When it comes to crafting a knife, Pat Antuzzi works one flake at a time.
“What I do is go back to the Stone Age,” Pat Antuzzi says of his knapped obsidian knives. He has been knapping blades for almost a quarter century.
In that time he has found the best of the best obsidian to be the royal Mexican variety from the state of Jalisco in Mexico, a variety that’s basically been mined out. He used the material for the blade of his straight-edged fixed blade, as well as Portoro marble from Italy for the handle. But it’s the royal Mexican obsidian itself and how it’s knapped that are the keys.
“Every indentation you see on the blade is one flake removal from [the obsidian], and if it’s done right, you’re going to see it one flake after the other, just like the ancients would’ve done it,” he explained. “It’s wicked sharp.”
Hand-Knapped Fixed Blade Specs Maker: Pat Antuzzi Blade length: Not quite 5” Blade material: Mexican gold obsidian volcanic glass from Jalisco, Mexico Handle material: Portoro marble from Italy Overall length: 9.5” Maker’s price for a similar knife: N/A
Take your pick of contemporary tactical and utilitarian cutters, custom & factory.
The new year is here and makers are hard at work in their forges and factory lines turning out new knives. We collected a bevvy of them, both custom and production, to kick off the coming year and continue to build out your wish list.
Ramm Bladesmithing Wapiti Hunter
Knife name: Wapiti Hunter Knife type: Fixed blade Blade length: 4.5” Blade material: O1 tool steel Blade grind: Flat Blade finish: Parkerized Handle: Black canvas Micarta® Guard: Bronze Overall length: 8.5” Sheath: By Peyton Ramm Knife to know: Peyton Ramm is an ABS journeyman smith Maker’s price for a similar knife and sheath: $700 Maker:Ramm Bladesmithing LLC (SharpByCoop image)
Dark Water Knives Tactical Hunter
Knife type: Tactical hunter Blade length: 5.25” Blade steel: CPM 154 stainless Blade grind: Flat Blade finish: Satin Handle material: Black G-10 w/red G-10 liner Overall length: 10.5” Sheath: Sedgwick bridle leather hand stitched w/linen thread Knife to know: Thanks to the exaggerated heirloom fit, the scales are left .059 to .078” larger than the tang instead of the usual slight oversize Maker’s price for a similar knife and sheath: $270 at press-time exchange rate Maker: Dark Water Knives (Rod Hoare image)
Don Sylvest Fat Bubba Skinner
Knife name: Fat Bubba Skinner Knife type: Fixed blade Blade length: 3.25” Blade steel: CPM 154 stainless Blade grind: Flat Blade finish: Stonewash Handle: Coyote Ultrex Overall length: 7.75” Maker’s price for a similar knife: $330 (includes a basic sheath) Maker: Don Sylvest (Jocelyn Frasier image)
Model: M-44 Knife type: Fixed-blade hunter Blade length: 4” Blade steel: Damascus Handle: Water buck horn Bolster: Stainless steel Overall length: 8.25” Sheath: Leather pouch belt model by Daniel Gallegos Maker’s price for a similar knife and sheath: $800 Maker:J. McClure Knives (SharpByCoop image)
Coast Founder’s Series Origin Tanto
Knife name: Founder’s Series Origin Tanto Knife type: Flipper folder Blade length: 3.35” Blade steel: 9Cr18MoV stainless Blade pattern: Tanto Blade finish: Glass bead blast w/black titanium nitride coating Handle: Stainless steel Lock: Framelock Pocket clip: Yes Knife to know: All-steel construction Country of origin: China MSRP: $49.99 Company: Coast
Australian and New Zealand Knifemaking 2025
Content: Profiles of top Down Under knifemakers, including leading lady makers, and stories on the mental health bennies of knifemaking, the Australian Knifemakers Guild, Australian Knife Art Association, New Zealand Blade Art Association, the ABS and knife shows, directories and more Format: 8.25 x 11.5” full-color paperback on slick paper; hundreds of pictures by some of the world’s top knife photographers; 288 pages MSRP: $46 at press-time exchange rate Publisher:Hoare Publishing/Rod Hoare Knife Images
