Congratulations to the new Journeyman Smiths in the American Bladesmith Society!
The following new Journeyman Smiths had their five presentation knives judged by the Judging Panel and were awarded their new rating at the 9th ABS Exposition in San Antonio, Texas on January 27th.
Congratulations to all!
According to KnifeArt.com’s Larry Connelley, Bill Ruple ([email protected]) is one of the leading names in custom slip joints. Ruple’s “Acorn” single-blade trapper features a CPM-154 stainless blade and an amber-bone handle. Closed length: 4.25 inches. KnifeArt.com’s (www.knifeart.com) list price: $1,100. (KnifeArt.com photo)
One of cutlery’s oldest designs, the slip joint is also one of its hottest
By Pat Covert
Long ago, someone added a spring to the back of a pocketknife to prop the blade open and enable it to shut with a snap—and what is known by many knife enthusiasts today as the slip joint was born. While locking-liner tacticals dominate much of the folder arena, the relatively new genre has a lot of catching up to do if it plans on eclipsing slip-joint sales.
Like many sectors of the cutlery market, there are two basic customers for slip joints—users and collectors—with some overlap to be expected. So what would cause a knife user to carry a slip joint over the more modern fare? “Tradition,” KnifeArt.com’s Larry Connelley states simply. “Slip joints are built with traditional patterns or modifications of a traditional pattern from the early 1900s. Slip joints are easily carried and perceived as an American tradition. Many knife owners first owned a traditional slip joint.”
From a practical standpoint, slip joints make excellent pocketknives, playing the same role they have for generations. “Slip-joint folders are used for cutting almost everything imaginable, such as peeling apples, skinning game, opening boxes, opening letters, and a myriad of other uses,” observes Kenny Wilson of Sooner State Knives.
Josh Terryah of Knife Country USA says both tradition and everyday service play a role in the slip joint’s popularity. “Slip joints are great utility knives, and who doesn’t like to carry something around that reminds them of their granddaddy or father?” he opines. “Who would ever think a knife could bring back memories of being a kid on the family farm?”
Though hard to quantify, another likely reason for the slip joint’s surge in attractiveness and popularity among users is the oppressive anti-knife laws and/or improper labeling of legal one-hand-opening and other knives as illegal by law enforcement, district attorney’s offices and local governments in some areas. In other words, the DA’s success rate in prosecuting someone for carrying a traditional peanut or stockman pattern is lower than for a one-hand opener.
Selection Never Better
Selection has never been better for factory slip-joint fans. Companies such as Buck, Boker, Case, KA-BAR, Queen and others long have produced and/or offered traditional slip joints. Outfits like Canal Street Cutlery, Columbia River Knife & Tool, Fallkniven, Great Eastern, Spyderco and more have joined/rejoined the slip-joint sweepstakes, and brands such as Schatt & Morgan (Queen), Tidioute and such (Great Eastern) and others have been revived. Better yet, a plethora of classic patterns is available in the midst of such healthy competition. These range from common patterns such as trappers, barlows and sunfish to more specialized ones like the melon tester and cotton sampler.
On the other hand, some things never seem to change.
“Case remains the most collected knife in the world. One reason for this is the detailed dating system Case uses,” Wilson notes. “But, I believe Canal Street is currently building the highest-quality traditional slip-joint folders. They simply spend more time to get the details right during production and assembly to ensure that everything fits as it should.”
Terryah says not only has he seen an uptick in sales of traditional slip joints, but some of the more modern styles are selling as well. “I would have to say the Spyderco and Fallkniven slip joints are the hottest new models [for us] right now,” he offers. Wilson says Case’s traditional two-blade trapper (4 1/8 inches closed) is the best seller at Sooner State Knives. “Next would probably be the [Case] 3-inch tiny toothpick,” he advises.
Maker Explosion
The custom market long has had a clique of makers who keep the traditional patterns alive—Tony Bose, who also has designed some knives for Case, and Bill Ruple among them. In the past few years there has been an increase in custom makers joining the fray, adding even more fans to the slip-joint market.
“Slip-joint collectors tend to be men in the 40-to-60-year-old range. They’re the classic baby boomer demographic. These customers appreciate the high level of fit and finish,” he says. “There are many sub-groups of slip-joint collectors, from the patterns to the number of blades on a folder.”
