Steve Shackleford, Author at BLADE Magazine

Knife Supports Military Veteran Students

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July 25, 2013

Knife Supports Military Veteran Students

Ten dollars from each Arkansas Veterans knife sold by A.G. Russell Knives will go toward an emergency fund for military veterans who are students at the University of Arkansas.

The mid-lock Arkansas Veterans Folder is based on what BLADE Magazine Cutlery Hall-Of-Fame© member A.G. Russell stated is the most popular knife he’s ever designed—the K-93 “one-hand knife.” A.G. reduced the handle length from the K-93’s 4 inches to 3. The blade pattern is what A.G. calls “general purpose” with a one-hand opening hole, and the steel is the same 8Cr13MoV stainless that appears on the company’s regular catalog knives that sell in the $45 to $95 range. Blade length: 2.5 inches.

The handle material remains the same—molded fiberglass re-enforced nylon. The handle color is the U of A’s school colors—cardinal red, with the center of the Arkansas flag inlaid in the grip’s front side. The knife does not have a pocket clip. The words “Arkansas Veteran” are etched on the blade’s obverse side. A.G. Russell Knives’ price: $19.95.

The project adds to A.G. Russell Knives’ history of supporting the U.S. military. Its “War On Troop Boredom” sent over 20,000 care packages containing books, magazines, tools and other useful items to units in Iraq and Afghanistan—and also garnered A.G. and Goldie Russell the BLADE Magazine 2004 Publisher’s Award for their efforts.

In fact, it was the War On Troop Boredom program that led A.G. and Goldie to be invited to sit on a board for the Veterans Resource and Information Center (VRIC) at U of A. The VRIC did not have an emergency fund to help its military vet students facing economic woes. Enter A.G. and Goldie and the Arkansas Veterans Folder.

Knifemaking Book a True Wonder

Steve Shackleford

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July 24, 2013

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Learning how to make knives from someone who has done it for over 60 years and written about it professionally for about 30 years is exactly what you get with Wayne Goddard’s The Wonder of Knifemaking.

Inducted into the BLADE Magazine Cutlery Hall Of Fame© during the 2013 BLADE Show & Living Ready Expo (www.bladeshow.com), Goddard is an ABS master smith and BLADE® (www.blademag.com) field editor who has taught as many people how to make knives via his columns in BLADE, through the Internet, and his many seminars and demos at venues throughout the country as just about anyone.

In The Wonder of Knifemaking he takes you on a fascinating journey explaining most everything every knife fan wants to know about knives and how they are made. From imparting his wisdom on how you should approach knifemaking in general, to getting started, insider tips, developing your own unique style, the pitfalls each maker must beware of and much more, Goddard guides you through the process in his measured, forthright writing style.

He tells you what steel is and how each of its constituent elements affects it; working with such old-fashioned materials as files, saw steel and horseshoe rasps; what you should know about heat treating, quenching, and selective hardening and tempering techniques; the best hardnesses for blades; clay back hardening; handles, guards and tangs, including narrow tang vs. full tang; grinding and finishing; material for pins; logo etching; tools for the knife shop; and more.

A huge proponent of knife testing, Wayne explains exactly what a testing program should consist of and what it should gauge: slicing cuts vs. pull cuts; the differences in the types of ropes to cut; tests for chopping ability and edge strength; and more. He also covers sharpening comprehensively, including methods and hones. Sharpening is a subject he knows extremely well, having taught it at many seminars over the years at the BLADE Show, BLADE Show West and many other events.

For more on how to get your copy, visit www.shopblade.com/the-wonder-of-knifemaking?lid=ssfbbl072413

A.G. Russell Knife Event 2013 July 26-28

Steve Shackleford

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July 23, 2013

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A.G. Russell Knife Event 2013 July 26-28

Knifemakers, knife manufacturers and dealers, knifemaking suppliers and knife lovers in general will descend on A.G. Russell’s Knife Event 2013 Friday through Sunday, July 26-28, in Rogers, Arkansas.

Held at the luxurious John Q. Hammons Convention Center Embassy Suites, the show brings exhibitors from around the world to the Northwest corner of Arkansas for three days of knife exhibits, sales and special events. Many of the exhibitors are there simply to pay homage to Russell, a founding member of the Knifemakers’ Guild, member of the BLADE Magazine Cutlery Hall Of Fame© and, along with Mrs. Goldie Russell, operator of the sprawling A.G. Russell Knives retail knife store a short drive from the John Q. Hammons Convention Center.

