at both in more detail:

— Liner lock. One of the simplest, inexpensive and at the same time very reliable locks. The locking element is an elastic flat plate (“liner”) hidden inside the handle; when opening the knife, this plate moves to the side and supports the back of the blade, on which a special recess is provided for the liner. To disengage the lock and close the knife, the plate must be moved with your finger in the other direction, to its ori...ginal position.

- Frame lock. In fact, it is a modification of the liner lock described above, in which the role of the locking plate is played not by the liner installed inside the handle, but by part of the handle itself. Such a lock is considered more reliable, and on the whole it is deservedly so: the part of the handle that supports the blade is much thicker than the “liner” and is less likely to shift when the lock is opened. Also, the advantages of a frame lock include a rather interesting and stylish appearance: knives with such locks are mostly all-metal, without handle linings; and models with linings differ in appearance from knives with other types of locks.

— Back lock. A lock using a locking plate, which looks like a kind of spring-loaded “rocker arm” installed along the knife handle and capable of swinging around a transverse axis. When the knife is open, this plate, with its leading edge, rests against the hook on the back of the blade, preventing it from closing; and to close the knife, you need to press on the part of the “rocker arm” protruding from the handle, releasing the plate from the hook. The pressing force is usually quite large, which minimizes the likelihood of disabling the lock even with the tightest grip. In general, such locks turn out to be quite reliable, but it is very difficult to close a knife with a “backlock” with one hand, and in many models it is even impossible.

— Axis lock. Benchmade's invention: a lock controlled by a special movable pin in the front of the handle. When moved forward, the pin enters a groove on the back of the blade, fixing it; when moved back, the lock is released and the knife can be closed. The pin is often made spring-loaded, and the blade, unlike many simpler solutions, is fixed not only in the open position, but also in the closed position. Thanks to this, Axis Lock is considered one of the most reliable modern locks. On the other hand, such a mechanism is sensitive to contamination and requires some care (however, simple) for reliable operation.

- Button lock. Another lock based on the use of a pin. However, in this case, the pin does not move in the longitudinal groove, but is controlled by pressing a button: this press releases the lock, allowing you to open or close the blade (most often it is fixed in both positions - open and closed). Also note that many knives with a “push-button” lock have an automatic opening mechanism - a spring-loaded blade that opens into the working position without effort on the part of the user.

— Virobloc. A knife lock developed by Opinel and still a “calling card” of knives of this brand. The key element of the lock is a rotating ring with a longitudinal slot installed in the front of the handle, at the point where it connects with the blade. To open or close the knife (and it is fixed in both the closed and open positions), you need to turn the ring so that the slot is opposite the blade - then the blade can pass through the ring to the desired position. If the slot is not opposite the blade, the latter, when trying to open or close, rests against the ring and cannot budge.

- Slip-joint. A type of knife lock that does not provide rigid fixation of the blade. In the open position, the blade in such a knife is fixed by the so-called spacer - an elastic element that is to some extent similar to the back lock “rocker arm”, but does not engage in a rigid engagement with the blade (and also plays the role of a kind of closer for a not fully open blade). To close such a knife, it is enough to apply some force to the butt. “Slip joints” are used mainly in small Swiss knives (see “Type”), not designed for high loads.

— Compression lock. A modification of the Liner Lock described above, created by Spyderco and used in some models of this company. One of the key differences from the original is that the locking plate is located on the top side of the handle rather than on the bottom. Due to this, as well as some specific design solutions inside the mechanism itself, the compression lock turns out to be much more reliable than the original “liner”, however, such a lock is not cheap.

— Levitator lock. A proprietary modification of the Frame Lock (see above), developed by Benchmade. Like the original “frame lock”, it is used in knives without pads. A distinctive feature of “levitators” is a specific pattern of slots in the middle part of the handle - this pattern forms a spring plate. A pin is attached to this plate from the inside, which, entering the hole on the back of the blade, fixes it (usually in both the closed and open positions). The lock opens by pressing the characteristic part of the pattern, which acts as a button.

- Arc lock. A proprietary development of the SOG Specialty Knives company, used in its knives; from a technical point of view, it is a slightly modified version of the axis lock described above. The control element is also a pin; and the key difference from the usual “axis” is that the pin is connected to a special rocker arm and moves not in a straight line, but in an arc. This provides additional reliability, however, such disadvantages of the original as high cost and sensitivity to dirt are also characteristic of such a lock.

- Double auto. The Double auto system is not so much a type of lock as a type of opening mechanism found in frontal knives (see “Design”). This mechanism is controlled by a sliding switch that can move in two directions - unfolding (forward) and folding (backward). The whole system works in this way: when the switch moves forward or backward, one of the springs is charged, and when the extreme point is reached, the blade is released and moves in the corresponding direction under the action of the charged spring. In general, this is a very convenient and practical, and therefore very popular type of lock among front-facing cameras.

