Short, long, thick, thin—and we’re not talking about the wide variety of knives at BLADE Show. No, we’re talking about facial hair that made men nod and women blush. The beards of BLADE Show impressed all! This collection is only a small representation of what we saw at the show. We don’t care about the ebbs and flows of fashion or laboratory tests on what’s found in beards, which frankly only tell us that bearded men live life to the full extent of their whiskers! Here at BLADE, we only hope the tradition continues.
The beards of BLADE Show impressed all. This example of a full beard is combined with longer hair for a decidedly not-hipster, backwoodsy look.Another Bandholz, only this one with shorter hair, could be seen at the Chris Reeve Knives booth. We also liked the hat adornment. We guess BLADE Show had something to do with knives, but back to beards…Lou Goodman of Abraham & Moses Survival Equipment sports a neat Van Dyke, which is any mustache-beard combo but with cheeks clean-shaven.We liked the gradations of red in this full beard on Larry Roberts, “Alone” Season 2’s runner-up.Ever see a Lynyrd Skynyrd concert? We found this full beard-long hair combination, if we remember correctly, at Zombie Tools.These old-school gentlemen at Al Mar offered two styles of white whiskers and we loved them both!At Rustick Knives we found the warrior tradition expressed in a samurai-esk ponytail and full beard on the owner of Harp Leather.Dave Wenger, owner of Wenger Blades in Hudsonville, Michigan, rolled with a Hollywoodian, which from what we can figure is a trailback that meets up with sideburns. Who cares what they call it; we like it!Dan “Jake” Jaquay of KME Sharpeners chilled out on Sunday at BLADE Show with his flame-red chin tresses.Our photographer went back more than once to try to capture the wildness at White River Knife and Tool, but could never seem to catch Matt C. and Alan N. at the same time. Fortunately, they caught wind of our mission and sent this along. Double-YES!Officially a Van Dyke, the goatee on this show attendee is going as far as it wants.Eli Gautreaux of Jerry Hossom Knives checked out the Knife of the Year Award entries in the lobby.A show-goer seems to be having a good time while we admire his Hollywoodian done to full length.We found that bearded men tended to have bearded friends, so we often got twofers!A barback at Key Bar caresses the whiskers.These two show-goers worked the man buns, ear stretcher and shades.As much as we tried to capture bearded men unaware, they often knew they were being watched.This lucky winner at the Ernest Emerson Custom Knives Lottery almost looks like he is starting a French fork-style of beard. Ernie looked as debonaire as always.Ken Hunt of Attleboro Knives in Idaho sports a salt and pepper Van Dyke.Another lucky winner at the Emerson Knives Lottery, Sevag Tankian, rocks a distinctive full beard.Stephan Fowler of Fowler Blades paired his full beard with a tactikilt one day, but, well, that’s a story for another BLADE Show.This luxurious white Van Dyke was worn well by a gentleman attending the Emerson Custom Knives Lottery on Saturday.We always enjoy talking with new knifemakers…oh, and look, a beard. We hope to see this knifemaker back again next year, along with many others. Like and Follow “Erin at BLADE” on Facebook for guidance on how to get your knife into BLADE Magazine.A righteous beard! If a knife doesn’t catch your eye at BLADE Show, we’re thinking a beard or two might.Be sure to plan for BLADE Show 2018 starting now. You know there will be plenty of knives, and if there’s ever an exhibition of beards, this is the place!
This three-book set will be referred to repeatedly by those both new and established in the knifemaking craft.
Did BLADE Show 2017 get you pumped for knifemaking? This two-paperback, one-e-book set will answer question for those new to the art, while also reaffirming or acting as a review for those more established in their craft. Included are: “How To Make Knives,” “The Wonder of Knifemaking” and “Wayne Goddard’s $50 Knife Shop, Revised.” Normally this trio would cost you $99.97, but you can get it now for $34.99.
