The tomahawk, from its American Indian origins to its modern renaissance as a highly sought-after custom-forged tool and defensive weapon.
Arnold M. Chernoff offered a wide-ranging review of the American Indian tomahawk in the November-December 1975 issue of The American Blade.
As Arnold pointed out in “Tomahawk!” the hawk was a weapon and tool used to maximum effect as the former by both American Indians and American colonists, often more savagely by the early colonists than the Indians. Arnold outlined a plethora of hawk designs with roots in the American West, from stone-headed war clubs of the Crow, Sioux and Cheyenne to metal-bladed models used by the Crow, Sioux, Blackfoot, Osage and Canadian Cree.
Examples included everything from the foregoing stone-headed versions to fancier ceremonial types.
Crow Chief Plenty Coups holds a fine tack-decorated pipe tomahawk circa 1880 during a visit to Washington, D.C. (Smithsonian Institution, Bureau of American Ethnology, Washington, D.C. image)
The Indians were not limited to using the stone-headed versions exclusively early on when English settlers first landed at Jamestown in 1607. As the settlers learned to their chagrin, the Indians had metal hatchets, probably French trade goods that had filtered south. In fact, Chernoff wrote, Capt. John Smith, Jamestown’s “noted chronicler,” was credited with introducing the word tomahawk, gleaned from the Indian vocabulary.
As time passed, the hawk evolved from hammer poll to spike heads, and eventually the pipe hawk, the latter of which Chernoff stated had an English origin around 1700. Some presentation pieces were for important chiefs, including one made for Tecumseh by the British, sporting a gold-inlaid panel in the blade with his name in script.
Later in the 19th century, the pipe hawk began to lose its practical function among Indians and assumed more of a ceremonial role as a “scepter, mace or badge of authority.” In recent years, though, the tomahawk has enjoyed a renaissance in both the custom and factory knife industries, with some of the finest examples fetching top dollar among users and collectors.
Explore this collection of new hunting knives featuring custom blades forged with premium materials. Find your next heirloom fixed blade.
Step into the world of custom-crafted cutlery, where art and function meet in the field. This collection showcases the diverse and spectacular work of today’s finest knifemakers. We’re taking a look at a stunning array of new hunting knives, each forged with meticulous detail, featuring exotic materials like Sambar stag, ironwood, camel bone, and intricate Damascus steel.
Rocco Handmade Bear Creek Hunter
Blade length: 6” Blade material: 1095 carbon steel Blade grind: Convex Scales: Sambar stag Spacers: OD green canvas Micarta® and vintage tan, red and black fiber Pommel: Aluminum Guard: Soldered brass Overall length: 10.5” Sheath: Leather belt model w/snap strap Maker’s price for a similar knife and sheath: $495 Maker: Rocco Handmade (SharpByCoop image)
Rod Harris Antler Hunter
Blade length: 4” Blade steel: S35VN stainless Blade grind: Flat Scales: Sambar stag Guard: 416 stainless Overall length: 9.25” Knife to know: The stag is from the customer’s first deer kill; Rod Harris is a member of the Australian Knifemakers Guild Maker’s price for a similar knife: $650 at press-time exchange rate Knife to know: The Antler Hunter is the first time Rod Harris has both had one of his knives published and made a knife with a stag handle Maker: Rod Harris (Rod Hoare image)
Eland Green Huntin Buddy
Knife type: Hunter Blade length: 3.5” Blade material: Bulldog damascus san-mai Blade grind: Flat Scales: Bead-blasted ironwood Overall length: 7.5” Sheath: Belt model, tooled black leather Maker’s price for a similar knife: $400 Maker: Eland Green, lostwoodknives.com (Jocelyn Frasier image)
Zane Dvorak Integral XL Hunter
