Remembering a dedicated craftsman of the Fujisaka lineage known for his tactical precision and collaborative artistry.
Keith Derrick Ouye, award-winning knifemaker of Honolulu, Hawaii, passed away on October 5. He was 80.
A stocky, happy guy well-liked by both knife enthusiasts and his knifemaking peers, Keith primarily made tactical knives, though he also built hunting knives to sell at local gun shows. In addition, he made fancy folders, often with fine engraving by Bruce Shaw, C.J. Cai or Lisa Tomlin. Keith exhibited his work at the BLADE Show and other top knife events over the years. Like many Hawaiian knifemakers, he was a student of BLADE Magazine Cutlery Hall-of-Fame® member Stanley Fujisaka.
Born in South Hilo, Hawaii, Keith lived in Hawaii Kai on the island of Oahu. “I spend most of my day working on my knives,” he wrote in his mini-bio on the Arizona Custom Knives website. “With assistance and guidance from Stan Fujisaka, I started to make fixed blades in early 2004. By the end of 2004, I also started making folders. I began making knives full-time in 2005.”
Keith was a big believer in sole authorship, noting “except for the screws, dowels, standoffs and pivots, I fabricate the rest of the knife myself.”
Remembering Others The Knife Industry Has Lost:
Betty Dowell, Driving Force Behind Knifemaker Ted Dowell, Passes
B. R. Hughes, Pioneering Writer And Bladesmithing Teacher, Passes Away
Get an edge on your cutting needs with the latest production knives.
The 2026 production knives are defined by an impressive range of styles and sizes, spanning from 1.5-inch neck knives to massive 12-inch folders. This year’s buyer’s guide highlights a sophisticated move toward premium materials, with CPM MagnaCut and M390 appearing across diverse price points, alongside traditional touches like India Stag Bone and Damascus. From task-specific hunter sets and tactical folders to “fidget-friendly” button locks and US-made fixed blades, these releases represent the cutting edge of modern manufacturing and designer collaboration.
GiantMouse The Redington
Knife Type: Fixed Blade Blade Length: 5.1″ Overall Length: 9.7″ Blade Grind: Stonewash Scale: Double Black Canvas Micarta Blade Material: CPM MagnaCut Sheath: Black Kydex Date Available: Now Inside Edge: Designed with input from the instructors at SERE East. Limited-Run of CPM MagnaCut. MSRP: $425
Demko Knives AD22
Knife Type: Folding Blade Length: 3.0″ Blade Shape: Shark Foot Overall Length: 7.5″ Weight: 5.4 oz. Scale: Titanium (Smooth or Milled) Blade Material: CPM MagnaCut Date Available: Currently and throughout 2026 Inside Edge: Made in the USA at Demkp headquarters in New Castle, PA. Also available with G10 scale in multiple colors. MSRP: $700
Pattern: Cleaver Designer: Fabian Hobbelen Lock Type: Button‑Operated Frame Lock Blade Length: 3.09” Overall Length: 7.04” Blade Grind: Hollow Scale: Titanium Blade Material: M390 Date Available: August Inside Edge: Designed by Fabian Hobbelen, the Nyrrdreki hides a small surprise in its blade. The hole allows the knife to be flipped open with the pinky finger, turning a traditional opening feature into a playful and highly addictive fidget action. MSRP: Approx. $350
Dagger Trading Begemot
Pattern: Modified Cleaver Knife Type: Folding Blade Length: 3.88″ Overall Length: 8.625″ Liners: Steel Blade Grind: Flat Scale: G10 with 3D print Blade Material: VG10 Date Available: Now MSRP: $71
