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 June
2008
®
THE WORLD’S #1 KNIFE PUBLICATION

FEATURES
12 Mr. Folding Knife
Ron Lake revolutionized folders and his influence continues. By Mike Haskew

20 Rally ‘Round the Balisongs

Great designs exist but government regs continue to plague them. By Dave Rhea

26 Back In Customs Again

WHK’s Matt Conable returns to building handmade knives. By BLADE® staff

30 Loose, Tight or In-Between?

20 What’s acceptable blade play in a folder and how to obtain it. By Mike Haskew

38 Be Wary When You Carry Part II

Know your constitutional rights and exercise them to the fullest. By Ed Fowler

42 BREAKTHROUGH! Fossil Coral

An ancient material from the Devonian Period resurfaces for grips. By Don Lozier

46 Cutting Rusty Cuts Just The Same

Carbon steel is field proven—so what if it stains a little? By Jeff Randall

56 9 Museum Tips for Knife Care

A curator of collections tells you how the pros do it. By Jarod Kearney

60 Sean Makes ‘em Sharp

26 Consider the knives of Sean O’Hare of the Northwest Territories. By Rick Mussey

80 How To Fit Hidden-Tang Handles

Hidden-tang construction offers advantages over other methods. By Tim Zowada

86 The Latest in Knifemaking Equipment

The state-of-the-art in the machines that help build knives By Brendan O’Brien

94 There Was A Crooked Blade

Know how to tell if a custom blade is straight enough. By Joe Szilaski

102 Knives Hit Pay Dirt in Sin City Conclusion

The latest factory knives were “all in” at the SHOT Show. By BLADE® staff

108 Cuts Like an Egyptian

Chopra’s auto conversion of the CRKT Pharaoh takes the test. By MSG Kim Breed
30
4 BL ADE JUNE 2 0 0 8

contents.indd 4 3/11/08 7:36:34 AM

 46
4HE7ILLIAM(ENRY3TUDIOOFFERSSUPERLATIVE
CUTLERYTHATMARRIESEXPERTCRAFTSMANSHIP
STATEOFTHEARTMATERIALSAND
TECHNOLOGYANDTIMELESSDESIGNS

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ANDISDESIGNEDTOBELONGEQUALLYTOTHE -ODEL "7-'#
MOSTRUGGEDTASKSANDRElNEDCOLLECTIONS

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SPOTLIGHT VISITOURWEBSITEORONEOFOUR
AUTHORIZEDRETAILERSx

6 Readers Respond
7 Cover Story
9 BLADE® Web Services Page
10 Unsheathed
18 The Knife I Carry
52 Randall Answer Men WWWWILLIAMHENRYSTUDIOCOM -!$%).53!
66 Your Knife Rights
68 BLADE Shoppe Kmh]jdYlan]^mf[lagf\]k]jn]klgZ]]d]nYl]\lgåmh]jdYlan]Yjl
74 BLADE List
74 Classified Ads
75 Ad Index
76 What’s New
78 Knifemaker Showcase
84 Handmade Gallery
97 Where To Get ‘Em
98 Show Calendar
100 Where To Net ‘Em
112 Next In BLADE
114 Hot Handmade

102

BLADE® (ISSN 1064-5853) is published monthly, including the

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 readers
readers respondrespond
This Is Your Column! And we want to know what you think.
Do you like what you’ve read in BLADE®? Do you have a
complaint, a suggestion, or an opinion you’d like to share with
the largest knife audience in the world? Mail your comments
Remembering Bob Lum
T
hanks a million for mentioning Thad
Buchanan as an accomplished maker
to watch in the March BLADE®. He
has some exciting new styles he is working
on for this year, so your advice to others to
watch him is right on!
Also, I really liked Stephen Garger’s piece
on handle material (page 108, same issue).
It was a fun and educational read for me.
Stephen is a really nice guy. I met him at
BLADE Show West the first year I attended
it with Thad.
Finally, just checking if you might be plan-
ning on doing something about Bob Lum’s
passing? You know, we went to his service
in December and there were a lot of mak-
ers who attended—Todd Begg, Chris Reeve,
Bill Harsey, Ron Lake, Lee Thompson and
Craig Morgan. (There were probably others
there who I do not know or did not see.) It
was really special. Wayne Goddard spoke of
the two things that Bob taught him—how
to use a flat disc grinder and how to make
a certain Chinese dish. Oh, that is the other
thing about Bob—he was a great cook! That
came up a lot. But it really showed me, and I
thought I knew Bob pretty well, what a nice
husband, uncle, father, neighbor and knife-
maker he was.
Melissa Buchanan, Prineville, Oregon
Editor’s note: The obituary on Bob Lum ap-
peared on page 110 of the April BLADE®.
Mrs. Buchanan’s letter crossed that issue in
the mail.
Ramps, Clips and Flicks
I
have a couple of things I need to get off
my chest, but first I would like to say
that I love BLADE® and knives in gen-
eral. I have a fair collection of high-end fac-
tory knives and like them all. I also use them
all—what’s the point of having an extremely
well-made cutting tool and not enjoying it?
Anyway, complaint No. 1 is thumb
ramps. Ninety percent of the time they are
in the way. They usually stick up to a point
that is right where you want to place your
thumb for better control and pressure over
the cut—not comfortable! The only thing I
can see they’re good for is a stabbing mo-
tion, which I hope I never have to use in a
self-defense manner. If there’s some form of
6 BL ADE JUNE 2 0 0 8
ReadersRespond.indd 6
to: BLADE, P.O. Box 789, Ooltewah, TN 37363-0789, or visit
our website: www.blademag.com or e-mail: BladeEditor@
fwpubs.com. We reserve the right to edit your comments to fit
the space available.
guard on the bottom, maybe all you need
are some thumb notches on top of a flat
(flush) blade.
Complaint No. 2 is pocket clips mounted
in such a way that too much knife sticks out
of your pocket. Such a mounting makes it
easier to lose your knife and is unattractive
with so much knife showing, especially to
non-knife people.
Complaint No. 3: Please, young peo-
ple—and not so young—stop flicking your
knives and showing off in a threatening
manner—you’re giving all knife enthusiasts
and knives a bad name. Knife people and
non-knife people are not impressed.
Jerry Leoppky, Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada
A Few More Grey Hairs
T W
hank you for running the great article
on my work (“Man Who Would Be
Sword King,” April BLADE®). Also,
I would like to re-state my appreciation for
the custom swordmakers in the industry.
Put me in a room with Scott Slobodian,
Kevin Cashen, Vince Evans, Rick Barrett,
Michael Bell, Daniel Watson and Don Fogg
and I’ll be polishing everyone’s boots within
10 seconds. There are too many great, truly
great, swordmakers out there to name who
are doing super work right now and I am
humbled to be at the bottom of that list.
I say that my goal is to put one of my
swords in the hands of every collector in the
world, but I know that I have a long way to
go to make that happen. As the outstanding
swordsmith, Howard Clark, once told me,
“You need to grow a few more grey hairs.”
So thanks again BLADE for showing read-
ers some of my work—and I’ll continue to
press on.
Michael Rader, Wilkeson, Washington
What About Lan-Cay?
I ’m a security guard in the Philippines
and also a member of the Army reserve.
On Sundays as an Army reservist I carry a
Lan-Cay M-9 bayonet that I bought from
Dau, Mabalicat, Pampaga, near Clark Air-
base. Every time I buy BLADE®, I read the
list of every knife company but there is no
Lan-Cay in your “Ad Index,” “Where To Net
‘Em” or “Where To Get ‘Em.” Is there a Lan-
Cay knife company? And can you provide
any information about it?
Dave (surname and address not available)
Editor’s note: We did a web search and found
a nice site for Lan-Cay, Inc. at www.lancay.
com. Based in Carrollton, Kentucky, the com-
pany offers what appears to be a nice selection
of bayonets, sheaths and other accessories.
According to the site, Lan-Cay is a privately
owned corporation that specializes in govern-
ment procurement contracts, and also does a
limited amount of commercial machining
and manufacturing. For more information
call 502.732.8845, fax 502.732.9686 e-mail
m9brown@hotmail.com or bbrown2672@
hotmail.com.
“Satchmo” Said It Best
e are truly in the “Golden Age of
Knives,” whether custom or factory,
and this phenomenon is not limited geo-
graphically—it seems to be universal. As a
life subscriber to American Blade/BLADE®,
I look back from volume one to the present
and see the unprecedented advances made
over that period. I would credit it largely to
the hard work and sharing of ideas by the
many fine people in our field. (I’m a collec-
tor, not a maker, by the way.)
From O1 carbon to ZDP-189 stainless
and the many steels in-between, knife per-
formance is at a historical high. I am sure
the old “masters” would have loved to be
alive in our times with the materials and
equipment available to accomplish modern
miracles in knifemaking.
What prompted this letter is the brilliant
maker, Kenneth King. While his knives are
those of a custom knife artist, his attitude
that even an art knife must first of all be
functional, before any embellishment goes
on, is right on the mark. When we knife
enthusiasts wonder “what’s next?”, Kenneth
gives us the answer. As he noted, “I’m just
starting to scratch the surface right now.”
If so, then given his current endeavors, the
sky is the limit. And we need not ask only
“what’s next?”, but “who’s next?”
For me, Louis Armstrong’s song said it
best—“And I think to myself, what a won-
derful world!”
Laird Crawford, Pine Falls, Manitoba, Can-
ada
3/11/08 12:38:55 PM
 cover
cover story
story
T
he cover knife is one of the most
important knives in modern cutlery
history. The prototype of Blade Mag-
azine Cutlery Hall-Of-Famer© Ron Lake’s
very first interframe folder, it was made in
1971 and displayed at that year’s Knifemak-
ers’ Guild Show in Houston, Texas.
Not only is it the first interframe, it is also
the first tab-lock interframe, tab-lock refer-
ring to the lock on the butt of the handle.
The blade is A2 tool steel with a Rockwell
hardness of 64 Rc and has nail nicks on both
sides, not just the one side as with the nail-
nicked blades of most folders. The inter-

“It is also the first

tab-lock
interframe.”
frame inlay is ebony and the finger-grooved
frame is naval brass, as are the handle pins.
Lake’s list price for the knife at the 1971
Guild Show was $95—a lot of money for a
knife back then. Though Lake did not sell
the knife at the show, he said he took six or-
ders there for the same style.
For more on the knife and Lake, see the
stories on pages 10 and 12, or contact him
at 3360 Bendix Ave., Dept. BL6, Eugene, OR
97401 541.484.2683 rwlake1940@earthlink.
net.
The cover photo is by Kris Kandler.

JUNE 2 0 0 8 blad emag.co m 7

CoverStory.indd 7 3/10/08 3:16:53 PM

 !LL3HARP BLADE
WORLD’S #1 KNIFE PUBLICATION
Vol. XXXV, No. 6, June 2008

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 unsheathed
unsheathed
History Came Via
Special Delivery
W
hile editing this issue’s story
(page 12) by Mike Haskew on
Blade Magazine Cutlery Hall-Of-
Famer© Ron Lake, I called Ron to see if he
had any pictures he would like to include.
“I have the original tab-lock interframe I
made,” he said matter-of-factly. “I can send
that to you to photograph.”
The prototype of the interframe he made
in 1971, the piece that redefined folding
knives and today remains one of the most
emulated designs in the handmade realm?
Wouldn’t that be like next-daying George
Washington’s hatchet or express mailing
John Wayne’s lever-action Winchester from
Rio Bravo?
I asked Ron if he was absolutely sure that
he wanted to ship the knife and he insisted
that he was. When the package arrived safely
the next day, I breathed a sigh of relief. As I
opened it and gingerly pulled the knife out,
a weird sensation hit me. It was as if I had
been transported back in time and place to
the 1971 Guild Show in Houston, Texas.
Though big and cumbersome by today’s
standards, the folder retains the tight fit and
finish and crisp action that were among the
qualities that so impressed the knife afi-
cionados of the day. The inlay material for
the groundbreaking interframe is ebony,
and the tab-lock mechanism on the butt of
the finger-grooved handle probably works
about as well today as it did then.
I called Ron to tell him that the knife
had arrived safely and to ask him about
it. “The blade is A2 tool steel. That’s what
I used for several years,” he noted, adding
that the Rockwell hardness is 64 Rc. “I used
a stone wheel as a grinder. I bought all my
ebony from Herters for six or eight years. I
think they used to call the wood the ebony
came in carving blocks. The frame and pins
are naval brass.” From there, the memories
seemed to flood back as he recalled the
knife’s debut.
Cutlery Hall-Of-Famers Bob Loveless,
A.G. Russell and B.R. Hughes were there, as
was writer John Wooters. “I drove to Hous-
ton and so did Loveless,” Ron recalled. “I’ll
never forget it. Loveless had a yellow Chevy
10 BL ADE JUNE 2 0 0 8
Unsheathed.indd 10
When the prototype of Blade
Magazine Cutlery Hall-Of-
Famer© Ron Lake’s first-ever
interframe folder arrived safely
at the editor’s office, the editor
breathed a huge sigh of relief.
Blazer.”
Ron said that Loveless in particular
seemed fascinated by the knife. “He was so
impressed with it that he kept it in his room
overnight,” Ron recollected. “It looks crude
now, doesn’t it? But it was light years ahead
of everything else back then.”
According to Ron, it was Loveless’ em-
bracing of the folder that solidified its sta-
tus among the handmade aficionados of the
day as a prize knife. As a result, Ron gave
Loveless serial number one.
When you consider the knife on this
issue’s cover, you must also consider the
time. It was 1971. The best handmades were
fixed blades by the likes of Loveless, Cutlery
Hall-Of-Famers Bo Randall and George
Herron, D.E. Henry, Ted Dowell and others.
Most custom folders were considered after-
thoughts, blocky, ungainly pieces with poor
fit and finish and balky blade action.
Enter Ron Lake. A model maker by trade,
he had been making knives for only about
By Steve Shackleford
six years and was new to making folders.
“I didn’t know what a knife was supposed
to look like because I’d never seen a knife-
maker until that show,” he recalled. There
were no custom knife specialty magazines
or knifemaking books, and no knifemaking
schools or custom knife shows to speak of.
Computer numerically controlled (CNC)
knifemaking and the internet were science
fiction. “I had been in the dark about every-
thing [concerning custom knives],” he said.
“I had very few customers.”
Speaking of customers, many of them
were as unsophisticated as some of the day’s
custom folders.
“You asked $35 for a knife back then and
people thought you were out of your mind.
I was asking $95 for the interframe in Hous-
ton. A man rolled up in a wheelchair and
looked at the knife and asked, ‘How much?’
I told him and he flipped the knife into sev-
eral of the knives on my table,” Ron recalled.
Though he can laugh about it now, he wasn’t
a happy camper at the time. “It was all I
could do to keep from pushing the man out
into the street,” he sheepishly admitted.
A young man then, Ron is 67 now,
though the inner fires still burn bright. And,
of course, almost 40 years later, he still runs
into those who have never heard of cus-
tom knives. “People ask me what I do,” he
offered, “and I say, ‘I’m a knifemaker.’ And
they say, ‘That’s nice. What do you do for
a living?’”
What Ron has done and continues to do
for a living is set the bar about as high as any
maker has. And it all started with a folding
knife called the interframe.
Correction
In the “Where To Get ‘Em” of the March
BLADE®, knifemaker Russ Andrews’ e-mail
address was listed incorrectly. His correct e-
mail address: russandrews@sbcglobal.net.
3/11/08 9:09:19 AM
1183146_BL.indd 1 12/11/07 10:46:29 AM
 living legend
living legend

Blade Magazine Cutlery Hall-Of-Famer©

Ron Lake turned the world of custom
knives upside down when he introduced
his interframe folder in 1971, and his
contemporary interpretation of it remains a
standard bearer for handmade cutlery.
(Point Seven knife photo)

Ron Lake revolutionized custom folders in 1971

and his influence continues to this day

by Mike Haskew

12 BL ADE JUNE 2 0 0 8

RONlake.indd 12 3/6/08 1:01:23 PM

 This issue’s cover knife, the prototype
of the first interframe Ron Lake made
in 1971 is crude in many respects
by today’s standards, though for
the time it was state-of-the-art. The
blade is A2 tool steel with a Rockwell
hardness of 64 Rc. The inlay for the
interframe is ebony. Note the tab-lock
lock mechanism on the butt, a Lake
trademark, and the impressive fit
and finish (far right) even then.
Lake debuted the knife at the 1971
Knifemakers’ Guild Show in Houston.
W
hen Blade Magazine Cutlery
Hall-Of-Famer© Ron Lake
decided to travel to Hous-
ton in 1971 for the second
show of the fledgling Knifemakers’ Guild,
he stepped into an arena in which he was
destined to leave an indelible impression.
More than three-and-a-half decades later,
Lake’s influence, his craftsmanship, innova-
tion, willingness to help others and force of
personality remain as vibrant as ever.
Six years prior to that historic 1971 en-
counter with the founding members and
visitors to the Guild Show, Ron had made
his first knife, in a bowie style, which he
calls something of the “gladiator type.” Fol-
lowing an enlistment in the Army, he en-
joyed a career as an experimental prototype
maker in the automotive industry. He made
models of things by hand, and the ones that
passed muster the manufacturers would
turn into final products. Among the things
he designed, he said, were the first set of
dual exhaust pipes for the Pontiac GTO, and
a special inside dome light for the 1965 Ford
Thunderbird that could aim light directly at
fixed positions, in addition to illuminating
the entire interior. His interest in knives was
sparked by his job as a prototype maker and
a phone call from a friend who had a his-
toric knife damaged in a house fire.
“A fellow worker and good friend at
Stewart-Warner Corporation, John Brown,
asked me to help him refurbish a German
SS dagger which he had brought back from
World War II. He had been an Army Ranger
during the war and scaled the cliffs at Nor-
mandy,” Lake remembered. “Then, I made
RONlake.indd 13
that bowie knife and went from there. There
wasn’t any [knifemaking] reading material
in those days, but I had a good machinery
background. The real ingredients are desire
and determination. People have said, ‘You
were lucky and had that good machinery
background,’ but in the end it is desire and
determination. It’s as simple as that.”
With those basic ingredients and an in-
terest in knives, the
turning point for Lake
came once again in
the workplace when a
friend showed him a
wood-handle pocket-
knife. The story goes
that the knife had
been dropped on a
hard floor, resulting in
damage to the handle.
The wheels began to
turn and Lake came
up with the idea for
the interframe folder.
Perhaps no other
innovation has influ-
enced the evolution of
the folder more than
the interframe. It set a new standard in style
and function. Before long, the bandwagon Ron Lake (center) served on the
effect was in full swing, and others were Knifemakers’ Guild board of directors for
producing their versions of what has be- eight years during the long, successful run
come Lake’s signature creation. In Septem- of Blade Magazine Cutlery Hall-Of-Famer©
ber 1971, he filed the patent on the design. Frank Centofante (right) as Guild president
“What was significant about the inter- in the 1990s. Here the two congratulate
frame was that manufacturers and individ- knifemaker Terry Davis for achieving Guild
ual makers realized you could make a fold- voting-member status at a Guild business
ing knife out of a solid piece of metal rather meeting in the mid-‘90s.
JUNE 2 0 0 8 blad emag.co m 13
3/6/08 1:02:50 PM
 living legend
living legend

(From left) Blade Magazine Cutlery Hall-Of-Famers© Ron Lake and Frank Centofante, along
with veteran knifemaker Wayne Clay, discuss their book How To Make Folding Knives at a
late 1980s BLADE Show in Knoxville, Tennessee.

than liners and bolsters,” he recalled. “It’s an ously moved along.

evolution and people got the idea that you
could use a solid billet. In the patent lan-
guage I called it a frame, and I believe it was
in conversation later with A.G. Russell that
I first used the word interframe.”
One aspect of Lake’s career that has en-
deared him to many is his willingness to
share information. The interframe, for ex-
ample, has been copied, reproduced and re-
engineered thousands of times through the
years. Despite many opportunities to exer-
cise patent protection rights, he has gener-
“The premise of the Guild has always
been to share ideas, and I did that,” he rea-
soned. “The thing is that somebody doing it
on their own is no big deal, but a lot of guys
have sold to manufacturers something that
they called their design, but it was restyling
something that was my original idea. It was
bothersome but it didn’t keep me from do-
ing what I was supposed to do. I had myself
to worry about and just did what I wanted
to do.”
Cutlery Hall-Of-Famer Frank Cento-

See us at
Blade Show
Booth 75

During the Knifemakers’ Guild 25th anniversary celebration in 1996, the Guild board of
directors—and some of the best knifemakers you’re likely to see in one group—recognizes
a special guest. From left: Bob Terzuola, Billy Mace Imel, Blade Magazine Cutlery Hall-Of-
Famers© Ron Lake, Frank Centofante and D’ Holder, and Mel Pardue and Alfred Pendray.

14 BL ADE JUNE 2 0 0 8

RONlake.indd 14 3/10/08 10:15:27 AM

 fante has been a friend of Lake’s since that
Houston Guild Show years ago, and his ad-
miration has simply grown over time. In the
1990s, Lake served eight years with Cento-
fante when Centofante was president of the
Guild and Lake was vice president.
“I was fortunate enough to see the first in-
terframe Ron made,” Centofante commented,
“and we became Guild members at the same
time. Back then [in the early ’70s], there were
very few custom makers in the U.S., probably
only 60 or so in the whole country and a few
in their garages, I guess. I don’t remember
many people making folding knives, so there
is definitely a before and an after in terms of
when Ron came on the scene.”
Many nod in agreement that the pre-Lake
era in custom knifemaking, particularly that
of folders, was virtually inconsequential
compared to its stature today. Some even Simon Lytton engraved this Ron Lake interframe for a collector. The knife debuted at the
say that Lake revolutionized the handmade 2000 East Coast Custom Knife Show. (Point Seven photo)
folding knife from the clunky tool that it was
to a functional and attractive phenomenon.
In addition, the list of his accomplishments level of perfection even at that time. Every-
includes the tab lock—the locking mecha- Level of Refinement body was trying, but nobody got close to
nism on his folders—which is also patented, “Thinking back to when I started around what Lake was doing.
and a series of innovative styles and designs, 1980, Ron Lake was Mr. Folding Knife,” “Ron brought a level of refinement to cus-
all of which Lake still makes by hand. His related Cutlery Hall-Of-Famer Michael tom knives, and if he had not done what he
collaborations with other notable custom Walker, with whom Ron collaborated on did, it might still just be customized Buck
makers and manufacturers have resulted in the successful LAWKS (Lake-Walker Knife 110s out there,” Walker continued. “We all
more people becoming more aware of out- Safety) lock mechanism and undertook the think of him in terms of folding knives, but
standing custom knives, blazing a trail for Bullfrog brand design collaboration. “You looking closely at a straight knife of his you
other knifemakers to excel in their field. had to look at what he was doing and at his might even think it was an integral even

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The synthetic abrasive wheel sharpens both sides of the blade. Both electrical and manual sharpening
elements use preset sharpening angles that provide “guaranteed results every time”. Check out all
of Smith’s new products for 2008 and instructional sharpening videos at www.smithabrasives.com. www.smithabrasives.com

JUNE 2 0 0 8 blad emag.co m 15

RONlake.indd 15 3/10/08 10:19:13 AM

 living legend
living legend

When Ron Lake talks knives, knife people listen. While Lake (right) sketches an idea at
the booth of Columbia River Knife & Tool during the 2005 BLADE Show West, (from left)
CRKT’s Pat Haudbine and Doug Flagg, an unidentified CRKT staffer and CRKT’s Peggy
and Rod Bremer all pay close attention.

though it has a one-piece bolster. He set a
level of craftsmanship that demonstrated
that a lot of guys were making good knives,
just not at his level.”
Lake and Walker continue to share patent
and intellectual property information, and
the word is that the dynamic pair may in fact
be looking closely at a revival of the Bullfrog
enterprise and its design effort. Walker says
that trading ideas with Lake and offering
suggestions back and forth is a satisfying
and energizing experience. He smiles when
he recalls three years living in Oregon near
Lake when the two had three shops going
at the same time—Lake’s, Walker’s and the
Bullfrog project.
Decades from now, Lake’s classic, de-
fining style will remain, if nothing else.
According to Walker, whether the knife
is viewed at arm’s length or from across a
crowded room, that style is instantly recog-
nizable. “Ray Appleton used to say that the

An unusual saber grind and G-10 handle inlay with gold inserts give the classic Lake
interframe a more modern look. (Point Seven photo)

16 BL ADE JUNE 2 0 0 8

RONlake.indd 16 3/6/08 1:06:25 PM

 Ron Lake has participated in collaborations with such world-class knifemakers as Blade
Magazine Cutlery Hall-Of-Famer© and good friend Michael Walker, Steve Johnson and
Wolfgang Loerchner. Lake and Loerchner collaborated on this set. Lake made the knives
and Loerchner carved the handles. (Weyer photo)
knife had a face,” Walker said, “and accom-
plishing something lasting like that in the
knife world is not an easy thing to do.”
From the collector and purveyor point
of view, long-time observer Paul Lansingh
simply sees few peers to Lake. Lake’s visit to
the 1971 Guild Show amounted to a custom
maker’s coming out party. He astonished the
gathering. “He just blew them away,” Lan-
singh recalled. “He was one of those who
had outstanding quality from the get-go
and was very innovative. Those two things
set him apart. Also, he has always been very
willing to share his knowledge with other
knifemakers. In fact, he won the Guild’s
Red Watson Memorial Friendship Award in
1983, and that award is given to one knife-
maker each year who has assisted his fellow
knifemakers the most.
“He had early success and went on to
do some outstanding collaborations with
Michael Walker, Steve Johnson and, lately,
Wolfgang Loerchner. He was co-author
[along with Centofante and knifemaker
Wayne Clay] of the book How To Make Fold-
ing Knives, and he was one of 16 knifemak-
ers in the original group that was invited to
the Art Knife Invitational in 1983.”
Lansingh added that Lake has been in the
top five knifemakers in terms of demand
for their work for 30 years. Lansingh is the
proud owner of a Lake locking folder with
gold pins and a bighorn sheep interframe
handle, along with another piece with a
handle of tortoise shell over gold leaf, a silver
toothpick, and bolsters with surface engrav-
ing and 24k-gold inlay by Steve Lindsay.
RONlake.indd 17
“Here’s The Legend!”
With a reputation for telling it like it is, Lake
quickly tips his hat to other giants of the in-
dustry, including Cutlery Hall-Of-Famer
Bob Loveless, whose designs and introduc-
tion of the belt grinder to the standard shop
environment were milestones.
With all the praise and admiration, how-
ever, Lake maintains a refreshing perspec-
tive on life and a healthy respect for the
vocation that has been his livelihood. Still
willing to help others and still making a few
knives, he said, “Sometimes at shows people
come to my table and I won’t be there. They
say something to my wife [Donna], and
when I come back she says, ‘Oh, here’s the
legend!’ If you let that kind of thing go to
your head, you can get pretty twisted.”
Given a choice in the matter, he wants
only a simple legacy: “That I did my best
and that knifemaking has given me a great
reward,” he surmised. “I could be in my shop
at home and watch my kids, Holli, Julie and
Katie, grow up, and I could travel.”
Over the years, Lake has covered many
miles, literally and creatively. He has carried
an industry along for the ride—and what a
magnificent ride it has been.
For more information, contact Ron Lake,
3360 Bendix Ave., Eugene, OR 97401
541.484.2683 rwlake1940@earthlink.net or
see the story on page 10.
JUNE 2 0 0 8 blad emag.co m 17
3/6/08 1:06:11 PM
 the knife i carry the knife i carry

“In my right hand is my 10-year

anniversary knife museum folder sidelock,
U.S. Patent No. 4173066. In my left
hand is my Smith & Wesson folder. It’s a
great thrower. I love your magazine.”

