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Knife Collecting

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.

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Knife Of The Day XX: Bill’s Knee Knife

Steve Shackleford
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Veteran knifemaker Bill Herndon long has put a little bit of himself into each of the knives he builds, but his Bill’s Knee Knife takes the concept to new heights.

    Also a contributor to BLADE® Magazine, Herndon, who goes by the acronym of OFAU (Old, Fat And Ugly), employed a part of his surgically removed knee bone as an escutcheon for the handle of his reproduction of an antique bowie knife.

    “At the time of my first of four knee surgeries, I asked the surgeon to save the bone he removed from my left knee. After the two small pieces of bone were delivered and dried, I asked Ken McFall of Knife & Gun Finishing Supplies to stabilize the bone. He did so but under protest!” Herndon noted, doing his best to keep a straight knee, er, face. “Some eight years later, I decided to put that bone to use. The inlaid helm—my logo—in the ebony handle on this Samuel Bell bowie reproduction is the result. I have really put a part of myself in this knife!”

    For more information, e-mail Bill at [email protected].

For more on the latest knives, knife legislation, knifemaking instruction, knife trends, knifemakers, what knives to buy and where and much more, subscribe to BLADE Magazine, the World’s No. 1 Knife Publication. For subscription information click on http://www.shopblade.com/product/blade-magazine-one-year-subscripti…?r+ssfb032312#BL1SU.

SGT. DAKOTA MEYER’S KNIFE

Steve Shackleford
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In recognition of his military actions in Afghanistan on behalf of his fellow servicemen and his country that resulted in his receiving the Congressional Medal of Honor, U.S. Army Sgt. Dakota Meyer was presented with a custom knife made by Gene Baskett, a custom AR-15 rifle, and honorary membership in the Knifemakers’ Guild.

    During a special ceremony this past December in Elizabethtown, Kentucky, Baskett, formerly of Elizabethtown and now of Eastview, Kentucky, presented Sgt. Meyer with a Baskett handmade knife, a custom fighter with a black Moly-Coated CPM-154 stainless blade and a black linen Micarta® handle. The knife is engraved “MOH, Sgt. Dakota Meyer, USMC” on the mark side and “8 September 2009, Kunar Province Afghanistan” on the flip side. The engraving is by Patrick Clark of Clark Jewelers, also of Elizabethtown. Richardson Gunsmithing did the Moly Coating.

    In all, Baskett said he got to spend about three hours with Sgt. Meyer the day of the presentations. “He really loved the knife,” Baskett observed. “He was really appreciative and seemed very humbled by it all.”

    J.J. Akins and Steve Sprowls of Elizabethtown’s Sporter Express gun shop presented Sgt. Meyer with the custom-engraved rifle. The gun is engraved “Rifle presented by the citizens of Hardin County, KY. Sergeant Dakota Meyer, USMC. 8 September 2009. Kunar Province Afghanistan. Congressional Medal of Honor,” and was donated by Sporter Express.

    A member of the Guild’s board of directors, Baskett also presented Sgt. Meyer with a custom Guild honorary membership badge that includes the worlds “Medal of Honor Recipient” and the Marine Corps emblem.

ACTS OF HEROISM

Sgt. Meyer was born and raised in Columbia, Kentucky. He entered the Marine Corps after high school in 2006. On Sept. 8, 2009, Sgt. Meyer, then a corporal, was credited with numerous acts of heroism and saving the lives of several Marines in a battle near the village of Ganjgal in Afghanistan (see sidebar, page ???). As a result, Meyer was awarded the Medal of Honor in a ceremony at the White House on Sept. 15, 2011.

    Sgt. Meyer spoke to a small crowd and the media during the ceremony in Elizabethtown, saying he does not consider himself a hero and that the Medal of Honor and what it represents is much bigger than him. His actions on “the worst day of my life” may have saved several fellow Marines, though he said he could not save four of his close friends in his unit. He wears a bracelet bearing their names.

