2021-02-01 Blade
2021-02-01 Blade
2021-02-01 Blade
CONTENTS
58Casey-Pushkarev
Dragon Fighter.
(SharpByCoop
image)
40
Tony Bose.
(Kerry Hampton
image)
FEATURES ------------
12 FEVER PITCH 50 TRULY OUTSTANDING SHEATHS
Check out the hottest custom makers’ hottest knives! Beautiful custom models bring elegance to the show table.
By Steve Shackleford By BLADE ® staff
[4 ] B L A D E --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- F E B R U A R Y 2 0 2 1
SPOTLIGHT
6 | READERS RESPOND
7 | COVER STORY
10 | UNSHEATHED
22 | THE KNIFE I CARRY
35 | HOW LINERLOCKS
SHOULD LOCK
41 | WHAT THEY SAID
ABOUT TONY
63 | SHORT CUTS
64 | SHOW CALENDAR
66 | BLADE SHOW 2021
68 | NEXT IN BLADE ®
68 | WHERE TO GET ’EM
69 | BLADE SHOPPE
70 | WHERE TO NET ’EM
71 | AD INDEX
Salt® Series
79 | WHAT’S NEW The Tasman Salt 2 combines the aggressive cutting features of a
TM
50
James White
bowie. (Sharp-
ByCoop image) Order at chrisreeve.com
Chris
Reeve •
Knives
IMPINDA
A MODERN SLIP JOINT
82
Ruple 1
trappers.
(Old School
Knife Works
image)
[6 ] B L A D E --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- F E B R U A R Y 2 0 2 1
[ COVER STORY ]
A
bevy of EDC knives graces the
cover of our special EDC issue:
the CRKT CEO, V Nives Kill-
abite, Hogue Knives First Response
Trauma Tool, TOPS Knives Mini
Tanimboca Puukko and Outdoor Edge
MiniBlaze.
CRKT’s CEO (page 34) is a slender
Richard Rogers design with the go-to
lock of many EDC folders: a linerlock.
For a small EDC in damascus blade steel
with a miniature tactical feel, the V Nives
Killabite (page 28) fills the bill. The Mini
Tanimboca Puukko (page 52) is a neck
knife that doubles as a small bushcraft
model thanks in part to its flat-back Scan-
di-ground blade. The Hogue Knives First
Response Trauma Tool (page 44) is per-
haps the most utilitarian in terms of EDC:
a rescue knife. And finally, the Outdoor
Edge MiniBlaze (page 72) is a keychain
knife—the type of EDC you don’t usu-
ally need to worry about remembering
to take along with you because it’s with
your keys.
For the contact information of the cov-
er knives, see the applicable listings for
each in “Where To Get ’Em” on page 68.
The images of all of the cover knives are
courtesy of the participating companies.
F E B R U A R Y 2 0 2 1 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- B L A D E [7 ]
THE WORLD’S #1 KNIFE PUBLICATION
Vol. XLVII, No. 5, February 2021
NORDIC Publishers Of
KNIVES
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on 8th Street, 5600 W. Grande Market Drive, Suite 100,
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your satisfaction LORI MCDANIEL
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[8 ] B L A D E --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- F E B R U A R Y 2 0 2 1
SEPARATE YOURSELF
FROM THE COMPETITION
Edmund, Fuzzie
and Covid
A
n irrepressible soul from her, I would have died because
the small burgh (popu- she is the one that insisted I go
lation 368) of Goshen, to the hospital and get help.”
Virginia, Edmund Davidson As of December 7, Pearl Har-
is known for his offbeat per- bor Day, Edmund and Fuzzie
sonality and fixed blades in an were slowly but surely improv-
integral construction that are ing.
as solid as the Rock of Gibral- “I am now a guinea pig for
tar. Many call him “Fuzzie,” the University of Virginia since
aka Fuzzie D, which is also the I am back at home. They are go-
name he has given his pony- ing to send a package with me-
tail and that he uses as a kind ters, blood pressure cuff, scales
of third person reference to and IPad so we can tell them of
himself. Ergo, if you talk to Ed- my progress,” he wrote. “This
mund, you also talk to Fuzzie— Covid thing is so new that ol’
and vice versa. I know, kind of Edmund just happens to now
dubious, but it’s about the only be one of their ‘chosen projects.’
way I know to put it. After looking the Grim Reaper
Anyhow, when word got in the face and almost dying,
out Edmund had contracted this little chore is all OK.
Covid-19, the reaction on so- “This will be a slow and grad-
cial media was one of deep ual recovery and my knifemak-
concern, and understandably ing will take a slam dunking.”
so—especially when it turned Of course, those who know
out Edmund’s case was so se- Edmund know he won’t be
rious they had to move him to down for long. He recently had
the UVA University Hospital the distinction of being voted
at the University of Virginia in into the Art Knife Invitational,
Charlottesville, Virginia. It was a collection of the world’s top
November 23 and the Edmund makers, with this year’s edi-
Davidson social media vigil had begun! Edmund Davidson looked death in the tion slated for October 24 in Las Vegas
The next day, Edmund’s Facebook eye and lived to tell the tale. (https://aki.show/).
friends learned, he was put on eight liters “I must get well to be with 24 of the
of oxygen. At one point he was conscious best in the world in October. I hope to see
and posted on knifemaker John Wilson’s on his own, he still required oxygen. By you sooner, though,” he concluded. “I’m
Facebook page, “I have double pneumo- November 30 he was down to requiring still very weak now, but my comeback is
nia Covid. This is deadly but curable. one liter of oxygen, and, on December 5, fully under way.”
Will be in the hospital for the next 10 he was discharged. Thanks to Edmund and Fuzzie for pro-
days recovering with lots of oxygen and All his friends in the knife community viding a feel good story when feel good
heavy antibiotics. Thanks to everyone for on social media and others who knew stories are few and far between.
caring. The knife community is by far the breathed a collective sigh of relief. As
best.” for Edmund—and Fuzzie—he/they was/ For more information on Edmund David-
On November 25, Edmund was put on were understandably shaken, a fact that son visit him on Instagram at https://www.
a ventilator for 16 hours and 50 liters of came through loud and clear in Edmund’s instagram.com/davidsonedmund/.
oxygen. Later that day his kidneys started recollection of events.
to shut down. However, the next day his “Fuzzie was on death’s door with Co- For the latest knives, knife news trends and
lungs responded and he was able to com- vid in both lungs. After 10 days in ICU more visit blademag.com, BLADE®’s pop-
municate by nodding his head. As he put and another four days in recovery, I was ular Instagram page @blade_magazine,
it, he was starting to come out of a “near paroled out Saturday afternoon. I’m at and on Facebook and Twitter.
death ordeal.” By November 27 he came home where my sweet girlfriend Tucker
off the ventilator and, though breathing is helping me get better. If it were not for
[ 10 ] B L A D E ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- F E B R U A R Y 2 0 2 1
[ WHAT'S HOTTEST ] BY STEVE SHACKLEFORD
W
hile human temperatures ebb and flow thanks to the worldwide plague, the
THE hottest custom makers’ hottest knives always remain at a fever pitch, including
HOTTEST at press time in such genres as EDC, tactical, slippies, chef ’s knives and more.
“This past year, there was a big trend in the custom knife market toward knives that
MAKERS’ are designed for daily carry and use,” custom knife purveyor Daniel O’Malley of Blade-
Gallery.com noted. “While many of us were stuck at home, others took the opportunity
HOTTEST KNIVES to go out into the wild for a solitary hike—even if this meant hiking through a local park.
As a result, camp knives and hunters were a highlight.”
ARE CONTAGIOUS Not only were they a highlight in 2020, they remain hot. O’Malley said the San Mai
Viper in desert ironwood by CAS/the Sobral Brothers (Claudio, Ariel and Marcelo), and
IN A GOOD WAY a damascus fighter with a contoured sheath in carbon fiber by Stuart Smith are elegant
fixed blades tailored for hard use. “Their functional designs and tremendous sense of
[ 12 ] B L A D E ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- F E B R U A R Y 2 0 2 1
balance and presence continue to show a ing a one-off damascus fighter with a gor- knife. “Steve has become an elite maker,”
move toward knives that can be carried geous grip. “His knives are well thought Robertson wrote. “The value for the dollar
and used,” O’Malley wrote. out and executed,” Ellis opined. you get from one of his knives should en-
Custom knife purveyor Dave Ellis of Similar styles by such hot bladesmiths courage you to get on his extended wait-
Exquisiteknives.com is another high on as Wess Barnhill, Steve Randall and Josh ing list. It isn’t going to get any shorter!”
CAS/the Sobral Brothers, especially their Fisher in assorted damascus patterns, Fisher’s camp knife has a mosaic da-
Winchester Fighter in a hot-blued, com- some of which are more complicated mascus blade, an ironwood handle and a
plex damascus blade and an outstanding and difficult to forge, populate the list of custom-made leather sheath. “From the
sheath by Marcelo. “They are all nice fel- purveyor Les Robertson of Robertson’s tip of the blade to the end of the handle,
lows and their work sells briskly,” the pur- Custom Cutlery. He termed Randall’s this knife exudes balance,” Robertson as-
veyor observed. He is also taken with the san-mai damascus and stag fixed blade sessed. “The ergonomics of the handle
work of Sam Lurquin of Belgium, includ- an “exceptional execution” of a hunting form fits to your hand.” Barnhill’s Turk-
F E B R U A R Y 2 0 2 1 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ B L A D E [ 13 ]
[ WHAT'S HOTTEST ]
TACTICAL
The evolution of tactical folders and the
hottest makers of same continues.
“Tactical folders have moved from
thick slabs of titanium into refined, high-
ly machined, nimble knives,” O’Malley
observed. “This hybrid of collector-grade
and tactical knives has culminated in tre-
mendously elegant flippers.” His hottest
makers of the genre are Andre Thorburn
(L36M); Riaan Manser (T3 maple and
black G-10); Trevor Burger (EXK SFL
framelock); Arno Bernard Sr. (Orca fra-
melock with mammoth molar inlay); JD
van Deventer (Gold Midi with fluted car-
bon fiber); and Kosie Steenkamp (Sam-
son with Westinghouse Micarta and car-
bon fiber).
Hot on the list of custom knife pur-
veyor Dave Stark of Steel Addiction Cus-
tom Knives are Tashi Bharucha, Lee Wil-
liams and Oleksii Nesterenko of Ukraine.
“Tashi’s latest and hottest custom knife
is the Predator,” Stark began, “a strong,
muscular design featuring a hand rubbed
RWL-34 blade riding on bearings, and
the frames are full titanium with laser
etching.”
“Lee’s latest and hottest design is the
Cheeka, which debuted at the Friday
Night Blade Affair of the 2020 California
Custom Knife Show. It features a hand
rubbed CPM 154 blade that pivots on Wess Barnhill’s
bearings. The frames are Alpha Knife bowie has a guard,
frame and 9-inch
Supply, four-alloy, fully contoured and blade of Turkish
heat-colored black Timascus™, topped off twist damascus
with copper pivot rings and a full zirco- and a mammoth
nium back spacer with a titanium clip.” ivory handle. Overall
length: 14.25 inches.
Oleksii is relatively new to the U.S.
Barnhill’s list price:
knifemaking scene. “His fit and finish and $1,950 (includes a
attention to detail are some of the very custom made leather
best in the industry using a non-CNC sheath). (Impress By
approach,” Stark noted. The Ukrainian Design image)
has been a professional maker since 2015
and won best knife design in 2019 at the
[ 14 ] B L A D E ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- F E B R U A R Y 2021
[ WHAT'S HOTTEST ]
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F E B R U A R Y 2 0 2 1 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ B L A D E [ 15 ]
“A sign for me that his knives are so hot
is when somebody buys one for the first
time, within days I get an inquiry for a
second piece.”
