Steve Shackleford, Author at BLADE Magazine

Carbon Steel Can Still Cut It

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February 4, 2012

Troney Toler of Knives Plus in Amarillo, Texas, says his biggest seller by far is the Case model 161 yellow-handle trapper with blades of Case’s “chrome vanadium carbon steel”—which, according to a Case official, is 1095 carbon steel with added chromium and vanadium. (photo courtesy of Troney Toler)

There is snow on the roof but fire in the furnace of the most popular factory carbon steel knives

By James Morgan Ayres

With all the new, exotic alloys populating the knife industry in recent years, what about the sales of factory knives with blades of the “old faithful” carbon steels? To find out, I spoke with a selection of cutlery retailers from Texas to Canada and asked if carbon steel blades are still selling in the face of competition from the new alloys, and, if so, which of the non-stainless knives are hottest in terms of sales.

North of the border, Pauline Favreau of the Canadian Knife Zone says she sells carloads of carbon-steel knives. In the springtime her customers load up on Cold Steel kukris and machetes to clear weeds, vines and saplings from around their summer cabins. Given the riotous early season growth in the north, this is a big job and a tough one. According to Favreau, her experienced customers rely on Cold Steel blades of 1055 carbon steel for their ability to take a keen edge and be easy to sharpen. She sells them for around a modest 30 Canadian dollars ($29.50 American) each and says customers prefer them to expensive alloy blades and their reputation for being hard to sharpen. Moreover, when the blades get the inevitable nick or two, it is easy enough to repair the edge with a stone.

Favreau says 45 percent of her clientele generally are female, some of whom are members of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, military and other professions. She adds that KA-BAR’s Becker Knife & Tool line in 1095 carbon steel is far and away the most popular with the Mounties, who buy models from the Becker Necker at 56 Canadian dollars ($55) to the Campanion at 106 Canadian dollars ($104.20).

The owner of Canadian Knife Zone indicates many northern outdoor enthusiasts favor the traditional Grohmann hunter and the venerable D.H. Russell Canadian belt knife, at about 75 Canadian dollars ($73.73) each, both in C-70 carbon steel. The classic Opinel with its XC70 carbon steel blade and beechwood handle priced at 11 Canadian dollars ($10.80) is a perennial favorite of backpackers and others looking for a lightweight folder, Favreau adds.

Though the carbon-steel knives mentioned are affordable, she says price is a minor factor in the choices of Knife Zone’s customers. They are looking for proven performance and usually opt for non-coated blades.

Fans of 1095

Tom Melago of Chestnut Ridge Knives in Latrobe, Pennsylvania, says he sells many Ontario kukris and machetes in 1095 coated carbon steel, with the basic Model C 1-18 being the most popular machete. According to Melago, “Ontario’s Spec-Plus 2502 kukri is one of the most popular knives of any kind in my store. It’s favored 10-to-1 by my customers over other brands of kukri.” He adds this is due to the Ontario kukris’ reputation for quality and because they are made in America, which is a strong selling point. At his list prices of $29.99 for the machete and $53.99 for the kukri, these big boys appear to be a bargain.

Melago says though the choppers see considerable use as utility tools, most of his customers who buy big blades do so for survival packs and bug-out bags (BOBs). With Chestnut’s list prices in parentheses, Ontario’s RTAK II ($94.99) and RAT 7 ($87.99) in 1095 carbon steel also are finding their way into many Pennsylvania BOBs, as is ESEE’s entire line in 1095. From the Junglas ($155.99) to the ESEE 3 ($89.99) and ESEE 6 at ($116.99) to the tiny Izula ($49.95), Melago says all sell as fast as they can be ordered, and all have proven to be tough and easy to sharpen. (Again, all parenthetical list prices are Chestnut’s).

Like Favreau, Melago states price is not a factor in his customers’ choices. He says all of them express a willingness to pay more for models made in America, and most opt for non-coated blades.

