Rhidian Gatrill reproduces the folding Marble’s Safety Hunter in grand style.
Rhidian Gatrill not only satisfied a personal goal of reproducing the classic Marble’s Safety Hunter but also parlayed it into Best Hunter and Best of Show at the 2024 Oregon Knife Show.
He said he had always wanted to reproduce the clever old pattern with the folding catch piece that covers the tip of the closed blade. Not only does the catch piece enable the folder to have a blade longer than the handle, it also locks the blade of the slipjoint knife open. As Rhidian noted, “I just thought the mechanism was really cool, and it’s a big knife. I like big knives, but mostly it’s just the mechanism.”
He found a copy of the original Marble’s patent drawing dated May 19, 1903, on the internet and used it as a reference to make the knife. ABS master smith Tommy Gann forged the damascus specifically for the repro. “Tommy and I discussed a collaboration, and I figured if a master smith was going to make some damascus for me then it should be for a big bad knife, and so the Safety Hunter was definitely it. I sent him my drawing,” Rhidian wrote, “and he forged the steel to fit the blade and parts.”
Gatrill Safety Hunter Specs Knife: Marble’s Safety Hunter reproduction Maker: Rhidian Gatrill Blade length: 5” Blade steel: A lower-layer, four-bar Turkish twist damascus forged by ABS master smith Tommy Gann Swing guard: Same material as the blade and sculpted by Rhidian Action: Slipjoint construction w/half stop; blade tip catch piece doubles as a lock to lock the blade open Handle material: European red stag in a Coke bottle pattern Bolsters: Stainless steel fluted by the maker Closed length: 4.75” Rhidian’s price for a similar knife: $5,000 ($3,500-$4,000 if in straight stainless or carbon blade steel)
In the conclusion, consider the balance of the BLADE Show’s factory knife debuts
It’s hard to believe it’s been almost three months since BLADE Show 2024 blew the doors off the Cobb Galleria Centre in Atlanta. With all the commotion and introductions of new knives, even if you were there you couldn’t help but miss many.
Previously we featured some of the factory knives that debuted in the Cobb but, as those of you who were paying attention know, we didn’t have enough room for the balance of the few we were able to assemble. Ergo, the conclusion this time. We think you will enjoy them all. As for the many we are unable to publish in this two-part story due to space and other limitations, stay tuned to future issues of BLADE® for a goodly number of them.
Kershaw Tilt 50th Anniversary
Knife type: Folder Blade length: 3.65” Blade steel: CPM CruWear, 14C28N Rockwell hardness: 60-62 HRC Blade grind: Flat Blade @ thickest: .156” Blade pattern: Composite Blade finish: Bead-blasted Blade opener: Flipper tab Handle material: Titanium Lock: Sub-Frame Pivot materials: KVT ball-bearings Pocket clip material: Titanium Weight: 5.7 ozs. Closed length: 5.8” Knife to know: Carbon fiber inlay front and bank; hidden hardware Country of origin: USA MSRP: $500 Available: NOW
A.G. Russell Knives Premium Scout
Model type: Traditional slipjoint pocketknife Designer: A.G. Russell Main blade length: 2 5/8” Blade steel: VG-10 stainless Rockwell hardness: 59-61 HRC Blade grind: Flat Blade @ thickest: .09” Blade pattern: Spear point Blade finish: Satin Blade opener: Nail nick Handle material options: Stag and red saw-cut bone Weight: 3.5-3.7 ozs. Closed length: 3 3/4” Special features: Can opener, screwdriver, caplifter & leather punch Country of origin: China MSRP: $74.95-$94.95 Available: NOW
CobraTec Koonsman
Knife type: Fixed-blade hunter Designer: Chad Cochran Blade length: 4” Blade material: D2 tool steel Rockwell hardness: 61 HRC Blade grind: Convex Blade @ widest: 1.125” Blade pattern: Drop point Blade finish: Satin Construction: Full Tang Handle material: Micarta® in color options of black, green and tan Weight: 5.7 ozs. Overall length: 8.4375” Sheath type and materials: Belt/pouch and leather Country of origin: China MSRP: $79.99 Available: NOW
Bradford USA Gatsby
Knife type: Specialty steak knife Blade length: 4.5” Blade steel: N690 stainless Rockwell hardness: 61 HRC Blade grind: Full height flat Blade @ thickest: .11” Blade finish options: Stonewash and high polish Handle material options: Maroon, wheat, ivory canvas Micarta® and carbon fiber Overall length: 8.5” Country of origin: USA MSRP: $199 Available: NOW
Spyderco Techno 3
Knife type: Folder Designer: Marcin Slysz Blade length: 2.64” Blade steel: CTS XHP stainless Blade grind: High flat Blade @ thickest: .127” Blade pattern: Drop point Blade finish: Satin Blade opener: Flipper Handle material: Titanium Lock: Reeve Integral Lock (R.I.L.) Pivot material: Ball bearings Pocket clip material and type: Titanium, right-handed, tip-up Weight: 3.3 ozs. Closed length: 3.7” Country of origin: Italy MSRP: $400 Available: To be announced
Boker Plus Cutweazle
