The late great purveyor J.W. Denton said the best-looking knives were shaped like sports cars, and the Microtech Socom Delta—the Blade Magazine 2012 American-Made Knife Of The Year®—is one J.W. would have loved to take around the block for a cut or two.
MICROTECH SOCOM DELTA
•Pattern: Single-action folder
•Blade steel: Powdered CPM S35VN stainless
•Blade length: 3.75”
•Handle material: G10/carbon fiber
•Closed length: 5.25”
•Weight: 4.2 ozs.
•Special stuff: Carbon-fiber handle has a titanium lockbar w/removable insert to hold the blade securely in place; ceramic bearing system provides smooth, fast action
•MSRP: $330
•Available: Now
The Blade Magazine Knife-Of-The-Year® Awards are voted on each year at the BLADE Show (www.bladeshow.com) by the show’s exhibiting booth holders, plus a panel of five special judges, the latter whose votes count double. The 2013 BLADE Show will be held May 31-June 2, once again at the Cobb Galleria Centre in Atlanta, Georgia.
For the latest knives, knife trends, knifemakers, what knives to buy and where, knife legislation, knifemaking instruction, and much more, subscribe to BLADE® Magazine, the World’s No. 1 Knife Publication. Click on http://www.shopblade.com/blade-magazine-one-year-subscription-us/?lid=blss091712
Learn the latest about knifemaking techniques and other trending sharp subjects during the 9th Annual BLADE University 2022 Friday and Saturday of the BLADE Show.
Sponsored by Work Sharp, BLADE University has the most extensive schedule of knife, knifemaking and other instruction held at any knife show. New classes for 2022 include How To Forge a Sub-Hilt Knife with ABS master smith Steve Randall; Post-heat-Treat Grinding with custom knifemaker RJ Martin; How To Start a Knife Company with Diane Carver and Kimi Jensen of Brighten Blades; Keys to Outstanding Hamons with ABS master smith Brion Tomberlin; and more.
For the full list of classes, see the accompanying schedule. For enrollment and other information visit show.com/show-info/classes, or the Registration Counter in the show lobby.
8 a.m.-9:30 a.m.: Fundamentals of Grinding, The Courtyard. Award-winning knifemakers Tom Krein and Lucas Burnley take you through the process. 10 a.m.-11 a.m.: Exploring the History of Synthetics, Room 107. The Hawks Nest Customs team explores some of the types of synthetic materials used on knives. 10:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m.: Cryo-Quenching Steel: What It Does and Is It For Your Blades? Room 104. Steel authority and author Larrin Thomas explains the subject in detail. 1 p.m.-2 p.m.: How To Forge a Sub-Hilt Knife, Room 107. Steve Randall outlines his process for forging and building his hidden-tang sub-hilt model. 1:30-2:30 p.m.: Bladesmithing: A Teacher’s Angle, Room 103. ABS master smith Murray Carter delineates how he operated the Muteki bladesmith apprenticeship program for 10 years and provides advice on starting a larger knife manufacturing business. 3 p.m.-4 p.m.: Keys to Outstanding Hamons, Room 107. ABS master smith Brion Tomberlin will school you on most everything you need to know on the subject. 3:30 p.m.-4:30 p.m.: Hands-On Knife Sharpening Workshop, Room 113. Bring your own knife or a borrowed one and learn the progression of shaping a bevel, sharpening and edge maintenance from the team at Work Sharp. 4:30 p.m.-5:30 p.m.: Knives With History, Room 107. Knifemaker Jason Fry discusses different ways to incorporate historical material into knives.
