See which factory knives took home the coveted hardware from the BLADE Show Texas Factory Knife Awards.
The BLADE Show Texas, held March 20-21 at the Fort Worth Convention Center, saw an intense factory knife competition. With an excellent turnout of competitors and a high-level of execution on the knives, it was most definitely a showcase of the top-tier production knives at the show.
With such an impressive lineup, the three-judge panel faced a tough challenge in determining which blade best represented each of the seven categories. In short, competition was hot. With the dust settled, here are the winners who claimed top honors, including Best in Show.
Specially engineered for knife blades, the two alloys are at the cutting edge of metallurgy.
Editor’s note: The genius behind MagnaCut—arguably today’s most popular blade steel for both custom and factory knives—the author has helped create two new blade materials that he fully expects to meet with wide-ranging acceptance as well. Following is his story on his latest voyage into his favorite subject.
I pitched the idea of MagnaCut steel to Crucible Steel and Niagara Specialty Metals in 2019. I said I had an idea for a steel that would match the best of the non-stainless powder-metallurgy steels in terms of wear resistance and toughness. This would be a big deal because there has been a longstanding gulf between the performance of carbon steels and stainless steels. My team and I successfully turned the idea into MagnaCut, released in 2021, which had a microstructure like a non-stainless steel while being stainless—offering the best properties of both.
I intentionally sought balanced properties with MagnaCut so it was both tough and wear-resistant, similar to non-stainless grades such as CPM 4V, CPM CruWear and Vanadis 4 Extra. Knife enthusiasts, especially those into folders, often seek higher-wear-resistance steels for maximum edge retention. Instead, I tried to push for a more balanced set of properties so knife buyers could see the benefits of having high toughness in addition to good wear resistance. This can allow knives to be made with thinner edges for better cutting ability, because toughness helps thinner edges resist chipping. In my edge retention tests with the CATRA (Cutlery Allied Trades Research Association) edge testing machine, thinner edges with smaller angles lead to larger differences in edge retention than the steel choice, or even the heat treatment! It seems many knife buyers have seen the light as MagnaCut has gained quite a bit of popularity since its release.
MagnaMax Steel
Nonetheless, I also knew knife enthusiasts would ask for something more wear-resistant. The folder crowd is not as worried about toughness and are seemingly always asking for greater wear resistance and edge retention. However, when the wear resistance gets too high, the steel becomes “unbalanced,” and the toughness becomes a significant issue. I see images of broken folders semi-regularly from the most extreme wear-resistance grades.
MagnaMax shares the same high corrosion resistance and good hardness potential as MagnaCut, but has higher wear resistance at the cost of some toughness. Because MagnaMax shares a similar microstructure to non-stainless steels, its toughness level for that high wear resistance is excellent.
The “sweet spot” for higher-wear-resistance products seems to be in the family of non-stainless alloys such as CPM 10V, Vanadis 8 and K390. In particular, K390 has been building in popularity through Spyderco knives in recent years for its excellent combination of properties. I had actually proposed to Crucible and Niagara way back in 2019 that, after we were successful with MagnaCut, I had another idea I was calling stainless 10V at the time.
This led to a new product called MagnaMax, a higher-wear-resistance steel in the same family as MagnaCut. It shares the same high corrosion resistance and good hardness potential as MagnaCut, but has higher wear resistance at the cost of some toughness. Because it shares a similar microstructure to non-stainless steels, its toughness level for that high wear resistance is excellent.
Two of the highest-toughness stainless powder-metallurgy steels before MagnaCut were CPM S35VN and CPM 154. MagnaMax matches the toughness of those grades while being much more wear-resistant. In recent years, one of the more popular folding knife steels has been M390, and MagnaMax has over twice the toughness and substantially higher slicing edge retention. Spyderco used the second prototype heat of MagnaMax in a series of its Mule series knives intended for enthusiasts to try out different steels. A Spyderco Forum member known as vivi said he cut 325 gallons worth of cardboard strips with one of these knives. He reported, “Even without adding the numbers up, I can say this steel has the best edge retention of any steel I’ve tried.”
The author (left) and his father, BLADE Magazine Cutlery Hall-of-Fame® member Devin “Hoss” Thomas.
The development of MagnaMax was not without its issues, however. The first two test heats of the steel were made by Crucible, a longstanding U.S.-based steel company that unfortunately went out of business in 2025. Crucible is the company behind many of the industry’s leading knife steels like 154CM, S30V, S35VN and 3V. Crucible is the company that invented powder metallurgy itself, a significant innovation providing the excellent properties of all the “CPM” (Crucible Particle Metallurgy) grades. Crucible went under basically right while it was making the second test heat of MagnaMax. A couple of slabs were even recovered from a pile of scrap after the company was dismantled so my team could test it. We made the first test heat of MagnaMax back in March 2023, and we are just now approaching the product’s wide release.
