A year’s worth of hot hammering results in top results at the 2023 ABS awards in Atlanta.
The American Bladesmith Society held its annual awards program during the 42nd Annual BLADE Show, the largest knife event in the world, and bladesmiths came from far and wide to salute the art of the forged blade.
ABS master smith and ABS president Steve Dunn acted as master of ceremonies for the awards ceremony Friday night, June 2, in the BLADE Show’s host hotel, the Atlanta Renaissance Waverly.
Don Hastings Award
The first presentation was the Don Hastings Award, named in honor of one of the four founders of the ABS who was only the third American smith to forge damascus steel. Don served as ABS treasurer from 1976 until he died of cancer in 1986. This year’s recipient is Jim Crowell, who received his ABS master smith stamp in 1986, has earned an enviable record for his artistry in steel, and has long been a fine bladesmithing teacher and an excellent judge of those applying for bladesmith ratings within the Society.
W. W. Scagel Award
ABS master smiths Heather and Kevin Harvey won the W. W. Scagel Award for running their highly successful Heavin Forge Studio & Bladesmithing School in Belfast, South Africa. It was an especially momentous evening for Heather as she won the Margaret Moran Silver Slipper Award as well.
Next was the W. W. Scagel Award, named for BLADE Magazine Cutlery Hall-Of-Fame® member William Scagel, the first great American bladesmith of the 20th century who taught many the art of the forged blade. The recipients are ABS master smiths Heather and Kevin Harvey in recognition of their contributions in the field of teaching all about bladesmithing at their Heavin Forge Bladesmithing Studio & School in Belfast, South Africa.
Paul Burke was a Baltimore attorney who served on the ABS board of directors for many years, who obtained the Society’s tax-exempt status and was devoted to the ABS. The Paul Burke Award is named in his honor and was presented to ABS master smith and past ABS president, Greg Neely.
ABS Gold-Medal Knives
B. R. Hughes Award
New ABS master smith Jackson Rumble won the B. R. Hughes Award for the top knife submitted by a successful ABS master smith applicant. The spectacular quillon dagger with an integral guard is from his set of five knives submitted for MS judging. The 9.5-inch blade and pommel are of a mosaic damascus of 1075 carbon and 15N20 nickel-alloy steels. Handle: African blackwood. Overall length: 15.5 inches. Jackson’s price for a similar knife: $10,000. (SharpByCoop knife image; image of Rumble and Neely by B. R. Hughes)
The B. R. Hughes Award for making the most outstanding knife submitted by an applicant attaining the rating of ABS master smith went to Australia’s Jackson Rumble. Erik McCright won the Joe Keeslar Award for making the top knife submitted by a new ABS journeyman smith.
Bill Moran Award
The Bill Moran Award is given for the best knife made in the Moran style and was presented to Matt Stagmer. Antique Bowie Knife Association Awards go to both an ABS master smith and ABS journeyman who make the finest bowie most representative of a 19th-century style. The MS award went to Josh Fisher and the JS to Mace Vitale.
Margaret Moran Silver Slipper Award
To augment her co-winning of the Scagel Award, Heather Harvey received the Margaret Moran Silver Slipper Award named in honor of Mrs. Margaret Moran, wife of Cutlery Hall-Of-Famer Bill Moran.
ABS Smith Ratings
One of the happier groups of new ABS journeyman smiths you’re likely to see proudly display their JS certificates. There were 19 new JS’s in all. Here are 12 of them. For the full list, see the story.
Jackson Rumble was the only applicant to successfully earn the ABS master smith rating. Head Judge Greg Neely presented Jackson his certificate and stamp.
Those who successfully earned ABS journeyman smith ratings at the show were: Ismael Biegelmeier; Kevin Burgess; Jeff Davidson; Caleb L. French; Jacob Gaetz; James Ingram; Mike Johnson; Andrea Lisch, wife of ABS master smith David Lisch; Francois Mazieres; Erik McCright; Vicente Molina; Trevor Morgan, Jr.; Jim Quick; Jeff Royer; Brian Sellers; Camile Senegon; Jayden Simisky; Bill Thorne; and Henning Wilkinson. ABS master smith and head ABS journeyman smith judge James Rodebaugh made the certificate presentations. In other honors, Distinguished Service Awards were presented to Amanda Davis, photographer Eric Eggly of PointSeven and Jacob Lutz. ABS Chairman’s Awards were presented to Shanna Maust, Shane Maust and ABS master smith Brion Tomberlin.
And so dropped the curtain on another ABS awards program on the largest stage of the knife world!
Editor’s note: Along with Bill Moran, Don Hastings and Bill Bagwell, the author is a founding member of the ABS, and is also the only surviving one. He has served on the ABS board of directors longer than anyone in the Society’s 47-year history, and written a number of books and countless magazine and other stories on knives and also guns for over six decades. He is a Cutlery Hall-Of-Famer and, at 91, is without a doubt the oldest knife writer/knife magazine editorial staff member extant. His wife Carolyn has been editor of the American Bladesmith, the ABS Journal, for 23 years. Both are knife industry treasures beyond comparison.
Get a look at everything that went down at the world’s largest knife show.
The 44th Annual BLADE Show in Atlanta was yet another in a historic line of three-day edge-stravaganzas of the present, past and future of an international knife industry that seems to advance daily by leaps and bounds.