- Safe lock. The full name is Ram Safe Lock. Developed by Cold Steel, a specific variation on the back lock theme (see above): it also uses a rocker arm to rigidly fix the blade, only in this case the rocker arm does not swing, but moves back and forth. The blade is fixed in the open and closed position; To open the lock, you need to pull the rocker by the back part protruding from the handle. This design is highly reliable and resistant to loads; Its main disadvantage is the inability to unfold and fold the knife with one hand.

— Cogwheel lock. “Gear lock”, also known as a ratchet lock. The rear part of the blade has the shape of a gear in such knives, and the locking occurs due to a plate with a cutout for one of the gear teeth. To open the lock, you need to lift the plate; For this purpose, a characteristic ring may be provided in the design. An interesting (although not very useful in practice) feature of ratchet locks is the ability to fix the blade not only in open and closed, but also in several intermediate positions. At the same time, the reliability of such devices is relatively low, so they are rarely used - in particular, in models that copy certain types of traditional knives (such as the Spanish Navaja).

- Slide lock. A relatively rare type of lock, found in certain models of Swiss knives - usually small, but advanced and multifunctional, where the additional mechanism does not particularly affect the dimensions. This lock is controlled by a slider on the side of the handle: the blade is fixed in the open position, and to fold it you need to pull the slider back, thus disabling the lock. The slider is spring-loaded, which does not allow it to “slide” back on its own (for example, under its own weight); In addition, the spring also plays the role of a closer for the blade that is not fully open. The reliability of “slide locks” is not particularly high, but this is not required given the specifics of the application.

— Tri-ad lock. An invention of the Cold Steel company, which is a variation on the Back Lock mechanism. It also uses a locking plate in the form of a characteristic spring-loaded “rocker arm”, but it is secured in the center by a floating pin (oval, not round). Next to the front end of the “rocker arm” there is another axial pin - together, these modifications have significantly improved the reliability of the locking mechanism. Thanks to such modifications, the blades of knives with Tri-ad lock are devoid of any backlash.

Profile of the main blade used in a knife.

The profile describes the overall shape of the blade; Its purpose and the features of using the knife depend on this. Among the most popular profiles nowadays are drop-point, clip-point, normal blade (classic), bowie, tanto ; however, there are many other varieties such as dagger, wharncliffe, etc. It is worth noting that the difference between some options is quite arbitrary; the same actual shape from different manufacturers (and even from different sellers) may formally refer to different types of profile. So here we will look at the classic, most characteristic features of the different options. They are:

— Normal blade (classic). The traditional profile of the blade, in our area known, in particular, from Finnish knives (finks). The butt of the “classic” is strictly straight (this is the main difference from the drop point), while the blade has a straight shape in the back and middle parts, and in the front it is rounded upward and forms a pronounced tip. This shape makes the blade easy to manufacture and at the same time universal; it works equally well for cutting and piercing, allows the knife to be used for planing, etc.

— Drop-point. The profile is in man...y ways similar to the normal one described above and differs primarily in the shape of the butt - it is not straight, but somewhat bent downward in an arc closer to the tip. It is also universal, while the proximity of the tip to the load axis contributes to higher efficiency when working on a puncture (although in general such blades are not considered as a serious piercing tool). Thanks to this, as well as ease of production, low cost and reliability, drop points are extremely popular in modern knives.

— Clip-point. Another universal profile, similar in shape to a drop-point, but differing in one characteristic detail: the front part of the butt, going down to the tip, is made not in the form of an arc, but in the form of a straight bevel at a relatively small angle. This further increases the effectiveness of the piercing effect; clip points are considered more "aggressive" than drops, and better suited for use as a weapon. However, such knives are still primarily tools and also perform well in this role, and in a fairly wide variety of tasks.

— Bowie. A profile originally created for combat and hunting knives. The shape of the blade itself is similar to the options described above - it is straight in the back and middle parts and smoothly curved to the tip in the front. But in terms of the shape of the butt, the “bowie” is a kind of opposite of the “drop point”: the front part of the butt is made not convex, but concave, as a result, the tip turns out to be “snub-nosed”, slightly raised up. Many value such blades primarily for their characteristic external style, but they also have very practical advantages: a center of gravity shifted back (which is especially noticeable on large, heavy knives) and high efficiency both when cutting and when piercing, which is enhanced in some models the presence of sharpening on the concave part of the butt.

- Tanto. Originally, a tanto is a traditional Japanese dagger; however, modern knives most often use not the classic shape, but the so-called “American tanto”, with a characteristic angular blade shape. Actually, the blade in such knives is straight or slightly curved (convex) along almost the entire length, but closer to the tip it sharply bends upward, forming a clearly defined angle (Japanese tantos do not have such a break and the blade bends smoothly). The American tanto is distinguished not only by its stylish, “aggressive” appearance, but also by its excellent stability when piercing (as well as efficiency when cutting), which is what determined its wide popularity.

— Spay-point. A type of profile similar in shape to the clip-point described above, but having a larger bevel angle. As a result, the angle of the tip where the butt and blade meet is more blunt, which reduces the effectiveness of deep piercing blows, but makes the blade more durable and resistant to various loads. The latter can be very useful for various chores; in particular, spay-point is quite popular among skinners - hunting knives used for skinning prey.

