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Legendary knives that gave the U.S. military its edge

Steve Shackleford
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Legendary knives that gave the U.S. military its edge

These knives formed the tip of the U.S. Military’s spear.

The 20th and 21st centuries saw some of the most iconic of military knives. From the World War I trench knives with the imposing knuckle-duster D-guards to today’s modern folders and fixed blades, a few, in no particular order, stand out above the rest:

  • USN Mark II/USMC fighting-utility knife*: According to Army Special Forces veteran and Spartan Blades co-owner Curtis Iovito, “The KA-BAR fighting/utility knife is arguably the most recognizable American military knife ever produced. Introduced in 1942 for the U.S. Marine Corps during World War II, it solved a critical problem: troops needed a knife that could serve both as a weapon and a field utility tool.
    “Marines used it for everything from opening ammunition crates and cutting brush to close-quarters combat. Its design struck a near-perfect balance between fighting knife and utility blade, and it has influenced military knife design ever since.”
    “As an issue knife, the classic USN Mark II filled the same role as the Randall Model 1, but in a much more ‘democratized’ sense. Very few soldiers could get a Randall,” explained Army veteran and Spyderco Special Projects Coordinator Michael Janich, “but the Mark II/Ka-Bar was ubiquitous. Although it ultimately became best known as the Ka-Bar and most closely associated with the Marine Corps, it was manufactured by many other companies and widely issued. As a mass-produced item, it was—and still is—a very capable knife and continued to serve with distinction in many other wars after World War II.”
    “The USMC fighting knife has not always been made by KA-BAR, and KA-BAR didn’t even make them first, but they made it their own,” noted Marine Corps veteran/knifemaker Les George. “It’s the stereotypical military knife in the western hemisphere.” Added Army 5th Special Forces veteran/BLADE field editor/knifemaker Kim Breed, “It is a multi-use combat knife used in one form or fashion in all branches of the service.”
  • V-42: As Janich noted, “The V-42 is not only one of the sexiest fighting knife designs ever created, it also has perhaps the strongest pedigree since it was designed for and by the First Special Service Force, aka The Devil’s Brigade, of World War II fame. Its unique design and signature sheath reflect the original mission of that unit, which is regarded as the predecessor of current U.S. Army Special Forces units and Canada’s Joint Task Force 2. This iconic design is also immortalized in many U.S. military unit insignia, though it is often mistaken for the Fairbairn-Sykes dagger.”
  • Randall Model 1: “Randall has done more to influence modern knife design language than most,” George wrote. “The Model 1 is what I think of as peak Randall. Its influence ranges from World War II to the unit-made SOG knives in Vietnam to the modern SOG knife company.”
    “This iconic design epitomizes everything a military-style fighting knife should be,” Janich opined. “Its blade captures the spirit of the classic bowie knife, but in a leaner, more maneuverable form. The sharpened false edge allows it to back cut and penetrate with extreme authority, and its handle design allows for a grip that is both deft and secure. The fact that it continues to serve downrange in the same basic form to this day is a testament to the fact that it started out damned near perfect.”
  • Gerber Mark II: “The shortcomings of the original Fairbairn-Sykes and the many variations it inspired became very well-known both during and after World War II,” Janich wrote. “The Gerber Mark II addressed and corrected all of these to offer a superior fighting dagger design. Although it was a private-purchase item, like Randalls, it was much more accessible to servicemen and more widely carried. Its unique variations and its evolution over time also created its own rich history.” Janich added the fact it was the favored combat knife of Michael D. Echanis, decorated Vietnam veteran, accomplished martial artist and hand-to-hand combat knife writer and editor, enhanced its mystique and widespread appeal as well.

More Standouts

Gene Gutierrez
Gene Gutierrez

Any number of other U.S. military knives have stood out since the turn of the 20th century. Among them are the M3 trench knife, M1 bayonet, the Applegate-Fairbairn dagger and the Applegate-Fairbairn folder.

“The M3 was what the Army chose to issue in World War II,” George noted. “In purest terms, it also had a fairly short service life, but in real terms it is what became the M4 bayonet on down the line to the M7 bayonet that I used to run the assault course in boot camp in the ’90s. Its influence has been widespread.”

“The World War II-era M1 bayonet, designed for use with the M1 Garand rifle, played an important role in American infantry combat during World War II and beyond. I remember so many old World War II vets telling me stories about the bayonet,” Iovito recalled. “Shorter and more practical than earlier bayonets, the M1 reflected the changing nature of warfare where mobility and close-quarters fighting often occurred in tight environments. Many soldiers also carried the bayonet as a fighting and utility knife when not mounted on their rifles. Its durable construction and effective blade profile made it a reliable tool throughout several conflicts.”

One of U.S. Marine Les George’s teammates mounted an Ontario OKC-3S similar to this one on an M4 to help quell a tense situation on the streets of Fallujah. (Les George image)
One of U.S. Marine Les George’s teammates mounted an Ontario OKC-3S similar to this one on an M4 to help quell a tense situation on the streets of Fallujah. (Les George image)

The Applegate-Fairbairn dagger and Gerber A-F folder were named after Cutlery Hall-of-Famer Col. Rex Applegate and W.E. Fairbairn
of Fairbairn-Sykes Commando Knife fame.

“Another design that corrected the flaws of the Fairbairn-Sykes dagger was the Applegate-Fairbairn dagger,” Janich observed. “Designed during World War II by Col. Applegate and W.E. Fairbairn, it never got beyond the prototype stage before the war ended. Decades later, it finally saw production by several major knife companies. Although very noteworthy on its own, it also inspired a scaled-down folding version that set a new and different standard in folding and fighting knife design. The original A-F Folder design was a collaboration between Col. Applegate and consummate custom knifemakers Bill Harsey and Butch Vallotton.” Added Harsey, a Cutlery Hall-of-Famer in his own right, “The Gerber version of the folding knife was a long-running project, and I was told by Gerber that the Army ordered 50,000 pieces at one time for the troops, which were delivered.”

