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KI_1305_C2 2/22/13 4:40 AM Page C2
Stockman
#32068 (5347 SS)
Humpback Half Whittler Small Texas Toothpick Peanut Muskrat Medium Stockman
#32062 (52046 1/2 SS) #32063 (510096 SS) #32065 (5220 SS) #32066 (MUSKRAT SS) #32067(5318 SS)
R ! R !
PE ON PE ON
FACTORY DIRECT
TO YOU!
SU UP
CO FREE! WITH ANY PURCHASE
SU UP
CO
20%
How does Harbor Freight Tools sell high 3-1/2" SUPER BRIGHT
quality tools at such ridiculously low
prices? We buy direct from the factories
who also supply the major brands and
sell direct to you. It's just that simple!
NINE LED ALUMINUM
Item 65020
shown
FLASHLIGHT
ITEM 65020/69052/69111
OFF
LIMIT 1 - Save 20% on any one item purchased at our stores or website or by phone.
ANY
SINGLE
ITEM!
REG. PRICE $6.99 *Cannot be used with other discount, coupon, gift cards, Inside Track Club membership,
See for yourself at one of our 400 LIMIT 1 - Cannot be used with other discount, coupon or prior purchase. Coupon
extended service plans or on any of the following: compressors, generators, tool storage
or carts, welders, floor jacks, Towable Ride-on Trencher (Item 65162), open box items,
Stores Nationwide and use this 20% Off good at our stores or website or by phone. Offer good while supplies last. Shipping &
Handling charges may apply if not picked up in-store. Non-transferable. Original coupon
in-store event or parking lot sale items. Not valid on prior purchases after 30 days
from original purchase date with original receipt. Non-transferrable. Original coupon
Coupon on one of our 7,000 products*, must be presented. Valid through 8/2/13. Limit one coupon per customer per day. must be presented. Valid through 8/2/13. Limit one coupon per customer per day.
9
REG. $229.99
PRICE
$29.99
$ 99 $19.99
PRICE
LIMIT 5 - Good at our stores or website or by phone. Cannot be used with other discount or coupon or prior LIMIT 6 - Good at our stores or website or by phone. Cannot be used with other discount or coupon or prior LIMIT 5 - Good at our stores or website or by phone. Cannot be used with other discount or coupon or prior
purchases after 30 days from original purchase with original receipt. Offer good while supplies last. Non- purchases after 30 days from original purchase with original receipt. Offer good while supplies last. Non- purchases after 30 days from original purchase with original receipt. Offer good while supplies last. Non-
transferable. Original coupon must be presented. Valid through 8/2/13. Limit one coupon per customer per day. transferable. Original coupon must be presented. Valid through 8/2/13. Limit one coupon per customer per day. transferable. Original coupon must be presented. Valid through 8/2/13. Limit one coupon per customer per day.
9
$ 99 $34PRICE
.99 1/2" DRIVE
STEEL FLOOR JACK shown
$ 2499
69
LOT NO. 68049/60688 REG.
LOT NO. 239 $ 99$139PRICE
.99 REG. PRICE $39.99
LIMIT 9 - Good at our stores or website or by phone. Cannot be used with other discount or coupon or prior LIMIT 5 - Good at our stores or website or by phone. Cannot be used with other discount or coupon or prior LIMIT 3 - Good at our stores or website or by phone. Cannot be used with other discount or coupon or prior
purchases after 30 days from original purchase with original receipt. Offer good while supplies last. Non- purchases after 30 days from original purchase with original receipt. Offer good while supplies last. Non- purchases after 30 days from original purchase with original receipt. Offer good while supplies last. Non-
transferable. Original coupon must be presented. Valid through 8/2/13. Limit one coupon per customer per day. transferable. Original coupon must be presented. Valid through 8/2/13. Limit one coupon per customer per day. transferable. Original coupon must be presented. Valid through 8/2/13. Limit one coupon per customer per day.
R ! R ! R ! 12" RATCHET
PE ON PE ON 1.5 CUBIC FT. PE ON
SU UP
2.5 HP, 21 GALLON, SU UP ELECTRONIC SU UP BAR CLAMP/SPREADER
CO CO DIGITAL SAFE CO LOT NO. 46807/
125 PSI VERTICAL 68975/69221/
SAVE AIR COMPRESSOR LOT NO. 67847/69091
LOT NO. 91006
Electronic keypad uses
69222
SAVE
14999 8799 1
REG.
Item 67847
shown
$ REG.
PRICE
$62 $
REG.
PRICE
SAVE
Item
46807
shown
$ 99 PRICE
$5.99
$219.99 $149.99
66%
LIMIT 4 - Good at our stores or website or by phone. Cannot be used with other discount or coupon or prior LIMIT 5 - Good at our stores or website or by phone. Cannot be used with other discount or coupon or prior LIMIT 8 - Good at our stores or website or by phone. Cannot be used with other discount or coupon or prior
purchases after 30 days from original purchase with original receipt. Offer good while supplies last. Non- purchases after 30 days from original purchase with original receipt. Offer good while supplies last. Non- purchases after 30 days from original purchase with original receipt. Offer good while supplies last. Non-
transferable. Original coupon must be presented. Valid through 8/2/13. Limit one coupon per customer per day. transferable. Original coupon must be presented. Valid through 8/2/13. Limit one coupon per customer per day. transferable. Original coupon must be presented. Valid through 8/2/13. Limit one coupon per customer per day.
15
REG.
$60 $ 99 $29PRICE
$ 8999
REG. PRICE $149.99
SAVE
46%
68239
shown
.99 $ 13999
REG. PRICE $249.99
LIMIT 3 - Good at our stores or website or by phone. Cannot be used with other discount or coupon or prior LIMIT 4 - Good at our stores or website or by phone. Cannot be used with other discount or coupon or prior LIMIT 5 - Good at our stores or website or by phone. Cannot be used with other discount or coupon or prior
purchases after 30 days from original purchase with original receipt. Offer good while supplies last. Non- purchases after 30 days from original purchase with original receipt. Offer good while supplies last. Non- purchases after 30 days from original purchase with original receipt. Offer good while supplies last. Non-
transferable. Original coupon must be presented. Valid through 8/2/13. Limit one coupon per customer per day. transferable. Original coupon must be presented. Valid through 8/2/13. Limit one coupon per customer per day. transferable. Original coupon must be presented. Valid through 8/2/13. Limit one coupon per customer per day.
MAY 2013
VOLUME 27, NO. 3
www.knivesillustrated.com
COVER STORY
12 First-Time Folder
Spydercos folding puukko is a Pekka Tuominen design
By KI Staff
FEATURES
18 The 120+ Hottest Knives Of The 2013 SHOT Show
Our on the ground coverage of the outdoors largest trade show
By J. Bruce Voyles
KNIVES ILLUSTRATED (ISSN 0898-8943) Vol. 27, No. 3 is published 9 times a year, January/February, April, May,
June/July, August, September, October, November and December, by Beckett Media, LLC, 22840 Savi Ranch
Parkway, #200, Yorba Linda, CA 92887. Periodical postage paid at Anaheim, CA, and additional mailing offices.
POSTMASTER: send address changes to Knives Illustrated c/o Beckett Media, 5430 LBJ Freeway, Ste 1200,
Dallas, TX 75240. Return undeliverable Canadian addresses to: PITNEY BOWES, INC, P.O. Box 25542,
London, ON N6C 6B2 GST#855050365RT001 2013 by Beckett Media, LLC. All rights reserved.
Reproduction of any material from this issue in whole or in part is strictly prohibited.
MAY 2013
Volume 27 Number 3
EDITORIAL
Editorial Director: Doug Jeffrey
Editor: J. Bruce Voyles
Managing Editor: Jeffrey Rick
Art Director: Ronald Abella
Cover Design: Eric Knagg
58 New Direction
CONTRIBUTING EDITORS Tim Britton tackles the tactical genre, and excels
James Batson, Abe Elias, B.R. Hughes, Mac Overton,
Clint Thompson, Doc Wacholz, J.B. Wood, By Les Robertson
Les RobertsonCustom Knife Field Editor
Q&A
A Case pre-1965, also known as Xs down because
the XX mark is underneath Case.
COLLECTORS
BY J. BRUCE VOYLES
IMPORTANT DATES IN
COLLECTING CASE KNIVES
PHOTOS BY HEATHER BRADFORD 1945-65 The Case XX mark was used on Case knives.
CHANGE THE MARK 1971 The beginning of what still remains an annual changing of
New regulations went into effect in 1965 that required the the Case logo, allowing any knife collector who knows the
country of origin to be marked on U.S.-made knives going markings to determine the exact year of manufacture.
into Canada. In compliance, Case added USA under their
traditional Case XX tang mark. Previously, Case was on one to buy a loose back-up for every knife on the panelthus dou-
line with XX underneath. Adding the USA required mov- bling what would be an opening inventory.
ing Case XX onto a single line.
Instantly, the pre-1965 Case knives became Xs down, and THE PERFECT STORM
were readily dateable. The increased demand by collectors for old knives combined
with the specific delineation between pre-1965 versus post-
RESTRICT FIREARMS 1965 Case knivesand most importantly that hundreds of
With the 1968 Gun Control Act restricting open gun sales, hardware stores across America with panels full of the older
a segment of gun dealers on the show circuit added the still Case XX-marked knives were sitting there ripe for the pick-
unrestricted knives to their inventory. Collectors who found it ingcreated a perfect storm. Collectors swarmed across the
difficult to legally sell guns across state lines turned to knives. country in this knife collector gold rush,buying the complete
boards out of the displays.
A GOOD SUPPLY The hardware dealer, having made the largest knife sale in the
Case has always had a unique approach to their store dis- history of his store, now needed a new panel, and he ordered a
plays. They looked like furniture. They chose cherry wood dis- replacement board from Case. Case sold a complete assortment
plays produced in-house, and the knives were wired to a board of knives that were wired to the panel, and the happy hardware
with a metal tag added stating, SamplesDo Not Remove. store owner now had an intact board of USA-marked knives.
