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.
The CRKT Skeggox Is A Fun Little Hatchet That Swings A Big Game And Can Handle The Daily Tasks Around Your Property
A good hatchet is worth its weight in gold, and in the case of the CRKT Skeggox it weighs just 1.63 pounds.
This fun, tactical hatchet is one of the newest offerings from CRKT. I had the chance to try it out on my property as winter descended. I had never used a hatchet before. I don’t think I’ll be needing to get another one for quite a long time.
What Is The Skeggox Made Of?
Let’s start with the particulars. The Skeggox is 12.94 inches long with a 4.83-inch blade made from SK-5 carbon steel for good edge retention. The glass-reinforced nylon handle is lightweight, cool, and feels excellent in the hand when swung. The blade is powder coated for extra corrosion resistance and gives the Skeggox an all-black look.
The hatchet includes a thermoplastic sheath that I loved. It has a clip to fasten it securely shut, but it fit so snug that you could easily travel with it and not clasp the clip (although you absolutely should).
Testing the Skeggox
The vines I first went at with the Skeggox
When I went to test the Skeggox I had the perfect patient: this nightmare of vines and saplings in my backyard. Before the arborist came to remove it all I took the hatchet out there to see what it could do.
With the vines it was a thumbs down. The thin, almost grassy material was not easy to chop through. The fact that the blade would slide off of the vines instead of slicing through made me uncomfortable because I didn’t know where the blade was going to go. I quickly moved onto the saplings, which were entwined with the vines in their upper reaches.
But as you can see, these saplings were the perfect size to really see what the Skeggox could do. And boy howdy, could it do a lot!
The saplings before meeting the Skeggox.
I went to work swinging the hatchet with a smile on my face. The Skeggox is weighted so well that each swing made me want to swing it again. I was wearing my outdoor gloves and the handle never once slipped as I chopped at the tree.
It took a touch over two minutes, and it wasn’t the cleanest cut, but in the end, the sapling stood no chance.
The sapling after meeting the Skeggox.
I’m also getting my fence replaced in a few weeks so I took the Skeggox and began laying blows into the tops of the fence posts. I went as hard as I could to beat up the hatchet as much as possible.
Final Cut
And finally, I returned to my kitchen, put a fresh Campari tomato on a plate, and drew the Skeggox down toward it. It went through like a hot knife through butter. Then, for good measure, I even quartered the tomato just as easily.
This is an excellent piece of kit. I can’t recommend it more highly. If you own a home and are looking for an affordable hatchet to use in the yard, this is the piece to get.
Hogue’s Newest Fixed Blade Is Visually Spectacular And Ridiculously Light. Part Of The Company’s New Line Of Hunters, The Extrak Does Far More Than Asked Of It.
Every hunter knows that a good knife is worth its weight in gold. Hogue’s newest line of hunting field knives includes the Extrak. This fixed-blade wonder is amazing for what it can do at just 1.9 total ounces. The fixed blade is made from CPM M4 Tool Steel and has a vibrant Hunter Orange Cerakote finish. The clip point has a flat grind on its cutting edge and is hardened to a 62-64 HRC.
To learn more about this new line from Hogue, take a look at the video below.
The G10 handle scales provide excellent grip but are also removable to make the knife even lighter. The included nylon blade guard does its job admirably in keeping the blade secure in transport.
Overall this knife really is remarkable. The combination of hardness and weight alone makes it excellent for skinning hides and processing kills. It’s so light, so strong, and so versatile that it is absolutely worth the price and would make life easier for hunters of all types and skill levels.
MSRP: $189.95
Editor’s Note: This article was written by Mike Ableson.
These 15 Pocketknife Brands Are Among The Most Diverse And Historic On The Planet.
A pocketknife is a legendary tool. Whether a folder or a fixed blade, with one blade or many, the pocketknife is used around the world for an endless amount of tasks.
The earliest pocketknives discovered date back to 600 BCE in Austria. Folding knives have been found dating to the Viking era and on the Iberian Peninsula from pre-Roman times. It shows that even millennia ago, people knew how usefulness and practicality of a portable knife.
For many, a good EDC knife is enough to satisfy their needs. For more intense knife users, they may need a blade that can handle processing a kill on a hunt or precisely carve a piece of cherry wood for a project.
Luckily, there are a ton of brands today turning out every shape and style of pocketknife. Honestly, factory offerings alone, there are too many to list here. Nevertheless, to better guide new buyers in a crowded marketplace, we’ll attempt to here.
Are these the best pock knife brands? We’ll leave that to the barbershop debate club. What is certain, these companies are a good starting point in finding the perfect pocketknife for your needs.
Along with the brands, we’ll also provide two choice knives that show off what the company is all about. Some may be best sellers, some may be historic models, but they’ll all be emblematic of the heart and soul of the brand.
