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.
I’d like to invite everyone to attend the American Bladesmith Society Knife Expo next weekend in historic downtown San Antonio, Texas, August 20-21, 2010. I’ll be a table holder for the first time at this show and will have at least four folders with my own damascus. Drop me an email at [email protected] if you’ll be able to attend, and be sure and stop by the table a say hello.
ABS 2nd All Forged Blade Exposition
August 20 – 21, 2010
Sheraton Gunter San Antonio
205 East Houston Street
San Antonio, Texas 78205
800-325-3535 www.gunterhotel.com
Now we all know that knifemakers are innovative, and we’ve seen incredible creativity in design, blade grinding, handle materials, damascus forging, one-hand-opening folder mechanisms, locks and gadgets. Trends don’t just happen without innovation. But using a radioactive isotope of hydrogen on a knife? One called tritium that contains one proton and two neutrons, an isotope that is rare on earth where trace amounts are formed by the interaction of the atmosphere with cosmic rays? Does it sound like science fiction? No, it’s non-fiction, real life, and true that some knifemakers inlay tritium into knife handles because it glows, looks incredibly cool and might actually help a guy stumbling around in the dark find his knife.
That last part might be a stretch, but it’s not the first time knifemakers have looked to the stars to find knife handle and blade material. They’ve been forging meteorite into knife blades and using it in handles for millennia. There’s mystique and legend surrounding ancient Egypt, and Tutankhamun, who had meteorite forged into a blade before the use of iron, of gold/meteorite knives among the Mongols or James Black using meteorite in Col. James Bowie’s blades.
More commonly, knifemakers shape and often anodize titanium, using it for bolsters, liners and handles, or laminate two or more titanium alloys into patterns resembling damascus and resulting in what is known as Timascus. Various alloys color differently by heating or anodizing them, so the color combinations are endless, like the stars in the sky, the cosmos and the galaxies beyond.
This article was excerpted from the Trends section of the KNIVES 2016 annual book. For more incredible knife images and information like it, click here to get your copy of KNIVES 2016, and enjoy!
For Those Willing to Wait (a Little): Realsteel Knives Relict
The Relict, from Realsteel Knives, won’t be out until May 18, but it’s already catching some buzz. Full specs aren’t available yet, but the company did have this to say on its Facebook page:
Named purposely after its design features, that include a bullet cartridge opener, extendable clip and splicingly sharp S35VN cutting edge, the Relict takes Eastern European designs of past and adds that extra bit of class to them.
Because the Relict sits on the higher end of Realsteel’s catalog, expect it to go for a few hundred dollars when it hits shelves.
For the Bushcrafter: Condor Tool & Knife Headstrong
The Headstrong, from Condor Tool & Knife, sports a 1095 blade, a choice steel for bushcrafters and survivalist types who enjoy versatility in their sharpening methods. That the blade is uncoated may speak to the aesthetic preference of its designer, Joe Flowers, but it’s worth noting because of how passionate bushcrafters are about their knives.
It’s small, it only comes in one color and it comes with a firesteel. It’s Morakniv’s Eldris Limited Edition 2018.
In addition to its collectibility, the Eldris is basically a high-functioning fire-starting kit. A small fixed blade knife replaces an otherwise single-purpose striker. An aubergine handle and sheath (that’s a color similar to eggplant, not a material) suggests a female user, but there’s no reason to pigeonhole this kit in that way. If you need a fire in a pinch, the last thing on your mind will be aubergine. It’s too hard to spell anyway.
For the Mil-Tac Crowd: Bear OPS New AC-551-B4-B Tactical Automatic Knife
It won’t ship outside of Alabama, but maybe an authorized dealer can wrap your hands around the G10 on Bear OPS’s new AC-551-B4-B. That’s a mouthful to say, so Bear OPS gave it the “Bold Action V” name, too.
No matter what you call it, it continues Bear OPS’s line of autos at economical prices.
