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First Look: Bear & Son’s White Smooth Bone Professional Fillet Knife

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First Look: Bear & Son’s White Smooth Bone Professional Fillet Knife

Bear & Son Cutlery’s new White Smooth Bone Professional Fillet Knife delivers precision, durability and American craftsmanship for serious anglers.

Summer fishing season just got a serious upgrade. Bear & Son Cutlery has introduced the new 11 7/8-inch White Smooth Bone Professional Fillet Knife, a purpose-built tool for anglers who demand precision from dock to dinner table.

Crafted in Alabama by a company known for keeping every step of production in-house, the WSB66 combines classic styling with modern steel performance. Bear & Son Cutlery’s fully self-contained factory handles everything—from blanking dies and heat treating to grinding, assembly, and hand-finishing—ensuring consistent quality and genuine American craftsmanship in every knife.

At the core of the Professional Fillet Knife is a 7-inch Sandvik 14C28N stainless steel blade, engineered for razor-sharp cuts, long-lasting edge retention and resistance to corrosion, even in saltwater environments. Whether trimming trout in the mountains or breaking down snapper on the coast, the blade delivers clean, efficient slices with ease.

Weighing just 4.9 ounces, the knife offers balance and control that make quick work of everything from panfish to redfish. Its White Smooth Bone handle provides a secure, comfortable grip while adding a touch of traditional character. A protective plastic blade guard ensures safe transport and storage, whether stowed in a tackle box or kitchen drawer.

True to Bear & Son’s mission of building affordable, American-made knives, the Professional Fillet Knife is designed for anglers of all levels—weekend fishermen, seasoned guides and anyone who values a dependable blade at camp or on the water.

White Smooth Bone Professional Fillet Knife Specs
Blade Material: Sandvik 14C28N Stainless Steel
Handle Material: White Smooth Bone
Overall Length: 11 7/8″
Blade Length: 7″
Features: Protective Plastic Blade Guard
Weight: 4.9 oz.
Origin: Jacksonville, Alabama
MSRP: $140

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Cold Steel’s Frenzy II: Folding Knife With Samurai Swagger

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Cold Steel’s Frenzy II: Folding Knife With Samurai Swagger

Discover the new Cold Steel Frenzy II folding knife, designed by Andrew Demko and inspired by the Japanese Kabutowari.

Cold Steel has never been shy about bold designs, and the new Frenzy II folding knife is no exception. Designed by custom knifemaker Andrew Demko, the Frenzy II takes its cues from the ancient Japanese Kabutowari and morphs those warrior-worthy aesthetics into a mega-folder ready for today’s EDC crowd.

Let’s start with the blade. At 5.5 inches, it’s not subtle—but it is refined. Forged from premium S35VN powdered steel, the long, flat edge and needle-sharp point make it as functional as it is fearsome. You get top-tier edge retention, durability and slicing performance, all dressed up with a satin line-grain polish and a deep fuller that plays with light like a katana in the sun.

But Cold Steel didn’t stop there. The Frenzy II is all about balance—of power and precision, size and slimness. Despite its impressive blade length, the handle is slim, flat and built for pocket comfort. Crafted from dual-tone, 3D CNC-machined G-10 scales, it’s grippy, eye-catching, and disappears under a shirt tail. This knife may look large, but it carries light and lean.

And yes, the Frenzy II comes equipped with Cold Steel’s bombproof Tri-Ad lock, so when that blade is deployed, it’s staying put. That kind of confidence is why Cold Steel has earned the trust of law enforcement, military and serious knife users for decades.

So, who’s the Frenzy II for? Anyone who appreciates a fusion of heritage-inspired design and modern performance. Whether you’re a collector, a gear geek, or someone who just wants a folding knife that can go toe-to-toe with fixed blades, this one’s worth a serious look.

