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Knifemaker Steve Fecas Passes at 66

Steve Shackleford
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Knifemaker Steve Fecas Passes at 66

Steve FecasThe world of knives lost a class act when knifemaker Stephen John “Steve” Fecas passed away Feb. 1. He was 66.

A long-time member of the Knifemakers’ Guild and one of the original members of the South Carolina Association of Knifemakers (SCAK), Steve operated out of Anderson, South Carolina. He sold his first knife in 1977 and started making knives full time in 1980. One of the many disciples of Blade Magazine Cutlery Hall-Of-Fame© member George Herron, Steve made tight, clean folders in the stock-removal style and also designed knives for Benchmade.

A Vietnam War-era veteran of the U.S. Air Force, Steve was easy going and always had a joke or kind word to impart in his deep South Carolinian drawl. He and Blade Magazine Cutlery Hall-Of-Fame© member Frank Centofante were good friends and often were seen hanging out together at knife shows.

Steve is survived by his wife, Mary, six brothers, one sister and a number of nieces and nephews. Memorials may be made to the charity of your choice. Condolences may be expressed online at www.robinsonfuneralhomes.com or visit www.legacy.com/obituaries/charleston.

Knives A Bright Spot in American Economy

Joe Kertzman
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Knives A Bright Spot in American Economy

The American Knife & Tool Institute (AKTI) shared data during its annual SHOT Show meeting regarding the U.S. knife industry and the significant economic impact it has, including jobs creation and the nation’s economy. 178480_10151866287449119_1468026836_o

Acting as a representative of knife manufacturers, distributors and retailers, as well as U.S. knife users, AKTI president Bill Raczkowski of Gerber Legendary Blades said, “Every knife and tool manufacturing and import or distribution company is a valued contributor to jobs, taxes and the economic viability in its city, county, state and region.”

Citing 2010 data collected as part of a survey by the AKTI, Raczkowski said the sporting knife and tool industry has a $4.844 billion economic impact on the U.S. economy. And over 60 manufacturing, import and distribution companies generate more than $807.4 million in gross revenue. Such revenue, of course, as well as taxes and wages paid to employees, contributes dollars to help keep America’s economy in recovery mode.

According to Raczkowski and the AKTI, knife manufacturers, importers and distributors employ 3,566 U.S. workers who hold good, stable jobs in an economy where every job is important, and millions of people are trying to find work. The industry, the AKTI says, generates 17,830 support jobs in supplier and ancillary industries. “That’s enough people to populate the entire city of Hannibal, Missouri, and serve thousands of visitors each year to keep Mark Twain’s spirit alive,” said AKTI executive director Jan Billeb.

To read more, visit the Resources section of the AKTI website under Knife User Data.

 

 

World’s Hottest Knives in April BLADE®

Steve Shackleford
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The steel that changed knives forever, the hottest custom makers’ hottest knives, how to build an emergency shelter, Chad Nichols’ MokuTi knife material, how to recognize future knife collectibles, these and much more highlight the new April BLADE®, on most newsstands NOW.

Bill Moran’s introduction of damascus steel at the 1973 Knifemakers’ Guild Show 40 yaers ago this year is the focus of “Steel That Changed Knives Forever.” Find out from those who were there what that was like and from others how the introduction transformed the industry and continues to do so today.

If you were stranded in the woods and needed to build an emergency shelter in a short amount of time, could you do it? James Ayres shows you how in “Shelter From The Storm.”

The custom knives most in demand change at any given moment. Get the latest installment of how they’re changing and what they are in “On The Boil!” The cover knife made by Jim Burke and designed by Tashi Bharucha is one of them.

If somebody asked you what factory knives you should collect now for the future, what would be your answer? See if it gibes with those who know in “Knife Pros Reveal What To Collect.”

There’s much more—a profile of knifemaker Will Zermeno, Ray Kirk’s giveaway knife for the upcoming Arkansas Custom Knife Show, the latest in mid-tech knives, how to clean hunting knives, part two of Ed Fowler’s step-by-step how-to on sheep horn knife handles, a test of Joel Worley’s “Woodsman” brut de forge knife and much more, all in the April BLADE.

