Knife News Wire Archives

ABS Master Smith Red St. Cyr Passes Away

Steve Shackleford

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August 7, 2012

American Bladesmith Society master smith Red St. Cyr of Reva Forge in Wilmington, California, passed away yesterday after suffering a heart attack.

Red, pictured above at the 2012 ABS San Antonio Show, was the founder of the American Bladesmith Society’s (ABS) West Coast Forging Clinic, a member of the Southern California Blades, ABS, Arizona KCA, and Oregon KCA, and president of the California Knifemakers Association.

His specialty was fixed blades, forging his own damascus and mosaic patterns. In 1995 he became an ABS journeyman smith and earned his ABS master smith rating in 1998. He has received numerous awards for his knives, including the ABS Bill Moran Award.

At the tender age of 13, Red began an apprenticeship with a farrier and fell in love with working with metal and horses. By the time he was 16, he was a full-fledged farrier. He eventually became a master farrier, designing, forging and custom fitting horseshoes throughout the United States and several foreign countries.

When farmers baling hay began to use twine in place of baling wire, someone asked Red if he could make a knife from a horseshoeing rasp, and that started Red’s life-long love of bladesmithing. He made knives for over 35 years.

Red was known for his readiness to share his knowledge and skills with others. He hosted the California Forging Clinic annually and also did forging demonstrations at the Knife Expo, the old BLADE Show West, BAKCA, and Reno ABS shows.

Funeral arrangements are pending. More information will be forthcoming on the ABS Forum at http://www.americanbladesmith.com/ipboard/

Knifemaker Phil Boguszewski Passes Away

Steve Shackleford

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July 8, 2013

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Long-time knifemaker Phil Boguszewski, one of the world’s leading crafters of cool, smooth-operating custom folders, has passed away.

A resident of Lakewood, Washington, Boguszewski was known for such folders as his “Spike” and, later, the “Cobra.” In the July 2013 BLADE® Magazine, a panel of veteran industry observers chose the Cobra as the top custom knife for the years 2001-2012.

A full-time knifemaker, Boguszewski sold his first knife in 1979. According to “Phil Boguszewski: Folding Knife Specialist” in the May/June 1988 issue of BLADE, the first 40 knives he made were all folders. He specialized in utility folding knives, including those in the latest materials, filework and slick mechanisms. He joined the Knifemakers’ Guild as a probationary member in 1984 and became a voting member in 1986.

His folders were highly sought after and sold for anywhere from $550 to $3,000 each—and he rarely if ever had trouble selling them. He was a regular at such exclusive knife shows as the Tactical Invitational and others.

“Phil was an amazing, innovating man,” began Larry Brahms of BladeArt.com. “I guess he is best known for the incredible smoothness and fluidity of his flipper folders, specifically the Cobra, a smoothness that really set the standard for what has become a mainstay in a knifemaker’s stable.

“He really is a legend in his own right and our community will miss him.”

Of Boguszewski’s Cobra, purveyor Les Robertson of Robertson’s Custom Cutlery noted, “With its recurve blade, handle that fits like a glove and that signature smooth opening, it is always a sought-after knife. Phil set the standard for all other makers wanting to build a knife with a flipper opener.” Added Neil Ostroff of True North Knives, “The Cobra excels for its durability as Phil’s best-selling knife.”

For the latest on the hottest knives, knifemakers and more, stay tuned to www.blademag.com.

Majority Opposes Ivory Ban At Meeting

Steve Shackleford

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March 24, 2014

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Anywhere from 50-to-60 people attended the March 20 public meeting held by the Advisory Council to the Presidential Task Force on combatting wildlife trafficking, with more than twice as many voicing opposition to the ivory ban as those supporting it.

Among those representing the knife industry at the meeting held in Washington, D.C., were scrimshander Sandra Brady, knifemaker Edmund Davidson and others.

“There were about 27 people who stood up to make statements and only about eight were in favor of the ban,” Brady noted. “Even though the words ‘ivory ban’ were not used at all by the committee, that is the ONLY thing that was talked about.

“We had statements from three antiques people, cane collectors, scrimshanders, musical instruments, a knifemaker and knife rights people, among others. So what I came away with is that the committee didn’t expect such a [pro-ivory] turnout. I can only imagine how many more statements were submitted via e-mail. We may have turned the tide at least a bit.”

