BLADE Show ’25 is the author’s 40th BLADE Show—and counting
In the spring of 1985, my fellow U.S. Army lieutenant and knife collector Fletcher Crews told me about the BLADE Show. Having never heard of it, I asked him what it was. His response: “It’s like a gun show but with knives.”
Later in May of that year we took our wives on a road trip from Clarksville, Tennessee, to the Holiday Inn and Convention Center in Knoxville, Tennessee, the show’s former time of year and venue. We allowed ourselves four hours to cover the show. (Don’t get ahead of me; we didn’t know what we were in for.) You have undoubtedly seen TV commercials telling you about someplace in Florida that is the “happiest place on earth.” Those who say this have never been to the BLADE Show!
The highlight of the show for me was meeting BLADE Magazine Cutlery Hall-of-Fame® member Jimmy Lile and seeing and handling the Sly II knife he made for the original Rambo movie, First Blood. For those of you who were not fortunate enough to meet Jimmy, he was everything you hear. He was outgoing and friendly, making you feel like he had known you for years. He only made being able to see the knife in person that much better. After all, this is the knife that started me on a path I am still on today.
The BLADE Show has been the Happiest Place on Earth for decades—including here in 2007—and will be this coming June 6-8, too. (Eric Eggly/PointSeven image)
Heading back to Clarksville, I realized that planning had already started for the 1986 BLADE Show. As it turned out, I would make a life-altering decision shortly after returning home. Several weeks later, my wife Kathy and I were having dinner with Fletcher and his wife Karla.
Karla said, “If you did this as a business, you could go to more shows and write off your expenses.” Jerry Seinfeld famously said on his TV show, “You don’t even know what a write-off is.” That was true of me then but I still liked the sound of it. The following week, I went to a CPA and filled out the paperwork to form Robertson’s Custom Cutlery. I realized I had made a tactical error by only allowing four hours for the show. In 1986, I corrected that. I was, in fact, third in line to get in.
The doors opened and hundreds of people rushed into the room, all taking different paths to the hundreds of tables. I went to the first table closest to me and within 15 minutes was out of money. It was at this show that I learned my next vital lesson. As I walked among the rest of the tables and booths, I realized I had set a land speed record for buyer’s remorse. The essential lesson I learned was to have a plan.
Armed with my recently acquired KNIVES ’86, the plan began to take shape. The book has photos and an equally important index of makers’ contact information in the back. It started me on my path to creating what would become my Robertson’s Maker Market Matrix. In the early days, I used the Matrix exclusively to figure out what specific knives I wanted to buy.
The Sly II, aka the original Jimmy Lile First Blood knife, is the knife that got the author started on his career of buying and selling custom knives 41 years ago. The 9-inch sawtooth blade is bead-blasted D2 tool steel. The hollow handle is cord wrapped with an aircraft-grade aluminum buttcap. Overall length: 14 inches. The leather sheath is custom made. The author’s collector value for one of the originals: $4,000-$6,000.
Using KNIVES ’86 and the information within helped me identify what I wanted and implement my purchase plan. Early in 1987, I started to contact knifemakers, asking them what they were bringing to the show or if they could deliver the particular knife I wanted there. The plan was in place and it was implemented to perfection. I received all five knives I had ordered. With the pressure off, I was allowed to move through the Holiday Inn and Convention Center show hall and really enjoy everything the BLADE Show had to offer.
Gil And Bruce
The 1987 show was memorable for more than just the five knives I bought. I was introduced to legendary Cutlery Hall-of-Famer Gil Hibben, who invited me and others to dinner. He was a gracious host with fascinating stories to tell. At that same show, fellow custom knife purveyor Bob Neal (miss you, buddy) introduced me to Cutlery Hall-of-Famer Bruce Voyles, who owned both the BLADE Show and BLADE, and edited the magazine, too. Bruce couldn’t have been nicer. What impressed me most was his encyclopedic knowledge of older factory slipjoints, multi-blade folders and antique bowies.
In 1992, Bruce gave me another of my favorite memories of the BLADE Show—he asked me to judge the custom knife competition. I’ve judged at more shows than I can remember, but there is nothing like seeing all those knives from some of the best makers in the world all in one room. Bruce introduced me to current BLADE editor, Cutlery Hall-of-Famer Steve Shackleford, who, during a conversation at the 2006 BLADE Show, asked me if I would like to write an article for BLADE. Nineteen years later he continues to ask me to write for BLADE. Bruce and Steve were also instrumental in having me—sometimes with Bob Neal—conduct seminars for both custom knife collectors and makers at several BLADE shows.
At the 1988 BLADE Show, I set up for the first time. With the exception of the show in 1990, I had a table at each BLADE Show until 2011. Having a table at the BLADE Show was an incredible learning experience. It taught me that there is always more to learn about custom knives. Also at the show, custom knifemaker Dave Broadwell and I collaborated and came up with the final design for the MLR Sub-Hilt Fighter. Since then, Dave has made well over 100 MLRs for me in different configurations.
At the 1997 BLADE Show, the author talked to RJ Martin about making a few folders for him. RJ went home and came up with a knife he called the Q30. He later modified it and the result would become his signature model, the Q36, an iteration of which appears here. He went on to win the Best Tactical Folder award at the BLADE Show four years in a row. Today, RJ’s order books are closed. (SharpByCoop image)
At a mid-’90s Knifemakers’ Guild Show, I met a talented maker who at the time was making what I considered the finest Japanese tacticals in the world. However, at the 1997 BLADE Show we talked about him making me a few folders. He went home and came up with a knife he called the Q30. He later modified it and the result would become his signature model, the Q36. He went on to win the Best Tactical Folder award at the BLADE Show four years in a row. His name: RJ Martin.
At the 2015 BLADE Show I met Steve Randall and his wife, Alison. Steve reminded me a lot of the exceptional maker John White. Steve’s knives were clean, incredibly well made and fairly priced. Today, table 3R is always my first stop to check out his knives.
For me, there are many people I talk to throughout the year but I only get to see them once a year at the BLADE Show, and that makes the show even more special to me. Two of those fellow knife nuts are Jack Alsop and Alan Snow.
At the 1987 BLADE Show the author met Gil Hibben, who promptly invited the author and others to dinner. Hibben’s 50th Anniversary Bowie features mirror-polished 440C stainless steel and macassar ebony. The guard and pommel are brass. Blade and overall lengths: 9.5 and 14.25 inches. Hibben’s price for a similar knife: $1,900. (Robertson’s Custom Cutlery image)
What I appreciate most about the BLADE Show, aside from the knives, is the camaraderie of the people there. They are literally from all over the world. They are willing to share their knowledge that, for many, has taken a lifetime to acquire. Like I said previously, forget that place in Florida. The BLADE Show is the happiest place on earth. See you there!
