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Knife Sharpeners: Top Options Available Now

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Need to keep your edge? These top knife sharpeners are sure to keep your blades sharp and in good working order in no time at all.

It’s not much of a knife if it doesn’t have a sharp edge. To that end, 2024’s hottest sharpeners will make your favorite tool cut like it ought to. Plain to serrated, short blades to long, kitchen to deer camp and just about any blade worth using can get keen quick with one or more of this year’s fresh edge makers.

Spyderco Golden Stone and Webfoot Set

pyderco Golden Stone and Webfoot Set includes a Golden Stone, Webfoot
The Spyderco Golden Stone and Webfoot Set includes a Golden Stone (right), Webfoot (left), two suede pouches, one plastic base (lower left), and an illustrated instruction book that explains how to use the sharpeners to put an edge on practically any home cutting tool.

One of the coolest studies in sharp is the Spyderco Golden Stone and Webfoot Set. “The set offers a uniquely different approach to knife and tool sharpening,” began Michael Janich, Spyderco special projects coordinator. “Of similar design, they can be used anywhere, set up in seconds, and do not require oil, water, electricity or any complicated clamps or fixtures.”

Both sharpeners feature a distinctive “duck foot” design tapered on one end and that has twin scallops on the other. To use either sharpener, hold the narrow end in one hand and rest the wide end on a flat surface. The center point of the wide end, between the scallops, acts as a fulcrum.

“Rocking the sharpener from side to side until the outer points contact the surface aligns its outer edges to create a perfect 40-degree included angle,” Michael noted. “Simply keep the plane of your blade vertical and draw it from heel to tip down the outer edge. Then, rock the sharpener in the other direction and repeat the process on the other side of the stone. Alternating from side to side quickly creates a sharp, utilitarian 40-degree edge.”

For a thinner edge, the Webfoot and Golden Stone can also be used with the included ABS plastic base. Steps in the cavity of the base limit the rock from side to side, reducing the sharpening angle to 30 degrees. Laid on their sides, the sharpeners also offer a 12.5-degree angle for easily sharpening scissors and shears.

“The long edges of both sharpeners are tapered, so they naturally follow the contours of all blade shapes—even hawkbills and recurves—and can be used to easily sharpen serrated edges using the same sharpening technique,” Michael explained. “Their innovative designs also include rounded edges, grooves, and flat areas that provide multiple abrasive surfaces to sharpen tools of all shapes and sizes.”

The Webfoot is coated in an aggressive 600-mesh cubic boron nitride (CBN) abrasive. A form of synthetic diamond, CBN removes steel quickly and is ideal for reprofiling edges or sharpening very dull knives to a utility edge. For touch ups or to achieve a more refined edge after using the Webfoot, the Golden Stone features a fine-grit ceramic abrasive that is the equivalent of a 1,200 grit. Both sharpeners are supplied with suede pouches that protect them when not in use and do double duty as non-slip mats during the sharpening process.

The set includes one Golden Stone, one Webfoot, two suede pouches, one plastic base, and an illustrated instruction book that explains how to use the sharpeners to put an edge on practically any home cutting tool.

Spyderco Webfoot Specs
Sharpener Type:
Proprietary “rocking” design
Blades sharpened: All, including scissors, pointed tools, gouges and serrated edges
Abrasive Type: Cubic boron nitride
Grit: 600 mesh
Dimensions: 7” x 3” x 0.25”
Construction Materials: One-piece carbon steel embryo
Weight: 6.05 ozs.
SPECIAL FEATURES: Includes multiple abrasive surfaces and shapes
Country of origin: China
MSRP: $89 ($270 in a set w/Golden Stone)
Available: Now

Spyderco Golden Stone Specs 
Sharpener Type: Proprietary “rocking” design
Blades sharpened: All, including scissors, pointed tools and serrated edges
Abrasive type: High-alumina ceramic
Grit: 1,200 grit equivalent
Dimensions: 7.2” x 3” x 0.25”
Construction materials: One-piece fine-grit ceramic
Weight: 7.6 ozs.
SPECIAL FEATURES: Includes multiple abrasive surfaces and shapes
Country of Origin: USA
MSRP: $210 ($270 in a set w/Webfoot)
Available: Now

Work Sharp Ken Onion MK.2

Ken Onion MK.2
The Ken Onion MK.2 comes as a stand-alone sharpener or as one of the company’s Elite packages that includes the base sharpener along with a fully featured blade grinding attachment.