[ 16 ] B L A D E ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- F E B R U A R Y 2 0 2 1
[ WHAT'S HOTTEST ]
[ 18 ] B L A D E ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- F E B R U A R Y 2 0 2 1
[ 20 ] B L A D E ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- F E B R U A R Y 2 0 2 1
[ THE KNIFE I CARRY ]
Ray Garbe,
Menasha, Wisconsin
[ 22 ] B L A D E ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ F E B R U A R Y 2 0 2 1
[ KNIFE TALK ] BY ED FOWLER BLADE ® FIELD EDITOR
COMMUNICATION
WITH YOUR KNIFE
HANDLE IS A
TWO-WAY STREET
F E B R U A R Y 2 0 2 1 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ B L A D E [ 25 ]
[ KNIFE TALK ]
either hand. This is a rule in the world of my knives do. Spacers serve the func- TEST YOUR RESULTS
of knives that some teach and others tion of adapting some handle shapes to Once you have achieved the handle shape
use to judge quality. Initially, I tried to the blade that would be difficult or im- you seek, you don’t need a bunch of
achieve perfectly symmetrical handles, practical to use without them. To me, beeves to test it. Instead, visit your local
then realized I have never known anyone spacers can have a beauty all their own lumberyard and pick up as large a piece of
who switched hands when using a knife. that waits for us to notice. Spacers also al- scrap wood as you can get. I used an old
However, it was a rule and rules must be low the maker the freedom to adapt the railroad tie but that was what I had.
followed. Woe be unto those who dare geometry of the handle from one size of Start cutting the wood in half. Take
ask why! blade to a much different handle mate- your time and sharpen your knife as need-
Then the idea hit me: Why not simply rial. BLADE Magazine Cutlery Hall-Of- ed. Your object is not to cut wood in half
make a handle out of modeling clay and Fame® member Bill Scagel used leather in record time but to test the functional
work with it until it fit my hand? At first spacers for this transition to great benefit. qualities of the handle. You may also find
my clay handle was a poor cross between Note: When choosing spacer material, that the nice, sharp square-shaped handle
a broomstick and a chicken leg. Slowly it it is best to use a material that reacts to spine is a little tough on your hand. Cut in
evolved into a pretty decent handle. Clay temperature and moisture in the same many directions. Change your grip, mov-
is cheap, simple to work with and you can manner as other materials used for the ing all around the handle. If you find one
easily modify it as you work. The five- knife. More on this in future articles. aspect you don’t like, change it. Do not
and-dime store set me up with a lifetime The more you can exploit the natural be bashful about trying different handle
supply of clay for a quarter. Fifty years lat- complex geometry of the hand that will shapes. Modify the spine and the ricasso
er I am still using it. I also made a crude hold and use the knife, the more pleasur- if they are not comfortable.
blade out of a piece of scrap wood, and, able and greater your control of her will This can be a continuous learning ex-
after several days of fooling with it, I was be. As you work with the clay handle, ro- perience if you wish it to be. I felt that
ready to try my ideas on a real knife. tate the knife and try her in all positions. when I could hold my knife in any po-
For this series of articles I developed Soon you will have some ideas you want sition and I did not feel anything that
five knife blades. On the one for this sto- to try on a real knife. Surprisingly, you was uncomfortable, I was there. This is a
ry I rough fit and silver soldered a brass may find that your right-handed handle quality I still seek through every handle I
guard and started working with the clay. also fits your left hand very well despite make. I continue to learn.
While this example has no spacers, most the handle’s lack of symmetry. One of the most significant aspects of
[ 26 ] B L A D E ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- F E B R U A R Y 2 0 2 1
[ KNIFE TALK ]
the handle is that it should communicate by the handle’s shape. Then World War quest for something a little better.
to you the exact location of the cutting II started and the Allies needed knives— These thoughts are not meant to de-
edge of your knife at all times—working and lots of them. There were not enough tract from those who desire to make their
in the dark, cold or heat, or when times cutlers to shape all the handles for the vision of an art knife; you are welcome to
get exciting—also known as indexing. A now-mass-produced blades. It was de- your world. If you find some interesting
perfectly round handle can easily leave cided that they had to shorten the time thoughts in the world of knives, you are
you trying to cut with the side or spine invested in making F-S knives, and the welcome to help yourself. What’s more,
of the blade. Still, some collectors love lathes went to work producing the easier naturally I will feel free to use some of
the round-handled Fairbairn-Sykes (F-S) to make, and thus less expensive, round your thoughts. I will, however, always
knife of World War II fame. I guess the handles for the knife. Ever since, the credit you with your contribution.
English designers were more interested in round-handled dagger has been consid- I thank all who have taken the time to
economy and their fantasies of the knife- ered a special combat knife. Meanwhile, read my thoughts. You are welcome to
maker’s art. some knew the shortcoming of the design write BLADE® (see bottom of page 6 for
I once read a book about the testing through personal experience. the address and e-mail) and let us know
and development of the F-S knife. It was No matter how much you read or seek what you think.
an expensive book but I felt the writers there is always information you should
knew a lot that I did not. I was very dis- have known before: Yours truly,
appointed in the material presented. It Ed Fowler
failed to document performance testing. My friend about lost his life [email protected] or
There were no stabs or cuts mentioned, The night he tried to cut that edfowlerhighperformanceknives.com
just official declarations of what Major X VC’s throat
or General Y thought about the knife. with the side of his Fairbairn knife. For the latest knives, knife news, trends and
I recently talked with knifemaker and more visit blademag.com, BLADE®’s popu-
knife designer Bill Harsey. He shared If you want the best working knife you lar Instagram page @blade_magazine, and
some information I did not have. As de- can make, you must be willing and able on Facebook and Twitter.
signed, the original F-S knife had an oval to resist the quick sands of tradition that
handle, and it was easy to index the knife have hampered man’s thinking in his
F E B R U A R Y 2 0 2 1 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ B L A D E [ 27 ]
[ EDC ] BY JAMES MORGAN AYRES
Tote ’em if
>> IMAGES BY ML AYRES
[ 28 ] B L A D E ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- F E B R U A R Y 2 0 2 1
O
nce upon a time a long time ago, Four of the
latest in EDC
my idea of the perfect everyday knives, coun-
carry knife was a Randall Model 1. terclockwise
Most of the guys I worked with back then from right:
carried 16- to 18-inch pangas every day. V Nives
Times change. People change. I no Killabite,
Pro-Tech
longer carry a Randall in an inside waist- Knives Malibu
band clip sheath every day, or at all, re- Wharncliffe,
ally. No doubt there are many folks today Medford Knife
who strap on a 10-inch bowie or a USMC & Tool Gentle-
man Jack
fighting/utility knife every morning be- and Smith’s
fore breakfast. To that you can add the Edgework-Site
legions who EDC a tactical folder. Wharncliffe
There are, however, many folks who Knife.
prefer to carry simple pocketknives. Al-
most every cowboy I know carries an old
school Schrade or Case stockman in the
watchpocket of his Wranglers. Many oth-
er folks, some constrained by knife laws,
EDC more contemporary versions of the
traditional pocketknife, the knife that at
one time was in every schoolboy’s and
every man’s pocket—for some, a gentle-
man’s folder.
My team and I recently did a field re-
view of four very different contemporary
versions of the EDC folder. If we were
cowboys I reckon we could have trimmed
hoofs, done minor surgery on cows and
other cowboy things. But we’re not cow-
boys. So, we used them for the stuff we
tend to do. We opened boxes and cut up The Smith’s
cardboard. We did cut rope, which felt Edgework-Site
kind of cowboyish. We went for a hike Wharncliffe
press cut a
and picked and sliced fresh rose hips for pine limb. It
tea, peeled and sliced oranges for a trail- was the team’s
side picnic, cut pine limbs and whittled preferred
fuzz sticks to start a lunchtime fire. Not blade for
exactly gentleman stuff either, but hey, getting up
wood for a fire.
everyone has his own EDC needs.
SPEC CHECK
Smith's Edgework-Site
Wharncliffe Knife
F E B R U A R Y 2 0 2 1 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ B L A D E [ 29 ]
[ EDC ]
SPEC CHECK
Medford Knife & Tool
Gentleman Jack
[ 30 ] B L A D E ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- F E B R U A R Y 2 0 2 1
[ EDC ]
ROCKETKNIFE
The Pro-Tech Knives Malibu Wharncliffe
is handsome, modern in appearance and
detail, and resembles a 21st-century knife
designed to be carried by an astronaut. In
fact, the knife looks a little like a rocket—
and has a high-tech lock to boot.
It also performs well. The overall
blade design with its flat grind, fine edge
and up-tipped point was terrifically ef-
ficient at all slicing tasks. At first glance
I thought the point design might inhibit
penetration, and it did. But something in
the geometry that eludes me made it very
efficient at all cutting and slicing tasks.
It easily and cleanly crunched through
nylon rope, kept its edge cutting card-
board, and was just the thing for slicing
rose hips for tea. It did very delicate cuts
cleanly and with precision. With its mod-
estly sized blade, brilliant blue handle and
overall polished appearance, it qualifies
as a large gentleman’s folder, albeit one
with more function than the usual run of
that type of knife.
MUST-WORK MINI
Can we say the V Nives Killabite is cute?
F E B R U A R Y 2 0 2 1 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ B L A D E [ 31 ]
[ EDC ]
I don’t usually use that word when dis- though—they are useful. I’ve been beat- covered in the Alps who had a complete
cussing knives, but, truth be told, this ing the drum for tiny blades for years ever tool kit with him, including his flint knife
little puppy is cute. High-tech, too. The since I learned a little bit about flintknap- with a 1.5-inch blade.) I’ve taught surviv-
damascus blade, carbon fiber handle and ping and worked with some experimental al classes during which I use a folder with
framelock all say dress tactical folder. archaeologists. (One of the latter was the a 2-inch blade to make a tool kit consist-
Miniature, yeah, but still pretty tactical. lithic expert who consulted on Otzi the ing of a spear, bow and arrows, haft for a
Don’t let little knives fool you, Iceman, the 5,000-year-old mummy dis- stone axe, and more. I wouldn’t hesitate to
The edge of
the Smith’s
Wharncliffe was
very welcome
when cutting
nylon rope
laid across a
tree stump,
and cutting
cardboard boxes
into strips.
SPEC CHECK
Pro-Tech Knives
Malibu Wharncliffe
[ 32 ] B L A D E ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- F E B R U A R Y 2 0 2 1
[ EDC ]
True craftsmanship takes time.
Your steel shipments shouldn’t.
Accurate, on-time delivery you can rely on, for any size order.
Our commitment to service and value is as strong as our products.You can count on
us for the widest selection of blade stock, internationally renowned quality, and accurate
on-time delivery of any size order. Bar sizes and full sheets or plates from 1/32” to 1/2”
in stock. Small quantities are always welcome.
• Stainless • Alloy • Nickel
• High Carbon • Tool Steels • Titanium
According to the author, • Low Carbon • Precision Ground • Damascus
the Smith’s Wharncliffe Stainless
is a workaday folder that
equals many high-priced Visit our website and order online at www.admiralsteel.com,
limited production call 800-323-7055, or email us at [email protected]
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makes the most of the short blade. The Admiral is a registered trademark of Admiral Steel LLC. Alsip, Illinois. Reg. No. 2430959. All rights reserved.
edge is just a tad thicker than I prefer,
which makes it strong at the cost of a little
Tim Britton
slicing ability, but allowed it to bite deep
into wrist-thick pine with no trouble.
For long term use I might reprofile the
edge—or maybe not. I like the notion of
such a small blade being so strong.
The handle has a nice curved profile
and is comfortable as such a small handle
can be, comfortable enough for the kind
Knifemaker
of work that you would do with the knife.
“Cigar Jack”
Keep in mind, too, a surgeon’s scalpel is Fiji Fire Pearl $775
only 1.5 inches long. Must work gets done Engraving Jim Small
with small blades. A keeper this one is.
F E B R U A R Y 2 0 2 1 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ B L A D E [ 33 ]
[ LINERLOCKS ] BY DEXTER EWING BLADE® FIELD EDITOR
HALLMARK
OF EDC
F
ew folding knife locks perform as well for everyday carry (EDC) as the linerlock.
WHEN IT COMES TO Constructed properly, the linerlock is easy to open and, especially on a knife that
includes a blade opener and a pocket clip, is a snap to carry, deploy, open and
EDC FOLDER LOCKS, close, all with one hand—an EDC hallmark.
