Not only could you carry knives on flights, you could buy them in airports.
Operated by Darlene and Don Couchman half a century ago, The Knife Shop sold factory and custom knives, sharpeners, knifemaking supplies and more—all in a 15-by-15-foot store in the El Paso International Airport.
A knife shop in an airport is not exactly something you would expect to see today, but such was not always the case in 1976. It was then that Darlene and Don Couchman operated The Knife Shop in the El Paso International Airport.
Airline passengers on their way to parts unknown could stop and avail themselves of knives of almost “every major brand of commercial household and sporting cutlery,” antique knives, straight razors, sharpeners, cutting boards and various knife displays, along with a full line of custom knives that included Don’s custom models.
Of course, as writer/then The American Blade editor L.V. Baker noted in his story “Knife People,” how Don found time to both make knives and help tend the store was “problematical.” Moreover, the Couchmans provided a special packaging and delivery service through the air carrier so passengers could take their newly bought knives on their flights.
“The biggest-little knife emporium in the Southwest, if not the world,” The Knife Shop had a 15-by-15-foot sales area that somehow also found room for a cigar store Indian. What’s more, the Couchmans sold parts to make knives, including finished blades, brass for guards and buttcaps and more, all in neatly arranged drawers so you could find it all easily. Now boarding!
We dive into the new additions to the CRKT 2026 catalog.
Columbia River Knife & Tool (CRKT) has officially pulled the curtain back on its 2026 lineup, and it’s a diverse spread that leans heavily into premium materials and clever engineering. By collaborating with some of the biggest names in the custom knife world, CRKT is continuing its push to bring high-end design language to the production market.
According to Kyle Stuart, CRKT’s VP of Marketing, the goal this year was to pair “smart innovation with practical, purpose-driven design.” Here is a breakdown of the standouts from the new collection.
Sero
Designed by Richard Rogers, the Sero is where high fashion meets the everyday carry world. It’s a low-profile flipper that takes inspiration from Art Deco styling but doesn’t skimp on performance. The blade is S35VN—a favorite for edge retention—and it rides on an IKBS™ ball bearing pivot for snappy deployment. The lines are incredibly clean, with a flipper tab that disappears into the bolster when open. It also features a Crossbar Lock, making it fully ambidextrous. MSRP: $140 ($250 damascus/titanium version)
Princeton Wong brings his award-winning custom vision to the production line with the Orochi. Named after the mythical eight-headed Japanese serpent, this knife features a distinct clip point recurve blade made from 14C28N steel. You can deploy it via a discreet “hidden” flipper tab or dual thumbstuds. The G10 handle and stainless-steel bolsters give it a solid, ergonomic feel that punches way above its weight class in terms of refinement. MSRP: $140 ($200 damascus/titanium model)
When you see Ken Onion’s name on a knife, you expect smooth curves and real-world utility, and the Counterpart series delivers. This is a collection of purpose-built folders available in four different models. Most feature 12C27 drop point blades, though there is a D2 tanto version for those who prefer a more tactical edge. All of them utilize an ambidextrous Crossbar Lock and a reversible deep-carry pocket clip. MSRP: $89 – $99
The late Kit Carson’s M16 is perhaps one of the most recognizable silhouettes in the knife industry. For 2026, CRKT has taken that DNA and moved it into the world of butterfly knives. These aren’t just “fidget flippers”; they are serious, American-made tools crafted in Colorado. Featuring MagnaCut steel—the current “super steel” king of corrosion resistance—and titanium handles, these are available in both tanto (M16-02) and drop point (M16-03) configurations. MSRP: $300
Matthew Lerch is known for clean lines, and the Zephyr is a perfect example of his philosophy. It uses a sheepsfoot blade profile which is ideal for the sort of controlled, precise cutting most people actually do on a daily basis. The G10 handle keeps it light, while the IKBS pivot ensures it’s fast. For those who want something a bit flashier, a premium version offers an acid-etched Damascus blade and titanium scales. MSRP: $100 – $130 ($160 damascus/titanium version)
CRKT isn’t just about the blades this year. Designed with Joe Wu, the ToGo Driver is a compact maintenance tool for the person who likes to keep their gear in top shape. The anodized aluminum handle hides an internal compartment for seven precision micro bits. It even features a ball-bearing spinner on the end, making those tedious takedowns and reassemblies significantly smoother. MSRP: $50
Technically a late-2025 arrival, the Provoke X is still a major head-turner for 2026. Using the Kinematic® technology that made the Provoke karambit famous, this is a “morphing axe” that fits in a pocket and snaps open with a flick of the wrist. It’s secured by the Deadbolt® lock and features a titanium nitride-coated SUJ2 steel blade. It’s easily one of the most unique tools we’ve seen in recent years. MSRP: $350
From Ancient Inspiration to Modern Innovation: A First Look at the Year’s Most Anticipated Custom and Production Blades.
The new year kicks off with a formidable array of steel, ranging from primitive-inspired spears to high-tech tactical folders. This month’s selection highlights the incredible versatility of the modern cutlery world, showcasing the work of veteran masters with nearly four decades of experience alongside award-winning new makers. Whether you are looking for an ultra-premium custom Bowie for a collection or a hard-use MagnaCut automatic for daily carry, our January 2026 roundup proves that the industry’s innovation shows no signs of slowing down.