Martin X. Holloway, Salt Lake City, Utah

“I have one of two knives in my

pocket at all times. I love the
assisted-opening models. The
Kershaw Speed Bump is fast
and at the ready for work and
the outdoors. The SOG Trident is
i n
WKnife!
great for lightweight carry while
hiking and fishing. Either way,
these two knives are a must for
me. They are tough and sharp
for whatever you need cutting.”
A
Just tell us briefly what knife you carry.
Joseph O’Donnell, Add a little history or an interesting
Bellows Falls, Vermont anecdote. Try to include a sharp
photograph of you with your knife.
We will publish your comments in an
upcoming “The Knife I Carry.” Your
name will then be entered in a drawing
to win a free, high-quality, name-brand
pocketknife. The drawing will be held
May 15. Mail to: BLADE®, P.O. Box 789,
Ooltewah, TN 37363-0789, or e-mail
BladeEditor@fwpubs.com. If you send
your entry by e-mail, please include
“I carry the Microtech Kestrel. With its combo edge it’s the best of both worlds,
your mailing address in case you win
and I like the paramilitary look.”
the drawing for the pocketknife.
Allen Treat, New Haven, Connecticut

18 BL ADE JUNE 2 0 0 8

knifeIcarry.indd 18 3/5/08 12:34:06 PM

1184319_BL.indd 1 12/10/07 2:22:49 PM
 Originally developed by Ricardo and Robert Lala of Korth Knives and
knifemaker Flavio Ikoma, the Ikoma Korth Bearing System (IKBS) is
known for extreme smoothness in operation and zero blade play. The
bali-ho! 4-inch blade is Damasteel stainless damascus and the handles are
stag on this Ikoma beauty. (photo courtesy EDC Knives)

Rally ‘Round the Balisongs

G
The much-maligned auging the current state of the bal-
isong market is complicated. It
bali comes in some seems that it is heading in two sepa-
rate directions at the same time.
twirlicious designs On the one hand, there are some note-
but continues to be worthy innovations that are taking the tra-
ditional design into the 21st century and
plagued by arbitrary beyond. On the other, it’s more of the same
goverment regulations with regard to legal complications associat-
ed with the bali’s on-again-off-again status
as an automatic and/or illegal knife in some
jurisdictions, which has led to what some
by Dave Rhea feel is a lull in the market.
In the former category is the ground-
breaking Jani-Song, created by Michael
Janich of Blackhawk Knives/Masters of De-
fense.
The Jani-Song operates much like a tradi-
tional balisong in that there are two handles
and a blade, and the operator can open the
knife by whipping the two handles around.
There, however, the similarities end.
“I would classify it as an inner handle,
outer handle and a blade, all rotating on a
common pivot pin,” Janich began. “The in-
ner handle and the outer handle each have
an arcuate slot that basically covers a 180-
degree radius. [According to Janich, arcuate
refers to a slot that is arc shaped.] The tang
pin in the blade rides inside the slots. When
you rotate the inner handle to 180 degrees,
it picks up the blade and rotates it out, and
the blade stops at 180 degrees and the in-
ner handle continues its arc for a full 360
degrees. At that point, the ends of the two
arcuate slots hold the tang pin captive and
lock it into position.”
When Janich teaches people how to use
a traditional balisong, the critical lesson is
which handle to grab while flipping. There
is a “safe handle,” where the back of the
blade can ride on your hand, and the “bite

2 0 BL ADE JUNE 2 0 0 8

Balisongs.indd 20 3/6/08 10:37:31 AM

 03<16;/231=;– &03<16;/239<7431==@35=<17BG=@CA/
Blackhawk’s Jani-Song, a Michael Janich design, is not being manufactured yet, but a patent
has been granted. Blackhawk had some difficulty with the original manufacturing choice,
which postponed the original release date of the knife as announced at the 2007 SHOT Show.
Now Blackhawk officials are back at the drawing board trying to find out the best way to bring
the Jani-Song to market. Here the Jani-Song is manipulated in the “up-down-up” opening
method. (Blackhawk photos)

handle,” where whatever gets between the
blade and the handle will get “bitten” by
the edge. Janich’s outer handle design elimi-
nates the “bite.”
The Jani-Song is not being manufactured
yet, but a patent has been granted. Black-
hawk Blades had some difficulty with the
original manufacturing choice, which post-
poned the original release date of the knife
as announced at the 2007 SHOT Show. Now
Blackhawk officials are back at the drawing
board trying to find out the best way to
bring the Jani-Song to market.
“I’m very excited about [the Jani-Song]
and I hope [Blackhawk] gets it into produc-
tion one of these days,” enthused balisong
collector Chuck Gollnick. “I felt, ‘Yeah, this
thing is pretty neat.’ And I also felt that [bal-
isong enthusiasts] are going to be finding
out some new tricks that will be specific to
that knife. That’s going to be exciting and
fun.”
The Ikoma Korth Bearing System (IKBS)
is one of the original bearing designs. It is
simple but revolutionary and comes from
the minds of Ricardo and Roberto Lala of
Korth Knives and knifemaker Flavio Ikoma,
all of Brazil.
“A number of people have started to in-
corporate the IKBS, which is nice,” said
Duane Weikum of EDC Knives. “It’s mak-
ing their knives function a lot better and a
lot smoother—but it’s not really new. Ikoma
and Korth have been doing that for a num-
ber of years. Charles Marlowe is using [the
IKBS on his balis] and so is Michael Burch.
Marlowe makes the best/smoothest balis
out there. He uses a stainless-steel race in-
stead of just machining out the handles.”
Others who use the IKBS on their balisongs,
Weikum added, are Brian Fellhoelter, Terry
Guinn and Les Voorhies.

Best of the Rest?

There have been other steps forward to bring
the bali into its modern state. An example is
the replacement of metal pivot wash-
ers with a bearing system, which A=;37<D3AB;3<BA
makes the balisong’s action
as smooth as silk. /@3;=@3CA34C:
Darrel Ralph’s latest entry in his custom B6/<=B63@A
Venturi series is the Venturi IX. It features
Ralph’s patented Maxx Glide Pivot bearing
BVS<Se=aP]`\S'!
system, a 4.25-inch bowie-style blade of 9cZUS`O —
CPM S30V stainless and a DLC-coated
titanium frame with tritium inserts. Weight:
4-4.5 ounces. His list price: $1,500. (photo
courtesy of Darrel Ralph)

JUNE 2 0 0 8 blad emag.co m 21

Balisongs.indd 21 3/6/08 10:39:16 AM

 lansky .com

bali-ho!
Great balis just keep coming from knife-
maker Darrel Ralph, who has been instru-
mental in balisong improvements over the
years, including his take on the friction-
free-bearing approach called the Maxx
Glide system. Before that, he made the bal-
isong action much smoother by using phos-
phorous-bronze washers in the pivots.
“What Darrel Ralph has been doing with
his Venturi balisongs, in my eyes, is head
and shoulders above what everybody else
does,” Janich assessed. “When it comes to
the balance dynamics of a balisong, when
it comes to taking both the aesthetic and
the functional side and really pairing those
together in a dynamic way, Darrel’s stuff is
amazing.”

NUMBERONE.
The best in the knife sharpening business for a reason.
Ralph’s latest incarnation of the Venturi
is the Venturi IX, which features the Maxx
Glide system and standard equipment.
Ralph’s list prices start at $550 and depend
on your choice of his customization op-
tions.
“Next, I’m coming back out with the
channel balis,” Ralph said. “I’m going back
PO Box 50830, Dept. BLA, Henderson, NV 89016 to the one-piece handles. I built the first
Phone: 716-877-7511, Email: info@lansky.com butterfly knife with solid handles that works
with bearings, which is almost impossible
S H A R P E N E R S F O R K I T C H E N | O U T D O O R S | S H O P
to put bearings [into].”

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Balisongs.indd 22 3/11/08 2:39:39 PM

 Another interesting evolution is not even

Flip Out Over Kershaw’s

a knife. It is a pen called the BaliYo by Spy-
derco. It provides the balisong enthusiast
with a tool that is ideal for safely practicing

“Flipper”
how to open and close a real balisong.
“That’s kind of neat,” Gollnick said of the T he Ener-g Flipper—in two

BaliYo. However, as for the current state of
new and improved balisongs on the market,
he is not impressed. “Unfortunately, from
what’s available commercially, there’s noth-
ing new. We’re at kind of a bad time right
now” in terms of bali design creativity, he
observed.
Bali Market Doldrums?
It seems most everyone agrees that the
tried-and-true Benchmade Model 42 con-
tinues to be the standard bearer of produc-
tion balis. Meanwhile, one recurring com-
plaint of those interviewed is that there is
a lack of quality products at various price
points. There are the $300-and-up customs
and there is the Model 42 at about $150 in
“I felt, ‘Yeah, this
thing is pretty neat.’”
—Chuck Gollnick
Knives
sizes. From the efficient design
of the blade to its powerful,
contoured handle, everything
about the Ener-g is meant to
conserve your energy by putting
the knife’s built-in energy to
work. The 13C26 stainless-steel
blades provide hardness and
excellent corrosion resistance.
A textured G-10 handle with
Trac-Tec inserts offers a grip
that’s always secure.
Designed by Lee Williams
Made in the
USA

the “best-price-case scenario.” Other than ENER-G Model 1740 ENER-G II Model 1745
that, those interviewed lament that there is Steel......Sandvik 13C26 stainless-steel Steel......Sandvik 13C26 stainless-steel
pretty much only cheap knock-offs, which Handle...Textured gray G-10 with black Handle...Textured gray G-10 with black
continue to stream into the USA while op- Trac-Tec inserts Trac-Tec inserts
pressive U.S. Customs regulations prevent Lock.......Locking liner Lock.......Locking liner
U.S. makers from importing components to Liner......410 stainless-steel Liner......410 stainless-steel
make lower-priced offerings. Blade......2-13/16 in. (7.2 cm) Blade......3-1/2 in. (8.9 cm)
“The Benchmade 42 is like the Colt Closed...3-3/4 in. (9.5 cm) Closed...4-3/4 in. (12.0 cm)
1911 [.45 service pistol] of balisongs,” Wei- Weight...2.2 oz. Weight...4.9 oz.
kum said. “It’s what all others are judged
by—rightly so.” He added that to help head MSRP $84.95 MSRP $99.95
off the bali market doldrums, the balisong
needs a pricing middle ground.
“It would be nice to have something a
little lower [priced] than the Model 42 for
the guys that can’t afford it,” Weikum con-
tinued, “and then something just a little
more because the customs start at about
$400 and go up. There needs to be a good
$75 balisong and there needs to be a good
$250 balisong.”
So, can you spend less money and still get
a good, quality balisong? Apparently you
can, and one way is to “do it yourself.”
“[Darrel Ralph’s] Classic Knife Kits’ Ty-
phoon kit is actually very easy to assemble,”
Gollnick explained. “Anyone with simple
tools can assemble it to the basic level in less www.kershawknives.com
than 15 minutes.” 8OO.325.2891
At what was advertised as the first na-
tional balisong flipping competition—aka

JUNE 2 0 0 8 blad emag.co m 2 3

Balisongs.indd 23 3/10/08 10:22:53 AM

 Extreme Knives and Tools for Extreme Places

Visionary
bali-ho!

It seems most everyone agrees that the tried-and-true Benchmade

Model 42 continues to be the standard bearer of production balis.
“The Benchmade 42 is like the Colt 1911 of balisongs,” EDC’s
Duane Weikum said. “It’s what all others are judged by—rightly so.”
(Benchmade photo)

“Baliville”—at the 2006 Chesapeake Knife tremendous hit for them and a tremendous
Show, the first-, second- and third-place fin- setback for the balisong market.” (For more
ishers all used Typhoon Competition Train- on the Spyderco case, see page 10 of the Au-
ers. (Incidentally, Baliville is also where gust 2007 BLADE®.)
Handle the Visionaries and tell us what you see.
Zytel glass reinforced handle, and VG-10 blade make the Visionary a compelling package.
SOGs trademark reversible low carry pocket clip, ambidextrous Arc-Lock, woven texture

Janich unveiled the Jani-Song to throngs

of serious bali enthusiasts—to rave reviews Little Relief In Sight
and fervent curiosity.) Weikum said that if he had his way, there is
“I think the best deal in the balisong mar- one thing he would do to resurrect main-
ket is the stuff [Ralph] is doing with Classic
Knife Kits, with his Typhoon balis,” Janich
added. “For the price, the quality you get
the Visionaries seem to be the perfect embodiment. Featuring

in these knives blows anything else in the

market away.”

Legal Difficulties
Gollnick indicated that government regula-
tions are also suppressing the bali market.
many of the SOG line of products fit this bill,

“Spyderco got into some legal difficulties

[in April 2007, largely for importing parts
intended for assembly of balisongs],” he
noted, “so I think that’s scared a lot of man-
ufacturers.”
can use everyday. Although

U.S. Customs ruled that balisongs are in

violation of the 1958 Switchblade Knife Act
tactical knives that you

and thus cannot be imported into the USA.

coined to designate

That includes parts that are manufactured

is a phrase that we
‘Practical Tactical’

overseas with the intention of being assem-

bled Stateside.
“It’s really kind of neurotic in the way it’s
set up,” Janich said. “You have the original
1958 switchblade law which states you can’t
import switchblades, inertia knives, gravity
knives, all that type of stuff. And then you
have a U.S. Customs ruling in the late 1980s
and basically U.S. Customs decided, based
on their decision, that the balisong was a
type of gravity knife. From that point, even
though federal law did not see balisongs as a
type of gravity knife, U.S. Customs does.
www.sogknives.com | 888-SOG-BEST “Spyderco got spanked with a close-to-
$400,000 fine,” Janich continued. “It was a
This photo shows the lock mechanism of
the Blackhawk Jani-Song with the scale
removed. You can clearly see what is meant
by “arcuate slot.” “Arcuate slot refers to
a semi-circular slot in which the tang
pin rides,” Blackhawk’s Michael Janich
explained. “A number of assisted-opening
knives use arcuate slots in their design and
some folders use them as a way of limiting
blade travel—the tang pin is a stop pin
and bottoms out at both ends of the slot.”
(photo courtesy of Blackhawk)

24 BL AD E JUNE 2 0 0 8

Balisongs.indd 24 3/10/08 1:01:25 PM

 Another interesting bali evolution is not
even a knife. It is a pen called the BaliYo
by Spyderco. It provides the balisong
enthusiast with a tool that is ideal for
safely practicing how to open and close a
real balisong, as well as a pen for writing.
Spyderco is also offering a new balisong, the
SmallFly, which is classified as a “federally
restricted item.” As such, only qualified
buyers may purchase one. Contact Spyderco
for more information. (Spyderco photo)
FREEMAN STAG
S30V DROP POINT

TIME WAS, WHEN YOU

WANTED FRESH MEAT, YOU
stream interest in balisongs. Customs and other roadblocks, a small but
TRACKED IT DOWN. WITHHA
“If we could pull off another Baliville—if talented band of knifemakers and knife
we could get the Baliville show to be a regu- companies continues to offer what they can EEL
RUGGED, FULL-TANG STEEL
lar thing—that would go a long way to boost in terms of quality balis to bali enthusiasts. TAG
BLADE AND GENUINE STAG
the enthusiasm and get more people inter- It is an uphill battle with little relief in HANDLE, THE FREEMANTM
ested in balisongs in general,” he opined. sight. PRETTY MUCH CHECKS
Though Baliville was a competition, it was EVERYTHING OFF
mainly held to raise awareness of balisongs Editor’s note: Please check the local, state and YOUR GROCERY LIST.
to the average knife enthusiast. It was a one- federal laws pertaining to the possession and BON APPETIT COWBOY.
time deal and “[the Baltimore authorities] carry of balisongs in your area.
had problems with it, so we weren’t able to
do that again. Something like that could try For the contact information for the balisongs • DROP POINT BLADE
to make it more of a recognized art instead in the story, see “Where To Get ‘Em” on page • 6.8 OUNCES
of some fringe thing.” 97 • S30V STEEL
Meanwhile, in the face of oppressive • LEATHER SHEATH INCLUDED
CLUDED
restrictions meted out arbitrarily by U.S. • MADE IN USA

Bear & Son’s Model 114A Silver Vein Butterfly is made in the USA and sports a 5-inch “armor-
piercing” tanto blade. MSRP: $48.
GERBERGEAR.COM

JUNE 2 0 0 8 blad emag.co m 25

Balisongs.indd 25 3/12/08 9:05:47 AM

 profile in steel
profile in steel

Here are three examples of a custom auto Conable made during 2005-2006.
He built a total of 25 one-of-a-kind versions of the design over two years.
From left: a titanium frame with inlaid gold-lip mother-of-pearl, diamond
inlay, and a rose-gold bail with a san-mai mosaic damascus blade from steel
forged by Ed Schempp, and engraving by Don Patch; an auto with a matching
damascus frame and a blade featuring steel forged by Delbert Ealy, with scales
of ancient ivory and a titanium pocket clip; and a model boasting heat-colored
mosaic damascus forged by Gary House, with inlays of ancient ivory and a
blade ground from mosaic damascus forged by Chris Marks. (photo courtesy of
William Henry Knives)

2 6 BL ADE JUNE 2 0 0 8

conable.indd 26 3/5/08 12:01:40 PM

 by BLADE® staff
M
att Conable began making knives 18 years ago as an ap-
prentice to knifemaker David Boye, author of the clas-
sic Step-by-Step Knifemaking book. Since then, Conable
has worked with Boye as an independent custom knifemaker and,
finally, as the co-founder, designer and knifemaker behind the Wil-
liam Henry Knives brand.
For all intents and purposes, Conable is William Henry. (William
Henry comes from the middle names of Conable and his silent part-
ner.) Conable is the sole designer at William Henry, with 13 Blade
Magazine Knife-Of-The-Year® awards on his shelf, and the architect
of William Henry’s production system and brand.
As William Henry has gained momentum and accolades, Con-
able’s role has naturally shifted from a knifemaker to a designer and
manager, though in the background his love for the craft of cutlery
remains. Over the past 12 months, Conable has finally found some
time to return to building custom pieces that he personally executes,
using the William Henry studio during the company’s downtime.
Conable is constantly designing new knives, most of which will
never grace the William Henry line. “Demand has consistently out-
paced production for eight of the 10 years William Henry has been
in business, so the necessity to create new patterns is limited,” Con-
able noted. But the creative process goes on, and he uses his available
conable.indd 27
time—when he’s not running William Henry—to bring some of his
designs to life in very limited numbers.
His current model is to design a knife and work to build, usu-
ally over the course of one-to-two years, 25 singular renditions of
that design; after 25 pieces, the design is retired. Thanks to William
Henry’s network of relationships in the industry, Conable is able to
work with some of the best makers and purveyors of exotic materials
to create remarkable works of art.
Most of Conable’s custom focus is on button-lock automatic fold-
ers, with an occasional sidetrack into fixed-blade outdoor knives.
“Automatics are the most complex in terms of mechanical relation-
ships, so they offer the most challenge and continue to move me for-
ward as a craftsman,” he observed. “And when they’re done right,
they’re just plain cool.”
Conable has a new safety system, currently used in select William
Henry automatic folders also, that is patent pending—a slide lock on
the reverse side of the knife that immobilizes the button both open
and closed. In the “off ” position, a spring-activated button secures
the slide to prevent movement. In the “on” position, the slide binds
with the button to “safety” the lock mechanism. “It’s nice and simple,
easy to use, unobtrusive—the way a safety should be,” Conable said.
For his custom work, he developed a new logo using a circular
JUNE 2 0 0 8 blad emag.co m 27
3/5/08 12:17:56 PM
 profile in steel
profile in steel
Conable developed this patent-pending
safety for WHK’s limited-production autos.
It engages from the backside of the button
and secures/immobilizes the button-lock
both open and closed. (photo courtesy of
William Henry Knives)
This 4-inch hunter that Conable crafted
from a blank began as a steak knife. It
showcases a blade of “Wave Damascus”
featuring ZDP-189, a blade steel Conable
developed for WHK. (photo courtesy of
William Henry Knives)
2 8 BL ADE JUNE 2 0 0 8
conable.indd 28
This closeup of Conable’s “MWC” custom
logo shows it engraved into a damascus
blade. (photo courtesy of William Henry
Knives)
Conable made these two early customs
circa 1995 in Arizona. Both have dendritic
440C stainless blade steel, and the
locking-liner folder features a titanium
frame, nickel bolsters and a lacewood
handle. (photo courtesy of William Henry
Knives)
3/5/08 12:04:09 PM

Matt Conable
c/o William Henry Knives
Dept. BL6
3200 NE Rivergate Dr.
McMinnville, OR 97128
503.434.9700
www.williamhenryknives.com
Specialties Mostly button-lock autos;
some fixed blades
Blade Steels ZDP-189 and various da-
mascus steels forged by Larry Donnelly,
Delbert Ealy, Gary House, Chris Marks,
Ed Schempp and Devin Thomas
Handle Materials Titanium and damas-
cus frames w/such scale materials as
the various mother-of-pearls, ancient
ivories and others
New Stuff An auto safety that immobi-
lizes the push button in both the open
and closed positions
Embellishments Various diamond, gold
and silver inlays; engraving (some by
Don Patch); mokume by Mike Sakmar;
citrine fittings
Blade Mark MWC circumscribed by
“Conable Custom”
conable.indd 29
“MWC” circumscribed by “Conable Cus-
tom” to distinguish his work from William
Henry’s and to link back to the rarely seen
custom knives he produced before William
Henry.
“The older pieces were etched ‘Conable,’
and, for the many collectors of William
Henry’s knives, the early Conable pieces
have taken on special meaning,” Matt said.
Conable does not take orders; he works
on what he wants as his time allows. Most
of his custom pieces are sold through Wil-
liam Henry’s quarterly Collector’s Edition
Knives, a special run of one-of-a-kind
pieces that feature the latest and best work
from the William Henry Studio. The quar-
terly Collector’s Edition is done entirely by
e-mail, and generally sells out within 24
hours.
If you want to see Conable’s (and Wil-
liam Henry’s) most innovative work, go
to the website (www.williamhenryknives.
com) and log into the Collector’s section—a
simple username and password will ensure
that you get the quarterly mailings from the
William Henry Studio.
JUNE 2 0 0 8 blad emag.co m 2 9
3/11/08 1:44:47 PM
 where the action is
where the action is

Know what is acceptable blade play

in a folding knife and how to obtain it
by Mike Haskew

Loosey-Goosey, Right Tighty

—Or Somewhere In-Between?

Shane Sibert stressed that there should be no side-to-side blade play (top) whatsoever. There is none in his Monster Rocket model, a titanium
frame lock in CPM D2 blade steel and a green canvas Micarta® handle. The pivot is a beefy .25-inch shaft. His list price: $850.

3 0 BL ADE JUNE 2 0 0 8

BladePlay.indd 30 3/6/08 10:50:07 AM

 In addition to adjusting the
pivot tension when necessary,
Kershaw’s Craig Green
recommends some lubrication.
“Oil should be used occasionally,
and in my opinion a good, light
oil is best. I oil my folders when
they need it,” he said. Here, some
Break Free is applied to the new
Kershaw Shallot.
P
laying loose may have its advan-
tages. On the other hand, when it
involves a locking-liner or a frame-
lock folder, the issue may quickly
become one of quality, performance and
even safety.
While some side-to-side play in the blade
may be acceptable and even a matter of per-
sonal preference for the user, it remains a
fundamental of quality construction that
loose action in a knife blade ripples through
the piece as a whole. In many cases, side-
to-side play in the blade indicates a deeper
concern about overall craftsmanship and
construction.
So, what is acceptable blade play in a
folding knife?
“Side play in a folding knife can be a
problem if it indicates a tendency toward
further loosening of the blade, which could
result in disassembly of the major compo-
nents,” explained Blade Magazine Cutlery
Hall-Of-Famer© Blackie Collins, long-time
knifemaker and knife designer who designs
knives for Meyerco. “This can be very dan-
gerous and result in an accident. The only
upside to too much side play is that the cost
of the knife might be lower as it’s easier—
and therefore cheaper—to make a sloppy
fitting product. Another major downside is
that a discerning customer will not be apt to
buy a poorly made knife.”
Knifemaker Shane Sibert agrees. His un-
equivocal opinion is that there should be no
BladePlay.indd 31
side-to-side play whatsoever. None. Zero.
“You want a solid lockup, and the integri-
ty of the knife means all the components fit
together properly and work the way they are
supposed to,” he asserted. “There are a few
reasons [side play] could happen, such as a
loose pivot pin, and the screw can actually
loosen, releasing the tension on the blade.
Also, your washer thickness might be off or
your blade thickness could be off when it’s
ground. Still, when everything is in proper
spec, you shouldn’t have any side play.”
Knifemaker Kirby Lambert is on the same
page. From the beginning of his knifemak-
ing career, there has really been little doubt
in his mind about the problems associated
with side-to-side play.
“I remember reading that if you open
the blade fully and press the lock so that it’s
off to the side, there should be zero play in
the blade,” he said. “I don’t know how bad
it would be if there was a slight amount of
play, but if the tolerances are tight and it’s a
precision piece, there won’t be any. It would
be like driving a car and hearing a rattle all
the time. Maybe it wouldn’t affect the per-
formance but it would be annoying.”
User Adjustment: Yes or No?
In assessing the mechanics of the folding
knife and the personal preference of the user,
Collins reiterated that the finished product
should be constructed in a way that elimi-
nates the need for adjustment. Logic dictates
JUNE 2 0 0 8 blad emag.co m 31
3/11/08 10:58:09 AM
 where the action is
where the action is
Presenting the Twenty-Fourth Annual
that if the tension on the blade can be adjust-
ed, it can become loose again, he reasoned.
Moreover, many knife owners are not able to
make adjustments properly, and ill-advised
manipulation of the screw and pivot pin can
produce less than desirable results.
“For 200 years, the best way to attach a
blade is a solid pin with up-set ends to pro-
vide security,” Collins commented. “The
thing is that it will loosen eventually—any-
thing will. The only way to tighten it is with a
ball-pien hammer and some judicious pien-
ing. Flat-head and slotted screws are lousy
looking, and I would rather somebody used
a neater-looking screw head. A hex or a ‘T’
is better, but a Phillips looks better than a
APRIL 25, 26 & 27, 2008 slotted head. Of course, you would need a
small Phillips screwdriver to adjust it.”
SHOW HOURS One method of testing tolerances, and
a favorite of Collins’, is to take a crisp dol-
FRIDAY 1 P.M. - 6 P.M. lar bill, which is roughly half a thousandth
SATURDAY 10 A.M. - 4 P.M. of an inch wide, and attempt to slide it be-
SUNDAY 10 A.M. - 1 P.M. tween the blade and the handle. If it slides
in easily, then too much space exists and the
ADMISSION: 1-DAY - $10 - 3-DAY PASS - $20 (SUNDAY $2) knife is likely to be loose. The opposite ex-
treme is a blade that fits too tightly and does
not open easily. Collins stressed that the
★ Special Collector’s Hour ★ pivot pin must fit through the hole in the
blade snugly before the knife is assembled,
FRIDAY 12 NOON - 1 P.M. so snugly in fact that it will only go through
at a right angle.
WITH PURCHASE OF 3-DAY PASS. “Tell your readers that the play in the
PRE-REGISTRATION ADVISED. blade of a high-quality knife when it’s open
should not exceed the play you get in a
CONTACT NORDIC KNIVES TO PRE-REGISTER FOR THIS SHOWING. Purdy shotgun when you close the barrel,”
he advised. “The average person can’t adjust
their own knife. They won’t be satisfied and
Setting the Standard for Excellence since 1985 may bring it back.”
For Show Information Call Nordic Knives (805) 688-3612 Sibert said that when he assembles a
The Following People Have Reserved Tables For The 2008 Show: knife, he adjusts the tension on the blade by
BILL ANKROM PHILL HARSTFIELD KEN ONION working the action a few times and placing
VAN BARNETT JAY HENDRICKSON a dab of Loctite on the pivot screw. Then, he
WARREN OSBORNE
tightens the screw down so that the blade
CHARLES BENNICA (FRANCE) GIL HIBBEN OSO FAMOSO will not open or close and gradually loosens
GARY BLANCHARD HARUMI HIRAYAMA (JAPAN) CHRIS REEVE KNIVES it to the right tension.
PHIL BOGUSZEWSKI HOWARD HITCHMOUGH ZAZA REVISHVILI “That’s so I know it’s tight and everything
FRANK CENTOFANTE STEVE HOEL locks up like a bank vault,” he noted. “Re-
SCOTT SAWBY
JOEL CHAMBLIN D’ALTON HOLDER ally, the type of screw depends on the pref-
BILL CHEATHAM JESS HORN E UGENE SHADLEY
erence of the maker, and it varies. On slip
JOE CORDOVA TOM HUTTON SCOTT SLOBODIAN joints, you usually have a rod, but on most
DELLANA STEVE JOHNSON JOHN W. SMITH frame-locks or LinerLocks™ you have the
T.M. DOWELL LINDA KARST-STONE JIM SORNBERGER screws, male and female, that you insert so
that you can take it apart and clean it. The
KAJ EMBRETSEN (SWEDEN) JOE KIOUS RHETT STIDHAM (RKS)
most important thing is for the maker to
ERNEST EMERSON RANDY & SONJALEE MASAO TAKAHASHI (JAPAN) be sure that he has the correct blade, washer
CURT ERICKSON STEVE LIKARICH LEON THOMPSON and backspacer thickness so that everything
PAUL GERARD FARINA WOLF LOERCHNER P.J. TOMES works nice and smoothly.”
H.H. FRANK SIMON LYTTON (ENGLAND) RICARDO VELARDE Lambert stressed that when he makes a
DENNIS FRIEDLY JEFF MORGAN knife, he intends for it to be used. Naturally,
JULIE WARENSKI over time, some loosening will occur and the
LARRY FUEGEN KEN MCFALL
SHUN FUJIKAWA (JAPAN) BUD NEALY D ANIEL WINKLER piece may need a tune-up.
STANLEY FUJISAKA RON NEWTON & KAREN SHOOK “I believe that in a working knife there
TOM & GWEN GUINN JONNY WALKER NILSSON OWEN WOOD should be some room for adjustment,” he
YOSHINDO YOSHIHARA commented. “If you’re using the knife quite
TIM HANCOCK (SWEDEN)
often, there’s a chance you might have to
KOJI HARA (JAPAN) NORDIC KNIVES (JAPAN) tighten it up, or that it may need an adjust-

3 2 BL ADE JUNE 2 0 0 8

BladePlay.indd 32 3/11/08 11:00:44 AM

 ment of the pivot pin. I encourage all the
people who buy my stuff to do that if they
want to. Just adjusting the tension of the
blade with the pivot screw is not a problem
until you start taking things apart.”
According to Lambert, some people like
to have the blade freely drop so there is
no sort of friction. However, his personal Featuring
preference is slight tension while the blade Tom Krein Knives
is still allowed to operate smoothly and is PSK, Personal Survival Knife
not squeezed so tightly that it is difficult to
open. The floppy feeling of a loose knife just
cannot be tolerated.
“I’ve handled some knives that are so
tight they are frustrating to open,” he ob-
served, “and others that are so sloppy they
almost feel like a cheap knife to me. Ninety-
nine percent of the time, I like using Teflon™
washers, and I use a gummier lubricant on
the washers and the pivot pin itself. If some-
one is spending any amount of money on a
custom knife, I want that knife to have very
tight tolerances and zero play. To me, there
Come
C
Come Feed
Feed Your
F Y A Addiction!
dd ction!
n
is no excuse for anything to seem sloppy.”
For 13 years, Craig Green has worked as We Buy, Sell, and Trade
the factory manager for Kershaw Knives.
He is an advocate of blade tension adjust- Large Selection of
ment by the user, which adds confidence in Dave Stark Custom Knives
deployment, minimizes adverse effects on In Stock
lockup, and provides good control in the 909. 731. 3903 WE SHIP WORLD-WIDE
cut.
“There are many factors that show the
mark of quality in a folder, and side-to- www.SteelAddictionKnives.com

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JUNE 2 0 0 8 blad emag.co m 3 3

BladePlay.indd 33 3/11/08 11:01:27 AM

 where the action is
LINVILLE KNIFE AND where the action is

TOOL COMPANY
NEW KIT OR COMPLETED
KNIFE...CHINOOK
3” BLADE AUS-8, RC-58;
CHECKERED ROSEWOOD HANDLE

$45 postpaid in USA

P.O. Box 71, Bethania, NC 27010

336.923.2062
www.linvilleknifeandtool.com

A Plaza Cutlery
EXCLUSIVE!
One method of
testing tolerances,
Plaza Cutlery Exclusive by Chris Reeve Knives “Doggy Knives”! Featuring the Large and a favorite of
and Small Sebenza with silver contrast paw prints on the side of the knife! Large Blade Magazine
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Famer© Blackie
but can run out, so order early for the holidays! Collins’, is to take a
crisp dollar bill, which
is roughly half a
thousandth of an inch
wide, and attempt to
slide it between the
blade and the handle.
If it slides in easily, then
too much space exists
and the knife is likely to
be loose. The dollar-bill treatment here shows
Reminds that the tolerances on the Meyerco Blue Racer
are nice and tight.
you of your
best friend each
time you use side play is one of them,” he remarked. “I
your knife!! like to tighten the pivot to a point where the
blade will not open smoothly, then back off
the screw slightly, just enough for the blade
Plaza Cutlery to open smoothly. The type of screw used
www.plazacutlery.com • E-mail: dan@plazacutlery.com is up to the manufacturer, but hopefully it
is a screw with a fine pitch, and a standard
3333 S. Bristol St., Suite 2060, Costa Mesa, CA 92626 available drive is used. Oil should be used
714-549-3932 • Ordering Toll Free 866-827-5292 occasionally, and in my opinion a good,
Phone orders welcome and we accept all major credit cards! light oil is best. I oil my folders when they
need it.”

