Blade January 2021

HOT TACTICAL KNIFE SPECIAL ISSUE P.
76
Double
Homicide
by Jeff VanderMeulen
JANUARY 2021
www.blademag.com
KNIFE
MAKERS
TO WATCH
IN 2021 P. 78
Sharp
Knight Last-Minute
Gift Ideas
Hawk
P. 38
RMJ GREAT
TACTICAL
TOMAHAWK HANDLES,
GIVES YOU AN GREAT
EDGE UP P. 70 KNIVES
Mosaic P. 34
Damascus
Rides
Again! P. 50
MOEN’S COOL JEWEL TOOL P. 24
NEW DIRECTION OF THE AKI P. 10

EVOLUTION OF
THE TACTICAL FOLDER P. 12
FRESH FACTORY
FIXED TACTICALS P. 44
----------------JANUARY 2021
12
56
White River Knife &
Tool M1 Backpacker.
(Abe Elias image)
50Larry Cox mosaic

damascus fighter.
(Impress By
Design image)
FEATURES ------------
10 AKI CHANGES HANDS 38 LAST-MINUTE HOLIDAY GIFT IDEAS
Barry Lee Hands and AKI members move the show to Vegas. Cutting it close? Here are some keen suggestions for you.
By Steve Shackleford By BLADE ® staff
12 TALE OF THE TACTICAL 44 TACTICAL BADGE OF HONOR

Read how tactical folders have evolved through the decades. 4 tactical fixed blades exemplify the tradition of hard work.
By Mike Haskew By Mike Haskew
22 THE KNIFE SYDNEY CARRIES 50 MOSAIC DAMASCUS RIDES AGAIN!

It’s an older model designed by Bill Harsey. See which one. Reboot of a zesty genre awaits fans of the forged blade.
By Sydney Vail By Les Robertson
24 COOL JEWEL TOOL 56 THAT’S A WRAP!

Moen’s Mini Mongoose is a sharp slicer in a small package. Quad of cord-wrapped knife handles takes the author’s DIY test.
By MSG Kim Breed By Abe Elias
28 COLOR THEM SHARP 70 SPIKE IT RICH!

New EDC knives offer you plenty of hues from which to choose. Spike tomahawks cut, chop, pry, carve, hammer and penetrate.
By Pat Covert By Dexter Ewing
34 SQUARE HOUSES PART IX 78 MAKERS TO WATCH IN 2021

Rediscover why great handles go hand-in-hand with great knives. A melting pot of sharp awaits you in the year to come.
By Ed Fowler By Steve Shackleford
[4 ] B L A D E -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- J A N U A R Y 2 0 2 1
Pack real power in your pocket.
SPOTLIGHT This tactical folder is versatile and affordable.
6 | SHORT CUTS
7 | COVER STORY
43 | SHOW CALENDAR
64 | BLADE SHOW 2021
66 | NEXT IN BLADE ®
66 | WHERE TO GET ’EM
67 | BLADE SHOPPE
68 | WHERE TO NET ’EM
68 | AD INDEX
75 | WHAT’S NEW
82 | COOL CUSTOM
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JANUARY 2021 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- B L A D E [5 ]

[ SHORT CUTS ]
Maserin is 60 ------------------------------- “In accordance with the tradition that he was quite successful at doing that and
Maserin, a maker of fine fixed blade and has distinguished our family business the growth that has come about because
folding knives in Maniago, Italy, cel- since the very beginning, the entire proof it is proof.” TOPS offers a wide range
ebrates 60 years in the industry in 2020. duction process takes place within the of tactical and utility knives, tomahawks,
Coltellerie Maserin originally began company,” Maserin noted in a press re- axes and other edged tools, all made in
making knives in Maniago, aka “the city lease. “We personally follow the creation America.
of knives,” in 1960. Born in 1934, compa- of our [knives], from design to produc- Mike was a fixture at the TOPS Knives
ny founder Fervido Maserin started work tion, carrying out an accurate quality table or booth at the BLADE Show, SHOT
at the age of 14 in a factory that produced control of the finished product.” Show and many other consumer and
knives, scissors and tools for agriculture. The company is offering a special knife trade knife events. He retired as president
In fact, he was so committed to his job celebrating its anniversary, the 195/60 of the company in 2015, and was suc-
that he worked it seven days a week. Sessantesimo. Sessantesimo is Italian for ceeded in that position by Leo Espinoza,
After his separation from military ser- 60. For more on the new knife, see page who continues in the post today.
vice, he founded Maserin and worked as 75. For more on Maserin in general, “Mike had a way of connecting easily
a subcontractor manufacturing compo- contact Coltellerie Maserin SNC, attn: with people, making them feel comfort-
nents for large corporations. The com- Gianfranco Maserin, Via Dei Fabbri n. able, and helping them succeed with no
pany also made high-quality spring- 19, 33085 Maniago (PN), Italy 0039 0427 thought of recompense for himself,” a
operated stilettos typical of the Maniago 71 335 fax 0039 0427 700 690 info2mase- company release stated. “He was there
tradition, as well as other knives. In 1985, rin.com, maserin.com. with guidance and advice for many in
he built the current 3,000-square-meter the knife industry whenever they needed
Maserin production site. Mike Fuller Passes Away ---------- it. He embodied the phrase that a ‘rising
According to a Coltellerie Maserin Mike Fuller, tide lifts all ships.’ He was well-respected
press release, the company was the first in a long-time in almost every endeavor where he found
Italy to do collaborative designs with Ital- friend of himself, from his military service up until
ian and foreign knifemakers, and to have many in the his last days. As Leo puts it, Mike had the
its own registered trademark for sporting factory knife gift of gab. He could sell knives to anyone
knives. industry and and was a savvy businessman.”
Today Maserin is a family business and founder of Even in retirement, Mike was in the
owes much of its growth to the contri- TOPS Knives TOPS shop daily. Leo said Mike remained
butions of Fervido’s wife, Olga Mazzoli. of Idaho Falls, his mentor and whenever he needed help
The company is spearheaded by Fervido’s Idaho, passed with a decision was there. TOPS Knives
three sons: Gianfranco, Maurizio and away Nov. 7. “will continue carrying on the legacy that
Claudia, all of whom are dedicated to Accord- Mike built by honoring his memory and
expanding the Maserin name worldwide. ing to a com- Mike Fuller, TOPS Knives vision for the company.”
The company focuses on a multiple range pany release, founder
of knives made with high-quality materi- Mike started For the latest knives, knife news, trends
als, techniques—including laser, CNC, TOPS Knives and more visit blademag.com, BLADE®’s
etc.—and designs typical of the Italian in 1998 “with the goal of making knives popular Instagram page @blade_
tradition: sport, utility, hunting, high- for military and first responders that magazine, and on Facebook and Twitter.
tech, collectibles, rescue, multi-purpose they could trust with their lives when
and kitchen. they needed them most. Over the years,
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[6 ] B L A D E ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ J A N U A R Y 2 0 2 1
[ COVER STORY ]
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Marty Stanfield of Marty Stanfield Pho-
tography photographed the cover hawk.
SharpByCoop photographed the inset EST. 1978
EST
image of Double Suicide by Jeff Vander-
meulen.
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J A N U A R Y 2 0 2 1 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- B L A D E [7 ]
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AKI Changes Hands

T
he Art Knife Invita- been updated. “Some members
tional—the biennial of the AKI advisory panel told
knife event that made me that since they are busy at the
biennial knife events cool— bench and the knife world is so
is now under the direction of large compared to the past, it is
Barry Lee Hands, and will be hard for them to know who may
Oct. 30 at the M Hotel Ca- be the best to vote in,” he stated.
sino Resort and Spa in Las Hence, after many communica-
Vegas. tions they formulated a standard
Consisting of some of the procedure for nominating and
world’s top custom knife- voting in new members. The panel
makers, each of whom approved the proposed rules, put
votes on any additions to them to a vote and a majority of
the group’s membership, the members approved them.
the show had been held for If you are a member of AKI,
many years in San Diego. an invited guest or a maker who
Spearheaded by BLADE would like to be considered, sub-
Magazine Cutlery Hall-Of- mit your nomination at nomina-
Fame® member Phil Lobred tions@artknifeinvitational.com.
when it started in 1983 in After a review of the nominations,
Reno, Nevada, the AKI was Barry vets and selects a group of
held again in 1984 before six or more. Biographical sheets
undergoing a hiatus until are written on each maker and sent
1993, when it was moved to to the membership and panel for
San Diego. It had been there review. After 48 hours, if there are
every other year since. no objections, the group becomes
When Phil passed away in nominees and is voted on by the
2016, his daughter Sandee membership. “The process has oc-
took over the reins and co- curred four times since July,” Barry
Rodrigo Sfreddo of Brazil is one of the
ordinated the show in 2017 and 2019. wrote. “It has been working very well and
newest members of the Art Knife Invi-
In a meeting in July, Barry and Sandee tational. (image courtesy of Barry Lee our membership seems highly pleased
discussed moving the show, for one rea- Hands) with the results.”
son because the member makers wanted During the changeover, a few mem-
to try something new. Meanwhile, one Barry indicated the biggest change bers resigned. “Some requested privacy,
thing led to another and the show was about AKI is the Vegas move. so respecting that, we will not list their
in new hands—Barry’s. “I knew my dad “The members voted for a location names,” Barry noted. “Their reasons were
admired Barry’s work [Hands is a leading change before I took over,” he noted, varied. Some cited age, some preferred
knife and gun engraver], Barry’s experi- “and when I came in they let me know other opportunities, and others were not
ence with running shows, [and his] being they still wished to move. With that in in full agreement with the rules voted in
the president of the Firearms Engravers mind, and on the suggestion of one of our by fellow members.”
Guild of America,” Sandee wrote. “So, we collectors, which happened to coincide The present members are: Ron Apple-
made a deal. with my own opinion, we chose the M ton; Edmund Davidson; Harvey Dean;
“I will admit it was heartbreaking at Hotel Casino Resort and Spa. The M is Jerry Fisk; Alex Gev; Shaun and Sharla
first, but when I see the good job Barry is a beautiful hotel and is the closest major Hansen; Anders Hedlund; Steve Hoel;
doing on social media, managing things, property in Las Vegas to Los Angeles.” Dietmar Kressler; Elizabeth Loerchner;
the new hotel location in Las Vegas— Barry takes an aggressive approach Andrew Meers; Tom Overeynder; Ber-
wow!—and with the members voting in to marketing, including a “beefed up” tie Rietveld; Rodrigo Sfreddo; Fabrizio
really good people, I know that we made online presence with a “dramatic yet Silvestrelli; Jürgen Steinau; Vasiliy Vo-
the right choice.” functional” new website. “We also have robiev; Owen Wood; and John Young.
Barry is equally complimentary of linked our Instagram @artknifeinvita- Guest makers for the 2021 AKI will in-
Sandee. “I would like to say on behalf of tional page to our Facebook page and are clude Corrado Moro, Veronique Laurent
our members that Sandee has been very creating new graphics about our mem- and others.
helpful in the transition,” he observed, bers and their work, which we post most For more information visit https://aki.
“and at AKI she will be an honored and every day,” he wrote. show/.
respected show guest.” Voting for AKI membership also has
[ 10 ] B L A D E ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- J A N U A R Y 2 0 2 1
[ EDGED EVOLUTION ] BY MIKE HASKEW BLADE® FIELD EDITOR
The ATCF (Advanced Technology Combat Folder) by Bob Terzuola (inset) is an icon among
original tactical folders. An early version appears at top and Bob’s “evolution” of it from
2017 is below it. While the basic design stays the same, note the differences in blade
grind, bolsters and handle material. (knife images courtesy of Neil Ostroff; image of Bob
by Abie Lyons)
F
or more than a generation, the tactical folder has hovered at or near the center of
TACTICAL FOLDERS the custom knife universe. Its mystique and versatility have combined with the
HAVE EVOLVED IN skill of the maker to produce objects of lasting influence.
While at times beauty has literally been in the eye of the beholder as function took
DESIGN, APPEAL AND precedence over aesthetics, good looks and high-end materials have crept back into the
formula from time to time. Like anything else in the world of knives, the only con-
POPULARITY THROUGH stant is change, and the tactical folder has undergone an evolution in design, appeal and
popularity through the decades. Examining its lineage and legacy provides a stimulating
THE DECADES point of view.
[ 12 ] B L A D E ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ J A N U A R Y 2 0 2 1
Ostroff includes influencers such as Ter-
zuola, Allen Elishewitz, Kirby Lambert,
Brian Tighe, Greg Lightfoot, Duane Dw-
gradual and pushed primarily by yer, Mick Strider, Rick Hinderer, Chris
that continuing thirst for something Reeve, John W. Smith, Johnny Stout, Sal
new. Human nature is a compelling driv- Manaro and Tom Mayo.
er. “Eighty percent of the visitors to my
website check out the new items page and MARKET SENSITIVITIES
then leave,” he said, “missing all the great Since the beginning and early phenom-
stuff that has dropped off the new page.” enal growth of the tactical folder, the sen-
“The original definition of a A veteran of the early days (early-to- sitivities of the market have weighed in.
true tactical folder, by Bob Terzuo- mid 1990s) of the tactical folder genre, Things change. People change.
la, is a 4-inch, non-glare blade, sub- custom knife purveyor Les Robertson “I was very fortunate early on in my
dued handle materials, grippy, ability to of Robertson’s Custom Cutlery provides collecting to have made a friend in a
open with one hand being a thumb stud a long view, a history lesson if you will. custom knife dealer named Paul Basch,”
or thumb disc, linerlock or framelock,” He well remembers the titans of the cus- Robertson related. “In no uncertain
explained custom knife purveyor Neil tom knife industry who contributed to terms, when it came to all things custom
Ostroff of True North Knives. Since the the rise of tactical folders through the knives, he was the man! He got caught
early days, however, a gradual shift or years, including Michael Walker with up in the flipping of the interframe fold-
turn toward that higher end, dressy or the linerlock and titanium folder frames; ers and it cost him his business. Having
hybrid look and feel has occurred. For Mel Pardue and the flipper folder; Bob lunch at the BLADE Show in 1991, Paul
some, the shift has remained within the Lum with the Americanized tanto; Chris cautioned me that if I ever saw something
tactical folder genre, while for others it Reeve with the framelock; and Kit Car- happening in custom knives similar to
has branched off to something wholly its son’s memorable “gray turd” Model 4 flip- what happened with the interframe fold-
own. per folder with the 440C stainless blade, ers, to stay as far away from it as possible.
“In the beginning of the 2000s, knife- two pieces of titanium, and the linerlock. Sage advice indeed!”
makers who did not purposely stray from All but Lum are in the BLADE Magazine Les draws a parallel conclusion with
their standard fare found their sales start- Cutlery Hall Of Fame®. tactical folders in 2012 and the phenome-
ing to stagnate,” added Ostroff. “So when Referencing Carson’s signature tacti- non that occurred with interframe folders
they ended up with knives on their table cal folder, Les commented, “It cannot be in the mid-to-late 1980s. “The majority of
at a show and were forced to sell to deal- overstated how many new collectors this these knives were being bought to flip,” he
ers at a discount, they started reaching knife brought back into the collapsed cus- reasoned. “Collectors were buying names
out to regular customers and mostly deal- tom folder market.” He further credits Pat and/or materials. Too many makers were
ers for advice. Even though the Internet Crawford as the first maker to drill holes building substandard knives, especially
was still relatively small and many folks in the titanium frame, Cutlery Hall-Of- for the prices they were asking. Right
still had dial-up, information started to Famer Ken Onion’s Speedsafe assisted- now, the market is saturated with over-
flood online and in forums like the Usual opening mechanism, Butch Vallotton and priced tactical folders. It will stay that way
Suspect Network and Bladeforums. Many family’s double-action automatic, Larry for the foreseeable future.”
knifemakers embraced the new technol- Chew’s and R.J. Martin’s roller bearings Along with the frenzy surrounding
ogy—some did not, relying on ‘What for the pivot mechanism, and Ernest Em- the tactical folder, lotteries sprang up at
worked before was fine so why change it?’ erson’s chisel-ground folder blade. shows in an attempt to give buyers more
and these guys fell by the wayside.” Many others have brought their in- equal opportunity to purchase a big-name
The change, Neil offered, has been genuity to the tactical folder’s story, and maker’s work. Popular with some and not
J A N U A R Y 2 0 2 1 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- B L A D E [ 13 ]
[ EDGED EVOLUTION ]
Brian Nadeau (inset) made one

of his first big impacts with
his dress frame-lock flipper Ty-
phoon model (top), voted Best
Tactical Folder in the custom
judging competition at the 2014
BLADE Show. He followed that
with Best Tactical Folder win-
ners at the 2015 and 2017 (bot-
tom) BLADE Shows, the latter
for his Nemesis Dagger. Note
the evolution from dressier to
more tactical between his 2014
and 2017 winners. (2014 image
by Eric Eggly/PointSeven; 2017
image by Chuck Ward)
Ernest Emerson’s chisel-ground blade on such models as his CQC-6—here on his Chris Kyle
commemorative from 2013—influenced a huge number of tactical folders.
[ 14 ] B L A D E ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ J A N U A R Y 2 0 2 1
[ EDGED EVOLUTION ]
so popular with others, the lotteries over
time contributed to the flipping, as some
knives were bought by lottery winners
and immediately sold or “flipped”—right
on the lottery floor—for up to twice as
much or more than the maker’s original
list price.
“With a few exceptions, today’s tacti-
cal folders are utilizing the same design
elements from the 1990s,” Robertson ob-
served. “Three other things showed up:
laser cutting, water jet cutting and the
CNC machine. Today, the CNC machine
is the clear winner of that battle.”
Les is frank in his assessment of the
evolution of the tactical folder. “This is a
sore spot with me,” he stated. “There are
no dress or hybrid tacticals. Walk into a
room where the judging takes place for
the custom knife competition. You will
find numerous folder categories to in-
clude damascus folder, presentation fold-
er and art folder. The trend has followed
the exact trajectory of the interframe
folder, which is why it was so easy to fol-
low the product life cycle and predict its
death. Same with tactical folders. Add da-
mascus, ivory and Timascus® basically to
JANUARY 2021 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- B L A D E [ 15 ]

