Knife Buying Guides and Expert Advice
The Best EDC and Folding Utility Knives, Ranked
Isn't it frustrating when your knife blade gets dull in the middle of a task? Replaceable blade utility knives offer a convenient solution: simply pop in a new blade, and you're back in business with a fresh edge. But with so many options available, which one is truly the best for everyday carry (EDC)? That's the question we're tackling in this comprehensive guide.
Best Switchblades & Automatic Knives (Updated for 2026)
As more and more states have changed their laws in recent years, automatic knives (aka switchblades) have seen a surge in popularity. As a result, more and more manufacturers are jumping into the market, so now is a perfect time to examine the options for those looking to jump into the waters of automatic knife ownership.
Spyderco Review: Paramilitary 2, Para 3, Military Compared
It's a family feud! Squaring off today are a trio of Spyderco’s most iconic knives: the Paramilitary 2, its younger brother the Para 3, and the oldest and largest member of the family, the original Spyderco Military. All three knives are outstanding expressions of Spyderco’s design philosophy, but are they worth putting in your pocket?
Kershaw Leek Buying Guide (Plus Top Alternatives Updated for 2026)
The Kershaw Leek has been a mainstay in the pockets of knife lovers and everyday users for over 20 years. Introduced in 2000 and designed by Ken Onion, it quickly became one of the most recognizable and trusted EDC (Everyday Carry) knives on the market. But after all this time, is it still the best at what it does, or have other knives finally caught up?
Bestselling New Knives of the Year (Top 10 Ranked by Real Sales Data)
When people talk about “the best knives,” most lists lean on hype, opinions, or sponsor deals. This one is different. Every knife here earned its spot because people actually bought it, carried it, and kept it. We pulled a full year of real sales data from KnifeCenter to create this ranking of the bestselling new knives of 2025.
The Voice of Experience: How David C. Andersen is Shaping the Future of the Knife Industry
In the world of high-performance cutlery, few individuals bridge the gap between "enthusiast" and "expert" as effectively as David C. Andersen (DCA). As the resident voice for KnifeCenter and established knife designer, David has transformed from a dedicated gear journalist into one of the industry's most influential designers.
Best Fixed Blades of 2025
Thousands of new knives passed through our hands this year, but only the top ten were good enough to make this list! How did we pick the best knives of 2025? Well, we noticed something interesting about this year’s crop of new knives: while there were lots of great releases, there were no runaway winners. So instead of hunting for a single champ to crown, we brought together the fixed blades that genuinely stood out for design, carry, value, or just pure usefulness.
![Best Knife Steel: A Comprehensive Guide [Updated 2026]](https://blog.knifecenter.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Best-Knife-Steel.jpg)
Best Knife Steel: A Comprehensive Guide [Updated 2026]
This guide will help you understand the differences between different blade steels so you can choose the right one. Cheaper steels can be the right choice for certain applications, offering forgiving toughness and stainlessness while also being easy to maintain, while more expensive and exotic steels can offer better edge retention, toughness, and/or corrosion resistance for your money.
How To Choose The Right Knife: An Ultimate Guide
To find the right knife, think about the tasks you intend to use it for. Knives can serve various purposes—slicing, chopping, or carving, for example—and knives that excel at some tasks can struggle with others, so it’s important to choose the right tool for the job. Once you know what you want your knife to do well, you’re well on your way to finding the right knife for you.
![Best Microtech Knives [Updated for 2026]](https://blog.knifecenter.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/BestMicrotechs.jpg)
Best Microtech Knives [Updated for 2026]
Microtech makes some of the finest and most famous tactical knives in the world. Their engineering, craftsmanship, and innovation have catapulted the brand from founder Anthony Marfione’s garage into one of the most successful knife brands in the world. These are the best Microtech Knives you can get your hands on today!
Blade Steel Is Less Important Than You Think
It's time for a harsh truth: most knife buyers spend too much time staring at steel charts and not enough time thinking about how a knife feels and cuts. The truth is that blade steel is easy to market. It has brand names, scientific data, and status. But when you use a knife every day, the blade steel isn't what you appreciate first. If you want a knife that works well in real life, read on to put blade steel in its proper place.
Best KA-BAR Knife Alternatives: Fixed Blades Compared
The KA-BAR fighting/utility knife has undeniably earned its place as one of the most recognizable fixed blades in the world. But does popularity equal supremacy? Here at the KnifeCenter, we're always looking for the best tools for the job, so let's see how the KA-BAR stacks up against the competition today. Does any blade have what it takes to unseat the champion?