Knives Illustrated - April 2014 USA

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Knive s Illustra te d - Apr il 2014 USA - slide pdf.c om

knivesillustrated.com MARCH/APRIL 2014 • DISPLAY UNTIL: 4/22/14

VOLUME 28, NO.2 • $5.99 U.S. 04

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7 1658 0 3124

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Ready whenever you are, wherever life takes you. Carbon Fiber Case Knives

The unparalleled combination of strength and feather-light weight of Carbon Fiber has made it one of the most favored reinforced polymers for many of today’s high-tech industries, from sporting goods to automotive and even aerospace. Now Case brings you Carbon Fiber pocket knives – tough tools that are up to 40% lighter than their bone or synthetic handled counterparts. Seven handy patterns the Case Carbon Fiber family, each withmake satinup finished Tru-Sharp™ surgical steel blades that are ready for heavy duty work. Available at Case dealers everywhere. BackPocket® #42945

Knives not shown at full scale.

Additional models available Sod Buster, Jr.® #42941

Trapper #42940

Folding Hunter #42947

Lockback

Medium Stockman

Sod Buster

#42942

#42946

#42943

www.wrcase.com | www.facebook.com/wrcase http://slide pdf.c om/re a de r/full/knive s-illustra te d-a pr il-2014-usa

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SANTI D2 - MSRP: $121 AUS-8 - MSRP: $104

Multi-National Designs, Made in Russia Kizlyar Supreme utilizes the highest tech processes and materials available today to produce superior performance knives. Tey are backed by a multinational team of talented designers and engineers from Russia, Germany, Australia and Japan. See the full line of high-quality knives at http://casiberia.com.

BIKER Z

DELTA

VENDETTA http://casiberia.com | (800) 635-9366

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MARCH/APRIL 2014 VOLUME 28, NO. 2 www.knivesillustrated.com

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SPECIAL SECTION: THE BEST OF SHOT 48 The hottest new products from W.R. Case, Spyderco, CRKT and more, including: • • •

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Trending: Aggressive bushcraft blades The best collaborations with custom designers Multifunctional knives and tools

63

FEATURES 1 8 Carving Their Place

How young company Behring Made found fast success in the knife world BY CHRIS LA TRAY

26 Ultimate Durability

KA-BAR’s Crewman offers first-rate durability for military and everyday users alike BY CLINT THOMPSON

34 Survival of the Fittest

Buck’s expert-designed Hood Thug withstands the toughest tasks BY JIM WEISS & MICKEY DAVIS

KNIVES ILLUSTRATED (ISSN 0898-8943) Vol. 28, No. 2 is published 7 times a year, January/February, March/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 of󿬁ces. POSTMASTER: send address changes to Knives Illustrated c/o Beckett Media, 4635 McEwen Road, Dallas, TX 75244. Return undeliverable Canadian addresses to: PITNEY BOWES, INC, P.O. Box 25542, London, ON N6C 6B2 GST#855050365RT001 © 2014 by Beckett Media, LLC. All rights reserved. Reproduction of any material from this issue in whole or in part is strictly prohibited.

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18 MARCH/APRIL 2014 Volume 28 • Number 2

EDITORIAL

Editorial Director: Doug Jeffrey Editor: Bethany Miller Managing Editor: Jeffrey Rick Art Director: Ronald Abella Creative Director: Eric Knagg

CONTRIBUTORS

Mickey Davis, Abe Elias, Terrill Hoffman, Clint Thompson, Jim Weiss

ADVERTISING

Gabe Frimmel: Ad Sales Director (714) 200-1930

[email protected] David Beckler: Senior Account Executive (972) 448-9173 Casey Clifford: Senior Account Executive (717) 896-8956 Mark Pack: Senior Account Executive (714) 200-1939 Gennifer Merriday: Ad Traf󿬁c Coordinator

DIRECT MARKETING GROUP

John Bartulin (866) 866-5146 ext. 2746 Paul Caca (866) 866-5146 ext. 4961 Ryan Lauro (866) 866-5146 ext. 2756 Mary Ann Jaca (866) 866-5146 ext 2716

OPERATIONS

Gus Alonzo: Newsstand Sales & Marketing Manager Celia Sharma: Merriday: Newsstand Analyst Business Analytics Manager Amit Mohit Patel: Newsstand & Production Analyst Alberto Chavez: Senior Logistics & Facilities Manager John Cabral: Creative Graphic Designer

COLUMNS 1 0 Points of Interest The Latest Goings-On in the Knife World

1 4 Behind the Scenes A Q&A with Fox Knives USA

42 In the Spotlight The Best of Custom Blades

82 Show and Tell Readers Show Off Their Favorite Knives

EDITORIAL, PRODUCTION & SALES OFFICE 22840 Savi Ranch Parkway, #200 Yorba Linda, CA 92887 (714) 939-9991 Fax: (800) 249-7761 www.knivesillustrated.com facebook.com/knivesillustrated facebook.com/eembybeckett

KNIVES ILLUSTRATED (ISSN 0898-8943) Vol. 28, No. 2 is published 7 times a year, January/February, March/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 of󿬁ces. POSTMASTER: send address changes to Knives Illustrated c/o Beckett Media, 4635 McEwen Road, Dallas, TX 75244. Return undeliverable Canadian addresses to: PITNEY BOWES, INC, P.O. Box 25542, London, ON N6C 6B2 GST#855050365RT001 © 2014 by Beckett Media, LLC. All rights reserved. Reproduction of any material from this issue in whole or in part is strictly prohibited.

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Cover photography by TERRILL HOFFMAN

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$17.95/1 year, $27.95 2/years. Foreign $29.95/1, $51.95/2 years payable in US funds. Single copy price is $5.99. Please allow 6 to 8 weeks for new subscriptions to begin.

Beckett Media, LLC Nick Singh: Executive Director Erin Masercola: Business Unit Editorial Director

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Knives Illustrated is your guide to the best knives -- hunting, chef ’s, tactical, outdoor, collectibles, and more.

Download the FREE APP and get a 1-year subscription (6 issues) for only $12.99 and save 64% off newsstands! You can also purchase single issues for only $3.99.

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EDITOR’S

“ALL OUR FAVORITE KNIFE COMPANIES ARE CONTINUING TO UP THEIR GAME IN 2014, AND AS LONG AS THEY DO, WE’LL CONTINUE TO UP OUR OWN GAME IN RETURN.”

LETTER

Big Things Ahead

SPYDERCO DOMINO

Courtesy of Spyderco

f I had to describe the 2014 SHOT show in one word, that word would

Ibe BIG.

The venue, the Sands Expo and Convention Center, boasts some big numbers: The event spanned 635,000 square feet, packed wall to wall with more than 1,600 exhibits and some 67,000 attendees. It was such a labyrinth that at one point I found myself navigating the good ol’ fashioned way with a map and compass. But the show itself isn’t the only thing

Wenger; big anniversaries, like Case’s 125th year in business; or big products — literally! (You should have seen the machete on our cover in person.) All of these things have resulted in one big special section; nearly half of this issue is devoted to giving our readers a glimpse of the best, most exciting products we saw in Las Vegas. Perhaps most importantly, though, I

I’d call BIG. Plenty of companies had big news, like Victorinox’s merger with

left SHOT sensing that there are BIG things in store for this magazine. There’s

8 KNIVES ILLUSTRATED • MARCH-APRIL 2014 http://slide pdf.c om/re a de r/full/knive s-illustra te d-a pr il-2014-usa

nothing quite like spending a few days completely immersed in handling and learning about the hottest, highest-quality, most innovative new products to kick-start your inspiration. All our favorite knife companies are continuing to up their game in 2014, and as long as they do, we’ll continue to up our own game in return. We’re excited about what lies ahead for the rest of the year and beyond — and we hope that after reading this issue, you will be too! KI — Bethany Miller knivesillustrated.com 8/84

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UPCOMING EVENTS

POINTS of

Dates and locations subject to change; please contact the show managers before arranging your travel.

INTEREST

ONGOING THROUGH JUNE 22

LITTLE ROCK, AR A Sure Defense: The Bowie Knife in America (501) 324-9351

Name the Maker CORRECTLY IDENTIFY THE MAKER OF THIS KNIFE TO WIN A FREE SUBSCRIPTION PHOTO BY ERIC EGGLY HINT:The maker of

this sword has specialized in samurai sword craftsmanship since 1983. He studied 3-D design, sculpture and art in college, then turned to bladesmithing after he began learning martial arts. While his swords are designs from the Far East, his business is based on the East Coast.

www.historicarkansas.org/whatsnew MARCH 28-30

JANESVILLE, WI Annual Badger Knife Show (414) 479-9765 [email protected] www.badgerknifeclub.org APRIL 4-6

HARRISONBURG, VA Greater Shenandoah Valley Knife Show (540) 828-0778 [email protected] www.svkc.org APRIL 12-13

EUGENE, OR Oregon Knife Show [email protected] www.oregonknifeclub.org MAY 3-4

MYSTIC, CT Northeast Cutlery Collectors Association Annual Show (401) 742-6779 [email protected] www.ncca.info JUNE 6-8

ATLANTA, GA Blade Show (877) 746-9757 [email protected] www.bladeshow.com JULY 31- AUG. 3

LOUISVILLE, KY Knifemakers’ Guild Show (502) 585-3200 www.knifemakersguild.com

HOW TO WIN

If you correctly identify the maker of the featured knife, you will be entered into a drawing for a free one-year subscription to Knives Illustrated. If you’re already a subscriber, you may choose to extend your current subscription or to receive a subscription to one of our sister magazines, Gun World or Bow & Arrow Hunting. All entries must be received by 4 p.m. PST on April 15. Winners are determined by placing entries in numerical order and generating a random number using www.random.org. Please submit guesses to [email protected] and specify preferred prize option. Please also include the mailing address where youyour would like to receive your subscription should you win. 1 0 KNIVES ILLUSTRATED • MARCH-APR IL 2014 http://slide pdf.c om/re a de r/full/knive s-illustra te d-a pr il-2014-usa

We congratulate Knives Illustrated reader Alice Ieronimo, who correctly identified Bill Tuch as the maker of the knife featured in our December issue.

