Les Robertson, Author at BLADE Magazine

Dagger: Custom And Production Buyer’s Guide (2023)

Les Robertson

-

June 20, 2023

Dagger: Custom And Production Buyer’s Guide (2023)

Daggers have a colorful past and a collectible present.

Early in history, warriors concluded they needed a stabbing weapon they could carry because using a sword, club or spear was not always convenient or practical. Daggers were developed to fill that role.

The exact origin of the word dagger has yet to be discovered. It is believed to come from the old French daque or old Italian daga. Dagger gained acceptance during the 14th century when knives with blades that come to a very sharp point became consistently distinguishable from swords.

In peacetime, daggers were often made from expensive materials and worn in ornate sheaths as part of formal dress. Doing so indicated status and wealth. However, daggers weren’t always for the wealthy.

Since daggers are stabbing weapons, they could also be made from bone or antler. This gave those who could not afford items made from metal an effective self-defense tool.

Daggers For Self-Defense

Out of necessity, those who wore a knife in America in the 1800s would usually choose what today we call a bowie. Not only was this knife imposing when worn, it was also large enough to perform the day’s chores while the West was settled. As America became more civilized and cities became more commonplace, the days of wearing such a large knife in public became less acceptable. Self-defense was still at a premium, and small firearms and daggers replaced the large knife. A dagger had to be used at very close range to be effective. No wonder revolvers grew in popularity as the defensive weapon of choice.

Iconic Styles Of Daggers

Trench Knife

During World War I, close-quarters combat was a significant part of trench warfare, where enemy soldiers would fight in tight and narrow quarters in attempts to capture trenches. The best-known dagger of World War I is the 1918 knuckle knife. American weapons inventor Maj. Eugene McNary of the Air Expeditionary Force designed the knuckle knife. He incorporated the same spear-point blade design as the French M1916 Trench Dagger. In addition, McNary added the knuckles and skull crusher point on the handle butt to increase the knife’s lethality. The Landers, Frary & Clark Co. of New Britain, Connecticut, manufactured the knuckle knife. The handle is marked “U.S. 1918” and is maker-marked “L.F.&C.”

Push Dagger

The push dagger is designed primarily as a last-resort weapon for close-quarters defense. While not generally utilized as a primary weapon, it does allow the user to carry it concealed and employ it one-handed, giving him the ability to manipulate the push dagger with one hand while using his off hand to help defend himself. The blade of a push dagger is shorter and broader than that of a standard dagger. In addition, the handle is longer horizontally/wider and thicker to give the user more leverage for pushing.

F-S DAGGER

No dagger developed during World War II carries more lore or recognition than the one designed and developed by William Fairbairn and Eric Sykes. The Fairbairn-Sykes dagger can be used for slashing cuts. However, its acutely tapered and sharply pointed blade led the knife to be described as a stiletto, a weapon primarily designed for thrusting. In addition, the knife was configured for surprise attacks, with its slender blade quickly penetrating the ribcage. From 1940 to 1943, Fairbairn and Sykes developed three different patterns of the dagger.

Final Cut

In September 1983, I started taking the U.S. Army Infantry Officers Basic Course at Ft. Benning, Georgia. Traveling with me was the dagger I received as a present from my wife for being commissioned a second lieutenant.

Because of the knife’s reputation during the Vietnam War, it was a factory dagger I had wanted. I was excited to go on the first training exercise so I could finally put my knife through its paces. After cutting some 550 cord, I stuck my dagger in a tree while I tied the knot. I pulled the knife from the tree to find I had only a handle in my hand. I felt shocked, disappointed and angry all at the same time, as this legendary dagger was anything but. Upon closer inspection, I saw that the knife’s tang was 1 inch long and secured by glue in the handle.

The lessons I learned that day were a) don’t believe the hype and b) only use daggers with full tangs. Please note that the custom knives featured in this article all have full tangs. The plus side to the catastrophic failure of my factory dagger is it made me realize I must research my future knife purchases more carefully.

In April 1984, I bought my first custom knife. I never purchased or used a factory knife again. When it comes to an infantryman and his knife, compromise elsewhere!

Custom Dagger Buyer’s Guide

Les Geroge: Model 1918 Trench Knife

U.S. Marine Corps veteran/custom knifemaker Les George has a fondness for classic U.S. military knives. In 2018, he created his version of the 1918 trench knife. Except for the cast brass handle, Les updated the materials, including a 6.75-inch blade of CPM S35VN stainless steel and a titanium tang nut, both of which have a black Cerakote® finish. As of this writing, he planned to do another limited run of the knife.

Model 1918 Trench Knife Specs
Maker: Les George
Blade Length: 6.75”
Blade Steel: CPM S35VN stainless
Blade Finish: Black Cerakote®
Handle Material: Cast brass w/titanium tang nut
Overall Length: 11.5”
Sheath: Made by George of leather
Maker’s Price: $425 (SharpByCoop knife image; image of Les George by Ronald S. Smith)

Paul McDanie:l Mako Push Dagger

Custom knifemaker Paul McDaniel incorporates all the above-mentioned traits of the push dager in his Mako Push Dagger. The 3-inch double-edge blade is 80CrV2 carbon steel and has a fuller. The 3.75-inch handle is black, textured G-10. The accompanying custom-made Kydex sheath features multiple attachment points.

Mako Push Dagger Specs
Maker: Paul McDaniel
Blade Length: 3” w/full double edge
Blade Material: 80CrV2 carbon steel
Blade Finish: Black Cerakote®
Handle Material: Textured black G-10
Handle Width: 3.75”
Overall Length: 5.25”
Sheath: Made by McDaniel of Kydex w/leather straps
Maker’s Price: $365 (Robertson’s Custom Cutlery image)

Brent Sandow: Fairbairn-Sykes Dagger

Maker Brent Sandow of New Zealand builds all three F-S dagger variants. The featured one has a 6.75-inch blade of D2 tool steel, a stainless steel guard, and a checkered handle. All the metal parts feature a flat-black Gun-Kote™ finish. In addition, Brent has slightly modified the knife by adding scalloping to the guard. The scalloping allows the user to index the knife. Indexing helps the user by providing a locating mark to help control the blade while maneuvering it*.

