Today’s pocketknives come in assorted locks, no locks, blades, handles and more.
Eyes always peeled, we’re on the look out for the latest and the greatest. We think we’ve found a bevvy of them this March. So, with out further adieu, here’s our latest round of new knives.
Stanley Buzek Single-Blade Slipjoint
Blade length: 3 3/8” Blade steel: Feather damascus forged by ABS journeyman smith Mike Tyre Blade grind: Hollow Blade pattern: Clip point Blade opener: Nail pull Scales: Mammoth ivory Liners/bolsters: 416 stainless in an integral construction Engraving: Alice Carter, including 24k-gold inlay Knife to know: Fileworked liners and acorn shield Closed length: 4.25” Maker’s price for a similar knife: $2,800 Maker: Stanley Buzek, sbuzekknives.com (Jocelyn Frasier image)
Michael Zieba Nine Silver Kois
Knife type: Side flipper Blade length: 4.126” Blade steel: CPM MagnaCut stainless Rockwell hardness: 62-63 HRC Blade grind: Flat Blade @thickest: .159” Pivot: Ceramic ball bearing washers Handle & pocket clip: Titanium w/24k-gold koi, lotus and moth inlay Weight: 5.07 ozs. Closed length: 5.5” Knife to know: Air pockets for weight reduction; ceramic detent; white brass skull spacer Maker’s price for a similar knife: $3,300 Maker: Michael Zieba, (SharpByCoop image)
Curt Zimmerman Flipper Folder
Blade length: 3” Blade steel: Feather damascus Blade grind: Flat Blade pattern: Clip point Lock: Linerlock Scales: Ancient walrus ivory Bolster: Stainless steel engraved by Alice Carter w/24k-gold inlay Liners: Titanium; fileworked and anodized Screws: 24k-gold plated Closed length: 3 15/16” Maker’s price for a similar knife: $2,500 Maker: Curt Zimmerman (Jocelyn Frasier image)
Rothman Knives Backpocket
Knife type: Dress slipjoint Blade length: 3.25” Blade steel: Feather damascus forged by Adam Deville Blade grind: 14” hollow Blade pattern: Clip point Scales: Interior mammoth Bullet shield: Dark mammoth Frame: 416 stainless in an integral construction Closed length: 4.75” Knife to know: Fileworked liners and embellished backspring; Michael Rothman is a member of the Knifemakers’ Guild Maker’s price for a similar knife: $1,500 Maker: Rothman Knives, rothmanknives.com (SharpByCoop image)
Jeremy Marsh Mini Assassin
Knife to know: A collaboration between Jeremy Marsh and Jonathan Quill Blade length: 3.5” Blade steel: Damascus of 1084 carbon and 15N20 nickel-alloy steels forged by Quill and finished by Marsh w/a dark, deep etch and “a great deal of hand finishing” Scales: 10,000-year-old bog oak from Ireland w/a coarse-grained, oily look Liners: Feature a distressed rock finish along the edges applied by Marsh and traditional vine filework applied by Quill Bolsters, thumbstuds and hardware: Zirconium toned lightly bronze and burnished for highlights Embellishment: Quill engraved the bolsters and pocket clip in a Celtic/Norse theme Closed length: 4.5” Make’s price for a similar knife: $8,000 Maker: Jeremy Marsh (Mitchell Cohen image)
Maverik Knives Dress Slipjoint
Blade length: 3” Blade steel: CPM 154 stainless Blade grind: High flat Blade pattern: Clip point Scales: Black paper Micarta® Frame: Brass Bolster: Straight twist damascus Hardware: Titanium Closed length: 4” Knife to know: Maverik Murdock is an ABS apprentice smith Maker’s price for a similar knife: $750 Maker: Maverik Knives, maverikknives.com (SharpByCoop image)
WE Knife High-Fin XL
Designer: Gavko Knives Blade length: 3.48” Blade steel: Hakkapella damascus by Damasteel Rockwell hardness: 59-61 HRC Blade grind: Hollow Blade pattern: Reverse tanto Pivot: Caged ceramic ball bearings Handle: Satin-polished 6Al4V titanium in a diamond-pattern texture Pocket clip: Crystallized gray 6Al4V titanium; blade tip up, right-handed Lock: Framelock Weight: 4.03 ozs. Closed length: 4.67” Country of origin: China MSRP: $740 Company: WE Knife, weknife.com
David Kulis Spectre XL
Knife type: Dress tactical flipper folder Blade length: 3.5” Blade steel: Dragonskin damascus forged by Bertie Rietveld Blade grind: 8” hollow Blade shape: Recurve Handle: Purple/orange/green burl Liners: Titanium Knife to know: All titanium hardware anodized to match the Timascus pocket clip Closed length: 5.25” Maker’s price for a similar knife: $1,500 Maker: David Kulis (SharpByCoop image)
Knife type: Rescue folder Blade length: 3.4” Blade steel: AUS-8 stainless Blade mechanism: Assisted opening Handle: 6061 aluminum Lock: Linerlock Pocket clip: Low carry Weight: 4.4 ozs. Closed length: 4.6” Knife to know: Belt cutter and glassbreaker in the butt; spare blade for the belt cutter stores in the handle Country of origin: China MSRP: $54.95 Company: SOG Knives, www.sogknives.com
Jerry Fisk Saddlehorn-Style Slipjoint
Blade length: 3.33” Blade material: Damascus Blade pattern: Clip point Blade opener: Nail pull Scales: Wood from one of the last walnut trees planted by President George Washington Bolster: Spring steel engraved by Jerry Fisk Maker’s price for a similar knife: $5,900 (includes a bottle of whiskey from George Washington’s Distillery) Knife to know: In 1999, Jerry Fisk was named a National Living Treasure by the Museum of World Cultures at the University of North Carolina at Wilmington Maker: Jerry Fisk (Jocelyn Frasier image)
Chris Richardson Lockback Folder
Blade length: 3.25” Blade steel: CPM 154 stainless Blade grind: Flat Blade pattern: Modified wharncliffe Handle inlay: Mammoth ivory Thumbstud inlay: Angelskin coral Bolster: 416 stainless in an integral construction Closed length: 4.75” Maker’s price for a similar knife: $850 Maker: Chris Richardson (Jocelyn Frasier image)
Recognition, catchiness and marketability are but three keys to knife names.