Knife type: Utility Designer: Ben Logan/Turnback Knife Co. Blade length: 1.18” Blade steel: Standard replaceable stainless utility blade Blade grind: Flat Blade @ thickest: .03” Blade finish: Satin Handle material: G-10/stainless steel Lock: Button lock Blade opener: Thumb slide Pocket clip material and type: Stainless steel, deep carry, right-handed, tip-down Weight: 1.38 ozs. Closed length: 3.7” Special features: Push button on slide lock allows the blade to be pushed forward in stages or in a single movement and locked in the predetermined recesses; retracts into the handle when pushed again w/a sliding movement Country of origin: China MSRP: $56.95 Available: September 2024
Browning Primal Scalpel 2-Blade
Main blade length: 2.75” Blade steel: 420-J2 stainless Rockwell hardness: Scalpel 50-55 HRC, drop point 55-59 HRC Blade openers: Thumb stud and nail nick Lock: Linerlock Handle: Synthetic in orange or black Pocket clip: Tip-up Closed length: 4 1/8” Country of origin: China MSRP: $59.99 Available: NOW
Stroup Knives MK2
Knife type: Fixed blade Designer: Unnamed active-duty Tier 1 Operator Blade length: 4” Blade material: 1095 carbon steel Rockwell hardness: 58 HRC Blade grind: Flat Blade @ thickest: 3/16” Blade pattern: Spear point Blade finish: Acid etched & rock tumbled Construction: Full Tang Handle material: G10 & nitrile Pocket clip: Designed by Discreet Carry Concepts, Inc. Weight: 4.2 ozs. Overall length: 8” Sheath material: Kydex Knife to know: The nitrile in the handle provides extra grip, especially when wet Country of origin: USA MSRP: $279.99 Available: NOW
Lionsteel Twain
Model type: EDC folder Blade length: 3.15” Blade steel: CPM MagnaCut stainless Blade grind: Flat Handle material: Titanium + carbon fiber or Micarta® Lock: Button lock Pocket clip type and material: Bent steel Special features: Double Solid construction (integral frame and integral handle) Weight: 3.03 ozs. Closed length: 4.14” Country of origin: Italy MSRP: $380 Available: NOW
KME Precision Control Plus/Professional Knife Sharpening System
Abrasive type: Diamond-coated stones Grit assortment: 140, 300, 600, 1,500 Dimensions: 13” x 12” x 8” Construction materials: CNC-machined, anodized aluminum components, laser-cut, powder-coated steel base, CNC cherry hardwood grip, stainless-steel-backed diamond stones Weight: 2 lbs., 13.9 ozs. Blade sizes sharpened: Maximum-blade-thickness saber grind 3/8” or more and full flat grind 3/16” Angle range: 10 to 45 degrees per side Special features: Smooth friction-drive angle system w/micro adjustment feature; operates w/one hand and absolute angle control; rod end guide w/360° rotation; threaded Monopod brace provides rock-solid sharpening platform; adjustable stone carrier w/magnetic plate for angle cube sharpening uses any stone between 4” and 6”; full line of accessory stones, strops and diamond lapping films in both 4” and 6” lengths Country of origin: USA MSRP: $474.95 Available: NOW
CIVIVI Biophase
Knife type: Folder Blade length: 3.48” Blade steel: Nitro-V stainless Rockwell hardness: 58-60 HRC Blade grind: Hollow Blade @ thickest: .12” Blade finish: Black stonewash (satin finish and black stonewash w/satin flat and damascus are optional) Handle material: Aluminum & G-10 Lock: Button lock Blade opener: Flipper tab Pivot materials: Stainless steel pivot w/caged ceramic ball bearings Pocket clip material and type: Stainless steel, tip-up, ambidextrous Weight: 2.61 ozs. Closed length: 4.67” Country of origin: China MSRP: $98.70 at press-time exchange rate Available: Late summer
RoseCraft Clinch River Button Lock
Model type: Modern/traditional pocketknife Blade length: 3.125” Blade material: M390 stainless Blade grind: Flat Handle material: Micarta® or Ultem w/titanium bolster & liners Lock: Button lock Pocket clip material: Titanium Knife to know: Modern take on the Clinch River Swayback that won BLADE Magazine 2023 Imported Knife of the Year®; opens and closes via a button lock Weight: 2.8 ozs. Closed length: 4” Country of origin: China MSRP: $129.99 Available: NOW
CRKT Nucleus
Knife type: Folder Designer: Princeton Wong Blade length: 3.19” Blade steel: 12C27 stainless Rockwell hardness: 58-60 HRC Blade grind: Flat Blade @ thickest: .13” Blade pattern: Reverse tanto Blade finish: Bead blast Construction: Screw Handle material: Stainless steel w/G-10 overlay Lock: Framelock Blade openers: Front and rear flipper tabs & blade hole Pivot material: Ikoma Korth Bearing System (ball bearings) Pocket clip material and type: Stainless steel; tip-up Weight: 3.1 ozs. Closed length: 4.19” Country of origin: China MSRP: $113 Knife to know: The knife opens three ways: front and rear flipper tabs and via the blade hole Available: NOW
Halfbreed MIK-04 SOFMAK
Knife type: Fixed blade Blade steel: K340 stainless Rockwell hardness: 59-60 HRC Blade finish: PVD coat Blade style: Drop point Blade length: 5.31” Blade @ thickest: .25” Handle material: G-10 Weight: 11.14 ozs. Overall length: 10.31” Sheath material: Injection molded plastic Mounting: Belt & PALS/MOLLE (DOTS) Country of origin: Comprises Australian & Taiwanese make MSRP: $285 Knife to know: The knife is a collaboration between Halfbreed and Joseph Teti, Force Recon Marine and Army Special Forces Green Beret veteran and former operative with the CIA Special Activities Division/Special Operations Group; MIK stands for medium infantry knife and SOFMAK for special operations forces multi-purpose assault knife MSRP: $285 Available: September 2024
ESNYX Silver Line Beer Buster Jr.
