See what the highlights, low lights and everything in between were for the knife world in the past year.
Like most years, 2024 had more than its share of ups, downs and continuations of the same. From the promising developments in American-made factory knives to the harmful effects of Hurricanes Milton and Helene on knifemakers and at least one knife show, there were the goods, the bads, gains, losses, victories, debuts, swan songs and more. Among them:
Original portions of the hull, deck and other parts of The Battleship Texas are distributed to artisans around the country, including bladesmiths and knifemakers such as Harvey Dean, Jason Fry, J. Neilsen, Jack Stottlemire, Greg Coker and many others, to make items they specialize in and donate them to raise money to restore the pre-World War I dreadnought (https://battleshiptxartisans.com/catalog/);
A boom in the number of international countries (35) with exhibitors at the BLADE Show, led by France (21 exhibitors), South Africa (18), Italy (14) and Brazil (13), reflect the continuing recovery from the devastating effect of the worldwide pandemic;
Spartan Blades headlines the BLADE Magazine Knife-of-the-Year® awards at the BLADE Show with the company’s first Overall Knife of the Year, the Bill Harsey designed Clandestina. It was company’s first ever win in the prestigious category;
Speaking of Harsey, he, along with Ted Dowell and Don Fogg, become the 72nd, 73rd and 74th members of the BLADE Magazine Cutlery Hall of Fame®;
In what promises to be the first of several, Cutlery Hall-of-Famer Bill Ruple and Case debut their inaugural collaboration, the Bill Ruple X Case Axe Handle;
CPM MagnaCut stainless continues its run as the No. 1 blade steel among factory knives;
After almost 30 years with Spyderco, including stints in customer service and as marketing manager and coordinator of all things public relations, past BLADE Magazine Publisher’s Award winner Joyce Laituri calls it a career;
ABS master smith Kevin Cashen is named new chairman of the American Bladesmith Society, succeeding ABS master smith Steve Dunn, who passed away unexpectedly May 21;
After its original lawsuit was dismissed in June on “absurd standing grounds,” Knife Rights files a new federal lawsuit in September challenging the constitutionality of portions of the Federal Switchblade Act;
Hurricanes play havoc not only with the Southeast USA but knife industry members in the affected areas, with Milton postponing the Louisiana Knife Show and Helene flooding and/or temporarily shutting down at least two North Carolina knifemaking operations, including Winkler Knives and Dogwood Custom Knives, and no doubt others elsewhere;
Companies/knives celebrating anniversaries include: Boker (155th); Tru-Bal Knives, aka Tru-Balance Knife Co., (75th); Kershaw (50th); Fallkniven (40th); and the Emerson Knives, Inc. CQC-7 (25th);
Finally, a number of friends of the knife community pass away, including: scrimshander Gary “Garbo” Williams; bladesmith/mokume gane guru Phillip “Phil” Baldwin; knifemaker/past National Knife Collectors Association president Bob Cargill; ABS master smiths Steve Dunn and Hanford Miller; long-time custom knife collector Walter Hoffman; veteran knifemaker Dave Ricke; Mrs. Lori Buck (wife of Cutlery Hall-of-Famer Chuck Buck); Mrs. Sallie Bos (wife of Cutlery Hall-of-Famer Paul Bos ); Mrs. Betty Dowell (wife of Cutlery Hall-of-Famer Ted Dowell); Cutlery Hall-of-Famer B. R. Hughes; and past BLADE art director Jim Sasse. God rest their souls—and please forgive me if I’ve omitted anyone.
What the best way to bid adieu to the old year and ring in the new? New knife drops, of course!
The year is almost over, but knife debuts are just heating up. We found a slew of production and custom knives dropped to finish 2024 or slated for release in early 2025. Any way you cut it, these blades are more than enough to get you drooling!