What’s in a name? A knife by any other name will still cut, hopefully. Many people don’t realize what hangs on a name. Is it good enough to be memorable, catchy as it were? A catchy name will make a knife more or less marketable.
If you’ve read my stories long enough, you’ve seen me comment on a knife’s name, especially if it is a long, drawn-out one. To me, it is important for the name to have a short form. For example, salespeople can’t sell a knife by word of mouth if they have to say the company name followed by Omega Kilroy Uber Cutter, Men In Black Forever Ever Sharp Cutting Commando, etc. When I was having knives licensed, the licensing companies would check to see if there were other knives on the market with the same name to avoid any copyright or other legal problems. They no doubt still do that.
I think now more than ever naming a knife would be even more difficult than designing one. After all, you can have numerous drop points but when you go to name your knife you don’t want it drowning in a sea of cutlery. With so many new knife companies out there, knife production is at an all-time high. How on earth do they make their knives stand out from the rest? One way is with the name. Following are some lighthearted ones.
RMJ Tactical Stabby Guy
The large finger loop in the handle butt of the Stabby Guy provides a great platform to support the knife in your hand and keep it from slipping during thrusting motions. The fuller helps maintain blade strength and reduces weight.
Stabby Guy Specs Overall Length: 7.25″ Handle length: 3.5″ Blade Length: 3.75″ Blade Steel: CPM 3V carbon Handle material: Black G-10, Dirty Olive Hyena Brown Sheath: Kydex MSRP: $240 Country Of Origin: U.S.A.
RMJ Tactical chose a name short and sweet for its Stabby Guy. I prefer—no, actually love—names like this. If you find yourself wandering off into multi-syllable diatribes for a name, you’ve lost me. Not only is Stabby Guy brief, it’s to the point, pun totally intended. It is what it says it is. I would call it a self-defense blade. It is slender in design and has an American-style-tanto tip. It is built solid, with the body of the knife having no primary edge.
A fuller runs full length on one side of the blade. The fuller allows the knife to keep its strength and still not weigh a ton. After all, this knife technically is equivalent to a tactical sewing needle. Save the fancy moves for Hollywood and put the machine on surge with the Stabby Guy. It has a simple, ergonomic, basically straight handle. A finger loop at the butt serves to anchor your grip and substitutes for the lack of a guard. A guard stops your hand from slipping forward while thrusting with the knife; the finger loop serves the same purpose.
Though there’s not a lot of edge, the knife need not be dead weight all day while you’re waiting for a prison riot to break out. The small but sharp edge can do a ton of minor chores. However, don’t expect to carve a chess set with it. It has a Kydex sheath equipped with a belt loop. I carried mine in my back pocket and forgot it was there. It’s a cool concept of a knife with a name that doesn’t leave you guessing.
Condor Tool & Knife Rude Boy Machete
The overall profile of the Rude Boy shows the sweet spot of the blade is a few inches back from the tip. The farther out the sweet spot, the more force it has during a swing.
Stabby Guy Specs Overall Length: 7.25″ Handle length: 3.5″ Blade Length: 3.75″ Blade Steel: CPM 3V carbon Handle material: Black G-10, Dirty Olive Hyena Brown Sheath: Kydex MSRP: $240 Country Of Origin: U.S.A.
Condor Tool & Knife’s aptly named Rude Boy Machete is made for light vegetation like that in a rain forest. Some machetes, on the other hand, are geared toward North American vegetation, such as hardwood or softer trees.
People often view a machete as a survival or bushcraft tool. Actually, it is more of a hiking tool with such primary uses as clearing walking trails through the jungle. For these endeavors the knives are often not razor sharp like many in North America believe. Maintaining a high level of sharpness would be next to impossible in such conditions and at best too time consuming. For that reason, a powerful swing with a thin, dull machete works well in dispatching vegetation. The Rude Boy is not only thin but lightweight, making it possible to swing for long periods. The well-constructed leather sheath has a pivoting belt loop to help avoid hanging up easily on vegetation.
The only thing I take issue with is the blade profile. The blade’s lengthy defined tip leaves the belly swell farther back from the end. My preference would be to have the widest part of the blade farthest out to get the most out of the swing. Don’t get me wrong, the Rude Boy worked well, but a long day of swinging makes you want to optimize a blade’s performance. Then again, you do want some variety in appearance.
The best feature is the handle. In profile it is pretty much the American military style, though there are some excellent ergonomics added to the design. The plastic handle is overmolded to create a hidden tang. Instead of being blocky the contours are smoothed out for a comfortable grip you can use for long periods. I like the Rude Boy and I can see me beating the snot out of it once yardwork season arrives.
Toor Knives Jank Shank S
The sharp point and clean grind lines of the Jank Shank S make it easy to see how the author was able to use it to clean 50 muskrats with minimal effort.
Jank Shank S Specs Overall Length: 7″ Handle length: 3″ Blade Length: 4″ Blade Steel: CPM M4 carbon Handle material: G-10 Sheath: Kydex MSRP: $250 Country Of Origin: U.S.A.
Out of the creatively named test models, I probably gave the Jank Shank S from Toor Knives the longest going over. I used it as an EDC but the bigger workout was when I took it to my sportsman’s club. Many in the tactical crowd promote rings in the handle butt for changing positions during combat, but I like them for the advantage they give while cleaning game. That’s right, cleaning game.
When cleaning animals I often find I want to free my hands to work with the carcass. Instead of putting the knife down, I let it dangle from my pinky. I do what needs to be done and then just move the knife into my grip. There’s no fiddling around; it’s quick, simple and no searching for where I put it down.
My club has an annual muskrat dinner, and depending on ticket sales we clean up to 400 muskrats. I cleaned 50 of the varmints with the Jank Shank S, including splitting open the chest and neckbone. Not once did I sharpen it. When done I cleaned it off, gave it a touch up and bam!—it was crazy sharp again. The textured G-10 scales made it easy to grip despite my hands being covered in blood. It worked so well the muskrats didn’t even complain. I liked it so much you won’t hear me grumble about the blade’s fur-catcher choil. Oh, and did those muskrats ever look good with fries and a side of deluxe baked beans! The sheath fits well with no break-in, period. I will add an UltiClip to the sheath and it will be an instant EDC. The Jank Shank S will make it into my game kit any time. Muskrats beware!