According to www.knifeevent.com, custom knifemakers who plan to exhibit at the show include, in alphabetical order, such well-known names as Canada’s Gaetan Beauchamp, Arno Bernard, Tim Britton, ABS master smith Jim Crowell, W.C. Davis, Bob Dozier Knives, Cutlery Hall-Of-Famer D’ Holder, Larry “The Hammer” Harley of National Geographic TV’s Lords of War, Bill Mace Imel, Germany’s Dietmar Kressler, W.D. Pease, Johnny Stout, ABS master smith Brion Tomberlin and many more. Committed factory knife companies include, again in alphabetical order, Al Mar Knives, Benchmade, Boker USA, Buck, CRKT, KA-BAR, Kershaw, Leatherman, Ontario, Queen, SOG Specialty Knives & Tools, Spyderco and others.

Show hours include early VIP admission Friday from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m., with general admission from 2-6 p.m. Saturday hours are 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Buy a three-day VIP pass for a chance to win a free one-night stay during the show (July 27 or 28) at the Embassy Suites, and a Saturday lunch with A.G. and Goldie Russell.

For more information visit www.knifeevent.com or call 800-255-9034.

For the latest knife news, stay tuned to www.blademag.com (www.blademag.com

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Cutting Critique: HTM Lightfoot Bullwhip

Steve Shackleford

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July 18, 2013

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Cutting Critique: HTM Lightfoot Bullwhip

The HTM Lightfoot Bullwhip Tanto is one of those deceptive heavy-duty tactical folders that feels big to the touch but, at 6.5 ounces, is surprisingly lightweight—and is our latest entry in our “Cutting Critique” series.

Designed by award-winning knifemaker, motorcycle racing enthusiast, kayak builder and all-around man of many talents, Greg Lightfoot of Alberta, Canada, the HTM tanto version of the knife is exclusive to ShopBlade (www.shopblade.com). The 3.5-inch hollow-ground blade with a hint of a recurve is coated black and the factory edge is razor sharp for any number of cutting jobs straight out of the box. The tip is also razor sharp and thickened on the spine end, ideal for penetration, a hallmark of any classic tanto blade design.

The robust, hump-backed handle is 5/8-inch thick and features Lightfoot’s “shark-skin” texture on the non-clip side for enhanced purchase. A slight finger groove in the bolster, reverse bird’s-beak butt and flipper guard keep your hand squarely in control of the knife.

The Maxx Glide Pivot Bearing System, designed by Darrel Ralph, operates effortlessly by way of the flipper opener. The tension on the locking liner spring is nice and tight—though not too tight—to keep the blade securely open during use.

The only thing I do not like is the sharp end of the flipper. While it provides excellent traction for opening the knife, the sharp end can jab you at inopportune times—not enough to seriously injure you but enough to be uncomfortable. However, it’s nothing that can’t be remedied with a few swipes of your favorite abrasive.

A cool black zippered pouch with the HTM (Hand-Tech-Made) logo completes the package. ShopBlade’s price: $299.99.

Click here to get the HTM Lightfoot Bullwhip Tanto.

New BLADE On Newsstands NOW!

Steve Shackleford

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July 16, 2013

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The eye-popping ESEE-3VG in a Venom Green blade, orange G-10 handle and a lanyard to match is the cover knife for the October BLADE® (www.blademag.com), on newsstands now!

The knife is an appetizer for the lead-in story on lanyards and beads, a growing accessory trend on today’s finest knives.

Want the inside story on the real reason the TSA decided to tuck its wings and rescind its approval of carry-on knives on commercial airliners? American Knife & Tool Institute’s Jan Billeb fills you in via the special question-and-answer story, “TSA Carry-On Knife Plan Grounded.”

The hottest makers’ hottest custom knives are the focus of BLADE (www.blademag.com) Managing Editor Joe Kertzman’s “Knives & Makers Catch Fire!” and custom knife purveyor Les Robertson offers the conclusion of his informative story on “What To Look For In A Forged Knife.”

If you like knife tests, MSG Kim Breed (5th Special Forces, retired) puts the Boker Plus G4 through the paces in “Wharncliffe Warrior,” and new BLADE (www.blademag.com) contributor Alan Clemons reveals his trio of favorite hunting knives in the aptly named “One Man’s 3 Favorite Hunters.”

Bladesmiths basically sprouted from the blacksmithing trade, but there are differences between the two vocations. ABS master smith Joe Szilaski outlines those differences in “Bladesmiths vs. Blacksmiths: What’s the Difference?”

Ever think about what goes on in a maker’s mind before he designs a knife, how he arrives at a certain line or curve, a rounded edge here or a palm swell there? ABS master smith Lin Rhea explains some of those thought processes in “Line & Flow: A Key To Top Knives.”

Factory/custom collaboration knives go back over 40 years, but they didn’t really take off until the early 1990s–and they’re still going strong. Dexter Ewing takes you on a tour of the latest versions in “Stylish Steel: It Never Gets Old!”