Tougher Steel

At J.T. Knives in Port Jervis, New York, Joe Tarbell says the entire Ontario Spec Plus line of 1095 carbon steel knives continues to sell as well as always, which is very well indeed. Like his retail counterparts, Tarbell indicates even though the Spec Plus line is priced affordably from about $45 to $100, price has little to do with his customers’ knife-buying decisions. He says customers who request carbon-steel knives seem convinced carbon steel is tougher than any stainless. Some are older customers who have used carbon steel for years and are not interested in changing. Ease of sharpening and toughness are the deciding factors.

Tarbell says many of his customers are outdoorsmen and into survival skills. They prefer carbon steel for its traditional qualities and because “they get a better spark with a flint fire starter” on it. While they are concerned with rust, they also understand the simple steps they can take to avoid it (keeping the steel clean, a little oil, storing the knife in a dry place, etc.).

The J.T. headman states he has seen an increased demand for the Dustar Israeli combat knives, which use D2 tool steel. At a list price of $225, it is a relatively expensive factory knife, but he says buyers seem to appreciate the qualities of D2 and its solid construction. Tarbell adds his store also does well with anything from the Benchmade Bone Collector series, all in D2 blade steel as well.

Have Blades, Will Rust

The story on carbon-steel knives is very different at Troney Toler’s Knives Plus in Amarillo, Texas. Toler says he sells many traditional carbon-steel pocketknives and few fixed blades. His biggest seller by far is the Case model 161 yellow-handle trapper with blades of Case’s “chrome vanadium carbon steel”—which, according to a Case official, is 1095 carbon steel with added chromium and vanadium. According to Toler, he orders the knives 50 at a time and, at a list price of about $50 each, he often runs out of them.

In general, Knives Plus has two classes of customers. “The first,” Toler said, “is the grizzled old farmer or rancher who won’t have anything but a blade that ‘will rust.’” Such a customer has been using the knives for a half century and figures “if the blade won’t rust, the steel is no good.” Of course, the customer knows how to care for carbon steel, so maintenance is not an issue.

The other kind of customer will return a knife if a spot of rust shows up. “Those folks are better off with a Spyderco,” Toler notes. “Occasionally, I’ll see one of the old guys come in and buy a Spyderco, but that’s unusual.”

Boker, Queen and Eye Brand pocketknives in carbon steel are also good sellers for Toler, with such Queen models as the mini trapper with D2 blade steel a special favorite. He says D2 is “almost stainless” but not quite. About the only fixed blades Knives Plus does much business with is the ESEE 3-P in “well-tempered 1095.”

Even in today’s world of hi-tech alloys, the age-old carbon steel still earns its keep. Maybe it will continue to do so for another thousand years or so. Who’s to say it won’t?

For more on the latest knives, knife legislation, knifemaking instruction, knife trends, knifemakers, what knives to buy and where and much more, subscribe to BLADE® Magazine, the World’s No. 1 Knife Publication. For subscription information click on http://www.shopblade.com/product/blade-magazine-one-year-subscripti…?r+ssfb020412#BL1SU

Hank Rummell: He Will Be Missed

Steve Shackleford

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February 3, 2012

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Long-time custom knife purveyor Herman “Hank” Rummell of New York Custom Knives (www.newyorkcustomknives.com), who was killed Jan. 29 in a tragic accident when he was struck by a car while walking his dog, is remembered fondly by those who knew him.

“I considered Hank like a brother and our relationship grew over the years from customer/client to one of great friendship,” noted Irv Lehman, one of Hank’s many long-time customers. “He will be missed greatly and the knife shows will never be the same.”

“Hank was at almost every single knife show I attended, going all the way back to 1991,” knifemaker Phil Booth recalled. “I used to hang around to look at the quality knives he kept on his table until I was brave enough to ask to start picking them up and looking closely. Through the years, I showed him my most recent knives to see if they were getting better, and he would critique them and give me hints on how to better my work. Then the day came when he bought a Minnow [one of Booth’s knife models] and set it on his table! He sold that knife and many more. Had it not been for Hank’s watchful eye, my knifemaking would not be where it is today.”