Name-Gamers
A name can add to the appeal of a knife by being entertaining. It is also important to have a good name to make the design stand out and be memorable. In the end you don’t want the name associated with a piece of junk, so it is always best to put the most effort into a great design. Our three name-gamers fill that bill.
A knifemaking trio with little to no ego keeps Suprlativ super.
If you’re going to carry a knife every day, then it should be functional and stylish, a joy to use and look at. Otherwise, what’s the point? That’s Enrique Peña’s design philosophy. In addition to owning Peña Knives, along with Jared Oeser and Javi Garcia he is one of three founding members of Suprlativ Knives. Suprlativ (pronounced like superlative) offers limited-edition folders in eye-catching designs, constructed with modern materials, artistic colorways and a machinist’s attention to mechanics—all at an affordable price.
How do three creatives run a knife company without conflict? Easy—no one’s ego is so tied to an idea that he can’t incorporate suggestions from the others. All three maintain their own companies, their homes for signature work, so when they come together to design for Suprlativ they can push boundaries. The diversification means there’s no stress when they work on collaborative projects.
Suprlativ’s 3 Musketeers, from left: Jared Oeser, Javi Garcia and Enrique Peña.
As Garcia explained it, the mindset shifts to, “What can we make that would nurture the community?”
Enrique Peña
Peña is an associate of the South Texas Slipjoint Cartel. For the uninitiated, the cartel is a group of knifemakers that got together to honor BLADE Magazine Cutlery Hall-of-Fame® member Bill Ruple, each making a knife in the Ruple style. Bill, in turn, began sharing his knowledge with them, inviting them to his shop and answering questions by phone and email. He has been making knives since 1988 and is a master at multiblade slipjoints.
He sat on the board of the Texas Knifemakers and Collectors Association, the predecessor of the Texas Knifemakers Guild. Other Cartel members—all serious about preserving traditional knifemaking—include Bruce Barnett; Tanner Couch; Tommy “Bubba” Crouch; Burt Flanagan; Jeff Hawkins; Tobin “Toby” Hill; Bobby House; Matt Humphries; Phil Jacob; Tom Ploppert; Tim Robertson; Kendall Schorsch; Tyler Turner; Trae Gaenzel; Roan West; Rusty Preston; and Luke Swenson.
A swayback look complemented by a modified sheepsfoot blade highlights the Tirant. Blade length and material: 3 inches and CPM M4 carbon steel. Blade opener: Front flipper. Blade grind: Flat. Pivot: Ceramic caged bearings and detent. Frame: 6Al-4V Grade 5 titanium. Handle: Linen Micarta®. Weight: 3.4 ounces. Closed length: 4 3/8 inches. Country of origin: China. MSRP: $298.
In 2008, Peña was laid off from his job as a diesel mechanic and turned his knifemaking hobby into a full-time endeavor. He simply drove to Ruple’s house, knocked on the door and asked to learn knifemaking. Bill began mentoring Peña and credits him with being a quick learner. Ruple shared more than his craft; he guided Peña with business wisdom as well, which ensured the success of Peña Knives.
Peña’s X-Series offers the design and mechanical excellence of his custom knives in a more affordable production knife. Whether traditional or tactical, Peña’s fit and finish displays a respected exactitude. He maintains that clean, crisp, simple designs are harder to master because you can’t hide mistakes with bells and whistles. For example, to the experienced eye, grinder marks, or the lack of them, reveals something about the maker. Hand rubs take time. Peña, if you couldn’t tell, is a traditionalist.
Jared Oeser
Around three years after Peña took to knifemaking full time, Jared Oeser, owner of Oeser Knives, did the same. A building developer by trade and with little to do during the 2008 recession, he looked to his knifemaking hobby as a potential moneymaker. He said his wife can attest to the fact that his stress level plummeted during this time. Making knives provided an outlet for a creativity he had possessed since boyhood but couldn’t concentrate on as a profession except through designing houses.
Suprlativ’s 3 Musketeers, from left: Jared Oeser, Javi Garcia and Enrique Peña.
He asked his friend, fellow Salt Lake City resident and longtime knifemaker Dave Lang, to help him make knives. Lang swapped knifemaking ideas with the likes of Bob Loveless, Buster and Julie Warenski (now Warenski-Erickson) and Earl Black (Loveless and Buster are Cutlery Hall of Famers). Oeser’s father always carried a knife and brought his son up hunting, fishing and camping, traditions that Oeser passes on to his children.
Oeser’s first knives were bushcrafters. He couldn’t find exactly what he wanted—a bushcrafting knife that was both functional and good looking—so he made one. He and Peña communicated now and again, exchanging ideas and figuring out problems together. Now, though Oeser’s custom knives normally sell for around $1,000, some can go for over $10,000. In other words, he found his creative outlet and realized that the knife-art market still exists.
Prior to Suprlativ, he held a three-year contract with Benchmade, designing its Tengu and Tengu tool, so his design abilities have received praise from both collectors and industry giants.
The fully serrated blade of the Piranha deploys via a Rare Earth Magnet Lock. Blade material: CPM M4 carbon steel. Pivot: Bronze washers. Frame: 6Al-4V Grade 5 titanium. Handle: Brown canvas Micarta®. Weight: 2.1 ounces. Closed length: 3.76 inches. MSRP: $284.
Though Peña lives in Laredo, Texas, and Oeser in Lehi just outside Salt Lake City, and Peña is a staunch traditionalist and Oeser blurs the lines between traditional mechanisms and modern frames and furniture, the two had a working relationship that grew into a friendship.
Javi Garcia
Enter Javi Garcia. Formerly of South Texas and now living in central Texas, Javi first was a Peña customer, then a potential hire, then a friend and mentee. The two socialized together with their families, compatible in their shared Mexican heritage. Even though Garcia’s design approach is decidedly modern, Peña could appreciate his style.
Javi knew that Enrique was a master of knife mechanics, taking Garcia’s ideas and showing how they could be brought to fruition. Garcia began to share ideas with Oeser, too. He found himself going between the two veteran makers and telling each how the other approached a design idea or challenge. During these exchanges, the idea developed that the three of them start a separate company. Peña credits Garcia with bringing the three together to form Suprlativ.
