Knife collecting is an extremely rewarding experience for knife enthusiasts. There truly is a knife for everyone. Many increase or hold their value throughout the years, making collecting knives something to pass on to the next generation of knife collectors.
The hip kids know that the latest knife video craze involves rusty knives, knife maintenance tools and elbow grease. There’s something strangely satisfying about watching a beater knife that couldn’t fetch a quarter at a garage sale return to its former glory.
Here are the best “rusty knife rescue” videos from around the web.
Keep Your Knives Looking Their Best with This Guide
Find out how author, knife collector, BLADE® Magazine field editor and antique knife authority Richard D. White ranked his favorite price and information guides to collectible knives.
White says he asks a series of questions, such as, “Does the book accurately document a brand history, its years of production, and have enough sidebar histories, distinctive specimens and interesting stories that provide ‘meat to the bone?'” Or, “Is the book a ‘quality publication’? Are the photographs professionally done? Are the line drawings clear, accurately scaled and detailed? Is the book well printed? What about the book’s organization? Does it have a glossary of commonly used terms? Does it include a value guide? Does it have widespread appeal?”
See the August 2015 issue of BLADE for the other titles he names, as well as for the complete, detailed and fascinating story of how he finally came up with a final five.
According to Tristan Dare, the meteorite from which he forged the blade of his push dagger crashed into earth nearly a million years ago. The first fragments were found 87 miles from the Arctic Circle in 1906. He indicated the blade pattern is 100 percent natural and mathematical. “Due to cooling over billions of years in space,” he writes, “the crystalline structure has relaxed from millions of sides to only eight sides,” thus leaving a definitive pattern between the nickel and the iron. (Caleb Royer edited image)
Blade Material: Forged octahedrite meteorite of nickel and iron inlaid with 24k gold
Handle Material: Stabilized mammoth tooth
Seventeen-year-old Tristan Dare’s meteorite push dagger is not only a visual stunner, it is forged from what may be the oldest meteorite ever.
The meteorite is what Tristan says is of the oldest octahedrite variety ever discovered, and, quite possibly, the oldest meteorite ever found on Earth. What’s more, he was able to get the meteorite to retain its pattern after heating, what he says is a rare achievement in and of itself.
“Meteorite is quite often referred to as a ‘magical’ steel, not only because it’s from space but because when it’s heated [over 900°F], the pattern disappears. Forever. But few have experimented to try and keep the pattern—and that’s exactly what I did,” he wrote to BLADE. “After a little help I was able to successfully forge the meteorite, heat treat it, temper it and still keep the pattern. Very few blades have achieved this outcome, and I’m very proud to be the maker of this piece.”
What is Meteorite?
“Meteorite,” “meteor,” “asteroid” and “comet” get thrown around quite a bit, and are often used interchangeably. “Meteorite,” however, refers to something specific.
It’s all about location and size. Roughly speaking, an asteroid is a relatively small body (that isn’t a comet), usually rocky or metallic, composed of dirt and ice. Small asteroids are also called meteoroids. When an asteroid or meteoroid enters the atmosphere and streaks through the sky, it then becomes known as a meteor. Anything that survives the impact is a meteorite.
The Art Knife Invitational—the biennial knife event that made biennial knife events cool—is now under the direction of Barry Lee Hands, and will be Oct. 30, 2021 at the M Hotel Casino Resort and Spa in Las Vegas.
Consisting of some of the world’s top custom knifemakers, each of whom votes on any additions to the group’s membership, the show had been held for many years in San Diego. Spearheaded by BLADE Magazine Cutlery Hall-Of-Fame® member Phil Lobred when it started in 1983 in Reno, Nevada, the AKI was held again in 1984 before undergoing a hiatus until 1993, when it was moved to San Diego. It had been there every other year since.
