Davidson’s integral salutes a unit that lost over 800 men on D-Day.
Made to support The 29th Division Museum in Verona, Virginia, Edmund Davidson’s integral subhilt fighter celebrates an American combat unit that’s served valiantly for almost 284 years.
The Augusta County Regiment formed on Nov. 3, 1741, in Staunton, Virginia, and fought in most every American war, including the American Revolution and the battle of Manassas in the Civil War. It became part of the U.S. Army’s 29th Division in World War I and adopted the theme of “Ever Forward.”
As the 116th Regiment it was in the first wave on Omaha Beach on D-Day, where it lost over 800 officers and men and was later cited by the War Department for extraordinary heroism and outstanding performance of duty. The regiment also saw action in the Iraq and Afghanistan Wars. Today, the 116th remains active as a National Guard Unit.
Scrimshander Linda Karst Stone (left) and sheath maker Paul Long (right) hold the completed project. (knife image by Whetstone Studio)
Linda Karst Stone scrimmed the Omaha Beach battle scene on one side of the handle and unit members from the American Revolution, Civil War and today’s 116th on the flip side. The copious scroll engraving on the butt and guard is by Jere Davidson. Paul Long made the shark-skin sheath.
Keep your knife cutting ready with today’s top sharpeners.
It’s not much of a knife if it’s dull. Getting a blade sharp and keeping it that way is what the top sharpeners are all about. Pull throughs, V sharpeners, adjustable angle models and more, contemporary sharpeners not only will keep your knives keen, some are multi-tools with Torx tools and bits, screwdrivers, fire starters and window breakers. From those for use in the kitchen, camp or workshop to portable use and more, make way for today’s sharp makers.
Lansky Master’s Edge Sharpener
The Lansky Master’s Edge All Diamond Sharpener has a rubberized non-slip base with integrated hand guard for safe use.
Master’s Edge All Diamond Sharpener Model type: V sharpener Type of abrasive: Diamond coated Grit: 400 & 600 grit round rods; triangular rod for serrations Types of knives sharpened: Fillet/slicing, butcher, paring, skinning/kitchen/hunting, camping, utility and chef’s Types of edges sharpened: Plain and serrated Weight: 1.4 lbs. Country of origin: China MSRP: $139.95
Inspired by the design of Lansky’s top-selling Master’s Edge Sharpener, the Master’s Edge All Diamond Sharpener and its diamond-coated abrasives put a factory edge on hunting, utility, kitchen and other knives with just a few strokes. The unit includes a pair of medium (400 grit) and fine (600 grit) diamond-coated-abrasive rods for sharpening and polishing at your choice of preset angles: 17, 20 and 25 degrees. The 17-degree setting is for fillet and fine slicing knives, while the 20-degree angle is for slicing, butcher, paring and skinning knives. The 25-degree setting sharpens hunting, camping, utility and chef’s knives. A diamond-coated triangular rod sharpens serrated blades and also awls and fishhooks. A rubberized non-slip base with integrated hand guard ensures safe use and features easy snap-in storage in its underside. The unit can be kept on a counter or stores easily in a drawer.
Work Sharp Folding Field Sharpener
Especially effective on EDC knives, the new Work Sharp Folding Field Sharpener is one whiz-bang of a portable unit.
Folding Field Sharpener Model type: Compact field sharpener Type of abrasive: Diamond grit plate and fine grit ceramic plate Grit: Coarse 400-grit for each plate Unit dimensions: 4.75 x .75 x .5” Unit materials: Sharpening plates, plastic, aluminum Types of knives sharpened: Pocketknives, hunting knives, EDC Types of edges sharpened: Plain Special features: Folding design; edge angle guides (20 & 25 degrees) help maintain a consistent angle when sharpening and honing; pocket clip Weight: 4.6 ozs. Country of origin: Designed, calibrated and quality checked in Ashland, Oregon, using foreign components MSRP: $29.95
The Work Sharp Folding Field Sharpener is a compact, lightweight model designed for on-the-go sharpening. It features a 400-grit diamond plate with 20-degree sharpening guides and a fine-grit ceramic plate with 25-degree honing guides, ensuring consistent, reliable edges wherever you are. The folding design and integrated pocket clip make it easy to carry almost everywhere. A big package in a small platform, it’s designed to bring back an edge after a hard day’s use or simply for touchups. Especially effective on EDC knives, it is one whiz bang of a portable-type sharpener.
CRKT Knife Maintenance Tool
Designed by Tom Stokes, the CRKT Knife Maintenance Tool is two sharpeners and a multi-tool all rolled into one.
Knife Maintenance Tool Model type: Keychain/pocket field sharpener and multi-tool Type of abrasive: Tungsten carbide sharpener with ceramic honing edge Unit dimensions: 2.7 x 1.18 x .47” Handle: Glass-reinforced nylon Types of knives sharpened: Pocketknives, EDC Types of edges sharpened: Plain Special features: T6 and T8 Torx tools/bits, flathead screwdriver, bottle opener, keychain compatible Weight: 2.2 ozs. Country of origin: China MSRP: $30
Designed by mechanical engineer Tom Stokes, the CRKT Knife Maintenance Tool is a multi-tool sharpener that reflects Tom’s more than 25 years of experience in the aerospace industry, including his work with CAD software and rapid prototyping technology. He designed the Knife Maintenance Tool to prepare you for life’s various exigencies, everything from emergency repairs, popping a top on your favorite beverage—and, yes, sharpening your knives.