[ EDGED EVOLUTION ]
As RJ Martin (inset) noted, his original Q36 tacti- raise the price. Fair enough.”
cal folder (top), winner of Best Tactical Folder in
the custom knife judging competition at the 2007
An Army veteran, Les can’t actu-
BLADE Show, is the knife “that started it all for” ally recall his fellow troopers of the 101st
him. His “evolution” of it includes what some call Airborne Division deploying around
the “Holy Grail Q36” (middle) in Timascus™ scales, the world in dress or other more formal
SM100 blade material and some eye-catching uniforms for a simple reason. Those uni-
heat coloring. (SharpByCoop knife images)
forms are not tactical. He asserts that the
same premise holds true with tactical
folders. As for the future, he says he’s sure
there will always be a market for a custom
folder weighing 5 ounces or so, featuring
a titanium frame, linerlock or framelock,
flipper opener, pocket clip and roller
bearings.
INTERPRETATIONS
As a result, it seems the definition of tac-
tical is open to interpretation for some.
Is the term dress tactical an oxymoron or
is the fancying up of the tactical folder
merely a progression, as Neil sees it, to
continue to capture the interest of the
knife-buying public? As he noted, the
evolution was driven by demand. Still,
the tactical folder purist and those who
hunger for something new and exciting
can coexist.
Rick Hinderer made his first tacti-
cal folder in 1998 and has collaborated
with factories on several designs. His first
memory of the tactical folder occurred at
Terzuola’s table at the 1992 BLADE Show,
then at the Holiday Inn & Convention
Center in Knoxville, Tennessee.
“He had some folders on his table with
a bead-blasted finish and with a handle
made of Micarta,” Rick recalled. “From
that start, for me, tactical folders, I be-
lieve, have run the cycle of a using-type
knife made from very robust materials to
an art-type folder made from more deli-
cate handle materials. And in between
all of that, designs and mechanics are
Rick Hinderer constantly being developed, tried, cus-
forsook art
knives for tac-
tomer approved, customer rejected, and
tical folders in revolving all the way back to being a basic
the late 1990s working knife—and yes, as with any in-
and has been dustry, it is customer pushed.”
riding high as Hinderer is firm in his belief that the
a result ever
since. His Skull tactical folder is a survivor. In the true
Maniac XM18 sense of the word, he lines up with the
Wharncliffe tactical definition as a hard-use, every-
Flipper with day carry folder. “There will always be an
Steel Flame
sterling silver
enthusiastic market for such knives,” he
Darkness Skull agreed.
and .45ACP Nonetheless, he acknowledges, “The
shell case tactical folding knife genre has sure
pocket clip is a evolved along the way from its inception
case in point.
(Jon Ukman as an idea of a hard-use folding knife. The
image) number of advances in folding knife de-
[ 16 ] B L A D E ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ J A N U A R Y 2 0 2 1
52100 Roundstock Evapo-Rust®®
Evapo-Rust
1-800-351-8900 52100 is a high carbon, chromium

Knife Sharpening alloy steel. With excellent formability
Wheel Set through forging and great grindability
and shaping, it has been highly prized
in knife making. Evapo-Rust® rust remover, safe for
the user & non-corrosive for steel.
CAT# SIZE PRICE
Removes rust-but not rust stains.
80CrV2 Steel EBR132
EBR148
1/2" x 12"
3/4" x 12"
2.95 The active ingredient bonds to iron
7.49 exclusively (the competitors bond to
Used by professionals, this two 7.5” The high carbon, chrome-vanadium EBR152 0.813" x 12" 8.95 many metals).
wheel system allows the user to grind chemical composition makes EBR208 1-1/8" x 12" 16.95 Rust-Block™ by Evapo-Rust® for
a fine edge then clean & polish to a 80CrV2 a good steel for knives. long term rust preventative. Keeps
sharp edge.
CAT.# DESCRIPTION PRICE
Machines easy, has great edge Metal Powders metal free of rust for up to 12 months
retention, wear resisitance, and 325 mesh metal powders - perfect when stored inside. Water-based
WKS750 Sharpening Wheels $34.95 toughness. Aim Hardness 57. for creating your own mokume, rust inhibitor, works on all ferrous
Chemistry:C .85, Cr .60, Mn .50, Si
Protective Cases .30, Ni .40, Mo .10, P .025, S .020
adding inlays, or cold casting metals. Ideal for home or shop use.
Durable protective cases for your parts for your next project. Metal Non-corrosive, non-flammable and
projects. Featuring a black Cordura CAT# SIZE LENGTH PRICE powders of 1084, 1095 or 1080 with biodegradeble. Safe on auto parts,
exterior and soft fabric interior. Black CZ0615 3/32” x 1 1/2” 18” $8.95 a 2% pure nickel or 4% pure nickel tools, hardware, and more.
poly foam padding and a nylon zipper. CZ0620 3/32” x 2” 18” $11.95 mix for making canister damascus. CAT.# DESCRIPTION PRICE
CZ0815 1/8” x 1 1/2” 18” $9.75 ER088 Evapo-Rust Gel 8oz. $9.95
CZ0820 1/8” x 2” 18” $12.95 ER012 Evapo-Rust 1Gal. $21.95
CZ1015 5/32” x 1 1/2” 18” $12.15 ER018 E/R with dipper 3.5Gal. $64.95
CZ1020 5/32” x 2” 18” $16.25 ER013 Evapo-Rust 5Gal. $97.95
CZ1215 3/16” x 1 1/2” 18” $14.65
RB023 Rust Block Aero 12oz $12.95
CZ1220 3/16” x 2” 18” $19.50
CZ1615 1/4” x 1 1/2”
CZ1620 1/4” x 2”
18”
18”
$19.25
$25.65
Quenching Oils
CV0615 3/32” x 1 1/2” 36” $15.40
R6N Folder 2 1/2” x 6” $8.95
CV0620 3/32” x 2” 36” $20.50
R7N Folder 2 1/2” x 8” $8.95
CV0815 1/8” x 1 1/2” 36” $16.85
R10N Hunter 3” x 10” $8.95
CV0820 1/8” x 2” 36” $22.45 CAT# METAL SIZE PRICE
R13N Fighter 4” x 13” $9.95
CV1015 5/32” x 1 1/2” 36” $20.95 PSBR1 Brass 2 lb $33.95
West System Adhesives CV1020 5/32” x 2” 36” $27.95 PSCU1 Copper 2 lb $33.95
CV1215 3/16” x 1 1/2” 36” $25.25 PSBZ2 Bronze 2 lb $39.95 CITGO -
G/Flex® CV1220 3/16” x 2” 36” $33.65 PSNS1 Nickel Silver 2 lb $64.95 For superior cooling capability &
Epoxy CV1615 1/4” x 1 1/2” 36” $32.95
CV1620 1/4” x 2” 36” PSBR3
$43.95 Brass 5 lb $73.95 high heat dissipation. Used where
PSCU3 Copper 5 lb $73.95 fast quenching is desired.
15N20 PSBZ5 Bronze 5 lb $84.95 PARK’S 50 -
Low viscosity oil, super fast
G5 Epoxy With a 2% high nickel content, PSNS3 Nickel Silver 5 lb $139.95
quenching speeds, with a more
15N20 is the layer of steel that PSNI1 Pure Nickel 1 lb $36.95 uniform quench.
produces the bright contrast
WEST SYSTEM G-FLEX EPOXY for making Damascus. Typical PS845 1084 5 lbs $19.95 PARK’S AAA - Widely used patented
is a toughened, resilient two-part chemistry:C .75, Mn .40, Si .30, PS955 1095 5 lbs $19.95 accelerated quench oil, provides a
epoxy engineered for superior grip. Ni 2.00, P max .020, S max .010 PS802 1080 w/2% Ni 5 lbs $25.95 maximum uniform cooling rate for
G-Flex absorbs the stresses of PS804 1080 w/4% Ni 5 lbs $26.95 austenitized steels.
CAT# SIZE LENGTH PRICE CAT.# DESCRIPTION PRICE
expansion, contraction, shock and $97.95
vibration. Cures in 3-4 hours. XN152 .049” x 1 1/2” 12” $4.50 PS841 1084 25 lbs
BS201 CITGO Oil 1 gal. $49.95
PS951 1095 25 lbs $97.95
G5 EPOXY is a fast curing epoxy for XN252 .049” x 2” 12” $5.50 BS205 CITGO Oil 5 gal. $149.95
quick repairs, tooling and general XN198 .095” x 1 1/2” 18” $12.95 Knifemakers BS301 PARK’S 50 Oil 1 gal. $54.95
bonding. Cures in 3-5 mins.
XN298 .095” x 2” 18” $14.95
$14.95
Center BS305 PARK’S 50 Oil 5 gal. $199.95
WE6508 G-Flex Liquid 8oz $24.95

XN118
XN218
.120” x 1 1/2”
.120” x 2”
18”
18” $17.95 Scribe BS401 PARK’S AAA Oil 1 gal. $39.95
BS405 PARK’S AAA Oil 5 gal. $149.95
WE8654 G5 5 Minute Epoxy $22.95 XN196 .090” x 1 1/2” 36” $26.95 Shown
Wood/Blade Care XN296 .090” x 2” 36” $31.95 marking ATP-641 ANTI-SCALE
XN116 .120” x 1 1/2” 36” $33.95 center in steel COATING FOR HEAT TREAT
XN216 .120” x 2” 36” $37.95
Scribe the center lines as a guide
1084 High Carbon Steel for grinding knife blades. Can be
adjusted from 0-1/2” with 1/32” per
1084 Forging Steel is an excellent revolution using the fine adjustment
steel for beginning knife makers screw. Uses a Carbide tip.
and professionals alike. An ideal CAT.# DESCRIPTION PRICE
LIN SPEED OIL deeply penetrates choice for forging and for layering
wood pores & hardens, protecting with 15N20 for Damascus. Hot JS305 Center Scribe $39.95
& revealing the beauty of grain rolled and annealed. JS307 Replace Carbide Tip $9.95 Liquid anti-scale compound can
be sprayed, flow coated, brushed
patterns from within. RENAISSANCE Chemistry:C .80/.93, Mn .60/.90
WAX provides a barrier against CAT# SIZE LENGTH PRICE
Hardened File or dipped onto your knife blade
fingerprints and water. It forms
XW1215 3/16” x 1 1/2” 18” $13.23
Guide to minimize the formation of oxide
scale and drastically reduce pitting
a protective coating, preventing
XW1220 3/16” x 2” 18” $19.26 and decarb loss during heat treat.
tarnish, corrosion and is completely
XW1240 3/16” x 4” 18” $33.75 Reduce re-work time after heat
waterproof. EDCI(Every Day
XW1615 1/4” x 1 1/2” 18” $19.26 treat with the fantastic option to
Corrosion Inhibitor) Aids in rust and
XW1620 1/4” x 2” 18” $22.89 foil wrapping.
corrosion prevention on any type of
XW1640 1/4” x 4” 18” $48.24 Has a hot working range of 1000°
metal, and is safe for metal finishes. Precision machined from A-2 tool
Can’t Ship Air. XV1215 3/16” x 1 1/2” 36” $24.09 to 2300° Fahrenheit, crumbles on
steel and hardened to 62RHC.
CAT.# DESCRIPTION PRICE cooling, and parts rinse clean in
XV1220 3/16” x 2” 36” $33.75 Overall 3.250”, maximum blade
hot water.
LS101 2 oz. Lin-Speed Oil $9.95 XV1240 3/16” x 4” 36” $63.94 width 2”, each jaw is 3/8” x 3/4”.
RW065 2.3 oz. Ren. Wax $16.95 XV1615 1/4” x 1 1/2” 36” $33.75 Made in USA. CAT.# DESCRIPTION PRICE
RW200 7 oz. Ren. Wax $26.50 XV1620 1/4” x 2” 36” $48.24 CAT.# DESCRIPTION PRICE AP111 Anti-Scale Pint $19.95
EDC4 EDCI 4 oz $11.95 XV1640 1/4” x 4” 36” $90.51 FG101 File Guide $49.95 AP112 Anti-Scale Quart $38.95
[ EDGED EVOLUTION ]
Among those
Les Robertson
indicated played
pivotal roles in
the rise of the
tactical folder
was Kit Carson’s
Model 4 flipper
folder nicknamed
the “gray turd.”
(EBossHoss.com
image)
sign and engineering which grew from

research and practical everyday uses of
tactical folders has permeated across the
whole marketplace of folding knives or
common pocketknives. Whether a hunt-
ing-style folding knife, art-type collect-
ible folding knife, slip joint pocketknife,
etc., they all share some attributes that
came from the tactical knife genre. For
this reason, I feel the evolution of the tac-
tical folder really spurred the evolution of
folding knives in general, bringing what
we all thought of as a regular pocketknife
into a whole new modern era of folding
knives.”
TACTICALS TODAY
Brian Nadeau, winner of Best New Maker
at the 2014 BLADE Show and Best Tacti-
cal Folder at the ’14, ’15 and ’17 BLADE
Shows, may well be representative of the
evolving world of the genre. He made his
first tactical folder in 2012.
“When I got into making tactical fold-
ers they were thick, clunky and gray,
mostly gray,” remarked Nadeau. “Then
you started seeing new materials show
up. Fit and finish were not as important
as the materials. Throw in some super
conductor or Timascus, and you could
name your price. This was the name of the
game for a few years. Then came the time
when people couldn’t flip their knives
for a profit, and at the same time we had
an influx of high quality folders made in
China, with many new knifemakers try- No story on the
ing to jump on the bandwagon. evolution/history
“Custom makers had to step up their of the tactical
game and make higher quality knives and folder is com-
plete without
pay better attention to detail,” Brian con- mention of the
tinued. “This is great news for the con- groundbreaking
sumer, although it made them hypersen- Sebenza by Chris
sitive to every detail. If it isn’t perfect you Reeve Knives.
will hear about it, as well as from every
[ 18 ] B L A D E ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ J A N U A R Y 2 0 2 1
[ EDGED EVOLUTION ]
person with a smart phone.”
Brian doesn’t see the tactical folder
market in decline. He stays busy but
Exotic high-tech materials—
agrees that the prime mover of custom including zirconium—are a
knifemaking is and always will be the staple of the evolution in tac-
consumer who seeks that “new knife tical folders. Brian Tighe uses
high.” He advises, “As a custom maker, if the material on the handle of
his folding fighter. (Eric Eggly/
you feel like the tactical folder market is
PointSeven image)
slowing down, you’ve been making the
same knife too long! Give them some-
thing new to look at.”
For sure, an evolution is occurring. Is a
tactical folder always and forever captive
of the original concept? If so, the purist is
spot on. For those who perceive a broader
spectrum, one may conclude that a but-
terfly is still a caterpillar—just in a differ-
ent and quite appealing form.
For the contact information for the knives

in the story, see “Where To Get ’Em” on
page 66.
For the latest knives, knife news, trends and

more visit blademag.com, BLADE®’s popu-
lar Instagram page @blade_magazine, and
on Facebook and Twitter.
Chris Order at chrisreeve.com
Reeve
Knives
John W. Smith
remains one
of the finest
makers extant,
and his SD-3 is
a consummate
example of
what a tactical
folder should be.
(SharpByCoop
image)
SEBENZA 31
Natural Canvas Micarta
[ 20 ] B L A D E ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ J A N U A R Y 2 0 2 1
JANTZ Cutlery
MADE IN USA
KNIFEMAKING STARTS AT
800-351-8900
Handle Material 3/16” X 12” Mosaic Pins
#MP300 #MP310 #MP320 #MP330

SALE
G-10
MP300 Morning Star $22.95
MP310 Lucky Clover $22.95
MP320 Speeding Bullet $29.95
MP330 Sunrise Glory $29.95
Cooks Wirework Resin
Santoku
Giraffe Bone
Steak
Desert Heavy Duty Red Canvas Handle
Paring Ironwood with Lucky Clover Mosaic Pin
1/4” X 12” Mosaic Pins
Chef
™
SureTouch #MP485 #MP405 #MP400 #MP430
SALE
CAT.#
J1503
DESC
Paring
STEEL PRICE
420HC 15.95
v
NEW Kirinite
MP440
MP405
MP400
Silver Star
Circle Of Light
Pandora’s Box
$44.95
$44.95
$44.95
SO Much More Handle Material Available Online
J1501 1 Steak 420HC 19.95 MP430 Full House $44.95
J1502 4 Steaks 420HC 69.95
J1505 Cooks 420HC 24.95 Metal Powders
J1504 Santoku 420HC 27.95 325 mesh metal powders
J1208 Chef 440C 36.95 - perfect for creating
Steel Hot Rolled Mill

Blanchard Ground Precision Ground
your own mokume,
adding inlays, or cold
casting parts for your
next project. Metal
powders of 1084, 1095
or 1080 with a 2%
pure nickel or 4% pure
nickel mix for making
canister damascus.
Larger sizes also available.
SALE SALE
CAT# METAL SIZE PRICE CAT# METAL SIZE PRICE
Jantz offers the widest available selection of knife blade steel. PS845 1084 5 lbs $19.95 PSNI1 Pure Nickel 1 lb $36.95
Visit our web site for more detailed information on the various PS955 1095 5 lbs $19.95 PSBR2 Brass 2 lb $33.95
compositions and sizes. The latest additions to the line are PSCU2 Copper 2 lb $33.95
80CRV2 and AEB-L steels. PS802 1080 w/2% Ni 5 lbs $25.95 PSBZ2 Bronze 2 lb $39.95
PS804 1080 w/4% Ni 5 lbs $26.95 PSNS2 Nickel Silver 2 lb $64.95

G-10 Liner Material
NA72036 2” x 72”..36 grit $12.95
NA72050 2” x 72”..50 grit $12.95 Save time and money when you select Norton Blaze or
NA72060 2” x 72”..60 grit $10.45 BlueFire belts, which last 50 to 200 percent longer than
NA72080 2” x 72”..80 grit $10.45 comparable belts. Handle all of your coarse grit metal
NA72120 2” x 72”..120 grit $9.95 and wood projects for light to moderate stock removal
with these belts. Blaze belts are also offered in 1” x
30”, 1” x 42” and
CAT.# DESCRIPTION PRICE 2” x 48”.
NA8036 2” x 72”..36 grit $9.95
NA8050 2” x 72”..50 grit $8.50 In 1/64” or 1/32” thicknesses.
NA8060 2” x 72”..60 grit $7.95 5” x 10” G10 Spacer Material
NA8080 2” x 72”..80 grit $7.50 Specify Color and Thickness When Ordering
NA8120 2” x 72”..120 grit $6.50 Price $6.95 Each
[ THE KNIFE I CARRY ]
Meeting knifemaker/designer Bill Harsey

gave me the reason to try out his
design. I bought this Lone Wolf T2 and
it became my daily carry. I got to know
the designer better over time and he signed the knife
for me, which made it more special. It was used in the
field to complete a field amputation on a mountain
where they flew me by helicopter for a patient
terribly injured by an auger. I still carry that knife
today. Thank you, Bill Harsey, for one amazing blade.”
Sydney Vail,
Scottsdale, Arizona
When I saw Olamic Cutlery had I carry a Ranger 110 by Colonial

come out with its Wayfarer Knife Co. I love the Blackie Collins
247 folder with a ‘sheepscliffe’ design, the non-slip handle and the
blade, I had to get one. I’m glad push-button operation that brings
I did. As the name implies, it’s a combo of a the blade to bear in a flash. It’s a great knife.”
sheepsfoot and a wharncliffe pattern, and it Stanley P. Shelton,
nails the concept perfectly.” a letter via e-mail
Myron Jeffcoat,
a letter via e-mail

Tell us what knife you carry. Add a little history or an anecdote.