THE LINERLOCK IS Designed by award-winning knifemaker Richard Rogers, the CEO Bamboo linerlock
folder is one of the more slender knives from CRKT. It’s an unobtrusive folder that won’t
HARD TO BEAT weigh you down and is ideal for dress suit carry. In fact, it can carry attached to a shirt
pocket a la a ballpoint pen. It blends well with the office crowd, as it is a low profile de-
[ 34 ] B L A D E ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- F E B R U A R Y 2 0 2 1
HOW LINERLOCKS SHOULD LOCK
Many knife nuts in-the-know have certain preferences to where a brand new
linerlock knife’s lock spring should hit on the tang when the blade is locked
open. Some prefer it to hit in the lower third of the tang, from the linerlock
side. Some prefer it to hit in the middle.
One thing to remember about linerlocks is there is a break-in period for
the lock. In other words, as the metal on the end of the lock spring wears
to conform with the tang, it is likely that the spring will travel more toward
the center of the tang—not a whole lot, just a little. Hence, it is probably best
to select a linerlock knife where the spring hits on the lower third so it can
compensate some following the break-in period.
— by Dexter Ewing
F E B R U A R Y 2 0 2 1 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ B L A D E [ 35 ]
[ LINERLOCKS ]
how it blends in and does its thing with
no unnecessary fanfare. The only nega-
tive about the CEO is also a positive—the
deep carry clip. The fold-over design cre-
ates a hot spot when you grip the handle
but carries the closed folder deep in the
pocket, which is nice. Given that the knife
isn’t made for prolonged, heavy duty use,
I find the clip to be a good thing. Made
in China, the CEO has a manufacturer’s
suggested retail price (MSRP) of $54.99.
It is a great value.
EXCELLENT SLICER
The Citadel Kampot linerlock folder
sports a 3-inch drop point blade of Bohler
N690 stainless steel. N690 is a mid-grade
stainless with great edge holding proper-
ties but also is rather easy to resharpen.
It is a fine alternative to today’s “super
steels.” The ergonomic handle has double
stainless steel liners and stabilized blue
beech scales. Red liners add a subtle pop
of color. The scales are nicely rounded
and contoured so the folder rests in your
The Puma SGB Mach 1 matches 1.4116 and close the blade, especially for such a grip comfortably with no hot spots. An
stainless steel with a sturdy handle slender folder. Many such folders do not integrated guard prevents your hand
sporting carbon fiber scales and stainless
manipulate easily due to their size. from sliding onto the blade edge and, to-
steel liners. The blade rides on ceramic
bearings for smooth opening and closing. And for a slender folder, the CEO has gether with a bird’s beak butt, keeps your
plenty of bite. The slim blade slits open hand on the handle.
envelopes and packages effortlessly. I like The linerlock secures tightly with zero
sign that will not raise eyebrows.
Just over 3 inches long, the blade is
8Cr13MoV stainless steel for a good
balance of edge holding and resharpen-
ing ease. The trailing-point blade opens
quickly and efficiently via a thumb stud.
The pivot’s Ikoma Korth Bearing System
(IKBS) enhances smooth blade action. A
saber-style primary grind combined with
a full-length swedge grind gives the blade
a bit of attitude.
The handle consists of two stainless
steel liners and glass-reinforced nylon
scales. The scales are molded in a color
and shape/texture to mimic bamboo. The
handle’s squared off butt resembles the
classic doctor’s knife/pillbuster pocket-
knife pattern. A deep carry, fold-over clip
allows the knife to ride low in a pants or
shirt pocket, or inside a sport coat breast
pocket.
The linerlock engages firmly and se-
cures the blade open with no play. Simply
hit the thumb stud and the blade pops
open fast to the locked position thanks to
the IKBS. Firmly push the edge of the ex-
posed portion of the lock spring, and the
blade unlocks and rotates closed as easily With its sturdy sheepsfoot blade and ergonomic handle, Steel Will’s F24-33 Nutcracker is
as it opens. I like how simple it is to open built for hard use.
[ 36 ] B L A D E ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- F E B R U A R Y 2 0 2 1
[ LINERLOCKS ]
reminds me of how brass and copper pa-
tina when exposed to the elements over
time and get a blueish green hue. The
Kampot is a great alternative if you’re not
into the all black and edgy tactical folder
look. The blade pivot is not exposed, so
the pivot tension is not adjustable. This
cleans up the look, though I know some
knife guys like to adjust the pivot tension
to their own liking.
A negative is the knife’s size, though for
some that is a good thing. The lack of a
clip is compounded by the lack of a belt
sheath. The Kampot needs one. For me,
the knife is too big to carry in the pocket,
so belt carry would be the best option. On
the other hand, ready-made belt sheaths
are rather easy to find (a good source is
Smoky Mountain Knife Works at smkw.
com/knife-accessories/sheaths). Made in
Cambodia, the Kampot has an MSRP of
$205.
F E B R U A R Y 2 0 2 1 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ B L A D E [ 37 ]
[ LINERLOCKS ]
The Citadel Kampot (left) easily rivals
most any working folder with its drop
point blade. The high polish of the steel
makes it easy to clean as well.
[ 38 ] B L A D E ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- F E B R U A R Y 2 0 2 1
[ LINERLOCKS ]
F E B R U A R Y 2 0 2 1 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ B L A D E [ 39 ]
[ MILESTONE ] BY BLADE® STAFF
Knifemaking Loses
Its Best Friend
SLIP-JOINT MASTER
TONY “OLD DOG” BOSE
PASSES AWAY
T
(Kerry Hampton image)
ony Bose, the in steering his career in the direction of
man perhaps self-employment and self-discovery,”
most responsible Cutlery Hall-Of-Fame member Ken On-
for the rebirth of the slip ion said in his speech inducting Tony into
joint/pocketknife genre in the Cutlery Hall Of Fame in 2019. Tony’s
today’s custom knives, BLADE father also was disabled, so Tony sought
Magazine Cutlery Hall Of Fame® work to help his family make ends meet.
member, loving husband and His disability made finding employment
father, and friend to scores in difficult, especially at a time when em-
the knife industry, passed away ployers were reluctant to hire the dis-
November 22. He was 75. abled.
Slip joints like the saddlehorn One of the things that helped Bose per-
trapper, Lanny’s Clip, Zulu Spear, severe was his affection for slip joints.
The saddlehorn
trapper by Tony
the Arkansas Hunter and more al- He had a deep love for traditional
Bose is the knife ways will be associated with Tony, all pocketknives for as long as he could re-
that, in his own made in his Wilfred Works knife shop in member. “He always had one, mostly
words, made Shelburn, Indiana. He shared more pat- something worn out or someone gave
him famous. terns with more makers than perhaps any him,” Onion observed. In high school
(SharpByCoop
image) knifemaker who ever lived. He remains a Bose made money sharpening blades
mentor to the world’s leading makers and until he saved up enough to buy a brand
others who simply called him friend (see new Case knife.
sidebar). Eventually he started making fixed
Things didn’t come easy from the get blades in his spare time. “His focus was to
go for the man who referred to himself acquire the necessary equipment to build
as “Old Dog.” Born in 1946, he lost his folding knives, and that he did,” Onion
right eye at 6. “Most of his life has been continued. In 1989 Bose became a full-
affected one way or another by that loss, time maker. “His goal was to make tradi-
but perhaps it was the defining moment tional folding knives and improve upon
[ 40 ] B L A D E ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- F E B R U A R Y 2 0 2 1
them using the best materials he could
find, and to perfect the craft,” Onion said.
Bose was self-taught and, due to the diffi- WHAT THEY SAID
culty he encountered in finding informa-
tion on making knives, he vowed to share ABOUT TONY
his knowledge with other makers to keep
“
approached Tony’s table at the BLADE Show. “
the interest alive.
Gradually, Tony began to establish It was probably 15 years ago I I had the pleasure of sitting next to
himself, making slip joints and selling Tony at the 2019 ICCE Show, handling a
them at local knife shows. In 1989, he Our conversation went like this: ‘Hi Tony, couple of knives he brought and having him
went full time. He began winning honors I just wanted to let you know that that look at several of mine. One of mine was
for his knives at various events, including saddlehorn trapper of yours is my favorite awarded ‘Best Art Knife’ by the Guild and
Best Folder awards at the 1994 East Coast knife ever.’ Tony replied, ‘That’s the knife Tony looked it over and told me it was well
Custom Knife Show and, in 1995, at the that made me famous!’ We talked a while deserved. A finer gentleman and better
world’s largest and most prestigious knife about his knives and I left to go back to my maker you will be hard pressed to find.
table. After the show I received a package He will be sorely missed and leaves some
”
event: the BLADE Show in Atlanta.
from Tony. Inside were two different-size mighty big shoes to fill.
TURNING POINT saddlehorn trapper patterns. He had hand —knifemaker Stan Buzek
The turning point in Bose’s career came ground them! That’s the kind of guy Tony
was. He was a kind, generous gentleman,
“
in 1999 when, at the request of Mark Za- I first met Tony at a show in New
always willing to share his vast knowledge
”
lesky, now editor of Knife Magazine, Ed York City when he first started attending
Jessup of Case called to see if Bose was of knives.
—knifemaker Bill Ruple shows. He was always willing to help me
interested in working with Case. Tony with anything about slip joint folders. He
agreed and their collaborations went on was always willing to share patterns. If I
“
to transform an industry. I guess I’m not different than most called Tony needing a pattern, he would
Tony and Case did not limit their people. I had Tony on a pedestal until we send me one he had made out of steel with
working agreement to knife collabora- became friends. The first time I met him he the holes drilled; in other words, he sent me
tions only. Tony became a crowd favorite approached my table at the BLADE Show, a pattern that would work with hardly any
”
at Case consumer events and swap meets looked at an ivory Zulu Spear, looked at adjustments.
nationwide, conducting knifemaking me and smiled. We hit it off after that. I’ve
seminars, meet and greets, and otherwise —ABS master smith Harvey Dean
never met anyone so giving and unselfish of
”
serving as an ambassador for all things his time, talent or resources.
Case. It was a relationship beneficial to
both parties and the entire industry in
more ways than one. In the case of Case,
—knifemaker Tom Ploppert “ About all I can tell you about Tony Bose
is that he was a great knifemaker and a fine
human being. I talked to Tony many times
not only did it swell company coffers, it
also improved Case knives—no small feat
for one of the world’s leading names in
“ Over the years there have been four
gentlemen that stood out to me as real
over the years about problems I was having
with slip-joint folders. He always offered
gentlemen: James Lile, Arthur Marks of sound advice and took the time to listen. He
cutlery. Stoddard’s\Cutiecut, Tony Bose and C. Gray sent me many patterns over the years and
In the process of combining on some Taylor. Of course, there have been many never charged me a penny. Tony will go down
of the world’s best slip-joint collabora- other special people, but these guys are in the books as the best slip-joint maker
tions, Tony and Case refocused attention
on slip joints in general. Add the impec-
cable custom slip joints that Tony contin-
what I consider ‘gentlemen.’ The rest of us
are just OK!
”
ever.
” —ABS master smith Steve Dunn
—BLADE Magazine Cutlery Hall-Of-Fame®
ued to make, and custom knife aficiona-
member Dan Delavan
dos bought more of them. That influence
included other custom makers as well, “ Back in the late ’90s when Tony was
really ‘getting hot,’ we were in Vegas
and more of them switched from making
other knife genres to building slip joints. “ I was sad to hear of Tony’s passing.
A lot will be said about the wonderful
sitting next to each other. A large crowd
of collectors gathered in front of Tony’s
Almost as legendary as his knives is knives he created and passion he put into table and literally shut down the aisle. The
Tony’s legacy of teaching anyone who each one. I will also remember him for other makers started raising hell and the
wanted to know how to make knives. his service to the knife community, his promoter had to get on the P.A. and try to
“Tony takes the time to be sure students selfless encouragement to makers, invites disperse them. I told Tony, ‘You got some
understand what he’s trying to teach,” to his shop, tutorials and many answered great knives there.’ He said, ‘You ought to
Onion said in 2019. “He’s improved the questions over the phone. To my friend, I see my boy Reese’s work—he’s better than
level of quality in a big way at Case and
has taught them to do the impossible. He
say a heartfelt thank you!
—knifemaker Mike Zscherny
” me.’ We laughed about that again at the
2019 ICCE Show in Fort Worth. That was the
consistently strives for perfection. He’s
very inspirational and has been a muse to
last time I saw him.
