Travis Smola

Travis is an avid outdoor and knife enthusiast from southwest Michigan. His interest in knives was fostered at a young age with a knock-off Swiss Army knife. He’s tested hundreds of knives in the years since. In 2013, he graduated from Western Michigan University with a degree in journalism. For the last decade, he has professionally covered knives, hunting, fishing, and camping, specializing in gear reviews and guides. His byline has appeared on Wide Open Spaces, Field & Stream, Outdoor Life, and Gear Junkie.

7 Best Skinning Knives for Deer: Quality Blades for Every Hunter

Travis SmolaWe independently evaluate all recommended products and services. Any products or services put forward appear in no particular order. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Many hunters may initially find home processing daunting, especially when it comes to skinning a deer. However, with the right tools and a bit […]

7 Best Fishing Knives to Augment Your Angling Pursuits

Travis SmolaWe independently evaluate all recommended products and services. Any products or services put forward appear in no particular order. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Every angler needs a quality knife, whether fishing in freshwater or saltwater. The right blade is invaluable for trimming fishing lines, cutting bait, and […]

6 Best Bowie Knives: Timeless Strength and Versatility

Travis SmolaWe independently evaluate all recommended products and services. Any products or services put forward appear in no particular order. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. It doesn’t get much more American than the iconic Bowie knife. This blade style was popularized by James Bowie in an 1827 knife fight […]

6 Best Assisted Opening Knives: Quick, Reliable, and Ready When You Are

Travis SmolaWe independently evaluate all recommended products and services. Any products or services put forward appear in no particular order. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. With almost every DIY project, one must hold material with one hand while cutting with the other. Continually stopping to pull the blade out […]

7 Best Magnacut Knives: Premium Blades for Every Task

Travis SmolaWe independently evaluate all recommended products and services. Any products or services put forward appear in no particular order. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. It’s safe to say that MagnaCut steel took the knife world by storm after its introduction in 2021. The steel offers incredible hardness, edge […]

5 Best Honing Rods to Keep Your Blades Super Sharp

Travis SmolaWe independently evaluate all recommended products and services. Any products or services put forward appear in no particular order. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. One key aspect of knife ownership is maintenance, where a good honing rod comes into play. Top chefs, who use and abuse their knives […]

5 Best Karambit Knives: Distinctive Options for Self-defense

Travis SmolaWe independently evaluate all recommended products and services. Any products or services put forward appear in no particular order. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. The Karambit is an interesting knife that has evolved extensively over the years. These days, this knife style is a standard-bearer in the self-defense […]

7 Best EDC Fixed Blade Knives for Standard & Field Needs

Travis SmolaWe independently evaluate all recommended products and services. Any products or services put forward appear in no particular order. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Folding knives have long ruled the world of everyday carry (EDC) thanks to their compact size and lightweight construction. Consequently, fixed blade knives often […]

5 Best Pocket Knife Sharpeners: Keep That Blade Top-notch

Travis SmolaWe independently evaluate all recommended products and services. Any products or services put forward appear in no particular order. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. No matter how sharp a knife is from the factory, it will eventually dull, especially pocketknives used in many everyday activities. Knife maintenance is […]

5 Best Buck Knives: Stalwart Blades in Versatile Varieties

Travis SmolaWe independently evaluate all recommended products and services. Any products or services put forward appear in no particular order. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. In the late 1800s, a young blacksmith’s apprentice started forging his first knives as a small child. Young Hoyt Buck probably never imagined that […]