3 4 BL ADE JUNE 2 0 0 8

BladePlay.indd 34 3/11/08 11:02:13 AM

 4481 Exchange Service Drive • Dallas, TX 75236
phone: 214-467-8949 • fax: 214-467-9241
www.meyercousa.com
VISIT OUR BOOTH AT THE BLADE SHOW - #92

SAS ™ PATENT PENDING

DARREL RALPH DEFENSE

TACTICAL SWITCHBLADE 37/8"/154 CM STAINLESS STEEL BLADE

D.L.C. COATED (DIAMOND LIKE COATING)
5" ANODIZED 6160 ALUMINUM HANDLE
BLACKENED STAINLESS STEEL CLIP
TIP-UP OR TIP-DOWN CARRY
LANYARD HOLE
WEIGHT 5.35 OZ.
MADE IN THE U.S.A.

A Darrel Ralph Design

1195502_BL.indd 1 3/11/08 10:06:22 AM

1183147_BL.indd 1 12/11/07 10:47:16 AM
 where the action is
where the action is

Tight and Smooth

Tight tolerances and smooth action are
hallmarks of a well-made folding knife, and
while personal preference may dictate the
degree of tension on the open blade, there
is no mistaking quality work. Slipping and
sliding are red flags when a blade is open,
and a lack of control may be a warning of
impending failure.

For the contact information for the knives in

the story, see “Where To Get ‘Em” on page
97.

Blade Art Inc.

14216 SW 136 Street Miami, FL 33186
Kirby Lambert said that over time, some
loosening of blade tension will occur and
the knife can require a tune-up. “It may Email sales@bladeart.com
need an adjustment of the pivot pin,”
Phone (305) 255-8684 Fax: (305) 233-6943
he observed. “Just adjusting the tension
of the blade with the pivot screw is not
a problem until you start taking things
apart.” An example of his work is his “Dress
Fireball” model in a special fireball pattern
of stainless damascus by Devin Thomas.
(knife courtesy of True North Knives)
See Us at Blade Show Booth 54

Handle Material - Reconstituted Knifemaking Equipment

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JUNE 2 0 0 8 blad emag.co m 37

BladePlay.indd 37 3/11/08 11:37:19 AM

 knife talk

Know your constitutional rights

and exercise them to the fullest
by Ed Fowler
BLADE® field editor

Part II

Never leave anything in plain view—on the

dashboard of a car, for instance, or elsewhere—
that could attract the attention of a law
enforcement officer.

3 8 BL ADE JUNE 2 0 0 8

EdFowler.indd 38 3/6/08 11:01:04 AM

 If an officer asks you to get out of your car,
comply but make it clear to him and everyone in
earshot that you are not consenting to a search.
Never resist physically! And don’t worry—the
author (right) is not in trouble, he’s just talking
to one of his friends from the local sheriff’s
department. (Ed Fowler photo)

ast time we talked about ways you can do a brief, cursory “pat-down” search Nappen related a New Jersey incident in

L
deeper.
can prevent trouble with the law in
regard to knife carry. This month
we delve into the subject a little

You are approached by an officer because

of some minor infraction, a traffic stop, or
simply while walking down the street for
reasons unknown to you. It will not hurt to
smile and say, “Hello, officer.”
He asks for your name. Do you have to
tell him? The answer is “yes.” He asks for
identification. Do you have to produce it?
Again, the answer is “yes.”
He asks, “What have you been doing?”
Now you are entering a gray area. You can
simply say, “going for a walk,” or “driving
home” or “enjoying the day.”
If you don’t know why he is quizzing you,
you may ask him why he is asking you ques-
tions. A good cop probably will answer you,
though he is not required by law to answer
your questions at this point. He can detain
you for a limited time, the duration of which
is not exactly specified.
You also can ask to see his identifica-
tion, which is recommended if he is in plain
clothes—but please remember, don’t aggra-
vate him.
He asks what is in your box, backpack,
purse or pockets, or what is in the trunk of
your car. Do you have to tell him? No. He
asks if he can search your car, house or what-
ever you have. The answer is again “no.”
He can demand to examine anything he
sees in plain sight. If he questions you, he
of your person to look for weapons. Ab-
sent “exigent circumstances”—whatever the
court determines those to be—the officer
cannot search your vehicle or home without
a warrant, unless you give up your rights.
This, however, varies from state to state. Cu-
riously, the Supreme Court of my home state
of Wyoming grants its citizens more protec-
tion against searches and seizures than does
the federal government. This is complicated
and is why lawyers go to law school—and
why the good ones charge more than $250
an hour. In other words, the officer has a lot
of discretion and I strongly advise that you
do not unnecessarily aggravate him. Be po-
lite but firm when it comes to your rights,
and know them well.
Other than a brief pat-down search, the
officer has no right to search your cloth-
ing or property further unless he has prob-
able cause to believe you are involved in a
crime.
An officer once asked me why I had a hy-
podermic syringe on the dash of my pickup.
My response was, “I am a rancher and I
needed one.” I went no further with my ex-
planation. He was obviously “fishing” and I
decided to offer no additional information.
You may feel that you have nothing to hide,
but some jurisdictions have very restric-
tive laws that you have no idea exist. You
also may not be aware of something tossed
through an open window into your car
while it was parked at the last gas station.
Attorney and BLADE® contributor Evan
which a youth had just bought a used car
that he drove in his job as a pizza delivery-
man to help pay for his education. Police
stopped him for a minor traffic violation
and the officer asked if he could search his
car. Hoping for a break the youth said “yes.”
He felt he had nothing to hide—or so he
thought. He had not cleaned out his new
used car completely and, unknown to him,
in the depths of his glove compartment was
a single .22 caliber hollow-point cartridge,
the possession of which is a serious crime
in New Jersey. His simple traffic offense
suddenly became much more serious. His
consent to a search of his vehicle put him in
grave trouble.
Never consent to giving up your rights.
Rules To Live By
Be discrete. I have never liked knife clips
outside of pockets; it is easy to lose a knife
because of them and they are obvious. Nev-
er leave anything in plain view that could
attract the attention of an officer of the law.
A plastic bag of grandmother’s special spice
mix in plain view could easily put you in jail
waiting for the lab to confirm its contents.
Again, set the table carefully in all that
you do. I use only domestic sheep horn on
my knives, never horn from game animals.
I have receipts for hundreds of domestic
horned bucks from the sale barn to prove
my purchases. This helps keep me—as well
as my clients—out of trouble with game and
fish officials.

JUNE 2 0 0 8 blad emag.co m 3 9

EdFowler.indd 39 3/6/08 11:01:41 AM

 knife talk
knife talk
Never consent to a search. You may feel
you have nothing to hide but you do not
know all the laws. I practice a law-abid-
ing lifestyle but would never consent to a
search. Most officers are honest, well-mean-
ing gentlemen; some cannot be trusted.
Once you relinquish your rights, you have
forfeited something that many have fought
hard to protect.
I stay away from states that I feel have
passed ravenous, malignant legislation “for
the protection of the people”; California,
New Jersey and Massachusetts are exam-
ples. Political correctness and intellectual
illness have taken their toll in some states.
Call it states’ rights if you wish, but I have
the freedom to choose where I go.
Within your own state there are places
of limited freedom.
A courthouse and
airport are examples;
many public schools
are included. By stat-
ute the legislature has
“Never resist
decreed no “weapons” physically.”
allowed. I consider
the knife to be a tool. —the author
While we may not
consider the knife we
carry to be a weapon,
you can bet security
folks at these places will be serious. Always
make sure you have nothing on your person
that may be considered a weapon by these
folks. Metal detectors will find it and you
will be in trouble.
While I rarely volunteer information, I
never lie to an officer. It may be a crime to
lie to an officer; Martha Stewart served time
in part for lying to FBI agents. On the other
hand, it is interesting to note that the po-
lice are under no legal demands to tell you
the truth. They can legally lie to you during
interrogation about a crime or in what you
may feel is innocent conversation.
In Wyoming it is lawful to have loaded
and accessible firearms in your vehicle and
on your person in plain view without a li-
cense or permit. When I am in my vehicle
and asked by officers if I have any firearms,
I tell them “yes.” If they ask where they are,
I will tell them their approximate location.
See Us at If they ask to see them, I decline. Should an
Blade Show officer ask if he can look for it, I would say
Booth “no!” If he asks you to get out of your car,
35 & 36 comply but make it clear to him and every-
one in earshot that you are not consenting
to a search. Never resist physically!
I have a concealed carry permit. When
asked if I have a firearm on my person, I say
“yes.” If officers ask me to hand it to them, I
say “no.” I will show them where the weapon
is, but will not touch it and I keep my hands
4 0 BL ADE JUNE 2 0 0 8
EdFowler.indd 40
away from the firearm. Should an officer
reach for it, I would tell him it is loaded and
ready to be fired, and to please be careful!
When I was an officer, I carried a tape re-
corder concealed in my shirt pocket. I tape-
recorded every conversation I had with the
public for my own protection. If you know
you are headed into a confrontation, a re-
cord of what transpires could be very valu-
able to you. Life is all about truth, honor,
and laws and rights.
Now is the time to ask the key question,
“Am I free to go?” If the officer says “yes,”
say good-bye and leave. If he says “no,” you
are now techincally in custody and your
rights kick in. You have the right to remain
silent and ask for a lawyer.
Even without the well-known Miranda
warning, do not give
up any of your rights.
Remember:
•You have the right
to remain silent;
•You have the right
to have an attorney
present before any
questioning; when
you ask for an at-
torney, the officer
can ask you no more
questions without
your attorney present;
•If you cannot afford an attorney, the
court will appoint one for you;
•Anything that you say can and will be
used against you in court.
If you choose to “lawyer up,” the officer
may say that means you will have to go to
jail until an attorney is available. This is
true, but in such an instance you would
be measuring jail time by hours instead of
years should his search reveal contraband
you had no idea was present or unlawful.
This discussion may sound as if I am anti-
law enforcement. Far from it! As an officer
of the law I was highly effective, but I played
by the rules, rules commonly known as our
constitutional rights.
Yours truly,
Ed Fowler
Author’s note: I would like to thank attorney
and BLADE contributor Evan Nappen for his
help in composing this story.
Next time: What to do if you get arrested.
3/6/08 11:02:23 AM
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 old is new again
old is new again
BREAKTHROUGH!
Fossil Coral for Handles
An ancient material from the
Devonian Period resurfaces
in the here and now
42 BL ADE JUNE 2 0 0 8
FossilCoral.indd 42
Fossil coral is 350 million years
old and, according to the story’s
sources, makes an attractive handle.
It is applicable in a wide range of
dimensions and to any number of
knives, including the author’s dagger
with engraving by Julie Warenski-
Erickson. (Weyer photos)
by Don Lozier
Guild knifemaker
S
everal years ago a magazine editor declared, “You knife-
makers will use anything as handle material.” Truer
words were never spoken. Knifemakers—and I happily
count myself among their number—have used every-
thing from Micarta® to the penile bone of a walrus.
There is a wide variety of handle materials available, yet desire
and need drives us to search for something more. The focus of
this story should pique the interest of knifemakers, users, collec-
tors and suppliers.
Until now there has been a yawning chasm between desirabil-
ity and practicality regarding stone handle material due to equip-
ment requirements for working it. Reconstituted stone attempts
to fill the gap, though discriminating buyers and makers seem to
feel there is no substitute for the real thing—and rightly so.
More than one maker has wished for a natural stone material
that can be drilled, ground and polished using standard equip-
ment and supplies. This would negate the requirement for dia-
mond drills, belts and wheels.
3/6/08 11:11:44 AM
 Being solid stone, fossil coral is not soft and porous like non-fossilized coral. What’s more,
it is an intriguing mottled brown with outrageous figure definition. Fossil coral slabs serve as
props for the author’s hunter handled in the material here. (Weyer photo)

Mother Nature produces stone which
meets these criteria—fossil coral from
equatorial waters, some 350 million years
old. Being solid stone, the ancient mate-
rial is not soft and porous like non-fossil-
ized coral. What’s more, it is an intriguing
mottled-brown color with outrageous fig-
ure definition.
Reactions to the material have been
promising. A leading collector, Dr. Jack
Bregman is the proud owner of the first
knife I sold bearing the material. “I’ve nev-
er seen anything like it,” he told me. “It’s
quite attractive. This is one of my favorite
knives.” Upon first hearing of the material,
supplier Joe Culpepper of Culpepper & Co.
remarked, “I’m as excited as I can possibly
be at nine o’clock on a Thursday morning.”
Later, having seen and worked with it, he
exclaimed, “This material is incredible.”
Added Julie Warenski-Erickson, who has
had a love affair with stone knife handles
for over 20 years, “It’s beautiful; this is really
neat stuff.”
No Dimensional Limits
The availability of fossil coral creates a new
dawn across the entire spectrum of knife
enthusiasts.
Collectors tend to bond with certain
makers. Previously, if your favorite maker
was not among the limited number of no-
table stone-handle artisans, you could have

Grind and polish fossil coral

on a variable-speed belt
grinder at one-third speed with
the appropriate-grit belts (see
the story for what those grits
are). (photo courtesy of Don
Lozier)

JUNE 2 0 0 8 blad emag.co m 4 3

FossilCoral.indd 43 3/6/08 11:12:50 AM

 old is new again
old is new again

Using a masonry bit to drill the fossil coral,

the author applies a mixture of water and
Kool Mist as a lubricant and cooling agent.
(photo courtesy of Don Lozier)

been literally and figuratively stonewalled.

Now, whether it is a carry knife or collec-
tor piece, fixed blade or folder, if the crafts-
man can make it for you and affix any kind
of handle material to it, natural stone can

EXQUISITEKNIVES.COM adorn it.

Often, buyers and makers face a common
dilemma. They wish to have or make some-
thing but handle material size and thickness
REPRESENTING limitations make it impossible. Now there
is a feasible alternative. In sharp contrast to
THE OPPORTUNITY OF many materials, fossil coral has no dimen-
A LIFETIME FOR THE sional limitations.
DISCRIMINATING
COLLECTOR

“I’ve never seen

anything like it.”
—Dr. Jack Bregman

DAVID ELLIS How-To Tips

Working fossil coral is much like working
ABS MASTERSMITH with materials common to knifemaking.
PURVEYOR However, a few shop tips might preclude
380 S. Melrose Dr, ste 407 trial and error at the maker’s expense.
Vista, CA 92081 Drilling holes in fossil coral is similar to
Daytime Ph: (760) 643-4032 Evening Ph: (760) 945-7177 drilling mother-of-pearl in that low speed
E-mail: ellis@mastersmith.com and light pressure is required, with a block
of wood beneath it to promote a clean exit

4 4 BL ADE JUNE 2 0 0 8

FossilCoral.indd 44 3/10/08 11:11:18 AM

 on the underside. A diamond-core drill is
ideal but there are alternatives. A new co-
balt bit will suffice when drilling pinholes
in scale material. However, if you’re drill-
ing a block for a hidden tang, try a carbide-
tipped masonry bit. In either case, use wa-
ter as a lubricant and cooling agent, though
water alone will cause the drill-press table
to rust. For rust prevention add one part
Kool-Mist to 10 parts water. Kool-Mist is
available from MSC Industrial Supply Co.
800.645.7270 www1.mscdirect.com. A gal-
lon costs around $20 retail.

“Fossil coral has

no dimensional
limitations.”
—the author

For shaping, begin at 220-grit on a vari-

able-speed belt grinder at one-third speed.
From there, go through 400-grit, 15-micron
and 9-micron belts, and buff as you would
with most handle materials. Dovetail at
220-grit.
Natural fractures commonly exist in
stone. If you notice one while working fos-
sil coral, do not be alarmed. The fractures
seem to disappear as the material is buffed.
Otherwise, apply a bit of Opticon, which is 26th ANNUAL KNIFE SHOW
used by stone-handle artisans to seal frac-
tures and eliminate a flawed appearance. If May 3rd & May 4th
the fracture persists, a second application
might be needed. One of many sources for Mystic Hilton
Opticon is Diamond Pacific 800.253.2954
diamondpacific.com.
Mystic, CT
Due to its properties, application possi-
bilities, age, origin and long trek from the Saturday 9 a.m.-5 p.m. & Sunday 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
Devonian Period to the here and now, fos-
sil coral creates excitement—and desirable
knife handles. Collectible antique knives
A limited quantity of fossil coral will be avail-
Production knives
able from Culpepper & Co., Inc., at the 2008 Educational Displays
BLADE Show May 30-June 1 at the Cobb CUSTOM ARTISANS: Norm Bardsley, Kelly Carlson,
Galleria Centre in Atlanta. For more informa- Lamont Coombs, Richard Holt, Paul Jarvis, Chris Kravitt,
tion contact Culpepper & Co., attn: Joe Cul- Jim Siska, John Stahl and others...
pepper, Dept. BL6, 8285 Georgia Rd., Otto, OVER 30 ANTIQUE, FACTORY & CUSTOM PURVEYORS
NC 28763 828.524.6842 knifehandles.com, INCLUDING: Greg Bachley, Bill Cain, Tommy Clark, Larry
or the author at 5394 SE 168th Ave., Dept. Clifford, Arthur Green, Peter Hagen, Pen & Sword, Paul
Visit our Rohahly, Peter Stebbins.
BL6, Ocklawaha, FL 32179 352.625.3576. Web site Contact: Moe Legare
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FUN SUNDAY ~ FABULOUS
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JUNE 2 0 0 8 blad emag.co m 4 5

FossilCoral.indd 45 3/6/08 1:59:04 PM

 carbon capitalism
carbon capitalism

The author has carried his vintage

Schrade Old Timer pocketknife and its
carbon-steel blades for years, and still
uses it today. (Jeff Randall photo)

Carbon steel is time tested and field

proven—so what if it stains a little?

by Jeff Randall
The author sharpens a carbon-steel knife during some “downtime”
on an expedition up the Amazon River. (Jeff Randall photo)

4 6 BL ADE JUNE 2 0 0 8

CuttingRusty.indd 46 3/5/08 12:11:40 PM

 Carbon-steel cutting tools have ruled
tropical regions for years. This lady in El
Salvador apparently does not consider
rust and stains an issue when processing
coconuts. (Jeff Randall photo)
Editor’s note: The author is the designer of
RAT knives, originally and still made by On-
tario. Meanwhile, at the 2008 SHOT Show,
he announced that Rowan Manufacturing of
Idaho is also making the RAT designs. Stay
tuned to BLADE® for further developments.
CuttingRusty.indd 47
This carbon-steel Kinfolks fixed blade
stays in the toolbox of a tractor on the
author’s farm. It’s seen work for the past
30 years and is still going strong. (Jeff
Randall photo)
A
fter being in the cutlery industry for a number of years, I’ve learned that there’s
just no way to please everyone. No matter what steel I decide to use, someone
will always tell me that the knife would have been better with steel “X.” When you
break it all down, the cutting edge, as a tool, hasn’t really changed since the Stone
Age, but it’s amazing how us knife guys have taken that simple edge and added all sorts of new
twists, especially when it comes to new steels. It seems like every time I turn around there’s
some new exotic “steel of the moment” that everyone’s yapping about being the best thing
since sliced bread.
I guess I’m a dinosaur, or maybe I just like simplicity too much. Maybe it was due to my up-
bringing. I spent most of my childhood on a farm, either working on a tractor alongside my
granddad or hunting and trapping in the woods. Through the years I always had an Ameri-
can-made Schrade Old Timer (or similar) pocketknife on me.
JUNE 2 0 0 8 blad emag.co m 47
3/5/08 12:11:00 PM
 carbon capitalism
carbon capitalism
None of my knives ever had perfect edge Today’s Mentality
bevels due to the many hours I spent thin- Fast-forward about three decades. I still
ning the blade on a carborundum stone—it carry carbon-steel knives and they’re still
would absolutely shave, though. There was just as dirty, rusty and sharp as they ever
always some rust, were. True, I do get
which eventually a few stares at res-
gave way to a patina taurants when I pull
and even a little dried out a pocketknife to
blood or mud on the
blades somewhere. If
“Maybe I just like cut up a tough steak,
but that’s mainly due
I did clean it I simply
wiped it down with
simplicity too much.” to today’s mentality.
On one occasion I
some light oil and put —the author actually had a woman
it back in my pocket. say to me, “Aren’t you
It was a user, doing worried that knife is
everything from cut- dirty after being in
ting hay strings and your pocket?” I re-
whittling cedar sticks to removing animal plied, “Lady, I know where my knife’s been
hides, cleaning fish and serving as an eat- and who’s handled it. Do you have that same
ing utensil. I never got sick or developed confidence about the knife and fork you’re
any disease due to consuming a little rust, using right now?” She shut up.
oil or dried animal blood. Now, I’m not We Americans seem to be obsessed with
saying that the way I used a knife was the cleanliness, yet more and more people are
wisest, but I am saying that once a knife is getting sick from things such as E. coli. It
truly used everyday as a tool, aesthetics take makes me wonder why I didn’t die in my
second place to utility. youth from all the germs I consumed while
working in cattle lots full of muck, using my

A carbon-steel Becker BK9 is used to

clean a monkey taken for food during
one of the author’s survival expeditions
in South America. (Jeff Randall photo)

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4 8 BL ADE JUNE 2 0 0 8

CuttingRusty.indd 48 3/5/08 12:12:59 PM

 bare hands to deliver calves or eating food
with my dirty pocketknife. Nowadays there
are even knife-cleaning kits designed to
keep field knives clean and safe for use as
eating utensils. That’s right, cleaning agents
making knives safe for use as eating uten-
sils. Whatever happened to 3 In 1 Oil and
the corner of an old T-shirt? It seems we are
bombarded with the idea that something
bad will happen to us if we don’t properly
clean everything we come in contact with
by using an ecologically and human-safe
cleaning agent.*
Just look at the knife discussion forums
on the internet; there are always questions
on how to safely protect a knife edge from
rust. Users seem to be scared to death that
a minute amount of petroleum-based oil is
going to harm them if they use their knives
for food preparation. Naturally, carbon
steels typically catch the most flack in such
debates, and in one discussion a participant
even stated the reason
he prefers knives with
hi-tech stainless steels
is because he uses his
knife on occasion for “I looked at it as
food preparation. I’ve
known a few obses-
just adding a little
sive-compulsive clean
freaks that couldn’t
iron to my diet.”
come up with that —the author
good of an excuse.
So?
One of the biggest complaints with simple
carbon steel is the fact that it will rust. So?
Maybe this is an issue for people who don’t
use a knife a lot, but for a field blade that
sees constant use, rust is not an issue.
Having spent a considerable amount of
time in the field, both abroad and stateside,
I’ve seen carbon-steel knives used efficiently
CuttingRusty.indd 49
Of course, the author owns stainless-
steel knives too, such as this one in
440C. “It’s a one-of-a-kind Ronald Clark
built for RAT from one of our drawings,”
he noted. (Jeff Randall photo)
for weeks at a time. Most of the knives were
low cost (also read cheap), rusted and dirty,
with the factory edge bevels gone a long
time ago.
Each knife was used to chop trees, clean
jungle, cut footholds in muddy banks along
rivers and prepare food. If it was washed at
all it was done in the river, wiped off on a
pants leg, and then thrown on the ground
or stuck in a tree when not being used.
Sharpening was done on simple stones or
hones. What rust did form along the edge
or worn surfaces simply disappeared after a
few minutes of working with it again. Even
if a small flake of rust ended up in my food
it was no big deal be-
cause I looked at it
as just adding a little
iron to my diet.
What I like about
good carbon steels is
they hold an efficient
edge, are easy to field
sharpen and they’re
affordable, since the
cost of manufac-
turing is consider-
ably lower due to
the steel’s price per pound—as well as the
increased efficiency in the grinding room.
Manufactured and heat treated correctly,
carbon-steel knives are not “second rate” as
some of the exotic steel gurus would like for
you to believe.
I’ve carried carbon-steel knives for years
as my primary edge during multi-week
JUNE 2 0 0 8 blad emag.co m 49
3/5/08 12:14:47 PM
 carbon capitalism
carbon capitalism
bush trips in the tropics, as well as numer- Now, before everyone thinks I’m anti-
ous trips in various parts of the United stainless, let me assure you I’m not. There
States. Sure, the edges have some rust on are steels out there that seem to reach some-
them due to being what of a compro-
sheathed when they mise between car-
were dirty, but give bon qualities and the
me five minutes of “Whatever happened ability to resist rust
pre-trip prepara-
tion with a hone
to 3 In 1 Oil and and stains. Stainless
knives are my choice
and they’re good to
go. In my opinion,
the corner of an when it comes to
storage in corrosive
to manufacture my old T-shirt?” environments such
carry knives in some as salt water. I’ve
exotic “high-speed, —the author also found they’re a
low-drag” steel lot better for small
would not be justi- survival kits when
fied since they already work extremely well you have ferrocerium fire starters or iodine
as is. Field knives, to me, are simply a means water treatment in the same kit, since both
to an end—a tool to get me from point “A” will literally eat away carbon steels if mois-
to point “B.” A properly heat-treated car- ture ever gets to them.
bon-steel blade that is well designed, has
good handle material, and is comfortable to Rust and All
carry and use works just as well in the field The bottom line is we live in a capitalistic
as the same knife built in a high-priced ex- society, so if you want to buy exotic steels
NC Tool Co. Inc. otic steel. For my trips, the money I save by for your field knives, then more power to
6133 Hunt Road using carbon steel can be spent to carry an you and the makers who produce the knives.
Pleasant Garden, NC 27313 extra knife or even some hi-tech electronic My point is simply that carbon steels are not
336/674-5654 • Web site: www.nctoolco.com
luxury such as a GPS. sub-par by any stretch of the imagination
when it comes to fieldwork. Maybe it’s just
the human desire to always have something
“nicer” that drives the consumer to want the
latest hi-tech steel. However, when it comes
to knives I’ve seen enough to know that any
knife in the hands of someone who knows
how to use it is far better than a “Mercedes-
Benz” in the hands of the unskilled.
As I’ve said many times before, the car-
bon-steel edge has been nourishing, killing
and building societies for eons—I suspect
it will continue to do so for a long time to
come. Until someone comes out with a so-
lar-powered, pocket-carry laser knife, I’ll
probably just keep cutting, camping, trav-
eling and eating with a carbon-steel knife,
rust and all.

*Thoroughly washing and cleaning any knife

before using it to prepare and/or eat food is a
practice with which BLADE is in full agree-
ment.

For more information on the author, his

knives and/or his views concerning them,
contact him at 865.933.8436 or info@ratcut-
lery.com.