For subscription information to BLADE click on BL0413CAN_finalwww.shopblade.com/blade-magazine-one-year-subscription-us?lid=ssfbbl013113

Illustrated Guide to Types of Blades

BLADE Staff
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Illustrated Guide to Types of Blades

Types of Blades 1Types of Blades 2

Learn about the different types of blades out there with these handy illustrated guides. They’re perfect for anyone curious about blade shapes, terminology or what to look for before buying a knife for a particular use. Just click on either image for a larger view. Types of blades covered include:

California Clip
Can Opener
Citrus Peeler
Clip
Clip-Saber
Coping
Cotton Sampler
Cuticle
Dog Grooming
Drop Point
File
Fish Scakler/Cap Lifter
Letter Opener
Long Pull
Muskrat
Pen
Pruner
Punch
Razor
Regular Pull
Saw
Screwdriver/Wire Stripper
Serrated Spay
Sheep Foot
Skate Wrench
Skinner
Spay
Spear
Typesetter
Wharncliffe

Types of bladesThis illustrated guide to types of blades is excerpted from the American Premium Guide to Knives & Razors CD. Jim Sargent’s book is ideal for anyone who collects Case knives or has an interest in knife history.

Video: Homemade Hydraulic Press for Knifemaking

BLADE Staff
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Video: Homemade Hydraulic Press for Knifemaking

In this video from the American Bladesmith Society (ABS), journeyman smith Karl B. Andersen reviews his homemade hydraulic press. Andersen uses the innovative device to make damascus steel for his blades.

Andersen said he receives questions about what went into his homemade hydraulic press. It’s no wonder. This is one cool piece of knifemaking machinery. While Andersen has made his own modifications, the core design is from the mind of Michael Kanter from Wisconsin. From the video:

“It just doesn’t look like the other presses going…It’s very unique in its structure. Everything is contained within a picture frame. The tubular frame is made up of real high tensile steel.”

Despite being built like tank, Andersen points out that the pressure is all contained inside the homemade hydraulic press. Note the part where the arrow on a postage scale underneath the press doesn’t budge while the machine is running.

What about you? Ever consider building your own homemade hydraulic press? Leave a comment below.

Tips for making damascus knivesSpeaking of damascus, you don’t necessary need a homemade hydraulic press to make those eye-catching blades. Check out this download from BLADE on how to make damascus knives.

Steel That Changed History in April BLADE®

Steve Shackleford
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Steel That Changed History in April BLADE®

The steel that changed knives forever, the hottest knives of the hottest custom makers, how to build an emergency shelter and much more highlight the April BLADE®, on most newsstands NOW!

Blade Magazine Cutlery Hall-Of-Fame© member Bill Moran introduced modern damascus knives 40 years ago this year at the Knifemakers’ Guild Show, and those who were there remember it and the impact it has had on the knife industry since.

The hottest knives of the hottest makers change constantly. Find out what the knives are and who makes them in “On The Boil!”

Bushcraft remains hot, as does survival in disaster situations. James Ayres shows you how to build an emergency shelter with your knife in a short amount of time in “Shelter From The Storm.”

Want to know what will be the hot factory knife collectibles down the road? BLADE Managing Editor Joe Kertzman picks the brains of the pros and tells you in his story.

There’s much more: a test of a brut de forge knife, Ray Kirk’s giveaway knife for the upcoming Arkansas Custom Knife Show, a profile of knifemaker Will Zermeno and his cool tactical folders, how to clean a hunting knife, the latest mid-tech knives, Chad Nichols’ MokuTi knife material and much more—all inside the April BLADE with Jim Burke’s Villain Super Sonic on the cover.

To subscribe to BLADE click on www.shopblade.com/blade-magazine-one-year-subscription-us?lid=ssfbbl013013BL0413CAN_final

Jensen Art Knife in Contemporary Crafts Exhibition

Steve Shackleford
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Jensen Art Knife in Contemporary Crafts Exhibition

One of knifemaker John Lewis Jensen’s classic art knives is in the Mesa Art Museum’s 34th Annual Contemporary Crafts Exhibition, Jensen announced in an e-mail release.

Located in Mesa, Arizona, the museum will feature the knife as one of 47 selected pieces in a highly competitive juried exhibition through March 31.

For more information visit www.mesaartscenter.com or http://www.jensenknives.com.

John Lewis Jensen
John Lewis Jensen
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