Always ask an exhibitor’s permission before picking up a knife from his table. Nothing’s worse than some ya-hoo barging up, grabbing a knife and launching into a spiel on how much he knows about knives. Treat the exhibitor like you would any decent human being and ask permission to pick up the knife first.
Considerations for Folders
If it’s a folding knife, after asking the exhibitor if you can pick it up, if it’s closed and you want to open it, ask if you can do so (though most every folder maker will expect you to open it, check the action, etc). And if it’s a multi-blade, NEVER open more than one blade at a time. It puts too much pressure on the backsprings and can cause undue wear and tear. If you’ve bought the knife, then open all the blades you want (though it will still cause undue wear on the backsprings). And if you open the blade(s), close it/them before handing the knife back to the maker.
Hand Someone a Knife Safely
Mind Your Edges & Tips
Your blades are your responsibility! Mind those edges and tips. Nothing is ruder than gouging someone on your 6 because you’re strolling around with a sword under your armpit like some 18th-century field marshal.
Say It, Don’t Spray It
Be careful when you are examining an exhibitor’s knife not to spray spittle on the knife. Some people tend to “spray it instead of say it,” and spittle, if not wiped off, can cause “spit pits,” or tiny rust spots.
Wait Your Turn
Never interrupt an ongoing conversation at an exhibitor’s table. The exhibitor might be in the process of selling a knife and if you barge in and start blabbing away, it may chase the buying customer off. Besides that, it’s rude.
Make Way for Business
If you’re talking to an exhibitor and have no intention of buying a knife and see someone next to you who obviously is intent on buying a knife from the exhibitor, politely bow out and give way to the potential buyer.
Leave “I’ll Be Back” to Arnold
Before leaving his/her table, unless you are really going to do it, never tell the exhibitor, “I’ll be back.” Don’t be labeled an “I’ll Be Backer”! 😉
Haggling
Don’t haggle over price with custom knifemakers. They know how much time, effort and materials they put into a knife. If you don’t like the price, move on.
Getting in Close
Using a loupe to examine an antique knife is one thing but don’t use one to examine the custom maker’s knife at the maker’s table. It’s just not very good form. Now, if it’s a custom knife sold by a purveyor, that’s different. After all, if you have a question about the knife’s authenticity, it is possible that the purveyor made a mistake in buying the knife. We all err at times, right?
These are a few of the rules of knife show etiquette. There are others. Practice proper knife show etiquette and your entire show experience will benefit as a result.
With folks already arriving at the Cobb Galleria Centre in Atlanta for the BLADE Show & Living Ready Expo (www.bladeshow.com), here are some tips to enhance your overall show experience:
•Get there early. The show opens to the public at 2 p.m. Friday and 9 a.m. Saturday and Sunday. The best knives always go first–which means early. Get there then to get the best;
•Stay hydrated. There are water fountains at the show entrances and concession stands in the back of the show hall. Also, apples are a great source of both nourishment and water. Eat one mid-morning and/or mid-afternoon, whichever works best for you.
•Wear comfy shoes. There are almost 1,000 exhibitors to see, and walking and standing can take a toll on your feet. Wear the most comfortable shoes you’ve got. It doesn’t matter what they look like, just be sure they’re comfy. In fact, if you’ve got two such pairs of shoes, bring both. Wear one pair in the morning and the other pair in the afternoon. Also, whenever you get the chance, sit down and rest.
•Wear a small backpack. Carrying stuff gets old in a hurry. A small backpack is a great way to carry knives, knife literature, that extra pair of shoes, etc.
•Dress for warm temperatures. With scores of people jamming the hall in late spring in Atlanta, chances are it will be warm inside, too. Shorts, T-shirts and sandals or tennis shoes are the uniform of the day.
•Study the seminar schedule and attend the ones that interest you most. Not only are there some most entertaining and educational seminars to enjoy, but you can find a seat at all of them (if you get there early enough) and rest for a spell, killing two birds with one stone.
