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2026 BLADE Show Preview: New Wrapper, Same Steel

BLADE Staff

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June 1, 2026

2026 BLADE Show Preview: New Wrapper, Same Steel

BLADE Show’s home sharpens up for the event’s 45th Anniversary.

Longtime BLADE Show patrons, get ready for a brand-new venue. Calm your heart palpitations. The world’s largest knife show isn’t picking up stakes from Atlanta when it unsheathes its 45th iteration June 5-7. Simply put, the longtime home of our favorite edgy shindig is undergoing a massive $190 million facelift.

The Cobb Galleria Centre—now officially the Cobb Convention Center—is in the midst of a multi-year renovation to upgrade its facilities and amenities. While the project stretches into early 2027, it will be at its midway point when the BLADE Show doors open this June.

Diehard knifeaholics needn’t worry, the upgrade project won’t derail the aspects of the show you love. Factory knife debuts, the educational instruction of BLADE University (see sidebar) and action-packed demos still await show patrons. The BLADE Magazine 2025 Knife-Of-The-Year® Awards and the custom knife judging competition remain center stage. Furthermore, the American Bladesmith Society (ABS) will still name its latest master and journeyman smiths, and some of the best knives from the ABS, The Knifemakers’ Guild and unaffiliated makers will be on display in all their sharpest glory.

John Horrigan’s majestic fixed blade turned more than a few heads during the 2025 show. (Jocelyn Frasier image)

Additionally, the show floor welcomes more than 900 exhibitors from 35 countries, offering a global masterclass in modern cutlery. From the latest production folders and custom fixed blades to rare handle materials and high-tech shop equipment, the sheer volume of gear is staggering. All of this comes in the brand-new wrapper of the convention center, honing the BLADE Show to a razor’s edge.

The main exhibit hall and the ballroom—better known to the faithful as the Baller Room—are already complete. These renovations will immediately improve the show with new LED lighting, fixed concession outlets, renovated restrooms and an improved PA system. The Baller Room and lobby area also sport new wall coverings, chandeliers and carpet, while the rotunda has an entirely new look.
While the show floor is unaffected, attendees will feel some impact. The renovation of the specialty shops and meeting rooms below and across from the main hall will run congruent to the show. This means BLADE University has a new campus. Look for classes in the newly constructed ballrooms just off the Renaissance Atlanta Waverly.

And for those who love the food, libation (lots of that), knife boasting and lie swapping of “The Pit”, that is slated to proceed unchecked. The sunken bar of the Waverly is untouched by hammers, saws or fresh sheetrock. Get your sleep so you can haunt it until cock’s crow.

Jordan Berthelot discusses next-level damascus etching while Greyson Weltyk shows a student a result of the process during one of many BLADE University classes.

When the dust finally settles, the Cobb Convention Center will be a major boon. By 2027, showgoers can look forward to more than 50,000 square feet of new meeting rooms, event courtyards and indoor space. As the BLADE Show grows in global reach, its longtime home has the room to grow along with its marquee event.

Edge Of The World

Perhaps the most intriguing aspect of the BLADE Show in recent years is the global reach of the brothers and sisters of sharps. No one knife-specific event gathers more makers and companies from around the world—including the good ol’ U.S. of A—into one venue.

The outstanding international makers include: the CAS Brothers, Mauricio Daletzky and Javier Vogt (Argentina); Bertie Rietveld, Theuns Prinsloo, Henning Wilkinson and Neels van den Berg (South Africa); Franco de Souza, Rodrigo Sfreddo, Fabio Barros and Gus Cecchini (Brazil); Bruce Barnett (Australia); Kizer Cutlery, Reate and Ketuo (China); Koji Hara (Japan); Lionsteel, Alfredo Faccipieri, Fox Cutlery, Maniago Knife Makers (MKM) and Maserin (Italy); Damasteel (Sweden); Jens Anso (Denmark); Helle Knives (Norway); Jean-Louis Regel and Veronique Laurent (Belgium); Carlos Queiros (Portugal); Sergey Shirogorov (Russia); and Grace Horne (United Kingdom).

The Baller Room buzzed all three days of the show. The room comes with some notable improvements this year, including new carpet and wall coverings.

Some of the leading American exhibiting makers will be BLADE Magazine Cutlery Hall-Of-Fame® members Bill Ruple, Steve Schwarzer and Harvey Dean; ABS master smiths Mike Quesenberry, Shane Taylor, David Lisch, Jordan LaMothe, Josh and Karis Fisher, and Andrew Meers; slipjoint makers Stanley Buzek, Tom Ploppert, Luke Swenson and Tim Robertson; Allen Elishewitz; Les George; Walter Brend; Strider Knives; Hawk Knives; Vince Evans; factory companies Spyderco, Case, TOPS Knives, Chris Reeve Knives, Spartan Blades, Pro-Tech, Microtech, Kershaw, Squid Industries, KA-BAR and Heretic Knives; and many more.

Knives Of The Year

BLADE Magazine Knife-Of-The-Year® Awards is the factory knife industry’s highest honors, pitting the companies’ sharpest designs again each other. In an effort to keep the awards’ distinguished position and recognize the changing landscape of the industry, BLADE Show added a new category for this year.