The latest and best knives, knifemakers and related accessories the planet has to offer, the pioneers that laid the groundwork for what the knife community is today, the new, up-and-coming knifemakers and knife companies that hold such great promise for tomorrow, and so much more all showed their sharpest stuff June 6-8 in the Cobb Galleria Centre.
Jason Yount displays his damascus pizza cutter under the watchful eye of BLADE Magazine Cutlery Hall-of-Fame® member Steve Schwarzer. Steve called it the best BLADE Show in a few years.
It was about what you would expect from the world’s largest, most important international knife event.
BLADE University provided a full slate of topics, including knife and sheath making, how to sharpen, fundamentals of blade grinding, how to etch damascus and many more. BladeSports International conducted the annual BLADE Show World Championship Cutting Competition and Blade HQ held Balicomp 2025.
Custom knifemakers and bladesmiths from around the globe displayed their wares, including members of the American Bladesmith Society, Knifemakers’ Guild and unaffiliated makers from everywhere. Meanwhile, various knife collector groups, knife rights organizations and other outfits met and discussed their favorite topic as only they can each year during the BLADE Show.
Through it all, knife enthusiasts of all stripes renewed old acquaintances, made new ones, and otherwise immersed themselves in the world’s keenest three-day weekend, capped off each night with food and beverages in The Pit, the legendary sunken lobby lounge of the host hotel, the Renaissance Atlanta Waverly.
It was knife heaven on steroids.
BLADE Show Sales
The BLADE Show has always been unlike any other knife event and this year’s rendition was no exception. Attendance ebbed and flowed Friday and Saturday, and Sunday was its usual slow-to-middling self. While some exhibitors raved about the attendance and sales, some said both seemed off from last year.
Jordan Berthelot discusses next-level damascus etching while Greyson Weltyk shows a student a result of the process during one of many BLADE University classes.
One reason for the differences in observations may have to do with the sheer size of the show hall as opposed to the smaller size of the adjoining Baller Room. The show hall is so large that waves of attendees seemed to gravitate like flocks of birds from one side to the other, constantly in search of the latest, coolest knives. As a result, one area that was flooded with patrons for a while might be somewhat devoid of them minutes later. By contrast, the smaller Baller Room seemed to have fairly steady traffic throughout.
Another factor has to do with the exhibitors themselves. As with any business, those who are constantly on the go, looking to make deals or offering giveaways are usually the ones who experience the most success. Smiling faces and engaging, upbeat demeanors sell knives. Those who stand or, worse yet, sit behind their tables with their arms folded waiting for something to happen usually have a long if not endless wait.
Custom knife purveyor Michael Donato was constantly on the move, talking and probing for those who wanted to buy and/or sell knives. He said his company, KnifePurveyor.com, had its best show ever in 24 years of BLADE Shows.
John Horrigan’s 16.5-inch Kings Dagger features Gorgon flower damascus, petersite, a red agate, and 24k-gold engraving with a ruby, diamond, sapphire and emerald inset in the crown. John’s price for a similar knife: $14,500. (Jocelyn Frasier image)
“Many of my colleagues shared with me how well they had done at the show as well,” he noted.
Matt Bando of Demko Knives was stoked about Demko’s performance.
“We brought the largest number of knives we have ever brought to a show and sold out faster than any other,” he noted. “All of our USA models were sold by 2 p.m. Friday. There seemed to be a lot of people at the show and every year it seems to grow.”
Demko is one of those exhibitors who employs giveaways to drive sales and create enthusiasm.
“We had a large turnout for our giveaway on Saturday. We gave away five different packages. For the main giveaway, we gave a USA-made titanium AD20 in 3V. A young man entered his younger brother into the raffle and ended up winning his first Demko knife. Great story. “We were blown away and pumped.”
Two blade enthusiasts try out/talk knives at the McNees Knives booth.
Custom knifemaker Rhidian Gatrill not only won for Best Miniature in the custom knife judging competition but, along with Jeremy Yelle, also captured Best Collaboration. “Rhid” exhibited 13 knives, two of which were miniatures, and sold all but one.
“Most sold within the first few hours on Friday but the others sold slowly through Saturday and my minis within the last hours of the show Sunday,” he wrote. Still, he said he thought the buying was slower than last year, which was his first year exhibiting at the BLADE Show.
Vince Evans specializes in high-end historical swords and knives. He brought four swords and sold two, both on Friday.
“Most of my clientele are interested in historical pieces,” he stated. “Swords are a more limited field as some collectors don’t have the room to collect and/or display larger pieces.” Vince indicated the show seemed slower than last year and that a few regular local attendees did not come. “Friday and Saturday seemed fairly busy,” he wrote, adding that on a scale of 1 to 10, Friday and Saturday were “about a 7” and Sunday “about a 2.”
The VK-Zame—aka Shark—in M398 stainless steel and titanium was among the knives Poikilo Blade debuted at the BLADE Show. MSRP: $580-$600. Available to the public: August/September. (Poikilo Blade image)
Gregarious Cutlery Hall-of-Famer Steve Schwarzer was pleased. “I had a great show, sold most of my carved pieces and took several orders,” he commented. “It was the best show in a few years. It was very busy.”
