Jurassic World, the reboot of the Jurassic Park movie franchise, debuted in 2015 to the delight of both dinosaur and knife enthusiasts. The lead protagonist, Owen Grady (Chris Pratt), carried a custom knife made by Steve Auvenshine. Not only did the knife feature in a critical action scene, it sported a handsome leather sheath.
Here’s a look:
Carried scout-style, no less. (Universal Pictures)
Judging by the trailer released last week, Chris Pratt’s character will use something similar in Jurassic World 2: Fallen Kingdom, to be released June 22, 2018. Here’s a still:
Looks like it’s carried scout-style once again. (Universal Pictures)
Here’s a closer look:
Appears pretty similar to the knife used in the first Jurassic World. (Universal Pictures)
In a conversation over Facebook, Auvenshine confirmed that while he made the knife used in Jurassic World, he was not commissioned to make one for the sequel.
A request for more information from Universal Pictures went unanswered as of this writing.
It’s only speculative, but it’s possible this is the same knife made for the original Jurassic World.
This is the first installment of the Knife News Wire, a regular series that takes a wide look at the world of knives.
Regulations Hurting Traditional Swordsmiths in Japan
The centuries-old tradition of sword making in Japan is under siege by Japan itself. As a result, the swordsmith trade is nearly extinct. From the Gulf Times:
One reason for their dying art is that swords are today officially regarded as dangerous weapons, falling together with firearms under Japan’s Weapons Protection Act.
By law, the swordsmith featured in the article can only sell two swords per month. Without taking off my shoes and socks to count on my toes, that sounds like a hard way to make a living.
This legislation will repeal the Federal Switchblade Act of 1958, and allow consumers to purchase any automatic knife legal in their state.
To be clear, the Switchblade Act only impacts interstate commerce, and does not supersede state laws. Some states already decriminalized switchblades separately.
In the Everything Old is New Again Department, it looks like BLADE Show West is making a comeback. Due to the incredible popularity of the BLADE Show, organizers are looking to add a second show somewhere on the west coast.
BLADE Show staff kindly requests you fill out this survey.
Total Ivory Ban in China Goes Into Effect Next Year
While the knife world continues to wrestle with the ivory issue, and the uncertainty of the ivory issue, the end of 2017 marks the complete shutdown on the stuff in the People’s Republic of China.
Under the ban, 67 of the country’s 172 accredited ivory stores had to shut before March 31 this year with the remaining ones forced to shut by the end of December.
This is significant because the PRC is one of the world’s largest consumers of ivory. The ban marks a leap forward in the push for world-wide ivory prohibition.
That means the ivory issue in the United States, regardless of who is president, isn’t likely to go away any time soon. Stay tuned.
Are Knifemakers Too Secretive?
Most knifemakers are happy to share tips and offer guidance for newbies, but not all. That’s the problem Jared Williams, of Salt Lake City, ran into when starting out. From KSL:
“There was a bit of a thing with knifemakers that was still kind of secretive, almost,” Williams said. “It was like ‘No, these are my trade secrets, I don’t know if you’re worthy of it.’ There’s still a little bit of that in parts of the industry. Not all of it, and maybe it was just kind of a hard thing to find and maybe I just met the wrong guys.”
The BLADE Show in Atlanta will enter its 37th year come next June, and that comes with one of those “good problems to have” problems. The BLADE Show is too popular. It’s maxed out on capacity, and the Cobb Galleria isn’t too keen on hosting exhibitors on the roof.
That means the BLADE Show is looking at adding a second edition in 2018, likely in the Portland, Oregon, area. If that sounds familiar, it’s because there used to be a BLADE Show West in Portland several years back. What’s old is new again.
How You Can Help
However, there’s still a big question mark over this expansion. Want to help? Here’s what we at BLADE need you to do:
John Gomes, the 51-year-old Cohoes, New York, resident and alleged “amateur knifemaker” who started a fire that damaged 32 buildings and displaced approximately 20 people, will not appear in court today as scheduled. He was charged with felony reckless endangerment and misdemeanor arson on Friday, Dec. 1 while the 200 block of Remsen Street smoldered, threatening to reignite. Gomes’ case has been waived to Albany County Court to be presented to a grand jury. In a report by the Times Union of Albany, New York—which has followed the story closely—Gomes lawyer has stated that his client is a hard-working plumber, the father of two children and this was a tragic accident, not a crime. Reaction from knifemakers on social media was swift and nearly unanimous: Gomes’ did not do his research, about forges or metal working, and his claim of trying to replicate something he saw on “Forged In Fire” was a deflection from his own lack of forethought. One maker from Upstate New York theorized that it could have been simply a trash fire to avoid disposal charges, but that claiming to be working steel was a better story than a flagrant violation of the law. Was Forged In Fire a scapegoat for the Cohoes fire?
