spyderco spyker

Transcription

spyderco spyker
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NOVEMBER 2012 • DISPLAY UNTIL: 01/15/13
VOLUME 26, NO. 8 • $5.99 U.S.
knivesillustrated.com
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U.S.A.
Making Pattern 22
Pattern 22 Blades
Pattern 22, our most popular hunter blade, is cryogenically
treated and razor sharp. The blade is flat ground for strength.
Overall length 8 3/8", Blade Length 3 1/2", Blade Width 1 3/32",
Blade Thickness 5/32". Bolster holes 1/8", Handle Holes 1/4",
Thong Hole 1/4". Available in 440C, D2 and offered in peened
or satin finish.
CAT.#
STEEL FINISH
TEMPER
HRC
PRICE
440C
Satin
Cryo
57-58
J2208
29.95
D2
Satin
Cryo
59-61
J2228
29.95
Torx Fasteners
Our J2308 440C satin finish blade shown above is completed
with the K233 Brass Bolster and 1/4" Brass B660 Corby Rivets
Fasteners. Fitted with our D2325 Rosewood Dymondwood
preshaped handle, sanded and buffed to a high finish.
Pattern 23 Blades
Pattern 23 blades are cryogenically processed during heat
treating and flat ground for optimal edge holding. Overall length
9 9/16", Blade Length 4 5/8", Blade Width 1", Blade Thickness
5/32". Bolster holes 1/8", Handle Holes 1/4", Thong Hole 1/4".
Available in 440C, D2 and offered in peened or satin finish.
CAT.#
STEEL FINISH TEMPER
HRC
PRICE
440C
Satin
Cryo
57-58
J2308
29.95
D2
Satin
Cryo
59-61
J2328
29.95
Handles
Orange G10 - Honeycomb
Thong Tubing
Optional thong hole tubing is
listed below. Use TM64 drill to
drill handles.
CAT.# DIA. ALLOY PRICE
Brass
B210 1/4"
.75
A210 1/4" Stainless
.99
TM64 .252" HSS Drill 3.25
Making Pattern 44
Torx Screw assembly includes
two 1/4" stepped brass
bushings and four T6 torx
screws. Use with G10 and
Micarta textured handles.
CAT.# TYPE ALLOY PRICE
Brass
B451 Torx
3.95
A461 Torx Stainless
4.95
Corby Fasteners
Corby assembly includes two
1/4" brass bushings and two
1/4" corby rivets. Use with
Dymondwood handles for
flush surface.
CAT.# TYPE ALLOY PRICE
B660 Corby Brass
3.49
A624 Corby Stainless
3.49
The photo above shows our J4408 440C satin finish blade
completed with PC125 Imperial Red Paracord.
Pattern 44 Blades
Blue G10 - Honeycomb
Pictured above is our J3248 154C
Brass Bolster and 1/8" Brass Pin
Ink Walnut Dymondwood preshap
to a high finish.
Pattern 32 Blades
Olive Drab G10 - Basket Weave
Bolsters are offered in 260
brass and 410 stainless,
both with matching pins. In
two thickness 3/16" for G10
contoured handles and 1/4"
for Dymondwood handles.
Listed below.
CAT.# THICK ALLOY PRICE
K211 3/16" Brass
6.95
K216 3/16" Stainless 6.95
Brass
K213 1/4"
6.95
K214 1/4" Stainless 6.95
PRO
Making Pattern 32
Making Pattern 23
Illustrated above G2231 Orange G10 Basket Weave texture
preshaped handles, J2208 440C satin finished blade, K226
Stainless Steel Bolster and A461 1/4" Stainless Steel T6 Torx
Fasteners.
Bolsters
MADE
Red G10 - Honeycomb
Contoured & Textured Handles for Pattern 22 and Pattern
23. Dymondwood handles are smooth with no texture. The
G10 handles are available in Basket Weave and Honeycomb
textures. Cut slightly oversize for proper fitting to blade and
bolster.
CAT.#
COLOR
MATERIAL
TEXTURE PRICE
Rosewood
Dymondwood
None
D2125
16.95
None
D2149 Black Ink Cocobolo Dymondwood
16.95
Black
G10
Basket Weave 21.95
G2111
Orange
G10
Basket Weave 21.95
G2131
Olive Drab
G10
Basket Weave 21.95
G2151
Red
G10
Honeycomb
G2123
21.95
Orange
G10
Honeycomb
G2133
21.95
Blue
G10
Honeycomb
G2143
21.95
Making Pattern 45
The photo above shows our completed J4508 440C satin finish
blade. Braided with PC127 Desert Camo and PC102 Black
Paracord.
Pattern 32 blades are cryogeni
treating for optimal edge holdi
Overall length 7 5/8", Blade Len
Blade Thickness 1/8". Bolster h
Thong Hole 1/4". Available in D2
peened or satin finish..
CAT.#
STEEL
FINISH
D2
Satin
J3228
154CM
Satin
J3248
440C
Satin
J3208
J3289 Damascus Etched
1095
Satin
J3298
1095
Black
J329K
1095
Green
J329G
1095
Tan
J329T
TE
C
C
C
C
C
C
C
C
Bolsters
C
Bolsters are oversize, for
proper fitting and include two
matching pins.
Customers
generally fit bolsters and
polish front edges before
peening it to the blade.
CAT.# THICK ALLOY PRICE
K323 3/16" Brass
6.95
K324 3/16" Stainless 6.95
A
O
l
d
C
B
A
T
Handles
Pattern 45 Blades
Black Ink Walnut Dymondwood
Pattern 44 flat ground blades. Overall length 6 1/2", Blade
Length 2 1/2", Blade Width 1 1/8", Blade Thickness 1/8".
Available in D2, 440C and offered in peened, satin or Teflon
coated finish.
CAT.#
STEEL FINISH
TEMPER
HRC
PRICE
440C
Satin
Cryo
J4408
57-58
29.95
D2
Satin
Cryo
J4428
59-61
29.95
1095
Satin
Cryo
J4498
57-58
29.95
1095
Black
Cryo
J449K
57-58
29.95
1095
Green
Cryo
J449G
57-58
29.95
1095
Tan
Cryo
J449T
57-58
29.95
Pattern 45 blades. Overall length 7 3/16", Blade Length 3 1/4",
Blade Width 1 1/16", Blade Thickness 1/8". Available in D2,
440C and offered in peened, satin or coated finish.
Contoured & Textured Handles fo
handles are smooth with no te
available in Basket Weave texture
CAT.#
J4508
J4528
J4598
J459K
J459G
J459T
CAT.#
COLOR
MATE
D3251 Black Ink Walnut Dymond
D3253 Black Ink Rosewood Dymond
Black
G1
G3211
Red
G1
G3221
Orange
G1
G3231
Olive Drab
G1
G3251
STEEL
440C
D2
1095
1095
1095
1095
FINISH
Satin
Satin
Satin
Black
Green
Tan
TEMPER
Cryo
Cryo
Cryo
Cryo
Cryo
Cryo
HRC
59-61
59-61
57-58
57-58
57-58
57-58
PRICE
29.95
39.95
29.95
29.95
29.95
29.95
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ODUCTS
BY
JANTZ
PAT T ERN 31
Making Pattern 31
8 154CM satin finish blade with K323
ss Pins. Handled with D3251 Black
eshaped handle, sanded and buffed
Our Completed J3148 154CM satin finish blade with K316
Stainless Bolster and A461 1/4" Stainless Torx Screw Fasteners.
The handle is M3131 Red Linen Micarta with Basket Weave
texture, sanded and buffed to a high finish.
DAMASCUS
154CM
1095
D2
Pattern 31 Blades
yogenically processed during heat
holding capability. Flat Ground.
e Length 3 1/8", Blade Width 1",
ster holes 1/8", Handle Holes 1/8",
in D2, 154CM, 440C and offered in
TEMPER
Cryo
Cryo
Cryo
Cryo
Cryo
Cryo
Cryo
Cryo
HRC
59-61
58-59
57-58
58-60
57-58
57-58
57-58
57-58
PRICE
29.95
34.95
29.95
59.95
29.95
29.95
29.95
29.95
Pattern 31 flat ground blades are cryogenically processed during
heat treating for optimal edge holding capability. Overall length
7 5/8", Blade Length 3", Blade Width 1 1/8", Blade Thickness
5/32". Bolster holes 1/8", Handle Holes 1/4", Thong Hole 1/4".
Available in D2, 154CM and offered in peened or satin finish.
CAT.#
J3128
J3148
J3189
J3198
J319K
J319G
J319T
STEEL
FINISH
D2
Satin
154CM
Satin
Damascus Etched
1095
Satin
1095
Black
1095
Green
1095
Tan
TEMPER
Cryo
Cryo
Cryo
Cryo
Cryo
Cryo
Cryo
Bolsters
HRC
59-61
58-59
58-60
57-58
57-58
57-58
57-58
PRICE
29.95
34.95
69.95
29.95
29.95
29.95
29.95
Torx Fasteners
Fasteners
Package of 6 handle pins
available
in
brass
and
stainless steel.
for
wo
ers
nd
ore
CE
95
95
CAT.# SIZE ALLOY PRICE
Brass
B826 1/8”
1.99
A846 1/8” Stainless
1.99
Thong Tubing
Optional thong hole tubing is
listed below. Use TM64 drill to
drill handles for tubing.
CAT.# DIA. ALLOY PRICE
Brass
B320 1/4"
.75
A320 1/4" Stainless
.99
TM64 .252" HSS Drill 3.25
Orange G10 - Basket Weave
wood
Bolsters are offered in 260
brass and 410 stainless,
both with matching pins. In
two thickness 3/16" for G10
contoured handles and 1/4"
for Dymondwood handles.
Listed below.
CAT.# THICK ALLOY PRICE
K311 3/16" Brass
6.95
K316 3/16" Stainless 6.95
Brass
K313 1/4"
6.95
K314 1/4" Stainless 6.95
Torx Screw assembly includes
two 1/4" stepped brass
bushings and four T6 torx
screws. Use with G10 and
Micarta textured handles.
CAT.# TYPE ALLOY PRICE
Brass
B451 Torx
3.95
A461 Torx Stainless
4.95
Corby Fasteners
Thong Tubing
Optional thong hole tubing is
listed below. Use TM64 drill to
drill handles.
CAT.# DIA. ALLOY PRICE
Brass
B310 1/4"
.75
A310 1/4" Stainless
.99
TM64 .252" HSS Drill 3.25
Corby assembly includes two
1/4" brass bushings and two
1/4" corby rivets. Use with
Dymondwood handles for
flush surface.
CAT.# TYPE ALLOY PRICE
B660 Corby Brass
3.49
A624 Corby Stainless
3.49
Handles
Black G10- Basket Weave
Black Ink Cocobolo Dymondwood
dles for Pattern 32. Dymondwood
no texture. The G10 handles are
exture.
Contoured & Textured Handles for Pattern 31. Dymondwood
handles are smooth with no texture. The Micarta and G10
handles are available in Basket Weave texture.
MATERIAL
ymondwood
ymondwood
G10
G10
G10
G10
CAT.#
COLOR
MATERIAL
TEXTURE PRICE
None
D3149 Black Ink Cocobolo Dymondwood
16.95
Red Linen
Micarta
Basket Weave 16.95
M3131
Black
G10
Basket Weave 21.95
G3111
Orange
G10
Basket Weave 21.95
G3131
Olive Drab
G10
Basket Weave 21.95
G3151
Blue/Black
G10
Basket Weave 21.95
G3161
TEXTURE PRICE
None
16.95
None
16.95
Basket Weave 21.95
Basket Weave 21.95
Basket Weave 21.95
Basket Weave 21.95
knifemaking.com
1-800-351-8900
JANTZ
KI-1211-TOC.CX-tracy[3].qxp
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NOVEMBER 2012
VOLUME 26, NO. 8
www.knivesillustrated.com
10
COVER STORY
14
Up To Shenanigans
Ken Onion’s new flipper folders for Columbia River Knife and Tool
are lightweight and quick
By KI Staff
FEATURES
16
Knife Groups In 4,000 Words Or Less
If a picture is worth 1,000 words, here are 4,000 words
worth of knife photos
By J. Bruce Voyles
20
What Makes A Good Tactical Knife?
By Jim Weiss and Mickey Davis
28
Double Up! Only Two Makers
Become Mastersmiths
14
The 2012 Mastersmiths class is Gary House and Daniel Warren
By B.R. Hughes
36
Mean And Pretty
The knives of Trace Rinaldi are useful tools for the real world
By Les Robertson
48
Zombie Knives
The right knives for the apocalypse: December 21, 2012
By Clint Thompson
54
Steel Canvas
Art in the media of steel
By J. Bruce Voyles
62
Transcending Traditional Knives
48
There is a reason why knife designs still prosper after 100 years
By J. Bruce Voyles
72
Unique & Innovative
Mantis Knives: “Edgy” designs combined with utility
By Abe Elias
KNIVES ILLUSTRATED (ISSN 0898-8943) Vol. 26, No. 8 is published 9 times a year, January/February,
April, May, June/July, August, September, October, November and December, by Beckett Media, LLC,
22840 Savi Ranch Parkway, #200, Yorba Linda, CA 92887. Periodical postage paid at Yorba Linda, CA,
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PITNEY BOWES, INC, P.O. Box 25542, London, ON N6C 6B2 GST#855050365RT001 © 2012 by
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4 KNIVES ILLUSTRATED • NOVEMBER 2012
72
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NOVEMBER 2012
Volume 26 • Number 8
EDITORIAL
Editorial Director: Doug Jeffrey
Editor: J. Bruce Voyles
Managing Editor: Jeffrey Rick
Art Director: Ronald Abella
CONTRIBUTING EDITORS
James Batson, Abe Elias, B.R. Hughes, Mac Overton,
J.B. Wood, Doc Wacholz, Clint Thompson,
Les Robertson—Custom Knife Field Editor
10
ADVERTISING
Gabe Frimmel: Ad Sales Director
(714) 200-1930 GFrimmel@beckett.com
David Beckler: Outdoor Group Director
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Casey Clifford: Senior Account Executive
(717) 896-8956
OPERATIONS
Gus Alonzo: Newsstand Sales Manager
Celia Merriday: Newsstand Analyst
Amit Sharma: Newsstand & Production Analyst
Alberto Chavez: Senior Logistics & Facilities Manager
John Cabral: Creative Graphic Designer
EDITORIAL, PRODUCTION
& SALES OFFICE
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KNIVES ILLUSTRATED (ISSN 0898-8943) Vol. 26, No. 8 is published 9 times a year, January/February, April, May, June/July,
August, September, October, November and December, by
Beckett Media, LLC, 22840 Savi Ranch Parkway, #200, Yorba
Linda, CA 92887. Periodical postage paid at Yorba Linda, CA,
and additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: send address
changes to Knives Illustrated c/o Beckett Media, 5430 LBJ
Freeway, Ste 1200, Dallas, TX 75240. Return undeliverable
Canadian addresses to: PITNEY BOWES, INC, P.O. Box
25542, London, ON N6C 6B2 GST#855050365RT001 © 2012
by Beckett Media, LLC. All rights reserved. Reproduction of any
material from this issue in whole or in part is strictly prohibited.
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LETTERS TO THE EDITOR, NEW PRODUCTS OR
TO CONTRIBUTE A STORY OR PHOTO
Bruce Voyles
22840 Savi Ranch Parkway, #200, Yorba Linda, CA 92887
bvoyles@beckett.com
COLUMNS
8
Q&A
Prince Albert-promoted knives make a great mini-collection
By J. Bruce Voyles
9
Guess The Maker
Name the maker and you could win a free subscription
By Jim Cooper
62
10 Points Of Interest
New knives and new happenings within
the world of knives
By Karen Wilhelmsen
13 Tips: Knife Storage
There’s more to it than oiling the blade
By J. Bruce Voyles
44 Quiz: Test Your Knife IQ
Match the bios with the knives of The ABS Members
of the Cutlery Hall of Fame
By KI Staff
80 Shows
Knife show calendar of upcoming events
81 The Legal Edge
By Karen Wilhelmsen
82 On The Edge: Knife Kindness
By J. Bruce Voyles
SUBSCRIPTION RATES
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This magazine is purchased by the buyer with the understanding that
information presented is from various sources from which there can be
no warranty or responsibility by Beckett Media, LLC as to the legality,
completeness or technical accuracy.
6 KNIVES ILLUSTRATED • NOVEMBER 2012
On The Cover: Columbia
River Knife & Tool’s
Shenanigan folders are
designed by Hall of Famer
Ken Onion. (Photo by
Terrill Hoffman)
knivesillustrated.com
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Page 8
Q&A
Great Mini Collectible
Text and Photos by J. Bruce Voyles
The back of a
Prince Albert
tobacco tin
showing the
labels for
knives offer.
Q: I have a
Prince Albert
tobacco can with
knives on it.
Who made those
knives?
A: Because of their color, eye appeal and
attainability, Prince Albert knives are
among the best miniature collectibles. R.J.
Reynolds first produced Prince Albert
smoking tobacco in 1906, offering pre-cut
tobacco in a handy carrying tin for those
who preferred to roll their own. Prince Albert became of interest to cutlery enthusiasts in the mid-1960s with a promotional
offer for knives. Send in five wrappers plus
$2 and receive your choice of three available knives. The unique fact that this offer
was part of the painted covering of the tin
has allowed these rare forms of metal cutlery advertising to still be available for
those willing to search.
