Here are BLADE Magazine’s Featured Knives of the Week. Browse through these articles to find the best knives available from both custom knifemakers and factory knives.
When It Comes To Beautiful Custom Knives, Few Are Doing It As Well As Dawson Knives. This Fixed Blade Shows Everything The Maker Can Do.
A knife doesn’t just need to be a showpiece. A knife doesn’t just need to be a utilitarian tool. The Dawson Chief perfectly blends the two into a piece that could be mounted in a case or used out on a hunt.
The knife is a behemoth. At 10 ounces in weight with a 5.25-inch blade, the Chief is anything but dainty. The blade can attack almost anything. Made from a CPM MagnaCut stainless powder steel, its heat treated to a rugged 60-61 HRC and can hold an edge like a champ.
The finger choil and thumb ramp allow for maximum control and smooth cutting strokes when in use. You can choose between a G10 or carbon fiber handle. Both provide a secure grip and won’t warp. No stone was left unturned in the design of this knife.
Visually it’s beautiful thanks to the two-tone Specter finish. The custom hybrid leather/Kydex sheath is just as tough as the blade and allows you to carry the Chief on your belt line or on a pack. Everything together makes for the total package when it comes to a fixed blade.
The Victorinox Swiss Army Knife Is An Icon. The Small Red Knife Has A Remarkable History And Is Popular All Around The World
Few knives are as immediately recognizable as the Swiss Army knife. The small red multi-tool has been manufactured for over a century and is known around the globe for its versatility and durability. Still made in Switzerland today by Victorinox, the Swiss Army knife has evolved as a tool since the founding of Victorinox in 1884.
History Of The Victorinox Swiss Army Knife
Victorinox was founded in the small town of Ibach in the canton of Schwyz in central Switzerland by Karl Elsener. It was initially just a small cutler’s workshop run by Karl and supported by his mother Victoria.
Just seven years later, Elsener was able to deliver his first major batch of knives to the Swiss military, and six years later patented the original “Swiss Officer’s and Sports Knife. That set the stage for a whole range of knives, each of which would be included under the umbrella name of Swiss Army knife, or SAK for short.
The Victorinox brand name came into existence in 1921. After Victoria’s passing in 1909, Karl chose her name as the brand name, but 13 years later the innovation of stainless steel swept through the knifemaking world. At the time the steel was known as “Inox,” and by combining that with his mother’s name, Karl created the brand name of Victorinox that has endured for more than a century.
After World War II, American GIs stationed in Europe took a liking to the Swiss Army knife and bought many of them, turning them into a popular souvenir to bring back to the states.
Since then, and the brand has continued to grow. Victorinox now makes other types of cutlery along with outdoor gear and watches. Rival maker Wenger, which also made a claim to the Swiss Army knife, was acquired by Victorinox in 2005, and its knives were absorbed into the Victorinox brand eight years later. The Wenger brand lives on through watches and other licensed products.
In 2017 the company produced its 500 millionth Swiss Army knife, a testament to the quality and popularity of the brand.
What Is The Best Swiss Army Knife?
That question depends on what you want out of your knife. Most all operate the same way, a slip joint with tools coming out of both ends of the knife thanks to a special spring system innovated in 1897 that every Swiss Army knife still uses today.
If you’re looking for a tool that can solve simple, everyday problems, there are many smaller models that will handle your needs. Many of those even fit on a keychain.
If you’re more of an outdoors person or just want something more rugged and diverse, there are many models that have dozens of different tools in them. You’ll see one with 73 tools in it shortly. Regardless of your wants or needs, Victorinox will have a knife for you.
Swiss Army Knife Options
The Victorinox Swiss Army knife is a living, breathing tool. New models come out regularly, and the team in Switzerland continues to find ways to create new tools and designs for the knives. Below are a trio that shows off what the SAK is capable of, from something simple to the opulently extravagant.
Signature Lite
Signature Lite
This is a prime example of how much can be deftly fit into a space so small. The Signature Lite is 2.3 inches long and weighs just .8 of an ounce. Even in those tiny dimensions, there are seven tools including a ballpoint pen, screwdriver, knife blade, and scissors. This is a quintessential Swiss Army knife. It can fit on a keychain and follow you wherever you go.
MSRP: $39.99
Trekker
Trekker
The Trekker shows how robust a Victorinox Swiss Army knife can be. This model features a dozen tools including three different screwdrivers, a can opener, and a wood saw. It’s designed for the outdoorsman, the hiker, the person camping under the stars. The Trekker does have a keychain loop although it’ll probably be better folded up in your pocket. At 4.6 ounces it’s far heavier than the Signature Lite but still far lighter than many other factory knives.
