2019 12 01 - Blade

UNVEILED 1st SWISS ARMY KNIFE FIXED BLADE!
OUTDOOR MASTER MIC

BY VICTORINOX P. 82
DECEMBER 2019
www.blademag.com
2
MK-8 AND MK-9
FROM POHL KNIVES
S P. 122
John Rambo
R
On The Edge
NEO-TRADITIONA AL
L MINIMALIST KNIVES:
SLIP JOINTS ARRE LESS IS MORE P. 52
RED HOT P. 72
BIRD’S BEAK: HANDLE
APOSTLE OF TO CROW ABOUT P. 46
THE ANVIL:
BILL MORAN P. 76 HOW TO MAKE THE
MICHAEL PRICE GUARD P. 34
KNIFE TESTS
US $5.95
2 SEXY SEAXES P. 60
CAN $6.95
12
2 ATYPICAL BLADES P. 28
0 09281 50251 7
Display until January 20, 2020
4 CHEF’S-STYLE KNIVES P. 40
DECEMBER 2019
76
A Bill Moran ST-24
with half-moon sheath.
(Francesco Pachi image)
12 Dietmar Pohl and Sylvester Stallone.

(Photo by R. Ovtcharoff, Millennium Media Inc.) 40 Santa Fe Stoneworks Hammered
Damascus Santoku. (Abe Elias image)
10 GIL HIBBEN SETS 2 RAMBO RECORDS 46 A HANDLE TO CROW ABOUT

The Hibben Machete pushes the great maker over the top. The bird’s-beak handle has been popular for a long time.
By Steve Shackleford By Daniel Jackson
12 NEW LINKS, OLD BLOODLINE 52 MINIMALIST KNIVES: LESS IS MORE

New knives of Last Blood maintain the original tradition. New streamlined factory folders economize on weight and volume.
By Sebastian Lucke By Dave Rhea
24 WAYNE’S MAGIC KNIFE 60 VIKING EDC

Remembering Wayne Goddard and a special Goddard knife. The seax is an old design with scores of new applications.
By James Morgan Ayres By Dexter Ewing
28 AS EVEN AS IT GETS? 72 GO NEO!

Raven and Dominator match atypical blades in keen cut fest. Neo-traditional slippies give the genre a fresh look and feel.
By MSG Kim Breed By Pat Covert
34 HOW TO MAKE THE PRICE GUARD 76 APOSTLE OF THE ANVIL

Fashion it in the style of the classic 19th-century maker. Bill Moran forged knives, damascus and numerous friendships.
By Jordan LaMothe By Mike Haskew
40 LET’S DICE! 82 1ST FIXED-BLADE SWISS ARMY KNIFE

Put on your dicing shoes with 4 hot factory chef’s-type knives. Inaugural non-folding Swiss Army knife is a bushcraft model.
By BLADE staɈ
®
By Abe Elias
4 BL ADE DECEMBER 2 019

Chris
Reeve
6 | READERS RESPOND Knives
7 | COVER STORY
22 | THE KNIFE I CARRY
58 | KNIFE EVENT CALENDAR
65 | BLADE SHOPPE
66 | WHERE TO NET ’EM
67 | AD INDEX
68 | WHAT’S NEW
71 | NEXT IN BLADE ®
71 | WHERE TO GET ’EM

79 | MORAN FOUNDATION NEWS
THE SEBENZA 31
with Macassar Ebony
Order at chrisreeve.com
34
THE
Pi t e guard in
final grit finish.
T
SHORTES E
(Jordan LaMothe image)
DISTANC
60 BETWEEN
TWO
or (left)
and Emerson (right).
POINTS
(Marty Stanfield
Photography)
'24.
"* ) ‫ޕ‬ 4 #. -$)-4
*
# - / ) 3/- )!0''Ҋ
- . ) /. $5
- + *(+ !*-() ѵ
* !
' ) "+ -
- 1 $ 0//$) ()
. *-
* 2 /# /+ -! 0)/0(' +
- , *!
)*/# $/$*)
/& . /#
2$/# ‫ 'ޔ‬ѵ
!*-2- $Ȃ ' +-*
'
#-)
BLADE (ISSN 1064-5853) is published monthly (Vol.

®
XLVI, No. 2), LC. Corporate headquarters is 5600 W.

Grande Market Drive, Suite 100, Appleton, WI 54913.
Periodicals postage paid at Appleton, WI 54913, and
at additional mailing offices. Canadian Agreement No.
40665675. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to
BLADE Magazine, Box 420235, Palm Coast, FL 32142.
.+4 -*ѵ*( чпп фсфцццп
DECEMBER 2 019 blad emag.co m 5

RE ADE RS RES PO ND |
On Serve Cuda are superb. Go figure. red metal pounder to Bob Dozier.
I
received the August BLADE® and Your readers need the truth about I hope to see an improvement soon.
saw the cover with the World War II- these things, not just puff articles about
vintage Randall Model 1 All-Purpose the latest “tactical” junk and puffi ng up James Deck, Roswell, New Mexico
Fighting Knife on it, and then read the red metal pounders.
“Annual Military Knife Issue” at the And while I’m on serve, let it be known Editor’s note: Thank you, Mr. Deck, for
top of the page. I thought to myself that that just because BLADE Magazine reading BLADE. First, no, the Hybris is
BLADE might have a whole issue I could Cutlery Hall-Of-Fame® member Jim not a “heavier version” of the Dragon.
get into at last. Bowie may have owned the knife There are simply too many dissimilarities
Not so. I’ll explain. doesn’t make that knife a bowie knife in blade shape, blade finish, edge shape,
Let’s go through the August issue. In (Edwin Forrest knife, page 10, February handle butt, choil and more for that to be
the “Edge of Survival” article on pages BLADE). A bowie knife has a long blade so. Second, there is no new recent “second
12 and 16, the Spartan Blade Hybris and a guard. It is really the guard that release” of the Case V-42. The Case V-42
knife—isn’t that just a heavier version makes it a bowie knife. ’Nuff said! on page 32 of the August BLADE is an
of the CRKT Dragon? Isn’t it a short, Do things differently. Only half your original model from World War II, as are
punchy version of a scramasax (for more magazine needs to be puffing up the all of the knives pictured in that story.
on the latest seaxes, see page 60)? So Knifemakers’ Guild. The rest can be real We re-used the image of Mr. Gutierrez
what’s the thrill? Also, is tactical a code knife tests and comparisons. May I suggest: because he is an original member of
word for butt ugly? And they charge •Compare the Cold Steel Trail Master the FSSF who carried a Case V-42
how much for that knife? to the Fallkniven Modern Bowie; during World War II. We do, of course,
•Compare the KA-BAR MKII recognize your right to express your other
fighting/utility to the Case MKII observations and opinions, even though
“Is tactical a code word for fighting/utility; we may or may not agree with them.
•Compare the 1998 Case V-42 to the And thanks for the knife comparison
butt ugly?” new version and the Boker V-42; suggestions. We might take you up on
•Compare the KA-BAR Ek some of them.
—James Deck Commando knife to the Case V-42, and;
•Buck has the Nighthawk back, so Brave Men of World War II
T
Moving on to the article “Knives of compare the old and new versions to the hat was an excellent job in
Ultimate Victory” on page 32: it features Camillus Cuda. my humble opinion in the
the gentleman (Editor’s note: Gene I will have to see something more real “Unsheathed” of the August
Gutierrez, an original member of the world than damascus art knives in the BLADE® (“Unforgettable,” page 10). I
First Special Service Force) who helped future to continue my subscription. I love reading about the brave men of
Case reintroduce its V-42 in 2015. just don’t believe a pounded-out hunk World War II.
What the heck is that? My Case V-42 is of red metal folded up who knows how
proudly marked “U.S. 1998.” I sure hope many times can in any way be superior Zane Blackwell, knifemaker, Eden,
Case’s new second release is better than for use to a knife made using the stock Texas
mine because mine came dull and will removal method. Compare your best
not sharpen up/hold an edge at all. It’s
a real proud piece of stuff that is one-
quarter the knife of my Boker V-42.
I could have bought the new Case V-42 How to Reach Us!
but I didn’t think I needed to get jobbed Visit us online at www.blademag.com to: BACK ISSUES FOR SALE: Subject to Availability.
again, so I bought the presentation-grade • Sign up for our free newsletter. Call 920-471-4522.
of the Ek Commando knife that KA- • Renew your magazine subscription. There’s a
subscription link in the nav bar. ADVERTISING: Contact Lori McDaniel at
BAR just came out with—wonderful! • Comment on our site stories written by BLADE® 715-498-3768 or lori@gundigest.com, or
By the way, my Case MKII fighting/ staff members and others. request a media kit by writing to: BLADE, 5600
utility (KA-BAR type) was the same W. Grande Market Dr., Appleton, WI 54913.
LOOK FOR BLADE MAGAZINE ON:
very poor “steel” as the V-42, and LETTERS OR ARTICLE SUBMISSIONS:
overall that knife is crude and poorly Steve Shackleford, Editor
made. And to the “expert” on the MKII SUBSCRIPTION SERVICES: Visit us on the Web BLADE Magazine
fighting/utility: my information is that at www.blademag.com or call 877-485-6426. PO Box 789, Ooltewah, TN
Case only made prototypes of the knife Outside USA: 386-246-3419. 37363-0789
during World War II. or email steve@blademag.com.
BOOK SALES: Visit us at www.gundigeststore.com
My Camillus M-3 was the same
or call 920-471-4522.
poor steel as the Case knives, but the
Camillus Marine Raider stiletto and

COVER ST ORY |
NEED A KNIFE?Our online store is better,

faster, & easier to use.
IF IT CUTS,
WE CARRY IT.
SMKW.COM
• TOP BRAND CLOSEOUTS

P • ANTIQUE & CUSTOM KNIVES
ohl Knives and Lionsteel assume
the mantle of “Rambo knifemaker”
by providing the two new knives • LIMITED EDITION KNIVES
• DAILY FLASH SALES
for the fifth movie in the Rambo
franchise, Last Blood.
Designed by Dietmar Pohl of Pohl
Knives and CNC-manufactured by
Lionsteel, the Pohl Knives MK-8 and CELEBRATING
OUR 40TH
MK-9 cover pieces are tactical-oriented
models. Nicknamed the “Heartstopper”
by Sylvester Stallone, the MK-9 has a
9-inch blade of Niolox stainless steel and ANNIVERSARY
an OD green canvas Micarta® handle.
MSRP: $856. The MK-8 has an 8-inch
blade, also of Niolox, and a handle of
noble ebony. MSRP: $830. (The prices
are based on approximate exchange rates
at press time.) Each knife comes with a
leather sheath and in a limited edition
of 300. British knifemaker Andy Wood
will make 100 custom versions of the
knives as well.
For more details, including how
the knives were designed and made,
complete specs, pricing information
for the custom models, Stallone’s
involvement in the project and more,
see page 12. Also, contact Pohl Force,
EST. 1978
EST
www.movieknife.com, or Pohl Force
GMBH, attn.: D. Pohl, Dierath 5, 51399
Burscheid, NRW +49 2174 89 69 500
contact@movieknife.com.
The images of the cover knives and the
inset shot of Stallone are by/courtesy of
R. Ovtcharoff, Millennium Media Inc. Facebook: /SmokyMountainKnifeWorks . Twitter: @SMKWCom
Instagram: @SmokyMountainKnifeWorks

THE WORLD’S #1 KNIFE PUBLICATION
Vol. XLVI, No. 2, DECEMBER 2019
Publishers Of
Editorial/Advertising Office:
5600 W. Grande Market Drive, Suite 100,
Appleton, WI 54913
920.471.4522 • blademag.com
steve@blademag.com
Group Publisher
JIM SCHLENDER
Editor
STEVE SHACKLEFORD
Online Product Manager
BEN SOBIECK
Field Editors
MSG KIM BREED, ABE ELIAS
DEXTER EWING, ED FOWLER, MIKE HASKEW
B.R. HUGHES, LES ROBERTSON
JOE SZILASKI, RICHARD D. WHITE
ADVERTISING
Sales Representative
LORI MCDANIEL
715.498.3768 • lori@gundigest.com
Newsstand Sales
NPS MEDIA GROUP
flama@npsmediagroup.com
GUN DIGEST MEDIA, LLC

Director of Finance
JENNIFER SEXSTONE
Operations Director
GREGORY S. KRUEGER
Advertising Assistant
ELLEN WILDE
AMBER DeVALK
Online Product Manager
ELWOOD SHELTON
SUBSCRIPTIONS/CUSTOMER SERVICE
U.S.: 877.485.6426
Canada & Foreign: 386.246.3419
P.O. Box 421751, Palm Coast, FL 32142-1751
BLADE ® Magazine, (ISSN 1064-5853) is published monthly plus

one extra issue in November, by Caribou Media Group, LLC dba
Gun Digest Media LLC. Corporate headquarters is 5600 W. Grande
Market Dr., Suite 100, Appleton, WI 54913. Periodicals postage
paid at Appleton, WI 54913, and at additional mailing offices. Cana-
dian Agreement No. 40665675. POSTMASTER: Send address
changes to BLADE® Magazine, Box 420235, Palm Coast, FL 32142.
BLADE® and its logo are registered trademarks. Other names and
logos referred to or displayed in editorial or advertising content may
be trademarked or copyrighted. BLADE assumes no responsibility
for unsolicited materials sent to it. Publisher and advertisers are not
liable for typographical errors that may appear in prices or descrip-
tions in advertisements. The possession, transportation and sale of
certain types of knives is restricted or prohibited by federal, state
and local laws. BLADE® and Caribou Media rely upon the fact that
collectors, purveyors/dealers, exhibitors, advertisers and manu-
facturers are expected to know and comply with these regulations.

SEPARATE
YOURSELF FROM
THE COMPETITION
MGE WHOLESALE OFFERS:
• Custom Knives From Top Brands
• Exclusive and Limited Edition Models
• Free Shipping On Orders Over $500.00
• Live Data Feed
• Opportunity Buys and Weekly Specials
• Online Ordering
U N S H E AT H E D | BY STEVE SHACKLEFORD
GIL HIBBEN SETS

2 RAMBO RECORDS
W
ith the Hibben Machete in Rambo’s latest sequel, Last
Blood (page 12), BLADE Magazine Cutlery Hall-Of-
Fame® member Gil Hibben now holds two records: 1)
having knives in the most Rambo movies—the trio of Rambo
III (1988), Rambo (2008) and now Last Blood, and; 2) being the
only maker to have the same custom knife model in more than
one Rambo film: in this case, the Hibben Machete in Rambo
and Last Blood.
Before Last Blood, Hibben was tied with Cutlery Hall-Of-Famer
Jimmy Lile for having knives in the most Rambo movies at two.
Lile, of course, made the original First Blood Rambo knife for First
Blood (1982) and also the Mission knife for Rambo: First Blood
Part II (1985). In addition to the Hibben Machete for the fourth
and fifth Rambo films, Hibben made the fixed blade for Rambo III.
It’s interesting to note that if not for the decision to omit the
Mission knife from a scene in Rambo, Lile would have knives
in three different Rambo movies as well. However, according to
celebrated collector of all things Rambo, Randy Rousseau (page
22, January 2018 BLADE®), the scene with the Mission knife did
not make it off the cutting room floor of the fourth Rambo film.
“The Lile Mission knife does make an appearance in the
outtakes of Rambo when it’s used to cut gas cans and then is
thrown into the fire on the pirates’ boat,” Randy noted, “but the
entire scene didn’t make it into the theatrical release.”
Including the Hibben Machete, Mrs. Linda ZeTur Hibben
wrote that Sylvester Stallone contacted Gil to make four different Wearing a Last Blood T-shirt, BLADE Magazine Cutlery Hall-Of-Fame®
member Gil Hibben holds the record-breaking Hibben Machete.
knives for Last Blood. The other knives Gil made for Stallone and,
(Derek Hibben image)
ostensibly, for the fifth Rambo movie include a gut hook that Linda
said was dropped in the early stages of Last Blood’s creation. fine jeweler, learning the arts of lost-wax casting, diamond setting
“Sly also had Gil make a bowie and a very pretty dagger/letter and mounting precious gems. He was skilled in the lapidary arts
opener that Rambo was going to make on screen,” Linda observed. and the techniques of gemstone faceting, carving and cabochon
“Gil even provided handmade blade blanks for the bowie and design, and created many one-of-a-kind gemstones for his
dagger so it would appear Rambo was making the knives.” custom knives. Kenneth wrote “A Tribute To America’s Best” in
However, other than the Hibben Machete, none of the additional the May 2004 BLADE. He passed away January 9 at 65.
Hibben knives made it into Last Blood. Meanwhile, since the fifth An Army veteran, McNabb made his first knife in 1979. In 1992
Rambo film is reputedly the final one in the series, neither the four he formed the North Carolina Custom Knifemakers Guild, serving
aforementioned Hibben knives for it nor any other of the Rambo as the organization’s first president. A member of the American
knives, including the new ones designed by Dietmar Pohl (page Bladesmith Society, he was instrumental in the creation of the
12), will appear in another Rambo film, either. Southeastern Custom Knife Show, serving as the show’s director from
On the other hand, one thing we’ve learned with Rambo is to 1995-2005. He also taught knifemaking at such venues as the Batson
never say never. Bladesmithing Symposium, Montgomery Community College and
others, including his own shop, and continued to do so up until his
MCNABB and KING most recent hospitalization. He passed away September 23 at 78.
The knife community lost two valued members recently with the
passing of Tommy McNabb and Kenneth King. For the latest knives, knife news, trends and more visit blademag.
Owner of Kenneth King Knives and King’s Custom Jewelry, com, BLADE®’s popular Instagram page at @blade_magazine,
Kenneth made stunning art knives and turquoise jewelry in a and on Facebook and Twitter.
career spanning over three decades. He tutored under a master
gold-and-silver fabricator and worked with a fourth-generation

Hermes is not only one of the world’s
leading manufacturers of coated
abrasives; since 1993, it has also had a
key market position in precision bonded
abrasives. Hermes insists on absolute
top quality. See our entire line of 1-800-351-8900
HERMES belts at knifemaking.com.
Also available in 1” x 30” and 1” x 42”. als
Ceramit® Flex Belt
Maker - Jo Smith
Silver Anvil Blades
G10 produced by
Colors, Extreme Toughness, and Durability. Offering a unique look of LIN SPEED OIL deeply penetrates wood
Flexible, ceramic abrasive, resin X-Flex it’s own – choose UltreX™ (pictured on bottom) or our traditional G10 pores & hardens, protecting & revealing
cloth with additives. Highly economical (pictured on top) to achieve the exact look you want for your project. the beauty of grain patterns from
due to low overall grinding costs. Both MADE IN THE USA. within. RENAISSANCE WAX provides
Ductile & sharp ceramic abrasive grain a barrier against fingerprints and
provides high stock removal rates. ivets West System water. Its high moisture resistance
Low grinding temperature due to the Adhesives forms a durable, protective coating,
preventing tarnish, corrosion and
additional Procut coating. Flexible
cotton cloth backing guarantees a high G/Flex® remains completely waterproof.
adaptability to contours. Very good Epoxy Use BALLISTOL to clean, perserve,
edge-restoring force means extended protect, prevent corrosion, maintain,
grinding belt life. For applications with impregnate and disinfect not only
Mos p p ew together rivet. G5 Epoxy metal but also wood, hard plastics
comparatively high contact pressures.
CAT.# DESCRIPTION
Precision machined, 5/16” x 1”,
PRICE threaded 8-32,. Jantz rivet drills and smooth leather. EDCI(Every Day
Corrosion Inhibitor) Aids in rust and
HRF27260 2” x 72”..60 grit $6.98 will drill and countersink your corrosion prevention on any type of
HRF27280 2” x 72”..80 grit $6.91 handle material perfectly in one W S SYS EM G-FL metal, and is safe for metal finishes.
..
HRF272120 2” x 72” 120 grit $6.36 operation. Tang holes for 5/16” is a toughened, resilient two-part These Items Can Not Ship Air.
HRF272220 2” x 72”..220 grit $6.36 rivets must be 7/32” or larger. 1/4” epoxy engineered for superior CAT.# DESCRIPTION PRICE
grip. G-Flex absorbs the stresses
are also available. LS101 2 oz. Lin-Speed Oil $9.95
of expansion, contraction, shock
Made in USA. PRICE and vibration. Initial cure in 3-4 RW065 2.3 oz. Renaissance Wax $16.95
Mod Flex A/O Belt CAT.# DESCRIPTION EACH hours. G5 EPOXY is a fast curing RW200 7 oz. Renaissance Wax $26.50
CP600 Brass $1.49 epoxy for quick repairs, tooling BA069 6 oz. Aerosol $8.99
CP610 Nickel Silver $2.59 and general bonding. Bonds to BA076 16 oz. Liquid $17.99
CP620 Stainless $1.75 wood, fiberglass, and metal. 1:1 EDC4 EDCI(every day corrosion inhibitor) $11.95
CP680 Copper $1.99 mixture. Cures in 3-5 mins. Knife Sharpening
RD3 5/16” Corby Rivet Drill $19.95 CAT.# DESCRIPTION PRICE
Wheels
Light, flexible, aluminium oxide, resin WE6508 G-Flex Liquid 8oz $24.95
bond MJ cotton cloth backing for Knifema s WE8654 G5 5 Minute Epoxy $22.95
ginding contoured workpieces. Good Center
stock removal rate with a very good grit
adhesion. Universally applicable.
S Hardened
CAT.# DESCRIPTION PRICE
Guid
HRM27236 ..
2” x 72” 36 grit $4.01
HRM27250 2” x 72”..50 grit $4.01
HRM27260 2” x 72”..60 grit $4.01 This two wheel system allows the user
to grind a fine edge then clean & polish
HRM27280 2” x 72”..80 grit
HRM272120 2” x 72”..120 grit
$4.01
$4.01 n marskteinelg
Showter to a razor sharp edge.
HRM272220 2” x 72”..220 grit $4.01 cen in CAT.# DESCRIPTION PRICE
HRM272320 2” x 72”..320 grit $4.01 WKS750 Knife Sharpening Wheels $34.95
HRM272400 2” x 72”..400 grit $4.01 Use this handy tool to scribe This versatile tool can be used for Protective Cases
..
HRM272600 2” x 72” 600 grit $4.01 the center lines as a guide for holding your knife blades to do Durable protective cases for your
HRM272800 2” x 72”..800 grit $4.01 grinding knife blades. Designed complex file work and filing slots projects. Featuring a black Cordura
for accuracy, this scribe can be for guards. Precision machined exterior and soft fabric interior. Black
adjusted from 0-1/2” with 1/32” and ground from A-2 tool steel poly foam padding and a nylon zipper
Cork Belt per revolution using the fine and hardened to 62RHc. Overall
adjustment screw. Uses a Carbide length 3.250”, maximum blade
tip. Replacement tips available. width 2”, each jaw is 3/8” x 3/4”.
CAT.# DESCRIPTION PRICE Made in USA.
JS305 Center Scribe $39.95 CAT.# DESCRIPTION PRICE
JS307 Replace Carbide Tip $9.95 FG101 File Guide $49.95
Waterproof silicon carbide/cork abrasive
X-cloth. Can be used for dry and wet
Kydex Molding Press Featuring single hand CAT.# DESCRIPTION PRICE
grinding (resistant to water, emulsion and
closure, lock, and release. Allows you to walk away while the thermal R6N Folder 2 1/2” x 6” $8.95
oil). For producing very bright or "mirror-
molding foam sets your heated Kydex. Made with 3/16” steel plate. R7N Folder 2 1/2” x 8” $8.95
finished" surfaces. Flat grinding on
Included, two 8” x 12” x 1” thick high quality foam 9 lbs/cf density R10N Hunter 3” x 10” $8.95
225°F heat rating. Made in the USA R13N Fighter 4” x 13” $9.95
stainless steel for producing very bright
"Brush-Finish" on metallic surfaces.
ng le H and
Si
c k & Release
HRC272320 2” x 72”..320 grit $7.69 Lo
HRC272400
HRC272600
2” x 72”..400 grit $7.69
2” x 72”..600 grit $7.69
Latch
HRC272800 2” x 72”..800 grit $7.69 CAT.# DESCRIPTION PRICE
HRC2721000 2” x 72”..1000 grit $7.69 JS900 Molding Press $89.95
Our Choice of Gift
HRC2721200 2” x 72”..1200 grit $7.69 JS901 Replacement Foam (2 pcs) $14.95
While Supplies Last
Can Not Be Combined With Other Offers
RE EL ST EEL | BY SEBASTIAN LUCKE
A brooding Sylvester
S v Sa
Stallone as John Rambo
Ram caresses the edge of
one of his co-stars, the Pohl
h Force MK-9
MK sub-hilt fighter, in
. Nicknamed
N “Heartstopper”
H by Stallone,
S it’s the knife Rambo
R
uses in the flick’s
k final fight scene. The 9-inch blade is Niolox
N
stainless
a steel. MSRP:
SRP $856 (based on approximate exchange rates a
at press time). (Photo from Last Blood d byy R.
R Ovtcharoff, Millennium
M
M
Media Inc.; Pohl Force Knives
K v knife image)
m
THE RAMBO KNIVES OF LAST BLOOD MAINTAIN