5 0 BL ADE JUNE 2 0 0 8

CuttingRusty.indd 50 3/10/08 11:15:28 AM

 

You need iron

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If you’re a person who thinks that making a
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 randall answer men
randall answer men

The shape of the upper quillon of the reversed-upper-

quillon fighter appears to be reversed. In reality its
“dished”-forward surface was created to facilitate
forefinger gripping when the knife was held “blade up,”
a grip that Blade Magazine Cutlery Hall-Of-Famer© Bo
Randall reportedly preferred when it came to indexing
a combat knife. (photo courtesy of Robert E. Hunt)

T
he onset of World War II was the catalyst that drove Blade Maga-
zine Cutlery Hall-Of-Famer© Bo Randall from the crafting of early
hunting and field knives toward what would become perhaps the
most recognized and identified handmade fighter design(s) of the
era.
What made a Randall knife different when compared to most of the wartime
knives produced for U.S. fighting men? The answer, in a word, is handmade.
However, there are other factors that contributed to the legacy that Randall Made
Follow the evolution of Knives (RMK) built over the ensuing half century. If we revisit the Civil War pe-
riod we are able to identify with combat knives, or side knives, which were carried
Bo Randall’s classic throughout the epic struggle by Union and Confederate soldiers alike. The knives’
various configurations were influenced by the American bowie, a style that repre-
combat knife design sented a type with distinctive features but without a specific design.
Until that time, most side knives, rifleman’s knives or utility blades favored the
types developed in Europe centuries before. This reflection can be seen in the
knives made in Sheffield, England, and exported by the thousands to the Ameri-
by Robert E. Hunt can frontier circa 1830-40. This is one reason why it is very hard to achieve con-
sensus on the “typical” bowie design in terms of characteristics, as some knives
favored the dagger, others a single-edge blade with an elongated clip point.
By the time the Civil War had begun, the American combat knife was pro-
duced in the United States in forges large and small. In the interim period after
the Civil War until the 20th century, mass production of inexpensive blades vir-
tually brought an end to the handmade knife industry.
It was this circumstance that helped lead to the establishment of RMK, the epic
of which has been chronicled by Bob Gaddis in the “discovery” of an example

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 by Mr. Randall, which attracted Randall’s
attention and eventually led to his prefab-
ricating a facsimile. His original creation in
his shop was of the type that he had come
across and been so impressed by. It was a
hunting knife of sorts, handcrafted by one
of the few remaining independent knife
forgers—Cutlery Hall-Of-Famer William
Scagel—in America at the time. As Randall’s
interest and skills developed, it was natural
that he closely followed the design features
of this knife type. Hence, the initial knives
produced first by Randall and then with the
occasional assistance of others were in the
image of this design.
The threat of world war and the even-
tual mobilization that followed turned the
government’s attention to armament, and
individual servicemen sought the security
of a personal weapon. It was at this point
that Randall turned his attention to a design
that would satisfy the requirements of 20th-
century warfare.
The steps that Randall followed leading
him to his eventual fighter-blade design(s)
were interesting. At first he experimented,
not having any particular insights into de-
signing a combat knife. It would be naïve,
however, to say that he was unaware of the
tradition that produced so many examples
during the previous century.
It has been documented that a Capt. Obviously, there are features that even
Zacharias called on Randall in 1942 to have today can be recognized as representative
a combat knife designed and made for him. when comparing the knife to a contempo-
By that time Randall had already established rary model. The blade has both a choil and
a reputation as a skilled craftsman who pro- an indentation on the spine just above it,
duced handmade knives, a more or less the familiar clip point, a double guard and
noteworthy concept since the continuity of
manufacture had long been broken with the
advent of the industrial era. This is the first
significant circumstance on the road to es-
tablishing his style of combat knife; it was
handmade.
The next step involved what proved to be
a period of trial and error and can be ex-
emplified by the aforementioned fighter de-
signed with the features requested by Capt.
Zacharias, a representative image of
which is recognized by most Ran-
dall collectors. This was perhaps
the first innovation in Mr. Randall’s
fighter design. An image of the origi-
nal knife is on page 67 of Gaddis’
book, Randall Made Knives:
The History Of The Man
And The Blades.

This knife (above right) in particular took the Randall

fighter evolution a step further and represents a
somewhat more streamlined blade, partly because it is
longer—7.5 inches rather than the 7 and 6 inches of
the earlier types. Of special note is the red/white/blue/
white/red spacer configuration, as well as the wider
aluminum buttcap. (photo courtesy of Robert E. Hunt)

The ability to modify and enhance the lines of

the early type is best personified in the contour
of hilt, handle and blade of the “Romanecki
fighter.” It bears a strong resemblance to that
of the reversed-upper-quillon model in blade
shape and length (7 inches), even retaining
the contour of the handle, while integrating the
more commonly recognized spacer configuration.
(photo courtesy of Robert E. Hunt)

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RandallAnswer.indd 53 3/5/08 12:37:53 PM

 randall answer men
randall answer men
a pinned stag handle, the material of which
was used then as grips for Randall’s field
knives. The following steps along the way
are more easily documented, as there are ex-
amples of some very early knives in various
collections today, many photographed and
some displayed at knife shows and events.
Reversed Upper Quillon
One such knife (see page 52) is in the
author’s collection and is depicted on the
cover of the author’s book, Randall Fighting
Knives in Wartime. It represents a very early
configuration and has many interesting
features, including the unusual style of the
double guard, or hilt, as Mr. Randall called
it. The shape of the upper quillon appears to
be reversed. In reality its “dished”-forward
surface was created to facilitate forefinger
gripping when the knife was held “blade
up,” a grip that Randall reportedly preferred
for indexing a combat knife.
During my discussions with Gaddis and
in keeping with this style of knife, it was
pointed out that the design of the corre-
sponding sheath, rather than being made
for left-side carry, was actually to position
the blade forward while being worn on the
right hip so that the presentation would
place it edge up in the right hand. This point
calls into question the theory that the knife
5 4 BL ADE JUNE 2 0 0 8
RandallAnswer.indd 54
The “Palmer fighter” had an established spacer stack
but a radically raised top line on its 6-inch blade—
most likely the product of individual handwork—though
definitely retaining the features of the very early
examples cited. (photo courtesy of Robert E. Hunt)
was carried on the left side so that the right Dating a knife for most collectors is im-
side would support the pistol holster. In portant, but precise dating is very difficult.
any event, it is a style innovation that was Production of fighters in the Randall shop
not only considered but actually built into was fewer than 50 during 1942, leaving ’43
Randall’s early design. There is an example and early ’44 when the wrist-thong hole was
of the same knife in the Randall Knife Mu- introduced as a period of dramatic growth
seum at RMK in Orlando, Florida. and change. When I reference changes with
respect to materials, configurations and
other innovations, it should be noted that
most took place during the course of the
standardization that followed the organi-
zation, growth and eventual knife-crafting
expertise of Randall shop employees.
Regarding the reversed-upper-quillon
fighter, features of note also include the
size of the leather handle washers, the early
brass on the guard, the unusual spacers
front and rear, and the position of the Ran-
dall stamp on the blade. All were refined as
time and availability of materials permit-
ted, leading to 1945 when there was a more
or less consistent design from blade tip to
buttcap, though it is the process that is rel-
evant here.
Another interesting early example of a
classic Randall combat knife is in the Ran-
dall Knife Museum. Six inches long, the
blade exhibits a very early grind with the
characteristic rise of the top line toward the
tip. The logo is stamped well out from the
guard and the name etched on the logo side
is “W.D. RANDALL, JR.” Further, the knife
has an interesting set of spacers that include
thin metal as well as fiber. This, of course,
is a carryover from Randall’s earlier knives,
most characterized by the carving sets that
sported a long array of metal spacers. Aside
from that, the introduction of finger grooves
reveals that the knife departed in concept
from the example cited, as it was designed
to be held with the blade in the edge-down
position. It is interesting to note that the
3/10/08 1:03:11 PM
 shallow indentation above the ricasso on
the top of the blade served the same pur-
pose. An example appears on page 12 of the
author’s book, Randall Knives: Rare, Unique
and Experimental.

Evolution in Style
Here again we see Randall’s thought process
at work during the formative stages of fight-
er development. What begins to emerge is
the adoption of a distinctive blade shape,
notwithstanding the differences in the two
examples herein.
One example (top knife, page 53) took
the evolution a step further and represents
a somewhat more streamlined blade, partly
because it is longer—7.5 inches rather than
the 7 and 6 inches of the earlier types. This
becomes noteworthy during the style devel-
opment of the Model #1 as uneven lengths
were the norm before Mr. Randall standard-
ized them at 6, 7 and 8 inches. Additionally,
both the spacer stacks and the buttcap on
the knife, though not yet in complete con-
formity with the 1945-era knives, have tak-
en a step in that direction. Of special note
is the red/white/blue/white/red spacer con-
figuration, as well as the wider aluminum
buttcap.
Consequently, we are beginning to iden-
tify with the formulation of a fighter design
that became an American classic, though it
may be a case of two steps forward, one step
back. An example is the “Palmer fighter”
(see page 54) with an established spacer
stack but a radically raised top line on its 6-
inch blade—most likely the product of indi-
vidual handwork—though definitely retain-
ing the features of the early examples cited.
Superb craftsmanship was soon to follow,
however, which was another reason that the
Randall fighter was to achieve such renown.
The ability to modify and enhance the lines
of the early type is best personified in the
contour of hilt, handle and blade of the
“Romanecki fighter” (bottom knife, page
53). Also of early vintage and carried by
the original owner during his tour of duty
in the Aleutians in 1943-1944, it is an im-
portant piece due to its fine overall condi-
tion. It bears a strong resemblance to that of
the reversed-upper-quillon model in blade
shape and length (7 inches), even retaining
the contour of the handle, while integrat-
ing the more commonly recognized spacer
configuration.

Conclusion
This segment will conclude on these points.
Parallel to the development of the fighter,
which was to eventually be given the name
Model #1, was the “Fighting Stiletto,” a
knife that was more of an adaptation of an
ancient design rather than an original con-
cept, but the modifications were to upgrade
the dagger type to 20th-century military
standards.

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 clean ‘n keen
clean ‘n keen

9 Mforuseum Tips
Home Knife Care

The curator of collections for the

Woodrow Wilson Presidential
Library and Museum tells you
how the pros do it

by Jarod Kearney

Museum curators use cotton gloves

when handling artifacts such as this
19th-century tulwar. Though this may
be an extreme precaution to take for
your home collection, touching the
blade as little as possible helps
reduce degradation and pitting.
(Jarod Kearney photo)

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Museum Maintenance.indd 56 3/6/08 11:49:51 AM

 I
t is an all-too-familiar scenario. The
family reunion is in full swing at your
house, and once again Uncle Billy is
rummaging through your knife col-
lection. Hands freshly greased from the
basted turkey, he eagerly fumbles out each
piece, pawing the full length of the blades
to leave the maximum amount of finger-
prints. He swings your antique knives about
carelessly, mouth agape and dripping with
ginger sauce. You pause, sigh and politely
secure the knives back and begin—once
again—the process of wiping them down.
Whether your antique knife or sword
collection is large or small, you want to pro-
tect and preserve your blades to the best of
your ability. As a museum curator, I am of-
ten asked how we preserve our collection,
and if there are similar measures that can be
On this 19th-century jambiya blade, the active rust spots can be detected by a lighter color
taken at home. The answer is absolutely—in
of red that contrasts with the darker patina. These should be removed by rubbing the spots
fact, many of the steps we take at the mu- lightly with kerosene and a cotton cloth, cleaning with a lightly damp cloth, then re-applying
seum can be duplicated fairly easily by the oil to stabilize the piece. (Jarod Kearney photo)
home collector.
Following are nine basic steps we take as
curators, and how they can be used success-
fully for your collection.

All Nine
1) Touch the blade as little as possible.
Whether you know it or not, you all have
oils on your fingers that wreak havoc with
steel. In the museum, we wear white cotton
gloves to protect the piece. This is, of course,
impractical in your home, but the concept
is sound—simply avoid touching the blade
as much as possible and you will add to its
life. If you do touch the blade, wipe it down
afterward with a cotton cloth;
2) Keep the collection away from extreme
temperature and humidity fluctuations. In
museums, we have heating, ventilating and
air conditioning (HVAC) systems that reg-
ulate temperature and humidity, as well as
data loggers to monitor environmental con-
ditions. Don’t worry about this—you don’t
have to give up that trip to Fiji to install an
HVAC. Actually, your basic home environ-
ment room temperature is not bad at all.
Avoid the attic, garage and other locations
where the conditions fluctuate wildly. A
simple closet in the house proper will work
just fine;
3) If the knives are on display, keep them
Polyethylene foam is a great liner for your storage containers, and can be readily
away from direct sunlight. Sunlight will fade purchased on the web or from packaging supply stores. (Jarod Kearney photo)
handle material, leather and other materials
in your knives. We use an ultraviolet-light
protective agent on all the windows, and
keep the indoor lighting to a minimum. For
the home display, taking a moment to move be ordered from most archival supplies are exceptions—Japanese blades, etc.—but
them away from the windows will certainly found readily on the web. It can actually be when in doubt, leave it alone;
help. If the knives are in a display case, try fun to cut out shapes in the foam to fit your 6) To remove active rust spots, try rubbing
putting some silica gel in the case to help knives for excellent storage!; the spots lightly with kerosene and a cotton
control moisture; 5) Do not sharpen or attempt to restore an cloth, cleaning with a lightly damp cloth,
4) If you store your collection away, try antique knife unless it is a using piece (grand- then re-applying oil. Active rust is notice-
storing it in inert containers. An example pa’s old hunter passed down, etc.). Sharpen- ably lighter than the darker patina rust, and
would be a box or shelf lined with Micro- ing an antique knife will often reduce the should be removed to stabilize the piece. Of
foam or other inert archival material. Poly- value. The idea is to preserve the piece, not course, do not use abrasives or you will ruin
mers such as Ethafoam or Volara foam can return it to its original condition. There the surface;

JUNE 2 0 0 8 blad emag.co m 57

Museum Maintenance.indd 57 3/6/08 11:50:16 AM

 D TOOLS • VALUE ALWAYS • NO DULL KNIVES • NO UNINSPIRED TOOLS • VALUE ALWAYS
NO DULL KNIVES • NO UNINSP
I clean ‘n keen
clean ‘n keen

RE
Gotta have it.

D TOOLS • VALUE ALWAYS • NO DULL KNIVES • NO UNINSPIRED TOOLS • VALUE ALWAYS

SAFEST
FOLDERS
ON THE
PLANET. Acid-free, archival-quality storage boxes are
readily available from most container stores
and are excellent for storing your collection.
In general, stay away from non-archival
“standard” cardboard boxes. (Jarod Kearney
photo)

Look for the red dot. Our exclusive

patented* AutoLAWKS™ mechanism
turns equipped CRKT folders into
virtual fixed blades. Get all the details
on our web site.

www.crkt.com
Toll free 1-800-891-3100

*U.S. Patent No. 5,596,808, Waxing the blade with a microcrystalline Silica gel is a good way to control moisture
other patents pending. wax—such as here on a German SA in your display case. Just put it in a small
RE

NO DULL KNIVES • NO UNINSP

I dagger with Renaissance Wax—is a great bowl somewhere in the case and your
way to preserve blade steel. blades will thank you! At right is a can of
(Jarod Kearney photo) Renaissance Wax. (Jarod Kearney photo)

Culpepper & 7) Oil your blade once every few months—

or more if you can—even if it is in storage.
When handing the knife back, hold it by the
top of the handle and present it handle-first.
Co., Inc. Clove and camellia oil are excellent, and
most over-the-counter knife oils will work.
This can be tricky with smaller knives, but
quit being so modern and just do it!;
Pearl slabs including: A further step you can take is to wax the 9) Finally, of utmost importance in the
white, gold, pink, black, brown & abalone piece with a crystalline wax. Crystalline care of a sword or knife is respect. Remember
OTHER MATERIALS: wax provides protection against rust and always that any blade is capable of inflict-
Jig, Pick, Smooth & Stag Bone degradation, and is easy to apply. We use ing injury, especially if handled carelessly.
in a variety of colors & pat- Renaissance Wax, which is available from Knives are one of our earliest human tools,
terns: Mosaic Abalone, Buffalo
& Ram’s Horn, Stingray Skins, most archival supply stores; part of the basic canon of human technol-
Wallets & Belts. 8) If you want to hold someone’s knife— ogy; 100,000 years of human progression
antique or modern—it is proper protocol to has given you this birthright. Take care of
See Us At: your knives always!
The Blade Show
Atlanta, GA A bladesmith and a member of
May 30 - June 1 the American Bladesmith So-
Booth 21 & 22 ciety, the author is the curator
of collections at the Woodrow
The Knifemakers' Guild Show Wilson Presidential Library
Orlando, FL and Museum in Staunton, Vir-
July 31 - August 3 Antique blades should not be restored to ginia. He said he has written extensively on
their original condition, but rather stabilized historical edged weapons and made presen-
Catalog send $5.00 or download from our and preserved. There are exceptions,
Web site to: however, including Japanese blades such
tations at the New York Historical Society on
Culpepper & Co., Inc. as this 1938 officer’s katana. In some the early American sword industry.
P.O. Box 690, 8285 Georgia Rd., cases, polishing is not only accepted but
Otto, NC 28763 encouraged. (Jarod Kearney photo)
Phone (828) 524-6842
Fax (828) 369-7809
www.knifehandles.com
www.stingrayproducts.com ask permission first. Receive the knife and
hold it by the handle—do not touch the
Terms:
C.O.D. • Prepayment • MC/VISA blade without permission. It is impolite to
run your fingers up and down the blade.

5 8 BL ADE JUNE 2 0 0 8

Museum Maintenance.indd 58 3/10/08 10:27:58 AM

1191372_BL.indd 1 2/12/08 11:20:49 AM
 canadian makin’
canadian makin’

by Rick Mussey
After spending many hours reviewing Sean O’Hare’s entire line,
the author settled on two each of O’Hare’s Kestrel-B, Hunter-B
and Whiskeyjack models. These are the two Whiskeyjacks in the
author’s collection. (Rick Mussey photo)

Sean O’Hare

6 0 BL ADE JUNE 2 0 0 8

SEANO'HARE.indd 60 3/5/08 12:39:47 PM


O
ver the past decade, I have always looked
forward to attending gun and knife shows.
Living in Northeast Ohio, I have been
able to do so rather frequently, averaging
about three shows per year. My first knife
purchases were in 2000, when I bought two automatics:
a Benchmade 9050 SBT and a Microtech SOCOM Dual
Action SW. In 2002, I purchased a pair of mint-condition
Gerber Paul Series 2 Model 2 folders, still in their black
display cases with white cardboard sleeves. Thus began
what has become my serious passion for quality knives.
In 2005, I started my subscription to BLADE® and made
several visits to the local library to learn all I could about
knives. My next purchase would be my first fixed blades:
an Aviator and a Shadow III from Chris Reeve Knives.
Later that year I bought a copy of Knives 2006, edited by
Joe Kertzman, and the excellent book really opened my
eyes to what custom knifemaking is all about.
After much consideration, I set a budget of $5,000 to
spend on about 16 quality—and non-tactical—knives. The
thought of buying hundreds or even dozens of knives from
several makers was not my objective. My goal was to invest
in fewer knives but those of higher quality. I decided to
focus on two segments of knife collecting: automatics and
fixed blades. For my new collection, all automatics would
be by Pro-Tech (six limited-edition Godsons, and two each
SEANO'HARE.indd 61
A modified bird’s-beak handle of box elder burl
with three mosaic pins highlight O’Hare’s Kestrel-
B model. (Rick Mussey photo)
limited-edition Runts and Stingers). My next decision for
a maker of custom fixed blades would require months of
research of the internet, Knives 2006 and various back is-
sues of BLADE.
I downloaded many websites of makers whose specialty
was fixed blades. After much diligence, I settled on Sean
O’Hare of the small village of Fort Simpson, Northwest
Territories, Canada, a robust 3,000 miles from my Ohio
home. I chose Sean for several reasons: his website was
very professionally done and easy to navigate, his variety
of both knife styles and handle materials appealed to me,
and his pricing was reasonable. Plus, he is a member of the
Knifemakers’ Guild, which to me demonstrates a serious
commitment to his craft.
I initiated a series of e-mails with Sean beginning in
spring 2006. I soon discovered how patient and consider-
ate he is with his customers. After spending many hours
reviewing his entire line, I settled on two each of his Kes-
trel-B, Hunter-B and Whiskeyjack models. Five were in a
variety of stabilized woods—box elder, ash, juniper, ma-
ple and walnut burls—with three mosaic pins, while the
sixth was in white mother-of-pearl with 24k-gold-plated
screws. All had flat-ground, hand-rubbed blades of CPM
S30V stainless steel and mirror-finished bolsters of 416
stainless, including dovetailing on five of the knives. Sean’s
reputation as a quality maker of fixed blades was grow-
JUNE 2 0 0 8 blad emag.co m 61
3/5/08 12:40:41 PM
 canadian makin’
canadian makin’

ing, so I would have to learn patience, as it

would take him about 18 months to finish
my knives.
This past June, my wife and I flew to At-
lanta to attend our first BLADE Show. For
those seriously interested in knives, this
annual show is “knife nirvana” and the
premier cutlery event to attend. (The 2008
rendition will be May 30-June 1 at the Cobb
Galleria Centre in Atlanta.) Sean was ex-
hibiting at the BLADE Show and I had the
opportunity to meet with him and actually
pick out the mother-of-pearl and some of
the stabilized wood for my knives. I spent
hours just admiring his display of beauti-

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5111 Berwyn Rd., Ste. 110, College Park, MD 20740-4132
fully handcrafted fixed blades. Throughout
our discussions I found Sean to be gracious,
accommodating and very knowledgeable,
Crawford The Marauder
by Wes Crawford though very humble.
Knives Wanting to know more about his back-
ground, I asked Sean how he became a
A high quality collector
grade combat knife maker. His answers were straightforward.
starting at $600.00, “I’ve always had a fascination with knives,
as shown $1,800.00. Credit Cards Accepted
but, until just before I started knifemaking,
Damascus blade and bolsters, I had never even seen a handmade knife,” he
Mammoth tooth handle, Titanium began. “Back then, I had a website-develop-
liners. Each knife is made one at a ment company and had just finished a large
time using the very best materials to website project, when a neighbor who made
give you a one-of-a-kind masterpiece.
knives part time approached me about
CRAWFORD KNIVES, LLC. building a website for him. That was the first
205 N. Center Dr., West Memphis, AR 72301 • (870) 732-2452 time I held a handmade knife, and I quickly
email: patcrawford1@earthlink.net • www.crawfordknives.com became intrigued with making knives.”
He joined the Canadian Knifemakers
Guild and attended its annual show in sum-
mer 2002. That was the first time his knives
were reviewed by other makers.
“Needless to say, they had a lot of com-
ments, which was a real eye opener for me!”
Sean exclaimed. “I learned a great deal that
weekend, which really got me focused on
making better knives. Later that summer, I
attended a knifemaking symposium in Al-
berta hosted by Ed Storch. There I learned a
tremendous amount, watching such makers
as Greg Lightfoot, Brian Lyttle and Ed do
everything from grinding blades, leather-
work and Kydex® sheathmaking, to forging.
I came away very charged up and eager to
try all kinds of new things.”
Sean was quick to also recognize the in-

6 2 BL ADE JUNE 2 0 0 8

SEANO'HARE.indd 62 3/11/08 12:04:57 PM

 O’Hare’s Hunter-B straight knife features a
flat-ground, hand-rubbed blade of CPM S30V
stainless steel and mirror-finished bolsters of 416
stainless. The handle is ash. (Rick Mussey photo)

Sean O’Hare
Dept. BL6, POB 374
Fort Simpson
Northwest Territories
Canada X0E 0N0
867.695.2619
sean@ohareknives.ca
www.ohareknives.ca
Specialties Fixed blades, including
hunting, embellished, tactical and neck
knives
Blade Materials CPM S30V, CPM 154
and ATS-34 stainless, Damasteel stain-
fluence of the U.S. Knifemakers’ Guild. “At- two years ago, I was able to convince my
less damascus and O1 tool steel
tending the Guild shows has allowed me to employer [the government of the Northwest
Handle Materials G-10, Micarta®,
meet many highly skilled knifemakers, who Territories] to let me work part time in my
stabilized woods, mammoth ivory, water
have given me invaluable tips on how to job as a computer tech, which allows me to
buffalo horn and northern antler
make better knives,” he related. devote the rest of my time to knifemaking,”
Waiting List A little over two years
He said he has been making knives for he explained. “This is working out well, as
List Prices $125 and up
about seven years, though only really get- it allows me the freedom to devote the time
ting serious about it the past three. “Around necessary to make my knives, but also to

JUNE 2 0 0 8 blad emag.co m 6 3

SEANO'HARE.indd 63 3/5/08 1:02:41 PM

 canadian makin’
canadian makin’

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He indicated that the internet and his web-

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 JOIN US for the
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Admission $15 pp all ages

Evening of the
Costa Mesa Hilton
3050 Bristol Street, Costa Mesa, CA
Cutlery Arts
714.540.7000 To be held Friday October 3rd, 2008
from 4 P.M. to 10 P.M., for those who
are dedicated collectors of handmade
knives. Admission is limited and must
be paid in advance at $80 per person
through June 1st, after June 1st the
fee is $95 per person. Be sure to reg-
ister and pay in advance. Contact Dan
at Plaza Cutlery, 714-549-3932.
This show is different then most other
shows. Every person has an equal
opportunity to get drawn. Each maker
will have three to eight knives for sale.
All of the knives will be sold through
drawings, and a few will be by bid.
You have a couple hours to inspect
all the knives and place your name in
Located in Costa Mesa the “Cultural Arts Center” of Orange County, the box of any knife you are interested
in. At the appointed time the makers
California. Forty-two of the best handmade knife makers from around will draw the name of the person who
the world will be offering their handmade knives for sale on Saturday, owns the right to buy that knife and
October 4th, 2008. These knife makers are among the best in their will have 15 minutes to confirm the
purchase. If the collector has to pass
respective fields of the handmade craft. on a knife the maker will then draw a
second name and third name to finish
Knife makers attending* are: the drawings. After that the maker is
free to sell the knife to who ever would
Bill Ankrom Matt Lerch Bill Ruple like to purchase it.
Todd Begg Greg Lightfoot Scott Sawby
Bailey Bradshaw Mike Lovett Eugene Shadley
Joel Chamblin Tom Mayo Ken Steigerwalt W.D. Pease - 2008 Show Attendee
Pat Crawford Don Maxwell Mick Strider
Al Dippold Ron Newton Gray Taylor
Duane Dwyer Mel Nishiuchi Robert Terzuola
Allen Elishewitz Ken Onion Warren Thomas
Ernie Emerson Warren Osborne Brian Tighe
Tom Ferry Mel Pardue Butch/Rainy Vallotton
Dennis Friedly W. D. Pease J.L. Williams**
Stan Fujisaka Alfred Pendray John Young Rear Lock, Presentation Folder with Stag Handle
Tim Galyean Darrel Ralph and a Mosaic Bolster available at Plaza Cutlery!
*2 more will be added. Check
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Rick Hinderer Chris Reeve Knives ** If regular work schedule
Ryuichi Kawamura Richard Rogers allows.

South Coast Plaza, Ste 2060 • Costa Mesa, CA 92626

714.549.3932 • www.plazacutlery.com

This year’s show is being held at our

most popular location from the past!

