The crew at Triple Aught Designs have been busy remodeling their San Francisco show room. It turns out that wasn’t the only thing they were making over. Their new web site features a whole new look and is visually stunning. Make sure you stop by and check it out.
Based on a need for a safety hook that would facilitate the remote removal of hazardous items like a S-Vest, or to remotely open a suspicious item such as an IED within a backpack, Zero Point turned to Benchmade. They created the specialized hook knife below. As you can see, it is unlike any other hook knife on the market. Its long length allows it to be inserted into narrow openings and the ridges along to back assist with grip and indexing. Since its inception Zero Point has included this tool in most of their kits.
While the knife was initially intended as an EOD tool, it has recently been released for general sales and adopted by LE, medical professionals, and sports medicine due to its unique size and design. If you are looking for a hook knife that does more than just cut cord and webbing, then this is the one for you.
If you are looking for the best EOD kits out there, then check out Zero Point.
www.zeropointusa.com
Without a doubt the best giveaway at this Summer’s Outdoor Retailer was the Bear Grylls fire starter from Gerber. Additionally, they unveiled the the first of the new Bear Grylls Survival Series; the Ultimate Knife. Available beginning October, the Ultimate Knife features a full tang, partially-serrated, stainless steel blade combined with a textured TacHide handle, pommel strike, and utility saw. Additionally, the Ultimate Knife’s sheath features a number of integrated tools including a sharpening stone, magnesium fire starter, and weatherproof survival guide.
Bear Grylls is the star of the hit TV show, “Man vs Wild”.
Columbia River Knife & Tool’s (CRKT) I.D. Works line has a new member called the Eat’N Tool. One look and you’ll understand why. New York based designer Liong Mah took a spork and pimped it hard, adding three metric wrench reliefs (10 mm, 8 mm, 6 mm), can opener, and the right side of the handle is ground to provide an emergency screwdriver blade, which will also work as a pry for opening canisters. The Eat’N Tool is available in a bead-blast finish (9100C), or with a food grade black non-stick coating (9100KC).
Thanks to Beyond Issue for telling us about this one.
SKD Tactical has updated their look and with it, the entire shopping experience for that matter. As you can see, it is not only more user friendly, but the most popular brands are one click away from the front page. SKD Tactical still offers industry-leading shipping times and great service. Click on the image to check it out.
Awhile back we wrote about the Rogue Warrior brand of watches and alluded to some new products coming soon. Well, they just released their new knives and have a teaser web site up showing a few other items.
Here’s also a good look at the new knives. The line includes three fixed blade models which include the Black Frog, Brass Balls, and Sharkman as well as two versions of the Sharkman folder.
The cryogenically treated 8A steel blades are sharpened to a field-grade edge. The Sharkman is hand finished and treated with the proprietary Black-T coating, a multi-step process designed to not only protect the blade but also provide lubrication. The Brass Balls features a variation of the process called Brown-T that provides the blade with its distinctive look and naturally, the Black Frog features a mixture of Black and Green coatings.
The handles are assembled with a proprietary two-layer process. Manufactured from Rosewood (bottom layer) and Yellowheart (top layer), both hardwoods known for density, toughness and shock-absorbency as well as the G10 phenolic laminate used on the Sharkman handle each handle is made individually with consideration for field use and thought given to the needs of the user. In the case of the Sharkman handle, the handle is ported, to allow the water to be sucked away from the handle and not remain between the operator’s hand or glove and the handle. Additionally, the handles are knobbed to provide maximum tactile feedback to the operator.
Coming soon from www.roguewarriorbrand.com
During Blade Show several knife manufacturers provided us knives for hands-on reviews and evaluations – one of those knife manufacturers was Strider Knives and here is our hands-on evaluation.
We had the pleasure of speaking with Duane Dwyer personally during Blade Show and as usual Duane was extremely helpful. His knowledge and understanding of Blade grinds and metals is incredible and he has been known to spend an enormous amount of time picking the brains of those who know while using the new found knowledge to improve the quality of Strider Knives.
We also listened to Duane as he addresses a group of well known manufacturers and suppliers where he discussed future plans and introduced Dick Marcinko. Dick has been working closely with Duane lately and attends Blade Show, and SHOT Show with Strider Knives.
