With a blade of zirconium oxide, the cutting edge of this small Chef's knife is nearly as hard as diamond. That gives the knife unusual sharpness and a very long-lasting cutting edge. Ceramic blades outperform even the highest grades of modern cutlery steel. Zirconium oxide knives won't stain or corrode, and because the surface is non-stick, the knife is also easy to clean. Since acids have no effect on the blade, slicing acidic food will leave no metallic taste in the dish.

Using ceramic knives still requires some special techniques, since the blades themselves can shatter like glass if dropped, and edges may chip if used against hard glass cutting boards or bones. The knives work best on wooden or plastic cutting boards, and even then you'll need to learn some new rules. Swiveling on the cutting edge could cause damage, and any side pressure such as using the blade to crush a garlic clove could break the blade. If sharpening does become necessary, you'll need to consult a professional -- ordinary sharpening systems or honing steels will not do the job. Clean the knife by hand to avoid any damage from the mechanical vibration of a dishwasher. For proper storage, use the presentation box the knife shipped in.

Even considering all the precautions, this fine knife should impress anyone interested in a perfect cut, and if cared for properly will not need attention for many months of daily use. The knife does carry a lifetime warranty against defects in materials and workmanship. Broken blades are not covered.

See the Boker Ceramic Utility Knife for another good choice in zirconium oxide blades.

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Iron Chef IC 3002 Ceramic 6 Inch Chefs Knife New US $59.99   Auction Ends: 23d 56m

Iron Chef Ceramic Chefs Knife 6 Inch Overall US $50.69   Auction Ends: 14d 21h 25m

With the Eragon sword series, there's another option besides hanging the sword on the wall and looking at it. This universal frog and belt, made of genuine leather and crafted as well as the swords are made, fits any sword scabbard from the Eragon line. Just slip the tapered scabbard through the frog and adjust the waist belt to get the best angle for carrying and drawing the blade. The frog fits both swords used by the mystic storyteller Brom -- his standard blade and the red-bladed Zar'roc passed down to Eragon -- and the swords of Galbatorix and Durza. Belt and frog adjust to fit most Master Cutlery swords, not just the Eragon series.

The double-belt system studded with antiqued metal rivets looks authentic and works well. The waist belt itself is 58 inches long and fully adjustable to fit either the thick or thin warrior. All items in the Eragon series were created to meticulously match the equipment portrayed in the movie. Unlike cheap replica gear, the Eragon weapons and accessories use high quality materials and high standards of workmanship.

For an example of the swords meant to fit this harness, see the Zar'Roc Eragon Sword.

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Master Cutlery's limited edition run of the Hellboy II Spear isn't all that limited. Five thousand numbered pieces will be produced. That doesn't restrict the collectability of this interesting movie replica weapon. Made for display, the Prince Nuada Spear -- counterpart to Hellboy's own personal weapon, a similarly-styled sword -- mounts on a nicely finished wooden wall plaque embellished with the Hellboy II logo, all included in the collector's package.

The spear itself is 33.5 inches long with a short but heavy stainless steel blade that seems to be as much ax as spearhead. Though Master Cutlery describes the set as constructed from museum-quality materials, an indication of the true level of workmanship is the black vinyl wrapping on the handle. Keeping the weapon at museum grade will require some caution and care. Still, this is a weapon with dramatic rather than practical value, and fans of the movie will appreciate the attention to detail that it shows. If owners are interested in collectability as well, protecting the original packaging could be every bit as important as protecting the spear itself.

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HCG Master Cutlery Hellboy II Sword Spear Set BONUS US $559.95   Auction Ends: 2d 21h 12m

Hellboy II The Golden Arm Prince Nuada Spear Movie Prop Replica 192 US $275.00   Auction Ends: 1h 49m

An interesting weapons collector's piece, this sword with its raised dragon scales would be a little rough on the hands if you put any weight on it, which makes it better for carrying than for walking. Novelty swords like this one are awkward to hold if you want to test the practicality of the blade. Actual self defense cane swords were designed around strong carbon steel spikes set into simple but functional handles; the polished stainless blade of this model won't suffer much abuse without damage.

Seldom used since walking sticks went out of fashion, it is still possible to learn the art of sword cane fighting from books and videos that base their training on dual weapon Asian martial arts systems. In the Old West this was an aristocrat's weapon--to get closer to the methods of the high class and high rolling gamblers who carried such things in the wild days, you'd probably be better off studying fencing.

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NEW Lego NINJAGO SENSEI WU NINJA MASTER MINIFIG w KOPESH SWORD GOLD CANE US $10.88   Auction Ends: 23d 8h 47m

Top only of metal sword cane 23 inches long US $15.50   2 Bids Auction Ends: 1d 17h 20m

I get a kick out of the Rambo character--in a way he's the classic Vietnam Vet, a bit off the track mentally, a damaged vet who never managed to completely come back from the jungle, inept and out of place in most ways, but very good at one thing. Rambo is a fairy tale character like Luke Skywalker, a modern myth with which many of us can secretly identify.

In "real world" terms, I have a few criticisms of this knife. The blade is a bit light for a fighting blade, but on the other hand it's consistent with the knife style that the American military has favored since WWII, for the weapon of last resort. The shiny stainless steel alloy isn't as practical as a stained and worn carbon steel military blade, but it's prettier. The serrated back would probably result in more damage to friendly forces than to the enemy, considering that soldiers tend to use knives as pry bars and can openers more often than fighting weapons. All that is OK, because practicality isn't the purpose of this knife.

I think this is a case of the ideal behind the knife rather than the utility of the knife itself. It's something to make me think of other days, and even if the stereotype isn't all that accurate, I like it.

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The blade is made from stainless steel and is polished with the same wine red coating that made it stand out so vividly in the feature film, with the exception of the blood groove. The original color of the stainless steel groove accents the blade in an artistic contrast to the rest of the sword, bringing attention to the antiqued metal handle as well as the prominent spear point at the tip.

And what would a dragon rider's sword be without reptilian ornamentation? Atop the pommel sits a simulated sapphire-blue stone, reflecting the color of the dragon's egg. It's cradled in sculpted metal dragon tails that circle to form a solid setting on the handle.

This greatsword from Master Cutlery, Inc. measures an impressive 51 inches long and comes with a wooden plaque to display it on. The set also includes a custom leather-wrapped scabbard with antique metal hardware along with a certificate of authenticity.

For true Eragon enthusiasts, the Zar'roc won't disappoint.

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