— Spear-point. A type of profile inspired by the tip of a spear. A full-fledged spear point has symmetrical outlines, sharpening on both sides and is used mainly in combat and hunting knives; the shape of such a blade is designed primarily for efficiency in stabbing strikes. However, there is also a simplified, more “peaceful” version of this profile: its shape is similar to the drop point (see above), but on the front of the butt, in front of the tip, there is an additional descent that forms a false blade or even a full-fledged additional blade. Such “spear points” have mainly economic purposes.

— Dagger. The profile shape derived from daggers: a double-edged blade, usually long and narrow, strictly symmetrical in shape, with a clearly defined tip. In many ways similar to a spear point, however, it is designed not only for piercing, but also for cutting; some models may even have different sharpening on different sides of the blade (smooth on one side and serrated on the other).

- Сhisel. This name translates as “chisel”, and it quite clearly describes this type of profile. Such blades have a rectangular or similar shape, there is practically no point in them, and on the front side of the blade there is an additional cutting edge located perpendicular to the main blade. In general, chisel is a rather highly specialized and therefore poorly widespread type of profile: it is convenient for some specific work, but in terms of overall functionality and practicality it is inferior to many of the options described above.

— Clearer blade. A profile similar in shape to the blade of a kitchen hatchet: wide, massive (however, holes are often made in the blade to reduce weight), with a straight or slightly rounded blade shape and often without a pronounced tip - the front part of the blade in such cases looks perpendicular or almost perpendicular cut. Many of these models are similar to the chisel blades described above, but the leading edge in the “jibs” is not sharpened. There are, however, other variants of the shape - for example, with a blade clearly rounded upward and a bevel of the butt, reminiscent of a shortened and thickened version of a clip-point or bowie (see above). However, in any case, cleaver-type blades are designed mainly for cutting and sometimes chopping, and are poorly suited for thrusting or not at all.

- Sheepsfoot (“sheep’s hoof/sheep’s leg”). A profile that is a kind of opposite to the “classic” described above: the blade in such blades is made straight or almost straight, and the butt in the front part is rounded down towards the blade. As a result, the tip turns out to be as non-aggressive as possible, practically incapable of piercing. Due to this, the “sheep’s leg”, among other things, is considered an ideal option for a rescue tool: with such a knife you can, for example, cut a seat belt that fits tightly to the body without fear of injuring a person.

— Wharncliffe. A profile reminiscent of the sheepsfoot described above; sometimes these two options are even combined into one type. However, there is still a difference: in the Wharncliffe, the butt in the front part descends to the tip along a gentler arc than the sheepsfoot, and this arc begins noticeably closer to the handle. The advantages of this profile are considered to be high cutting accuracy (due to the straight blade along the entire length), as well as good suitability for planing and scraping (for the same reason). In addition, the tip also turns out to be quite functional; it can, for example, accurately cut out a shallow contour of a complex shape. However, in general, this profile is not as versatile as the same “classic” or “drop point”; It initially gained popularity in “gentleman’s knives” - small pocket folding models of the EDC category. It is also worth noting that there are several other variants of the “wharncliffe” on the market - with a slightly curved upward rather than straight blade.

- Skinner A profile found exclusively in hunting knives and having a rather narrow specialization - “skinner”, as the name hints, is intended for skinning hunting trophies. Accordingly, the shape of the knife is optimized for maximum convenience during such work. The blade is made quite wide, often also quite short. In shape it is somewhat reminiscent of a drop point (see above), however, “skinners” have an extension closer to the tip, and the tip itself may not be provided at all - knives of this type are not designed for piercing action. Because of these features, “skinners” are practically unsuitable for use for any purpose other than their primary purpose; It makes sense to buy such a knife in addition to a universal hunting knife (or an “arsenal” of several knives).

- Gut-hook. Modification of the drop-point profile (see above), found in hunting knives. On the butt of such a blade, at the very tip, a special hook is made with a sharpened inner edge; This type of hook is convenient for skinning and butchering prey. At the same time, the knife turns out to be almost as universal as the original drop-point - thanks to the similar outline of the blade; The only thing is that the gut-hook is not well suited for strong stabbing blows, since the presence of the hook somewhat reduces the strength of the blade. We also note that almost all such knives are made non-folding - this design for “gut-hooks” is considered optimal, taking into account the profile features.

— Persian-point. A profile somewhat similar to the bowie described above and differing primarily in the shape and size of the concave part of the tip: it occupies most of the butt, and sometimes the entire butt is made concave. We also note that the degree of curvature of the butt can be different - from an almost straight shape, slightly different from the “classic”, to a pronounced arc of a bizarre shape, with a variable bending radius. Persian-point is one of the “historical” profiles used since ancient times; it allows you to use the knife with equal efficiency both as a weapon (including for stabbing) and as a tool for various household tasks. However, the features of application greatly depend on the specific shape of the blade.

—Hawkbill A downward curved sickle-shaped blade, reminiscent in shape of the beak of a bird of prey. The tip of such a blade is obtained noticeably below the center line, and sharpening is carried out along the inner, concave side of the blade. Classic representatives of “hawkbills” are karambits - knives originally created for a rather specific application; See "Type" for details.