Frenzi II Specs
Weight: 5.7oz
Blade Thickness: .14″
Blade Length: 5-1/2″
Blade Steel: American S35VN
Handle Length/Material: 6 3/4″ Long Duo Tone G10
Overall Length: 12-14″
Additional Features: Pocket / Belt Clip
Knife Type: Folder
Blade Length Range: 5+ in
Steel Family: CPM
Blade Shape: Sheepsfoot
Locking Mechanism: Tri-Ad Lock

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Euro Blade Worx: Spartan Blades & KA-BAR Bring Knife Production to Europe

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Euro Blade Worx: Spartan Blades & KA-BAR Bring Knife Production to Europe

Spartan Blades and KA-BAR announce the launch of Euro Blade Worx (EBX), a new joint venture in the Czech Republic.

Pineland Cutlery, Inc., dba Spartan Blades, announces the launch of Euro Blade Worx (EBX), “a major new international initiative designed to meet the growing demand for premium knives in the European market.” Formed in collaboration with American knife manufacturer KA-BAR Knives and Czech knife designer Ondřej Němec, the joint venture represents a strategic move to localize production and better serve European customers.

Headquartered in South Moravia, Czech Republic, EBX was established to solve a common challenge for European buyers: accessing high-end knives without incurring the burdens of overseas shipping costs, customs duties, value added taxes and long delivery times.

As Spartan Blades and KA-BAR expanded their presence in Europe, it became clear that a local manufacturing solution was essential.

“For years, we attended the IWA Outdoor Classics trade show in Germany and heard the same thing over and over: ‘Your knives are excellent, but they’re just too expensive to get here,’” said Curtis Iovito, co-founder of Spartan Blades and president of product development and marketing at Pineland Cutlery. “After listening closely and exploring our options, we realized the best path forward was to manufacture directly in Europe.”

That vision led to a partnership with Ondřej Němec, a respected Czech knife designer and entrepreneur with deep roots in both trade and knife craftsmanship. Němec had previously founded and led a successful knife brand in the region and had collaborated with both Spartan and KA-BAR on earlier projects.

“As soon as we started working with Ondřej, it was clear he shared our values—precision, quality and a deep respect for the craft,” Iovito said. “He understood what we were trying to build before we even finished laying it out.”

With more than 153 years of combined knifemaking experience between Spartan Blades, KA-BAR and Němec, EBX brings together heritage and innovation in a facility equipped with advanced machining, grinding and assembly capabilities—fully supported by European logistics and operations.

In its first year, EBX will focus on producing and distributing Spartan Blades and KA-BAR knives within the European Union, dramatically reducing shipping times and removing many of the barriers that previously stood in the way of European customers. Looking ahead, the company plans to expand its capabilities to support other premium knife brands seeking access to the European market.

“This is more than a factory—it’s a knifemaking and logistics hub designed for the next generation,” said Němec, EBX’s new managing director. “We’re blending European manufacturing tradition with American design innovation to serve a truly international community.”

By uniting American legacy brands with European craftsmanship, EBX is poised to redefine how premium knives are made and delivered across the continent.

More On Knife Business:

Sniper Bladeworks Joins NBS, Unveils Exclusive Show Specials for Dealers

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Sniper Bladeworks Joins NBS, Unveils Exclusive Show Specials for Dealers

Sniper Bladeworks is sharpening its presence in the independent retail market.

The Kansas City-based tactical knife brand has officially joined forces with Nation’s Best Sports (NBS), a premier buying group serving more than 450 independent sporting goods retailers across the country. As one of only a handful of cutlery vendors approved for NBS, Sniper Bladeworks will debut its partnership at the upcoming NBS Fall Semi-Annual Market, held August 18–21 in Fort Worth, Texas.

For Sniper Bladeworks, this moment marks a major step forward in its mission to get quality, hard-use knives into the hands of professionals and working Americans. “Heartfelt thanks to Tyler and the entire NBS team for entrusting our brand and product,” said Sniper CEO Adam Pener. “Being an approved NBS vendor means something, and we’re honored to be part of this trusted network.”