THE TRADITION OF THE ORIGINALS
W
hen First Blood debuted in 1982
and Sylvester Stallone made
film and knife history with
his survival knife by BLADE Magazine
Cutlery Hall-Of-Fame© member Jimmy
Lile, hardly anyone could have imagined
that after 36 years and three sequels, John
Rambo would return to combat. However,
in the fifth installment of the franchise,
Last Blood, Rambo returns not to fight an
overpowering military opponent but to
save a young woman dear to him from a
Mexican sex trafficking cartel.
As with each Rambo flick, a new knife
is an integral part of the star’s equipment,
and this time it’s two new knives. After
Lile for the first two Rambo films and
Cutlery Hall-Of-Famer Gil Hibben
(page 10) for the latter two, Stallone
left the design work for the new knives
for Last Blood to Germany’s Dietmar
Pohl. A veteran of over 25 years in the
cutlery industry and a designer of many
knives, he also has written four books on
combat and tactical knives. His designs Dietmar Pohl (left) of Pohl Knives and Sylvester
Stallone hold the finalized knives—Dietmar the MK-8
include the Boker Speedlock/To oplock, and Sly the MK-9—during the presentation session
the Kalashnikov series and hiss Pohl on the Last Blood movie set in Sofia, Bulgaria. It was
Force Alpha models. In 2007 he fo ounded a crowning-achievement moment for Pohl, 36 years in
Pohl Force to concentrate even m more on the making. (Pohl Force Knives image)
combat knives. In addition to pro oviding
tactical knives for special forces, DDietmar
also has become a leading contact for the
film industry.
In January 1983, First Blood debuted
in Germany. The film and its iconic
knife made such a strong imprression
on Dietmar that he knew he wan nted to
develop his own knives. Now, nearly
four decades later, the circle closes and
the dream has become reality. The Th man
who at 16 was so strongly influen nced by
Stallone and his embodiment of R Rambo
was allowed to develop the knivves for
“Sly” and the final part of the R Rambo
saga—Last Blood.
Pohl and Stallone first met in n 2013.
Dietmar visited the set of Expendables 3
and talked with Sly about his film kknives,
from Rambo and Cobra through to the
Expendables series. In memory of the
meeting Dietmar handed Stallone a Pohl
The Pohl Force MK-8 bowie features
Force Foxtrot One survival kniffe with an 8-inch blade of Niolox stainless
a special engraving. The knife w was to steel with fuller and a “noble” ebony
become the Pohl-Stallone link. Du uring handle fronted by a single guard.
the shooting of Escape Plan 3, SSly MSRP: $830 (based on approximate
exchange rates at press time).
asked the movie’s props team to o (Pohl Force Knives image)
get the Pohl Force knife for use
in the film. The movie’s weapons

R EE L ST EE L |
With the help of the Heartstopper, Rambo has the

undivided attention of a bad guy in Last Blood.
Blood.
(Photo by R. Ovtcharoff, Millennium Media Inc.)
expert, Rock Galotti, a member of The knives were to be much more

IT’S AS EASY AS THIS: Stallone’s inner circle, was so impressed tactically natured and adopt some of
by the knife that he kept in touch with the technical aspects of the first Rambo
CAREFULLY BOX AND SHIP Dietmar after the shoot. When it came models. Stallone also attached particular
YOUR KNIVES TO US. to choosing the knife for Last Blood, Sly importance to size with blade lengths
relied on Rock’s expert advice. between 8 and 9 inches. Ergo, the actor
WE DO THE PRICING sent pictures of himself with knives of a
RESEARCH, WRITE DETAILED The KNIVES comparable size in his hand. The overall
DESCRIPTIONS, AND From the first it became clear Stallone proportions simply had to be right.
PHOTOGRAPH EACH KNIFE. wanted to go in a different direction “When I had all this information on the
than with the last two Rambo sequels. table, I knew Sly and I had the same ideas
MONITOR YOUR LISTINGS
AND MONTHLY PAYOUTS
THROUGH YOUR OWN The handle screws with the hole and slot for
tightening on the MK-9 are a staple of Pohl Force
PRIVATE ACCOUNT. Knives. (Pohl Force Knives image)
RECEIVE SCHEDULED
PAYOUTS AS YOUR
KNIVES SELL.
SHARPTALK@ARIZONACUSTOMKNIVES.COM
1-904-826-4178
about the knives,” Dietmar recounted. STAY SHARP!
Stallone had also been involved with Keep your knives sharp
Dietmar’s earlier work and had expressed
ideas about the movie’s bowie knife. at home or on the
With a time window of only a few days, go with a Lansky
Dietmar designed both the tactical sub-
hilt fighter (MK-9, aka “Movie Knife Sharpener
9”) for the film’s final fight scene and
the bowie (MK-8) Rambo uses at the
movie’s outset. After the first drafts it was
clear Dietmar was on the right track. To
make the proportions clearer for Stallone,
Pohl sent pictures of his hand holding
paper prototypes. The star’s comment,
“Dietmar, we’re almost there … make the
blade of the bowie a bit slimmer so that
it comes across even deadlier,” signaled
that the design of the MK-8 had been
decided. As a special feature, Stallone
Roadie™ BladeMedic®
asked for a red-stag handle. For a knife 8 in 1 Keychain Sharpener
of this type, with a relatively large handle, Sharpener Master’s Edge
this was already a challenge. To find Sharpener
stag in a reasonable quality and in such
dimensions is not easy, but again Pohl
Learn more at lansky.com
endeavored to present a stag variant of 800-825-2675 for FREE catalog
the MK-8 on schedule.
KNIVES
Introducing 3.5” Tanto or

THE COMPOUND Clip Point Blade
Double Action
Out the Front
G10 Case with
Automatic Internal 6061-T6
Aluminum Chassis
HOGUEKNIVES.COM 1-800-438-4747
P.O. BOX 91360, HENDERSON, NV 89009

RE EL ST EEL |
green canvas Micarta® was the choice. It

is another link between the knives from
Dietmar Pohl is a veteran of First Blood and Last Blood. Matte surfaces
over 25 years in the knife
and a green handle, though as a cord
industry and a developer of
countless knife designs. His wrap instead of Micarta, also characterize
designs include the Boker Lile’s First Blood knife. A brown leather
Speedlock/Toplock, the sheath completes the package. Just in
Kalashnikov series and his case, Dietmar also worked up a prototype
Pohl Force Alpha models.
In 2007 he founded Pohl with black G-10 scales. However, only
Force to concentrate even the OD green canvas Micarta gave the
more on combat knives. Heartstopper the right tactical charisma.
(Pohl Force Knives image) The MK-8 provided the option of the
stag and G-10, as well as “noble” ebony.
Sly approved the project and the next
challenge presented itself: prototype
construction.
Both knives had to be finished in
different versions, as well as pure prop
knives with cut-off blades, all within
14 working days. Only prototype
construction with a high CNC
component was considered. CAD
drawings from Dietmar’s hand sketches
of the knives, clamping fixtures for
the CNC systems, etc., all had to be
designed and/or created. The award-
winning Lionsteel of Maniago, Italy, was
The MK-9, which Sly nicknamed the Knife in 1982 and used elaborately milled Dietmar’s choice for the manufacturer.
“Heartstopper,” is an uncompromising screwdrivers on the guard and matte/ Gianni Pauletta, Dietmar’s long-time
tactical blade one would expect sandblasted surfaces, Dietmar did not shy friend and business partner, immediately
from Dietmar. The distinct design is from using high-tech materials such as offered his support. Even so, the project
reminiscent of the Pohl Force Alpha titanium. Titanium is 40 percent lighter remained a race against time. In the final
One, for example. In addition to the than steel and the sandblasting gives it an week of prototype construction, Dietmar
typical Pohl Force CNC-milled handle, unusual anthracite appearance. and his assistant, yours truly, joined the
the screws with the hole and slot for For the MK-9’s handle material OD Lionsteel team to discuss final details
tightening set a technical accent. The
screws have become the hallmark of The handle butt of the MK-8 contains yet
the German knife company. With the another Pohl specialty: a concealed lanyard
exception of some all-steel-construction hole. While on most knives the lanyard
models, there is actually no Pohl Force hole is drilled through the handle end
design without the screws. and reinforced by a tube, both the MK-8
and MK-9 have the hole hidden under the
Another notable design feature is the scales. (Pohl Force Knives image)
skull-crusher handle. In both models,
the skull crusher protrudes from the
handle butt and gives the knife an
additional combat function. The handle
butt contains yet another Pohl specialty,
a concealed lanyard hole. While on most
knives the lanyard hole is drilled through
the handle end and reinforced by a tube,
both knives have the hole hidden under
the scales.
Stallone gave Dietmar free reign for
choosing the knives’ other materials and
surfaces as long as they were non-glare.
Another Stallone requirement was leather
sheaths. Just as Jimmy Lile was far ahead
of his time with the First Blood Survival

Ready to Step Up Your
Knife-Making Game?
What combines
form, function,
and craftsmanship
better than a
quality knife?
Set it on display.
Prepare a family meal.
Pass down an heirloom.
At Tormach, we build milling and

grinding machines as well as belt sander
attachments that enable craftsmen to:
• cut and sharpen custom blades and handles
• engrave embellishments
• cut through tough stainless, alloys,
titanium, G10, wood, and other composites
Our compact CNC mills and grinders

plug into common 110 or 220 Vac electrical.
In other words, they’re capable and can fit
almost anywhere.
With passion and craft, simple and

traditional materials transform into works
of enduring beauty and lasting value.
Start your journey at tormach.com.
TORMACH.COM
RE EL ST EEL |
PRESENT ARMS
Stallone invited the Pohl Force team
and the film’s prop master to his
motorhome. The protective hardcase
with the prototypes and prop knives was
opened. Sly clearly liked what he was
seeing, reacting with a, “Boy—German
engineering!” He was particularly
interested in the titanium for the guards
and the CNC-milled structures of the
MK-9 handle. It was clear these were
not just two new knife designs, but
represented an unbroken link to the
While oft reported in BLADE®, it’s a fact that Rambo bloodline.
bears repeating: the character of Rambo Stallone was obviously pleased. The knives and prop knives had to be
in David Morrell’s book that sparked the “Dietmar,” he began, “I like all of your modified for filming. All had received sharp
Rambo franchise, First Blood, did not have blades for the presentation to Sylvester
a knife. Giving Rambo a knife was Sylvester prototypes. Decide which one to use in
Stallone, blades that needed to be reworked.
Stallone’s idea. (Photo by R. Ovtcharoff, the movie.” As you might guess, Dietmar (Pohl Force Knives image)
Millennium Media Inc) was speechless. “Wow! What an honor!”
the German maker recalled of his initial canvas Micarta handle and brown leather
on site. Thanks to the invaluable help of reaction. “I could hardly believe what sheath. When it came to the MK-8,
Lionsteel, Dietmar and I completed the I was hearing. I had to ask if he really however, the choice was not so obvious.
project and traveled to the Last Blood set meant it.” Black G-10 fit the knife’s tactical character
in Sofia, Bulgaria, to present the knives to Meant it Stallone did—and it was and stag enhanced the unusual optics,
Sly and the prop team. time to choose. It was clear that the but the final choice was the noble ebony.
Heartstopper must have the OD green Though a brown leather sheath would be
a good match for the wooden formwork,
the prop master suggested the black
sheath to go with Rambo’s attire at the
film’s outset. Choices finalized, Dietmar,
Sly and the new Rambo knives were
photographed in front of the motorhome.
From there, the knives and prop knives
NORDIC had to be modified for filming, which
started the following day. All had received
KNIVES sharp blades for the presentation, blades
that needed to be reworked. In addition,
See our Gallery some knives had to be equipped with the
on 8th Street,
Boise, Idaho proper scales. Dietmar and I reworked
the edges while the prop shop made the
rubber prop knives, which are always used
Featuring the finest in when fast action scenes occur and there is
Custom & Randall
knives since 1971
a risk of accidents. Authentically painted,
it’s hard to tell the difference between them
and the real knives, even close up. When
Sly circulated the first photos of the knives
a few days later, the phones at Pohl Force
We buy, sell & consign
entire collections headquarters rang non-stop.
A few weeks after the start of filming,
the movie crew moved to Tenerife on
the Canary Islands. The Spanish islands
Buy with confidence,
are often used in major Hollywood
your satisfaction productions, and in this case moviegoers
is guaranteed were to believe they were seeing Mexico.
The Pohl Force Team was there to
provide on-location consultation. On
www.nordicknives.com the set during the second day of filming,
a paparazzo from the British newspaper

RE EL ST EEL |
the sets. Sly also showed Dietmar some

film shots in which the knives are used.
As a special gift Dietmar presented Sly
with the first handmade Heartstopper
prototype. It’s likely the knife also was
used on the film set.
British knifemaker Andy Wood
(woodknives.com) received the order
from Pohl to produce a custom knife
version in addition to the CNC-
manufactured version from Lionsteel.
Andy will build 100 handmade knives
Dietmar visits with Jimmy Lile at the
per model for Pohl Force. Based on California Custom Knife Show in 1990.
approximate exchange rates at press time,
the respective list prices for the custom patents in Europe and are patent pending
Rambo looks pensive while waiting in a barn MK-8 and MK-9 are $1,943 and $2,197. in the USA.
from a scene in Last Blood. (Photo by R. For every 300 pieces per model, the Galco Gunleather supplies the sheaths
Ovtcharoff, Millennium Media Inc) CNC-manufactured version is available for the two knives. Galco also supplied
for the collector. The CNC-manufactured Lile Knives with the leather sheaths for
Daily Mail photographed Dietmar version has the standard Pohl Force Logo the second Rambo film.
presenting a Pohl Knives Force One laser engraved on the front side and the After over 36 years, the circle has closed.
folder to Stallone. serial number 001 of 300 to 300 of 300 on The first day after seeing First Blood at the
In May, Last Blood was re-shot in the obverse side of the blade. The custom cinema, a 16-year-old Dietmar had taken a
Sofia and the Pohl Force Team was there. version has only POHL deep engraved round file to his KA-BAR combat knife to
Among other perks, Dietmar and I were on the front side and a number above the give it a Lile-like sawback, and set the dream
allowed to take photos and videos on logo. Both designs have official registered in motion. Today, the dream is reality.
For more information on the Rambo Last

Blood knives, both factory and the Andy
Wood customs, contact Pohl Force, www.
Packed to the gills with blade. movieknife.com.
A. G. Russell’s 4˝ Sunfish Lockback For the latest knives, knife news, trends
and more visit blademag.com, BLADE®’s
popular Instagram page at @blade_
magazine, and on Facebook and Twitter.
PURCHASE ONLINE AT
agrussell.com
A. G. Russell™ 4˝ Sunfish Lockback
with Interrupted Lockbar Pivot System (ILPS™)
RUS-CY23SWB White Bone $99.95
RUS-CY23BJB Brown Bone $99.95 The first day after seeing First Blood in
RUS-CY23BLO Blue Stabilized Oak (not shown) $125.00 1983, a 16-year-old Dietmar Pohl took a
RUS-CY23BK Black G-10 (not shown) $94.95
For a free catalog, call 479-878-1644, Dept #H1219 round file to his KA-BAR combat knife to
To order, call 1-800-255-9034.
2900 S. 26th St. - Rogers, AR 72758 give it a Jimmy Lile-like sawback, and set
© Copyright 2019 A.G. Russell Knives the dream in motion. Today, the dream is
reality. (Pohl Force Knives image)
2 0 BL ADE DECEMBER 2 019

T HE KNIF E I CA RRY |
This is my Anglo Arms bush h

knife I carry when out in the e
field. I use it for all manner of jobs, from
cutting cord or string to removing fruits
and things when I am out hunting and
foraging, which I do a lot. I have a few
knives that I have for many tasks but
this is a good all-arounder.”
David Helm,
Middlewich, Cheshire, England
I keep a Kershaw Chive in The Buck 112 Ranger

my pocket at all times. Don’t is a smaller version of
mess with the legend.” the Buck 110, which is why I like it—
Peter von Groscht,
it carries easy, looks good and is a
a letter via e-mail solid performer.”
Todd Potts,
a letter via e-mail
For the latest knives, knife news, trends and more visit blademag.com, BLADE®’s popular
Instagram page at @blade_magazine, and on Facebook and Twitter.
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 November 15. Mail to: BLADE ®,
POB 789, Ooltewah, TN 37363-0789, 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.

SHARP MEMORI ES | BY JAMES MORGAN AYRES
THE AUTHOR REMEMBERS

WAYNE GODDARD AND A
SPECIAL GODDARD KNIFE
Wayne Goddard (inset) forged the slender 7-inch blade from L6 tool steel for
“Wayne’s Magic Knife.” The handle is walnut. (ML Ayres knife image)

would not cut the rope. One of them a blade. My middle son later used what
accused Wayne of some kind of trick. Wayne had taught him to forge a blade
Wayne calmly explained that there was over an open charcoal fire as a gift for me.
no trick and patiently demonstrated that We exchanged life stories, and Wayne
their knives wouldn’t cut the rope because confided that his father had been a
their blades all had thick bevels and preacher and had influenced him
polished edges. Some took it as a learning deeply. Wayne didn’t follow his father
experience and accepted his instruction. into religious service but embodied in
Others, egos hurt, stormed off. his daily actions the behavior of a good
I had recently returned from Southeast man: service to others, kindness, modest
Asia and had been living in villages behavior, honesty and honest work, and
where blade culture was central to the integrity. Not once during the 30 years of
people’s lives. I was impressed by the our friendship did Wayne ever speak ill
performance of Wayne’s knife and by his of anyone. He sought to understand bad
calm, measured manner and willingness behavior in others and tried to correct it
to share his knowledge with others. A rather than simply criticize it.
tall, heavy-shouldered man with a beard One of the many times I visited him at
and intelligent eyes, Wayne projected his home, he made a special handcrafted
confidence, humor and openness. After sheath for a small knife I carried
the crowd cleared, I engaged him in a discreetly. He worked on it all afternoon.
conversation that was to be the first of It fit the knife and its purpose perfectly.
many during our 30 years of friendship. I asked him how much he wanted
ML, my wife, business partner and for it. He said there was no charge. I
companion of a hundred adventures, and had difficulty understanding that it
The first time the author met Wayne was I made it a point to meet with Wayne and was a gift. At that time in my life I had
at a rope-cutting demonstration at a knife Phyllis, Wayne’s wife, at many knife shows. spent many years in Southeast Asia,
show. Wayne severs the bundled rope at the
1999 Oregon Knife Show. At right is ABS
When the shows were over, we would working alone in places where I had
master smith Al Barton. go to dinner together and talk about only a few allies, many enemies and no
everything: knives, the industry, the friends. I didn’t know how to accept a
ancient world and the world today. One gift of friendship, a gift given with no
Editor’s note: A good friend of BLADE night after an old New York Custom Knife expectation of return.
Magazine Cutlery Hall-Of-Fame® member, Show, we all had dinner at the Brasserie, Little by little, I regained the balance
ABS master smith and long-time BLADE® a French restaurant that was once an and approach to life I had lost during
field editor Wayne Goddard, the author institution in the Big Apple. It was our
wrote the following a few months after conversation that evening that led to
Wayne’s passing in 2018. Since this is the Wayne and Phyllis attending the Paris
issue of BLADE scheduled for distribution Knife Show, where Wayne’s knives sold
at this year’s BLADE Show West in out. Phyllis later told me that their visit
Portland, Oregon near Wayne’s home of to Paris was one of the best memories of
Eugene, we felt it most appropriate to print her life.
the story at this time. We hope you enjoy it.
TREASURED VISITS
T
his is not meant to be a eulogy Over the years we often visited Wayne
for Wayne Goddard. Others have and Phyllis at their home, often with
provided that better than I could our boys and often on the way to or
do. This is my memory of the man and returning from a gathering of primitive-
who he was to me. skills practitioners. Phyllis was always
I first met Wayne at a knife show in welcoming, with coffee and cake ready on
Southern California, at which he was in the table. Wayne was thoughtful and kind
the middle of a disturbance that was on to my boys, who came to think of him as
the edge of developing into a riot. “Uncle Wayne.”
He was demonstrating one of the In his workshop he showed my sons
American Bladesmith Society’s cutting how to properly and quickly sharpen a
requirements with his journeyman smith’s knife to a razor’s edge, or to an edge better
knife and a hanging length of hemp rope. suited for heavy woodwork. He also
He was easily cutting sections of the tough explained to them how to get the most
Wayne gives one of his many sharpening
hemp. A couple dozen other makers were out of a knife without dulling the edge, as seminars, this one in 2008 at BLADE
red faced and angry when their knives well as other skills, including how to forge Show West.