AUG. 15-17

DENVER, CO Denver Custom Knife Show (785) 820-6928 [email protected] www.proknifemakers.com SEPT. 13-14

WINSTON-SALEM, NC Southeastern Custom Knife Show www.southeasterncustomknifeshow.com knivesillustrated.com 10/84

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TWO is better than One Subscribe Now and SAVE BIG

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FAQ Since our annual buyer’s guide hit newsstands and mailboxes in November, we’ve received numerous emails asking about the maker of this knife, which appeared on page 8, the intro to our tactical section. This blade was crafted by Martin Knives, located in Caddo Mills, Texas. n a m f f o H l l i r

• Website: www.martinknives.com • Email: [email protected] • Phone: (903) 527-5893

r e T y b o t o h P

RecordBreakers WORLD’S MOST

MULTIFU NCTIONAL PEN KNIFE:

With 87 tools capable of performing 141 functions, Wenger Swiss Army’s Giant is hardly a practical everyday carry. But this Guinness record holder is surely a tantalizing novelty for multitool enthusiasts and collectors alike. The Giant measures only 3.25 inches in length, but a whopping 8.75 inches in width and 2 pounds, 11 ounces in weight. It comes with a custom-engraved plaque, lifetime warranty and hefty $2,150 price tag. WORLD’S SMALLEST KNIFE:

Created by the University of Colorado’s National Institute of Standard and Technology, the world’s first micro-knife or nanoknife is so tiny it’s invisible to the naked eye. The nanoknife was designed for scientific and medical use to obtain microscopic cell samples and is recognized by Guinness World Records.

Bowie Chamber of Commerce in December 2013. If all goes well, the knife will be more than 20 feet long and will be displayed as a memorial in Bowie’s Pelham Park. WORLD’S LARGEST BUTTER KNIFE:

WORLD’S LARGEST BOWIE KNIFE:

Swedish woodworking instructor Claes Blixt is vying for the Guinness World Record for largest butter knife, which he finished crafting in August 2013. The knife measures 8 feet, 1 inch long

The city of Bowie, Texas, is hoping to set the world record for largest Bowie knife. A fundraising campaign was launched by the

and weighs 62.8 pounds. The World Record Academy has recognized the knife, but Guinness’ recognition is still pending. KI

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BEHINDthe

SCENES

American Revolution HOW FOX KNIVES IS BRINGING NEW LIFE TO THE U.S. KNIFE MARKET STORY BY BETHANY MI LLER PHOTOS COURTESY OF FOX KNIV ES USA

T

his month, we spoke with Mike Vellekamp, a longtime designer and fixture in the knife industry who’s now owner of Fox Knives USA. Can you give us a brief rundown of your company history? We started off by distributing products from our Italybased parent company, Fox Cutlery, and now we are focused on manufacturing Fox USA products here in Puyallup, Washington, for global distribution.

Is there a particular philosophy that drives the way Fox Knives USA runs its business? Yes: “Customer first.” We pride ourselves on our ability to adapt to the ever-changing economy and industry to provide the best support possible for our various customers, from original equipment manufacturers, to distributors, to dealers or retail. We strive to offer the best materials, best workmanship and best customer service. What is your research and development process like, how do you conceptualize new products, who is responsible for that process, etc.? Through my many years experience in the knife industry — and especially when I worked for Spyderco — I’ve learned to turn to the most educated members of the knifemaking/knife industry community for many answers. However, we do a great deal of research here on our own.

1 4 KNIVES ILLUSTRATED • MARCH-APRIL 2014 http://slide pdf.c om/re a de r/full/knive s-illustra te d-a pr il-2014-usa

ABOUT THE INTERVIEWEE NAME: Mike Vellekamp TITLE: Co-founder/owner HOW LONG HAVE YOU WORKED THERE? Since 2009


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Olympian series

“WE WANT TO CONTRIBUTE TO THE RETURN OF AMERICAN MANUFACTURING AND EXPORTING OF FINE GOODS.” —MIKE VELLEKAMP

k n i v e s i l l u s t ra t e d . c o m http://slide pdf.c om/re a de r/full/knive s-illustra te d-a pr il-2014-usa

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“FEW COMPANIES STILL PRODUCE ALL THEIR KNIVES IN THE U.S., AND I’M GLAD WE’RE ABLE TO DO SO RIGHT HERE IN PUYALLUP [WA].”

ABOUT THE COMPANY HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN IN BUSINESS?

Since 2009 HOW MANY EMPLOYEES DO YOU HAVE?

—MIKE VELLEKAMP

It fluctuates between five and 10 based on production WEBSITE: www.foxknivesusa.com

For instance, I recently met with some folks at a unique research and development lab here at the University of Washington to discuss some ideas for a new design. We do a lot of testing and breaking things before we bring a new product to market. As far as conceptualizing new products goes, sometimes it’s a new design that

comes from collaboration with a custom

Well, it has to be the Amico and the

knifemaker. Other times, concepts come directly out of the design talent here in Fox Knives USA or Fox Knives Italy. Gabriele Frati (son of Fox Italy founder Oreste Frati) and I are responsible for planning the addition of new designs into the product line.

Olympian series, which are our newest Fox USA lines. Few companies still produce all their knives in the U.S., and I’m glad we’re able to do so right here in Puyallup.

What product or line are you most proud of, to date, and why?

What upcoming product or line are you most excited about? We collaborated with custom knifemaker Jens Anso on our Zero series. These

Anso RH3 series



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knives feature several new blade designs

earth, and every customer comes first.

We want to focus on more USA designs

by Roland Hinojosa III with the existing

We’re thankful for every order, large or

and USA-made products for sale not only

Anso Knives handle designs.

small!

stateside, but also across the globe. We want to contribute to the return of Ameri-

Personally and from a company’s perspective, what have been your greatest challenges in this industry? What challenges do you foresee ahead?

What are Fox’s goals as a company for the near and distant future?

can manufacturing and exporting of fine goods.

KI

I suppose the biggest challenge is educating the knife community about the importance of buying from an American company to stimulate the economy — rather than “saving” money by buying an outsourced product.

What keeps your customers coming back? I think it’s the fact that we’re down to

Amico series

Amico in black

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CARVING THEIR PLACE HOW YOUNG COMPANY BEHRING MADE FOUND FAST SUCCESS IN THE KNIFE WORLD STORY AND PHOTOS BY CHRIS LA TRAY

M

ontana knifemaker James Behring looks a bit sheepish as he tells the story. “One guy cut his finger. He pulled a knife out of the sheath like he was just gonna… ” Behring makes a flourish like a knight drawing a sword, “and he had to get seven stitches. Blood just dusted the whole display.” Behring smiles. “The thing is he was gonna buy three knives and after he cut his finger he bought six.” This is a tale from the vendor floor of the Mathews Dealer show in Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin, this past December. Mathews Inc. is one of the largest and most successful bow and archery accessories manufacturers in the world. Behring and his threeman crew of knifemakers were there at the culmination of a lengthy process that saw them successfully earn a contract to sell Behring knives co-branded with the Mathews logo to an army of Mathews dealers. These knives span three lines with four models, including handle variations, different blade finishes, the works. The crew piled into a Ford Explorer with 40 knives and drove 27 straight hours over icy roads and temperatures of 30 degrees below zero to get there — and they were thrilled to do it.

Getting a Kickstart Mathews representatives told Behring that getting a new product off the ground typically takes three years, but Behring has come out of the gate strong and hopes to cut that process time in half.



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“PEOPLE ASKED US, ‘CAN YOU MAKE THIS OR THAT’ AND WE WERE LIKE, ‘BUDDY, WE CAN MAKE WHATEVER YOU WANT!’ ” —JAMES BEHRING knivesillustrated.com http://slide pdf.c om/re a de r/full/knive s-illustra te d-a pr il-2014-usa


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James Behring hopes to continue upgrading the machinery in Behring Made’s workshop, which operates out of Missoula, Montana.



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“These Mathews knives are a lightweight cutting tool,” Behring says. “They aren’t hack and chop and prying, hard-use knives. Black on black, clear coat, we’re doing a marine epoxy layer; it’s like a waterproof all-purpose knife. Handmade, American Made, even at full retail of $160 on that knife you’re still paying about the same as what you’d pay for a dozen arrows. People loved them.” The Behring team was also approached by dealers who, in addition to selling Mathews products, sell their own brands. Many were intrigued by what Behring was doing. “People asked us, ‘Can you make this or that’ and we were like, ‘Buddy, we can make whatever you want!’ ” Behring says. “I don’t think people are used to hearing that these days. They’re more used to hearing, ‘No, no, we can’t do that.’ ” Gaining a partnership with a behemoth like Mathews is an impressive accomplishment, particularly for a company only in its third year of existence. James Behring grew up in Michigan, went to college to be a teacher, and then after graduating decided the last place he wanted to be was in a classroom again. He preferred being out in the wilds hunting and fishing, a lifestyle he’d enjoyed his entire life. The knife trade appealed to him; he learned the skill from his father, married a girl from Montana, and relocated to Missoula. After a few months acclimating — and fly fishing — he moved into his current shop and started Behring Made in September of 2011.

“WE CAN DO YOUR LOGO, WE CAN DO BLADE COLOR, WE CAN MATCH FINISHES — REALLY, THE SKY’S THE LIMIT.” —JAMES BEHRING

Behind the Scenes

Behring’s crew — Travis Williams, Dustin Millard and Grant Cunningham — have been with him almost from the start. None of them had any previous knifemak-

BEH RING TECHNICAL F-1 LENGTH: 12 inches BLADE: 7 inches, O1 tool steel HANDLE: Micarta grips with custom-made,

black oxide-coated screws SPECIAL FEATURES: Extra-long finger guard, included all-weather sheath, 100 percent USA-made, lifetime guarantee

CONTACT BEHRING MADE

P.O. Box 17317 Missoula, MT 59808 (406) 926-1193 [email protected] www.behringmade.com


James Behring founded Behring Made in 2011. Within that short time, he and his three-person team have crafted hundreds of custom knives.


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ing skills; Behring taught each of them what they needed to know and they got to work. In 2012 they made more than 900 knives, all custom, and sold every one. But that was just the beginning of where Behring wanted to take his business. “2013 was about a big marketing push,” Behring says. Not in a traditional sense either, where money is thrown around via advertisements and mass mailings. “It was about trying to get deals going with other large, corporate hunting and outfitting organizations and do cross-branding projects. Use their marketing and my quality of work and create really a competitive profit margin for their dealers so that everybody is benefiting from this venture.” Cooper Firearms of Montana is another example a Behring high-end of rifle maker ispartnership. located justThe south of Missoula in Stevensville. A friend of a friend tipped Behring off that the boutique rifle maker was looking for a knifemaking partner, so Behring drove down to introduce himself. “Cooper had this project they wanted to do; they make these real high-end guns and they wanted a knife to go with them,” Behring says. “We came in, we made something like six or seven prototypes. But they’re not knife guys, they’re gun guys, so they don’t really know what they want. So you keep making them stuff and they’re like, ‘Well, can you change this?’ ” Behring Made managed to secure the deal. They matched knives to three different rifles, mirroring the wood, checkering and engraving. These knives began traveling to shop shows in January. Next up? Discussions about a technical knife to go along with Cooper’s mountain rifles. “These knives are gonna be seen at the SHOT Show and they’re going to be in between five and seven print ads,” Behring said. “We’ll get some good exposure that way.”

