Handsomely pinned and with a handle to die for, Richard Dawes’ dog-bone bowie finds nearly the perfect chemistry.
Richard Dawes got a double pump of inspiration from the late, great ABS master smith John White for a long, lanky dog-bone bowie.
Dawes helps oversee an annual competition in White’s memory on Bladeforums for antique bowie repros. In so doing he came across one of White’s old work-in-progress frame-handle dog-bone projects on the web and found it most useful.
The resulting knife has a handsomely pinned dog-bone handle with a clip-point cable damascus blade, and it’s accompanied by a shark-skin-inlaid sheath by Paul Long. It’s Richard’s first frame-handle knife and first with pins, too.
Richard Dawes
“The key part of this knife looking good is to get a good fit on the guard,” he explained. “Once you’ve got that you want the rest of the parts to line up, and if you’ve got some 1/16-inch guide pins in there and got them all drilled for when you do the assembly, everything lines up, and that’s the key.”
A full-time chemistry professor at the Missouri University of Science and Technology who at press time was working for the National Science Foundation, Richard makes knives “on the side.” If this one is any indication, he has a career option waiting on him.
Dog-Bone Bowie Specs Maker: Richard Dawes Blade Length: 11” Blade Material: Cable damascus Handle Material: African blackwood Handle Frame: Mild steel and nickel silver Overall Length: 16” Sheath Material: Custom leather inlaid w/shark skin, all by Paul Long Maker’s Price For A Similar Knife And Sheath: $2,500
GiantMouse takes a stab at the culinary world with a kitchen knife line.
EDC knives of a variety of stripes have been GiantMouse’s bread and butter, helping the Danish-design concern kick a solid toehold into the knife industry. This success somewhat culminated earlier this month in Atlanta, with the company’s GMX earning Knife-Of-The-Year® accolades at the 2023 BLADE Show. This trophy in hand is a pretty good indicator you’re doing things right. But, GiantMouse is far from living off past achievements.
In fact, it has a new vista in sight—kitchen knives.
Following a well-trod recent trend in knife manufacturing, GiantMouse is dipping its toe into the culinary end of the pool with the introduction of four kitchen knives. While this drop might prove unexpected to some, the expansion is something the company said has been in the works for nearly two years now. At least, that’s been the personal testing period of designers Jens Ansø and Jesper Voxnaes (Vox), refining the minutia of the knives. So, how did it shake out?
At first blush—and without a knife-in-hand, tomato-dicing torture test—not too shabby. The four-knife line appears attractively utilitarian, nice enough to show off along with your next dinner party. But the knives aren’t so pretty as to scare you off from actually using them in your day-to-day culinary adventures. At arm’s length, it’s difficult to discuss ergonomics, balance and performance. However, GiantMouse doesn’t appear to have to broken any of the major kitchen-knife rules, attempting to displace function for novel form. Though, the slightly hooking heel on the larger knives might prove a sore point—pun intended—for some.
The line, at present, includes:
Santoku
Chef
Carving
Paring
Essentially, GiantMouse has homed in on the basic food prep tools every kitchen requires. The knives are sold individually and as a set; there’s a branded bamboo magnetic knife bar available, as well. And, in the company’s announcement, it certainly sounds as if it has designs to continue expanding into more corners of the culinary arts. No hint on what that might include.
As to the Italian-made knives themselves, GiantMouse has opted for Nitro-B for the blade steel and given them an unstated satin finish. Having grown in popularity in recent years, high-nitrogen steel (.21% in the case of Nitro-B) has spurred its share of debates as well. Sufficed to say, it should thrive in a kitchen environment if for no other reason than its corrosion resistance. To top it off, the blades are stamped with a tirade of the company’s murine logo—jaunty, to say the least.
To this, the company has outfitted the knives with green micarta handles, which should prove popular. Generally providing an excellent gripping surface, even when wet, GiantMouse has further enhanced it with a run of three serrations at the midpoint to provide a bit more purchase.
As for price, expect to drop $95 to get into GiantMouse’s paring knife at the low end and $175 for the chef or santoku at the high end.
GiantMouse Kitchen Knives Specs:
Chef Knife Blade Length: 8.375″ (212.725mm) Weight: 6.9oz (195.612g) Overall Length: 13.125″ (333.4mm) Steel: Nitro B Blade Thickness: .1125″ (2.875mm) Finish: Satin Handle: Green Micarta MSRP: $175
Daggers have a colorful past and a collectible present.
Early in history, warriors concluded they needed a stabbing weapon they could carry because using a sword, club or spear was not always convenient or practical. Daggers were developed to fill that role.
The exact origin of the word dagger has yet to be discovered. It is believed to come from the old French daque or old Italian daga. Dagger gained acceptance during the 14th century when knives with blades that come to a very sharp point became consistently distinguishable from swords.
In peacetime, daggers were often made from expensive materials and worn in ornate sheaths as part of formal dress. Doing so indicated status and wealth. However, daggers weren’t always for the wealthy.
Since daggers are stabbing weapons, they could also be made from bone or antler. This gave those who could not afford items made from metal an effective self-defense tool.
Daggers For Self-Defense
Out of necessity, those who wore a knife in America in the 1800s would usually choose what today we call a bowie. Not only was this knife imposing when worn, it was also large enough to perform the day’s chores while the West was settled. As America became more civilized and cities became more commonplace, the days of wearing such a large knife in public became less acceptable. Self-defense was still at a premium, and small firearms and daggers replaced the large knife. A dagger had to be used at very close range to be effective. No wonder revolvers grew in popularity as the defensive weapon of choice.
Iconic Styles Of Daggers
Trench Knife
During World War I, close-quarters combat was a significant part of trench warfare, where enemy soldiers would fight in tight and narrow quarters in attempts to capture trenches. The best-known dagger of World War I is the 1918 knuckle knife. American weapons inventor Maj. Eugene McNary of the Air Expeditionary Force designed the knuckle knife. He incorporated the same spear-point blade design as the French M1916 Trench Dagger. In addition, McNary added the knuckles and skull crusher point on the handle butt to increase the knife’s lethality. The Landers, Frary & Clark Co. of New Britain, Connecticut, manufactured the knuckle knife. The handle is marked “U.S. 1918” and is maker-marked “L.F.&C.”
Push Dagger
The push dagger is designed primarily as a last-resort weapon for close-quarters defense. While not generally utilized as a primary weapon, it does allow the user to carry it concealed and employ it one-handed, giving him the ability to manipulate the push dagger with one hand while using his off hand to help defend himself. The blade of a push dagger is shorter and broader than that of a standard dagger. In addition, the handle is longer horizontally/wider and thicker to give the user more leverage for pushing.
F-S DAGGER
No dagger developed during World War II carries more lore or recognition than the one designed and developed by William Fairbairn and Eric Sykes. The Fairbairn-Sykes dagger can be used for slashing cuts. However, its acutely tapered and sharply pointed blade led the knife to be described as a stiletto, a weapon primarily designed for thrusting. In addition, the knife was configured for surprise attacks, with its slender blade quickly penetrating the ribcage. From 1940 to 1943, Fairbairn and Sykes developed three different patterns of the dagger.
Final Cut
In September 1983, I started taking the U.S. Army Infantry Officers Basic Course at Ft. Benning, Georgia. Traveling with me was the dagger I received as a present from my wife for being commissioned a second lieutenant.
Because of the knife’s reputation during the Vietnam War, it was a factory dagger I had wanted. I was excited to go on the first training exercise so I could finally put my knife through its paces. After cutting some 550 cord, I stuck my dagger in a tree while I tied the knot. I pulled the knife from the tree to find I had only a handle in my hand. I felt shocked, disappointed and angry all at the same time, as this legendary dagger was anything but. Upon closer inspection, I saw that the knife’s tang was 1 inch long and secured by glue in the handle.
The lessons I learned that day were a) don’t believe the hype and b) only use daggers with full tangs. Please note that the custom knives featured in this article all have full tangs. The plus side to the catastrophic failure of my factory dagger is it made me realize I must research my future knife purchases more carefully.
In April 1984, I bought my first custom knife. I never purchased or used a factory knife again. When it comes to an infantryman and his knife, compromise elsewhere!