Russ Case had seen other brands put their knives on easily
removable clips, with the result being that there were always MEANWHILE BACK IN BRADFORD
empty spaces on the front panel. Knowing products always sell Case at the time was not up to speedall they knew is they
better from full shelves, he made it difficult to remove the were deluged with their dealers ordering new boards, over-
knives on the front panel of Case displays. This also meant the whelming the Case wire-the-knives-to-the-panel department.
new dealer had to buy a complete panel of knives that they When they inquired from their sales force what was happen-
would be unable to easily hand to a customer, requiring them ing, and learned they were replacing the panels because collec-
8 KNIVES ILLUSTRATED MAY 2013 knivesillustrated.com
KI_1305_8-9-QA 2/25/13 2:05 AM Page 9
Name The
MAKER
tors were buying the older XX knives,
someone at Case scratched their heads
and had one of those epiphany mo-
ments. I suspect it was something like,
So I can sell a complete new board
with dozens more knives to each store
simply because we changed the tang
mark? Well, I can fix this!
12 MONTHS FREE!
IDENTIFY THE KNIFEMAKER AND YOU CAN WIN A
In 1970, they did. They added 10 dots
under the USA, taking a dot away each FREE SUBSCRIPTION
year. Again, collectors swarmed the
TEXT AND PHOTOS BY JIM COOPER
hardware world, now buying the USA-
marked boards, and ordering new THE NEW NAME
boards again from Case.
THE MAKER
Send your entries to
bvoyles@beckett.com
UNINTENDED BENEFIT
With the dating system, it was now HOW WE DRAW
possible to date the exact year a Case The method we use
knife was made, if you knew the non-se- to determine who wins
cret code. The spicy little tidbit added among the correct
fuel to the collecting fire. entries: The entries are
placed in numerical
order, and a random
THE REST IS HISTORY number is generated by
Collectors were collecting other a random number-
brands. Russell had stopped making generating website
pocketknives in 1932. Remington and (www.random.org).
Winchester had both stopped pre-
WWII. Case was the only company
popular among the first wave of knife
collectors that was still making knives.
Between 1965 and 1972, while knife
collecting was fermenting around Case
knives, the other knife manufacturers
were oblivious. They made the same
knives with the same marks without a
panel with their older patterns wired in.
There was no way to tell the old knives There were two hints offered for the February
from the new knives. We did get two winners of our February issue contest. We wrote, Hes new, and hes going to go
contest, but as of press time no entries were yet places. Bob Minekheim was first as identifying
Government regulations forced the received for the April contest. So well continue this rising talent as Brian Nadeau. The winning
until we get a winner for this knife that first subscription from the random drawing was Drew
Case logo change, increased the number appeared in the April issue. Hannon of Minnesota.
of knife collectors (thanks to the 1968
Gun Control Act) and the other manu-
facturers had no clue of the emergence
WHAT YOU WIN, HOW TO WIN
The first winner for each knife will receive a one-year subscription to Knives Illustrated. If you
of knife collecting. already receive KI, you can have your choice of extending your subscription or receiving a one-year
The result is Case had several years of subscription to one of our sister publications (Gun World or Bow & Arrow Hunting). Please state your
choice on your entry.
a head start on the knife collecting Among the correct entries, we will also draw for a second winner. So be sure to enter, even if
market. youre not the first one to respond.
Considering that their knife collect- Send your entry to bvoyles@beckett.com
ing club now has more than 19,000 Please mention promotional code A713LO11-MAY13
Winners are limited to one win every 12 months.
members, its a lead they have never
You must list your mailing address to be considered as an entry. KI KI
given up. KI
knivesillustrated.com KNIVES ILLUSTRATED MAY 2013 9
KI_1305_10-11-POI 2/27/13 12:06 AM Page 10
Points Of
INTEREST
SPYDERCO INTRODUCES
ENUFF SERIES FIXED BLADES
S
pydercos new fixed-blade
knife series is called the Enuff SPECS
Series. The group includes ENUFF LEAF
OVERALL: 6.75 inches
three mid-sized fixed-blade knives BLADE: 2.75 inches
with identically sized handles and STEEL: VG10
HANDLE: Fiberglass reinforced nylon
sheaths, but with different blade WEIGHT: 3.8 ounces
profilesclip-point, leaf-shape and RETAIL: $179.95
sheepfoot.
ENUFF CLIP
Enuff blades are just less than 3 inches OVERALL: 6.75 inches
long and made of Japanese VG10 stain- BLADE: 2.75 inches
less. Both the clip-point and leaf-shaped STEEL: VG10
HANDLE: Fiberglass reinforced nylon
blades are flat-ground with a PlainEdge, WEIGHT: 3.8 ounces
while the sheepfoot blade is hollow- RETAIL: $179.95
ground and SpyderEdged. and jimping (tex-
ENUFF SHEEPFOOT
Enuff handles are black injection- OVERALL: 6.75 inches turing) on the spine.
molded FRN (fiberglass reinforced nylon) BLADE: 2.74 inches The three knives share a
STEEL: VG10
with pinned-together construction. HANDLE: Fiberglass reinforced nylon common sheath design made of
Molded into the FRN scales is Spydercos WEIGHT: 4 ounces injection-molded polymer thats craft-
Bi-Directional Texturinga series of RETAIL: $179.95 ed to accommodate the blade-inserted
traction-angled steps radiating from the SPYDERCO edge facing forward or backward (left or
handles center outward to its edge. Con- 820 Spyderco Way right handed). The sheath also features a
toured three-dimensionally, the handle Golden, CO 80403 G-clip attachment device that adjusts to
800-525-7770
fills out a palm ergonomically and features www.Spyderco.com fit a number of carry positions and attach-
a full-length tang, oversized lanyard hole ment options.
T
he Skin n
BLADE: 4.4 inches (9.6 cm)
Blaze, model
WEIGHT: 6.5 ounces
#BZ-10C RETAIL: $23.95
from Outdoor Edge,
is a value-priced gut- OUTDOOR EDGE CUTLERY CORP.
hook skinner with a 9500 W. 49th Ave., Unit A100
Mossy Oak nylon Wheat Ridge, CO 80033
belt sheath. 800-447-3343
www.outdooredge.com
GERBER DOWNRANGE
TOMAHAWK SPECS
OVERALL: 19.27 inches
STEEL: 420HC
D
esigned for breaching and rescue applications, the Gerber HANDLE: Glass-filled nylon
Downrange Tomahawk sharpened ax head is designed to cut WEIGHT: 1.9 pounds
through doors and walls, while the reverse side hammerhead is
made for smashing through obstacles such as doorknobs. The cutaway GERBER
14200 SW 72nd Ave.
handles in the ax head allow the user to get maximum leverage when us-
Portland, OR 97224
ing the pry bar at the end of the handle. The handle is glass-filled nylon. 800-950-6161
www.gerbergear.com
the Gerber Downrange Tomahawk
sharpened ax head is designed to cut through
doors and walls
BENCHMADE BUSHCRAFTER
TOMAHAWK IS IS A SIBERT DESIGN
DIFFERENTIALLY
D
esigned by Shane Sibert, the
USA-made Bushcrafter fea- SPECS
HEAT TREATED tures an S30V stainless steel
blade and contoured green G10 han-
OVERALL: 9.2 inches
BLADE: 4.43 inches
STEEL: S30V
D
ifferentially heat dles with red vulcanized spacers. The HANDLE: Green G10
treated, the 4140 SPECS package is held together with WEIGHT: 7.72 ounces
OVERALL: 16.25 inches
steel and textured pressed titanium tub- RETAIL $200
HEAD: 7.5 inches
G10 handles make this SPIKE: 3.5 inches ing. The knife
BENCHMADE KNIFE
tomahawk a dynamic tool. WEIGHT: 36.8 ounces comes with a COMPANY
The hawk features a con- RETAIL: $380 rushed full-grain 300 Beavercreek Road
toured wedged end for pry- buckskin leather Oregon City, OR 97045
BENCHMADE KNIFE COMPANY
ing and includes a sheath with D-ring, 800-800-7427
300 Beavercreek Road
www.benchmade.com
MOLLE-compatible Oregon City, OR 97045 flint rod loop and
sheath. The steel is 4140 800-800-7427 retention strap.
www.benchmade.com
carbon steel.
D
esigned for camping and hiking, STEEL: 420HC
the Buck Endeavor is for outdoor WEIGHT: 6.6 ounces
adventures. With a 9 -inch RETAIL: $70
overall length and weighing in at only 6.6
ounces, this knife is light enough to
carry and strong enough to with-
stand extreme tasks. The
the Buck
Endeavor is
for outdoor
BUCK KNIVES
660 S. Lochsa St.
Post Falls, ID 83854-5200
800-326-2825
adventures.
half-serrated blade is www.buckknives.com
420HC steel. KI
FIRST-TIME FOLDER
Finally, A Puukko That Folds
THE PUUKKO CARVES OUT AN EXPANDING NICHE AT SPYDERCO
BY KI STAFF
PHOTOS BY TERRILL HOFFMAN AND SPYDERCO
F
innish knifemaker Pekka Tuominen
once said, Every puukko is a knife,
but every knife is not a puukko.
WHAT IS A PUUKKO?
A puukko is the traditional belt knife of the Finnish
people. In its classic form, it features a relatively
short, single-edged blade with a curved cutting edge
and a straight spine. The edge is usually flat ground
with a micro-bevel cutting edge.
that flow seamlessly into a micro-
bevel cutting edge.
NILAKKA
FOLDER SPECS
The fixed-blade
G10 version of the
Tuominen-designed
puukko features a
3 -inch blade and
G10 handles. Its new
for 2013.
when hiking over rough terrain. MSRP is $389.95.
BASES COVERED
For the puukko fan, Spyderco has all the bases
covered, from the traditional fixed-blade version to For the puukko
the innovative fresh design of the folding Nilakka. KI
fan, Spyderco has all the
bases covered, from the
DIG A LITTLE DEEPER
ADDRESS traditional fixed-blade
Spyderco
version to the innovative
820 Spyderco Way
Golden, CO 80403
PHONE
fresh design of the folding
800-525-7770 Nilakka.
