Knives Illustrated 201305

MAY 2013 DISPLAY UNTIL: 05/7/13
VOLUME 27, NO.3 $5.99 U.S.

knivesillustrated.com
KI-1305-COVER 2/27/13 2:52 AM Page US_C1
YES, ITS GENUINE STAG.
ALL DRESSED UP.
How do you make a hand-crafted Case knife with our signature India Stag
handle even more beautiful? You dress them up with elegant new features
like slanted and uted nickel-silver bolsters and a glistening Case Arrowhead
shield. As always, trusted Tru-Sharp surgical steel blades assure youll
be ready for any task. So before you leave for that elegant dinner party
or friendly get-together around the campre, try on a Case genuine Stag
pocketknife with slanted and uted bolsters. Its sure to look good on you.
Visit us online
www.wrcase.com
Join the Case Collectors Club
www.wrcase.com/join
Like us on Facebook
www.facebook.com/wrcase
Stockman
#32068 (5347 SS)
Humpback Half Whittler
#32062 (52046 1/2 SS)
Muskrat
#32066 (MUSKRAT SS)
Medium Stockman
#32067(5318 SS)
Peanut
#32065 (5220 SS)
Small Texas Toothpick
#32063 (510096 SS)
KI_1305_C2 2/22/13 4:40 AM Page C2
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FREE!
WITH ANY PURCHASE
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12" RATCHET
BAR CLAMP/SPREADER

$
1
99
LOT NO. 46807 /
68975/69221/
69222
REG.
PRICE
$5.9 9
Item
46807
shown SAVE
66%
SAVE
$62
AUTOMATIC
BATTERY FLOAT
CHARGER
LOT NO. 42292 /
69594/69955

$
4
99

REG. PRICE $12 .99
Item
42292
shown

$
12
99

REG.
PRICE
$29.99
WIRELESS DRIVEWAY
ALERT SYSTEM
LOT NO. 93068 /69590
Requires one 9 volt
and three C batteries
(sold separately).
SAVE
56%
SAVE
71%
SAVE
60%
SAVE
61%
$
9
99

REG.
PRICE
$24 .99
29 PIECE TITANIUM
NITRIDE COATED
DRILL BIT SET
LOT NO.
95578/69645 /
60625
4-1/2" ANGLE GRINDER
REG.
PRICE
$19.99
$
9
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Item 95578
shown
SAVE
50%
SAVE
$130
45 WATT SOLAR
PANEL KIT
LOT NO.
68751/90599
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$110
REG. PRICE $249 .99

$
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Item 68751 shown
SAVE
$70
NO GAS
REQUIRED!
REG. PRICE $149.99

$
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LOT NO.
68887 /61207
90 AMP FLUX
WIRE WELDER
SAVE
$60
SAVE
46%
Item
93068
shown
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5889
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580 LB. CAPACITY
FOUR DRAWER
TOOL CART

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TORQUE WRENCH ES
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3/8" DRIVE
1/2" DRIVE
LOT NO. 2696
LOT NO. 807
LOT NO. 239
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YOUR CHOICE!

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ACCURACY
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LOT NO. 67847 /69091

$
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99

REG.
PRICE
$219 .99
Item 67847
shown
LOT NO. 68049/60688
RAPID PUMP

2.5 TON HEAVY DUTY
STEEL FLOOR JACK
Low Prole

$
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REG.
PRICE
$139 .99
WEIGHS
77 LBS.
SAVE
$70
SAVE
37%
1.5 CUBIC FT.
ELECTRONIC
DIGITAL SAFE
LOT NO. 91006
Electronic keypad uses
four C batteries (included).
REG.
PRICE
$149 .99
$
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99
18 VOLT CORDLESS
3/8" DRILL/DRIVER
WITH KEYLESS CHUCK
LOT NO. 68239 /69651
Includes one
18V NiCd
battery and
charger.
Item
68239
shown
Item
68887
shown

$
15
99

REG.
PRICE
$29 .99
PROPANE TORCH WITH
PUSH BUTTON IGNITER
LOT NO. 91037
REG. PRICE $39.99

$
24
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3-1/2" SUPER BRIGHT
NINE LED ALUMINUM
FLASHLIGHT
REG. PRICE $6.99
ITEM 65020/69052/69111 Item 65020
shown
GRAND
OPENINGS
San Rafael, CA
Torrance, CA
Hillsboro, OR
Dallas, TX
Crystal Lake, IL
Joliet, IL
Naperville, IL
Grand Rapids, MI
Item 68049
shown
KI_1305_3 2/22/13 4:21 AM Page 3
4 KNIVES ILLUSTRATED MAY 2013
KNIVES ILLUSTRATED (ISSN 0898-8943) Vol. 27, No. 3 is published 9 times a year, January/February, April, May,
June/July, August, September, October, November and December, by Beckett Media, LLC, 22840 Savi Ranch
Parkway, #200, Yorba Linda, CA 92887. Periodical postage paid at Anaheim, CA, and additional mailing offces.
POSTMASTER: send address changes to Knives Illustrated c/o Beckett Media, 5430 LBJ Freeway, Ste 1200,
Dallas, TX 75240. Return undeliverable Canadian addresses to: PITNEY BOWES, INC, P.O. Box 25542,
London, ON N6C 6B2 GST#855050365RT001 2013 by Beckett Media, LLC. All rights reserved.
Reproduction of any material from this issue in whole or in part is strictly prohibited.
AVID DESIGN
A light in the handle for illuminated
cutting
BEAR & SON CUTLERY
New knives in their Bear Ops line
plus more traditionals
BENCHMADE KNIFE COMPANY
A Bushcraft knife and the Triage goes
auto among other new knives
BOKER KNIVES USA
A hot Sal Manaro tactical folder and
a line of olivewood knives top the
new ones from Boker
BROWNING
New additions to their Black Label
tactical lines and Russ Kommers
signature line
BUCK KNIVES
Eight choices of Bantam camo han-
dles and a tough-looking Reaper
CAMILLUS
A Bushcrafter knife and Les Stroud
designs a machete
COAST PRODUCTS
The Rapid Response assisted opener
gets a tanto blade
COLUMBIA RIVER
KNIFE & TOOL
A total of 22 new designs from this
innovative leader
NOT JUST KNIVES
A non-knife innovation from Ken
Onion
EMERSON KNIVES
A multi-tool is next
ESEE KNIVES
Uncoated blades and a household
line by Ethan Becker
FROST CUTLERY
Licensed knives for the NCAA
Cri mson Tide and the NRA
GATCO/TIMBERLINE
A nifty sharpener with a fire starter
GERBER GEAR
Bear Grylls adds new models plus
the standard line gets additions
HALLMARK
The Dreadnaught tacticals from Sean
Kendricks
HAVALON KNIVES
Surgical scalpel blades in outdoor
knife frames
HOGUE, INC.
The Elishewitz connection continues
for Hogue
KA-BAR KNIVES
When the Zombies arrive KA-BAR
has it covered
KERSHAW KNIVES
New camp knives and more
LEATHERMAN TOOL GROUP
Did we hear you right? Tactical
shears!
QUEEN CUTLERY
A pocket-size tactical and the
Keystone shield returns
ONTARIO
A new folder and the Wyvern breach-
ing ax
OUTDOOR EDGE
An eight-piece game processing kit
headlines
PUMA
Two new stag-handled fixed blades
REMINGTON
Premier hunter and a companion
knife for the Model 700
SOG SPECIALTY KNIFE AND TOOL
The Twitch in wood, a new ax, and 5
feet of paracord for a handle are
starters for SOG
STEVEN RINELLA-MEAT EATER
The SOG-sponsored host of the
Sportsman Channel TV Show
SPARTAN BLADES
Spartan teams with Kim Breed for a
new fighter
SPYDERCO
Fixed blades, a Matriarch2
with the Emerson wave
opener, a new Szabo
folder were only
getting started with
the new knives from
the design leader
STONE RIVER GEAR
Its ceramic blades all
the way for Stone
Riverincluding
neck knives and
exchange-a-
blades
TOPS KNIVES
Heavy-duty tacti-
cals in a couple of
new designs
W.R. CASE & SONS
New families of knives for this col-
lectible and traditional knife leader
CASE AND CARHARTT RUGGED
Case and Carhartt team for three com-
plete families of new knives
WENGER KNIFE COMPANY
New Realtree camo handles for several
Swiss Army models
COVER STORY
12 First-Time Folder
Spydercos folding puukko is a Pekka Tuominen design
By KI Staff
FEATURES
18 The 120+ Hottest Knives Of The 2013 SHOT Show
Our on the ground coverage of the outdoors largest trade show
By J. Bruce Voyles
MAY 2013
VOLUME 27, NO. 3
www.knivesillustrated.com
k n i v e s i l l u s t r a t e d . c o m
KI_1305_4-6-TOC 2/25/13 1:54 AM Page 4
KI_1305_5 2/22/13 4:23 AM Page 5
MAY 2013
Volume 27 Number 3
EDITORIAL
Editorial Director: Doug Jeffrey
Editor: J. Bruce Voyles
Managing Editor: Jeffrey Rick
Art Director: Ronald Abella
Cover Design: Eric Knagg
CONTRIBUTING EDITORS
James Batson, Abe Elias, B.R. Hughes, Mac Overton,
Clint Thompson, Doc Wacholz, J.B. Wood,
Les RobertsonCustom Knife Field Editor
ADVERTISING
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Casey Clifford: Senior Account Executive
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Gennifer Merriday: Ad Traffc Coordinator
OPERATIONS
Gus Alonzo: Newsstand Sales & Marketing Manager
Celia Merriday: Newsstand Analyst
Amit Sharma: Business Analytics Manager
Mohit Patel: Newsstand & Production Analyst
Alberto Chavez: Senior Logistics & Facilities Manager
John Cabral: Creative Graphic Designer
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lished 9 times a year, January/February, April, May, June/July,
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Beckett Media, LLC, 22840 Savi Ranch Parkway, #200, Yorba
Linda, CA 92887. Periodical postage paid at Anaheim, CA, and
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58 New Direction
Tim Britton tackles the tactical genre, and excels
By Les Robertson
60 Formidable Weapon
The Pat Crawford survival staff
has numerous applications
By Clint Thompson
68 Close To Custom
Knife kits can launch you on your own
knifemaking career
By Abe Elias
74 Early StartEarly Bloomer
Rick Barrett started early and the experience
shows in his great knives
By Les Robertson
COLUMNS
8 Q&A
A look back at the perfect storm that catapulted
Case to the forefront of knife collecting
9 Name The Maker
Your chance to win a subscription
if you know this maker
10 Points Of Interest
Whats new and happening in the world of knives
81 Shows
Upcoming shows and events within
the world of knives
82 On The Edge: Red Flag Words
By J. Bruce Voyles
ON THE COVER:
A first for Spyderco
is a folding puukko.
Photo by Terrill
Hoffman
KI_1305_4-6-TOC 2/25/13 1:54 AM Page 6
KI_1305_7 2/22/13 4:26 AM Page 7
k n i v e s i l l u s t r a t e d . c o m 8 KNIVES ILLUSTRATED MAY 2013
Q&A
Q: Why is Case such a popular brand with collec-
tors?
A: Government regulation catapulted Case to the forefront
of knife collecting.
W.R. Case & Sons Cutlery has always been a popular brand,
but it wasnt until the U.S. government stepped in that collect-
ing Case knives, and knife collecting in general, exploded.
CHANGE THE MARK
New regulations went into effect in 1965 that required the
country of origin to be marked on U.S.-made knives going
into Canada. In compliance, Case added USA under their
traditional Case XX tang mark. Previously, Case was on one
line with XX underneath. Adding the USA required mov-
ing Case XX onto a single line.
Instantly, the pre-1965 Case knives became Xs down, and
were readily dateable.
RESTRICT FIREARMS
With the 1968 Gun Control Act restricting open gun sales,
a segment of gun dealers on the show circuit added the still
unrestricted knives to their inventory. Collectors who found it
difficult to legally sell guns across state lines turned to knives.
A GOOD SUPPLY
Case has always had a unique approach to their store dis-
plays. They looked like furniture. They chose cherry wood dis-
plays produced in-house, and the knives were wired to a board
with a metal tag added stating, SamplesDo Not Remove.
Russ Case had seen other brands put their knives on easily
removable clips, with the result being that there were always
empty spaces on the front panel. Knowing products always sell
better from full shelves, he made it difficult to remove the
knives on the front panel of Case displays. This also meant the
new dealer had to buy a complete panel of knives that they
would be unable to easily hand to a customer, requiring them
THE CASE FOR
COLLECTORS
BY J. BRUCE VOYLES
PHOTOS BY HEATHER BRADFORD
to buy a loose back-up for every knife on the panelthus dou-
bling what would be an opening inventory.
THE PERFECT STORM
The increased demand by collectors for old knives combined
with the specific delineation between pre-1965 versus post-
1965 Case knivesand most importantly that hundreds of
hardware stores across America with panels full of the older
Case XX-marked knives were sitting there ripe for the pick-
ingcreated a perfect storm. Collectors swarmed across the
country in this knife collector gold rush,buying the complete
boards out of the displays.
The hardware dealer, having made the largest knife sale in the
history of his store, now needed a new panel, and he ordered a
replacement board from Case. Case sold a complete assortment
of knives that were wired to the panel, and the happy hardware
store owner now had an intact board of USA-marked knives.
MEANWHILE BACK IN BRADFORD
Case at the time was not up to speedall they knew is they
were deluged with their dealers ordering new boards, over-
whelming the Case wire-the-knives-to-the-panel department.
When they inquired from their sales force what was happen-
ing, and learned they were replacing the panels because collec-
IMPORTANT DATES IN
COLLECTING CASE KNIVES
1945-65 The Case XX mark was used on Case knives.
1965 The year USA is added to the Case logo. The XX is
moved to the same line as CASE.
1968 The Gun Control Act of 1968 causes many gun dealers to
add knives to their inventory.
1970 Case realizes they can stimulate collector interest by
changing the logo and they do.
1971 The beginning of what still remains an annual changing of
the Case logo, allowing any knife collector who knows the
markings to determine the exact year of manufacture.
A stag-handled Case canoe with the post-
1965 mark, known to collectors as the USA
mark. This five-year mark was changed once
Case management realized that collectors
were aggressively buying the previous tang
mark.
A Case pre-1965, also known as Xs down because
the XX mark is underneath Case.
KI_1305_8-9-QA 2/25/13 2:03 AM Page 8
k n i v e s i l l u s t r a t e d . c o m KNIVES ILLUSTRATED MAY 2013 9
KI
KI
tors were buying the older XX knives,
someone at Case scratched their heads
and had one of those epiphany mo-
ments. I suspect it was something like,
So I can sell a complete new board
with dozens more knives to each store
simply because we changed the tang
mark? Well, I can fix this!
In 1970, they did. They added 10 dots
under the USA, taking a dot away each
year. Again, collectors swarmed the
hardware world, now buying the USA-
marked boards, and ordering new
boards again from Case.
UNINTENDED BENEFIT
With the dating system, it was now
possible to date the exact year a Case
knife was made, if you knew the non-se-
cret code. The spicy little tidbit added
fuel to the collecting fire.
THE REST IS HISTORY
Collectors were collecting other
brands. Russell had stopped making
pocketknives in 1932. Remington and
Winchester had both stopped pre-
WWII. Case was the only company
popular among the first wave of knife
collectors that was still making knives.
Between 1965 and 1972, while knife
collecting was fermenting around Case
knives, the other knife manufacturers
were oblivious. They made the same
knives with the same marks without a
panel with their older patterns wired in.
There was no way to tell the old knives
from the new knives.
Government regulations forced the
Case logo change, increased the number
of knife collectors (thanks to the 1968
Gun Control Act) and the other manu-
facturers had no clue of the emergence
of knife collecting.
The result is Case had several years of
a head start on the knife collecting
market.
Considering that their knife collect-
ing club now has more than 19,000
members, its a lead they have never
given up.

