WHOPPER CHOPPER SPECIAL IS

SSUE
LIVING ON THE ETCH
WITH RICK MARCHAND P. 54

VEMBER 2019
www.blademag.com
bl d

hack
in bla
CRKT/RUGER BLACK
POWDER IS A MAU
ULER! P. 58

5 MOST POPULAR MACHETE BOY

BLADE GRINDS P. 344 REPELS INTRUDER P. 32
BLADE FEST BLADESMITHING
OUT WEST P. 12 AT ITS BEST P. 50
BLACK HOLE MAESTRO OF BOWIES
KNIFE P. 82 —AND BLUSTER P. 76
EDGE EXAMS
4 VIKING AXES P. 71
4 HOT HATCHETS P. 58
US $5.95
CAN $6.95

11
3 LONG MACHETES P. 24
0 74470 50251 7
2 TOP TOMAHAWKS P. 44
Display until November 11, 2019
200 Homer Street • Olean, NY 14760

TF: 800-282-0130 I E: info@ka-bar.com

 NOVEMBER 2019

76
D.E. Henry mammoth ivory bowie.
(Knife Purveyor, Inc. image)

12 Dale Larson’s Edwin Forrest Bowie display.

(Larson image) 34 The Kizlyar Supreme Bushmate.
(Abe Elias image)

12 BLADE FEST OUT WEST 50 BLADESMITHING AT ITS BEST

BLADE Show West adds extra oomph for the Nov. 1-3 edition. ABS presents its premier 2019 achievement awards in Atlanta.
By BLADE staɈ By B.R. Hughes
®

22 THE KNIFE PAUL SCHER CARRIES 54 LIVING ON THE ETCH

He uses it to make shelter, Äre, prepare meals and much more. Fifteen steps of Rick Marchand’s special blade etch method.
By Paul Scher By Wally Hayes

24 THE LONG RANGERS 58 HATCHETS CAN HACK IT!

The latest large machetes with gobs of reach cut with gusto. Design and technology have transformed the modern-day hatchet.
By Dexter Ewing By Pat Covert

32 MACHETE BOY 71 THE NORSE EDGE

Braydon Smith is gifted a new machete after an act of courage. Forge some legends of your own with today’s Viking axes.
By Dexter Ewing By Daniel Jackson

34 5 MOST POPULAR BLADE GRINDS 76 MAESTRO OF BOWIES AND BLUSTER

Which of today’s leading blade geometries will cut it for you? Ed “D.E.” Henry left a legacy of beauty, bumps and bruises.
By Abe Elias By Mike Haskew

44 HAWK IT UP 82 BLACK HOLE KNIFE

Modern, traditional tomahawks show oɈ their pros and cons. Dan L. Petersen’s piece goes “where no knife has gone before.”
By MSG Kim Breed By BLADE staɈ

4 BL ADE N OV EMBE R 2 019

 TRIBUTE to a CLASSIC
6 | READERS RESPOND
7 | COVER STORY
10 | UNSHEATHED
16 | BLADE SHOW WEST
SEMINARS
27 | MACHETE SAFETY
65 | BLADE SHOPPE
66 | WHERE TO NET ’EM
67 | AD INDEX
68 | WHAT’S NEW
80 | KNIFE EVENT CALENDAR
81 | NEXT IN BLADE ®

Traditional Bowie design using state-of-the-art materials
81 | WHERE TO GET ’EM  (
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82
D L Petersen
“Black Hole Knife.”
(Whetstone Studio image)

SIKAYO means SHARP!

71
L
Lynn Thompson and
T
Cold Steel’s Viking axe.
(Cold Steel image)

BLADE (ISSN 1064-5853) is published monthly (Vol.

®
Chris
XLVI, No. 14), LC. Corporate headquarters is 5600 W.
Grande Market Drive, Suite 100, Appleton, WI 54913. Reeve
Periodicals postage paid at Appleton, WI 54913, and
at additional mailing offices. Canadian Agreement No.
40665675. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to
Knives
BLADE Magazine, Box 420235, Palm Coast, FL 32142. Order at chrisreeve.com

N OV E MBE R 2 019 blad emag.co m 5

RE ADE RS RES PO ND |

correcting inaccuracies about Randall information  now in print that will

Pretty Picky Girl Impressed Made Knives history.  have to be dealt with in the future to a

I
decided to renew my subscription on- I know all that contributed to the article certain degree. 
line so I don’t get a subscription no- in the magazine, again, the subject of this Please note this correction to the
tice in the mail. Why I subscribe in letter. Aside from a few inconstancies, the published information. 
the first place is the magazine focuses on real issue is the timeline and the source
forged knives, not just pretty stock-re- and impetus of the original fighter Bo Joe Dorsky, Official Historian and
moval, chrome-looking knives. At least made in June 1942, the Zacharias model. Authenticator to Randall Made Knives,
that is my take. Understand, this is the first record of any St. Pete Beach, Florida
I even attended my first BLADE combat knife made by BLADE Magazine
Show recently. Wow. What an awesome Cutlery Hall-Of-Fame® member Bo Thank You!

W
event. There just wasn’t enough time to Randall.  e have received the August
visit every table/booth. I took my wife Here is the issue. It is stated in the BLADE®. What a fantastic ar-
with me just so she could see what it is. article that Bo somehow took a hunting ticle (“Knife Man, Orlando,
She was impressed—especially The Pit blade and reground it into a combat knife. Florida”). We did not realize it was going
parties. She does not impress easily. She’s Revamped was the term used in the article, to be such an in-depth and detailed piece.
a pretty picky girl. and that was the  birth of what would  We are all proud of the work you put
Now I am just an engineer, retired. My become the Randall Model 1. Nothing into it.
wife is also an engineer. We worked for could be further from the truth, and this is Thank you again.
Super Steel Treating in Warren, Michigan, on record, particularly in the outstanding  
at one time. I know steel. reference written by Bob Gaddis.  Mindy Hoo, Randall Made Knives
What I would like to see more of in I want to note for clarity that Bo did
BLADE® is more articles from BLADE use some hunting-style blades made into Price Correction

I
field editor Ed Fowler. You either love or fighters, but not until after he had made was just going through some older
hate the man. I enjoy his writing. Please the Zacharias fighter, and probably a few emails and noticed the price for
get on him to write! more examples of that style,  an original my Merlin folder was incorrect. It
BLADE is a great magazine, by the way. forging, not a reworked hunting knife. should be $1,500 instead of the $1,200
I used to publish a billiards magazine, so I Some hunters were probably made as listed. It was too late to get to you be-
know what it takes. fighters as a matter of expediency, while fore publication but I just thought I
a few others were, according to Gaddis, would let you know.
Lynn Hall, a letter via e-mail made by request. 
Bo has only 28 journal entries between Tyler Turner, a letter via email
Editor’s note: Thank you for the the Zacharias fighter journal entry June,
compliment, Mr. Hall. Meanwhile, 15 1942 and a similar knife recorded Editor’s note: The knife in question
BLADE’s focus is on all knives, not forged Jan. 7, 1943. So, there was not much appeared at lower left of page 69 of the
exclusively. As for Ed, he keeps threatening production in those six months or so.  September BLADE®. We’re happy to make
to write something for us but until he’s Though for many it may not be the correction.
completely recovered from a recent bout of much of an issue, it still is  incorrect
ill health, we will continue to wait patiently
for his return, however scaled back that
might be. Oh—and we’re glad your wife
was impressed with the BLADE Show and How to Reach Us!
The Pit. We are, too. Visit us online at www.blademag.com to: BACK ISSUES FOR SALE: Subject to Availability.
• Sign up for our free newsletter. Call 920-471-4522.
A Major Mistake • Renew your magazine subscription. There’s a

I
subscription link in the nav bar. ADVERTISING: Contact Lori McDaniel at
am writing this letter jointly to the edi- 715-498-3768 or lori@gundigest.com, or
• Comment on our site stories written by BLADE®
tor and the author of the article titled staff members and others. request a media kit by writing to: BLADE, 5600
“Knife Man, Orlando, Florida” in the W. Grande Market Dr., Appleton, WI 54913.
LOOK FOR BLADE MAGAZINE ON:
August BLADE®. It was a good effort but LETTERS OR ARTICLE SUBMISSIONS:
with one glaring mistake, a major mis- Steve Shackleford, Editor
take, and the reason for this letter.  SUBSCRIPTION SERVICES: Visit us on the Web BLADE Magazine
I am the historian and authenticator at www.blademag.com or call 877-485-6426. PO Box 789, Ooltewah, TN
for Randall Made Knives. I have spent Outside USA: 386-246-3419. 37363-0789
quite a bit of time over the past couple or email steve@blademag.com.
of decades researching Randall Made, BOOK SALES: Visit us at www.gundigeststore.com
or call 920-471-4522.
confirming and/or refuting myths
and tales, and undoing “damage” by

6 BL ADE N OV EMBE R 2 019

COVER ST ORY |

WHOPPER CHOPPER SPECIA

L IS
SSUE
LIVING ON THE ETCH
WITH RICK MARCHAND P 54 NEED A KNIFE?Our online store is better,
OVEMBER 2019
faster, & easier to use.
www.blad
bl d emag.com

hack IF IT CUTS,
WE CARRY IT.
in bl SMKW.COM
CRKT/RUGER BLACK
POWDER IS A MAU
ULER! P 58

5 MOST POPULAR MACHETE BOY

BLADE GRINDS P 344 REPELS INTRUDER P 32
BLADE FEST
OUT WEST P 12 BLADESMITHING
AT ITS BEST P 50
BLACK HOLE
KNIFE P 82 MAESTRO OF BOWIES
—AND BLUSTER P 76
EDGE EXAM S
4 VIKING AXES P 71
4 HOT HATCHETS P 58
3 LONG MACHETES P 24
2 TOP TOMAHAWKS P 44

• TOP BRAND CLOSEOUTS

D
esigned by Ryan Johnson of RMJ
Tactical (page 44), the CRKT/Ru- • ANTIQUE & CUSTOM KNIVES
ger Black Powder hatchet boasts
a 3.161-inch blade of hot-forged 1055 • LIMITED EDITION KNIVES
carbon steel that is black powder coated • DAILY FLASH SALES
for corrosion resistance, and a polypro-
pylene and glass-reinforced-nylon handle
with lanyard.
CELEBRATING
OUR 40TH
The durable, wear-resistant hatchet
head is .9 inch thick and boasts a hammer
poll base for powering through firewood
via batoning or for hammering. It is also
designed for making kindling, building
ANNIVERSARY
shelters and more. Weight: 26.8 ounces.
Overall length: 13.188 inches. MSRP:
$54.99 (includes a nylon sheath).
For more information contact CRKT/
Ruger, attn: M. May, Dept. BL11, 18348
SW 126th Place, Tualatin, OR 97062 800-
891-3100 info@crkt.com, www.crkt.com,
and/or see the story on page 58. The
image of the cover piece is courtesy of
CRKT/Ruger.
The inset image of Rick Marchand’s
Persian bowie is by SharpByCoop. For
more on Rick’s knife see the story on
page 54 and/or contact Rick Marchand,
Dept. BL11, c/o Wildertools, Lunenburg,
Nova Scotia, Canada B0J 2C0 226-783- EST. 1978
EST
8771 rickmarchand@wildertools.com,
wildertools.com.

For the latest knives, knife news, trends

and more visit blademag.com, BLADE®’s
popular Instagram page at @blade_
magazine, and on Facebook and Twitter. Facebook: /SmokyMountainKnifeWorks . Twitter: @SMKWCom
Instagram: @SmokyMountainKnifeWorks

N OV E MBE R 2 019 blad emag.co m 7

 THE WORLD’S #1 KNIFE PUBLICATION
Vol. XLVI, No. 14, NOVEMBER 2019

Publishers Of

Editorial/Advertising Office:
5600 W. Grande Market Drive, Suite 100,
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BLADE ® Magazine, (ISSN 1064-5853) is published monthly plus

one extra issue in November, by Caribou Media Group, LLC dba
Gun Digest Media LLC. Corporate headquarters is 5600 W. Grande
Market Dr., Suite 100, Appleton, WI 54913. Periodicals postage
paid at Appleton, WI 54913, and at additional mailing offices. Cana-
dian Agreement No. 40665675. POSTMASTER: Send address
changes to BLADE® Magazine, Box 420235, Palm Coast, FL 32142.
BLADE® and its logo are registered trademarks. Other names and
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for unsolicited materials sent to it. Publisher and advertisers are not
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tions in advertisements. The possession, transportation and sale of
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and local laws. BLADE® and Caribou Media rely upon the fact that
collectors, purveyors/dealers, exhibitors, advertisers and manu-
facturers are expected to know and comply with these regulations.

8 BL ADE N OV EMBE R 2 019

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U N S H E AT H E D | BY STEVE SHACKLEFORD

GO WEST—
BLADE SHOW WEST!
A
llow the BLADE Show West staff to help
you decide why you should attend the
2nd Annual BLADE Show West (page 12) ABS master smith David Lisch will be among the
Nov. 1-3 at the Oregon Convention Center in Portt- BLADE Show West exhibitors who make chef’s knives.
land. In fact, staff members have been studying waays His damascus beauty won Best Kitchen Knife at the
to inject some Vitamin C—as in C for Cut—into the 2019 Arkansas Knife Show. (SharpByCoop image)
proceedings, and I think they have hit on at least three
new attractions that will make your decision for you.
•First is the chef ’s knife cutting competition. Instead
of holding it during show hours, we’re going to do it after
show hours on Saturday at a venue that will be ann nounced on
our website of bladeshowwest.com. Ethan Beckerr, who knows
chef ’s knives quite well from his four decades o of writing and
editing the world-famous cookbook, Joy of Cookiing, g and knives
in general through Becker Knife & Tool, will overrsee the event.
Though the rules are subject to change, the competition will be a
test of both the person or company who made and enters
e the knife
and the person using it, the latter which can be a) a the entering
maker’s choice of a chef or someone else or b) the entering
e maker
himself or herself. The competition will be a comee one, come all
ory and custom
event, though exhibitors will get priority. Both facto
knives are eligible. There are other rules but these are the basics.
Again, all of the rules are subject to change.
The foodstuffs, they will be a flyin’!
•Second of the new attractions will be the sem minar “Let The
Pros Critique Your Knife.” The pros will consist of aaward-winning
knifemakers/show exhibitors Murray Carter, Bill Harsey, David
Lisch, Bill Ruple, Brian Tighe and Mike Tyre. Since critiquing
a knife properly takes time, this will be a limited seating event.
Attendees may bring one knife only and attendeee sign-ups will
be held onsite. If I were a hobbyist knifemaker or o even a long-
time one, I would love to have one of the makerss on our panel
point out what I was doing right, what I was doing wrong, and
otherwise set me straight on how to make the best knife possible.
•Third of the new attractions will be the seminar “Bowie’s Perhaps best of all, you will get a close-up look at the knife that
Bowie: The Best Candidate,” as well as an exhibit of the candidate may have belonged to James Bowie—one that Cutlery Hall-Of-
in question. Dale M. Larson, author of the book The Knife Behind Famer Jim Batson stated he believes was used by Bowie in the
the Curtain: The True Story of Actor Edwin Forrest, James Bowie, legendary Sandbar Fight (page 10, February BLADE®). If Batson
and the Blade that Binds Them, will both exhibit the Edwin is correct, the Forrest knife not only launched a bowie craze that
Forrest Bowie during the show and also deliver a seminar all grips the world of blades to this day, it rivals any knife anywhere
about the knife. He also will have copies of his comprehensive in terms of historical importance.
book on hand for sale. There will be more attractions—many more. For additional
The Edwin Forrest Bowie is the knife the 19th-century actor information visit bladeshowwest.com. Vitamin C you there!
Edwin Forrest claims BLADE Magazine Cutlery Hall-Of-Fame®
member James Bowie presented to him circa 1830. A number of For the latest knives, knife news, trends and more visit blademag.
respected bowie authorities support Forrest’s claim, and Larson’s com, BLADE®’s popular Instagram page at @blade_magazine,
book presents an exhaustive case for Forrest’s claim as well. and on Facebook and Twitter.
Larson also owns the knife and will have it at his exhibitor’s table,
answering any and all questions about it throughout the show.

10 BL ADE N OV EMBE R 2 019

 halfbreedblades.com.au halfbreedblades halfbreed blades

HALFBREED BLADES IS PROUDLY 100% AUSTRALIAN OWNED & OPERATED.

Our mission is to bring to market pinnacle performance specialist hand tools, intelligently designed with no compromise in materials or manufacturing techniques.
Featured model is our LBK-01 (Large Bush Knife Gen I).
SHOW PREVIEW | BY BLADE® STAFF

Patrons check out the sharp stuff at last year’s show.

(Bladegallery image)

New for this year is the chef’s knife

cutting competition set for after show Benchmade will be among the local knife
hours Saturday night. Show exhibitor companies exhibiting. One of the company’s
Ian H. Rogers/Haburn Knives made this latest tactical folders is the Mini-Loco in
gorgeous damascus chef’s model in a a 3.36-inch blade of CPM-20CV stainless.
bird’s-beak handle. (SharpByCoop image) MSRP: $290.