According to Lehman, in lieu of flowers, Mrs. Helen Rummell requests that you make a donation to honor Hank to an animal rescue in your local area. “Helen and Hank were very much dedicated to their dogs and Hank lost his life in keeping his dog safe,” Lehman observed. “That was the ultimate sacrifice for the love of his dog and, knowing Hank, he would do it again.”

Slip Joints Are Sizzlin’!

Steve Shackleford

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February 2, 2012

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According to KnifeArt.com’s Larry Connelley, Bill Ruple ([email protected]) is one of the leading names in custom slip joints. Ruple’s “Acorn” single-blade trapper features a CPM-154 stainless blade and an amber-bone handle. Closed length: 4.25 inches. KnifeArt.com’s (www.knifeart.com) list price: $1,100. (KnifeArt.com photo)

One of cutlery’s oldest designs, the slip joint is also one of its hottest

By Pat Covert

Long ago, someone added a spring to the back of a pocketknife to prop the blade open and enable it to shut with a snap—and what is known by many knife enthusiasts today as the slip joint was born. While locking-liner tacticals dominate much of the folder arena, the relatively new genre has a lot of catching up to do if it plans on eclipsing slip-joint sales.

Like many sectors of the cutlery market, there are two basic customers for slip joints—users and collectors—with some overlap to be expected. So what would cause a knife user to carry a slip joint over the more modern fare? “Tradition,” KnifeArt.com’s Larry Connelley states simply. “Slip joints are built with traditional patterns or modifications of a traditional pattern from the early 1900s. Slip joints are easily carried and perceived as an American tradition. Many knife owners first owned a traditional slip joint.”

From a practical standpoint, slip joints make excellent pocketknives, playing the same role they have for generations. “Slip-joint folders are used for cutting almost everything imaginable, such as peeling apples, skinning game, opening boxes, opening letters, and a myriad of other uses,” observes Kenny Wilson of Sooner State Knives.

Josh Terryah of Knife Country USA says both tradition and everyday service play a role in the slip joint’s popularity. “Slip joints are great utility knives, and who doesn’t like to carry something around that reminds them of their granddaddy or father?” he opines. “Who would ever think a knife could bring back memories of being a kid on the family farm?”

Though hard to quantify, another likely reason for the slip joint’s surge in attractiveness and popularity among users is the oppressive anti-knife laws and/or improper labeling of legal one-hand-opening and other knives as illegal by law enforcement, district attorney’s offices and local governments in some areas. In other words, the DA’s success rate in prosecuting someone for carrying a traditional peanut or stockman pattern is lower than for a one-hand opener.

Selection Never Better

Selection has never been better for factory slip-joint fans. Companies such as Buck, Boker, Case, KA-BAR, Queen and others long have produced and/or offered traditional slip joints. Outfits like Canal Street Cutlery, Columbia River Knife & Tool, Fallkniven, Great Eastern, Spyderco and more have joined/rejoined the slip-joint sweepstakes, and brands such as Schatt & Morgan (Queen), Tidioute and such (Great Eastern) and others have been revived. Better yet, a plethora of classic patterns is available in the midst of such healthy competition. These range from common patterns such as trappers, barlows and sunfish to more specialized ones like the melon tester and cotton sampler.

On the other hand, some things never seem to change.

“Case remains the most collected knife in the world. One reason for this is the detailed dating system Case uses,” Wilson notes. “But, I believe Canal Street is currently building the highest-quality traditional slip-joint folders. They simply spend more time to get the details right during production and assembly to ensure that everything fits as it should.”

Terryah says not only has he seen an uptick in sales of traditional slip joints, but some of the more modern styles are selling as well. “I would have to say the Spyderco and Fallkniven slip joints are the hottest new models [for us] right now,” he offers. Wilson says Case’s traditional two-blade trapper (4 1/8 inches closed) is the best seller at Sooner State Knives. “Next would probably be the [Case] 3-inch tiny toothpick,” he advises.

Maker Explosion

The custom market long has had a clique of makers who keep the traditional patterns alive—Tony Bose, who also has designed some knives for Case, and Bill Ruple among them. In the past few years there has been an increase in custom makers joining the fray, adding even more fans to the slip-joint market.