When Phil passed away in 2016, his daughter Sandee took over the reins and coordinated the show in 2017 and 2019. In a meeting in July, Barry and Sandee discussed moving the show, for one reason because the member makers wanted to try something new. Meanwhile, one thing led to another and the show was in new hands—Barry’s. “I knew my dad admired Barry’s work [Hands is a leading knife and gun engraver], Barry’s experience with running shows, [and his] being the president of the Firearms Engravers Guild of America,” Sandee wrote. “So, we made a deal.
“I will admit it was heartbreaking at first, but when I see the good job Barry is doing on social media, managing things, the new hotel location in Las Vegas—wow!—and with the members voting in really good people, I know that we made the right choice.”
Barry is equally complimentary of Sandee. “I would like to say on behalf of our members that Sandee has been very helpful in the transition,” he observed, “and at AKI she will be an honored and respected show guest.”
Barry indicated the biggest change about AKI is the Vegas move.
“The members voted for a location change before I took over,” he noted, “and when I came in they let me know they still wished to move. With that in mind, and on the suggestion of one of our collectors, which happened to coincide with my own opinion, we chose the M Hotel Casino Resort and Spa. The M is a beautiful hotel and is the closest major property in Las Vegas to Los Angeles.”
Barry takes an aggressive approach to marketing, including a “beefed up” online presence with a “dramatic yet functional” new website. “We also have linked our Instagram @artknifeinvitational page to our Facebook page and are creating new graphics about our members and their work, which we post most every day,” he wrote.
Voting for AKI membership also has been updated. “Some members of the AKI advisory panel told me that since they are busy at the bench and the knife world is so large compared to the past, it is hard for them to know who may be the best to vote in,” he stated. Hence, after many communications they formulated a standard procedure for nominating and voting in new members. The panel approved the proposed rules, put them to a vote and a majority of the members approved them.
If you are a member of AKI, an invited guest or a maker who would like to be considered, submit your nomination at [email protected]. After a review of the nominations, Barry vets and selects a group of six or more. Biographical sheets are written on each maker and sent to the membership and panel for review. After 48 hours, if there are no objections, the group becomes nominees and is voted on by the membership. “The process has occurred four times since July,” Barry wrote. “It has been working very well and our membership seems highly pleased with the results.”
During the changeover, a few members resigned. “Some requested privacy, so respecting that, we will not list their names,” Barry noted. “Their reasons were varied. Some cited age, some preferred other opportunities, and others were not in full agreement with the rules voted in by fellow members.”
The present members are: Ron Appleton; Edmund Davidson; Harvey Dean; Jerry Fisk; Alex Gev; Shaun and Sharla Hansen; Anders Hedlund; Steve Hoel; Dietmar Kressler; Elizabeth Loerchner; Andrew Meers; Tom Overeynder; Bertie Rietveld; Rodrigo Sfreddo; Fabrizio Silvestrelli; Jürgen Steinau; Vasiliy Vorobiev; Owen Wood; and John Young. Guest makers for the 2021 AKI will include Corrado Moro, Veronique Laurent and others.
The Denver Custom Knife Show will include the custom knives of such makers as Jerry McClure, author of “Wild Thing.” (SharpByCoop.com photo)
The 21st Annual Denver Custom Knife Show will feature some of the world’s finest custom knives, knifemakers, custom knife purveyors and knifemaking supply companies this Friday through Sunday, Aug. 16-18, at the Crowne Plaza-DIA in Denver, Colorado.
Bring in the flyer from page 25 of the October BLADE® (www.blademag.com) or page 11 of the November BLADE and receive $2 off on the admission price.
Sponsored by the Professional Knifemakers Association (PKA), the show will include custom folding, hunting, fishing, tactical, kitchen and art knives. Demonstrations will be given on forging and grinding. PKA members’ knives will be presented through a special raffle and door prizes will be given out daily.
The PKA is one of the world’s largest and most prestigious organizations of custom knifemakers, and the PKA Show is among the best knife shows in the Western USA.