BLADE SHOW WEST ADDS SOME EXTRA

OOMPH FOR THE SECOND ANNUAL EDITION

12 BL ADE N OV EMBE R 2 019

 Murray Carter, David Lisch, Bill
WHAT: BLADE Show West 2019
W Ruple, Jeremy Spake, Johnny Stout,
W
WHERE: Oregon Convention Center, Luke Swenson, Brian Tighe, Bill Tuch,
Mike Tyre and Javier Vogt. Factory
Portland
exhibitor commits included such local
W
WHEN: Nov. 1-3 internationally known knife companies
DAYS AND TIMES: as Benchmade, CRKT, Gerber, Kershaw
Friday, 10 A.M.-6 P.M. and Leatherman Tool Group. Other
leading factory knife outfits scheduled to
Saturday, 10 A. .-6 P.M.
exhibit were Chris Reeve Knives, Heretic
Sunday, 10 A.M.-3 .M. Knives, Hogue Knives, Microtech,
Morakniv, SOG Specialty Knives &
Tools, Spyderco, TOPS Knives, V Nives,
Mike Tyre will showcase his custom We Knife Co. and White River Knives.
knives and also serve on the panel of On the sharpener side, Spyderco,
the seminar, “Let The Pros Critique Wicked Edge and Work Sharp were
Your Knives.” Mike’s takedown bowie
features a 7.5-inch blade of O1 tool on tap to exhibit. Adam Unlimited,
steel, a coffin handle of black mastodon Burr King, Damasteel, New Jersey
ivory and engraving by Joe Mason. Steel Baron, Tru-Grit and Vegas Forge
(SharpByCoop image) knife judging competitions. In n Damascus were among the knifemaking
addition to last year’s categoriess material and equipment suppliers that
of Best In Show, Best Fixed Blade,, had committed. Such leading knife
Best Folder, Best EDC Knife, Bestt purveyors and retailers as Bladegallery,
Non-Knife EDC and Best Weird d Smoky Mountain Knife Works,
Knife, both competitions will add a Bestt Knifepurveyor.com and more were
Chef’s Knife category. Moreover, the Bestt slated to set up as well. For the complete
Chef’s Knife category will have severall list, visit bladeshowwest.com.
sub-categories, which will be outlined in n
detail in the BLADE Show West program m CHEF’S DELIGHT
distributed for free at the show. The chef’s knife cutting competition will
include anything that’s supposed to be
SOME PRESS-TIME EXHIBITORS and/or designed as a chef’s knife. The
At press time, exhibitors were continuingg blade must be at least 7 inches long and
to sign up. Among the custom makerss 1.25 inches wide. The competition will
slated to display were the CAS Brothers,, consist of cutting assorted foods and at

A
chef’s knife cutting competition
that will include both custom
and factory knives and a first-
ever panel of leading knifemakers to cri-
tique the knives of all comers are but two
of the new attractions to augment the 2nd
Annual BLADE Show West.
Set for Nov. 1-3 at the Oregon
Convention Center in Portland,
Oregon, the show will feature over
200 exhibitors from over 30 states and
such countries as Argentina, Canada,
China, Japan, Russia, Sweden and
Taiwan, and, of course, their knives,
knife accessories, knifemaking supplies Bill Ruple (left) and Luke Swenson will present the
knifemaking seminar, “How To Make A Single-Blade
and most everything that addresses the
Trapper.” Knifemaker P.H. “Phil” Jacobs (right) looks
topic of cut. on during Ruple’s seminar at BLADE Show West 2018.
Also new for 2019 are expanded
categories in the custom and factory

N OV E MBE R 2 019 blad emag.co m 13

 SHOW PREVIEW |

Spyderco will exhibit such edged wonders as

its Warrior Hawk, a Laci Szabo design with a
5.85-inch head and edges one (.79 inch) and
two (2.17 inches) of D2 tool steel.

leaast one manmade material. It will be

mited to 10 contestants. If over 10 enter,
lim
a lottery will be held to determine the
nal 10. All of the above rules are subject
fin
to change. A complete set of rules will be
available at the show.
On Sunday, the critique panel of
awward-winning
d i i makers
k Actor Edwin Forrest,
anndd show exhibitors will James Bowie, and the
evaaluate
a one knife each Blade that Binds Them,Them
from show patrons who will present a seminar on the
sign up for the seminar Edwin Forrest Bowie, the knife a number of
on site. It will be a bowie authorities agree belonged to James
mited seating event.
lim Bowie. Larson also will display the knife in
Also
A on Sunday, question and other items from his extensive
Dale M. Larson, antique bowie collection at his exhibitor
autthor of The Knife table during the show.
Beh hind the Curtain: For the show’s other seminars, see the
Thee True Story of complete schedule on pages 16 and 18.

Dale M. Larson will bring his Edwin Forrest bowie display, including the knife (inset) Forrest
said was given to him by legendary frontiersman James Bowie circa 1830, and present the
seminar “Bowie’s Bowie: The Best Candidate.”

14 BL ADE N OV EMBE R 2 019

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Award-winning
knifemaker Johnny
Stout will exhibit his
knives. An example
of his work is “The
Patron,” a double-action
auto in Owen Wood
damascus, mammoth
ivory and engraving
by Julie Warenski. LAUNCH 8 READY FOR
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N OV E MBE R 2 019 blad emag.co m 15

 SHOW PREVIEW |

BLADE SHOW WEST WORLD WAR II TO TODAY

Celebrating 40 years as a maker and
SEMINARS designer of knives, Bill Harsey worked
FRIDAY, NOV. 1 closely for 14 of those years with BLADE
3-4 p.m.: BACK Magazine Cutlery Hall-Of-Fame®
Ethan Becker
FROM THE member Col. Rex Applegate, retired OSS
EDGE OF DULL operative and bodyguard for President
Maintaining a Franklin Delano Roosevelt, designing
keen edge on your and making combat knives. Bill takes
knife requires you through Col. Applegate’s mindset in
sharpening on creating folding
a regular basis. and fixed-blade
However, that isn’t daggers, the
always done and smatchet and
the edge may go almost completely dull other combat
as a result. According to Clay Allison of knives, and how
Wicked Edge, his company has the tools that mindset was
to bring your knife back from the edge of inf luenced by the
dull. Let him show you how. actual use of the
knives. Harsey Luke Swenson
4:30-5:30 p.m.: RETAKING U.S.
WILDLANDS FROM DRUG CARTELS also details how
Lt. John Nores (retired), team leader Col. Applegate has inf luenced him in
for the California Department of Fish his creation of combat knives for Gerber,
and Wildlife’s Marijuana Enforcement Chris Reeve Knives, CRKT/Ruger,
Team, describes his team’s fight to Spartan Blades and more, a number
IT’S AS EASY AS THIS: stop drug cartels from destroying U.S. of which have won BLADE Magazine
Knife-Of-The-Year® Awards.
wildlands. Emphasizing the cartels’ use of
CAREFULLY BOX AND SHIP highly toxic EPA-banned poisons, stolen 2:30-3:30 p.m.: STAG HANDLES: TIPS,
TRICKS & MORE Last year ABS master
YOUR KNIVES TO US. firearms and homemade anti-personnel
and anti-K9 smith David Lisch demonstrated how to
Brian Tighe make a f lowed-
WE DO THE PRICING blades, Nores
outlines their in “S” guard for
RESEARCH, WRITE DETAILED one of his stag-
widespread use
DESCRIPTIONS, AND throughout black handle fixed
PHOTOGRAPH EACH KNIFE. market trespass blades. This year
grow operations he will “cap off ”
MONITOR YOUR LISTINGS nationwide. the process by
AND MONTHLY PAYOUTS John covers demonstrating
how to pin the
THROUGH YOUR OWN the health and Bill Harsey
buttcap to the
PRIVATE ACCOUNT. safety issues associated with these toxics
stag handle, shape the buttcap to the stag
when encountered, identifies grow site
indicators for the outdoor enthusiast to tips and other tricks of the trade.
RECEIVE SCHEDULED 4-5 p.m.: PUUKKO: FIRST BLADE
be aware of, and highlights the positive
PAYOUTS AS YOUR relationship developed with the legitimate OF FINLAND The all-purpose Finnish
KNIVES SELL. cannabis industry to aid in the fight. puukko knife is famous for tackling any
number of bushcraft and other utilitarian
SATURDAY, NOV. 2 cutting chores, and Jeremy Spake’s custom
11 a.m.-12 p.m.: HOW TO MAKE A puukkos are stunning examples of the
SINGLE-BLADE TRAPPER Award- genre. Join him as he shares his personal
winning knifemakers Luke Swenson story of falling
and Bill Ruple will show you how it’s in love with the
done based on Swenson’s video tutorial design early in
“Slipjoints with Luke Swenson.” Basic his knifemaking
setup, assembly, tang geometry, spring journey, and his
tension, fixtures and tuning, including quest to learn as
the Ruple Gauge and the Elite Folder Jig much as he can
SHARPTALK@ARIZONACUSTOMKNIVES.COM
from Metal Head Tools, will be among about making

1-904-826-4178 the highlights.

1-2 p.m.: COMBAT KNIFE DESIGN:
these fascinating
knives. Murray Carter

16 BL ADE N OV EMBE R 2 019

SHOW PREVIEW |

After Show, time to be announced: be held onsite.

CHEF’S KNIFE SHOWDOWN Chef ’s 1-2 p.m.: BOWIE’S BOWIE: THE BEST
knives will go head-to-head in a cutting CANDIDATE Author of the book, The
competition designed to identify the Knife Behind the Curtain: The True Story
best of the lot for slicing, dicing and of Actor Edwin Forrest, James Bowie,
otherwise holding food court in any and the Blade that Binds Them, Dale
kitchen. Ethan Becker of Becker Knife & M. Larson will
Tool, professional-grade chef and author outline a knife a
for almost 45 years of his grandmother number of James
Irma Rombauer’s world-famous book, Bowie authorities
Joy of Cooking, will oversee the event. agree belonged
to Bowie. Larson
SUNDAY, NOV. 3 will discuss the
11 a.m.-12 p.m.: LET THE PROS controversies
CRITIQUE YOUR KNIFE Have a panel of and myths that
award-winning knifemakers share their surround the Dale M. Larson
decades of knowledge and experience in knife. He will
critiquing your custom knife. Murray provide documented evidence to support
Carter, Bill Harsey, David Lisch, Bill the validity of Edwin Forrest’s claim
Ruple, Brian Tighe and Mike Tyre will that Bowie gave Forrest a knife circa
go over every square inch of your knife 1830, and what is now known as the
and tell you what is good about it, what is Forrest Bowie or Forrest Knife is that ABS master smith David Lisch will show
not and how you can make it better. This knife. Larson will have the Forrest Bowie you how to pin the buttcap to the stag
will be a limited seating event. Bring one at his exhibitor table during the show. handle, shape the buttcap to the stag tips
knife only. Questions from attendees will and more in his seminar, “Stag Handles:
Tips, Tricks & More.”
be entertained throughout. Sign-ups will
IMPROVED SHOW HALL SET-UP
While the show will be held at the same
venue—the Oregon Convention Center—
it will be held in a new hall: Hall D.
Moreover, the exhibitor tables and booths

D AV I D E L L I S Wicked Edge will show you how to bring

a knife back from the edge of dull in its
Abs Mastersmith - Purveyor - 760-945-7177 sharpening seminar. Clay Allison tunes
up an edge using the company’s Deluxe
exquisiteknives@gmail.com - www.exquisiteknives.com Sharpener at BLADE Show West 2018.

18 BL ADE N OV EMBE R 2 019

• MGE Offers Exclusive
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SHOW PREVIEW |

Based in nearby Tualatin, Oregon, Kershaw will be among the tomahawks; utility; and just about any
show’s factory exhibitors. It offers such knives as the newly
and every category you can name—all at
supersized Reverb, an “adventurer” framelock folder in a
3-inch blade of 8Cr13MoV stainless steel and a carabiner clip. BLADE Show West 2019.
MSRP: $44.99.
For more on the special attractions
outlined in the story, see page 10.

The official show photographer will be

Eric Eggly.

For a complete list of exhibitors and other

show information, visit bladeshowwest.com.

For the contact information for the knives

in the story, see “Where To Get ’Em” on
page 81.

will be configured differently, with more visually stimulating event. For the latest knives, knife news, trends
the exhibitor tables surrounded by the Plan now to see the latest custom and and more visit blademag.com, BLADE®’s
factory booths on the perimeter. This will factory knives and edged tools in antique; popular Instagram page at @blade_
differ from last year when the tables were art; Asian; assisted; automatic; axes; magazine, and on Facebook and Twitter.
on one side of the hall and the booths balisongs; bushcraft; camping; collector;
were on the other. The new configuration damascus; EDC; flippers; forged; gent’s;
will group factory together, custom hatchets; hunting; kitchen; kukris;
together and accessories together. Overall machetes; military; multi-tools; neck;
it should open things up and make for a outdoor; slip joints; swords; tactical; Jeremy Spake will both exhibit
his fine knives and present the
seminar, “Puukko: First Blade of
Finland.” Jeremy’s damascus

UCG Sword & Knife

puukko sports a handle of
stabilized bog oak and birch
bark. Overall length: 8.2
inches. His list price for

Craft Makers Handle a similar piece: $900.

(Bladegallery image)

1 - Auxiliary blade handle. Nonslip & positive blade work.

2 - Finger & Palm lock. Stops blisters.
3 - Complete long view. See pictures below
4 - This handle can also be used as a replacement
for the corona 13” pruning pole saw.
“Inside View”
5 - Reduce cost & increase mass production
The multi-slot inside assembly accommodates
numerous types of blades and swords
1 - Saw Slot
2 - Sword Slot
3 - Cement Weld
Order on Amazon by UCG:
https://www.amazon.com/UCG-Sword-Knife- For manufacturers or bulk pricing call or mail:
Makers-Handle/dp/B07JG5HBZ2/ref=sr_1_2?key-
words=UCG&qid=1552497494&s=gateway&sr=8-2
Universal Custom Grip LLC
PO Box 453034
Miami, FL 33245-3034
(305) 299-4326 | UCGrip@gmail.com

2 0 BL ADE N OV EMBE R 2 019

T HE KNIF E I CA RRY |

Hiking as I do in alll
weathers in the Drakensberg g
Mountains of South Africa, I would not
dream of being without my Cold Steel
GI Tanto. It is enormously useful for
chopping branches to make both
shelter and fire, not to mention its use
in outdoor food preparation. Custom
glow-in-the-dark scales ensure it is
visible even in low-light conditions. It
is truly an all-purpose knife.”
Paul Scher,
Howick, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

I carry a Zero Tolerance “My carry knife is a

0393 designed by Rick Tactical Response
Hinderer. I like the harpoon-style 3 Military Issue from Pro-Tech.
‘Spanto’ blade, the fact that it’s a The action is solid as a rock and the
manual flipper folder, and ZT’s always fish-scale frame engraving is both
streamlined, cool look.” comfortable and secure.”
Claude Nobis Jr., F. Simon Sanders,
a letter via e-mail a letter via e-mail

For the latest knives, knife news, trends and more visit blademag.com, BLADE®’s popular
Instagram page at @blade_magazine, and on Facebook and Twitter.

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 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 knife. The drawing will be November 15. Mail to: BLADE ®,
POB 789, Ooltewah, TN 37363-0789, or e-mail steve@blademag.
com. If you send your entry by e-mail, please include your physical
mailing address in case you win the knife.

2 2 BL ADE N OV EMBE R 2 019

MASSI V E MA C H ETES | DEXTER EWING BLADE® FIELD EDITOR

IMAGES BY MARTY STANFIELD, MARTY STANFIELD PHOTOGRAPHY

THE LONG
RANGERS
LATEST LARGE MACHETES WITH GOBS
OF REACH CUT WITH GUSTO

The Gerber Golok packs the weight

(25.3 ounces) necessary to make it a
powerful chopper. However, the same
weight limits its use.

24 BL ADE N OV EMBE R 2 019

 machete for your application and
budget, all the while paying attention
to factors such as handle comfort and
ergonomics. When you’re in the field
swinging a machete for an extended
period of time, you want it to be as
comfortable as possible.

BEEFY ’n BLADE HEAVY

In the Golok, Gerber brings the popular
Southeast Asian machete design to the
mass market. The thickest of the test
machetes, the Golok’s 12-inch blade of
65MN carbon steel is a whopping quarter
inch thick. The strong backbone gives the
blade extreme strength to withstand the
toughest use in the field. The blade has
a black coating for low-glare, corrosion-
resistant and anti-stick properties.
The ergonomic handle features a
forward fi nger recess to help index the
blade, along with a bird’s-beak pommel
to prevent slippage in use. The handle
The Long Rangers, from top: Medford Knife & Tool Machete, Cold Steel Slant Tip Machete 18 has a dual-density molded construction
inch and Gerber Golok.
with the company’s Gator Grip/
textured Kraton rubber, providing a

M
achetes are useful tools, ca- use of power equipment. Machetes also very comfortable, non-slip hold with or
pable of cutting a wide vari- can cut back overhanging growth that without work gloves and in a variety of
ety of vegetation—everything encroaches on trails. weather conditions. Torx-head screws
from briars and thicket to taking down With proper use and safety practices affi x the handle to the tang. The grip
saplings—or even batoning fi rewood if (see sidebar) machetes can be effective includes a generous hole for a lanyard,
needed. At the campsite, machetes can vegetation-management tools. There is the latter which is included. (For more
fi ll all these roles. They also can help a variety of price classes for machetes, on lanyard use, see sidebar.)
landowners keep general brush at bay as well as features within those price At 19 inches overall, the Golok is
if the conditions are not suitable for the ranges. It’s best to select the right capable of heavy-duty work. Each knife
comes with a fairly sturdy nylon sheath
that can be mounted to a backpack.
A top cuff wraps securely around
the handle to secure the machete in
the sheath. A hook-and-loop closure
secures the cuff, though it’s still easy to
quickly access the machete.
The Golok exerts devastating
chopping power thanks to the beefy
quarter-inch stock that adds the desired
forward weight to the blade. Just let
gravity do the work, which keeps you
from having to generate downward
force. The blade’s weight and thickness
powers through saplings, in addition to
batoning wood quite well. The grip is
very secure, instilling user confidence
and a strong feeling of control. We
encountered no slippage or problems in
general. When you pick up the Golok,
The Cold Steel Slant Tip Machete 18 inch
easily went through watermelon with one it’s evident this is a wood-chopping
stroke. Blade thickness: .08 inch. tool! Overall manufacturing quality
is good. The Golok is an outstanding

N OV E MBE R 2 019 blad emag.co m 25

MASSI V E MA C H ETES |

COLD STEEL GERBER MEDFORD

SLANT TIP GOLOK MACHETE
BLADE LENGTH 18” 12” 12.5”
BLADE STEEL 1055 carbon 65MN carbon CPM S7 tool
HANDLE MATERIAL Polypropylene Zytel w/Kraton G-10
OVERALL LENGTH 23.6” 19” 18.5”
SHEATH MATERIAL Nylon Nylon Kydex
MSRP $29.99 $57 $325
ORIGIN South Africa China USA

design and a workhorse for foliage- Saplings are no match because the blade bird’s-beak pommel—common in some
processing chores. MSRP: $57. bites in deep with each powerful swing. machetes—is there to secure your grip.
The same holds true for vegetation. To add a lanyard for additional
EASY to CONTROL The handle has a pronounced fi nger safety, there’s a large-sized hole for one.
In terms of materials, the Medford groove for indexing the blade, and the The tough, G-10 handle is virtually
Knife & Tool Machete is the most high-
end of the test entries. It features a
blade of premium CPM S7 tool steel, a
textured G-10 handle and a form-fitting
Kydex sheath. The Medford is not only
the most expensive test machete, it’s
perhaps the most expensive production
machete on the market! However,
remember that with high quality comes
a high price.
The blade comes razor-sharp from the
factory and is available exclusively in a
black-nitride-coated fi nish to reduce
corrosion and glare. The blade is 12.5
inches—long enough to get any tough
cutting chore done quickly. There’s a
slight flare at the tip, adding weight
to the front where it counts most. The
18.5-inch overall length offers reach
and brute cutting power.
One of the Medford Machete’s
interesting design characteristics is a
pronounced forward integral guard.
In conjunction with the choil it enables
you to choke up on the handle for
increased control, and works effectively
for whittling if necessary. It might seem
odd to use such a long blade for such a
delicate task, but try it with the Medford.
It’s surprisingly easy to control, and
the whole piece feels more balanced in
your hand while in the choke grip. And
when the conditions call for it, gripping
the handle normally shift s the balance
point forward, making the machete
blade heavy.
There’s a nice swing to the knife and The blade length, blade shape and handle ergonomics all converge in the Medford Machete,
you can use gravity to pull the blade making it an excellent all-around tool for chopping saplings and clearing brush. Blade
downward. All you need to do is guide it. thickness: .12 inch. Weight: 19 ounces.