Model: EDC fixed blade Blade length: 3” Blade steel: 440C stainless Rockwell hardness: 59 HRC Blade grind: The “Davis Grind” by the maker Handle material: Black Micarta® w/black and white Micarta spacers Handle pins: 1/16” 440C Overall length: 7” Sheath: Pouch type of tooled leather and rattlesnake inlay Maker’s price for a similar knife and sheath: $400 Knife to know: Matt Davis is an ABS journeyman smith Maker: Matt Davis, daviswacoknives.com (Jocelyn Frasier image)
Adam Gray Micro Bushcrafter
Model: Micro Bushcrafter Blade length: 2.5” Blade steel: CPM 154 stainless Blade grind: Convex saber, what Adam Gray calls sabervex Handle material: Wenge w/yellow G-10 liners Overall length: 5.5” Sheath: By Badgerclaw Outfitters Maker’s price for a similar knife and sheath: $305 Maker: Adam Gray, aaforge.com (Jocelyn Frasier image)
Bear & Son Cutlery D2 Rancher Sideliner
Model name: D2 Rancher Sideliner Knife type: Flipper folder Blade length: 3 3/8” Blade material: D2 tool steel Blade grind: Flat Handle material: India Stag Bone (also in G-10, cocobolo or titanium) Lock: Linerlock Pocket clip: Deep carry Weight: 3 ozs. Closed length: 4.25” Knife to know: Torx screw construction Country of origin: USA MSRP: $95.99-$125.49 Company: Bear & Son Cutlery, bearandsoncutlery.com
RMJ Tactical BUB (Back Up Blade)
Model name: BUB (Back Up Blade) Knife type: EDC push dagger Blade length: 2.5” Blade steel: Nitro-V stainless Rockwell hardness: 58-60 HRC Blade @thickest: .135” Blade finish: Tungsten Cerakote® Handle: G-10 (in three color options) w/Grade 5 titanium fasteners Weight: 3.1 ozs. Overall length: 4 13/16” Sheath: Kydex w/1.5” belt clip Knife to know: The scales remove to expose a skeletal handle Country of origin: USA MSRP: $185 Company: RMJ Tactical, Dept. BL1, rmjtactical.com
James Ingram Linerlock Folder
Knife type: Linerlock folder Blade length: 3” Blade steel: Feather damascus Blade grind: Flat Blade pattern: Harpoon Handle: Mammoth ivory w/titanium liners Frame: Engraved stainless steel Bolster: Stainless Closed length: 4 5/16” Maker’s price for a similar knife: In the $1,500 range Maker: James Ingram
Bobby House Swell-End ack
Pattern: Swell-end jack Knife type: Slipjoint Blade length: 2 5/8” Blade material: Ladder pattern damascus Blade grind: Hollow Blade pattern: Spear point w/long-pull nail nick Backspring material: CPM 154 stainless steel Handle material: Cracked mammoth ivory w/polished acorn shield Bolster: 416 stainless steel Liners: 410 stainless, jewel relieved and soda blasted Approximate closed length: 3 5/8” Maker’s price for a similar knife: $1,650 Maker: Bobby House
Knife name: Bromen Knife type: Flipper folder Blade length: 3.13” Blade material: Mosaic damascus of 1080 carbon and 15N20 nickel-alloy steels Blade grind: Flat Handle material: Emerald paper Micarta® Pocket clip: Yes Closed length: 4.39” Maker’s price for a similar knife: $3,500 Knife to know: The knife is also available in a more subdued mosaic damascus blade and a butterscotch paper Micarta® handle by Lucas Gumbiner Maker’s contact information: Will Stelter/Lucas Gumbiner, willstelterbladesmith.com (SharpByCoop image)
Bob Merz Lockback Folder
Knife type: Lockback folder Blade length: 2.5” Blade steel: CPM 154 stainless Blade grind: Flat Handle material: Mother-of-pearl Bolsters: 416 stainless w/24k-gold-inlaid scroll engraving by Wes Griffin Closed length: 3.5” Maker’s price for a similar knife: $2,300 Maker: Bob Merz, bobmerzknives.com (Jocelyn Fraiser image)
Brian Milinski Folder
Knife type: Folder Blade length: 2.75” Blade material: Damascus of Swedish and German stainless steels Handle material: Mammoth tusk w/anodized and jeweled titanium liners Bolster: Stainless steel scroll engraved by Tyler Poor Thumbstud: Damascus w/mammoth inlay Maker’s price for a similar knife: Contact maker for pricing Knife to know: Brian Milinski is an ABS apprentice smith Maker: Brian Milinski, mrknives.com (Jocelyn Frasier image)
The collaborations of Gil Hibben and Paul Ehlers speak volumes without using words.
When the great design prowess of Paul Ehlers and the incomparable shop skills of BLADE Magazine Cutlery Hall-of-Fame® member Gil Hibben merged some 40 years ago, they produced a synergy seldom seen, elevating the knife industry to a new plane of creativity in the realm of the fantasy piece.
Following a trail blazed early by the likes of W.W. “Bud” Cronk, the pair brought vision and glimpses of other worlds from the realm of theory and the ephemeral to tangible, captivating and thoroughly gripping. During a custom knifemaking career that has spanned nearly seven decades, Hibben has been recognized as the author of extraordinary work, designing the first Browning hunting knives in 1968, earning a rightful place in the Cutlery Hall of Fame, and creating legendary knives for famed actor Sylvester Stallone in the Rambo film franchise, as well as the American Kenpo Knife for Gil’s martial arts sensei, Ed Parker.
Paul’s drawing of it and Gil wearing the gauntleted piece at an early ’90s Knifemakers’ Guild Show in Orlando. (Drawing courtesy of Paul Ehlers)
Ehlers is well known for his work in film, writing, voice, design and illustration. He was hired to produce a poster illustration for the 1981 cult classic film Madman and found himself cast as the title character, delivering an amazing performance. Versatility has been his hallmark through the years, expressing his artistic talent through a variety of media. His interests are literally boundless and his talents have been displayed across a broad spectrum of the arts.
It was Ehlers’ wide range of interests that led to a fortuitous conversation and brought about the most renowned collaboration in fantasy knife history—and one of the greatest industry wide in custom knives. “It arose from creativity on both parts,” attested Linda Hibben, Gil’s wife and a key individual through the years of the joint effort. “It was intended to create things that were never seen before in the knife industry, taking up the challenge to be true artists.”
Linda Hibben said Alien was the biggest Gil Hibben-Paul Ehlers showstopper and it’s easy to see why. (Image of Alien by Mike Carter)
Paul remembered, “Gil Hibben’s knives were featured in every martial arts magazine that I read. I was familiar with the Parker knife and wanted badly to buy one of Gil’s knives. So, by the mid-1980s I had saved enough money and placed an order with him.” Hibben produced a custom survival bowie with a 10-inch blade, characteristic sawteeth reminiscent of his Rambo knives, and a handle in the style of the Parker knife. Pleased with the finished product, Paul told Gil that he was a designer and illustrator with a particular love for fantasy characters. He commented that he had always wanted to see his characters with stylized knives and swords to complement their presentation.