On the other hand, the pro-ivory ban forces continued their full-court press, and there is much to be done to fight a number of punitive measures federal officials are considering, including making all illegal ivory sales felony violations. Committee members also talked about requiring violators to pay restitution and basically treat selling ivory as selling illegal drugs. “It was three hours of the ‘for-the-greater-good’ stuff, so that was the bad news,” one observer stated.

Several initiatives were mentioned by the knife industry group against the ivory ban, including finding a congress person to champion the anti-ivory ban cause and also the possibility of setting up an official fight-the-ban organization.

Craig Hoover of U.S. Fish & Wildlife said he expected someone on the advisory council to post more information, perhaps a summary video of the meeting, on its web page at some point. The link to the page is

http://www.fws.gov/international/advisory-council-wildlife-trafficking/

For further developments stay tuned to www.blademag.com.

Knifemaker Earl Witsaman Passes Away

Steve Shackleford

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May 16, 2012

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Long-time knifemaker Earl Witsaman, perhaps best known for his award-winning miniature knives, has passed away after a long illness.

Earl worked out of Stow, Ohio, for many years, where he also made a wide variety of fixed-blade patterns, from Randall repros to D-guard bowies. He sold his first knife in 1974. He exhibited his knives at the BLADE Show for many years, including the early years of the show in Knoxville, Tennessee, with his wife Sue always at his side. Sue, in fact, collected miniature knives for many years and her display won awards at the BLADE Show, among others.

Earl was one of the nicest guys in the business and always had a kind word and a smile. The knife fraternity will miss him greatly.

For more on Earl click http://www.beckyscags.com/Earl_Witsaman/About_Me.html

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.

Knifemaker Joe Kious Perishes In Accident

Steve Shackleford

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December 8, 2014

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Knifemaker Joe Kious Perishes In Accident

Veteran knifemaker Joe Kious, popularizer of the “Pocket Locket” style of high-end art folder and long-time Knifemakers’ Guild member, passed away Dec. 5 as a result of injuries suffered in a vehicle accident.

A resident of Kerrville, Texas, Kious was a full-time knifemaker who sold his first knife in 1969. He specialized in investment-quality interframes and bolstered folders, some bringing up to as high as $10,000 apiece.

However, it is his Pocket-Locket models for which he may be best remembered. Featuring elaborate engraving, the folding knives include a small compartment in the handle with a sliding panel that slides back to reveal another engraved scene inside.

“Joe was a staunch supporter of the Knifemakers’ Guild and believed in handmade knives,” said knifemaker and fellow Guild member Edmund Davidson. “Joe had a wonderful personality, was very easy to speak with and would tell you anything you wanted to know. He held nothing back and had no secrets. His knives reflected a great deal of thought, craftsmanship and artistry. He was a true master and genuine person. He will be sorely missed. When we lose a man of his caliber, we are all diminished.”

“Joe was a gentleman who loved his family, friends, enjoyed shooting, fine scotch and making knives,” noted Michael Donato of KnifePurveyor.com. “Please keep his family in your thoughts and prayers.”

A member of a close-knit group of Texas-based Guild knifemakers that includes Warren Osborne, Tom Overeynder and others, the stately Kious was liked and respected by most everyone who knew him in the industry. A lean, handsome man with a full head of grey-white hair, he was soft-spoken but never at a loss for words or a well-thought-out opinion.

Though he did not make BLADE® Magazine’s 40th anniversary list of top knifemakers—he received enough votes to make honorable mention—his Pocket Locket was chosen No. 6 among the most important custom knives of the period from 2001-2012 in the magazine’s 40th anniversary list of top custom knives.

“Joe’s Pocket Locket is important because it is the most flexible engraving platform ever offered,” noted custom knife purveyor Paul Shindler of KnifeLegends. “It includes many models and styles but offers pretty much endless possibilities for the imagination of any collector. The Pocket Locket may be the most important engravable knife ever conceived.”

Added Donato, the Pocket Locket “has a very high ‘cool factor’ to it and has served as a canvas for many of the best engravers to work their magic. Joe’s Pocket Lockets are featured in many books, magazines and great collections worldwide.”

$750,000 Worth of Custom Knives Stolen

Steve Shackleford

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March 13, 2014

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Approximately 150 custom knives valued at over three-quarters of a million dollars were stolen recently from KnifePurveyor.com, according to KnifePurveyor.com.