Jean-Pierre Potvin Short Spear
Blade length: 3.5” Blade material: Damascus of 1084 carbon and 15N20 nickel-alloy steels Blade grind: Flat Handle: Ash w/burnt and oiled finish Furniture: Bronze and copper Overall length: 18.5” Knife to know: Jean-Pierre Potvin created the texture for the blade steel by forging damascus and using a rotary tool to accentuate the details … he “wanted the texture to be similar to the flint spearheads that existed long ago”; he has been making knives for 36 years Maker’s price for a similar piece: $2,500 Maker: Jean-Pierre Potvin (SharpByCoop image)
Grant Cunningham Trench knife
Blade length: 8” Blade material: 52100 carbon steel Blade grind: Double convex Handle: Handmade brass knuckles, vulcanized fiber liners S-guard: Brass Overall length: 13” Sheath: By Grey Leather Co.; black leather w/snap strap Maker’s price for a similar knife: $1,250 Maker: Grant Cunningham, cunninghamcustomshop.com (Jocelyn Frasier image)
Rian Doudle Doudle Streetfighter Bowie
Blade length: 7.1” Blade material: W’s pattern damascus in 1084 carbon and 15N20 nickel-alloy steels Blade grind: Flat Scales: Western myall, an Australian hardwood Guard: Wrought iron Overall length: 12.6” Maker’s price for a similar knife: $1,200 at press-time exchange rate Maker: Rian Doudle, Fallen Forge, fallenforge.com.au (Rod Hoare image)
Frank Edwards Push Dagger
Blade length: 3.25” Blade material: Twist-pattern damascus of 1084 carbon and 15N20 nickel-alloy steels Blade grind: Dagger Scales: Carved interior mammoth ivory Overall length: 6.5” Maker’s price for a similar knife: $2,550 Maker: Frank Edwards (Jocelyn Frasier image)
SOG Knives Gambit XL
Knife type: Fixed-blade karambit Blade length: 4” Blade steel: CRYO AUS-10A stainless Blade @the thickest: 0.19” Blade finish: Black stonewash Blade finish: Hawkbill Handle: Green paracord wrapped Weight: 4.75 ozs. Overall length: 8.75” Sheath: Kydex® w/Safe-Lock clip Country of origin: China MSRP: $139.95 Company: SOG Knives, sogknives.com
APOC Wallace Small Puukko
Designer: Mike Wallace Blade length: 3” Blade material: D2 tool steel Blade @thickest: 0.118” Blade pattern: Drop point Blade finish: Titanium coated Scales: Black G-10 Weight: 3 ozs. Overall length: 6.88” Sheath: Kydex®; comes w/fire steel Knife to know: Specs vary from piece to piece Country of origin: China MSRP: $82 Company: APOC, casiberia.com
CRKT Xolotl OTF
Knife type: Out-the-front auto Designer: Michael Rodriguez, U.S. Army Green Beret Blade length: 3.5” Blade steel: MagnaCut stainless Blade @the thickest: 0.13” Blade pattern: Spear point, ground on both edges Blade finish: Titanium nitride Scales: Aluminum Opening mechanism: Dual action Pocket clip: Sternum shaped, reversible Weight: 3.2 ozs. Closed length: 5.31” Knife to know: An Aztec deity, Xolotl is “the guide of souls to the afterlife” … the handle has 21 ribs, one for each of the designer’s years in service Country of origin: USA MSRP: $324.99 Company: CRKT, crkt.com
Cold Steel Frenzy II
Knife type: Tactical folder Knife designer: Andrew Demko Blade length: 5.5” Blade steel: S35VN stainless Blade polish: Satin Scales: G-10 Pocket clip: Yes Lock type: Tri-Ad® Weight: 5.7 ozs. Closed length: 6.75” Country of origin: Taiwan Knife to know: Design based on the kabutowari, an ancient Japanese design MSRP: $239.99 Company: Cold Steel, coldsteel.com
TOPS Knives A-Klub
Designer: Amanda Kaye Blade length: 12.38” Blade material: 1095 carbon steel Rockwell hardness: 56-58 HRC Blade @the thickest: 0.19” Blade finish: Acid Rain Scales: Green canvas Micarta® Weight: 23.8 ozs. Overall length: 17.88” Sheath: Black Kydex® Sheath clip: Dangler Weight w/sheath: 33 ozs. Country of origin: USA Knife to know: The A-Klub is the first TOPS knife designed by a woman, Amanda Kay, a past participant on TV’s Naked and Afraid; design influenced by American Indian war clubs MSRP: $409.95 Company: TOPS Knives, topsknives.com
Geoff Keyes Pirate Bowie
Blade length: 16” Blade material: 1080 carbon steel Blade grind: Flat Scales: Buffalo Furniture: Integral bolster, steel and copper Extras: Silk tassels handmade by Marianne George Overall length: 22” Maker’s price for a similar knife: $1,500 Maker: Geoff Keyes, 5elementsforge.com (Jocelyn Frasier image)
Taran Ma Sanctum
Knife type: Utility folder Blade length: 3.5” Blade steel: MagnaCut stainless Blade openers: Blade oval and ambidextrous thumb studs Scales: Titanium Lock type: Framelock Pocket clip: Yes Closed length: 4.25” Knife to know: Taran Ma has been making knives for 1 year Maker’s price for a similar knife: Contact maker for information Maker: Taran Ma (SharpByCoop image)
Josh Davis Sgian Dubh
Blade length: 3.46” Blade material: 80CrV2 carbon steel Blade grind: Hollow Blade thickness @ricasso: 0.118” Blade @the widest: 1.8” Scales: Ebony, mosaic pin, TruStone and brass Overall length: 7.9” Sheath: By the maker Maker’s price for a similar knife: Contact maker for more info Knife to know: Josh Davis won Best New Maker for his sgian dubh at the 2025 Adelaide Cutlers Expo; he is also a member of the Australian Knifemakers Guild Maker: Josh Davis, CSC Knives (Rod Hoare image)
Don’t overlook small tactical fixed blades for everyday carry.
