BLADE Staff, Author at BLADE Magazine

American Made Knives: New And Hot Options

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February 19, 2025

American Made Knives: New And Hot Options

Today’s American-made knives embody the latest in the state-of-the-art.

American knifemaking is alive, well and thriving. Certainly over the years the marketplace for cutlery has become more global, despite this native craftsmen and companies have held their ground and remained sharp as ever. Below is a good example. We’ve collected a throng of blades made in good ol’ U.S. of A. that showcase creative prowess of our countrymen.

Talon / Hawk Knife Designs

Knife type: Tactical/EDC
Designer: Gavin Hawk
Blade length: 3.5”
Blade steel: M390 stainless
Rockwell hardness: 63 HRC
Blade grind: Hollow
Blade pattern: Modified drop point
Blade finish: Tumbled
Scale material: Black Dunes (Fatcarbon®)
Frame material: Titanium
Furniture material: Titanium (button, clip, backspacer)
Lock: Hawk Lock, toggle detent
Pivot: Bearings
Weight: 4.4 ozs.
Closed length: 4.8”
MSRP: $2,000
Available: NOW

Zero Tolerance 0044

Knife type: EDC flipper folder
Designer: ZT original
Blade length: 3.2”
Blade steel: CPM S45VN stainless
Rockwell hardness: 59-61 HRC
Blade finish: Two-tone
Scale material: Titanium w/bead blast finish
Lock: Button lock
Pivot: Ceramic bearings
Weight: 3.4 ozs.
Closed length: 4.35”
MSRP: $425
Available: NOW

Kershaw Launch Iridium

Knife type: Automatic
Designer: Kershaw original
Blade length: 3.45”
Blade steel: CPM MagnaCut stainless
Rockwell hardness: 62-64 HRC
Blade finish: Working finish
Scale material: Aluminum anodized black
Lock: Button lock
Pivot: Washers
Weight: 3.1 ozs.
Closed length: 4.55”
MSRP: $279.99
Available: NOW

Spyderco Lil’ Native Lightweight

Designer: Eric Glesser
Blade length: 2.42”
Blade steel: CTS BD1N stainless
Blade grind: Full-flat
Blade finish: Satin
Scale material: FRN
Lock: Back Lock
Weight: 1.5 ozs.
Closed length: 3.74”
MSRP: $160
Knife to know: This folding knife takes the company’s Lil’ Native Back Lock platform and lightens it by 40 percent with fiberglass-reinforced-nylon scales.
Available: March

TOPS Knives Wood Nymph

Knife type: EDC/bushcraft
Designer: Bushcraft Kelso
Blade length: 2.25”
Blade material: 1095 carbon steel
Rockwell hardness: 56-58 HRC
Blade grind: TOPS’ modified Scandi
Blade finish: Tumble
Scale material: Tan/black G-10
Weight: 1.8 ozs. (3.2 ozs. w/sheath)
Overall length: 5.75”
Sheath type and material: Brown leather
MSRP: $190
Knife to know: Thick for its size, the handle is well-rounded and longer than the blade for a solid grip. The blade shape is simple and classic. It’s sharp, pointy and a little thinner than most would expect from TOPS at 3/32-inch thick. A simple leather sheath makes this knife one of the easiest to carry. It’s a simple yet effective workingman’s tool.
Available: NOW

Rick Hinderer Knive XM-18 3.5” Bowie Automatic Aluminum

Knife type: EDC
Designer: Rick Hinderer
Blade length: 3.5”
Blade steel: CPM S45VN stainless
Rockwell hardness: 60-62 HRC
Blade pattern: Bowie
Blade finish: Stonewash
Liners: Patent pending titanium half liners
Scale material: Two options: anodized blue aluminum w/inlay and Arctic Storm w/FCF inlay
Frame material: Aluminum anodized blue
Furniture material: Stainless steel black nitride hardware (add on) and matte black Holey Clip (add on)
Lock: Button lock
Pivot: Phosphor bronze washers
Weight: 5.12 ozs.
Closed length: 4.75”
MSRP: $495
Knife to know: Featuring a lightweight yet durable aluminum handle with patent-pending titanium half liners, this knife offers enhanced strength and stability without compromising on weight. Designed with the EDC enthusiast in mind, it blends innovation, practicality and cutting performance, making it a trusted companion for any daily task or adventure.
Available: 2025