Custom Dagger Buyer’s Guide
Les Geroge: Model 1918 Trench Knife
U.S. Marine Corps veteran/custom knifemaker Les George has a fondness for classic U.S. military knives. In 2018, he created his version of the 1918 trench knife. Except for the cast brass handle, Les updated the materials, including a 6.75-inch blade of CPM S35VN stainless steel and a titanium tang nut, both of which have a black Cerakote® finish. As of this writing, he planned to do another limited run of the knife.
Model 1918 Trench Knife Specs Maker: Les George Blade Length: 6.75” Blade Steel: CPM S35VN stainless Blade Finish: Black Cerakote® Handle Material: Cast brass w/titanium tang nut Overall Length: 11.5” Sheath: Made by George of leather Maker’s Price: $425 (SharpByCoop knife image; image of Les George by Ronald S. Smith)
Paul McDanie:l Mako Push Dagger
Custom knifemaker Paul McDaniel incorporates all the above-mentioned traits of the push dager in his Mako Push Dagger. The 3-inch double-edge blade is 80CrV2 carbon steel and has a fuller. The 3.75-inch handle is black, textured G-10. The accompanying custom-made Kydex sheath features multiple attachment points.
Mako Push Dagger Specs Maker: Paul McDaniel Blade Length: 3” w/full double edge Blade Material: 80CrV2 carbon steel Blade Finish: Black Cerakote® Handle Material: Textured black G-10 Handle Width: 3.75” Overall Length: 5.25” Sheath: Made by McDaniel of Kydex w/leather straps Maker’s Price: $365 (Robertson’s Custom Cutlery image)
Brent Sandow: Fairbairn-Sykes Dagger
Maker Brent Sandow of New Zealand builds all three F-S dagger variants. The featured one has a 6.75-inch blade of D2 tool steel, a stainless steel guard, and a checkered handle. All the metal parts feature a flat-black Gun-Kote™ finish. In addition, Brent has slightly modified the knife by adding scalloping to the guard. The scalloping allows the user to index the knife. Indexing helps the user by providing a locating mark to help control the blade while maneuvering it*.
A version of the F-S dagger by maker Piotr Gosciniak of Poland sports a slightly shorter blade with a fuller down the center. Contrary to popular belief, a fuller is not a “blood groove.” Instead, it is a feature that reduces the knife’s weight and stiffens the blade. At the same time, it can help the maker provide a knife with enhanced balance. Piotr’s dagger features a 6.3-inch blade of 80CrV2 in black Cerakote. The black G-10 handle is laser-cut to enhance grip. For additional control, the knife has a scalloped guard.
Mako Push Dagger Specs Maker: Paul McDaniel Blade Length: 3” w/full double edge Blade Material: 80CrV2 carbon steel Blade Finish: Black Cerakote® Handle Material: Textured black G-10 Handle Width: 3.75” Overall Length: 5.25” Sheath: Made by McDaniel of Kydex w/leather straps Maker’s Price: $365 (Robertson’s Custom Cutlery image)
Piotr Gosciniak: Dagger
The texture of the black Micarta® handle enhances grip, particularly in a wet environment. The fuller reduces the blade’s weight while at the same time improves its strength. The thumb cutout provides extra stability during use.
Dagger Specs Maker: Piotr Gosciniak Blade Length: 6.3” Blade Material: 80CrV2 carbon steel Blade Finish: Black Cerakote® Handle Material: Laser-cut-textured black G-10 Overall Length: 11.5” Sheath: Made by Gosciniak of Kydex Maker’s Price: $425 (Piotr Gosciniak images)
Walter Brend: SF Dagger
The SF Dagger by Walter Brend features an 8-inch blade of D2 tool steel with a satin finish and Walter’s impeccable grind lines. Handle: black Micarta®. Guard: stainless steel. Special features: Full-tang construction, double edge, thong hole and a skullcrusher pommel. Overall length: 12.75 inches.
SF Dagger Specs Maker: Walter Brend Blade Length: 7” Blade Steel: CTS XHP stainless Blade Finish: Satin Handle Material: Black Micarta® Guard Material: Stainless steel Overall Length: 12” Sheath: Custom-made of leather Maker’s Price: $2,800 (Robertson’s Custom Cutlery image)
Production Dagger Buyer’s Guide
Winkler Tactical Dagger
This tactical dagger from Winkler was designed for the military by people in the military. It isn’t a show knife for people looking to cosplay as their favorite action star. This is the real deal.
The 5.5-inch blade is 3/16-inch-thick 80CrV2 carbon steel with a black oxide Caswell finish and has a Rockwell hardness of 59-60 HRC. The blade is made for combat and will handle the abuse you throw at it. Both edges are ground to a razor edge.
A tapered tang runs through the entirety of the wasp sculpted canvas laminate handle to give you a strong, sturdy grip. The piece comes with a custom-lined Kydex sheath for secure carry. Made in the USA, the knife is an absolute winner. WK Defense Dagger Specs Maker: Winkler Blade Length: 4.25″ Blade Steel: 80CrV2 Blade Finish: Black oxide no-glare finish Handle Material: Black Canvas Laminate, Camo G10, Maple, Walnut, WASP Overall Length: 8 Sheath: Lined Boltaron® Sheath Maker’s Price: $325
Spartan Les George V14 Dagger
Designed by award-winning knifemaker Les George, the V14 from Spartan Blades is about as high quality as it gets. A Marine veteran, Les knows what is needed from a dagger and puts it all into this one.
The V14 has a beefy 6.75-inch blade of symmetrically ground CPM S35VN stainless steel heat-treated to a Rockwell hardness of 58-60 HRC that provides great edge retention and durability. The handle is 3D-contoured black G-10 that wraps a full tang to provide a strong grip. This knife isn’t going anywhere in your hand, and the blade’s not going to snap in two when deployed. The Kydex sheath is MOLLE compatible.
George V1-14 Dagger Maker: Spartan Blades Blade Length: 6 3/4″ Blade Steel: CPM S45VN Blade Finish: SpartaCoat – PVD – Tungsten DLC (Black) or ZrN (Flat Dark Earth) Handle Material: 3D Contoured G10, Black or Green Overall Length: 11 1/2″ Sheath: Kydex Sheath Maker’s Price: $495
Blackside Customs P7 Dagger
This piece from Blackside Customs is the smallest of the three knives on our list but no less functional.
The 3.5-inch blade is CTS-XHP stainless steel with an OD green Cerakote® finish. The smaller size makes the P7 more feasible as an EDC if you prefer your standard carry to be a fixed blade. The G-10 grips are double-riveted to the tang for a comfortable grip when deployed.
The Kydex sheath lets you carry the knife easily and discreetly. The smaller blade means a lower weight. At just 3.5 ounces, almost three times lighter than the heaviest knife on this list, the P7 is a sleek piece that moves with grace and ease.
The commendable quality of the TOPS Knives I Stick lies in its ability to live up to its advertised purpose. It excels in the task of sticking objects securely, and credit is due to the TOPS team for their rare commitment to truthful advertising.
The I Stick embodies the original intent behind the push dagger’s design, which is to protect the wielder by swiftly striking those who pose a threat. Possessing a generous blade length and an impressive thickness that instills a sensation of being able to puncture a shipping container, it undeniably proves its efficacy in defensive scenarios.
Featuring sharp edges on both sides, it surpasses the 3.5-inch blade measurement that could attract the attention of law enforcement officers seeking to find fault. Consequently, it may not be the ideal choice for individuals residing in states with stringent knife regulations. However, if you find yourself in a state with fewer restrictions or if you possess a weapons carry permit, the TOPS Knives I Stick presents itself as a formidable contender.
*Editor’s note: Though meant to be inferred from the author’s description, we might add that indexing enables the user to know by feel how the blade is oriented during use, an invaluable feature in situations where the user cannot see the blade for whatever reason.
I Stick Maker: TOPS Knives Blade Length: 3.50″ Blade Steel: 1075 RC 56-58 Blade Finish: Black Traction Coating Handle Material: Black Canvas Micarta Overall Length: 5.63″ Sheath: Black Kydex Maker’s Price: $210
Editor’s Note: Michael Ableson contributed to this post.
