Page 150 – BLADE Magazine

Are Integral Knives Stronger Than Standard Knives?

Knifemaking

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May 6, 2019

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Are Integral Knives Stronger Than Standard Knives?

Integral knife definition — Edmund Davidson’s “Goliath” integral appears here state. The finish is hand rubbed, requiring hours of laborious work. The finished knife weighs in at 6 pounds, a fraction of the original bar’s weight. Jere Davidson did the spectacular engraving. (PointSeven photo)

Are Integral Knives The Strongest Kind of Knife?

Is an integral knife inherently stronger? According to our gurus, strength in numbers—of parts, that is—is not necessarily applicable here.

“The concept is so much different it changes up the whole equation,” knifemaker Edmund Davidson states. “A hard-use integral knife is stronger than a typical fixed blade. There’s nothing to go wrong. That’s not to say some great [non-integral] fixed blades aren’t being made, but you can’t get any stronger than one big chunk of steel.”

“An integral knife is theoretically stronger, but I’ve never had one of my standard knives break at the guard junction through regular use, either,” knifemaker Marcus Lin says. “I destruction-tested one of my Loveless fighter designs several years ago and it took numerous overhead slams from a 50-pound slab of concrete to break it.

“In terms of getting the job done there’s no difference in either method of construction, as both will result in a knife that will last generations. But I can see the allure for the integral knife because of the time and additional skills involved in making it, which some customers can appreciate.”

Integral knife photo examples — Marcus Lin does the Bob Loveless legend proud with this send-up of the famed integral Loveless Chute Knife. The steel is mirror-polished D2 with a satin finish on the flats of the bolsters. Scales are Sambar stag and a synthetic ivory plug sets off the bolsters. (PointSeven image)

What Is An Integral Knife?

Integral knives, short of the addition of handle scales, are literally sculpted from one piece of steel. Making a knife in this way presents difficult challenges not found in making knives in separate parts, and soldering or screwing them together.

Imagine grinding not only the blade with all its intricacies, but the handle, guard and pommel from one solid piece of steel and sculpting it to perfection. Such a knife is called an integral and any knifemaker who’s ever made one will tell you it’s a whole new ballgame.

How Integral Knives Are Made

“The primary difficulty for me is getting rid of the stock,” Lin relates. “You start out with a couple pounds of tool steel and the finished knife is several ounces. Bob [Loveless]‘s original integrals were made on his horizontal mill. I use a full-size Jet [Bridgeport clone] vertical milling machine, angle grinder, band saw and my 2×72 grinder to make mine. I try to make them as close as possible to Bob’s originals.”

Davidson makes no bones about the difficulty he faces in constructing a one-piece knife.

Integral art knives — Several views of the “Psycho-Tron” integral hatchet from Edmund Davidson’s Safari Trio appear here. This monster was cut from a 7/8-inch-thick piece of CPM 154 stainless steel. Jere Davidson engraved it. (PointSeven image)

“It takes tenacity to build an integral,” Davidson stresses. “You start with a block of steel instead of a strip. You must have the equipment to saw the knife out and machine it. You’re working with all the basics that go into a complete knife in one single piece of steel. The complexities are physically and mentally demanding, and it’s very labor intensive because of the vast amounts of filing and sanding—not to mention hand rubbing the finish.

“There are so many aspects of making an integral that are not associated with making a standard knife.”

See More Incredible Knives at BLADE Show

Join us each June in Atlanta for the world’s largest and best knife show. Go to the BLADE Show website here.

Tony Bose, Mel Pardue Inducted To BLADE Magazine Cutlery Hall Of Fame®

Steve Shackleford

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April 23, 2019

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Tony Bose, Mel Pardue Inducted To BLADE Magazine Cutlery Hall Of Fame®

Two Longtime Knifemakers Join The Elite Of Cut

Tony Bose and Mel Pardue are the latest inductees into the BLADE Magazine Cutlery Hall Of Fame®. The two living legends of the custom knife industry were voted in by sitting members of the Hall Of Fame, and will be formally inducted at the BLADE Magazine Awards reception during the BLADE Show June 7-9 at the Cobb Galleria Centre in Atlanta, Georgia.

TONY BOSE

When Tony Bose first started building knives, he asked a maker to share a knife pattern with him. When the maker refused, Tony decided that whenever anyone asked him for a pattern he would give it to him, and he always has, sending patterns all over the world.

Few have done more in mentoring and teaching their fellow makers through instruction and by example than Tony, who is perhaps the world’s best-known contemporary custom maker of traditional slip joints. It’s never been his mission to simply make knives. Instead, he aspires to “bring knives back from the dead.”

