Page 136 – BLADE Magazine

5 Out-The-Side Automatic Knives that are Stylish & Functional

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September 9, 2020

5 Out-The-Side Automatic Knives that are Stylish & Functional

By Dexter Ewing

Because the blade opens swiftly by the press of a button, the automatic has a special aura knife enthusiasts dig. There’s something satisfying about the crisp snap! sound the blade makes when it opens and locks. Add the fact that all five of our out-the-side (OTS) test autos are American made and their aura takes on a winsome red-white-and-blue tint.

What better way to start off a story on all-American-mades than with the Patriot Auto from Diamondblade Knives (DBK)? Among its notable safety features are an integrated forward hand guard and a handle butt that drops down to help discourage rearward sliding of your hand. Plus, the handle is contoured for comfort over prolonged use.

Another interesting Patriot feature is it is the only auto this writer is aware of that incorporates not one but two springs to fire the blade. There is a traditional coil spring plus a kicker leaf spring of 17-4 stainless steel integrated into the handle spine that, after the blade is released, “throws” the blade out. The coil spring takes over from there, propelling the blade to the open and locked position. In this writer’s experience, the Patriot has the most recoil of any OTS.

The blade is DBK’s patented Friction Forged D2 tool steel. You can clearly see the forged zone, which is demarcated similarly to a blade with a hamon. Due to the acute cutting edge angle, the blade has plenty of bite. Cutting meat, the Patriot is like a scalpel. Tougher materials such as cardboard and reinforced rubber hose are no match either.

Pros: The opening action is very responsive due to the twin spring setup. The lack of steel liners makes the knife thin, lightweight and easy to carry. The heavy-duty pocket clip totes the knife securely. Friction Forged technology enables the cutting edge to stay sharper for longer periods of time. There is a secondary sliding switch safety for additional carry security.

Cons: Because they are not steel, the Patriot’s liners widen the handle a bit, making it more comfortable for some users. This is not as stylish, appearance- wise, as other autos but the design works—and that’s what matters. There is a lack of gimping at the thumb rest on the handle spine. MSRP: $269.

UNOBTRUSIVE & STURDY

The Colonial Knife Model 556 automatic is tailored for law enforcement use. Though all black, it is an unassuming knife and doesn’t look aggressive.

The slender-profiled handle with a rounded contour rests in your hand comfortably. The main blade is a hollow- ground clip point of 440A stainless steel. A secondary blade operates via a slip joint from the handle butt—a specially designed, recessed rescue-cutter hook. Originally designed to sever flex-cuff restraints used in law enforcement, the hook also can be used to cut jammed seat belts or to remove accident victim clothing for emergency medical treatment.

The handle is a highly durable, impact- resistant thermoplastic called Isoplast. It has high-tensile strength to withstand rough service. There is a molded-in, earthy-type texture that provides a nonslip grip without being aggressive and rough on pants material.

The main blade fires automatically. It works off a button with a sliding switch safety to prevent both accidental activation and locking. The blade opens quickly with no recoil.

Due to the handle’s slender cross section, combined with its 1-ounce weight, the knife is a pleasure to carry. It lacks bulk and weight, and because it doesn’t take up much room, you can easily slide your hand into a pocket to fish out keys or change.

Pros: The 556 is easy to carry and comfortable to hold. The clip holds the knife securely in a pocket. It is lightweight and the main blade cuts like a scalpel.

Cons: The thin blade tip could be susceptible to breakage if used roughly, and the slender profile might be a disadvantage for those with bigger hands. MSRP: $120.

LOOKER that PERFORMS

The Heretic Medusa OTS pairs a wide blade with a curved, slender-ish, ergonomic handle. When the knife is open, it almost looks as if the blade will not fit into the handle when closed. It is an interesting visual effect this writer finds whimsically appealing in folding knives.

The blade finish is two-tone. The blade bevels have a KG Gunkote, and the flats are satin. The bit of bright silver popping through an otherwise all-black knife creates an interesting visual contrast.

The caged bearing system inside the coil spring assists with the ultra-smooth blade action. The handle is ergonomically shaped to fit the hand like a glove, with an integrated forward guard that tapers and curves to bring the rest of the handle into proper shape. Grip-tape inlays enhance hand traction. The tape is sufficiently recessed so it will not chafe pants fabric but not so deep that your fingers cannot touch it.

The handle comes in carbon fiber or anodized titanium and color options of black, green, blue, purple and orange. On the reverse side is a milled steel pocket clip with a large imbedded ball bearing on the end for ease of secure attachment/ detachment. The clip is unusual looking and not simply stamped steel. Some thought has obviously been invested into its appearance and function—very cool!