SATURDAY, JUNE 4
8:30 a.m.-9:30 a.m.: Decorative Filework, Room 113. Knifemaker Kyle Daily of KHDaily Knives shows you his preferred files and step-by-step how he creates his five most popular patterns. 8:30 a.m.-9:30 a.m.: Post-Heat-Treat Grinding, The Courtyard. RJ Martin demonstrates techniques for grinding premium stainless steels after they have been heat treated. 9:30 a.m.-10:30 a.m.: How to Make A Coffin Knife Handle, Room 104. ABS journeyman smith Mace Vitale explains how he constructs the handles and shows you as well. 9:45 a.m.-10:45 a.m.: How To Start a Knife Company, Room 107. Diane Carver and Kimi Jensen of Brighten Blades recently started their new knife concern and share how you can start one, too. 11 a.m.-12 p.m.: Women’s Bladesmith/Knifemaker Panel, Room 113. Join ABS master smith Veronique Laurent of Belgium, Grace Horne of Sheffield, England, ABS journeyman smith Lora Schwarzer and Abie Lyons as they outline how to succeed as a woman in a male-dominated industry. 2 p.m.-3 p.m.: How to Texture Titanium Knife Handles, Room 104. Shane Magnussen of Scorpion 6 explains the grinder, appropriate machine setup, varieties of abrasive belts and more for the texturing method. 2:15 p.m.-3:15 p.m.: Hands-On Knife Sharpening Workshop, Room 113. For a redo of the class by the same name (see the description under Friday at 3:30 p.m.-4:30 p.m.), here’s your chance in Work Sharp’s encore presentation. 2:30 p.m.-3:30 p.m.: Exotic and Advanced Knife Techniques Used in Bushcraft, Room 107. Joe Flowers, knife designer and jungle guide, demonstrates and gives a presentation on outdoor-based knife skills from around the world. 4 p.m.-5 p.m.: Linerlock/Framelock Design & Construction Geometry, Room 104. David Carver of Carver Knife Co. teaches basic design, steps to build and the processes needed in detail, as well as flow, lock geometry and completion.
See who took home the hardware in seven categories at BLADE Show Texas
Over the years, the BLADE Show Texas Awards contest has proven among the most competitive of the triad of shows—perhaps only second to Atlanta. The 2024 event was no different with the factory section of the Feb. 23-24 drawing in cutting-edge designs and hot new takes on the age-old technology. It’s an understatement to say the three-judge panel had its work cut out for it deep in the bowels of the Fort Worth Convention Center in picking the best of a very accomplished field. Yet the experts did, choosing winners in 7 categories—including Best Of Show, ESNYX’s EDC folder. Get a gander of it and the other top picks from the ever-growing blade shindig from deep in the heart of Texas.
Get a look at the new knives released at BLADE Show, the world’s largest knife show.
More than simply the foremost industry event and knife axis mundi, BLADE Show is also the preferred venue to launch knives. Makes sense, when for three days straight, Atlanta’s Cobb Convention Center sees a steady stream of thousands of knife fanatics. We’ll have more down the road, but here is some of what was dropped at the world’s largest knife show.
Bradford Knives Guardian 3.5XL
RARE BREED GUARDIAN—Bradford Knives’ fan asked for it and at BLADE Show they’ll get the shot to own the Guardian 3.5XL with a 4-inch MagnaCut blade. This limited run comes with a new sheath design, offering both vertical and horizontal carry options. Overall Length: 8.25 inches. Blade Profile: Sabre. Weight: 4.7 ounces. MSRP: TBD. Available: June
Ansø of Denmark Mudtrack Exoframe
FRAME JOB—Stripped down in material, the Toko features Ansø of Denmark’s skeletonized black titanium Mudtrack Exoframe, stripping the flipper’s weight to a scant 2.86 ounces. Outfitted with a do-all drop-point blade of RWL34 steel, the build had versatile built in. Lock: Button. Blade Length: 3.35 inches. MSRP: $995. Available: June
McNees Knives Mini Dixon
