Joe Kertzman's Blog

A known author of thriller novels, Brad Thor was recently interviewed by everydaycarry.com on what knife and gear he carries on a daily basis. Thor is an American novelist, whose works include several New York Times Best Sellers. He’s just finished his newest book, Code of Conduct, and took some time to share his everyday carry inspired by his many military- and spy-themed thrillers.

Thor enthusiastically related that he carries a CRKT Otanashi noh Ken folder, designed by James Williams, which happened to be a 2015 BLADE Show limited-edition knife (sold out). As Thor noted about the Otanashi noh Ken during the interview, “Simply put, one of the most badass folding knives on the planet. Tons of SpecOps members carry James Williams’ blades. Based on centuries-old Samurai designs, nothing on the market beats it. I carry it because men whose lives depend on their tools, also carry it.”

Thor said that he also carries a Kobold Phantom Chronograph, a Gerber Shard keychain tool, a Fisher Spacer Pen and a Field Notes Pitch Black Edition (both for taking notes–he is an author!), a Streamlight PT1L, Leatherman-style PS multi-tool, an Apple iPhone 6 and a Magpul Field Case iPhone 6 cover.

Every year at the BLADE Show in Atlanta knife companies that have booths at the show vie for the coveted–and they really are–Knife-Of-The-Year® Awards. There are a dozen awards in different categories (i.e. Imported Knife-Of-The-Year, Best Buy Of The Year, etc.), the top honor being the Overall Knife-Of-The-Year.

Some fabulous knives have won the Overall Knife-Of-The-Year Award since 2010, with Zero Tolerance/Kai USA having a run of three winners between 2011 and 2013. The winners since 2010, in order by year starting in 2010 (and shown in order below), are: the Chris Reeve Knives TI-LOCK, Zero Tolerance 0777, Zero Tolerance 0888, Zero Tolerance 0454, CRKT Hi Jinx, and this year, the Lion Steel T.R.E. (Three Rapid Exchange).

So, looking at the knives below–shown in order as listed above–which is your favorite Overall Knife-Of-The-Year since 2010 and why? It’s hard to choose, isn’t it?!

For only the second time in BLADE Show history, a Knife-Of-The-Year® Award will be chosen by knife enthusiasts just like you. Log on to www.blademag.com/2015-peoples-choice and vote for your favorite knife, as submitted by knife companies and knifemakers that will be at the BLADE Show. The knife with the most votes will win the People’s Choice Knife-Of-The-Year Award, to be presented June 6 at the 2015 BLADE Show in Atlanta.

Show your support, have fun, and tell your friends! Voting is open now!

Jessica Elias was the first female ever to compete at the Nationals for the BladeSports International, Inc. competition. Held on May 2nd, 2015, at the Ozark Folk Center State Park in Mountain View, Ark., she and six others have qualified to compete for the World Championship at the BLADE Show in Atlanta, Ga., on June 6, 2015. She will be the first woman ever to compete for the BLADE Show World title. The BLADE Show is the World’s Largest Knife Show. 

Jessica is sponsored by L.T. Wright Handcrafted Knives, located in Wintersville, Ohio, and will be the first female to compete at this level.

This exciting sport starts with the competitor chopping a 2×4 in half, followed by cutting hanging ropes, rolling golf balls, full bottles of water, cans, tennis balls, drinking straws, and those are just a few of the power and finesse cuts found on the course, including some never before seen features. The event is timed and the excitement level for spectators is intense.

One of the competitors, Donavon Phillips, also broke his own water bottle record and is expected to continue to set another at the World Championship. The Bladesports World Championship competition will be on June 6, 2015 at the Cobb Galleria located at 2 Galleria Parkway Southeast, Atlanta, GA 30339.

If you are interested in learning more about the sport check out bladesports.org.

Also Check Out:

Official BLADE 18-Pocket Knife Roll
This knife roll is the best combination of quality, protection and convenience for your dollar. It’s so good, BLADE put its name on it. This knife roll is available ONLY at ShopBlade.com.