“Slip-joint collectors tend to be men in the 40-to-60-year-old range. They’re the classic baby boomer demographic. These customers appreciate the high level of fit and finish,” he says. “There are many sub-groups of slip-joint collectors, from the patterns to the number of blades on a folder.”

According to Connelley, the best-selling slip-joint pattern at Knifeart is, once again, the trapper. He says some of the hot knifemakers (and their knives with Knifeart’s list prices in parentheses) are Don Morrow (two-blade stag trapper, $750), Bill Ruple (stag or bone two blade, $1,100), and Hiroaki Ohta (single-blade stag folders, $500). “Tony Bose is hands down the most popular,” Connelley opines. “His knives command a premium on the secondary market which, unless you are really lucky at his BLADE Show lottery, is the only place to buy one.”

Choice Materials

The materials offered in a knife are always a key consideration. “Most collectors seem to prefer stainless steel blades over carbon steel,” Wilson notes. “That said, many older buyers still prefer carbon steel in the knives they carry, and a few younger buyers prefer it because of their fathers and grandfathers.

“The misconception seems to be that if a blade doesn’t rust, it won’t hold an edge. They don’t realize cutlery companies have kept up with the times and that new blade steels are constantly being introduced.”

Among handle materials, Wilson indicates due to the variety of colors, jigged bone is his most popular but stag, mother-of-pearl and wood still move as well.

On the custom side, Connelly says stag is the most popular, followed by traditional jigged bone. “For blade materials they prefer high-quality stainless steels such as CPM-154, ATS-34 and CPM-S30V. We occasionally see high-quality damascus on an upscale slip joint,” he adds. It is interesting to note that damascus is wildly popular in other genres such as fixed blades and locking folders, but it does not seem to translate well into traditional fare.

Given the increase in custom makers joining the party and the extremely large number of factory pocketknives on the market, traditional slip-joint lovers will have fat pickings for a while. Whether you prefer production or custom knives, there are affordable options for everyone. Custom slip joints typically range from $250 up and factory pocketknives can be had for as little as $25 for models produced offshore—with stag handles, no less!—to $150-$200 for top-shelf limited editions.

In essence, with the exception of some of the more rarified custom artisans who can name their price, it is a buyers’ market that shows no sign of slipping.

For more on the latest knives, knife legislation, knifemaking instruction, knife trends, knifemakers, what knives to buy and where and much more, subscribe to BLADE® Magazine, the World’s No. 1 Knife Publication. For subscription information click on http://www.shopblade.com/product/blade-magazine-one-year-subscripti…?r+ssfb020212#BL1SU

SOG Twitch II Helps Save The Day

Steve Shackleford

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February 1, 2012

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A SOG Twitch II assisted-opening knife helped save the day in a recent car accident. Zachary Taylor was the passenger in a car driven by his fiance when it spun out of control while avoiding a large animal in the road.The passenger side hit two trees and Taylor’s right leg was pinned under the dash.

As Taylor recounts the incident, “My right arm was pinned because the impact swung it up under me, but I used my left hand to retrieve the Twitch II knife from my pocket, opened it with one finger, and cut the seat belt. I then used it to cut away my pants leg that hung up under the dash. If I would’ve not been able to get out of the car, we would still be sitting there as no one was around us, we were way off down the embankment, the cell phone was busted, the front lights had busted out, it was really cold and we were wet from an exploded cooler.”

You can read the whole story, including photos of the car, at http://on.fb.me/xWdPOI

The preceding is courtesy of Knife Rights. For more information click on http://kniferights.org/

For more information on the Twitch II, click on www.sogknives.com.

For more on the latest knives, knife legislation, knifemaking instruction, knife trends, knifemakers, what knives to buy and where and much more, subscribe to BLADE® Magazine, the World’s No. 1 Knife Publication. For subscription information click on http://www.shopblade.com/product/blade-magazine-one-year-subscripti…?r+ssfb020112#BL1SU

Knife Of The Day XV: O’Hare Tanto

Steve Shackleford

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January 30, 2012

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Our Knife Of The Day is Sean O’Hare’s tanto. It sports a flat-ground, 3.75-inch blade of CPM-154 stainless steel, a stabilized buckeye burl handle with a bird’s-beak butt, and a 416 stainless steel guard. Sean also made the leather pouch sheath. His price for a similar piece: $395.

