Page 48 – BLADE Magazine

Knife Sharpeners: Top Options Available Now

Featured

June 28, 2024

Knife Sharpeners: Top Options Available Now

Need to keep your edge? These top knife sharpeners are sure to keep your blades sharp and in good working order in no time at all.

It’s not much of a knife if it doesn’t have a sharp edge. To that end, 2024’s hottest sharpeners will make your favorite tool cut like it ought to. Plain to serrated, short blades to long, kitchen to deer camp and just about any blade worth using can get keen quick with one or more of this year’s fresh edge makers.

Spyderco Golden Stone and Webfoot Set

pyderco Golden Stone and Webfoot Set includes a Golden Stone, Webfoot — The Spyderco Golden Stone and Webfoot Set includes a Golden Stone (right), Webfoot (left), two suede pouches, one plastic base (lower left), and an illustrated instruction book that explains how to use the sharpeners to put an edge on practically any home cutting tool.

One of the coolest studies in sharp is the Spyderco Golden Stone and Webfoot Set. “The set offers a uniquely different approach to knife and tool sharpening,” began Michael Janich, Spyderco special projects coordinator. “Of similar design, they can be used anywhere, set up in seconds, and do not require oil, water, electricity or any complicated clamps or fixtures.”

Both sharpeners feature a distinctive “duck foot” design tapered on one end and that has twin scallops on the other. To use either sharpener, hold the narrow end in one hand and rest the wide end on a flat surface. The center point of the wide end, between the scallops, acts as a fulcrum.

“Rocking the sharpener from side to side until the outer points contact the surface aligns its outer edges to create a perfect 40-degree included angle,” Michael noted. “Simply keep the plane of your blade vertical and draw it from heel to tip down the outer edge. Then, rock the sharpener in the other direction and repeat the process on the other side of the stone. Alternating from side to side quickly creates a sharp, utilitarian 40-degree edge.”

For a thinner edge, the Webfoot and Golden Stone can also be used with the included ABS plastic base. Steps in the cavity of the base limit the rock from side to side, reducing the sharpening angle to 30 degrees. Laid on their sides, the sharpeners also offer a 12.5-degree angle for easily sharpening scissors and shears.

“The long edges of both sharpeners are tapered, so they naturally follow the contours of all blade shapes—even hawkbills and recurves—and can be used to easily sharpen serrated edges using the same sharpening technique,” Michael explained. “Their innovative designs also include rounded edges, grooves, and flat areas that provide multiple abrasive surfaces to sharpen tools of all shapes and sizes.”

The Webfoot is coated in an aggressive 600-mesh cubic boron nitride (CBN) abrasive. A form of synthetic diamond, CBN removes steel quickly and is ideal for reprofiling edges or sharpening very dull knives to a utility edge. For touch ups or to achieve a more refined edge after using the Webfoot, the Golden Stone features a fine-grit ceramic abrasive that is the equivalent of a 1,200 grit. Both sharpeners are supplied with suede pouches that protect them when not in use and do double duty as non-slip mats during the sharpening process.

The set includes one Golden Stone, one Webfoot, two suede pouches, one plastic base, and an illustrated instruction book that explains how to use the sharpeners to put an edge on practically any home cutting tool.

Spyderco Webfoot Specs
Sharpener Type: Proprietary “rocking” design
Blades sharpened: All, including scissors, pointed tools, gouges and serrated edges
Abrasive Type: Cubic boron nitride
Grit: 600 mesh
Dimensions: 7” x 3” x 0.25”
Construction Materials: One-piece carbon steel embryo
Weight: 6.05 ozs.
SPECIAL FEATURES: Includes multiple abrasive surfaces and shapes
Country of origin: China
MSRP: $89 ($270 in a set w/Golden Stone)
Available: Now

Spyderco Golden Stone Specs
Sharpener Type: Proprietary “rocking” design
Blades sharpened: All, including scissors, pointed tools and serrated edges
Abrasive type: High-alumina ceramic
Grit: 1,200 grit equivalent
Dimensions: 7.2” x 3” x 0.25”
Construction materials: One-piece fine-grit ceramic
Weight: 7.6 ozs.
SPECIAL FEATURES: Includes multiple abrasive surfaces and shapes
Country of Origin: USA
MSRP: $210 ($270 in a set w/Webfoot)
Available: Now

Work Sharp Ken Onion MK.2

The new Ken Onion MK.2 from Work Sharp comes as a stand-alone sharpener or as one of the company’s Elite packages that include the base sharpener along with a fully featured blade grinding attachment.

The sharpener sports a fresh new look and improved ergonomics to make it feel better in the hand during use. A new motor speed control offers seven pre-set settings to provide a consistent and repeatable sharpening experience, while the new torque control delivers consistent power, even under load. Positioned prominently atop the unit, amber LED indicator lights make selecting belt speed fast and easy.

A sharpening guide has a scope click adjustment knob. Detent clicks in half degree increments from 15 to 30 degrees along the dial allow for improved precision, consistency and repeatability, meaning you get the exact same edge angle every time you sharpen.

New leather-lined angle guides offer protection for knives during sharpening, while the sharpener’s improved guide design allows for knives with thumb studs. A lock-out belt tensioner on the sharpening cassette helps make changing abrasive belts fast and simple. Five grits accommodate the full spectrum of sharpening, from repair to ultra-fine polishing.

The system includes the standard triangle cassette sharpener along with a complementary blade grinding attachment for those who want to elevate their sharpening game. It’s built on a rigid metal chassis designed to offer a stable platform and features metal components engineered to last.

An adjustable, three-position convex pulley system enables you to customize grind profiles depending on personal preference or the type of knives being sharpened. Grind profiles can be set to low, medium or high convex quick and easy, again without tools. An angle adjustment knob, now located in a more visible position, makes setting grind angles faster and easier than ever. At the turn of the knob, you can rotate the dial anywhere from 10 to 30 degrees to set your preferred angle and can even make precise adjustments while the machine is running.