- Recurved blade. A profile suggesting an S-shaped blade - slightly tapering from the base to the first third, noticeably widening towards the second third and with a clearly defined tip; the butt shape is usually similar to the drop-point profile (see above). Many consider the stylish and aggressive appearance to be one of the main advantages of this profile. As for functionality, the recurved blade is intended mainly for chopping, rough cutting and ripping; For piercing effects, as well as precise cutting, such knives are poorly suitable.

- Latin. Traditional, the most common type of profile among machetes; originally appeared in Latin America, hence the name. The latin blade has some expansion closer to the tip, most of the blade, starting from the handle, is flat, but closer to the end of the blade the blade rises in a steep arc towards the tip. The butt is straight or slightly concave; in some models it may be equipped with a serrator or even a full-fledged saw. Like all machetes, “Latin” blades are intended primarily for chopping, which is facilitated, in particular, by the blade’s center of gravity shifted to the tip; For more information on the use of such tools, see “Type”.

- Golock. Blade profile originating from Malaysia; found exclusively in machetes. Initially, the “golok” is a heavier, thicker and at the same time shorter profile than the traditional “Latin”; it provides for a noticeable expansion towards the end and a cutting edge rising steeply towards the tip, which gives the blade a distinct teardrop shape. However, nowadays, under the designation golock, blades are produced that are very far from the original configuration and resemble drop-point, or even sheepsfoot (see above).

— Parang. Another type of machete comes from Malaysia: a large and heavy blade of a curved shape, with a convex (curved upwards to the tip) cutting edge and a noticeable expansion from the handle to the end (more pronounced than in classic Latin-type machetes). The tip itself is most often located at the line of the blade, but it can also be located higher, in the area of the butt line. We also note that the “parang” profile also includes requirements for the handle: it must be curved downwards and have a thickening at the end for a secure hold in the hand. Thus, the overall shape of such a machete is S-shaped. Due to their shape and heavy weight, parangs allow you to chop effectively with a small swing.

— Kukri. Profile used in knives of the same name; In our catalog, such knives are classified as machetes, but initially “kukri” is a separate type of heavy knife, whose homeland is Nepal. This profile is difficult to confuse with something else: the long (several tens of centimeters) blade is curved downwards, noticeably widened near the tip and sharpened along the inner, concave side. This shape, combined with a forward center of gravity, makes the kukri extremely effective for chopping. Such knives are also used as combat knives, but in general they are very versatile tools, suitable for peaceful use in tourism, agriculture, etc.

- Bolo. The blade profile of the machete is also known as “Filipino” - based on its place of origin. The peculiarity of such a blade is that starting from the second third (when viewed from the handle), it expands in both directions - both towards the blade and towards the butt - and then converges to the tip, located almost on the center line of the knife (usually slightly above or a little lower). The blade itself can be either convex or S-shaped, like a recurved blade (see above). Initially, the “bolo” was an agricultural tool; its original purpose was to cut down bushes and small trees.

The grade of steel from which the main blade of the knife is made. Knowing this name, you can find detailed data on the steel used and evaluate how high quality the knife is, whether it is suitable for the intended application and whether it is worth the money. Here are some of the most popular brands today:

— 440A, 440B, 440C. Category "above average". Relatively inexpensive varieties with excellent value for money. The carbon content is 0.75%, 0.9% and 1.2%, respectively; 440C steel is considered the most advanced, however, all varieties are resistant to corrosion, keep sharpening well and at the same time are quite easy to sharpen.

— AUS-8. The Japanese analogue of the "440th" line — more precisely, steel 440B (analogues 440 A and 440C are marked AUS-6 and AUS-10). It is distinguished by the presence of vanadium in the composition, which has a positive effect on wear resistance.

— 8Cr13MoV, 8Cr14MoV, 5Cr15MoV, etc. Chinese grades of steel with the addition of chromium, molybdenum and vanadium. The most popular and advanced option is deservedly considered "eight-chrome-thirteen". It is similar in properties to AUS-8, but has a higher carbon content; such steel is relatively inexpensive, but it has very good performance characteristics, due to which it is found both in relatively inexpensive knives and in premium models.

— 420. The material of the low-cost category, which, however, is distinguished by excellent corrosion resist...ance. Such steel wears out quickly, but it is also very easy to sharpen; it is well suited for low-cost knives designed for daily use.

— 420HC. A slightly more advanced version of the 420 steel described above, having a higher carbon content. As a result, the 420HC is noticeably harder and holds an edge longer; in terms of resistance to corrosion, it is practically not inferior to the original, but costs only slightly more. It is also considered an excellent option for mass-produced low-cost knives.

— D2. Category "significantly above average". A distinctive feature of this steel is its high chromium content, due to which, in terms of corrosion resistance, it approaches full-fledged “stainless steels” (although it still falls short of them). In addition, D2 is noticeably harder than most materials of a similar price category, due to which it is quite difficult to sharpen, but retains its working properties for a long time.