Kershaw Knives
Kershaw Shuffle
Founded in 1974, by former Gerber Knives salesman Pete Kershaw, Kershaw Knives has grown to become one of the largest players in factory knives. Really, the company’s catalog is quite impressive, offering a full array of EDC knives, tactical models, fixed-blades and cooking knives. Yes, it’s a premier pocketknife brand too. However, the Oregon-based brand is perhaps best known for its assisted-opening models–such as the legendary Leek. Furthermore, Kershaw has won a number of BLADE® Knife of the Year® awards in different categories over the years.
Aside from selection, one of the more inviting aspects of Kershaw’s knives is their relative affordability, running anywhere from $26 to $200. Some of the price end is due to the fact many of its models are produced overseas. However, the Oregon-based company does continue to manufacture domestically, particularly automatics. Though, these options tend to come at a premium.
Kershaw Launch 13
Launch 13
A sleek, tactical EDC, the Launch 13 is a nimble auto knife made at a relatively affordable price. A blade made of CPM154 steel connected to an anodized aluminum handle makes for a lightweight, yet durable package. The Wharncliffe blade is great for precise work and versatile enough to handle more intense use. MSRP: $179.99
Shuffle
Small enough to fit on a keychain, this handy multi-tool is a steal for the price. The 8Cr14MoV drop point is a great EDC knife, and comes with some extras, such as a built-in bottle opener and flathead screwdriver. MSRP: $25.59
Ontario Knife Company
OKC Navigator
Founded in the late 19th century in New York, the Ontario Knife Company has proven a versatile manufacturer that’s intertwined in the nation’s history–the military end of things. Based about an hour south of Buffalo, in Franklinville, the company offers a wide spectrum of knives to suit nearly any task, from waging war to prepping food.
Where OKC perhaps made its lasting impression is its military knives, in particular the M7 bayonet. Still utilized–though partially replaced–the implement first saw service in the Vietnam War. While best known for its military heritage, the company offers a fairly wide section of quality pocketknives that run the gamut. From classy folders to military-inspired flippers, OKC has a solution for camping, EDC, utility work or any other chore you cook up for it.
OKC Navigator
Lightweight and convenient, the OKC Navigator is a budget folder that has the stuff to become a trusty EDC sidekick. The attractive stainless-steel blade is scalpel-sharp and sports an attractive satin finish. The liner lock has a plastic handle, which cause some concern at its overall longevity. But, for the price, if your Navigator does get busted up it costs next to nothing to replace. MSRP: $14.95
Opinel
Opinel #13
Opinel is a French icon and has made knives in the Alps since the 1800s. The knives are crafted from both stainless and high-carbon steel and are connected to quality wood handles. The handle has become the company’s signature of sorts, with Opinel perhaps the most recognized manufacturer of wooden-handled knives.
The company keeps the models of its famous pocketknife simple, numbering them 1-13. The higher the number, the larger the blade. However, the #1 and #11 are no longer made and are highly collectible. Overall, the knives have gained a reputation as solid camping and outdoors knife. However, more than one person has found them useful in the kitchen. While these are the original Opinel knives, its famous locking collar is a bit more contemporary–added to the design in the 1950s.
Opinel #8
#8
The knife that made Opinel famous, the #8 has a 3.28-inch blade and a beechwood handle. There are no bells and whistles, it’s just high-quality steel, high-quality wood, and a knife that’s perfect for almost any situation. In 1985 the #8 was recognized by the Victoria and Albert Musem as one of the best-designed items in the world. MSRP: $18.
#13
The #13 is the behemoth of the Opinel family. The blade is a whopping 8.75 inches, and the whole piece is 20 inches when opened. This isn’t an everyday carry. This knife would be a great wingman by the barbecue or in the kitchen. MSRP: $110
Buck
Buck 110 Folding Hunter
Ever since Hoyt Buck made his first knife back in 1902 and laid the groundwork for the company that bears his name, Buck Knives has been among the most beloved pocketknife brands in the world. By consistently innovating and pushing the envelope, Buck has evolved into one of the industry’s leaders and knife icon.
Buck pioneered the folding hunter, which continues to be a showpiece for the brand to this day. Creating a knife that could withstand the abuse of long hunts while also being able to fold away and fit in a pocket was revolutionary and turned the pocketknife industry on its head. More the famous folding hunter in a minute.
The company also allows customers to order custom knives. They can choose from customizing everything from cake knives and fixed-blade bowies to a whole suite of folders.