Name The
MAKER
TEXT AND PHOTOS BY JIM COOPER
12MONTHS FREE!
IDENTIFY THE KNIFEMAKER AND YOU CAN WIN A
FREE SUBSCRIPTION
THE NEW NAME
THE MAKER
Send your entries to
bvoyles@beckett.com
HOW WE DRAW
The method we use
to determine who wins
among the correct
entries: The entries are
placed in numerical
order, and a random
number is generated by
a random number-
generating website
(www.random.org).
We did get two winners of our February issue
contest, but as of press time no entries were yet
received for the April contest. So well continue
until we get a winner for this knife that first
appeared in the April issue.
There were two hints offered for the February
contest. We wrote, Hes new, and hes going to go
places. Bob Minekheim was first as identifying
this rising talent as Brian Nadeau. The winning
subscription from the random drawing was Drew
Hannon of Minnesota.
WHAT YOU WIN, HOW TO WIN
The first winner for each knife will receive a one-year subscription to Knives Illustrated. If you
already receive KI, you can have your choice of extending your subscription or receiving a one-year
subscription to one of our sister publications (Gun World or Bow & Arrow Hunting). Please state your
choice on your entry.
Among the correct entries, we will also draw for a second winner. So be sure to enter, even if
youre not the first one to respond.
Send your entry to bvoyles@beckett.com
Please mention promotional code A713LO11-MAY13
Winners are limited to one win every 12 months.
You must list your mailing address to be considered as an entry. KI
KI_1305_8-9-QA 2/25/13 2:05 AM Page 9
S
pydercos new fixed-blade
knife series is called the Enuff
Series. The group includes
three mid-sized fixed-blade knives
with identically sized handles and
sheaths, but with different blade
profilesclip-point, leaf-shape and
sheepfoot.
Enuff blades are just less than 3 inches
long and made of Japanese VG10 stain-
less. Both the clip-point and leaf-shaped
blades are flat-ground with a PlainEdge,
while the sheepfoot blade is hollow-
ground and SpyderEdged.
Enuff handles are black injection-
molded FRN (fiberglass reinforced nylon)
with pinned-together construction.
Molded into the FRN scales is Spydercos
Bi-Directional Texturinga series of
traction-angled steps radiating from the
handles center outward to its edge. Con-
toured three-dimensionally, the handle
fills out a palm ergonomically and features
a full-length tang, oversized lanyard hole
and jimping (tex-
turing) on the spine.
The three knives share a
common sheath design made of
injection-molded polymer thats craft-
ed to accommodate the blade-inserted
edge facing forward or backward (left or
right handed). The sheath also features a
G-clip attachment device that adjusts to
fit a number of carry positions and attach-
ment options.
OUTDOOR EDGE COMBINES ORANGE
HANDLE AND SKINNER BLADE
T
he Skin n
Blaze, model
#BZ-10C
from Outdoor Edge,
is a value-priced gut-
hook skinner with a
Mossy Oak nylon
belt sheath.
SPECS
OVERALL: 9.5 inches (20.9 cm)
BLADE: 4.4 inches (9.6 cm)
WEIGHT: 6.5 ounces
RETAIL: $23.95
OUTDOOR EDGE CUTLERY CORP.
9500 W. 49th Ave., Unit A100
Wheat Ridge, CO 80033
800-447-3343
www.outdooredge.com
Points Of
INTEREST
SPYDERCO INTRODUCES
ENUFF SERIES FIXED BLADES
SPECS
ENUFF LEAF
OVERALL: 6.75 inches
BLADE: 2.75 inches
STEEL: VG10
HANDLE: Fiberglass reinforced nylon
WEIGHT: 3.8 ounces
RETAIL: $179.95
ENUFF CLIP
BLADE: 2.75 inches
STEEL: VG10
WEIGHT: 3.8 ounces
RETAIL: $179.95
ENUFF SHEEPFOOT
BLADE: 2.74 inches
STEEL: VG10
WEIGHT: 4 ounces
RETAIL: $179.95
SPYDERCO
820 Spyderco Way
Golden, CO 80403
800-525-7770
www.Spyderco.com
KI_1305_10-11-POI 2/27/13 12:06 AM Page 10
KNIVES ILLUSTRATED MAY 2013 11
D
esigned for breaching and rescue applications, the Gerber
Downrange Tomahawk sharpened ax head is designed to cut
through doors and walls, while the reverse side hammerhead is
made for smashing through obstacles such as doorknobs. The cutaway
handles in the ax head allow the user to get maximum leverage when us-
ing the pry bar at the end of the handle. The handle is glass-filled nylon.
GERBER DOWNRANGE
TOMAHAWK
SPECS
STEEL: 420HC
HANDLE: Glass-filled nylon
WEIGHT: 1.9 pounds
GERBER
14200 SW 72nd Ave.
Portland, OR 97224
800-950-6161
www.gerbergear.com
the Gerber Downrange Tomahawk
sharpened ax head is designed to cut through
doors and walls
BENCHMADE
TOMAHAWK IS
DIFFERENTIALLY
HEAT TREATED
D
ifferentially heat
treated, the 4140
steel and textured
G10 handles make this
tomahawk a dynamic tool.
The hawk features a con-
toured wedged end for pry-
ing and includes a
MOLLE-compatible
sheath. The steel is 4140
carbon steel.
SPECS
HEAD: 7.5 inches
SPIKE: 3.5 inches
WEIGHT: 36.8 ounces
RETAIL: $380
BENCHMADE KNIFE COMPANY
300 Beavercreek Road
Oregon City, OR 97045
800-800-7427
www.benchmade.com
BUSHCRAFTER
IS A SIBERT DESIGN
D
esigned by Shane Sibert, the
USA-made Bushcrafter fea-
tures an S30V stainless steel
blade and contoured green G10 han-
dles with red vulcanized spacers. The
package is held together with
pressed titanium tub-
ing. The knife
comes with a
rushed full-grain
buckskin leather
sheath with D-ring,
flint rod loop and
retention strap.
SPECS
OVERALL: 9.2 inches
BLADE: 4.43 inches
STEEL: S30V
HANDLE: Green G10
WEIGHT: 7.72 ounces
RETAIL $200
BENCHMADE KNIFE
COMPANY
800-800-7427
www.benchmade.com
BUCK ENDEAVOR
IS U.S. MADE
D
esigned for camping and hiking,
the Buck Endeavor is for outdoor
adventures. With a 9 -inch
overall length and weighing in at only 6.6
ounces, this knife is light enough to
carry and strong enough to with-
stand extreme tasks. The
half-serrated blade is
420HC steel.
SPECS
OVERALL: 9.5 inches
BLADE: 5 inches
HANDLE: Fiberglass
reinforced nylon
STEEL: 420HC
WEIGHT: 6.6 ounces
RETAIL: $70
BUCK KNIVES
660 S. Lochsa St.
Post Falls, ID 83854-5200
800-326-2825
www.buckknives.com
the Buck
Endeavor is
for outdoor
adventures.
KI
KI_1305_10-11-POI 2/25/13 2:06 AM Page 11
While the puukko is a favorite style of the
Finnish people, it took numerous prototypes and
revisions before Spyderco and Tuominen were able
to turn the traditional puukko design into a folding
clip-it style.
FIRST-TIME FOLDER
Finally, A Puukko That Folds
THE PUUKKO CARVES OUT AN EXPANDING NICHE AT SPYDERCO
BY KI STAFF
PHOTOS BY TERRILL HOFFMAN AND SPYDERCO
F
innish knifemaker Pekka Tuominen
once said, Every puukko is a knife,
but every knife is not a puukko.
WHAT IS A PUUKKO?
A puukko is the traditional belt knife of the Finnish
people. In its classic form, it features a relatively
short, single-edged blade with a curved cutting edge
and a straight spine. The edge is usually flat ground
with a micro-bevel cutting edge.
KI_1305_12-16-COVER 2/27/13 2:07 AM Page 12
The Nilakka folder has a
Scandinavian-ground blade called a
Scandi grind with full-flat bevels
that flow seamlessly into a micro-
bevel cutting edge.
KI_1305_12-16-COVER 2/25/13 2:15 AM Page 13

THE DETAILS
Pekka Tuominen has created a folding
version of a classic puukko called a Nilak-
ka. Named for a Finnish lake, the Spy-
derco/Tuominen Nilakka successfully
blends equal parts artistic expression with
the traditional features of a Finnish
puukko and adds a modern folding blade.
The frame consists of stainless steel lin-
ers and backstrap, and utilizes the Michael
Walker-designed liner lock. The finish is
bead blasted.
Like the traditional puukko fixed-blade,
the Nilakka folder has a Scandinavian-
DESIGNER
PEKKA TUOMINEN
The Nilakka folding puukko and the
Spyderco fixed-blade puukko were both
designed by award-winning Finnish custom
knifemaker Pekka Tuominen.
A farmer by trade, Tuominen is also a
military veteran and one of only seven
puukkoseppamestari (master bladesmiths)
certified by the Finnish Ministry of Education.
Hes a member of the Scandinavian
Knifemakers Guild and the Finnish Knife
Association.
NILAKKA
FOLDER SPECS
CLOSED: 4.62 inches
BLADE: 3.51 inches
STEEL: CPM-S30V
HANDLE: Brown G10
WEIGHT: 5 ounces (139g)
SUGGESTED RETAIL: $309.95
PUUKKO
FIXED-BLADE SPECS
BLADE: 3.31 inches
HANDLE: Ironwood or brown
G10
STEEL: CMP S30V
WEIGHT: 3.8 ounces
SUGGESTED RETAIL:
Ironwood $349.95,
G10 $389.95
The fixed-blade
G10 version of the
Tuominen-designed
puukko features a
3 -inch blade and
G10 handles. Its new
for 2013.
KI_1305_12-16-COVER 2/25/13 2:15 AM Page 14
ground blade called a Scandi grind with
full-flat bevels that flow seamlessly into a
micro-bevel cutting edge with a low-drag
edge geometry.
Where handle and blade meet is a subtle
ricasso which segues into a PlainEdge
CPM-S30V blade with a Spyderco round
hole. The single curving cutting edge has a
flat level spine.
G10 3-D HANDLES
The blade lines up with an earth brown
G10 handle thats machined in a three-di-
mensional teardrop shape. The thicker
portion of the teardrop has an ergonomic
large radius, tapering narrower at the bot-
tom so the user can orientate the blades
cutting edge in-hand by feel. The level
spine and lack of choil enable the thumb
to be positioned directly on the spine to
The brown G10
handles are teardrop-
shaped allowing one to
index the knife without
looking, ensuring the user
knows the location of
the knife edge.
THE TRADITIONAL
PUUKKO:
RESTRICTED AT HOME
The Puukko received as a
gift in Finland is considered an
honor, as the giver is
presenting a tool for
woodworking, food
preparation and self-defense.
The unique Finnish design
comes in both mens and
womens versions, with the
differences being the blade
length and decoration. Scouts
consider it a scouting symbol,
and at one time it was
considered a part of the
national costume. However,
since 1977, the bearing of
sharp objects that could be
used as weapons is banned in
Finland. To carry a blade in
public spaces requires a job-
related reasonor a permit.
One of the first
innovations that
Spyderco brought to the
knife world was the
pocket cliphere added
to the first folding
puukko.

KI_1305_12-16-COVER 2/25/13 2:15 AM Page 15
concentrate force and leverage forward
and downward where its needed most
when cutting.
A BLADE DESIGNED FOR
CUTTINGNOT STABBING
Used for cutting as opposed to piercing or
stabbing, puukko blades have no cross-guard or
expanded pommel to block the hand from the
blade. This feature gives the knife its sleek and bal-
anced appearance. An off-the-end silhouette pock-
et clip settles the folder deep and discretely in a
pocket for right-hand, tip-up carry.
MORE TRADITIONAL OPTION
AVAILABLE TOO
For the puukko fan who wants a more tradition-
al approach, Spydercos first offering from Tuomi-
nen was a fixed-blade puukko.
Originally offered by Spyderco with an iron-
wood handle at $349.95 retail, the newest version
of the fixed-blade puukko designed by Pekka
Tuominen is also available with a sandblasted
brown G10 handle. It features the signature
teardrop cross section of traditional puukko thats
not only comfortable during extended use, but also
enables the user to easily orient the blade by tactile
sense.
The puukkos blade is ground from U.S.-made
CPM S30V stainless steel and also features a zero-
ground Scandi edge. The back of the puukkos
blade is also beveled to create a ridgeline near the
spine, further enhancing the knifes performance
by reducing drag during cutting.
The puukkos premium leather sheath features
the signature free floating belt loop that allows
the sheathed knife to move freely with the wearer.
This makes carry of the knife much more comfort-
able than conventional belt sheaths, especially
when hiking over rough terrain. MSRP is $389.95.
BASES COVERED
For the puukko fan, Spyderco has all the bases
covered, from the traditional fixed-blade version to
the innovative fresh design of the folding Nilakka.
DIG A LITTLE DEEPER
ADDRESS
Spyderco
820 Spyderco Way
Golden, CO 80403
PHONE
800-525-7770
E-MAIL
customerservice@spyderco.com
The first puukko
released by Spyderco
was a fixed-blade
featuring Arizona
ironwood handles.
KI
For the puukko
fan, Spyderco has all the
bases covered, from the
traditional fixed-blade
version to the innovative
fresh design of the folding
Nilakka.
KI_1305_12-16-COVER 2/25/13 2:16 AM Page 16

KI_1305_17 2/24/13 10:18 PM Page 17
120+
THEYRE ALL HERETHE BEST OF THE
SHOOTING, HUNTING, OUTDOOR
TRADE SHOW
BY J. BRUCE VOYLES
PHOTOS COURTESY OF THE MANUFACTURERS
hottest knives of the
2013 SHOT SHOW!
The Wave designed by Ernest Emerson is for quick opening of the Spydero
Matriarch2a back-up blade for the working professional.
I
f the SHOT Show was a sporting event it would be the
World Series and the NCAA National Championship
all rolled into one four-day event.
Every major player is there, putting on their Sunday best and
strutting into the room hoping to catch the attention of the buy-
ers who attend. The show is not open to the public or children. If
youre not qualified as a buyer, dealer, exhibitor or outdoor sports
media, youre likely not to be there. If you are one of those, the
four days of the Shooting, Hunting, Outdoor Trade Show is the
highlight of the year.
the
KI_1305_18-57-SHOT 2/25/13 1:12 AM Page 18
TOO FAST--32 YEARS
OF SHOT SHOWS
By J. Bruce Voyles
I attended my first SHOT Show
in Atlanta, Georgia, in 1981 during
the middle of an ice storm. The
knife company booths were
manned by owners whose names
many of the companies still bear:
Pete Gerber, Pete Kershaw, Chuck
Buck and Al Mar were some of the
people attending that you could
walk up to and talk knives. Col. Rex
Applegate would often rest in my
booth and patiently tolerate my
questions and hunger for stories
from his adventurous years. Men
who are legends were as far away
as a handshake. As the years have
progressed, there are fewer of
those old names around.
At the 2013 SHOT show Chuck
Buck was still there, but invariably
as I toured the booths this year, I
found myself either talking to or
being introduced to the sons of
many of the company owners, or
the successors of the former
owners who have purchased old
familiar names.
The guard has indeed changed.
The old guys now were the young
guns of 32 years ago. Its a group
that dwindles a bit more each year.
When we meet in the show aisles
now the first topic of conversation
is whos still around and who isnt,
and how quick it all has flashed
past.
If youre older, there are only
two words that sum it up, too
fast.
If youre young and reading this,
you may not understand the pain
that comes from saying too fast.
I didnt understand that myself-
- in 1981.
KI_1305_18-57-SHOT 2/25/13 1:12 AM Page 19
The 120+ Hottest Knives of the 2013 SHOT Show!
For more than a few knife manufacturers and importers this is the make it or
break it event of the yearand in some instances every new knife that major knife
companies will introduce in the coming year will debut at SHOT.
We spent four days at full tilt to get an eyeball look at the knives you will see
here in this annual round-up, the best of 2013 SHOT from Las Vegas, Nevada.
AVID DESIGN
Best known as the producer of a gun tool
designed for gunsmiths, the companys
Revelation is a 4-inch blade straight knife
with two LED lights in the handle. The
fixed blade retails for $59.99.
Real Avid
10700 Hwy 55, Suite 150
Plymouth, MN 55441
800-286-0576
www.realavid.com
BEAR & SON CUTLERY
Bear & Son Cutlery unveiled a wide
range of new knife products at the 2013
SHOT Show, including several from their
Bear OPS Tactical Division.
Bear OPS tactical knives are headed by
the new model Stiletto Sideliner lock. The
3 1/4-inch satin finish dagger blade is
made of CPM-S30V steel with smooth,
contoured G10 handles, with an an-
odized black aluminum frame. Its
scheduled to retail at $140.
Bear OPS has also created a new series
of neck knives starting with the CC-400B.
It has a 2 7/8-inch blade made of 1095 car-
bon steel with a black epoxy coating. Over-
all, its 6 1/4 inches long in a Kydex sheath,
and with neck chain. Retail is $60. There
will be additional knives in the neck knife
series.
Known for their high-definition Damas-
cus steel, Bear is introducing a new auto-
matic with push-button
The Bear Fourth
Generation stockman
is one of four new
additions to the
Bear traditional line.
opening. The Model AC-100-CB2-LD has
a 3-inch modified drop-point blade made of
416-layer Damascus. The 4 1/8-inch handle
is checkered cocobolo wood with a pocket
clip and a retail of $300.
There are four additions to the Bear &
Son fourth Generation Series, featuring
high-polished 1095 carbon steel blades.
These new models have walnut handles
with the Fourth Generation shield embed-
ded. The four models are a 3 3/4-inch lock-
back, 4-inch three-blade stockman, 3 1/2-
inch Barlow with two blades, and a 3-inch
trapper. Retail on these will
range from $44.99 to
$52.50.
Bear & Son also intro-
duced their new Kodiak
Series eight new knives
with desert ironwood han-
dles. The blades are pol-
ished 440 stainless steel
and retail in range from
$68.99 to $73.99.
The Revelation
features two LED
lights in the handle.
KI_1305_18-57-SHOT 2/25/13 1:12 AM Page 20
The Bear OPS Damascus blade folder is
dressed up with checkered wood handles.
Benchmade adds some new blade shapes to their Balisong array, and throws
in a trainer for getting the flipping technique down pat in relative safety.
For the desk-bound, Bear & Son now
has three 7-inch executive letter openers.
The Sandvik 14C28N stainless steel
blade is handled in a choice of desert
ironwood, abalone and bone. They come
with a leather desk sheath and a $90 re-
tail price.
Bear & Son Cutlery
111 Bear Blvd.
Jacksonville, AL 36265
256-435-2605
www.bearandsoncutlery.com
BENCHMADE KNIFE
COMPANY
At first look, the bulk of new for
Benchmade is a tweaking of existing pat-
terns: a miniaturized Bone Collector
model in G10 or cocobolo, a 470 Emis-
sary upgraded with Damascus blade and
ivory Micarta insert, and Balisongs in
different blade shapes.
A deeper look reveals new designs that
include a 9 1/5-inch G10-handled
Bushcrafter knife for, you guessed it,
bushcrafting. Retail is $200.
The Volli is a new addition to their
Axis Assist line, with a 4.4-inch closed,
For the desk-bound knife
aficionado, this abalone-
handled desk knife from
Bear & Son will lighten any
hard business day.
KI_1305_18-57-SHOT 2/25/13 1:12 AM Page 21
The Sal Manero adds some
excitement to appealing blade
designs with this Boker folder.
heavily contoured and textured G10
handle and an S30V steel blade. Prices
start at $160, with options adding to
the base price.
Benchmade chose to differen-
tially heat-treat a forged toma-
hawk for their entry into the
tactical ax category.
Benchmade Knife Company
800-800-7427
www.benchmade.com
Benchmades Bone
Collector series now has
a more pocket-friendly
model in wood.
BOKER KNIVES USA
When we stop at the Boker spread at
SHOT, we always leave with a dilemma.
The problem is not if were covering the
new Boker knives, but more which ones
we have to leave out. Their new intro-
ductions are prolific.
The best we can do under those cir-
cumstances is tell you about the ones we
liked bestbut as we do please
remember in many ways
whats here about Boker
is only the tip of the ice-
berg.
Boker pioneered limited edi-
tion annual knives beginning in 1971
with a three-blade stockman with two
shields that retailed in the $30 range.
Over the years, they have continually up-
Boker has a series of Olive wood-handled folders, and
this scout with corkscrew model is the top of the line.
The
Benchmade Triage
now comes in an
auto version if you
live in an area where
its legal to own.
KI_1305_18-57-SHOT 2/25/13 1:13 AM Page 22
The premier
knife magazine
Visit our new website today!
www.KnivesIllustrated.com
The hottest knives and latest
innovations in steel and design
The latest news, views, and reviews
Hard testing of knives and the results