The author’s system is designed to help you accurately price custom knives.
After I wrote a recent BLADE® article on custom knife pricing, editor Steve Shackleford suggested I write a follow-up on the system I use to price custom knives—Robertson’s Maker Market Matrix or RM3. I wrote it to provide a basic guide for each collector or maker on how to do their own pricing. You can find many examples of weighted score tables with a quick Internet search.
A collection or business is a very individual thing. The research required to create a successful Matrix for either one depends on the individual doing it. Let’s dive in.
Market Position
A maker’s position in a market is not always apparent. While in graduate school, I wrote a paper on the impact of pricing and how it can apply to products. As a custom knife dealer, I was looking for a business advantage. I applied the findings in my paper to my business.
I opened my copy of KNIVES ’92 and, using a weighted score table, started to compare makers I found in the book’s index. Initially, I placed the knives in recognized categories, for example, hunters, fighters, bowies, tactical folders, etc. I wanted to compare similar knives/apples to apples. Each category had several hundred entrants.
My goal was to create a top-third, middle-third and bottom-third strata. This is where the weighted aspect of the table comes in. I developed essential criteria, such as quality of work, demand in the primary market, demand in the aftermarket, materials used, delivery time, awards and other gauges. Once I established the criteria, I gave each criterion an importance weight.
Maker: Steve Randall Model: Feather Damascus Fighter Blade Length: 8” Overall Length: 14” Blade Steel: Feather Pattern Damascus Guard Material: Feather Pattern Damascus Handle Material: Ancient Walrus Ivory Author’s Comments: “Steve is the quintessential ABS master smith. He is versatile, inquisitive, loves a challenge and always strives for perfection in every aspect of his knifemaking.” (Robertson’s Custom Cutlery image)
After the Matrix determined the maker’s position in the strata, the ultimate goal of the RM3 took shape in determining which makers’ prices accurately reflected their position in a particular market sector. My research showed that hundreds of makers’ prices were above their position in the market. In other words, many of these makers who were in the second strata were asking first-strata prices. The same was true for third-strata makers asking second-strata prices. The main reason for this is that the makers asked their knifemaking friends to price their knives.
Knifemakers are not knife buyers and, as such, generally do not have a real sense of what knives should sell for. This is especially true if they don’t know their market position. Additionally, asking your competitors/fellow makers to price your knives is not a recommended business strategy.
Among other things, one aspect of the RM3 I was surprised to find is that it identified makers who offered value pricing. At first glance, many people mistakenly think this means the least expensive price. Instead, given the maker’s position in the market, a value price provides the buyer value regardless of the price tag. The makers who came to my attention were those pricing their knives commensurate with the pricing in lower strata, e.g., a first-strata maker asking for a second-strata price.
Blade Game
When knife shows or knife sales are slow, the blame game begins. The reasons for the slowdowns usually center around the show promoter not doing the job. The economy is a favorite reason, along with the weather, lighting and position in the room. A maker once told me his sales were slow because he was facing a wall. Note that we were in a square room; everyone was facing a wall. What seldom, if ever, is brought up as a reason for slow sales is the maker’s prices.
Maker: Jimmy Lile Model: 20th Anniversary SLY II Fighter Blade Length: 6” Overall Length: 10.5” Blade Steel: 440C stainless Blade Finish: Bead blast Guard Material: Stainless steel Handle Material: Aluminum tube w/cord wrapping Author’s comments: “A BLADE Magazine Cutlery Hall-of-Fame® member, Jimmy did more to introduce the knife world to the tactical fixed blade than any other custom knifemaker. This young infantry lieutenant saw a Rambo movie and it changed my world.” (Robertson’s Custom Cutlery image)
Very few people will tell makers their prices are too high, as makers can be touchy about their pricing. At the same time, few makers ask collectors or buyers what they think of their knives. This interaction is a prime opportunity for a maker to work on his or her Matrix. Further, this is an opportunity to educate the collector on why the maker’s knives are priced the way they are, and to give the collector a chance to work on his or her Matrix.
I cannot overstate how vital this flow of information is for both the maker and the collector. For the past 30+ years, at every show I have attended I have heard, “Les, come and look at my knives and tell me what you think.” I have the utmost respect for the makers who ask me to do that. It can be daunting for a maker to ask someone to critique the maker’s knives and prices. A quick “good job” may be nice for the maker’s ego, but a critical examination of the work and pricing will ultimately improve the maker’s knives and bottom line.
Hype Cycle
The Hype Cycle occurs when a custom knife market sector takes center stage. In 1988, interframe folders were all the rage—many sold for over $10,000 each. In 2001, I bought one of the same knives for $600 at an auction. The original sale price was $14,000. What happened? Answer: the Hype Cycle. The hype drove up the prices, and when the hype went away, the prices crashed. The Hype Cycle is a Matrix killer as prices become skewed to the point that they are unsustainable.
Whether you’re a collector or a maker, the Matrix can benefit you. Identifying the maker’s position in the market aids in an appropriate price, thus increasing sales for the maker. At the same time, it gives the collector a chance to sell or trade a knife at a fair price in the aftermarket, as it is in the aftermarket where collectors pay to go to school.
Custom knife markets are small cycles inside of larger cycles. New criteria will always enter a Matrix. Consequently, both makers and collectors must be sensitive to the ever-changing markets. Retirements, new materials, awards, bad reviews and other factors can all impact pricing.
R&T
Reading this, some may think the RM3 is a quick and easy solution for pricing knives. I assure you, it is not. The amount of research and time you put into your Matrix will directly affect your ability as a collector or as a maker to identify the maker’s position in his or her market. It also will give valuable insight as to whether the maker is offering value pricing. Makers will gain useful knowledge on how to price their knives correctly for their position in the market, helping them eliminate the blame game.
Maker: David Broadwell Model: MLR Sub-Hilt Fighter Blade Length: 8” Overall Length: 14” Blade Steel: Wolf’s Tooth Pattern Damascus Guard, Sub-Hilt and Pommel Material: Wolf’s Tooth Pattern Damascus Handle Material: Ancient Walrus Ivory Author’s Comments: “Dave has been making some of the finest sub-hilt fighters for over 40 years. His knives are the epitome of the 4 F’s; Fit, Finish, Form and Function.” (Robertson’s Custom Cutlery image)
More On the Robertson Matrix
How do you give what you call an “importance weight” to each criterion in a Matrix? What makes specific criteria more important than others? ROBERTSON: One criterion that has moved up my list and now carries more weight is customer service. We deal in so much poor customer service in our everyday lives. We don’t need this in our hobby. I am still amazed at the number of clients who tell me they have emailed or called a maker, often several times, with no response. Everyone is busy but it takes literally 60 seconds to respond to an email acknowledging receipt and indicating a response will be forthcoming asap. Those makers who don’t respond in a timely manner are telling you it is about them and not you. If they are making it difficult for you to give them your money, don’t.