Try to include a photograph—if digital, at least 600 KB but no
larger than 2 MB—of you with your knife. We will publish your
comments in an upcoming “The Knife I Carry.” Your name will
then be entered in a drawing to win a free, high-quality, name-
brand knife. The drawing will be May 15. Mail to: BLADE , 5600 ®
W. Grande Market Dr., Ste. 100, Appleton, WI 54913, or e-mail

steve@blademag.com. If you send your entry by e-mail, please
include your physical mailing address in case you win the knife.
[ 22 ] B L A D E ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- J A N U A R Y 2 0 2 1
“Travis and His Paint” by Mike Capron
Join us at ICCE
Fort Worth Stockyards
TEXAS
March 26-27, 2021
For more information:
www.icceshow.com
icce@bladeshow.com
[ SPEC SHEET ] BY MSG KIM BREED 5 TH SPECIALFORCES (RETIRED)
>> IMAGES BY THE AUTHOR UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED
COOL
JEWEL
SPEC CHECK
KNIFE NAME: Mini Mongoose

KNIFE TYPE: Small fixed blade
BLADE: 2 5/8”
BLADE STEEL: RWL-34 stainless
TOOL
BLADE GRIND: Hollow
BLADE FINISH: Mirror polish
BLADE THICKNESS: 1/16”
HANDLE: Textured titanium
HANDLE WIDTH: 5/16”
WEIGHT: 2 ozs.
OVERALL LENGTH: 5 5/8”
SHEATH: Leather pouch w/clip by Mackey
WEIGHT INCLUDING SHEATH: 3 ozs.
MAKER’S LIST PRICE: $400
The Mini
Mongoose
sports a short
recurve blade
with traction
ridges on the
spine and a
smooth tex-
tured handle.
(BLADE® staff
image)
JERRY MOEN’S
MINI MONGOOSE
IS A SHARP SLICER
IN A SMALL PACKAGE
[ 24 ] B L A D E ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ J A N U A R Y 2 0 2 1
The blade bit
deep and cut
high-density
foam smoothly
using a pull mo-
tion. As slicing
goes, the knife
was very quick.
The author was

able to control
slicing width on
the single-walled
cardboard
(below right).
He went with
a three-finger
hold on a push
cut. The cutting
depth was lim-
ited by the small
blade.
T he Mini Mongoose is functional

pocket jewelry. Made by custom
knifemaker Jerry Moen of Moen
Tooling, the small fixed blade exhibits
beautiful work with a titanium handle
Mongoose sliced as fast as I could get my
fingers out of the way. As cutting goes, the
knife was very quick.
It was time for the Mini to bite into
the plastic board. The small knife cut
and smooth grind lines. However, will it smoothly with some side-to-side move-
cut? Let’s see. ment. I could not get a firm grip on the
The 2.75-inch handle was a Starting off with 20-pound bond copy handle to stop the knife from wiggling as
better fit for Melissa’s smaller
hand. She took her time and
paper for slicing, it took me a few tries to it sliced. It did cut for the full length of the
produced very nice curly-cues get the hang of using the smaller knife. blade every time.
for a fire stick. On its part, the Mini sliced smoothly. I
had some control issues with the smaller CURLY-CUES
size but worked through them. Melissa and I were out camping and it was
Next up: more slicing, this time on sin- fire time. One of the things I’ve taught
gle-walled cardboard. I had better luck on her is to make a fire stick to get the fire
this medium and was able to control the going faster, and she was all for making
width of the slices. I went with a three- one with the Mini Mongoose. The handle
finger hold on a push cut. Cutting depth was a better fit for her hand. She took her
was limited by the small blade. time and produced very nice curly-cues.
From there I went to slicing high- It worked perfectly. One match, one fire
density foam. The blade bit deep and cut for my marshmallows.
smoothly using a pull motion. The Mini
J A N U A R Y 2 0 2 1 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- B L A D E [ 25 ]
[ SPEC SHEET ]
TEXAN KNIVES
24022 Loop 494 Suite B, Porter, Texas 77365 OVERALL
DIRECT: 281-235-9516
The Mini Mongoose has its place in most
any knife rotation. Stylish looks and a
OFFICE: 281-354-6620 sharp edge work every time.
EMAIL: Texanknives@hotmail.com RECOMMENDATIONS
WEB: Texanknives.com The issue I had was with the sheath. I car-
ried the knife in the sheath in my pocket
for 15 minutes and noticed the tip of the
blade sticking out of the end of it. To
FOR DEALERS, CONTACT US avoid the tip from protruding, the sheath
needs brass or steel pins in the stitching
holes, or a small Kydex chape/tip.
ARIZONA IRONWOOD LLC Moen Tooling warrants its knives against

defects in materials as long as the knife has
not been abused. For more information
contact Jerry Moen @moentooling on In-
“As Wood as it Gets” stagram, email Jerry@moenworks.com or
The Best in Desert Ironwood & Stabilized Woods
call 972-839-1609.
Ask about Factory Wholesale IW Discounts
Author’s note: Due to the test knife’s small
$5 Instagram auctions via Ironwoodman
size, the testing media were adjusted ac-
Amboyna-Koa-BoxElder-Maple-Sankewood-Bone-Horn cordingly.
New $8 IW Knife Blocks
www.arizonaironwood.com For the latest knives, knife news, trends
Tucson: 520-647-3453 and more visit blademag.com, BLADE®’s
popular Instagram page @blade_maga-
The author had the sheathed Mini Mon-

goose in his pocket for 15 minutes and
noticed the tip of the blade sticking out. As
a fix he recommends brass or steel pins in
the stitching holes, and/or a small Kydex
chape/tip.
[ 26 ] B L A D E ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ J A N U A R Y 2 0 2 1
[ SPEC SHEET ]
The small knife cut the plastic board smoothly with some side-to-side move-
ment. The author could not get a firm grip on the handle to stop the knife
from wiggling as it sliced. It did cut for the full length of the blade every time.
The Mongoose flipper folder is Jerry Moen’s original larger version of the
Mini Mongoose. It is available in options of RWL-34 stainless or Damasteel
damascus steels for the blade and titanium or Timascus® for the handle.
Blade lengths: 3 5/8 inches. His list price for his standard Mongoose: $500.
(SharpByCoop image)
J A N U A R Y 2 0 2 1 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- B L A D E [ 27 ]
[ HUE NEWS ] BY PAT COVERT
>> IMAGES BY THE AUTHOR
SHARP Color Them

WHAT’S NEW IN KNIVES OFFERS PLENTY OF HUES FROM WHICH TO CHOOSE
[ 28 ] B L A D E ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ J A N U A R Y 2 0 2 1
Steel Will’s Scylla Blue has a deeply
A lot of color to be had in

ground blade ready made for carving
wood. Starting with fine slivers the SPEC CHECK
author moved up the ladder to take off
the cutlery world includes,
large curls, ending with a nice pile of fire Steel Will Scylla Blue
from left: Steel Will Scylla
starter.
Blue, Bear & Son 5-inch Pink
Butterfly, Puma SGB Orange
BLADE LENGTH: 3.25”
Featherweight Hunter and BLADE MATERIAL: D2 tool steel
SOG-TAC CA Auto. BLADE FINISH: Stonewashed black
a bright pink powder coat, and a pivot- BLADE PATTERN: Drop point
ing T-shaped gate lock at the bottom joins HANDLE MATERIAL: Blue G-10
them when fully employed. The handle ACTION & LOCK: Top flipper and linerlock
halves rotate off two pivots on the short LINERS: Stainless steel
tang clip-point blade, with a stop pin at
the base. The Pink Butterfly’s pivots are POCKET CLIP: Blade-tip-up carry
very slick with no drag and the T-lock WEIGHT: 4.42 ozs.
CLOSED LENGTH: 4.5”
A
joins them firmly once employed.
wise man never said knives should Butterfly knives are simple in their COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: China
be in color but he never said they mechanisms but require dedicated prac- MSRP: $69.99
shouldn’t be, either. Colorful knives tice to employ safely and effectively. The
are nothing revolutionary in the cutlery basic idea is to grasp the handle, flip the
world, but it does seem manufacturers are blade out, and then quickly orient your
broadening the spectrum by introducing hand to grip the two halves. Expert users SAFETY ORANGE SLICER
new models with color and rejuvenating employ the blade and launch into a pleth- The Puma SGB Orange Featherweight
older ones. And why not? Unless you’re ora of flipping techniques in the blink of Hunter is the newest rendition in the
a dark-ops type or desire to keep a low an eye. company’s Warden line of lockback fold-
profile in life, a little spice in the knife can Heck, butterfly knife users have to eat ing hunters. It lightens the load to a svelte
add personality to your carry. just like everybody else, so I locked the 2.8 ounces thanks to its 5-inch G-10
Bear & Son has been making butterfly blade down and took to the kitchen, using composite slabs, shaving two ounces off
knives since 1991, and the 5-inch Pink the knife to slice link sausage for a pot of the standard Warden model. An added
Butterfly is a bright send-up of one of jambalaya. The Pink Butterfly performed feature not seen on many folding hunters
the company’s most popular models. The quite admirably and the color kept this is a blade-tip-up pocket clip, 2.25 inches
5-inch skeletonized handles are zinc with chef, dare I say, in the pink. long, on the base of the back slab. The
J A N U A R Y 2 0 2 1 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- B L A D E [ 29 ]
[ HUE NEWS ]
SPEC CHECK
Bear & Son 5-Inch
Pink Butterfly
BLADE STEEL: 440 stainless
BLADE PATTERN: Clip point
HANDLE MATERIAL: Powder-coated zinc
SPECIAL FEATURE: T-latch at base
WEIGHT: 5.33 ozs.
CLOSED LENGTH: 5”
COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: USA
MSRP: $55.99
The pivots of the

Bear & Son 5-inch
Pink Butterfly are
very slick with no
drag, and the T-lock
joins them firmly
once employed.
SPEC CHECK
Puma SGB Featherweight
Hunter Orange
BLADE STEEL: 1.4116 German stainless
BLADE TYPE: Trailing point
HANDLE MATERIAL: Orange G-10
LOCK: Lockback
POCKET CLIP: Blade-tip-up carry
WEIGHT: 2.8 ozs.
CLOSED LENGTH: 5”
COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: Blade steel made in
Germany/assembly China
MSRP: $44.99
The Puma SGB Orange

Featherweight Hunter
sliced through three
lengths of 3/8-inch rap-
pelling rope quite nicely.
[ 30 ] B L A D E ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ J A N U A R Y 2 0 2 1
[ HUE NEWS ]
SPEC CHECK
Masecraft Supply Co. offers the world’s largest line-up of
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Crimson pens, musical instrument inlays, pool cue inlays and endless
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Our customers include some of the largest and well known
BLADE STEEL: AUS-8 stainless major manufacturers and artisans in the world.
BLADE PATTERN: Trailing point Our line-up of natural materials includes white Mother of Pearl,
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HANDLE MATERIAL: Anodized aluminum many types of Laminated Shell Veneers (LVS) plus custom
shell inlays, India Stag, Bone, Horn and Exotic Woods.
SPECIAL FEATURE: Push-button release/
Our decorative synthetic materials include Alternative Ivory
safety and many other decorative Polyester and Acrylic materials in
POCKET CLIP: Blade-tip-up carry sheet, rod and bar form. We also offer a full line of Reconsti-
tuted Stone slabs and blocks. We are adding new products
WEIGHT: 2.5 ozs. every year. We also offer a wide variety of Rigid Composite
Laminates in Canvas, Linen and Paper Micarta, G-10’s and
CLOSED LENGTH: 3.75” Carbon Fiber.
COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: China parts/U.S. Masecraft supply co. specializes in large manufacture orders
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Call us today for a free catalog 1-800-682-5489
The edge has been around for more than 40,000 years. Invented to separate matter,
its form has been stone, copper, bronze, iron, steel and other odd materials, and yet
Handle size is, indeed, a subjective thing. its spirit is still a ghost that humans refine and improve across the years.
While the author had around 3/4 of an
inch left in his mitt, the SOG-TAC Auto CA
handle fit his girlfriend’s hand perfectly.
“I still wouldn’t hesitate to carry this little Golden, Colorado USA Earth
powerhouse,” the author noted.
JANUARY 2021 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- B L A D E [ 31 ]

[ HUE NEWS ]
The Steel Will Scylla Blue has a top flipper

that, once mastered, opens in just a flick
by rolling the thumb stud over the upper
handle. Here the author uses the right side
of his thumb to do the opening chores, The Bear & Son Pink Butterfly made quick
though the thumb pad will work just as work slicing up link sausage for a pot of The Puma SGB Featherweight carries
well. jambalaya blade tip up via its handy pocket clip.
G-10 has a checkered texture which does on 3/8-inch synthetic rope and it easily many folding hunters before it, the light-
a nice job of enhancing the grip. sliced off short lengths in one slice, so I weight Puma would serve up light field
The blade offers up a long-pull nail jacked it up to two. No problem. I tried chores and skinning in spades. While the
nick with fine gimping on the lower three lengths side by side with firm pres- bright handles make the Puma Orange
spine to enhance grip. I tested the edge sure and lopped them off as well. Like so Featherweight Hunter stand out, an OD
green model is available if you’d like a
more subdued color.
CRIMSON CUTTER
The SOG-TAC CA Crimson is especially
designed to be street legal in California,
where blades on automatics must be 2
inches long or less. The knife uses the
SOG-TAC Mini handle in an aluminum
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 – 440C - 154CM - CPMS35VN - • Tool Steels – 01-D2 (Precision Ground)

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SANDVIK 14C28N • Precision Ground Stainless –
Bar Sizes
• High Carbon – 1050 - 1075/1080 - • Nickel 201
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• Damascus – Admiral Hi Q -
• Low Carbon – 1008 - 1010 - 1020 - 1035 Random/Twist/Ladder/Snakeye
• Alloy – 5160 - 8670 (L6 Alt ) - A203E -
52100 Rd.
*CPM3V, CPM154, CPMS30V & CPMS35VN are registered trademarks

of Crucible Industries LLC
Visit our website and order online at www.admiralsteel.com,

call 800-323-7055, or email us at sales@admiralsteel.com
4152 West 123rd Street

Alsip, Illinois 60803-1869 The SOG-TAC CA Auto did its due diligence
Admiral is a registered trademark of Admiral Steel LLC. Alsip, as a competent everyday carry. It did an
Illinois. Reg. No. 2430959. All rights resereved excellent job of taking off against-the-
grain slices of thick corrugated cardboard.
[ 32 ] B L A D E ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ J A N U A R Y 2 0 2 1
[ HUE NEWS ]
anodized an attractive crimson color,
with a push-button blade release on the
front. SOG adds a slide safety to keep ev-
erything in check when not in use, and
there’s also a blade-tip-up pocket clip.
I was somewhat familiar with this fold-
er because I’ve carried the larger 4.5-inch
version in my rotation. Push the SOG-
TAC CA’s button release and the blade
opens clean and crisp at the blink of an
eye. While its blade length is limited, it’s
also a nice little EDC. I tested the edge
on some tough quarter-inch-thick two-
ply corrugated cardboard, and the AUS-
8 stainless steel cut it across the grain in
clean, easy strokes.
I have medium-size mitts and the
SOG-TAC CA handle left about a 3/4-
inch deficit in padding on my lower
palm. I let my girlfriend try it and it fits
her hand just as the larger-size SOG-TAC
fits mine. In fact, she said she wants one! www.blacksmithsdepot.com
BIG and BLUE Kayne and Son
The Steel Will Scylla Blue is a full-size lin- 100 Daniel Ridge Rd Candler NC 28715 USA
erlock folder with an interesting twist: it PHONE: 828-667-8868
has a top flipper as opposed to the typical
side-winder on most folders with thumb International Shipping available • Inquiries Welcome
studs. The knife features a vibrant, curva-
ceous handle with a fine fabric texture to
enhance grip. A kidney-shaped lanyard
hole is designed into the curved base and
on the back slab is a blade-tip-up pocket
clip.
Top flippers take some getting used to,
but like anything else practice makes per-
fect. Rather than pushing the thumb stud
out, the thumb pad or side of the thumb
rotates the stud up and over the top of the
handle until the blade locks.
I tested the Scylla Blue’s deeply ground
blade on boxwood. Starting with short
slivers of tinder and moving up to long
curls, I had a nice pile of fire starter before
long. The edge did its job well aided by a
comfortable handle grip that fit my palm
nicely. If you can master the top flipper,
you’ll like the Steel Will Scylla Blue.

page 66.

D av id E l l is
Abs Mastersmith - Purveyor - --
popular Instagram page @blade_maga- exquisiteknives@gmail.com - www.exquisiteknives.com
J A N U A R Y 2 0 2 1 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- B L A D E [ 33 ]
[ KNIFE TALK ] BY ED FOWLER BLADE ® FIELD EDITOR
>> IMAGES BY THE AUTHOR
M
ore thoughts about the
biologically influenced knife
can be explored through many
aspects of the handle.
The human hand is a remarkably ver-
satile aspect of our evolutionary devel-
opment. For proof, simply examine and
study all the artifacts of man that our
hands not only crafted but also read-
ily adapted to, from simple tools such
as awls, needles, clubs, bone and stone,
to broomsticks, hammers and steering
wheels. The fingers of our hands type
messages on full-size keyboards and our
thumbs text on phones. We can grasp a
pencil or turn the page of a book, peel a
banana and tie our shoelaces. With our
hands we have developed some won-
derful tools. Through the centuries our
hands have made tools from natural ma-
terials, and today some make microchips
to guide our future.
Not all aspects of our tools are sym-
metrical. Study the shape of the mouse
GREAT that communicates with your computer.
It is well designed, hand friendly and
HANDLES available in many shapes to fit many
hands. This is one place where function
GO HAND- dictates shape thanks to carpal tunnel
syndrome, lawyers, liability and the
IN-HAND fact that folks can make knowl-
edgeable choices.
WITH GREAT
KNIVES
This is one of what the
author calls his “early at-
tempts at a sophisticated
knife.” The blade was stock
removal made from a file, the
handle an old piece of hickory.
“I thought I was really making
something special until I tried
to use it,” he observed. “The file
teeth hung up in meat and the
finger grooves severely limited
the knife’s functional qualities. It
was used one time and has lived
forevermore in its scabbard.”
[ 34 ] B L A D E ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ J A N U A R Y 2 0 2 1
Still, for some reason one of man’s old- cut one coin in half with his knife. The essarily related to performance and rarely
est tools has become burdened with many Price knife cut the coin and showed no is actual performance evaluated. Many
unnecessary rules. While knives are re- damage to the edge, while the edge on times performance is inferred through
quired to be symmetrical, the mouse that McConnell’s knife was damaged. Price the surface of the knife, which results in
communicates with your computer is not went on to fame; I don’t know what hap- a poor and unreliable guess. Meanwhile,
symmetrical and comes in many individ- pened to McConnell*. This is a rare in- the knifemaker and his dedication are the
ual shapes. Could this be because we have stance where finished knives were judged invisible ingredients.
become more demanding of the mouse, by performance qualities. Man’s obsession with symmetry starts
or maybe have just come to understand I believe Price knives were dedicated early in the development of a handle.
its function a little better—while knife to function at a time when function Most natural materials such as giraffe
function has been lost to history or bur- mattered most to clients who used their bone probably come in natural shapes,
ied in the rules of tradition, schools and knives. The recessed ricasso could have but are cut into 1/4x1x4x1/2-inch flat
organizations? been another factor why McConnell slabs. Ivory and many other beautiful
knives were not what folks chose when handle materials have been shaped with
RULES they had the opportunity to do so. It was a a lathe or saw, with little serious thought
When it comes to knives, some rules dic- little different in San Francisco than pick- or labor regarding the hands that will be
tate function. Many believe that handles ing a knife from a trader somewhere in using them. Simply rendered to standard
must be absolutely symmetrical, and the interior who would have had a limited shapes for convenience, packaging and
some judge the performance qualities of selection from which to choose. shipping, the handles of such natural ma-
the maker’s work on this basis. I cannot terials are relegated to the realm of the
understand the reason for this quest. I, BEAUTY CONTEST square birdhouses that inspired this se-
for one, do not have symmetrical hands BLADE Magazine Cutlery Hall-Of- ries of articles.
and I have never seen a man’s or woman’s Fame® member Bill Moran stated that Some handle materials are manmade
hand that was symmetrical. I soon came if you wanted to make a living making and come in perfectly round shapes that
to question the reasoning behind this knives you would have to go to the “art resemble broomstick-like projections
quest for symmetrical handles. Don’t get knife.” I smiled to myself and thought and are easily configured by machines.
me wrong; I was a believer for a while. that with all the art knives that were be- The resulting handles are simple and fit
Nonetheless, the way I see it this rule is a ing made, a well-developed, high-endur- all hands that use them exactly the same.
travesty promoted by men who have nev- ance-performance blade would soon be Some are shaped into flat materials with
er used a knife longer than a few hours, the rarest art of all. square corners, and it is up to the maker
and probably have never known an hon- Today, most custom knives are judged or sometimes the consumer to develop
est blister due to extended knife use. by shine, fit, finish and symmetrical han- the handle as he or she pleases.
There was a time when knives were dles, along with the pattern of the damas- Many use gloves to pad the square cor-
judged by their performance qualities, cus blade. None of these qualities are nec- ners of their knife handles or increase the
and function was
the prime objective
by which they were
compared. Legend
has it that Michael
Price and another
maker, Hugh Mc-
Connell in San
Francisco, were
competitors in the
mid-1850s. De-
bates over which
made the best
knife naturally oc-
“This butcher’s knife has
curred, and they
been used all the way from
decided to meet at a full blade to an honest
the village square piece of history. Note
for a public cutting the guard on the side of
contest to prove the handle,” the author
noted. “You don’t see this
whose knife was anymore because it is not
best. a symmetrical handle, just
Two similar an honest, safe, profes-
coins were placed sional’s using knife that
did its job!”
on a wood block
and each maker
J A N U A R Y 2 0 2 1 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- B L A D E [ 35 ]
[ KNIFE TALK ]
grip on round unknown rule