Additional exposure came courtesy of Sporting Classics magazine as well. Behring produced a a two-knife kitchen cutlery set — a 3.75-inch paring knife and a 7-inch chef’s knife — that appeared in

sions are underway for Behring Made to produce up to 175 knives as part of the annual Sporting Classics “Knife of the Year” spread. Working with these larger companies presents unique challenges. Things tend to move much, much slower. “One thing about the business I didn’t anticipate is the time — the lead time,” Behring says. “The time from concept to production is six months on some of this stuff, to a year. I drew this stuff up last winter.” In addition, there are large companies Behring is engaged with — with thousands of dollars already invested in design and prototypes — that are months past the date they promised an answer. “Patience is the name of the game with corporations,” Behring says. “But if that

guy upstairs and maybe makes room for another.” In the meantime, Behring Made has gotten smarter and more efficient with the process of making knives. They have invested heavily in reorganizing and upgrading the shop, adding a new compressor, a new mill machine, quench tank, and new dust collector — all geared toward the day that first big production order comes in. “I’m really excited to make a big run of all the same knife. We’ve never done more than (about) 30,” Behring says. The Behring team also has honed their capabilities. If a company engages them in a project, Behring knows exactly what they’re capable of. “It’s about three to six months from concept to prototype,”

the magazine’s Christmas catalog. The magazine was so pleased that discus-

deal goes through, and we get an order for 500 knives, that ensures the job of one

Behring says. “We can do a couple prototype revisions, and then we can make a

Gaining Momentum

22




5/26/2018


STEALTH SKINNER

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Grant Cunningham, one of the members of the small knifemaking team, explains how Behring Made chooses blade and handle materials. “We tend to stick with high-carbon tool steels because we've found it to be the best median between edge retention and ease of working in a new one. Lately, we've been adding more stainless steel into our forge for variety, and we've been consistently satisfied with the final product so it's definitely something you'll be seeing more of from Behring Made.” “We use copper, brass and nickel silver for our guard materials, and I'd say we most commonly use stag for handle materials. We're really into the concept of ‘your grand-dad's knife,’ and the nostalgia of a stag handle as well as the durability and one-of-akind texture that each piece provides makes it the ideal choice.” “However, we do plenty of ivory knives like the Artifact Walrus Fighter, as well as Micarta, and even exotic woods with truly remarkable burls. Many customers will send us in their own materials — anything from family heirlooms to .50 caliber casings fired in combat. We can pretty much put a blade in anything.”

24

couple hundred a month, from that point on, with a couple months of lead time. So by the end of that first year they’re gonna have about 400 or 500 knives. We can do your logo, we can do blade color, we can match finishes — really, the sky’s the limit.”

Even though he’s responsible for making the deals, Behring remains 100 percent hands-on when it comes to production. He does all the grinding, all the blades, all the handles, layout and design. The rest of the labor is divided up among the other three workers. Even the graphic design for all of their printed materials is handled in-house. “We all work together on design concepts, construction, what’s the best product to use for this versus that, all that,” Behring says. He’s enthusiastic when speaking about the guys in his shop, and the work they’re doing. “I’m trying to create careers, not jobs. I would

Meanwhile, the custom knife business remains Behring Made’s bread and butter. There’s a solid flow of orders every month that come through via the Internet, knives that customers can configure just the way they want them. In 2014, they plan to upgrade the website even more; creating a portal for their own line of technical knives, for example, as well as access to vendors to place orders directly online. Like most success stories, Behring hangs the rapid growth and accomplishments of his young company on one thing: hard work. “We’re hustling. We don’t have business degrees,” he says. “I have the most college education of any of us, and I was an English major, for God sakes! I read literature for four years, I didn’t learn anything about financing or marketing or any of that stuff.” But those handicaps have hardly slowed Behring Made down. “(We’ll) make a game plan, execute, and see where we

be so happy if this work could support 10 families in this community.”

end up,” Behring says. So far, so good. KI

A Team Effort




5/26/2018


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5/26/2018


“IT’S IMMEDIATELY OBVIOUS THAT [THE CREWMAN] WAS FORGED FROM THE FIELD-TESTED KNOWLEDGE OF WHAT MAKES A GREAT UTILITY KNIFE.”



5/26/2018


KA-BAR’S CREWMAN OFFERS FIRST-RATE DURABILITY FOR MILITARY AND EVERYDAY USERS ALIKE STORY AND PHOTOS BY CLINT THOMPSON

t only makes sense for a world-

I

class knife designer and worldclass manufacturer to collaborate on a world-class knife.



5/26/2018


The KA-BAR Crewman was designed in partnership with Ethan Becker to be carried by military flight c rews.

The polyester sheath is the only component of the Crewman not made in America. It’s durable and MO LLE-compatible. The double straps ensure the knife remains secured in place no matter what.



5/26/2018




5/26/2018


This is exactly what happened when

The blade is 1.63 inches

I immediately fell in love

KA-BAR, with its century-long history of

with the clip point on the

SPECIFICATIONS

excellence, teamed up with leading de-

blade. The clip point’s design

LENGTH: 10.9 inches

signer Ethan Becker to produce the KA-

makes it ultra-strong and capable of handling the most

BAR BK-10 Crewman. I’m a longtime fan of both KA-BAR and Becker, so I jumped at the chance to review this knife.

punishing use. I typically recommend that a utility/combat knife should measure between

BLADE: 5.5 inches,

1095 Cro-Van HANDLE: Zytel WEIGHT: 12 ounces INCLUDED: Heavyduty, MOLLEcompatible polyester sheath

This knife is, without question, a great-

4 and 6 inches, with the sweet spot being long enough to be

looking knife. It’s immediately obvious that

effective, but short enough for

it was forged from the field-tested knowledge of what makes a great utility knife.

easy carry and deployment. At 5.5 inches,

First Impressions

the Crewman’s blade is perfect.

wide, which makes sense; the Crewman was not designed for tactical combat use, for which a narrower blade would be preferable. This wider blade suited my concept of a good utility knife and is sturdy enough to dig a small hole in frozen ground, which I did easily in less than two minutes.

While the Crewman itself is 100 percent USA-made, the sheath was made in

The Crewman held its own under even the most punishing tests. After extensive abuse to put the knife through its paces, the blade was only slightly scuffed.



5/26/2018


“I HAD NO PROBLEM CHOPPING THROUGH 2- TO 3-INCH LIMBS IN A WHACK OR TWO.” China. While I wish it had been made stateside to round out a

tended, serious chopping, the handle did not allow any irritating

completely American-made product, the sheath is well designed

vibration, which even other quality knives often do. I had no

to be MOLLE compatible and works effectively.

problem chopping through 2- to 3-inch limbs in a whack or two. This makes the Crewman an optimal tool for building a shelter

Hands-On

quickly, if necessary.

Right out of the box, the Crewman’s handle appears to be a

I took this bad boy out to the woods, where I found plenty of

little large, but it fit my average-sized hand perfectly. During ex-

things to give the blade a workout. Even after repeated stabbing, prying and twisting in hard wood, the tip was undamaged. To test whether the Crewman would snap, I wedged the blade between two planks and hung my full 220 pounds from the handle. The knife held well, sparing me from injuries I’ve sustained while performing the same test on other knives. The only sign of abuse afterward was some slight wear to the black finish along the point and first inch of the blade. CONTACT INFO KA-BAR

The pommel of the Crewman is nearly an inch long, which came in

200 Homer St. Olean, NY 14760 (716) 372-5952 www.kabar.com

handy for pounding and smashing various objects. I drove a bolt into a metal gate with a good whack, and the pommel was no worse for wear, proving

Find us on

Discover the premier knife magazine.

www.facebook.com/knivesillustrated



5/26/2018


“EVEN THOUGH THE CREWMAN WAS DESIGNED WITH MILITARY PROFESSIONALS IN MIND, I CAN SEE SOME SERIOUS VALUE FOR THE CIVILIAN POPULATION.” that both ends of the knife are up to the toughest of tasks.

Universally Useful

such as backpackers and hunters. At only 12 ounces, it won’t weigh down a rucksack and will fit easily into a standard camping gear kit. I also highly recommend the Crewman

Even though the Crewman was designed with military professionals in mind, I can see some serious value for the civil-

for those who wish to practice their sur-

ian population. In particular, this knife

demanding uses and will be a fine addi-

could be a valuable asset to outdoorsmen

tion to a bug-out bag.

vival techniques. It’s fit for any number of

The result of a collaboration between CREWMAN HIGHLIGHTS

such a first-rate designer and well-estab-

• 100-percent American-made (excluding sheath) • Perfect blade length for maximum versatility • Extremely durable • Useful for both military and civilians

lished company, it should come as no surprise that the KA-BAR Becker Crewman is a strong, versatile tool that will serve its owner for many years to come.

The Crewman’s beefy handle is just as tough as the blade. The pommel can safely and effectively be used for pounding and crushing.


KI

The shape, strength and width of the Crewman’s blade make it an optimal tool for digging holes in a hurry.

“THE KA-BAR BECKER CREWMAN IS A STRONG, VERSATILE TOOL THAT WILL SERVE ITS OWNER FOR MANY YEARS TO COME.”


5/26/2018


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33/84

5/26/2018


BUCK’S EXPERT-DESIGNED HOOD THUG WITHSTANDS THE TOUGHEST TASKS BY JIM WEISS AND MICKEY DAVIS

EXTREME conditions demand an extreme knife. To meet that need, Buck Knives teamed up with knife designer Ron Hood to produce the Buck/Hood Thug. The multifunctional Thug is both light enough to be easily carried and also heavy duty enough to withstand the most rigorous wilderness use and abuse. The Basics

What makes this USA-made knife so tough? For one, the steel is triple heat-treated to draw out its hardness—in addition to the standard oil quenching. It’s finished with a sprayed-on powder coating, then baked and cured at a low temperature. The result is a blade that’s not only high-carbon, but high-performance.



5/26/2018


“THE RESULT IS A BLADE THAT IS NOT ONLY HIGH-CARBON, BUT HIGHPERFORMANCE.”



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A particularly attractive feature of the knife is Buck’s Shock Mitigation System (SMS) in the form of a hollow shank. This system reduces wasted energy when chopping, sparing the user of much fatigue during use. The large finger choil provides con-

Granger said he pictures a deer with a full rack hanging out in a pool hall, tattooed, smoking and drinking while obnoxiously flirting with the cocktail waitress. Since Ron Hood and the folks at Buck Knives named Hood’s three knives Punk, Thug and Hoodlum, the reader can see that Ron and

trol for whittling or other detailed activities, and the Micarta handles can be removed if desired.

the Buck team were having a bit of fun with Ron’s last name. HANDLE: The handle is cocked downward, which is a fine trait and something that knife manufacturers don’t often think about. The cocked handle is more pronounced than on

Custom Knifemaker's Review

When thinking about the name Buck Thug, custom knifemaker Paul

“THE HANDLE IS COCKED DOWNWARD, WHICH IS A FINE TRAIT … THAT KNIFE MANUFACTURERS DON’T OFTEN THINK ABOUT.”