•Follow the pack. The BLADE Show is one of those happenings that has many surprise/spontaneous events within the event. If you hear/see a commotion going on, go to it. You never can tell what kind of cool knives/accessories are being sold or, in some cases, even given away.
Get the most from your BLADE Show experience with a few insider tips. (Point Seven photo)
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The CRKT Endorser took home the BLADE Magazine 2013 Best Buy Of The Year Award at the 2013 BLADE Show. (CRKT photo).
The world’s top knives were recognized during the BLADE Show & Living Ready Expo (www.bladeshow.com) May 31-June 2 at the Cobb Galleria Centre in Atlanta.
The leading factory knives were honored with the BLADE Magazine 2013 Knife-Of-The-Year® Awards, while the world’s pre-eminent custom knives were named in the show’s custom knife judging competition.
All entrants in the Knife-Of-The-Year and custom knife judging competitions were rated on a number of factors, including utility, design, creativity, materials, aesthetics, feel and other traits.
Announced Saturday night at the BLADE Magazine Awards Banquet in the Cobb Galleria, honors in 13 different Knife-Of-The-Year categories included 10 knives and one knife accessory. Two awards also went to individuals for special achievement in the knife industry. The categories and winners:
•Overall Knife Of The Year®: Zero Tolerance 0454;
•American-Made Knife Of The Year®: Hogue Elishewitz EX-04;
•Imported Knife Of The Year®: Fox Knives Modras;
•Most Innovative American Design: Microtech D.O.C. Kill Switch;
•Most Innovative Imported Design: CRKT Ken Onion Swindle;
•Best Buy Of The Year: CRKT Endorser;
•Kitchen Knife Of The Year®: Ken Onion Chef Works;
•Investor/Collector Knife Of The Year®: Pro-Tech Newport;
•Knife Collaboration Of The Year®: Microtech Mick Strider;
•Manufacturing Quality Award: Chris Reeve Knives;
•Accessory Of The Year: CRKT Onion Survival Para-saw;
•Industry Achievement Award: American Bladesmith Society (ABS) master smith Joe Keeslar for introducing the ABS and modern bladesmithing to France through annual workshops, as well as teaching bladesmithing in the USA via seminars and his books, for his award-winning knives, and for his leadership via several terms on the ABS Board Of Directors and as chairman of the ABS; and, finally:
•Publisher’s Award: Joyce Laituri, marketing manager of Spyderco, for almost two decades of setting the standard for how to best promote and publicize a knife company’s knives—in this case, those of Spyderco. Her ability to work with the media in terms of providing Spyderco knives, knife imagery, knife information and other materials has been a model for all others in public relations to emulate. No one has done it better.
See who took home the hardware at from the BLADE Show Knife-Of-The Year® Awards.
Winners were determined in 11 categories at BLADE show in Atlanta, by an expert pannel of judges. Awards ranged from Knife Of The Year to Best Kitchen Knife and everything in between.
The 2022 Overall Knife of the Year® was the Pro-Tech Malibu Operator. Pro-Tech would go on to win in two other categories. The world’s largest knife show featured attendees and exhibitors from around the world showing off the best and newest in all things knives.
Below are this year’s factory award winners from this tremendous event.
Overall Knife of the Year®: Pro-Tech Malibu Operator
Pro-Tech Malibu Operator
American-Made Knife Of The Year®: Spyderco Military 2
Spyderco Military 2
Most Innovative American Design: Asheville Steel Warlock
Asheville Steel Warlock
Imported Knife Of The Year®: MKM – Maniago Knife Makers Miura
MKM – Maniago Knife Makers Miura
Most Innovative Import Design: Civivi Orthrus
Civivi Orthrus
Accessory Of The Year: Lionsteel Eggie
Lionsteel Eggie
Best Buy: Sencut Sachse
Sencut Sachse
Investor/Collector Knife Of The Year®: Pro-Tech Ultimate Collection Terzuole ATCF Auto
Pro-Tech Ultimate Collection Terzuole ATCF Auto
Collaboration Of The Year: Pro-Tech Terzuole ATCF Auto
See what’s soon to be cutting up the scene with the new knives debuted at the 2025 BLADE Show.