“This one is a bit of a departure from my norm as it is a tanto style,” Sean noted. “I was very pleased with the way it turned out. So far this is the only [tanto] I have made. It sold right away at the New York Custom Knife Show.”

For more information contact Sean at [email protected].

For more on the latest knives, knife legislation, knifemaking instruction, knife trends, knifemakers, what knives to buy and where and much more, subscribe to BLADE® Magazine, the World’s No. 1 Knife Publication. For subscription information click on http://www.shopblade.com/product/blade-magazine-one-year-subscripti…?r+ssfb013012#BL1SU

Hottest EDC Knives

Steve Shackleford

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January 26, 2012

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Dave Stark of Steel Addiction Knives said Tom Krein’s Alpha folders are among the hottest of custom EDC knives. These two Alphas are both frame locks, and Krein said the one with the blue handle is the first knife he built with the Ikoma Korth Bearing System (I.K.B.S.). (Point Seven photo)

Keep your pockets warm with the hottest in everyday carry knives

By Mike Searson

Everyday carry knives—a.k.a. EDC knives—are models most of us carry every day in our pockets, on our belts or even around our necks. An EDC knife is suited to such mundane tasks as opening a piece of mail or cutting an apple or, in a pinch, to cutting a seatbelt in an emergency situation.

To determine the hottest EDC knives, BLADE® went straight to some of the top custom and production knife dealers in North America. On the production front, which seems to be where the majority of EDC knives come into play, Mark Christensen at BladeHQ and Jason Kunkler of Knifecenter.com held court.

“The majority just seem to be based on personal preference,” Christensen began. “We don’t sell many ‘traditional pocketknives’—tactical knives are popular—and right now those seem to be butterfly knives and automatic knives, especially out-the-front automatics, MicroTech in particular. Anything made by MicroTech sells very fast, and Spyderco is very popular right now. As far as model numbers go, I would say for MicroTech it would be the Ultratech [Model 122-1] at a price point of $255, and for Spyderco it would be any of the Para Military 2 models [C81] that sell in the $115-$170 price range.

“I think the Para Military is popular because of the Compression locking mechanism, combined with Spyderco’s round hole design. This makes the knife very easy to use with one hand and with gloves, so ease of use and convenience make it a great EDC knife. The MicroTech models are popular because they make the best OTF knives on the market, and have gained a reputation for excellence.”

While agreeing with Christensen on the popularity of Spyderco, Kunkler said most of his customers are leery of newer locks and favor traditional locking liners, lockbacks, Benchmade’s Axis lock and even contemporary slip joints. He indicated his biggest sellers among EDC knives are the Benchmade Griptilian (based on options, $80-$100 MSRP), Spyderco Delica ($69.95 MSRP), various fixed blades by ESEE, and Boker’s International Collection offerings based on classic Fred Perrin designs. “The ESEE models are so popular they sell out on arrival,” he noted. “At a retail price of $85-$125 they are a lot of knife for the money and feel great in the hand.”

Kunkler seemed to speak for Christensen as well when he said, “If there’s one thing people are looking for in a knife, I think it’s just convenience or ease of use. The hottest EDC knives are those that are just ‘user-friendly.’”

“Price does not seem to matter as much as you might think,” Christensen added. “People are always looking for a good deal, but are willing to pay more for quality.” Kunkler said $100 is the upper end of the price limit for most people looking for an EDC knife, whereas most knife enthusiasts are willing to spend two to three times that amount.

As for handle materials, both retailers said titanium for locking-liner and frame-lock folders is very popular, with G-10, Zytel® or anodized aluminum also found on the top sellers. Blade finish is even more of a personal preference. Christensen said his customers have a slight inclination for black coated blades over other finishes, while Kunkler indicated his clients prefer satin finishes to everything else. “Mirror-polished blades went out in the 1980s with parachute pants,” he quipped.

