Grace Horne makes what, for her especially, is the buy of a lifetime.
Scissors-making maven Grace Horne scored a find of a lifetime recently when she obtained the antique Scissor Sword made in 1851 by George Oates of Sheffield, England.
A Sheffield native, Grace thought she had lost out on the one-of-a-kind piece when someone else bought it after her computer crashed halfway through an auction of David Hayden-Wright’s collection of historical British knives in 2023.However, a dealer contacted her this past spring with a picture of the piece asking if she had ever seen it. Grace of course had, asked who owned it, contacted the owner and bought it from him at BLADE Show 2024.
Grace Horne
The sword was made especially for London’s iconic 1851 Crystal Palace Exhibition and is in Wright’s book, The Heritage of English Knives. In part, Wright wrote the sword was “conceived to represent two completely different visual images, one an elegant diamond tapering blade flat hilted court sword … the other an exceptionally large pair of attractive display tailor’s scissors … The long split blades form a diamond section with closing catch piece at the tip, each has foliate blued panels highlighted by the mirror polished steel, the steel ribbed ricasso forming the concealed hinge.
The split inner blade faces with white frost etched floral panels and the scrolled legend, ‘Manufactured by – George Oates – Sheffield.’” We seriously doubt Grace and the Scissor Sword will part company anytime soon.
Autumn is here and, unlike the weather, knifemakers show no signs of cooling down. If anything, factory and custom makers are as hot as ever with a ton of new knives hitting the market. We picked out 12 great-looking recent drops certain to carve a place into your heart.
Jess Hoffman Donegal
Knife pattern: Skinner Blade length: 4” Blade steel: AEB-L stainless Blade grind: Full flat Handle material: Camel bone Overall length: 8.25” Sheath: Leather Maker’s price for a similar knife and sheath: $230 Maker’s remarks: “My Donegal is a cross between a Nessmuk and a Canadian belt knife. It’s available in three different overall sizes: 8.25, 6.75 and 5.75 inches.” Maker: Jess Hoffman, jhoffmanknives.com (Jocelyn Frasier image)
Kyle Royer Damascene Hunter
Knife type: Fixed blade Blade length: 5” Blade material: Ladder-pattern damascus of 1084 carbon and 15N20 nickel-alloy steels Blade grind: Flat w/convex edge Handle: Sculpted blackwood w/texturing Bolster: Damascene-covered guard w/24k gold and gun bluing Overall length: 9.25” Maker’s price for a similar knife: $9,500 Maker’s remarks: “This piece is particularly special as it’s the first gold overlay I’ve done using hundreds of tiny 24k-gold wires. Additionally, it has a beautifully textured blackwood handle.” Maker: Kyle Royer, kyleroyerknives.com (Jocelyn Frasier image)
Bear & Son Cutlery Farmhand
Blade length: 3 5/8” Blade steel: 440 stainless Blade pattern: Drop point Blade opener: Nail nick Handle material: Aluminum, bone and rosewood (shown) options Pocket clip: Yes Lock: Lockback Weight: 1.1 ozs. Closed length: 2.75” Knife to know: Handle color options include black, blue, orange, purple, red and white smooth bone, and brown rosewood Country of origin: USA MSRP: $37.49 to $51.99 Company: Bear & Son Cutlery, www.bearandsoncutlery.com
Craig Brosman Hunter
Blade length: 2.75” Blade steel: RWL 34 stainless Blade grind: Hollow Blade pattern: Drop point Blade finish: Mirror polished Handle material: European red stag and Westinghouse Micarta® liners; w/hole for lanyard Construction: Tapered tang Bolster/guard: 416 stainless Overall length: 6 9/16” Sheath: Leather pouch w/clip by Aaron Sybrant Maker’s price for a similar knife & sheath: $550 Maker: Craig Brosman, (SharpByCoop image)
Billy Pearce Hunter
Blade length: 5.1” Blade material: 1075 carbon steel Blade grind: “V” Blade thickness @ricasso: .177” Blade @widest: 1.18” Blade pattern: Clip point Handle: Bocote wood Spacer: G-10 Guard & pin: 416 stainless steel Overall length: 9.64” Knife to know: Billy Pearce is an apprentice smith in the American Bladesmith Society Maker’s price for a similar knife: Contact maker for info Maker: Billy Pearce, (Rod Hoare image)
RMJ Tactical Lady Death