    The Americans who died in the ambush were: 1st Lt. Michael Johnson, 25, Virginia Beach, Virginia; Staff Sgt. Aaron Kenefick, 30, Roswell, Georgia; Hospital Corpsman Third Class James R. Layton, 22, Riverbank, California; and Gunnery Sergeant Edwin Wayne Johnson Jr., 31, Columbus, Georgia. A fifth soldier, Army Sgt. 1st Class Kenneth W. Westbrook, 41, Shiprock, New Mexico, later died from his wounds.

    Sgt. Meyer received the Medal of Honor in a ceremony at the White House on Sept. 15, 2011. When a White House staffer contacted him to arrange the ceremony, Sgt. Meyer famously asked to “have a beer with the President.” Sgt. Meyer received an invitation to the White House the afternoon before the ceremony (see sidebar, page ???). He also requested that when he was honored, simultaneous services should be held at other applicable locations to honor the memory of his fellow service members who died or were mortally wounded during the ambush and his rescue attempts.

    Sgt. Meyer is the third living recipient of the Medal of Honor since the Vietnam War, and the first living Marine in 38 years to be so honored. In addition to the Medal of Honor, he also received the Purple Heart, Navy Commendation Medal w/Combat V, the Navy Achievement Medal and the Combat Action Ribbon during his years of service from 2006-2010.

MILLION DOLLAR CHALLENGE

Sgt. Meyer uses his fame to raise money to provide college scholarships to the childen of those soldiers who did not survive the war. His goal is to raise $1 million for his “Million Dollar Challenge” (see sidebar, page ???). During the presentation ceremony, Sporter Express presented a check for $750 toward that goal.—BY MIKE CARTER

For more information on the Million Dollar Challenge, visit www.dakotameyer.com. For more on Gene Baskett knives, contact Gene Baskett, Dept. BL12, 427 Sutzer Ck. Rd., Eastview, KY 42732 270-862-5019 www.baskettknives.com.

To stay abreast of the latest in knives and knife information, subscribe to BLADE® at http://www.shopblade.com/blade-magazine-one-year-subscription-us?lid=SSfbbl101212

Keeping Up With Dakota Meyer

It is not often a living U.S. Marine receives the Congressional Medal of Honor, and Sgt. Dakota Meyer is the first one to do so in 38 years. Neither is he one to rest on his laurels.

    For instance, he has partnered with the Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation (MCSF) to raise money so the children of Marines can attend college. Sgt. Meyer said he realizes the importance of education and believes in the MCSF motto, “Honoring Marines by Educating Their Children.” The Dakota Meyer Scholarship Initiative was established and Sgt. Meyer committed to personally raising a million dollars to fund the effort. In fact, during the MCSF’s 50th anniversary celebration this past spring, it was announced that he had successfully reached his goal of raising a million dollars. The Challenge to America to match the million dollars Sgt. Meyer raised is ongoing. To learn more about it and to make a donation visit www.dakotameyer.com

    He indicated he was honored President Obama accepted his invitation to have a beer the afternoon before the Medal of Honor ceremony. (As a side note, Sgt. Meyer said the White House brews its own beer, a honey ale, which he said both he and the president enjoyed.) He added he appreciated the opportunity to speak with and ask advice from the president. The president emphasized the importance of education, a priority Sgt. Meyer shares. In fact, Sgt. Meyer said he hopes to continue his education when his travel schedule slows down.

    Meanwhile, he spends much of his time on the road, traveling all over America to share the story of his fallen brothers. He also advocates for veterans and has recently partnered with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and Toyota on the Hiring Our Heroes campaign, which provides jobs fairs for veterans nationwide, as well as training veterans to successfully make the transition from military to civilian employment. At press time, Sgt. Meyer’s book Into the Fire was slated to be published this September.