Work Sharp Ken Onion MK.2 Specs
Sharpener Type: Electric benchtop w/grinding attachment
Blades sharpened: Pocketknife, kitchen knife, hunting knife, serrated, axe and scissors
Grit Selection: ¾” x 12” Belt Kit: (1 ea.) P120 (extra coarse), X65 (coarse), X22 (medium), X4 (fine), 6000 (extra fine); also 1” x 18” Belt Kit (for grinder): P120, X65, X22, X4, 12000 and cloth belt for stropping.
Dimensions: Stand-alone sharpener: 9 ¾” long x 5 ¾” wide x 5 ½” tall; w/blade grinding attachment: 10” long x 6 ¼” wide x 6 ½” tall
Construction materials: Metal, plastic and tactile rubber; grinding attachment is built on a rigid metal chassis designed to offer a stable platform and features metal components throughout that are engineered to last.
Weight: 7 lbs.
SPECIAL FEATURES
7-speed motor control with LED display;
Sharpening guide w/scope click adjustment knob. Detent clicks in half degree increments from 15 to 30 degrees along the dial;
Leather-lined angle guides offer protection for knives during sharpening;
Tool sharpening cassette with 65-degree angle scissor guide;
Blade grinding attachment quickly and easily mounts to the MK.2 power base without tools or calibration.
Once attached, the grinder boasts on-the-fly motor speed control and continuous run time with LED indicator lights that make selecting belt speed fast and easy;
An adjustable, three-position convex pulley system enables you to customize the grind profile depending on personal preference or the type of knives being sharpened;
Graphic user guide along with a quick start guide helps you understand and operate the sharpener successfully, and;
Flexible abrasive belts and angle guides provide precision results on just about anything that needs sharpening.
Country of origin: Made of foreign parts; designed, calibrated and quality checked in Ashland, Oregon
MSRP: $300
Available: Now

Wicked Edge Cobalt WE64

Wicked Edge’s patented Dual-Sided Sharpening Technology, DualCam Vise and more highlight the new Cobalt WE64.

The Wicked Edge Cobalt WE64 features easy clamping ability with the company’s DualCam Vise to the portable form factor of the company’s GO-WE60 sharpening unit.

According to Wicked Edge, the result is the fastest sharpening experience in the 60 Series line, including both standard edge maintenance and touchups.

The WE64 is lightweight and compact for storage and travel and can be secured to a hard, flat surface with the included C-clamp, or directly mounted to a work surface through the predrilled holes in the base. It is compatible with all Wicked Edge sharpening stones and strops and assorted other of the company’s sharpening accessories.

Wicked Edge Cobalt WE64 Specs
Sharpener Type: Precision guided manual
Edges sharpened: All but serrated
Abrasive Type: Monocrystalline diamond stones
Grit Selection: 200/600 diamond stones (2 each)
Dimensions: 11.5” x 4” x 4.75”
Construction Materials: Type 2 anodized aluminum, stainless steel and Delrin
Weight: 3.5 lbs.
SPECIAL FEATURES
Patented Dual-Sided Sharpening Technology;
DualCam Vise, included repeatability tools, lightweight, portable design, C-Clamp, standard alignment guide, guide rod shields, practice knife, limited lifetime warranty
Sharpens blades up to 15” long
Angle range: 13-31 degrees per side (26-62 degrees inclusive)
Angle markings in 1-degree increments
Able to clamp blades up to 3/16” thick and able to clamp thicker blades with the unit’s .25-inch jaws
Country of Origin: USA
MSRP: $499
Available: Now

AccuSharp Explorer Knife & Tool Sharpener and Outdoor Survival Tool

The AccuSharp Explorer Knife & Tool Sharpener and Outdoor Survival Tool has a wealth of sharpening and survival tools for outdoor enthusiasts. Diamond-honed tungsten carbide blades and fine ceramic rods address plain edges. The diamond-tapered rod sharpens serrations and gut hooks, while a center groove sharpens fishhooks and various pointed objects. The multifunctional tool also features a fire starter, compass, emergency whistle and SOS mirror for survival situations.

AccuSharp Explorer Knife & Tool Sharpener and Outdoor Survival Tool Specs
Sharpener Type: Knife and tool w/survival tools
Edges sharpened: Plain and serrated
Sharpening Angle: Preset at 21 degrees
Abrasives/Grits: Tungsten carbide and fine ceramic/1500; diamond coated rod/400
SPECIAL FEATURES:
2 V-notched sharpening slots;
Reversible tungsten carbide blades preset at 21-degree angle;
Fine ceramic finishing rods preset at 21-degree angle;
Compact design;
Retractable diamond tapered rod to sharpen serrations and gut-hook blades;
A groove to sharpen fishhooks;
SOS mirror;
Compass;
Fire-Starter;
Emergency whistle;
Sharpener Dimensions: 5” wide x 1.25” long x .5” deep
Construction Materials: Hard plastic body, diamond-coated steel rod, fine ceramic rods, and tungsten carbide and metal screws
Carry: A lanyard hole for easy attachment
Weight: 1.6 ozs.
Country of Origin: China
MSRP: $16.99
Available: Now

AccuSharp 4-in-1 Knife and Tool Sharpener

The AccuSharp 4-in-1 Knife and Tool Sharpener is a keen companion for outdoor enthusiasts. The pocket-sized edge maintenance tool features pre-angled coarse tungsten carbide blades for initial sharpening and fine ceramic rods for refining the edge. A retractable diamond-tapered rod sharpens serrations and also features a groove for hooks and darts. If you prefer working on a flat surface, flip out the retractable diamond file for continuous sharpening. The unit’s rubber-molded feet ensure stability during use. Color options are black and blaze orange.