Schrade produced the knives under their
Ulster trademark—all bearing the “Old
Timer” shield. For collectors, this was one
of the few times that Old Timer was combined with the Ulster mark. Old Timer
knives almost always bear the Schrade
name. The choices included a 10-OT Barlow, 58-OT serpentine stockman (identified
as a “whittler” in the ads), and a 50-OT
scout utility pattern.
This marketing experiment began with a
modest total of 1,200 knives, but by 1971
the tally had reached 30,000 scout knives,
46,000 Barlows and 243,000 three-blade
serpentines. In the end, some 400,000
knives were produced, and at one time
there were three people within Schrade
THE NUMBERS
Original quantity ordered:
1,200 knives
1971 Tally: 30,000 scout knives
46,000 Barlows
243,000 three-blade serpentines
8
PRINCE ALBERT IN A CAN
By J. Bruce Voyles
My parents ran a small grocery store in very rural North Carolina. It was during
my childhood that phone lines were first extended into our out-of-the-way corner of
the state, and with our store among the first to have a telephone, I assigned myself
the job of answering it.
And it was there that I learned about Prince Albert smoking tobacco. I received a
call. “Do you have Prince Albert in a can?” the voice asked.
“Mom, do we have Prince Albert?” I asked.
“Sure, son, it’s right there on the shelf,” she said pointing.
“Yes we do,” I answered the caller.
“Well, you better let him out! He’ll smother!”
Laughter and a click followed. Thus was my first introduction to Prince Albert…
and to prank phone calls.
fulfilling the orders.
Although the offer officially ended in
1974, Imperial-Schrade was still honoring
the offer until 2004 when the company
ceased operations at their factory in Ellenville, New York.
There are two major variations in the
Prince Albert cans of this period: a plain
KNIVES ILLUSTRATED • NOVEMBER 2012
version and one with a “starburst” on the
front announcing the knife offer. It is not
uncommon to see vendors at knife shows
offering both cans and the three knives as
a group.
Old Timer and Ulster are registered
trademarks of Taylor Brands, LLC of
Kingsport, Tennessee. KI
knivesillustrated.com
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Page 9
Guess The Maker
Text and Photos by Jim Cooper
Who Will Be The Next Winner?
A free one-year subscription to the first reader to correctly guess this knifemaker!
Two Knives for
One Issue!
The appeal of guessing two knives in the last issue instead of just one resulted in the most entries
since we began running this column. The distinctive tactical was made by Jerry Hossom. We received several comments from the entrants about
his knives:
“I’m a huge fan of his work.”
“I’ve had the pleasure of meeting Mr. Jerry
Hossom at Blade one year. As with most of
the extremely successful makers I’ve had the
privilege to meet, he was wonderful to talk
to.”
Guess the maker of this knife and be eligible to win a one-year subscription to KI, Gun World or Bow and Arrow Hunting. Your hint? He was originally a vintage knife collector.
“The combination of blade curves and
unique handle style are distinctively his.”
HOW WE DRAW
The method we use to determine who wins among the correct entries: The entries are placed in numerical order, and a
random number is generated by a random number-generating
website (www.random.org).
WHAT YOU WIN, HOW TO WIN
• The first winner for each knife will receive a one-year
subscription to Knives Illustrated. If you already receive KI,
you can have your choice of extending your subscription or receiving a one-year subscription to one of our sister publications (Gun World or Bow & Arrow Hunting).
• Among the correct entries, we will also draw for a second
winner. So be sure to enter, even if you are not the first one to
respond.
• Send your guesses to bvoyles@beckett.com
• Please mention promotional code A713LO11-NOVEMBER
• Winners are limited to one win every 12 months
Jay Hendrickson is the maker
of this hunter, which displays
his unique style and still shows
some of the influence of his
mentor, W.R. Moran.
We did get two
correct entries on the
Jerry Hossom knife.
Eric O’Connell was
the first correct entry, and David Hare of
Delaplane, Virginia,
was the winner
This distinctive tactical knife was
among the random
made by Jerry Hossom.
drawing of correct
entries.
Pat Burris was the first correct entry for the other knife—
a Jay Hendrickson hunter. At press time, he was the only
correct entry, so we will be holding the random drawing
for an additional winner in the next issue.
KI
knivesillustrated.com
KNIVES ILLUSTRATED • NOVEMBER 2012 9
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Page 10
Points Of Interest
By Karen Wilhelmsen
Photos courtesy of the manufacturers
Discover The Conspiracy
Benchmade’s H&K Conspiracy Turns Heads
Benchmade
www.benchmade.com
Model: Heckler & Koch Conspiracy (fixed blade, plain edge)
14101BT
MSRP: $80
Heckler & Koch, a brand mainly associated with the quality
firearms they produce, use their same high standards in the creation of their knives as well—supplied for the demands of shooters, elite military and police unit around the globe. When H&K
teamed up with Benchmade, well, I guess you can call it a match
made in heaven. The birth of the Conspiracy is the result of this
harmonious union, and this knife features a plain edge and fixed
blade, with high-traction, black G-10 handle scales. It handles as
well as it looks.
Ready For Battle
Conspiracy Specs:
• Blade length: 4 4/5 inches
• Blade steel: 9CR13 stainless steel
• Overall length: 9 inches
• Blade style: Tanto
• Weight: 11.22 ounces
Happy Campers
The CBF [Combat Fixed Blade] By Gerber Is Indestructible
The Outdoor Edge Outpak Is A Hunter’s Dream
Gerber
www.gerbergear.com
Model: CBF (combat fixed blade)
MSRP: Varies per retailer
Gerber’s CBF is built to handle whatever you
can throw its way while you’re in the field. It’s
tough, and reliable because the full-tang stainless steel knife features a 154CM high-carbon
tanto blade, for hackin’ and slashin’ your way
through just about anything. Use it for cutting,
prying, slicing and scraping. The lower portion
of the blade is serrated, the knife has a rubberized grip and a blunt pommel, and it comes with
a molded plastic sheath for several carry options
on a belt or MOLLE compatible vest. If your daily
use requires getting down to business, meet
your new best friend.
Outdoor Edge Cutlery Corp.
www.outdooredge.com
Model: The Outpak
MSRP: $159.95
CBF Specs:
• Blade length: 4 1/4 inches
• Blade steel: 154CM high carbon steel
• Overall length: 9 1/4 inches
• Blade style: Tanto
• Weight: 4.9 ounces
10
KNIVES ILLUSTRATED • NOVEMBER 2012
The Outdoor Edge Outpak is the perfect gift for any
hunter on your holiday gift list. This is because the Outpak is a big game set, all organized in an easy-to-carry
case. This handy dandy set includes guthook/skinner/caper combo, axe, wood bone saw,
ribcage spreader, folding boning knife, ceramic sharpener, pen, tape measure, flagging tape, sip-ties and
game cleaning gloves; all in a roll-pack organizer with
compartments. Easily cinch the organizer to a backpack
with the condura straps, and you’re ready for the time
of your life hunting and camping in the great outdoors.
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Bang For Your Buck
THE CREDIT CARD KNIFE CUTS
CLEAN SWIPES
Boker
www.boker.de/us
Model: Boker Plus Credit Card
Knife
MSRP: $34.95
The Boker Plus Credit Card Knife has a slim, unique
look designed by knifemaker John Kubasek. Its compact
profile and removable pocket clip provides a variety of
carry options, even in a credit card slot in your wallet. Or,
you can carry it with a clip in the pocket of your shirt, or
a ball chain (included) around your neck. Other features
include the sturdy frame lock mechanism, titanium liner,
stainless steel blade, finger coils and a G-10 handle. It’s
easy to carry with you every day, in any way you like. All
1.1 ounces of the knife are light and discreet.
Credit Card Knife
Specs:
• Blade length: 2 1/4 inches
• Blade steel: 440C stainless steel
• Overall length: 5 inches
• Grip: G-10
• Weight: 1.1 ounces
Military In Mind
Add It To Your Collection
Kershaw’s Knife Utility And Personal Carry Knife
Case’s Rough Black Canoe Is A Beauty
Kershaw Knives
www.kershawknives.com
Model: Military Knife
MSRP: $64.95
The Military Knife by Kershaw utilizes a
simple shape for the maneuverability and
functionality that a personal carrying and utility knife is expected to be. Drop-forged from
1.4116 German molybdenum/vanadium stainless steel, it’s built to maintain its sharp edge.
The finish is bead-blasted, matte gray and
non-reflective. The grip has steel, riveted POM
scales for a secure fit, with a handle design
and net-finish for a variety of grip styles. The
multi-carry sheath makes it all the more functional, due to its quick-release, slim design for
carrying under a coat, on a belt, or strapped to
a leg or arm.
W.R. Case
www.wrcase.com
Model: Rough Black Canoe
MSRP: Varies per retailer
The Case Rough Black Canoe
features spear and pen
blades, and a handle inspired by “Gum Fuddy” knives. This
term comes from
the vintage Case
pocketknives that
were created from new
materials during WWII. It was
then that Case developers began using a hard, synthetic material with jigging patterns
on the surface, what’s called “Rough Black” or what was
nicknamed “Gum Fuddy.” Today, the recent Rough Black
family features eight different styles, with jigged handles,
Tru-Sharp surgical steel blades, nickel/silver bolsters, and a
Case oval shield. The Canoe is one of eight in this family.
Military Knife Specs:
• Blade length: 4 1/2 inches
• Blade steel: 1.4116 high-carbon German
stainless steel, bead-blasted finish
• Overall length: 9 inches
• Grip: POM scales
• Weight: 4.4 ounces
knivesillustrated.com
Did You Know?
The term “Gum Fuddy” originated during WWII’s inception, when Case product developers utilized a new, synthetic material for its handles, as raw materials became scarce
or off limits due to the war effort.
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Points of Interest
Damascus Design
SOG’s Arcitech Is One Of Their Finest
SOG Specialty Knives & Tools
www.sogknives.com
Model: Arcitech (Damascus)
MSRP: $624
The new SOG Arcitech reveals a stunning Japanese Damascus
that uses a core of VG-10 and 15 layers of nickel and stainless
steel on either side. The steel is forged and folded again, and
again, and again, repeatedly, to produce the unique layered pattern. The last step in its production is acid etching so the pattern is
more vivid, and the carbon and nickel become black. The result?
See for yourself.
Arcitech Specs:
• Blade length: 3 1/2 inches
• Blade steel: VG-10 Stainless and Nickel Damascus
• Overall length: 8 inches
• Grip: Carbon fiber
• Weight: 4 1/2 ounces
Did You Know?
The Damascus pattern comes from layers of different steels being forged and folded over and over to produce a layering pattern,
which is later acid-etched to become more vibrant and to make the carbon and nickel “pop. “
Lightweight Liaison
A Traditional Fixed Blade
TOPS/Buck’s CSAR-T Provides A Helping Hand
Spyderco Puukko For Outdoor Fun
TOPS/Buck
www.buckknives.com
Model: CSAR-T Liaison
MSRP: $65
The TOPS/Buck CSAR-T Liaison is recommended as
a secondary weapon or tool for professional military
or law enforcement officials. For emergencies, or as a
backup plan, the CSAR-T Liaison is great, because it’s
discreet and lightweight. Carry it around your neck,
in a boot or on a vest. Its skeletal design makes this
knife only 1.7 ounces, so it’ll never weigh you down.
Spyderco
www.spyderco.com
Model: Puukko
MSRP: $349.95
The Spyderco Puukko is built for outdoor activities, where woodworking, hunting and fishing are the norm. Based on a classic design by
Scandinavian knifemaker Pekka Tuominen, the Puukko’s blade has a
single, curving cutting edge and a flat-level spine with a rounded wood
handle. The iconic pattern makes this knife a must-have this season,
and its leather sheath with traditional free-floating belt attachment
makes it all the more enticing. Make the Puukko part of your collection,
and embrace its rich tradition, while utilizing its everyday function.
CSAR-T Specs:
• Blade length: 3 inches
• Blade steel: 420HC
• Overall length: 6 3/4 inches
• Grip:
420HC stainless steel
• Weight: 2.3 ounces (with sheath)
Puukko Specs:
• Blade length: 3.31 inches
• Blade steel: CPM S30V
• Overall length: 7.87 inches
• Grip: Arizona ironwood
• Weight: 3.8 ounces
Functionality At Its Finest
Many Purposes For One Low Price
Victorinox
www.swissarmy.com
Model: Hunter XT
MSRP: $60
The Hunter XT is part of Victorinox’s hunting
knife line and features multi-purpose functionality.
With this knife, you can take advantage of its er12
KNIVES ILLUSTRATED • NOVEMBER 2012
gonomic, dual-density handle, non-slip
grip, one-handed opening, secure locking mechanisms and tools. This one
item features many capabilities: onehand gut hook, bone saw, Phillips
screwdriver, reamer and key ring—all in
one. What are you waiting for? Happy
hunting.
KI
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Quick Tips For Knife Owners
By J. Bruce Voyles
STORAGE BASICS 101
Following these tips will help keep your knives in top condition
s an auctioneer, I pick up knives
from collections in a variety of
conditions, ranging from knives
piled into a box to individually separate
slots within polished wood trays. I have
seen enough over the years that I do
have some insight about storing your
knives. Here are seven tips that will
make your knife storage better.
A
out. Also, do not store carbon
steel fixed blades in their
sheaths.
2. KEEP YOUR KNIVES IN THE SAME
SHAPE AS WHEN YOU STORED THEM
Clean your knives by wiping them down
with thin machine oil, and handle them
from that point on with cloth gloves. The
acids in your fingers will eventually rust
many knives if left alone.
SEPARATE YOUR
INVENTORY
If you store your knives in a safe, be
certain to not put your inventory list inside the safe, as well. More than one
collector has been burglarized and
found that the thieves took the safe
and all, and their inventory list was
stolen along with their knives.
knivesillustrated.com
Be sure to stick,
tag or mark the
sheath so you know
which knife goes
back in that sheath.
Do not think for a
moment that you
can match them up
by look and feel!
Knife storage can mean
anything from an elaborate
hand-finished cocobolo
case to a cigar box. Either
way, the knives should be
properly prepared before
being stored.
1. FIRST, KNOW WHAT YOU HAVE
Make a written inventory. A spreadsheet
works well, and is ideal for noting the
markings, price paid, condition, and all of
the little things you might need to turn in
to your insurance company if the knives are
ever stolen.
3. STICKER THE BACK, NOT THE
FRONT
Inventory numbers on knives are difficult. You can’t write on them, nor can you
encase them in plastic like coins or sports
cards. So to affix a reference number, your
remedies are limited to stickers, for the
most part. Avery labels seem to be the most
common in the big box stores.
Be sure to put the sticker on the back.
That way you can display your knife without
a glaring white paper stuck to a blade or
MARK THE
SHEATH
bolster. And the plus side is that if you decide to photograph your knife for your
records, you have a suitable photograph that
can be used in an online forum or auction.
4. OIL THE BLADE
Grease so thick that one cannot hold a
knife without taking a grease bath may be
an efficient rust preventative, but so are
top-end products like Renaissance wax that
make much less mess. Beware of using
rust-busting spray products, as they are
corrosive by nature and will not help keep
your knives in mint condition.
5. STORE WITH SOME SEMBLANCE OF
ORDER
Group your knives in a manner that
makes sense—all of the Case knives together, or all the whittlers in a single roll or
spot. You’ll save time if you have to dig one
6. NO RUBBER BANDS OR
TAPE
If you store knives
wrapped in acid-free paper,
or even a paper towel, do
not tape the final flap or put a rubber band
around it. The rubber band will in time become brittle and break, and the tape will
be a bear to remove. There’s no need for
either if the knives are packed together.
7. CONSTANT TEMPERATURE
Constant temperatures are important. Taking knives from cold to hot, from dry to humid, can cause condensation to form. Moisture is not good for knives, but bear in mind
that extreme dry is not good for handles such
as ivory, either. Maintain a happy medium.
These tips will not solve all of your storage problems, but they’re a start! KI
HAVE A TIP OR
A QUESTION?
Share your tip or let us know your questions for future columns. E-mail us at
bvoyles@beckett.com.
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The combination of
contoured handle,
index finger notch and
checkered grip pattern
makes the Shenanigan
models very friendly
to the hands.
This straight-edge Shenanigan folder
is the aluminum-frame model.
14
KNIVES ILLUSTRATED • NOVEMBER 2012
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Another variation of the
Shenanigan design by Ken
Onion is this model with a
partially serrated blade.
Up To Shenanigans
The 480 is a more economical version of the Shenanigan,
with FRN (fiberglass reinforced nylon) handles.
Ken Onion’s new flipper folders for Columbia River Knife
and Tool are lightweight and quick.
By KI Staff
PHOTOS BY COLUMBIA RIVER KNIFE & TOOL AND TERRILL HOFFMAN
[ ]
he Shenanigan design began when
Columbia River Knife & Tool asked
Ken Onion for his ideas on a no-nonsense line of sport and work folders. CRKT
was looking for utility and quality in a
rugged locking-liner folder. Onion came
back with the aluminum-framed Shenanigan. In addition; he added a work knife
version featuring organic glass-filled nylon
that came to be the Shenanigan “Z,” and a
tactical version with a “T” designation.
