From historic clashes to modern conflict, these fierce custom blades prove there is still a profound amount of art in the tools of war.
Since the dawn of man, the edge of the blade has been used to hash out disputes between everything from clans and tribes all the way to nations. While not the main battle implement in today’s conflict, the martial nature of the knife remains. This particular collection of fierce customs demonstrates there is a heap of art in war.
Caleb Ledford Long Sword
An electric 1084/15N20/mild steel Turkish-twist damascus defines the 31-inch blade of Caleb Ledford’s long sword. Lightening the sizable slicer’s load is a tapered fuller running on its midline. The handle is a pitch-black ebony, and the guard and pommel are cold-blued mild steel.
Jacco Van de Bruinhorst San Francisco Bowie
With matching blade and inserts, Jacco Van de Bruinhorst’s take on the San Francisco bowie is an elegant Barbary Coast brawler. The Canadian maker used ProCut/1084 to create what he calls a “snakeskin pattern.” If you study closely, the inserts harken back to the gold rush days with 24k gold inlay.
Jim Poling Dirk
Commissioned by a descendant of King James IV of Scotland, journeyman smith Jim Poling’s walnut-handled dirk appears freshly plucked from the highlands. The dagger boasts a 13-inch 1084/15N20 twist damascus blade, antiqued mild steel fittings and coin-edged nickel spacers.
Andrew Blomfield Pesh Kabz
Master smith Andrew Blomfield has taken more than one stab at the pesh kabz in his career, and lands the blow with this 11.5-inch bladed example. The eye-catching mosaic blade is contrasted by the very conservative tones of the purple gidgee handle and blackened steel bolster. A traditional flourish, brass blossoms are on the handle’s pins.
Michael Deibert Wakizashi
Alabama-based journeyman smith Michael Deibert brings traditional Japanese styling to life with this striking Wakizashi. The 18-inch blade features 1,100 layers of 1080/15N20 steel, paired with a wrought iron bolster. A classic stingray and an Ito-wrap handle complete the 28-inch overall build.
Nate “Tuna” Grant Pocket Fixed Blade
Nate “Tuna” Grant Pocket Fixed Blade
Journeyman smith Nate “Tuna” Grant delivers a compact powerhouse with the Defender. This 7.375-inch overall fixed blade features a 4-inch flat-ground blade forged from 1084/15N20 steel in a striking diamond drop pattern. The build is finished with rich Mun ebony scales.
Emmett Eitreim Dagger
Emmett Eitreim presents a refined 12-inch overall dagger featuring a 7-inch flat-ground blade. The steel is a striking rose pattern forged from 15N20/1084, complemented by a 954 aluminum bronze guard and pommel. A stabilized spalted maple handle completes this elegant, high-contrast build.
Check Out More Cool Customs:
Cool Custom: Tony Lewis’ Tribute Knife To Steve Dunn
Cool Customs: Rocco Nawrocki’s Knife For Sergeant Bunker
Daring little dagger takes a stab as a defensive secondary.
This was a challenging review. Not so much because of the knife, but the usual tests I do. I’ve focused mainly on the cutting ability of knives and a lot of what passes through my hands falls on the larger side. The Contingency Dagger from Colonel Blades is a small knife. On top of that, daggers are made for, err … penetration—I’ll leave it at that.
From my knowledge, the dagger would be excellent for a backup, self-defense blade. It’s light, concealable and with sturdy AUS-8 steel can and will penetrate. Right off, I like the overall feel of the knife, designed by veteran and author* Tom Marshal, and find the handle very well thought out. It comes with a Kydex sheath, fully adjustable for great security. But the way it shipped, it already had excellent positive lockup.
The Contingency comes with a Kydex sheath with a clip that make inside and outside the waistband carry simple and convenient.