Knife name: Prybrid Utility Clip Burnt Orange Knife type: Replaceable blade multi-tool Tools: Standard replaceable utility blade, stainless pry bar, nail puller, wire stripper, small and large flathead drivers, bottle opener and cord cut notch Handle: Glass-filled nylon Pocket clip: Yes Weight: 3.1 ozs. Width: 1.25” Overall length: 4.25” Knife to know: Dual-ended design and keychain for easy access MSRP: $16 Country of origin: USA Company:Gerber
GiantMouse ACE Biblio XL
Knife name: ACE Biblio XL Knife type: Flipper folder Blade length: 3.2” Blade steel: CPM MagnaCut stainless Rockwell hardness: 62 HRC Blade finish: Satin Blade @thickest: .138” Handle: Textured titanium Lock: Linerlock Backspacers: Brass Clip: Wire, reversible Weight: 5 ozs. Closed length: 4.375” Knife to know: Biblio is the name of the Williamsburg, Brooklyn, bar where the idea for the knife was conceived Country of origin: Italy MSRP: $295 Company:GiantMouse
Steven Bryan Baron Fighter
Knife: Baron Fighter Blade length: 10” Blade material: 80CrV2 carbon steel Handle material: Flash weathered maple Bolster: Oil-seasoned pipe collar Overall length: 16” Knife to know: Steven Bryan is an ABS journeyman smith Maker’s price for a similar knife: Contact maker for pricing Maker:Steven Bryan (Jocelyn Frasier image)
We collected a group of custom creations that showcase the leaps in synthetic handles.
When you think synthetic handle materials, factory knives probably come to mind. However, synthetics play a larger role in custom knives all the time. Synthetic handles don’t swell or crack from the elements like some natural materials and are outstanding for use. As reflected by the pieces on this and the facing page, they look pretty good, too.
Darriel Caston Ultem
Ultem comprises the grip of Darriel Caston’s fixed utility model in CPM S35VN stainless steel. Blade and overall lengths: 4 and 9 inches. Sheath: Kydex. (SharpByCoop image)
Michael Jarvis Pocket Bowie XL
A G-10 coffin handle steers the AEB-L stainless blade of the Pocket Bowie XL by Michael Jarvis. (Jocelyn Frasier image)
Dustin Driver WISC
Dustin Driver opts for titanium for the handle and frame of his WISC folder. The 3.5-inch blade is hollow-ground CPM MagnaCut stainless steel. Closed length: 4.5 inches. (SharpByCoop image)
Kirby Lambert Phoenix
Kirby Lambert’s Phoenix folder sports a handle of Westinghouse Ivorite paper Micarta® with 6Al/4V titanium liners and a 3.25-inch blade of hollow-ground Reptilian damascus by Vegas Forge. Bolster: Timascus™. Closed length: 4.25 inches. (SharpByCoop image)
Maverick Murdock Dress Slip Joint
A handle of black paper Micarta® with straight twist damascus bolsters over a brass frame house a 3-inch blade of CPM 154 stainless on ABS apprentice smith Maverick Murdock’s dress slip joint. Hardware: titanium. Closed length: 4 inches. (SharpByCoop image)
Harold Parsons Skinner
Green Micarta® and G-10 liners highlight the handle of a skinner in 440C stainless steel by Harold Parsons, who also engraved the bolster. Blade and overall lengths: 4.25 and 9 inches. (Jocelyn Frasier image)
Erik Fritz Slip Joint
ABS journeyman smith Erik Fritz chose burlap Micarta® with 416 stainless steel liners and bolsters for what for him is a new direction: a slip joint. The 2.75-inch blade is flat-ground CPM 154 stainless. Closed length: 3.75 inches. His price for a similar knife: $500. (Jocelyn Frasier image)
Jens Ansø to focus efforts on his personal brand, Ansø of Denmark.