Paul Granger specializes in making fixed-blade knives of his own unique design as well as in traditional patterns. He has created a line of lightweight, non-metallic, non-ceramic knives currently in use by the American and Canadian militaries, multiple police departments, and the FBI and CIA. His website is www.palehorsefighters. blogspot.com.

The Thug’s included MOLLEcompatible sheath allows the user a choice of how to carry it: with or without the secondary retention cord.



5/26/2018


most knives, so when the user stands and holds the knife out to the side or in front, the blade is more naturally in a horizontal position. This design takes into consideration the real ergonomics of the arm and hand because otherwise when held in this position, the blade would be pointed upward.

without really looking. There’s also jimping on the spine of the knife just forward of the handle. The Shock Mitigation System (SMS) consists of a tang with its middle section removed. Granger likes that extending the tang beyond the handle allows for a cord thong hole.

also rounded off, meaning that the knife’s user gets less traction. Granger said it’s almost as if the blade was put through a stone-washing tumbler that rounded off the jimping. This type of jimping can be somewhat useless if the knife user is wearing gloves, but it works well when the knife is used with bare hands.

Granger also thinks highly of the linen Micarta handle material, which won’t dent, crack or become misshapen. There isn’t a swell to the handle, but it has a bit of a belly. A sub-hilt feature creates a finger groove to let the knife’s user know where his or her hand is on the handle

The jimping on the tang of the handle is smooth, rounded and below the level of the handle; therefore it’s ineffective. BLADE: The blade of Granger’s sample was sharp out of the box. It’s a good, thick, drop-point blade, made with a hollow grind (although according to Buck, they will be changing to a flat grind in 2014). The blade is sharp right up to the finger cutout forward of the guard; however, Granger felt the cutout is too small, which surprised him. When choking up on the blade or using the finger groove forward of the guard, the knife user could get nicked. In front of the guard at the top of the blade — the spine — there’s jimping that’s

SHEATH: The included MOLLE-compatible sheath has a rather neat feature: There’s a secondary retention in the form of a tightening and loosening fitted device or cord thong, which makes the knife jump-qualified for paratrooper usage. If the user doesn’t care to use the secondary retention cord and wants to use only the sheath retention strap, he or she can just flip the cord thong to the sheath’s back to keep it out of the way. It’s a nice option. There are a lot of tie-down points to facilitate airborne tie-down methods. The sheath also comes with large pocket and is ambidextrous. The liner can’t be removed. OVERALL: Granger approves of the Thug in general, though not quite enough

The jimping on the tang of the handle is s mooth, rounded and below the level of the handle.

HOLLOW, CONVEX AND FLAT GRINDS Hollow and the flat grinds each have their good points and their less-than-good points. Hollow-ground blades are easier and quicker to sharpen, and can take a very keen edge. Straight razors are hollow ground. However the blade is much thinner for a greater distance from the edge; therefore hollow ground blades are excellent for cutting flesh and feather sticks, but they’re not the best choice for chopping. Convex-ground blades are thick right up to the edge--similar to an axe--so they are excellent for chopping. They are arguably less suited to fine, detailed work as well as a bit trickier to sharpen. Flat-ground blades are right in between hollow ground and convex ground, drawing from the good points of each, while leaving some of the shortcomings of each behind. Flat ground knives are easier to sharpen than convex ground, and will stand up to a reasonable amount of chopping. This is because they’re not as thin far from the edge as a hollow grind. Flat ground knives will handle fine work much better than a convex ground blade, and nearly as good as a hollow grind. One can put a razor-sharp edge on a flat-ground blade with the right equipment and/or skill, and when you do, it will last longer than on a hollow-ground blade.



5/26/2018


to give it an A grade. Its balance is good

the selection and use of the one tool you

horizontally thanks to the MOLLE straps.

close to the guard, if a bit blade heavy,

must take with you or make in the field,

The knife, which weighs a mere 11.6

which is useful when chopping.

which is the knife.

ounces, is secured in the reversible poly-

To say that I’m quite critical in this area

Law Enforcement Specialist’s Field Evaluation

is an understatement. The reason for this

The Buck Thug was delivered to the

matter of life or death. I’ve

mer insert via a hook-and-loop strap that surrounds the handle, and/or a loop of 550 paracord. It has a nice-

is simple: we’re discussing a

castle on a warm summer’s day. I was gid-

seen “survival knives” break

dy with anticipation regarding its arrival because of my positive experience with

in the woods, and “tactical folders” fail, causing serious

the first of the late Ron Hood’s creations,

physical harm. Thankfully,

the Hoodlum, which I evaluated two years

such events occurred in a

prior. The Hoodlum’s field evaluation was

training environment where

such a success; I couldn’t wait to grab

the life of the operator was

hold of the new and slightly down-scaled

not at risk. It’s my job to

Thug.

make sure this does not hap-

For many years, I have had the honor-

pen to any of our operators

able and crucial job of training our folks

by conducting realistic field

who go into harm’s way. Along with the

evaluations on such tools.

Mark Allen Prince is a professor of law enforcement technology/special operations at Central Ohio Technical College; a former USDOE SRT operator; and spent 20 years in local law enforcement special operations and training. He has developed and teaches courses in homeland security and special operations for military, state and local special operations

structing basic wilderness survival skills to natural resources law enforcement and

the Thug for more than a

special operations personnel. Part of this

sheath was accommodating;

training includes educating these folks on

it can be carried vertically or

month. The black nylon

accommodate other survival kits, and a length of 550 paracord at the bottom. I first subjected the knife to a series of what some folks consider “torturous” steel hammer blows to all unsharpened sides of the blade and pommel. I delivered a total of 100 reps to each side. A small amount of the coating was removed during this test.

I worked with and carried

obvious, my teaching duties include in-

sized pouch on the front to

personnel and He is an organizations. instructor/trainer-certified by the late Colonel Rex Applegate.

Next, I chopped and stabbed a poplar stump hundreds of times. As the Thug was delivered razor sharp, it

The handle features removable linen Micarta scales.



5/26/2018


The Buck Thug’s carbon steel, powder-coated blade is triple-treated for maximum hardness. It’s sharp right out of the box.

COAST’S PATENTED DOUBLE-LOCK DX355. FIXED BLADE SAFETY IN A G10 FOLDER. L L YST EE P O

The Double-Lock safety mechanism works in conjunction with a primary Liner-Lock to prevent disengagement. It includes a safety detent-action that is fully tension adjustable.

LOCK ON

M

A C H

E

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D

I N E D H A N

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LOCK OFF

DOUBLE-LOCK U.S. Patent 5,596,808

DX355 DOUBLE-LOCK

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5/26/2018

was a hoot to see the chunks of wood fly through the air as I conducted this evaluation. I then coated the Micarta grips with cooking oil, and stabbed the stump 100 times. My hand moved


SPECIFICATIONS OVERALL LENGTH: 13 inches BLADE: 7 inches, 5160 steel with powder coat finish CARRY SYSTEM: Black, heavy-duty nylon, MOLLEcompatible, adjustable for

Satisfied that the knife was indeed “bush tough,” I introduced it to more common evaluations such as batoning and chopping firewood, hammering bricks with the pommel, and carving tiny items such

about a little bit, but did as gorge hooks for fishing. high or lowRemovable carry HANDLE: black not move forward onto the The coating did come off a linen Micarta handle scales blade. bit when batoning hard WEIGHT: 11.6 ounces Next, I took the knife to maple, but the modified Forever warranty MSRP: $200 the stack of oak wood palKukri-style blade, coupled lets and pried a board free. with the shock mitigation The blade, which is .185 inches thick, did design of the handle, was a pleasure flex considerably, but in the end it did not when chopping 3- to 5-inch diameter break, nor was the tip chipped at all. cherry logs. The jimping and choil helped Last but not least, I took the Thug into out immensely when carving items. the woods where I keep the rusty Jeep Sharpening the carbon steel blade was a truck bed (circa 1977) for the penetration breeze with the kitchen steel. test. The reason for this is simple: the The Buck/Hood Thug is marketed wisemetal in the body of today’s cars and ly as a survival knife, and it has been accutrucks is easily penetrated and carved up with a decent knife. So gripping the Thug The Thug can easily be sharpened with DMT in both hands, I raised it over my head and sharpeners such as conducted a few measured “touch drills” those pictured here. with the knife and steel. Satisfied that I would not miss the truck bed and accidently hack off my leg, I forcefully thrust the knife’s tip into the bed. It easily penetrated the thick and rusty steel by more

Reviewer Mark Allen Prince believes the Thug is well suited for military and law enforcement use.

than an inch. After I inspected the tip, I found no breakage or burring. An extremely impressive tip in my summation!

ABOUT THE DESIGNER The late Ron Hood was well known for his training techniques, spending more than 20 years teaching accredited college courses in survival skills at UCLA, Cal State Northridge and Antelope Valley College. In addition, he was the author of numerous articles for national magazines, produced many award-winning survival training videos, and was featured on many TV shows such as Mythbusters and Ultimate Survival. He was also involved with the training that goes on behind the Man vs. Wild TV show on Discovery Channel. Hood acquired his knowledge and skills from his days in the U.S. Army Security Agency serving in the Middle East and Vietnam. He also went on solo trips into the wildness, and lived with various native populations around the globe to practice and study skills with them. He was the publisher of Survival Quarterly Magazine, which his wife has continued to publish since his passing.



5/26/2018


“THE MODIFIED KUKRISTYLE BLADE … WAS A PLEASURE WHEN CHOPPING 3- TO 5-INCH DIAMETER CHERRY LOGS.” — MARK ALLEN PRINCE

rately designed in my opinion. Many survival folks will find it a much more manageable size, which may be more accommodating for their purposes. Although a bit pricey at $200 MSRP, much like the Hoodlum, this Thug would be something you would enjoy having with you in the middle of a dark woodlands night. KI



5/26/2018


IN THE THE BEST OF CUSTOM BLADES

42




5/26/2018


PHOTO BY JIM COOPER KNIVES BY SUCHAT JANGTANONG



5/26/2018

O O P E R Y J I M C B O A T S O N T O P H N I E L W A D Y B K N I F E


PHOTO BY CHUCK WARD KNIFE BY J. NEILSON

P H OT O B Y E RI C E G S WO R D G LY B Y J U L I E W A R E N S K I

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5/26/2018


P H OT O B K N I F E Y C H U C K W A R B Y T .C . R O B D E RT S

PHOTO BY J I M C OOP ER KN I F E BY AARON F REDE RIC K

Y PHOTO B Y ERIC EG GL N NSO JOH R. KNI FE B Y S.