AccuSharp 4-in-1 Knife & Tool Sharpener Specs
Edges sharpened: Plain and serrated
Abrasive Type: Tungsten carbide, fine ceramic and diamond coated
Grit Selection: Diamond rod: 400; diamond file: 400; ceramic fine: 1500
Dimensions: 1.5” wide x 4” long x 0.75” deep (closed) and 1.5” wide x 8.75“ long x 0.75” deep (open)
Construction Materials: Hard plastic body, diamond-coated steel rod & file, fine ceramic rods, and tungsten carbide
Weight: 1.6 ozs.
SPECIAL FEATURES
2 V-notched sharpening slots;
Reversible tungsten carbide blades preset at 21-degree angle;
Fine ceramic finishing rods preset at 21-degree angle;
Rubber-molded feet for stability;
Compact design;
Retractable diamond tapered rod;
Groove to sharpen hooks and darts;
Retractable diamond flat file
Country of origin: China
MSRP: $16.99
Available: Now

Cold Steel Benchtop Sharpener

The Cold Steel Benchtop Sharpener is angle adjustable from 15 to 30 degrees, and comes with four diamond sharpening grits. It has an ambidextrous clamp with a non-marring grip and 180-degree rotation for sharpening two edges without removing the knife from the clamp. The base is weighted with non-slip feet providing a stable pedestal for benchtop sharpening. The unit includes a hardshell carrying case.

Cold Steel Benchtop Knife Sharpener Specs
Sharpener type: Adjustable benchtop stone
Edges sharpened: Plain
Abrasive Type: Diamond
Grit Selection: 300, 600, 800 and 1000
Dimensions: 5” long x .95” wide x .82” thick
Construction materials: Metal
SPECIAL FEATURES:
Adjustable sharpening stone;
15-30 degree angle;
Ambidextrous clamp with even clamping force;
180-degree rotation for sharpening two edges without removing knife from clamp, and;
Hard shell carry case
Country of Origin: China
MSRP: $149.99
Available: Now

More Sharpening Articles:

Knife Sharpening: What’s the Best Angle?
5 Myths About Knife Sharpening
5 Leading Sharpening Rods
4 Steps to Perfect Freehand Sharpening

ABS Lose Two Long-Time Leaders In Passing Of Steve Dunn & Hanford Miller

Featured
Knifemaking

BLADE Staff

June 26, 2024

ABS Lose Two Long-Time Leaders In Passing Of Steve Dunn & Hanford Miller

Dunn and Miller left lasting impressions on ABS, students and custom knifemaking.

The American Bladesmith Society lost two of its finest leaders and bladesmithing instructors recently with the passing of ABS master smiths Steve Dunn and Hanford J. Miller.

Steve Dunn

Steve died on May 21. He was 68. Outgoing chairman of the ABS, he was a longtime Society member, receiving his master smith stamp in 1994 before going on to serve on the ABS board of directors and eventually being elected chairman.

“He was a craftsman of the highest level, as evident in the exceptional blades he made, and unsurpassed as an engraver, which he passed on to so many with his teaching,” americanbladesmith.org reported.

Many in the ABS were still recovering from the shock of the news as BLADE® was going to press, ABS master smith Billy Bob Sowell among them.

“I was stunned,” he wrote. “Steve was one of my judges for my master smith stamp. I took his engraving class and his folder class. I’ll miss him.”

According to his bio on the ABS website, Steve began making knives as a hobby in 1988. In 1990 he enrolled in the basic forging class at the Bill Moran School of Bladesmithing, where he started forging damascus. After achieving master smith, it wasn’t long before he began teaching at the Moran School. In 2003 he was selected to serve on the Society’s board of directors.

A strong believer in sole authorship of his knives, he enrolled in a basic engraving class at GRS Tools in 2002. He later studied with Chris DeCamillus on Bulino style engraving and was asked to be an instructor at the GRS school in 2005.

Hanford Dunn

Hanford passed away on March 25. He sold his first knife in 1968. He made knives in the Moran style, including bowies, fighters, camp knives and other large fixed blades, and also period pieces such as reproductions of the cinquedea. His mark was his initials or name within a bowie logo.

In addition to being an outstanding maker of forged knives, Hanford served on the ABS board of directors as treasurer for many years. According to americanbladesmith.org, he was best of friends with BLADE Magazine Cutlery Hall-of-Fame® member Bill Moran, with the pair being “like two peas in a pod.”

They first met in 1974 in Bill’s shop. Hanford read about Bill in a library book about knives and realized he was only a short drive away from Hanford’s home in Randallstown, Maryland.

“Bill was a great mentor,” the site observed, “and their friendship lasted long after Hanford moved to Colorado in 1976.”

Pros’ Secrets To Sharpening Knives

Featured

Mike Haskew

June 24, 2024

Four knife industry pros share the secrets of how they keep their edge when sharpening.

A knife is made to perform its function as a tool, and job number one is to cut.

It follows that the development and maintenance of the edge is the most important aspect of knife ownership and use. When users are in the shop, around the house, at the office or in the field, keeping the edge in top form and working order makes the task at hand easier and often saves time and effort.

Custom Knifemaker: Chris Berry

Chris Berry sharpens freehand, holding the DMT bench stone in one hand and his modified cleaver in the other. (Chris Berry image)

A custom knifemaker for 15 years, Chris Berry has made a name for himself in heavy-use choppers with blades of high-wear-resistant steel.

“When I finish a knife and get ready to sharpen it, I break the edges on the grinder to start the process and then work freehand after that,” he explained. “I’ll start with an extra-coarse DMT diamond stone and then go from extra coarse black to red medium and then green extra fine.”

In the field Berry carries a Spyderco cubic boron nitride (CBN) sharpening stone along with a Spyderco Double Stuff pocket stone.

“It has medium and fine ceramic for the edge,” Berry continued, “and then I’ll have some piece of leather to strop the blade and remove the burr.”

Chris knows it’s time to touch up an edge when it starts to drag through the cut.

“A blade is dull when it won’t cut printer paper,” he said, “so I’ll sharpen it before it reaches that point. I’m not obsessively sharpening a knife blade, but I’m just hitting the medium edge of the Double Stuff and going to the strop to bring back that popping edge. I usually only go back to the grinder if the edge is damaged, but, if the blade is really dull, starting with the extra coarse diamond and going through the grits will make it like a new knife.”

As Berry noted, the burr is the little, fine piece of steel that rolls up to the edge of the blade and is rough on one side and smooth on the other.