For Collectors: Victorinox Deluxe Tinker Damast Limited Edition 2018
Part of the appeal of Swiss army knives (SAK) is their bang-for-buck factor. They’re affordable and offer loads of utility. But what about higher end SAKs for collectors interested in another kind of value?
Collectors should take note of the Deluxe Tinker Damast Limited Edition 2018, from Victorinox. It offers the same multi-tool platform SAK fans expect, plus features that wouldn’t look out of place at a black-tie event.
From Victorinox:
This year’s limited edition Damast Swiss Army Knife features the “Ladder” Damast pattern forged from an impressive 333 layers of steel and is complimented by plum wood scales with a metal inlay cross + shield. The 2018 model marks the first use of plum wood and the first Damast edition with combination pliers.
How to get the most from your knives on social media platforms.
It’s immediate. It’s visual. It’s effective.
These are just a few of the attributes that describe the impact of social media on modern life. Whatever the topic, some form of social media allows participants, observers, critics and commentators to weigh in, expressing their views and—of course—buying and selling.
For instance, the platform of Instagram has become a prominent factor in the marketing of many custom knifemakers, purveyors and collectors, and the reasons for the phenomenon are varied. They center around the immediacy, visual quality and effectiveness in showcasing and selling, developing a following, and generally in raising a knifemaker’s profile in the all-important marketplace. Setting up an Instagram account is simple, cost-effective and for many generates the desired results.
“Instagram and other social media platforms are an excellent way to put yourself in the public’s eye,” noted purveyor/ABS master smith Dave Ellis of exquisiteknives.com. “Through good knife photography, clear and precise descriptions of the same, and reasonable follow-up you can publicize your products as well as introduce your website. TikTok is rapidly gaining popularity, and YouTube is an excellent way to achieve your goal of spreading the gospel of custom knives.”
“I do videos and tutorials and just basically little blurbs of me building a knife,” Kim Breed commented. “Tutorials let people know this is why I charge what I charge, the little steps that you do when you’re making a knife.” ABS master smith Steve Randall grinds a blade in his shop. (Steve Randall image)
Kim Breed, knifemaker and BLADE® field editor, uses Instagram to generate sales and promote awareness among the buying public while also offering some insights into the knifemaking process. The value of experience is levered through the visual, and everybody gains.
“I do videos and tutorials and just basically little blurbs of me building a knife,” Kim commented. “I show the blade when I’m finished grinding and then the final product. That’s when it is put up for sale. Tutorials let people know this is why I charge what I charge, the little steps that you do when you’re making a knife. For example, when you’re forging you can show that process.”
Breed, whose videos are available on Instagram at kimbreed1911, advises that would-be Instagram users monitor their posts, beware of hashtags that are too generic, and frequently assess the return on their investment of time.
“A lot depends on the hashtags,” he said. “People can copy stuff, come up with a fake account, or hack into anything. Once you start, you’ve got to stay on it. I’ve gotten messages that don’t make sense, and you can catch situations where people have set up fake accounts and used your pictures to get people to send money first when they are scamming. Check every hashtag you do and make sure it’s going to a knife site. That was something I’ve picked up in the five or six years I’ve been doing Instagram.”
For those who choose to display their wares on Instagram or any other social media, Ellis recommends, “Scammers are everywhere, so do your due diligence and look deeper into anything that looks too good to be true. Haters are very common, so expect some negative comments and take them in stride. Getting into a heated battle only fuels the folks that like to fan the flames, so keep a cool head and remember that your goal is to promote the use and collecting of custom knives as an art form and tool.”
Knife Makers & Knife Collectors Connect
ABS master smith Neels van den Berg, who runs Black Dragon Forge based in South Africa, keeps his Instagram use in perspective. There are obvious positives and potential pitfalls, but he sees an incredible opportunity to raise visibility.
Showcase your knives as tools for culinary use, outdoor adventures or collectible art. The BBQ Chef’s Knife by Matt Williams has a 9-inch blade of 400-layer damascus forged from 1084 carbon and 15N20 nickel-alloy steels. Overall length: 15 inches.