According to Connelley, the best-selling slip-joint pattern at Knifeart is, once again, the trapper. He says some of the hot knifemakers (and their knives with Knifeart’s list prices in parentheses) are Don Morrow (two-blade stag trapper, $750), Bill Ruple (stag or bone two blade, $1,100), and Hiroaki Ohta (single-blade stag folders, $500). “Tony Bose is hands down the most popular,” Connelley opines. “His knives command a premium on the secondary market which, unless you are really lucky at his BLADE Show lottery, is the only place to buy one.”
Choice Materials
The materials offered in a knife are always a key consideration. “Most collectors seem to prefer stainless steel blades over carbon steel,” Wilson notes. “That said, many older buyers still prefer carbon steel in the knives they carry, and a few younger buyers prefer it because of their fathers and grandfathers.
“The misconception seems to be that if a blade doesn’t rust, it won’t hold an edge. They don’t realize cutlery companies have kept up with the times and that new blade steels are constantly being introduced.”
Among handle materials, Wilson indicates due to the variety of colors, jigged bone is his most popular but stag, mother-of-pearl and wood still move as well.
On the custom side, Connelly says stag is the most popular, followed by traditional jigged bone. “For blade materials they prefer high-quality stainless steels such as CPM-154, ATS-34 and CPM-S30V. We occasionally see high-quality damascus on an upscale slip joint,” he adds. It is interesting to note that damascus is wildly popular in other genres such as fixed blades and locking folders, but it does not seem to translate well into traditional fare.
Given the increase in custom makers joining the party and the extremely large number of factory pocketknives on the market, traditional slip-joint lovers will have fat pickings for a while. Whether you prefer production or custom knives, there are affordable options for everyone. Custom slip joints typically range from $250 up and factory pocketknives can be had for as little as $25 for models produced offshore—with stag handles, no less!—to $150-$200 for top-shelf limited editions.
In essence, with the exception of some of the more rarified custom artisans who can name their price, it is a buyers’ market that shows no sign of slipping.
For more on the latest knives, knife legislation, knifemaking instruction, knife trends, knifemakers, what knives to buy and where and much more, subscribe to BLADE® Magazine, the World’s No. 1 Knife Publication. For subscription information click on http://www.shopblade.com/product/blade-magazine-one-year-subscripti…?r+ssfb020212#BL1SU
A SOG Twitch II assisted-opening knife helped save the day in a recent car accident. Zachary Taylor was the passenger in a car driven by his fiance when it spun out of control while avoiding a large animal in the road.The passenger side hit two trees and Taylor’s right leg was pinned under the dash.
As Taylor recounts the incident, “My right arm was pinned because the impact swung it up under me, but I used my left hand to retrieve the Twitch II knife from my pocket, opened it with one finger, and cut the seat belt. I then used it to cut away my pants leg that hung up under the dash. If I would’ve not been able to get out of the car, we would still be sitting there as no one was around us, we were way off down the embankment, the cell phone was busted, the front lights had busted out, it was really cold and we were wet from an exploded cooler.”
You can read the whole story, including photos of the car, at http://on.fb.me/xWdPOI
The preceding is courtesy of Knife Rights. For more information click on http://kniferights.org/
For more information on the Twitch II, click on www.sogknives.com.
For more on the latest knives, knife legislation, knifemaking instruction, knife trends, knifemakers, what knives to buy and where and much more, subscribe to BLADE® Magazine, the World’s No. 1 Knife Publication. For subscription information click on http://www.shopblade.com/product/blade-magazine-one-year-subscripti…?r+ssfb020112#BL1SU
Washington State—On January 25, Knife Rights’ Director of Legislative Affairs, Todd Rathner, gave testimony at the state capitol in Olympia, Washington, in support of two similar pro-knife bills. Senate Bill 6179 and House Bill 2347 would clarify the definition of a switchblade so as to not include assisted-opening knives that are currently adversely interpreted as being illegal in the state. These bills also make it legal to manufacture spring-assisted and switchblade knives in the state of Washington. In addition, they would expand the existing law enforcement exemption for possession of “spring blade knives” (switchblades) to members of the military and full-time first responders.
Knife Rights worked with Washington knife manufacturers Fox USA, Blade-Tech and SOG to make necessary changes to ensure the bills would accomplish their aims. Although testimony was cut short because there was no opposition and a packed agenda, Todd was also able to get on the record in both houses stating Knife Rights’ strong support for these measures.