“If the burr isn’t gone after sharpening [the edge is] not sharp,” he advised. “In my opinion, it is the key to whether a knife is sharp or not. I tell people on social media that sharpening a blade is broken down to apexing the edge to raise the burr, refining the edge with progressively finer grits, and then removing the burr by stropping. If you progress through the grits and have the burr removed, you should be able to cut newsprint, phone book paper and even paper towels. That is as sharp as you are going to get.”

Knob Creek Forge: James Gibson

James Gibson of Knob Creek Forge designs knives for ESEE and teaches classes on bushcraft and survival.

Some of the favorite field sharpeners of Joe Flowers include the EZE-Lap 530 Super Fine Diamond/Ceramic Folding Sharpener (top) with a folding handle. “The Spyderco Double Stuff [middle] is a fantastic field sharpener,” Joe wrote. “It and the EZE-Lap Double Sided Sharpening Stone [bottom] both have a leather sleeve which can work as a strop.” (Joe Flowers image)

“I like a full flat grind with a convex edge,” he remarked. “They say the convex edge is the best, and when I have an extremely dull blade I use these little diamond files and then a ceramic rod or stone that will stand the edge up.”

An ABS journeyman smith, Gibson cautioned, “A dull knife will hurt you quicker than a sharp knife because you tend to lose control when you apply more pressure to get a job done. Most of the time I will sharpen a knife at the end of the day, but if it is not performing I will touch it up right then and there. If you ever watch a carver, they will carve for 15 minutes or so and then strop the blade to bring the edge back right quick. After a few days of stropping, they will have to do a bit of sharpening.”

Gibson sometimes uses a marker to spot the blade about a quarter inch up from the edge and then “floats” the edge up and down the diamond sharpener. He then moves to the leather strop and notes that if a compound has been used to keep the leather in shape the process will turn the leather black.

A Brazilian bushman files his machete on a stone, taking out the burrs and nicks in the edge. (Joe Flowers image)

“That means you are pulling steel off the edge,” he commented, “and where the two polished edges meet that will give you the sharpest blade you can get.”

Safety is a constant concern for Gibson and he stresses this aspect of knife use in his classes.

“We train people on the knife, and one of the first things we tell them is never to cut toward yourself. Keep everything out in front of you, or use a bench, log or stump so that everything is out of the way.”

CRKT: Russ Kommer

As a knife designer for Columbia River Knife & Tool (CRKT) and a hunting guide, Russ Kommer keeps blades sharp on a regular basis.

“When I finish up a custom knife, I run the blade on a brand new 400 grit slack belt with a real slight radius,” he remarked. “Then I will take it over a used 400 grit belt so that when the edge is curled and there is a little white line, I can use a leather strop or a 10-inch wheel and break off the burrs.”

Kommer carries a diamond sharpener in the field to touch up an edge.

“That will stand that line back up and remove some steel to get the edge back to infinity,” he said. “The only way to get a blade sharp is to remove enough steel. In the field you can use a leather strop or even the leather heel of your boot or something to help. When guiding, I have done two moose and a caribou in one day, and working on big animals is a big job. Sometimes I will carry two knives and touch both up to be ready for the next week, and I carry a pocketknife for cutting rope or other camp chores. It’s not good to use your hunting knife to cut burlap and dull it up on something like that.”

Testing for sharpness is a varied exercise, and Russ likes the simple standard.

“Guys like to shave their arms and that is all cool and dandy,” he smiled. “I just rake it across the back of my head, and when I feel it grab that hair I know the blade is sharp. There is also the fingernail task—if you feel the blade grab right there on the fingernail, then it is sharp. If you have practiced sharpening a blade enough, then you know quickly just how sharp a knife blade is.”

Condor Tool & Knife: Joe Flowers

As a knife designer for Condor Tool & Knife, Joe Flowers has sharpened thousands of blades through the years. The sharpening process is dependent largely on the work at hand.

This combination of an EZE-Lap ceramic and diamond stone tucks into the JC Messer strop, providing Joe Flowers with a large range of media in a small package. The large strop helps balance out the smaller stone. (Joe Flowers image)

“It can vary between jobs,” he explained. “I just have a 2×42 grinder that I do edge modification on—with every belt imaginable—but by far I use the leather belt the most because I am always using the blades and getting a fast strop. Most of the time, I try and use my field sharpeners and also complement them with the finer stones like my King stones or Spyderco ceramics.”

When Flowers ventures into the field, he is prepared for the occasional sharpening task.

“I really like EZE-Lap’s double sharpener,” he advised. “The files really bite down on carbon steel, and the ceramic on the other side keeps a finer edge. I’ve even used the sheath as a strop. That and the Spyderco Double Stuff are my two favorite compact sharpeners, although Work Sharp’s setup is great, too.”

Chris Berry cuts a figure 6 in a sheet of paper. “A blade is dull when it won’t cut printer paper,” he said, “so I’ll sharpen it before it reaches that point.” (Chris Berry images)

When in the field, Flowers likes to settle down before taking on the sharpening of his knives.

“Normally, in camp situations, unless I’m working hours on a game animal or on a bushcraft project, I leave my sharpening to nighttime around the campfire. I also have my field sharpeners around my desk at work to use to understand how they work on different steels more. I like using EZE-Lap and diamond stones with harder-use bushcraft [carbon] steels like 1095. It can get an edge fast and you can go about your day.

“For machetes,” Joe continued, “I stick with what the locals use, and that’s a file. Generally, I’m working with softer steels for machetes so a triangular single cut bastard or double cut bastard file about 6 inches long is a nice addition to my sheath. I’m finding better results in super steels on diamond stones until I move into these new crazy preloaded diamond powder strops. Those look incredible to try.”