Knife type: Slipjoint Blade length: 2.63” Blade steel: M390 stainless Blade @ thickest: .125” Blade grind: Flat Blade pattern: Drop point Blade finish: Handrubbed satin Blade opener: Nail nick Handle: Blasted titanium Weight: 2 ozs. Closed length: 3.5” Country of origin: China Knife to know: Slipjoint has half stop; bottle-shaped handle shield; bottle opener in butt MSRP: $265 Available: NOW
Rough Ryder Reserve Whiskey Ryder
Knife type: Swayback doctor’s knife slipjoint Designer: Brian Wilhoite Blade length: 3.5” Blade material: D2 tool steel Blade @ thickest: 3/16” Blade pattern: Wharncliffe Blade finish: Brushed satin Handle material: Black burlap Micarta® Weight: 3.2 ozs. Closed length: 4.5” Special features: Slipjoint features half stop Country of origin: China MSRP: $54.99 Available: NOW
Warthog V-Sharp A4 Model
Sharpener Type: Patented V-Sharp spring-loaded pull-through Abrasive Type: Diamond-coated Grit selection: 325 grit natural diamond hone & hardened hone steel for finishing the edge (270, 325, 600, 1,000 and ceramic hones available) Dimensions: 8.75” x 8.25” x 2.25” Construction Materials: Lightweight zinc-cast metal frame, non-slip rubber base and durable powder coat finish Weight: 1.1 lbs. Special Features: Four adjustable sharpening angles: 15, 20, 25 & 30 degrees Types of blades sharpened: All plain-edge knives; serrated knives can be sharpened w/the ceramic hones Country of origin: South Africa MSRP: $109.99 Available: NOW
SOG Knives Bulwark
Designer: Mikkel Willumsen Knife type: EDC flipper folder Blade length: 3” Blade material: D2 tool steel Blade grind: Hollow Blade @ thickest: .14” Blade finish: Black PVD coat Blade pattern: Drop point Blade openers: Flipper tab and blade hole Handle material: Micarta® in blue and OD green color options Pocket clip: Tip-up Lock: Framelock Weight: 6.25 ozs. Closed length: 4.2” Country of origin: China MSRP: $134.99 Available: Late summer 2024
Cold Steel Recon M1
Knife type: EDC folder Blade length: 4” Blade steel: CPM MagnaCut stainless Blade finish: Stonewash Blade pattern: Clip point Handle material: G-10 Lock: Tri-Ad Pocket clip: Yes Weight: 5.2 ozs. Closed length: 5.5” Country of origin: Italy MSRP: $259.99 Available: NOW
Honing Rods. Honing Steel. Sharpening Steel. Here are our top picks.
Whether it’s in your knife block or you saw Gordon Ramsay using it on TV, you’ve probably seen a honing rod. While it’s a ubiquitous piece of kit in the kitchen, it’s a bit of an enigma. Many think that this long steel rod is meant to sharpen your knives, but that’s not the case. Beyond that, contemporary rods are made from materials other than stainless steel like ceramic and diamond-coated steel.
It isn’t known when honing steels were first invented, but there are records from the Company of Cutlers in Hallamshire making honing steels in Sheffield, UK as far back as the early 1600’s.
With such a long history of use by knife owners, it’s important to know what a honing rod is, how to use it, and how to find the right one for you.
What Is A Honing Rod?
While many people call it a sharpening rod, a honing rod or steel hones your blade rather than sharpens it. With regular use, your knives will start to lose their edge. Standard wear and tear such as cutting through fibrous meats or knicking the cutting board will eventually bend your knife’s edge at the microscopic level.
By using your honing rod, you fix those small deformations to keep your knife’s edge like new. It’s important to note that you’re not removing material like you do when sharpening on a stone. A honing rod won’t help you if a knife has a totally blunt edge.
The best way to think about it is that your honing steel should be used a few times a week, or even daily, while a proper sharpening of your knives should be done once or twice a year.
Honing Rod Vs. Kitchen Sharpener
Traditional honing steel will help keep your knives sharper longer. Newer honing rods made from ceramic and diamond-coated steel do remove a minimal amount of steel when honing, usually tiny bits hanging onto your blade by a thread. No matter what material rod you use, it is healthier for your knives to use them regularly to maintain the edge for as long as possible.
Popular YouTuber Ethan Chlebowski goes in-depth on honing and how to hone to keep your knives fit for daily use.
Best Honing Rods
Whether they’re made from steel, ceramic, or even coated in diamond, honing rods come in all sizes, materials, and even shapes. These stand out from the rest.
Best Honing Rods Comparison
Rod
Weight (Ounces)
Rod Material
Handle Material
Country of Origin
MSRP
Wusthof 9-Inch Classic Ikon Honing Steel
11.6
Stainless Steel
Polyoxymethylene
Germany
$200
Zwilling 12-Inch Professional Oval Sharpening Steel
14.4
Stainless Steel
Polyoxymethylene
Germany
$60
JB Prince Mac Black Ceramic Honing Rod With Grooves 10.5-Inch
13.4
Ceramic, Steel Core
Polypropylene
Taiwan
$64
Opinel 10-Inch Diamond Steel Sharpening Rod
24
Diamond-Coated Stainless Steel
Wood
China
$60
Green Elephant Ceramic Sharpening Rod
7.2
White Ceramic
Polypropylene
Taiwan
$30
Friedr Dick 10-Inch Honing/Polishing Rod
4.9
Stainless Steel
Plastic
Germany
$83
Kuma Kitchen Knife Sharpener
8.6
Stainless Steel
Polyoxymethylene
Japan
$48
Friedr Dick Multicut Steel
15
Stainless Steel
Plastic
Germany
$150
Wusthof 9-Inch Classic Ikon Honing Steel
Wusthof 9-Inch Honing Steel
A classic honing steel by any measure, the Wusthof 9-inch steel is a great honing rod to have in your kitchen. Made of stainless steel, this is everything you want from a honing rod. It’s light and tough and made by a company with more than two centuries of history making knives.
A strong, robust honing rod is what every knife owner should be looking for, and this one checks the boxes.