Niagara Specialty Metals (NSM), the company that hot rolls, anneals and distributes the majority of the leading steel grades, has played a key role in keeping these steels alive. Crucible relied on NSM for hot rolling the high-end, complex grades, as it is the only facility in the United States capable of processing them.
Niagara had already assumed an active role in the knife industry many years before, taking over the distribution of blade steels over a decade ago after Crucible’s first bankruptcy in 2009. It pushed for new grades like CPM S45VN, and without NSM, I’m not sure MagnaCut would ever have been made. Niagara is working with other suppliers of powder-metallurgy steel, including Carpenter and Erasteel, to ensure these grades remain available. My team has been working closely with these partners on the development of MagnaMax, but that also means we almost had to start over after Crucible’s unfortunate demise. The good news is I have been testing MagnaMax made by Erasteel, and the properties look excellent, at least as good as the Crucible-made material. And it’s actually looking a little better.
Pop’s ProCut Steel
Perhaps sometimes I get carried away working on new knife steels that push the boundaries for wear resistance. Some knifemakers are looking for simpler grades that are easy to forge, grind and finish.
Pop’s ProCut’s toughness matched that of steels like 8670 and 5160, known for their excellent toughness. The edge retention was better than the majority of forgeable grades outside of ApexUltra, a high-performance forging grade.
Joey Berry of Pop’s Knife Supply contacted me in March 2024 asking for an improved version of Pop’s most popular grade, 80CrV2, which is known for being very easy to work, high in toughness and low in cost. I told Joey I would need to think about it because I had no idea off the top of my head what version of 80CrV2 would fill the niche of bladesmiths who want something inexpensive and easy to work. However, I have always enjoyed working with Pop’s Knife Supply, so I gave some serious thought to what kind of steel would be ideal for Joey’s request.
Pop’s is growing rapidly and has been a big supporter of mine, selling copies of my books—Knife Engineering and The Story of Knife Steel. It has been expanding its steel offerings and its steel education base to better serve customers, and I knew a steel along these lines would be a good fit for it. One of the trade-offs with knife steel design is when you add some elements like vanadium in significant amounts, things like forgeability and finishability go down. How could I make something new and exciting without pushing so much it becomes difficult for knifemakers to work with?
I thought about how high-nickel steels like 15N20, L6 and 8670 are known for their excellent toughness—at the top of my charts—but also have very limited wear resistance. I also knew some relatively rare steels like Blue #1, V-Toku2 and Wolfram Special have small additions of tungsten and vanadium for wear resistance. In grades with higher amounts of those elements, I start to see complaints from makers about the difficulty of working with them, though they seem to be at a place where they hit the right balance before forging and hand sanding become issues. These tungsten-vanadium steels are relatively challenging to find, often expensive when you do, and their toughness is much lower than the high nickel grades. As a result, the idea was to combine the high nickel approach for toughness with the controlled additions of tungsten and vanadium for wear resistance.
The author (left) and Joey Berry of Pop’s Knife Supply.
Another major factor for this development was the ease of heat treating. Often, steels like 1084 are recommended to novice makers for heat treating in a forge because it is dead simple to harden—just heat it to nonmagnetic and dunk it in oil. However, these grades are also very easy to overheat; they come out hard, but the toughness is greatly reduced. Only a few seconds in a forge past nonmagnetic can lead to a reduction in toughness.
On the flip side are grades like 80CrV2 that have chromium and vanadium additions to limit grain growth, so overheating isn’t as much of an issue. But the chromium also means you must heat past nonmagnetic and hold it there to ensure the carbides dissolve. The chromium slows everything down. However, I thought if we kept the chromium content very low the new steel could still be quenched from nonmagnetic and achieve full hardness, while the tungsten and vanadium additions would create tiny carbides that “pin” the grain boundaries so overheating and grain growth are not issues. This would make the easiest-to-heat-treat knife steel ever. Just heat it past nonmagnetic and quench it, and you will get high hardness and toughness every time.
My team and I got a steel company to agree to try the composition I proposed and waited (im)patiently for the steel to arrive. This was a major investment for Pop’s Knife Supply, and there was no guarantee the new steel would work just because it sounded good on paper. Fortunately, however, when we tested the steel, its toughness matched steels like 8670 and 5160, known for their excellent toughness. The edge retention was better than the majority of forgeable grades outside of ApexUltra, a high-performance forging grade I developed with makers Marco Guldimann and Tobias Hangler. And in testing the heat-treating range, we found it could be quenched anywhere from 1400°F up to 1750°F—over 300°F! This met our target of making a steel that is easy to heat treat.