A version of the F-S dagger by maker Piotr Gosciniak of Poland sports a slightly shorter blade with a fuller down the center. Contrary to popular belief, a fuller is not a “blood groove.” Instead, it is a feature that reduces the knife’s weight and stiffens the blade. At the same time, it can help the maker provide a knife with enhanced balance. Piotr’s dagger features a 6.3-inch blade of 80CrV2 in black Cerakote. The black G-10 handle is laser-cut to enhance grip. For additional control, the knife has a scalloped guard.

Mako Push Dagger Specs
Maker: Paul McDaniel
Blade Length: 3” w/full double edge
Blade Material: 80CrV2 carbon steel
Blade Finish: Black Cerakote®
Handle Material: Textured black G-10
Handle Width: 3.75”
Overall Length: 5.25”
Sheath: Made by McDaniel of Kydex w/leather straps
Maker’s Price: $365 (Robertson’s Custom Cutlery image)

Piotr Gosciniak: Dagger

The texture of the black Micarta® handle enhances grip, particularly in a wet environment. The fuller reduces the blade’s weight while at the same time improves its strength. The thumb cutout provides extra stability during use.

Dagger Specs
Maker: Piotr Gosciniak
Blade Length: 6.3”
Blade Material: 80CrV2 carbon steel
Blade Finish: Black Cerakote®
Handle Material: Laser-cut-textured black G-10
Overall Length: 11.5”
Sheath: Made by Gosciniak of Kydex
Maker’s Price: $425 (Piotr Gosciniak images)

Walter Brend: SF Dagger

The SF Dagger by Walter Brend features an 8-inch blade of D2 tool steel with a satin finish and Walter’s impeccable grind lines. Handle: black Micarta®. Guard: stainless steel. Special features: Full-tang construction, double edge, thong hole and a skullcrusher pommel. Overall length: 12.75 inches.

SF Dagger Specs
Maker: Walter Brend
Blade Length: 7”
Blade Steel: CTS XHP stainless
Blade Finish: Satin
Handle Material: Black Micarta®
Guard Material: Stainless steel
Overall Length: 12”
Sheath: Custom-made of leather
Maker’s Price: $2,800 (Robertson’s Custom Cutlery image)

Production Dagger Buyer’s Guide

Winkler Tactical Dagger

This tactical dagger from Winkler was designed for the military by people in the military. It isn’t a show knife for people looking to cosplay as their favorite action star. This is the real deal.

The 5.5-inch blade is 3/16-inch-thick 80CrV2 carbon steel with a black oxide Caswell finish and has a Rockwell hardness of 59-60 HRC. The blade is made for combat and will handle the abuse you throw at it. Both edges are ground to a razor edge.

A tapered tang runs through the entirety of the wasp sculpted canvas laminate handle to give you a strong, sturdy grip. The piece comes with a custom-lined Kydex sheath for secure carry. Made in the USA, the knife is an absolute winner.
WK Defense Dagger Specs
Maker: Winkler
Blade Length: 4.25″
Blade Steel: 80CrV2
Blade Finish: Black oxide no-glare finish
Handle Material: Black Canvas Laminate, Camo G10, Maple, Walnut, WASP
Overall Length: 8
Sheath: Lined Boltaron® Sheath
Maker’s Price: $325

Spartan Les George V14 Dagger

Designed by award-winning knifemaker Les George, the V14 from Spartan Blades is about as high quality as it gets. A Marine veteran, Les knows what is needed from a dagger and puts it all into this one.

The V14 has a beefy 6.75-inch blade of symmetrically ground CPM S35VN stainless steel heat-treated to a Rockwell hardness of 58-60 HRC that provides great edge retention and durability. The handle is 3D-contoured black G-10 that wraps a full tang to provide a strong grip. This knife isn’t going anywhere in your hand, and the blade’s not going to snap in two when deployed. The Kydex sheath is MOLLE compatible.

George V1-14 Dagger
Maker: Spartan Blades
Blade Length: 6 3/4″
Blade Steel: CPM S45VN
Blade Finish: SpartaCoat – PVD – Tungsten DLC (Black) or ZrN (Flat Dark Earth)
Handle Material: 3D Contoured G10, Black or Green
Overall Length: 11 1/2″
Sheath: Kydex Sheath
Maker’s Price: $495

Blackside Customs P7 Dagger

This piece from Blackside Customs is the smallest of the three knives on our list but no less functional.

The 3.5-inch blade is CTS-XHP stainless steel with an OD green Cerakote® finish. The smaller size makes the P7 more feasible as an EDC if you prefer your standard carry to be a fixed blade. The G-10 grips are double-riveted to the tang for a comfortable grip when deployed.

The Kydex sheath lets you carry the knife easily and discreetly. The smaller blade means a lower weight. At just 3.5 ounces, almost three times lighter than the heaviest knife on this list, the P7 is a sleek piece that moves with grace and ease.

Phase 7 Dagger Specs
Maker: Blackside Customs
Blade Length: 3.5″
Blade Steel: CTS-XHP
Blade Finish: Black Cerakote®
Handle Material: Black G10
Overall Length: 7.35″
Sheath: Kydex Sheath w/ BSC Titanium Tag
Maker’s Price: $290

TOPS Knives I Stick

The commendable quality of the TOPS Knives I Stick lies in its ability to live up to its advertised purpose. It excels in the task of sticking objects securely, and credit is due to the TOPS team for their rare commitment to truthful advertising.

The I Stick embodies the original intent behind the push dagger’s design, which is to protect the wielder by swiftly striking those who pose a threat. Possessing a generous blade length and an impressive thickness that instills a sensation of being able to puncture a shipping container, it undeniably proves its efficacy in defensive scenarios.

Featuring sharp edges on both sides, it surpasses the 3.5-inch blade measurement that could attract the attention of law enforcement officers seeking to find fault. Consequently, it may not be the ideal choice for individuals residing in states with stringent knife regulations. However, if you find yourself in a state with fewer restrictions or if you possess a weapons carry permit, the TOPS Knives I Stick presents itself as a formidable contender.