Above and Beyond The Call

 According to Dakota Meyer’s citation for the Medal of Honor, he was recognized, “For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the repeated risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty as a member of Marine Embedded Training Team 2-8, Regional Corps Advisory Command 3-7, in Kunar Province, Afghanistan, on 8 September 2009.

    “When the forward element of his combat team began to be hit by intense fire from roughly 50 Taliban insurgents dug in and concealed on the slopes above Ganjgal village, [then] Corporal Meyer mounted a gun-truck, enlisted a fellow Marine to drive, and raced to attack the ambushers and aid the trapped Marines and Afghan soldiers. During a six-hour firefight, Corporal Meyer single-handedly turned the tide of the battle, saved 36 Marines and soldiers and recovered the bodies of his fallen brothers.

    “Four separate times he fought the kilometer up into the heart of a deadly U-shaped ambush. During the fight he killed at least eight Taliban, personally evacuated 12 friendly wounded, and provided cover for another 24 Marines and soldiers to escape likely death at the hands of a numerically superior and determined foe.

    “On his first foray his lone vehicle drew machine gun, mortar, rocket grenade and small arms fire while he rescued five wounded soldiers. His second attack disrupted the enemy’s ambush and he evacuated four more wounded Marines. Switching to another gun-truck because his was too damaged, they again sped in for a third time, and as turret gunner he killed several Taliban attackers at point blank range and suppressed enemy fire so 24 Marines and soldiers could break out.

    “Despite being wounded, he made a fourth attack with three others to search for missing team members. Nearly surrounded and under heavy fire, he dismounted the vehicle and searched house-to-house to recover the bodies of his fallen team members. By his extraordinary heroism, presence of mind amidst chaos and death, and unselfish devotion to his comrades in the face of great danger, Corporal Meyer reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service.”

 

TOP PHOTO AND SECOND PHOTO FROM TOP

Congressional Medal-of-Honor recipient Sgt. Dakota L. Meyer recently was presented with a Gene Baskett handmade knife. The custom fighter has a black Moly-Coated CPM-154 stainless blade and a black linen Micarta® handle. The knife is engraved “MOH, Sgt. Dakota Meyer, USMC” on the mark side. The engraving is by Patrick Clark. Richardson Gunsmithing did the Moly Coat. (photo of Sgt. Meyer courtesy of the United States Marine Corps; knife photo by Mike Carter)

 

The 31st Annual American Edge Collectors Association Show

BLADE Staff
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The 31st Annual American Edge Collectors Association Show

Use A Hunting Knife Designed by Russ Kommer

Steve Shackleford
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Use A Hunting Knife Designed by Russ Kommer

A hunting knife is great—and when you use a hunting knife designed by an Alaskan hunting guide who also happens to be a knifemaker, that’s even better.

The Alaskan Skinner designed by Russ Kommer for Timberline.
A hot hunting knife is just what the doctor ordered—the Alaskan Skinner designed by Russ Kommer for Timberline.

The Alaskan Skinner from Timberline is a hunting knife designed by knifemaker Russ Kommer, who also is a long-time Alaskan hunting guide. Kommer spent most of his youth in the Minnesota north woods hunting, trapping and fishing. Idaho is where he got his start as a big-game guide in the Selway-Bitterroot Mountains. He took his passion for hunting to Alaska in 1984—which is where he also discovered his love of knives, particularly the hunting knife design, after dressing big game. He learned to design the most functional and comfortable hunting knife he could and started making versions of them in 1997.

Kommer’s custom knives include the hunting knife/skinner, camp knives, folders, “unique” fillet knives, fighters, boot knives, bowies, hatchets and tactical knives. In addition to Timberline, Kommer also has designed knives for CRKT, including the Signature line of hunting knife, and the Escalade and Extreme Mountain hunting knife models for Browning

The Alaskan Skinner features what is called an upswept blade with a hollow grind—great for high-performance field dressing, skinning and other chores associated with big game. Besides that, it will also help you prepare your meals in camp and do the other cutting chores that need doing outdoors.