Best known for his assisted opening folders, this non-assisted opening folder combines an open-build frame, blade flipper,
lubrous washers and bronze bushings at the
pivot to allow for fast one-hand opening.
All Shenanigan models feature 3 1/4-inch
blades. There’s a modified drop point with
T
knivesillustrated.com
a slight recurve and a swedged top edge.
Straight or serrated edges are available.
SHENANIGAN ALUMINUM
The sport model features an AUS 8 stainless steel blade and a cold-forged 6061-T6
aluminum frame with a bead-blast finish.
The frame is clear anodized for durability.
The stainless steel liner lock is a strip lock,
inset into one frame to save weight. Soft
textured injection-molded scales are inset
into the frame. This makes for a frame that’s
strong, lightweight and comfortable. The
sport model blades received a black titanium nitrite coating for corrosion resistance.
SHENANIGAN Z
The work model of the Shenanigan offers
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Specs
Onion Shenanigan
K470KKP: Razor-sharp cutting edge
K470KKS: Combined razor-sharp and
triple-point serrated cutting edge
Overall: 8.25 inches (210 mm)
Closed: 4.875 inches (124 mm)
Blade: 3.25 inches (83 mm)
Thickness: 0.119 inches (3 mm)
Steel: AUS 8, 58-59 HRC
Weight: 4.1 ounces (116 g)
MSRP: $115 US
Onion Shenanigan Z
The “T” stands for tactical, and with one look
at the modified tanto
tip and black titanium
nitrite coating it’s pretty
clear why.
K480KKP: Razor-sharp cutting edge
K480KKS: Combined razor-sharp and
triple-point serrated cutting edge
Overall: 8.25 inches (210 mm)
Closed: 4.875 inches (124 mm)
Blade: 3.25 inches (83 mm)
Thickness: 0.119 inches (3 mm)
Steel: AUS 8, 58-59 HRC
Weight: 3.7 ounces (105 g)
MSRP: $59.99 US
Shenanigan T
K490KKS tanto: Razor-sharp cutting
edge & triple-point serrated cutting
edge, black titanium nitrite finish, coldforged aluminum handle with inserts
Overall: 8.25 inches (210 mm)
Closed: 4.875 inches (124 mm)
Blade: 3.25 inches (83 mm)
Thickness: 0.119 inches (3 mm)
Steel: AUS 8
Weight: 4.2 ounces (119 g)
MSRP: $115 US
Shenanigan gives
you utility and
quality in a rugged
locking-liner
folder.
Shenanigan
K495KKS tanto: Razor-sharp cutting
edge & triple-point serrated cutting
edge, black
titanium nitrite finish, Injection-molded
glass-filled nylon handle
Overall Length: 8.25 inches (210 mm)
Closed: 4.875 inches (124 mm)
Blade:
3.25 inches (83 mm)
Thickness: 0.119inches (3 mm)
Steel: AUS 8, 58-59 HRC
Weight: 3.8 ounces (108 g)
MSRP: $69.99 US
CONTACT:
Columbia River Knife & Tool
18348 SW 126th Place
Tulatin, OR 97062
503-685-5015
info@crkt.com
www.crkt.com
16
AUS 8 blade steel in a bead-blast finish,
plus a frame of glass-filled nylon. This is a
rugged, value-priced knife. The combination of contoured handle, index finger
notch and checkered grip pattern make the
Shenanigan models very friendly to the
hands. Both models come with a thoughtfully designed custom stainless steel pocket/gear clip with a black corrosion-resistant
coating.
Ken Onion isn’t playing any tricks here.
CRKT is pulling the Shenanigans. The
Shenanigan aluminum models have a suggested retail price of $115 MSRP, while the
Z work models are only $59.99 MSRP.
SHENANIGAN T
The Tactial version of the CRKT Shenanigan folder is designed and built to hold up
KNIVES ILLUSTRATED • NOVEMBER 2012
to the rigors of duty whether it’s on the
streets or in the field. The tanto blade
shape is pointed for piercing while having
a high hollow grind, which is ideal for a razor-thin cutting edge. Blade actuation is
quick with the use of the blade flipper. All
blades are black titanium nitrite coated for
non-glare, corrosion resistance.
The Shenanigan T handle shape provides a confident grip through a profiled
palm swell, overall balance and a swept
finger groove. Available in either forged
aluminum or molded glass-filled nylon, the
handle also features a soft molded grip insert, which is texture checkered.
Overall, the Shenanigan variety of folders
is offered in the full range, from economical
to tough tactical. Get one in your hands and
test the feel for yourself.
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Ken Onion, designer of
the Columbia River
Knife & Tool Shenanigan folder.
Top Knife Designer
Ken Onion
By KI Staff
Ken Onion is a Hawaii-based custom knifemaker
who’s likely better known as the designer and inventor
of the assisted-opening knife. He has designed knives
for several knife companies, and for several years was
the primary knife designer for Kershaw Knives. He designed some of Kershaw’s best-selling knives before
moving on to expand his career.
Kershaw
was soon
dominating
the assistedopening
market,
thanks to
Onion’s
design.
INVENTOR FIRST
Onion’s design career began while still serving as a
US Marine, where he devised a helicopter mechanism
that was adopted for military use. Onion’s wife, Noel, introduced him to long-time knifemaker and Knifemakers’
Guild member Stan Fujisaka, who guided Onion into making his first knife in 1991.
Five years later, Doug Flagg, working for Kershaw at the time, met Onion, and the
subject turned to knives, specifically a new assisted-opening design that Onion had
come up with. Kershaw was soon dominating the assisted-opening market, thanks to
Onion’s design.
Today, Onion holds 36 design patents, including his Speed-safe mechanism, but
also encompassing locks and other designs. He has designed the Spyker knife for
Spyderco, and was inducted into the Cutlery Hall of Fame in 2008. His handmade
knives rest in the collections of such celebrities as Nicholas Cage, Kid Rock, Pam Anderson, Wayne Newton, Steven Tyler, Steven Segal and Ziggy Marley. KI
knivesillustrated.com
ONE KERSHAW AT A TIME
CRYO 1555TI
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It’s easy to determine
the common tread in
this group. The quillon
dagger and all Damascus blades is the first
tip-off. Someone produced this selection in
anticipation of submission to the ABS judges’
panel to obtain a Master
Smith mark. In this case,
the knives are by Warren
Daniel, and he achieved
that success. You will
find the story of Warren
and this year’s other
ABS Master Smiths
elsewhere in this issue.
KI-1211-SHORT 10/1/12 2:43 PM Page 19
KNIFE GROUPS IN
4,000 WORDS
OR LESS
If a picture is worth 1,000 words, here are
4,000 words worth of knife photos.
By J. Bruce Voyles
PHOTOS BY ERIC EGGLY/POINT SEVEN STUDIOS
J.D. Davis of Fruitland Park, Florida, produced this group of five knives, two of
which will have been displayed at the
Knifemakers’ Guild show in Louisville,
Kentucky, by the time you read this.
For Lucas Burnley, the common thread on
these three knives is D2 steel, kydex
sheaths and well-done cord over ray skin
handles.
nives are loners. Most often they
are purchased as single solitary
items, one at a time, each knife
calling out to the buyer, “Take me home
with you.” In groups, the knife chorus is
often out of tune and distracting.
entire thread together, some cohesion of a
common theme, or a common maker. When
you first see the group you may not understand why the knives are together, but
then as it is explained you find yourself
K
UNCOMMON GROUPS
Knives are harder to shoot in groups. Instead of one group of edges and surfaces
catching and reflecting light, the difficulty
of good knife photography is multiplied by
as many knives as are shown in the shot.
When you see knives shot in a group
there is usually something that holds the
knivesillustrated.com
In groups, the
knife chorus
is often out
of tune and
distracting.
Greg Dash’s knife group has a variety of
handle materials, running from stag to
wood, and different types of blade shapes
and steels, but it’s still a nice group of
small hunters. Rather than picking out the
one you like best, you’d be tempted to
buy them all, and then you’d own this nice
group!
nodding your head and saying, “I get it
now.”
FOUR GROUPS HERE
Shown here are four such groups, some
grouped together for obvious reasons, others not so. Just for fun, try not reading the
caption until you look at the shots for a
minute and see if you can determine why
the knives are in such a group. See if you
can determine the common thread that
holds them together. KI
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WHAT MAKES A GOOD
TACTICAL KNIFE?
Text and Photos by Jim Weiss and Mickey Davis
WHAT MAKES A GOOD TACTICAL
KNIFE?
We asked four knife designers/makers to
discuss tactical knives, particularly what
makes a good tactical knife. Our list included custom knifemaker Paul Granger, Mykel
Hawke (Hawke’s Hellion Survivor), Allen Elishewitz (Hogue/Elishewitz fixed blade EXF01 and Elishewitz F.T.W.S.) and tactical
trainer Mark Prince.
20
THERE ALWAYS HAVE BEEN TACTICALS
Pointed sticks, wedged-shaped rocks
and chipped shards of obsidian once
played the role of tactical knives. In time,
the Roman legion infantry carried a dagger,
the pugio which, similar to the soldiers’ famous short sword the gladius, was borrowed from Spanish-designed products.
One of the Germanic tribes whose warriors engaged the Romans legions in war-
KNIVES ILLUSTRATED • NOVEMBER 2012
fare was the Saxons. It is believed that the
Saxons were named after their knives, the
seax. Other tactical knives have included
the Gurkha Kukri, the Scottish dirk, the Marine Corps Ka-bar, the US World War I
trench knife, and the Fairbairn-Sykes
Fighting Knife.
WHAT IS TACTICAL?
Custom knifemaker Paul Granger gave
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The Gerber
Applegate-Fairbairn green-handle combat
folder is a tactical knife with a
double-lock system that made it
through our
harsh field evaluation. The blade
did not close
during strikes
against wood.
Double-lock
folders are gaining popularity.
This is a German-made, top-quality
reproduction of the Fairbairn-Sykes
fighting knife. The designers were
British constables Fairbairn and Sykes
of WWII fame. While the aggressive
Fairbairn was most interested in
knives, Sykes, who looked more like a
clergyman, was more of a firearms
man. Both excelled in all phases of
close quarters combat. They are best
known for their development of the
Fairbairn-Sykes (F-S) fighting knife, a
long, thin-bladed dagger with what has
been described as a “coke bottle” hilt.
John Ek founded Ek Commando Knife Co., also called Ek Knives, in 1941. This knife is
engraved Korea, WWII, Vietnam and 1941. Ek Knives have served in several wars and
have been around for a long time.
the question some thought, and then laid
out his beliefs. Here’s what he said.
GRANGER ON TACTICAL
First let's consider the term tactical. "Tactical" is a military term that refers to the
maneuvering of troops, equipment and supplies in the presence of the enemy, as opposed to "strategic" maneuvers which require long-term planning and take place
beyond the range of rifle and artillery. In
this sense, "tactical" knives are so named
because they are used on the fly, without
advanced notice or planning. Knives are
not strategic weapons.”
DESIGN ELEMENTS
Next let's consider design. In short, you
need a handle, an edge, and a point. Re-
knivesillustrated.com
Columbia River Knife & Tool (CRKT) feels its Elishewitz F.T.W.S. (For Those Who Serve)
knife is a strong, balanced knife with a secure grip, one of the company’s finest tactical
fixed-blade knives. It was designed by Allen Elishewitz, an experienced custom knifemaker and designer.
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Matt Larsen, William W. Harsey and Chris
Reeve developed the Larsen Harsey
Reeve (LHR) fixed-blade Knife. These
three men are experts in knife design and
use. Their groundbreaking sheath has
built-in thumb retention.
The Gerber Mark II is an anti-personnel
dagger with a serrated, killing blade. The
Fairbairn-Sykes fighting knife and the
Roman Mainz gladius influenced its
design. Gerber's Mark II was produced
from 1967 to 2000, with a limited reissue
of 1,500 units in 2002. Full production
began again in mid-2008. US Army Capt.
Bud Holzman designed the knife. While
working for Gerber, Al Mar added the twin
serrations to the knife.
The Glock M81 serrated-blade survival
field knife, as well as the non-serrated
M78 combat field knife, comes with a
sheath made of Glock polymer. The two
knives are basically identical, except the
M81 has a serrated or saw-bladed edge
on the back (top) of the blade called a
“root cutter,” that’s apparently not
designed for jobs such as cutting seat
belts. Both versions are available in the
buyer’s choice of olive drab, sand tan or
black, and all come with a standard
matching sheath.
garding the handle, ergonomics are very
important to knife design. A knife should
feel comfortable in your hand, even in moments of great physical and mental stress.
It should fill, but not overfill, your hand. It
22
As part of Hogue’s collaboration with
world-renowned custom knife maker Allen
Elishewitz, Hogue, Inc. has combined art,
design and manufacturing expertise to
deliver a fresh, new and innovative
approach to sporting cutlery. The Hogue
Elishewitz EX-F01 is part of this collaboration.
The Blackhawk UK-SFK (United Kingdom
Special Forces Knife) was designed
specifically for Britain’s elite special
forces. Using their stringent specifications
as a guide, Blackhawk’s design team drew
from the groundbreaking works of Col.
Rex Applegate, W.E. Fairbairn and Brent
Beshara to create the ultimate combat
dagger.
The KA-BAR is the real deal. This KABAR fighter, a slightly larger version of the
famous US Marine Corp fighting knife of
World War II, is a relatively new model.
The blade is a bit longer and wider, and
has a Randall Model 1 grind. It’s advertised as a fighting/utility knife.
This is a Gurkha khukri (also spelled
khukuri) presentation knife obtained by an
American diplomat to India in the 1950s.
The blade is not etched; the design is
merely a reflection.
This LanCay M9 bayonet was also used as
a field knife from the Vietnam War until
recent times.
Hawke’s Hellion is not a sword but a large
and heavy tactical tool knife. It measures
in at 14 1/2 inches, including its very
tough micarta handle. The handle also has
a divot to be used as a socket for the bow
drill method of fire starting. The knife’s
metal is high-carbon spring steel 5160,
with a given RC of 56-58. It was designed
by Mykel Hawke.
KNIVES ILLUSTRATED • NOVEMBER 2012
should have no sharp edges, yet not be too
slick.
An edge should last, but also be easy to
restore in the field. A Rockwell hardness of
57-59 is a good range. Some makers put
out a knife with an HRC of 61-62. That's
okay if you’re at the hunting lodge at the
end of each day and can use a diamond
sharpener. However, in the real world, you
may have to rely on a file, a rock or the
edge of a car window to sharpen that edge.
knivesillustrated.com
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This automatic, heavy-duty black knife was made by custom knifemaker Charles Ochs
of Florida.
The Pacific, manufactured by Chris Reeve
Knives (CRK), is a fixed-blade tactical
knife that went into production in 2007
and is still being made. It’s the civilian version of the 1st Group Knife, which was
designed by award-winning knifemaker
William (Bill) Harsey, Jr.
The Randall Model 14 Attack is a tactical
fighting knife designed by Bo Randall for
combat and survival purposes. This version is slightly different than the standard
four finger-grooved handle and the standard straight brass double guard. It’s marketed by Randall Knives.
POINTS AND THICKNESS
The point should be thick on a hardworking knife. Thick can still be razor
sharp and easy to sharpen. I once had a
customer order a chisel-ground tanto made
from 3/8-inch thick stock. I sent it out to
him shaving sharp.
Fixed blade thickness should be between
5/32- and 7/32-inch, and, with rare exceptions, running as thick as 1/4-inch. Blade
24
On August 2, 2006, the first American
Navy SEAL was killed in action in Iraq. His
name was Marc Lee, a name that means
“Mighty Warrior.” He lived up to his name
that day by standing out in the direct line
of fire three different times to defend his
fellow SEALS. This knife honoring Marc
Lee is made by Benchmade Knife Company, Inc.
Extrema Ratio is an Italian knife manufacturing company producing high-level,
affordable performance knives for the
professional market. They specialize in
tactical, rescue and survival knives, and
provide tactical knives to a number of
special/elite Italian military units. According to Extrema Ratio, the RAO Tactical
Folder is an unusual "in your face" type of
knife. It’s a hybrid, both big and tough.
length should be from 4 to 7 inches. Generally, knives longer than 7 inches are made
for very specific tasks such as landmine
clearance, or for collectors. Tactical folder
blade length should run between 3 and 5
KNIVES ILLUSTRATED • NOVEMBER 2012
inches, with a thickness between 1/8- and
3/16-inch.
Virtually all folder locking mechanisms
have failed and will fail, although it happens very infrequently, to be sure. An exception I can think of is the Extrema Ratio
RAO and other knives in the Extrema Ratio
family. Other companies have developed
secondary locking mechanisms. CRKT's AutoLAWKS is an excellent example.
Materials used in the knife are important
factors. Knife steel should be very high performance, such as 52100 carbon steel that’s
selectively heat-treated, or 154CM (very
good edge retention and toughness), S30V
(superior edge retention and very good
toughness) or S35VN (very good edge retention and toughness) stainless.
G10 PREFERRED
A tactical knife should have a handle
made of metal, Micarta, or G-10. Metal is
permanent but slightly heavier, and slick
and cold when you first pick it up. Micarta
and G-10 can be textured for a non-slip
grip and are very long lasting. The rubberlike material Kraton is not a good choice for
tactical knives. It will eventually fail due to
abrasion, solvents or pure mechanical failure. Plus, rubber-like handles do not slide
in and out of Kydex very well at all.