E-MAIL
customerservice@spyderco.com
120+
the
The Wave designed by Ernest Emerson is for quick opening of the Spydero
Matriarch2a back-up blade for the working professional.
For more than a few knife manufacturers and importers this is the make it or
break it event of the yearand in some instances every new knife that major knife
companies will introduce in the coming year will debut at SHOT.
We spent four days at full tilt to get an eyeball look at the knives you will see
here in this annual round-up, the best of 2013 SHOT from Las Vegas, Nevada.
BENCHMADE KNIFE model in G10 or cocobolo, a 470 Emis- include a 9 1/5-inch G10-handled
COMPANY sary upgraded with Damascus blade and Bushcrafter knife for, you guessed it,
At first look, the bulk of new for ivory Micarta insert, and Balisongs in bushcrafting. Retail is $200.
Benchmade is a tweaking of existing pat- different blade shapes. The Volli is a new addition to their
terns: a miniaturized Bone Collector A deeper look reveals new designs that Axis Assist line, with a 4.4-inch closed,
Benchmade adds some new blade shapes to their Balisong array, and throws
in a trainer for getting the flipping technique down pat in relative safety.
The
Benchmade Triage
now comes in an
auto version if you
live in an area where
its legal to own.
The premier
knife magazine
s The hottest knives and latest
innovations in steel and design
s The latest news, views, and reviews
s
s Hard testing of knives and the results
s
KI_1305_18-57-SHOT 2/25/13 1:13 AM Page 24
BROWNING
The Black Label tactical line
of Browning knives that de-
buted in the pages of Knives
Illustrated last year has added a
dagger called the Backlash for
2013. The knife bears a 5 1/2-
inch blade and is available in ei-
ther a black or coyote tan G10
handle with an $86 retail. An-
other new knife in the tactical
line is called the TripWire that
has a unique built-in wire cut-
ter, although it bears a hefty
$393 retail.
Another Black Label combo
set is the Checkmate knife and
training knife. Both knives
share the same design and
weight, and are handled in G10.
For the collector who likes
their Black Label knives with a
bit of special rubbed on them,
theres the Black Label Damas-
cus Boot Dagger, a USA-made
limited edition of 100 knives.
Included is a Blade-Tech
sheath with Tek-Loc clip.
Russ Kommer has designed
five models for Browning that
they call his Signature line,
most with AUS-8 blades.
A Browning tactical
Prices range from $110 retail to
folder paired with a $142.
trainer of the same One eye-catching collectible
pattern and weight is
offered as a single
from Browning is a package
package for 2013. consisting of a Browning Bird
& Trout design housed in a
walnut box with the handle
showing a most cuddly Lab
puppy. The Russ Kommer fea-
tures a handy pocket clip and
thumbstud for easy one-handed
opening, and the puppy is all
but guaranteed to produce an
Awwwwww from all fanciers
of the Labrador Retriever.
Browning
One Browning Place
Morgan, UT 84050
800-333-3504
www.browning.com
Something new is a tactical
fixed blade from Browning with
working built-in wire cutters
handled in carbon fiber.
A knife is a knife
but adding a puppy
to the handle
makes it art.
BUCK KNIVES
Bucks 620 Reaper features an 11-inch length with a 6 3/4-inch
blade. Handle choices are offered in Reaper Black camo or a Viper
Snakeskin pattern. The 420HC drop-point blade features a non-re- Ron Hood had several
flective coating and a $90 retail price. designs in the works at Buck
before his untimely passing.
This year, Buck introduced another Buck/Hood creation, based His design legacy continues
off the designs of the late Ron Hood. The Thug features the inte- with this heavy-duty knife
grated Shock Mitigation System (SMS) to minimize wasted energy called the Thug.
The Spreader
and Paperstone
cutting board are ideal
for camp chores or in the
kitchen. The knife is held in
place on the cutting board
with a magnet.
CAMILLUS
The Bush Crafter is the primary
new hunter from Camillus this year,
with a 4-inch blade, canvas Micarta
handle and $99.99 retail price.
They also have added some sturdy
looking tacticals.
The company is also offering a
new design from survival TV show
host Les Stroud featuring an 11
3/4-inch blade with a fire starter
included. Retail on the package
is $77.99.
The Bush
Crafter knife Camillus
from Camillus is 60 Round Hill Road
USA made.
Fairfield, CT 06824
800-835-2263
www.camillusknives.com
No name, but a
number for this
Camillus folder with
G10 handles and a
unique opening cut-
out. The number is
18683.
Open and closed views of a Camillus slide-out knife. The blade coating is a Camillus exclusive.
Les Stroud
is the designer
of this Camillus
camo-handled
machete.
COAST PRODUCTS thing made before. The patented system moved. Rapid Response knives are avail-
At last years SHOT Show, attendees features a roller-cam built into the blade able in 3-inch and 3.9-inch blade
and the media saw the Rapid Response that the assisting spring rides on. Rapid lengths, which close to 4 and 5 inches,
blade-assist knives from Coast Products Response knives provide a new level of respectively. Both blade lengths are avail-
for the first time. Coast now offers the safety too. Coasts patented Max-Lock able with a full-edge satin/glass-beaded
knife with tanto-style blades, shown for system secures the blade when its closed, finish, or with a black blade thats par-
the first time at this years show. and double locks the blade when its tially serrated.
Designed by renowned custom knife- open. Coast Products
maker and Cutlery Hall of Fame mem- Each blade is tested for sharpness. 8033 NE Holman
ber Ron Lake, it starts with the com- They have ambidextrous thumbstuds Portland OR 97218 |
pletely re-imagined Blade Assist and pocket clips that are easily reversed 800-426-5858 |
Technology system thats unlike any- to the other side of the handle or re- www.coastportland.com
COLUMBIA RIVER
KNIFE & TOOL
Columbia River Knife &
{ }
Tool introduced 22 new prod-
ucts at SHOT. Five items JIM HAMMONDS FE SERIES FIGHTER
were not knives. FEATURES FINGER GROOVE HANDLES AND
Ken Onion has found a
home for his innovative de- AN IMPRESSIVE GO-GETEM BLADE DESIGN.
signs at CRKT, contributing
the Foresight folder this year,
featuring wide finger grooves,
a 3 1/2-inch blade, and a black
ti-ni coated blade. Retail is
$140. His other new knives
include a stainless Ripple as
well, and his Shenanigan is
now available in camo handles.
In other CRKT news, for
black-handle folders theres
the Carajas designed by Flavio The Redemption is the
Ikoma along with a Mike name of this hefty tactical
designed by Ken Onion
for CRKT.
$9.95/100FT
Genuine 550 lb. Type III, 1/8" diameter
nylon Paracord with a seven strand core.
46 colors available.
This distinctive
swayback design is by
Ken Onion. Its called
the Swindle.
PC101 White
5
PC102 Black
5
PC103 Olive Drab 0
PC104 Coyote Brown
PC106 Charcoal
P
PC108 Burgundy
A
PC116 Colonial Blue R
PC118 Neon Orange A
PC123 Solar Orange
C
Jim Hammond lends his design
talent to a new CRKT tactical
PC127 Desert Camo
O
thats dubbed the FE series.
PC128 Foliage Camo
JANTZ
1-800-351-8900
knifemaking.com
knivesillustrated.com KNIVES ILLUSTRATED MAY 2013 3 3
KI_1305_18-57-SHOT 2/25/13 1:14 AM Page 34
ESEE KNIVES
EMERSON KNIVES ESEE Knives latest for 2013 is a knife called the Laser Strike, carrying the ESEE
Although he only had a proto- standards of coated blades and canvas Micarta handles. A new touch is the dimple on
type and no photos at SHOT, we the reverse of the handle for using a bow drill for fire building in an emergency situation.
can report that there will soon be an They have also added the option of uncoated blades in their ESEE-4 model, also avail-
Emerson multi-tool. able with orange handles.
Emerson Knives, Inc. A new variation of their Izula skeleton knife has been produced in Damascusan ex-
P.O. Box 4180 clusive available only through wholesaler Blue Ridge Knives.
Torrance, CA 90510-4180 Stepping outside their typical product line, ESEE is also marketing a set of chef s
310-212-7455 knives designed by Ethan Becker. While most associate Becker with his Becker Knife &
www.emersonknives.com Tool line, hes also the author of the bestselling cook book of all time, The Joy Of
Cooking, and he brings the needs of a professional chef to the public in an affordable
package.
The ESEE Laser Strike has a dimple in the back handle The Damascus Izula from ESEE is an exclusive to wholesaler
to accommodate one end of a bow drill for emergency Blue Ridge Knives. To get one, locate one of the many
fire starting. dealers they supply.
The ESSE-04 is
available in an uncoated
blade version with your
choice of two handles
for 2013.
ESEE Knives
This four-piece
TransEquatorial Solutions, Inc.
household cutlery set P.O. Box 99
is from The Joy of Gallant, AL 35972
Cooking author
Ethan Becker.
865-933-8436
www.eseeknives.com
Sharpener, diamond
GATCO/TIMBERLINE hone and fire starter all in
At first glance, you may think the a single package from
Gatco sharpener new for 2013 is a tacti- Gatco, and with a tactical
configuration.
cal pen. Thats the look from the out-
sidea single sharpener with a kubaton
intent. Unscrew the barrel and you get a
long, slender cone-shaped diamond
sharpener, ideal for serrated blades, com-
plete with groove for hook sharpening.
In a last ditch situation with nothing else GATCO/Timberline Knives
available, it could be used as a self-de- P.O. Box 600
fense weapon. But it doesnt stop there. Getzville, NY 14068-0600
Unscrew the cone sharpener and theres 716-646-5700
a magnesium fire starter. www.timberlineknives.com
GERBER GEAR
With the lead of Bear Grylls designing his own
line of knives produced by Gerber, we could expect
additions to the lineand there they were at
SHOT, including an ultra compact
fixed-blade with a 3 1/4-inch blade. The
sheath features multiple lash points. Retail is
$40.