The blade steel is a 440 stainless that fights corrosion and is relatively easy to sharpen compared to steels such as CPM S30V and others. The handle is a soft Zytel rubber with a palm swell to fill your hand, and finger grooves and a bird’s beak pommel to lock your hand in for any number of cutting tasks, from light slicing to heavy-duty cutting. Overall length: 9.625 inches. A black ballistic nylon sheath with belt loop is both handsome, durable and secure. Weight (including the sheath): 13.5 ounces.

Click here for more about this Russ Kommer hunting knife.

The Rise Of Tactical Fixed Blade

Les Robertson
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The Rise Of Tactical Fixed Blade

The author explains why tactical fixed blades will “come into focus” in 2025.

It’s 2025, and no doubt the new year will bring many changes. The same can be said for custom knives.

I was interviewed for a recent article in BLADE®. I was asked my opinion about several custom knife market sectors and how they would perform in the new year. As with any collectible market, interest in specific sectors ebb and flow with time.

The year past started to see a shift in the custom knife market. Specifically, it was because of inflation impacting most everyone’s daily lives. Multi-thousand-dollar knives, sales of which began to slow in 2023, almost came to a complete halt in ’24.

Vanguard Guardian by David Broadwell, tactical fixed blade
The Vanguard Guardian by David Broadwell has an 8-inch blade of CPM 154 stainless steel with a hand-rubbed satin finish and scales of black Micarta® with black canvas Micarta. Overall length: 13 inches. Leather sheath by Nita Broadwell. Author’s note: “This is the epitome of what a tactical sub-hilt fighter should be. This knife features a fuller to provide lateral strength to the blade. The integral guard and sub-hilt are titanium.” Maker’s price for a similar knife and sheath: $2,500.

The trend I saw was collectors were still buying custom knives—they just changed their strategy. The primary strategy I saw was to purchase high-quality, less expensive knives. In times like these, collectors will often look around to check out the work of makers they were previously unfamiliar with, or new makers. I have done this for the past 40 years and I highly recommend it.

No matter the custom knife sector, while it may seem to disappear, no sector ever disappears completely. When a sector heats up, other sectors cool off. It is only a matter of time before they all get their turn again. No matter how hot a market sector seems or how popular the style of knife or maker is, eventually they all cool off. The increased popularity brings an increased demand, which causes a rise in prices, which brings more makers into the market sector. And often all but a few makers will continue to maintain their popularity.

Why Tactical Fixed Blades Are On The Rise

Because I watch the custom knife market closer than most, I often become aware of trends before most custom knife buyers. In marketing terminology, this is referred to as being an early adopter. Early adopters are the ones who start the path that, months later, others will begin to walk down. The market sector of tactical fixed blades is once again coming into focus.

Nomad by Tomasz Dziubinski
The Nomad by Tomasz Dziubinski features a 10-inch blade of Sleipner stainless steel with a black Cerakote® finish, full-tang construction and a sculpted handle of OD green G-10. Overall length: 15 inches. Kydex sheath by the maker. Author’s note: “The quarter-inch stock, weight slightly forward, makes it perfect for chopping. Its razor edge gives it the ability to perform smaller knife chores around the camp. An excellent all-around knife.” Maker’s price for a similar knife and sheath: $395.

There are three reasons for this:

Diversity of styles: The word tactical is a marketing term that first appeared in the knife business circa 1995 (page 10). It was more about the look of a knife than its style or function. As the BLADE Show added best tactical knife awards to its custom knife judging competition, I was asked to help define the parameters for the category. It was straightforward. There were no parameters for style, length or materials, with one exception: the handle material had to be synthetic, not natural. Also, the blade and guard/bolster materials, if there were any of the latter, had to have a non-reflective finish. You would not believe the grief I have received over this simple definition.

