When the winners of the most unusual and functional fixed blades are named—should there ever be such a contest—Condor Tool & Knife would be a sure bet to be at or near the top of the list.

While stainless, or stain-resistant, blade steels continue to capture the fancy of everyday knife users, the tried-and-true carbon steels remain at the top of the list for many others—a fact not lost on major manufacturers, many of which continue to offer broad selections of knives with carbon steel blades.

The world's most collected cutlery brand salutes John Wayne with a special pocketknife. Check it out, pilgrims.

Every true knife fan must do all 40 of these at least once. It's the BLADE bucket list. How far along are you?

The TOPS MAK-7 dagger goes against the grain - and one-on-one - with the author.

Latest factory fixed blade tactical knives come in handy no matter the situation