*Editor’s note: Though meant to be inferred from the author’s description, we might add that indexing enables the user to know by feel how the blade is oriented during use, an invaluable feature in situations where the user cannot see the blade for whatever reason.

I Stick
Maker: TOPS Knives
Blade Length: 3.50″
Blade Steel: 1075 RC 56-58
Blade Finish: Black Traction Coating
Handle Material: Black Canvas Micarta
Overall Length: 5.63″
Sheath: Black Kydex
Maker’s Price: $210

Editor’s Note: Michael Ableson contributed to this post.

Read More

The M7 Bayonet: From Combat To The Campsite
Utility Knives: A Worker’s Best Friend
Gravity Knives: What You Need To Know

Bowie Knife: Shorter Customs Are Where It’s At

Les Robertson

-

January 26, 2023

0

Bowie Knife: Shorter Customs Are Where It’s At

Forget the traditional 10-inch blade, the new sweet spot for a custom bowie knife is now a 9- to 9.5-inch blade!

In July 1990 I was in the Army, home on leave from South Korea and attending The Knifemakers’ Guild Show in Orlando, Florida. While there, I was introduced to the forged blade.

I stopped by the table of ABS Master Smith Jim Crowell. He explained to me what it took to gain the prestigious rating of ABS master smith. It wasn’t just the quality of the knife that impressed me. I was amazed at how a 15-inch knife with a 10-inch blade could be so lightweight. While I was not new to fixed blades, my experience to that point had been with stock-removal knives.

Bad to the bone, Mark Fleming’s forged Southwest Trail Bowie has a 9.5-inch blade made of 1084 carbon and 15N20 nickel-alloy steels in a ladder pattern. The handle is ancient walrus tusk, capped with a damascus pommel, ferrule and guard. Almost a steal, with Fleming marking the price at $1,900 for a similar knife.

Jim explained that distal tapering is a procedure to thin the blade from guard to tip and spine to edge. The amount of tapering depends on the purpose of the knife. As I moved through the show, I started paying more attention to the forged blades on the exhibitors’ tables. What I discovered was what was called the ABS Bowie. The dimensions of the knife were a blade of 10 inches in length, 1.5 inches wide and a quarter inch thick, generally with a 5-inch handle.

Development Of The Shorter Custom Bowie Knife

Those who have been involved with custom knives for some years know that the knives tend to move in cycles. Innovation leads to demand from collectors. There’s a lot of “following the leader” in the custom knife business. This could have helped explain why so many knives were dimensionally identical at the ’90 Guild Show. While some had damascus blades and hardware, most were carbon steel.

In 1992 the custom knife market cycled to a new entry into the custom knife world: the tactical folder. Toward the end of the decade, tactical folders started to wane, and forged blades once again established their prominence in the custom knife world. This time around the cycle began with hunters—basically, those with forged carbon steel blades, stainless guards, and wood or stag handles. The price point was predominantly in the $150-to-$210 range. By 2002, collectors buying hunters were ready to move to the hunter’s “big brother.” Meanwhile, the decade was populated with damascus patterns such as ladder, raindrop and twist, all of which began to show up more regularly.

Another nine-and-a-halfer, Ben Brea’s Forged Stag Bowie has a ladder-pattern damascus blade and a checkered koa handle. The superlatively executed custom bowie knife comes with a custom leather sheath. Breda set the price of a similar knife at $2,000.

While damascus was in demand by the higher-end collectors, it was W2 tool steel blades with hamons that took center stage for about five years. No two hamons were exactly alike. They looked cool and, for most collectors, were affordable. While antique designs from the mid-1800s were showing up more regularly, the one thing that hadn’t changed was the ABS Bowie, the majority of which continued to have 10-inch blades or longer.

BLADE Magazine Cutlery Hall-Of-Fame® member Jim Bowie was at least 6 feet tall. Depending on your source, the knife he carried had a blade with a length anywhere from 9.25 inches (on the one his brother Rezin stated was made for Jim), to 121/8 inches (the knife known as the Edwin Forrest Bowie), and a handle length of up to 6 inches. For size comparison, the Japanese ko-wakizashi, a short sword that was carried by samurai, started with a 12-inch blade. The ko-wakizashi was worn outside the clothes in a belt at the waist. Current knife laws aside, a knife that long would be difficult to carry and use openly. After all, have you ever tried carrying around a knife with a 12-inch blade? My only experience was a two-week field exercise while I was in the Army. The knife I took with me had only a 10-inch blade. Granted, I am at least 1 inch shorter than Jim Bowie was. But the 10-inch blade was cumbersome to carry and, quite frankly, just too long for what a soldier needed. Also, it would be challenging to deploy the knife without having it in a cross-draw setup similar to what the samurai employed.

Dimensional Changes To Cutom Bowie Knives

While it isn’t much different from the ABS Bowie, the current hot custom bowie features a 9-to-9.5-inch blade. The other difference on many of the blades is that the width has expanded from 1.5 to 1.75 inches. The additional blade width allows makers who so desire to use some curves along the primary edge.

A big boy of the bunch, Brian Sellers’ 9.5-inch custom bowie knife boast a twist-pattern damascus blade (double-edged) with stainless steel liners. The handle is ironwood and features a sub-hilt design, which Sellers would ask $2,400 for a similar creation.

I think that the shorter, wider blade is more aesthetically appealing. It no longer looks long and thin like its lengthier, narrower cousin. Moreover, the additional width results in a more substantial blade. Finally, extending the blade width allows bladesmiths to tweak the accompanying damascus patterns. Mosaic damascus patterns have gained favor among makers and collectors over the past two years. The extended blade width may give rise to new mosaic patterns. At the same time, the extra width may add a fresh take on standard damascus patterns such as ladder and twist.

The Constant Change Of The Bowie Knife

Today, most of us don’t use large bowies to defend our honor or protect our loved ones. Whether antiques or current models, many bowies have been relegated to collections. Given the amount of 10-inch custom bowies made over the past 30+ years, hundreds of them are for sale in the primary market and thousands are available in the aftermarket. Should you want a 10-inch bowie, your choices of materials and combinations are almost limitless. Given the number of 10-inch bowies available in both the primary market and aftermarket, it should be no wonder collectors are looking for something different.