The new Ken Onion MK.2 from Work Sharp comes as a stand-alone sharpener or as one of the company’s Elite packages that include the base sharpener along with a fully featured blade grinding attachment.

The sharpener sports a fresh new look and improved ergonomics to make it feel better in the hand during use. A new motor speed control offers seven pre-set settings to provide a consistent and repeatable sharpening experience, while the new torque control delivers consistent power, even under load. Positioned prominently atop the unit, amber LED indicator lights make selecting belt speed fast and easy.

A sharpening guide has a scope click adjustment knob. Detent clicks in half degree increments from 15 to 30 degrees along the dial allow for improved precision, consistency and repeatability, meaning you get the exact same edge angle every time you sharpen.

New leather-lined angle guides offer protection for knives during sharpening, while the sharpener’s improved guide design allows for knives with thumb studs. A lock-out belt tensioner on the sharpening cassette helps make changing abrasive belts fast and simple. Five grits accommodate the full spectrum of sharpening, from repair to ultra-fine polishing.

The system includes the standard triangle cassette sharpener along with a complementary blade grinding attachment for those who want to elevate their sharpening game. It’s built on a rigid metal chassis designed to offer a stable platform and features metal components engineered to last.

An adjustable, three-position convex pulley system enables you to customize grind profiles depending on personal preference or the type of knives being sharpened. Grind profiles can be set to low, medium or high convex quick and easy, again without tools. An angle adjustment knob, now located in a more visible position, makes setting grind angles faster and easier than ever. At the turn of the knob, you can rotate the dial anywhere from 10 to 30 degrees to set your preferred angle and can even make precise adjustments while the machine is running.

Work Sharp Ken Onion MK.2 Specs
Sharpener Type: Electric benchtop w/grinding attachment
Blades sharpened: Pocketknife, kitchen knife, hunting knife, serrated, axe and scissors
Grit Selection: ¾” x 12” Belt Kit: (1 ea.) P120 (extra coarse), X65 (coarse), X22 (medium), X4 (fine), 6000 (extra fine); also 1” x 18” Belt Kit (for grinder): P120, X65, X22, X4, 12000 and cloth belt for stropping.
Dimensions: Stand-alone sharpener: 9 ¾” long x 5 ¾” wide x 5 ½” tall; w/blade grinding attachment: 10” long x 6 ¼” wide x 6 ½” tall
Construction materials: Metal, plastic and tactile rubber; grinding attachment is built on a rigid metal chassis designed to offer a stable platform and features metal components throughout that are engineered to last.
Weight: 7 lbs.
SPECIAL FEATURES
7-speed motor control with LED display;
Sharpening guide w/scope click adjustment knob. Detent clicks in half degree increments from 15 to 30 degrees along the dial;
Leather-lined angle guides offer protection for knives during sharpening;
Tool sharpening cassette with 65-degree angle scissor guide;
Blade grinding attachment quickly and easily mounts to the MK.2 power base without tools or calibration.
Once attached, the grinder boasts on-the-fly motor speed control and continuous run time with LED indicator lights that make selecting belt speed fast and easy;
An adjustable, three-position convex pulley system enables you to customize the grind profile depending on personal preference or the type of knives being sharpened;
Graphic user guide along with a quick start guide helps you understand and operate the sharpener successfully, and;
Flexible abrasive belts and angle guides provide precision results on just about anything that needs sharpening.
Country of origin: Made of foreign parts; designed, calibrated and quality checked in Ashland, Oregon
MSRP: $300
Available: Now

Wicked Edge Cobalt WE64

Wicked Edge’s patented Dual-Sided Sharpening Technology
Wicked Edge’s patented Dual-Sided Sharpening Technology, DualCam Vise and more highlight the new Cobalt WE64.

The Wicked Edge Cobalt WE64 features easy clamping ability with the company’s DualCam Vise to the portable form factor of the company’s GO-WE60 sharpening unit.