2 6 BL ADE N OV EMBE R 2 019

MACHETE SAFETY
W hen you’re swinging a machete with a long, very sharp blade, there is momentum
behind the swing and the knife will power easily through saplings and thick brush.
Think of what it would do if an arm or leg got in the way.
When using a machete, be aware of your arms and legs. If you’re right handed, stand
with your right foot forward a bit and your left foot back—reverse those positions if you’re
left handed. Make sure your footing is level and you can keep your balance. Keep your off
hand—the hand not holding the machete—out of the arc of the blade swing. In fact, place
your “off arm” behind your back and hook your thumb into one of your pant belt loops. This
keeps your fingers, hand and arm out of the swing arc.
Be mindful of your surroundings. If you have dogs, they tend to follow you and get excited
when there’s fast movement. Make sure they—as well as your two-legged companions—stay
at a distance, not only from the blade swing but also from falling brush or saplings being cut.
Wear a sturdy pair of work gloves to help you grasp the machete handle more securely and
to prevent blisters from forming on your hand. Moreover, gloves help in removing cut brush
or saplings.
When gripping the machete handle, a pinch grip works best. It enables you to have a firm
grasp and control over the machete, and also acts as a fulcrum in which the entire knife
pivots in your hand, creating increased downward momentum for the blade.
The Slant Tip Machete 18 inch from Cold
Using a lanyard might seem like a good idea; it avoids accidentally dropping the machete. Steel will easily take out tall grass or saplings.
However, using a lanyard is actually a bad idea. Here’s why: If an 18-inch-blade machete is It’s pretty good for an inexpensive/budget
tethered to your wrist via a lanyard and you lose grip of the handle, the machete will swing machete. Weight: 18.4 ounces.
wildly—like a deranged pendulum—on your wrist. It could swing back toward you and cut
you. It’s best not to use a lanyard. If you sense that you’re losing your grip, let the machete fall weatherproof. It won’t absorb fluids
to the ground. It’s better than suffering lacerations to your torso or arms! or fade, so it’s a very stable, tough,
The keys are safety and being aware of your environment, as well as other people and lightweight material. Phillips-head
pets nearby. Never use a machete if you’re tired. Always have good footing on the ground. screws secure the slabs to the tang. The
However, if you slip while using a machete, try to throw it out to the side if possible to avoid G-10 material has a nice texturing that’s
landing on the blade.—by Dexter Ewing not too aggressive. It does a great job
with or without gloved hands and in
any weather condition. MSRP: $325.

PERFORMANCE and ECONOMY

As its name implies, the Cold Steel Slant
Tip Machete 18 inch features an 18-inch
blade with a tip angled in a reverse tanto
pattern. Like many South African-made
machetes, the Slant Tip blade of 1055
carbon steel is phosphate coated to resist
rust. A polypropylene handle is molded
onto the tang as a cost-saving measure
and provides a nice, comfortable grip.
I’ve used several of Cold Steel’s South
Africa-sourced machetes that feature
the same construction and have had no
issues with the handle loosening.
While the Slant Tip’s overall quality
is OK—there’s some roughness around
the edges and crisp corners on the blade
spine—remember that these machetes
are made for work. The out-of-the-box
edge also was OK, though it left more to
be desired.
The blade sharpens nicely, so before
The Gerber Golok has the thickest blade (.26 inch above the handle and .16 inch at the tip) of the you use the machete for the fi rst time
three test machetes. Though the Golok accomplished the job, it took a bit more effort to slice the be sure to apply your own cutting edge.
watermelon in one stroke. The good thing is you don’t have to use

N OV E MBE R 2 019 blad emag.co m 27

MASSI V E MA C H ETES |

have a pronounced curvature that might

be difficult to sharpen.
The distinctive appearance of the
Slant Tip allows forward weight to be
added while maintaining a straight-line
cutting edge. There’s no curvature. A
straight-line edge sharpens faster than
a blade with a belly. When you pick up
the Slant Tip you can feel the forward
weight. Th is defi nitely comes in handy
when chopping.
The handle shape is what I call “classic”
for a machete. There’s a rounded cross
section to help fi ll your grip and provide
control. The polypropylene material
has traction notches around the entire
circumference, as well as a checkering
pattern on the flat part. The two surface
features help achieve a nonslip grip. The
dropped handle shape provides a nice
fi nger catch for grip security.
Before testing, I immediately went to
The Medford Machete slices through watermelon with ease. At an MSRP of $325 it’s the most work to create a better edge. I made one
expensive production machete, not only in this article, but perhaps on the market as well. pass on each side of the blade with my
sander, which has an 80-grit belt. That
a dedicated knife sharpener. With some weight forward to assist in momentum evened out the edge and created a nice,
work, a regular mill bastard metal fi le and power to the cutting stroke. How toothy one as well.
will apply a nice edge. manufacturers typically do this is to Once in the woods I could tell
There’s purpose to the slanted blade fatten up the tip area, as in a bolo style or the Slant Tip is a performer just like
tip. With machetes, it’s good to have some a slight upsweep. This means the tip will other South-African-made Cold Steel

The ergonomic handle of the Gerber Golok features a forward finger recess to help
index the blade, along with a bird’s-beak pommel to prevent slippage in use.

2 8 BL ADE N OV EMBE R 2 019

 MA S S I V E M A CH E T E S |

The Cold Steel Slant Tip Machete 18 inch

features an 18-inch blade with a tip angled
in a reverse tanto pattern.

Utra-sharp,
rugged field
knives that are
useful for a
full range of
outdoor
tasks.

machetes I’ve used. The edge bit into

saplings hard and deep with each
swing—the forward weight helped
greatly. The knife also has a good-
feeling swing and is simple to control.
I took out saplings with ease and also
cut through briars and other thicket.
For an inexpensive machete, this one
can definitely withstand heavy use.
Each Slant Tip comes with a heavy-
duty ballistic nylon sheath. Th ree
button-snap retention straps secure the
machete inside the sheath. As an added
touch, the end of the sheath where the
tip rests against it has a chape of heavy
reinforced molded plastic. Typically, in
thinner, non-reinforced sheaths, the tip
area gets worn out fi rst from the tip of the
blade pushing against it. Th is is a really
nice and thoughtful inclusion. Few
more-expensive machetes have nylon
Each blade is made of 1095 steel that sheaths with this feature. The Slant Tip
holds an edge through hundreds of cut- is inexpensive but its performance is
ting tasks . Made in the USA. beyond economical. You’ll be surprised
An ergonomic handle is fastened by how well it performs. MSRP: $29.99.
onto a full tang for a solid, comfortable
grip. That gives you exceptional control For the contact information for the
and improved safety when cutting. Each knives in the story, see “Where To Get
knife comes with a durable, low-profile ’Em” on page 81.
sheath with integral belt loop.
See our website for our entire line For the latest knives, knife news, trends
of 12 knives at flexcut.com and more visit blademag.com, BLADE®’s
popular Instagram page at @blade_ The blade of the Medford Machete is 12.5
magazine, and on Facebook and Twitter. inches—long enough to get any tough cutting
chore done quickly. There’s a slight flare at
the tip, adding weight to the front where it
counts most.

3 0 BL ADE N OV EMBE R 2 019

 The Dante Forge MADE IN USA
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3/16" 4" XW1240 - $ 33.75 blade. HAMON GLOP comes wet and ready to Larger Fl
1/4" 1 1/2" XW1615 - $ 19.26 apply in a quart size container. 3200 degree at
XW1620 - $ 22.89 temperature rating. ACID NEUTRALIZER Work Sur
1/4" 2" face
1/4" 4" XW1640 - $ 48.24 is specially formulated to penetrate layers
3/16" 1 1/2" XV1215 - $ 24.09 of Damascus after etching to ensure proper
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36”
3/16" 4" XV1240 - $ 63.94 etchants. FERRIC CHLORIDE is used to acid
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3/16" 1 1/2" XQ1215 - $ 33.75 UV101 1 gallon Dehybor Borax 27.95 most of the hammering takes place. Square
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curves into the metal. 1” Hardie hole in heel,
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RE AL KNI FE | BY DEXTER EWING BLADE® FIELD EDITOR

IMAGE BY THE AUTHOR

MACHETE
BOY
BRAYDON SMITH IS GIFTED A
NEW MACHETE AFTER USING HIS Braydon Smith holds the Condor Amalgam machete Joe Flowers presented
to him as a reward for using his machete to fight off a home intruder.

OLDER ONE TO REPEL INTRUDER From left: Braydon’s father, Christopher Smith; Joe Flowers; Braydon; and
Braydon’s grandfather.

F
riday, June 14, started off like any to get inside a bedroom closet. Braydon Braydon’s story inspired Joe to reward
normal day for Braydon Smith. The complied without hesitation. When the the youth for his courage in the face of
11-year-old from Mebane, North man turned away the youngster saw his such imposing odds. On July 14, Joe
Carolina, was enjoying the start to his only chance to gain the upper hand. He allowed this writer the privilege of riding
summer vacation from school, staying at grabbed the machete, which the suspect along with him to meet with the young
home and playing video games. had dropped, and took a swing at the hero and his father. There Braydon was
Around 11 a.m. he heard a knock on intruder, striking the man in the back of presented with a brand-new Condor
the front door of the home he shares the neck. He kicked Braydon in response, Amalgam machete—one Joe designed.
with his father, Christopher Smith. knocking him down. Once again the The boy was very appreciative of his new,
Christopher was at work at the time. boy swung the machete at the interloper, high-quality tool.
Braydon went to the window and noticed though this time he missed. Braydon is a young man who is mature
an unfamiliar vehicle with two men in it The suspect attempted to steal beyond his years. He showed exceptional
parked outside the house. Recognizing Braydon’s PlayStation and television bravery and was rewarded for that.
neither individual, the youngster called but quickly dropped the items once he BLADE®, Flowers and Condor do not
his mother, Kaitlin Johnson, who lives realized he was bleeding profusely from condone violence except in self-defense.
out of state, and asked her to notify the the neck. He beat a hasty retreat from the In this case a young man was attempting
police. He set the phone down and went home, leaving behind a trail of blood— to defend himself and his home from
to his bedroom to hide and watch out key evidence for possible conviction in an intruder who had less than good
the window. the case. intentions. BLADE salutes both Braydon,
Suddenly he saw one of the men walk for showing courage and determination,
to the other side of the house. Soon he UNEXPECTED REWARD and Joe and Condor for recognizing a
heard the chilling sound of a window Through it all, Braydon showed young American hero.
breaking. The man was in the process of remarkable fortitude and bravery. He
gaining forceful entry into the residence, complied with the demands of the suspect, Editor’s note: As the author stated, we
apparently assuming no one was home. and, when he saw that one opportunity to all applaud Braydon for his courage.
turn the tables, took full advantage of it. Moreover, to elaborate on the author’s
The CONFRONTATION This is a young man who is being raised words of caution in such matters, unless it
By this time the suspect was inside the correctly and knew exactly what to do in is a matter of life or death, BLADE does
house, walking around and assessing the situation. The story broke, not only on not recommend people below the age of 18
what he could steal. He grabbed Braydon’s local and regional news, but on national taking such steps. Discretion, as they say,
unloaded pellet rifle and made his way to news as well. sometimes really is the better part of valor.
the boy’s bedroom, where the two initially Joe Flowers got wind of the story.
came face to face. Joe, who lives in nearby Sparta, North For the latest knives, knife news, trends
Braydon keeps a machete in his room, a Carolina, is an expert in jungle survival and more visit blademag.com, BLADE®’s
tool he bought to use on camping trips he and a designer for Condor Tool & Knife popular Instagram page at @blade_
and his father frequently take. The suspect (page 71). In fact, he designs over 50 magazine, and on Facebook and Twitter.
grabbed the machete and directed the boy percent of the Condor line.

32 BL ADE N OV EMBE R 2 019

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5
BL ADE GEOMETRY | BY ABE ELIAS BLADE® FIELD EDITOR

IMAGES BY THE AUTHOR

MOST POPULAR
BLADE GRINDS
WHICH OF TODAY’S LEADING BLADE GEOMETRIES IS FOR YOU?

Convex edges make easy work of heavy

and light chopping chores. The author
demonstrates the control you can get with
a convex edge by chopping off light curls
with the Kizlyar Supreme Bushmate.

3 4 BL ADE N OV EMBE R 2 019

 The test knives are,
from top, with grinds in
parentheses: Emerson
Knives, Inc. Bulldog
(chisel); Boker Plus
Bushcraft Next Generation
(Scandi); Kizlyar Supreme
Bushmate (convex); Giant
Mouse Biblio (flat); and
Bear and Son Executive
Lockback (hollow).

SOME POPULAR GRINDS

A
knife’s ability to cut is often laid blade’s width. A flat-ground blade is very
at the feet of whether it is sharp. versatile and allows you to work in media
In fact, being sharp is only part of such as wood and still get work done on
a knife’s proficiency in being an effective foods such as meat. It can take hard use
cutting tool. Cross-section geometry also and, if ground properly—meaning thin
plays a large part—what style of grind the enough—it can be a wicked cutter. There
knife has and how well it is executed. Make are flat grinds not only in EDC but also in
no mistake, the same principles that apply kitchen, butchering and fishing knives—
to a boat or plane apply to a knife. Each basically, in a wide area of uses.
must move through a medium with the The Biblio’s profile is a tip-down design.
utmost efficiency. Over the time I carried it I came to
In the case of a blade and its cross- appreciate it quite a bit. At 4 inches closed,
section geometry, five popular grinds and it is a compact folder. I carried it on the job
the knives sporting them—flat (Giant and even tried a bit of bushcraft work with
Mouse Biblio); convex (Kizlyar Supreme it by making a fireboard. I loved the tip
Bushmate); chisel (Emerson Knives, Inc., down for severing crate straps and cutting
Bulldog); hollow (Bear & Son Executive boxes open. For creating the notch in the
Lockback); and Scandi (Boker Plus fireboard, the blade doesn’t have the mass
Bushcraft Next Generation)—are the focus to aggressively cut across the grain, though
this time. We will outline each grind and it did the job in its own time.
how it works. The wire pocket clip slid easily over
the pocket rims in all my pants. The
FLAT: UTILITARIAN green bead-blasted Micarta® scales have a
The blade of the Giant Mouse Biblio is flat subtly textured surface for a secure grip.
ground, meaning the major bevel spans Fit and finish is dead on and the linerlock
all the way from the minor bevel to the is solid. The knife is a great carry and I
spine. In the case of the Biblio there is a appreciated it with no regrets. The full flat
bit of a shoulder near the thumbhole, grind gives it the much-needed utility in
though the majority of the grind spans the an EDC.

N OV E MBE R 2 019 blad emag.co m 3 5

BL ADE GEOMETRY |

CONVEX: CHOPPER
It is only fitting that the test convex knife
be a chopper, as that is where the convex
edge excels. A convex grind is bullet shaped
or double arched, with the arches facing
outward from the centerline of the blade’s
cross-section. (Editor’s note: Also known as
the appleseed or Moran grind, the convex
was a favorite of BLADE Magazine Cutlery
Hall-Of-Fame® member Bill Moran.) The
grind’s arched profile creates the least
amount of friction as the surface of the
material being cut has so little contact with
the entirety of the blade’s surface width,
creating the least amount of drag.
Though not overly hefty, the Kizlyar
Flat grinds do well as
kitchen knives and Supreme Bushmate is a golok* design
though they are not the with a bit of weight to it. It is an effective
most aggressive of edge small chopper. It lacks the weight and
geometries for the outdoors, length to tackle the heavy stuff without
a thin, well-ground blade
like on the Giant Mouse
expending an unfair amount of energy.
Biblio can make some With my big hands the handle is a bit
incredible shavings, here on the small side, which at times gives
via a paring-cut technique. the Bushmate the feel of a large knife to
me. Such a handle somewhat lacks the
presence of something you can swing
and go to town with. The sheath is a
breakfront design, which often makes it
easy to draw the knife but a bit of a hassle
to put it back, as you have to avoid cutting
the strap. A breakfront sheath also makes
the knife pretty much a right-hand carry.
I like the Bushmate. Given its overall
size (17 3/8 inches) it would match up
well in a father-and-son-set-style carry:

When using a Scandi grind to split small

pieces of wood the grind’s shoulders on
the Boker Plus Bushcraft Next Generation
are an advantage. As the split in the wood
works its way up the blade, the wood hits the
pronounced shoulders, putting more force on
the wood to split it even more aggressively.

3 6 BL ADE N OV EMBE R 2 019

 2ND ANNUAL

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PRESENTED BY:
BL ADE GEOMETRY |

the smaller of the two test knives we used

for detail work and the Bushmate to carry
When cutting with us through chopping chores. As convex
your left hand using edges go it performed very well. The
the Emerson Knives,
Inc. Bulldog, the grind is executed spot on. I wish Kizlyar
angle of engagement had thinned it more toward the handle
is much lower and for straight-on power cutting. Convex
you can accomplish a choppers in the proper hands can be
regular style cut.
super effective in a number of chores, as
you can do accurate work with them. This
article won’t be the last time I put this knife
through some work. (The Bushmate is also
available in a Scandi grind.)

CHISEL: SLASH ’n STAB

The Bulldog from Emerson Knives, Inc. has
a chisel grind, which means it is ground on
one side of the blade only. The grind is on
the left or mark side of the Bulldog blade.
Current thinking seems to be if the chisel
grind is on the left side of the blade it is
considered a right-handed grind. To me,
that is backwards. If you are right-handed
you want the grind on the right side of the
blade, and on the left if you are left-handed.
I find if the bevel is up on the blade it gives
you greater control; if the bevel is down, it
is harder for you to prevent the knife from
diving into the material being cut. Slicing
and draw cutting are not greatly affected
by the chisel grind. Try using it to peel an
apple or whittle a stick and your frustration
can mount. It is a strong grind providing
a stout edge for things like slashing and
stabbing. On an EDC it will work fine with
the occasional problem due to the bevel in
conjunction with what you are cutting. Will
it do most everything else? Yes.
The Bulldog has textured G-10 scales
Domestic Producers of sheet and plate products for the knife industry.
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WE SPECIALIZE IN SERVING YOU Hollow grinds make fine cutting tools. A case
in point: the Bear & Son Executive Lockback
12600 Clarence Center Road Fax: 716-542-5555 1-800-424-0048 producing some very fine curls. One of the
Akron, New York 14001-0280 sales@nsm-ny.com 716-542-5552 www.nsm-ny.com strong features of a hollow grind is it can be
used to achieve an extremely fine edge.