KI_1305_23 2/24/13 10:25 PM Page 23
graded that annual offering, and this
years limited edition is based on Jens
Ansos Solo design, handled in desert
ironwood and utilizing Chad Nichols
Damascus. These German-made knives
are limited to 999 worldwide, and
retail for $519. A CNC machined
aluminum-handled carry model is
available for $209 retail.
For the traditional enthusiast, Boker is
offering six classic patterns handled in
olivewood, with only 250 of each re-
leased to the American market. Prices
range from $74.95 for a penknife to
$149.95 for a scout utility with
corkscrew.
If you like modern rather than tradi-
tional, you need look no further than the
Sal Manaro model in the Boker Plus
line. The knife is a titanium-handled
frame lock and a grind with a heavy ar-
rowhead-style tip. The knife is 8 5/8
inches open, with a 3 1/2-inch blade.
Retail is $210.
Boker also has the Subcom now in or-
ange handles and named the Dusk, and
Subhilts are revived in the Boker Mag-
num line, not to mention lines of
lights, swords and a
ton of new related
accessories.
Boker Knives, USA
1550 Balsam St.
Lakewood, CO 80214-5917
800-835-6433
www.boker.de/us/
The Subhilt lives in this
retro Boker stag-
handled design.
The stubby Subcom has a
legion of devotees who
swear by the concealable
tough design. This year, an
orange-handled model
debuts.
KI_1305_18-57-SHOT 2/25/13 1:13 AM Page 24
Theres the Boker Solo
and then theres this
deluxe limited edition
model for Bokers annual
release.
Boker went to the
handforger community for
this Bowie design by E.
Scott McGhee. He produces
his handmade knives from
Guinea Hog Forge.
A drop point and enough
belly for skinning makes the
Nyala useful in a multitude of
applications. The integral handle and
blade is sturdy and practical.

KI_1305_18-57-SHOT 2/25/13 2:52 AM Page 25
This dagger is destined to
be an important part of the
Browning Black Label line.
BROWNING
The Black Label tactical line
of Browning knives that de-
buted in the pages of Knives
Illustrated last year has added a
dagger called the Backlash for
2013. The knife bears a 5 1/2-
inch blade and is available in ei-
ther a black or coyote tan G10
handle with an $86 retail. An-
other new knife in the tactical
line is called the TripWire that
has a unique built-in wire cut-
ter, although it bears a hefty
$393 retail.
Another Black Label combo
set is the Checkmate knife and
training knife. Both knives
share the same design and
weight, and are handled in G10.
For the collector who likes
their Black Label knives with a
bit of special rubbed on them,
theres the Black Label Damas-
cus Boot Dagger, a USA-made
limited edition of 100 knives.
Russ Kommer lends
his signature to several
Browning knives of his
design under his
Signature series.
KI_1305_18-57-SHOT 2/25/13 1:13 AM Page 26
A Browning tactical
folder paired with a
trainer of the same
pattern and weight is
offered as a single
package for 2013.
A knife is a knife
but adding a puppy
to the handle
makes it art.
Something new is a tactical
fixed blade from Browning with
working built-in wire cutters
handled in carbon fiber.
Included is a Blade-Tech
sheath with Tek-Loc clip.
Russ Kommer has designed
five models for Browning that
they call his Signature line,
most with AUS-8 blades.
Prices range from $110 retail to
$142.
One eye-catching collectible
from Browning is a package
consisting of a Browning Bird
& Trout design housed in a
walnut box with the handle
showing a most cuddly Lab
puppy. The Russ Kommer fea-
tures a handy pocket clip and
thumbstud for easy one-handed
opening, and the puppy is all
but guaranteed to produce an
Awwwwww from all fanciers
of the Labrador Retriever.
Browning
One Browning Place
Morgan, UT 84050
800-333-3504
www.browning.com
KI_1305_18-57-SHOT 2/25/13 1:13 AM Page 27
The Spreader
and Paperstone
cutting board are ideal
for camp chores or in the
kitchen. The knife is held in
place on the cutting board
with a magnet.
BUCK KNIVES
Bucks 620 Reaper features an 11-inch length with a 6 3/4-inch
blade. Handle choices are offered in Reaper Black camo or a Viper
Snakeskin pattern. The 420HC drop-point blade features a non-re-
flective coating and a $90 retail price.
This year, Buck introduced another Buck/Hood creation, based
off the designs of the late Ron Hood. The Thug features the inte-
grated Shock Mitigation System (SMS) to minimize wasted energy
during use, and has a removable CNC-textured Micarta handle.
Measuring 13 inches in overall length and with a weight of 11.6
ounces, this rugged midsize survival knife was built to withstand ex-
treme conditions. Retail is $200.
The Spitfire is a one-hand opening lockback offered in serrated or
non-serrated blades. With an overall length of 4 1/4 inches, the
Spitfire is well suited for an everyday carry knife. The knife is of-
fered in a range of colors and includes an added color streak on the
spine to add to the overall appeal. Suggested retail comes in at $52.
In addition to Realtree Xtra Green, Buck has added even
more styles and designs to their popular-selling knives. Buck
took the Bantam line and expanded it to create more styles
and designs including Realtree Xtra camo, Reaper Black camo,
Head Hunterz camo, Copperhead Snakeskin and Viper Snakeskin.
These new patterns have already created a stir among knife enthusi-
asts and, with several designs to choose from, the Bantam knives
will appeal to each individuals sense of style. Retail runs from $22-
$35.
One not so typical item from Buck this year is their Stowaway kit,
designed for RVing and camping. Its a spreader and cutting board.
The Paperstone board contains a small cutout on the backside with
a strong magnet to securely hold the spreader in place. Suggested re-
tail is $75-$80. Other offerings from Buck include a Clearwa-
ter series of fillet knives.
Buck Knives
660 S. Lochsa St.
Post Falls, ID 83854-5200
800-326-2825
www.buckknives.com
Ron Hood had several
designs in the works at Buck
before his untimely passing.
His design legacy continues
with this heavy-duty knife
called the Thug.
KI_1305_18-57-SHOT 2/25/13 1:13 AM Page 28
One knife and two
handle choices from
Buck for this tactical.
A variety of the camo handles available on the Buck Bantam.
Buck is going into
camo handles in a big
way for 2013.
The Reaper from Buck
is available with both a
black camo handle and
the Viper snakeskin
shown.
KI_1305_18-57-SHOT 2/25/13 1:13 AM Page 29
CAMILLUS
The Bush Crafter is the primary
new hunter from Camillus this year,
with a 4-inch blade, canvas Micarta
handle and $99.99 retail price.
They also have added some sturdy
looking tacticals.
The company is also offering a
new design from survival TV show
host Les Stroud featuring an 11
3/4-inch blade with a fire starter
included. Retail on the package
is $77.99.
Camillus
60 Round Hill Road
Fairfield, CT 06824
800-835-2263
www.camillusknives.com
No name, but a
number for this
Camillus folder with
G10 handles and a
unique opening cut-
out. The number is
18683.
The Bush
Crafter knife
from Camillus is
USA made.
Open and closed views of a Camillus slide-out knife. The blade coating is a Camillus exclusive.
Les Stroud
is the designer
of this Camillus
camo-handled
machete.
KI_1305_18-57-SHOT 2/27/13 2:14 AM Page 30
Camillus offers four new
fixed blades in their
Made in USA selection.
KI_1305_18-57-SHOT 2/25/13 1:14 AM Page 31
{ }
COAST PRODUCTS
At last years SHOT Show, attendees
and the media saw the Rapid Response
blade-assist knives from Coast Products
for the first time. Coast now offers the
knife with tanto-style blades, shown for
the first time at this years show.
Designed by renowned custom knife-
maker and Cutlery Hall of Fame mem-
ber Ron Lake, it starts with the com-
pletely re-imagined Blade Assist
Technology system thats unlike any-
thing made before. The patented system
features a roller-cam built into the blade
that the assisting spring rides on. Rapid
Response knives provide a new level of
safety too. Coasts patented Max-Lock
system secures the blade when its closed,
and double locks the blade when its
open.
Each blade is tested for sharpness.
They have ambidextrous thumbstuds
and pocket clips that are easily reversed
to the other side of the handle or re-
moved. Rapid Response knives are avail-
able in 3-inch and 3.9-inch blade
lengths, which close to 4 and 5 inches,
respectively. Both blade lengths are avail-
able with a full-edge satin/glass-beaded
finish, or with a black blade thats par-
tially serrated.
Coast Products
8033 NE Holman
Portland OR 97218 |
800-426-5858 |
www.coastportland.com
COLUMBIA RIVER
KNIFE & TOOL
Columbia River Knife &
Tool introduced 22 new prod-
ucts at SHOT. Five items
were not knives.
Ken Onion has found a
home for his innovative de-
signs at CRKT, contributing
the Foresight folder this year,
featuring wide finger grooves,
a 3 1/2-inch blade, and a black
ti-ni coated blade. Retail is
$140. His other new knives
include a stainless Ripple as
well, and his Shenanigan is
now available in camo handles.
In other CRKT news, for
black-handle folders theres
the Carajas designed by Flavio
Ikoma along with a Mike
Ron Lakes all-new
assisted opening design
is the heart and
soul of Coast
Products new folder
line introduced in 2012.
This year, a tanto blade
joins the group.
The Redemption is the
name of this hefty tactical
designed by Ken Onion
for CRKT.
JIM HAMMONDS FE SERIES FIGHTER
FEATURES FINGER GROOVE HANDLES AND
AN IMPRESSIVE GO-GETEM BLADE DESIGN.
KI_1305_18-57-SHOT 2/25/13 1:14 AM Page 32
Jim Hammond lends his design
talent to a new CRKT tactical
thats dubbed the FE series.
This distinctive
swayback design is by
Ken Onion. Its called
the Swindle.
PC101 White
PC102 Black
PC103 Olive Drab
PC104 Coyote Brown
PC106 Charcoal
PC108 Burgundy
PC116 Colonial Blue
PC118 Neon Orange
PC123 Solar Orange
PC127 Desert Camo
PC128 Foliage Camo
PC140 G.I. Camo
PC139 Galaxy
PC993 3/8 (PKG OF 10) Assorted 6.95
PC995 5/8 (PKG OF 10) Assorted 6.95
Genuine 550 lb. Type III, 1/8" diameter
nylon Paracord with a seven strand core.
46 colors available.
5
5
0

P
A
R
A
C
O
R
D
$9. 95/ 100FT
S i d e Re l e a s e B u c k l e s
Durable plastic side release buckles
used to complete paracord bracelets.
Available in 3/8 and 5/8 sizes.
knifemaking.com
JANTZ
1-800-351-8900