All that said, no matter what a knife has to cut. I recommend that everyone test their knives to see how well they perform. It’s like going to a gun range with a new pistol—know its capabilities, both good and bad. I don’t like surprises and do not think you do either. Let’s find out the Contingency Daggers’ cut-abilities.
Light-Duty Cutting Tests
My regular bond paper was soggy after a rainstorm, so I used graph paper. It has the same thickness as 20-pound bonded, so it offers a comparable initial edge test. At first, the dagger ripped the paper, given that I approached the slices at too shallow an angle. Once I corrected for the knife’s steep grind angle, it cleanly shared the paper. The factory edge seemed like a 220-grit, sharp but not fine.
Next on the roster came thin cardboard, single-walled. The dagger quickly sliced through the material without any problems. The cut ends had a full curl to them because of the grind, which was expected. The diamond-shaped texture on the handle proved its worth here, giving the dagger a positive feel and great control.
The dagger quickly sliced through cardboard without any problems. The cut ends had a full curl to them because of the grind, which the author expected.
I grabbed some 8-ounce leather for skiving and the Contingency’s blade made nice crunching sounds as it parted the hide. It was easy to control the thickness of each cut as the AUS-8 blade steel found the medium it liked. While I had the leather out, I did some straight slicing. WOW! Here, the dagger cut aggressively. Again, the handle texturing made control easy.
Heavy-Duty Cutting Tests
I couldn’t resist doing a little whittling with the dagger. It made coarse curly cues after I adjusted the cut angle more steeply. After settling into a rhythm, the dagger comfortably shaved through. Using it in this fashion reminded me of a survival school trick for making the base wood for a hand or bow drill. A dagger excels at making these fast. I carried a small dagger for survival, they are excellent in the role, if you know how to utilize them correctly.
Not exactly designed for making push cuts, the Contingency nevertheless made mincemeat of ½-inch sisal rope.
I knew I would be taking a chance with 1/2-inch sisal rope, but I had to give it a shot. A lot of pressure is required to get a full cut on the material, and it made the edge prove its retention. The dagger gave a nice sounding crunch with 20 cuts. I switched to 1/4-inch braided cord, where it made 50 cuts in all. Not bad for this small dagger.
Overall Take
As a backup blade, the Contingency Dagger is phenomenal. I really enjoyed the handle’s texturing while cutting. The blade is wide enough to bring down the grind angle for a better cutting edge, or it could be hollow ground.
Harvey McBurnette etched his name in high-dollar knife sales.
Harvey McBurnette of Piedmont, Alabama, landed in the July-August issue of the 1976 American Blade for somewhat patriotic reasons. Somewhat, because the lead of Harry K. McEvoy’s exposé on the maker was McBurnette’s celebrated Bicentennial Bowies. But there’s more to the matter than a simple commemoration of the nation’s birthday in steel.
McEvoy hooks readers by showing what the artistically talented knifemaker’s work commanded back when your dollar went a long way. In 1976, the exact sum was $4,500. As McEvoy wrote, “[O]ne of his fabulous, hand-crafted Bicentennial Bowie knives appraised at that substantial figure after he had sold the weapon to a collector for $1,300.”
The lead image of the profile on Harvey McBurnette shows him studying his original knife design and free handing it to the steel. The maker had a strong artistic streak and was known, in part, for the embellishments he etched onto his knives.
For context, that’s roughly $26,000 in today’s dollars. What likely made the run of 76 bowies desirable was McBurnette’s unique system of adorning the knives—etching. This system, seen on many of his knives, was a very conscious choice on the maker’s part, as the story reports, serving to differentiate his work from other custom craftsmen of the day.
“I wanted to do something unique, or at least different, with my knives,” McBurnette was quoted as saying in the article. “And since I was an artist I thought if I engraved or etched my blade, I would add a touch I felt was needed to make them stand out. I chose the art of etching because there were a few other knife makers who engraved their knives. Besides, even a master engraver cannot do what an etcher can do.”