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BLANCHARD GROUND

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BLANCHARD AU236 $63.95 AU246 $81.95 AU336 $67.95 AU346 $91.95 AU436 $78.95 AU446 $102.95

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AG636 $75.95 AG646 $97.95 AG736 $79.95 AG746 $107.95 AG836 $90.95 AG846 $118.95

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BLANCHARD XD318 XD328 XD518 XD528 XD718 XD728 XD818

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BLANCHARD DU236 $70.95 DU246 $92.95 DU336 $84.95 DU346 $115.95 DU436 $101.95 DU446 $132.95

PRECISION PG736 $82.95 PG746 $108.95 PG836 $96.95 PG846 $131.95 PG936 $113.95 PG946 $148.95

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5/26/2018


The Best of

SHOT BIGGER, STRONGER, SHARPER, FASTER BY BETHANY MILLE R, ABE ELIAS AND TERRILL HOFFMAN PHOTOS COURTESY OF MANUFACTURERS

t was a record-breaking year for the Shooting, Hunting & Outdoor Trade Show as some 67,000 professionals descended upon Las Vegas — 5,000 attendees more than last year. And it’s a safe bet no one left disappointed.

I

At more than 1,600 exhibits, the newest, hottest outdoor and tactical products were on display. Among countless guns, tools and survival accessories, knives made a strong appearance. We got to see, learn about, and play around with the blades leading the industry this year, from revamped classics to the most innovative new models — and we’ve got the inside scoop on some of our favorites for our readers!



5/26/2018


The Best of SHOT

n a m r o N e v a D y b o t o h P



5/26/2018


SOG KNIVES & TOOLS www.sogknives.com (425) 771-6230

OG may have had the broadest selection of offerings of the companies we visited. We were shown everything from a tiny key knife (it looks like a key, but contains a 1.5-inch frame-lock knife) to a shovel that includes a saw blade, and everything in between. We were particularly impressed with their SOGfari machetes, one of which appears on the cover of this issue.

S

Kiku Small Fixed-Blade OVERALL LENGTH: 9.8 inches BLADE: 4.9 inches, AUS-8 stainless

steel with satin finish HANDLE: Linen Micarta WEIGHT: 8.5 ounces Includes hard molded nylon sheath MSRP: $188

BladeLight Hunt (knife with LED lights) OVERALL LENGTH: 8.5 inches BLADE: 3.8 inches, 8Cr13MoV steel WEIGHT: 4.3-ounces LED: 35 lumens, 138 minutes run time

Includes leather sheath MSRP: $92

SOGfari Cutlass OVERALL LENGTH: 18.88 inches BLADE: 12.9 inches, 3Cr13 steel WEIGHT: 15.3 ounces

Includes nylon sheath MSRP: $35

5 0 KNIVES ILLUSTRATED • MARCH-APR IL 2014 http://slide pdf.c om/re a de r/full/knive s-illustra te d-a pr il-2014-usa


5/26/2018


The Best of SHOT

Exchange

Elite E-Tool (collapsible shovel/saw)

OVERALL LENGTH: 9.6 inches

OVERALL LENGTH: 26 inches fully extended, 1075 carbon steel

BLADE: Interchangeable skinning blade, fillet blade

WEIGHT: 24.8 ounces

and saw, all 8Cr13MoV steel WEIGHT: 6.4 ounces Includes nylon sheath MSRP: $87

Includes saw hidden in handle, nylon sheath MSRP: $74



5/26/2018


Blue Series 940/940-1 OVERALL LENGTH: 7.9 inches BLADE: 3.4 inches, S30V (940) and S90V (940-1) premium

stainless steel HANDLE: Carbon fiber; stainless steel liners; anodized aluminum barrel spacers WEIGHT: 2.9 ounces SPECIAL FEATURE: Ambidextrous AXIS Lock MSRP: $215 (940), $310 (940-1)

BENCHMADE www.benchmade.com (800) 800-7427

hile many companies at SHOT debuted a select few knives, Benchmade upped the ante by introducing new knives in five series (Black, Blue, Gold, HK and Hunt). All were designed to the utmost quality in Benchmade’s “three M’s”:

W

Hunt Series Saddle Mountain Skinner OVERALL LENGTH: 8.7 inches

BLADE: 4.2 inches, S30V premium stainless steel HANDLE: Dymondwood

Includes molded Kydex sheath MSRP: $155

manufacturing, materials and mechanisms. Some may look familiar to longtime Benchmade users — classic designs tweaked and updated according to customer feedback. Others, however, are wholly new, such as the Gold line, which represents Benchmade’s best quality and will only be produced until the end of 2014.

Gold Series 710-141 AXIS Commemorating the 15th anniversary of the original AXIS knife OVERALL LENGTH: 8.8 inches BLADE: 3.9 inches, twist Damasteel HANDLE: Carbon fiber with blue C-Tek inlay and anodized blue barrel spacer WEIGHT: 4.3 ounces MSRP: $600



5/26/2018

ESEE-CM6

ESEE KNIVES


www.eseeknives.com (256) 613-0372

BLADE: 5.88 inches, 1095 carbon steel with

textured black powder coat HANDLE: Removable canvas Micarta WEIGHT: 10 ounces Includes Kydex sheath MSRP: $240.95

“This is the knife I designed because I always wanted it. It’s a good crossover from one thing to another.”

SLY STEEL

Shark Tooth Tactical I

www.slysteel.com (208) 681-1946


S

e can’t help but be proud of the CM6, pro-

On the ESEE-CM6:

—TERRILL HOFFMAN

ly Steel may be a newcomer to the industry, but their debut products are sure to give them a strong foothold. Currently, their catalog consists solely of two models — one hunting, one tactical — of their Shark Tooth design, which the video demonstration at their booth suggests is one heck of a knife. The tactical model can easily break glass and penetrate through sheet metal with excellent edge retention, and the unique handle on both versions ensures a grip that is almost impossible to lose.

The Best of SHOT


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duced by ESEE, as it was conceptualized by Knives Illustrated’s own Terrill Hoffman, who is not only an accomplished photographer and writer in the knife industry, but a designer in his own right. “This is the knife I designed because I always wanted it,” he says. “It's a good crossover from one thing to another.”

BLADE: 4.5 inches, 1095HC steel HANDLE: Micarta WEIGHT: 13 ounces

Includes Kydex sheath with rotating steel spring clip MSRP: $229

Carl Elsener Sr. Explorer Knife

VICTORINOX SWISS ARMY

OVERALL LENGTH: 3.1 inches (closed) BLADE: Damascus steel HANDLE: Swiss wood

www.victorinox.com (800) 442-2706

WEIGHT: 0.2 ounces TOOLS: Large blade, small blade,

corkscrew, can and bottle openers, small, large and Phillips screwdrivers, wire stripper, punch/reamer, key ring, scissors, multi-purpose hook, magnifying glass

asily the most noticeable news from Victorinox this year is its absorption of Wenger Swiss Army, which has resulted in 52 new Swiss Army knives titled the Delémont Collection. “We’ve taken the best of both worlds,” says Jes

MSRP: $299.99

Feuer, Victorinox director of public relations and communications. “We’ve owned stock in [Wenger] since 2005, so this was the natural progression.”

E

On the merging of Victorinox Swiss Army and Wenger Swiss Army: “We’ve taken the best of both worlds. [Victorinox has] owned stock in [Wenger] since 2005, so this was the natural progression.”

The company’s most prized product of the year is the limited-edition Carl Elsener Sr. Explorer Knife, a pocket multitool named for the grandson of Victorinox’s founder. Elsener was the company’s third CEO, succeeded by his son upon his passing in June 2013. Engraved with Elsener’s signature, this knife will have a limited run of 7,000 serialized pieces — only 520 of which will be sold in North America.

—JES FEUER



5/26/2018


KERSHAW/ZERO TOLERANCE www.kershaw.kaiusaltd.com www.zerotolerance.kaiusaltd.com (800) 325-2891

rue to form, Kershaw and its sister brand, Zero Tolerance, debuted a number of products that promise to

T

be not only reliable, relatively affordable. KnifeDuck enthusiasts are most likelyCommander, to be excitedaka about three of Kershaw’s newestbut collaborators: the folks from Commander and Buck the Duck Dynasty; Dmitry Sinkevich, whose Zero Tolerance 0454 was named the 2013 Overall Knife of the Year at the Blade Show; and renowned, in-demand custom knifemaker Ernest Emerson, whose designs typically sell for upwards of $200, but will be available through Kershaw and Zero Tolerance for under $60. Kershaw is also among the companies celebrating an anniversary in 2014. In honor of their 40 years in business, they’ve desiged a folding knife that collectors are bound to snatch up as soon as possible. Named the Ruby 4040 (the ruby is the official stone for 40th anniversaries), it’s crafted from hard-to-obtain ZDP-189 steel. The handle is titanium with DLL coating, laser etched for a striking appearance. For an additional eye-catching touch, Kershaw’s four decades are symbolized with four ruby-red spacers. This knife is so new that no print-quality photos were available at press time, so you’ll want to keep your eye out for Kershaw’s official introduction. No more than 500 pieces will be produced, so it’s bound to go fast!

Kershaw Nura 3.5 Designed by Dmitry Sinkevich OVERALL LENGTH: 4.6 inches (closed) BLADE:

3.5Stainless inches, stainless withtitanium titaniumcarbo-nitride carbo-nitridecoating coating HANDLE: steel withsteel sanded SPECIAL FEATURE: Nearly frictionless KVT ball bearing opening MSRP: $59.99

Kershaw CQC-2K Designed by Ernest Emerson OVERALL LENGTH: 3.6 inches (closed) BLADE: 2.75 inches, 8CrMoV with black oxide coating HANDLE: Black G-10 front, 410 black oxide coating back SPECIAL FEATURE: Emerson’s signature thumb disc, wave-shaped

blade design, reversible pocket clip MSRP: $49.99

54




5/26/2018

The Best of SHOT


TRENDS OF SHOT • Fierce-looking bushcraft blades • Collaborations with in-demand custom designers

• Multifunction knives; e.g. knives that double as flashlights, shovels with optional saw blades, with commemorating exchangeable blades. • knives Companies their

Zero Tolerance 0562

anniversaries with intricately designed, limited-edition knives

Designed by Rick Hinderer OVERALL LENGTH: 4.8 inches (closed) BLADE: 3.5 inches, ELMAX powdered steel HANDLE: Textured G-10 front, stonewashed titanium back SPECIAL FEATURE: Nearly frictionless KVT ball bearing opening;

reversible, deep-pocket clip MSRP: $250

Kershaw CQC-7K Designed by Ernest Emerson OVERALL LENGTH: 4.5 inches (closed) BLADE: 3.25 inches, 8CrMoV, stonewashed and satin finish HANDLE: Black G-10 front, 410 beadblasted finish back SPECIAL FEATURE: Emerson’s signature thumb disc, tanto blade (a first for Kershaw) MSRP: $59.99

Kershaw Camp 18 OVERALL LENGTH: 24 inches BLADE: 18 inches, powder-coated 65Mn HANDLE: Full tang with rubber overmold WEIGHT: 2 pounds, 14 ounces

Includes sheath MSRP: $84.99



5/26/2018


COAST LIGHTS, KNIVES AND MULTITOOLS www.coastportland.com (877) 704-4545

W

hen you buy a Coast product, you buy a product that was built to last (and one Coast backs with a lifetime warranty). What could be better than a product designed to live as long as you do? How about one that can perform multiple functions — for a price almost anyone can afford? Those were the sorts of products that particularly caught our eyes at the Coast booth. Specializing in both tools and flashlights, Coast has brought together the best of both worlds in the form of a multitool and a knife, each outfitted with high-powered LED lights. And, of course, a selection of new knives up to Coast’s standards of reliability are waiting in the wings as well.

