Innholdsfortegnelse for January 2025 i Blade

Betty Dowell 1931-2024 Elizabeth “Betty” Ann Dowell, the driving force behind BLADE Magazine Cutlery Hall-of-Fame® member Ted Dowell, teacher, mother, grandmother and friend of the knife community for over half a century, passed away July 2. She was 93. Most fittingly, she lived long enough to watch on Zoom as Ted was inducted into the Cutlery Hall of Fame June 5 at BLADE Show 2024. Betty and Ted were married in 1953 and moved to Madras, Oregon, in 1954, where Betty was a part-time substitute teacher and homemaker raising three children: Scott, Lynn and Jeff. The family moved to Bend, Oregon, in 1964, where Betty became an accomplished substitute teacher in the Bend Public School System. Ted, meanwhile, accepted a professorship at Central Oregon Community College, where he was dean…

SPEC CHART MODEL: Button lock folder BLADE LENGTH: 2.8” BLADE THICKNESS @RICASSO: 087" BLADE GRIND: Flat HANDLE MATERIAL: Macassar ebony w/brass inserts APPROXIMATE CLOSED LENGTH: 4.2” MAKER’S PRICE FOR A SIMILAR KNIFE: Contact maker for pricing MAKER: Leigh Aitken, Dept. BL1, 4 Joyce St., Springvale, VIC 3171 Australia 0439 038 307 Leigh@cnccreations.com.au, twigandbot.com.au (Jocelyn Frasier image) SPEC CHART MODEL: Micro Bushcrafter BLADE LENGTH: 2.5” BLADE STEEL: CPM 154 stainless BLADE GRIND: Convex saber, what Adam Gray calls sabervex HANDLE MATERIAL: Wengew/yellow G-10 liners OVERALL LENGTH: 5.5” SHEATH: By Badgerclaw Outfitters MAKER’S PRICE FOR A SIMILAR KNIFE AND SHEATH: $305 MAKER: Adam Gray, Trendon, OH, aaforgeknives@gmail.com 513-668-8716 aaforge.com (Jocelyn Frasier image) SPEC CHART MODEL: EDC fixed blade BLADE LENGTH: 3” BLADE STEEL: 440C stainless ROCKWELL HARDNESS: 59 HRC BLADE GRIND: The…

Folders come in all sizes and shapes. Over the years, I have carried every size from compact and handy to needing to visit my chiropractor at the end of the day. I carry a Spyderco Para Military most often and other times I carry a Benchmade Griptilian. I can tell you that when I take out the Spyderco I get more comments on the size of the knife than the Griptilian. I used to be a compact knife carrier and one of my favorites was the SOG Twitch II. I also favored two Kershaw Chives. To be fair, outside of some exceptions a compact carry did pretty much the majority of work I needed in an average day. I moved to the Spyderco only for the unexpected chores. This time…

When the great design prowess of Paul Ehlers and the incomparable shop skills of BLADE Magazine Cutlery Hall-of-Fame® member Gil Hibben merged some 40 years ago, they produced a synergy seldom seen, elevating the knife industry to a new plane of creativity in the realm of the fantasy piece. Following a trail blazed early by the likes of W.W. “Bud” Cronk, the pair brought vision and glimpses of other worlds from the realm of theory and the ephemeral to tangible, captivating and thoroughly gripping. During a custom knifemaking career that has spanned nearly seven decades, Hibben has been recognized as the author of extraordinary work, designing the first Browning hunting knives in 1968, earning a rightful place in the Cutlery Hall of Fame, and creating legendary knives for famed actor…

GREATEST LIVING KNIFEMAKERS R8095 | $65 101 KNIFE DESIGNS U1059 | $44.99 KNIVES 2024 S8434 | $39.99 BLADE’S GUIDE TO MAKING KNIVES 3RD EDITION R0860 | $44.99 KNIFEMAKING WITH BOB LOVELESS Z7240 | $45 WAYNE GODDARD’S $50 KNIFE SHOP WGBWR | $29.99 KNIFEMAKING HACKS R8116 | $29.99 BLADESMITHING WITH MURRAY CARTER W1852 | $34.99 SPECIAL MAGAZINE ISSUES BLADE’S GUIDE TO SHARPENING KNIVES $9.95 BLADE PRESENTS: COLLECTI NG KNIVES $9.95 2024 COMPLETE KNIFE GUIDE $9.99 For best prices, shop online at shopblade.com Or order directly at 920.471.4522, ext 104…

