Awards Were Given Out In Nine Different Custom Knife Categories Including Best In Show At BLADE Show West In Salt Lake City.
Dozens of makers entered knives in competition across eight different custom knife categories. The skill on display was tremendous, and numerous knives wowed the judges. However, these were the blades that stood out from the crowd and took home the awards. All images are SharpByCoop Images.
BLADE Show West Rocks Salt Lake City And Packed The Salt Palace Convention Center.
Call it home.
After bumping around the greater Pacific and Mountain West, BLADE Show West definitely felt it found its place in Salt Lake City. For two days–Oct. 7-8–the Salt Palace Convention Center was packed to the gills with top knifemakers and blade aficionados.
The main question on everyone’s lips–aside from, “How much does that knife cost?”–was, “Is BLADE Show West coming back here?” To set everyone’s heart at ease, yes, the foremost knife show in the west is due back in Salt Lake City, Oct. 13-14, 2023.
Until then, there’s plenty to discuss on what made this year’s gathering such a top-notch shine dig.
Attendance
More than 200 vendors descended on the Beehive State for the show from all across the United States. Of course there were big makers like Microtech and Spyderco in attendance but smaller factories like Schenk from Idaho and Stroup Knives from North Carolina were also on the show floor.
Blade HQ, a sponsor of the show, had a huge booth and gave out free shirts to attendees throughout the day Friday.
With so many vendors in town expectations were high, and the knife community did not disappoint. Thousands of fans came to the Salt Palace to buy, browse, and catch up with friends.
Best In Show Awards & After Party
A big thank you to Black Rifle Coffee for welcoming Blade Show West with open arms.
BLADE Show West featured stiff competition in the factory and custom knife awards. The We Knives x Peter Carey Nitro Mini collected Factory Best in Show and Trevor Morgan Jr’s kitchen knife won Custom Best in Show accolades.
Handing out the hardware was a pretty special affair, as Black Rifle Coffee hosted the awards ceremony and its after-party. Situated next to the company’s HQ, the nearly perfect Utah night added a great finish to a heated competition.
Demos Pack The House
Outside of the main convention hall was a series of demos that across the board drew large crowds. Two of the best attended were the sharpening clinic, hosted by Wicked Edge, and the knife critique, which had a panel of masters review makers’ knives.
Wicked Edge’s seminar was especially enlightening, give the company gave attendees a close-up view of the sharpening process, employing a microscope projected onto the big screen. Everything from creating a burr to polishing the edge was made crystalline with the visual aid.
As for the knife critique, Enrique Pena, Steve Schwarzer, Lucas Burnley, Bill Ruple, and Will Stelter reviewed around 20 knives created by intermediate, new, and hobbyist makers. The advice these well-respected masters gave in their critiques extended well past the knives being reviewed, but to knifemaking in general
Other demos focused on everything from texturing titanium handles with Shane Magnussen, and ABS Master Smith Neels Van Den Berg ran a course on making a Symmetrical Quillon Dagger from start to finish.
West Coast Flipping Championships
The balisong competition award winners were all smiles at the end of Blade Show West
The thumping of music and the clacking of bali-songs closed out the slew of events at BLADE Show West with the West Coast Flipping Championships. Sponsored and run by Squid Industries, the competition swelled to well over 200 participants and audience members.
The crowd was so large, the venue eventually was expanded by removing a retractable wall to the conference room next door. In the end, Nick Minges took home the $1,000 top prize with Tanner Knapp taking second and Sebastian Campas third.
BLADE Show West Vendor Highlights
Microtech
Microtech had a booth so big it even had a back room built into the signage to hold its extra product. The company has new models coming later this fall, but pieces like the Glycon caught eyes throughout the weekend.
The Glycon was one of many eye-catching knives Microtech had in its cases.
Kizer
Kizer was showing off some new knives, and showcased some of their funkier knives, like this awesome Aquaman-inspired folder.
Kizer’s Aquaman-inspired knife was definitely one of the cooler knives on the tables in Salt Lakt.
307 Forge
Being in the Mountain Time Zone brought out many makers from the Big Sky and Pacific States. The family-run 307 Forge of Big Piney, Wyoming had a wide selection of knives and showed that even in America’s least-populous state, knifemaking is thriving.
307 Forge was one of many makers from the Mountain Time Zone on hand selling their blades.
Knife And Gun Finishing Supplies
The team at Knife And Gun Finishing Supplies from Lakeside, Arizona had multiple tables dedicated to just handle materials. All sorts of woods, treated and untreated, metals, synthetics, Knife And Gun had almost every type of handle material covered.
It was materials galore at the Knife And Gun Finishing Materials Booth
Already Gearing Up For BLADE Show West 2023
It was, by all metrics, a rousing success at BLADE Show West. Start planning now to be at the Salt Palace next year for another edition of BLADE Show West on October 13-14, 2023.