”
—knifemaker Roger Green
F E B R U A R Y 2 0 2 1 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ B L A D E [ 41 ]
[ MILESTONE ]
When it came
to making
multi-blades,
nobody did it
quite like Tony.
(SharpByCoop
image)
Tony was happy as a clam after Ken Onion
(right) inducted him into the BLADE Maga-
zine Cutlery Hall Of Fame® in 2019.
[ 42 ] B L A D E ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- F E B R U A R Y 2 0 2 1
[ RESCUE KNIVES ] BY ABE ELIAS BLADE® FIELD EDITOR
[ 44 ] B L A D E ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- F E B R U A R Y 2 0 2 1
FEW KNIVES MAKE MORE SENSE FOR EVERYDAY CARRY THAN TODAY’S RESCUE MODELS
T
here are many knives with features
geared toward a specific use. At The Spyderco
their very core, though, they are Assist cuts
still knives. Rescue knives have added through a safety
features that gear them toward the task harness belt
with very little
of extracting someone from a car, or effort. A safety
untangling him or her. Can you still use harness like
such knives for everyday carry (EDC)? this is over two
I don’t see why not. As noted, at their times thicker
than a standard
core they are knives. In professions like
seat belt.
emergency response personnel, firefighter
and law officer I can see rescue knives
covering all the bases. So, at assorted
times this past month, I toted one or more
of three rescue knives: the Utica Honor
Rescue Blade, Spyderco Assist Salt FRN
Yellow, and Hogue Knives First Response
Trauma Tool Model 34760.
F E B R U A R Y 2 0 2 1 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ B L A D E [ 45 ]
[ RESCUE KNIVES ]
NC
Knifemaker 21
- 3 Burner
- Firebox
4” x 4 ½”
x 21”
- Solid Door
- Cast iron
port on
one end
NC Knifemaker
- 2 Burner
- Firebox
4” x 4 ½” x
13 ½”
- Door with
2” x 3” port on
one end
- Solid door
on one end
Call for Free Catalog The Utica Honor cuts packing binding. handle butt. It also has a strap cutter that
800-446-6498 Lumberyards use the packing binding does not consist of the primary blade, but
on materials they don’t want harmed is instead a dedicated blade built into the
by metal bindings. The strap is rigid
NC Tool Co. Inc.
and about three times thicker than back of the handle butt. A point to make
6133 Hunt Road
Pleasant Garden, NC 27313 safety belt material. The Honor ripped with the strap cutter is that, starting out, it
336/674-5654 • 800/446-6498 through it. sliced through the belts like a razor. After
Web site: www.nctoolco.com
about 10 slices, the strap cutter stopped
cutting. That leaves me with a tricky call
on this one. If you’re using the strap cut-
ter as a rescue tool only, you shouldn’t
be cutting seat belts often. Therefore, it
should work when you need it. You will
have to make that call for yourself if you
are expecting it to cut through seat belts
often. For $29.50 you get a good knife
that works like a knife of higher value.
LAND or WATER
The Spyderco Assist Salt FRN Yellow has
a sheepsfoot blade the same as other As-
sist models, with the exception of the
steel being H1 for corrosion resistance.
Adding the corrosion-resistant steel
makes the knife a good candidate for a
sea kayaking and canoe rescue knife.
Spyderco uses a hollow grind with
three quarters of the blade serrated. The
handle material is bright yellow fiber-
glass-reinforced-nylon (FRN), so the
knife is easy to spot if dropped on land or
in water. The yellow color shows dirt but
the FRN is easy to clean.
In the handle butt is a retractable car-
bide-tip glass breaker. I found the way
Spyderco does it very clever. Instead of
having a fixed tip that you may inadver-
tently bang your hand against, the tip
retracts. To deploy it, squeeze the closed
knife. Squeezing the blade and handle
[ 46 ] B L A D E ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- F E B R U A R Y 2 0 2 1
[ RESCUE KNIVES ]
FREE KNIFE CATALOG
A complete catalog of knives, including
Damascus, collectors knives, tactical and
work knives, and much more!
F E B R U A R Y 2 0 2 1 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ B L A D E [ 47 ]
[ RESCUE KNIVES ]
[ 48 ] B L A D E ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- F E B R U A R Y 2 0 2 1
[ RESCUE KNIVES ]
F E B R U A R Y 2 0 2 1 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ B L A D E [ 49 ]
[ HANDMADE GALLERY ] BY BLADE ® STAFF
TRULY OUTSTANDING
SHEATHS
1
3
7
[ 50 ] B L A D E ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- F E B R U A R Y 2 0 2 1
K
nives without sheaths seem to be a real sticking point with
some collectors, so when you come across knives with
truly outstanding sheaths, it’s always a welcome sight. A
few of those welcome sights appear on this and the facing page.
1
Black and white ebony serve as the materials for the
sheath and handle of Tom Buckner’s chef’s knife. The
8-inch blade has an SG2 stainless core in between 15
layers of a nickel/stainless damascus.
2
Pictavia leather from Perth, Scotland, comprises
the sheath for Lord Scott S. Dickison’s fixed blade.
Blade steel is by HHH Damascus and the handle is
6
5,000-year-old Irish bog oak.
3
A cross-tie sheath by Francesca Wilburn comple-
ments James Fleming’s Permafrost bowie. The 7.75-
inch blade is a mosaic damascus of 1084 carbon and
15N20 nickel alloy steels. The handle is ancient mammoth tusk
ivory. Overall length: 12.75 inches.
4
A matching sheath and handle of bog oak helps high-
light a chef’s knife by Jordan LaMothe. The 9.5-inch
blade is mosaic damascus, and the handle also in-
cludes mammoth tooth ivory, silver and meteorite. Overall
length: 13.8 inches.
5
Francesca Wilburn does the sheath honors again here
on Joshua Prince’s Laniakea. Joshua forged the da-
mascus blade from 1084 and 1095 carbon and 15N20
nickel alloy steels. The handle is stabilized spalted white oak.
Overall length: 14.5 inches.
6
Jay Redfeather of Williams, Arizona, constructed the
leather sheath with studs and strap for Michael Tyre’s
Western Cowboy Bowie made from materials from the
collection of the late, great ABS master smith Tim Hancock. In
fact, Michael made the knife-and-sheath combo for one of Tim’s
old mule-riding partners.
2 7
Kenny Rowe fashioned the finely tooled leather
sheath for a bowie in dyed giraffe bone and 5160 car-
bon steel by James White. Blade and overall lengths:
11 and 16.6 inches. The handle spacer is mokume and brass.
For the contact information for the pictured knives, see “Where To
Get ’Em” on page 68.
For the latest knives, knife news, trends and more visit blademag.
com, BLADE®’s popular Instagram page @blade_magazine,
and on Facebook and Twitter.
F E B R U A R Y 2 0 2 1 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ B L A D E [ 51 ]
[ NECK KNIVES ] BY PAT COVERT
[ 52 ] B L A D E ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- F E B R U A R Y 2 0 2 1
N
eck knives are an oft-overlooked
segment of the EDC market, due
in most part to folders dominating
the genre. Some users, however, prefer
a neck knife over the more complicated
mechanics of folders because it is less
likely to break down, offers quick access,
and has that strong tactile feel a fixed
blade offers. Meanwhile, neck knives
today are more diverse than ever, offering
a multitude of options.
RESCUE NECKER
The Boker Plus Rescue Kiridashi gets
the “rescue” label by offering a large gut-
hook-style web cutter. (For more on the
latest rescue knives, see page 44). The
blade has the flat edge of a kiridashi but is
hollow ground on both sides to enhance
slicing capabilities. The handle—the
blade and handle length overlap—has a
large index finger hole for a sure grip. A Neckers have more fun (from left): Boker Plus Rescue Kiridashi, Bradford G-Necker, Con-
dor Tool & Knife Kickback and TOPS Knives Mini Tanimboca Puukko.
black Kydex sheath, black ball chain and
bolt-on Kydex belt loop are included.
With its large wharncliffe blade, the
knife proved to be a beast. I tested it on the handle but tapering it on the blade for blade, the Kickback wasn’t quite as good
leather and 3/8-inch synthetic rappel- better slicing. at cutting 3/8-inch rope as at least one
ling rope and it whipped through both The Elmax steel cut like a house afire, other of the test knives, but it gets the job
with ease. The ring in the short handle taking off super crisp cuts on harness done. The cord-wrapped handle is very
enhances grip, making the index finger leather and whipping through 3/8-inch comfortable. I found the ring at the base a
your main purchase point. Watch out for rope with ease. The handle rests in the bit tight for my pinkie finger but it works
that gut hook webbing cutter, however, as palm nicely and the notched gimping on well for hanging the knife on a lanyard.
it’s awfully close to the thumb rest. I tried the thumb rest enhances grip. Handles
the hook on seat belt webbing as well. In with no scales or padding don’t bode well FIRE IT UP
my experience, though gut-hook-style for long term use as those that have them, The Mini Tanimboca Puukko by TOPS
webbing cutters don’t perform as well as but if you’re using the Bradford G-Necker Knives makes no bones about its mis-
serrated blades, the Rescue Kiridashi will for quick chores, you’ll have no worries. sion: It’s basically a small bushcraft knife.
do the job in the heat of the moment. It is a full-tang design with a flat-back
CITY or COUNTRY Scandi-ground blade. The little necker’s
CRISPY CUTTER Condor Tool & Knife designed the Kick- handle features comfortably plump black
Bradford Knives’ G-Necker eschews radi- back for both urban and field duty. The linen Micarta® scales with a large tube
cal curves for more classic lines that give it straight-back blade has a swedge grind lanyard hole in the butt. At 1.28 ounces
the look of a standard small fixed blade. It for enhanced penetration, giving it a tac- it’s the lightest of the test group and devi-
departs from the norm, however, by flex- tical feel, while its deep belly makes it at ates from the rest in its uncommon top-
ing its muscle with top-shelf Elmax stain- home in the field. The steel has a black loading brown leather neck sheath, which
less steel in a graceful, flat ground drop traction coat stem to stern and there’s wears on a belt, too. The knife is also the
point blade. The handle, thick enough to a large finger hole in the base. A nicely smallest of the review neckers and, in-
forgo a cord wrap or scales, has two trian- done tan paracord wrap with a knotted deed, the most distinctive.
gulate holes to lighten the load. We tested pull completes the handle. Condor pro- As noted, the Mini Tanimboca is a field
the blackwash version—other finishes vides a black Kydex sheath with ball chain knife. While it will cut leather strips and
are available. Bradford provides a black for neck carry. can saw its way through 3/8-inch rope, it
Kydex sheath and ball chain necklace. The blade did an excellent job of slic- really excels at fire prep. I tested it for tak-
The quarter-inch-plus-thick handle is ing through harness leather, which bodes ing fine shavings from a boxwood block
unusual among neck knives. However, if well for the knife’s potential use as a skin- and stick of pine, and it dug in with gusto
you think it might be a bit clumsy, that’s ner. I also found the swedge ground point and precision. I then tested the blade
not the case. Bradford has struck a bal- adept at penetrating and boring into spine on a small ferro rod and it threw
ance by keeping the steel’s thickness on leather. Due to its light weight and short sparks like a champ. The blade tip bores
F E B R U A R Y 2 0 2 1 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ B L A D E [ 53 ]
[ NECK KNIVES ]
SPEC CHECK
The Boker Plus Rescue Kiridashi is the
total package. In addition to the neck
knife and black Kydex sheath, Boker
includes a ball chain necklace and Boker Plus
optional bolt-on Kydex belt loop.
Rescue Kiridashi
The Bradford G-Necker offers upscale Elmax stainless steel with a Rockwell hardness
of 60-61 HRC. The blade made quick work of slicing off short lengths of tough harness
leather.
[ 54 ] B L A D E ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- F E B R U A R Y 2 0 2 1
[ NECK KNIVES ]
Three of the test neck knives offer black
Kydex pull-down sheaths. One is the
Condor Kickback, ready to jump into ac- HOW TO AVOID
tion with its comfortable paracord handle
wrap. RED NECKS
An area of concern with neck knives is
the mode of carry around your neck; in
SPEC CHECK other words, if the necklace does not
give way if it catches on somethings, it
Condor Tool & Knife can wring your neck—or worse.
