Innholdsfortegnelse for July/August 2018 i Knives Illustrated

01 Shower’s Pass CROSSPOINT WATERPROOF SOCKS One of my personal pet peeves is wet feet. A big problem during the fall and spring in Michigan is the wet foliage encountered while hiking. On more than one occasion I have reached my destination only to find that my feet are soaking wet. Having waterproof boots is a good start, but if the waterproofing has worn off there isn’t much you can do in the field. However, waterproof socks are a game-changer. The Crosspoint Waterproof Socks from Shower’s Pass provide the comfort of a regular sock, but they’re fully waterproof, with a Coolmax FX moisture wicking anti-bacterial lining for maximum comfort. FEATURES Three-layer waterproof breathable seamless Artex construction Coolmax FX moisture-wicking knit lining Reinforced toe and heel for durability Ergonomic fit Sizes:…

Thanks to the prevalence of security cameras, cell phones and video websites like YouTube and Live Leak, we are all just a click away from an ever-growing library of videos of actual, real-deal knife attacks. Although watching them requires a strong stomach and a good dose of morbid curiosity, the lessons they teach are profound. Perhaps the most important learning points they offer are the characteristics of the typical knife attack. In general terms, most knife attacks share the following traits: They are initiated from close range. The weapon is not brandished before the attack. The attacker uses his non-weapon hand to grab, control or gauge distance. The mechanics of the attack involve gross motor skills, primarily forehand motions. Most knife attacks are right-handed, just like most people. Attacks will…

CPM S35VN is a unique metal in the knife industry. Cost can make it prohibitive, yet there are significant benefits. The addition of niobium carbides (the “N” in “S35VN”) strengthens the blade and makes it resistant to wear, which makes the blade less likely to chip and dull. While not recommended, extreme situations or use will probably not be an issue for the Ursus 45 with the S35VN steel. Having that extra strength when it really counts is one of the most appealing aspects of the material.…

Much has changed since cutting tools were first discovered. Stone blades have been replaced with steel alloys (stainless in most cases), and simple wooden handles have largely been replaced by complex composites that resist damage and deterioration. Yet with all of the advancements, the things being cut aren't much different. From the start, and throughout their development, the primary uses of knives have been for game and food prep, as well as eating. When it comes to everyday tasks and food prep, I have found that the Rabbit’s Foot, Grange Park Betta and Peregrine from Grange Park Knife Works are an exemplary team that make easy work of all of my culinary tasks, while also handling light duty in other areas, for a well-rounded EDC. Rabbit’s Foot The Rabbit’s Foot…

The soul of the samurai lives on. My introduction to Tu Lam came through a mutual friend of ours, Curtis Iovito of Spartan Blades, when he was working on a knife for Tu—based on his design—a couple of years ago. Curtis spoke highly of Tu, having worked with him in the special forces, and it was obvious from our discussions that Tu was the real deal. I decided to take a look at Tu’s online videos and other sources of information, and I knew that he would be perfect for this column. Truly a silent professional, his humility is only overshadowed by his skill in both armed and unarmed combat, which he continues to perfect and teach regularly. A retired U.S. Army Special Forces Green Beret veteran, Tu has dedicated…

Bringing his own style, David Baker adds a touch of class to “Forged in Fire.” My first introduction to David was on the show “Deadliest Warrior.” As a martial artist myself, I was immediately drawn to this show for its honest depiction of the fighting styles and weapons of some of history’s deadliest warriors. But something that really caught my eye were the excellent and fully functional replicas of some of the weapons, created by David, that these warriors used. I got to speak with David about his latest endeavor, “Forged in Fire,” and his love for the historical weapons that he’s so good at reproducing. Historical Scholarship KI: What started your interest in historical weapons? DB: I got my start in historical weapons the way most of us do,…

With all of the salts and acids involved in food and game preparation, steel types and handle materials are two of the areas where Milleno is taking his work in the opposite direction from a lot of the other smaller knife companies in the industry. Rather than shunning stainless steels due to their difficulty to work by hand, he is embracing the corrosion resistance of the new alloys. In most cases, he chooses synthetic handle materials to go with them, though he certainly isn't opposed to using nice woods for handle scales occasionally. The more corrosion resistant the steel is, the less chance there is of corrosion developing on the tang and working its way under the handle scales over time. Milleno grew up near the Atlantic Ocean, so he…

As most knife enthusiasts know, occasionally, a knife will claim you for its own. I have the honor of having been claimed by the Bench-made Bugout. I caught myself good with it once when I was distracted and pulled it out to check it into a security locker on my way into court. I managed to pop the blade part of the way open, and it just ever so slightly kissed the knuckle of my left index finger. It was one of those cuts that didn’t even hurt, but when I looked down I saw a ¾-inch line of blood well up. I spent the day in court with a paper towel wadded against it, applying direct pressure to the cut. I probably should have had it looked at and…