handles. I have used that she could
knives, both factory made and not find. Lat-
of my own design, that did not fit my er, after talk-
“The man who made
hands well because I never thought about this handle really knew what ing to her
modifying a handle. I was afraid that the he was doing,” the author boss, she
folks who designed the knives knew more wrote. “By looking and feel, relented.
than I did, and I felt any modifications I I know he was right handed While
and must have had hands
made would ruin the knife. When I start- about the size of mine.”
feeling sor-
ed making knives, I experimented with ry for myself I decided to study the dy-
various handle shapes and designs I saw namics of the natural physical aspects of
on other knives, and none of my ideas my hand. I decided it was time to work
or copies of others’ ideas worked for me. to be a very serious challenge. When we on the design of my knife handles, seek-
Looking back, a few minutes with files started there were seven of us working on ing a handle that would be friendlier for
or sandpaper could have made many of the kill floor. For some reason, all the vol- my hand, as well as increase the control I
them much friendlier to my hand. unteers did not stick to the end of the job. had over my knife. I fully realize that very
We did not have much time so there were few readers will ever need to use a knife
ENDURANCE TESTING no planned breaks, just work until we got to this extent, but there is more to handle
My education in the endurance testing the job done. It took us awhile to build a design than simple convenience. A good
of handles began when my boss at a local team, but soon we were sending two sides grip on a knife is all about comfort, con-
packing plant contracted to butcher 60 of beef to the cooler every 18 minutes! trol, safety and leverage; all come togeth-
steers for a county fair. We were a little We got our first break when the inspec- er and good times are more likely to fol-
outfit. Three of us worked the kill floor tor said our cooling unit could not keep low. I call it developing an ergonomically
and were used to butchering around eight up with our production. Sides of beef designed tool.
beeves a day once a week, which proved were taking too long to cool, and we had
to wait for Next time: Making handles using modeling
the refrig- clay, the role of spacers, testing, indexing
eration unit and more.
to catch up
with the heat Editor’s note: Instead of this issue as origi-
load. Worn nally scheduled, a future installment of
out, we sat “Square Houses” will address the recessed
on the floor ricasso and the guard.
and ate piz-
za, then took *A picture of one of Hugh McConnell’s
a short nap dress bowies from the Bob Berryman col-
on the lovely lection appears on page 471 of The An-
cement floor tique Bowie Knife Book. According to the
until the in- book, the knife is one of the few known to
spector said have McConnell’s mark. On page 470 the
we could book notes that McConnell “started mak-
go back to ing knives in 1852, and even in those days
work. The his knives sold for $100 or more. It was in
breaks were his shop that other great legends, like Jacob
very wel- Schintz and Fred Will of Will and Finck,
come in the would learn more about the trade.”
hours to
come. We got For the latest knives, knife news, trends
Some handle materials are manmade the job done on time, but my right hand and more visit blademag.com, BLADE®’s
and are easily shaped by machines. The
resulting handles are simple and fit all was so sore from gripping that factory popular Instagram page @blade_maga-
hands that use them exactly the same. made symmetrical knife handle I could zine, and on Facebook and Twitter.
Some are shaped into flat materials with not even hold a coffee cup. Our state in-
square corners, and it is up to the maker spector would not allow me to use one of
or sometimes the consumer to develop
the handle as he or she pleases.
my homemade knives because of some
[ 36 ] B L A D E ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ J A N U A R Y 2 0 2 1
DESIGNED BY ERIC OCHS
3" S35VN BLADE
INTERCHANGEABLE
MARKER
THE ACE IS OUR PREMIUM

EVERYDAY CARRY FEATURING A
TOP GRADE S35VN STAINLESS
STEEL 3" FLIPPER BLADE,
ANODIZED LINERS AND
HARDWARE, AND A CARBON
FIBER OR G10 HANDLE.
[ SEASONAL SHARP ] BY BLADE® STAFF
CUTTING IT CLOSE? HERE ARE

SOME GREAT SUGGESTIONS FOR
YOUR SPECIAL SOMEONES
H oliday gift buying is always a

challenge, though in the current
pandemic many have already
ordered gifts online. On the other hand
are those who always wait until the last
minute. If you are one, here are some
possibilities for that special someone who
needs to cut or open stuff, or simply add
some slice to their lives.
MODEL NAME: ‘Za-Saw Pizza Cutter

BLADE DIAMETER: 3”
BLADE STEEL: 440A stainless
ROCKWELL HARDNESS: 51-53 HRC
BLADE THICKNESS: .05”
BLADE GRIND: Chisel
HANDLE MATERIAL: Creamid® synthetic
WEIGHT: 4.8 ozs.
KNIFE TO KNOW: Food, water and
dishwasher safe
MSRP: $25.38
COMPANY: KA-BAR, attn: J. Bradley,
Dept. BL1, 200 Homer St., Olean, NY
14760 800.282.0130 fax 716-790-7188
www.ka-bar.com, info@ka-bar.com
VENICE, ANYONE? Cut your favorite Italian pie into whatever size slice floats your gondola with
the 440A stainless steel wheel of the new KA-BAR ’Za Saw Pizza Cutter. Highlighting the cool
kitchen gadget is a handle in the unmistakable oval shape of the iconic KA-BAR fighting/utility
knife, complete with the simulated “leather-washer” look and raised KA-BAR logo.
[ 38 ] B L A D E ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ J A N U A R Y 2 0 2 1
STOGIE STEEL Be like
the knife’s designer, Leo
Espinoza (center), and
the TOPS Knives crew
and use your 208 Clipper
cigar cutter to manicure
your favorite smokable.
MODEL NAME: 208 Clipper

KNIFE TYPE: Cigar cutter
DESIGNER: Leo Espinoza
BLADE STEEL: CPM S35VN stainless
ROCKWELL HARDNESS: HRC 58-60
BLADE PATTERN: Modified tanto w/
spine serrations
BLADE FINISH: Tumble
HANDLE MATERIAL: OD green G-10 w/
steel liners in a black Cerakote®
ACTION: Friction folder
WEIGHT: 4.7 ozs.
CLOSED LENGTH: 5”
SHEATH: Double-stitched black leather
w/belt loop
WEIGHT w/SHEATH: 6 ozs.
MODEL NAME: Golfer’s Tool Gift Set KNIFE TO KNOW: The flipper of the
KNIFE PATTERN: Mini trapper friction folder includes traction ridges
BLADE AND DIVOT TOOL LENGTHS: 2.7” and doubles as a bottle opener
and 1.74” COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: USA
BLADE/TOOL MATERIAL: Tru-Sharp MSRP: $230
stainless (Case equivalent of 420 HC) COMPANY: TOPS Knives, attn: Craig
BLADE/TOOL FINISH: Mirror polished Powell, Dept. BL1, 3415 E. 109 N., Idaho
BLADE PATTERN: Clip Falls, ID 83401 208-542-0113 info@
topsknives.com, www.topsknives.com
BLADE/TOOL ACTION: Slip joint
HANDLE MATERIAL: Embellished
smooth antique bone
WEIGHT: 2.6 ozs.
COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: USA DUFFER’S DREAM The Golfer’s
MSRP: $107.99 Tool Gift Set by Case includes
COMPANY: Case, attn: F. Feightner, a pocketknife outfitted with
Dept. BL1, 50 Owens Way, Bradford, PA a blade and a divot tool for
fixing ball marks on the green,
16701 800-523-6350 CR@caseknives.
and also a magnetic ball
com, www.wrcase.com marker complete with the
long-tail “C” Case logo—both in
a crushed velvet gift box with
a matching Case logo in gold
on the inside of the lid. The
mark-side scale includes “Golf
Life” artwork over the image
of a golf ball.
J A N U A R Y 2 0 2 1 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- B L A D E [ 39 ]
[ SEASONAL SHAPR ]
KNIFEMAKING FOR KIDS

The Blue River Wooden
Knife Kit from Condor
Tool & Knife is ideal
for junior and comes
complete with a neat
canvas sheath. The
small wooden dowels
that secure the scales
to the tang are held in
place by friction.
MODEL NAME: Blue River Wooden

Knife Kit
KNIFE TYPE: Kid’s craft project
BLADE FINISH: Natural wood
HANDLE MATERIAL: Walnut and
reconstituted turquoise
WEIGHT: 2 ozs.
OVERALL LENGTH: 7.4”
SHEATH: Canvas
COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: El Salvador
MSRP: $34.98
COMPANY: Condor Tool & Knife, attn: R.
Jones, Dept. BL1, 9924 Universal Blvd.
#224-106, Orlando, FL 32819 407-458-
9396 fax 407-458-9397 rtj@att.net,
condortk.com
MODEL NAME: Wraith

KNIFE PATTERN: Utility folder
BLADE STEEL: AUS-8 stainless
BLADE OPENER: Thumb stud
HANDLE MATERIAL: Clear plastic
LOCK: Lockback
COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: Taiwan THE ICE KNIFE COMETH The Wraith
is part of the Ice Series of folders
MSRP: $27.95
from Ontario Knife Co. The clear
COMPANY: Ontario, attn: P. Tsujimoto, plastic handle enables you to see
Dept. BL1, 26 Empire St., Franklinville, NY the inner workings of the lock-
14737 716.676.5527/800.222.5233 fax back mechanism, the blade is in a
716-676-5535 knifesales@ontarioknife. recurve pattern and there’s a hole
com, www.ontarioknife.com for a lanyard.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ J A N U A R Y 2 0 2 1
[ SEASONAL SHARP ]
KRAKATOA FFOLDING
KRAKATOA OLDING K
KNIFE
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quad of “steak knives on ste-
roids” (one of four shown) that
can handle most anything, from
quick, random jobs to full-scale
food prep. The blades feature
Benchmade’s proprietary 14-de-
gree SelectEdge™ technology,
and the knives store in a red
birch presentation box with a
magnetic lid by H. Arnold Wood
Turning for streamlined storage.
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MODEL NAME: 4001 4-Piece Table Knife

Set
BLADE LENGTHS: 5.13” AMERICAN BLADESMITH SOCIETY
BLADE STEEL: CPM 154 stainless
ROCKWELL HARDNESS: 58-61 HRC Moran School of Bladesmithing
BLADE PATTERN: Clip point
Texarkana College
BLADE FINISH: Stonewash 2500 N. Robison Road
EDGE CONFIGURATION: Plain up to near
the tip, where forward serrations are Texarkana, Texas
positioned
HANDLE MATERIAL: Black G-10
HANDLE THICKNESS: .59”
WEIGHT: 3.19 ozs.
OVERALL LENGTH: 9.2” CLASS DATE
MSRP: $600 Intro to Bladesmithing February 1-12
Damascus Steel March 1-5
KNIFE TO KNOW: Also available in a
custom version ($480 MSRP) in blade
Handles & Guards March 8-12

steel options of 440C and CPM 154,
finish options of satin, stonewash and
PVD/DLC, and handle material options
of G-10 in black, blue and ivory, wood, Intro to Bladesmithing April 5-16
Richlite (Black Diamond, Blue Canyon,
Maple Valley and Redstone) and carbon
Hammer-In April 10-11
fiber
COMPANY: Benchmade USA, attn.: Matt
Glass, Dept. BL1, 300 Beavercreek Rd.,
For more information or to register, contact
Oregon City, OR 97045 503.655.6004 or Madeleine Russell at 903-823-3014. ABS Contact:
800-800-7427 www.benchmade.com,
info@benchmade.com
Mike Williams, 580-420-3051 or northpolemw@gmail.com.
JANUARY 2021 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- B L A D E [ 41 ]

[ SEASONAL SHARP ]
MODEL NAME: Climber Wood For You
Special Edition 2020
PATTERN: Swiss Army knife
BOKER BARLOW EXPEDITION | 440C blade steel | Canvas Micarta handle scales | Available in two models | Model No. (shown): 112941
TOOLS: Large blade and small blade,
can opener, 3 and 6 millimeter and mini
screwdrivers, bottle opener, wire stripper,
reamer, punch and sewing awl, corkscrew,
scissors and multipurpose hook
BLADE/TOOL ACTION: Slip joint
HANDLE: Wood with holiday artwork;
keyring attached
WEIGHT: 3 ozs.
COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: Switzerland
MSRP: $92.37
KNIFE TO KNOW: The knife comes in an
elegant anthracite box
COMPANY: Victorinox Swiss Army, Inc.,
attn: K. Oakes, Dept. BL1, 7 Victoria
Dr., Monroe, CT 06468 203-929-6391
swissarmy.com, Kristin.oakes@
swissarmy.com
LET IT SNOW A new Swiss Army

knife from Victorinox that may
vie for the world’s longest
knife name—Climber Wood For
You Special Edition 2020—in-
cludes artwork on its main
blade and richly grained wood
handle that conjures visions
of a snowy landscape under a
starry night.
WINE TIME The Gemstone Exotics Collection

Waiter’s Knife in green turquoise, abalone
and bronze from Santa Fe Stoneworks
brings an air of sophistication to any wine
tasting—not to mention your favorite bottle
of bubbly on New Year’s.
MODEL NAME: Gemstone Exotics Collection

Waiter’s Knife
BLADE/TOOLS: Capsule knife, corkscrew/lever
combo, foil cutter and bottle opener
EDGE: Serrated
BLADE STEEL: 440 stainless
HANDLE MATERIAL: Green turquoise, abalone
and bronze pressed together under 5,000
pounds of pressure, and then stabilized
bokerusa.com
MSRP: $78
KNIFE TO KNOW: The corkscrew is stainless
steel w/tapered spirals; the Waiter’s Knife
is available in a wide selection of other
exotic handle materials; check with Santa Fe
Stoneworks for the other materials and pricing
COMPANY: Santa Fe Stoneworks, c/o Bill Wirtel For the latest knives, knife news, trends and
& Family, attn: B. Wirtel, Dept. BL1, 3790 more visit blademag.com, BLADE®’s popu-
Cerrillos, Santa Fe, NM 87507 800-257-7625 lar Instagram page @blade_magazine, and
or 505-471-3953 santafestoneworks.com, on Facebook and Twitter.
Knives@rt66.com
[ 42 ] B L A D E ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ J A N U A R Y 2 0 2 1
[ 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.
DECEMBER -------------------- MARCH 12-15 NURNBERG, GERMANY

