The best custom knives by some of the world’s best custom makers were celebrated this past weekend at the world’s largest knife show, the BLADE Show (www.bladeshow.com), at the Cobb Galleria Centre in Atlanta, Georgia.

Michael Ruth Jr. won both the Hugh Bartrug Best Of Show and Best Sword for his elegant English hunting sword. Meanwhile, Mike Williams scored big time by winning two awards: Best Utility Hunter and Best Of The Rest. Japan’s Yoshio Sakauchi won the Yvon Vachon Best Miniature for a phenomenal fifth straight year.

All of the winners, by category:

Hugh Bartrug Best Of Show/Best Sword: Michael Ruth Jr.

Best Tactical Folder: Kirby Lambert

Most Innovative Design: Brian Tighe

Best Handle Design: Ron Newton

Best Folder: Ken Erickson

Yvon Vachon Best Miniature: Yoshio Sakauchi

Best Art Knife: Van Barnett (pictured at top)

Best Fixed Blade: Kevin Cashen

Best Bowie: Jason Knight

Best New Maker: Tom Ploppert

Best Fighter: David Mirabile

Best Knife Collaboration: Bob Terzuola and Gus Cecchini

Best Utility Hunter: Mike Williams

Best Damascus: David Lisch

Best Of The Rest: Mike Williams

For the complete story on the winners and the knives, see the November BLADE®.

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