What makes the ratings for your criteria change? ROBERTSON: Actually, it is the ratings of knife organizations that have caused me to change the weight the ratings carry in my criteria. When I first started in custom knives, to be a Knifemakers’ Guild voting member carried a lot of weight in the knifemaking community. Today the Guild is more of a club, though still a good idea that provides insight and help for makers. For me, at least, if a maker tells me he or she is a Guild voting member, that mostly tells me the maker is serious and has shown improvement in his or her knifemaking skills over the years, but it does not carry the weight in my criteria it once did.
How often do you update the ratings, and why? ROBERTSON: The custom knife market is never static and is always evolving. This evolution demands that weight associated with each criterion evolve as well. The weight I associate with a particular maker changes with the maker’s ability to incorporate the changes the collectors want, be it materials or design elements.
How often do you change the criteria themselves, and why? LES ROBERTSON: I’m generally one-to-two years ahead of where a market sector that interests me is going. Given this extended lead time, I often have to account for new information and tweaking of the weight within a particular criterion or the criterion itself. Perhaps the most difficult aspect of this is to not put too much weight into a criterion due to my personal biases. In other words, just because a particular style of knife is my favorite does not mean the majority of other collectors feel the same way. I try to take my feelings out of the equation and I am not always successful. The Matrix is not an exact science.
The author explains why tactical fixed blades will “come into focus” in 2025.
It’s 2025, and no doubt the new year will bring many changes. The same can be said for custom knives.
I was interviewed for a recent article in BLADE®. I was asked my opinion about several custom knife market sectors and how they would perform in the new year. As with any collectible market, interest in specific sectors ebb and flow with time.
The year past started to see a shift in the custom knife market. Specifically, it was because of inflation impacting most everyone’s daily lives. Multi-thousand-dollar knives, sales of which began to slow in 2023, almost came to a complete halt in ’24.
The Vanguard Guardian by David Broadwell has an 8-inch blade of CPM 154 stainless steel with a hand-rubbed satin finish and scales of black Micarta® with black canvas Micarta. Overall length: 13 inches. Leather sheath by Nita Broadwell. Author’s note: “This is the epitome of what a tactical sub-hilt fighter should be. This knife features a fuller to provide lateral strength to the blade. The integral guard and sub-hilt are titanium.” Maker’s price for a similar knife and sheath: $2,500.
The trend I saw was collectors were still buying custom knives—they just changed their strategy. The primary strategy I saw was to purchase high-quality, less expensive knives. In times like these, collectors will often look around to check out the work of makers they were previously unfamiliar with, or new makers. I have done this for the past 40 years and I highly recommend it.
No matter the custom knife sector, while it may seem to disappear, no sector ever disappears completely. When a sector heats up, other sectors cool off. It is only a matter of time before they all get their turn again. No matter how hot a market sector seems or how popular the style of knife or maker is, eventually they all cool off. The increased popularity brings an increased demand, which causes a rise in prices, which brings more makers into the market sector. And often all but a few makers will continue to maintain their popularity.
Why Tactical Fixed Blades Are On The Rise
Because I watch the custom knife market closer than most, I often become aware of trends before most custom knife buyers. In marketing terminology, this is referred to as being an early adopter. Early adopters are the ones who start the path that, months later, others will begin to walk down. The market sector of tactical fixed blades is once again coming into focus.
The Nomad by Tomasz Dziubinski features a 10-inch blade of Sleipner stainless steel with a black Cerakote® finish, full-tang construction and a sculpted handle of OD green G-10. Overall length: 15 inches. Kydex sheath by the maker. Author’s note: “The quarter-inch stock, weight slightly forward, makes it perfect for chopping. Its razor edge gives it the ability to perform smaller knife chores around the camp. An excellent all-around knife.” Maker’s price for a similar knife and sheath: $395.
There are three reasons for this:
Diversity of styles: The word tactical is a marketing term that first appeared in the knife business circa 1995 (page 10). It was more about the look of a knife than its style or function. As the BLADE Show added best tactical knife awards to its custom knife judging competition, I was asked to help define the parameters for the category. It was straightforward. There were no parameters for style, length or materials, with one exception: the handle material had to be synthetic, not natural. Also, the blade and guard/bolster materials, if there were any of the latter, had to have a non-reflective finish. You would not believe the grief I have received over this simple definition.
With this definition in mind, most any variation of blade length, grind, single or double edge, double guard, single guard, no guard, integral guard, or bolster could be utilized in the design and subsequent build of the knife. The only stipulation was that the knife had to have a synthetic handle material. The variety of custom tactical knives was mind-blowing once this became a category. Finishes ranged from machine satin, bead blast, tumble and, finally, blackened.
Diversity of materials: In this instance, the materials are primarily those for blades and hardware. Tactical fixed blades and folders introduced an explosion of steel to the custom knife market. The knives featured a wide variety of steels not previously associated with custom knives. Such materials as Stellite®, Talonite® and powdered steel were utilized for blades, and these were introduced to the custom knife world through tactical knives.
The initial choices for tactical handle materials were limited to G-10, Micarta® and 550 para cord, though the options changed rapidly. G-11 was introduced as an alternative, as were various carbon fibers, including lightning strike and copper, and also Carbo Quartz, Fat Carbon, antique Micarta and others.
Phillip Patton outfits his Vanguard Cheetah Sub-Hilt Fighter in an 8-inch blade of satin-finished W2 tool steel, stainless steel guard with an indexing radius cutout, a black Micarta® handle and a leather sheath by the maker. Overall length: 12.75 inches. Author’s note: “This knife features a full double hollow grind, exceptional balance and enhanced handle ergonomics.” Maker’s price for a similar knife and sheath: $825.
Price Point: The price of a custom knife was a significant consideration in 2024 and will be a major factor in 2025. Due to their diversity, tactical fixed blades will offer the collector numerous choices in the sweet spot of $300 to $800, which is in just about every serious custom knife buyer’s budget.
Tactical Fixed Blade Visual Appeal
As with most knives, the initial attraction to tactical knives is visual. Once a knife catches your eye, you impulsively want to handle it. Because most tactical knives are built to use, they often have more attention to detail toward that end than other knives. Consequently, a visceral reaction happens when you put the knife in your hand. The knife instantly becomes an extension of yourself. The knife’s symmetry, balance and handle ergonomics all combine to make the knife effortless to use.
Because of the variety of styles and materials, you can easily match up the tactical knife to meet your needs, whether a smaller utility knife for camping, bushcraft work or even an EDC. A knife like the Ridgeline by Rafal Kolakowski or the Trail Head EDC by Tomasz Dziubinksi can be used for many tasks in the field. Both combine light weight, excellent handle ergonomics and very durable materials.