His love of knifemaking began in 1972, when he made his first custom fixed blade from an industrial hack-saw blade. As he put it, “I’ve been trying to make a knife that I’m completely happy with ever since. It hasn’t happened yet.”

He worked for years perfecting his skills before pursuing a full-time custom knifemaking career in 1990. His impact was quickly felt when he won Best Folder at the 1994 East Coast Custom Knife Show and also at the 1995 BLADE Show.

In 1998, Tony began working as a custom collaborator with Case. Since 1999, among the knives he has designed for Case are collaborations of vintage patterns made in limited quantities on an annual basis. One such offering was the Arkansas Hunter, winner of the BLADE Magazine 2008 Collaboration of the Year.

Tony’s a crowd favorite at Case consumer events, knife shows and swap meets across the country, and he willingly shares his techniques with other makers to keep the art of making traditional knives alive for future generations. He’s also taught classes on knives and knifemaking at BLADE University during the BLADE Show, and for many years made and donated knives for silent auctions at BLADE Shows to raise money for the old National Knife Collectors Association.

This past year, Tony was awarded the fourth annual Aldo and Edda Lorenzi Award at the BLADE Show for his many contributions as a mentor to knifemakers worldwide.

MEL PARDUE

Mel Pardue made his first knife in 1952 and has fashioned them on a regular basis since 1956. A voting member of the Knifemakers’ Guild for almost four decades, he served on the Guild’s board of directors in various capacities for 14 of those years, the final 10 as vice president. He received the Ron Little Award in 1992 and is a past winner of the Guild’s Red Watson Friendship Award.

He is the first person without membership in the American Bladesmith Society to teach at the William F. Moran School of Bladesmithing, where he conducted classes on how to make folders. He has taught the same subject at the Batson Bladesmithing Symposium, and has held seminars and classes in the Pardue shop for over 40 years. His numerous designs for Benchmade Knives have been among the company’s most popular and best-selling models for many years.

In 2016, Mel was presented with the BLADE Show’s Aldo and Edda Lorenzi Award for his outstanding work in teaching and mentoring his fellow makers in the art of building knives.

As one nominator noted, “Mel exemplifies the pure definition of a custom knifemaker. He is a craftsman of the highest caliber who hand makes his world-renowned knives, one by one, without the use of modern technology. He embodies the highest level of personal and professional ethics.

In the nearly four decades I have known Mel, he has demonstrated a true respect for both fellow custom makers and unselfish dedication and love for his craft, sharing hard-gained knowledge and skills. He has helped dozens of up-and-coming knifemakers of all ages.”

Trend Watch: Why Are Custom Slip Joint Knives So Popular?

Knife Collecting

Pat Covert

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April 23, 2019

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Trend Watch: Why Are Custom Slip Joint Knives So Popular?

How to buy a custom slip joint knife — Stan Buzek based his slip joint on a Bill Ruple two-blade trapper. The hollow-ground blades are Damasteel damascus and 3.5 inches each. The fileworked liners are 416 stainless steel. Closed length: 4 3/8 inches. Buzek’s list price to make a similar piece: $1,950. (SharpByCoop photo)

Blade Counts Count

Custom slip joints are hot again and have been for a while. Why are they so hot and how long will their popularity run this time?

“I have seen a bit of an uptick in pocketknife sales in the last couple of years,” notes custom knifemaker Stan Buzek, whose turnaround time on orders is three to four months. “I think this is due to the fact you can have both multiple- and single-blade slip joints,” as opposed to the single blades of tactical and other locking folders (though lockbacks are experiencing somewhat of a surge in sales, too).

Custom slip joint knife — Tobin Hill’s five-blade sowbelly sports feather-pattern damascus blade steel in hollow grinds and a mammoth ivory handle. The maker’s list price for a similar piece: $1,200.

A Bright Future Ahead For Slip Joints

Adds Johnny Stout, who has a backlog of six to eight months, “From what I’m seeing at the shows and online in the past few years, pocketknives are alive and well. I see a bright future for slip joints.”

“I have seen slip-joint groups on Facebook grow by 300 percent in the last three years,” Tracy LaRock states. “I also have a group called ‘Making Slip Joints and Lockbacks’ that has grown a lot recently, with many new slip-joint makers.”

As for his sales, Tracy says, “My books are closed but I intend to open them in early 2020 when I retire from the military. In the meantime I list available pieces in my Facebook group and on Instagram.”

What is a slip joint knife? — Tracy LaRock pushes the envelope of traditional slip-joint design with his Ethan Jack. The 3-inch blade is D2 tool steel and the handle and frame are Timascus™. Closed length: 4 inches. His list price to make a similar knife: $900. (SharpByCoop photo)

Pocketknife Sales Are Up In General

“I think there’s an upswing in pocketknife sales,” Tom Ploppert agrees. “Plus, a strong economy hasn’t hurt anything.”