How Suprlative Operates
Javi Garcia’s last-minute decision to enter the Canibl Phantom Lock resulted in Suprlative taking home Best Custom Knife Collaboration at BLADE Show 2024. The 3 1/8-inch blade is hollow-ground CPM MagnaCut stainless steel. Closed length: 4 inches. (Jocelyn Frasier image)
The men knew they could bring knives to the market that got the job done expertly and looked really good doing it, knives of high quality, high tech and high precision. Garcia and Oeser are extremely creative, and Peña’s hands-on skillset is, well, superlative. Garcia says Peña is more creative than he thinks he is. And that’s the way it is with these three.
They are endlessly encouraging and positive with each other. In a situation where three chiefs and no Indians could seem problematic, Garcia explained that the collaboration works because they relate to each other with positivity, respect and warmth. They reserve their individual knifemaking styles for their independent work and let loose with ideas for Suprlativ.
Part of the contentedness and success is that Suprlativ designs come from all three knifemakers, including Peña. It’s an equal contribution of creativity. “The designs never start in the same place,” Garcia said. It’s fluid. Once the design is finalized, Peña initiates contact with what’s considered the fourth member of the group: Reate.
The home-page image for Suprlativ’s website, an exploded view of the Hella showcases one of its various inlay options—carbon fiber—and a 2.07-inch blade of flat-ground Böhler M390 Microclean stainless steel. Weight: 1.2 ounces. Frame: 6Al-4V Grade 5 titanium. Closed length: 2.88 inches. Sheath: Premium vegetable leather. Country of origin: China. MSRP: $194.
Peña already had a relationship with Reate Knives, the high-end Chinese original equipment manufacturing (OEM) operation that makes knives for other companies. Peña said that Reate offers the highest quality production and is also more costly, but not exorbitantly so. Plus, Reate officials never seem to say no, he noted. For its part, Reate considers any deviation from the norm as a way to learn how to incorporate new production procedures. The company reportedly considers Suprlativ’s vision to be unique.
Steel choices depend on what Reate can get in stock, but M390 and CPM 154 stainless and CPM M4 carbon steels all have been used in prior releases. The most recent order will be in CPM MagnaCut. Handle materials include a mixture of titanium, carbon fibers and Micarta® with shield inlays—a nod to tradition—and come in an artistic array of color patterns. Each run is different, never just a colorway change. Peña, Oeser and Garcia determined early not to chase steel or frame material fads since it can take upward of a year to receive an order.
At the last minute during BLADE Show 2024, Garcia decided to enter the Suprlativ Canibl Phantom Lock in the custom knife competition. Once the three determined the design, Oeser cut the parts, did the precision grinding, fit the locks—every type of lock is on the table at Suprlativ—did the surface grinding and ensured the knife was functional.
The Cruzador slipjoint has a 3.224-inch semi-serrated/nail-nick-fullered blade of flat-ground CPM M4 carbon steel and a 6Al-4V Grade 5 titanium frame. It also comes in a plain edge. Blade pattern: Clip point. Handle material: Jungle Wear Fatcarbon® ($274 (top) and brown canvas Micarta® (bottom). Weight: 3.3 ounces. Closed length: 4.25 inches. Country of origin: China. MSRPs: $274 each.
Garcia did the blade grinding; he’s the youngest and is humble enough to take on the difficult and time-consuming part of the job, which is just one more example of the goodwill dynamic between the three. Then the knife went to Peña for hand-rub finishing, shield inlay and blade edging. It was an equally shared labor of love.
The effort paid off. The Canibl Phantom Lock won Best Knife Collaboration. The men each expressed surprise, excitement and a sense of validation that what they set out to accomplish resonated within the community. Their collaboration, peaceable interactions and professionalism obviously generated increased creativity for them, loyalty from customers and now well-deserved notice and approval from knifemaking standard-bearers.
How the iconic custom maker transformed pocketknives and the knife industry.
The story of the knife is one of evolution, with thousands upon thousands of steps along the way. When you boil it down, however, it’s really just the passing of knowledge gained from one individual to the next. One who earned an immortal slot in that incredibly long span of time is BLADE Magazine Cutlery Hall-of-Fame® member Tony “Old Dog” Bose.
Born of humble beginnings, Tony suffered the loss of an eye at an early age—a setback for anyone, though especially a craftsman—and grew up in Indiana far from any cutlery center. Nonetheless, what he did have was a job repairing knives, and that was all the springboard he needed to launch him into becoming a highly revered custom knifemaker.
Tony produced his first custom knife in 1975 and by 1990 was going full steam—this while the Gulf War was inspiring the modern tactical knife movement. But he had his own plans and continued to gain popularity with the traditional slipjoint crowd, a popularity that surged throughout his knifemaking career. He had a huge impact in his day, not only for the sheer quality of his work and innovative styling, but for his lasting contributions to both the custom and factory knife industries.
Tony Bose As Mentor
Another of Tony’s slipjoint standards is the Lanny’s Clip. “In 1989 I met a good ol’ boy named Lanny Shell,” Tony wrote. “He asked me to make him a knife between 3¾ and 4 inches closed for heavy work with a clip blade in it. I didn’t know what to call it, so I called it Lanny’s Clip.” (Caleb Royer image)
One way to judge a master craftsman is by the people he taught.
“I first met Tony at the Guild Show in Florida,” notes Cutlery Hall-of-Famer Bill Ruple, a knife legend in his own right. “I had just begun making knives and when I saw what he had on his table I was blown away! Before that I was making folders and a few fixed-blade knives. After seeing his work I focused on multi-blades. As time went on, we became great friends. One of my biggest regrets was not taking time to go and visit him. He invited me many times.
“Any time I had a problem, Tony was there to talk me through it. I’d always pick what I considered to be my best knife and have him critique it at the BLADE Show. He set the standard for all of us multi-blade makers. Reese [Tony’s eldest son] is continuing to set that standard today. I was just one of many who benefited from Tony’s generosity to share his knowledge.”
ABS master smith Harvey Dean, who makes top-notch slipjoints in addition to his award-winning fixed blades, has fond memories of Tony’s mentoring and friendship.
“I met him around 1993 at the New York Custom Knife Show,” Harvey recounts. “He had quite a few slipjoints for sale, and if I recall they did not last long [before they sold out]. I remember most of the people that bought them had memories of carrying his type of knives many years ago. Tony brought them back into popularity.
“Tony’s influence, I think, was his approach to making slipjoints. His grinds, swedges and the function of the knife were all spot on. His handle material was always exceptional. For me, Tony’s generosity in sharing his knowledge was the most important thing. I could call Tony anytime for help and he always helped me out. I still have, I think, three patterns Tony made for me, mailed them to me, and would not take any payment for them.”