It’s an end of an era.
After nearly a decade of collaboration, GiantMouse Knives and Jens Ansø are parting way. As of 2025, Ansø will step back from GiantMouse to focus on growing his personal brand, Ansø of Denmark.
The designer has been a cornerstone of GiantMouse since its founding in 2015. Alongside fellow Danish designer Jesper Voxnaes (Vox) and American entrepreneur Jim Wirth, Ansø co-founded the brand with a mission to create exceptional knives that combine innovative design, premium quality, and fair pricing. His contributions to GiantMouse, particularly his collaborative designs with Voxnaes, have shaped the brand’s identity and earned it a loyal following in the knife-making community.
“This is a natural evolution that allows both GiantMouse and Jens to focus entirely on growing our respective brands, and we’re all excited about what’s ahead,” said Jim Wirth, CEO of GiantMouse, in a press release. “We’re grateful for everything Jens has brought to GiantMouse over the past nine years. As we move forward, Jesper and I are focused on shaping the future of GiantMouse, while Jens will be able to dedicate himself fully to Ansø of Denmark. We’re confident this step will allow both brands to expand in new ways and achieve the unique goals we each hold for our respective visions.”
Jim Wirth, left, a businessman and angel investor, suggested that Danish designers Jesper Voxnaes, middle, and Jens Anso, right, start a new company to produce knives they collaborate on, sharing in profits rather than receiving a royalty percentage.
Ansø expressed similar sentiments, reflecting on his time with the company.
“Co-founding GiantMouse with Jim and Jesper, and collaborating with Jesper on knife designs has been an amazing experience,” he said. “I’m very proud of what we’ve built together over the years. GiantMouse has become a brand that represents quality, innovation, and a strong connection with its community, and I’m honored to have been part of its journey.”
To honor Ansø’s legacy, GiantMouse will continue to credit products co-designed by Voxnaes and Ansø with the “designed by Vox/Ansø” designation in their product descriptions. This decision underscores the importance of their collaborative work and the lasting impact Ansø has had on the company’s success.
“We’re proud of what we’ve built together and can’t wait to see what the future holds for both brands,” Wirth added. “This isn’t goodbye—it’s simply the next step forward for all of us.”
With a career spanning over three decades, Ansø has built a legacy of innovative knife designs influenced by his background in industrial design, his love for craftsmanship, and his dedication to learning through trial and error. His passion for the craft and commitment to excellence continue to inspire the knife-making community worldwide.
With a hybrid lock system and a unique aesthetic, Aaron’s Blacksmith Automatic Folder cuts a distinctive profile.
Matt Aaron got the idea for his Blacksmith’s Automatic Folder when he took a friction folder class taught by ABS master smith Nick Rossi.
Matt’s original intent was how to get a more complicated knife with a similar number of parts as a friction folder. He mulled it over with Rossi and others for two or three years and, inspired by Nick and his taco-style friction folder construction approach, arrived at the Blacksmith’s Auto.
The lock is a hybridization of a lockback auto mixed with a little bit of bolster release auto and some of Matt’s own design. The brass lever operates the opening, closing and locking mechanism. The knob at the pivot is not a push button but simply the pivot.
Matt Aaron
Matt forged, folded and cut the lock spring and launch spring out of the initial single, eighth-inch flat piece of mild steel that served as the base for the Rossi taco construction style. The latest batch Aaron’s doing is commercially pure titanium.
Blacksmith’s Automatic Folder Specs Maker: Matt Aaron Blade length: 3” Blade material: 52100 carbon steel Handle: Forged mild steel w/brass lever Pocket clip: Tapered scroll in a blacksmithing ironwork style Closed length: 4” Maker’s price for a similar knife: $500
What the best way to bid adieu to the old year and ring in the new? New knife drops, of course!