— CPM. A family of steels from Crucible that includes premium and super premium grades. Manufactured using the Crucible Particle Metallurgy proprietary technology, which, according to the manufacturer, provides higher quality than traditional production methods; however, such materials cost accordingly. The specific characteristics of different grades, of course, vary somewhat, but they are all characterized by good hardness and corrosion resistance. However it is worth considering that certain types of CPM (especially the most expensive ones) can be very difficult to sharpen; on the other hand, such sharpening is maintained noticeably longer than in cheaper materials.

— 65X13. Perhaps the most popular brand of Russian-made steel. It has a high chromium content, which contributes to corrosion resistance, while it is quite easy to sharpen, but does not differ in hardness. It is inexpensive and is used mainly in the mass production of inexpensive knives.

The hardness of the material used for the knife blade. This parameter is one of the key characteristics of the blade. On the one hand, high hardness means that the cutting edge will not deform, wrinkle and dull prematurely, and the blade itself will bend under transverse loads; on the other hand, hard material is difficult to sharpen and is often rather brittle.

For knife blades, Rockwell hardness measurement and designation according to the appropriate scale (HRC) are used. Most good quality steel knives have a hardness of around 52 - 58 HRC - this range is considered to correspond to the optimal ratio of characteristics. For other materials, the numbers can be noticeably lower without any noticeable loss of reliability; see "Blade material" for details. And hardness above 60 HRC is extremely rare - mainly in premium grade steels and higher. In such steels, the brittleness characteristic of hard materials is eliminated through the use of various high-grade additives, and the difficulty in sharpening is compensated by the blade's long service life.

It is worth remembering that hardness is not the only characteristic that determines the quality of the blade: a lot depends on the composition of the alloy, manufacturing technology, etc. However, this is a fairly clear indicator that characterizes the features of a particular material; this is especially true for steel.

The total weight of the knife. It is worth evaluating this indicator depending on the type (see above) and purpose: for example, for a compact hiking model, light weight is usually a virtue, among hunting and fishing it all depends on specialization, and a machete, by definition, must be weighty — otherwise, cut with such a blade it will just be uncomfortable.

— No point. Models that do not have a pronounced point in the main blade. This design does not allow the blade to make punctures, which in some situations can be an advantage. For example, such models are great for the role of “the first knife for a young tourist”: the absence of a point reduces the likelihood of injury, which is important for children who do not have a clear skill for safe handling of a knife. In "adult" situations, the absence of a point can come in handy, for example, when skinning a hunted animal (so as not to pierce the insides) or cutting a net that fits snugly against the side of a rubber boat. In addition, the presence of a point may be one of the criteria for belonging to a melee weapon; in many countries, a knife without a point is not automatically such a weapon, regardless of other design features.

— Blade lock. The presence of a special lock in the folding knife, which prevents accidental folding of the blade. Such folding is both inconvenient and very traumatic, since the owner's fingers usually get in the way of the blade; blocking prevents such troubles. Note that the lock may not be installed in compact Swiss knives, the blade of which is not dangerous due to its small size, and this function is not found among butterflies in principle — the handle design itself does not allow the knife to fold while held in hand.

— Opening with one hand. The ability t...o open a folding knife (see "Design") with one hand. Among the knives with this feature, two varieties can be distinguished — with manual and automatic opening. In "manual" models, for opening with one hand, a protrusion (peg) or cutout is provided on the blade, which plays the role of a stop for the thumb; in "automatic machines" the blade unfolds (and in many frontal knives — and folds) under the action of a spring controlled by a button or a slider. Anyway, this function provides additional convenience; however, note that in some countries, opening with one hand is considered one of the signs of edged weapons.
Separately, we note that butterfly knives in our catalog are also considered “one-handed”, and by definition: any such knife can be “unwound” from a closed position to an open one using a relatively simple technique.

— Emerson Hook. A device designed to open a folding knife directly when pulled out of a pocket. A knife with such a device, unlike more traditional models, is worn on a clip with the tip up, not down; and the hook itself is located on the butt at the base of the blade and is designed in such a way that when removing the knife, you can catch the hook on the edge of the pocket and open the blade completely or almost completely. This function can be very useful in critical situations, where, as they say, everything is decided in a split second. On the other hand, it is worth bearing in mind that a certain skill is needed to use it effectively; and the Emerson hook is “not friendly” with fabrics, it can damage the material of the pocket, so it is best to use this method of opening with jeans or other clothes made of dense, durable matter.

— Finger notch. The presence in the design of the knife of a special recess located on the handle, where the index finger is placed with a direct grip. This feature provides additional convenience when holding the knife, but makes it less versatile — when using grip options other than straight, the notch can create difficulties (therefore, for example, it is quite rare in hunting models). It should be noted that the presence of a subfinger notch and its depth can serve as one of the criteria for determining whether a weapon belongs to a bladed weapon.

— Strap attachment. The presence in the design of the knife handle of a special fastening for a lanyard — a special strap. The lanyard provides additional convenience when removing the knife from the sheath, can be used to additionally fix the handle in the hand, to install a counterweight that facilitates chopping blows (for machetes and similar models, see "Type"), etc. The traditional strap mount is just a hole in the handle. However, in some types of knives (in particular, Swiss ones), this role can be played by a ring, which is also used to attach the knife itself to a carabiner, a bunch of keys, etc.