Classic Ikon Honing Steel Specs Weight: 11.6 ounces Rod Material: Stainless Steel Handle Material: Polyoxymethylene Country of Origin: Germany MSRP: $200
Zwilling 12-Inch Professional Oval Sharpening Steel
Zwilling 12-Inch Professional Oval Sharpening Steel
Sometimes you just need something a little bigger and heartier. This steel from Zwilling is up to the task. Its oval shape and longer length make it great for bigger knives. The chrome-plated steel is hard enough to hone most types of steel with ease and is easy to clean.
The loop at the end lets you hang it up easily too. Weighing in at just under a pound, don’t let that fool you. This is a heavyweight rod that will withstand years of use in your kitchen.
Professional Oval Sharpening Steel Specs Weight: 14.4 ounces Rod Material: Stainless Steel Handle Material: Polyoxymethylene Country of Origin: Germany MSRP: $60
JB Prince Mac Black Ceramic Honing Rod With Grooves 10.5-Inch
With a fine 1200 grit, this ceramic rod from JB Prince is incredibly hard and durable. Its black ceramic coating is harder than both white ceramic and steel, and it’s also resistant to breaking so it can handle whatever you throw at it. Since it’s ceramic, it has the benefit of being completely rust-resistant, unlike traditional steel rods.
Most knife blocks that come with a honing rod will have a steel varietal, but looking beyond the block can lead you to quality rods like this one that can last a lifetime.
Mac Black Ceramic Honing Rod With Grooves 10.5-Inch Specs Weight: 13.4 ounces Rod Material: Ceramic, steel core Handle Material: Polypropylene Country of Origin: Taiwan MSRP: $64
Opinel 10-Inch Diamond Steel Sharpening Rod
Opinel 10-Inch Diamond Steel Sharpening Rod
When it comes to rods that also sharpen, you can’t go better than diamond steel. This Opinel rod has a coating embedded with diamonds that sharpens as it hones. It’s good for both kitchen and pocket knives so you sharpen your EDC with it as well.
With a beechwood handle, and weighing 21 ounces, this rod feels good in the hand and will leave a pristine edge on your knives. Worth the price in every way for the discerning knife owner.
10-Inch Diamond Steel Sharpening Rod Specs Weight: 24 ounces Rod Material: Diamond-coated stainless steel Handle Material: Wood Country of Origin: China MSRP: $60
Green Elephant Ceramic Sharpening Rod
Yes, there are many ceramic rods on the market today, but you’d have a hard time finding one as robust and durable as this one from Green Elephant. With a grit of 1500, the rod is fine enough to lightly sharpen along with honing and realigning your blade. It’s also suitable for Japanese knives which may come with only one cutting edge instead of a Western, or German, style double-edged knife.
The silicone seal between the rod and the handle is designed to absorb vibrations and the whole construction is built to withstand being dropped without cracking. Lightweight and fairly-priced, this 11-inch rod is worth a look.
Ceramic Sharpening Rod Specs Weight: 7.2 ounces Rod Material: White ceramic Handle Material: Polypropylene Country of Origin: Taiwan MSRP: $30
Friedr Dick 10-Inch Honing/Polishing Rod
It is almost impossible to chip this rod thanks to being coated in diamond dust. From German maker Friedr Dick, this 10-inch rod is diamond-coated steel is designed for the heavy knife user in mind.
An oval shape allows more of the blade to contact the rod with each pass which means each knife takes less passes to hone. The ergonomic, dual-density polymer grip keeps everything safe and secure when passing the blade down the rod.
The catch-22 is the diamond itself. Yes, it will return your knife’s edge quicker, but use the rod too often and it’ll scrape off material far faster than other types of rods.
10-Inch Honing/Polishing Rod Specs Weight: 4.9 Rod Material: Stainless Steel Handle Material: Plastic Country of Origin: Germany MSRP: $83
Kuma Kitchen Knife Sharpener
Some rods are designed for only one type or knife or are too short to properly hone long chef’s or slicing knives. This honing steel from Kuma is the consummate all-arounder. The steel reliably restores your knife’s edge thanks to its carbon steel construction. The triple-riveted ergonomic handle is slip resistant so even honing wet knives (although you shouldn’t do that on a honing rod) can be done safely.
Unlike most of the other rods on this list, this steel will need more hands-on maintenance due to its carbon steel construction otherwise it will rust.
Kitchen Knife Sharpener Specs Item Weight: 8.6 ounces Rod Material: Carbon Steel Handle Material: Polyoxymethylene Country of Origin: Japan MSRP: $48
Friedr Dick Multicut Steel
Another entry on this list from the German maker, this honing steel looks unlike anything else out there today. At first glance it’s easy to think this is a misplaced paddle, but in reality it’s a multi-dimensional honing steel.
The flat 11-inch blade has six parallel grooves running through it. Slide your knife down the main body of the steel and it’ll hone like any other rod. However, slide down one of the grooves and you can more precisely remove burrs and imperfections from the blade.
This is far and away the priciest honing steel on the list so you’ll need to determine if it’s worth the investment or if you would be better served using one of the other rods to hone your knives.
Multicut Steel Specs Weight: 15 ounces Rod Material: Stainless Steel Handle Material: Plastic Country of Origin: Germany MSRP: $150
Editor’s Note: This article was written by Mike Ableson.
Fabulous forged knives, new smiths, new chairman top ABS annual meeting.
Some of the finest forged knives of the year, the newest American Bladesmith Society master and journeyman smiths and a brand new chairman helped highlight the annual meeting of the ABS held during BLADE Show 2024 at the Cobb Galleria Centre in Atlanta.
ABS master smith Kevin Cashen officially began his first term as ABS chairman at the annual meeting, succeeding ABS master smith Steve Dunn who passed away unexpectedly earlier this year. It was a bittersweet transfer of the office for all concerned, though a sparkling array of award knives and an impressive group of new master and journeyman smiths that includes those from Brazil, Europe, China, New Zealand and the USA were an appropriate way to greet the new chairman and pay tribute to the former one.
