ASE KNIFE AND GUN ICONS MAKE HISTORY!FEBRUARY 2O12

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DESERT IRONWOODOur Irouwood is uniurpused 111 figure andcontrasting color. Book matched 2 pe sen.

LOCKING L1NER K1TSl h i - 6 0 5 k i t s

8A itainleti tub /ero queuchcd Oveíall length5 3/4". 3 3/8" cloied, cuttmg edge 2 3/8",3/32" thick.KV605MS 605 Mim Serrated 34.95KV605M 605 Mim Slandnrd 39.95

3 X I 1/2 X 319 60J on_ overall 7.7/8". 4-1/2" ciosed, 3 1/4"EW170 HighContrait 16.00 bladeEW171 Dark. .30.00 KV605 60J Original 39.95

EW172 Exhibition 35.00 Black WldowEW173 Presenlation.... 4«.00

Black Anodized Stainless overall i» 7 S/8",4 1/2" ciosed cutling edge 3 1/8". Ii luppliedw iili preshtped. drilled Quincewood huidlematerial. Use a ton wrench TÍO and a T6.SS652 Black Widow ....19.95

III Tech Folder

JANTZ USA BLADESMade wilb piidc in Jantz's Davix Oklahumainamifacluring facility, using Cnicible steclf.l .11 I] blade if double lempered & cryo trealedluí [ i i i iMj i i i i i n wear re»i»tance and edgeholdiug capability Bra» baliten i vi Mi hit.Avaüable in peened oí salín fimslics Cali ifyou do not see the pnrl number fur Ihe fíniíbyou are wantmg.i 'attrrn 21

7 7/8" overall. 3 1/8" blade, 5/32" thicknessJ2108 440C Steel (Sitio) 29.95J2127 D2 Steel (Peened) 29.95K214 Stainleu Boliler 6.95KT103 Leather Sheath 14.50

Pattern 22

8 3/8" overall. 3 1/2" blade, 3/32" thickwnJ2207 440C Steel (Peened) 29.95J2228 D2 Steel (Salín) 29.95K214 Stainlew Boliter 6.95KT103 Leather Sheath 14.50

Partera 23

LETTER OPENERAvailable with oí without a lightly elched Oakleaf de»ign 6" length, 4 1/2" bltde, 7/16' wide.046" Ihick.The Frlico

55204 Frisca w/ Engravina. 7.9555205 Prisco wilhout Engiaving 7.95

The BurllnfrtonTais iiew opener ¡s easy lo ciistomiye NickelSU ver boliten are pre-pinned and ready lofinish, the miiror finiíbed slainless blade ii9-1/4" overall, 3-1/2" below Ihe boliler. Kilincludci blade, ha tulle material, and pin*.

SS203 Lctter Opener...... «....9.95SS203K Letter Openei Kil 12.95

Bloclu5"jtl 1/2" x l 1/8"

EW270 High Contrast 21.00EW27I Da*. 35.00EW272 Exhibition 40.00EW273 Prwenlatioo. 45.00

SPACER MATERIALi i l i : i material used between tang A handle.Eachpiece U 5" x 10'.

MI932 Canary Yellow .039" thíck

M 19.14 Kelly Creen 039" thíck

MI903 White .030" thíck....

.29?9

.291919

.19

8A flamlcu ilcel blade with satín ñnish. II illupplied with pieihaped, drilled Quincewoodbatidle ni.iii.-i u i l I i-iiiith 7-3/4" opened. 4-3/8"cloted. the cuttmg edge 3-1/8". Use torx wrenchTI O and T6.SS3520 Hi Tech Fighler 19.95

Fallow KM

11 ii ' li Carbón Stamless blade, NS boliler, beltclip. Supplied with ptesbaped, drilled Quincewood handle matcnal. Overall length 7 13/16"4-1/2" clo»ed 3-1/4" cutling edgeU»e Torx TÍO A T6.SS656 Fallow Locking Lmer 19.95

JEWELED OPENERSFor the 603 folder. Fallow, Black Widow andHi-Tech Folder ai well ai otbcr largc foldenuting ambidexlnous thumb openeri with 1/8"ni 3/32" bolo, with lupplied adapter7/32" día. x.200" long eacb iide.

The Pacific

9 9/16" overall, 4 5/8" blade. 5/32" thickne» Tta mirror finished itainless blade hai 3/32"J2308 440C Steel (S.lin) 29.95 °ol« and ,( 8-1/2" over.ll, "-' *" bl.de KitJ2327 D2 Steel (Peened) 29.95 lncludel bUde' handle

K214 Stainleu BolMer 6.95KT111 Leather Sheath 14.50

Pattern 25 ^^___^___ ""SS201 I-etter Opener 8.95SS201 K Letter Opener Kit «.10.95

9" overall, 4 3/16" blade, 5/32" thickne»J2507 440C Steel (Peened) 29.95J2528 D2 Steel (Satín) 29.95K 2 I 4 Stainleu Boliler 6.95KT111 Leather Sheath 14.50

Pmttcrn 31

7 5/8" overtll, 3" blade. 3/32" thick»e«J3127 D2 Steel (Peened) 29.95J3148 IÍ4CM (Satín). 34.95K314 Slainless Boliter 6.95KT104 Leather Sheath 14.50

Pattern 36 (SS573 SU ver Mooie)

K££N EDCE BLADESLtgbt. flexible, welt balanced. 8A bladei, iahnfmished, fíat ground lo a super iharp edge Ihatstays shatp 4 styles lo meet all your kitchen &.camp need*.

Chef's BUde

12-1/2" ovenll, 8-3/4" blade, .078 thickneuSS107 Cher* BUde,.... ....16.95

Couk'i Blade

M1N1 CORBY RIVETSDesigned for use ra tang boles as trnall ai 1/8' OJ « 03 04 « t* 07 M W 10 11 12UW . 5/64- alien wrench (sold sepu-ately) .pproprl.í. e.lor code a.d add II toOrder a Jantz lüvet Dnll to eaiily A preeiiely ™^ nm^

¡ÍJSC «¡Slf TB81" Styl^ZSOpene, 19.95VGIO Folder Klts

7 S/8" overall, 3" blade, 1/8" thickneMJ3627 D2 Steel (Peened) 29.95.13608 440C Steel (Satín) 29.95K364 Stamlest Boliter™ 6.95KT103 Leatber SbMth. 14.50

P«ttern 37 (SS473 Silver Foi)

Í'P697 Brass, 5/32" head 2.35CP627 SUinles», 5/32" he.d 2.35RD8 Rivet Drill for 5/32" 19.95C'P669 Brass. 3/16" he.d 2.35CP629 SUinleí». 3/16" head 2.35RD1 Rivet Drill for 3/16" 19.95

HARDENED FILE CUIDEFor fítting guards.Place m a vise tofile slol tot guard,or use to do faucy"file work" onlang or edge of knifc

FG100 File Grade 49.95

KMFEMAKER'SCENTER1NG SCRJBEUse this lnikty loollo scnbe the centEr Imes•s a guide fui grindiDRkmfc blides Designed

JS305 KnifeScribe

Eich kit includei all components excepl handlematenal. Eaay uutnictions for the 1 > , c mm iVGIO Super Sharp Miiror Poliihed LuninatedBlade Overall length opeoed is 6 S/8". 3 7/8"ciosed, cutting edge is 2 1/2".

VG101 Tilín- Titanium I in , i 69.95VG102 Silver Tilanimu Lincr 64.95VG103 stainle» Lina 59.95Pre-Shaped Hundir for VGIOStabilized exhibition quality preshaped handlefor Ihe VGIO folder kils aboveVG519 Stbl California Buckeye 11.95VG570 Stbl Desert Ironwood- 11.95VC10 LITI'Llí BIGHORN

. . .—VG-IO 33 Uyer Dauuscux. super sharp highcolball sleel bladeLength 5 1/8", 3" ciosed. cutting edge ii 2".

'.39.95 SS723 VGIO Little Bighom. ...59.95

6 5/8" ovenll, 2 5/8" blade, 1/8" IhicknessJ3727 D2 Steel (Peened) 29.95J3708 MOC Steel (Satín) 29.95K374 Stamless Bolster 6.95KT116 l , , ! l i < i Shealh 14.50

Pattern 38

7" o ver «II, 2 1/2" blade, 5/32" thickneuJ3828 D2 Steel (Satu) 29.95J3837 CPMS 30V (Peened) 39.95K384 Stamless Bolster 6.95KT104 Leather Sheath 14.50

PaMera 39

6 1/2" ovenll. 2 1/2" blade, 1/8" thickuessJ3907 440C Steel (Peened). 29.95J3928 D2 Steel (Satín) 29.95KT103 Leather Sbeatb 14.50

Pattera 40

7 3/16" overall. 3 1/4" blade, 1/8" Ihickness.14(108 440C Steel (Satín) 29.95J4027 D2 Steel (Peened) 29.95KT103 Lealher Sheath 14.50

10-1/2" overall. 6" blade, .078 thicknessSS106 Cook's Blade..... ....14.95

Steak Blade

7-1/2" averall, 3-1/2" blade, OÍB thickness^, o ocStcakBlade 9.95

Santnku Blade

10-3/4" overall. 6" blade. 070 thickneuSSllOSantoku Blade 17.95

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FEATURES1 2 Malaysia's Men of SteelPacific Rim makers forge uves of quietdesperation. By Philip Lim Chin Guan

20 Coat of ArmsBlade coatíngs add safety, style, steafthand field valué. By Mike Haskew

24 The ContradictionThat WorksSpyderco's Ball Bearing Lock secures twounlike pieces into one. By David Jung

38 Ray Appleton Passcs AwayThe fun-loving knifemaker was light yearsahead of his time. By BLADE- staff

40 Knife & Gun IconsMake HistoryCase "co-stamps" knives with Colt fortwo ann i versarles. By Tyler Pipes

44 Pass The Oyster Bar ExamHow to make and use the ChuckSchuette "King's Oyster Knife." By ChuckSchuette

52 NBN Knives of HéroesThe author took his dad's war knife backto its roots. By Gene Englehart

66 Classic Knife ÑameReinvents ItsetfPuma USA pumps contemporary styleinto its traditional lineup. By Dave Rhea

70 In Sharp SupplyMaterials go-to-guys offer sweet dealson knifemaking stuff. By Joe Kertzman

82 Wonder WhackersFour factory hawks and hatchets get acampout workout.By James Morgan Ayres

88 Big Blade PlayTim Scholl's camp knife tackles a braceof test challenges. By MSG Kim Breed

No Fingernails?92 EOGESNo Problem!Vintage easy-open jackknives are usefuland collectible. By Richard D. White

671O1930323648

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Readers RespondCover StoryUnsheathedThe Knife I CarryEd Fowler's Knife TalkJoe Szilaski's Q&AHandmade GalleryProfile In Steel:Grace HorneNext in BLADE'BLADE ShoppeBLADE ListAd IndexBLADE Web ServicesKnifemaker ShowcaseWhere To Net 'EmShow CalendarWhere To Get 'EmWhat's NewCool Custom

BLADE1 (ISSN 1064-5853} is publishcd mimihly (Vol. XXXIX,No. 2j. wilh aii additinmil IM.UC in Novcmber, by F->W Media, Inc.,700 R State St., lula, WI S49WM100I. Ptraxlicals ptistage paid allola, WLs.. and a! mldiumial mailmg ott'ices (.anadian AgrccmcntNumher: 4(1665675 IH)STMÁSTER: Senil addrtss i;hant;i;s IDBLADE. RO Box 420235, Palm Cnast. FL 32142-02Í5,

F E B R U A R Y 2012 blademag.com 5

READERS RESPOND

This is your column! And we want to iow what you think. Do you like what you've read in BLADE*? Do you have a complaint, a sugges-tion, or an opinión you'd like to share with the largest, most sophisticated knife audience in the world? Mail your comments to: BLADE, RO. Box789, OoltewahJN 37363-0789, orvisit our Website at www.blademag.com.or e-mail us at steve.shackleford@fwmedia.com. We reserve the right

to edit your comments to fit the space available.

Two In A Million

Ihave a farm with my husband inHopewell, Oregon. On May 14, 2010,our horse arena hurned to the ground.

The cause was something that can happenin anyone's home. A healer was on low inthe tack room. 'Ihe plug was pulled awayfrom the wal! outlet a quarter inch and itbegan to are for hours. Picase, everyonecheck your outlets and get rid of thoseplug-ins—they are causing many fires. Welost 11 horses, many ducks and geese, onedonkey, and a 41-year-old pony in the fire.

Our neighbor, Roy, found in thecharred ruins of the tack room the pre-cious knife my 25-year-old son gave mewhen he was 12. Needless to say, it had nocovering and was charred but the stain-less steel was still good. It is a Buck ProRodeo knife that is no longer made. Thisis the only possession left from the hor-rific tragedy.

I contacted knifemaker Alan Warrenof Roseville, California, on the Internetand took the knife to him. He said he didnol have the tools to repair it bul he knewsomeone who did—knifemaker Leroy R.Remer of l.akeside, California. Alan con-tacted Leroy, who dropped what he wasdoing and repaired the knife so well thatit made me cry. 1 have nothing but admi-ration for both of these great men.

Leroy did not clean it up on one side,as it would have removed the logo. I wentup and retrieved the knife from Alan. Iam so pleased with it. It has such tremen-dous sentimental valué, particularly afterall we have been through. Not only wasit a gift from my son, who was 12 whenhe gave it to me after I had lost mine onthe trail, but it also has been restored andengravcd, "In Memory of 5-14-10."

I had never known a knifemaker beforeI met Alan. He convinced me he wouldrestore the knife and that if he could not,he would pay to have il shipped to some-one who could. And believe me, it tooksome convincing to sway me to first lethim have my knife, then to have to acceptthat he would take good care of it whenit had to be shipped to California! Bothof thcse men never charged me for theirefforts in getting my knife restored.

I am very, very grateful to both of theseindividuáis—more than they will prob-ably ever know. Ihey are one, or should Isay two, in a million.

Reme E. Zipser-Luckart,a letter via e-maíl

Another Jim Schmidt Fan

Thanks so much for the recent arti-cle on Jim Schmidt and his knives(page 46, October BLADE-).

I was fortúnale enough to attend a fewof the Ashokan hladesmithing seminarsback in the Dan Maragni/Tim Zowadadays, and the fondest memory for me washow all weekend long Jim would tcachfilework to any and all intcrested parties.He would sit at a tablc in the lodge cabinand, with infinite patience, teach any tile-work pattern to anyone, beginner or "ex-pert," for as long as ti look them lo graspeach technique and until everyone had aturn.

I also remember how ama/.ing his file-work sample block was and I look forwardto sceing it in a future issue of BLADE.

Byron Mellinger,Wyomissing, Pennsylvania

Editors note: A story on Schmidt's fileworkblock is slated for an upcoming issue ofBLADE.

Icing On The Cake

Big thanks for the "KnifemakerShowcase" mention on page 75 inthe April 2011 issue. For a spare-

time maker such as myself, it was a bigdeal to me and greatly appreciated.

So, I was completely surprised whena friend of mine called and advised methere was a photograph of one of myknives in the September issue (page 32).My friend could not remember what thearticle was about, so I had to wait a coupleof days for my issue to arrive. Talk aboutsuspense!

The article, "What To Look For In aUtilily Fixed Blade," quoted such knife-making greals as Murray Cárter, BladeMagazine Cutlery Hall-Oí-Fame^ mem-ber Blackie Collins, Johnny Perry andBob Terzuola. To have a photo of myknife featured along with these guys wasjust icing on the cake.

H.L. Holbrook,a letter via e-mail

For The Love of Randall Madeguess you can cali every Randall Made knife a

factory custom. As I have noticed several makers'

knives are coming down in price due to the hec-

tic economy, I do not notice this ¡n Randall Made

knives. It would be very saíeto say that iiwesting in

a Randall that has been marked up on the second-ary market is a good bet, seeing how most of us

cannot wait the 48-52 months for a new one. Be-

sides, if noíhing else, you can pass the knife down

to your son or daughter.

I do not know íf the Randalí model you choose

will go up in valué quickly, but it is not going to

come down— that is, as long as you have done a

little research and picked one up for a good price.

And, with the widespread knowledge of eBay, every

pawnshop owner knows (he knives' valué as well.

EBay is a good source to price knives, but not the

only lorum to use. Knifeshowcase.blademag.com is

an excellent choice and there are several others

out there. While on this site, I have read "wartís"

for certain knives from some not-so-knife-savvy

buyers. There are hundreds of reputable knivesavailable, and I really prefer the custom kmfemak-

ers (Daniel Winkler, S. Powers and Les Voorhies,

to ñame a few). But, in my humble opinión, also

consider a Randall Made for your collection or out-

door/tactical use.

JefferyE. Wagner

Editor's note: To read Mr. Wagner's post andothers, visit fittp-Mnifeshowcase.blatíemag.com

and click the "Forum" tab.

KNIFE AND GUN ICONS MAKE HISTORYI

Designed by Justin Gingrkh, theRanger RD Hawk Pick fromOntario Knife Co. combines in-

tegral construction and a dramatic pick/spike in a heavy-duty yet compact utilitytomahawk.

A 1075 carbón stcel head in a lexturedblack powder coat—all of the steel savethe edge is so coatcd—and an ergonomicMicarta- haft offer a marked visual con-trast between the hawk's two businessends. Cutouts reduce weight and enhanceaesthetics.

"ONTARIO ALSOMAKESTHERD

HAWK, A VERSIÓNWITHOUTTHE

PICK/SPIKE"

Overall length: 12 inches. Sheath: Blacknylon. Country of" origin: USA. MSRP:$191. Ontario also makes the RD Hawk,a versión without the pick/spike. Incidcn-tally, RD stands fbr ready detachment.

For more information, contact Ontario,attn: Nick Trbovich, Dept. BL2, POB 145,Franklinville, NY 14737 800-222-5233or 716.676.5527 www.ontarioknife.com,and/or see the story on page 82.

The cover photo is by Kris Kandler.

BLADE

DLC STEALTH$595.00

TIGER STRIPED$550.OÓ

F E B R U A R Y 2012 blademag.com 7

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D f A R C F F D R | [ A P V 9 m 9

BLADEWORLD'S #1 KNIFE PUBLICATION

Vol. XXXIX, No. 2, February 2012

Publishers Of•WT—^ fnúh Horld Knifí CoiWfins * kiwlKngEDGES

Editorial/Advertising Office:700 E. State St., lola, Wl 54990-0001

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Edito | STEVE SHACKIEFORD

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Online Editor | BEN SOBIECK, E-mail. Ben Sol»«k@fwmedia tom

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UNSHEATHED | By Steve Shackleford

W

Lets Save The Bables!The recent tragic death of the 11-month-old infant

onlookers were unable to free from a burning carbecause no one had a knife to cut the baby free from

a jamnied seat belt is heartbreaking. First and foremost,a young life was snuffed out in a most painful, terrifyingway. My thoughts and praycrs go out to the child's parenlsand family, as well as those on the scene who were unahlcto save the infant. The inciden! will continué to haunt allconcerned for many lifetimes.

The lack of a knife carried by any of the bystanders tocut the seal belt and free the baby was a contributing factorin the infant's death. The fact it happened in Los Ange-les with íts strict anti-knife laws is an indictment of a citywhere anti-knifers continué to succeed in their crusadeagainst kiiives. Anti-knife laws indirectly—some mightsay directly—kept the child from being rescued, and nodoubt will prevent others i rom being saved in tuture catas-trophes as well. (For more, see "For the Want of a Knife" inthe "Foruní" at http://knifeshowcase.blademag.com.)

Ordinances barring people from carrying knives and,henee, from saving the lives of others in cmcrgcncies musíbe repcaled! Of course, organi/ations like the AmericanKnife & Tool Institutc and Knife Rights and elected off ic ia lssuch as New Hampshire Rep. Jenn Coffey are Ihe standardbearers in focusing on the repeal of anti-knife legislation.By joining and supporting theni and spcaking out on yourown, writing your legislators and local newspapers, voic-ing your concerns on social media like Facebook, Twitter,etc., you can do your part, too. And be sure to voice yourconcerns in non-knife venues. You are "preaching to thechoir" if you do it in pro-knife venues. It is the non-knifeones that need to hear the message.

In addition to repealing an t i -kn i fe ordinanccs that ex-aggerate the problem, why not institute pro-knife lawsthat address the slaughter on our nations highways by furtherenabling citizens to respond to emergencies such as the one inL.A.? Why not rcquire the manufacturera of automobile babyseats to equip each of the seats with a seat-bclt cutter convenient-ly placed out of children's rcach for a parent or onlooker to use tocut the baby's seat belt in an emergency? And whi le at it, why notrcquire automobilc and truck manufacturéis to stock each andevery vehicle with such a seat-belt cutter?

Idcally, said manufacturera would take the lead and includcseat-belt cutters with their producís. Not only would it be a pub-lic service, the manufacturen would add valué lo their baby seatsand vehicles. However, in today's cost-cutting and suc-happyatmosphere, mosi manufacturera probably will not act withoutsome kind of liability-free Icgislativc push.

A number oí knife companies have seat-belt culters with thecdges recessed for safety. Columbia River Knife & Tool offersone—it also has a window breaker and flashlighl—ihat attachesto a seat belt and is thus immcdiately accessible in an emergen -

Columbia River Knife & Tool's Exitool is a seat-belt cutter, flashlight and win-dow breaker that attaches to a seat belt—where you need it, when you needit. (CRKTphoto)

cy situation (see picture). Another is Henchmade's 9CB Hook,which has a retractable safety blade cover. If nothing else, a folderwith a sheepfoot blade in the glove box would work.