Don’t let its throwback good looks fool you, Rothman’s Gentleman’s Trapper has serious EDC chops.
The original EDC knife is a pocketknife. It used to be a right of passage when you were allowed to have a hand-me-down knife in your front pocket. I received mine at the ripe old age of 5. I used it to sharpen pencils and crayons and for whittling.
After a few years and a few cuts on my fingers, I progressed to skinning and cleaning fish. The knife never left my front pocket. I carried it to school for daily uses. It also made quite a few trips in the washing machine and dryer. My mom would have a fit every time she heard it thumping in the dryer. Of course, the laws have changed now and the younger generation has found other things to entertain themselves. For me, my old pocketknife is retired.
Mike Rothman’s Gentleman’s Trapper would make a great pocket filler. It walks and talks perfectly. But how well does it cut? Let’s see.
Gentleman’s Trapper Sharpness Test
Twenty-pound bond copy paper provided the first test. The slip joint sliced it cleanly and effortlessly. The edge is very fine, so control was easy. It’s a nasty-sharp knife for sure—I could hear the blade slicing aggressively.
Light Duty Cutting With The Gentleman’s Trapper
After dispatching single-walled cardboard with the Rothman knife, the author only had to use a tad more pressure on the push cut to zip through double-walled cardboard.
On to single-walled cardboard. The Gentleman’s Trapper made short work of it. In fact, it was very addictive slicing the cardboard. The blade made smooth, straight cuts with no deflection of the material. Very sharp indeed!
Next I found a piece of double-walled cardboard to try. I only had to use a tad more pressure on the push cut to zip through it. I could hear every cut again. The knife is a very forceful cardboard cutter.
The thin blade made skiving leather simple, producing super thin slices repeatedly.
It was time for the leather slice and skiving. The trapper zipped through the leather quickly, so I had to use my knuckles as a stop to keep the piece together so it wouldn’t turn into a pile of pieces. The thin blade made skiving simple, producing super thin slices repeatedly. The stag handle worked perfectly providing a positive grip cutting the leather.
Heavy-Duty Cutting Duty
Whittling was up next. The thin blade produced some of the finest curly-cues I’ve seen. I changed the angle of cut for a deeper bite. I could see and feel the blade flex as deeper bites ensued. It was a very weird sensation, to say the least. I just moved the contact surface closer to the bolsters.
In the whittling test, the author changed the angle of cut for a deeper bite. He could see and feel the edge flex as deeper bites ensued.
Half-inch sisal rope beckoned. I was looking forward to this one. Dang, this trapper performs—273 crunching cuts and the edge was barely sliding! It was easy to cut with and the handle was comfortable with a tight grip. The insides of the liners are a bit sharp but there were no hot spots. Wow!
I returned to the 20-pound bond paper to see if the edge was affected by all the testing. Nope—same clean slices in the material, a sign of great heat treatment.
The author whacked the blade 30 times into the antler with no edge damage at all. The edge would still pull hair and the knife was as tight as when the author started, still walking and talking.
I was compelled to do a warranty-breaking test just to see how tough the Gentleman’s Trapper is. Where was the deer antler? I whacked the blade 30 times into the antler expecting to see some minor edge damage. There was no damage at all! The edge would still pull hair and the knife was as tight as when I started, still walking and talking.
Overall Impression Of Rothman’s Work
I was impressed with the performance of the blade considering how thin it is. Excellent workmanship!
Does Anything Need To Change?
Soften the exposed inside edges of the liners. That’s all, folks!
Gentleman’s Trapper Specs: Knife Type: Slip joint/pocketknife Maker: Mike Rothman Blade Length: 3” Blade Steel: Damasteel damascus in an Ægir pattern Blade Grind: Hollow Blade Pattern: Clip point Blade Thickness: Tapers on the spine from 1/8” above the ricasso to .039” at the tip; the edge is even thinner than the latter Handle: Sambar stag w/shield of same material as the blade Handle at the Thickest: .5” Liners: Fileworked of 410 stainless steel Bolsters: 416 stainless steel Backspring: CPM 154 stainless steel Weight: 3.5 ozs. Closed Length: 4” Knife to know: There is a seamless fit of blade to backspring in the open position Extras: Comes in black zippered pouch w/Rothman’s company name over shape of the state of New York Maker’s price: $750
The men behind the Huber Foxworth Bowie are as captivating as the knife itself.
This is the story of a knife named in honor of an incredibly special man. In this highly populated world not many people get their name attached to anything. I do, however, know for a fact that Craig Fox Huber was very proud of the idea that people would be wanting the knife that bore his name for decades to come. He told me so in person. He lived a life that so many would aspire to but very few would have the moxie to follow through on. He was the real deal.
So, how did Craig impact a knifemaker to the point of naming a knife the Huber Foxworth Bowie? Here’s what my father, BLADE Magazine Cutlery Hall-Of-Fame® member Dan Dennehy, wrote about Craig in his 1970 Dan-D Knives Brochure:
Many self-styled “experts” have stopped by my shop from time to time to suggest to me how I should design the “perfect” knife … Not long ago a trim bearded crewcut type found his way to my shop, and we started talking knives. [Circa the late 1960s] I took an immediate liking to this handsome, rather cocky gent and was pleasantly surprised to learn that he spoke about knives with a rather rare understanding of design and more than just a rudimentary knowledge of metallurgy that I found uncommon even among some men whose names would be familiar to you as supposed “experts.” He not only talked good theory and design, but he spoke with considerable authority on how a fighting knife should be used.
That’s Craig Fox Huber inset circa 1970 at the Fox Den’s second location in Mountain Home, Arkansas.
During our conversation I learned that he had earned three Purple Hearts while serving with a Marine Recon Unit in Viet Nam, and enough other “breast hardware” that when he spoke, I listened with both ears, and rather attentively.
Those who knew Dan might realize that these comments mean he really respected the “cocky gent.” And Craig respected Dan. Their long friendship stayed the course until the end. I also had a lot of respect for Craig and his vast knowledge of knives and other things.
I met him in the early ’70s at The Fox’s Den, his gun shop located in the small ranch community of Kirkland, Arizona. Dan took me there to meet Craig when I was about 13. I shook hands with a man wearing a drop-loop gun belt with rounds in every loop and a .45 Long Colt pistol in the holster. I was in awe. I also got to see some of the knives he carried and to learn why he carried them.
About a year later my family bought a small ranch in the area. I visited the gun shop at every chance. Dan would take me to Craig’s home occasionally. I was equally impressed at his collections. The next summer I worked for Craig, helping with his horses and other stuff around his place. They were good times and I must say that it was from his influence that I went to see the United States Marine Corps recruiter a few years later.
Craig Huber: Christian Patriot
Craig’s son Hunter can tell you better than anyone about his father. Of Craig he wrote:
Dad was a lot of things. He was a soldier, a gunfighter, inventor, storyteller, adventurer, hunter, fisherman, survivalist, outfitter, collector, gunsmith, writer, and the list goes on. He was a patriot and a Christian. He lived his life to the absolute fullest and would fight for everything he believed in and loved.
In his vast collection of Dan Dennehy knives, Craig’s favorites were the Dan-D Alamo Bowie and the Huber Foxworth Bowie. The Alamo Bowie has a 12-inch hollow-ground blade a quarter-inch thick and 2 inches wide. The blade’s non-mark side is etched with an eight-line poem that commemorates Col. Travis’s call for “defenders to step forward.” The handle is walrus ivory inlaid with 18 turquoise cabs. Overall length: 16.5 inches. The custom sheath is cowhide. (Bob Glassman image)
Despite having the option to go work for his father’s rapidly growing company in York, Pennsylvania, that was obviously of no interest to Dad so he went into the military. Even though he had trouble with authority and rules, he thrived in the Marines.