Rafal Kolakowski’s Ridgeline sports a 4-inch blade of Becut stainless steel in a black Cerakote® finish and a carbon fiber handle. Overall length: 8.75 inches. Kydex sheath by the maker. Author’s note: “Double hollow ground blade with fuller for added strength. Full tang, sculpted handle material for enhanced handle ergonomics. A small knife but built for hard work. Stainless steel tube lined thong hole.” Maker’s price for a similar knife and sheath: $350.
At the other end of the spectrum are the choppers. The large, heavy blades are designed to do what small knives can’t, including break trail, create firewood and assist in processing large game. The Piotr Gosciniak Tracker offers several options with its unique blade design. A straight primary edge is designed for baton work, the cleaver-style grind for chopping and slicing, and a distinctive grind on the top edge for cutting cord. Dziubinski’s Nomad is another example of a serious tactical to get things done.
Then there is the sexiest tactical knife: the sub-hilt fighter. It is my favorite knife style and my favorite maker of it is David Broadwell. Dave’s limited-edition Vanguard Guardian is highlighted by its unusual fuller and integral titanium guard and sub-hilt. Phillip Patton’s Vanguard Cheetah features a sexy recurve blade with a more traditional guard and sub-hilt.
This article wouldn’t be complete without a tactical knife showing off its military influence. For that, consider the Spektra dagger by Rafal Kolakowski. It’s sleek, compact and built for serious use.
Less Is More
A 3.5-inch blade of Sleipner stainless steel with a black Cerakote® finish and black G-10 handle highlight Tomasz Dziubinski’s Trailhead. Overall length: 8.25 inches. Kydex sheath by the maker. Author’s note: “Flat-ground, upswept utility-style blade. Full tang, excellent handle ergonomics. A small knife but built for hard work. Stainless steel tube lined thong hole.” Maker’s price for a similar knife and sheath: $325.
Please do your research. Understand what the knife can and cannot do. Try to get one with a guard or at least handle material over the guard. Integral guards with square edges will tear up your hands. Often, “Tacti-Cool” features—extra holes, extra serrations or saw teeth, etc.—may look cool but seldom, if ever, add anything to the knife except extra expense. With tactical knives, usually less is more. Balance and handle ergonomics are essential on a knife that will be used hard.
Understand how and why custom hunting knives cost what they do.
When I attend shows, one of my main goals is to talk with knifemakers and check the prices of various custom knives. One of the best shows to do that is the BLADE Show. This past June my goal in the Cobb Galleria Centre in Atlanta was to talk with 50 custom makers to get their takes on trends, material prices, overall demand, etc., regarding the knives they make and sell.
Luke Dellmyer custom hunting knife.
The custom knife that dominates the fixed-blade market is the hunter. This is due primarily to the fact that there seems to be an endless variety of hunting knives that can be made, and they usually have a lower price point than many other custom knives. Unlike other customs, hunting knives are often bought for use. Consequently, they are frequently tested by many users, from the casual outdoorsman to the professional hunting guide. The firearm may dispatch the game, but the knife provides the meat and potentially the trophy the taxidermist creates.
Over the years, thousands of articles have been written on and about hunting knives, including a few by this writer. In this article, I want to discuss not types or designs but pricing on knives in the hunter category.
Custom Hunting Knives Cost
Wess Barnhill ladder-pattern damascus hunter.
Several factors go into the cost of building or making anything. Most makers need a place to make the knives, usually a garage or a shop. Next comes the equipment, which varies from maker to maker. Belts for grinding, polishing and putting an edge on the blade can be one of the more costly items a maker utilizes. Electricity, propane or wood provide the energy to work the materials that become the knife. No matter how the knife is built, these are typical costs shared by most makers. The costs vary depending on the prices of the materials to make the knife. Steel, guard/bolster material, handle material and leather if a sheath is required all impact the finished knife’s price, as will the maker’s skill at using these materials.
Custom Hunting Knives Blade Steel
Dan Lewis’ dmascus and copper san-mai hunters, both striking outdoor options.
The majority of makers use either stainless or carbon steel. Each offers advantages and disadvantages. Because of the diversity of steel, hunters can select a knife with the steel that best suits their needs.
Some hunters prefer patterned damascus steel, such as the ladder pattern of the damascus hunter by ABS master smith Russ Andrews (see accompanying image). Some hunters indicate the damascus blade’s distal tapering and differential heat treatment give the knife a better edge-holding capability. Others prefer steel of a san-mai construction as in the knife of ABS journeyman smith Dan Lewis. By forge welding more malleable steel onto either side of a harder steel, san-mai provides the blade with more structural integrity without sacrificing its ability to hold an edge.
As you can imagine, creating these steels takes additional time and is an added expense. The steels can add anywhere from $150 to $400 to the knife’s cost.
Custom Hunting Knives Handle
Russ Andrews amber stag hunter is a looker.
The handle material varies from natural to such synthetic(s) as G-10, carbon fiber and Micarta®. Natural handle materials are even more diverse, including ivory, antler/horn, wood, mother-of-pearl and bone. The advantage of synthetics is they are not subject to the effects of weather and temperature and so do not shrink and/or expand. Also, Micarta and G-10 are less expensive than some natural handle materials.
Natural handle materials can give your knife a unique look, making it stand out from other knives. Ivory, predominantly mammoth or ancient walrus ivory, is among the most distinctive and expensive handle materials used on hunting knives. Mammoth ivory comes in the form of scales and can cost anywhere from $100 to $250. Ancient walrus ivory costs are largely determined by the color(s) and condition. Prices generally range from $200 to $400.
Antlers and horns of all types have been used as knife handles from the onset of knives being built. The most commonly used antler on custom hunting knives is Sambar stag. In addition to its classic look, the natural lands* and grooves of the antler will contour to your hand, giving you a better grip when using the knife. Stag’s demand and lack of supply over the past 15 years have driven the price up considerably. You can expect to add $125 to $175 to the cost of the knife for an excellent piece of stag.
Mike Malosh’s hunters are outfitted with either an elk and black Micarta or stacked leather washers.
Watching the price of stag increase encouraged me to look at other members of the deer family. One such member is the elk. It has many of the same characteristics as the stag antler, such as the natural lands, grooves and coloring. However, the price is considerably less than stag—around $50. The Elk Hunter (see accompanying image) by Mike Malosh gives you an idea of what an elk antler looks like on a custom hunting knife.