Buck 841 Sprint Pro – Carbon Fiber
110 Folding Hunter Knife
Developed in 1963 when Al Buck wanted to make a durable knife for outdoorsmen who didn’t want to carry big fixed blades, the 110 Folding Hunter propelled Buck to new heights and continues to be a popular model. The 3.75-inch 420HC stainless clip point is attached to a Crelicam ebony handle scales with brass bolsters. The lockback design keeps the knife firmly in place while in use. MSRP: $59.99
841 Spring Pro – Carbon Fiber
If the 110 is a timeless classic, the 841 Spring Pro shows how Buck continues to push the boundary with contemporary knives. Ball-bearing tech allows the knife to open fluidly and the liner lock keeps the blade securely in place. The S30V drop point is an ideal tool for many daily tasks, and the carbon fiber handle provides added strength. MSRP: $179.99
Microtech
Microtech Ultratech
One of the younger pocketknife brands on our list as it was founded only in 1994, Microtech has quickly become one of the nation’s premier pocketknife brands when it comes to auto knives. The brand helped pioneer out-the-front automatic knives in the mid-1990s. The company has worked extensively with the American military to develop knives for combat use, and some of those models are popular consumer options today.
The winner of numerous BLADE ShowⓇ awards, including American-Made Knife Of The Year in 2019, Microtech makes cutting-edge knives and keeps pushing the boundaries for what is possible in a pocketknife.
SOCOM Elite Auto
Ultratech
The flagship model of the company’s OTF line of knives, the Ultratech is made from M390 steel with a light, ergonomic handle made of aircraft aluminum. The dagger releases and retracts thanks to the double-action sliding button. With a 3.35-inch blade, and weighing just 3.5 ounces, the Ultratech has helped set the standard for quick, easy-to-use, auto knives. MSRP: $310
SOCOM Elite Auto
The SOCOM Elite Auto has been a popular choice since its inception over a quarter-century ago. The knife has undergone improvements over the years to make it adaptable to multiple environments and is sold in both auto and manual models. The 3.98-inch tanto blade is partially serrated and is made from M390 steel and an aluminum handle in-laid with composite materials from 3M. MSRP: $300
Victorinox
Classic Swiss Army knife
Victorinox makes high-quality kitchen knives and watches, but the knife that made them famous was the iconic red Swiss Army knife. Known around the world as one of the most versatile tools you can use, the SAK has evolved into the multi-tool of choice for millions of people.
Whether it’s a small keychain version, or a hulking large SAK with dozens of tools, the Swiss Army knife may be the most famous type of pocketknife on the planet.
Classic
One of the smaller models but one of the most well-known, the classic Swiss Army knife can fit on a keychain and can get you through most day-to-day tasks. With seven tools including a spear point, screwdriver, and scissors, the classic is the classic for a reason: it’s a compact EDC (it only weighs .7 of an ounce0 that can help solve most problems you’ll regularly encounter. MSRP: $19.99
Work Champ XL
Work Champ XL
One of the beefier models, the Work Champ XL has 31 functions. It’s a massive 12-ounce piece that has multiple blades, screwdrivers, saws, and so much more. It’s closer to a portable tool chest than a classic pocketknife, but it all easily folds away and can slide into your pocket or even hang from a keychain. MSRP: $259.99
Cold Steel
Recon 1 Tanto
If there’s a weapon with an edge, there’s a good chance that Cold Steel makes it. The Texas-based brand makes everything from classic pocketknives to kukris to swords and blunt-edge tools. The company was founded in California in 1980 and helped popularize the American tanto. Cold Steel currently has plants on four continents. They make knives based on traditional designs and also work with some of the world’s top designers to make custom knives. Cold Steel’s swords are usually made from 1055 high-carbon steel or damascus, and their pocketknives are renowned for their lock strength.
Mini Leatherneck Tanto Point
Recon 1 Tanto
This folding knife is popular with law enforcement and the military and anyone looking for a dependable, long-lasting tool ready for any situation. The blade is customizable and comes in four versions ranging from 2-5.5 inches in length. Thin, light, and over-engineered to be long-lasting, the Recon 1 Tanto features the Tri-Ad lock, which keeps your hands safe and your blade secure when in use.
No matter what version you get, the blade is made from American S35VN with a DLC coating and a G10 handle. The lone exception is the Micro Recon 1, which has an AUS 8A Tuff-Ex coated blade and G-10 styled Griv-Ex handle. MSRP: $176.99
Mini Leatherneck Tanto Point
With a 3.5-inch fixed blade, the Mini Leatherneck swings above its weight. The 8Cr13 MoV steel blade comes in three different styles and has a stainless steel guard with broad quillons to protect your hands. The handle is made from Kray-Ex and the included Secure-Ex sheath can fit a lanyard or be used with a C-clip. This is a durable budget model that would please any knife owner. MSRP: $29.99
Emerson Knives
CQC-7BW Flipper
Emerson Knives was founded by, and named for, custom knifemaker Ernest Emerson and his wife Mary in 1996. Not a traditional pocketknife brand, Emerson specializes in tactical folding knives and helped pioneer the knife style 20 years ago. The CQC-7 set the standard for tactical knives when it debuted and is still just as popular today. Emerson knives have been used by special forces and police agencies around the world and are also highly coveted by collectors. A knife used in the raid that killed Osama Bin Laden fetched $35,400 at auction.