KI_1305_18-57-SHOT 2/25/13 1:14 AM Page 33
Lerch design called the Enticer.
A couple of Oriental-flavored
designs by James Williams are
the Sakimori single edge and an
all-black folder called the
Otanashi Noh Ken.
Ryan Johnson is well known
for his breaching axes and com-
bat tomahawks. This year, he
brought two such designs to
CRKT, the Chogan and
Kangee. Also on the tactical
front, Jim Hammonds FE se-
ries fighter features finger
groove handles and an impres-
sive go-getem blade design.
Columbia River Knife & Tool
18348 SW 126th Place
Tualatin, OR 97262
800-891-3100
info@crkt.com
www.crkt.com
Matt Lerch is the
knifemaker/designer
behind the Enticer
from CRKT.
Llong Mah is the designer for this
G10 handled folder that even
CRKT calls stout. A straight-
edge version is also available.
KI_1305_18-57-SHOT 2/25/13 1:14 AM Page 34
NOT JUST KNIVES
Ken Onions creative genius
does not limit itself to knives.
Those paracord survival
bracelets seem to be
everywhere these daysand
some of us have even gone to
online videos and tried our
hand at making them, but
leave it to Onion to go one
better. He has added a survival
saw inside the paracord
bracelet. Its available through
CRKT.
Tennessean Ryan Johnson
has made a career of
combat axes of his own
productionand now he
brings this design to
CRKTin two variations.
The CRKT Ken Onion Ripple design is
not newthe fact that its now available
in stainless steel is new!
KI_1305_18-57-SHOT 2/25/13 1:14 AM Page 35
EMERSON KNIVES
Although he only had a proto-
type and no photos at SHOT, we
can report that there will soon be an
Emerson multi-tool.
Emerson Knives, Inc.
P.O. Box 4180
Torrance, CA 90510-4180
310-212-7455
www.emersonknives.com
ESEE Knives
TransEquatorial Solutions, Inc.
P.O. Box 99
Gallant, AL 35972
865-933-8436
www.eseeknives.com
This four-piece
household cutlery set
is from The Joy of
Cooking author
Ethan Becker.
ESEE KNIVES
ESEE Knives latest for 2013 is a knife called the Laser Strike, carrying the ESEE
standards of coated blades and canvas Micarta handles. A new touch is the dimple on
the reverse of the handle for using a bow drill for fire building in an emergency situation.
They have also added the option of uncoated blades in their ESEE-4 model, also avail-
able with orange handles.
A new variation of their Izula skeleton knife has been produced in Damascusan ex-
clusive available only through wholesaler Blue Ridge Knives.
Stepping outside their typical product line, ESEE is also marketing a set of chef s
knives designed by Ethan Becker. While most associate Becker with his Becker Knife &
Tool line, hes also the author of the bestselling cook book of all time, The Joy Of
Cooking, and he brings the needs of a professional chef to the public in an affordable
package.
The Damascus Izula from ESEE is an exclusive to wholesaler
Blue Ridge Knives. To get one, locate one of the many
dealers they supply.
The ESEE Laser Strike has a dimple in the back handle
to accommodate one end of a bow drill for emergency
fire starting.
The ESSE-04 is
available in an uncoated
blade version with your
choice of two handles
for 2013.
KI_1305_18-57-SHOT 3/5/13 2:40 AM Page 36
Sharpener, diamond
hone and fire starter all in
a single package from
Gatco, and with a tactical
configuration.
FROST CUTLERY CO.
In the days before populating the ca-
ble channels with a television sales show,
Frost Cutlery was the perennial producer
of licensed knives for Alabama football
teamsand true to form this year, a
Frost commemorative heralds the 2012
NCAA champion Alabama Crimson
Tide.
In other Frost news for this
year, the company has been li-
censed by the National Rifle
Association for NRA knives.
Frost Cutlery Company
6861 Mountain View Road
Ooltewah, TN 37363
800-251-7768
www.frostcutlery.com
The National Rifle Association has
licensed Frost Cutlery for a group
of knives with the organizations
logo prominently displayed.
GATCO/TIMBERLINE
At first glance, you may think the
Gatco sharpener new for 2013 is a tacti-
cal pen. Thats the look from the out-
sidea single sharpener with a kubaton
intent. Unscrew the barrel and you get a
long, slender cone-shaped diamond
sharpener, ideal for serrated blades, com-
plete with groove for hook sharpening.
In a last ditch situation with nothing else
available, it could be used as a self-de-
fense weapon. But it doesnt stop there.
Unscrew the cone sharpener and theres
a magnesium fire starter.
Frost Cutlery has
the exclusive license
for knives bearing the
Alabama National
Champions
designation.
GATCO/Timberline Knives
P.O. Box 600
Getzville, NY 14068-0600
716-646-5700
www.timberlineknives.com
KI_1305_18-57-SHOT 2/25/13 1:15 AM Page 37
The Gerber Shift is
their newest addition
to their massive
multi tool selection.
GERBER GEAR
With the lead of Bear Grylls designing his own
line of knives produced by Gerber, we could expect
additions to the lineand there they were at
SHOT, including an ultra compact
fixed-blade with a 3 1/4-inch blade. The
sheath features multiple lash points. Retail is
$40.
Gerbers standard line is joined by the Outrig-
ger, an assisted opener with an open
frame and a rubberized edge. The
design comes in three sizes, the Mini at $43, the
Standard at $49, and the XL at $55. Size ranges
from 5.88 inches open length to 7.88 inches.
Based on a World War II knife handed down
from Bears grandfather to his father and finally on
to Bear himself, Gerber has taken the classic fea-
tures of this family keepsake and made it distinctly
modern in a knife they call the Grandfather.
With a fine-edge blade, corkscrew, flat and Phillips
drivers, bottle opener and file, the compact Grand-
father knife has Gerbers Survival Series trademark
rubber grip, brass end caps and a lanyard ring.
With a closed length of 3 3/4 inches, the knife re-
tails for $32.
GDC ZIP is a series of clip-on tools for a coat,
key ring or backpack. The length of each is just
more than 2 inches. Among the versions available
is a five-size hex wrench, light, utility blade or
four-size screwdriver.
Gerber Propel AO features Gerbers Assisted
Opening 2.0 technology, allowing one to quickly
deploy the blade. The tanto-style 420HC steel
blade is black oxide coated while the slender body
and two-position pocket clip allow for convenient
carrying options. Made in the USA, closed length
is 3.5 inches and retail is $125.
Gerber is a major player in the multi-tool game,
and their latest is the Shift with forged, spring-
loaded jaws and G10 handles, Throw in large
full edge and serrated blades, diagonal cutters
and wire stripper on the jaws, innovative
utility blade/scraper, magnetic bit driver and a
combo opener/pry bar and you get 12 components
for $115 retail.
Bear Grylls
designed this
Gerber multi blade based
on a knife carried by his
grandfather. The name of
this is, of course, the
Grandfather.
KI_1305_18-57-SHOT 2/25/13 1:15 AM Page 38
Gerber
14200 SW 72nd Ave.
Portland, OR 97224
800-950-6161
www.gerbergear.com
The GDC ZIP line includes a variety of tools
suitable for clipping to a backpack.
Gerbers Propel with
tanto blade boasts a
changeable clip to
provide a variety of
carry options.
FORGED
OUT OF TRADITION.
HARDENED
IN THE FIELD.
HONED
FROM EXPERIENCE.
SOG knives and tools are born of the military, preferred
by U.S. Special Forces teams for decades. So whether
youre answering the call of duty or arming yourself with
innovation, lead the way with SOG. sogknives.com
TAKE POINT.
TM
PROVEN,
LIKE THE
TEAMS THAT
USE THEM.
K
KI_1305_18-57-SHOT 2/25/13 1:15 AM Page 39
HALLMARK
Hallmark Cutlerys headliner for SHOT was the designs of Sean Kendrick.
His Dreadnaught comes in both a fixed-blade and folding version. Both styles
feature a unique hybrid blade shape. The folder is a big 5 11/16 inches closed,
while the fixed blade measures 9 11/16 inches. Both have G10 handles and
retail for $89.
Hallmark Cutlery
P.O. Box 220
Kodak, TN 37764
865-588-0425
www.hallmarkcutlery.com
HAVALON KNIVES
Havalon knives is a division of Havels, Inc. a
Cincinnati-based supplier of surgical supplies in-
cluding surgical blades and scalpels. The Prianta
series of knives is built around a surgical scalpel
blade fitted in a knife framethat even includes
folders.
Their new Piranta Touch knives feature an alu-
minum folding frame, complete with locking liner
and a rubber inset in the handle. There are a vari-
ety of blade shapes that fit these frames including
a fillet version. The aluminum-handled new
models retail for $59.95.
Havalon Knives
3726 Lonsdale St.
Cincinnati, OH 45227
513-271-2117
www.havalon.com
HOGUE, INC
Hogue is better known for gun grips and tactical accessories than for
knives, but thats rapidly changing thanks to an extensive collaboration with
Texas-based knifemaker, designer and Recon Marine Allen Elishewitz.
Two new models were unveiled at SHOT. The F02 is a fixed utility knife
with a 4 1/2-inch blade and a single-piece polymer frame. Retail is $150.
The EX-04 folder is in the mix this year, with a distinctive wide blade cen-
ter, two blade designs and a button lock. Options include two sizes (3 1/2-
and 4-inch) and with CNC cut carbon fiber or G10 handles. These folders
will sell in the $250 to $300 range.
Hogue, Inc.
P.O. Box 1138
Paso Robles, CA 93447
800-438-4747
www.hogueknives.com
An open and closed view of the latest folder design EX-04 from Hogue. It has a button lock.
The design is by Allen Elishewitz.
Havalon knives are built around changeable scalpel blades.
Havalon is a division of a supplier of scalpel blades to the
medical industry.
ABOUT SEAN KENDRICK
HALLMARK DESIGNER
Sean has been crafting knives professionally
since 1998, but knives have been a passion since he
was a child. Craft and design come naturally to the
self-taught Kendrick. His mother is a talented
artist; his father is a master electrician, plumber
and mechanic; and his great-grandfather was a
blacksmith. Kendrick was recently awarded the
Best Tactical Knife at the 2010 Spirit of Steel
Show for his fixed-blade Partisan Hybrid. The
fixed-blade version of the Spiraling Demise was
awarded the Best Tactical/Fighting Knife at the
2004 Greater Ohio Valley Knife Show.
Sean Kendricks
Dreadnaught design
comes in both a
fixed-blade
or folding version.
KI_1305_18-57-SHOT 2/25/13 1:15 AM Page 40
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KI_1305_41 2/22/13 4:47 AM Page 41
U . S . A . M A D E P R O D
CAT.# THICK ALLOY PRICE
K211
K216
K213
K214
3/16"
3/16"
1/4"
1/4"
Brass
Stainless
Brass
Stainless
6.95
6.95
6.95
6.95
K323
K324
3/16"
3/16"
Brass
Stainless
6.95
6.95
CAT.# DIA. ALLOY PRICE
B210
A210
TM64
1/4"
1/4"
.252"
Brass
Stainless
HSS Drill
.75
.99
3.25
C
B
A
T
CAT.# TYPE ALLOY PRICE
B451
A461
Torx
Torx
Brass
Stainless
3.95
4.95
C
B
A
B660
A624
Corby
Corby
Brass
Stainless
3.49
3.49
CAT.# COLOR MATERIAL TEXTURE PRICE
D2125
D2149
G2111
G2131
G2151
G2123
G2133
G2143
Rosewood
Black Ink Cocobolo
Black
Orange
Olive Drab
Red
Orange
Blue
Dymondwood
Dymondwood
G10
G10
G10
G10
G10
G10
None
None
Basket Weave
Basket Weave
Basket Weave
Honeycomb
Honeycomb
Honeycomb
16.95
16.95
21.95
21.95
21.95
21.95
21.95
21.95
CAT.# COLOR MATERIA
D3251
D3253
G3211
G3221
G3231
G3251
Black Ink Walnut
Black Ink Rosewood
Black
Red
Orange
Olive Drab
Dymondwo
Dymondwo
G1
G1
G1
G1
Orange G10 - Honeycomb
Olive Drab G10 - Basket Weave
Contoured & Textured Handles for Pattern 22 and Pattern
23. Dymondwood handles are smooth with no texture. The
G10 handles are available in Basket Weave and Honeycomb
textures. Cut slightly oversize for proper tting to blade and
bolster.
Bolsters are offered in 260
brass and 410 stainless,
both with matching pins. In
two thickness 3/16" for G10
contoured handles and 1/4"
for Dymondwood handles.
Listed below.
Optional thong hole tubing is
listed below. Use TM64 drill to
drill handles.
Corby assembly includes two
1/4" brass bushings and two
1/4" corby rivets. Use with
Dymondwood handles for
ush surface.
Torx Screw assembly includes
two 1/4" stepped brass
bushings and four T6 torx
screws. Use with G10 and
Micarta textured handles.
Corby Fasteners
Bolsters
Thong Tubing
Torx Fasteners
Handles
CAT.# STEEL FINISH TEMPER HRC PRICE
J2208
J2228
440C
D2
Satin
Satin
Cryo
Cryo
57-58
59-61
29.95
29.95
Illustrated above G2231 Orange G10 Basket Weave texture
preshaped handles, J2208 440C satin nished blade, K226
Stainless Steel Bolster and A461 1/4" Stainless Steel T6 Torx
Fasteners.
Pattern 22, our most popular hunter blade, is cryogenically
treated and razor sharp. The blade is at ground for strength.
Overall length 8 3/8", Blade Length 3 1/2", Blade Width 1 3/32",
Blade Thickness 5/32". Bolster holes 1/8", Handle Holes 1/4",
Thong Hole 1/4". Available in 440C, D2 and offered in peened
or satin nish.
Pattern 22 Blades
Making Pattern 22
J2308
J2328
440C
D2
Satin
Satin
Cryo
Cryo
57-58
59-61
29.95
29.95
CAT.# STEEL FINISH TEMP
J3228
J3248
J3208
J3289
J3298
J329K
J329G
J329T
D2
154CM
440C
Damascus
1095
1095
1095
1095
Satin
Satin
Satin
Etched
Satin
Black
Green
Tan
C
C
C
C
C
C
C
C
Our J2308 440C satin nish blade shown above is completed
with the K233 Brass Bolster and 1/4" Brass B660 Corby Rivets
Fasteners. Fitted with our D2325 Rosewood Dymondwood
preshaped handle, sanded and buffed to a high nish.
Pattern 23 blades are cryogenically processed during heat
treating and at ground for optimal edge holding. Overall length
9 9/16", Blade Length 4 5/8", Blade Width 1", Blade Thickness
5/32". Bolster holes 1/8", Handle Holes 1/4", Thong Hole 1/4".
Available in 440C, D2 and offered in peened or satin nish.
Pattern 23 Blades
Making Pattern 23
J4408
J4428
J4498
J449K
J449G
J449T
440C
D2
1095
1095
1095
1095
Satin
Satin
Satin
Black
Green
Tan
Cryo
Cryo
Cryo
Cryo
Cryo
Cryo
57-58
59-61
57-58
57-58
57-58
57-58
29.95
29.95
29.95
29.95
29.95
29.95
The photo above shows our J4408 440C satin nish blade
completed with PC125 Imperial Red Paracord.

Pattern 44 at ground blades. Overall length 6 1/2", Blade
Length 2 1/2", Blade Width 1 1/8", Blade Thickness 1/8".
Available in D2, 440C and offered in peened, satin or Teon
coated nish.
Pattern 44 Blades
Making Pattern 44
J4508
J4528
J4598
J459K
J459G
J459T
440C
D2
1095
1095
1095
1095
Satin
Satin
Satin
Black
Green
Tan
Cryo
Cryo
Cryo
Cryo
Cryo
Cryo
59-61
59-61
57-58
57-58
57-58
57-58
29.95
39.95
29.95
29.95
29.95
29.95
The photo above shows our completed J4508 440C satin nish
blade. Braided with PC127 Desert Camo and PC102 Black
Paracord.
Pattern 45 blades. Overall length 7 3/16", Blade Length 3 1/4",
Blade Width 1 1/16", Blade Thickness 1/8". Available in D2,
440C and offered in peened, satin or coated nish.
Pattern 45 Blades
Making Pattern 45
Red G10 - Honeycomb Blue G10 - Honeycomb
Pictured above is our J3248 154CM
Brass Bolster and 1/8" Brass Pins.
Ink Walnut Dymondwood preshaped
to a high nish.
Pattern 32 blades are cryogenical
treating for optimal edge holding
Overall length 7 5/8", Blade Length
Blade Thickness 1/8". Bolster hole
Thong Hole 1/4". Available in D2, 1
peened or satin nish..
Making Pattern 32
Pattern 32 Blades
Bolsters
Bolsters are oversize, for
proper tting and include two
matching pins. Customers
generally t bolsters and
polish front edges before
peening it to the blade.
P
O
l
d
Black Ink Walnut Dymondwood
O
Contoured & Textured Handles for
handles are smooth with no textu
available in Basket Weave texture.
Handles
KI_1305_42.QXP 3/5/13 2:47 AM Page 42
O D U C T S B Y J A N T Z
K311
K316
K313
K314
3/16"
3/16"
1/4"
1/4"
Brass
Stainless
Brass
Stainless
6.95
6.95
6.95
6.95
CE
95
6 95 CAT.# DIA. ALLOY PRICE
B310
A310
TM64
1/4"
1/4"
.252"
Brass
Stainless
HSS Drill
.75
.99
3.25
CAT.# DIA. ALLOY PRICE
B320
A320
TM64
1/4"
1/4"
.252"
Brass
Stainless
HSS Drill
.75
.99
3.25
B451
A461
Torx
Torx
Brass
Stainless
3.95
4.95 CAT.# SIZE ALLOY PRICE
B826
A846
1/8
1/8
Brass
Stainless
1.99
1.99
B660
A624
Corby
Corby
Brass
Stainless
3.49
3.49
CAT.# COLOR MATERIAL TEXTURE PRICE
D3149
M3131
G3111
G3131
G3151
G3161
Black Ink Cocobolo
Red Linen
Black
Orange
Olive Drab
Blue/Black
Dymondwood
Micarta
G10
G10
G10
G10
None
Basket Weave
Basket Weave
Basket Weave
Basket Weave
Basket Weave
16.95
16.95
21.95
21.95
21.95
21.95
MATERIAL TEXTURE PRICE
Dymondwood
Dymondwood
G10
G10
G10
G10
None
None
Basket Weave
Basket Weave
Basket Weave
Basket Weave
16.95
16.95
21.95
21.95
21.95
21.95
Bolsters are offered in 260
brass and 410 stainless,
both with matching pins. In
two thickness 3/16" for G10
contoured handles and 1/4"
for Dymondwood handles.
Listed below.
drill handles.
Corby assembly includes two
1/4" brass bushings and two
1/4" corby rivets. Use with
Dymondwood handles for
ush surface.
Torx Screw assembly includes
two 1/4" stepped brass
bushings and four T6 torx
screws. Use with G10 and
Micarta textured handles.
Corby Fasteners
Bolsters
Thong Tubing
Torx Fasteners
J3128
J3148
J3189
J3198
J319K
J319G
J319T
D2
154CM
Damascus
1095
1095
1095
1095
Satin
Satin
Etched
Satin
Black
Green
Tan
Cryo
Cryo
Cryo
Cryo
Cryo
Cryo
Cryo
59-61
58-59
58-60
57-58
57-58
57-58
57-58
29.95
34.95
69.95
29.95
29.95
29.95
29.95
TEMPER HRC PRICE
t Cryo
Cryo
Cryo
Cryo
Cryo
Cryo
Cryo
Cryo
59-61
58-59
57-58
58-60
57-58
57-58
57-58
57-58
29.95
34.95
29.95
59.95
29.95
29.95
29.95
29.95
Pattern 31 at ground blades are cryogenically processed during
heat treating for optimal edge holding capability. Overall length
7 5/8", Blade Length 3", Blade Width 1 1/8", Blade Thickness
5/32". Bolster holes 1/8", Handle Holes 1/4", Thong Hole 1/4".
Available in D2, 154CM and offered in peened or satin nish.
Our Completed J3148 154CM satin nish blade with K316
Stainless Bolster and A461 1/4" Stainless Torx Screw Fasteners.
The handle is M3131 Red Linen Micarta with Basket Weave
texture, sanded and buffed to a high nish.
Making Pattern 31
Pattern 31 Blades
8 154CM satin nish blade with K323
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eshaped handle, sanded and buffed
c yogenically processed during heat
g holding capability. Flat Ground.
e Length 3 1/8", Blade Width 1",
ster holes 1/8", Handle Holes 1/8",
in D2, 154CM, 440C and offered in
Fasteners
for
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ers
nd
ore
Package of 6 handle pins
available in brass and
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drill handles for tubing.
Thong Tubing
Black Ink Cocobolo Dymondwood
Black G10- Basket Weave
Contoured & Textured Handles for Pattern 31. Dymondwood
handles are smooth with no texture. The Micarta and G10
handles are available in Basket Weave texture.
Handles
wood
Orange G10 - Basket Weave
dles for Pattern 32. Dymondwood
t no texture. The G10 handles are
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PATTERN 31
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JANTZ
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KI_1305_43 3/5/13 2:48 AM Page 43
KA-BAR KNIVES, INC.
KA-BAR knives is offering a wide array of knives for
2013, headlined with those fluorescent green-handled Zom-
bie knives, with two choppers added to the fold in the form
of the Zomstro and Swabbie. As flashy as the green handles
may be, for the non-zombie hunters who enjoy the practical
knife designs but do not anticipate a zombie attack, the
knives also come with more subdued black handles. The
Zomstro is 15 1/2 inches overall with a 10 1/4-inch blade.
The larger Swabbie is a scimitar-shaped blade hefting in at
18 inches with a 12 1/2-inch blade.
The traditional Dogshead series of KA-BAR folders has a
new twist this year, with copper bolsters, bone handles and
dogshead in two sizes of lockback, retailing starting at
$129.61.
The Becker Knife & Tool extreme duty line is joined by
the Becker Crewman, a 10 7/8-inch knife made of 0.118
inch 1095 steel. Retail is $121.45. A new version of the
skeleton knife was introduced as well, the 7-inch BK34
DEskabar, retailing at $79.53.
One not quite a knife but still interesting addition to their
SHOT Show introductions is a pry bar tool called the Law
Enforcement Master Key, which is 13 inches long with a 4-
inch blade and G10 handles. Retail is $93.57. There are more
knives in the KA-BAR line but these are most worthy of
your perusal.
KA-BAR Knives, Inc.
200 Homer St.
Olean, NY 14760
716-372-5952
www.kabar.com
Its best to have the
Zombie knife when
zombies attack. Two new
additions are the Zomstro
and the Swabb.
A new twist on an old
themethe Dogshead
shield has been used
on KA-BAR knives
since the 1920s. This
year, the shield and
bolsters are copper.
The KA-BAR Master Key is a sharp pry
bar designed for law enforcement.
This his and her set of lockback folders from
KA-BAR is based on a Bob Dozier design.
The Crewman is the newest
addition to the Becker Knife
& Tool line of KA-BAR.
KI_1305_18-57-SHOT 2/25/13 1:15 AM Page 44
KERSHAW KNIVES
Kershaw Knives come to us from two directions, their Zero Tolerance tactical
line and the more traditional Kershaw models. Among the 16 new models intro-
duced at the 2013 SHOT show, the ones that caught our eye include the Claude
Rexford-designed ZT801 retailing at $240.
The 566 made of Elmax steel is a strong folder with a $180 retail price. As the
pioneer of the assisted opening knife, Kershaws new 0770 gives the user both a
flipper and assisted opening in an aluminum-handled folder. Retail is $140. Rick
Hinderers 1556II frame lock is also new from Kershaw.
Our personal favorites were three knives that would fall into the camp knife to
machete class. With strong functional blade shapes, and a choice of 10-, 14- or
18-inch models, there are few outdoor requirements that one of these three
would not fill.
Kershaw Knives
KAI USA Ltd.
18600 SW Teton Ave.
Tualatin, OR 97062
503-682-1966
www.kershawknives.com
Three big
Kershaw knives for the
outdoors feature Kraton
handles and lengths of
10, 14 and 18 inches.
Rick Hinderer
is a knifemaker and an
EMT who gives his
Kershaw knife designs
like this frame lock a
first responder
influence.
KI_1305_18-57-SHOT 2/25/13 1:15 AM Page 45