According to Wicked Edge, the result is the fastest sharpening experience in the 60 Series line, including both standard edge maintenance and touchups.

The WE64 is lightweight and compact for storage and travel and can be secured to a hard, flat surface with the included C-clamp, or directly mounted to a work surface through the predrilled holes in the base. It is compatible with all Wicked Edge sharpening stones and strops and assorted other of the company’s sharpening accessories.

Wicked Edge Cobalt WE64 Specs
Sharpener Type: Precision guided manual
Edges sharpened: All but serrated
Abrasive Type: Monocrystalline diamond stones
Grit Selection: 200/600 diamond stones (2 each)
Dimensions: 11.5” x 4” x 4.75”
Construction Materials: Type 2 anodized aluminum, stainless steel and Delrin
Weight: 3.5 lbs.
SPECIAL FEATURES
Patented Dual-Sided Sharpening Technology;
DualCam Vise, included repeatability tools, lightweight, portable design, C-Clamp, standard alignment guide, guide rod shields, practice knife, limited lifetime warranty
Sharpens blades up to 15” long
Angle range: 13-31 degrees per side (26-62 degrees inclusive)
Angle markings in 1-degree increments
Able to clamp blades up to 3/16” thick and able to clamp thicker blades with the unit’s .25-inch jaws
Country of Origin: USA
MSRP: $499
Available: Now

AccuSharp Explorer Knife & Tool Sharpener and Outdoor Survival Tool

AccuSharp Explorer Knife & Tool Sharpener and Outdoor Survival Tool
The AccuSharp Explorer Knife & Tool Sharpener and Outdoor Survival Tool not only sharpens serrated and plain edge blades, it also boasts a selection of survival/emergency tools

The AccuSharp Explorer Knife & Tool Sharpener and Outdoor Survival Tool has a wealth of sharpening and survival tools for outdoor enthusiasts. Diamond-honed tungsten carbide blades and fine ceramic rods address plain edges. The diamond-tapered rod sharpens serrations and gut hooks, while a center groove sharpens fishhooks and various pointed objects. The multifunctional tool also features a fire starter, compass, emergency whistle and SOS mirror for survival situations.

AccuSharp Explorer Knife & Tool Sharpener and Outdoor Survival Tool Specs
Sharpener Type: Knife and tool w/survival tools
Edges sharpened: Plain and serrated
Sharpening Angle: Preset at 21 degrees
Abrasives/Grits: Tungsten carbide and fine ceramic/1500; diamond coated rod/400
SPECIAL FEATURES:
2 V-notched sharpening slots;
Reversible tungsten carbide blades preset at 21-degree angle;
Fine ceramic finishing rods preset at 21-degree angle;
Compact design;
Retractable diamond tapered rod to sharpen serrations and gut-hook blades;
A groove to sharpen fishhooks;
SOS mirror;
Compass;
Fire-Starter;
Emergency whistle;
Sharpener Dimensions: 5” wide x 1.25” long x .5” deep
Construction Materials: Hard plastic body, diamond-coated steel rod, fine ceramic rods, and tungsten carbide and metal screws­
Carry: A lanyard hole for easy attachment
Weight: 1.6 ozs.
Country of Origin: China
MSRP: $16.99
Available: Now

AccuSharp 4-in-1 Knife and Tool Sharpener

AccuSharp 4-in-1 Knife & Tool Sharpener
The AccuSharp 4-in-1 Knife & Tool Sharpener’s retractable diamond-tapered rod handles deep serrations.

The AccuSharp 4-in-1 Knife and Tool Sharpener is a keen companion for outdoor enthusiasts. The pocket-sized edge maintenance tool features pre-angled coarse tungsten carbide blades for initial sharpening and fine ceramic rods for refining the edge. A retractable diamond-tapered rod sharpens serrations and also features a groove for hooks and darts. If you prefer working on a flat surface, flip out the retractable diamond file for continuous sharpening. The unit’s rubber-molded feet ensure stability during use. Color options are black and blaze orange.

