![f0012-01](https://article-imgs.scribdassets.com/2ewj67rmkgcov8a7/images/fileHFK9ZBDE.jpg)
1 BEAR OPS
MINI RANCOR IX
![common01](https://article-imgs.scribdassets.com/2ewj67rmkgcov8a7/images/fileGC5CCBA4.jpg)
HANDLE COLORS: Black, Desert Sand, OD Green
MSRP: Starting at $90
NOTES: Bear OPS, a division of Bear & Son Cutlery, proves you can still make blades in the United States and offer them for reasonable prices. While the Alabama-based company still makes expensive tools — like Damascus-steel balisongs — it also offers entry-level blades for less than a Benjamin.
Take the Mini Rancor IX. It features a lightweight Zytel handle with a tip-up, reversible pocket-clip. The drop-point, 2.25-inch blade is made of D2, a wear-resistant tool steel that isn’t quite stainless but pretty close. You can deploy it with thumb studs or the flipper tab and close it by