Even with such a law, the baby in L.A. probably would haveperished anyway because the car was engulfed in flames and noonccouldhave reached ihe seat-belt cutter even if it had been in-side the car or attached to a baby seat—which is why anti-knife-carry laws nmst be repealed, too. Still, though, a seat-belt cutterremains a must-have tool stored in vehicles and with baby seats.

Repealing anti-knife legislation and promoting a scat-belt-cutter law would save lives—ironically, given the proper circum-stances, maybe even those of the politically correct idiots whorefuse to carry knives and persecute those who do.

To rcad similar slories and the latest knife news, forums, blogs uncímuch more, see http://knifeshowcase.bladetnag.com.

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MALAY BLADES 1 By Philip Lirn Chin Guan

lALÜSIi"!THE KNIFEMAKERS OF PASIR

PENAMBANG FORGE UVESOFQUIETDESPERATION

•EMOf Evcry morning, Lim Loong Hoi is at hisdirty workshop—it looks more like ashack from thc front—at about 8 o'clock.

Beyond the upen door in the rear, the passageleads to a hallway and a few small rooms.

'Ihe honcshaker of a wooden shop has beenhome to Lim and his family for decades. Hesaid he has been making utili ty tools, includ-ing parangs, goloks, large fishermarís bladesand sickles, since his school days.

His instructor and mentor was his grand-father. Back in the day, Lim found l ime aftcrschool lo help his grandpa at the workshop.

Lim hammers a blade on his shop anvil. (photo courtesy of the author)

Picture a teenager's delicate hands with aheavy hammer and a pair of tongs when,during morning hours, he was holding apen or ruler in school. That was about 50years ago.

Called Sin Sam Hup Lee, Lim's shop stillstands firm against fluctuating economicconditions and the ravages of time. Hisback is slightly bent frorn the long, drearyyears of standing before the furnace orhydraulic pump, pounding away at piecesof elongated steel.

Pasir Penambang is a small village onthe outskirts of Kuala Selangor in thestate of Selangor, Malaysia. The locáis,especially the Chinese, are mostly fisher-men, shopkeepers or fish wholesalers.

The Chinese fishermen are Lim's regu-lar customers. 'Ihe edged tools he makesfor them are larger than usual. 'Ihe blades

are similar to huge butcher knives, havinga curvature that helps in slicing a big fishin two with one swift downward stroke.

The Malay farmers usually ask for longsickle blades used in dislodging oil palmfruits, a.k.a. kdapa sawit nuts. Each sickleis hollowed out at the handle to accept along pole. The pole enables the user to ex-tend the blade about 7 to 8 feet to harvestthe nuts from the palm trees. Each sicklecosts $2 to $2.60. The price depends onthe quality of the steel and blade size.

In Lim's workshop, stacks of Jeep leaf

A selection of Pee's parangs and goloks areready for sale. Note the dropped design ofthe handles. (photo courtesy of the author)

(Below) Cleaver-type tools and utility knives,sharpened and ready for sale, (photo cour-tesy of the author)

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MALAY BLADES

Sickles are the subject of conversaron in aPasir Penambang workshop. (photo courtesyof the author)

springs used for blade steel rest in a cór-ner. The four-wheel-drive springs arerusty and grimy. The haggard bladesmithlikely sourced the spring steel pieces bythe ton from an oíd junkyard. He prob-ably got them cheap, too. Most of thetime they are cut to required lengths. His a low-tech, slightly primitive method ofstock removal.

Practícallty and function rule the land.Almost nobody here has heard of CPM-S30V, VG-10 or ZDP-189. The most con-vincing line Lim uses is, "This is Jeepspring steel." That alone gives his cuslom-ers some assurance they are getting qual-ity steel.

Kdged tools used by fishermcn or farm-ers in the fields have no time to get rustybecause they are used regularly and on adaily basis. After six to eight years, the pa-rang, golok, fisherman's blade or farmer'ssickle may be dcemcd unusable. The user

simply buy.s another one from Lim. Afterall, it costs just a few bucks. Compared toits long-term usefulness and hardiness,the cost per blade is minuscufe—whichis why the agrarian folk in Pasir Penam-bang and nearby villages are I.im's loyalcustomers.

Lim's assistant is taciturn, works like awell-oiled machine and knuws ihe blade-making process intimately. I-ike his boss,the assistant relishes the feel of steel in hishands.

Of coursc, the untidy workplace is notexactly ideal for a prívate conversaron.Customers determine what they want,haggle over the price and depart withthe edged tool they bought wrapped in anewspaper.

Occasionally, some outsider brings adrawing of the piece he wants made. 'Ihebladesmith examines the drawing andIhen determines whether his outdatedcquipment and other machines are suit-able for the order.

The volume of edged tools he sellswilf not even make Lim a member of themiddle class. He obviously is not makinga fortune, as some people no doubt sus-pect.

Chuan Lee ChanA couple of doors away along the samerow of wooden shops is another knife-maker, Ah Pee. A sign at the front of hiscstahlishment says "Chuan Lee Chan."Originally from China, he has aged be-ibre his time, though his eyes have a cer-tain fire that belics his years.

Pee said his children, especially his son,have absolutely no interest in knifemak-ing. "The young men today prefer air-conditioned offices and as littlc dirt ontheir hands as possible," he observed.

The long hours and intense heat fromthe furnace are enough to deter mostfrom pursuing such a profession. It isbackbreaking work with the added disad-vantage of low and slow financial return.

According to the author,the knives are functional and forutility purposes only. (photo courtesy of theauthor)

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er. The way Pee does it looks easy—untilyou put the same grinder in your hands.A ílat grind is apparcntly the way to go.

First, he clamps the blade on a tablevise, covers his mouth with a piece ofcloth and dons plástic goggles. He movesthe grinder side to side and applies justthe right amount of pressure.

A shower of bright orange sparks flypast his body, but Pee pays them no heed.When he is fully satisfied the blade has

the correct grind, he unclamps it andadds the finishing touches to the edgewith a smnoth stone.

Again, it is all "touch and feel." Whena man has spent three-quarters of his lifesharpening blades, you do not questionhis judgment. He said, "The blade caneasily shave the hair on the arm." I believehim totally.

He then gives me a piece of advice.After the blade has been used, wash it in

The ongest bladeis a blank with no handte. The author bought it because the customer whowanted a custom handforged goloK did not return to pick it up. "I like the weight, the feel ofthe steel and the shape, so I bought it," the author stated. "I am sí/// looking for a suitabletropical wood for the handte and sheath. Malaysia has a wíde variety ofexotic hardwoods thathave lovely grains that are suitabte to be made into handles." (photo courtesy of the author)

www.pumaknifecompanyusa.com *-

running water. Do not wipe the water offbut put the knife out in thesun todry. Al-low the sun to dry the blade and it willremain sharp indefinitely.

It took awhilc hefore I realized the wis-dom of his words. Could it be the tropicalweather, coupled with the scorching Ma-laysian sun, acts as a form of heat treat-ment on the sharpened blade? Perhaps thesLin's rays strengthen the already hardenedmolecular structure of the blade's edgc?Or is it a sales gimmick? Who knows bet-ter—the bladesmiths of Pasir Penambangor me, the end user from the city?

Paying HomageThere are only two bladesmiths along themain road in Pasir Penambang. Both areadvancing in age. This is a dying trade.The youngsters are not intercstcd. Trióseof us who appreciate all things steel andsharpened tools come to this tiny town,away from the hustle and bustle of thebigger cities, to pay homage to men ofsteel who live a life of quiet desperation.

To read similar stories and all the latestknife news, forums, btogs and much more,sec http://knifeshowca$e,bladeinag.com.

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M I carry a Bear & Son Mini

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mother-of-pearl. At 2.5 ¡nenesit makes a great gent's knife, and Tve

noticed more than one nice young lady

checking ¡t/me out when l'm using it.

Yeah,baby!ff

PatrickBlanchard,a lettervia e-mail

M l'm new to knife carrying and

selected the Columbia River

Knife & Tool M16-DFSG Kit

Carson design in desert tan. I just retired

after 29 years service in the Army and am getting

on in age, which makes me less sure I can either runaway or handle myself in a threatening situation. So,

I carry a knife that clearly says 'military.' I considered

a smaller blade but it does not have the same visual

impact the large one does. By the way, I chose CRKT

as I always carried a CRKT A.B.C. blade sheathed on

my web gear whenever I was deployed to one of

my three combat tours, along with a CRKT K.I.S.S

backup, and they never failed me."

LTC John Thompson,U.S. Army (retired),

from knifeshowcase.blademag.com

M I carry a Kershaw 1480 with

a blade of VG-10 steel ciad in

420HC I love the classic look

of the knife and it cuts like it's going out of

style. Tve had it since my Navy service and

still use it daily to cut shroud Une for my Job

as a civilian. It also does a number on the

occasional apple and the errant strings on mywife's sweaters.ff

J.S. Dondino,Portland, Oregon

Tell us what knife you carry. Add a titile history or an anecdote. Tryto include a photograph (if digital, at least 600 K but no larger than2 MB) oí you with your knife. We will publish your comments in anupcoming "The Knife I Carry." Your ñame will then be entered in adrawing to win a free, high-quality, name-brand pocketknife. Thedrawing will be Nov. 15. Mail to: BLADE®, P.O. Box 789, Ooltewah,TN 37363-0789, or e-mail steve.shackleford@fwmedia.com. If yousend your entry by e-mail, please include your mailing address incase you win the pocketknife.

FEBRUARY 2012 blademag.co

BLADE FINISHES | By Míke Hask^w bíLAUt1 neia eanor

BLADE COATINGS ADD SAFETY, STEALTH, SURVIVAL AND STYLE, AND ARE A GOOD FIELD VALUÉ

Acoated blade offers protection,non-glare and striking looks. Forthose who serve in the military,

preserve the peace through law enlotvoment or for knife enthusiasts in general,hiades are coated black, Fíat Dark Earth,tan or what have you for a variety of rea-sons, and are permanent fixtures in theircomplement oí" working gear. The lookand feel are appealing, and the ease ofmaintenance is an attractive attribute.

Buying a coated blade makes a state-ment and serves a practica! purpose. Knifemanufacturers recognize the demand forsuch hiades and scc their contributions tothe available selection as filling a neces-sary niche.

According to Paul Tsujimoto, séniorengineer at KA-BAR Knives, powdercoating was developcd in the mid-to-Iate1960s. "Powder coating is applied usingthe electrostatic principie," he said. "The

parts to be coaled are given a negativecharge and the powder coat is givcn apositive charge and sprayed on. The drycoated parts are Lhen baked in an ovenor furnace, where the powder nielts andfuses into a hard, protective finish."

For HSHE Knives, Rowen Mfg. appliesTextured Powder Coat to blades of 1095carbón steel through an electrostaticspray process that causes powder parti-cles to adhere to the steel. Then the coatedsteel goes through four stages to completethe process: mclt, fiow, gel and cure.

"The powder is applied with an electro-static spray gun. Before the powder is sentto the gun, it is fluidized to sepárate theindividual grains of powder and improvethe electrostatic charge that can be applied10 the powder so Ihat the powder flows

(Left) ESEE knives receive the Textured Pow-der Coat at Rowen Mfg. (Rowen Mfg. photo)

ESEE employs its Textured Powder Coat forthe finish on the ESEE-5P fixed biade. Bladesteel: 1095 carbón. Blade length: 5.25inches. Blade grind; Sabré. Handle: CanvasMicarta®. Features: Glass breaker, bow-dríllpivot. Weight: 16 ounces. Overa 11 length:11 inches. Sheath: Kydex® with belt clip.MSRP-. $262 (includes sheath). (ESEE photo)

Spartan Blades' latest model to sport thecompany's SpartaCoat is the Spartan HarseyHunter (below), a Bill Harsey design. Bladecoating: PVD in Fiat Dark Earth. Blade steel:CPM-S35VN. Handle material: 3D con-toured CE canvas Micarta®. Overall length:10.5 inches. MSRP: $495. (Spartan Bladesphoto)

Spartan Blades' models hang on racksbefare being coated at lonBond. (lonBondphoto)

for about 17 min-utes, depending on the

thickness of the material. It'snot an ultra-smooth finish likesome coatings have, and it enablesthe user to hold the blade for cióse

work i l necessary."

more easily to the gun. Because the pow-der partióles are clectrostatically chargcd,the powder wraps around the back of thepart as it passes by tovvard the air off-takesystem," ESEE's Jeff Randall explained."To obtain the final solid, timgh, abra-sión-resistan! coating, the powder-coateditems are placed in an oven and heated toU-m per al u res that range from 160 to 210°Cclsius, depending on the powder—400°in our case.'1

President and co-owner of SpartanBlades, Curtís lovito said his company'scoating of knife blades is called PhysicalVapor Deposition (PVD). "The process ischaracterized by the creation of a mate-rial vapor that can be reacted with differ-ent gases to form a thin film coating," henoted. "We use a method called are de-position. This process is carried out undernigh-vacuum conditions. One of the nicepropcrties ot" CVD coating is that it ap-

plies uniformlyso that you don't get

build-up on corners and edgeslike some coatings." lonBond coats Spar-Um's blades.

The cominercial ñame Spartan Bladeshas given its PVD coating is SpartaCoat.lovito and business partner Mark Careybecame familiar with PVD coating whileworking on the development of a newri l l e with Special Forces applications.

"While in the Army, we had been look-ing for a durable coating in [a Fíat DarkEarth color] for a new weapons system wewere developing," lovito remarked. "For-tunately, we were aware thal the develop-ment of a true Fíat Dark Earth Pantonehad been done usiny /irconium carbónnitride. We believe that we were the firstcompany lo use a true Fíat Dark EarthPVD coating on knivcs. This coating isoften referred to as diamond-like coating,or DLC, in the gun and knife industry be-cause of its resistance to wear."

Iil<n k Traction Coating is the propri-etary ñame of the tínish TOPS Knivesuses on its blades through the services ofJames Bowen (see page 22). "We use anepoxy hybríd base with polyester in it,"TOPS President Mike Fuller said. "It iselectrostatically applied in its dry powderform, and it goes on the blade betweenthree and five thousandths-inch thick-ness. The knives are then put into an ovenand baked at a little over 400° Fahrenheit

Carbón and StainlessWhile the processes aresimilar from manufac-turar to manufacturer,each has its own variation on the coal-ing theme. KA-BAR coats both carbónand stainless steels, while ESEE uses 1095carbón steel exclusively as a bíade mate-rial. Spartan Blades uses CPM-S30V andS35VN, and 154CM stainless steels.

"At our clients' request, we use BlackTraction Coating on ail our producís,1095, 5160 and all the stainless steels aswell," TOPS' Fuller noted. "One of the rea-sons we use it on 440C or 154CM stainlessis that it preserves the visual integrity ofthe blade, as well as being easier to clean.it doesn't add appreciably to the knife'scost, but the benefit from our perspectiveis that the chance for oxidation is nil wherethe covering takes place. However, in ár-eas like the final edye of the knife whcrcthere is no covering, the blade still needsto be oiled like any other good tool."

Spartan ol lkials acknowledge that thecoating oí their stainless steels tbllows thesurface blasting of the blades in order toelimínate glare. However, when a knifeblade is blasted, a surface is creaíed thalis less corrosión resistan!. Therefore, thePVD/SpartaCoat helps resist corrosiónand maintain the fíat finish.

Tsujimoto identiries four primary rea-sons for. coating knife blades: corrosiónproteclion, anti-reflection, enhancingcutting lubricity, and any combination of

F E B R U A R Y 2012 blademag.com 21

BLADE FINISHES

1: The blades are sandbfasted to remove oils, dirt, rust, mili scale, etc. 2: The blades hang in the coating booth, ready to be coated. 3: Aslow, even application of Black Traction Coating is applied via an electrostatic spray. 4: Completely sprayed, all of the blades are placed in theoven to bake on the powder coat. 5: The blades cool down after baking. 6: The blades are removed from the oven. 7: The finished bladesare given a final inspection.

7"OPS í/ses Black Traction Coating for thefinish on its blades, including the onPointTáctica! (top). Desígned by Kevin Reeve,the knife features a 4-inch blade of 1095carbón steel and a tan canvas Micarta®handle. Weight: 6.3 ounces. Over-all length: 8 3/8 inches. MSRP.$169.95 (includes Kydex®sheath). (TOPS Kníves photo)

Many think only of carbónsteel when it comes toblade coating, but manystainless blades arecoated, too. The BullDozier Fixed Blade(middle) from KA-BAR in AUS-8Astainless at a Rockwell hardness of57-59 HRC is an example. Bladelength: 6.5 inches. Blade grind:Hollow. Handle: Zytel®. OverallLength: 12 1/8 inches. MSRP:$127.74. (KA-BARphoto)

Camillus coate its blades with CarbonitrrdeTitanium, reporíedty one of the hardestsurface treatments containing titanium.The Model 18513 (bottom) employs thecoating on its hollow-ground AUS-8 stain-less blade. The handle is aluminum. MSRP.$43.99. (Camillus photo)

the first three. "KA-BAR is no exception,"he said. "Because wc use a lot oí carbónstee! that is very pronc to corrosión, weutilize blade coatings a greaí deal. Stain-less is coated for both anti-reflectionand corrosión. Remember, stainless steelmeans that it wíll slain less than carbónsteel. Stainless is not totally stain proof."lovito agreed.

"Knives generally are coated to provideanti-glare surfaces and provide wear re-sistance, as well as to add additional cor-rosión resistance, not to mention that itmakes for a grcat looking finish," lovitonoted. "This finish should not be con-lused with other spray or paint finishes.While these other íinishes are OK, PVDcoating cannot chip or rub of I" because itsbonded lo the steel at a molecular level."

Of course, the coating is only as goodas its ability to stay on the blade. Durabil-ity may relate to the composition of thecoating itself, and to the degree of abuseand wear a particular knife is expíe ted toweather. Recoating of blades is cither rareor not offered by many manufacturera,and the premise is simple. The coating ismade (o last.

SpartaCoat is applied at a thickness of 3-to-5 microns, and its final hardness regís-ters 70-to-90 HRC on the Rockwell scale.

so meblades in the

past, primarüybecause the owner

requested a change ofcolor or to have some-

thing etched on the blade.lovito said only a couple

have been recoated for anyother reason through the years.

Snowmobiles & Judian ChiefsThe coating of blades has a practica!, aes-thtític and utilitarian appeal. Il adds anelement of safety, stealth, survival andstyle (o a blade, while demonstrating agood valué every day in the field. Two ofFuller's experiences are telling.

"Some time ago we were working witha snowmobile manufacturer," Fuller com-mented. "The manuhicli iK'r used thecoating material as an undercoating onits snowmobiles. That says somethingabout the toughness of our Black Trac-tion Coating. It's extremely durable with abit of flcxibility, and the mixture we makehas passed military 24-hour saltwaterspray tests and chemicai emergent testswith flying colors.

"Years ago, a survival expert took oneof our knives to the Peruvian Ama/onand left it with a chief down there. Thesepeople use their knives every day andsharpen them on river stones." The sur-vival expert returned three or four yearslater, Fuller added, and found the chief,who still had the knife—and the coatingon the blade was intact.

for the contact informaron for the knives¡nctured, see "Where To Get 'Etn" on page80.

To read similar stories and the latest knifenews, forums, blogs and much more, seehttp;//knifeshowcase. blademag, com,

BLADE

VA collaboration with

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IEBRUARY

KNIFE MECHANISMS | By David Jung

** m -B-^r»-ContradjütThat WorksSPYDERCO'S BALL BEARING LOCK EMPLOYS AROLLING BALL BEARING AND SLIDING PISTÓN

TO SEGURE TWO PIECES INTO ONE

The idea of a ball bearing used as a knife lock may seemlike a contradiction. Ball bearings are designed to kecpthings in motion, not freeze them in place. Howcver, it is

the shape of the ball bearing that gives the Spyderco Ball BearingLock some of its greatest strengths.

Since variatíons on knife shapes and handle materials areharder to patent, that leaves lock designs. Borrowing such a de-sign involves paying a royalty. Devising your own lock negalespaying the royalty but involves many hours of research, designand testing.

The Ball Bearing Lock began on paper, progresscd to plásticmodels and then to the metal prototypc stage. Throughout Iheprocess, the locks patcntabiliíy was considered—though hold-ing a patent does not mean the patent holder is free and clear.Competitors love to pore over a design to look for loopholes toexploit. Defcnding a patented design is crucial to its econornicsuccess. In the end, Spyderco CEO Sal Glesser, a Blade Maga-zine Cutlery HaH-Of-Pamee member, said he felt his Ball BearingLock was dilierent enough to warrant a patenl, and the designwould be difficult to copy.

The Ball Bearing Lock and the evolutionary caged Ball Bear-ing Lock comprise Spyderco's attempt to develop a robusl lockthat meets martial blade craft (MBC) standards without beingtoo bulky or hard to open or cióse. The hardened ball bearing,which is the main element, is allowed lo rotate freely Ihroughoutits travel. Because it will always be in a difíerent position, wearand tear is greatly reduced. Another benefit is the lock continu-ally self-adjusts wíth each use. Because of its design, it can beoperated on either side of the handle. An additional benefit is thelock is hard to accidentally disengage, which adds to its safety.

One look at the Hall Bearing Lock reveáis the creative thougluprocess required in its creation. "The design objective," Glessernoted, "was to have a fairly simple, very strong, very reliable fold-ing knife lock."