“Instagram is a free platform designed primarily for sharing photos and videos to foster social interaction,” Neels commented. “Users can reasonably expect to engage with its 2.11 billion users worldwide by uploading and interacting with content through likes, comments and direct messages [DMs#]. However, it’s important to understand that Instagram’s core purpose isn’t sales, it’s connection. Social media users should approach the platform as a tool for storytelling, networking, and building a community rather than expecting it to function as a direct sales engine. Understanding this distinction is critical when crafting a marketing strategy for your business.”
According to van den Berg, Instagram can amplify a knifemaker’s reach, create brand awareness and build credibility, which may lead to sales. But these are byproducts of fostering genuine engagement and building relationships through the platform.
“For a knife business or hobby, this means showcasing the passion and craftsmanship behind your work,” Neels remarked. “People will follow you for who you are—your skills, values and story—not just for what you have to sell. Social media users are often turned off by hard sales pitches, so the focus should be on creating content that resonates emotionally or intellectually with your audience. While sales might be part of the eventual outcome, it shouldn’t be the primary intent. Instead, aim to captivate your audience by showing the process behind your craft: the highs and lows, the struggles and triumphs, and the sheer joy of creating. When you build this level of connection, your products naturally become a way for followers to support you rather than a commodity you’re trying to sell.”
Videos of forging are another great way to demonstrate how knives are made and build interest among viewers. (Lin Rhea image)
The secret to Instagram and social media success is certainly influenced by the delivery. Setting up a presence and presenting a perspective on the maker’s work and creative journey do make a difference.
“Users should expect to display their point of view in a clear and cohesive way,” related ABS master smith Nick Rossi of Vassalboro, Maine-based Nick Rossi Knives. “That means who they are, what they make, and why they make it. Social media is a relatively efficient way to project that to a potential customer. Sales and cultivating a customer are byproducts of that action.”
Setting Social Media Goals
Finding the right combination of social media outlets depends on the knifemaker’s perspective. Analyzing what the maker hopes to achieve drives the investment of time and attention.
“The best social media platform depends entirely on your goals, audience and the type of content you want to share,” van den Berg observed. “Each platform serves different purposes and attracts unique demographics, so a thoughtful combination works best.
According to Neels van den Berg, using in-progress shots can sidestep direct visual triggers while still highlighting a maker’s work. In his version of frame handle construction, bladesmith Salem Straub uses a threaded fastener in an internal slot in the frame to mechanically lock all the parts together tightly. (Salem Straub image)
“I have three primary goals on Instagram: 1) Showcasing my craftsmanship—I aim to highlight the intricate details and artistry of my creations, emphasizing their quality and uniqueness. This draws attention to the skill and effort behind each piece, making my work stand out in a crowded marketplace; 2) Building my brand identity—My goal is to establish a recognizable and authentic brand that resonates within the knifemaking community. This isn’t about a logo or maker’s mark, it’s about the story, values and personality behind my work; 3) Engaging with my community—Social media is about relationships. By actively participating in discussions, responding to DMs and comments and sharing insights, I foster a sense of community among knife enthusiasts and artisans.”
To achieve his goals, Neels relies on high-quality visual content, educational posts, consistent branding, and authentic interaction through responses to comments or joining a relevant conversation.
Ellis commented, “For retail sales, I prefer TikTok and YouTube. By utilizing every media that you can, your products are constantly put in front of not only the buying public, but you are also promoting yourself to show promoters and attendees.” Instagram and Facebook are the priorities for Rossi “because that’s what most of my customers use.”
He added, “I only have time to manage two platforms on top of being a professional craftsperson. For collecting and very niche topics, Facebook groups provide a wealth of knowledge. I have a private Facebook group for only my online and in-person students that has worked very well for advice and troubleshooting.”
“I want people to think of me as a skillful knifemaker with a focus on forging, a maker of interesting and innovative knives, and an experienced educator,” noted ABS master smith Nick Rossi, here giving a class on how to hand rub a blade to a satin finish in a BLADE University class.