The Tool includes two pull-through sharpeners—one a tungsten carbide abrasive to establish a sharp edge, the other a ceramic abrasive to fine tune it—and two sizes of Torx tools/bits: T6 and T8. The sharpeners are on either side of the front of the handle, which is topped off with a bottle opener and flat-head screwdriver/lanyard hole for a keychain loop. The Torx tools are also on either side of the handle and fold out independently of one another for torquing screws pistol-grip style.
Wicked Edge GO-WE60 Precision Knife Sharpener
Premium abrasives on the Wicked Edge GO-WE60 are 200/600 grit monocrystalline diamond-coated stones.
GO-WE60 Precision Knife Sharpener Blade Length Capacity: Up to 15” Blade Thickness Capacity: Up to .25” (longer screws available for thicker blades) Angle Markings: Calibrated for the blade’s edge to sit at 5/8” above the top of the vise Guide Rod Length: 8.75” Unit Weight: 3.6 lbs. Country of origin: USA MSRP: $299
The Wicked Edge GO-WE60 Precision Knife Sharpener is designed for novices and seasoned old pros alike, whether at home, in the field or on the road. A redesigned standard vise clamps fully flat-ground and distally tapered blades such as on pocketknives and household cutlery. Sharpening angles are adjustable from 13 to 31 degrees per side (26-62 degrees inclusive) in 1-degree increments for precise edge maintenance. Premium abrasives are 200/600 grit monocrystalline diamond-coated stones. Mounting options include securing to any flat surface with the included C-clamp or attaching directly using predrilled holes.
Bear & Son GATCO Scepter 2.0 Diamond
The multi-purpose GATCO Scepter 2.0 sharpens plain and serrated edges and has a magnesium rod for starting fires.
GATCO Scepter 2.0 Model type: Pull through and tapered diamond rod Type of abrasive: Diamond coated and tungsten carbide Unit dimensions: 6.125″ Unit material: 6061-T6 aluminum housing Types of knives sharpened: Hunting, EDC, kitchen Types of edges sharpened: Plain and serrated Special features: Tapered diamond rod, magnesium fire starter rod, window breaker Weight: 3.2 ozs. Country of origin: China MSRP: $49.99
The compact GATCO Scepter 2.0 Diamond Take Down Sharpener & Fire Survival Tool from Bear & Son is a multi-purpose implement for everyday pocket carry, the toolbox, to take camping and/or makes an ideal necessity for your bug-out bag. A magnesium rod for fire starting stows inside the tapered diamond sharpener, the latter which includes a groove for sharpening fishhooks. The rod and tapered sharpener are contained inside the CNC-machined, 6061-T6 aluminum carbide body, which has a pull-through tungsten carbide sharpener on the end. Each component features precision-machined threads and an outer “O” ring.
Summer Steel: June’s Hottest Custom and Production Knives You Need to Know.
From mosaic fighters to modern flippers, this month’s standout blades bring a mix of artistic craftsmanship and everyday utility. Whether you’re in the market for a hand-forged Damascus showpiece or a no-nonsense EDC, June’s lineup has something sharp for every collector and user. Here’s a closer look at what’s turning heads in the knife world this month.
Miguel Navarro Fixed Blade
Blade length: 4.25” Blade material: Diamond Damascus by Baker Forge & Tool Blade grind: Hollow Scales: Fat Carbon Gold Snake w/black and red G-10 liners Weight: 7.4 ozs. Overall length: 9” Maker’s price for a similar knife (includes custom sheath): $550-$600 Maker: Miguel Navarro (SharpByCoop image)
Dale Holt Mosaic Fighter
Blade length: 10” Blade materials: 1084 carbon and 15N20 nickel alloy steels Blade grind: Flat Blade pattern: Clip-point recurve Handle material: Spalted sassafrass Spacers: Textured brass and nickel silver Guard: Blued mild steel Knife to know: Design features include an S-guard and dropped handle; Dale Holt is an ABS journeyman smith Overall length: 15” Maker’s price for a similar model: Contact maker for details Maker: Dale Holt (Jocelyn Frasier image)
Kelly Frasier Paring Knife
Kelly Frasier Paring Knife Blade length: 3.5” Blade material: 26C3 carbon steel Blade grind: Flat Blade finish: Mustard patina Scales: G-10 w/red liners Overall length: 7.5” Maker’s price for a similar model: Contact maker for details Maker: Kelly Frasier (Jocelyn Frasier image)
Sam Renwick Farmer’s Lockback
Knife type: Folder Blade length: 2.78” Blade steel: Nitro-V stainless Blade grind: Flat Blade @thickest: .98” Scales: Spalted maple Frame & bolsters: 416 stainless Knife to know: The bolsters are dovetailed Weight: 5.3 ozs. Closed length: 3.38” Maker’s price for a similar knife: $291 at press-time rate of exchange Maker: Sam Renwick (Rod Hoare image)