Reports from makers have been very positive for Pop’s ProCut. They have praised the ease of working as well as the tested performance. Dawson Knives related: “We found it to be an excellent steel that 1) Offers a razor-sharp edge on par or better than other modern steels; 2) Holds that edge cut after cut; 3) Displays excellent lateral strength (it flexed close to 20 degrees in either direction and returned to true); and 4) Extreme impact resistance (edge resisted chipping, cracking or rolling when driven into a piece of steel Unistrut with a sledge hammer). We are able to get our edge hardness to Rockwell C of 62-63 and still retain superb flexibility.”
Kurt Glatt forged Pop’s ProCut and ApexUltra steels for the damascus blade of his chef’s knife.
Another exciting aspect of ProCut is the high nickel content (2 percent like 15N20) allows it to be used in pattern-welded damascus as a “bright” layer. This gives a new, higher-edge retention steel for use in damascus. As noted, previous high nickel grades have very low wear resistance. It can even be used in combination with other high-wear-resistance grades to make superior edge-retention damascus. I have seen a couple of knives using both ProCut and ApexUltra for some excellent-looking and performing damascus.
More To Come?
I’m constantly working on new ideas, though it’s hard to predict which projects will pan out or when they’ll be released. It’s been incredibly rewarding to see the steels I’ve developed used by top knifemakers and major knife companies, and to hear from end users who genuinely love them. When my dad, BLADE Magazine Cutlery Hall-of-Fame® member Devin “Hoss” Thomas, took me to my first knife show as a teenager, I never would have thought I would be working on such cool stuff.
The 12th president was and is a hot knife commodity.
Some examples from the article of “Old Zach” bowies that included the American general and president’s name, slogans or likeness. The lower bowies have his visage, the second from bottom a stamp motif on the ricasso of Taylor on horseback, the bottom a bust of the celebrated general.
Ever in tune with what’s popular at the moment, knifemakers have never been afraid to cash in on a hot trend. William R. Williamson documented one of the more peculiar vogues of the middle 19th century when Zachary Taylor and bowie knives were all the rage.
Fresh off his triumphs in the Mexican-American War, Taylor was the 1850’s version of a rock star—Americans just couldn’t get enough of him. And while not known to carry a bowie nor affiliate with the hero of the Alamo—Jim Bowie—the general and president’s likeness began to pop up on the most American of knives.
Funny thing is, as William’s points out in his article “Old Zach and the Bowie Knife,” from the March-April issue of The American Blade®, it wasn’t the Yanks cashing in. Instead, England Sheffield’s makers had the pulse of the USA and stamped Taylor’s visages on blades and bolsters.
Unfortunately, Old Rough and Ready’s short-lived presidency didn’t inspire the same outpouring of effigies. But modern collectors did and do find these unusual and patriotic blades desirable, as Williamson points out in his article.
Sniper Bladeworks announces a new collaboration, a collection featuring Mossy Oak camouflage patterns on its hard-use knives.
A new partnership between Mossy Oak and Sniper Bladeworks is set to bring a classic camouflage aesthetic to a line of purpose-built cutlery. The collaboration will see select Sniper Bladeworks models finished in Mossy Oak patterns, merging the well-known camouflage brand with Lance Abernathy’s reputation for hard-use knife design.
Based in West Point, Mississippi, Mossy Oak has long been a staple in the hunting and outdoor world. Its original Bottomlands camouflage pattern is ubiquitous and, to many, is synonymous with hunting season. This move represents a continued effort to integrate the company’s patterns into the EDC and custom knife markets. Sniper Bladeworks, founded by Abernathy in 2009, is recognized for its focus on ergonomics and field performance—traits often attributed to Abernathy’s background in law enforcement and security. Aside from their rugged engineering, the company’s knives are perhaps best known for their pistol-grip style handles, a signature design feature.
Abernathy, who remains the chief designer of Sniper Bladeworks’ knives, noted that incorporating Mossy Oak patterns into his designs has been a long-term goal. He views the collaboration as a way to bring a sense of outdoor heritage to his functional, often overbuilt tools. Adam Pener, CEO of Sniper Bladeworks, echoed this sentiment, suggesting the partnership is a natural fit given both companies’ focus on the hunting and outdoor communities.