We feel extremely privileged to have had the opportunity to spend time putting these knives through real world tests and with that in mind, put them through the same paces that a normal person in the field might encounter.
As we’ve mentioned in previous posts, knives are a personal choice and will often be misused and abused – we’ll let you decide when and where to do that. While some choose not to carry a knife, others choose to do so and a few choose to carry several knives.
The SNG and RW-1 folders as well as the GW/AR fixed blades are fantastic tools/knives. They are robust and easy to use while having a form and fit that makes them extremely comfortable when put to the test in a variety of daily tasks.
Over the course of the past few weeks, these knives have been used to cut hoses, scrape obstructions from doors, cut or strip wires, dig holes, cut branches for fires, to hack through green-foliage in our way as we trekked through swampland, used to cut vegetables and meat for meals as well as clothing and seat harness/straps, weapon slings, and a plethora of other items which might conceivably be found in the daily activity of most anybody in the field that needed to be cut or removed.
Training and real world ops should never be separated, how does it go? You will Fight like you Train. Thus, we actively promote dressing and equipping yourself during training exactly as you would when going into battle or on an Operation/Mission. This allowed us to conduct our various evaluations although in a training environment, as closely simulating real world events as possible.
As expected all of the knives we exercised were every bit the hard use knife Strider is known for and more if you want this writer’s opinion – there was nothing we put them through that they were not capable of delivering, if not exceeding each and every time.
Whether it was hacking, chopping, slicing, cutting, hammering, prying or dicing these knives came through with flying colors because let’s face it, hammering with the butt end of a fixed blade or the side of a folder is a common occurrence and the (ab)use of knives when in the field, includes being used to pry things open; from wooden ammo crates to opening MRE cases and mail as well as prying open doors and other obstacles faced by Soldiers everyday in the field.
It has been my experience that if you give a Soldier a shovel and tell him to dig he will, and if you give him a knife and tell him to dig, he will. So it goes that if you give him a knife and just let him go about his business, eventually he will dig with it, even if it’s only a shallow hole to identify the solid object under his foot. So it’s important that whenever you run a knife through its paces, you dig with it or use it in the shaping of a hole in some fashion or another.
The Strider Knives we carried and evaluated demonstrated time and again why Duane has spent the time and effort he has and has gone to such lengths to learn as much about metals and grinds as well as how water and other atmospheric conditions effect metals and what metal characteristics and combinations deliver the best results for the knives’ intended purpose. It’s apparent in every facet of every Strider Knife this writer ever seen or used that these knives are built to deliver.
An additional topic Duane discussed with us was the several NSN items available direct through Strider Knives – for more info or a listing of NSN products, contact Strider Knives. www.striderknives.com
We can’t thank Strider Knives enough for the unique opportunity to push their knives to the edge, and for allowing us this opportunity to review/evaluate these knives and share our results with you. We heard a rumor that Strider might be unveiling a new knife at the Warrior Expo this week in Va Beach so visit them at Booth #121 to see if it’s true.
– Stay Tuned & Stay Sharp
TOPS Knives has released the Haket which stands for Hatchet and Knife Emergency Tool. The unique blade is manufactured from 1095 steel and features a hatchet blade on one and and a knife blade on the other. The blade fits into a slot on the hollow chrome-moly handle in two fashions. It can be mounted as a traditional hatchet or in spear fashion and in both cases the blade is held fast with a special bolt fixture. Additionally, the hollow handle accommodates a variety of survival items. Look for additional blades in the future. The Haket comes with a nylon sheath.
Benchmade Knife Company has just announced Eli “Gonzo” Gonzalez is the new Program Manager of Special Operations Forces (SOF) on their Federal Government team.
Mr. Gonzalez brings twenty years of U.S. Army Special Operations experience to Benchmade. For the past five years, he served as Business Development Manager for ATK Tactical Systems/Eagle Industries Inc. Prior to that, Mr. Gonzalez worked with SAAB Technologies, as the Program Manager for Special Operations in charge of Special Operations Signature Management initiatives.
“I am honored to be part of the Benchmade team. I look forward to strategically expanding Benchmade’s brand within the federal government markets,” says Mr. Gonzalez.
“Eli comes to Benchmade with many proven successes and a solid reputation in the industry,” says Mike Nack, Fed/Gov Sales Manager. “His knowledge and expertise will be strategic to Benchmade’s growth and development among our Federal Government team.”