There’s much more in the latest issue of BLADE. Check it out on newwstands now or subscribe digitally at www.shopblade.com/blade-1-yr-digital-subscription?lid=ssfbbl071713

Loerchner Wins CKCA/Fisk Cutlery Challenge

Steve Shackleford

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July 11, 2013

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Loerchner Wins CKCA/Fisk Cutlery Challenge

It took four judges over two hours to reach a decision, but Elizabeth Loerchner was chosen the winner of the Custom Knife Collector Association Jerry Fisk Cutlery Challenge.

Elizabeth won for her folder set with glass inlay. The announcement of the winner was made in Atlanta during the 2013 CKCA Banquet held the same weekend—May 31-June 2—as the BLADE Show & Living Ready Expo (www.bladeshow.com).

Elizabeth won over knife projects submitted by knifemaker Robert Kaufmann and ABS master smith J.R. Cook. All three were awarded $15,000 endowments last year to make “a more innovative knife,” with all three resulting knives judged prior to this year’s CKCA Banquet. The innovation could be in a new process, new design, anything that produces a knife “more innovative than what is being done.”

The artisan trio represented an international cross section of makers: Loerchner of Ontario, Canada, Kaufmann of Aitrach, Germany, and Cook of Nashville, Arkansas. The entries will be on display at various museums to introduce non-knife art collectors and others to the fast-growing collectible field of custom knives.

The CKCA accepted applications until May 1, 2012, and a committee met to select the three winning makers. “Each maker consistently stretched themselves to do something outside their norm,” a Cutlery Challenge news release noted. “The selected makers are recognized for their enthusiasm, support for the industry, and are a positive representation of the CKCA organization.”

The benefactor of the $45,000 challenge has agreed to sponsor another one, and details regarding how to enter and more will be released by the CKCA in the near future. The challenge is open to CKCA members who are full- and part-time knifemakers who specialize in the forged or stock removal methods.

The CKCA is dedicated to the promotion and artistic significance of handmade knives. For more information, visit http://customknifecollectorsassociation.com/.

Knifemaker Phil Boguszewski Passes Away

Steve Shackleford

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July 8, 2013

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Long-time knifemaker Phil Boguszewski, one of the world’s leading crafters of cool, smooth-operating custom folders, has passed away.

A resident of Lakewood, Washington, Boguszewski was known for such folders as his “Spike” and, later, the “Cobra.” In the July 2013 BLADE® Magazine, a panel of veteran industry observers chose the Cobra as the top custom knife for the years 2001-2012.

A full-time knifemaker, Boguszewski sold his first knife in 1979. According to “Phil Boguszewski: Folding Knife Specialist” in the May/June 1988 issue of BLADE, the first 40 knives he made were all folders. He specialized in utility folding knives, including those in the latest materials, filework and slick mechanisms. He joined the Knifemakers’ Guild as a probationary member in 1984 and became a voting member in 1986.

His folders were highly sought after and sold for anywhere from $550 to $3,000 each—and he rarely if ever had trouble selling them. He was a regular at such exclusive knife shows as the Tactical Invitational and others.

“Phil was an amazing, innovating man,” began Larry Brahms of BladeArt.com. “I guess he is best known for the incredible smoothness and fluidity of his flipper folders, specifically the Cobra, a smoothness that really set the standard for what has become a mainstay in a knifemaker’s stable.

“He really is a legend in his own right and our community will miss him.”

Of Boguszewski’s Cobra, purveyor Les Robertson of Robertson’s Custom Cutlery noted, “With its recurve blade, handle that fits like a glove and that signature smooth opening, it is always a sought-after knife. Phil set the standard for all other makers wanting to build a knife with a flipper opener.” Added Neil Ostroff of True North Knives, “The Cobra excels for its durability as Phil’s best-selling knife.”

For the latest on the hottest knives, knifemakers and more, stay tuned to www.blademag.com.

Steve Shackleford

Knife Supports Military Veteran Students

Knifemaking Book a True Wonder

A.G. Russell Knife Event 2013 July 26-28

Cutting Critique: HTM Lightfoot Bullwhip

New BLADE On Newsstands NOW!

Loerchner Wins CKCA/Fisk Cutlery Challenge

It took four judges over two hours to reach a decision, but Elizabeth Loerchner was chosen the winner of the Custom Knife Collector Association Jerry Fisk Cutlery Challenge.

Elizabeth won for her folder set with glass inlay. The announcement of the winner was made in Atlanta during the 2013 CKCA Banquet held the same weekend—May 31-June 2—as the BLADE Show & Living Ready Expo (www.bladeshow.com).

Knifemaker Phil Boguszewski Passes Away

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