BLADE Staff, Author at BLADE Magazine

2017 Knife of the Year® Award Winners & Custom Knife Award Winners – BLADE Show

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June 3, 2017

2017 Knife of the Year® Award Winners & Custom Knife Award Winners – BLADE Show

Atlanta, Georgia (June 3, 2017) – Awards recognizing the highest achievement in the custom and factory knife industries were bestowed the evening of Saturday, June 3, 2017, at the BLADE Show in the Cobb Galleria.

2017 BLADE Show Knife of the Year® Award Winners

Representatives from BLADE (www.blademag.com) distributed BLADE Magazine Knife of the Year® awards in 13 categories. Two of the awards—Industry Achievement and Publisher’s—went to a retail knife store and a knife-related organization, respectively, for their contributions to the world of knives.

All entrants in the Knife of the Year® competition were judged on a number of factors, including utility, design, creativity, materials, aesthetics, feel and other traits.

2017 Overall Knife of the Year® – Lionsteel SR-11

Specs

2017 American Made Knife of the Year® – Spartan Blades Kranos

2017 Imported Knife of the Year® – Columbia River Knife & Tool Crossbones

Specs

2017 Most Innovative American Design – Tighe Breaker Integral Automatic, by Brian Tighe & Friends

2017 Most Innovative Imported Design – SOG Baton Q2

Specs

2017 Best Buy of the Year – Kershaw Dividend

Specs

2017 Investor/Collector Knife of the Year® – Pro-Tech Cambria Masterpiece Custom

2017 Manufacturing Quality Award – Lionsteel Knives

2017 Accessory of the Year – Wicked Edge Go

Specs

2017 Knife Collaboration of the Year – FOX Knives MK Ultra (Jason Knight & Doug Marcaida)

2017 Kitchen Knife of the Year® – Kai USA Shun Ayu

Personal/Professional Achievement Awards

The Knife of the Year Awards recognized achievements in knives at the personal and professional levels in the following categories:

Publisher’s Award – Phil Lobred
Industry Achievement Award – Bladesports International
Cutlery Hall-Of-Fame© Inductees – Les de Asis & Jim Batson

2017 BLADE Show Custom Knife Winners

The 2017 BLADE Show Custom Knife Award Winners were also announced on Saturday, June 3, 2017, at the Cobb Galleria in Atlanta.

Best in Show: CAS & Sam Lurquin collaboration
Best New Maker: Phil Jacob
Most Innovative Design: Grace Horne
Best Fixed Blade: CAS
Best Damascus: Mike Deibert
Best Bowie: Jean-Louis Regel
Best Folder: Glenn Waters
Best Fighter: Josh Fisher
Best Handle Design: Ben Seward
Best Miniature: Glenn Waters
Best of the Rest: Lloyd Studios
Best Utility Hunter: Wess Barnhill
Best Tactical Folder: Brian Nadeau
Best Sword: Ron Chen
Best Collaboration: CAS & Sam Lurquin
Best Art Knife: David Broadwell

About BLADE Show

The BLADE Show is the world’s largest, most important knife show, and has taken place every year since 1982 and in Atlanta since 1992. Upwards of 1,000 exhibitors from more than 20 countries display their knives and knife-related items over a three-day cutlery celebration that also features BLADE University knife seminars, knife auctions, custom knife awards, celebrity appearances and much more.

About BLADE

BLADE® Magazine (www.blademag.com) is the world’s No.1 knife publication. It is also the world’s oldest knife magazine, publishing its first issue in 1973. In conjunction with the BLADE Show, it has sponsored the Knife of the Year® Awards annually since 1982. The awards are the most coveted honors in the factory knife industry and are voted on by the booth exhibitors at the BLADE Show, who this year number more than 200. Only BLADE Show booth exhibitors are eligible to enter.

The BLADE Show and BLADE Magazine are the properties of F+W of Cincinnati, Ohio.

See 40 Years of Knives that Changed the World

BLADE collected the very best factory and custom knives into two digital collections to showcase the blades that changed the edged world forever. Click a cover to grab yours today.

BLADE Show, Day 1: The World’s Greatest Knife Show

BLADE Show

BLADE Staff

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June 2, 2017

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BLADE Show, Day 1: The World’s Greatest Knife Show

If the first day of BLADE Show 2017 could be summed up in one word, it’d be “the line.” That’s actually two words, but it’s fitting for the enormous early turnout of knife enthusiasts waiting for the doors to open. Never before has the line gone literally out the door, and into the parking lot, and probably crossed a few state lines.