These items are extremely handy if you do anything with knives. The fingertip bandages are good anywhere on the bop, aka a survival experience, and bleed control Band-Aids® can also be handy. They have a coagulant. Besides a tourniquet, noninvasive wound closure devices coupled with a tape adherent like Skin Tac™ can save a trip to the emergency room for those annoying cuts. (Joe Flowers image)

When sharpening a dull blade, Flowers is known to use 60- to 80-grit belts to re-form edges when large chunks have been taken out of a machete, for example. He maintains that it can take the steel off the blade fast but there must be a bucket of water or a spray bottle handy to keep the grinding surface cool.

Bringing a knife back from dead dull involves a proven process.

“At home I would reprofile gently on a 1×30 Harbor Freight special I’ve had from the old days,” Joe commented. “Depending on the steel and use and the comfort of the hardness, I’ve reprofiled knives from dead dull with homemade sandpaper and mouse pad backing and keep heavier grits there as well. You can definitely over sharpen a knife by stropping so much you roll the edge. In the technique, you need to be able to tell when you have just the right amount of pressure.”

Hari, a Huitoto tribesman from Colombia, uses a common triangular file on the axes and machetes on Bushcraft Global (bushcraftglobal.com) trips. For the final edge, the file is drawn from the edge to the poll. (Joe Flowers image)

Sometimes the type of sharpening medium used depends on the blade steel, the style of blade and the common utility of the knife.

“On many higher-end-steel kitchen knives, I stick with King stones because they are tried and true,” Joe related. “However, I like many different media for various steels, going for the extra-fine edges or a strop loaded with compounds for the final edge. For things like serrations, I use thinner round diamond rods for getting the radius, but I don’t deal with them much. I really like the flattest surface possible when I sharpen Scandi as it helps keep the angle straight.”

Retaining a sharp edge makes life easier wherever and whenever a knife is needed. A few minutes to shape up a blade is always time well spent.

More Sharpening Articles:

Knife Sharpening: What’s the Best Angle?
5 Myths About Knife Sharpening
5 Leading Sharpening Rods
4 Steps to Perfect Freehand Sharpening

Throwing Axes: Sharp New Airborne Hackers

Buyer's Guides

Reuben Bolieu

June 21, 2024

Throwing Axes: Sharp New Airborne Hackers

Consider three hot new throwers for an ancient sport gone international.

Once considered a lost pastime, axe throwing has grown in popularity worldwide. With the founding of such organizations as the International Axe Throwing Federation (IATF), the World Axe Throwing League (WATL) and others, and the pursuit’s establishment as a pub sport in the USA, Canada, Belgium, Poland and elsewhere, more people are interested in this thrilling activity. It’s no longer just a lumberjack’s hobby but an exciting sport most anyone can enjoy.

Condor Tool & Knife Cantina Axe

To get a perfect toe-first stick, adjust your distance by taking a step forward or back. The Condor Tool & Knife Cantina penetrated deeply due to its edge geometry and head weight.

Accompanying axe throwing’s growth in popularity is the demand for high-quality axes. The Cantina Axe from Condor Tool & Knife is an excellent all-purpose tool with features catering to professional axe throwers and seasoned axe users alike. The Cantina is versatile enough for both competition axe throwing and outdoor tasks, making it a valuable addition to any edged-tool array.

Crafted from 1060 high carbon steel, the axe head features a natural darkened finish that adds to its rugged appeal. The 18-inch burnt American hickory handle provides an excellent grip. The 4-inch blade bit weighs about 35 ounces, making it stout enough for outdoor splitting and chopping chores. The design promotes maximum performance, making it an excellent choice for anyone looking for a reliable multi-purpose axe.

Condor Tool & Knife Cantina Axe Specs
Blade Length: 4”
Blade Grind: Convex
Blade Material: 1060 carbon steel
Handle Material: Burnt American hickory
Weight: 35 ozs.
Overall Length: 18”
Sheath: Rubber blade cover
Country of Origin: El Salvador
MSRP: $87.34

The Cantina’s convex edge made thin curlicues with minimal effort. The edge helps enable the axe to perform as both a throwing and camping tool.

FIELD TEST: The Cantina looks and feels like a small camp axe. The test model came with a good convex edge that stuck in a dead tree target and was camp-use capable out of the box. The head geometry is between a conventional and throwing axe profile. Despite the Cantina being the heaviest of the test bunch, it wasn’t a chore to throw. In fact, the weight helped it stick since the bit isn’t flat like many throwing axes with a pronounced heel and toe.

The handle is straight and burly, with a little more meat at the throat of the axe. It came well-seated and solid. However, after several throws it had a bit of play, though it never came visibly loose. I’m sure a boiled linseed oil bath would remedy this. The straight handle helped propel the axe and elegantly send it into flight.

The Cantina’s distinctive feature is its head shape combined with the convex edge. This makes it a jack of many tasks, easily doubling its duty as a camp axe. I like this aspect the most. The edge shaved fine feathers and chopped and split like a regular axe, with more head weight for its size. If you want to grab one axe and head out covering camp and leisurely axe throwing, the Cantina’s it.

Boker Plus Mohican Throwing Axe

The Mohican set features all-3Cr13-stainless-steel construction and a black coating. Each piece is 10.94 inches overall.

If you’re looking for a reliable and stylish throwing axe outfit, the Boker Plus Mohican Throwing Axe 3-Piece set is worth considering. It is designed for both novice and experienced throwers, offering precision and comfort. Each axe features a 10.94-inch overall length and all-3Cr13-stainless-steel construction, with a black coating that makes it durable and visually appealing.

The design is based on the silhouette of traditional tomahawks of North American indigenous people, with an additional, shorter 2.36-inch cutting-edge blade on the axe head. The paracord-wrapped handle ensures a secure and comfortable grip and precision throwing. A blade recess ensures balance with even rotation for better accuracy. The set has a matching black nylon sheath and printed target overlay, making it perfect for home use. Each axe weighs approximately 8 ounces, making it easy to handle.

Boker Plus Mohican Throwing Axe 3-Piece Specs
Blade Length: 2.36”
Blade Grind: Hollow
Blade Steel: 3Cr13 stainless
Handle Material: Black cord
Weight: 8.18 ozs. (each)
Overall Length: 10.94”
Sheath: Nylon
Origin of Make: Asia
MSRP: $84.95

This is a perfect stick, with the top of the toe of the Boker Mohican perfectly perforating the target.