As many of you may know, as a purveyor I keep pretty close tabs on several custom knife market sectors. Damascus bowies is one such sector. Over the past 18 months, I’ve seen both collectors and makers move away from the standard 10-inch bowie. This is not to say such bowies are not being made but that the demand has slowed. Makers are creating new types and patterns of damascus. Is it any wonder then that what were considered standard dimensions over the past 30 years are being revisited? The new sweet spot of the 9-to-9.5-inch blade is appearing more on today’s custom bowies. Eventually, bowie collectors will once again look for something new and different for their collections. As the Greek philosopher Heraclitus said, “The only constant in life is change.” The same is true in custom knives.

More Bowie Knives:

Bachtel’s Bowie With A Pedigreed Background
Three Quality Factory Bowie Knives
What is a Dog-Bone Bowie Knife?
10 Steps In Making A Bowie Knife Handle

My Five Favorite Makers

Knifemaking

Les Robertson

-

August 27, 2022

0

After Decades In And Around The Knife Industry, The Author Reflects On His Five Favorite Knifemakers And What Makes Them So Memorable.

Over the past 38 years, I’ve met thousands of knifemakers with work ranging from newbie to legend. Being a newbie myself at first, I found myself gravitating to the newer makers, primarily because I could afford their knives and could get one without waiting years or decades.

Today I approach things differently and look for outstanding makers who share the following traits:

•Each is charismatic in his own way;

•Each gives of both his time and talent(s) to educate others, and;

•Each has a great sense of humor and is serious about his knives.

Here are my five favorite American makers who share the traits I look for most.

Walter Brend

During my military service in the U.S. Army 101st Airborne, my unit went through processing for an overseas deployment. At the time I was carrying a Robert Parrish hollow-handle fighter with a serrated blade. It was suggested to me that I find a new knife that didn’t have serrations. That was the bad news. The good news is I had to buy a new knife, and the search began.

Scanning a magazine I saw a photo of three knives, all different lengths of the same model. I was immediately drawn to one of the knives, found the maker’s contact information and called him. On the other end of the line was Walter Brend and I ordered the knife: an 8-inch Model 2. In October 1985 I bought my first of hundreds of knives from Walter. In my opinion, his Model 2 is the finest tactical fixed blade in the world.

What draws my eye to the knife are the impeccable grinds. Perfect symmetry runs the length of the blade, including both the top and bottom grinds. The radiused guard and contoured handle are also trademarks of Walter’s work. These features may not be more evident anywhere than in his daggers. Clean, precise, sleek and lethal are words that all come to mind.

David Broadwell

I was visiting family and friends near Chicago in 1988 and attended a small knife show. I had recently started buying guardless fighters, as the knives’ clean lines appealed to me. On the show table before me was a beautiful guardless fighter with an engraved bolster. The knife felt great in my hand and the price was more than reasonable. I bought the fixed blade from David Broadwell.

My favorite knife has always been and still is the sub-hilt fighter, and David excels at making one. Having written about him for several publications, I have always pointed out I think he makes the best sub-hilt fighter(s) in the world.

David is an artist in the true sense of the word. His eye for detail and beauty in steel is exceptional. He and I have collaborated on several designs over the years. He takes my basic two-dimensional linear drawing and brings it to three-dimensional life.

Diversification is one of David’s hallmarks. In the early 2000s I asked him to build knives that featured stone handles. Most were sub-hilt fighters and today remain some of my favorites.

When Bob Neal and I did our LDC Custom Knife series, David was the only maker to contribute both a folder and a fixed blade to it. Today he creates masterworks of art that would be at home in any museum in the world. While my design ideas were not always his favorites, David delivers knives that were everything I had hoped for—and more.

RJ Martin

I was at The Knifemakers’ Guild Show in 1996 and, like everyone else, walked up and down the aisles looking for that one special knife or 12. I passed a maker who had Japanese-style tacticals on his table. I took two steps, did an about-face and walked back to the table. I was greeted by the big friendly smile many now know belongs to RJ Martin.

The guards, handles, sheaths and particularly the blades were the cleanest I had ever seen on a Japanese-style tactical. Trends change and I suggested to RJ that he should consider making a tactical folder. Within a month he sent me his first one, the Q30. I couldn’t believe it was his first folder. It easily rivaled most of the well-known tactical folder makers of the day. Then again, I should have expected this from a lead airframe engineer for Sikorsky helicopters such as RJ. He lives in the world of thousandths of an inch and milligrams.

From 2000 to 2010, RJ made 12 different limited designs for my Robertson’s Custom Cutlery Vanguard series. They featured hollow-handle fighters, a sub-hilt fighter, Japanese-style tacticals and, of course, folders. He is one of the few knifemakers in the world skilled enough to do it all with equal excellence. Quite notably, he has won the award for both best tactical folder a number of times and also best tactical fixed blade at past BLADE Shows.

Today his folders are among the most sought after in the world. Unlike so many of the tactical folders built over the past decade, his increased in price in the aftermarket. For those in pursuit of a level of perfection most of us cannot appreciate, RJ is that perfectionist.

George Herron

I was attending the 1987 BLADE Show when a friend introduced me to BLADE Magazine Cutlery Hall-Of-Fame® member George Herron. With his pipe hanging from his lip, George said, “Lad, what is it you do for a living?” I said, “Mr. Herron, I’m in the Army.” He smiled and said, “I was in the Army, too. You see anything on the table you like?”

Had I known then what I know now, I would have bought every knife on the table. His knives were clean, lightweight, possessed exceptional handle ergonomics and were design-driven—all traits you would expect from a lifelong hunter and fisherman.

Years after meeting George and his wife, Miss Barbara, I attended the Southern Wildlife Expo in Charleston, South Carolina. This was long before the drawings and bid-up knives that have become common today. It wasn’t long before I noticed over 90 people waiting in line. I asked the person at the end of the queue if this was the line for admission to the show. He said, “No, this is the line to get a knife from Mr. Herron.” With that, I bought my show ticket and went to the table where Miss Barbara was standing.