MSRP: $69
Swiss Champ XXL
Swiss Champ XXL
Last on our list is the most expensive model sold by Victorinox not including limited edition pieces. The XXL has so many tools in it that it doesn’t feel real. It’s 3.6 inches long, and in that space there are 73 individual tools. That’s not a typo. 73 tools.
Seven screwdrivers. Six blades. Three wire strippers. Too many wrenches to count. All that’s missing is the partridge in a pear tree.
The XXL also features some of the most unusual Swiss Army knife tools made today. That includes the pharmaceutical spatula, watch opener, fish scaler, and hook disgorger.
At 12.5 ounces it is a beast, and it even comes in a lined, branded case. While it might not be necessary for you, the Swiss Champ XXL flexes the design and manufacturing capabilities that Victorinox has developed in its decades of existence.
MSRP: $379
Editor’s Note: This post was written by Mike Ableson.
The CRKT Compano Sheepsfoot Is The Next Evolution Of The Compano Line And Follows In The Original’s Footsteps While Also Standing On Its Own.
Designed by Mike Bond, the Compano Sheepsfoot builds off of the original CRKT Compano with a new style of blade and flashier design. The original knife featured a slipjoint with a carabiner to connect to your keychain or belt loop, and that’s carried over to the newer model. The Sheepsfoot blade on the newer version is excellent for precise cutting when needed.
Yes, it’s small at only 1.44 inches in length, but when you’re looking for a good keychain knife the name of the game is ease of use and being good in tight spaces. The Compano Sheepsfoot checks both of those boxes.
The blade is made from satin-finished high-carbon stainless steel, and the handle & carabiner clip is also made from stainless. The stonewashed black finished with blue titanium nitride accents make this model visually pop when you first see it.
The slipjoint ring doubles as a great place to rest your index finger to get leverage when manipulating the blade or opening & closing it. Overall, this is a fun piece that will look great on your keychain or belt loop.
MSRP: $44.
Editor’s Note: This post was written by Mike Ableson.
Custom Flipping Folders Are Becoming More And More Popular By The Day. These Are Some Of The Coolest Custom Flippers.
The energy surrounding the custom flipper folder market is rising to new heights these days with the fit and finish, good looks and liveliness of high-quality materials, incredible skill, and, best of all, imagination.
A look at the current trends among some of the best in the class offers the custom knife market perspective on the future while also allowing a moment to appreciate and absorb the excellence around us. The commitment to make flipper folders isn’t taken lightly; it involves a concentrated effort to achieve, meet, and overcome the challenges in bringing this type of custom knife to life.
Dan Thornburg – Albuquerque, NM
Of his flipper folders Dan Thornburg said, “Little things like the cutout on the lockbar or depth of bearing pockets all affect how smooth the action will be.” The blade is Moku-Mai by Baker Forge and the handle is ancient walrus ivory. Closed length: 5 inches. His price for a similar knife: $2,000. (Image: SharpByCoop)
“I really enjoy making flipper folders because of the challenge they present in both mechanical function and working with different materials,” explained Dan Thornburg of Albuquerque, New Mexico. “I like figuring out how things work or why something doesn’t.”
Thornburg got started in flipper folders after meeting Paul Lusk at a Houston knife show years ago. “This guy is one of the smartest people I’ve ever met and is one heck of a good businessman,” Dan said of Paul. “His encouragement helped my knifemaking get to the next level.”
Evidence of that next level is readily apparent in Dan’s flipper in a handle of ancient walrus ivory with damascus bolsters. Made by Baker Forge, the blade material is Moku-Mai—mokume forge welded over 80CrV2 carbon steel. Dan said it’s not unlike a san-mai construction using mokume. The product of his ingenuity reflects an intense technical appreciation.
“I don’t think I’ve changed the design as much as refined the design,” he reasoned. “Little things like the cutout on the lockbar or depth of bearing pockets all affect how smooth the action will be. I do try to keep it simple and not reinvent the wheel, so to speak.”
Thornburg succeeds handsomely in his mission, paying close attention to detail and applying a natural talent for precision. He indicated he likes the flipper tab to double as a single guard and fashions it with the same material as the blade. Then, he advises the owners of his flipper folders to learn their safe operation.
“I think, just like most things, operating a flipper folder is a learned thing,” he said. “The more you flip it open, the easier it becomes. My dad still couldn’t open the best and smoothest folder I’ve made—too old school I guess! For someone that owns and loves flippers, most will fly open.”
Eliot Maldonado – Bulverde, TX
“Having a shorter tab is easier on pockets and looks cleaner,” Eliot Maldonado stated. “When the knife is closed, the tab doubles as a guard, but it is still short enough so that it does not ‘ouch’ your finger when closing.” His flipper employs a tanto blade of Moku-Mai by Baker Forge Steel and a marbled-carbon-fiber handle and Micarta® bolsters. Closed length: 4 inches. (Image: SharpByCoop)
Eliot Maldonado of Bulverde, Texas, started his custom knifemaking career making slip joints and then saw an opportunity. About 15 years ago, he had helped knifemaking friend Alan Davis work with slippies, and Davis assisted Maldonado with linerlocks in turn.