Vero Engineering Aura
Knife Type: Folding Blade Length: 3.3” Overall Length: 7.7” Liners: Steel Blade Finish: Machine Belt Satin/Stonewash Scale: Aluminum Blade Material: 14C28N Date Available: Summer 2026 Inside Edge: The Aura has a reversible wire pocket clip. MSRP: Approx. $100
Bear & Son Cutlery Locking Farmhand w/clip
Pattern: Drop Point Knife Type: Pocketknife Blade Length: 2.75” Overall Length: 6.375” Closed Length: 3.625” Locking Mechanism: Lockback Handle: Genuine India Stag Bone Blade Material: High Carbon Stainless Steel Date Available: Now Inside Edge: Made in Alabama MSRP: $56
Knife Type: Fixed Blade Blade Length: 3.6″ Overall Length: 7.48″ Pattern: Drop Point Scale: Textured Black G10 Blade Material: 154CM Sheath: Black Custom-Fitted Kydex Date Available: Now Inside Edge: Handcrafted by Boker USA in Denver, Colorado. Perfect for bushcraft, hunting, survival, trekking, camping & EDC. Also available in a high-visibility orange G10, MagnaCut version. MSRP: $200
Maserin 917 Woodsman
Pattern: Bushcraft Knife Type: Fixed Blade Blade Length: 4.01” Overall Length: 9.21” Weight: 6.35 oz. Blade Grind: Flat Scale: Brown Paper Stone Micarta (Also Available In Green Jute Micarta and Black Denim Jeans Micarta) Blade Material: Nitro X7 Blade Finish: Stone Washed Sheath: Black Italian leather sheath with removable dual belt loop position and hook. Date Available: Now MSRP: $ 215
CRKT Orochi
Knife Type: Folding Knife Lock Type: Frame Lock Blade: Clip Point Blade Length: 3.55″ Overall Length: 8.16″ Liners: Titanium Blade Grind: Flat Scale: Titanium With Damascus Bolster Blade Material: Damascus Date Available: Now Inside Edge: Named after the legendary Japanese serpent and its presence in anime, the Orochi features flowing lines, including a clip point, recurve blade, for balance and precise handling. The knife can be deployed either with discreet flipper tab, mirroring the custom knife its inspired by, or by its dual thumbstuds. MSRP: $200
Big Idea Design Ti Manu
Designer: Ken Onion Jr. Overall Length: 7.5” Blade Length: 3.25” Blade Steel: S90V Blade Shape: Modified Drop Point Handles: Grade 5 Titanium Opening: Dual Thumbstuds Date Available: August Inside Edge: All Big Idea Design knives only have 2 screws, The pivot and a screw in the back for the reversible pocket clips. The Ti Manu also was designed to work with both Phosphor bronze washers and bearings. Both options will be included so people can swap them out at will. The lock face is an integrated ceramic ball bearings in lieu of an insert, so it has a super smooth travel and lockup. MSRP: $250
Civivi Knives Kitefin
Knife Type: Folding Lock Type: Button Lock Blade Length: 3.22″ Overall Length: 7.52″ Blade Grind: Hollow Scale: Aluminum Blade Material: Damascus (14C28N option also available) Date Available: Now MSRP: $110
Halfbreed Blades MILF-05
Action: Flipper Folder Carry: Pocket Clip Designer: Jonathan Loftes Lock Type: Frame Lock Blade Steel: CPM S35VN Blade Grind: V Blade Edge: Plain Edge & Partially Serrated options Blade & Handle Finish: PVD Coated Blade Style: Spear Point Blade Length: 3.54″ Handle Material: 420J2 Stainless Steel frame, liner, spacers; G10 scale Washers: Phosphor Bronze Overall Length Open: 8.26″ Date Available: Now Inside Edge: The MILF-05 comes pre-set with a firm action; this can be adjusted for speed via the Torx head pivot point. MSRP: $240