McBurnette’s Bicentennial Bowies had quite a motif etched on either side of their D2 tool steel blades. On one side of the 16.25-inch knife is an image of the Liberty Bell, and on the other a battle scene depicting Bunker Hill. The images are the same on all 76 knives, and 75 of them had elephant ivory handles. The knife appraised for the then astronomical sum did differ; the No. 1 of the series was a prototype with a walrus ivory handle.
Tips and tricks to get the most out of attending a knife show.
Magazines, websites, and social media only give you a two-dimensional look at a knife. Nothing replaces the experience of handling a knife in person. While the internet is convenient, it cannot match the visceral sensation of holding a knife at a show.
There are many knife shows across America. Some are big, like the BLADE Show, while others are smaller, regional events. All shows have one thing in common: custom knives. Makers offer blades in many styles, materials and price ranges. No matter the show’s size, you can gain an advantage—and get the knife or knives you want—by research.
Today, even smaller shows have websites or social media pages listing exhibitors. The exhibitor list will help you identify who will be at the show. Before every show I attend or consider attending, I go through this list, looking for both familiar makers and those of whom I am unfamiliar. In particular, I look for makers from outside the U.S. From this, I create my own list.
For unfamiliar makers, I visit their websites or social media pages to explore their knives. This research allows me to refine my list and home in on those I’m truly interested in. Once my list is complete, I prioritize the makers whose knives I want to see and handle.
The ladder damascus on Steve Randall’s 8” bladed fighter hits the right balance between understated and complexity. (Alison Randall image)
The floor map is another invaluable tool for show planning. As its name implies, it is a map showing the location of each maker’s table or booth. The combination of the exhibitor list and the floorplan provides me with the first advantage of my show game plan—time management. The other aspect it helps with is money management; researching gives me an idea of how much a specific maker’s knives will cost. I adjust my priorities accordingly.
Bargain Hunting
Knowing who’s at a show out of the way, the next step is to use the various social media platforms again to discover what the makers are bringing to the show. Many show off the knives they are planning on displaying and selling well before the actual event. This helps me identify style, materials and prices of which I’m interested. Often, this information also further helps prioritize my list.
Note, due to constraints imposed by some social media platforms, pricing is not always included in knife descriptions on these platforms. There’s an easy way around this, given that there is nothing wrong with sending the maker a message asking for the price. Realize, for many makers, pricing the knife can be as challenging as making the knife. But knowing the price allows you to compare other makers’ prices for similar work.
Becoming familiar with pricing across the spectrum of a particular knife sector—say, bowies, EDC or hunting knives—ultimately helps you get the best knife for your money. And the best value often is a new maker discovered during list research. I make it one of my goals to find a new maker whose work I am unfamiliar with at every show I attend. While I am not successful every time, many of the makers I work with today I found exactly through this method.
Personal Logistics
An homage to a classic design from BLADE Magazine Cutlery Hall Of Fame® member Bob Loveless. The author contends this is one of those knives you can only appreciate its lightness and quickness when it’s in your hand. (Karis Fisher image)
Research shouldn’t solely focus on the who and what at a show’s tables and booths. There is also a bevy of other factors to consider beforehand to make a show more pleasant.
It might sound obvious, but know where the show is located. Some smaller shows I have attended have been off the beaten path and difficult to find. I personally get frustrated having to hunt around for a venue, only to end up there after it’s already open.
Identifying the show hours is also crucial, as is understanding how most events organize their hours of operation. Most shows open earlier on the first day than on the second or third day. The inverse is generally true for closing—the last day usually ends earlier, especially for three-day shows.
It’s a good idea to also consider the restaurants you’ll eat at and the hotels you’ll stay in. The larger the show, the more crowded the restaurants and hotels. This is especially true with a large group; heading to a show with friends, plan on reservations for both room and board.
Don’t assume parking is right outside of the show’s location. That’s a recipe for trouble. Do your research and see if there is plenty of parking, where it’s located and, at some venues, how much it costs.