The year is almost over, but knife debuts are just heating up. We found a slew of production and custom knives dropped to finish 2024 or slated for release in early 2025. Any way you cut it, these blades are more than enough to get you drooling!
Model: EDC fixed blade Blade length: 3” Blade steel: 440C stainless Rockwell hardness: 59 HRC Blade grind: The “Davis Grind” by the maker Handle material: Black Micarta® w/black and white Micarta spacers Handle pins: 1/16” 440C Overall length: 7” Sheath: Pouch type of tooled leather and rattlesnake inlay Maker’s price for a similar knife and sheath: $400 Knife to know: Matt Davis is an ABS journeyman smith Maker: Matt Davis, daviswacoknives.com (Jocelyn Frasier image)
Adam Gray Micro Bushcrafter
Model: Micro Bushcrafter Blade length: 2.5” Blade steel: CPM 154 stainless Blade grind: Convex saber, what Adam Gray calls sabervex Handle material: Wenge w/yellow G-10 liners Overall length: 5.5” Sheath: By Badgerclaw Outfitters Maker’s price for a similar knife and sheath: $305 Maker: Adam Gray, aaforge.com (Jocelyn Frasier image)
Bear & Son Cutlery D2 Rancher Sideliner
Model name: D2 Rancher Sideliner Knife type: Flipper folder Blade length: 3 3/8” Blade material: D2 tool steel Blade grind: Flat Handle material: India Stag Bone (also in G-10, cocobolo or titanium) Lock: Linerlock Pocket clip: Deep carry Weight: 3 ozs. Closed length: 4.25” Knife to know: Torx screw construction Country of origin: USA MSRP: $95.99-$125.49 Company: Bear & Son Cutlery, bearandsoncutlery.com
RMJ Tactical BUB (Back Up Blade)
Model name: BUB (Back Up Blade) Knife type: EDC push dagger Blade length: 2.5” Blade steel: Nitro-V stainless Rockwell hardness: 58-60 HRC Blade @thickest: .135” Blade finish: Tungsten Cerakote® Handle: G-10 (in three color options) w/Grade 5 titanium fasteners Weight: 3.1 ozs. Overall length: 4 13/16” Sheath: Kydex w/1.5” belt clip Knife to know: The scales remove to expose a skeletal handle Country of origin: USA MSRP: $185 Company: RMJ Tactical, Dept. BL1, rmjtactical.com
James Ingram Linerlock Folder
Knife type: Linerlock folder Blade length: 3” Blade steel: Feather damascus Blade grind: Flat Blade pattern: Harpoon Handle: Mammoth ivory w/titanium liners Frame: Engraved stainless steel Bolster: Stainless Closed length: 4 5/16” Maker’s price for a similar knife: In the $1,500 range Maker: James Ingram
Bobby House Swell-End ack
Pattern: Swell-end jack Knife type: Slipjoint Blade length: 2 5/8” Blade material: Ladder pattern damascus Blade grind: Hollow Blade pattern: Spear point w/long-pull nail nick Backspring material: CPM 154 stainless steel Handle material: Cracked mammoth ivory w/polished acorn shield Bolster: 416 stainless steel Liners: 410 stainless, jewel relieved and soda blasted Approximate closed length: 3 5/8” Maker’s price for a similar knife: $1,650 Maker: Bobby House
Knife name: Bromen Knife type: Flipper folder Blade length: 3.13” Blade material: Mosaic damascus of 1080 carbon and 15N20 nickel-alloy steels Blade grind: Flat Handle material: Emerald paper Micarta® Pocket clip: Yes Closed length: 4.39” Maker’s price for a similar knife: $3,500 Knife to know: The knife is also available in a more subdued mosaic damascus blade and a butterscotch paper Micarta® handle by Lucas Gumbiner Maker’s contact information: Will Stelter/Lucas Gumbiner, willstelterbladesmith.com (SharpByCoop image)
Bob Merz Lockback Folder
Knife type: Lockback folder Blade length: 2.5” Blade steel: CPM 154 stainless Blade grind: Flat Handle material: Mother-of-pearl Bolsters: 416 stainless w/24k-gold-inlaid scroll engraving by Wes Griffin Closed length: 3.5” Maker’s price for a similar knife: $2,300 Maker: Bob Merz, bobmerzknives.com (Jocelyn Fraiser image)
Brian Milinski Folder
Knife type: Folder Blade length: 2.75” Blade material: Damascus of Swedish and German stainless steels Handle material: Mammoth tusk w/anodized and jeweled titanium liners Bolster: Stainless steel scroll engraved by Tyler Poor Thumbstud: Damascus w/mammoth inlay Maker’s price for a similar knife: Contact maker for pricing Knife to know: Brian Milinski is an ABS apprentice smith Maker: Brian Milinski, mrknives.com (Jocelyn Frasier image)
On election eve, BLADE Show West fetes its cutlery constituents.