Variations of content help keep social media posts entertaining and business related, and encourage a possible exchange of information.
“We live in a world of short, informative, and, let’s face it, lively. Clicks mean interaction, potential video formats,” Rossi observed. “Attention spans have grown shorter, and social media users have come to expect shorter, action-packed video. If you are going to have narration, subtitles are important. Users want the option of viewing without sound. Choosing popular songs may help your videos pop up in the algorithm more readily. I want people to think of me as a skillful knifemaker with a focus on forging, a maker of interesting and innovative knives, and an experienced educator. Each post focuses on one of those three things.”
Social Media Do’s And Don’ts
An awareness of certain standards provides knifemakers with extra assurance that their posts meet the chosen platform’s guidelines and minimize the risk of being flagged or taken down. Though Breed said he has done well with Instagram sales, the limitations of filters can have negative effects on viewership.
“Filters can hurt a knifemaker, so before you might get 100,000 or 200,000 views,” he said, “but you can’t do that if you picture a knife as an item of war, and watch out what you say about politics and whatever. Stay away from there.” Ellis agrees. “Stay away from animals or any violent visuals when posting,” he added. “Stick to the art or utilitarian uses for custom knives, and you should be OK.”
For van den Berg, compliance and creative communication are essential to success when visualizing or discussing knife-related topics on social media.
“The key is to reframe how your work is presented, ensuring that it aligns with platform guidelines while still engaging your audience,” he remarked. “Avoid flagged terms like ‘knife,’ ‘blade,’ or ‘weapon,’ and instead use neutral or creative alternatives such as ‘tool,’ ‘craft,’ or ‘functional art.’ These terms emphasize the artistry and utility of your pieces, shifting focus away from their potential as weapons. Repositioning your knives within broader contexts is another effective tactic. Showcase them as tools for culinary use, outdoor adventures or collectible art. Using in-progress shots, close-ups of handles, or images that emphasize materials and craftsmanship can sidestep direct visual triggers while still highlighting your work.”
Another knifemaker option is to place the work in context.
Knifemaker/BLADE® field editor Kim Breed advises that would-be Instagram users monitor their posts, beware of hashtags that are too generic, and frequently assess the return on their investment of time.
“To further circumvent restrictions, use storytelling and indirect messaging,” Neels encouraged. “Instead of explicitly saying, ‘Check out my new knife,’ share the inspiration behind the design or challenges faced during its creation. Platforms like Instagram and TikTok, which favor storytelling and visual diversity, are ideal for this approach. Additionally, private groups, email newsletters, or niche forums provide safer spaces to share uncensored content with your core audience.”
Reaching as many followers, shoppers, and potential buyers as possible, custom knifemakers who take advantage of social media routinely find that the reward is in lock step with the attention and time devoted to originate and maintain a strong presence. For those who manage it well, social media exists in the present and will remain a formidable asset in the future.
From historic clashes to modern conflict, these fierce custom blades prove there is still a profound amount of art in the tools of war.
Since the dawn of man, the edge of the blade has been used to hash out disputes between everything from clans and tribes all the way to nations. While not the main battle implement in today’s conflict, the martial nature of the knife remains. This particular collection of fierce customs demonstrates there is a heap of art in war.
Caleb Ledford Long Sword
An electric 1084/15N20/mild steel Turkish-twist damascus defines the 31-inch blade of Caleb Ledford’s long sword. Lightening the sizable slicer’s load is a tapered fuller running on its midline. The handle is a pitch-black ebony, and the guard and pommel are cold-blued mild steel.
Jacco Van de Bruinhorst San Francisco Bowie
With matching blade and inserts, Jacco Van de Bruinhorst’s take on the San Francisco bowie is an elegant Barbary Coast brawler. The Canadian maker used ProCut/1084 to create what he calls a “snakeskin pattern.” If you study closely, the inserts harken back to the gold rush days with 24k gold inlay.
Jim Poling Dirk
Commissioned by a descendant of King James IV of Scotland, journeyman smith Jim Poling’s walnut-handled dirk appears freshly plucked from the highlands. The dagger boasts a 13-inch 1084/15N20 twist damascus blade, antiqued mild steel fittings and coin-edged nickel spacers.