Few knives enjoy legendary U.S. military status as much as the SOG Bowie, which served as the inspiration for the name of today’s SOG knife company. “The Special Forces SOG Bowie is one of the most iconic knives associated with American special operations forces,” Iovito wrote. “Inspired by the knife carried by members of the Military Assistance Command, Vietnam Studies and Observations Group during the Vietnam War, the SOG Bowie reflects a fusion of classic bowie knife design with modern military needs. Its lineage connects directly to clandestine operations carried out in Southeast Asia, where unconventional warfare units often relied on rugged equipment that could handle jungle conditions and extreme use.”

Howard Cole was famous for making knuckle knives such as these three rare nine-pointers and one eight-pointer. A paratrooper named Clyde McClelland carried the center nine-pointer during World War II. (Image courtesy of Louis Chow)
Howard Cole was famous for making knuckle knives such as these three rare nine-pointers and one eight-pointer. A paratrooper named Clyde McClelland carried the center nine-pointer during World War II. (Image courtesy of Louis Chow)

Folding knives have never been so popular in the U.S. military as they have in the past 40 years, and at or near the top of that list are the Al Mar SERE, CRKT M-16 and Spyderco Endura.

“While many earlier military knives were fixed blades, modern soldiers frequently rely on folding knives for everyday field use. One of the most influential examples is the Spyderco Endura,” Janich began. “For me, the knife carries a very personal meaning. During Operation Just Cause in Panama, I found myself tangled in my parachute harness after landing while under fire. I used my Spyderco Endura to cut myself free from the harness so I could move and get back into the fight. That moment left an indelible mark on me and reinforced the reality that sometimes the most important piece of equipment you carry is the knife in your pocket. The Endura is lightweight, corrosion resistant and extremely functional, and its opening hole allows rapid one-handed deployment, even with gloves. Its reliability and practicality have made it a favorite among soldiers who need a dependable cutting tool for daily field tasks.”

In the fall of 1984, Harsey helped Al Mar do a run of just over 50 large folders for Col. Nick Rowe, who had been tasked by the Army to run the SERE (Survival, Evasion, Resistance and Escape) School near Fort Bragg, North Carolina. “All modern Special Forces soldiers, aka Green Berets, and other high-risk military members including pilots undergo this training,” Harsey stated. “I finished my part of unmarked knives in time for Al Mar to get them on an airplane bound for Fort Bragg and into Col. Rowe’s hands for an important mission date. I never heard another thing about this project. Later this knife would become known as the AL Mar SERE folding knife.”

The Field Artillery Corps designed the Model of 1909 bolo for use by crew-served weapons during World War I. It was for clearing fields of fire to enable the limbers and horses to navigate the towed artillery into place. (Images courtesy of Frank Trzaska)
The Field Artillery Corps designed the Model of 1909 bolo for use by crew-served weapons during World War I. It was for clearing fields of fire to enable the limbers and horses to navigate the towed artillery into place. (Images courtesy of Frank Trzaska)

As for the CRKT M-16, its universality during the Iraq War guarantees its spot on the list. “I am not aware of this knife ever being issued but there was a time when you saw them everywhere,” George wrote. “Guys would buy them at the PX and clip them on the outside of their vests. They were everywhere, and they did everything!”

Standard Setters

The foregoing includes but a few of the knives that have served the USA and served it well over 250 years of saving the world from tyranny and oppression and setting the standard billions aspire to today. Other notable knives, in no particular order, include:

The M9, M11 and OKC-3S bayonets; Camillus Jet Pilot Survival Knife; Chris Reeve Yarborough; OSS Smatchet; Collins M1942 Machete; Swiss Army knife; Spartan Blades Ares, Difensa and Harsey Dagger; Randall Models 2 and 18; Gerber Silver Trident Knife and Mark I; G.I. four-bladed pocketknife; Schrade Mark II Paratrooper switchblade; G.I. Machete; Leatherman and Gerber multi-tools; and Western 49 Bowie.

According to Army Special Forces veteran Curtis Iovito, the Special Forces SOG Bowie reflects a fusion of classic bowie design with modern military needs. “Its lineage connects directly to clandestine operations carried out in Southeast Asia,” he wrote, “where unconventional warfare units often relied on rugged equipment that could handle jungle conditions and extreme use.” (Frank Trzaska’s knife and image)
According to Army Special Forces veteran Curtis Iovito, the Special Forces SOG Bowie reflects a fusion of classic bowie design with modern military needs. “Its lineage connects directly to clandestine operations carried out in Southeast Asia,” he wrote, “where unconventional warfare units often relied on rugged equipment that could handle jungle conditions and extreme use.” (Frank Trzaska’s knife and image)

Which ones are we omitting? Let us know. And while you celebrate the semiquincentennial of your favorite nation throughout the year, never forget: knives have played a monumental role in the success of the U.S. military and the building of the USA up to now and for the foreseeable future.

It doesn’t get much sharper than that.

*Though they are two different knives, the USN Mark II and USMC fighting/utility knife are grouped together for the purposes of this story because of their similarity in design and their across-the-board use by U.S. service personnel, especially during World War II. Also, the spelling of KA-BAR refers to the knife manufacturer that continues in operation, while Ka-Bar refers to the generic name service personnel gave the knife, a name that persists to this day.

Military Knives:

FIRST LOOK: SOG Knives 40th Anniversary Fat Guard Bowie

BLADE Staff
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FIRST LOOK: SOG Knives 40th Anniversary Fat Guard Bowie

SOG marks four decades with a limited, 500-piece run honoring its original MACV-SOG combat bowie root.