Bear OPS Load Out
Pattern: Drop Point Knife Type: Folder Blade Length: 3.5” Overall Length: 8” Closed Length: 4.5” Lock Type: Liner Lock Handle: Aluminum Blade Material: 14C28N Sandvik Date Available: Now Inside Edge: Made in Alabama with assisted opening, reversible pocket clip and ball bearing washers. MSRP: $110
Liong Mah Design SFD-Small Field Duty
Pattern: Drop Point Knife Type: Folder Blade Length: 3” (2.6” cutting edge) Overall Length: 6.75” Liners: Steel Blade Grind: Flat Scale: Titanium Blade Material: CPM MagnaCut Date Available: August Inside Edge: Hand rubbed satin finish on the blade. MSRP: $278
Browning Knives Stormy Pass Fixed Small
Pattern: Drop Point Knife Type: Fixed Blade Blade Length: 3.5” Overall Length: 7.75” Blade Grind: Hollow Scale: Hidden Tang Wood Blade Material: Damascus Sheath: Leather Date Available: Now Knife To Know: Stainless Guard with black Micarta spacer. MSRP: $140
Bear Edge Light Grey Aluminum Folder
Pattern: Drop Point Knife Type: Folder Blade Length: 3” Overall Length: 7” Lock Type: Liner Lock Handle: Aluminum Blade Material: 440 Stainless Steel Weight: 3.2 oz. Date Available: Now MSRP: $43
Straightline EDC Ally
Knife Type: Fixed Blade Blade Length: 2.68” Overall Length: 5.98” Blade Grind: Flat Scale: 3D Milled Bronze Anodized Gr. 5 Titanium Blade Material: M390 Blade Finish: Black PVD + Stonewash Sheath: Black Leather Sheath With Magnets Inside Edge: Igor Bortolussi, founder of the company, named the knife after his daughter Allegra and its design is based on a drawing she made when she was 4 years old. She’s 9 now. Date Available: Now MSRP: $249
SOG Specialty Knife & Tool Kiku XR
Pattern: Tanto Knife Type: Folder Blade Length: 3.03” Closed Length: 4.30” Lock Type: XR Lock Handle: Fatcarbon Carbon Fiber Blade Material: CTS XHP Date Available: Now Inside Edge: Reversible low-carry belt clip with XR Lock, thumb hole, kick opening mechanism. MSRP: $400
BLACKHAWK Garra Fixed Karambit
Pattern: Karambit Knife Type: Fixed-Blade Blade Length: 3.25” Overall Length: 8” Handle: Black Zytel Blade Material: D2 Tool Sheath: Kydex Date Available: Now Inside Edge: Comes with conceal carry holster, removable Kydex sheath. MSRP: $160
Camillus Knives Heater Mini
Pattern: Drop Point Knife Type: Neck Knife Blade Length: 1.5” Overall Length: 3” Blade Grind: Plain Handle: G10 Blade Material: 3CR13 Sheath: Kydex Date Available: Now MSRP: $19
Pattern: American Tanto Lock Type: Button Lock Blade Length: 3.25″ Overall Length: 7.75″ Liners: Brass Bearing With Ceramic Ball Blade Grind: Flat Scale: Titanium Scales & Clip Blade Material: VG10/Copper Damascus, With Copper Pivot Date Available: Now MSRP: $170
Winkler Knives Drop Point Hunter
Pattern: Drop Point Knife Type: Fixed Blade Blade Length: 4” Overall Length: 8.625” Blade Grind: Flat Scale: Walnut Blade Material: 80CrV2 Sheath: Lined Boltaron with leather cover Date Available: Limited Availability at BLADE Texas 2026 and BLADE Show Atlanta 2026. Publicly Available June. Inside Edge: This knife was designed by combining popular features from several models to create an all-in-one blade tough enough for the hardest tasks yet aesthetically appealing enough for everyday enjoyment. MSRP: $375
Case Knives XR Sod Buster Jr.