3 8 BL ADE N OV EMBE R 2 019

FORTY YEARS
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Y ear after year, the Knives
Annual keeps the knife
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Whether you’re a maker or a
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BL ADE GEOMETRY |

5-GRIND KNIVES BY THE SPECS

KIZLYAR SU BEAR & SON
GIANT MOUSE EMERSON BOKER PLUS
PREME EXECUTIVE
BIBLIO BULLDOG BUSHCRAFT
BUSHMATE LOCKBACK
OVERALL/OPEN LENGTH 6.875 inches 17.3 inches 7.5 inches 5.38 inches 8.75 inches
BLADE LENGTH 2.875 inches 11.6 inches 3.2 inches 2.25 inches 4.125 inches
STAINLESS STEEL Bohler M390 AUS -8 154CM 440C 440C
CLOSED LENGTH 4 inches not applicable 4.3 inches 3.125 inches not applicable
GRIND Flat Convex Chisel Hollow Scandi
LOCK Linerlock not applicable Linerlock lockback not applicable
HANDLE Green Micarta Caucasian walnut Textured G-10 Bone Black Micarta
CARRY METHOD Pocket clip Breakfront sheath Pocket clip Pocket Sheath
MSRP $175 $141.95 $240.95 $68.49 $125

and a framelock. As with most of Emerson’s frustration controlling certain cuts. Not HOLLOW: EDC WORTHY
models, the cool factor is the Wave feature. everyone is a bushcrafter and more often The hollow grind has been around for ages
I have to show the feature off every chance I than not I find myself opening packages and makes for excellent blade geometry.
get. In my opinion, the Wave takes the idea and cutting straps, and for those little However, as I’ve noted before, it has
of a one-hand opener to the next level. chores the chisel grind works fine. The gotten a bit of a bad rap from the outdoor
As an EDC the knife worked great Bulldog is a good, dependable carry with community.
for quick cutting jobs, but I found some great fit and finish. A hollow grind is as it sounds: two
concave surfaces joined back to back.
Think of the arches of two circles meeting
to form the blade’s geometry. A hollow
grind can result in a very thin cross-
section, and, if the wheel used to grind
it is large enough, the grinds run almost
parallel. It is a great grind for everyday
Masecraft Supply Co. offers the world’s largest line-up of
natural and synthetic materials for knife handles, gun grips, chores and many other tasks.
pens, musical instrument inlays, pool cue inlays and endless The Bear & Son Executive Lockback
other creative applications. Several of these materials are
exclusive to us. has a hollow grind. On the small side, the
Our customers include some of the largest and well known
knife is only 4.7 inches open. The grind’s
major manufacturers and artisans in the world. secondary bevel makes sharpening touch
Our line-up of natural materials includes white Mother of Pearl, ups easy. Having the two dished-out
Black Lip Pearl, Gold Lip Pearl, Paua, Green Abalone and
many types of Laminated Shell Veneers (LVS) plus custom
shell inlays, India Stag, Bone, Horn and Exotic Woods.
Our decorative synthetic materials include Alternative Ivory
and many other decorative Polyester and Acrylic materials in
sheet, rod and bar form. We also offer a full line of Reconsti-
tuted Stone slabs and blocks. We are adding new products
every year. We also offer a wide variety of Rigid Composite
Laminates in Canvas, Linen and Paper Micarta, G-10’s and
Carbon Fiber.
Masecraft supply co. specializes in large manufacture orders
and the individual needs of artisans and hobbyist alike.

Visit our new

E-commerce store,
www.masecraftsupply.com
full product selection with pictures Meriden, CT USA Using a ruler and a source of light you can
see how the blade of the Kizlyar Supreme
1-800-682-5489 Bushmate dips down at the edges, the
telltale sign of a convex grind.

4 0 BL ADE N OV EMBE R 2 019

The fine edge and flat sides of the flat grind
of the Giant Mouse Biblio allow the blade to
slip through a number of different style cuts
and materials, including press cutting a piece
of 9-ounce leather.

surfaces running almost parallel doesn’t

create a drastically increasing wedge
shape. Hence, as the blade is ground back
during sharpening you can maintain a
thin cross-section.
A weakness of the hollow grind is it
makes a poor chopper. Specifically, it
doesn’t deal with tasks that exert a lot of
shock on the edge, as the grind’s resulting
thin edge can chip or roll. Poor heat treating
can exacerbate chips and rolls, too.
The Executive Lockback is a great little
EDC and meets the vast majority of my
knife needs on a daily basis. If the hollow
grind is tweaked just right, you end up with
a reliable edge.

SCANDI: WOODWORKER
In a Scandinavian grind the major
bevel runs to zero. The grind runs up
the blade toward the spine but never to
the spine itself. Each Scandi grind has
a shoulder and each set of bevels is flat.
Other grinds are ground to zero but it

Note how the Scandi grind runs from the

edge to the shoulder at the choil of the Boker
Plus Bushcraft Next Generation, providing
the blade with some weight from the
shoulder material.

N OV E MBE R 2 019 blad emag.co m 41

 BL ADE GEOMETRY |

A chisel grind is ground

on one side of the blade
only (below), here on the
Emerson Knives, Inc.
Bulldog. Meanwhile, the
obverse side (above) is
ground completely fl flat.
at.

is the two flat major bevels that make it most at working with wood. Having
distinctly a Scandi. an edge go to zero means the cross-
The Boker Plus Bushcraft is styled on section is streamlined and aggressive,
the common Woodlore Knife originally easily penetrating the fibers of wood
designed by Ray Mears. Having a straight and following the grain. The Boker Plus
inline pattern allows for control while Bushcraft has a spine thickness of .146
exerting force. A full girth and subtle inch, a blade width of .923 inch and a bevel
contours, which also aid in controlling the height of .234 inch. With such a thick
edge, make the knife quite nimble. blade, the bevel height falls short of what
In one aspect the Scandi grind is easier I refer to as the Scandi-grind minimum
to sharpen than some and in another it is golden ratio. An effective Scandi grind
more difficult. To sharpen the Scandi you usually will be at the one-third mark, give
must have a flat surface. Instead of polishing or take a smidge for the thickness of the
a micro bevel, you have one large primary blade. The thicker the blade, the higher the
bevel to sharpen. To do so you must put the grind needs to go. In the case of the Boker
entire bevel on a flat surface. Minus such Plus Bushcraft, performance falls a little
a flat surface, after a while the sharpening short of expectations because the grind is
stone can become dished out. You must be too steep. For carving and woodworking
perfect in your technique to keep the entire you can’t beat a Scandi grind, with a thin
bevel on the stone. As a result, it can be convex grind coming in a close second.
difficult to maintain a Scandi-ground edge
on a small stone. STRENGTHS & WEAKNESSES
Of all the grinds, a Scandi excels There is no perfect knife or perfect grind.

42 BL ADE N OV EMBE R 2 019

 In many cases, there is a right tool for
the job. Each grind comes with strengths
and weaknesses. I could not cover every
good-and-bad aspect about the five
grinds covered herein, but hopefully I
hit enough of the aspects to give you a
sense of what each grind can do for you.

Editor’s note: According to A Glossary of

Arms and Armor by George Cameron
Stone, a golok is a Malay jungle knife or
chopper with a heavy, single-edged blade,
a straight spine and a highly convex cutting
edge. Blade lengths range from 6 inches to
a couple of feet.

For the contact information for the knives

in the story, see “Where To Get ’Em” on
page 81.

For the latest knives, knife news, trends

and more visit  blademag.com, BLADE®’s
popular Instagram page at @blade_
Using a ruler you can see how the light magazine, and on Facebook and Twitter.
shines through, exposing the dished-out
cross-section of the Bear & Son Executive
Lockback’s hollow-ground blade.

N OV E MBE R 2 019 blad emag.co m 4 3

SPEC SHEET | BY MSG KIM BREED 5TH SPECIAL FORCES (RETIRED)
ALL IMAGES BY THE AUTHOR UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED

M ERNN ND RA I I AL
T M AWK S W O F
T EIR P N D CO S
HAWK: RMJ Tactical Kestrel
CUTTING SURFACE: 3”
B sy G-10
1 haft slabb hel
help highl ht
HEAD MATE IAL: 80CrV2 carbon steel
mo ern
e , mini is d s of the MJ
M HAFT: Textured G-10
ti a Kess el. B AD
A s aff age) EXTRAS: Sharpened beard
WEIGHT: 19 ozs.
OVERALL LENGTH: 13.25”
SHEATH: Kydex
MSRP: $480

The RMJ Tactical Kestrel produced

fine chops to make a stake from the
oak piece. It was easy to control chop
placement in the stake and the handle
provided a nonslip grip.

4 4 BL ADE N OV EMBE R 2 019

 Thee McCoun
M C Tomahawk
T h k Frontier
F ti achieved
hi d deeper
d chops
h
in the
t oak to make the stake but was still controllable.
Thee tapered handle allowed the author to find his
“sw
weet spot” for control.

HAWK: McCoun Tomahawk Frontier

CUTTING SURFACE: 4”
HEAD MATERIAL: Forged 4140
carbon steel
HAFT: Curly maple
EXTRAS: Hammer poll and filework
WEIGHT: 19 ozs.
A curly maple haft and forged hammer poll OVERALL LENGTH: 18”
augment the traditional look of the McCoun SHEATH: Leather
Tomahawk Frontier. (BLADE E® staff image)
MSRP: $350

T
omahawks come in many de-
signs, materials and sizes, and
offer a fantastic genre for a con-
trast of the contemporary and the tra-
ditional. The RMJ Tactical Kestrel is
a modern design using full-tang con-
struction with handle slabs, whereas
the McCoun Tomahawk Frontier is a
traditional hawk with a forged steel
head and a wood shaft. Both have their
pros and cons. For me the biggest fac-
tor is their feel: the Kestrel has a neu-
tral balance, while the Frontier has a
weight-forward one. No matter the
feel, however, they must cut and chop.
Time to hawk it up.

EDGE CHECK
I started with a paper slice to gauge
the hawks’ edges. I always choke up on
the head of a hawk for fine work. With
its sharpened beard, the Kestrel was
more challenging to hold. It sliced the
paper smoothly and evenly, with only There were small quirks on each hawk, though they both split the oak slabs, each sinking
a few snags. The Frontier had a small deep on the first chop.

N OV EMBE R 2 019 blad emag.co m 4 5

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DVD’s Motors Machines
Buffs Horn Ivory Bone Flitz Scribes
The author found challenges with the
Screws Taps Drills Sheaths Pommels Rivets beards of both hawks. The Kestrel was more
difficult to control because of the sharpened
Stabilized Knife Hermes Steel & 416 1080 beard, and the Frontier’s had a few sharp
Wood Cases Abrasives Blades Stainless Steel spots that were hard on his hands.
(BLADE® staff images)

CM 154 440C 1095 D2 Pure burr that snagged, but some leather
Powdered Nickel stropping removed the burr and the edge
Steel sliced smoothly. (Author’s note: I was
responsible for the burr.) I could choke
up on the Frontier for great control.
www.knifeandgun.com The cardboard slice was next.
1972 Forest Ave Considering the condition of the
Lakeside AZ 85929 csinfo@knifeandgun.com
cardboard, both hawks sliced evenly. It

4 6 BL ADE N OV EMBE R 2 019

 the wood, to hammer it down to fi nish small quirks on each hawk, though
the split. It was very controllable and they both split the oak slabs.
accurate on the chops. The split wood It was time for more chopping. I
had a tendency to hit the wood shaft as I made stakes out of the oak pieces.
drove the head through it. The Kestrel produced fine chops in
The Kestrel chopped deep on the the wood. It was easy to control chop
first hit. Again, I picked it up, as well as placement and the handle provided a
the wood, to hammer it down to finish nonslip grip. The Frontier made deeper
the split. The wood had a tendency to chops but was still controllable. Its
migrate toward the beard with each tapered handle allowed me to find my
hammer strike. Clearly, there were “sweet spot” for control.

The author sliced 10 times into the noodle

with each hawk. Both maintained their
original sharpness and sliced very cleanly,
a sign of excellent heat treatment.

was 94°F outside with high humidity,

which really softened the cardboard. Once
I got the hawks started, they sliced great.
Getting them started was my challenge.
A tomahawk is used for a wide
variety of chores, so I moved on to
making shavings to aid in the fire-
starting process. The Kestrel produced
nice curlicues but was harder to control
because of the sharpened beard. The
Frontier made fine curlicues. However,
it had a few sharp spots on the beard.

SPLITTING IMAGE
I had some 1-inch-thick oak slabs from
the local saw mill that needed splitting
into thinner strips. The Frontier’s fi rst
chop was deep. I picked it up, along with

N OV E MBE R 2 019 blad emag.co m 47

 SPEC SHEET |
FREE KNIFE CATALOG
A complete catalog of knives, including
Damascus, collectors knives, tactical and
work knives, and much more!

To request a free catalog of

knives, visit our website at
www.bokerusa.com or call
1-800-835-6433 Both hawks produced nice curlicues for fire starting.

POST-TEST SHARPNESS into the noodle with each hawk. Both

Before I put the hawks away, I wanted maintained their original sharpness
to do one more cutting test to see if and sliced very cleanly, a sign of
the edges were still sharp, so I broke excellent heat treatment.
out the pool noodle. I sliced 10 times

THE AMERICAN BLADESMITH SOCIETY

Preserving the art

of the forged blade since 1976
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DQGGHPRQVWUDWLRQV
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VHPLQDUVDURXQGWKH
FRXQWU\DQGDEURDG
&KHFNXVRXW
ǁǁǁ͘ĂŵĞƌŝĐĂŶďůĂĚĞƐŵŝƚŚ͘ĐŽŵ;ĐůŝĐŬŽŶ^ĐŚŽŽůƐĂŶĚEĞǁƐͿ For splitting wood, the author indicated he
would prefer a thinner head profile on the
KƌĐĂůůŝŶĚLJ^ŚĞĞůLJĂƚϰϭϵͲϴϯϮͲϬϰϬϬ ®
Frontier. (BLADE staff image)

4 8 BL ADE N OV EMBE R 2 019

FEELIN’ IT
It comes down to the feel of each hawk
to choose the one that’s right for you.
Both performed great.

I WOULD …
… go with a shorter sharpened bottom
on the Kestrel, and, for splitting wood,
a thinner head profile on the Frontier.
These suggestions are simply due to
the way I use a tomahawk.

Both makers warrant their hawks to be

free from defects. Warranties are case
by case, so no abuse is allowed. For
more information contact RMJ Tactical
866-779-6922 contact@rmjtactical.com
and/or McCoun Tomahawks 804-712-
5804 mccountomahawks.com.

For the latest knives, knife news, trends

and more visit blademag.com, BLADE®’s
popular Instagram page at @blade_
magazine, and on Facebook and Twitter.

N OV E MBE R 2 019 blad emag.co m 49

FO RGE D KNIV ES | BY B.R. HUGHES BLADE® FIELD EDITOR

ABS PRESENTS TOP ANNUAL

AWARDS IN ATLANTA

JOE KEESLAR AWARD Jackson Rumble’s

integral keyhole fighter features an 8.25-
inch blade of 5160 carbon steel, integral
5160 fittings and a desert ironwood
handle. Overall length: 13 inches.
Maker’s list price for a similar piece:
$2,000. (Chuck Ward image)

Australia’s Jackson Rumble (left) accepts the Joe Keeslar Award for the best knife
submitted by an ABS journeyman smith applicant for judging from ABS master smith
Mike Williams (right). (B.R. and Carolyn Hughes image)

5 0 BL ADE N OV EMBE R 2 019

NEW MASTER SMITH
Zach Jonas (New Hampshire)

NEW JOURNEYMAN SMITHS

Mitch Cargile (Mississippi)
Charles Carpenter (Missouri)
John Cenotto (Washington)
Justin Chenault (Ohio)
Michael Clark Jr. (Oregon)
Rudy Dean (Virginia)
Francesco Muci (Florida)
Steve Myers (Illinois)
Matt Roberts (Virginia)
Jackson Rumble (Australia)
J.J. Simon (Delaware) TIE for the HASTINGS ABS master smiths Kevin Cashen (left) and Mike Williams
Stuart Smith (South Africa) (right) tied for the Society’s most important individual honor, the Don Hastings Award,
presented “in recognition of their unselfish and untiring efforts on behalf of bladesmithing
Kelly Vermeer-Vella (California) performed in a manner worthy of the man for whom this award is respectfully dedicated.”
Jason Weightman (Australia) Making the presentation to both is one of the four original ABS founders, B.R. Hughes.
Stephen Williamson (Florida) (Carolyn Hughes images)

of Knife Magazine and as a member of one of those ABS founding members,

F
orging knives has never been so the Antique Bowie Knife Association this writer has served as the secretary
popular, and the American Blade- (ABKA), presented ABKA awards to Mace of the organization since 1984. It was
smith Society celebrated that fact Vitale (JS) and Tommy Gann (MS) for my pleasure to announce a tie for the
and the best of its best during its annual making the best knives in a 19th-century prestigious award—the highest honor
awards reception at BLADE Show 2019. style. Vitale’s knife won in the JS category the ABS can confer—between the new
As has been the custom for three and Gann’s prevailed in the MS category. ABS vice president, Kevin Cashen (MS),
decades, the ABS faithful gathered at the who has made countless contributions
world’s largest knife show to reward those TIE for the HASTINGS to improve the ABS Forum, and Mike
who have performed over and above the The Don Hastings Award is named after Williams (MS). Mike is the liaison officer
call of duty on behalf of the Society. Thus, one of the four founders of the Society between the ABS and Texarkana College
on the evening of June 7 ABS master and who died of cancer in 1986. Also and the director of the Piney Woods
smith (MS) Steve Dunn, who had been
installed fewer than 244 hours earlier as BILL MORAN AWARD Based on Bill Moran’s 50th Anniversary
the new ABS presidentt, greeted the large Knife, Butch Sheely’s integral camp knife has a 10.5-inch blade
of 1095 carbon steel, an antler and curly maple handle, and
crowd in a ballroom o of the Renaissance sterling silver fittings. Overall length: 15.5 inches. Maker’s list
Atlanta Waverly Hotel. price for a similar knife: $1,950. (Chuck Ward image)
The annual top knivees recognized were
a highlight of the proceedings. The Joe
Keeslar Award is given to an applicant for
the ABS journeyman sm mith (JS) rating for
the best knife of all thhose submitted by
the applicants as deterrmined by a panel
of judges. This year’s wiinner is Australian
Jackson Rumble. Mikke Williams, head
judge of the JS judgingg panel, made the
presentation.
Robert Wilson, a m member
of the ABS board an nd
also president of the
Moran Foundation,
presented the Bill
Moran Award to Butch Sheely (JS) for ABS journeyman smith Butch Sheely (left)
making the best knife in the “Moran style.” accepts the Bill Moran Award for making
the best knife in a Moran style from Robert
Mark Zalesky, who serves on the ABS Wilson, president of the Moran Foundation.
board of directors, as editor/publisher (B.R. and Carolyn Hughes image)

N OV E MBE R 2 019 blad emag.co m 51

 FO R G ED K N I VE S |
bokerusa.com
of bladesmithing. He has performed in an
exemplary manner during the relocation
of the Moran School as well. Kevin
Cashen, who made the presentation, is a
previous winner of the honor.
A previous recipient of the Hastings
Award, ABS journeyman smith (JS)
Bill Wiggins presented distinguished
service plaques to Karl Andersen (JS),
J.R. Cook (MS), Deborah Dean and
Carolyn Hughes. Andersen has worked
extensively on the ABS Forum; Cook
has taught at numerous ABS schools and
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hammer-ins; Mrs. Dean worked long