Eli will reside in Fayetteville, NC outside of Fort Bragg, home of the 18th Airborne Corps and the U.S. Army Special Operations Command.
Our correspondent caught up with Emerson Knives, Inc owner Ernie Emerson at Blade Show and this is what he had to say. When asked, Ernie Emerson indicated that the key to Emerson Knives is to ‘Stay on Focus’ and to continue to deliver the same quality knife today that he did 15-20 years ago. His goal is to have folks who carried a CQC-7 15 years ago, to pick up a new CQC-7 and feel the same high quality today they did the first time they handled one. He also really likes to see when folks stop by and show him a CQC-7 they’ve carried numerous times on the battlefield, or out hunting, or wherever his knives find themselves on the planet. It’s a fact the Emerson Name and Fame have grown over the past fifteen years and continue to do so. As long as Ernie Emerson and Emerson Knives continue to build to exacting specifications and deliver high quality knives, their product will continue to be found wherever Warriors go.
Ernie also provided us with a couple of pictures of the new Roadhouse.
Congratulations to all of this year’s winners!
Production Knife Award winners
Kitchen Knife Of The Year: Kershaw Shun Premier
Collaboration Of The Year: Spartan Blades Bill Harsey Model 1 Limited Edition
Accessory Of The Year: A.G. Russell Steel Thumbnail
Manufacturing Quality Award: Chris Reeve Knives
Investor/Collector Knife Of The Year: Pro-Tech Ultimate Don
Best Buy Of The Year: Stone River Gear Ceramics Folding Knife with Titanium Handle
Most Innovative Imported Design: Lion Steel Italy SR-1
Most Innovative American Design: Spyderco Manix 2 Translucent Blue
Imported Knife Of The Year: Columbia River Knife & Tool Ken Onion Eros
American Made Knife Of The Year: Kershaw Tilt
Overall Knife Of The Year: Chris Reeve Knives Ti-Lock
Custom Knife Award Winners
Best Fighter: Kunihiko Tamatsu
Best Sword: Vince Evans
Best Miniature: Yoshio Sakauchi
Best New Maker: Tad Lynch
Best Damascus: John White
Best Folder: R.J. Martin
Best Fixed Blade: Steven Rapp
Best Bowie: John Horrigan
Best Hunter: Mike Williams
Best Knife Collaboration: Tom Overeynder and Brian Hochstrat
Most Innovative Design: Brian Tighe with Klecker (first name?)
Best Handle Design: Jody Muller
Best Art Knife: Shaun and Sharla Hansen
Best Of The Rest: Todd Begg
Best Of The Show: Shaun and Sharla Hansen
The Spartan – Harsey Model 1, a collaboration between Mr. William Harsey Jr and Spartan Blades won this year’s Blade Show Collaboration of the Year Award. According to Spartan Blades President, Curtis Iovito, “Bill is one of the first people we went to when we formed Spartan Blades not to do a collaboration but, to ask for advice on the knife industry. We quickly formed a friendship with Bill long before even considering a collaboration.” Obviously, the great relationship they developed shows through on this design. An important aspect of the project was that both Spartan Blades and Bill would put hands on each knife. To do this, Spartan Blades uses CNC technology to profile the knife, radius the handle area, and to create the handles based on Bill’s design. Once those operations are complete, they send them to Bill so that he can grind the knives by hand. Then they go back to Spartan Blades for heat treat, coat, and laser etching on the blades.
Specifications:
Knife Name: Spartan – Harsey Model 1
Designer(s): William Harsey
Overall Length: 13 1/4″
Blade Length: 7 5/8”
Blade Thickness: 3/16”
Blade Steel: CPM S30V
Blade Hardness: 58-59 HRC
Blade Style: Fixed Drop Point— The blade has a flat ground main bevel with a 10″ hollow ground top edge.
Coating: Flat Dark Earth (FDE) Spartacoat PVD ZrN
Handle Material: Black CE Canvas Micarta®
Sheath: Black Kydex with Belt Drop Loop
Weight: 0.862 LBS
This may prove to be the most entertaining 8:46 of your life, or the most terrifying if you consider the Chinese hoard all armed to the teeth with these shovels. It slices, it dices, it juliennes. Truth be told, a couple of the features such as the “scissor” and nail puller are pretty cool, but music and effects make this one worth the price of admission. Make sure you stay long enough to see the entrenching tool museum.