FIELD TEST: The Boker Mohican axes look and handle more like tomahawks than axes. The set is designed for fun rather than competition, so you will get more sticks with these bad boys. The feel of throwing a Mohican is not unlike flinging a knife.

There are two places the hawk can stick—the main bit and the spike, the latter which seems to stick during an overthrow. To fix overthrowing, take a step forward or enjoy making it stick regardless. The edges are sharp and flared to enhance sticking ability.

The Mohicans are lightweight, so they require some getting used to if you’re accustomed to larger throwing axes. The handle is straight with cord wrapping, making the hand adhere to it too well for optimum throwing. However, an easy fix is to remove the wrap or open the hand drastically when throwing the hawk.

The Mohican’s notable features are the double options for sticking the target and the forward-protruding sharp toe. The edge looks cool and improves target penetration. Another outstanding feature is the nylon sheath, which adds safety and value to the overall package. It has fabric fasteners, keeping each hawk individually secure.

The three Bokers get my vote for the most fun of the axes/hawks. They combine the feel of tomahawk and knife throwing. The little gems can also handle light utility work for a day camp or cooking near a small wood stove, as they can shave wood and split light kindling.

Cold Steel Professional Throwing Axe

The Cold Steel performed flawlessly. It was light and flew like a hawk, eagerly seeking its target.

Experienced axe throwers will appreciate the Cold Steel Professional Throwing Axe, an upgraded version of the company’s Competition Throwing Hatchet. It boasts a 4-inch blade of 1055 carbon steel and meets official axe-throwing tournament requirements. The 16-inch American hickory handle provides excellent balance during target practice or competition, while the axe head weight of 22 ounces and overall axe weight of 31 ounces makes it easy to handle.

What sets this axe apart is its patent-pending locking mechanism that enables you to change a worn or damaged handle in under two minutes. Simply loosen two bolts, remove the handle and replace it with a new one. With this axe you can focus on your aim and technique without worrying about lengthy handle replacements.

Cold Steel Professional Throwing Axe Specs
Blade Length: 4”
Blade Material: 1055 carbon steel
Blade Grind: Chisel
Handle Material: American hickory
Weight: 31 ozs.
Overall Length: 16”
Sheath: Rubber blade cover
Country of Origin: Taiwan
MSRP: $59.99

The Cold Steel Professional Throwing Axe has a patent-pending locking mechanism that lets you change a worn handle in under two minutes.

FIELD TEST: The Cold Steel had the best bit of the test bunch for sticking in the target, with a straight edge and slightly flared heel and toe. The blade geometry is thin and narrow as a throwing axe should be. The edge isn’t super sharp for an axe standard but it did well on my target, an old, rotting tree. The overall design definitely presents as a pro thrower.

Weight is a happy medium between a light throwing axe and a heavier one. Unlike conventional axes/hatchets of similar size, the weight is nestled solely in the head, which helps in propulsion.

The hickory handle has a nice grain and stayed robust despite a few blundering throws on my part. The classic straight handle helps the axe release without getting hung up on any design flare in the butt, etc. Besides, it’s not a chopping axe. The ingenious design allows for easy replacement of handles without loosening during testing. In my opinion, this axe is the most unusual of the three.

Instead of a sheath, the axe has a rubber blade guard that feels secure for transport and stays in the included pack while hiking. I like the compact, lightweight Cold Steel, and the MSRP, at $59.99, makes it the best buy of the test group.

More Axes, Hatchets And Tomahawks:

Bearded Axe: Best Bashers From Here To Valhalla
Best Tomahawks: Our Top Hawks For Backwoods To Battlefields
Wicked Breacher: Ben Seward’s SWAT Axe
Awesome Axes for Chopping Wood Like a True Lumberjack

Bear Valley BV-Tac 8 Multitool: Multi-Purpose Whacker

Buyer's Guides

Msg Kim Breed (ret.)

June 21, 2024

Bear Valley BV-Tac 8 Multitool: Multi-Purpose Whacker

The BV-Tac 8 is a versatile performer and does so comfortably.

The BV-Tac 8 “multitool” from Bear Valley Tactical is designed for firefighters, first responders, hunters, campers and other action seekers. It features plenty of uses for the average person that makes it a handy tool to have.

It features hydrant and spanner wrenches, hammer, axe blade, pry bar, 7/16- and 5/16-inch wrenches, gas turnoff, and 15 feet of paracord in the handle. The axe blade and hammer are very useful.

Bear Valley also offers attachments such as a shovel, pick with a hoe, bow saw and sand anchor (coming soon). The BV-Tac 8 is made in the USA.

Axe Test

To test the axe head, I split some pine. The multitool was very controllable. The weight was perfect to split the wood for kindling. The paracord handle prevented any shock to my hand. The only thing I worried about was the prybar when using the axe. I’m a right-hander and with the prybar angled toward the right, I had to be sure it did not hit my forearm.

I had a seasoned hackberry chunk I needed to split. The BV-Tac 8 was up to the task. It bit deep and within a few whacks the log was quartered. You can really get some power behind your chops with this puppy. Again, the paracord handle absorbed any shock to my arm.

Tool Test

The bolts fit tight into the prybar slots but you are limited by space around a bolt for use. There’s plenty of leverage if you can get to the bolt.

I found a few bolts that fit into the slot of the pry bar. They fit tight into the respective slots but you are limited by space around a bolt for use. The BV-Tac 8 has plenty of leverage if you can get to the bolt.

Grasping the hammer, I drove finishing and roofing nails into a 2×4. The hammer has great balance and hits where you aim. There is enough weight to drive the nails deeply on each blow. The handle is extremely comfortable and doesn’t roll during hammering. It is very well done.

I used the pry bar to pull the nails I had hammered into the 2×4. After prying them up about a quarter inch, I was able to slide the nail head into the prybar’s “V.” I lifted the nails out easily. This thing is—you guessed it—handy.