W.W. SCAGEL AWARD Don McIntosh left), hours assisting outgoing ABS president
coordinator of bladesmithing at Texarkana Harvey Dean (MS) during his tenure as
College, receives the W.W. Scagel Award for
the top ABS officer; and Mrs. Hughes
his exemplary performance in the relocation
of the Bill Moran School of Bladesmithing to serves as editor of the ABS Journal.
Texarkana College. New ABS Vice President Deborah Dean, the most recent
Kevin Cashen makes the presentation. (B.R. recipient of the Silver Slipper Award,
and Carolyn Hughes image) given for her tireless work to support the
ABS in its efforts to preserve the forged
Hammer-Ins held twice yearly at the Bill blade, presented the 2019 Silver Slipper
Moran School of Bladesmithing, now plaque to Cindy Sheely, ABS executive
located on the campus of Texarkana secretary. Cindy does far more to promote
College in Texarkana, Texas. Mike has the ABS than her duties require.
been very active in the Moran School’s Zack Jonas, the only applicant for the
relocation over the past few months from ABS master smith rating, earned his
Old Washington, Arkansas, to Texarkana. stamp during the show. He received his
The W.W. Scagel Award, given for certificate from Greg Neely (MS), head
outstanding service in the field of judge of the MS panel, and Steve Dunn.
bladesmithing education, went to Don Mike Williams and Steve Dunn handed
McIntosh, Texarkana College coordinator out 15 JS certificates to those who had

ABKA JS AWARD Mace Vitale’s “Pradel” is based on a

reproduction of a knife made by Blaise Pradel, a French maker
who lived in New Orleans between 1848-68. Blade length and
steel: 7.5 inches and wootz from “failed” damascus and “a little
bit of meteorite.” Handle and fittings: Blackwood and nickel
silver. Overall length: 12 inches. The maker’s list price for a
similar piece: $5,000. (Chuck Ward image)

Mace Vitale (right) accepts the Antique

Bowie Knife Association Award for the best
knife made in a 19th-century style by an
ABS journeyman smith. Presenting is Mark
Zalesky, an ABS board director and editor/
publisher of Knife Magazine. (B.R. and
Carolyn Hughes image)

52 BL ADE N OV EMBE R 2 019

 Outgoing ABS President Harvey Dean
(right) receives the Exceptional Service
plaque for four years of outstanding duty
as ABS headman from incoming ABS
Zack Jonas (center), the only applicant for the ABS master smith (MS) rating, earned his
President Steve Dunn. (B.R. and Carolyn
stamp during the show. He receives his certificate from Greg Neely (right), head judge of the
Hughes image)
MS panel, and new ABS President Steve Dunn (left). (B.R. and Carolyn Hughes image)

passed the test earlier that day: Mitch ended a very special evening that featured For the latest knives, knife news, trends
Cargile; Charles Carpenter; John Cenotto; a number of very special people! and more visit blademag.com, BLADE®’s
Justin Chenault; Michael Clark Jr.; Rudy popular Instagram page at @blade_
Dean; Francesco Muci; Steve Myers; Matt For the contact information for the knives magazine, and on Facebook and Twitter.
Roberts; Jackson Rumble; J.J. Simon; Stuart in the story, see “Where To Get ’Em” on
Smith; Kelly Vermeer-Vella; Stephen page 81.
Williamson; and Jason Weightman.
Harvey Dean presented Chairman’s
Awards to James Crowell (MS) for his
many years of teaching bladesmithing,
along with Bill Ruple for his willingness
to teach others how to make folding
True craftsmanship takes time.
knives, and Alex Whetsell for his help
with the ABS website.
Your steel shipments shouldn’t.
The final award of the evening was a Accurate, on-time delivery you can rely on, for any size order.
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N OV E MBE R 2 019 blad emag.co m 5 3

BL A DE WOR KS HO P | BY WALLY HAYES

15 STEPS OF RICK MARCHAND’S

SPECIAL BLADE ETCH METHOD

Rick Marchand
M (inset) used his special etch on the blade of his Persian
P B w Blade and overall incch
Bowie.
lengths: 13 and 19.9 Blade material: 5160 carbon steel. The handle is burnt stippled maple with
w a hemp
w
wrap, and steel and copper fittings. HHis list price for a similar piece: $1,900.
$ 9 (SharpByCoop
a knife im
mage)

5 4 BL ADE N OV EMBE R 2 019

 Sand your blade by hand. It doesn’t need
1 to be immaculate. Rick usually goes to 220
grit. Clean and degrease.

en years ago I met

Rick Marchand when he
came by my shop to talk knives.
In this article I would like to share his dif-
ferent way to put a finish on a blade.
At some point in our subsequent many
visits,, I mentioned to Rick that he had to
create his own style of knifemaking. Well, he
did—and this is how he does it. As he noted, Apply your cold bluing in a random pattern.
“There is more than one way to etch a blade. Avoid using gels. Instead, stick with the liquid.
This method is versatile and works for me.”
By the way, Rick’s process works with 2
high carbon steels only.

For more information contact Rick

Marchand, Dept. BL11, c/o Wildertools,
Lunenburg, Nova Scotia, Canada B0J 2C0
226-783-8771 rickmarchand@wildertools.
com, wildertools.com.

For the latest knives, knife news, trends

and more visit blademag.com, BLADE®’s
popular Instagram page at @blade_
magazine, and on Facebook and Twitter.

Use steel wool to scrub the blade

3 with the blue solution. Dab it to
give it a mottled look.
5
Combine a 1-to-1 ratio
of bleach and water.
Submerge your blade
completely in one motion
to avoid lines. The reaction
starts immediately. Do
it in a well-ventilated
area, preferably outside.
WARNING: Don’t put your
face over the container!
The fumes are toxic but
dissipate quickly.
4 Do not remove the solution.
Allow it to dry thoroughly.

N OV E MBE R 2 019 blad emag.co m 5 5

BL A DE WOR KS HO P |

6 ®
The Chia Pet effect seems to
In about 20 minutes 7 coagulate on the blade outside of
the bleach/water solution.
your blade will rust like a
Chia Pet ®. The tiny bits
of steel wool slide down
as the acid reacts. As a
result, depending on the
orientation of the blade in
the container, you will get
a different pattern. This
one is diagonal.

Scrub the rust off your

8 blade in a bucket of water,

using either steel wool or
a Scotch-Brite™ pad.

9
Clean the etched
blade thoroughly
with soap and water.

www.blacksmithsdepot.com
Kayne and Son
100 Daniel Ridge Rd Candler NC 28715 USA
10
Some like the blade as etched,
PHONE: 828-667-8868 but Rick prefers to selectively
sand away some of the pattern to
International Shipping available • Inquiries Welcome create a gradient look from spine
to edge.

5 6 BL ADE N OV EMBE R 2 019

 NC Tool Company Inc
6133 Hunt Rd Pleasant Garden, NC 27313
336-674-5654 | 800-446-6498
www.nctoolco.com

11 The sanded blade has a satin

finish along the edge.
12 Reapply the gun
blue solution.

13 Wash the blade off with soap and water,

and spray it down with WD-40 ®. NC Knifemaker 21 Gas Forge
-Easy on fuel
-Reaches welding temperature

14
Lightly buff with 2,000 NC Knifemaker Anvil
grit wet/dry paper to create -Classic traditional design
highlights. Again, selectively
-Shipping weight 70 lbs
sand to create your own look.
15 The finished blade. A Bladesmithing Combination
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N OV E MBE R 2 019 blad emag.co m 57

CHOPPIN’ UP | BY PAT COVERT

IMAGES BY THE AUTHOR

Today’s hatchets are as diverse as the day

is long. From right: CRKT/Ruger Black
Powder (this issue’s cover piece), TOPS
Knives Grandpa’s Ax, Puma XP Packable
Camping Hatchet and ESEE Gibson Axe.

HATCHETS CAN HACK IT!

DESIGN AND TECHNOLOGY HAVE TRANSFORMED THE MODERN-DAY HATCHET

5 8 BL ADE N OV EMBE R 2 019

 TOPS KNIVES The TOPS Grandpa’s Ax does not have a
GRANDPA’S AX true carving head design but works very
well at sculpting nonetheless, shaving this
CUTTING EDGE: 4” thick tent stake down to a fine point. The
1095 carbon steel loves to bite!
BLADE MATERIAL: 1095 carbon steel
HEAD WIDTH: 5”
HEAD THICKNESS: .24”
BLADE COATING: Stonewashed
HANDLE MATERIAL: Green Micarta
SPECIAL FEATURE: Leather head
cover w/strap lock
CARRY: Pack
WEIGHT: 1.68 lbs.
OVERALL LENGTH: 11”
COUNTRY OF MANUFACTURE: USA
MSRP: $200

H
atchets can hack it. What with
the rise of the tomahawk for tac-
tical users and the emergence of
the bushcraft movement with outdoor
enthusiasts, there’s plenty to choose
from today. Nothing more than a small
axe, the hatchet is advantageous to its
big brother because it packs more eas-
ily and delivers excellent results.
Design and technology have
transformed the modern-day hatchet.
The James Gibson-designed ESEE Gibson
Axe has a couple of features that stand This issue’s cover piece (page 7),
the CRKT/Ruger Black Powder is a
out. The chopping head boasts the old, mauler at heart. The only hatchet
in the test group with such a thick
CRKT/RUGER BLACK head, it was able to split oak
easily via a baton cut.
POWDER HATCHET
CUTTING EDGE: 3.125”
BLADE MATERIAL: 1055 carbon steel
HEAD WIDTH: 4.75”
HEAD THICKNESS: .9”
BLADE COATING: Black powder coat
HANDLE MATERIAL: Glass-
reinforced nylon (GRN)
SPECIAL FEATURE: Hammer tail
base
CARRY: Nylon sheath
WEIGHT: 26.8 ounces
OVERALL LENGTH: 13.188”
COUNTRY OF MANUFACTURE:
Taiwan
MSRP: $54.99

N OV E MBE R 2 019 blad emag.co m 5 9

CHOPPIN’ UP |

ESEE GIBSON AXE

Note how the beard drops down on CUTTING EDGE: 2.75”
the ESEE Gibson Axe, making for
an excellent tool for gouging a thick BLADE MATERIAL: 1095 carbon steel
piece of myrtle wood. HEAD WIDTH: 4.5”
HEAD THICKNESS: .25”
BLADE COATING: Black oxide
HANDLE MATERIAL: Micarta
SPECIAL FEATURE: Chunked
Micarta grips
CARRY: Leather belt sheath
WEIGHT: 1.45 lbs.
OVERALL LENGTH: 10.5”
COUNTRY OF MANUFACTURE: USA
MSRP: $268.54
low-slung “bearded-axe” shape. The
full-tang design has smoothly and nicely
sculpted grooved scales going halfway
up the hatchet’s length. ESEE includes a
brown leather bit cover to protect the edge
when the hatchet is not in use.
This issue’s cover piece (page 7), the
CRKT/Ruger Black Powder Hatchet is
the largest in the test group. It also has
the thickest head and is the heaviest.
On the back end, there’s a blunt-force
hammerhead/poll. The hidden-tang
handle is fully covered, finely textured
and ovate in cross section like old-school
handles.

PUMA XP PACKABLE
CAMPING HATCHET
The thin bit of the Puma XP
Packable Camping Hatchet skins CUTTING EDGE: 3.5”
bark off a myrtle branch. It is BLADE MATERIAL: 420 stainless
a thin, lightweight design that
weighs a svelte 1.1 pounds. steel
HEAD WIDTH: 5”
HEAD THICKNESS: .19”
BLADE COATING: Black powder coat
HANDLE MATERIAL: Injection-
molded polymer
SPECIAL FEATURE: Thumb ramp on
handle
CARRY: Ballistic nylon belt sheath
WEIGHT: 1.1 lbs.
OVERALL LENGTH: 12”
COUNTRY OF MANUFACTURE:
China
MSRP: $44.99

6 0 BL ADE N OV EMBE R 2 019

 RUMBLE
CUSTOM KNIVES

Jackson Rumble
rumblejackson@gmail.com

rumble_knives

Check out the design diversity of the test

group’s grips. From left (above) are the TOPS
Knives Grandpa’s Ax and CRKT/Ruger Black
Powder, and (below) are the Puma XP Packable
Camping Hatchet and ESEE Gibson Axe.

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BÖHLER N690 STEEL
SCANDI GROUND
CURLY BIRCH SCALES
7” OVERALL
4 1/8” CLOSED
3” BLADE
4” HANDLE
JUST 4 OZ

Visit our website for more details http://casiberia.com/ - Or call us at (800) 635-9366 - Dealer inquiries welcome

M
The Puma XP Packable Camping M · BADER · BALDOR · BURR KING · DEERFOS · DAMASTEEL · DYNABRADE · ELECTRO CHE E
·3

TCH · EVENHEAT · HARDCORE PRODUCTS

©
Hatchet is the lightest of the test bunch. All
HERMES · KALAMAZOO · KLINGSPOR ·

exposed steel of the head is black powder

coated. It is a slender hacker. The 5.5-inch
handle is a two-tone, hidden-tang design
with finger grooves. A ballistic nylon full
head cover with snap loop is included.
The TOPS Knives Grandpa’s Ax
features lashing holes in the rear. The 760 East Francis Street, Unit N (909) 923-4116
Ontario, California 91761 trugritinc@gmail.com
full-tang design offers a 5.25-inch handle ABRASIVE BELTS, BLOCKS, DISCS, PADS, ROLLS, STONES & WHEELS ∙ ADHESIVES ∙ BLADE BLANKS ∙
with a welcome, gracefully sculpted BUFFERS ∙ BUFFING WHEELS ∙ CARBON FIBER ∙ COMPOUNDS ∙ DAMASCUS ∙ ETCHING SUPPLIES ∙ KILNS ∙
palm swell. A nice, full head cover of GRINDERS ∙ HANDLE MATERIALS ∙ HARDWARE ∙ HEAT TREATING PRODUCTS & SERVICES ∙ KNIFE CASES ∙
KYDEX ∙ LINERS ∙ MACHINES & ACCESSORIES ∙ MOSAIC PINS ∙ PARTS ∙ SAFETY PRODUCTS ∙
brown leather is included complete with SCOTCH-BRITE ∙ SHARPENING SUPPLIES ∙ SHEETS ∙ STEELS ∙ TITANIUM & MUCH MORE
M TM ·
a snap-on strap to secure the hatchet. E RIT · NORTON · PEARL · STANDARD ABRASIVES · SURGI-SHARP · VSM · WALTER · WILTON

N OV E MBE R 2 019 blad emag.co m 61

 CHOPPIN’ UP |

WANT A RAZOR EDGE? The TOPS Grandpa’s Ax has the widest

cutting edge of all the test hatchets by a full
• No experience needed • Quick & fast half inch, allowing it to take a wider swath
out of the subject at hand. Note the lashing
• Just pull backwards • Maintenance free points on the backside of the head, an
uncommon feature on hatchets.
• Handmade right here • Tells you when you’re
at Knives Plus finished
CHOP-OFF
KNIVES PLUS STROP BLOCK Because the four test hatchets are
800-687-6202 OR WWW.KNIVESPLUS.COM of similar size, I ran them through a
battery of tests, including chopping
We are a stocking dealer of most major knife brands since 1987.
green hardwood, batoning firewood,
debarking, hammering and the like.
The ESEE Gibson and TOPS Grandpa
are similar in that both can be used as
carving tools. Th is feature allows you to
choke up high under the handle, with
the hatchet head dropping down in
front of your hand. It also lets you use
the cutting edge as a chisel-like tool for
fi ne-tuning items such as stake points,
cooking notches and stripping bark.
4857 South Orange Blossom Trail The Gibson Axe’s grooved handle is
Orlando, Florida 32839 407-855-8075 a real plus for gripping and the overall
balance is excellent. The ESEE proved
NEW 80TH ANNIVERSARY CATALOG – PRICE $2.00 the best carver of the bunch, because,
INTL. MAILING – CATALOG US $6.00 http://www.randallknives.com well, that’s one of the things James
Gibson designed it to do. I was able to do
some nice, clean gouging on a fat stick
of myrtle wood. The edge did its job—in
spades. I do recommend wearing thick
gloves when carving to keep the bite of
the steel shaft on your hand at bay. Some
serious outdoor types make a special
leather cover for just this purpose.
The TOPS Grandpa’s Ax has good
heft. As with the ESEE, its carbon steel
loves to bite. Anyone who has tried many
different steels knows that some just feel
and perform better than others—and
this could be why 1095 is so popular on
knives. The Grandpa’s Ax attacked the
myrtle wood quite effectively. The lengthy

6 2 BL ADE N OV EMBE R 2 019

 Andre De Villiers
cutting edge came in mighty handy when New Gen 3 Butcher
I chopped through the myrtle branches. Now with M390 Steel
Choking up on the shaft, I used the bit for Blade length: 3,9” OAL=9”
Frame all titanium frame lock - runs on bearings
pointing a beefy tent stake and found it Various handle options & cerakote colors
worked like a charm for the job as well.
The Puma XP Packable Hatchet not PRICE - $450 to $480
only is the lightest of the test bunch but
also is the thinnest across the midsection. ALL KNIVES
It’s truly packable. Its thin head performed FULLY GUARANTEED
surprisingly well at chopping through a
thick branch of myrtle and debarking the Facebook: Andre de Villiers | Instagram: advtactical | Email: adv44sales@gmail.com
perimeter.
One thing that really stands out with
the Puma is the handle. Anyone who Shigeno, Loveless
remembers his formative days of first and Fisk Hand
using a hatchet has had one get away Made knives!
from him, flying off to God knows where.
It’s dangerous as all get out. However, We have in stock some hunting
the finger-grooved grip on the Puma knives from some legendary
XP is excellent for preventing this from knifemakers! Check them
happening, making it a great hatchet for out and other fine
the beginning or casual user.
The CRKT/Ruger Black Powder is a
whole ’nother animal from the rest of the
knives on our
website! PLAZA
UTLERY
group. It’s a mauler. When it takes out Check us out at
chunks, it takes out big chunks. It’s the plazacutlery.com Email: dan@plazacutlery.com | Phone: 714-964-0816
only one of the group that could easily
split seasoned oak firewood by a baton cut.
Because of the hammer on the base, the
Black Powder is also the best at driving tent
stakes, and if you ever have a need to drive

HAWKINS KNIFE MAKING SUPPLIES

110 BUCKEYE RD., FAYETTEVILLE, GA 30214
PHONE 770-964-1023
Contact us for your
Knifemaking Supplies and Equipment!
Note how the hand grips the haft by the beard
of ESEE’s Gibson Axe. The cutting edge drops
www.HawkinsKnifeMakin Supplies.com
down, making for a straightforward push for Send $2.00 for Complete Listing • ALL MAJOR CREDIT CARDS ACCEPTED
skinning, shaving and gouging.

