The sub-hilt is at once belligerent and beautiful, adding a strange allure to the knives that sport it.
There is no consensus as to the origin of the sub-hilt knife, though most agree the sub-hilt fighter was popularized by BLADE Magazine Cutlery Hall-of-Fame® member Bob Loveless in the 1970s, if not earlier. Some believe the sub-hilt design was for hunting, and that the main purpose for the added hilt was for greater leverage when a surer grip was needed. A few have even postulated the additional hilt was for use as a brace in pulling the knife out after being stabbed into bone or another hard material, a use that it would no doubt accommodate most effectively.
Gary Langley: Gentleman’s Fixed Blade
Custom maker Gary Langley’s sub-hilt fighter may be small at 9 inches overall but makes up for its size in sleek blade grinds, exquisite mother-of-pearl scales and gold inlay. Blade and overall lengths: 4.5 and 9 inches. Alice Carter did the engraving. (SharpByCoop knife image)
Many knife enthusiasts think of a sub-hilt fighter as being a heavier-edged companion—and in many cases it is—but custom knifemaker Gary Langley’s iteration is a little gem of a knife.
“The small Loveless-style sub-hilt fighter is 3/16-inch CPM 154 steel with a double hollow grind on a 3-inch wheel,” the Dumas, Texas, maker notes. “The heat treatment is by [Cutlery Hall-of-Famer] Paul Bos. I originally designed the knife without the rear bolster. I added it when I couldn’t source the mother-of-pearl scales long enough—and I believe it turned out even better.”
It has what might be called a 19th-century Michael Price San Francisco knife look that makes it a prime candidate for a true gentleman’s fixed blade.
Andrew Blomfield: Sub-Hilt Bowie
ABS master smith Andrew Blomfield’s sub-hilt bowie is a tour de force of explosive mosaic damascus, salt-blackened steel, brass spacers, and exquisite Australian ringed gidgee wood. Blade and overall lengths: 11 and 16 inches. (SharpByCoop knife image)
An ABS master smith from New South Wales, Australia, Andrew Blomfield enjoys building large knives such as bowies and daggers. “The bigger the knife the better,” he states. An example is his sub-hilt bowie.
“I feel that this knife has great flow and balance,” he begins. “The blade is an explosion mosaic pattern damascus hardened to 59 HRC. The guards and pommel are salt-blackened steel with brass spacers and the handle is a beautiful piece of Australian ringed gidgee.”
The guard’s bottom quillon curves back toward the sub-hilt to partially enclose the user’s hand a la a D-guard, but also has hints of both a C- and an S-guard to it. Very unusual!
Andrew Meers: Rose of Sharon
ABS master smith Andrew Meers calls his 16.5-inch sub-hilt fighter Bees and Flowers, due in no small part to the Rose of Sharon and bees engraving. The 12-inch blade is a damascus of 1084 carbon and 15N20 nickel-alloy steels in a mosaic pattern. Guard and furniture are 416 stainless steel. Overall length: 16.5 inches. (SharpByCoop knife image)
ABS master smith Andrew Meers of Raleigh, North Carolina, says, “I started with the sub-hilt in mind, which is a departure for me.” To say his deviation from the norm worked out well is an understatement.
“I like to incorporate Japanese influences wherever I can, and I wound up adding an integral habaki into the guard design as well,” he explains. “I wanted a blade that was able to feature a mosaic pattern, so I chose a broader shape that expands towards the point rather than tapers. The handle is a simple design to contrast the visual complexity of the guard.”
The engraving theme is of the Rose of Sharon and bees.
“The client had requested a floral theme, and we worked on the rest of the design and layout from there,” Andrew says. “The engraving was meant to complement the layout of the guard and furniture.”
Justin Harrington: A-Team
Built for an Army buddy, Justin Harrington’s superb sub-hilt fighter incorporates a masterful balance of random pattern damascus, mokumé gané and African blackwood. Blade and overall lengths: 8.5 and 13.5 inches. (SharpByCoop knife image)
Justin Harrington of Clemmons, North Carolina, began smithing 18 years ago and is the owner of Cyclops Forge. Of the sub-hilt he says, “It’s the racecar of fighting knives—weight, balance, curvature, tip control and placement all are important variables to be employed to reach a harmony which is felt right away when correctly done.