Tony did the same for Ruple and ABS master smith Steve Dunn. “Tony sent me many patterns over the years and never charged me a penny,” related Dunn, who passed away last year. “He will go down in the books as the best slipjoint maker ever.”
At a BLADE Show circa 2010, Ruple told Tony his favorite knife ever was the Bose saddlehorn trapper.
“After the show I received a package from Tony,” Bill writes. “Inside were two different-sized saddlehorn trapper patterns. He had hand ground them! That’s the kind of guy Tony was. He was a kind, generous gentleman, always willing to share his vast knowledge of knives.”
One look at Tony’s knives at a Knifemakers’ Guild Show and Cutlery Hall-of-Famer Bill Ruple started focusing on making multi-blades. The rest is history, including Bill’s five-blade sowbelly. (SharpByCoop knife image; image of Ruple by Chris Wellhausen)
One of Tony’s greatest achievements, in his own words, was teaching his son Reese to make folding knives. Tony commented on mentoring him in about as strong a statement as it gets.
“I have helped a lot of guys figure out how to make pocketknives,” he noted, “but Reese is the only one I have taught.” Today, Tony’s son is considered one of the world’s best slipjoint makers.
Reese has fond memories of his father.
“When I’m asked about Tony, a few things come to mind: generosity, influence and impact,” Reese says. “Tony’s generosity with his time and knowledge were truly something special. I can’t even begin to count the number of phone calls we had over the years. I do remember one of our first conversations when Tony told me, ‘Boy, you are gonna have to learn swedge work.’ He was always ready to give advice about knifemaking and even the day-to-day of running a knife business.
“Many makers went in and out of his doors with no money ever exchanging hands. It was this time spent sharing advice, knife patterns, and even loaning out vintage knives that illustrated the influence Tony will continue to have in the knifemaking world.”
Tony Bose & Case Knives
The knife collaborations Tony did with W.R. Case & Sons increased the awareness of and interest in the company to much higher levels, even during times when the cutlery world was consumed with tactical fare. His was also a constant presence at assorted Case collector events for knife enthusiasts of all ages, giving seminars, meeting and greeting all in attendance, etc.
His contributions were such that on July 14, 2023, he became the first person in over 20 years to be honored with a Wall-Of-Fame induction ceremony at the W.R. Case & Sons facility in Bradford, Pennsylvania. The induction included a plaque of Tony installed on the Wall Of Fame in the Zippo/Case Museum. Tony’s son Reese, Bill Ruple and others were on hand for the event.
Fred Feightner, Case director of marketing communications, remembers the early years in 1999 when Case hired Tony as a designer to elevate the company’s folding knives to a greater level of quality and relevance.
One of Tony’s greatest achievements, in his own words, was teaching his son Reese to make slipjoints. “I have helped a lot of guys figure out how to make pocketknives,” Tony noted, “but Reese is the only one I have taught.” From the looks of his son’s five-blade congress pattern, Tony taught Reese well. (Eric Eggly/PointSeven image)
“My first one-on-one interactions with Tony came nearly 20 years ago as a result of an assignment I was given by Tom Arrowsmith, our company president at the time,” Fred recalls. “I had only been with the company a couple of years, so I was pretty new to the knife industry with very little exposure to the world of custom knives. The assignment was to produce an eight-to-10-minute video about Tony to support the introduction of the swayback pattern, our latest online edition of our Case-Bose series.
“Naturally, I was excited to be traveling to meet this famous knifemaker. So, with stars in my eyes, off I went to Tony’s shop in Indiana. The address I was given took me to Tony’s house. Once there, I was surprised to learn this superstar was making his impeccable knives from inside his attached garage. Tony came out to meet me and took me inside, showed me around the shop a bit, and introduced me to his son Reese, who was situated in a far corner. Then Tony offered me a cup of ‘cowboy coffee,’ which turned out to be coffee boiled in a camp pot and kept warm over a hot plate that was within easy reach from his desk all day.
“Over the next two days I would be treated to the most in-depth knifemaking tutorial series one could only imagine,” Feightner exclaims. “Being an eyewitness to the painstaking care that Tony took in preparing even a single knife for one of his customers was truly awe inspiring. I still recall watching him hunched in his shop chair, sanding down knife parts by hand for hours until they fit to perform perfectly when assembled. He was such a patient teacher! It was never a problem for him to answer questions while he was working away. That visit really provided me with the foundation I needed to do my job better as a Case marketing communicator.”
Tony collaborated on knives with Case for two decades, including this Eureka jack in abalone and 154CM stainless steel in 2017. (Case image)
Tony’s collaborations with Case worked like magic. His upscale Case XX limited editions, delivered in signed brown leather zipper pouches, are some of the finest pocketknives ever produced by the company—or any company for that matter—and his Bose-branded boxed knives are highly collectible.
His signature Lanny’s Clip, designed for a friend, has become legend among both custom folder makers and Case collectors alike. Tony passed away in 2020, only one year after being inducted into the Cutlery Hall of Fame, but his imprint on the cutlery industry will last as long as his knives walk and talk—which will be a long, long time.
Four new entries help show why locking folders rule the pocketknife world.
Locking folders are the most popular pocketknives—perhaps even the most popular sporting knives of all. Slipjoints have the romance and tradition, vintage style, natural materials and many other things that make knives coveted by so many users and collectors, but locking folders are a lock in terms of being the king of pocketknife sales.
For one thing, while slipjoints can have anywhere from one to multiple blades, they are basically limited to one non-locking mechanism, that being the slipjoint mechanism itself. Locking folders, on the other hand, come in a wealth of locks, including the lockback, linerlock, Integral Lock/framelock, Benchmade AXIS Lock/crosslock, ring lock, button lock, Spyderco Compression Lock and others. Not only that but since they lock they’re much less likely to close accidentally than slipjoints.
Meanwhile, since the explosion in lockbacks after the introduction of the Buck 110 folding hunter in 1964 and the introduction of the linerlock by BLADE Magazine Cutlery Hall-of-Fame® member Michael Walker in 1981—that by the end of the decade was catching on with custom and factory makers far and wide—locking folders have experienced booms in types and runaway sales that continue to this day.