Gil responded enthusiastically to Paul’s offer of sending an illustration for his review. “Love to see one!” was the reply. Game on.
Ehlers calls the initial brush with collaboration a “chance meeting of kindred souls.” The illustration led Gil to the shop with the goal of producing a knife named the Shark. A short time later, the designer asked about the maker’s progress. Hibben’s response was electrifying: “I already made it and sold it!”
Paul Ehlers conceived the Dragonfly, drew it on paper and mailed it to Gil Hibben, who took care of the rest. They exhibited the knife at the 1983 Knifemakers’ Guild Show, where it sold for $3,000—an unheard-of price in those days. (Eric Eggly/PointSeven image)
In a short time, the creative tandem gained momentum. Interestingly, their success may be linked to the fact that Paul does not make knives. “I admire, collect, use and draw them,” he commented. “But Gil Hibben makes knives.” By the time Gil and Paul brought their Dragonfly creation to the 1983 Knifemakers’ Guild Show, there was excitement but also some trepidation. “We were concerned about how to price it, whether it would sell and how it might be received,” Paul recalled. “Gil suggested that we put a price of $3,000 on it, and such a premium was almost unheard of in those days. But it sold!”
Ehlers had conceived the Dragonfly, drawn it on paper, rolled it up, and placed it in a mailing tube addressed to Hibben. When it reached him, Gil pursued the project with gusto even though the effort in itself was unprecedented. “Nothing like this had ever been made,” Paul advised. “But that didn’t stop him. He huffed and he puffed, he ground and he buffed and emerged from his shop holding the new Dragonfly.”
Unseen Realms
Gil Hibben made the Elf Dirk in 1984. The image for it sprang from Paul Ehlers’ fascination with gnomes, elves, giants and other mythical creatures. A spider dangles from its web, carefully crafted in a crevice of the handle. (Eric Eggly/PointSeven image)
Through the years the Hibben-Ehlers team flourished, one teammate with ideas and the other with the astonishing ability to grind steel and finish creations that brought visions of light, darkness, other worlds, and realms unseen as the tangible, real and dazzling works that are known the world over. Paul’s imagination effectively pushed Gil to new heights of creativity. The designer’s mind had remained fortuitously free to imagine the fantastic and the elements of the outer limits of innovation
“My mind was left open to create,” Paul explained. “If I knew then what I know now it is possible my concepts may have been restricted by the ‘impossible’ factor. I know now what other makers mean when they ask Gil, ‘How the hell did you make that?’”
Naja was completed in 1993. Norman Leigh’s sculpted bronze cast of a cobra rises above the grip, gazing with inset cat’s eye jewels for eyes and baring fangs. Paul Ehlers stated he considers Naja perhaps the finest art knife he and Gil Hibben have ever brought to life. (Eric Eggly/PointSeven image)
Hibben, on the other hand, has stood up to the challenge and then some, delivering time after time. As the collaboration aged like fine wine to more than 30 years, it had produced more than 40 pieces—knives that came to life, from the mist of imagination to the gleam of steel, sculpture and artistry. According to Linda, Gil once said, “I loved the challenges and making these pieces, each and every one of them. They made my creativity and skills set on fire! Paul’s dreams are my nightmares!”
Looking back, a turning point for the Hibben-Ehlers collaboration occurred in the 1990s when a representative of the Sultan of Brunei contacted Paul with the shocking pronouncement that his employer wished to purchase many knives produced by the pair, with the added kicker that “money is no object.” It was a compliment of the highest order and led to some remarkable achievements.
If it doesn’t have the signatures of both collaborators, it’s not a Hibben-Ehlers knife. Here’s how their signatures appear on Naja.
Throughout the collaborative years, Linda has been a tremendous contributor to the success of the enterprise. Gil is approaching his 90th birthday and suffered a stroke in the spring of 2016. However, he has been resilient and remains in touch with the custom knife community while Linda assists with his communications. Gil has stayed active in the shop and keeps up to date on the happenings in the knife community. “He still goes to his shop and even oversees knifemaking classes to this day,” Linda noted. “The only lingering effect from the stroke is he has trouble with words and numbers once in a while. He has no major lingering side effects other than that.” Ehlers, meanwhile, is quite busy with numerous endeavors, his creative energy as effervescent as ever.
St. George’s Axe is 22 inches long and features lost wax carvings by Richard Englers.
Linda captured the spirit of the great team’s aspirations, commenting, “They wanted knives to be taken to another level of art and imagination—to create and make sharpened shapes in steel that had not been done or seen before, and show that thinking ‘outside the box’ and making those creations into tangible works of edged art took a tremendous amount of skill. Just look at some of the grind lines Gil was able to accomplish.”
Showstoppers
Through the lens of knifemaking history and the gleaming facet of fantasy, those who see and admire the vision of Gil and Paul will continue to gaze with wide-eyed wonder at their works, including some of the most famous. The Alien, for example, was created in 1986 from a single piece of 440C stainless steel. “It burst from my mind in 1986,” Paul recalled. “There are a myriad of extra blades, spikes and projections Gil calls ‘long horns,’ plus hooks and a leather arm gauntlet.”