While specific model names and exact release dates have yet to be finalized, the collection is expected to cater to hunters, outdoorsmen, and those who prefer a more tactical, camouflaged look for their daily carry. The upcoming releases will likely feature the signature pistol-grip ergonomics that helped establish Sniper Bladeworks in the custom market, now adapted for a wider audience through this brand alignment.
Three unique sheepsfoot blades for top pocket performance.
A sheepsfoot blade hides its edge behind a quiet profile. It slices clean and never wanders. These three nowhere-near-a-kind blades remind you why the shape keeps earning loyal fans.
Sheepsfoot Advantage
A sheepsfoot blade shape delivers straight, predictable cuts without risk of a piercing tip. The sheepsfoot blade gets its name from its shape, which resembles a sheep’s hoof. The edge runs flat so the user can push through rope, cardboard and fabric with complete control. The dropped, rounded nose keeps the point out of the work, which helps during rescue tasks and close-quarters cutting. The shape shines in utility roles, but it trades away penetration and fine-tip detail work. Users who need a safe, steady cutter reach for a sheepsfoot. Users who need a sharp, probing point usually look elsewhere.
Reiff Knives Circadia
Taking it into the woods, the author found the Reiff Knives Circadian Sheepsfoot performed like a larger knife due to the full-sized handle and wide blade. The perfect tool for both the camp and kitchen.
Reiff Knives built its reputation on hard-use tools designed for people who work and live outdoors. The Circadian Sheepsfoot fits that mission cleanly. Reiff Knives is a family run and veteran-owned company, and it’s carved out a niche by blending modern steels with field-driven ergonomics. Its knives aren’t showpieces—they’re workhorses built to survive real use in the backcountry, the shop or the boat. The Circadian line has been one of the company’s best sellers, and the sheepsfoot variant pushes the platform into pure utility.
The Circadian Sheepsfoot features a compact EDC profile, measuring roughly 7 inches in overall length, depending on the sheath and scale configuration. The blade measures about 3 inches and is cut from CPM MagnaCut, a steel chosen for its balance of toughness, edge retention and corrosion resistance—a smart match for a knife meant to live outdoors. Reiff offers the blade in stonewash or black DLC, both finishes built for durability and low glare. The 90-degree spine is sharp enough to spark from a ferro rod, adding value for fieldcraft.
Handle scales are available in canvas Micarta, colored black or green depending on the model. The geometry favors control: a deep index cut, a neutral mid-section and a palm swell that locks the hand without forcing a grip. It’s a compact knife that still feels anchored during push cuts, rope work and fine carving.
Reiff pairs the Circadian Sheepsfoot with a Kydex sheath, sold in multiple colors and patterns, including black, OD green and multicam. Reiff designed the sheath for belt or pack-strap carry with enough retention for active movement. It’s an EDC fixed blade—small enough for daily tasks and tough enough for field abuse.
Circadian Sheepsfoot Specs Overall Length: 7.25” Blade Length: 3.28” Blade Thickness: 0.120 Steel: CPM-MagnaCut Stainless Finish: Stonewash Weight: 4.10 oz. Scales: OD Green Canvas Micarta Sheath: Ambidextrous Universal Kydex with Tek-Lok Made in the U.S.A. MSRP: $285
Circadian Performance
Sheepsfoot blades excel in the kitchen, similar to a santoku knife with a flat blade. The Circadian slices with authority, performing pull slices with the tip.
Even though these three knives are in the EDC realm, the Circadian Sheepsfoot feels like the big brother. I have to give comfort and solidness to it. The knife has the heft to baton wood for the dry parts, and the edge geometry to feather wood like an ordained bushcraft knife. On top of that, the 90-degree spine showered sparks on every part, even the jimping.
It acts like a mini santoku knife in the woods, cabin and home kitchen. It performs draw cuts like a champ on food, cardboard, cordage, paper and leather. I made it my woods sheepsfoot blade and relied on it solo and teamed up with a chopper/splitter in the winter months. I touched up the MagnaCut blade once while testing it, and it wasn’t a chore, because I never let it get dull enough to need the sharpening stone.
I added an UltiClip to the sheath, carried it in my utility pocket and called it good! The Circadian Sheepsfoot delivers reliable cutting performance for those who need a dependable tool that never falters. It’s simple, rugged and purpose-driven—exactly what Reiff Knives promises with every tool they ship!
Bear & Son Culery Large Sheepfoot Barlow
Bear & Son blends tradition with Alabama craftsmanship in the Large Sheepfoot Barlow, featuring simple mechanics and quality materials. Even living up to modern performance expectations, the author found the stag handle gave it “old-timey” appeal.