“This knife started its life as a phone call from an Army A-team member who wanted a special combat retirement gift for his buddy. The three of us got together and forged a damascus billet for the knife over three days in my shop. The 8-inch recurve blade is a random-pattern damascus of 1084 and 15N20 carbon steels. The guard and sub-hilt are made from a copper-and-nickel mokumé gané I make in my shop. The handle is around 5 inches of sculpted African blackwood with a bronze pin.”
The sub-hilt has a forward lean and spoon-cupped quillon that slants toward the guard to capture the user’s index finger. The result is a handle that seems to want to grab your hand.
Cool & Sexy
Whether fighter, bowie or what have you, the sub-hilt-knife genre may be more recognizably custom than any other. From the classic Loveless Big Bear fighter to the wide array of today’s renditions, top sub-hilts are cool, sexy and in harmony with the best custom knives extant.
BLADE Tactical Knife Show joins forces with CANCON Carolinas.
The best of both worlds—knives and firearms—drew edged and gun enthusiasts alike to the 2nd Annual BLADE Tactical Knife Show (BTAC) held in conjunction with CANCON Carolinas November 7 at The Clinton House in Clinton, South Carolina.
In addition to enjoying CANCON’s unlimited suppressed shooting with free ammo in various shooting lanes and perusing one-of-a-kind artisan gear items, patrons had access to the adjacent BTAC Invitational Knife Pavilion to shop among hundreds of tactical knives by some of the industry’s top custom and factory knifemakers.
Located just inside the front entrance of CANCON Carolinas, the BTAC Invitational Knife Pavilion drew gun and knife enthusiasts alike.
Mark Carey of Spartan Blades said folding knives seemed to appeal most to the combo knife/gun event’s patrons, who he described as “mostly gun people but many that know knives.” He also complemented CANCON as “an excellent on-range show; well set up, safe and secure.”
Mike Sweeney indicated folders under $200 sold best for Heretic Knives, while BLADE Magazine Cutlery Hall-of-Fame® member Daniel Winkler stated smaller/concealable pieces were top sellers for Winkler Knives.
The future of both the knife and gun industries were among the patrons on hand.
“The smaller pieces have lower price points, but there wasn’t a differentiation in handle materials or treatments from our perspective,” he wrote. “Customers familiar with our brand asked specifically for the smaller pieces.”
White River Exodus 3 is a great little companion blade to add to your gear.
A small bushcrafter/EDC knife, the Exodus 3 by White River Knife & Tool can be very useful. Also known as the Adventurecraft, this lean cutter has a thin, super-sharp blade that does all the chores that a larger knife can’t do easily, from skinning small game to whittling firesticks to removing splinters. It’s a great little companion blade to add to your gear. Does it cut? Let’s see.
White River Knife & Tool Exodus 3 Specs
Company: White River Knife & Tool Blade length: 3.15” Blade material: A2 tool steel Rockwell hardness: 60-61 HRC Blade @the thickest: 0.130” Blade finish: Stonewashed Scales: G-10 Weight: 2 ozs. Overall length: 7.2” Sheath: Kydex® Weight w/sheath: 3.5 ozs. Knife to know: Leather belt loop and different handle materials available MSRP: $140
Light Cutting Duty
The author used vertical cuts on the 8-ounce leather as fast as he could. The edge bit swift and deep with a nice crunching sound.
Slicing regular lined notebook paper went very fast. The Adventurecraft cut smoothly and aggressively. As I warmed up to its thin shape, the cuts were faster. The flat-ground blade is easy to index in use.
Next up, it sliced single-walled cardboard very quickly with a slight curl to the cut pieces. The blade’s width and full flat grind pulled the curl as the blade went through. The aggressive edge was still making noise as it sliced.
Medium Cutting Duty
For skiving the 8-ounce leather, the blade rendered very thin flaps time and time again.
I used vertical cuts as fast as I could on 8-ounce scrap leather. The edge bit swift and deep with a nice crunching sound. I somehow managed to keep all the skin on my fingers in the process. The Adventurecraft is very aggressive cutting leather.