RX322 Designed by Ron Lake OVERALL LENGTH: 8.75 inches BLADE: 3.9 inches, 5Cr15MoV stainless steel HANDLE: Nylon-filled SPECIAL FEATURE: Patented Max-Lock technology

which provides second lock; ambidextrous pocket clip MSRP: $48.99

BX315 OVERALL LENGTH: 8.6 inches BLADE: 3.25 inches, 9Cr18MoV stainless steel HANDLE: Poly-Steel TRP over hard nylon frame WEIGHT: 3.6 ounces

Includes belt sheath MSRP: $26.99

56




5/26/2018


The Best of SHOT

LX237 OVERALL LENGTH: 6.25 inches BLADE: 2.7 inches, 3Cr13 stainless steel HANDLE: Checkered fiberglass-filled nylon WEIGHT: 1.7 ounces SPECIAL FEATURE: Deep-carry pocket clip MSRP: $13.99

LED122 Pocket Tool OVERALL LENGTH: 7.1 inches BLADE: 3 inches, 3Cr13 stainless steel HANDLE: Stainless steel WEIGHT: 4.6 ounces SPECIAL FEATURE: One built-in LED light at each end; two double-ended

screwdriver bits (Phillips and flathead); lanyard ring Includes two CR1616 batteries MSRP: $26.99



5/26/2018


GERBER

Legend

www.gerbergear.com (800) 950-6161

100 percent made in the USA OVERALL LENGTH: 9 inches BLADE: 4 inches, CPM-S35VN stainless steel HANDLE: 3-D machined G-10 handle with Oregon spalted maple inlay WEIGHT: 6.1 ounces Includes handmade Tanner Goods sheath with puncture-proof insert, custom storage box, lifetime guarantee MSRP: $750

014 marks Gerber’s 75th anniversary, and they’re commemorating the aus-

2

picious milestone with a few special products: first, the 39 Series, described as “an ode to 1939” (the year the company was founded). These streamlined, premium knives are designed to evoke the simple-yet-outstanding craftsmanship of Gerber’s earliest products and are available in fixed-blade and folding models. The second and perhaps more notable product is the Legend, an elite hunting knife. “It’s the best hunting knife Gerber has ever produced,” says Mike May, media representative for Gerber, “but we’re going for the best hunting knife ever made anywhere.” The Legend’s standout feature is its blade made from S35VN steel, which is brand-new to the industry and of the highest quality. Only 1,200 pieces will be produced. Also of interest to knife lovers on a budget will be Gerber’s Vital, a small pocketknife with an exchangeable, razor-sharp blade. Its specialized locking mechanism ensures the blade is at no risk of snapping — between this and the large finger choil, it may well be the safest exchangeable-blade knife on the market.

39 Series Folder

On Gerber’s 75th anniversary knife:


“It’s the best hunting knife Gerber has ever produced, but we’re going for the best hunting knife ever made anywhere.”

HANDLE: Nickel-plated zinc

—MIKE MAY

BLADE: 3 inches, 420HC steel WEIGHT: 6.32 ounces

Includes genuine leather sheath MSRP: $105

39 Series Pocket Knife OVERALL LENGTH: 6.5 inches BLADE: 2.8 inches, 420HC steel HANDLE: Nickel-plated zinc WEIGHT: 4.1 ounces MSRP: $90

Vital Pocket Folding Knife OVERALL LENGTH: 6.9 inches BLADES: 2.8 inches, carbon steel HANDLE: Rubber overmold WEIGHT: 1.3 ounces

Includes six easily exchangeable #60 scalpel blades MSRP: $20



5/26/2018

The Best of SHOT


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KNIVES ILLUSTRATED • MARCH-APRI L 2014 5 9 59/84

5/26/2018


PUMA KNIFE COMPANY USA www.pumaknifecompanyusa.com (913) 888-5524

P

uma prides itself on knives that hit the sweet spot between stylish simplicity and functional durability, and its offerings at the 2014 SHOT Show were no exception. We were particularly impressed by Puma’s contributions to the bushcraft category, which was fairly ubiquitous at the show, in the form of two tough machetes that any outdoorsman would want by his side. But that’s not all Puma is doing this year: Their latest hunting and tactical knives are sure to be strong contenders as well.

Kukri17 Machete OVERALL LENGTH: 17.5 inches BLADE: 3Cr13 stainless steel HANDLE: Comolded scales with

protective guard WEIGHT: 18.4 ounces Includes ballistic sheath MSRP: $29.99

In more general news, Puma announced that as of 2014, fellow German company MINOX USA will be its exclusive distributor in North America.

White River 8 OVERALL LENGTH: 8 inches BLADE: 3.5 inches, 440A stainless steel HANDLE: White bone WEIGHT: 6.2 ounces

Includes leather sheath MSRP: $59.99

Bush23 Machete OVERALL LENGTH: 22 inches BLADE: 15.9 inches, 3Cr14 stainless steel HANDLE: Comolded scales with protective guard WEIGHT: 22.1 ounces MSRP: $39.99

6 0 KNIVES ILLUSTRATED • MARCH-APRI L 2014 http://slide pdf.c om/re a de r/full/knive s-illustra te d-a pr il-2014-usa


5/26/2018


The Best of SHOT

SW TAC Folder OVERALL LENGTH: 7.9 inches BLADE: 3.4 inches, stonewashed 440A steel HANDLE: Stonewashed stainless steel WEIGHT: 6.3 ounces

Includes Kydex sheath MSRP: $29.99



5/26/2018


COLUMBIA RIVER KNIFE & TOOL www.crkt.com

ver prolific, CRKT had no shortage of innovative knives, tools and gear of all sorts to show off at SHOT. They have continued to produce pieces in collaboration with their stable of custom designers, as well as embarking on new collaborative efforts with designers such as Lucas Burnley and Ryan Johnson. Inarguably, CRKT has covered an impressive amount of ground in its two decades in business — something it’s celebrating this year with the Buy Tighe, a special knife designed by elite custom craftsman Brian Tighe. Only 500 serialized pieces will be produced throughout the year, so collectors, keep poised to grab one while they last!

E

Eros SS Flat Handle - Small Designed by Ken Onion OVERALL LENGTH: 5 inches BLADE: 2 inches, AUS-8 steel with satin finish HANDLE: 420J2 stainless steel WEIGHT: 1.5 ounces SPECIAL FEATURE:

IKBS ball-bearing pivot system for smooth, fast opening

MSRP: $69.99

Fossil with Veff Serrations

Designed by Flavio Ikoma OVERALL LENGTH: 8.9 inches (open) BLADE: 4 inches, 8Cr13MoV with black EDP finish HANDLE: Stainless steel with G-10 overlay WEIGHT: 6.1 ounces SPECIAL FEATURE: Ikoma’s patented IKBS ball-bearing pivot system for smooth, fast opening; Veff Serrations; ergonomic handle MSRP: $99.99

Buy Tighe Designed by Brian Tighe OVERALL LENGTH: 12.3 inches (open) BLADES: 154CM with satin finish HANDLE: 6Al-4V titanium; ti-nitride coated liner; blue and stainless steel finish WEIGHT: 6.3 ounces SPECIAL FEATURE: Dual blades — one drop-point, one recurve; patended Klecker lock MSRP: $750



The Best of SHOT

5/26/2018


BENCHMADE.COM

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Woods Kangee T-Hawk

STRYKER

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Designed by Ryan Johnson of RMJ Tactical OVERALL LENGTH: 19 inches AXE: 4.2 inches, 1055 carbon steel HANDLE: Tennessee hickory WEIGHT: 1 pound 15.7 ounces MSRP: $69.99 154CM STAINLESS STEEL

Obake Designed by Lucas Burnley OVERALL LENGTH: 7.6 ounces BLADE: 3.6 inches, 8Cr14MoV steel with etched gray titanium nitride finish HANDLE: Paracord wrap WEIGHT: 2.4 ounces Includes glass-filled nylon sheath and black paracord with skull bead MSRP: $59.99 AXIS® LOCK

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G10 HANDLE

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MADE IN THE USA ©2014 BENCHMADE KNIFE CO. OREGON CITY, OR, USA


5/26/2018


FOX KNIVES USA ox Knives USA may be an offshoot of an Italian company, but its products reflect nothing less than all-American pride. Each knife is manufactured from high-quality steel and handle materials, and designed with military and special

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forces particularly in mind. Three particularly noteworthy lines are coming from Fox this year — all impressively fierce in both function and aesthetics. One of our favorites is Fox’s collaborative effort with Danish custom knifemaker Jens Anso.