With a presidential election looming and parts of the USA still in a state of shock after the natural disasters of Hurricanes Helene and Milton, it was a BLADE Show West unlike any other. However, knife people are a hearty lot and many turned out to enjoy the knives and cutlery camaraderie this past October at the Salt Palace Convention Center in Salt Lake City, Utah.
“The environment was good as usual, with lots of excitement,” wrote Jonathan McNees of McNees Knives.
Bladesmith Will Stelter displays his two-handed sword with a wildly undulating blade of mosaic damascus, and Francesca Ritchie holds the scabbard she made of deer hide overlaid with rayskin and hand-dyed American alligator. Francesca carved and underlaid the inside of the scabbard to form fit the curvature of the blade, the imprint of the latter you can see on the outside of the scabbard.
Eddie Johnson of CobraTec echoed Jonathan’s assessment. “As always, the environment was enthusiastic and filled with excitement to see and hold new merchandise,” he commented. “There is nothing like holding that knife you have seen pictures and videos of.”
There were custom and factory knife awards galore, the show’s popular “Let The Pros Critique Your Knife” seminar, the West Coast Flipping Championships conducted by Squid Industries, and much more.
As for those all-important knife and knife accessory sales, it was like most shows: some exhibitors did well, some didn’t and some did OK.
Families were a big part of the show.
“It was a great show,” Pro-Tech headman Dave Wattenberg exclaimed. “We did sell most everything that we brought, strong sales to both retail customers and dealers who attended. It’s very important to have both and this show did work well for retail and dealer dynamics.”
The Pro-Tech models that sold well were a mix.
“New models always do well—the Chaves collaboration did very well,” Dave noted. “Some oldie but goodie models—Godfathers, etc.—also did very well. Our TR-3 Integrity manual folder was a hot ticket for sure.
“We built an amazing group of show specials; they also did very well. It’s important to make some special pieces for the show, not just offer the same thing customers can buy anytime.”
Bladesmith Seth Lopez examines a show patron’s knife while custom knifemaker Shane Magnussen (left) and (from right) maker Jared Oeser and bladesmith Will Stelter look on in the popular show seminar, “Let The Pros Critique Your Knife.”
John Cammenga of another factory cutlery company, White River Knife & Tool, also was pleased with sales.
“We had a very good show,” he remarked. “We had great sales and a dealer took everything we didn’t sell. It’s nice to go home sold out!”
Ernest Emerson of Emerson Knives, Inc., was another who said it was a great show.
“We sold out, with the first day rivaling the BLADE Show in Atlanta,” he opined. Jonathan McNees said his company had a “really good show. We didn’t quite sell out but we brought a lot of knives, so I didn’t expect to. Our folders sold best, but again, that’s to be expected with our customer base.”