There I was treated to an experience akin to watching children waiting to visit Santa Claus. They all had ordered their Herron knives long in advance of the Wildlife Expo. They approached the table, paid Miss Barbara and she handed their knife to George. It was then you would see young and old alike light up as if it were Christmas morning as they received the “toy” they had longed for—a Herron knife from George himself. I saw three generations of knife buyers—first-time knife buyers, hardcore Herron collectors, they were all there. It was truly a sight to behold.

Steve Randall

Before the 2015 BLADE Show, I was checking out custom knifemakers’ work on various social media platforms. I kept returning to one maker in particular, ABS journeyman smith Steve Randall.

While photos can be deceiving, I have a pretty good eye for knives. Looking at images of his knives, I could tell he too had a good eye and understood making knives well beyond the short time he had been making them. He combined all the dimensions and aspects of the knife to make it flow.

I bought my first knife from Steve at that 2015 BLADE Show. In 2016 he earned his ABS master smith stamp. In 2022 his knives continue to impress me. There is no backward movement with his work and his knives continue to improve.

One of Steve’s best attributes is that he is willing to learn and try new things. In my opinion, many ABS master smiths are reluctant to work outside their comfort zone. I have asked Steve to build knives for me and my clients that may have some aspects he had never done before. Steve and his work never disappoint.

I was fortunate to have worked with or still work with my five favorite American makers. They have taught me so much about the art of knifemaking, and those who are with us still do. (Mr. Herron passed away in 2007). Perhaps more importantly I consider each of them a friend.

Read More

Learning How To Make A Knife
Best Multi Tools: Multi Tasker Marvels
Four Top-Tier Neck Knives

Return Of The Tactical Fixed Blade

Featured

Les Robertson

-

July 24, 2022

0

It Never Disappeared, But The Tactical Fixed Blade Has Long Been Overshadowed By Other Knives. Now It’s Back In A Big Way.

When developing a new product or their version to enter an established market, most industry professionals rely on product lifecycle management. The basic version has four steps—development and introduction, growth, maturity/stability, and decline—and applies to most all products that are sold, including custom knives.

However, trends must be accounted for in the cycle with the added step of saturation, a step that is particularly applicable to custom knives. As a result, the lifecycle for custom knives has five steps: development and introduction, growth, maturity/stability, saturation, and decline.

The most recent example of saturation in the tactical folder was seen over the past 10 years, even though the knife began to take off in the early 1990s. Tactical folders featuring new openers, stabilizers, bolsters, and handle materials were all the rage. The growth was spurred when both makers and collectors who had been respectively making and collecting other types of folders came into the market.

Prices spiraled upward and it seemed the good times would never end. In the case of tactical folders, market maturity and saturation occurred almost simultaneously. The decline began when those who overpaid for a tactical folder hoped there would be the next collector to sell or “flip” the knife to. They found out that the next collector wasn’t there and they were now the owner of a knife on which they would never recoup their investment.

Custom Knife Copies

When a collectible or a market gets hot within custom knives, makers want to join that market sector, as the path has already been made. I have always been struck by the dichotomy of many of the custom knifemakers I have dealt with over the past 30 years. Many perceive themselves as artists, yet are quick to embrace a trend or flat-out copy other makers’ work.

A case in point: those who make their versions of knives created by BLADE Magazine Cutlery Hall-Of-Fame® member Bob Loveless. Without a doubt, his custom knife designs are the most copied in the world. Why don’t those who reproduce Loveless designs build their own designs instead? The answer is simple: the path has already been made.

Without a doubt, the custom knife designs of BLADE Magazine Cutlery Hall-Of-Fame® member Bob Loveless are the most copied in the world. Why don’t those who reproduce Loveless designs build their own? The answer is simple: the path has already been made. (SharpByCoop image)

It is much easier to copy someone else’s work and then compete in that very saturated market. With few exceptions, most such makers get lost in that market as more and more enter it every year.

The idea of a custom knife is that it is made by a craftsman who can incorporate your ideas into a piece that will meet your needs, and not just create a copy of a knife others made famous.

Rising Tides

The aphorism “a rising tide lifts all boats” is associated with the idea that an improved economy will benefit all participants. This is exactly what has happened to the custom knife market over the past decade. In other words, the high prices many tactical folders received over the past 10 years made other market sectors seem like a bargain. Meanwhile, the prices realized for every other sector of the custom knife market also rose.

Currently, this is obvious in three sectors: slip joint/multi-blade folders, chef’s knives, and forged blades. As the realized prices for these knives continue to increase, the market is becoming saturated.

The commonality with the three markets is that all are seeing booms in numbers of makers. Conversely, they are not bringing enough additional collectors to support the makers in the increasingly saturated markets. Makers are quicker to pivot to new markets than collectors, primarily due to the makers’ ability to potentially increase their sales.

Cyclical Nature Of Knife Trends

The custom knife market is a circle. The top half is folders and the bottom half is fixed blades. We knife enthusiasts have all witnessed the circle moving from folders to fixed blades. Almost without exception the reason it moves is because of pricing. Most custom makers do not know their position in the market. Subsequently, they do not price their knives commensurate with the market. The custom knife buyers will sort that out.

Bob Terzuola made this tactical fixed blade for a U.S. Army Ranger before the Ranger’s deployment in the Gulf War in 1991. One of Bob T’s modified M18 Combatmaster models, it features D2 blade steel.

Demand and value for the money will separate those makers who continue down the market sector path and those who do not.

One of the trends I noticed at BLADE Show 2021 was the reemergence of tactical fixed blades. Like most custom categories, tactical fixed blades never went away completely. Instead, they were just overshadowed by the more popular market sectors.

The Meaning Of Tactical

Sometime around 1995, the marketing term tactical was created to identify the look of a particular knife market sector. The concept was a simple one: it was primarily the look of the knife. The blade had a non-reflective finish that could be bead blasted, tumbled, coated, etc.

Unlike the latest iteration of tactical folders, if a tactical fixed blade had a damascus blade, it was a damascus bowie, fighter, hunter, etc. If the blade had a mirror finish, it was a presentation or art knife. The tactical definition indicated that if the knife had a guard, it also should feature a non-reflective finish. The handle material would be synthetic, that is, Micarta®, G-10, carbon fiber, etc. A natural handle material on a tactical knife would move the knife into another category.