Wood is also a favorite handle material for both makers and collectors. Talk about diversity—wood offers just about any color you could want. Now, with the wood stabilization process commonplace, you eliminate most of the adverse effects of weather on the natural handle material. The price point for wood ranges from $5 to $50 to $75 for scales or a block of desert ironwood or koa. The damascus hunter by ABS journeyman smith Wess Barnhill features a beautiful set of desert ironwood scales. Its range of colors helps ironwood find its way to many knife handles.
Walnut is a hardwood favored by makers such as ABS journeyman smith Luke Dellmyer. It is a very stable, attractive wood that costs $30 a block. Another natural handle material I like, but you don’t see much, is stacked leather washers, as on the Mike Malosh Bear Hunter. One advantage I found with stacked leather is that, over time, the handle material will conform to your hand, providing you with a custom grip. You can expect stacked leather to add about $30 to the knife’s cost.
What Makes A True Value
As a professional custom knife purveyor, I offer prices based on my conversations with suppliers and makers and the materials I have bought over the years. As you know, everything gets more expensive, so prices may vary. The makers’ ability to combine the materials to create functional and aesthetically pleasing knives comes from years of honing their skills in their shops. Once you understand material pricing and can differentiate the skill levels of the different makers, you will realize that this is where the true value lies.
*Like on the inside of the barrel of a firearm, lands are the raised part of the antler and the grooves are the recessed part.
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Observe all nine and your collecting pursuit can be most satisfying.
I have watched the custom knife market for 40 years with more than idle curiosity. The universal mantra of collectors regarding their collections is I buy what I like. At the outset, it seems a simple statement. The real question is, what does the collector collect and why?
The best thing about a collection is that it is yours. You decide what knives enter and which ones leave. Often, it is a combination of the design/style, material(s) and maker. Then again, it can be knives with a singular attribute that make up the collection. I have also found that the mantra of the collector is invoked when part of his or her collection is difficult to sell or trade.
TIP #1
Collecting and investing are not the same. Assembling a collection is done primarily for the pure joy of it. The search and subsequent acquisition of each knife only fuels your desire to increase/improve your collection.
One of the great things about custom knives is getting what you want. Custom knives can be made to your specifications, not knives that are merely one of a hundred thousand. Investing in custom knives is done for the specific reason to re-sell for a profit. Buy what you like because you may have it for a long time, whether that is your intention or not.
The author kept pages of notes in his copy of KNIVES ’86 that he bought in 1985. It became a blueprint for his knife collecting and then later for his business, including which knives he liked, questions to ask the makers and so on.
TIP #2
Do your research before you buy. I started doing research early on as a collector. I still enjoy looking at the KNIVES ’86 I got in the fall of 1985. In my copy of the book are pages of notes that became a blueprint for my collecting and then later for my business as a purveyor of custom knives, including which knives I liked, questions to ask the makers, etc. I then contacted the makers for their catalogs or just called them to get the information on each. Considering several factors or knife-buying skills listed here allowed me to identify and get the five knives I wanted at the 1986 BLADE Show. Today, the Internet saves a lot of time when researching knives.
TIP #3
Decide the direction of your knife collection (at least for this week). Determining a direction for your collection will be easier if you can master Tips 1 and 2. Doing your research before attending a show or placing the order will save you from a custom knife collector’s worst enemy—buyer’s remorse.
TIP #4
Buy the very best knife you can afford. This is an important concept to understand, as this will help you look past what many of us consider the most important factor: price. Price is not the most important factor, cost is. Price is what you are willing to pay for a custom knife. Cost is the hidden part of the price equation for not knowing if the knife is priced correctly for the maker’s position in the market. Overpaying for a knife will become an issue should you choose to sell or trade the knife.
A critical reason for mastering Tips 1 through 4 is that they will enable you to determine which knife is the best for you for the amount of money in your budget. Sometimes it is more prudent to take the money you would spend on two knives and buy only one. When considering buying a knife, always employ Tip #1 and consider the short- and long-term costs of the purchase.
TIP #5
The truth changes. This applies to many things in life, including the knives in your collection. Enlightenment can be a double-edged sword. You will begin to evaluate your collection as you gain expertise in custom knives. Mistakes that were invisible to you before now catch your eye. This expertise, however, is now helping you select better-made knives.
The author got the five knives he wanted at the 1986 BLADE Show. Scenes from the show, clockwise from top left: winning makers in the custom knife judging; Hubert Lawell’s collection of 500 pearl-handle whittlers; Jimmy Lile at his table; Bill Adams and Jim Cargill; Mr. and Mrs. G.T. Williams; Dr. Eiler Cook’s seminar; Jim Small’s seminar; and W.D. Pease at his table. Adams, Lawell and Lile are all members of the BLADE Magazine Cutlery Hall Of Fame®.
Knife publications, without a doubt, will influence the custom knife buyer by putting a knife on the cover or doing a big spread on a knife or knives. A feature or cover can create immediate demand for a maker’s work. You need to understand how this publicity will affect that maker’s short- and long-term pricing.
Because of the ability to disseminate information quickly, the Internet influences trends and fads. Social media creates the buzz with the latest photos of a particular maker’s work or a style of knives. Often the buzz influences buyers to act quicker than usual. This information can create a short-term inflated demand for the maker’s work. At the same time, it can drive up aftermarket prices to stupid levels. Those of you who bought the so-called tactical folders of the last decade know that what I like to call the Hype Cycle can be a double-edged sword. Collectors must pay attention to the buzz as it can have a long-term effect on their collections. My experience has shown me that the buzz is a poor shortcut for actual research.
KNIFE IQ
Try to determine the direction of your collection as early as possible with the understanding that you are not committed to this direction for an extended time. The reasoning behind this determination will help your focus, saving you both time and money. Once you have identified the direction you would like your collection to take, start your research. Raising your knife IQ prevents you from passing on a quality knife due to your failure to recognize the knife’s worth. Conversely, you could purchase a knife that you may trade or sell one day only to find that you overpaid for it.
The FOUR F’s
“Tactical movie knives have been and remain very collectible,” the author observed. BLADE Magazine Cutlery Hall-Of-Fame® member Jimmy Lile started the category with the Rambo knife. “This knife is responsible for my becoming a custom knife collector,” the author maintained. The 9-inch blade is bead-blasted 440C stainless steel. The cord-wrapped hollow handle has an aluminum buttcap. Guard: stainless steel. Lile passed away in 1991. (image courtesy of Jack Lucarelli)
Doing your knife research will increase your knife IQ. Increasing your knife IQ will help you get the best value for your money and enable you to confidently add knives to your collection. The building blocks of this research are the Four F’s: Fit, Finish, Flow and Function.
Fit: how does the knife fit together? Are there gaps between the blade and the guard? Are the scales flush with the tang? These are examples of some of the areas to examine.