SHARP MEMORI ES |
those years. Wayne contributed to that.

His honesty, decency and open heart
were qualities that helped bring me back.
THE KNIFE
During another visit, I saw a knife with
clean lines on his workbench. To my eye,
that knife was the pinnacle of simplicity
and purpose. Wayne explained that it
was a camp knife. A plain-looking model
with a slender 7-inch blade forged from
L6 tool steel with a convex grind and a
walnut handle, it was perfectly balanced
and seemed to come alive in my hand. I
had to have it!
When I first used the knife I was
astonished at its performance. It slashed
through wrist-thick saplings with one
stroke, broke down a deer carcass as if it
were cutting through whipped cream, and
was exquisitely controllable for fine work.
I saw another purpose for the knife
and took it with me to one of the blade
arts classes in which I was training in
the Philippines. One of the exercises was
to quickly move through a poorly lit,
furniture-filled room and slash hanging
balloons, rope and bamboo wrapped Wayne passed the ABS 90-degree bend test under the direction of fellow Cutlery Hall-Of-
with meat and denim. The only blade Famer Bill Moran (page 76) circa the early 1980s.
that came close to rivaling Wayne’s was a
handforged one from Mindanao. rework the handle to make a more secure to make weapons for a world in which
Seeing this knife with new eyes, I grip. He said he hadn’t thought of the bloody steel could save or take a life. His
returned it to Wayne and asked him to knife as a weapon but as a camp knife, a heart was too fine for that.
wilderness and all-around tool. Wayne did modify the handle, and I have
As Wayne had told me about his life, I packed that knife in my bag during the past
shared stories with him about my life and 25 years or so when I set out on trips around
some of the conflicts in which I had been the world. It’s a highly functional tool in the
engaged. My military service was with bush, the best knife in any camp or kitchen,
the 82nd Airborne Division and the 7th and and cold, sharp comfort in places where my
5th Special Forces Groups (Green Berets). safety was at risk.
After uniformed service, I worked with I called it “Wayne’s Magic Knife,”
the OGA (“other government agency”) though Wayne didn’t mystify its qualities.
for some years. During those years in the He always said it was just good steel,
Philippines, the Bagong Hukbong Bayan— good forging, good geometry and careful
the New People’s Army (NPA), the armed work. The knife is much like the man—
division of the Communist Party of plain, honest, reliable and possessing the
the Philippines—was engaged in active highest integrity.
terrorism, and I came into direct conflict Wayne was a good friend who taught
with its soldiers on a number of occasions. me much about knives and about life. I
The NPA is the group that assassinated miss him. ML misses him. My sons miss
Special Forces Col. James “Nick” Rowe in him. We are all poorer for his absence.
1989. At the time, the southern Philippines
was a low-intensity war zone, particularly For the latest knives, knife news, trends
on the island of Mindanao—where it and more visit blademag.com, BLADE®’s
wasn’t so low intensity. popular Instagram page at @blade_
Wayne taught bladesmithing all over the Wayne always listened to my stories magazine, and on Facebook and Twitter.
USA, including here at a 1990s Batson with interest. However, I felt that, on
Bladesmithing Symposium.
a deep level, his heart didn’t lead him

FORTY YEARS
OF KNIVES!
Y ear after year, the Knives
Annual keeps the knife
industry up to date on design
trends and customer creations.
Whether you’re a maker or a
collector, or whether you’re
jjust shopping for your next
unique piece, Knives 2020 is a
must-have. Order your copy of
the 40th edition of this one-of-
a-kind publication today!
ALSO
SPECIAL LIMITED
EDITION!
ONLY 250 NUMBERED,
HARDCOVER COPIES
AVAILABLE
SO ORDER
SOON!
Order online at GunDigestStore.com or call 920.471.4522

$35.99 • Softcover • 312 pages • Product No. R8060
SPEC SHEET | BY MSG KIM BREED 5TH SPECIAL FORCES (RETIRED)
ALL IMAGES BY THE AUTHOR UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED
T EN A DOO I TO
M TCC TYYPIICAA L A S IN
A KEENN T FE T
KNIFE NAME: Raven

MAKER: Jeb Taylor Knives
KNIFE TYPE: Fixed blade
BLADE LENGTH: 5”
BLADE STEEL: CPM S35V stainless
BLADE THICKNESS: 3/8” at th thickest
BLADE GRIND: Flat
HANDLE MATERIAL: G-10
HANDLE THICKNESS: 5/8” at the thickest
WEIGHT: 7 ozs.
OVERALL LENGTH: 9 7/8”
SHEATH: Nylon and Kydex
MAKER’S LIST PRICE: $300
The Raven’s unusual blade shape

starts from the top of the ramp and ski
slopes down to just short of the tip,
where it takes an even more dramatic
sheepsfoot-like drop to the tip. The
integral single guard is a nice touch,
and the yellow and red liners liven
things up.
As a final check of the edges, the author sliced a pool noodle into
thin wafers. The Raven sliced the noodle thin enough to see the
sharpened edge through the material.

To check the edge, the author used the
Dominator to slice the pool noodle. The
resulting slice was thin enough to see the
sharpened edge through the material.
The Dominator offers up a modified

sheepsfoot blade and a bowed-up
edge to go with traction ridges in
both the blade and the handle, and
also a neat integral singled guard.
KNIFE NAME: Domina or

COMPANY: Pachmayr
BLADE LENGTH: 4 1/8”
BLADE MATERIA : D2 tool steel
BLADE THICKNESS: 3/8” at the thickest
BLADE GRIND: Flat
HANDLE MATERIAL: G-10
HANDLE THICKNE S: .5” at the thickest
WEIGHT: 8 ozs.
OVERALL LENGTH: 8.75”
SHEATH: Kydex
y
MSRP: $99.98
A
typical blade shapes have been
around since the beginning of
knifemaking. They are seeing when I cut faster. It felt light in my
a comeback because customers are hand while in use. The Dominator
looking for a specific blade shape for a was also very smooth in slicing the
task. This time I tested two examples of cardboard, but it made no sound. The
knives with such blades: the Raven by weight of the knife is balanced.
Jeb Taylor Knives and the Dominator Dense foam was next. I used a pull
from Pachmayr. cut to get nice, even lines with the
I began by angle-slicing single- Dominator. Only light pressure was
walled cardboard. The Raven sliced needed. It was the perfect weight for
smoothly and had a vibrating sound slicing foam. I had to use slightly more
DECEMBER 2 019 blad emag.co m 2 9

SPEC SHEET |
bokerusa.com
The author used a pull cut with the Dominator to get nice, even lines in the dense foam.
BOKER BARLOW PRIME | N690 blade steel | Beech wood handle scales (also available in curly birch) | Blade: 2.76” | Overall: 6.10” | Model No.: 110942
He had to use slightly more pressure with the Raven, probably because the blade shape and
length made the blade feel lighter during cutting.
pressure with the Raven, probably

because the blade shape and length
made the blade feel lighter during
cutting. Both knives were very
controllable and comfortable.
“SPLITTLING”
With camping season near it was
time to build up my stockpile of fire
sticks. That meant whittling. The
Raven produced straighter curlicues
and liked to bite deep into the pine.
The Dominator produced excellent
curlicues and could handle deep bites.
There were no hotspots with either
knife handle.
I also needed more kindling.
Grabbing some seasoned oak slabs I
batonned the blades to split the wood.
The hardwood split quickly with the
Dominator, and I soon had a pile of
kindling. The knife exhibited good
control for the job. The Raven also
handled the batonning effortlessly.
Its straight edge worked in excellent
fashion with minimum control, easily
producing another pile of kindling.
OVER the EDGE

To give the edges a workout, I chopped
into a deer antler 20 times with each
one. Both knives bit deeply into the
antler and sent chips flying all over my
workbench. Upon closer inspection of
the edges I found no damage; each one
had maintained its sharpness, a sign
both makers had done an excellent job
on the heat treatment.
Each blade is roughly 3/8 inch at the thickest, while

the Raven handle is 5/8 inch at the thickest. The
Dominator handle is a half-inch at the thickest.

The Dante Forge MADE IN USA
The-only-ribbon burner forge on the
market! Designed by veteran blacksmith
and television host, Trenton Tye, the Dante
incorporates a host of features never seen
before in the commercial arena. This forge is
made from two solid pieces of cast refractory
that are absolutely impervious to flux and
1-800-351-8900 rated for years of service. The castable is
wrapped in a layer of mineral wool and then
Metal s capped in stainless steel. Never seen before
doors that are also cast refractory mean
d NOW THREE TO MEET YOUR that there is NO direct fire to metal contact
r QUENCHING NEEDS! on any part of the forge. The front opens
r CITGO - For superior cooling on rollers and the back door is completely
capability & high heat removable via loosening one bolt. The cart
dissipation. Used where with removable handles rolls easily and
quenching is desired. PARK’S fits most propane tank sizes. This forge is
50 - Low viscosity oil, super unabashedly top of the line and comes with
quenching speeds, with an LP hose, regulator, and full year warranty.
more uniform quench. Easily gets welding temperatures for carbon
PARK’S AAA - Widely used patented steels! ing charges apply.
accelerated quench oil, provides a maximum
uniform cooling rate for austenitized steels.
CAT# DESCRIPTION SIZE PRICE CAT.# DESCRIPTION PRICE
PS845 1084 Powder Steel 5 lbs $17.95 BS201 CITGO Oil 1 gallon 49.95
PS841 1084 Powder Steel 25 lbs $87.95 BS205 CITGO Oil 5 gallon 149.95
PS955 1095 Powder Steel 5 lbs $17.95 BS301 PARK’S 50 Oil 1 gallon 54.95
PS951 1095 Powder Steel 25 lbs $87.95 BS305 PARK’S 50 Oil 5 gallon 199.95
PSNI1 Pure Nickel Powder 1 lb $36.95
BS401 PARK’S AAA Oil 1 gallon 39.95
BS405 PARK’S AAA Oil 5 gallon 149.95
1084 Hi-Carbon Steel
An ideal choice for forging and for layering with Essentials
15N20 for Damascus. Our 1084 is hot rolled and
annealed. Requires less soak time in heat treat
before quenching and is very forgiving during
the heat treat process making it great for heat
treating in a forge.
1084 Chemistry C .85, Mn .75 CAT.# DESCRIPTION PRICE
MILL FINISH TY100 The Dante Forge 1994.95
LENGTH THICK WIDTH (UNGROUND) Purest BORAX available (99.9%) to provide
3/16" 1 1/2" XW1215 - $ 13.23 our knifemakers with the highest quality flux
Knifemakers Anvil
3/16" 2" XW1220 - $ 19.26 possible. For differential hardening of your
18”
3/16" 4" XW1240 - $ 33.75 blade. HAMON GLOP comes wet and ready to Larger Fl
1/4" 1 1/2" XW1615 - $ 19.26 apply in a quart size container. 3200 degree at
XW1620 - $ 22.89 temperature rating. ACID NEUTRALIZER Work Sur
1/4" 2" face
1/4" 4" XW1640 - $ 48.24 is specially formulated to penetrate layers
3/16" 1 1/2" XV1215 - $ 24.09 of Damascus after etching to ensure proper
3/16" 2" XV1220 - $ 33.75 neutralization of Ferric Chloride, and other
36”
3/16" 4" XV1240 - $ 63.94 etchants. FERRIC CHLORIDE is used to acid
1/4" 1 1/2" XV1615 - $ 33.75 etch damascus after heat treating. Still the classic, traditional design with a
1/4" 2" XV1620 - $ 48.24 Ferric Chloride Can Not Ship Air. few modifications done specifically for the
1/4" 4" XV1640 - $ 90.51 CAT.# DESCRIPTION PRICE knifemaker. Face is the large flat slab where
3/16" 1 1/2" XQ1215 - $ 33.75 UV101 1 gallon Dehybor Borax 27.95 most of the hammering takes place. Square
UV100 189.95 Cliphorn allows the smith to hammer different
3/16" 2" XQ1220 - $ 48.24 55 lb Bag Dehybor Borax
curves into the metal. 1” Hardie hole in heel,
XQ1240 - $ 90.51
48”
3/16" 4" BS120 1 gallon Acid Neutralizer 27.95 square hole through the anvil allows you
1/4" 1 1/2" XQ1615 - $ 48.24
HW101 1 quart Hamon Glop 19.94 to secure various tools in the anvil or used
1/4" 2" XQ1620 - $ 56.70
HW100 55lb Pail Hamon Glop 149.95 for an aid in bending. Pritchel hole in heel,
1/4" 4" XQ1640 - $105.00
BS110 16 oz Ferric Chloride 19.95 round hole used in punching holes through
5160 Hardness Tester File Set
metal. Face: 3-1/4” x 11- 3/8”, Horn: 4” x
8”, Height: 9”, Base: 9” x 9-1/8”, Shipping
High Carbon alloy spring steel with chromium weight: 76 lbs. Actual Shipping Charges.
added for hardenability. It has good wear
resistance. Known for outstanding toughness. CAT.# DESCRIPTION PRICE
Hardening capability of 57-58 HRC. NC205 Knifemakers Anvil $318.95
Typical chemistry: C .63, Mn .86, Si .23,CR .83
MILL FINISH Forging Tongs & Hammer
LENGTH THICK WIDTH (UNGROUND)
1/4" 1 1/2" XJ418 - $ 9.60 40 RC to 65 RC Rockwell C Scale High quality
18” 1/4" 2" XJ518 - $ 12.02 hardness testing files feature specially curved
tips for testing internal slots, & grooves as well
1/4" 4" XJ818 - $ 24.09
1/4" 1 1/2" XP436 - $ 18.06 as your knife blank.
36” 1/4" 2" XP536 - $ 21.68
XP836 - $ 45.83
TONGS are manufactured from
1/4" 4" JS100 Hardness Tester File Set $134.95 carbon steel for lasting strength. Will not become
While Supplies Last brittle when quenched in water. The tongs are
15N20 Our Choice of Gift 15” overall. HAMMERS: Flatland Forge uses a
With a 2% high nickel content, 15N20 is 3 step process to assure the highest quality
the layer of steel that produces the bright Can Not Be hammer. Tempered back to be slightly softer
contrast for making Damascus. Combined With
Other Offers through the body, then hardened only on
Typical chemistry C .75, Mn .40, Si .30, striking ends resulting in less vibration, and
Ni 2.00, P max .020, S max .010 One Gift shock, with each blow of the hammer. Perfect
Per Order
MILL FINISH choice for shaping metal & drawing out steel.
LENGTH THICK WIDTH (UNGROUND) CAT.# DESCRIPTION PRICE
XN152 - $ 3.57
12” KF901 43.50
.049" 1 1/2" Heat Treating Tongs
.049" 2" XN252 - $ 4.77 JP102 2 lb. Rounding Hammer 209.95
SPEC SHEET |
The Raven produced straighter curlicues and liked to bite deep into the pine. The Dominator
produced excellent curlicues and could handle deep bites. There were no hotspots with either
knife handle.
As a final check of the edges I sliced and there were no tears or rips in the
a pool noodle into thin wafers. Both noodle material from either blade.
knives sliced the noodle thin enough
to see the sharpened edge through I WOULD CHANGE … Both the Dominator and the Raven feature
sheaths that hold the knives securely.
the material. I used a light pull cut, … the handle shape slightly on both The Raven’s Nylon/Kydex model has more
carry options.
knives to fit my hand.
EVEN STEVEN
This was as even an evaluation as I’ve
ever had. For the user it would come
down to specific needs, along with the
feel of the handles, to make a choice.
Again, both knives reflected excellent
workmanship by their respective
makers.
The makers warrant their knives

against defects as long as the knives
are not abused. For more information
about the Raven contact Jeb Taylor,
www.jebtaylorknives.com 507-722-5383
Instagram @jebtaylorknives. For more
on the Dominator contact Pachmayr
Knives www.pachmayr.com 860-632-
2020.
For the latest knives, knife news,

trends and more visit blademag.com,
BLADE®’s popular Instagram page at
@blade_magazine, and on Facebook
Both knives bit deep into the antler and sent chips flying all over the author’s workbench. Upon and Twitter.
closer inspection of the blades’ edges the author found no damage; each one had maintained its
sharpness, a sign both makers had done an excellent job on the heat treatment.

39th annual
june 5-7, 2020
CONNECT WITH US AT #BLADESHOW

KNI FE SHOP | BY JORDAN LAMOTHE
IMAGES BY THE AUTHOR UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED
How to Make the
THE AUTHOR FASHIONS IT IN THE STYLE

OF THE CLASSIC 19TH-CENTURY MAKER
Figure
F u 7: While
W not meant to be a reproduction of his customer’s
m M
Michael Price dress
bowie,
w the knife the author
th (inset)t made for the storyy has his interpretation
t of the guard
in the
h Price style.

I
n 2017 I received a commission for a
piece in the style of Michael Price, a
mid-19th-century knifemaker whose 1
knives are stamped “M. Price San
Francisco.” The customer sent me an
image of the knife I should use as my
template: a spear-point bowie with elk
antler scales and Price’s iconic “peanut”-
shaped handle. However, the customer
also asked me to add some filework and
make it my own. This was not intended to
be a replica of the historic piece.
The Price knife whose shape I was
to imitate was symmetrical and quite
simple, but I found myself a bit baffled
by the guard, struggling to answer the
question, “How did he attach it?” From Figure 1: The author sanded both guard
the single-side-view photograph I had, faces to their fi
final
nal grit fi
finish.
nish.
several explanations would have been
possible: It might have been a frame
handle, or the guard might have been
slid on from the blade end and soldered
in place; or perhaps the image was just
2
an optical illusion, and the swell in the
handle was narrow enough so that the
guard could slide on from the tang.
Lacking access to the knife or to
photos showing the guard/handle
juncture, I voiced my confusion on the
American Bladesmith Society internet
forum. ABS master smith Lin Rhea
responded promptly with the expertise
of one who has extensively studied and
taught 19th-century blacksmithing and Figure 2: In order to protect the carefully finished
knifemaking techniques. guard and blade, it was important to have a very
Lin wrote that the knife had a full isolated heat on the tang. The author kept the coal
tapered tang and that Price likely “slid the fire extremely contained so he had a small area of
intense heat to use.
guard on from the back and forged the
tang wider.” Lin added that the shape of
the handle would allow the guard to slide
back far enough so I could still finish the
blade, and the blade would have been 3
hardened after forging the tang to shape.
The practice of passing one piece
through another and subsequent forging
to form a captive part is common in the
traditional joinery found in ornamental
and architectural blacksmithing.
However, it seems to have been largely
forgotten in the knifemaking realm.
Figure 3: Once the profile was adequate,
Meanwhile, I have always fitted the guard the author refined the tapers in the
after heat treatment and final grinding. thickness of the tang with the face of a
It struck me as a new way of thinking hammer, making sure to keep them flat or
about the knifemaking process, one I a little convex. Any “sway” in the flats of
the tang would result in gaps underneath
was eager to try. With Lin’s excellent
the handle scales that could not be
instructions, all I had to do was execute removed by grinding.
the design, carefully thinking through
the order of operations.