Gerbers standard line is joined by the Outrig-
ger, an assisted opener with an open
frame and a rubberized edge. The
design comes in three sizes, the Mini at $43, the
Standard at $49, and the XL at $55. Size ranges
from 5.88 inches open length to 7.88 inches.
Based on a World War II knife handed down
from Bears grandfather to his father and finally on The Gerber Shift is
to Bear himself, Gerber has taken the classic fea- their newest addition
tures of this family keepsake and made it distinctly to their massive
multi tool selection.
modern in a knife they call the Grandfather.
With a fine-edge blade, corkscrew, flat and Phillips
drivers, bottle opener and file, the compact Grand-
father knife has Gerbers Survival Series trademark
rubber grip, brass end caps and a lanyard ring.
With a closed length of 3 3/4 inches, the knife re-
tails for $32.
GDC ZIP is a series of clip-on tools for a coat,
key ring or backpack. The length of each is just
more than 2 inches. Among the versions available
is a five-size hex wrench, light, utility blade or
four-size screwdriver.
Gerber Propel AO features Gerbers Assisted
Opening 2.0 technology, allowing one to quickly
deploy the blade. The tanto-style 420HC steel
blade is black oxide coated while the slender body
and two-position pocket clip allow for convenient
carrying options. Made in the USA, closed length
is 3.5 inches and retail is $125. Bear Grylls
designed this
Gerber is a major player in the multi-tool game, Gerber multi blade based
and their latest is the Shift with forged, spring- on a knife carried by his
loaded jaws and G10 handles, Throw in large grandfather. The name of
this is, of course, the
full edge and serrated blades, diagonal cutters Grandfather.
and wire stripper on the jaws, innovative
utility blade/scraper, magnetic bit driver and a
combo opener/pry bar and you get 12 components
for $115 retail.
K
Gerbers Propel with
tanto blade boasts a
changeable clip to
provide a variety of
carry options.
PROVEN,
LIKE THE
TEAMS THAT
USE THEM.
HARDENED
IN THE FIELD.
Gerber
14200 SW 72nd Ave.
HONED
FROM EXPERIENCE.
Portland, OR 97224
800-950-6161
www.gerbergear.com
SOG knives and tools are born of the military, preferred
by U.S. Special Forces teams for decades. So whether
youre answering the call of duty or arming yourself with
innovation, lead the way with SOG. sogknives.com
TAKE POINT.
TM
HALLMARK
Hallmark Cutlerys headliner for SHOT was the designs of Sean Kendrick. ABOUT SEAN KENDRICK
HALLMARK DESIGNER
His Dreadnaught comes in both a fixed-blade and folding version. Both styles Sean has been crafting knives professionally
feature a unique hybrid blade shape. The folder is a big 5 11/16 inches closed, since 1998, but knives have been a passion since he
while the fixed blade measures 9 11/16 inches. Both have G10 handles and was a child. Craft and design come naturally to the
retail for $89. self-taught Kendrick. His mother is a talented
Hallmark Cutlery artist; his father is a master electrician, plumber
and mechanic; and his great-grandfather was a
P.O. Box 220 blacksmith. Kendrick was recently awarded the
Kodak, TN 37764 Sean Kendricks Best Tactical Knife at the 2010 Spirit of Steel
865-588-0425 Dreadnaught design Show for his fixed-blade Partisan Hybrid. The
www.hallmarkcutlery.com comes in both a fixed-blade version of the Spiraling Demise was
fixed-blade awarded the Best Tactical/Fighting Knife at the
or folding version.
2004 Greater Ohio Valley Knife Show.
Only
$69.95
2-Person, 1-month starter
KATADYN Hiker Water Filter
emergency food supply
Exclusively for American Survival Guide
Compact, lightweight and easy to pump Readers Only
Effective and efficient filtering up to one quart
per minute Nutritionally balanced food supply for two people for 30 days
.3 micron filtration eliminating bacteria providing over 2200 calories per person per day
and protozoa including Giardia and Excellent variety of freeze-dried and dehydrated items providing
Cryptosporidium both convenience and flexibility in meal preparation
Go to www.BePrepared.com/ASG for full contents and nutritional
information.
Readywise II
2-Person Emergency Kit
A two-person, three day emergency kit
offering a balance between portability and
functionality
Contains over 220 emergency supplies
Contains MREs (Meals-Ready-to-Eat),
quality backpacks, first aid supplies, N95
Only masks, warmth, shelter, flashlight with cell
phone charger and more!
$195.95
$312.22 value
ODUCTS BY JANTZ
Making Pattern 31 PAT T ER N 31
DAMASCUS
Our Completed J3148 154CM satin finish blade with K316
154CM
8 154CM satin finish blade with K323
B ss Pins. Handled with D3251 Black
Stainless Bolster and A461 1/4" Stainless Torx Screw Fasteners.
The handle is M3131 Red Linen Micarta with Basket Weave
1095
eshaped handle, sanded and buffed texture, sanded and buffed to a high finish. D2
Pattern 31 Blades
Fasteners
Bolsters are offered in 260 Torx Screw assembly includes
brass and 410 stainless, two 1/4" stepped brass
both with matching pins. In bushings and four T6 torx
two thickness 3/16" for G10 screws. Use with G10 and
Package of 6 handle pins contoured handles and 1/4" Micarta textured handles.
available in brass and for Dymondwood handles.
CAT.# TYPE ALLOY PRICE
stainless steel. Listed below.
CAT.# THICK ALLOY PRICE B451 Torx Brass 3.95
CAT.# SIZE ALLOY PRICE A461 Torx Stainless 4.95
K311 3/16" Brass 6.95
for
wo
B826 1/8 Brass
A846 1/8 Stainless
1.99
1.99
K316 3/16" Stainless 6.95 Corby Fasteners
K313 1/4" Brass 6.95
ers K314 1/4" Stainless 6.95
nd Thong Tubing
ore
Optional thong hole tubing is
Thong Tubing
listed below. Use TM64 drill to Optional thong hole tubing is Corby assembly includes two
CE drill handles for tubing. listed below. Use TM64 drill to 1/4" brass bushings and two
drill handles. 1/4" corby rivets. Use with
95
CAT.# DIA. ALLOY PRICE Dymondwood handles for
6 95 CAT.# DIA. ALLOY PRICE
B320 1/4" Brass .75 flush surface.
B310 1/4" Brass .75 CAT.# TYPE ALLOY PRICE
A320 1/4" Stainless .99
A310 1/4" Stainless .99
TM64 .252" HSS Drill 3.25 B660 Corby Brass 3.49
TM64 .252" HSS Drill 3.25
A624 Corby Stainless 3.49
Handles
Orange G10 - Basket Weave
Black G10- Basket Weave
t
dles for Pattern 32. Dymondwood
no texture. The G10 handles are
Contoured & Textured Handles for Pattern 31. Dymondwood
handles are smooth with no texture. The Micarta and G10 knifemaking.com
exture. handles are available in Basket Weave texture.
MATERIAL TEXTURE PRICE CAT.# COLOR MATERIAL TEXTURE PRICE 1-800-351-8900
JANTZ
Dymondwood None 16.95 D3149 Black Ink Cocobolo Dymondwood None 16.95
Dymondwood None 16.95 M3131 Red Linen Micarta Basket Weave 16.95
G10 Basket Weave 21.95 G3111 Black G10 Basket Weave 21.95
G10 Basket Weave 21.95 G3131 Orange G10 Basket Weave 21.95
G10 Basket Weave 21.95 G3151 Olive Drab G10 Basket Weave 21.95
G10 Basket Weave 21.95 G3161 Blue/Black G10 Basket Weave 21.95
KI_1305_18-57-SHOT 2/25/13 1:15 AM Page 44
KERSHAW KNIVES
Kershaw Knives come to us from two directions, their Zero Tolerance tactical
line and the more traditional Kershaw models. Among the 16 new models intro-
duced at the 2013 SHOT show, the ones that caught our eye include the Claude
Rexford-designed ZT801 retailing at $240.
The 566 made of Elmax steel is a strong folder with a $180 retail price. As the
pioneer of the assisted opening knife, Kershaws new 0770 gives the user both a Rick Hinderer
flipper and assisted opening in an aluminum-handled folder. Retail is $140. Rick is a knifemaker and an
EMT who gives his
Hinderers 1556II frame lock is also new from Kershaw. Kershaw knife designs
Our personal favorites were three knives that would fall into the camp knife to like this frame lock a
machete class. With strong functional blade shapes, and a choice of 10-, 14- or first responder
influence.
18-inch models, there are few outdoor requirements that one of these three
would not fill.
Kershaw Knives
KAI USA Ltd.
18600 SW Teton Ave.
Tualatin, OR 97062
503-682-1966
www.kershawknives.com
Three big
Kershaw knives for the
outdoors feature Kraton
handles and lengths of
10, 14 and 18 inches.
In Every Issue
You Will Find
Information on the latest
technological advancements
of mens oldest tool, the knife
In-Depth Articles, the Latest
Industry News, and Product
Reviews
The Hottest Knives and Latest
Innovations In Steel and Design
Hard Testing of Knives and the
Unvarnished Results
Knives for Use by Military,
Emergency Personnel, and
Other Tactical Applications
17
*
JUST $ 95
for 9 issues
SUBSCRIBE TODAY
& SAVE 74%
CALL 800-764-6278
OR VISIT US ON-LINE AT
WWW.BECKETTMEDIA.COM
DONT FORGET TO MENTION PROMO CODE AN23L011
*Allow 6-8 weeks for delivery of first issue. Outside US, add $12 postage per year and prepay in US funds only.
KI_1305_47 2/27/13 9:48 PM Page 47
LEATHERMAN some off at their insistence as well. They A removable pocket clip and lanyard
TOOL GROUP were really built for and by them. attachment provides additional non-
Highlighting the new tools from Shear tension on the Raptor can be sheath carry options. Retail is $70.
