What does it take to be a full-time knifemaker? Was BLADE Magazine Cutlery Hall-Of-Fame© member Michael Walker’s LinerLock™ an innovation or a redo? Do you know how to make a damascus plug weld? These questions and more are answered in the latest issue of BLADE®, debuting on newsstands TODAY!

Custom knives have a mystique and following all their own, and the hottest makers of same enjoy a cult-like status with their most ardent fans. However, what’s it really like to be a full-time custom knifemaker? Read part one of veteran maker Shane Sibert’s story “26 Hurdles To Making Knives” and you will get a healthy dose of reality. In other words, if you’re thinking of becoming a knifemaker, Shane’s article is must reading.

Michael Walker invented the LinerLock in 1981, but it wasn’t until 1987 that other makers started producing folders with the ingenious locking mechanism. Since then the mechanism has exploded in popularity, and today is probably the most popular lock on contemporary folders. Along the way, Walker had to fight to maintain his claim of being the inventor of the LinerLock. He tells you all about it and other things in “LinerLock: Innovation or Redo?”

Also: Check out the first-ever knives offered by Maxpedition, including this issue’s cover knife, the Ferox. Learn all about some of the best knives you may not know of and also what is behind the re-emergence of blade fullers, also known incorrectly as blood grooves, on today’s knives.

Knifemaker Stanley Fujisaka passed away on the last day of 2013 but not before he left an indelible impression on scores of knifemakers, knife enthusiasts and, of course, his loving family and friends. Dan Delavan shares his memories of the endearing Hawaiian maker and person in “Fujisaka: A Great Mentor Remembered.”

Stay tuned to www.blademag.com for the latest in knives, knife trends and much more.