Sheepdog
CQC-7BW Flipper
The iconic CQC-7 has been paired with a ball-bearing pivot system that allows for rapid deployment and is another evolution of the classic knife. The S35VN 57-59 HRC tanto point blade is paired with a G-10 handle. Not only does it open quickly, but it’s nimble in the hand at just five ounces in total weight. MSRP: $273.95
Sheepdog
Just like how the dog is man’s best friend, the Sheepdog may be your new best friend. Coming in either a bowie or a spear point, the Sheepdog folder uses the same ball-bearing pivot system for quick opening. The black G-10 handle looks classy and provides an excellent grip. The 154 CM blade has a black stonewashed finish and is sharpened to a conventional V-grind with a chisel edge. MSRP: $263.65
CRKT
CRKT M16-04KS
CRKT, short for Columbia River Knife & Tool Company, was founded by a pair of former Kershaw employees. It has evolved into a pocketknife brand that’s built itself by working with custom knifemakers and producing quality products at quality prices. Like Kershaw, it’s headquarterd in Tualatin, Oregon, and since its founding in 1994 has grown to a company with $25 million in estimated annual sales. CRKT also makes multi-tools and fixed blades along with sharpeners and other knife accessories. Some of the designers they’ve worked with include Ken Onion, Michael Walker, Ron Lake, and Greg Lightfoot.
CRKT Provoke
M16-04KS
Designed by Kit Carson, this model is part of the company’s most popular series of knives. A tactically-inspired EDC, the M16-04KS has a 3.87-inch blade made of 12C27 Sandvik Steel with a plain edge. The handle is made from stainless, and the whole piece weighs just 6.2 ounces. MSRP: $79.99
Provoke
This exciting karambit was designed by Joe Caswell and is the company’s first knife to feature its Kinematic technology that allows for a lightning-fast deployment with the push of your thumb. The D2 blade has a titanium nitride finish for added toughness, and the aluminum handle is strong yet light. MSRP: $200
Gerber Gear
Sharkbelly – Plain Edge
Gerber Gear is among the largest maker of knives for the American military, and that ethos permeates their civilian offerings. The company makes everything from knives and multi-tools to axes and saws. They use high-quality steels to make long-lasting pieces that you can be proud of.
The company also has a long history with custom knives. They were the first firm to collaborate with a custom maker when they worked with David Murphy during World War II. Gerber has even worked with celebrities as they collaborated with TV star Bear Grylls on a line of survival knives.
Terracraft – Grey
Sharkbelly – Plain Edge
A 3.25-inch 420 HC sheepsfoot blade is the star of the Sharkbelly. It’s easily deployed with a thumb hole and weighs 2.3 ounces. The SharkSkin Grip helps keep weight down on this folder while also providing tremendous grip and ease of use. This is a fine EDC and built to last. MSRP: $47.
Terracraft – Grey
When slashing through brush you need to be confident that your blade can withstand the abuse and keep slicing. The Terracraft is a fixed blade that is up to the challenge. This knife features an extra-thick S30V steel blade with a full tang for added durability. Machined G-10 scales provide the needed grip so you feel safe while wielding the knife, and a 90-degree spine provides an edge for fire striking. An American-made leather sheath will keep this piece safe and secure in transit. MSRP: $220
Spyderco
Spyderco Bug
Founded by BLADE Cutlery Hall Of Fame® member Sal Glesser, Spyderco has been making knives since 1978 with the promise of high performance in each model. The company’s knives are known for their famous, large thumb-assist hole, and they have experimented with numerous different steel compositions. Spyderco ships knives all across the world and are popular both with civilians and police and rescue personnel.
Spyderco Military
Bug
One of Spyderco’s line of micro-sized slipjoints, the Bug is small enough to fit on a keychain and features a straightforward design. This is a small EDC great for regular day-to-day living, but definitely can punch above its weight in a switch. The 1.26-inch blade is made from 3Cr13 steel, and the whole piece weighs just .4 ounces. MSRP: $33.
Military
One of the brand’s iconic models and winner of American-Made Knife Of The Year® at BLADE Show 2022. The Military is an elite folding knife with a CPM S30V blade married to a handle with G-10 scales. The full-flat grind makes this knife great for sawing and making difficult cuts. It has a clip on the right side to allow for easy, tip-down carry. MSRP: $310.
Boker
Magnum Backpacker
Boker has been making knives in Germany since the 17th Century. A schism in the company in the 1860s sent some of the family to North America where they’re still making knives today. Both companies use the famous tree logo on their knives. Today, Boker has several brands beyond the original one still based in Solingen, Germany. Boker USA is based in Denver, and the Boker Arborlito brand of hunting and outdoor knives are made by hand at the company’s factory in Buenos Aries, Argentina.