For skiving, the blade rendered extremely thin flaps of leather time and time again. As expected, I surrendered a few thin slices of skin on the leather. The Adventurecraft has a very sharp edge!
Heavy Cutting Duty
Since the handle is as narrow as the blade, the author had to adjust his grip a few times when whittling the firestick. The deeper he cut, the more it wanted to roll in his hand. So he made the curlicues thin and kept on whittling. As he noted, “It’s a handy whittler in any case.”
I grabbed a piece of pine from the kindling pile and started to whittle a firestick. I had to adjust my grip a few times as the handle is as narrow as the blade. The deeper I cut the more it wanted to roll in my hand. So I made the curlicues thin and kept on whittling. It’s a handy whittler in any case.
The edge withstood 30 whacks into a deer antler. The little blade took the beating with no chips or rolls, a sign of excellent heat treatment.
Half-inch sisal rope was next. The Adventurecraft put out 160 crunching cuts before some sliding ensued. The pressure I used on each cut made it challenging to hang on to the narrow handle. I really had to grip it tightly. It cut aggressively once I got going.
I checked the edge with 30 whacks into a deer antler. The little blade took the beating with no chips or rolls. Yep, excellent heat treatment! Back at the workbench, I grabbed the sheet of notebook paper for a second go-round. The Adventurecraft still sliced smoothly.
Final Cut
I would widen the handle for more leverage in cutting. This is a handy little blade to have around the campsite or in a backpack. It’s great for everyday uses.
Check Out More Outdoor Knives:
BEST TOMAHAWKS: OUR TOP HAWKS FOR BACKWOODS TO BATTLEFIELDS
Marine Corps hero feted with Nawrocki knife at The Battleship Ball.
An unforgettable setting for a memorable event celebrating an American hero—all complemented by a beautiful knife by Brian “Rocco” Nawrocki—completed a tribute to USMC Sergeant Scott Bunker during last year’s 250th anniversary of the United States Marine Corps.
Assigned to Lima Company in 2005 during the Iraq War, Sergeant Bunker took multiple machine-gun rounds at point-blank range in house-to-house fighting, resulting in the loss of an eye, half a lung, several ribs and soft-tissue damage to his left arm. He was the guest of honor at The Battleship Ball 2025 on November 1, held on the deck of the vintage World War II Battleship USS North Carolina in Wilmington, North Carolina.
Event organizer/USMC veteran Dean Smith (left) congratulates Sgt. Scott Bunker after delivery of the Nawrocki tribute knife (in display case on the dais) during The Battleship Ball.
The handsome fixed blade Rocco made for Sergeant Bunker includes steel from the North Carolina for the blade and guard. The wood handle is teak from the battlewagon’s deck, along with purple heart ribbon spacers.
From Pie-in-the-Sky Ideas to Likely Gear Trends: Steve Shackleford’s Annual Look Ahead.
Christmas and New Year’s are nigh, so it’s time for my holiday wishes and hoped-for predictions for 2026. Some are pie-in-the-sky, but what the heck—make mine pecan.