Knife Type: Slip-Joint Folder Blade Length: 2.8” Overall Length: 3.625” Weight: 2.1 oz. Blade Grind: Flat Blade Finish: Stonewash Satin Scale: Red, White & Blue Burl G-10 Blade Material: S35VN (Stainless) Inside Edge: This knife will be made in limited quantities. “USA” is lasered into the G-10 on one end. Date Available: Now MSRP: $125
White River Knives S&S 3 Knife Chef Set
Pattern: Chef Set Knife Type: Chef, Boning, Paring set Designer: Smith & Sons Blade Length: 7.5″, 5.8″, 3.4″ Overall Length: 12.5″, 9.9″, 7.25″ Blade Grind: Flat Scale: G10 (Richlite) Blade Material: CMP MagnaCut Available: Now Inside Edge: Designed by Smith & Sons and crafted in the U.S.A. by White River Knives, this premium kitchen set includes three essential blades: a 7.5″ Chef Knife, a 5.8″ Boning Knife, and a 3.4″ Paring Knife. Together, they cover nearly every task in the kitchen—from precision prep work to heavier slicing and trimming. Each knife is built from ultra‑durable, highly corrosion‑resistant MagnaCut steel, heat-treated to a remarkable 63–64 HRC for exceptional edge retention and long‑lasting performance. MSRP: $600
Puma Knife Trophy Car Set
Blade Length: 2.8″ (Gut Hook), 2.5” (Caping, Fleshing) Blade Grind: Hollow Ground, Satin Finished Scale: POM Commando Stag (Synthetic Material) Blade Material: 1.4116 German Cutlery Sheath: Rugged Leather Sheath (Holds All Three Knives) Date Available: Now Inside Edge: Purpose-built trophy care kit for hunters—includes a gut hook skinner, caping knife, and fleshing knife with a premium leather sheath to keep the full set organized. Designed to handle skinning, caping, and hide prep cleanly whether you’re in camp or at home, and ideal for getting a trophy ready for the taxidermist. MSRP: $175
DPx HEST F Urban Ti Redeye
Knife Type: Folding Blade Length: 2.9” Overall Length: 6.7” Blade Grind: High Saber Scale: Titanium Blade Material: M390 Date Available: Now Inside Edge: Flipper with red aluminum pivot ring and red backspacer. MSRP: $425
James Brand evolves the Ellis into an ultra-thin, minimalist slip joint multitool.
When The James Brand first introduced the Ellis, it occupied a specific niche: a knife for people who needed a bit more utility than a single blade provides, but who didn’t want the bulk of a traditional multi-tool. This latest iteration takes that minimalism to its logical conclusion. By rethinking the architecture of the handle and the clip, the Portland-based design team has produced their thinnest knife to date—a tool that literally measures in thinner than a standard pack of gum.
The core of the redesign centers on the handle and carry system. Moving to 6061 aircraft-grade aluminum scales has allowed for a sleeker, more ergonomic profile that maintains structural integrity while shedding unnecessary width. Perhaps the most significant change is the move to a pen-style pocket clip. This low-profile stainless steel clip mimics the deep-carry nature of a high-end writing instrument, allowing the 0.4-inch thick frame to disappear against the pocket seam.
Functionally, the Ellis remains a versatile companion for the modern EDC enthusiast. The 2.6-inch drop point blade is ground from Sandvik 12C27 stainless steel, a Swedish alloy prized for its corrosion resistance and ease of sharpening. Because it utilizes a non-locking slip joint mechanism and a machined nail slot for two-handed opening, it is a globally-friendly option, compliant with strict carry laws.
Beyond the primary edge, the Ellis features what the company calls its “All Things” pry bar and scraper integrated into the backspacer. This secondary tool is robust enough to handle the tasks that usually ruin a knife tip—turning screws, scraping labels or prying open a cold beverage at the end of the day. Riding on phosphor bronze washers, the deployment is smooth and deliberate, reinforcing the brand’s reputation for clean, intentional industrial design.
Hu takes the Vinland Saga’s famous daggers from screen to steel.
Anime and knifemaking are seldom mentioned in the same sentence. However, with a pair of striking daggers, an online knifemaking sensation has skillfully forged together that creative gap in cold, hard steel.