Knife name: Integral XL Hunter Blade length: 5.5” Blade material: Ghost-Fire Damascus of 1084 carbon and 15N20 nickel-alloy steels Blade grind: Convex Scales: Black G-10 Overall length: 10.5” Maker’s price for a similar knife: $2,500 Maker: Zane Dvorak, zdforge.com (Jocelyn Frasier image)
Shawn McIntyre Dress Hunter
Blade length: 3.75” Blade material: A twist W’s damascus of 1084 carbon and 15N20 nickel-alloy steels Blade grind: Flat w/convex edge Scales: Heirloom-fit camel bone Handle frame: 1065 carbon steel w/matte blue finish Guard: Same material as frame Overall length: 7.75” Maker’s price for a similar knife: Check w/maker for more info Knife to know: Best Hunter Award Winner, 2025 Australian Knifemakers Guild Melbourne Knife Show; inspired by the classic Jerry Fisk Sendero hunter; Shawn McIntyre is an ABS master smith Maker: Shawn McIntyre (Rod Hoare image)
Dauntless Clifft Bowie
Knife name: Clifft Bowie Blade length: 7” Blade material: 125Cr1 carbon steel Blade @the thickest: .25” Blade pattern: Clip point (also comes in a harpoon point) Construction: Hidden tang Scales: Natural canvas Micarta® (also in black G-10) Overall length: 13” Country of origin: USA Sheath: Leather w/retention strap; ambidextrous carry; by Chattanooga Leather Works Knife to know: Won Best American-Made Knife at BLADE Show Texas 2025 MSRP: $575 Company: Dauntless, dauntlessmanufacturing.com (SharpByCoop image)
Charlie Lloyd Hunter
Blade length: 5.75” Blade material: Cu-mai Blade grind: Flat Scales: Ironwood Guard: Hot blued Overall length: 10.5” Knife to know: Charlie Lloyd is an ABS journeyman smith Maker’s price for a similar knife: $750 Maker: Charlie Lloyd (SharpByCoop image)
Camille Sennegon Hunter
Blade length: 4.5” Blade material: W’s multi-bar (6 bars) damascus of O2 carbon and 15N20 nickel-alloy steels Blade grind: Flat w/convex edge Scales: Curly gidgee Guard: 304 stainless steel Overall length: 9.25” Maker’s price for a similar knife: $1,300 Knife to know: Camille Sennegon is a journeyman smith in the ABS Maker: Camille Sennegon (SharpByCoop image)
Jak Knives #187
Knife type: Hunter Blade length: 4.1” Blade steel: 14C28 stainless Blade thickness @ricasso: .118” Blade grind: Flat Blade pattern: Drop point Scales: A Western Australia desert hardwood called Minniritchie Liners: G-10 Overall length: 8.85” Sheath: Leather belt model Maker’s price for a similar knife and sheath: $300-$400 at press-time exchange rate Maker: Jak Knives (Rod Hoare image)
DB Blades Varis
Blade length: 3.9” Blade steel: Nitro V stainless Blade grind: Flat Blade thickness @ricasso: .157” Scales: G-10 Overall length: 8.66” Sheath: Synthetic Knife to know: Varis won the Best Hunting Knife Award at the 2025 Queensland Knife Show; Dominic Binker is a member of the Australian Knifemakers Guild Maker: DB Blades (Rod Hoare image)
Under The Bridge Knife and Tool M.O.A.
Knife type: Hunter Blade length: 2.75” Blade material: Cruwear carbon steel Blade grind: Full flat Handle material: Burgundy linen Micarta®, Fordite and silver metallic carbon fiber Overall length: 6.75” Maker’s price for a similar knife: $375 Maker: Under The Bridge Knife and Tool (SharpByCoop image)
Pcocks Customs Slug Life
Blade length: 3.54” Blade material: Mosaic damascus of 1084 carbon and 15N20 nickel-alloy steels Blade grind: Full flat Scales: Ringed gidgee Pins: Carbon fiber Knife to know: Tapered tang; Slug Life won the Best Hunter Award at the 2025 Perth Knife Show; Peter Cocks is a member of the Australian Knifemakers Guild Sheath: Belt model of Australian leather bearing Peter’s leather texturing stamp and finished w/a Barry King border stamp Maker’s price for a similar knife and sheath: $750 at press-time exchange rate Maker: Pcocks Customs (Rod Hoare image)
Discover the Cold Steel Mini Wasp Stinger. Get full cutting power in a compact, discreet EDC fixed blade forged from premium 52100 steel for ultimate reliability.