BladePlay.indd 35 3/10/08 3:49:16 PM

 your knife rights
your knife rights
Pocketknives: Deadly
Weapons or Not?
Conclusion
By Judge Lowell Bray
BLADE® field editor
I
n the last installment, “Your Knife
Rights” considered two cases in which
Texas courts reviewed jury verdicts that
determined certain pocketknives to be
“deadly weapons.” Neither knife was ever
seen by the judge or the jury. One verdict
was upheld on appeal, one was overturned.
In the same month those decisions were
handed down, a third Texas court ruled in
the case of Jesse P. Magana, who was con-
victed by a jury of aggravated assault with a
deadly weapon—a pocketknife that was not
introduced into evidence.
Magana v. State
Jesse and Veronica Magana were married
but separated. On Sept. 28, 2003, they en-
gaged in a fight in which Veronica received
four stab wounds. Jesse later took her to the
hospital, where she was treated and released.
They agreed that the knife used in the fight
was a “little black pocketknife.”
The majority of the court ruled that the
evidence was sufficient and upheld Jesse
Magana’s conviction. The dissenting judge
opened his opinion with the following:
Given that the Texas Legislature has
not classified knives as deadly weapons
per se, Texas courts are forced to en-
6 6 BL ADE JUNE 2 0 0 8
KnifeRights.indd 66
A dissenting judge’s opinion
offers a persuasive argument
as to why the pocketknife in
this case was not deadly
gage in metaphysical discussions similar
to the medieval quest to determine how
many angels can dance on the head of
a pin by attempting to determine wheth-
er a knife, by its “use or intended use
is capable of causing death or serious
bodily injury,” is a deadly weapon. Un-
less and until the Texas Legislature acts
on this issue, the burden remains on the
“It was not capable
of causing serious
bodily injury
or death.”
–dissenting judge
State of Texas to prove the “deadliness”
of a knife before the State can impose
harsher punishment for a criminal act. I
disagree with [the court’s] analysis be-
cause the opinion essentially holds that
all pocketknives are deadly weapons. I
would hold the evidence is insufficient
to demonstrate the knife used in this
assault is capable of causing serious
bodily injury or death.
The judge then discussed the evidence:
The evidence regarding the “deadli-
ness” [of the knife] is meager at best.
[Veronica] testified [that Jesse] was
angry and “came at” her with his hand
raised. She thought he was going to
punch her, but instead he “stabbed” her
several times with a “small black pocket-
knife.” At some point during the attack
or while [Jesse] was trying to get [Ve-
ronica] in the car, [he] said “he wished
that [she] would die.” The knife was not
produced at trial nor was any facsimile
of the knife used for demonstrative pur-
poses. The only verbal descriptions of
the knife are [Veronica’s] testimony that
it was a “small black pocketknife” that
[Jesse] “habitually carried” and [Jesse’s]
testimony that it was “a little pocketknife
about this big (indicating)” that he had
purchased for [Veronica] at a flea mar-
ket for two or three dollars and which
she carried with her makeup supplies.
There was no evidence of the length or
width of the blade or its sharpness, and
3/7/08 12:41:58 PM
 no testimony the pocketknife was open
during the attack.
[Veronica] suffered four wounds: on
the top of her left shoulder; on the front
of her left shoulder; above the breast on
the left side of the chest; and between
her knuckles on her right hand. At the
hospital she indicat-
ed to Dr. Sands, the
y
emergency room
doctor, that her pain
was “mild” as op-
posed to “moder-
“The knife was not
ate” or “ severe.” Dr. produced at trial.”
Sands concluded
all [her] wounds –dissenting judge
were superficial and
required no sutures.
Dr. Sands testified
he did not see the
knife and could not tell anything about
the type of knife or its length based on
the wounds. Nevertheless, he stated his
opinion that “a small knife, like a pocket-
knife” is a deadly weapon.
When wounds caused by a knife
do not result in serious bodily injury or
death, as in this case, the knife is a dead-
ly weapon only if the State proves “the
knife: (1) was capable of causing seri-
ous bodily injury; and (2) was displayed
or used in a manner that establishes the
intent to use the knife to cause death or
serious bodily injury.” The State may es-
tablish that the knife was in fact “deadly”
through evidence of the nature and use
of the knife, including the knife itself or
a facsimile of the knife, witnesses’ de-
scriptions of the knife’s size, shape and
sharpness, appellant’s verbal threats,
the manner in which the knife was used,
and the nature of any wounds caused.
My disagreement with the majority re-
gards the failure of proof on the issue of
whether the pocketknife was capable of
causing serious bodily injury or death.
The majority holds the State met its
burden on this issue, pointing to: (1) evi-
dence that the knife
“was sharp enough
to cause the super-
ficial wounds”; (2) “There was no
“the location and
number of wounds
evidence of the
were of such con-
cern to the emergen-
length or width
cy room doctor that of the blade.”
he ordered an x-ray
to check her lungs, –dissenting judge
heart and major ves-
sels;” and (3) the
doctor’s testimony that “although he did
not see the knife, he considered a small
pocketknife to be a deadly weapon and
that it is capable of causing serious
bodily injury or death.” I do not believe
this evidence supports a finding that the
knife was capable of causing serious
KnifeRights.indd 67
bodily injury. knife has the capacity to cause serious
The majority infers from the fact that bodily injury or death.
the knife caused superficial wounds that Finally, the majority relies on the
it was capable of causing serious bodily doctor’s testimony that he considers
injury. This inference is not reasonable “a small knife like a pocketknife” to be
in light of [Veronica’s] testimony. [She] a deadly weapon and that he has seen
testified [Jesse] was angry when he at- a pocketknife cause serious bodily injury
tacked her, came at or death. Obviously, we are all aware in
her with his hand our modern world that short-bladed
raised, “stabbed” knives can be used with deadly effect.
her four times, and However, the doctor testified he did not
told her “I wish you
would die.” A ratio-
see the knife used in this case; he testi-
fied he knew nothing about its length,
nal juror could infer width or sharpness, and could not as-
certain anything about the knife from the
from this evidence
that appellant in- complainant’s wounds; and he was not
tended to use the asked to offer his expert opinion through
knife in a manner a hypothetical question based on the
likely to cause seri- knife as described by the complainant
ous bodily injury or and the wounds she suffered. His testi-
death. [Veronica’s] testimony that she mony thus states nothing more than his
was “stabbed” rationally implies the opinion that all pocketknives are deadly
knife was thrust or plunged at her body, weapons, a position contrary to Texas
and the knife contacted her body in this law and which provides no evidence
manner four times. about the deadly capacity of the pock-
Yet, when appellant used the knife etknife used in this case.
in this manner, only small, superficial There is simply no evidence to sup-
wounds resulted—wounds that required port the jury’s finding that the weapon
no medical inter- in this case was
vention other than capable of causing
prophylactic antibi- serious bodily injury
otics and a tetanus or death. Accord-
shot. No evidence
“I would hold the ingly, I would hold
was presented that
appellant’s thrusts
evidence factually the evidence factu-
ally insufficient to
were blocked by insufficient.” support the verdict
heavy clothing, a and would reverse
purse or anything –dissenting judge the judgment.
else that prevented
the full applica- Conclusion
tion of the knife to Certainly, the Texas
complainant’s body. In my view, the only legislature can identify whatever knives it
reasonable inference from the evidence chooses as “deadly weapons.” It can even,
that the knife caused only superficial despite all logic, designate every pocket-
wounds and no puncture wounds is that knife a deadly weapon. However, the legis-
it was not capable of causing serious lative branch should do something to assist
bodily injury or death. Even though there the judges, juries, policemen and general
is ample evidence demonstrating that citizenry of the state in determining which
appellant may have pocketknife is or is not a deadly weapon.
wanted to inflict se- Cases such as these are sure to continue to
rious bodily injury occur and to make the issue more and more
or death, such evi- confusing.
dence cannot be
used to bolster the Facts and law taken from Magana v. State,
lack of evidence re-
garding the knife’s
2007 WL 1608257 (Tex. App.-San Anto-
nio).
capacity to cause
such injury. The author has been a lawyer since 1973
The mere fact and a judge since 1982. He is also secre-
the doctor took tary/treasurer of the Knifemakers’ Guild, a
measures to deter- journeyman smith in the American Blade-
mine whether any serious bodily injury smith Society, and a charter member of the
had been caused is no evidence that Florida Knifemakers Association.
the knife was capable of causing such
injury. To hold that a knife is a deadly
weapon simply because a doctor had
concern for potential injuries eviscerates
the requirement that the State prove the
JUNE 2 0 0 8 blad emag.co m 6 7
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JUL. '08 MAR. 19, 2008

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Blade Show West Issue
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Advertisements
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MAGAZINE CLASSIFIED 9720 Collections
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HEADINGS AVAILABLE 9730 Dealers Wanted
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Minimum charge is $9.00 per ad. 6586 Fight’n Rooster 7466 One-Hand 8900 Smith (J.D.) 9770 Handle Materials
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others. Clean outstanding knives with pretty handles. Please
call or write. for printed list Charlie Mattox, PO Box 1565,
Gallatin, TN 37066. Mobile phone: 615-419-5669.
www.mattoxknife.com 3948923
WANTED: CASE pocketknives especially 10 Dot and older.
Check with Charlie before you sell. Call or write. Charlie
Mattox, PO Box 1565, Gallatin, TN 37066. Mobile phone 615-
419-5669. http://www.mattoxknife.com 3948924
7100 ADVERTISING
Visit our online store for Discount Brand Name knives such
as Boker, Gerber, CRKT, Emerson, Ka-Bar, Leatherman,
Cold Steel, Case XX, Sypderco, Dark Ops, SOG and more.
We also carry swords, camping and hunting gear, optics,
binoculars, scopes, multitools, flashlights, lighters,
military/tactical watches and more. We offer Low Prices
and Cheap Shipping at www.HurricaneDeckCutlery.com
gdm1932002
SCAGEL KNIVES and axes wanted: Gordon White, PO Box
181, Cuthbert, GA 39840. 229-732-6982 anytime. 3918911
9224 MISCELLANEOUS HANDMADE
$300 REWARD- AJVANADrSTIN KNIVES WANTED. “NEW”
VANADESTINE BOOK AVAILABLE, $27.95 AUTOGRAPHED
160+ PICTURES 920-450-0723
www.buckstix.com/vanadestineknife.htm 3968288
FRANCINE ETCHED Knives. Formerly David Boye Knives
Gallery. Made by Todd Kopp from Boye Dendritic Steel &
Boye Dendritic Cobalt. Continuing the Tradition. Basics.
Outdoor Knives. Kitchen Cutlery. Cutlery, Carving &
Table/Steak sets. Blades plain or etched with original
artwork. 1-800-557-1525. francine@francineetchings.com
www.francineetchings.com gdm1961360
OVER 100 Custom miniature knives, 37 makers, $25 to $500.
For information and list, write or call. Miniature Knives,
12447 N 49th Ave, Glendale, AZ 85304. 602-978-4308.
3964336
WANTED: SCAGEL, R.H. Ruana, Randall, Loveless, Morseth,
Remington, and Marbles knives and axes. Any Heiser knife or
axe sheaths. 229-732-6982, anytime. Gordon White, Box
181, Cuthbert, GA 39840. 3948345
9705 BUY, SELL, TRADE
FOR SALE: Antlers (deer, elk, moose), buckskins, tanned
furs, etc. Over 150,000 items. Complete Internet catalog
(pictures). http://www.hideandfur.com 3968987
LEE’’S CUTLERY knives for work, sport, pleasure &
collecting. For a wide variety of knives, check out
www.leescutlery.com gdm1972996
SELLING BUCK, Randall, Case, Custom, and more. Great
selection. Call Gary 727-515-2479 or see us on the web:
www.nelsoncustomknives.com 3940903
LISTS
COLLECTOR KVIVES- Queen, Schatt & Morgan, Ka-Bar,
Remington and Case. Send $2 for our catalog. S & S and
Sons Cutlers, Po Box 501C Lomita, CA 90717 PH 310-326-
3869 or www.snsandsonscutlers.com. 3132921
DISCOUNTS ON Thousands of High Quality Knives and
Accessories. Up to 50% off on Boker, Buck, Case, Cold
Steel, Emerson, Helle, Lone Wolf, Mcusta, Puma, SOG,
Spyderco, Tops and Many More! Visit us online at
www.IronCityBlades.com 3970171
9720 COLLECTIONS
WANTED: KNIFE collections. We buy single knives or entire
collections. Interested in antique pocket, hunting and Bowie
knives, custom handmade knives, commemorative and
factory knives. Immediate payment. Please contact: Tom
Clark c/o Blue Ridge Knives, 166 Adwolfe Rd, Marion, VA
24354. 800-635-2583. 3967993
9780 HEAT TREATING
HEAT TREATING/ Tempering all steels. Bearclaw Knives, POB
1391, La Porte, TX 77572-1391. bearoates@peoplepc.com
Call for prices, 281-587-6080. 3969788
9790 KNIFE BOXES/ CONTAINERS
DISPLAY CASES: Oak, Walnut, wood, glass, standard or
custom sizes. 28 page catalog. Send $1. Woodland Products,
61292 CR 7, Elkhart, IN 46517. 3955351
9840 KNIFEMAKING EQUIPMENT
GRINDER PLANS! 2”X72” knifegrinder plans for the no weld
grinder sander. Easy, low cost build! No welding or
machining required, 15 pages CAD, 27 page assembly
manual, $25. Get this and other knife making supplies from:
Midwest Knifemakers Supply LLC.
www.midwestknifemakers.com 3949070

74 BL ADE JUNE 2 0 0 8

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9850 KNIFEMAKING INSTRUCTION
NEW ENGLAND School of Metalwork conducts workshops
throughout the year featuring blacksmithing, bladesmithing
and pattern welding. Spacious, up to date facility.
www.newenglandschoolofmetalwork.com or 888-753-
7502. 3955786
9875 KNIFEMAKING SUPPLIES
ANTI-SCALE COATING protects steel up to 2300 F. during
heat treating. Water based, easy to apply, easy to remove,
cost effective. Available in pint and gallon containers. Contact
Advanced Technical Products, 508 Northland Blvd.,
Cincinnati, Ohio 45240. Phone: 513-851-6858. E-mail:
ATP_Supply@hotmail.com 3918494
BUY WHOLESALE “Cheyenne Bowie” knife blank. 440c
Steel. Heavy construction. 13-1/4”. Double hilt Mirror
polished. $24 VISA/MC EKnifeSupply 828-389-2575.
3945905
BUY WHOLESALE Classic “Patrick Henry” Bowie 440c
steel. 14” overall brass guard Coffin style handle Semi
Polished $24. VISA/MC EKnifeSupply 828-389-2575.
9890 KNIFE SHOPS
3945906 40% OFF MSRP on most items. Hart Knives is your
wholesale to the public knife source. www.hartknives.com
BUY WHOLESALE Drop Point (S23) or Clip Point 3951674
(s21)Hidden tang 440c steel, sharp, heavy contruction. 9-
1/2” Mirror Polished $11 each. VISA/MC EKnifeSupply 828- CANADA’S ONLINE knife source is now www.SWORDS.CA.
389-2575. 3945908 Great prices, in stock, ships now. Ph. 1-866-371-7973.
BUY WHOLesale S8 or S9 Drop Point and “Wyoming www.SWORDS.CA. 3945650
Skinner” 440c steel, heavy contruction. 7-1/2” Mirror
Polished $12 each. VISA/MC EKnifeSupply 828-389-2575. KNIFESUPPLY.COM- ALL Major Brand Knives at Rock
3945907 Bottom Prices! America’s #1 Knife Supply.
http://www.KnifeSupply.com 3913071
STEEL STAMPS: Personalize knives with a Buckeye Stamp.
Manufactured to fit your needs and made per your artwork The Knife Superstore! Featuring hunting and fishing knives,
cutlery, swords, collectibles, and MORE!
with name, logo or design. Standard-letter name stamps also
available. Buckeye Engraving 330-677-5685 http://www.knifemania.net gdm1951597
www.steelhandstamps.com. 3958466
STEEL TANG Stamps: Mark your knives with your name, logo 9900 LEATHER/ SHEATHS
or design. Quality hand-cut hardened steel stamps made to CUSTOM LEATHER Knife Sheaths in your design or mine.
your specifications. “If it’s worth making, it’s worth marking.” Write or call: Robert Schrap, 7024 W. Wells St., Wauwatosa,
Established 1898. Henry A. Evers, Corp. 72 Oxford St., WI 53213. 414-771-6472 or knifesheaths@aol.com 3922057
Providence, RI 02905. 800-553-8377. 3955488

ADVERTISERS’ INDEX
A Du-Star Knife ........................ 70
Al Mar Knives ....................... 93
Alpha Knife Supply ............. 109
American Bladesmith Society
............................................ 69
Arizona Custom Knives ...... 106
Arizona Knife Collect Assoc.. 95
B Magnum USA ....................... 97
Beckwith’s Blades ............... 110
Benchmade Knife Co. ........... 21
Blackhawk Products Group
.......................................... 107
Blade Art............................... 37
Blade Show 2008 ................. 99
Blade Show West 2008 ........ 72
Bladegallery.com ................ 109
Blue Ridge Knives ........ 68, 106
Bob Dozier Knives ................ 45
Boker USA ............................ 48
Bonds House Of Cutlery ....... 62
Bowie Corporation ................ 69
Britton, Tim ........................... 34
Burger Knives ....................... 96
Burr King Mfg. Co., Inc. ........ 44
Busse Combat Knife Co. ...... 19
C O
C.A.S. Iberia ....................... 116
Center Cross Video .............. 72
Chopra Deepak .................... 90
Chris Reeve Knives .............. 14
Columbia River Knife & Tool
........................ 17, 29, 58, 105
Crawford, Pat ........................ 62
Culpepper, Inc. ..................... 58
Custom Knife Company ........ 70
Cut Knife Distribution Inc. ..... 95
D Knives Plus ........................... 95
Davidson, Edmund ............... 69
Denton, JW ........................... 68
The advertisers’ index is provided as a reader service. Occasional last-minute changes may result in ads appearing on pages
other than those listed here. The publisher assumes no liability for omissions or errors.
Don’t miss the next
Magazine
E Lansky Sharpeners .............. 22
Edgecraft Corporation .......... 63
Ellis, David ............................ 44
F Lone Wolf Knives .................. 28
Faust, Dick ............................ 68
Finer Points, The................... 29
Fowler, Ed ........................... 112
G Masecraft Supply .................. 88
G.L. Pearce Abrasive Co. ..... 72
Gerber Legendary Blades .... 25
Giraffebone.com ................. 111
Graham Knives ..................... 69
Guild, Don............................. 95
H Myknifedealer.com.............. 104
Halpern Titanium .................. 70
Hanson, Don....................... 110
Hawkins Knife Making Supplies
.......................................... 104
Henry Evers Corp. ................ 97
J Tool Logic ............................. 55
Jantz Supply ......................... 11
JT’s Knife Shop..................... 71
K ............................................ 71
Kayne Custom Hardware Inc.
............................................ 70
Kershaw Knives .............. 23, 33
Kitasho Company, Ltd........... 16
Knife & Gun Finishing Supplies
............................................ 89
Knife Center of the Internet .. 62
Knifemakers Guild Show .... 113
Knights Edge Ltd. ................... 3
Knivesshipfree.com .............. 64
Koval Knives & Supplies ....... 36
Issue Date
JUL. ’08
AUG. ’08
SEP. ’08
ORDER YOUR ADVERTISING TODAY!
L Red Hill Corporation ............. 96
Lambert, Kirby .................... 111 Reddick Enterprises ............. 69
RMI Laser LLC ..................... 54
Rummell, Hank ..................... 64
Lightfoot Knives .................. 110
Lone Star Wholesale ............ 64
S
Self Defense Supply ............. 91
Sheffield Knifemakers Supply,
M Inc. ..................................... 70
Shepherd Hills Walnut ............ 2
Mantis Knives, Inc................. 31
Smith’s Abrasives ................. 15
Smoky Mountain Knife Works,
Master Cutlery .................... 115
Inc. ..................................... 88
Mastersmiths ........................ 68
SOG Specialty Knives, Inc. .. 24
Meyerco ................................ 35
Solvang Knife Show.............. 32
MM Customs ...................... 111
Spyderco ................................ 8
Moki Knife Company............... 8
Steel Addiction Custom Knives
Mucsta Knives USA .............. 70 ............................................ 33
Strider Knives ....................... 40
Swords.ca ............................. 70
N Szilaski, Joseph .................... 62
National Knife Distributors .... 71
NC Tool Company................. 50 T
NCCA ................................... 45 Texas Knifemakers Supply ... 37
New Graham Knives ............. 41 Three Little Indians ............... 71
Nordic Knives ..................... 112
Northern Knives.................. 105 Tops ................................ 71, 73
Tormach LLC ........................ 51
Treestump Leather................ 70
O’Machearley Custom Knives
Tru-Grit ................................. 89
True North Knives
Only Fine Knives .................. 22
............................ 5, 7, 50, 104
P
U
Palacio Enterprises Inc. ........ 72 United Cutlery....................... 59
Paragon Industries ............... 93 Utica Cutlery ......................... 49
Paragon Sporting Goods .... 111
Parkers’ Knife Collector Service W
............................................ 64 White, John......................... 110
Plaza Cutlery .................. 14, 65 William Henry Knives.............. 5
R Z
Randall Made Knives............ 69 Zima Knives .......................... 72
700 E. State St., Iola, WI 54990-0001
Ad Deadline 1-800-272-5233 • FAX (715) 445-4087
MAR. 19, 2008 Missy Beyer, Advertising Sales x13642
APR. 23, 2008 missy.beyer@fwpubs.com
Bruce Wolberg, Advertising Sales, x13403
MAY 21, 2008 bruce.wolberg@fwpubs.com

JUNE 2 0 0 8 blad emag.co m 75

BladeJUNE08.indd 11 3/11/08 12:11:42 PM

 what’s new
what’s new
New Six-Pack Just in
Time For Summer
I ntroducing the Big Dog, Natchez, Fat
Natchez, Long Natchez, Slim Natchez
and the Natchette by Cutlery Hall-Of-
Famer © D’ Holder. All are done in ATS-
34 except for the Natchette in 19C27.
For more information contact D’
Holder, Dept. BL6, 7148 West Country
Gables, Peoria, AZ 85381 623.878.3064
www.dholder.com.
Handcarved Fighter
Lacks Wings Only
E agle Fighter is the name of Mark
Nevling’s 320-layer twist damascus
knife with a silver guard and turquoise
spacer. The butt of the sambar stag handle
is carved to resemble an eagle’s head.
For more information contact Mark
Nevling, Dept. BL6, Burr Oak Knives,
POB 9, Hume, IL 61932 217.887.2522.
76 BL ADE JUNE 2 0 0 8
Whats New.indd 76
Camp, Cook, Eat,
Repeat with Brunton
W eighing only 1.7 ounces, Brunton’s
My-Ti Flatware reportedly is the
lightest metal three-piece travel silver-
ware set on earth. Done in titanium, the
set is both rust and melt-proof, accord-
ing to a Brunton press release.
For more information contact Brun-
ton, Dept. BL6, 2255 Brunton Ct., Ri-
verton, WY 82501 307.857.4700 www.
brunton.com.
Spyderco Stretches its
Evolutionary Limits
W hat began as a compact hunt-
ing knife two decades ago has
stretched into a longer, thinner design
from Spyderco. The C90CF Stretch is
done in ZDP-189 stainless with a peel-
ply carbon-fiber handle.
For more information contact, Spy-
derco, attn. J. Laituri, Dept. BL6, 820
Spyderco Way, Golden, CO 80403
800.279.8383 www.spyderco.com.
Carved Folder at
the Head of Its Class
C arved Bob Eggerling scales and
sterling-silver-leaf overlays make
the perfect pair on the Ram’s Head lock-
ing-liner folder from Stephen Olszewski.
Approximate open length: 10.5 inches.
For more information contact Ste-
phen Olszewski, Dept. BL6, 1820
Harkney Hill Rd., Coventry, RI 02816
401.397.4774 blade5377@yahoo.com
www.olszewskiknives.com.
Spring Blooms on
Blued Damascus Knife
J .W. Randall’s Honey Bee folder
features a blued mosaic damascus
blade of honeybees and flowers, and a
carved pearl grip in the shape of a bee.
For more information contact J.W.
Randall, Dept. BL6, 11606 Keith Hall
Rd., Keithville, LA 71047 318.925.6480
jw@jwrandallknives.com.
3/10/08 3:03:19 PM
 what’s
what’s newnew
Each Custom Heritage
Series Limited to 250
D one in medium and high carbon da-
mascus steel blades, a jumbo trap-
per with an India stag handle is a mem-
ber of the Custom Heritage Series from
Bear & Son Cutlery.
For more information contact Bear
& Son Cutlery, Inc., attn: S. Griffey,
Dept. BL6, 1111 Bear Blvd., S.W., Jack-
sonville, AL 36265 info@bearandson.
com.
Screw Knife Makes
Quite the Point
Q uick thinking comes in the way of
the screw knives from Taylor & Co.,
Inc. Each screw knife features a damas-
cus blade with a screwdriver point. Most
of the screw knives’ handles are carved
from antler, bone, wooly mammoth tusk
or other natural materials.
For more information contact Taylor
& Co, Inc., 304 Lenoir Dr., Dept. BL6,
Winchester, VA 22603 800.655.5814
info@taylorsfirearms.com.
Whats New.indd 77
Mokume, Mammoth
Ivory Top Off Hunter
M agnificent mokume and mammoth
ivory highlight a stag-handle hunt-
er from David Wilson. Overall length
of the 1095-nickel damascus knife: 11
inches.
For more information contact David
Wilson, Dept. BL6, 4967 Tulane Rd.,
Nesbt, MS 38651 662.342.0669.
An Ocean Underworld
Alive in Black MOP
M ysteries of the deep might best
describe Joe Kious’ folder in ATS-
34 with a grip of 416 stainless steel. C.J.
Cai engraved the handle, which is inlaid
with black-lip mother-of-pearl, 24k gold,
and silver and copper.
For more information contact Joe
Kious, Dept. BL6, 1015 Ridge Pointe
Rd., Kerrville, TX 78028 830.367.2277
kious@ktc.com.
Browning Escalade
Series Set to Impress
T he fi xed-blade skinner in the Esca-
lade series from Browning is done
in 440C stainless with a handle of brown
box elder burl. The blade is 2.5 inches.
For more information contact Brown-
ing, attn: D. Carver, Dept. BL6, Rt. 1,
Morgan, UT 84050 800.333.3288 www.
browning.com.
Bead-Blasted Blade
on Lengthy Fighter
H and-f illed titanium spacers adorn
the desert ironwood handle on a
fighter from the Thinus Herbst Knife-
making Academy. Overall length of the
12C27 fighter: 20.9 inches.
For more information contact Thinus
Herbst, Dept. BL6, POB 59158, Karen-
park 0118 South Africa 27822548016
thinus@herbst.co.za.
JUNE 2 0 0 8 blad emag.co m 7 7
3/10/08 2:40:04 PM
 knifemaker knifemaker showcase

showcase
“Knifemaker Showcase” spotlights the photographs of knives sent by any and all custom knifemakers to BLADE® for filing in the Knifemak-
ers’ Archive. The Knifemakers’ Archive is the most complete collection of photographs of knifemakers’ knives and information in the world. If
you are a custom knifemaker and have not sent us a photo (the better quality the photo, the better chance it has of getting in the magazine),
write to: BLADE, c/o F+W/Krause Publications, 700 E. State, Iola, WI 54990 BladeEditor@fwpubs.com. Please include a close-up mug shot of
yourself with your knife picture.

Carlton Evans
As a full-time knifemaker and native Texan, Carlton Evans
made his first knife over 40 years ago in 1967. “I’m intrigued
by the craftsmanship of making raw material into a work
of art that doubles as a tool and can be passed down for
generations,” Evans says. Doing his shop work in a converted
22-foot utility trailer, he may be one of the only makers to
offer “knives on the go.” His steels of choice are stainless
damascus, CPM 154 and ATS-34. “Each knife is made the
old-fashioned way—one at a time,” Evans says. “I hand cut,
hand shape and hand finish all parts of each knife.” He offers a variety of
different blade shapes and sizes in straight knives and folders, and each is
signed and numbered. His “Scout” locking-liner folder is done in stain-
less damascus and a wooly mammoth ivory handle. His address: POB
72, Dept. BL6, Fort Davis, TX 79734 817.223.8556 http://carltonevans.
com.

Denis Mura
“I like to think of myself as a free knifemaker because
the spirit of freedom is always part of me,” observes
Italian knifemaker Denis Mura. “I’m free to create
when I want and how I want, as well as free to play and
invent new shapes.” Fueled by the challenge of sculpt-
ing a fresh piece of steel, Mura says he sees a transcen-
dent quality in the creation of artwork. “I like to think
that the steel has its own porosity,” he explains, “and
that through the work of my fingers and sandpaper, it
gets the energy the knifemaker is able to transfer.” His
Urban Knife integral is done in 440C with sambar stag slabs. His
address: Via Pesciule n. 15 56021, Dept. BL6, Cascina (Pisa) Italy
039 338.8365277 www.denismura.com.

Jim Harrison
A full-time knifemaker, Jim Harrison has oper-
ated as Seamus Knives, LLC since 1999. “As a
full-time maker I can now afford to spend more
time experimenting and developing both new
designs and the way I use my materials,” Harri-
son notes. “I like to find better, cleaner-looking
ways to connect bolsters and pocket clips.” He
says he prefers working with hi-tech stainless
steels or alloys such as Talonite® and Stellite®.
He adds that he likes experimenting with a
wide range of handle materials, as long as they
serve a dual purpose. “I appreciate handle materials that are both
beautiful and stable,” he concludes. His “Jackson” Pocket Fixed
Blade is done in 440C with Mike Norris stainless damascus
bolsters. His address: Seamus Knives, LLC, Dept. BL6, 721 Fair-
ington View Dr., St. Louis, MO 63129 www.seamusknives.com.

78 BL ADE JUNE 2 0 0 8

Showcase.indd 78 3/10/08 9:47:56 AM

 Ernie Grospitch
Using the stock removal method to profile
and grind his knives, Ernie Grospitch
has been in the business of knifemak-
ing since 1989. “I make the entire knife
start to f inish,” says Grospitch. “That
includes design, construction, embellish-
ments and heat treating.” He is a charter member of
the Florida Knifemakers Association, and a member of
the National Knife Collectors Association, the National
Rifle Association and the Knifemakers’ Guild. His
bowie is done in D2 tool steel with white fiber and
stainless steel spacers on the full-tang handle. His
address: 18440 Amityville Dr., Dept. BL6, Orlando, FL
32820 407.568.5438 www.erniesknives.com.esmith.
com.

Dick Faust
As an advertising coordinator for 35 years, among
the many accounts Dick Faust serviced were West-
ern Cutlery, Remington Arms and Coleman Camp-
ing. “I had been a collector for 20 years when I
started making knives in 1997,” Faust recalls. “My
knives are made to look good, feel good in the
hand and, most importantly, work hard.” He says he
focuses primarily on hunting, camping and fishing
knives done in 154CM and ATS-34. “All makers are
asked how long it takes to make a knife,” Faust observes.
“For me the answer to that question is as long as it takes to
make my very best knife for my customer.” His Sub-Hilt
Heavy Duty Hunter is done in 154CM with a California
Buckeye handle. His address; 624 Kings Highway N, Dept.
BL6, Rochester, NY 14617 585.544.1948.

Tom Santini
“As a lifelong hunter and carpenter, I always had a
knife,” says Tom Santini. “I appreciate the craftsman-
ship that goes into a quality handmade knife.” Under
the guidance of maker Robert Nelson Parker, Santini
built his first knife in 2004. “After making knives for
myself, my sons and friends, I was hooked,” Santini
admits. He says he enjoys making fixed
blades but believes folders are in his future.
This year marks his first year as a full-time
maker. He is a member of the Wolverine
Knife Collectors Club. His hunter is done
in ATS-34 with a stag handle and red fiber
spacers. His list price: $400. His address:
25358 Rose, Dept. BL6, Chesterf ield,
MI 48051 www.tomsantiniknives.com,
tomsantiniknives@hotmail.com.