Kickback Ball chains are designed to break
easily in such instances and thus are
BLADE LENGTH: 2.75” considered safe. They’re also cheap and
BLADE MATERIAL: 1075 high carbon steel easy to replace. A nylon, leather or other
BLADE STYLE: Straight back cord, on the other hand, won’t snap in
two easily. The solution? A friction or
HANDLE MATERIAL: Paracord wrap
other knot that will release from around
SPECIAL FEATURES: Ring base your neck with sufficient tension.
WEIGHT: 1.75 ozs. “Almost any knot around a loop will do
OVERALL LENGTH: 6.125” the trick, though some knots may work
SHEATH: Black Kydex better than others,” noted BLADE® reader
COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: El Salvador Bob Seymour. In the accompanying
MSRP: $34.98 image are two friction knots: one tied
loosely with two different colors of cord
for clarity, and below it the same knot
tightened up more neatly on a leather
they make up for it in speed of deploy- lanyard. Note that the loop prevents the
ment once the knife is in hand. knobby end of the cord from catching
With its belt loop option, the Boker during release.
Plus Rescue is the complete package. The Experiment with different materials
Bradford G-Necker is an upscale brute of and knots and test them to see if they
a knife. The Condor Kickback offers self- will release with sufficient tension. The
defense and field capabilities. The TOPS key is to arrive at a knot that does not
Mini Tanimboca Puukko is a great little release too easily and one that won’t
release at all. If in doubt, trash the
cord and use a ball chain. For a related
approach visit https://www.youtube.com/
watch?v=864FSx_cTYQ.
— by BLADE® Staff
[ 56 ] B L A D E ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- F E B R U A R Y 2 0 2 1
[ NECK KNIVES ]
SPEC CHECK
Bradford Knives
G-Necker
F E B R U A R Y 2 0 2 1 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ B L A D E [ 57 ]
[ USA-RUSSIA ] BY KYLE ELMQUIST
KNIVES OF
A FEATHER
CASEY AND
PUSHKAREV PUSH
THE BOUNDARIES
OF INTERNATIONAL
COOPERATION
The Dragon
Fighter sports
a 10.5-inch
blade of
Kevin Casey’s
feather-pattern
damascus
and inlay art
of mother-of-
pearl, silver
wire and opals
in the African
blackwood
handle by
Konstantin
Pushkarev.
Overall length:
15.5 inches.
[ 58 ] B L A D E ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- F E B R U A R Y 2 0 2 1
A
good knife testifies to the old his skills matured, so did the popularity The Elk Hunter features Pushkarev’s inlaid
elk of silver and mother-of-pearl and
saying that the whole is greater of feather-pattern damascus, a parallel Casey’s feather-pattern damascus. The
than the sum of its parts. After trajectory that has rewarded Casey with spacer is damascus and anodized titanium
all, a blade is abandoned without its hilt a full and exciting career. Eventually, he with G-10 liners. The pommel is
and a handle is pointless without whetted and his wife Marydale returned to the damascus with emerald inlay.
steel. It’s the combination of parts that small town in Wyoming where they first Blade and overall lengths: 8
and 13 inches.
makes the knife. met. Surrounded by horse pastures and
When it comes to the sharp end of the Wind River Mountains, Casey
craftsmanship, two artisans who exem- continues to forge some of the fin-
plify it oh so well via collaboration are est feather-pattern damascus ex-
bladesmith Kevin Casey and Russian in- tant.
lay artist Konstantin Pushkarev. Despite Pushkarev was introduced the region has used wire inlay to
vast differences in language, culture and to the art of wire inlay in decorate various items, ranging
distance—5,000 miles of it—Pushkarev 1996. Originally from from guns and knives to hair clips and
and the Wyoming-based Casey have the town of Tula, Rus- combs. It is a traditional art handed down
joined to create some most striking and sia, he was raised with from master to student, requiring years
exquisite knives. an innate ap- of practice and unwavering patience. His
Holding a Casey-Pushkarev knife feels preciation for college education in the fine arts offered
like art met purpose with steel and wood. the craft. For a solid foundation for growth. After five
Oscillating strokes of silver, slate and over 300 years years of working on women’s jewelry
midnight black fan down a 9-inch blade
of feather-pattern damascus steel into a
finely etched bolster, seamlessly bound to
a handle of marbled ironwood decorated
with layers of silver, copper and mother-
of-pearl inlay—all painting a picture of a
roaming bison. Clearly, the knife is one of
a kind. The aesthetics are so complemen-
tary it seems to have been created by kin,
when in fact it’s quite the opposite.
Casey and Pushkarev grew up on ei-
ther side of the Cold War, taught to op-
pose the other country and its ideology.
Each went on to college, got married,
raised families and inevitably discovered
their chosen crafts. Decades rolled by,
global politics shifted, and each art-
ist refined his skills, unaware that his
greatest colleague was waiting on the
other side of the globe. It wasn’t un-
til seven years ago, when they were
already seasoned craftsmen, that
their paths crossed and their col-
laboration began.
PARALLEL
TRAJECTORY
A 5-inch blade of
Casey discovered bladesmithing in 1995, feather-pattern
while raising a family on the outskirts of damascus and a
Boston, Massachusetts. He was captivat- macauba wood
ed by the craft and naturally inclined to handle with inlay
of spider, moth
the nuances of a forge and anvil. Within and spider web in
a handful of years he progressed dramati- blue moonstone,
cally, and by the early 2000s was already silver wire and
learning new techniques to forge steel. mother-of-pearl
By 2005, he was a full-time professional distinguish the
Spider Dagger.
knifemaker. His taste for feather-pattern Overall length: 10
damascus was rare at the time, which inches.
marked his style highly reputable. As
F E B R U A R Y 2 0 2 1 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ B L A D E [ 59 ]
[ USA-RUSSIA ]
A stunning mother-of-
pearl eagle inlaid into
and billiard cues, Pushkarev graduated laughter and head scratching. Once the
silver wire inlay in the to knife work. By 2001, he was a well- blade style was decided and the inlay im-
handle helps highlight respected inlay professional. His ability to age refined, each craftsman retired to his
the Eagle Head use hardwoods such as Asian ebony and workshop for the long and meticulous
Fighter. The 10.5-inch African blackwood distinguish his work process of his craft. Weeks later, Casey re-
blade is feather-
pattern damascus as elite, standing out from a crowd where ceived a package containing Pushkarev’s
and the spacer is softer grains like maple are typically the ornate silver inlay on a rich ebony hilt. He
damascus, bronze norm. Recognized as one of Moscow’s assembled the handle and blade in awe,
and mother-of-pearl. premier inlay masters, he continues to and realized that the knife they made to-
Overall length: 15.5
inches.
create intricate and extraordinary im- gether was indeed greater than the sum
pressions on the world’s most beautiful of its parts.
and challenging hardwoods. Since then, Casey and Pushkarev have
In 2013, Casey and Pushkarev were in- only galvanized as a team in their quest
troduced by a mutual friend. They con- to create the finest artisan knives in the
nected through Facebook, shared photos, world. Together they decide on an artis-
and quickly realized that their talents tic image, like a buffalo, eagle or feather,
and styles were complementary. Through and use that theme to organize their cre-
emails strained by rickety translations, ativity. When the two craftsmen share a
they began to cobble together the idea clear vision of the knife, they turn to their
for a collaborative knife. The process workshops and begin the many hours of
proved to be more difficult than expected, focused labor.
though far more rewarding as well. The In the Wyoming foothills, Casey heats
two craftsmen became good friends while up the forge for the assiduous task of
trading sketches and drawings, stumbling welding feather-pattern damascus, a long
over the language barrier with bouts of and technical process that he enjoys very
A 9-inch blade of
feather-pattern
damascus leads
off the Buffalo
Spirit Hunter, The First Nations
followed by Fighter (right)
mother-of-pearl is based on the
and silver wire indigenous peoples
inlay in the African and Native American
blackwood handle. communities of
The fileworked Western Canada
guard is 416 and the USA. The
stainless steel ironwood handle is
and the spacer inlaid with “spirit
is damascus and heads” in a darker
turquoise. Overall version of ironwood,
length: 15 inches. silver wire, copper
inserts and an
abalone eye. Blade
and overall lengths:
9.5 and 14.5 inches.
[ 60 ] B L A D E ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ F E B R U A R Y 2 0 2 1
[ USA-RUSSIA ]
Turquoise, mother-of-
pearl and silver wire
comprise the inlay of
the Shaman Buffalo’s HAWKINS KNIFE MAKING SUPPLIES
African blackwood
handle. The 10.25-inch 110 BUCKEYE RD., FAYETTEVILLE, GA 30214
PHONE 770-964-1023
blade is feather-pattern
damascus, the guard is
damascus, the spacer is
damascus/bronze, and the Contact us for your
damascus pommel is inlaid
with a turquoise cabochon. Knifemaking Supplies and Equipment!
Overall length: 15.25 inches.
www.HawkinsKnifeMakingSupplies.com
Send $2.00 for Complete Listing • ALL MAJOR CREDIT CARDS ACCEPTED
much. Over a blazing forge he
welds layers of steel together,
then takes the glowing red bil-
let and hammers it into cohe-
sion on the anvil. After the billet
becomes one, he splits it down
the center, fanning out buried lay-
ers of steel, and then forge welds
the billet once more. Satisfied with
the intricate pattern, he begins to
grind away, sculpting it into a blade,
and then polishes the edge to perfec-
tion.
Meanwhile, tucked away in a work-
shop on the outskirts of Moscow, Push-
karev carves a piece of exotic hardwood
into an ergonomic handle and sands it
smooth. After the wood is shaped, he
draws out the chosen image with a mi-
nuscule etching tool, then patiently uses a
chisel and hammer to cut tiny grooves in
the wood, creating a skeleton for his art-
TEXAN KNIVES
work. Inlays of silver, copper and colored 24022 Loop 494 Suite B, Porter, Texas 77365
DIRECT: 281-235-9516
mother-of-pearl are carefully inserted
and glued into the indentations, bringing
the empty space to life with a treasured OFFICE: 281-354-6620
EMAIL: [email protected]
image. Pleased by the final inlay, he sands
the hilt to its finest grain, seals the wood,
and mails it across the Atlantic to his col- WEB: Texanknives.com
league in America. Casey assembles the
handle and blade, making the master-
piece whole, and then sends the custom
knife on to its future owner.
FOR DEALERS, CONTACT US
F E B R U A R Y 2 0 2 1 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ B L A D E [ 61 ]
[ USA-RUSSIA ]
The African
blackwood handle
(far left) is inlaid
with eight opals,
mother-of-pearl
and silver wire on
the Persian Feather.
The 7-inch blade
is feather-pattern
damascus and the
engraved guard is
416 stainless steel.
Overall length: 11.5
inches.
Based on classical
Russian baroque
scrolls, Scrolled
Feather has a
10.5-inch blade of
feather-pattern
damascus and an
African blackwood
handle inlaid with
mother-of-pearl,
silver wire and
coral. The spacer
is damascus with
bronze and the
damascus pommel
is inlaid with a ruby.
Overall length: 15.5
inches
M
MUTUAL GREATNESS
M · BADER · BALDOR · BURR KING · DEERFOS · DAMASTEEL · DYNABRADE · ELECTRO CHE E It is rare to find a collaboration of two
·3
©
craftsmen that brings out the best in each
HERMES · KALAMAZOO · KLINGSPOR ·
[ 62 ] B L A D E ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- F E B R U A R Y 2 0 2 1
[ SHORT CUTS ] BY BLADE ® STAFF
Cold Steel is Sold ------------------------ to get it going because something always ing methods was equally proficient. He
Cold Steel, among the leading specialty seemed to get in the way. Now that’s no was awarded the Nate Posner Award by
knife companies over the past 40 years, longer the case. the Knifemakers’ Guild in 2002 for his
has been purchased by GSM Outdoors. “Why did I start it? Honestly I have a many contributions to the Guild over the
According to its website (gsmoutdoors. few reasons,” he wrote on his Facebook years. The big, friendly Frenchman suc-
com), GSM specializes in innovative out- page. For one, he indicated he long has cumbed to a heart attack on September 3.
door products such as Stealth Cam, Wild- received requests for affordable using
view, Epic Action Cameras, Walker’s, knives not made in China. “Much of what
Cyclops Lighting, Maestro Game Calls I make custom is quite expensive,” he
and more. It is based in Irving, Texas, a continued. “I wanted to provide a knife of
suburb of Dallas. custom quality but at an affordable price.