The final consideration is actually getting into the show—your tickets. If the show offers advance tickets, I recommend you purchase them before you arrive. You don’t want to be standing in line when the doors open.
Show Etiquette
Beautifully spartan, Mike Malosh executes an extremely clean hunter that’s built for dead-serious work. (Robertson’s Custom Cutlery image)
It should come as no surprise that those attending a show are focused on the knives they came there to see. But don’t let your focus make you into a poor or even rude show attendee. Here are some recommendations to keep in mind while at the maker’s tables.
When in doubt, ask for permission to handle a knife. Makers want you to; they just want you to do so respectfully.
If you have children with you, watch their little hands. They want to grab the knives just like everyone else.
Replace the knife where you found it. Set the knife down and don’t just drop it on the table.
For those knife fighters out there, limit your moves at the table. Those knives are sharp!
Don’t put your drinks, backpacks, bags, etc., on the maker’s table. Accidents happen, and no one wants a knife scratched or damaged.
Wait for your turn. At a crowded table, more than one person has been cut trying to grab a knife.
Jason Clack has a lot going on with his liner lock, from it’s 3.5-inch damasteel blade to black Timascus bolster and mammoth ivory scale. (Jocelyn Frasier image)
Take your non-knife-related conversation away from the front of the table. Don’t block the table from potential customers.
Everyone loves a deal, but no one wants to be insulted by a lowball price. Makers may adjust their price, but ultimately, that is their decision. That said, cash can tip the negotiation in your favor.
Ask as many questions as you like. Education directly from the maker is part of your admission price.
Here’s The Deal
Like the makers, dealers range from brand new to very experienced. Also, like makers, many have specialties. Unlike makers, they deal in the aftermarket. The prices they ask for knives, and are willing to pay for knives, are based on current market prices. Like many collectibles, those prices fluctuate based on several factors.
A stunner from GTC Enigma, the titanium-handled spring-loaded tab opener is lightning fast. Even at first blush, this pocket gem looks like it’s built for speed. (GTC Knives image)
Additionally, keep in mind that when trying to sell knives to a dealer, you walked up to their table. The price they offer you may not be what you were hoping for. There is no reason to swear at them, call them names or accuse them of low-balling you. I have turned down thousands of knives because I didn’t think I could resell them. It was as simple as that.
Plan For Success
Even with a three-day show like the BLADE Show, time quickly slips away. Having a plan to get into the event and to the makers, in turn, the knives you’re interested in ensures you’ll have a good experience. In essence, it comes down to time and money—be sure to get the most out of each!
Maker: Bob Earhart Model: Frame Handle Fighter Blade Length: 7.5” Overall Length: 12.3” Blade Steel: 5-bar Turkish twist damascus Guard Material: Blued 1018 Steel Handle Material: Mammoth ivory Leather Sheath: Custom-made by the maker Comments: The knife has excellent balance and handle ergonomics. The frame handle is forged to shape, revealing the pattern. Bob is an ABS master smith. His BLADE Show Table Number is 19S. Price: $1,700 Email Address:[email protected]
Maker: Steve Randall Model: Damascus Fighter Blade Length: 8” Overall Length: 13” Blade Steel: Ladder pattern Damascus Guard Material: Browned carbon steel Handle Material: Desert Ironwood Leather Sheath: Custom-made by the maker. Comments: Contoured guard and handle create a knife with excellent balance and comfort in the hand. Precise ladder pattern damascus, competent work from an ABS master smith. BLADE Show Table Number is 3R. Price: $1,800 Email Address:[email protected]