AccuSharp 4-in-1 Knife & Tool Sharpener Specs
Edges sharpened: Plain and serrated
Abrasive Type: Tungsten carbide, fine ceramic and diamond coated
Grit Selection: Diamond rod: 400; diamond file: 400; ceramic fine: 1500
Dimensions: 1.5” wide x 4” long x 0.75” deep (closed) and 1.5” wide x 8.75“ long x 0.75” deep (open)
Construction Materials: Hard plastic body, diamond-coated steel rod & file, fine ceramic rods, and tungsten carbide
Weight: 1.6 ozs.
SPECIAL FEATURES
2 V-notched sharpening slots;
Reversible tungsten carbide blades preset at 21-degree angle;
Fine ceramic finishing rods preset at 21-degree angle;
Rubber-molded feet for stability;
Compact design;
Retractable diamond tapered rod;
Groove to sharpen hooks and darts;
Retractable diamond flat file
Country of origin: China
MSRP: $16.99
Available: Now

Cold Steel Benchtop Sharpener

 Cold Steel Benchtop Sharpener
The Cold Steel Benchtop Sharpener has an ambidextrous clamp with a non-marring grip, and 180-degree rotation for sharpening two edges without removing the knife from the clamp.

The Cold Steel Benchtop Sharpener is angle adjustable from 15 to 30 degrees, and comes with four diamond sharpening grits.  It has an ambidextrous clamp with a non-marring grip and 180-degree rotation for sharpening two edges without removing the knife from the clamp. The base is weighted with non-slip feet providing a stable pedestal for benchtop sharpening. The unit includes a hardshell carrying case.

Cold Steel Benchtop Knife Sharpener Specs
Sharpener type: Adjustable benchtop stone
Edges sharpened: Plain
Abrasive Type: Diamond
Grit Selection: 300, 600, 800 and 1000
Dimensions: 5” long x .95” wide x .82” thick
Construction materials: Metal
SPECIAL FEATURES:
Adjustable sharpening stone;
15-30 degree angle;
Ambidextrous clamp with even clamping force;
180-degree rotation for sharpening two edges without removing knife from clamp, and;
Hard shell carry case
Country of Origin: China
MSRP: $149.99
Available: Now

More Sharpening Articles:

ABS Lose Two Long-Time Leaders In Passing Of Steve Dunn & Hanford Miller

Dunn and Miller left lasting impressions on ABS, students and custom knifemaking.

The American Bladesmith Society lost two of its finest leaders and bladesmithing instructors recently with the passing of ABS master smiths Steve Dunn and Hanford J. Miller.

Steve Dunn

Steve died on May 21. He was 68. Outgoing chairman of the ABS, he was a longtime Society member, receiving his master smith stamp in 1994 before going on to serve on the ABS board of directors and eventually being elected chairman.

“He was a craftsman of the highest level, as evident in the exceptional blades he made, and unsurpassed as an engraver, which he passed on to so many with his teaching,” americanbladesmith.org reported.

Many in the ABS were still recovering from the shock of the news as BLADE® was going to press, ABS master smith Billy Bob Sowell among them.

“I was stunned,” he wrote. “Steve was one of my judges for my master smith stamp. I took his engraving class and his folder class. I’ll miss him.”

According to his bio on the ABS website, Steve began making knives as a hobby in 1988. In 1990 he enrolled in the basic forging class at the Bill Moran School of Bladesmithing, where he started forging damascus. After achieving master smith, it wasn’t long before he began teaching at the Moran School. In 2003 he was selected to serve on the Society’s board of directors.

A strong believer in sole authorship of his knives, he enrolled in a basic engraving class at GRS Tools in 2002. He later studied with Chris DeCamillus on Bulino style engraving and was asked to be an instructor at the GRS school in 2005.

Hanford Dunn

Hanford passed away on March 25. He sold his first knife in 1968. He made knives in the Moran style, including bowies, fighters, camp knives and other large fixed blades, and also period pieces such as reproductions of the cinquedea. His mark was his initials or name within a bowie logo.

In addition to being an outstanding maker of forged knives, Hanford served on the ABS board of directors as treasurer for many years. According to americanbladesmith.org, he was best of friends with BLADE Magazine Cutlery Hall-of-Fame® member Bill Moran, with the pair being “like two peas in a pod.”