Founded by Lynn Thompson in 1980, I wanted it all American made. And I
Cold Steel was among the first, if not the wanted to build a company my kids can
first, company to reproduce the Ameri- help in and maybe one day run. I want
can tanto blade pattern made famous by to run a company that Frenchtown and
custom knifemaker Bob Lum. Based in Montanans are proud of.”
Ventura, California, the company spe- Josh launched the company this past
cialized in Asian-style blades early on and summer, “and it’s been incredible,” he
expanded into other areas of fixed blades noted. “In the beginning I was hiring
and folders. It is known for its San Mai marketing help but in the end brought
III® steel and the Tri-Ad™ locking mecha- Brandon Horoho on as a partner. Our ex-
nism, among others. Custom knifemak- perience and expertise couldn’t be more
ers Andrew Demko, Lloyd Pendleton, different, which makes it perfect.”
the late Steve Likarich and others have The knives are “100 percent made in
designed knives for the company over the USA” and include several fixed blades
the years. The company also has been employing 52100 carbon blade steel,
known for its many videos testing its cord wrap handles and more, and Kydex Joe was killed
knives, swords, tomahawks, spears and sheaths. Manufacturer’s suggested retail in a motorcycle
more—often by Thompson himself—in prices are in the $225 range. For more in- crash on Sept. 18,
any number of ways. formation visit www.montanaknifecom- 2017, but BLADE
Joe Olson
“Cold Steel is an iconic, best-in-class pany.com. had just learned of (inset) made
brand that Lynn Thompson has built over it at press time. A the cover of the
the last 40 years by pushing the needle on Anglade and Olson ---------------------- maker of “theme- January 2011
innovation and new testing standards,” BLADE® has learned of the loss of two based art knives,” BLADE® with
noted Eddie Castro, CEO of GSM Out- friends of the knife community with the the resident of one of his self-
styled “guitar
doors. “His users are some of the most passing of knife scribe Francis Anglade Great Falls, Mon- knives” called
loyal followers I’ve ever seen, and a testa- and knifemaker Joe Olson. tana, will be re- “It’s Only Rock
ment to what he has built. The team and A veteran writer from Toulouse, membered by And Roll.”
I are highly enthusiastic about bringing France, Francis was one of BLADE’s best long-time BLADE
this legendary brand into the GSM family connections with the French, European, readers for his
and broadening our current line of cut- Russian and other custom knife scenes, “guitar knives,” including his It’s Only
lery offerings.” including profiles of award-winning Rock and Roll folder on the cover of the
According to thefirearmblog.com, French knife- January 2011 issue. The knife was notable
Thompson and Demko will continue to maker Pierre for its mosaic damascus blade forged with
help design Cold Steel knives. In a taped Reverdy and images of guitars throughout, and an
interview, Thompson said one of the rea- others. Francis enamel handle with likenesses of a guitar,
sons he chose GSM is that it promised was bi-lingual guitarist and a concert ticket exhibiting
to continue his legacy and maintain the and understood the words “Admit One.” He learned how
high performance and quality of Cold and wrote Eng- to forge mosaic damascus steel from Rick
Steel knives. He said GSM has the finan- lish very well, Dunkerley, Wade Colter, Shane Taylor,
cial resources to take Cold Steel to a level and his knowl- Ed Schempp and Barry Gallagher, among
it would take him a lifetime to achieve. edge of knives, others.
knifemakers
Josh’s New Knife Company ------ and knifemak- For the latest knives, knife news, trends
ABS master Josh Smith of Frenchtown, and more visit blademag.com, BLADE®’s
Montana, has started a new knife outfit popular Instagram page @blade_
called Montana Knife Co. Francis Anglade (left) reacts after receiv- magazine, and on Facebook and Twitter.
ing the plaque for the Nate Posner Award
The enterprise had been a dream of from Frank Centofante (right) at the 2002
Josh’s for years but he had not been able Knifemakers’ Guild Show.
F E B R U A R Y 2 0 2 1 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ B L A D E [ 63 ]
[ SHOW CALENDAR ] BY BLADE ® STAFF
Note: Events with an asterisk (*) have knives and knife accessories as the main/sole focus. Events with two asterisks (**) are knifemaking
seminars or symposiums, cutting competitions, auctions or other knife-related events.
JANUARY -------------------------- (page 92). Contact BLADE®, c/o Alicia RESCHEDULED! APRIL 17-18
JAN. 23-24 LAS VEGAS, NV Tactical Newton [email protected].* ** EASTON, PA The Lehigh Valley Knife
Knife Invitational and Las Vegas Custom Show, Charles Chrin Community Center
CANCELED! MARCH 26-28 of Palmer Township. Call Fred Eisen
Knife Show. For more information visit
JANESVILLE, WI Badger Knife Show, 215-262-9447 or visit paknifeshows.com.*
https://r1promotions.com/.*
Holiday Inn Express and Janesville
JAN. 29-31 LAKELAND, FL The 43rd Conference Center. Contact Bob Schrap, MAY -------------------------------------------
Annual Gator Cutlery Club Show, RP Dept. BL2, POB 511, Elm Grove, WI MAY 1-2 MYSTIC, CT The 39th Annual
Funding Center (formerly the Lakeland 53122 414-479-9765 badgerknifeclub@ NCCA Extravaganza Knife Show, Mystic
Center). Contact Dan Piergallini 813- aol.com.* Marriott. Contact Larry Clifford 401-
754-3908 or 813-967-1471, or visit 742-6779 [email protected].*
MARCH 27-28 GODFREY, IL Bunker
gatorcutlery.com. *
Hill Knife Club Show. Contact Tim MAY 28 NASHVILLE, TN Tactical
JAN. 30-31 ST. LOUIS, MO Gateway Bryant 618-531-0011 tbryant@yahoo. Knife Invitational and Nashville Custom
Area Knife Club Cutlery Fair, Sheet com or Gene Winston 618-288-6974 for Knife Show. For more information visit
Metal Workers Hall. Contact Steve more information.* https://r1promotions.com/.*
Markus 314-795-4262 smarkus@gakc. JUNE -----------------------------------------
CANCELED! MARCH 27-28
org, gakc.org, Facebook: gakc.st.louis.* JUNE 4-6 ATLANTA, GA The 40th
DALTON, GA Dalton Georgia Knife
FEBRUARY --------------------- Roadshow, Northwest Georgia Trade Annual BLADE Show, Cobb Galleria
FEB. 26-27 LITTLE ROCK, AR and Convention Center. Contact J Bruce Centre, I-285 & US 41, one exit off
I-75 across from the Cumberland
Arkansas Custom Knife Show, Voyles Auctioneers and Appraisers,
Mall, adjacent to the Renaissance
Statehouse Convention Center. Visit attn.: Bruce Voyles 423-238-6753
Waverly Hotel. World’s largest show
artknife.com for more information.* [email protected], jbrucevoyles.
of handmade, factory and antique
com.*
FEB. 27-28 LEWISBURG, PA The 32nd knives. A combined total of nearly
1,000 exhibitor tables and booths.
Annual Keystone Blade Association APRIL ------------------------------------
Knife Show, Country Cupboard Inn. Join the world’s greatest national and
APRIL 8-11 MCCALLA, AL The 32nd
Contact Skip Fryling 570-204-1544 international knifemakers, cutlery
Batson Bladesmithing Symposium & manufacturers, collectors, collections
[email protected].* Knife Show, Tannehill Iron Works. and knife lovers. Site of the BLADE
MARCH -------------------------------- Contact James Batson james.l.batson@ Magazine 2021 Knife Of-The-Year®
MARCH 5-6 TROY, OH Spirit gmail.com.* ** Awards for factory knives, the BLADE
of the Blade Custom Knife Show, Magazine Cutlery Hall-Of-Fame©
APRIL 10-11 TULSA, OK
Miami County Fairgrounds, Duke- inductions and much more. Host to
Wanenmacher’s Tulsa Arms Show,
Lundgard Building. Contact Misty BLADE University, the annual ABS
Tulsa Fairgrounds. Contact mail@
and Joel Worley 937-638-9518 meeting and more. Seminars include
tulsaarmsshow.com, 918-492- the BLADE Show World Championship
[email protected] facebook.
0401 [email protected], Cutting Competitions, how to use,
com/sotbcustomknifeshow/.
tulsaarmsshow.com, gunshowtrader. how to make, youth clubs, etc. Contact
MARCH 12-15 NURNBERG, com/gun-shows/wanenmachers-tulsa- BLADE®, c/o Alicia Newton blade@
GERMANY The IWA Show, for the arms-show/. bladeshow.com.* **
trade only. For more information visit
APRIL 10-11 EUGENE, OR The SEPTEMBER ----------------
iwa.info.
46th Annual Oregon Knife Collectors SEPT. 2-4 LAS VEGAS, NV The
MARCH 26-27 FORT WORTH, Association Show, Exhibit Hall, Lane 12th Annual Gathering of the Usual
TX International Custom Cutlery Events Center and Fairgrounds. Contact Suspect Network, Trader’s Cove, Planet
Exposition, Fort Worth Stockyards, Dennis Ellingsen 541-484-5564 okca@ Hollywood Resort & Casino. Visit
under new BLADE Show management oregonknifeclub.org.* usngathering.com.*
[ 64 ] B L A D E ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- F E B R U A R Y 2 0 2 1
OCTOBER -------------------------
OCT. 30 LAS VEGAS, NV Art Knife
Invitational, M Hotel Casino Resort 4857 South Orange Blossom Trail
and Spa in Las Vegas. Visit https://aki. Orlando, Florida 32839 407-855-8075
show/.*
NEW 80TH ANNIVERSARY CATALOG – PRICE $2.00
NOVEMBER ------------------- INTL. MAILING – CATALOG US $6.00 http://www.randallknives.com
NOV. 13-14 TULSA, OK Wanenmacher’s
Tulsa Arms Show, Tulsa Fairgrounds.
Contact [email protected], 918-
492-0401 [email protected],
tulsaarmsshow.com, gunshowtrader.com/
WANT A RAZOR EDGE?
gun-shows/wanenmachers-tulsa-arms- • No experience needed • Quick & fast
show/. • Just pull backwards • Maintenance free
NOV. 19-20 JERSEY CITY, NJ New • Handmade right here • Tells you when you’re
York Custom Knife Show, Westin at Knives Plus finished
Jersey City Newport. For more visit
fiftyfiftyproductions.net/new-york- KNIVES PLUS STROP BLOCK
custom-knife-show.* 800-687-6202 OR WWW.KNIVESPLUS.COM
We are a stocking dealer of most major knife brands since 1987.
------2022 ------
MAY -------------------------------------------
MAY 14 BOISE, ID Nordic Knives
Invitational Knife Show. For more
information visit nordicknives.com.*
F E B R U A R Y 2 0 2 1 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ B L A D E [ 65 ]
[ WHERE TO GET ’EM ]
FEVER PITCH p. 12 877-969-0909 [email protected], steelwillknives.