A close-up shows the larger first-generation Ball Bearing Lock. Thehardened ball bearing sudes easily and allows for a smooth openingaction. The knife is the Spyderco Polliwog. (David Jung photo)

(Right) A Spyderco Manix 2 is surrounded by a selection of Spydercomodels resting on a "láser remnant" cutout sheet, clockwise fromtop: Blue Dodo G-10, P'Kal, Phoenix, Polliwog, Polliwog G-10, P'KalTrainer and Black Dodo G-10. The P'Kals and the Manix 2 have thesmaller caged Ball Bearing Lock. The others have the first-generationBall Bearing Lock. (David Jung photo)

How It WorksWhen the knife is closed, the ball bearing sits in a slightly curvedchannel. The channel provides the track for the ball bearing,which is pushcd toward the blade due to pressure from a smallshaft surrounded by a coil spring. Opposite the slightly curvedramp is the other side of the channel, which is formed by theknife blade.

As the blade pivots, the ball bearing pushes past the resisíance

When the knife is closed, the newer, smaller "caged" batí bearingpushes into a cutout on the tang's underside. As the blade pivots(shown above in a cutaway versión of a Spyderco knife), the ball 4bearing rolls atong the curved tang. When the knife is fully o**--the bal! bearing sudes forward into a channel formed by thehandle on top and tang on bottom. Pressure to cióse is res/siby compression on the ball bearing. Only when the ball bearing isretracted will the blade cióse. (David Jung photo)

FEBRUARY 2012 blademag.com 25

KNIFE MECHANISMS

of the closed-position detcnt and ibllowsa circular path untii the knife approach-es the open position. When the knife isnearly open, the blade channel dropsaway, allowing the hall bearing lo pushout into the channel formed at the top ofthe blade. Throughout ihe travel the hall

bearing rolls unobstructed, with the out-ward spring prcssure providíng the resis-tance to allow the blade to swing freely.In the open positkm, the pressure to cióseis SUrmounted by (he hall bearing lock-ing in place, 011 top by the liner and belowby the blade. When the user removes the

outward spring pressure by pulling backon the ball bearing, the blade can be piv-otcd to the closed position. 'líie hardenedball bearing is unyielding under normaluse. In the case of the newer models, acage of a durable proprietary polymerblcnd surrounds and centers a smaller

From left, the four-panel photograph shows how the ball bearing sudes into the channel formed by the blade and the handle as the Polliwog isclosed. The ball bearing self-adjusts when the knife is opened and/or closed. (David Jung photo)

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KNIFE MECHANISMS

and a much thinner profilc.The original Ball Bearing Lock was

visihly difieren! than any other lock, andsome of thc first models using it did notlook iraditional. Hric's Polliwog design al-lows the ball-bearing channel to be openwhen the knife is closed, making it ap-pear the hall bearing could slip out. EricsDodo design features an ergonomic han-dle. It is scheduled to return in Spyderco'scarbón fiber and orange G-10 "Sprint

Run" versions. The Phoenix, designed byknifemakcr Howard Viele, also used thelarger Ball Bearing I.ock.

'Ihe P'Kal has the cagcd Ball BearingLock. The knife is based on an edgedmartial arts technique from the Philip-pines, which involves an "ice-pick" gripwith corresponding downward pullingthrusts. I.ock strength ¡s crucial in knivesused in the martial arts, so the P'Kalneeds the MBC-rated lock.

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'Ihe knife that has received the most at-tention of the caged series is the Manix2. The original Manix knives fcatured amassive, heavy-duty design. By movingto the caged versión of the Ball BearingLock, Spyderco changed the Manix in apositive way for everyday carry.

Use & MaintenanceThe Ball Bearing Lock takes some gettingused to if you are accustomed to Liner-Locks™ or traditional lockbacks. Openingis the same as with othcr Spyderco knivesvia the blade hole. The difference is inclosing. While it is possible to unlock theblade using one side of the lock, the bestway is to pulí the lock cage back with thcthumb and Índex fingcr until it releases.Once the lock disengages, the blade canbe pivoted closed. "People either like ¡t orthey don't," Sal obscrved. "They like thesmooth action. They like the strong lock-up. We wanted it tunctional and easy toopen, but I guess 'not too easy' would be

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one way of saying it."Among thc advantages of having an ex-

poscd lock is ease of cleaning. "We usu-ally just rinse them out and add a drop ofoil here and there," Sal said. "Wc've neverhad an issue with the spring. These coilsprings go a long time, so really there isnot much maintcnance, other than occa-sional oil."

The Ball Bearing Lock is one of manylocks on the market. Others that sharesimilar characteristics include the BoltAction Lock designed by Cutlery Hall-Of-Famer Blackie Collins, and the Axislock designed by Bill McHenry and JasonWilliams and tound on severa! Bench-made folders.

28 BLADE F E B R U A R Y 2012

ball bearing, with the lock action beingthe same.

The KnivesThe Ball Bearing Lock debuted in 2002 onSpydercos World Trade Center (WTC)Knife, a non-profit fundraiser for vic-tims of 9/11. On the WTC knife andthe follüw-up D'Allara knife, Spydercoused FRN (tiberglass-reinibrced nylon)handles. 'Ihe FRN made for a fairly thick,though comfortable, knife. Subsequenlknives with the Ball Bearing Lock, in-cluding the Polliwog, Phoenix and Dodo,used such "fíat" handle materials as stain-less steel and G-10, which addressed thethíckness concerns.

The first-generation versión had a large,hardened ball bearing. Some seemedconccrned it took two fingers to easilyslide the ball bearing back in its channcl.Fríe Glesser, Sais son, designed the ncwerversión, which addressed the concern bymaking the ball bearing smaller and en-closing it in the cage that has more grip

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"I think all locks compete and haveadvantages and disadvantages, so I dorítknow that one would be better than an-other," Sal opined. "Most locks will eitherslide or roíate; I guess [the Ball BearingLock] would be considered sliding, al-though it is more rolling than sliding thatis the action of the lock."

Henee, the Ball Bearing Lock takcs thecontradictory rolling motion of a ballbcaring and the sliding of a pistón ¡nto achannel to lock two pieces of metal intoone. It is a contradiction that works.

Por more information on the Ball Bear-ing Lock and the Spyderco knivcs thathave it, contad Spyderco, attn: f. Laituri,Dept. BL2, 820 Spyderco Way, Golden, CO80403 800.525.7770 www.spyderco.com,custOfnerservice@spyderco.com.

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F E B R U A R Y 2012 blademag.com 29

KNIFE TALK By Ed Fowler BLADE® field editor

The Cure for Blade Warpconclusión -i-

TEMPERATURE CONTROL, BLADE GEOMETRY, POST-FORGING QUENCHES AND MORE

In my cxpcricnce, blades that wereovcrheatcd at any time from the firstheal to the last are most pronc to warp.

The more exact your tempcrature controlot ' ihe stcel whilc forging and through thethermal cycles, the higher the potentialquality of your blades. When hlades are

'overheated, many times warp is one ofthe consequcnces.

We use a propane three-burner Man-kel Forge at the Willow Bow Ranch.The propane flows through two mainlincregulators and thcn to the three burners.1-ach hurner has ils own regulator. It took

a while to learn how, hut now we can finetune the tcmperature in the forge with ahigh degree of precisión.

Kailure to evenly heat the stccl also canbe a causativo factor in blade warp. Thus,wc nced to tend our blades carefully asthey heat up in the forge or vía a torchwhile hardening.

When I program my Paragon hcat-trcating oven to tempcr a blade, I set it toheat to 388°F in onc hour, hold it at thattcmperature for two hours and then shut itdown. This díctales that the Paragon willslowly and evenly heat the blade to the

desired tcmperature. I allow the Paragonto cool naturally to room temperaturc,and strongly rccommend against coolingblades rapidly from tempcring tcmpcra-tures.

Anothcr significant event that cancause an inferior blade is thermal shock.Never place a hot blade on an anvil orsteel table to cool. Instcad, suspend theblade in the air or in a cooling rack thalmakes mínimum contact with the bladesurfacc until you can hold the blade com-fortably in your haré hands withoul burn-ing lliem.

Larry Davis, a student at one of the Willow Bow seminars, watches his bladeheat up in the forge, To avoid blade warp, "it is absolutely mandatory to care-fully tend blades through all thermal cycles," the author observed. (photocourtesy of Ed Fowler)

To avoid thermal shock, never place a hot blade on an anvil or steel table tocool. Instead, suspend the blade in the air or in a cooling rack (right) thatmakes mínimum contact with the blade suríace. (photo courtesy of Ed Fowler)

Blade GeometryUniformity in the geometry ofthe blade also can be a signifi-can! variable. If one side of theblade is flat and the other con-vex, the potential for blade warpduring heat treat increases. Ir-rcgularities on the surfacc of thesides of the blade also increasethe probability of warp. Whenyou qucnch a blade, the quench-ing fluid must be able to flowevenly over it. I rccommend atleast a 220-grit surface or finen

Rex Walter and I explored ev-ery variable wc could identify.We read the literature availableto us and traveled many paths,some of valué to various de-grees, others that Icd nowhere.Slowly and by increments we were able toreduce the influence of internal stress inour blades, but they still occasionally ex-perienced warp to some minor degree.

Post-Forging QuenchesMy friend, attorney and defender ofSec-ond Amendment rights, BLADE- con-tributor Evan Nappen, ordered a bladewith hardened, sharpencd edges on topand bottom, and with a soft core. In at-tempting to provide him with his knife, Iwas required to forge, harden and temperthree blades, all of which failed. One at atime all three warped. The hard edges onboth top and bottom of the blade with asoft center were asking too much for mymethods. When I tried to straighten thewarped blades, I had to apply a tremen-dous amount of forcé of well over 100foot pounds, requiring a cheater bar onthe handle of my heavy-duty bench vise.They would barely flex and then brokecatastrophically into two or more pieceswith a very loud bang!, rendering themworthless (see page 38, January BLADE).

I was not going to allow this challengeto defeat me. ! tried manipulating manyvariables and failed while developing thefirst three blades. Then and I must ad-mit, mostly in utter desperation I triedsubjccting the blades to three post-íbrg-ing quenches in the following manncr.

I forged the blade lo shape. After all theforging was done, I heated the blade a lit-tle above critical tempcrature in my forgeas determincd by the blade bccomingnon-magnetic, and quenched it in room-

The author's three-burner Mankel forge has one inline regulator,and three sepárate regulators, one for each burner. "While these arehigh-ticket regulators, they allow us to very accurately regúlate theindividual burners and the resultant temperature inside the forge," henoted. (photo courtesy of Ed Fowler)

temperature Texaco Typc "A" quenchingfluid for 35 seconds. 1 repeatcd this op-cration for a total of thrcc quenches, oneimmcdiatcly following the other.

From thcrc I suhjected the blade totwo flash normalizíng heata (thcrmalcycles up Ihrough the allotropic phascchange, from magnetic to non-magnetic,then cooling down to magnetic in stillair, then immediately back into the forgefor the next cycle). That was followcdby one ful l normalizing cycle of heatingthe blade until it was non-magnetic, thenallowing it to cool to room temperaturewhile suspended in still air at 70°F.

All blades of our high-endurancc per-formance knives are then annealed at988°F three times for two-hour soaks,heated slowly from room temperaturein our Paragon oven up to 988°F in one

What initially looked like a flawless 3-inchball bearing was annealed, welded ontoa bar and heated to forging temperature.It fractured after a couple of hits from apower hammer, illustrating how well forgingexposes bad steel early in the process.

hour, and held at that tempera-ture for two hours. The ovenshuts off and naturally coolsback down to room temperaturegradúa lly to achieve what webelieve is optimum softncss forgrinding and future heat treat-ing, while still maintaining theuniform flow and fine grain wehave developed in the bladethrough our methods. 1 stronglyadvise against cooling bladesfrom their annealing or tempcr-ing temperature rapidly.

The net result was the threepost-forging quenches provid-ed succcss on the fourth bladethat I finished into a completedknife and sent to Evan. Shewas perfectly straight, the first

of my commemorative fighter blades.Again, I thank Evan for challcnging mein another direction and providing an-other Icarning opporlunity. This solutionfor the reduction of blade warp was notmy solé revelation. Many worked on thedevclopment of the methods we now use.The importance of tcamwork in any en-deavor cannot be overcmphasizcd.

These approaches may or may notwork for other knifemakers using otherstccls or methods, but I suggest bladewarp is both our friend and our foe. Bladewarp is a symptom of stress and can leadus to new methods- -providing we payattention—that can aid us in our quest fora bettcr knife.

Yours truly,

Ed FowlerKnifetalkonline

Edfowlerhighperformanceknives.com

Aurhor's note: A future article will dixcusxgrindintz timi huffing mcthods thal can leadeithcr !<> u belter hlade, or one that is not asgood as U could be.

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BLADE

F E B R U A R Y 2 0 1 2 blademag.com 31

CUESTIÓN & ANSWER | By Joe Szilaski BLADE* field editor

Marked wíth masking tape and heldbetween the two leather strips in the vise,the elk antier (ten) is ready for cutting onthe band saw in the author's shop. (photocourtesy of Joe Szilaski)

Dave Hermán, the author's friend andex-partner, made this knife and gave itto the author as a present in 1989. Itshows how creativa you can be with elkantier. The handle is pieced together like ajigsaw puzzle. The top half is hidden-tangconstruction and the bottom half is slabs.(photo courtesy of Joe Szilaski)

Keys tothe Best

Elk-AntlerHandles

i~r D r> i i A o v

HOWTOCHOOSE THE BESTANTIER, CUTIT AND FIX

SUB-PAR EXAMPLES

Qt l enjoyed rcadíng and learned a• lot from your story (pagc 52, July

BLADE-) on using elk antier for hidden-tang knives. I have some nice elk antlersand would likc to use them for the han-dlc on a full-taiig knifc. You mentionedin your article that elk antier can bevery porous in the center. What is thebest way to go ahout cutting slabs fromelk? (Johnny C., address n/a)

A An elk rack is quite massive. KachXi*time 1 huid one of thcse magnifi-cent specimens, my mind wandcrs togreat childhood memories, I grew up inHungary where elk wcre plcntifut , andI was lortunate tliat my godlather was alores! ranger. One ot'his responsibililieswas monitoring the elk herds, and I sawmany ni aj eslíe bull elks, especially duringfull rut season.

Elk antier can make an excellent han-dle lor a full-iangknite. Betorc answeringyour question, I would likc to tell BLADI:rcaders what to look for when buying elkantlers for handles.

Try to buy a "seasoned" rack, otherwiseyou will need to store it for a fcw years be-forc use. You cannot be 100 perccnt surc itis a seasoned rack unless the seller knowsand is honest about it. 'llie only way tobe sure is to cut into ihe antier and seeif the core is sort of gooey or oily fecling.If so, this mcans the antier is slill groenand you should wait at least two to three\Tars before using it. Using green antierInr handles is not a good idea bccause theshrinkage will be niuch greater. 'Ihis ¡s thecase with most natural materials.

I look for an antier that fccls hcavy forits size. In other vvords, the heavier theantier, the more solid it should be. Theheavier weight is a good indication theantier ís less porous in the center and hasa thickcr ouler wall. A lighter antier isusually more porous in the center and hasa t h i n n e r outer wall. (See Photo I.)

Of course, the thinner wall does notmean you cannol use ihe antier tor scales.You can but it takes a . titile more work. AsI mentioned in the July ULA /)/:, you mustremove the porous section and fill the

Photo 1: Seasoned antier (right) is less porous in the center and has a thicker outer wall.Green antier (left) is usually more porous in the center and has a thinner outer wall. (photocourtesy of Joe Szilaski)

Photo 2: After cutting the antier section to síze, cut it in half lengthwise to form slabs. Markthe centerline using masking tape along the antler's top, bottom and ends. (photo courtesy ofJoe Szilaski)

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void with wood or other solid material.When working with a more solid ant-

ier, by the time you grind your scales tothe desired thickness and si/e, thcrc willnot be much porous section left to worryabout—and that you can satúrate with ex-tra-thin Super (¡lúe- in order to make itsolid. Most likcly you will need to repcatthe application of glue a few times. Makesure the glue has completely dried belbreapplying another coat.

As far as the best way to cut your ant-ier, 1 can tell you what has workcd for me.WARNING: Be safety conscious ifyou usetools such as a powersaw.

Before cutting it, I study the rack fromdifícrent angles and determine whichsections would be more suitablc for hid-den-tang knives or as slabs for íull-langknives. I hold the difíercnt parts of theantier to find the sections that feel mostcomfortable in my hand. l;rom there, Imark with masking lape where cach cutwill be.

After cut t ing the section to size, I cutit in half lengthwise to form slabs. 1 markthe centerline using masking tape alongthe top, botlom and ends of the antier(see Photo 2, page 33).

When positioning the antier in thevise, 1 use 10-ounce leather to line thevise jaws. The leather prevenís damage tothe antier and will rcsult in a better visegrip because the soft leather will íbrm tothe antlers irregular shape.

1 use a small precisión dri l l block tocheck the angle of the antier in the vise.The goal ís to have the centerline posi-tioned perfectly vertical for cutting.

Most of the time, I use a small woodenwedge to compénsate for the irregularilyof the anller and to help true up the cen-terline. If marked and cut correctly, theslabs should be similar in size and thick-ness, so not much efibrt will be requiredto grind or sand the scales fíat.

If the antier is small, I may use a wide-faced, sheet-metal locking pliers insteadof a maehinist's vise (see Photo 3, page35) and slowly push the antier into theband-saw blade to cut lengthwise.

Only yuur imagination limils what youcan make using elk antier. llave Hermán,my fríend and ex-partner, made the knifeon page 32 and gavc it to me as a pres-ent in 1989. It shows how creative youcan be with elk antier. I fyou look closely,the handle is pieced togerher líke a jigsaw

Photo 3-. If the antier is small, the authormay use a wide-faced, sheet-metal lockingpliers instead of a machinist's vise andslowly push the antier into the band-sawblade to cut lengthwise. (photo courtesy ofJoe Szilaski)

puzzle. The top half is hiddcn-tang con-struction and the bottom half is slabs. Imadc a few sub-hilt fighters with similar"jigsaw handles." It is a lot of fun but alsoa lot of fitting. As noted, you are limitedonly by your ¡magination—and maybeyour patience.

Send your questions for Wayne God-dard or Joe Szilaski to BLADE, POB 789,Ooltewah, TN 37363-0789 steve.shack-leford@fwmcdia.com. Inclitdc a self-ad-dressed, stamped envelope with your ñameand address for a personal response fromWayne, or e-mail him at wgoddard44@comcast.net. To contad Joe by e-mail, hise-mail address is joe@szilaski.com. If yonwish, BLADE will not print your ñamewith your question.

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F E B R U A R Y 2012 blademag.com 35

HANDMADE GALLERY

£ 4

¡anna Casteel; Haley DesRosiers;Chantal Gilbert; Dee Hedges;Harumi Hirayama; Grace Horne

(see page 48); Julie Warenski-Erickson—and those are among the femaleknífemakers' knives not pictured on thisand the facing page. Which ones havewe left out? Let us know.

GailLunn's"Galaxy"lockbackfolder boasts adamascos handletrame with a black-lipmother-of-pearl inserí, 10sapphires, full filework anda 4-inch stainless blade. (PointSeven photo)

"Antier & Turquoise" by AudraDraper features a 3-inch damascosblade and an antier handle with aturquoise spacer. Overall length; 8inches. (BladeGallery.com photo)

For the contad Information for the picturedknives, see "Where To Get 'Em" on page 80.

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BLADE

Dellana outfits her sole-authorshipart folder in a 3.5-inch clip-point

\. damascus blade and an 18k-rose-gold handle and bail.

^ (Point Seven photo)

A 2.75-inch wharncliffe blade ofCPM-154 stainless, an ivory handtewith Gary Williams scrimshaw anda bolster of Mike Sakmar mokumetop off Barbara Baskett's gent'sknife. (Point Seven photo)

Elizabeth Loerchnerdelivers catving that

ripples throughout theknife and handle of

her folding art dagger.(Point Seven photo)

Kathleen Tomeyequips her fíxed

blade in a 4.5-inchfíleworked blade of 01

tool steel, a red oak burlhandle, and brass furniture.Overall length: 8.75 inches.

(Point Seven photo)

Lora Sue Schwarzer offersup the William Scagel styte

in a 5.5-inch blade of 1084carbón steel and a crown staghandle with leather and fiber

spacers, silver and brass.Overatl length: 10.75 inches.

{Point Seven photo)

DEATH IN THE FAMILY | By BLADE® STAFF

Multilock MasterRay Appleton Passes Away

LIGHT YEARS AHEAD OF HIS TIME, THE GIFTED, FUN-LOVING MAKER WAS 87

Riy Appleton, maker of the "I.Q."ind other pu/,7,le-type, "mulli-ock" cuslom knives, passed away

Sept. 24. Hewas87.'Ihe ta l l , lanky, likable Appleton began

making knives around 1984. He causeda sensation with his multilock kniveswhen he displayed them at the SolvangCustom Knifc Show in 1986. Beautifullycarved, anodized titanium (blders, theywere marvels of hi-tech cutlery work-manship and ingenuity. Among theirendearing features were the "hidden"

opening mechanisms Appleton builtinlo Míe knives that he delighted in hav-ing people try and figure out how to op-érate. The knives featured button lockswi th the opening and locking mecha-nisms self-conlained in Ihe hlade pivot.On average, each multilock liad a lotal of10 locking positions.