To mark four decades in business, SOG Knives has released a limited-edition homage to the blade that started it all: the 40th Anniversary Fat Guard Bowie. Drawing direct design cues from the original S1 Bowie introduced in 1986, the new release pays tribute to the covert fighting knives carried by MACV-SOG personnel during the Vietnam War.

Historical Roots, Modern Production

The 40th Anniversary model centers around a 6.1-inch clip-point blade forged from AUS-8 stainless steel. SOG finished the steel with a black PVD coating for added corrosion resistance and reduced reflection.

SOG 40th Bowie 1

True to the traditional combat bowie silhouette, the handle is built from stacked leather, offering a classic aesthetic alongside a contoured grip. A substantial brass guard and matching butt cap frame the handle assembly. Production is strictly capped at 500 individually serialized units, with each knife’s specific number etched directly into the pommel.

Commemorative Display Package

Rather than shipping as a standalone tool, SOG packaged the anniversary Bowie as a complete collector’s set. The knife sits inside a handcrafted pine display case outfitted with a clear glass viewing lid and an engraved anniversary plaque.

Accompanying the fixed blade inside the presentation box is a custom SOG 40th anniversary Zippo lighter and a signed certificate of authenticity. For field carry or storage, the set includes a heavy-duty black leather belt sheath, complete with a front-mounted snap pocket containing a touch-up sharpening stone.

The 40th Anniversary Fat Guard Bowie package is available directly through SOG’s website while supplies last.

Knife Reviews:

Everything You Wanted To Know About Arkansas Sharpening Stones

Mike Haskew
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Everything You Wanted To Know About Arkansas Sharpening Stones

Novaculite still rocks knife sharpening!

Timeless and iconic, it remains practical and complementary to other options today.

The novaculite sharpening stone is a wonder of nature. Almost pure microcrystalline quartz in content, this dense, fine-grained rock was formed from 318 to 416 million years ago during the Devonian and Mississippian periods in ancient seabeds and later pushed toward the surface with the peaks of the Ouachita Mountains of western and central Arkansas. Massive sedimentary layers ranging from 250 to 900 feet thick produced the stone, which takes its name from the Latin novacula, meaning “sharp knife” or “razor.”

From there, the stone was destined for a rendezvous with the knife blade, rendering a sharp edge that gets the job done and holding a place in working knife history dating back centuries.

The novaculite deposits in Arkansas were formed 318 to 416 million years ago and it takes plenty of mechanical muscle to push around the material. The deposits run from 200- to 900-feet thick, in turn the operations are substantial. And while the weathered novaculite is somewhat bland to the eye, once broken up the beauty of the natural material shines through. (Images courtesy of Chis Stillian)
The novaculite deposits in Arkansas were formed 318 to 416 million years ago and it takes plenty of mechanical muscle to push around the material. The deposits run from 200- to 900-feet thick, in turn the operations are substantial. And while the weathered novaculite is somewhat bland to the eye, once broken up the beauty of the natural material shines through. (Images courtesy of Chis Stillian)

Today, however, there is a bit of … well … friction as some may claim modern synthetic stones are eclipsing or at least competing with novaculite for some nebulous title of “best.” Synthetic stones often offer faster sharpening and convenience, while novaculite is valued for its refined finish and traditional appeal. Truth is that each has its place, and novaculite was and is a key participant in the knife-sharpening exercise.

“It gives a razor-sharp, polished edge with smooth feedback that many prefer over synthetics,” explained Chris Stillian, owner of Natural Whetstone, LLC. The company was founded by close friend David Davenport two decades ago, and when David passed away during the COVID-19 pandemic, Chris and his father, Shawn, kept the central Arkansas company going.

“The stones wear very slowly,” Chris continued. “Some last decades because they’re 99 percent plus pure quartz with no fillers. They’re natural, made in the USA and work great for chefs, woodworkers and knife users.”

Danny Kirschman founded Dan’s Whetstone Company, Inc., in Pearcy, Arkansas, in 1976, and his son Steve is currently CEO of the family venture. His roots in novaculite are long and deep. “The erosion-resistant quartz formations of the Ouachitas produced the finest and rarest natural abrasive in the world,” he offered. “Danny Kirschman’s opinion and what we share with others is that the one thing that sets novaculite products apart from other sharpeners is their unique crystalline structure. The novaculite stones wear less aggressively than most manmade abrasives due to the natural bonding of the crystals.”

Best Steel For Novaculite

Dan Kirschman, by the company’s largest saw, spent his formative years as a mining engineer, until his hobby of cutting and polishing novaculite developed into a full-time business. Dan’s Whetstones now has a 500-acre quarry and manufactures more than 300 different products from the stone. (Images courtesy of Dan’s Whetstone)
Dan Kirschman, by the company’s largest saw, spent his formative years as a mining engineer, until his hobby of cutting and polishing novaculite developed into a full-time business. Dan’s Whetstones now has a 500-acre quarry and manufactures more than 300 different products from the stone. (Images courtesy of Dan’s Whetstone)

Both Stillian and Kirschman agree that the disadvantages of novaculite usage lie in cutting speed and other aspects. Chris commented, “It cuts slower than diamond or water stones, so it’s better for refining edges than heavy profiling. It needs oil instead of water, can glaze if not cleaned and doesn’t bite hard on modern super steels. Top grades cost more because the dense material is rare.”

Steve added, “The most common complaint is their low abrasion rate. Because the stones are exceptionally hard and dense, they remove material much more slowly than synthetic stones. They are best suited for maintaining an already sharp edge rather than ‘hogging off’ metal to repair chips or reprofile a blade. There is no truly coarse Arkansas stone. Even the soft Arkansas is relatively fine compared to a coarse synthetic stone. Novaculite is composed of quartz, which has a Mohs hardness of around 7. While this is harder than standard carbon steel, it is softer than the vanadium and chromium carbides found in modern, high-alloy super steels.”