New for the 2026 competition is the Best Slip Joint category, breaking off the traditional design from the Best Imported Folder and Best American Made Folder categories. This is the third new category added in as many years, with Best Of The Rest created in 2025 and the Automatic Knife Of The Year sponsored by PVK.com that debuted in 2024.

New knives aren’t the only draw in Atlanta. Antique Randall knives and their collectors were in abundance at the show.

As in the past, the entries are limited to BLADE Show factory booth exhibitors, all of whom received the rules well before the show outlining the new changes. Like last year, the winners will be announced and presented during the BLADE Magazine Awards Reception on Saturday at 8 p.m. in the room on the floor above The Pit. The winners will be listed on BLADE’s blademag.com website after the awards reception, and a list will be posted outside the show entrance Sunday morning.

BLADE University

Get current on the latest knifemaking techniques and other trending sharp subjects during the 13th Annual BLADE University on Thursday, Friday and Saturday. See the sidebar for a complete rundown of classes, days, times and instructors.

Sponsored by Work Sharp, BLADE University has the most extensive schedule of knife, knifemaking and other instruction held at any knife show. For enrollment and other information, visit https://bladeshow.com/show-info/classes.

Custom Knife Awards

Among the most testing custom knife competitions in the nation, the BLADE Show Custom Knife Awards is one of the most coveted honors in knifemaking. In a continuing effort to keep it the premier award in the handmade knives, the competition’s categories have been expanded. Best Slip Joint has been split into Best Single-Blade Slip Joint and Best Multi-Blade Slip Joint categories, allowing more subtlety in judging the nuanced class of knives.

From left, Karen Shook and Daniel Winkler accept their Hall of Fame plaque after Kevin Holland (right) delivered their induction speech.

Leading industry authorities will pick the best custom knives by BLADE Show exhibitors in the annual knife judging competition, with the winners announced during the BLADE Magazine Awards Reception Saturday at 8 p.m.

The categories are: Best of Show; Best Art Knife; Best Bowie; Best Collaboration; Best Collaboration; Best Damascus; Best Fighter; Best Fixed Blade; Best Folder; Best Handle Design; Most Innovative Design; Best Kitchen Knife; Best M.A.C.K.; Best Miniature; Best New Maker; Best Single-Blade Slip Joint; Best Multi-Blade Slip Joint; Best Sword; Best Tactical Folder; Best Utility Hunter; Best of the Rest.

The competition is open to the show’s custom knife exhibitors only. The winners will be announced on BLADE’s blademag.com website after the awards ceremony, and a list will be posted outside the show entrance Sunday morning.

World Championship

The BLADE Show World Championship Cutting Competition will be conducted by BladeSports International (BSI) and held in The Courtyard, the parking lot of the host hotel, the Renaissance Atlanta Waverly, Saturday at 4:30 p.m. Attendance is free to BLADE Show ticketholders.

Paul DiStefano always produces stunning work, which certainly goes for his 14-inch spiderweb mosaic damascus-bladed dagger, which he brought to the BLADE Show. That’s a carved buffalo horn handle, by the way. (SharpByCoop image)

For a second year in a row the men’s and women’s divisions were won by a husband and wife: Mr. and Mrs. Ben and Sue Ann Propst. The championship results were as follows: Men’s Division: Ben Propst (Niagara Specialty Metals), world champion; 2nd: Donavon Phillips (Spyderco); 3rd: David Moore (Pops Knife Supplies); and 4th: James Clifton (Spyderco). Women’s Division: Sue Ann Propst (Niagara Specialty Metals), world champion; 2nd: Lauren Kalns; 3rd: Sara Maly (Pops Knife Supplies); and 4th: Jo Carothers (Carothers Performance Knives).

Bali Grand Master

Top balisong flippers will vie for the title of “Grand Master” in the 10th Annual Battle for Bali Champion sponsored and conducted by Blade HQ.

BLADE Show ticketholders are invited to watch the competition on the second floor above The Pit of the Renaissance Atlanta Waverly Hotel on show Saturday from 12:45 p.m. to 2 p.m. Competitors will start flipping knives at 1 p.m.

When it comes to slip joints, Bubba Crouch is a must-stop at BLADE Show. His skinner, with a 3 1/2-inch copper san mai blade, came complete with a sheath by Will Anderson, with beadwork done by Kelly Faulcorer. (SharpByCoop image)

The top three finishers will receive prizes and all participants will get swag bags. Brycen Nelson flipped his way to the top of the podium in the competition, Steve Ash placed second and Landon Morrison third.

Cutlery Hall Of Fame

The BLADE Magazine Cutlery Hall Of Fame® will formally induct its new members at 8 a.m. show Saturday in the Kennesaw Room of the Renaissance Atlanta Waverly Hotel. (At press time, the new members had not been determined. For updates, visit blademag.com.) Tickets are required ahead of time for the ceremony, which includes breakfast. Seating is limited. For ticket information, email [email protected].

What’s Next

The final BLADE Show-sponsored event for 2026 will be BLADE Show West, Oct. 9-10 at the Salt Palace Convention Center in Salt Lake City, Utah. For details, visit bladeshowwest.com. BLADE Show Texas 2027 will be March 12-13 at the Fort Worth Convention Center. Visit bladeshowtexas.com for more on it. And, of course, it’s never too late to start thinking about BLADE Show 2027 June 4-6 at the Cobb Convention Center in Atlanta. For details, visit bladeshow.com.