Initially, HB 2347 was drafted with a provision that would allow Concealed Pistol License (CPL) holders to carry switchblades, while the Senate bill did not include this provision. We are disappointed that this provision did not survive the hearing. Unfortunately, it was made clear that if it was retained, the bill would not pass out of committee. Ultimately, HB 2347 was amended in executive session to strike the provision allowing CPL holders to possess automatic knives.
On Monday, January 30th, the amended version of HB 2347 passed the Washington State House Judiciary Committee with a unanimous vote. Now it moves to the Rules Committee. Meanwhile SB 6179 has been scheduled for Senate Judiciary Committee Executive Session for today, where it is expected to be amended in like manner and likely pass out of the committee.
While Knife Rights does not believe there should be any distinction between citizens and government employees when it comes to possessing life-saving tools, we also understand political reality. We will be working with Washington state residents and officials to change this in the future when the political landscape is more favorable to such a rational move forward.
Meanwhile, the current bills are a huge step forward for Washington knife owners who might be subject to prosecution for assisted-opening knives and for knife manufacturers located in the state. Passage of either of these bills would create skilled, well-paid jobs, generate tax revenue for the state and increase the number of knives that say “Made in America.”
If you live, work or travel in Washington state, please contact BOTH your Senator and Representative in Olympia and ask them to support SB 1234 and HB 2347, respectively.
Footage from my second knifemaking project, using “primitive” methods as inspired by Wayne Goddard’s book “$50 Knife Shop”. I attempt to forge a knife blade …
Our Knife Of The Day is Sean O’Hare’s tanto. It sports a flat-ground, 3.75-inch blade of CPM-154 stainless steel, a stabilized buckeye burl handle with a bird’s-beak butt, and a 416 stainless steel guard. Sean also made the leather pouch sheath. His price for a similar piece: $395.
“This one is a bit of a departure from my norm as it is a tanto style,” Sean noted. “I was very pleased with the way it turned out. So far this is the only [tanto] I have made. It sold right away at the New York Custom Knife Show.”
For more information contact Sean at [email protected].
For more on the latest knives, knife legislation, knifemaking instruction, knife trends, knifemakers, what knives to buy and where and much more, subscribe to BLADE® Magazine, the World’s No. 1 Knife Publication. For subscription information click on http://www.shopblade.com/product/blade-magazine-one-year-subscripti…?r+ssfb013012#BL1SU
Dave Stark of Steel Addiction Knives said Tom Krein’s Alpha folders are among the hottest of custom EDC knives. These two Alphas are both frame locks, and Krein said the one with the blue handle is the first knife he built with the Ikoma Korth Bearing System (I.K.B.S.). (Point Seven photo)
Keep your pockets warm with the hottest in everyday carry knives
By Mike Searson
Everyday carry knives—a.k.a. EDC knives—are models most of us carry every day in our pockets, on our belts or even around our necks. An EDC knife is suited to such mundane tasks as opening a piece of mail or cutting an apple or, in a pinch, to cutting a seatbelt in an emergency situation.
To determine the hottest EDC knives, BLADE® went straight to some of the top custom and production knife dealers in North America. On the production front, which seems to be where the majority of EDC knives come into play, Mark Christensen at BladeHQ and Jason Kunkler of Knifecenter.com held court.
“The majority just seem to be based on personal preference,” Christensen began. “We don’t sell many ‘traditional pocketknives’—tactical knives are popular—and right now those seem to be butterfly knives and automatic knives, especially out-the-front automatics, MicroTech in particular. Anything made by MicroTech sells very fast, and Spyderco is very popular right now. As far as model numbers go, I would say for MicroTech it would be the Ultratech [Model 122-1] at a price point of $255, and for Spyderco it would be any of the Para Military 2 models [C81] that sell in the $115-$170 price range.
“I think the Para Military is popular because of the Compression locking mechanism, combined with Spyderco’s round hole design. This makes the knife very easy to use with one hand and with gloves, so ease of use and convenience make it a great EDC knife. The MicroTech models are popular because they make the best OTF knives on the market, and have gained a reputation for excellence.”
While agreeing with Christensen on the popularity of Spyderco, Kunkler said most of his customers are leery of newer locks and favor traditional locking liners, lockbacks, Benchmade’s Axis lock and even contemporary slip joints. He indicated his biggest sellers among EDC knives are the Benchmade Griptilian (based on options, $80-$100 MSRP), Spyderco Delica ($69.95 MSRP), various fixed blades by ESEE, and Boker’s International Collection offerings based on classic Fred Perrin designs. “The ESEE models are so popular they sell out on arrival,” he noted. “At a retail price of $85-$125 they are a lot of knife for the money and feel great in the hand.”