Further, since Arkansas stone is a natural product, every stone is unique and may exhibit internal flaws, cracks or variable grit. Oil is required to keep metal particles, or swarf, from clogging the pores, which leads to a bit more cleanup. Lubrication keeps the stone from “loading” with metal, which can reduce its effectiveness.

Similar to many sharpening systems, Arkansas stones of different grit sizes are used in conjunction. On the right is a soft stone with a courser grit, good for raising a burr and initial honing. On the left is hard stone, used for final edge polishing and day-to-day maintenance. (Image courtesy of Chris Stillian)
Similar to many sharpening systems, Arkansas stones of different grit sizes are used in conjunction. On the right is a soft stone with a courser grit, good for raising a burr and initial honing. On the left is hard stone, used for final edge polishing and day-to-day maintenance. (Image courtesy of Chris Stillian)

Novaculite works best with simple carbon and low-alloy stainless steels like 1095, O-1, 440C and A2. Since such steels are commonly found on hunting, working, kitchen, bushcraft/survival and everyday slipjoint and fixed-blade knives, a broad area of application exists. High vanadium super steels such as S35VN, M390, CPM-3V and others—often seen in premium chefs’ knives and high-end custom knives—are best served with diamond stones, for example, because their carbides are harder than the quartz in novaculite.

Reviving Arkansas Rock

Even the casual observer can, therefore, discern the proper employment of the novaculite sharpening stone with the blade steel that will produce the best results. One giant of the knife industry recognized the value of the Arkansas stone years ago and built a catalog empire on its sturdy reputation.

The late BLADE Magazine Cutlery Hall of Fame® member A.G. Russell began selling Arkansas sharpening stones in the mid-1960s after moving his family back home to northwest Arkansas from Marin County, California. During the move, he discovered that his whetstones had gotten lost in transit.

Novaculite is microcrystalline quartz in structure and while it can seem extremely smooth to the naked eye, at the microscopic level the formation’s cutting properties become evident. On the left is ultra-fine black stone at 5000x magnification and the right hard Arkansas stone at 2500x magnification. (Image courtesy of Dan’s Whetstones)
Novaculite is microcrystalline quartz in structure and while it can seem extremely smooth to the naked eye, at the microscopic level the formation’s cutting properties become evident. On the left is ultra-fine black stone at 5000x magnification and the right hard Arkansas stone at 2500x magnification. (Image courtesy of Dan’s Whetstones)

“He tried to buy replacements in local hardware stores, but none stocked them,” remembered A.G.’s wife and fellow hall-of-famer Goldie Russell, who runs the company today. “Having lived in Hot Springs, Arkansas, for a while when he was a teenager, A.G. knew that the only deposit of novaculite was in that area. A.G. went to Hot Springs and found someone who was cutting stones. He purchased stones and began selling them to local hardware stores.”

From there, A.G. bought ads in magazines, particularly Guns & Ammo and The American Rifleman. Soon enough, he became a supplier to Brownells, a major gun retailer, capitalizing on the mutual affinity of gun enthusiasts for knives. Together with the magazine effort and his own sales acumen, Russell re-energized the popularity of the Arkansas stone.

“The frequency of A.G.’s ad in magazines and then the offering of these stones in the A.G. Russell Catalog of Knives was very important in making these stones readily available nationwide through the late 1960s and the 1970s,” observed Goldie. “There is still a large quantity of the small stones that he had cut during those years in our inventory. That is how he started what became A.G. Russell Knives.”

It’s a misnomer Arkansas stone’s hardness corresponds to its color. Similar colors can be noted in different grades, as the coloration is purely a matter of trace mineralization in the stones. (Image courtesy of Chris Stillian)
It’s a misnomer Arkansas stone’s hardness corresponds to its color. Similar colors can be noted in different grades, as the coloration is purely a matter of trace mineralization in the stones. (Image courtesy of Chris Stillian)

Novaculite stones, therefore, maintain their place in the practical and the historical aspects of the knife industry, and their relevance is not likely to fade. Those who are familiar with their capabilities remain loyal. They appreciate the investment of time and effort required to bring out that razor-sharp edge, and there is something timeless and reaffirming in the process.

Novaculite Grades

The stones themselves are available in four major grades. “Users should be aware that color is not the determining factor in grading novaculite,” explained Kirschman. “Some users have been defining whetstone grades by color, but the same colors may be seen in more than one grade. Color is caused by trace minerals that are dispersed through the rock during sedimentary formation more than 350 million years ago and subsequent geological activity.”

The major grades of novaculite include the following:

  • Soft Arkansas: The most popular all-purpose stone often used by wood carvers, sportsmen, butchers, commercial knife sharpeners and even housewives who desire keen, polished edge in a minimum of time.
  • Hard Arkansas: A fine grit stone good for everyday maintenance and popular among woodcrafters and the dental industry.
  • Translucent and True Hard Arkansas: An extra fine stone with a glassy feel and used in industrial applications requiring an extremely fine polish. It appears in a variety of colors.
  • Black Arkansas: Sometimes referred to as “surgical black” stone, the finest grade abrasive available today, delivering a mirror polish.     
Among the most critical factors of using natural stones to sharpen knives is using honing oil. Oil keeps metal particles, or swarf, from clogging the stone’s natural pores, thus reducing its effectiveness. (Image courtesy of Chris Stillian)
Among the most critical factors of using natural stones to sharpen knives is using honing oil. Oil keeps metal particles, or swarf, from clogging the stone’s natural pores, thus reducing its effectiveness. (Image courtesy of Chris Stillian)

The proper method of sharpening with a novaculite stone involves preparation and practice. “It’s an oil stone, so put a few drops of honing oil on it,” advised Stillian. “Hold a consistent angle, 15 to 20 degrees for most knives, use light to moderate pressure, and take smooth strokes. Start on soft or hard if the edge is dull, and finish on black or translucent. Raise a burr, then lighten pressure. Clean with soap or solvent to avoid glazing. Strop afterward for extra keenness, if you like.”