JUNE 2 0 0 8 blad emag.co m 7 9

Showcase.indd 79 3/10/08 9:58:03 AM

 knife shop
knife shop

By Tim Zowada
BLADE® field editor

Hidden-tang construction offers

advantages over other methods of
securing knife handles

The handle on this hidden-tang knife

(below), made by the author in 1994, has
16 pieces held together with a custom nut
countersunk in the buttcap. All the parts
are precision fit for full disassembly. (photo
courtesy of Tim Zowada)

8 0 BL ADE JUNE 2 0 0 8

kniffeshop.indd 80 3/11/08 11:25:35 AM

 idden-tang handle construction is

H possibly the oldest method of put-

ting a handle on a knife or sword. If
not the oldest, it certainly has been
around a very long time.
A knife with a hidden tang is one where
the tang is surrounded by the handle mate-
rial. The tang can terminate in the handle, or
it can extend all the way through the handle
and be held in place by the buttcap.
In contrast, full-tang handle construction
is where the handle material is attached to
either side of the tang. The tang of the knife The guard is fit and the tang is finished and threaded before handle work is started. (photo
courtesy of Tim Zowada)
will show on the top, and bottom, of the
handle.
Hidden-tang construction offers advan-
tages to other methods of securing knife
handles. First, there are fewer joints, or
seams, between the primary grip material
and other components to allow for water
and other foreign matter to get inside the
handle. This also makes the handle easier
to construct, as the mating surfaces are
fewer and smaller. Hidden-tang construc-
tion does not interrupt the grain or texture
of the handle material across the top of the
knife. For highly figured woods, this can be
an important advantage.
Hidden-tang knives can also be lighter in
weight than their full-tang counterparts. As
there is less steel in the handle, weight can
be reduced significantly. Whether or not
this is a good thing is up to the maker and
how he wants the knife to balance.
Some say that hidden-tang knives are
weaker than their full-tang counterparts. If
the tang is kept as wide as possible to well
behind the guard, strength will not be sacri-
ficed. In 25 years of knifemaking I have not
had any knife, full or hidden tang, break.
Securing the handle to the tang can be ac-
complished in several ways. The handle can
simply be glued on. This is suitable only for
very small knives that will not be used for
chopping. A pin can be used that extends
through both the tang and handle. This is
similar to the meguki (also mekugi) idea in
Japanese swords, in which a peg, generally
made of bamboo, is used to fasten the blade
into the hilt.
Finally, the buttcap can be used to secure
the handle. The cap can be threaded to act
as a nut on the end of the tang. The tang can
extend through the buttcap and then be se-
cured with a nut. The buttcap may be pinned
in place. The varieties are quite endless.

The Basic Steps
The steps to basic hidden-tang construction
are pretty straightforward. Following is an
example. Here, the buttcap will be threaded
and used as a nut to secure the handle:
•Fit the guard and finish the tang. If the
knife is constructed to allow for future dis-
assembly, taper the tang in both height and
thickness. This example also requires that
the tang be threaded on the end;
The tang outline is traced on the handle material side, front and back. (photos courtesy of
Tim Zowada)
•Cut out the handle material. Face off the •Drill out the handle material. Using the
ends flat and at the appropriate angles to the profile lines on the side of the handle, align
guard and buttcap; the handle with the drill to cut the proper
•Lay out the profile of the tang on the side angle. Do this for the top and bottom of the
of the handle; tang and then open up the middle. You will
•Draw centerlines and tang limits on the need to drill out the back from the other
ends of the handle material; end;

JUNE 2 0 0 8 blad emag.co m 81

kniffeshop.indd 81 3/11/08 11:25:56 AM

 knife shop
knife shop

Mardi Meshejian used a titanium pin to secure the artifact handle on this hidden-tang piece. (photo courtesy of Tim Zowada)

The handle is ready for assembly. All the parts are finished and the damascus pieces have Acraglas is mixed four parts resin to one
been etched. If there is no filework or etching to be done, the parts can be blended after part hardener. The copper spacers have
gluing. (photo courtesy of Tim Zowada) been tacked in place with Super Glue®.
(photo courtesy of Tim Zowada)

8 2 BL ADE JUNE 2 0 0 8

kniffeshop.indd 82 3/11/08 11:29:00 AM


•File and fit the handle hole to fit the tang.
Usually there is a little tweaking to get things
to fit just right. Small files and a rotary tool
are a great help here;
•Fit the spacers. If you want any spacers,
now is the time to get them on. They will
change the length of the handle and also the
draw of the buttcap;
After the top and bottom holes are
drilled, knock out the middle. (photo
courtesy of Tim Zowada)
kniffeshop.indd 83
Kevin Cashen used the buttcap as a nut to hold things together on his hidden-tang model.
(photo courtesy of Tim Zowada)
•If you are using the buttcap as a nut, be
sure it has at least three threads for adequate
strength. I usually blind-tap the hole so that
the tang does not show through on the back
of the knife. Screw the cap on so that there is
about 20 degrees of rotation left to go when
the cap and handle are snug. The glue will
act as a lubricant and allow for complete
tightening later. When the cap is to be used
as the nut, I dimple the cap’s inside surface
and the back of the handle. This makes little
epoxy “rivets” to keep the cap from un-
screwing when the knife is completed.
“The varieties are
quite endless.”
—the author
If you are making a small knife and rely-
ing on the glue to hold things together, it is a
good idea to cut notches in the tang to keep
things from sliding apart;
•Profile the guard, buttcap and fittings.
Getting most of the material removed now
will help keep things from getting too hot
when the handle is shaped and blended;
•Glue it together. I like to use Brownells’
Acraglas®. It is very runny and will fill
things up nicely. Most importantly, it
doesn’t change size. Many epoxies will swell
sometime after curing. I have had ivory
and woods split apart due to this problem.
Acraglas stays quite stable. Acraglas also has
a long drying time to get all the air bubbles
worked out;
•Blend and sand the handle. Use files, belt
sanders, sandpaper, whatever you’ve got. Be
extra careful on the junctions between soft
and hard materials. It is easy to get divots in
the softer stuff. And, finally;
•Finish the handle. What you use for a
final finish will depend on the handle ma-
terial and your preferences. Ideas include
oils, waxes, shellac, lacquer and, sometimes,
nothing at all.
Conclusion
There are many variations on this theme.
You will want to mix things up depending
on the type of knife, handle material and
design considerations. I hope that this de-
scription gives you a good place to start.
For more information on hidden-tang han-
dle construction, contact Tim Zowada, Dept.
BL6, 4509 E. Bear River Rd., Boyne Falls,
MI 49713 231.348.5416 tim@tzknives.com,
www.tzknives.com.
JUNE 2 0 0 8 blad emag.co m 8 3
3/11/08 11:29:48 AM
 handmade gallery
handmade gallery

By BLADE® staff ABS journeyman

smith Russ Andrews II
handforged this skinner,
the “Hawthorne Bowie,”

T
he slender, sloping look that characterizes especially long
in W2 tool steel. The
clip-point blades is one of the architectural wonders of knives, handle is ironwood burl. The
especially bowies. How about it—has your clip come in yet? skinner, measuring 15 inches
overall, features 416 stainless
steel bolsters. His address:
POB 7732, Dept. BL6, Sugar
Creek, MO 64054 816.252.3344
russandrews@sbcglobal.net.
(Photo by BladeGallery.com)

The ladder-
pattern “W”
damascus on
this bowie by Terry
Vandeventer is done in
15n20 and 1084 steels.
The richly colored handle is
completed in Indian sambar
stag. The bowie’s overall length:
13 inches. Terry’s address: 3274
Davis Rd., Dept. BL6, Terry, MS
39170 601.371.7414 tvandeventer@
The boys at Twin Blades, brothers Charlie and Harry Mathews, comcast.net. (SharpByCoop photo)
created this English Bowie with damascus by Chad Nichols. The
handle of the 13.75-inch knife is walrus ivory. The Mathews’
address: Twin Blades, 121 Mt. Pisgah Church Rd., Dept. BL6,
Statesboro, GA 30458 912.865.9098 www.twinxblades.com.
(SharpByCoop.com photo)

8 4 BL ADE JUNE 2 0 0 8

HandmadeGallery.indd 84 3/7/08 12:18:13 PM

 A mosaic damascus of checkerboard W’s
highlight the blade of this Sole Authorship
Bowie from Tom Ferry. The ironwood-handle
knife measures 17.75-inches overall and
features engraving by the maker. His address:
16005 SE 322 St., Dept. BL6, Auburn, WA
98092 253.939.4468 www.tferryknives.com.
(Mitch Lum photo)

The handle of Micheal McClure’s Mammoth Ivory Bowi is formed

from fossil mammoth ivory and features a 7.37-inch damascus
blade. The natural-looking handle is mortised tang mammoth ivory.
The handle of
Overall length: 12.25 inches. His address: 803 17th Ave., Dept.
Micheal McClure’s
BL6, Menlo Park, CA 94025 650.323.2596 mikesknives@comcast.
mortis-tanged Mammoth
net.
Ivory Bowie is formed from
mammoth ivory and features a 7.37-
inch damascus blade. His address: 803
17th Ave., Dept. BL6, Menlo Park, CA 94025
650.323.2596 mikesknives@comcast.net.
(BladeGallery.com photo)

A striking stainless steel guard and butt stand

out on E.J.Hendrickson’s Clip Point Bowie
in 5160. The handle is done in curly maple
with ivory inlay. His address: 4204 Ballenger
Creek Pike, Dept. BL6, Frederick, MD 21703
301.663.6923 ejhendrickson@adelphia.net.
(Point Seven photo)

Hazelnut-colored and silky smooth, the

handle on this bowie from ABS journeyman
smith Gary Rodewald teams up with a
ladder-pattern damascus blade in 1084 and
15n20 to form one visually appealing piece.
The 14.87-inch knife features nickel silver
bolsters. The intricately patterned sheath is
by Gordon Kenley. Rodewald’s address: 447
Grouse Ct., Dept. BL6, Hamilton, MT 59840
406.363.2192.

JUNE 2 0 0 8 blad emag.co m 8 5

HandmadeGallery.indd 85 3/7/08 12:20:30 PM

 getting equipped
getting equipped

Going Beyond the

Blade
By Brendan O’Brien

Where makers get the

machines used behind
the scenes

The model 960-272 belt grinder by Burr King Manufacturing was

developed in the 1970s by Blade Magazine Cutlery Hall-Of-Famer©
Bob Loveless and Burr King founder Don MacCarthy Sr. It remains a
top seller to this day.

8 6 BL ADE JUNE 2 0 0 8

KNIFEequipment.indd 86 3/11/08 11:08:17 AM

e

ABS master smith and BLADE® field editor Ed Fowler is a loyal user of Paragon heat-treating equipment. “The people at Paragon are good folks
to deal with,” says Fowler, “honest, reliable and willing to help the client understand the operation.”

E
very artist is meticulous when it comes to the tools
of his trade. For the painter it is the colors that fill
the palette; for the writer, the carefully crafted adjec-
tives used to make sentences that sing. The knife-
maker is no different. And while each maker is discerning
when it comes to the selection of handle material or his pref-
erence of blade steel, there are a number of tools and ma-
chines that every serious knifemaker needs in order to pro-
duce outstanding knives.

Consistent in Quality
When it comes to providing knifemakers with the equipment
necessary to produce quality work, one of the best is Jantz
Supply. The Davis, Oklahoma, outfit has long been regarded
as one of the top suppliers in the game. Not only does Jantz
have many start-up kits aimed at beginners, the company
also carries a variety of detailed machines specifically aimed
at the full-time maker.
The Foredom Flex Shaft Tool, for instance, is a veritable
jack-of-all-trades. “This tool is perhaps one of the most un-
derrated in the knifemaker’s shop,” says Terri Jantz. “It’s built Equipped with easy-to-use electronic controls, this Paragon heat treat oven
to last a lifetime and is indispensable for intricate jobs.” The available from Jantz allows you to program temperatures for your most
Foredom Flex Shaft comes with a variety of tools and attach- frequently used steels.

JUNE 2 0 0 8 blad emag.co m 87

KNIFEequipment.indd 87 3/11/08 10:12:17 AM


“Handles With Care”
from
MASECRAFT
SUPPLY COMPANY
Pearl, Horn, Bone, Exotic Woods, Micarta,
G-10’s, Carbon Fiber, Celluloid, India Stag,
ImiStag, Pearl Laminated Veneer Sheets,
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Imitation Pearl, Ivory Alternative, Recon Stone
and a lot More.
Call to order our catalog
P.O. Box 423 BL
254 Amity St., Meriden, CT 06450
Phone: (203) 238-3049
www.masecraftsupply.com
E-mail: masecraft@masecraftsupply.necoxmail.com
8 8 BL ADE JUNE 2 0 0 8
KNIFEequipment.indd 88
getting equipped
getting equipped
ments that allow for easy cutting, grinding,
carving, drilling and polishing of handles,
pins, guards and blades. Jantz offers a full
Foredom kit that includes a reversible 1/8-
horsepower motor and a heavy-duty hand
piece with 3/32-, 1/8-, and 1/4-inch collets.
The total kit also includes an electronic foot
rheostat that varies speed from 0-1800 rpm
and an MSRP (manufacturer’s suggested re-
“This tool is perhaps
the most underrated
in the knifemaker’s
shop.”
—Terri Jantz
tail price) of $199.95.
In addition to tools such as the Foredom,
Jantz also supplies makers with knife kilns
for heat treating. The obvious advantages of
owning your own heat-treat oven include
eliminating the time it takes to have your
blades treated elsewhere, as well as the sat-
isfaction that comes with completing the
process on your own. Still, for a number of
reasons (time, efficiency, cost, etc.), main-
taining an individual kiln is not always an
option for every maker. However, for those
interested the Paragon and Evanheat ovens
offered by Jantz are two quality options.
ABS master smith and BLADE® field
editor Ed Fowler, a longtime Paragon heat-
treat-oven user, is quick to cite the benefits
of his machine. “I purchased my Paragon
used over 12 years ago and it has served me
faithfully without a breakdown,” he says.
“We never could have achieved the high-en-
durance-performance levels we now enjoy
without the consistent and versatile options
available to us through my Paragon.”
Jantz offers kilns with depths ranging
from 13.5 to 36 inches. In addition, the
company also offers holders, supports, hot
mill gloves, tongs, forks and foil wrap. MS-
RPs on the heat-treating ovens from Jantz
range from $850-$1,495.
Your One-Stop Machine
With over 40 industrial and workshop uses
listed on the company website, the Radius
Master from Jancy Engineering is one of
the most versatile knifemaking machines
on the market. “As makers know, there
can be frustrating times with a lot of belt
changes and equipment adjustments while
knifemaking,” says Blake Williams, product
manager at Jancy.
The Radius Master is designed to stream-
3/11/08 11:08:41 AM
 line the process and eliminate such head-
aches.
The machine features seven worksta-
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of small notches, finger grips, folder finger knifemakers. Home of the Blaze, Hoggers & Gators !
notches, etc. BELT GRINDERS BALDOR BUFFERS
“The Radius Master was designed to
drastically reduce the downtime in knife- Burr King, Hardcore,
making,” says Williams. “Belt changes can Bader, Wilton,
be performed in as little as six seconds and Kalamazoo & Multitool
all other work-station changes can be com- 9" DISC GRINDER
pleted in less than 10 seconds.’
Paramount, perhaps, to the machine’s ac-
cessibility are its grinding capabilities. “The ABRASIVES BUFFING SUPPLIES
Radius Master tracks the heaviest-backed 3M, Norton , Hermes, STEEL
belts with such accuracy that pin-sharp cor- Klingspor, Standard ATS34, 440C, 416, 154CPM,
ners can be achieved by trimming the belt CUSTOM SIZE BELTS S30V,5160,1075
edge against an old grinding wheel,” Wil- MOSIAC PIN
liams observes. “The 8-inch drive wheel is Micarta Sheets or pairs, G-
precision ground and balanced, and gives a 1/2 HP 110V 0-2500 DAMASCUS
10 Sheets or pairs, Stabilized
perfect chatter-free finish using trizact belts RPM REVERSABLE HANDLE MATERIAL
Dyed woods, Ironwood, Maple
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Burl, Pearl, Mammoth, Bone,
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The Radius Master’s five contact wheels ALSO AVAILABE IN 1/3 ETCHING SUPPLIES
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Speaking of Belt Grinders Stabilizing – - Our Specialty since 1990
If the proof is in the pudding and that pud-
ding, in this instance, is the word of Mad
Dog Knives president Kevin McClung, then Blades Guards Handles Solder Books Adhesives
the decade-spanning notion that Burr King
Manufacturing is the proud owner of an un-
beatable product line has been proved yet How To Grinders Belts DC Etching Buffers
again. DVD’s Motors Machines
For over 50 years Burr King has produced
grinders, polishers and finishing systems Buffs Horn Ivory Bone Flitz Scribes
utilized by companies all over the world,
and one of its most famous belt grinders Screws Taps Drills Sheaths Pommels Rivets
is the model 960-272. Although designed
over 30 years ago by Blade Magazine Cut- Stabilized Knife Hermes Steel & 416 1080
lery Hall-Of-Famer© Bob Loveless and Burr Wood Cases Abrasives Blades Stainless Steel
King founder Don MacCarthy Sr., the mod-
el remains extremely popular to this day.
“I started making knives profession-
CM 154 440C 1095 D2 Pure
ally in 1988,” McClung said in a 2007 letter Powdered Nickel
sent to Burr King. “After wearing out three Steel
‘off-brand’ bargain belt grinders in as many
years, I became disgusted with their tenden-
cy to self-destruct under what I considered
normal usage. I finally switched to Burr 1972 Forest Ave www.knifeandgun.com
King in 1992 at an industrial show. After Lakeside AZ 85929 csinfo@knifeandgun.com
being allowed to test drive the grinder right

JUNE 2 0 0 8 blad emag.co m 8 9

KNIFEequipment.indd 89 3/11/08 10:34:52 AM

 Deepak Chopra Cutlery getting equipped
& Accessories, Inc. getting equipped
A True Microtech
Distributor
Who supports his dealers with
Honesty and Integrity
Celebrating
Our 10 Year Anniversary
Providing the best quality cutlery
in the world for 10 years.

See Us At
Blade Show
Booth 38

Also handling the following product lines.

Al Mar Masters Of Defense
Arc Flash Light Merc Worx
Autotech Knives Microtech
Black Hawk Mission Knife and Tool
Boker Ontario Knives
Buck Knives Paragon
California Knives Peak LED Solutions
Camillus Phantom Knives
Case Photon Micro Lights
Chris Reeves Piranha Knives
Wayne Clark Protech Knives
CMG Lighting Tools Rob Dalton
Cold Steel Round Eye Knife And
Colt Knives Tool
Columbia River Knife Ryan Wilson Tactical
and Tool Knives
Barry Dawson
Delta Z Knives S.O.G.
Desert Knife Works Sheffield Knives
Emerson Simonich Knives
Extremema Ratio Smith And Wesson Knives
G.G. and G. Spyderco
G.T. Knives Super Knife
Gatco SWAT
Gerber Ti Knives
Inova Timberline
Junglee Tool Logic
KABAR TOPS Knives
KATZ Victorinox
Kershaw Wenger Swiss Army
Lanskey Woodard Knives
Longbow Xikar
Columbia River and Buck Conversions
Wholesale only, information on a
retail location also available.
Ready for immediate delivery.
Limited quantities available.
Phone: 925-454-0595
Fax: 925-454-0289
deepak@deepakcutlery.com
NEW www.deepakcutlery.com
E-Mail 12 noon - 8 pm PST

9 0 BL ADE JUNE 2 0 0 8

KNIFEequipment.indd 90 3/11/08 10:36:29 AM


One of the industry’s most
versatile machines, the Radius
Master from Jancy Engineering
has over 40 industrial and
workshop uses listed at www.
jancy.com.
The Radius Master has five
polyurethane wheels that grind
flat, allowing for precision
finishing.
Designed for custom
knifemaking, the Radius Master
has also been used in workshops
for scissor sharpening, toy
making, furniture making and
antique restoration.
You can change the Radius
Master’s wheels, tilt the
machine, swing away guards and
change belts, all without the use
of tools.
KNIFEequipment.indd 91
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JUNE 2 0 0 8 blad emag.co m 91
3/11/08 10:38:26 AM
 getting equipped

Forum.BladeMag.Com
getting equipped

The folks at Jantz Knife Supply suggest that the Foredom Flex Shaft Tool could very well be
the “most underrated tool in the knifemaker’s shop.”

Some Knifemaking Equipment Suppliers

any companies eager to supply makers with the machinery

M necessary for knifemaking are listed below. Of course, to fit
every supply and machinery company into this space would be
impossible:
Admiral Steel, Alpha Knife Supply, Blacksmiths Depot, Burr King
Manufacturing, Buckeye Engraving, Centaur Forge, Bob Dozier
Knives, Emerson Horseshoe Supply, Grizzly Industrial Inc., Hawkins
Knife Supply, GRS Tools, G.L. Pearce Abrasive Co., Halpern Titani-
um, Henry A. Evers Corp., Jancy Engineering, Jantz Supply, Knife &
Gun Finishing Supplies, Knifekits.com, Paragon Industries, Red Hill
Corp., Riverside Machine, Sheffield Knifemakers Supply, Inc., Texas
Knifemakers Supply, Tormach, and Tru-Grit Inc.

9 2 BL ADE JUNE 2 0 0 8

KNIFEequipment.indd 92 3/11/08 10:39:23 AM

 With a guard designed to keep the file from going astray, the Jantz File Guide is used by many
makers for decorative filework. The file guide is made of tool steel, hardened to a Rockwell of
60+ Rc for wear resistance.
there at the show, I noticed that the guys
in the 3M booth were also using Burr King
grinders to showcase their newest belts. I
ordered my first Burr King, a 2x72-inch
machine, shortly thereafter.”
Able to pivot into ideal work positions,
the 960-272 allows for grinding, polishing
and buffing with hollow-grind, flat-grind,
contour, slack-belt, vertical and horizontal
platen options.
“I have never replaced anything on this
machine except the drive belts and the dog
on the belt-tensioning system,” notes Mc-
Clung. “I use this machine every day and I
work seven days a week. It has a lot of mile-
age on it.”
Suited for up to 7,000 surface-feet-per-
minute belt speeds, the 960-272 features a
precision-cast-aluminum frame and mag-
netic starter (NEMA 12).
KNIFEequipment.indd 93
“This grinder is the one I used when
designing and developing the Mad Dog
Knives SEAL ATAK knife, the only in U.S.
military history to ever receive a sole source
justification,” says McClung.
The array of knifemaking equipment
suppliers (see sidebar opposite page) seems
almost as diverse and talented as the pool of
today’s knifemakers. Together with the lat-
ter, their role in the increase in knife quality
across the board worldwide cannot be over-
emphasized.
For the contact information on the equip-
ment companies in the story, see “Where To
Get ‘Em” on page 97.
Paragon heat treating
furnaces for knife makers
“I couldn’t achieve the control I now
enjoy had I not had a Paragon furnace,”
says Ed Fowler. “Owning a Paragon is
extremely beneficial to blade smithing.”
The KM-24D shown above features
the new Sentry digital controller and a
larger, ¼” wide thermocouple. Ask
about our optional gas injection flow
meter.
Interiors of our knife maker fur-
naces: 14 ½” long KM-14D, 24” long
KM-24D, and 36” long KM-36D. (All
three models are 5 ½” wide x 4 ¼” high
inside.) Free brochure available.
2011 South Town East Blvd.,
Mesquite, Texas 75149-1122
800-876-4328 / 972-288-7557
Toll Free Fax 888-222-6450
www.paragonweb.com
paragonind@worldnet.att.net
JUNE 2 0 0 8 blad emag.co m 9 3
3/11/08 10:40:38 AM
 question & answer
question & answer

There Was A
By Joe Szilaski
BLADE® field editor

Crooked Blade
How straight should the
blade be? The author
pulls no punches in
giving his answer

1: How important is it that the blade of a

fixed-blade custom knife be as straight as
possible as it projects out from the han-
dle/guard? In other words, if the blade
is somewhat crooked coming out of the
handle/guard, does this necessarily mean
the custom knife is substandard? I was
told by a person who is very well known
in the industry that if a blade is somewhat
crooked coming out of the handle/guard
of a custom knife, if the blade still cuts
and penetrates proficiently and the knife
is otherwise well made, that it does not
matter. Is he right or is a custom knife
with a blade that is somewhat crooked a
sign of poor heat treatment or some other
flaw? And exactly how straight does the
blade have to be? Completely straight, 98
percent straight or how straight, exactly?
And how can I, as a buyer, know for sure?
Is it polite to sight the knife from the butt
of the handle down the blade to the tip in
the presence of the maker at a show, or is
Sight the knife looking not only down from the butt to the tip, but also from the tip to the
this considered rude? Or is it something butt. Here, a collector examines a piece from the butt at Jerry Fisk’s recent Micro Show in
that the maker should accept as part of Nashville, Arkansas. The interested observer at right in the cowboy hat is sheathmaker Kenny
selling his knives to the public? (name and Rowe. (For more on the show, see the May BLADE®.)
address withheld by request)
person in the world of custom knives would tion. I am glad he did.
When I first read this question I had not yet make such a statement. While I have no clue what type of knife
had my morning cup of coffee. I was still in I am not sure if the person who made the it was, I can confidently say that the fun-
my morning daze when I came to the “it- comment was a knifemaker or a dealer, but damental and basic requirements of any
does-not-matter” part. That woke me right certainly the potential buyer was not a hap- well-made custom fixed-blade knife is to be
up. I read this e-mail over a few times be- py camper after hearing that statement or strong, hold an edge, be well balanced and
cause I could not believe any well-known he would not have e-mailed me this ques- be straight, to name a few. With the excep-

9 4 BL ADE JUNE 2 0 0 8

question&answer.indd 94 3/10/08 10:49:24 AM

 tion of some specialty knives such as wood
carvers that are designed with a curved
blade, all knives should have the blade and
handle straight to each other.
From what the questioner describes, the
knife was assembled with the blade at an
angle to the guard. If this is the case and the
blade was coming out of the guard or handle
crooked, it is due to poor fitting. This is the
result of the blade and guard not being fitted
at 90 degrees to each other. This can easily
happen when fitting or soldering the guard
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in place. In the December 2005 BLADE® I www.cutknifedistribution.ca
wrote the story, “How to Make the Handle P.O. Box 158 - 111 Broad St.
Straight with the Blade.” I tried to give a few Cut Knife, SK - S0M 0N0
tips for avoiding this problem.
In the questioner’s case, I do not think
the problem was due to warpage during
heat treating. A blade that is not straight
can occur for various reasons. When it is
crooked it can easily be straightened, unless
the maker has a “does-not-matter” attitude.
However, people who use a knife for their Retail cutlery and cutlery accessories since 1987
everyday living may have a different point of
view as far as using a knife that is crooked.
I don’t think that any chef would feel com-
EXCELLENT MAILORDER PRICES & SELECTION
fortable with that type of knife when he has CALL FOR YOUR FREE CATALOG
to chop vegetables. A chef works fast and
very close to his fingers. If the knife is not
straight, there is a good chance for an un-
wanted manicure. The same applies for a
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Retail cutlery and cutlery accessories since 1987
butcher or meat processor. 2467 I 40 West, Amarillo, TX 79109 www.knivesplus.com
Hunters need to have 100 percent con-
trol of their knives while they field dress a
harvested animal. To have an accident in
the middle of nowhere would not be a good
thing.
Not to mention how important the bal- Purveyors and Collectors
ance is on a combat knife—if the blade is
crooked, the knife will be hard to balance ART KNIFE OFFERING
and hard to manipulate. Hopefully, no one, Why do purveyors and collectors buy knives from
military or civilian, finds himself or herself me? Because I search the field constantly for the
in a predicament where hand-to-hand com- best in art knives: at major knife shows, on the
bat and split seconds make the difference in web, collectors’ estates, eBay, and directly from
a life-or-death situation. makers. I buy only the best. I also work with
A crooked knife may have a blade that master makers co-designing singular knives.
cuts well, but to say it is a well-made knife—
I don’t think so. If the knife were well made, Recent winners: Best Art Knife Collaboration at
then it would not be crooked. This is not a the 2005 and 2006 Blade Shows and the Cronk
cosmetic flaw such as a little scratch, it is a Award at the 2005 Guild Show.
functional flaw. Several times a year, I search my personal collection of over 400 knives (I
How straight does the blade have to be? simply can’t resist the artistry and buy too many knives). I select 50 to 70
Let me put it this way: If you cannot see the knives and place these knives on my Web site. I buy right. I sell right.
crookedness with the naked eye and you People say I have an eye for art knives of enduring aesthetic value. Knives
need to use some type of gadget or straight from my collection were chosen to appear on two Blade Magazine covers. I
edge to see it, then in my opinion the knife know quality assures lasting financial value.
is quite acceptable. I add 60 or so knives to my Web site three or four times a year, then I send
Sight the knife looking not only down an e-mail notice to my secure list of collectors and purveyors. Do you want
from the butt to the tip, but also from the to be on my e-mail list? Simply e-mail your request to me. Good things are
tip to the butt. coming up. Don Guild
As a buyer, if you are not sure of some-
thing, you should not hesitate to ask. It is
not a matter of being rude or impolite. The GET ON MY LIST NOW
potential buyer has all the right to check
the merchandise very carefully and ask
don@guildknives.com
many questions of the maker or dealer. You www.GUILDKNIVES.com
should be sure you are making the right de-
cision before the purchase.