ABS Annual Awards
Award Winners
W. W. Scagel Award: Butch Sheely
Paul Burke Award: Robert A. Wilson
Distinguished Service Awards: Karen Cashen, Joel Worley
W. F. Moran Award: Matthew Parkinson
Antique Bowie Award, JS: Mace Vitale
Antique Bowie Award, MS: Karis Fisher
Joe Keeslar Award: Jason Chen
B. R. Hughes Award: Fabio Barros
Chairman’s Awards: Kevin Cashen, James Rodebaugh
Fabio Barros
It was a weekend Brazil’s Fabio Barros probably will never forget. Not only was he the sole applicant to gain the coveted rating of ABS master smith, he also won the B. R. Hughes Award for the best knife submitted by such an applicant. In the eyes of some, that he was the only successful MS applicant might have detracted from his Hughes Award—if not for the fact that the same knife also won Best Art Knife at the concurrent BLADE Show.
B. R. Hughes Award Winner
B. R. Hughes Award Winner: Fabio Barros Knife name: Leidi Barros Dagger Maker/designer: Fabio Barros Blade material: Apricot pattern mosaic damascus w/four-sided roughing Construction: Take down Handle: Fluted ebony with gold-braid wire wrap Guard, shim and pommel: Black oxidation with gold appliqué Pommel stone: Onyx Sheath: Shark leather w/gold inlay Display: Ebony case w/exquisite finish Knife to know: The knife is named in honor of Leidiana Barros, wife of Fabio Barros; the handle design is inspired by the queen in a chess set
Karis Fisher
Karis Fisher added to her trophy case by winning the Antique Bowie Award for the best bowie in a 19th-century style by an ABS master smith. It was another feather in the cap of the young smith, who won for a reproduction of the Searles/Fowler bowie—with it being her first attempt at a repro to boot. Added Karis, “I’ve always wanted to try and make a reproduction, and I was drawn to the Searles bowie due to the mix of complexity and clean and timeless design.”
Antique Bowie Award, MS Winner
Antique Bowie Award, MS Winner: Karis Fisher Knife: Searles Reproduction Blade length: 9.25” Blade material: 52100 carbon steel Blade width: 2” Blade @ thickest: .25” Blade grind: Double ground Guard material: Stainless steel Handle material: African blackwood Ferrule and butt material: Stainless steel Ferrule and butt embellishment: Coined liners Overall length: 14.5” Special features: Half-moon cutout in blade and raised checkered panels on handle Knife to know: The knife is based on the Searles-Fowler bowie made by Daniel Searles in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, in 1828 Maker’s price for a similar knife: $2,500
The Challenge: “The most challenging part of this build was definitely the planning of the knife and trying to stay true to the original while building it solely off pictures.”
Matthew Parkinson
ABS journeyman smith Matthew Parkinson won the W. F. Moran Award for the best knife in the Moran style for his interpretation of a Moran fixed blade. “It wasn’t based on any one knife of his but more a general sort of impression of his body of work,” Matthew wrote. “That is to say, it is my design trying to work within his style—an interesting challenge!”
W. F. Moran Award Winner
W. F. Moran Award Winner: Matthew Parkinson Blade length: 7.25” Overall length: 12” Blade material: 1084 carbon steel Blade @ thickest: 3/16” Blade width: 1.125” Guard and pins: Bronze Handle: Maple Inlay: Sterling silver Maker’s price for a similar knife: $1,100
Maker’s remarks: “The Spanish Notch is just a detail to the choil rather than a plain rounded choil. I saw several similar examples on a knife that Mr. Moran had made and thought it might be a nice touch. The groove at the base of the handle is a carved molding. This is a detail I use frequently in knives that don’t have stabilized wood handles, as inlaid handles normally are. It helps keep a clean, even fit but still allows the wood to move, at the same time adding a nice visual feature that adds to the overall design.”
The Challenge: “I think the most challenging part of doing these is working within another maker’s aesthetic, especially one like Mr. Moran who has a huge and varied body of work. That’s the part that teaches you the most, I think. I find building one of these can give you insight into why another maker chooses one feature over another, or why a line or form is there. Those design ideas become incorporated into your own style and help you grow as a maker.”
Mace Vitale
Mace Vitale captured the Antique Bowie Award for the best bowie in a 19th-century style by an ABS journeyman smith for a knife inspired by an antique piece made by Otto & Koehler of New York around 1850. The unusual knife features a markedly upturned blade tip and an ever-so-slightly downturned handle with a modified coffin-style butt featuring two carved lines and two rows of individually carved oblique divots that run its length. “The carving on the handles I’m positive were for extra grip. The knife has an excellent feel in the hand,” Mace observed. “There has been a bit of discussion as to the purpose of the original. As a knifemaker it was pretty clear to me when I picked up the original that it was very purposefully built to be a fighting knife.”
Antique Bowie Award, JS Winner
Antique Bowie Award, JS Winner: Mace Vitale Knife: Inspired by an antique fixed blade from New York makers Otto & Koehler from around 1850 Blade length: 6.5” Blade material: W2 tool steel Blade width: 1.25” Blade @ thickest: 3/16” Blade grind: Flat Fittings and pins: Nickel silver Handle: Mammoth ivory Overall length: 11”
The Challenge: “The most difficult part of building this knife was trying to keep all the parts going the way I wanted. When making a knife like this, it is put together and taken apart many, many times, and I found myself constantly putting the handle or guard on upside down. I was glad once it was done.”