The IWA Show, for the trade only. For more
information visit iwa.info.
JUNE -----------------------------------------
DEC. 4-6 BROOKLYN, PRETORIA, SOUTH JUNE 4-6 ATLANTA, GA The 40th Annual
AFRICA Brooklyn Knife Show, Queenspark BLADE Show, Cobb Galleria Centre, I-285 & US
Atrium, Brooklyn Mall. Contact Neels van den MARCH 26-27 FORT WORTH, TX
41, one exit off I-75 across from the Cumberland
Berg 083 451 3105.* International Custom Cutlery Exposition, Fort
Mall, adjacent to the Renaissance Waverly Hotel.
Worth Stockyards, under new BLADE Show
World’s largest show of handmade, factory and
DEC. 12 EUGENE, OR Oregon Knife Collectors management (page 92). Contact BLADE®, c/o
antique knives. A combined total of nearly 1,000
Association December Holiday Mini Winter Alicia Newton blade@bladeshow.com.* **
exhibitor tables and booths. Join the world’s
Show. For more information visit https://www. greatest national and international knifemakers,
oregonknifeclub.org/shows.html.* MARCH 26-28 JANESVILLE, WI Badger
Knife Show, Holiday Inn Express and Janesville cutlery manufacturers, collectors, collections
Conference Center. Contact Bob Schrap, Dept. and knife lovers. Site of the BLADE Magazine
DEC. 12-13 COLUMBIA, SC Columbia Gun & 2021 Knife Of-The-Year® Awards for factory
Knife Show, South Carolina State Fairgrounds. BL1, POB 511, Elm Grove, WI 53122 414-479-
9765 badgerknifeclub@aol.com.* knives, the BLADE Magazine Cutlery Hall-Of-
Contact Mike Kent and Associates 770-630-7296 Fame© inductions and much more. Host to
mike@mkshows.com, mkshows.com. BLADE University, the annual ABS meeting and
MARCH 27-28 GODFREY, IL Bunker Hill
------ 2021 ------- Knife Club Show. Contact Tim Bryant 618-531- more. Seminars include the BLADE Show World
0011 tbryant@yahoo.com or Gene Winston Championship Cutting Competitions, how to
618-288-6974 for more information.* use, how to make, youth clubs, etc. Contact
JANUARY -------------------------- BLADE®, c/o Alicia Newton blade@bladeshow.
JAN. 19-22 LAS VEGAS, NV The Shooting, CANCELED! MARCH 27-28 DALTON, GA com.* **
Hunting, Outdoor, Trade (SHOT) Show is for Dalton Georgia Knife Roadshow, Northwest
the trade only and will be at the Sands Expo Georgia Trade and Convention Center. Contact SEPTEMBER ----------------
and Convention Center with expansion into the J Bruce Voyles Auctioneers and Appraisers, attn.: SEPT. 2-4 LAS VEGAS, NV The 12th Annual
new Caesars Forum. For more information visit Bruce Voyles 423-238-6753 knifeauctions@ Gathering of the Usual Suspect Network,
https://www.lasvegashowto.com/shot-show-las- gmail.com, jbrucevoyles.com.* Trader’s Cove, Planet Hollywood Resort &
vegas. Casino. Visit usngathering.com.*
JAN. 23-24 LAS VEGAS, NV Tactical Knife APRIL ------------------------------------ OCTOBER -------------------------
Invitational and Las Vegas Custom Knife Show. APRIL 8-11 MCCALLA, AL The 32nd Batson OCT. 30 LAS VEGAS, NV Art Knife
For more information visit https://r1promotions. Bladesmithing Symposium & Knife Show, Invitational, M Hotel Casino Resort and Spa in
com/.* Tannehill Iron Works. Contact James Batson Las Vegas. Visit https://aki.show/.*
james.l.batson@gmail.com.* **
JAN. 29-31 LAKELAND, FL The 43rd Annual
Gator Cutlery Club Show, RP Funding Center APRIL 10-11 TULSA, OK Wanenmacher’s
NOVEMBER -------------------
NOV. 13-14 TULSA, OK Wanenmacher’s Tulsa
(formerly the Lakeland Center). Contact Dan Tulsa Arms Show, Tulsa Fairgrounds. Contact
Arms Show, Tulsa Fairgrounds. Contact mail@
Piergallini 813-754-3908 or 813-967-1471, or mail@tulsaarmsshow.com, 918-492-0401 mail@
tulsaarmsshow.com, 918-492-0401 mail@
visit gatorcutlery.com. * tulsaarmsshow.com, tulsaarmsshow.com,
tulsaarmsshow.com, tulsaarmsshow.com,
gunshowtrader.com/gun-shows/wanenmachers-
gunshowtrader.com/gun-shows/wanenmachers-
JAN. 30-31 ST. LOUIS, MO Gateway Area tulsa-arms-show/.
tulsa-arms-show/.
Knife Club Cutlery Fair, Sheet Metal Workers
Hall. Contact Steve Markus 314-795-4262 APRIL 10-11 EUGENE, OR The 46th Editor’s note: Due to possible last-minute
smarkus@gakc.org, gakc.org, Facebook: gakc. Annual Oregon Knife Collectors Association cancellations, if you plan to attend any of the
st.louis.* Show, Exhibit Hall, Lane Events Center and shows listed, please contact them for more
Fairgrounds. Contact Dennis Ellingsen 541-484- information.
FEBRUARY --------------------- 5564 okca@oregonknifeclub.org.*
FEB. 26-27 LITTLE ROCK, AR Arkansas To ensure timely publication of your knife show in
Custom Knife Show, Statehouse Convention RESCHEDULED! APRIL 17-18 EASTON, PA
the “Show Calendar,” BLADE® requests that you
Center. Visit artknife.com for more The Lehigh Valley Knife Show, Charles Chrin
email all pertinent information concerning your
information.* Community Center of Palmer Township. Call
Fred Eisen 215-262-9447 or visit paknifeshows. show in written form—dates, locations, etc.—at
least three months before the show takes place to
FEB. 27-28 LEWISBURG, PA The 32nd com.*
BLADE c/o Lori McDaniel at lori@gundigest.
Annual Keystone Blade Association Knife Show,
Country Cupboard Inn. Contact Skip Fryling MAY ------------------------------------------- com and/or Steve Shackleford at steve@blademag.
570-204-1544 knifeguy248@yahoo.com.* MAY 1-2 MYSTIC, CT The 39th Annual NCCA com. BLADE depends on the shows themselves for
Extravaganza Knife Show, Mystic Marriott. prompt and accurate information.
MARCH -------------------------------- Contact Larry Clifford 401-742-6779 lcliff1@
MARCH 5-6 TROY, OH Spirit of the verizon.net.* For the latest knives, knife news, trends and
Blade Custom Knife Show, Miami County more visit blademag.com, BLADE®’s popular
Fairgrounds, Duke-Lundgard Building. MAY 28 NASHVILLE, TN Tactical Knife Instagram page @blade_magazine, and on
Contact Misty and Joel Worley 937-638-9518 Invitational and Nashville Custom Knife Show. Facebook and Twitter.
maplewoodforge@gmail.com facebook.com/ For more information visit https://r1promotions.
sotbcustomknifeshow/. com/.*
J A N U A R Y 2 0 2 1 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- B L A D E [ 43 ]
[ FIXED FAVORITES ] BY MIKE HASKEW BLADE® FIELD EDITOR
The KA-BAR Pocket

Strike and its
3.1875-inch AUS
8A stainless steel
hollow-ground
blade, nylon fiber-
glass handle, and
hard plastic sheath
were constructed
for the outdoors.
MSRP: $67.21.
TACTICAL
BADGE OF
HONOR
[ 44 ] B L A D E ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ J A N U A R Y 2 0 2 1
TODAY’S TACTICAL FIXED BLADES EXEMPLIFY
THE TRADITION OF HARD WORK
W
hen it’s time for field duty, the challenge they both accepted and de- and a Kydex sheath complete the pack-
tactical fixed blades report livered on.” age,” commented CAS Iberia spokesman
as ordered. Carrying on the The CPM 4V tool steel of the Province’s Blake Pogue.
tradition of tough, hard-working tools full-tang, clip-point blade is loaded with The Wayward Camper was introduced
that live up to the tactical badge of honor, vanadium and molybdenum to improve in 2020, and Blake says the company is
their value and performance are top wear resistance and toughness during pleased with the market’s reception. “De-
notch. robust jobs, while the blade is .147 inch spite the pandemic,” he began, “we’ve got-
From light chores to heavy chopping thick for extra penetrating power for ten great feedback from users spending
and camp work, these stout fixed blades point-oriented tasks. The three-dimen- woods time over the summer being their
are reliable, and they reflect the best in sional G-10 scales are ergonomically de- own ‘wayward campers.’ I would say it’s
balance between form and function, cost signed, and the ensemble is completed features that the knife doesn’t have that
and materials, and old-fashioned good with a friction-fit leather sheath. set it apart. Too many ‘survival’ knives
looks. Contemporary tactical fixed blades “The design in itself could be ideal, are outfitted with eye-catching gimmicks
bring reasonable price points along with but that would mean little without us- that turn them into more of a multi-tool
their operational attributes, and stand out ing the best possible materials available than a knife, and multi-tools are pretty
in terms of both the time tested and new for the blade, handle and carry options,” terrible at just being good knives. The
arrivals. Laituri opined. “The MSRP is expensive, Wayward Camper is boiled down to the
yes, but consider the materials used, the essential: a blade that won’t let you down.”
MODIFIED BOWIE Torx-screw construction, lined lanyard The tactical fixed blade’s strong suit
Metallurgist Jim Ankerson and custom and more.” lies not only in the field, but also in the
knifemaker Darrin Sanders teamed up pocketbook. “It’s not the most expensive
to design the Province for Spyderco. The The ESSENTIALS survival knife on the market,” Pogue ex-
result is a steady seller with a 6.76-inch The Wayward Camper is the latest in the plained, “but for about 20 percent of the
saber-ground blade of CPM 4V tool steel, APOC line, delivering high performance cost, you’re getting about the same per-
contoured G-10 handle, overall length of with an overall length of 12.625 inches, formance. We figure that’s pretty good
12.27 inches, weight of 11.4 ounces, and blade length of 6.625 inches, weight of value for the money. We were looking for
MSRP of $399.95. 14.5 ounces and MSRP of $89.
“Ankerson was looking to create a fixed “For the APOC line, we took our tried-
blade that was a lightweight and sweetly and-true performance sword steel, 9260,
balanced modification of the American and bumped up the hardness in our heat
bowie, a preferred design from his mili- treat process to a Rockwell of 56 [HRC],
tary days,” related Joyce Laituri, Spyder- and we ended up with a knife blade that
co public and media relations director. holds an edge well, is exceptionally du-
“Sanders is a Southern knifemaker with a rable, and is easy to sharpen. G-10 grips
reputation for building quality, hard-use
knives, and he was making a camp bowie
pattern that intrigued Ankerson. The two
joined forces to create the Province, a
modified bowie which is light for its size,
versatile and made to high-quality stan- “The Wayward
dards. It was truly the best both men had Camper is
to offer in a single project, and fulfilled
boiled down to
the essential:
a blade that
The Wayward Camper is the
won’t let you
latest in the APOC line, deliver- down.”
ing high performance with an
overall length of 12.625 inches, — Blake Pogue
blade length of 6.625 inches,
weight of 14.5 ounces and
MSRP of $89.
J A N U A R Y 2 0 2 1 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- B L A D E [ 45 ]
[ FIXED FAVORITES ]
and the PVD-coated D2 steel’s tough- fixed-blade offering—and Vellekamp is
ness and edge retention are tremendous. proud of the fact that the company has
But you also get the injection-molded never had one of them returned from a
sheath with a built-in carbide sharpener, disappointed buyer.
a DOTS-adjustable and multi-mountable
Safe-Lock belt attachment, and replace- DURABLE and AFFORDABLE
ment scale screws with T8 wrench. And Just out of the gate in October, the KA-
that’s not all. It comes in an injection- BAR Pocket Strike is living up to its lin-
molded waterproof case that can be used eage among the finest tactical knives the
alternatively as a first-aid or survival kit, company has ever built. Its 3.1875-inch
for ammo storage, as a tackle box or just AUS 8A stainless steel hollow-ground
let your imagination run wild!” blade, nylon fiberglass handle, and hard
The choice of D2 tool steel is interest- plastic sheath were constructed for the
ing, and Vellekamp is pleased to enlight- outdoors, and the MSRP of $67.21 is al-
en the market. “We chose D2 because of most as appealing.
its ‘tool steel toughness,’” he related, “and, “The Pocket Strike was designed by
because it has a high carbon content, we John Benner of the Tactical Defense Insti-
have chosen the tough PVD coating to tute,” advised Joe Bradley, KA-BAR sales
resist corrosion. We also chose G-10 for and marketing manager. “He designed it
the handle because of its notorious based on his experiences in Vietnam and
toughness, as well as its reliabil- working a long and decorated career in
ity in extreme temperatures and law enforcement. He wanted something
conditions.” slightly longer than his original TDI LE
Since its premiere, the Knife that could be kept in a pocket
Frontier Survivor remains as opposed to a belt.”
the top-selling V Nives
affordable materials that

have stood the test of time
holding up to high-stress con-
ditions.”
TOOL-STEEL TOUGH
According to owner and founder Mike
Vellekamp, V Nives took on a challenge
when it developed the Frontier Survivor
fixed blade. “The main idea for this design Metallurgist Jim Ankerson
is a utilitarian-combat-survival cross- was looking to create a fixed
over,” he explained. “The three inches of blade that was a lightweight
and sweetly balanced
stout, flat-ground bevel geometry toward
modification of the Ameri-
the tip give it strength and toughness can bowie, a preferred style
when piercing, thrusting and batoning, from his military days—and
while the two inches of hollow-ground his collaborative design with
bevel toward the plunge make it great for Darrin Sanders, the Spyderco
Province, was the result.
fine cutting and whittling chores.”
The Frontier Survivor sports a 5.125-
inch clip-point blade with a compound- “The Pocket Strike
ground plain edge, G-10 handle, and
injection-molded plastic sheath. The
was designed by
4.875-inch cutting edge gives plenty of John Benner of
surface for larger slicing requirements. the Tactical De-
“The full-tang blade, compound bev-
els, fuller, swedge and ergonomic, coarse- fense Institute.”
textured G-10 handle make for great bal- — Joe Bradley
ance and a secure grip in conventional as
well as reverse grips,” Vellekamp added.
“At $179.95, I think this knife is a steal for
the money. Its almost 10-inch full-tang
blade is super robust at .216-inch thick,
[ 46 ] B L A D E ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ J A N U A R Y 2 0 2 1
[ FIXED FAVORITES ]
According to V Nives owner and founder

“Since its Mike Vellekamp, the main idea for the
premiere, the Frontier Survivor is as a “utilitarian-
combat-survival crossover.” “The three
Frontier Survivor inches of stout, flat-ground bevel
geometry toward the tip give it strength
remains the top- and toughness when piercing, thrusting
and batoning, while the two inches of
selling V Nives hollow-ground bevel toward the plunge
fixed-blade make it great for fine cutting and whit-
tling chores,” he observed.
offering.”
— the author
“With the Pocket Strike you

get the size and convenience
of a folder with the strength
and durability of a fixed blade,”
KA-BAR’s Joe Bradley noted.
“Its slim profile allows it to be
conveniently and comfortably
carried in your pocket.”
*XDUGLDQ
Elmax
Stainless Steel
Get yours TODAY
@BradfordKnives.com
J A N A U R Y 2 0 2 1 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- B L A D E [ 47 ]
[ COLLECTING CUSTOMS ] BY LES ROBERTSON BLADE ® FIELD EDITOR
FREE KNIFE CATALOG The Spyderco

A complete catalog of knives, including Province rides
Damascus, collectors knives, tactical and in a friction-
fit leather
work knives, and much more! sheath.
The Kydex
sheath for
the Wayward
Camper is
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patible and
secures the
To request a free catalog of knife with a
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KA-BAR emphasized value with the The injection-molded
sheath of the V Nives
Pocket Strike, anticipating a knife that Frontier Survivor has a
would deliver on performance and price. built-in carbide sharp-
Bradley expects the tactical fixed blade ener, a DOTS-adjustable
to soon become sold by retailers for be- and multi-mountable
low the MSRP, possibly at $40-$45, as the Safe-Lock belt attach-
ment, and replacement
model becomes more readily available. scale screws with a T8
“A fixed blade will always be stronger wrench. The G-10 handle
than a folder,” Joe reasoned, “and with the color is the optional
NC Knifemaker 21 Gas Forge Pocket Strike you get the size and conve- Coyote Snow.
-Easy on fuel nience of a folder with the strength and
-Reaches welding temperature durability of a fixed blade. Its slim profile the DNA of the knife in the TDI lineup
allows it to be conveniently and comfort- of products. AUS 8A is a tried and true
ably carried in your pocket. The Pocket stainless steel that holds an edge well and
Strike has been well received, following in is easy to maintain for daily use.”
the footsteps of the wildly popular 1480
Original TDI LE knife.” For the contact information for the knives
Available now through retailers and in the story, see “Where To Get ’Em” on
the KA-BAR website, the Pocket Strike page 66.
carries a lifetime warranty as well. “The
NC Knifemaker Anvil materials used for the Pocket Strike also For the latest knives, knife news, trends
-Classic traditional design boiled down to performance and price,” and more visit blademag.com, BLADE®’s
-Shipping weight 70 lbs Bradley concluded. “We wanted to keep popular Instagram page @blade_maga-
A Bladesmithing Combination this product affordable, yet maintain zine, and on Facebook and Twitter.
the quality that the TDI and KA-BAR
Place Your Order Today! are known for. We also wanted to keep
[ 48 ] B L A D E ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ J A N U A R Y 2 0 2 1
Your passion,
more production.
CNC machines
perfect for
small-batch and
one-off blades.
Repeatable operations make
for easier, more accurate
production and less wasted stock.
Affordable pricing lets you make
chips sooner.
Courtesy of Grissom Knife & Tool
See your vision through

with the power of CNC.
• Cut and sharpen custom blades and handles
• Engrave embellishments
• Cut through tough stainless, alloys,
titanium, G10, wood, and other composites
Check out our custom

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Go to cnc.tormach.com/knifemakers
for inspiration and our suite of machines.
The 1100MX and 770MX CNC mills

feature servo motors and BT30 spindles.
CNC.TORMACH.COM/KNIFEMAKERS
[ COLLECTING CUSTOMS ] BY LES ROBERTSON BLADE ® FIELD EDITOR
ABS master smith Steve Randall (inset forging a hot

billet) gives his mosaic damascus bowie a 10.25-inch
blade, an ancient walrus ivory handle, and all-
damascus hardware. Overall length: 15.5 inches. His
list price of $2,900 includes a custom-made leather
sheath. (Impress By Design knife image)
REBOOT OF AN EXCITING
GENRE AWAITS FANS OF
THE FORGED BLADE
I
was introduced to damascus at the 1986 BLADE Show. The steel had
been around long before then, but it was the first time I got to see and
handle knives sporting blades of the material.
The two makers who stood out to me then were Wild Bill Caldwell and
Wayne Valachovic. Bill was exhibiting a bowie that had a blade of damas-
cus in a random pattern, a truly stunning knife. Wayne displayed the first
damascus folder I had ever seen. His steel was comprised of 36,000 layers.
You would, of course, have to take his word for that*. The bolster and file-
worked spine also were damascus. Like Bill’s knife, Wayne’s folder was stun-
ning. Random-pattern damascus is the culmination of two pieces of steel
being forged together. The steel, not the maker, determines the pattern.
[ 50 ] B L A D E ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ J A N U A R Y 2 0 2 1
My first thought was why are damas-
cus blades in the feather pattern so much
more expensive? The reaction was based
on my ignorance of how these exceptional
blades were created. Talking with several
different makers, I learned it took two to
three times as long to create a feather-pat-
tern damascus billet as billets of other da-
mascus patterns. Coupled with a loss rate
of about 40 percent due to the splitting of
the billet, leading to several of the result-
ing blades having to be thrown away, the
ate the knife for President George H.W. increased cost was easily understandable.
Bush. (See page 12, November BLADE®.) In 2019, I started to see an increase in
In an interview, Daryl said while he did knives of mosaic damascus. In the past,
not keep track of the exact time, he esti- this type of very labor-intensive damas-
mated over 800 hours were required just cus was primarily the realm of ABS mas-
to create the blade. The mosaic damascus ter smiths. However, ABS journeyman
featured 13 American flags, each having smiths were now trying their hand at it.
50 stars, and a banner underneath the The first journeyman smith’s mosaic
flags with “USA” in it. I cannot count how damascus I noticed was at the Arkansas
many custom knives I’ve seen in both Custom Knife Show, and it was forged by
Attending the Central Kentucky Knife person and print, but the knife Daryl Larry Cox. His work was commensurate
Club Show in 1988, I was introduced to made impressed me so much that I will with an advanced journeyman smith.
my first pattern-welded damascus in never forget it.
which the maker determined the pat- Fast forward to 2017. Forged blades
tern. In this case, it was a bowie with a started to gain market share among cus-
ladder pattern forged by American Bla- tom knife buyers. The standard twist and
desmith Society master smith Keith ladder patterns abounded at shows and
Kilby. When I asked him the price, he online. However, a new favorite started
explained to me that the steel alone was to emerge: damascus blades in a feather
$1,500. That was $100 per inch, includ- pattern.
ing the tang. With handle material and
sheath, the price was $2,200. Yes, that
was the price and yes, it was 1988. Keith
was not the only maker forging pattern- The first journeyman
welded damascus. Other makers intro- smith’s knife of mosaic
damascus the author
duced twist and also raindrop patterns of noticed was at the Arkan-
damascus. The three patterns became a sas Custom Knife Show,
staple among many ABS smiths. and it was made by Larry
My introduction to mosaic damascus Cox. Larry’s fighter in-
cludes an 8.5-inch blade
came in 1990 via one of the most incred- and a handle of spalted
ible blades I had ever seen, even to this pecan with a damascus
day. Daryl Meier, a knifemaker out of spacer, and a guard of
Carbondale, Illinois, was commissioned a twist-pattern damas-
by Illinois Gov. Jim Thompson to cre- cus. Overall length: 13.5
inches. Maker’s list price:
$1,300 (includes a zip-up
carry case). (Impress By
Design image)
“No matter what mosaic

pattern I choose, it will take at
least twice as long as the basic
ladder or twist.”
— La r r y C ox
J A N U A R Y 2 0 2 1 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- B L A D E [ 51 ]
[ COLLECTING CUSTOMS ]
However, it was his mosaic damascus that forging and grinding that drives the price single bar of steel, but the first time I can
was stopping people in the aisle. I was up. Nonetheless, the end product is worth pull it out of the etch and see that the pat-
surprised by the price—again a result of the cost. tern is exactly what I want, I forget how
my ignorance of not understanding what ABS master smith Steve Randall’s take long it took and how much steel grit is
it takes to forge a mosaic damascus blade. brings the higher price more into focus. rusting on the floor.”
Larry explained to me that he could “What separates a mosaic pattern from
forge a ladder or twist pattern in one day. the more classic patterns such as random, OLD is NEW
“Depending on how fine or how bold twist, ladder and so on, and what makes Mosaic damascus will become a trend
I want to take the mosaic pattern, the the mosaic ‘next level,’ is bringing the pat- once again over the next several years.
time frame to build one of these blades tern from the end of the bar to the flat of Makers love a challenge and thanks to
will range from two to four days,” he ob- the bar,” he explained. “It requires a con- ABS master smiths such as Ed Caffrey,
served. “No matter what mosaic pattern I centrated system of cutting at an angle, Jason Knight and Kyle Royer, there are
choose, it will take at least twice as long as flipping it 180 degrees, and forge welding books and videos showing step-by-step
the basic ladder or twist.” it into a solid bar.” directions on how to create mosaic da-
Another top ABS journeyman smith, I think ABS master smith Shawn Mc- mascus. This will encourage more makers
Josh Fisher, agrees with Larry. It is the Intyre summed it up best: “Sometimes to forge mosaic damascus. In the future,
hours upon hours of cutting, welding, it feels crazy to put so much work into a new classes will appear to train makers
ABS journeyman smith Mike Deibert