It’s easy to get mesmerized by knives at the BLADE Show, here at the table of Alex Hossom (left).

Editor’s note: Kizer Cutlery is The Pit sponsor. Work Sharp sponsors BLADE University. Nottingham Tactical is the lanyard sponsor. Hogue Knives is the housing sponsor. EKnives is the concessions sponsor. Vosteed is the Wi-Fi sponsor. The other sponsors are Heretic Knives, Reate Knives, Poikilo Blade, McNees Knives, Ketuo/Rike Knife, Artisan Cutlery/CJRB, Reate Knives and HORL Corporation.

More On BLADE Show:

BLADE University: Knife Knowledge Honed
7 Join BLADE Magazine Cutlery Hall of Fame®
Photo Gallery: BLADE Show 2025 in Pictures
2025 BLADE Show Recap: What Happened At The Edge-Stravaganza

Top Knife Sharpeners: Five Options To Keep Your Edge

BLADE Staff

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June 30, 2025

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Top Knife Sharpeners: Five Options To Keep Your Edge

Keep your knife cutting ready with today’s top sharpeners.

It’s not much of a knife if it’s dull. Getting a blade sharp and keeping it that way is what the top sharpeners are all about. Pull throughs, V sharpeners, adjustable angle models and more, contemporary sharpeners not only will keep your knives keen, some are multi-tools with Torx tools and bits, screwdrivers, fire starters and window breakers. From those for use in the kitchen, camp or workshop to portable use and more, make way for today’s sharp makers.

Lansky Master’s Edge Sharpener

The Lansky Master’s Edge All Diamond Sharpener has a rubberized non-slip base with integrated hand guard for safe use.

Master’s Edge All Diamond Sharpener
Model type: V sharpener
Type of abrasive: Diamond coated
Grit: 400 & 600 grit round rods; triangular rod for serrations
Types of knives sharpened: Fillet/slicing, butcher, paring, skinning/kitchen/hunting, camping, utility and chef’s
Types of edges sharpened: Plain and serrated
Weight: 1.4 lbs.
Country of origin: China
MSRP: $139.95

Inspired by the design of Lansky’s top-selling Master’s Edge Sharpener, the Master’s Edge All Diamond Sharpener and its diamond-coated abrasives put a factory edge on hunting, utility, kitchen and other knives with just a few strokes. The unit includes a pair of medium (400 grit) and fine (600 grit) diamond-coated-abrasive rods for sharpening and polishing at your choice of preset angles: 17, 20 and 25 degrees. The 17-degree setting is for fillet and fine slicing knives, while the 20-degree angle is for slicing, butcher, paring and skinning knives. The 25-degree setting sharpens hunting, camping, utility and chef’s knives. A diamond-coated triangular rod sharpens serrated blades and also awls and fishhooks. A rubberized non-slip base with integrated hand guard ensures safe use and features easy snap-in storage in its underside. The unit can be kept on a counter or stores easily in a drawer.

Work Sharp Folding Field Sharpener

Folding Field Sharpener
Model type: Compact field sharpener
Type of abrasive: Diamond grit plate and fine grit ceramic plate
Grit: Coarse 400-grit for each plate
Unit dimensions: 4.75 x .75 x .5”
Unit materials: Sharpening plates, plastic, aluminum
Types of knives sharpened: Pocketknives, hunting knives, EDC
Types of edges sharpened: Plain
Special features: Folding design; edge angle guides (20 & 25 degrees) help maintain a consistent angle when sharpening and honing; pocket clip
Weight: 4.6 ozs.
Country of origin: Designed, calibrated and quality checked in Ashland, Oregon, using foreign components
MSRP: $29.95

The Work Sharp Folding Field Sharpener is a compact, lightweight model designed for on-the-go sharpening. It features a 400-grit diamond plate with 20-degree sharpening guides and a fine-grit ceramic plate with 25-degree honing guides, ensuring consistent, reliable edges wherever you are. The folding design and integrated pocket clip make it easy to carry almost everywhere. A big package in a small platform, it’s designed to bring back an edge after a hard day’s use or simply for touchups. Especially effective on EDC knives, it is one whiz bang of a portable-type sharpener.

CRKT Knife Maintenance Tool

Knife Maintenance Tool
Model type: Keychain/pocket field sharpener and multi-tool
Type of abrasive: Tungsten carbide sharpener with ceramic honing edge
Unit dimensions: 2.7 x 1.18 x .47”
Handle: Glass-reinforced nylon
Types of knives sharpened: Pocketknives, EDC
Types of edges sharpened: Plain
Special features: T6 and T8 Torx tools/bits, flathead screwdriver, bottle opener, keychain compatible
Weight: 2.2 ozs.
Country of origin: China
MSRP: $30

Designed by mechanical engineer Tom Stokes, the CRKT Knife Maintenance Tool is a multi-tool sharpener that reflects Tom’s more than 25 years of experience in the aerospace industry, including his work with CAD software and rapid prototyping technology. He designed the Knife Maintenance Tool to prepare you for life’s various exigencies, everything from emergency repairs, popping a top on your favorite beverage—and, yes, sharpening your knives.