As the world’s largest knife show, BLADE Show is a prime venue for the introduction of new knives. Every year, manufacturers unveil fresh creations at the Cobb Galleria, hoping to get the hottest new blades in front of the most motivated buyers and collectors.
The 2025 BLADE Show was highlighted with a ton of factory knife drops—some of them available as of the show, others trickling out later this year. Here is a look at some of the soon-to-be most coveted blades hitting the scene at your local cutlery.
Dauntless Surgeon-R
Knife type: Fixed EDC scalpel Designer: Chris Moss Blade length: 2.5” Blade material options: AEB-L and MagnaCut stainless and CPM 3V carbon steel Rockwell hardness: 60 HRC for AEB-L and 3V; 63 HRC for MagnaCut Blade grind: Flat Blade at the thickest: 1/8” Blade pattern: Scalpel Blade finish options: Tumbled, black oxide, and nitride Construction: One piece Handle material: Steel Pocket clip: Deep carry Overall length: 7” Sheath: Polymer, deep carry Country of origin: USA MSRP: Starts at $245 Available for sale: NOW
TOPS Knives Tick
Knife type: Fixed blade Designer: Leo Espinoza Blade length: 3” Blade material: 1095 carbon steel Rockwell hardness: 56-58 HRC Blade grind: Flat Blade at the thickest: 3/32” Blade finish: Tungsten Cerakote® Construction: Full tang Handle material: Tan G-10 w/black liner Weight: 2.2 ozs. (3.4 ozs. w/sheath) Overall length: 6.38” Sheath: Black Kydex w/UltiClip for pocket carry Knife to know: The Tick is the first TOPS knife with a sheath specifically set up for pocket carry. Country of origin: USA MSRP: $220 Available for sale: NOW
Spyderco Shaman(SMKW Exclusive)
Knife type: Folder Designer: BLADE Magazine Cutlery Hall-of-Fame® member Sal Glesser Blade length: 3.58” Blade steel: CPM S45VN stainless Blade at the thickest: .145” Blade pattern: Drop point Blade finish: Black DLC Blade opener: Spyderco round thumb hole Handle material: Grey canvas Micarta® Lock: Compression Closed length: 4.67” Country of origin: USA MSRP: $279.95 Knife to know: Made by Spyderco, the Smoky Grey Shaman is sold exclusively through Smoky Mountain Knife Works Available for sale: NOW
Bradford USA 6” Utility Kitchen Tool
Knife type: Culinary Designer: Bradford USA Blade length: 6” Blade steel options: AEB-L and MagnaCut stainless Rockwell hardness: 61-62 HRC Blade grind: Full-height flat Blade at the thickest: Thin .1” distal taper Blade finish: Satin stonewash Handle material options: G-10, carbon fiber, G-Wood G-10 Weight: 5 ozs. Overall length: 11” Sheath: Flat black leather sleeve Country of origin: USA MSRPs: AEB-L $169 and MagnaCut $209 Available for sale: NOW
Chaves Knives Dissident
Knife type: Double-action out-the-front Designer: Ramon Chavez Blade length: 3.7” Blade steel: S35VN stainless Rockwell hardness: 58-60 HRC Blade grind: Flat Blade at the thickest: .15” Blade finish: Stonewash Construction: Screw Handle material: Aluminum Lock: Trigger Opening mechanism: Auto Pocket clip: Titanium skull model, tip down, right-handed Weight: 4.73 ozs. Closed length: 5” Knife to know: The Dissident has the new Petrified blade finish. Country of origin: Utah, USA MSRP: $400 Available for sale: Summer 2025
Demko Knives AD20XL Double-Wide