The handle has a steel spacer and a lanyard hole. The firing button is large, offers a checkered surface for a sure grip and sits flush to the handle surface. Firing the blade involves a deliberate push of the button. While there is no secondary safety, there is little to no danger of the Medusa’s blade firing accidentally.

Pros: The carbon-fiber version is extremely lightweight and a pleasure to carry. Since it’s recessed, the grip tape won’t damage your pocket. The flat- ground blade cuts very well and the tanto tip has excellent piercing capabilities.

Cons: The price is on the high side. In addition, some users do not like grip tape because it is too harsh on the fingers.

MSRPs: $322 to $350 for the aluminum- handle version and $434 to $462 for the carbon-fiber-handle one.

TACTICAL/STYLISH FUSION

The Gerber Empower features a utilitarian-friendly, spear-point blade mated to an aluminum handle. The OTS infuses a bit of “sporty” with “heavy duty” resulting in a huge amount of practicality. The Empower employs CPM S30V stainless blade steel and a machined aluminum handle with Type III hard- anodized coating for scratch protection. The 3.25-inch blade can tackle some of the biggest daily cutting tasks. The nearly full-length swedge gives it a sleek appearance, and a black-oxide coating boosts corrosion resistance and non- glare properties.

An expanded area around the pivot acts as an integral guard, and gimping in several handle locations enhances purchase. For style and further hand traction, Gerber includes an inlay called the “Armored Grip”—a plate of stainless steel with an electroformed, random- textured pattern.

Because the button isn’t recessed into the handle, the secondary safety is a necessity. Why doesn’t Gerber recess the firing button? Some argue it creates issues when the user is wearing gloves: It’s hard to deploy the blade quickly if you cannot feel the button. The ramped sliding switch safety is easy to operate, even with gloves. When you see the red dot, the knife is ready to go!

The handle comes in black, gray, urban blue and multicam arid camo. All have black, plain-edged blades except for the black handle version, which is also available in a stonewashed finish as well as black coated and partly serrated. The steel pocket clip carries tip up or down.

Pros: Due to its Armored Grip inlay, the Empower is an interesting fusion of tactical and style. The spear-point blade is adaptable to many cutting tasks. There is a pronounced firing button and sliding switch safety that are easily accessible, even with gloves.

Cons: The pocket clip is not ambidextrous and the handle gimping isn’t aggressive enough. The recessed lanyard holes are small, so standard 550 cord will not work as a lanyard.

MSRPs: $130 (black-bladed models); $125 (stonewash); and $150 (Multicam Arid).

ITALIAN STALLION

The “little brother” to Kershaw’s bigger Launch 8 Italian-style, stiletto automatic, the Launch 12 offers the same design in a more compact and easier-to-carry/ use package. Custom knifemaker Matt Diskin configured the Launch 8 and 12 to be modern versions of the classic Italian stiletto switchblades with the iconic symmetrical blades and handle profiles, along with integral curved guards.

The blade releases via an inlaid firing button but lacks a secondary safety. Kershaw obviates this by designing the release to be an intentional action: You must depress the button deliberately in order to get the blade to fire.

The Launch 12 may seem to be merely a curio but is far from it. The smaller size allows it to ride in the pocket nicely. The handle width makes it comfortable to grip and provides a secure hold. The blade action is very crisp and ultra-quick (no doubt, the blade’s small size and light weight help in these regards).

Pros: The Launch 12 is a good pocket-carry size. The clip is ambidextrous and positions the knife as low as possible in a pocket. The knife offers great action. It’s small but there is enough handle width to make it comfortable in the hand, and it doesn’t feel as if it might slip from your grip. The carbon-fiber inlay adds a nice touch of class.

Cons: The size might be too small for some with larger hands, and the blade tip might be fragile for rough use. MSRP: $149.99.

Editor’s note: Be sure to check all laws that pertain to both you and the area in which you carry your automatic knives.

For the contact information for the pictured knives, see “Where To Get ’Em” on page 71.

For the latest knives, knife news, trends and more visit blademag.com, BLADE®’s popular Instagram page @blade_ magazine, and on Facebook and Twitter.

We Demolish Cars with 3 New Breaching Tools

Dexter Ewing

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September 9, 2020

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We Demolish Cars with 3 New Breaching Tools

Written by Dexter Ewing

Breaching tools are handy to have if you’re a firefighter, an EMT or in law enforcement. They can assist in gaining access to structures or vehicles in an emergency to help extract an accident victim, or to forcibly gain entry into a house or apartment to apprehend “the bad guys.”