You teach a young person how to use a knife proficiently, safely and responsibly;
Every time a Hallmark Christmas movie comes on the power goes out;
The Federal Switchblade Act is overturned;
Every time Jingle Bells by The Singing Dogs plays the power won’t go out;
The U.S. states—28 at press time—that still have automatic knife bans repeal them;
It’s a white Christmas;
If you’ve never been to a BLADE Show, you get to attend the 45th annual rendition June 5-7 in Atlanta;
All Christmas cookies taste exactly like the best homemade chocolate chip cookie Mom ever made;
You buy a seatbelt cutter with a window breaker and place it in your car or truck for the quickest, easiest access in an emergency;
A law passes mandating that all members of Congress go without pay, on-time plane flights, etc., during government shutdowns just like every other applicable person must;
You always remember to carry a knife;
A law passes mandating that members of Congress cannot play the stock market, and that their family members, friends, proxies, etc., who do play it have their stock profits capped at the national consumer average;
Everyone learns how to properly use and sharpen a knife;
You discover an uncut, commercial-free version of your favorite Christmas movie and get the maximum enjoyment out of watching it;
Twenty-twenty-six is the hottest year on record for custom and factory knife sales;
A law passes mandating that before running for office, all candidates must score 90 or better on a test gauging their knowledge of the Constitution;
You finally get to meet and shake the hand of a knifemaker you’ve always wanted to but never met before;
Vladimir Putin gets run over by a reindeer;
The TSA allows Swiss Army knives on plane flights;
If it’s all you want, you get those two front teeth;
For knifemaking beginners, you make a knife that attracts buyers and sells for a value-appropriate price;
A law passes mandating that you must have lived at least 21 years in the USA before you can run for elected office;
You don’t put your or anyone else’s eye out with a Daisy Red Ryder BB gun;
You find and buy your grail knife;
The 190th anniversary of the Battle of the Alamo (March 6) is celebrated in grand style;
The American Bladesmith Society’s 50th anniversary in 2026 is a most rewarding one for all involved;
The observance of the 25th anniversary of 9/11 in New York City in September goes off most appropriately and without suppression/oppression from the city’s mayor;
The 250th birthday of the USA is the most rousing and satisfying of all time for all Americans, and;
Last but not least, you have the merriest Christmas and happiest New Year ever!
Stainless, high-carbon, super steels, see what 2025’s shakeups mean for knife steels in 2026.
Twenty-twenty-five saw radical change in the cutlery industry, but somehow the business of blades not only survived, in some ways, it also thrived. With new steels in the offing and despite a business environment made murky by the specter of tariffs, 2026 has several things going for it that could point to a year of continued resilience for knives.
Ironically, one of ’25’s biggest changes—the closing of Crucible Industries—did not turn out to be as debilitating as some thought it would be. While by mid-year there was no more Crucible, most of its coveted cutlery steels remained available, albeit under new manufacturer names (Knife After Crucible).
A steel processing company that came out quite well during the transition was Niagara Specialty Metals (NSM). Bob Shabala, NSM president, provided a look at the changes from an insider’s perspective.
Several sources say companies that manufacture their knives solely in the USA should experience little to no tariff-induced price increases in 2026. Case is such a company. The Crossroads Barlow features S35VN stainless blade steel and a black and tan Richlite handle. Closed length: 3.375 inches. MSRP: $118.99.
“Crucible’s decline didn’t happen overnight,” he notes. “Long before the shutdown, we saw signs of trouble: inconsistent allocations, slipping ship dates and growing uncertainty around future melts. As a steel processor that lives or dies by delivery reliability, we didn’t wait. We started to order more steel from Crucible to bolster our inventory in case something happened. We also reached out to Erasteel and Carpenter Technology to gauge their interest in supplying PM [powder metallurgy] steels. We have a long history with both companies and they were receptive to our requests. In September 2024, we started placing orders with both mills, not knowing that Erasteel would eventually buy the IP [intellectual property] and trademarks of Crucible in early 2025.
“In short, Crucible’s demise raised costs in the short term but also created an opportunity for us to buy high-quality steel from multiple suppliers. We diversified melt sources, invested in grinding/laser/ti capacity and kept steel flowing. The industry will come out of this with a more resilient supply chain, and makers will see faster builds and better consistency where it counts. If you’re a one-man shop or a major brand, you can get the material and the prep you need.”
Introduction MagnaMax Steel
Dr. Larrin Thomas, metallurgist.
Dr. Larrin Thomas is an acclaimed metallurgist whose web column knifesteelnerds.com is great reading if you want to stay current with knife steels. He sees the industry’s ability to bounce back over time as key to predicting events for the coming year.
“The huge changes in the ownership among steel manufacturers for cutlery consumers were minimal, mainly because the major players had a year to settle into their comfort zones,” states Thomas, whose portfolio as a steel designer includes the uber-popular MagnaCut. “Nothing changed as far as the king-of-the-hill steel. MagnaCut, which has been the most popular stainless steel among knife consumers for over two years, remains the top choice. That could change in 2026 because MagnaCut will be joined by a sibling dubbed MagnaMax.