Bjorn Jacobsen Ghost Recon Chef
Blade length: 7.87” Blade material: 1084 (the black core) laminated w/stainless steel etched Blade grind: Flat w/forged texture on top half Blade @thickest: .118” Blade @widest: 1.97” Handle: Curly birch dyed w/black leather dye and sanded w/600 grit paper, then sanded mostly off again at 1500 grit, blue leather dyed and sanded w/1500 grit yet again; finished w/Uncle Bjorn’s Handle Finish Fittings: Stainless Weight: 6 ozs. Overall length: 12.6” Knife to know: Blade etched in ferric chloride to make the carbon migration “pop,” then left in instant coffee overnight to make the 1084 core black Maker’s price for a similar knife: $320 at press-time exchange rate Maker: Bjorn Jacobsen (Rod Hoare image)
Rob Wayman Knives Feather Damascus Fighter
Blade length: 8” Blade material: Feather damascus of 1084 carbon and 15N20 nickel-alloy steels Blade grind: Full flat Handle materials: Stabilized bog oak, black G-10 and stainless steel spacers, dyed/stabilized fossilized brain coral, and stabilized curly narra Guard & pommel: Feather damascus Overall length: 13.75” Sheath: By Rob Wayman; belt model of vegetable-tanned leather w/stingray inlay Maker’s price for a similar knife and sheath: $2,400 Maker’s remark: “I’m all about sole authorship, so I make all my own steel and keep everything in house.” Maker: Rob Wayman Knives (SharpByCoop image)
Shining Blades: From the Aldo and Edda Lorenzi Collection
Authors: Aldo and Edda Lorenzi Format: Hardcover, 9 x 9.75 inches Pages: 344, including 280 in color Publication date: May 27, 2025 Publisher: Silvana Editoriale Content: BLADE Magazine Cutlery Hall-of-Fame® members, the authors operated the G. Lorenzi retail knife shop in Milan, Italy, from 1959 to 2014. To stock their store and to add to their collection, they traveled far and wide in search of all manner of knives, scissors, razors, corkscrews and other edged tools. They acquired over 2,000 pieces from the Etruscan period to the present, many incredible specimens of which are illustrated in their book—including those by some of the most famous custom knifemakers of all time—along with the stories of how the Lorenzis obtained the pieces, met the makers and much more. A must read for true knife and edged tool aficionados, both present and future alike. List price: $50 Order: artbooks.com
Bear & Son Cutlery Lawman
Bear & Son Cutlery Lawman Knife type: EDC folder Blade length: 3.25” Blade material: D2 tool steel Rockwell hardness: 59-61 HRC Blade grind: Taper Blade finish: Polished Blade opener: Thumb stud Pivot: Ball-bearing washers Scales: White smooth bone Bolsters: Carbon fiber Lock: Slidelock Pocket clip: Blade tip up Weight: 3.5 ozs. Closed length: 4 3/8” City & state of origin: Jacksonville, Alabama MSRP: $119.99 Company: Bear & Son Cutlery
APOC Wallace Bowie
Designer: Mike Wallace Blade length: 9 5/8” Blade material: D2 tool steel Blade thickness @guard & tip: .256” & .039” Blade finish: Titanium coat Slabs: G-10 Knife to know: Handle screws accept a size T9 Torx or star bit; any other bit used may strip the screws Weight: 1 lb., 5 ozs. Overall length: 15 1/8” Sheath: Kydex, vertical or horizontal carry, MOLLE compatible Country of origin: China MSRP: $117 Company: APOC
CIVIVI Clingman
Designer: Taylor Martin Knife type: Flipper folder Blade length: 2.99” Blade steel: Nitro-V stainless Rockwell hardness: 58-60 HRC Blade grind: Hollow Blade @thickest: .12” Blade finish: Black stonewashed Pivot: Caged ceramic ball bearings Lock: Linerlock Scales: Black G-10 Handle @thickest: .47” Liners: Stainless steel Pocket clip: 6Al4V titanium; ambidextrous, tip up Weight: 2.8 ozs. Country of origin: China MSRP: $71.70 Company: CIVIVI
Boker Plus LRF G10
Knife type: Flipper folder Designer: Japanese knifemaker Kansei Matsuno Blade length: 3.07” Blade steel: VG-10 stainless Blade @thickest: .075” Pivot: Ball bearings Scales: G-10 Lock: Linerlock Weight: 1.94 ozs. Closed length: 4” Continent of origin: Asia MSRP: $108.69 at press-time exchange rate Company: Boker Plus
Jack Wolf Knives The Benny Fat Carbon Arctic Storm
Knife type: Slipjoint Pattern: Lanny’s Clip Blade length: 3.25” Blade steel: CPM S90V stainless Rockwell hardness: 60-61 HRC Blade grind: Hollow Blade finish: Belt satin Blade @thickest: .12” Lock: Framelock/bolster lock Pivot: Ceramic bearings Scales: Fat Carbon Arctic Storm Bolsters: 6Al/4V dark-blasted titanium Pocket clip: Titanium anodized a light blue Knife to know: A pocket-clip recess plug provides clipless carry option Weight: 3.5 ozs. Country of origin: China MSRP: $279.99 Company: Jack Wolf Knives
Three top sharpeners help you determine the proper sharpening angle.