VISIT US ONLINE AT WWW.BLADEMAG.COM TO: • Sign up for our free newsletter. • Renew your magazine subscription. There’s a subscription link in the nav bar. • Comment on our site stories written by BLADE® staff members and others. LOOK FOR BLADE MAGAZINE ON: SUBSCRIPTION SERVICES: Visit us on the web at www.blademag.com or call 877-485-6426. BOOK SALES: Visit us at www.gundigeststore.com or call 920-471-4522. BACK ISSUES FOR SALE: Subject to Availability. Call 920-471-4522. ADVERTISING: Contact Lori McDaniel at 715-498-3768 or lori@gundigest.com, or request a media kit by writing to: BLADE, 5583 W. Waterford Ln., Suite D, Appleton, WI 54913. LETTERS OR ARTICLE SUBMISSIONS: Steve Shackleford, Editor BLADE Magazine 5583 W. Waterford Ln., Suite D Appleton, WI 54913 or email steve@blademag.com.…

The carry systems for EDC knives have evolved to offer you a seamless experience, with an array of different spins on pocket clips, sheaths, lanyards and more. This convenience benefits you by saving time, providing peace of mind, encouraging regular carry and increasing utility. The popularity of EDC knives has spurred innovation in design and materials, leading to a market rich with options catering to every preference and need. The carry systems play a pivotal role in this dynamic, as they directly influence your experience and the practicality of the knife in everyday scenarios. The benefits of EDC knives extend beyond individual use; they represent a culture of preparedness and self-reliance that resonates with many, reflecting a broader trend toward function and efficiency in personal gear. The TI Lookout Fixed…

SPEC CHART FINN BEAR/COLD STEEL BLADE LENGTH: 4” BLADE STEEL: 4116 stainless sub-zeroed ROCKWELL HARDNESS: 56-57 HRC BLADE GRIND: Hollow BLADE @THICKEST: .098” HANDLE MATERIAL: Textured polypropylene modified diamond OVERALL LENGTH: 8.5” SHEATH: Polymer; pouch type w/clip COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: Taiwan MSRP: $20.99 “IT WORKED FASTER WITH A PUSH CUT RATHER THAN A PULL CUT.” It’s nice to see a lightweight knife that can fill a multiple range of uses. While attending Norway’s ski school, I was introduced to the Laplander style of knife. Very light and super sharp, it is used for most every cutting chore. The Cold Steel Finn Bear reminds me of such knives. And don’t let the thin blade fool you, it’s a sturdy cutting instrument. Slicing 20-pound bond paper checked the new edge for sharpness.…

“I started my knife collection at the age of 7. I was the type of kid who didn’t just want toys at Christmas, but knives with unique character to grow my collection. I have been carrying the CRKT Nirk Tighe 2 for about six years. It’s my favorite because it is a recurved folding tactical with a skeleton handle, blue accents, and has the ability to complete any job I need it for.” Eden Faith Schwanke, Brookfield, Connecticut For the latest knives, knife news, trends, and more, visit blademag.com, BLADE®’s popular Instagram page @blade_magazine, and on Facebook and Twitter. WIN A KNIFF! Tell us what knife you carry. Add a little history or an anecdote. Try to include a photograph—if digital, at least 600 KB but no larger than 2 MB—of…

A.G. Russell Knives, Inc. www.agrussell.com ag@agrussell.com A.G. Russell The Cutting Edge® www.cuttingedge.com ce-asst@cuttingedge.com Admiral Steel www.admiralsteel.com sales@admiralsteel.com Widest Range of Stock for Blade Needs Andre de Villiers www.advtactical.co.za Facebook - Andre de Villiers Facebook Group - ADV SOB BADNESS IG - advtactical adv44sales@gmail.com Butcher SOB folders and button lock flippers Arizona Custom Knives www.arizonacustomknives.com sharptalk@arizonacustomknives.com Largest selection in the world of new and consigned knives on the internet. Let us help you find the perfect knife Artknives.com www.artknives.com fred@fredeisenleather.com BladeGallery.com www.bladegallery.com www.bladeconnection.com www.epicedge.com Buckeye Engraving www.BuckeyeEngraving.com Make Your Mark Manufacturer of Custom Hand Stamps, Dies and Brands Cutlery Specialties www.restorationproduct.com dennis13@aol.com Renaissance Micro-Crystalline Wax/Polish, Dennis Blaine Ed Fowler Knives www.edfowler.com eafwb@wyoming.com High Endurance Performance Knives Emerson Knives, Inc. 100% Made In The USA https://emersonknives.com 310-539-5633 Farina Fine Arts www.farinafinearts.com studio@farinafinearts.com…