The Tool includes two pull-through sharpeners—one a tungsten carbide abrasive to establish a sharp edge, the other a ceramic abrasive to fine tune it—and two sizes of Torx tools/bits: T6 and T8. The sharpeners are on either side of the front of the handle, which is topped off with a bottle opener and flat-head screwdriver/lanyard hole for a keychain loop. The Torx tools are also on either side of the handle and fold out independently of one another for torquing screws pistol-grip style.

Wicked Edge GO-WE60 Precision Knife Sharpener

Premium abrasives on the Wicked Edge GO-WE60 are 200/600 grit monocrystalline diamond-coated stones.

GO-WE60 Precision Knife Sharpener
Blade Length Capacity: Up to 15”
Blade Thickness Capacity: Up to .25” (longer screws available for thicker blades)
Angle Markings: Calibrated for the blade’s edge to sit at 5/8” above the top of the vise
Guide Rod Length: 8.75”
Unit Weight: 3.6 lbs.
Country of origin: USA
MSRP: $299

The Wicked Edge GO-WE60 Precision Knife Sharpener is designed for novices and seasoned old pros alike, whether at home, in the field or on the road. A redesigned standard vise clamps fully flat-ground and distally tapered blades such as on pocketknives and household cutlery. Sharpening angles are adjustable from 13 to 31 degrees per side (26-62 degrees inclusive) in 1-degree increments for precise edge maintenance. Premium abrasives are 200/600 grit monocrystalline diamond-coated stones. Mounting options include securing to any flat surface with the included C-clamp or attaching directly using predrilled holes.

Bear & Son GATCO Scepter 2.0 Diamond

The multi-purpose GATCO Scepter 2.0 sharpens plain and serrated edges and has a magnesium rod for starting fires.

GATCO Scepter 2.0
Model type: Pull through and tapered diamond rod
Type of abrasive: Diamond coated and tungsten carbide
Unit dimensions: 6.125″
Unit material: 6061-T6 aluminum housing
Types of knives sharpened: Hunting, EDC, kitchen
Types of edges sharpened: Plain and serrated
Special features: Tapered diamond rod, magnesium fire starter rod, window breaker
Weight: 3.2 ozs.
Country of origin: China
MSRP: $49.99

The compact GATCO Scepter 2.0 Diamond Take Down Sharpener & Fire Survival Tool from Bear & Son is a multi-purpose implement for everyday pocket carry, the toolbox, to take camping and/or makes an ideal necessity for your bug-out bag. A magnesium rod for fire starting stows inside the tapered diamond sharpener, the latter which includes a groove for sharpening fishhooks. The rod and tapered sharpener are contained inside the CNC-machined, 6061-T6 aluminum carbide body, which has a pull-through tungsten carbide sharpener on the end. Each component features precision-machined threads and an outer “O” ring.

More Sharpening Articles:

Knife Sharpening: What’s the Best Angle?
5 Myths About Knife Sharpening
5 Leading Sharpening Rods
4 Steps to Perfect Freehand Sharpening

Why Would a Company Make Knives in the USA?

Dexter Ewing

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June 14, 2018

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Why Would a Company Make Knives in the USA?

Knives made in the USA — No knife says American made quite like the Stars and Stripes 50th anniversary
edition of the Buck 110.

Editor’s note: All images are courtesy of their respective manufacturers.

Today’s sporting cutlery market is flooded with some very good foreign-made knives, and it may seem USA-made models are threatened in terms of quality, but nothing could be further from the truth. The American knife industry is still the leader of the pack.

USA all the Way, Even When It Gets Tough

Emerson Knives, Inc., and president/founder/custom knifemaker Ernest Emerson are unabashedly pro-American made. Emerson founded the company in 1997 on the principle of designing and building the best USA-made production tactical knives anywhere.

Along with his wife Mary, Ernest has consistently grown the company by listening to what consumers want. Emerson knives are 100 percent made in the USA, right down to the screws. Emerson is an ardent supporter of the military, law enforcement and other first responders, another good reason why it’s so important that the company’s knives be made entirely in the USA.

Ernest Emerson knives — Sporting handle wood of an old oak tree from Mount Vernon inlaid with a die-struck coin of Washington’s likeness, the Patriot from Emerson Knives, Inc., is an example of the many great knives made in America.

Nonetheless, there are downsides.

“There are very few advantages in building a manufacturing operation in America,” Emerson says, citing state and federal taxes and ever-increasing regulations. It’s actually tough for a business to remain competitive here. However, I believe it’s worth the effort, restrictions and extra burden because I will do anything for America. I know my business is putting Americans to work with American wages who can earn a living in this country.”

He adds that the taxes he and his employees pay go directly to supporting the country and the U.S. military and its infrastructure.

“We have to manage our business smarter, more efficiently and more strategically to ensure a profitable and viable existence,” he stresses.

Emerson knives made in USA — Ernest Emerson cuts a piece of historic wood at the company shop.