Service is a long-term consideration.
Tactical folders by nature should be simple
in design for ease of disassembly and
cleaning in the field. They should be assembled with fasteners that utilize easily
available tools (slotted screwdriver; dime
or a self-supplied, self-contained tool),
and should be designed with a partially
open back to keep mud, salt water residue
or pocket lint from collecting and disabling
the lock or preventing the knife from
opening.
The knife you choose should be durable.
An easy way to judge durability is to do research, consider the maker/manufacturer's
reputation, and to discuss knives with
friends and co-workers in your field.
These guidelines will help you find a
tactical knife that will be your trusted companion for decades to come.
PRINCE – NOT A FOLDER FAN
According to Mark Allen Prince: I am one
of the trainers who nearly lost a finger due
knivesillustrated.com
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OUR PANEL
PAUL GRANGER
A drop point and enough
belly for skinning makes the
Nyala useful in a multitude of
applications. The integral handle and
blade is sturdy and practical.
Custom knifemaker Paul Granger (www.palehorsefighters.blogspot.com) specializes in making fixed-blade knives of his own unique design as well as in traditional
patterns. He has created a line of lightweight, non-metallic, non-ceramic knives currently in use by the American and Canadian militaries, multiple police departments,
and both the FBI and CIA.
MARK ALLEN PRINCE
Mark Allen Prince is a professor of Law Enforcement Technology/Special Operations at Central Ohio Technical College, a former USDOE SRT operator, and 18-year
veteran of local law enforcement special operations and training. He develops and
teaches courses in homeland security and special operations for military, state and
local special operations personnel and organizations. He’s an instructor/trainer certified by the late Colonel Rex Applegate.
ALLEN ELISHEWITZ
Allen Elishewitz is the designer of the Elishewitz F.T.W.S, and many other knife designs. While in the military, he made dozens different knives in various shapes, sizes
and styles that he would test in the field. He has been self-employed strictly in the
knifemaking business for more than 20 years. During this time he has made a lot of
different fighting knives, from fixed blades to folders, testing them to see which
would perform best, and developing a foundation and understanding of what a true
military/defense knife should be.
MYKEL HAWKE
Mykel Hawke (www.mykelhawke.com) is both a warrior and scholar. He has more
than 20 years of combined military, civilian and government experience, serving as a
senior enlisted soldier of the U.S. Army Special Forces, and as a commissioned officer
and team commander. He has also been a U.S. government contractor and Country
Project Manager in the world’s hot spots.
As a scholar, he has taken courses in a number of languages and has earned a
Bachelor of Science degree in Biology and a Master of Science degree in Psychology,
graduating Magna Cum Laude. And as for martial arts, Hawke is an Aikido Black Belt
and an instructor in other martial arts. He has a black belt in judo, as well.
to a "tactical folder" closing on me. Never
again! Folders are for cutting. I do not believe that a folder should be carried for defense, much as I do not believe a .22, .32
or.380 caliber handgun should be carried
for defense. However, the folder or the little
handgun beats nothing in a fight for your
life! I was taught to always carry a pocketknife.
In my research, training and opinion,
knives designed and used for anti-personnel purposes make the best tactical knives.
These should have a full handle that is aggressive in texture with a decent swell. The
blade should be no less than 5 inches, can
be sharpened reasonably in the field, is
knivesillustrated.com
preferably sharp on both sides, has a thick
spine to the tip, and has a sharp point. The
definition of "tactical" is interesting, funny
and misused in our industry, much like "assault" in firearms.
BROAD QUESTION, MULTIPLE APPROACHES
Successful knife designers usually come
from one of three backgrounds: custom knifemaking, martial arts or the military. Allen Elishewitz comes from all three. According to
Elishewitz, what makes a tactical knife is a
very broad question, which could fill up multiple articles. Here are his thoughts:
KNIVES ILLUSTRATED • NOVEMBER 2012 2 5
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The war against terrorism took US armed forces to Afghanistan in 2001 where they
hunted and chased Taliban and al-Qaeda forces. In 2002, Special Ops and an elite unit
of Navy SEALS were also sent to Afghanistan. On March 4, 2002, Petty Officer First
Class Neil Roberts, 32, was the first Navy SEAL to die in that country. This knife, manufactured by Chris Reeve Knives (CRK), honors Neil Roberts.
According to custom knifemaker
Dan Winkler, he
developed the Winkler Knives II field
knife for those
wanting a somewhat longer knife.
It was originally a
forged knife
design, and then a
prototype for consideration as a new
knife issued to a
SEAL team that
specializes in
counter-terrorist
activities.
Let’s talk about the knife in the sense of
military use, and not as a self-defense edge
weapon. In the military field there is no
one knife that will fit all applications. A
tanker will use an “edged tool” differently
from a sniper or infantryman.
COATING IS IMPORTANT
Now let’s talk about this type of knife in
even more general sense. I believe the
TACTICAL KNIFE CONSIDERATIONS
• Purpose
• Handle
• Edge and blade hardness
• Thickness
• Folder vs. fixed blade
26
• Blade material
• Blade coating
• Sheath
• Weight
• Length
KNIVES ILLUSTRATED • NOVEMBER 2012
The addition of respected survival authority Ron Hood to their Pro Staff made it
possible for Buck Knives to add the Model
060 Buck/Hood Hoodlum to their growing
role in the survival field. It's the ultimate
fixed-blade survival knife, one that can do
anything needed, no matter how large or
small the task.
blade should be coated or have some type
of anti-reflective finish. Coating is the best
choice because it not only prevents the
blade from reflecting light, but it also protects the metal from corrosion.
I would stay away from a double-edged
blade because that limits its use as a tool,
making it task specific. The best blade
shapes in my opinion would be a clip point
or a drop point; they are the most wellrounded design. The dagger, tanto, etc.
limit the variety of field tasks that they can
be used for. I would also stay away from
radical blade shapes because sharpening
and maintaining them is more difficult in
the field. I view them as gimmicky designs
to sell products. The watchword should be
KISS.
I feel that a guard is a must. If you don’t
have one, at least have a deep finger
groove.
Stick tang or full tang? It doesn’t matter.
The advantage of a stick tang is that the
knife is generally lighter. Weight would be
a concern for those who are humping their
gear.
As for the handle, it should definitely be
made of a synthetic material. G-10 is prob-
knivesillustrated.com
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ably the best material on the market today.
The surface of the handle should be textured to give the user additional control of
the knife.
SHEATH IS IMPORTANT
The sheath is probably the most important consideration for a tactical knife. I
would stay away from Kydex because it
makes too much noise; it is also unforgiving
when mounted on your harness. Those
who actually use their knife and carry it in
the field for long durations will understand
what I am talking about. The best material
for the sheath is high grade nylon with a
hard plastic insert. Leather is actually a
very nice material to use, but depending on
the environment, it could rot and stretch.
WHAT IS THE TACTICAL FOR?
Mykel Hawke says that the tactical knife
question is a bit open. Here is his response:
When you say tactical, we first have to
ask, is it for SWAT or Special Operations
Forces? They have two very different needs.
SWAT uses its knives specifically for cutting
things; the other Special Operations Forces
use them specifically for cutting people.
Since I am Special Operations Forces, I
will answer on the premise of that latter
need. I designed a knife specifically for
penetrating and finishing. In this, all things
matter:
• Weight of the tool so as to be easily
wielded
• Length of the blade to increase reach,
but decrease exposure
• Strength of the tool to ensure function
and not failure
• Thickness of the handle for a powerful
grip
• Curves of the handle for masterful control
• Tip of the blade for penetration
• Curves on the blade for maximum tissue damage with minimum energy required, ensuring increased efficiency
and survivability
• Look of the blade to instill confidence
in the user and fear in the opponent
What are the characteristics of a tactical
knife? Answer: everything that serves its
purpose. KI
knivesillustrated.com
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DOUBLE
UP!
ONLY TWO MAKERS
BECOME MASTERSMITHS
This is Daniel Warren’s European quillon dagger that
earned him the B.R. Hughes award. It was chosen by
the review judges as the best knife submitted by an
applicant for the mastersmith rating. (Photo by Eric
Eggley, Point Seven Studios)
28
KNIVES ILLUSTRATED • NOVEMBER 2012
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The 2012 Mastersmiths class is
Gary House and Daniel Warren
By B.R. Hughes
PHOTOS BY ERIC EGGLEY/POINT SEVEN STUDIOS AND BURT FOSTER
{ }
oday, there are ABS mastersmiths from every continent except Antarctica, and there are approximately
120 active masters in the world.
T
Attaining the mastersmith rank is a notable achievement by
any standard you might care to use. It requires two years as a
Journeyman smith, and the review of five handforged knives,
with one of them being a Damascus dagger, by a tough review
board of seven members. Four must pass the knives for the maker to achieve Mastersmith rating.
Here are brief profiles of the only two men who added their
names to the roster of ABS masters in 2012.
knivesillustrated.com
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“I continued making
knives, always
striving to make the
next one better…”
—Gary House
These are the five knives that Gary House
placed before the critical eyes of a sevenjudge review panel at the Blade Show in
Atlanta in his successful quest for an MS.
(Photo by Eric Eggley, Point Seven Studios)
30
KNIVES ILLUSTRATED • NOVEMBER 2012
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GARY HOUSE
HOW TO CONTACT HIM: ADDRESS: 2851 Pierce Road, Ephrata, WA 98823 • PHONE: 509-754-3272 • EMAIL: spindry101@aol.com
In the 1980s, Gary House began to collect knives featuring forged blades. The
more he collected, the deeper his interest
grew, and so he attended Rick Dunkerley’s first hammer-in held in Lincoln,
Montana. (Rick, an ABS mastersmith, also
served with distinction on the society’s
board of directors from 2002 until 2011.)
Instructors at that event included Mastersmiths Don Fogg and Rob Hudson. By
the mid-1990s, Gary was working with
John Davis and Ed Schempp in the field of
Damascus steel, with stress on the mosaic
variety. In 1999, House moved into his first
smithy.
“I really got serious about knifemaking
in 2002, when I earned my ABS journeyman smith rating,” House remembers. “I
continued making knives, always striving
to make the next one better, until I
reached my ultimate goal of attaining my
master stamp.”
Gary House was born in Ephrata,
Washington, in 1947 and still resides
there. After graduating from high school,
Gary attended a junior college and then
worked in various fields, including warehousing, farming, welding and commercial beekeeping. He married his wife,
Mary Jo, in 1969, and they have two
daughters and one son.
He added, “So many have helped me
along the way. I attended about 10 ABS
hammer-ins, and I have spent a lot of
time with Mastersmiths Bill Burke, Wade
Colter and Shane Taylor. They have been
inspirations to me.”
At the 2011 California Hammer-In,
hosted by Visalia College and directed by
MS Mike Vagnino, Gary helped Burke
during his demonstration on Japanese
steel.
House likes to make, as he puts it,
“anything sharp and pointy.”
He also enjoys making mosaic Damascus very much. He blends 1080 and
15n20 for his Damascus, and his favorite
handle material is “any type of ivory.”
knivesillustrated.com
Gary House, who was
a banker during one
phase of his career, is
shown here working
in his smithy in
Ephrata, Washington,
where he was born in
1947.
Shown here is House’s European quillon dagger, which is a requirement for those seeking the ABS master bladesmith rating— the highest the ABS provides. (Photo by Eric
Eggley, Point Seven Studios)
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“The B.R. Hughes
Award was presented
to Warren’s European
art dagger.”
This Warren hunter
features a curly maple
handle and one of
Warren’s Damascus
blades, for which he
uses a blend of 1084
and 15n20 steels.
(Photo by Eric Eggley,
Point Seven Studios)
Warren maintains that it was Dr. Jim Batson, past and present chairman of the
American Bladesmith society, who first
introduced him to the forged blade.
(Photo by Burt Foster)
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DANIEL WARREN
HOW TO REACH HIM: The best way to reach Warren is via a letter mailed to him at 571 Love Joy Road, Canton, NC 28716
“I think some things are just supposed
to be, such as my knifemaking and my
passion for hunting whitetails with a
bow,” Daniel Warren says.
He made his first knife in 1976.
“It was crude, and I had no idea at
the time that I would spend the rest of
my life trying to make a better one. For
20 years, I used the stock removal
method, and the members of the South
Carolina Knifemakers Guild were most
helpful. Claude Montjoy was a dear
friend and a great knifemaker. Richard
Birdwell is the same. He never tired of
answering my questions.”
Warren was born in North Carolina
and was raised on a small farm in the
Smoky Mountains. There were 11 children (Daniel was number eight) in the
family! His father expected everyone to
work, but along the way, young Warren
picked up a strong affection for hunting
and fishing, and as he puts it, “That
never went away.” He finished high
school in 1973 and then served a hitch
in the U.S. Marine Corps. In 1975, he
married his high school sweetheart,
Mitzi Long. They have two daughters
and one son.
Warren says, “While attending a knife
show in 1998, I first met Dr. Jim Batson.
I never gave it much thought, but that
was probably my introduction to bladesmithing. Over the years, Jim has been
an inspiration!
“Around 2003, I met a neighbor
named Bill Wiggins, who was an apprentice smith in the ABS. Bill coached
me through forging my first blade. My
first knife with a forged blade was probably the second-worst knife I ever
made. In 2007, I completed the Introduction to Bladesmithing course at the
Moran School in Old Washington,
Arkansas. James Ray Cook and Jerry
Fisk were my instructors. All the while,
Bill Wiggins never let up. I wouldn’t be
where I am today if it were not for Bill.”
Warren likes to
make small,
practical
hunters, such as
the two pictured
here. He is a
dedicated
whitetail hunter,
and using his
trusty bow, he
has collected
several trophy
bucks. (Photo
by Burt Foster)
Warren likes to make slip-joint folders,
practical hunters and an occasional Bowie.
His knife prices range from $300 to $1,800.
His favorite carbon steels are 1084 and
52100, and he uses 1084 and 15n20 for his
Damascus. As Daniel explains it, he is not a
full-time maker, because deer season pretty
52&.
&5((.
well takes up October, November and December.
The B.R. Hughes Award is presented in
Atlanta to the maker of the best knife presented for the MS review. This year, the
seven judges selected Warren’s European
art dagger for this distinction.
“... it is one of the better
designs I have handled
in some time.”
Jeff Hamilton
woodsmonkey.com
.1,9(6
.XGX
1HVVPXN
+XQWHU
KH2514
- Forged Blade
- Stacked Leather Handle
- Hand Stitched Sheath
ZZZFDVKDQZHLFRP_
knivesillustrated.com
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Page 34
Slip-joint
folders are
also Warren’s
favorites. The
specimen
shown here
is one of his
most favored
designs. He
prefers 1084
or 52100 for
his carbonsteel blades.
(Photo by
Burt Foster)
Here’s
another dagger by
House. This
one features
a concave
ivory handle
with a onepiece blade,
guard and
tang, forged
from 1080
and 15n20.
(Photo by
Eric Eggley,
Point Seven
Studios)
THE ROAD TO MASTERSMITH
ttaining the mastersmith rank is a notable achievement by any
standard you might care to use. Here’s how it works.
After becoming a member of the ABS, a smith must wait a minimum of two years before testing for the JS stamp.
This exam is actually in two parts. First, the smith must complete
the cutting and bending phase in the shop of a master bladesmith.
Initially, the applicant must chop through a minimum of two pine
2x4s without incurring any type of damage to the blade, which
must be 10 inches long and forged from carbon steel. Next, the
smith must cleave a free-hanging, 1-inch rope with one swipe of
the knife, after which the blade must cleanly shave hair from
his/her arm. Then, the first 3 inches of the test blade are placed in
A
STEPS TO THE TOP
SPOT IN THE ABS
STEP 1: JOURNEYMAN
• ABS Member for two years and complete journeyman test
• Chop through two 2x4s
• Cleanly cut a 1-inch manila rope
• Knife still must shave hair
• Bend to 90 degrees and straighten back up without
breaking
• Make five carbon-steel knives that pass review by at
least four of a seven-person board of mastersmiths.
•
STEP 2: MASTERSMITH
• Be a journeyman for two years
• Make a Damascus knife that will cut all journeyman tests,
300-layer minimum
• Submit five knives to a seven-person review panel. One
knife must be a European quillon dagger with a Damascus
blade at least 10 inches long
34
KNIVES ILLUSTRATED • NOVEMBER 2012
a vise and bent 90 degrees. The blade must not break, although
the cutting edge is permitted to crack for no more than one-third
the width of the blade.
If this hurdle is successfully cleared, the applicant may then
bring five knives to place before a review panel of seven judges
who are either ABS mastersmiths or board members in either Atlanta or San Antonio. None of these knives may feature Damascus
steel or be a folder. At the review site, the knife quintet is placed
on a table in the test room, and if four of the seven judges give
their approval, the smith receives his/her JS certificate.