After the military his life got really interesting. His resume speaks for itself but here is a summary: police officer; sheriff; private investigator; horse wrangler; hunting guide, Ozark Mountains; fishing guide, French River, Canada; gun shop owner, Fox’s Den (Kirkland, Arizona, and Mountain Home, Arkansas); salesman, Camillus Knives and Levis; personal protection, bodyguard for Saudi Royal Family; professional hunter, South Africa; writer, Whitetail Times magazine and several personal protection books; gunsmith; gun dealer; private security, consulting and training; fugitive recovery; and much more. This is a very general overview and it took him to some very interesting places and dangerous spots, and he met some really interesting people along the way.
So here is what Dad loved. He loved his country and God. He loved our mom. He loved me and my sister. He loved adventure. And he loved guns and knives. Dad was an encyclopedia of firearms, handloading and ballistics. He had a real passion for Rugers, Ruger M77s in any and every caliber they make, but especially 7×57 and Ruger single action pistols. He was also a 1911 fanatic. I don’t remember a single occasion in my life where I ever saw Dad without a 1911 on his side or in a shoulder holster.
And he loved knives. Man did he love knives. I don’t know exactly where in his life this interest started, but he was as passionate about knives as guns, and maybe more. And this is coming from a guy whose gun collection is over 500. He loved all knives and always carried at least two at a time. He had a real appreciation for a good blade and considered knives the most valuable tool an outdoorsman or soldier could have.
Here’s the second iteration of The Fox’s Den Gun Shop as it appeared in Mountain Home, Arkansas. Note the sidewalk parking meter.
As you would expect, just like factory rifles with factory ammo were not suitable for Dad’s standards, neither were factory knives. As a result he started reaching out to custom knifemakers and collaborating. He formed relationships with Bo Randall, Jimmy Lile, Art Wiman, Clyde Fischer, Blackie Collins, Harold Corby and George Herron, and most notably Dan D. Dad spoke of Dan D. with a manner of respect and admiration that he did not offer up lightly to many. A shared respect and appreciation for the art and skill behind making the ultimate tool, something that was practical and efficient, beautiful and deadly. Dad’s collection of Dan D. knives is vast but his two most prized are the Alamo Bowie and the Huber Foxworth Bowie.
Dad was the toughest man I’ve ever known. A real fighter, rock solid, set in his ways and unshakeable. No matter, if you had a problem, my Dad would be your first call and the man you wanted in your corner. Dad had a lot of fans and a lot of enemies. He had many acquaintances and peers and only a small handful of good friends. He always said if you get through life and only have a few good friends, real true friends, then consider yourself lucky. Dan D. was a true friend of Dad’s.
Two of Craig’s favorite Dan-D users included a survival machete and a Woodsman model. Craig designed both, with Dan-D making the former and helping Craig make the latter in the Dan-D shop. Craig carried the Woodsman more than any other knife for over 40 years.
Craig was one of those rare characters you meet along the road of life and always remember. Later he told me stories of discussions with Cutlery Hall-Of-Famer Bo Randall and knife designs for different purposes. Another story was how he talked to Cutlery Hall-Of-Famer Bob Loveless about the simplicity of balancing a knife using his personal theory of the tapered tang. He visited with his friend Cutlery Hall-Of-Famer Jimmy Lile long before the Rambo knife was created. John Horrigan told me about their hunting trip in Africa. Since Craig was a licensed guide the trip was arranged in exchange for a knife identical to the one John presented to President George W. Bush.
Huber Foxworth Bowie
But back to the Huber Foxworth Bowie. The brochure description continues:
This knife is a pure and simple Bowie style but with the handle dropped slightly which seems to give it a much better “pointing” ability and maneuverability not found in most common Bowie styles. [Craig] had a prototype of this knife made for him by a Philippine Negrito instructor while he was attending the armed forces Jungle Survival School in the Philippines. Pound for pound these little Negritos are about as slick and fierce a knife fighter as will be found anywhere.
In a 2011 email to the author Craig wrote, “This [image] shows all four pair of boot knives your Dad did for me, including two pairs of my Model III. All have been carried extensively over the past 40 years, and two of the knives have saved my life.”The blade is 8 inches long, 1.75 inches wide and in quarter-inch stock of 154 CPM stainless steel heat treated by Cutlery Hall-Of-Famer Paul Bos. It has a double guard and a 4.75-inch handle. According to the brochure, “This is a knife you could bet your life on.”
A couple of years ago, Hunter contacted me and told me of his father’s passing. Craig lived 76 years his way and made his mark in the world. His passion for God, his country and living life to the fullest extent had been accomplished. Hunter went on to explain that out of all the knives they cannot find the one that meant more to Craig than the Huber Foxworth Bowie.
Today’s gent’s knives are what they are instead of what they used to be.
In years past, there was a genre of knife small, fancy and unobtrusive. It went by gent’s knife or Sunday-go-to-meeting knife, the latter where the hard-working sodbuster was laid down on the day of rest for something to better match the formal Sunday duds. Loosely defined, that knife consisted of fancier materials and a blade less than 3 inches long
However, the argument can be made that today’s gent’s knives are exclusively gent’s knives no more. According to officials of the knife companies that make them, all kinds of people spring for the knives popularly known as gent’s knives. There are sub genres, and their popularity is growing.
Take, for instance, A.G. Russell Knives, whose customers tend to gravitate not toward EDCs or tactical knives but smaller gent’s-type knives.
“In the past year or so, we are seeing an increase in interest in these smaller knives that can be carried unobtrusively, both with pocket clips and without,” the team at A.G. Russell wrote in an e-mail. The knives worn with the Sunday best tend to be more traditional, according to the company’s spokespeople. It’s a subcategory of small knives that sport a sharp appearance that includes premium handle materials. Added the Russell team, “A great gent’s knife is not too large, has an elegance about it, but still performs well.”
A.G. Russell Knives Vest Pocket Semi-Skinner
Bob Loveless introduced A.G. Russell to the semi-skinner blade shape and Russell fell in love with it, pairing it with a sparkling carbon-fiber handle in the Vest Pocket Semi-Skinner.
For an example of a piece that represents the new generation of gent’s knife, look no further than the A.G. Russell Vest PocketSemi-Skinner. Designed by the late company founder and BLADE Magazine Cutlery Hall-Of-Fame member® A.G. Russell, the knife is a mix between classic design and contemporary materials—the latter being a carbon-fiber handle and premium CPM S35VN stainless blade steel.
The heart of the knife is the bigger-than-it-should-be semi-skinner blade. As the company website noted, A.G. loved the semi-skinner blade, a pattern he credited Cutlery Hall-Of-Famer Bob Loveless for introducing to him. “A.G. saw the need for a small, lightweight pocket knife that would sit comfortable in any pocket, especially vest pockets, and the opportunity to create one with the blade he liked so much,” the site explains.
It is a blade shape that excels with work done at the tip, which is critical for a smaller knife.
“A good gent’s knife is really good at detail work,” the site notes,“in which blade and tip control are very important.” As a result, the Vest Pocket’s blade is at ground and boasts a thin edge geometry ideal for slicing cuts.
The stainless steel bolster is also critical to the design, as it covers the squared-off heel of the blade that connects with the lockbar. Unprotected, the heel could wear away at the fine fabrics of a vest pocket, for instance.
A.G.’s sketch of the knife (pictured below) was scanned into a CAD program in March 2018. Un-fortunately, he didn’t get to see the knife in production, as the iconic knife entrepreneur passed away in October of the same year before the design could be fully realized.
A.G. Russell Knives Vest Pocket Semi-Skinner Specs: Designer: A.G. Russell Blade Length: 2.53” Blade Steel: CPM S35VN stainless Blade Grind: Flat Handle Material: Carbon fiber Pocket Clip: None Bolsters: Stainless steel Lock: Lockback Weight: 2.5 ozs. Closed Length: 3.125” Country Of Origin: China MSRP: $100
Maserin Knives Turtle
Some of the more notable features of the Turtle by Maserin Knives are the pivot pin with its concentric lines and the skeletonized titanium clip anodized blue.
No discussion of gent’s knives would be complete without mentioning the classic designs that hail from all over the globe. Take for example the Turtle, a timeless design Maserin injected with traditional materials and refinement throughout.