“MagnaCut isn’t going away—its balance of edge retention, toughness and true ‘stainlessness’ keeps it the all-around benchmark. What’s new is MagnaMax: think MagnaCut-level corrosion resistance with meaningfully higher wear resistance, so edges hang on longer in abrasive cutting. That combination is why I expect MagnaMax to be one of 2026’s headline steels, especially in EDC folders, hunting/skinning knives, and pro kitchen blades that see lots of board or hide contact. MagnaMax complements MagnaCut rather than replacing it—pick MagnaMax when maximum edge life is the priority, MagnaCut when you want the ultimate do-everything balance.”
Knife Steels To Watch
AEB-L stainless will be one of the top blade steel choices for custom folders in 2026. Terry Jellison employs it on the blades of his Hobo Knife. Scales: mammoth ivory. Liners: brass. Closed length: 4 inches. The knife is not for sale. (Jocelyn Frasier image)
Despite or perhaps even because of the Crucible shakeup, manufacturers and custom makers have many steel options. Following is Larrin’s recap of the diversity of top-shelf options for 2026. First, the leading stainless steels for factory knives:
MagnaCut: Expanding across EDC folders, hunting knives and premium automatics as brands refresh the legacy of S30V/S35VN;
MagnaMax: Expect it to appear in the same knife types as MagnaCut and beyond. The appeal is simple: MagnaMax has the qualities of a stainless steel users already love (MagnaCut) but with more wear resistance for longer edge life, and;
LC200N and Vanax: Limited but visible in dive/fillet and salt-exposed knives where “no rust, period” is the spec.
Larrin’s top carbon steels for factory knives in ’26:
CPM 3V and CPM CruWear (aka NSM Wear): Factories use these steels selectively in choppers and survival/tactical fixed blades where warranty-safe toughness matters.
D2: The popular tool steel will persist in value lines, but you’ll see a gradual shift away from it toward tougher, easier-to-sharpen options. In the realm of carbon steels for custom knives, Larrin says Pop’s ProCut, a new blade material designed for use by bladesmiths, including in damascus, will shine. Its combination of nickel, tungsten and vanadium gives it high toughness and wear resistance while still being easy to forge and heat treat. It can be hardened in a 200°F window, which makes it extremely easy to heat treat. The high nickel content also makes it produce a bright layer in damascus. On the stainless custom side, Larrin says to watch these:
MagnaMax: Alongside MagnaCut and AEB-L, MagnaMax will be a go-to for customs where makers want a “set-and-forget” edge on EDC folders, hunting knives and chef’s knives. It delivers premium corrosion resistance plus a clear wear-resistance bump, which lets makers grind thin and still give customers long service intervals between sharpenings, and;
LC200N: It will fill a growing niche for dive knives, fillet knives, coastal EDC and pro kitchens where rust is the enemy.
Tariffs’ Affects On Knife Steel
Bear & Son is another company that manufactures its knives exclusively in the USA and that should experience little to no tariff-induced price increases in ’26. Its 11 7/8-inch White Smooth Bone Professional Fillet Knife features Sandvik 14C28N stainless blade steel. MSRP: $139.99.
Several sources say American consumers will see the effects of U.S. tariffs on both imported knives and/or the steel used in them in ’26—a double whammy in some cases. However, it’s too early to tell the overall impact tariffs will have on the prices American consumers will pay for imported knives. That said, enough has been done in the overall market to draw some conclusions as to what direction those numbers are heading in the knife market in general.
As for those who manufacture their knives in the USA, there will be little to no increase in prices, except for models that include some foreign-made parts. This is uncommon but a possibility, though for the most part, not a liability that cannot be overcome. Case, Bear & Son and others are among those that fall into this category.
The second group contains companies that do a large part of their manufacturing in the United States. Among those that fit into this group is Spyderco, which also has its “value line” of knives produced overseas. Sources say Spyderco can go with a bump in tariffs on its foreign-made knives, move all manufacturing in-house or ditch the value line entirely, though there was no indication at press time that the company will choose either of the latter two options.