While soine might be said to be yearsahead of their time, Appleton was lightyears ahead of his. "We've lost a master,genius and greitl man with the passing ofRay," said the award-winning knifemak-erknown simplyas Dcllana.

Born in Denver, Colorado, in 1924,Appleton enlisted i n the Armyat 18 andfought in North África and Italy dur-ing World War II. He made his knives

with the use of only one good arm, as hisright arm was permancntly crippled in aski accident in 1949. Until then, he hadbeen an Olympic-class downhill skier.His "Ap" blade mark, when viewed side-ways, is a tiny picture of a ski racer.

His niain business was custom tool andcomponent machining, and prototypedie and machine work, including someof [he latter for Martin Marietta. He alsomade hi-tech surgical instruments suchas wire-thin orthoscopic nippers fromtitanium used hy surgeons to opérateinside a human knce joint through anincisión about a quarter oí an indi long.In his shop he had most every conven-tional machine tool you can imagine. Heexcelled at using electrically discharged

Ray Appleton made his first"Super IQ" folders (right) in1993. (from the collectionof Laurence J. Marión; photoby Dr. David Darom from hisbook, The Great Collec-tions; photo of Ray Appleton[above] also by Dr. Darom)

machining (EDM) to make knives,and, in the late 1960s, bought whatreportedly was the first EDM ma-chine installed between the Appa-lachian and Rocky Mountains.

A round 6'6" tall, with longhair, head wrapped in a bandanaor capped by a cowboy hat, plaidshirt and blue jeans, Appleton liter-ally stood above the crowd at knifeshows. His echoing laugh was un-mistakable, his íim-loving natureinfectious. According to "Ray Ap~pleton Redefines the Folding Knife"by Bladc Magazine Cutlery Hall-Of-Fameo member Bernard Levinein the January/February 1988RLADK-, Appleton liked to reservehis time for "making his knives,taking high-speed photographs ofhummingbirds, programming hiscomputer, driving fast cars, or tell-ing stories to his seven pet horses."

BLADE field editor Ed Fowler, along-time acquaintance of Apple-ton's, had nothing bul good thingsto say about his friend. "Ray wasmy hero when I was a kid in highschool and remains a hcro to me,"Fowler observed. Added knifemak-er Steve Hill, "I'm real sorry to hearof this fine gent's passing. We usedto have some in-depth spiritual yakfests back in the day. Vaya con dios,mi companero!"

According to Appleton's son,Ron, an accomplished maker whowas preparing for the Art Knife In-vitatíonal at press time, his fatherhad not been in a knife shop in atleast seven years and had not madea sole-authorship piece in a decade.Appleton had moved from Colo-rado to live with his son in Texascirca 2001 before moving to Mon-tana three years ago to be with bisdaughter and grandkids, and do oneof ihe things he liked best—play onthe computer.

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F E B R U A R Y 2012 blademag.com 39

ll

Accpr'ding to/Case spokesman Fred Feightner,thé series ef Case pocketknives celebrating

¿Colt's 175th anniversary marks the first timein Capé officials' recotlection that a Caseknífé or series of knives has been offered inwnich afmtíipf company's tang stamp appears

/along witíi'ihe Case stamping. (photos cour-tesy/of Srnoky tjóuntain Knife Works)

I t was inevitable two great American companies such as Caseand Colt would eventually come togcther to créate a line ofknives that could be made only ¡n the heart and soul of the

USA—and what better year to do it than 2011 to mark Colt's175th anniversary?

Case, the company who produces sonie of the best and mostcollected knives in America, has teamed with Smoky Moun-tain Knife Works, the world's largest knife retailer and thelicensee for Colt, to make a collaboration of knives notonly to mark Colt's 175th anniversary, but also tocommemorate the lOOth anniversary of the ColtModel 1911, the gun that forever changed theworld of pistols and quite possibly the out-come of World War I.

And in what appears to be a firstfor Case, the knives will includetang stamps of both Case andanother company—in this in-stan ce, Colt.

Samuel Colt received a patentfor his design of a revolving pis-tol in 1836, and, after many triáisand hardships, began making thepistols on a commercial basis foreveryone from the Texas Rangersto the US. Army. The accuracy,precisión and quality of Colt fire-arms wcre legcndary and inspiredthe oíd saying, "God created man,Sam Colt made them equal."

It is hard to find a movie aboutthe Civil War, the Oíd West or evenWorld War II in wbich yon do notsee a Colt pistol carried or refer-enced. The same is said about every great knife collection—thatit is not truly complete if it does not include a fcw Case knives.

Behind The ScenesAbout three years ago, Smoky Mountain Knife Works acquiredthe exclusive licensing from The New Colt Hold-ing Corp, to be the official licensee to design andproduce knives undcr the Coll brand ñame. Sincethen, Smoky Mountain Knife Works has not onlygrown and improved the Colt line of knives, butalso has expanded its licensing of Colt Ítems tootfer a wide range of products under thenew Colt Tactical Gear line—everythingfrom tactical vests and universal pistol hol-sters to AR-15 rifle cases.

"We are really excited to be able to bringthese two American companies togetherand produce a series of products that webelieve every die-hard American cannotlive without in their collection," said KevinPipes, president and CF,O of Smoky Moun-tain Knife Works.

To many, it may seem like just anotherset of anniversary knives made special by

Pete Cohan said all seriouscollectors should take noteof the co-stamped Case/Coltknives.

Three different Case knivescommemorate the lOOth anni-

versary of the Colt Model 1911,one of which is the Case Bowie.

The front tang has the Case2011 stamp. The back side

has the same COLT U.S.A.tang stamp as the Case 175thColt anniversary pocketknives.

The blade features special etchedartwork commemorating the 1911 's

centennial. (photo courtesy of SmokyMountain Knife Works)

two very well-known, respectable American companies. Howev-er, onc niajor difference should makc these knives more collect-ible than the standard anniversary models. According to Casespokesman Fred Fcightner, it is thought to be the first time Casehas ever offered a knife or series of knives with both the Case tangstamp and that of another company.

"Case has done much co-branding over the years," Feightnernoted. "In most cases, these co-branded opportunities consistedof a knife made by Case with a Case tang stamp and a shield, and/or embellishment on the handle, and/or a blade representing thelicensee's brand. Examples include the John Deere, John Wayne,lohnny Cash, Boy Scouts of America or other licensed productsin our current catalogs.

"This is the first time in our recollection that a Case knife, orseries of knives, has been offered in which another company'slang stamp appears along with the Case stamping"

All of which, National Knife Museum Curator Pete Cohansaid, bodes well for Case aficionados and anyone who valúes col-lectible knives.

"This is a really signiricant move on the part of Case because,to my knowledge, in all of their history, they have never done thiswith another company before," Cohan noted, "and most seriouscollectors should take note of that."

Co-StampedThe first series is a set of six pocketknives. On the fronl tang of

Smoky Mountain Knife Works is one of two exclusivesources for the Colt/Case knives, the other being retailstores supplied by Blue Ridge Knives. Inset is KevinPipes, SMKW CEO and president. (photo of Kevin Pipescourtesy of SMKW)

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the primary blade of each is the Case 2011stamp. Meanwhile, history is made on thefront tang of the secondary blade, whereeach knife is stamped COLT US.A.

Along with the dual tang stamps, thefirst series of pocketknives features a"Rampant Colt," the symbol of Colt qual-ity, etched on the center bolster. On thesecondary blade is not only an etching ofSam Colt's signature but W.R. Cases sig-nature as well. A gold color etch on theprimary blade reads ¡75th Anniversary ofColt. All the knives have Colt-blue Del-rin handles and are packed in collectibleI75th annivcrsary tín boxes. Depcndingon the pattern, the knives rangc anywherefrom $59.99 to $72.99 in manufacturéissuggested retail prices, and are availableexclusively at Smoky Mountain KnifeWorks and through Illuc Ridgc Knives.

1911 Centennial Knives'Ihreediffcrent Case knives commemoratethe lOOth anniversary of the Colt Model1911. The first and most prominent is theCase Bowie. The front tang has the Case2011 stamp. The back side has the sameCOLT U.S.A. tang stamp as the pocket-knives. 'Ihe main blade surface featuresspecial etched artwork commemoratingthe 1911 s centennial.

The other two Model 1911 anniversaryknives are trappers. One is the standard"54" pattern and the other is the saddle-horn. Each is sold separately and featuresits own distinctive packaging celebratingthe pistol's centennial.

"After this first series of knives we areplanning on continuing the line with sev-eral more series of knives," Pipes noted.When asked what elsc is in store con-cerning the knives, he simply said, "Staytuned."

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KNIFE SHOP & OYSTER BAR | By Chuck Schuette

HOW TO MAKE AND USE THE CHUCKSCHUETTE'"KING'S OYSTER KNIFE"Spatks fíy as

Chuck grindsoñe of his oysterknives. (photocourtesy ofChuck Schuette)

The Chuck ,Schuette King'sOyster Knife restsatop a bed ofChesapeake Bayoyster shells. (photcourtesy of ChuckSchuette)

Ah, the brave man who first ate the guts of a stone.What a marvelous discovery! The lowly oysterhas been esteemed for thousands of years as a

gourmet food and is dístributed worldwidc in manyvariations. In my homo state of Maryland there has al-ways been a strong oyster culture, and the ChesapeakeBay oyster is highly prized.

I carne to Maryland from the Midwest as a youth andsoon learned of the wonderfu! oysler and the bluc crab,for which the Chesapeake Bay is also renowned—butthat is another animal. I am here to tell you how I makemy "King's Oyster Knife."

My wife, Pam, actually deserves the credit for urgingme to make oyster knives. I have forged many hunters,camp knives, fighters and swords, and enjoyed makingthem, but she would always say, "You should be makinguyster knives; they would sell like crazy."

Well, I finally listened and made a few and took themto a local show, along with my usual fare. Darned if in15 minutes the oyster knives werc sold and gone. Guys,listen to your wives!

The first oyster knives 1 made were simple, standarddesigns with stabilized wood handles. However, I re-alized there was a niche for an upgraded model. Wewanted to produce something that would be very func-tional but also bcautiful and eye catching, somethingunlike anythíng else on the market. As the design hasevolved, I think we are on the right path.

Steel & StartupWhen 1 first began the King's Oyster series, I was forg-ing 1.5-inch round bar 52100E into suitable sizes forthe smallish knives, but soon concluded forging was not reallyimproving the end product. My oyster knives are designed pri-marily for prying and scraping, not cutting. As a result, now I use5210QF, round b¿ir just over a half inch indiameter. My shop testshave shown the smaller bar produces a tool that is just as strongand allows for fewer steps in the process.

Lel's get started. (Refer to the picture at upper right as a guidefor the following steps and for those under "Guard & Buttcap"and "The Handle") Cut the bar stock to a predetermined lengthand mark it with a permanent marker to show the cul Unes. Next,grind a set of parallel flats on the billet to allow for the attach-ment of a hardened file guide. Using the grinder, grind the stubtang to near the guide and finisb by hand filing, leaving a slightradius to prevent stress risers.

From there, using a small chainsaw file, cut three groovesaround the billet half the depth of the file to lócate the ricassoand blade. Next, grind ihe barrel-shaped ricasso. U goes quicklyif you do it on the edge of the pialen and with a flexible belt.Shape the point and ground out the top of the bladc for laterbeveling. Ihen, grind the bottom of the blade in the shape of thebotlom of a spoon. Cut in the top bcvcls and the blade is readyto hcat treat,

Heal TrealingI leal trcatment is pretty standard for 52100. Normalize it threetimes and thcn anncal. Apply a coat of satanite slurry to the en-

With the completad knife at upper right, the various parís appear in assortedstages of completion—handles at top, guaros, buttcaps and pin stock in themiddle, and 52100 bar stock and blades (in order of stages of compietion fromleft) at bottom. (photo courtesy of Chuck Schuette)

tire piece and let dry. I use a torch to heat the blade to the cor-rect temperature and plunge it into 125°F quenching oil. Do thisthree times over a three-day period. Draw the temper down in asmall oven so the blade has a Rockwell hardncss of 55-57 HRO.Do it three times for a mínimum of two hours, cooling to roomtemperature between draws. This method gives me great results.

1 test ea_ch blade by t rying to break the tips off. I have not bro-ken one yet.

(¡uard Sí HuttcapSince nickel silver is easy to shape and embellish, 1 use it in sheetand rod form for the guard and buttcap. Cut out squares of thematerial, mark them with the correct shapes and profile them onthe grinder. Drill a hoie through the guard and hand-file it to fitthe tang. Filework the center section of the guard and texture thebackground.

From there, cut a top and bottom piece oí" th inner stock, clampit to the cent,er piece, and drill two holes—one on cach side iorpinning. Apply a little J - I i Wcld-and pin the three pieces together.Precisión holes allow foran invisible fit on the pins when sandingand polishing ihe top and bottom of the guard. Grind the guardlo match the lop and bottom with the oval center.

Mark, profile and drill ihe buttcap to accept a short sectionof pin stock bard soldered in place. Using the grinder, grind thedome shape. Filework the piece and it is ready for installation.

Complete the guard and, using J-R Wckl, install it on the blade.Making everytbing Hat belps ensure a good fit.

F E B R U A R Y 2 0 1 2 blademag.com 45

KNIFE SHOP & OYSTER BAR

The HandleI use many different types of wood forbatidles but prefer olive wood, dcsertironwood and rosewood. They are stableand beautiful when polished.

Cut a block 2 inches by 2 inches and 3.5inches loiig, niark it for the profile, thenshape it on the grinder, using a 3-inchwheel to help cut the contours. Shape the

handle completely before installation soonly minor fitting is necessary later. Glueon the handle and install the huttcap.We're alniost done!

I.astly, detail the knífe. Hand-sand theblade to remove all scratches and buff to afine luster. Fine sand and buff the handle.I etch my logo on the blade and give theknife to my wife for final inspection. Shehas a discerning eye that misses nothing.

Once she approves, the knife is off to ¡tsnew home and, hopefully, will open oys-ters for many years.

Designing and making knives has becna very rewarding activity for me for somethree decades, and 1 hopc those who usemy knives expericnce the same level ofsatisfaction I get in making them.

Keep on shuckin'!

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How To Shuck—No Jive!

Select plump, well-shaped oysters and

be sure they were harvested durmga montri with the (etter "r" ¡n it (in

other words, the colder the remperatureoutside when the oysters were harvested,the better);

Step 1: Hold the oyster down on a hardsurface with the flat-shell síde up, andinsert the poínt of the knífe mto the hmge;

Step 2: Pressing down on the knifeutJlizes the rounded bottom's mechanical

advantage and pops the hinge;Step 3: Cut the oyster's top accutor

rnuscle and remove the top half of the shell,and;

Step 4: Cut the bottom accutor muscleand voila!—you have a perfectly shuckedoyster.

Enjoy! — by Chuck Schuette

KSStep 1: Hold the oyster down on a hardsurface with the flat-shell side up, and insertthe point of the knife into the hinge.

USAKnifeMaker KNIFEDOGSFor more information contad ChuckSchuette, Dept. BL2, 2588A DavisonvilleRd., GambriÜs, MD 21054 410-721-7885cwsknifediiverizon.net.

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Sfep 2: Pressing down on the knife utilizasthe rounded bottom 's mechanical advantageand pops the hinge.

Step 3: Cut the oyster's top accutor muscleand remove the top half of the shell.

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F E B R U A R Y 2012 blademag.com 47

v

"MUCH OF MYWORK DEVELOPSLIKE A SERIES OF

LIGHTLYMISHEARD^WHISPERS."

A handle <jf shakudo withgold, silver and copper inlayshighlights Grace Horne's piecein RWL-34 stainless. Bladelength: 2.25 inches. Overalllength: 5.5 inches. (PointSeven photo)

Felt, wool, silk andaluminum combineon the handle Homecustomized for her"woolly" SpydercoUrban folder. (PointSeven photo)

Grace Horne is an artist, embrac-ing the basic elements of her sub-ject and then allowing them to

take flight in her imagination.For two decades she has plied her craft

in the eradle of modern knifemaking,Sheffield, England. Before that, comple-tion of her collcgc degree in design, craftand technology required a project. For itshe ambitiously chose a set of three slipjoínts with damascus blades, making thesteel with artist and blacksmith RichardQuinnell at his forge in the Fire and IronGallery in Surrey. By 1994, Horne hadrelocated to Shcfficld to seek an appren-ticeship in knifemaking wilh Stan Shaw,perhaps the last of the legendary "LiUleMesters," the independent Sheffieldknifemakers who helped sustain the citysstoried reputation for quality cutlery. (See"Stan Shaw: Little Mester of Shefficld,"March \994BLADE-.)

Though Shaw was unable to ñire anapprentice, he gave Horne a box of oídblades to work with, some having beenforged a century before. "I decided to lakea more academic approach," she recalled,"completing both a knife-related mastersdegree and Ph.D. at Sheffield Hallam Uni-versity. My work was workshop based,and the material I ended up working withwas layers of carbón steel separated by99.99 percent puré silver foil. Visually, Ilike steel and silver together. It is a combi-nation I have often come back to over theyears. But if the two main rcsearch ques-tions were 'Can it be done?' and 'Was itworth the etfort?' then the answer wouldhave to be 'Yes.'"

Horne produces only about lü to 12knives each year and does not acceptcustom orders. She does not sell throughpurveyors but maintains a lisl of peopleto notify when a knife is available orwhcn her online portfolio is updated. Shedescribes her work as m ate r i al-and-con -cept driven yet deeply embeddcd with thehistorical Sherfield knifemaking tradition. While knives areone of her loves, another is textiles, and a recent foraycombined the two.

"A couple of years ago," she recalled, "while my newworkshop was being converted Irom an oíd Victorianpublic toilet, I didn't have knifemaking space but my tex-tile studio was still accessible. '[his Icd to my first piecesthat cross the boundaries belween knives and textiles.These modified Spyderco knives were thc result of a project tovisnally represcnl ihe valué of knives as everyday tools. During athree-week period I collected everything that I cut with the knife,

Based on a silver-bladedfruit knife made by William

Needham in 1918, "Shadowof Opportunity" put Horne'swork before BLADE- readers

on page 98 of the January2010 issue. The handle is

kitn-fired giass enamel withsterling silver flecks. The

2.95-inch blade is RWL-34stainless. (Point Seven photo)

and at the end of each week I made all the bits íntonew scales for that knife and then went on to the next

one."The modified knives actually incorpórate pieces of Ítems

such as corrugated board, duct tape, envclopes, and packag-ing mesh into the handles, and the effort has been followed by a

series of "fluffy" knives. Since knife laws are oppressive in Britainand the sight oí a pocketknife can elicit comments, Horne cov-ered the Spyderco UKPK she often carries with woolen felt.

"I love felt making," she said. "II is versatile and the final prod-uct can be very hard wearing. My complete knife just gets washetl

FEBRUARY 2012 blademag.com 49

PROFILE IN STEEL

Horne's "Cocoon#2" incorporalesfelt, wool, silk andaluminum for thecocoon handle. The2.9-inch blade isRWL-34 stainless.(Point Seven photo)

$95.00 andf 6.00 shippfng1095 high Carbón Steel, Elk handles,

handmade custom leather sheath

To choosi; from available models,go lo www.wildboarblades.com

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when it's dirty, and how can anyone be scared of a woolly knife?"From a woolly knife, the innovative artist progressed to "cocoon

knives" that she characterized as soft, warm and visually non-threat-ening. "Mosl of the fouiidation work is a woolen felt," she comment-ed. "I use a combination of wet, necdlc and ñuño fclting to créate thedesired effect, incorporating silk, cotton and other meshes intu thestructure of the felt. The surfaces are then stitched, reworked, embroi-dered and embellished.

"l-'olding knives fascínate me bccause they are all about change—open and closed, dangerous and safe, big and small. A cocoon holdsa similar fascination; it is full of potential to be somethíng completelydifieren!."

When she finished her academic studies, Horne said she recog-nized her education had bccn not only about the production of metal,but also about the creative process. This led to the keeping of exten-sive noles and sketches.

"I rarely take on commissions but, if I do, then part of the cre-ative dialogue is often conducted through photos of drawings frommy sketchbook, and then photographs as the work progresses," sherelated. "Ihe story of each knife is importan!—why 1 made it, theinspiration behind it, what makes it difterent from Ihc other knives Ihave madc. liecauseof this, cach knife has its own littlebookcontain-ing vital statistics, life story, background information and pictures."

Every knife Horne makes is one of a kind, likc the creative energyshe channels into her work. "Much oí my work develops like a se-ries of slightly misheard whispers," she smiled. '"Ihc ti t le ofa picture

or a writtcn description of an event willcréate an image in my hcad that often isvery difierent from the one that wouldhave developed from a visual input. Aphysical event becomcs a wrirren orspoken distillation and is then reinvent-ed as a new object. Very often, when Itrack back, I am surprised at how far mycreativo process has lakcn me from theoriginal sourcc."

Tbough she never makes the sameknife twice, Horne does see recurringthemes in her work, and she revisits ba-sic forms from time to time. She doesnot opérate a forge in her shop but doesenjoy making her own pattern-wcldcdsteel. Award-winning damascus niakersDaryl Meier, Hank Knickmeyer and F.dSchempp work with her in steel mak-ing after some "gentle coaxing and tu-ition" on Horne's part. She also likes touse RWL-34 and other Swedish stainlesssteels for knife blades.

Most of the work she does is by handor with a small surface grinder, and shehas plans to have a belt grinder up andrunning soon. A visit to her shop reveáisa number of hand tools used by jewelers,cutlers and watchmakers through thegenerations. An oíd Shcffield knifemakerwould probably feel right at home there.