Olympian Series OVERALL LENGTH: 8.5 inches BLADE: 3.5 inches, 154CM steel HANDLE: Cocobolo or G-10 WEIGHT: 6.2 ounces SPECIAL FEATURE: Can be custom

engraved$195 for an additional MSRP: (cocobolo) or $25 $205 (G-10)

Anso Flipper Folder OVERALL LENGTH: 8.1 inches BLADE: 3.5 inches, N690Co steel HANDLE: Titanium (also available in black G-10 or Santos wood) WEIGHT: 6.5 ounces SPECIAL FEATURE: Can be custom engraved for an additional $25 MSRP: $254

Photo by Terrill Hoffman

Amico Series OVERALL LENGTH: 8 inches BLADE: 3.25 inches, 154CM steel (available

in various styles) HANDLE: FRN (available in various colors) WEIGHT: 2.5 ounces SPECIAL FEATURE: Can be custom engraved for an additional $25 MSRP: $116

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5/26/2018


TOPS KNIVES

Tahoma Field Knife

www.topsknives.com (208) 542-0113

Designed by Andy Tran

The Best of SHOT

OVERALL LENGTH: 13.9 inches BLADE: 7.9 inches, 1095HC steel

ach year at the SHOT Show, TOPS Knives debuts a number of new designs in the tactical, everyday carry, hunting and outdoor categories. This year’s releases feature a

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number of collaborations with custom makers, in addition to TOPS factory designs. No doubt there’ll be something for everyone among the company’s newest offerings!

with black river-wash finish HANDLE: Tan canvas Micarta WEIGHT: 1 pound 2 ounces MSRP: $219.95

The Lioness OVERALL LENGTH: 7.6 inches BLADE: 3.5 inches, 1095HC steel HANDLE: Black G-10 WEIGHT: 3.6 ounces MSRP: $129.95

HOG 4.5 Designed by Gunnery “Norseman” WilliamsSergeant Dave OVERALL LENGTH: 9.75 inches BLADE: 4.4 inches 1095HC steel HANDLE: Black linen Micarta WEIGHT: 8.3 ounces MSRP: $179.95



5/26/2018


ONTARIO KNIFE COMPANY www.ontarioknife.com (800) 222-5233

ntario has hit the ground running for 2014, introducing a small set of knives at SHOT with many more groundbreaking options to come mid-season. This first batch of products includes both older models up-

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graded with better opening systems, as well as brand-new designs. As an additional kickstart to their year, Ontario has welcomed to its management team Paul Tsujimoto, a design and engineering specialist with a long career history in the cutlery industry.

Ratia OVERALL LENGTH: 8.5 inches BLADE: 3.5 inches, AUS-8 stainless steel (available in black and satin finish) HANDLE: G-10 WEIGHT: 5.25 ounces SPECIAL FEATURES: New Tactical Assist Open (TAO) designed by Joe Pardue MSRP: $79.95 (satin finish), $81.95 (black finish)

Bushcraft Field Knife OVERALL LENGTH: 10.1 inches BLADE: 5 inches, 5160 steel HANDLE: Walnut WEIGHT: 15.4 ounces

Includes nylon sheath, 21-foot paracord, firestarter MSRP: $139.95

Chimera OVERALL LENGTH: 13.625 inches BLADE: 8.25 inches HANDLE: Kraton WEIGHT:

1 pound 7 ounces

POINT OF INTEREST: Like its mythical namesake, the OKC Chimera is composed from

the parts of other things. If you look closely, you can identify features of knives already in Ontario’s line. MSRP: $149.95

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The Best of SHOT

5/26/2018


BROWNING www.browning.com (800) 333-3288

ost years, Browning expands its selection of knives significantly; for example, last year they introduced an entirely new line in its

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Black Label tactical division. This year, they are bringing just one knife to the market, but it’s one that has been a long time coming. The knife, called the Buckmark, is a straightforward folder made to celebrate the Browning’s well-known Buck Mark emblem. Each year the company holds a “Show us your Buck Mark” contest that draws astounding entries — everything from Buck Mark tattoos to driveway markings.

Buckmark OVERALL LENGTH: 7.75 inches BLADE: 3.25 inches, 440 stainless steel HANDLE: Injection-molded composite WEIGHT: 4.8 ounces SPECIAL FEATURES: The textured handle

bears a repeated Buck Mark emblem MSRP: $28

Spyderco Consistently Delivers Safe, Reliable, High-Performance. Period.

820 Spyderco Way Golden, Co 80403 800.525.7770 www.spyderco.com knivesillustrated.com http://slide pdf.c om/re a de r/full/knive s-illustra te d-a pr il-2014-usa


5/26/2018


MORAKNIV www.industrialrev.com/morakniv (888) 297-6062

wedish company Morakniv has been making its way into the North American market for years. Recently, they’ve been able to ride the wave of the growing popularity of bushcraft knives. For 2014, Morakniv has brought out three new models, all of which are variations on previous years’ offerings. Notable changes include their very first serrated option, as well as blacked-out blades.

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Bushcraft Black OVERALL LENGTH: 9.1 inches BLADE: 4.3 inches carbon steel with black coating HANDLE: Rubber injection molded WEIGHT: 5.7 ounces

Includes harness with plastic sheath MSRP: $69.99

Bushcraft Black Tactical OVERALL LENGTH: 9.1 inches BLADE: 4.3 inches carbon steel black

blade HANDLE: Injection-molded

rubber

WEIGHT: 6.3 ounces SPECIAL FEATURES: Partially

serrated blade Includes MOLLE-compatible sheath MSRP: $79.99

Bushcraft Pathfinder OVERALL LENGTH: 10.8 inches BLADE: 6 inches HANDLE: injection-molded

rubber

WEIGHT: 8.8 ounces MSRP: $130

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The Best of SHOT

5.11 TACTICAL www.511tactical.com (866) 451-1726

n the last few years, 5.11 Tactical has ventured beyond its established comfort zone as a general tactical supplier. They’ve

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entered the knife market full steam with a number of offerings — most notably the KOLD Khukri zombie knife. Their 2014 selection is modest, but what they lack in volume they make up for in quality. Among these new products is the company’s first-ever assisted opener in two models, as well as a knife multitool called the Double Duty Quick Fix.

Double Duty Quick Fix OVERALL LENGTH: 7.75 inches BLADE: 3.75 inches, AUS-8 black

oxide finish HANDLE: Black FRN with injection moulded TPR inlay WEIGHT: 5.6 ounces TOOLS: Glass breaker, wrench, screwdriver, oxygen wrench, scale, web cutter, bottle opener MSRP: $84.99

HALLMARK CUTLERY www.hallmarkcutlery.com (866) 583-3912

allMark Cutlery is the Little Company that Could. They may be small and family-owned, but that hasn’t stopped them from producing knives that rival some of the best on the tactical and outdoor market. They owe their quality in part to smart collaborations with custom designers — for example, with Sean Kendrick and David Mosier on their Bad Blood line. Both are in high demand for their independent knifemaking businesses (Mosier so much so that he’s not currently taking new orders), but HallMark offers users a chance not only to acquire one of their designs, but to do so at very affordable prices.

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Bad Blood Crossfire Tanto Designed by David Mosier OVERALL LENGTH: 4.5 inches (closed) BLADE: 3.75 inches, 8Cr14 HANDLE: Contoured G-10 SPECIAL FEATURE: Pocket clip MSRP: $84.99


5/26/2018


CAMILLUS www.camillusknives.com (877) 412-7467

stalwart of the knife industry, Camillus has built a reputation upon knives and tools that have proven they can withstand the test of time — and any other task demanded of them. A new year brings new

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products and new collaborations, but the same quality customers have come to trust, embodied in a few knives sure to appeal to outdoor and tactical users alike.

Tyrant Designed by Grant and Gavin Hawk OVERALL LENGTH: 7.25 inches BLADE: 3 inches, D2 steel with nonstick carbonitride titamium coating HANDLE: Composite G-10 SPECIAL FEATURES: Lanyard hole with paracord loop, lifetime warranty Includes leather sheath with built-in sharpener MSRP: $69.99

EDC3 OVERALL LENGTH: 7 inches BLADE: 3 inches, AUS-8 steel with carbonitride titanium coating HANDLE: Stainless steel SPECIAL FEATURES: Partial serration, dual thumb stud for

ambidextrous opening, lifetime warranty MSRP: $23.99

Jolt OVERALL LENGTH: 8.5 inches BLADE: 3.25 inches, D2 steel with

nonstick carbonitride titanium coating HANDLE: Carbon fiber SPECIAL FEATURES: Liner lock, dual thumb stud for ambidextrous opening, lifetime warranty MSRP: $99.99

7 0 KNIVES ILLUSTRATED • MARCH-AP RIL 2014 http://slide pdf.c om/re a de r/full/knive s-illustra te d-a pr il-2014-usa


5/26/2018

The Best of SHOT


Find us on

Be prepared when disaster strikes. www.facebook.com/americansurvivalguidemagazine knivesillustrated.com http://slide pdf.c om/re a de r/full/knive s-illustra te d-a pr il-2014-usa


5/26/2018


BUCK KNIVES www.buckknives.com (800) 326-2825

uck considers 2014 a “transition” year, as they are planning how to translate their rich 100-year history into a

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thriving future (moving towards more of an emphasis in the hunting category next year). As such, their new products were limited at SHOT, but what they lacked in quantity, they made up for in quality. Their most tantalizing offering for knife users is a special edition of their classic, much-beloved 110 Folding Hunter. Collectors also won’t want to miss the 500-piece run of the Thorn, a particularly beautiful little folding knife. Meanwhile, on the tactical side, the Marksman feature’s Buck’s brand-new Strong Lock System, which makes this folding knife as strong as a fixed-blade when open.

Thorn Designed by Mark McLean OVERALL LENGTH: 6.75 inches BLADE: 3 inches, blued 5160 alloy steel HANDLE: CNC machined Rosewood Dymondwood and stainless steel WEIGHT: 1.7 ounces SPECIAL FEATURES: Serialized, includes certificate of authenticity Includes genuine distressed leather sheath MSRP: $200

110 Folding Hunter 50th anniversary edition OVERALL LENGTH: 8.6 inches BLADE: 3.75 inches, 420HC stainless steel HANDLE: Macassar ebony Dymondwood

with brass bolsters WEIGHT: 7.2 ounces SPECIAL FEATURES: Anniversary blade

stamp and handle medallion Includes genuine leather sheath MSRP: $73

Marksman Designed by Grant and Gavin Hawk OVERALL LENGTH: 8.25 inches BLADE: 3.5 inches, 154CM steel HANDLE: Black anodized aluminum WEIGHT: 4 ounces SPECIAL FEATURES: Ball bearing system for quick, easy opening; Strong Lock System MSRP: $150

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5/26/2018


KA-BAR

www.kabar.com (716) 372-5952

he name KA-BAR is all but synonymous with no-nonsense, reliable, militarygrade knives, and they’ll continue to deliver on that expectation in 2014 — with

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the added help of some new custom collaborators such as Rick Hinderer and Mike Snody. KA-BAR has a fairly vast selection of products lined up for the year — largely revamped versions of familiar products, but there’s a number of new, exciting things knife users will want to add to their arsenals as well.