There are differing varieties of breaching tools. Those in the story are tomahawk-based; they’re like standard tomahawks, but incorporate other features that make them more useful in emergency situations. Think tomahawks on steroids!

CRASH BROTHER

U.S. military veterans Jared Ogden and Grady Powell designed the Camillus CRASH breaching tool. Ogden served as a Navy SEAL and Powell as an Army Green Beret. Both have designed other knives and tools for Camillus, employing the expertise they gained from their years of service to create efficient tactical implements. One such design is the CRASH breaching tool.

At 21.75 inches overall, the CRASH features 3Cr13 stainless steel with a titanium-nitride coating for rust resistance. The cutting edge is 3.5 inches, long enough to be used effectively as an axe or tomahawk. A generous-sized cutout in the head allows for control and leverage when using the prybar/metal- cutting claw feature on the end of the tool.

A checkered-face hammering surface that measures about 1 inch wide by 2.3 inches long is on the head’s opposite end. The checkered face provides grip and won’t slip off the surface you’re hammering. The handle scales are molded Zytel for solid purchase. Molded-in texturing further enhances gripping ability. On the hawk side of the handle, two sets of machined- in finger grooves enable your fingers to settle in for a better grip.

Weighing 6 pounds, the CRASH can develop some serious momentum when swung as a tomahawk or hammer. In addition, the extra length and weight of the hammerhead make the CRASH a very effective axe. Moreover, the long handle allows for added leverage.

I hacked up and disassembled one wood pallet with the CRASH. It’s a powerful chopper and the edge bit into the wood aggressively. Using the hammer portion, I was able to knock the boards loose. It’s very convenient to have the two tools in one product for such a task.

Conversely, I dislike the prybar portion. Understand that the prybar isn’t the standard wedge-shaped tip found on so many commercially available models. The wedge tip allows for easy insertion under materials to initiate prying. However, while dismantling the pallet, I found myself wanting the traditional prybar wedge tip. Why? Because it would make the job easier to have three convenient tools in one rather than two. In fact, I found the prybar useless. It’s great to make use of the additional length of the tool, coupled with the integral handle grip in the head, but the C-shaped prybar tip wasn’t effective at all in getting in between the pallet boards.

AUTO SALVAGE SHAKEDOWN: I took the CRASH to a local auto salvage yard to test the axe head. After just a few swings, I drove the head into the door of a large pickup truck. Though the edge suffered some rolling, it wasn’t a big deal. When I tried to hack into the door of a second vehicle, about a quarter inch of the head’s edge broke off. Yes, it made it into the door but the CRASH was damaged. Nonetheless, the coating held up well, and, overall, the CRASH looked no worse for wear.

COMPACT HAMMER/PICK

Halfbreed Blades builds some of the most robust factory fixed blades and folders Down Under. It also has a line of rescue tools to augment its knife line. One such model is the IRT-01 (Incident Response Tool).

At a tad over 10 inches overall, it is one of the more compact of the test breaching tools. However, there’s a reason for its compact nature: It’s designed to carry via insertion into a single column row in a MOLLE plate. Neither a sheath nor a holster is included. At .32 inch thick, the IRT-01 can get the job done.

Steel is Bohler K110—basically, D2 tool steel. D2 is widely known for high impact resistance and toughness, as well as ease of working and resharpening. The tool is available in two colors of Teflon coating—black and flat dark earth (FDE). The entire length of the handle has a series of traction grooves machined into the flats, and there are traction notches on the handle edges. The two features work in conjunction for a secure, nonslip grip, even while wearing gloves.

A hammer and modified pick are on opposite ends of the head. The hammerhead is a bit over 1.5 inches wide and shares the same thickness as the handle—a generous .32 inch. There’s enough face to use it as a field- expedient hammer. On the opposite end is a modified pick with a rounded blunt end, which can be used as a glass breaker. The handle traction notches continue up under the pick so you can employ the “break-and-rake’’ method of glass breaking: After breaking the glass, the tool is used to rake and pull the glass shards out of a window frame.

Handle weight is optimized via the skeletonized design. It includes a built- in, multi-sized wrench for tightening nuts and bolts, as well as a quarter-inch drive hole that accommodates common hex bits. At the very end of the handle is a prybar/nail-puller. The single beveled side of the prybar allows for easy insertion between a wooden door and door jamb for forced entry/exit.

I was able to dismantle pallets with the IRT-01. I used my 32-ounce dead-blow hammer to pound the prybar end of the tool under the boards. I then grabbed the hammerhead and pulled to separate the boards. I also used the nail-puller to extract nails.