KNI FE SHOP |
Figure 4: The author ground the forged Lin Rhea

4 tang to its final dimensions and drilled
the pinholes. At this point the blade
was ready for hardening.
grinding would be more difficult after

the guard was attached, and tapered the
FORGE, GRIND and SAND the tang as close to the stock thickness tang slightly on all four sides. Though I
Forging the Price-style knife was barely as I could for its entire length so I would left the bevels of the blade with a 600-grit
different from forging a hidden-tang have plenty of material to forge it wider belt finish, I knew any part of the blade
blade—I just left the tang really beefy. I and taper it later. that contacted the guard must be finished
forged the blade shape and bevels and After forging I ground the blade to as close to the final polish as possible.
shouldered the tang ever so slightly. I left its final dimensions, knowing that any Any material removed in final polishing
would affect the guard fit, so I hand-
sanded the ricasso. I also sanded the
edges of the tang from the shoulders back
about 1 inch—any sanding beyond that
would have been lost when forging the
tang. In anticipation of the particular fit I
wanted between the handle liners and the
tang, I slightly rounded the tang’s edges.
At that point, every surface contacting
the guard was exactly the way I wanted it
in the finished knife, and I was ready to fit
the guard itself.
FITTING the GUARD

Fitting a guard for a full tang is only
slightly more difficult than fitting one
for a hidden tang. As always there must
be no gaps between the face of the guard
and the ricasso, or beneath the blade
shoulders. The added challenge is that
there must also be no gaps between the
back side of the guard and the edges
of the tang (the flats of the tang can be
drafted slightly, because the handle
scales will cover the transition). I used
mild steel for the guard, which would
be selectively blued to highlight my
filework and would withstand the high
heat of forging the tang. I also shaped the
guard and added filework. Though these
processes wouldn’t affect any of the fitting
tolerances, they would have been much

5
Figures 5 and 6: Though not flawless, the final

guard transitions were very clean on both the
front (top) and back (above) faces.
slower with the guard in place. I then

sanded both guard faces to their final grit
finish (Figure 1).
BACK to the FORGE

After spending hours grinding, filing
and sanding, I was ready for the nerve-
wracking challenge of putting my hard
work back in the forge. At the time I
made the knife, I used a coal forge almost
exclusively—it was the perfect heat
source for this kind of forging.
In order to protect the carefully
finished guard and blade, it was
important to have a very isolated heat on
the tang, which also allowed me to hold
the blade in a gloved hand while forging
to avoid galling the soft metal with
tongs. A torch could also have provided

K N IF E S H O P |
such control, but a gas forge would have

Masecraft Supply Co. offers the world’s largest line-up of made it difficult. I kept my coal fire very
natural and synthetic materials for knife handles, gun grips, contained so that I had a small area of
pens, musical instrument inlays, pool cue inlays and endless
other creative applications. Several of these materials are intense heat to use (Figure 2).
exclusive to us. To forge the peanut shape into the
Our customers include some of the largest and well known handle I first drew the taper in profile,
major manufacturers and artisans in the world.
keeping the thickness consistent, and
Our line-up of natural materials includes white Mother of Pearl, then used the cross-pien on my hammer
Black Lip Pearl, Gold Lip Pearl, Paua, Green Abalone and
many types of Laminated Shell Veneers (LVS) plus custom to forge the swell. Once the profile was
shell inlays, India Stag, Bone, Horn and Exotic Woods. adequate, I refined the tapers in the
Our decorative synthetic materials include Alternative Ivory thickness of the tang with the face of
and many other decorative Polyester and Acrylic materials in
sheet, rod and bar form. We also offer a full line of Reconsti- my hammer, making sure to keep them
tuted Stone slabs and blocks. We are adding new products flat or a little convex. Any “sway” in the
every year. We also offer a wide variety of Rigid Composite
Laminates in Canvas, Linen and Paper Micarta, G-10’s and flats of the tang would result in gaps
Carbon Fiber. underneath the handle scales that could
Masecraft supply co. specializes in large manufacture orders not be removed by grinding (Figure 3).
and the individual needs of artisans and hobbyist alike.
I then ground the forged tang to its final
dimensions and drilled the pinholes. The
blade was ready for hardening (Figure 4).
I hardened the knife using my heat-
treating oven as I do on most of my
knives. Nonetheless, in retrospect,
Visit our new
E-commerce store, heating it in the forge might have
www.masecraftsupply.com resulted in less scale to clean off
ff
full product selection with pictures Meriden, CT USA the blade due to the more-
1-800-682-5489 neutral atmosphere. Afterr
hardening and temperingg
I used a torch to soften n
the tang, which would d
enable me to add thee
desired filework.
Domestic Producers of sheet and plate products for the knife industry.
Stainless and tool steel grades, all CPM knife steels plus new:
CPM cruwear, CPM 20-CV and 6/4 titanium sheet, and the
re-introduction of CPM S60V (CPM 440V).
Quick response. Quality workmanship.
BLADE Magazine
Cutlery Hall-Of-Fame®
member Phil Lobred
was a big collector of
original 19th-century
WE SPECIALIZE IN SERVING YOU Michael Price knives,
including this one with
an abalone handle.
12600 Clarence Center Road Fax: 716-542-5555 1-800-424-0048 (Eric Eggly image)
Akron, New York 14001-0280 sales@nsm-ny.com 716-542-5552 www.nsm-ny.com

FINISHING attention to the history of knifemaking Rte. 31, Granville, NY 12832 518-368-
To finish the hardened and tempered and adds a depth of craftsmanship to 5147 jordanlamotheblades@gmail.com,
blade, all surfaces on the knife and guard any given piece. It is a process of learning jordanlamothe.com.
had to be re-sanded to remove oxidation. and re-learning that can yield different
The setup sanding that I did prior to perspectives on what is possible in For the latest knives, knife news, trends
forging the tang enabled me to sand only knifemaking, enriching the craftsperson and more visit blademag.com, BLADE®’s
small amounts of material off critical and adding to the vitality of the craft. popular Instagram page at @blade_
places—such as the ricasso and guard magazine, and on Facebook and Twitter.
face—to minimize the changes to the For more information contact Jordan
guard fit. Though not flawless, the final LaMothe, Dept. BL12, 1317 Count
guard transitions were very clean on both
the front and back faces (Figures 5 and 6).
From this point forward, finishing the
Michael Price-style knife was a fairly
typical progression of fitting the handle
materials and shaping them to meet the
tang, making sure to properly mask the
carefully sanded faces. After shaping
the handle, I added the filework to the
tang, bluing and polishing as my design
required. After every piece had received
its final finish, I glued them all together
with epoxy and added three piened
nickel-silver pins to complete the knife
(Figure 7).
LEARNING & RE-LEARNING

The process of making a knife such as this
requires more forethought and planning
than most techniques that involve fitting
a guard after all the forging is complete. It
is also considerably more difficult to meet
the high standards of fit and finish that
are to be expected on today’s handmade
knives. Working from a drawing helped
to keep all aspects of the knife consistent
with my desired result. Even so, reasoning
out the order of polishing was still
crucial, because each step limited access
to certain places on the knife.
Such an inflexible order of operations
begs the question, “Why use this process
at all in our modern day and age?” If
form, fit and finish are the primary goals,
then using frame-handle construction
would, indeed, give more reliable results
for a knife of this shape. Additionally, it
would be impossible to use this guard
technique on any asymmetrical handles
that flare directly after the guard.
From a practical standpoint, one
answer is that forging the tang after
slotting the guard is an expedient way to
make a symmetrical handle without the
meticulous and time-intensive machining
that frame-handle construction requires.
Perhaps more importantly, however,
practicing historical techniques shows

FO OD FIG HT ER S | BY ABE ELIAS BLADE® FIELD EDITOR
IMAGES BY THE AUTHOR
Controlling an edge is important to making consistent cuts. If you want

a good meal, the food must be cut consistently to ensure the flavor is
the same in every bite. The Santa Fe Stoneworks Hammered Damascus
Santoku does the honors.
LET’S DICE!
PUT ON YOUR CUTTING SHOES WITH 4 HOT FACTORY CHEF’S-TYPE KNIVES

I
n terms of popularity among knife
aficionados, especially in the custom
realm, chef ’s knives are hotter than
a steak fresh off the grill. Some range
from functional art to almost practical
tactical. However, what about those on
the factory side?
Four of the latest production chef ’s
knives or chef ’s-type knives include the
Hammered Damascus Santoku from
Santa Fe Stoneworks (SFS), TOPS Dicer
8 Chef ’s Knife, Ontario Agilite Santoku
and V-nives Emerald Chef ’s Knife. I used
them in the kitchen to cut everything
from apples to zucchini. Let’s dice!
LOOKING GOOD
Before I could even use it, I had to
appreciate the fit and finish on the handle
of the Hammered Damascus Santoku
from Santa Fe Stoneworks. The scales are
jet and mammoth ivory with steel liners
and bolster. The handle is not highly
contoured but it created no hot spots
on my hand. If you want to impress and
enter into a game of one-up-man-ship in
the kitchen, make your friends jealous by
showing them one of these.
I must say, though, there were a couple
of issues with the blade. There seemed to
be some dried epoxy on one side and the
edge toward the tip had some ripples in it. From left, with manufacturer’s suggested retail prices in parentheses: TOPS Dicer 8 Chef’s
It was the first time I had ever used an SFS, Knife ($250); Ontario Agilite Santoku ($62.95); Santa Fe Stoneworks Hammered Damascus
so I can’t say if the issues are common. Santoku ($240); and V-nives Emerald Chef’s Knife ($80).
What I would classify as a midsize
santoku, the blade is 7 inches long.
Overall length: 12 inches. Not overly
big yet not small, it fits right into what
I call a standard three-knife set. If you
want three patterns to make cooking
easy, make them chef ’s-style, boning and
paring knives. With a set of three there
isn’t much you can’t do in a kitchen.
Santa Fe puts a nice, thin grind on the
blade, making it an impressive cutter. The
edge held up during testing. However, as
has been my experience with stainless
steel damascus, don’t expose it to moisture
for very long or the edge will deteriorate.
The knife’s balance is good but the edge
has a bit too much curve/belly for my
liking. Dedicated knife users often get
used to a typical presentation of a style.
I am more accustomed to a santoku with
less of a curve so I can take full advantage A good knife such as the V-nives Emerald Chef’s Knife can
of the tip-down cutting method. become like a part of your hand as you get used to it. It becomes
The company includes information on easy to perform chores such as slicing, dicing and chopping.
the noble beast from which the handle

FO O D FI GHT E R S |
SFS VNIVES
ONTARIO
TOPS HAMMERED EMERALD
AGILITE
DICER 8 DAMASCUS CHEF’S
SANTOKU
SANTOKU KNIFE
OVERALL LENGTH 12.25" 12.25" 12" 13.27"
BLADE LENGTH 7.5" 6.5" 7" 7.87"
Stainless
CPM S35VN 14C28N 8Cr13MoV
BLADE STEEL damascus, Seki
stainless stainless stainless
Japan
Molded
Black-and- plastic w/ Mammoth Nylon and
HANDLE
blue G-10 rubber tooth w/jet fiberglass
overlay
material came and instructions for knife style. As the edge line goes there is
care. Do not put the knife in a dishwasher plenty of belly for draw cuts, chopping
or soak it in soapy water, and keep it in its and rocking. The only beef I have is I
presentation box when not in use. wish the grind were thinner. The knife
performed very well—surprisingly well,
CHOPPIN’ ’n ROCKIN’ in fact, considering the blade’s thickness.
If any maker can make you feel all bad I just can’t help but think how much more
and tactical in the kitchen it is TOPS wicked the blade would cut if it were a bit
Knives. Out of the field, I would have to thinner. It’s a good design and if you need
say the TOPS Dicer 8 Chef ’s Knife has the a knife to operate an army mess or defend
most highly contoured handle. It has a it, the Dicer 8 might be for you.
great primary grip and a pinch grip detail
at the front of the black-and-blue G-10 NICE ’n THIN
scales. The sheath is Kydex. The santoku model is not my first
TOPS uses CPM S35VN stainless experience with Ontario’s Agilite line. I
blade steel and a full-tang design. The have reviewed Agilite knives before and it
blade profile is a traditional European has been my everyday kitchen knife line
style. Toward the tip it gets a bit stylized, since I first got it. Until now I have had
sharing some ground with a santoku the Agilite paring and large chef ’s knives.
With a good, sharp edge and

some weight, the TOPS Dicer
8 Chef’s Knife has chopping
power for firm vegetables. As
you start the chop, you get
that satisfying pop that clears
the medallions.

FREE KNIFE CATALOG
A complete catalog of knives, including
Damascus, collectors knives, tactical and
work knives, and much more!
The Ontario Agilite Santoku’s edge and its little curve may not give you that stacking line to
move your blade along. Nonetheless, it does make it simple to gang some produce up in a line
and cut through it with just a subtle motion.
To request a free catalog of
The santoku features a traditional Agilite knives sit in and run through the knives, visit our website at
blade profile with a low tip and little belly. dishwasher, I have had no issues. Some
Agilite blades are expertly ground nice people prefer a heavier knife as they put
www.bokerusa.com or call
and thin. In terms of their edge holding, I the effort into lifting it and the weight 1-800-835-6433
rarely have to take a stone or rod to them. helps with the cut on the way down. If
The handle is molded plastic over a you like heavy handles on your kitchen
stick tang. Wrapped around the handle knives as some people do, this is not the
is a black rubber sleeve. Having let my knife for you.

FO OD FIG HT ER S |
As the name suggests, Agilite knives

The faux-hammered
faux hammered look combined are both light and nimble. Gripping the
with the stainless damascus really Agilite is a pleasure. The handle is not
sets off the presentation of the
Santa Fe Stoneworks santoku. The contoured but Ontario employs a vertical
play with the lines and contours of taper that helps provide control and fit
the steel are very eye catching. a user’s grip (variations in hand size, of
course, will affect the fit).
A bit of a drawback with the design for
me is that the top of the handle is not flat
but close enough that if you put the knife
down on its spine, it will rest there blade
edge up. In a kitchen when you are a bit
rushed, that could prove to be dangerous.
Other than that safety concern, the
santoku and the other knives in the Agilite
line are performers and sure to please.
TECH-TAC HYBRID
The V-nives Emerald Chef ’s knife has a
look that is a cross between high tech and
tactical. There is nothing standard about
the knife at all, from the blade profile to
handle contouring. The grip is a nylon
fiberglass material formed around a hidden
tang. Handle contouring is an unusual set
of panels designed to provide a variety of
platforms for controlling the edge. At the
front is a series of two contours that create
a space for both the index finger and
thumb during the common pinch hold for
chopping. The use of both the fiberglass
At the front of the V-nives model,
two platforms facilitate a solid
nylon and hidden tang makes the knife
purchase on a pinch grip. Having
a proper surface to rest the pads
of your fingers on provides the
opportunity for precise control.
It can be difficult to find a compromise in

a grind on a kitchen knife for thin cuts, yet
have enough angle to get the food to clear
the sides of the blade without sticking.
TOPS provides a great deal of contour to the When cutting ductile and wet material it is
handle of the Dicer 8. The contouring makes it easy for things to cling to the sides of the
comfortable to hold. blade. The Santa Fe Stoneworks santoku is
the cutup here.

The Agilite handle is a molded
plastic with rubber overlay. A The front taper on the Dicer 8’s black-and-
straightforward grip, it gives you blue G-10 handle makes it simple and
the right amount of control. comfy to form a pinch grip.
For the contact information for the knives

in the story see “Where To Get ’Em” on
page 71.
very light and nimble. get a new kitchen knife and it just isn’t For the latest knives, knife news, trends
Regarding the blade profile, the edge doing quite what you want, that doesn’t and more visit blademag.com, BLADE®’s
line and flat grind present a standard knife. mean it is a bad knife. Spend some time, popular Instagram page at @blade_
A different approach seems to be the spine show it a little tender loving care and set magazine, and on Facebook and Twitter.
profile, where a short, abrupt clip angle up that edge. All the test models are good
keeps the tip just on the centerline. performers that will put food on any table.
All in all, the knife did well in the
kitchen. Out of the box it was sharp—not
hair-popping sharp but sharp enough
to wade its way into evening meal prep.
The thin, flat grind is executed well and
after a quick run on the strop, the knife KNIFE AND GUN FINISHING SUPPLIES
performed even better.
Order Line Customer Service
1-800-972-1192 928-537-8877
SPEND SOME TIME
A good kitchen knife can change meal Stabilizing – - Our Specialty since 1990
preparation from a chore to a pleasure.
I tend to work with a knife as is out of
the box. Over the years, though, I have
Blades Guards Handles Solder Books Adhesives
noticed, perhaps more so with kitchen
knife reviews, that the performance How To Grinders Belts DC Etching Buffers
upgrade of a blade greatly increases with DVD’s Motors Machines
a little extra care. Consequently, if you
Buffs Horn Ivory Bone Flitz Scribes
Screws Taps Drills Sheaths Pommels Rivets
Stabilized Knife Hermes Steel & 416 1080
Wood Cases Abrasives Blades Stainless Steel
CM 154 440C 1095 D2 Pure
Powdered Nickel
Steel
The V-nives Emerald keeps the tip centered 1972 Forest Ave www.knifeandgun.com
on the overall blade profile and adds a bit
Lakeside AZ 85929 csinfo@knifeandgun.com
of style.

HANDL E DESI GN | BY DANIEL JACKSON
A Ha
THE BIRD’S-BEAK HANNDLE HAS

BEEN AROUND FOR CENTURIES—
AND FOR GOOD REASON
While many makers make a bird’s-beak handle

with a dense hardwood, Paul DiStefano (inset)
took a risk on a material that has a repu utation
of being temperamental: ancient walrus
Blade length and material: 12 inches and 500
layers of 1095 carbon and 15N20 nickel alloy
steels. His list price for a similar knife: $1,800.
0
(SharpByCoop knife image)

Greg Keith (inset) described the handle provides a more he noticed the universal nature of the
on his damascus bowie as a hybrid design controlled grip for the knife. After seeing a series of historical
combining a bird’s beak and a Colt .45 hand,” he noted. “The pictures of seaxes (page 60), he saw the
Peacemaker pistol grip. Blade and overall contour snugs around similarities. The knifemaker from Beebe,
lengths: 9 and 14 inches. Handle: Desert
ironwood. His list price for a similar knife: the little finger, keeping Arkansas who hunts deer and works
$1,100. (SharpByCoop knife image) the knifee from slipping forward as a physical therapist completed the
while in use.” knife just before BLADE Show 2019.
The resu ult, combined with a Like many of his knives, he aimed for a
balanced knife,
k is a tool that feels forged finish—a technique that tolerates
like an extension of the hand. few mistakes. “[The finish is] a full 360
degrees around the ricasso, just as it came
HISTORICA AL PRECEDENT off the anvil,” he noted.
It wasn’t until after Tad Lynch had Lynch first explored bird’s-beak
finished his collabboration on the design handles during a course at the New
for his Irish Traveler fighter with a friend England School of Metalwork, where
and collector fromm Northern Ireland that instructor/ABS master smith Timothy
G
iven the practicality and curves of
the bird’s-beak handle, it is small
wonder that it is quite the popular
grip among today’s knifemakers. In fact, the
design resembling a bird’s head with a short
beak at the butt of the handle has appeared
in many cultures over many centuries.
“You see it in different variations on
Persian daggers and swords,” said North
Carolina knifemaker Ken Hall. “Also,
some kukris have the ‘hook’ in the handle.
In American knives you see it in some of
the Buck knife designs.”
When the ABS journeyman smith with
11 years of experience is not forging in the
Smoky Mountains, he raises honeybees,
hikes and teaches others the craft. He
made a bowie in January in preparation
for an ABS master smith test that had to be
pushed back because of a bicycle accident.
He picked the bird’s-beak handle
design because it pairs well with large
knives, especially those with recurve or
clip-point blades. A big block of wood Tad Lynch (inset) indicated that crafting a good bird’s-beak design requires practice and the
large enough to develop the butt’s shape courage to push things. His Irish Traveler Fighter features a handle of koa, a 9-inch blade of
is one of the best material sizes for the W2 tool steel with hamon and is 14 inches overall. His list price for a similar knife starts at
design, Hall explained. “The bird’s beak $1,100. (SharpByCoop knife image)

HANDL E DESI GN |
Potier handeed out templates with the

design to stud dents. Over time, Tad drew
inspiration fo or the design from other
makers as welll.
The bird’s-b beak handle can come with
a lot of variations, ranging from the
handle dropp ping below the line of the
knife, which can
c limit the ways the knife
can be held, to something straighter.
For the Irishh Traveler Lynch wanted a
knife that woould handle easy and quick.
“Straighter is quicker,” he remarked.
“I absolutely love historic bowies,
and there are great examples of the
evolution of handles in those knives,
many of which are still used today. But
Ken Hall employs the bird’s-beak handle design in general,” he
h qualified, “I see the fully
because it pairs well with large knives, especially
those with recurve or clip-point blades. His clip-
contoured hid dden-tang handle as a more
point bowie has a 10.25-inch blade of a laddered modern app proach.”
W’s damascus pattern forged from 1075 carbon He add ded that crafting a good bird’s-
and 15N20 nickel alloy steels. Handle material: beak design requires practice and
stabilized curly koa. Overall length: 15.5 inches. th
he courage to push things.
The maker’s list price for a similar piece: $1,800.
(SharpByCoop knife image) “I think makers get scared
of removing too much
m
material, afraid of getting into
the tang hole or whatever,”
Lynch observed. “Don’t be
a
afraid to take material off
u
until it is right. Otherwise, it’s
heavy and clunky.”
Ismael Biegelmeier chose giraffe bone for the bird’s-
beak handle of his forged fixed blade. The 8-inch
blade is a six-bar Turkish damascus in a Spirograph SOLID MAT TERIAL KEY
pattern. (Caleb Royer image) ABS journeyyman smith Greg Keith was
looking for a knife that would challenge
him and show wcase his skill. The full-time
smith frrom Nova Scotia, Canada,
tturnedd to a damascus clip blade
and a bird’s-beak hybrid design
to rise to the occasion. It was
a haandle he said influenced
everythhing that followed: guard,
fulller and blade.
“Trad dition
nally, a bird’s-beak handle
has a ssharp, dramatic downward turn
at the end off the handle in order to stop
your haand frrom turning or slipping off,”
he explplained d. “My modified version is
more o of a hybrid, combining a bird’s
beak an nd a Colt .45 Peacemaker pistol
grip. The
Th knife can be held firmly with
maximu um control and not slip in the
hand du uring use.”
When n making a bird’s-beak handle,
ABS master smith James Rodebaugh incorporated a Keith said a solid material is key—one
groove toward the rear of the handle to accentuate that can n stand up to the sculpting the
the bird’s-bear design on his harpoon-pattern fixed d
design demands. He used his favorite
blade. (SharpByCoop image)
material, ironwood, for his featured knife.
“I find my blade designs and handle

styles evolve over time,” he stated.
“I constantly try to make changes,
sometimes dramatic, sometimes subtle, in
order to help the feel, flow and aesthetics,
while not forgetting that function is the
number one concern.”
“THE CONTOUR SNUGS

AROUND THE LITTLE FIN-
GER, KEEPING THE KNIFE
FROM SLIPPING FORWARD
WHILE IN USE.”
— KEN HALL
Keith carved a curved fuller in

the blade to echo the curved handle.
First, he used a rotary tool. He then
progressed to files and, finally, sanding
stones. The overall result is a knife with
Treat yourself with with the beauty, class and edge retention of these
luxury powder steel folders.
Visit www.fallkniven.com for more information.