Andrew Blomfield Pesh Kabz
Master smith Andrew Blomfield has taken more than one stab at the pesh kabz in his career, and lands the blow with this 11.5-inch bladed example. The eye-catching mosaic blade is contrasted by the very conservative tones of the purple gidgee handle and blackened steel bolster. A traditional flourish, brass blossoms are on the handle’s pins.
Michael Deibert Wakizashi
Alabama-based journeyman smith Michael Deibert brings traditional Japanese styling to life with this striking Wakizashi. The 18-inch blade features 1,100 layers of 1080/15N20 steel, paired with a wrought iron bolster. A classic stingray and an Ito-wrap handle complete the 28-inch overall build.
Nate “Tuna” Grant Pocket Fixed Blade
Nate “Tuna” Grant Pocket Fixed Blade
Journeyman smith Nate “Tuna” Grant delivers a compact powerhouse with the Defender. This 7.375-inch overall fixed blade features a 4-inch flat-ground blade forged from 1084/15N20 steel in a striking diamond drop pattern. The build is finished with rich Mun ebony scales.
Emmett Eitreim Dagger
Emmett Eitreim presents a refined 12-inch overall dagger featuring a 7-inch flat-ground blade. The steel is a striking rose pattern forged from 15N20/1084, complemented by a 954 aluminum bronze guard and pommel. A stabilized spalted maple handle completes this elegant, high-contrast build.
Check Out More Cool Customs:
Cool Custom: Tony Lewis’ Tribute Knife To Steve Dunn
Cool Customs: Rocco Nawrocki’s Knife For Sergeant Bunker
We collected a group of custom creations that showcase the leaps in synthetic handles.
When you think synthetic handle materials, factory knives probably come to mind. However, synthetics play a larger role in custom knives all the time. Synthetic handles don’t swell or crack from the elements like some natural materials and are outstanding for use. As reflected by the pieces on this and the facing page, they look pretty good, too.
Darriel Caston Ultem
Ultem comprises the grip of Darriel Caston’s fixed utility model in CPM S35VN stainless steel. Blade and overall lengths: 4 and 9 inches. Sheath: Kydex. (SharpByCoop image)
Michael Jarvis Pocket Bowie XL
A G-10 coffin handle steers the AEB-L stainless blade of the Pocket Bowie XL by Michael Jarvis. (Jocelyn Frasier image)
Dustin Driver WISC
Dustin Driver opts for titanium for the handle and frame of his WISC folder. The 3.5-inch blade is hollow-ground CPM MagnaCut stainless steel. Closed length: 4.5 inches. (SharpByCoop image)
Kirby Lambert Phoenix
Kirby Lambert’s Phoenix folder sports a handle of Westinghouse Ivorite paper Micarta® with 6Al/4V titanium liners and a 3.25-inch blade of hollow-ground Reptilian damascus by Vegas Forge. Bolster: Timascus™. Closed length: 4.25 inches. (SharpByCoop image)
Maverick Murdock Dress Slip Joint
A handle of black paper Micarta® with straight twist damascus bolsters over a brass frame house a 3-inch blade of CPM 154 stainless on ABS apprentice smith Maverick Murdock’s dress slip joint. Hardware: titanium. Closed length: 4 inches. (SharpByCoop image)
Harold Parsons Skinner
Green Micarta® and G-10 liners highlight the handle of a skinner in 440C stainless steel by Harold Parsons, who also engraved the bolster. Blade and overall lengths: 4.25 and 9 inches. (Jocelyn Frasier image)
Erik Fritz Slip Joint
ABS journeyman smith Erik Fritz chose burlap Micarta® with 416 stainless steel liners and bolsters for what for him is a new direction: a slip joint. The 2.75-inch blade is flat-ground CPM 154 stainless. Closed length: 3.75 inches. His price for a similar knife: $500. (Jocelyn Frasier image)