N OV E MBE R 2 019 blad emag.co m 6 3

 CHOPPIN’ UP |

CHAD NICHOLS DAMASCUS

High carbon, high contrast Damascus
The CRKT/Ruger Black Powder won the
Stainless Damascus hammering-and-stake-pounding war due to its
Mosaic Damascus wide head. The hammer at the base measures
.75 inch across compared to just .25 inch
Mokume found on its two nearest test competitors.
Large quantities and wholesale
pricing available nails for a shelter or camp rig, it’ll do that,
too. You won’t find the finesse of the other
candidates on this one, and it also has the
662.538.5966 662.255.0524 www.chadnicholsdamascus.com shortest blade edge. If you need a bruiser,
the Black Powder is your hatchet.
STATEMENT OF OWNERSHIP, MANAGEMENT AND CIRCULATION (required by Act of August 12, 1970: Section 3685, Ti-
tle 39, United States Code). 1. Blade 2. (ISSN: 1064-5853) 3. Filing date: 10/1/19. 4. Issue frequency: 13 issues annually. 5. Number MAY the BEST CHOPPER WIN!
of issues published annually: 13. 6. The annual subscription price is $27.98. 7. Complete mailing address of known office of pub- All the hatchets chopped through thick
lication: Gun Digest Media, LLC, 5600 West Grande Market Dr., Suite 100, Appleton, WI 54913 . Contact person: Greg Krueger.
Telephone: 920.471.4522 extension 101. Complete mailing address of headquarters or general business office of publisher: Gun myrtle wood branches with no problem.
Digest Media, LLC, 5600 West Grande Market Dr., Suite 100, Appleton, WI 54913. 9. Full names and complete mailing addresses They’re hatchets—that’s what they do!
of publisher, editor, and managing editor. Publisher, Jim Schlender, 5600 West Grande Market Dr., Suite 100, Appleton, WI 54913,
Editor, Steve Shackleford, 5600 West Grande Market Dr., Suite 100, Appleton, WI 54913. 11. Known bondholders, mortgages, and I did prefer the bite of the two carbon-
other security holders owning or holding 1 percent of more of total amount of bonds, mortgages or other securities: none . 12.
Tax status: Has Not Changed During Preceding 12 Months. 13. Publisher title: Blade. 14. Issue date for circulation data below: steel models—the ESEE and TOPS—to
October 19. 15. The extent and nature of circulation: A. Total number of copies printed (Net press run): 19,488. Average number the stainless ones, but I wouldn’t hesitate
of copies each issue during preceding 12 months: 19,391. Actual number of copies of single issue published nearest to filing date:
19,488. B. Paid circulation. 1. Mailed outside-county paid subscriptions. Average number of copies each issue during the preceding to use either of them. They were the best
12 months: 11,089. Actual number of copies of single issue published nearest to filing date: 11,630. 2. Mailed in-county paid carvers as well.
subscriptions. Average number of copies each issue during the preceding 12 months: 0. Actual number of copies of single issue
published nearest to filing date: 0. 3. Sales through dealers and carriers, street vendors and counter sales. Average number of copies From there we get into other specifics,
each issue during the preceding 12 months: 1,830. Actual number of copies of single issue published nearest to filing date: 1,811. 4. such as weight and packability. The Puma
Paid distribution through other classes mailed through the USPS. Average number of copies each issue during the preceding 12
months: 11. Actual number of copies of single issue published nearest to filing date: 0. C. Total paid distribution. Average number XP is lightweight, therefore it’s the easiest
of copies each issue during preceding 12 months: 12,930. Actual number of copies of single issue published nearest to filing date;
13,441. D. Free or nominal rate distribution (by mail and outside mail). 1. Free or nominal Outside-County. Average number of to tote to camp—and it has a heck of a grip.
copies each issue during the preceding 12 months: 88. Number of copies of single issue published nearest to filing date: 77. 2. Free The CRKT/Ruger Black Powder is heavy
or nominal rate in-county copies. Average number of copies each issue during the preceding 12 months: 0. Number of copies of
single issue published nearest to filing date: 0. 3. Free or nominal rate copies mailed at other Classes through the USPS. Average but it’s the only basher of the bunch that
number of copies each issue during preceding 12 months: 0. Number of copies of single issue published nearest to filing date: can split wood with ease.
0. 4. Free or nominal rate distribution outside the mail. Average number of copies each issue during preceding 12 months: 498.
Number of copies of single issue published nearest to filing date: 254. E. Total free or nominal rate distribution. Average number of These are all choices you need to
copies each issue during preceding 12 months: 586. Actual number of copies of single issue published nearest to filing date: 331. take into consideration when buying a
F. Total distribution (sum of 15c and 15e). Average number of copies each issue during preceding 12 months: 13,517. Actual
number of copies of single issue published nearest to filing date: 13,772. G. Copies not Distributed. Average number of copies hatchet. May the best chopper win!
each issue during preceding 12 months: 5,875. Actual number of copies of single issue published nearest to filing date: 5,716. H.
Total (sum of 15f and 15g). Average number of copies each issue during preceding 12 months: 19,391. Actual number of copies
of single issue published nearest to filing: 19,488. I. Percent paid. Average percent of copies paid for the preceding 12 months: For the contact information for the knives
95.7% Actual percent of copies paid for the preceding 12 months: 97.6% 16. Electronic Copy Circulation: A. Paid Electronic
Copies. Average number of copies each issue during preceding 12 months: 999. Actual number of copies of single issue published in the story, see “Where To Get ’Em” on
nearest to filing date: 1,104. B. Total Paid Print Copies (Line 15c) + Paid Electronic Copies (Line 16a). Average number of copies page 81.
each issue during preceding 12 months: 13,929. Actual number of copies of single issue published nearest to filing date: 14,545.
C. Total Print Distribution (Line 15f) + Paid Electronic Copies (Line 16a). Average number of copies each issue during preceding
12 months: 14,515. Actual number of copies of single issue published nearest to filing date: 14,876. D. Percent Paid (Both Print For the latest knives, knife news, trends
& Electronic Copies) (16b divided by 16c x 100). Average number of copies each issue during preceding 12 months: 96%. Actual
number of copies of single issue published nearest to filing date: 97.8%. I certify that 50% of all distributed copies (electronic and more visit  blademag.com, BLADE®’s
and print) are paid above nominal price: Yes. Report circulation on PS Form 3526-X worksheet 17. Publication of statement of
ownership will be printed in the Nov 2019 issue of the publication. 18. Signature and title of editor, publisher, business manager, popular Instagram page at @blade_
or owner: Jim Schlender, Publisher. I certify that all information furnished on this form is true and complete. I understand that magazine, and on Facebook and Twitter.
anyone who furnishes false or misleading information on this form or who omits material or information requested on the form
may be subject to criminal sanction and civil actions.

6 4 BL ADE N OV EMBE R 2 019

 MARKETPLACE
For Advertising Information contact: Lori McDaniel, Advertising Sales
lori@gundigest.com | 715.498.3768
Advertising Deadlines: CKG 2020 issue – October 28

SCAGEL
Knives, Carving
Sets, Axes,
Marbles and
November 1-3 Loveless Knives
Oregon Convention Center WANTED
Portland, OR Gordon White
P.O. Box 181, Cuthbert, GA 39840
229-732-6982, anytime
bladeshow west.com

ViXXiN® TM

Neo Tactical
The Integral *We are not affiliated with the “R.W. Loveless Knives” logos and products being made after Bob’s death or any late period knives.
Blade Length: 6 5/8”
OAL: 12” For the most
CPM154cm Passionate Largest Selection In The World Of Vintage Knives by Buy-Sell-Trade
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davidson.edmund@gmail.com John Denton • 706.781.8479 (24-7) john@boblovelessknives.com FOR 35 YEARS!

N OV E MBE R 2 019 blad emag.co m 6 5

A.G. Russell Knives, Inc. Bocki Custom Knives Jim Hammond
www.agrussell.com www.bockiknives.com Hammond Knives
ag@agrussell.com eshword@aol.com & Designs, LLC
www.jimhammondknives.com
Adams International Buckeye Engraving jim@jimhammondknives.com
Knifeworks - AIK www.BuckeyeEngraving.com
www.adamsknifeworks.com Stamps@BuckeyeEngraving.com Hawkins Knife Making Supplies
Customized Automatic Manufacturer of Custom www.hawkinsknifemaking
Knife Specialist Hand Stamps, Dies and Brands supplies.com
sales@hawkinsknifemaking
Admiral Steel CRKT supplies.com
www.admiralsteel.com www.crkt.com
terry@admiralsteel.com info@crkt.com Hoffman Knives - Selling
www.hoffmanknives.com
Widest Range of Stock for Blade
Culpepper & Co., Inc. wphoff@cox.net
Needs Top Quality Collection - Walt
www.knifehandles.com
Alaska - Northern Knives www.oldschoolknifeworks.com
J. Bruce Voyles Knife Auctions
www.northernknives.com www.stingrayproducts.com
www.jbrucevoyles.com
A Real Store & Working info@culpepperco.com knifeauctions@gmail.com
Knife Shop! email us to be put on the auction
Custom Knife Gallery of
Colorado notification list
re de Villiers - Facebook
em - adv44sales@gmail.com www.customknifegallery.com Jays Knives/American Edge
www.ad ctical.co.za bob_glassman@yahoo.com www.americanedgeknives.com
Butcher SO lders. www.jaysknives.com
Cutlery Specialties
info@americanedgeknives.com
Arizona Custom Kni www.restorationproduct.com
Largest selection in the orld of dennis13@aol.com JerzeeDevil
new and consigned knives the Renaissance Micro-Crystalline www.jerzeedevil.com
internet. Let us help you find t Wax/Polish, Dennis Blaine webdevil@jerzeedevil.com
perfect knife. The best damn forum, period
Hoskin's Hand-Made Combat
www.arizonacustomknives.com
Knife Center
sharptalk@arizonacustomknives.com
www. skinsknives.com www.knifecenter.com
dhbladeisl d@twc.com info@knifecenter.com
Arkansas Made Dozier, Inc.
www.dozierknives.com Bob Dozier Kni Knife Country USA
info@dozierknives.com www.dozierkn es.com www.knifecountryUSA.com
info@dozie ives.com customercare@knifecountryUSA.com
Artknives.com
www.artknives.com Emerso nives KnifeKits.com
fred@fredeisenleather.com mersonknives.com
m www.knifekits.com
emersonknives.com We ship Worldwide
BladeGallery.com
aneema Cutlery KnifeSupply.com
www.bladegallery.com
www.faneemacutlery.com www.KnifeSupply.com
www.bladeconnection.com customerservice@knifesupply.com
www.epicedge.com janice@faneema.com
Handmade Damascus Knives - America's #1 Knife Supply
BladeJunkee Hunting, Pocket, Kitchen, Razors Knives Plus
www.bladejunkee.com and Axes www.knivesplus.com
bladejunkee73@gmail. m knivesplus@knivesplus.com
BladeOps, LLC Friedly Brother's Knifeworks L.T. Wright Handcrafted Knives
www.bladeops.c www.friedlybrothers.com www.ltwrightknives.com
trevor@blade .com friedlybrothers@yahoo.com info@ltwrightknives.com
 LATAMA Cutlery Plaza Cutlery Smoky Mountain Knife Works
www.latama.com www.plazacutlery.com www.smokymountainknifeworks.com
pick@latama.com dan@plazacutlery.com webmaster@smkw.com
Spring Steel-Oil-Newsletter Randall, Reeve, Medford & others Sooner State Knives
Lee’s Cutlery Darrel Ralph www.soonerstateknives.com
www.darrelralph.com ssknives@swbell.net
www.leescutlery.com darrel@darrelralph.com
beeneJL43@earthlink.net Stcroixblades.com
Rat Worx, Inc. info@stcroixblades.com
Mike Murphy www.ratworxusa.com Large Collection Buyer, & Retailer
Michigan Custom Knives guns@ratworxusa.com Knives, & Japanese Swords
www.michigancustomknives.com Recon 1
mlds@tm.net True North Knives
Your number one source for Custom www.truenorthknives.com
Purveyor of Custom Knives Knives and Shirogorov Knives info@truenorthknives.com
New Graham Knives www.Recon1.com Uncle Al
www.newgraham.com sales@recon1.com www.riversidemachine.net
mdye@newgraham.com Red Hill Cutlery uncleal@riversidemachine.net
Off-Grid Knives www.redhillcutlery.com
offgridknives.com jrbasham@redhillcutlery.com
offgrid@offgridknives.com Santa Fe Stoneworks
Family Owned Business www.santafestoneworks.com
Over-Engineered & Underpriced knives@RT66.com
Hard-Use Knives Unique one of a kind gemstone
handled cutlery

TO LIST YOUR WEBSITE PLEASE CONTACT:

LORI MCDANIEL:715-498-3768 • lori@gundigest.com

ADVERTISERS’ INDEX
A F M T
Admiral Steel/Terry Summers ..... 53 Fallkniven .................................... 57 Masecraft Supply Co ................... 40 TFS Knives .................................. 65
American Bladesmith Society ...... 48 Flexcut ......................................... 30 MGE Wholesale........................... 19 TOPS Knives ............................... 21
Arizona Custom Knives ............... 16 G Michigan Custom Knives ............. 67 Tormach, LLC .............................. 33
Artisan Cutlery ............................. 83 Gaston Glock Style, LP ............... 43 N Tru-Grit ........................................ 61
B H NC Tool Company ....................... 57 U
Blade House .......................... 37, 39 Halfbreed Blades Niagara Specialty Metals ............. 38 Universal Customized Grips ........ 20
BladeGallery- Australia Pty Ltd. ....................... 11 Nichols Damascus ....................... 64 V
Takefu Steel USA ...................... 23 Hawkins Knifemaking Supplies ... 63 Nordic Knives .............................. 46 VZ Grips ...................................... 41
Bladeops, LLC ............................... 8 J O W
Blue Ridge Knives ....................... 36 Jackson Rumble .......................... 61 Ontario Knife Company ............... 84 We Knife Co., Ltd ........................ 29
Boker USA ............................. 48, 52 Jantz Supply ............................ 9, 31 P White, Gordon ............................. 65
Buckeye Engraving-Steel
Jim Hammond Knives.................. 74 Pineland Cutlery, Inc dba Spartan Work Sharp.................................. 47
Stamps ...................................... 62
K Blades........................................ 63
C Plaza Cutlery ............................... 63
KA-BAR Knives ............................. 2
CAS Iberia ................................... 61 Pro-Tech Knives, LLC ................. 49
Kayne Custom Hardware dba
Chris Reeve Knives ....................... 5
Blacksmith’s Depot .................... 56 PVK.COM ...................................... 3
CRKT ............................................. 8 Kershaw Knives/ Zero Tolerance Q
D Knives ........................................ 15 QSP Knife .................................... 43
Damasteel AB.............................. 15 Knife & Gun Finishing Supplies ... 46
Dave Ellis/Exquisiteknives.com ... 18 R
Knife Center................................. 64 Randall Made Knives................... 62
Davidson, Edmund ...................... 65 KnifeKits.com............................... 17
de Villiers, Andre/ADV Tactical.... 63 Recon 1 ....................................... 14
Knives Plus .................................. 62
Denton, John-Vintage Loveless... 65 Red Hill Cutlery............................ 67
Krudo Knives ............................... 65
Dozier Knives .............................. 49 Kystol Knife.................................. 42 S
E Smoky Mountain Knife Works ....... 7
L
Spyderco, Inc................................. 5
Evenheat Kiln, Inc........................ 61 Lambert Knives............................ 62

Don’t Miss The Next 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.

Lori McDaniel
Advertising Sales Issue Date Ad Deadline
Magazine 715-498-3768 CKG 2020 October 28, 2019
ORDER YOUR ADVERTISING TODAY! lori@gundigest.com

N OV E MBE R 2 019 blad emag.co m 6 7

W H AT ’ S N E W | BY BLADE® STAFF

MODEL NAME: Dominator

KNIFE TYPE: Fixed blade
MODEL NAME: Takobiki BLADE LENGTH: 4.75”
KNIFE TYPE: Kitchen BLADE MATERIAL: D2 tool steeel
BLADE PATTERN: Tanto BLADE THICKNESS: .18”
BLADE STEEL: Damasteel damascus BLADE PATTERN: Modified shheepfoot
HANDLE MATERIAL: Gold amboyna BLADE GRIND: Flat
giraffe bone and ancient Russian BLADE FINISH: Satin
bog oak HANDLE MATERIAL: G-10 in a choice of
OVERALL LENGTH: 22” green/black or grey/black
KNIFE TO KNOW: Blade is single beveled
b WEIGHT: 7.8 ozs.
MAKER: Pie Cutlery, attn.: Jody Haale, Dept. SHEATH: Kydex w/belt clip
BL11, 6450 Asa Way, Riverside, CCA 92509 MSRP: $99.98
909-319-2560 Piecutlery@yahoo.com, KNIFE TO KNOW: The Dominator is the lone
piecutlery.com Facebook/Instagraam: Pie_ fixed blade in a new line of eight knives
cutlery/Piecutlery (SharpByCoop image) from Pachmayr, a division of Lyman
Products
COMPANY: Pachmayr 860-632-2020
pachmayr.com

MODEL NAME: Integral EDC MODEL NAME: EDC Micro Sharpener & Knife Tool
KNIFE TYPE: Fixed blade SHARPENER PRODUCT: Angle-guide model
BLADE LENGTH: 3.5” ABRASIVE: Medium-grit diamond and fine-grit
BLADE STEEL: Damascus ceramic rods
BLADE GRIND: Flat grind w/a convexx edge BLADES AND EDGES SHARPENED: “Quickly
BLADE PATTERN: Harpoon restores a sharp edge to any knife”
HANDLE MATERIAL: African blackw wood UNIT DESCRIPTION: Ultra-compact size easily
KNIFE TO KNOW: The maker is the daughter of stows in a pack, pocket or tool or tackle box
ABS master smith Jason Knight KEEN FEATURES: Quarter-inch bit driver
MAKER’S LIST PRICE FOR A SIMILLAR KNIFE: includes common bit sizes T6, T8 and T10 to
$600-$1,200 depending on complexityy of the pattern adjust common knife hardware for pivots and
and materials used pocket clips
MAKER: Tigerlilly Knight 843-789-96442 COMPANY: Work Sharp/
tigerlilyesther@gmail.com (Whetstone Studio image) Darex, attn: Kyle M.
Crawford, Dept. BL11,
210 E. Hersey St.,
Ashland OR 97520
800-597-6170
ext. 7528 www.
worksharptools.com