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KI_1305_46 2/22/13 4:45 AM Page 46
NOVEMBER 2012 4
All the supplies you need
at tandyleatherfactory.com
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A quality knife deserves
a quality sheath
TLF_Knives Illustrated_1111

KI_1305_47 2/27/13 9:48 PM Page 47
LEATHERMAN
TOOL GROUP
Highlighting the new tools from
Leatherman in 2013 is a nifty pair of
scissorsor more precisely medical
shears designed for the military and first
responders. The shears include a strap
cutter, oxygen wrench, ring cutter and
carbide-tip glass breakeryes, on a pair
of shears. Retail is $70.
The Raptor medical shears were de-
veloped as the result of extensive testing
and feedback from military and civilian
professionals around the country. Over
an 18-month period, the team at
Leatherman worked closely with special
operations medics and fire/EMT profes-
sionals to design the multifunctional,
420HC stainless steel medic shears. All
the extra features work whether the
shears are open or folded closed. The
Raptor handle material is glass-filled ny-
lon to provide comfort in hot or cold en-
vironments, and a strong grip in wet or
bloody situations.
We wanted to offer the user multiple
functions beyond just the shears, said
Raptor Design Engineer Melissa Covel.
But the worst thing we could do is
make something that has too many fea-
tures and complicates use in chaotic,
tense, life-threatening situations. Every
feature on these shears was requested by
the medics we worked with and we took
some off at their insistence as well. They
were really built for and by them.
Shear tension on the Raptor can be
adjusted for personal preference and
the patented folding/locking design
enables compact storage without com-
promising strength. The uniquely
molded sheath allows for storage in
both the open and closed/folded posi-
tion, as well as attachment on a
MOLLE ladder system or belt. The
sheath can also be rotated and locked
at an optimal position for the users
space requirements or hand memory.
A removable pocket clip and lanyard
attachment provides additional non-
sheath carry options. Retail is $70.
That was not the only thing new at
Leatherman. With the addition of Pock-
etToolX to the Leatherman family, new
models of pocket tools were introduced
for shotgun, rifle, handgun and bow
maintenance.
Leatherman Tool Group, Inc.
12106 NE Ainsworth Circle
Portland, OR 97220-9001
800-847-8665
www.leatherman.com
ONTARIO
Ontario brought out a new folder called
the Decima, an all-black 3-inch blade.
Overall length is 8.1 inches, and retail is
$154.95.
The Air Force Para Rescue team was the
origination of the Ontario Wyvern Ax
which features a cutting edge, breaching
claw and pick in a 19-inch package. Steel
for this one is 5160. Retail is $394.95.
OKC
Ontario Knife Co.
P.O. Box 145
Franklinville, NY 14737
800-222-5233
www.ontarioknife.com
OUTDOOR EDGE
Outdoor Edge makes
knives with a primary
emphasis on game pro-
cessing. This year that
effort extended into their
Wild-Pak Game Pro-
cessing Set, a light-
weight, eight-piece field-
to-freezer game
processing set with all
the tools to get the job
done. It comes complete
with full-tang caping
knife, gut-hook skinner,
boning knife, carbide
sharpener, wood/bone
Tactical scissors? You bet. Leatherman brings the multi-tool approach to shears for tactical/first
responder situations. They fold compactly, will attach with the belt clip, and theres even a holster for
them.
All you need for game processing comes in the Wild-
Pak set, an eight-piece set from Outdoor Edge.
KI_1305_18-57-SHOT 2/25/13 1:15 AM Page 48
saw, ribcage spreader and game cleaning gloves all in a hard-side
carry case. Non-slip rubberized blaze-orange handles never get
lost and feature a horn pattern inlay for enhanced grip. Total
weight is 2.6 pounds. The sets yours for $61.95.
Outdoor Edge Cutlery Corp.
9500 W. 49TH Ave, Unit A-100
Wheat Ridge, CO 80033
800-447-3343
www.outdooredge.com
PUMA
Two new stag-handled fixed blades head the offerings from
Puma. The Elk Hunter is 8 1/2 inches long with a retail just
short of $120, and the Blacktail is 7 inches overall with a 3 1/2-
inch blade. Retail is $87.95.
Puma Knife Co., USA
www.pumaknifecompanyusa.com
QUEEN CUTLERY
COMPANY
Queen Cutlerys entry into the tactical world is two folders
handled in black G10 with ATS-34 steel and front locks. The
largest is 4 inches long closed, and each comes with a lanyard
lace. For their collectible Schatt & Morgan series, they are bring-
ing back the Keystone shield.
With the acquisition of Queen by Daniels Family Cutlery, we
can expect a lot of new knives in the coming year outside of de-
buts at the SHOT Show and Blade Show.
Queen Cutlery Co.
P.O. Box 145
Franklinville, NY 14737
800-222-5233
www.queencutlery.com
Queens Q-TAC folders are
front locks presented at
SHOT for the first time.
REMINGTON
Remingtons most eye-catching knife is a sheep horn-
handled hunter in their Premiere Series. Also new is a
companion piece for the Remington 700 rifle in the
form of a walnut-handled guthook called, naturally, the
Remington 700.
Remington Arms Co.
870 Remington Dr.
P.O. Box 700
Madison, NC 27025-0700
800-243-9700
www.remington.com
Visit us:
KNIVESILLUSTRATED.COM
KI_1305_18-57-SHOT 2/27/13 3:18 AM Page 49
SOG SPECIALITY
KNIFE & TOOL
SOG announced an association with
Steven Rinella, host of the Sportsman Chan-
nels MeatEater as a kickoff for 10 new
knives in their hunting line. (Their Hunts-
point line of fixed blades available in co-
molded rubber or wood first debuted in the
pages of KI last issue). The line ranges from
$80 to $160.
Their Twitch now comes in two wood-han-
dled versions, the Twitch II at $85 while the
larger Twitch XL retails at $120.
Other new knives in the line for 2013 in-
clude the folding blade SlipTron, and the new
Tangle with nearly 5 feet of paracord
wrapped around its skeletonized handle. The
BadAx Backcountry is designed for outdoor
enthusiasts with a saw hidden in the handle,
and the BadAx Basecamp has a forged head.
Sog Speciality Knives & Tools
6521 212th St. Southwest
Lynnwood, WA 98036
www.sogknives.com
The one-piece Snarl is a Wharncliffe-shaped skeleton knife designed
by Jason Brous for SOG.
The Tangle features 5 yards of paracord wrapped
around the handle.
Jason Brous is the designer for the SOG Growl hunter featuring a unique handle
design. KI readers got an advanced look at this knife in 2012.
At a bitter cold Media Day at the Range, SOG provided knife-throwing demonstrations using SOG
throwing knives, of course.
STEVEN RINELLA-MEAT EATER
Author, hunter and television personality
Steven Rinella, known by fans and outdoor
enthusiasts for his work on the Sportsman
Channels hit series MeatEater, will partner
with SOG Specialty Knives & Tools as the award-
winning company unveils its new line of hunting
knives in 2013.
Steven lives a lifestyle that represents the
folks we know who will be using our knives and
tools in the woods and fields of North America,
said Nando Zucchi, Vice President of Marketing at
SOG.
Rinellas series MeatEater chronicles his
process from sustenance hunting to the
preparation of the meal. His book, Meat Eater:
Adventures From The Life Of An American
Hunter, is on shelves now.
Steven Rinella demonstrated his food preparation
technique with a variety of SOG knives at a SHOT
Show press event.
KI_1305_18-57-SHOT 2/25/13 1:16 AM Page 50
SPARTAN BLADES
With 43 years combined Infantry and Special
Forces experience, the Spartan team of Curtis
Iovito and Mark Carey bring combat knife design
to the table. Its not surprising that their latest
knife design would be a collaboration between
Spartan and retired Green Beret knifemaker Kim
Breed. This 11-inch fixed blade is ground from
3/16-inch steel, and is available in black or green
canvas Micarta. The basic model retails for $385.
A first-time folder is now in the line for this
formerly fixed blade only selection. The Akribis
folder is 8 1/2 inches overall with a 3 1/2-inch
blade of S35VN steel. It comes handled in carbon
fiber or black G10 and starts with a retail of
$445.
Spartan Blades USA
P.O. Box 620
Aberdeen, NC 28315
910-757-0035
www.spartanbladesusa.com A trio of Special Forces vets collaborated in the design of the Spartan-Breed combat knife.
The two SOG
Twitch models are
wearing new wood
handles in 2013.
The SOG BadAx
Backcountry features
a saw that nests in the
handle.
KI_1305_18-57-SHOT 2/25/13 1:16 AM Page 51
SPYDERCO
Spyderco continues their legacy of in-
novation with a variety of lockbacks all
featuring the patented Spyderco Round
Hole for easy thumb opening. They have
also added some new fixed blades to
their knives. Here are some we think are
going to get a lot of attention.
Spydercos new Matriarch2 Emerson
Opener combines cutting power with the
high-speed deployment capability of the
Emerson Wave opening device. The
Matriarch2 traces its lineage to one of
Spydercos oldest and unique designs: the
C12 Civilian. Developed in response to a
request from a U.S. federal law enforce-
ment agency, the Civilian was designed
as a personal defense weapon for under-
cover narcotics officers operating with-
out firearms. It featured a reverse S
edge profile that replicates the mechan-
ics of an animals claw.
In the late 1990s, Spyderco mated the
Civilians revolutionary blade design with
the fiberglass-reinforced nylon (FRN)
handle of the Endura model to create
the Matriarch. The Matriarch2 followed
in 2012 and the new Matriarch2 Emer-
son Opener continues this evolution.
The blade of the Matriarch2 is hollow
ground from VG10 stainless steel. The
patented Wave by custom knifemaker
Ernest Emerson hooks on the lip of the
pocket as the knife is drawn to open the
blade as the knife clears the pocket.
The Matriarch2 injection-molded
fiberglass-reinforced nylon handle has
what Spyderco calls Bi-Directional Tex-
turing. Retail is $144.95.
The Southard folder is the first Spy-
derco knife to feature a flippera
small integral tab that extends from the
tang of the blade on the cutting edge
side. Brad Southard is the custom knife-
maker who specializes in folder designs
and is the father of the Southard folder.
The handle is a textured earth-brown
G10 scale with a thick titanium liner on
one side and a solid titanium scale on the
other. The titanium scale forms the
foundation of the knifes Reeve Integral
Lock (generically called a frame lock but
actually designed by knifemaker Chris
Reeve). The 4.5-inch closed Southard
advanced Spyderco folder retails for
$399.95.
With his second collaboration with
Spyderco, Laci Szabo created the scimi-
tar-like blade for the Laci Szabo folder.
Made from CPM S30V steel, the blade
is ground with a full-length swedge and
is 4.6 inches long. To support the large
blade, the folder has a Spyderco com-
pression lock.
The Szabos ergonomic handle fea-
tures gold-line carbon fiber laminate
scales with internal stainless steel liners
and a four-position pocket clip. The real
world events Mr. Szabo has experienced
as a martial artist and U.S. Marine veter-
an positively influence the design of his
Spyderco collaborative folder. This piece
is for specialized self-defense. Overall
open length is 10.31 inches.
Ed Schempps Tuff folder is a reflection
of his technical understanding of knife-
making and his appreciation of hand tools
that are exceptionally functional and re-
quire low maintenance. Being a third-
generation wheat farmer and a profes-
sional knifemaker has conditioned Ed
Schempp into becoming a hearty, hard-
working and strong individual.
The Schempp Tuff is large and de-
signed for ergonomic daily use with a
tough and forceful cutting edge. The
blade has a drop-point profile with a
fuller (grove) running its length. The
primary purpose of a fuller is to lessen
the weight of a large and heavy blade
and keep it structurally strong. The
Schempp Tuff s fuller additionally func-
tions as a guiding-channel that positions
the thumb directly to the Spyderco
Round opening hole, by-feel, for non-vi-
sual opening even in a gloved hand.
The handle is fabricated with a ma-
chine-dimpled G10 front scale and the
back scale thats a dimpled titanium slab.
The scales and blade are assembled using
an oversized pivot and the blade locks
with a frame lock mechanism. An hour-
glass pocket clip offers four-position
pocket carry with the knife tip up or
down and for right- or left-handed carry.
The Spyderco Laci
Szabo folder has an
ergonomic angle
coupled with a
wicked-looking blade.
LACI SZABO
Laci Szabo became a knife designer and cutlery purveyor in 1993. He immediately created
notice on the knife industry radar as a principle self-defense and martial arts expert with a
talent for designing the specialized tools used in these practices.
Laci Szabo follows a knifemaking philosophy of adapt the tool to the human form, not the
other way around. He believes theres no perfect knife, but the best possible knife and skill
for personal defense is achieved individually, through training.
A safe way to introduce youngsters to
the workings of a knife is this wood kit
from Spyderco.
KI_1305_18-57-SHOT 2/25/13 1:16 AM Page 52
Open length is 8.85 inches.
The Spyderco Dragonfly Wooden
Knife Kit is an educational craft-toy, de-
signed to introduce and inspire children
(age seven and up) to beginning levels of
woodworking and knife collecting. Pack-
aged inside a hinged tin are precisely cut
and drilled wooden parts to build a full-
scale model of the Spyderco Dragonfly
pocketknife. Step-by-step assembly in-
structions will teach children (and
young-hearted adults) about the con-
struction and internal workings of a
lockback folding knife. The assembled
folder has a wooden blade with no sharp
cutting edge and no pocket clip. This kit
Stone River Gear offers this design in a choice of
three handles. Stag is shown here, but its also
available in olivewood and desert ironwood.
Paracord-wrapped ceramic neck knives are new
from Stone River Gear.
Stone River Gears exchange a blade features two
ceramic blades and an AUS8 steel blade. The
handle is G10.
STONE RIVER GEAR
Stone River Gear is a knife company
originated by a group of Schrade USA
alums, whose knives tend to lean toward
ceramic blades in various configurations,
in many instances pioneering the first
ceramic knives of that particular type.
Several of those debuted this year, with a
Change-Blade hunting knife that comes
with two ceramic blades, one a spear
point, the other a trailing point, plus an
AUS-8 steel blade the same as the ce-
ramic trailing point. The handle is G10,
and the overall knife is 8 3/4 inches long.
Retail for the handle and all three blades
is $149.95.
The company also introduced a pair of
paracord-wrapped handle neck knives, in
a choice of a white clip or black tanto ce-
ramic blades. Each knife is a little more
than 5 1/2 inches overall, and comes
with a Kydex sheath. Each knife is indi-
vidually boxed and can be had for
$49.95.
In addition to producing ceramic
sporting knives, the company also intro-
contains small parts so adult supervision
is required.
Spyderco
P.O. Box 800
820 Spyderco Way
Golden, CO 80403
800-525-7770
www.spyderco.com
duced a zebrawood-handled four-piece
set of household knives with a counter-
top holder. Retail is $174.95.
Stone River Gear also introduced
three ceramic blade folding knives, in
white stag for $109.95 retail, olivewood
for $89.95, or desert ironwood for
$99.95.
Stone River Gear
P.O. Box 67
Bethel, CT 06801
www.stonerivergear.com
TOPS KNIVES
TOPS Knives has added a new hefty folder called the Xcest Delta, a 4 1/2-
inch closed wide blade folding version of their Xcest Alpha fixed blade. The
blade starts out as 3/16-inch N609C steel. The handles are blue/black G10, inlet
with a divot on each side for use when using a blow drill. It does have a pocket
clip and sheath, and the pocket clip is recessed in the handle. Retail is $200.
The Light Trekker is, as its name implies, a light knife with a lot of tough fea-
tures. Designed by Ashley and Joe Flowers along with Leo Espinoza, the knife
features positive grip traction squares set into the handles. The blade is flat
ground and comes with a three-rod fire starter and emergency whistle. Retail is
$159.95.
One TOPS knife you will not want to miss is the Diving Sparrow, a tough
Wharncliffe-shaped blade designed by KIs own Field Editor Abe Elias. Retail is
an affordable $49.95.
TOPS Knives
P.O. Box 2544
Idaho Falls, ID 83403
208-552-2945
www.topsknives.com
KI_1305_18-57-SHOT 2/25/13 1:16 AM Page 53
Case has revived a handle design that dates to
the 1920s, the famed Winterbottom bone
handles. There are eight patterns in this family of
Case knives.
Cases annual limited edition family features eight
patterns in bone handles that are described as
Moss Green.
W.R. CASE & SONS
CUTLERY CO.
Heading the new Case knives for
2013 is a Tony Bose-designed Wharn-
cliffe Trapper limited to 1,000 knives
and depending upon handles will retail
from $375 to $625. The Case/Bose
Wharncliffe Trappers steel bolsters, cut
swedge blades and milled liners are just a
few of the hallmark features found on
Boses own custom knives.
Case will be offering the Wharncliffe
Trapper in a variety of handle choices,
India Stag (100 knives), Smooth
Abalone (100 knives), Peach Seed Jigged
Chestnut Bone (200 knives), Peach Seed
Jigged Antique Bone (200 knives), and
Smooth Ebony Wood (200 knives).
There was also a lot of buzz around
the Case booth about their partnering
with Carhartt to produce a line of knives
built around Charhartts Rugged cloth-
ing line. They initial line is not a bashful
entry, boasting 22 models. The common
theme around the line is G10 handles in
a Carhartt duck canvas color, plus two
other handle styles. One distinctive note
is the sculpted bolster. See related story
with this article.
The 29th edition of the Case Limited
XX Edition Series features Smooth
Moss Green Bone handles with the Case
bomb shield. The blades are embellished
with Cases Limited XX Edition art-
work. The Limited XX Edition Series
XXIX Smooth Moss Green Bone family
will feature eight popular patterns, in-
cluding a Trapper, BackPocket, Russ-
Lock, Canoe, Medium Stockman,
Peanut, Small Texas Toothpick and
Muskrat (MUSKRAT SS). A total of
3,000 of each pattern will be produced
and theyll retail between $67 and $123.
Case is introducing a new eight-pat-
tern Ginger Ale bone family of knives
that boast a fresh look thanks to the un-
mistakable Winterbottom jigging style
first developed by Samuel Winterbot-
tom, a legendary bone cutter who emi-
grated from Sheffield, England and
founded Winterbottom Cutlery Works
in New Jersey in the early 1920s.
The eight patterns that make up the
Winterbottom Jigged Ginger Ale family
include a Trapper, Small Texas Tooth-
pick, Small Saddlehorn, Tiny Trapper,
Sowbelly, Copperlock, Medium Stock-
man and Medium Congress. Retail on
these will range from $62 to $97.
W.R. Case & Sons
P.O. Box 4000
Owens Way
Bradford, PA 16701
814-368-4123
WENGER KNIFE CO.
Wenger introduced two new collec-
tions of camouflage Swiss Army Knives
at the 2013 SHOT Show. The four-
knife Realtree Hardwoods HD and four-
knife Realtree AP Snow series join
Wengers Realtree AP Blaze collection
that was launched in early 2012.
Says Wenger VP of Marketing, Den-
nis Piretra. We were one of the first
knife manufacturers to use Realtree pat-
terns more than 10 years ago. We trusted
them then and we trust them now; more
importantly, so do consumers.
Realtree Hardwoods HD is a pattern
designed to span seasons from early fall
to mid-winter. The lineup includes two
120mm knives and two 85mm models.
The Ranger 57 has eight implements
that perform 12 functions. Highlighting
the tools lineup is a skinning tool blade
with hollowed cutting edge and blunt
point as well as an ultra-efficient double-
cut wood and bone saw that removes
material in both the forward and back-
ward motions. The Ranger 57 Hard-
woods HD has a retail of $84.95.
The Ranger 55 is only 5.6 ounces with
a 1-inch width, and with five additional
implements, this is a tool thats ready to
get to work. The Ranger 55 Hardwoods
HD has a retail of $69.95.
The Realtree Hardwoods HD 13
comes equipped with 10 implements
that perform 14 functions. At only 2.4
ounces, its ready for action in the field.
The double-cut wood saw and main
blade are flanked by a locking flat-head
screwdriver and can opener. Its close
cousin, the Realtree Hardwoods HD 10,
has all of the same tools, with the excep-
tion of the wood saw, and weighs in at
just under 2 ounces. The Realtree Hard-
woods HD 13 has a retail of $48.95
while the Realtree Hardwoods 10 comes
in at $38.95 retail.
Snow Camo
Realtree AP Snow camouflage is all
about becoming one with your environ-
ment and the landscape. The unique and
effective pattern features overlapping
limbs and hazy background elements to
create a 3D effect no matter what forest
the user is in. Wenger chose four models
to make up the AP Snow family of Swiss
Army Knives.
The Realtree AP Snow 79 has a lock-
ing one-hand opening straight blade,
KI_1305_18-57-SHOT 2/25/13 1:16 AM Page 54
wood saw and five additional imple-
ments which perform nine functions. It
has a suggested retail price of $74.95.
The Realtree AP Snow 50 has a skin-
ning tool, locking one-hand opening
straight blade, wood saw and two addi-
tional tools. It has a suggested retail
price of $72.95.
Much like the Hardwoods HD collec-
tion, the AP Snow collection also fea-
tures 13 and 10 models with identical
MSRP to their Hardwoods counterparts.
Each are made in Switzerland.
Wenger NA
15 Corporate Drive
Orangeburg, NY 10962
800-267-3577
www.wengerna.com
Two examples of Wengers knives handled in
Realtree Snow camo.
The design for
this Wenger multi-
blade comes from
Realtree and it
carries their
Hardwoods motif.
Pocket Clips
High-Performance Cutting Edges
Spyderco Round Hole For One Hand Opening CLIPIT
TM