(inset) is a past Forged in Fire champion.
His fighter sports an 8-inch blade of mo-
saic damascus and an ironwood handle.
Overall length: 13 inches. His list price
of $1,300 for a similar knife includes his
custom-made leather sheath. (Impress
By Design knife/sheath image)
A 9-inch blade and a guard, spacer and

pommel of mosaic damascus highlight a
stag bowie by ABS journeyman smith Josh
Fisher (inset). Overall length: 14 inches.
Josh’s list price of $1,700 includes the
leather sheath custom made by
Bob’s Saddle Shop. (Impress By
Design knife/sheath image)
[ 52 ] B L A D E ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ J A N U A R Y 2 0 2 1
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[ COLLECTING CUSTOMS ]
“You need to
understand
what the type
of mosaic
damascus it
is and how
long it takes
to make that
particular
billet.” ABS master smith Shawn McIntyre em-
— the author ploys a mosaic damascus in a Reeds pat-
tern for the 8.75-inch blade of his spalted
maple bowie. The carbon steel guard has
on the different a Parkerized finish. Overall length: 14.25
methods to create the inches. The maker’s list price of $2,200
includes his custom-made leather sheath.
beautiful steel. (Impress By Design knife/sheath image)
STARTERS and DRIVERS

Right now, the price spread for
knives of top mosaic damascus is $1,700 No matter what type of knife it is, I have
to $6,000. If money is no object for you, always stressed that you must do your
ignore the following sentences. homework. In this case, some homework
is almost essential. You need to under-
stand what the type of mosaic damascus
it is and how long it takes to make that
particular billet. There’s nothing wrong
with asking the maker about the particu-
lars. Knowing construction techniques
could help you from paying the four-day
billet price for a two-day billet.
As the trend reboot continues to gain
momentum, more smiths will start forg-
ing mosaic blades. Like with other knives,
some will be better, some will have a bet-
ter position in the market, and others will
have value pricing. Get educated on types
and construction of different mosaic da-
mascus. Mistakes can be costly.
*Since the steel layers are doubled every

time a billet of steel is folded, you would
need to fold one billet of steel only 16 times
to reach well over 32,000 layers.

page 66.

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[ 54 ] B L A D E ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ J A N U A R Y 2 0 2 1
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[ CORD WRAPS ] BY ABE ELIAS BLADE® FIELD EDITOR
wrap!
that 's a The author’s cord-
wrapped test knives,
from left with
manufacturer’s sug-
gested retail prices in
parentheses: Smith
& Wesson SW910TA
($24.99), CRKT Utsidihi
($69.99), TOPS Knives
Desert Fox ($110) and
White River Knife &
Tool M1 Backpacker
Pro ($100).
CORD-WRAPPED HANDLES LOOK AND FEEL MEGA-COOL

[ 56 ] B L A D E ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ J A N U A R Y 2 0 2 1
I
f you are going to carry a fixed blade
for EDC, there are two ways to do it. Using the secondary tip on
One way is bold and proud, the knife the Smith & Wesson 910
gave the author much more
equivalent to open carry. The second way control and let him apply
is low key—keep it handy but don’t let it even more force in scoring
stand out. a vinyl floor plank. Country
A style I find convenient for low-proof origin: offshore.
file fixed-blade carry is a smallish straight
knife with a cord-wrapped handle. A
cord-wrapped knife is a trim carry yet not
hard on the hands like a plane skeleton-
ized frame.
In the case of its Utsidihi and unlike
most knife outfits, CRKT doesn’t use
paracord to wrap the handle. Instead, the
company enveloped the handle in a flat
cord very much like a Japanese traditional
wrap. Many people look at cord-wrapped
handles as a source of emergency cordage
in a survival situation, but I don’t normal-
ly need extra cord to help make a spear
with my EDC knife and ambush a pig, for
instance. I will say it is nice to have just
in case you need a large amount of cord.
In the end, though, I like the cord wraps downstairs kitchen. It was a good side- you stretch your thumb out.
because they provide a trim, comfortable kick. It was there when I needed it and The knife comes with a Kydex sheath
profile. did what I needed done. and metal belt clip. The metal clip causes
The Utsidihi has a regular drop-point the knife to stand out a bit from your
profile and is only 7.81 inches overall. It COMPACT WORKHORSE body. Therefore, if you are trying to keep
features a nicely done hollow grind, giv- I don’t know if the TOPS Knives Desert it low profile, it carries better at the 4
ing it a thin cutting edge. CRKT uses a Fox will win any tank battles but it is cer- o’clock position rather than at 3 o’clock.
stonewash finish to enhance the knife’s tainly built like one. It is 6.75 inches long Overall, it is a good knife. I prefer a
subtle look. There is a small thumb ramp and .19 inch thick. For a smallish knife, it finer cutter, so I would be willing to give
and some gimping on the blade spine. I is pretty robust. It has a drop-point blade up some thickness in the stock to give the
must say the company has done a great with false and saber grinds. Even at the design a different balance. In the end, it is
job ensuring there are no hot spots. .19-inch thickness TOPS managed to get a compact workhorse.
CRKT provides a glass-reinforced ny- the grind thinned out, though I would
lon sheath. It is a good fit and comes with prefer it even thinner. I can cut with it all BUDGET BUDDY
a strap instead of a belt loop or clip. I car- right but if it were thinner it would be a Coming in at the lowest price of the field,
ried the knife on my daily work routine, finer cutter with more control. the Smith & Wesson SW910TA is your
which mostly consists of house reno- Much like the CRKT Utsidihi the Des- budget carry in this group. If you read my
vations. I cut open packages, snipped ert Fox has a gimped thumb ramp and no BLADE® articles regularly, you won’t be
tape, cut packing straps, shaved trim—I hot spots. If you have grip issues like me, surprised about my rant on the name. I
even used it to score vinyl flooring in my a ramp helps to reinforce your wrist when am not crazy about memorizing numbers
CORD-WRAP SPECS
CRKT UTSIDIHI TOPS KNIVES DESERT FOX SMITH & WESSON SW910A WHITE RIVER M1 BACKPACKER PRO
OVERALL LENGTH 7.81” 6.75” 7.89” 7”
BLADE LENGTH 3.51” 2.75” 3.4” 3”
HANDLE LENGTH 4.3” 4” 4.49” 4”
BLADE PATTERN DROP POINT DROP POINT NORTH AMERICAN TANTO DROP POINT
BLADE GRIND HOLLOW SABER HOLLOW FLAT
BLADE STEEL 8CR13MOV STAINLESS 1095 CARBON 7CR17MOV STAINLESS CPM S35VN STAINLESS
BLADE FINISH STONEWASH TACTICAL GREY GREY COATING STONEWASHED
SHEATH GLASS-REINFORCED NYLON KYDEX NYLON FIBER KYDEX
J A N U A R Y 2 0 2 1 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- B L A D E [ 57 ]
[ CORD WRAPS ]
for Smith & Wesson’s pistol models, and ing things. Naming them also would help
I am even less enthusiastic about doing it with marketing.
for the company’s knife line. Consequent- Anyway, the knife is 7.89 inches over-
ly, for the duration of the story let’s call it all, the blade is a North American tanto
the 910 and hope that in the future Smith pattern and the handle is wedge shaped.
& Wesson hires someone who likes nam- In the absence of a guard, the wedge
IT’S AS EASY AS THIS: The CRKT Utsidihi’s thin

edge makes it a good
CAREFULLY BOX AND SHIP knife for fine jobs and
YOUR KNIVES TO US. materials that require
a clean cut, such as
mantled cords. Country
WE DO THE PRICING of origin: China.
RESEARCH, WRITE DETAILED
DESCRIPTIONS, AND
PHOTOGRAPH EACH KNIFE.
MONITOR YOUR LISTINGS

AND MONTHLY PAYOUTS
THROUGH YOUR OWN
PRIVATE ACCOUNT.
RECEIVE SCHEDULED
PAYOUTS AS YOUR
KNIVES SELL.
The fine edge on the

flat-ground White
River Knife & Tool M1
Backpacker made nice,
light, tight curls. A small
thin blade aids in edge
SHARPTALK@ARIZONACUSTOMKNIVES.COM
control. Country of
1-904-826-4178 origin: USA.
[ 58 ] B L A D E ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ J A N U A R Y 2 0 2 1
[ CORD WRAPS ]
shape aids purchase for thrusting. Since
I don’t carry my knives for self-defense, I
The edge work
found the simplicity of the handle design on the TOPS
makes for a comfortable grip for general Knives Desert
work. There is gimping on the blade spine Fox made quick
for your thumb but no ramp. At the base work of seat-
belt material.
of the edge is a small groove to accom- The thicker me-
modate your index finger. dium gives you
The flat rectangular sheath is nylon mass to hold
fiber. It comes with a strong, low-profile onto. Country of
origin: USA.
metal pocket clip, making for a slim cross
section. A clever feature is the use of a
screw in the blade to act as a detent to
help secure the knife in the sheath.
While doing many everyday chores, I
find myself wanting good tip control for
things like scribing or piercing packages
so I don’t cut into the contents. In a way,
the tanto design provides two tips: one up
front and one at the angle change of the
blade, the latter which I can use like one
on a utility knife.
I found the 910 to be a good carry.
Once again, I would prefer a thinner
grind as the edge is a bit chunky. For all
the sharpening fanatics out there—and
there may be a few—you can work on
that if your 910 needs it.
UTILITARIAN SIMPLICITY
The White River Knife & Tool M1 Back-
packer Pro is a shining example of utility
through simplicity. Featuring a tradition-
al drop-point blade and an overall length
of 7 inches, the M1 is a thin, flat-ground
knife. White River employs what I refer
to as a rip-profiled handle pattern. I use
the term to describe a handle that is much
smaller at the index-finger-and-thumb-
pinch junction than it is at the butt. The
reason I call it a rip pattern is it is ideally
suited for draw-cut- or rip-cord-motion
cuts, such as forceful slices to quickly
sever materials. The M1 also comes with
G-10 scales but the cord-wrapped handle
leans it out that much more.
Having a controllable fine cutter like
the M1 doesn’t leave a lot of knife for
brute-like jobs but it definitely aids your
detail work. Again, though, in my every-
day experience, the simple cuts are most
common. I will say I am never a fan of a
micro choil at the base of the edge, as the
blade sometimes gets hung up. Some days
I don’t even have to use my knife—that’s
why it helps to carry one that doesn’t get
in your way or weighs you down.
The sheath is molded Kydex with a Ky-
dex belt loop. I should mention that all
the other review knives can be attached
J A N U A R Y 2 0 2 1 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- B L A D E [ 59 ]
[ CORD WRAPS ]
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The author put the Utsidihi sheath on the

inside of a belt for more of a concealed
CHAD NICHOLS DAMASCUS carry (above). You could secure it this way
but repeated use is difficult as it is hard
to put the knife back into the sheath. The
author also tried the 910 sheathed behind
High carbon, high contrast Damascus the belt (facing page, top). The higher-
Stainless Damascus riding sheath makes it easier to take the
knife in and out.
Mosaic Damascus
Mokume
Large quantities and wholesale
pricing available
662.538.5966 662.255.0524 www.chadnicholsdamascus.com
[ 60 ] B L A D E ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- J A N U A R Y 2 0 2 1
[ CORD WRAPS ]
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The M1 Backpacker (below) offers the

choice of either scales or a cord wrap. You
can order the model with the scales and
remove them to wrap the tang in cord,
as the tang is designed that way. If you
decide to swap out the cord for scales
it is easy enough to go back to the cord
wrap with the help of White River’s You-
Tube tutorial (https://www.youtube.com/
watch?v=tRoh21hgDyY).
J A N U A R Y 2 0 2 1 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- B L A D E [ 61 ]
[ CORD WRAPS ]
Note how much

thinner the
Utsidihi (bot-
tom) is with the
flat cord than
the 910 (top).
Author’s tip: You
can mimic Japa-
nese cord wrap
material by tak-
ing the strands
out of the inside
of 550 cord.
From left are the sheaths of the 910, Utsidihi, M1 Backpacker and Desert Fox. The field is
a good representation of the variety of approaches used for the same style of carry.
Author’s tip: The short

handle on the Desert Fox
allows you to rest the
butt of the knife on the
inside of your palm. Brac-
ing the butt in the palm is
good for thrusting when
a guard isn’t present.
[ 62 ] B L A D E ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ J A N U A R Y 2 0 2 1
[ CORD WRAPS ]
or removed without having to undo your KNIFE AND GUN FINISHING SUPPLIES
belt. In the case of the M1 Backpacker,
you have to undo your belt. If you con- Order Line Customer Service
ceal and carry a firearm you will have to 1-800-972-1192 928-537-8877
move your knife to your weak side, which Stabilizing – - Our Specialty since 1990
makes it even more difficult to put on and
remove.
If you have to remove the cord, White Blades Guards Handles Solder Books Adhesives
River has a video showing you how to
rewrap your knife. I should say I am im- How To Grinders Belts DC Etching Buffers
pressed on how the knife arrived—in a DVD’s Machines
dovetailed lid box. The M1 is a good cut-
Motors
ting tool and there is no reason why it Buffs Horn Ivory Bone Flitz Scribes
shouldn’t last a lifetime.
Screws Taps Drills Sheaths Pommels Rivets
in the story, see “Where To Get ’Em” on Stabilized Knife Hermes Steel & 416 1080
page 66. Wood Cases Abrasives Blades Stainless Steel
For the latest knives, knife news, trends and CM 154 440C 1095 D2 Pure
more visit blademag.com, BLADE®’s popu- Powdered Nickel
lar Instagram page @blade_magazine, and Steel
on Facebook and Twitter.
1972 Forest Ave www.knifeandgun.com

Lakeside AZ 85929 csinfo@knifeandgun.com
A side view of sheaths shows the differ-

ence in carry profiles due to the clips used.
At right is the Desert Fox with a spring
metal belt clip and at left is the 910 and
its low-profile metal clip.
J A N U A R Y 2 0 2 1 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- B L A D E [ 63 ]
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[ WHERE TO GET ’EM ]
TACTICAL EVOLUTION p. 12 200 Homer St., Olean, NY 14760 800.282.0130 fax
Chris Reeve Knives, attn: A. Reeve, Dept. BL1, 2949 S. 716-790-7188 www.ka-bar.com, info@ka-bar.com;
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1234 W. 254th, Harbor City, CA 90710 Contact: 310- sfo@spyderco.com; V Nives, attn.: M. Vellekamp, Dept.
539-5633, info@ emersonknives.com, emerson- BL1, 9918 162nd St., Ct. E., Ste. 4, Puyallup, WA 98375
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Rd., Shreve, OH 44676 Contact: 330-317-2964, mvellekamp@gmail.com
rhind64@earthlink. net, rickhindererknives.com; RJ
Martin, Dept. BL1, 51 Bramblewood St, Bridgewater, THAT’S a WRAP! p. 56
MA 02324 Contact: 508-279-0682; Brian Nadeau, CRKT, attn: M. May, Dept. BL1, 18348 SW 126th
Dept. BL1, 8 Sand Hill Rd., Stanhope, NJ 07874 Con- Place, Tualatin, OR 97062 800-891-3100 info@crkt.
tact: 862-258- 0792, nadeau@sharpbydesign.com, com, www.crkt.com; Smith & Wesson, c/o BTI Tools/
sharpbydesign.com; Les Robertson, c/o Robertson Schrade, attn: A. Taylor, Dept. BL1, 1043 Fordtown Rd.,
Custom Cutlery, customknives@comcast.net, www. Kingsport, TN 37663 800-251-0254 423.247.2406;
NEXT IN robertsoncustomcutlery.com; John W. Smith, Dept.
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TOPS Knives, attn: Craig Powell, Dept. BL1, 3415 E.
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BLADE ® Contact: 606-743-3599, jwsknive@ mrtc.com, jw-