Michael Donato, owner of KnifePurveyor.com, said the knives were stolen from his luggage at the Raleigh-Durham International (RDU) Airport that serves the Raleigh-Durham area of North Carolina. He was returning from the East Coast Custom Knife Show held Feb. 28-March 2 in Jersey City, New Jersey.

Custom knives by some of the world’s best knifemakers were included in the luggage. For a complete list of them all, contact Donato at [email protected] or call him at 646-872-0476.

According to Donato, his original flight after the show was cancelled. Meanwhile, as his luggage was stored at the airport, someone stole the pelican case containing the knives. He said the area where the knives were stolen had video surveillance and the authorities have footage of the theft and a picture of the suspect, which is being circulated. If you have any information concerning the theft, contact Donato or Detective Charles Shelton at 919-840-7556 or 919-702-2556 (cell).

“We have suffered a major blow,” Donato noted. “This theft occurred at RDU Airport when United Airlines left my transportation case of knives unattended at the baggage area. The crook simply walked off with the entire case.

“Several law enforcement agencies and the Collectible Insurance company are hot on the case. Due to the magnitude of this loss, my staff and I have our hands full with this investigation. Clients whose knives are involved in this loss have already been notified.”

Meanwhile, contrary to any rumors that may be circulating the knife industry, KnifePurveyor.com is not out of business as a result of the theft.

“It is my honor and pleasure to be part of the custom knife community,” Donato continued. “I look forward to fulfilling your future knife needs and would like to thank you for your continued friendship, patronage and support.”

For the latest knives, knife news, trends and more, stay tuned to www.blademag.com.

Washington Governor Signs Pro-Knife Bill Into Law

Steve Shackleford

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April 2, 2012

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The SOG-TAC Mini-Auto from SOG Specialty Knives & Tools is one of many knives that will benefit from the new Washington pro-knife bill. (SOG Specialty Knives & Tools photo)

Washington Gov. Chris Gregoire signed HB2347 into law Thursday, March 29, at a signing ceremony at the state capitol. This important legislation makes Washington state more friendly to knife owners and manufacturers by clarifying the definition of so-called “spring blade” knives (automatics/switchblades) so as to clearly make assisted-opening knives legal in the state.

The clarification allows for both sale and manufacture of assisted-opening knives in Washington. HB2347 also makes it legal to manufacture automatics in the state of Washington. In addition, it would expand the existing law enforcement exemption for possession of automatics to members of the military and full-time first responders.

Thanks to all who called and emailed throughout the process and helped to make this happen.

Mike Vellekamp, one of the owners of Fox Knives USA, helped spearhead the effort to get the bill passed and was on hand with the governor when she signed the bill. If it were not for Vellekamp’s initiative and hard work, things would not be moving forward for knife owners and manufacturers in the state. He garnered the support of his 25th District Senator Jim Kastama and Rep. Bruce Dammeier to introduce the legislation that will benefit the state’s knife business, public safety personnel and individual knife owners.

In testimony before the state house judiciary committee Vellekamp noted, “We need to get rid of the stigma that these are weapons and we need to start calling them tools because that’s what they are. The push for this bill is so that we can ensure the local law enforcement branches, our military and our firefighters get to use these valuable tools because when they get trapped, they need to get out. They need a tool at the ready that’s going to be there without needing another hand to open it.”

American Knife & Tool Institute (AKTI) Advisory Member Spencer Frazer, founder of SOG Specialty Knives & Tools of Lynnwood, Washington, testified at the house judiciary committee hearing in support of HB 2347.

“The definition of switchblade needs to be clarified, and this bill does that,” he commented regarding changes that include, “A knife that contains a spring, detent, or other mechanism designed to create a bias toward closure of the blade and that requires physical exertion applied to the blade by hand, wrist or arm to overcome the bias toward closure to assist in opening the knife is not a spring blade knife.” This is the same “bias toward closure” language that AKTI introduced and has been successfully passed in other states and incorporated in to the 2009 amendment to the Federal Switchblade Act.

For more click on www.akti.org and www.KnifeRights.org.

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+ssfb040212#BL1SU.

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ABS Master Smith Red St. Cyr Passes Away

Knifemaker Phil Boguszewski Passes Away

Majority Opposes Ivory Ban At Meeting

Knifemaker Earl Witsaman Passes Away

Knifemaker Joe Kious Perishes In Accident

$750,000 Worth of Custom Knives Stolen

Washington Governor Signs Pro-Knife Bill Into Law

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