It’s the same attitude that makes the Commander and CQC7 models the company’s best sellers. The CQC7 is durable and comes in three sizes and two distinct blade shapes. A sexy piece with its ergonomic handle paired with a recurved clip-point blade, the Commander is a formidable cutting tool that comes in five iterations, each varying in size. Maintaining the popularity of these knives down the road is important to Emerson.

â”In order to stay viable,” he notes, “I believe the future lies in the industry’s ability to design and build knives that the consumer really wants.”

Consistency Counts

CJ Buck, president of Buck Knives, says a major advantage to having knives made in the USA is owning the integrity of the manufacturing processes.

“Consistent processes create consistently performing products,” he begins. “It also ensures product quality improvements are held as processes evolve.”

Another advantage is heightened flexibility and responsiveness.

“We can fix a design or quality issue quickly or adjust to spikes in our forecast since the partnerships between our factory and our USA vendors can be aligned immediately,” he explains.

Knives made in America — A Buck 110 has the final edge applied at the Buck Knives plant in Post Falls, Idaho.

On the other hand, domestic production carries its own set of challenges.

“When importing, if you need to add capacity you simply contract with another factory or, on the other side, cut a factory off,” he explains. Stateside you have to invest in more equipment, people and buildings. Consequently, as Buck laments, “If you are forced to reduce your output, the pain and loss of investment is in laying workers off.”

As for the future of American knife manufacturing, Buck is optimistic.

“The United States continues to lead in innovation,” he states. “Our culture and national character give us a substantial, sustainable advantage in that area.”

“Made in the USA” Means Better Quality Control

Microtech knives made in America — The Socom Delta is the flagship knife for Microtech’s USA-made folders and remains one of, if not the, signature model for the company. The 3.75-inch blade is Bohler ELMAX stainless steel.

Microtech Knives built a solid reputation in the 1990s on designing and making some of the market’s most progressive production tactical folders, and continues to push the envelope. Why manufacture in the USA?

“So we are able to keep flaws to a minimum and catch mistakes early on,” reasons Hank Greenberg, the company’s custom shop manager, adding that if a company offers a solid made-in-the-USA knife with quality materials, then consumers will have no problem paying a fair price for it.

Americans build Microtech’s knives, such as the Ultratech out-the-front (OTF) auto and Socom Delta tactical folder.

Taking Care of Fellow Americans

HTM Knives is based in Forney, Texas. An acronym for Hand Tech Made, HTM was founded by knifemaker Darrel Ralph as a result of an ever-growing demand for his custom models. HTM allowed him to offer his designs to more people at a lower price and accelerated delivery times.

According to Ralph, HTM makes its knives in the USA “to take care of Americans and to take care of the people who take care of us. By having our knives made in the USA, we have total control on quality.”

HTM knives made in America — The HTM Gun Hammer includes an OD green handle of Cerakote™-coated aluminum and a “flat natural earth” blade of CPM S30V stainless. The folder comes in either an assisted opening version or with the Maxx Glide pivot bearing system.

Ralph says the Gun Hammer and Mad Maxx are HTM’s best-selling knives. Both began as full customs, so it made sense to produce them under the HTM banner. For the Gun Hammer alone, HTM offers several iterations in varying blade shapes, finishes, steels and coats.

“The military likes both knives and guns made in the USA,” Ralph notes. He says his Gun Hammer and 18 X-Ray automatic are among HTM’s best sellers with military customers. The company also offers designs by such makers as Kirby Lambert and Greg Lightfoot.

Ralph indicates there is a 23 percent scrap rate for knives made overseas.

“You have to figure in for that rate,” he says of foreign-made knives. By having their knives made in the USA, he reasoned, the HTM brain trust has total control over the processes, and can rectify any production issues that might arise before they become a problem.

When it comes to the advantages of knives made in America, Ralph says U.S. companies have access to the best steel and high-end materials.

It should come as no surprise then that Ralph says there is a huge upswing in companies manufacturing knives stateside. He specifically cited Buck Knives, who has been returning some models to “made-in-USA” status after previously being off shore produced. He also noted a growing trend of custom makers offering mid-tech/semi-production knives.

“They are growing the American market instead of stealing from it,” he observes. “That’s what we need in the knife industry.”

Celebrate American Craftsmanship with This Essential Book

Return Of The Tactical Fixed Blade

Featured

Les Robertson

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July 24, 2022

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It Never Disappeared, But The Tactical Fixed Blade Has Long Been Overshadowed By Other Knives. Now It’s Back In A Big Way.

When developing a new product or their version to enter an established market, most industry professionals rely on product lifecycle management. The basic version has four steps—development and introduction, growth, maturity/stability, and decline—and applies to most all products that are sold, including custom knives.

However, trends must be accounted for in the cycle with the added step of saturation, a step that is particularly applicable to custom knives. As a result, the lifecycle for custom knives has five steps: development and introduction, growth, maturity/stability, saturation, and decline.

The most recent example of saturation in the tactical folder was seen over the past 10 years, even though the knife began to take off in the early 1990s. Tactical folders featuring new openers, stabilizers, bolsters, and handle materials were all the rage. The growth was spurred when both makers and collectors who had been respectively making and collecting other types of folders came into the market.