Jesse Hu is a multiple Forged in Fire champion and a prolific YouTube creator. When his online fans demanded a rendition of Thorfinn’s daggers from the popular animated Vinland Saga series, the adventuresome smith didn’t back down from the challenge. However, he set stringent goals for how he wanted the fictional blades to materialize.
“I have seen a lot of people make their own versions, but I haven’t seen any that truly captured their energy from the anime,” Hu said. “I felt it was possible for me to make a pair of daggers that fans would feel I directly pulled from the screen.”
The results are a spot-on set of daggers boasting 81/2-inch blades of 80CrV2 steel with carved Ringed Gidgee handles and one with a 1/2-inch-thick brass guard. Hu’s carving emulates the animation’s leather-wrapped look. While there is little actual Viking in the daggers’ overall design, the maker’s choice of wood for the handles did inadvertently bring a touch of the historic accuracy to the fantasy knives.
“One thing I discovered from a friend was that there were a bunch of carved wooden handles on Viking-era blades,” Hu related. “But I only heard about this after I had finished the daggers.”
Hu estimates he put two weeks of work into his rendition of Thorfinn’s daggers. In the end, the project was a labor of love, with Hu compensating himself by keeping the daggers. (Jesse Hu image)
The greatest challenge in bringing the two-dimensional blades into the physical world came from the inconsistency of the source material. In the anime series, Thorfinn’s daggers can change from scene to scene, forcing Hu to hit a moving target.
“Some pictures made the handle look rectangular in cross section as opposed to ovular; some made the central fuller look really thin and others quite thick,” he said. “I had to pick and choose from all these images to create something that felt accurate to all of them.”
Studying frames from the series and interpreting how the ink daggers’ ratios translate to steel was a painstaking process. Hu estimates he invested two weeks bringing the anime knives to life. Given the dedicated following of Vinland Saga, he figured the time invested would have paid off—had he not decided to keep them for himself.
“A cool piece doesn’t always mean a smart business decision,” he quipped.
Check Out More Cool Customs:
Cool Custom: Tony Lewis’ Tribute Knife To Steve Dunn
Cool Customs: Rocco Nawrocki’s Knife For Sergeant Bunker
Staying Sharp With The 13th Annual BLADE University.
Knifemaking is a never-ending journey of exploration and learning, making the 13th Annual BLADE University a must-attend event. Delving into topics from up leveling your knife business acumen to unveiling the secrets of new knife steel and leather sheath creation, the U is where you get your PhD in sharps.
BLADE University runs in conjunction with the 45th Annual BLADE Show, June 5-9 at the Cobb Galleria Centre in Atlanta. However, there are some wrinkles to where the classes will be held this year. Given the convention center is undergoing renovations, all BLADE U classes have been moved to rooms in the adjoining Renaissance Atlanta Waverly Hotel.
BLADE University assembles some of the world’s best knifemakers, bladesmiths and other cutlery and steel professionals to teach a wide range of subjects for the knife user, knifemaker, knife hobbyist, knife entrepreneur, knife designer, knife aficionado and novice alike. If you love knives or are just beginning to, BLADE University has a topic for you. The complete course schedule, with subjects, teachers, times and venues:
Thursday, June 5
The Art of Selling, Tom Krein, 4-5 p.m., Wilton Room—A long-time maker of utilitarian fixed blades and folders, Tom Krein will outline what a knifemaker who is serious about selling knives should do and how he/she should behave behind a knife show exhibitor table. Table etiquette, sales and customer relations strategies and more are just some of the subjects Tom will cover. The class will be held the day before the BLADE Show begins so attendees can put some of Tom’s recommendations into practice during the main event Friday through Sunday.
The “Designing Knives” class has award-winning knifemaker Jens Anso sharing his approach to knife design, including how he thinks about form and function, the tools he uses and where he finds inspiration.