JUNE 2 0 0 8 blad emag.co m 9 5

question&answer.indd 95 3/11/08 1:06:29 PM

 question & answer
question & answer

Check that the center line

of the blade is at a 90-
SANDING BELTS FOR SHARPENING degree angle to the guard
Add 10% to Zirc prices for Ceramic belts. stop. (image courtesy of
SIZE A.O. ZIRCONIUM S.C. Joe Szilaski)
BROWN BLUE BLACK
1”x30” $.80 ea $1.50 ea $1.10 ea
1”x42” .85 1.65 1.40
2”x48”/2”x42” 1.20 2.75 2.20
2”x60” 1.60 3.00 2.30
2”x72” 1.70 3.75 2.50 Once the guard is fitted, it
2”x132” 2.80 Sale 4.00 5.00 should be at a 90-degree
3”x132” 4.00 Sale 6.00 7.00 angle to the centerline of
4”x36” 1.70 3.75 2.75 the blade and tang. (image
4”x132” 6.00 9.00 9.50 courtesy of Joe Szilaski)
6”x48” 3.70 7.00 4.50
BLACK SIL. CARBIDE WATERPROOF
9”x11” Sheets $30.00/100 150-2500 Grit
5 1/2”x9 1/2” Sheets $12.50/50 1000//2000 Grit
CERAMIC BELTS - NORTON “SG”/CARBO “MEDALLIST®”
NORTON® BLUE “NORZON” ZIRCONIA, CORK BELTS
COTTON BUFFING WHEELS & POLISHING COMPOUNDS
DISCS, FLAP WHEELS, SHOP ROLLS
RED HILL CORP., P.O. BOX 4234, GETTYSBURG, PA 17325
$8.00 S&H
(800) 822-4003 Free 48p.
www.supergrit.com Catalog

Even though the guard

angle has changed, the top
angles need to remain at 90
degrees. (image courtesy of
Joe Szilaski)

Knowledgeable customers are good for
business. In my opinion, all makers should
welcome the critical eyes of the potential
buyer or collector. A well-known knifemak-
er obviously put many years into his work
and building his or her reputation. It is hard
to believe that an experienced maker would
sell a knife without seeing such a flaw.
Knifemakers all need to maintain their
high standards and reputations. Customers
spend their hard-earned money with the
makers, so the makers need to keep in mind
that their customers may need to depend on
one of their knives.
If our ancestors had not tried for perfec-
tion we would not be where we are today.
Let’s face it, the first precision tools and
machines were made by hand. Today, ev-
erything is available to us to make a better
knife, so those who say it does not matter
are definitely wrong. The majority of mak-
ers, collectors and users are always looking
for handmade quality. May they never stop.
Send your questions for Wayne Goddard or
Joe Szilaski to BLADE®, POB 789, Ooltewah,
TN 37363-0789 BladeEditor@fwpubs.com.
Include a self-addressed, stamped envelope
with your full name and address for a per-
sonal response from Wayne, or e-mail him at
wgoddard44@comcast.net. If you would rath-
er contact Joe by e-mail, his e-mail address is
joe@szilaski.com. If you wish, BLADE will
not print your name with your question.

9 6 BL ADE JUNE 2 0 0 8

question&answer.indd 96 3/10/08 10:49:44 AM

 where to where to get ’em
get ’em
RALLY ‘ROUND THE BALISONGS
Bear & Son Cutlery, attn: S. Griffey, Dept. BL6, 1111
Bear Blvd., Jacksonville, AL 36265 256.435.2227 www.
bearcutlery.com; Benchmade USA, attn: E. DuPlessis,
Dept. BL6, 300 Beavercreek Rd., Oregon City, OR 97045
503.655.6004 www.benchmade.com; Blackhawk/MOD,
attn: M. Janich, Dept. BL6, 4850 Brookside Ct., Norfolk, VA
23502-2052 757.436.3101 www.blackhawk.com; Michael
Burch, c/o Burchtree Bladeworks, 3620 S. Kansas Ave.,
Springfield, MO 65807 417.300.0768 burchtreeblades.com;
Classic Knife Kits, attn: D. Ralph, Dept. BL6, 1600 Palmetto
Tyrone Rd., Sharpsburg, GA 30277 877.255.6433 knifekits.
com; Brian Fellhoelter, Dept. BL6, 11218 Shoemaker Ave.,
Whittier, CA 90605 714.686.5703 brian@knifewerks.com;
Terry Guinn, Dept. BL6, 958 US Hwy. 82 West, Seymour, TX
76380 940.889.2437 terryguinn.com; Ikoma Korth Bearing
System, ikbsknifetech.com; Charles Marlowe, Dept. BL6,
10822 Poppleton Ave., Omaha, NE 68144 402.933.5065
marloweknives.com; Darrel Ralph, Dept. BL6, 4185 S.
St. Rt. 605, Galena, OH 43021 740.965.9970 darrelralph.
com; Spyderco, attn: J. Laituri, Dept. BL6, 820 Spyderco
Way, Golden, CO 80403 800.525.7770 www.spyderco.com,
customerservice@spyderco.com; Les Voorhies, Dept. BL6,
14511 Lk. Mazaska Tr., Faribault, MN 55021 507.332.0736
lesvoorhiesknives.com; Duane Weikum, c/o EDC Knives,
Dept. BL6, 5111 Telegraph Ave., #150, Oakland CA 94609
415.336.4234 edcknives.com
LOOSEY-GOOSEY, RIGHT TIGHTY
Kershaw, attn: T. Welk, Dept. BL6, 18600 SW Teton Ave.,
Tualatin, OR 97062 800.325.2891 www.kershawknives.
com; Kirby Lambert, Dept. BL6, 536 College Ave.,
Regina, Saskatchewan S4N 0X3 Canada 306.737.2333
lambertknives.com; Meyerco, attn: M. Manrose, Dept. BL6,
4481 Exchange Service Dr., Dallas, TX 75236 214.467.8949
www.meyercousa.com; Shane Sibert, Dept. BL6, 230 West
Berkeley, Gladstone, OR 97027 503.650.2082 shane.sibert@
comcast.net; True North Knives, attn: N. Ostroff, Dept. BL6,
POB 176, Westmount Station, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
Ê 
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H3Z 2T2 514.748.9985 truenorthknives.com
NEW 2008 FACTORY KNIVES
attn: J. Warner, Dept. BL6, 12106 NE Ainsworth, Portland,
OR 97220 503.253.7826 www.leatherman.com; Lone Wolf
Knives, attn: D. Hutchens, Dept. BL6, 17400 SW Upper
Boones Ferry, Ste. 240, Portland, OR 97224 505.431.6777
fax 503.431.6776 www.lonewolfknives.com; Mcusta,
george@mcustausa.com, www.JapaneseKnifeDirect.com;
Mcusta, attn: G. Sessions, Dept. BL6, POB 22901, Portland,
OR 97269 503.659.9958 mcustausa.com; Meyerco, attn: M.
Manrose, Dept. BL6, 4481 Exchange Service Dr., Dallas,
TX 75236 214.467.8949 www.meyercousa.com; MIL-TAC,
attn: C. Sword, Dept. BL6, POB 642, Wylie, TX 75098 877-
MIL-TAC6 mil-tac.com; Muela, c/o CAS/Hanwei, attn: B. Finest hardened tool steel die
Ross, Dept. BL6, 650 Industrial Blvd., Sale Creek, TN 37373
423.332.4700 www.casiberia.com; Queen, attn: B. Breton, stamps mark your tangs for
Dept. BL6, POB 145, Franklinville, NY 14737 716.676.5527 instant, permanent identification.
www.queencutlery.com; Remington, 870 Remington Dr., Logos, lettering, symbols, sizes to
Madison, NC 27025-0700 800.243.9700 www.remington. your specifications for hand, E6H
com; Schrade, c/o Taylor Cutlery, attn: S. Taylor, Dept. Tang Holder, or press application.
BL6, POB 1638, Kingsport, TN 37662 423.247.2406; SOG
Specialty Knives, attn: C. Cashbaugh, Dept. BL6, 6521 212th Evers... Professional
St. SW, Lynnwood, WA 98036 425.771.6230 www.sogknives. Quality Since 1898.
com; Spyderco, attn: J. Laituri, Dept. BL6, 820 Spyderco
Way, Golden, CO 80403 800.525.7770 www.spyderco.com,
FREE BROCHURES
customerservice@spyderco.com; SureFire, attn: S. Ryan,
Dept. BL6, 18300 Mt. Baldy Cir., Fountain Valley, CA 92708 HENRY A. EVERS CORP.
800.828.8809 www.surefire.com; United Cutlery, attn: C. 72 N. Oxford St., Providence, RI 02905
Kadel, Dept. BL6, 201 Plantation Oak Dr., Thomasville,
GA 31792 229.551.0180 unitedcutlery.com; Waffentechnik
TOLL FREE: 1-800-55-EVERS
Borkott & Eickhorn, attn: J. Sweeney, Dept. BL6, 53 Phone: 401-781-4767 Fax: 781-9581
Principe de Paz, Santa Fe, NM 505.988.1272 EickhornUSA. everstamp@aol.com
com; William Henry Knives, attn: M. Conable, Dept. BL6, www.HenryAEvers.com
3200 NE Rivergate, McMinnville, OR 97128 888.563.4500,
503.434.9700 www.williamhenryknives.com
KNIFEMAKING EQUIPMENT
Admiral Steel, Dept. BL6, 4152 W. 123rd St., Alsip,
IL 800.323.7055 www.admiralsteel.com; Alpha Knife
Supply, Dept. 425.868.5885 www.alphaknifesupply.com;
Blacksmiths Depot (Kayne & Son), Dept.BL6, .100 Daniel
,
Ridge Rod., Candler, NC 28715 828.667.8868; Burr King
Manufacturing, Dept. BL6, 1220 Tamara Lane, Warsaw,
MO 65355 www.burrking.com; Buckeye Engraving, Dept.

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Al Mar Knives, attn: G. Fadden, Dept. BL6, 16708 SW
Jordan Way, Tigard, OR 97224 503.670.9080 www.
almarknives.com ; Bear & Son Cutlery, attn: S. Griffey,
Dept. BL6, 1111 Bear Blvd., Jacksonville, AL 36265
256.435.2227 www.bearcutlery.com; Benchmade USA, attn:
E. DuPlessis, Dept. BL6, 300 Beavercreek Rd., Oregon City,
OR 97045 503.655.6004 www.benchmade.com; Boker USA,
attn: D. Weidner, Dept. BL6, 1550 Balsam St., Lakewood,
CO 80215 303.462.0662 fax 303.462.0668 www.bokerusa.
com; Browning, attn: D. Carver, Dept. BL6, Rt. 1, Morgan,
UT 84050 800.333.3288 www.browning.com; Buck, attn:
C.J. Buck, Dept. BL6, 660 S. Lochsa St., Post Falls, ID
83854 619.449.1100 800.326.2825 www.buckknives.com;
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Camillus Blades USA, attn: V. Chiarenza 803.467.2742
vjc82@earthlink.net; Chris Reeve Knives, attn: A. Reeve,
Dept. BL6, 11624 W. President, Ste. B, Boise, ID 83713
208.375.0367 www.chrisreeve.com; Colonial, attn: S.
Paolantonio, Dept. BL6, POB 960, North Scituate, RI 02857
866.421.6500 colonialknifecompany.com; Columbia River
Knife & Tool, attn: S. Stites, Dept. BL6, 9720 SW Hillman,
Suite 805, Wilsonville OR 97070 503.685.5015 www.crkt.
com; Diamond Machining Technology, attn: M. Brandon,
Dept. BL6, 85 Hayes Memorial, Marlborough, MA 01752
508.481.5944 www.dmtsharp.com; Gerber, attn: J. Freeman,
Dept. BL6, 14200 SW 72nd, Portland, OR 97281-3088
503.639.6161 www.gerberblades.com; Hallmark Cutlery,
attn: J. Hall, Dept. BL6, 4436B Middlebrook Pike, Knoxville,
TN 37921 865.583.3912 rtzdistribution.com; Ka-Bar, attn:
P. Tsujimoto, Dept. BL6, 1125 E. State, Olean, NY 14760
800.282.0130 www.ka-bar.com; Ken Warner, c/o Knifeware,
Dept. BL6, POB 3, Greenville, WV 24945 304.832.6878 www.
knifeware.com; Kutmaster, attn: R. Joswick, Dept. BL6, 820
Noyes, Utica, NY 13503 315.733.4663 www.kutmaster.com;
"ÊnäÓ£{‡x™£Ç]Ê
Lansky, attn: A. LeVine, Dept. BL6, POB 50830, Henderson,
NV 89016 702.361.7511 www.lansky.com; Leatherman,
WheretoGET'em.indd 2
BL6, 391 Portage Blvd., Brimfield, OH 44240 330.677.5685 ˆ˜VÕ`ˆ˜}Ê >“>ÃVÕÃÊ Ž˜ˆÛiÃ]Ê VœiV̜ÀÃÊ Ž˜ˆÛiÃ]Ê
stamps@stteelhandstamps.com; Bob Dozier Knives, Dept.
BL6, POB 1941, Springdale, AR 72765 888.823.0023; Ì>V̈V>Ê>˜`ÊܜÀŽÊŽ˜ˆÛiÃ]Ê>˜`ʓÕV…Ê“œÀi°
Emerson Horseshoe Supply, 318.742.5991; Grizzly
Industrial, Inc., Dept. BL6, 1821 Valencia St., Bellingham,
WA 98229 800.523.4777 csr@grizzly.com; Hawkins Knife
Supply, Dept. BL6, 110 Buckeye Rd., Fayetteville, GA
30214 770.964.1023 www.hawkinsknifemakingsupplies.
com; GRS Tools, Dept. BL6; GRS Tools, Dept. BL6, 900
Overlander Rd., Emporia, KS 66801 800.835.3519 grs@
grstools.com; G.L. Pearce Abrasive Co., Dept. BL6, 12771
Rt. 536, Punxsutawney, PA 15767 814.938.2379; Halpern
Titanium, Dept. 888.283.8627 www.halperntitanium.com;
-*, ÊÉÊ-1
Henry A. Evers Corp., Dept. BL6, 72 Oxford St., Providence,
RI 02905 www.henryaevers.com; Jancy Engineering,
Dept. BL6, 2735 Hickory Grove Rd., Davenport, IA 52804
563.391.1300 www.jancy.com; Jantz Knifemakers Supply,
Dept. BL6, 309 W Main St., Davis, OK 73030 580.369.2316
www.knifemaking.com; Knifekits.com, 877.255.6433 www.
knifekits.com; Paragon Industries, Dept. BL6, 2011 S.
Town East Blvd., Mesquite, TX 75149 800.876.4328 www.
paragonweb.com; Red Hill Corp., Dept. BL6, POB 4234,
Gettysburg, PA 17325 800.822.4003 www.supergrit.com;
Sheffield Knifemakers Supply Inc., Dept. BL6, POB 741107
Orange City, FL 32774 386.775.6453 www.sheffieldsupply.
com; Tormach, Dept. BL6, 204 moravian Valley Rd., Suite
N Waunakee, WI 53597 608.849.8381 www.tormach.com;
Tru-Grit, Inc., Dept. BL6, 760 E. Fancis St. Unit N, Ontario,
CA 91761 800.532.3336 www.trugrit.com. /œÊÀiµÕiÃÌÊ>ÊvÀiiÊV>Ì>œ}ʜvʎ˜ˆÛiÃ]ÊiˆÌ…iÀÊ
2008 BLADE SHOW AD V>Ê­Ìœ‡vÀii®Ê£‡nää‡nÎx‡È{ÎÎÊiÝÌ°Ê£n]Ê
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Pete Truncali, Dept. BL6, 2914 Anatole Ct., Garland, TX
75043 ptiii@truncaliknives.com.
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œÀÊۈÈÌʜÕÀÊÜiLÈÌiÊ>ÌÊÜÜÜ°LœŽiÀÕÃ>°Vœ“°
JUNE 2 0 0 8 blad emag.co m 97
3/11/08 1:24:27 PM
 show calendar
show calendar
Note: Events marked with an asterisk (*) have knives and knife accessories as the
main/sole focus. Events marked with two asterisks (**) are knifemaking seminars or
symposiums, knife-throwing competitions, auctions or other events. Events marked with
a “BH” participate in BLADE’s® BLADEhandmade™ Awards program. BLADE’s
“Show Calendar” also can be seen on BLADE’s website at www.blademag.com.
MARCH
MARCH 28-30 JANESVILLE, WI The 25th
Annual Badger Knife Show, Holiday Inn Express
and Conference Center. Contact Bob Schrap
414.479.9765 badgerknifeclub@aol.com.*BH
APRIL
APRIL 4-6 HARRISONBURG, VA The
17th Annual Greater Shenandoah Valley Knife
Show, Rockingham County Fairgrounds main
building. Contact Shenandoah Valley Knife Col-
lectors, Dept. BL6, attn: Ralph Eagle, POB 843,
Harrisonburg, VA 22803 828.828.0778 svkc.org,
clubmail@svkc.org.*
APRIL 4-6 BESSEMER, AL The 20th Annual
Batson Bladesmithing Symposium, Homecom-
ing, Rendezvous and Knife Show, Tannehill Iron-
works. Admission FREE in celebration of the 20th
anniversary. Contact Judd Clem, Dept. BL6, 111
Yorkshire Dr., Athens, AL 35613 or 256.232.2645
ajc665@peoplepc.com.* **
APRIL 5-6 TULSA, OK Wanenmacher’s Tul-
sa Arms Show, Expo Square/Tulsa Fairgrounds.
Contact Tulsa Gun Show, Inc., POB 33201, Tulsa,
OK 74153 918.492.0401 tulsaarmsshow.com.
APRIL 11-13 WILMINGTON, OH The
NKCA Ohio Spring Knife Show, Roberts Centre.
Contact the NKCA 423.875.6009 nkcalisa@hot-
mail.com.*
APRIL 12-13 EUGENE, OR The 33rd An-
nual Oregon Knife Collectors Association Show,
Lane County Convention Center. OKCA mem-
bers-only show day April 11. Contact OKCA,
Dept. BL6, Eugene, OR 97402 541.484.5564
okca@oregonknifeclub.org.*BH
APRIL 18-19 FREDERICK, MD Mason-
Dixon Knife Club Annual Show, Frederick Fair-
grounds Building 14A. Contact William Crilley
717.762.4530.*
APRIL 19 BREA, CA California Knifemakers
Association Annual Club Show, Brea Commu-
nity Center. Contact Joe Girtner, Dept. BL6, 409
Catalpa Ave., Brea, CA 92821 714.529.2388 www.
calknives.org.*
APRIL 19-20 NOVI, MI Wolverine Knife
Collectors Show and Michigan Antique Arms
Collectors Show, Rock Financial Showcase.
Call Pat Donovan 586.786.5549 or Frank Meek
586.264.2031.*
9 8 BL ADE JUNE 2 0 0 8
Calendar.indd 99
APRIL 25-27 SOLVANG, CA Solvang Cus-
tom Knife Show, Royal Scandinavian Inn. Con-
tact Nordic Knives 805.688.3612 www.nordick-
nives.com.*
M AY
MAY 2-3 WELLFORD, SC Palmetto Cutlery
Club Knife Show, Mid City Shrine Club. Contact
Jerry Riddle 864.414.9505 riddle_jerry@bell-
south.net.*
MAY 3-4 MYSTIC, CT The 26th Annual
NCCA Knife Show, the Mystic Hilton. Contact
Moe Legare 401.769.6902 suzukisamm@cox.net
or Norman Bardsley 401.725.9132 norman.bard-
sley@verizon.net.*
MAY 3-4 WASHINGTON, AR The ABS
Spring Hammer-In, Bill Moran School of Blade-
smithing. Contact Scotty Hayes, school director,
903.838.4541 ext. 237.**
MAY 16-18 SPRINGFIELD, MO The
NKCA Springfield Two-Day Show, Ozark Empire
Fairgrounds. Contact the NKCA 423.875.6009
nkcalisa@hotmail.com.
MAY 17-18 ST. CHARLES, MO Metro
Illinois, St. Louis and St. Charles area Knife
Show, VFW Post 2866. Contact B.A. Adams
618.656.9868 adamsinternational@yahoo.com.*
MAY 18 TORTWORTH, ENGLAND
Knives UK 2008, Tortworth Court Four Pillars
Hotel. Contact Mike Keogh 01726 882673 www.
knives-uk.info.*
MAY 23-26 SHEPHERDSVILLE, KY The
NKCA Shepherdsville Spring Show, Paroquet
Springs Conference Centre. Contact the NKCA
423.875.6009 nkcalisa@hotmail.com.*
MAY 30-JUNE 1 ATLANTA, GA The 27th
Annual BLADE Show & International Cutlery
Fair, Cobb Galleria Centre, I-285 & US 41, one
exit off I-75 across from the Cumberland Mall,
adjacent to the Renaissance Waverly Hotel. The
world’s largest combined show of handmade, fac-
tory & antique knives. Over 675 tables and 135
factory booths. Join the world’s greatest national
and international knifemakers, cutlery manufac-
turers, collectors, collections and knife lovers. Site
of the Blade Magazine 2008 Knife-Of-The-Year
Awards® for factory knives, points for the 2008
BLADEhandmade™ Awards for custom knives,
the Blade Magazine Cutlery Hall-Of-Fame© in-
duction & much more. Site of the annual ABS
meeting and special Knifemakers’ Guild section.
Seminars include BLADE Show World Cham-
pionship Cutting Competition, forging demo,
how to collect, how to make, the latest materials,
etc. Contact BLADE®, c/o F+W/Krause Publica-
tions, 700 E. State, Iola, WI 54945 715.445.2214
blademagazine@krause.com, www.bladeshow.
com.*BH
J U LY
JULY 31-AUG. 3 ORLANDO, FL The 39th
Annual Knifemakers’ Guild Show, Buena Vista
Palace. Contact Gil Hibben, Dept. BL6, POB 13,
La Grange, KY 40031 502.222.1397 gil_hibben@
bellsouth.net.*
A U G U S T
AUG. 22-24 MISSOULA, MT Montana
Knifemakers Association annual show, Holi-
day Inn Parkside. Contact Darlene Weinand
406.543.0845 owisri@aol.com.*BH
AUG. 23 STOCKHOLM, SWEDEN The
4th Annual Scandinavian Knifemakers Guild
Show, Radisson SAS Viking Hotel. Contact Johan
Gustafsson 46 11 57 106 johnknives@telia.com or
Anders Hogstrom 46 8 798 5802 andershogstrom@
hotmail.com.*
S E P T E M B E R
SEPT. 12-13 ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, IL
Chicago Custom Knife Show, Tactical Invitation-
al and Premier Knife Auction, Sheraton Chicago
Northwest. Contact Ed Wormser 847.757.9926
edw11@aol.com, chicagoknifeexpo.com.*
SEPT. 12-14 GRAPEVINE, TX The Knives
Illustrated Spirit of Steel Knife Show, Hilton DFW
Lakes Executive Conference Center. Contact the
show c/o POB 22007, Dept. BL6, Chattanooga,
TN 37422 423.238.6753 spiritofsteel.com/texas.
htm.*
SEPT. 12-14 WILMINGTON, OH The
NKCA Ohio Fall Knife Show, Roberts Centre.
Contact the NKCA 423.875.6009 nkcalisa@hot-
mail.com.*
To ensure timely publication of your knife show in
the “Show Calendar,” BLADE® requests that you
send all pertinent information concerning your show
in written form—dates, locations, etc.—at least three
months before the show takes place to F&W Publi-
cations, attn: B. O’Brien, 700 E. State St., Iola, WI
54945 715.445.2214 fax 715.445.4087. BLADE
depends on the shows themselves for prompt and
accurate information.
3/11/08 7:35:40 AM
 20 0 8

The World’s Largest Knife Show

May 30 – June 1, 2008
In Atlanta’s Cobb Galleria Centre
SHOW OPENS TO THE PUBLIC
Friday, May 30: 2pm - 7pm Saturday, May 31: 9am - 6pm
Sunday, June 1: 9am - 4pm

Show Highlights
• American Bladesmith Society
Annual Convention
• Special Knifemakers Guild Section
• FREE “Super Seminars”
• Blade Magazine’s 2008 Knives of the Year™
and Handmade Awards™
• 2008 BLADE Magazine Cutlery Industry
Hall-of-Fame Inductions
• The Nation’s Top Collections
• Over 600 Knifemaker and Antique Tables
and Manufacturers’ Booths
• All Major Knifemaking Suppliers

You could WIN A PRIZE 2008 Hotel Reservations

like this one donated by
PETE TRUNCALI Renaissance Waverly Hotel

Phone: (770) 953-4500

Mention the Blade Show for

Special Rate

Book early as rooms do sell out!

for additional information contact

2008 BLADE SHOW
700 East State Street
Iola, WI 54990-0001
(877) 746-9757
Fax: (715) 445-4087
E-mail: mary.lutz@fwpubs.com
For more information on FOR UPDATED INFORMATION PLEASE GO TO:
Pete Truncali see
"Where to Get Em." www.bladeshow.com

BladeJUNE08.indd 8 3/10/08 10:30:26 AM

 A.G. Russell Knives, Inc. Buckeye Engraving DLT Trading Company
www.agrussell.com www.steelhandstamps.com www.dlttradingcompany.com
ag@agrussell.com stamps@steelhandstamps.com customerservice@
Alaska - Northern Knives Manufacturer of Custom dlttradingcompany.com
www.northernknives.net Hand Stamps Bob Dozier Knives
A Real Store & Working Knife Shop! Busse Combat Knife Company www.dozierknives.com
Missy Beyer,
www.bussecombat.com info@dozierknives.com
Advertising Sales Angel Sword
ext. 13642 www.angelsword.com busse@bright.net EDC Depot
e-mail: info@angelsword.com www.EDCdepot.com
missy.beyer@fwpubs.com C.A.S. lberia The Solution to your Every Day
Arizona Custom Knives www.casiberia.com Carry Needs
Bruce Wolberg www.arizonacustomknives.com cas@casiberia.com marc@EDCdepot.com
Advertising Sales sharptalk@bellsouth.net
Canada’s Knife Zone
ext. 13403 EdgeDealer.com
e-mail: ArtisanIdeas.com Online Knife & Sword Store www. www.edgedealer.com
bruce.wolberg@fwpubs.com Bladesmithing Books & DVDs knifezone.ca edgedealer1@yahoo.com
info@ArtisanIdeas.com sales@knifezone.ca
Dave Ellis - “CA. 1st ABS M.S.”
Artknives.com Carlson Knives
www.exquisiteknives.com
www.artknives.com www.carlsonknives.com ellis@mastersmith.com
fred@artknives.com kellycarlson@tds.net
Emerson Knives
Atlanta Cutlery Classic Knife Kits www.emersonknives.com
www.atlantacutlery.com www.knifekits.com info@emersonknives.com
atlcut@mindspring.com info@knifekits.com
Ernie Lyle - Knifemaker
Ars Cultri EK New
Cobra Imports www.ernestlyleknives.com
Site
www.arscultri.com Swords, Knives, Armor ernestlyle@msn.com
Manfred.melzer@arscultri.com www.cobraimports.com Flames N’ Knives
cobraimports@aol.com www.Flames-N-Knives.com
Automatic Knives & Italian Switchblades
“Retail & Wholesale” Condor Tool & Knife, Inc. Steve@flames-n-knives.com
www.knives4wholesale.com www.condortk.com John Fraps
sales@knives4wholesale.com rtj@embarqmail.com www.frapsknives.com
jfraps@att.net
Beckwith’s Blades Culpepper, Inc.
www.beckwithsblades.com www.knifehandles.com Georgia Knifemakers’ Guild
info@beckwithsblades.com www.stingrayproducts.com www.georgiaknifemakersguild.com
mopco@earthlink.net “Member List, Web sites and
Benchmade Galleries”
www.benchmade.com Custom Knife Gallery of Colorado
www.customknifegallery.com Grand Prairie Knives
Benchmade_Update@Benchmade.com www.gpknives.com
bob_glassman@yahoo.com
Benchmark/National Knife gpk@gpknives.com
Distributors Custom Knife Consignment
www.nkdi.com Great Lakes Custom Knives
www.customknifeconsignment.com www.greatlakescustomknives.com
nkdi@nkdi.com bob@customknifeconsignment.com bud@greatlakescustomknives.com
Best Blade CustomKnives.com
www.bestblade.com
New Ernie Grospitch
www.customknives.com Site
Custom Handcrafted Knives
info@bestblade.com atbarr@alltel.net www.erniesknives.com
Blade Art Inc. Custom Leather Knife Sheaths Guild Knives - Selling
www.bladeart.com www.customsheaths.com Custom Collection, Don Guild
info@bladeart.com www.guildknives.com
rschrap@aol.com
Blade HQ, LLC Halpern Titanium
www.bladehq.com Cutlery Specialties
www.restorationproduct.com www.halperntitanium.com
cam@bladehq.com info@halperntitanium.com
Renaissance Micro-Crystalline
Bladegallery.com Wax/Polish Hawkins Knife Making Supplies
www.bladegallery.com Dennis Blaine; dennis13@aol.com www.hawkinsknifemakingsupplies.com
Omalley@bladegallery.com sales@hawkinsknifemakingsupplies.com
Dantes Knifeworks
Bob Neal Custom Knives www.dantesknife.com Hoffman Knives - Selling
www.bobnealcustomknives.com sales@dantesknife.com Top Quality Collection - Walt
bob@bobnealcustomknives.com www.hoffmanknives.com
Don Hanson III
Brian Tighe Sunfish Forge Jays Knives/American Edge
www.tigheknives.com www.sunfishforge.com www.jaysknives.com
tighe@allstream.net www.donhansonknives.com jay@jaysknives.com

