Knifemaking Archives

Is there any present as special as a high school graduation gift a father makes by hand for his child—in this case a banana skinner Bob Loveless fashioned for his daughter, Robin Askew? “It has a stag handle with intricate engraving that he had done by a silversmith,” Robin said. “It is absolutely beautiful.” (Dave Ellis image)

Bob Loveless’ Influence Still Touches Those Closest To Him

Mike Haskew - February 7, 2026

Robin Askew moves on, but her father (Bob Loveless) remains there for her.

A European quillon dagger with a wire-wrapped handle that passes inspection is one of the prerequisites of earning the rating of ABS master smith. A veteran MS, Charles Carpenter continues to make outstanding quillon daggers such as this one in African blackwood, winner of Best Dagger at Cowtown 2025. Overall length: 16 inches. Carpenter’s price for a similar knife: $6,000. (Jocelyn Frasier image)

Dagger Design: Getting A Handle On Crafting The Handle

Travis Fry - January 13, 2026

Tips on handle materials, shaping/layout, grooves and flutes

Buster Warenski was making covetable art knives as far back as the 1970s, low-crowned Stetson, “the look” and all. (Richard Barney image)

50 Years Ago In BLADE: Buster Warenski

BLADE Staff - December 29, 2025

BLADE Magazine Cutlery Hall-of-Fame® member Buster Warenski was the subject of an extensive six-page profile a half century ago in the January/February 1976 issue...

When it comes to sub-hilt fighters, BLADE Magazine Cutlery Hall-of-Fame® member Bob Loveless (page 68) is the standard bearer. The Spade Series includes two of his smaller sub-hilt fighters flanking his Big Bear sub-hilt, along with two other Loveless classics, all in engraving by the incomparable Julie Warenski. (SharpByCoop knife image)

Sub-Hilt Knives: Aesthetics And Aggression In Harmony

Pat Covert - December 16, 2025

The sub-hilt is at once belligerent and beautiful, adding a strange allure to the knives that sport it.

Brian “Rocco” Nawrocki’s tribute knife for USMC Sergeant Scott Bunker includes blade steel and deck wood from the vintage World War II Battleship USS North Carolina. The L/3/25 on the blade represents Scott’s Lima Company (L), Third Battalion (3) and 25th Regiment (25).

Cool Customs: Rocco Nawrocki’s Knife For Sergeant Bunker

BLADE Staff - December 11, 2025

Marine Corps hero feted with Nawrocki knife at The Battleship Ball. An unforgettable setting for a memorable event celebrating an American hero—all complemented by a...