Finish: I look for consistency and degree of difficulty. No matter what type of finish, is it consistent from the tip to the end of the knife with no spots, scratches or other inconsistencies? The degree of difficulty comes in the form of the type of finish. A mirror finish is much more complex than a tumble or bead blast finish. I give bonus points for two-tone finishes, such as a mirror finish on the hollow of the blade and satin for the flat of the blade.
Flow: Does the knife transition smoothly from one end to the other? Uneven grinds, blocky guards and poor ergonomics detract from the flow of the knife.
Function: Is the knife designed and built to complete the task it is supposed to accomplish? Will the knife do what the design intends it to do? While there is always room for improvement on standard designs, the maker should temper those changes and base them on reality. Often the designs border on or move into the fantasy realm.
Spending time on your favorite social media platform and reading knife magazines like BLADE® can help your knife IQ. However, nothing can replace attending a knife show and putting the knife in your hand, allowing you to apply what you have learned about the Four F’s. You can calibrate your eyes to the sometimes-subtle differences between knives in the same category.
Conclusion
“Some collectors look for entry-level ABS master smith knives,” the author stated. “Utility hunters such as this one by ABS master smith Jim Crowell are a perfect example of that collectible category.” Jim’s forged drop point hunter has a 5-inch blade of W2 tool steel with hamon and a black Micarta® handle. Overall length: 9.75 inches. Jim’s custom leather sheath completes the outfit.
Buy what you like, enjoy what you have and welcome to the hunt for the next piece of your collection.
What to look for in a custom hunting knife and some sharp examples.
For outdoorsmen, a knife of some kind is almost a constant companion. Most carry a knife that falls into the category of a hunter.
The Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines hunting knife as a large, stout knife used to skin and process game. When I started judging custom knife competitions at knife shows 30 years ago, the category with the greatest number of entries was always the hunter. Why? Because there are so many interpretations of what a hunting knife is. Often the judges refer to their own experience using knives in the category. Entries generally range in blade length from 2.5 to 5 inches. I have seen knives entered in the category with 10-inch blades.
Blade Lengths
Blade lengths are often designed to process a particular bird or animal. Smaller blades in the 2.5-to-3-inch range are primarily used for dressing birds. The short blade length allows the hunter to quickly extract the bird’s breast meat. The most common blade length is 4 to 4.5 inches, a length that will dress out most game hunted regularly in North America. The dropped hunter/drop-point hunter designed by BLADE Magazine Cutlery Hall-Of-Fame® member Bob Loveless (page 26) is the world’s most copied hunting knife. The standard Loveless drop point features a 4-inch blade.
One of the more popular skinner designs is the Nessmuk, praised for its all-around versatility in the field. Luk Kuberski’s Nessmuk Hunter features Sleipner stainless blade steel with an impeccable satin finish and a mesmerizing handle of maple ash burl. (Luk Kuberski image)
Nessmuk Skinner Maker: Luk Kuberski Blade Length: 4.75” Blade Steel: Sleipner stainless Blade Finish: Satin Blade Style: Drop point Handle Material: Ash maple burl Overall Length: 8.6” Sheath: Leather pouch/belt model by the maker Author’s Comments: Full-tang construction; excellent balance and handle ergonomics; serrated thumb ramp enhances control Maker’s price for a similar knife: $350
When dressing out larger game such as moose or elk, many hunters prefer a longer blade because of the animal’s size. Why is the 5-inch blade the limit? The idea behind the hunting knife is to dress out the animal without losing control and cutting into the animal’s vital areas. Going much past a 5-inch blade can affect the average hunter’s ability to control the cutting edge.
Blade Steels
Materials for hunting knife blades are primarily stainless and carbon steels, though damascus has been gaining in popularity in recent years. The environment the hunters will be in and their skill level at resharpening a blade will enter into the choice of steel.
Wood is a popular handle material for custom hunting knives. Josh Fisher opts for curly maple on his drop-point hunter. And how about those skulls on the tooled-leather sheath by Bob Bobbert? (Robertson’s Custom Cutlery image)
Drop-Point Hunter Maker: Josh Fisher Blade Length: 4.5” Blade Material: 1084 carbon steel Blade Style: Drop point Guard Material: Stainless steel Handle Material: Curly maple Overall Length: 9” Sheath: Tooled-leather pouch/belt model in a skull motif by Bob Bobbert Author’s Comments: Excellent handle ergonomics and balance; Josh is an ABS master smith Maker’s list price for a similar knife: $625
Each steel has its advantage(s) concerning rust resistance, ease of sharpening and edge holding. Carbon steels such as 1084, 5160 and 52100 provide an extremely keen edge and can be easily resharpened. They do, however, require more corrosion maintenance. Stainless steels such as 440C, ATS-34 and CPM 154 make up the bulk of stainless steels used on custom hunters. These can be reasonably simple to sharpen and more forgiving regarding corrosion.
Whichever steel you choose, the blade should be cleaned after use and a light coat of oil should be applied. It is best not to store your knife long-term in a leather sheath, as the tannic acid found in the leather can rust your blade. Additionally, leather does hold moisture, which can hasten the rusting process of the steel. It is best to store knives in something other than their leather sheaths.
Handle Materials
A wide variety of handle materials are used for hunting knives. A favorite among makers and outdoorsmen is Sambar stag, either in its natural color or dyed to create amber stag. Stag is favored not only for its looks but because its contours provide an excellent gripping surface, even when wet. Another handle material gaining favor is elk and much for the same reasons. Two advantages of elk are it can be found in larger sizes and is less expensive.
Sambar stag and elk are favored for their looks and because they provide an excellent gripping surface, even when wet. Mike Malosh’s Elk Hunter 23 custom hunting knife features elk scales. (Robertson’s Custom Cutlery image)
Elk Hunter 23 Maker: Mike Malosh Blade Length: 47/8” Blade Material: W-2 tool steel Blade Finish: Satin Guard Material: Stainless steel Handle Material: Elk w/black Micarta® and stainless steel spacers Overall Length: 9.5” Sheath: Leather pouch/belt model by the maker Author’s Comments: This knife is built for serious work; excellent balance and handle ergonomics Maker’s price for a similar knife: $395
Desert ironwood, curly koa, California buckeye burl and curly maple are among various kinds of popular handle woods used for hunters. Other popular materials are synthetics such as G-10 and Micarta®. The main advantage of these materials is that, for the most part, they are impervious to the elements. As such, they tend not to shrink and crack as some natural handle materials can do over time.
Guards
Guards are made primarily from either 304 or 416 stainless steel. If the knife features a hidden tang design, the joint between the guard and the blade should be soldered. Sealing the guard helps keep the moisture away from hidden tangs. Because their softness makes them prone to damage, along with their additional maintenance requirements, brass and nickel silver generally are not used for guards.