Annual trips to the BLADE Show are

3 1/2" blade and 6 1/2"total length. (Sizesare

approximate.)

bO BLADE F F R R U A R Y ? n i ?

vital in maintaining contad with otherknifemakers and supplement her use ofsocial media such as Facebook. Whenshe comes to the USA, she has knivesphotographed by Point Seven and catchesup with others in the global knifemak-ing community. She also attends theKnivesUK show and the SICAC show inParís.

"I'm not entirely sure what my kniveswill look like next year," Horne laughed.'Tve started playing with glove leathers,and 1 fancy incorporating some visual el-ements from the corsets that I make. Onething 1 am certain about ís that, yet again,they will be completely different from thestuff I'm working on at the moment!"

To read similar stories and the latest knífenews, forums, blogs and much more, seehttp://knifeshowcase.blademag.com.

1MKISA

Grace HorneDepí. BL2, 182 Crimicar LnSheffield, BritainUnited KingdomS104EJ07812672 788

gracehorne@hotmail.co.ukActive on Facebook

Specialties: One-of-a-kind knives, fold-ers and fixed bladesBlade Steels: Damascus of her ownmaking and also that of Daryl Meier,Hank Knickmeyer and Ed Schernpp;RWL-34 and other Swedish stainless

steelsHandle Materials: Any number ofdifferent ones, from the traditional tocommon, including everyday materi-

als not normally seen on knives; also,shakudo (with a dark blue-purplepatina, ¡t is 4 percent gold, 96 percentcopper) and shibuichi (with mutedshades of blue or green, often one partsilver to three parts copper); also bluecoral, mother-of-pearl, abáleme andother natural substancesYour Grace: Makes 10 to 12 knives per

year; does not normally accept customorders

rice Ranges: $450-$900

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FEBRUARY 2012 blademag.com 51

HERO KNIVES By Gene Englehart BLADE® reader

II*

THE AUTHOR TOOK HIS DAD'S WARTHER COMMANDO KNIFE BACK TO ITS ROOTS

The author's dad kept theWarther Commando Knife

in the original box and, asfar as the author knows,

nevar used it. The 7-inchblade has the author's

father's ñame and serialnumber engraved on it. The

sheath is original, (photocourtesy of Gene Englehart)

The author (left) holds his dad's World War U Warther Commando Knife in the Warther knife shopin Dover, Ohio. At right is knifemaker Dale Warther, grandson of Ernest Warther, Dale passed awayin 2010. (photo courtesy of Gene Englehart)

Editor's note: On page 114 of the Decem-ber BLADE; we ran the story "Ed's Dad'sWWII Ek" about the knife BLADE fieldeditor Ed Fowler's dad carried during theSecond World War. Along with the storywe asked readers to sena us pictures andinformation about their dads' militaryknives. It didnt take longfor reader GeneEnglehart to suppiy the following.

M y father, Orville Englehart ofPaw Paw, Illinois, spent fouryears in the Navy as a chief

petty officer during World War II. Hewas stationed stateside, Iraíning aircraft

mechanics in Michigan, Florida andOklahoma.

I believe it was when he was stationedin Michigan thal he ordered a Comman-do Knife from Krnest Warther in Dover,Ohio. After Dad got thc knife, he kept itin the original box and, as far as I know,never used it. It has a 7-inch blade withhis ñame and serial number engraved onit.

Ever since I was a little kid the knife fas-cínated me, and I was forbidden to touchit. In 2009,1 took it with me on a trip Fastthat included a visit to the Warther Mu-scum and workshop in Dover. I liad the

good fortune to meet Ernests grandson,Dale, and to show him the knife. He toldme the copper in the sheath came from alocal sheriffwho had confiscated it from amoonshíne still. 'Ihe brass came from thekick plates on the men's room door at thelocal bigh school. Ernests son Dave tookit all home for the war effort. Ernest madeonly about 1100 of these knives and soldthem for about $15 apiece, which is prob-ably less than they cosí him to make.

Ernest was a genius and an incrcdiblyskilled carver and craftsman. Dale wasvery gracious to me the day I vísited hisshop, and I was very sad to hear of his

52 BLADE FFR R I IAR Y

passing about a year later.I consider Dad's Warther Commando

knife to be a family heirloom now.

Do you have your dad's knife or any knifeused hy any family member—includingyou—while in the service? Send a photo-graph or photographs of it andlor of youor the family mcmbcr holding it, any infor-mation/anecdotes about the knife and itsuse by the family rnember who owned/car-ried it, along with the knife's specs—brand/maker, model, ovcrall length, your familymember's ñame, runk and branch/years/

theater of service, etc.—lo BLADE, 700E. State St., ¡ola, W¡ 54990. ¡f digital, theimdge(s) must be at least 600 K. E-mail it/them to steve.shackleford@fwmedia.com.

To read similar stories and the latcst knifenews, forums, blogs and rnuch more, seeh ttp://knife$howcase.bíademag. com.

BLADE

Ernest Warther makes a metal sheath forone of his Commando knives in 1943.

1 —

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KK-9 Cop Magazine 29Kayne Custom Hardware Inc 86Knife & Gun Finishing Supplies 54Knife Center 34Knifekits.com 61Knives Plus 34

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RRandali Made Knives 60Rocklin Manufactunng 91Rummell, Hank 89

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The advertigers' índex is provided as a reader service. Occasional last-minute changes may result in ads appearing on pages other than Ihose lisled here.The publisher assumes no liability for otnissions or errors.

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IssLie Date

MARCH2012

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F E B R U A R Y 2012 blademao mm

FACTORY FOCUS | By Dave Rhea BLADE® field editor

PUMA USA

An example of Puma USA'snew SGB tactical knives is

the Springbok Black assisted-opening fíipper folder with a

3.3-inch blade of German-made440A stainless steel. It is 4.2

inches closed and sports a lock-ing liner in a black aluminum

handle. (Puma USA photo)

For Puma Knife Co., there ¡s acon uncir uní. On the one hand,Puma is among the world's most

famous and longest-lived cutlery brands,recognizable because of a rich pedigreeand back story. It was the eighth regis-tered trademark in Germany, founded byJohann Wilhelm Lauterjung in 1769. Thatalone is pretty darn impressive.

About halfway through the 20th centu-ry, particularly after World War II, Pumaturned its focus to the outdoors by ramp-ing up productton of huntíng, fishing andpocketknives. "There were a lot of reallycool things done in the '50s, some of theclassics like the Waidbcsteck, Waidmess-er and the (agdnicker," Vice Presiden! of"Marketing and Operations Chris Laliksaid of Pumas models with the distinctiveGermán ñames.

However, while Kershaw, ColumbiaRiver Knife & Tool and others have takenleaps and bounds in recent years to maketheir lines known, Puma has done little interms of keeping up in North America,the world's largest knife market.

'Ihat is where Lalik enters the picture.As a 16-year veteran specializing in bin-ocular;;, scopes, optics and other Ítemsfor Bushnell and Meade, he knows theAmerican sporting merchandise market.The team of Lalik and Bob Carpenter, thelatter presiden! of Puma USA who adds19 years of outdoor/sporting industryexpericnce to the equation, have spent

three yearsplanning andexecuting a strategyto return the Puma brandto tbe forefront.

'1 here was a time when no suchstrategy was needed, Lalik noted.

"[Puma] was actually the No. 3[knife] brand in the early '70s," heexplained. "The people who dis-tributed it before changed the focus oftheir business. Ihey focused a lot of theireftbrts on ílashlights," though he saidhis predecessors' approach made sensein the context of the company businessmodel as it was structured at the time.Now, though, the emphasis has changed."[Knives are our solé business and wearetbcusing 100 percent of our effort on thePuma knife brand," he continued. "This isall we do. We are in the knife business."

Carpenter and Lalik took over PumaUSA in lanuary 2009. Since then theyhave been adding ncw knives, Lalik said,and picking up new distribution fairlyregular I y,

"We are getting a significan! portion ofour sales from the ncw knives that we'veintroduced," he said. "We're updating theproduct linc to make it more current—

Characterized by Puma USA's Chris Lalik as probably oneof the most famous knives of all time, the Puma White

Hunter features a 5.9-inch blade of 440A staintesswith a big skinning belly, a false edge on top

for hacking, and old-style serrations forcutting through joints and gristle of wild

game. The stag handle is roundedfor comfort. Made in Germany,

it has a manufacturéissuggested retail pnce

of $409.95. (PumaUSA photo)

not just the tradi-tional hunters but someof the other parts of the knifemarket for the younger consum-ers who are looking for spríng-as-sist and ílip knives. We are tryingto realign the product line with what theconsumers are looking for today."

Bringing to market what consumerswant now breaks down to two major com-ponents: the aforementioned updating ofthe line with more modern ofierings, andlowering the price point to somethingmore affordable for working-class Joes.These days, that means outsourcing partof the production to ("hiña. Puma USArecently entered the offshore productionmarket in order to be successful at the

•*

Clip and sawblades of 440A stainlesssteel and a handle of Jacarandawood complete the Warden lockback.MSRP: $79.95. (Puma USA photo)

A 4.2-inch blade of 440A stainless, a stag handleand brass single guard highiight the Elk HunterSGB. MSRP: $95.95. (Puma USA photo)

SGB'M Elk Hunter 6816050Germán Blade

FACTORY FOCUS

Thanks to such pocketknives as the Stock-man SGB, Puma shows it has not forgottenits roots. Blade steel: 440A stainless.Handle material: brown jiggedbone. Approximate closedlength: 3 inches. MSRP:$37.95. (Puma USAphoto)

latter component. The new line is calledSGB (Solingen, Germany Blade) andLalik said it is different than the standardAsian-production offering.

The vast majority of tactory knives areniade in Asía, he noted, so he of coursemaintains no aversión to China-pro-duced knives. However, he stressed thatGerman-made blade steel is the must-have ingredient to a great Puma knifc.With that in mind, he set out to lower thecost of the company's otherwise some-what-priccy knives by shipping pre-madePuma models to China for assembly.

"What Punía is trying to do is bridgethe gap some between a pure-Asian prod-uct and a pure-German product," Laliknoted. "It's really more of a hybrid, and it'sreally been selling very, very wcll."

A great example of a new SGB tacticalis the Springbok Black assisted-openingílipper folder with a 3.3-inch blade ofGerman-made 440A stainless steel. It is4.2 inches closed and sports a locking lin-er in a black aluminum handle. It is a farcry from the traditional Puma slip joint.

Lalik said Puma also is devcloping afolder based on the vintage Puma Tac2. "We're updatíng the design, niaking

it into a folder, and it will come with aspring assist," he said. "It will combine anolder design with some of the things thatthe modern consumers are looking for."

Meanwhile, the Puma line remains richwith dassics, Including one in produc-tion that premiered in 1956: the WhiteHunter. It is an archetypal multi-purposehunting knifc that features a big skinningbelly, a false edge on top for hacking, andold-style serrations for cutting the jointsand gristlc of wild game. With a 5.9-inchblade, the White Hunter is all about vari-able tasks. "Il has a lot of really cool fea-tures," Lalik grinncd. "It's probably one ofthe most famous knives of all time."

Otherclassicsremaining in the l inearethe 1964-era mililary offerings, the Cor-poral, Lieutenant and Sergeanl. "Many ofthese knives went over to Vietnam," heexplained. "People who were deployedtypically f lew through (¡ermany, and theywould pick up a bowie or a skinner or aWhite Hunter, and they would take themto war. So, in that sense, [such Pumamodels] were sort of the forerunners totactical knives."

Now that the Puma brand is making acomeback, Lalik and Carpentcr are hope-

Puma Knife Co. USAattn: Chris Lalik, Dept. BL213934 W. lOSth St.Lenexa, KS 66215913-888-5524www.pumaknifecompanyusa.com

Specialties: Outdoor and utility fixed

blades, folders and pocketknivesBlade Steel: German-made 440A

stainless with a Rockwell hardness of55-57 HRC

(Handle Materials: Stag, brown jiggedbone, Jacaranda wood, stainless steel,ABS plástic and plexiglásFurniture: Brass rivets, nickel or brassbolstersPuma Proofed: Each Puma blade madein Germany is indented with a Rock-

well diamond hardness tester—look

for the small indented "proof" mark on

the nght-hand side just forward of thericassoAccessories: 0¡l and water sharpeningstones, a pocket sharpener and metalpolisn, all under the Puma brand ñameMSRP Range: $15.95-$409.95

ful their efforts can bring the richnessand quality of the brand to bear in NorthAmerica.

"We have focused on being easy to dobusiness with. Wc want people to like todo business with us, both on a consumerand retailer level," Lalik explained. "We'readvertising really for the first time inprobably 15 years. We're trying to get thebrand back out in front of people. We'retrying to let people know we're slill play-ing the game and we're paying attention."

To read similar stories and the latest knifenews, forums, blogs and much more, seehttp://knifeslwwcase. blademag. com.

BLADE

The Cougar exhibits the look and feel of an out-standing using fixed blade—classic German-madePuma in evety résped. (Puma USA photo)

WHEREKNIFE COLLECTORSCONNECT WITHKNIFEMAKERSThe Knife Showcase at BladeMag.com¡sthe premier site for knife-collecting. Chat

with knifemakers, visit their blogs, find other

collectors, or buy knives. Whatever it is that

you love about knife-collecting, you'll find ¡t

in the Knife Showcase,

JOIN US TODAY.click on Knife Showcase at www.BladeMag.com

. 'KNIFEMAKERS: INTERESTED IN SHOWCASING YOUR PRODUCT? CALL 888.457.2873

STOCK SPECIALS | By Joe Kertzrnan

In Sharp SupplyMATERIALS-GO-TO GUYS OFFER SWEET DEALS ON KNIFEMAKÍNG STUFF

For the contad information for thesupplics jeaturcd in this story, see"Where To Get 'Etn" on page 80.

To read similar ¡lories and a¡¡ thelatest knife news, forums, blogs andmuch more, see http://knifeshaw-iase.bliifleinag.com.

TEXAS KNIFEMAKER'S SUPPLY

The Boone & Crockett Kit offers ev-erything yon need to assemble aquality, finished knifc, says Andrew

Robinson of Texas Knifemaker's Supply.The kit includes an AUS-6A stainless Steelblade heat treated to 58-59 HRC on theRockwell Hardness scale, epoxy, 3/16-inchbrass rod, Dymondwood™ handle scalesand thong hole tubing. Available for $29,íf the kit's parts were sold separately, theywouíd add up to $35.

"Whlle the Boone & Crockett Kit itselfis not necessarily unique to other knifekits on the market, we offer our experienceand cxpertise, either by phone or c-mail, to

first-time knifemakers who are un-familiar with the building process,"Robinson states.

"For handle materials, customerscan choose from over 30 colors ofDymondwood scales, and the onlyfinishing required is shaping, sand-ing and buffing with non-coloringrouge," he notes. "The typical cus-tomer is either a first-tíme builder,or a returning customer who hasassemblcd a kit and has been re-quested by a friend or family member toassemble one for them, as well. Customerspurchase kits for birthday and Christmas

The Texas Knifemaker's Supply Boone & CrockettKit includes an AUS-6A stainless steel blade, ep-oxy, 3/16-inch brass rod, Dymondwood'" handlescales. and thong hole tubing.

gifts, and for Scout troops."We feel our kits are best utilized by

putting them together and thcn using thekníves in the field," Robinson adds.

MASECRAFT SUPPLY

T;* - ^his is without a doubt the high-est-quality man-made materialthat we ofFer," says Chris Hart-

man of Masecraft Supply. "It is manufac-turcd to cxacting standards in the USA andis true heirloom quality."

Hartman refers to M3 Metal Compositeknife scalc and bolster material, availablein blanks and billets. Macro-MolccularMetals (M3) are part of a new breed ofcomposite materials used, according toHartman, for everything from the StealthBomber to the International Space Station.He says they are recognized for astoundingaesthctic properties, and for taking a high-mirror fmish.

"They are made with puré metáis andexotic elemenís," he notes. "Tht; engineersat M3 Cornposite Industries produce themin a variety of shapes and sizes, includingmatched sets for knife scales. They créateexotic metal colors, beautiful wood-grain

patterns and metal combinationsnever before possible." Knife scalesets range from $30-$90, dependingon size and thickness.

"They are engineered to be denseand stablc with a high strength-to-weight ratio," Hartman claims. "Thecolors and patterns run completelythrough the material. It can only bedescribed as a modern-day versiónof mokumé gane, which literally transíalesto Svood-grained metal.' Real mokumégane ¡s more expensivc than M3, with M3being about the same price as our high-cndnatural handle materials, and worth everypenny."

So confident are Masecraft officials ofthe strength and quality of M3, Hartmansays the company offers a full replacementwarranty against defects and "unsightlypatterns." "We even offer an 'oops insur-ance'—replacing a part for 50 percent of

Described as a modern-day, affordablealternative to mokumé gane, M3 MetalComposite is offered by Masecraft Sup-ply—in blanks and billets—for knife handlescales and bolsters.

the price a maker initially paíd us— for ascale that breaks hy mistake while workinghis or her first few pieces.

"It is unbelievably easy to turn, cut,shapc and polish with standard wood-working tools, wood and metal iathes, orCNC equipment," Hartman concludes.

FINE TURNAGE PRODUCTIONS

Mi"" ~" ulti-colored fossil brain coralis a hot new ítem we sell by

.the square inch," says CharlesTurnage of Fine Turnage Productions."Our coral is easier to work than mam-moth tooth, and harder than bone. We of-fer a video on working it on our Website."

Because of the variety of patterns, colorsand the company's large quantity of stock,Turnage says fossil brain coral is becomingmany makers' handle material of choice,and is colored and stabilized in house tocontrol quaüty. A set of two l-by-3-inchscales is $20, or about $3.50 a square inch,

and scales are availablc as large as 2-by-7inches each.

"We were getting ready for the 2011BI.ADE Show, and what we had done isdye the coral for one day, take it out, dryit, and then pul it in resin for another dayto stabilize it," Turnage explains. "My sonmistakenly pul it in resin that had hlackdye in it, and it carne out black and red,basically a douhle dye of rich colors. WhenGoldie Russell saw it, she thought it wasunbelievable, so now we offer it in differ-ent color combinations as a result of themistake."

, . _•"*li .• * • ? J^H •

l?"¿fc>-

Fine Turnage Produc-tions offers fossilbrain coral in a varietyof colors and patternsfor knife handles.

GIRAFFE BONE KNIFE SUPPLY

Sandy McClure of Giraffe Bone KnifeSupply reasons that, as long as thecompany is offering new steel pat-

terns, knifemakers should be able to trythem at a discount.

The company debuts "Mumin" and "BigRose" Damasteel damascus patterns in 1 /8-inch and 5/32-inch thicknesses. Each da-mascus billet is comprised of UWI.-34 andPMC-27 powder steels. Normally $16 perinch in 1/8-inch thicknesses, and $18 perinch for 5/32-inch-thick hars, customers

can now get10 percentorf by men-tioning theyread about the new pallfrn-- in lii.ADE .

"This is a great deal because it savesmoney on a high-quality product," Mc-Clure reasons. "It is different from otherproducís because it is stainless, and bolhsteels harden. The steel is the same everytime, and easy to grind, heat treat, sharpenand take to a high rinish. The two newest

An example of "Big Rose" pattern Dam-asteel damascus, available from GiraffeBone Knife Supply, comprises the bladeofJerry McCIure's "Beaver Cleaver"model in a rounded tip, mosaic-damascusbolsters, a mammoth-ivory handle andgold pins.

patterns fit nicely into our overall productoffe rings."

HALPERN TITANIUM

A source of knifemaking suppliessince 1997, Halpern Titanium, inaddition to ofFering American-

made knifemaking supplies, continúes itspartnership with Spyderco and its "MuléTeam Project," according to Halpern's Mel-anie Sartori.

Spyderco describes the Mulé Team Proj-ect as a "simple, inexpensive venue for'steel junkies' to have an opportunity totest different blade steels themselves. Eachrun [of knives] is madc with a diíferent, in-teresting steel. They all have the same pat-tern, a full-tang fixcd blade. They all havethe same thickness, grind and edge, andare hcat treated to the optimal hardness forihat steel."

Upon Spyderco presidentSal Glesser's suggestiontwo ycars ago, HalpernTitanium bogan machininga limiled run of precisión G-10 handlescales for the Mulé Team blades. "Whatstarted out as a tríal run has turned intoa Mulé Team frenzy," Sartori quips. "Tokeep things interesling, Halpern Titaniumhas developed different styles of grips andnow offers fivc handle options in varyingtextures and colors."

Complete with hardware, handle scalesrange in list prices from $20-to-$40 per selof two, depending on style.

Halpern Titanium also has expandedits inventory of titanium stock to indudc

One of several G-l O scalestyles Halpern Titanium offers

for the Spyderco Mulé Team Project isan orange diamond-textured pattern.

hard-to-find píate si/es, including a pre-cut inventory of,180-to-.210-¡nch6AL-4Vtitanium available in 1/2-square-foot-by-1-square-foot sheets. Additionally, a .050-inch-thíck, 10.5-¡nch-by-ll-inch titaniumsheet is available for $32, while supplieslast. Finally, in celebration of its upcomingI5th anniversary, Halpern Titanium offersTorx" screws at the reported 1997 price of$12 per pack of 100. Socket-head screwsare$20-to-S25 for a pack of 100.