When most blade fans talk everyday carry (EDC) knives, they usually mean folders. The two main EDC advantages of folding knives are they are convenient to carry and, except for that pesky pocket clip, easy to conceal. Of course, while many overlook the clip, others know it indicates you are carrying a knife.
Folders are designed primarily for smaller everyday chores—opening a box, peeling fruit and so on. This is especially true of slipjoints, which rely on you cutting away from yourself—which you should always do with all knives—and a half-stop as a safety device. Granted, when slipjoints were popularized long ago, lockback, linerlock and framelock folders were unavailable. The problem with both slipjoints and lockbacks is most take two hands to open and close, which, if you are trying to cut something you simultaneously must hold, can be inconvenient at the very least.
The late 20th and early 21st centuries saw a boom in the commercial availability of manual folders that could be opened and closed with one hand. Utilizing the flipper opener and the roller bearing system made the blade deploy quickly and smoothly, often even quicker than an automatic. With the perfection of linerlocks and framelocks, unlocking and closing the manual folder with one hand was no longer a problem.
Kydex sheaths can be molded to fit the blade and, over time, will not deform, providing a safer carry option. Rafal Kolakowski uses Kydex® for the sheaths of his Ridgeline set of small tactical EDC fixed blades.
Even with these technical improvements, the folding knife still has its limitations. A small blade can do only so much before it bends or, in some cases, breaks. Some tactical folder makers tried to address this issue by making folders with 5-inch blades of 1/4-inch stock. This was done primarily for cosmetic reasons without addressing the folder’s primary weakness—the pivot. The very nature of the pivot means it must allow some side-to-side movement of the blade, no matter how slight. If the folder is used for an unintended purpose or put under undue force, the blade can be moved off-center.
On top of that, folding knives require more regular maintenance than fixed blades. Locking folders with back straps and slipjoints with backsprings collect dirt, lint, etc., during daily use and must be cleaned. What’s more, using a folding knife beyond its capabilities and failing to perform regular maintenance can affect its opening and closing ability. Lastly, a folder cannot do anything until you first deploy the blade.
Fixed-Blade Pros
Fixed blades, on the other hand, offer several advantages. As already suggested, larger fixed blades can do tasks that smaller blades either can’t perform or do so with difficulty.
Finger/thumb serrations on the blade spine of Al Polkowski’s Boot Fighter help with controlling the knife in use.
One of the fixed blade’s most significant advantages is full-tang construction, providing added strength and durability. A full-tang fixed blade especially is better suited for heavy cutting and repeated hard use, and safer for use with a heavy load.
A fixed blade also has a superior mechanical advantage. Unlike the folding knife, there is zero chance of mechanical failure under stress. Locks and pivots can fail, especially when using the knife for tasks for which it is not intended.
Another advantage is the style and size of the blade. Fixed blades can feature longer and thicker blades that will perform better under the rigors of hard use.
Full-tang fixed blades such as the Trailhead set by Tomasz Dziubinski are better suited for heavy cutting and repeated hard use, and safer for use with a heavy load.
A fixed blade typically will have better handle ergonomics. Its handle is usually designed for prolonged use, featuring a more comfortable grip that also aids in balance and is ready for immediate deployment. While many folders can be opened with one hand, not so slipjoints. If your hands are cold, wet, injured or gloved it can present a problem as many, if not all, slipjoints require two hands to deploy the blade or blades. On the other hand, with the correct sheath combination, a fixed blade can be rapidly deployed under almost any circumstance.
Sheath Concerns
Top material options for EDC fixed-blade sheaths are leather and Kydex®. Kydex gained popularity because it provides two main advantages over leather.
First, most makers can build at least a rudimentary kydex sheath. Leather sheaths are more of a challenge. Second, Kydex does not hold moisture and does not require tannic acid, which is used in the processing of leather. This is very important for EDC. Tannic acid in the leather can cause carbon steel to discolor. Leather, once wet, can shrink and/or deform, allowing the blade to accidentally cut or poke through it.