Bear Forest Knives Stumpy

Blade length: 2 1/8”
Blade steel: Nitro V stainless
Blade thickness: 1/8” w/90-degree spine
Grind: Full flat
Finish: Raw matte
Scale materials: Various Micarta®/wood/Bearcarta (check availability)
Overall Length: 5 7/8”
Sheath: Kydex® black (.08” thick)
MSRP: $239.99
Knife to know: The Stumpy checks all the boxes; it defines what is needed in a small utility fixed-blade knife while in the shop or outdoors. At the same time, you aren’t giving up comfort.
Available: NOW

Bradford USA Guardian 3.2

Knife type: Fixed-blade EDC
Blade length: 3.5”
Blade steel: CPM MagnaCut High Hardness stainless
Rockwell hardness: 63-64 HRC
Blade grind: Sabre, false edge, full height flat
Blade thickness: .14”
Scale options: Micarta®, G-10 and carbon fiber
Overall length: 7.125”
Sheath: Horizontal leather
MSRP: $229
Knife to know: Blade also available in a choice of ELMAX and M390 stainless steels
Available: NOW

A.G. Russell Knives California Bowie Knife

Designer: BLADE Magazine Cutlery Hall-of-Fame® member A.G. Russell
Blade length: 8.5”
Blade steel: 154CM stainless
Rockwell hardness: 59-61 HRC
Blade grind: Flat
Blade finish: Satin
Scale material: Premium India stag
Furniture material: 410 stainless steel
Weight: 10.6 ozs.
Overall length: 13.25”
Sheath type and material: Handmade of leather
Special feature: Long California clip point blade
MSRP: $595
Available: NOW

RMJ Tactical Gym Rat

Designer: Bryan Schellenger
Knife type: Fixed-blade EDC
Blade length: 2 3/8”
Blade thickness: 1/8”
Weight: 2.3 ozs.
Blade steel: Nitro V stainless
Rockwell hardness: 59-60 HRC
Blade finish: Tungsten Cerakote®
Scale material: Three G-10 options: black, dirty olive, hyena brown
Handle fasteners: Torx Grade 5 titanium anodized a bronze color
Barbell bead: Grade 5 titanium
Overall length: 5 1/8”
Sheath: Kydex w/ball chain & ambidextrous clip adapter suitable for pocket and outside the waistband carry
Knife to know: Designer Bryan Schellenger wanted to come up with a small, light but effective blade that could be easily concealed with minimal clothing, and that idea was spawned at the gym; also carries as a necker
MSRP: $185
Available: NOW

Tactile Knife Maraner 2

Knife type: EDC
Designer: BLADE Magazine Cutlery Hall-of-Fame® member Bob Terzuola
Blade length: 2.985”
Blade steel: CPM MagnaCut stainless
Rockwell hardness: 63-64 HRC
Blade pattern: Sheepsfoot
Blade finish: Tumbled
Liner material: Hardened stainless lock-bar insert
Scale material: Titanium & G-10
Furniture material: Titanium backspacer
Lock: Insert linerlock
Pivot: Ceramic bearings
Closed length: 4.175”
Knife to know: Designed in 1987; first production variant
MSRP: $399
Available: NOW

Hogue Knives Ballista II

Knife type: EDC automatic
Designer: Scott Bruhns
Blade length: 3.4”
Blade steel: CPM MagnaCut stainless
Rockwell hardness: 62-64 HRC
Blade grind: Flat
Blade finish: Two-tone: stone tumbled and black PVD
Scale material: Carbon fiber inserts
Frame material: Matte black 6061-T6 anodized aluminum
Pocket clip: Deep carry, right-hand carry
Weight: 2 ozs.
Closed length: 3.8”
Special features: Titanium accents anodized blue
MSRP: $239.95
Available: NOW

CRKT Twist Tighe Compact Automatic

Designer: Brian Tighe
Knife type: EDC OTF automatic
Blade length: 2.69”
Blade steel: CPM MagnaCut stainless
Blade thickness: .09”
Blade finish: Stonewash
Scale material: Green carbon fiber
Weight: 1.6 ozs.
Closed length: 4.01”
MSRP: $300
Available: NOW