Maker: Steve Gatlin Model: Loveless Style Chute Knife Blade Length: 4.5″ Overall Length: 9.25″ Blade Steel: CPM 154 Guard Material: Stainless steel Handle Material: Exhibition-grade Desert Ironwood Leather Sheath: Custom-made by the maker Comments: Steve’s exceptional version of the classic Loveless Chute. Light and quick in the hand. BLADE Show Table Number is 7E. Price: $1,400 Email Address:[email protected]
Maker: Mike Malosh Model: Bear Hunter II Blade Length: 4.5” Overall Length: 9 1/8” Blade Steel: W-2 Guard Material: Stainless steel Handle Material: Leather Leather Sheath: Custom-made by the maker Comments: Excellent balance and handle ergonomics. Classic look. It is built for serious work. BLADE Show Table Number 6O. Price: $425 Email Address:[email protected]
Maker: Jason Clark Model: 77 Liner Lock Blade Length: 3.5” Overall Length: 8.12 Closed Length: 4.5” Blade Steel: Damasteel Bolster Material: Black Timascus Handle Material: Mammoth Ivory Opener: Flipper Lock: Liner Clip: Black Timascus tip up Comments: Sleek and smooth. Great lock up! BLADE Show Table Number is 12E. Price: $1,550 Email Address:[email protected]
Maker: GTC Knives Model: Enigma Blade Length: 4″ Overall Length: 9 Closed Length: 4.5″ Blade Steel: Stainless steel Damascus Handle Material: Titanium Opener: SLT (spring-loaded tab) Lock: Inset liner Clip: Titanium tip up Comments: Slick and smooth. Next-level construction and precision. This knife features screwless and toolless construction. WOW. Blade Show Table Number 19A. Price: $3,500 Email Address:[email protected]
Three highly coveted firearms modified by the Cutlery Hall of Fame® legend—including his “de-fanged” Colt Commanders—head to Rock Island Auction.
Bob Loveless Colt “Old Smoothie” Lightweight Commander semi-automatic pistol with scrimshawed ivory grips, drop-point Loveless Knife and sheath. Rock Island Auction image
While the late Bob Loveless secured his legacy as a titan of the cutlery world, the BLADE Magazine Cutlery Hall of Fame® member also brought his legendary eye for utility to the firearms world. His knives remain some of the most desirable, coveted custom creations on the planet, but a rare trio of his personal, customized handguns are now heading to the auction block at Rock Island Auction in the company’s June 27 American Sale (now live online). The selection highlights how the master craftsman applied his famous Bauhaus-inspired design ethos to custom gunsmithing.
Bob Loveless Colt “Old Smoothie” Combat Commander semi-automatic pistol with relief carved ivory grips. Rock Island Auction image
The lineup features two Colt Commander pistols that Loveless thoroughly “de-fanged,” a signature modification process where he systematically bobbed the hammers, radiused the frames and smoothed away every sharp edge that could gouge a shooter’s hand. The first is a c. 1980 Lightweight Commander, featuring his electro-penciled initials, custom Browning cuts on the slide, and smooth ivory grips scrimshawed with nude artistry. This rare piece is housed in a custom hardwood case alongside a matching 2004 Loveless drop-point hunting knife. It is joined by a scarcer steel-framed Combat Commander variant, a platform Loveless rarely altered because he felt the extra weight defeated the purpose of a carry gun, making this particular build exceptionally rare.
Bob Loveless Smith & Wesson Model 41 semi-automatic pistol with case and signed photographs. Rock Island Auction image
Rounding out the trio is an extensively reworked Smith & Wesson Model 41 target pistol, believed to be one of only 70 ever built by Loveless. This highly modified rimfire pistol features a shortened barrel with a custom vented rib, an exposed hammer conversion, a checked gold-washed backstrap with a lanyard loop, and his personal initials electro-penciled on the slide. Complete with signed photographs of Loveless, a custom leather holster and a glass-topped display case, the group offers collectors a rare look at how one of the greatest knifemakers of all time refined factory firearms into high art.
Read More On Bob Loveless:
Bob Loveless: The Icon’s Indelible Mark On The Knife Industry
Texas-based maker gives his take on the Randall Model 19.