U1
PRODUCT DETAILS: U1 TK3ic P3Gic
Total length (mm) 148 165 180

Total length (Folded) 86 95 103
Blade length (mm) 64 70 77
Blade thickness (mm) 2,5 2,5 3
Weight (knife) 77g 100g 75g
ic
TK3
%ODGHSURȴOH)ODWJULQG)ODWJULQG)ODWJULQG
Steel 3G 3G 3G
Hardness (HRC) 62 62 62
Handle material Redwood Desert Desert
Ironwood Ironwood
US distributors:
www.blueridgeknives.com
ic
www.motengna.com P3G
www.jboutman.com
Visit us at the IWA

Outdoor Classics in
ʓłČƥîęÒĭČÒĭĭĪĸęƐúĸ Nuremberg 6-9 of
www.fallkniven.com March 2020!
info@fallkniven.se
FallknivenSweden

HA N D L E D ES IG N |
NC Tool Company Inc
6133 Hunt Rd Pleasant Garden, NC 27313
336-674-5654 | 800-446-6498
www.nctoolco.com Don Sylvest’s Natchez Fighter offers cu
urves that ripple from
the bird’s-beak handle design in
b to tip.
butt
bright golden maple burl. Blade
length and steel: 4 7/8 inches and
CPM 154 stainless. Overall length: A NATURAL LOOK
9.25 inches. (Caleb Royer image) P
Paul DiStefano also
wanted d a knife to display at the
BLADE Show.S The EMT with the
Fire Departm ment of the City of New
York got a forgge press two weeks prior to
the show before h he made his first damascus
NC Knifemaker 21 Gas Forge knife. Working in a cluttered, one-car
-Easy on fuel garage on Staten Island, he toiled long
-Reaches welding temperature hours to form th he blade from 500 layers.
“I absolutely lovee the look of chatoyance in
NC Knifemaker Anvil
-Classic traditional design
-Shipping weight 70 lbs
A Bladesmithing Combination
Place Your Order Today!
Black linen Micarta® with red liners

comprises the bird’s-beak handle of Marcus
Lin’s Loveless semi-skinner in a 3.75-inch
blade of Stellite 6K. Overall length: 8 3/16
inches. The engraving is by Alvin Chewiwi.
(Caleb Royer image)

damascus when it’s a high layer count,” the
25-year-old ABS apprentice smith said.
DiStefano primarily makes big knives—
that is, blades no shorter than a foot. They
often come with a big S-guard and many
just so happen to have a bird’s-beak handle.
DiStefano had no knifemaker nearby
to teach him the bird’s-beak design. “I
had seen pictures of master smith knives
that featured it, so I figured the makers
had to be incorporating it for a reason,”
he related. “After I tried it on one knife I
thought, ‘Wow! This is so comfortable, I
need to explore the handle shape more.’”
“TRY A BIRD’S BEAK WITH

SMOOTH, ROUNDED CON-
TOURS AND YOU’LL NEVER
GO BACK.”
— PAUL DISTEFANO
While many knifemakers make a bird’s-

beak handle with a dense hardwood,
DiStefano took a risk on a material that

has a reputation of being temperamental:
ancient walrus ivory.
“The key is to use a fresh, sharp belt to
keep the heat down,” he pointed out. “I
normally go about 85 to 90 percent on
the grinder, but the ivory was cooperative
and shaped perfectly—easier than most
woods I’ve used.” The result was a natural-
looking handle that slipped into the hand.

“I see so many knife handles that are
blocky, rectangular and have hard edges.
I couldn’t imagine that such a handle
is comfortable when gripping it hard
and using it for an extended period of
time,” he advised. “Try a bird’s beak with
smooth, rounded contours and you’ll
never go back. It will be one of the most
comfortable handles you’ve ever held.”

in the story see “Where To Get ’Em” on AND FIND YOUR NEW KNIFE
page 71.
For the latest knives, knife news, trends



KNI FE TR ENDS | BY DAVE RHEA
LIGHTWEIGHT, SKELETONIZED
FOLDERS REDUCE WEIGHT
AND VOLUME IN A BACKPACK
OR POCKET
Four of the latest example of minimalist

knife design, from left: Bear Minimal
Frame Lock Folder, Leatherman
Skeletool KBx Blue, Kershaw Decibel
and Buck Vertex 418.

LEATHERMAN
SKELETOOL KBX
BLADE LENGTH: 2.6”
BLADE STEEL: 420HC stainless
HANDLE MATERIAL: Type II
anodized aluminum in a selection
of colors
LOCK: Linerlock
SPECIAL FEATURE: Bottle opener
built into pocket clip
CLOSED LENGTH: 3.45”
MSRP: $24.95
carabiner on the butt end.

The slender drop-point blade delivers
According to Leatherman’s Jeremy
the necessary cutting abilities users
Rodriguez, the most difficult
component to incorporate into the generally require on the trail, and the
Skeletool KBx was the bottle opener, compact size reduces weight and saves
here on the stainless model. valuable space, Griffey pointed out.
Space and weight weren’t the only
considerations, he added. Bear customers
W
hen it comes to general outdoor someone can carry into the backcountry wanted an affordably priced knife in the
activities like hiking, camping, without adding more weight.” category, and, by using the least amount
hunting and fishing, a current The Minimal Frame Lock Folder is of materials to create the Minimal, the
trend is to carry a knife that fulfills one of the new designs from Bear Edge,
typical needs through the streamlining a division of Bear & Son that provides a
of materials and design, thereby reducing more affordable line of offerings. The ultra- KERSHAW DECIBEL
weight and saving space. For lack of a lightweight folder is about as minimalist as
better term, call it a minimalist knife. it gets. The handle consists of an exposed BLADE LENGTH: 3”
“The old saying ‘ounces equal pounds aluminum frame on one side that is so BLADE STEEL: 8Cr13MoV stainless
and pounds equal pain’ is true, especially thin it looks like the liner of a regular-sized HANDLE MATERIAL: Stainless steel
for those that hike,” explained Matt Griffey, folder. A small strip of checkered G-10 BLADE AND HANDLE FINISH:
vice president of Bear & Son Cutlery and forms the scale on the other side, which
son of company founder/president Ken also wraps around to form the handle Titanium carbonitride coating
Griffey. “The overall design of the Minimal spine. Notch cutouts in both materials LOCK: Framelock
Frame Lock Folder offers a cutting tool that allow for a clever feature—a handy folding CLOSED LENGTH: 3.75”
MSRP $65.99
With its dark gray titanium-carbonitride coating on both blade and handle, and an eye-catching
blue pivot collar and backspacer, the Decibel exudes a come-hither look.

KNI FE TR ENDS |
The black handle of the Buck Vertex gives the folder more of a
BUCK VERTEX 418 tactical look. The pocket clip provides tip-up carry and is removable.
Blade thickness: .085 inch. Weight: 1.9 ounces.
BLADE LENGTH: 3”
BLADE STEEL: 420 HC stainless headed up to Chimney Rock in the EXTRA-STRONG COFFEE
HANDLE MATERIAL: Selkirk Range,” she said, speaking of No newcomer to the minimalist trend,
Anodized aluminum the mountainous area north of the Buck Leatherman introduced a knife version
LOCK: Linerlock Knives factory in Post Falls, Idaho. to its already-popular Skeletool multi-
“Cutting the extra out and reducing it tool. As with its progenitor, the Skeletool
to the minimal version of a functional KBx is a small, lightweight, skeletonized
MSRP: $45 knife is what several of our Buck folder perfect for those seeking to
employees were requesting.” reduce weight and volume in a backpack
company kept the overall cost of the build The Buck Vertex 418 is a lightweight, or pocket.
down, which equates to a much more skeletonized folder that features a “The market responded really well to
economical price. wharncliffe-style blade. An added safety the minimalist design of the Skeletool,”
“It’s a challenge because of the choice component is an integral guard.
of materials you have to work with while “[The guard] limits index finger access
keeping the cost and weight as little as during normal use,” she professed. “It BEAR MINIMAL
possible,” he said. “We are very satisfied also prevents any accidental unlocking FRAME LOCK FOLDER
with the end results and believe our by the index finger during twisting
customers will be too.” motions. The emphasis on safety and BLADE LENGTH: 2.5” and 3.25”
reduction in weight makes it a good model options
IDEA FARMING option for those who are up in the hills, BLADE STEEL: 440 stainless
Acknowledging that minimalist knives miles away from civilization.” HANDLE MATERIALS: Aluminum
represent a popular industry trend, Buck Rogers said a reduction in material
Knives media spokesperson Rachel Rogers doesn’t necessarily make the knife less
and G-10
added that part of Buck’s motivation for expensive to produce. “In this case, less LOCK: Linerlock
producing such a folder comes from what is more,” she opined. “The less material SPECIAL FEATURE: Folding
she called “internal idea farming.” results in more manufacturing costs. carabiner
“Some of our older knives have In a different way, less material is more
CLOSED LENGTH: 3.25” and 4”
beautiful polished brass bolsters, but performance. It’s a fair trade that results
they are also hard on the legs when in a good value for the customer.” model options
MSRPs: $19.99 and $24.49,
respectively
Notch cutouts in the butt end of the G-10 handle and aluminum frame of the Bear Minimal
Frame Lock Folder make room for a neat feature—a folding carabiner.

THE AMERICAN BLADESMITH SOCIETY
Preserving the art

of the forged blade since 1976
tŚĂƚĚŽĞƐǇŽƵƌĨƵƚƵƌĞŚŽůĚ͍
ůĂĚĞƐŵŝƚŚŝŶŐ͍
&RXUVHVIRU
^DĂƐƚĞƌ^ŵŝƚŚ:ĂŵĞƐZŽĚĞďĂƵŐŚ
EHJLQQHUVWR
DGYDQFHGVPLWKVDUH
DYDLODEOHDW$%6
VDQFWLRQHGVFKRROV
DQGGHPRQVWUDWLRQV
DUHJLYHQDWZHHNHQG
VHPLQDUVDURXQGWKH
FRXQWU\DQGDEURDG
&KHFNXVRXW
ǁǁǁ͘ĂŵĞƌŝĐĂŶďůĂĚĞƐŵŝƚŚ͘ĐŽŵ;ĐůŝĐŬŽŶ^ĐŚŽŽůƐĂŶĚEĞǁƐͿ
Leave it to
KƌĐĂůůŝŶĚǇ^ŚĞĞůǇĂƚϰϭϵͲϴϯϮͲϬϰϬϬ
Leatherman to offer
cool graphics where
need be—here with the
opened-bottle symbol
on the combo pocket
clip/bottle opener of the
Skeletool KBx Green.
remarked Jeremy Rodriguez, Leatherman

Tool Group product marketing manager.
“Our designers wanted to take the same
approach and create a simplistic, easy-to-
carry pocketknife.”
He added that customer feedback was a
motivation for introducing the KB (non-
serrated) and KBx (serrated) models,
but it was also the passion among the
Leatherman designers. “We actually had
concepts and mockups drawn up for
years before finally deciding to add it to
the lineup,” he noted.
The design engineers must have had
extra-strong coffee on the day they
designed this one, because they included
a feature incorporated into the belt clip
that anyone who camps, hikes or fishes
knows they will need—a bottle opener!
Rodriguez said company founder/
BLADE Magazine Cutlery Hall-Of-
Fame® member Tim Leatherman sets
high standards, and the designers didn’t
want to just make a pocketknife for

KNI FE TR ENDS |
oth
her smaller Kershaws. Rather,
Another minimalist design in the Buck line is the Apex
818 in a 2 5/8-inch drop-point blade of titanium-coated according to Andrew Keel, Kai-
420HC stainless steel, carbon fiber handle, and carabiner UUSA product designer, the knife
with integrated bottle opener and pocket clip. Weight: 1.7 iis all about the looks.
ounces. Closed length: 3.75 inches. MSRP: $45. “We really wanted to design
sommething that was different
from alll the other knives out there,”
acknowleedged Keel, designer of
the Deccibel. “We were looking for
somethin ng really different and very
modern in knife design.”
The D Decibel is just that. With its
straight lines, contoured cutouts, dark
gray titaanium-carbonitride coating on
both blaade and handle, and an eye-
catching blue pivot collar and backspacer,
the Decib bel offers a come-hither look.
Keel eexplained that Kai-USA knife
designerss find inspiration just about
h and from anything. Once they
anywhere
the sake of making one. “We wanted to GIANT NERD KNIFE? have a concept, they start sketching until
ensure it was distinctly Leatherman,” Another offering in the minimalist they get something that looks and feels
Jeremy continued. “Interestingly enough, genre, though a few steps away from the right. What felt right to Keel? Being a self-
the hardest component to design on the motivations mentioned already, is the described “giant nerd.”
tool was actually the bottle opener!” Kershaw Decibel. In terms of weight, the “As I was working on what would
Decibel isn’t that much different from become the Decibel, I looked to some
www.blacksmithsdepot.com
Leatherman’s
Kayne and Son Skeletool KBx
100 Daniel Ridge Rd Candler NC 28715 USA Stainless model
looks as good closed
PHONE: 828-667-8868 as it does open—
maybe even better.
International Shipping available • Inquiries Welcome

M
M · BADER · BALDOR · BURR KING · DEERFOS · DAMASTEEL · DYNABRADE · ELECTRO CHE E
·3
TCH · EVENHEAT · HARDCORE PRODUCTS

©
HERMES · KALAMAZOO · KLINGSPOR ·

of the things that inspire me a lot,” he
recalled “I have to admit that I’m a giant
nerd, so I went to some of my own favorite
sci-fi, like Blade Runner, Star Wars and
Guardians of the Galaxy.”
He pitched the initial sketch to the 760 East Francis Street, Unit N (909) 923-4116
Ontario, California 91761 trugritinc@gmail.com
sales department, he recalled, and they ABRASIVE BELTS, BLOCKS, DISCS, PADS, ROLLS, STONES & WHEELS ∙ ADHESIVES ∙ BLADE BLANKS ∙
liked that the sci-fi-inspired design might BUFFERS ∙ BUFFING WHEELS ∙ CARBON FIBER ∙ COMPOUNDS ∙ DAMASCUS ∙ ETCHING SUPPLIES ∙ KILNS ∙
appeal to non-knife people as well as GRINDERS ∙ HANDLE MATERIALS ∙ HARDWARE ∙ HEAT TREATING PRODUCTS & SERVICES ∙ KNIFE CASES ∙
KYDEX ∙ LINERS ∙ MACHINES & ACCESSORIES ∙ MOSAIC PINS ∙ PARTS ∙ SAFETY PRODUCTS ∙
knife enthusiasts. SCOTCH-BRITE ∙ SHARPENING SUPPLIES ∙ SHEETS ∙ STEELS ∙ TITANIUM & MUCH MORE
M TM ·
Nerdy sci-fi fan—this writer is guilty E RIT · NORTON · PEARL · STANDARD ABRASIVES · SURGI-SHARP · VSM · WALTER · WILTON
of that, too—or not, the Kershaw Decibel
offers a handy, lightweight fashion
statement that can make the cut in almost
any situation.

Death stalks America’s wildlands. Indiscriminate destroyers of people, wildlife and
in the story see “Where To Get ’Em” on the environment, cartel marijuana growers will do anything to supply the black-
page 71. market demand for weed.
Here’s the under-reported story of how California’s special operations game
wardens are taking on clandestine crime organizations in a struggle that cuts
For the latest knives, knife news, trends across political ideologies about marijuana legalization.
and more visit blademag.com, BLADE®’s This isn’t a book about a conflict in a faraway country; it’s a wake-up call. While
debates about border security continue to rage, and with stories about legal and
popular Instagram page at @blade_ illegal marijuana in the news daily, Hidden War forces an astonishing dose of reality
magazine, and on Facebook and Twitter. into the public consciousness.
To Order direct from the publisher, call 920.471.4522

Product No. R8033
Custom Knife Show 2020
APRIL 3-4
FORT WORTH STOCK YARDS
THE STAMPEDE ROOM
FEATURED GUESTS
Knifemaker’s Guild and American Bladesmith Society
Hyatt Place – Fort Worth

132 E. Exchange Ave., Fort Worth, TX 76164
www.icceshow.com
SHOW C ALEN DA R | 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.
NOVEMBER 2020 M A RC H 21 L I T T L E RO C K , A R
Arkansas Custom Knife Show, Statehouse
NOV. 1-3 PORT L A N D, OR T he 2nd Convention Center. For more information
A n nu a l BL A DE Show We s t , O re gon JANUARY call 870-279-7329 or visit arknife.com.*
Convention Center. The latest in custom JA N. 10 -12 INDIA NAPOLIS, IN Indy
a nd factor y k nives, awa rds for sa me, M A RCH 27-28 GODFR EY, IL Bu n ker
1500 Gun & Knife Show, Indiana State
demos, seminars a nd more. For more Hill Knife Club Show, Alton-Wood River
Fairgrounds. Contact World Class Gun
information visit bladeshowwest.com and/ Sportsmen’s Club. Contact Tim Bryant
Shows, PO Box 14194, Oklahoma City, OK
or contact bladeshow.com.* ** 618-531-0011 tbryant@yahoo.com.*
73113 405-340-1333 indy1500.com.
NOV. 1-3 PIGEON FORGE, TN Voyles M A R C H 2 7- 2 9 J A N E S V I L L E , W I
J A N . 21-2 4 L A S V E G A S , N V T h e
Knife Show, Smoky Mountain Convention Badger Knife Club Knife Show, Holiday
42nd Shooting, Hunting and Outdoor
C e nt e r, 8 6 5 - 9 0 8 -3 015 h t t p s : // w w w. In n E x press. C ontac t Bob Schrap
Trade (SHOT) Show, Sa nds Expo a nd
mypigeonforge.com/event/voyles-knife- 414-479-9765 badgerknifeclub@aol.com,
Convention Center. For the trade only.
show.* badgerknifeclub.com.*
Visit ht tps://w w w.lasvegashow to.com/
shot-show-las-vegas for more information.
N OV. 2 S A N DI E G O, C A T h e A r t APRIL
K nife Inv itat iona l, Sheraton Hotel JAN. 24-25 LAS VEGAS, NV Las Vegas
S a n D i e g o B ay s i d e Tow e r. C o nt a c t Cu s tom K n i fe S how, Pa l a c e St at ion A PR I L 3 - 4 FORT WORT H , T X
artknifeinvitational@gmail.com, Hotel & Casino. For more information International Custom Cutlery Exposition
ArtKnifeInvitational.com.* visit fiftyfiftyproductions.net/las-vegas- 2020 (ICCE), Stockyard Station, Stampede
custom-knife-show-info.* Ro om, Hy at t Pl ac e Hotel . For more
NOV. 2-3 MT. VER NON, IL The 37t h information contact ICCE, Dept. BL11,
Annual Mt. Vernon Knife Show, Roland JAN. 25-26 ST. LOUIS, MO Gateway Area POB 1461, Addison, TX 75001 972-839-
L ew is C om mu n it y Bu i ld i ng. C ont ac t K nife Club, Car penters Ha l l. Contact 1609 info@icceshow.com, icceshow.com.*
Nancy Hancock, Dept. BL4, 12193 Turner Steve Markus 314-795-4262 smarkus@
Dr., Mt. Vernon, IL 62864 618-242-4514 gakc.org, gakc.org.* APR IL 3-5 MCCALLA, AL The
jcckc1982@yahoo.com.* 32 nd A n nu a l B at s on B l a d e s m it h i n g
JA N. 31-FEB. 2 L A K EL A N D, FL T he Sy mposiu m & K ni fe Show, Ta n nehi l l
NOV. 3 M A R L BORO, M A Ma rlboro, 42nd A nnua l Gator Cut ler y Club Ironwork s Histor ic a l State Pa rk . For
M a s s a c hu s e t t s K n i fe S how, Hol id ay Custom, Modern & Antique Knife Show, more information contact Jim Batson
Inn. Contact Ly nn Cain 978-249-6070 RP Funding Center (formerly Lakeland james.l.batson@gmail.com.* **
lynnster29@aol.com.* Center). Contact Dan Piergallini 813-754-
39 0 8 or 813 -9 67-1471 c o ol n i fe d a d @ APRIL 4-5 TULSA, OK Wanenmacher’s
NOV. 8 -10 I N DI A NA POLIS , I N Indy Tu lsa Arms Show, Tu lsa Fairgrounds.
1500 Gun & Knife Show, Indiana State wildblue.net, gatorcutlery.com.*
C o n t a c t m a i l @ t u l s a a r m s s h o w. c o m ,
Fairgrounds. Contact World Class Gun 918-492-0401 mail@tulsaarmsshow.com,
Shows, PO Box 14194, Oklahoma City, OK FEBRUARY tulsaarmsshow.com.
73113 405-340-1333 indy1500.com. FEB. 8-9 VENICE, FL Venice Gun & Knife
A PR I L 18 HON OLU LU, H I H aw a i i
NOV. 9-10 TULSA, OK Wanenmacher’s Show, Venice Community Center, hosted
C u s t o m K n i f e & Ta c t i c a l S h o w .
Tu lsa Arms Show, Tu lsa Fairgrounds. by Florida Gun Expo. Contact Florida
C o n t a c t J a m e s S e t o 8 0 8 -3 9 8 - 0 2 0 8
C o n t a c t m a i l @ t u l s a a r m s s h o w. c o m , Gun Expo 305-922-3677 f loridagunexpo@
hawaiiknifeshow@gmail.com.
918-492-0401 mail@tulsaarmsshow.com, gmail.com, f loridagunexpo.com.
tulsaarmsshow.com. A PR IL 18-19 EUGENE , OR T he 43rd
FEB. 15 NASHVILLE, TN Tactical Knife
A nnua l Oregon K ni fe Col lectors
NOV. 2 2-2 3 J E R SE Y C I T Y, N J Ne w Invitational, The Cannery Ballroom. For
Associat ion Show, Ex hibit Ha l l, La ne
York Custom Knife Show, The Westin more information call 417-866-6688 or
Events Center and Fairgrounds. Contact
Jersey City Newport, Newport visit f if ty f if ty productions.net/tactical-
Dennis Ellingsen 541-484-5564 okca@
Ba l lroom. For more information v isit knife-invitational.*
oregonknifeclub.org.*
fiftyfiftyproductions.net.* FEB. 22-23 LEWISBURG, PA The 32nd
APRIL 18-19 EASTON, PA Lehigh Valley
Annual Keystone Blade Association Knife
Knife Show, Charles Chrin Community
DECEMBER Show, Country Cupboard Inn. Contact
Center. Contact Bill Goodman 484-241-
DEC . 8 EUGE N E , OR Oregon K n i fe Arthur Fryling, Dept. BL11, 248 Central
6176 goodknives@goodmancpa.com.*
C ol lec tors M i n i Wi nter December Rd., Bloomsburg, PA 17815 570-204-1544.*
S how, L a ne Eve nt s C e nt e r. C ont a c t
MARCH MAY
Dennis Ellingsen 541-484-5564 okca@
oregonknifeclub.org.* M AY 2 B O I S E , I D N o r d i c K n i v e s
M A RCH 6 -7 TROY, OH Spirit of t he
I n v i t a t i o n a l C u s t o m K n i f e S h o w,
DEC. 14-15 COLUMBIA, SC Columbia Blade Custom Knife Show, Miami Co.
Grove Hotel. For more information call
Gun & Knife Show, South Carolina State Fairgrounds Duke Lund Guard Building.
Dave Har vey at 208-202-2913 or v isit
Fairgrounds. Visit https://www.showsbee. Contact maplewoodforge@gmail.com.*
nordicknives.com/pages/nordic-knives-
com/fa irs/Colu mbia-Gu n-K nife-Show. MARCH 20-21 DALTON, GA Dalton Georgia invitational-knife-show.*
html for more information. Knife Roadshow, Northwest Georgia Trade
MAY 2-3 GROTON, CT The 39th Annual
and Convention Center. Contact J Bruce
NCCA Extravaganza Knife Show, Mystic
Voyles Auctioneers and Appraisers, attn.:
Marriott. Contact Larry Clifford 401-742-
Bruce Voyles 423-238-6753 knifeauctions@
6779 lcliff1@verizon.net.*
gmail.com, jbrucevoyles.com.*