Heretic Knives Wraith Auto

Designer: Anthony Marfione Jr.
Blade length: 3.62”
Blade steel: CPM MagnaCut stainless
Blade pattern: Bowie
Blade finish: Bronze
Scale material: 6061 aircraft aluminum
Furniture material: Stainless steel
Lock: Button lock
Pivot: Caged ceramic bearings
Weight: 6.07 ozs.
Closed length: 5.07”
Special features: Ambidextrous pocket clip, rubber inlays, snappy action
MSRP: $295
Available: NOW

Utica Critical Hit I and II MagnaCut series

Knife type: Tactical, EDC, survival
Designers: Bill Harris, Stephen Schook and Utica team
Blade lengths: 3 and 2.5”
Blade steel: CPM MagnaCut stainless
Rockwell hardness: 61-62 HRC
Blade grind: Flat
Blade finish: Red powder coat
Scale material: Black textured Micarta®
Liner material: G-10
Overall lengths: 8 and 5.25”
Sheath type and material: Critical Hit I ABS sheath w/built-in sharpener and fire striker and reversible belt clip and paracord; Critical Hit II ABS sheath w/belt clip and paracord
MSRP: $170
Available: NOW

Bear & Son 4 ¼” Rancher Sideliner

Knife type: EDC
Designer: Bear & Son
Blade length: 3 3/8”
Blade material: D2 tool steel
Rockwell hardness: 59-61 HRC
Blade grind: Taper
Blade finish: High polished
Liner material: Stainless steel
Scale material: Cocobolo
Frame material: Stainless steel
Lock: Linerlock
Pivot: Ball bearing washers
Weight: 3 ozs.
Closed length: 4 ¼”
Overall length: 7 5/8”
MSRP: $95.99
Available: NOW

Benchmade Bailout

Knife type: Tactical folder
Blade length: 3.38”
Blade steel: CPM S30V stainless
Rockwell hardness: 58-60 HRC
Blade thickness: .09”
Blade pattern: Tanto
Blade finish: Graphite black Cerakote®
Scale material: Grivory® in ranger green
Handle thickness: .41”
Lock: AXIS®
Pommel lanyard: Anodized aluminum
Weight: 2.5 ozs.
Closed length: 4.72”
MSRP: $200
Knife to know: Maintaining its tactical hard-use prowess with a piercing tanto blade, this slim and easily pocketable folder features ultralight Grivory handle scales with highly textured grip zones and CPM S30V steel for superb edge qualities and corrosion resistance.
Available: February

More Buyer’s Guides:

Winkler Knives Overcoming Hurricane Helene

Knifemaking

BLADE Staff

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February 10, 2025

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Winkler Knives Overcoming Hurricane Helene

The Tar Heel Hurricane turned lives upside down, but North Carolina knifemaker Winkler Knives has proven resilient.

Hurricane Helene devastated parts of Western North Carolina, East Tennessee and other states this past fall. Among those damaged was the Winkler Knives shop in Blowing Rock, North Carolina.

Daniel Winkler estimated the monetary loss to his business from $500,000 to $600,000, though the biggest setback was the death of one of the company’s long-time employees, Steve Limbacher.

“He could not handle the stress and his heart just gave out,” Winkler wrote. “Steve is missed every day at Winkler Knives.”

Up to 15 inches of water flowed through the Winkler shop from a creek adjacent to the structure, leaving behind one to 6 inches of mud. The company lost several machines, computers, printers, cabinets and shelves, carts and other daily use tools. Materials for handles, sheaths and other shop supplies were destroyed. Four large garage doors were damaged, as was all the flooring in the office and breakroom. All the office doors were lost.

For cleanup the Winklers bought a track hoe, dump truck and small skid steer, and also numerous hoses, pressure washers, wet vacuums, mops and scrubbers. In all, it took the full staff 2 ½ weeks to clean up the mess.
“However, compared to others in our area, we were just inconvenienced,” Daniel noted.

“Many others were devastated with lost buildings, vehicles and many lives. We are truly blessed.”

To aid those in one of the most severely damaged areas in North Carolina, through its fundraising efforts Winkler Knives presented a check for $13,018.75 to the Mitchelle County Development Foundation. The company also raised money for its own recovery efforts via tent sales of Winkler knives, tomahawks, axes and sheaths at Winkler Knives Actual on Nov. 30 and Dec. 2.