Bear & Son Cutlery operates out of Jacksonville, Alabama, where it machines, grinds, assembles and sharpens every knife under one roof. That full-control approach gives its traditional patterns a level of consistency collectors and working users both appreciate. The Large Sheepfoot Barlow sits squarely in that tradition. It blends a classic American pattern with modern steel choices and multiple handle options, giving the user a pocket tool that feels familiar but performs with modern reliability.
The knife measures 7 inches in overall length and 4 inches closed. Bear & Son fits the frame with a 2.75-inch sheepsfoot blade cut from stainless steel. The second blade mirrors a traditional Barlow layout, providing a backup edge for finer work. The sheepsfoot profile drives straight cuts through rope, cardboard and daily tasks with predictable control. The company shapes the spine with a clean, squared feel, which helps during controlled push cuts and scraping chores.
Handle options include rosewood, Genuine India Stag Bone and white smooth bone. Each material gives the knife a different personality: rosewood for warmth, stag for texture and smooth bone for a classic pocket-worn look. Nickel-silver bolsters anchor the Barlow silhouette and add durability at the pivot.
The knife is a slipjoint, so it stays legal in most jurisdictions and fits the traditional-carry crowd. Bear & Son ships it without a sheath, as expected for a pocket Barlow. The weight lands at 3.7 ounces, which keeps it planted in the pocket without feeling bulky.
2-Blade Barlow Sheepsfoot Overall Length: 7” Blade Length: 3” Closed: 4” Blade Thickness: 0.90″ Steel: Stainless Finish: Satin Weight: 2.9 oz. Scales: Rosewood, Genuine India Stag Bone, White Smooth Bone Sheath: None Made in the U.S.A. MSRP: $79
Large Sheepfoot Barlow Performance
The Sheepfoot Barlow’s large blade cut through leather and nylon webbing easily. Meanwhile, the comfortable, tapered handle made pull slicing smooth.
The Large Sheepfoot Barlow had some weight and an old-timey impression. It made me feel classy when I used it and it sliced like a champ. Its solid feel was substantial, though I took extra care when pulling the blades out. The liners inside the handles were sharp—near paper-cut sharp. But I didn’t draw blood when I opened it. They were just rough to the touch.
Both blades were wicked sharp. The smaller blade had a more awl-like shape and was thick enough to use as one. Or it could be your up-close, carving-in-tight-places blade. Pick your poison. The main blade excels at slicing rope, and the sharp tip makes short work of leather. What surprised me most was how detailed the sheepsfoot was mincing fresh garlic in the kitchen. Naturally, the stainless steel remained worry-free around moisture.
Bear & Son continues to push traditional patterns forward while keeping the work in Alabama. The Large Sheepfoot Barlow reflects that mission: simple mechanics, honest materials and a pattern that earned its place over generations.
Tactile Knife Co. Redhawk
Kept to the company’s tight tolerances, the Tactile Knife Co. Redhawk is a versatile cutter designed for everyday use—indoors or outdoors. The author found the knife’s design and build quality impeccable.
The Redhawk marks Tactile Knife Co.’s push into the compact fixed-blade EDC space, and it carries the same machining pedigree that put the Dallas-based shop on the map. Tactile started as a precision pen company before expanding into knives, but its through-line never changed: tight tolerances, clean lines and American-made materials. Its shop in Texas machines nearly every component in-house, and the company leans hard into heirloom-grade build quality. The Redhawk reflects that ethos—simple, durable and purpose-driven.
Taylor Martin created the Redhawk after years of carrying fixed blades that fell short. It’s a compact knife punching above its size without feeling delicate. It measures just under 7 inches in overall length (6.9 inches OAL) with a 2.75- or 3-inch blade, depending on the variant. The blade, cut from CPM MagnaCut, is a steel chosen for its balance of toughness, edge retention and corrosion resistance. Its reverse tanto/modified sheepsfoot profile gives it a tall cutting surface and a fine, workable tip. Blade stock runs 0.12-inch, keeping it slicey without feeling thin.
Handle scales are made of Micarta and come in multiple colors. Tactile shaped them with a scalloped pinch-grip area for control during fine work and heavy cuts using a chest-lever grip. Finish options include stonewashed, tumbled Cerakote and black Cerakote, depending on the retailer. The spine is ground clean and crisp, suitable for scraping tinder or striking a ferro rod. Tactile doesn’t explicitly market it as a 90-degree spine, but it behaves like one in use.
The knife ships with either a Kydex or leather sheath, both set up for pocket carry with a clip, making it a true EDC fixed blade rather than a belt-only option.