— Case. The classic case is an accessory that provides convenience and sometimes additional safety when storing and transporting the tool. At the same time, the difference between such an accessory and a scabbard (which perform a similar function) is that, usually, the knife is placed entirely in the case, while the sheath covers only the blade, leaving the handle outside. Accordingly, folding knives and multi-tools are usually equipped with covers, and such accessories are quite popular among awkward models. And here are the main options for materials:

• Fabric cover. The most popular variety nowadays. As a “fabric”, a durable and reliable material is usually used, resistant to abrasion, temperature extremes, ultraviolet radiation, etc.; a typical example is dense nylon ("cordura") or polyurethane fiber. Anyway, fabric covers are cheaper than leather ones and are not so demanding to care for, while they are reliable, practical, and look good, which is why they are widely used.
• Leather Case. Leather cases differ primarily in their characteristic appearance. Often such a product is not just a utilitarian addition to the knife, but a full-fledged fashion accessory, further emphasizing the style and character of the owner. And in terms of protection, leather covers are somewhat superior to fabric ones. On the other hand, genuine leather is quite expensive, requires special care rules, and in some situations may lose its appearance and performance (for example, when wet and dry quickly, the material may crack). And various leather substitutes (which can also be implied in this case) may have different characteristics — usually, they directly depend on the price.
• Carrying case. This option is indicated in our catalog in two cases: either if the manufacturer did not directly specify the specific material, or if the knife can be supplied with different types of sheaths (at the user's choice or depending on the batch / region of delivery — this point should be specified separately). However, anyway, the material can often be clarified from photographs — after all, covers are most often made of leather or fabric, and it is not difficult to distinguish between these options.

— Scabbards. This accessory, like the case, is used for convenient and safe storage and carrying of the knife. The difference lies in the fact that the sheath hides only the blade, leaving the handle open. Accordingly, it makes sense to supplement only clumsy knives with such products. Also note that the sheath is usually designed to be able to quickly remove the knife (another difference from the same cases). And here are the most popular materials used for such accessories:

• Plastic scabbard. Plastic is an inexpensive and at the same time quite practical material. Nowadays, there is a wide variety of plastic grades on the market that differ in characteristics; this allows you to choose an option for almost any purpose and price category of a knife. Thanks to this, plastic scabbards are very popular. We only note that products made from kydex (which is also formally plastic) are listed separately in our catalog.
• Kydex scabbard. Kydex was originally a trademark of Sekisui SPI, but nowadays similar materials from other manufacturers are also combined under this name. Kydex is actually a special advanced type of plastic, which is characterized by high strength, scratch resistance (it is difficult to scratch such a surface even on purpose) and general reliability. For illustration, it can be noted that even aviation fairings and marine deep-sea robots are made of such material nowadays. Thus, the scabbard is made of kydex and placed in a separate category. Of course, such products cost more than plastic ones — however, the difference in price is not as serious as one might imagine. So such scabbards can be found even in relatively simple models of knives.
• Leather scabbard. Leather scabbards have the same characteristics as sheaths made of this material. Such products look great; often they, in addition to practical functions, also play the role of fashion accessories. This material is especially well combined with hunting and tourist knives in a traditional design; in fact, such models are most often supplemented with leather scabbards. And on the practical side, the skin is distinguished by excellent strength. At the same time, this material requires certain special rules for use and care. For example, a wet leather product should dry slowly, at a low temperature — otherwise it may lose its luster and become deformed. And for a full guarantee, it is advisable to periodically treat the surface of such scabbards with special means. Also note that genuine leather is quite expensive, and various leather substitutes (which can also be used in this case) may have different characteristics — usually, they directly depend on the price.
• Fabric scabbard. The scabbard is made of dense and durable fabric — usually based on synthetic fibers (for example, nylon cordura). To protect against contact of the fabric with the blade, such products often provide an additional insert made of plastic or other dense material. However, in general, this option, for a number of reasons, is used quite rarely — mainly in relatively inexpensive knives.

Additional functions provided in the design of the knife in addition to the main blade. For multi-tools (see "Type"), in this case, the knife blade is also considered the main tool, and this paragraph lists the rest of the product's capabilities.

— Can opener. A device popularly known as a "opener" and designed to open cans. It is usually a short and thick blade, hard enough to cut through tin.

— Knife for cleaning fish. A specialized blade designed primarily for butchering prey while fishing. Note that the capabilities of this blade are usually not limited to cleaning and deboning — in many models it is also equipped with a hook extractor, line guide and other devices for the convenience of the fisherman. This function can be found both in actual fishing knives and in other types of knives (see "Type").

— Bottle opener. Glass bottle opener with non-threaded metal caps: the cap is pushed on from one side and can be easily removed. Of course, with a certain skill, you can open a bottle even with the simplest knife handle that does not have an opener; however, using a specialized device is both easier and safer.