Hard-Use Test

The author used the hammer to drive finishing and roofing nails into a 2×4. There is enough weight to drive the nails deeply on each blow. The handle is extremely comfortable and doesn’t roll during hammering.

I had to push the limits of the hammer and axe. An old steel screen chair had one more use: whack attack! The hammer easily busted the screen out from the welded channel. Seven or eight hard blows and all I did was mark up the Cerakote® finish.

On to the axe head, same drill—seven or eight hard blows to the screen. Most of the blows penetrated around halfway through the screen. The edge maintained its sharpness but I sure can mess up a great Cerakote finish. It’s “seasoned” now.

Final Cut

I might add a tip guard for the prybar. The BV-Tac 8 is an extremely versatile tool to have in your vehicle or strapped to your rucksack.

BV-Tac 8 Specs
Edge Length: 4.75”
Head/Edge Material: S7 tool steel
Head Finish: Coyote brown Cerakote®
Handle: Paracord wrapped
Special Features: Several built-in tools (see copy)
Weight: 3 lbs.
Overall Length: 17”
Blade Cover: Synthetic
Country of Origin: USA
MSRP: $199.99

More Axes, Hatchets And Tomahawks:

Bearded Axe: Best Bashers From Here To Valhalla
Best Tomahawks: Our Top Hawks For Backwoods To Battlefields
Wicked Breacher: Ben Seward’s SWAT Axe
Awesome Axes for Chopping Wood Like a True Lumberjack

Cool Customs: Kevin Casey’s Little Feather Knives

Knife Collecting
Knifemaking
Uncategorized

BLADE Staff

June 19, 2024

Cool Customs: Kevin Casey’s Little Feather Knives

Kevin Casey feathers his cap with an outstanding array of custom throwback blades.

Kevin Casey may have hit on a great idea for knives with both a custom touch and an antique look and feel.

Taking some old yet inexpensive late 19th/early 20th-century dinner knives with mother-of-pearl handles and silver ferrules, he replaced the original blades with those forged of assorted patterns of his feather damascus. The result, the Little Feathers, went fast at the Solvang Show, with two selling individually and five going to one shrewd buyer.

Kevin said similar versions of the original antique knives are available on eBay, Etsy, at jewelry stores, flea markets and the like. He cleaned the insides of the ferrules with acetone before epoxying his damascus blades into them. He cleaned the ferrules with Flitz and a toothbrush, polished the handles and the knives basically were ready to go. He plans to do more like them in the future.

Little Feathers Specs
Maker: Kevin Casey
Model type: Dinner knives
Blade lengths: 2.5 to 4.25”
Blade material: Assorted patterns of feather damascus in 1080 carbon and 15N20 nickel-alloy steels w/a thin layer of pure nickel; depending on the pattern, the layer count ranges anywhere from 50 to 500
Handle material: Mother-of-pearl
Ferrules: Silver
Overall lengths: 6.5 to 8”
Maker’s list price range for similar knives: $600 to $900 each

Check Out More Cool Custom Knives:

Jim Poor’s Slip Joint
Andrew Meers’ Pizza Cutter
Kurt Swearingen’s Buffalo Hunter Set
Isaiah Schroeder’s Gyuto

New Knives: Host Of Current Factory And Custom Blades

Buyer's Guides
Fixed Blade Knives
Folding Knives

BLADE Staff

June 17, 2024

New Knives: Host Of Current Factory And Custom Blades

Folder or fixed blade, EDC or kitchen and more, one of these will fill the bill.

In the wake of BLADE Show 2024 there is a slew of new knives hitting the custom and factory markets. We scoured both to bring you some of the latest and greatest handmade and production gems. Keep your eyes peeled for these fantastic options hitting dealers’ shelves soon.

Triple C Knives Model #3

Knife pattern: Fixed-blade hunter
Blade length: 4”
Blade material: Damascus of 5160 carbon and 15N20 nickel-alloy steels
Blade grind: Hollow
Handle: Mammoth ivory
Bolster: Stainless steel
Overall length: 7.75”
Maker’s price for a similar knife: $1,000
Maker: Triple C Knives (SharpByCoop image)

Bubba Crouch Trapper

Knife type: Slipjoint
Blade length: 3 7/8”
Blade steel: Damascus forged by ABS master smith Rick Dunkerley
Blade grind: Hollow
Handle material: African goat horn
Handle frame: 416 stainless steel in an integral construction
Bolster: 416 stainless
Knife to know: The CPM 154 stainless backspring features filework; the arrowhead shield is damascus
Closed length: 4”
Maker’s price for a similar knife: $2,500
Maker: Bubba Crouch (SharpByCoop image)

Erik Fritz Petty Chef’s Knife

Blade length: 6.5”
Blade material: Triple-quenched 52100 carbon steel
Blade grind: Flat w/convex edge
Handle: Buckeye burl
Bolster: 416 stainless steel
Overall length: 11”
Maker’s price for a similar knife: $400
Knife to know: Erik Fritz is an ABS journeyman smith
Maker: Erik Fritz (Jocelyn Frasier image edit)

Ben Akin Bowie

Blade length: 83/8”
Blade material: W2 tool steel w/hamon
Blade grind: Flat
Handle: Box elder burl w/carbon fiber and red G-10 spacers and a mosaic pin
Guard: Wrought iron
Overall length: 135/8”
Knife to know: Ben Akin is an ABS apprentice smith
Maker’s price for a similar knife: $800
Maker: Ben Akin (Jocelyn Frasier image edit)

**Egginton Presentation George Wostenholm I*XL barlow**

Knife type: Slipjoint
Blade length: 2.16”
Blade steel: 420S45 stainless
Blade pattern: Clip point
Blade finish: Crocus polished
Scales: Stabilized birch burl in Cutlers Company green
Bolster: Nickel silver marked w/400-year anniversary emblem
Knife to know: Commemorates the 400th year of The Company of Cutlers in Hallamshire, UK; The Company of Cutlers was formed by an act of Parliament in 1624 to “protect and promote the cutler and steel products made” in Sheffield, England; made in a limited edition of 2024 in recognition of the company’s 400th anniversary year; each knife is serial numbered
Weight: 2.18 ozs.
Closed length: 3.16”
Country of origin: United Kingdom
MSRP: $185 at press-time exchange rate
Company: Egginton