Those About To Rock

According to Chris, consistent purchasers and users include enthusiasts, woodworkers and chefs who “keep buying them for the feel, longevity and heritage. Synthetics rule high-volume work, but real Arkansas novaculite—especially the rare translucent and black grades—still sell at a premium to people who want the genuine article.”

Steve sees emerging interest as well. “The rising D.I.Y. (do it yourself) sharpening culture is a major driver,” he commented, “with the hobbyist segment now accounting for nearly 35 percent of total whetstone sales worldwide. Online tutorials and a deeper appreciation for craftsmanship have fueled this demand. Sustainability is a driver, as well. Modern consumers increasingly view natural stones as a “green” alternative to synthetics.

“Niche premium positioning, even while high-end market saturation is slowing growth in North America to about 4 percent, means natural stones remain a staple for professional chefs who prefer them for maintaining blade integrity,” Steve concluded. “And technological integration means that manufacturers are now developing beginner-friendly kits and instructional digital content to tap into 62 percent of home users who are interested in traditional sharpening but lack confidence in the technique.”

The future presents an atmosphere of coexistence among the Novaculite and synthetic options. The global whetstone market topped $457 million in value in 2024 and is expected to reach $677 million within eight years. Natural stone demand should stay steady, supported by its faithful and traditional users while welcoming explorers to these Ouachita wonders.

More On Sharpening:

Feather Damascus: Blades Forged Light And Airy

Mike Haskew
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Feather Damascus: Blades Forged Light And Airy

The variations on damascus steel themes are endless. The possibilities are tempered only by the maker’s time at the forge and his or her desire to create.

Among these many variations, one pattern has recently captured the spotlight. These days, feather damascus is trending and custom makers are producing knives that turn heads, captivating buyers with the intricate layering that produces hard steel intertwined with the look of the light and wispy. Feather damascus offers a medium of both performance and artistic expression that influences every aspect of the maker’s creativity.

Ethan Kolar of Plummer, Idaho, describes his interest in feather damascus as “chaotic flow.” He explains, “The pattern’s center seam, where the jagged W’s converge, creates a flow in the blade which really adds to the overall confluence of the knife as well as creating a controlled chaos as the pattern explodes from the center filling out the blade.”

Kolar enjoys the hint of “jaggedness” and the center line that ties the blade together, and in the making of his feather damascus, his focus lies in test etching every restack from the forge. He sees the pattern in many different forms with the observation that “a pattern is not right or wrong but more of what the maker envisions and creates and what is right to him for his knife.”

The folding dagger Ethan composed includes a 3-inch feather damascus blade of 1084 and 15N20 steels with an engraved gold inlay and scroll worked 416 stainless steel window frame fitted with exhibition-grade white-lip mother of pearl. Liners are 15N20 file-worked and nitre blued, while the backbar of 416 stainless is engraved and sports delicate file work. Its overall length is 7 inches.

“Most of the inspiration I have while making damascus comes from envisioning my final product,” Ethan remarked, “what engraving will go with it, the handle embellishment, and a lot to do with the overall color of the knife, deciding whether the pattern will be brighter or darker.”

Steel On Fire

Winning Best Damascus at the 2025 BLADE Show West, Trevor Morgan’s “Torrent of Fire” chef’s knife includes a 9.25-inch blade of 1084 and 15N20 in a mix of W’s and straight layers with a fat core of 15N20. The knife’s overall length is 14.2 inches, and the handle is dark red tiger’s blood amboyna burl with a splash of sapwood for contrast. (Jocelyn Frasier image)
Winning Best Damascus at the 2025 BLADE Show West, Trevor Morgan’s “Torrent of Fire” chef’s knife includes a 9.25-inch blade of 1084 and 15N20 in a mix of W’s and straight layers with a fat core of 15N20. The knife’s overall length is 14.2 inches, and the handle is dark red tiger’s blood amboyna burl with a splash of sapwood for contrast. (Jocelyn Frasier image)

Another contemporary artisan exploring the feather damascus pattern is ABS journeyman smith Trevor Morgan. Having attended the Bill Moran School of Bladesmithing in Texarkana, Texas, in 2020, his goal with each feather damascus blade is to make the pattern “pop.” To achieve that look, his hand follows an artistic eye.

“Contrast, for sure, really makes any pattern cool,” said Trevor, “especially feather or mosaic damascus, larger pieces of dark and bright steel, gradients and that kind of thing. Also, out-of-the-ordinary stuff like feather [damascus] can be really cool to look at. Symmetry is always great with a feather pattern because it’s pretty easy to notice when something is out of whack with a feather due to the defined center. Complexity is also great. If it’s hard to figure out, all the better.”

According to Morgan, a resident of Apple Valley, California, the feather pattern can be challenging due to the hot-cut process, which puts enormous stress on the billet in somewhat weird ways and causes every forge weld to want to split open. The problem, however, can be mitigated by mig welding all the way around the seams. But this is his least favorite method of achieving the integrity of the billet because it requires grinding away the welds, wasting material and consuming time.

Trevor’s inspiration for feather damascus pieces comes from the world around him. “It’s places and people,” he commented, “from nature and the endeavor to make something organic and as lifelike as possible in steel. I regularly get swept up in the general zeitgeist surrounding the making of complex patterns. I see something on social media or somewhere, and I think, ‘Man, that’s really awesome! I’d love to try to make something like that.’ Then comes the real creative part, where I just get an idea of something that might look really cool and put it together.”