In 2006, Italian knifemaker Claudio Volpato designed a small knife with a blade under 2 inches and sent the prototype to Maserin. “We industrialized it,” recalled Claudia Maserin, along with her two brothers owner of Maserin, and the Turtle was born. “ The knife is still popular considering we first showed it long ago. The best handles are ebony and briarwood, and the damascus blade version is still very appreciated.”
Some of the small knife’s more notable features are the pivot pin with its concentric lines, and the skeletonized titanium clip anodized blue. Part of the goal was to take classic materials and transform them “We looked for elegant and traditional materials,” Claudia explained, “wooden handles like ebony and olive.”
Realizing that some women were gravitating to the Turtle because of its small size, Maserin officials handled the knife in pink giraffe bone several years ago. “We don’t design a knife thinking of final users in terms of gender but in projecting elegant knives,” Claudia stated. “We know they can be perfect both for women and men.”
Early versions of the blade were at ground of 440C stainless steel. Now, they are N690 stainless. The result is a knifes mall enough to slip into the small pocket of a pair of jeans and that opens easily one-handed.
“Our gent’s knife is good for everyday carry,” Claudia maintained. “You can open an envelope, a parcel, cut a fruit. It is the knife you need when you find yourself saying ‘If I had a knife …’
Maserin Knives Turtle Specs: Designer: Claudio Volpato Blade Length: 1.56” Blade Steel: N690 stainless or stainless damascus Blade Grind: Flat Handle Material: Woods of bocote, briar, ebony, olive or walnut Pocket Clip: Skeletonized titanium anodized blue Lock: Linerlock Weight: 2.05 ozs. Closed Length: 2.5” Country Of Origin: Italy MSRP: Depending on options, from about $77 to $19
Spyderco Pochi
Like many small Spyderco knives, the Pochi is designed to offer large cutting power in a small package. “The dog tail rotates out to create a pinky shelf,” Joyce Laituri noted of the extension on the butt, “adding length to the handle for a better grip.”
Rigid definitions of a gent’s knife don’t quite cut it in Joyce Laituri’s book. The Spyderco spokesperson met a knife enthusiast at a knife show out to acquire some knives. The man towered well over 6 feet and was “built like an NFL linebacker, with paws like a bear,” she recounted. Though he appeared gentle-manly, a blade under 3 inches would be too small for him.
“In today’s industry,” Laituri began,“there is a broader view of what constitutes a dress knife. Is it its size, cost, function, materials, appearance? That definition is unique to each knife carrier.”
For some, a gent’s knife may be a small, elegant knife. Others, Laituri points out, decide that the most gentlemanly knife they can carry on their wedding day is a 5-inch folder or even a Spyderco Military model. The company eschews the term gent’s knives for prestige knives, Laituri said, in order to better describe the breadth of people who carry such edged tools. Meanwhile, a Spyderco knife that has attracted knife carriers for a whole slew of reasons is the Pochi, a flipper-folder collaboration with Japanese custom knifemaker Kazuyuki Sakurai.
“There is a market for anyone look-ing for the non-traditional,” Laituri said,“and the Pochi has been well received—surprisingly so—because it is so different from traditional pocketknives.
Some Pochi users, she added, like the design because they find it both charming and functional. Others are attracted to its upswept blade hollow ground from high-end CPM S45VN stainless steel. Some, attracted to the zoomorphism of the design, carry it because they like dogs, Laituri said.
Pochi, which roughly translates to the most common name for a dog in Japanese, has all the essential canine elements, resembling something like a pug on the go. Like many small Spyderco knives, Laituri said the Pochi is designed to bring large cutting power in a small package. “ The dog tail rotates out to create a pinky shelf,” Laituri noted, “adding length to the handle for a better grip.”
Spyderco Pochi Specs: Designer: Kazuyuki Sakurai Blade Length: 1.58” Blade Steel: CPM S45VN stainless Blade Grind: Hollow Handle Material: Titanium Pocket Clip: Titanium anodized blue;closed knife carries blade tip up Lock: R.I.L. (Reeve Integral Lock)WEIGHT:1.7 ozs. Closed Length: 2.6” Country Of Origin: Taiwan MSRP: $270
Bear & Son’s Bold Action
The Bear OPS Bold Action 14 comes in a wealth of different colors thanks to the anodization of its aluminum handle.
According to Matt Griffey of Bear &Son Cutlery, the world of gent’s knives has been changing and part of that has been due to the evolving nature of the workplace.
“We see less manufacturing professionals and more office setting careers,” he said. “Gentleman’s knives t the workforce movement and the lifestyles that come with it—accounting, computer techs, engineers and so on—with the knife having a small or slim physique and constructed from higher quality materials.”
At the same time, Griffey notes some of the slim knives are growing in size, and in the forefront of that change has been the increase in autos.
“Automatic knives have always intrigued both the traditional and modern knife enthusiast,” Griffey wrote, “and to-day more states are approving the daily carry and ownership of these types of knives.”
Trying to comply with many of the new auto laws, Bear & Son introduced the BearOPS Bold Action 14. The result is a knife available in a selection of color choices with its anodized aluminum handles and also the Sandvik 14C28N stainless steel blade, all made at Bear’s plant in Alabama.
Aluminum is a lightweight, low-maintenance material and 14C28 has a reputation of being corrosion resistant, durable and “an awesome performance steel”—essential features on a knife with a smaller blade and plenty of tasks to do.
“The Bold Action 14’s typical use would be common cutting chores around the office/home like opening small packages, cutting cordage and opening envelopes,”Griffey said, noting the knife can handle bigger tasks, too.
Meanwhile, expect more gent’s knives—or whatever you want to call the small fancy folders—in the future
“There is a market space for gentleman’s knives,” Griffey said. “Today, there are a lot of different choices and we’re lucky to and so many knife designers pushing the limits with materials, sizes and overall de-sign in the category.
Bear & Son’s Bold Action Specs: Designer: N/A Blade Length: 1.75″ Blade Steel: 14C28N Sandvik Blade Grind: Hollow Handle Material: Stainless Steel Pocket Clip: Reversable Bolsters: N/A Lock: Auto Weight: .14 oz Closed Length: 2.50″ Country Of Origin: USA MSRP: $140
CRKT Pilar
Designed by Danish knifemaker Jesper Voxnaes of Vox Knives, the size and blade shape of the CRKT Pilar are well matched for heavy cutting jobs. The handle is very comfortable and secure in the hand.
How could CRKT and Voxnaes make the knife even better? The answer is to offer a new larger version for 2019. The Pilar II offers the same performance and ergonomic advantages as the original, including robust framelock construction with an all-steel handle. The 2.6-inch blade is 8Cr13MoV stainless steel and offers a great balance of edge holding and maintenance ease. It is the Chinese equivalent of the Japanese-made AUS- 8. Due to the increase in size and blade mass, the Pilar II features a flipper, something the Pilar lacks.
Voxnaes is known internationally for his straightforward designs with a nod to utility and outdoor applications. Originally he made prototypes of the Pilar in two versions: one with a flipper tab and one without. “With lots of people asking for a flipper version, it was an easy fix,” Jesper notes. The blade rides on Teflon washers and flips open nicely without the use of pivot bearings. It also sports an oblong hole for ambidextrous opening.
The stainless steel handle supplies heft and a solid backbone. The grip’s edges are chamfered, offering comfort and eliminating hot spots or general discomfort. A solid steel spacer adds handle strength. A steel pocket clip carries the knife tip up or down for right-hand carry only. If you prefer half-and-half-type handle construction with your framelock folder—that is, each handle side comes in a different material, in this case stainless steel and lightweight G-10—the Pilar II is so equipped. The G-10 offers a bit more weight savings plus a nice grippy texture. The all-steel-handle version has weight-saving pocket reliefs milled into the inside of the scale.
“At first it may seem we simply upscaled the original Pilar design, but the knife was actually redesigned from scratch to make the ergonomics feel perfect,” Jesper concludes.
Don’t let the gent’s knife label for the large Pilar fool you. It’s a knife that isn’t afraid to get down and dirty with its rugged build and utility-friendly blade shape. Like its little brother, the large Pilar is easy to carry and rides securely in a pocket. The choil indexes your grip and the rest of your fingers fall naturally around the handle. Due to the handle shape and size, those with larger hands may find the knife too small.