As far as blade length, Christensen said “somewhere around 3 to 3.5 inches” is most popular. “Some people are looking for California-legal automatics with a blade under 2 inches, but, aside from those, most people don’t seem to be worried about blade length for legal reasons,” he qualified.

Custom Iterations

On the custom side, Neil Ostroff of True North Knives and Dave Stark of Steel Addiction Knives shared their knowledge. “Without question, the most desired knives are tactical flipper folders made with some kind of bearing pivot system, like I.K.B.S. [the Ikoma Korth Bearing System],” Ostroff observed. “Close behind those are the non-flipping tactical folders.

“In the non-flipping arena, Bob Terzuola just blazes along with refreshing variations of older stable models like the venerable ATCF [TNK’s list price: $750] and new designs all the time. His special USN Gathering knives are always snapped up quickly, and he takes many orders for more while selling out early on at show after show.”

Stark agreed, adding the hottest EDC knives among his customers are made by Rick Hinderer (the XM series), Tom Mayo (TNT), Tom Krein (Alpha K-1 Folder), Greg Lightfoot (Ground Fighter), Mick Strider (SnG and SMF) and Ernest Emerson (CQC6). “Price doesn’t even seem to be a factor, despite the economy,” he said. “Most Mayos and Emersons I receive on customer trade-ins have to go back to those makers, as there are scuffs in the bead blast from being carried—and these are $1,200-$2,000 knives.”

Ostroff differed on the price point, saying most of his customers look for a knife that is $500 or less from such makers as Brian Fellhoelter (Kink, at $450) or Kirby Lambert (Inferno, $500). Ostroff and Stark agreed that fit-and-finish, performance, comfort in the hand and “buying the maker” had more influence than blade steel or price point.

Of pocket clips and blade finish, Ostroff opined, “Pocket clips are vital on a folder, and tip-up is the only way to go as long as the knifemaker ensures that the detent is strong.” Stark said “deep-carry pocket clips” that hold the knife significantly lower in the pocket are a strong selling point. Both agreed that stonewashed, satin or bead-blasted finishes are more desirable than polished or coated ones.

As with their production counterparts, both custom purveyors said 3 inches and under is the desired length for those living in cities with blade-length restrictions. However, the optimal blade length for a tactical or utility EDC folder is just under 4 inches.

Stark indicated some customers buy small EDC fixed blades such as the TK-1 (his list price: $225) or Pocket Bowie (his list price: $265), both by Tom Krein, or a number of pieces from Bob Dozier. He said both makers have been backordered for a long time.

All four sources are unanimous on one thing: blade shape. While past trends have pointed to leaf-shaped, recurved and tanto blades, today’s hottest EDC knives tend to have more traditional blade profiles. As to a plain or serrated blade, it is a matter of personal preference, though plain edges seem the most popular for all concerned. Perhaps it can best be said that the hottest EDC knives combine classic designs and profiles with modern materials.

For more on the latest knives, knife legislation, knifemaking instruction, knife trends, knifemakers, what knives to buy and where and much more, subscribe to BLADE® Magazine, the World’s No. 1 Knife Publication. For subscription information click on http://www.shopblade.com/product/blade-magazine-one-year-subscripti…?r+ssfb260112#BL1SU

Hammer Knives Are What’s Cookin’!

Steve Shackleford

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January 25, 2012

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The Paranee/Wheeler fighter combines Nick Wheeler’s impeccable fit and finish and a Joe Paranee design, and is high on the list of collector Peter Gill. (SharpByCoop.com knife photos; photo of drawings courtesy of Nick Wheeler)

If you’re hungry for top handforged blades, prepare to cleanse your palate

By Mike Haskew

The selection of and appetite for handforged knives is as healthy as ever, and those who combine aesthetics with the hammer on hot steel occupy a noteworthy place among the pantheon of knifemakers. Both well-established artisans and up-and-comers are gaining attention, incorporating daring damascus and eye-popping ivory, tantalizing carbon steel and wondrous woods.