Leatherman in 2013 is a nifty pair of adjusted for personal preference and That was not the only thing new at
scissorsor more precisely medical the patented folding/locking design Leatherman. With the addition of Pock-
shears designed for the military and first enables compact storage without com- etToolX to the Leatherman family, new
responders. The shears include a strap promising strength. The uniquely models of pocket tools were introduced
cutter, oxygen wrench, ring cutter and molded sheath allows for storage in for shotgun, rifle, handgun and bow
carbide-tip glass breakeryes, on a pair both the open and closed/folded posi- maintenance.
of shears. Retail is $70. tion, as well as attachment on a Leatherman Tool Group, Inc.
The Raptor medical shears were de- MOLLE ladder system or belt. The 12106 NE Ainsworth Circle
veloped as the result of extensive testing sheath can also be rotated and locked Portland, OR 97220-9001
and feedback from military and civilian at an optimal position for the users 800-847-8665
professionals around the country. Over space requirements or hand memory. www.leatherman.com
an 18-month period, the team at
Leatherman worked closely with special
operations medics and fire/EMT profes-
sionals to design the multifunctional,
420HC stainless steel medic shears. All
the extra features work whether the
shears are open or folded closed. The
Raptor handle material is glass-filled ny-
lon to provide comfort in hot or cold en-
vironments, and a strong grip in wet or
bloody situations.
We wanted to offer the user multiple
functions beyond just the shears, said
Raptor Design Engineer Melissa Covel.
But the worst thing we could do is
make something that has too many fea-
tures and complicates use in chaotic,
tense, life-threatening situations. Every
Tactical scissors? You bet. Leatherman brings the multi-tool approach to shears for tactical/first
feature on these shears was requested by responder situations. They fold compactly, will attach with the belt clip, and theres even a holster for
the medics we worked with and we took them.
OUTDOOR EDGE
ONTARIO Outdoor Edge makes
Ontario brought out a new folder called knives with a primary
the Decima, an all-black 3-inch blade. emphasis on game pro-
Overall length is 8.1 inches, and retail is cessing. This year that
$154.95. effort extended into their
The Air Force Para Rescue team was the Wild-Pak Game Pro-
origination of the Ontario Wyvern Ax cessing Set, a light-
which features a cutting edge, breaching weight, eight-piece field-
claw and pick in a 19-inch package. Steel to-freezer game
for this one is 5160. Retail is $394.95. processing set with all
OKC the tools to get the job
Ontario Knife Co. done. It comes complete
P.O. Box 145 with full-tang caping
Franklinville, NY 14737 knife, gut-hook skinner,
800-222-5233 boning knife, carbide All you need for game processing comes in the Wild-
www.ontarioknife.com sharpener, wood/bone Pak set, an eight-piece set from Outdoor Edge.
Visit us:
Puma. The Elk Hunter is 8 1/2 inches long with a retail just
short of $120, and the Blacktail is 7 inches overall with a 3 1/2-
inch blade. Retail is $87.95.
Puma Knife Co., USA
www.pumaknifecompanyusa.com
KNIVESILLUSTRATED.COM
QUEEN CUTLERY
COMPANY
Queen Cutlerys entry into the tactical world is two folders
handled in black G10 with ATS-34 steel and front locks. The
largest is 4 inches long closed, and each comes with a lanyard
lace. For their collectible Schatt & Morgan series, they are bring-
ing back the Keystone shield.
With the acquisition of Queen by Daniels Family Cutlery, we
can expect a lot of new knives in the coming year outside of de-
buts at the SHOT Show and Blade Show.
Queen Cutlery Co.
P.O. Box 145
Franklinville, NY 14737
800-222-5233
www.queencutlery.com
SOG SPECIALITY
KNIFE & TOOL
SOG announced an association with
Steven Rinella, host of the Sportsman Chan-
nels MeatEater as a kickoff for 10 new
knives in their hunting line. (Their Hunts-
point line of fixed blades available in co-
molded rubber or wood first debuted in the
pages of KI last issue). The line ranges from
$80 to $160.
Their Twitch now comes in two wood-han-
dled versions, the Twitch II at $85 while the
larger Twitch XL retails at $120.
Other new knives in the line for 2013 in-
clude the folding blade SlipTron, and the new
Tangle with nearly 5 feet of paracord
wrapped around its skeletonized handle. The
BadAx Backcountry is designed for outdoor
enthusiasts with a saw hidden in the handle,
and the BadAx Basecamp has a forged head.
Sog Speciality Knives & Tools At a bitter cold Media Day at the Range, SOG provided knife-throwing demonstrations using SOG
6521 212th St. Southwest throwing knives, of course.
Lynnwood, WA 98036
www.sogknives.com
SPARTAN BLADES
With 43 years combined Infantry and Special
Forces experience, the Spartan team of Curtis
Iovito and Mark Carey bring combat knife design
to the table. Its not surprising that their latest
knife design would be a collaboration between
Spartan and retired Green Beret knifemaker Kim
Breed. This 11-inch fixed blade is ground from
3/16-inch steel, and is available in black or green
canvas Micarta. The basic model retails for $385.
A first-time folder is now in the line for this
formerly fixed blade only selection. The Akribis
folder is 8 1/2 inches overall with a 3 1/2-inch
blade of S35VN steel. It comes handled in carbon
fiber or black G10 and starts with a retail of
$445.
Spartan Blades USA
P.O. Box 620
Aberdeen, NC 28315
910-757-0035
www.spartanbladesusa.com A trio of Special Forces vets collaborated in the design of the Spartan-Breed combat knife.
SPYDERCO
Spyderco continues their legacy of in-
novation with a variety of lockbacks all
featuring the patented Spyderco Round
Hole for easy thumb opening. They have
also added some new fixed blades to
their knives. Here are some we think are The Spyderco Laci
going to get a lot of attention. Szabo folder has an
Spydercos new Matriarch2 Emerson ergonomic angle
coupled with a
Opener combines cutting power with the wicked-looking blade.
high-speed deployment capability of the
Emerson Wave opening device. The The handle is a textured earth-brown blade, the folder has a Spyderco com-
Matriarch2 traces its lineage to one of G10 scale with a thick titanium liner on pression lock.
Spydercos oldest and unique designs: the one side and a solid titanium scale on the The Szabos ergonomic handle fea-
C12 Civilian. Developed in response to a other. The titanium scale forms the tures gold-line carbon fiber laminate
request from a U.S. federal law enforce- foundation of the knifes Reeve Integral scales with internal stainless steel liners
ment agency, the Civilian was designed Lock (generically called a frame lock but and a four-position pocket clip. The real
as a personal defense weapon for under- actually designed by knifemaker Chris world events Mr. Szabo has experienced
cover narcotics officers operating with- Reeve). The 4.5-inch closed Southard as a martial artist and U.S. Marine veter-
out firearms. It featured a reverse S advanced Spyderco folder retails for an positively influence the design of his
edge profile that replicates the mechan- $399.95. Spyderco collaborative folder. This piece
ics of an animals claw. With his second collaboration with is for specialized self-defense. Overall
In the late 1990s, Spyderco mated the Spyderco, Laci Szabo created the scimi- open length is 10.31 inches.
Civilians revolutionary blade design with tar-like blade for the Laci Szabo folder. Ed Schempps Tuff folder is a reflection
the fiberglass-reinforced nylon (FRN) Made from CPM S30V steel, the blade of his technical understanding of knife-
handle of the Endura model to create is ground with a full-length swedge and making and his appreciation of hand tools
the Matriarch. The Matriarch2 followed is 4.6 inches long. To support the large that are exceptionally functional and re-
in 2012 and the new Matriarch2 Emer- quire low maintenance. Being a third-
son Opener continues this evolution. generation wheat farmer and a profes-
The blade of the Matriarch2 is hollow sional knifemaker has conditioned Ed
ground from VG10 stainless steel. The Schempp into becoming a hearty, hard-
patented Wave by custom knifemaker working and strong individual.
Ernest Emerson hooks on the lip of the The Schempp Tuff is large and de-
pocket as the knife is drawn to open the signed for ergonomic daily use with a
blade as the knife clears the pocket. tough and forceful cutting edge. The
The Matriarch2 injection-molded blade has a drop-point profile with a
fiberglass-reinforced nylon handle has fuller (grove) running its length. The
what Spyderco calls Bi-Directional Tex- primary purpose of a fuller is to lessen
turing. Retail is $144.95. the weight of a large and heavy blade
The Southard folder is the first Spy- and keep it structurally strong. The
derco knife to feature a flippera Schempp Tuff s fuller additionally func-
small integral tab that extends from the tions as a guiding-channel that positions
tang of the blade on the cutting edge the thumb directly to the Spyderco
side. Brad Southard is the custom knife- Round opening hole, by-feel, for non-vi-
A safe way to introduce youngsters to
maker who specializes in folder designs the workings of a knife is this wood kit
sual opening even in a gloved hand.
and is the father of the Southard folder. from Spyderco. The handle is fabricated with a ma-
chine-dimpled G10 front scale and the
LACI SZABO back scale thats a dimpled titanium slab.
Laci Szabo became a knife designer and cutlery purveyor in 1993. He immediately created The scales and blade are assembled using
notice on the knife industry radar as a principle self-defense and martial arts expert with a an oversized pivot and the blade locks
talent for designing the specialized tools used in these practices. with a frame lock mechanism. An hour-
Laci Szabo follows a knifemaking philosophy of adapt the tool to the human form, not the glass pocket clip offers four-position
other way around. He believes theres no perfect knife, but the best possible knife and skill
for personal defense is achieved individually, through training.
pocket carry with the knife tip up or
down and for right- or left-handed carry.
Open length is 8.85 inches. scale model of the Spyderco Dragonfly contains small parts so adult supervision
The Spyderco Dragonfly Wooden pocketknife. Step-by-step assembly in- is required.