The tool has zero flex. You can whale on it as hard as you want without fear of bending it. Its short length might be a bit of a hindrance in tasks where leverage wins out.

AUTO SALVAGE SHAKEDOWN: I used the IRT-01 as a window breaker at the auto salvage yard. However, you can’t hit a window head on with the pick end. You have to catch the glass on the corner of the pick where there’s a point of contact on the window. I hit it in the lower corner of the window and, with one good, stinging pop, the glass shattered completely. I then used the underside of the pick to rake away the broken glass and knock away any that was still hanging on as if I were clearing the window out in order to gain access into a vehicle to rescue the occupants. Unfortunately, due to the IRT-01’s short length and lack of a cutting edge, that was the end of the salvage-yard test.

HACK ATTACK

DoubleStar’s Wrath crash hawk combines the best of a tomahawk and breaching tool all in one. Starting with .275-inch- thick 80CrV2 carbon steel, the 16.5-inch Wrath features a multifaceted face that simultaneously cuts as it penetrates. A scalloped spike on the opposite end penetrates wood and metal. The handle has a heavily checkered, machined-in texturing that bites comfortably, even when you’re wearing gloves.

The test version of the Wrath DoubleStar provided is a sample of the new model, which will be sold on the company’s website and not by dealers. It has a Parkerized coating as opposed to tan Cerakote®, and a green-and-black G-10 handle instead of the standard tan and black. Other than the cosmetic changes, the Wrath is similar to the original design. Each model comes with a heavy-duty, eighth-inch-thick Kydex sheath.

The quality is definitely there. All the grinds are even and the cutting edges are quite sharp. In fact, everything about the Wrath fits up well. Hacking up a pallet is just pure fun! Because of the V-shaped hatchet head, the cutting edges attack at an angle relative to the wood with each blow. It really made the wood chips fly.

The Wrath has an aggressive bite. It managed to hack through about half the width of the pallet boards. At about the halfway point, it broke the rest of the way through via sheer blunt force. The handle machining worked very well for the task. I wore latex-coated, cut-proof gloves during the test. The aggressive, checkered machining pattern on the G-10 worked efficiently to keep the tool from slipping from my grip during the powerful chopping blows.

If you use the Wrath without gloves on, you’ll probably find the machining pattern too aggressive. My recommendation: Always wear gloves while using this tool. Once you do, you’ll realize it makes sense. There were absolutely no issues with hand slippage.

AUTO SALVAGE SHAKEDOWN:
During my auto salvage yard visit, I was able to hack into a vehicle door but there was a bit of a price to pay: The tip of the hatchet head broke off. Nonetheless, the rest of the head escaped unscathed. The 80CrV2 steel is tough! When I got home, I used a regular metal file to touch up the edges and make it more serviceable.

Author’s note: Thanks to the good folks at Lewisville Motor Co., Inc., in Winston- Salem, North Carolina, for allowing me to test the breaching tools on vehicles destined for the crusher. An auto salvage yard specializing in parts for late-model cars and trucks, the company serves the Piedmont Triad metro area of North Carolina—and beyond—with fast and friendly personalized service. Visit lewisvillemotorcompany.com or e-mail [email protected].

Raboud Dagger Fetches $50,000

Melissa Miller

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September 2, 2020

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PROCEEDS BENEFIT WOUNDED WARRIOR OUTDOORS AND WILD SHEEP FOUNDATION

The Raboud Dagger by award-winning knifemaker Dennis Friedly sold for $50,000 at a live auction this last January, with proceeds from the sale benefitting both Wounded Warrior Outdoors, Inc., and the Wild Sheep Foundation.

Sponsored by Heritage Collectables, the knife was auctioned during the Wild Sheep Foundation (WSF) Show in Reno, Nevada.

The dagger is named in honor of Ron Raboud, founder of Wounded Warrior Outdoors (WWO). The quote Sandra Brady scrimshawed on the handle is from the closing speech Raboud gave at the Wild Sheep Foundation Banquet in 2016.

“Wounded Warrior Outdoors is a non-profit charity providing recently wounded servicemen and women with therapeutic outdoor adventures across North America,” Dennis wrote. “WWO is a completely volunteer charity with no paid staff or needless overhead. It is an honor to work with these organizations.”

For more information contact Dennis Friedly, Dept. BL8, 12 Cottontail Lane E., Cody, WY 82414 307-527-6811 [email protected], friedlyknives.com. For more on WWO, visit woundedwarrioroutdoors.com. For more on WSF, visit wildsheepfoundation.org.

