See who took home top honors at the West Coast Flipping Championship.
The contestant known as @balisongnerd won the 6th Annual West Coast Flipping Championships October 11 at BLADE Show West in Salt Lake City.
Contestants @in8jo and @__hey.austin captured second and third place, respectively.
Hosted and conducted by Squid Industries before a crowd of engaged onlookers in the Salt Palace Convention Center, the event drew a large number of young contestants who competed against each other by displaying their balisong flipping talents in a round robin format.
Prizes included $1,000 for first place, along with a Poikilo Blade Nova, MachineWise Opus V2 Live Blade and Microtech Ultratech ZBP OTF Zero Forks from Blade HQ. Second place took home a $500 cash prize, a MachineWise Opus V2 Trainer and a Dessert Warrior Civivi Elementum II from Blade HQ. Third place earned $250, a MachineWise Opus V2 trainer and a CRKT Folts Minimalist Dessert Warrior from BladeHQ.
Tony Lewis knife honors the late ABS master smith and chairman.
American Bladesmith Society Master Smith/past ABS chairman Steve Dunn was admired by many in the knife community and died way too soon at 68 in 2024. ABS Journeyman Smith Tony Lewis never met Steve but is a fan of his work, including Steve’s damascus pattern known as Thorns and Thistles.
Tony was fortunate enough to buy Steve’s Riverside hydraulic press, a purchase that included several of Dunn’s die sets. Among the dies was a saddle die—maybe the very one Steve originally used to make the Thorns and Thistles pattern.
Tony Lewis
“Recreating the Thorns and Thistles pattern was both a challenge and a joy,” Tony wrote. “Forging triangles and combining them into a cohesive mosaic was a new technique for me, but after some trial and error I managed to pull it off. When I finally etched the billet and saw the intricate pattern revealed, I felt a deep sense of satisfaction—and connection.”
After studying Steve’s signature style, Tony chose a bowie that he believes “embodies the spirit of Steve’s work.” The result is a terrific tribute to a most talented man.
Explore the CIVIVI Outlaw Muk folder, a tactical EDC interpretation of the classic Nessmuk pattern featuring a smooth flipper and secure button lock.
The Nessmuk knives have deep roots in American outdoor history, instantly recognizable for their unique, sweeping blade profile. This knife style was championed by 19th-century writer and early ultralight camping pioneer George Washington Sears, who wrote under the pen name Nessmuk.
Traditionally, this design is a fixed blade—a dependable, do-it-all camp knife known for its pronounced hump on the spine and generous belly, perfect for tasks from skinning to food prep. Now, designer Trey Sprinkle, from the YouTube channel Last American Outlaw, has tackled the challenge of translating this timeless, fixed-blade archetype into a modern, pocket-friendly folder. The CIVIVI Outlaw Muk is Sprinkle’s first production collaboration and a striking reimagining of a legend, built with a distinct, tactical attitude setting it apart from its historical inspiration.
The design embodies a rugged, tactical aesthetic that aligns perfectly with Sprinkle’s online persona. The traditional Nessmuk shape is narrowed, given more of a dramatic sweep, and is accented with a harpoon swedge near the tip, lending it a formidable appearance. This aggressive yet refined profile takes the basic geometry of the original and infuses it with a contemporary, hard-use look.
The most significant design departure, however, is the inclusion of modern folder mechanics. The Outlaw Muk utilizes a highly secure button lock mechanism. The lock has been engineered with a specific spring tension under the button, providing just enough resistance to prevent accidental engagement, yet remaining easy to release for effortless one-handed retraction. This combination of speed and safety makes the knife practical for continuous daily use where quick access is essential.
Outlaw Muk Materials
This smooth operation is coupled with a highly responsive pivot system. The knife features caged ceramic ball bearings, ensuring that deployment via the subtle rear flipper is consistently smooth and fast, a hallmark of CIVIVI’s knives.
For performance, the Outlaw Muk offers a 3.47-inch blade crafted from 14C28N stainless steel. This Scandinavian steel is well-regarded in the mid-range category for its excellent balance of edge retention, corrosion resistance, and ease of sharpening. While the blade size is modest compared to a traditional fixed-blade Nessmuk, its full belly and acute tip provide plenty of capability for cutting smaller foods, slicing through twine, or efficiently opening boxes and stubborn clamshell packaging.
Outlaw Muk Design
The handle maintains a subtle, ergonomic curve, which provides a comfortable and secure grip. It is fitted with full G10 scales, which are durable, moisture-resistant, and lightweight, contributing to the knife’s overall carry weight of just 3.74 ounces.