It’s safe to say Adam Williams has had a lifelong love affair with Randall Made Knives.
“I’ve been drawn to Randall Made Knives and their designs since my grandmother gave me a copy of the 1973 edition of The Gun Digest Book of Knives and saw my first image of a Randall knife. I was around 11 or 12,” he wrote.
Little did this matriarch know where her gift was going to lead her grandson. Eventually, the Texas-based maker said he worked for the legendary company when a chance trip to Randall’s headquarters in Orlando, Florida, for a stock sale developed into a whole lot more.
“While there, I asked if they ever hired. They told me they were actually hiring right now and would need me to start within two weeks,” Williams related. “I rode back to Tampa and asked my now wife if she’d be open to moving to Orlando, and without hesitation, she said, ‘Let’s do it.’ I showed up for my first day at Randall Made Knives expecting to sweep floors. Instead, they handed me a piece of steel stamped Randall Made, Orlando, Florida and told me to start grinding. I couldn’t believe it.”
Given this history, it’s little surprise Williams finds Randall a wellspring of inspiration in his own creations. His 10.63-inch Silverado hunting knife is one such example. The blade style is modeled after the stout design of the Randall Model 19—also known as the Bushmaster.
Adam Williams
Williams gives the classic all-purpose design his own twist, forming the ample 6-inch blade from Baker Forge Raindrop copper go mai and outfitting it with an azure hunk of fossilized walrus ivory. He finishes it all off with a nickel silver guard and butt cap. Despite his familiarity with Randall’s design language, his Silverado presented challenges, particularly in venturing into new materials.
“This was my first time using Cu Mai, and thus my main challenge with this knife. It was also my first time using Gator Piss etch,” Williams said. “Jordan Berthelot of JB Blades provided plenty of tips regarding the etch. This coupled with multiple re-sanding, re-buffing and re-etching, I finally got the finish I was looking for on the blade.”
Rare materials, excellent execution and legendary inspiration—it’s likely Randall’s namesake, Bo, would have approved of Williams’ work.
Get a look at the new knives released at BLADE Show, the world’s largest knife show.
More than simply the foremost industry event and knife axis mundi, BLADE Show is also the preferred venue to launch knives. Makes sense, when for three days straight, Atlanta’s Cobb Convention Center sees a steady stream of thousands of knife fanatics. We’ll have more down the road, but here is some of what was dropped at the world’s largest knife show.
Bradford Knives Guardian 3.5XL
RARE BREED GUARDIAN—Bradford Knives’ fan asked for it and at BLADE Show they’ll get the shot to own the Guardian 3.5XL with a 4-inch MagnaCut blade. This limited run comes with a new sheath design, offering both vertical and horizontal carry options. Overall Length: 8.25 inches. Blade Profile: Sabre. Weight: 4.7 ounces. MSRP: TBD. Available: June
Ansø of Denmark Mudtrack Exoframe
FRAME JOB—Stripped down in material, the Toko features Ansø of Denmark’s skeletonized black titanium Mudtrack Exoframe, stripping the flipper’s weight to a scant 2.86 ounces. Outfitted with a do-all drop-point blade of RWL34 steel, the build had versatile built in. Lock: Button. Blade Length: 3.35 inches. MSRP: $995. Available: June
McNees Knives Mini Dixon