More On Winkler Knives:

Cool Customs: Pat Antuzzi’s Hand-Knapped Fixed Blade

BLADE Staff

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January 30, 2025

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Cool Customs: Pat Antuzzi’s Hand-Knapped Fixed Blade

When it comes to crafting a knife, Pat Antuzzi works one flake at a time.

“What I do is go back to the Stone Age,” Pat Antuzzi says of his knapped obsidian knives. He has been knapping blades for almost a quarter century.

In that time he has found the best of the best obsidian to be the royal Mexican variety from the state of Jalisco in Mexico, a variety that’s basically been mined out. He used the material for the blade of his straight-edged fixed blade, as well as Portoro marble from Italy for the handle. But it’s the royal Mexican obsidian itself and how it’s knapped that are the keys.

“Every indentation you see on the blade is one flake removal from [the obsidian], and if it’s done right, you’re going to see it one flake after the other, just like the ancients would’ve done it,” he explained. “It’s wicked sharp.”

Hand-Knapped Fixed Blade Specs
Maker: Pat Antuzzi
Blade length: Not quite 5”
Blade material: Mexican gold obsidian volcanic glass from Jalisco, Mexico
Handle material: Portoro marble from Italy
Overall length: 9.5”
Maker’s price for a similar knife: N/A

New Knives January 2025

Buyer's Guides

BLADE Staff

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January 17, 2025

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Take your pick of contemporary tactical and utilitarian cutters, custom & factory.

The new year is here and makers are hard at work in their forges and factory lines turning out new knives. We collected a bevvy of them, both custom and production, to kick off the coming year and continue to build out your wish list.

Ramm Bladesmithing Wapiti Hunter

Knife name: Wapiti Hunter
Knife type: Fixed blade
Blade length: 4.5”
Blade material: O1 tool steel
Blade grind: Flat
Blade finish: Parkerized
Handle: Black canvas Micarta®
Guard: Bronze
Overall length: 8.5”
Sheath: By Peyton Ramm
Knife to know: Peyton Ramm is an ABS journeyman smith
Maker’s price for a similar knife and sheath: $700
Maker: Ramm Bladesmithing LLC (SharpByCoop image)

Dark Water Knives Tactical Hunter

Knife type: Tactical hunter
Blade length: 5.25”
Blade steel: CPM 154 stainless
Blade grind: Flat
Blade finish: Satin
Handle material: Black G-10 w/red G-10 liner
Overall length: 10.5”
Sheath: Sedgwick bridle leather hand stitched w/linen thread
Knife to know: Thanks to the exaggerated heirloom fit, the scales are left .059 to .078” larger than the tang instead of the usual slight oversize
Maker’s price for a similar knife and sheath: $270 at press-time exchange rate
Maker: Dark Water Knives (Rod Hoare image)

Don Sylvest Fat Bubba Skinner

Knife name: Fat Bubba Skinner
Knife type: Fixed blade
Blade length: 3.25”
Blade steel: CPM 154 stainless
Blade grind: Flat
Blade finish: Stonewash
Handle: Coyote Ultrex
Overall length: 7.75”
Maker’s price for a similar knife: $330 (includes a basic sheath)
Maker: Don Sylvest (Jocelyn Frasier image)

Cold Steel Recon M1

Knife name: Recon M1
Knife type: Utility folder
Blade length: 4”
Blade steel: CPM MagnaCut stainless
Blade pattern: Clip point
Blade finish: Stonewash
Handle material: G-10
Lock: Tri-Ad®
Clip: Integral
Weight: 5.2 ozs.
Closed length: 5.5”
Country of origin: Italy
MSRP: $259.99
Company: Cold Steel

Sencut Skarnax

Knife name: Skarnax
Knife type: Flipper folder
Blade length: 3.79”
Blade steel: 9Cr18MoV stainless
Rockwell hardness: 58-60 HRC
Blade grind: Flat
Blade finish: Satin
Blade pattern: Drop point
Blade @thickest: .12”
Blade pivot: Caged ceramic ball bearing
Handle material: G-10
Handle @thickest: .47”
Lock: Linerlock
Liner & Clip: Stainless
Weight: 4.75 ozs.
Closed length: 4.83”
Country of origin: China
MSRP: $45.90
Company: Sencut

