For the discerning collector, mid-tech and custom knives go hand-in-hand with custom and mid-tech flashlights. Making a striking collection (from the top left) are Hanko Trident Crystalized Ti flashlight, David Carver Mini Waif, Okluma DC2, Jared Price Mini Shrike, Hanko Mini Trident and Strider SnG (bottom). Photo: Chris Schluter

Bright Stars: Custom Flashlights Take The Spotlight

Custom flashlights have become highly sought after and offer many of the appeals of custom knives.
2026 Blade Factory Award

2026 BLADE Show West Factory Knife Award Winners

Get a gander at which blades earned top honors at the 2026 BLADE Show West Factory Knife Awards.
2026 Blade Custom Awards

2026 BLADE Show West Custom Knife Award Winners

See the hot blades that took top honors at the 2026 BLADE Show West Custom Knife Awards. The Salt Palace Convention Center was the epicenter...
Natalie Savage Murray (right) of New York and Pamela Kenitzer (left) of Michigan represented the United States in the 2026 United Knife and Axe Throwers Knife and Axe Throwing World Cup in Carpi, Italy.

Pair Of Americans Compete At Throwing World Cup

Pitching steel in Italy.
Work Sharp OD55 Benchstone System

First Look: Work Sharp OD55 Sharpening Stone And Base

The right angle for users to learn freehand sharpening.
Impeccably precise, Steve Johnson’s knives are a study in exactitude. This isn’t a fluke, as the meticulous maker has worked out precise procedures to ensure his creations reach the next level—from razor-sharp hollow grinds to spotless mirror finishes. (Ricardo Velarde image)

Secrets Of The Shop: Steve Johnson’s Tips On Hollow Grinds

How the legend of Loveless-style fixed blades makes them sharp. Steve Johnson began his journey in 1966 under Gil Hibben and refined his knifemaking...
Gabe Fletcher used the gradient element technique developed by Mareko Maumasi and Peter Burt to arrive at the award-winning pattern on his BLADE Show 2025 Best Damascus winner. (Gabe Fletcher knife image)

Blue Ribbon Damascus: What Makes The Best Pattern-Welded Steel

Cream of the custom crop rises to the top.
Advertisement

Must Read Articles

Read this before you make a knife

Knifemaking 101 – Read This Before You Make a Knife

  by Wayne Goddard My experience has taught me that there's nothing like digging in and getting started. I've often said the hardest part of the...
how to forge damascus steel

How to Forge Damascus

Advertisement
Advertisement