Conversely, Kydex does not hold moisture and does not require tannic acid. Kydex can be molded to fit the blade and, over time, will not deform, providing a safer carry option. Finally, the clip attachment on most Kydex sheaths can be adjusted to wear in either a vertical or horizontal position.
They Have The Edge
With the right sheath combination, a fixed blade can be rapidly deployed under almost any circumstance. The Street Scalpel by Rafal Kolakowski with Kydex® sheath and breakaway chain is a classic example.
I’m not suggesting that folders do not have advantages as EDC knives; they do. They are usually more comfortable and concealable to carry than fixed blades. They are more socially acceptable and usually have limited legal restrictions. They can provide versatility for light tasks such as opening letters, boxes, cutting cord, etc.
It is in fact the EDC folders’ size that is its biggest disadvantage. The smaller blades and less ergonomic handles limit the number of tasks folding knives can perform. Also, their moving parts provide a mechanical disadvantage when compared to EDC fixed blades.
The majority of this story’s featured tactical fixed EDCs have a 4-inch or shorter blade. Many tactical EDC folders also have 3.75-to-4-inch blades. When open, they are about the same length as the featured fixed blades.
With perhaps the exceptions of concealability and some legal restrictions, fixed blades have the edge. Depending on what you are using it for, you may want to consider a knife that has the mechanical advantage, requires less maintenance, can be easier to deploy in difficult situations or environments, and is more comfortable in the hand: fixed blades, the other EDC!
Rebel Specs Knife type: Small tactical EDC fixed blade Blade Length: 4.25” Blade Steel: Elmax stainless Blade Finish: Two-tone satin and bead blast Handle Material: Textured black Micarta® w/OD green Micarta liners Overall Length: 9” Sheath: Custom-built by the maker; Kydex® Author’s Comments: “Excellent all-around knife … the tip is ground to give the knife extra penetration … the texture of the black Micarta on the handle gives the user additional traction … primarily designed for belt wear, the clip can be configured for additional carry options … serrations along the top of the blade enhance the knife’s ability to handle small chores … a great knife that provides lots of user options.” Maker’s price: $430
Ridgeline Specs Knife type: Small tactical EDC fixed blade Blade Length: 4” Overall Length: 8.75” Blade Steel: Becut stainless Blade Finish: Satin Handle Material: Black G-10 Sheath: Custom-built by the maker; Kydex® Author’s Comments: “Double-hollow-ground blade with a fuller for added strength … full-tang construction … sculpted handle material for enhanced ergonomics … stainless-steel-tube-lined thong hole.” Maker’s Price: $350 each
Boot Fighter Specs Knife type: Small tactical EDC fixed blade Blade Length: 4” Blade Steel: 154CM stainless Blade Finish: Bead blast Handle Material: Black and green G-10 Overall Length: 8.25” Sheath: Custom-built by the maker; Kydex® Author’s Comments: “Great little back-up knife … it features a double-hollow-ground double edge with an extended tang that features a thong hole … quick and light in the hand.”
Trailhead Specs Knife type: Small tactical EDC fixed blade Blade Length: 3.5” Blade Steel: Sleipner stainless Blade Finish: Black Cerakote® Handle Material: OD green G-10 Overall Length: 8.25” Sheath: Custom-built by the maker; Kydex® Author’s Comments: “Flat-ground, upswept utility-style blade … full-tang construction, excellent handle ergonomics … small knife built for hard work … stainless-steel-tube-lined thong hole … perfect knife for camping, a hike and everyday carry.” Maker’s Price: $280 each
Street Scalpel Specs Pattern: Tactical fixed-blade neck knife Blade Length: 2” Blade Material: 80CrV2 carbon steel Blade Finish: Black Cerakote® Handle Material: OD green G-10 Overall Length: 5.9” Sheath: Custom-made, multi-position in Kydex® by the maker w/ball-bearing breakaway chain Author’s Comments: “Perfect for utility or self-defense … the attachment holes on the sheath allow the knife to be carried however you like.” Maker’s Price: $280
There is plenty of lore surrounding traditional Japanese Swords, but do the master makers’ time-tested methods equal modern steel advancements?
Editor’s note: Long-time BLADE® subscriber and knife collector Rick Royster wrote us, wondering how the swords of the ancient Japanese samurai warriors would compare to today’s modern swords. Did all the steps the ancient Asian swordsmiths used really make a difference? “Employing special quenchants, some clay, some of this and that—is it science or mystical?” Rick asked. While we couldn’t test an ancient sword vs. one of today’s, we did go to the sources themselves for answers—some of today’s top swordsmiths.
The traditional Japanese sword blade is revered for its performance, perhaps even more than its beauty and ties to an uber-rich heritage in the world of cutlery. Combined, these elements make the classic Japanese sword something unforgettable, a work of art and poetry in motion—yet capable of delivering the decisive blow in combat.
Modern custom sword blades may not possess the allure of the centuries. They may not have a hamon—though many do—or the other attributes that make their vintage counterparts so revered. Nonetheless, they can claim respect and admiration when it comes to strength. If the comparison of relative strength is relevant and worthwhile, which is stronger—the ancient Japanese or the modern custom sword blade?