John Gomes, a resident of Cohoes, New York, started a fire in an open barrel in his back yard. Reports say he was attempting to bend a knife, as he had seen done on “Forged In Fire.” But was “Forged In Fire” a scapegoat? (Times Union photo)
On Friday, December 1, knifemakers awoke to the cringeworthy news that Gomes had started an open barrel fire in his back yard to “bend” metal as he had seen done on “Forged In Fire.” It was a relief that nobody was killed in the fire. One fireman was treated for dehydration and heat-related issues and the fire chief received a burn from a flying ember, but other than that nobody was injured. By last count, 32 buildings were damaged by fire, smoke or water, resulting in millions of dollars’ worth of property damage. Approximately 20 to 25 people were displaced, but Red Cross representatives were on sight to meet the immediate needs of both emergency response personnel and to provide shelter, food and clothing to those whose houses had burned. Cohoes is a quiet commuter city about 18 miles north of Albany. The houses in the affected area are wooden and within inches of each other. The 30-mile-an-hour winds on November 30, made it challenging for the firefighters to stay ahead of the blaze.
Cohoes is an old mill town that is no stranger to fires. In 1978 a man and his seven children were killed in a fire suspected of being set by the sole survivor, the wife and mother. After new evidence surfaced in 2010 Virginia Grotto did sign a confession, but then claimed she was badgered to do so. Another Cohoes fire in 1988, destroyed nine buildings, including three businesses. That fire also affected Remsen Street. The cause remains a mystery with some neighbors claiming at the time it was a Hells Angels motorcycle gang act of revenge against someone living in the apartment building where the fire started and others claiming to have seen two boys playing with matches. All other causes were ruled out. In both cases, Cohoes rebuilt. One added note to the most recent fire was that this area of Cohoes was enjoying a resurgence. Both the current mayor and interviewed business owners commented on the city’s resilience and they would rebuild. A florist was able to resume work the next day despite building damage, and a pharmacy owner lost a storage garage that contained chair lifts that had been ordered for Christmas, backup inventory and old medical records, but his store was open for business.
The 30-mph winds made getting ahead of the fire a challenge. In the end 32 buildings were damaged and approximately 20 people displaced. (Times Union photo)
John Gomes’ son defended his father on social media, claiming that he never meant to burn down his own house or anyone else’s. Commenters offered words of encouragement for the boy and prayers for his family. On knifemaker Groups on Facebook like Forged In Fire TV Show Discussion Group!!!! and my own Erin at BLADE, it was unanimous that “Forged In Fire” was not to blame. There were jokes about the blade not making the cut, or the reverse, it being able to wipe out a city block. There was mention that “Forged In Fire” now does include a warning that forging is dangerous and not to be attempted without careful consideration of safety measures. Of course, one popular comment on Facebook was simply a picture of a fire extinguisher.
John Gomes, according to statements made by his lawyer to the media, never intended for his open barrel fire to cause damage to his own house or anyone else’s. He’s been charged with felony reckless endangerment and misdemeanor arson. (Times Union photo)
Concern was expressed, though, by more than one commenter on more than one thread that “Forged In Fire” seems to play up the fireball created during quenching. It is a television show and the quenching drama makes for good entertainment. However, the “Forged In Fire” set is actually fireproof. It is vented to prevent asphyxiation, but not in the way a home forger might vent his forge. This is why it is often unbearably hot on the set, causing heat exhaustion in some participants. And, of course, there are crewmembers standing by with extinguishers, ready to cut the electricity or provide medical attention as needed. There have been instances in the final round when participants are at their home forges of fireballs being too close to propane tanks and the like. Although show representatives expressed sadness over the fire in Cohoes, they reserved comment, according to Times Union reports.