Jason Chen
Newly minted ABS journeyman smith Jason Chen of YunNan, China, won the Joe Keeslar Award for the best knife submitted by a successful JS applicant for a spotless reproduction of a bowie not unlike the antique L. Kimball knife. The fact Jason prevailed over the best knives of 13 other successful JS applicants adds to the difficulty of his winning this year’s Keeslar Award. He is to be congratulated—as are all of those receiving top honors at the annual ABS meeting.
Newly minted ABS journeyman smith Jason Chen won the Joe Keeslar Award for the best knife submitted by a successful JS applicant for a bowie not unlike the antique L. Kimball knife.
New ABS Masters & Journeymen
Five applicants presented for ABS master smith and one passed. Twenty-four applied for ABS journeyman smith and 14 were approved. The panels of judges were chosen by the ABS. The smiths who made the grade were: ABS master smith: Fabio Barros, Brazil; ABS journeyman smiths: Cameron Alarcio, California; Jason Chen, China; Pieter-Paul Derks, Netherlands; Zane Dvorak, Ohio; Robin Gagchian, France; Chris Gardner, Nevada; Aidan Garrity, Connecticut; Erik Greiner, Texas; Tony Lewis, Arizona; Dan Lewis, New Mexico; Tony Severio, Louisiana; Warren Thacker, Tennessee; Thiago Vidotto, Washington; and Liam
While it may appear to be an alien looking back at you, the Relic Dagger by ABS journeyman smith Ryan Breuer is inspired by Egyptian daggers from the Bronze Age that were made over 6,000 years ago.
The pommel on the originals are believed to have been made of hippo ivory.
“There’s such a striking shape to it,” Ryan said. “It very clearly looks like a human form in the handle holding up either a head or maybe the sun. It’s as if those who made the daggers thousands of years ago are looking back at me. It’s almost spooky.”
The damascus blade is a collaboration between Ryan and bladesmith Jason Morrissey, though Ryan gives Jason most of the credit for the steel. The blade is a composite mosaic damascus, with twisted mosaic edge bars of Jason’s steel and Ryan’s “eyes” mosaic in the core.
Ryan Breuer
Ryan ground, heat treated and finished the blade. The hilt is cast bronze made with the lost-wax process. The pommel is pattern-welded wrought iron and pure nickel, manipulated to imitate layers of organic ivory. Ryan drilled the two holes for the “eyes.”
Fantastic custom and factory fixed blades just hitting the market.
There’s just something about a solid fixed blade knife. At once, these knives are simple yet elegant—especially when crafted by a master. We’ve scoured the globe—or at least three continents—to bring you a dozen excellent fixed specimens. They range from fillet knives to fighters and everything in between, and each is certain to induce the expansion of wish lists.
Jeremy Yelle Fighter
Blade length: 7.5” Blade material: Feather damascus forged of 1084 carbon and 15N20 nickel alloy steels Blade grind: Convex w/an unsharpened clip Handle material: Stag Furniture: Blackened 416 stainless steel Knife to know: Jeremy Yelle is a journeyman smith in the American Bladesmith Society Maker’s price for a similar knife: $1,700 Maker:Jeremy Yelle (Jocelyn Frasier image)
Nate Carper Custom Knives Acid Rain
Blade length: 7.25” Blade material: “I call this my Acid Rain pattern. I made a seven-layered billet using an 80CrV2 carbon steel core, 1084 carbon steel for the next two layers, nickel shim for two layers and followed up with 300 layers of a Raindrop pattern on the outside.” Blade grind: Full flat w/a tapered tang and distal taper Handle material: Dyed and stabilized maple secured w/Loveless bolts Overall length: 12” Maker’s price for a similar knife: Contact Nate Carper for more information Maker: Nate Carper Custom Knives (SharpByCoop image)
Tom Haslinger Damascus Kissaki-Moroha Tanto
Blade length: 6.7” Blade material: HCK damascus forged in 320 layers of 1080 carbon and 15N20 nickel alloy steels Rockwell hardness: 58 HRC Handle: Stainless steel wire wrap Tsuba (guard) material: Stainless steel Kashira (buttcap) material: Textured stainless steel Overall length: 12.65” Weight: 13 ozs. Saya (sheath): Lined cowhide w/koi leather overlay Maker’s price for a similar knife and sheath: $1,490 Maker:Tom Haslinger
Michael West Silver Lining
Knife type: Fixed blade Blade length: 3.93” Blade material: Damasteel twist damascus Blade grind: Freehand hollow Furniture: Argentium silver Handle material: Ebony and argentium silver Overall length: 9.6” Sheath materials: Leather and argentium silver Maker’s price for a similar knife: $3,100 Maker:Michael West (SharpByCoop image)
Mille Blades Fillet Knife
Blade length: 8” Blade material: Damascus forged of 1084 carbon and 15N20 nickel alloy steels Handle material: Stabilized tiger maple Overall length: 13” Maker’s price for a similar knife: Contact Adam Mille for more information Knife to know: Adam Mille is an apprentice smith in the American Bladesmith Society Maker: Mille Blades (SharpByCoop image)
Andrew Bonavia Gyuto
Blade length: 8.5” Blade material: Forged 1084 carbon steel Blade grind: Full flat Blade @ widest: 2” Handle material: Dyed spalted maple Overall length: 14” Maker’s price for a similar knife: $531 at press-time exchange rate Knife to know: Andrew Bonavia is a member of the Australian Knifemakers Guild Maker: Andrew Bonavia (Rod Hoare image)
Brad Millman O-Tanto