Gil Hibben and Paul Ehlers Exhibit their collaboration at the 1986 New York Custom Knife Show. (St. George’s Axe image by Eric Eggly/PointSeven; image of Hibben and Ehlers courtesy of Linda Hibben)
Linda noted, “The Alien was our biggest showstopper. This one got more attention at knife shows than any other. We allowed people to reach their arm into it and ‘wear’ the Alien, and in every instance the person’s entire demeanor changed. It was like they became powerful, and the smiles on their faces when posing for photos was and is priceless. Gil made a total of five of these Aliens, each one a bit different. Number five rests in our private collection, and to this day when people come over and actually hold or ‘wear’ it, the magic is still there. They become a ‘Master of the Universe’ for those few minutes.”
An early classic, the Elf Dirk was produced in 1984, and the image sprang from Ehlers’ fascination with gnomes, elves, giants and other mythical creatures. Hibben wrought its sleek lines in 440C with a reconstituted coral handle, 14-karat gold and garnets. A spider dangles from its web, carefully crafted in a crevice of the handle. Naja, completed in 1993, remains a favorite. The undulations of the cobra are almost physically felt as Norman Leigh’s sculpted bronze cast of the serpent rises above the grip, gazing with inset cat’s eye jewels for eyes and baring fangs. Gil’s expertise is on full display in this tour de force, and Paul considers Naja perhaps the finest art knife the two have ever brought to life.
Artists, innovators, visionaries and friends, Gil and Paul have created a body of work that speaks volumes without words, just towering interpretation and storytelling in thought and grind, idea and finish. Those who contemplate their many completed projects are often left speechless as well, awed by the intricacy, the timeless, tantalizing and touching renderings of their complementary experience.
On election eve, BLADE Show West fetes its cutlery constituents.
With a presidential election looming and parts of the USA still in a state of shock after the natural disasters of Hurricanes Helene and Milton, it was a BLADE Show West unlike any other. However, knife people are a hearty lot and many turned out to enjoy the knives and cutlery camaraderie this past October at the Salt Palace Convention Center in Salt Lake City, Utah.
“The environment was good as usual, with lots of excitement,” wrote Jonathan McNees of McNees Knives.
Bladesmith Will Stelter displays his two-handed sword with a wildly undulating blade of mosaic damascus, and Francesca Ritchie holds the scabbard she made of deer hide overlaid with rayskin and hand-dyed American alligator. Francesca carved and underlaid the inside of the scabbard to form fit the curvature of the blade, the imprint of the latter you can see on the outside of the scabbard.
Eddie Johnson of CobraTec echoed Jonathan’s assessment. “As always, the environment was enthusiastic and filled with excitement to see and hold new merchandise,” he commented. “There is nothing like holding that knife you have seen pictures and videos of.”
There were custom and factory knife awards galore, the show’s popular “Let The Pros Critique Your Knife” seminar, the West Coast Flipping Championships conducted by Squid Industries, and much more.
As for those all-important knife and knife accessory sales, it was like most shows: some exhibitors did well, some didn’t and some did OK.
Families were a big part of the show.
“It was a great show,” Pro-Tech headman Dave Wattenberg exclaimed. “We did sell most everything that we brought, strong sales to both retail customers and dealers who attended. It’s very important to have both and this show did work well for retail and dealer dynamics.”
The Pro-Tech models that sold well were a mix.
“New models always do well—the Chaves collaboration did very well,” Dave noted. “Some oldie but goodie models—Godfathers, etc.—also did very well. Our TR-3 Integrity manual folder was a hot ticket for sure.
“We built an amazing group of show specials; they also did very well. It’s important to make some special pieces for the show, not just offer the same thing customers can buy anytime.”
Bladesmith Seth Lopez examines a show patron’s knife while custom knifemaker Shane Magnussen (left) and (from right) maker Jared Oeser and bladesmith Will Stelter look on in the popular show seminar, “Let The Pros Critique Your Knife.”
John Cammenga of another factory cutlery company, White River Knife & Tool, also was pleased with sales.
“We had a very good show,” he remarked. “We had great sales and a dealer took everything we didn’t sell. It’s nice to go home sold out!”
Ernest Emerson of Emerson Knives, Inc., was another who said it was a great show.
“We sold out, with the first day rivaling the BLADE Show in Atlanta,” he opined. Jonathan McNees said his company had a “really good show. We didn’t quite sell out but we brought a lot of knives, so I didn’t expect to. Our folders sold best, but again, that’s to be expected with our customer base.”
While CobraTec sold well, sales were off about 30 percent from their show average over the previous two years.
Gavin Hawk (center, behind the table) makes another sale at the Hawk Knife Designs booth.
“Everyone was concerned over the current economy and its uncertainty with the election approaching,” Eddie Johnson wrote. Nonetheless, he said several CobraTec knives were “good movers, from the Enforcer OTF to the Raptor to the OTF Utility Knife to our Koonsman fixed blade.”
Custom maker Tobin Hill agreed with Johnson’s economy/election observation.
“Talking with other exhibitors, the general consensus was tighter pocketbooks due to economy worries and pre-election jitters,” he wrote. Tobin brought eight knives and sold three—two of his Hill Locks with the rear bolster release and a lockback whittler.
Who Attended BLADE Show West
Like show sales, attendees ran the gamut, from young and old, novice to sophisticated buyers and more.