Following this, the smith must wait a minimum of two years before
trying for an MS. Once more, the first phase of the test consists of a
cutting and bending trial at a master’s shop. Again, the test blade
must be 10 inches long, but this time, it must be Damascus steel containing at least 300 layers of metal. The trials are the same as at the
JS level and, as before, if successful, the five review knives are taken
to the Blade Show or the Expo. One of these may be a folder, but this
is optional. However one [must] be a European quillon dagger with a
Damascus blade at least 10 inches long. As at the JS level, passing
requires “yes” votes from at least four of the seven judges. KI
TWO OPPORTUNITIES
FOR TESTING
Beginning in 2012, the American Bladesmith Society allowed bladesmiths who wanted to try for either the Journeyman Smith stamp or the Master Bladesmith rating to
test either in January at the All-Forged Blade Expo in San
Antonio or in June at the Blade Show in Atlanta. Eight
smiths earned their JS stamps in January in San Antonio,
but no one tested for his/her MS. Hence, those who passed
the examination at the Blade Show comprise the Master
Bladesmith class of 2012.
knivesillustrated.com
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KI-1211-RINALDI.qxp
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6:28 AM
Page 36
The TUK and MINI-TUK set consists
of a TUK (4¾-inch flat-ground, utilitystyle blade; integral single guard and
finger grooves; F-22 carbon-fiber
scales; S30V steel; bead-blast finish;
thong hole; and a serrated thumb
ramp. It is paired with a MINI-TUK
(2¾-inch flat-ground, utility-style
blade; integral single guard and finger
groove; F-22 carbon-fiber scales;
S30V steel; bead-blast finish; thong
hole; and a serrated thumb ramp.
This set features a Kydex multiposition sheath with Tek-Lok attachment.
This knives in this set can be separated and used separately.
36
KNIVES ILLUSTRATED • NOVEMBER 2012
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AND
Mean
Pretty
The knives of Trace Rinaldi are
useful tools for the real world.
By Les Robertson
PHOTOS BY CHUCK WARD
lder can be fresh, just take a look at
the knives of Trace Rinaldi. He enjoys putting his knives into the
hands of those who appreciate a no-frills
design in which form and function complete
the synergy of all the aspects of the knife.
Rinaldi’s emphasis on his knifemaking is
focused on making useful tools for the real
world. He feels that function is beauty, and
there is no reason to add to a knife just to
make it look mean or pretty. If the design elements do not make the knife better, there
is no reason to do that. He says, “I’m not a
fan of embellishments on my knives. If it
doesn’t have a purpose I don’t really care
about it.”
O
OLDER DESIGNS STILL FRESH
This knifemaking concept is why even his
older designs are still fresh today. His newer
designs have built on that foundation. When
I first met Rinaldi in the very late 1990s, he
was referred to as an “up and coming” maker. His designs were basic, clean and built to
be used. Having made the transition to fulltime maker, his knives are more evolved—
and still built to be used.
Rinaldi primarily builds fixed blades, as
well as full flat-ground utility knives, fighters,
choppers, neck knives and other knives as
the need arises. He prefers CPM S30V, CPM
knivesillustrated.com
The TTKK makes a handy camp knife, with its 5½-inch flat-ground,
utility-style blade; integral single guard and finger groove; F-22 carbon-fiber scales; S30V steel; bead-blast finish; thong hole; and serrated thumb ramp. This knife features a multiposition Kydex sheath
with Tek-Lok attachment.
KNIVES ILLUSTRATED • NOVEMBER 2012 3 7
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Trace Rinaldi Leo/Mini-TUK set combines a LEO (5-inch flat-ground, bead-blasted blade; S30V steel; coyote brown G-10 handle; and
an overall length of 10½ inches) with a Mini-TUK (3½-inch flat-ground, bead-blasted blade; S30V steel; coyote brown G-10 handle;
and an overall length of 7 inches).
S35VN and CPM 154. While he has used
other steels, he feels that these three cover
all the bases of brute strength and stainless
properties.
His handle material of choice is G-10 and
carbon fiber, which he chose for their
toughness. They can also be bead-blasted
38
to create a tacky texture. Rinaldi will use
Micarta and exotic woods on request.
Rinaldi’s knives are available as a standalone unit or as sets. Given the options for
the sets, he does his own Kydex sheaths.
One of the advantages of the sets is that
they can be taken apart and carried as a
KNIVES ILLUSTRATED • NOVEMBER 2012
single if the situation requires that.
LEVINE INFLUENCE
“I originally wanted to build custom
guns, but it wasn’t in the cards at the time..
I met a knife maker named Norm Levine at
a gun show and he sparked the interest in
knivesillustrated.com
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“Trace Rinaldi
enjoys putting his
knives into the
hands of those
who appreciate a
no-frills design in
which form and
function complete
the synergy of
all the aspects of
the knife.”
making knives. I figured it was also the
next best thing to building custom guns,”
Rinaldi says.
Rinaldi’s MINI-TUK neck knife boasts a 2¾-inch flat-ground, utility-style blade; integral
single guard and finger groove; brown Micarta scales; S30V steel; bead-blasted finish;
thong hole; serrated thumb ramp; and a Kydex sheath made by Rinaldi.
UTILITARIAN MODELS
The tactical utility knife (TUK) is Rinaldi’s
most popular and probably his most utilitarian knife. Featuring a drop-point hunterstyle blade, an integral single guard and an
ergonomic handle, this knife is great for
Lean. Mean. Fighting Machine.
From combat to camp - this Bowie’s up to the task.
SHOP ONLINE AT
www.agrussell.com
A. G. Russell™ Sandbox Bowie
A beast for the Middle East
For a free catalog, call 479-878-1644, Dept #Y1112
2900 S. 26th St. - Rogers, AR 72758
RU-U712BKOD
$295.00
To order, call 1-800-255-9034.
© Copyright 2012 A.G. Russell Knives
knivesillustrated.com
KNIVES ILLUSTRATED • NOVEMBER 2012 3 9
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all-around use. My personal favorite is this
knife as a ride-along with his Armageddon
model. This set provides you with all the
options you need for just about any situation that may arise in the field.
Page 40
The Tactical Utility Kitchen Knife (TTKK)
is a favorite among collectors and users.
Designed primarily to fill the bill of a camp
knife, this knife features an oversized droppoint blade. It is combined with a handle
designed to become part of your hand. The
serrated thumb ramp offers the user different hand placements so that the knife can
do small or large knife chores. Rinaldi and
co-designer Joe Talmadge created a knife
that is at home in the kitchen as it is in the
field.
KNIFE SPECIFICS
Rinaldi’s knives range in price from $300
to $900 and up to $1,500 for some sets. His
current delivery time is 10 to 12 months. He
generally plans to attend either the SHOT
Show or Blade Show each year.
Trace Rinaldi’s approach to knifemaking is what makes his fixed blades some
of my favorites. If you have the opportunity to handle one of his knives, I'm sure
they will become some of your favorites,
as well. KI
RINALDI KNIFE
FEATURES
LEO
Overall length . . . .10½ inches
Blade length . . . . . 5 inches
Steel . . . . . . . . . . . . S30V
Handle . . . . . . . . . . Brown G10
Blade finish . . . . . . Bead blasted
MINI-TUK
Overall length . . . .7 inches
Blade length . . . . . 3½ inches
Steel . . . . . . . . . . . . S30V
Handle . . . . . . . . . . Coyote brown
G-10 or carbon
fiber
Blade finish . . . . . . Bead blasted
Trace Rinaldi calls this knife his Survival Intensive Combat Knife (SICK). It is 12 inches
long overall with a 5½-inch S30V blade. Like most of his knives, it features a bead-blasted
finish.
CONTACT TRACE
RINALDI
PRICES AND
DELIVERY TIME
Make it your business to check out
Trace Rinaldi’s knives or contact him:
www.thrblades.com;
trace.rinaldi@gmail.com
• Price Range: $300 to $900 (up to
$1,500 for some sets)
• Current delivery time: 10 to 12
months.
40
KNIVES ILLUSTRATED • NOVEMBER 2012
SICK (Survival Intensive Combat Knife)
Overall length . . . .12 inches
Blade length . . . . . 5½ inches
Handle . . . . . . . . . . OD green G-10
TTKK (Tactical Utility Kitchen Knife)
Blade length . . . . . 5½ inches
Handle . . . . . . . . . . F22 carbon fiber
TUK
Blade length . . . . . 4¾ inches
Handle . . . . . . . . . . F22 carbon fiber
Blade finish . . . . . . Bead blasted
knivesillustrated.com
KI_1211_41 9/27/12 9:48 AM Page 41
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KI_1211_43
9/25/12
3:31 AM
Page 43
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KI-1211-QUIZ.qxp
9/25/12
6:30 AM
Page 44
Test Your Knife IQ
Match the bios with the knives of The ABS Members
of the Cutlery Hall of Fame
Photos by KI Staff
1
4
5
2
3
6
Match the maker with the knife!
A. AL PENDRAY
D. WILLIAM W. SCAGEL
Al Pendray has been an ABS Master Smith since 1983 and is also
a past president of the Knifemaker’s Guild. He’s best known for the
recreation of Wootz Damascus, featured in Scientific American magazine.
Scagel was the inspiration for Bo Randall, who was in turn the
inspiration for all knifemakers. To say that he’s the father of modern handmade knives is perhaps an understatement.
B. W.D. “Bo” RANDALL
If you have to ask who Bo Randall is, you probably are not a
knife collector. His knifemaking and design skills laid the foundation for all handmade knives that we see today.
C. R.H. “Rudy” RUANA
Rudy Ruana of Bonner, MT made knives part time between
1938-1953, when he became a full time maker and also became
one of the few who preserved the craft of handmade knives.
E. JIM SCHMIDT
Jim Schmidt received his Master Smith stamp the same year as
Bill Moran. Some say he surpassed his major influences, which include Moran and Jimmy Fikes.
F. DR. JAMES BATSON
ABS president for two different terms and Bowie knife historian,
the good doctor is responsible for Bowies becoming more true to
the original designs.
G. CLYDE FISHER
This Texas knifemaker was awarded the ABS Pioneer Knife Maker honor, making knives from 1957 until his death.
44
KNIVES ILLUSTRATED • NOVEMBER 2012
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Page 45
13
7
8
11
14
9
10
12
Match the maker with the knife!
H. JERRY FISK
L. JOE KEESLAR
A National Living Treasure artist and an ABS Master Smith since
2001, there are few aspects of promoting the hand-forged blade
that Fisk has not been intimately involved with.
Former ABS president and a major force in the preservation of
the hand-forged blade, and European knifemaking, in general.
I. DON FOGG
ABS Master Smith since 1982.
J. DON HASTINGS
One of the original four founders of the American Bladesmiths
Society, and the person for whom the ABS’s highest award for a
non-knifemaker is named.
K. JAY HENDRICKSON
Past ABS president, director of the William F. Moran Museum, and
an intimate of Moran. Hendrickson was caregiver for Moran during
the legend’s final years.
If you have to ask
who Bo Randall is,
you’re probably not a
knife collector.
knivesillustrated.com
M. JAMES B. LILE
The Arkansas knifesmith made knives for Presidents, patented
knife locks, and created the original knives in the first two Rambo
movies, considered one of the pivotal moments in modern knife
history.
N. WILLIAM F. MORAN
Founder of the ABS and the “rediscoverer” of the pattern-welded
Damascus, Moran almost single-handedly created an entire industry for those who make hand-forged knives.
Knives from the collection of Paul Lansingh.
Test Your Knife IQ Answers
A-2
B-3
C-6
D-5
E-4
F-7
G-8
H-9
I-10
J-11
K-13
L-14
M-12
N -1
KNIVES ILLUSTRATED • NOVEMBER 2012 4 5
KI_1211 9/25/12 2:05 PM Page 46
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46 KNIVES ILLUSTRATED • NOVEMBER 2012
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KI_1211 9/28/12 4:15 PM Page 47
A quality knife deserves
a quality sheath
All the supplies you need
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KNIVES ILLUSTRATED • NOVEMBER 2012 47
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Zombie
Text and Photos by
Clint Thompson
Knives
The right knives for the apocalypse:
December 21, 2012
et ready and gear up for the coming zombie apocalypse. Will dead bodies come back to life as
flesh-eating zombies?
One day, you’re in sunny and warm Hong Kong, and the next day, your hotel is at the North Pole and
you’re wondering what happened to Santa. This is one of the apocalypse scenarios
predicted for December 21, 2012. They say the apocalypse will be upon us because of
astronomical alignments that happen every 5,000 years, causing a geomagnetic reversal or pole shift.
G
BE READY
When such Zombies are roaming the cities and
countryside looking for flesh to eat, I will
be ready. In talking and blogging
with numerous people
’s saw
ator Machete
The Gerber G
cut this
d
functional an
back is very
butter.
h
ug
ro
th
t knife
vine like a ho
sed.
I was impres
Buck’s Hoodlum is one bad knife.
This knife or short sword is made in the USA and
reflects this fact in its workmanship and quality. If
I were going into harm’s way again, the Hoodlum
would be packed away in my duffle bag. I just
love this knife. By the time this article comes out,
this very Hoodlum will be in the capable hands of
a U.S. Marine in Afghanistan.
48
KNIVES ILLUSTRATED • NOVEMBER 2012
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Page 49
throughout the United States and other countries, the general
consensus about the apocalypse is guarded—but just in case, be
ready.
To be ready, you will need a survival plan—a plan you can
find on the CDC website called Preparedness 101: Zombie Apocalypse. The CDC does not say there will be a zombie apocalypse, but it uses this model to further educate the public to be
prepared for a viral pandemic. This is an excellent guide for
you to have.
Any good plan for the survival of you and your family in a viral zombie pandemic is to prepare food, water and shelter and
to defend your home. For defense—removing the obvious
firearms options—you should consider a set of good-quality cutting tools that can be used as effective weapons. There are
many cutting tools on the market that can be used as weapons
or are specifically designed for this use.
For the purposes of this article, I will categorize these cutting
tools/weapons into four categories: combat knife, machete, axe
and sword.
OUT OF AMMO? GO TO SHARPENED STEEL
If you are one of the fans of AMC’s [[The Walking Dead,]] you are
aware of the fictional problems presented by a zombie apocalypse.
In this show, it is demonstrated what one must do when confronted
by a hoard of flesh-eating zombies. Because you will possibly be
confronting a hoard of zombies, you will run out of ammo and have
no time to reload. When you run out of ammo, you are forced to go
to sharp, cold steel.
Here are my choices for cutting tools and/or weapons.
GERBER GEAR’S APOCALYPSE KIT
Gerber Gear is an excellent company and unrivaled supplier of
survival equipment. Gerber Gear makes the Gerber Apocalypse Kit,
which contains seven cutting tools ideal for a zombie apocalypse or
similar emergency.
The largest tool is the Gator Machete, which is a jazzed-up machete
with a long and very functional saw on the top side of the 18-inch
blade. I took this steel monster out to the woods and put it through its
The Gerb
er Gator
Machete,
shown he
re with
an AK-47
semi-amm
o in
7.62X39 C
aliber. Th
Gator Ma
e
chete wo
uld be a
very func
tional zom
bie
fighting to
ol with th
e AK47 as a lo
nger-rang
e
standoff to
ol.
e II out in
ber Camp Ax
I used the Ger
d found
an
ds
oo
rious w
the field on va
fin
e ish on
functional. Th
it to be quite
l, with just
el
w
e held up
this Camp Ax
e.
g. I like this ax
a little marrin
knivesillustrated.com
KNIVES ILLUSTRATED • NOVEMBER 2012 4 9
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Page 50
THE WALKING
DEAD
POPULARITY
Two functional cutting tools that could be
used as defense weapons: the Gerber
Parang, left, and the Gator Machete Pro.
For the price, both tools are very well
made and will serve the camper, survivalist—and zombie-hunter—for many years.
The Gerber LMF II Infantry is one excellent knife for hikers or the military. Shown
here is the LMF II Infantry in its very functional sheath. I have seen many of these
being carried by our troops in Iraq.
paces. As expected, the straight-edge blade
cut easily through brush and 2-inch-diameter saplings. The saw on the top side of the
blade worked quickly and efficiently, cutting
through a menacing vine. The Gator Machete
is an excellent choice for DCC (direct combat
contact) with zombies or other combatants.
AK1: CAMP AXE II FOR
TOMAHAWK FANS
For tomahawk and axe fans, the Camp
Axe II, with its overall length of 17 inches,
is an excellently designed tool. While in the
woods, I came upon a wily zombie tree that
begged to be freed from its plight. I swung
the Camp Axe II into my adversary, burying
axe’s head a good 2 inches deep. If this
were a real zombie or other attacker, the
Camp Axe II would have ended all hostilities. As a functional tool, it would be great
for splitting wood and felling medium-size
trees.
50
Gerber’s DMF Folder is one strong knife. I
love the right-hand/left-hand opening abilities. I also like the blade design and serration. This is one functional knife. Also
pictured here are the Gerber Bear Grylls
Ultimate Kit and the Bear Grylls Basic
Kit—both excellent examples of a survival
must-have. I prefer, and have, the Ultimate Kit, because it seems I find myself in
need more than I should!
AK2: GERBER GEAR GATOR
MACHETE PRO
The Gerber Gear Gator Machete Pro is designed to help you hack your way through
the jungle or harvest crops. Like many such
tools, the Gator Machete Pro can easily be
converted into a weapon to slash and tear
your attacker. At just over a pound in weight
and 16 ½ inches long, the Gator Machete
Pro has the punch needed to cut through
thicker objects. I really like this tool.