For the latest knives, knife news, trends and more visit blademag.com, BLADE®’s popular Instagram page @blade_magazine, and on Facebook and Twitter.

4 New Karambits That Are Very Different

Pat Covert

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August 29, 2020

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WELCOME TO THE BRAVE NEW WORLD OF THE KARAMBIT.

The latest karambits come in an assortment of sizes, shapes, blade patterns, materials, fixed blades and folders, and price ranges. Whether for utility, self-defense or what have you, today’s karambits are ahead of the curve. In fact, some have even eschewed the traditional curved blade cent of that of a Japanese kiridashi, and is for a variety of patterns.

In other words, today’s versions of the knives with the ring in the handle butt have that unfamiliar ring to them.

The karambit traces its roots to Indonesia, where it was first used in agricultural chores such as cutting rice. The original was much larger, but it began to be scaled down as its prowess in self-defense became more prominent. Most, though not all, karambits have the familiar safety ring at the base. They come in both fixed-blade and folder options and, to many users, are just as much for EDC as self-defense.

Karambits typically have a hawkbill blade, but you can’t tell by looking at our featured foursome. Manufacturers have diversified the knives’ blade shapes recently, thus offering something different in order to gain an edge over the competition. My team tested the four blades for cutting performance and tactile characteristics using the two main karambit grips: reverse, which is the main one for combat, and forward, which is more utilitarian.

It should be noted that karambits can be hazardous if you try spinning them as is often portrayed in YouTube videos. I spoke with two prominent edged-weapons combat trainers about spinning the knife. They both affirmed that the practice is useless in combat and is primarily used to perform tricks. Whatever the case, if you use a karambit for self-defense, it’s highly recommended that you seek professional instruction and start off with plastic or rubber training iterations of the knife.

NO LIGHTWEIGHT: The Smith & Wesson Extreme Ops

At $24.99, the Smith & Wesson Extreme Ops is by far the most affordable knife of the group. The design is clean and includes a harpoon modification on the spine of the hawkbill blade. At 7.875 inches overall it’s a large folder and also the heaviest (6.1 ounces) of the quartet. The liners are stainless steel. The safety ring is centered at the base. The blade angle is moderately aggressive, allowing the tip to lead when making cuts in the reverse grip. There’s a lot of handle to hold.

Uses for hawkbill blades include cutting carpet and linoleum, and pruning. I took the Extreme Ops to task on straight slices through some stiff, dried-out linoleum and it did an admirable job. Though it took three or four slices using a triangle as a guide, none of the test models made it through the material any quicker.

Due to its size, the Extreme Ops isnot for those with small hands, and it’s a heavy carry in the pocket. The only design flaw I found was in the safety ring, which is actually two thin rings that come off the steel liners. These can cut into the fingers with extended use. I’d like to see a solid spacer fill the gap between the rings. Manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP): $24.99.

Smith & Wesson Extreme Ops Specs
KNIFE TYPE: Folder
BLADE LENGTH: 3 inches
BLADE STEEL: 400 stainless
BLADE PATTERN: Modified hawkbill
HANDLE MATERIAL: Black G-10
LOCK: Linerlock
KNIFE TO KNOW: Offset safety ring
CARRY: Pocket clip, tip up
WEIGHT: 6.1 ounces
OPEN LENGTH: 7.875 inches
CLOSED LENGTH: 4.875 inches
COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: China
MSRP: $24.99

MIXED BREED: The TOPS Knives Poker

The Poker from TOPS Knives is a mixed-breed karambit. Designed by the company’s marketing director, Craig Powell, the Poker combines a karambit handle with a straight-edge, double- ground-blade hybrid. Reminiscent of that of a Japanese kiridashi, the blade sports TOPS’ Acid Rain finish. The sculpted handle scales terminate at a centered safety ring and the sheath is multi-positional.

A small fixed blade, the Poker is ideal for everyday carry as a neck or belt knife. There’s no angle to the wharncliffe blade—it comes straight off the handle— so, for self-defense using the knife, you’d want to train specifically with a wharncliffe pattern. Wharncliffes are great, all-around workhorse blades that excel at stripping wire, carving wood and making straight cuts.

The Poker is small, easy to conceal* and ideal for those with smaller hands. It did a good job removing strips of corrugated board, and even surprised me a bit because of its ability to cut easily through 3/8-inch synthetic rope. The blade has a lot of gumption! MSRP: $95.