With this definition in mind, most any variation of blade length, grind, single or double edge, double guard, single guard, no guard, integral guard, or bolster could be utilized in the design and subsequent build of the knife. The only stipulation was that the knife had to have a synthetic handle material. The variety of custom tactical knives was mind-blowing once this became a category. Finishes ranged from machine satin, bead blast, tumble and, finally, blackened.

Diversity of materials: In this instance, the materials are primarily those for blades and hardware. Tactical fixed blades and folders introduced an explosion of steel to the custom knife market. The knives featured a wide variety of steels not previously associated with custom knives. Such materials as Stellite®, Talonite® and powdered steel were utilized for blades, and these were introduced to the custom knife world through tactical knives.

The initial choices for tactical handle materials were limited to G-10, Micarta® and 550 para cord, though the options changed rapidly. G-11 was introduced as an alternative, as were various carbon fibers, including lightning strike and copper, and also Carbo Quartz, Fat Carbon, antique Micarta and others.

Phillip Patton's Vanguard Cheetah Sub-Hilt Fighter tactical fixed blade
Phillip Patton outfits his Vanguard Cheetah Sub-Hilt Fighter in an 8-inch blade of satin-finished W2 tool steel, stainless steel guard with an indexing radius cutout, a black Micarta® handle and a leather sheath by the maker. Overall length: 12.75 inches. Author’s note: “This knife features a full double hollow grind, exceptional balance and enhanced handle ergonomics.” Maker’s price for a similar knife and sheath: $825.

Price Point: The price of a custom knife was a significant consideration in 2024 and will be a major factor in 2025. Due to their diversity, tactical fixed blades will offer the collector numerous choices in the sweet spot of $300 to $800, which is in just about every serious custom knife buyer’s budget.

Tactical Fixed Blade Visual Appeal

As with most knives, the initial attraction to tactical knives is visual. Once a knife catches your eye, you impulsively want to handle it. Because most tactical knives are built to use, they often have more attention to detail toward that end than other knives. Consequently, a visceral reaction happens when you put the knife in your hand. The knife instantly becomes an extension of yourself. The knife’s symmetry, balance and handle ergonomics all combine to make the knife effortless to use.

Because of the variety of styles and materials, you can easily match up the tactical knife to meet your needs, whether a smaller utility knife for camping, bushcraft work or even an EDC. A knife like the Ridgeline by Rafal Kolakowski or the Trail Head EDC by Tomasz Dziubinksi can be used for many tasks in the field. Both combine light weight, excellent handle ergonomics and very durable materials.

Rafal Kolakowski’s Ridgeline
Rafal Kolakowski’s Ridgeline sports a 4-inch blade of Becut stainless steel in a black Cerakote® finish and a carbon fiber handle. Overall length: 8.75 inches. Kydex sheath by the maker. Author’s note: “Double hollow ground blade with fuller for added strength. Full tang, sculpted handle material for enhanced handle ergonomics. A small knife but built for hard work. Stainless steel tube lined thong hole.” Maker’s price for a similar knife and sheath: $350.

At the other end of the spectrum are the choppers. The large, heavy blades are designed to do what small knives can’t, including break trail, create firewood and assist in processing large game. The Piotr Gosciniak Tracker offers several options with its unique blade design. A straight primary edge is designed for baton work, the cleaver-style grind for chopping and slicing, and a distinctive grind on the top edge for cutting cord. Dziubinski’s Nomad is another example of a serious tactical to get things done.

Then there is the sexiest tactical knife: the sub-hilt fighter. It is my favorite knife style and my favorite maker of it is David Broadwell. Dave’s limited-edition Vanguard Guardian is highlighted by its unusual fuller and integral titanium guard and sub-hilt. Phillip Patton’s Vanguard Cheetah features a sexy recurve blade with a more traditional guard and sub-hilt.

This article wouldn’t be complete without a tactical knife showing off its military influence. For that, consider the Spektra dagger by Rafal Kolakowski. It’s sleek, compact and built for serious use.