J. McClure Knives M-44

Model: M-44
Knife type: Fixed-blade hunter
Blade length: 4”
Blade steel: Damascus
Handle: Water buck horn
Bolster: Stainless steel
Overall length: 8.25”
Sheath: Leather pouch belt model by Daniel Gallegos
Maker’s price for a similar knife and sheath: $800
Maker: J. McClure Knives (SharpByCoop image)

Coast Founder’s Series Origin Tanto

Knife name: Founder’s Series Origin Tanto
Knife type: Flipper folder
Blade length: 3.35”
Blade steel: 9Cr18MoV stainless
Blade pattern: Tanto
Blade finish: Glass bead blast w/black titanium nitride coating
Handle: Stainless steel
Lock: Framelock
Pocket clip: Yes
Knife to know: All-steel construction
Country of origin: China
MSRP: $49.99
Company: Coast

Australian and New Zealand Knifemaking 2025

Content: Profiles of top Down Under knifemakers, including leading lady makers, and stories on the mental health bennies of knifemaking, the Australian Knifemakers Guild, Australian Knife Art Association, New Zealand Blade Art Association, the ABS and knife shows, directories and more
Format: 8.25 x 11.5” full-color paperback on slick paper; hundreds of pictures by some of the world’s top knife photographers; 288 pages
MSRP: $46 at press-time exchange rate
Publisher: Hoare Publishing/Rod Hoare Knife Images

L. Lynch Knives Pig sticking knife

Style: Pig sticking knife
Model: PSK-1
Blade length: 8”
Blade material: 52100 carbon steel
Blade grind: Helical hollow
Blade thickness @ricasso: .256”
Handle material: G-10
Maker’s price for a similar knife: $360 at press-time exchange rate
Maker: L. Lynch Knives (Rod Hoare image)

Gerber Prybrid Utility Clip Burnt Orange

Knife name: Prybrid Utility Clip Burnt Orange
Knife type: Replaceable blade multi-tool
Tools: Standard replaceable utility blade, stainless pry bar, nail puller, wire stripper, small and large flathead drivers, bottle opener and cord cut notch
Handle: Glass-filled nylon
Pocket clip: Yes
Weight: 3.1 ozs.
Width: 1.25”
Overall length: 4.25”
Knife to know: Dual-ended design and keychain for easy access
MSRP: $16
Country of origin: USA
Company: Gerber

GiantMouse ACE Biblio XL

Knife name: ACE Biblio XL
Knife type: Flipper folder
Blade length: 3.2”
Blade steel: CPM MagnaCut stainless
Rockwell hardness: 62 HRC
Blade finish: Satin
Blade @thickest: .138”
Handle: Textured titanium
Lock: Linerlock
Backspacers: Brass
Clip: Wire, reversible
Weight: 5 ozs.
Closed length: 4.375”
Knife to know: Biblio is the name of the Williamsburg, Brooklyn, bar where the idea for the knife was conceived
Country of origin: Italy
MSRP: $295
Company: GiantMouse

Steven Bryan Baron Fighter

Knife: Baron Fighter
Blade length: 10”
Blade material: 80CrV2 carbon steel
Handle material: Flash weathered maple
Bolster: Oil-seasoned pipe collar
Overall length: 16”
Knife to know: Steven Bryan is an ABS journeyman smith
Maker’s price for a similar knife: Contact maker for pricing
Maker: Steven Bryan (Jocelyn Frasier image)

Check Out Knife Drops:

Custom Knives: Synthetic Handles That Turn Heads

Knife Collecting

BLADE Staff

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January 13, 2025

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Custom Knives: Synthetic Handles That Turn Heads

We collected a group of custom creations that showcase the leaps in synthetic handles.

When you think synthetic handle materials, factory knives probably come to mind. However, synthetics play a larger role in custom knives all the time. Synthetic handles don’t swell or crack from the elements like some natural materials and are outstanding for use. As reflected by the pieces on this and the facing page, they look pretty good, too.