They first met in 1974 in Bill’s shop. Hanford read about Bill in a library book about knives and realized he was only a short drive away from Hanford’s home in Randallstown, Maryland.

“Bill was a great mentor,” the site observed, “and their friendship lasted long after Hanford moved to Colorado in 1976.”

Cool Customs: Kevin Casey’s Little Feather Knives

Kevin Casey feathers his cap with an outstanding array of custom throwback blades.

Kevin Casey may have hit on a great idea for knives with both a custom touch and an antique look and feel.

Taking some old yet inexpensive late 19th/early 20th-century dinner knives with mother-of-pearl handles and silver ferrules, he replaced the original blades with those forged of assorted patterns of his feather damascus. The result, the Little Feathers, went fast at the Solvang Show, with two selling individually and five going to one shrewd buyer.

Kevin Casey
Kevin Casey

Kevin said similar versions of the original antique knives are available on eBay, Etsy, at jewelry stores, flea markets and the like. He cleaned the insides of the ferrules with acetone before epoxying his damascus blades into them. He cleaned the ferrules with Flitz and a toothbrush, polished the handles and the knives basically were ready to go. He plans to do more like them in the future.

Little Feathers Specs
Maker: Kevin Casey
Model type: Dinner knives
Blade lengths: 2.5 to 4.25”
Blade material: Assorted patterns of feather damascus in 1080 carbon and 15N20 nickel-alloy steels w/a thin layer of pure nickel; depending on the pattern, the layer count ranges anywhere from 50 to 500
Handle material: Mother-of-pearl
Ferrules: Silver
Overall lengths: 6.5 to 8”
Maker’s list price range for similar knives: $600 to $900 each

Check Out More Cool Custom Knives:

New Knives: Host Of Current Factory And Custom Blades

Folder or fixed blade, EDC or kitchen and more, one of these will fill the bill.

In the wake of BLADE Show 2024 there is a slew of new knives hitting the custom and factory markets. We scoured both to bring you some of the latest and greatest handmade and production gems. Keep your eyes peeled for these fantastic options hitting dealers’ shelves soon.


Triple C Knives Model #3

Triple C Knives Model #3

Knife pattern: Fixed-blade hunter
Blade length: 4”
Blade material: Damascus of 5160 carbon and 15N20 nickel-alloy steels
Blade grind: Hollow
Handle: Mammoth ivory
Bolster: Stainless steel
Overall length: 7.75”
Maker’s price for a similar knife: $1,000
Maker: Triple C Knives (SharpByCoop image)


Bubba Crouch Trapper

Bubba Crouch Trapper

Knife type: Slipjoint
Blade length: 3 7/8”
Blade steel: Damascus forged by ABS master smith Rick Dunkerley
Blade grind: Hollow
Handle material: African goat horn
Handle frame: 416 stainless steel in an integral construction
Bolster: 416 stainless
Knife to know: The CPM 154 stainless backspring features filework; the arrowhead shield is damascus
Closed length: 4”
Maker’s price for a similar knife: $2,500
Maker: Bubba Crouch (SharpByCoop image)


Erik Fritz Petty Chef’s Knife

Erik Fritz Petty Chef’s Knife

Blade length: 6.5”
Blade material: Triple-quenched 52100 carbon steel
Blade grind: Flat w/convex edge
Handle: Buckeye burl
Bolster: 416 stainless steel
Overall length: 11”
Maker’s price for a similar knife: $400
Knife to know: Erik Fritz is an ABS journeyman smith
Maker: Erik Fritz (Jocelyn Frasier image edit)


Ben Akin Bowie

Ben Akin Bowie

Blade length: 83/8”
Blade material: W2 tool steel w/hamon
Blade grind: Flat
Handle: Box elder burl w/carbon fiber and red G-10 spacers and a mosaic pin
Guard: Wrought iron
Overall length: 135/8”
Knife to know: Ben Akin is an ABS apprentice smith
Maker’s price for a similar knife: $800
Maker: Ben Akin (Jocelyn Frasier image edit)


