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Joe Kertzman

Why Get Knives Photographed?

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Knifemakers have a hard enough time making a living doing what they love without added expenses. So what are the benefits of paying a professional photographer to photograph their knives for them?

The reasons to have knives photographed are many. As managing editor of BLADE Magazine, I can tell you that often when knifemakers send me images of their newest models for possible publication, the self- or friend-taken digital images are low resolution, fuzzy, with busy backgrounds or too low quality for a high-gloss, color magazine. The images might look good on a website, computer screen or printed, but once reproduced on quality magazine paper, in four color, they lose their crispness and look fuzzy.

Here are some other reasons to have your knives photographed by a pro from photographer Jim Cooper of SharpByCoop.com.

The benefit of a professional image will promote you in a number of ways: 

  • Large clear print for your portfolio
  • Crisp website image for email or display 
  • Large digital file for printing
  • Posted and viewed by thousands on Bladeforums, CKCA forum, and our SBC Facebook page
  • All files are sent to USA and International editors of knife magazines
  • Guaranteed: Your knives are always available to view and search on our extensive website
  • A professional image shows you take pride in your work

 

Knives So New, They’re Not Out Yet!

It’s my pleasure to share with website visitors some research I conducted on knives that will debut at the BLADE Show in Atlanta, May 31-June 1. These are models some of the largest knife manufacturers in the world plan to debut at the show, so consider this a “sneak peek,” if you will.

Spyderco C28POR2 Orange DragonFly2 Lightweight  

spy C28PORThe BLADE Show has fast become one of two main venues companies use to introduce knives, entire knife lines, accessories, and for new outfits and divisions themselves to be launched.

 

Coast Products FX350  

Coast FX 1Unlike the SHOT Show, the BLADE Show is a consumer and trade event ideal for debuting new models to a targeted, educated knife-loving audience as diverse as the show offereings. It’s the place to be for all industry pros, dealers, collectors, purveyors, users and enthusiasts.

 

Smith’s Abrasives Pocket Pal X2 Sharpener and Survival Tool 

smith's 3smith's 1As Russ Cowen, marketing manager for the sporting goods and hardware division of Smith’s Abrasives, says, “The BLADE Show will expose this product to knife enthusiasts and media outlets that will, in turn, communicate the message to the consumer base. There is no faster way to create buzz about a new product than exposing it to BLADE Show exhibitors and attendees, who happen to be the most passionate and verbal people in the industry.

 

Boker Plus 02BO610

Boker 02BBLADE Show attendees like to talk about knives, other cutting tools and accessories,” he adds. “They’re also creators, inventors and marketers, so when they see something they classify as neat or innovative, they naturally want to talk about it.”

Tips for Traveling With Knives

An informative article written by Mike Haskew on how traveling with knives presents challenges is posted on the American Knife & Tool Institute (AKTI) website.

It’s perfect timing considering the thousands of knife manufacturers, purveyors, collectors, dealers, enthusiasts and media professionals traveling to the BLADE Show May 31-June 2, 2013 in Atlanta. Yet the article will remain relevant long after the BLADE Show and into the future. 674b1262ac2f843595177d7c527ebc39_Outdoorseminar3450px

“Travelers need to be aware of knife laws where they go to make sure they are legal, and, of course, know the policies of the airlines, TSA, or whatever mode of transportation they use” related Jan Billeb, Executive Director of AKTI.

“Some municipal laws may not allow certain knives, or some states may have restrictions on knives at airports.”

As Haskew puts it, “In the post 9-11 era, traveling with knives by air or ground requires a heightened awareness of applicable laws and methods for safe carry and transport to and from the destination. When an airline is involved, the Transportation Safety Administration (TSA) enforces strict rules. A knife owner traveling with his or her trusty two-blade trapper is subject to scrutiny and possible confiscation, just as the knife dealer traveling to a show with multiple collectible pieces, or the chef heading home from a culinary event.”

Read the full article here. 

Buck Lands Boy Scout Knife License

500_rev BSA new 2013 side 1I live in a small town, and there’s not a lot to offer besides a good school, nice people and relative safety. We do have a great Boy Scout program, though, and my son and I are heavily involved. We travel all over the country. So when I received this press release from Buck Knives, along with an image of a Boy Scout knife they’re licensed to build and sell, it took me back to my own Boy Scout knife as a kid, and the ones my son owns and uses.

After all, what tool is more essential to an Eagle Scout than a knife? Buck Knives announces a new product licensing partnership with the Boy Scouts of America (BSA), in which an American-made pocketknife model will serve as an officially licensed product for Eagle Scouts, parents and other individuals associated with the BSA.

The 500 Duke, one of Buck Knives’ more traditional pocketknives, is the current licensed knife and will be offered directly through Buck Knives. The Duke’s nickel silver bolsters can be personalized with each Eagle Scout’s name, troop number and Eagle date, along with the BSA logo.

Buy Buck 110 Knife
If you don’t already have a Buck 110, ShopBlade.com has it at a great price. Click the image to order one.