Redhawk Specs Designer: Taylor Martin Overall Length: 6.9” Blade Length: 2.75” Blade Thickness: 0.120 Steel: CPM-MagnaCut Stainless Finish: Cerakote (black) Weight: 3.16 oz. Scales: 3D Contoured Micarta Handles (black) Sheath: Kydex Discreet Carry Concepts Sheath Clip Made in the U.S.A. MSRP: $249
Redhawk Performance
The Redhawk was a woods camp breakfast companion during the author’s testing. The sheepsfoot both helped with fire, food prep and eating.
I first saw the Redhawk in Taylor Martin’s hand at an outdoor event. We talked about it later that evening, and I was eager to get one and put it through the wringer. First stop—the Irish pub to show the guys. After show-and-tell, it was nearing the holiday season and the Redhawk went to work on package duty. Work included heavy plastic strapping, paper and plastic packaging, bubble wrapping and—as little as possible—tape. I hate sticky blades, so usually I cut through cardboard when breaking them down flat. Believe it or not, paper, grass and cardboard are all hard on an edge.
In the woods, the Redhawk made feather sticks for a fire from wet wood and went on to slice ham and sausages. It kept a small bio stove well fed in the colder end of autumn. The blade performed as expected—well! The handle was nimble, yet substantially comfortable. The scalloped grooves in the Micarta scales did their job, especially in chest-lever and pinch grips.
The Redhawk is a compact cutter built for daily tasks, but it carries the machining DNA of a much larger knife. It’s a minimalist tool with maximum intent—exactly what Tactile Knife Co. set out to build.
Closing
The sheepsfoot blade shape shares genetic material with many knives, such as the Malaysian parang, the Japanese santoku knife, rescue knives and Serbian-style cleavers. There’s no escaping this timeless pattern!
Follow the journey of Iranian bladesmith Masoud Hashemabadi, AKA Apurak, as he masters the art of the X-Rhea knife.
In February 2020, after months of contemplation and with the support of my wife, Maryam, I embarked on my journey in bladesmithing here in Iran. And I finally answered a long-standing urge within me—to delve into the world of forging and knifemaking. I was drawn not simply to the act of shaping steel but to the intricate, multifaceted craft of bladesmithing. Bladesmithing demands a convergence of skills: precise forging, material management, heat treatment, bevel grinding, understanding edge geometry, honing razor-sharp edges and more. Handmade knives, though ancient tools, continue to captivate enthusiasts today, representing a connection to human history.
Each of my works bears the mark Apurak, also my handle on Instagram where I go by apurak.co. The word translates to “The Maker” in Pahlavi or the Middle Persian language—an ancient language.
I began forging with basic tools: a steel block as an anvil, a simple hammer, a homemade coal forge, an angle grinder, a hand drill and a welding machine. I spent six months making additional tools and immersed myself in every piece of content I could find on forging. My first knives were rudimentary—simple full-tang and hidden-tang fixed blades. They were decent, but they didn’t fully satisfy me. During this time, I experimented with different designs, including the old blacksmith’s knife (sometimes known as the Viking knife). None of them quite captured my imagination.
Masoud (left) began his blade smithing journey in 2020 after much contemplation and the support of his wife, Maryam (right). The desire to endeavor upon the multi-skilled craft of making knives had been longstanding in Masoud, he recounts.
Then, about a year into my journey, I came across ABS master smith Lin Rhea’s X-Rhea design on his Instagram account. This design—seamless, balanced and powerful—struck a deep chord within me. I knew I had to learn to forge this knife, so I respectfully reached out to Lin for permission. I watched his videos, analyzed every detail and eventually began my own attempts at creating an X-Rhea. This journey marked a new chapter in my life.
From Inspiration To Learning
No one can create a truly unique knife design early in their career. We all start by holding onto something, following established paths until we understand our own direction in the field. For me, the X-Rhea was this guidepost. My early attempts were crude and far from perfect—out of proportion and visibly flawed. But I was thrilled to make progress. With each X-Rhea, I learned more, not only about the design but about the fundamental techniques of forging. This process fulfilled me in ways I hadn’t anticipated.
Regular feedback from Lin himself was invaluable. We communicated frequently through Whats-App and Instagram, discussing various approaches to forging, hammer techniques, and the finer points of knife-making. Lin became more than a mentor; he became a friend, generously sharing his knowledge and guiding me through my early missteps.
X-Rhea Process
Masoud Hashemabadi maker’s mark, Apurak. The word is from Middle Persian and means “The Maker.” The numbering, seen on the spine of his work, is the year it was created according to the Cyrus Imperial Calendar.