When you think of Cold Steel, you’re probably thinking about the gear trusted by professionals and enthusiasts who rely on their tools daily. They’re seriously recognized as a leader in the outdoor knife and tool industry, always pushing boundaries with performance and craftsmanship. But let’s talk about an EDC essential that packs a serious punch while keeping a low profile: the Drop Forged Mini Wasp Stinger.
Compact Carry, Full Power
This isn’t your average pocket knife; it’s a masterful blend of compact design and unrelenting strength. The whole idea here is to give you full-sized precision and cutting power in a discreet package that “flies under the radar.” Seriously, weighing in at a mere 7.6 oz. and with a sleek 10.25-inch overall length, this fixed blade dagger is portable enough to ride unnoticed until you need it.
So, what makes it so tough?
It’s drop-forged from premium 52100 high carbon steel. This material ensures the 4-inch dagger-style blade delivers both exceptional durability and razor-sharp performance. Plus, with a robust 6mm thickness, this thing is engineered to tackle even the toughest tasks without breaking a sweat.
Precision and Confidence in Your Hand
Beyond the blade, the design is all about control. The handle features Micarta handle scales that ensure a secure, comfortable grip and, most importantly, a slip-resistant one in any conditions. That’s a huge boost of confidence for all tasks.
To keep you ready for action, the Mini Wasp Stinger comes complete with a Secure-Ex® Sheath for safe, easy storage and quick access.
This tactical dagger is truly engineered for those who demand both precision and reliability. If you’re looking for an ideal companion for discreet carry without sacrificing an ounce of power, the Mini Wasp Stinger might just be the EDC that belongs in your collection.
Built on collaboration, craftsmanship, and a no-compromise mindset, GiantMouse celebrates a decade of redefining what everyday carry can be.
GiantMouse Knives is hitting a major milestone in 2025—10 years of pushing the envelope in knife design, quality, and everyday adventure.
What started back in 2015 as a bold idea between a few passionate knife guys has grown into something much bigger. Over the past decade, GiantMouse has carved out a loyal following among collectors, adventurers, and EDC enthusiasts around the world—people who want tools that not only perform, but inspire.
From their iconic limited runs to reliable production models, GiantMouse has built its reputation on standout design, top-tier materials, and the kind of quality that makes a knife feel like it was made just for you.
“This anniversary is really about the people who’ve been with us since day one,” the company shared in a statement. “GiantMouse is for folks who demand quality, chase adventure, and believe their gear should tell a story. Ten years in, and we’re just getting warmed up.”
To celebrate, GiantMouse will be rolling out a year’s worth of anniversary content in 2025—including exclusive behind-the-scenes features, community shoutouts, and a look back at some of their most legendary designs. If you’ve ever carried a GiantMouse blade (or thought about it), this is a celebration you’ll want to be part of.
Learn how the new law, SB 108, updates knife regulations and what this means for knife owners.
Delaware became the 22nd state to repeal switchblade/automatic knife bans or restrictions with the signing July 30 of bipartisan SB 108 by Governor Matt Meyer.
According to the Knife Rights website, the bill not only removes restrictions on the sale or possession of automatics in Delaware, it also amends the “Deadly Weapons” exemption for “ordinary pocketknife” by deleting “folding” in order to cover all knife types. It also increases the legal blade length from 3 to 3.75 inches.
“SB 108 is a common-sense update, modernizing Delaware’s knife laws, so citizens gain the freedom to carry and use these tools responsibly without fear of legal penalty,” Meyer said.