2019 Knife Collaboration of the Year Winner!
An exceptional backwoods (or EDC) companion
LARS FÄLT LOCK BACK

KS17004 - MSRP: $190
BÖHLER N690 STEEL
JUNE SCANDI GROUND
J U N E 5 -7 AT L A N TA , GA T he 39 t h CURLY BIRCH SCALES
A n nua l BL A DE Show, C obb Ga l ler ia 7” OVERALL
Centre, I-285 & US 41, one exit off I-75 4 1/8” CLOSED
3” BLADE
a c r o s s f r o m t h e C u m b e r l a nd M a l l ,
4” HANDLE
adjacent to t he Rena issa nce Waverly
JUST 4 OZ
Hotel. World’s largest show of handmade,
factory and antique knives. A combined
total of nearly 1,000 exhibitor tables and Visit our website for more details http://casiberia.com/ - Or call us at (800) 635-9366 - Dealer inquiries welcome
booths. Join the world’s greatest national
and international knifemakers, cutler y
manufacturers, collectors, collections and
knife lovers. Site of the BLADE Magazine
2020 K n i fe Of-T he-Yea r® Awa rds for
fac tor y k nives, t he BL A DE Maga zi ne
Cutlery Hall-Of-Fame© inductions and
much more. Host to BLADE University,
t he a n nu a l A B S me e t i ng a nd more .
Seminars include the BLADE Show World
Cha mpionship Cut t ing Compet it ions,
how to use, how to make, youth clubs,
etc. Contact BLADE®, c/o Alicia Newton
blade@bladeshow.com.* **
AUGUST
AUG. 14-15 LEX INGTON, K Y Centra l
Kentucky Knife Club 2020 Knife Show,
C l a r i o n H o t e l C o n v e n t i o n C e n t e r.
C ont a c t K at hy L it t on 5 0 2 - 8 6 3 -18 4 0
CHAD NICHOLS DAMASCUS

litton711@aol.com.*
NOVEMBER
NOV. 14-15 TULSA, OK Wanenmacher’s High carbon, high contrast Damascus
Tu lsa Arms Show, Tu lsa Fa irgrounds.
C o n t a c t m a i l @ t u l s a a r m s s h o w. c o m , Stainless Damascus
918-492-0401 mail@tulsaarmsshow.com, Mosaic Damascus
tulsaarmsshow.com.
Mokume
To ensure timely publication of your
knife show in the “Show Calendar,” Large quantities and wholesale
BLADE® requests that you email all pricing available
pertinent information concerning your
show in written form—dates, locations,
etc.—at least three months before the
662.538.5966 662.255.0524 www.chadnicholsdamascus.com
show takes place to BLADE c/o Lori
McDaniel at lori@gundigest.com and/
or Steve Shackleford at steve@blademag.
com. BLADE depends on the shows
themselves for prompt and accurate
information.


F R I E N D LY U S E R S | BY DEXTER EWING BLADE® FIELD EDITOR
IMAGES BY MARTY STANFIELD, MARTY STANFIELD PHOTOGRAPHY UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED
The straight-line cutting edge of the Condor Tool & Knife

Norse Dragon Seax tackles a variety of tasks easily.
Country of origin: El Salvador.
THE SEAX IS AN ANCIENT KNIFE DESIGN WITH

SCORES OF MODERN APPLICATIONS

D
eeply rooted in Scandinavian
history, the seax, aka scramasax or
sax, was the blade shape of choice
for the much feared and revered Vikings.
Typically the Norsemen were associated
with their famous axes, but, truth be
known, they also carried a knife that saw
more general use.
The Scandinavians usually lived in
villages, farmed the land and raised
animals. In such an agrarian society, they
also needed tools to help them work the
land and harvest the fruits of their labor.
This is also where a knife came into play.
“Their personal knife was called the seax
and it never left their side because it was
their version of an EDC,” begins Ernest
Emerson of Emerson Knives, Inc. “The
knife was tasked with a myriad of chores,
from skinning a freshly taken deer to
cutting up the turnips they grubbed out of
the ground with the same knife.” Emerson
says the seax also could be employed as a
self-defense weapon if needed. It was truly
a blade for all seasons: Harvest produce in
the morning, fend off the enemy after lunch,
and then prepare supper in the evening—
all with the same blade! All joking aside, the
seax was a handy blade.
“It is a bowie-style blade, a spear-point
type of blade, a Loveless drop-point-
hunter style of blade, and, of course, the Seax blades such as on the Emerson
well-known ‘broken-back’ style featuring a Knives, Inc. model have a defined tip
for effective penetration and scoring.
severe clip close to the front, finishing in a Country of origin: USA.
point well below the center line,” Emerson
interjects. He says the broken-back-seax
style is the most common and appears in
TV shows and movies depicting Vikings.
Blade lengths varied wildly from 7
inches on the short end and topping out at
30 inches, the latter Emerson calls a short
sword, basically. “The seax needed to be
an all-round utility tool that could chop,
cut, slice and sometimes stab, all with
equal ease of application,” he illustrates.
“A Viking’s livelihood depended on
self-sufficiency, resourcefulness and the
quality of his toolkit.”
At first glance the seax may not seem
as exciting as a recurve blade, but looks
are not always everything. The beauty of
such a blade lies within its ability to tackle
cutting chores.
TAC SEAX Two contrasting examples of today’s versions of the seax:

The Emerson Knives Seax modernizes the Condor’s classic fixed blade, the Norse Dragon Seax
ancient blade design by making it work in a (right), and the Emerson Knives Seax, a tactical folder.
tactical folder format. The result is a rather

F R I E N D LY U S E R S |
interesting cutting tool. It is one of, if not

the only, folding seaxes on the market. It is a
rare design in the heavily saturated tactical
market as well.
The company uses nothing but the best
in high-quality construction and materials
The Cold Steel Damascus Long Sax features a 17.25-inch blade in its knives, the Seax included. The blade
with an edge that curves up toward the tip. Handle: rosewood. is 154CM stainless steel. The ergonomic
Sheath: brown leather and embossed brass throat and chape, w/
belt loop. Weight: 36.04 ounces. Overall length: 23.75 inches. handle features dual titanium liners,
Country of origin: China. MSRP: $635.99. (Cold Steel image) textured G-10 scales, and a tip-down-
carry pocket clip. The latter is necessary to
facilitate ease of blade opening using the
Andre De Villiers company’s patented Wave Shaped feature,

the hook-like protrusion on the spine you
can use to snag your pocket seam as you
New Gen 3 Butcher pull the knife from your pocket and open
Now with M390 Steel the blade simultaneously. It deploys faster
Blade length: 3,9” OAL=9” than a standard manual model.
Frame all titanium frame lock - runs on bearings Sporting a 3.9-inch blade, the large
Various handle options & cerakote colors
folder serves well as both a working knife
PRICE - $450 to $480 and firearm backup. The rather innocent
looking blade sports a nice swedge up front,
ALL KNIVES giving it some visual flair and a touch of
FULLY GUARANTEED aggressiveness without being over the top.
The ergonomic handle features a bump
Facebook: Andre de Villiers | Instagram: advtactical | Email: adv44sales@gmail.com midway through the area you wrap your
fingers around to stabilize your grip, further
enhancing its anti-slip qualities with either
gloved or bare hands. The handle swells
slightly at the pivot end to form a guard
of sorts to prevent forward slipping of the
hand. One thing Emerson has been known
for is his highly ergonomic handles, and the
Seax certainly fills the bill. This is a knife
that instills user confidence for any sort of
cutting task.
The blade tip is precise and strong
enough to perform penetration jobs if need
The Condor Norse Dragon Seax and

its straight-line edge can be used as a
drawknife.

The Emerson Seax gives you the cutting
power of a seax but in a more compact folding
version that can be a part of your EDC.
be. The swedge grinds add a bit of attitude

to the overall appearance. The blade comes
in a non-glare black coat or satin finish, and
plain or partially serrated edges. MSRP:
$260.95.
VERSA-TOOL
4857 South Orange Blossom Trail
Unlike the Emerson, which is tactically
Orlando, Florida 32839 407-855-8075
oriented, the Condor Tool & Knife Norse
Dragon Seax is more outdoor/utilitarian NEW 80TH ANNIVERSARY CATALOG – PRICE $2.00
friendly. The 7-inch blade has a 6.5-inch INTL. MAILING – CATALOG US $6.00 http://www.randallknives.com
cutting edge. The blade is 1095 high carbon
steel with a nice, even flat grind. The two-
tone blade finish is a byproduct of the heat-
treating process. Part of it is actually
heat-treat
h scale after it comes out
of
o the oven, and the bevels are
machine
m satin. The resulting
black-on-silver
b effect creates a
striking look.
The handle slabs are
American
A hickory,
not
n only for its grain
WANT A RAZOR EDGE?

The Broken Back Seax
by Aidan Garrity of Iron • No experience needed • Quick & fast
Lion Blades features • Just pull backwards • Maintenance free
a 10-inch damascus
blade of 1095 carbon • Handmade right here • Tells you when you’re
and 15N20 nickel alloy
steels, and wrought
at Knives Plus finished
iron. The handle is
maple and the bolster KNIVES PLUS STROP BLOCK
is moose antler. Overall
length: 18 inches. 800-687-6202 OR WWW.KNIVESPLUS.COM
(SharpByCoop image) We are a stocking dealer of most major knife brands since 1987.

F R I E N D LY U S E R S |
pattern bu ut strength, too. The 4.5-inch A 7.5-inch damascus blade

with a twist core of 1095
grip’s oval cross section accommodates carbon and 15N20 alloy
your hand very well, eliminating hot spots. steells, a wrought-iron spine,
A brass spaacer at the juncture where blade and an edge of W2 tool
meets the handle
h adds a nice pop of color. steell highlight a seax by
Theoodore Nazz. Handle:
A dragon’ss head carved into the sides
buffaalo horn. Bolster:
augments tthe grip’s continuous geometric nze. Overall length:
bron
shape. Not only does it serve as decoration 12.225 inches.
but it also adds texture for purchase. The (ShaarpByCoop
sewn leath her sheath is stained brown. It imagge)
sports the ssame graphic as the handle.
A knifee of this size and full-tang
constructio on excels at larger cutting tasks,
including campsite prep. Food prep is
The Saxon Scramasax by Paul another jo ob it does with aplomb. The
Chen/Hanwei has a 11.5-inch slanted blade
b spine terminating at the tip
blade of 1566 spring steel and a
wooden handle. Weight: 1 pound,
allows the knife to be used in a variety
3 ounces. Overall length: 17.75 of ch
hores, including precision point
inches. Country of origin: China. woork. Wrap your hand around the
MSRP: $160 (includes a leather h
hickory handle and you feel the
horizontal-carry sheath). (CAS control. Choke up on the grip on the blade spine for fulll
Iberia image)
and place your thumb firmly control during whittling. The
knife performed well duringg
various cutting tasks.
A drawback is the Norse
HAWKINS KNIFE MAKING SUPPLIES Dragon Seax lacks a guard to prevent your
hand from sliding forward. When you
110 BUCKEYE RD., FAYETTEVILLE, GA 30214 choke up on the handle, your index finger
comes very close to the start of the cutting
PHONE 770-964-1023 edge. Be mindful of this as accidental cuts
can occur if your index finger slips. None of
Contact us for your these knives incorporated a guard of some
Knifemaking Supplies and Equipment! sort, so the Condor is true to the original
seax design. Made in El Salvador, it has an
www.HawkinsKnifeMakin Supplies.com MSRP of $89.98.
Send $2.00 for Complete Listing • ALL MAJOR CREDIT CARDS ACCEPTED TRANSCENDS TIME
The seax features an ethnic blade
shape that remains popular today and
transcends the test of time. The Vikings
knew what they had—a formidable knife
that is equally effective as both a weapon
and tool. The straight-line cutting edge
tackles a variety of tasks easily, and the
point of the blade is both precise and
powerful, with the ability to score as
well as penetrate. If you are attracted
to unusual blade shapes away from the
mainstream, the seax could be for you.
For the contact information for the knives in

the story see “Where To Get ’Em” on page 71.


MARKETPLACE
For Advertising Information contact: Lori McDaniel, Advertising Sales
lori@gundigest.com | 715.498.3768
Advertising Deadlines: January 2020 issue – December 2
SCAGEL
Knives, Carving
Sets, Axes,
Marbles and
November 1-3 Loveless Knives
Oregon Convention Center WANTED
Portland, OR Gordon White
P.O. Box 181, Cuthbert, GA 39840
229-732-6982, anytime
bladeshow west.com
ViXXiN® TM
Neo Tactical
The Integral *We are not affiliated with the “R.W. Loveless Knives” logos and products being made after Bob’s death or any late period knives.
Blade Length: 6 5/8”
OAL: 12” For the most
CPM154cm Passionate Largest Selection In The World Of Vintage Knives by Buy-Sell-Trade
Heat Treat by Knife AÅcionado
BOB LOVELESS TRUSTED

Peters Heat * $ Paying top dollar $
Treating
Green Canvas The Ultimate
Micarta Hand Tool
Edmund Davidson
The Only Exclusive Loveless Dealer. Knives From Riverside, Lawndale, & Delaware!
3345 Virginia Ave.
Goshen, VA 24439 w ww. B o b Lo v e le s s Kn i v es.c om
SERVICE
Ph: 540-997-5651
davidson.edmund@gmail.com John Denton • 706.781.8479 (24-7) john@boblovelessknives.com FOR 35 YEARS!

A.G. Russell Knives, Inc. Bocki Custom Knives Jim Hammond
www.agrussell.com www.bockiknives.com Hammond Knives
ag@agrussell.com eshword@aol.com & Designs, LLC
www.jimhammondknives.com
Adams International Buckeye Engraving jim@jimhammondknives.com
Knifeworks - AIK www.BuckeyeEngraving.com
www.adamsknifeworks.com Stamps@BuckeyeEngraving.com Hawkins Knife Making Supplies
Customized Automatic Manufacturer of Custom www.hawkinsknifemaking
Knife Specialist Hand Stamps, Dies and Brands supplies.com
sales@hawkinsknifemaking
Admiral Steel CRKT supplies.com
www.admiralsteel.com www.crkt.com
terry@admiralsteel.com info@crkt.com Hoffman Knives - Selling
www.hoffmanknives.com
Widest Range of Stock for Blade
Culpepper & Co., Inc. wphoff@cox.net
Needs Top Quality Collection - Walt
www.knifehandles.com
Alaska - Northern Knives www.oldschoolknifeworks.com
J. Bruce Voyles Knife Auctions
www.northernknives.com www.stingrayproducts.com
www.jbrucevoyles.com
A Real Store & Working info@culpepperco.com knifeauctions@gmail.com
Knife Shop! email us to be put on the auction
Custom Knife Gallery of
Colorado notification list
re de Villiers - Facebook
em - adv44sales@gmail.com www.customknifegallery.com Jays Knives/American Edge
www.ad ctical.co.za bob_glassman@yahoo.com www.americanedgeknives.com
Butcher SO lders. www.jaysknives.com
Cutlery Specialties
info@americanedgeknives.com
Arizona Custom Kni www.restorationproduct.com
Largest selection in the orld of dennis13@aol.com JerzeeDevil
new and consigned knives the Renaissance Micro-Crystalline www.jerzeedevil.com
internet. Let us help you find t Wax/Polish, Dennis Blaine webdevil@jerzeedevil.com
perfect knife. The best damn forum, period
Hoskin's Hand-Made Combat
www.arizonacustomknives.com
Knife Center
sharptalk@arizonacustomknives.com
www. skinsknives.com www.knifecenter.com
dhbladeisl d@twc.com info@knifecenter.com
Arkansas Made Dozier, Inc.
www.dozierknives.com Bob Dozier Kni Knife Country USA
info@dozierknives.com www.dozierkn es.com www.knifecountryUSA.com
info@dozie ives.com customercare@knifecountryUSA.com
Artknives.com
www.artknives.com Emerso nives KnifeKits.com
fred@fredeisenleather.com mersonknives.com
m www.knifekits.com
emersonknives.com We ship Worldwide
BladeGallery.com
aneema Cutlery KnifeSupply.com
www.bladegallery.com
www.faneemacutlery.com www.KnifeSupply.com
www.bladeconnection.com customerservice@knifesupply.com
www.epicedge.com janice@faneema.com
Handmade Damascus Knives - America's #1 Knife Supply
BladeJunkee Hunting, Pocket, Kitchen, Razors Knives Plus
www.bladejunkee.com and Axes www.knivesplus.com
bladejunkee73@gmail. m knivesplus@knivesplus.com
BladeOps, LLC Friedly Brother's Knifeworks L.T. Wright Handcrafted Knives
www.bladeops.c www.friedlybrothers.com www.ltwrightknives.com
trevor@blade .com friedlybrothers@yahoo.com info@ltwrightknives.com
LATAMA Cutlery Plaza Cutlery Smoky Mountain Knife Works
www.latama.com www.plazacutlery.com www.smokymountainknifeworks.com
pick@latama.com dan@plazacutlery.com webmaster@smkw.com
Spring Steel-Oil-Newsletter Randall, Reeve, Medford & others Sooner State Knives
Lee’s Cutlery Darrel Ralph www.soonerstateknives.com
www.darrelralph.com ssknives@swbell.net
www.leescutlery.com darrel@darrelralph.com
beeneJL43@earthlink.net Stcroixblades.com
Rat Worx, Inc. info@stcroixblades.com
Mike Murphy www.ratworxusa.com Large Collection Buyer, & Retailer
Michigan Custom Knives guns@ratworxusa.com Knives, & Japanese Swords
www.michigancustomknives.com Recon 1
mlds@tm.net True North Knives
Your number one source for Custom www.truenorthknives.com
Purveyor of Custom Knives Knives and Shirogorov Knives info@truenorthknives.com
New Graham Knives www.Recon1.com Uncle Al
www.newgraham.com sales@recon1.com www.riversidemachine.net
mdye@newgraham.com Red Hill Cutlery uncleal@riversidemachine.net
Off-Grid Knives www.redhillcutlery.com
offgridknives.com jrbasham@redhillcutlery.com
offgrid@offgridknives.com Santa Fe Stoneworks
Family Owned Business www.santafestoneworks.com
Over-Engineered & Underpriced knives@RT66.com
Hard-Use Knives Unique one of a kind gemstone
handled cutlery
TO LIST YOUR WEBSITE PLEASE CONTACT:

LORI MCDANIEL:715-498-3768 • lori@gundigest.com
ADVERTISERS’ INDEX
A E N Tormach, LLC .............................. 17
A.G. Russell................................. 20 Evenheat Kiln, Inc........................ 62 NC Tool Company ....................... 50 Tru-Grit ........................................ 57
Admiral Steel/Terry Summers ..... 55 F Niagara Specialty Metals ............. 38 V
African Sporting Creations............. 8 Fallkniven .................................... 49 Nordic Knives .............................. 18 VZ Grips ...................................... 37
American Bladesmith Society ...... 55 FLI Products ................................ 64 O W
Arizona Custom Knives ............... 14 H Off-Grid Knives ............................ 42 W.R. Case & Sons Cutlery, Co...... 2
B Hawkins Knifemaking Supplies ... 64 Ontario Knife Company ............... 84 White, Gordon ............................. 65
Blade/Gun Digest ............ 27, 33, 57 Hogue Knives .............................. 15 Oreste Frati SRL.......................... 51 William Henry Knives................... 83
BladeGallery- J P Work Sharp.................................. 39
Takefu Steel USA ...................... 21 Jantz Supply .......................... 11, 31 Pineland Cutlery, Inc dba Spartan
Bladeops, LLC ............................. 36 Blades........................................ 62
K
Blue Ridge Knives ....................... 65 Pro-Tech Knives, LLC ................. 43
Kayne Custom Hardware dba
Boker USA ............................. 30, 43 PVK.COM .................................... 19
Blacksmith’s Depot .................... 56
Buckeye Engraving-
Knife & Gun Finishing Supplies ... 45 Q
Steel Stamps ............................. 63
Knife Center................................. 59 QSP Knife .................................... 59
Byington Blades........................... 23
Knives Plus .................................. 63 R
C
Krudo Knives ............................... 65 Randall Made Knives................... 63
CAS Iberia ................................... 59
Chris Reeve Knives ....................... 5 L Recon 1 ....................................... 29
L.T. Wright Handcrafted Knives... 51 S
CRKT ............................................. 8
Lambert Knives............................ 63 Smith’s Consumer Products ........ 50
D
Lansky Sharpeners...................... 15 Smoky Mountain Knife Works ....... 7
Damascus, Nichols ...................... 59
Davidson, Edmund ...................... 65 M Spyderco, Inc................................. 5
de Villiers, Andre/ADV Tactical.... 62 Masecraft Supply Co ................... 38 T
Denton, John-Vintage Loveless... 65 MGE Wholesale............................. 9 TFS Knives .................................. 65
Dozier Knives .............................. 49 Moen Works ................................ 57 TOPS Knives ................................. 3
Don’t Miss The Next The advertisers’ index is provided as a reader service. Occasional last-minute changes may result in ads
appearing on pages other than those listed here. The publisher assumes no liability for omissions or errors.
Lori McDaniel
Advertising Sales Issue Date Ad Deadline
Magazine 715-498-3768 CKG 2020 October 28, 2019
ORDER YOUR ADVERTISING TODAY! lori@gundigest.com January 2020 December 2, 2019

W H AT ’ S N E W | BY BLADE® STAFF
KNIFE NAME: Shrike

KNIFE: Winged Drop Point Hunter
KNIFE TYPE: Flipper folder
BLADE STEEL: Nitre-blued damascus nano-
BLADE MATERIAL: Damasteel damascus ceramic-sealed for durability
in a Hymer pattern
BLADE GRIND: Flat
BLADE PATTERN: Modified sheepsfoot
HANDLE MATERIAL: Mammoth ivory
BLADE GRIND: Hollow
FITTINGS: 24k-gold screws
HANDLE MATERIAL: Heat-colored and
anodized Timascuss™ OVERALL LENGTH: 7.5”
HANDLE PIVOT: Annodized titanium MAKER’S LIST PRICE FOR A SIMILAR
KNIFE: $850
HANDLE INLAY: Synthetic ruby, diamond
and amethyst MAKER: Daniel Chinnock, danchinnock.com
(Wh t t St
(Whetstone di iimage))
Studio
LOCK: Framelock
CLOSED LENGTH: 3..5”
MAKER’S LIST PRICCE FOR A
SIMILAR KNIFE: $1,200
MAKER: Butch Ball,
ballknives@yahooo.com
(Whetstone Studio iimage)
KNIFE: Magick
KNIFE PATTERN: Lockback folding dagger
BLADE LENGTH: 3 7/16”
BLADE MATERIAL: Composite damascus of 324-layer
ladder pattern and center wedge of W2 tool steel
BLADE GEOMETRY: Hollow-ground dagger grind
KNIFE NAME: Roxi 4 HANDLE MATERIAL: Mother-of-pearl and melted
KNIFE TYPE: Folder 14k-yellow-gold
DESIGNERS: Seth and Teryl Todd BOLSTERS: 14k-yellow-gold and sterling silver
BLADE LENGTH: 3.98” LINERS: Nickel silver
BLADE STEEL: CPM S35VN stainless CLOSED LENGTH: 4 23/32” (incluudes pommel)
ROCKWELL HARDNESS: 59-61 HRC KNIFE TO KNOW: The knife is from the
BLADE GRIND: Flat maker’s “Meltdown” series
BLADE THICKNESS: .16” MAKER’S COMMENTS: “This is nnot a ‘bale’
HANDLE MATERIAL: 6Al4V titanium m lock—it is a lockback with the llock
LOCK: Framelock release located in the usual place. I like
CLIP & OTHER HARDWARE: 6Al4V to make the place where the lockkbar
titanium is depressed as invisible as possible.”
PIVOT: Ceramic ball bearings MAKER’S LIST PRICE FOR A
WEIGHT: 4.9 ozs. SIMILAR KNIFE: $16,000
CLOSED LENGTH: 5.08” MAKER: The artist known as Dellana
MSRP: $305 702-569-7827 DellanaKnives@
MAKER: We Knife, attn.: Angel gmail.com (Dellana image)
or Joe, Dept. BL12, Yangdong,
Yangjiang, Guangdong, 529500,
China 86 662 6624678 weknife.com,
sales@weknife.com

KNIFE: Trailbreaker
KNIFE TYPE: Folder
KNIFE: Dagger BLADE LENGTH: 3.5”
BLADE LENGTH: 66.5” BLADE MATERIAL: 420 stainless steel
BLADE MATERIALL: 154CM stainless HANDLE MATERIAL: Textured synthetic overmold
BLADE GRIND: Hollow w/lanyard hole
HANDLE: Mother-oof-pearl LOCK: Linerlock
BOLSTER, GUARD AND BUTTCAP: 416 POCKET CLIP: Reversible
stainless steel CLOSED LENGTH: 4.5”
ENGRAVER: Jim Sm mall MSRP: $24.99
MAKER’S LIST PR RICE FOR A MAKER: Smith’s Consumer Products, attn.: R.
SIMILAR KNIFEE: $1,350 Dukes, Dept. BL12 Mid A i
BL12, 747 Mid-America
MAKER: Wayne Heensley, Dept. BL12, Blvd., Hot Sprrings, AR 71913-
2924 Glad Dale Drr., Conyers, GA 8414 501-321--2244
30094 770-483-89938 cell 404-314- smithsproduccts.com
4509 rebwayhe@ @bellsouth.net
(SharpByCoop image)
NAME: Lotus
EDGEED TOOL: Scissors
KNIFE: Texas toothpick BLAD DE MATERIALS: En42J spring steel and
BLADE LENGTH: 3” wroought iron forged by Josh Burrell, United
BLADE MATERIAL: Tri-Star damascus Kinngdom
forged by Joe Burke BLAD DE GEOMETRY: Dagger and hollow grinds
BLADE GRIND: Hollow HANNDLE: 9k- and 14k-gold details
BLADE PATTERNS: OVEERALL LENGTH: 12”
Clip and spey HEATH: Glove leather w/18k-gold details
SH
HANDLE MATERIAL: Stag MAKER’S LIST PRICE FOR A SIMILAR
M
LINERS: 410 stainless steeel PPIECE: $5,000
KNIFE TO KNOW: Fileworked backspringgs MAKER: Grace Horne, Dept. BL12, The
CLOSED LENGTH: 4.5” Old Public Convenience, 469 Fulwood Rd.,
MAKER’S LIST PRICE FFOR A SIMILAR PIECE:P Sheffield, United Kingdom S10 3QR 44-
$700 7812-672-788 gracehorne@hotmail.co.uk,
MAKER: Tobin Hill, Dept. BL12, POB 714, gracehorne.co.uk Instagram/Facebook: @
Pleasanton, TX 78064 210-414-9982
2 toby@ grace_horne_designs/gracehorneknifemaker
ricksinsurance.com (ShharpByCoop image)

W H AT ’ S N E W |
NAME: Knife Safe KNIFE: Busker

PURPOSE: Protects, transports and stores knives KNIFE PATTERN: Dress tactical
safely flipper folder
SIZES: 4, 6, 8 and 10” BLADE LENGTH: 2.4”
SPECIAL FEATURES: Fits most standard BLADE MATERIAL: Damasteel damascuss,
blades; hinges lock shut; non-slip rubber Super Dense Twist pattern
contacts secure blade; dishwasher safe; BLADE SHAPE: “Semper”
available in multiple colors HANDLE FRAME: Hand-carved titanium
KNIFE TO KNOW: Protects knives and keeps PIVOT SCREW: Hand-carved, anodized
them sharp longer titanium
COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: USA CLIP: Timascus™
MSRP RANGE: $8.99-$34.99 LOCK: Framelock
COMPANY: First Light, attn.: CLOSED LENGTH: 3.4”
Kevin Coddy, Dept. BL12, CONTRIBUTING ARTIST: Andrey Kolesniikov
245 W. Rooosevelt Rd., MAKER’S LIST PRICE FOR A SIMILAR K KNIFE:
Bldg. 3 Stee. 20, West $3,500
Chicago, ILL 60185 630- MAKER: Olamic Cutlery, attn.: Eugene
520-0017 kevincody@
k Solomonick, Dept. BL12, 1165 Foxchase D
Dr.,
firstlightinnc.com, San Jose, CA 95123 eugene@olamiccutlery.
ery
firstlightinnc.com com, olamiccutlery.com Facebook/Instagram:
olamic/olamiccutlery
KNIFE: Fighter
KNIFE TYPE: Fixed blade KNIFE: Fancy hunter
BLADE LENGTH: 8.5” KNIFE TYPE: Fixed blade
BLADE MATERIAL: Damascus forged from 1084 BLADE LENGTH: 3.5”
carbon and 15N20 nickel-alloy steels BLADE MATERIAL: HHH damascus inn a
BLADE GRIND: Flat Crazy Lace pattern forged by Randy Hass
H
HANDLE MATERIAL: Mammoth ivory BLADE GRIND: Hollow
LINER MATERIAL: Nickel silver HANDLE MATERIAL: Mammoth ivoryy
OVERALL LENGTH: 13.5” BOLSTERS & INTEGRAL GUARD: Copper
MAKER’S LIST PRICE FOR A SIMILAR KNIFE: ENGRAVING: Matt Humphreys
$1,200 OVERALL LENGTH: 8.25”
MAKER: Scott MacCaughtry, Dept. BL12, SHEATH MAKER: Jack Andress
1824 Sorrel St., Camarillo, MAKER’S LIST PRICE FOR A
CA 93010 805-750-2137 SIMILAR KNIFE: $1,200
smack308@hotmail.com MAKER: Travis Payne, Dept. BL12,
(SharpByCoop image) 1588 CR 2655, Telephone, TX
75488 903-640-6484 tbone7599@
yahoo.com, tbonescustomcreation.
com Instagram/Facebook:
@tbone7599/Travis Payne
(SharpByCoop image)
For the latest knives, knife d more visit blademag.com, BLADE®’s popular
f news, trends and
Instagram page at @blade_magazine, and on Facebook and Twitter.

W HER E TO G E T ’E M |
CHEF’S-TYPE KNIVES P. 40 com, www.buckknives.com; Kershaw, c/o

Ontario, attn: P. Tsujimoto, Dept. BL12, Kai USA Ltd., attn: I. Forrest, Dept. BL12,
26 Empire St., Franklinville, NY 14737 18600 SW Teton Ave., Tualatin, OR 97062
716.676.5527/800.222.5233 fax 716- 800-325-2891 info@kai-usa.com, www.
676-5535 knifesales@ontarioknife. kershawknives.com; Leatherman Tool
com, www.ontarioknife.com; Santa Fe Group, attn: K. McGuire, Dept. BL12, 12106
Stoneworks, c/o Bill Wirtel & Family, attn: NE Ainsworth, Portland, OR 97220-0595
B. Wirtel, Dept. BL12, 3790 Cerrillos, 800-847-8665 503.253.7830 www.
Santa Fe, NM 87507 800-257-7625 or leatherman.com, info@leatherman.com
505-471-3953 santafestoneworks.com,
Knives@rt66.com; TOPS Knives, attn: SEAX KNIVES P. 60
Craig Powell, Dept. BL12, 3415 E. 109 CAS Iberia, attn: B. Pogue, Dept. BL12, 650
N., Idaho Falls, ID 83401 208-542-0113 Industrial Blvd., Sale Creek, TN 37373-
info@topsknives.com, www.topsknives. 9797 423.332.4700 bpogue@casiberia.
NE com; V-nives, attn.: M. Vellekamp, com, www.casiberia.com; Cold Steel, attn.:
ISSUE Dept. BL12, 9918 162nd St., Ct. E., Ste.

4, Puyallup, WA 98375 303-263-2468
Mike Barroca, Dept. BL12, 6060 Nicolle
St., Ventura, CA 93003 800-255-4716
On Most Newsstands
https://vnives.com, info@vnives.com 805-642-9727 sales@coldsteel.com,
www.coldsteel.com; Condor Tool & Knife,
By December 17 BIRD’S-BEAK HANDLES P. 46 attn: R. Jones, Dept. BL12, 7557 West
Ismael Biegelmeier, contato@ Sand Lake Rd. #106, Orlando, FL 32819
ismaelcuteleiro.com, ismaelcuteleiro. 407-458-9396 fax 407-458-9397 rtj@att.
com, Facebook: I.Biegelmeier; Paul net, condortk.com; Emerson Knives, Inc.,
BLADE COMPLETE KNIFE DiStefano, Dept. BL12, 156 Ross attn: E. Emerson, Dept. BL12, 1234 West
GUIDE SPRING 2020 Ave., Staten Island, NY 10306 718- 254th, Harbor City, CA 90710 310-539-
354-5339 pauldistefanoknives.com, 5633 www.emersonknives.com, info@
distefanop27@gmail.com Instagram: @ emersonknives.com; Iron Lion Blades,
• LATEST BLADE STEELS Pauldistefanoknives; Ken Hall, Dept. BL12, c/o Aidan Garrity, Dept. BL12, 40 Neptune
606 Stevenson Cove Rd., Waynesville, Ave., Madison, CT 06443 203-974-2322
• HOTTEST HANDLE NC 28785 828-400-7815 kenhallknives.
com, Khall@hallenergyconsulting.com
ironlionblades@gmail.com Facebook/
Instagram: @ironlionblades; Theo Rock
MATERIALS Instagram/Facebook: @KenHallknives/ Nazz, c/o Theodore Nazz, Dept. BL12, 159
KenHallKnives; Greg Keith, Dept. BL12, 2nd Ave., Apt. 12, New York NY 10003
• 2020 FACTORY KNIFE 536 Montague Rd., Montague Gold Mines,
Nova Scotia, Canada B2R 1T6 902-464-
917-532-7291 TheoRockNazz@gmail.com,
TheoRockNazz.com Facebook/Instagram:
DEBUTS 4604 keithknives.com, keithknives@gmail. TheoRockNazz/TheoRockNazz
com Instagram/Facebook: @keithknives/
• BEST KNIFEMAKING gregkeith; Marcus Lin, Dept. BL12, 26825
Morena Dr., Mission Viejo, CA 92691,
NEO-TRADITIONAL SLIPPIES P. 72
Cold Steel, attn.: Mike Barroca, Dept. BL12,
SUPPLY DEALS Phone: 310-720-4368, marcuslin7@gmail. 6060 Nicolle St., Ventura, CA 93003 800-
com; Web: www.linknives.com; Tad Lynch, 255-4716 805-642-9727 sales@coldsteel.
• SHARPEST SHOP Dept. BL12, 140 Timberline Dr., Beebe, AR
72012 501-626-1647 lynchknives.com,
com, www.coldsteel.com; Fallkniven, attn:
P. Hjortberger, Dept. BL12, POB 204, S-961
EQUIPMENT lynchknives@yahoo.com Instagram: @ 23 Boden, Sweden 46-921 544 22 fax 46-
lynch_forge; James Rodebaugh P.O. Box 921 544 33 www.fallkniven.com; Gerber,
• NEW KNIFE CARRY 404, Carpenter, WY 82054, Phone: 307-
649-2394, jlrodebaugh@gmail.com; Don
attn: A. Gritzbaugh, Dept. BL12, 14200 SW
72nd, Portland, OR 97223 800-950-6161
SYSTEMS Sylvest 214-707-0872 don.sylvest@gmail. www.gerbergear.com; Lionsteel di Pauletta
com, barsbarhandcraftedknives.com Gino & C., Via dei Fabbri, 32-33085,
• PAST MASTERS: MINIMALIST KNIVES P. 52
Maniago, Italy (+39) 0427/71984 www.
lionsteel.it, info@lionsteel.it
BOB LOVELESS Bear & Son Cutlery, attn: M. Griffey, Dept.
BL12, 1111 Bear Blvd. SW, Jacksonville, AL For the latest knives, knife news, trends and
• COMPLETE FACTORY 36265 256-435-2227 800-844-3034 info@
bearandson.com, www.bearandsoncutlery.
more visit blademag.com, BLADE®’s popular
COMPANY DIRECTORY
Instagram page at @blade_magazine, and
com; Buck Knives, attn: S. Young, Dept. on Facebook and Twitter.
BL12, 660 S. Lochsa St., Post Falls, ID
83854 800-326-2825 syoung@buckknives.

NE W WAVE | BY PAT COVERT
IMAGES BY THE AUTHOR
Neo-traditional slip joints take the genre to a different

level. From left: Cold Steel Lucky Boy, Gerber Straightlace,
LionSteel Bestman and Fallkniven U1c.
NEO-TRADITIONAL SLIP JOINTS GIVE THE AUGUST

GENRE A MODERN LOOK AND FEEL

LIONSTEEL BESTMAN The LionSteel Bestman’s clip-point blade is top-shelf
M390 stainless steel. The author tested the blade
BLADE STEEL: Bohler M390 stainless on a tough Mylar-coated mailing pouch used for
BLADE PATTERN: Clip point protecting documents during shipping.
HANDLE MATERIAL: Titanium/
linen Micarta
CARRY: Pocket
WEIGHT: 2.7 ozs.
MSRP: $180
COUNTRY OF MANUFACTURE: Italy
W
ith the EDC market in high gear,
manufacturers are in a race to
see who can out-cool the other. inches open and 3.4 inches closed—very whipping through in single slices. I
The slip-joint segment of the market is near the traditional pocketknife standard attribute a lot of this to the CPM-S35VN
no exception. While the traditional end of 3 5/8 inches. The 2.3-inch blade is blade. It’s a tough steel that takes a superb
of the genre has always held its own, the a drop-point style but technically also edge. As long as you’re comfortable with
manufacturers of neo-traditional slip could be called a semi-skinner because a knife this small—and it is diminutive—
joints have many fertile fields yet to be it flares a bit at the tip. There are subtly you’ll be pleased with the results.
plowed—and they’re doing it. sculpted finger grooves in the handle and
I tested four of the latest fare in the a pocket clip for tip-up carry. Weight is ELEGANT BULLDOG
growing neo-traditional segment. The a very svelte .9 ounce—the lightest of the The Fallkniven U1c reminds me a lot of
four are so vastly different that I chose a group. MSRP: $109. a slightly larger, upscaled version of the
task that would be appropriate for each I wanted to test the Lucky One’s long, company’s U2, which I have carried in my
rather than pitting them one against the slender blade for its ability to slice and pocket for years. I keep it there because
other. chose paracord as a subject. Granted, the G3 laminate stainless steel is some of
most of you don’t use paracord around the best I’ve ever cut with. Fallkniven is
SMALL ’n SLENDER the house but it’s tough stuff. I gave the known for straightforward, no gimmick
Up first is the Italian-made Cold Steel blade a run-through of flat cuts on a designs and the U1c is no exception. The
Lucky One. Though the smallest of the wood surface, and it slid through the cord blade opens and closes with authority.
test group, it packs plenty of street cred in single slices with just a small amount Fully open the U1c is 5.8 inches, 2.4
because of its carbon-fiber handle and of effort. I then did pull-throughs. The inches of which is its deeply ground drop-
premium CPM-S35VN stainless steel Lucky One performed every bit as well, point blade. The 3.4-inch stainless steel
blade. The Lucky One measures 5.75
Fallkniven’s 3G laminate stainless steel slices like

FALLKNIVEN U1c a house afire. The author gave the Fallkniven U1c’s
drop-point blade a run on saddle leather by cutting
BLADE LENGTH: 2.4” off squares to use as pads on a benchstone.
BLADE STEEL: 3G laminate stainless

BLADE PATTERN: Drop point
HANDLE MATERIAL: Cocobolo
FRAME: Stainless steel
CARRY: Pocket
WEIGHT: 2.2 ounces
MSRP: $280.95
COUNTRY OF MANUFACTURE:
Japan

NE W WAVE |
COLD STEEL LUCKY ONE

BLADE STEEL: CPM-S35VN stainless
BLADE PATTERN: Drop-point hybrid
HANDLE MATERIAL: Carbon fiber
CARRY: Pocket
WEIGHT: .9 oz.
MSRP: $109.99
COUNTRY OF MANUFACTURE: Italy
blade style that graced electrician’s knives

Despite its small size, the Cold Steel Lucky Boy has a long
dating back to the early 1900s. The blade
enough blade to perform myriad daily tasks. The author is 7Cr17MoV stainless steel with a long-
used the blade to slice off short lengths of paracord. pull nail nick. The 4-inch handle features
blue anodizing (an olive green model is
also available), plastic red-and-white
spacers, stainless bolsters and a blade-tip-
handle boasts partial cocobolo scales cross pieces first and then cut them into up pocket clip—a tempting combination
and a lanyard hole. Weight: 2.2 ounces. squares. The U1c blade was deadly sharp of old and new. MSRP: $34.99.
MSRP: $280.95. and cut though the leather with ease. I took the sheepsfoot blade back to its
The G3 laminate steel—powder based The handle was comfortable and easy to roots by introducing it to two types—
in origin—is the star of the show, and I grip. If sharp steel is your thing, the G3 round and flat styles—of three-lead
wanted to give it a tough test. I took the laminate stainless will suit you perfectly. cables. My goal was to strip the outer cover
U1c to task cutting squares of eighth- off the ends of the cables and expose the
inch saddle leather to use as pads for my MODERN STRAIGHT EDGE three wires within for stripping. The flat
benchstones. (I epoxy the pads to the At 6.9 inches open, the Gerber sheepsfoot edge worked as advertised on
base of each stone to keep the surface Straightlace is the largest of the test both cables, slicing cleanly through each.
below it from getting scratched and quartet and easily the most colorful. The Next, I trimmed back the insulation on
marred.) Using a ruler as a guide, I cut blade is a 2.9-inch sheepsfoot, a working- the three leads to get some fresh copper
wire for splicing. This was finer, more-
detailed work, but presented no problem
for the Straightlace blade. Mission
accomplished.
GERBER STRAIGHTLACE
BLADE STEEL: 7Cr17MoV stainless
BLADE PATTERN: Sheepsfoot
HANDLE MATERIAL: Anodized
aluminum
CARRY: Pocket clip
WEIGHT: 3.25 ozs.
CLOSED LENGTH: 4”
The sheepsfoot has long been known as an excellent
working blade pattern. The author took the Gerber MSRP: $34.99
Straightlace’s 7Cr17MoV stainless steel blade to task by COUNTRY OF MANUFACTURE:
stripping cable and flat,
flat, three-lead
three lead wire.
China

The OLD, the NEW
Neo-traditional handles usually have an With its cool titanium bolsters, LionSteel’s
interesting twist. The LionSteel Bestman
(left) combines titanium bolsters with Bestman looks like a traditional pocket
amber linen Micarta, while the Fallkniven folder made for a Lunar lander. The
U1c (right) sports partial cocobolo scales 3.75-inch handle has a slight bow in it
atop a stainless steel frame. like a congress pattern—in this instance,
reversed. The 2.875-inch Bohler M390
stainless steel clip-point blade has a sweet,
traditional saber grind on the spine. The
result is a slip joint that finds a perfect
balance between the old and the new.
LionSteel offers the Bestman in both one-
and two-blade configurations. I reviewed
the single-blade model with amber linen
Micarta® scales. MSRP: $189.
I tested the blade on a stiff shipping
pouch made of a Mylar-and-bubble-
wrapped material used for mailing
important documents. This stout,
expensive material is made to ensure
its contents stay perfectly flat during
shipping. Using a straightedge ruler as a
Pocket clips are a rarity on guide, I took off clean slices of the pouch
slip joints, but two of the two layers at a time. The flat-ground
test candidates have them: M390 stainless steel blade performed
the Gerber Straightlace admirably, removing clean slices with
(left) and the Cold Steel
Lucky Boy (right). medium pressure throughout the process.
The Bestman makes for a welcome pocket
folder for daily chores at home or the
office.
DELICATE BALANCE
I had no preferences among the test slip
joints, mainly because I kept them in a
lane that was suited for each. I wouldn’t
expect the small Cold Steel Lucky One to
tackle the tougher tasks of the LionSteel
Bestman, nor would I expect the latter to
do the fine work of the former.
This is where you come in. The right
Picky about blade styles? You
folder for your needs requires a delicate
can afford to be with a selection
like this. From top: LionSteel balance between function and aesthetics.
Bestman, Gerber Straightlace, With the diversity shown on the four
Fallkniven U1c and Cold Steel test models, along with the other neo-
Lucky Boy. traditionals available on the market, you
should have no trouble finding one that’s
right for you.

in the story see “Where To Get ’Em” on
page 71.