However, for those whose hands are filled nicely by the grip, the large Pilar is very comfortable to hold.
CRKT Pilar Specs: Designer: Jesper Voxnaes Blade Length: 2.40″ Blade Steel: 8Cr13MoV Blade Grind: Plain Handle Material: Stainless Steel Pocket Clip: Stainless Steel Bolsters: N/A Lock: Frame Lock Weight: 4.20 oz. Closed Length: 3.53″ Country Of Origin: China MSRP: $39
Fallkniven FH9 MOP
The Fallkniven FH9MOP is dressed to the nines with a mother-of-pearl handle accented by abalone and a mirror-polished blade. This is the knife you want to carry to dressy social functions, as the handle treatment sets the tone for an upscale outing or maybe even church on Sundays. According to Peter Hjortberger, Fallkniven president, the design is based on a folding hunter and a traditional lockback system.
Employing Fallkniven’s best blade material, a laminated 3G powder steel with a Super Gold steel core with a Rockwell hardness of 62 HRC, the FH9MOP is built for use. The 2.5-inch drop-point blade is neither too small nor too large. The knife is by far the best looking of the test bunch. The pearl handle and abalone accents create a stunning visual effect.
Structurally, the FH9MOP is built quite solid with dual stainless steel liners, steel bolsters and a steel handle spacer. Inlaid Fallkniven logo shields in the handle cap things off, and the blade sports a nail nick on each side for easy ambidextrous opening. A nice suede slip sheath protects the knife from rubbing up against keys, coins, etc., in your pocket.
The blade came out of the box razor sharp. I had no problem using it to open mail, cut stray threads, or any other similar gent’s knife duty. It is too beautiful a knife for the same jobs as a tactical folder, so use would be limited.
It sure is an eye-catcher, though. For a model more suited for general utility needs, step down to the standard FH9, which gives you the same blade steel but with the more work-friendly Micarta® handle material. Either way, the knives are sharpened pocket jewelry at its best.
Fallkniven FH9 MOP Specs: Designer: N/A Blade Length: 2.6″ Blade Steel: 3G Blade Grind: Plain Handle Material: Mother Of Pearl Pocket Clip: None Bolsters: Steel Lock: Lockback Weight: 3.35 oz. Closed Length: 3.625″ Country Of Origin: Sweden MSRP: $540
GiantMouse ACE Nibbler
Designed by custom knifemakers Jesper Vox and Jens Anso, the Nibbler holds fast via a reversible wire clip.
“A great gent’s knife is a fully functioning tool that stands strong in the ‘looks and class’ department,” explained Jim Wirth of GiantMouse. “It’s a knife that is capable of cutting tasks but also for social events, Sunday church or a Thursday evening cocktail.”
GiantMouse makes a bold statement among gent’s knives with the Nibbler, a compact, efficient folder that Wirth says works as a great EDC in areas and situations where size matters. “Although the Nibbler is small, it packs a serious punch,” he pointed out. “Our definition of a gentleman’s knife is a knife that you can EDC in almost any environment, from the church to the office so to speak, a knife that does not raise eyebrows but will be welcomed when put to use. This could very well be the modern definition of this type of knife.”
The Nibbler is bound to fill the bill for that light-cutting job and to exude a positive image. “It’s inspired by the fictional character Nibbles ‘Tuffy’ Mouse from the hit cartoon series Tom and Jerry,” Jim explained. “Nibbles may be small but he sure is mighty, just like our new ACE Nibbler, a petite folder that packs a serious punch and doesn’t lack in the fun department, either.”
Wirth concludes that both men and women will find the Nibbler a great choice for EDC. “We don’t think that making a pink handle on a knife will make it more suitable for women,” he reasoned. “We don’t believe in designing specifically for a gender; all our knives are equally suited for men or women.”
The thoughtfully designed deep carry clip and the thin, lightweight nature of the Pro-Tech Newport 3405 make it a good choice for wearing dress slacks, as it won’t tear up the pocket or be heavy enough to make it sag.
At Pro-Tech, Dave Wattenberg takes pride in the Newport, a gent’s knife that exudes personality. “It’s our thinnest and lightest full-size auto,” he commented. “It packs three inches of S35VN steel for all your EDC tasks into a precision-machined aircraft-aluminum frame that is only .38 inch thick.
The thoughtfully designed deep carry clip and the thin, light carry of the Newport make it a great choice for someone wearing a nice trouser or dress slacks, as it won’t tear up the pocket or be heavy enough to make it sag.”
Dave is excited about the versatility of the Newport, its swift deployment, unobtrusive profile, and variety when it comes to materials while running the gamut from EDC to investor/collector-grade presentations.
“From solid aluminum handle/stonewash base models all the way to investor customs, there’s a Newport model to suit just about any taste and budget,” he remarked. “Pro-Tech is well known, of course, for superior coil-spring-action auto knives, and while the Newport is no exception to this, users will find the action controlled, smooth and satisfying—not the huge snap of one of the tactical response series, but a more gentlemanly switchblade action.”
Pro-Tech Newport Specs: Designer: N/A Blade Length: 3″ Blade Steel: S35-VN Blade Grind: Plain Handle Material: Aluminum Pocket Clip: Tip-Up Bolsters: N/A Lock: Auto Weight: 2 oz. Closed Length: 4.125″ Country Of Origin: USA MSRP: $240
Sandrin Torino
The polyhedral tungsten carbide blade of the Sandrin Torino is designed to retain its razor-sharp edge far beyond that of steel blades in Sandrin’s “StaySharp Technology.”
The Sandrin Torino exemplifies the ideals of the gent’s knife, and Sandrin’s Rob Bianchin says he knows why. “The Torino is exceptionally lightweight at only 2.29 ounces,” he remarked. “It’s pretty easy to forget that you have it in your pocket. The lightweight characteristics are deceiving as the blade performance exceeds that of a steel knife for edge retention. For anyone who can appreciate metallurgy, the polyhedral tungsten carbide blade is a state-of-the-art super metal and was not thought possible just a few years ago.”
According to Rob, the entire Sandrin knife experience is centered around the blade material. Polyhedral tungsten carbide is not steel. Instead, according to Sandrin, it is an engineered “super metal” invented and patented for blades by Sandrin director Alessandro Colombatto. “Tungsten carbide can be used for cutting steel or for wear parts that undergo extraordinary stress and corrosion,” Bianchin added. “Polyhedral tungsten carbide has advantages over steel, such as consistent molecular structure. It cannot rust and typically is in the 71 [HRC] Rockwell hardness range* or higher.”
The polyhedral tungsten carbide blade lends itself nicely to the Torino gent’s knife presentation, and Rob sees a natural fit. “In my view, the definition of a gent’s knife has evolved with the times and includes knives of quality that are also effective cutting instruments and not just for show. The Torino can be carried and used daily but is also a point of conversation as it is still exceedingly rare to own a knife made from new metal.”
The appeal of the Torino once again embraces the spectrum of potential users—both men and women, factory or office workers. “Gender is not a design consideration,” Rob said. “The Torino is suited for men or women. Men are the predominant consumers of pocketknives, but I suppose in today’s world the industry should call such knives a ladies’ or gentlemen’s folder.”
Sandrin Torino Specs: Designer: N/A Blade Length: 2.95″ Blade Steel: HRC71 Blade Grind: Plain Handle Material: G-10 Pocket Clip: Titanium Bolsters: N/A Lock: Recoil Weight: 2.29 oz Closed Length: 4″ Country Of Origin: Italy MSRP: $260
Case Black Sea Dichrolam Tear Drop
The Case Tear Drop Black Sea Dichrolam spear-point blade is designed with a strong tip for piercing, which comes in handy for such gent’s knife jobs as opening mail, packages and the like.
Case has long been a star performer in the manufacture and presentation of gent’s knives, and the company continues the tradition with the Black Sea Dichrolam Tear Drop, a beauty with a composite handle material that mimics the luster of an opal gemstone. Fitting nicely within the spectrum of gent’s knives, the Black Sea Dichrolam Tear Drop brings excitement to the Case fan base.