TOPS Knives Poker Specs
KNIFE TYPE: Fixed blade
BLADE LENGTH: 2.5 inches
BLADE STEEL: 1095 carbon
BLADE PATTERN: Wharncliffe
HANDLE MATERIAL: Tan or black canvas Micarta®
WEIGHT: 3.6 ounces
OVERALL LENGTH: 6.88 inches
KNIFE TO KNOW: The blade is somewhat reminiscent of that of a Japanese kiridashi
CARRY: Black Kydex w/belt loop
COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: USA
MSRP: $120

LEAN & UPSCALE: The RMJ Tactical Korbin

The Korbin fixed blade from RMJ Tactical is easily the most upscale of the test group. The knife has an imposing look thanks to its deep, forward-canted hawkbill blade. Gimping at the blade’s base enhances purchase. The scales have an attractive grooved pattern, and the safety ring is radically offset toward the front of the handle. The sheath includes soft loops.

The knife is a medium-sized karambit with a thin handle. Some prefer a slim profile because gripping it is more like balling a fist, with the index finger keeping the blade stable. I have medium- sized hands, so I found it comfortable and to my liking.

I cut linoleum with the tip and 3-inch rope with the curved edge. I found the Nitro-V stainless blade steel exceptional. I even did a little pruning—a hawkbill favorite. All in all, the knife lived up to its higher price tag. MSRP: $190.

The RMJ Tactical Korbin performs all the functions you’d expect from a hawkbill blade, including pruning shrubs. “If you don’t mind spending a bit more,” the author wrote, “it is well worth the price.”

RMJ Tactical Korbin Specs
KNIFE TYPE: Fixed blade
BLADE LENGTH: 2.875 inches
BLADE STEEL: Nitro-V stainless
BLADE FINISH: Cerakote®
BLADE PATTERN: Hawkbill
HANDLE MATERIAL: G-10
HANDLE LENGTH: 4.25 inches
KNIFE TO KNOW: Offset safety ring
WEIGHT: 2.9 ounces
OVERALL LENGTH: 6.125 inches
CARRY: Kydex 2-way belt sheath
COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: USA
MSRP: $190

CORVETTE OF CUT? The Boker Wildcat XL

The Boker Wildcat XL Karambit Flipper is the longest (8.5 inches open) in the review stable and has a flipper opener. A Boris Manasherov design, the knife has curves all over—from the handle to the recurve blade—that would make a Corvette blush!

Stainless liners contain a linerlock and the scales flow into a centered safety ring. You can deploy the blade via an elongated, bean-shaped slot on the ricasso. The handle curves make for a very comfortable grip. Since the XL is huge, some might prefer the standard, 7.4-inch Wildcat model. The blade is atypical, though again, it’s not uncommon to find a wide range of blades among the latest karambits.

The Wildcat did a great job cutting rope—surprisingly so in push cuts using the blade’s curved front section. I also found it great at slicing grilled sausage Use your imagination with this blade— it’s definitely different. MSRP: $149.95.

Boker Wildcat XL
KNIFE TYPE: Flipper folder
BLADE LENGTH: 3.375 inches
BLADE MATERIAL: D2 tool steel
BLADE PATTERN: Recurve
HANDLE MATERIAL: Black G-10
LOCK: Linerlock
CARRY: Pocket clip, tip down
WEIGHT: 5 ounces
OPEN LENGTH: 8.5 inches
CLOSED LENGTH: 5.125 inches
COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: China
MSRP: $149.95

WIDE SELECTION

There are a couple of prime factors to consider when buying a karambit. First, get one compatible with your hand size. If it’s too large or too small, it won’t serve you well. Second, choose a blade that suits your purposes in both style and angle. Some are better at EDC, while others are meant for self-defense. Whichever your choice, given the competitiveness in the market, you’ll encounter no trouble with selection.

*Be sure to check and conform to laws concerning concealed carry that apply to the areas in which you carry your knife.

Newly-Made Blade May Also Be World’s Oldest

Knife Collecting

BLADE Staff

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August 24, 2020

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Newly-Made Blade May Also Be World’s Oldest

Meteorite dagger — According to Tristan Dare, the meteorite from which he forged the blade of his push dagger crashed into earth nearly a million years ago. The first fragments were found 87 miles from the Arctic Circle in 1906. He indicated the blade pattern is 100 percent natural and mathematical.
“Due to cooling over billions of years in space,” he writes, “the crystalline structure has relaxed from millions of sides to only eight sides,” thus leaving a definitive pattern between the nickel and the iron. (Caleb Royer edited image)

Model: Small push dagger
Maker: Tristan Dare
Blade Material: Forged octahedrite meteorite of nickel and iron inlaid with 24k gold
Handle Material: Stabilized mammoth tooth

Seventeen-year-old Tristan Dare’s meteorite push dagger is not only a visual stunner, it is forged from what may be the oldest meteorite ever.