In addition to Delaware, states repealing switchblade bans or restrictions include Alaska; Colorado; Hawaii; Illinois; Indiana; Kansas; Louisiana; Maine; Michigan; Missouri; Montana; Nevada; New Hampshire; Ohio; Oklahoma; Pennsylvania; Tennessee; Texas; Vermont; Virginia; and Wisconsin.
This leaves only three states where civilian possession of automatic knives remains banned: New Mexico, Minnesota and Washington. Knife Rights is challenging Minnesota’s ban in federal court. Washington is in the Ninth Circuit where KR’s federal lawsuit against California’s partial ban is proceeding on appeal. A win there would apply to Washington’s ban.
William “Bill” Adams was a revered knife entrepreneur, author and Cutlery Hall-of-Fame member. Learn about his immense impact on the knife community.
William Calhoun “Bill” Adams, knife entrepreneur, defender of all things knife, BLADE Magazine Cutlery Hall-of-Fame® member and invaluable friend of the knife community, passed away August 10. He was 87.
Known for his easy smile, snow white beard and amiable North Georgia drawl, Bill was liked and admired by many in the industry. He founded Atlanta Cutlery and, with Hank Reinhardt, co-founded Museum Replicas, both in Conyers, Georgia. Bill’s retail operations required him to travel the globe in search of the finest knives, swords and accouterments, including England, Ireland, Africa, India, parts of Central and South America, and all over the USA.
He served as president of the Antique Bowie Knife Association and helped found the Military Equipment and Weapons Collectors Association. He also helped found the Cutlery Collectors Legislative Committee, aka the CCLC, forerunner to today’s two leading pro-knife-legislation groups, Knife Rights and the American Knife & Tool Institute. In 1995, Bill was inducted into the Cutlery Hall of Fame.
He was a knowledgeable, gifted author, editing Sheffield Exhibition Knives and co-writing The Antique Bowie Knife Book, both of which are go-to guides for fans and aficionados of vintage Sheffield-made and antique bowies, respectively. He also was a dedicated knife collector, winning several awards for his wide-ranging collections at the BLADE Show. He retired to Roberta, Georgia, to live along the Flint River, where he enjoyed a quiet, peaceful and happy life.
He is survived by his sister-in-law Dee Anne Adams, his nephew David A. Adams and wife Cheryl, and dear friend and travel partner Elaine Barnes. The family wishes to express its thanks to Bill’s Roberta, Georgia, friends, especially Charles and Kate Rice, who cared for and treated him like family.
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
A bold new release from Benchmade, the Lowden blends premium materials, M390 steel, and fidget-worthy deployment in a sleek, spear-point EDC design.
Benchmade just shook things up with the release of the Lowden—and if you’re into flippers, this one’s going to catch your eye.
Known for their rock-solid AXIS lock and high-quality builds, Benchmade isn’t typically the first brand you think of when it comes to rear flippers. But the Lowden changes that.
This sleek little blade flips open like a dream. You’ve got the option of using the flipper tab or sticking with the tried-and-true AXIS lock for one-handed deployment, and both are smooth and snappy. It’s a fun, fidget-friendly knife that doesn’t compromise on function.
The Lowden sports a 2.79-inch spear-point blade made from M390 super steel—translation: this thing holds an edge like a champ, resists corrosion, and is tough enough for serious work.
The handles are lightweight anodized aluminum with a stainless-steel inset frame, giving it that slim, dagger-inspired profile without skimping on strength. Plus, Benchmade matched the color on the AXIS button and deep-carry pocket clip for a clean, cohesive look.
Sure, a spear-point blade might seem like an odd choice for EDC or outdoor use, but in practice, it works. It’s surprisingly versatile, with great piercing power and slicing ability. The ergonomics are solid too—with an ample handle fitting comfortably in a wide range of hand sizes and offers a confident grip.
Are there a couple of nitpicks? Sure.
There’s no lanyard hole, which could be a downside for folks who like a little extra security, and the flipper tab could use some jimping. But overall, the Lowden is a refined, premium knife that’s just plain enjoyable to carry and use—classic Benchmade quality with a fresh twist.