MIGHTY MITE—A scaled-down version of a McNees classic, the Mini Dixon boasts a compact 3.35-inch MagnaCut blade matted to a Grade 5 titanium handle. The modified clip point has a hollow grind and comes in a very svelte 4.5 ounces. Lock: Framelock. Overall Length: 7.75 inches. MSRP: $549. Available: June
UG Tools EKM Fighting Knife Set
DOUBLE TROUBLE—The UG Tools EKM Fighting Knife Set was developed Special Mission Units and is already being supplied to a German Tier 1 unit. The set comes with a 2.4-inch blade dagger and 4.7-inch blade drop point, highly modular sheath, attachment system and full contact training knives. Blade Material: CPM MagnaCut. Weight: Dagger 1.6 ounces, Drop Point 4.6 ounces. Country of Origin: German. MSRP: ~$1,000 Available: Autumn 2026
Spartan Blades Pandia
MOONLIT PRECISION—Named for the Greek goddess of the full moon, the Spartan Blades Pandia features a 3.25-inch CPM MagnaCut spear-point blade optimized via a proprietary double deep cryogenic treatment. The 8.25-inch Curtis Iovito design utilizes an IKBS bearing system for fluid flipper deployment. Handle Material: Titanium. Clip: Titanium. Weight: 4 ounces. Country of Origin: USA. MSRP: $495. Available: Now
Maserin Outback
BUILT FOR THE BUSH—Featuring a Böhler N690 steel blade and paired with an ergonomic G10 handle, the Maserin Outback is available in three colours: black, gray, and orange. It comes with a black Italian cordura sheath, and a sharpener and a survival saw. Blade Length: 5.51 inches. Overall Length: 10.9 inches. Country of Origin: Italy. MSRP: $239. Available: Now
Scorpion 6 Jörmungandr
SHARP LEVIATHAN—Named for a sea serpent of Norse mythology, the Jörmungandr from Scorpion 6 is made completely without any CNC machining and features 5.3-inch a double hollow grind freehanded by Shane Magnussen. Blade Steel: CPM S90V. Overall Length: 8.82 inches. Clip: Titanium. Internals: Delrin Caged Ceramic Bearings. MSRP: Starts at $1,500. Available: Now
QSP Badger
BRIDGING OVER—The QSP Badger gives a reason for righties and lefties to cheer with the company’s Bridgelock. Essentially a crossbar lock, it features a saddle that runs on the back of the handle for an oversized and ambidextrous release. Blade Pattern: Wharncliff. Blade Steel: Nitro V. Handle Material: G10. Blade Length: 3.35 inches. MSRP: TBD. Available: September
Opinel No. 8 Horizon
MODERNIZED CLASSIC—Designed to brave the outdoors, Opinel’s No. 8 Horizon features several element-resistant features, including a stainless steel Yatagan blade, fiberglass-reinforced polymer handle and a light 2.2-ounce weight. Blade Length: 3.15 inches. Lock: Friction, Virobloc Safety Ring. Grind: Convex. MSRP: $40. Available: June.
Buck Knives Heritage Slim Elite 110
CLIPPING CALL—A refined evolution of Buck Knives’ classic 110 Folding Hunter, the Heritage Slim Elite is nearly .25-inch slimmer, 3-ounces lighter and featuring a deep carry pocket clip and BOS heat-treated MagnaCut steel blade. Blade Pattern: Clip Point. Blade Length: 3.75 inches. Scale: Ebony. MSRP: $250. Available: May
Crescent Edges Celestial Entity
STAR STRUCK—A 3.5-inch tanto blade of MagnaCut steel, milled titanium scale, satin DLC blade finish and a solid frame lock, the Crescent Edges Celestial Entity is an otherworldly EDC option. Overall Length: 8.23 inches. Weight: 4.5 ounces. Country of Origin: China. MSRP: $375 Available: Now
CRKT Grvitic Flip
FIDGET FACTOR—Not your typical OTF, the CRKT Garvitic Flip utilizes a vintage-inspired flip-insert mechanism to deploy its 3.18-inch blade. Once out, tabs on the blade insert into recesses to keep the blade in place. Blade Steel: 5Cr13MoV. Blade Pattern: Spearpoint. Overall Length: 7.5 inches. MSRP: $50. Available: Now
Lionsteel Emmet
INTREPID INTEGRAL—Gentlemanly in appearance, the 2.83-inch LionSteel Emmet features a solid integral handle in either titanium or aluminum. The titanium model comes with carbon fiber inlayed scale, the aluminum with a hammertone texture. Blade Material: MagnaCut. Blade Pattern: Drop Point. Overall Length: 6.73 inches. Country of Origin: Italy. MSRP: Ti $225; Al: $130. Available: Now