Knife pattern: Classic trench knife Blade length: 9 5/8” Blade material: CPM 3V carbon steel Rockwell hardness: 60-61 HRC Blade @thickest: 3/16” Blade finish: Cobalt Cerakote® Handle: Checkered Dirty Olive G-10 Handle hardware: Grade 5 titanium anodized bronze Weight: 18.3 ozs. Overall length: 15” Sheath: Brown leather w/green canvas inlay; ambidextrous and wears on a belt or attached to PALS webbing Knife to know: Double-edged blade w/long fuller; knuckle-duster-style handle; pommel pronounced for use as a hammer Country of origin: USA MSRP: $975 Company: RMJ Tactical, www.rmjtactical.com
GiantMouse Carryology Sonoma V2 Auxikko
Knife type: EDC folder Blade length: 3.425” Blade steel: Elmax stainless Rockwell hardness: 60 HRC Blade @thickest: .138” Blade finish: Satin Lock: Linerlock Pivot hardware: Ball bearings Handle material: Titanium laser engraved w/the Carryology Auxikko pattern Backspacer: Aluminum anodized orange w/built-in hole for a lanyard Pocket clip: Wire, deep carry, reversible Weight: 3.8 ozs. Closed length: 4.5” Knife to know: Limited edition of 400 numbered pieces Country of origin: Made by Reate in China MSRP: $295 Company: GiantMouse, giantmouse.com
Gary Martindale Loveless Chute Knife Repro
Blade length: 4.25” Blade steel: CPM 154 stainless Blade grind: Hollow Handle: Amber stag Bolster/crossguard: 416 stainless Overall length: 9” Sheath: Basketweave-leather belt pouch w/snap Maker’s price for a similar knife: Contact maker for info Maker: Gary Martindale, (SharpByCoop image)
Grimdog Blades Australia Draugr Mk III
Knife type: Military utility Blade length: 4.9” Blade material: Thyssenkrupp 80CrV2 carbon steel Blade grind: Flat sabre Blade thickness @ricasso: .138” Blade finish: Cerakote® H190 Armour Black Handle material: Olive green G-10 Overall length: 10.47” Maker’s price for a similar knife: Contact maker for info Knife to know: Christian Holm is a member of the Australian Knifemakers Guild Maker: Grimdog Blades Australia, (Rod Hoare image)
Liam Walle Bird & Trout
Knife type: Fixed blade Blade length: 3.6” Blade materials: Crushed W’s damascus of 1084 carbon and 15N20 nickel-alloy steels Blade grind: Flat Handle: Pōhutakawa wood w/domed brass pin Guard/bolster: Antiqued bronze Overall length: 7.6” Maker’s price for a similar knife: $750 at press-time exchange rate Maker: Liam Walle, liamvallaknives.com (Jocelyn Frasier image)
Cold Steel Full Metal Atlas
Knife type: EDC folder Blade length: 3.5” Blade steel: CPM S35VN stainless Blade grind: High saber Blade pattern: Drop point Blade opener: Thumb stud Lock: Atlas® Lock Handle: Textured titanium Weight: 3.8 ozs. Closed length: 5 7/8” Knife to know: Knife comes in all-black (shown) or standard stonewashed finishes; handle includes a single finger groove w/integral guard Country of origin: Taiwan MSRP: $229.99 Company: Cold Steel, www.coldsteel.com
Halfbreed Blades MIK-03P Gen-2 K340
Knife type: Fixed blade Blade length: 5.31” Blade steel: K340 ISODUR Rockwell hardness: 59-60 HRC Blade @thickest: .25” Blade pattern: Modified drop point Blade finish: PVD coated Construction: One-piece full tang Handle: G-10 Weight: 11.14 ozs. Overall length: 10.43” Sheath: Injection-molded plastic w/belt & PALS/MOLLE mounting Knife to know: MIK stands for Medium Infantry Knife MSRP: $212 at press-time exchange rate Company: Halfbreed Blades, halfbreedblades.com.au
A larger show hall, more exhibitors, some of the world’s best makers and knives, entertaining seminars, awards and other sharp stuff beckon you to attend BLADE Show West Oct. 4-5 in the Salt Palace Convention Center in Salt Lake City, Utah.
A move to the Salt Palace’s exhibit hall No. 4 adds 15,000 square feet to this year’s show, and along with the added space come 30 more exhibitors to join the hundreds of knifemakers, bladesmiths, knife companies, knife suppliers and other knife professionals at the third annual rendition of the BLADE Show West held in Utah.
Among the top custom makers set to exhibit is an unbridled posse of South Texas Slipjoint Cartel members that includes BLADE Magazine Cutlery Hall-of-Fame® member Bill Ruple, award-winning makers Luke Swenson, Enrique Pena and Tim Robertson and others. An all-star list of ABS bladesmiths features Bill Burke, Shane Taylor, Steven Koster, Seth Lopez, Shayne Carter and Trevor Morgan, to name a few. Other top award-winning makers include Johnny Stout, Princeton Wong, Mick Strider, Duane Dwyer, Evan Nicolaides, Mike Tyre, Jared Oeser and Brian Nadeau. There are many more.