As usual, the South Texas Slipjoint Cartel boys all seemed to do well, including sellouts by Tanner Couch and Toby Hill, the latter who sold all 11 of the knives he displayed. Bobby House only brought three knives but sold them all by early Friday afternoon. He indicated his most-sought-after knife was a high-end Cutlery Hall-of-Famer Bill-Ruple-design Ax Handle with wasp nest damascus bolsters and shield that went for $2,800 to a French buyer. The other two buyers were Americans, the latter being Arizona Custom Knives.
The Baller Room buzzed all three days.
“I thought attendance was up on Friday and Saturday,” he wrote, giving Friday a 7 rating. “Friday attendance was the people wanting to buy custom knives. They are there to get the first shot at our custom builds. Saturday attendance is more for entertainment purposes. They want to look and see all types of knives, but they have funds to buy also.”
He gave the Saturday attendance an 8, concluding, “Overall, it was one of the best shows that I have been involved in. Great job by the BLADE Show crew!”
BLADE Show Treasures
A highlight of all BLADE Shows is you never know what unusual old knife or sword, new knife introduction, mechanism or material, or other notable hidden treasure may turn up.
“I always enjoy seeing what the antique dealers bring to the show,” Evans wrote. “I purchased an antique quillon dagger for research and a future replication project.”
It’s easy to get mesmerized by knives at the BLADE Show, here at the table of Alex Hossom (left).
An antique also caught the eye of knifemaker David Kramp, who sold 10 of 12 knives and won Best New Maker in the custom knife judging.
“There was a French knife from the 1830s that was very intriguing,” he wrote. “I’m very much looking forward to that potential build with a fellow maker.”
Winner of Best Damascus in the custom knife judging, Gabe Fletcher came across a product that piqued his interest. “The Gator Skin Blade Coating from Baker Forge seems very interesting,” he wrote. “I picked some up to try on my damascus.”
Both Kramp and knifemaker Jared Oeser were gobsmacked by Gatrill’s lockback whittler automatic that won Best Collaboration in the show’s custom knife judging competition.
Conducted by Blade HQ, Balicomp 2025 drew a packed house on show Saturday.
“I’m not ready to make something like it yet but that auto slipjoint was impressive,” Kramp observed. Oeser, who brought 14 knives and sold out by Saturday afternoon, chimed in, “One thing that stood out to me was Rhidian’s automatic lockback whittler. I’m gonna have to try [making one like] that.”
Next Up: BLADE Show West
It was indeed another BLADE Show for the ages. Speaking of which, next year’s show will return to the Cobb Galleria June 5-7. For more information, visit bladeshow.com. Meanwhile, it’s not too late to make plans to attend BLADE Show West Oct. 10-11 at the Salt Palace Convention Center in Salt Lake City, Utah (bladeshowwest.com). See you there!
WHAT: BLADE Show WHERE: Cobb Galleria Centre, Atlanta WHEN: June 7-9 DAYS and TIMES: Friday, 11 a.m.-6 p.m. (early bird ticket holders can enter at 10 a.m.) Saturday, 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Sunday, 9 a.m.-2 p.m.
Thirty-five countries—including an increase in international exhibitors from 118 to 152—will be among the almost 950 exhibitors total for the 43rd Annual BLADE Show June 7-9 at the Cobb Galleria Centre in Atlanta.
Sponsored by Smoky Mountain Knife Works, the BLADE Show is where more knives—custom, factory, antique, classic collectibles, etc.—are exhibited, bought and sold than at any other knife event. Exhibitors will bring their latest and greatest knives and examples of most every edged tool extant, accessories, knifemaking supplies and more. Sharpeners, knife collections, knife purveyors and other cutlery entities too numerous to mention will showcase their wares as the world knife community makes the yearly pilgrimage to Georgia.
Knives debuted by factory companies for the first time anywhere, the educational knife instruction of BLADE University (see sidebar), and a selection of informative, entertaining and action-packed free demos (see sidebar) are among the sharp goodies awaiting show patrons. The BLADE Magazine 2024 Knife-Of-The-Year® Awards, the custom knife judging competition and the knife collection display judging competition are others. The American Bladesmith Society (ABS) Knife Auction, formal inductions of the latest members of the BLADE Magazine Cutlery Hall Of Fame®, and some of the best knives the ABS and the Knifemakers’ Guild and unaffiliated makers in general have to offer are still others.
Italy’s Manuele Messori will be among the record-setting number of international exhibitors at BLADE Show ’24. An example of his edged wizardry is his folder in a blade of Damasteel Grossrosen damascus, an interframe handle of zirconium with Gibeon meteorite inlay, and 24k-gold engraving. (Francesco Pachi image)
And don’t forget The Pit, the after-hours meeting place in and around the sunken bar of the host hotel, the Renaissance Atlanta Waverly, where show patrons and exhibitors will party into the wee hours beginning the night before the show through the end of the weekend to compare knives, swap lies and otherwise celebrate the year’s most momentous cutlery weekend.
International Boom
As the world continues to recover from the travel, business and other bans spawned by the pandemic, the BLADE Show reflects that recovery in the boom in international exhibitors. In fact, that boom might even provide proof that the recovery is complete—at least as far as the BLADE Show is concerned. France leads the way among exhibitors from other countries with 21. South Africa is second with 18, Italy is third with 15 and Brazil is fourth with 13.
