HomeKnife History

Knife History

Is there any present as special as a high school graduation gift a father makes by hand for his child—in this case a banana skinner Bob Loveless fashioned for his daughter, Robin Askew? “It has a stag handle with intricate engraving that he had done by a silversmith,” Robin said. “It is absolutely beautiful.” (Dave Ellis image)

Bob Loveless’ Influence Still Touches Those Closest To Him

Robin Askew moves on, but her father (Bob Loveless) remains there for her.
Jim Bowie

What Knife Would Jim Bowie Carry Today?

If he were in his prime today, Jim’s EDCs would run the gamut.
Taken in Wilmington, Delaware, in 1956, this image shows a young Bob Loveless with his two daughters, 1-year-old Robin at right and 3-year-old Alison at left.

Growing Up Loveless: Reflections On The Master From His Daughter

Robin Askew reflects on being the daughter of Bob Loveless.

50 Years Ago In BLADE: Your Friendly Airport Knife Shop

Not only could you carry knives on flights, you could buy them in airports. A knife shop in an airport is not exactly something you...
Buster Warenski was making covetable art knives as far back as the 1970s, low-crowned Stetson, “the look” and all. (Richard Barney image)

50 Years Ago In BLADE: Buster Warenski

BLADE Magazine Cutlery Hall-of-Fame® member Buster Warenski was the subject of an extensive six-page profile a half century ago in the January/February 1976 issue...
One of the original Model 15 Airman prototypes (top) and two subsequent models. The prototype’s handle is secured by three bolts as opposed to the two bolts in the later models. Randall used the white Tenite handle only for a year or so before adopting the more familiar green Tenite. The prototype’s hilt is nickel silver in contrast to the brass hilts on almost all Model 15s with Tenite handles.

Randall Airman: USMC Prototype Carried By The Father Of Marine Helicopters

The story of a prototype Airman and a Marine pioneer

Was This The Best BLADE Cover?

The American Blade Cover saluted the Marines’ bicentennial in grand fashion.
From left: brass-headed pipe tomahawk, probably Oglala Sioux; a mammoth pipe hawk measuring 13 inches from the tip of the pipe bowl to the bottom of the edge that belonged to a Sioux chief who reportedly ranged anywhere from 6’5” to as tall as 7’1”; and a double-pierced Plains tomahawk attributed to the Sioux. (from the Arnold M. Chernoff Collection)

50 Years Ago In Blade: Tomahawks–War Clubs To Modern Masterpieces

The tomahawk, from its American Indian origins to its modern renaissance as a highly sought-after custom-forged tool and defensive weapon. Arnold M. Chernoff offered a...
Three vintage OSS smatchets, from left: one with a “bright blade,” a very scarce variation of the top one featuring a Parkerized blade, and one with a wooden handle.

50 Years Ago In BLADE: Knives Of The OSS

The May-June 1975 American Blade covered the CIA-forerunner’s knives.
man hand holding knife on abstract background

Blunted Blades And Knife Bans: England Has Gone Over The Edge

England has gone quite crackers with their latest knife crime solutions.
75th Anniversary Bowie Axe

Tru Balance Knife Co.: 75 Years And Still On Target

Born as a side hustle, the legendary throwing knife company continues to hit the mark.
Daryl Meier in 2016 holding his American Spirit Bowie.

Daryl Meier: Sensei of Steel

In on the ground floor of the damascus knife movement, Daryl Meier has left an indelible mark forging and teaching.
A small Bill Moran dagger features damascus, curly maple handle and silver wire inlay, and a matching sheath. Overall length: approximately 8 inches.

How Many Damascus Knives Did Bill Moran Make?

We talk with those who know Bill Moran best to determine how many damascus blades the godfather of the craft forged.
The dropped hunter, the most famous Bob Loveless design of all

Bob Loveless: The Icon’s Indelible Mark On The Knife Industry

Loveless' impact is still felt today.
Tomahawk Group

Best Tomahawks: Our Top Hawks For Backwoods To Battlefields (2024)

Here's how the tomahawk cemented itself into the military history of the United States.
Advertisement

Must Read Articles

Read this before you make a knife

Knifemaking 101 – Read This Before You Make a Knife

  by Wayne Goddard My experience has taught me that there's nothing like digging in and getting started. I've often said the hardest part of the...
how to forge damascus steel

How to Forge Damascus

Advertisement
Advertisement