Understanding sharpening angles is crucial for maximizing your knife’s performance. It doesn’t matter if you’re slicing a ripe tomato or carving a roast, the right angle makes all the difference. Let’s dive into the world of knife sharpening, where tradition meets innovation, and discover the top-tier systems that will keep your blades razor sharp.
I had three sharpening systems to use over one month. Luckily, I had a variety of knives that needed sharpening. I delegated what I felt were the appropriate knives for the sharpening system at hand.
One thing that was essential with each sharpener was safety first. Before you do anything, read the instructions and watch the video supplied by the manufacturer (if the latter is applicable). Move slowly—wearing light work gloves that offer dexterity wouldn’t hurt.
A.G. Russell Knives V Sharpener
To preset the 15-degree angle with the A.G. Russell V Sharpener, start at the knife hilt and draw down steadily with moderate pressure.
5° per side, creating a compound 30° angle on the blade edge
90 percent+ Alumina Ceramic sharpening rods
Diamond Rods (optional)
Rod Storage
Walnut base is 10.25 inches long
Weight: 16 ounces
Made in USA
MSRP: $71.95
Pros
Consistent Edge Every Time
Durable Materials
Simple & Portable
Cons
Single Angle Only
No Intermediate Grit
The A.G. Russell Knives V Sharpener is a simple yet highly effective tool for keeping your knives razor sharp. Designed with a sturdy walnut base, it holds two ceramic or diamond rods in a precise V-shape, making it easy to maintain a consistent edge. The ceramic rods, made from 90 percent+ alumina, are built to last for years—unless you drop and break them, of course. On the other hand, the diamond rods are more aggressive and perfect for restoring dull blades before you hone them to perfection with the ceramic rods.
Using the V Sharpener is a breeze. Hold your knife straight up and down, like you’re slicing cheese, and draw it down one side of the V and then the other. In no time, you’ll have a razor-sharp edge ready for action. The walnut base is 10.25 inches long and keeps everything neatly in place. If the ceramic rods start looking dark from metal buildup, a quick rub with an A.G. Russell Rust Eraser will return them to peak performance.
Why 15 Degrees
I caught up with Jake Broce from A.G. Russell Knives to ask why the company went with one sharpening angle, settling on 15 degrees.
“A.G. Russell preferred a 15-degree-per-side [compound 30-degree] bevel for his slicing knives because it created a sharper, more efficient cutting edge,” Jake explained. “His knives were ground thinner than most, which made them slice exceptionally well. Since his sharpener was made for most general-use and kitchen knives, he chose a 15-degree angle per side.
“He once worked with a German knifemaker, a Mrs. Dahmann, who hesitated to grind A.G.’s blades so thin out of concern they’d be too fragile. A.G. told her his customers wouldn’t break them because he’d teach them how to use them properly. For tasks like chopping, however, he used thicker blades and more obtuse bevels—he tailored each edge to its specific function.”
Setup & Use
The A.G. Russell’s ceramic rods store in a walnut base with a wooden gate, while a plastic slip and cap protect the diamond rods against weather and damage from other gear.
Setting the V Sharpener up is a breeze. It was the second easiest to assemble of the test sharpeners. The ceramic rods are housed in the walnut base with a simple wooden gate. The diamond rods come in a plastic slip securely fastened with a plastic cap for protection against weather and from your other gear.
Once the sharpener is set up, start at the knife hilt on the diamond or ceramic and draw down. Keep it as steady as you can. Keep your hand behind the line depicted on the walnut base. Use moderate pressure, nothing too intense. Listen to the sound and feel the abrasives do their work.
This unit works easily at home or in the shop. It also fits easily into a pack for camping or a multiday cabin stay.
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The V Sharpener is a medium-weight unit. The only change I might make would be to add grit between the diamond and ceramic rods.
Whether you’re a seasoned chef or simply someone who appreciates a sharp blade, the V Sharpener is a solid investment that outperforms fancy gadgets and expensive machines. It’s simple, effective and built to last.
Warthog Elite A4 Sharpener
The Warthog A4 Elite uses a patented V-Sharp system with two spring-loaded diamond hones that sharpen both sides of the blade simultaneously—no more struggling to hold the perfect angle. (Warthog image)
15° angle for high-end specialty knives
Patented V-Sharp system for precision angle adjustments
4 Adjustable Angles of 15, 20, 25 and 30°
325-Grit Natural Diamond Hones w/finishing steels included
Metal Frame Construction
Durable Powder Coat Finish
Additional 270, 325, 600 and 1,000 grit and ceramic hones available
Base of deluxe African wood
Weight: 1 pound 13 ounces
Made in South Africa
MSRP: $144.99
Pros
Dual-Side Sharpening
Adjustable Angles
User-Friendly
Cons
Not Travel-Friendly
The Warthog Elite A4 Sharpener is a game-changer that keeps your knives razor sharp with minimal effort. It uses a patented V-Sharp system with two spring-loaded diamond hones that sharpen both sides of the blade simultaneously—no more struggling to hold the perfect angle.
The A4 has a sturdy wooden base that keeps everything stable while you work, and the metal frame construction ensures durability. You can adjust the sharpening angle to 15, 20, 25 or 30 degrees, making it versatile enough for everything from delicate sushi knives to rugged outdoor blades. The included 325-grit diamond honing stones do the heavy lifting, while built-in finishing steels refine the edge. For even more control, you can swap in aftermarket hones with grits ranging from 270 to 1,000, or ceramic for serrated blades.