Tom says he continues to take orders and has no idea how far behind he is.

“I will write an order down. I do not take deposits. I will call when it’s your turn. If you commit, then we will discuss price and I will start on building it,” he says matter-of-factly.

Turnaround time notwithstanding, the exquisite slip joints by Stout, Buzek, LaRock and Ploppert are well worth the wait—though you might want to get a leg up now. The more demand increases, the longer you’ll have to bide your time until you can get your hands on one of these gems.

See More Knife Trends In KNIVES 2019

Get the KNIVES 2019 book here.

Choosing Automatic Knives: OTS Or OTF?

Knife Collecting

Pat Covert

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April 16, 2019

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What’s the right style of automatic knife for you: OTS or OTF? There are several important considerations when it comes to choosing.

Definitions: What Is An OTS Knife? What Is An OTF Knife?

First, for the newcomers, here are some quick definitions.

OTF Knife: A type of automatic knife where the blade deploys “out the front” of the handle.

OTS Knife: A type of automatic knife where the blade deploys “out the side” of the handle.

While this may seem like a small difference, it’s not to be overlooked. The right knife is the one that fits best with your tasks and preferences, and all knife features are worth considering, no matter how insignificant they may appear at first glance.

1) Ignore The Price Tag

Interestingly, budget is not one of them, because there is a range of $50 on up to hundreds of dollars for each. There are more OTS models available on the market now simply because manufacturers choose to produce more, so selection is greater. This may also be because they are much more familiar with side-opening designs.

2) Consider Use: OTS Is Better For Utility & OTF Is Better For Defense

What is an OTF knife — At 8.75 inches fully extended, the Conquest Tactical Fury OTF is a juggernaut. The Fury’s stonewashed 3.75-inch 154CM stainless steel blade is of a hybrid tanto/clip-point design, and its 5.25-inch black anodized machined aluminum handle can accommodate the largest of mitts. (Conquest Tactical photo)

Most important is how you plan to use your automatic. If you need utility, an OTS is the way to go. For pure self-defense, an OTF can engage the blade quicker, because there is no maneuvering required to clear the fingers from the blade opening and readjust your grip as required by an OTS.

3) Does It Have A Safety?

Some automatics have safeties to prevent the blade from opening in the pocket or while drawing from the carry position to engaging the blade. Ouch! Yes, a safety takes a second or two more to switch an auto blade into the live position, but many feel it’s worth it.

4) How Does It Feel?

Last but not least, the tactile feel you look for in any knife, regardless whether it’s a fixed blade or folder, is always a prime factor in your selection. You won’t get this over the internet. Rather, check out auto models at your local retail store or at gun and knife shows.

There Is No Right Answer

Despite what some may tell you, there is right answer. OTF and OTS aren’t inherently good or bad choices. The right answer is, as with all things knives, the knife that does what you need it to do and that you enjoy using.

Learn More About Automatic Knives And The Law

Video: Unfolding Forged Mosaic Damascus

Knifemaking

BLADE Staff

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April 8, 2019

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In this video, Tom Ward explains how to unfold forged mosaic damascus steel during the Wuertz Machine Works 2019 Hammer In. The event took place in March.

Ward’s overview provides a fascinating look at one of the critical steps in how mosaic damascus is made.

* Learn more from bladesmiths around the world each year at BLADE Show!

Video: Making Knives at the Wuertz 2019 Hammer In

Knifemaking

BLADE Staff

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April 2, 2019

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Video: Making Knives at the Wuertz 2019 Hammer In

BLADE had a blast at the Wuertz Machine Works 2019 Hammer In last month in Arizona. Check out the action with Mike Quesenberry. That’s Neil Kamimura in the beginning, too.

See more of your favorite knifemakers at BLADE Show 2019!

(April Fools’ Day) Bowie Knife From 1827 Sandbar Fight Found

Knife History

BLADE Staff

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April 1, 2019

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(April Fools’ Day) Bowie Knife From 1827 Sandbar Fight Found

jim bowie knife history — The Bowie knife is named after James Bowie, although the design was likely around well before the infamous Sandbar Fight of 1827.

NEW ORLEANS – Today, archeologists with the University of Louisiana announced they’ve recovered the knife wielded by James Bowie during the infamous 1827 Sandbar Fight. The bloody encounter, which took place on the banks of the Mississippi River near Vidalia, cemented said knife’s design into what is now known as the Bowie knife. Researchers have attempted to locate the knife Bowie used ever since.