6 8 BL ADE N OV E MBE R 2 019

 MODEL NAME: Buffalo Hunter
KNIFE TYPE: Fixed blade
BLADE LENGTH: 7”
MODEL NAME: Huntsman
BLADE STEEL: Casey Feather Damascus
CHOPPER TYPE: Hatchet
HANDLE: Blackwood
BLADE/HEAD STEEL: 440C stainless
FERRULE: 416 stainless steel, turquoise, damascus
EDGE LENGTH: 3.5”
POMMEL: Damascus w/turquoise
GUARD: 440C stainless steel
OVERALL LENGTH: 12”
HAFT: Cocobolo w/stainless steel pommel
KNIFE TO KNOW: Handle and inlay by Konstantin
OVERALL LENGTH: 11.75” Pushkarev; inlay materials are silver wire and
KNIFE TO KNOW: After meeting Rod Chappel, the mother-of-pearl
maker was inspired to build knives, and Chappel’s MAKER’S LIST PRICE FOR A SIMILAR KNIFE:
influence comes through in the Huntsman $6,000
SHEATH: Custom hand-tooled model by Jesse W. MAKER: Kevin Casey, Dept. BL11, 4
Smith Saaddlery Broken Arrow Rd., Lander WY 82520
MAKER’S LIST PRICE: $1,800 269-719-7412 kevinvecasey@gmail.com,
MAKER: BBig John Blades, c/o John kevincaseycustomknives.com Facebook/Instagram:
Dingmann, Reno, NV 209-499-4209 kcaseyknives/Kevin Casey Custom Knives
kmoniz@@nevada.unr.edu (SharpByCoop image)

TOOL: Kennedy Slip Joint Fixture

WHAT IT DOES: Perfectly adjusts the rise and
MODEL NAME: Backwoods hunter patch knife fall of all three positions of slip-joint blades to
BLADE LENGTH: 3.5” make them “walk and talk”
BLADE MATERIAL: 5160 carbon steel FEATURES: Precision machining of all parts
HANDLE: Antler w/bird’s-beak butt to assure accurate measurements; mounts to
BOLSTER: Hand-poured pewter bench using ¼-20 socket head cap screws (not
OVERALL LENGTH: 7.25” included)
MAKER’S LIST PRICE FOR A SIMILAR KNIFE: $155 DIAL INDICATOR: Allows you to set perfect
KNIFE TO KNOW: Designed for black-powder shooters, spring tension and amount of material to
patch knives were used primarily to cut patches, pieces remove on each axis of the blade for a tight fit
of cloth or leather that were wrapped around the rifle ball HOLE ALIGNMENT SPACERS: Three ground
to ensure a tight fit against the rifling in the gun’s barrel spacers provide a level work surface
(soource: Crazy Crow Trading Post) SPRING ACTUATOR: Allows safe spring tension
MAK KER: Old South Forge Handmade Primitive reduction while making blade and spring
Knnives, attn: Chad Matthews, Dept. BL11, adjustments
706-844-2791 Cmatthews1861@gmail. MSRP: $795
comm Facebook: Old South Forge COMPANY: Jantz
Haandmade Primitive Knives Supply, attn: S.
Kemp, Dept. BL11,
POB 584, Davis, OK
73030 800.351.8900
knifemaking.com

N OV E MBE R 2 019 blad emag.co m 6 9

W H AT ’ S N E W |

MODEL NAME: San Mai Nakiri MODEL NAME: Serrated Bread Knife
PATTERN: Cleaver KNIFE TYPE: Fixed blade
BLADE LENGTH: 7.5” BLADE LENGTH: 10”
BLADE STEEL: Wrought iron BLADE STEEL: Stainless dam mascus
and sawmill blade
BLADE GEOMETRY & EDGE: Two-sided
HANDLE MATERIAL: Black palm m partial grind w/opposing serrations
BUTTCAP: Synthetic buffalo hornn HANDLE MATERIAL: Chollaa cactus in
FITTINGS: Nickel-silver-and- black resin w/white G-10 bolster
copper mokume OVERALL LENGTH: 15.25”
OVERALL LENGTH: 13.5” MAKER’S LIST PRICE FOR A SIMILAR
MAKER’S LIST PRICE FOR A KNIFE: $950 (less w/plain aalloys or
SIMILAR PIECE: $2,800 different scales)
MAKER: John Phillips 865-684-91166 KNIFE TO KNOW: Also available in a
JOHN@PHILLIPSFORGED.COM M flat grind
(Whetstone Studio image) MAKERS: Nick Watson and Zack
Z
Worrell 434-760-7166 info@@
monolithknives.com (Whetsstone
Studio image)

KNIFE: Nighthawk Hunter

BLADE LENGTH: 7.5”
KNIFE PATTERN: Bowie
BLADE STEEL: 420HC stainless
BLADE LENGTH: 10”
BLADE FINISH: Cerakote™ Sniper
Grey coat BLADE STEEL: 1080 carbon w/ haamon
BLADE THICKNESS: .2235” BLADE PATTERN: Harpoon
HANDLE: Reinforced m molded nylon w/ HANDLE MATERIAL: Walnut burrl
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® HANDLE DESIGN: Dropped w/birdd’s-
WEIGHT: 11.1 ozs. beak butt
OVERALL LENGTH: 133” GUARD: 316 stainless steel
KNIFE TO KNOW: A polymer-ceram
l ite
it OVERALL LENGTH: 15”
finish, Cerakote enhances corrosion, abrasion/ MAKER’S LIST PRICE FOR A
wear and impact resistance, impact strength and SIMILAR KNIFE: $800 and up
hardness MAKER: Mohammed Alsulaibikh,
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MSRP: $150 gmail.com, Instagram
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COMPANY: Buck Knives, attn: S. Young, Dept. BL11, (SharpByCoop image)
660 S. Lochsa St., Post Falls, ID 83854 800-326-
2825 syoung@buckknives.com, buckknives.com

For the latest knives, knife news, trends and more visit blademag.com, BLADE®’s popular
Instagram page at @blade_magazine, and on Facebook and Twitter.

70 BL ADE N OV E MBE R 2 019

AX E T I ME | BY DANIEL JACKSON

IMAGES COURTESY OF THE PARTICIPATING COMPANIES

ORRGE LEGGE DS OF YOUR OWN

WI H ODAY VIKING AXES

T
Built for spee , the he fearsome reputation of the Vi- in museums. In fact, you too can hold
S
Steel V
Viking axe has a kings and their raids in their in- modern production Viking axes to see
4- oot ha t and 1055 famous longboats across Europe what made these choppers feared for
carbon steel h
head wwit
10-inch d e. Cold St from the 8th through the 11th centuries is centuries.
Presi ent Lynn Th mp the stuff of legend. That reputation was
(inset), ho calls the augmented in no small part by the pow- AXE ARCHETYPE
axe a “human-powere
w erful axes they carried. For Ernest Emerson*, headman of
chainsa ,” put it thr ugh
t e paces. MSRP: 6 .
If a conventional axe were an aircraft Emerson Knives, Inc., designing the
it would be a cargo plane, getting the job company’s Battle Axe was a project near
done. The Viking axe, on the other hand, and dear to his heart.
is an A-10 Warthog, a powerful striker. Its “I grew up on a farm. I worked as a
reputation makes the enemy falter. logger and a pulper in the woods,” he
This discussion is not limited to history recounted. “My house was heated by two
books and rusted axe heads displayed wood-burning fireplaces, so I was around

N OV E MBE R 2 019 blad emag.co m 71

AX E T I ME |

Ernest Emerson (inset) based the head for

the Emerson Knives, Inc., Battle Axe on a
1,000-year-old Viking original. The head
is CPM S7 tool steel with a 3.75-inch
cutting edge. Haft: Black G-10. Weight: 34
ounces. Overall length: 13.8 inches. The
sheath is molded Kydex.

a lot of axes and hatchets my entire life.” Age, the Roman era, etc.—he chose a knew more about actually making a
His goal was to create an axe that 1,000-year-old axe, “the archetype of functional axe than a Viking,” Emerson
could be used by the military, campers what I considered to be Viking axes,” he explained. “So I went with a one-to-one
and overlanding** enthusiasts. While said, and used it for the axe head design. copy of one of my Viking axes for the
Emerson had many axes to choose from “I used a Viking axe head because I head, and then I just played with all the
in his collection—those from the Bronze figured there was no one on earth that different handle variations until I got it

Made in El Salvador, the Valhalla Battle Axe from Condor Knife & Tool
comes with a shaft of burned American hickory—which provides a kind
of historical patina—and an axe head 6 inches wide and 6 inches long
made of 1060, a carbon steel Condor has been using for 40 years.
MSRP: $94.98.

72 BL ADE N OV EMBE R 2 019

 Blake Pogue of CAS Iberia equates the Viking Bearded Axe to a fast-strike
piece riding on a long lever. Blade length: 6 inches. Head material: carbon
steel. Haft: hardwood. Weight: 4 pounds, 6 ounces. Overall length: 30.5
inches. Country of origin: China. MSRP: $125.

the way I wanted.”

The key to updating the axe—besides NICE BEARD BRO!
using CPM S7 tool steel for the head There are a co le of factors that set
and G-10 for the haft—was to curve the Viki axes art from the usual axe fare
haft to account for how the human body at your local hardware store. Blake Pogue,
moves and thus increase the leverage of CAS Iberia product manager, said most of
the tool advancing into the blow. the Viking axes CAS sells are part of the
The Viking axe is significant, Emerson company’s focus on sourcing a selection handle is longer. This,
said because “it was the most feared of historical weapons and tools. Viking Pogue said, is to make the
weapon of the most feared warriors of axes are just a part of the offering that fast-strike
axe a fast strike piece riding on
their time,” with Viking raids carried includes katanas, halberds and chainmail. a long lever.
out in Europe as far as Constantinople. “Most of the historical axes end up The bearded axe, he continued, is not
During that time the axe evolved from an on display or in reenactment,” Pogue a copy of one particular axe from the
everyday tool into a specialized weapon. confides. “Most of the styles we produce Viking era. “There are quite a lot of axe
“These were people that had a are for fighting and don’t have much carry heads that have thankfully survived the
tremendous influence on the Western over into the typical felling axe pattern. centuries for us to draw inspiration,”
historical record, and their axes were They may look similar in profile but their Pogue said.
one of their main weapons in combat,” design is actually quite
Emerson stressed. “And there are several different.”
reasons for that. The axe is a much cheaper Heft a tool like the
weapon to manufacture. It’s less labor CAS Bearded Viking
intensive than a sword. A lot of Vikings Axe and it becomes
did have swords, don’t get me wrong, but apparent the head
they were the wealthier Vikings.” is lighter and the

N OV E MBE R 2 019 blad emag.co m 7 3

AX E T I ME |

Meanwhile, one of the most notable

features on a Viking axe is the beard.
Cold Steel modeled its Viking
axe off the classic Danish model.
“An axe head is said to have a beard
Instead of a blunt beard, the when the heel of the head [that is, the
bottom swoop turns into a point lower part of the cutting edge] extends
that could be used for hooking an well below the eye of the axe,” that is,
opponent’s shield, for instance. the top of the head where the handle
The top point could be used for
stabbing, essentially like a spear. can be seen, Pogue explained. “This
lengthens the cutting edge dramatically
without need for a massive eye section
that would otherwise just add a lot of
weight—typical in what you would see
in a felling axe, for instance.”
Moreover, the curve on the blade,
opposed to a flat edge, helps with slashing
cuts similar to those made with a katana,
and concentrates the force of the blow
when hitting an object head on. “A curved
edge concentrates force along a smaller
area of the edge, increasing penetration
depth at the expense of cutting width,”
Pogue concluded. “It also performs well
when moved in an arc.”

FIT for a NORSE GOD

When you look at Condor Tool and
Knife’s Valhalla Battle Axe, it looks like it
came straight from the tomb of an ancient
Viking chieftain.
According to Joe Flowers (page 32),
a designer with Condor, the company
named the axe after the mythological
great hall in Asgard ruled over by the
god Odin. “It’s easily recognizable and
gives the axe a sense of honor,” Flowers
explained. The Valhalla Battle Axe and
other Viking-style models, compared to
other axes, have become popular because
they stand out in the market, he said.
Made in El Salvador, the axe comes with
a shaft of burned American hickory—
which provides a kind of historical
patina—and an axe head 6 inches wide
and 6 inches long made of 1060, a carbon
steel Condor has used for 40 years. “We
feel confident in it,” Flowers said.
The modern materials are key to make
an axe that is as hearty as it is historical.
“Many of the traditional battle axes are
much thinner than you would imagine,”
Flowers said.
Speed is the key for these axes. The
result is an axe that appeals to many
different people. Some even use it for
cutting down saplings, Flowers noted.
However, don’t expect a battle axe to fell a
tree any more than you’d expect an A-10
to transport troops.

74 BL ADE N OV EMBE R 2 019

 The company modeled the axe off the
classic Danish model. Instead of a blunt
beard, the bottom swoop turns into a
point that could be used for hooking
an opponent’s shield, for instance. The
top point could be used for stabbing,
essentially like a spear.
“We can’t forge it as thin as we’d like
so that blade has quite a bit of skilled
labor in grinding it thin like I want it,”
Thompson said. “Because if it’s not thin,
it’s not going to cut as well as it needs to.
We’re not chopping down hickory trees
with this. It doesn’t take a lot of power to
deliver a horrible, shearing blow.”
In the years since Cold Steel first
introduced the axe in 2012, the company
has seen some users customize it. Others
are attracted to the design because
of television shows like the History
Channel’s Vikings.
Thompson said the battle axe is a
force multiplier, something with speed
that can pick cherry tomatoes out of
the air. Meanwhile, cutting tests show
that it could cleave bone and flesh of
hog carcasses, and easily sever cables of
rope. Even today, he has videos of the
axe creating a deep crack in a modern
tactical helmet.
While the world no longer sees roving
bands of Vikings terrorizing the coasts
of nations, classic Norse axes serve as a
reminder for just how deep they left their
mark on history—and the power of a
well-designed tool.

*For more on Ernest Emerson’s fascination

with all things axe, see “The Power of the
Ernest Emerson went with a one- Axe” in the November and December
to-one copy of one of his ancient 2018 issues of BLADE® and the BLADE
Viking axes for the head of the Complete Knife Guide Spring 2019 issue.
Emerson Battle Axe, and then
just played with all the different
handle variations until he got it **According to Overland Journal,
the way he wanted. overlanding is “self-reliant adventure
travel to remote destinations where the
journey is the primary goal.”

“It isn’t as good as a normal chopping that would still hold its own today. Cold For the contact information for the knives
axe, but the longer handle makes it very Steel President Lynn Thompson said he in the story, see “Where To Get ’Em” on
fast,” the Condor designer observed. “The knows this to be a fact. It took him two page 81.
other interesting thing is the long beard years to develop Cold Steel’s Viking axe
makes it usable for carving.” with a 4-foot haft and 1055 carbon steel For the latest knives, knife news, trends
head sporting a 10-inch edge. Thompson and more visit blademag.com, BLADE®’s
FORCE MULTIPLIER persisted in developing the “human- popular Instagram page at @blade_
The battle axe, as it evolved over hundreds powered chainsaw,” as he puts it, because magazine, and on Facebook and Twitter.
of years in the hands of thousands of in tests “it just cut way out of proportion
smiths, turned into a fearsome weapon to what we thought it would do.”

N OV E MBE R 2 019 blad emag.co m 75

PA S T M A S T E R S | BY MIKE HASKEW BLADE® FIELD EDITOR

IMAGES BY THE AUTHOR

Maestro of

A PIONEER OF HANDMADE TECHNIQUE,

D.E. HENRY LEFT A LEGACY OF BEAUTY,
BUMPS AND BRUISES

Ed Henry seems
distracted in mid-grin
at an early knife show.
(image courtesy of
Don Hethcoat)

Made in 1985, D.E. Henry’s serial number 251 mammoth ivory bowie features 24k-gold
engraving by Lynton McKenzie and scrimshaw by BLADE Magazine Cutlery Hall-Of-
Fame ® member Buster Warenski. Weight: 12.8 ounces. Blade and overall lengths: 10
and 14 7/8 inches. (image courtesy of Michael Donato, Knife Purveyor, Inc.)

76 BL ADE N OV EMBE R 2 019

 According to collector Paul Resnick, Ed Henry was among the elite
few who ushered in the modern phenomenon of custom knifemaking
in the 1960s, and bowies were at the center of his extraordinary
skills. This coffin-handle clip-point model is an example.

e has been acknowledged, grudg-

ingly by some, as the master of
the bowie knife. Much of his tal-
ent and technical skill set the standard
by which custom knifemakers measure the late 1960s and maintained
their abilities today, though it’s a fair as- a friendship with the man
sumption many of them don’t know it. who probably wanted only to be
D i his
During hi lif i
lifetime (1924 1993) Ed
(1924-1993), d ffor the
respected h quality
li off hi
his kknives,
i
“D.E.” Henry created a superb body caring nothing about what others thought few knifemakers can match the quality of
of work. His forehead bore a deep of him. “In doing so, he developed the his work without relying on sophisticated
scar that was always the object of standards to which all knifemakers equipment.”
curiosity—and he left some scars on would aspire,” Edmondson continued. Perhaps the highest compliment
others as well. Still, observers have “And his knives truly were handmade a custom knifemaker can receive
pointed out that Henry, probably with simple, basic tools. Even today, over comes from Edmondson in describing
known as much for his curmudgeonly two decades after his death, very Henry’s work. “D.E. Henry fabricated
ways as his knives,
knives might be measured handmade knives that did not look
most accurately by those magnificent handmade,” Jack noted. “Bevels were
blades rather than the rude comments crisp and true. Points and edges
or the slights he was accused of dishing were perfectly centered. Guards were
out with regularity. soldered into place, but then all trace
“In summary, Ed Henry’s most of the solder was cleanly removed. Two
significant contribution to knifemaking knives of the same pattern were made
was that he transformed a craft into a with such minute precision that—
legitimate art form,” assessed book
author, BLADE® contributor and
knife collector Jack Edmondson.
Jack got to know Henry in

Of Henry Paul Resnick wrote: “Every one of

his blade bevels was crisp, symmetrical and
true, every junction—guard to blade, scales
to tang—meticulously fitted. He flat ground
his blades and hand-rubbed them to a satin
finish.” The engraving is by Steve Lindsay.
(SharpByCoop image)

WHAT THEY SAID ABOUT ED

PHIL LOBRED: “D.E. Henry put bowie knives on the map.”
A.G. RUSSELL: “Ed Henry to his friends and D.E. to the rest of the world was the finest
bowie maker of his time.”
B.R. HUGHES: “Henry’s near flawless bowies set a new standard for exemplary
workmanship.”
SID LATHAM: “To say Henry makes a good bowie is like saying Enzo Ferrari builds a
pretty good motor car.” D.E. Henry (left) and knifemaker Roger
ED HENRY: “I have been told of my great ability by experts and critics and I’m beginning Green (right) look loaded for bear in this
to believe them.” shot from 1990. Roger identified Henry as
his mentor. (image courtesy of Roger Green)

N OV E MBE R 2 019 blad emag.co m 7 7

PA S T M A S T E R S |

THE EVOLUTION OF HENRY KNIVES except for the grain and texture of
the handle material—it was virtually
2ND GENERATION Henry made knives in impossible to tell them apart. Not
this stage after 1956, sleek, refined repros surprisingly, Henry could spend 100
of 19th-century Sheffield bowies, this one hours on a knife.”
with a clip-point blade and a long stag coffin Ed supposedly detested being called
handle. (Francesca Resnick image)
“D.E.” Knifemaker Roger Green once
worked in Henry’s shop and recalled,
“He accepted ‘Mr. Henry’—or ‘Ed,’ if
you were close.”
Green identified Henry as his mentor.
“He set the standards of quality on
3rd GENERATION Started in 1971, Henry handmade knives,” Roger reflected. “His
knives in this stage were representations craftsmanship was so accomplished
of early American-made bowies and were that knifemakers were intimidated and
serial numbered. This one has a long, scrambled to emulate it. He was known
slender clip-point blade, a hardwood
handle and a leather sheath (not pictured).
for his authentic designs of antique bowie
(Francesca Resnick image) knives and immaculate fit and finish.
He also made hunting knives, combat
knives and folders. On his bowies he
was the first to use nickel-silver fittings
because that’s what the originals used.
He then adapted that to all his knives.
He coined the phrase, ‘Brass has no
class!’ He shared a three-way patent
with Paul Poehlmann and Jimmy Lile
on the button-lock folder design. He
popularized the flat grind with absolute
flatness—no waves or ripples.”