World-renowned Japanese swordsmith Yoshindo Yoshihara does yakire, the fast quenching of a sword, during one of his swordmaking demonstrations. (Aram Compeau image)
BLADE Magazine Cutlery Hall-of-Fame® member/ABS master smith Steve Schwarzer answers the question this way: “Modern steels are highly superior in almost every way except for visual structure. Traditional Japanese bladesmiths were all about taking inferior material, which was the best stuff on the planet at the time, and making it better. Modern steel is superior because it is a lot cleaner with alloys for specific jobs. Setting the structure up is what today’s American Bladesmith Society is all about: making steel better. It’s hard to compare the two, but modern steels are superior in edge holding and sharpness. Modern steel won’t bend like the old stuff because it is not designed to bend.
“Once you get the aesthetics out, the fancy hamons and stuff like that, ancient bladesmiths had a way to control the process in the old days from one portion of the blade to another. If you take a Japanese blade and quench and polish it, you have a big spring supporting the cutting edge, and that is why it would excel in battle.”
ABS master smith Zack Jonas sees the purpose as the primary differentiator in either case.
According to Steve Schwarzer, traditional Japanese bladesmiths took inferior material—the best stuff available at the time—and made it better. “Modern steel is superior because it is a lot cleaner with alloys for specific jobs,” he stated. He used modern steel and all the trimmings on his Japanese sword. (Eric Eggly/PointSeven sword image; image of Schwarzer by Chris Wellhausen)
“The strength of the traditional Japanese sword would have been measured in its ability to withstand the test of battle without breaking,” he began. “By this measure, they were marvels of engineering. Today’s technology is capable of producing swords with performance characteristics that vastly exceed the finest traditional blades. We have steel mills producing bespoke blade alloys from ultra-precise ratios of refined base elements.
“We have modern heat-treating methods capable of holding plus-or-minus a fraction of a degree indefinitely within a perfectly controlled atmosphere. We have modern quenching oils and molten salt pots and ovens for tempering, and we have analytical tools that allow us to refine how we approach our materials. Traditional swords were purpose-built for war, and they lived up to those demands for a thousand years and more. But modern science gives us greater capabilities on a purely quantitative level.”
The cutting of the tatami mat—done here by James Williams during one of his Japanese sword demos at a past BLADE Show—is said to be a good analogue for testing cuts against a human target.
Schwarzer agrees that modern steel is produced in quantity, while the traditional Japanese sword blade was produced singularly.
“It truly takes a master to get the most out of any steel,” he remarked, “but modern steels are more forgiving because they are designed around production, not one-offs.”
Traditional Sword Construction
Dave Goldberg has made traditional Japanese swords since the 1990s and learned from masters in their construction, as well as in the forging of damascus. He sees the functionality of the traditional Japanese blade and says, “The edge of the sword blade is about 60-70 on the Rockwell scale and you want that to be about one-third of the blade area. The middle is somewhat hard, and the back is not hard but flexible.”
According to Zack Jonas, modern smiths have access to modern materials and technology, but in many or even most cases, modern swords are not made with careful consideration for the practicalities of combat. Zack’s wakizashi features a 22-inch damascus blade with a shinogi zukuri grind. Overall length: 28 inches. (SharpByCoop sword image; image of Zack by B. R. Hughes)
According to Jonas, the hardening process was essential during ancient times. The warrior absolutely depended on it. Traditional swordsmithing techniques have been refined over the course of centuries through the familiar process of trial and error.
“Since ‘error’ would have been a matter of life and death,” Zack observed, “we can say with a degree of confidence that traditional methods worked extremely well. For example, it was essential to employ differential hardening—which traditional smiths did by applying an insulative clay to the spine—because given the properties of the steel they were working with, a fully hardened blade would have created a number of problems both for the smith and for the warrior. It can be tricky to retrospectively disentangle the mystical from the scientific. Mystical practices that offered no benefit would have been winnowed out in favor of those that did, and those that did offer benefit can be scientifically explained today.”
Years ago, Goldberg traveled to Japan to study traditional sword blades under the legendary Yoshindo Yoshihara, whose family has practiced the art for no fewer than 10 generations.
Zack Jonas said modern steels can get harder, tougher and sharper than traditional Japanese tamagahane steel, but it remains important to remember that tamagahane was strong enough for a thousand years of battles. This traditional tamahagane was made in a smelter, or tatara. (Yoshihara Yoshikazu image)
“He taught me a lot of things about sword making,” Dave remembered, “and in his smithy, he had on the wall behind where he forges a Japanese shrine with lightning bolts hanging and incense burners, and there was a little teapot in the smithy, too. He said it was just decoration, but with the Japanese guys even if you are friends, there are still secrets. So, I put paper lightning bolts in my shop too—to protect my spirit and so the blades will come out well and get through the quench.”
Bound up in tradition, the mysticism makes the Japanese way an art form that can never be completely separated from its origins. Even in a straight-up test of strength, whether one steel prevailed over the other, there would be no loser. Each would continue to hold its relative place in time and space and fact and imagination.