Exhibiting knifemakers will include Eddie Baca, Mardi Meshejian, Wayne Hensley, Al Warren, John Bartlow, Eddie Stalcup, Mike “Whiskers” Allen, Mike Mooney, Harvey King, Mike Irie, Don Bell, Steve Rollert, Pete Truncali, Chuck Fraley, Jerry McClure, Mike Tyre, Olamic Cutlery, Fred Ott, Terry Schreiner, Mike Miller, Albert Trujillo, Craig Steketee and many more. Knifemaking supply companies will include Culpepper & Co., Lonestar Knifemaker Supplies, Pop’s Knives & Supply, Fine Turnage Ivory and others. Knife photographer Bob Glassman also will be an exhibitor.
Show hours are 12 to 6 p.m. Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday. Regular admission is $7 for Friday, Saturday and Sunday, and children under 12 are free.
The host hotel room rate is $104 per night. Be sure to mention PKA for the rate single or double. Call 303-371-9494 for reservations.
For more information contact Whiskers or Denise Allen at [email protected] or call 903-489-1026.
For the latest knives and knife news, stay tuned to www.blademag.com.
Keychain Knives Provide Utility And Protection In A Compact Package. There Are Many Quality Keychain Knives At An Affordable Price.
From a conversation piece to the handiest blade available, nothing adds to the everyday carry equation better than the right keychain knife. With little notice until needed, a keychain cutter is ready for action but doesn’t weigh down the pocket or take up too much space in a purse.
Coming in different sizes and blade types, keychain knives are as varied as any other type of everyday carry knife but is smaller and more nimble.
At Outdoor Edge, the MiniGrip, MiniBlaze, and MiniBabe are the same knife differentiated only by color in black, blaze—an orange shade—and pink, respectively. “They’re designed to meet the needs of anyone who needs a small lightweight blade that is always within reach,” Outdoor Edge marketing director William Morgan said. “We designed these knives in three colors to cater to all knife enthusiasts. When we developed this series of knives, we noticed a gap in the market for an affordable and mostly practical small knife that can be easily attached to a keychain or carried in one’s pocket.
The Outdoor Edge MiniGrip, MiniBlaze, and MiniBabe are the same keychain knife differentiated only by color in black, blaze—an orange shade—and pink, respectively. “They’re designed to meet the needs of anyone who needs a small lightweight blade that is always within reach,” related Outdoor Edge marketing director William Morgan.
“We opted to make three colors to accommodate a larger audience,” William continued. “Obviously, the orange is great for high visibility, reducing the chance of losing the knife, while the black is a little more inconspicuous, and the pink seems to be a hit with the female audience.”
Designed in Colorado and sporting a low MSRP, each knife in the Outdoor Edge series includes a 2.2-inch 8Cr13MoV stainless steel blade, rubber TPR handle, 1.4-ounce weight, and 2.9-inch closed length. Each model comes complete with a lanyard that makes attaching it to a keychain easy. Each has an ambidextrous thumb stud for easy one-hand opening as well.
“The razor-sharp blade is up to any task, from opening the latest round of Amazon Prime boxes to cutting rope or even performing field-dressing tasks,” Morgan said. “The rubberized TPR handle serves a few functions. First, this is a small knife, and we were concerned about creating a secure, non-slip grip to avoid accidents. Second, the handle does not jingle against the keys on your keychain, making it a perfect silent addition to anyone’s keys.”
MSRP: $23.95
The Bear Edge 71523
The Bear Edge 71523 from Bear & Son Cutlery complements a substantial line of knives, and company spokesperson Jacob Eaton says it’s a hit. “It’s affordable, compact and a functional tool,” he said. “Customers really like it because it’s lightweight, sharp and just the right size. Plus, you will always know where a knife is when it’s attached to your keys. We find both genders purchasing the Bear Edge 71523, and it fits everyone’s lifestyle.”
The Bear Edge 71523 is a framelock-folding keychain knife with a 2-inch blade of 440 stainless steel and a stainless handle. Weight: 2.3 ounces. Closed length:2.875 inches. The imported knife has an MSRP of $17.99.