...It`s who we are.
800.525.7770 303.279.8383 820 Spyderco Way Golden, CO 80403 USA www.spyderco.com

KI_1305_18-57-SHOT 2/25/13 9:38 PM Page 55
56 KNIVES ILLUSTRATED MAY 2013 k n i v e s i l l u s t r a t e d . c o m
The handle for this family of Case Carhartt knives is called Rough Black-Over-
Cream. There are 22 different versions of Case Carhartt knives introduced for
2013.
CASE AND CARHARTT
RUGGED
An American-made Knife Collection
W.R. Case & Sons Cutlery Co., manufacturer of
handcrafted pocketknives and Carhartt, Americas
work wear brand since 1889, unveiled the Carhartt
Knives by Case collection.
Each knife in the collection will also feature a
Scotch-Brite brushed finish. This same brushed fin-
ish can also be found on each knifes Lazy Duck-
shaped bolster inspired by the traditional back pock-
et stitching style of the same name found on
Carhartt clothing.
The knives will be packaged in a distinctive two-
piece box that features Carhartt-themed artwork.
The Carhartt Knives by Case collection will be
available in early 2013 and will launch with three
specific families, each with distinct handle designs.
The families include the fiberglass-reinforced G10,
the classic Molasses Bone and Rough Black-Over-
Cream.
CASE/CARHARTT FAMILY 1:
G10 handles
The G10 knives have an earthy color and rugged
texture inspired by the look and feel of Carhartts
signature Duck Canvas. The G10 family will feature
seven knives: Mid-Folding Hunter with clip, Trap-
perLock with clip, Trapper, Large Stockman, Medi-
um Stockman, Hawkbill Pruner and BackPocket
with lanyard.
Molasses Bone handles
The Molasses Bone family will feature nine knives,
including: Medium Stockman, Small Texas Tooth-
pick, Mini CopperLock, Peanut, Mini Copperhead,
Sowbelly, Mini Trapper, Trapper and Desk Knife.
Rough Black-Over-Cream
Manufactured using a high-quality, durable resin,
the six knives in the Rough Black-Over-Cream
family will include the following knives: Trapper,
Hawkbill Pruner, CopperLock, RussLock with clip,
Mini Trapper and Medium Stockman.
For additional information regarding the Carhartt
Knives by Case collection, please visit
www.wrcase.com and www.carharttknives.com.
ABOUT CARHARTT, INC.
Established in 1889, Carhartt is a global premium work wear brand
with a rich heritage of developing rugged apparel for workers on and off
the job. Headquartered in Dearborn, Michigan, with approximately 4,400
employees worldwide, Carhartt is privately owned and managed by the
descendants of the companys founder, Hamilton Carhartt. For more
information, visit www.carhartt.com.
KI
KI_1305_18-57-SHOT 2/25/13 1:16 AM Page 56
{ }
CASE SAYS IT TAKES 125 PAIRS OF
HANDS AND 160 MANUFACTURING
PROCESSES TO CREATE ONE KNIFE.
ABOUT CASE
W.R. Case & Sons Cutlery Company is an American manufacturer
of handcrafted knives based in Bradford, Pennsylvania. Cases
offerings cover a range of product categories from traditional folding
pocketknives and fixed-blade sporting knives to limited production
commemoratives and collectables.
Case is owned by Zippo Manufacturing Company, makers of the
Zippo windproof lighter. Case says it takes 125 pairs of hands and
160 manufacturing processes to create one knife. A unique tang
stamp dating system used since the very early days of its history has
made Case one of the worlds favorite collectable brands. The Case
Collectors Club, with 19,000 active members, is the largest known
knife collecting association in the world.
For more information about W.R. Case & Sons Cutlery Co. call
800-523-6350 or visit www.www.wrcase.com.
Case Carhartt
Molasses bone knives
have a unique sheen
and beauty. All Carhartt
knives bear the
Carhartt shield.
The Carhartt Knives by Case
collection is the moniker for a new
line combined under the two
names. This extensive line
includes brown G10 handles to
match the distinctive brown of
Carhartt duck canvas. The unique
sculpted bolster comes from the
design on Carhartt pockets.
KI_1305_18-57-SHOT 2/25/13 1:16 AM Page 57
Tim Brittons first entry into the tactical folder market is with a
model he calls the Tango. Best known for his quality slip joints
and multi-blade folders, we can expect he will soon be known as a
top tactical knifemaker, too.
Heres a look at his latest venture.
TITANTIUM TANGO
Tims titanium Tango is a knife that you would expect from an
established tactical folder maker. This knife features a 3 -inch
hollow-ground S35VN blade. The handle features a textured tita-
nium scale and a textured titanium frame lock. The Tango can be
opened by either the ambidextrous thumb stud or the very
smooth flipper. The knife also has a clip that can be set up for ei-
ther tip-up or tip-down carry, as a stabilizer and with a thong
hole. The blade and frame sport the durable stone-washed finish.
TRIPLE BENEFITS
The textured titanium handle provides three benefits. First, the
texturing provides added gripping to the handle. Second, it re-
duces the already light weight of the titanium. Lastly, theres the
exceptional strength that titanium provides. The S35VN blade
steel offers exceptional durability combined with excellent edge-
holding capability.
SMOOTH!
Having handled several of these knives, I was surprised at just
how smooth the knives were to open. Generally, a makers first
folder utilizing a flipper often needs a little wrist action to fully
deploy the blade. This is not the case with the Tango. Combined
with the other features, materials and size, the Tango is an excel-
lent choice for your next EDC.
What many tactical folder buyers will appreciate the most is
the $450 price tag of the Tango. As you might imagine, these
knives are selling as fast as Tim can make them.
NEW
DIRECTION
LONG-TIME KNIFEMAKERS
GUILD STALWART TIM BRITTON
MOVES BEYOND MULTI-BLADE
FOLDERS INTO BIG TACTICALS
BY LES ROBERTSON,
PHOTO BY JIM COOPER (SHARP BY COOP)
ITS only a matter of time. And it wont take long.
TEXTURED TITANIUM
HANDLE BENEFITS
Added grip
Lighter weight
Strength
The Tango is a
knife that you would
expect from an
established tactical folder
maker.
KI
KI_1305_58-59-SHORT 2/25/13 2:23 AM Page 58
CONTACT
You can contact Tim Britton via
email at timbritton@yahoo.com
or by phone at 336-923-2062.
Tim Brittons Tango
marks his entry into
tactical folders, a new
departure for a long-
term knifemaker best
known for fine slip joints
and multi-blades.

KI_1305_58-59-SHORT 2/25/13 2:25 AM Page 59
That is how early man prevented predators from making them their main course,
but I imagine that early man used his staff for a multitude of tasks as a tool and a
weapon. I could see in my minds eye an early man using his staff for testing the depth
of the stream he was about to cross or give a good whack on the head of a pesky wolf.
Fast forward some 100,000 years.
In these modern times, with all of our high-tech weapons and tools, I still feel the
inner primeval desire for the staff. Unlike my early adventures as a seven-year-old, I
have the option to blend the basic staff with modern technology in the form of Craw-
fords Survival Staff.
CRAWFORD KNIFE DESIGN EXTENDS TO STAFFS
Pat Crawford and his son Wes are renowned knife designers and knifemakers pro-
ducing some of the finest knives and knife designs. In addition to excellent knives, the
Crawfords make what I consider the perfect survival staff. I pored over the design and
functionality, and I was impressed with the amount of thought and detail put into this
staff. The many different functions of the basic staff would enhance anyones trek
through remote areas, as well as a walk around the neighborhood.
MULTI-FUNCTION
The Crawford Survival Staff comes with nine basic parts that can be changed
around to make a hiking staff 4.75 feet long, a walking stick 38 inches long or a 24-
inch baton for those who need an attitude adjustment. All parts together produce a
survival staff which can be converted to be a blow gun, knife or lance. The hardened
spike point on the base helps in traction or makes an effective weapon. The base spike
can be replaced for walks in the neighborhood with the mushroom rubber cap which
keeps the wife happy on the hardwood floors.
THE SURVIVAL STAFF FROM CRAWFORD
KNIVES IS EFFECTIVE, EFFICIENT
TEXT AND PHOTOS BY CLINT THOMPSON
INGENUITY and a good, strong staff.
FORMIDABLE
WEAPON
KI_1305_60-66-CLINT 2/24/13 11:28 PM Page 60
In test driving the Crawford
Survival Staff while walking in
the woods, I found it to be at
an ideal length, as well as
light, strong and having an
excellent design.
In addition to
excellent knives, the
Crawfords make what I
consider the perfect
survival staff.
KI_1305_60-66-CLINT 2/24/13 11:28 PM Page 61

TREKKING WITH
THE SURVIVAL STAFF
For my evaluation of this survival staff,
I also chose optional accessories in the
nature of a missile spear point with Ky-
dex sheath, fire starter, spear point
adapter and fish tri-spear point. There
were other very cool, more specialized
accessories, such as a rifle rest and cam-
era mount to name two. I wanted to
check out what I figured would be the
choice of the serious hiker and prepper.
I took the Survival Staff on a five-mile
trek through the woods along a lazy riv-
er. I carried the spear point with adaptor
attached in the Kydex sheath. All other
components were safely stored within
the staff. While hiking along enjoying
the peace and quiet of this river valley,
my mind kept returning to the time in
my life when I fought off the forces of
evil with my handy custom staff. I found
myself using the staff to traverse the
deep gullies and deadfall trees which
abound on my trail. I would turn over
items of interest without having to bend
over with a heavy backpack wanting to
topple me on my face.
I took out the knife or short sword
and affixed it to the top of the staff and
jabbed around in gourds and various
woods to test its penetration ability. I
found the knife or short sword to be very
well designed to take on the tasks of jab-
bing and cutting. I dont recommend
wandering in rough country with the
knife attached on the end of the staff as
it may end up sticking in something you
would not appreciate. Just remember
what you mother said, Dont run with
the scissors! The same rule applies here.
SPEAR-POINT KNIFE
DOES CUTTING CHORES
As for a good field cutting edge the
spear point accessory worked out per-
fectly. You could take on most cutting
chores with the exception of heavy chop-
The accessories I tested were the sword cane, blowgun and darts, three-prong fish spear, neck knife/spear point with fire starter, and foam
sleeve. A chain and Kydex sheath are also included with the spear point to convert this real cool tool into a neck knife.
Included in the basic Survival Staff is the sword cane, which fits nicely inside of the staff. If
pushed to it, you can mount the short sword on top of the staff, turning it into a jabbing
weapon. I like this feature, which is well designed with plenty of thought put into its
production.
DID YOU KNOW?
Pat Crawford has been making the
Survival Staff for 35 years!
Shown here is the spear point, Kydex
sheath, fire starter, adaptor and neck chain.
Even with the adaptor attached to the
spear point and hung around my neck, I did
not feel the weight was excessive. This may
vary from one person to the next. I felt the
quicker access to the jabbing option of the
spear point outweighed this very small
weight gain when combined together.
Having the adaptor attached to the spear
point actually enhances the grip on the
handle.
KI_1305_60-66-CLINT 2/24/13 11:28 PM Page 62
ping. I could see the spear point would
be very capable of cleaning small game
as well as large game such as deer or elk.
I liked the spear point accessory. The
spear point is 5 inches long overall,
with a functional sharp blade. The sharp
edge is 2 inches long, 1 1/8 inches
wide with 1 inch of serration on either
side. Its made of 5/32-inch S30V steel. I
found it was easier and more comfort-
able to carry the spear point with the
staff adaptor attached. In fact, this
worked well as the adaptor gave about an
inch of additional length to the handle.
The spear point and fire starter carried
very nicely in its Kydex sheath on the
provided beaded stainless steel chain.
THE SURVIVAL STAFF PACKAGE AND OPTIONS
THE BASIC SURVIVAL STAFF PACKAGE:
hiking staff, walking stick, baton, blowgun,
sword cane and lance all in one package $294.95
MISSILE NECK KNIFE/SPEAR POINT: With adaptor $150
THREE-PRONG FISH POINT: $60
"T" HANDLE: To make a support cane $55
HEAVY STEEL HEAD: To add weight $55
RIFLE REST: Hand-wrapped leather $65
FIRE STARTER: $40
CAMERA MOUNT: $10
12 BLOWGUN DARTS: $8
EXTRA O-RINGS: Four in each size $10
DELUXE SURVIVAL KIT: $75
BASIC STORAGE KIT: 10 stopper tubes that fit inside the staff $14
CONTACT
Crawford Knives, LLC
205 N. Center Drive
West Memphis, AR 72301
870-732-2452
patcrawford1@earthlink.net
www.crawfordknives.com
Shown here is the short sword being mounted on top of the Survival Staff. This makes the
staff a little under 6-feet long and more than capable of fending off rough feral hogs or
pesky critters with fangs and claws. This Survival Staff is not designed to be used as a
throwing spear.
Pictured here is the steel point bottom and
optional mushroom cap. I used the
mushroom cap in those areas where I didnt
need the added traction of the steel point
spike-like bottom. The steel point or spike
bottom could be used to discourage
aggressive dogs while walking on public
roads.