“In absolute quantitative terms, traditional materials mostly do not offer performance advantages over their modern counterparts,” Jonas said, echoing Schwarzer’s observation. “For example, modern steels can get harder, tougher and sharper than traditional Japanese tamagahane steel, but it is still important to remember that tamagahane was strong enough for a thousand years of battles. Likewise, performance isn’t everything. One of the signature features of tamahagane is its appearance. It has aesthetic characteristics that modern steels lack entirely.”
Japanese Sword Features
Eighty-two-year-old Yoshindo Yoshihara, author of this classic Japanese sword and saya (scabbard), is generally recognized as the greatest maker of Japanese-style swords of his generation. (Francesco Pachi images)
Among the most noteworthy features found in traditional Japanese sword blades is the hamon, which Zack describes as the literal demarcation point between the hardened edge of the blade and its softer spine. The hamon, he says, is a visible representation of the technique that must be used due to the material constraints and demands of tamahagane steel.
It is visible due to light diffusing off the mixture of hard and non-hardened crystalline structures, where the hardened edge transitions to the softer spine. He adds that over time, the production of the hamon stretched beyond the practical necessities of the steel and into the realm of aesthetics. Whether the shape of the hamon has any bearing on the blade’s performance is an open question.
“Any steel hardened and tempered to its best molecular composition is good steel,” Goldberg commented. “Modern 80CrV2 steel is harder than any Japanese steel. Japanese steel can take it in battle, and from sword to sword, it can be amazingly hard. It becomes its own shield when the warrior holds it above his head and can then come around and cut the other guy. Japanese steel is really hard, but modern technology is something else. I have never seen anything harder than the CrV stuff. Everything is purpose-driven.”
Matt Venier made what he calls Mattyhagane to recreate tamahagane for the blade of his katana. The tsuka (handle) consists of a wood core with full rayskin and braided wrap. The tsuba (guard) and habaki (collar) are copper. (SharpByCoop images)
Other attributes of the traditional Japanese sword, including the handle ornaments known as menuki, may contribute to performance as well. While some observers may see menuki as a sort of grip enhancement in functioning as a palm swell, allowing the user to index the sword better, others stress that they are primarily evidence of the maker’s desire to express his or her own identity and creativity. Menuki quite possibly can function on both levels.
Japanese Sword Folklore
Through the centuries, there have been claims that Japanese steel can perform certain tasks that modern sword steel cannot. Jonas says that many such contentions are simply folklore or myth and have been easily debunked.
“One popular example is the cutting of the tatami mat,” he related. “These straw mats, soaked in water and then rolled tightly together, are said to be a good analogue for testing cuts against a human target. It has been said that only the katana can do this well, but these days, videos can be found online showing a skilled swordsman cutting through a tatami with a blunted medieval-style longsword.
“The Japanese sword has been mythologized along with the warriors who made it famous. The samurai were incredible fighters who earned their reputation for fierce courage through feats in battle and cultural refinement. Their signature sword is a highly developed object with exceptional performance abilities, but traditional examples will not outperform their modern counterparts.”
Old & New Symbiosis
In the final analysis, the old and new steels co-exist, achieving a symbiosis, a sort of mutual respect. As Zack so aptly pointed out, the context of their comparison weighs in on the discourse.
“It is important to consider how this matter is discussed,” he noted. “Most of these topics bear on the question of superiority—what makes this sword better than that sword or vice versa—and while it is possible to give some answers in the absolute sense, there is a risk that these answers ignore important contextual factors.
“The traditional Japanese sword was designed for a particular form of combat and was designed with the constraints of the tools and materials available at the time,” he concluded. “Modern smiths have access to modern materials and technology, but in many or even most cases, modern swords are not made with careful consideration for the practicalities of combat. Modern smiths are unlikely to even be familiar with how a sword would need to behave in a fight.”
Times change, materials change, techniques and methods change. But through the ages, traditional icons endure, while new and emerging genres come to life and begin to build legacies of their own.
We put a bevvy of today’s tomahawks through the wringer to see which of these choppers has bite.
Tomahawks are interesting tools. They’re not knives but can cut like them. Though not full-blown axes, they can chop like them. Similar to knives, hawks are both tools and weapons. Like knives, they come in all price points, materials and features, as well as sheath styles/materials. Finally, they find wide acceptance in both the tactical and outdoor/hunting communities. Let’s take a deep dive into a quad of top factory examples of the genre.
Winkler Knives Ridge Line
The Ridge Line’s shortened scales leave half of the tang exposed to prevent handle material damage in the event of a missed strike.
The Ridge Line from Winkler Knives is a hatchet that embodies elements from years of hatchet and hawk making, incorporating some of the more notable improvements made along the way into one piece. The head is 80CrV2 carbon steel for toughness and edge-holding ability. Stock thickness is ⅜ inch, giving the Ridge Line good balance while remaining somewhat lightweight and more agile in-hand. Cutting edge: 3 inches. Overall length: 13 ⅞ inches.
The shortened scales leave half of the tang exposed to prevent handle damage in the event of a missed strike. The scales come in several choices of Micarta® and maple. The material is attached to the tang using Micarta pins. The maple of the review sample is contoured well, has no hot spots and is quite comfortable.