As Matt Salazar, general manager of House of Blades retail knife store in Fort Worth, Texas, noted in “2025 Trends and Takeaways” of the Spring 2025 BLADE Complete Knife Guide, “While slipjoint collectors are diehards, they’re a drop in the bucket compared to those into locking folders.”
All of which brings us to the subject at hand: a sampling of a few of today’s top factory pocketknives that lock.
KA-BAR State & Union F01OD
The KA-BAR State & Union F01OD was with the author in the woods and carved a beautiful feather stick able to take a spark.
State & Union F01OD Specs Lock Type: Lockback Blade Length: 3.25” Blade Steel: CPM S35VN stainless Blade Grind: Hollow Blade @Thickest: .16” Blade Finish: Satin Handle Material: Olive drab G-10 Closed Length: 4.1” Country of Origin: USA MSRP: $175
The KA-BAR State & Union F01OD is the first all-USA-made folding knife by KA-BAR in over 50 years. The sleek, reliable edged tool features a sharp drop-point blade. The handle provides a solid grip and is complemented by eye-catching anodized orange hardware.
Designed for everyday carry, the F01OD has a reversible wire clip, ensuring it stays securely in your pocket. Checking in at a lightweight 3.2 ounces, the knife is suited for most any cutting adventure—whether in the field or around the house. Available in several colors, it also looks good while doing it.
Spyderco Alcyone
The leaf-shaped blade of the Alcyone has a sharp PlainEdge and the familiar Spyderco hole for ambidextrous opening.
The Spyderco Alcyone is named after a multi-star system in the constellation Taurus. The locking folder combines high performance with classic Spyderco design at an affordable price, featuring premium U.S.-made blade steel. The leaf-shaped blade has a sharp PlainEdge and a Spyderco trademark round hole for ambidextrous opening.
Thanks to its open-backed construction and full skeletonized stainless steel liners, the ergonomic handle is lightweight and easy to clean. The rugged gray scales provide a secure grip with a non-slip peel-ply texture for sure handling. The four-position pocket clip provides left/right side, tip-up/tip-down carry. A generous-sized lined lanyard hole completes the handle package.
CobraTec Olympian
The modified drop-point blade of the Olympian flipper folder is tailored for precision cutting and slicing. The ball-bearing pivot system provides smooth, swift deployment. A robust glass breaker and lanyard loop enhance versatility.
The CobraTec Olympian flipper folder is a marvel of precision engineering, seamlessly blending high-quality materials with an elegant, ergonomic design. A lightweight yet exceptionally durable titanium grip ensures effortless handling and superior strength. The right-hand carry clip provides convenient accessibility.
The modified drop-point blade is tailored for precision cutting and slicing. The ball-bearing pivot system provides smooth, swift deployment. A robust glass breaker and lanyard loop enhance versatility.
CRKT Ibis
Designed by Lucas Burnley, the CRKT Ibis features a drop-point blade with a prominent belly great for slicing, while the black finish complements the titanium handle.
Designed by Lucas Burnley, the CRKT Ibis is named after a graceful wading bird. For a distinctive look, the blade features a sleek curve along the spine. The drop-point blade boasts a prominent belly great for slicing, while the black finish complements the titanium handle. As Burnley notes, “It just looks good.”
With fast flipper deployment, the Ibis opens smoothly thanks to the Ikoma Korth Bearing System (IKBS)/ball bearing pivot. A low-profile pocket clip keeps the 2.9-ounce knife securely by your side.
Carrying
The way a knife is carried is essential. The sleek Olympian (top left) and discreet Ibis (bottom right) are great gentleman’s knives, while the bulkier Alcyone (top right) is more noticeable. The State & Union (bottom left) is the least noticeable of all.
How a knife rides in your pocket is essential. The Olympian carried deep with enough handle to grab onto. The sleek diameter, closed and open, never felt bulky.
The Ibis also carried deep and was easy to retrieve. It came in second to the Olympian for sleekness. The black color also made it the most subdued of the gang, attracting less attention.
The Alcyone carried bulky and a lot more exposed. The protrusion makes it easier to get at but screams, “I have a knife!” If that bugs you, you can always opt for a different folder.
The State & Union carried exactly how I like—deep and almost invisible. It has the right amount of pocket capacity to let me know it was still there. It and the Olympian were my favorite pocket carry folders of the test bunch.
All the knives come with a lanyard hole.
Opening
The test knives are studies in differing approaches to colors, locks, blade openers, pocket clips, lanyard holes, bulk, dimensions and more.
The Olympian has a flipper-style opener—and it was smooth and sleek. The Ibis has two ways of opening. Despite how smoothly the flipper operated, the thumb studs were another animal. CRKT should remove the thumb studs altogether. I’ve handled hundreds of one-handed openers. I could not open this one, no matter how hard I tried. All the king’s horses couldn’t open it using the thumb studs.
The Alcyone, on the other hand, has the eternally trusty large opening hole. I could open the blade in an inverted position, using my middle finger to lightly disengage the blade and let a wrist flick do the rest. That’s a Spyderco. It doesn’t vary in quality from any other Spyderco. The State & Union has an undeniable thumb stud for easy access. It opened smoothly, and the sound of the lockback engaging gave a sense of confidence. Solid as can be—it’s a KA-BAR!
Ergonomics
An easy winner in hand comfort was the State & Union. I had it the longest and exposed it to more use than every other test model. Second was the Olympian, though it was close. After all, I spent more time with the S&U. The Alcyone earned a third place yet was very solid. The Ibis wasn’t uncomfortable but would show hot spots as a long-cutting task knife.
Final Cut
Packaging peanuts, leather, light phone cords, 550 paracord, cardboard and nylon webbing are all part of my test gauntlet for folding knives.
The State & Union made feather sticks in the forest for a winter fire with ease. I found some stray nylon rope in the woods and tried slicing it with the S&U. It did not slice through. The task may have dulled the edge. During the gauntlet test, the knife faltered on packaging peanuts, nylon webbing, leather and 550 paracord. It made it through phone cord and cardboard but was a step behind the others.
The Olympian deploys with a fierce snap and displays a ready-to-go attitude—and means it. It slices well and can easily fit the role of a gentleman’s carry knife. The Ibis deployed almost as smoothly as the Olympian. It sliced all materials with authority. It ranked second among the review bunch in knife tasks. However, the Alcyone absolutely smashed it—maybe I should say slashed it. It was the best slicer across the board. Winner, winner, chicken dinner!