The meteorite is what Tristan says is of the oldest octahedrite variety ever discovered, and, quite possibly, the oldest meteorite ever found on Earth. What’s more, he was able to get the meteorite to retain its pattern after heating, what he says is a rare achievement in and of itself.

“Meteorite is quite often referred to as a ‘magical’ steel, not only because it’s from space but because when it’s heated [over 900°F], the pattern disappears. Forever. But few have experimented to try and keep the pattern—and that’s exactly what I did,” he wrote to BLADE. “After a little help I was able to successfully forge the meteorite, heat treat it, temper it and still keep the pattern. Very few blades have achieved this outcome, and I’m very proud to be the maker of this piece.”

What is Meteorite?

“Meteorite,” “meteor,” “asteroid” and “comet” get thrown around quite a bit, and are often used interchangeably. “Meteorite,” however, refers to something specific.

From New Scientist:

It’s all about location and size. Roughly speaking, an asteroid is a relatively small body (that isn’t a comet), usually rocky or metallic, composed of dirt and ice. Small asteroids are also called meteoroids. When an asteroid or meteoroid enters the atmosphere and streaks through the sky, it then becomes known as a meteor. Anything that survives the impact is a meteorite.

Three Knifemakers Pass Away: Michael Holtschulte, Bernard Sparks and Ralph Turnbull

Knife News Wire

Steve Shackleford

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August 23, 2020

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The knife community lost three dedicated contributors recently with the passing of knifemakers Michael Holtschulte, Bernard Sparks and Ralph Turnbull.

Ralph Turnbull

A full-time knifemaker for almost 50 years, Ralph specialized in knives in the latest materials, including mosaic damascus, tigerwood, white and black ebony and others. He made a wide range of models, including though not limited to folders, fixed blades and even butterfly knives.

We had just published a story on one of his folders written by J.T. Hill (J.T.’s No. 1 Knife Hero) in the July issue when we got word Ralph had passed on June 6—the anniversary of D-Day. He was 85.

The last time I saw Ralph Turnbull was at the inaugural International Custom Cutlery Exposition in 2015 in Kansas City. Mrs. Raenelle Turnbull was there with him, as usual, and Ralph was smiling and sassy as he almost always seemed to be. Though he was 81 he looked at least five years younger—he always did look younger than his age—and talked about how he had beaten just about everything old age had thrown his way.

He said he’d had bypasses, diabetes and one other malady that I can’t recall, and talked about how the doctor told him he’d lived through the biggest killers.

While Ralph recently succumbed to the inevitable fate that eventually awaits us all, his attitude toward life is one I will always envy. To paraphrase the old sports saying, it wasn’t that anything beat him—he simply ran out of time.

Bernard Sparks

Born in Dingle, Idaho, on the longest day of the year, June 21, 1931, Bernard Sparks began making knives part time in 1967.

According to Mrs. Vicki Sparks, Bernard was among 16 makers who met in 1969 to discuss forming The Knifemakers’ Guild. He served on the Guild’s board of directors for a time. His full-time job was as a teacher, which he retired from in 1996, at which point he turned to making knives full time until the spring of last year.

Over the decades, his obituary noted, he made several thousand knives. He was one of the first makers to use Vascowear, a high-speed tool steel, for blades. Bernard passed away on his birthday. He was 89.

BLADE field editor Ed Fowler remembers Bernard and Vicki, who survives her late husband.

“Bernard was one of the very early makers and a good one, totally honest, and made great knives,” Ed wrote. “They were high quality, well designed and each blade had a very practical geometry for its intended purpose. He and Vicki are a tribute to all that is good about our community.”

Michael Holtschulte

(Image via holtschultehandmadeknives.com)

Michael Holtschulte was born Nov. 17, 1956. He served three years as an Army combat engineer during the Vietnam War. He built knives for 28 years, making and selling over 12,000 of them over that span.

In a December 2013 BLADE® story that asked if a soldier had just one knife what it should be, Michael said he preferred a fixed blade with a 6-inch blade of 1095 or 5160 carbon steel.

“I would say that because a knife is a tool that becomes a multitool,” he reasoned. “One knife would have to do all the chores of self-defense, cutting, chopping and skinning game.”

He passed away May 10. He was 63.

I never had the pleasure of meeting Michael, though I did get to talk to him on the phone, and he was most professional. As his daughter Lisa wrote, he expired while forging a knife for a customer.