FEBRUARY 2012 bladernag.com 71

STOCK SPECIALS

CENTER CROSS INSTRUCTIONAL VIDEOS

Gene Osborn has been makingknives for 30 years, offering hand-forged damascus to other knife-

makers and accumulating a video libraryof instructional knifemaking DVDs that heoífers on his company's Website. 'Ihe vid-eos are available on any number of kni le-making how-to's featur ing such maker/in-structors as Ed Cafí'rey, David Broadwell,Duane Dushane, Harvey Dean, Steve John-son, Don Polzten, Raymond Rybar, JohnnyStout and Chuck Burrows, to ñame a few.

Done by Gene himself, oneof Osborn'svideos—The Hollow Ground Hunter—lakesviewers through the process of fashioning

hollow-ground hunting knives using thestock-removal method, simple jigs and ba-sic edge geometry. 'Ihc "bcginner" DVD,as Osborn describes it, carríes a lisl priceof $40, and includes instruclion on hollowgrinding, fileworking, and tasks like settingscrew depths and making sheaths. "CenterCross Instructional Videos have set thestandards in knifcmaking videos since2004," Osborn states.

In The Hollow Ground Hunter DVD, GeneOsborn takes viewers through the process offashioning hollow-ground hunting knives.

The Hollow GroundHunter

• iwiin Gene Osborn

The maniifacturing divisiónJantz Supply has created an ex-clusive line of Crucible Steel full-

tang knife blades. Steels available are D2,440C, 154CM, CPM-S30V and US.-madedamascus, all of which [antz reports arepriced "to compete with imported prod-ucts, which are often of lesser, unknownmaterials and qualíty."

"It's a line of blades utilizing only USAmaterials, supplies and labor," claims Ven-ice (antz. "Qualily control inspections areperformed throughout the manufacturingprocess to assurc the highest-quality blade.Each Jantz full-tang blade pattern is preci-sión ground before and after bevel grind-ing, then cryogenically heat treated to en-sure wear resistance, toughness and correctRockwell hardness for each type of steel.

"They are hard enough to retain a ra-zor-sharp edge and flexible enough for aperfectly crafted blade," Jantz adds. "Eachis finished with a choice of satin or 'ceramicpeen,' and each blade is hand sharpened toa ra?,or-sharp edge by a skilled craftsman."

fantz says the company introduced theblades lo promote knifemaking as a hob-by, as well as to offcr a quality product tonovice and cxperienced knífemakers. Jantzalso offcrs Icather and Kydex* sheaths, bol-sters, guarda and handle material. "We arethe only knifemaking supplier producingand sclling its own line of custom blades

Two full-tang knife blades offered for sale by Jantz Supply are shown as they come fromthe supplier, as well as after the handle materials have been added.

Venice Jantz said Jantz Supply is the ex-clusive U.S. distributor of GTC 440C thrustbearings designed by Brazílian knifemakerGustavo Cecchini for his handmade folders.

and stcels for knifemaking," she claims."Kach blade is etched with the type of

steel and 'Made in the U.S.A.' on the tang,"she adds, "allowing the knifemaker to etchhis logo on the blade if desired."

[antz supply is also the exclusive U.S.distributor for GTC 440C thrusl bearingsdeveloped by Gustavo Cecchini for hiscustom Iblding knives, according to Ven-ice. "The GTC thrust bearing system is onepiece, thus eliminating the frustration of

working with individual bearings that aredifficult to take apart and reassemble," shenotes. "Simply mili pockets in the bladeand frame, place one bearing in the bladepocket, another in the framc, and yon havean awesome, smooth, fast-opening sys-tem."

fantz oflers the GTC thrust bearingsfor $2.95 each. List pnces for the full-tangknife blades vary from $17.95 to $39.95apiece, depending on steel and frnish.

CULPEPPER & CO.

When knifemakers purchaseamber-dycd stag from Culpep-per & Co., it is the same price

as natural stag with no additional cost forthc dye, according to Kristi Culpepper. Asshe notes, "Probably thc greatest deal is thestag or bone dying service because it allowsthe maker or manufacturer to use thosepieces of stag or bone that are ugly or non-matching in their natural statc, and trans-forní them into a beautiful, salable pair cifhandle scales.

"We also offer a bone-jigging service,which is particularly helpful in this econ-omy, gíving makers and manufacturersthe ability to créate new product from oídstock. Though not necessarily new to themarket, carved 'stag hone [bone carved toresemble stag| has become an economicaland accepted subsütute for stag in customand tactory knives."

Culpepper & Co. currently olfers a 25

percent discount on carved stag bone slabsin specific si/es, like 3 3/4-by-l 1/8 inches,unti l the end of 2011. Natural and dyedcarved stag bone handle scales are $8 and$10 a pair, respectively, and availablc ineight colors—"natural," amber, "fire oak"(red), "mossy oak" (green), "lapis bine,"dark brown, "sunset" (orange-brown) and"moss green."

"The dye process penetrales the piece,and in a way, stabilizes the voids wi t l i inthcm by filling ihem with substance," Cul-pepper remarks. "The process can be usedon all types of antier, including sambar,elk, whitetail and axis, as well as bone, likecamel and cattle. We have even dyed ex-otic bone for a customer, and ¡I turned outwell. The supply of stag has not improvedthe last few years, and is becoming increas-ingly diff icul t to obtain.

"We are thc only company in the world,not only in the U.S., ottcring the dying and

Culpepper & Co. offers carved "stag bone"(bone carved to resemble stag) in eightdistinct colors.

jigging services," Culpepper insists. "We of-fer around 40 dye colors, and 15 or so reg-ular-stock jig patterns, and thus limillesscombinations. We also offer a 100 percentreturn policy on these and other Ítems."

BLADE

F E B R U A R Y 2012 blademae.com

[FE H E!R S DWCASE"Knifemaker Showcase" spothghts the photographs of knives sent by any and all custom knifemakers to BiAÜE® for ftlmg ¡n the Knifemakers' Archive.The Knifernakers' Archive is the most complete collection of photographs of knifemakers' knives and information ¡n the world. If you are a custom knife-maker and have not sent us a photo (the better quality the photo, the better chance it has of getting ¡n the magazine), write to: BLADE, c/o Krause/F+WMedia, 700 E. State St., lola, Wl 54990, or e-mail Joe.Kertzman@fwmedia.com. Please include a mug shot of yourself with your knife picture.

Weslev DavisA Texas ranchcr and part-time knifemaker , Wcslcy Davis wasintcrested in making knives long before he practiced the craft.In the 1980s, he contacted now-deceased k n i f e m a k e r í í l ennMarshal l . "He told me what I needed to get startcd and howmuch it would cost," Davis relates. "1 hung up the phone andlooked in the l i v i n g room wherc my three kids were playing.and I knew ¡t would be <t whi le heforc I could pursue ¡t." OnceDavis' kids werc grown, he became a membcr of the "Kour States

Iron Munchers," and a few uf the other nicmbcrs made knives. "The spark was back on,"he says. "This was in 2004, and I had the money and lime to go to the Bil l Moran Sehoolof Bladesmithing." Davis, who makes (blders and fixed blades. ñames liill Ruple andHarvey Dean as inspira t ional and inf lucnr ia l knifemakers. "Making something with yourown hands and doing it well is satisfying," Davis remarks. "Most of the world relies onsomeone clse to make things." The slccveboard whitt ler ( r i g h t ) sports ladder-pattern-damascus blades, stainless steel bolsters, liners and sliield, and stag handle slabs. Davis'list pnce: $ 1,000. Contaet Wesley Davis, Dept. BL2, POB 33, Cunningham, TX 75434 903-652-2784 wwdavis(oístarband.net. www.wesdavisknivcs.com. (Point Seven photo)

Shawn Shrooshire"The outdoors is where I gct recharged," says ShawnShropshire, who ñames hunting, fishing, hiking. camp-ing and canocing as favorite pursuits. "I love to be able totake one of my knives into the field and use it on gameor in bushcraft activities. I test designs and malcriáis ongame that I harvest, and am more comfortable walkingon grass and din than on concrete and asphalt." A ful l -time pólice officer, Shropshire plans lo spend inore timeb u i l d i n g mi l i t a ry , tact ical , h u n t i n g and frontier-styleknives when he retires. An Eagle Scout and assistant Cub Scout pack leader.Shropshire says, 'Tin passing on my passion for knives to the Scouts in my pack.I gct to take them out and teach ihem the things I learned." The bowie/fighter(lel ' t ) dons a D2 bladc, stag handle, Alabama Damascus guard and pommel,and a frontier-style rawhide sliealh with beaver-tail wrap. Shropshire's l i s t price:$400. Contad Shawn Shropshire, Dept. BL2, POB 453, Picdmont, OK 73078 405-833-5239 shawn@sdsknifcworks.com, www.sdsknileworks.com. (Ward photo)

Paul Jarvis"I have been gifted with a good imagination. and Iwish to use it to its fullest," says Paul Jarvis, addingthat a machine shop teacher encouraged him to gctinto knifemaking. "lúich knifc 1 made was getlingbetter, and he told me so, which led me to makemore knives," he recalls. "I have always liked knives.and I also collcet Europcan automatics and aunqueJapanese swords. The thing 1 likc about knifcmaking

is that it s only limited by your imagination." A part-time maker and ful l - t imemachinis t , Jarvis says he ollen spends six months on a knife, and enjoys work-ing with silver, bronze and gold. His "Fixed Fighter" ( r igh t ) paradcs a 12-inchDcvin Thomas damascus blade, a tcxturcd and blackened nickel silver guardblade collar and butt. a mammoth-tooth handle, bronzc fittings and spacers,and a Chris Kravitt leather sheath. Jarvis' list price: $7,500. Contaet: PaulJarvis, Dept. BL2, 30 Chalk Si., Cambridge, MA 02139 617-913-2008 or617-661-301? pauljarvisknives(í/ 'gmail.com. (SharpByCoop.com photo)

Jim Dunla"It's not about making a dollar, it's about makingBtnnething someone is proud lo own," surmiscsknifeinakcr Jim Dunlap. "It's the pride andcraftsmanship thal goes inlo making the knives.I have always liad a knifc in my pocket, and Idon't know how anyone coukl makc it wilhoulone" Dunlap bui lds slip-joint and locking-lincrfolders, and says he cnjoys being around othcr

knifemakcrs to sce what thcy make and to learn from them. A part-timemaker. he builds approximately 40 knives a year and prefcrs ATS-34blade stecl. "I like sccing the km te dcvclop through the whole process,from what it was to what it turns out to be," he says. "1 am a hunter andfisherman. I don't know who gave me my first knifc. Tve liad one aslongas I can rcmcmber."The slipjoint (right) is 3 5/8 inehes closed witha clip-point ATS-34 blade, 410 stainless stecl bolstcrs, lincrs and springs,and stag handlc slabs. Dunlap's list price: S300. Contad: Jim Dunlap,Dept. BL2, 800 E. Badger Lee Rd., Sallisaw, OK. 74955 918-774-2700dunlapknive8@gmail.com, (Kayla Minchew photo)

Ernie SwansonA tu l l - i imc truck driver, Ernie Swanson uses his timewisely on vvcekends, fashioning fixed-blade huntersfrom high-carbon and stainless steels. stabili/.ed wood,M ¡carta", nickel silver and brass. "I got into knifemakingbccausc 1 always wanted a well-buil t kni fe bul could nota fiord one. A member on BladeForums offcrcd to scndme somc supplies," Swanson relates. "The craftsmanshipis what it's al l about for me, not so mueh the arl, but good. "flowing lines. The strength and overall fccl of a good knife is hard to beat." Anavid hunter and fisherman, Swanson reasons that nol only is a knífe somcthing hecannot live without. it has more uses than any othcr tool. Me ñames Bruce Bump,EdCaffrey, Liob Loveless, Bill Moran, Ken Erickson andTodd Davidson as influ-enees. "These are makers who, without ever talking to thcm, blew me away withtheir work," he says. The drop-point hunter ( l e l t ) fcatures a 4.25-inch 1084 blade.a spaltcd-birch handle and nickel-silver pins. Swanson's list price: $ 125. Contad:Ernie Swanson, Dept. BL2, 23642 State Rd. 35, Lot 42, Siren, WI 54872 715-349-5766 bigcrn26@gmail.com. (Kayla Minchew photo)

Chad NellGrowing up in Manti . Utah, gave Chad Nell the opportuni tyto spend valuablc time with knifcmakers Steve Johnson andJohn Young. "They have been will ing to sharc their tcchniqucsand seercts about making a high-quality, precisión knife," Nellcxplains. "Everything I have Icarned about knifemaking has becnfrom those two talentcd artists." Having becn in the businessonly since June 2010, Nell says knifemaking has becoine oneof the passions and great joys in his life. "My dad was a mastcr

meehanic who enjoyed making beautifully craftcd arrowhcads from tlint gathcred in thehills surrounding Manti. He gave me my first Schrade Oíd Timer pocketknife when I was6 ycars oíd, and 1 have been hookcd on knives ever since," Nell relates. He employs CPM-154 and ATS-34 blade steels, 416 stainless for guards and fittings, and stag, sheep horn,ivory, giraffe bone, exotic woods and synthctic handlc malcriáis. Every knife he builds,from small hunters to sub-hilt fighters, has a tapered tang. and his list prices range from$350-51,200. Hís versión of a Bob Loveless-stylc chute knifc (right) showcases a 4.5-inchCPM-154 blade. a 416 stainless steel guard and fittings, a desert-ironwood liandle and abrick-rcd spacer. The basket-weave-style lealher belt sheath is by Coot Pollock. Ncll's listprice: $625. Contact: Chad Nell, Dept. BL2, 75-6201 Hookuku Moho Pl.. Kailua Kona, HI96740 435-229-6442 ncllknivcs(<í gmail.com. www.nellknives.com.

F E B R U A R Y 2012 bladetnag.com 75

BLADEThe World's ti Knite Publication

7OO East State St.lola, Wl 54990-0001PH. 715-445-4612Fax: 71 5-445-4087www.blademag.com

Missy Beyer,Advertising Salesext. 13642e-mail:missy.beyer@fwpufas.com

Bruce WolbergAdvertising Salesext. 13403e-mail;bruce. wolberg@fwpubs.

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Alaska - Northern Kniveswww.northernknives.netA Real Store & Working KniteShop!Ars Cultri EKwww.arscultri.comMantred.Melzer@arscultri.com

Artknives.comwww.artknives.comfred@artknives.com

Atlanta Cutlerywww.atlantacutlery.comatlcut@mindspring.comBeckwith's Bladeswww.beckwithsblades.cominfo@beckwithsblades.comBenchmadewww.benchmade.cominfo@Benchmade.com

Bill Buxton Knives1 www.billbuxtonknives.com; camper@yhti.net

Blade Art Inc.www.bladeart.cominfo@bladeart.comBlade HQ, LLCwww.bladehq.comcam@bladehq.comBladeGallery.comwww.bladegallery.comwww.bladeconnection.comwww.epicedge.comBladeOps, LLCwww.BladeOps.comtrevor@bladeops.comBrian Tighewww.tigheknives.comtigheknives@xplornet.com

Buckeye Engravingwww.steelhandstamps.comstamps@steelhandstamps.comManufacturer of Custom

Hand StampsBusse Combat Knife Companywww.bussecombat.combusse@bright.net

C.A.S. Hanweiwww.cashanwei.cominfo@cashanwei.com

Canada's Knife ZoneOnline Knife & Sword Storewww.knifezone.casales@knifezone.ca

Chestnut Ridge Knife Shopwww.ridgeknifeshop.comorders@ridgeknifeshop.com

Classic Knife DesignRobert Nelson Parkerwww.ClassicKnifeDesign.comRNParkerKnives@wowway.com

Cobra ImportsSwords, Knives, Armorwww.cobraimports.comcobraimports@aol.com

Cóndor Tool & Knife, Inc.ww.condortk.comrtj@embarqmail.comCOWBOYKNIVES.COMwww.cowboyknives.compolygrass@aol.com

Culpepper & Co., Inc.www.knifehandles.comwww.stingrayproducts.cominfo@culpepperco.com

Custom Knife Gallery ofColoradowww.customknifegallery.combob_glassman@yahoo.comCustom-Knives.comwww.custom-knives.comCustom Leather KnifeSheathswww.customsheaths.comrschrap@aol.com

Cutlery Specialtieswww.restorationproduct.comRenaissance Micro-Crystalline Wax/PolishDennis Blaine; dennis13@aol.com

Der Kniveswww.derknives.comdon@derknives.com

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Great Eastern Cutlerywww.GreatEasternCutlery.netSales@greateasterncutlery.net

Ernie GrospitchCustom Handcrafted Kniveswww.erniesknives.comGuild Knives -SellingCustom Collection, Don Guildwww.guildknives.comHalpern Titaniumwww.halperntitanium.cominfo@halperntitanium.com

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Top Quality Collection - Waltwww.hoffmanknives.comJays Knives/American Edgewww.jaysknives.comjay@jaysknives.comJerzeeDevilwebdevil@jerzeedevil.comwww.jerzeedevil.comThe best damn forum, period

the-knife-connection.comwww.the-knife-connection.comFREE Shipping-Discount Pricing-In Stock

dale@the-knife-connection.comKnife Country USAwww.KnifeCountryUSA.comQuestions@KnifeCountryUSA.comKnife Center oí the Internetwww.knifecenter.cominfo@knifecenter.comKnife City Outletwww.knifecityoutlet.comofelia@knifecityoutlet.comKnife Martwww.knifemart.comsales@knifemart.comKnifeKits.comwww.knifekits.comWe Ship Worldwide

Knives Pluswww.KnivesPlus.comKnivesPlus@KnivesPlus.comLee's Cutlerywww.LeesCutlery.combeeneJL43@earthlink.netLightfoot Kniveswww.lightfootknives.compitbull@lightfootknives.com

Marzitelli Custom Kniveswww.marzknives.cominfo@marzknives.comMastersmithswww.beautifulblades.combill@beautifulblades.comDON MORROWMorrow Custom Knives, Inc.www.morrowknives.comdon@morrowknives.comSpecializing in Custom FoldersMoore Cutlerywww.moorecutlery.comgary@moorecutlery.comMIKE MURPHYMichigan Custom Kniveswww.michigancustomknives.commlds@tm.netPurveyor of Custom KnivesNeilson's Mountain HollowJ Neilson

www.mountainhollow.netmountainhollow@epix.netNew Graham Kniveswww.NewGraham.commdye@newgraham.comNorthwest School of KnifemakingBronksknifeworks.combronks@bronksknifeworks.comO'Brien Kniveswww.obrienknives.netHandmade Custom KnivesO'Hare Knivessean@ohareknives.comwww.ohareknives.comOnly Fine Kniveswww.onlyfineknives.comSpecializing in Will iam Henry,

Chris Reeve, Strider and CustomHandmade

Peter Martin Kniveswww.PeterMartinKnives.commartinknives@hotmail.comQumtessential CutleryGrazyna Shaw Custom Knife Purveyorwww.quintcut.comgshaw@quintcut.comRich Staeblerwww.rmcustomknives.comRichard@rmcustomknives.com

Darrel Ralphwww.darrelralph.comdarrel@darrelralph.comÚnele Alwww.riversidemachine.nelUncleAI@riversidemachine.netSanta Fe Stoneworkswww.SantaFeStoneworks.comknives@RT66.comUnique one of a kind gemstonehandled cutleryShepherd Hills Cutlerywww.casexx.cominfo@shephills.comSmoky Mountain Knife Workswww.SmokyMountainKnifeworks.comwebmaster@smkw.comSooner State Kniveswww.soonerstateknives.comssknives@swbell.netSteel Addiction Custom Kniveswww.SteelAddictionKnives.comdavestark@steeladdictionknives.comPeter Steyn (South África)www.petersteynknives.cominfo@petersteynknives.comSwamp Rat Kniveswww.swamprat.cominfo@swamprat.comThe Cutting Edge®www.cuttingedge.comcejnfo@cuttingedge.comThe aftermarket for KnivesToolshopwww.toolshop.deinfo@toolshop.deTrue North Kniveswww.truenorthknives.cominfo@truenorthknives.comTwin Bladeswww.twinxblades.comtwinblades@bulloch.netUnique Blade LLCwww.uniqueblade.comsupport@uniqueblade.comRichard S. Wrightwww.richardswright.comrswswitchblades@hotmail.com

SHOW CALENDAR

Note: Events murked with un asterisk (*) nave knivessetttinars or sympo.sitims, blf/e-thruwíng compttíttons,qfon'im'ntioned "**" events. líLADE^'a "Show Calendar"t

d hiifc accessories as the main/sole focas. Events marketl \vith Aiw asterisks (**) atv knifcmakingting comi>elitii>ii\. uuctions or similar events, or knife shows fhat alst> indude orle or more of the

.wcn on /?/,/f/)/:,'v website til WwW.biadeTnag.CQm.

N O V E M B E R

NOV. 5-6 MT. VERNON, IL Mt. VernonKnifc Show, Jeffcrson County Custom KnifeClub, Roland I.ewis Communi ty H u i l d i n gin the Mt. Vernon Veterans Park. ContadNancy or Larry Hancock, 12193 E. TurnerDr, Deptw. BL2, Mt. Vernon, IL 62864 618-242-4514jcckcl982@yahoo.com.*

NOV. 11-12 CHATTANOOGA, TN Soddy-Daisy Knife Collectors1 two-day show,Alha i i i b r a Shr ine Temple. Contact RonFranklin 423-400-4812 or Dewayne Huckner423-332-5671 www.sdkca.com.*

NOV. 12-13 TULSA, OK Wanenmacher'sTulsa Arms Show, Expo Square (Tuisa fair-grounds}. Contad Tuina Gun Show, Inc.,Dept. BL2, POB 33201, Tulsa, OK 74153 918-492-0401 tulsaarms.show.com.