How to get the most from your knives on social media platforms.
It’s immediate. It’s visual. It’s effective.
These are just a few of the attributes that describe the impact of social media on modern life. Whatever the topic, some form of social media allows participants, observers, critics and commentators to weigh in, expressing their views and—of course—buying and selling.
For instance, the platform of Instagram has become a prominent factor in the marketing of many custom knifemakers, purveyors and collectors, and the reasons for the phenomenon are varied. They center around the immediacy, visual quality and effectiveness in showcasing and selling, developing a following, and generally in raising a knifemaker’s profile in the all-important marketplace. Setting up an Instagram account is simple, cost-effective and for many generates the desired results.
“Instagram and other social media platforms are an excellent way to put yourself in the public’s eye,” noted purveyor/ABS master smith Dave Ellis of exquisiteknives.com. “Through good knife photography, clear and precise descriptions of the same, and reasonable follow-up you can publicize your products as well as introduce your website. TikTok is rapidly gaining popularity, and YouTube is an excellent way to achieve your goal of spreading the gospel of custom knives.”
“I do videos and tutorials and just basically little blurbs of me building a knife,” Kim Breed commented. “Tutorials let people know this is why I charge what I charge, the little steps that you do when you’re making a knife.” ABS master smith Steve Randall grinds a blade in his shop. (Steve Randall image)
Kim Breed, knifemaker and BLADE® field editor, uses Instagram to generate sales and promote awareness among the buying public while also offering some insights into the knifemaking process. The value of experience is levered through the visual, and everybody gains.
“I do videos and tutorials and just basically little blurbs of me building a knife,” Kim commented. “I show the blade when I’m finished grinding and then the final product. That’s when it is put up for sale. Tutorials let people know this is why I charge what I charge, the little steps that you do when you’re making a knife. For example, when you’re forging you can show that process.”
Breed, whose videos are available on Instagram at kimbreed1911, advises that would-be Instagram users monitor their posts, beware of hashtags that are too generic, and frequently assess the return on their investment of time.
“A lot depends on the hashtags,” he said. “People can copy stuff, come up with a fake account, or hack into anything. Once you start, you’ve got to stay on it. I’ve gotten messages that don’t make sense, and you can catch situations where people have set up fake accounts and used your pictures to get people to send money first when they are scamming. Check every hashtag you do and make sure it’s going to a knife site. That was something I’ve picked up in the five or six years I’ve been doing Instagram.”
For those who choose to display their wares on Instagram or any other social media, Ellis recommends, “Scammers are everywhere, so do your due diligence and look deeper into anything that looks too good to be true. Haters are very common, so expect some negative comments and take them in stride. Getting into a heated battle only fuels the folks that like to fan the flames, so keep a cool head and remember that your goal is to promote the use and collecting of custom knives as an art form and tool.”
Knife Makers & Knife Collectors Connect
ABS master smith Neels van den Berg, who runs Black Dragon Forge based in South Africa, keeps his Instagram use in perspective. There are obvious positives and potential pitfalls, but he sees an incredible opportunity to raise visibility.
Showcase your knives as tools for culinary use, outdoor adventures or collectible art. The BBQ Chef’s Knife by Matt Williams has a 9-inch blade of 400-layer damascus forged from 1084 carbon and 15N20 nickel-alloy steels. Overall length: 15 inches.
“Instagram is a free platform designed primarily for sharing photos and videos to foster social interaction,” Neels commented. “Users can reasonably expect to engage with its 2.11 billion users worldwide by uploading and interacting with content through likes, comments and direct messages [DMs#]. However, it’s important to understand that Instagram’s core purpose isn’t sales, it’s connection. Social media users should approach the platform as a tool for storytelling, networking, and building a community rather than expecting it to function as a direct sales engine. Understanding this distinction is critical when crafting a marketing strategy for your business.”
According to van den Berg, Instagram can amplify a knifemaker’s reach, create brand awareness and build credibility, which may lead to sales. But these are byproducts of fostering genuine engagement and building relationships through the platform.
“For a knife business or hobby, this means showcasing the passion and craftsmanship behind your work,” Neels remarked. “People will follow you for who you are—your skills, values and story—not just for what you have to sell. Social media users are often turned off by hard sales pitches, so the focus should be on creating content that resonates emotionally or intellectually with your audience. While sales might be part of the eventual outcome, it shouldn’t be the primary intent. Instead, aim to captivate your audience by showing the process behind your craft: the highs and lows, the struggles and triumphs, and the sheer joy of creating. When you build this level of connection, your products naturally become a way for followers to support you rather than a commodity you’re trying to sell.”
Videos of forging are another great way to demonstrate how knives are made and build interest among viewers. (Lin Rhea image)
The secret to Instagram and social media success is certainly influenced by the delivery. Setting up a presence and presenting a perspective on the maker’s work and creative journey do make a difference.
“Users should expect to display their point of view in a clear and cohesive way,” related ABS master smith Nick Rossi of Vassalboro, Maine-based Nick Rossi Knives. “That means who they are, what they make, and why they make it. Social media is a relatively efficient way to project that to a potential customer. Sales and cultivating a customer are byproducts of that action.”
Setting Social Media Goals
Finding the right combination of social media outlets depends on the knifemaker’s perspective. Analyzing what the maker hopes to achieve drives the investment of time and attention.
“The best social media platform depends entirely on your goals, audience and the type of content you want to share,” van den Berg observed. “Each platform serves different purposes and attracts unique demographics, so a thoughtful combination works best.
According to Neels van den Berg, using in-progress shots can sidestep direct visual triggers while still highlighting a maker’s work. In his version of frame handle construction, bladesmith Salem Straub uses a threaded fastener in an internal slot in the frame to mechanically lock all the parts together tightly. (Salem Straub image)
“I have three primary goals on Instagram: 1) Showcasing my craftsmanship—I aim to highlight the intricate details and artistry of my creations, emphasizing their quality and uniqueness. This draws attention to the skill and effort behind each piece, making my work stand out in a crowded marketplace; 2) Building my brand identity—My goal is to establish a recognizable and authentic brand that resonates within the knifemaking community. This isn’t about a logo or maker’s mark, it’s about the story, values and personality behind my work; 3) Engaging with my community—Social media is about relationships. By actively participating in discussions, responding to DMs and comments and sharing insights, I foster a sense of community among knife enthusiasts and artisans.”