We are going to start off our Blade Show coverage with an overall summary and then, over the next few days dive into the details.
Blade Show 2010, was by all accounts the Best Blade Show to date…with more than 5,000 attendees it was busy, but that would just be an understatement – you could literally feel the Buzz in the air as soon as you entered the hall with the feeling of electricity everywhere – at times, and at certain booths, it was nearly standing room only.
Several Knife makers and Companies spent time chatting with us about what’s new as well as what’s coming, while other Knife makers provided Knives for in depth hands-on reviews which will be posted in the coming weeks. Other companies we spoke with promised to keep us updated on new projects and products.
One of the questions we promised to answer is Custom vs Production? This is a long standing question, and often gets mixed answers. There is definitely a difference. A Hand Crafted Knife takes time to get each grind, angle, and surface exactly the way the Maker/Designer wants it to be. Hand crafted knives can be built one at a time to fit the buyer’s hand exactly or made with specific parts, such as the Horn of an Elk, Deer, Big Horn Sheep or other material the buyer may choose to have the handle built from. Additionally, the metal the hand crafter/maker uses can also be personally selected, and hand forged. Naturally, this will increase the overall cost of the knife, in many cases up into the thousands of dollar range. On the other hand, production knives are just that. A plate of steel is placed under a computerized cutting tool, the blanks are then sent through a series of steps in order to finally produce a Knife. These steps include roughing up the metal to accept various coatings and colorings, shaping the sides and removing burrs, as well as grinding the edges, and drilling holes to attach the handle to finally turn the Knife into a complete product before it is boxed and shipped to the end-user. Production Knives are often less expensive, but can still be of high quality depending on the manufacturer. Later this year, we will tour a couple of the manufacturers and share with you the inside story.
Of particular interest, are the recent Pakistani knock-offs that have surfaced – which brings us to Off-Shore, vs American Made debate.
Are off-shore knives of lower quality than the American made knife? This is a really good question, because not all off-shore made knives are of low quality. For instance, Japanese made knives, which are crafted in the traditional method are of extremely high quality, and often higher value, depending on who made the knife, while knives made in Taiwan, and China are often of inferior quality and price. Many large chain retailers buy these because of the price point since they can buy low, sell at a moderate price, make money, deliver the goods, and continue to keep their doors open. However, if an off-shore knife company follows the exacting standards (metals, cuts, shapes, grinds, etc.) provided by his US buyer, there are often minimal differences when compared to the same knife made in USA. Such actions may result in a lower per unit cost and allows the end user to pay a lower price. However, at the end of the day, many of us just want a knife made in USA and are willing to pay a little more for it. If in doubt, ask where the knife you’re interested in was manufactured. Most companies will list their country of origin on their website. However, it is important to note that many of the collectible knife sets you find in the shops along the highway are low priced, and made in China. They were never intended for use as a Knife or Tool, and are mostly designed, painted, and crafted with gift box, mantle or curio cabinet in mind. These knives are not meant for use, therefore the quality is not high.
Sniper Bladeworks, logo design and heavy-duty thick knives definitely attracted our attention. Take a look below and you’ll see what we mean. This is a serious knife and what a kewl logo…they offer custom design, colored blades & handles to order – we’ll keep you posted on any updates they provide.
Ernie Emerson, from Emerson Knives Inc, has promised a lengthy interview and discussion. His newest knife, “Roadhouse” is sure to be a best seller. When he described it to me he said, “Roadhouse” It will literally make you think of Leather Jackets, and Jack Daniels dripping off the blade.
Duane Dwyer from Strider Knives provided several knives for in depth hands-on evaluations, which once completed will be posted for your review.
Chris Reeve Knife Co – It is here, where one finds some of the most unique knife designs and people in the industry. Chris Reeve is an industry leader, and not surprisingly won several Blade magazine awards this year. Well done Chris! We like Chris’s Kitchen Cutlery and will be ordering a set shortly.
Bill Harsey Master Knife Designer, collaborated with Spartan Blades and their Collaboration won this year’s nod from Blade magazine.