One of the most intriguing comments was posted by a resident bladesmith of Upstate New York. “I think he was burning trash, which is illegal in most municipalities in New York State, so he would not have to pay for disposal,” theorized F. Page Steinhardt, of Sunshadow Design and “Forged In Fire” winner. He added, “In an open burn barrel, which is illegal in most municipalities in New York State in a 30-mile-per-hour wind, which is a dumb idea, and ‘Forged In Fire’ was a convenient scapegoat.” Page reiterated that he didn’t know for sure the exact motivation for the fire, and perhaps we will never know exactly what happened. “But that is just my opinion from reading the stories and living in Upstate New York,” he concluded.
Matthew Parkinson of Dragon’s Breath Forge in Connecticut and another “Forged In Fire” winner brought up another good point. “FIF isn’t responsible for someone who can’t think ahead. I mean, they show giant fireballs all the time, so it isn’t like you could even claim they make it look safe.” Matt also offered guidance to those just starting out. “As far as new smiths, take a class. Find a good school and take a class. It will be the best money you ever spend.”
A Digital Subscription To BLADE Is The Answer
You can read your digital issues of BLADE Magazine anywhere you have your phone, tablet or computer, and there’s no need to find storage for all your old issues.
If piling-up issues of magazines seems like a waste to you… If you feel like you don’t have time to read a magazine… If you like the stories we offer in BLADE, but want a more economical option, then a digital subscription is the answer. An annual subscription to BLADE is $17.98, $4 off the print price
Designed by Harold Moeller, the SpyderThrowers from Spyderco feature 8Cr13MoV stainless steel and carry in a three-tiered sheath.
Whether it’s blood relatives or your inner circle of friends, all of them need family gift knives. Here are 10 examples of some really sharp gifts you can give to those closest to you this holiday season.
Kitchen knives make good family gift knives for just about any adult who likes to work with food. The three-piece Kershaw-Emerson set includes a chef’s knife, paring knife and bread knife—three of the most used cutting tools in the eating area. Check this great gift out for an MRSP of only $44.99.
Tactical guru Ernest Emerson designed a new set of kitchen knives—outstanding family gift knives—for Kershaw.
Grandpa loves traditional pocketknives and the Case dark redbone trapper commemorative tin in the motif of
Grandpa will love the Case Duke knife that includes John Wayne’s signature on the blade and the Red River D shield.
the premier pilgrim of them all, John Wayne, will be sure to fit gramps’ pistol. The shield is the “Red River D,” the ranch brand used by Duke’s character of Tom Dunson in the western movie classic Red River.
With bans against switchblades being overturned nationwide, it might just be that your state has overturned its ban as well. Check with the American Knife & Tool Institute or Knife Rights to find out. If it has, just about anyone of a proper age in your family will love the out-the-front auto from Hogue.
Hogue’s out-the-front auto sports a tanto blade of CPM 154 stainless steel in a black PVD finish. MSRP: $369.95.
For the bush crafter in your family, check out the Bush Craft Ignite G-10 from Browning. It features a hollow-ground blade of 7Cr17MoV stainless steel and a carbide fire starter with a nylon lanyard that fits in a sheath pocket.
The Bush Craft Ignite G-10 from Browning includes a ribbed black G-10 handle, a partially serrated edge and a fire starter that fits in a sheath pocket. MSRP: $59.99.
Every family has one–the type who, in an emergency situation where extreme measures must be taken to save someone from a burning building or other disaster, is more than ready to do what needs doing. Such situations can call for breaching tools, and Camillus has such a model with its Crash Breaching Tool. The CBT features titanium stainless steel, full-tang construction, a pry bar and hammer head.
The Camillus Crash Breaching Tool is for the door knocker downer in your family. MSRP: $119.99.
Your family member who likes to sharpen his/her family gift knives or wants to be better at it will love Smith’s Sharpener and Knife Tool. It sharpens both plain and serrated edges and comes in a cool compact carry unit.
Who’s the Zombie fan or fans in your family? KA-BAR‘s Zombie Knives line has just the folder for him, her or them with the Kharon Tanto Folder in the company’s familiar Zombie green handle.
ESEE‘s Izula Gear Wallet Kit has a mini razor blade, kevlar cordage, signal mirror, non-metallic handcuff key, E&E plastic instruction cards, clear plastic survival nav card, fire starter, arrowhead, fish hooks, button compass and more.Knife, wrench, pliers, flashlight, screwdriver, comb, pen and more, the Stowaway Tool from Klecker enables you to load as many or as few of the items on one platform as you like.
