Knife Collecting

     Coast Cutlery will introduce a new lineup of precision knives, multi-tools and LED lights in 2012.

     The new knives will be led by the Rapid Response assisted-opening models designed by Blade Magazine Cutlery Hall-Of-Fame© member Ron Lake. Patented SAT (Smooth Assist Technology) delivers fast, smooth blade opening. Patented Max-Lock and Double-Lock systems offer safe operation.

     Coast also will present a new line of multi-tools, including the Model C5899 Pro Pocket Pliers with two built-in LED lights and tools accessible without opening the pliers.

     Stay tuned. Coast will be offering more information on the new knives and tool in early January.

     For more information on the latest knives, knife trends, hot knifemakers and more, subscribe to BLADE®Magazine. For subscription information click on http://www.shopblade.com/product/blade-magazine-one-year-subscription-us/?r+ssfb151211#BL1SU

POST FALLS, IDAHO–From the time Hoyt Buck made his first knife in 1902, Buck Knives’ goal always has been the same: make knives that will serve the user better, with reliable and superior performance. In the 110 years since, Buck Knives has found many ways to create an expanding line of knives that guarantee exceptional quality, with the needed features and benefits. Now they are finalizing plans for the SHOT Show where they will unveil more advances in 2012, as they celebrate their 110^th birthday with innovative new products.

     Among their fresh departures is an answer to the growing demand for women’s hunting knives with the new Haley Heath ErgoHunter Adrenaline Series. As the number of active female hunters has doubled in the past decade and now totals more than 3 million, there is a growing demand for knives to meet their needs and preferences.

     The Haley Heath series was developed in partnership with one of America’s most accomplished female hunters. In the joint announcement, Haley Heath said, “I am excited to be the first female featured with her own line of hunting knives and from the number-one brand in hunting.” Haley and G.O. Heath are the hosts of the popular “Family Traditions with Haley Heath” television program on the Sportsman Channel.

       There are eight basic knives in the Haley Heath series – five fixed-blades and three folding lockblades, offering fixed gut-hook versions and three steel options. All are ergonomically designed for the best grip for women, including a grooved handle.

     “This important series is just one aspect of our new 2012 knife line,” said CJ Buck, president and the fourth generation of the Buck knifemaking family. “We are adding other new hunting knives, of course, as well as tactical/survival knives, knives for campers and hikers, and our annual line of Limited Edition knives with so much appeal to collectors.”

        Among the additions to Buck’s growing line of tactical/survival knives will be the TOPS/Buck CSAR-T Liaison neck knife, a style popular for its light weight, small size and ease of carry, yet providing the solid blade needed quickly in emergency situations.

       Buck also emphasized that Buck Knives will continue to fulfill its American commitment, further reducing the use of offshore outsourcing, making all of their hunting knives in their Post Falls, Idaho, plant as well as the vast majority of their other new products.

     For more on the latest in the hottest knives, knifemakers, knife shows, knife trends and much more, subscribe to BLADE® Magazine. For subscription information, click on http://www.shopblade.com/product/blade-magazine-one-year-subscription-us/?r+ssfb121311#BL1SU

(From left) Lois, Dan and Pam Delavan of Plaza Cutlery in the South Coast Plaza Mall in Costa Mesa, California.

     You’ve seen our “Knife Of The Day” entries. Now it’s time for a new feature: our “Knife Store Of The Day.”

     The first installment is Plaza Cutlery of Costa Mesa, California.

     Located in the South Coast Plaza Mall, Plaza Cutlery is owned and operated by Dan and Pam Delavan and features a wide selection of custom and factory knives. The son of former Case salesman I.A. Delavan, Dan is one of the most knowledgeable people in the business of both custom and factory knives. In addition to selling knives, swords, sharpeners, knife books and much more in store, Plaza also has a comprehensive website (www.plazacutlery.com), carries factory exclusives such as its Chris Reeve Large and Small Sebenza “Doggy Knives,” conducts a biennial knife show that draws some of the world’s top custom knifemakers, and even does special events such as “Meet The Knifemaker” days at the Plaza Cutlery store.

     For more on the latest in the hottest knives, knifemakers, knife shows, knife trends and much more, subscribe to BLADE® Magazine. For subscription information, click on http://www.shopblade.com/product/blade-magazine-one-year-subscription-us/?r+ssfb121311#BL1SU

A strong, reliable, feature-packed folder designed for everyday carry, the Timberline Workhorse in a 3.25-inch blade of 440 stainless steel and a black textured G-10 composite handle is our Knife Of The Day for Dec. 12

     The gently curving handle spine is comfortable in the hand and the textured G-10 ensures slip resistance. The blade is titanium nitrate coated to enhance rust resistance and reduce glare. Ambidextrous thumb studs combined with Timberline’s Teflon™ spacer pivot system provides silky smooth action. A left/right reversible clip is included. Approximate closed length: 4.5 inches. Your price: $31.99.