The Best of SHOT

Adventure Parangatang Designed by Steve Johnson OVERALL LENGTH: 19.6 inches BLADE: 14.1 inches, 1095 Cro-Van steel HANDLE: Molded plastic Includes tan Cordura sheath MSRP:

$155.63

Hinderance Designed by Rick Hinderer OVERALL LENGTH: 7.25 inches BLADE: 3.6 inches, 1095 steel HANDLE: Molded plastic

Includes MOLLE-compatible sheath MSRP: $111.56

Big Boss Designed by Mike Snody OVERALL LENGTH: 9 inches BLADE: 4.6 inches, S35V premium stainless steel HANDLE: Zytel Includes leather sheath MSRP: $217.54



5/26/2018


CONDOR TOOL & KNIFE www.condortk.com (407) 354-3488

Crotalus

t’s been only a decade since Condor Tool & Knife entered the American cutlery market, but they can trace their roots all the way back to 1787 and Solingen, Germany. Starting as GEBR WEYESBERG

I

COMPANY in Solingen, they developed a reputation for their quality swords, military knives, and household cutlery. As the world’s largest manufacturer of swords and knives, they expanded their operations by forming Imacasa and building a new plant in Santa Ana, El Salvador in 1964. The Central American operations were sold in the 1980’s to local investors.

BLADE: 5.5 inches, 1075HC steel HANDLE: Micarta with hollow pins

Includes Kydex sheath MSRP: $94.98

Today, Imacasa is one of the largest machete and shovel manufacturers in the world operating 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. In 2004, Imacasa developed a line of tools and knives for the North American and Condor Tool & Knife was born. Today, Condor continues the tradition by bringing out new models dedicated to fulfilling the needs of the American outdoorsman.

Solobolo BLADE: 9 inches, 1075 carbon steel HANDLE: Micarta

Includes nylon sheath MSRP: $94.98

W.R. CASE www.wrcase.com (800) 523-6350

he granddaddy among American-made knife companies, W.R. Case continued to expand its legacy at SHOT as it celebrates its 125th year in business. This year, knife users can

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expect to see more variations on the classic, compact knives and multitools they know and love. Particularly of note is Case’s commemorative series of knives to mark their anniversary. These knives will be made to order, their handles emblazoned with a special-edition logo.

Peach Seed Tear Drop Designed by Tony Bose OVERALL LENGTH: 3.6 inches closed BLADE: Tru-Sharp surgical steel HANDLE: Jigged amber bone WEIGHT: 2.3 ounces MSRP: $63

Case is also once again partnering with award-winning custom knifemaker Tony Bose on a selection of “near-custom” knives in a signature Tear Drop pattern.

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The Best of SHOT


Cutting Edge Artists Choose Tormach Mills Knifemakers around the world are using Tormach PCNC milling machines to add new dimensions to their craft. Today’s 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. Tormach PCNC 1100 Series 3 starting at

$8480 (plus shipping)

Follow knifemaker John Grimsmo as he makes his own knives with a PCNC 1100 on his web series, Knifemaking Tuesdays, at www.tormach.com/kmt.

Shown here with optional stand, LCD monitor, machine arms, and accessories.

Grimsmo Knives milling a fixed blade, called The Tor, on a Tormach PCNC 1100.

www.tormach.com/knives

125th Anniversary Peanut

Discover the Premier Knife Magazine

OVERALL LENGTH: 2.9 inches (closed) BLADE: Clip and pen, Tru-Sharp surgical steel HANDLE: Smooth olive green bone WEIGHT: 1.2 ounces MSRP: $64

Visit our new website Today! knivesillustrated.com http://slide pdf.c om/re a de r/full/knive s-illustra te d-a pr il-2014-usa

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SPYDERCO www.spyderco.com (800) 525-7770

pyderco was the last company we visited at SHOT, and what they showed us was worth the wait. Best known for their impeccably designed folding knives, strategic collaborations with both established

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and up-and-coming knifemakers, and trademark “Spyderco hole” on every blade, this Golden, Colorado-based company continues to build on what its loyal customers have already come to love, as well as venturing into some new territory. The latter includes the Domino, which is only the third flipper-opening knife Spyderco has ever produced; the Tatanka, its longest folder to date; the Tusk, a unique knife, designed primarily for sailors, that has been 30 years in the making; and much more. We’re excited to see what lies ahead for Spyderco in 2014 and beyond!

Tusk OVERALL LENGTH: 6.6 inches BLADE: 3.4 inches, LC 200 N steel HANDLE: Titanium WEIGHT:

4.2 ounces

SPECIAL FEATURES: Marlin spike,

shackle key, ambidextrous tip-down clip MSRP:

Kiwi4 OVERALL LENGTH: 6.8 inches BLADE: 2.9 inches, VG-10 steel HANDLE: G-10 scales WEIGHT: 1.9 ounces SPECIAL FEATURES: Double finger choil,

back lock, reversible clip MSRP: $259.95

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT… Photo highlights from our time at SHOT are posted on our Facebook page and on Instagram! • www.facebook.com/knivesillustrated • www.instagram.com/knivesillustrated (or search @knivesillustrated on your mobile app)

$399.95 76




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The Best of SHOT

Roc Designed by Serge Panchenko OVERALL LENGTH: 7.8 inches BLADE: 3.1 inches, VG-10 steel HANDLE: G-10 scales with skeletonized steel liners WEIGHT: 4.2 ounces SPECIAL FEATURES: Adjustable pocket clip, Michael Walker LinerLock MSRP: $199.95

Mike Draper Folder Designed by Mike Draper OVERALL LENGTH: 9 inches BLADE: 3.7 inches, VG-10 steel HANDLE: Machined, anodized titanium WEIGHT: 4.7 ounces SPECIAL FEATURES: Michael Walker LinerLock MSRP: $499.95

Battlestation Designed by Alexandru “Dialex” Diaconescu OVERALL LENGTH: 4.2 inches (closed) BLADE: 3 inches, VG-10 steel HANDLE: G-10 scales WEIGHT: 4.5 ounces SPECIAL FEATURES: Reversible clip, back, back lock MSRP: $319.95



5/26/2018


Olakniven

HELLE OF NORWAY www.knifeworks.com/helleknives (888) 225-9775

elle has a long tradition of producing knives for the outdoorsman and craftsman. All of their knives have a certain elegant style, from their straight workhorses to their more decorative

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presentation pieces. Ultimately, Helle’s knives are always functional, combining old-world charm with solid, dependable construction. With such a deep offering of products, Helle ensures any knife user or collector who passes by must stop for a second look.

OVERALL LENGTH: 5.4 inches BLADE: 2.2 inches, triple-laminated

stainless steel HANDLE: Birch (stick tang construction) WEIGHT: 1.6 ounces SPECIAL FEATURES: Small finger groove to ensure better grip MSRP: $89

TOR OVERALL LENGTH:

8.54 inches

BLADE: 4.2 inches, triple-

laminated stainless steel HANDLE: Birch with leather washers (stick tang construction) WEIGHT: 4.3 ounces Includes deep, traditional-style dangler pouch sheath. MSRP: $169


EDITOR’S CHOICE We saw, held, played with, heard about and were impressed by countless knives at SHOT, but a few particularly stood out — because of their innovation, because of their ease of function, or because they’re just plain cool. Here’s a list of our top 10 picks (alphabetically by company). 1. Thorn (Buck Knives) 2. LED122 Pocket Tool (Coast Lights, Knives and Multitools) 3. Woods Kangee T-Hawk (CRKT) 4. Legend (Gerber) 5. Bad Blood Crossfire Tanto (HallMark Cutlery) 6. Emerson CQC-2K (Kershaw) 7. Shark Tooth Tactical I (Sly Steel) 8. SOGfari Cutlass (SOG Knives & Tools) 9. Tusk (Spyderco) 10. Carl Elsener Sr. Explorer Knife (Victorinox)


5/26/2018

The Best of SHOT

Sylvsteinen OVERALL LENGTH:


PROVEN,

9.64 inches BLADE: 5.3 Inches triple laminated stainless steel HANDLE: Curly birch and antler (stick tang construction) WEIGHT: 5.3 oz SPECIAL FEATURES:

Amongst some of Helle’s larger offerings the Sylvstienen is still light and nimble and comes with traditional leather pouch sheath

LIKE THE TEAMS THAT USE THEM.

with protective insert. MSRP: $169.99 KI

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 you’re answering the call of duty or arming yourself with innovation, lead the way with SOG. sogknives.com TAKE POINT.

TM



5/26/2018


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Call us at 1-800-764-6278 www.engagedmediamags.com 8 0 KNIVES ILLUSTRATED • MARCH-APRI L 2014 http://slide pdf.c om/re a de r/full/knive s-illustra te d-a pr il-2014-usa

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  Call us at: 1-800-764-6278 www.engagedmediamags.com www.engagedmediamags.com knivesillustrated.com 80/84

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Visit our new website today!

www.KnivesIllustrated.com The premier knife magazine The hottest knives and latest innovations in steel and design

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The latest news, views, and reviews Hard testing of knives and the results

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SHOW

& TELL


Show & Tell appears at the end of every issue of Knives Illustrated. In it, readers tell us about their favorite knives from their personal collections. Interested in showing off your knife? Email Bethany Miller at [email protected].

BY KI STAFF PHOTOS COURTESY OF MARK MCC OOL

ABOUT THE OWNER Name: Mark McCool Residence: Kalkaska, MI Occupation: Sheriff Deputy

ABOUT THE KNIFE Manufacturer: Whiskers Custom Knives Model: Bolster Release How long have you had this knife? I’ve been carrying the custom-made Bolster Release since November 2013. What made it catch your eye? I discovered this knife after ordering a set of custom pistol grips from Pyro Grafix. I loved the look of the grips so much, I asked if he could create the same scales for a knife handle. I then learned Pyro Grafix collaborated with Whiskers Custom Knives on a folder with a similar scale. I immediately placed an order with Whiskers. What’s its most unique feature or your favorite feature? The most unique feature of this knife is the gold teeth. I asked Mike Allen (“Whiskers”) whether, if I sent him the gold, could he incorporate it into the teeth of the scale. I recovered the gold during a significant event in my life, so having it as a reminder when I look at my knife makes it real special! How do you use this knife? Although I consider the knife a collector's piece, I can't seem to leave home without it. In my collection of custom knives that I have been accumulating over the course of 10 years, I have purchased hunters, Bowies, frontier-style folders and tactical folders. I consider this knife a "dress tactical,” and it’s by far my most prized piece. I use this blade any time I get a chance. Even though it has not been needed to cut a seat belt to rescue a victim from a burning car, it sure can slice through the top of my dog food bags with ease! Who else would you recommend a knife like this to and why? I like to have knives for all purposes, whether hunting, camping, hard use or just for daily carry. If you're the sort of person to often find yourself to be in a dangerous spot, you need a dangerous knife. That’s who I recommend should carry a similar piece. And when you take a dangerous knife, add a custom skull handle scale and bling it out with gold teeth — it just puts you a cut above the rest!


KI


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Self-reliance is self-evident. Rebellion has a cause. Being prepared is a way of life. Being tested is to be expected. Fear is to be embraced. One opinion counts. Independence goes without saying. And there are no excuses.

Check out our new BlackWash™ series

SERIES

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