To celebrate the partnership, Sniper is rolling out exclusive show specials available only to NBS dealers through August 31. The deals include special pricing on best-selling models, early access to upcoming 2025 releases, and tiered ordering incentives for event attendees. “We built these specials just for the NBS audience,” said Sniper COO Houston DeFoe. “This is a rare opportunity to grab premium blades at unbeatable pricing, just in time for hunting season.”

Founded by former SWAT sniper Lance Abernathy, Sniper Bladeworks has earned a loyal following for its distinct ergonomic designs and no-nonsense performance. Its knives—many featuring the brand’s signature pistol-grip handles—are built with end-users in mind, from tactical operators to outdoor adventurers. The company relaunched in 2020 with a blockbuster Kickstarter campaign and has since completed three successful production runs, expanding its catalog of field-proven, limited-edition models.

While the knives speak for themselves, the team behind them is just as committed to service. “We’re excited to connect face-to-face with the NBS community in Fort Worth,” said DeFoe. “This show is about more than sales—it’s about building relationships with the family-owned dealers who serve America’s hunters, cops, EMTs, and outdoorsmen.”

At the show, dealers can expect:

  • Exclusive pricing on top models
  • Hands-on demos and live meet-and-greets
  • Sneak peeks at 2025 limited releases
  • Event-only ordering incentives

With this new partnership, Sniper Bladeworks cements its place in the gear rooms, range bags, and tackle boxes of America’s hardest-working knife users—right where it belongs.

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ABS Names New Smiths At Blade Show 2025

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ABS Names New Smiths At Blade Show 2025

Celebrate the new class of master and journeyman smiths! See who received the top honors from the American Bladesmith Society at the recent BLADE Show.

The American Bladesmith Society awarded its coveted ratings of master smith and journeyman smith at the recent BLADE Show in Atlanta.

Three applicants achieved the rating pinnacle of master smith:

  • Andrew Blomfield (Australia)
  • Luiz Gustavo Gonçalves (Brazil)
  • Erik McCright (Weatherford, Texas)

Gonçalves also won the awards for Best Kitchen Knife and Best Fighter during the BLADE Show custom knife judging competition.

Argentina’s Matias Funes was awarded his ABS journeyman smith stamp during the 44th Annual BLADE Show after his five test knives met with the approval of the ABS JS judging panel. (SharpByCoop image)
Argentina’s Matias Funes was awarded his ABS journeyman smith stamp during the 44th Annual BLADE Show after his five test knives met with the approval of the ABS JS judging panel. (SharpByCoop image)

Journeyman smith stamps were awarded to:

  • Felipe Cavallin (Brazil)
  • Jason W. Coy (Squires, Missouri)
  • Viktor De Bonte (Woodinville, Washington)
  • Adam Fromholtz (Australia)
  • Matias Funes (Argentina)
  • PJ Gouws (South Africa)
  • Nate “Tuna” Grant (Seguin, Texas)
  • Matthew Hartwig (Bozeman, Montana)
  • Nishan Mood (Fullerton, California)
  • Christopher Moss (Asheboro, North Carolina)
  • William Porto (Brazil)
  • Willie Van Der Merwe (South Africa)
  • Jan C. Vatelau, (Boise, Idaho)
  • Michael Hobbs (Shelbyville, Tennessee)

In addition, Gonçalves won the award for the best knife presented by a master smith applicant for judging, and Funes won the award for the best knife presented by a journeyman smith applicant for judging.

Journeyman smiths are the second highest level of ABS member bladesmiths, surpassed only by master smiths. Each must pass rigorous tests before achieving their respective rates, with the journeyman smiths having to wait a specified time once making JS before they can apply for the top rating of MS. For a complete rundown of the tests, requirements and other bona fides of both ratings, visit americanbladesmith.org and click on “Member Resources.”