Tactical fixed blades can range from practical to fantasy, neck knives to huge choppers. I bought my first custom tactical fixed blade in 1984, so I’m a fan! I am also a user and collector of knives from this market sector.

Today the advantage of the tactical fixed blade market sector is it offers knives for all budgets. The knives also offer the biggest steel selection of any market sector. Stainless, powdered, and carbon steels are all on the menu.

It will be on you to do your homework about what different steels will and won’t do for your tactical fixed blade. Rockwell hardness and heat treating will also come into play, as these knives are designed and built to be used. Hype is very pervasive in this market sector. This is why homework is necessary for the user/collector. Do not rely on the thousands of internet commandos and “experts” for your information.

Experienced and entry-level makers alike in the market build tactical fixed blades that feature a blade and two pieces of handle material combined in a utilitarian design featuring a cool look that catches the buyer’s eye. With such knives be sure to check for unwanted sharp edges usually found in squared-off integral guards, etc., and also price. These knives should generally sell for $500 or less.

Options For Collectors

One of the trends the author noticed at BLADE Show 2021 was the reemergence of tactical fixed blades. A maker whose tactical fixed blades have always been in demand exhibiting at the show was Walter Brend (left). (Whetstone Studio image)

For custom collectors, numerous options are available dating back to the 1930s. To not step on anyone’s toes, I will say these are the tactical fixed blade makers I have or have had in my collection: RJ Martin, Rod Chappel, Bill Luckett, Bob Terzuola, GW Stone and Ralph Bone, and Cutlery Hall-Of-Famers Jimmy Lile, Dan Dennehy and Gil Hibben. There are plenty to choose from.

Before you start writing to the editor complaining about my glaring omission, I intentionally left Walter Brend off the list above. While I do have Walter’s work in my collection, it is not a collectible per se. The knife is in far from mint condition. It is the knife I have had with me since 1986.

For high-end users, I can assure you it is the finest tactical fixed blade in the world. I do not make this statement lightly. Having handled more than my fair share of custom knives, I feel very confident in my statement. While I understand that most who buy Walter’s work put the knife in a collection, for those of you who own one of his knives and have never used it, more the pity.

Buy The Knife For You

Whether you are looking for a good, solid budget-conscious user, a collectible, or the best the category has to offer, I recommend you check the emerging knives in the tactical fixed blade market. Do your homework to help with hype and enjoy using your knives. After all, that’s what they’re meant for!

Read More

Custom Utility Hunters: Defining What Makes One The Best

Featured

Les Robertson

-

April 20, 2022

0

Custom Utility Hunters: Defining What Makes One The Best

When it comes to custom knives, the best utility hunters have many of the features outlined herein.

Countless articles have been written about hunting knives. Primarily, the stories discussed which knife is best for which game.

The two main features that get the most coverage are the blade-style/shape and the length. The knife referred to commonly as the hunter is more than likely a utility hunting knife.

No matter where you are, if you are using a guide—hunting or fishing—more than likely your guide is the one doing the dressing of the game. Chances are, he is using a utility hunting knife with some of the following features.

Blade Steel

If you ask 100 people what the best steel is for a hard-use field knife, you probably will get at least 50 different answers. Why? End users are very loyal to a steel that has proved itself in the field.

Karis Fisher (inset) is the daughter of ABS master smith Josh Fisher (see adjoining image). Karis not only earned her ABS journeyman smith (JS) stamp in March, she also won the Joe Keeslar Award for the best knife submitted by a JS applicant. The 4-inch blade is 1084 carbon steel and the handle is vintage Micarta®. Guard: 416 stainless steel. Overall length: 8.5 inches. Sheath: custom-made of leather. Fisher’s price for a similar knife: $375.

Steels are made primarily for commercial applications—very few are made specifically for knives. Knife blades have been made from saw blades, files and even railroad spikes. If the steel has enough carbon and can be hardened to hold an edge, somewhere in the past several hundred years someone made a blade of it.

The two primary choices for blade steel are carbon and stainless. Each has its pros and cons. Stainless steel’s biggest advantage is that it is rust resistant, meaning it will require less maintenance. Stainless is not code for “no maintenance.” Yes, stainless steel will rust.

Carbon steel requires maintenance. Many things will make carbon steel rust, several examples being the blood from the game that is being processed and some types of vegetation, including vegetables. However, the rust can be held to a minimum or eliminated simply by cleaning and oiling the knife after use. Keep in mind that storing your carbon steel knife in a leather sheath can also cause rust, especially a wet blade, as the tannic acid used to process the leather can cause rust spots.

Winner of Best Utility Hunter at BLADE Show 2018, ABS master smith Josh Fisher’s model has a 4.25-inch blade of 1084 carbon steel, a ringed gidgee handle and a guard of brushed stainless steel. Overall length: 8.75 inches. The knife comes with a custom-made leather sheath. Maker’s price for a similar knife: $685. Josh (inset) earned both his ABS master smith (MS) stamp and the B.R. Hughes Award for the best knife submitted by an MS applicant at the same time his daughter Karis earned her JS stamp and the Joe Keeslar Award (see adjoining image). (Eric Eggly/PointSeven knife image)

While carbon steel can rust, it does have advantages over stainless steel, including two if the blade is forged. First, a number of bladesmiths forge distal taper into their carbon steel blades. The taper removes weight from the blade, thereby making the knife lighter in weight and thus easier to carry and manipulate. Second, carbon steel blades can be differentially heat treated to give them a hard edge for sharpness and a softer back for malleability, the latter resulting in a blade with greater flexibility that is much more likely to bend rather than break under high stress.

The steel you choose for your utility hunting knife should be one that can be sharpened in the field and fit the requirements for what you want your knife to accomplish. Remember—it is always best to resharpen your knife before it gets dull!

Handle Material

If you are looking for a group of custom knives that have diverse handle materials, utility hunting knives lead the way. Synthetics, wood, ivory, bone, antler, mother-of-pearl and others—you name it, utility hunters have it.