— Corkscrew. The classic corkscrew for opening wine bottles is a device in the form of a spiral made of thick metal wire with a sharpened tip. Such a spiral is screwed directly into the co...rk and makes it easy to remove it.

— Extra blade. Another knife blade, in addition to the main one. Usually, it has smaller dimensions, and may also differ in shape, purpose and type of sharpening (see "Blade type"). For example, the main blade can be made smooth, and the additional blade can be serrated; and in a mushroom knife (see "Type") a curved shape, convenient for cutting mushrooms, can have an additional blade, combined with the main blade of a more traditional shape. Anyway, the second blade makes the knife more versatile; in addition, it can be useful when blunting the main one. Some models with this feature may have more than one additional blade.

— Flashlight. Your own built-in flashlight can come in handy when there is insufficient ambient light, when a full-fledged flashlight is not nearby or it is impossible to use it — for example, during an unexpected power outage in the house or when working in hard-to-reach and dimly lit places. Usually, the light of such a flashlight is directed to the same place where the blade “points”.

— Crosshead screwdriver. Screwdriver for bolts and screws with a cross-shaped slot on the head. It can be either a Phillips screwdriver itself, or a special kind of flat screwdriver, specially designed for cross bolts and screws and differing from classic slotted tools in the shape of a sting. Note that in this case it is precisely the non-removable, built-in screwdriver head (or several heads) that is meant; the possibility of installing interchangeable nozzles (bits) is indicated separately, see "Adapter for a bit" below. So when buying a tool with a Phillips screwdriver, it's ok to clarify the specific dimensions of the sting (stings).

— Slotted screwdriver. Screwdriver with a flat sting and designed for bolts and screws with a straight slot. If necessary, it can also be used with cross heads, however, under heavy loads it can damage the slot, so such work must be carried out carefully. As in the case of the Phillips screwdrivers described above, this function implies a non-removable screwdriver head, the size of which should be specified separately.

— Scissors. In classic knives, the scissors are usually small in size. Due to this, they are not suitable for work involving large volumes or requiring significant effort, however, they can be useful for small household tasks: cut a thread or adhesive tape, cut off part of a paper sheet, cut off a burr on a nail, etc. But among multitools (see "Type"), there is, along with this, another option — when scissors are the main working tool; in some models, they can even be used for cutting metal. Therefore, when buying a multitool with scissors, it is worth clarifying which of the formats it uses — a miniature fixture in the handle or full-sized blades.

— Pilka. The file used in knives usually looks like an additional blade equipped with characteristic teeth instead of the usual cutting edge. Such a tool is unlikely to be useful when harvesting firewood, but it may come in handy for some simple work — cutting small boards (for example, from boxes), sawing off branches of small thickness, etc. Some files can also be used on materials that a conventional blade does not do well: plastic, rubber, thick ropes, etc. There are also tools for metal. Note that serrated sharpening (see "Blade type") is not considered a file.

— Wrench. Separate device for loosening and tightening nuts, bolts with faceted heads, etc. Knife-mounted wrenches are usually fixed sizes — an adjustable design would be too cumbersome. On the other hand, the special shape of the key allows you to work with several sizes of nuts.

— Pliers. Pliers are used to pinch and hold various objects. They are especially useful for those cases when the efforts of the fingers are not enough for this or it is impossible to touch the part with your hands at all (for example, if it is heated to a high temperature). In traditional knives, pliers are quite rare, but in multi-tools (see "Type") are often the main tool. Note that classic pliers with even jaws are almost never used today, usually pliers play their role — a universal tool that combines flat jaws, notches for gripping round parts, side cutters, a wire cutting device, and in some models — also needle nose pliers (see below).

— Nippers. A tool used for cutting (biting) hard materials, primarily metal wire; in addition, it can be used for other purposes, in particular for stripping wires. In modern products (primarily multitools), the so-called side cutters — a type of nippers in which the cutting edges are parallel to the handles. Side cutters are most often not a separate tool, but an integral part of the pliers; see "Pliers" above for details. Also note that some models provide several types of wire cutters — for example, separately for thin and thick wire.

— Pliers. In fact, it is a variation of the pliers described above, equipped with thin, tapered to the ends sponges. Such a tool will be useful for precision work, for which when ordinary pliers are too large, and tweezers do not provide the proper clamping force. Needle-nose pliers are practically never found as a separate device, most often they are made in the form of elongated jaws on regular pliers (for more details, see "Pliers" above).

— Stripper (removal of insulation). Special tool for stripping wires. Its design may be different, but anyway, it was originally designed to cut only the insulation without damaging the metal core. In this way, strippers compare favorably with other tools that are used in electrical work for the same purposes — in particular, from wire cutters.

— File. A traditional file is a tool whose working part looks like a notched surface. In modern knives, files are usually small, finely cut and, like many other full-size tools, are not designed for large-scale and rough work. Such a device can be useful, for example, for deburring or leveling small surfaces. Note that you should not confuse a file with a nail file (see below).

— Tweezers. Tweezers make it easier to work with small details that are difficult to hold in your fingers: its thin jaws allow you to securely hold even very small objects. To further simplify delicate work (in which even a relatively small knife handle can create inconvenience), tweezers are often made removable.