Darriel Caston Ultem

Ultem comprises the grip of Darriel Caston’s fixed utility model in CPM S35VN stainless steel. Blade and overall lengths: 4 and 9 inches. Sheath: Kydex. (SharpByCoop image)

Michael Jarvis Pocket Bowie XL

A G-10 coffin handle steers the AEB-L stainless blade of the Pocket Bowie XL by Michael Jarvis. (Jocelyn Frasier image)

Dustin Driver WISC

Dustin Driver opts for titanium for the handle and frame of his WISC folder. The 3.5-inch blade is hollow-ground CPM MagnaCut stainless steel. Closed length: 4.5 inches. (SharpByCoop image)

Kirby Lambert Phoenix

Kirby Lambert’s Phoenix folder sports a handle of Westinghouse Ivorite paper Micarta® with 6Al/4V titanium liners and a 3.25-inch blade of hollow-ground Reptilian damascus by Vegas Forge. Bolster: Timascus™. Closed length: 4.25 inches. (SharpByCoop image)

Maverick Murdock Dress Slip Joint

A handle of black paper Micarta® with straight twist damascus bolsters over a brass frame house a 3-inch blade of CPM 154 stainless on ABS apprentice smith Maverick Murdock’s dress slip joint. Hardware: titanium. Closed length: 4 inches. (SharpByCoop image)

Harold Parsons Skinner

Green Micarta® and G-10 liners highlight the handle of a skinner in 440C stainless steel by Harold Parsons, who also engraved the bolster. Blade and overall lengths: 4.25 and 9 inches. (Jocelyn Frasier image)

Erik Fritz Slip Joint

ABS journeyman smith Erik Fritz chose burlap Micarta® with 416 stainless steel liners and bolsters for what for him is a new direction: a slip joint. The 2.75-inch blade is flat-ground CPM 154 stainless. Closed length: 3.75 inches. His price for a similar knife: $500. (Jocelyn Frasier image)

More On Knife Collecting:

Knife Collecting Tips
How to Collect Knives
What is Knife Provenance?
Knife Collector: What Personality Are You?

Designer Jens Ansø Departs From GiantMouse

Knife News Wire

BLADE Staff

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January 6, 2025

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Designer Jens Ansø Departs From GiantMouse

Jens Ansø to focus efforts on his personal brand, Ansø of Denmark.

It’s an end of an era.

After nearly a decade of collaboration, GiantMouse Knives and Jens Ansø are parting way. As of 2025, Ansø will step back from GiantMouse to focus on growing his personal brand, Ansø of Denmark.

The designer has been a cornerstone of GiantMouse since its founding in 2015. Alongside fellow Danish designer Jesper Voxnaes (Vox) and American entrepreneur Jim Wirth, Ansø co-founded the brand with a mission to create exceptional knives that combine innovative design, premium quality, and fair pricing. His contributions to GiantMouse, particularly his collaborative designs with Voxnaes, have shaped the brand’s identity and earned it a loyal following in the knife-making community.

“This is a natural evolution that allows both GiantMouse and Jens to focus entirely on growing our respective brands, and we’re all excited about what’s ahead,” said Jim Wirth, CEO of GiantMouse, in a press release. “We’re grateful for everything Jens has brought to GiantMouse over the past nine years. As we move forward, Jesper and I are focused on shaping the future of GiantMouse, while Jens will be able to dedicate himself fully to Ansø of Denmark. We’re confident this step will allow both brands to expand in new ways and achieve the unique goals we each hold for our respective visions.”

The American businessman and Danish designers behind the success of GiantMouse Knives. — Jim Wirth, left, a businessman and angel investor, suggested that Danish designers Jesper Voxnaes, middle, and Jens Anso, right, start a new company to produce knives they collaborate on, sharing in profits rather than receiving a royalty percentage.

Ansø expressed similar sentiments, reflecting on his time with the company.

“Co-founding GiantMouse with Jim and Jesper, and collaborating with Jesper on knife designs has been an amazing experience,” he said. “I’m very proud of what we’ve built together over the years. GiantMouse has become a brand that represents quality, innovation, and a strong connection with its community, and I’m honored to have been part of its journey.”

To honor Ansø’s legacy, GiantMouse will continue to credit products co-designed by Voxnaes and Ansø with the “designed by Vox/Ansø” designation in their product descriptions. This decision underscores the importance of their collaborative work and the lasting impact Ansø has had on the company’s success.

“We’re proud of what we’ve built together and can’t wait to see what the future holds for both brands,” Wirth added. “This isn’t goodbye—it’s simply the next step forward for all of us.”

factory - overall knife of the year copy — GiantMouse GMX

In addition to building GiantMouse’s reputation, Ansø was part of a number of knife designs earning top honors at BLADE Show. In 2023, the GiantMouse GMX was voted Knife Of The Year, subsequently the company won 2023 Best Fixed Blade at BLADE West, 2024 Import Fixed Blade of the Year at Blade Show and 2024 Best EDC Knife at BLADE Show West.