The top three finishers in the West Coast Flipping Championships celebrate, front row from left: Madi “oximityy” Thomas (3rd), Banks “banksqro” Tracy (1st), and Max “balisongnerd” Wenham (2nd).
“The crowd seemed like a bigger percentage of experienced buyers versus the BLADE Show in Atlanta and BLADE Show Texas,” McNees observed. “We really enjoyed the local crowd. They were extremely friendly and receptive. We got lots of appreciation for coming out.”
The fact that it was the third straight year at the Salt Palace Convention Center seemed to help, too.
“It was good to see repeat customers, so I’m glad we’ve been at the same venue for a few years,” Cammenga wrote.
“There was a nice mix in demographics,” Johnson pointed out. “As always, it is great to see the entire family out enjoying the show. I had several sales to the younger generation with the supervision and guidance of their parents.”
Banks “banksqro” Tracy shows his championship form.
“There was a very healthy mix of already established Pro-Tech enthusiasts as well as first time buyers,” Pro-Tech’s Wattenberg wrote. “It did feel like a smaller crowd than last year, but we did have customers to work with the entire time, so no complaints. I especially love the family atmosphere; there were so many nice people.”
“The crowd seemed an even mix of young and old, several families with kids,” Hill reported. “There were not many ‘sophisticated’ buyers or dealers.”
According to one industry professional, the fewer buyers and dealers than usual from the Eastern USA may have been due to the poor economy and also the aforementioned Hurricanes Helene and Milton that hit shortly before the show.
BLADE Show West Exhibitors
Shows are about contacts, not only among show attendees and exhibitors but among the exhibitors themselves, including factory knife companies and custom makers to broach possible collaborations and other knife deals.
Fixed blades and choppers were among the knives of the day.
“We made good contacts with other makers, including some prominent ones we had not previously met,” McNees wrote. “The size of the show was good for that.” Added Johnson, “The BLADE Show always gives us an opportunity to meet various designers and talk about collaborations.” Wattenberg agreed. “We had a few excellent conversations with makers,” he noted.
West Coast Flipping Championship
The 5th Annual West Coast Flipping Championships conducted by Squid Industries was another rousing packed-house event, with Squid providing cash prizes of $1,000 for first place, $500 for second and $250 for third.
Banks Tracy, aka banksqro, took home the title using a Squid Silver Krake Raken Tanto V3 balisong. Runnerup was Max Wenham, aka balisongnerd, who also used a Squid Silver Krake Raken Tanto V3 balisong. Madi Thomas, aka oximityy, took third with her Squid DT Red Krake Raken Tanto V3 balisong. The top three finishers also won prizes from the events’ gold sponsors.
Two Cutlery Hall of Famers enjoy each other’s company: BLADE® editor Steve Shackleford (left) and heat-treating legend Paul Bos (right).
BLADE SHOW WEST ’25
If you were there, you know; if you weren’t, you need to be. Make it so and plan now to attend next year’s BLADE Show West, Oct. 10-11, once again at the Salt Palace Convention Center in Salt Lake City.
If you think carry systems are rote, you need to get a gander at these knives and their revolutionary ways to keep them on person.
The carry systems for EDC knives have evolved to offer you a seamless experience, with an array of different spins on pocket clips, sheaths, lanyards and more. This convenience benefits you by saving time, providing peace of mind, encouraging regular carry and increasing utility. The popularity of EDC knives has spurred innovation in design and materials, leading to a market rich with options catering to every preference and need.
The carry systems play a pivotal role in this dynamic, as they directly influence your experience and the practicality of the knife in everyday scenarios. The benefits of EDC knives extend beyond individual use; they represent a culture of preparedness and self-reliance that resonates with many, reflecting a broader trend toward function and efficiency in personal gear.
Big Idea Design TI Lookout Fixed Blade
The author tested the Big Idea Design TI Lookout on various everyday carry tasks, and it effortlessly handled wire, 550 paracord, nylon webbing and heavy leather.
TI Lookout Specs Carry: Two Kydex sheaths for left- and right-hand pocket carry, each equipped w/a titanium pocket clip Blade Length: 2.2” Blade Steel: M390 stainless Blade Grind: Flat Blade @Thickest: .12” Blade Finish: Satin Handle Scales: Grade 5 titanium Overall Length: 6.2” Country of Origin: China MSRP: $200
Pros
Versatile Carry Options
Excellent EDC Performance
Stylish Design
Cons
Small Size
The TI Lookout Fixed Blade by Big Idea Design offers precision engineering and high-quality materials, making it an essential companion for everyday carry enthusiasts.
At the heart of the compact and robust knife is the M390 stainless blade steel, renowned for its superior edge retention and wear resistance. The premium material ensures that the TI Lookout maintains its razor-sharp edge through extensive use, reducing the need for frequent sharpening. The addition of Grade 5 titanium scales provides a sleek aesthetic and contributes to the knife’s lightweight yet durable construction.
The lanyard hole in the rear handle screw adds a functional touch, allowing for easy attachment and accessibility. The knife offers a perfect balance of control and cutting power.
The two included Kydex sheaths provide versatile carry options for lefties and righties. Each sheath is equipped with a titanium pocket clip that easily affixes inside a standard pocket or sunglass/device pocket found on many outdoor cargo pants. Consider it a gentleman’s fixed blade.