— Awl-sewing machine. The classic awl is a thick needle on the handle, but in knives the design of this tool is somewhat different. Most often, the awl was tetrahedral, somewhat expanding towards the base, vaguely resembling a very narrow and thick blade without sharpening. However, its purpose is no different from the traditional one: piercing holes in dense materials such as cardboard, leather, thin plastic or plywood, etc.

— Adapter for a bit. A device for installing bits — interchangeable working nozzles, which are actually different types of screwdrivers. In fact, the presence of this function turns the knife / multi-tool into a universal screwdriver: bits can have different sizes, be made flat, cross-shaped, tri- or hex, etc. Some models of knives / multi-tools are equipped with their own set of bits and can only work with them; others are compatible with standard screwdriver bits.

— Toothpick. Hygiene device for removing small particles of food stuck between the teeth. Usually it looks like a thin pointed stick and is made removable — picking your teeth while holding a knife handle is not only not very aesthetically pleasing, but simply inconvenient. With regular use, a toothpick should be disinfected periodically — after all, pockets, bags and other places where knives are stored are usually far from sterile.

— Nailfile. Despite the name, this tool is essentially not a file, but a file with a very fine notch, designed for processing nails during a manicure. The use of a file can include both the correction of nails after cutting, and regular filing, eliminating the need to use scissors or tweezers.

— Sling cutter. In modern knives, this term most often means the so-called "safe" sling cutter. It has the appearance of a characteristic hook — folding, removable or built-in (formed by a slot in the handle); with such a device, you can securely grab a sling, rope or belt, and inside the hook there is a sharpened edge, which ensures cutting. Thus, for use it is not necessary to open the main blade, and the probability of cutting oneself is practically reduced to zero. As the name suggests, the main purpose of line cutters is to quickly and safely cut parachute lines (for example, when they are tangled in the air or landing on a tree). In addition, it is convenient to cut seat belts with such a device, which can be a real salvation in an accident.

— Hook. The device in the form of a hook can have a different design and, accordingly, applications. So, in hunting and fishing knives (see "Type") it is made in the form of a characteristic "fang" on the butt of the blade; this fang can come in handy at some stages of butchering prey. In turn, in Swiss models (see ibid.), the hook is one of the folding tools, and here its scope is quite wide: such a device can, for example, tighten a knot, remove a hot pot from a fire, and even make it easier to carry a heavy object , hooking it on a hook and using the knife as a handle.

— Ruler. Your own ruler can be useful for measuring small segments and drawing straight lines — for example, when laying a route on a map or marking blanks for cutting. Folding rulers installed in knives are often made transparent for added convenience. Another option — a ruler in the form of markings on the handle — can be found in multitools.

— Broken glass. Glass breaking device. It usually looks like a small pin on the handle — even a not very strong blow with such a pin is almost guaranteed to break the glass. Rescue work is considered to be the main area of use of glass cullet — in particular, in case of car accidents, when the car door can jam and the window will be the only way out of it. However, there are also less “extreme” applications of this tool — for example, splitting pieces of ice or caked lumps of salt.

— Chisel. A joinery and carpentry tool, which is a rather thick blade, the cutting edge of which is located in the front, in width (and not in length, as in ordinary knives). Such a device is intended for sampling and cleaning recesses in wood, chamfering, etc. It is found mainly in Swiss models and multi-tools. The dimensions of the "knife" chisels are small, they are designed for small volumes of work.

— Magnifying glass. A small magnifying glass that can be used for various purposes. The classic option is to help with looking at small details: miniature objects, small print on maps, drawings, etc. This feature can be especially useful for people with vision problems. In addition, a magnifying glass can be used as a fire source by focus sunlight on a clear day. The term "glass" in this case is conditional, because. in knives, these devices are usually made of transparent plastic — it is not so fragile, and it weighs less.

— Needle (pin). The needle included in the knife tool kit is usually made removable, not folding. Usually, it does not have an eyelet and is not intended for classical sewing, but the length and thickness of such needles often allow them to be used not only for piercing various materials, but also for drawing lines on the surface (scratching).

Note that this is not the whole list of additional equipment found in modern knives and multitools. Manufacturers can equip their products with other devices, such as a crimp for wires, a carabiner for attaching to camping equipment, folding spoons and forks, and even completely exotic features, such as specialized tools for golfers.

The country of origin of the brand under which the knife is marketed. Usually, it is indicated by the "homeland" of the manufacturing company or by the location of its headquarters.

There are many stereotypes associated with the “nationality” of brands and products, but most of them have no basis nowadays. First, the actual place of production is often different from the brand's country of origin. Secondly, the quality of the goods depends not so much on geography, but on the policy of a particular company and how carefully this very quality is controlled in it. Therefore, you should pay attention to the country of origin of the brand only if you fundamentally want or (do not want) to support a manufacturer from a certain state. Quality is best judged by the reputation of a particular brand and the general price category. But still Swiss knives and American knives and multi-tools a> deserve respect. However, this is more of a reputation, German counterparts can be just as good. As well as Ukrainian.