A collector for 15 years, Peter Gill said he is excited about the Founder’s Bowie series from Jason Knight, who devised the idea of selling a limited run of handforged knives to raise money to build his shop. The Founder’s Bowies include upscale handles of materials such as mammoth ivory and 10-inch blades of 1080 and 15N20 random-pattern damascus, and overall lengths of about 15 inches. Gill said each knife has sold in the $1,200 range. The Paranee/Wheeler Fighter, another limited run and a collaboration between Joe Paranee and Nick Wheeler, is a favorite of Gill and sells for around $850.

“They each make simply beautiful knives that approach perfection and are very hard to obtain,” Gill noted. “A plaque with the names of the 10 original owners of the Founders Bowies will be in Jason’s shop, and the fighter combines Nick’s impeccable fit and finish with a specific design concept from Joe.”

Collecting knives for nearly 40 years, Paul Kessler has seen his share of handforged standouts, and said the work of husband-and-wife team Adam and Haley DesRosiers is “wildly popular.” The pair is becoming known for damascus blades and high-end wood handles in a variety of knife styles. In addition, the damascus blades and fighters in the 7-to-10-inch range from Mike Ruth and the fighters and gun knives of Bruce Bump are gaining in popularity, Kessler observed.

“Tom Ferry is hot right now,” Kessler added. “He can do everything and do it well. He makes both folders and fixed blades, and his sole-authorship knives are in great demand. Cliff Parker is making a damascus gent’s folder in tortoise, stag and pearl, along with locking-liner folders, and he sells out at shows.”

According to Kessler, Wheeler has become a favorite on Internet knife discussion forums, while John White is known for his large choppers with lengths of 10 to 11 inches in premium carved stag handles and upscale damascus.

“John made a stunning dagger for me,” Kessler remarked. “It has a blade of about 9.5 inches and a beautiful reddish mammoth ivory handle. He built it with a clamshell guard that can be taken off to convert the knife to a simple dagger. He built a bowie that won Best Fighter at the BLADE Show, and my John White knife won Best Damascus at the show. I think he makes the best pattern-welded damascus, bar none. The choppers sell for $1,000 and up, and the high-end knives are $2,500 and up.”

Kessler said the Pirate folder by Don Hanson is another favorite of handforged purchasers and features a variety of handle materials with a wharncliffe or santoku-style damascus blade. Ranging from $1,700 to $1,800 depending on materials, the slip-joint Pirate folder comes with mammoth or walrus ivory and even antique ivory Micarta® scales. Hanson’s double-edged fighters with the damascus combination of 1084, 15N20, W2 and 203E steels are in demand as well.

Larry Marton and his wife, Marlene, have collected knives for more than a quarter century. They particularly prize the work of Robbin Hudson and his multi-bar damascus blades with a flame pattern etched into the edge. “We had talked with Rob about making a knife for us,” Larry said, “and he eventually sent us one with a blade twice the size of the one we had talked about. It is truly a spectacular blade.”

Also among their favorite makers and handforged knives are those by the husband-and-wife team of Van Barnett and Dellana. Marlene collects folders of about 3.5 inches in open length, and both Van and Dellana have made folders for her, while an oversized Owen Wood dagger is a prized piece in the Martons’ collection, too. With an 11.5-inch blade and mammoth tooth handle, the dagger is priced from $7,000 to $8,000, and its overall length is 16.5 inches.

Another of the Martons’ selection as a hot maker of handforged knives is Kaj Embretson. “We have two Viking daggers that he made, both with multi-bar damascus,” Larry commented. “We found the first one at the Solvang Show. That dagger has a wood handle, and the second one we got has a mammoth ivory handle. They run in the $5,000 range.”

In Big Demand

Purveyor Les Robertson said Hanson, White, Ruth and Knight are four of the handforged makers high on many buyers’ lists. Robertson singles out White’s Take Down Bowie, Ruth’s Seashell Bowie, Knight’s JK Classic and Hanson’s Mammoth Fighter as a coveted foursome. The Take Down Bowie sports a damascus blade of 15N20 and 1084 steels, along with a premium stag or ivory handle. The stag version sells for $2,250 and the ivory for $3,000 and up, Robertson notes. The Mammoth Fighter includes a frame mammoth ivory handle and DH3 damascus blade. Robertson’s price: $3,800.