Blade length: 11.75” Blade material: 120-layer 1095 carbon and 15N20 nickel alloy steels w/nickel cladding and an 80CrV2 carbon steel core Blade grind: Flat to convex near the edge Handle: Raffir poplar burl Bolster: Forged-finished stainless and copper Overall length: 16.25” Maker’s price for a similar knife: $1,200 Maker: Brad Millman (Jocelyn Frasier image)
Blacks Blades Mosaic Damascus Bowie
Blade length: 13.5” Blade material: Mosaic damascus Blade grind: Flat Blade thickness @ ricasso: .236” Handle material: Tassie blackwood Furniture: Hot blued mild steel Overall length: 19.5” Maker’s price for a similar knife and sheath: Contact Shane Partridge for more information Maker: Blacks Blades (Rod Hoare image)
Aimee’s Forge Boot Dagger
Blade length: 4” Blade steel: Nitro-V stainless Blade grind: Flat Construction: Full tang Handle material: Black and red G-10 Handle pins: Black G-10 Overall length: 8.75” Sheath: Leather w/belt clip Maker’s price for a similar knife: $431 at press-time exchange rate Knife to know: Aimee Conte is a member of the Australian Knifemakers Guild and an apprentice smith in the American Bladesmith Society Maker:Aimee’s Forge (Rod Hoare image)
Zane Dvorak Integral Hunter
Blade length: 4.25” Blade material: Black Edge mosaic damascus forged from 1084 carbon and 15N20 nickel-alloy steels Blade grind: Flat to convex Blade pattern: Clip point Handle material: African blackwood Overall length: 9.25” Sharp stuff: Forged integral single guard; carved handle groove matches the one in the bolster Maker’s price for a similar knife: $1,400 Maker:Zane Dvorak (Jocelyn Frasier image)
Jeroen Knippenberg Integral Chef’s Knife
Blade length: 6.7” Blade material: A multi-color Feather damascus pattern forged from 15N20 nickel alloy and O2, O1 and 115W2 tool steels Blade grind: Convex Handle material: Desert ironwood Overall length: 11” Knife to know: Jeroen Knippenberg’s Integral chef’s knife won Best Chef’s Knife at the Dutch Knife Exhibition Maker’s price for a similar knife: $1,600-$2,140 at press-time exchange rate Maker:Jeroen Knippenberg (Jocelyn Frasier image)
Dragon’s Breath Forge Period Piece
Blade length: 18” Blade material: 1080 carbon and 15N20 nickel alloy steels Handle material: Bronze and Elforen Bolster: Silver, bronze and garnet Overall length: 24” Maker’s price for a similar knife and scabbard: Contact Jamie Lundell for more information Maker:Dragon’s Breath Forge (SharpByCoop image)
See what sleek new slicers are available or soon will be.
When introducing their new sporting knives, the world’s leading manufacturers want as many of the people that matter to see the knives as possible. And the best place to do it year in and year out is the BLADE Show.
BLADE Show 2024 presented more factory debuts than usual June 7-9 in the Cobb Galleria Centre in Atlanta, and show patrons saw them in all their glory—fixed blades, folders, sharpeners and more—made by manufacturers from all over the planet. Unfortunately, due to BLADE®’s space limitations, each participating exhibiting company could submit only one of the multiple knives they debuted at the show for our story.
This story will be updated with more knives later this year.
Tactile Knife Chupacabra
Knife type: Manual folder Designer: Matt Palmore Blade length: 3.3” Blade steel: CPM MagnaCut stainless Rockwell hardness: 63-64 HRC Blade grind: Flat Blade @ thickest: .135” Blade finish: Stonewash Handle material: 7075 aluminum Lock: Superlock Opening mechanism: Thumb stud Pivot materials: Ceramic caged bearings Pocket clip: Stainless steel, deep carry Weight: 4.72 ozs. Closed length: 4.45” Knife to know: First U.S.-made Superlock Country of origin: USA MSRP: $249 Available: NOW
Condor Tool & Knife K-Night Scullery
Knife type: Tactical fixed blade Designer: Jason Breeden Blade length: 4.69” Blade steel: 14C28N stainless Rockwell hardness: 55-58 HRC Blade grind: Flat w/second bevel Blade @ thickest: .12” Blade finish: Blasted satin Construction: Full tang Handle material: Black canvas Micarta® Weight: 7.06 ozs. Overall length: 9.07” Sheath: Kydex w/leather belt loop Country of origin: El Salvador MSRP: $124.98 Available: Fall ’24
Fox Knives Kronos
Knife type: Folder Designer: Stefan Merk Blade length: 3.54” Blade steel: CPM MagnaCut stainless Rockwell hardness: 62-64 HRC Blade grind: Flat Blade @ thickest: .16” Blade finish: Black PVD Handle material: FatCarbon Dark Matter Black Lock: Framelock Opening mechanism: Flipper w/ball bearings Pivot materials: Stainless steel Pocket clip: Right-handed; integral milled Closed length: 4.49” Sheath: Zippered nylon Country of origin: Italy MSRP: $487 Available: September ’24
Emerson Knives, Inc. COM-SEVEN
Knife type: Manual folder Designer: Ernest Emerson Blade length: 3.3” Blade steel: CPM MagnaCut stainless Rockwell hardness: 62-64 HRC Blade grind: Conventional ‘V’ Blade @ thickest: .125” Blade pattern: Recurve Blade finish: Stonewash Handle material: G-10 Lock: Titanium linerlock Pocket clip: Stainless steel Closed length: 4.7” Sharp stuff: Wave Shaped Feature Country of origin: USA MSRP: $295 Available: Sold out @ press time; more out in August ’24
Demko Knives Shark Cub