Some of the top names by country among the internationals are Bertie Rietveld, Theuns Prinsloo, Henning Wilkinson and Neels van den Berg (South Africa); Franco de Souza, Rodrigo Sfreddo, Fabio Barros and Gus Cecchini (Brazil); CAS Knives and Mauricio Daletzky (Argentina); Halfbreed Blades (Australia); WE Knife, Reate and Ketuo (China); Kiku Matsuda and Koji Hara (Japan); Lionsteel, Manuele Messori, Fox Cutlery and Maniago Knife Makers (Italy); Anders Hogstrom (Sweden); Helle Knives (Norway); Jean Louis Regel, Veronique Laurent and Samuel Lurquin (Belgium); and Grace Horne (United Kingdom).
BLADE Magazine Cutlery Hall-Of-Fame® member Michael Walker will exhibit his world-renowned knives at a BLADE Show for the first time in quite a spell. His Platinum Zipper features Michael’s fourth-generation BLADElock system. (Francesco Pachi knife image)
Among some of the more recognizable American makers will be BLADE Magazine Cutlery Hall-Of-Fame® member Michael Walker, who will be exhibiting knives at a BLADE Show for the first time in recent memory. Others include Cutlery Hall-Of-Famers Bill Ruple and Steve Schwarzer; ABS master smiths Harvey Dean, Mike Quesenberry, Shane Taylor, David Lisch, Jordan LaMothe and Andrew Meers; slipjoint makers Tom Ploppert, Luke Swenson and Tim Robertson; Vladimir Kolenko; and Owen Wood (a native of South Africa, Owen now calls Texas home).
Blade University: Added Day
Avail yourself of the latest knifemaking techniques and other trending sharp subjects during the 11th Annual BLADE University on Thursday, Friday and Saturday. New for this year is a special Thursday class taught by award-winning knifemakers Tom Krein and Lucas Burnley the day before the show begins. See the sidebar for more on it.
Sponsored by Work Sharp Sharpeners, BLADE University has the most extensive schedule of knife, knifemaking and other instruction held at any knife show. For the full list of classes, see sidebar.
THURSDAY, JUNE 6 4 to 5 p.m. The Art of Selling at a BLADE Show, Room 104. Knifemakers Tom Krein and Lucas Burnley outline what makers who are serious about selling knives should do and how they should behave behind an exhibitor table during the BLADE Show.
FRIDAY, JUNE 7 8 to 9:30 a.m. Fundamentals of Grinding, The Courtyard. AmeriBrade and guest makers cover grinds, technique and different equipment. 10 to 11:30 a.m. How To Run a Small Successful Knifemaking Business, Room 103. ABS master smith Bob Kramer shares his 30 years of experience running a productive knifemaking operation. 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Thermal Cycle Steel for High Performance, Room 104. Larrin Thomas examines how to heat treat steel after forging, normalizing and grain-refining cycles, thermal cycling stainless steels after forging and more. 1 to 2 p.m. Symmetrical Quillon Dagger 101, Room 107. ABS master smith Neels van den Berg discusses making a symmetrical quillon dagger, covering design, proportions, aesthetics, materials, fluting and finally the entire manufacturing process. 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. Intro to Power Forging, Room 103. Bring your forging questions to our group of expert panelists including Logan Gillihan, Will Stelter, Salem Straub and Charlie Ellis. 2 to 3 p.m. Metal and Wood Fitting Techniques for Keyhole Handles, Room 113. ABS journeyman smith Henning Wilkinson outlines the correct techniques for fitting metal and wood in the construction of the keyhole integral knife handle. 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. Hands on Sharpening, Room 113. Bring your knife or a borrowed one and learn the progression of shaping a bevel, sharpening and edge maintenance from the team at Work Sharp Sharpeners. 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. Originality: Experimentation, Innovation and Ingenuity, Room 107. Can creativity be learned? Lucas Cao, founder of Squid Industries, explores tools and techniques that anyone can apply to become more original.
SATURDAY, JUNE 8 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. Elevating Your Handle Appearance: Spine Filework, Handle Shapes and Pin Placement, Room 113. Knifemaker Kyle Daily shares how to enhance your knife with distinctive features that go far beyond standard production models. 9:30 to 11 a.m. Insert Welding, Room 104. ABS master smith Bob Kramer covers how to forge weld inserts with high precision and control to create realistic depictions of animals and patterns. 9:45 to 10:45 a.m. How to Make the Most Difficult Pocketknife, Room 107. Knifemaker Tim Robertson delineates what makes lockback whittlers so hard to make, with a major focus on backspring design and function. 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. The Process Is the Product, Room 113. Knifemaker/designer TJ Schwarz shares his insights on how to create a successful knife business, including the key point of understanding actually what it is that you’re selling. 2:15 to 3:15 p.m. Let the Pros Critique Your Knife, Room 114. ABS master smiths Bob Kramer and James Rodebaugh and leading makers David Carver, Enrique Pena and Luke Swenson examine your knife and tell you what’s good about it, what’s not and how to make it better. 2:15 to 3:15 p.m. Hands on Sharpening, Room 113. Bring your knife or a borrowed one and learn the progression of shaping a bevel, sharpening and edge maintenance from the team at Work Sharp Sharpeners. 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. Making Scissors in a Knife Workshop, Room 107. Grace Horne examines the early history of scissors, methods of producing the blanks, inside information on the twist and the curve, and her method of scissors making that requires no specialist tools or equipment. 4 to 5 p.m. Pattern Welding Panel, Room 104. Salem Straub, Mareko Maumasi, Charlie Ellis, Josh Prince and Will Stelter explain the steps that went into creating their wild mosaic damascus billet collaboration, Consortium.