“HE DEVELOPED THE

STANDARDS TO WHICH
4th GENERATION Henry started this stage
in 1974. Features included coffin handles,
cast, nickel-silver fittings and straight-back
blades reminiscent of 19th-century bowies
by Henry Schively. Ed formed the blade’s
ALL KNIFEMAKERS
false upper edge by grinding from one side
only. The knife included a leather sheath WOULD ASPIRE.”
(not shown). (Francesca Resnick image)
—JACK EDMONDSON

Roger pointed out that Henry’s

biggest contribution to the custom
knife world was his hand-rubbed finish.
Prior to Henry’s innovation, all knives
were buffed to some degree, from satin
to mirror. The finishes were wavy and
had various degrees of polish. Henry
5TH GENERATION The knives in this stage used die makers’ stones to polish his flat
tended to be smaller, usually with blades in grind to the ultimate “flatness.” Then,
the 4- to 5-inch range, a la the 19th-century with progressively finer papers, he
dress bowies of Michael Price and Will &
Finck, some rare ones with abalone handles. sanded the previous scratches out until
This one has a clip-point blade, abalone a beautiful finish was achieved.
handle and a steel sheath (not pictured).
(Francesca Resnick image) 5 STAGES
During his career, Henry progressed

78 BL ADE N OV EMBE R 2 019

 detailed plans, templates, etc., for each
of the models he offered. So, his knives
looked very much alike—down to the
thousandths of an inch. He took a great
deal of time and was probably his own
worst critic.”
Dave Harvey of Nordic Knives in
Boise, Idaho, sees Henry’s work as some
of the finest. “His knives certainly
stand up to today’s standards,” he
opined. “Henry built classic designs
that, by definition, stand the test of
time. People will appreciate his work
100 years from now.”
Such tributes are a reflection of
the great quality Henry pursued and
actually achieved. His standard letter
responding to knife inquiries in the
late 1960s was succinct: “I make no
exotic claims for my knives, except
that the bowies are authentic, and the
hand craftsmanship is there.”
His work speaks for itself. Like it
or not, the man was authentic as well.
Sometimes, his comments were cringe D.E. Henry talks to writer Kathy Milone
Book author and BLADE ® contributor Jack worthy. His personality was short during an interview for a story in the
Edmondson, who also triples as a great on patience and tact. As one BLADE October 1973 American Blade, forerunner of
James Bowie re-enactor, maintained a BLADE ®. (image courtesy of Paul Resnick)
friendship with Henry. (B.R. Hughes image)
letter to the editor read, “D.E. Henry
carried a bag of tricks on how to insult
people.” Some folks simply avoided tales. In that sense, Henry is at home
through five discernible stages him at knife shows. Describing him with the greats of custom knives.
of custom knifemaking. The first as “cantankerous” might be a bit of an Roger’s favorite story of Henry
included knives that were clunky, but understatement. involves a road trip years ago. “Henry,
the lines were straight and the bevels Jack Edmondson and I were driving
were crisp. The second was an attempt ARTISTIC LEGACY from San Andreas, California, up the
to reproduce a variety of bowies, Still, Henry was a pioneer. He mountain to Henry’s house. Henry was
mostly English or Sheffield types, and left a lasting mark on the custom driving,” Green recalled. “I was in the
they became—with little argument— knifemaking industry. passenger seat and Jack was in the back
the best of that style during their time. Green, who knew him well, describes seat, dozing off to sleep. Henry was a
The third period produced an entire Henry’s demeanor as an “artist’s fast driver. Up ’til then, I had always
generation of bowies meant to emulate temperament.” No doubt, he did addressed him as ‘Mr. Henry.’
the style of early American-made produce handmade knives that can be “As we drove, I looked over at him
bowies, while the fourth encompassed appreciated as art in their own right. and said, ‘Mr. Henry …’ All of a
stylized pieces, some of which were As for that prominent scar, to those sudden, he slammed on the brakes.
reminiscent of the 19 th-century style bold enough to ask about it, Henry Jack flew out of the rear seat and hit
of Henry Schively. The fifth stage, quipped that he “got it at Guadalcanal,” the backs of our seats. As we came to
according to Edmondson, was his that is, the Battle of Guadalcanal a screeching stop, Henry looked over
favorite and paid tribute to Will & during World War II. Actually, he at me with his piercing blue eyes and a
Finck and Michael Price, legendary had been in a serious car accident as small smile and said, ‘I told you to call
19 th-century cutlers of San Francisco. a child, his head slamming into the me Ed.’”
“When looking at the handmade metal dashboard. Rumors that he had
knives of the late 1960s, the work of a steel plate in his skull circulated For the latest knives, knife news,
Bob Loveless and D.E. Henry stand widely, though that was never actually trends and more visit  blademag.com,
out vividly,” related BLADE Magazine confirmed. Smiled Green, “He and BLADE®’s popular Instagram page at
Cutlery Hall-Of-Fame® member and I walked through metal detectors at @blade_magazine, and on Facebook
BLADE field editor B.R. Hughes. airports and never had a problem.” and Twitter.
“Henry offered only a very limited Most men and lifetimes that are
number of knife models. He had worthy of legend leave anecdotes and

N OV E MBE R 2 019 blad emag.co m 7 9

 SHOW C ALEN DA R | BY BLADE® STAFF

Note: Events with an asterisk (*) have knives and knife accessories as the main/sole focus. Events with two asterisks (**) are
knifemaking seminars or symposiums, cutting competitions, auctions or other knife-related events.

NOV. 9-10 TULSA, OK Wanenmacher’s Tulsa

SEP TEMBER Arms Show, Tulsa Fairgrounds. Contact mail@ APRIL
SEPT. 29-30 EASTON, PA Semi-Annual Lehigh tulsaarmsshow.com, 918-492-0401 tulsaarms- APRIL 3-4 FORT WORTH, TX International
Valley Knife Show, Charles Chrin Community show.com. Custom Cutlery Exposition 2020 (ICCE), Stock-
Center of Palmer Township. Call Bill 484-241- yard Station, Stampede Room, Hyatt Place Hotel.
NOV. 22-23 J ER SEY CIT Y, N J New York
6176 or visit PAKnifeshow.com.* For more information contact ICCE, Dept. BL11,
Custom Knife Show, The Westin Jersey City
POB 1461, Addison, TX 75001 972-839-1609
Newport, Newport Ballroom. For more infor-
OCTOBER mation visit fiftyfiftyproductions.net.*
info@icceshow.com, icceshow.com.*

OCT 5-6 BELOIT, WI The 5th Annual Great APRIL 18 HONOLULU, HI Hawaii Custom
Lakes Knife Show, Eclipse Event Center. Call/ DECEMBER Knife & Tactical Show. Contact James Seto
text Michael 616-322-5846 greatlakesknife- 808-398-0208 hawaiiknifeshow@gmail.com.
DEC. 8 EUGENE, OR Oregon Knife Collec-
show.com, woodlabgroup@gmail.com.* tors Mini Winter December Show, Lane Events APRIL 18-19 EUGENE, OR The 43rd Annual
OCT. 12-13 TEXARKANA, TX Fall Piney Woods Center. Contact Dennis Ellingsen 541-484- Oregon Knife Collectors Association Show,
Hammer-In, W.F. Moran School of Bladesmith- 5564 okca@oregonknifeclub.org.* Exhibit Hall, Lane Events Center and Fair-
ing. Contact Mike Williams at hforge@pine-net. grounds. Contact Dennis Ellingsen 541-484-
com and/or Cindy Sheely 419-832-0400 cindy@ 5564 okca@oregonknifeclub.org.*
americanbladesmith.com.** 2020
OCT. 12-13 KINGMAN, AZ Pioneer Country MAY
Events Gun & Knife Coins & Collectibles Show,
JANUARY MAY 2 BOISE, ID Nordic Knives Invitational
Mohave County Fairgrounds. Contact Lon JAN. 10-12 INDIANAPOLIS, IN Indy 1500 Custom Knife Show, Grove Hotel. For more
928-692-0937 cell 928-530-0937 PioneerCoun- Gun & Knife Show, Indiana State Fairgrounds. information ca ll Dave Har vey at 208-202-
tryEvents@gmail.com, PioneerCountryEvents.com. Contact World Class Gun Shows, PO Box 2913 or visit nordicknives.com/pages/nordic-
14194, Oklahoma City, OK 73113 405-340-1333 knives-invitational-knife-show.*
OCT. 19 MIDDLETOWN, MD The W.F. Moran indy1500.com.
Jr. Foundation & Museum 5th All Forged Knife M AY 2-3 GROTON, CT The 39t h Annua l
Show & Auction. Contact Nancy Hendrickson JA N. 2 4 -25 L A S V EGA S , N V L a s Ve ga s NCCA E x t rava ga n z a K n i fe Show, Myst ic
301-305-8385 ejayhendrickson@comcast.net, Custom Knife Show, Palace Station Hotel & Marriott. Contact Larry Clifford 401-742-6779
Charlie Wolf 301-471-2829 cwolf8489@gmail. Casino. For more information visit fiftyfifty- lcliff1@verizon.net.*
com and/or visit williammoranmuseum.com.* ** productions.net/las-vegas-custom-knife-show-
info.*
OCT. 26-27 GARDEN GROVE, CA California JUNE
Custom Knife Show, Embassy Suites-Anaheim JAN. 25-26 ST. LOUIS, MO Gateway Area
JUNE 5-7 ATLANTA, GA The 39th Annual
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com, ArtKnifeInvitational.com.* BL11, 248 Central Rd., Bloomsburg, PA 17815
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N OV. 2 -3 M T. V E R N O N , I L T h e 37t h the “Show Calendar,” BLADE® requests that you
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8 0 BL ADE N OV EMBE R 2 019

 W HER E TO G E T ’E M |

BLADE SHOW WEST P. 12 com; GiantMouse, attn.: Jim Wirth, Dept.

Benchmade USA, Dept. BL11, 300 BL11, POB 7088, Corte Madera, CA 94976
Beavercreek Rd., Oregon City, OR 97045 415-854-7255 giantmouse.com, info@
503.655.6004 or 800-800-7427 www. giantmouse.com; Kizlyar, c/o CAS Iberia,
benchmade.com, info@benchmade. attn: B. Pogue, Dept. BL11, 650 Indus-
com; Ian H. Rogers/Haburn Knives, trial Blvd., Sale Creek, TN 37373-9797
Dept. BL11, 10514 NW 11th Ave., 423.332.4700 bpogue@casiberia.com,
Vancouver, WA 98685 360-281-0569 www.casiberia.com
ian@haburnknives.com, haburnknives.
com; Jeremy Spake 6128 N. Con- ABS AWARDS P. 50
cord Ave., Portland, OR 97217-4735, Jackson Rumble rumblejackson@gmail.
jeremy@spakeknife.com; Web: www. com; Butch Sheely, Dept. BL11, 15784 Cu-
spakeknife.com, www.instagram.com/ star Rd., Grand Rapids, OH 43522, Phone:
jspake; Kershaw, c/o Kai USA Ltd., attn: 419-308-3471, sheelyblades@gmail.com;
NE E I. Forrest, Dept. BL11, 18600 SW Teton Mace Vitale, Dept. BL11, 925 Rte. 80,

ISSU
Ave., Tualatin, OR 97062 800-325-2891 Guilford, CT 06437, Phone: 203-457-5591,
info@kai-usa.com, www.kershawknives. Web: www.laurelrockforge.com

On Most Newsstands
com; Spyderco, attn: J. Laituri, Dept.
BL11, 820 Spyderco Way, Golden, CO HATCHETS P. 58
By November 12 80403 800-525-7770 spyderco.com, CRKT/Ruger, attn: M. May, Dept. BL11,
sfo@spyderco.com; Johnny Stout 18348 SW 126th Place, Tualatin, OR
1205 Forest Trail, New Braunfels, TX 97062 800-891-3100 info@crkt.com,
78132, Phone: 830-606-4067, johnny@ www.crkt.com; ESEE Knives, attn: J.
stoutknives.com; Web: www.stout- Randall, Dept. BL11, P.O. Box 99, Gal-
• KITCHEN CUTTERS: knives.com, Facebook-Johnny Stout, lant, AL 35972 256.613.0372 info@
CHEF’S DELIGHTS Instagram-Stout Handmade Knives; eseeknives.com, www.eseeknives.
Mike Tyre 1219 Easy St, Wickenburg, AZ com; Puma SGB, attn: T. Guthrie, Dept.
85390, Phone: 928-684-9601/602-377- BL11, 13934 West 108th St., Lenexa, KS
• SEAX: KNIFE OF 8432, mtyre86@gmail.com; Web: www. 66215 913-888-5524 www.pumaknife-
THE NORTH miketyrecustomknives.com companyusa.com, customerservice@
pumaknifecompanyusa.com; TOPS
LONG MACHETES P. 24 Knives, attn: Craig Powell, Dept. BL11,
• MINIMALIST KNIFE Cold Steel, attn.: Mike Barroca, Dept. 3415 E. 109 N., Idaho Falls, ID 83401
DESIGNS BL11, 6060 Nicolle St., Ventura, CA
93003 800-255-4716 805-642-9727
208-542-0113 info@topsknives.com,
www.topsknives.com
sales@coldsteel.com, www.coldsteel.
• ALL ABOUT LASER com; Gerber, attn: A. Gritzbaugh, Dept. VIKING AXES P. 71
ENGRAVING BL11, 14200 SW 72nd, Portland, OR
97223 800-950-6161 www.gerbergear.
CAS Iberia, attn: B. Pogue, Dept. BL11,
650 Industrial Blvd., Sale Creek, TN
com; Medford Knife & Tool, attn.: Greg 37373-9797 423.332.4700 bpogue@
• PAST MASTERS: Medford, 17464 N. 25th Ave., Dept. casiberia.com, www.casiberia.com; Cold
BILL MORAN BL11, Phoenix, AZ 85027 623-249-4506 Steel, attn.: Mike Barroca, Dept. BL11,
medfordknife.com, medfordcustomerser- 6060 Nicolle St., Ventura, CA 93003 800-
vice@medfordknife.com 255-4716 805-642-9727 sales@coldsteel.
• LATEST FACTORY AND com, www.coldsteel.com; Condor Tool
CUSTOM KNIVES 5 GRINDS P. 34 & Knife, attn: R. Jones, Dept. BL11, 7557
Bear & Son Cutlery, attn: M. Griffey, Dept. West Sand Lake Rd. #106, Orlando, FL
BL11, 1111 Bear Blvd. SW, Jacksonville, 32819 407-458-9396 fax 407-458-9397
• YOUR FATHER’S AL 36265 256-435-2227 800-844-3034 rtj@att.net, condortk.com; Emerson
KNIVES: SLIPPIES info@bearandson.com, www.bearandson- Knives, Inc., attn: E. Emerson, Dept. BL11,
cutlery.com; Boker Plus, c/o Boker USA, 1234 West 254th, Harbor City, CA 90710
attn: N. Nevins, Dept. BL11, 1550 Balsam 310-539-5633 www.emersonknives.com,
• BIRD’S-BEAK St., Lakewood, CO 80215 800-992-6537 info@emersonknives.com
KNIFE HANDLES fax 303-462-0668 www.bokerusa.com;
Emerson Knives, Inc., attn: E. Emerson,
Dept. BL11, 1234 West 254th, Harbor City,
CA 90710 310-539-5633 www.emer-
sonknives.com, info@emersonknives.

N OV E MBE R 2 019 blad emag.co m 81

COOL CUSTOM | BY BLADE® STAFF

Knife
THE HANNDLE
N OF DAN PETERSEN’S
STELLARR STICKER GOES “WHERE NO
KNIFE HHAS GONE BEFORE”

Dan Petersen (inset) said the original photo of the real

black hole colorized it as red but he doubts that is its
actual color. “However, as matter gets pulled into the

A
black hole there is likely heat given off that may have
BS m
master smith Dan L. Petersen is a profes- some color,” he noted—ergo the red centers in the
sor aatt Washburn University, so when astrono- white swirls to represent black holes on the handle.
merss found the first real black hole last spring (Whetstone Studio image)
and shared photos
h of it, it intrigued him—so much so that
he made a kn nife inspired by the wonder of it all. In fact, one
of Petersen’s knives
k using the process won the Custom Knife
Collectors AAsssociation’s (CKCA) annual Fisk Cutlery Chal-
lenge, earning the prof a cool $20,000.
“One of th he [black hole] photos looked similar to the circular SPEC CHECK
white and red d patterns in the handle,” Dan explained. “I tried to get a
bluish-black-oof-the-universe effect, then the white swirls showing matter KNIFE NAME: Vitreous Enamel Handle Hunter
spinning aroun t e re center ac o es KNIFE TYPE: Fixed blade
To taper the copper-pipe handle, Petersen spun it on a lathe using
BLADE LENGTH: 6”
metal-spinning techniques. He added vitreous glass enamel to the outside
and inside of the handle. He heated the handle to 1,500°F and rotated it BLADE MATERIAL: Mosaic damascus of
until it melted and fused to the metal. He repeated the glass procedure W2 tool and 15N20 nickel-alloy steels in a
with a layer of dark blue glass and then black glass for the universe effect. checkerboard pattern accordion cut, flattened and
Oh, and as for the $20,000, it helped Dan buy a lathe for metal spinning. forged to shape
For more on the knife and the labor-intensive technique used to make the BLADE PATTERN: Clip point
handle, contact Dan Petersen, Dept. BL11, 10610 SW 81st, Auburn, KS BLADE GRIND: Flat
66402 785-220-8043 Dan.petersen@washburn.edu, petersenknives.com. HANDLE: Copper pipe covered inside and out w/
For more on the CKCA visit ckca.com. vitreous glass enamel
For the latest knives, knife news, trends and more visit  blademag.com, FITTINGS: 303 stainless steel
BLADE®’s popular Instagram page at @blade_magazine, and on Facebook MAKER’S LIST PRICE FOR A SIMILAR
and Twitter. KNIFE: $4,200

8 2 BL ADE N OV EMBE R 2 019