Knife Kit is an educational craft-toy, de- structions will teach children (and Spyderco
signed to introduce and inspire children young-hearted adults) about the con- P.O. Box 800
(age seven and up) to beginning levels of struction and internal workings of a 820 Spyderco Way
woodworking and knife collecting. Pack- lockback folding knife. The assembled Golden, CO 80403
aged inside a hinged tin are precisely cut folder has a wooden blade with no sharp 800-525-7770
and drilled wooden parts to build a full- cutting edge and no pocket clip. This kit www.spyderco.com
STONE RIVER GEAR duced a zebrawood-handled four-piece for $89.95, or desert ironwood for
Stone River Gear is a knife company set of household knives with a counter- $99.95.
originated by a group of Schrade USA top holder. Retail is $174.95. Stone River Gear
alums, whose knives tend to lean toward Stone River Gear also introduced P.O. Box 67
ceramic blades in various configurations, three ceramic blade folding knives, in Bethel, CT 06801
in many instances pioneering the first white stag for $109.95 retail, olivewood www.stonerivergear.com
ceramic knives of that particular type.
Several of those debuted this year, with a
Change-Blade hunting knife that comes
with two ceramic blades, one a spear
point, the other a trailing point, plus an
AUS-8 steel blade the same as the ce-
ramic trailing point. The handle is G10,
and the overall knife is 8 3/4 inches long.
Retail for the handle and all three blades
is $149.95.
The company also introduced a pair of
paracord-wrapped handle neck knives, in
a choice of a white clip or black tanto ce-
ramic blades. Each knife is a little more
than 5 1/2 inches overall, and comes Stone River Gears exchange a blade features two
ceramic blades and an AUS8 steel blade. The Paracord-wrapped ceramic neck knives are new
with a Kydex sheath. Each knife is indi-
handle is G10. from Stone River Gear.
vidually boxed and can be had for
$49.95.
In addition to producing ceramic
sporting knives, the company also intro- TOPS KNIVES
TOPS Knives has added a new hefty folder called the Xcest Delta, a 4 1/2-
inch closed wide blade folding version of their Xcest Alpha fixed blade. The
blade starts out as 3/16-inch N609C steel. The handles are blue/black G10, inlet
with a divot on each side for use when using a blow drill. It does have a pocket
clip and sheath, and the pocket clip is recessed in the handle. Retail is $200.
The Light Trekker is, as its name implies, a light knife with a lot of tough fea-
tures. Designed by Ashley and Joe Flowers along with Leo Espinoza, the knife
features positive grip traction squares set into the handles. The blade is flat
ground and comes with a three-rod fire starter and emergency whistle. Retail is
$159.95.
One TOPS knife you will not want to miss is the Diving Sparrow, a tough
Wharncliffe-shaped blade designed by KIs own Field Editor Abe Elias. Retail is
an affordable $49.95.
TOPS Knives
P.O. Box 2544
Idaho Falls, ID 83403
Stone River Gear offers this design in a choice of 208-552-2945
three handles. Stag is shown here, but its also
available in olivewood and desert ironwood.
www.topsknives.com
W.R. CASE & SONS bomb shield. The blades are embellished tom, a legendary bone cutter who emi-
CUTLERY CO. with Cases Limited XX Edition art- grated from Sheffield, England and
Heading the new Case knives for work. The Limited XX Edition Series founded Winterbottom Cutlery Works
2013 is a Tony Bose-designed Wharn- XXIX Smooth Moss Green Bone family in New Jersey in the early 1920s.
cliffe Trapper limited to 1,000 knives will feature eight popular patterns, in- The eight patterns that make up the
and depending upon handles will retail cluding a Trapper, BackPocket, Russ- Winterbottom Jigged Ginger Ale family
from $375 to $625. The Case/Bose Lock, Canoe, Medium Stockman, include a Trapper, Small Texas Tooth-
Wharncliffe Trappers steel bolsters, cut Peanut, Small Texas Toothpick and pick, Small Saddlehorn, Tiny Trapper,
swedge blades and milled liners are just a Muskrat (MUSKRAT SS). A total of Sowbelly, Copperlock, Medium Stock-
few of the hallmark features found on 3,000 of each pattern will be produced man and Medium Congress. Retail on
Boses own custom knives. and theyll retail between $67 and $123. these will range from $62 to $97.
Case will be offering the Wharncliffe Case is introducing a new eight-pat- W.R. Case & Sons
Trapper in a variety of handle choices, tern Ginger Ale bone family of knives P.O. Box 4000
India Stag (100 knives), Smooth that boast a fresh look thanks to the un- Owens Way
Abalone (100 knives), Peach Seed Jigged mistakable Winterbottom jigging style Bradford, PA 16701
Chestnut Bone (200 knives), Peach Seed first developed by Samuel Winterbot- 814-368-4123
Jigged Antique Bone (200 knives), and
Smooth Ebony Wood (200 knives).
There was also a lot of buzz around
the Case booth about their partnering
with Carhartt to produce a line of knives
built around Charhartts Rugged cloth-
ing line. They initial line is not a bashful
entry, boasting 22 models. The common
theme around the line is G10 handles in
a Carhartt duck canvas color, plus two
other handle styles. One distinctive note
is the sculpted bolster. See related story
with this article.
The 29th edition of the Case Limited Case has revived a handle design that dates to
the 1920s, the famed Winterbottom bone Cases annual limited edition family features eight
XX Edition Series features Smooth handles. There are eight patterns in this family of patterns in bone handles that are described as
Moss Green Bone handles with the Case Case knives. Moss Green.
CLIPIT
TM
Pocket Clips
knivesillustrated.com
KI_1305_18-57-SHOT 2/25/13 1:16 AM Page 56
CASE/CARHARTT FAMILY 1:
G10 handles
The G10 knives have an earthy color and rugged
texture inspired by the look and feel of Carhartts
signature Duck Canvas. The G10 family will feature
seven knives: Mid-Folding Hunter with clip, Trap-
perLock with clip, Trapper, Large Stockman, Medi-
um Stockman, Hawkbill Pruner and BackPocket
with lanyard.
CASE/CARHARTT FAMILY 2:
Molasses Bone handles
The Molasses Bone family will feature nine knives,
including: Medium Stockman, Small Texas Tooth-
pick, Mini CopperLock, Peanut, Mini Copperhead,
Sowbelly, Mini Trapper, Trapper and Desk Knife.
CASE/CARHARTT FAMILY 3:
Rough Black-Over-Cream The handle for this family of Case Carhartt knives is called Rough Black-Over-
Cream. There are 22 different versions of Case Carhartt knives introduced for
Manufactured using a high-quality, durable resin, 2013.
the six knives in the Rough Black-Over-Cream
family will include the following knives: Trapper,
Hawkbill Pruner, CopperLock, RussLock with clip,
ABOUT CARHARTT, INC.
Established in 1889, Carhartt is a global premium work wear brand
Mini Trapper and Medium Stockman. with a rich heritage of developing rugged apparel for workers on and off
For additional information regarding the Carhartt the job. Headquartered in Dearborn, Michigan, with approximately 4,400
Knives by Case collection, please visit employees worldwide, Carhartt is privately owned and managed by the
www.wrcase.com and www.carharttknives.com. KI descendants of the companys founder, Hamilton Carhartt. For more
information, visit www.carhartt.com.
Case Carhartt
Molasses bone knives
have a unique sheen
and beauty. All Carhartt
knives bear the
Carhartt shield.
ABOUT CASE
W.R. Case & Sons Cutlery Company is an American manufacturer
of handcrafted knives based in Bradford, Pennsylvania. Cases
offerings cover a range of product categories from traditional folding
{ }
pocketknives and fixed-blade sporting knives to limited production
CASE SAYS IT TAKES 125 PAIRS OF commemoratives and collectables.
Case is owned by Zippo Manufacturing Company, makers of the
HANDS AND 160 MANUFACTURING Zippo windproof lighter. Case says it takes 125 pairs of hands and
PROCESSES TO CREATE ONE KNIFE. 160 manufacturing processes to create one knife. A unique tang
stamp dating system used since the very early days of its history has
made Case one of the worlds favorite collectable brands. The Case
Collectors Club, with 19,000 active members, is the largest known
knife collecting association in the world.
For more information about W.R. Case & Sons Cutlery Co. call
800-523-6350 or visit www.www.wrcase.com.
NEW
The Tango is a
knife that you would
D IRECTION
LONG-TIME KNIFEMAKERS
expect from an
established tactical folder
GUILD STALWART TIM BRITTON maker.
MOVES BEYOND MULTI-BLADE
FOLDERS INTO BIG TACTICALS
BY LES ROBERTSON,
PHOTO BY JIM COOPER (SHARP BY COOP)
ITS only a matter of time. And it wont take long.
Tim Brittons first entry into the tactical folder market is with a
model he calls the Tango. Best known for his quality slip joints
and multi-blade folders, we can expect he will soon be known as a
top tactical knifemaker, too.
Heres a look at his latest venture.
TITANTIUM TANGO
Tims titanium Tango is a knife that you would expect from an
established tactical folder maker. This knife features a 3 -inch
hollow-ground S35VN blade. The handle features a textured tita-
nium scale and a textured titanium frame lock. The Tango can be
opened by either the ambidextrous thumb stud or the very
smooth flipper. The knife also has a clip that can be set up for ei-
ther tip-up or tip-down carry, as a stabilizer and with a thong
hole. The blade and frame sport the durable stone-washed finish.
TRIPLE BENEFITS
The textured titanium handle provides three benefits. First, the
texturing provides added gripping to the handle. Second, it re-
duces the already light weight of the titanium. Lastly, theres the
exceptional strength that titanium provides. The S35VN blade
steel offers exceptional durability combined with excellent edge-
holding capability.
SMOOTH!
Having handled several of these knives, I was surprised at just
how smooth the knives were to open. Generally, a makers first
folder utilizing a flipper often needs a little wrist action to fully
deploy the blade. This is not the case with the Tango. Combined
with the other features, materials and size, the Tango is an excel-
lent choice for your next EDC.
What many tactical folder buyers will appreciate the most is
the $450 price tag of the Tango. As you might imagine, these
knives are selling as fast as Tim can make them. KI
TEXTURED TITANIUM
HANDLE BENEFITS
Added grip
Lighter weight
Strength
CONTACT
You can contact Tim Britton via
email at timbritton@yahoo.com
or by phone at 336-923-2062.