Make no mistake, folks. The world of knives is alive and well, and beating expectations on every front. The official tallies will be made later, but this must’ve been a record. A first for a Friday!

Here’s what the show floor looked like moments after the doors opened:

The view from the top of #bladeshow pic.twitter.com/fZ4soHpW29

— Blade Magazine (@BladeMagazine) June 2, 2017

In fact, it was a show full of firsts. How could it not be with the length of those lines? There’s bound to be a few newbies in there.

BLADE Show first-timer Erin Healy, BLADE‘s new managing editor, cut her teeth with a cool Kit Carson sword find. Did you know Kit Carson made swords? Well, now you do.

The learning didn’t stop there. BLADE University opened up a whole new world of knifemaking to attendees with not one, not two, but three classes on knife grinding. Instructors also zeroed in on how to select blade steel, making knives from simple tools, selecting an edge style and more.

How to grind knives for knifemaking — Tom Krein dishes the dirt on knife grinding secrets. He conducted three well-attended sessions.

The Knife of the Year entrants went on display outside of the main show floor this year, as they did for the past few. This not only made it easier to check out these incredible knives, it put some of the best knives in the world front and center for first-time show goers. They’re the first knives they see when they arrive. What could be better?

Best custom knives — Glenn Klecker puts the finishing touch on his display with a pencil eraser before submitting to the Knife of the Year Awards. Knifemakers want their works to look their best, and it shows at every booth and table at BLADE Show.

A second day of all of that and then some, that’s what. Tomorrow will be full of more knife events, and the Knife of the Year Awards will be announced. Online ticket registration is closed, but you can still find BLADE Show information at bladeshow.com.

Featured Knife: Skinner from Ridgeline Knife Works

Featured Knives

BLADE Staff

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February 23, 2017

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Best Skinning Knives — This skinning knife is ready for hard work. It’s made in the USA with USA materials. (Ridgeline photo)

The Skinner from Ridgeline Knife Works was designed with a big skinning belly in the 3-inch blade (think back to the old Dexter skinners), without sacrificing the ability to cut tendons and gut.

The G10 handle provides comfort regardless of the way the knife is held, and jimping adds additional finger grip. With a skeletonized full tang and no heavy bolsters or pommel, the weight is about 5 ounces — just enough to feel good in your hand.

Whether you choose the traditional route with D2 or opt for the advanced S35-VN stainless steel, you can count on a knife that will keep its edge through the job, and the next.

Even better, the knife is made in the USA from USA materials.

“I started this company because I saw a distinct lack of knives that were actually designed for what we do as hunters,” said Zack Waddle, Ridgeline owner. “As an engineer I believe that there should be a knife available to outdoors enthusiasts that has every detail engineered to make tasks faster, more comfortable, and well, more fun.”

Here’s where to get this and other Ridgeline knives.

Holiday Gift Guide for Knife Collectors, Enthusiasts and Makers

Knife Collecting

BLADE Staff

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November 30, 2016

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Holiday Gift Guide for Knife Collectors, Enthusiasts and Makers

The best gift ideas for knife collectors, enthusiasts and makers can be found at ShopBlade.com. If you’re not familiar with the world of knives and aren’t sure where to start, this is the guide for you. And if you are, we at BLADE won’t cut you short with these suggestions for your own gift list.

For New and Established Knifemakers

Christmas ideas make knives — Want to learn how to make knives, or how to make them even better? This book is a great place to start.

Many books claim to show readers how to make knives, but only one is trusted enough to have three editions with full-color photos. BLADE’s Guide to Making Knives, 3rd Edition is new for 2016, and it’ll be a sure hit with any knifemaker, from the garage tinkerer to the knife show pro.

Get BLADE’s Guide to Making Knives, 3rd Edition from ShopBlade.com at a terrific price.

* Also recommended: 101 Knife Designs.

For Casual or Experienced Knife Collectors

Best price best knife book about knives — Knives 2017 is a great gift idea for someone who collects knives.

For 37 years, knife collectors have looked forward to the latest editions of Knives, the annual book published by BLADE. Knives 2017 is the newest in this long tradition, and it’s can’t-miss material for the knife collector on your list.

While the in-depth features are interesting to read, and the custom knifemaker directory is second to none, it’s the beautiful photography that makes this book stand out year after year. Vibrant, full-color photos of the hottest custom knives on the planet receive the white glove treatment in this handsome tome. It’s as at home in the shop as it is on the coffee table.

Get Knives 2017 from ShopBlade.com here.

For the Armed and Prepared Person

Knives can mean many things to many people, but their use as self-defense tools is undisputed. If the knife enthusiast on your list takes being prepared for the unthinkable seriously, there’s only one DVD you need to consider.