The X-Rhea has a unique shape, but the process of creating it is what makes it truly special. Unlike most designs, which often involve templates or precise measurements to envision the final product, the X-Rhea requires a different approach. You start with a rough sketch and rely on imagination, skill and a sense of flow to bring the knife to life. Each hammer strike must be deliberate and you visualize the end result throughout. This approach makes the final product feel like a true reward, a direct extension of the maker’s vision and hand.
For me, the X-Rhea became more than a knife—it became a pathway toward mastering my craft. Unlike conventional knives, which can incorporate multiple materials like wood, Micarta or stag, the X-Rhea is a single piece of steel. This simplicity, however, does not mean it’s easy to make. Achieving a knife that is functional, strong, ergonomic and aesthetically pleasing in a single piece requires foresight, skill and an understanding of the material’s properties.
Lin and I often spoke about this unique forging process. He explained how the X-Rhea or one-piece concept demands a cohesive flow of thought, a continuity that aligns with the uninterrupted structure of the knife itself. “There’s no breaking point,” he said. His words perfectly captured what I was experiencing in practice. This concept aligned with my personal philosophy: as makers, we should focus more on our skills and presence than on the tools themselves.
X-Rhea Of Tradition
A look at Masoud’s tools he made in his early journey into knifemaking, including (top from the left) a bench vise, coal forge, (below going clockwise) belt grinder, clamps and a heat-treating oven.
Throughout history, craftsmen have created extraordinary works with simple tools. When we look at the objects in museums, we see artifacts made with skills and techniques that, even today, seem nearly impossible to replicate. These craftsmen weren’t limited by the tools of their time. They relied on their presence, creativity and mastery, developing techniques that allowed them to reach incredible levels of precision and artistry. With the X-Rhea, I felt a connection to this tradition. Using only the most essential tools, I was able to engage deeply with each piece I crafted.
In today’s world, technology allows us to create faster and with greater efficiency, but it also risks overshadowing the maker’s role. Many makers, when faced with limited tools, may consider certain tasks impossible. Yet through my experience with X-Rhea knives, I found that fewer tools could offer a sense of creative freedom, encouraging me to explore what’s possible with technique alone. Each knife became a unique testament to the skill, discipline and power of traditional craftsmanship.
Working with Lin, I learned to view knifemaking through a different lens. He encouraged me to see the X-Rhea as an art form that goes beyond simple functionality. In his words, this process is like “a physical manifestation of a simple musical tune.” It became a flowing, intuitive rhythm rather than a rigid sequence of steps.
Editor’s Note: This is the first part of a two-part article. The second part of the article will be added to this story once it runs in the May 2026 issue of BLADE Magazine.
These replaceable-blade utility knives cut to the quick of convenient EDC.
I have to say, I have never been a fan of utility-style knives for everyday carry. Certainly, there is a place for them, and they are suitable for a multitude of jobs a regular knife might not do as well. Handyman detail comes to mind, where an always sharp blade and thin edge are appreciated. However, traditional everyday carry knives tend to excel in EDC duty, except, perhaps, in one facet—convenience.
From air travel to avoiding the sharpening stone, EDC utility blades have an undeniable edge on their fixed and folding counterparts. Additionally, knifemakers have further improved the utility of these pocketable cutters, offering different blade styles tailored to different circumstances, allowing the right tool for the job.
I grabbed four replaceable-blade knives and took each of them to work with me to see the pros and cons of each. A large part of my focus was on convenience, as you can buy different blades for all of them, save one. Let’s roll on to what I found out about these tools while putting them to work.
CobraTech OTF Utility
The fact the blade holder on the CobraTec extends further out from the handle gives you the opportunity to get a better look at the edge for fine cutting. When it is important you follow a precise line for an accurate cut, you want to see the blade.
I thought I would start off with the coolest concept for a replaceable-blade utility knife. For folks who need a fidget toy, CobraTec’s OTF Utility fits the bill. Someone there had their thinking cap on with the design. It takes a standard utility blade—with toolless replacement—but this genre offers several styles—hooked, serrated and razor. If you need some added durability, titanium-coated and ceramic blades are options. Note, pay attention to the blades you use; the quality can vary widely.
CobraTec’s OTF works just like any other OTF automatic, perhaps making it among the coolest utility knives.
The body of the knife is built out of 6061 aluminum that is anodized blue or green. For the blade bracket—what holds the blade—CobraTec uses steel. There was only a small amount of play in the bracket when deployed, an important feature. You want as little wiggle as possible to facilitate an easy and accurate cut. The OTF Utility is a double-action auto, shooting the blade in and out crisply through a switch on the side. The company provides two carry options: a sturdy pocket clip and a small nylon belt pouch. Personally, I would chuck the pouch. The pocket clip makes it much more convenient. It is a solid tool and cool as well. The OTF Utility has an MSRP of $90.