Knife type: Folder Designer: Andrew Demko Blade length: 2.5” cutting edge Blade steel: Choice of 20CV stainless (anodized aluminum handle) and AUS10A stainless (Grivory handle) Rockwell hardness: 62 HRC Blade grind: Taper Blade @ thickest: .095” Blade pattern: Slicer Shark or clip point Blade finish: DLC/satin Lock: Shark-Lock Opening mechanism: Opening slot or thumb stud Pivot materials: Cage bearings Pocket clip: Stainless steel, deep carry, ambidextrous Weights: Aluminum/Shark Cub Slicer: 3.85 ozs.; Grivory/clip point: 3.05 ozs.; Grivory/Slicer: 3 ozs. Closed length: 4.2” Country of origin: Taiwan MSRP: $69.99 to $209.99 Available: Fall ’24
Heretic Knives OTF Auto
Designer: Anthony Marfione Blade length: 3.6” Blade steel: CPM MagnaCut stainless Rockwell hardness: Proprietary Blade grind: Machined ground (for production) Blade @ thickest: .14” Blade pattern: Clip point Blade finish: DLC Handle material: 6061 T6 aircraft aluminum Lock: Mechanical locking Opening mechanism: Out-the-front automatic Pocket clip: Stamped clip is standard; optional machined clip Closed length: 5.045” Knife to know: Fully machined; lifetime warranty Country of origin: USA MSRP: $279 Available: NOW
Maserin Nexus
Knife type: EDC slipjoint Designer: Maserin Maurizio Blade length: 3.22” Blade steel: Small Roses damascus pattern in 120 layers Rockwell hardness: 60 HRC Blade grind: Flat Blade @ thickest: .125” Blade pattern: Drop point Blade finish: Damascus finishing Construction: Integral Handle material: 3D printed in a single piece of AISI 316L stainless steel Pivot materials: Bronze washers Pocket clip: Polished stainless steel; reversible Weight: 5.15 ozs. Closed length: 4.25” Knife to know: Comes w/a dedicated limited-edition, recycled paper gift box; 3D printed design based on C.E. Delaunay lunar motion studies Country of origin: Italy MSRP: $1,298 @press-time rate of exchange Available: October ’24
Knife type: Folder Designer: Jesper Voxnaes Blade length: 3.19” Blade steel: Fafnir pattern damascus by Damasteel Rockwell hardness: 58-60 HRC Blade @ thickest: .12” Blade pattern: Modified drop point Blade finish: Mirror polished Construction: Screw Handle material: Titanium + titanium (Ti6Al4V frame) Lock: Linerlock Opening mechanism: Thumb hole and/or flipper Pivot materials: Stainless steel screws w/titanium ring on pivot screw Pocket clip: Titanium, deep carry Weight: 3 ozs. Closed length: 4.33” Knife to know: Comes in a special wooden MKM collection box; limited and numbered edition of 100 models in damascus steel and milled titanium Country of origin: Italy MSRP: $737 @press-time exchange rate Available: NOW
QSP Knife Dolphin
Model type: Pocketknife Designer: QSP Blade length: 3.125” Blade steel: Sandvik 14C28N stainless Rockwell hardness: 59-61 HRC Blade grind: Flat Blade @ thickest: .118” Blade pattern: Clip point Blade finish: Mirror polished Construction: Screw Handle frame: Stainless steel Handle inlay: Shredded carbon fiber and Golden Shred in clear resin Lock: Linerlock Pivot materials: Ceramic ball bearings Pocket clip: No Weight: 3.53 ozs. Closed length: 4.625” Sheath: Belt loop pouch, leather Country of origin: China MSRP: To be announced Available: November ’24
Chaves Knives Auto Chub
Knife type: Utility OTF Designer: Ramon Chavez Blade length: 1” Construction: Screw Handle material: Aluminum Lock: Trigger Opening mechanism: Double-action auto Pocket clip: Titanium, tip down, right-handed Weight: 3 ozs. Special features: Removable utility blade Country of origin: USA MSRP: $300 Available: First shown to public at BLADE Show 2024; website and retailer availability summer and fall ’24
Reate T1000-V2
Knife type: Folder Designer: Alvin Lee Blade length: 3.6” Blade steel: M390 stainless Blade finish: Satin Handle: Titanium Weight: 10.5 ozs. Closed length: 5.2” Country of origin: China MSRP: To be announced Available: To be announced
Knife type: Persian folder Designers: Jesper Voxnaes & Jens Anso Blade length: 3.26” Blade steel: CPM MagnaCut stainless Rockwell hardness: Approximately 62 HRC Blade grind: Flat Blade @ thickest: .11” Blade finish: Satin Construction: Screw Handle material: Choice of titanium/titanium & carbon fiber Lock: Framelock Opening mechanism: Thumb hole Pivot: Ball bearings Pocket clip: Steel wire clip Weight: 2.2 ozs. and 2 ozs., depending on handle material Closed length: 4.14” Country of origin: Italy MSRP: $285 (ti) and $245 (CF) Available: August 8 launch
Wicked Edge Generation 4 Pro w/micro-adjusts and storage shelving
Sharpener type: Precision-angle-guided manual Designer: Wicked Edge Abrasive: Premium monocrystalline diamond stones Grit assortment: Two each of 100/200, 400/600 and 800/1000 grit Sharpener dimensions: 11.5” long, 11” tall, 6” wide Construction materials: Stainless steel and Type 2 and 3 anodized aluminum Weight: 13.1 lbs. Special features: Patented dual-sided sharpening, repeatability tools, dual-cam vise, and dual-sided angle settings w/micro-adjusts Country of origin: USA MSRP: $1,499 Available: NOW
Winkler Knives Twenty 24
Model type: Hatchet Designer: Winkler Knives Blade length: 6” Blade material: 80CrV2 carbon steel Rockwell hardness: 59 HRC @cutting edge Blade grind: Flat Blade @ thickest: .248” Blade pattern: Utility Blade finish: Black oxide Construction: Full tang Handle material: Various woods and laminates Weight: 1 lb., 3 ozs. Overall length: 12” Sheath: Quick-access, lined Boltaron® Knife to know: Will be made in 2024 only and then retired Country of origin: USA MSRP: $575 base, $675 as pictured Available: NOW; watch for drops on Winkler website