Prices spiraled upward and it seemed the good times would never end. In the case of tactical folders, market maturity and saturation occurred almost simultaneously. The decline began when those who overpaid for a tactical folder hoped there would be the next collector to sell or “flip” the knife to. They found out that the next collector wasn’t there and they were now the owner of a knife on which they would never recoup their investment.

Custom Knife Copies

When a collectible or a market gets hot within custom knives, makers want to join that market sector, as the path has already been made. I have always been struck by the dichotomy of many of the custom knifemakers I have dealt with over the past 30 years. Many perceive themselves as artists, yet are quick to embrace a trend or flat-out copy other makers’ work.

A case in point: those who make their versions of knives created by BLADE Magazine Cutlery Hall-Of-Fame® member Bob Loveless. Without a doubt, his custom knife designs are the most copied in the world. Why don’t those who reproduce Loveless designs build their own designs instead? The answer is simple: the path has already been made.

Without a doubt, the custom knife designs of BLADE Magazine Cutlery Hall-Of-Fame® member Bob Loveless are the most copied in the world. Why don’t those who reproduce Loveless designs build their own? The answer is simple: the path has already been made. (SharpByCoop image)

It is much easier to copy someone else’s work and then compete in that very saturated market. With few exceptions, most such makers get lost in that market as more and more enter it every year.

The idea of a custom knife is that it is made by a craftsman who can incorporate your ideas into a piece that will meet your needs, and not just create a copy of a knife others made famous.

Rising Tides

The aphorism “a rising tide lifts all boats” is associated with the idea that an improved economy will benefit all participants. This is exactly what has happened to the custom knife market over the past decade. In other words, the high prices many tactical folders received over the past 10 years made other market sectors seem like a bargain. Meanwhile, the prices realized for every other sector of the custom knife market also rose.

Currently, this is obvious in three sectors: slip joint/multi-blade folders, chef’s knives, and forged blades. As the realized prices for these knives continue to increase, the market is becoming saturated.

The commonality with the three markets is that all are seeing booms in numbers of makers. Conversely, they are not bringing enough additional collectors to support the makers in the increasingly saturated markets. Makers are quicker to pivot to new markets than collectors, primarily due to the makers’ ability to potentially increase their sales.

Cyclical Nature Of Knife Trends

The custom knife market is a circle. The top half is folders and the bottom half is fixed blades. We knife enthusiasts have all witnessed the circle moving from folders to fixed blades. Almost without exception the reason it moves is because of pricing. Most custom makers do not know their position in the market. Subsequently, they do not price their knives commensurate with the market. The custom knife buyers will sort that out.

Bob Terzuola made this tactical fixed blade for a U.S. Army Ranger before the Ranger’s deployment in the Gulf War in 1991. One of Bob T’s modified M18 Combatmaster models, it features D2 blade steel.

Demand and value for the money will separate those makers who continue down the market sector path and those who do not.

One of the trends I noticed at BLADE Show 2021 was the reemergence of tactical fixed blades. Like most custom categories, tactical fixed blades never went away completely. Instead, they were just overshadowed by the more popular market sectors.

The Meaning Of Tactical

Sometime around 1995, the marketing term tactical was created to identify the look of a particular knife market sector. The concept was a simple one: it was primarily the look of the knife. The blade had a non-reflective finish that could be bead blasted, tumbled, coated, etc.

Unlike the latest iteration of tactical folders, if a tactical fixed blade had a damascus blade, it was a damascus bowie, fighter, hunter, etc. If the blade had a mirror finish, it was a presentation or art knife. The tactical definition indicated that if the knife had a guard, it also should feature a non-reflective finish. The handle material would be synthetic, that is, Micarta®, G-10, carbon fiber, etc. A natural handle material on a tactical knife would move the knife into another category.

Tactical fixed blades can range from practical to fantasy, neck knives to huge choppers. I bought my first custom tactical fixed blade in 1984, so I’m a fan! I am also a user and collector of knives from this market sector.

Today the advantage of the tactical fixed blade market sector is it offers knives for all budgets. The knives also offer the biggest steel selection of any market sector. Stainless, powdered, and carbon steels are all on the menu.

It will be on you to do your homework about what different steels will and won’t do for your tactical fixed blade. Rockwell hardness and heat treating will also come into play, as these knives are designed and built to be used. Hype is very pervasive in this market sector. This is why homework is necessary for the user/collector. Do not rely on the thousands of internet commandos and “experts” for your information.

Experienced and entry-level makers alike in the market build tactical fixed blades that feature a blade and two pieces of handle material combined in a utilitarian design featuring a cool look that catches the buyer’s eye. With such knives be sure to check for unwanted sharp edges usually found in squared-off integral guards, etc., and also price. These knives should generally sell for $500 or less.

Options For Collectors

One of the trends the author noticed at BLADE Show 2021 was the reemergence of tactical fixed blades. A maker whose tactical fixed blades have always been in demand exhibiting at the show was Walter Brend (left). (Whetstone Studio image)

For custom collectors, numerous options are available dating back to the 1930s. To not step on anyone’s toes, I will say these are the tactical fixed blade makers I have or have had in my collection: RJ Martin, Rod Chappel, Bill Luckett, Bob Terzuola, GW Stone and Ralph Bone, and Cutlery Hall-Of-Famers Jimmy Lile, Dan Dennehy and Gil Hibben. There are plenty to choose from.