Blade Styles
The drop-point hunter is the most commonly made hunting knife. The drop-point blade maintains its thickness along the spine and then gently slopes to the point. Generally, the drop point is slightly thicker than other hunting blade patterns at the point. The blade thickness provides the drop point the versatility not only to skin but to disjoint and pry. These advantages can be critical to the hunter when dressing larger game.
The slightly raised blade spine/hump extends the curved part of the semi-skinner blade for skinning while maintaining the drop point to avoid puncturing the abdominal cavity. Brant Cochran covers the pattern in a sturdy lightweight version of 80CrV2 carbon steel and walnut in his custom hunting knife. (Robertson’s Custom Cutlery image)
Semi-Skinner Maker: Brant Cochran Blade Length: 4.25” Blade Material: 80CrV2 carbon steel Blade Finish: Satin Guard Material: Stainless steel Handle Material: Walnut Overall Length: 9” Sheath: Tooled-leather pouch/belt model by the maker Author’s Comments: 80CrV2 is a carbon steel that is both tough and provides outstanding edge retention; excellent balance and handle ergonomics; sturdy lightweight knife, perfect for your next hunt; Brant is an ABS journeyman smith Maker’s price for a similar knife: $300
The idea of a skinner is basically to remove the skin/fur from the game. The skinning blade shape features a slightly thinner blade and edge meant for a specific purpose. The skinner is designed for elongated cuts and better control of the blade, ensuring the game’s fur maintains its integrity. While primarily intended to remove the fur, a knife with a skinner blade can be used to dress game out, too. One of the more popular skinner designs is the Nessmuk, praised for its all-around versatility in the field.
The semi-skinner blade is the middle ground between the drop-point and skinner blades. The slightly raised blade spine/hump extends the curved part of the blade for skinning while maintaining the drop point to avoid puncturing the abdominal cavity, which could taint the meat of the animal.
Conclusion
Picking the right edged companion for your time in the field should require some research. As noted, hunting knives come in various shapes and sizes. This variety enables you to choose the right size, steel and handle material necessary to get the job done. It would benefit you greatly to hold the knife in your hand, primarily for sizing. You must always be able to control the blade’s edge.
The drop-point hunter is the most commonly made hunting knife. A George Romeis drop point features CPM 154 stainless blade steel and a black G-10 handle. (Robertson’s Custom Cutlery image)
Drop-Point Hunter Maker: George Romeis Blade Length: 3.5” Blade Steel: CPM 154 stainless Blade Finish: Satin Guard Material: Stainless steel Handle Material: Black G-10 w/stainless-steel-lined thong hole Overall Length: 8” Sheath: Leather pouch/belt model by the maker Author’s Comments: Full-tapered tang, excellent balance, very comfortable in the hand Maker’s price for a similar knife: $300
Remember, the rifle or bow harvests the game but the knife creates what becomes dinner and the trophy.
An overinflated market for forged blades at home caused the author to look elsewhere. Oftentimes this has been to Eastern European Knife Makers.
This article originally appeared in the 2024 KNIVES Annual.
Since 2017, forged blades have taken the lead. Niche markets like chef’s knives, slip-joint folders, and tactical fixed blades retain enough interest to be powerful sub-markets. Price points and availability in primary and secondary markets lead to the demise of the front-runners. Popular market sectors inspire experienced and new makers to build that type of knife.
Two problems arise from this:
Makers will rapidly join a market sector, but collectors are slower to follow.
Pricing is primarily based on what other makers are getting for their work and not, for example, the quality of a maker’s knives, name recognition, status among the competition, etc.
Higher prices from less qualified knifemakers encourage the well-known makers to raise their prices, and the cycle continues until the knives become unaffordable. Currently, this is what is happening today in the forged blade market. I saw this trend emerging in 2020, and I started emphasizing makers who offer value for the money with their work.
Overpriced knives led me to increase my research for custom knives with good value in the United States and worldwide. Social media was a great help in this area. As I researched, I found myself saving photos of knives I was interested in. When I returned to re-look at the pictures I had saved, I found many of these makers were from Eastern Europe.
In the spike tomahawk realm is this Csizmar Szilard model with a forged 5160 high-carbon steel head, a hickory haft, and a custom leather sheath. Szilard is a well-known maker in Romania. (Csizmar Szilard photo)
Much like in the United States, prices ranged from reasonable to what seemed extreme. I contacted well over a hundred makers asking questions about materials, construction techniques, pricing, and sheaths, and requested several additional photos. While there are other makers I plan to contact soon, the following are the seven makers I have already started working with.
Meet The Eastern European Makers
Maksim Tjulpin
Maksim Tjulpin has been making knives for 11 years in his home country of Latvia. His interest comes from the diversity of knives that can be made as well as the array of materials. Maksim builds knives utilizing both the stock-removal and forging methods of blade making. He favors forged blades as each has its own unique character.
He primarily uses stabilized wood for his handles, often combined with mammoth ivory spacers. I have found his craftsmanship to be impeccable. The knives feature excellent fit and finish as well as ideal balance and handle ergonomics.
Petr And Peter Dohnal
Petr Dohnal and his son, Peter, have been making knives for 21 years in their native country of the Czech Republic. Working as a computer graphic designer, Petr realized he wanted to build something with his hands. So, he chose to make custom knives. As with many makers, his favorite part is forging the blades, usually damascus. In addition to making his own steel, he uses Elmax, Vanadis 8, and M390, as well as other alloys. He understands that the knife’s intended purpose will often determine the most suitable steel. His handle materials of choice are stabilized wood and antler. I find Petr’s knives a joy to hold in my hand, being sleek, well-made, and exhibiting superior balance and handle ergonomics.
The sleek, stealthy, and sexy fighter by Eastern European knife maker Michal Komorovsky exhibits a 7.75-inch, black DLC-coated Elmax blade, a black canvas Micarta handle, and a leather sheath. The balance of the knife makes it deceptively quick, and a fuller reduces the weight while increasing blade strength. (Michal Komorovsky photo)
Michal Komorovsky
Michal Komorovsky started making knives, in 2011, in his home country, Slovakia, or officially, the Slovak Republic—doing so primarily because he wanted to try something different, and he never looked back. He favors Sleipner steel, which is a new-generation alloy like D-2, as well as M390. When time allows, he forges damascus for his knives, including a wide variety of fixed blades. Michal builds an array of knives, from hunting and tactical models to bowies and even an occasional art dagger.
Many of his tactical knives feature black DLC-coated blades, but he also offers sandblasted and bead-blasted steel, as well as satin- and mirror-polished finishes. Michal uses various handle materials, with desert ironwood being his favorite. I’ve taken a liking to his fighters that exhibit excellent fit and finish, have an outstanding balance, and feel great in the hand.