Less Is More

Sleipner
A 3.5-inch blade of Sleipner stainless steel with a black Cerakote® finish and black G-10 handle highlight Tomasz Dziubinski’s Trailhead. Overall length: 8.25 inches. Kydex sheath by the maker. Author’s note: “Flat-ground, upswept utility-style blade. Full tang, excellent handle ergonomics. A small knife but built for hard work. Stainless steel tube lined thong hole.” Maker’s price for a similar knife and sheath: $325.

Please do your research. Understand what the knife can and cannot do. Try to get one with a guard or at least handle material over the guard. Integral guards with square edges will tear up your hands. Often, “Tacti-Cool” features—extra holes, extra serrations or saw teeth, etc.—may look cool but seldom, if ever, add anything to the knife except extra expense. With tactical knives, usually less is more. Balance and handle ergonomics are essential on a knife that will be used hard.

More Tactical Knives

Knife Profile: Shrike Out Hits A Home Run

BLADE Staff
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Knife Profile: Shrike Out Hits A Home Run

Scott Topper’s off-the-charts out-the-front is a multi-part marvel, the Shrike Out, brings an artistic twist to the automatic.

It’s hard not to like the Shrike, a custom out-the-front dual-action automatic by Scott M. Topper.

The blade is cryogenically treated AEB-L stainless steel. According to Scott, since AEB-L’s micro-structure allowed for a finer edge, it originally was a go-to steel for disposable razors. He indicated the version of the material he uses competes well against crucible steels, and is made through a conventional metallurgy technique.

The six inside springs are hand wound stainless steel. The four locks are independent. The brown lock parts are Teflon-impregnated Delrin for permanent lubricity. The black Richlite scales are inlaid with white to add contrast to the engravings.

The knife comes nested in a velvet-lined walnut box. Plain and all-stainless versions of the Shrike are also available. According to Scott, the various styles of the knife are available through the PVK Showroom (888-878-5643 pvk.com) in Las Vegas.

Shrike Out Specs
Knife: Shrike Out The Front Dual Action Auto
Blade length: 4”
Blade steel: Cryogenically treated AEB-L stainless
Frame material: 416 stainless steel
Handle material: Paper phenolic composite
Closed length: 5”

Also Read:

Browning launches Wihongi line of Maori-inspired knives

Erin Healy
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Browning launches Wihongi line of Maori-inspired knives

Browning has launched the Jared Wihongi line for 2017.
Together with Browning, tactical knife fighting instructor Jared Wihongi has released a signature knife line.

Jared Wihongi’s life and career is built on the warrior spirit of his Maori ancestors. He has practiced martial arts since he was a 10-year-old living in New Zealand, and the Filipino style of knife fighting, since he was 20, some 20-plus years ago. He also has his own signature line of edged weapons through Browning, knives that he hopes inspires “the warrior spirit that lives in each of us.”

Jared has reached the tuhon or master level of Pekiti Tirsia Kali and instructs police officers and elite military operatives in what he calls close quarter force integration tactics, or CQ-FIT. He applies the circular arm movements, the footwork, angling and distance control of Pekiti Tirsia Kali, using empty hands, sticks, knives and even guns, to reality-based training so that police officers are better able to subdue threats, or a special forces member is able to eliminate enemies in close-quarter combat.

One of Jared’s most interesting-to-watch training sessions involves using a tomahawk in close-quarter fighting. Essentially, the circling motions, overhand and underhand, forward and backhand, are coordinated for attacking your opponent while simultaneously avoiding his advances. The tactical tomahawk in the Wihongi Signature Series is a true straight-handled tomahawk. The blade is made from ¼-inch 420 stainless steel, and the spike end includes a semi-sharpened blade. Three lightening holes are drilled into the blade, maintaining the integrity of the head while removing material to lighten the weapon, making it easier to wield in a fight—or to be fast as lightning.