Before you start writing to the editor complaining about my glaring omission, I intentionally left Walter Brend off the list above. While I do have Walter’s work in my collection, it is not a collectible per se. The knife is in far from mint condition. It is the knife I have had with me since 1986.

For high-end users, I can assure you it is the finest tactical fixed blade in the world. I do not make this statement lightly. Having handled more than my fair share of custom knives, I feel very confident in my statement. While I understand that most who buy Walter’s work put the knife in a collection, for those of you who own one of his knives and have never used it, more the pity.

Buy The Knife For You

Whether you are looking for a good, solid budget-conscious user, a collectible, or the best the category has to offer, I recommend you check the emerging knives in the tactical fixed blade market. Do your homework to help with hype and enjoy using your knives. After all, that’s what they’re meant for!

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10 All-American Knives

Mike Ableson

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July 4, 2022

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On This Independence Day We Here At Blade Want To Celebrate All-American Knives

America is celebrating its 246th birthday today. In all those years the knife has been an integral tool to the growth of the United States, and, as such, we here at Blade want to celebrate it on this beautiful Independence Day.

These are 10 beautiful All-American knives to get you in the holiday spirit.

MTech USA 440 Steel USA Design Pocket Knife

The name may be a mouthful, but the knife is a beaut. MTech has made a spring-assisted folder out of 440 stainless with an aluminum handle. The handle is decorated with an American flag design and the opening text of the Constitution. This drop point has an MSRP of $15.95.

Berg American Flag Themed Bowie Knife

Custom-made to order by knifemaker Dan Berg, this Bowie is 11 inches long and can be made out of 1095 carbon steel or AEBL stainless. The metal is etched with a patriotic star pattern and the handle has a flag pattern made out of Micarta or cast resin. This beautiful knife has an MSRP of $300.

Mega Knife American USA Flag Spring-Assisted Folding Open Pocket Knife

A bright, bold American flag on the handle shines bright on this piece from Mega Knife. The stainless steel blade features a blackwash finish, and the pocket clip lets you bring this knife everywhere. This folder has an MSRP of $19.95

CobraTec Knives Small CTK-1 Cerakote American Flag

This CobraTec double-action OTF knife featured a striking American flag handle made of aluminum alloy married to a 2.75-inch D2 steel blade. You can pick between four different blade styles (drop point, tanto, dagger, Wharncliffe), and all but the Wharncliffe have serrated options as well. It features a nylon sheath, pocket clip, and a glass breaker at the end of the handle. This comes with an MSRP of $149.99.

Modern Artisans 3-Inch Pocket Knife With American Flag Stonework

This 3-inch folder from Modern Artisans has a stunning damascus blade made of a core of VG-10 wrapped in 32 layers of stainless. The brilliant American flag handle is made from lapis lazuli, red coral, and mother of pearl. This knife has an MSRP of $132.99.

Victorinox Super Tinker

From the makers of the famous Swiss Army Knife, Victorinox has made an All-American medium pocket knife that has the option of an American flag design and not just the classic red. It features 14 tools including two blades, three screwdrivers, and scissors. It has an MSRP of just $43.99.

Orklo Knife Custom Handmade Damascus Folding Pocket Knife

The twist damascus pattern steals the show for this model from Orklo Knife. The three-inch, HRC 55-58 blade is connected to a four-inch red, white, and blue handle made of dollar sheet and inlaid with a star mosaic pin. This piece has an MSRP of $69.99

Cabela’s Flag Tanto Blade Folding Knife Two-Pack

Two knives are always better than one, and Cabela’s has an affordable patriotic combo pack. Both knives have blades made of 8Cr13MoV steel. The larger blade is three inches long and partially serrated. The shorter of the two is 2.75-inches long and features a flat edge. The combo has an MSRP of $19.97.

KCCEdge 8-Inch Two-Piece Large American Flag Throwing Knife Set

For something fun, you can go wrong with these throwing knives. These KCCEdge knives feature a top-to-bottom flag design that was embossed printed on the blades. What could be more fun than watching Old Glory fly through the air? These could be yours for the MSRP of $14.

Red Dot Laser Engineering “The Patriot” Folding Knife

Red Dot Laser Engraving, a veteran-owned business, has made a stainless steel folding knife with an American flag engraved on both sides of the blade and an aluminum body. The design won’t wear off so you’ll be able to proudly show it off for decades. The MSRP is $17.76.

ASR Outdoor Patriotic Locking Pocket Knife

Adorned with the head of a bald eagle on the handle and atop the the American flag on the handle, this knife from ASR Outdoor screams American pride. The steel alloy clip point opens with a nail nick, and the whole piece is eight inches in length. It also comes with a collectible display box. The MSRP is $14.99

New Knives: Hogue & SIG SAUER Partner Up, RAT Worx Debuts X-Factor

BLADE Staff

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May 7, 2018

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Hogue Knives to Launch SIG SAUER-Branded Automatics

SIG SAUER, best known for its firearms, is once again teaming up to produce a line of knives, this time with Hogue Knives. It’s a natural partnership, since Hogue already produces G10 grips for SIG’s pistols.