NOV. 18-20 JERSEY CITY, NJ The 34thAnimal New York City Custom Knife Show,The Westin-Jersey City Newport. Visit www.nyckshow.com tor more Information."

D E C E M B E R

DEC. 8-10 SEVIERVILLE, TN Parkers' Greatest Knife Show on Earth, Sevier-v i l le Events Center. Ca l i F.d I le u l e y423-892-0448."

DEC. 10 EUGENE, OR Oregon WinterKnife Show, Lañe County Convenlion Center.Contact POB 2091, Dept. BL2, Eugene, OR97402 www.oregonknifeclub.org.*

DEC. 11 TIMONIUM, MD ChesapeakeKnife Show, Crowne Plaza. Cali 410-343-0380 http://knifiMh0WB.com,*

J A N U A R Y 2 0 1 2

JAN. 6-7 HELSINKI, FINLANI) Hels ink iKnife Show, Hotel Marski. Contad info(¿¡>helsinkiknifeshow.com (c/o Pekka Tuom-inen), www.helsinkiknifeshow.com."

JAN. 20-22 LAS VEGAS, NV Trie 50thAnnual Antique Arms Show, InternationalSporting Arms Show and Invitational Knife-makers Show, Riviera Hotel £ Casino.Contact Beinfeld Productions, attn: W. Bein-feld, Dept. BL2, POB 2197, Cathedral City,CA 92235 fax 760-202-4793 e-mail gunshow-pro@aol.com, www.AntiqueArmsShow.

JAN. 21 LAS VEGAS, NV The 8th AnnualTáctica! Invitational Knife Show at a site to be

determined. Contact lid Wormscr 847-757-9926 e-mail edwll@aol.com, http://Tacti-callnvitational.com.*

JAN. 27-29 SAN ANTONIO, TX The Amer-ican Bladesmith Society's 9th All-ForgedBlade Expo, Sheraton Gunter. Cali HarveyDean 512-446-3111 or Steve Dunn 270-563-9830 www.absknifeexpo.com.*

JAN. 28-29 ST. LOU1S, MO Gateway ÁreaKnife Club Cutlery Fair 2012, CarpentersHall. Cali Mike 636-566-6632 or e-mail gate-wayareaknifeclub@gmail.com.*

F E B R U A R Y

FEB. 3-5 I.AKELAND, FL The 34th AnnualGator Cutlery Club Custom, Modern &A n l i q u e Kni fe Show, Lakeland Center.Contact Dan Piergall ini 813-754-3908 or813-967-1471 gatorcutlery.com.'

FEB. 18-19 LITTLE ROCK, AR The 2012Arkansas Custom Knife Show, RobinsonCenter Rxhihit Hall. Contact David Etchie-son, Dept. BL2, 60 Wendy Cove, Conway, AR72032 501-554-2582 aka@alliancecable.nct,www.arkansasknifcmakers.com.*

M A R C H

MARCH 2-4 JERSEY CITY, NJ The 2012East Coasl Custom K n i l e Show, The Weslin-Jersey City Newport. Visit www.nyckshow.com for more Information.*

MARCH 3 NORMAN, OK Oklahoma KGAKnife Show, Cleveland County h'airgrounds.Contact Sandy McClure 405-321-3614sandymc@hughes.net.*

MARCH 9-11 DALTON, GA The DaltonKni te Road Show, Northwest Georgia Tradeand Convention Center. NKCA-sanctioned.Cali 423-238-6753 spiritofsteel@ymail.com,www.spiritolsteel.com.*

MARCH 10-11 FORT WORTH, TX LoneStar Knife Expo, Stampede Rooni, StockyardsStation. Contact Loyd McConnell 830-798-8087 Thomas Rucker 936-205-4657 www.lonestarknifeexpo.com.*

MARCH 17 WINDGAP, PA Eastern Penn-sylvania Knife Collectors Show, PlainfieldFire Co. Contact Bill Odor 610-982-5773 orTomlobst 610-965-8074.*

MARCH 23-25 JANKSVILLE, WI BadgerKnile Show, Holiday Inn Express and Janes-ville Conference Center. Contad Bob Schrap,

POB 511, Dept. BL2, Elm Grove, WI 53122414-479-9765 badgcrknifeclub@aol.com.*

MARCH 23-25 PASADENA, CA Knife Expo2012, Pasadena Convention Center. Contactthe Southern California Blades, c/o ShowChairperson Helen Nauert KnifeExpo2()12@att.net.*

MARCH 23-25 SALT LAKE CITY, UT SaltLake City Knife Show, South Towne Expo-sition Center. Contact Rocky Mounta inProductions LLC www.rockymountain-knifeshow.com. or cali David Jacobson 208-447-7000.*

MARCH 30-APRII. 1 HARRISONBURG,VA The 21st Annual Shenandoah ValleyKnife Collectors Show, Rockingham CountyFairgrounds. Contact Ralph Eagle 540-828-0778 or Wes Shrader 540-862-3877 www.svkc.org.*

A P R I L

AFRIL 14-15 EUGENE, OR The 37thAnnual Oregon Knife Show, Lañe EventsCenter. Contact Oregon Knife Collectors,POB 2091, Dept. BL2, Eugene, OR 97402541-484-5564 www.oregonknifeclub.org.*

APRIL 19-21 FT. MITCHELL, KY The(ircater Cincinnat i Knife Show, DrawbridgeHotel and Convention Center. NKCA-sanc-tioned. Cali 423-238-6753 spiritofsteel@yniail.com, www.spirilofsteel.com.*

APRIL 28 SOLVANG, CA The SolvangCustom K n i f e Show. Cali Nordic Knives 805-688-3612.*

APRIL 28-29 NOVI, MI Wolverine KnifeCollectors Show, Suburban Collection Show-case. Cali Pat Donovan 586-786-5549 orFrankMeek 586-264 2031.*

J U N E

JUNE 8-10 ATLANTA, GA The 31st AnnualBLADE Show & International Cutlery Fair& Tactical Gear Expo, Cobb Gallería Centre,1-285 8t US 41, one exit off 1-75 across fromthe Cumberland Malí , adjacent to the Renais-sance Waverly Hotel. The world's largestcombined show of handmade, factory andantique knives. Over 700 tables and almost175 factory booths. )oin the world's great-est national and international knifemakers,cutlery manufacturers, colleclors, collectionsand knife lovers. Site of the Illade Magazine2012 Knife-Of-The-Year* Awards for factoryknives, the Blade Magazine Cutlery Hall-Of-

7fi BLADF F F R R I I A R Y

Fame« induction and much more. Site of theannual ABS mceting and spccial Kn i t emak-ers' Guild section. Seminars include the lOthAnnual BLADK Show World ChampionshipCutting Competition, forging demo, how tocollect, how to make, the latest malcriáis, etc.Contact BLADE', do F-t-W Media/KrausePublications, attn: Alicia Newton, 513-531-2690 ext. 11310, alicia.newton@fwmedia.com, www.bladcshow.LOin. * ""

J U L Y

ÍULY 27-29 ROGERS, AR A.G. Russell'sKni fe Event 2012, John Q. HammonsConvention Center. Contact A.G. RussellKnives, attn; 13. Myers, Dept. BL2, 2900 S.26th St.. Rogers, AR 72758 479-631-8493www.kni feevent.com."

AU G U ST

AUG. 11-12 MISSOULA, MT MontanaKnifemakers Association 17th A n n u a lCustom Knife Show & Sale, MontanaHarley-Davidson. Contact Dan Westlind360-795-0228 westlind@wwestsky.net orNancy McLaughlin 406-728-2861 macnan-cymclaughlin@yahoo.com.*

AUG. 17-19 DENVER, CO ProfessionalKnifemakers Association 20th AnnualDenver Custom Knite Show, Crowne Plaza-D1A. Contact Mike or Denise Alien 903-489-1026 whiskersknives@aol.com."

E PT E M B E R

SEPT. 13-16 LOUISVILLE, KY The 43rdAnnual Knifemakers' Guild Show, Seel-hach Hilton Hotel. Contact Blade MagazineCutlery Hall-Of-Fame© member Gil Hibben502-222-1397gil@hibhenknives.com.*

To ensure tímely publícation ofyour knife showin the "Show ('.alendar," BLADE1 requcsts thatyou scnd all pcrtinent Information coticerningyouT show in written Jorm—dates, locations,etc.—at least three months befare the showtakes place to Krause Publications, a divisióno/F+VV Media, attn: )oe Kertzman, 700 E.State St., lola, WI 54945 715.445.2214 fax715.445.4087. BLADE depends on the showsthemselves for prompt and accurate informa-tion.

To read similar stories and all the latest knifenews, forunts, blogs and knifemaker profiles,see http://knifeshowcase.blatlemag.com.

BLADE

J. BRIfflE VOYLESAUCTIONEERS

www.JBruceVoyles.comAMERICA'S KNIFE AUCTIONEERS

423-238-6753

CUSTOM KNIFE SHOW

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» símilMike Alien. TXDavid Andera. ARRuss Andrews, MOReggie Barker, LAKim Breed. TNTim Bmion, NCBillBuítan.MOJoel Chambhn. GAJ R.Cook.ARLarry Cox, ARJimCrowell.ARJesse W. Dauís, MSWesteyDavis TX

Bill Dufl, OKFred Durio. LALee-ünda Ferguson, ARJerry Fisk. ARRonrie Fosler. ARBobHam.AZDon Hanson III, MODouglas-Gall Hardy. GALarry Inman. ARLacy Key, ARHarvey King, KSRay Kirk. OKJprry Latrsor. OK

Roger Massey, ARJerry McCIure. OKW. J. McDonald, TNRobert Merz, TXBill Miller MOSidney Moon, LAGary Mulkey, MOKeith Murr. ARMark Nevling. ILAlan Newberry, ARCorbln Nowcomb, MORon Newlon, ARClitfPatker FL

Logan Pearce, ARJotin Perry, ARPaul Plccola, TXRusty Polk, ARSteven Rapp, NCVenwn Red, ARLm Rhea, ARRalph Richards, ARRon Ricdersov KYKyte Royer, MOMichael Rulh, Jr., TXMike Ruth, TXRichard Self TX

Tei Skow. MSMarvin Solomon, ARCraig Sleketee, MOEd Slicker, MSC na ríes Stoul. ARTim Tabor, FLBrian Thie. IABnon Tomberlin, OKRusselITownsley.ARPete Truncali, TXJimWalker.ARJohn While, FLAlábanla DamascusAnKrom Exolics

Burr KingForresl CasesCulpepper & CoChuc* Ward PhotographyGiraífeoone, Inc.Green River LealherKnife WorldKochheiser IvoryJirn's Specially WoodPop Knife SuppliesRiverside MachineRowe's LeatherTX Knifemakers SupplyWood Lab

David Etcnleson 501.554.2582 akaia iillianccciiblc.net www.arkansiisknifcniakers.com

FEBRUARY 2012 blademag.com 79

Renemigan

DESIGN

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W H E R E T O GET 'EM

COAT OF ARMSBenchmade USA, attn: Alicia Hunt,Dept. BL2,300 Beavercreek Rd., OregonCity, OR 97045 503.655.6004 www.benchmade.com; Boker USA, attn: D.Weidner, Dept. BL2, 1550 Balsam St.,Lakewood, CO 80215 303.462.0662 fax303.462.0668 www.bokerusa.com; Ca-millus, c/o Rick Constantino, Dept. BL2,60 Round Hill Rd., Fairfield, CT 06824203-319-2120 www.camillusknives.com; Columbia River Knife & Tool, attn:L Phelps, Dept. BL2, 18348 SW 126thPlace, Tualatin, OR 97062 503.685.5015www.crkt.com; ESEE Knives, attn: J.Randall, Dept. BL2, 60 Randall Rd.,Gallant, AL 35972 865.933.8436 or256.527.2808 www.ratcutlery.com;Gerber, attn: Customer Service, Dept.BL2, 14200 SW 72nd, Portland, OR97281-3088 503.639.6161 www.ger-berblades.com; KA-BAR, attn: P. Tsuji-moto, Dept. BL2, 1125 E. State, Olean,NY 14760 800.282.0130 www.ka-bar.com; Spartan Blades, attn: C. lovito,Dept. BL2, POB 620, Aberdeen, NC28315 910.757.0035 www.spartan-bladesusa.com; TOPS, attn: M. Fuller,Dept. BL2, POB 2544, Idaho Falls, ID83403 208.542.0113 www.topsknives.com

WONDER WHACKERSCóndor Tool & Knife, attn: R. Jones,Dept. BL2, 6309 Marina Dr, Orlando,FL 32819 407.876.0886 rtj@earth-link.net; Ontario, attn: N. Trbovich,Dept. BL2, POB 145, Franklinville, NY14737 716.676.5527 www.ontari-oknife.com; SOG Specialty Knives &Tools, attn: C. Cashbaugh, Dept. BL2,6521 212th St. SW, Lynnwood, WA98036 425.771.6230 www.sogknives.com; Timberline, attn: J. Anthon, Dept.BL2, 7223 Boston State Rd, Bos-ton, NY 14075 800-548-7427 gateo®gatcosharpeners.com, www.timber-lineknives.com

HANDMADE GALLERYBarbara Baskett, Dept. BL2, 427 SutzerCk Rd, Eastview, KY 42732, Phone: 270-862-5019, baskettknives@windstream;Web: www.geocities.com/baskett-knives; Dellana STARLANI INT'L INC,1135 Terminal Way Ste #209, Reno, NV89502, Phone: 877-88dellana or 304-

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727-5512, dellana@suddenlink.net;Web: www.knivesbydellana.com; AudraDraper, Dept. BL2, #10 Creek Dr, River-ton, WY 82501, Phone: 307-856- 6807or 307-851-0426 cell, adraper@wyo-ming.com; Web: www.draperknives.com; Elizabeth Loerchner, Dept. BL2,PO Box 255, Bayfield, Ont., CANADÁNOM 1GO, Phone: 519-565-2196, wolf-gang@wolfeknives.com; Web: www.wolfeknives.com; Gail Lunn, Dept. BL2,434 CR 1422, Mountain Home, AR72653, Phone: 870-424-2662. gail®lunnknives.com; Web: www.lunnknives.com; Lora Sue Schwarzer, Dept. BL2,119-2 Shoreside Trail, Crescent City,FL 32112, Phone: 386-698-2840, Fax:386-649-8585, steveschwarzer@gbso.net; Web: www.steveschwarzer.com;Kathleen Tomey, Dept. BL2,146 BufordPl., Macón, GA 31204 478-746-8454www.tomeycustomknives.com

IN SHARP SUPPLYCenter Cross Instructional Videos, attn:G. Osborn, Dept. BL2, 851 House St.,Ft. Worth, TX 76103 817-496-3414contactus@centercross.com, www.cen-tercross.com; Culpepper & Co., attn; K.Culpepper, Dept. BL2. POB 690, Otto.NC 28763 828-524-6842 info@cul-pepperco.com, www.stingrayproducts.com: Fine Turnage Productions, attn: C.Turnage, Dept. BL2,1210 Midnight Dr,San Antonio. TX 78260 210-352-5660info@fineturnage.com, www.finetur-nage.com; Giraffe Bone Knife Supply,attn: S. McCIure, Dept. BL2, 3052 IsimRd., Norman, OK 73026 888-804-0683sandy@giraffebone.com, www.giraffe-bone.com; Halpern Titanium, attn: M.Sartori, Dept. BL2, POB 214, Three Riv-ers, MA 01080 413-283-8627 sales®halperntitanium.com, www.halperntita-nium.com; Jantz Supply, attn: V. Jantz,Dept. BL2, 309 W. Main, Davis, OK73030 800-351-8900 jantz@jantzusa.com, www.knifemaking.com; MasecraftSupply, attn: C. Hartman, Dept. BL2, 254Amity St., Meriden, CT 06450 800-682-5489 info@masecraftsupply.com, www.masecraftsupply.com; Texas Knifemak-er's Supply, attn: J. Lemcke, Dept. BL2,10649 Haddington, Ste. 180, Houston,TX 77043 888-461-8632 sales@texas-knife.com, www.texasknife.com

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Tomahawks and hatchets are anAmerican tradition. From colo-nial times, the woodsman's essen-

tial tool kit was the knife and the hawkor hatchet. The knife handled all cuttingchores and the hawk or halchet served foranything that required chopping.

'I hese days, folks do not usually chopdown a half-dozen trees to make camp.Nonetheless, the one-hand hawk orhatchet still has a place in the modernwoodsman's outfit. No knife will chop aswell as a hawk or hatchet.

My son, Justin, and I reviewed fourmodels—two hawks and two hatchets.Each was designed to different speci-fication.s and with somewhat differentpurposes in mind. However, all are wellsuited to the primary role of one-handwhacking. We used all the hatchets andhawks for basic work, and íbr some thingsihat are a bit beyond the basics.

Many hawks are designed to be thrown,so we threw them. Any of these modelsmight be needed in a survival situationwhere no other cutting tool is availableand whcre you might need to forage forfood. Consequently, we used them tocut rope, vínes and cativas, and for foodpreparation. We foraged in the neighbor-hood supermarket rather than our localmountains for chow, and peeled a pineap-ple, sliced tomatoes and a beef roast. Allfour models were used for all Jobs duringa three-day campout.

Nessmuk's Choice?Modei. Scout Hatchet. Company: CóndorTool & Knife. Specifications: Forged 1045carbón steel head, American hickory han-dle, 1 poumi, 10.25 inches ovcrall, Icathercover. MSRP: $49.98.

New this year, Condors Scout Hatchetis a classic design. Variations have beenused around campfires for at least a cou-ple of hundred years. It works as well nowas it always has.

We used the Scout Hatchet for suchbasic tasks as pounding tent stakes andgetting up some firewood. The fíat backworks well as a hammer. We did notthrow this one for fear of damaging thenice wooden haft. The sniooth grip wascomfortable even after considerablechopping—which was a good thing sincethe bevel was too blunt for easy cutting,and considerable chopping was requiredto get through a 5-inch log. Due to the

blunt bevel, the Camp Hatchet did poorlypeeling the pineapple and slicing toma-toes. A few minutes on a slack belt or anhour or so with hand tools would resultin a thinner, better cutting edgc and youwould have a terrific all-around tool, Itis probably the hatchet Nessmuk wouldchoose today. The Cóndor is lightweightand a good choice for the woodsmantraveling afoot.

Lively Little Bro'Modd: Fast Hawk. Company: SOG Spe-cialty Knives & Tools. Specifications: 420

stainless steel head, fiberglass nylon haft,19 cunees, 12.5 inches overall, nylonsheath. MSRP: $50.

The Fast Hawk is a lighter versión ofits big brother, SOG's Tactical Toma-hawk. l.ighter but no less useful and noless tough, the Fast Hawk is a formida-ble, modern take on the tomahawk. Thehaft is comfortable in hard use and thegrooves prevent even a sweaty hand fromslipping. The edge design is outstand-ing—ground fine and sharp, it cuts deepwith little drag and served as an excellentall-around chopper and cutter. The fine

The test pieces, from left: Cóndor Tool & Knife Scout Hatchet, SOG Specialty Knives & ToolsFast Hawk, Ontario/Ranger RD Hawk Pick and Timberline Alaskan Canoe Hatchet. (JustinAyres photo)

The author stated that the Fast Hawk is well balanceó and with its sharp pick was the bestthrower of the bunch. (Justin Ayres photo)

F E B R U A R Y 2012 blademag.com 83

WEDGE HEADS

Excellence edgc offset the narrow head and madewood chopping a pleasure. Pineapplepeeling was a cinch, as was slicing toma-toes and the roast.

The fíat back of Condor's Scout Hatchet per-formed admirably hammering tent stakes,(Justin Ayres photo)

In the past we used the Tactical Hawkto chop through sheet metal and autobodies, and I am confident the Fast Hawkwould serve as an entry tool. The FastHawk is well balanced, and with its sharppick/spike was the best thrower of thebunch. The pick also was useful for dig-ging and prying. The side was used forpounding, which worked OK, but not aswell as the Cóndor. The Fast Hawk is lightenough for a backpack and a good choicefor the backpacker who prefers nioderndesign—or anyone who needs a toma-hawk.

Fireman's Hawk?Model: Ranger RD Hawk Pick. Company:Ontario. Dcsigner: fustin GingricH. Speci-fications: 1075 carbón steel head, black ny-lon sheath, Micarta- haft, 12 inches overall,MSRP:$19I.

This issue's cover piece, the Rl) HawkPick is a heavy-duty, durable model. Weagreed that if you need to chop througha concrete block wall, it is the tool forthe Job. The haft provides a good non-

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The RD Hawk Pick's cutting edge had agood bevel and severed the pineapple aswell as thick wood. (Justin Ayres photo)

slip grip, though the edges of the Micartaslabs proved a bit sharp for heavy chop-ping without gloves. The cutting edge hada good bevel and severed the pineapple,as well as thick wood. I have no doubt itwould render an auto body into ribbonsand serve as an excellent entry tool.

The edge design and pick/spike makethe RD Hawk Pick suitable for throwing,though the balance is not óptima! for suchuse. With the pick/spike, any poundinghad to be done with the side of the head.While the hawk served well as a camphatchet and general chopper, it appearsto be designed more as a weapon—and abeastly one at that. My son's reaction: "If Iwas a fireman, I'd keep this in my truck."