The 5-inch blade of W2 tool steel with hamon headlines a utility hunter by Jim Crowell (inset). The handle is black canvas Micarta® and the guard is stainless steel. Jim made the leather sheath. Overall length: 10 inches. Knife to know: this knife belongs to the author. Current price: $850. (Impress By Design image)

When many outdoorsmen dress their knives to impress, they want stag. Unfortunately, stag is experiencing two things simultaneously, and neither is good. Because of lack of supply, the quality is going down and the price is going up to the point that the ancient ivories are now becoming an alternative. After talking with knifemaker Mike Malosh at BLADE Show 2021, I have started to order some hunting knives with elk. While not as popular as stag, it is a great handle material and has a nice look.

My experience in the field has made me a true believer in synthetic handle materials. The two most popular are Micarta® and G-10. Canvas Micarta is my personal favorite. As the name implies, there are bits of canvas included when the Micarta is made. This gives the handle a little more grip when wet. Westinghouse Micarta is gaining in popularity. Often it’s referred to as vintage or antique due to the fact most of it was made before 1960.

Mike Malosh opts for elk antler with black and maroon Micarta® and stainless steel spacers for the handle of his utility hunter. The 6-inch blade is W2 tool steel and the guard is stainless steel. Overall length: 10.75 inches. The knife comes with a leather sheath by Malosh. The maker’s price: $390. (Impress By Design image)

Carbon fiber is five times stronger than steel, twice as stiff and lighter in weight. This gave rise to numerous commercial applications, eventually finding its way into the custom knife market. Initially used by custom makers for scales on folders, you can now find them using it for fixed-blade handles, too.

The advantage of synthetics over natural handle materials is synthetics don’t shrink and, for the most part, are impervious to the elements. That said, natural handle materials can dress up a knife.

Guards

For the most part, integral guards are utilized as a quicker, less expensive way to make knives. Most are simply squared off to give the illusion that they are somehow protecting your index finger/hand. I learned the hard way that such a guard is not meant for hard work. If you are going to use a knife with this type of guard, wear a glove.

Ben Breda won Best Utility Hunter at BLADE Show 2019 for his model in a 4-inch blade of W2 tool steel with hamon. The handle is sculpted African blackwood with a bronze “S” collar and the blade is stainless steel. The knife comes with a leather sheath by Breda. Overall length: 8.75 inches. Current price: $575. (SharpByCoop knife image)

Most custom utility hunters have a single guard with some amount of curve built in to give you a better handle ergonomic. Additionally, it will provide some protection for your index finger/hand. The primary metals used for such guards are brass, nickel silver and stainless steel. While brass is a favorite among factories and new custom makers, the biggest problem is it is soft and can be easily nicked or cut, giving the guard a sharp edge or corner which can dig into your bare hand. Stainless steel guards provide the best protection and least amount of maintenance for your knife.

Ideal Sizes

Having judged custom utility hunters at the BLADE Show for over two decades (page 42), I can tell you there is no one ideal size. That said, most of the judging competition winners feature a blade between 3 7/8 and 5 inches long. (For the makers reading this, please do not submit your 10-inch bowie or 2-inch miniature in this category for judging.) Among the accompanying images for this story are three past winners of the category at the BLADE Show. Note the differences and similarities. In addition to dimensions, the importance of handle ergonomics cannot be overstated. Most handles will feature some kind of contouring and generally will be between 4.5 and 5 inches long.

Sage Advice

The custom utility hunting knife will be a workhorse in the field. Consider the factors I have outlined before you buy one. What will you use it for primarily? What size handle is best for your hand? Will you be able to do the maintenance required for the blade steel? Can you sharpen the knife in the field and, if not, will you be able to practice how to do so before you get there?
I prefer a 5-inch blade as my experience has taught me that a big blade can do little knife chores, but not the other way around. As my 7th-grade shop teacher always said, “Use the right tool for the job.” Sage advice!

Raise Your Knife IQ:

4 Very Different Versions of the EDC Folder
4 Awesome Linerlock EDC Knives
Modern Tactical Knives
Custom Chef Knife: The Kitchen Integral

What Exactly is a Tactical Knife?

Knife Collecting

Les Robertson

-

February 8, 2021

0

What is a Tactical Knife?

Synthetic, grippy handles (usually)
Non-reflective blade coating (usually)
Designed for hard and/or quick use
Aesthetics invoke military purposes
Spyderco founder Sal Glesser once said, a tactical knife is any knife you have with you when you need a knife.
Some say custom knifemaker Bob Terzuola made the first tactical folding knife, while others say Ernest Emerson did.
Maybe it’s all a marketing gimmick!

A Brief History the Tactical Knife

The term “tactical knife” was coined in the mid-1990s to define a look with certain characteristics. Regarding fixed blades, the characteristics included a non-reflective blade coupled with either no guard or one of stainless steel. Some still use brass and others incorporate titanium for guards, while some use black zirconium. Currently, zirconium’s price deters both makers and collectors. If the price comes down you can expect to see more zirconium for guards. Handle materials should be synthetics, including but not limited to Micarta®, G-10 and carbon fiber. However, these three are far and away the most popular handle materials on today’s custom tactical fixed blades.

Over the past century grip materials have evolved from wood, leather washers and even cast brass and aluminum to the current synthetics. In the mid ’90s, primarily Micarta was used. Linen, paper and rag Micarta were the staples of the day. G-10 then came along, offering more colors and configurations. Over the past five years carbon fiber has increasingly become a handle material of choice.

The non-reflective blade was accomplished through several methods, the most common being a belt satin finish. As the name implies the finish was applied simply by using a sanding belt. This gave the blade a good-looking surface that was not reflective.

Key Tactical Knife Feature: Non-Reflective Finish

Another method was sand blasting. While providing a non-reflective finish, this technique had a problem. The sand created micro pits in the steel. The pits held moisture, leading to blade rust. That led to replacing the sand with silicon glass beads that did not leave pits and produced a more even, flat-gray, non-reflective finish.