AK3: ADD A BEAR GRYLLS PARANG
Another good tool in the Gerber Gear
survival kit is the Bear Grylls Parang. Its
functional general design comes from the
jungles of Central and South America. This
is a good machete-type tool with a good
design. The Bear Grylls Parang worked
quite well as a cutting tool and would be a
very good weapon if one were forced to
use it in self-defense. I chopped through a
large watermelon with no problem.
Keep in mind that these tools are made
of steel and will rust, so you should clean
off all the acidic zombie blood and oil this
The Walking Dead is based on a
popular comic book with the same title. This adult TV show is shown on
AMC; its third season will begin on
October 14, 2012. For those of you
who would like to catch up with this
series, you can rent the past seasons
at your ever-dwindling movie rental
stores, or you can watch the first season via Netflix. AMC usually has a
marathon of the past season just prior to the debut of the newest. Even
though this is just an entertaining
show, it makes one aware of survival
problems and ideas about how to fix
them. Check this series out on the
Web: http://www.amctv.com/shows
/the-walking-dead.
bad boy down to keep it from rusting. Bear
Grylls: I like your parang.
And, for any kind of survival situation,
the Bear Grylls Ultimate Kit and Basic Kit
are must-haves. I personally have both and
carry them with me when traveling out of
populated areas. My favorite is the Ultimate
Kit, which is perfect for a glove box, saddle
bags, backpack and fanny pack. If you travel far from home, I highly recommend one
of these Bear Grylls survival kits.
AK4: LMF II INFANTRY
A good, serviceable combat knife I saw
being used in Iraq is the Gerber Gear LMF II
Infantry. Gerber Gear added this knife to its
Apocalypse Kit for an easy carry while
trekking around the countryside looking for
shelter and food. The LMF II Infantry is an
excellent choice for a combat knife. The
construction is heavy duty but not too heavy
to carry all day. The design is functional and
CDC PREPAREDNESS 101:
ZOMBIE APOCALYPSE
CDC has a fun new way of teaching the importance of emergency preparedness.
Its new graphic novel, Preparedness 101: Zombie Pandemic, demonstrates in an entertaining way for people of all ages the importance of being prepared. Read about
Todd, Julie and dog Max as the trio faces a pandemic virus that turns ordinary people
into zombies.
For more information, visit http://www.cdc.gov/phpr/zombies_novella.htm.
KNIVES ILLUSTRATED • NOVEMBER 2012
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OTHER APOCALYSE THEORIES—ONE REAL!
Another apocalypse theory is that when our sun and surrounding solar system travel through and around our galaxy, about
every 26 million years, the sun wanders outside of the galactic plane. When this happens, the sun bisects the galactic disc, with
the influence of the galactic tide becoming weaker. When the sun wanders back into the galactic disc, the galactic tide becomes
stronger, causing the increase flux of comets into the inner solar system, in which the earth resides. Mathematical models and fossil records tend to support this theory; the earth could be impacted by comets or other celestial objects. However, the good news
on this theory is that we have about 23,000,000 years to go.
Will dead bodies come back to life as flesh-eating zombies? No. But viral infections causing people to attack one another is one
possibly. This theory is attributed to an astronomical alignment and other natural factors that will trigger a viral pandemic event.
The virus will attack the human brain in the central nervous system and equate to a reaction similar to rabies causing the host to
go mad and attack other humans who do not have the virus.
For a small knife, the Epic is capable of
large things. I would not want to fight a
virus-infected zombie with only this
knife. However, for backpacking or
urban defense, this little dynamo would
be perfect.
made for hard use. In a DCC situation, the
LMF II Infantry would be best used for a
stabbing strike to the head of the pesky, old
zombie bent on taking a bite out of you.
AK5: GERBER GEAR DMF FOLDER
For folding knife fans, the Gerber Gear
DMF Folder is my favorite folder of all the
Gerber Gear Apocalypse Kit knives. This
excellent knife comes in the standard, onehanded, ambidextrous opening system. The
DMF Folder features a reversible pocket clip
and G-10 handle with a sure grip design
for bare hands or gloves. It has a great feel.
A modified clip-point blade and partially
serrated tactical edge make this knife a
perfect tactical folder. I love this knife.
In fact, by the time this article comes out,
this very knife will be in the capable hands
of a United States Marine serving in
Afghanistan.
The LMF II Infantry is a very well-designed
fix-bladed knife. This knife is strongly
made and can stand up to serious challenges. If you have a loved one in harms’
way, he or she deserves a combat knife
like the LMF II. I love this knife.
be perfect to clean any game one would
shoot or trap. In a non-apocalypse environment, the Epic would make a good boot
knife, serviceable LEO (law enforcement officer) tool or would be perfect for any emergency responders. The Epic is very well
made and priced right.
OTHER ALTERNATIVES: BUCK HOODLUM FOR HARM’S WAY
If you are going into harm’s way or are
surviving an apocalyptic situation and require a “made-in-the-USA” weapon, the
Buck Hoodlum is the short sword for you.
The Hoodlum is a well-designed weapon or
tool. It is designed to slash, chop and stab.
Based on my experience in places where,
at a moment’s notice, the air can fill with
copper-jacketed dirt-nap pills, I would say
the Hoodlum would be perfect for use by
military and mercenary personnel, alike.
The Hoodlum’s 10-inch blade puts it in the
short sword or machete category. It weighs
just under a pound, making it perfect for
humping over hill and … more hills. Coming with the Hoodlum is an excellently designed sheath that sports a pouch for your
favorite multitool or extra pistol mag. I
AK6: SPECIALIZED TOOL
As in most multiuse kits, a small, specialized tool will be included. The Gerber Gear
Apocalypse Kit is no exception. In this kit,
such a knife is the Epic. Now, I would not
want to fend off a hoard of hungry zombies
with this little devil, but this knife would
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place the Hoodlum in my “bad ass” category. You just have to have one of these.
ZOMBIES STEER CLEAR OF THE U.S.
MARINES
KA-BAR, a legendary knife manufacturing
company, has provided us zombie hunters
with several tools for our trade. Two of
these anti-zombie devices are the Zombie
Chop Stick and the Zombie “War” Sword.
KA-BAR has joined in the fun spirit of
the zombie craze by giving the sweet touch
to its zombie tool selection with the addition of “Zombie Green” handles. Included
with each anti-zombie tool is a pair of
black handles. These are meant for those
who don’t want to offend zombies with
stereotyping them as being just that.
As I inspected these tools for the zombie
hoards to come, I found them to be well
made and designed with an excellent
blade finish. KA-BAR’s reputation for quality shines throughout these two zombie-
The Gerber Apocalypse Kit is being held
by budding zombie-hunter, Jackson Felix.
This kit includes seven cutting tools and a
very nice canvas carrying case. This kit is
quite cool and a must for zombie-hunters.
I know “Zombie Destroyer” Jackson likes
this kit.
killers. In choosing the tools to purchase for
the fast-approaching apocalypse, the KABAR Zombie “War” Sword and Zombie Chop
Stick should be high on your list.
And, in case the zombie apocalypse
strikes Afghanistan, these zombie-killers
If an excellent large knife is not enough,
Buck gave it a top-notch sheath that only
enhances the Hoodlum’s functionality. This
sheath holds the Hoodlum securely and
sports a pouch capable of holding vital
items, such as a Buck X-Tract multitool.
will be in the hands of some very capable
Marines. If I were a zombie and still had
some sense, I would steer clear of the U.S.
Marines. I know the Marines receiving these
two excellent weapons that I have passed
along will just love them as much as I do.
FOR THE REAL BAD BOYS
The TOPS CUMA Evolution is one knife a
PRODUCT INFORMATION
GERBER GEAR
Apocalypse Kit
MSRP: $349 (expect to pay $349)
Included in the Apocalypse Kit are the
following items:
Gator Machete
Overall length: 25.7 inches
Blade length: 18 inches
Blade: High-carbon steel
Weight: 18 ounces
Handle: Gator-Grip
MSRP: $23 (expect to pay $20)
Camp Axe II
Blade length: 2.93 inches
Overall length: 7.32 inches
Blade: forged steel
Weight: 34.6 ounces
Handle: Glass-filled nylon
MSRP: $52 (expect to pay $41.99)
Gator Machete Pro
Blade length: 10.5 inches
Overall length: 16.5 inches
Blade: High-carbon steel
Weight: 18 ounces
Handle: Gator-Grip
MSRP: $53 (expect to pay $42.40)
Parang
Blade length: 13.5 inches
Overall length: 19.5 inches
Blade: not given
Weight (with sheath): 25.4 ounces
Weight (without sheath): 19.4 ounces
Handle: Textured rubber grip
MSRP: $43 (expect to pay: $41.95)
52
LMF II Infantry
Blade length: 4.84 inches
Overall length: 10.59 inches
Blade: 420HC stainless
Weight with sheath: 24.28 ounces
Weight without sheath: 11.67 ounces
Handle: GFN handle with GPT overmold
MSRP: $108 (expect to pay $84.95)
DMF Folder
Blade length: 3.5 inches
Open length: 8.4 inches
Closed length: 4.8 inches
Blade: Not given
Weight: 6.2 ounces
Handle: Black G-10
MSRP: $69 (expect to pay $52.95)
Epic
Blade length: 3.45 inches
Overall length: 7.3 inches
Blade: Not given
Weigh: 5.12 ounces
Handle: Textured glass-filled nylon
MSRP: $43 (expect to pay $32.95)
GERBER
SURVIVAL KITS
Bear Grylls Ultimate Kit
16 -piece kit contains: Gerber Miniature Multi-tool, Waterproof Bag, Miniature Light, Hand Saw, Signaling Mirror, Survival Blanket, Fire Starter,
Waterproof matches, Cotton Ball/Fire
Tinder, Snare Wire, Emergency Cord,
Waxed Thread, Fishing Kit, Sewing kit,
Lanyard Whistle, Lightweight, ripstop
KNIVES ILLUSTRATED • NOVEMBER 2012
nylon bag with waterproof zipper,
land-to-air rescue instructions, Priorities of Survival (pocket guide that contains Bear Grylls’ survival essentials).
MSRP: $52 (expect to pay $42.75)
Bear Grylls Basic Kit
Eight-piece kit contains: Waterproof
Bag, Gerber Mini-Paraframe Knife,
Emergency Whistle, Fire Starter, Waterproof Matches, Snare Wire, Emergency Cord, Cotton Ball/Fire Tinder,
ripstop nylon bag with waterproof zipper, land-to-air rescue instructions,
Priorities of Survival.
MSRP: $23 (expect to pay $18.99)
Gerber Gear
14200 SW 72nd Avenue
Portland, OR 97224
800-950-6161
BUCK KNIVES
Hoodlum
Blade length: 10 inches
Overall length: 14 5/8 inches
Steel: 5160 carbon steel
Weight: 14.6 ounces
Handle: Micarta
Forever warranty
MSRP: $242 (expect to pay $164.95)
Buck Knives
660 S. Lochsa Street
Post Falls, ID 83854
208-262-0500
KA-BAR KNIVES
Zombie Chop Stick
Blade length: 9 inches
Overall length: 14 5/8 inches
Steel: SK5, HRC 52-54
Grind: Flat, edge angles 37.5 degrees
Weight: 1.25 pounds
Handle: GFN-PA66
MSRP: $79.41 (expect to pay $52.25)
Zombie “War” Sword
Blade length: 9 3/4 inches
Overall length: 15 1/8 inches
Steel: SK5, HRC 52-54
Grind: Taper, edge angles 20 degrees
Weight: 1.00 pound
Handle: GFN-PA66
MSRP: $79.41 (expect to pay $58.95)
CUMA Evolution
Blade length: 4 5/8 inches
Overall length: 10 inches
Steel: 1095 high carbon, RC 56-58
Handle: “RMT” black linen Micarta
Weight with sheath: 14.4 ounces
Weight without sheath: 10.5 ounces
Designed by: Waysun Johnny Tsai
MSRP: $229.95 (expect to pay $151.50)
KA-BAR Knives, Inc.
200 Homer Street
Olean, NY 14760
716-372-5952
Toll free: 800-282-0130
Fax: 716-790-7188
info@ka-bar.com
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$9.95/100FT
SMITH’S EDGE 50281 PRO ELECTRIC
KNIFE SHARPENER
Genuine 550 lb. Type III, 1/8" diameter
nylon Paracord with a seven strand core.
46 colors available.
Electric Sharpening Features: Interlocking wheels of two abrasives (diamonds
and ceramics) sharpen both sides of the blade simultaneously and reduce the
amount of time needed to sharpen the edge.
Manual Sharpening Features: Serrated blade sharpening slot at preset sharpening angles for guaranteed results every time.
MSRP: $179.99 (expect to pay $150.99)
SMITH’S EDGE WEAR
747 Mid America Boulevard
Hot Springs, AR 71913
501.701-5949
PC101 White
PC102 Black
PC103 Olive Drab
5
5
0
PC104 Coyote Brown
PC106 Charcoal
In the spirit of the zombie apocalypse,
KA-BAR has created several cutting tools.
Two of these are the Zombie “War” Sword
(top) and the Zombie Chop Stick (bottom).
Also shown are the SigArms 1911 .45acp
and a box of Hornady Zombie Defense
Ammo in .45acp caliber. Good anti-zombie stuff.
After a long month of chopping zombie
heads and other zombie appendages, you
will definitely want to keep your tools
sharp and ready for the next zombie
attack. The Smith 50281 Adjustable Edge
Pro Electric Knife Sharpener will fit that
bill. And in case you need a DCC (direct
combat contact) knife, the TOPS CUMA
Evolution is the way to go.
PC108 Burgundy
PC116 Colonial Blue
PC118 Neon Orange
PC123 Solar Orange
warrior should carry when going afield to
thin out the zombie hoards. This knife was
designed by Sijo Waysun Johnny Tsai, who
runs a Chinese Kung Fu CUMA (combined
universal martial applications) combative
street defense center in Chicago. The
CUMA Evolution, like all TOPS knives, is a
superbly made knife with long field service
use that TOPS kept in mind for its design.
I found the Evolution’s blade design to
be very strong, right down to the tip of the
point. For someone who has been in combat, I can say this knife is well suited. If you
have a loved one possibly headed into
harm’s way, and you want to give them a
gift from the heart, what better gift than
something that could very well save his or
her life? Commando types need one of
these bad boys.
If December 21, 2012, comes and goes
without a zombie to be found or a comet
slamming into the Earth, then feel blessed.
If you are prepared with any of the knives
knivesillustrated.com
mentioned here, you will at least be well
equipped for most jobs requiring a quality
cutting tool.
However, if you wake up on the 21st to
find your front yard full of hungry flesheating zombies, you can’t say I didn’t warn
you to be prepared. Good luck. KI
PC127 Desert Camo
PC128 Foliage Camo
PC140 G.I. Camo
PC139 Galaxy
ADDITIONAL
SOURCES
Hornady Manufacturing Company
3625 West Old Potash Highway
Grand Island, NE 68803
800-338-3220
308-382-1390
TOPS KNIVES
Tactical Operational Products
P.O. Box 2544
Idaho Falls, ID 83403
208-542-0113
P
A
R
A
C
O
R
D
Side Release Buckles
Durable plastic side release buckles
used to complete paracord bracelets.
Available in 3/8” and 5/8” sizes.
PC993
PC995
3/8” (PKG OF 10) Assorted
5/8” (PKG OF 10) Assorted
JANTZ
6.95
6.95
1-800-351-8900
knifemaking.com
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Shane Taylor of Miles City,
Montana, calls the steel on
this 9-inch knife “Mosaic
Dice.” To match the theme, he
has a royal flush engraved on
the frame and carved card
suits in the mastodon ivory
handles.
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Steel
Canvas
Art in the media of steel
By J. Bruce Voyles
PHOTOS BY ERI C EGGLY/ POI NT SEVEN STUDI OS
WHAT IS ART?
Volumes have been written trying to define that question—
with no universally accepted answer. And when the question is
applied to knives, it’s the same answer.
DIFFICULTIES
One problem with knives being accepted within what is considered the fine art community of art galleries and museums is
that here seems to be an aversion to anything that is generically considered a weapon.
Of course, that is a narrow-minded approach when one considers that the Metropolitan Museum of Art has a large display
of swords on display—and I once spent several interesting
hours accompanied by Dr. Helmut Nickel and Bill Karsten in the
arms storage rooms of that institution examining their large
collection of Scottish dirks.
The Wallace Collection in London—in addition to Rembrandts
and the classic Boucher rococo painting, “The Swing”—has one
of the largest collections of medieval arms (including swords
and daggers), but this is also a nation that now bans the carrying of knives and bombasts the public with stories in the press
of “knife thugs.”
Suffice to say that it’s hard for the artistic knifemaker to be
taken seriously by that market.
That is not to say that there has not been some progress.
John Jenson, a knifemaker with a background that in
knivesillustrated.com
John White combines three traditional Bowie styles in one
knife: the old Spanish notch and dog bone handle from the
1840s, and the D-guard popularized by Confederate troops in
the 1860s. It was art then and it’s art now.
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James Rodebaugh’s coffin hilt Damascus
looks light, quick and hand fitting before
it’s even touched. The Damascus is Turkish twist, the handle’s mammoth ivory,
and the liners are fine silver. And the
entire knife is a takedown model. Nice!