Make Ready with James Williams: Continuing Solutions to Edged Weapons is simply one of the best guides on self-defense with a knife available. Williams is a regular presenter at the BLADE Show, and his insights are second to none.

Get Make Ready with James Williams: Continuing Solutions to Edged Weapons here for 56% off the regular price.

For Someone You’re Unsure About

Book about whittling with knives — Learn how to whittle.

It happens. The knife nut on your list either has everything already or doesn’t seem to need to anything in the first place. Fortunately, there’s a book that fits the bill.

Whittling Twigs & Branches is an unexpected find that cracks open the world of whittling with knives. There’s a surprising amount of information to learn about this topic. This includes how to carve roosters, herons, pheasants, roadrunners, flowers, trees and letter openers from ordinary twigs and branches.

Get Whittling Twigs & Branches here from ShopBlade.com for less than $10.

For the Person with Too Many Knives

Best gifts for knife collectors — Here’s how to store your knives.

After conducting extensive and highly scientific research, 10 out of 10 knife experts agree: there’s no such thing as too many knives. However, there is such a thing as not having enough storage.

That’s why BLADE‘s exclusive 18-pocket knife roll is the perfect gift. Not only does it keep folding knives secure, it rolls up for efficient storage. Its strong yet flexible material keeps out dirt, moisture, light, pollutants and more.

The only place to get BLADE‘s 18-pocket knife roll is at ShopBlade.com.

Also recommended: Quick Release oil and applicator.

For Someone Just Starting Out in Knives

Christmas Holiday Gift Guide Knives — The CRKT Endorser is a great gift for someone new to knife collecting.

That knife collection isn’t going to build itself. Help a new collector along with this terrific CRKT Endorser folding knife. It’s the right mix between price (it’s a bargain for you) and features (it’s a respectable knife for them).

Dimensions

Open Overall Length: 7.31 inches
Closed Length: 4.17 inches
Weight: 3.2 ounces

Blade

Length: 3.18 inches
Thickness: 0.1 inches
Material: 8Cr14MoV
Blade-HRC: 58-59
Finish: Satin
Grind: Hollow
Style: Drop Point
Edge: Plain

Handle

Material: G10

Lock

Type: Locking Liner

Get the CRKT Endorser from ShopBlade.com for just $24.99.

* Also recommended: CRKT Swindle, designed by Ken Onion.

For the Ultimate Knife Collector

Best knife gifts — A top-of-the-line gift for a top-of-the-line knife collector.

If the collector on your list is serious about knives, make a big impression with the Famars Piccolo Aluminum Black Model A with Damascus Blades knife. From the description:

The world’s first pinless sidelock knife. Anodized aluminum body. Standard blade and tanto blade in 416 layered damascus steel.

This is one knife that your lucky recipient won’t soon forget. Get it here from ShopBlade.com.

* Also recommended: Klecker Knives Titanium KLAX Lumberjack.

Best Knives for Hunting: Deer & Deer Hunting Clip Point Knife

Featured Knives

BLADE Staff

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November 16, 2016

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Best Knives for Hunting: Deer & Deer Hunting Clip Point Knife

Note: Click this link to purchase the knife, available only at ShopBlade.com. The knife is no longer available at ShopDeerHunting.com.

Best knives for deer hunting — Deer & Deer Hunting knows what makes the best deer hunting knives. When it found one that met the criteria, it put its name on it. Then it made three versions of it.

BLADE‘s media sister over on the deer hunting side is Deer & Deer Hunting, and you can imagine that it knows a thing or two about knives. Deer & Deer Hunting editors recognize how a dependable blade makes all the difference. When you need a knife, you need a knife.

That’s why BLADE was thrilled to hear that Deer & Deer Hunting partnered with the American Knife Company to produce an exclusive line of hunting knives. Here are the must-know details straight from the editors themselves:

Emblazoned with the DDH logo right on the blade, this classic design puts a modern twist on an old favorite of deer camps across North America.

Micarta handles offer a firm grip in slippery conditions common to bad weather, field dressing, butchering and the rugged demands of the hunt. A healthy dose of chromium in the A2 steel blade means it’ll stand up to the worst you can throw at it. The clip point blade design is as versatile as it comes, ready to make any task at deer camp a treat.

That sounds like the makings of the best deer hunting knives around. Whether you’re a collector or a hunter, click here to get the best knife for deer hunting you can shake an antler at.

Featured Knife: Mako Folder by MacGray & Co.

Featured Knives

BLADE Staff

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August 9, 2016

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Featured Knife: Mako Folder by MacGray & Co.