MIGHTY MITE—A scaled-down version of a McNees classic, the Mini Dixon boasts a compact 3.35-inch MagnaCut blade matted to a Grade 5 titanium handle. The modified clip point has a hollow grind and comes in a very svelte 4.5 ounces. Lock: Framelock. Overall Length: 7.75 inches. MSRP: $549. Available: June
UG Tools EKM Fighting Knife Set
DOUBLE TROUBLE—The UG Tools EKM Fighting Knife Set was developed Special Mission Units and is already being supplied to a German Tier 1 unit. The set comes with a 2.4-inch blade dagger and 4.7-inch blade drop point, highly modular sheath, attachment system and full contact training knives. Blade Material: CPM MagnaCut. Weight: Dagger 1.6 ounces, Drop Point 4.6 ounces. Country of Origin: German. MSRP: ~$1,000 Available: Autumn 2026
Spartan Blades Pandia
MOONLIT PRECISION—Named for the Greek goddess of the full moon, the Spartan Blades Pandia features a 3.25-inch CPM MagnaCut spear-point blade optimized via a proprietary double deep cryogenic treatment. The 8.25-inch Curtis Iovito design utilizes an IKBS bearing system for fluid flipper deployment. Handle Material: Titanium. Clip: Titanium. Weight: 4 ounces. Country of Origin: USA. MSRP: $495. Available: Now
Maserin Outback
BUILT FOR THE BUSH—Featuring a Böhler N690 steel blade and paired with an ergonomic G10 handle, the Maserin Outback is available in three colours: black, gray, and orange. It comes with a black Italian cordura sheath, and a sharpener and a survival saw. Blade Length: 5.51 inches. Overall Length: 10.9 inches. Country of Origin: Italy. MSRP: $239. Available: Now
Scorpion 6 Jörmungandr
SHARP LEVIATHAN—Named for a sea serpent of Norse mythology, the Jörmungandr from Scorpion 6 is made completely without any CNC machining and features 5.3-inch a double hollow grind freehanded by Shane Magnussen. Blade Steel: CPM S90V. Overall Length: 8.82 inches. Clip: Titanium. Internals: Delrin Caged Ceramic Bearings. MSRP: Starts at $1,500. Available: Now
QSP Badger
BRIDGING OVER—The QSP Badger gives a reason for righties and lefties to cheer with the company’s Bridgelock. Essentially a crossbar lock, it features a saddle that runs on the back of the handle for an oversized and ambidextrous release. Blade Pattern: Wharncliff. Blade Steel: Nitro V. Handle Material: G10. Blade Length: 3.35 inches. MSRP: TBD. Available: September
Opinel No. 8 Horizon
MODERNIZED CLASSIC—Designed to brave the outdoors, Opinel’s No. 8 Horizon features several element-resistant features, including a stainless steel Yatagan blade, fiberglass-reinforced polymer handle and a light 2.2-ounce weight. Blade Length: 3.15 inches. Lock: Friction, Virobloc Safety Ring. Grind: Convex. MSRP: $40. Available: June.
Buck Knives Heritage Slim Elite 110
CLIPPING CALL—A refined evolution of Buck Knives’ classic 110 Folding Hunter, the Heritage Slim Elite is nearly .25-inch slimmer, 3-ounces lighter and featuring a deep carry pocket clip and BOS heat-treated MagnaCut steel blade. Blade Pattern: Clip Point. Blade Length: 3.75 inches. Scale: Ebony. MSRP: $250. Available: May
Crescent Edges Celestial Entity
STAR STRUCK—A 3.5-inch tanto blade of MagnaCut steel, milled titanium scale, satin DLC blade finish and a solid frame lock, the Crescent Edges Celestial Entity is an otherworldly EDC option. Overall Length: 8.23 inches. Weight: 4.5 ounces. Country of Origin: China. MSRP: $375 Available: Now
CRKT Grvitic Flip
FIDGET FACTOR—Not your typical OTF, the CRKT Garvitic Flip utilizes a vintage-inspired flip-insert mechanism to deploy its 3.18-inch blade. Once out, tabs on the blade insert into recesses to keep the blade in place. Blade Steel: 5Cr13MoV. Blade Pattern: Spearpoint. Overall Length: 7.5 inches. MSRP: $50. Available: Now