NortoriousEDC Dirty Deed Pry Bar
DOWN AND DIRTY—Constructed from Grade 5 titanium and a solid 3.5 inches in length, the NotoriousEDC Dirty Deed Pry Bar is ready every day for jimmying chores. The tool ships with a deep carry clip installed and includes an optional filler tab. Thickness: 3/16 inch. Width: 5/8 inch. Finish: Stonewashed. MSRP: $75. Available: Now
Vero Engineering Slip Joint
UNKNOWN SOLIDER—Vero Engineering’s new Wharncliffe is so recent that at writing it was yet have a name. What is known is that the slip joint will have a 2.75-inch MagnaMax blade, with the Vero trademark rectangular milling serving as the nail nick. Overall Length: 6 inches. Weight: 2.6 ounces. Handle Material: Titanium. Country of Origin: U.S.A. MSRP: $198. Available: June
GiantMouse ACE Pontius
HARPOONS AWAY—Designed with input from Chris Pontius, the GiantMouse ACE Pontius features a 3.2-inch harpoon-inspired clip point blade and titanium scale. The linerlock will also be available in Green G10 or Black Canvas Micarta. Blade Steel: Elmax. Overall Length: 7.7 inches. Liners: Hardened 420 Stainless Steel. MSRP: $325. Available: June
Shirogorov F95 Ursus
BEAR OF THE NORTH—The Shirogorov F95 Ursus offers a rugged, work-oriented take on the refined F95 pattern, featuring a 3.74-inch Elmax stainless steel blade with a 5/6ths grind. This iteration utilizes a Multi-Row Bearing System (MRBS) for smooth deployment and a dependable liner lock. Scale: Micarta. Overall Length: 8.66 inches. Weight: 4.69 ounces. MSRP: $650–$700. Available: June
StraightLine EDC Bigger Digger
GOLDEN DIGGER—The StraightLine EDC Bigger Digger is a purpose-built fixed blade designed for daily carry, featuring a 3.74-inch drop-point blade of 14C28N stainless steel. Ensuring a secure grip in all conditions, the 7.52-inch profile is outfitted with green canvas Micarta scales and a flat grind for efficient slicing. Weight: 3.17 ounces. Grind: Flat. Sheath: Kydex. MSRP: $80. Available: June.
Rothman Knives Fabricator Series Gentlemen’s Trapper
BLUE-COLLAR GENTLEMAN—The Rothman Knives Fabricator Series Gentlemen’s Trapper is a modern, lightweight take on the classic slip joint, weighing in at just 1.6 ounces. The 2 7/8-inch Nitro-V stainless steel blade features a deep 14-inch hollow grind for exceptional slicing geometry. Overall Length: 7 inches. Scale: Carbon Fiber. MSRP: $400. Available: June
Browning Stormy Pass Trapper
STORM A BREWIN’—The Browning Stormy Pass Trapper is a traditional slip joint built with an emphasis on longevity and classic aesthetics. It features a 3-inch damascus steel blade with a hollow grind, paired with stainless steel liners and wood scales. Overall Length: 6.25 inches. Weight: 2.4 ounces. Blade Pattern: Trapper. MSRP: $100. Available: September
Bestech IKA Dagger
FRANKISH FLARE—Bestech’s IKA Dagger is the first integral handle design from French designer Tashi Bharucha. This folder features a 3.9-inch M390 stainless steel blade and ceramic ball bearings for fluid deployment. Overall Length: 8.85. Frame Material: Titanium. Blade Pattern: Dagger. Blade Thickness: 0.16 inch. Closed Length: 4.95 inches. MSRP: $580. Available: June
Hone your cutlery acumen at the 12th Annual BLADE University
How to make and design knives, how to determine which steel for which knife, what to look for in proper damascus patterns and how to enhance their appearance and other incisive knife subjects will highlight the class schedule of the 12th Annual BLADE University. Held in conjunction with the 44th Annual BLADE Show June 6-8 at the Cobb Galleria Centre in Atlanta, BLADE University will be sponsored by Work Sharp. Classes begin the Thursday before the show, June 5, and will run through Friday, June 6, and Saturday, June 7. All courses will be taught in the Cobb Galleria except one—Fundamentals of Grinding—which will convene under the tent in The Courtyard, aka the parking lot of the show’s host hotel, the Renaissance Atlanta Waverly.