Wess Barnhill 5846 Meadows Run, Spotsylvania, VA com
22551 Contact: 540-582-8758, wess.barnhill@gmail.
com, wessbarnhillknives.com; Tashi Bharucha, https:// EMERGENCY EDC p. 44
www.instagram.com/tashibharucha/; BladeGallery. Hogue Knives, attn: Bill Crook, Dept. BL2, POB 91360,
com, attn: D. O’Malley, Dept. BL2, 107 Central Way, Henderson, NV 89009 805-239-1440 800-438-4747
Kirkland, WA 98033 425-889-5980 www.bladegal- [email protected], hogueknives.com; Spyderco,
lery.com; CAS/Sobral Brothers, casknives.com; attn: J. Laituri, Dept. BL2, 820 Spyderco Way, Golden,
Andrew and John Demko, [email protected], CO 80403 800-525-7770 spyderco.com, sfo@
demkoknives.com; Kamil Dlugosz, info@polishcus- spyderco.com; Utica, Dept. BL2, 820 Noyes, Utica, NY
tomknives.com, polishcustomknives.com; Exquisite 13503 315-733-4663 www.kutmaster.com
Knives, attn: Dave Ellis, Dept. BL2, 770 Sycamore Ave.,
Ste. 122, Box 451, Vista, CA 92083 760-945-7177 HANDMADE GALLERY p. 50
[ 68 ] B L A D E ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ F E B R U A R Y 2 0 2 1
MARKETPLACE
For Advertising Information contact: Lori McDaniel, Advertising Sales
[email protected] | 715.498.3768
Advertising Deadlines: !PRIL issue – *ANUARY 2
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F E B R U A R Y 2 0 2 1 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ B L A D E [ 69 ]
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Specialists Buckeye Engraving [email protected]
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Admiral Steel Make Your Mark Knife Center
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[ WHERE TO NET'EM ]
ADVERTISERS’ INDEX
A E M T
Admiral Steel/Terry Summers ........ 33 Evenheat Kiln, Inc........................... 65 Masecraft Supply Co ...................... 23 Texan Knives .................................. 61
American Bladesmith Master Cutlery ................................ 20 TFS Knives ..................................... 69
Society, Inc ................................... 47 F MGE Wholesale................................ 9 TOPS Knives .................................... 2
Arizona Ironwood............................ 20 Fallkniven ........................................ 15 Tormach, LLC ................................. 43
Fenixlight Limited .............................. 3 N Tru-Grit ............................................ 62
B NC Tool Company .......................... 46 True North Knives........................... 31
BladeGallery ................................... 19 G Niagara Specialty Metals.................. 8
Blue Ridge Knives .......................... 69 GTC Knives .................................... 20 Nichols Damascus Inc .................... 62 V
Boker USA ................................ 18, 47 Nordic Knives.................................... 8 VZ Grips .......................................... 14
Bradford Knives .............................. 54 H
Britton, Tim...................................... 33 Halfbreed Blades Australia Pty Ltd. 83 R W
Buckeye Engraving-Steel Stamps . 65 Hawkins Knifemaking Supplies...... 61 Randall Made Knives ..................... 65 White, Gordon................................. 69
Recon 1........................................... 57
C J
CAS Iberia....................................... 61 Jantz Supply ............................. 17, 21 S
Chris Reeve Knives .......................... 5 John Denton ................................... 69 Smith’s Consumer Products .......... 15
Smoky Mountain Knife Works.......... 7
D K Spartan Blades ............................... 61
Dave Ellis/Exquisiteknives.com ..... 27 Kayne Custom Hardware dba Spyderco, Inc .................................... 5
Davidson, Edmund ......................... 69 Blacksmith’s Depot ....................... 31
Dozier Knives.................................. 46 Knife & Gun Finishing Supplies ..... 37
Knives Plus ..................................... 65
Krudo Knives .................................. 69
Don’t Miss The Next The advertisers’ index is provided as a reader service. Occasional last-minute changes may result in ads
appearing on pages other than those listed here. The publisher assumes no liability for omissions or errors.
Lori McDaniel
Advertising Sales Issue Date Ad Deadline
Magazine 715-498-3768 November 2020 August 12, 2020
ORDER YOUR ADVERTISING TODAY! [email protected] December 2020 September 02, 2020
[ KEYCHAIN CUTTERS ] BY MIKE HASKEW BLADE® FIELD EDITOR
CHAIN OF TOOLS
4 COOL
F
rom a conversation piece to the practical small knife that can be easily at-
handiest blade available, nothing tached to a keychain or carried in one’s
adds to the everyday carry KEYCHAIN pocket.
equation better than the right keychain
knife. With little notice until needed, a
KNIVES ARE “We opted to make three colors to ac-
commodate a larger audience,” William
keychain cutter is ready for action but AFFORDABLE, continued. “Obviously, the orange is great
doesn’t weigh down the pocket or take up for high visibility, reducing the chance of
too much space in a purse.
COMPACT AND losing the knife, while the black is a little
At Outdoor Edge, the MiniGrip, Mini- FUNCTIONAL more inconspicuous, and the pink seems
Blaze, and MiniBabe are the same knife to be a hit with the female audience.”
differentiated only by color in black, Designed in Colorado and sporting
blaze—an orange shade—and pink, re- director William Morgan. “We designed a low manufacturer’s suggested retail
spectively. “They’re designed to meet these knives in three colors to cater to all price (MSRP) of $20.95, each knife in the
the needs of anyone who needs a small knife enthusiasts. When we developed Outdoor Edge series includes a 2.2-inch
lightweight blade that is always within this series of knives, we noticed a gap in 8Cr13MoV stainless steel blade, rubber
reach,” related Outdoor Edge marketing the market for an affordable and mostly TPR handle, 1.4-ounce weight and 2.9-
[ 72 ] B L A D E ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- F E B R U A R Y 2 0 2 1
The Outdoor Edge
MiniGrip, MiniBlaze, and
MiniBabe are the same
keychain knife differentiated
only by color in black, blaze—an
orange shade—and pink, respectively.
“They’re designed to meet the needs of
anyone who needs a small lightweight
blade that is always within reach,” re-
lated Outdoor Edge marketing director
William Morgan.
inch closed length. Each model comes blade of 440 stainless steel, stainless signed for anyone looking for a durable
complete with a lanyard that makes at- handle, weight of 2.3 ounces, and closed blade they can keep concealed and on
taching to a keychain a snap. Each has an length of 2.875 inches. According to Ea- hand, with or without pockets,” explained
ambidextrous thumb stud for easy one- ton, the blade length is ideal for typical AMK representative Justin Rabon. “Our
hand opening as well. cutting tasks encountered on a daily ba- users find creative ways to incorporate
“The razor sharp blade is up to any sis. “Cutting boxes open, adjusting cord- these on their bags, gear and keys. We
task, from opening the latest round of age length and other similar chores are feel this versatility can help reach a wide
Amazon Prime boxes to cutting rope or easy with the sturdy framelock design,” range of users across many different life-
even performing field dressing tasks,” he noted, “and one can cut confidently.” styles. We want our keychain knives to be
Morgan concluded. “The rubberized TPR Another utilitarian feature is the built-in practical for the majority of our users. We
handle serves a few functions. First, this bottle opener. want to find the needs in the industry and
is a small knife, and we were concerned The company chose the stainless com- have our knives be the solution to those
about creating a secure, non-slip grip ponents for durability, and the knife is needs.”
to avoid accidents. Second, the handle sized for maximum versatility. “Stainless The fixed-blade Stinger comes com-
does not jingle against the keys on your steel is a timeless design element and plete with a snug-fitting sheath and de-
keychain, making it a perfect silent addi- proven to stand against wear and tear,” ploys with a push of a button. It features
tion to anyone’s keys.” Eaton observed. “The finish looks natu- a 1.3-inch D-2 tool steel blade in a flat
ral on a keychain and doesn’t call atten- grind, a PP+TPR rubber handle, and du-
UNIVERSAL APPEAL tion. The frame pattern was developed to al-injected sheath of the same material. It
The Bear Edge 71523 from Bear & Son fit comfortably into both large and small weighs just .7 of an ounce. Overall length:
Cutlery complements a substantial line hands. The blade is a drop point shape, al- 3.1 inches. MSRP: $28.
of knives, and company spokesperson lowing it to complete most tasks, and the “This knife is designed to be great at
Jacob Eaton says it’s a hit. “It’s affordable, 71523 attaches with a standard split key slicing and fast cuts,” Rabon related. “It
compact and a functional tool,” he noted. ring.” can be used for anything where a short,
“Customers really like it because it’s light- sharp knife is needed. To accomplish
weight, sharp and just the right size. Plus, VERSATILE CARRY these tasks easily and repeatedly, we gave
you will always know where a knife is The Al Mar Knives (AMK) approach to the knife a D-2 blade. D-2 is known for
when it’s attached to your keys. We find keychain knives involves easy access and retaining a sharp edge after repeated use.
both genders purchasing the Bear Edge long-term performance, and the Stinger We also designed the Stinger to have Al
71523, and it fits everyone’s lifestyle.” was developed to deliver classic AMK de- Mar’s Wedge-style blade. This provides a
With a sweet MSRP of $17.99, the im- sign and function. superior dagger point where needed.”
ported 71523 is complete with a 2-inch “Our Stinger keychain knife is de- The Stinger’s finer points add flair and
F E B R U A R Y 2 0 2 1 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ B L A D E [ 73 ]
[ KEYCHAIN CUTTERS ]
good looks as well. “The four colors that pabilities for additional functionality,” he
were chosen for the four Stinger knives— observed. “Gender wasn’t a big consider-
red, blue, black and green—were picked As Bear & Son ation. We just wanted to make a tool that
spokesperson
to provide variety while staying true to Jacob Eaton was worthy of a place in your pocket or
the traditional red and black of Al Mar noted, you’ll purse.”
Knives. The plastics in the handle were always know Features inherent in the Key Note de-
chosen to add extra grip and durability.” where your sign brought that idea from the draw-
knife is when
Integral to the Stinger design is an eye- it’s attached
ing board to reality. “We added the wide
let built into the sheath, and sturdy con- to your keys. clip so that you can also hang keys on
struction prevents failures. “This makes The Bear Edge your belt,” Headley added. “The knife
sure the sheath doesn’t detach from the 71523 is such was designed to not draw too much at-
eyelet,” Rabon said, “and also allows you a knife—and tention when worn on the clip, but still
it includes a
to replace the smaller key loop with a bottle opener have a pleasing and almost symmetrical
smaller diameter cord if desired. The Al on the handle shape. We took a lot of inspiration from
Mar Wedge provides a superior point if for added con- the history of Gerber. The overall profile
needed, and the finger groove at the base venience. is inspired by the shield logo, as well as
of the blade allows the Stinger to sit com- Gerber’s past logos and heraldic-naming
fortably in most hands. This improves the conventions with a modern twist.”
fit, feel and functionality of the knife.” So, the Key Note combines function
with a tip of the cap to Gerber tradition.
ADDED FUNCTIONS With a 1-inch blade of satin-finished 5Cr
Gerber spokesperson Josh Headley says stainless steel, the knife weighs just 3.98
the focus on the company’s Key Note ounces, and its aluminum handle scales
keychain knife is compactness. “We also are built to last. MSRP: $23.
wanted to add some chisel/scraping ca- “The primary function of the Key Note
is to open packages,” Josh explained. “The
thought was you get home, grab a pack-
age off your porch and open your door.
You have the tool set to open your door
and open your package in hand.”
Available colors add to the Key Note’s
appeal for those who look for discretion
or want a bit of flash. “We set out to have
a modern option and an old-school op-
“The primary function tion for the EDC community,” Headley
of the Key Note (right) commented. “The matte-black anodize
is to open packages,” with the bright contrast from the orange
Gerber’s Josh Headley is meant to look at home next to your
explained. “The thought
was you get home, grab key fob. The coyote and sage is designed
a package off your to camouflage among a set of brass keys.
porch and open your We made the scales out of aluminum to
door. You have the tool
set to open your door
and open your package
in hand.”
[ 74 ] B L A D E ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- F E B R U A R Y 2 0 2 1
[ KEYCHAIN CUTTERS ]
The Bear
Edge 71523
is a fra-
melock-folding
keychain knife
with a 2-inch blade
of 440 stainless
steel and a stainless
handle. Weight: 2.3
ounces. Closed length:
2.875 inches. The im-
ported knife has an MSRP
of $17.99.
For the latest knives, knife news trends and Also available in black as shown, the Gerber
more visit blademag.com, BLADE®’s popu- Key Note linerlock keychain knife has a 1-inch
blade of satin-finished 5Cr stainless steel
lar Instagram page @blade_magazine, and that is designed to scrape as well as cut.
on Facebook and Twitter. Handle: aluminum. Weight: 3.98 ounces.
Closed length: 2 inches. MSRP: $23.