Outdoor Edge Slidewinder
The one drawback to the light-duty SlideWinder is it doesn’t offer much blade when fully deployed. On the flipside, it does give users a splash of color with three different options: orange, black and blue.
Outdoor Edge has a neat little tool in the Slidewinder. I first stumbled upon this when I was looking for something TSA-compliant to take with me to trade shows. The blade is easily removable, and the frame by itself should pass through TSA. At least it has for me in the past. I have taken it on a few airplane trips without a hassle. Keep in mind, in the end, it depends on what TSA agent you get when you go through security. When I get to my destination, I simply buy another blade.
The Slidewinder is multitalented, boasting a bottle opener, a standard screwdriver and a flat Philips screwdriver to go along with its blade. The credit-card-sized tool takes regular utility blades and holds them securely in place. Blade replacement is a snap, as simple as pressing a button on the slide. To deploy the blade, you move the slide forward.
The Outdoor Edge SlideWinder has utility beyond cutting. At the 9-o’clock position, over the blade, is a bottle opener, at 1 o’clock is a flat-head screwdriver and at 7 a flat Phillips-head screwdriver.
Outdoor Edge uses one steel scale and one G10 scale, available in orange, blue and black. For easy carry, the knife has a low-profile pocket clip. I would have to say the SlideWinder makes for a great little tool and is convenient for travel, as I mentioned. On the other hand, its size makes it more of a light everyday carry and not suited to heavy jobs. Outdoor Edge puts an MSRP of $11 on the SlideWinder.
Havalon REDI
The Havalon REDI cut through this seat belt material like nobody’s business. What makes it better fit for these tougher jobs is a longer cutting edge than that found on utility blades.
Havalon’s REDI is an assisted-opening everyday carry knife. The company uses a proprietary blade made from AUS-8 stainless steel in a drop-point pattern. The knife comes with two blades with different edges—razor and half serrated. A nice touch, the company includes a small plastic case to carry the extra blade. Changing the blades is easy, with a retention release button and a forward slide freeing the cutting portion of the knife. Havalon provides a tool with the knife to depress the retention button, but it isn’t necessary. A thumbnail should suffice.
There is some play in the blade, but the retention system holds it in place. The blade itself is held in place with a liner lock and has a solid deployment via thumb studs. To aid your grip, Havalon uses polymer scales that are textured and come in three color choices: orange, black, and green. The REDI has an ambidextrous tip-up carry pocket clip. I find tip-up works well with an assisted opener.
Conveniently, the Havalon REDI comes with two blades. The razor edge blade (left) and mounted on the knife is the combo serrated/razor blade (right). Unlike the other knives, the blades are proprietary and longer then a standard utility blade.
It’s a good knife and a solid carry option with a replaceable blade. My one point of contention with knives is the proprietary blades. You must keep extras on you. I know people would say it’s a similar story with other utility knives. The obvious difference is that I can source regular utility blades nearly anywhere. Overall, the REDI is a good carry and very versatile, just keep the blade issue in mind. With an MSRP of $55, the REDI is at the more expensive end of this class of knife.
Gerber EAB Slim
The Gerber EAB Slim (top) offers more grip than the original EAB (bottom) thanks to a buit-in keyring. It might not seem like much at first glance, but it offers more leverage than on the trim package.
The EAB Slim is exactly that—slim. Compared to earlier models I tested, like Gerber’s Prybrid and the original EAB, this model is trimmer. Yet, the extra length gives the utility knife a better grip, even compared to some of the options in this article. The EAB uses a standard utility blade and deploys from a slide lock. It is not the smoothest system, but it works and is dependable. If you want to retract the blade, just reverse the motion. Gerber added a bottle opener and a lanyard hole for some bells and whistles. I suppose you could put it on your key chain, but I would find it a bit bulky because of its 4.4-inch length.
Gerber has added some subtle gimping at the front of the handle. The texture is helpful and keeps you from struggling with the thin knife’s profile. It’s a good tool I would carry for light jobs—opening packages or even as an extra, inexpensive blade to stash in a backup kit. When I worked retail, this would be a perfect edge for all my regular chores, without adding bulk to my pockets. At $16, the Slim is light on the pocketbook.
Convenient Utility Carry
These utility knives aren’t full-fledged knives, but they do everything we need over an ordinary day. Working in maintenance, these knives cover most of my cutting duties and are easy to carry to boot. Due to their compact size, they aren’t my first pick for heavy-duty jobs. However, if you aren’t in maintenance or construction, these would be a great way to carry an edge for quick jobs.