The Tactical Realm
Piotr Gosciniak
Piotr Gosciniak has been fashioning custom knives in his home country of Poland since 2017. Having a keen interest in the military, Piotr decided to focus his talent on making tactical knives. He occasionally uses high-carbon steel such as 80CrV, but most of his knives are built using quality stainless steels such as Elmax or Sleipner.
Piotr prefers synthetic handle materials like Micarta, G-10, and carbon fiber. He also offers Cerakote coating for his knives. As a former infantry officer, I appreciate the crisp, clean lines of Piotr’s knives. His designs are purpose-driven; these are tools meant to be used. The blade fullers, textured handle material, and thumb serrations add to each knife’s capability.
Petr Dohnal forged a damascus camp knife, including the guard, adding a stabilized Karelian birch handle and fossil walrus ivory spacer. It comes with a custom leather sheath. (Petr Dohnal photo)
Jacek Hnatow
Also from Poland, Jacek Hnatow has been building knives for eight years. He started as a collector, then decided he didn’t want to buy knives anymore; he wanted to make them. As an avid outdoorsman, it should come as no surprise that Jacek’s specialties are survival and bushcraft blades. He prefers working with Bohler N690 and Elmax, as well as high-carbon alloys and san mai steel. Jacek’s handle material offerings include synthetics such as G-10 and Micarta, as well as stabilized wood at the customer’s request. His knives, many of which can be huge, are well-balanced with great handle ergonomics. His bushcraft blades are a perfect size to carry in the field, and all of Jacek’s knives are well thought out for the tasks at hand.
Csizmar Szilard
Romanian Csizmar Szilard has been a full-time knifemaker since 2007. When he was younger, he enjoyed video games and one of them allowed players to forge their weapons virtually. So, Csizmar decided to make that a reality. Forging is his favorite part of fashioning knives, hatchets, and axes. He prefers 5160 high-carbon steel for its simplicity and ease of forging. Handle materials are all-natural, with wood and antler being his favorites. Csizmar’s work is clean and balanced, precisely what you would expect from a maker who builds tools that are meant to be used.
Szymek Szlagor
A native of Poland, Szymek Szlagor has been making knives since 2017. Building a knife for himself led to making them for friends and eventually becoming a full-time knifemaker. He enjoys forging and machining carbon steel and damascus. He gravitates toward 5160 high-carbon steel and combines K720 and 15N20 to make damascus. His handle material preferences are natural materials such as stabilized wood and antlers. For his everyday carry (EDC) knives, he prefers to use Micarta. Szymek feels making knives is a beautiful job that involves taking a piece of steel, giving it shape, and improving on it until the blade becomes a tool that will be used and passed down from generation to generation. Having handled his work, he has accomplished his goal.
Working With Eastern European Makers
Language: There are several languages throughout Europe. While it is true that many Europeans speak English, it is equally noteworthy that they do not read and write the universal language well. This is important to know as, more than likely, collectors will be contacting the makers via email or social media. When writing, I often rely on an online translator for help. Understand that such online translating programs could be better. I always let the maker know upfront I am using a translator.
Eastern European knife maker Maksim Tjulpin’s camp knife features a 7.1-inch san mai damascus blade, a stainless guard, a black G-10 spacer, and a mammoth tooth and desert ironwood handle. It comes with a custom leather sheath. (Maksim Tjulpin photo)
When emailing or writing to makers, try not to use slang or acronyms, as these usually translate into something that might not have the intended meaning. Remember to be patient with this process, as both collector and maker must understand exactly what each is expecting.
Payments: The preferred method for knife transactions is PayPal. As with most makers worldwide, many are not set up to take credit cards. Those who have traveled to Europe know there are additional fees for using U.S. bank credit cards. Although wire transfers can be made, it is best to check with your bank to find out what the fee for an international wire transfer will be.
Lastly, Western Union is an option that usually comes with an $8 fee. Some buyers might find the process of paying upfront and then having to wait up to a month difficult. However, I have been buying knives regularly from Eastern Europe for the last three years and have never had a package go missing.
Shipping: The maker will generally ship the knife through his or her country’s postal service. Most countries work with the U.S. Postal Service, and once a package is accepted, you can track it coming from Europe. The delivery time frame will average between two and four weeks. While FedEx can be an option, the cost associated will generally eliminate this service from the ideal options.
The 13-inch camp knife from Szymek Szlagor showcases a forged Bohler K720 blade with hamon (temper line), a stainless guard and sambar stag handle scales. (Robertson’s Custom Cutlery photo)
Measurements: Europe uses the metric system. As foreign as the metric system is to you, the same is true for the imperial system the United States uses to makers in Europe. Fortunately, there are conversion programs on the internet. In conversing with European makers, please pay attention and differentiate between when they use centimeters (cm) or millimeters (mm), as 1 centimeter equals 10 millimeters, and when it comes to a knife, that could be a huge difference.
Forged In Fire Influence
Most of the makers in this article offer forged blades as part of the repertoire. However, Piotr Gosciniak is the exception, as he specializes in stainless and some high-carbon steel tactical knives. The U.S. market will see a resurgence of this category of knives in 2023-’24. For now, forged blades are the most significant market sector in the United States, partly due to increased interest in forging knives due to the TV show “Forged in Fire.” The interest created by this show was partly responsible for 38 makers earning their American Bladesmith Society (ABS) journeyman smith ratings at the 2022 BLADE Show.
Talking with several ABS master smiths, I was told they saw an increase in the number of makers taking their journeyman smith performance test before the 2023 BLADE Show as well. As a result, I anticipate the final numbers to show a record number of candidates testing for their journeyman smith stamps in 2023. With an increase in knife shows across the United States, hammer-ins, and the accessibility of in-person training and videos on social media, the number of forged blade makers will continue to increase over the next several years.
As these new makers enter the custom knife market, their pricing will be based more on what their peers charge for knives as opposed to a position in the market that their work has earned. In the short term, collectors will be the ones subsidizing too many who are bound to have short careers as custom knifemakers. Long term, the aftermarket will sort out the winners and losers. Therefore, it is incumbent on buyers to understand value pricing and that they should not buy a custom knife that will lose value.
Eastern European knife maker Jacek Hnatow offers the “Wicher” tactical fixed blade in Bohler N690 stainless steel, a black G-10 handle and a custom Kydex sheath. Of full-tang construction, the contoured handle provides excellent grip even when hands are wet. (Robertson’s Custom Cutlery photo)
Over the last 37 years, I have bought and sold knives on every continent except Antarctica. Today, it is easy to find exceptional makers in Eastern Europe and worldwide. I understand that ordering from makers outside the United States can be a leap of faith.
My hints regarding purchasing knives from Eastern Europe should help you with your concerns. The styles, materials, and craftsmanship of makers worldwide have never been better. This is why I suggest you give the makers in this article and others around the world consideration to become part of your collection.