While CobraTec sold well, sales were off about 30 percent from their show average over the previous two years.
Gavin Hawk (center, behind the table) makes another sale at the Hawk Knife Designs booth.
“Everyone was concerned over the current economy and its uncertainty with the election approaching,” Eddie Johnson wrote. Nonetheless, he said several CobraTec knives were “good movers, from the Enforcer OTF to the Raptor to the OTF Utility Knife to our Koonsman fixed blade.”
Custom maker Tobin Hill agreed with Johnson’s economy/election observation.
“Talking with other exhibitors, the general consensus was tighter pocketbooks due to economy worries and pre-election jitters,” he wrote. Tobin brought eight knives and sold three—two of his Hill Locks with the rear bolster release and a lockback whittler.
Who Attended BLADE Show West
Like show sales, attendees ran the gamut, from young and old, novice to sophisticated buyers and more.
The top three finishers in the West Coast Flipping Championships celebrate, front row from left: Madi “oximityy” Thomas (3rd), Banks “banksqro” Tracy (1st), and Max “balisongnerd” Wenham (2nd).
“The crowd seemed like a bigger percentage of experienced buyers versus the BLADE Show in Atlanta and BLADE Show Texas,” McNees observed. “We really enjoyed the local crowd. They were extremely friendly and receptive. We got lots of appreciation for coming out.”
The fact that it was the third straight year at the Salt Palace Convention Center seemed to help, too.
“It was good to see repeat customers, so I’m glad we’ve been at the same venue for a few years,” Cammenga wrote.
“There was a nice mix in demographics,” Johnson pointed out. “As always, it is great to see the entire family out enjoying the show. I had several sales to the younger generation with the supervision and guidance of their parents.”
Banks “banksqro” Tracy shows his championship form.
“There was a very healthy mix of already established Pro-Tech enthusiasts as well as first time buyers,” Pro-Tech’s Wattenberg wrote. “It did feel like a smaller crowd than last year, but we did have customers to work with the entire time, so no complaints. I especially love the family atmosphere; there were so many nice people.”
“The crowd seemed an even mix of young and old, several families with kids,” Hill reported. “There were not many ‘sophisticated’ buyers or dealers.”
According to one industry professional, the fewer buyers and dealers than usual from the Eastern USA may have been due to the poor economy and also the aforementioned Hurricanes Helene and Milton that hit shortly before the show.
BLADE Show West Exhibitors
Shows are about contacts, not only among show attendees and exhibitors but among the exhibitors themselves, including factory knife companies and custom makers to broach possible collaborations and other knife deals.
Fixed blades and choppers were among the knives of the day.
“We made good contacts with other makers, including some prominent ones we had not previously met,” McNees wrote. “The size of the show was good for that.” Added Johnson, “The BLADE Show always gives us an opportunity to meet various designers and talk about collaborations.” Wattenberg agreed. “We had a few excellent conversations with makers,” he noted.
West Coast Flipping Championship
The 5th Annual West Coast Flipping Championships conducted by Squid Industries was another rousing packed-house event, with Squid providing cash prizes of $1,000 for first place, $500 for second and $250 for third.
Banks Tracy, aka banksqro, took home the title using a Squid Silver Krake Raken Tanto V3 balisong. Runnerup was Max Wenham, aka balisongnerd, who also used a Squid Silver Krake Raken Tanto V3 balisong. Madi Thomas, aka oximityy, took third with her Squid DT Red Krake Raken Tanto V3 balisong. The top three finishers also won prizes from the events’ gold sponsors.
Two Cutlery Hall of Famers enjoy each other’s company: BLADE® editor Steve Shackleford (left) and heat-treating legend Paul Bos (right).
BLADE SHOW WEST ’25
If you were there, you know; if you weren’t, you need to be. Make it so and plan now to attend next year’s BLADE Show West, Oct. 10-11, once again at the Salt Palace Convention Center in Salt Lake City.