The imported 71523 is complete with a two-inch blade of 440 stainless steel, stainless handle, and closed length of 2.875 inches. It’s almost lighter than air at just 2.3 ounces. According to Eaton, the blade length is ideal for typical cutting tasks encountered on a daily basis. “Cutting boxes open, adjusting cordage length and other similar chores are easy with the sturdy framelock design,” he said. “And one can cut confidently.” Another utilitarian feature is the built-in bottle opener.
The company chose the stainless components for durability, and the knife is sized for maximum versatility. “Stainless steel is a timeless design element and proven to stand against wear and tear,” Eaton said. “The finish looks natural on a keychain and doesn’t call attention. The frame pattern was developed to fit comfortably into both large and small hands. The blade is a drop point shape, allowing it to complete most tasks, and the 71523 attaches with a standard split key ring.”
MSRP: $21.49
Al Mar Knives Stinger
The Al Mar Knives (AMK) approach to keychain knives involves easy access and long-term performance, and the Stinger was developed to deliver classic AMK design and function.
Above: The Stinger fixed-blade keychain knife from Al Mar Knives features a 1.3-inch D-2 tool steel blade in a flat grind, a synthetic PP+TPR rubber handle, and dual-injected sheath of the same material. It weighs just .7 of an ounce. Overall length: 3.1 inches.
“This knife is designed to be great at slicing and fast cuts.” — Justin Rabon
“Our Stinger keychain knife is designed for anyone looking for a durable blade they can keep concealed and on hand, with or without pockets,” AMK representative Justin Rabon said. “Our users find creative ways to incorporate these on their bags, gear and keys. We feel this versatility can help reach a wide range of users across many different lifestyles. We want our keychain knives to be practical for the majority of our users. We want to find the needs in the industry and have our knives be the solution to those needs.”
The fixed-blade Stinger comes complete with a snug-fitting sheath and deploys with a push of a button. It features a 1.3-inch D-2 tool steel blade in a flat grind, a PP+TPR rubber handle, and dual-injected sheath of the same material. It weighs just .7 of an ounce. Overall length: 3.1 inches.
“This knife is designed to be great at slicing and fast cuts,” Rabon said. “It can be used for anything where a short, sharp knife is needed. To accomplish these tasks easily and repeatedly, we gave the knife a D-2 blade. D-2 is known for retaining a sharp edge after repeated use. We also designed the Stinger to have Al Mar’s Wedge-style blade. This provides a superior dagger point where needed.”
The AMK Stinger comes complete with a snug-fitting sheath and deploys with an easy push of a button. It comes in red, blue, black and green—and the green really stands out in a crowd.
The Stinger’s finer points add flair and good looks as well. “The four colors that were chosen for the four Stinger knives—red, blue, black and green—were picked to provide variety while staying true to the traditional red and black of Al Mar Knives. The plastics in the handle were chosen to add extra grip and durability.”
Integral to the Stinger design is an eyelet built into the sheath, and sturdy construction prevents failures. “This makes sure the sheath doesn’t detach from the eyelet,” Rabon said, “and also allows you to replace the smaller key loop with a smaller diameter cord if desired. The Al Mar Wedge provides a superior point if needed, and the finger groove at the base of the blade allows the Stinger to sit comfortably in most hands. This improves the fit, feel, and functionality of the knife.”
MSRP: $12-23
Gerber Key Note
Gerber spokesperson Josh Headley said the focus on the company’s Key Note keychain knife is compactness. “We also wanted to add some chisel/scraping capabilities for additional functionality,” he said. “Gender wasn’t a big consideration. We just wanted to make a tool that was worthy of a place in your pocket or purse.”
Also available in black as shown, the Gerber Key Note linerlock keychain knife has a 1-inch blade of satin-finished 5Cr stainless steel that is designed to scrape as well as cut. Handle: aluminum. Weight: 3.98 ounces. Closed length: 2 inches.