smithknives.com; Bob Terzuola, https://www.terzuola.
net/terzuola-custom-knives; Brian Tighe, Dept. BL1,
topsknives.com, www.topsknives.com; White River
Knife & Tool, attn: Matt Cammenga, Dept. BL1, 130 Ma-
son Dr., Coopersville, MI 49404 616-997-0026 matt@
On Most 12-111 Fourth Ave, Suite 376 Ridley Square, St. Catha- thewhiteriver.com, www.whiteriverknives.com
rines, ON, CANADA L2S 3P5 Contact: 905-892-2734,
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By January 26 FL 33020 954-453-1104 866-748-9985 fax 954-453- Place, Morgan, UT 84050 801-876-2711 fax 801-876-
1105 TNKUSA.com; Jon Ukman, c/o EBossHoss.com 3331 www.browning.com, craigwilson@browning.
312-399-9999 com; Cold Steel, attn.: Mike Barroca, Dept. BL1,
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COLOR THEM SHARP p. 28 805-642-9727 sales@coldsteel.com, www.coldsteel.
Bear & Son Cutlery, attn: M. Griffey, Dept. BL1, 1111 com; SOG, attn: Matt Crawford, Dept. BL1, 6521 212th
Bear Blvd. SW, Jacksonville, AL 36265 256-435-2227 St. SW, Lynnwood, WA 98036-7411 425.771.6230
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andsoncutlery.com; Puma SGB, attn: T. Guthrie, Dept. Knight Hawk, c/o Tactical Elements, tacticalelements.
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BL1, 13934 West 108th St., Lenexa, KS 66215 913- com
888-5524 www.pumaknifecompanyusa.com; SOG,
attn: Matt Crawford, Dept. BL1, 6521 212th St. SW, MAKERS TO WATCH p. 78
SPECIAL Lynnwood, WA 98036-7411 425.771.6230 sogsales@ Vojko Csaba, https://knifeandcraft.com/en/csaba-
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Sport Manufacturing Group, Dept. BL1, 1840 County com/guillaumeducasseknives/; Kevin Foster (see
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969-0909 info@smgoutdoor.com, steelwillknives.com in any search engine); Liu Lanshan, https://www.
•EDCS: BLADES OF facebook.com/lanshan.liu.1; Dave Lespect, https://
LAST-MINUTE HOLIDAY GIFT IDEAS p. 38 www.instagram.com/knives_david_lespect/; Carlos
THE MILLENNIALS Benchmade USA, attn.: Matt Glass, Dept. BL1, 300 Lopez, c/o Knife Treasures, 10097 Cleary Blvd.
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or 800-800-7427 www.benchmade.com, info@ clopez@knifetreasures.com; Tom Mayo, Dept. BL1,
•NECK KNIVES: benchmade.com; Case, attn: F. Feightner, Dept. BL1, 67 412 Alahaka St, Waialua, HI 96791 Contact: 808-
50 Owens Way, Bradford, PA 16701 800-523-6350 637-6560, mayot001@hawaii. rr.com, mayoknives.
NECKS TO YOU CR@caseknives.com, www.wrcase.com; Condor Tool com; Chad Nell, Dept. BL1, 2424 E. 2070 S, St. George,
& Knife, attn: R. Jones, Dept. BL1, 9924 Universal UT 84790 Contact: 435-229-6442, chad@nellknives.
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KNIVES attn: J. Bradley, Dept. BL1, 200 Homer St., Olean, NY engine); Enrique Pena (see under Steel Addiction Cus-
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14737 716.676.5527/800.222.5233 fax 716-676-5535 #107, Encino, CA 91316 888-473-2661 recon1.com,
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•LATEST LINERLOCKS: com; Santa Fe Stoneworks, c/o Bill Wirtel & Family, chickasaw.net, Robertson-knives.com, Instagram/
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[ 66 ] B L A D E ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ J A N U A R Y 2 0 2 1
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A E M T
A.G. Russell ............................................... 5 Evenheat Kiln, Inc.................................... 61 Masecraft Supply Co ............................... 31 Texan Knives ........................................... 26
Admiral Steel/Terry Summers ................. 32 MASTER CUTLERY ............................... 84 TFS Knives .............................................. 67
American Bladesmith Society, Inc .......... 41 F MGE Wholesale......................................... 9 TOPS Knives ........................................... 11
Arizona Custom Knives ........................... 58 Fallkniven ................................................. 27 Midwest Knifemakers Supply .................. 59 Tormach, LLC .......................................... 49
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G N True North Knives.................................... 54
B Golphers .................................................. 37 NC Tool Company ................................... 48
BladeGallery ............................................ 19 Niagara Specialty Metals........................... 8 V
Blue Ridge Knives ..................................... 5 H Nichols Damascus Inc ............................. 60 VZ Grips ................................................... 14
Boker USA .........................................42, 48 Halfbreed Blades Australia Pty Ltd. ........ 83 Nordic Knives............................................. 8
Bradford Knives ....................................... 47 Hawkins Knifemaking Supplies............... 60 W
Buckeye Engraving-Steel Stamps .......... 61 P W.R. Case & Sons Cutlery, Co. ................ 2
J Pro-Tech Knives, LLC ............................. 15 White River Knife and Tool ..................... 26
C Jantz Supply ......................................17, 21 White, Gordon.......................................... 67
CAS Iberia................................................ 26 John Denton ............................................ 67 Q
Chris Reeve Knives ................................. 20 QSP Knife ................................................ 18
Columbia River Knife and Tool ............... 15 K
Condor Tool & Knife ................................ 41 Kayne Custom Hardware dba R
Blacksmith’s Depot................................ 33 Randall Made Knives .............................. 61
D Knife & Gun Finishing Supplies .............. 63 Recon 1.................................................... 62
Damasteel AB............................................ 3 Knives Plus .............................................. 61
Dave Ellis/Exquisiteknives.com .............. 33 Krudo Knives ........................................... 67 S
Davidson, Edmund .................................. 67 Smoky Mountain Knife Works................... 7
Dozier Knives........................................... 63 Spartan Blades ........................................ 60
Spyderco, Inc ........................................... 31
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J A N U A R Y 2 0 2 1 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- B L A D E [ 69 ]
[ HAWK TALK ] BY DEXTER EWING BLADE® FIELD EDITOR
>> KNIFE IMAGES BY MART Y STANFIELD, MART Y STANFIELD PHOTOGRAPHY
The author stated that the

RMJ Tactical Knight Hawk is
really cool-looking, practical-
ly bulletproof, devastatingly
effective and a pleasure to
use. For more, see page 7.
SPIKE
TOMAHAWKS
CUT, CHOP, PRY,
HAMMER AND
PENETRATE
[ 70 ] B L A D E ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ J A N U A R Y 2 0 2 1
Hot spike tomahawks,
S
from right: Browning
pike tomahawks are fascinating Shock ‘N Awe, Cold
tools. You can cut, chop, pry, Steel War Hawk,
hammer and penetrate with RMJ Tactical Knight
them. They can be handy as camping Hawk and SOG Survival
Hawk.
implements or in tactical applications.
In the tactical realm, tomahawks can
be used in numerous rescue applications
or as a backup weapon if needed. Be they
folding or fixed, knives are limited when
it comes to such heavy uses as chopping
and hacking. The longer handle of a hawk
offers more leverage and power in a chop-
ping stroke.
The Browning Shock ‘N Awe is a compact tomahawk The spike of the SOG Survival Hawk works well and achieved good
that packs a big punch. Despite its small size, it still penetration into plywood, though the author stated it would prob-
has the heft to be a very effective chopper. ably penetrate better without the integral nail puller.
J A N U A R Y 2 0 2 1 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- B L A D E [ 71 ]
[ HAWK TALK ]
One of the latest designs from RMJ spike, it sports a semi-sharpened edge at tion and power. The spike is ground on
Tactical is this issue’s cover piece, the the bottom. The spine tapers down slight- top and bottom to remove material for
Knight Hawk. ABS master smith Jason ly but leaves more than enough material enhanced penetration.
Knight and RMJ Tactical co-designed it for tip strength and to withstand heavy The handle is comfortable and the tex-
to handle a variety of jobs, not just chop- penetration strikes. The spike cuts as well turing promotes good grip traction in
ping. Fourteen-and-a-half inches overall, as pierces—in fact, it cuts as it penetrates, various conditions. The sheath is a clever
it weighs 1 pound, 7 ounces and feels very and can open a hole in plywood easily by double-articulated design that encases
agile in hand. The cutting edge is 2.875 pushing and pulling on the handle after most of the head. The sheath has two piv-
inches, and the head and handle are du- each strike. From there, take the down- ots—one at the spike end, the other at the
rable 52100 carbon steel. Blade thickness: ward-curved head to really open it up beard end. To unsheathe the War Hawk,
.275 inch. The handle is 3D-machined with hammer-like blows. hold the handle with one hand, and
black G-10 riveted/permanently attached The Knight Hawk looks cool and per- with the other pinch and pull up on the
to the tang—no screws to worry about forms as well. It’s practically bulletproof, sheath’s beard end. After it clears, pull the
loosening over time. devastatingly effective and a pleasure to spike out of its end and there you have it.
There is a slight downward turn to the use. It comes in a choice of three Cera- Reverse the procedure to re-sheath. The
cutting edge, which is in contrast to most kote® color options: Savage Steel (as on sheath is secure and doesn’t fall off. The
hawks where the edge is parallel to the the test sample), OD Green and Desert only negative is there is no belt-attach-
handle. The downward turn accentuates Tan. MSRP: $500. Country of origin: ment provision. Consequently, the War
cutting power, presenting itself at an an- USA. Hawk is ideal for storing in your truck for
gle to whatever is being chopped. As a re- camping expeditions.
sult, the cutting edge engages and shears EASY to USE The War Hawk didn’t perform as well
more effectively after impact. This is one Measuring 19 inches overall, the Cold as the other review models due, in my
reason why the Knight Hawk isn’t head Steel War Hawk features a head of drop- opinion, to the polypropylene handle. I
heavy like many hawks, yet can out chop forged 1055 carbon steel for toughness, could feel the handle resonate a bit with
many of them. This translates to extended and a textured polypropylene handle. The each blow, which often results in an insuf-
use without wearing you out. By the same partial tang is inset into the handle and ficient transfer of power—that is, some of
token, being agile in hand suits it for tasks secured by two large bolts, and you can the power is lost in the vibration.
few hawks are adept at, such as whittling replace it easily should it break. The wide, With the tanto-tip-beveled spike, the
and making fuzz sticks. bearded axe head excels at chopping and War Hawk had great penetration through
The spike is the shortest one of all the cutting. The tang area just behind the plywood. I like how easy it is to use—
hawks tested, though that does not mean head has a few finger grooves for chok- swing to penetrate, then move the handle
it is the least effective. In fact, I found it ing up for whittling or more precise cuts. back and forth to help open the hole. A
the most effective of the group. Resem- The double-ground spike has a distinctive few times the handle flexed when I tried
bling a fat knife blade rather than a true tanto-ish shape for maximum penetra- to push and pull, a negative in my book.
According to the author, Cold Steel’s War Hawk is

a good chopper, though you will feel the handle
vibrate a bit as you use it. “This is a byproduct
of using polypropylene as a handle material,” he The RMJ Tactical Knight Hawk was the best chopper of the bunch. “It delivered the
opined. Due to the handle length, the War Hawk most effective and deep penetrating chops that threw out the biggest wood chips,”
has reach and great leverage. the author wrote. “It is devastatingly effective on green wood.”
[ 72 ] B L A D E ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ J A N U A R Y 2 0 2 1
[ HAWK TALK ]
The spike of the
Browning Shock ‘N In order for it to be an effective chopping/
Awe is very effec- breaching tool, there must be zero flex in
tive at delivering the handle. I think if Cold Steel went to
concentrated blows a hickory wood handle it would improve
that can penetrate
the War Hawk’s performance. As is, it
plywood and other
soft materials eas- might make a great throwing tomahawk.
ily. Its tapered MSRP: $71.99. Country of origin: Tai-
shape contributes wan.
strength.
COMPACT with ATTITUDE
The smallest of the Browning Black La-
bel Tactical Blades line as well as of the
review group for this article, the Shock
‘N Awe is 10.5 inches overall. The head is
2.75 inches and offers a curved penetra-
tion spike for light breaching. The head,
spike and handle are forged from one
piece of 1055 high carbon steel, and cov-
ered in a black epoxy coating for corro-
sion resistance and low glare.
The handle is in a traditional Japanese
style with a hand-wrapped overlapping
cord. Not only does it look very cool, it
is also highly functional and seems a
perfect match for this size of hawk. The
After the author 3D nature of the wrap segments creates
tuned up the alternating ridges that help provide an
edge of the SOG ultra-secure grip in all conditions. If your
Survival Hawk, it
performed pretty
hands are wet, some handle materials be-
well and bit hard come a bit slick—not so much with this
into saplings. If Japanese cord wrap. The exposed pom-
you need a hawk mel terminates in a skull-crusher shape.
for chopping on The Shock ’N Awe carries in a molded
an as-needed
basis, then this polymer sheath with MOLLE-compatible
is an ideal one to attachment provisions. The sheath encas-
consider. es the entire head and spike, which pivot
into and out of the sheath. A locking tab
that pivots down over the spike end of the
sheath prevents the sheath halves from
separating, effectively locking the hawk
into the sheath.
The Browning tool is a compact hawk
big on attitude whose size is one of its
major advantages. It gets into tight places
easier and is more maneuverable than
larger models. It’s easier to carry as well. It
easily takes down small saplings and de-
limbs them as well. De-limbing and other
tasks that require swift motion are where
the smaller size is an advantage. The
Shock ’N Awe would be great for splitting
kindling, including via a baton.
The spike is pointy but not so much
that it can break off. It penetrates wood
and other materials effectively, and can
be used for digging as well. It opened up
a good-sized hole in plywood when used
in a rocking motion after penetration.
MSRP: $88. Country of origin: Taiwan.
J A N U A R Y 2 0 2 1 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- B L A D E [ 73 ]
[ HAWK TALK ]
GOOD ’n PACKABLE vival Hawk has the weight it needs to deal vides easy belt attachment.
The overall profile of the SOG Survival effective chopping blows. Given its light The spike works well. The notch in the
Hawk resembles the hawk created by Pe- weight and compact length, don’t expect center serves as a nail puller, though it’s
ter LaGana used extensively during the it to tackle heavy/extended chopping a feature I would eliminate. In fact, the
Vietnam War. A little over a foot long, tasks, as you’ll end up having to use more spike might penetrate better without it.
the Survival Hawk is compact enough to arm power. The size makes it easy to carry Nonetheless, it achieved decent pen-
tote around while camping. The head is but it lacks the weight to use for inertia. etration into plywood. However, just like
cast from 2Cr carbon steel with a cutting I was disappointed with the edge qual- with the head, the spike would also be
edge of 3 inches and a distinctive spike ity out of the box—it was too blunt to be more effective if the handle were longer
on the opposite end. The spike is not only effective. After a few minutes work, I was for extra leverage for a more powerful
designed for penetration, but the slot can able to thin it down a bit and create a nice swing. Conversely, the Survival Hawk is
be used to pull nails or bend wire. When 20-degree convex edge. Then, the toma- still loaded with useful features.
held in the icepick grip with the head hawk became effective. It actually works Overall, it is a really good, pack-able
pointed toward the ground, the Survival pretty well and bit hard into saplings. If tomahawk whose size and weight won’t
Hawk can be employed as a hammer. you need a hawk for chopping on an as- bog you down like other larger and heavi-
For added versatility, a fire-starting fer- needed basis, then this is an ideal one to er hawks do. MSRP: $64.95. Country of
rocerium rod screws into the handle butt. consider. origin: China.
The glass-reinforced-nylon-handle mate- I found the paracord handle to be “just
rial is lightweight, while the full-tang de- acceptable.” I would prefer the paracord For the contact information for the hawks
sign promotes strength and superb bal- to be wrapped a bit tighter, as I detected in the story, see “Where To Get ’Em” on
ance. The gripping area of the handle is some loosening of it from normal use. page 66.
wrapped with paracord for comfort. The Also, the handle is a tad skinny for my
exposed portion of the tang in between tastes. However, it keeps weight and bulk For the latest knives, knife news, trends and
the paracord handle and the head has a to a minimum for extended belt carry. more visit blademag.com, BLADE®’s popu-
series of traction notches. Grip the area Speaking of which, the Survival Hawk lar Instagram page @blade_magazine, and
tightly up against the head to carve or comes with a sturdy ballistic nylon sheath on Facebook and Twitter.
whittle with extra control. with a stiff inner liner, and sports sewn
The head is all black but the grind bev- and riveted construction. A button-snap
els are satin finished, creating a striking flap closure secures the sheath around the
visual contrast. At 19.5 ounces the Sur- head. A large nylon webbing loop pro-
The spike of the

Cold Steel War
Hawk has a tanto-
like bevel, which
further increases
penetration power.
With just a few
strong blows, it The spike of the RMJ Tactical Knight
was able to fully Hawk is equally as effective as the
penetrate thick head. The knife-like profile of the spike
plywood. permits the tool to cut as it penetrates.
By pushing and pulling on the handle,
you can open up a sizable hole easily.
[ 74 ] B L A D E ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ J A N U A R Y 2 0 2 1
[ WHAT’S NEW ]
SPEC CHART
SPEC CHART
MODEL NAME: 195/60 Sessantesimo
PATTERN: Two-blade pocketknife KNIFE TYPE: Fancy folder
BLADE LENGTHS: 2.36” and 1.625” BLADE LENGTH: 3 1/8”
BLADE MATERIAL: 420 stainless steel BLADE MATERIAL: Low-layer W’s pattern
ROCKWELL HARDNESS: 56 HRC damascus of 1084 carbon and 15N20 nickel-
BLADE THICKNESS: .08” alloy steels laddered at opposing angles
BLADE PATTERNS: Pen and BOLSTER MATERIAL: Radial pattern
serrated sheepsfoot damascus of 1084 carbon and 15N20
BLADE GRINDS: Flat nickel-alloy steels surrounding the image of
a hippo forged from 4600E powdered steel
BLADE FINISH: Stonewash
and nickel
ACTION: Slip joint w/half-
HANDLE: Hippo tooth ivory
stop safety
LOCK: Linerlock
HANDLE: Carbon-fiber inlays (also
available in colored Micarta®) SCRIMSHAW: By Roni Dietrich
BOLSTERS: Anodized aluminum CLOSED LENGTH: 3 7/8”
HANDLE THICKNESS: .37” KNIFE TO KNOW: The fileworked titanium
liners are anodized blue
WEIGHT: 1.35 ozs.
MAKER’S LIST PRICE FOR A SIMILAR
KNIFE: $1,750 (excluding the scrimshaw)
SHEATH: Leather pouch w/clip
MAKER: Cliff Parker, Zephyr Hills, FL
WEIGHT WITH SHEATH: 1.98 ozs.
813-973-1682 cooldamascus@aol.
KNIFE TO KNOW: The knife celebrates the com, Instagram: @cliffparkerknives
60th anniversary of Coltellerie Maserin, a knife (SharpByCoop image)
manufacturer founded by Maserin Fervido in Maniago, Italy,
in 1960; Sessantesimo translates as “60th” in English
COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: Italy
SPEC CHART
MSRP: $118.80
COMPANY: Coltellerie Maserin SNC, attn: Maserin Gianfranco, Via KNIFE NAME: The Darter
Dei Fabbri n. 19, 33085 Maniago (PN), Italy 0039 0427 71 335 fax KNIFE TYPE: Fixed-blade combat model
0039 0427 700 690 info2maserin.com, maserin.com BLADE LENGTH: 4.25”
BLADE MATERIAL: Nextgen CPM 3V carbon
SPEC CHART steel
KNIFE PATTERN: Kwaiken BLADE THICKNESS: 3/16”
KNIFE TYPE: Fixed fighter HANDLE MATERIAL: G-10
BLADE LENGTH: 3 3/8” (cutting edge only) WEIGHT: 5.3 ozs.
BLADE MATERIAL: 26C3 carbon steel—similar OVERALL LENGTH: 8.5”
to Japanese Hitachi White steel—w/hamon
SHEATH: Synthetic w/adjustable retention to reduce blade
HANDLE: Forged carbon fiber w/traditional rattle; includes an Ulti-clip Slim 3.3 mount
wrap
KNIFE TO KNOW: Reverse serrations on spine avoid the combat
OVERALL LENGTH: 8 7/8” restrictions of a double-edge blade; three blade-finish and
SHEATH: Synthetic pouch type with handle-color options; a collaboration between Travis Haley/
grommets Haley Strategic Partners and Toor Knives
MAKER’S LIST PRICE FOR A MSRP: $395 (includes a training blade for practice)
SIMILAR KNIFE: $350 COMPANY: Toor Knives, attn: Bob Tanner, Dept. BL1, 1488
MAKER: Josh Rider, Dept. Pioneer Way, El Cajon, CA 92020 619-328-6118 toorknives.com
BL1, 3322 Tallwood Court,
Erlanger, KY 41018 859-653-
5503 J.rider@twc.com,
Instagram/Facebook:
J.riderknives/J.rider
knives (SharpByCoop
image)
J A N U A R Y 2 0 2 1 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- B L A D E [ 75 ]
[ WHAT’S NEW ]
SPEC CHART SPEC CHART