Jens Anso combines a Damascus blade with inlaid Damascus handles for an exceptional folder.
cludes the Rhode Island School of Design,
has arranged showings at the National
Metalworks Museum in Memphis, Tennessee.
Attendance has been strong, and the
event has exposed knives to an art audience that has a familiarity with finely
crafted metalwork.
KNIVES IN THE ART WORLD
There were a couple of knifemakers who were considered to be at the forefront of the art knife market, and they tried to make entry into the fine art market—to the point of enlisting some gallery owners for a potential showing, enlisting an agent, and going through the same motions as the painter, sculptor,
photographer, or what are accepted standards of art media.
The makers met resistance with their knives, until one agent bluntly told them
that the New York art market was contingent upon being accepted and hanging
out with Andy Warhol and his entourage.
After a review of some of the things that such hanging out would likely entail,
the two gave up on their attempts to break into the fine art market.
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KNIVES ILLUSTRATED • NOVEMBER 2012
A set of four dragon carved folders by
Lloyd Williams are reminiscent of carved
figure folders that date to medieval times,
similar to those found in the Kingen
Museum in Solingen, Germany.
LOOKS TOO MUCH
LIKE A KNIFE
Knifemakers Guild member Dan
Dagget was a quality knifemaker,
and to further his career he decided
to study art at college. Dan made a
quality knife for one of his art class
assignments, for which his professor gave him a bad grade. When
asked why, the professor’s reply
was, “It looks too much like a
knife.”
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Reliable Cutting Performance
Wherever the Waters
May Carry you
Bill Ruple combines extraordinary talent,
a friendly Texas attitude and work that
improves with every knife. Handles are
genuine stag, bolsters are fully engraved
by Joe Muson, and the Damascus blades
are feather patterned.
SPYDERCO SALT SERIES
FOLDERS AND FIXED BLADES
ARE MADE WITH H-1,
A NITROGEN BASED,
NON-RUSTING BLADE STEEL.
WWW.SPYDERCO.COM
800.525.7770 303.279.8383
When two handle panels are not enough
for your engraving, Canadian Wally Hayes
solved the problem with the innovation of
adding a swiveling handle to reveal an
engraved liner. The mounts are 24K gold.
Arpad Bojtos of the Slovak Republic
includes carved figures of a Faun and
Nymph on his mammoth ivory handled art
knife.
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DEAD HORSES
Some knife enthusiasts and makers decided long ago that as long as there were those
who appreciated finely crafted knives, and
there was a market outside the fine art com-
munity, then we don’t care if they accept
knives as art or not. We do.
DEFINITIONS
My definition of an art knife is not one
that is overly embellished, although for
some collectors that is indeed the defining
line. Rather, it’s the lines of the knife, the
fit to form and function, and most importantly, a knife that calls out to be picked
up, even from a photograph. An approach
to the knife‘s style and design that’s different or uncommon adds points to the tally.
So what you see here is a selection of
knives that fit my definition of an art knife—
Lloyd McConnell‘s carved ivory-handled
folder includes large splashes of 18K gold,
plus matching watermelon tourmaline
stones on the handle and a stingray-covered sheath.
Wes Crawford is best known for making tactical folders. At first glance—with the Damascus blade and bolsters combined with mammoth tooth handles—one might not realize that the core of this gussied-up knife is a strong, functional and tactical folder. It just
happens to be pretty, too!
Definition of An Art Knife
• It’s the lines of the knife
• The fit to form and function
• Most importantly, it is a knife that calls out to be picked up
• The knife‘s style and design that’s different or uncommon adds points
to the tally.
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KNIVES ILLUSTRATED • NOVEMBER 2012
The carved elk antler handle accents
Daniel Stephan’s futuristic fixed blade.
The blade is inlaid with gold and rubies,
and the handle is adorned with carved silver pins.
knivesillustrated.com
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The National Museum of the
United States Army, scheduled
to open at Fort Belvoir, Virginia
in 2015 will be the nation’s one
and only Museum to present the
complete Army’s history since
1775. Its immersive exhibits,
soldier artifacts, and dynamic
venues will tell the stories of
VHOÁHVVVHUYLFHDQGSHUVRQDO
VDFULÀFHVRI WKHPLOOLRQ
American men and women who
have worn the Army uniform.
A Great
Army Deserves a Great Museum
For more information on how to
support the National Army Museum,
visit us online today!
www.armyhistory.org
1-800-506-2672
Visit our new website today!
www.KnivesIllustrated.com
The premier
knife magazine
s The hottest knives and latest
innovations in steel and design
sThe latest news, views, and reviews
sHard testing of knives and the results
KI_1211_60
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Visit our new website today!
www.KnivesIllustrated.com
The premier knife magazine
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s4HELATESTNEWSVIEWSANDREVIEWSs(ARDTESTINGOFKNIVESANDTHERESULTS
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Steve Hoel has
been at the
forefront of art
folders since
before the
phrase was
coined. There
are few better
examples than
his latest work,
featuring
engraving by
Barry Lee
Hands. And,
yes, that is gold
engraving on
the black pearl
handles.
It’s twist Damascus as the steel of choice
for this Vince Evans dagger with fossil
walrus ivory. The overall length is 15 ¼
inches.
Larry Pridgen of Fitzgerald, Georgia,
used carved antler for this Damascus
short sword. Overall length is almost 3
feet, with a 26-inch blade.
from the files of Eric Eggly of Point Seven
Studios—and whose photography is art by
my standards, as well.
And if you don’t think that these knives
are art knives by your standards, then welcome to the debate. Differences of opinion
about such things are what make the world
go around.
Luckily, whoever may be right or wrong
will have little effect on the crisis in the
Middle East, the national debt or the
homeless. KI
knivesillustrated.com
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Transcending
Traditional
Knives
There is a reason why knife designs
still prosper after 100 years.
By J. Bruce Voyles
PHOTOS SUPPLIED BY THE MANUFACTURERS
raditional patterns mean one thing—longevity. Failing to survive the perils of the open marketplace finds many oncepopular patterns ending up on the trash heap of history.
While short-run reject patterns may be desired by collectors, if you
are going to use a knife you likely are most interested in performance.
A knife that doesn’t
perform, that doesn’t
live up to its billing,
does not remain in the
inventories of a knife
company. But when a
knife does perform,
when it exceeds expectations, and when it exceeds those expectations year after year,
that knife will likely become a standard, a classic, a traditional.
T
I recall the first
time I tried to
convince an old
courthouse
trader of the
advantages of a
lockback knife.
“Excuse me,
sonny,” he said,
“I plan to do my
cutting with the
sharp side of the
knife, so there’s
no need to lock
that blade.”
A CATCHY NAME
NEVER HURTS
It does hurt for a
knife to have a catchy
name. For instance,
walking into a hardware store or big box
retailer and telling the clerk, “I want to see 175” or “I want to compare your 6254s” doesn’t have the ring of “I would like to take a
look at your trappers.”
The name “trapper” conjures a mind picture for me of a grizzled
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KNIVES ILLUSTRATED • NOVEMBER 2012
man bent over with a burden of steel traps across his back, a leveraction Winchester in one hand, held balanced just in front of the
lever, trudging through calf-deep snow on his appointed rounds.
Sorry, but 6254 just doesn’t do that, although most collectors instantly recognize that as the pattern number for a Case trapper. Try it
for yourself. What pictures come to mind when you hear names like
muskrat, hawkbill, marlin spike, electrician or stockman?
FUNCTION WINS OUT
Most traditional knives will have multi-blades. That’s because, in
the real world, workmen who use knives need a sharp blade, and a
less-sharp blade for the rough duties, and that third blade doesn’t
hurt as a back-up.
These knives originated in a time when locking the back was
considered unnecessary. “Always cut away from yourself” was not
just a saying, it was good advice. I recall the first time I tried to
convince an old courthouse trader of the advantages of a lockback
knife. “Excuse me, sonny,” he said, “I plan to do my cutting with
the sharp side of the knife, so there’s no need to lock that blade.”
TRIED AND TRUE
Look around at the selections of many cutlery companies. There
are still a great many traditional knives hidden in among those
black-handled serious-looking folders. The knives illustrating this
article are but a mere sampling. There’s a reason why they’re still
around… they work.
In a world in which “new” is the buzzword, when “tactical
knives” have superseded what we used to call “survival knives,”
when lockbacks crowd out multi-blades on many store shelves,
and, yes, in a time when requirements of having a cutting tool
close at hand are diminished, there is still something comforting
about a knife that has survived 100 years of trends and change.
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BOKER PLUS FAT
BELLY TRAPPER
Overall: 5 5/8 inches
Blade: 2 1/2 inches
Steel: 440C
Handle: Brown bone
Retail: $21.95
Comment: Vintage pre-WWII pattern but featuring stainless
steel components, grooved bolsters and a classic shield.
BOKER PLUS MINI STOCKMAN
Closed: 3 1/4 inches
Steel: 440C
Handle: Synthetic
Retail: $19.95
Comment: Also available in a three-blade version.
BOKER PLUS HAWKBILL
Overall: 7 inches
Closed: 4 inches
Blade: 3 inches
Steel: 440C
Handle: Delrin
Retail: $21.95
Comment: Has a “miner” blade etch and a lanyard hole.
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CASE STAG TRAPPER 5254
Closed: 4 1/8 inches
Handle: Genuine sambar stag
Retail: $141.20
Comment: The best-selling traditional pattern for many years.
BUCK 301CW THREE-BLADE STOCKMAN
Closed: 3 7/8 inches
Blade: (master blade) 3 inches
Steel: 420HC
Handle: Dymondwood
Retail: $57
Comment: This Chairman series version features a Chuck Buck signature in the handle.
64
KNIVES ILLUSTRATED • NOVEMBER 2012
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'RQ·W/HW<RXU
%ODGH/HW
<RX'RZQ
BUCK CANOE
Closed: 3 3/5 inches
Blade: (master blade) 2 1/2 inches
Steel: 420J2
Handle: Woodgrain
Weight: 2.7 ounces
Retail: $27
Comment: The Canoe takes its name
from its canoe shape.
CASE ROSEWOOD HAWKBILL
*HQXLQH
6DPEDU
6WDJ
6WDLQOHVV6WHHO
*XDUG
%LVRQ%RZLH
KH2536
+DQG)RUJHG
+:6.6WHHO
6WHHO5HLQIRUFHG
+DQG6WLWFKHG
6KHDWKRI%DUN
7DQQHG/HDWKHU
ZZZFDVKDQZHLFRP_
Closed: 4 inches
Handle: Smooth rosewood
Steel: Stainless
Weight: 3 1/4 ounces
Retail: $82.10
Comment: The Hawkbill has long been
a mandatory tool for serious cutting
chores.
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TIMBERLINE
SNAP-ON
STOCKMAN
Overall: 4 1/2 inches
Closed: 2.56 inches
Blade: (master blade) 1.75 inches
Steel: 440 stainless
Handle: Bone
Retail: $29.99
Comment: The stockman pattern
comes in many sizes, and the
smaller versions like this are ideal
for urban wear.
CASE STAG MUSKRAT
Overall: 6 3/4 inches
Blade: 2 7/8 inches
Handle: Genuine sambar stag
Steel: Surgical steel
Weight: 2.6 ounces
Retail: $139.99
Comment: The muskrat pattern takes its name
from the two matching blades, considered the
perfect shape and length for muskrat trappers.
66
KNIVES ILLUSTRATED • NOVEMBER 2012
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COLUMBIA RIVER
KNIFE & TOOL
“TEXAS
TOOTHPICK”
Overall: 6 1/4 inches
Closed: 3 1/2 inches
Blade: 2 3/4 inches
Weight: 1.6 ounces
Retail: $29.99
Comment: The Texas Toothpick comes
in big, small and medium sizes. The
CRKT model is in the medium category.
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SOG-EL30
CONTRACTOR III
Overall: 5 3/4 inches
Blade: 2.875 inches
Steel: 6Cr12Mov
Handles: G10
Weight: 2.1 ounces
Retail: $55
Comment: This modernized electrician’s knife
has a lanyard hole instead of a traditional wire
bail.
SOG FF23-CP NAUTICAL
MARLIN SPIKE
Overall: 7.125 inches
Blade: 2.9 inches
Steel: 6Cr12Mov
Handle: GRN
Weight: 7.9 ounces
Retail: $70
Comment: A marlin spike is almost mandatory for loosening knots on sailing vessels.
68
KNIVES ILLUSTRATED • NOVEMBER 2012
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COLUMBIA
RIVER KNIFE
& TOOL
TRAPPER
Closed: 3 inches
Blade: 2 3/4 inches
Steel: 7Cr17MoV
Handle: Jigged bone
Weight: 2.8 ounces
Retail: $39.95
Comment: Trapper knives have
long ago transcended those
who trap animals for income
and have become the most
popular traditional pattern knife.
There is still
something
comforting
about a knife
that has survived 100
years of
trends and
change.
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UNITED
CUTLERY
TRIBUTE
TRAPPER
Closed: 4 inches
Steel: AUS-8
Handle: Green bone
Retail: $54
Comment: United Cutlery
chose the traditional
trapper pattern for their
Special Operations Association collectible knife,
which includes a presentation box and an SOA
Challenge coin.
WESTERN CUTLERY GRANDPA
THREE-BLADE
Closed: 2 3/4 inches
Steel: Titanium bonded 440
Handle: Bone composition
Retail: $23.58
Comment: The modern Camillus rebirth includes the Western mark,
and they appropriately use it for their traditional knives.
POPULAR TRADITIONAL KNIFE NAMES
Electrician
Trapper
Copperhead
Muskrat
Congress
Stockman
Sowbelly
Hawkbill
KI
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Top to Bottom:
Mantis MR-1B Aardvark,
MT-9 and MT-9c
72
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Unique&
Innovative
Mantis Knives: “Edgy” designs
combined with utility
Text and Photos by Abe Elias
THERE’S NO SHORTAGE OF SELECTION
Today, you have the ability to buy a knife
with a design that appeals to whatever style
you may have in mind. For the last few years,
Jared West, the owner of Mantis Knives, has
been sharing his own artistic vision with
knives that are as unique as they are innovative. Jared has incorporated a truly futuristic
look into his knife designs.
We take a look at three such Mantis knives
here. I picked three models to take for a spin
as an urban EDC and to have on hand for those
odd jobs that always come up.
KNIFE 1: AARDVARK
I chose the MR1B “Aardvark” because it has
an overall trim design. With some EDCs I look
for ease of carry. The Aardvark is not only trim
but it has a hawkbill blade, which I normally
don’t carry and wanted to try.
Closed length for the Aardvark is 3 7/8
inches and it has a blade length of 2 7/8 inches. The frame and blade have a light bead-
knivesillustrated.com
blasted finish. The Aardvark is described by
Mantis as a “supercharged version of our
MR-1 ‘Isosceles’.”
The hawkbill design is hollow ground
with a partially serrated edge. The blade is
made of AUS 8 and the frame lock body is
420 stainless steel. Blade thickness is a
slight 3/32-inch, which makes this edge a
wicked little cutter. I found the Hawkbill design excellent for trace cuts and jobs like
stripping wire where you need an articulated tip. The skeletal frame lock body is light
and comes with a belt slip for carrying. An
ambidextrous thumb stud is provided to
open the Aardvark. Overall, I was impressed
with this high tech-looking package. I did
find the handle to be a little small for my
hand, but was still able to maintain ample
control over the cutting edge at all times.
THE MT MODELS
The MT-9 and MT-9C are variations on the
same model. Both have a closed length of 3
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A drop point design on the MT-9C adds a variation to the MT series.
The Aardvark
comes with a
trim streamlined
clip to complement the overall
trim design.
The aggressive
tip and flat grin
make it a beefy
utility cutter.
1/2 inches, Making up the body of the MT
series is stainless steel liners with machined G10-scale and an ambidextrous
pocket clip. Both designs have liner locks
with ambidextrous opening blades, making
the design a complete one-handed opener.
KNIFE 2: MT-9
The body dimensions on the MT series
are particularly stout, measuring 5/8-inch
thick. These little knives are built like bomb
shelters. They differ only in blade design.
The MT-9 has a CPM-440V stainless steel
Wharncliffe blade that’s 1/4 inch at the
spine and 2 3/16 inches long. One would
figure that that thick of a blade would be a
lousy cutter, but Mantis has ground the
blade flat to a thin point. Granted it’s no
whittler, but the aggressive tip and flat grin
make it a beefy utility cutter.
The Aardvark’s trim hawkbill blade is locked into place with a full frame lock design.
KNIFE 3: MT-9C
The MT-9C is a spear tip design that also
measures 1/4 inch at the spine, but Mantis
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MR1BAARDVARK
Overall: 6 3/4 inches
Closed: 3 7/8 inches
Blade: 2 7/8 inches
Steel: AUS-8
Frame steel: 420
Lock: Frame lock
Blade shape: Hawkbill
Weight: 3 1/2 ounces
Retail: $50
MT9 PIT BOSS
Overall: 5 3/4 inches
Closed: 3 1/2 inches
Blade: 2 3/16 inches
Blade: 440V
Thickness: 1/4 inch
Handles: G-10
Lock: Locking liner
Blade shape: Modified sheepsfoot
Weight: 5 ounces
Retail: $65
MT9C
TOUGH TONY
Closed: 3 1/2 inches
Blade: 2 3/16 inches
Blade: 440V
Thickness: 1/4 inch
Handles: G-10
Lock: Locking liner
Blade shape: Modified drop point
Weight: 5 ounces
Retail: $65
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For those of you
who are used to
adjusting the pivot
point to your liking, doing so will
require some special tools.