“My dad put his whole life into making knives and he passed getting to do what he loved,” she stated. “I remember how absolutely smitten he was that you guys did an article on him, and it was by far one of his proudest accomplishments.”

I’m sure I speak for the entire BLADE staff when I state we are humbled that we were able to inject a moment of pride into Michael’s short time on this earth.

How to Buy Custom Knives Without Getting Ripped Off

Knife Collecting

Mike Haskew

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August 23, 2020

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How to Buy Custom Knives Without Getting Ripped Off

Custom fixed knife collecting — If the knife is well made, it will always have value. Josh Fisher’s bowie features a damascus blade of 1084 carbon and 15N20 nickel-alloy steels, and a handle of curly Tasmanian black wood. (Caleb Royer image)

Thinking of dipping your toe into the exciting world of collecting custom knives? Read these tips first.

What for Look for in a Custom Knife

Don’t buy or collect trends. Buying what’s “hot” today may mean selling at a loss tomorrow. Buy a knife because you like it, not because you think it will increase in value. If the knife is well made, it will always have value.

Decide what the knife will be used for and choose accordingly. Is it pleasing to your eye? Hold it and see how it feels in your hand.

Is it easy to carry? Is the edge geometry correct and are the grind lines even? Are there gaps at joints between the blade and guard? On a folder is there too much blade play—up and down and/or side to side?

Does the knife walk and talk? What about fit and finish?

Price custom folding knives — Is the edge geometry correct and are the grind lines even? Are there gaps at joints between the blade and guard? Don Hanson’s folders exhibit tight fit and finish from stem to stern. (SharpByCoop image)

On a linerlock or framelock does the lock engage too late or too early? Is lockup tight? Feel the knife all over for hot spots and evaluate it in terms of quality construction and materials, creativity, etc.

If the knife is a fixed blade, a sheath can add value. However, the knife needs a sheath only if it is important to you, though it may affect resale value. A good sheath can cost $75 to $150 to have one made, so this is a good benchmark of value detraction.

On the other hand, some sheaths can be distinctive works of art that can add significantly to the knife’s overall appeal and value.

Buying custom fixed blade knives — If the knife is a fixed blade, a sheath can add value. However, the knife needs a sheath only if it is important to you, though it may affect resale value. Zac Camacho offers a sheath with his zesty fixed blade in damascus and a handle of stabilized ancient bog oak. Overall length: 13.875 inches. (Caleb Royer edited image)

Commissioning a Completely New Custom Knife

Be wary of custom orders, as many things can go wrong, including long wait times before delivery, and makers who shun lengthy dialogue over what might be a healthy monetary investment on your part. Moreover, the finished knife may not meet your expectations.

Custom orders may be best for makers early in their careers. Veteran makers may wind up making a custom order that doesn’t represent their style, so the knife may not increase in value.

Place an order with enough time to pick the knife up at a time that works for you, such as during BLADE Show.

Determining Price of a Custom Knife

Tips for buying custom knives — If you pay a high price for a knife, see if the maker has been in business for a number of years, has a strong following and that the knife is something special. Such a knife should be made of materials of a higher quality/more in demand than a less
expensive model. An art dagger by Dennis Friedly with engraving by Gil Rudolph would appear to qualify on most all of these counts. (SharpByCoop image)

Never be afraid to ask a maker, purveyor or any seller why a knife costs what it does. Ask him/her for some background and history on the knife, both of which can embellish a knife’s value, especially if the knife is a vintage one.

If you pay a high price for a knife, see if the maker has been in business for a number of years, has a strong following and that the knife is something special. Such a knife should be made of materials of a higher quality/more in demand than a less expensive model.
If the maker is just starting out, be sure his knives are priced reasonably.

If the knife appears to be underpriced, be sure there’s not a mistake in its construction.

For a guide, check the prices of like knives on the sites of purveyors who have been in the business for a long time. They wouldn’t still be in business if they didn’t offer reasonable pricing.

Are Deposits Necessary?

One purveyor said you should never pay an upfront deposit on a custom order. No exceptions. Watch out for makers who claim to need the deposit to buy materials, etc. You are not a finance company.

Besides, as one purveyor said, “It’s unfortunately very human that it’s hard to get work done that is already paid for.”

Warranties

Ask for a written guarantee regarding what the maker will and will not cover in terms of damage caused by use/abuse, flaws in workmanship or materials (excluding natural materials that chip and crack), etc.

The warranty should last for the remainder the maker’s career.

BLADE Magazine