The Big Idea Design TI Lookout fixed blade offers versatile EDC options with two sheaths for left- and right-hand carry, and comes with a titanium pocket clip for easy attachment to pockets or gear.
I put the TI Lookout through a range of EDC tasks, from cutting mundane materials to pushing it to the limits of the extremely aggressive, stabbing through light gauge metals. The knife thrived in this realm.
However, it dragged on thick, heavy-gauge cardboard. After slicing more cord, it remained sharp—it just got hung up a bit on cardboard. Wire, 550 paracord, nylon webbing and heavy leather succumbed to the keen edge.
In this writer’s humble opinion, the TI Lookout is not just a cutting tool but a statement piece reflecting the pinnacle of knife craftsmanship and material excellence.
TOPS Knives Quick Skin
The TOPS Knives Quick Skin is a hunter’s EDC with a sheath for comfortable horizontal and other carry modes.
Quick Skin Specs Carry: Kydex w/beta material loops allowing for appendix, vertical, horizontal or scout-style carry Designer: Leo Espinoza Blade Length: 3.5” Blade Material: 1095 carbon steel Blade Grind: Flat Blade @Thickest: .19” Blade Finish: Tungsten Cerakote™ Handle Material: Dragonfly Tread Micarta® Overall Length: 7.13” Country of Origin: USA MSRP: $230
Pros
Efficient Skinning Design
High-Quality Construction
Versatile Carry Options
Cons
Specialized Use
Thick Blade Stock
The TOPS Knives Quick Skin marries master craftsmanship, elegance and utility.
Designed with the avid hunter in mind, it boasts an “all-belly” blade in a Rockwell hardness of 56-58 HRC that ensures fewer strokes are needed, making skinning quick and painless. It comes with a versatile Kydex sheath sporting beta material loops allowing for various carry positions, including appendix, vertical, horizontal or scout-style. Ultimately, the beta loops will clip to pack straps, keeping the blade easily accessible regardless of your adventure.
The shape of a blade dictates its purpose. The TOPS is designed for slicing and skinning. I opted for an appendix carry for comfort and a non-rib-jabber solution.
The TOPS Quick Skin comes with a versatile Kydex sheath and beta loops for easy accessibility and multiple carry options, including appendix, vertical, horizontal and scout-style.
While all wild game was out of season in my region, food wasn’t. Knives with a deep belly thrive on food. The Quick Skin followed suit. Despite its thick blade stock, the knife successfully sliced bacon, peppers, onions and mushrooms. Later, I moved to slicing beef, pork and chicken equally well. Thanks to its sophisticated design and practical features, the Quick Skin is a standout choice for hunters seeking a top-tier skinner.
Reiff Knives Circadian Clip Point EDC Fixed Blade
The Reiff Knives Circadian glided through wood to create copious curlicues.
Circadian Specs Carry: Crazy horse leather pocket sheath and UltiClip 3.3 Slim attachment Blade Length: 3.28” Blade Steel: CPM MagnaCut stainless Blade Grind: Flat saber Blade @Thickest: .12” Blade Finish: Stonewash Blade Pattern: Clip point Handle Material: Black canvas Micarta® Overall Length: 7.25” Country of Origin: USA MSRP: $285
Pros
High-Quality Blade Steel
Woods-Worthy Performance
Lightweight Yet Sturdy
Cons
Expensive
With its superior craftsmanship, utility and CPM MagnaCut stainless blade steel, the Reiff Knives Circadian Clip Point EDC Fixed Blade is an ideal choice for outdoor enthusiasts and everyday carry.
The blade’s stonewash finish adds a rugged aesthetic and helps hide scratches and wear. The handle provides a secure grip even in wet conditions, and the ergonomic design ensures comfort during extended use. Weighing in at only 4.1 ounces, the Circadian offers a lightweight yet robust solution for various cutting tasks.
The knife has a premium, deep carry, crazy horse leather pocket sheath and UltiClip 3.3 Slim for versatile carrying options. Inside-the-pocket carry is popular for discreetly carrying fixed blades. It makes the knife unobtrusive and out of the view of the sheepish.
The Reiff Knives Circadian has a deep carry crazy horse leather pocket sheath and UltiClip 3.3 Slim for versatile carrying options. Inside-the-pocket carry is popular for discreetly carrying EDC fixed blades.
More importantly, it gives a release option, making it easier to free the secure grip from your pocket. The UltiClip 3.3 Slim offers a versatile and secure method for attaching the knife to various clothing or gear, enhancing practicality and convenience.
As well as the Reiff fits into the EDC world, it teeters on the line of woods-worthy EDC. I was in the northeast woodlands during the test, and the Circadian was on hand. The knife was tasked with splitting wood via baton and also a round or two of feathering. It didn’t disappoint. Fit finish and comfort are standard. The handle offers a full-hand grip and the blade is stout.
A.G. Russell Woodswalker
Choose between the original leather pocket sheath, designed to fit into a back or cargo pocket, or the Kydex® neck sheath for convenient carry with the A.G. Russell Woodswalker.
Woodswalker Specs Carry: Leather pocket sheath that fits into a back or cargo pocket perfectly, or a Kydex neck sheath Blade Length: 2 3/8” Blade Steel: 8Cr13MoV stainless Blade Grind: Flat Blade @Thickest: 1/16” Blade Finish: Satin Handle Material: POM thermoplastic Overall Length: 6” Country of Origin: China MSRP: $34.95 to $36.95
Pros
Lightweight and Compact
Durable Full-Tang Construction
Ergonomic Handle
Cons
Not a Heavy-Duty Knife
The A.G. Russell Woodswalker is a versatile, durable knife designed in the 1970s for the outdoorsman who values tradition and function. Crafted for the casual hunter, this lightweight, non-folding pocketknife is perfect for a tranquil morning in the wilderness.