BLADE University assembles some of the world’s best knifemakers, bladesmiths and other cutlery and steel professionals to teach a wide range of subjects for the knife user, knifemaker, knife hobbyist, knife entrepreneur, knife designer, and knife aficionado and novice alike. If you love knives or are just beginning to, BLADE University has a topic for you. The complete course schedule, with subjects, teachers, times and venues:
Thursday, June 5
In “Level Up Using Lasers, Ninjas and Other Cool Tools,” ABS master smith Neels van den Berg dives into how tools like laser engravers, digital design, and jigs and process design can streamline your workflow and enhance your work.
Material Conservation for the Forging Smith, Mareko Maumasi, 4 to 5 p.m., Room 104—Award-winning bladesmith Mareko Maumasi shares techniques and approaches he uses to reduce guesswork and material waste in the workshop. His approaches not only help the knifemaker’s material go further but also save time and money.
Friday, June 6
In “Elevating Your Handle Appearance: Spine Filework, Handle Shapes and Pin Placement,” knifemaker Kyle Daily shares his preferred files and specialized equipment for crafting his five most popular filework patterns, ensuring your knife not only looks exceptional but also feels comfortable and functional. (Jocelyn Frasier knife image)
Fundamentals of Grinding, AmeriBrade and guest grinders, 8 to 9:30 a.m., The Courtyard—AmeriBrade and guest makers provide a general overview on grinds, techniques and different equipment. The class is interactive and the team answers questions and demonstrates suggestions for common issues.
Deep Dive into Culinary Knives, Mareko Maumasi, 10 to 11:30 a.m., Room 103—Mareko Maumasi returns to help collectors and makers better understand the nuances of high-performance culinary knives. The class covers design aspects from blade tip to pommel, aiding collectors in making more informed knife-buying decisions, and makers in creating higher-quality and higher-performing culinary knives.
The Tom Brown Tracker Experience, Mathew Williams, 1 to 2 p.m., Room 107—Experienced woodsman and tracker Mathew Williams discusses the iconic Tom Brown Tracker knife, including the blade’s notable features, how the knife’s function can be of benefit to the user and more. Mathew even dispels some Hollywood myths concerning the TBT. This one’s for old-time fans and newcomers alike.
Take Damascus Etching to the Next Level, Baker Forge, 1:30 to 2:30 p.m., Room 103—Greyson Weltyk of Grey Blades and Jordon Berthelot of JB Blades teach step-by-step processes on how to enhance intricate patterns in damascus with Gator Piss etchant, including in-person demos with damascus knives. Subjects include proper cleaning prep, temperatures, stacking oxide techniques, sealing oxides and more. Receive in-depth looks at new product offerings from Gator Piss for etching stainless damascus and properly sealing damascus with nano-ceramic technology. Have the opportunity for Q&A with authorities about damascus etching.
Hands on Sharpening, Work Sharp, 3:30 to 4:30 p.m., Room 113—What happens when a knife goes dull? How do you know when to sharpen it? Bring your own knife or borrow a demo model and learn the progression of shaping a bevel, sharpening and edge maintenance from the team at Work Sharp. You get hands-on practice and experience sharpening your blade using a variety of sharpeners and abrasives, from whetstones to belts. (See under Saturday’s classes for an encore presentation.)
Leather Sheath Making Tips, Tricks & Tools, John Dennehy, 4:30 to 5:30 p.m., Room 107—Classes on sheath making are conducted at knife shows, social media and elsewhere. Unfortunately, some of the online demos are by those giving the wrong advice. John Dennehy shares the sheath-making tips he’s learned after working leather for almost 50 years, including leather selection, the tools he uses and why he uses them. He also covers the construction details he employs that experienced leather workers recognize immediately as the ones needed to produce a professional sheath.
Saturday, June 7
In “How to Select the Best Steel for Every Knife,” steel metallurgist Dr. Larrin Thomas talks about the factors that are important for different types of knives, such as cost, toughness, edge retention, sharpenability and corrosion resistance.