From Hogue:

All of HOGUE’s “SIG” marked knives pair with the popular styles of the SIG SAUER firearms Hogue produces grips for. Each have the familiar “SIG” mark either machined in G10 or inlayed with a circular medallion. Hogue’s popular X5, EX-04, and EX-01 knives (both manual folding and automatic variations) are available to match SIG SAUER’s Emperor Scorpion and Exclusive Series Firearms including the Legion Series. Hogue’s EX-02 flippers are available to match ASE, Extreme, Scorpion, and Emperor Scorpion firearms. Finally, the Hogue EX-F01 has matches to SIG SAUER’s Stainless Elite and Exclusive Series firearms.

Hogue knives are made in the USA. MSRP ranges between $199.95 and $279.95.

Sweetening the deal is Hogue’s exclusive stake to all SIG automatic knives.

SIG previously partnered with Ernest Emerson and Rick Hinderer.

SPECS

RAT Worx Debuts X-Factor

RAT Worx‘s new X-Factor knives don’t mind if you’re right- or left-handed. This new line of ambidextrous automatics uses a roller chain that pivots on a ceramic ball bearing for fast action. Buttons on either side of the handle will deploy the blade, although only one can be pressed at a time.

From RAT Worx:

The blade is opened with the help of a roller chain and 2 dual nested counter wound springs, down the spine of the handle. The knife can easily be swapped to right or left handed use. The pocket clip is fully ambidextrous for right- or left-hand use as well (You have to modify the knife to switch it to left hand use by removing a couple of screws.)

Also notable is that the identifying information is hidden in the handle design.

SPECS

5 Pieces of Critical Knifemaking Safety Gear

BLADE Staff

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May 23, 2018

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5 Pieces of Critical Knifemaking Safety Gear

Making knives can be gratifying, but it can also be dangerous, dirty labor that requires proper precautions. Here is a selection of gear that can make the knifemaking experience safe and more enjoyable.

If you need a reminder of what can happen if you don’t take safety seriously, read these knife shop horror stories here and here.

Reusable Respirator

Breathing in fine metal particles and wood dust can do serious damage to your lungs over time. While disposable respirators are good products, anyone who grinds and sands frequently needs a higher level of protection. As result, Jantz offers the 3M 7500 series Reusable Respirator.

“The biggest complaint we hear about respirator use is comfort and heat,” Jantz’s Shanna Kemp noted. “3M’s 7500 series solves these problems with a combination of comfort and durability.”

MSRP for both medium and large sizes: $33.95 each. The MSRP for a combination cartridge to complement the unit is $14.95.

Belt Safety Guard

Hawkins Knife Making Supplies offers the Bader B3 Belt Guard, which features an adjustable front hood that minimizes the risk of injury if an abrasive belt should break while in use. Order by phone only. MSRP: $170 (plus shipping and handling).

Forge-Welder Safety Glasses

David Kayne of Blacksmiths Depot says the Didymium Glasses are the company’s best-selling safety item.

“They will save the eyes of anyone who regularly works at temperatures above 2,000°F,” he noted, “forge welding of billets for damascus in particular.” MSRP: $75.

Super Magnet

According to Shannon Edgington of Knife & Gun Finishing Supplies, K&G’s model no. WT12 magnet comes in a 5-inch size and is more than strong enough to hold small pieces of steel against a disc or belt sander.

“The magnets are great ‘finger savers’ for removing the bark or just flattening the surface of steel,” she wrote. MSRP: $19.95.

Heat-Resistant Work Apron

Texas Knifemaker Supply’s heat-treat technician wears the company’s heat-resistant denim work apron to shield himself from the oven’s radiant heat, as well as from the red-hot blades as he checks them for straightness before air quenching.

The heavy-duty denim is nice and thick and has a waistband cord to tie behind the back. One size fits all. The apron also protects clothes from dirt and grime. A handy pen pocket is ideal for telescopic magnets, safety glasses, etc. MSRP: $12.95.

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It Never Disappeared, But The Tactical Fixed Blade Has Long Been Overshadowed By Other Knives. Now It’s Back In A Big Way.

Custom Knife Copies

Rising Tides

Cyclical Nature Of Knife Trends

The Meaning Of Tactical

Options For Collectors

Buy The Knife For You

On This Independence Day We Here At Blade Want To Celebrate All-American Knives

MTech USA 440 Steel USA Design Pocket Knife

Berg American Flag Themed Bowie Knife

Mega Knife American USA Flag Spring-Assisted Folding Open Pocket Knife

CobraTec Knives Small CTK-1 Cerakote American Flag

Modern Artisans 3-Inch Pocket Knife With American Flag Stonework

Victorinox Super Tinker

Orklo Knife Custom Handmade Damascus Folding Pocket Knife

Cabela’s Flag Tanto Blade Folding Knife Two-Pack

KCCEdge 8-Inch Two-Piece Large American Flag Throwing Knife Set

Red Dot Laser Engineering “The Patriot” Folding Knife

ASR Outdoor Patriotic Locking Pocket Knife

Hogue Knives to Launch SIG SAUER-Branded Automatics

RAT Worx Debuts X-Factor

Reusable Respirator

Belt Safety Guard

Forge-Welder Safety Glasses

Super Magnet

Heat-Resistant Work Apron

Learn More About Making Knives

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