Whether you’re pursuing small game like quail, squirrel, dove or rabbit, or preparing a meal in the great outdoors, the Woodswalker excels with its drop point blade in a Rockwell hardness of 57-59 HRC. Full-tang construction ensures stability and balance, while the handle provides a comfortable and secure grip. Measuring 6 inches overall and weighing a mere 1.2 ounces, it’s an unobtrusive addition to any hunter’s gear.
Choose between the leather pocket sheath, which fits into back or cargo pockets perfectly, or the Kydex® neck sheath for convenient carry. I used both but I hate my pockets weighing me down. The neck carry option suited me well.
The author preferred the neck carry option when toting the A.G. Russell Woodswalker.
The Woodswalker is the classic of the test batch of roughnecks. It’s been there and back—that’s why I spared it no quarter. In my usual neck of the woods, I wanted to make a small fire and selected hardwoods like oak and maple to craft feather sticks.
This one isn’t a splitter or chopper, so act accordingly. It feathered wood like a dream and felt like a zipper effortlessly gliding through wood. The most impressive feature that’s not mentioned in any product description is the sharp 90-degree spine, ideal for striking a ferro rod and showering sparks worthy of the 4th of July. This knife isn’t just a tool, it’s a trusty companion for all your outdoor adventures.
Betty Dowell was the juggernaut that made Ted Dowell’s knifemaking business move.
Elizabeth “Betty” Ann Dowell, the driving force behind BLADE Magazine Cutlery Hall-of-Fame® member Ted Dowell, teacher, mother, grandmother and friend of the knife community for over half a century, passed away July 2. She was 93.
Most fittingly, she lived long enough to watch on Zoom as Ted was inducted into the Cutlery Hall of Fame June 5 at BLADE Show 2024.
Betty and Ted were married in 1953 and moved to Madras, Oregon, in 1954, where Betty was a part-time substitute teacher and homemaker raising three children: Scott, Lynn and Jeff. The family moved to Bend, Oregon, in 1964, where Betty became an accomplished substitute teacher in the Bend Public School System.
Ted, meanwhile, accepted a professorship at Central Oregon Community College, where he was dean of the mathematics department. He sold his first knife in 1967 and helped found the Knifemakers’ Guild in 1970, along with Cutlery Hall-of-Famer Bob Loveless writing the organization’s bylaws in the process. Ted also later served as Guild president.
Betty and Ted at the 2009 Knifemakers’ Guild Show in Louisville, Kentucky, the last of their 40 consecutive Guild Show appearances as an exhibiting team. Ted passed away in 2012.
Ted went full time making knives in 1974 and started TMD Knives in 1975. That same year the Dowells suffered the tragic loss of their son Scott, 19, in a car accident. Betty took the lead role in getting her family through such a trying time, as well as maintaining the knifemaking business.
As Jeff noted when he inducted his father at the Hall-of-Fame ceremony this past June, “My mom was galvanized and determined to have a family to take care of and a household to run, and she ran every bit of the business. [Dad made the knives] but everything else she did. She attended to every detail of the business. She had two kids to take care of and she had a grieving husband and a knifemaker and a business to support, and she did so for another 40 years.”
In fact, until the Dowells closed their knifemaking operation in 2010, Betty was the rock of TMD Knives, handling all of the purchasing, inventory management, accounting, correspondence, promotions, and travel logistics for the company. Her attention to detail and level of documentation of the business was as comprehensive and complete as possible.
Betty’s work accomplishments at TMD Knives and the Dowells’ ground-breaking efforts in getting the Guild established early on earned her the Guild’s coveted Nate Posner Award in 2015 for support “above and beyond” of the Guild and the custom knifemaking industry.
Ponder three markedly diverse examples of the quickest manual flippers.
When BLADE Magazine Cutlery Hall-of-Fame® member Kit Carson’s CRKT M16 design hit the shelves in 1999, it was a crapshoot in a rapidly growing field of modern tactical folders. To say the least, the M16 caught on like gangbusters and, well, here we are a quarter century later featuring the genre in BLADE®. Kit is no longer with us but his legacy is cemented in cutlery history as the popularizer of the modern-day flipper folder.
Bladerunners Systems (BRS) Khopesh
Not the fastest blade in the test stable due to its sheer weight, the Khopesh makes up for it by tackling larger chores such as lopping off quarter-inch slices of 2-inch-diameter summer sausage.
Bladerunners Systems KhopeshSpecs Blade length: 4” Blade steel: Bohler M390 stainless Blade pattern: Drop point Pivot: Ball bearing Handle material: Titanium, black G-10 Carry: Pocket clip Weight: 6 ozs. Closed length: 5” Country of origin: China MSRP: $196.95
Pros
Versatile Utility
Smooth Deployment
Ergonomic and Secure Grip
Cons
Heavy Weight
Slower Blade Deployment
At 9 inches open and 6.07 ounces, the Bladerunners Systems (BRS) Khopesh is the big bad wolf of the test bunch. The large stonewashed blade rolls out with ease thanks to a smooth ball bearing pivot. The flipper is the main mode of transportation for the blade, though it is pinch-able via three diagonal blade grooves to assist. The handle has V-shaped, bead-blasted titanium bolsters with silky rails housing a linerlock. A machined, reversible titanium pocket clip completes the package.