KI_1305_60-66-CLINT 2/24/13 11:29 PM Page 63
KNIFE ATTACHES
TO MAKE SPEAR
Once I mounted the spear point on the
end of the full staff, I could feel the pow-
er of confidence it gave me in accepting
all challenges. I have seen those t-shirts
where a Native American is mounted on
his warhorse and is looking to the sky
with a compound bow in his right hand
thrust upwards with the caption, What
if. This is how I felt out there alone in
the woods; just me and whatever comes
along. The staff with the spearhead at-
tached would be a formable/formidable
weapon to defend oneself from creatures
with fangs and claws.
BLOWGUN TOO
I turned to the darts and blowgun
functions of the Survival Staff. The 4 -
inch dart has an arrowhead-type point.
The six darts included in the staff weigh
.01 ounces each. Having some experi-
ence in using darts on small game, I can
tell you most of the time the game runs
or flies away after being struck. I even
had a fellow cop who read Mother Earth
magazine and rolled his own cigarettes
(which made for interesting conversa-
tions with the dopers we arrested) who
also made his own darts and tipped them
with curare poison that he purchased
somewhere. He claimed he would not
lose game he shot with the curare-tipped
darts. I guess it would be up to the indi-
vidual if you wanted to tip your darts
with curare, but if you do, you can buy it
online. Yeah, I know it sounds crazy. I do
not recommend that approach.
At the time of my field testing, it
would have been a violation to take any
game with darts. I confined my testing
and target practice to trees in the woods
and in my backyard at home. The same
Shown here is the Crawford spear point option mounted on the Survival Staff. Also shown is the S&W Model 345PD .357 magnum five-
shot revolver. The Model 345PD is an excellent option for a backpacker whos looking for a very light but powerful firearm.
PAT CRAWFORD
Pat Crawford has been designing, making and selling knives since 1972. Many of
his designs are being manufactured and sold by much larger knife companies such
as CRKT. Pat has designed and produced many interesting and innovative knives as
well as the Survival Staff featured in this article.
While in Kosovo, I purchased one of his excellent knives, no longer made, which
was called the Falcon. The Falcon was a single folding-blade knife with a very handy
pocket clip. I just love this knife. I still have it and I consider it to be one of the
treasures of my knife collection.
The many different functions of the

basic staff would enhance anyones trek
through remote areas, as well as a walk
around the neighborhood.
The 4 -inch dart show here has an
arrowhead-type point. The six darts
included in the Survival Staff weigh .01
ounces each. Having some experience in
using darts on small game, I can tell you
that most of the time the game runs or flies
away after being struck. The arrowhead
points on these darts should eliminate this
problem.
KI_1305_60-66-CLINT 2/24/13 11:29 PM Page 64
reason prevailed in taking any fish with
the fish spear points as there are certain
fish you cant take in this manner, at least
at different times of the year. I did not
want to risk my security clearance with a
citation from Fish and Game. However,
I feel with the proper practice one could
take small birds such as quail with the
darts. As for the fish spear point, Im
LEARNING STAFF
USE EARLY
As a young kid, I would walk south
out of our very small town in Kansas to
the city limits to my Grandparents
farm. I grew up in a time when young
children could travel about town or
even hike out through the countryside
with no danger of being grabbed by
some pervert. The only real danger to
me was Grants bull, my archenemy,
but thats another story.
While walking the farmland and
pastures, fighting and avoiding all
kinds of imaginary enemies, I would
search around and select the perfect
weapon to do battle. My weapon of
choice was a stick which had to be
about a foot taller than I was and as
straight as I could find. I would pull out
my pocketknife (yes, I could carry a
pocketknife at seven years old) and
tune up my brand new staff. Once I
finished this wonderful multifunctional
implement, I would set out to explore
further south, confident I could handle
any bad guy or wild beast that would
make the mistake of giving me an
excuse. Grants bull, look out.
I placed the darts in the pattern shown
using the blowgun feature at 20 feet. Im
sure with much practice I could strike a
small game bird like a quail. Trying to take
larger birds like pheasant or pigeons would
be something else. The darts just dont
have the weight to penetrate through
feathers and body mass to hit a vital organ.

KI_1305_60-66-CLINT 2/24/13 11:29 PM Page 65
confident one could take fish of any rea-
sonable size. The three points of this fish
spear point accessory are perfectly spread
apart to harvest fish you will encounter
in the field. All points are somewhat
flexible, which only enhances their abili-
ty to get the job done and take the im-
pact when missing your intended target.
I recommend the fish spear point.
A VITAL PART OF YOUR KIT
The Crawford Survival Staff is not
designed to be thrown as a spear but to
be used as a lance, which would remain
in your hands when being used as such.
If youre a serious hiker or survivalist
who likes to go into the wild and test
your skills against what nature can
throw at you, then the Survival Staff
should be a vital part of your kit. Even
if you walk around your neighborhood
with the one resident who lets his dis-
turbed psycho dog run loose or you like
to have something to steady or support
you as you stop and talk to your neigh-
bors, then this Survival Staff should be
at your side.
I recommend the Crawford Sur-
vival Staff to all serious hikers and
backpackers.
The spear point has serration on both
sides and a very functional cutting-type
point. I could see this spear point being
used to easily clean small or large
game. You dont need a Bowie knife
to clean a deer or feral hog. The
American Indians used a flint
knife or flint blade of about
the same size as this
spear point to do the
very same tasks.
The three-prong fish spear is ideal for
spearing fish in confined areas. This
device is not intended to be
thrown like a spear. To take
fish, one would just jab
without letting go of the
staff. After all, you wouldnt
want to throw this staff and
lose it in some lake or river.
From 20 feet with the best burst of breath I
could muster up, these darts penetrated
this soft wood only 2/8 of an inch. If one
could get closer to the game, say within 10
feet, the darts would penetrate much
deeper.
SPECS
4.75 feet fully assembled
38-inch walking stick
24-inch baton
Blowgun
Knife
Lance
Spike point for hiking traction
Shown here is the Crawford spear point in its Kydex sheath
with the fire starter, neck chain and spear point adaptor. The
spear point/survival knife design was well thought out by
the Crawford father and son collaboration. This add-on
accessory is well worth the price.
KI
KI_1305_60-66-CLINT 2/24/13 11:29 PM Page 66
10:55 AM Page 1

KI_1305_67 2/25/13 9:28 PM Page 67
CLOSE to
CUSTOM
KNIFE KITS ALLOW YOU TO ADD YOUR OWN TOUCHES TO A KNIFE
TEXT AND PHOTOS BY ABE ELIAS
If you want to own a
knife that you had some part in
making, then knife kits are the
quick answer.
KI_1305_68-73-ABE 2/27/13 2:42 AM Page 68

ARE you ready to tackle a new, fun chal-
lenge?
Not everyone has the time or tools that it takes to
become a knifemaker. However, if you want to own a
knife that you had some part in making, then knife kits
are the quick answer.
KNIFE KITS IN MANY FORMS
As an introduction on making a kit work for you, I
chose a few of the kits from KnifeKits.coms Darrel
Ralph-designed DDR series. The kits I have are the
DDR series, DDR3-RC and the DDR3-BL, as well as
the SS 2.0. Photos here are based on how to assemble
the DDR3, but the techniques are pretty much the
same for the others.
The DDR3 model is a liner lock knife with stainless
steel liners and an AUS8 stainless steel recurve blade.
Overall length is 8 inches with a blade length of 3 1/2
inches. The knife has a hollow-grind edge.
A second model has the suffix BL, meaning that
its a button-lock knife. The level of skill needed to as-
semble the BL model is a little higher than the liner
lock versions because of difficulty in finishing.
The SS 2.0 model has the option of being assembled
as a button lock or, with a couple of modifications, it
can be converted to full auto (if legal where you are
check your local laws before that modification). The SS
in the name stands for Super Squirt. The blade is
made from AUS 8 stainless. Overall length is 4 13/16
inches with a blade length of 2 inches.
Here you have the finished product
ready for use and at the same time a
great conversation piece.
KI_1305_68-73-ABE 2/27/13 2:42 AM Page 69
SIMPLE TOOLS
The first thing that tends to go
through ones mind when considering
the assembly of a knife kit is that you
dont have the tools to do this or you
need to invest a lot of money in more
equipment. Not true.
Kits from KnifeKits.com are complete
for the most part, and you only need to
invest a few dollars in tools and a little
elbow grease. You might even have all
the tools you need in the first place. The
list of tools includes a pack of needle
files (dollar-store grade will do), and
220- to 400-grit sandpaper. You will also
need a torque screwdriver set available
from almost any hardware store and
some clear nail polish.
STEP ONE: HANDLE DECISION
You have the option of ordering pre-
made scales or handle material that you
have to make into scales yourself. If you
go with your own handle material, you
will need additional tools like two 1-inch
C-clamps, the appropriate drill bit
Fit the proper bit to your screwdriver
and run a screw into each hole on the
kit; this will ensure the threading runs
easy before you actually go to do the fi-
nal assembly. Theres nothing worse than
trying to fit all the parts together when a
screw wont go in, and you end up strip-
ping it and are unable to run it down or
get it out.
For this example, I used premade
scales that are available in exotic wood,
WHERE TO GET KNIFE KITS
KnifeKits.com has a large selection of folding knife
kits, fixed-blade kits and knife supplies. If youre
interested in building a knife for yourself you can get
a kit to your liking and get some supplies to
customize it to your liking. Go to www.knifekits.com.
Jantz Supply has a full line of knifemaking
supplies, including videos on assembling knife kits.
Visit Jantz at www.knifemaking.com.
Make sure to check every screw and every screw hole
before trying the final assembly.
Heres the handle assembled with the stand-offs in instead of the solid back spacer.
(which KnifeKits.com can sell you) and a
drill press. (You can actually use a hand
drill but the chance of error is much
higher).
When you receive your kit, open the
package and lay out all of the parts to
make sure that you have them all. Its a
good idea to lay them out on a dark-col-
ored cloth to make it easier to see and
make sure the small screws dont roll
away.
KI_1305_68-73-ABE 2/27/13 2:43 AM Page 70
Micarta or carbon fiber. I chose Zebra
wood.
TAKING DOWN THE SCALES
After checking to make sure all the
screws run true, disassemble the knife
and fit the bolsters and handle material
to each side of the frame. You will notice
right off the bat that the scales are not
an exact fit, so start taking them down
with the files.
You can use a power sander but a file
will ensure less chance of error because
youre going slower. First, fit the scales to
the profile of the liners and start taking
down the thickness. Be sure to mark the
scales to the thickness of the front bol-
ster and then remove the front bolsters.
If you remove the front bolsters you
wont accidently hit the bead-blasted fin-
ish and end up having to re-sand them.
Periodically match the bolsters up to
make sure you dont go too far.
If you decide to sand the bolster, dont
sand toward the wood scales; the metal
dust will get into the wood and make it
look dirty.
Even though its not the same thing

as building a knife from scratch, you will find
the experience rewarding.
WHAT YOULL NEED
Kits from KnifeKits.com are complete
for the most part, but you will need the
following:
A pack of needle files (dollar-store
grade will do)
220- to 400-grit sandpaper
A torque screwdriver set available
from almost any hardware store
Clear nail polish
ASSEMBLY AND NAIL POLISH
After youve sanded the scales to fit
and to the desired finish, you can begin
assembling the whole knife; this is where
the nail polish comes in. Apply nail pol-
ish to all screws except the pivot point.
For the thumb stud, apply nail polish
to the female and male parts, and let dry.
The nail polish acts like a poor mans
thread locking compound.
At this point, its a good idea to put
some tape on the blades edge to avoid
possibly cutting yourself. Assemble the
pivot point screw first, complete with
washers, then slide the body spacers in
and line them up with the holes. Tighten
everything down. Put your scale on your
folder.
Once the scales are tightened down,
look over the folder to see if everything
matches. If there are any sharp edges or
The profiles of the scales are bigger than the liners so youll have to take them down to match.
KI_1305_68-73-ABE 2/27/13 2:43 AM Page 71
DARREL RALPHS
DDR SERIES
The kits featured in this story are
from KnifeKits.coms Darrel Ralph-
designed DDR series. The kits are
the DDR series, DDR3-RC and the
DDR3-BL, as well as the SS 2.0.
Note that the photos
here are based on how to
assemble the DDR3, but the
techniques are essentially the same
for the others.
anything seems out of proportion, gently
knock it down with some 400-grit sand-
paper.
After you have the desired finish, wipe
down the wood scales with boiled lin-
seed. Wait a full 24 hours before apply-
ing a second coat as this will give the oil
ample time to cure.
HINTS FOR EMBELLISHMENT
The kit comes with everything pre-
fitted as far as the metal goes. You can
get a solid back bar instead of spacer
posts.
If youre feeling ambitious, the liners
and spacer bars are a blank canvas for
someone wanting to do some file work
and you can even continue onto the
This model is the DDR2. If you want to play it safe, try
assembling the whole knife before starting the handle
material, then disassemble. Doing a total assembly will
give you an idea if the choice of scale material is to
your liking. A picture sometimes doesnt
give you an idea of the knife as
it truly is in reality.
No need for power tools; a round file and flat file will help you remove material at a safe controlled pace.
KI_1305_68-73-ABE 2/27/13 2:43 AM Page 72
blade. I would recommend reading up on
it first and trying a couple of practice
pieces, but it would be an excellent way
to take the knife up a notch.
REWARDING FOR THE
NON-KNIFEMAKER
Even though its not the same thing as
building a knife from scratch, you will
find the experience rewarding. KnifeK-
its.com and other knife supply houses
have many kits available. All you have to
do is find one to match your taste and
follow the instructions.
Kits from KnifeKits.com are
complete for the most part, and you only
need to invest a few dollars in tools and a
little elbow grease.
KI
Make sure to get the nail polish in the

threaded hole so it will dry and form a good
lock, preventing the screws from backing
off. Cheap nail polish from the dollar store
works well.
The liners on the kit are like a blank canvas
for file work. Pick a known pattern or make
one of your own.
KnifeKits.com supplies a number of pre-
shaped and drilled scales in various
materials. As you can see on the Micarta,
they even start you off by beveling the
corners.
Needle files, nail polish, sandpaper and a
screwdriver are all you need to assemble
your own kit and perhaps even embellish it
a little.
You can see how file work can take a knife
up a notch. On the left I have a piece Im
practicing my rope pattern on while the
solid back spacer on the right can take any
pattern you choose.
KI_1305_68-73-ABE 2/27/13 2:43 AM Page 73
Few makers get as early a start on a knifemaking career as he did. Rick
had built his own forge and was forging his own blades by age 16. At that
early age, he was already attempting traditional clay tempering and differ-
ential hardening.
As his skill set increased, Rick started making pattern-welded blades and
building fully traditional Japanese blades.
I started my journey into swordsmithing by joining the various sword
study groups and regularly attending shows (Token Kai) around the U.S,
Rick says.
This interest led Rick to start with the basics, including making his
own steel.
THE PATH
I found myself drawn even more strongly toward tackling
even the most minute details in the steel, which has brought
me to smelting my own steel from refined iron and iron
sand, he says.
EARLY START
EARLY BLOOMER
A 36-YEAR-OLD KNIFEMAKERWITH 20 YEARS EXPERIENCE
BY LES ROBERTSON
PHOTOS BY CORY MARTIN IMAGING
RICK Barrett is unique.
Scythe of the Archangel Azrael" is one of a
series of contemporary swords and blades Barrett
is doing based on the archangels. Azrael is also
known as the angel of death, hence the scythe
design. The blade is forged from high-layer
1095 and 15n20 Damascus, which has
been sculpted with ribbing and engraved
with angelic script. The shaft is
distressed purple heart. The blade is
27 inches with a height of 48
inches. The blade is forged from
1075 with copper habaki (blade
collar) and fuchi (ferrule). The
tsuba (guard) is forged from
200-year-old wrought iron
and the handle is hand-
carved African wenge.
The blade is 22 inches
long with a midare
hamon and 29 inches in
overall length.
KI_1305_74-80-LES 2/27/13 2:32 AM Page 74
Ricks take on the