Jared Wihongi uses tomahawks in his training, choking up on the handle for close-quarter combat.
The Jared Wihongi Signature Series Tomahawk includes acid-etched motifs from the Maori warrior culture.

The forked tang is secured with three flush-mounted screws but is also reinforced by a wide metal ring surrounding the handle. The Wihongi Signature Series Tomahawk carries Browning’s Black Label tactical line logo, along with the familiar Buckmark. The handle is wrapped in paracord, a lighter weight than 550 to eliminating bulkiness, Jared explained.

What is most notable about the weapon is the Maori tribal motif acid-etched into the steel. The warrior culture often carved facial features into wooden taiaha, or fighting staffs. These weapons would include eyes and ornate details that culminated in the familiar out-stuck tongue. Having these designs in a tattoo or engraved on a weapon meant that the warrior was carrying the strength and courage of his ancestors with him into battle.

Jared’s mother hailed from the Lone Star State, but being Mormon she decided to move to Utah. Jared’s father, living in New Zealand, attended a private school run by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. He excelled and was granted a scholarship to attend a university, also in Utah. The rest is history. By the time Jared was 1, the couple had returned to New Zealand, raising a brood of six.

Although native New Zealanders only make up 15 percent of the country’s population, the Wihongis lived in a small town that was predominantly Maori. Having grown up the late 1950s when there was little opportunity for Maori youths other than to become farmers, Jared’s father put great importance on education and became a school principal. Two of his sons followed in his footsteps, but Jared and another brother became police officers, with Jared going on to become a SWAT operator for 14 years and counting. He now teaches knife-fighting skills to SWAT teams and elite special forces in the U.S. and allied countries. “I’m an educator too,” Jared said, just in the warrior arts and lifestyle.

Jared Wihongi reviews his tomahawk fighting tactics.

Jared’s father died at a young age and when Jared was 17, the family moved back to the Salt Lake City area. Mormons are expected to go on a two-year mission before attending college. Jared served in the Philippines, which is where he began training in the Filipino knife-fighting arts. He attended college in Hawaii, where he worked as a bouncer, often having to apply his skills in a real-world application. He then returned to the Salt Lake City area and has advanced exponentially in his martial arts practice and his real-world curriculum, which  incorporates both the warrior spirit of his Maori ancestors and the premier knife-fighting skills of the Filipinos.

He recommends that anyone who wants to be able to defend themselves against a knife attack seek out a Pekiti Tirsia Kali instructor who offers real-world-scenario training. “Take a sample class,” Jared suggested. “You’ll be able to tell.” Learning to defend yourself against a knife attack is part of learning how to wield a knife in close proximity. Amazingly, this can be done with a tomahawk by choking up on your grip to right under the head. Don’t worry, practice is conducted with training knives. “But you have to make contact to understand knife fighting,” Jared explained

“When I presented this line to the sales force, I asked Jared to lead a haka dance,” said Diane Carver, knife and light product manager at Browning. The feedback she received was intense. Some had never seen the Maori warrior dance that has now been made popular by the New Zealand rugby team and others on social media. Some were inspired to see it live. “I’m so excited about this line,” Diane said.

Jared Wihongi introduces his signature knife line−and leads a haka.

If you’d like to read more about Jared and the four styles of knives in the Jared Wihongi Signature Series by Browning, be sure to pick up the July issue of BLADE® magazine or subscribe.

Secrets to making your own tomahawk

"Benchmade Tomahawk Secrets" is avaialbe in digital format for $4.99.
If you’ve ever wanted to try making your own tomahawk, this digital download will provide answers to your questions.

This digital download is an economical way to learn how to select and forge your tomahawk billet, how to drill and fill the eye hole, how to fit the haft to the head and grind it to rough shape. At only $4.99 this volume by BLADE field editor and ABS master smith Joe Szilaski is a fun and needed addition to your weapon-making library.

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