There Are Few Knives More Controversial Than The Stiletto Switchblade. This Automatic Knife Is Outlawed In Numerous States And Countries.
Certain knives get the interest of lawmakers and not for good reasons. The stiletto switchblade is extremely controversial because owning one is completely outlawed in seven states and heavily restricted in another eight.
The stiletto endures because of its use in movies and television and because it opens unlike other types of knives.
Why Is The Stiletto Switchblade Banned?
In the states where the knife is completely outlawed, a big reason is due to the way the blade deploys. The blade flips out due to a button, or other assisted means, much faster than most knives that open with a nail nick or a thumb stud. This has earned it a classification as a “dangerous knife” in many states, thus leading to its ban or restriction.
This short video shows how quickly a stiletto can be opened.
Remember though, the stiletto is only banned or restricted in 16 states and is legal in states from coast to coast, between the borders, and even in Alaska. It’s just important to check your local knife laws to make sure they are allowed to be owned and carried.
What Even Is A Stiletto Switchblade?
A stiletto is a long, narrow blade used historically in Italy and around Europe with a needle point. It GAINED POPULARITY IN THE 15th century and was used by knights and assassins alike throughout the Middle Ages as a fixed-blade knife.
Stilettos evolved throughout the ages into well-honed COMBAT knives used throughout the world. In the 1950s, large numbers of switchblades began to be imported to America from Italy that featured a stiletto blade, and the name “Stiletto Switchblade” stuck over the ensuing decades.
The knives are still made in Italy and in other countries as well.
Best Stiletto Switchblade To Buy
If you live in a state where it is legal to own a stiletto, there are many on the market today. HERE ARE A FEW NOTABLE EXAMPLES.
Timber Wolf Mosaic Damascus Stiletto
A beautiful and durable knife, this stiletto from Timber Wolf would be a great conversation starter with other knife lovers.
The blade and the handle are both made from damascus steel with inlaid wood and brass pins accenting the handle. The BLADE is four inches when deployed and nine inches in total length. The brass liners and stud contrast nicely with the rich, dark color of the blade material.
Just be careful when closing the KNIFE. The double-edge BLADE means there’s no dull spine to push the knife closed so it’s important to be diligent in closing so you don’t slice your hand.
Is this the most utilitarian stiletto? No. Is this a beautiful knife that you’ll want to show off to everyone you know? Absolutely.
MSRP: $61.99
PRO-TECH 720 Godson Auto Folder
This small, nimble knife won THE BLADE MAGAZINE 2014 Investor/Collector Knife Of The Year® and it’s easy to see why. PRO-TECH has made a versatile stiletto in the Godson that’s used by both military and civilian folks alike.
The stiletto-inspired blade is 3.15 INCHES OF 154CM STAINLESS STEEL ground to a spear point with a blasted finish. It OPENS via a push button from the 6061-T6 aluminum handle.
It deploys in a flash and is an excellent self-defense knife or just as your regular EDC. There are no bells and whistles on this knife; it’s just well-constructed and well thought out to be one of the best and easiest-OPENING switchblades on the market.
MSRP: $200
Kershaw Launch 8
From one of America’s biggest factory KNIFE COMPANIES, the Kershaw Launch 8 takes inspiration from the traditional stiletto and repackages it in a modern way.
The blade of CPM 154 STEEL is corrosion resistant and holds its edge. The push button release and lock ALLOW for lightning fast deployment and a secure lock that keeps everything firm when open. The button is low profile to help prevent accidental deployment while in your pocket. The pocket clip is ambidextrous and can also be fitted so the knife carries tip up in your pocket.
The anodized aluminum handle with carbon fiber insert is strong and light. The whole piece weighs just 2.4 ounces.
MSRP: $155.99
Viper-Tec VT Don Italian Stiletto OTF
This stiletto from Viper-Tec is the lone OTF (OUT-THE-FRONT) knife on the list and opens with a mechanism that both deploys the knife and brings it back into the handle.
The blade itself is made from a ridiculously sharp stainless steel that is 3.75 inches long with a flat grind. The satin finish gives the blade a classy, elegant look, and the handle is available in both wood and marble.
At 5.25 inches in length when closed, it sits easily in a pocket or a bag.
The Don Italian is a smart knife. Everything has been thought through to make an easy-to-use stiletto that can last you for years.
The 841 Sprint Pro Is Yet Another High-Quality Knife From Buck That Can Be Your Trusty EDC For Decades With Ease.
Buck makes good knives, and the new 841 Sprint Pro is no exception. There’s nothing timid about this knife.
The 841 Sprint Pro has a blade just over three inches long made from a durable, corrosion resistant S30V steel hardened to a 59-61 HRC. The satin-finished drop point has a full belly, helping it stand up to more intense tasks than many other comparable EDC knives on the market.
It’s fun to use thanks to the flipper on top of the knife and a linerlock that keeps everything firm when deployed.