The TI Lookout from Big Idea Design is a no-nonsense EDC fixed blade with a pocket clip sheath for carry most anywhere—pocket, vest, you name it. For more on it and other knives with versatile carry modes, see page 24. The tactical-looking Kershaw Drive-train is a rescue knife that includes a clever fold-out cutter that will sever the sturdiest of seat belts and other stuff that needs cutting in an accident. Check out it and other engaging rescue knives on page 12. Sporting a mesmerizing handle, wire pocket clip and contrasting orange hardware, the GiantMouse Sonoma V2 Carryology copped Best Factory EDC at BLADE Show West. For more on it and the other custom and factory award winners in Utah, see page 60. The inset image of the Stingray…

Keeping a rescue knife in your vehicle is a great idea as it can help free you and others should you have an accident or happen upon one. However, give careful thought to where you stow the knife. Most assume a glovebox is a safe place and while not a wrong choice, it is a poor one. Why? For one, in an accident your seatbelt may not release because of the tension; in essence, you’re strapped to the driver’s seat and cannot lean over to access the glovebox. Worse, the vehicle could be upside down or on its side. In other words, have the knife placed securely within arm’s length. I keep a Benchmade Auto Triage inside the sun-glass holder in the roof of my car, just above the inside…

The clips and attachment devices made by UltiClip have revolutionized the way people carry gear, offering a secure and concealable attachment for holsters and sheaths. Ulti-Clip’s patented design provides over 10 times the retention of traditional clips, making it a favorite among outdoor enthusiasts for its versatility and reliability. Initially designed by a missionary for discreet firearm carry without a belt, UltiClip has become a staple in the outdoor community, ensuring that knives, firearms, and other gear stay firmly in place during any adventure. Robust construction and American-made quality have made UltiClip indispensable for those looking to enhance their carry systems.…

Tcustom and factory knife awards at BLADE Show West 2024 recognized some of the show’s finest examples of the cutlery art. Illustrated on this and the following pages, the winners in the custom categories were: Best In Show and Best Fixed Blade: Pearce Richardson of Icarus Forge; Best Hunter: James Rodebaugh; Best Folder: Evan Nicolaides; Best Kitchen Knife: Corey Dunlap; Best of the Rest: Seth Lopez; Best Damascus: William Porto; Best Slip Joint: Jim Dunlap; Best M.A.C.K.: Princeton Wong; and Best M.A.C.K. Contender: Jared Oeser. The winners in the factory categories were: Best In Show/Best Folder: Poikiloblade (PKB) Orca; Best Fixed Blade: Maniago Knife Makers Pocket Tango; Best Imported: CRKT Persian; Best EDC: Giand Best American Made: Pro-Tech dencion Prototype Chaves Auto. For more on BLADE Show West, se story…

Note: Entries with an asterisk (*) include knives and knife accessories as the main/sole focus. Entries with two asterisks (**) include knife seminars or symposiums, cutting or balisong competitions, auctions or other knife-related events. DECEMBER DEC. 7 LEXINGTON, KY Kentucky Custom Knife Show, Embassy Suites Lexington Green. Visit Facebook @Kentucky Custom Knife Show. Visit kycks.bigcartel.com. DEC. 7 EUGENE, OR The OKCA Mini-December Show, Lane Events Center. Visit oregonknifecollectors.com/events/.* DEC. 14 RUTLEDGE, TN Grainger County Knife Show, 280 Bryan Rd. Call Anthony 865-765-4365. 2025 JANUARY JAN. 21-24 LAS VEGAS The SHOT Show, Venetian Expo + Caesars Forum. For the trade only. Visit shotshow.org. JAN. 24-25 LAS VEGAS Las Vegas Antique Arms Show, Westgate Resort & Casino. Call 877-968-8880 x755, email info@morphyauctions.com and/or visit antiquearmsshow.com. JAN. 31 ANAHEIM, CA Tactical Knife Invitational,…

Jordon Berthelot achieves a hypnotic union of blade and handle materials in his integral hunter. The blade is his HHH lightning damascus and the handle is cottonwood from Robswildwood. “I used a wide variety of different bits and burrs with Foredom and Dremel tools to freehand carve the blade and handle,” he wrote. “As my teacher Spencer Aplin always says, the most difficult part is deciding what to carve and how to give it the flow I want, which is so true. I decided to incorporate the blade carving into the handle so it gave the whole piece a complete look, and also added some great purchase of the handle in multiple different grips.” For more information contact Jordon Berthelot 210-413-6663 Jbblades@yahoo.com, Instagram @jbblades750. For the latest knives, knife news,…