2024 BLADE Show West Classes And Demos
Let The Pro Critique Your Knife
While the full seminar slate had not been set at press time, the popular Let the Pros Critique Your Knife session was set to return, with some of the leading custom maker show exhibitors expected to examine and critique knives made by assorted show attendees. As usual, it will be a limited-seating event and attendees can bring one knife only.
Select show attendees will have their knives examined by the world’s best custom makers in the popular “Let The Pros Critique Your Knife” seminar. Luke Swenson (right) inspects a patron’s knife at last year’s show. The makers participating in this year’s seminar were being assembled at press time. See the free BLADE Show West program at the show for more info.
Basecamp Essentials
Basecamp Essentials by Survival University will be a 30-to-45 minute demonstration designed to introduce essentials of wilderness living. “We will demo how to create various camp comforts such as benches, chairs, and other useful camp tools, using materials found in the natural environment,” a company spokesperson wrote. “This demo goes beyond the basics of survival, focusing on enhancing comfort and fostering a sense of community in the wilderness.”
West Coast Flipping Championships
Also set to return is the West Coast Flipping Championships hosted by Squid Industries. It will be the fifth annual version of the championships, with head-to-head/live balisong flipping matchups in an elimination/bracket-style competition. Awards and prizes will go to the top finishers. For the complete seminar schedule, see the free BLADE Show Program distributed at the show.
2024 BLADE Show West Awards
The show’s best custom and factory knives will be determined by a panel of judges assembled by the BLADE Show West staff. This year’s custom knife categories: Best in Show; Best Hunter; Best Kitchen Knife; Best Damascus; Best Slip Joint; Best Fixed Blade; Best Folder; Best M.A.C.K. (Machine Assisted Custom Knife); and Best of the Rest.
Winner of Best Fighter at BLADE Show 2024, bladesmith Seth Lopez will showcase his curvaceous creations. His recurve fighter boasts a compound-ground blade of a damascus of 1080 carbon and 15N20 carbon steels. Handle: desert ironwood burl. Overall length: 8.75 inches. (SharpByCoop image)
On the factory side, the award categories are Best American Made, Best Imported, Best EDC, Best Fixed Blade, Best Folder and Best in Show.
For the times and locations for the judging, signs and schedules will be prominently placed in and around the show hall. Also, see the free BLADE Show West Program distributed at the show for updates.
The winners will be announced and presented their awards in a special ceremony the Friday night of the show. See the free BLADE Show West Program for the time and venue.
2024 BLADE Show West Hidden Gems
The factory knife section is always a beehive of activity at BLADE Show West, and this year’s rendition promises more of the same. Leading exhibiting knife companies include CRKT; Emerson Knives, Inc.; Fox Knives; GiantMouse; Heretic; Hogue; Lionsteel; Pro-Tech; SOG; Spyderco; Squid Industries; McNees Knives; Suprlativ Knives; Tactile Knife Co.; TOPS Knives; WE Knife; White River Knife & Tool; and others. For the complete exhibitor list, visit bladeshowwest.com.
CRKT will host custom knifemaker/designer Richard Rogers and his wife Sally to answer questions about Richard’s latest CRKT designs. CRKT’s Doug Flagg (center) talks knives with Cutlery Shoppe’s Jeff Loffer (right) and two patrons at BLADE Show West 2023.
One of the hidden gems of the factory section is you never know who might show up, including custom makers who engage in collaborations with select companies. For example, the CRKT booth will feature award-winning custom knifemaker Richard Rogers, along with his wife Sally, to answer questions about Richard’s latest CRKT designs. Other CRKT maker/designers exhibiting at the show will be Eric Ochs, TJ Schwarz and Princeton Wong. Ochs will exhibit under Ochs Worx, Wong under Prince Customs and Schwarz under Schwarz Knives.
Danish knifemaker Jens Anso, along with fellow Danish maker Jesper Voxnaes the design team behind most if not all of GiantMouse knives, will be stationed at the GiantMouse booth. Knife designer Tony Sentmanat will be based at the WE Knives booth. WE maker/collaborators Ben Petersen and Zac Whitmore also will attend the show and may appear at the company’s booth at times.
While TOPS Knives won’t have any custom knifemaker designers on hand, it will have headman/head knife designer Leo Espinoza in attendance, as always. Case will continue showcasing its first Bill Ruple collaboration, and Bill will have a table at the show, too, so chances are he will make an appearance at the Case booth as well. There no doubt will be other company booths serving as the destination of custom makers/designers, custom makers in general, and more.
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