Features inherent in the Key Note design brought that idea from the drawing board to reality. “We added the wide clip so that you can also hang keys on your belt,” Headley said. “The knife was designed to not draw too much attention when worn on the clip, but still have a pleasing and almost symmetrical shape. We took a lot of inspiration from the history of Gerber. The overall profile is inspired by the shield logo, as well as Gerber’s past logos and heraldic-naming conventions with a modern twist.”
The Key Note combines function with a tip of the cap to Gerber tradition. With a 1-inch blade of satin-finished 5Cr stainless steel, the knife weighs just 3.98 ounces, and its aluminum handle scales are built to last.
“The primary function of the Key Note is to open packages,” Headley said. “The thought was you get home, grab a package off your porch and open your door. You have the tool set to open your door and open your package in hand.”
The Key Note’s tanto-style blade allows for scraping & chiseling along with cutting.
Available colors add to the Key Note’s appeal for those who look for discretion or want a bit of flash. “We set out to have a modern option and an old-school option for the EDC community,” Headley commented. “The matte-black anodize with the bright contrast from the orange is meant to look at home next to your key fob. The coyote and sage is designed to camouflage among a set of brass keys. We made the scales out of aluminum to increase the strength of the lockup, and so that the weight of the keys won’t knock the blade off balance. To improve longevity, the blade runs on brass washers and operates on a classic linerlock.”
The blade is in a compact tanto style to provide two flat edges that are easy to sharpen. A flat key ring gives an appropriate amount of flexibility between the ring and scales. Several different diameters of rings were tested to determine the best component. A kick-out tab is incorporated to assist in deploying the blade and allow easier opening rather than solely depending on the nail nick.
“The Key Note should be suited to light and medium opening and cutting tasks,” Josh said. “The flat edge on the front can be used to scrape everything from a label to that last bit of errant head gasket. In addition, the front of the scale can be leveraged so that the midpoint of the blade will puncture tape without damaging the contents of a box.”
MSRP: $21.60
Kershaw Cinder
Kershaw Cinder keychain knife.
If there was a knife out there that could be called adorable it’s the Kershaw Cinder, but don’t judge a book by its cover. This knife comes with a blade of 3Cr13 blade steel, and you know with the Kershaw name that it will be a quality knife from blade to handle. An excellent box cutter and utility knife or a protection piece for your keychain or purse, the Cinder plays far bigger than its size. Also, it has an integrated bottle opener and we could always use another of those.
Sypderco has made a nimble keychain knife that feels like it should cost more than it does. At less than three inches in total length, the Bug easily slides onto a keychain and works as an excellent low-profile EDC for protection and whatever else life throws at you.
A flat-ground blade made of 3Cr13MoV stainless steel, the Bug also features a flat, stainless steel handle great for engraving or personalizing for yourself or a friend as a gift. The smallest folding knife made by Spyderco, the Bug delivers in nearly every way.
MSRP: $24.50
SOG Centi II Knife
SOG Centi II Knife
Featuring a lockback design, and a blade coming in at 2.1 inches, the Centi II is a versatile knife fit for your pocket, keychain, or even on a necklace. Strong yet thin, it’s even thinner than your car key, the Centi II is robust enough to tackle any day-to-day tasks you’d expect from any other EDC. The hardcased black finish is gorgeous and adds a sleek design touch to the knife.
Victorinox Classic Swiss Army Knife
Victorinox Classic Swiss Army Knife
When it comes to keychain knives it’s impossible to make a list without the famous Swiss Army Knife. With seven tools and functions built into a body just 2.3 inches in length, the Swiss Army Knife is famous for its versatility and is still one of the gold standards of keychain knives.
With tools made of stainless steel that include a small blade, scissors, and a nail file with a screwdriver, the Swiss Army Knife can handle pretty much any situation life can throw at you where you’d need a quick tool. The classics become classics for a reason, and you can’t go wrong with a Swiss Army Knife on your keychain or in your pocket.
The Grant presentation sword sold of $330,000 at auction. It was originally presented to the Union general when he took command of the Federal Army in 1864. (Butterfield image)
Editor’s note: The following appeared in the July/August 1990 edition of BLADE magazine. Note that the record-setting price is now outdated. Read more from the archives with this collection.