Dr. Larrin Thomas says the new Pop’s ProCut blade material is designed for use by bladesmiths, including in damascus. Cliff Ivey combines it with 80CrV2 carbon steel for the damascus blade of his small hunter. Overall length: 6.25 inches. Cliff’s price for a similar knife: $450. (Jocelyn Frasier image)
Then there are American companies that produce the lion’s share of their knives overseas. CRKT is one such company. Sources indicate CRKT can work the tariff costs into existing pricing, move its manufacturing to a country that pays lower tariffs, or figure out a way to manufacture more of its knives domestically. Considering CRKT’s track record, it probably would be a mistake to underestimate the company’s ability to endure.
Bottom Line
While 2026 will have its challenges, barring any surprises, it should be relatively calmer than 2025 due to last year’s upheavals in the manufacturing sector and tariff-induced changes. Meanwhile, the cutlery industry remains healthy in both the budget, moderately priced and upscale sectors—and that is a very good sign.
If it needs cutting, do it in style with one of these gems.
Of any class of knife, there’s nothing handier than an EDC blade. From mending hoses to knocking down cardboard boxes and prying open stuck latches, these knives trim down daily chores. Though what exactly defines an EDC knife? Honestly, anything could be an everyday carry if you simply carry it every day. And while a few of our new knife picks aren’t precisely what you call your typical EDC, they’re certainly worthy of keeping at hand to cut into your workload.
Brian Milinski Paratrooper
BLADE LENGTH: 3.25” BLADE MATERIAL: Dragonskin damascus by Bertie Rietveld BLADE GRIND: Hollow BLADE FINISH: Nitre salt blued SCALES: Carbon fiber CLOSED LENGTH: 4.5” MAKER’S PRICE FOR A SIMILAR KNIFE: $1,650 MAKER: Brian Milinski, mrknives.com (Felipe Silva image)
Buck Knives 791 Range Elite
KNIFE TYPE: Folder BLADE LENGTH: 3 3/8” BLADE STEEL: MagnaCut stainless BLADE GRIND: High-panel flat BLADE OPENER: Thumb stud HANDLE MATERIAL: Anodized aluminum LINERS: Tumble-polished stainless LOCK: Crossbar POCKET CLIP: Deep carry, reversible WEIGHT: 3.3 ozs. CLOSED LENGTH: 4.5” SPECIAL FEATURES: Spine gimping COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: USA MSRP: $275 COMPANY: Buck Knives, buckknives.com
Sean Alonzo Dalisay 2.8 Cigar Cutter
BLADE LENGTH: 2.8” BLADE MATERIAL: Yggdrasil pattern damascus by Damasteel BLADE GRIND: Single bevel SCALES: Mammoth tusk ivory BOLSTER: Black burlap Micarta® KNIFE TO KNOW: Pivot collar, inlay and thumb screws are mammoth ivory; zirconium pivot and backspacer MAKER’S PRICE FOR A SIMILAR KNIFE: $4,200 MAKER: Sean Alonzo, baleteblades.shop (Jocelyn Frasier image)
Brion Tomberlin Personal Carry Fighter
BLADE LENGTH: 4.5” BLADE MATERIAL: W2 tool steel w/hamon BLADE GRIND: Flat SCALES: Ironwood GUARD: 416 stainless steel OVERALL LENGTH: 9.5” MAKER’S PRICE FOR A SIMILAR KNIFE: $650 KNIFE TO KNOW: Brion Tomberlin is a master smith in the American Bladesmith Society MAKER: Brion Tomberlin (Jocelyn Frasier image)
Craig Brewer Slipjoint
BLADE LENGTH: 2.5” BLADE MATERIAL: Mike Norris stainless damascus in a Frequency pattern BLADE GRIND: Hollow SCALES: Mammoth ivory CLOSED LENGTH: 3” MAKER’S PRICE FOR A SIMILAR KNIFE: $1,100 KNIFE TO KNOW: Craig Brewer is an apprentice smith in the American Bladesmith Society MAKER: Craig Brewer (Jocelyn Frasier image)