FORMIDABLE
WEAPON THE SURVIVAL STAFF FROM CRAWFORD
KNIVES IS EFFECTIVE, EFFICIENT
TEXT AND PHOTOS BY CLINT THOMPSON
MULTI-FUNCTION
The Crawford Survival Staff comes with nine basic parts that can be changed
around to make a hiking staff 4.75 feet long, a walking stick 38 inches long or a 24-
inch baton for those who need an attitude adjustment. All parts together produce a
survival staff which can be converted to be a blow gun, knife or lance. The hardened
spike point on the base helps in traction or makes an effective weapon. The base spike
can be replaced for walks in the neighborhood with the mushroom rubber cap which
keeps the wife happy on the hardwood floors.
In addition to
excellent knives, the
Crawfords make what I
consider the perfect
survival staff.
In test driving the Crawford
Survival Staff while walking in
the woods, I found it to be at
an ideal length, as well as
light, strong and having an
excellent design.
The accessories I tested were the sword cane, blowgun and darts, three-prong fish spear, neck knife/spear point with fire starter, and foam
sleeve. A chain and Kydex sheath are also included with the spear point to convert this real cool tool into a neck knife.
SPEAR-POINT KNIFE
DOES CUTTING CHORES
As for a good field cutting edge the
spear point accessory worked out per-
fectly. You could take on most cutting
chores with the exception of heavy chop-
Shown here is the short sword being mounted on top of the Survival Staff. This makes the
staff a little under 6-feet long and more than capable of fending off rough feral hogs or
pesky critters with fangs and claws. This Survival Staff is not designed to be used as a
throwing spear.
ping. I could see the spear point would inch of additional length to the handle.
be very capable of cleaning small game The spear point and fire starter carried
as well as large game such as deer or elk. very nicely in its Kydex sheath on the
I liked the spear point accessory. The provided beaded stainless steel chain.
spear point is 5 inches long overall,
with a functional sharp blade. The sharp
edge is 2 inches long, 1 1/8 inches
wide with 1 inch of serration on either
side. Its made of 5/32-inch S30V steel. I
found it was easier and more comfort-
able to carry the spear point with the
staff adaptor attached. In fact, this
worked well as the adaptor gave about an
Shown here is the Crawford spear point option mounted on the Survival Staff. Also shown is the S&W Model 345PD .357 magnum five-
shot revolver. The Model 345PD is an excellent option for a backpacker whos looking for a very light but powerful firearm.
KNIFE ATTACHES
TO MAKE SPEAR
Once I mounted the spear point on the
The many different functions of the
end of the full staff, I could feel the pow- basic staff would enhance anyones trek
er of confidence it gave me in accepting
all challenges. I have seen those t-shirts
through remote areas, as well as a walk
around the neighborhood.
where a Native American is mounted on
his warhorse and is looking to the sky
with a compound bow in his right hand .01 ounces each. Having some experi- with curare, but if you do, you can buy it
thrust upwards with the caption, What ence in using darts on small game, I can online. Yeah, I know it sounds crazy. I do
if. This is how I felt out there alone in tell you most of the time the game runs not recommend that approach.
the woods; just me and whatever comes or flies away after being struck. I even At the time of my field testing, it
along. The staff with the spearhead at- had a fellow cop who read Mother Earth would have been a violation to take any
tached would be a formable/formidable magazine and rolled his own cigarettes game with darts. I confined my testing
weapon to defend oneself from creatures (which made for interesting conversa- and target practice to trees in the woods
with fangs and claws. tions with the dopers we arrested) who and in my backyard at home. The same
also made his own darts and tipped them
BLOWGUN TOO with curare poison that he purchased
I turned to the darts and blowgun somewhere. He claimed he would not
functions of the Survival Staff. The 4 - lose game he shot with the curare-tipped
inch dart has an arrowhead-type point. darts. I guess it would be up to the indi-
The six darts included in the staff weigh vidual if you wanted to tip your darts
LEARNING STAFF
USE EARLY
As a young kid, I would walk south
out of our very small town in Kansas to
the city limits to my Grandparents
farm. I grew up in a time when young
children could travel about town or
even hike out through the countryside
with no danger of being grabbed by
some pervert. The only real danger to
me was Grants bull, my archenemy,
but thats another story.
While walking the farmland and
pastures, fighting and avoiding all
kinds of imaginary enemies, I would
search around and select the perfect
weapon to do battle. My weapon of
choice was a stick which had to be
about a foot taller than I was and as
straight as I could find. I would pull out
my pocketknife (yes, I could carry a
pocketknife at seven years old) and
tune up my brand new staff. Once I
finished this wonderful multifunctional
implement, I would set out to explore
further south, confident I could handle
any bad guy or wild beast that would
make the mistake of giving me an
excuse. Grants bull, look out.
knivesillustrated.com
KI_1305_60-66-CLINT 2/24/13 11:29 PM Page 66
SPECS
4.75 feet fully assembled
38-inch walking stick
24-inch baton
Blowgun
Knife
Lance
Spike point for hiking traction
10:55 AM Page 1
KI_1305_68-73-ABE 2/27/13 2:42 AM Page 68
If you want to own a
knife that you had some part in
making, then knife kits are the
quick answer.
CLOSE to
CUSTOM
KNIFE KITS ALLOW YOU TO ADD YOUR OWN TOUCHES TO A KNIFE
TEXT AND PHOTOS BY ABE ELIAS
ARE you ready to tackle a new, fun chal- The DDR3 model is a liner lock knife with stainless
lenge? steel liners and an AUS8 stainless steel recurve blade.
Not everyone has the time or tools that it takes to Overall length is 8 inches with a blade length of 3 1/2
become a knifemaker. However, if you want to own a inches. The knife has a hollow-grind edge.
knife that you had some part in making, then knife kits A second model has the suffix BL, meaning that
are the quick answer. its a button-lock knife. The level of skill needed to as-
semble the BL model is a little higher than the liner
KNIFE KITS IN MANY FORMS lock versions because of difficulty in finishing.
As an introduction on making a kit work for you, I The SS 2.0 model has the option of being assembled
chose a few of the kits from KnifeKits.coms Darrel as a button lock or, with a couple of modifications, it
Ralph-designed DDR series. The kits I have are the can be converted to full auto (if legal where you are
DDR series, DDR3-RC and the DDR3-BL, as well as check your local laws before that modification). The SS
the SS 2.0. Photos here are based on how to assemble in the name stands for Super Squirt. The blade is
the DDR3, but the techniques are pretty much the made from AUS 8 stainless. Overall length is 4 13/16
same for the others. inches with a blade length of 2 inches.
SIMPLE TOOLS
The first thing that tends to go
through ones mind when considering
the assembly of a knife kit is that you
dont have the tools to do this or you
need to invest a lot of money in more
equipment. Not true.
Kits from KnifeKits.com are complete
for the most part, and you only need to
invest a few dollars in tools and a little
elbow grease. You might even have all
the tools you need in the first place. The
list of tools includes a pack of needle
files (dollar-store grade will do), and
220- to 400-grit sandpaper. You will also
need a torque screwdriver set available
from almost any hardware store and
some clear nail polish.
Even though its not the same thing
as building a knife from scratch, you will find
the experience rewarding.
ASSEMBLY AND NAIL POLISH
to each side of the frame. You will notice After youve sanded the scales to fit
WHAT YOULL NEED right off the bat that the scales are not
an exact fit, so start taking them down
and to the desired finish, you can begin
assembling the whole knife; this is where
Kits from KnifeKits.com are complete with the files. the nail polish comes in. Apply nail pol-
for the most part, but you will need the You can use a power sander but a file ish to all screws except the pivot point.
following: will ensure less chance of error because For the thumb stud, apply nail polish
A pack of needle files (dollar-store youre going slower. First, fit the scales to to the female and male parts, and let dry.
grade will do) the profile of the liners and start taking The nail polish acts like a poor mans
220- to 400-grit sandpaper down the thickness. Be sure to mark the thread locking compound.
A torque screwdriver set available
scales to the thickness of the front bol- At this point, its a good idea to put
from almost any hardware store
ster and then remove the front bolsters. some tape on the blades edge to avoid
Clear nail polish
If you remove the front bolsters you possibly cutting yourself. Assemble the
wont accidently hit the bead-blasted fin- pivot point screw first, complete with
Micarta or carbon fiber. I chose Zebra ish and end up having to re-sand them. washers, then slide the body spacers in
wood. Periodically match the bolsters up to and line them up with the holes. Tighten
make sure you dont go too far. everything down. Put your scale on your
TAKING DOWN THE SCALES If you decide to sand the bolster, dont folder.
After checking to make sure all the sand toward the wood scales; the metal Once the scales are tightened down,
screws run true, disassemble the knife dust will get into the wood and make it look over the folder to see if everything
and fit the bolsters and handle material look dirty. matches. If there are any sharp edges or
The profiles of the scales are bigger than the liners so youll have to take them down to match.
anything seems out of proportion, gently ing a second coat as this will give the oil get a solid back bar instead of spacer
knock it down with some 400-grit sand- ample time to cure. posts.
paper. If youre feeling ambitious, the liners
After you have the desired finish, wipe HINTS FOR EMBELLISHMENT and spacer bars are a blank canvas for
down the wood scales with boiled lin- The kit comes with everything pre- someone wanting to do some file work
seed. Wait a full 24 hours before apply- fitted as far as the metal goes. You can and you can even continue onto the
No need for power tools; a round file and flat file will help you remove material at a safe controlled pace.
blade. I would recommend reading up on
Kits from KnifeKits.com are it first and trying a couple of practice
Make sure to get the nail polish in the KnifeKits.com supplies a number of pre-
threaded hole so it will dry and form a good shaped and drilled scales in various
lock, preventing the screws from backing materials. As you can see on the Micarta,
off. Cheap nail polish from the dollar store they even start you off by beveling the
works well. corners.