Knives Of The Year
The BLADE Magazine 2024 Knife-Of-The-Year® Awards will be announced and presented during the BLADE Magazine Awards ceremony Saturday at 8 p.m. by The Pit of the Atlanta Renaissance Waverly Hotel lobby.
The entries are limited to BLADE Show factory booth exhibitors, and will be on display show Friday and Saturday under glass in a special locked cabinet in the lobby. The winners will be announced on BLADE’s blademag.com website after the awards presentation, and a list will be posted outside the show entrance Sunday morning.
Custom Knife Awards
Leading industry authorities will pick the best custom knives by BLADE Show exhibitors in the annual knife judging competition, with the winners announced during the BLADE Magazine Awards ceremony Saturday at 8 p.m. in The Pit.
Neels van den Berg won the 2022 B. R. Hughes Award for the best knife submitted by a master smith applicant for his European quillon dagger. Join him for his BLADE University class, Symmetrical Quillon Dagger 101. (Eric Eggly/PointSeven image)
The categories are: Hugh Bartrug Best Of Show; Best Fixed Blade; Best Damascus; Best Kitchen Knife; Yvon Vachon Best Miniature; Best Art Knife; Best Fighter; Best Bowie; Best Handle Design; Best Tactical Folder; Best M.A.C.K. (Machine Assisted Custom Knife); Best Utility Hunter; Best Folder; Most Innovative Design; Best Knife Collaboration; Best Sword; Best New Maker; and Best Of The Rest.
The competition is open to the show’s custom knife exhibitors only. The winners will be announced on BLADE’s blademag.com website after the awards ceremony, and a list will be posted outside the show entrance Sunday morning.
World Cutting Titles
The BLADE Show World Championship Cutting Competitions will be conducted by BladeSports International (BSI) and held in The Courtyard, the parking lot of the host hotel, the Renaissance Atlanta Waverly, Saturday at 4:30 p.m.
At press time, contestants in both men’s and women’s divisions were scheduled to compete. Last year, Ben Propst won the men’s division and Michael Clifton the women’s. Second through fourth place in the latter went to Sara Maly, Sue Ann Propst and Jo Carothers, respectively. The same respective place finishers in the men’s division were Gary Bond, Dan Keffeler and Donavon Phillips.
Jo Carothers finishes off the 2×8 in the women’s division of last year’s BLADE Show World Championship Cutting Competition.
Seminars & Events
Seminars and demonstrations are held in classrooms inside the Cobb Galleria or under the BLADE University tent in The Courtyard—the latter in the parking lot of the host Renaissance Atlanta Waverly Hotel. Admission is free to BLADE Show ticketholders. Two of the highlights include:
In what he termed will be the most important seminar he has ever given, Ernest Emerson of Emerson Knives, Inc., will deliver a no-holds-barred analysis of what it takes to be “made in America.” He will present a true insider’s, behind-the-scenes look at how difficult and yet how important it is to recognize the vital importance of American-made knife companies for the future of the knife industry.
High-Endurance Performance Knife master smith/BLADE® field editor Ed Fowler will ask just how confident you are that your EDC can handle everything from light office duty to saving a life. Key questions will include what is the knife made for? The design is what you see but the quality is up to the maker. The title of Ed’s seminar says it all: Can Your EDC Cut It?
SATURDAY 8 a.m.: BLADE Magazine Cutlery-Hall-Of-Fame Inductions, Kennesaw Room, Renaissance Atlanta Waverly Hotel 10-to-11:45 a.m.: ABS Knife Auction (page 30), Room 103 Noon-to-1 p.m.: Can Your EDC Cut It? High-Performance Endurance Knife master smith/BLADE® field editor Ed Fowler, Room 107 Noon-to-2 p.m.: NEW LOCATION 8th Annual Battle for Bali-Champion, conducted by Blade HQ, Garden Court area inside the Renaissance Atlanta Waverly Hotel (flipping starts at 12:30) 1-to-2 p.m.: What It Means to be Made in America, Ernest Emerson, Emerson Knives, Inc., Room 104 12-to-3 p.m.: Buck Collectors Club, Room 103 4:30 p.m.: BLADE Show World Championship Cutting Competitions, conducted by BladeSports International in The Courtyard
Cutlery Hall of Fame
The BLADE Magazine Cutlery Hall Of Fame® will formally induct three new members at 8 a.m. show Saturday in the Kennesaw Room of the Renaissance Atlanta Waverly Hotel. (At press time, the new members had not been determined.) Tickets are required ahead of time for the ceremony, which includes a breakfast. Seating is limited.