The value of a sword owned by a United States president depends first on whether the item’s provenance can be confirmed. Popularity of the president can also play a role. The more popular, or at least well known, the president, the higher the price. The significance of the sword in history matters as well. The materials used in the sword can be important, but context matters most.
Here’s one example.
Ulysses S. Grant’s Sword Sells for $330,000
A jeweled sword originally presented to Gen. Ulysses S. Grant recently set a world record for auctioned American swords when it sold for $330,000 at the San Francisco gallery of Butterfield & Butterfield Auctioneers and Appraisers.
As much as the sword fetched, however, the dollar amount does not approach the world auction record for all swords of $51.2 million for a sword that belonged to the Duke of Windsor, according to Greg Martin, one of the organizers of the San Francisco event.
Part of a Larger Antique Sword Auction
Ulysses S. Grant served as the 18th president of the United States. (public domain image)
The Grant piece was but one of 210 swords – which Martin said may be a record for the number of swords bought at one auction – sold in San Francisco. All told the sale brought about $900,000 in bids and included pieces from the Revolutionary War period up to the turn of the century.
“It was a historic sale because it involved three sword collections in one,” Martin explained. Those collections included 30 pieces that one belonged to Jay Altmayer of Mobile, Alabama, presentation pieces every one, including the Grant sword; 70 eagle head swords from the collection of E. Andrew Mowbray, who has written a book on eagle head swords; and 110 swords – including a sword presented to Col. Charles C. De Rudio of Gen. George Armstrong Custer’s 7th Cavalry that sold for $42,500 (plus 10 percent) at auction – from the collection of Peter Buxtun, a sword-collecting veteran of 30 years.
Origins of Grant Sword
But it is the Grant sword that grabbed the headlines. The sword’s ornate silver handle is fashioned in the shape of the winged Goddess of Victory, a laurel chaplet held in place by her left hand, over her head a spread American eagle. Medallion-like counter guards form at the goddess’ feet, where a gold-mounted amethyst sets atop a gold plaque that reads: “Presented to Lieut. General Ulysses S. Grant by his Friends in Kentucky in Recognition of their great Faith in Leadership and Appointment as General in Chief of the Armies of the United States.”
Made by Canfield & Co. of Baltimore, the piece’s hilt and scabbard are in excellent condition, while the blade has some small pitted areas and overall light rust. According to the auction program, the inscription on the presentation plaque was possible freshened at one time.
The Civil War and Grant’s Sword
Learn more about knife history in this collection of BLADE back issues, dating back to 1973.
Grant’s Kentucky connection is significant. Educated in Maysville and having relatives that settled in the Bluegrass State, Grant was determined to keep Kentucky in the Union. On Sept. 5, 1861, he learned of a Confederate plan to invade Paducah, Kentucky, located at the juncture of the Tennessee and Ohio rivers near the mouth of the Cumberland River.
That evening, he assembled an expedition that landed federal troops the next day at Paducah before the Rebel invasion. On Sept. 7, the Kentucky Legislature voted to keep the state in the Union. Grant had prevented the South from claiming Kentucky and establishing the Confederate northern border on the Ohio River. It was his first major victory.
White says he asks a series of questions, such as, “Does the book accurately document a brand history, its years of production, and have enough sidebar histories, distinctive specimens and interesting stories that provide ‘meat to the bone?'” Or, “Is the book a ‘quality publication’? Are the photographs professionally done? Are the line drawings clear, accurately scaled and detailed? Is the book well printed? What about the book’s organization? Does it have a glossary of commonly used terms? Does it include a value guide? Does it have widespread appeal?”
![8 Affordable, Cool, And Compact Keychain Knives [2022]](https://blademag.com/wp-content/uploads/Screen-Shot-2021-03-18-at-1.21.33-PM-768x577.png "8 Affordable, Cool, And Compact Keychain Knives [2022]")