EARLY START
EARLY BLOOMER
A 36-YEAR-OLD KNIFEMAKERWITH 20 YEARS EXPERIENCE
BY LES ROBERTSON
PHOTOS BY CORY MARTIN IMAGING
THE PATH
I found myself drawn even more strongly toward tackling
even the most minute details in the steel, which has brought
me to smelting my own steel from refined iron and iron
sand, he says.
Ricks take on the
wakizashi is
both stunning
and lethal.
BACK TO BASICS
Rick Barrett has made his own steel
from refined iron and iron sand.
tactical fighters and even the occasional fitted into natural handle materials. His wakizashi is both stunning and lethal. I
folder. swords and other pieces will feature tra- particularly like that he utilized 200-
I also frequently make various con- ditional Japanese wraps over stingray year-old wrought iron to create the tsuba
temporary swords and knives based off skin. For the non-Japanese pieces, his (guard), as at that time a Samurai would
fantasy inspiration and the darker side favorite handle material is sambar stag have been carrying that particular back-
of my psyche, he says. followed closely by highly figured exotic up sword.
The materials utilized for each of woods. I like how Rick combines traditional
these are often different. Tactical knives and contemporary, such as the case with
will feature todays most modern steels, SCYTHE OF THE his Yakiba Bowie. Rick utilized a forged
such as CPM3V and S35VN, along ARCHANGEL AZRAEL and clay-tempered blade along with a
with synthetics for the handles or scales, While I am not much on art-type copper guard coupled with the antique
such as Micarta or G10. pieces, I like Ricks piece that he calls Japanese fuchi (sword fitting) as a ferrule.
For his more traditional blades, Rick the Scythe of the Archangel Azrael.
prefers steels that will lend themselves This sculpture of steel and wood would THE PLAGUE HAWK RAZOR-
to hamon (temper line) development, be as at home in a museum as it would SHARP BACK SPIKE
such as 1075 and W2. These blades will on the battlefield. Im a big fan of Without a doubt, to date my favorite
generally find themselves wrapped or Japanese swords and Ricks take on the piece Ive seen from Rick is his Plague
Find AD INDEX
Knives American Bladesmith Society 59
SIGN UP T ODAY!
Call Dealer Sales at:
(239) 280-2380 or
email dealers@beckett.com
$5,800 TO $15,000
The price range for his completed swords
REACH OUT
Contact Rick via email at toshihisa73@gmail.com
AND BY PHONE
574-533-4297 BLADE, BADGER
Although Rick is not taking orders,
The Yakiba Bowie is a 10-inch the good news is that he currently does
camp knife forged from W2, with
a copper guard, antique
Hawk. At more attend two shows each year, the Badger
Japanese fuchi (sword than 17 inches with Show in Janesville, Wisconsin, and The
fitting) as a ferrule and a head more than 8 Blade Show in Atlanta, Georgia.
African wenge inches, it features a main Ricks work is specialized with a look
handle.
cutting edge of 4 inches made all its own. If youre in the market for
from -inch 3V. This hawk borders on something out of the ordinary, I would
being a battleaxe (some would argue it suggest you talk with Rick.
is). Take note that the back spike of this A talented knifemaker with 20 years
particular hawk is razor sharp. of experience. KI
A different approach to a
tacticala modern blade
design coupled with a
traditional sharkskin-
wrapped Japanese-style
handleall carried in a
Kydex sheath.
SHOWS
610-678-6132
T
he shows listed here are knife shows and should not be confused with gun Donnie.moody@hotmail.com
and knife shows, at which a show promoter may have thrown in the and
SEPT. 20-22, 2013
knife, in hopes of luring a couple more tables of knife dealers. LOUISVILLE, KY
Show locations and dates do change for a variety of reasons, so we recommend Knifemakers Guild Show
contacting the show managers to confirm the date and location before traveling. Seelbach Hotel
502-585-3200
www.knifemakersguild.com
APRIL 5-7, 2013 MAY 31-JUNE 02
HARRISONBURG, VA MARIETTA, GA SEPT. 21-22, 2013
Shenandoah Valley Knife Collectors Show Blade Show WINSTON-SALEM, NC
Rockingham County Fairgrounds Cobb Galleria Centre Southeastern Custom Knife Show
540-828-0778 877-746-9757 North Carolina Custom Knifemaker Guild
clubmail@svkc.org www.blademag.com Benton Convention Center
www.svkc.org 336-593-8324
JUNE 13-15, 2013 jbhege@embarqmail.com
APRIL 6-7, 2013 SEVIERVILLE, TN www.ncknifeguild.com
TULSA, OK Parkers Greatest Knife Show On Earth
Wanenmachers Tulsa Arms Show Sevier Events Center at Bridgemont OCT. 26, 2013
Expo Square 423-892-0448 SAN DIEGO, CA
918-492-0401 www.bulldogknives.org Art Knife Invitational
www.tulsaarms.show Sheraton Hotel
JULY 12-13, 2013 artknifeinvitational@gmail.com KI
APRIL 13-14, 2013 BELLEVILLE, IL
DALLAS, TX Belleville Knife Expo
Lone Star Knife Expo Belle-Clair Fairgrounds
With Dallas Arms Collectors Show 618-889-2563
Market Hall bvilleknife@yahoo.com WANT LISTED?
972-839-1609 Producing a knife show? Please
jmoen@moencustomknives.com JULY 26-27, 2013 let us know at
www.onestarknifeexpo.com PLEASANTVILLE, PA bvoyles@beckett.com.
Queen Cutlery Collectors Show
APRIL 13-14, 2013
EUGENE, OR
Oregon Knife Collectors Show
Lane County Fairgrounds
www.oregonknifeclub.oorg
On The schools for the children. What they did not say is when the
lottery money starts rolling in they take away the funding from
other sources, and soon the lottery is almost totally funding the
EDGE
schoolsand the schools have no more money than they had
pre-lottery. When you have to wrap your cause with for the
children, the cause is often suspect and at the least bears close
scrutiny.
OBJECTIVE JOURNALISM?
RED FLAG I was taught in Journalism school that good journalism meant
we objectively reported the situation, gave a fair airing to both
sides of a question, and let the reader decide based on accurate
WORDS
reporting of the facts from both sides.
Today, when reading newspapers, watching the news or read-
ing online new reports, I realize that objective fairness is as rare
BY J. BRUCE VOYLES as world peaceanother impossible phrase that men have
sought for centuries, but never achieved.
THE check is in the mail often means the check is not
in the mail. KNIVES & SWORDS
That phrase has been said often enough that its entered the There are some phrases I hear a lot these days that send up
American vernacular as an oxymoron. Its not the only one. larger red flags than usual. I will preface those phrases with a re-
minder that the Second Amendment to the U. S. Constitution,
WORN-OUT PHRASES as upheld by the U. S. Supreme Court in recent years, says we as
Thousands of men have marched off to warand sometimes Americans have the right to keep and bear arms. Not only
to their makerrepeating, Gods on our side. Abraham Lin- guns, but knives, swords and other sharp objects to which we
coln once remarked that although both sides in the Civil War brothers of the blade have a certain affinity.
claimed that fact, he felt it impossible that God could be on In some places the population does not have that right. You
both sides. Napoleon Bonaparte sized it up more succinctly will find elsewhere in this issue a brief note about Finland ban-
when he noted that God was usually on the side with the most ning the carrying of knives without a permit beginning in 1977.
battalions. A number of European countries have banned lockback knives.
Shop-worn phrases such as these are merely buzzwords that The United Kingdom has a full-blown assault on what they call
hoist the red flag and alert the listener that the words that fol- knife thugs, including knife turn-in campaigns.
lowand the actions those words describemay not be sincere. When I hear an American politician start off with I believe
In my experience, when Ive been told, its business, it usual- in the Second Amendment, followed almost as quick with, I
ly meant I was going to be, or had just been, screwed. When have fired a gun, I have hunted, but... , I know what follows is
they say its only business, its never only business. not going to be the sincere words of a gun and knife owner who
Other phrases border on outright lies. For instance, when believes in non-infringed ownership of arms. The phrases fol-
your dentist says, this is only going to hurt a little bit, or the lowing the but are invariably followed with an appeal for re-
pilot comes over the PA and announces, Please buckle up, its striction, registration or outright banning. True gun and knife
going to be a little bumpy. owners do not start sentences with I believe in the Second
Amendment. Instead, they begin with I have the right guaran-
HOIST THE RED FLAG teed by the U.S. Constitution.
Ive added additional phrases to my red flag list, some you Along the same lines is the phrase common sense. Ive yet to
may have heard lately. hear anyone utter the words common sense gun control or
For the children may seem to be for the children at first, but common sense immigration policy or common sense (you fill
it will not be for long. There have been so many boondoggles in the word) that made a single bit of common sense to me.
foisted on the American public under the guise of being for the What is common sense anyway? Translation: If you do not
children that the depths of hell must be crammed with such agree with me 100 percent when I precede my words with com-
perpetrators (and rightly so). mon sense, then obviously you have none.
Most often, one will find it uttered when some local govern- If you have to say that it makes common sense, I suggest that
ment needs some extra dollars so they float a temporary tax de- it doesnt. Otherwise, why would you have to point it out?
voted to the school system, for the kids. I do not know of a single I recognize there may be exceptions to what I have itemized
one of those temporary taxes that did not become permanent. abovebut the exceptions are as rare as a pretty girl in an insur-
The pro-lottery forces overcame the anti-gambling factions in ance commercial finding a real French model to date over the
many states by designating lottery funds to scholarships and Internet. Bonjour. KI
82 KNIVES ILLUSTRATED MAY 2013 knivesillustrated.com
KI_1305_C3 2/22/13 4:41 AM Page C3
www.tormach.com/knives
Cutting Edge Artists Choose Tormach Mills
Knifemakers around the world are using Tormach PCNC milling machines to add new dimensions
to their craft. Todays top blade artists are embracing CNC technology to shape and sculpt blades
and handles, cut precision blade locks and other mechanisms, and customize designs
with engraving and detail.
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Zero Tolerance was born.