As surprising as this discovery is, it’s nothing to compared to the shocking truth hidden beneath nearly 200 years of history.

“We came across this discovery during a dig for a separate project to study Mississippi flooding patterns as expressed in pre-colonial pottery dispersal, in concert with our partners at [National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration],” said Dr. Edward D. Wood, Jr. “I don’t often use the word ‘excited,’ but that accurately reflects the dig team’s feelings.”

“The World Of Knives Will Never Be The Same”

bowie knife — This example of a modern interpretation of a Bowie knife is by ABS master smith Shawn McIntyre. (Shawn McIntyre image)

Wood immediately contacted BLADE for confirmation following the discovery before going public with the find.

“The lore around the Sandbar Fight is so deep, it’s hard to separate fact from fiction. However, I feel confident that what Wood’s team discovered is, in fact, the exact weapon brandished by James Bowie at the Sandbar Fight,” said Steve Shackleford, BLADE editor-in-chief. “As such, it redefines our understanding of knife history and of James Bowie completely. Earth-shattering is an understatement.”

Other BLADE staffers echoed Shackleford’s sentiments.

“This is, hands down, the most important piece of knife history to come around in generations. There’s no going back after this. The world of knives will never be the same,” said Ben Sobieck, BLADE online editor.

The Bowie Knife: Not What Most People Picture

Bowie knife design — Jerry Fisk’s take on the Bowie knife features a damascus blade and stag handle. (Chuck Ward image)

As it turns out, the knife James Bowie used during the brawl isn’t actually the Bowie knife people know today (example above). Because the original knife was never photographed, it could only be described in written reports. This may have led to some confusion as word spread.

“It’s like a game of telephone, 19th century style,” Wood said. “Now that we know the truth, it’s easy to see how the original description morphed into something completely different throughout the decades.”

Only BLADE Has The Photo Of The Original Bowie Knife

BLADE is the first and only outlet authorized to share the photo of the original Bowie knife. Wood snapped the picture before recovering the artifact.

“Only now can we share this image with our audience,” Shackleford said. “It’s going to burst a lot of bubbles, but we feel it’s important.”

“This calls into question the entire Sandbar Fight. What really happened on the banks of the Mississippi River all those years ago?” Sobieck said. “Was there really a brawl? Or did the aggrieved parties resolve their disputes through non-violent means?

“Perhaps there was, dare I say it, a pie-making contest?”

The evidence certainly points that way.

“I can’t come to any other conclusion,” Wood said.

EXCLUSIVE PHOTO: The Original Bowie Knife Wasn’t A Knife At All

James Bowie’s “knife” was, in fact, a can opener.

“The can opener’s proximity to the canned pumpkin points to a pie-making contest, in which James Bowie was clearly the victor. How this simple fact distorted into a bloody brawl is beyond me,” Wood said. “We carbon dated the dirt and everything checks out.”

“One more note I’d like to add is that it’s April 1, which is April Fools’ Day, and that I feel that the BLADE staff did a great job with this year’s prank,” Shackleford said.

“Definitely. And now I’m hungry for some pie. Pumpkin, apple, strawberry, it doesn’t really matter. I’ll put a pot on, too,” Sobieck said.

Happy April Fools’ Day

BLADE Magazine

Are Integral Knives Stronger Than Standard Knives?

Are Integral Knives The Strongest Kind of Knife?

What Is An Integral Knife?

How Integral Knives Are Made

See More Incredible Knives at BLADE Show

Tony Bose, Mel Pardue Inducted To BLADE Magazine Cutlery Hall Of Fame®

Two Longtime Knifemakers Join The Elite Of Cut

TONY BOSE

MEL PARDUE

Trend Watch: Why Are Custom Slip Joint Knives So Popular?

Blade Counts Count

A Bright Future Ahead For Slip Joints

Pocketknife Sales Are Up In General

See More Knife Trends In KNIVES 2019

Choosing Automatic Knives: OTS Or OTF?

Definitions: What Is An OTS Knife? What Is An OTF Knife?

1) Ignore The Price Tag

2) Consider Use: OTS Is Better For Utility & OTF Is Better For Defense

3) Does It Have A Safety?

4) How Does It Feel?

There Is No Right Answer

Learn More About Automatic Knives And The Law

Video: Unfolding Forged Mosaic Damascus

Video: Making Knives at the Wuertz 2019 Hammer In

(April Fools’ Day) Bowie Knife From 1827 Sandbar Fight Found

“The World Of Knives Will Never Be The Same”

The Bowie Knife: Not What Most People Picture

Only BLADE Has The Photo Of The Original Bowie Knife

EXCLUSIVE PHOTO: The Original Bowie Knife Wasn’t A Knife At All

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