Knife type: Manual folder Designer: Andrew Demko Blade length: 4” Blade steel: MagnaCut stainless Rockwell hardness: 60-62 HRC Blade grind: Flat Blade at the thickest: .18” Blade pattern: Drop point Blade finish: Stonewash Handle material: Titanium Lock: Shark-Lock® Pivot materials: Ball bearings Pocket clip: Stainless steel /standard carry Weight: 9.6 ozs. Closed length: 5.5” Country of origin: USA MSRP: $850 Available for sale: NOW
Bear Edge Brisk 2.0 Zytel Assisted Sideliner
Blade length: 3 1/8” Blade steel: 440 stainless Blade finish: Black Blade pattern: Drop point Blade opener: Ambidextrous thumb studs Handle material: Rift Blue stainless Lock: Sideliner Pocket clip: Reversible Knife to know: The handle has gimping for enhanced control Weight: 3.4 ozs. Closed length: 4 5/8” Country of origin: Alabama, USA MSRP: $40.99 Available: NOW
Reiff Knives The Vicon
Knife type: Tactical fixed-blade field knife Designer: Stu Shank in collaboration with a group of active U.S. Special Forces members Blade length: 5.19” Blade steel: CPM MagnaCut stainless Rockwell hardness: 60-62 HRC Blade grind: Flat saber Blade at the thickest: .188” Blade pattern: Clip point Blade finish options: Black DLC, FDE PVD and stonewash Construction: Full tang Handle material options: Black or OD green G-10 and black or green canvas Micarta® Weight: 9.8 ozs. Overall length: 10.22” Sheath: Modular ambidextrous Kydex w/removable drop plate and removable Kydex belt clip Special features: False edge clip point, fuller, gimping; partially exposed pommel w/gimped thumb ramp for reverse grip use Country of origin: USA MSRP: $420-$435 Available for sale: NOW
Maserin 632 CB-1
Knife type: Folder Designer: Coltellerie Maserin Blade length: 3.15” Blade steel: MagnaCut stainless Rockwell hardness: 62 HRC Blade grind: Compound Blade at the thickest: .13” Blade pattern: Drop point Blade finish: Stonewashed Construction: Screw Handle material: Neon yellow G-10; other options include Micarta and FatCarbon® Glass Lock: Crossbar Pivot materials: Steel ball bearings Pocket clip: Deep carry, tip up, reversible, stainless steel Weight: 4.23 ozs. Closed length: 4.48” Special features: 632 CB-1 is Maserin’s first knife featuring a crossbar mechanism; drop point blade w/a sporty, futuristic design; four blade opening options enhance ambidextrous deployment: dual thumb stud, thumb hole, crossbar and flipper Country of origin: Italy MSRP: $199 (Micarta and G-10) and $215 (FatCarbon Glass) Available for sale: Mid-September
Emerson Knives COMANCHERO
Emerson Knives COMANCHERO
Designer: Ernest Emerson Blade length: 3.8” Blade steel: MagnaCut stainless Rockwell hardness: 62-64 HRC Blade grind: Conventional “V” Blade at the thickest: .125” Blade pattern: Bowie Blade finish options: Stonewash and Thunderstorm Blade opener: Thumb button Pivot materials: Teflon washers Handle material: G-10 Lock: Titanium linerlock Pocket clip: Hardened stainless steel, tip up Weight: 5 ozs. Closed length: 5.1” Special feature: Emerson Wave opening Country of origin: USA MSRP: $319 Available for sale: NOW
Utica Critical Hit II
Knife type: Necker Designer: Utica Blade length: 2.5” Blade steel: MagnaCut stainless Rockwell hardness: 55-57 HRC Blade grind: Taper Blade at the thickest: .12” Blade pattern: Spear Blade finish: Powder coat Construction: Full tang Handle material: G-10 Pocket clip: Stainless steel, tip down Weight: 2.45 ozs. (4.2 ozs. w/sheath) Overall length: 6.75” Sheath: ABS synthetic w/paracord Country of origin: USA MSRP: $170.71 Available for sale: NOW
Condor Tool & Knife Jungle Bowie