For Robertson, the complexity of the Take Down Bowie is its big draw. “These knives are supplied with a matching ‘take-down tool’ with removable a damascus cap that holds spare assembly pins,” he said. “On the Mammoth Fighter, the DH3 damascus and the frame handle are in big demand, and the ivory is the icing on the cake. As [one of my] top 10 ABS master smiths, Don is an exceptional craftsman.”

Ruth’s Seashell Bowie includes a blade of Texas Wind damascus and an ancient walrus ivory handle with price points from $2,000 to $2,600 depending on such options as blade length and the ivory’s color. Robertson adds that big damascus blades are gaining favor now, and Ruth builds some of the best at value prices.

Knight’s JK Classic Bowie includes 5160, W2 or damascus blades, a handle of desert ironwood or ivory, and a stainless or blued carbon steel guard. Robertson said the knife sells for $1,200 to $2,000, depending on options, and he places Knight among his top 10 ABS master smiths. “This knife is the quintessential Jason Knight Bowie,” he related. “It has clean, crisp lines and that trademark ‘fits-like-a-glove’ handle. The knife is immediately recognizable as a Jason Knight.”

Among other handforged makers Robertson praised are Russ Andrews and Daniel Winkler. Robertson said Andrews’ Hawthorne Bowie sells for $1,100 in W2 blade steel and $1,500 in damascus. Its high-grade walnut handle and stainless steel furniture add luster to Russ’s signature bowie, and Robertson asserts collectors are always on the lookout for this “bowie that borders on being a fighter.” Winkler’s Razor Ridge hunter is complemented by a Karen Shook sheath and sells for $850, Robertson said. It has a blade of 1084 carbon steel, a stainless guard and bolster, and an elk-antler handle.

“Dan can never fill the demand for this knife,” Robertson opined. “It’s his hottest knife, made by one of [my] top 10 ABS master smiths, and is perfect for what it’s designed to do. It feels great in the hand.”

Lin Rhea, Shawn McIntyre, Scott McGhee, Tad Lynch and Phillip Patton are other makers with work to watch—and buy quickly if possible, Robertson advised. The purveyor indicated Rhea’s Sub-Hilt fighter sells for about $1,950, with a blade of W2 or damascus steel and a handle of presentation wood or ancient ivory. McIntyre’s Black Tie hunter is fashioned with a blade of 1080 and 15N20 damascus and a black palm wood handle. Depending on materials, it sells for $550 to $750, Robertson said.

The purveyor indicated the Bushman utility knife from McGhee sells for $260 and includes a blade of Cruforge V steel with a hammer-marked finish and a paracord-wrap handle. Lynch’s Model 1 fighter comes in 5160 or W2 blade steel with a walnut handle and stainless fittings. Clean, functional and balanced, it sells for $600, Robertson said. The Drop Point camp knife from Patton is handled in Micarta or G-10 and comes with a choice of W2 or O1 blade steel. Robertson said the base knife goes for $250, and its combination of utilitarian design and handle ergonomics makes for a great field knife.

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Prices* For Hottest Hammer Knives

Russ Andrews Hawthorne bowie $1,100-$1,500

Kaj Embretsen Viking dagger $5,000

Don Hanson Pirate folder $1,700-$1,800

Jason Knight Founder’s Bowie $1,200

Tad Lynch Model 1 fighter $600

Scott McGhee Bushman utility knife $260

Shawn McIntyre Black Tie Hunter $550-$750

Phillip Patton Drop-point camp knife $250

Lin Rhea Sub-hilt fighter $1,950

Mike Ruth Seashell bowie $2,000-$2,600

Nick Wheeler Paranee collaboration $850

John White High-end knives $2,500 and up

Daniel Winkler ` Razor Ridge hunter $850

Owen Wood Oversized dagger $7,000-$8,000

*According to the sources in the story.

Steve Shackleford

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