Egginton Presentation George Wostenholm I*XL barlow

Egginton Presentation George Wostenholm I*XL barlow

Knife type: Slipjoint
Blade length: 2.16”
Blade steel: 420S45 stainless
Blade pattern: Clip point
Blade finish: Crocus polished
Scales: Stabilized birch burl in Cutlers Company green
Bolster: Nickel silver marked w/400-year anniversary emblem
Knife to know: Commemorates the 400th year of The Company of Cutlers in Hallamshire, UK; The Company of Cutlers was formed by an act of Parliament in 1624 to “protect and promote the cutler and steel products made” in Sheffield, England; made in a limited edition of 2024 in recognition of the company’s 400th anniversary year; each knife is serial numbered
Weight: 2.18 ozs.
Closed length: 3.16”
Country of origin: United Kingdom
MSRP: $185 at press-time exchange rate
Company: Egginton


Boker Plus Gust Copper

Boker Plus Gust Copper

Knife type: Manual one-hand folder
Designer: Serge Panchenko
Blade length: 2.87”
Blade material: D2 tool steel
Blade @ thickest: .14”
Blade pattern: Drop point
Blade finish: Stonewashed
Blade opener: Thumb hole
Handle material: Copper w/hole for a lanyard
Lock: Framelock
Pocket clip: Tip up, right-handed
Weight: 4.44 ozs.
Closed length: 3.7”
Carry: Nylon pouch
Country of origin: China
MSRP: $119.95
Company: Boker Plus


Valhalla Blades Surtr

Valhalla Blades Surtr

Pattern: Bowie
Blade length: 11”
Blade material: 1084 carbon steel
Blade grind: Flat
Handle material: Dyed, stabilized maple burl
Guard: Brass
Overall length: 16”
Maker’s price for a similar knife: $250 at press-time exchange rate
Maker: Valhalla Blades (Rod Hoare image)


TOPS Knives Shadow Hunter

TOPS Knives Shadow Hunter

Knife type: Fixed blade
Blade length: 4.5”
Blade material: 1095 carbon steel
Rockwell hardness: 56-58 HRC
Blade @ thickest: .19”
Blade finish: Tungsten Cerakote®
Handle material: Black canvas and tan canvas Micarta®
Weight: 10.1 ozs.
Overall length: 9.25”
Sheath: Tan Kydex
Weight w/sheath: 12.8 ozs.
Knife to know: While the original was a favorite of company founder Mike Fuller, the new iteration is fine-tuned for enhanced performance, including a more ergonomic handle, slightly extended blade and modernized finishes
Country of origin: USA
MSRP: $250
Company: TOPS Knives


Montana Knife Co. MKC Whitetail

Montana Knife Co. MKC Whitetail

Pattern: Hunting knife
Blade length: 4”
Blade @ thickest: .135”
Blade steel: MagnaCut stainless
Blade pattern: Drop point
Handle material: G-10
Construction: Full tang
Overall weight: 4.3 ozs.
Overall length: 8 5/8”
Sheath: Kydex, open carry, reversible quick-attachment belt clip, vertical handle down or horizontal carry, built-in retention screw to customize blade tension
Knife to know: Also available in buck skin, black, green and black, tan and black, and grey handle colors; integral guard; gimping on blade spine
Country of origin: USA
MSRP: $315
Company: Montana Knife Co.


The Australian Cutlery Fixed-Blade Hunter

The Australian Cutlery Fixed-Blade Hunter

Blade length: 4”
Blade steel: CPM S35VN stainless
Blade grind: Hollow sabre
Blade thickness @ ricasso: 1/8”
Blade @ widest: 1”
Blade finish: Bead blast
Handle material: Hunter orange G-10 w/bead blast finish and custom Australian cutler mosaic pin
Overall length: 8.5”
Sheath: Matching hunter orange Kydex model made by Adam Grosskopf
Maker’s price for a similar knife and sheath: $230 at press-time exchange rate
Maker: The Australian Cutlery (Rod Hoare image)


Spyderco Manix 2 MagnaCut Lightweight Salt Knife Yellow Polymer

Spyderco Manix 2 MagnaCut Lightweight Salt Knife Yellow Polymer

Knife type: Manual one-hand folder
Blade length: 3.375”
Blade steel: MagnaCut stainless
Blade grind: Flat
Blade @ thickest: .13”
Blade pattern: Drop point
Blade finish: Satin
Blade opener: Thumb hole
Handle material: Yellow polymer over stainless steel liners
Lock: Ball-bearing lock
Pocket clip: Reversible, tip up
Weight: 3 ozs.
Closed length: 4.625”
Country of origin: USA
MSRP: $232.99
Company: Spyderco


