A psychological operation (PSYOP) is a military strategy that uses targeted messaging to influence the emotions, motives, and behavior of a target audience. This can include enemy forces, neutral populations, or even allied groups. PSYOP campaigns can employ a variety of tactics, such as spreading disinformation, using propaganda, or broadcasting messages of persuasion. The ultimate goal of a PSYOP campaign is to achieve a military objective without the use of direct force. What does all that have to do with pocketknives? The PsyOp is a new design from Geoff Blauvelt in collaboration with Vosteed knives.
Geoff, from Schwenksville, Pennsylvania, has a rich background in fine arts, which he skillfully integrates into his knife designs. In 2011, he founded Tuffknives on YouTube, beginning as a knife reviewer and later transitioning into knife modding. His journey in knifemaking took a significant turn when he met John Gray, who mentored him in the craft and helped him start his own company. This company now produces and sells custom folders, leveraging the following Blauvelt had built from his YouTube days and his extensive experience modding production knives. He is known for his preference for a hands-on approach to knifemaking, using minimal machinery to maintain a more handmade, open style in his creations.
Vincent Rizzo's Sparrow, brought to us by Kizer Cutlery, exemplifies a blend of functional elegance and robust craftsmanship. Rizzo's design philosophy shines through in every detail of this knife.
The specs for the Sparrow include an overall length of 7.6 inches, a 3.27-inch blade, and a handle length of 4.33 inches. The handles are made from contoured titanium, which is very ergonomic. Its subtle beveling and large finger groove provide a snug, comfortable grip that fits perfectly in hand. The titanium handle not only offers durability but also adds a touch of sophistication with its sandblasted, frosted finish.
Justin Koch of Koch Tools is a respected pocket tool designer. His love for knives is evident in his creations, and people have enjoyed his handiwork for years. His designs are a blend of innovation, aesthetics, and utility. A popular knife design of his is the Korvid range; its cleaver-style blade and striking looks turn heads. The Korvid S is a fixed-blade version of that famous design. Today, we're taking a look at how it performs and if it's worth its metal.
Those that know me know that I view pocket knives as an art form. People are into paintings, sculpture, and other works that man creates. A man bears his soul when he creates, pouring out his creativity, passion, emotions, and even love. I, however, see beauty in knives. To others, they are purely utilitarian, cold steel made for a purpose. But I see knives as much an art form as those made with chisels and paintbrushes. It's the angles, curves, material choices, movement, acoustics, etc. It's poetry in motion. Knife designers are artists, and today we're taking a look at a design by Paul Munko.
Paul says that ever since he was a kid, he's been fascinated by anything with a blade. His dad had a toolbox full of pocket knives, using them for a variety of things around the house daily. Paul learned at a young age the utility that a knife could bring into your life. They made things easier in a way that you don't ever think about unless you carry one daily. They were not only useful but fun as well. He got hooked on pocket knives after a road trip, seeing them on display at a rest stop. He went to researching what makes for a good pocket knife. He found out how great the knife-collecting community was. He found collectors, creators, and even started speaking with designers and manufacturers about their work and how their ideas came to be.
Kansept has many models that define the brand, and one that stands out in particular is the Main Street. Designed by Dirk Pinkerton, the Main Street exemplifies his no-nonsense, purpose-driven philosophy. His approach to knife design is simple: big enough to get the job done, but in the smallest package. It features a comfortable yet versatile grip, able to handle whatever tasks you would expect a knife to handle. That sums up the Main Street perfectly.
The company often makes variations of their models, some of which are quite striking. I decided to take a look at the lightning anodized version with 20CV steel. If I don't get to this now, I'll forget—there's a lot to talk about. The overall length of the Main Street is 7.92 inches, with a blade length of 3.36 inches.
What kind of people would write collect and review multitools? Quite simple really- we are designers and do-ers, outdoors types and indoor types, mechanics, doctors, problem solvers and problem makers. As such, we have, as a world spanning community, put every type, size and version of multitool, multifunction knife, pocket knife and all related products to every test we could manage in as many places and environments as there are.