“Based on our interactions with knife enthusiasts at consumer events, our Classic Case folding patterns like the tear drop are considered by many as a ‘Sunday-go-to-meeting knife,’” commented Fred Feightner, Case director of marketing communications. “But more modern knives are more and more often carried and considered to be a ‘gentleman’s knife.’ The definition lies in the eye of the beholder.”
With the new tear drop entry, Case has bridged any perceived gap between men and women as far as carrying a dressy, functional knife. “We’ve definitely seen an uptick in people carrying Case pocketknives over recent years,” Fred continued, “and they realize that a good, sharp knife is handy to have on your person for all kinds of reasons, from hiking and camping to doing detail work that’s done by hand. Whether kept in a pocket, purse or hanging on a carabiner, a pocketknife is a must have for most any person.”
For occasions when an unobtrusive EDC knife is in the mix, Case fashioned the Black Sea Dichrolam Tear Drop. “Our tear drop pattern has a single spear-shaped blade,” Fred related. “The long, sharp edge can cover everything from cutting threads on clothing to gathering fruit or nuts outdoors. The tip adds functionality for tasks like piercing through a clam shell package or scoring leather to fashion a sheath.”
Case’s tear drops, particularly the Black Sea Dichrolam, perform as excellent light-duty tools, according to Fred. The slim design and small “form factor” make them great for close-up and close-in work, handy little EDC knives that are not only up to the tasks a gent’s knife is meant to perform, but easy on the eyes as well.
Case Black Sea Dichrolam Tear Drop Specs: Designer: John Blazy Blade Length: 2.44″ Blade Steel: Trusharp Surgical Steel Blade Grind: Plain Handle Material: Dichrolam Composite Laminate Pocket Clip: None Bolsters: N/A Lock: Slip Joint Weight: 1.4 oz. Closed Length: 3.63″ Country Of Origin: USA MSRP: $106
Editor’s Note: Dainel Jackson, Dexture and Mike Haskew contributed to this post.
Revel in a short list of knife industry milestones that transformed the knife world.
Editor’s Note: BLADE Magazine is celebrating its 50th anniversary of its founding this year. To recognize this milestone, we are running a series of articles looking at the changes to the knife world the publication has been privy to over its history.
Time marches on. And in the cutlery industry, the half century from the early 1970s to the present has been filled with both revolution and evolution.
From the corner of a massive hall at a gun show, the slight mention of a new style of field tool, and the basic everyday factory blade carried in the worker’s pocket, the knife industry, both custom and factory, has blazed its own trail over the past 50 or so years, emerging from a somewhat obscure existence to the mainstream. And along the way have been those moments of discovery, awareness and excitement that have marked the trail.
For reference, a few of those moments include the following.
The first “meeting” of the Knifemakers’ Guild basically was the idea of A.G. Russell. What would become the Guild Show was the leading knife show for decades. A.G. (right) discusses a Harry Morseth knife with maker Lloyd Hale (left). (Sid Latham image)
1970s
Though what would become the Knifemakers’ Guild Show was first held in 1970, the show that occurred three years later is still talked about today. That was when Bill Moran reintroduced damascus steel for knife blades, kindling a revival of interest in damascus as the new “super steel” and generating a wave of collector fervor. Also in 1973, Blackie Collins founded The American Blade, a magazine for the knife industry like nothing that had been seen before. Known today as BLADE®, the publication remains a voice for the industry and a tangible contributor to the life and times of the knife enthusiast.
In the following decade, knife shows increased in number and attendance, including the BLADE Show, the New York Custom Knife Show, California Custom Knife Show and the Guild Show, the latter which led the pack for at least 20 years. At the same time, Guild members established industry trends, including the drop-point hunter and the popularization of super steels 154CM and ATS-34 by Bob Loveless, while A.G. Russell vigorously supported the knife industry through his advocacy, sharpeners, knives and growing catalog business.
Eric R Eggly, PointSeven Studios
In 1976, the American Bladesmith Society was formed, and those who forged their blades and worked in damascus at long last had their own organization to promote training and excellence with hammer-ins and other events that brought people together to learn the art of bladesmithing. By 1988, the ABS opened its own school, the Bill Moran School of Bladesmithing. For the first time, bladesmiths and knifemakers could take advantage of a year-round school that offered instruction in forging, bladesmithing and more.
1980s
Nineteen-eighty-one saw the introduction of two watershed knife creations by Spyderco and Michael Walker. With the C01 Worker, Spyderco headman Sal Glesser introduced the first knife with both the famed hole in the blade for easier one-hand knife opening and a pocket clip for enhanced carry. Walker, meanwhile, debuted his groundbreaking linerlock folder. The innovations led to a concentration on ease of carry and deployment, focusing the industry on such elements that made the experience of knife ownership something even more special.
Jimmy Lile and Sylvester Stallone combined to use Lile’s survival knife in the 1982 movie First Blood, and knives were never the same again.
Hollywood took its turn in the early 1980s with the Rambo series of feature films and the knives that played starring roles. Cutlery Hall-Of-Famers Jimmy Lile and Gil Hibben became celebrities in their own right, and sure enough, other knife-and-sword-oriented films followed, including the Conan series, Commando, Predator and The Last of the Mohicans. These were just a few but the knives of custom makers profoundly influenced the marketplace. Soon enough, collaborations between custom knifemakers and factory knife companies began to flower.
1990s
By the 1990s, equipment such as CNC, laser cutters and CAD/CAM entered the knifemaking realm and brought about rapid change in the way custom and factory knives were made. The introduction of such hi-tech equipment into the maker’s shop gave rise to a debate over the very definition of handmade—a debate that continues to this day.
As early as the 1990s, the use of laser cutters—here cutting a hole in a Spyderco blade—CNC machines and other high-tech equipment began to take hold in the making of knives.
At the same time, the emergence of the internet brought the commercial knife market to the world, as custom makers, factories, dealers, collectors and others offered knives for sale on an unprecedented scale. The global reach of the internet led to a burst of information on every aspect of the knife industry, from websites, forums for the exchange of information, how-to videos, online auctions, and even a bit of the dark side—buyer beware! Know your customer and other maxims rang true.
Along with the information explosion, competition was more robust than ever, particularly with the onrush of China’s factory presence, not only in quantity but also, later, in quality. The Chinese influence has redefined notions of affordability, value, and how knives are produced and distributed, and the resulting market conditions continue to impact the buying habits of consumers worldwide.
2000s On
Of course, there are ongoing challenges. Two significant advocacy groups, the American Knife & Tool Institute (AKTI) and Knife Rights, assumed leading roles in responding to knife laws and particularly to the zeal of government regulation, which at times has threatened the livelihood and freedom of Americans to carry one of man’s oldest tools. Pro-knife legislation and the legalization of automatics in many states are evidence of the credible work that has been done, with much of the organized response from the knife industry resulting from the defeat of the 2009 effort led by U.S. Customs to reclassify one-hand knives as switchblades/automatics.
With the C01 Worker in 1981, Sal Glesser and Spyderco introduced the first knife with both the famed hole in the blade for easier one-hand knife opening and a pocket clip for enhanced carry. Released in 2014, the company’s C01GPGR Worker Sprint Run paid homage to the original C01.
Knife Innovation
The history of the modern knife industry is one of rapid change and continuing innovation. Long-time maker Tim Britton recalls the influence of Blackie Collins and Blackie’s foray into publishing. “Blackie could sell refrigerators to Eskimos,” he commented. “The American Blade magazine was one of his favorite projects, and his input and support facilitated the start of the Knifemakers’ Guild. We had one show, the Guild Show, where we could share fellowship and technology. Names like Buster [Warenski], Henry Frank, [W.W. “Bud”] Cronk, Jim Schmidt and Bob Loveless became famous at our annual shows.
“Virgil England took us to another planet and then along came the Chinese industrial monster,” he continued. “Tactical knives were their focus and they had no hesitation in copying American designs. The American Bladesmith Society developed a business model whereby rediscovered damascus steel could be taken to all new levels. There was never any question in this group about ‘what is a handmade knife’ or who is copying whose design. Knifesmiths flourished, and Forged in Fire has taken us all to a new level. Knifemaking caught on in other countries, and those makers continue to produce some of the finest work imaginable.”