Cold Steel Espada XL

Cold Steel Espada XL

Knife type: Folder
Blade length: 7.5”
Blade steel: AUS-10A stainless
Blade @ thickest: .137”
Blade grind: Hollow
Blade pattern: Clip point
Blade finish: Black PVD
Handle material: Ruby red G-10
Lock: Tri-Ad Lock
Pocket clip: Blade tip up
Weight: 14.8 ozs.
Closed length: 9.25”
Knife to know: The knife is inspired by the classic Spanish navaja folder and is a collaboration between Lynn Thompson and custom knifemaker Andrew Demko
Country of origin: Taiwan
MSRP: $299.99
Company: Cold Steel


Check Out More Knife Drops:

BLADE SHOW 2024 CUSTOM KNIFE AWARD WINNERS

See Who Took Home The Hardware From The 2024 Custom Knife Awards At BLADE Show.

Once again, the Custom Knife Of The Year® Awards at the June 7-9 BLADE Show at the Cobb County Gallery showcased some of the finest bladesmithing in the knife world. The challenge was determining which knives would rise to the top.

In a fiercely competitive field, a panel of expert judges selected the top knives in various categories, highlighting the best of the best. Below are the winners, including the prestigious Hugh Bartrug Best In Show award.

Best of Show & Best Folder: Evan Nicolaides

Winner Folder and Best of Show - Evan Nicolaides
Photo: Jocelyn Frasier

Best of Show Contender: Jean Louis

Winner Best of Show Contendor - Jean Louis
Photo: Jocelyn Frasier

Best Art Knife: Fabio Barros

Winner Art Knife - Barros
Photo: Jocelyn Frasier

Best Kitchen Knife: Jordan LaMothe

Winner Kitchen - Jordan LaMothe
Photo: Jocelyn Frasier

Best Bowie: Samuel Lurquin

Winner Bowie - Samuel Lurquin
Photo: Jocelyn Frasier

Best Collaboration: Javi Garcia, Enrique Pena, Jared Oeser

Winner Collab - Javi Garcia, Enrique Pena, Jared Oeser
Photo: Jocelyn Frasier

Best Damascus: Ronmell Fernandes

Winner Damascus - Ronmell
Photo: Jocelyn Frasier

Best Fighter: Seth Lopez

Winner Fighter - Seth Lopez
Photo: Jocelyn Frasier

Best Fighter Contender: Samuel Lurquin

Winner Fighter Contendor - Samuel Lurquin
Photo: Jocelyn Frasier

Best Fixed Blade: Harvey Dean

Winner Fixed Blade - Harvey Dean
Photo: Jocelyn Frasier

Best M.A.C.K.: Sergey Shirogorov

Winner MACK - Sergey Shirogorov
Photo: Jocelyn Frasier

Best Folder Contender: Vogt Knives

Winner Folder Contendor - Vogt
Photo: Jocelyn Frasier

Best Handle Design: Vogt Knives

Winner Handle Design - Vogt
Photo: Jocelyn Frasier

Best New Maker: Bobby House

Winner New Maker - Bobby House
Photo: Jocelyn Frasier

Best Sword: Vince Evans

Winner Sword - Vince Evans
Photo: Jocelyn Frasier

Best Tactical Folder: Dmitry Sinkevich

Winner Tactical - Dmitry Sinkevich
Photo: Jocelyn Frasier

Best Utility Hunter: Dionatam Franco

Winner Utility Hunter - Franco
Photo: Jocelyn Frasier

Most Innovative Design: Carlos Queiros

Winner Innovative - Queiros
Photo: Jocelyn Frasier

Best Miniature: Rhidian Gatrill

Winner Miniature - Rhidian Gatrill
Photo: Jocelyn Frasier

Best Slip Joint: Rhidian Gatrill

Winner Custom Slipjoint - Rhidian Gatrill
Photo: Jocelyn Frasier

See Past 2023 Factory Knife Of The Year® Awards Winners:

  • 2023 Custom Knife Award Winners From BLADE Show
  • 2022 Factory Knife Of The Year Award Winners
  • 2021 BLADE Show Knife-Of-The-Year® Award Winners & Custom Knife Award Winners
  • 2019 Knife of the Year® Award Winners & Custom Knife Award Winners
  • 2018 Knife of the Year® Award Winners & Custom Knife Award Winners

2024 Knife Of The Year® Award Winners

See who took home the hardware from the 2024 BLADE Show.