Pro-Critique Panel, Rick Dunkerley/Karis Fisher/ Richard Rogers/Mike Quesenberry, Noon-1 p.m., Wilton Room—Have a panel of award-winning knifemakers share their decades of knowledge and experience in critiquing your custom knife. An expert panel to include: Rick Dunkerley, Karis Fisher, Mike Quesenberry and Richard Rogers, will go over every square inch of your knife and tell you what is good about it, what is not and how you can make it better. Bring one knife only. Questions from attendees will be entertained throughout.
Damascus Appreciation, Mareko Maumasi, Noon-1 p.m., Grand Ballroom 3—Mareko Maumasi will break down the processes for developing numerous damascus patterns, helping makers and collectors alike appreciate the skill and talent required to create the most unique and enigmatic patterns in the world.
Why Does It Look Wonky?, Evan Nicolaides/Daniel Keown, 1-2 p.m., Grand Ballroom 4—Award winning custom slipjoint makers Evan Nicolaides of Esnyx Knives and Daniel Keown provide insight on slipjoint design theory from modern and traditional perspectives, and how to strive for a timeless design.
Factors that Affect Edge Retention, Larrin Thomas, 1:30-2:30 p.m., Grand Ballroom 3—Edge retention can be one of the most mysterious aspects of knives. Which factors are most important? Dr. Larrin Thomas delves into the effects of edge geometry, sharpening, steel type, heat treatment and more. Not only will he discuss this important and often misunderstood facet of knives, but he’ll also present results of real experiments on the topic. Even end users can greatly improve edge retention by optimizing sharpening and geometry. The good doctor will show how.
Leveling Up As A Knifemaker, Jason Knight, 2:30-3:30 p.m., Grand Ballroom 4—Led by Jason Knight, the seminar covers essential steps for improving the craft through bladesmithing, stock removal or hybrid methods. Beyond the workbench, the discussion addresses the business of knives, detailing effective marketing and identifying the best sales venues. Attendees will learn to streamline production and position their work to attract serious buyers, providing a guide to turning a passion for knifemaking into a professional venture.
Hands-on Sharpening, Work Sharp, 3:30-4:30 p.m., Wilton Room—Join Work Sharp for a hands-on class that teaches the fundamentals of knife sharpening. They’ll break down the science behind the edge, covering angles, abrasives and grit progression. Then, you’ll get time to practice sharpening your own knife using a Work Sharp-provided sharpener. Bring a favorite (non-serrated) blade and learn to create a razor-sharp edge with confidence. Work Sharp’s expert instructors will guide you step by step—so you leave with sharp skills and sharper knives.
Leather Sheaths: Crafting World-Class Sheaths The SoulBound Way, Sarah Blakeley, 4:30-5:30 p.m., Grand Ballroom 4—A world-class blade deserves more than a generic carry system. Join Sarah Blakeley, the professional force behind SoulBound Leather, to elevate your cutlery with elite leatherwork. This masterclass strips away the guesswork of construction, teaching you the mechanical foundations of a perfect carry. Learn to select ideal hides and accurately measure any knife profile for a secure, “click-fit” every time. From high-end finishing to durable hand-stitching, Sarah provides the blueprint for heirloom-quality results that complement the world’s premier blades.
Saturday, June 7
Jason Knight’s “Leveling Up As A Knifemaker” teaches makers how to streamline production and position their work to attract serious buyers, providing a guide to turning a passion for knifemaking into a professional venture.
Elevating Your Handle Appearance: Spine Filework, Handle Shapes, and Pin Placement, Kyle Daily, 8:30-9:30 a.m., Grand Ballroom 1—Enhance the appearance of your knife with unique features that go far beyond standard production models! Knifemaker Kyle Daily from KHDaily Knives guides you through the intricate art of filework on the spine, while also sharing insights into handle design and the pin placement on your handle. Discover Kyle’s preferred files and specialized equipment for crafting his five most popular filework patterns, ensuring your knife not only looks exceptional but also feels comfortable and functional. From laying out your pattern to a step-by-step tutorial, this class provides the essential knowledge to achieve a professional and eye-catching finish. A Q&A session at the end will ensure you leave with the skills and knowledge to take your knifemaking to the next level. Your customers will undoubtedly be impressed, asking, “WOW! How did you do that?”