CIVIVI offers the knife in several colorways, including solid options like dark green or black, but the most distinctive variant features a striking black and white split pattern that offers a more refined, geometric look. The knife also includes a reversible, tip-up pocket clip, making it easily adaptable for both left- and right-handed users.
From its roots in 19th-century woodcraft to its execution with a button lock and modern 14C28N steel, the CIVIVI Outlaw Muk is a successful and intriguing blend of history and hard-use utility. It provides a unique option for those seeking a highly functional EDC knife that carries the attitude of a legendary outdoor pattern.
The CRKT Xolotl OTF take the original fixed-blade design a step further.
The CRKT Xolotl OTF automatic knife is the latest evolution of a design that shoots to blend ancient mythological inspiration with modern, high-performance tactical engineering. Named after the Aztec deity of fire, lightning and the guide of souls to the afterlife, the Xolotl is the creation of veteran and former Green Beret Michael Rodriguez.
Rodriguez’s accomplished background—which includes graduating at the top of the Irish Army Ranger Wing Sniper Course and serving as an advisor to President George W. Bush—lends a specific, mission-driven philosophy to his knife designs. This experience is the foundation of his participation in CRKT’s Forged by War program, which enlists real-life combat veterans to apply their knowledge to a line of specialty, mission-ready knives and tools.
CRKT Xolotl OTF is a slick and functional auto that fits into the line well.
The Xolotl design originated as a fixed-blade knife, which established the pattern’s key features: a clean, stunning aesthetic featuring a spear-point blade with a double-edged dagger grind. The fixed-blade version was designed for durability and high-performance, featuring specialized Veff Serrations for powerful rope-cutting capability, and came with a versatile sheath that allowed for multiple mounting options.
This fixed-blade concept has now been translated into an out-the-front (OTF) automatic. The new Xolotl OTF maintains the high standard for materials and capability, engineered for the demands of today’s operator.
The knife is manufactured in the USA and utilizes a smooth, dual-action OTF mechanism for crisp, decisive deployment and retraction. It features a 3.5-inch spear-point blade ground on both edges for maximum cutting efficiency. The blade steel is MagnaCut, which was selected for its superior combination of edge retention, toughness, and corrosion resistance—qualities essential for a reliable modern tactical tool.
Made from Magnacut steel, the Xolotl blade keeps a good edge.
While the engineering is purely modern, the aesthetics carry the historical weight of the Xolotl deity. The aluminum handle is sculpted with skeletal details that reference the Aztec namesake. A deeply personal feature of the design is the 21 sculpted ribs along the grip, which were incorporated by Rodriguez to symbolize each of his years of military service. The handle’s ergonomics and theme are completed by a unique, sternum-shaped reversible pocket clip, ensuring the knife carries securely for both left- and right-handed users.
The Xolotl OTF, with an MSRP of $325, contributes to the larger mission of the Forged by War program. A portion of the profits from the knife is directed toward Michael Rodriguez’s charity of choice: the Global War on Terrorism Memorial Foundation. The final product—an 8.88-inch overall knife weighing just 3.2 ounces—is a successful fusion of myth, military experience, and high-quality construction.
Xolotl OTF Specs
BLADE LENGTH: 3.5” OVERALL LENGTH: 8.88” BLADE MATERIAL: MagnaCut HANDLE MATERIAL: Aluminum LOCK and/or OPERATING MECHANISM: Dual action out-the-front WEIGHT: 3.2 oz. SPECIAL FEATURES: Made in the USA; MagnaCut spear point blade with two sharpened edges; Double action OTF blade deploys and retracts quickly; Adjustable clip for left or righthand carry. MSRP: $325
Explore the world of custom kitchen knives! See award-winning Chef’s Knives, Gyutos, and more, forged with exotic Damascus and unique handle materials.
The art of knifemaking has officially stepped into the culinary arena, elevating daily prep into a true performance. This collection features some of the world’s most refined kitchen cutlery—from award-winning Gyutos and Nakiris to specialized Chef’s and Paring knives—each forged by today’s top custom makers. We’re showcasing a stunning array of blades that blend high-performance steel, such as Copper-clad 1084 and Aogami Super cores, with breathtaking handle materials like stabilized exotic burls, copper mesh resin, and mosaic damascus. These tools are built for precision and designed for prestige.