There are two types of handle materials you can choose from. There are two Micarta options, tan canvas and burlap, and there is also a version with a carbon fiber handle that is more expensive.
The one knock against the blade is that the material is difficult to sharpen at home and may need a professional’s hand. That can be a turn off due to the added cost.
Overall, this is a quality knife. Buck has once again elevated a tried and true EDC into something more than its constituent parts and something that you’ll proudly show off for years.
Gerber May Be Known For Some Of The Most Rugged Tools Out There, But This New Series Of Folders Is Sleek, Sexy, And Shines Bright.
Some knives are more style than substance. Some knives are all about the construction. The new Savvy line from Gerber Gear perfectly blends the two. The above photo is of the Urban Blue version but there are also Grey and Carbon Fiber varieties as well.
The knives are sleek folders that feature a 3.5-inch 20CV improved wharncliffe blade with a plain edge married to a handle made from either aluminum or carbon fiber. Simply put: they look cool. And they feel cool too thanks to the frictionless deployment and everything being kept firmly in place with a pivot lock.
The ambidextrous pocketclip allows for easy carry in a pocket, purse, or as part of a pack. The whole construction is incredibly light at just 2.9 ounces. The Savvy is absolutely worth the price. If you’re looking to invest in an EDC, this might be the perfect knife for you.
On a rifle or in close quarters, the M9 Bayonet has kept its edge for nearly 30 years.
The M9 bayonet was first issued by the United States Army in 1986. It partially replaced the M7, which was first issued during the Vietnam War. The M9 is slightly longer than the M7 and has been manufactured by multiple different makers including Buck and Ontario Knife Company. The M9 has a bigger, thicker blade than the M7, and some versions come with serrations.
The M9 is compatible with the M16 series of rifles as well as the M4 carbine. It’s also a high-quality fighting and utility knife, and, unlike many other bayonets, the M9 can also be fitted to a shotgun. In this case, specifically the Mossburg 590.
The M9 is used by multiple militaries and some police forces throughout the world from the armed forces of Singapore and Thailand to the Netherlands army and the security forces in Abu Dhabi.
Can I Buy An M9 Bayonet Today?
Yes, you absolutely can buy an M9.
Ontario Knife Company still makes the bayonet for commercial sale, and several other companies make versions of the knife. It’s important to remember that you need to keep your local knife laws in mind before buying an M9.
States and countries may ban the ownership and carry of the knife, most time due to the length of its blade. However, it oftentimes also gets the switchblade treatment and is classified as a “dangerous knife”–a vague and ominous distinction meant to scare old ladies and small children.
Ontario Knife Company M9
Ontario Knife Company has been making knives in New York State since the late 19th century. During that time, the company has become a regular maker of arms for the United States Armed Forces.
The OKC M9 is a beautiful knife. The clip point is just over 7-inches long and made from 420M steel. The thermoplastic nylon handle provides excellent grip without adding too much weight, and the nylon sheath keeps everything secured.
This is a knife that looks and feels like it’s ready for anything. It shines through its simplicity with quality construction. It’s easy to see why the U.S. military continues to issue the OKC M9 today.
MSRP: $223.75
Snake Eye Tactical M9 Bayonet
This M9 from Snake Eye Tactical is vastly different from the OKC version in numerous ways. Combined with its sheath, this M9 is more multi-tool than the Ontario version.
The 8-inch stainless blade has a large fuller made from stainless steel. The majority of the spine is a sawback blade to provide more versatility to the knife, namely the ability to saw through thick wood. The sheath has a built-in sharpening stone, and a section of it can be used as both a flathead screwdriver and a wire cutter.
Yes, it’s an M9 but this piece can be used for much more than a traditional bayonet. It’s also much less money than the OKC variety, so if you’re interested in the M9 this is a great entry point.
Sometimes You Want A Blade That’s Fun And Exciting Even If It Isn’t An EDC. The Buccaneer Sword From Condor Is All About Having A Good Time.
There’s a pretty good chance you’re not a pirate in the Caribbean or off the Barbary Coast. Even if you’re just a lifelong resident of a landlocked place like Kansas City or Nashville, you’ll absolutely love the new Buccaneer Sword from Condor Tool & Knife.
The massive blade is 15.5 inches in length and is made from 1075 high-carbon steel with a convex. It weighs a shade under 30 ounces so it’s a burly, heavy knife that can be used for bushcraft or for making a big show of slicing large cuts of meats. If you’re a performer, using this sword to prepare steaks for your family at the next barbecue will be remembered for years.
It all stays solid in your hand thanks to the leather-wrapped hardwood handle that is as strong as the blade and stays true while you wield this mighty sword. The included leather sheath will keep the sword safe when stored away.
The Buccaneer Sword is so much fun. If you want a showstopper, and stay on top of maintaining the high-carbon blade, you’ll have yourself a thrilling conversation piece for years to come.