Frame Handle Knife Construction (Discussion & Technical Presentation), Mike Quesenberry, 9:30-10:30 a.m., Grand Ballroom 2—This class is a discussion-based seminar supported by a detailed PowerPoint presentation designed for makers looking to elevate their knife-making skills. This course shows the process from beginning to end, while exploring proper sequencing and design considerations that define a well-constructed frame handle knife. Students will leave with a clear conceptual roadmap for executing frame handle construction in their own shops, along with a deeper understanding of the discipline and design philosophy behind this method.
The Art of Discovery, Steve Schwarzer, 10:30-11:30 a.m., Grand Ballroom 1—Join ABS master smith Steve Schwarzer for an exploration of the invention process and the evolution of modern pattern welding. This seminar offers a rare look into the methodology Schwarzer used to pioneer techniques currently utilized by bladesmiths worldwide. A central highlight is the discovery of 3D-printed damascus, a breakthrough born from a 1980s technical error and realized through collaborative research. Attendees will learn to adapt industrial-scale concepts for a home shop, repurposing existing tools to achieve high-level results. Beyond the technical, Schwarzer will lead a forum on the ethics of sharing ideas, professional trust, and the necessity of proper attribution. This session is designed for makers who believe we have only just scratched the surface of damascus as an art form.
Designing Knives – Philosophy, Tools, and Inspiration, Jens Anso, 11:30-12:30 p.m., Grand Ballroom 2—Award-winning knifemaker Jens Anso shares his approach to knife design, including how he thinks about form and function, the tools he uses and where he finds inspiration. With decades of experience in the industry, he’s developed a clear design philosophy that balances aesthetics, ergonomics and real-world usability. He explains his workflow, from sketching and CAD modeling, to prototyping and refining details. His goal is to provide insight into the design process and share practical takeaways for makers and enthusiasts who want to push their work further.
The Last 10%: Where Good Knives Fail and Great Knives Begin, Neels van den Berg, 12:30-1:30 p.m., Grand Ballroom 1—Warning: This talk will permanently ruin how you look at your own knives. The difference between good and great is not talent. It is the last 10 percent, and most makers lose it without even realizing it. Your lines drift. Your transitions soften. Your symmetry lies to you. And you call it done. ABS Master Smith Neels van den Berg dissects the subtle inconsistencies in geometry, flow and finish that quietly separate respectable work from undeniable craftsmanship. You will learn why makers plateau, how to spot the blind spots you have trained yourself to ignore, and how to build a ruthless system that forces your work to level up. If you are comfortable with good enough, skip this. If you want your knives to stand out in a room full of makers, show up ready to have your standards reset.
Damascus Pattern Flow, Mareko Maumasi, 2-3 p.m., Grand Ballroom 1—Mareko Maumasi discusses his approach to anticipating mosaic damascus pattern expansion as well as various blade forging techniques that can be used to influence material flow to enhance the presentation of Damascus patterns.
Hands on Sharpening, Work Sharp, 2:15-3:15 p.m., Wilton Room—Join Work Sharp for a hands-on class that teaches the fundamentals of knife sharpening. They’ll break down the science behind the edge, covering angles, abrasives, and grit progression. Then, you’ll get time to practice sharpening your own knife using a Work Sharp-provided sharpener. Bring a favorite (non-serrated) blade and learn to create a razor-sharp edge with confidence. Their expert instructors will guide you step by step—so you leave with sharp skills and sharper knives.
What is Coming Next for Knife Steel?, Larrin Thomas, 4-5 p.m., Grand Ballroom 1—What is possible for knife steel in the future? Dr. Larrin Thomas will look at what is next. New knife steel continues to be released, including Dr. Thomas’ MagnaMax, a steel in the same family as MagnaCut that boasts a higher edge retention. Dr. Thomas will discuss what new steels are worth looking into for knifemakers and knife buyers. He’ll also explore which existing knife steels are still underrated.