Tripitz-Damast Gold
Magnum Backpacker
Beautiful, useful, and a classic pocketknife. That’s a fair way to describe the Magnum Backpacker. The satin finish on the 440A steel blade looks great, and the flat grind makes it perform great too. The grained wooden handle looks and feels excellent. This is a knife worth far more than its budget price. MSRP: $43.95
Tripitz-Damast Gold
This limited-edition blade is named for the German warship Tripitz, still the largest battleship ever built in Europe. The knife is a work of art. Utilizing some of the salvaged armoring from the ship, which was sunk in 1944, this model is truly a spectacle with its gold-plated blade. The blade has 300 layers of hand-forged damascus in the great pyramid pattern, and the walnut inlay on the handle features the coat of arms of the Tripitz. MSRP: $1,485
Hogue
Deka Manual Folder
Hogue originally began as a firearms accessories–mainly grips–company based out of California. Since 2011, the company has manufactured knives that, due to Califoria’s draconian knife laws, forced the company to pull up stakes for Nevada. Good move, as in the decade as a knifemaker, Hogue has become perhaps as renowned for its blades as its gun accessories.
The company’s autos, in particular, have developed a dedicated following, thanks to aggressive designs. Hogue knives have been issued to all branches of the military over the years, further adding to the company’s lore and credence. Still a family affair, Hogue is also well-respected for the quality of its products.
Deka Manual Folder
This manual folder with a modified Wharncliffe is a unique pocketknife. The CPM 20V stainless blade has a 59-61 HRC with a stone-tumbled finish. What stands out, even more, is the G-Mascus Blue Lava G-10 frame, which provides a splash of cover and allows for a confident grip on the knife. MSRP: $184.95
EX-01 Manual Folder
EX-01 Manual Folder
This classy drop point can be just as good as a tactical knife as it can be your standard EDC. The drop point blade is made from 154CM stainless and has a push-button lock for safety. The high flat grind makes this a top-tier model for cutting and slicing whether that’s a cardboard box or a side of beef. MSRP: $249.95
Benchmade
85 Billet TI Balisong
The company may have changed its name twice, but the quality of Benchmade knives has never wavered. Originally called Balisong in 1979 and then Pacific Cutlery Company in 1988, the company became known as Benchmade in the 90s. The company gained fame for its butterfly, or balisong, knives and today makes premium knives of all types.
85 Billet TI Balisong
An update to a Benchmade classic, the 85 features a titanium handle assembly and a drop point blade. The internal ball bearings allow the knife to open smoothly every time and will give you the confidence to go for it while releasing the blade. The blade is made from CPM S30V steel, and the handle does double duty of strengthening the entire construction while keeping the weight under six ounces. MSRP: $695.
535BK-4 Bugout
535BK-4 Bugout
The Bugout line is one of Benchmade’s most popular line of folding knives. This newest version features M390 blade steel with detailed patterning on the aircraft-grade aluminum handle. A 2.5-ounce gem, this premium EDC is crafted to serve you well and last for decades. MSRP: $275.
“This Built America,” a new multimedia platform from AOL exploring the companies and people reimagining American manufacturing, visited Jacksonville, Alabama, and profiled a knife factory that is a family beyond its owners—Bear & Son Cutlery.
This Built America. I think it was knives. “This Built America,” a new multimedia platform from AOL exploring the companies and people reimagining American manufacturing, visited Jacksonville, Alabama, and profiled a knife factory that is a family beyond its owners—Bear & Son Cutlery.
Ken Griffey’s Bear & Son Cutlery was officially founded in 1991 after Griffey was approached by Jacksonville town leaders to buy the closing W.R. Case Cutlery factory, Griffey’s then employer. Since then, the factory and its employees have been on an incredible journey demonstrating the value of family and community.
In this “This Built America” AOL episode, Griffey and his son Matt discuss the family that Bear & Son has created while dealing with tough decisions like selling the business, another potential closure and all that comes their way.
“I had a lot of mothers and fathers,” recalls Griffey on his youth in the Jacksonville factory. That type of attention and care comes through every Bear & Son product. It also can be seen in the 36-year relationship, in business and marriage, between Ken and Sandy Griffey.
For Bear & Son Cutlery, being part of “This Built America” is proof that Ken Griffey made the right decisions banking on Bear & Son, no matter the circumstance. “Being part of ‘This Built America’ was simply amazing,” explains Griffey. “We were very honored to be a part of this, and would like to thank everyone who helped make this happen.”
To view the full episode and more on the Bear & Son family, click here.
Bear & Son Cutlery joins a national movement in “This Built America” that is devoted to supporting American companies and American-made products. AOL is proud to support the effort along with sponsor Ford Trucks. Through the year, the editorial and video teams will explore 50 states in 50 weeks to bring 50 stories of the people who are bringing back manufacturing to America. The platform is produced in coordination with Man Made Content.