No matter your family member’s need, the Klecker Stowaway Tool most likely has a tool for it. Knife, flashlight, screwdriver, pliers, scissors, tweezers, bottle opener, pen, fire starter, comb, wrench, seat belt cutter and straight razor, you have your choice of any of them–and you can install as many or few of them on the Stowaway Tool as you like.
Every family has someone who likes to throw stuff, so why not with family gift knives? Spyderco has a set designed especially for the purpose with its SpyderThrowers. They are designed by Canadian knifemaker/knife-throwing authority Harald Moeller.
Everyone needs a survival kit, and one in wallet form is especially handy. ESEE‘s Izula Gear Wallet Kit has everything a dyed-in-the-wool survivalist needs in a handy carry package 4.25×2.75 inches in size and weighing in at only 4 ounces.
The Kharon Tanto Folder in KA-BAR‘s Zombie Knives line has a 3.375-inch blade of AUS 8A stainless and a Zombie green synthetic handle. MSRP: $21.05.Sharpen those pesky serrated edges and more with Smith’s Sharpener and Knife Tool.
Straight from the Italian military to your sheath, it’s the Col Muschin from Extrema Ratio.
History
Made to order for the renowned 9th Parachute Assault Regiment “Col Moschin” of the Italian special forces, which officially adopted it in 2002, this is a quintessential combat knife.
Extrema Ratio’s Col Moschin represents a contemporary reworking of daggers issued to the Arditi – the historical force in whose footsteps the 9th walks – which sported asymmetrical blades and straight, but direction-sensitive, hilts. This new knife is designed to be light and handy, balanced decidedly toward the hilt, with a highly perforating tip. Each new “Incursore” (assault paratrooper) is issued one of these combat knives and trained to use it to its best. Available versions: COL MOSCHIN BLACK, COL MOSCHIN DESERT WARFARE, COL MOSCHIN COLLECTOR EDITION.
Forging some of the best blade steels is something with which Damasteel of Soderfors, Sweden, is well acquainted.The best blade steels combined with the best blade shapes can cut wonders. Puma’s SGB Buffalo Hunter comes in a recurve blade of 1.4116 stainless steel.Raffir fossil mammoth ivory comprises the handle of Danish knifemaker Tommy Astrup’s mosaic damascus fixed blade.The best blade steels, latest handle materials and more of what it takes to make the hottest knife are in the new BLADE 2018 Complete Knife Guide, on newsstands now!
The best blade steels, latest handle materials, blade shapes, knifemaking suppliers and most everything else it takes to make a knife the sharpest it can be populate the BLADE 2018 Complete Knife Guide, on newsstands now!
What’s the best knife steel for one application can be a disaster for another. However, there exists a happy medium where a maker and an end-user get as many general bennies from the steel as possible. Dave Rhea examines the phenomenon in detail and considers some of today’s best cutting materials in his story, “Keys To The Best Blade Steels.”
Based in Hadsten, Denmark, Raffir offers an array of the most beautiful and durable synthetics yet in its range of fossil, wood and other materials. In Raffir Mammoth Tooth in particular, the cracks and abrasions that handle companies have to fill and re-fill during finishing operations with standard mammoth tooth are reduced by 80 to 90 percent. The material is most pleasing to the eye as well. Get a handle on the latest gripping stuff in “Most Beautiful Synthetics Ever?” by yours truly and Mike Haskew’s “What’s Your Handle?”
The “S”-shaped recurve blade has the rear of the cutting edge, or belly, curving inward toward the spine in a continuous curve from the point. Though most recurves have similar looks, subtle design differences mean that each knife has a distinct feel and performance. David W. Jung outlines some of the leading performers of the genre in “The Inside Edge.”
There is a wealth of knifemaking suppliers providing just what the knife doctor ordered, whether it be the best in handle materials, steels, specialized forging equipment, or the tools that make the sparks fly. Daniel Jackson reacquaints you with some of the best of the lot in “Go-To Guys of Sharp.”
There’s much more in the Complete Knife Guide, including the most comprehensive listing of factory knife companies and other professionals in the industry, a sneak peek at the coolest knife debuts for 2018, the brightest flashlight knives, three fun-to-build knife kits, the latest in beer knives and much more.
Ken Jantz of Jantz Supply works on a prototype for a new hollow-grinding fixture in the Jantz Shop in Davis, Oklahoma.