Greg Mooney, President of Benchmade Knife Co gave us plenty of time, and information to mull over for the time being. He also promised to keep us posted on new projects/products. The Eddie Killian Axe, is the design that most intrigues us, with the versatile handle end which can be used as a Pry tool, or to remove nails, as well as its length, and ease of fit and feel in the hand, are one item we can find ourselves carrying for a number of reasons. Well done Eddie and thank you Benchmade for building this kewl tool – of special note is the Marc Lee GLORY Knife, an Eddie Killian design, made by Benchmade Knife Co. This knife is in memory of Marc Lee, a young Navy SEAL, KIA in Iraq. This knife is doing quite well for Benchmade and has received numerous positive comments by SEALs who see the knife in the Benchmade Booth at various shows, and displays. This Knife is available in a very limited edition (only, 251, this was Marc’s BUD/S Class No#) Marc Lee GLORY ‘Collector’s Knife’ – you can learn more about this knife on Benchmade’s website, or by visiting the Marc Lee Foundation’s website.
Michael Janich & Spyderco – just before Blade Show we announced that Michael Janich is now working at Spyderco – Mike told us he is very happy to be with Spyderco and told us even while he was with MOD (Masters Of Defense) his favorite carry knife was a Spyderco. He said, “I feel like I’ve come home now that I am with Spyderco.” Michael provided us with Spyderco’s new Jump Master knife for our review – and explained this knife was inspired by 82nd Airborne Jump Master’s. We’re looking forward to sharing our review with you in a few weeks.
5.11’s new stuff, well maybe not New, but there was a 5.11 Knife, which was numbered with certificate of Authenticity, 511 of 511 found in Blade Tech’s booth – This author nearly gave away his wallet to see if there was anyway he could bid on it – he’salways been a 5.11 fan, and this would definitely be a One of a Kind 5.11 thing to add to his other one of a kinds. Well actually it would be his first one of a kind, but who’s counting.
SUREFIRE – what a shock, SUREFIRE had a nice display at the Blade Show naturally displaying their lights, but of course their Knife was on hand as well.
We spoke with many knife maker’s, designer’s and knife companies and will continue to share more info as the weeks peel away…Knives are often considered a singular interest item – some folks believe in them, and will never leave without one or more on hand; while other folks do not put as much stake in them or their importance…often it’s not until you miss/need one, that you want one or wish you had one – Stay tuned & Stay Sharp…
SKD Tactical has just released their first knife collaboration and it’s with Zero Tolerance. Based on the popular 0350, the SKD variant culminates 18 months of effort. One change is that the 0360’s blade is a full 30% lighter than the 0350’s blade even though they both have the same thickness. Combined with the ZT SpeedSafe® system, the lighter blade snaps open all the faster. The S30V stainless steel blade with Tungsten DLC (Diamond Like Carbon) is coated in a non-reflective self-lubricating corrosion resistant finish. This is paired with a textured, matte-black G-10 grip featuring quad mounting system for tip-up, tip-down, left- or right-handed clip carry. Probably the most interesting feature on the 0360.SKD is that a small carbide tip has been added to the butt of the handle for emergency glass-breaking use. While it is a collectible knife featuring a three digit serial number, the price point and features beg for it to be an Every Day Carry option.
BLADE Show has become an International event, which is of National importance to the Knife industry; many new Knife designs & ideas are launched during this event, new Knife Companies make their debut here, and Knife Designer’s & Manufacturers often meet to discuss future Collaborations. Blade Show, held annually at the Cobb Galleria in Atlanta GA – draws knife lover’s & Collector’s, End User’s, Designer’s, Manufacturer’s & Dealer’s – whether it’s a fighting knife, a culinary knife or a pocket knife & nearly anything Knife – the Blade Show is sure to have it or have it represented – it is open to the Public, and if you have never attended, but are a Knife Guru or want to be a Knife Guru – then this is definitely one event you want to put on your calendar for next year…
This year for the first time, Soldier Systems Daily has representation on site – and hopes to bring you answers to some of these questions…
Is there really any difference between Knives made Offshore, and right here in the good ole USA?
How are the Knife collection associations & organizations fairing? Has the interest to collect knives diminished?
Custom Knife or Production Knife? Is there really a difference?