Lionsteel Emmet
INTREPID INTEGRAL—Gentlemanly in appearance, the 2.83-inch LionSteel Emmet features a solid integral handle in either titanium or aluminum. The titanium model comes with carbon fiber inlayed scale, the aluminum with a hammertone texture. Blade Material: MagnaCut. Blade Pattern: Drop Point. Overall Length: 6.73 inches. Country of Origin: Italy. MSRP: Ti $225; Al: $130. Available: Now
NortoriousEDC Dirty Deed Pry Bar
DOWN AND DIRTY—Constructed from Grade 5 titanium and a solid 3.5 inches in length, the NotoriousEDC Dirty Deed Pry Bar is ready every day for jimmying chores. The tool ships with a deep carry clip installed and includes an optional filler tab. Thickness: 3/16 inch. Width: 5/8 inch. Finish: Stonewashed. MSRP: $75. Available: Now
Vero Engineering Slip Joint
UNKNOWN SOLIDER—Vero Engineering’s new Wharncliffe is so recent that at writing it was yet have a name. What is known is that the slip joint will have a 2.75-inch MagnaMax blade, with the Vero trademark rectangular milling serving as the nail nick. Overall Length: 6 inches. Weight: 2.6 ounces. Handle Material: Titanium. Country of Origin: U.S.A. MSRP: $198. Available: June
GiantMouse ACE Pontius
HARPOONS AWAY—Designed with input from Chris Pontius, the GiantMouse ACE Pontius features a 3.2-inch harpoon-inspired clip point blade and titanium scale. The linerlock will also be available in Green G10 or Black Canvas Micarta. Blade Steel: Elmax. Overall Length: 7.7 inches. Liners: Hardened 420 Stainless Steel. MSRP: $325. Available: June
Shirogorov F95 Ursus
BEAR OF THE NORTH—The Shirogorov F95 Ursus offers a rugged, work-oriented take on the refined F95 pattern, featuring a 3.74-inch Elmax stainless steel blade with a 5/6ths grind. This iteration utilizes a Multi-Row Bearing System (MRBS) for smooth deployment and a dependable liner lock. Scale: Micarta. Overall Length: 8.66 inches. Weight: 4.69 ounces. MSRP: $650–$700. Available: June
StraightLine EDC Bigger Digger
GOLDEN DIGGER—The StraightLine EDC Bigger Digger is a purpose-built fixed blade designed for daily carry, featuring a 3.74-inch drop-point blade of 14C28N stainless steel. Ensuring a secure grip in all conditions, the 7.52-inch profile is outfitted with green canvas Micarta scales and a flat grind for efficient slicing. Weight: 3.17 ounces. Grind: Flat. Sheath: Kydex. MSRP: $80. Available: June.
Rothman Knives Fabricator Series Gentlemen’s Trapper
BLUE-COLLAR GENTLEMAN—The Rothman Knives Fabricator Series Gentlemen’s Trapper is a modern, lightweight take on the classic slip joint, weighing in at just 1.6 ounces. The 2 7/8-inch Nitro-V stainless steel blade features a deep 14-inch hollow grind for exceptional slicing geometry. Overall Length: 7 inches. Scale: Carbon Fiber. MSRP: $400. Available: June
Browning Stormy Pass Trapper
STORM A BREWIN’—The Browning Stormy Pass Trapper is a traditional slip joint built with an emphasis on longevity and classic aesthetics. It features a 3-inch damascus steel blade with a hollow grind, paired with stainless steel liners and wood scales. Overall Length: 6.25 inches. Weight: 2.4 ounces. Blade Pattern: Trapper. MSRP: $100. Available: September
Bestech IKA Dagger
FRANKISH FLARE—Bestech’s IKA Dagger is the first integral handle design from French designer Tashi Bharucha. This folder features a 3.9-inch M390 stainless steel blade and ceramic ball bearings for fluid deployment. Overall Length: 8.85. Frame Material: Titanium. Blade Pattern: Dagger. Blade Thickness: 0.16 inch. Closed Length: 4.95 inches. MSRP: $580. Available: June
