Joe Kertzman, Author at BLADE Magazine

Another Knives Book Favorite—Scrimshawed Beauty

-

September 24, 2012

Gary Williams and Gil Rudolph took turns scrimshawing both sides of the handle and sheath of a Dennis Friedly damascus dagger. The Native American theme done up in blacks, greys, browns, gold, blues and reds is one of the Editor’s Favorites from the Knives 2013 book. The scrimshaw is realistic, regal and wild all at once. Stunning stuff, and the dagger benefits from it.

A work of art in itself, Friedly outfitted the dagger in a damascus blade, guard, ferrule and pommel, raised gold decorations, and an ivory handle and sheath. The photo is by Eric Eggly, PointSeven Studios.

Something About This Drop Point Hunter

Joe Kertzman

-

September 19, 2012

0

I don’t know if it’s the stabilized spalted-maple handle, the way the drop-point blade becomes oh-so pointed at the end, the full tang, red liner or its almost-jutting-out handle butt, there’s a sweet spot in my heart for this hunter from T.K. Steingass of West Virginia. So, let’s call it the next in the “Editor’s Favorites From the Knives 2013 Book,” and call it a day.

The blade is CPM-S30V, so it will cut, and if you took the knife along the Appalachian Ridge, you’d never be without the daily staples. (SharpByCoop.com photo)

Everybody Wing Chung Tonight (with Knives 2013 Wing Chung Swords)

Joe Kertzman

-

September 17, 2012

0

Featured in the “Foray Into the Far East” Trends section of the Knives 2013 book are a pair of Richard Van Dijk “Wing Chung” Chinese martial arts butterfly swords. Rarely do you see knifemakers tackle the pattern, and thus they catch your eye immediately, and then with the inclusion of 400-layer-damascus blades, ebony handles, brass fittings, iron guards and a side-by-side scabbard (not shown), they elevate themselves to one of the “Editor’s Favorites from the Knives 2013 book.”

I especially like how the brass fittings complement the ebony grips, and the D-guards trail down, extending into sword catchers for extra protection.

Neat stuff, Richard Van Dijk!

Eat Up These Edged Combatants

Joe Kertzman

-

September 14, 2012

0

Paraded in the Knives 2013 book like dress soldiers at a welcome-home party is a pair of Daniel Winkler fixed blades in camouflage finishes, and cord-wrapped and otherwise synthetic handles. They each measure 9.75 inches overall and feature extended “striker pommels.”

Soldiers will no doubt take as much of a liking to the twosome as the Editor of Knives 2013, further catapulting them to the top of the “Editor’s Favorites from Knives 2013 Book” list. (Eric Eggly, PointSeven Studios photo)

Sweet Simplicity Featured In Knives 2013 Book

Joe Kertzman

-

September 12, 2012

0

My second Editor’s Favorites pick from the Knives 2013 book is included for its sweet simplicity. Don’t let the straightforward, integral form of Billy Mace Imel’s dagger fool you, though, the lines flow symmetrically, with rounded edges along the grip, a pointed pommel and penetratingly pointed blade.

Only mother-of-pearl interrupts the shapely, blackened 01-tool-steel dagger. (SharpByCoop.com photo)

The knife is featured on page 86 of Knives 2013. Click here to order your copy today!

Editor’s Favorites from Knives 2013 Book

Joe Kertzman

-

September 7, 2012

0

The success, popularity and response from the Greatest Bob Loveless Knife Designs posts has prompted me to start a “Favorites from the Knives 2013” book thread.

So, here’s the first of the “Editor’s Favorites from Knives 2013 Book.” It is a Mediterranean dirk as only Rick Eaton could fashion it, blending old styles with modern flair. It parades flare-cut engraving, Arabesque accents and banknote engraving, as well as an ancient-ivory handle and a damascus blade. The guard is sculpted and engraved, and the entire dirk intrigues.

So here’s to Rick, his Mediterranean dirk and a new thread showcasing fine knives. To order your copy of the book, go to: http://www.shopblade.com/knives-2013-33rd-ed?lid=JKblfl090712.

KA-BAR Launches Military Appreciation Program

Joe Kertzman

-

September 6, 2012

0

KA-BAR Knives created a Military Appreciation Program to give thanks to the heroes of the U.S. Armed Forces, and will give one KA-BAR Fighting/Utility knife to an active-duty service member each month. To be considered for the drawing, military personnel should send an email to [email protected] from a .mil email address. The email should include a name, shipping address and a brief summary of how the knife will be used. Shipping addresses must be stateside.

Winners will be selected at random the last Friday of each month. The first drawing will be held September 28th. Good luck!

Joe Kertzman

Another Knives Book Favorite—Scrimshawed Beauty

Something About This Drop Point Hunter

Everybody Wing Chung Tonight (with Knives 2013 Wing Chung Swords)

Eat Up These Edged Combatants

Sweet Simplicity Featured In Knives 2013 Book

Editor’s Favorites from Knives 2013 Book

KA-BAR Launches Military Appreciation Program

Must Read Articles

Knifemaking 101 – Read This Before You Make a Knife

8 Things You May Not Know About “Forged in Fire”

How to Forge Damascus

How to Create Damascus Patterns

Why Are Switchblades Illegal?