Cold Steel’s Newest Fixed-Blade EDC Is A Multi-Purpose Tool That Is Perfect If You’re Looking For A Knife That Works Just As Well In The Kitchen As It Does In The Forest.
Sometimes you want an EDC that’s a bit beefier than a folder or a multi-tool. The Cold Steel Razor-Tek is a high-quality piece that can slice through branches like it can a cucumber.
This four-inch variety, one of three models to carry the Razor-Tek name, is made from 4116 steel and has an included sheath that can be carried on your neck or belt or lashed to your pack. The textured GFN scales on the handle allow for a confident grip and will stay secure in your hand.
Unlike the larger Razor-Tek models (one has a five-inch blade and the other a 6.5-inch blade), the four-inch is not a recurve and instead features a plain-edged clip point blade.
Overall, the entire knife is just eight inches which makes it great for cutting in close quarters and nimble enough to work precisely when fine slices are needed. And best of all, it comes at an affordable price that will keep your wallet happy.
MSRP: $59.99
Editor’s Note: This post was written by Mike Ableson.
Mosaic Damascus Can Be Made Numerous Ways, And These Master Smiths Are All Putting Their Own Spin On The Craft.
The many moods of mosaic damascus provide the bladesmith and custom knifemaker with an ever-changing form of artistic expression. The possibilities of a new pattern, a different look, and yet another lasting impression are endless.
For several makers, mosaic has become a signature steel in their presentations, and these imaginative artists are pushing the envelope in an already dazzling array of motifs for blades and knife fittings.
Kelly Vermeer-Vella
Kelly Vermeer-Vella said she initially called the mosaic damascus of her fighter Riptide because it looks like “calm waters, but also because the forging process is pretty brutal. So, now I call that process ‘ripping it!’” Blade and overall lengths: 7.5 and 12.5 inches. At press time the knife was available through Arizona Custom Knives for $3,800. (SharpByCoop knife image)
In her Riptide pattern, American Bladesmith Society Journeyman Smith and past Forged in Fire champion Kelly Vermeer-Vella provides a great example of the new frontiers being explored with mosaic damascus.
“It’s initially called that because it looks like calm waters,” she commented, “but also because the forging process is pretty brutal. So, now I call that process ‘ripping it!’ Sometimes I win and sometimes I make hunters!”
Kelly showcases the Riptide pattern on her 12.5-inch fighter with a 7.5-inch blade and mammoth ivory handle sporting a long, modified “S” guard.
“I really enjoy swooping forged guards that complement the curves of the blade and handle. And I love mammoth ivory, so I make a lot of frame handles,” she added. “I think the best-looking frame is in a low-layer twist, 25 layers or so.”
The Vermeer-Vella mosaic involves a commitment to hard work to produce the desired results.
“The pattern is not san-mai,” she revealed, “rather, different layer counts of stacked W’s with heavy 1075 steel on the edge. The wing effect comes from forging. I push and pull the pattern with a hand hammer and forge to shape so that the pattern flows with the edge.”
The blade material is the 1075 carbon steel, which appears as the dark areas, and 15N20 nickel alloy, which shows as the grey, shiny areas. “I etch in 3-to-1 ferric chloride and also do a coffee etch,” she added. Her power hammer is an Anyang 88 and she uses a Riverside 24-ton press.
Jack Rellstab
Jack Rellstab said he wanted the blade of his Western Chef’s Knife to “look alive.” As he noted, “My idea was with the taper in layers to give it an organic look that appears as if the elements are actually growing.” Thus, the pattern’s name of Frogs and Flowers seems most apropos. His price for a similar knife: $2,600. (SharpByCoop image)
Like Vermeer-Vella, Jack Rellstab is an ABS journeyman smith who enjoys the creative process of forging mosaic damascus. His Western Chef’s Knife brings a robust profile to life in a mosaic pattern called Flowers and Frogs.
“The pattern is one of my styles of W’s explosion,” he noted. “I started the original billet with the layers of both 1080 and 15N20 getting progressively thinner from one side of the billet to the other. After using square dies to resquare the billet for W’s, I drew it out with a taper so the W’s would get tighter towards the end. Then I did a restack and a four-way to finish it. So, the steel is 1080 for the dark portion and 15N20 for the bright.”
The handle is amboyna burl, bronze and G-10. He says the grip is designed around most Western-style kitchen knives on today’s market, though the belly/underside might be a bit shallower.
“With this mosaic pattern, I wanted the knife to look alive,” he offered. “My idea was with the taper in layers to give it an organic look that appears as if the elements are actually growing. I used a 165-pound hammer belonging to New West Knifeworks, and I also used their Anyang hydraulic press for resquaring.”
Jack began his bladesmithing journey with mosaic damascus by watching a YouTube video, and then let his imagination kick in to develop the exciting pattern that is sure to generate conversation in any kitchen.