More On BLADE Show 2025

Master Bladesmiths Showcase Their Best Long Swords

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Master Bladesmiths Showcase Their Best Long Swords

See the artistry and craftsmanship of seven custom swords from some of the best bladesmiths in the world.

Not only do swords bring out the best in some makers, those who make quality versions of them often seem to be among the best makers as well. Check out the long blades on this and the facing page and see if you agree.

Garbriel Turner: Jineta

Garbriel Turner: Jineta

The Jineta by Garbriel Turner has a 28-inch wootz blade, an ancient walrus ivory grip and iron/gold fittings. Blade grind: flat. Overall length: 36.5 inches.

Eric Estlund: Oak Themed Storta

Eric Estlund: Oak Themed Storta

Eric Estlund’s Oak Themed Storta is in a 17th-century Italian style. The 28-inch blade is 8670 carbon steel and the handle is oak burl. An acorn pommel helps complete the theme. A high-relief scabbard (not shown) and steel leaf chape with carved acorn finial add to the presentation.

Matt Parkinson: Arming Sword

Matt Parkinson: Viking Sword

The sword shown is an Arming sword with a complex laddered and mosaic damascus blade. Polished steel fittings and a spalted maple handle. 29-inch blade 36-inches overall, weighing in at 2 pounds 10 ounces.

Zack Jonas: Wakizashi

Zack Jonas: Wakizashi

A Gordian core twist damascus completes the 22-inch blade of a Zack Jonas wakizashi. Fittings: W’s damascus and silver. The handle is interior mammoth ivory. Blade pattern: shinogi-zukuri. Overall length: 28 inches. The colorful scabbard (not shown) is by Matt Venier.

Ben Abbott: Viking Sword

Ben Abbott: Viking Sword

A 26-inch blade of multi-bar damascus, a leather-covered wood handle and cast sterling silver fittings outfit Ben Abbott’s Viking sword repro. Ben carved the waxes for the guard and pommel.

Ryan Breuer: PhD Sword

Ryan Breuer: PhD Sword

We published a closeup of the handle of Ryan Breuer’s PhD Sword the September 2025 issue. Here’s the full-blown model. The 32-inch blade is a damascus of 1084 carbon and 15N20 nickel-alloy steels. The handle is birch, leather and sterling silver.Overall length: 40 inches.

Jordan Borstelmann: Elmslie Type I

Jordan Borstelmann: Elmslie Type I

Jordan Borstelmann’s Elmslie Type I of a falchion sword boasts a 28-inch blade of 1075 carbon steel and a handle of leather, cord and wood. Blade grind: flat. Guard: 1045 carbon steel. Overall length: 35 inches.

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Cool Custom: Robert Burns’ Ancient Iron Bowie

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Cool Custom: Robert Burns’ Ancient Iron Bowie

Explore the classic clip-point bowie knife from apprentice smith Robert Burns of Wilderness Ironworks.

ABS apprentice smith Robert Burns of Wilderness Ironworks wanted a project that would take him back to the roots of being a bladesmith, and appears to have satisfied that desire through his classic clip-point bowie.

“My goal was to combine the ancient and the contemporary,” he wrote.

For the ancient, he started with iron ore from Minnesota and iron sand from Connecticut. He smelted the two into bloom steel, which he then refined, “my goal being to make a steel fine enough that it could potentially pass for modern damascus”—thus the “contemporary.”

Robert Burns of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, used ancient materials such as iron ore and iron sand for the blade and a historic mix for the fittings of his sole-authorship bowie.
Robert Burns of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, used ancient materials such as iron ore and iron sand for the blade and a historic mix for the fittings of his sole-authorship bowie.

To augment the “ancient,” he used a “historic mix from the Bronze Age” for the bronze for the fittings.

As Robert noted, the knife is true sole authorship, from starting ore to the finished sheath.

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