“Boy Scouts and Eagle Scouts have been carrying our pocketknives for generations,” said Chuck Buck, chairman of Buck Knives. “Once upon a time, I was a Boy Scout and learned a lot from it. As for Buck Knives, tradition is extremely important to us. It only makes sense to partner with BSA and help create knives and memories that will last a lifetime.”

The Duke will be Buck Knives’ first licensed, commemorative knife for the BSA. “We hope to introduce several models to BSA through the years. This partnership will allow us to play an integral role in teaching knife use and safety to America’s youth,” said Buck.

The Duke can be ordered directly through Buck Knives. It is $50, which includes engraving and shipping. For ordering information call 800-326-2825, option 7, or send an email to [email protected].

For more Buck knives, click here.

Knives & Orchids Go Together

Congratulations to knifemaker Jim Elliott, who I saw featured today, April 30th, 2013, in Highlands Today, an Edition of the Tampa Tribune. Jim is featured in the publication’s “Agri Leader” section for growing hundreds of varieties of orchids, and of course, for being a spectacular knifemaker. orig

While Highlands Today focuses on his prize-winning orchids, they do give a shout-out to his knives, including an image of the first knife he ever made. BLADE and blademag.com salute his knifemaking, of course, with honorable mention for his apparent green thumb, the latter of which landed him several awards at the seventh annual Orchid Show in Lake Placid two weeks ago.

For the full story, click here.

To learn more about knifemaking resources, books and videos available at shopblade.com, click here.

 

 

 

Knives For Mother’s Day

When I think about my mom today, or reflect on growing up and remembering Mom back then, knives weren’t a big part of her or my culture. But the food, oh, the food! That I remember, and Mom always had plenty of kitchen knives from which to choose. What I really remember is her hands, red from hot dishwater, or dry from work and wear, and there was a certain cutlery set she and Dad saved for and eventually bought. I think Mom still uses those knives today.

As far as kitchen knives go, I asked some industry professionals which of the knives in their respective company lines would make nice gifts for Mom on Mother’s day, and here’s what a few of them had to say:

Boker 03BO050

“It just looks cool. On first impression, you just have to pick it up. The compact size of the Boker Sanyougo offers the function of the popular Santoku design in a very compact size. The handle material options—G-10, canvas Micarta® and white Micarta—make it a functional piece for rugged use or a touch of elegance. If Mom cooks a lot, it’s certainly something she would use and most likely does not have.”
—Dan Weidner, Boker USA

Victorinox paring knife“The $9 price tag on the Victorinox Paring Knife With Sheath is amazing for the quality. The lifetime warranty alone is worth more than that. Also, the peace of mind knowing that you are investing in a Swiss-made quality knife that will remain razor sharp well past when your kids are off to college is a benefit for any parent. The red color is also a market trend.”
—Rob Sterner, Swiss Army Knives

Shun Blue Menkiri“If mom makes homemade noodles or pasta, or has been itching to try it, the Kai USA Shun Blue Menkiri [the “Blue” refers to the blade steel, not the color] is the tool for her. The overall design of the knife is one few people in the U.S. have used, and Shun is happy to be able to offer a piece perfected in the noodle-loving culture of Japan for making noodles and other fresh pasta. The clean, precise feeling as it cuts through noodle dough is a real pleasure.” —Steve Grutbo, Kai USA

Case 07317_slicing“Very few of the products I write about do I actually use in my daily life after the review. But the handle of the W.R. Case & Sons 9″ Slicing Knife is sturdy and classy, and the blade always cuts whatever I want with precision and ease. All of Case’s knives in the Household Cutlery Set are superior. Rarely do I have to resharpen it, but when I do, the sharpening steel is intelligently included as part of the set.”
—Peachy Deegan, founder and editor-in-chief of www.whomyouknow.com

Well, Mom, and all moms, here’s to you. Happy Mother’s Day. You all deserve it. And if interested in similar knives for mom, or more choices, be sure to visit www.shopblade.com/kitchen-knives or www.shopblade.com. And get Mom a gift she’ll use, appreciate, and one that will last her for the rest of her days.

KA-BAR Knives Marks 115 Years In Business

One of America’s oldest and proudest knife manufacturers, KA-BAR Knives will celebrate its 115th birthday on April 29, 2013. The Olean, NY company will ring in the occasion by giving thanks to the KA-BAR community and reflecting on KA-BAR’s legendary legacy.  60499_640935762590653_298518607_n

KA-BAR will be holding several giveaways featuring some of the company’s most popular models. Videos, historical images and products, and new product information will also be announced in the week leading up to KA-BAR’s birthday. Ka-Bar 6112CU

For more information and to enter the KA-BAR giveaways please visit KA-BAR’s social media channels: Facebook.com/KABARKNIVES and twitter.com/KA_BAR.  For additional information on KA-BAR or to purchase a KA-BAR knife, please visit KA-BAR.com.

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