Your Complete Knife Buying Guide

A: Yes, every knife sold by A Cut Above Blades is brand new and factory fresh. We only offer first-quality knives from trusted brands like ESEE, TOPS, KA-BAR, and Kershaw, never seconds, B-stock, or factory rejects.

To guarantee quality:

• All products come with manufacturer warranties (for example, lifetime coverage for ESEE and TOPS; see our warranty links).
• For limited or custom editions, we provide Certificates of Authenticity where applicable.
• As a family-run authorized dealer, we adhere to strict policies from brands like Kai USA, ensuring no substandard goods.
• Every order includes an invoice as proof of purchase, required for manufacturer warranties and easy returns (only for unused items in original packaging).

Shop our selection of brand new new knives for sale in our shop or reach out for questions; we’re here to help outdoor enthusiasts get reliable gear.

A: All knives sold by A Cut Above Blades are authentic and sourced as an authorized dealer. Authentic knives are critical for performance and warranty coverage, while counterfeits often have poor quality and can fail in the field. Below are brand-specific tips to help you verify your knife. Whenever possible, buy from trusted authorized dealers instead of risky marketplaces such as random eBay or Amazon sellers.

ESEE Knives

• Check for official laser-etched stamps on the blade (for example, model name, logo) and handle markings.
• Fakes often reuse the same serial number across many knives, while genuine ESEE knives have unique, properly formatted serials.
• Ensure original packaging, stickers, and ESEE-branded box.
• If suspect, report via ESEE’s counterfeit page.

KA-BAR Knives

• Look for stamped “KA-BAR Logo” on the blade; fakes have uneven markings.
• Examine pommel pin: Genuine have it partially hidden, visible only from right side.
• Check sheath: Authentic have rivets supporting stitching.
• Test weight or balance: Real models are lighter; fakes may break at blade neck.

TOPS Knives

• Check serial number on blade (includes year letter); contact TOPS to confirm.
• Packaging: Ships in plastic bag with handwritten label and “Made in USA” sticker.
• Materials: High-quality grinds, no uneven edges.
• For warranty: Use proof from authorized dealers like us.

Kershaw Knives

• Inspect markings: Date code on blade, correct “Kershaw SPEEDSAFE USA” (fakes have odd text).
• Test action: Smooth opening, no wobble.
• Shape or finish: Even grind, no irregular logos.
• Fakes aren’t warrantied; stick to authorized dealers.

Browse our authentic collections of ESEE, TOPS, KA-BAR, and Kershaw knives for sale, or contact us for verification help.

A: Proper maintenance extends the life of your knives and keeps them sharp for bushcraft, survival, and tactical use. Follow these steps for brands like ESEE, TOPS, KA-BAR, and Kershaw, using mild soap, water, and oil; avoid dishwashers or abrasive cleaners that can damage the blade or handle.

Basic Care Routine:

• After use: Rinse with fresh water, dry thoroughly to prevent rust, and apply a light coat of mineral oil to the blade (especially for carbon steel like 1095). WD-40 can help with rust removal or short-term protection, but avoid it for long-term lubrication as it may leave gummy residue; use dedicated knife oils like Ballistol instead.
• Storage: Store in a dry place with the sheath on and use silica gel packs for humidity control. Avoid leather sheaths for long-term storage because they can retain moisture and promote rust.
• Sharpening: Use a whetstone or sharpening rod at roughly a 20–25 degree angle. Touch up the edge every 1–3 months depending on use; folders like many Kershaw models may need less frequent sharpening. (See Kershaw’s care guide for details.)
• Handle maintenance: For Micarta or G-10 (common on ESEE and TOPS), simply wipe clean. Stacked leather handles (such as on many KA-BAR models) benefit from occasional food-grade mineral oil or leather conditioner to prevent drying, while synthetic handles like Kraton G can be cleaned with soap and water for long-lasting grip. (See TOPS care page or KA-BAR FAQ for more.)

Avoid common mistakes such as using your knife as a pry bar or exposing it to salt water without rinsing and drying afterward. For additional care tips, see our How to Care for Your Knife guide or contact us if you have questions about proper maintenance products and techniques. (See ESEE rust care blog for additional tips.)

A:

Warranty coverage depends on the knife brand, but all of the manufacturers we carry stand behind their products when used as intended. For full terms, coverage details, and how to submit a claim, please see each brand’s official warranty page:

• Kershaw Warranty: https://kershaw.kaiusa.com/warranty

• TOPS Knives Warranty: https://www.topsknives.com/warranty

• ESEE Warranty: https://eseeknives.com/warranty

• KA-BAR Warranty: https://www.kabar.com/customer/warranty

If you have questions about a warranty issue with a knife purchased from A Cut Above Blades, contact us with your order details and we will help connect you with the right manufacturer support.

A: Edge sharpness can vary slightly by brand and model, so you may choose to refine the edge to your personal preference with a fine stone or strop before heavy use. For more details, see our How to Care for Your Knife guide.

A: Yes, we offer knife engraving, including custom logo engraving on many of the knives we sell. This is a great option for clubs, organizations, military units, and gifts when you want a personalized or commemorative knife.

We can engrave names, dates, short messages, and many logo designs, depending on the knife model and available engraving area. To get started, email us with your artwork or engraving idea, the knife you are interested in, and the quantity needed, and we will review options, pricing, and the next steps with you.

A: All purchases from A Cut Above Blades are processed using PayPal, and you can still have a knife shipped directly to the gift recipient. During checkout, select or enter the recipient’s name and address as the shipping address in your PayPal details, and we will send the knife straight to that address.

All orders ship free within the areas we serve, including eligible military APO, FPO, and DPO addresses when the address is entered correctly at checkout. At this time, we do not ship internationally.

For your protection and ours under PayPal’s Seller Protection, we ship only to the shipping address shown on your PayPal transaction details. If you want the knife sent to a different person or address, please add and select that address in your PayPal account before you complete your purchase.

A: Yes, a large percentage of our customers are active-duty military personnel who have either had knives purchased for them as gifts by friends or family, or have ordered directly and had their knives shipped to them around the world.​

Most overseas personnel use a United States APO, AE, FPO, or DPO address, so the listed USPS Priority Mail shipping rates apply with no additional charges. Because all orders are processed through PayPal, please be sure your APO, AE, FPO, or DPO address is correctly entered and selected in PayPal so your package is sent to the proper location.​

Many currently serving personnel have relied on our services either to upgrade their current knife or to purchase a specific model they want to carry with them in the field.

A: All orders are processed securely through PayPal, which handles the credit card transaction on our behalf. If your card is being declined, the issue is almost always between your bank or card issuer and PayPal.

First, double-check that your billing address, card number, expiration date, and security code are entered exactly as they appear on your card. If everything looks correct and the payment still will not go through, please contact your bank or card issuer and let them know you are trying to complete a purchase through PayPal, as they may be blocking the transaction.

If you continue to have trouble after speaking with your bank, feel free to contact us and we will do our best to help you complete your order.

A: All in-stock knife orders ship within one business day, and delivery times depend on the carrier, shipping method, and destination. Before sending any knife back, please review our full Return Policy page for details on eligibility, time limits, and condition requirements so your return is handled quickly and smoothly.

A: Sales tax is only applied to orders shipping to addresses within the state of Georgia, and orders shipped outside of Georgia are not charged sales tax at this time.