Knifemaking 8.63″ Double-Edged Boot Knife Review

Let’s Dive into Knifemaking 8.63″ Double-Edged Boot Knife

The Knifemaking 8.63″ Double-Edged Boot Knife is a fixed blade knife designed for discreet carry and self-defense. Manufactured by Knifemaking, this knife features an 8.63-inch overall length, a 4.25-inch stainless steel double-edged blade, and a brass guard. For a budget-conscious individual looking for a simple, easily concealed blade, this knife might appear appealing.

I was looking for an affordable backup knife that could be easily concealed on my person for emergency situations during outdoor activities. This Knifemaking boot knife seemed like a viable option given its size and intended carry style.

Upon unboxing, the Knifemaking 8.63″ Double-Edged Boot Knife felt surprisingly lightweight. The construction seemed basic, and the brass guard, while visually appealing, did not instill a sense of high-end quality.

Compared to my SOG Seal Pup Elite and my Ka-Bar TDI Law Enforcement Knife, the Knifemaking boot knife felt significantly less robust. I opted for the Knifemaking knife as a budget-friendly alternative, acknowledging that it likely wouldn’t match the performance of those higher-quality knives.

My first impression was cautiously optimistic. At this price point, I didn’t expect perfection, but I hoped it would serve its intended purpose as a backup defensive tool.

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Real-World Testing: Putting Knifemaking 8.63″ Double-Edged Boot Knife to the Test

First Use Experience

I initially tested the Knifemaking 8.63″ Double-Edged Boot Knife during a weekend camping trip in the Angeles National Forest. I wanted to assess its utility for basic camp tasks and its ease of deployment in a simulated emergency scenario.

The dry, dusty conditions of the campsite didn’t immediately impact the knife’s function, but the lack of a proper sheath became apparent. Deploying the knife quickly and safely proved difficult without one.

Using the knife for simple tasks like cutting cordage and preparing tinder was manageable, but the stainless steel blade lacked significant sharpness. It required more effort than my usual camp knife.

After attempting to baton the knife through a small piece of wood, the blade exhibited some slight bending, which was concerning. This highlighted the knife’s limitations in terms of heavy-duty use.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of occasional use, the Knifemaking 8.63″ Double-Edged Boot Knife showed noticeable wear. The blade had lost its initial edge and required frequent sharpening.

The stainless steel blade showed signs of scratching and minor corrosion, even with regular cleaning. The brass guard had also developed a slight tarnish.

Cleaning the knife was relatively easy, but the lack of a full tang construction raised concerns about its long-term durability. I had to be careful not to put too much stress on the handle while cleaning.

Compared to my Cold Steel SRK, which has seen years of heavy use without significant issues, the Knifemaking knife felt significantly less durable. I would not trust it in a true survival situation as a primary tool.

Breaking Down the Features of Knifemaking 8.63″ Double-Edged Boot Knife

Specifications

• Blade Length: 4.25 inches. The blade is relatively short, making it suitable for concealment but limiting its utility for larger tasks.
• Overall Length: 8.63 inches. The overall length provides a decent handle-to-blade ratio for a boot knife.
• Blade Material: Stainless Steel. The stainless steel offers some corrosion resistance but may not hold an edge as well as higher-carbon steels.
• Handle Material: Brass. The brass handle provides a classic look, but its durability and grip can be questionable.
• Fixed Blade: Indicates a focus on strength and reliability over folding mechanisms.
• Double-Edged Blade: Designed for thrusting and slashing, primarily for defensive purposes.
• Lanyard Slot: Allows for attachment to a lanyard for added security during use.
• Plain Edge: Offers clean cuts but may require more frequent sharpening compared to serrated blades for certain materials.

These specifications suggest that the Knifemaking 8.63″ Double-Edged Boot Knife is designed primarily for self-defense and discreet carry, rather than heavy-duty utility tasks. The stainless steel blade and brass handle contribute to its affordability, but may compromise its overall durability and performance.

Performance & Functionality

The Knifemaking 8.63″ Double-Edged Boot Knife performs adequately for basic cutting tasks but is not ideal for heavy-duty applications. Its primary strength lies in its concealability and potential as a defensive tool.

The blade’s sharpness out of the box is subpar and requires immediate attention. The handle’s grip is adequate but could be improved with texturing or a more ergonomic design.

The knife meets the basic expectation of being a concealable blade, but it falls short in terms of overall utility and durability compared to higher-quality knives.

Design & Ergonomics

The build quality of the Knifemaking 8.63″ Double-Edged Boot Knife is basic. The materials used are inexpensive, and the overall construction feels somewhat flimsy.

The knife is lightweight, which aids in concealability, but the balance feels slightly off. The brass handle, while aesthetically pleasing, does not provide a particularly comfortable or secure grip.

There is minimal learning curve to using the knife, but the lack of a sheath makes safe handling and deployment challenging. The double-edged blade requires extra caution during use and maintenance.

Durability & Maintenance

The longevity of the Knifemaking 8.63″ Double-Edged Boot Knife is questionable. Given the materials used and the overall construction, it’s unlikely to withstand heavy use or harsh conditions for an extended period.

Maintaining the knife is relatively straightforward, requiring only regular cleaning and sharpening. However, the brass handle may require occasional polishing to prevent tarnishing.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Knifemaking 8.63″ Double-Edged Boot Knife comes bulk packed and without a sheath. This is a significant drawback as a sheath is essential for safe carry and deployment.

There are limited customization options available for this knife. Due to its low cost and basic design, it’s not a prime candidate for extensive modifications.

Aftermarket sheaths designed for similar-sized fixed blade knives could potentially be used with the Knifemaking 8.63″ Double-Edged Boot Knife. This would be a necessary addition for anyone planning to carry the knife regularly.

Pros and Cons of Knifemaking 8.63″ Double-Edged Boot Knife