Morgan’s method is readily revealed in his featured piece, named “Torrent of Fire.” The knife includes a 9.25-inch blade of 1084 and 15N20 in a mix of W’s and straight layers with a fat core of 15N20. The knife’s overall length is 14.2 inches, and the handle is dark red tiger’s blood amboyna burl with a splash of sapwood for contrast.

Organic Appeal

Splitting the billet down the center to maintain symmetry is among the trickiest aspects of feather damascus to Steve Randall. He nails it on his frame-handle hunter, with the axis of the pattern fountaining from the mastodon scales in a balanced and spectacular fashion. (SharpByCoop image)
Splitting the billet down the center to maintain symmetry is among the trickiest aspects of feather damascus to Steve Randall. He nails it on his frame-handle hunter, with the axis of the pattern fountaining from the mastodon scales in a balanced and spectacular fashion. (SharpByCoop image)

Feather damascus has been a staple steel for ABS master smith Steve Randall for some time. He seeks a continual flow of the steel from the handle to the tip, and oriented so that the handle appears to actually hold a feather. “I was attracted to the feather pattern because of it’s a very cool, organic look,” he advised. “Like a snowflake, there are no two exactly the same. I’ve been forging feather damascus for at least seven years, and I’ve made several bowies and hunters.”

Randall, of Estancia, New Mexico, presents his feather damascus piece with frame-handle construction, showcasing mastodon scales with an overall length of 9½ inches and a blade of 4¾ inches. “Feather damascus is a more challenging pattern,” he said. “My tricks are patience and concentration. There are many welds involved in the pattern, which can contribute to cold shuts, which can destroy hours of hard work. The trickiest part is splitting the billet right down the middle and maintaining symmetry.”

While he describes the feather damascus forging process as complicated and labor-intensive, Steve sees the payoff in the harmony of the pattern and its related materials in the finished knife. “I always try to complement it with the best handle materials I have available,” he reasoned. “I prefer stag or ivory. If using wood, I avoid busy patterns and colors. I draw inspiration from many other makers. There are so many accomplished makers who produce a variety of feather patterns. It is one of my favorite patterns to forge because it can really accent the flow of the blade and give it a great overall look.”

Movement And Flow

While David Lisch doesn't feel he's hit the limits of his Mountain Man folder, the style of knife is striking with its feather damascus blade set in stag-tip handle. Copper hardware and pivot give the knife its antediluvian look, while the flowing pattern of the blade anchors it in modern forge techniques. (David Lisch image)
While David Lisch doesn’t feel he’s hit the limits of his Mountain Man folder, the style of knife is striking with its feather damascus blade set in stag-tip handle. Copper hardware and pivot give the knife its antediluvian look, while the flowing pattern of the blade anchors it in modern forge techniques. (David Lisch image)

It took a single demonstration by the great master smith Harvey Dean to convince David Lisch, who earned his ABS journeyman stamp in 2009 and his master stamp six years later, to try the feather pattern. “I was always attracted to feather damascus,” he remembered, “but around 2008 I had the chance to see Harvey Dean demonstrate it at an event at Josh Smith’s, and I went right home and made the tools needed and gave it a go. I’ve been making feather damascus since his demo, and my hat is off to Harvey.”

For David, the making of feather damascus is challenging, but he says book matching the blocks really helps with the constant flow of the pattern. Sometimes, he says, makers will intentionally disrupt the flow by spinning one block one way and one the other to enhance the look. If it is done intentionally, he advises, there is no wrong way to stack the blocks. Forging all begins with the initial stack, and David starts with a 12- to 15-pound billet, acknowledging that the pattern can be wasteful in material. He tries not to go too far or stop too short in the forging process and offers that sometimes less is actually more.

“I love feather damascus because it looks different from maker to maker,” added Lisch. “I like a feather with movement and flow, not too bold and not way too fine, something that is easy to look at. For me, the more the pattern follows the forging, the more I like it. The center should lift up into the bolster or ricasso, showing that the blade was forged rather than running off the blade under the ricasso, showing it was just ground into a shape that disrupts the flow.”

Lisch gained a measure of popularity with his Mountain Man 2 folder, and the pictured knife is an example of what he describes as a “deep dive” into the style while using stag tips. “I set out trying to create my own version of one of the oldest knife designs in America,” he remarked, “and I believe I did just OK. But I’m not finished. So far, I’ve made several versions of the folder and have taken it even further with help from my friend and mentor [master smith] Mike Vagnino.”

Lisch had brought together his feather damascus touch and innovative design composition by introducing a clocking adjustable pivot that he has incorporated into a slipjoint, linerlock, lockback and flipper, all in the Mountain Man style with bronze, copper, stag and, of course, feather damascus. He has yet to reach the outer limits of his Mountain Man creativity and says that more will come in due time.

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Brazilian Bonanza: A Bevy Of Brazilian-Made Custom Blades

BLADE Staff
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Brazilian Bonanza: A Bevy Of Brazilian-Made Custom Blades

Hot custom knives from Brazilian makers.

There must be something in the Amazonian water. In the global phenomenon of custom knives, there are few geographic locales that sizzle hotter than Brazil. The country has sharp makers and attracts talent, creating some of the world’s most desirable knives. Here is a look at some of the steel expertise emanating from the equatorial nation and its cutlery shows.

Romário Ribeiro Fighter

Romário Ribeiro Fighter

Sleek and dark, Romário Ribeiro’s 12-inch fully integral fighter of 52100 carbon steel won the Best Handle Award at Salão Paulista de Cutelaria 2025. It’s no wonder, with a seamless and intricate keyhole-style construction, and jacaranda wood and 24k gold inlays creating a boundless night sky motif, complete with a rising crescent moon.

Gustavo Schuenck Fighter

Gustavo Schuenck Fighter

Winner of the Best Fighter Knife Award at Salão Paulista de Cutelaria 2025, Gustavo Schuenck’s blade is aggressively beautiful. San mai steel of 9½ inches with a black phosphate finish ties together with the knife’s pitch-colored jacaranda handle. The nuanced recurve toward the heel offers flow in the build, paired with an understated yet sweeping guard.