Best folding knives featured BLADE magazine — In addition to being a fine example of a modern folder, the Mako Folder from MacGray & Co. is made in the U.S. from domestic materials.

Specs

Company: MacGray & Co.
Knife: Mako Folder
Designer: MacGray & Co.
Length: 8 1/2 inches
Blade: CPM 154, saber grind, modified drop point design
Lock: Titanium Liner Lock
Handle: Black Micarta Handle
Ambidextrous thumbscrew
Stainless steel variable clip

An All-American Knife

The MacGray & Co. Mako Folder knife is made in San Marcos, California, with quality materials from small American suppliers. The frame is milled from Grade 5 titanium for an excellent combination of strength, weight reduction and corrosion resistance.

The Mako sports a tried and true locking liner, which is self-adjusting to wear and prevents the blade from closing on the user’s hand as it grasps durable Micarta or G-10 handles.

The Steel: Two Great Choices

The blade is ground from your choice of two steels.

D2 is a high carbon, high chromium steel that offers excellent resistance to wear and abrasion, holding an edge very well. It is often referred to as “semi-stainless” due to its high resistance to corrosion.

The other option, CPM-154 stainless steel, is created in a process that produces a uniform distribution of the carbides. This provides material consistency, greater resistance to breakage and toughness. It’s an excellent stainless steel with high wear resistance.

The Blade: Strong and Sturdy

The satin-finished blade has a sabre grind for additional strength and sturdiness. MacGray & Co. harden, cryo-quench and temper blades in house.

No Detail Left Untouched

The Mako sports a stainless steel, .25-inch pivot with a bronze pivot bushing. It features a stainless steel pocket clip, hardware and ambidextrous thumb screw.

A Lifetime Guarantee

Each MacGray & Co. knife is made by three guys who love what they do. It’s no surprise that they stand behind their work with a lifetime guarantee and are committed to giving the highest level of service to knife enthusiasts.

Where to Get This Knife

The Mako Folder from MacGray and Co. is available here and ready to be added to your knife collection. Don’t miss it!

Featured Knives: Oz Knives

Featured Knives

BLADE Staff

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August 8, 2016

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Oz Knives 1

Image 1 of 13

125+ layers of 1095 carbon steel and 15N20 Nickel steel
Fold: TWIST
Handle Material: STAG / BROWN MICARTA
Guard/Butt Cap: NICKEL SILVER
Style: DROP POINT

As the creative force behind Oz Custom Knives, Jim Ort made a name for himself with his signature 1095 carbon and 15N20 nickel damascus blades. From tip to pommel, his fixed blade knives offer a classic look that recalls a time when no one left home without a knife. Ort puts his own twist on these timeless favorites by working in modern materials to offer the performance and curb appeal 21st century collectors crave.

Originally hailing from northern Wisconsin, Ort moved into full-time knifemaking in 1996 after retiring to Arizona. In addition to knives, Ort is also an accomplished sheathmaker.

Find more of Ort’s creations at Oz Custom Knives, visit Copper State Cutlery. For direct inquiries, e-mail Ort at ort [at] cox [dot] net.

BLADE Staff

2017 BLADE Show Knife of the Year® Award Winners

2017 Overall Knife of the Year® – Lionsteel SR-11

2017 American Made Knife of the Year® – Spartan Blades Kranos

2017 Imported Knife of the Year® – Columbia River Knife & Tool Crossbones

2017 Most Innovative American Design – Tighe Breaker Integral Automatic, by Brian Tighe & Friends

2017 Most Innovative Imported Design – SOG Baton Q2

2017 Best Buy of the Year – Kershaw Dividend

2017 Investor/Collector Knife of the Year® – Pro-Tech Cambria Masterpiece Custom

2017 Manufacturing Quality Award – Lionsteel Knives

2017 Accessory of the Year – Wicked Edge Go

2017 Knife Collaboration of the Year – FOX Knives MK Ultra (Jason Knight & Doug Marcaida)

2017 Kitchen Knife of the Year® – Kai USA Shun Ayu

Personal/Professional Achievement Awards

2017 BLADE Show Custom Knife Winners

See 40 Years of Knives that Changed the World

For New and Established Knifemakers

For Casual or Experienced Knife Collectors

For the Armed and Prepared Person

For Someone You’re Unsure About

For the Person with Too Many Knives

For Someone Just Starting Out in Knives

For the Ultimate Knife Collector

Specs

An All-American Knife

The Steel: Two Great Choices

The Blade: Strong and Sturdy

No Detail Left Untouched

A Lifetime Guarantee

Where to Get This Knife

Oz Knives 1

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