The ABS opened the Bill Moran School of Bladesmithing in 1988. The principals at the school’s ribbon cutting ceremony were, from left: Carl Nelson, president of Texarkana College, Bill Moran and Mrs. Margaret Moran, and Judge James Pilkington.
Custom knifemaker Jim Sornberger well remembers the early days of the Guild and its organization. “The Guild thing was first discussed in 1970, and that was Bob Loveless and A.G. Russell,” he said. “Actually, A.G. bought tables for a bunch of the guys and set that up. He said, ‘Let’s have a show and get a block of tables,’ and so he did that. The Guild was the best organization of knifemakers in the world, and it had the biggest knife show anywhere in the world for many years.”
As for technology, Sornberger says it is simply a fact of life. Evidence of progress and efficiency are seen in makers’ shops routinely today, including CNC equipment, mills, lathes, ingenious versions of versatile grinders and more. “You can’t reverse technology,” he reasoned. “There are always new methods of doing something.”
Ron Lake had a huge hand in the evolution of custom knives, introducing his clever tab-lock interframe folder and helping popularize 416 stainless. “It was a different world back when,” he remarked. “We had a small corner at a gun show, and Blackie Collins was sitting off by himself 30 feet away from me with a slipjoint knife, and I remember Loveless cut himself with that knife! A lot of people came and went from the knife world back in those days.”
Contributions such as the dropped hunter by Bob Loveless were among the trends started by members of the Knifemakers’ Guild in the 1970s and beyond. (Exquisiteknives.com image)
As Moran brought damascus back into the spotlight in 1973 and other developments were coming along, Lake remembers the growing ranks of the virtuoso custom knifemakers, including Billy Mace Imel, Buster Warenski and others. He also recalls the sudden impact of Spyderco. “I think maybe it wasn’t so much the hole,” he said, “but the clip. That in itself was a mind-boggling event—maybe not so much at the time, but later as people started using it.”
Ron Lake, Bob Loveless, Bill Moran and A.G. Russell
The influential journalistic career of B. R. Hughes has made its own contribution to the modern knife world. Hughes was there in the beginning of the modern era. He planned the first Gun Digest Book of Knives along with Jack Lewis, and it hit the market in 1973.
“That was a meaningful year,” Hughes remembered. “Ron Lake, Bob Loveless, Bill Moran and A.G. Russell are the most influential individuals in the history of custom knifemaking, and A.G. played a bigger role than a lot of people give him credit for. He saw the need to organize and there was a meeting in Tulsa in 1970, and the first Guild Show was in 1971, and it grew unbelievably. They met in Houston and there were about 20 or so makers, and then the next year the show was in Kansas City, and there were 40 or 50, and it just kept growing.”
According to B. R., damascus was a catalyst for revival in American bladesmithing. “The inclusion of damascus saved bladesmithing,” he said, “and there were fewer than 15 bladesmiths in America in 1973. The number was going down. There was Bo Randall and then Rudy Ruana as well, but just a few younger bladesmiths.”
The use of a wide range of new materials in the making of knives exploded in the 1990s and continues to this day. One of the latest examples is Bill Moran reintroduced damascus for knives at the 1973 Guild Show and the rest is history. Moran (right) observes another successful Guild Show with Betty and Ted Dowell at the ’74 event in Kansas City. (Sid Latham image), employed here by Gerry Michael on the blade of his Fancy Harpoon model. (Jocelyn Frasier image edit)
Then, he says, the founding of The American Blade weighed in. “That was immense,” he offered. “I started writing about knives in the early 1960s, and there were primarily just gun magazines. I wrote for Gun Week, doing some knife articles for them, but there was no knife magazine, and the people I wrote about were people I met at gun shows. Without a knife magazine, it made it tough to write about knives.”
Hughes added, “I was fortunate to be around the first meeting of the Guild and things like that.” Indeed, B. R. saw and wrote about history as it was made.
Knife Industry Ups and Downs
These days, the world of knives continues to expand, to change, to elicit praise and criticism. Britton has watched much of this evolution. “Quality Chinese repros are available at flea markets and gun shows for $15 to $40,” he observed. “Many knifemakers are designing knives for knife companies, further blurring the differences between handmade and factory/manufactured. The internet is being used extensively for marketing—from very ornate websites to knife forums. The ‘Show Calendar’ page in BLADE is crammed full of announcements of shows from San Francisco to Paris. Several knife dealers have created a secondary market, and literally thousands of knives are available for sale 24/7.”
Concurrently, Britton is excited about what he notices these days. “We’re seeing abrasive materials, grinders, CNC equipment, new steels, and exotic types of handle materials from paua shells to hippos’ teeth,” he noted. “Creative craftsmen are exploring new horizons with acrylics and phenolics and stabilized wood burls. We see something new at every show.”
Forged in Fire debuted in 2015 and since then has exposed millions of television viewers to knifemaking and bladesmithing on a weekly basis.
That, succinctly, is a strong indication of an industry, a passion, a way of life that continues to flourish despite the strain and stress that are natural byproducts of absolutely anything and everything that is alive. A half century from now there will be more milestones, more discussions and even greater achievement.
Members of the BLADE Magazine Cutlery Hall Of Fame® mentioned in the story and sidebar are Blackie Collins, Sal Glesser, Gil Hibben, B. R. Hughes, Billy Mace Imel, Ron Lake, Jimmy Lile, Bob Loveless, Bill Moran, Bo Randall, Rudy Ruana, A.G. Russell, Jim Sornberger, Bruce Voyles, Michael Walker and Buster Warenski.
25 Knife Industry Milestones
1973 Bill Moran reintroduces damascus for knife blades at the Guild Show 1973 The American Blade debuts 1976 Bill Moran, B. R. Hughes, Don Hastings and Bill Bagwell found the American Bladesmith Society 1981 Spyderco debuts the C01 Worker, the first knife with both a blade opening hole and a pocket clip 1981 Michael Walker introduces a folder with the linerlock mechanism 1982 First Blood and Jimmy Lile’s Rambo knife appear in theaters 1983 Michael Walker first uses titanium in the construction of one of his linerlocks 1987 Buster Warenski completes the King Tut dagger reproduction 1988 The Bill Moran School of Bladesmithing opens in Old Washington, Arkansas 1992 Bruce Voyles moves the BLADE Show to the Renaissance Waverly Hotel in Atlanta, where it opens to rave reviews 1990s An explosion in Crucible Particle Metallurgy and the so-called “super steels,” and such materials as carbon fiber, mosaic damascus and more revolutionize knifemaking 1990s Computer numerically controlled equipment, laser cutters and more for knifemaking begin to appear 1990s Internet knife web pages, knife discussion forums, knife instruction videos and more start making their mark Mid-1990s Tactical folders begin to dominate the custom and factory knife industries 1997 The BLADE Show moves from the Renaissance Waverly Hotel to the adjoining Cobb Galleria Centre and completes its ascendancy as the world’s most important knife event 1990s Chinese companies begin entering the factory knife business 1998 The American Knife & Tool Institute (AKTI), the oldest surviving knife advocacy group, debuts 2001 Terrorists bring down the Twin Towers and the knife industry reacts with a slew of military inspired knives, tomahawks and more 2006 The Knife Rights advocacy group debuts 2009 The knife industry unites to defeat an attempt by U.S. Customs to declare all one-hand-opening knives switchblades/automatics 2010s Social media begins taking the internet knife business to the next level 2010s Knife Rights and AKTI work to overhaul anti-knife legislation, including overturning automatic/switchblade bans and establishing knife preemption laws at the state level 2010s European knife manufacturers such as LionSteel, Fox Cutlery, Maserin and others begin winning more than their share of BLADE Magazine Knife-Of-The-Year® Awards 2015 Forged in Fire debuts and exposes millions of television viewers to knifemaking and bladesmithing for the first time 2020 The pandemic ravages the world and also the knife world, closing knife shows everywhere—including the BLADE Show 2020s The knife industry survives the pandemic, and, thanks to internet sales, even thrives in some segments—and knife shows begin to return