Knife type: Fixed blade Designer: Arlan D. Lothe Blade length: 11.2” Blade material: 1075 carbon steel Rockwell hardness: 50-55 HRC Blade grind: Convex Blade at the thickest: .12” Blade finish: Natural stonewash Construction: Stick tang Handle material: Thermoplastic elastomer Weight: 16.93 ozs. Sheath: Handmade welted leather Country of origin: El Salvador MSRP: $89.98 Available for sale: NOW
CRKT Redemption Compact
KNIFE TYPE: EDC folder Designer: BLADE Magazine Cutlery Hall-of-Fame® member Ken Onion Blade length: 3.28” Blade steel: MagnaCut stainless Rockwell hardness: 61-63 HRC Blade grind: Flat Blade at the thickest: .13” Blade pattern: Spear point Blade finish options: Stonewash and black Cerakote® Construction: Screw Handle material: G-10 w/stainless steel bolster Lock: Crossbar Pivot materials: IKBS ball bearing Pocket clip: Reversible, deep carry, tip up Weight: 4.1 ozs Closed length: 4.31” Country of origin: USA MSRP: $225-$250 Available for sale: NOW
Hogue Knives Mysto Water
Knife type: EDC folder Designer: Scott Bruhns Blade length: 3.4” Blade steel: CPM MagnaCut stainless Rockwell hardness: 62-64 HRC Blade grind: Flat Blade at the thickest: .115” Blade pattern: Clip point Blade finish: Stone tumbled Construction: Screw Handle material: Blue Canyon Richlite Lock: ABLE Lock® Pocket clip: Deep carry, tip up, ambidextrous Weight: 2.5 ozs. Closed length: 4.4” Special features: Titanium backspacers anodized a light blue Country of origin: USA MSRP: $179.95 Available for sale: NOW
BLADE Tactical Knife Show joins forces with CANCON Carolinas.
The best of both worlds—knives and firearms—drew edged and gun enthusiasts alike to the 2nd Annual BLADE Tactical Knife Show (BTAC) held in conjunction with CANCON Carolinas November 7 at The Clinton House in Clinton, South Carolina.
In addition to enjoying CANCON’s unlimited suppressed shooting with free ammo in various shooting lanes and perusing one-of-a-kind artisan gear items, patrons had access to the adjacent BTAC Invitational Knife Pavilion to shop among hundreds of tactical knives by some of the industry’s top custom and factory knifemakers.
Located just inside the front entrance of CANCON Carolinas, the BTAC Invitational Knife Pavilion drew gun and knife enthusiasts alike.
Mark Carey of Spartan Blades said folding knives seemed to appeal most to the combo knife/gun event’s patrons, who he described as “mostly gun people but many that know knives.” He also complemented CANCON as “an excellent on-range show; well set up, safe and secure.”
Mike Sweeney indicated folders under $200 sold best for Heretic Knives, while BLADE Magazine Cutlery Hall-of-Fame® member Daniel Winkler stated smaller/concealable pieces were top sellers for Winkler Knives.
The future of both the knife and gun industries were among the patrons on hand.
“The smaller pieces have lower price points, but there wasn’t a differentiation in handle materials or treatments from our perspective,” he wrote. “Customers familiar with our brand asked specifically for the smaller pieces.”
Get a free digital issue of BLADE when you enter your e-mail in the box below. You’ll also be signed up to receive e-newsletters full of knife news, tips and features from BLADE and partners.
Spyderco Military 2
Asheville Steel Warlock
MKM – Maniago Knife Makers Miura
Civivi Orthrus
Lionsteel Eggie
Sencut Sachse
Pro-Tech Ultimate Collection Terzuole ATCF Auto
Pro-Tech Terzuole ATCF Auto
Heretic Wraith Auto
Bradford Paring Knife