“Soon after, and knowing the function of linerlocks, I experimented with flippers,” Eliot explained. “It was a successful outcome and the passion for flippers started.”
Eliot’s flipper in Baker Forge damascus, a Micarta® bolster, and a marbled carbon-fiber handle demonstrate his appreciation of the finer points in the endeavor. His use of materials has also progressed from the early days. Back then he used basics just in case something went wrong. As he has become more proficient, upgrades to higher-quality blade and handle materials followed.
“I also started changing up patterns, those patterns that appealed to me,” Maldonado said, “like, I enjoy making folders with a classic kind of western—cowboy—look but still make more traditional tactical-type flippers as well.”
Eliot pays special attention to the flipper tab, applying a technique that enhances the action of blade deployment.
“Of course, the use of bearings changes the game when it comes to flippers, and I like a shorter tab with a checkering or ridge for traction. I feel having a shorter tab is easier on pockets and looks cleaner. When the knife is closed, the tab doubles as a guard, but it is still short enough so that it does not ‘ouch’ your finger when closing.”
Eliot is a firm believer in the assertive action of a flipper folder, and he makes no apologies for being a purist.
“I believe a flipper should snap to open position when flicked by a finger,” he related. “Anything other than that is just not acceptable to me. The way I achieve that is by using caged bearings, stop pin position, the liner relief cut, and the perfect tolerance on the blade and back spacer. The result should be a fast opening with zero blade play and strong lockup.”
Todd Rexford – Florissant, CO
Todd Rexford’s futuristic flipper folder features a stainless damascus blade and a handle of DarkTi zirconium and titanium overlays. The overlays extend into the inside of the frame, while the mechanism features an inlaid lockbar and detent pin. Closed length: 4.6 inches. (Image: SharpByCoop)
The flipper folder genre has changed since Todd Rexford of Florissant, Colorado, began his journey some years ago. He credits demand as the catalyst for focusing his creativity on flipper folders.
“They were in their infancy when I started making them,” he commented. “There were some very good makers doing it, but back then the thumb stud still ruled the folder world. It was really my customers that wanted me to start making them, and I had ideas for my own flippers as well, for what I wanted to see and what the way forward was for my knives.”
The way forward for Todd is clearly indicated by a fine flipper folder of stainless damascus with a handle of DarkTi zirconium and titanium overlays. The overlays extend into the inside of the frame, while the mechanism features a hardened stainless pivot, inlaid lockbar, and detent pin with the Rexford radius bearing system integrated. A titanium pocket clip and back spacer complete the stunning package.
Todd sees the operation of the flipper folder as a critical element of the overall presentation, but hesitates to favor fully opening vs. more of an assisted movement.
“I don’t judge,” he offered. “If a wrist snap is needed, then so be it. We can’t forget that when I make a stiff-detent lockbar flipper, you won’t be able to open it slowly. It will open with authority and everyone around you will hear it. This goes to show that each detent force has its own place depending on the end users and their task requirements.”
Nonetheless, the smooth operation of the flipper folder is a hallmark of a successfully completed professional effort.
“The detent force, and how much preload you can place on the system before it overcomes the detent, is one factor that determines if the knife will fully open or not,” Rexford asserted.
“The other factor is the person and his or her finger,” he continued. “Through my years of building flippers, I’ve built everything on the spectrum of this force. Take a stiff detent to a show and half the people love it; half the people can’t open it. I’ve had users time some of my very fast knives in a pseudo drag race using camera-frame timing because they love it, but for a lot of people they may not be able to open that knife. At the end of the day it’s a preference, and I have stopped ‘standardizing’ my force. Yes, a flick will open the knife, but the velocity of the tip may change to suit different customers.”
The Skiff Family – Broadalbin, NY
The Culprit flipper folder by Steven Skiff, Jr. and Sr. won Best in Show at the 2022 NCCA Show. The blade is Damasteel stainless damascus in a Fafnir pattern. Closed length: 4.25 inches. The makers’ price for a similar knife: $1,495.
The father-son team of Steven Skiff, Sr., and Steven Skiff, Jr., from Broadalbin, New York, collaborates to make their own bold statement in the flipper folder realm. While Steven, Sr. makes the blades and does fit and finish, Steven, Jr. handles the CNC milling and produces blade bearings for the Skiffs’ projects, as well as bearings for other customers in the knife industry.
The Skiffs enjoy tackling the relative intricacy of flipper folder construction and relish the opportunity to demonstrate their proficiency, particularly with their team approach.