Joel Eckford Kitchen Knife
Blade length: 8.3” Blade material: Copper-clad 1084 carbon steel forged by Dane Standen Knives Blade grind: Flat BLADE COAT: Dane Standen brutalist copper clad 1084 finish Scales: Copper mesh in resin w/copper spacers Overall length: 12.8” Knife to know: The maker is a probationary member of the Australian Knifemakers Guild Maker’s price for a similar knife: Contact maker for pricing Maker: Signal One Forge, Joel Eckford (Rod Hoare image)
Evan Davis K-Tip Petty Chef’s Knife
Blade length: 7.5” Overall length: 12.5” Blade material: 52100 carbon steel Blade grind: Convex Scales: Curly narra and ivory G-10 Maker’s price for a similar knife: $700 Maker: Evan Davis (Jocelyn Frasier image)
Kevin Korenek Chef’s Knife
Blade length: 8.75” Blade material: 80CrV2 carbon and 15N20 nickel-alloy steels forged by Jeff Waggenar Damascus: Flower pattern Blade grind: Flat Scales: Blackwood amboyna/acrylic composite by Randy McBurrney Overall length: 14.75” Maker’s price for a similar knife: $1,175 Maker: Kevin Korenek (SharpByCoop image)
Paul Elkins Chef’s Knife
Blade length: 9.25” Blade material: 1080 carbon and 15N20 nickel alloy steels Blade grind: Convex Scales: Dyed curly mango Overall length: 14.5” Knife to know: Integral bolster construction; the knife won the Texas Select 2025 Custom Cutlery Event’s Best Culinary Award Maker’s price for a similar knife: $2,000 Maker: Paul Elkins (SharpByCoop image)
Cordina Customs Signature Series Gyuto
Blade length: 9.3” Blade material: Aogami Super core, nickel and wrought iron forged by Oblivion Blades Blade thickness @ricasso: .14” Blade @widest: 1.9” Blade grind: Compound bevel Scales: Western myall wood Spacer: Hand-stippled bronze w/heirloom fit Bolster: Stabilized ebony Overall length: 15.4” Knife to know: Cordina’s Signature Series Gyuto won Best Kitchen Knife at the 2025 Australian Knifemakers Guild Melbourne Knife Show Maker’s price for a similar knife: $700 at press-time exchange rate Maker: Cordina Customs (Rod Hoare image)
Mazieres FrancoisParing knife
Blade length: 5” Blade material: 150 pattern-welded layers of 1084 and 1075 carbon and 15N20 nickel-alloy steels embossed using chevron dies for the final pattern Blade grind: Flat Construction: Hidden tang Scales: Stabilized South Australian ringed Western myall wood shaped as a composite Western/cowboy style handle; G-10 and 410 stainless spacers Bolsters: Scalloped, pinned and soldered 416 stainless steel Overall length: 10” Knife to know: The maker’s paring knife won for Best Chef’s Knife at the 2025 Perth Knife Show; the maker is a member of the Australian Knifemakers Guild and a journeyman smith in the American Bladesmith Society Maker’s price for a similar knife: $325 at press-time exchange rate Maker: YANDIWA, Mazieres Francois https://www.Yandiwa.com.au (Rod Hoare image)
Jon McQuillanKitchen Knife
Blade length: 9” Blade material: 1084 carbon and 15N20 nickel alloy steels Damascus pattern: Mosaic Explosion Scales: Tasmanian blackwood and turquoise cast w/bronze Bolster: Muskox horn Overall length: 13.5” Maker’s price for a similar knife: $2,000 Maker: McQuillan Custom Works, Jon McQuillan j.mcquillan.com (SharpByCoop image)
Dan TompkinsCoppermascus Nakiri
Blade length: 8.5” Blade material: Baker Forge & Tool coppermascus Blade grind: Slight convex Scales: Amboyna burl Bolster: G-10/copper Overall length: 13” Knife to know: Heirloom fit; patinaed copper Maker’s price for a similar piece: $1,700 Maker: Evolution Cutlery, Dan Tompkins, evolutioncutleryllc.com (SharpByCoop image)
Joey Dello Russo Santoku
Blade length: 9” Blade material: 80CrV2 carbon steel and pure nickel Blade grind: Flat convex Handle: Richlite Bolster: Nickel silver Overall length: 13.5” Maker’s price for a similar knife: $600 Knife to know: The maker is an ABS apprentice smith Maker: Joey Dello Russo, imperialcustomworks.com (Jocelyn Frasier image)
BCK Knives Chef’s Knife
Blade length: 8” Blade material: A multi-layered X-mai damascus of 8670 and 80CrV2 carbon and 15N20 nickel-alloy steels, nickel silver and copper Blade grind: Flat Handle: Stabilized box elder burl dyed black Spacer/bolster: McLaren carbon fiber Overall length: 12.5” Maker’s price for a similar knife: $1,200 Maker: BCK Knives (Jocelyn Frasier image)
Kyle Daily Chef’s Knife
Blade length: 8” Blade steel: CPM 154 stainless Blade grind: Flat Handle: Old Glory Limitless Grip-Tec w/red/white/blue G-10 Overall length: 13” Maker’s price for a similar knife: $500 Maker: Kyle Daily khdailyknives.com (Jocelyn Frasier image)
Matt Williams Chef’s Knife
Blade length: 9.5” Blade material: 400-layer Lace-pattern damascus san-mai w/a 1084 carbon steel core Blade grind: Flat Scales: Mesquite and silver and black acrylic Overall length: 14.5” Maker’s price for a similar knife: $800 Maker: Matt Williams, lasterdaywoodworks.com (SharpByCoop image)
The best in blade and handle materials decorated some of the most creative folder designs anywhere at the recent New York Custom Knife Show. Enjoy seven of them in all their glory on this and the facing page.