To achieve his goals, Neels relies on high-quality visual content, educational posts, consistent branding, and authentic interaction through responses to comments or joining a relevant conversation.
Ellis commented, “For retail sales, I prefer TikTok and YouTube. By utilizing every media that you can, your products are constantly put in front of not only the buying public, but you are also promoting yourself to show promoters and attendees.” Instagram and Facebook are the priorities for Rossi “because that’s what most of my customers use.”
He added, “I only have time to manage two platforms on top of being a professional craftsperson. For collecting and very niche topics, Facebook groups provide a wealth of knowledge. I have a private Facebook group for only my online and in-person students that has worked very well for advice and troubleshooting.”
“I want people to think of me as a skillful knifemaker with a focus on forging, a maker of interesting and innovative knives, and an experienced educator,” noted ABS master smith Nick Rossi, here giving a class on how to hand rub a blade to a satin finish in a BLADE University class.
Variations of content help keep social media posts entertaining and business related, and encourage a possible exchange of information.
“We live in a world of short, informative, and, let’s face it, lively. Clicks mean interaction, potential video formats,” Rossi observed. “Attention spans have grown shorter, and social media users have come to expect shorter, action-packed video. If you are going to have narration, subtitles are important. Users want the option of viewing without sound. Choosing popular songs may help your videos pop up in the algorithm more readily. I want people to think of me as a skillful knifemaker with a focus on forging, a maker of interesting and innovative knives, and an experienced educator. Each post focuses on one of those three things.”
Social Media Do’s And Don’ts
An awareness of certain standards provides knifemakers with extra assurance that their posts meet the chosen platform’s guidelines and minimize the risk of being flagged or taken down. Though Breed said he has done well with Instagram sales, the limitations of filters can have negative effects on viewership.
“Filters can hurt a knifemaker, so before you might get 100,000 or 200,000 views,” he said, “but you can’t do that if you picture a knife as an item of war, and watch out what you say about politics and whatever. Stay away from there.” Ellis agrees. “Stay away from animals or any violent visuals when posting,” he added. “Stick to the art or utilitarian uses for custom knives, and you should be OK.”
For van den Berg, compliance and creative communication are essential to success when visualizing or discussing knife-related topics on social media.
“The key is to reframe how your work is presented, ensuring that it aligns with platform guidelines while still engaging your audience,” he remarked. “Avoid flagged terms like ‘knife,’ ‘blade,’ or ‘weapon,’ and instead use neutral or creative alternatives such as ‘tool,’ ‘craft,’ or ‘functional art.’ These terms emphasize the artistry and utility of your pieces, shifting focus away from their potential as weapons. Repositioning your knives within broader contexts is another effective tactic. Showcase them as tools for culinary use, outdoor adventures or collectible art. Using in-progress shots, close-ups of handles, or images that emphasize materials and craftsmanship can sidestep direct visual triggers while still highlighting your work.”
Another knifemaker option is to place the work in context.
Knifemaker/BLADE® field editor Kim Breed advises that would-be Instagram users monitor their posts, beware of hashtags that are too generic, and frequently assess the return on their investment of time.
“To further circumvent restrictions, use storytelling and indirect messaging,” Neels encouraged. “Instead of explicitly saying, ‘Check out my new knife,’ share the inspiration behind the design or challenges faced during its creation. Platforms like Instagram and TikTok, which favor storytelling and visual diversity, are ideal for this approach. Additionally, private groups, email newsletters, or niche forums provide safer spaces to share uncensored content with your core audience.”
Reaching as many followers, shoppers, and potential buyers as possible, custom knifemakers who take advantage of social media routinely find that the reward is in lock step with the attention and time devoted to originate and maintain a strong presence. For those who manage it well, social media exists in the present and will remain a formidable asset in the future.
See who took home the hardware from the BLADE Show Texas Custom Knife competition.
With deep roots in fine custom knifemaking, BLADE Show Texas consistently attracts the top names in the industry, making its Custom Knife Awards a true showdown of elite craftsmanship. The 2025 competition, held March 7-8 at the Fort Worth Convention Center, was no exception.
The judging hall overflowed with exceptional entries in 12 categories, pushing the three-judge panel to their limits. After intense deliberation, the judges selected the finest blades of the year—including Best of Show and Best Fighter, awarded to Franco for his stunning fighter that felt as good in the hand as it looked to the eye.
Best In Show & Best Fighter: Franco
What The Judges Said: “We felt his had the best technical aspects with the gold inlay and engraving. It’s a very long blade but has a short feel and is very [wieldly], easy to maneuver.”
Best In Show Contender & Custom Folding Knife: Tom Overeynder
What The Judges Said: “The fit and finish, the action… there is nothing wrong with this knife. It’s an awesome knife that’s super clean.”
Best Art Knife: Paul Distefano
What The Judges Said: “It has a cohesive vision, executed with no flaws. It’s color, texture and finish all tie together.”
Best Custom Bowie: David Lisch
What The Judges Said: “The organic flow of the guard and fittings and the complication of doing the subhilt all flow into one. The damascus is well executed and the knife has near perfect fit and finish.”
Best Damascus: Pedro Fornari
What The Judges Said: “It’s an eight-bar Turkish twist that’s nearly perfect in execution. It’s difficult to make and it’s an integral.”
Best Custom EDC: Evan Nicolaides
What The Judges Said: “It’s light, elegant, deploys quickly with little movement and it’s efficient.”
Best Custom Hunting Knife: Josh Fisher
What The Judges Said: “We all think this is a differentially etched damascus blade with the damascus showing on the spine of the blade. It’s lightweight with a great blade length for a hunter.”
Best Custom Kitchen Knife: Luke Dellmyer/Richard Patterson
What The Judges Said: “The blade shape is spot on. It doesn’t have any undergrinds or overgrinds. The heel doesn’t rock, it’s balanced and feels lightweight.”
Best Custom Slip Joint: Evan Nicolaides
What The Judges Said: “The action is great, everything lines up and it’s beautifully well made.”
Best M.A.C.K.: Jared Oeser
What The Judges Said: “Overall it has clean lines, operates smooth as silk and technically it’s perfection.”
Best Of The Rest: Josh Taylor
What The Judges Said: “It’s a very cool piece. The blade is dead-nuts straight and the carving is good. Very stylish use of the natural contours of the wood.”