The sheath is Boltaron® done in a way few do it. Winkler goes the extra step by lining the inside with felt so the hawks don’t get scratched up on insertion/removal. The biggest advantage of the felt lining is it’s not noisy during sheathing/unsheathing like standard Boltaron. A pair of nylon webbing belt loops with Pull-the-DOT® button snaps attach to a belt. A strand of 3/16-inch shock cord wraps around the head to secure it to the sheath. The sheath complements the high-quality construction of the hatchet itself.
The curve of the head of the Winkler Ridge Line attacks wood at a slight radius, amplifying chopping power.
The Ridge Line is an absolute beast for chopping. The curve of the head attacks wood at a slight radius, amplifying chopping power. The forward weight means you can easily deliver powerful blows with minimal effort by letting gravity do its thing. The 80CrV2 takes an edge easily, so sharpening is not an issue. It also holds an edge respectably well, so performance wise it’s very reliable. I like how the handle flares toward the butt, acting as a stop to prevent the hawk from flying out of your grip during use.
Unlike a couple of the test hawks, the Ridge Line is strictly a chopping tool. Hence, using it for other tasks can be a bit awkward given the handle configuration and the exposed tang. If you’re looking for a pure chopping tool well designed and executed, this is it. Simply put, Winkler’s hawks are among the best in the business.
Multiple handle material options include camo G-10, black and tan laminate, black canvas laminate, brown canvas laminate, green canvas laminate, maple and walnut. The laminate material is similar to Micarta. There are also sculpting options on the camo G-10 and black/tan laminate handles. No matter the material, the Ridge Line has an MSRP of $635 and is made in the USA. At press time there was about a two-to-four-month lead time for delivery.
RMJ Tactical Dvalinn
The specially designed cutting head of the RMJ Tactical Dvalinn is sharpened on each side, increasing both utility and effectiveness as a CQB tool. A spike at the opposite end punctures effectively.
The RMJ Tactical Dvalinn is a collaboration with Andrew Bawidamann of Bawidamann Knives. It is equal parts defense/CQB (close-quarters battle/close-quarters combat) and cutting/chopping tool, all in a compact size for trouble-free portability. At 10.25 inches overall, the Dvalinn is easily carried on the belt or stashed in a backpack and can substitute for a fixed blade in some scenarios.
Starting with 0.270-inch-thick Nitro-V stainless steel, the Dvalinn is built equally tough as RMJ’s larger hawks. The specially designed cutting head is sharpened on both sides, increasing both utility and effectiveness as a CQB tool. A spike at the opposite end punctures effectively.
A single-beveled, exposed tang on the handle butt acts as a pry tool. The black G-10 grip sports a spiral-type machining pattern that enhances purchase with or without gloves. There are three Cerakote® finishes and handle colors: OD green coating with Dirty Olive G-10, tan coating with Hyena Brown G-10 and Savage Stainless with solid black G-10.
Each Dvalinn rides in a molded Kydex sheath with belt loops. Remove the retention strap and the hawk can be accessed and deployed quickly and effortlessly with one swift tug on the handle without having to worry about unbuttoning the strap first. The strap is a bit redundant as the sheath is very well designed and has more than enough tension to retain the hawk. However, the strap also is easily removable, which alleviates one step in freeing the tool.
If you choke up against the Dvalinn’s head—though be mindful of the inside edge and the spike—you have plenty of control for whittling. According to the author, the hawk is surprisingly agile in such a grip.
Though the Dvalinn is not designed for field use and is more for self-defense/CQB purposes, it still can be used for outdoor and general cutting tasks. Chopping is very limited due to the tool’s short length. It can handle common knife chores like cutting cardboard or plastic and any other applicable task. If you choke up against the head—though be mindful of the inside edge and the spike—you have plenty of control for whittling. It is surprisingly agile in such a grip.
The flat-ground head and excellent factory edge enable the Dvalinn to excel at general cutting. The top edge corner penetrates similarly to the tip of a knife blade. The spike is deadly, plain and simple. It’s ground and sharpened just right so it penetrates with surprisingly good results for such a compact hawk. The steel seems to hold an edge well. RMJ has built a solid reputation designing and building some of the industry’s best production hawks, and the Dvalinn is a great example. Country of origin: USA. MSRP in your choice of handle materials: $495.
SOG War Fighter
The handle of the SOG War Fighter is solid steel encased in black G-10 featuring multi-faceted machining for a superior grip. A raised diamond-type texturing accommodates your thumb and fingers.
The SOG Knives War Fighter is even shorter than the Dvalinn yet still packs a punch. At 8.75 inches overall, it is about as long as some larger field-grade fixed blades. The 4-inch head and spike are 3Cr13MoV stainless steel in a black stonewash finish. Like the Dvalinn, the head’s underside is sharpened for more cutting versatility. A beveled spike is on the opposite end.
The handle is solid steel encased in black G-10 featuring multi-faceted machining for a superior grip. A raised diamond-type texturing accommodates your thumb and fingers. A bolted-on steel buttcap serves as an improvised hammer if needed. The hammer function is something the other test hawks don’t have. If you need a hammer get one, but that’s not possible in some scenarios and having a tool that can provide such a function is valuable.