Will Stelter
The Serpentine Multi-bar Santoku by Will Stelter sports a mosaic damascus pattern of the same name. He used 1080 and 15N20 steels for the pattern-welded twisted bars and Cruforge V for the edge. The Cruforge V etches darkly, and its wear resistance and high working hardness make it ideal for culinary knives. Blade and overall lengths: 5 7/8 and 10.75 inches. His price for a similar knife: $3,500. (SharpByCoop knife image)
The Serpentine Multi-bar Santoku by ABS Journeyman Smith Will Stelter sports a mosaic damascus pattern of the same name. The handle is ivory paper Micarta®. He used 1080 carbon and 15N20 nickel-alloy steels for the pattern-welded twisted bars and Cruforge V for the edge. The Cruforge V etches darkly, and its wear resistance and high working hardness make it ideal for culinary knives.
“I started by forging up 28 layers of W’s,” he recalled, “and then worked that billet down to a half-square twisting stock. I twisted three bars right hand and two bars left hand, lining up my twists as best I could before forge-welding them together. After they were stuck, I forge welded on a solid Cruforge V edge bar that was around 40 percent as wide as the multi-bar billet, but the same thickness. With my final stock stuck together, I then laid out and cut away several three-quarter-inch-deep grooves or divots from the profile of the rectangular 2-inch wide bar, which still left Cruforge V on the edge, and two full twisted bars at the thinnest parts of the patterned area on the spine.
“I then flattened down the billet, which took the previously straight layers and gave them the bold ‘serpentining’ that came out in the blade. I then forged my blade to shape and forge welded on some of the base W’s stock that I twisted from as bolster material. This is a very similar technique to how the classic ‘River of Fire’ pattern is done, but with a different base pattern other than the usual feather pattern.”
Will used his 1924 400-pound ram Beaudry hammer to do the majority of the forge welding and a twisting machine to twist the five bars. He learned his pattern-welding technique and the ability to visualize the way the steel moves from bladesmith Salem Straub, crediting Straub with teaching him how to design patterns “with intentionality behind them.” The pattern itself is sole authored by Stelter, who has done some serpentine multi-bar patterns prior to the subject piece. However, this was his first attempt with a monosteel-edged bar.
“The serpentining is purely aesthetic,” Will said. “It’s meant to give a bold line for the eye to dance down rather than the straight, more classic intersection of the edge bar that is normal for a composite construction. This also means that from far away you see an interesting pattern, and then when inspected up close the explosions of the twisted W’s really pop out, which gives the overall piece an interesting level of depth.”
Will considers this particular mosaic “an intermediate-level pattern, easy to try, though somewhat difficult as well. The most challenging part is building a high-quality multi-bar pattern with adequate layer density and well-matched twists. The rest of the pattern is fairly simple.”
Brent Stubblefield
Brent Stubblefield’s integral chef’s knife has an 8-inch blade of his shimmering Crossroads mosaic damascus, and a stabilized Hawaiian koa wood handle with mammoth tooth spacer. Overall length: 13 inches. His price for a similar knife: $1,500. (SharpByCoop image)
At the Join or Die Knives Forge in Richmond, Virginia, Brent Stubblefield hammered a beautiful blade in his Crossroads mosaic pattern—and did so with multiple techniques.
According to Brent, “There is the initial damascus forging, crushed W’s, twisting, four-bar-squaring welds, ferry flip tilting, edge bars, and a ‘fish mouth’ tip to make the edge bars meet. There are multiple elements that are forged on the edge or corners to manipulate the pattern, and finally the knife shape and integral bolster are forged to shape.”
The mosaic is comprised of 1084 and 15N20 steels, with the 15N20 appearing as a silver white on the blade while the 1084 blackens with a ferric chloride etch.
“The shapes in this pattern reflect a desire to incorporate all the different techniques of mosaic damascus making I have learned over the years,” he explained. “I’m always trying to find a way to create never-before-seen patterns in order to add something totally new to the American bladesmithing tradition.”
Stubblefield used an Anyang 88 power hammer and homemade 30-ton press to create the Crossroads mosaic. A Bridgeport mill was helpful in the squaring-up process and flattening pieces for rewelding. A Miller welder assisted in tacking materials up before they went into the forge, while an Evenheat kiln and Broadbeck Ironworks grinder were key tools in the process as well.
“Although I did not have any single mentor,” Brent mused, “many knifemakers have gone out of their way to share tips and tricks with me. While they didn’t teach me directly, [bladesmiths] Mareko Maumasi and Salem Straub have been very generous with sharing their processes through social media. I certainly have referenced them among others.”
Stubblefield continues to challenge himself as his career advances, and he sees no slowdown in the creative process. “This knife is very difficult to do simply because the higher number of forge welds create more opportunities for failure,” he reasoned. “Any complex damascus blade is actually just many simple techniques combined together. The hardest part for me is understanding how manipulating the pattern early in the process will affect the outcome, and visualizing the end pattern.”