A double thumb stud offers an ambidextrous opening feature to the Aardvark.
The MT series
sports stout 1/4inch thick blades
at the spine,
making them
sturdy utility
knives.
manages to get a solid utility edge out of this
stout folder because of a hollow ground. Built
tough, I had no problem with either of these
models. They took a lot of use and didn’t
seem to mind one bit.
Even though the length of the handle
doesn’t fill the hand, the width provides plenty
of purchase for a safe grip. The incongruence
between the beefy look and the actual utility is
a nice surprise.
THE ONLY NEGATIVES
One of the few negatives I found with all
three models is the pivot point caps. Mantis
doesn’t use a standard screw cap for the pivot
point, so for those of you who are used to adjusting the pivot point to your liking, doing so
will require some special tools.
I admit the futuristic look of Mantis’s designs
can be a bit off-putting to a traditional knife
user like myself, but as I always tell people,
looks are what first attract you and utility
keeps you coming back.
COMBINING STYLE AND UTILITY
For those of you who appreciate a futuristic
style combined with utility, I suggest checking
out the Mantis line. I’m sure that you will find
something to your liking and be happy with a
well-built knife with a great fit and finish. KI
To match the
blockhouse construction, the MT
series is equipped
with a sturdy flat
pocket clip.
76
KNIVES ILLUSTRATED • NOVEMBER 2012
Contact:
Mantis Knives
1580 N. HARMONY CIRCLE
ANAHEIM, CA 92807
(714) 701-9136
www. Mantisknives.com
Fans of Mantis are invited to join the
Mantis Militia
www.mantisknives.com/mantismilitia
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AD INDEX
Advertiser
Page
A.G. Russell Knives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .39
John H. Davies Custom Knife Ma . . . . . . . . .79
Acme United Corporation . . . . . . . . . . . . .5, 79
Kayne & Son . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .67
American Bladesmith Society . . . . . . . . . . . .57
Kershaw Knives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17
Arkansas Custom Knife Show . . . . . . . . . . . .78
Leecutlery.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .79
Bear and Son Cutlery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7
Meyerco USA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .46, 84
BladeGallery.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .61
Niagara Specialty Metals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .51
Blue Line Gear . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .47
Paracord . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .67
Blue Ridge Knives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .67, 79
Randall Made Knives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .79
Cas Iberia . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .33, 65, 79
Spartan Blades USA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .78
Chris Reeve Knives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25
Spyderco Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .57
Fowler Blades . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .79
Tandy Leather Factory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .79
GreatEasternCutlery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .65
TOPS Knives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .83
HallMark Cutlery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27, 47
Tormach LLC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .43
Jantz Supply . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-3, 53
Wilson Combat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27
knivesillustrated.com
KNIVES ILLUSTRATED • NOVEMBER 2012 7 7
KI_1211_78 9/27/12 9:54 AM Page 78
Find
At The Shops
Near You!
Plaza Cutlery
3333 Bristol St. Ste 2060
Costa Mesa, CA 92626
(714) 549-3932
dan@plazacutlery.com
Rivers Edge Cutlery
3977 Trueman Blvd.
Hilliard, OH 43026
(614) 777-8833
customerservice@riversedgecutlery.com
A
Harry’s Army
and Navy Store
691 Route 130
Robbinsville,NJ 08691
(609) 585-5450
markhmerkh@harris.com
R K A NSA S
CUSTOM KNIFE SHOW
LITTLE ROCK, AR
FEB. 16 & 17
Robinson Center Exhibition Hall
424 W. Markham (by DoubleTree Hotel)
Open to the Public
$10 Admission
DarkThreads.com
517 Halsey Ave.
Pittsburgh. PA 15221
(412) 351-6478
sales@darkthreads.com
18th Annual
S AT : 10-5 S UN : 10-3
FRIDAY NIGHT RECEPTION GRAND PRIZE
Joe Flournoy
Bill Miller
Burr King
Grinder
Heimerdinger
Cutlery Inc.
4207 Shelbyville Rd.
Louisville, KY 40207
(888) 267-9572
www.heimerdingercutlery.com
Attention Shop Owners: The
Direct Dealer Program Draws
consumers attention to your
business.
SIGN UP TODAY!
Call Dealer Sales at (239)280-2380
or email dealers@beckett.com
Donated Knives
to be given away at the show
DOUBLETREE HOTEL:
800/937-2789 501/372-4371
SPECIAL HOTEL SHOW RATE:
$112 SINGLE/DOUBLE $122 TRIPLE $132 QUAD
Ray Kirk
Mark Nevling
Tom Ferry, WA
Jerry Fisk, AR
Joe Flournoy, AR
Ronnie Foster, AR
Tommy Gann, TX
Gage Glisson, AR
Gordon Graham, TX
Bob Ham, AZ
Mike Allen, TX
Don Hanson III, MO
David Anders, AR
Douglas-Gail Hardy, GA
Karl B. Andersen, IL
John Horrigan, TX
Reggie Barker, LA
Gary House, WA
Jim Batson, GA
Alan Hutchinson, AR
Kim Breed, TN
Larry Inman, AR
Tim Britton, NC
Jim Magee, KS
Lacy Key, AR
Benoni Bullard, AR
Roger Massey, AR
Harvey King, KS
Bruce Bump, WA
Jerry McClure, OK
Ray Kirk, OK
Bill Buxton, MO
W. J. McDonald, TN
Bill Kirkes, AR
Doug Campbell, MT
Shawn McIntyre, AUS
Knifeology, KS
Joel Chamblin, GA
Robert Merz, TX
Jason Knight, SC
Jimmy Chen, Taiwan
Bill Miller, MO
Jerry Lairson, OK
Jon Christensen, MT
Sidney Moon, LA
Ben Lane, AR
J. R. Cook, AR
David Lemoine, AR Gary Mulkey, MO
Gary Crowder, OK
Keith Murr, AR
Ken Linton, TX
Jim Crowell, AR
Mark Nevling, IL
David Lisch, WA
Steve Culver, KS
Allen Newberry, AR
John Lloyd, MO
Jesse W. Davis, MS
Larry-Gail Lunn, AR Ron Newton, AR
Bill Duff, OK
Cliff Parker, FL
Tad Lynch, AR
Fred Durio, LA
Logan Pearce, AR
Lee-Linda Ferguson, AR Bill Lyons, NE
David Etchieson
501.554.2582
Knife Photos by:
Chuck Ward
James Scroggs, MO
Richard Self, TX
Ben Seward, AR
Butch Sheely, OH
Robert P. Smith, MO
Marvin Solomon, AR
John Perry, AR
Craig Steketee, MO
Jerry Petty, AR
Douglas Stice, KS
Bill Post, AR
Ed Sticker, MS
Larry Pridgen, GA
Charles Stout, AR
Mike Quesenberry, CA Johnny Stout, TX
Vernon Red, AR
Tim Tabor, FL
Lin Rhea, AR
Brian Thie, IA
Raymond Richard, OR Brion Tomberlin, OK
Ralph Richards, AR Pete Truncali, TX
Ron Richerson, KY
Thomas Upton, AR
Dennis Riley, AR
Terry Vandeventer, MS
Kyle Royer, MO
Gary Wheeler, TN
Michael Ruth, Jr., TX John White, FL
Mike Ruth, TX
Mike Williams, OK
Lyle Schow, MO
Joel Worley, OK
aka@alliancecable.net
ABS
Alabama Damascus
Ankrom Exotics
CKCA
Culpepper & Co.
Forrest Cases
Giraffebone, Inc.
Glendo Corporation
Green River Leather
Hog Abrasives
Knife World
Kochheiser Ivory
Ozark Knifemakers
Paul Long Custom Leather
Pop Knife Supplies
Riverside Machine
Rowe’s Leather
Charles Turnage
Chuck Ward Photography
Wood Lab
www.arkansasknifemakers.com
KI_1211_79 9/27/12 10:00 AM Page 79
LEE'S CUTLERY
Specializing in:
Custom Knives, Anza Handmade Knives,
Chris Reeve (Authorized Dealer), Microtech,
Collectible Knives, Military Knives,
Great Eastern Cutlery, Randall Knives,
Protech, Newt Livesay Knives,
Sticks & Canes.
BUY-SELL-TRADE
www. leescutlery.com
888-340-0318
or 480-225-6897
VoiceMail
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Page 80
UPCOMING KNIFE SHOWS
The shows listed here are knife shows and should not be confused with “gun and knife shows,” at which a
show promoter may have thrown in the “and knife” in hopes of luring a couple more tables of knife dealers.
Show locations and dates do change for a variety of reasons, so we recommend contacting the show managers
to confirm the date and location before traveling. If you are producing a knife show,
please let us know at bvoyles@beckett.com.
OCTOBER 19-21, 2012
JANUARY 4-5, 2013
Cambridge, OH
Ohio Classic Knife Show
Pritchard-Laughlin Civic Center
info@ohioknifeshow.com
www.ohioknifeshow.com
740.219.1141
Helsinki, Finland
4th Annual Helsinki Knife
Show
Scandic Marski hotel
info@helsinkiknifeshow.com
www.helsinkiknifeshow.com
OCTOBER 26-28,
2012
JANUARY 18-20, 2013
Shepardsville, KY
Kentucky Knife Collectors
Association
Paroquet Springs Conference
Centre
www.kentuckycutlery.com
kca@insightbb.com
NOVEMBER 3-4, 2012
Mt. Vernon, IL
Mt. Vernon Knife Show
Roland Lewis Community
Center
Jcckc1982@yahoo.com
618.242.4514
NOVEMBER 9-12,
2012
Gembloux, Belgium
13th Belgian Knife Society
Show
Community Hall Gembloux
Bksgemloux.blogspot.com
NOVEMBER 10-11,
2012
Tulsa, OK
Wanenmacher’s Tulsa Arms
Show
Tulsa Fairgrounds Expo Center
www.tuslaarmsshow.com
918.492.0401
Las Vegas, NV
Las Vegas Invitational
Riviera Hotel & Casino
www.antiquearmsshow.com
706.202.4489
NOVEMBER 10-112012
NOVEMBER 24-25,
2012
Boise, ID
Rocky Mountain Knife Show
The Expo Idaho
www.rockymountainknifeshow.
com
208.447.7000
Milan, Italy
Corporazione Italiana
Coltellanai Show
Marriott Hotel via Washington
www.corporazioneitalianacoltel
liani.com
NOVEMBER 11, 2012
Marlboro, MA
NCCA Show
Holiday Inn
978.544.5348
*CANCELED DUE TO LACK OF INTEREST
NOVEMBER 16-18,
2012
Louisville, KY
The S.H.A.R.P. Show
(Incorporating the former NKCA
show)
Fern Valley Hotel
www.spiritofsteel.com
spiritofsteel@ymail.com
423.238.6753
NOVEMBER 16-18,
2012
Jersey City, NJ
New York Custom Knife Show
Westin-Jersey City Newport
www.nyckshow.com
417.866.6688
DECEMBER 7-8, 2012
Sevierville, TN
Parker’s Greatest Knife Show
on Earth
Sevier Events Center at Bridgemont
www.bulldogknives.org
423.892.0448
DECEMBER 8, 2012
EUGENE, OREGON
Oregon Winter Knife Show
Lane County Convention Center
www.oregonknifeclub.org
DECEMBER 9, 2012
Timonium, MD
Chesapeake Knife Show
Crowne Plaza Timonium
410.252.7373
JANUARY 26-27, 2013
ST. LOUIS, MO
Gateway Area Knife Club Cutlery Fair
Carpenter’s Hall
Choakes10@yahoo.com
636.537.2975
FEBRUARY 16-17,
2013
Little Rock, AR
Arkansas Custom Knife Show
Robinson Center Exhibit Hall
www.arkansasknifemakers.com
aka@alliancecable.net
MARCH 8-10, 2013
Pasadena, CA
Southern California Blades
Knife Expo
Pasadena Convention Center
Knifeexpo2012@att.net
www.knifeexpo.net
March 22-24, 2013
Janesville, WI
Badger Knife Show
Holiday Inn Express/Janesville
Conference Center
www.badgerknifeclub.org
rschrap@aol.com
414.479.9765
KI
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Your Knife Rights
News By The Numbers
3
Three states
currently have
knife legislation
pending, but
are in recess
(Pennsylvania,
Michigan and
New York).
2548
Pennsylvania bill HB 2548 is currently in the
House Judiciary Committee. HB 2548 would
remove all knife restrictions in the state.
55
1
Michigan bill HB 55, which
would “remove all switchblade prohibitions and
reduce fixed-blade restrictions in the Wolverine State”
remains in committee.
Exciting efforts are being made
to clarify New York knife laws,
which are in process. We expect new developments soon.
(Bruce Voyles, your Editor, is
slated to be one of the expert
witnesses in one major case).
7/11
knivesillustrated.com
3
1/
2
A young Colorado Eagle Scout
mistakenly brought a knife to
school in his backpack after he
had been on a camping trip
the previous spring and had
forgotten that the knife was in
the backpack. He was charged
with having a weapon. The
American Knife & Tool Institute
worked with his public defender. After consulting the
AKTI knife measuring protocol,
police agreed that the knife
was less than 3.5 inches, and
all charges were dropped.
This past July 11, Missouri Governor
Jay Nixon signed SB 489, repealing
the ban on the “possession, sale and
manufacture of switchblade knives
in Missouri as long as it is not ‘in violation of federal law’.”
(Sources: American Knife & Tool
Institute, Knife Rights) KI
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On The Edge
KNIFE KINDNESS
Kindness extended for no special reason other than the value
of friendship, itself, is among the most important gifts I have
received throughout my years in the knife business.
By J. Bruce Voyles
ADOPTED BY THE MORANS
On my induction into the American Bladesmith Society’s Cutlery
Hall of Fame, Margret and Bill Moran were with us at the pre-ceremony reception.
“Are your parents here?” Margret asked.
When I told her that my parents were unable to attend, she
looked over at Bill, then at me, and said,
as Bill nodded, “Well, we will be your
parents today.”
While the Hall of Fame induction was
indeed an honor, the bragging rights of
being adopted by Margret and Bill Moran,
even if for a single day, is one of my favorite moments. They had been on my list
of favorite people for many years prior
and remain so in my memory today.
HUNTING BONDS
had already discovered the “short” memories and the “what-haveyou-done-for-me-lately” mentality. I was different, or so I thought.
Those who had professed friendship had a chance to now prove
it. Of all my “good friends” I thought I had within the knife community—the ones who would still sit with us in a hotel lobby after a
knife show or would invite us to dinner from time to time—dwindled to a solitary half-dozen or so. I didn’t
count Bob Neal in that friend circle until
after I discovered that my fair-weather
friends had departed. He stuck. His passing in a motorcycle accident made that all
the more painful.
Consider the
kindnesses that
have been gifted
to you—and how
you can pass
them along.
George Herron is another on my kindness list. He is best known in knives for
being the Knifemakers’ Guild president, as well as for the countless
knifemakers he helped and encouraged. I knew him better as a
friend who included me in what turned out to be an annual deer
hunt in the South Carolina low county that, over the years, would
include Ken Warner, Tommy Lee, William Gordon Defreest, Joe
Mangiaracina and Dave Petzel of Field & Stream.
One day before we left for the stands, George and I spent awhile
alone on the porch of the lodge, talking about everything except
knives.
When we finished he said, “I’m glad we have had the time to
get to know each other—apart from knives.”
Hunting together tends to make such bonds.
STRANDED IN COSTA RICA
I was along as a photographer to document a Costa Rican fishing trip prize
awarded in a giveaway by Atlanta Cutlery. And we were stranded. A delay in
car rental and running off the road into
the jungle earlier meant we could not
continue to our lodge, because the ferry had stopped running and
the lodge owners had turned off their radio telephone.
Five of us in a Toyota minivan searched for hours for a room—to
no avail—until a gift shop clerk whose phone we were using told
us, “I have a friend, an old lady who lives alone, who might let you
stay in her big house as a favor to me.”
Within the hour, we were the guests of an elegant, older lady
whose house had four twin beds in the guest room, as well as a 6inch-thick foam pad on top of one of them. We were the recipients
of yet another unexpected kindness. Such kindness was extended
many more times before we left lovely Costa Rica.
PAYING FORWARD
FRIENDS VERSUS [REAL] FRIENDS
In my knife-writing career, there was a five-year period during
which I no longer had the ability to promote and publicize knifemakers as I waited out a non-compete clause. I had been told to
expect the slamming the door that had previously been held open
by beckoning knifemakers offering friendship, drinks, dinners,
shop tour invitations and even one maker who wanted me to come
ride motorcycles with him.
I scoffed at that advice from Ken Warner and Jim Weyer, who
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Of course, having been the recipient of such kindness, there is
the obligation to pay it forward and pass that kindness along. The
difficulty in doing that makes me realize even more how great a
gift those kindnesses extended to me have been.
The crux of this column is not about me, though. Consider the
kindnesses that have been gifted to you—and how you can pass
them along. I’m not sure how far such things go toward making the
world a better place, but if enough of us do it—one person, one
kindness at a time—it couldn’t hurt. KI
knivesillustrated.com
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