What’s the latest gossip – why did Mike Janich leave ‘MOD’ Master’s Of Defense, and how does MOD’s future look, Now that ATK bought Blackhawk? What’s new over at Spyderco?
This and much more will be brought to you during this weekend event – BLADE SHOW, 2010 – Stay tuned & stay Sharp…
SOG Specialty Knives and Tools has introduced several new knives but here are my two favorites from a utilitarian standpoint.
Swedge II
In conjunction with Brent Beshara, a Canadian special ops military instructor, martial artist, and custom knife maker, SOG has created the Swedge, featuring a new blade geometry that makes the tips of knives stronger and less prone to breaking. There are three different shapes in the Swedge series. Shown is the Swedge II. All knives within the Swedge line, which are available in 8.3”, 9.2” and 10.1” lengths, feature a full tang, G10 handles and a Kydex sheath offering a variety of mounting options.
SOGfari Machete
The first ever SOG machete has paid careful attention to the weight and comfortable handles for extended use. They have added a saw to the back of the blade and a spiked tang from the back of the handle for pounding and scraping as well as holes in the handle for lanyards. Available in 13” and 18” lengths. The price point is so good on this one that I plan on picking one up just to replace my old GI machete.
Yes it’s been done before, but I am digging this new knife from Quirky. A “modular utility device”, the Switch features 18 different attachments that you can configure to your heart’s desire. Swapping out accessories is as simple as choosing an inner axle of desired width, configuring the mix of tools, and then everything is tightened into place with the edge of a coin.
Each Switch set comes with two exterior body covers; two slotted caps to hold the tool together; three interior axle assemblies; small (2-6 tools), medium (4-10 tools), and large (7-13 tools); and 18 tool attachments: Standard Knife, Pliers, Scissors, Nail File, Tweezers, Thin Flathead Screwdriver, Phillips-Head Screwdriver, Eyeglass Phillips-Head Screwdriver, Eyeglass Flathead Screwdriver, Wood Saw, Serrated Blade, Corkscrew, Combination Bottle Opener/Flathead Screwdriver, Combination Can Opener/Wire Stripper, Pen, Magnifying Glass, LED Flashlight, 1GB USB Memory Stick.
There is a lot of potential here. Let’s hope that they continue to develop the concept.
To pre-order visit www.quirky.com. Supplies are limited.
Ultimate Equipment has introduced a new hand-made folder inspired by the 1911 pistol. What makes the knife so unique is that it is manufactured with standard 1911 pistol bushings, grip screws, and grip panels which means it accepts the same grips as the pistol. Offered with a lifetime warranty, it is available in blackened 440C blades, satin polished 440C blades, and CPM S30V blades.
“Finally, there is a companion to the legendary firearm.”
The ingenious ExiTool from CRKT includes a seat belt cutter, a tungsten carbide window breaker, and a bright L.E.D. flashlight in a package that attaches directly to a vehicle’s seat belt. Designed by knifemaker Russ Kommer, the blade is inset so that you won’t be accidentally cut.
Available soon from CRKT.
According to a story published in the UK Daily Mail, Roman examples of a multi-tool pre-date the Swiss Army knife by at least 18 centuries.
This example has actually been in the museum’s collection for some time and is a rare silver version. Less complex variants have been found made from bronze.
The Elite Operator Grade Knife from Emerson we recently told you about is now available on EOTAC’s website. I have to say that $218 for a limited run Emerson designed knife is a steal. Especially when it is offered in A-TACS pattern.
Order it at www.Eotac.com.
From the get go, EOTAC wanted to do a knife to complement their clothing styles so they went to knife making legend Ernest Emerson to produce the EOG-1 (Elite operator Grade). Emerson designed a custom blade design crafted from 154CM premium Stainless Tool Steel hardened to 57 Rockwell with a partial serration. The EOG-1 also features G10 scales and Titanium liner lock.
The production knife will only be available with the partially serrated blade like the Black variant above. The A-TACS version below is a prototype shown so that you can see how it will look with the camo finish. The knife will be available only through EOTAC and select EOTAC dealers and quantities will be limited. It will be offered in Black, Khaki, OD Green, and A-TACS.
EOTAC has a whole slew of new stuff coming for SHOT in booth #11456. Hopefully, we will be able to give you a couple of more sneak peeks before the show kicks off.