Knife Collections
Outstanding knife collections will be on display, with the best recognized via a judging competition. Last year’s winners included Gene Merritt, who took Best In Show for his Buck Yellowhorse display. Judges Awards went to Tim Lindsey for his display entitled “Vern Taylor Buck Collectors Club Founder” and Ed Cooper for “Yellowhorse Knives.” Sarah Lindsey won the Youth Award for her display, “One of a Kind Buck Custom Character Knives Incredible!”
Bali Title: New Location
Top balisong flippers will vie for the title of “Grand Master” in the 8th Annual Battle for Bali Champion sponsored and conducted by Blade HQ.
Balisong Competition placers
BLADE Show ticket holders are invited to watch the competition in the Garden Court area located inside the Renaissance Atlanta Waverly Hotel on show Saturday from noon to 2 p.m. This is a venue change from last year’s Courtyard location, so please make a note. Competitors will start flipping knives at 12:30 p.m.
The top three finishers will receive prizes and all participants will get swag bags. The competition will be limited to 48 contestants. Landon C. Morrison was crowned Bali-Champion last year, with Corbin Lovins finishing second and Gene Keli Castillejo third.
More To Come
The final BLADE Show-sponsored event for 2024 will be BLADE Show West, Oct. 4-5 at the Salt Palace Convention Center in Salt Lake City, Utah. For details, visit bladeshowwest.com. BLADE Show Texas 2025 will be March 7-8 at the Fort Worth Convention Center. Visit bladeshowtexas.com for more on it. And, of course, it’s never too late to start thinking BLADE Show 2025 June 6-8 at the Cobb Galleria Centre in Atlanta. For details, visit bladeshow.com.
Staying Sharp With The 13th Annual BLADE University.
Knifemaking is a never-ending journey of exploration and learning, making the 13th Annual BLADE University a must-attend event. Delving into topics from up leveling your knife business acumen to unveiling the secrets of new knife steel and leather sheath creation, the U is where you get your PhD in sharps.
BLADE University runs in conjunction with the 45th Annual BLADE Show, June 5-9 at the Cobb Galleria Centre in Atlanta. However, there are some wrinkles to where the classes will be held this year. Given the convention center is undergoing renovations, all BLADE U classes have been moved to rooms in the adjoining Renaissance Atlanta Waverly Hotel.
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, 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
The Art of Selling, Tom Krein, 4-5 p.m., Wilton Room—A long-time maker of utilitarian fixed blades and folders, Tom Krein will outline what a knifemaker who is serious about selling knives should do and how he/she should behave behind a knife show exhibitor table. Table etiquette, sales and customer relations strategies and more are just some of the subjects Tom will cover. The class will be held the day before the BLADE Show begins so attendees can put some of Tom’s recommendations into practice during the main event Friday through Sunday.
The “Designing Knives” class has award-winning knifemaker Jens Anso sharing his approach to knife design, including how he thinks about form and function, the tools he uses and where he finds inspiration.
Pro-Critique Panel, Rick Dunkerley/Karis Fisher/ Richard Rogers/Mike Quesenberry, Noon-1 p.m., Wilton Room—Have a panel of award-winning knifemakers share their decades of knowledge and experience in critiquing your custom knife. An expert panel to include: Rick Dunkerley, Karis Fisher, Mike Quesenberry and Richard Rogers, will go over every square inch of your knife and tell you what is good about it, what is not and how you can make it better. Bring one knife only. Questions from attendees will be entertained throughout.
Damascus Appreciation, Mareko Maumasi, Noon-1 p.m., Grand Ballroom 3—Mareko Maumasi will break down the processes for developing numerous damascus patterns, helping makers and collectors alike appreciate the skill and talent required to create the most unique and enigmatic patterns in the world.
Why Does It Look Wonky?, Evan Nicolaides/Daniel Keown, 1-2 p.m., Grand Ballroom 4—Award winning custom slipjoint makers Evan Nicolaides of Esnyx Knives and Daniel Keown provide insight on slipjoint design theory from modern and traditional perspectives, and how to strive for a timeless design.
Factors that Affect Edge Retention, Larrin Thomas, 1:30-2:30 p.m., Grand Ballroom 3—Edge retention can be one of the most mysterious aspects of knives. Which factors are most important? Dr. Larrin Thomas delves into the effects of edge geometry, sharpening, steel type, heat treatment and more. Not only will he discuss this important and often misunderstood facet of knives, but he’ll also present results of real experiments on the topic. Even end users can greatly improve edge retention by optimizing sharpening and geometry. The good doctor will show how.
Leveling Up As A Knifemaker, Jason Knight, 2:30-3:30 p.m., Grand Ballroom 4—Led by Jason Knight, the seminar covers essential steps for improving the craft through bladesmithing, stock removal or hybrid methods. Beyond the workbench, the discussion addresses the business of knives, detailing effective marketing and identifying the best sales venues. Attendees will learn to streamline production and position their work to attract serious buyers, providing a guide to turning a passion for knifemaking into a professional venture.
Hands-on Sharpening, Work Sharp, 3:30-4:30 p.m., Wilton Room—Join Work Sharp for a hands-on class that teaches the fundamentals of knife sharpening. They’ll break down the science behind the edge, covering angles, abrasives and grit progression. Then, you’ll get time to practice sharpening your own knife using a Work Sharp-provided sharpener. Bring a favorite (non-serrated) blade and learn to create a razor-sharp edge with confidence. Work Sharp’s expert instructors will guide you step by step—so you leave with sharp skills and sharper knives.