Alan Hollerbach Flipper Folder
Alan Hollerbach’s flipper folder has a 4-inch hollow-ground blade of damascus forged by Baker Forge & Tool, and scales of Fatcarbon carbon fiber and carbon fiber inlays. All hardware is titanium. Closed length: 4.5 inches.
Eyal Landesman Mini Tritan Flipper
The Mini Tritan flipper folder by Eyal Landesman sports a 3.5-inch blade of mirror-polished RWL34 stainless steel. The mosaic “fish scale” inlay includes assorted “scales” of black-lip and white mother-of-pearl. Closed length: 4 inches.
Corrado Moro Vantage Framelock Flipper Folder
The Vantage framelock flipper folder by Corrado Moro features a 3.38-inch harpoon-pattern blade of RWL34 stainless steel with a tapered fuller in the flat. The frame and pocket clip are Grade 5 titanium and the handle and pivot inlays are a G-10 composite. Closed length: 4.62 inches.
Chris Richardson Lockback Folder
Panel and pivot inlays of fossilized coral and a 3.5-inch flat-ground blade of mosaic twist damascus top off Chris Richardson’s lockback folder. Frame: 416 stainless steel. Closed length: 4.5 inches.
Jeremy Krammes Helix Flipper Folder
Jeremy Krammes helps celebrates his 20th year of knifemaking with his Helix flipper folder in Chad Nichols damascus blade steel, a titanium frame, carbon fiber scales and a zirconium bolster and pocket clip. The 3.5-inch recurve blade is hollow ground.
Edison Barajas Waka Folder
Edison Barajas combines new school with old on his Waka folder, using titanium for the scales engraved by Wilfred Valtakis II and a thumb stud to open the 3.25-inch blade of premium stainless steel. Closed length: 4.5 inches.
Stefano Compostella Stria XL
Stria XL by Italy’s Stefano Compostella sports a 5-inch wharncliffe blade of premium stainless steel. The linerlock flipper folder features Damasteel handle overlay and titanium liners.
The American Blade Cover saluted the Marines’ bicentennial in grand fashion.
A half-century ago, the November-December issue of The American Blade recognized the 200th birthday of the United States Marine Corps with a special commemorative KA-BAR U.S.M.C. fighting/utility knife on the cover.
The cover of the November-December 1975 issue of The American Blade featured the 200th anniversary “Commemorative U.S.M.C. Fighting Knife” by KA-BAR Knives. The Corps celebrates its 250th anniversary this year.
Paired with the iconic image of U.S. Marines inching their way up the beaches of Iwo Jima during the titanic struggle to take the island from the Japanese during World War II, the cover knife featured a blade with “gold accents” that included the Corps’ founding date of 10 November and 1775-1975, oak leaf patterns and 200th Anniversary under United States Marine Corps in script.
The commemorative’s “top quality leather handle” was an exact duplicate of the handle on the original 1941-45 issue knife. The commemoratives were made in a limited edition of 2,500 with individual MSRPs of $300 for knives serial numbered two through 49, $200 for serial numbers 50 to 99, $150 for serial numbers 100-199, and $100 for serial numbers 200 and up.