The Meat Cleaver Is The Heavyweight Of Kitchen Tools And Can Cut Things As Hard As Bone. These Five Are Among Some Of Today’s Top Models.
Today we’re talking cleavers, specifically meat cleavers. Industry folks prefer the shorter form when referring to the cutting implement, but we’re going with the longer, common man vernacular for this piece.
Why? Because cleaver abound nowadays, but we’re specifically talking about the type meant to cut meat. And with the way folks find stuff online, going long is likely to get the right person to the right information. Sorry if that bends any noses out of place.
What Is A Cleaver?
The cleaver is a fascinating tool that has existed in some form for millennia. Tools described as cleavers date as far back as the Acheulean period more than 1.5 million years ago, and probably date back even further. It’s a stout, heavy piece that differs from the standard kitchen knife in numerous ways.
The most obvious difference is the shape. A cleaver doesn’t taper to a point but is usually rectangular in shape. It may have a curve along the spine, but the basic shape of any cleaver will be a rectangle.
Many cleavers, and almost every one on our list, have a large hole in the corner opposite the handle. This is because many butchers prefer to hang their cleavers on a hook rather than leave them on a flat surface to avoid potentially damaging the blade.
Five Top Cleavers Available Today
The best meat cleavers all have one thing in common: toughness. They’re all able to stand up to the abuse of the job. These five are among the top cleavers available today at a variety of price points.
Wusthof Classic 6-Inch Cleaver
Wusthof Classic 6-Inch Cleaver
When it comes to kitchen knives there are few companies with more history than Wusthof, and they have once again made a leader in the field with their Classic 6-inch Cleaver. Forged in Germany, the Classic looks like the archetype of what you expect a cleaver to be.
The blade is 6.3 inches long and 2.8 inches wide, which allows you to do things like crush garlic and ginger or use it like a bench scraper to scoop up ingredients. It comes with a triple-riveted handle that is easy to grip and feels good in your hand.
It’s a bit pricey, with an MSRP of $300, but this is a cleaver that should last you years.
Messermeister Four Seasons Heavy Cleaver
Messermeister Four Seasons Heavy Meat Cleaver, 6-Inch
If you’re looking for a quality cleaver at an affordable price, Messermeister has you covered. The Four Seasons (no connection to the hotel chain) is stamped from a single piece of 1.4116 stainless steel with a 56-57 HRC and features a molded polypropylene handle.
The fact that it is stamped, rather than forged, keeps the costs down tremendously, and it comes in two versions: a 6-inch and a 7-inch. It’s a good tool. It might not have the fanciest steel or hand-carved wood handle, but if you’re looking for a tough cleaver at a fair price, this is the one for you.
The MSRP of the 6-inch is $47.95, and the 7-inch costs $59.95
Zhen VG-10 67-Layer Damascus Large Cleaver, 8-Inch
Zhen VG-10 67-Layer Damascus Large Cleaver, 8-Inch
This one is beautiful. The Damascus Large Cleaver from Zhen Premium Knives is visually stunning and one heck of a cutter. The blade was made with VG-10 stainless steel (60-62 HRC) and features a Pakkawood handle.
The damascus pattern waves and curls across the blade to give it a dynamic, kinetic energy. That’s not even discussing the caliber of the cleaver, which is professional grade and comes with a lifetime warranty against defects.
Four inches wide, this cleaver is large in terms of overall area and is a phenomenal multi-use tool in the kitchen. At an MSRP of just $135, it’s actually a bargain for a professional-quality model of this caliber.
Dalstrong Obliterator Cleaver 9-Inch With Stand
Dalstrong Obliterator Meat Cleaver 9-Inch
From Dalstrong’s Gladiator series comes the Obliterator, a massive cleaver built to withstand anything you can throw at it in the kitchen. The massive blade is made from heat-treated 7Cr17MoV steel with a 60 HRC. It weighs 2.9 pounds and is .236-inch thick. It truly lives up to its name.
The handle is made of thick G-10, which is great to withstand the forces of cutting up a rack of ribs or spatchcocking a turkey.
The Obliterator also comes with an acacia wood stand so you can proudly show off your chopper. With an MSRP of $120, the Obliterator won’t obliterate your wallet.
Henckels Classic 6-Inch Cleaver
Henckels Classic 6-Inch Meat Cleaver
Forged from German stainless steel, the Henckels Classic is a quintessential cleaver. Not as girthy as the Obliterator, the Classic is well constructed and designed to be used every day. The blade isn’t as hard as most of the others on this list, with a 55-58 HRC, but this is still an excellent tool.
The satin-finished blade is sharpened and honed to stay sharper longer, and the full-tang, triple-riveted handle gives the cleaver balance in your hand. You’ll feel confident using this one each and every time
It’s a lightweight piece, at just around 12 ounces, and is about 10.5 inches in overall length. MSRP: $64.99.
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