     For more information click on http://www.shopblade.com/product/timberline-workhorse-combo-edge-4301/?r+ssfb121211#Y3337

Award-winning knifemaker Brian Tighe adds to his long line of stunning folders with this blue-streaked flipper model sporting a lock designed by Glenn Klecker. The custom folder is our Knife Of The Day for Dec. 10, 2011.

     For Brian’s contact information, visit his website at www.briantighe.com.

     For the latest on the hottest knives, knife trends, knifemakers, knifemaking how-to’s, knife shows and much more, subscribe to BLADE®, the World’s No. 1 Knife Publication. For subscription information, click on http://www.shopblade.com/product/blade-magazine-one-year-subscription-us/?r+ssfb101211#BL1SU

     The recent tragic death of the 11-month-old infant who onlookers were unable to free from a burning car because no one had a knife to cut the baby free from a jammed seat belt is heartbreaking. First and foremost, a young life was snuffed out in a most painful, terrifying way. My thoughts and prayers go out to the child’s parents and family, as well as those on the scene who were unable to save the infant. The incident will continue to haunt all concerned for many lifetimes.

     The lack of a knife carried by any of the bystanders to cut the seat belt and free the baby was a contributing factor in the infant’s death. The fact it happened in Los Angeles with its strict anti-knife ordinances is even more detestable, where anti-knifers continue to succeed in their crusade against knives. Anti-knife laws indirectly—some might say directly—kept the child from being rescued, and no doubt will prevent others from being saved in future catastrophes as well. (For more, see “For the Want of a Knife” in the “Forum” at http://knifeshowcase.blademag.com.)

     Ordinances designed to keep people from carrying knives and, as a result, from saving the lives of others in emergency situations must be repealed. Of course, organizations like the American Knife & Tool Institute and Knife Rights and elected officials such as New Hampshire Rep. Jenn Coffey are the standard bearers in focusing on the repeal of anti-knife legislation. By joining and supporting them and speaking out on your own, writing your legislators and local newspapers, voicing your concerns on social media like Facebook, Twitter, etc., you can do your part, too. And be sure to voice your concerns in non-knife venues. You are “preaching to the choir” if you do it in pro-knife venues. It is the non-knife ones that need to hear the message.

     In a heartrending way, the infant’s horrific death in a burning automobile magnifies the folly of anti-knife laws. In fact, thousands upon thousands more fatalities occur in car accidents than because of knives.

     In place of anti-knife ordinances that exaggerate the problem, why not institute pro-knife ordinances that not only protect your right to carry knives, but also address the slaughter that occurs on our nation’s highways by enabling you to respond to emergencies such as the one in L.A.? Moreover, why not require the manufacturers of automobile baby seats to equip each of the seats with a seat-belt cutter conveniently placed for a parent or onlooker to use to cut the baby’s seat belt in an emergency? And while we are at it, why not require automobile and truck manufacturers to stock each and every vehicle with a seat-belt cutter?

     Ideally, said manufacturers would take the lead and include seat-belt cutters with their products. Not only would it be a public service, the manufacturers would add value to their baby seats and vehicles. However, in today’s cost-cutting atmosphere, most manufacturers probably will not act without some kind of legislative push.

     A number of knife companies have seat-belt cutters with the edges recessed for safety. Columbia River Knife & Tool offers one—the model also has a window breaker and flashlight—that attaches to a seat belt and is thus immediately accessible in an emergency situation. Seat-belt cutters can be the next best thing to carrying a knife, and are probably better and definitely safer when it comes to cutting a person from a jammed seat belt.

     Repealing anti-knife legislation and promoting a seat-belt-cutter law would save the lives of innocents like the baby in L.A.—and, ironically, given the proper circumstances, maybe even the politically correct idiots who refuse to carry knives themselves.

To read similar stories and all about the latest knives, knife news, knife shows, knifemakers, knife manufacturers and much more, subscribe to BLADE® by clicking on http://www.shopblade.com/product/blade-magazine-one-year-subscription-us/?r+ssfb91211#BL1SU

CAPTION

Columbia River Knife & Tool’s Exitool is a seat-belt cutter, flashlight and window breaker that attaches to a seat belt—where you need it, when you need it. (CRKT photo)