Alexandre Biguna Bowie

Alexandre Biguna Bowie

Near-perfect symmetry of Alexandre Bigunas’ basketweave mosaic damascus bowie can’t help but fascinate. The meticulous work on the 10-inch blade is contrasted by the striking color of the sub-hilt’s mammoth-molar handle and pair of amethyst stones on either side of the guard. Topping off Bigunas’ work, 24k inlay, including his signature on the blade.

Júlio Cézar Ribeiro Gentleman’s Slip Joint

Júlio Cézar Ribeiro Gentleman's Slip Joint

Simple, clean and classy are the driving ideas behind Júlio Cézar Ribeiro’s gentleman’s slip joint. The Brazilian’s spotless execution also caught the judges’ eyes at Salão Paulista de Cutelaria 2025, with the knife winning Best Traditional Folder. Notable aspects of the knife includes the swooping spine of the RWL 34 steel Wharncliff blade, maintaining the knife’s overall geometry with its teardrop mother-of-pearl handle.

Lizandro Bertoni Bowie

Lizandro Bertoni Bowie

Lizandro Bertoni’s bowie is a study in contrasts. The flats of the 16-inch, 1085 and 15N20 damascus blade dominate with a starburst-like mosaic pattern, but give way to a cross pattern at the edge. Further, the busy ornamentation of the blade is contrasted with the calmer design of its walrus-ivory handle and the smooth lines of its texturing.

Vanuti Fiori Dagger

Vanuti Fiori Dagger

Dang sexy is all that can be said of “Lady of the Night,” a collaboration between knifemaker Vanuti Fiori and engraver Gabriel Krebs. It’s not only the lines of Fiori’s integral dagger that drip sex appeal, but also Krebs’ alluring feminine -form scrimshaw on its mother-of-pearl inserts.

Francisco Wlach Gaucho

Francisco Wlach Gaucho

Francisco Wlach takes the workingman’s gaucho knife to a different level with the execution of his knife’s 10-inch laced mosaic blade. Wlach creates movement on the blade with a very uniform pattern over the majority of the steel, contrasted by a more subtle pattern along the edge. Gold inlay, integral bolster and mammoth-tooth handle would make this blade any gaucho’s pride.

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Secrets Of The Shop: Fisk and Sibert

Jim Hammond
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Secrets Of The Shop: Fisk and Sibert

Mortised handles and excellent accidents.

This issue highlights the expertise of the national living treasures, Jerry Fisk and tactical maker Shane Sibert. Their insights focus on the construction of mortised-style handles and the professional mindset required for success.

Getting A Handle

A trailblazer and visionary since becoming the 17th ABS master smith in 1989, Fisk’s philosophy centers on the idea that a knife isn’t just an art piece; it is a tool that must survive the most extreme (and sometimes bizarre) conditions.

To this mindset, the mortised handle has served him well, consisting of two flush-matching scales equally inletted to create a tight pocket for a hidden tang, then positioned directly against the guard. He mechanically secures the scales by pins or screws with epoxy. Fisk prefers this method because it offers the profile of a full-tang knife incorporating a narrow-tang guard.

  • Precision Prep: Grinding a tang taper aids in fitting the slip-on guard. Radiusing blade corners and edges prevents stress fractures in the handle. Fisk routs cavities along the tang outline to a depth of 0.004 inch beyond half the tang’s thickness.
  • The Dovetail Secret: Using a Dremel to undercut the inner corners of the handle cavities creates a “mechanical lock” for epoxy, strengthening the bond significantly like an internal pillar.
  • Mechanical Retention: Fisk advocates for screws over pins to provide superior clamping force.
  • Minimal Epoxy: Epoxy should act as a sealer and secondary bond, not as a structural gap-filler. Using as little epoxy as possible is key.
According to the columnist, Fisk prefers a mortised handle consisting of two flush matching scales, equally inletted for a tight hidden tang. No easy task. Not only does it require precise placement of the tang outline (left) on the scale, but exacting router work (right). (Images courtesy of Jerry Fisk)
According to the columnist, Fisk prefers a mortised handle consisting of two flush matching scales, equally inletted for a tight hidden tang. No easy task. Not only does it require precise placement of the tang outline (left) on the scale, but exacting router work (right). (Images courtesy of Jerry Fisk)

Destruction Testing

Fisk’s designs are forged through failure. After a customer drove a cement mixer over his knives—finding that only the mortised handles survived versus narrow tang—the value of testing was clear: If you don’t test, you won’t know your knife’s limits. In his first year, Fisk sacrificed 54 knives to find their failure points. And he continues to utilize a panel of professionals (trappers, police and military) to vet designs for real-world skinning, tactical and survival use.

Press Fit Guards

Fisk treats the guard as a structural component rather than just decorative. In turn, he goes the extra mile in their construction. Despite having a milling machine, he file fits the guard slot by feel—practiced precision to ensure a seamless transition. He believes retention should never rely on solder or epoxy—these seal but do not hold. Fisk hammers the guard into place using a slotted Micarta block to ensure a true mechanical fit. And he uses JB Weld to seal seams, noting its robustness and machinability compared to standard epoxies.

Business Of Bladesmithing

Fisk warns that many makers fail by focusing 100 percent on the steel while ignoring the sale. To be a full-time maker, you must understand how to move product. Fisk emphasizes that marketing is often the missing element in a maker’s strategy. Without it, you risk becoming the primary collector of your own work.

At shows, you are the brand ambassador for your knives. Stand up and make eye contact. Sitting down signals a lack of energy. Further, your attire and interaction should reflect the quality of your blades. Buyers are purchasing you as much as they are the knife.