F E B R U A R Y 2 0 2 1 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ B L A D E [ 75 ]
[ SPEC SHEET ] BY MSG KIM BREED 5 TH SPECIALFORCES (RETIRED)
ECK
SPEC CH The clip-point EDC by
Wachtman Knife &
t E DC
MODEL: Clip -poin Tool includes a flat-
E R : W a c h tm a n Knife & Tool ground, fullered blade
MAK 2 carbon steel of 80CrV2 carbon
A T E R IA L : 8 0 C rV
B L A DE M steel, an integral
lat guard and a highly-
BL ADE GRIND: F
Wachtman!
textured G-10 handle
d G -10
HANDLE: Tex ture with copper pins.
PINS: Copper
SHE ATH: Kydex
RICE: $2 7 5
MAKER’S L IST P
MARSHMALLOW MUST
Since Melissa and I were camping, it was
a perfect time to get some firewood ready
for the fire. (I must have roasted marsh-
F E B R U A R Y 2 0 2 1 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- B L A D E [ 77 ]
[ SPEC SHEET ]
mallows with every fire.) I started split-
ting the larger pieces of seasoned oak by
batoning the EDC into them. It split the
wood well, usually within five smacks. I
continued splitting til I had a pile of kin-
dling large enough to get a good fire
going.
Melissa wanted to join in on the
action. She gave the EDC a workout
chopping into an oak branch. The
handle texture was too aggressive
for her hands during hard chop-
ping. (The tough work of a field
editor can be hard on your paws—
wink, wink.) However, she stuck
with it. More kindling was needed,
so she jumped at the chance to ba-
ton the smaller pieces. She made
short work of the bigger wood, too.
When we got back home, I had
one more cutting test to do: the half-
inch sisal rope. The EDC crunched
its way to 195 clean cuts. I wore a
glove for that many hard cuts. The
edge still felt sharp, an indication of The EDC crunched its way to 195 clean
good heat treatment. The blade tapers cuts of the half-inch sisal rope. The author
toward the point, wore a glove for that many hard cuts. The
GRADE there are ridges edge still felt sharp, an indication of good
on the spine for heat treatment.
This EDC was very effective at all traction and
the cutting while still retaining the handle
sharpness. It is a great all-around is slightly
knife. contoured
toward the
butt.
RECOMMENDATIONS
The steel areas that touch your
hand need to be softened so no
hot spots occur. The choil and
skull crusher areas can be soft-
ened quickly. The texturing of
the handle for an enhanced grip
is OK as long as there are no un-
necessary sharp points. Some
quick sanding with 400 grit pa-
per will remove such areas.
[ 78 ] B L A D E ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- F E B R U A R Y 2 0 2 1
[ WHAT’S NEW ]
SPEC CHART SPEC CHART
KNIFE NAME: Micrathena Nessmuk KNIFE NAME: Sambar stag bowie
BLADE LENGTH: 3.25” BLADE LENGTH: 10”
BLADE STEEL: CPM 154 stainless BLADE MATERIAL: 5160 carbon steel
HANDLE: Tiger maple ROCKWELL HARDNESS: 56 HRC
HANDLE PINS: Black Micarta® BLADE THICKNESS: .25”
LINERS: Grey G-10 BLADE FINISH: Satin
OVERALL LENGTH: 7” HANDLE: Sambar stag w/bone,
MAKER’S PRICE: $400 nickel silver and fiber spacers
MAKER: Tony Cetani 409-616-9620 GUARD: Stainless steel
Instagram/Facebook: @hourglassknives/ POMMEL & PINS: Nickel silver
Hourglass Knives CONSTRUCTION: Hidden tang
OVERALL LENGTH: 16”
MAKER’S LIST PRICE: $550
MAKER: David R. Davis,
drdavis@[email protected]
270-299-6584 Ins-
tagram: drdavis03,
trammellcreek.
com (Caleb Royer
image)
SPEC CHART
MODEL NAME: Kukrax Pak Axe
EDGE LENGTH: 6”
BLADE MATERIAL: 1075 carbon steel
BLADE THICKNESS: .177”
BLADE FINISH: Black traction powder coating
HANDLE: Walnut
CONSTRUCTION: Full-tang integral
WEIGHT: 25.8 ozs.
SPEC CHART
SHEATH: Handcrafted leather KNIFE NAME: Vulcano
OVERALL LENGTH: 15.75” BLADE LENGTH: 4.7”
COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: El Salvador BLADE MATERIAL: Powder-metallurgical damascus forged by
KNIFE TO KNOW: The Kukrax is a combination of a kukri and Damasteel
an axe ROCKWELL HARDNESS: 62 HRC
MSRP: $239.95 HANDLE: Hybridwood w/mosaic pins
COMPANY: Pearson Industries, attn: F. Pearson, Dept. BL2, OVERALL LENGTH: 8.6”
5007 Sawyer Rd., Signal Mountain, TN 37377 423-653-1157 KNIFE TO KNOW: Gerhard F. Zeilinger is a metallurgist and
[email protected], kukrax.com bladesmith
MAKER’S LIST PRICE: $925
MAKER: Messerschmiede Zeilinger, attn: Gerhard F. Zeilinger,
Dept. BL2, Krugerstraße 4, 1010 Vienna, Austria www.messer-
schmiedezeilinger.at, [email protected] +43
664-445-77 16
F E B R U A R Y 2 0 2 1 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ B L A D E [ 79 ]
[ WHAT’S NEW ]
SPEC CHART
KNIFE TYPE: Chopper/fighter
BLADE LENGTH: 10”
BLADE MATERIAL: W2 tool steel
BLADE PATTERN: Recurve w/clip
point
HANDLE MATERIAL: G-10 w/copper
fittings
KNIFE TO KNOW: The knife
sports a Parkerized finish
throughout SPEC CHART
OVERALL LENGTH: 15”
MAKER’S LIST PRICE: $500 ($600 KNIFE NAME: Pronghorn
w/sheath) KNIFE TYPE: Lockback folder
MAKER: Julian Sacco, saccoknives@ BLADE LENGTH: 3.5”
gmail.com 647-267-0744 (Caleb BLADE STEEL: BG-42 stainless
Royer image) BLADE GRIND: Flat
BLADE OPENER: Nail nick
HANDLE MATERIAL: Mammoth tooth
MAKER’S LIST PRICE: $400
MAKER: Tim Britton, Dept. BL2, 5645 Murray Rd., Winston-Salem,
NC 27106 [email protected] 336-923-2072 timbritton.com
(SharpByCoop image)
SPEC CHART
KNIFE PATTERN: Chef’s knife
BLADE LENGTH: 7.5”
BLADE STEEL: N690 stainless
BLADE GRIND: Full flat SPEC CHART
HANDLE MATERIAL: Kirinite® True Blood
WEIGHT: 7.5 ozs. (including sheath) MODEL NAME: CK01
OVERALL LENGTH: 11.8” PATTERN: Chef’s knife
SHEATH: Kirinite True Blood BLADE LENGTH: 7.9”
KNIFE TO KNOW: Steel options include BLADE STEEL: Drop-forged X50CrMoV15
Vanadis 4 Extra, K390 and CPM 15V; contact stainless
makers for other handle and sheath material ROCKWELL HARDNESS: 58 HRC
options CONSTRUCTION: Integral
MAKERS’ LIST PRICE: $425 WEIGHT: 7 ozs.
MAKERS: Sabol Brothers, attn: Andy and OVERALL LENGTH: 12.6”
Michael Sabol, Dept. BL2, Slovakia, andy@ COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: Germany
sabolbrothers.com MSRP: $175
COMPANY: VEARK, attn: Christian Lorent-
zen +45 26 23 72 38 https://veark.com
[ 80 ] B L A D E ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ F E B R U A R Y 2 0 2 1
[ WHAT’S NEW ]
SPEC CHART
SPEC CHART
KNIFE NAME: Drifter
KNIFE NAME: Modus F25-15 BLADE LENGTH: 3 5/8”
KNIFE TYPE: Flipper folder BLADE MATERIAL: 1095 carbon steel
BLADE LENGTH: 3.27” ROCKWELL HARDNESS: 56-58 HRC
BLADE MATERIAL: D2 tool steel BLADE GRIND: Flat
ROCKWELL HARDNESS: 58-60 HRC BLADE THICKNESS: .15”
BLADE FINISH: Satin BLADE FINISH: Black oxide
BLADE THICKNESS: .125” HANDLE: “Conditioned” purpleheart w/black G-10
HANDLE MATERIAL: FRN (Fiberglass-Re- liner, stainless-steel-flared-tube fasteners, and a
inforced Nylon) w/ambidextrous pocket hole for a lanyard
clip, green aluminum backspacer and WEIGHT: 5.3 ozs.
a hole for a lanyard OVERALL LENGTH: 8”
PIVOT: Bronze washers SHEATH: Hand-crafted welted leather
LOCK: Linerlock KNIFE TO KNOW: Comes in a crafted sycamore box
WEIGHT: 3.35 ozs. COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: USA
CLOSED LENGTH: 4.4” MSRP: $279.75
COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: China COMPANY: Flexcut, attn.: M. Bain, Dept. BL2, 8105
MSRP: $47.99 Hawthorne Dr., Erie, PA 16509 800-524-9077
COMPANY: Steel Will, c/o Sport Manufac- [email protected], flexcut.com
turing Group, Dept. BL2, 1840 County Line
Rd., Ste. 111, Huntingdon Valley, PA 19006
877-969-0909 [email protected],
steelwillknives.com
SPEC
CHART
SPEC CHART
KNIFE NAME: Wayfarer 247
KNIFE TYPE: Flipper folder
BLADE LENGTH: 3.5”
BLADE MATERIAL: M390 stain-
less steel
BLADE GRIND: Flat w/false edge
FRAME & POCKET CLIP: Titanium
LOCK: Framelock
KNIFE FINISH: Entropic
CLOSED LENGTH: 4.75”
COUNTRIES OF ORIGIN: USA and Italy
MAKER’S LIST PRICE: $645
MAKER: Olamic Cutlery, attn: E. Soleminick,
Dept. BL2, 650 S. Bridge St., Ste. B, Visalia, CA
93277 [email protected], olamic-
cutlery.com, Instagram/Facebook: @Olamic/
Olamic (SharpByCoop image)
For the latest knives, knife news, trends and more visit blademag.com, BLADE®’s popular
Instagram page @blade_magazine, and on Facebook and Twitter.
F E B R U A R Y 2 0 2 1 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ B L A D E [ 81 ]
[ COLLABORATION ] BY BLADE ® STAFF
Designed by Bill
Ruple (inset), the
Ruple I Trapper
comes in a choice
of four handle
materials—two of
which are shown
here in prototype
form—all from
Culpepper &
Co.: amber stag,
natural stag,
mahogany bone
(left) and bourbon
bone (right). At
right are all four
O
models with their
accompanying
leather slip cases. ld School Knife Works, Bill Ruple
and Moki have combined forces
to produce the Ruple I Trapper
limited edition, a one-blade pocketknife
designed by Ruple available in a selection
of natural handle materials.
SPEC CHECK Sold exclusively through Old School
Knife Works, the Ruple I has all the ear-
MODEL NAME: Ruple I Trapper marks of the award-winning knife-design
DESIGNER: Bill Ruple wizardry of its namesake. It includes a
PATTERN: One-blade trapper recurved clip-point blade, classic bomb
BLADE STEEL: VG-10 stainless shield, a half stop for operator safety,
BLADE FINISH: Satin spun pins, and the seamless fit and finish
MANUFACTURER: Moki between blade and backspring for which
COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: Japan Ruple is so well known. Topping it off are
KNIFE TO KNOW: Each knife comes w/a the specially selected handle materials
leather slip case and a certificate of from Culpepper & Co.: a choice of am-
authenticity ber stag, natural stag, mahogany bone
MSRPs: $425 (amber stag); $395 (natural or bourbon bone limited to 125 in each
stag); $300 (mahogany bone); $300 material.
(bourbon bone)
For more information contact Old School
Knife Works, Dept. BL2, Otto, NC 828-524-
THE
6842 oldschoolknifeworks.com.
RUPLE I
lar Instagram page @blade_magazine, and
on Facebook and Twitter.
FACTORY/CUSTOM
COLLABORATION
TRIAD INCLUDES
BILL RUPLE, OLD
SCHOOL KNIFE
WORKS AND MOKI
[ 82 ] B L A D E --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- F E B R U A R Y 2 0 2 1