“Making flippers is a challenge,” Steven, Sr remarked. “They are deceptively simple looking to make. It can be difficult to get the action exactly the way you want. It’s that challenge that I enjoy and it makes me prefer making them over other knives.”
The Skiffs’ Culprit framelock flipper folder features a blade of Damasteel stainless damascus in a Fafnir pattern, and a titanium handle with zirconium accents and seafoam anodizing. The result is dazzling, and Steven, Sr. credits custom knifemaking greats Andre Thorburn, R.J. Martin, and Kirby Lambert for “having a hand in increasing my interest to continue making flippers.”
The flipper construction process has progressed in the years since the Skiffs began to concentrate on the style. One aspect of that progress is the addition of an over-travel stop.
“That’s an example of one important advancement that [a number of] us makers started using on framelocks a while ago,” Steven, Sr. observed. “Another advancement includes the evolution of using bearings instead of thrust washers, and we also use a hardened insert in the lockbar to prevent wear.”
The Flipper Folder Continues To Grow
The firm foundation of the flipper folder, both in popularity and mechanical and aesthetic quality, sets the stage for the future.
“I do predict we will see further refinement in materials, as well as in material quality over the coming years,” Rexford assessed. “We have also seen new locking mechanisms being adapted for the flipper category of knives.”
Maldonado looks ahead to “future advances in making a double-action flipper/auto. Of course, using new and exotic blade and handle materials is always something that keeps evolving.”
Future generations of collectors and users come to mind with Thornburg’s ideas of tomorrow. He commented, “I like to use materials that are not common when making my flippers. Mammoth, walrus and elk antler are my main scale materials, and my idea is a fine gentleman’s flipper folder for the upscale customer that will be handed down to their children.”
Altogether, the custom makers and their colleagues are doing their part to ensure that the flipper folder has staying power.
The Kershaw Interstellar Is The Company’s Newest OTF Knife. The Piece Is An Excellent EDC Designed For All Sorts Of Utility Tasks
Folders? No thanks. One of Kershaw’s newest releases is a sliding OTF (out-the-front) automatic that’s great for utility tasks indoors and out. The Interstellar is a partially serrated 8Cr13MoV stainless steel blade that comes out the front of a glass-nylon handle thanks to a sliding button on the front of the knife.
It looks great thanks to the blackwash coating, and it feels good to use thanks to the button lock keeping everything secure and snug when deployed. The blade is just 2.7 inches long, and the tip-up pocket clip allows you to carry the knife with ease.
The Kershaw Interstellar is a simple knife, and that’s a good thing. It’s a no-nonsense piece that can serve you well for a long time. Oh, and the bottle opener built into the backspacer is the cherry on top of it all.
The Boker Gnome Is A Fun Little Fixed Blade That’s An Excellent Neck Knife And Can Serve You Well As An EDC.
Sometimes bigger isn’t necessarily better. The new Boker Gnome fixed blade is a little gem that can be your trusty sidekick in the home and elsewhere.
It starts with a 2.2-inch wharncliffe blade of D2 tool steel. The knife comes in two different handle types. The one featured above is made from olivewood, and there is a slightly more expensive green Micarta® version. The big lanyard hole at the butt of the handle comes in handy if you want to lash the Gnome to your pack or hang it around your neck. Everything is kept safe thanks to the included leather belt sheath.
Even though it’s small, the handle is rounded in such a way that the knife is easy to grip. It weighs just 1.6 ounces so is light and simple to use. So many neck knives trade quality for convenience. The Boker Gnome is high quality as it is convenient.
This New Release From CRKT Is Timed In Conjunction With National Knife Day. The Newest Entrant In the Squid Line Has New Features And High-Quality Steel
It’s National Knife Day, and CRKT has released a limited-edition knife to celebrate the day. The all new Squid II OD Green, which was made in Italy, debuts today and combines everything knife fans love about CRKT with the craftsmanship of a custom knife. Only 500 units of this model are being sold.
The blade is made from stonewashed Böhler M390 steel which merges excellent edge retention and wear resistance. Ground to a plain edge, the blade is 2.68 inches in length and has a 58-61 HRC.
In a first for the Squid line, the knife features a liner lock to secure the blade in place, and the IKBS ball bearing pivot system allows for fast, smooth deployment. The handle is made from green Micarta for a rugged look, and a lanyard hole allows you to take the knife anywhere you are.
“The Squid™ II is far and away one of the finest knives we’ve ever produced,” said Doug Flagg, VP of Marketing & Innovation for CRKT. “This knife combines decades of design experience with the aspirations of what we’re trying to achieve as a brand and we’re confident it’s a knife that will stand the test of time.”
The knife goes on sale today and has an MSRP of $185