CIVIVI Dracolisk aims to help you master the balisong flip without the sting.
Balisong flipping has evolved from a niche martial art into a high-speed skill sport, where the fluid motion of the handles is just as important as the steel between them. For those looking to enter the world of butterfly knives, the barrier to entry is often the steep learning curve—and the inevitable nicks that come with it. CIVIVI is addressing this head-on with the Dracolisk, a dedicated trainer designed to offer a authentic flipping experience without the risk of a live edge.
The Dracolisk represents CIVIVI’s first foray into the balisong market, and they have chosen to focus exclusively on the practice-friendly format. The 4.57-inch blade is crafted from 9Cr18MoV stainless steel, featuring a stonewashed finish and a dramatic clip point profile. While the “edge” is completely dull, the blade is ground and weighted to mimic the physics of a live blade, ensuring that the muscle memory developed during practice translates accurately to a real knife later on.
Mechanical simplicity is a hallmark of a good trainer, and the Dracolisk delivers with a latch-less construction. This design choice provides clean lines and eliminates the common annoyance of a latch interfering with handles during complex aerials or rollovers. The handles themselves are machined from lightweight aluminum with a 3D anti-slip texture, providing a secure grip even during high-intensity sessions.
Under the hood, CIVIVI opted for bronze washers at the pivots. While many modern folders utilize ball bearings, washers are often preferred in the balisong community for their predictable, smooth drag and long-term durability under the constant impact of flipping. At 4.18 ounces, the Dracolisk sits in the “sweet spot” for many flippers—heavy enough to carry momentum through transitions, but light enough to avoid fatigue.
Whether you are a seasoned flipper looking for a safe way to test new combos or a beginner starting from scratch, the Dracolisk provides a professional-grade platform to hone your skills.
TOPS Offers Surface-Level Performance, Subsurface Strength In Pair Of Water-Focused Blades.
For years, the dive knife market has been saturated with “emergency only” gear—tools often made from low-grade stainless steel that prioritize corrosion resistance at the total expense of edge retention. TOPS Knives is challenging that status quo with a dual-release born from their annual Employee Design Challenge. The Sidekick Diver and the Snake River Rescue represent a shift in philosophy: these are high-performance cutting tools first, engineered to survive the brine while maintaining the surgical bite expected of a professional blade.
Both models utilize N690 stainless steel, a cobalt-enriched alloy known for its ability to hold a fine edge and resist the aggressive nature of saltwater. To ensure these blades could handle real-world neglect, TOPS subjected prototypes to high-salinity brine soaks, allowing them to air-dry without rinsing—a “torture test” designed to mimic the exact conditions where most dive gear fails.
The Sidekick Diver, designed by Ana Espinoza, is a formidable 11.25-inch tool tailored for the spearfisherman. With a 5.75-inch blade featuring a fine tip and an integrated spine-mounted line cutter, it is built for the precision tasks of dispatching fish and clearing entangled lines. The contoured gray and black G10 handles are sized for a locked-in grip, whether you are bare-handed or wearing thick neoprene gloves.
In contrast, the Snake River Rescue, designed by Jon Garcia, serves the needs of SCUBA and rescue professionals. It features a blunt safety tip to prevent accidental punctures in high-stress, low-visibility underwater environments. The high-visibility yellow and black G10 scales ensure the tool is easy to locate if dropped, while an extended metal pommel serves as a functional tank tapper for signaling and monitoring air supply. Its dual-edge geometry, featuring a 2.5-inch fully serrated section on the spine, is specifically tuned for sawing through heavy rope and netting.
Both knives are finished in a Black Traction Coating for added protection and ship with a secure Kydex sheath. By moving away from the “disposable” mindset of traditional dive gear, TOPS has delivered a pair of aquatic workhorses built to be used, sharpened, and relied upon long after the first dive.