Setup & Use
You’re ready to rock and roll once you open the package and assemble the unit. The A4 setup stands out as the easiest among the three test sharpening systems.
“If you can slice a tomato, you can sharpen a knife,” asserts the Warthog video. Hold the knife securely and slice down along the ready-set angles. It’s as easy as that. The A4 is the user-friendliest of the test sharpeners.
This one is made for use at home or in the shop. It can be awkward to pack and take along with you. Let it stay ready for action in a semi-permanent location and carry a smaller field-worthy sharpener to the outdoors, on the go, etc.
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You can adjust the sharpening angle on the Warthog to 15, 20, 25 or 30 degrees, making it versatile enough for everything from delicate sushi knives to rugged hunting blades.
The A4 is a lightweight sharpener. I wouldn’t change much to the already simplistic method of sharpening. Despite its complex nature, I like the multi-angle positions and the hand protector.
Using it is simple. Slide your knife through the vertical guide and the sharpener does the rest. Whether you’re a home cook, professional chef or an outdoor enthusiast, the A4 makes sharpening fast, easy and precise. It comes in multiple colors, so pick one that matches your style.
Work Sharp Professional Precision Adjust Elite Sharpener
The supplied clamp support works on larger knives and eliminates any play, leaving a solid workspace with the Work Sharp unit.
Digital Angle Indicator
Comprehensive 10-Abrasive System
Coarse diamond plates (220, 320, 400 grit)
Fine diamond plates and ceramic plate (600, 800 grit, fine ceramic)
Designed, engineered and calibrated at Work Sharp’s facility in Ashland, Oregon. Work Sharp sources materials from various manufacturers, so some components may come from different locations.
MSRP: $449.95
Pros
Pro-Level Precision
Versatile & Comprehensive
Secure & Stable
Cons
Complex Setup
The Work Sharp Professional Precision Adjust Elite Sharpener is a powerhouse for anyone serious about keeping knives razor sharp. Built with solid metal construction and rugged hard plastic, the sharpener holds your blade steady while you work, ensuring accuracy every time. It features a fully adjustable angle system ranging from 15 to 30 degrees so you can fine tune your edge to match your needs.
The unit’s 10-abrasive system (1 x 6 inches) sets it apart. You get everything from coarse diamond plates (220, 320, 400, 600 and 800 grit) and ceramic hones to ultra-fine resin-bonded diamonds (1200, 2,000, 3,000 grit) and a leather strop for the final polished finish. Whether restoring a dull edge or refining an already sharp one, the Work Sharp covers you.
A V-block clamp securely holds your knife in place, making sharpening effortless, and the included knife table attachment ensures that even smaller blades get the same precision treatment. A rugged carry case keeps everything organized and portable when needed.
Setup & Use
While not challenging, setting this bad boy up takes time. The instructions are excellent, as all of them are for the reviewed sharpening units. Nonetheless, this required me to view a few videos. Read and watch to make yourself proficient in the use and setup. Though the Work Sharp is the hardest unit to assemble, it’s worth the trouble. Don’t let this factor deter you before giving it a chance. Take the time to familiarize yourself with the sharpener’s working parts and then you’ll be a believer. Once you master the process, you will pat yourself on the back!
The Work Sharp comes with a carrying case. However, where would you go besides a buddy’s house to show it off? It’s heavy and bulky for toting around. As a result, the sharpener is an ordained home and shop unit.
Report Card
The magnet system of the Work Sharp’s knife attachment helps keep smaller blades in place while a support hand helps steady them.
I like the 10 sharpening abrasives and leather attachment with honing compound. That’s a nice personal touch. I love how effortlessly I can tuck the abrasive sharpening rod away when I’m done. Whenever I need to flip the blade or make adjustments, the handle slides right into its designated slot in a flash. Plus, checking the blade burr before flipping is a breeze. Bravo, Work Sharp!
I wish there were an easier way to tell the difference between the unit’s clamp and table numbers and how they relate to the digital reader. Of course, this aspect can easily be chalked up to user confusion.
If you’re a knife enthusiast, chef or collector, the Pro Precision Adjust Elite delivers professional-level results efficiently. It’s not just a sharpener—it’s an investment in keeping your blades performing at their best.
No need to go big to make a large impact, as these small fixed blades more than prove.
Few knives capture the spirit of cut as well as small fixed blades. The ideal size for makers of all skill levels to recreate, they never cease to amaze in their various blade and handle shapes, materials and other differences in design features so slight as to be almost imperceptible to all but the most discerning eye.