wakizashi is
both stunning
and lethal.
KI_1305_74-80-LES 2/25/13 2:28 AM Page 75

I do use a variety of modern tools and techniques in making
my blades as I don't have the liberty of having apprentices to work
my hammers or the room to build a large tatara. As such, I pri-
marily use propane to fire my forge and hand-made smelter as well
as a 115-pound air hammer and various modern grinding tools for
doing my final shaping.
This skill allows Rick to make different types of knives and
swords. These contemporary styles include Bowies, camp knives,
CONTACT
WEBSITE:
www.barrettcustomknives.com
EMAIL:
toshihisa73@gmail.com
PHONE:
574-533-4297
SHOWS:
The Blade Show in Atlanta, Georgia,
and the Badger Show in Janesville,
Wisconsin
BACK TO BASICS
Rick Barrett has made his own steel
from refined iron and iron sand.
SOME JAPANESE SWORD TERMS
FUCHI: Ferrule
HABAKI: Blade collar
HAMON: Temper line
KATANA: The larger fighting sword worn by Samurai
TATARA: Traditional Japanese-style sword furnace/forge
TSUBA: Guard
WAKIZASHI: Side inserted sword, the smaller of the two
swords worn by Samurai
I also frequently make various
contemporary swords and
knives based off fantasy
inspiration and the darker side
of my psyche.
Rick Barrett
KI_1305_74-80-LES 2/25/13 2:29 AM Page 76
tactical fighters and even the occasional
folder.
I also frequently make various con-
temporary swords and knives based off
fantasy inspiration and the darker side
of my psyche, he says.
The materials utilized for each of
these are often different. Tactical knives
will feature todays most modern steels,
such as CPM3V and S35VN, along
with synthetics for the handles or scales,
such as Micarta or G10.
For his more traditional blades, Rick
prefers steels that will lend themselves
to hamon (temper line) development,
such as 1075 and W2. These blades will
generally find themselves wrapped or
fitted into natural handle materials. His
swords and other pieces will feature tra-
ditional Japanese wraps over stingray
skin. For the non-Japanese pieces, his
favorite handle material is sambar stag
followed closely by highly figured exotic
woods.
SCYTHE OF THE
ARCHANGEL AZRAEL
While I am not much on art-type
pieces, I like Ricks piece that he calls
the Scythe of the Archangel Azrael.
This sculpture of steel and wood would
be as at home in a museum as it would
on the battlefield. Im a big fan of
Japanese swords and Ricks take on the
wakizashi is both stunning and lethal. I
particularly like that he utilized 200-
year-old wrought iron to create the tsuba
(guard), as at that time a Samurai would
have been carrying that particular back-
up sword.
I like how Rick combines traditional
and contemporary, such as the case with
his Yakiba Bowie. Rick utilized a forged
and clay-tempered blade along with a
copper guard coupled with the antique
Japanese fuchi (sword fitting) as a ferrule.
THE PLAGUE HAWK RAZOR-
SHARP BACK SPIKE
Without a doubt, to date my favorite
piece Ive seen from Rick is his Plague
Barrett calls this design
Plaque Hawk Spike. It
features a razor-sharp
back spike.
KI_1305_74-80-LES 2/25/13 2:29 AM Page 77
AD INDEX
American Bladesmith Society 59
Bear and Son Cutlery 7
BladeGallery.com 15
Blue Line Gear 47
Blue Ridge Knives 65, 78
Chris Reeve Knives 25
Coast Products 23, 79
Diamond Machining Technology 55
GreatEasternCutlery 59
HallMark Cutlery 47, 83
Harbor Freight Tools 3
Jantz Supply 33, 42-43
John H. Davies Custom Knife Ma 79
Kershaw Knives 84
Niagara Specialty Metals 67
Olamic Cutlery 63
Paracord 65
Randall Made Knives 78
SOG Specialty Knives 39, 47
Southeastern Custom Knife Show 65
Spartan Blades USA 67
Spyderco Inc. 55
Tandy Leather Factory 47
TOPS Knives 5
Tormach LLC 83
W.R. Case & Sons Cutlery Co. 2, 17
Wilson Combat 67

Plaza Cutlery
3333 Bristol St. Ste 2060
Costa Mesa, CA 92626
(714) 549-3932
dan@plazacutlery.com
Rivers Edge Cutlery
3977 Trueman Blvd.
Hilliard, OH 43026
(614) 777-8833
customerservice@riversedgecutlery.com
Heimerdinger Cutlery Inc.
4207 Shelbyville Rd.
Louisville, KY 40207
(888) 267-9572
www.heimerdingercutlery.com
Attention Shop Owners:
The Direct Dealer Program
Draws consumers attention
to your business.
SIGN UP TODAY!
Call Dealer Sales at:
(239) 280-2380 or
email dealers@beckett.com
Find
Knives
Illustrated
At The
Shops
Near You!
KI_1305_78-AD INDEX 2/27/13 9:37 PM Page 78

KI_1305_79 3/3/13 10:34 PM Page 79
The Yakiba Bowie is a 10-inch
camp knife forged from W2, with
a copper guard, antique
Japanese fuchi (sword
fitting) as a ferrule and
African wenge
handle.
Hawk. At more
than 17 inches with
a head more than 8
inches, it features a main
cutting edge of 4 inches made
from -inch 3V. This hawk borders on
being a battleaxe (some would argue it
is). Take note that the back spike of this
particular hawk is razor sharp.
BLADE, BADGER
Although Rick is not taking orders,
the good news is that he currently does
attend two shows each year, the Badger
Show in Janesville, Wisconsin, and The
Blade Show in Atlanta, Georgia.
Ricks work is specialized with a look
all its own. If youre in the market for
something out of the ordinary, I would
suggest you talk with Rick.
A talented knifemaker with 20 years
of experience.
A different approach to a
tacticala modern blade
design coupled with a
traditional sharkskin-
wrapped Japanese-style
handleall carried in a
Kydex sheath.
PRICES, NUMBERS AND FACTS
$150 TO $1,500
The price range for his knives
$5,800 TO $15,000
The price range for his completed swords
HES NOT TAKING ORDERS
Ricks not taking orders. However, you can check out the extensive gallery
on his website, www.barrettcustomknives.com, where you can sign up
for his mailing list. Once youve signed up, you will be notified if any
pieces are available for immediate delivery.
REACH OUT
Contact Rick via email at toshihisa73@gmail.com
AND BY PHONE
574-533-4297
KI
KI_1305_74-80-LES 2/25/13 2:29 AM Page 80
SHOWS
APRIL 5-7, 2013
HARRISONBURG, VA
Shenandoah Valley Knife Collectors Show
Rockingham County Fairgrounds
540-828-0778
clubmail@svkc.org
www.svkc.org
APRIL 6-7, 2013
TULSA, OK
Wanenmachers Tulsa Arms Show
Expo Square
918-492-0401
www.tulsaarms.show
APRIL 13-14, 2013
DALLAS, TX
Lone Star Knife Expo
With Dallas Arms Collectors Show
Market Hall
972-839-1609
jmoen@moencustomknives.com
www.onestarknifeexpo.com
APRIL 13-14, 2013
EUGENE, OR
Oregon Knife Collectors Show
Lane County Fairgrounds
www.oregonknifeclub.oorg
APRIL 19-21, 2013
LEXINGTON, KY
Central Kentucky Knife Club Spring Show
Clarion Hotel
859-623-1419
thomp@adelphia.net
APRIL 27-28, 2013
NOVI, MI
Wolverine Show
Rock Financial Showplace
586-786-5549
www.wolverineknifecollectorsclub.com
patrickjdonovan@wowway.com
APRIL 27-28, 2013
MYSTIC, CT
NCCA Extravaganza Show
Northeast Cutlery Collectors Association
Mystic Hilton
401-596-6353
www.ncca.info
Lcliff1@verizon.net
MAY 4-5, 2013
SOLINGEN, GERMANY
Messer Macher Messe Knifemakers Show
Deutsches Klingenmuseum
www.messer-macher-messe.de
MAY 31-JUNE 02
MARIETTA, GA
Blade Show
Cobb Galleria Centre
877-746-9757
www.blademag.com
JUNE 13-15, 2013
SEVIERVILLE, TN
Parkers Greatest Knife Show On Earth
Sevier Events Center at Bridgemont
423-892-0448
www.bulldogknives.org
JULY 12-13, 2013
BELLEVILLE, IL
Belleville Knife Expo
Belle-Clair Fairgrounds
618-889-2563
bvilleknife@yahoo.com
JULY 26-27, 2013
PLEASANTVILLE, PA
Queen Cutlery Collectors Show
UPCOMING KNIFESHOWS
T
he shows listed here are knife shows and should not be confused with gun
and knife shows, at which a show promoter may have thrown in the and
knife, in hopes of luring a couple more tables of knife dealers.
Show locations and dates do change for a variety of reasons, so we recommend
contacting the show managers to confirm the date and location before traveling.
Pleasantville Fire Hall
814-827-3673
www.queencutlerycollectors.com
JULY 26-27, 2013
NEW HOLLAND, PA
Dutch Land Knife Show
Liberty Fire Co. No. 1
610-678-6132
JULY 26-27, 2013
ROGERS, AR
A.G. Russells Knife Event
John Q. Hammons Convention Center
www.knifeevent.com
AUGUST 3-4, 2013
CROSSVILLE, TN
Cumberland County Knife Show
Cumberland County Complex
931-484-6431
Donnie.moody@hotmail.com
SEPT. 20-22, 2013
LOUISVILLE, KY
Knifemakers Guild Show
Seelbach Hotel
502-585-3200
www.knifemakersguild.com
SEPT. 21-22, 2013
WINSTON-SALEM, NC
Southeastern Custom Knife Show
North Carolina Custom Knifemaker Guild
Benton Convention Center
336-593-8324
jbhege@embarqmail.com
www.ncknifeguild.com
OCT. 26, 2013
SAN DIEGO, CA
Art Knife Invitational
Sheraton Hotel
artknifeinvitational@gmail.com
WANT LISTED?
Producing a knife show? Please
let us know at
bvoyles@beckett.com.
KI

KI_1305_81-SHOWS 2/25/13 2:31 AM Page 81
On The
EDGE
RED FLAG
WORDS
BY J. BRUCE VOYLES
THEcheck is in the mail often means the check is not
in the mail.
That phrase has been said often enough that its entered the
American vernacular as an oxymoron. Its not the only one.
WORN-OUT PHRASES
Thousands of men have marched off to warand sometimes
to their makerrepeating, Gods on our side. Abraham Lin-
coln once remarked that although both sides in the Civil War
claimed that fact, he felt it impossible that God could be on
both sides. Napoleon Bonaparte sized it up more succinctly
when he noted that God was usually on the side with the most
battalions.
Shop-worn phrases such as these are merely buzzwords that
hoist the red flag and alert the listener that the words that fol-
lowand the actions those words describemay not be sincere.
In my experience, when Ive been told, its business, it usual-
ly meant I was going to be, or had just been, screwed. When
they say its only business, its never only business.
Other phrases border on outright lies. For instance, when
your dentist says, this is only going to hurt a little bit, or the
pilot comes over the PA and announces, Please buckle up, its
going to be a little bumpy.
HOIST THE RED FLAG
Ive added additional phrases to my red flag list, some you
may have heard lately.
For the children may seem to be for the children at first, but
it will not be for long. There have been so many boondoggles
foisted on the American public under the guise of being for the
children that the depths of hell must be crammed with such
perpetrators (and rightly so).
Most often, one will find it uttered when some local govern-
ment needs some extra dollars so they float a temporary tax de-
voted to the school system, for the kids. I do not know of a single
one of those temporary taxes that did not become permanent.
The pro-lottery forces overcame the anti-gambling factions in
many states by designating lottery funds to scholarships and
schools for the children. What they did not say is when the
lottery money starts rolling in they take away the funding from
other sources, and soon the lottery is almost totally funding the
schoolsand the schools have no more money than they had
pre-lottery. When you have to wrap your cause with for the
children, the cause is often suspect and at the least bears close
scrutiny.
OBJECTIVE JOURNALISM?
I was taught in Journalism school that good journalism meant
we objectively reported the situation, gave a fair airing to both
sides of a question, and let the reader decide based on accurate
reporting of the facts from both sides.
Today, when reading newspapers, watching the news or read-
ing online new reports, I realize that objective fairness is as rare
as world peaceanother impossible phrase that men have
sought for centuries, but never achieved.
KNIVES & SWORDS
There are some phrases I hear a lot these days that send up
larger red flags than usual. I will preface those phrases with a re-
minder that the Second Amendment to the U. S. Constitution,
as upheld by the U. S. Supreme Court in recent years, says we as
Americans have the right to keep and bear arms. Not only
guns, but knives, swords and other sharp objects to which we
brothers of the blade have a certain affinity.
In some places the population does not have that right. You
will find elsewhere in this issue a brief note about Finland ban-
ning the carrying of knives without a permit beginning in 1977.
A number of European countries have banned lockback knives.
The United Kingdom has a full-blown assault on what they call
knife thugs, including knife turn-in campaigns.
When I hear an American politician start off with I believe
in the Second Amendment, followed almost as quick with, I
have fired a gun, I have hunted, but... , I know what follows is
not going to be the sincere words of a gun and knife owner who
believes in non-infringed ownership of arms. The phrases fol-
lowing the but are invariably followed with an appeal for re-
striction, registration or outright banning. True gun and knife
owners do not start sentences with I believe in the Second
Amendment. Instead, they begin with I have the right guaran-
teed by the U.S. Constitution.
Along the same lines is the phrase common sense. Ive yet to
hear anyone utter the words common sense gun control or
common sense immigration policy or common sense (you fill
in the word) that made a single bit of common sense to me.
What is common sense anyway? Translation: If you do not
agree with me 100 percent when I precede my words with com-
mon sense, then obviously you have none.
If you have to say that it makes common sense, I suggest that
it doesnt. Otherwise, why would you have to point it out?
I recognize there may be exceptions to what I have itemized
abovebut the exceptions are as rare as a pretty girl in an insur-
ance commercial finding a real French model to date over the
Internet. Bonjour.
KI
KI-1305-82-EDGE 2/25/13 2:32 AM Page 82
www.tormach.com/knives
Tormach PCNC 1100 Series 3
$8480 (plus shipping)
For more information visit www.tormach.com or call 608.849.8381
Shown here with optional
stand, LCD, keyboard arm,
tool rack and keyboard
Knifemakers around the world are using Tormach PCNC milling machines to add new dimensions
to their craft. Todays top blade artists are embracing CNC technology to shape and sculpt blades
and handles, cut precision blade locks and other mechanisms, and customize designs
with engraving and detail.
Precise computer control, sensorless vector spindle technology, and a rock
solid cast iron frame combine to make a mill that is up to the task for
cutting the most demanding alloys - D2, CPMS30V, 440C, ATS-34, Titanium,
and more.
Each Tormach PCNC 1100
Series 3 features:
""OO lbs oast iron oonstruotion
Oround P4 ballsorews and single shot lubrioation
Preoision RB spindle "OO to LOOO RPl with
veotor drive teohnology
Lltraquiet polyphase stepper
notors featuring advanoed
Leadshine

teohnology. Offers
inproved torque, preoision,
and speed up to ""O
lPl
Conputer oontrolled
spindle speed and
direotion
P1lL bonded slideways
[sinilar to
1uroite

)
Lasy to use in nanual
or autonatio nodes
Affordable expansion
options, inoluding 4th
Axis, Autonatio 1ool
Changer, and nore
The ultimate tool for the modern craftsman.
Cutting Edge Artists Choose Tormach Mills
Knifemaker, PCNC
1100 owner and
host of the popular
web series Knifemaking
Tuesdays John Grimsmo.
Scan the QR code below
to learn more about John and
watch episodes online.
KI_1305_C3 2/22/13 4:41 AM Page C3
Introducing the ZT0566.
See more at ztknives.com
TEETH
21
st
century
The original cutting tool was the
sharp tooth of a stalking predator.
Next came the blade.
After thousands of years of evolution,
Zero Tolerance was born.
KI_1305_C4 2/22/13 4:44 AM Page C4

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MAY 2013 DISPLAY UNTIL: 05/7/13

VOLUME 27, NO.3 $5.99 U.S.

KI_1305_12-16-COVER 2/25/13 2:15 AM Page 13

KI_1305_12-16-COVER 2/25/13 2:16 AM Page 16

KI_1305_60-66-CLINT 2/24/13 11:28 PM Page 61

The many different functions of the

KI_1305_68-73-ABE 2/27/13 2:42 AM Page 68

Even though its not the same thing

Make sure to get the nail polish in the

Ricks take on the

KI_1305_74-80-LES 2/25/13 2:28 AM Page 75

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