Walter Brend and BLADE Magazine Cutlery Hall-Of-Fame® member Chris Reeve were early proponents of techniques previously used on firearms to blacken their blades/knives.
Chris utilized a black Gun-Kote® finish early on, and Chris Reeve Knives still does today. Brend was asked to produce blades with a black finish and he used Parkerizing to do it. Both finishes were/are subject to scratches. The scratches were especially noticeable when the knife was combined with a Kydex sheath.

Today finishes such as those from Cerakote® and other specialty outfits can provide choices not only of color but also of surface designs for your blade.

See More Tactical Knives at BLADE Show West

The world’s biggest and best knife show, BLADE Show, is coming to Portland, Oregon, from Oct. 5 to 7, 2018.

Find show information and buy tickets here >>

Want to Make Knives Full Time? Read This First

Knifemaking

Les Robertson

-

February 10, 2020

0

Want to Make Knives Full Time? Read This First

What is a Full-Time Knifemaker?

There are different definitions of a full-time maker. My definition is that of a maker whose sole source of income comes from the making and selling of his/her knives. This is no easy task.

In fact, by my estimate, less than 2 percent of the makers worldwide fit into this category. The reason the number is so low is it is very difficult to depend on knifemaking as your sole source of income.

I asked five full-timers what it takes to make a living making knives: David Broadwell and ABS master smiths Jerry Fisk, Daniel Winkler, Don Hanson and Shawn McIntyre. All agree the following are keys to becoming a full-time maker.

#1 – Treat Your Knifemaking Business Like a Business

Fisk’s advice is to take college courses on business management, accounting and marketing prior to going full time. McIntyre agrees. He recommends putting as much effort into learning to run a small business as you do into making knives.

I recommend adding a certified public accountant (CPA) to your knifemaking team. In addition to handling your books, a CPA can recommend which type of business entity you should form. Perhaps the CPA’s best skill: tax planning.

#2 – Invest in Equipment

What kind of equipment? As Winkler noted, he and his partner, Karen Shook, “invest money in new equipment that will make our work better and more efficient.”

#3 – Find Your Niche

This is where your marketing plan comes into play. The objective is to optimize how you introduce your knives to potential buyers. At a minimum, your plan should address how you will make the most of attending knife shows, advertising in print and on the internet, and the potential of working with a dealer and/or purveyor.

#4 – Communication Matters

How to Be a Full-Time Knifemaker — You must build time for interaction with your clients into your schedule. A basic rule of thumb: No customers, no business. The late John White (right) talks knives with a client during a past BLADE Show. (Point Seven photo)

For Hanson, it is one of the most important aspects of being a full-time maker.

“I answer phone calls and e-mails very quickly, and deliver on time or contact clients and let them know why there is a delay,” he stressed. “I listen to my clients.”

#5 – Create a Competitive Advantage

What separates you from your competitors? Winkler said adding Shook and her period style of sheathmaking to his operation years ago gave him a competitive advantage at the time.

“She brought a lot of business skills and makes sheaths that really put our work in a whole new league,” he observed.

More times than not your competitive advantage will come from being the first to adopt a new steel, handle material, design element, etc. You should incorporate such use of new materials or techniques into your business plan.

#6 – Delegate

No matter what their level of expertise, most makers realize they cannot do it all by themselves, though some try. Successful businessmen understand that utilizing the expertise of others frees them up to do the things they do best.

#7 – Use Professional Photography

One thing the makers interviewed all agreed on was employing a professional to photograph their knives.

#8 – Love What You Do (But Stay Grounded)

Enthusiasm and loving what you do are important factors in becoming a successful full-time knifemaker. However, understanding and implementing basic business concepts are equally important to building and maintaining a long-term, successful enterprise.

Final Words of Wisdom

Winkler may have summed it up best.

“I suspect very few makers are at [the full-time] level, as it’s the most difficult to survive in. It does not make your work more sought after. It does not put you in any kind of ‘exclusive club.’ But,” he observed, “if a maker can handle the pressure, it can be very rewarding mentally and somewhat rewarding financially.”

Les Robertson

Daggers have a colorful past and a collectible present.

Daggers For Self-Defense

Iconic Styles Of Daggers

Trench Knife

Push Dagger

F-S DAGGER

Final Cut

Custom Dagger Buyer’s Guide

Les Geroge: Model 1918 Trench Knife

Paul McDanie:l Mako Push Dagger

Brent Sandow: Fairbairn-Sykes Dagger

Piotr Gosciniak: Dagger

Walter Brend: SF Dagger

Production Dagger Buyer’s Guide

Winkler Tactical Dagger

Spartan Les George V14 Dagger

Blackside Customs P7 Dagger

TOPS Knives I Stick

Forget the traditional 10-inch blade, the new sweet spot for a custom bowie knife is now a 9- to 9.5-inch blade!

Development Of The Shorter Custom Bowie Knife

Dimensional Changes To Cutom Bowie Knives

The Constant Change Of The Bowie Knife

More Bowie Knives:

After Decades In And Around The Knife Industry, The Author Reflects On His Five Favorite Knifemakers And What Makes Them So Memorable.

Walter Brend

David Broadwell

RJ Martin

George Herron

Steve Randall

It Never Disappeared, But The Tactical Fixed Blade Has Long Been Overshadowed By Other Knives. Now It’s Back In A Big Way.

Custom Knife Copies

Rising Tides

Cyclical Nature Of Knife Trends

The Meaning Of Tactical

Options For Collectors

Buy The Knife For You

When it comes to custom knives, the best utility hunters have many of the features outlined herein.

Blade Steel

Handle Material

Guards

Ideal Sizes

Sage Advice

Raise Your Knife IQ:

What is a Tactical Knife?

A Brief History the Tactical Knife

Key Tactical Knife Feature: Non-Reflective Finish

See More Tactical Knives at BLADE Show West

What is a Full-Time Knifemaker?

#1 – Treat Your Knifemaking Business Like a Business

#2 – Invest in Equipment

#3 – Find Your Niche

#4 – Communication Matters

#5 – Create a Competitive Advantage

#6 – Delegate

#7 – Use Professional Photography

#8 – Love What You Do (But Stay Grounded)

Final Words of Wisdom

Must Read Articles