The Khopesh is a handful of knife. The flipper tab is easily accessed and plenty big for the fingertip to do its thing. The wide handle offers excellent grip for the remaining fingers and thumb. Even the inner pad of the palm offers support to purchase when flipping.
The Khopesh is over twice the heft of the two lightest review folders and, considering the weight, I didn’t expect the blade to fly out of the handle when using the flipper. However, I was delightfully surprised at how well the pivot added to the speed of deployment. With a bit of practice you can get quite proficient at it, and its size works to its advantage as the large handle aids in getting a good grip. The BRS entry won’t set any speed records for blade rollout but it’s fast enough for most applications.
A knife as large as the Khopesh also offers more utility advantages than a smaller one. The flipper folder is game for a lot of uses, whether cutting rope or preparing a meal on the go. I tested the blade on a chub of summer sausage and lopped off quarter-inch slices like a walk in the park.
Zero Tolerance 0990
The 0990 is small but don’t tell its 3.25-inch blade. It made quick work of slicing through paracord and 3/8-inch rappelling rope. Check out the clean, surgical cuts. That’s some mighty fine slicing!
Zero Tolerance 0990 Specs Blade length: 3.25” Blade steel: CPM 20CV stainless Blade pattern: Drop point Handle material: Carbon fiber, steel overlay Carry: Pocket clip Weight: 2.9 ozs. Closed length: 4.4” Special feature: Floating Bridge skeletonized frame Country of origin: USA MSRP: $330
Pros
Eye-Catching Design
Smooth and Fast Deployment
High-Quality Blade Material
Cons
Small Flipper Tab
Grip Comfort
Zero Tolerance pushes the design envelope with the 0990, a spinoff of its limited edition 0999. The 0990 is highly skeletonized to the point that even the blade stop—aka a floating bridge—is exposed. The 4.4-inch handle features a steel frame with black carbon fiber onlays. The blade secures open via a linerlock hidden by the carbon fiber on the front frame rail. The tip-up pocket clip can be reversed to the front. The blade operates on a KVT ball bearing pivot and can be flipper-activated or pinched open by its oblong cutout.
The ZT has a small tab that once fired flips the blade out in the blink of an eye. Practice makes perfect when using a flipper folder with a small tab or slim handle.
The 0990 is the most distinctive member of the test trio both design- and flipper-wise. When the blade is closed the flipper tab extends out under the floating bridge. When flipped, the blade tang revolves and snicks into place on the bridge, holding the blade rigid. It’s what blades normally do—you just get to see it happen. The flipper tab is small, so it helps to practice flipping it to become totally familiar with its location and action. Practice makes perfect. Once activated, the KVT ball-bearing does a great job of flinging the blade out post haste, and the whole system is tight as a drum.
The ZT flipper folder is a mid-sized EDC capable of small-to-medium tasks—from opening mail and packages, preparing snacks, even cutting paracord and 3/8-inch rappelling rope—and in a pinch will offer a welcome level of protection. I tested the blade on some rope and paracord and the CPM 20CV blade cut extremely well. Plus, the 0990 will definitely wow your friends on work breaks.
CobraTec Ghost
The CobraTec Ghost gets a boost in the utility department from its modified wharncliffe damascus blade. Note the clean slicing job it performed on skived leather.
CobraTec Ghost Frame Lock Specs Blade length: 3.75” Blade steel: Damascus Blade pattern: Modified wharncliffe Pivot: Ball bearing Handle material: Titanium Carry: Pocket clip Weight: 2.4 ozs. Closed length: 5” Special feature: Glass breaker Country of origin: USA MSRP: $199.99
Pros
Stylish Design
Lightweight and Compact
Surprising Versatility
Cons
Grip Challenges
CobraTec’s streamlined Ghost flipper folder has all the style and grace of a stiletto on steroids, eschewing a symmetrical dagger blade for a wicked modified wharncliffe with linerlock. The knife adds to its mystique with a damascus blade and skeletonized handle etched in a pattern complementing the blade steel. That’s a lot to digest but, all in all, it works. The blade engages exclusively by the flipper tab—even the latter is skeletonized—and swings out effortlessly on a ball-bearing pivot. Out back is a bead-blasted, tip-up pocket clip and there’s a lanyard hole and glass breaker in the butt.
Thanks in no small part to its ultra-slim profile and light weight, the knife is a speed demon. With little drag on its ball-bearing pivot, the blade literally flies out when flipped. I found the flipper tab easily accessible and the exposed framelock makes it easy to reload. The slim profile makes it harder to grip than a wider model but, as with any knife, practice and familiarity makes perfect. You can’t knock its looks, either. There’s something about damascus that just warms the soul.
Most knives this slender typically excel at jobs like self-defense and melon testing. That said, the tip extends the blade’s slicing ability beyond the standard symmetrical stiletto. I tested the blade by taking off strips of suede and was surprised at how well it performed for such a narrow pattern. I also gauged its penetrating prowess on a cantaloupe and it easily sank to the integral guard with every stab. The Ghost is not a working knife per se but its utility may surprise you.