Neal Green and Christopher Adelhardt: Kwaiken
The Kwaiken by Neal Green and Christopher Adelhardt comes in a 3.5-inch blade of CPM 154 stainless, and an ironwood handle with G-10 liners and a brown tsukamaki (handle wrap). Overall length: 7.25 inches. It comes with a leather sheath (not shown) by Adelhardt. (Jocelyn Frasier image)
Peter Cocks: Hunter
Australian Knifemakers Guild member Peter Cocks won Best Hunter at the 2025 Perth Knife Show for Slug Life in a 3.55-inch blade of a flat-ground mosaic damascus of 1084 carbon and 15N20 nickel alloy steels. Scales: ringed gidgee. (Rod Hoare image)
Tracy Jones: Cowgirl
Cowgirl by Tracy Jones earned the maker the Best General Member award at the 2025 Texas Select Custom Cutlery Event. The 4-inch blade is flat-ground damascus and the scales are by Sara. Overall length: 8 inches. (SharpByCoop image)
Daniel M. Gutierrez: Utility Fixed Blade
Daniel M. Gutierrez: Utility Fixed Blade
A 3-inch blade of a damascus of 1084 carbon and 15N20 nickel alloy steels and copper shim forged by Baker Forge & Tool, and a handle of ironwood burl help complete a utility fixed blade by Daniel M. Gutierrez. Blade grind: flat. Overall length: 7 inches. (SharpByCoop image)
Chad Jones: Panther Fixed Blade
Chad Jones captured the title of Best Ranger Member at the 2025 Texas Select Custom Cutlery Event for his Panther fixed blade. The 3.25-inch blade is feather damascus and the scales are zebra carbon fiber and curly koa. Overall length: 7.25 inches. (SharpByCoop image)
Jason Howell: EDC Fixed Blade
Jason Howell won the award for Troop 36 Scout Favorite at the 2025 Texas Select Custom Cutlery Event for his EDC fixed blade. The 3.75-inch spey blade is flat-ground 52100 carbon steel and the scales are French walnut. Overall length: 8.75 inches. The pouch sheath (not shown) is by Richard Epting. (SharpByCoop image)
Dr. Terry Schreiner: Brown Trout Bird & Trout Knife
The brown trout/bird & trout knife by Dr. Terry Schreiner has a 4 1/16-inch blade of flat-ground CPM 154 stainless. The scales are a brown trout acrylic and the bolster is O1 tool steel. Overall length: 8 7/8 inches. (SharpByCoop image)
Cutlery Hall-of-Famer’s book showcases the most unique, historic and outlandish blades to enter their treasury.
Probably the most important international buyers of modern American custom knives ever, BLADE Magazine Cutlery Hall-of-Fame® members Aldo and Edda Lorenzi bought and then sold those knives and many other edged items in their iconic G. Lorenzi retail cutlery store in Milan, Italy.
Located on the Via Montenapoleone in the heart of Milan’s elegant retail sales district, and under Aldo and Edda’s direction, G. Lorenzi sold the finest knives, scissors, razors, table cutlery and assorted other edged wonders from 1959 to 2014, serving customers from every corner of the globe.
If you read BLADE® regularly, you know of the Lorenzis—but mostly only through the eyes of BLADE. In their new book, Shining Blades from the Aldo and Edda Lorenzi Collection, the Lorenzis recall their journeys far and wide in their lifelong search for the finest blades as only they can tell it, from the age of Elvis and crewcuts to the internet era.
Intrepidly scouring Europe, America and elsewhere for cutting tools of all kinds, the Lorenzis chronicle their travels in Shining Blades. From Aldo doubling Edda on their Guzzi Galletto motorbike through the snow and rain in the Alps on their first working trip to Fance in the early 1960s, to their early visits to the knifemaking shops of John Nelson Cooper, Cutlery Hall-of-Famer Bob Loveless and many other of the most famous American makers and beyond, the Lorenzis share their incredible story.
Shining through it all are full-page color images of some of the most spellbinding edged implements you will ever see. In addition to buying them the Lorenzis collected the vintage edged implements along the way. Bronze-Age spoons, folding forks and unbelievable folding knives of the 17th century forward are just some of the visual feasts of the edged art that populate the book’s pages.
For instance, if you think you’ve seen all there is to see in scissors, think again. The images of vintage scissors alone are enough to fill an encyclopedia on the subject. Spectacularly ornate and mystifying in construction, the scissors the Lorenzis amassed over the decades alone will take your breath away.
The preceding simply scratches the surface of what the book is all about. Most of what is illustrated and much more can be seen in the state-of-the-art Aldo and Edda Lorenzi Foundation museum in Milan.
The book also delves into some of the oldest knives known, from the 5,000-year-old knife of Otzi the Iceman discovered in 1991 on the Austrian-Italian border, the finest in European custom knives and knifemakers, ancient books on all things cutlery, notes on damascus steel and much more.
It’s all contained in a top-quality, 9 x 9.75-inch hardbound book with 344 pages that will provide you enjoyment for years to come. It’s a unique history with an MSRP of only $50—a ridiculously low price for such a landmark publication. However, as Edda Lorenzi noted, it’s not about the money so much as the education of worldwide edged tool enthusiasts and the recognition of those who authored some of the most fascinating edged tools extant.
“The book cost us about double its sales price [to produce], more or less,” she began. “Keeping the price low was our choice. It is a choice in line with our Nate Posner Award—to honor the artisans who created the works we loved most and whose names we would like to be known by as many people as possible, and to encourage new generations of artisans who, unlike collectors, certainly do not have large sums of money to invest in expensive books. To achieve this, this choice had to be made!”
If most anyone else had written the preceding paragraph I might be going, “Yeah, right.” But with the Lorenzis, you can rest assured it’s true. If you don’t believe me, ask members of the old guard at knife shows who know of them. If anything, my assessment of Aldo and Edda isn’t laudatory enough.