Boker Plus Gust Copper

Knife type: Manual one-hand folder
Designer: Serge Panchenko
Blade length: 2.87”
Blade material: D2 tool steel
Blade @ thickest: .14”
Blade pattern: Drop point
Blade finish: Stonewashed
Blade opener: Thumb hole
Handle material: Copper w/hole for a lanyard
Lock: Framelock
Pocket clip: Tip up, right-handed
Weight: 4.44 ozs.
Closed length: 3.7”
Carry: Nylon pouch
Country of origin: China
MSRP: $119.95
Company: Boker Plus

Valhalla Blades Surtr

Pattern: Bowie
Blade length: 11”
Blade material: 1084 carbon steel
Blade grind: Flat
Handle material: Dyed, stabilized maple burl
Guard: Brass
Overall length: 16”
Maker’s price for a similar knife: $250 at press-time exchange rate
Maker: Valhalla Blades (Rod Hoare image)

TOPS Knives Shadow Hunter

Knife type: Fixed blade
Blade length: 4.5”
Blade material: 1095 carbon steel
Rockwell hardness: 56-58 HRC
Blade @ thickest: .19”
Blade finish: Tungsten Cerakote®
Handle material: Black canvas and tan canvas Micarta®
Weight: 10.1 ozs.
Overall length: 9.25”
Sheath: Tan Kydex
Weight w/sheath: 12.8 ozs.
Knife to know: While the original was a favorite of company founder Mike Fuller, the new iteration is fine-tuned for enhanced performance, including a more ergonomic handle, slightly extended blade and modernized finishes
Country of origin: USA
MSRP: $250
Company: TOPS Knives

Montana Knife Co. MKC Whitetail

Pattern: Hunting knife
Blade length: 4”
Blade @ thickest: .135”
Blade steel: MagnaCut stainless
Blade pattern: Drop point
Handle material: G-10
Construction: Full tang
Overall weight: 4.3 ozs.
Overall length: 8 5/8”
Sheath: Kydex, open carry, reversible quick-attachment belt clip, vertical handle down or horizontal carry, built-in retention screw to customize blade tension
Knife to know: Also available in buck skin, black, green and black, tan and black, and grey handle colors; integral guard; gimping on blade spine
Country of origin: USA
MSRP: $315
Company: Montana Knife Co.

The Australian Cutlery Fixed-Blade Hunter

Blade length: 4”
Blade steel: CPM S35VN stainless
Blade grind: Hollow sabre
Blade thickness @ ricasso: 1/8”
Blade @ widest: 1”
Blade finish: Bead blast
Handle material: Hunter orange G-10 w/bead blast finish and custom Australian cutler mosaic pin
Overall length: 8.5”
Sheath: Matching hunter orange Kydex model made by Adam Grosskopf
Maker’s price for a similar knife and sheath: $230 at press-time exchange rate
Maker: The Australian Cutlery (Rod Hoare image)

Spyderco Manix 2 MagnaCut Lightweight Salt Knife Yellow Polymer

Knife type: Manual one-hand folder
Blade length: 3.375”
Blade steel: MagnaCut stainless
Blade grind: Flat
Blade @ thickest: .13”
Blade pattern: Drop point
Blade finish: Satin
Blade opener: Thumb hole
Handle material: Yellow polymer over stainless steel liners
Lock: Ball-bearing lock
Pocket clip: Reversible, tip up
Weight: 3 ozs.
Closed length: 4.625”
Country of origin: USA
MSRP: $232.99
Company: Spyderco

Cold Steel Espada XL

Knife type: Folder
Blade length: 7.5”
Blade steel: AUS-10A stainless
Blade @ thickest: .137”
Blade grind: Hollow
Blade pattern: Clip point
Blade finish: Black PVD
Handle material: Ruby red G-10
Lock: Tri-Ad Lock
Pocket clip: Blade tip up
Weight: 14.8 ozs.
Closed length: 9.25”
Knife to know: The knife is inspired by the classic Spanish navaja folder and is a collaboration between Lynn Thompson and custom knifemaker Andrew Demko
Country of origin: Taiwan
MSRP: $299.99
Company: Cold Steel

Check Out More Knife Drops:

Production And Custom Kitchen Kinves
Production And Custom Damascus And Stainless Steel Knives
Production And Custom Large Blade Knives

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Cold Steel Benchtop Sharpener

Steve Dunn

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Four knife industry pros share the secrets of how they keep their edge when sharpening.

Custom Knifemaker: Chris Berry

Knob Creek Forge: James Gibson

CRKT: Russ Kommer

Condor Tool & Knife: Joe Flowers

Consider three hot new throwers for an ancient sport gone international.

Condor Tool & Knife Cantina Axe

Boker Plus Mohican Throwing Axe

Cold Steel Professional Throwing Axe

More Axes, Hatchets And Tomahawks:

The BV-Tac 8 is a versatile performer and does so comfortably.

Axe Test

Tool Test

Hard-Use Test

Final Cut

More Axes, Hatchets And Tomahawks:

Kevin Casey feathers his cap with an outstanding array of custom throwback blades.

Check Out More Cool Custom Knives:

Folder or fixed blade, EDC or kitchen and more, one of these will fill the bill.

Triple C Knives Model #3

Bubba Crouch Trapper

Erik Fritz Petty Chef’s Knife

Ben Akin Bowie

Egginton Presentation George Wostenholm I*XL barlow

Boker Plus Gust Copper

Valhalla Blades Surtr

TOPS Knives Shadow Hunter

Montana Knife Co. MKC Whitetail

The Australian Cutlery Fixed-Blade Hunter

Spyderco Manix 2 MagnaCut Lightweight Salt Knife Yellow Polymer

Cold Steel Espada XL

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**Egginton Presentation George Wostenholm I*XL barlow**