Elevating Your Handle Appearance: Spine Filework, Handle Shapes and Pin Placement, Kyle Daily, 8:30 to 9:30 a.m., Room 113—Enhance the appearance of your knife with distinctive features that go far beyond standard production models. Knifemaker Kyle Daily from KHDaily Knives guides you through the intricate art of filework on the spine, while also sharing insights into handle design and pin placement on the handle. Discover Kyle’s preferred files and specialized equipment for crafting his five most popular filework patterns, ensuring your knife not only looks exceptional but also feels comfortable and functional. From laying out your pattern to a step-by-step tutorial, this class provides the essential knowledge to achieve a professional and eye-catching finish. A Q&A session at the end ensures you leave with the skills and knowledge to take your knifemaking to the next level.
Demystifying Damascus, Mareko Maumasi, 9:30 to 11 a.m., Room 104—Mareko Maumasi completes his third straight day of teaching BLADE University classes with a most challenging one. He breaks the subject down in a way to help collectors gain a better appreciation for the knowledge and skill required to make unique damascus patterns, and to deepen the makers’ understanding of pattern design and composition.
The Cutting Edge, Nick Italiano, 9:45 to 10:45 a.m., Room 107—Nick Italiano, seasoned outdoorsman and host of the Raise The Flag Podcast, discusses the nuances of various blade grinds. From common everyday uses to survival situations, Nick covers several common grinds and their real-world function.
Level Up Using Lasers, Ninjas and Other Cool Tools, Neels van den Berg, 12:30 to 1:30 p.m., Room 113—Step up your knifemaking game with cutting-edge technology, unconventional techniques and insider secrets from ABS master smith Neels van den Berg. In this high-energy session dive into how laser engravers, digital design, and jigs and process design can streamline your workflow and improve your work. Plus, explore the mindset and discipline—the “ninja skills”—that separate good makers from great ones. Packed with real-world examples, practical insights and a touch of humor, this is a must-attend for makers looking to work smarter, not harder.
Designing Knives: Philosophy, Tools and Inspiration, Jens Anso, 2:15 to 3:15 p.m., Room 104—Award-winning knifemaker Jens Anso shares his approach to knife design, including how he thinks about form and function, the tools he uses and where he finds inspiration. With decades of experience in the industry, he’s developed a clear design philosophy that balances aesthetics, ergonomics and real-world usability. He explains his workflow, from sketching and CAD modeling, to prototyping and refining details. His goal is to provide insight into the design process and share practical takeaways for makers and enthusiasts who want to push their work further.
Hands on Sharpening, Work Sharp, 2:15 to 3:15 p.m., Room 113—What happens when a knife goes dull? How do you know when to sharpen it? Bring your own knife or borrow a demo model and learn the progression of shaping a bevel, sharpening and edge maintenance in this encore presentation from the team at Work Sharp. You get hands-on practice and experience sharpening your blade using a variety of sharpeners and abrasives, from whetstones to belts.
How to Select the Best Steel for Every Knife, Larrin Thomas, 4 to 5 p.m., Room 104—Both the makers and buyers of knives have many options for steels, but how do they know which ones to choose? Steel metallurgist Dr. Larrin Thomas talks about the factors that are important for different types of knives, such as cost, toughness, edge retention, sharpenability and corrosion resistance. Which steels are more optimal for a large chopper, a kitchen knife or a folder? For makers, the topics of forgeability, grindability, polishability and ease of heat treating are covered to choose steels that perform well and fit the knifemaking setup.
More classes were being determined at press time. For more information on them and on how to enroll in one or more of BLADE University’s classes, see our course offerings. There will be additional information on BLADE University in the June BLADE® and also in the BLADE Show Program, copies of which will be distributed for free at the BLADE Show.
The world’s largest and most important knife event, BLADE Show 2018 will return next year at the Cobb Galleria Centre in Atlanta—and there’s no time like now to make plans to attend the annual edge-stravaganza that true knife enthusiasts can’t afford to miss.
Slated for June 1-3, BLADE Show 2018 will assemble thousands of knife exhibitors and knife enthusiasts from around the globe, and with international attendance increasing every year, it’s wise to make your hotel plans now.
If you have attended the BLADE Show before, you know how fast hotel rooms disappear–not only at the Renaissance Waverly, the host hotel, but at lodging anywhere near the Cobb Galleria. If you’ve never been to a BLADE Show, then you cannot know the mad rush that is BLADE Show planning time. Don’t learn the hard way and get left out–plan and make your hotel reservations now!