For Jerry Fisk, his philosophy as to why he makes knives captures the legacy of a master smith—every hammer blow is a permanent record of existence. A well-crafted knife serves as a testament to the maker’s life and skill, surviving long after they are gone.

Technical Signature Features

Sibert came up with a custom jig (left) to compress and flare 3/8-inch Grade 2 seamless titanium tubing on mortised scales. (Image courtesy Shane Sibert)
Sibert came up with a custom jig (left) to compress and flare 3/8-inch Grade 2 seamless titanium tubing on mortised scales. (Image courtesy Shane Sibert)

Shane Sibert has been a full-time maker since 1994, building innovative fixed-blade and folder designs for hostile environments.

Inspired by my use of 3/8-inch tubing as a signature design element in my SEALTAC™ fighting knives, Shane wanted to do a similar feature—but with a different twist: a mortised-style handle with flared 3/8-inch Grade 2 seamless titanium tubing.

  • The Problem: Straight-walled tubing can allow for handle-scale separation over time.
  • The Preparation: Use a single-flute tapered reamer to create a shallow flare in the handle material.
  • The Solution: Use a custom jig to compress and flare the extended tubing into that taper to create a mechanical rivet effect that sandwiches the mortised scales to the tang.

Accidental Pivot Accent

A hallmark of many of Sibert’s knives—fixed and folder—is an accent fuller (right) running into the handle. This causes an issue with fixed-blade knives, one he cures with a bit of JB weld to cover up the gap. (Image courtesy Shane Sibert)
A hallmark of many of Sibert’s knives—fixed and folder—is an accent fuller (right) running into the handle. This causes an issue with fixed-blade knives, one he cures with a bit of JB weld to cover up the gap. (Image courtesy Shane Sibert)

Born from a mistake (drilling a pivot screw head hole too large), Shane pivoted by creating ½- to 5/8-inch bottoming pocket inlays around it. For aesthetics, he uses contrasting materials around the pivot-pin head. Further, he uses a decorative blind pivot screw on the obversed side with an embedded disc of color, hiding the mechanical nature of the fastener.

Famed sole-authorship folder maker Harvey McBurnett once said, “Knifemaking is the fine art of camouflage,” when amending such mistakes. Shane did so in a creative way, born out of necessity.

Another example of this is Shane adds accent fuller grooves on both folders and fixed blades that extend back underneath the handle or guard. The challenge is on fixed blades, where this creates a gap where the guard meets the fuller. His fix is to use black JB Weld epoxy to seal the transition, ensuring a seamless look that maintains the illusion that the fuller vanishes into the hilt.

Getting Off The Ground

Sibert has a grounded, no-nonsense perspective on entering the craft. He suggests that new makers don’t over-invest in high-end machinery immediately. Instead, focus on development and growth first. They also need to get ready for the grind; knifemaking is dirty, repetitive and requires immense discipline. It isn’t always “glamorous” shop work. Dedication is non-negotiable. If you want to be good, you have to be obsessed with the details. And starting out, keep your day job! The pressure to pay rent often stifles the creativity needed to make world-class blades.

Shane is old school with modern touches in his approach to knifemaking. That is the basis for the beauty in his knives.

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First Look: Civivi High Grass Field Knife Ready For Fowl Play

BLADE Staff
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First Look: Civivi High Grass Field Knife Ready For Fowl Play

Engineered for upland hunting and fine-detail game prep, Civivi’s latest fixed blade puts precision first.

Civivi is expanding its lineup of dedicated field tools with the High Grass Field Knife, a compact fixed-blade built specifically for upland hunters and small-game processing. Designed by Michigan custom knifemaker Matt Gentry, the production model translates years of hands-on experience in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula into an accessible, purpose-built knife where fine control takes priority over raw size.

The inspiration for the High Grass stems directly from Gentry’s time spent pursuing small game with his son across Michigan’s northern terrain. Rather than modifying a general-purpose camp knife, Gentry set out to build a nimble tool optimized for delicate field-dressing tasks of fowl and small game.

To achieve that level of precision, the knife features a 2.93-inch drop-point blade with a flat grind and an ultra-fine tip, making detail work around joints and skinning far more manageable. Dual sections of jimping along the spine provide tactile indexing points, allowing users to safely choke up on the blade for tight, controlled cuts.

Field-Ready Materials

Civivi High Grass profile

Civivi opted for Sandvik 14C28N stainless steel for the blade stock, heat-treated to 58–60 HRC. The steel offers a solid balance of edge retention, corrosion resistance and ease of resharpening in the field. A stonewashed finish helps mask the inevitable scuffs and scratches that come with regular use.

For the handle, natural Guibourtia wood scales offer a classic look that honors traditional hunting gear while maintaining a comfortable, ergonomic fill in the hand. Stainless steel hardware keeps the construction secure, and at an overall length of 7 inches with a weight of 2.26 ounces, the knife carries light on a belt or in a pack.

The High Grass Field Knife ships ready for the field with a molded black Kydex sheath. The setup features a T-Clip mounting system designed by knife industry veteran and BLADE Magazine Cutlery Hall of Fame® member Bob Terzuola, providing versatile attachment options for belts or pack webbing. A pre-tied black paracord lanyard comes installed from the factory for added draw leverage.

High Grass Field Knife Specs
Designer: Matt Gentry
Overall Length: 7”
Blade Length: 2”
Cutting Edge: 3.09”
Blade Thickness: .12”
Blade Steel: Sandvik 14C28N (58–60 HRC)
Blade Grind/Finish: Flat grind, stonewashed
Handle Material: Guibourtia wood
Handle Thickness: .56”
Knife Weight: 2.26 oz.
Sheath: Black Kydex with Terzuola T-Clip
Extras: Tied black paracord lanyard
MSRP: Starting at $59

Knife Reviews:

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