PA S T M A S T E R S | BY MIKE HASKEW BLADE® FIELD EDITOR
KNIFE IMAGES BY FRANCESCO PACHI
BILL M
MORAN FORGED A LEGACYY
OF KNNIVES, DAMASCUS AND
FRIENDSHIPS
Bill Moran (inset in his shop in a vintage image) never felt

more at home than when he was in the forge hammering hot
steel. His ST-23 combat knife was popular with American
troops during the Vietnam War.

“
Trial and error, mostly error” is how Moran outlined the checkering with silver
wire inlay and added an acorn to it all on
the great BLADE Magazine Cutlery
the handle of an ST-24, complete with one
Hall-Of-Fame® member Bill Moran of his legendary sheaths with half-moon-
described his early efforts at producing medallion embellishment. Moran based the
pattern-welded or damascus steel for nose of the man in the half moon on his
knife blades. own. “I think it was a way for him to poke
fun at himself,” said Jay Hendrickson in
The rest of the story, quite simply, is the book William F. Moran, Jr.: “Forever A
that the trial ended in triumph. Moran Legend.”
is credited with singlehandedly saving
the art of bladesmithing in America—
arguably the entire world—and with
reintroducing the harmonious chorus
of hammer, billet and anvil that brought
damascus blade steel back to life.
It would be enough for most men to be
remembered for these accomplishments
alone, but they are only a fraction of
Moran’s contributions to custom knives.
Along with Don Hastings, Bill Bagwell
and Cutlery Hall-Of-Famer B.R. Hughes,
he was one of the four founders of the
American Bladesmith Society (ABS). The
first bladesmithing school was named in
his honor, and he made the teaching of
how to forge a blade a lifelong pursuit. In
one of the most popular inductions ever,
he was ushered into the Cutlery Hall of
Fame in 1986.
Amid all the achievements, Moran was
a true gentleman, kind and giving, and
generous with his time and talent.
“In 1976 when the ABS was founded,
we knew of less than a dozen practicing
bladesmiths in the United States. It
was a dying art,” B.R. Hughes recalled.
“Today, the ABS has approximately 2,000
members, so the art of the forged blade
has been secured. Bill Moran deserves
full credit for this.”
BEGINNINGS
Moran’s journey to the summit of
bladesmithing and custom knifemaking
began simply—on his family’s 150-acre B dd k H
Braddock i ht and
Heights db became a full-time
ll ti k i ” B
knives, Barney said.id “The custom t
dairy farm in Lime Kiln, Maryland just bladesmith, locating his shop on Route 40A market wasn’t really developed at that
a few miles from Frederick, where he just minutes away in Middleton. time, and I was more interested in guns,
was born on May 1, 1925. At age 11 he As business increased, Moran put crossbows and slingshots. We made
experimented with making a knife from at least six or seven hours a day into crossbows, metal bows, wooden stocks
an old crosscut saw. Soon enough he making knives. In 1968 he married and slingshots. Then my interest in knives
ventured into the blacksmith shop on the Margaret Creager, who, for the next 33 began to evolve—I guess because he was
farm and forged his first blade. He made years, supported his effort with grace and selling knives for three times what I was
several blades before he was a teenager. energy. Along the way, Moran developed earning in a week!
By the time he was 14 Moran was done interests in other work as well. “I consider him a brother. We were that
with schooling, and became captivated with ABS master smith Barney Barnes met close,” Barnes continued. “After Margaret
making knives during World War II. During Moran in 1960. In fact, he lived only five died in 2001, my wife Nancy and I would
the Korean War that followed, Moran was doors down the street in Braddock Heights. have Sunday dinner for our kids and
busy with orders for combat knives. In 1960 “In the ’60s, Bill was doing ironwork grandkids. Bill would come up to dinner
he sold the dairy farm, moved to nearby and a lot of things other than making every Sunday.”

PA S T M A S T E R S |
Camp knives were a Bill

Moran specialty and the Rio
Grande was the earliest such
design. As B.R. Hughes notes
in Forever A Legend, “I like it
for its feel and its historical
background, as such knives
were widely used in the Old
West, although not as well
made or as beautiful as Bill’s.”
Again from Forever A Legend: “Margaret Moran was a rock not only
for Bill but also for the ABS and, by extension, the entire knife
industry … the ABS and its members were Margaret’s ‘family,’
and she was the matriarch and Bill the patriarch.”
2006 at agee 80, one of his bowies sold for ABS & DAMASCUS
a whopping $30,000. Moran was a pioneer who loved his
During his
h career Moran sold a knife craft, all the while chewing tobacco in
to actor Sylvester Stallone (page 12), who his simple shop with its old, creaking
ordered “thhe most elaborate knife I could floor, and sought to preserve and extend
make,” Billl told the Washington Post it. Along with the beginnings of the
newspaper. It was an Eastern-influenced ABS, his greatest contribution was the
combat kniife with a handle and case inlaid reintroduction of damascus for knife
with 30 feet of shimmering silver wire. blades. It was a sentinel event in the
Then-Princce and now King Abdullah history of modern custom knifemaking.
Hussein off Jordan visited Moran’s shop Hughes first met Moran through
in the earlly 1990s and ordered a sleek telephone conversations and mail
combat knife with a curly maple handle correspondence in the mid-1960s. They
inlaid with silver. met in person at the Knifemakers’ Guild
STEELS & STARS

Along with damascus, Moran favored MORAN SCHOOL HAS MOVED
W2 and 5160 carbon-steel blades
complemented with curly maple handles.
He became known for silver inlay and
T he ABS School and its well-known hammer-ins have been the catalyst for the growth
of bladesmithing for over 30 years. This year, the Bill Moran School of Bladesmithing
relocated from Arkansas to the campus of Texarkana College in Texarkana, Texas.
scrollwork that was carried over from From 1988 to 2019, under the auspices of Texarkana College, the school operated in
Kentucky muzzleloading rifles. He made Washington, Arkansas. After Texarkana College was informed that the Arkansas legislature
dulcimers, walking sticks and arrows. had authorized the University of Arkansas at Hope to operate a bladesmithing school at the
During the Vietnam War era his ST-23 Washington site and that its lease would not be renewed, the school relocated to the main
combat knife became hugely popular, campus of Texarkana College, where courses began this fall.
while his ST-24 fighter, bowies and Dr. Jason Smith, president of Texarkana College, invited the ABS to occupy a large
camp knives gained acclaim. His early building on campus. It offers better facilities, 24-hour security and proximity to many hotels
knives were moderately priced but by and restaurants. The ABS board voted unanimously to accept the invitation, beginning a
the 1980s a standard Moran might run a new chapter in the history of the Moran School. For more information visit https://www.
buyer $500. The secondary market took texarkanacollege.edu/continuing-education/school-of-bladesmithing/ or call 903-823-3456.
off, and, around the time of his death in

PEOPLE PERSON
The 5-inch blade of a trailing-point hunter was forged from the Hendrickson served as the
first completed twist-pattern damascus by Moran circa 1972. executor of Moran’s estate
The handle is curly maple and the guard, pommel and aand founded the Moran
arrowhead are nickel silver. Overall length: 9.5 inches. Fooundation, serving as its
preesident for a decade.
“B
Bill was a real character,” he
remarkked. “He was very humorous
and alwayys had a joke. When you talked
to Bill, his blue eyes would pull you right
in. He was a people person and women
loved him. H He never made a speech with
notes. It wass always ad lib stuff. He would
get up in fro ont of an ABS crowd and just
start talkingg and get that crowd in the
palm of his hand!”
h
ABS masster smith Jim Crowell met
Moran at a 1984 hammer-in held at Old
Washington State Park in Hope, Arkansas.
He still prizees the certificate he received.
“Bill was an easy man to like. He was
easy-going, honest and humble,” Crowell
recalled. “I liked him very much. He
was also a staunch
s conservative. He was
thoughtful in the respect that he would
id things
consider th before speaking about
Show in Houston, Texas in 1971. In 1976, “What he had was eight damascus-bladed them. Bill was always polite and pleasant to
Moran, Hughes, Hastings and Bagwell knives, and he had mimeographed sheets folks. There were many times we would be
brought the ABS into being. Moran was that explained what damascus steel was talking, and someone would approach Bill
its first president, serving for 15 years. and how it was made. He gave these and want to meet him. He always welcomed
During that time he also completed sheets away to anyone who desired one.” them with sincerity and a good nature. He
the breakthrough with the rebirth of ABS master smith Jay Hendrickson liked dogs and had several Rottweilers. He
damascus blade steel—an arduous bow hunted and shot rifles with Moran liked the outdoors and people.”
process of discovery that required three for 30 years. Their friendship came about Moran was conscientious with his
years to accomplish. after Jay’s wife Nancy asked Moran to knives, which were always known for
“In 1973, when my wife Carolyn and make a knife for Jay for Christmas. “He their edge-holding ability. It must be
I drove up to the Muehlebach Hotel in had those eight damascus knives,” Jay remembered that he had none of the
Kansas City [site of that year’s Guild commented, “and nobody knew exactly modern equipment knifemakers use
Show], one of my buddies greeted me what was on his table. Margaret had today. Nonetheless, he succeeded in
with, ‘Wait until you see what Bill Moran typed up those single sheets on how the producing high-quality work.
has on his table!’” Hughes remembered. damascus was made.” “Bill’s craftsmanship was good—but
not what we are seeing today,” Crowell
offered. “The bar has been consistently
MAINTAINING A LEGACY raised every year. The applicants are doing
it, not the ABS. Every year, the applicants
J ay Hendrickson led the Moran Foundation for 10 years, and Robert Wilson subsequently
stepped into the role of president during an exciting time. The foundation is the caretaker
for the Moran legacy and has preserved the Moran shop in Middletown, Maryland, essentially
are submitting better-quality work and
are thus setting a higher standard.”
as it was when he left it. Hendrickson added, “Bill made a
A small museum displays knives, memorabilia and items related to Moran’s influential working knife, and the quality was spot
career in bladesmithing and custom knifemaking on the second floor of the working on. In his early knives, the solder was not
shop. To complement the existing structure, a new foundation building is planned, and always there, and the same was true with
the groundbreaking is approaching. The 40-by-80-foot building will house classrooms, a other makers. But Bill’s knives always cut.”
working shop and a larger space to display museum exhibits. Barnes agreed. “His workmanship
The museum is currently open for special events and by appointment. It is located at 4246 compared to few other people I know.
Old National Pike (Route 40A), Middletown, Maryland. For more information visit https:// He was better than most, but it is easy
www.williammoranmuseum.com/special-event-2 or email Info@BillMoranMuseum.com. to say that he was not the best fit-and-
finish man in the business at the time. He

PA S T M A S T E R S |
anything he knew. He was a staunch

Moran’s all-steel quillon dagger features
American and although his education was
a 9-inch blade and a hand-carved guard, limited, he gave the impression of being a
handle and pommel. Overall length: 13 well-educated individual.”
inches. The sheath is curly maple with
an ivory throat and silver-wire inlay. LEGION of BELIEVERS
Hughes points out that Moran,
Hastings and Bagwell were the fi rst
three bladesmiths to forge damascus
blade steel in America in the 20 th
century. Teaching was, indeed, a
passion for Moran, and the ABS school
rightly bears his name today. He was
an advocate for the fi rst hammer-in at
Dubois Lake, Wyoming in 1983, and
along with Hendrickson had previously
taught at the Rochester Institute of
Technology in New York.
Bill was the apostle of the anvil, and,
so many years ago when he invited
Hunting and utility models were the knives Moran made

most at the beginning of his career, and most all of them
cut extremely well. From top: two utility hunters and one
utility knife, all with heavy-duty leather sheaths.
was very good and all his knives had the

handmade look to them. They were not
dead-on mil spec, but for the time period
he was near the top. Up to the time he
died, his resale on the secondary market
was unbelievable. If you have a Moran
knife for sale and let the right people
know, it could start a fight!”
Hughes, whose favorite Moran models
are the Rio Grande camp knife and the
Model 11 small skinner, remembers the
“father of modern damascus steel” as “a
straightforward man, very approachable.
He was very willing to teach others virtually

ABS master smith Jim Crowell (right) met
Bill Moran at a 1984 hammer-in at Old
Washington State Park in Hope, Arkansas.
Jim still p
prizes the certificate he received.
(Crowell image)
From left: Jay Hendrickson, Prince Abdullah

Hussein (now King Hussein) of Jordan and
Bill Moran circa 1990. Abdullah holds a
knife Bill made for him and Jay holds a
kukri he made for the Prince.
Hendrickson to travel to Rochester for

the first time, he found a willing convert.
“I was a stock removal guy until then,”
Jay observed, “and Bill took me under his
wing. Now, look at what you’ve got today.
There’s beautiful stuff out there, and I
know he would be proud of everything
that is happening.”
Of course, Hendrickson is not the only
one Moran turned into a bladesmithing
believer. A legion of bladesmiths, custom
knifemakers, damascus forgers and
admirers of the required skill sets owe a
debt of tremendous gratitude to the man
who breathed new life into these arts in a
career that spanned over 60 years.
During his lifetime, Bill Moran
received countless honors and accolades,
but none of them was as satisfying as a
day in the heat of the shop, hammering
a glowing piece of steel until it was just
right—and then showing so many others
how to do the same.

Three classic Moran combat knives, from left: the M7, ST-24 and ST-23. Inset: Bill holds
an ST-23 damascus knife with a matching curly maple sheath he made for Sylvester
Stallone (page 12).

FAC TORY FI RS T | BY BLADE® STAFF
st
INAUGURAL NON-FOLDING SWISS ARMY

KNIFE IS A BUSHCRAFT MODEL
Complete with fire starter and Scandi

grind, the first-ever Swiss Army knife fixed
blade is designed for bushcrafters and
survivalists. Founded in 1884, Victorinox
had never made a Swiss Army knife fixed
blade—until now. (Victorinox images)
SPEC CHECK
I
t was probably only a matter of time—though it’s been well over a century now— KNIFE NAME: Outdoor Master Mic
but Victorinox has announced its first-ever fixed-blade Swiss Army knife. KNIFE TYPE: Fixed blade
Christened the Outdoor Master Mic, the knife comes in two blade/overall BLADE LENGTH OPTIONS: 2.75 and 3.94”
lengths. The drop-point patterns feature Scandi grinds and a “slightly sharp” spine
on which to strike the accompanying fire starter. The latter includes a paracord and
BLADE MATERIAL: 1.4116 stainless steel
fits in a sleeve on the knife’s Kydex belt-loop sheath. The sheath features a Tek-Lok ROCKWELL HARDNESS: 56-57 HRC
System with a screw to torque down the throat to hold the knife more securely. BLADE PATTERN: Drop point
If you buy or collect Swiss Army knives, you’ve got to have one. BLADE GRIND: Scandi
For more information contact Victorinox Swiss Army, Inc., attn: K. Oakes,
BLADE THICKNESSES: .118 and .165”
Dept. BL12, 7 Victoria Dr., Monroe, CT 06468 203-929-6391 swissarmy.com, HANDLE MATERIAL: Micarta w/red liners
®
Kristin.oakes@swissarmy.com. CONSTRUCTION: Full tang

WEIGHTS: 5.46 and 7.76 ozs.
For the latest knives, knife news, trends and more visit blademag.com, BLADE®’s
OVERALL LENGTHS: 6.1 and 8.66”
popular Instagram page at @blade_magazine, and on Facebook and Twitter.
SHEATH: Kydex Tek Lok w/fire starter in sleeve
MSRPs: $150 and $250

WILLIAMHENRY.COM

2019 12 01 - Blade

Caricato da

Informazioni sul documento

Titolo originale

Copyright

Formati disponibili

Condividi questo documento

Condividi o incorpora il documento

Opzioni di condivisione

Hai trovato utile questo documento?

Questo contenuto è inappropriato?

Copyright:

Formati disponibili

2019 12 01 - Blade

Caricato da

Copyright:

Formati disponibili

UNVEILED 1st SWISS ARMY KNIFE FIXED BLADE!

OUTDOOR MASTER MIC

12 Dietmar Pohl and Sylvester Stallone.

10 GIL HIBBEN SETS 2 RAMBO RECORDS 46 A HANDLE TO CROW ABOUT

12 NEW LINKS, OLD BLOODLINE 52 MINIMALIST KNIVES: LESS IS MORE

24 WAYNE’S MAGIC KNIFE 60 VIKING EDC

28 AS EVEN AS IT GETS? 72 GO NEO!

34 HOW TO MAKE THE PRICE GUARD 76 APOSTLE OF THE ANVIL

40 LET’S DICE! 82 1ST FIXED-BLADE SWISS ARMY KNIFE

4 BL ADE DECEMBER 2 019

71 | WHERE TO GET ’EM

BLADE (ISSN 1064-5853) is published monthly (Vol.

XLVI, No. 2), LC. Corporate headquarters is 5600 W.

DECEMBER 2 019 blad emag.co m 5

6 BL ADE DECEMBER 2 019

NEED A KNIFE?Our online store is better,

• TOP BRAND CLOSEOUTS

DECEMBER 2 019 blad emag.co m 7

GUN DIGEST MEDIA, LLC

BLADE ® Magazine, (ISSN 1064-5853) is published monthly plus

8 BL ADE DECEMBER 2 019

GIL HIBBEN SETS

10 BL ADE DECEMBER 2 019

THE RAMBO KNIVES OF LAST BLOOD MAINTAIN

DECEMBER 2 019 blad emag.co m 13

With the help of the Heartstopper, Rambo has the

expert, Rock Galotti, a member of The knives were to be much more

Introducing 3.5” Tanto or

DECEMBER 2 019 blad emag.co m 15

green canvas Micarta® was the choice. It

16 BL ADE DECEMBER 2 019

At Tormach, we build milling and

Our compact CNC mills and grinders

With passion and craft, simple and

Start your journey at tormach.com.

18 BL ADE DECEMBER 2 019

the sets. Sly also showed Dietmar some

For more information on the Rambo Last

2 0 BL ADE DECEMBER 2 019

This is my Anglo Arms bush h

I keep a Kershaw Chive in The Buck 112 Ranger

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

2 2 BL ADE DECEMBER 2 019

THE AUTHOR REMEMBERS

24 BL ADE DECEMBER 2 019

DECEMBER 2 019 blad emag.co m 25

those years. Wayne contributed to that.

2 6 BL ADE DECEMBER 2 019

Order online at GunDigestStore.com or call 920.471.4522

KNIFE NAME: Raven

The Raven’s unusual blade shape

2 8 BL ADE DECEMBER 2 019

The Dominator offers up a modiﬁed

KNIFE NAME: Domina or

DECEMBER 2 019 blad emag.co m 2 9

pressure with the Raven, probably

OVER the EDGE

Each blade is roughly 3/8 inch at the thickest, while

3 0 BL ADE DECEMBER 2 019

knives to fit my hand.

The makers warrant their knives

For the latest knives, knife news,

32 BL ADE DECEMBER 2 019