The War Fighter has a molded plastic sheath that fully encases the head and spike. A single webbing retention strap holds the hawk securely. A molded plastic belt loop attaches to your belt and is reversible for ambidextrous use. The sheath snaps on securely. Insert the spike end first then push in the rest of the head until you hear an audible snap. The sheath is on a par with most molded knife sheaths—nothing fancy but it does the job well.
The War Fighter’s 4-inch head and spike are 3Cr13MoV stainless steel in a black stonewash finish. The head’s underside is sharpened for more cutting versatility. The spike is beveled.
Out of the box the War Fighter seemed an OK chopper. It’s short like the Dvalinn but has more head weight. I found the edge a tad thick so I used my belt grinder to reprofile it thinner, doing the final resharpening at 22 degrees convex. The bite and chopping noticeably improved as a result.
Another issue is the spike. It needs to be pointier and more aggressive. Out of the box it was blunt. To be a viable self-defense/CQB tool, the spike needs to have a sharp point to maximize penetration. As is it penetrates wood only so far. Additionally, the four notches cut into the spike are useless. Each one is very sharp and catches kind of like a fishhook. My recommendation is to remove those. I’d rather see the spike pointier than have the notches.
The handle with its various surface features does a great job at keeping your hand in place. I wore leather work gloves during testing and never felt the War Fighter was going to get away from me. G-10 is an excellent choice for handle material, given its dimensional stability and being impervious to most fluids. Country of origin: China. MSRP: $94.99.
Hogue EX-T01
Designed by custom knifemaker Allen Elishewitz, the Hogue EX-T01 is designed to be an easily carried chopping tool and sports a distinctive carry system. The 3-inch head is S7 tool steel. The full-tang construction yields to a machined G-10 handle for superior grip with or without gloves in all weather conditions.
A smart design feature is a partially exposed tang about 2 inches below the head—from there the G-10 transitions to a fully encased design. The partially exposed tang would appear to protect the handle material against overstrikes. And the orange Cerakote finish appeals to hunters, being easier to spot if you drop the hawk in the field. S7 is easy to resharpen, a plus for field carry. The downside is it is not stainless, which partially explains the rust-resistant Cerakote finish. S7 is an excellent candidate for chopping due to its resistance to deformation or dulling from hard-use applications. It is the type of steel you want for a chopper.
The G-10 is chamfered nicely to eliminate hot spots, and the texturing helps provide a nonslip grip in all weather conditions. I like the bird’s-beak pommel forming a hook to capture the user’s hand. Five sets of bolts along the handle’s entire length hold the G-10 onto the full tang.
A smart design feature of the Hogue EX-T01 is a partially exposed tang about 2 inches below the head—from there the G-10 transitions to a fully encased grip.
The sheath system is rather intriguing. It integrates into the cutting head via a specially designed cutout that both reduces weight and provides an interface to secure the hawk to it. The main part is machined black G-10. The centerpiece is of the same shape as the head cutout, as well as a ridge section that protects the edge from inadvertent contact when sheathed.
Three rare earth magnets inlaid into the sheath plate in three different locations grab and hold the EX-T01 securely. Moreover, an integrated latch that turns and detents into place prevents the hawk from detaching. A flexible, contoured plastic-belt-loop attachment affixed to the sheath plate slides over and affixes to a belt. You need not loosen your belt to attach or remove it, so it’s quick, too. It’s a really neat way of carrying a tomahawk, very secure, safe and easy to use, and different from standard sheath systems.
Last but certainly not least, the EX-T01 is a blast to use. This is one dynamic setup, providing a lot for the money. Overall length: 14 1/8 inches. Country of origin: USA. MSRP: $329.95.
Check Out Outdoor Knife Reviews:
BEST TOMAHAWKS: OUR TOP HAWKS FOR BACKWOODS TO BATTLEFIELDS
BLADE Magazine Cutlery Hall-of-Fame® member Buster Warenski was the subject of an extensive six-page profile a half century ago in the January/February 1976 issue of The American Blade. He was larger than life then and would get even larger in the years to come.
Unmistakable in the low-crowned Stetson and mutton-chop sideburns he wore back then, Buster was interviewed in his new Richfield, Utah, knife shop by then editor L.V. Baker. Richard Barney, co-author with Cutlery Hall-of-Famer Bob Loveless of the landmark How To Make Knives book, was along to take photos. The lead image of Buster holding one of his latest knives at the time is about as iconic as it gets.
Done about half a decade before Buster would go on to make his reproduction of the King Tut Dagger, the story and spread reflect how consequential Buster was to the handmade knife movement of the 1970s. It covers from his early influences, including Harvey Draper and Cutlery Hall-of-Famers Gil Hibben and Bo Randall, the first two knives Warenski ever sold, some invaluable magazine publicity from Cutlery Hall-of-Famer B. R. Hughes, Buster’s first Guild Show in 1973 and his position on the Guild Board of Directors at the time of the interview.
One of Buster’s best quotes: “I think the industry is going to get bigger and better, just as our customers and collectors are going to become better educated about the knives they buy and are going to demand a better product.”
Buster was right, of course—and would be among the vanguard of makers to supply the knives for which he predicted there would one day be such great demand.