Leather Sheaths: Crafting World-Class Sheaths The SoulBound Way, Sarah Blakeley, 4:30-5:30 p.m., Grand Ballroom 4—A world-class blade deserves more than a generic carry system. Join Sarah Blakeley, the professional force behind SoulBound Leather, to elevate your cutlery with elite leatherwork. This masterclass strips away the guesswork of construction, teaching you the mechanical foundations of a perfect carry. Learn to select ideal hides and accurately measure any knife profile for a secure, “click-fit” every time. From high-end finishing to durable hand-stitching, Sarah provides the blueprint for heirloom-quality results that complement the world’s premier blades.
Saturday, June 7
Jason Knight’s “Leveling Up As A Knifemaker” teaches makers how to streamline production and position their work to attract serious buyers, providing a guide to turning a passion for knifemaking into a professional venture.
Elevating Your Handle Appearance: Spine Filework, Handle Shapes, and Pin Placement, Kyle Daily, 8:30-9:30 a.m., Grand Ballroom 1—Enhance the appearance of your knife with unique 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 the pin placement on your 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 will ensure you leave with the skills and knowledge to take your knifemaking to the next level. Your customers will undoubtedly be impressed, asking, “WOW! How did you do that?”
Frame Handle Knife Construction (Discussion & Technical Presentation), Mike Quesenberry, 9:30-10:30 a.m., Grand Ballroom 2—This class is a discussion-based seminar supported by a detailed PowerPoint presentation designed for makers looking to elevate their knife-making skills. This course shows the process from beginning to end, while exploring proper sequencing and design considerations that define a well-constructed frame handle knife. Students will leave with a clear conceptual roadmap for executing frame handle construction in their own shops, along with a deeper understanding of the discipline and design philosophy behind this method.
The Art of Discovery, Steve Schwarzer, 10:30-11:30 a.m., Grand Ballroom 1—Join ABS master smith Steve Schwarzer for an exploration of the invention process and the evolution of modern pattern welding. This seminar offers a rare look into the methodology Schwarzer used to pioneer techniques currently utilized by bladesmiths worldwide. A central highlight is the discovery of 3D-printed damascus, a breakthrough born from a 1980s technical error and realized through collaborative research. Attendees will learn to adapt industrial-scale concepts for a home shop, repurposing existing tools to achieve high-level results. Beyond the technical, Schwarzer will lead a forum on the ethics of sharing ideas, professional trust, and the necessity of proper attribution. This session is designed for makers who believe we have only just scratched the surface of damascus as an art form.
Designing Knives – Philosophy, Tools, and Inspiration, Jens Anso, 11:30-12:30 p.m., Grand Ballroom 2—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.
The Last 10%: Where Good Knives Fail and Great Knives Begin, Neels van den Berg, 12:30-1:30 p.m., Grand Ballroom 1—Warning: This talk will permanently ruin how you look at your own knives. The difference between good and great is not talent. It is the last 10 percent, and most makers lose it without even realizing it. Your lines drift. Your transitions soften. Your symmetry lies to you. And you call it done. ABS Master Smith Neels van den Berg dissects the subtle inconsistencies in geometry, flow and finish that quietly separate respectable work from undeniable craftsmanship. You will learn why makers plateau, how to spot the blind spots you have trained yourself to ignore, and how to build a ruthless system that forces your work to level up. If you are comfortable with good enough, skip this. If you want your knives to stand out in a room full of makers, show up ready to have your standards reset.
Damascus Pattern Flow, Mareko Maumasi, 2-3 p.m., Grand Ballroom 1—Mareko Maumasi discusses his approach to anticipating mosaic damascus pattern expansion as well as various blade forging techniques that can be used to influence material flow to enhance the presentation of Damascus patterns.
Hands on Sharpening, Work Sharp, 2:15-3:15 p.m., Wilton Room—Join Work Sharp for a hands-on class that teaches the fundamentals of knife sharpening. They’ll break down the science behind the edge, covering angles, abrasives, and grit progression. Then, you’ll get time to practice sharpening your own knife using a Work Sharp-provided sharpener. Bring a favorite (non-serrated) blade and learn to create a razor-sharp edge with confidence. Their expert instructors will guide you step by step—so you leave with sharp skills and sharper knives.
What is Coming Next for Knife Steel?, Larrin Thomas, 4-5 p.m., Grand Ballroom 1—What is possible for knife steel in the future? Dr. Larrin Thomas will look at what is next. New knife steel continues to be released, including Dr. Thomas’ MagnaMax, a steel in the same family as MagnaCut that boasts a higher edge retention. Dr. Thomas will discuss what new steels are worth looking into for knifemakers and knife buyers. He’ll also explore which existing knife steels are still underrated.
See who took home the hardware from the 2024 BLADE Show.
The BLADE Show held from June 7-9 at the Cobb County Gallery saw one of the most intense Knife Of The Year® Awards competitions in recent memory.
A diverse array of makers entered the contest, filling the display cases outside the main hall to capacity. The sheer number of entries wasn’t the only impressive factor—quality, innovation, and craftsmanship were all at their peak, from knife accessories to the blades vying for the top award.