1175934_BL.indd 1 3/10/08 10:28:10 AM

 Jot Singh Khalsa
New A wise investment in Handmade Knives
Site
and Swords
www.khalsaKirpans.co
jotkhalsa@comcast.net
Knife Center of the Internet
www.knifecenter.com
info@knifecenter.com
Knife Mart
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sales@knifemart.com
KnifePurveyor.com
www.knifepurveyor.com
mdonato@knifepurveyor.com
KnifeShows.com
www.knifeshows.com
tedmerchant@comcast.net
Knives Plus
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KnivesPlus@KnivesPlus.com
Knivesshipfree.com
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sales@knivesshipfree.com
Lee’s Cutlery
www.LeesCutlery.com
beeneJL43@earthlink.net
Legendary Knifemakers.com
www.legendaryknifemakers.com
We Buy Collections
Lightfoot Knives
www.lightfootknives.com
pitbull@lightfootknives.com
Lone Wolf Knives
www.lonewolfknives.com
sales@lonewolfknives.com
Mackrill Knives
www.mackrill.co.za
info@mackrill.co.za
Mantis Knives
www.MantisKnives.com
gwest@mantis.bz
Marzitelli Custom Knives
www.marzknives.com
info@marzknives.com
Mastersmiths
www.beautifulblades.com
bill@beautifulblades.com
Matt D. Tactical, LLC
www.mattdtactical.com
Strider dealer/gun parts
matt@mattdtactical.com
Moore Cutlery
www.moorecutlery.com
gary@moorecutlery.com
Moulton Knives Shepherd Hills Cutlery
www.moultonknives.com www.casexx.com
dusty@moultonknives.com info@shephills.com
Museum Replicas
www.museumreplicas.com Smoky Mountain Knife Works
musrep@mindspring.com www.SmokyMountainKnifeworks.com
www.myknifedealer.com webmaster@smkw.com
Lynn O. Olson
blade@myknifedealer.com Sooner State Knives
www.soonerstateknives.com
Neilson’s Mountain Hollow
J & Tess Neilson ssknives@swbell.net
www.mountainhollow.net
Steel Addiction Custom Knives
mountainhollow@epix.net
www.SteelAddictionKnives.com
New Graham Knives davestark@steeladdictionknives.com
www.NewGraham.com
mdye@newgraham.com Peter Steyn
Northwest School of Knifemaking www.petersteynknives.com
Bronksknifeworks.com info@petersteynknives.com
bronks@bronksknifeworks.com
Johnny Stout
Ohare Knives www.stoutknives.com
sean@ohareknives.com johnny@stoutknives.com
www.ohareknives.com
Swamp Rat Knives
Only Fine Knives
www.swamprat.com
www.onlyfineknives.com
Specializing in William Henry, info@swamprat.com
Chris Reeve, Strider and Custom
Handmade www.swords.ca
Canada’s Best Online Knife Store
Oso Famoso
Great Prices • In Stock • Shipping Now
Fossil Ivory-Mammoth Bark Knife Scales
http://www.osofamoso.com inquiries@swords.ca
oso@osofamoso.com The Knifery
Peter Martin Knives Canada’s #1 Knife Store
www.PeterMartinKnives.com www.theknifery.com
martinknives@hotmail.com
knifery@telus.net
Pocket Knife World
www.pocketknifeworld.com The Cutting Edge®
owner@pocketknifeworld.com www.cuttingedge.com
ce_info@cuttingedge.com
Quintessential Cutlery
The aftermarket for Knives
Grazyna Shaw Custom Knife Purveyor
www.quintcut.com Toolshop
gshaw@quintcut.com
www.toolshop.de
info@toolshop.de
Darrel Ralph
www.darrelralph.com True North Knives
darrel@darrelralph.com
www.truenorthknives.com
Ray Rogers Handcrafted Knives info@truenorthknives.com
www.rayrogers.com
knives@rayrogers.com Twin Blades
Uncle Al www.twinxblades.com
www.riversidemachine.net twinblades@bulloch.net
uncleal2@alltel.net
Daniel Winkler
Robertson’s Custom Cutlery Master Bladesmith
www.robertsoncustomcutlery.com
www.winklerknives.com
customknives@comcast.net
daniel@winklerknives.com
Ruth Knives
Mike Ruth ABS Journeyman Richard S. Wright
www.ruthknives.com www.richardswright.com
mike@ruthknives.com rswswitchblades@hotmail.com

1175934_BL.indd 2 3/10/08 10:29:00 AM

 new knives
new knives
The latest factory knives and knife
accessories were “all in” at the SHOT Show
by BLADE® staff

Conclusion

Knife Pattern: Tactical fixed blade

Boker Plus Rampage

Designer: R.J. Martin

Blade Steel: 440C stainless
Blade Length: 4.75”
Blade Grind: Deep hollow
Handle Material: Micarta®
Special Feature: The blade is a study in curves and
opposing grinds in Martin’s memorable Rampage
design; deep finger grooves, palm swells and
indentations, and a bird’s-beak butt highlight the
ergonomic handle; a custom injection-molded
ABS sheath (not shown)
comes with a Tek-Lok® adapter for a wide
range of carry options
Weight: 5.8 ozs.
Closed Length: 4.5”
Overall Length: 9.5”
MSRP: $129
Available: Now

Pattern: Utility folder

Al Mar Knives Payara

Blade Steel: VG-10 stainless

Rockwell Hardness: 59-60 Rc
Blade Length: 3.5”
Blade Stock: .12”
Handle Material: Textured G-10
Lock: Locking liner
Pocket Clip: Blackened, blade tip down,
designed for deep pocket carry
Special Notes: Blade tip is the nexus of three
different grinds designed for superior penetration
and cutting power; payara is the name of a South
American fish that uses its up-to-6” fangs to latch
onto piranha and swallow them whole
Weight: 6 ozs.
Closed Length: 5.25”
MSRP: $239
Available: April-June

10 2 BL ADE JUNE 2 0 0 8

newshotshow.indd 102 3/10/08 3:19:08 PM

 Knife: “Discreet, no-nonsense tool”
Design: A collaboration w/Bill Harsey
Blade Steel: CPM S30V stainless
Professional Soldier
Rockwell Hardness: 55-57 Rc
Chris Reeve Knives

Blade Length: 3.375”

Blade Stock: 0.165”
Blade Finish: KG Gun-Kote™
Special Features: Created specifically for the own-
ers of www.professionalsoldiers.com, a discussion
forum for active duty and retired Special Forces
soldiers; central handle cutaway reduces weight
and doubles as a shackle wrench for up to a 5/8”
shackle; 36” nylon lanyard threaded and tied in
such a way to muffle the sound of the knife when
laid on a hard surface; sheath (not shown) is Ky-
dex® by Blade-Tech designed for ready accessibil-
ity, whether tucked in a cargo pocket or attached
to a MOLLE vest
Weight: 3 ozs.
Overall Length: 7.25”
MSRP: $185
Available: BLADE Show (May 30-June 1)
William Henry B12

Pattern: Fancy utility folder

Blade Steel: ZDP-189 laminate
Blade Pattern: Spear point
Blade Finish: Tungsten DLC coat
Handle Frame: Titanium
Handle Scales: Palm wood
Lock: Button lock
Clip: Titanium; reversible
Special Notes: The company’s classic
spear-point pattern redesigned
w/a double bolster; sapphires inset
in the thumbstud and lock button;
comes in a limited edition of 500
MSRP: $700
Available: Now

Pattern: Rescue knife

Pattern: Gent’s knife Blade Steel: 440A
Waffentechnik SARD

Blade Steel: 400 series stainless (DIN 1.4110)

Paul Executive

Blade Length: 2.5” Rockwell Hardness:

Handle Material: Marble cocobolo 58-60 Rc (“Vario-” and “Ice- Hardened”)
Lone Wolf

(also available in 3-D carbon fiber) Blade Stock: .14”

Liners/Frame: Stainless steel Blade Width: 1.18”
Lock: Paul “Axiel” lock; Blade Pattern: Tanto
blade locks open and closed Handle & Awl Material: PLAKARTA w/thumb
Miscellaneous: Multi-tone handle material is a rest, pocket clip and hole for lanyard
result of the cocobolo being cut on the border of Handle Thickness: .87”
the inner, middle and outer bark of the tree; the Handle Width: 1.26”
blonde color is a sign that the wood is starting to Lock: “Bladelock”
turn soft on the tree but there is a blonde section Special Features: Wire cutter/crimper, plastic
that remains hard before it turns soft, which is handcuff cutter, “lubricant reservoir,” pivot screw
the blonde area cut for the Executive’s handle for tension adjustment and/or change of blade,
Weight: 1.6 ozs. and glass breaker in handle butt
MSRP: $149.99 Weight: 4.95 ozs.
Available: Now Closed Length: 5.5”
MSRP: $200
Available: Now

JUNE 2 0 0 8 blad emag.co m 10 3

newshotshow.indd 103 3/10/08 3:20:14 PM

 WWW.MYKNIFEDEALER.COM new knives
new knives
Featuring:
Unique custom and production knives Pattern: Multi-purpose fixed blade
Designers: Jon and Josh Graham
OFFERING: Blade Steel: 9Cr18MoV stainless

CRKT Razel SS7

“Local dealer” service with Rockwell Hardness: 58-60 Rc
“Internet dealer” Pricing Blade Length: 7.25”
Blade Width: 1.7”
Blade Stock: .25”
Blade Finish: Brushed
Handle: Micarta® w/bottle/jar
LARRY NEWTON
Phone: 800.207.6615 opener in butt
Email: blade@myknifedealer.com Special Features: Chisel tip; 3.7”
LYNN O OLSON of Veff serrations on blade spine
Weight: 13.8 ozs.
Overall Length: 12.25”
Sheath: Custom-fitted Kydex®
(not shown)

HAWKINS KNIFE MAKING SUPPLIES

MSRP: $200
Available: May

110 BUCKEYE RD., FAYETTEVILLE, GA 30214

PHONE 770-964-1023 FAX 770-306-2877
Contact us for your
Knifemaking Supplies and Equipment!
www.HawkinsKnifeMakingSupplies.com
Send $2.00 for Complete Listing • ALL MAJOR CREDIT CARDS ACCEPTED

10 4 BL ADE JUNE 2 0 0 8

newshotshow.indd 104 3/11/08 1:52:20 PM

 Remington Escape II Pattern: Rescue knife
Blade Steel: 440C stainless
Blade Lengths: 3.5” and 3”
Blade Patterns: Sheepfoot and belt/web cutter
Handle: Forprene w/glow-in-the-dark inserts
and hole for lanyard and glass breaker in butt
Operating Mechanism: Push-button auto
Special Notes: Recessed serrated choil on
sheepfoot blade; knife made in Italy
Closed Length: 5.5”
Sheath (not shown):
Cordura nylon
MSRP: n/a
Available: n/a

Pattern: All-purpose knife

Blade Steel: H-1 “enhanced” stainless
Spyderco Caspian2

Blade Length: 3”
Blade Grind: Hollow
Edge Types: Plain/serrated
Special Features: Designed so that when you
hold the handle, your fingertips are free for
other tasks; line cutter mounted on blade spine;
1” index finger hole for gloves or large hands;
deep-seated jimping above and below hole for
improved gripping; blade and handle lanyard
holes; black FRN overlays are bi-directional
textured; one-piece steel construction; tension-
spring plastic sheath (not shown) lets you slide
the blade in left- or right-handed with an audible
click indicating the knife is locked and loaded
Weight: 2.75 ozs.
Overall Length: 7 5/32”
MSRP: $184.95 Allen Elishewitz Al Polkowski
Available: Now John M. Smith Neil Blackwood
Gary Beaucham L.A. McConnell
Joe Kious Rob Criswell
Pattern: Mega folder Stan Fujisaki Trace Rinaldi
Blade Steel: VG-10 stainless Darrell Ralph Barry Wood
Rockwell Hardness: 59-60 Rc R&R Alaskan Knives Mad Dog
Blade Finish: Satin and dual toned Randall Made Knives Steve Voorhis
w/black TiNi bevel Ryan Wilson Custom R.J. Martin
Blade Length: 4.5” Matt Conable Custom Morseth
SOG Fatcat

William Henry Studio Fine Knives 20+ Alaskan Knife

Blade Stock: .160” Makers and more!!
Blade Pattern: Modified drop
point w/recurve edge
Handle: Zytel w/titanium
bolster and liner
Handle Design: Shallow finger grooves, thumb
ramp, integral single guard, hole for a lanyard
Lock Mechanism: Arc-Lock
Special Notes: Biggest folder in company history;
nylon carry pouch (not shown) included; blood
907-569-1800
groove in blade w/black TiNi coat
Weight: 8.5 ozs.
northernknives.net
Closed Length: 5.625”
MSRP: $575
Available: August A full service knife store

JUNE 2 0 0 8 blad emag.co m 10 5

newshotshow.indd 105 3/11/08 1:53:39 PM

 new knives
new knives

Dan Crotts
Knives

We Buy Trade and Consign Knives

LAYAWAY AVAILABLE Knife/Tool Pattern: Multi-tool
Blade Steel: 154CM stainless
Handle: Carbon fiber

Skeletool CX
Leatherman
Special Features: Tungsten DLC
scratch-resistant coating; in addi-
tion to the one-hand, combo-edge
blade, tools include a needlenose
pliers, regular pliers, wire cutters,
hard-wire cutters, carabiner/bottle
opener and a bit driver w/Phillips
#1 and #2 and 3/16” and ¼” screw-
driver bits; pocket clip
Weight: 5 ozs.
Overall Length: 4”
MSRP: $96
Available: Now
Chief Muskrat
Hallmark

Pattern: Muskrat
Blade Steel: 440A stainless
Blade Lengths: 2.5” and 3.5”
Handle Material: Jigged chestnut
bone
Bolsters, Liners & Shield: Polished
stainless
MSRP: $20
Available: n/a

10 6 BL ADE JUNE 2 0 0 8

newshotshow.indd 106 3/11/08 9:33:04 AM

 Sharpener System: Magnetic

DMT Magna-Guide
angle guide
Purpose: Transforms DMT
Double-Sided Diafold into an
angle-guide sharpening system
Parts: Magnetically attached
platform w/rigid guide rod
Special Features: Works w/
practically any blade shape; pro-
vides a wide assortment of angle
choices; holds knives up to 3/8”
thick; engineered resin will not mar or scratch
knives; in addition to standard knives, sharpens
Pattern: Multi-tool everything from X-ACTO blades to machetes
Blade/Implement Steel: MSRP: $49.99
420 HC stainless Available: Now
Finish: Matte/bead-blast
Blades/Implements: Clip
Lansky MultiTool

blade, serrated clip blade,

Pattern: Tactical/utility fixed blade
needlenose pliers, wire cutter, small
Designer: Rob Simonich
and medium screwdrivers, file/rule,
Buck/Simonich
Blade Steel: CPM S30V stainless
awl, magnetic bit holder and Raven Legacy Rockwell Hardness: 60 Rc
can/bottle opener; ¼” socket drive
Blade Length: 5”
w/nine insert bit assortment of #s 1,
Blade Pattern: Modified clip point
2 and 3 Phillips, small, medium and
Handle Material: G-10 w/Simonich Gunner Grip
large screwdrivers, ¼” connector, a
texture
square drive and a small torque
Other Features: Full-tang construction; the
Special Note: Flagship piece in
original Urban Raven design by Rob Simonich on
Lansky’s new Knife & Tool Division
which this knife is based was the Blade Magazine
Weight: 9.6 ozs.
2003 American-Made Knife Of The Year®
Closed Length: 4 1/8”
Weight: 7.6 ozs.
Sheath: Ballistic nylon w/pocket for
Overall Length: 10 1/8” For the contact information
socket and bit set
Sheath: Black nylon (not shown) for the knives pictured in the
MSRP: n/a
MSRP: $314 story, see “Where To Get ‘Em”
Available: n/a
Available: Early 2008 on page 97.

JUNE 2 0 0 8 blad emag.co m 107

newshotshow.indd 107 3/10/08 3:22:18 PM

 spec sheet
spec sheet By MSG Kim Breed
5th Special Forces (retired)

Deepak Chopra’s auto

conversion of the CRKT
Pharaoh takes the author’s
best shots

The Pharaoh from Columbia River Knife & Tool

is an Allen Elishewitz design, this particular one
converted to an automatic by Deepak Chopra.
MSRP: $99.99.

Knife Name Pharaoh

SPEC CHART

Pattern Utility folder

Company Columbia River
Knife & Tool
Designer Allen Elishewitz
Auto Conversion Deepak Chopra
Blade Steel AUS8 stainless
Rockwell Hardness 58-59 Rc
Blade Grinds Hollow and flat
Blade Finish Bead blasted
Handle Zytel®
Liners & Bolsters Titanium
Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail
Price $99.99

10 8 BL ADE JUNE 2 0 0 8

specSheet.indd 108 3/10/08 3:28:23 PM

 T
he knife tested in this installment
of “Spec Sheet,” as with many of the
knives I put through the paces, came
to me in a roundabout way. A friend

S
of mine, John Shirley, met a friend of his,
Jeremi Lett, who was working with Deepak
Chopra at the 2007 BLADE Show. John,
who was helping out at Chopra’s booth,
brought Jeremi over to my table and intro-
ALPHA KNIFE SUPPLY™
duced him.

THE EXCLUSIVE DEALERS OF:

We chatted for a few minutes and then I
had to attend to my customers. I told Jer-
emi that I would stop by Chopra’s booth
and check out what they had. This is where
I learned that Chopra had designed an au-

Bark Bone™
tomatic conversion for the Columbia River
Knife & Tool (CRKT) Pharaoh and Jeremi
was assembling them. Throughout BLADE
Show weekend Jeremi and I had a few Exhibiting
chances to talk shop, and I decided on test-
Talonite®
ing the auto-converted Pharaoh in a “Spec
At The
Sheet.” Blade
The knife is hefty and started out as a but- Show
ton lock. Then, some machining and a few
springs later courtesy of Chopra and—voi-
la!—it was an automatic. The knife is fairly Timascus™
basic in the opening except CRKT uses
the Auto LAWKS (Lake And Walker Knife
Safety). It takes some time to get used to the All Your Knife Making Needs
feature. You have to pull the lock back with
your index finger, then push the button to
Phone: 425.868.5885 Fax: 425.898.7715
open the knife. Most autos need some kind
of a lock because on more than one occasion
I have had an auto accidentally fire open in
www.alphaknifesupplycom
my pocket, which is kind of scary depend-
ing on which way the blade flies.
The Pharaoh is an Allen Elishewitz de-
sign. The two different blade grinds give the
knife a distinctive look. Let’s find out how it
cuts.

Transition Area
When I first looked, I had some doubts
about how smoothly the blade would cut at
the transition area between the grinds. The
hollow grind stops abruptly 1 inch from the
tip and the blade is flat ground from there
back. The transition has a lip to it that I
thought might hang up when making full
cuts.
I grabbed a pile of cardboard and started
slicing. While expecting the aforementioned
“hang zone” to grab, I was surprised that
the knife cut through the cardboard with
no snags. Upon a closer look, the bead-blast
finish rounds the edge just enough to allow
the cutting medium to slide over it.
I felt a “bump” from the recurved part of
the blade when I cut the plastic board. The
edge would still cut but there was a notice-
able rising of the blade through the transi-
tion area. Not really a big deal, just different
because the blade would elevate a little.
Next I used the Pharaoh to cut into a
pine 1x6. The edge pulled nice big shav-
ings and even slid past the transition area,
which could have been because I was using
more force. The hollow-ground main edge

JUNE 2 0 0 8 blad emag.co m 10 9

specSheet.indd 109 3/11/08 2:46:03 PM

 spec sheet
spec sheet

Check out what's new!

Check Web Site For Available Knives

www.sunfishforge.com

Sunfish Forge Expecting the transition area on the blade

between the hollow and flat grinds to grab,
the author was surprised that the knife
cut the cardboard with no snags. He said
the bead-blast finish rounds the edge just
enough to allow the cutting medium to
Don Hanson III pass smoothly over the transition area.

Exhibiting at the Blade Show

P.O. Box 13, Success, MO 65570
Table #19-O 573-674-3045

Since the Pharaoh is a heavy-duty folder,

the author used it to chop a 1-inch pine
board. The knife chopped like a pro and
the edge suffered no damage going through
a knot encountered halfway through.

ABS MASTERsmith

Winner
Best Fighter
ACKS
ABS Moran
Award 2007

J. White Knives
231 S. Bayshore Drive
Valparaiso, FL 32580
850.729.9174 It took 60 cuts on half-inch sisal rope
johnwhiteknives@gmail.com before the transition area between the
grinds started to slide.

110 BL ADE JUNE 2 0 0 8

specSheet.indd 110 3/10/08 3:32:48 PM

 GIRAFFEBONE INC.
SEE US AT
Damasteel Stainless Damascus
OKCA SHOW Mosaic Damascus
APRIL 12-13, EUGENE, OR South African Handle
BLADE SHOW
MAY 30 - JUNE 1 Material
ATLANTA, GA

The knife’s open construction makes

cleaning easy. Note how well centered the
closed blade is in the handle.
www.ssdamascus.com
1-888-804-0683
worked great for power cuts, while the flat-
ground tip was very controllable.
Since the Pharaoh is a heavy-duty folder,
I decided to do some chopping. The pine
board did not stand a chance. The blade
took large bites from it. Meanwhile, I
lucked out and found a knot about halfway
through. The knife chopped like a pro and
the edge suffered no damage going through
the knot.
Next came my favorite, the half-inch si-
sal rope. The Pharaoh crunched the rope
apart for 60 cuts before the edge started to
slide at the transition area, resulting in sev-
eral uncut rope strands. The key to making
the knife cut well is to maintain the correct
angle at the transition area. You will have to
experiment to find what the correct cutting
angle is for you.
To stress both the blade tip and the fold-
er’s lock strength, I stabbed the tip into a Marty Miller 800.966.3494
split oak log and snap-twisted it out. Usu- marty@mmcustoms.com
ally I do the stabs/snap-twist-outs seven
or eight times to see if anything bends or
loosens. The Pharaoh was very comfortable
during the stress test and did not slip in my
hand.

I Would Change …
I don’t really care for the grind as I like my
cutting edge straight, though it performed
well as is.
Purveyor of Fine Knives
www.mmcustoms.com
Bottom Line
The Pharaoh was pleasant to cut with and
handled very well. The modification to au-
tomatic is a plus. I have opened the knife
over 500 times and the lock-up is just like
new.

For more information contact CRKT, attn: D.

Flagg, Dept. BL6, 9720 SW Hillman Ct., Ste.
805, Wilsonville, OR 97070 800.891.3100
crkt.com, or Deepak Chopra, Dept. BL6,
526 Escondido Cir., Livermore, CA 94550
925.454.0595.

Editor’s note: Be sure to check your local,

state and federal laws concerning the use,
carry and shipping/transportation of auto-
matic knives.

JUNE 2 0 0 8 blad emag.co m 111

specSheet.indd 111 3/11/08 12:08:29 PM

 NEXT ISSUE
~ ED FOWLER ~
Willow Bow Ranch
P.O. Box 1519 • Riverton, WY 82501
307-856-9815
eafwb@wyoming.com ®
THE WORLD’S #1 KNIFE PUBLICATION

On Most Newsstands
by May 10

WHAT’S NEXT
To my eye this is an elegant fighting
knife, the double convex grind design
• BLADE Show
was influenced by historic knife mak-
ers I admire greatly, Michael Price’s
father, Rudy Ruana and Bill Scagel.
Preview
I dedicate this knife to the men and
women governed by integrity based
on rational principles who have
fought for justice throughout all
time. Integrity that does not consist
of loyalty to one’s subjective whims,
but loyalty to rational principles they
• A Bowie to Fight
know as valid and honest, those who
stand for their rational judgment over
the politically correct atmosphere of
Cancer
the time.

www.edfowler.com • Japanese Sword Tip:

Talk about it at: www.knifetalkonline.com How To Forge It

• ABS: Last Tango in

Nordic Knives Featuring the finest in
Reno
1634-C Copenhagen Drive Custom & Randall knives
Solvang CA 93463 since 1971 • Russian Knifemakers
800-992-6574
Guild

• People Who Actually

Use Their Custom
Knives

• BLADEhandmade™
Profile: Lee Williams

To view our collection,

We buy, sell & consign please visit our website at • Factory Focus:
entire collections www.nordicknives.com
Kitasho
Your satisfaction is guaranteed by our return policy

112 BL ADE JUNE 2 0 0 8

nextBlade.indd 108 3/10/08 3:24:40 PM

 Cutting Edge
Art Four Days of Knife Events

Meet the world’s top knifemakers

2008
Knifemakers’
Guild Show
and see their latest work!

July 31, August 1, 2, 3 Buena Vista Palace Orlando, FL

You could win one of the

knives pictured.
e
rn
bo
Os
n
r re
Wa

on
yle ey lom
Ga adl So
in
Br Ma
rv

Bill King
7:30 p.m. Thursday President’s Gala
for Honorary Members

Knife Displays & Sales:

(Admission $5/day)
Hotel Reservations:
Buena Vista Palace
1900 Buena Vista Dr Friday
Lake Buena Vista, FL 12 p.m. Noon - 6 p.m.
32830
Toll free:
(866) 397-6516 Saturday
Ask for Knifemakers’ Guild Rate 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Sunday
Buena Vista Palace is 20 minutes from
downtown Orlando and the Orlando
10 a.m. - 3 p.m.
International Airport (MCO) Seminars - 9 a.m. - 10 a.m.
Cutting Competition - 3 p.m.
Driving directions: I-4 West towards Walt Disney World. Get off at Exit 68
(Lake Buena Vista/Kissimmee). At the bottom of the exit ramp, go right (SR
Visit the Guild Virtual Knife Show at
535). At the first stop light (Hotel Plaza Blvd), go left. Go to the 3rd stop light www.knifemakersguild.com
(Buena Vista Drive) and make a right. Buena Vista Palace is on the right.

For details or Guild membership information:

www.knifemakersguild.com
or contact: Gil Hibben, Dept. B, 2914 Winters Ln, LaGrange, KY 40031
(502) 222-1397 or Email: gil_hibben@bellsouth.net

Point Seven Photos

1195214_BL.indd 1 3/11/08 2:09:07 PM

 hot handmade
hot handmade

rian Tighe is having fun with his

anodized engraving process and
it shows on his “Iris Girl” folding
dagger.
The handle is 6A14V titanium, which
Tighe said “bright cuts” and anodizes well.
“This way I can color the engraving or not,”
he noted.
By bright cuts he means the finish of the Brian Tighe’s anodized engraving process makes
cut is bright and shiny or smooth and re-
flective. “When moved in the light the cuts a sexy knife even sexier
reflect the light and sparkle,” he explained.
“To get the bright cuts, the trick is to sharp- by BLADE® staff
en the cutting tool with the correct angles
and to a high surface finish. This, in turn,
leaves the ‘bright cut.’”
He said that the engraving is a combina-
tion of hand and machine techniques. “Ti-
tanium is hard on engraving tools,” he ob-
served, “so the machine part helps out a lot.
The anodizing tests his talents. “It is a
challenge anodizing the engraving, as you
have to visualize the colors on the finished
engraving and anodize the high-voltage
colors first, and work your way down to the
low-voltage ones,” he said. “I’ve only been
doing this treatment for about a year, but
I’ve been working out the bugs and practic-
ing for about two years.”
From the looks of “Iris Girl,” Tighe’s prac-
tice is beginning to make perfect.

For more information contact Brian Tighe,

Dept. BL6, 12-111 Fourth Ave., Ste. 376, Rid-
ley Square, St. Catharines, Ontario, Canada
L0S 1M0 905.892.2734 tighe@allstream.net,
www.tigheknives.com.

Spec Check
Knife Iris Girl
Pattern Twist Tighe Nouveau
Maker Brian Tighe
Blade Steel BG-42 stainless
Blade Length 3.75”
Handle Material 6A14V titanium
Embellishment Anodized
engraving
Lock / Opening Mechanism
Button-lock flipper
Brian Tighe employs his anodized-engraving process in a
Closed Length 4.875” most fetching way on his “Iris Girl.” As with many of Tighe’s
Maker’s List Price For A Similar knife patterns, the pattern here is a take-off on his surname:
“Twist Tighe Nouveau.” (Point Seven photo)
Piece $950

114 BL ADE JUNE 2 0 0 8

hothandmade.indd 114 3/11/08 8:35:05 AM

 OFFICIALLY LICENSED

To celebrate the 20th Anniversary of the classic Sci Fi movie Predator, we are
proud to offer for the first time ever an officially licensed accurate reproduction of
the knife used throughout the Predator movie. Referencing an actual knife used in
the original movie, we have been able to recreate this impressive machete style knife
exactly as carried by Arnold Schwarzenegger as Major “Dutch” Schaeffer and the
rest of his specialist team.

MC-PR1A20
MSRP: $179.95
• 20.5” Overall.
• 14.75” Blade. 5.75” Handle.
• Black Wood Collector’s Plaque.

View with Plaque

TM & ©' 1987, 2007 Twentieth Century Fox film corporation. All rights reserved

INDIVIDUALLY SERIAL NUMBERED

LIMITED EDITION

MC-PR1
MSRP: $159.95
• 20.5” Overall.
• 14.75” Blade. 5.75” Handle.
• Black Wood Collector’s Plaque.

TM & ©' 1987, 2007 Twentieth Century Fox film corporation. All rights reserved

TM & ©’ 1987, 2007 Twentieth Century Fox film corporation. All rights reserved

Exclusively Licensed to Hollywood Collectibles Group and Master Cutlery, Inc.

Dealer Inquiries : Master Cutlery, Inc. • 700 Penhorn Avenue • Secaucus, NJ 07094 • Tel: 201.271.7600
To Order: 888.271.7228 • Fax: 201.271.7666 • www.mastercutlery.com • sales@mastercutlery.com

1196039_BL.indd 1 3/11/08 10:05:37 AM

 4HE3TORYOFTHE2ONIN
IS ONE OF THE MOST CELEBRATED AND INmUENTIAL TALES OF
THE3AMURAIFROMTHE%DOPERIOD/UR2ONIN+OSHI
RAE +ATANA CAPTURES THE SPIRIT OF ,ORD !SANOS 
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Ronin Katana
SH2360v

Tea Culture
Katana
SH2331

Tea Culture
Wakizashi
SH2332

)N *APAN THE TRADITIONAL METHOD OF SERVING TEA IS A CEL
EBRATEDARTFORMINITSELF4HISHIGHLYRITUALIZEDCEREMONYISAN
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ISRESERVEDFORTHEMOSTDISTINGUISHEDOFGUESTS/UR4EA#ULTURE
$AISHOCAPTURESTHEESSENCEOFTHISIMPORTANTTRADITION

1194367_BL.indd 1 3/10/08 10:25:16 AM