The author described the Alaskan CanoeHatchet as "a terrifíc camp ax." (JustinAyres photo)

Canoe, Horse or Jeep HatchetModeí: Alaskan Canoe Hatchet. Company:Timberline. Designen Russ Kommer. Spec-ifications: 440 stainless sted head, Zytel-haft, leather sheath, 2.14 pounds, ¡3.25inches overall MSRP: $69.

'Ihe Alaskan Canoe Hatchet is a largerversión of Timberline's Bush Pilot Sur-vival Halchet, and would serve efficiently

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The author said Timberline's Alaskan Canoe Hatchet was best in the chopping category. (Jus-tin Ayres photo)

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The Scout Hatchet's smooth grip was com-fortable even after considerable chopping.(Justin Ayres photo)

as a survival tool as well as an all-aroundcamp chopper. The linger grooves makefor a comfortable haft, though not ascüinfortable as the smooth grips of theFast Hawk and Scout Hatchet. The edgeis sharp and precise, with a good bevel forchopping and slicing.

'Ihe hest overall chopper of the group,it devoured an 8-inch-thick log with l i t l l eeffort. It zipped off outer laycrs of pine-apple with ease and sliced tiny tomatoessmoothly. The back of the head servedwell for pounding tent stakes and lender-izing a tough beefsteak for cooking overthe fire. Though a hit too heavy to be agood thrower, as its ñame suggests, ít isa terrinc camp ax if you are traveling bycanoe—or horse or jeep. Given the Ca-noe Hatchet's weight, its littlc brother, theBush l'ilot Survival Hatchel, might be abetter choice for a backpacker.

"If I was a fireman, l'd keep this in mytruck," Justin Ayres said of the RD HawkPick. (Justin Ayres photo)

The fine edge oí the SOG Fast Hawk offsetthe narrow head, the author noted, andmade wood chopping a pleasure. (JustinAyres photo)

Final ThoughtsThe Fast Hawk and RD Hawk Pick are ob-viously designed for military use, as wellas functioning as camp tools. The spikeor pick opposite the head of each appearsíashioned more as an anti-personne! de-vice than a camp tool. Both the ScoutHatchet and Alaskan Canoe Hatchet havea fíat pulí opposite the cutting edge to fa-cilítate pounding tent stakcs or tenderiz-ing a tough beefsteak. All the hawks andhalchets performed the jobs they weredesigned for and, at need, any could sub-stitute for the other.

For the contad information for the hawksand hatchets pictured, see "Where To Get'Em" on page 80.

To read similar stories and the latest knifenews, forums, blogs and much more, seehltp-.likn ifesh o wcase. blademag. cotn.

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SPEC SHEET y MSG Kim Breed 5th Special Forces (retired)

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Model Ñame: Big CnopperPattern: Gamo knifeMaker: lirn ScnollBlade Leneth: 10"Blade Steel: 5160 carbónHeat Treat: Selectively hardenedHandle: Brown c.mvas MicartaOverall Length: U./f>Sheath: 8-to-9-oz. leatner

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BLADE F E B R U A R Y 2012

Ilove playing with big knives, andnothing is better than having a hugeblade in your hand like Tim Scholl's

"Big Chopper."I knew the camp knife's thin, wide

blade would chop great in theory, so Ichallenged the blade tip first. Grabbingan oíd phone book, I wrapped the lan-yard around my wrist. (As the knife doesnot have a guard, the lanyard is the onlyfeature that kept my hand on the handle.)Employing the ice-pick grip, I stabbed thetip into the book. It penetrated to page347—roughly halfway through. If theblade had a tip designed more for such ajob, peiietration would have been deeper.No problems, though, as from there I suc-cessfully drove the tip into a license píateseveral times.

Time To ChopFirst up: 1-inch pine. I managed to getabout halfway through the 2-foot-longboard with the first chop when I remem-bered I had not wrapped the lanyardaround my wrist. With the lanyard secur-ing the knife to me, I was able to split thepine board with a médium power swing.The knife went through the board soquick it bounced orí" my workbench andmade a beeline toward my midsection. Iam glad the lanyard did its job!

On the way to the woodpile I founda new coil of half-inch sisal rope. Thethin blade gives the knife a neutral bal-ance, which made cutting the rope withthe blade belly awkward. When I movedthe cutting surface closer to the handle,the knife gave me nice crunching noisesfor 40 cuts. I also laid the rope out andchopped it every half inch. The bellyworked fine.

Next up: chopping into the end of aseasoncd oak log 4 inches in diameter. Iaveraged 1-inch penetration with eachchop. I needed some kindling, so I usedthe knife as a splitting wedge. Employinga smaller log as a balón, I beat the bladethrough the oak. It did not phase the knifein the least, and the edge still felt nice andsharp. I stopped after four logs and decid-ed to try going across the wood's grain. Ittook me a couple of times to get the loginto a position where it would not rol] orbounce after each chop. Once the log wassecured, the knife did its best work. Bigwood chunks were flying and the knifedid not twist in my hand.

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Since the hand-sanded bladc had bigwood smears all over it, I decided to takc¡t one step further. I hroke out my handy-dandy firc door for some more difficultpenetration exercises. I used the ice-pickgrip again, as well as the lanyard and aglove. I drove the hlade into the steel doorfive times with no damage to the tip orcutting edge.

ChangesI would put a guard on such a hig knife. Uwould be more usable on smaller tasks, es-

pecíally whik' choldng up.

Bottom I un-Tlie Big Chopper performed very well, butbe sure to use the lanyard for safety reasons.'Ihe handle was very confortable through-out testing.

For more injbrmatíon contad Tim SchollDcpí. BL2, 1389 Langdon Rd., Angier, NC27501 910-897-2051 tschollknives@live.com.

To read similar stories and the laíest knife

The author said the knife did its best work chopping the oak cross grain. Big wood chunkswere ftying and the knife did not twist in his hand. (photo courtesy of Kim Breed)

.COfT)Cutting with the blade belly, the author moved the cutting surface closer to the handle, result-ing in nice crunching noises for 40 cuts. He also laid the rope out and chopped it every halfinch. The belly worked fine.

90 BLADE F E B R U A R Y 2012

news, forums, blogs and much more, seehttp://knifeshowcasc.bladcmag.com.

BLADE

Employing a smalter log as a baton, theauthor beat the blade through the oak. Heindicated it did not phase the knife in theleast, and the edge sí/// felt nice and sharpafterward.

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With the lanyard securing the knife to him,the author split the 1-inch pine board with amédium power swing.

F E B R U A R Y 2 0 1 2 blademag.com 91

EDGES | By Richard D. White BLADE® field editor

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ilVINTAGE EASY-OPEN JACKKNIVES ARE USEFUL, HISTORICAL AND COLLECTIBLE

Difficultics in opening pocket-knives cxistcd not only for peoplewith broken, weak or brittle fin-

gernails, but also those whose hands andfingers were dirty, slick and greasy fromassortcd occupations and/or endeavors.With a lack of lubrication on knivcs thatsat around for some time, even folks withstrong thumbnails tbund wrestling a blade

open an almosl guaranteed nail breaker.The cutlery industry understood the

problem and dcveloped an "easy" solu-tion. A pocketknife with a half-roundnotch cut into both sides of the handle al-lowed the user to grasp the master bladebctween thumb and índex fingcr and pulí¡t open. Because the notch was ncar the farend of the knife, away from the pivot, the

user had leverage to open the blade withtwo fingers instead of a single thumbnail.The knife was commonly known as aneasy-open jackknife. Some collectors referto it as an EZ-open knife. Since a notchhad to be manufactured into the side ofthe knife, thus cutting away much of aportion of the side, most appeared on"swell-end" jackknives where the notched

r r n n i i A n v

end is larger than thc pivot end.The difficulty of opening a traditional

pocketknife with a thumbnai l apparentlywas a common problem, as most majorpocketknife companies produced a vari-ety of easy-openers ¡n different sizes andhandle materials. For example, SchradeCutlery Co. made not only a bonc-stagseries of easy-openers, but also severalBoy Scout jackknives with stag or ebonyhandles. The Boy Scout models had a bailfor attachment to a chain or belt. Somecarne with a chain that attached to a shirtbutton. Schrade and J. Russell & Co. alsomade a larger "daddy barlow"-style fish-ing knife with an easy-open notch.

Another company that produced an as-sortment of easy-open jackknives was theoriginal Remington. It made hundreds ofvarious patterns, including easy-openers.Remington manufactured at least a dozendistinctive patterns featuring an easy-opennotch, each available in a wide choice ofhandle malcriáis, including Pyremite(celluloid), redwood, bone stag, encobóloand slick black. Remington also produceda Boy Scout-style knife with a chain andan interesting large sheepfoot blade in-stead of the traditional spear blade foundon most easy-openers. The company alsomade a notable all-metal easy-open knifein brass, a very heavy, unusual model withbrass rivets, liners and sides.

Cattaraugus followed suit by producingseveral different easy-openers, includingone with an ebony handle, and a numberof "balloon-end" jacks with jigged-bonehandles. The knives were extremely wellmade and are very collectible.

Robeson manufactured several di-verse models of large, bone-handle easyopeners, generally in the gorgeous redbone Robeson made famous. One of thecompany s easy-open patterns had "Easy-Open" etched into the master blade—arare embellishment indicative of an out-standing cutlery manufacturen

One of the thrills of collecting easyopeners is to find rare brands. One is alight-colored jigged-bone knife stamped"Brantford Cutlery Company," an earlyimported brand. Another is a large swell-end jackknife with a celluloid handlestamped "Commander," a brand made bythe obscure Metropolitan Cutlery Co.

Military EZsProbably the most important use for the

The U.S. military used bone-handle easy-open knives with two blades during World War II.Clockwise from left are knives by Pal, Imperial (two), Pal and Camillus. The chain on the Ca-millus model is indicative of a Boy Scout easy opener, though military service personnel usedsuch knives, too. (Richard D. White photo)

Easy Opener Valué GuideDESCRIPTION

Miniature EZ-open, two-blade jackknife with various coloredsolid celluloid handles, made by Colonial and Imperial

World War II, bone-handle EZ-open, two-blade jackby Pal, Imperial and Camiltus, 3.75" closed, spearmaster blade •

Brantford Cutlery, jigged-bone EZ-open, two-blade jack,3.75" closed, rare brand, spear master blade

Cattaraugus model 24409, jigged bone, EZ-open, two-bladejack, spear master blade

Remington model R24, jigged bone, EZ-open,two-blade jack, 3 5/8" closed, long-pull spear master blade

Robeson model 622027 {straight line stamp), jigged red bone,EZ-open, two-blade jack, 3.75"closed, long-pull spear master blade

Robeson Shuredge model 62227, jigged bone, EZ-open, two-bladejack, "Easy Opener" etch on master blade, 3 5/8"closed

Commander brand, colored celluloid, two-blade, EZ-open,two-blade jack, 3.5" closed, rare brand, spear master blade

VALUÉ*

$15-$20

$75485

$904110

$125-$135

$165-$185

$1354150

$1604175

$85495

"Author's valúes for knives in excellent-to-near-mint condition, with no broken bone orcracked celluloid handles. Blades must be ful! length, with good snap in both the openand closed positions, and no other defects in bolsters or backsphngs.

F E B R U A R Y 2012 blademag.com 93

EDGES

Robeson made several easy-open jackknives. While the manufacturar was famous for itsjigged-red-bone handles (bottom), it also handied knives with outstanding brown jigged bone(top). (Richard D. White photo)

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easy-opener was by the US. military. TheNavy had a tradition nf not supplying sail-ors with pointed-blade knives, and thoseiised in World War I were no exception.However, sailors needed knives for cut-ling rope, sail material, the ends frompowder cartridges, etc. In Pocket Knives ofthe United States Military, Michael Silveyindicates that easy-openers by Camillus,Schatt & Morgan, Case, Robeson, NewYork Knife, Valley Forge, Empire Knife,Challenge and others had a sheepfootblade instead of a poinled spear masterblade. For collectors interested in mili-tary pocketknives, Silvey's book is a musthave.

The closed lengths of the easy-openersproduced for the military during WorldWar II were generally 3.5-IO-3.75 inches.'I he knives also inckided a second shorterpen blade, which was opened in the tradi-tional manner. Such pieces are fairlycom-mon. Conversely, those from World War Iare very rare.

Imperial, Camillus, Utica and Pal madethousands of bone-handle easy-openersfor the Navy during World War II. UnlikeWorld War 1, the master blade was a spearpattern, not a sheepfoot. Ihey did havea smaller pen blade like many of theirWorld War I counterparts.

Most Navy easy-openers had jigged-bone handles. Most, if not all, had a bail.Some had sleel bolsters and liners, mainlydue to the shortage of brass during World

Qd Rl ADE F F R R I I A R Y 2012

War II. Many had nickel-silver bolstersand brass liners.

Miniature Models'Hiere is yet anothcr completely d i f le r -ent type of easy-open knife that might begood for young or novice collectors: theminiatures from Kent (made by Camil-lus), Colonial and Imperial during the1930s. The knives have celluloid handlesin a rainbow of colors. They were nottoys but actual mmialure jackknives witheasy-open cutouts in the sides. They weremade with cutlery steel and were cuttingtools. They measure 2 inches closed, andthe better ones have excellent snap wlienthe blade is opened and closed. Like thelull-size versions, the miniatures almostalways have a bail. In mint condition,manygo for less than $15 each.

Whether your tastes incline towardcolorful miniatures, celluloid handles orbone-handle military models, there areeasy-open jackkníves to fit any interestand budget. Excellent examples are stillavailable, and this specialized piece mightjust be the "easy" answer to collectors whohave dírtículty opening a standard pock-etknife blade.

To read similar stories and the latest knifencws, forums, blogs and much more, seehttp://knifeshowcase.bladetnag.com.

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Remington and Cattaraugusmanufactured a number of differ-ent two-blade easy-open jackknives.From top are models by Cattaraugus,Remington and the rare BrantfordCutlery piece mentioned in the story.(Richard D. White photo)

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F E B R U A R Y 2 0 1 2 blademag.com 95

wHigh Carbón

Damascus SpansBladc And Bolsters

Sergio Ramondelti's lockbacktblder parades mammolh-ivory

handlc scatcs, and a high-carbon da-mascus blade and bolsters forged bySantino Ballcstra.

Contact: Sergio Ramondetli ,Dept. BL2, Via Marconi N 24, 12013Chiusa di Pesio (CN>, Italy +39-0171-734490 info(í£)ramon-knives.eom,www.ranion-knivcs.com.

Three-Stage Knife SharpenerNow Comes In Black Finish

Previously available only ¡nwhitc, thc thrcc-stage Chcf's

Choice Model 1520 Diamond^Hone AngleSelect KnifeSharpener now comes in an op-tional black finish, and f'eaturesdiamond-coated discs at presetangles íbr honing 15- and 20-degree bevels, as well as flex-

ible stropping/polishing discs.Contact: Chef's Choice c/o

Edgecraft, attn: V. Gleason, Dept.BL2,825 Southwood Rd., Avondale, PA

19311 800-342-3255 www.edgecraft.com,

Japanese Black PersimmonAdorns An ATS*34 Bowie

Yasutaka Wada of'ters a 9 7/8-inchbowie showcasing a blade of ATS-

34 stainlcss stccl, a Japanese black per-simmon handle, and a stainless steelguard and buttcap.

Contact: Yasutaka Wada, Dept. BL2,2-6-22 Fujinokidai, Nara City, Nara Pre-fect 631-0044, Japan 0742-46-0689.

Mountaineer Ueli SteckDesigns Knife For Wenger

The Ueli Steck-designed elimbcr'sknifc from Wenger is a locking-

liner folder that sports striatedtitam'um handle scales witl i to-an integral quartcr-inch bit ^Hadaptcr, lliree hex keys milledthrough ihe onc-hand-opcning,partially serrated blade, a com-bination metal saw/file, alocking screwdriver, canopener and poueh.

Contact: Wenger,attn: D. Piretra, Dept.BL2, 15 Corporate Dr.,Orangcburg, NY 10962 800-431-2996 marketing(«Jwenger-na.com, www.wengerna.com.

Snakewood Helps DefineFull-Tang "Finback" Model

Sean O'Hare's "Finback" modelincorporates a 3.5-inch blade of

CPM-154 stainlcss steel with a full ,tapered tang, dovetailed 416 stainlesssteel bolsters, stabilized-snakewoodhandle scales and a tooled-lcathcr beltsheath.

Contact: Sean O'Harc. Dept. BL2,1831 Rte. 776, Grand Manan, NewBrunswick, Canadá E5G 2H9 506-662-8524 scan(o;oharcknivcs.com,www.ohareknives.com.

Leatherman "Charge TTi"Equipped With Hex Bit Kit

The Leatherman "Charge TTi" multi-tool employs a stainless steel body,

t i tan ium handlc scales, a necdlc-nosepliers, standard pliers, wire cutters,cap crimper, CPM-S30V plain bfade.420HC serraled blade, saw, a wood/metal file, scissors and a hex bil hold-

er with bit kit.Contact: Leatherman,

attn: S. Leatherman. Dept.BL2, 12106 N.E. Ainsworth

Cir., Portland, OR Q7220 800-S47-H665 i n foto leatherman.com,www.leatherman.com.

Walrus Ivory & W2 BladeShare Billing On Bowie

Russ Andrews II fashions a 15-inclibowie employing a 10-inch blade of

W2 tool steel, a 416 stainlcss steel guardand a walrus-ivory handle.

Contact: Russ Andrews II, Dept. BL2,POB 7732, Sugar Creek, MO 64054 816-252-3344 russandrcws(o) sbcglobal.net,www.russandrewscusiomknives.com.

"Contrast" Folder NamedFor G-10 And Stainless Grip

Tlie combination of a machined G-10-and-staín-less-stcel handle results ín the ñame "Contrast"

for Cerberos newest clip-point, frame-lock folder,which also fcatures a 3-Ínch plain or semi-serratedblade of 7Crl7MoV stairtless steel.

Contact: Gerber, attn: J. Míchelotti, Dept. BL2,14200 S.W. 72nd Ave., Portland, OR 97223 503-639-616! sales@gerbergcar.com, www.gerbergear.com.

Folding Tanto Locks Closed,Open And In Partial Positions

Seber's "Ratcheting Tanto Blade Knife" works off the "Rotation-Loc™," which securcs the blade of 8Crl3MoV Stainless steel in the

open, closed and par l ia l ly open positions. The folder also sports G-10handle scales, Stainless stccl bolsters and framc, a seat-belt cutter anda glass brcaker.

Contact: Seber Design Group, attn: K. Wilson, Dept. BL2, 2438Cades Way, Vista, CA 92081 kenwilson@seberdesigngroup.com,www.seberdcsigngroup.com.

DamascusBolsters EnlivenCPM-154 Bird & Trout Knife"D van Minchew outfits a 6-inch bird & troutJvknifc in a blade of CPM-154 Stainless steel,random-pattern-damaseus bolslers and snakewoodhandle scales.

Contact: Ryan Minchcw, Dept. BL2, 2510 MaryHi len , Pampa, TX 79065 806-669-3933 ryan@minchewknives.com, www.minchewknives.com.

AUS-8 Blade ShowcasesBlack Carbonitride Finish

Camillus1 8.25-inch CarbonitrideTitanium Fixed Blade fínife in-

cludes a black-carbonitride-coatedblade of AUS-8 stainlcss steel, andan ergonomic aluminum and glass-filled-nylun handle.

Contact: Camillus, c/o Rick Con-stantine, Dept. BL2, 60 Round HillRd., Fairfield, CT 06824 800-835-2263 info@camillusknives.com,

www.camillusknives.com.

5160 Fixed BladeIs Fíat Ground &Fully Integral

John Parks scnds his latcst inte-gral k n i f c lo markct in a 5-ineh,

rlat-ground blade of 5160 carbón steeland a snakewood handle.

Contact: John Parks, Dept. BL2, 3539Galilee Church Rd., Jefferson, GA 30549 706-367-4916 ¡dparks(í'?w¡ndstream.net.

FEBRUARY2012 blademag.com 97

COOL CUSTOM By BLADEK STAFF

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HornsZAC BUCHANAN FOLLOWSIN THE FOOTSTEPS OF HISKNIFEMAKING DAD

Zac Buchanan said hehas made knives since2008~he figures hehas made about 50 sofar—and is futí time.He also does hisown leatherwork.(Point Sevenphoto)

Zac Buchanan fashions knives Ihatare obviously a chip off the oídblock of his father's, award-win-

ning maker Thad Buchanan. Much likethe "oí' man" Zac also likes challenges—and the handle of his repro of a Loveless-style boot knife illustrates the point.

Zac opted for the bumpy, rough exte-rior of cape buftalo horn instead of thesmoother interior of the material forwhich most makers opt. "[Knifemaker]Mitch Jenkins used the [exterior] materialand that inspired me to do the same," the27-year-old Buchanan said. He added thatthe outer surface oí the horn is hard tofinish—so much so the handle bolt on theright handle slab is partially raised. "Mostdon't seem to mind the raised bolt, thoughone or two who saw it at the BLADH Showweren't too crazy about it," he noted.

In addition to sporting the unusualhandle material, it is also the first dou-ble-ground knife Zac made, and also theinitial knife he had professionally pho-tographed. In our humble opinión, such"Zac firsts" overshadow any raised-boltissues.

For more information contad Zac Bu-chanan at 541-815-6706 zacbuchanan-knives@gmail.com. At press time, Zac saidhis new Website—zacbuchananknives.com—should be up and running by earlyNovember.

To read similar stories and the latest knifencws, forums, blogs and much more, seehttp://knifeshowcase.blademag.com.

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