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Summer’s Finest: Custom Damascus Knives You Need to See

BLADE Staff
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Summer’s Finest: Custom Damascus Knives You Need to See

Explore 11 jaw-dropping custom knives featuring premium damascus steel blades, exotic handle materials, and master craftsmanship.

This summer’s crop of custom knives brings damascus front and center. From twisted and ladder patterns to stainless blends and copper-clad creations, each blade in this collection highlights not just the maker’s skill, but their artistry with steel. Whether forged for daily carry, culinary precision, or collector prestige, these knives turn heads with standout materials—think crystallized titanium, crosscut mammoth, and ringed Western Myall—paired with performance-driven designs. Featured makers range from journeyman smiths to Guild members, each offering a unique take on the timeless beauty and cutting power of damascus steel.

Carlos Queiros Thorn Persian TRS

Carlos Queiros Thorn Persian TRS

Knife type: Folder
Blade length: 3.35”
Blade material: Chad Nichols Starfire stainless damascus
Blade grind: Flat
Scales: Vintage bright red linen Micarta®
Bolsters: Crystalized titanium
Pocket clip: Yes
Closed length: 4.53”
Maker’s price for a similar knife: $4,700-$4,800 at press-time exchange rate
Maker: Carlos Queiros (SharpByCoop image)

Casey Brown Dagger

Casey Brown Dagger

Blade length: 5.5”
Blade material: Ladder-pattern damascus
Blade grind: Flat
Scales: Desert ironwood
Guard/fittings: 416 stainless steel
Overall length: 10.25”
Maker’s price for a similar knife: $900
Knife to know: The maker is an ABS journeyman smith
Maker: Casey Brown (SharpByCoop image)

Luka Allen Petty Knife

Luka Allen Petty Knife

Blade length: 5 5/8”
Blade material: Bjorkman’s twist damascus by Damasteel
Blade grind: Flat
Scales: Cottonwood
Fittings: Brass
Overall length: 9.75”
Maker’s price for a similar knife: $450
Maker: Luka Allen, lukaallen.com (Jocelyn Frasier image)

Micah Dunn Chef Bread Knife

Micah Dunn Chef Bread Knife

Blade length:7.5”
Blade material: Baker Forge & Tool copper-mai Surge pattern
Blade grind: Flat
Scales: Spalted chestnut burl and vintage Micarta®
Overall length: 12.25”
Maker’s price for a similar knife: $1,200
Maker: Micah Dunn, mdedgeworks.com (Jocelyn Frasier image)

Dennis Friedly Art dagger

Dennis Friedly Art dagger

Blade length: 9”
Blade material: Mike Norris damascus
Blade grind: Hollow
Scales: Picasso marble
Fittings: Blued steel
Embellishment: 24k-gold inlay by Ray Cover Jr.
Maker’s price for a similar knife: $7,200
Knife to know: The maker is a voting member of The Knifemakers’ Guild
Maker: Dennis Friedly, friedlyknives.com (SharpByCoop image)

Dane Standen Cleaver

Dane Standen Cleaver

Blade length: 7.3”
Blade material: 243-layer textured damascus of 1084 carbon- and 15N20 nickel-alloy steels
Blade grind: Flat
Scales: Colored resin
Pins: Copper
Overall length: 12.2”
Maker’s price for a similar knife: Contact maker for info
Knife to know: The maker is a probationary member of the Australian Knifemakers Guild
Maker: Dane Standen (Rod Hoare image)

Josh Howard Folding Hunter

Josh Howard Folding Hunter

Action: Slipjoint
Blade length: 3.5”
Blade material: Pattern-welded deer hunting scene
Blade grind: Hollow
Scales: Amber stag
Handle frame & bolsters: Stainless steel
Closed length: 5.25”
Maker’s price for a similar knife: Contact the maker for info
Maker: Josh Howard, deerlickridgeforge.com (SharpByCoop image)

Chad J. Jones Hunter

Chad J. Jones Hunter

Blade length: 3.75”
Blade material: Mike Norris Hornet’s Nest stainless damascus
Blade grind: Flat
Scales: Crosscut mammoth tusk
Liners: Black and white G-10
Bolster: Zebra carbon fiber
Overall length: 8”
Maker’s price for a similar knife: $1,250
Maker: Chad J. Jones (Jocelyn Frasier image)

William Manning Hunter

William Manning Hunter

Blade length: 3.35”
Blade material: Random-pattern damascus of 1084 carbon-and 15N20 nickel-alloy steels
Blade grind: Flat
Scales: Antler w/copper spacer
Guard: 416 stainless steel
Overall length: 8.27”
Maker’s price for a similar knife: Contact maker for info
Knife to know: The maker is a probationary member of the Australian Knifemakers Guild
Maker: William Manning, manningblades.com (Rod Hoare image)

Francois Mazieres Medium Paring Knife

Francois Mazieres Medium Paring Knife

Blade length: 5”
Blade material: Pattern-welded damascus in 150 layers of 1084 and 1075 carbon- and 15N20 nickel-alloy steels embossed using
chevron dies for the final pattern
Blade grind: Flat
Scales: Stabilized South-Australian ringed Western Myall wood shaped in a composite Western/cowboy style
Spacers: G-10 and stainless steel
Bolsters: Scalloped, pinned and soldered 416 stainless steel
Construction: Hidden tang
Overall length: 10”
Maker’s price for a similar knife: $320.62 at press-time exchange rate
Knife to know: The maker is a member of the Australian Knifemakers Guild and a journeyman smith in the American Bladesmith Society
Maker: Francois Mazieres, Yandiwa.com.au (Rod Hoare image)