Quintin T. Hardtner IV Take-Down Frame-Handle Bowie
BLADE LENGTH: 8.25” BLADE MATERIAL: Feather damascus of 1084 carbon and 15N20 nickel-alloy steels BLADE GRIND: Flat SCALES: Curly koa FURNITURE MATERIAL: Same as blade SPACERS: Nickel silver OVERALL LENGTH: 13.5” KNIFE TO KNOW: Won Best Fixed Blade and Best of Show at the 2025 Louisiana Knife Show SHEATH: Leather; custom made by Bob Bobbitt MAKER’S PRICE FOR A SIMILAR KNIFE: $3,000 MAKER: Quintin T. Hardtner IV (Jocelyn Frasier image)
Spartan Blades Soter Carbon Fiber Edition
KNIFE TYPE: EDC folder BLADE LENGTH: 3.25” BLADE STEEL: CPM S35VN stainless ROCKWELL HARDNESS: 58-60 HRC BLADE FINISH: Satin HANDLE MATERIAL: Carbon fiber/G-10 composite LOCK: RaceLock™ POCKET CLIP: Machined from one piece of steel, PVD-coated in flat dark earth WEIGHT: 3.9 ozs. COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: USA MSRP: $310 KNIFE TO KNOW: Soter is the Greek mythological figure known as the “protector” COMPANY: Spartan Blades, spartanbladesusa.com
Tory Utt Arkansas Hunter
KNIFE TYPE: Slipjoint BLADE LENGTH: 4” BLADE MATERIAL: Feather pattern damascus forged by Bill Poor BLADE GRIND: Flat BLADE PATTERN: Clip point HANDLE FRAME: Nickel silver SCALES: Westinghouse Micarta® SHIELD: Mother-of-pearl BOLSTERS: Topo pattern damascus forged by Tory Utt CLOSED LENGTH: 4.25” MAKER’S PRICE FOR A SIMILAR KNIFE: $1,300 range KNIFE TO KNOW: Tory Utt has been making knives for 12 years MAKER: Tory Utt, sacredbearknives.com (SharpByCoop image)
Mace Vitale Bowie
BLADE LENGTH: 12.5” BLADE MATERIAL: W2 tool steel w/hamon BLADE GRIND: Flat SCALES: Tasmanian blackwood GUARD & FERRULE: Mild steel OVERALL LENGTH: 17.5” KNIFE TO KNOW: The design is inspired by early American knives; Mace Vitale is a journeyman smith in the American Bladesmith Society MAKER’S PRICE FOR A SIMILAR KNIFE: $1,750 MAKER: Mace Vitale (SharpByCoop image)
Bear & Son Cutlery 112A 4” Stainless Steel Framelock
BLADE LENGTH: 2 7/8” BLADE MATERIAL: Stainless steel BLADE PATTERN: Drop point BLADE OPENERS: Flipper and thumb stud OPENING MECHANISM: Assisted HANDLE MATERIAL: Stainless steel LOCK: Framelock POCKET CLIP: Yes WEIGHT: 3.8 ozs. CLOSED LENGTH: 3¾” COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: USA MSRP: $59.99 COMPANY: Bear & Son Cutlery, bearandsoncutlery.com
Camillus Explorer
BLADE LENGTH: 3” BLADE STEEL: 3Cr13 stainless BLADE PATTERN: Drop point HANDLE MATERIAL: Nylon glass fiber LOCK: Crossbar WEIGHT: 3 3/8 ozs. CLOSED LENGTH: 4.5” COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: Offshore MSRP: $29.99 COMPANY: Camillus, camillusknives.com
5.11 Pryme Double Duty DP
KNIFE TYPE: Folder BLADE LENGTH: 3.25” BLADE MATERIAL: D2 tool steel BLADE GRIND: Compound BLADE PATTERN: Drop point BLADE OPENERS: Flipper and thumb stud HANDLE MATERIAL: G-10 on mark side/420J2 stainless on lock side BOLSTER MATERIAL: 420J2 LOCK: Framelock POCKET CLIP: Steel, deep carry, reversible WEIGHT: 5.3 ozs. CLOSED LENGTH: 5.125” SPECIAL FEATURES: Built-in, full-handle-length pry tool/screwdriver/optic COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: China MSRP: $85 CONTACT: 5.11, 5.11tactical.com