With such high standards, the 10 judges, including industry experts, knife writers, makers, and Cutlery Hall Of Famers, had a challenging task. Below are the knives that met their rigorous criteria, winning honors in 10 categories and the overall Knife Of The Year award for 2024.
Overall Knife Of The Year®: Spartan Blades Harsey Clandestina
Photo: Jocelyn Frasier
American-Made Fixed Blade Of The Year®: McNees Knives Ridge Runner
Photo: Jocelyn Frasier
American-Made Folding Knife Of The Year®: Pro-Tech TR-3 Integrity Manual Flipper
Photo: Jocelyn Frasier
Most Innovative American Design: Spyderco Para Military 2 Salt
Photo: Jocelyn Frasier
Imported Fixed Blade Of The Year®: Giant Mouse GMF1
Photo: Jocelyn Frasier
Imported Folding Knife Of The Year®: Lionsteel Skinny
Photo: Jocelyn Frasier
Most Innovative Imported Design: CRKT Fial
Photo: Jocelyn Frasier
Best Buy Of The Year®: CIVIVI Yonder
Photo: Jocelyn Frasier
Kitchen Knife Of The Year®: QSP Kiritsuke
Photo: Jocelyn Frasier
Knife Collaboration Of The Year: Ketuo-Ken Onion Buck Horn
Photo: Jocelyn Frasier
Manufacturing Quality Award: Lionsteel
Photo: Jocelyn Frasier
Investor/Collector Knife Of The Year®: Pro-Tech Ultimate Custom
Photo: Jocelyn Frasier
Knife Accessory Of The Year
Photo: Jocelyn Frasier
PVK Automatic Knife Of The Year: Kershaw Livewire
Photo: Jocelyn Frasier
See Past 2023 Factory Knife Of The Year® Awards Winners:
Five Different Factory Makers Picked Up Awards At Salt Lake City With WE Knife Stealing The Show
Factory makers brought out their best for the BLADE Show West knife competition, and they did not disappoint. Five factories took home wins with the big winner being WE Knife, which won two categories and the Best Of Show award.
We take a gander at some of the knives that showed up at the first BLADE Tactical at CANCON Carolina.
Sun, guns and a whole bunch of knives—BLADE Tactical was a whole new twist on BLADE Show. And a heck of a marriage between it and one of our sister events, CANCON Carolina.
Held Nov. 7-8 at South Carolina’s Clinton House Plantation range, the inaugural BLADE Tactical brought together some 25 knifemakers to show and sell their wares, all of the blades with a definite tactical bent. The knife show ran the first day, on the periphery of the shooting events. It had a different feel than any of our legacy shows, given it was outdoors and had the constant report of suppressed gunfire as background noise. But it wasn’t too far off our big three with some knife enthusiasts spending the night in the parking lot so they could be the first to the BLADE Tactical pavilion.
With that sort of enthusiasm, we’ll chalk the event down as a success.
For those who were unable to make the BLADE Tactical show or have their interest piqued, we’ve put together a recap of some of the knives that made their way to central South Carolina. Take a gander at what was up for sale and start planning now for next year’s B-Tact extravaganza. For anyone looking to pick up a hot new knife and burn some powder at the range—consider the gathering your Valhalla!
Krein Knives
Tactical doesn’t preclude good looks, which is certainly the case with this Krein Knives Alpha. The blue thumb studs add a nice flare to this top-end framelock.
Carver Knives
Carver Knives‘ Waif has it going on. Up front is a titanium handled-model, in the back a dark Ti handle. Both are thin as a minute, particularly when measured up the knucks in the middle.
Pro Tech Knives
Pro-Tech came to BLADE Tactical with an offer you couldn’t refuse, like a number of these thin and wicked Godfather autos.
The company also offered a nice bit of custom bling for the show, a CANCON blaze orange G-10 insert on several of it’s knives buttons.
Elishewitz Custom Creations
With the Ek Integral, Elishewitz Custom Creations combined class and performance in a light and functional package. A nice dagger-style blade deploys in the wink of an eye via a thumb stud.
McNees Knives
Some hefty debuts from McNees Knives at BLADE Tactical. In the rear, is the Ringed Agent and up front the Stalker. Par usual for McNees, both feel like their built to beat the world.
Somewhat from the neighborhood (Alabama), the McNees crew drove to BLADE Tactical. Needless to say, they did so in style… nice wheels.
Nicholas Nichols Knives
Certainly, the Guppy is no small fry. Nichols Knives drop point has plenty of size to get nearly any job done, but stays light in the pocket thanks to a titanium handle.
Spartan Blades
Spartan Blades was right at home at BLADE Tactical—no surprise there. But the belle of the ball was the company’s Ronin-Torii, a traditional tanto, which few would want to find themselves on the wrong end of.
Nottingham Tactical
Believe it or not, you’re looking at six-years of development. Nottingham Tactical was game for a carbon-fiber model, but it took a ton of work to get it to come together, from finding the carbon-fiber up to the abuse to getting the right adhesives to get the metal parts to stay.
Vero Engineering
It wasn’t all fixed blades and folders for the knife side of the show. After BLADE Tactical closed, the knifemakers hit the range at CANCON for some therapeutic trigger time. Here’s Joseph Vero of Vero Engineering getting on one of Maxim Defense’s shorties.