Nate “Tuna” Grant Utility Fixed Blade

Nate “Tuna” Grant Utility Fixed Blade

Blade length: 4”
Blade material: Rietveld Dragonskin damascus by Bertie Rietveld
Blade grind: Flat
Handle: Titanium, nickel silver, fiber liners, laser engraved
Overall length: 8”
Sheath: Guster leather; inlaid w/exotic animal skin; belt model with snap
Maker’s price for a similar knife: $5,000
Knife to know: The maker’s utility fixed blade won Best Utility at the 2024 Lost Pines Knife Show
Maker: Nate “Tuna” Grant, madebytuna.com (Jocelyn Frasier image)

Bryan Montalvo Basset

Bryan Montalvo Basset

Knife type: Folder
Blade length: 3.25”
Blade material: Grabak damascus by Damasteel
Blade grind: Hollow
Blade pivot: Skiff caged ceramic bearings
Handle: Same material as blade
Lock: Linerlock
Pocket clip: Same material as handle
Closed length: 3.5”
Maker’s price for a similar knife: $3,000 at press-time material costs
Maker: Bryan Montalvo, keanisonknives.com (Jocelyn Frasier image)

More Knife Reviews:

New Knives August 2025

BLADE Staff
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New Knives August 2025

Hot factory drops that made their debut at BLADE Show 2025.

From sexy folders to indispensable knife accessories, BLADE Show 2025 saw a ton of new drops. Nearly two months since the shindig, they’re still coming out. This is our last installment of the new show debuts for the summer and there’s definitely some lookers and doers in this crowd.

Kansept Hazard Bail Lock

Kansept Hazard Bail Lock

Knife type: Folder
Designer: Steven Dunnuck
Blade length: 3.67”
Blade steel: Stainless
Rockwell hardness: 58-60 HRC
Blade grind: Flat
Blade finish: Satin/blackwash
Handle material: Titanium
Lock: Friction-actuated swing cam lock (no springs)
Pocket clip: Tip-up, right-handed
Weight: 5.78 ozs.
Closed length: 4.54”
Country of origin: China
MSRP: To be announced
Available: August 2025

Wicked Edge Venture Portable Sharpener

Wicked Edge Venture Portable Sharpener

Sharpener type: Hand-held
Designer: Wicked Edge
Abrasive type(s): Diamond, ceramic, leather
Grit assortment: 500-grit diamond stone, fine ceramic
Angle option: 20 degrees
Edges sharpened: Plain
Dimensions: 7” x 1.5” x 1”
Construction materials: Recycled ABS plastic
Weight: 4 ozs.
Special features: 20-degree knife guide holds your knife steady as you go across the stone
Country of origin: USA
MSRP: $40
Available: Preorder now, full launch late summer

McNees Knives Dixon Folder

McNees Knives Dixon Folder

Designer: Jonathan McNees 
Blade length: 3.75”
Blade steel: MagnaCut stainless
Rockwell hardness: 63-64 HRC
Blade grind: Hollow
Blade pattern: Clip point 
Blade finish: Atomic Stonewashed 
Construction: Screw
Handle material: Titanium 
Lock: “Reeve/Walker Frame lock” 
Blade opener: Hole
Pivot: Ceramic ball bearings 
Pocket clip: Titanium, tip-up
Weight: .34 oz.
Closed length: 4.5”
Country of origin: USA
MSRP: $625
Available: NOW

Spyderco Shaman Lightweight

Spyderco Shaman Lightweight

Knife type: Folder
Designer: BLADE Magazine Cutlery Hall-of-Fame® member Sal Glesser
Blade length: 3.58”
Blade steel: CTS® BD1N stainless
Blade grind: Full-flat
Blade pattern: Leaf shape
Blade finish: Satin 
Construction: Screw construction w/nested, skeletonized stainless steel liners
Handle material: FRN (fiberglass-reinforced nylon)
Lock: Compression Lock®
Opening mechanism: Manual one-hand open w/fully accessible Trademark Round Hole™
Pivot materials: Phosphor bronze washers 
Pocket clip: 4-position, stainless steel, tip-up/tip-down, left/right
Weight: 4.8 ozs.
Closed length: 4.7”
Special features:  Finger choil w/added gimping, pebbled textured FRN handles, a reduced weight of 9 percent from original Shaman, and available in both PlainEdge™ and SpyderEdge™
Country of origin: USA
MSRP: $230
Available: Fall

Poikilo Blade Vader

Poikilo Blade Vader

Knife type: Folder
Designer: TASKnives 
Blade length: 3”
Blade steel: M398 stainless
Rockwell hardness: 60-62 HRC
Blade grind: “V”
Blade pattern: Reverse tanto/modified sheepsfoot
Blade finish: Dark Stonewash
Construction: Sandwich
Handle material: A proprietary titanium
Lock: Axis
Blade openers: Thumb stud and thumb hole
Pivot materials: Bushing and phosphorous bronze washers
Pocket clip: Titanium, right-hand carry
Weight: 4.76 ozs.
Closed length: 4.3”
Special features: Screw-less design from PKB
Country of origin: China
MSRP: $420 (standard/base finish)
Available: September/October

Browning South Slope

Browning South Slope

Blade length: 3”
Blade material: D2 tool steel
Rockwell hardness: 60-62 HRC
Blade finish: Black stonewash
Blade openers: Flipper and hole
Pivot: Ball bearing
Handle: Synthetic; burnt bronze; Cerakote® finish
Pocket clip: Ambidextrous, tip-up
Lock: Framelock
Closed length: 4”
Country of origin: Offshore
MSRP: $79.99
Available: NOW

More On BLADE Show 2025

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

BLADE Staff
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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

BLADE Staff
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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.

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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

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