Niagara will help fill the shoes of an industry icon.
The recent demise of Crucible Industries LLC not only marked the end of a celebrated name in the manufacture of blade steels, it denoted the dawn of a new age—not only for the steels famously known by their CPM prefix, but other premium blade materials as well.
Used by Crucible and short for Crucible Particle Metallurgy*, CPM prefixed such Crucible steels as CPM S30V, CPM S35VN, CPM MagnaCut—today’s hottest CPM variant—and others among some of the most-used blade materials since Chris Reeve Knives popularized S30V on Reeve knives beginning in 2004-2005. S30V, in fact, was the first modern steel manufactured specifically for knife use. All other manufactured steels used in blades were originally made for purposes other than knives.
CPM S45VN is one of several of the old Crucible steels Niagara offers. The Defiant7 Auto Eagle has a stonewashed blade of the stainless steel and a black aluminum handle. Blade grind: flat. Weight: 4.4 ounces. Designed by Les George, it’s 4.75 inches closed. Country of origin: USA. MSRP: $285.
Crucible closed its doors earlier this year and sold most, if not all, of its assets at auction in February. So what happens to all those wonderful steels that both the factory and custom knife industries use in mass quantities?
According to Bob Shabala of Niagara Specialty Metals (NSM), NSM will do its part to have/supply most, if not all, of them, as well as other up-and-coming steels, to the custom and factory knife industries.
Among custom knifemakers especially, CPM 154 stainless is extremely popular. Craig Brosman employs it in a hollow grind and amber-dyed European red stag on his utility fixed blade. Overall length: 7.5 inches. (SharpByCoop image)
Opined Scott Devanna of steel service center SB Specialty Metals, “The majority of steel sheet in the U.S. comes out of Niagara. They’re the only [domestic mill] that can make it right now. It’s been that way for the last 25 years. They’re the only game in town.”
Erasteel And The Name Game
Erasteel, with state-of-the-art steel mills in France and Sweden, is owned by Syntagma Capital, a private equity group based in Brussels, Belgium. Erasteel acquired a part of the assets of the old Crucible Industries during the February auction, including working capital, steelmaking equipment and, perhaps most importantly, the trademarks for all the CPM steel names. A manufacturer and supplier of steels not only to the knife community but also the aerospace and other hi-tech industries, NSM had worked with Erasteel before the auction, processing millions of pounds of the Swedish mill’s steel for industrial applications.
The 4.75-inch blade of Jacob Gaetz’s Large Field Hunter is CPM 3V carbon steel cryo-treated to a Rockwell hardness of 60-61 HRC. Handles are Apocalyptic box elder burl (left) and vintage Micarta® (right). Overall lengths: 9.875 inches. (Jocelyn Frasier image)
“We’d been doing that for several years,” Shabala noted, “so we know the quality of their steel is good.”
Together with Crucible, Erasteel is the pioneer in gas-atomized metal powders and started with the process in 1969. Today, it has the largest installed capacity in the world to produce metal powders, with two large atomizers built and designed by Erasteel.
Shabala said NSM officials understood their knife customers wanted the assorted CPM steels to keep the old names to avoid confusion among knife-buying consumers.
“They didn’t want to change the names and have to educate consumers on what the new names would be and how they related to the legacy Crucible names,” he explained.
The Cold Steel Recon M1 sports a black-coated blade of MagnaCut stainless, which remains the hottest of the CPM steels used by both factory and custom segments of the sporting knife industry. Handle G-10. Lock: Atlas Lock. Weight: 5.2 ounces. Blade and closed lengths: 4 and 5.5 inches. Country of origin: Italy. MSRP: $309.99.
Meanwhile, the two companies reached an agreement where if NSM buys the steels exclusively from Erasteel, NSM can use the original names too, including S30V, S35VN, S45VN, MagnaCut, S110V, 3V and CPM 154. NSM and its customers can still use the full designation of CPM S30V, CPM S35VN and so on, though the customers can omit the CPM if they so choose.
“The reason we’re keeping the CPM 154 name is because everybody knows that it’s the powder metallurgy version of 154CM, so we want to keep that designation alive so people will know what’s going on there,” Shabala noted.
There will be a couple of exceptions. The steels formerly known as CPM Cruwear and CPM S90V will be renamed NSMwear and NSM 90PM, respectively.
Niagara is both a manufacturer and distributor, not only of knife steel but also steel for the aerospace and other industries. It is employee owned and employs 41. (NSM image)
“Erasteel already had an agreement with another distributor to buy Cruwear exclusively, so we worked out a deal with them where we can buy the steel, we just can’t use the name,” Shabala explained. “It’s on us to educate people and let them know they can still get CPM Cruwear, it’s just a different name.”
As for CPM S90V, NSM already had Carpenter Technology’s version of it in stock and wanted to rebrand it so that it’s not sole-sourced to one mill. By renaming it NSM 90PM, “hopefully people will understand that it’s coming from us,” Bob said.
Steel Tariffs
Concerning steel supplies in stock, Shabala indicated NSM officials had been aware of Crucible’s coming demise, and in January 2024 began ramping up purchases to build inventory for any future supply disruptions.