Other than city centers, most urban environments lack pleasing aesthetics, but that doesn’t mean you can’t do your part to dress them up. Living or working in an urban environment can feel lackluster at times, but there are ways to find enjoyment in the dull brick-and-mortar world. By putting one of these custom folders in your pocket you will be carrying a true piece of beauty, giving you reason to pause and appreciate your very own art show with every use. SPECS JOHNNY STOUT Model: The Vaquero Blade Material: Dragon Breath Damascus Blade Length: 3.75 inches Overall Length: 8.5 inches Bolster Material: Gold inlayed, engraved by Brian Bump Handle Material: Mammoth ivory Frame: Titanium Website: StoutKnives.com BRUCE BINGENHEIMER Model: Folder Blade Material: Feather Damascus Blade Length: 3.5 inches Overall…

It was the clean lines and striking handles that caught my eye. Although purposeful blade profiles and beautiful Damascus steels get my attention when perusing knives, nicely shaped two-tone handles will almost always make me stop and take a second look. It was at that time that I decided to select Edward R Knives to cover in this issue. With well thought out blade profiles and well executed handles, he just felt like the right choice. 01 The Fast Track Starting out in leather work, Edward got his start in knife making around a year and a half ago when a friend received a new knife from Chaves Knives and commented that Edward should start working with steel. This comment reminded Edward that he had been interested in knife making…

In an effort to continue the fight for rights of law-abiding citizens, Knife Rights 2018 Ultimate Steel Knives, Guns & More Spectacular annual fundraiser allows you to donate with a chance to win some incredible prizes and join or renew/extend your membership. With more than $150,000 in prizes, there’s plenty for almost any knife or gun lover to drool over. Tactical and traditional, folders and fixed-blade knives, pistols and rifles—including some with suppressors and optics—are all on offer. Pictured above are just a few of the many custom knives that can be won. When it comes to “more,” how about a seven-day South African safari donated by Tollie’s African Safaris? There are also free donation bonus knives from Kizer, SOG, Spyderco, Cold Steel and another very limited-edition Damascus Hogue automatic…

Regardless of culture or country, people bent on attacking other people with knives tend to attack in the same basic ways. Understanding those patterns defines the problem when it comes to knife violence and should be the crucial first step in developing or validating any counter knife skills. So, how do you survive a sewing machine attack? It’s the most common attack and consists of a low-line thrust to the abdomen where the knife is thrust—often with an upward arc—straight up the centerline of the body into the lower torso and is repeated in the piston-like motion of the needle of a sewing machine. If you are unable to avoid the assault, and the attacker extends his non-weapon hand—a common action—control it, if possible. Then use it and quick pivoting…

David Baker is no stranger to being in front of the camera or making weapons for use in film. Having acted in soap operas such as “Santa Barbara” and “The Young and the Restless” to having parts in movies such as “St. Elmo’s Fire” and “Grease 2,” David finds his longest list of credits goes to making props and weapons for film and television. Other than “Forged in Fire,” David’s work can be seen in shows such as (source IMDB.com): • “Tower of Joy: A Game of Thrones Fan Film” (Short, swordsmith) • “Deadliest Warrior” (TV Series, weapons master, 29 episodes) • “Leverage” (TV Series, specialty propmaker, 5 episodes) • “Dude, What Would Happen” (TV Series, catapult builder, 1 episode) • “The Nine Lives of Chloe King” (TV Series, specialty…

Lucas Burnley has been making and designing knives since 2003 in his Albuquerque, New Mexico shop. Lucas describes his style as “post-tactical,” meaning “blending clean, modern lines with tactical origins.” The Japanese-influenced piece has a certain elegance to it that sets it apart from myriad other tactical folders on the market. The original Kwaiken Flipper that Burnley did with Böker proved to be a popular seller based on its eye-catching appeal and well-considered ergonomics. It was a balanced blend of art and utility, and while fast in its own right, it was a design that beckoned for an auto treatment. Rather than start from scratch, Burnely and the folks at Böker decided to work with existing auto knife manufacturer Pro-Tech Knives to build the Kwaiken Automatic. If you’re going to…

There are definitely a few perks that come with the experience of purchasing a handmade knife versus a knife that is mass produced on CNC machinery. One of those perks for some is the human factor. Those minute imperfections that can appear in the fit and finish of the knife speak to its being finalized by a person, rather than finished up by an automated piece of equipment. These little blemishes, as some people call them, make the knife unique and separate it from the crowd; even when the knives have the same profile, handle materials and steel finishes.…