KNIFE NAME: Double Homicide MODEL NAME: Stainless Feather
KNIFE TYPE: Dress locking folder PATTERN: Chef’s knife
BLADE LENGTH: 4.5” BLADE LENGTH: 9.5”
BLADE MATERIAL: Damasteel BLADE MATERIAL: AEB-L/CPM 154 stainless
damascus in a Grosserosen pattern damascus
BLADE GRIND: Compound HANDLE: Amboyna burl w/sapwood
HANDLE FRAME: Boomerang BOLSTER: Modified integral
Zircuti w/finger grooves and OVERALL LENGTH: 15”
pocket clip KNIFE TO KNOW: The knife is sole-
LOCK & ACTION: Framelock and authored by William Brigham
flipper MAKER: William Brigham, c/o
CLOSED LENGTH: 6.25” The Artificery, Dept. BL1, 973
MAKER’S LIST PRICE FOR A Blue Heron, Seal Beach,
SIMILAR KNIFE: $2,800 CA 90740 714-336-7564
MAKER: Jeff Vandermeulen, william@theartificery.
Dept. BL1, 3441 Gateshead com, Instagram:
St. NE, Rockford, MI the_artificery
49341 616-293-1248 (SharpByCoop
vandermeulenblade image)
works@gmail.com,
vandermeulenblade
works.com,
Instagram/Facebook:
VanderMeulen_
Bladeworks/Jeff Vandermeulen (SharpByCoop image)
SPEC CHART SPEC CHART

KNIFE NAME: Oosic folder MODEL NAME: Rock62 X-Grip Technology Knife
BLADE LENGTH: 2.75” BLADE LENGTH: 4.25”
BLADE MATERIAL: Ladder-pattern BLADE STEEL: Sleipner stainless
damascus of W1 tool and 203 carbon ROCKWELL HARDNESS: 60-62 HRC
steels BLADE THICKNESS: 5/32”
HANDLE MATERIAL: Oosic BLADE FINISH: Stonewash/Mil-Spec
HANDLE DESIGN: Angel wing HANDLE: German Micarta® in black or brown
BOLSTERS: Damascus HANDLE THICKNESS: .75”
LOCK: Linerlock CONSTRUCTION: Full tang
CLOSED LENGTH: 4” WEIGHT: 8.8 ozs.
KNIFE TO KNOW: Fancy filework CLOSED LENGTH: 4.75”
on blade spine, liners and KNIFE TO KNOW: Grooves and threads in the handle help fluids flow
backbar; carved oosic insert; away quickly a la a Pirelli car tire; custom-fitted screws
fancy thumb stud COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: Italy
MAKER’S LIST PRICE FOR A MSRP: $199
SIMILAR KNIFE: $3,400
COMPANY: WOOX, c/o Elite Outdoor Sports, attn: Matt Suuck 307-
MAKER: Jim Turecek, 272-4064 matt@eliteoutdoorsports.com, wooxstore.com
Dept. BL1, Ansonia,
CT 203-734-8406
jturecek@sbcglobal.
net (SharpByCoop
image)
[ 76 ] B L A D E ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ J A N U A R Y 2 0 2 1
[ WHAT’S NEW ]
SPEC CHART
SPEC CHART
KNIFE NAME: High Desert
MODEL NAME: Dragon Spine Bowie
PATTERN: Razor BLADE LENGTH: 10”
CUTTING EDGE: 2.56” BLADE MATERIAL: 1095
BLADE MATERIAL: 1080 carbon and carbon steel
15N20 nickel-alloy steels in a River of Fire HANDLE: Cholla cactus, desert
damascus pattern forged by Bruce Barnett ironwood and turquoise
HANDLE: Red dark matter carbon composite BOLSTER: Nickel silver and
PINS: Nickel silver turquoise
WASHERS: Stainless steel OVERALL LENGTH: 15”
WEDGE: Ctek SHEATH (not shown): Decorative
CLOSED LENGTH: 6.9” pouch model in snakeskin, armadillo
MAKER’S LIST PRICE FOR A SIMILAR and porcupine quill w/turquoise inlay and
PIECE: $1,250 horse-hair tassels
MAKER: Stuart Kerr, c/o Boxer Custom MAKER’S LIST PRICE FOR A SIMILAR KNIFE
Razors, Dept. BL1, 152 Douglas Rd., AND SHEATH: $2,200 (includes sheath)
Salisbury 4107 Australia 0422865455 KNIFE TO KNOW: Mark Knapp is an ABS
stuart@boxercustomrazors.com, journeyman smith and a past Forged in Fire
boxercustomrazors.com, Instagram/ champion
Facebook: @boxercustomrazors/Boxer MAKER: Mark Knapp, Dept. BL1, 1971 Fox Ave.,
Custom Razors (SharpByCoop image) Fairbanks, AK 99701 907-452-7477 cuttingedge@
gci.net, markknappcustomknives.com,
Instagram/Facebook: Mark Knapp Custom
Knives/Mark Knapp Custom Knives (SharpByCoop
image)
SPEC CHART
KNIFE TYPE: Persian-style fighter
SPEC CHART
BLADE LENGTH: 8” KNIFE NAME: 0460Ti
BLADE STEEL: Mosaic damascus DESIGNERS: Dmitry Sinkevich and ZT Knives
HANDLE: Hand-carved ringed gidgee KNIFE TYPE: Flipper folder
GUARD: Antiqued/blackened bronze BLADE LENGTH: 3.25”
KNIFE TO KNOW: Josh Wisor is BLADE STEEL: CPM S35VN stainless
an American Bladesmith Society BLADE THICKNESS: .121”
apprentice smith BLADE FINISH: Machine satin grinds, stonewashed flats
OVERALL LENGTH: 13” BLADE PIVOT: KVT ball-bearing system
MAKER’S LIST PRICE FOR A HANDLE: 3D-machined titanium w/lockbar insert
SIMILAR KNIFE: $1,900 POCKET CLIP: Reversible, left/right, blade-tip-up carry
MAKER: Josh Wisor, Dept. BL1, LOCK: Framelock
8139 Port Republic Rd., Port CLOSED LENGTH: 4.4”
Republic, VA 24471 570- COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: USA
764-0958 wisorjd@gmail. MSRP: $275
com, wisorforge.com, COMPANY: ZT, c/o Kai USA Ltd., attn: T. Welk, Dept. BL1, 18600
Instagram/Facebook: @ SW Teton Ave., Tualatin, OR 97062 800-325-2891 info@kai-usa.
wisorforge/WisorForge com, www.kershawknives.com
(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.
J A N U A R Y 2 0 2 1 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- B L A D E [ 77 ]
[ WHAT TO LOOK FOR ] BY STEVE SHACKLEFORD
According to BLADE
Magazine Cutlery
Hall-Of-Fame®
member Tony Bose,
the flush-joint
Remington 1123
Bullet reproduction
is very difficult to
make correctly. “Tim
Robertson nailed
it, spot on,” Tony
observed. Blade
and spring: CPM
154 stainless steel.
Handle: Sambar
stag. Tri-metal Bullet
A shield: brass, cop-
per and stainless.
MAGNIFICENT Maker’s list price
for a similar knife:
MELTING POT OF $1,800. (SharpBy-
SHARP AWAITS YOU

Coop image)
IN THE NEW YEAR

[ 78 ] B L A D E ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ J A N U A R Y 2 0 2 1
Frenchman Dave Lespect’s one-off front flipper sports a 3 1/8-inch blade of RWL-34 stainless steel in a stylish blade grind and a dual
finish. The scales are shrunken carbon fiber over titanium with a handmade pivot, titanium pocket clip and a sculpted G-10 back spacer.
Weight: 3.8 ounces. Closed length: 4 inches. Maker’s list price for a similar knife: $1,500. (Steel Addiction Custom Knives image)
W
hich makers will be building signs on traditional slip joints have really His fit and finish is top of the food chain.”
some of the most desirable and struck a chord with the knife-collecting Stark said to keep an eye out for upcom-
coveted custom knives in 2021? community.” Enrique’s X-Series factory ing collaborations between Lespect and
In addition to taking notes on the mosaic collaboration with Reate Knives—with Tashi Bharucha, and also one with a fac-
damascus knives and their makers in models in the $275 range—have “devel- tory knife company.
BLADE® field editor Les Robertson’s oped a giant following and continue to
story on page 50, you might want to grow,” Stark added. BLADES ABROAD
consider the opinions of some other of “Chad’s collector base continues to Speaking of knifemakers from abroad,
the industry’s top professionals as well. grow exponentially, though his books are custom knife purveyor Carlos Lopez of
BLADE Magazine Cutlery Hall-Of- closed for the time being,” Stark noted of Knife Treasures wrote that he has been
Fame® member Tony Bose (see sidebar) Nell. “High level fit and finish is Chad’s dealing with a number of international
is an industry muse, and many knifemak- calling card. He has a gift for selecting makers who are making some very nice
ers, particularly those who make tradi- materials that flow together.” Two new knives. He lauded three in particular:
tional pocketknives/slip joints, regularly sole-authorship Nell designs Stark said to Vojko Csaba of Hungary, Guillaume Du-
ask him for tips on the knives they make, watch for are the Trico and Midge front casse of France and Liu Lanshan of China.
what he would do if it were his knife, etc. flippers, the latter with a double detent “He is a sole author that makes his
One such maker is Tim Robertson, and lock. own damascus and makes and engraves
Tony is a big fan. “Lespect is a rock star in the French the knives,” Lopez said of Csaba. “He
“I met Tim about four years ago,” Tony knife world and of late is clearly a maker also makes presentation wood boxes for
wrote. “I talk to many makers around the to watch on the U.S. knife scene,” Stark a lot of them as well. His price range is
country and other countries about how to maintained. “All his pieces are one-off de- anywhere from $1,500 to $20,000. I have
make these traditional knives. signs with a unique choice of materials. gotten some fantastic swords from him
“Tim is one of those guys
that ‘gets it.’ He’s always been
interested in this type of knife.
Like me, he’s never made a
modern-type knife. Tim has
made knives for 18 years but
started making hard-core tra-
ditionals about four years ago.
He does a great job of round-
ing the handles and making
the knives walk and talk. He’s
just a very good maker and
one to watch in the coming
years. I would recommend
him to anyone.”
Custom knife purveyor
Dave Stark of Steel Addiction
Custom Knives singled out
three makers: Dave Lespect,
Chad Nell and Enrique Pena.
“Enrique’s popularity has
spiked as of late,” Stark noted. Vojko Csaba of Hungary makes knives, axes and swords in a most distinctive style. His prices range
“His custom front flipper de- from $1,500 to $20,000. (image courtesy of Knife Treasures)
J A N U A R Y 2 0 2 1 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- B L A D E [ 79 ]
[ WHAT TO LOOK FOR ]
The Trico by
and axes, along with knives.” Lanshan Chad Nell offers
specializes in Loveless-style knives in the a 2 3/8-inch
blade of Tiger
$2,000-$6,000 range and Ducasse offers Tail damascus
outstanding folders from $2,000-$4,500. that operates
Another international talent making on a bearing sys-
noise is Russia’s Igor Oleinikov. “Finding tem. The desert
ironwood handle
a new knifemaker that has an impressive
has back spac-
combination of design, mechanics, and ers and a pocket
fit and finish is not such an easy task. clip, all of zirco-
That’s why I was thrilled to come across nium. Weight:
Igor Oleinikov,” noted Sako Rouchanian 2.5 ounces.
Closed length:
of Recon 1. “Igor seems to capture the 3 3/8 inches.
current trend of slim EDC flippers with Maker’s list
phenomenal CNC mill work. His In- price for a simi-
spirer model caught my attention right lar knife: $1,300.
(Steel Addiction
away, and in 2021 I look forward to his Custom Knives
‘Inspirer Short’ model. Furthermore, his image)
creativity with his inlaid variants of the
Inspirer gives his handles a special touch
and amazing look.”
Rouchanian also said to keep your eyes
on Kevin Foster and longtime maker Tom
Mayo. “Kevin’s progression of both fold-
ers and flippers has been momentously
more impressive. I see his 2021 builds
continuing that trend,” Rouchanian
wrote. “His versatility to build both large
and small knives, flipping and folding,
with standard and exotic materials and
hardware, has made him a fundamen-
tally pure custom knifemaker. Throw in
his collaboration projects every now and
then with other respected makers, and it
cements his passion for the community.”
“Don’t let the 30+ years of knifemaking Kevin Foster’s
fool you,” Rouchanian observed of Tom Carbon Fiber
Mayo. “He is making some of his best Swordfish
knives now and 2021 will be no differ- includes a 4-inch
hand-satin-
ent. His recent use of carbon fiber on his finished blade of
Covert models has been especially im- CPM 154 stainless
pressive—a perfect combination of light- steel that pivots
weight and balance. Bead-blasting finish- on washers.
es on both his blades and framelocks are The contoured
carbon-fiber
to perfection.” handle features
milled holes, a
For the contact information for the knives bead-blasted ti-
in the story, see “Where To Get ’Em” on tanium framelock
and black-lip-
page 66. mother-of-pearl Guillaume
pivot inlay. A Steel Ducasse of
For the latest knives, knife news, trends and Flame clip carries France offers
more visit blademag.com, BLADE®’s popu- the closed knife outstanding
blade tip up in the folders in
lar Instagram page @blade_magazine, and the $2,000-
pocket and sports
on Facebook and Twitter. a Foster SoCal $4,500 range.
logo. Weight: 4.1 (image cour-
ounces. Closed tesy of Knife
length: 5.25 Treasures)
inches. Foster’s
price ranges:
$1,200-$3,500.
(Recon 1 image)
[ 80 ] B L A D E ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- J A N U A R Y 2 0 2 1
[ WHAT TO LOOK FOR ]
Tom Mayo’s Carbon
Fiber Large Covert APT
(Armor-Piercing Tanto) TONY BOSE PASSES AWAY
includes a 3.75-inch As BLADE® was going to press, BLADE Magazine
blade of bead-blasted Cutlery Hall-Of-Fame® member Tony Bose passed
6K Stellite that pivots
on Teflon washers. away suddenly on Nov. 22, just days after emailing
Holes are milled into the us his pick for a maker to watch in 2021. See
presentation carbon next issue for more on Tony, his life and his many
fiber handle, which contributions to the knife community.
includes a titanium
framelock and bead-
blasted titanium stand-
offs, pivot, hardware
and blade-tip-up pocket
clip. Weight: 3.6 ounces.
Closed length: 4.75
inches. Mayo’s price
ranges: $1,600-$5,000.
(Recon 1 image)
The Inspirer by
Igor Oleinikov
Enrique Pena’s boasts a 4-inch
Front Flipper drop-point blade
Trapper features of hand-rubbed-
a 2 7/8-inch satin-finished
blade of hand- M390 stainless
rubbed CPM 154 steel that operates
stainless steel on pivot bear-
that pivots on ings. The titanium
China’s Liu Lanshan handle milled with
bearings, and specializes in
the scales and grooves is ceram-
knives in the style ic-bead-blasted
bolsters are of BLADE Magazine
Kevlar Micarta® titanium anodized
Cutlery Hall-Of- blue. The scales
with white lin- Fame® member Bob
ers. Weight: 2 have milled inner
Loveless, including pockets for weight
ounces. Closed this Baby Bear in
length: 6.5 reduction. Weight:
mother-of-pearl 3.4 ounces. Closed
inches. Maker’s and engraving by
list price for a length: 4.75 inches.
Lan Chen Tang, aka Oleinikov’s price
similar knife: “Big Wang.” (image
$850. (Steel Ad- ranges: $1,200-
courtesy of Knife $1,500. (Recon 1
diction Custom Treasures)
Knives image) image)
J A N U A R Y 2 0 2 1 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- B L A D E [ 81 ]
[ COOL CUSTOM ] BY BLADE ® STAFF
DELECTABLE
DOUBLE J
ohn Phillips scored a delectable
double at the 2020 Damasteel Chef
Invitational Online Show by winning
the custom awards for Best In Show and
Best Bread Knife.
James Oatley and Drew Hash also were
double winners, Oatley copping Best Jap-
anese Chef ’s Knife and Best Cleaver and
Hash nabbing Best Chef ’s Knife and Best
Paring Knife.
Seventeen knifemakers participated
in all, including ABS journeyman smith
Matthew Parkinson, Salem Straub, Brian
Tighe, Niko Nicolaides, Kevin Cross,
Don Carlos Andrade and others.
Phillips won Best In Show for his Na-
kiri model in a 7.5-inch blade of Damas-
teel stainless damascus in a Grosserosen
pattern and a koa wood handle. Overall
length: 12.8 inches. His Best Bread Knife
winner features a 9.25-inch serrated
blade of Damasteel stainless damascus in
a Hiemskringla pattern and a walnut burl
handle. Overall length: 15.25 inches.
For more information on Phillips’ knives,

contact Phillips Forged, attn: John Phillips,
Dept. BL1, 1333 Vermont Ave., Knoxville,
TN 37921 865-684-9166 john@phillips-
forged.com, phillipsforged.com, Instagram/
Facebook: Phillips.Forged/Phillips forged
knives. For more on the event itself, contact
Damasteel, attn: P. Jarbelius, Dept. BL1,
Stallgaten 9, SE-815 76, Soderfors, Sweden
+46 293 306 00 sales@damasteel.se www.
John Phillips (inset) took home damasteel.se.
Best In Show for his Nakiri
(near left) and Best Bread
Knife (far left) at the 2020 For the latest knives, knife news, trends
Damasteel Chef Invitational and more visit blademag.com, BLADE®’s
Online Show. In all, 17 knife- popular Instagram page @blade_maga-
makers participated in the
virtual event. (SharpByCoop zine, and on Facebook and Twitter.
knife images)
[ 82 ] B L A D E ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- J A N U A R Y 2 0 2 1

Blade January 2021

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HOT TACTICAL KNIFE SPECIAL ISSUE P.

MOEN’S COOL JEWEL TOOL P. 24

NEW DIRECTION OF THE AKI P. 10

50Larry Cox mosaic

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34 SQUARE HOUSES PART IX 78 MAKERS TO WATCH IN 2021

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