Dennis Friedly opts for CPM 154 stainless blade steel and a mammoth tooth handle for his Art Knife Invitational fighter. The copious engraving is by Ray Cover Jr. Overall length: 13 inches. (SharpByCoop image)
“We started placing orders with Carpenter and Erasteel in September 2024, though not knowing Erasteel would be the eventual owner of the CPM trademarks,” Shabala noted. “The steel we bought in September is starting to arrive. There will be some disruptions in MagnaCut and CPM 154, but everything else we still have a decent amount of and there should be no disruptions.”
In case you hadn’t heard, President Trump has instituted tariffs on most countries, including France and Sweden. At press time, the European tariff was 25 percent.
“Everything we buy from Erasteel as it stands right now is subject to a 25 percent tariff,” Shabala said. “Even the steel we buy from Carpenter, the powder for it is atomized in Sweden, so that’s subject to at least a 10 percent tariff.”
Dennis Friedly opts for CPM 154 stainless blade steel and a mammoth tooth handle for his Art Knife Invitational fighter. The copious engraving is by Ray Cover Jr. Overall length: 13 inches. (SharpByCoop image)
Another concern is whether knife companies can continue to mark their knives built with NSM steel “Made in the U.S.A.” Bob said he is up front with his customers, telling them that Erasteel will be supplying a “good chunk of our CPM alloys,” though it’s all hot rolled at NSM.
The question becomes if the raw materials are imported but don’t officially become a steel until they’re hot isostatic pressed, does that make the steel American made or imported? He indicated it will be up to his customers’ lawyers to hash out what the customers can and can’t do concerning U.S.A. markings on their knives.
NSM Innovaions
What’s on the horizon at NSM? One thing is a new grade developed by steel guru Larrin Thomas. Called Magnamax, it won’t be widely available until the end of the year. Since NSM has both patented and trademarked Magnamax, it can have it made by any mill it wants, and had it on order with both Erasteel and Carpenter at press time.
Bob Shabala of Niagara Specialty Metals
Meanwhile, along with Erasteel, Bob had high praise for the steel being made by Carpenter.
“We’re getting powder now that is atomized in a vacuum furnace. It’s a step forward in quality. We hardly ever had an issue with any CPM product from Crucible,” he qualified, “but I think Erasteel’s and Carpenter’s steel has a finer grain size. It’s a little microscopically cleaner than what we were getting before, so it really is an opportunity to provide a better product.”
As Shabala noted, Carpenter has made lots of cutlery steel, and NSM has processed a huge amount of it, hot rolling it into sheets and sending it back to Carpenter’s warehouse for sale to various customers. One of Carpenter’s best-known steels is CTS XHP stainless.
“It’s a grade that customers really like,” Shabala said, adding that NSM had over 20 tons of it and was in the process of preparing to make a big marketing push on it at press time.
Having steel manufactured in the USA remains a big selling point with many of NSM’s customers, so the company remains on the lookout for new melt sources, one of which is Prime Metals & Alloys (PMA) of Homer City, Pennsylvania. A manufacturer and supplier of a wide range of steels for assorted hi-tech and other uses, PMA was in the process of making steel for NSM at press time, which Shabala seemed to think holds great promise.
Larrin Thomas, metallurgist and knife writer
“We should receive it in a couple of months, but if it works out it’s going to be an ESR version of stainless steel that we’ve always supplied, so it should be a noticeably better product than what our customers were used to before,” he said. “It’s really a good find for us to be able to get a higher-quality steel with a shorter lead time, so we’re really excited about that.”
ESR stands for Electro-Slag Remelting, a process that results in a very clean steel devoid of contaminants.
“In a traditional melting process, you heat the steel up, get it in a molten state, pour it in an ingot and that’s it,” and later forge and finish it out, he explained. “With ESR you take that ingot and you remelt it again and all the slag and contaminants float to the top, and they’re skimmed off. What remains in the new ingot is a cleaner version of the original.”
Shabala added that two different grades of NSM stainless steels that had always been air melted will now be ESR melted.
NSM’s Role
People often misunderstand a company’s role in any endeavor, and Shabala said that seems to be the case with NSM.
“Larrin Thomas was concerned that people had the misconception that NSM is just a distributor, that we just got sheets from Crucible and resold them,” he observed. “He said we should emphasize the fact that we’re a lot more than a distributor, we’re a manufacturer, we buy slabs of steel, we process it into the final dimensions and ship it. Cutlery is a big part of what we do. We do a lot with the aerospace industry, so we know a lot about quality standards.”
NSM is 100 percent employee-owned, so all 41 employees in its mill in Akron, New York, just outside Buffalo, own a piece of the company.
“Everyone here has a vested interest in ensuring that we’re successful and doing everything we can to put out a good product,” Shabala said.
A last point of emphasis Bob made was that just because Crucible went out of business doesn’t mean NSM is going out of business—in fact, far from it.
“We’re very financially sound. We just put out a $7 million upgrade in our sheet mill, we’re rolling out finished product, it’s the biggest expansion we’ve ever done and we’re getting ready to expand our grinding and laser-cutting capability,” he noted. “We’re really, really in good shape.”
*Editor’s Note: For more on the particle metallurgy process, visit Knife Steel Nerd’s post on powder metallurgy.