The BLADE Show held from June 7-9 at the Cobb County Gallery saw one of the most intense Knife Of The Year® Awards competitions in recent memory.

A diverse array of makers entered the contest, filling the display cases outside the main hall to capacity. The sheer number of entries wasn’t the only impressive factor—quality, innovation, and craftsmanship were all at their peak, from knife accessories to the blades vying for the top award.

With such high standards, the 10 judges, including industry experts, knife writers, makers, and Cutlery Hall Of Famers, had a challenging task. Below are the knives that met their rigorous criteria, winning honors in 10 categories and the overall Knife Of The Year award for 2024.

Overall Knife Of The Year®: Spartan Blades Harsey Clandestina

Spartan Blades Harsey Clandestina
Photo: Jocelyn Frasier

American-Made Fixed Blade Of The Year®: McNees Knives Ridge Runner

McNees Knives Ridge Runner
Photo: Jocelyn Frasier

American-Made Folding Knife Of The Year®: Pro-Tech TR-3 Integrity Manual Flipper

Pro-Tech
Photo: Jocelyn Frasier

Most Innovative American Design: Spyderco Para Military 2 Salt

SpyderCo
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Imported Fixed Blade Of The Year®: Giant Mouse GMF1

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Imported Folding Knife Of The Year®: Lionsteel Skinny

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Best Buy Of The Year®: CIVIVI Yonder

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Manufacturing Quality Award: Lionsteel

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Knife Accessory Of The Year

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See Past 2023 Factory Knife Of The Year® Awards Winners:

  • 2024Knife Of The Year Award Winners
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  • 2021 BLADE Show Knife-Of-The-Year® Award Winners & Custom Knife Award Winners
  • 2019 Knife of the Year® Award Winners & Custom Knife Award Winners
  • 2018 Knife of the Year® Award Winners & Custom Knife Award Winners

Cool Customs: Blount’s War Club Dusts Off Mohican Memories

Josh Blount reproduces Chingachgook’s gunstock war club.

ABS apprentice smith Josh Blount recently rewatched the 1992 version of The Last of the Mohicans, and the gunstock war club of the character of Chingachgook in the film inspired him to make his own stunning version.

Josh patterned his reproduction after the movie piece* but with his own spin, including a low-layer-twist damascus blade and curly maple stock decorated with silver wire inlay in assorted mountain images: a daytime scene with hawks circling the sun, a nighthawk nighttime scene amid moon and stars, etc. “My background is wildlife biology, so I live birds and chasing wildlife,” he noted. “So, I put a little bit of that in there.”

Josh and son Elliott
Josh and son Elliott appear here (inset) after beginning to forge a Scottish dirk for Elliott’s 10th birthday.

Josh’s mentors include the late Ron Claiborne and Larry Harley, and, of course, ABS master smith Daniel Winkler, who made some of the knives and tomahawks for Mohicans (February 1993 BLADE®). In fact, Josh visited the Winkler shop just over 20 years ago. Josh was bladesmithing then too, but life happened and he went to college. Now he’s back to hammering hot steel in Franklin, West Virginia, and hopes to test for ABS journeyman smith in the near future.

Gunstock War Club Specs
Maker: Josh Blount
Blade length: 6.5”
Blade material: 80CrV2 carbon and 15N20 nickel-alloy steels
Handle/stock: Curly maple from Dunlap Woodcraft, w/pewter pins and deerskin wrap from Crazy Crow Trading Post
Overall length: 40”
Maker’s price for a similar piece: $800

*The gunstock war club in The Last of the Mohicans was made by the movie’s prop department.

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