With a career spanning over three decades, Ansø has built a legacy of innovative knife designs influenced by his background in industrial design, his love for craftsmanship, and his dedication to learning through trial and error. His passion for the craft and commitment to excellence continue to inspire the knife-making community worldwide.

Cool Custom: Matt Aaron’s Blacksmith’s Automatic Folder

Uncategorized

BLADE Staff

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December 20, 2024

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Cool Custom: Matt Aaron’s Blacksmith’s Automatic Folder

With a hybrid lock system and a unique aesthetic, Aaron’s Blacksmith Automatic Folder cuts a distinctive profile.

Matt Aaron got the idea for his Blacksmith’s Automatic Folder when he took a friction folder class taught by ABS master smith Nick Rossi.

Matt’s original intent was how to get a more complicated knife with a similar number of parts as a friction folder. He mulled it over with Rossi and others for two or three years and, inspired by Nick and his taco-style friction folder construction approach, arrived at the Blacksmith’s Auto.

The lock is a hybridization of a lockback auto mixed with a little bit of bolster release auto and some of Matt’s own design. The brass lever operates the opening, closing and locking mechanism. The knob at the pivot is not a push button but simply the pivot.

Matt forged, folded and cut the lock spring and launch spring out of the initial single, eighth-inch flat piece of mild steel that served as the base for the Rossi taco construction style. The latest batch Aaron’s doing is commercially pure titanium.

Blacksmith’s Automatic Folder Specs
Maker: Matt Aaron
Blade length: 3”
Blade material: 52100 carbon steel
Handle: Forged mild steel w/brass lever
Pocket clip: Tapered scroll in a blacksmithing ironwork style
Closed length: 4”
Maker’s price for a similar knife: $500

See More Custom Knives:

COOL CUSTOM: BRIAN BROWN’S TAKA V2S
COOL CUSTOMS: BARRET CHRISMAN TAKES THE OL’ BULLET HI-TECH
COOL CUSTOMS: KEVIN CASEY’S LITTLE FEATHER KNIVES
COOL CUSTOMS: BLOUNT’S WAR CLUB DUSTS OFF MOHICAN MEMORIES

BLADE Staff

Today’s American-made knives embody the latest in the state-of-the-art.

Talon / Hawk Knife Designs

Zero Tolerance 0044

Kershaw Launch Iridium

Spyderco Lil’ Native Lightweight

TOPS Knives Wood Nymph

Rick Hinderer Knive XM-18 3.5” Bowie Automatic Aluminum

Bear Forest Knives Stumpy

Bradford USA Guardian 3.2

A.G. Russell Knives California Bowie Knife

RMJ Tactical Gym Rat

Tactile Knife Maraner 2

Hogue Knives Ballista II

CRKT Twist Tighe Compact Automatic

Heretic Knives Wraith Auto

Utica Critical Hit I and II MagnaCut series

Bear & Son 4 ¼” Rancher Sideliner

Benchmade Bailout

More Buyer’s Guides:

The Tar Heel Hurricane turned lives upside down, but North Carolina knifemaker Winkler Knives has proven resilient.

More On Winkler Knives:

When it comes to crafting a knife, Pat Antuzzi works one flake at a time.

Take your pick of contemporary tactical and utilitarian cutters, custom & factory.

Ramm Bladesmithing Wapiti Hunter

Dark Water Knives Tactical Hunter

Don Sylvest Fat Bubba Skinner

Cold Steel Recon M1

Sencut Skarnax

J. McClure Knives M-44

Coast Founder’s Series Origin Tanto

Australian and New Zealand Knifemaking 2025

L. Lynch Knives Pig sticking knife

Gerber Prybrid Utility Clip Burnt Orange

GiantMouse ACE Biblio XL

Steven Bryan Baron Fighter

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We collected a group of custom creations that showcase the leaps in synthetic handles.

Darriel Caston Ultem

Michael Jarvis Pocket Bowie XL

Dustin Driver WISC

Kirby Lambert Phoenix

Maverick Murdock Dress Slip Joint

Harold Parsons Skinner

Erik Fritz Slip Joint

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