Kunkler seemed to speak for Christensen as well when he said, “If there’s one thing people are looking for in a knife, I think it’s just convenience or ease of use. The hottest EDC knives are those that are just ‘user-friendly.’”
“Price does not seem to matter as much as you might think,” Christensen added. “People are always looking for a good deal, but are willing to pay more for quality.” Kunkler said $100 is the upper end of the price limit for most people looking for an EDC knife, whereas most knife enthusiasts are willing to spend two to three times that amount.
As for handle materials, both retailers said titanium for locking-liner and frame-lock folders is very popular, with G-10, Zytel® or anodized aluminum also found on the top sellers. Blade finish is even more of a personal preference. Christensen said his customers have a slight inclination for black coated blades over other finishes, while Kunkler indicated his clients prefer satin finishes to everything else. “Mirror-polished blades went out in the 1980s with parachute pants,” he quipped.
As far as blade length, Christensen said “somewhere around 3 to 3.5 inches” is most popular. “Some people are looking for California-legal automatics with a blade under 2 inches, but, aside from those, most people don’t seem to be worried about blade length for legal reasons,” he qualified.
Custom Iterations
On the custom side, Neil Ostroff of True North Knives and Dave Stark of Steel Addiction Knives shared their knowledge. “Without question, the most desired knives are tactical flipper folders made with some kind of bearing pivot system, like I.K.B.S. [the Ikoma Korth Bearing System],” Ostroff observed. “Close behind those are the non-flipping tactical folders.
“In the non-flipping arena, Bob Terzuola just blazes along with refreshing variations of older stable models like the venerable ATCF [TNK’s list price: $750] and new designs all the time. His special USN Gathering knives are always snapped up quickly, and he takes many orders for more while selling out early on at show after show.”
Stark agreed, adding the hottest EDC knives among his customers are made by Rick Hinderer (the XM series), Tom Mayo (TNT), Tom Krein (Alpha K-1 Folder), Greg Lightfoot (Ground Fighter), Mick Strider (SnG and SMF) and Ernest Emerson (CQC6). “Price doesn’t even seem to be a factor, despite the economy,” he said. “Most Mayos and Emersons I receive on customer trade-ins have to go back to those makers, as there are scuffs in the bead blast from being carried—and these are $1,200-$2,000 knives.”
Ostroff differed on the price point, saying most of his customers look for a knife that is $500 or less from such makers as Brian Fellhoelter (Kink, at $450) or Kirby Lambert (Inferno, $500). Ostroff and Stark agreed that fit-and-finish, performance, comfort in the hand and “buying the maker” had more influence than blade steel or price point.
Of pocket clips and blade finish, Ostroff opined, “Pocket clips are vital on a folder, and tip-up is the only way to go as long as the knifemaker ensures that the detent is strong.” Stark said “deep-carry pocket clips” that hold the knife significantly lower in the pocket are a strong selling point. Both agreed that stonewashed, satin or bead-blasted finishes are more desirable than polished or coated ones.
As with their production counterparts, both custom purveyors said 3 inches and under is the desired length for those living in cities with blade-length restrictions. However, the optimal blade length for a tactical or utility EDC folder is just under 4 inches.
Stark indicated some customers buy small EDC fixed blades such as the TK-1 (his list price: $225) or Pocket Bowie (his list price: $265), both by Tom Krein, or a number of pieces from Bob Dozier. He said both makers have been backordered for a long time.
All four sources are unanimous on one thing: blade shape. While past trends have pointed to leaf-shaped, recurved and tanto blades, today’s hottest EDC knives tend to have more traditional blade profiles. As to a plain or serrated blade, it is a matter of personal preference, though plain edges seem the most popular for all concerned. Perhaps it can best be said that the hottest EDC knives combine classic designs and profiles with modern materials.
For more on the latest knives, knife legislation, knifemaking instruction, knife trends, knifemakers, what knives to buy and where and much more, subscribe to BLADE® Magazine, the World’s No. 1 Knife Publication. For subscription information click on http://www.shopblade.com/product/blade-magazine-one-year-subscripti…?r+ssfb260112#BL1SU
