Table Of ContentTTHHEE WWOORRLLDD’’SS GGRREEAATTEESSTT KKNNIIFFEE BBOOOOKK
K N IV ES
35
th EDITION
STATE-OF-THE-ART
EMBELLISHMENTS
LATEST TRENDS
IN DESIGNS AND
MATERIALS
COMPREHENSIVE
DIRECTORY OF
CUSTOM MAKERS
EDITED BY
JOE KERTZMAN
KKNNIIVVEESS
EDITED BY
Joe Kertzman
Copyright ©2014 F+W Media, Inc.
All rights reserved. No portion of this publication may be reproduced or
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Published by
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ISSN 0277-0725
ISBN-13: 978-1-4402-4073-7
ISBN-10: 1-4402-4073-6
Cover Design by Sharon Bartsch
Designed by Rachael Wolter
Edited by Corrina Peterson
Printed in United States of America
Dedication and
Acknowledgments
F
or years the KNIVES annual book has laid expert on knives and all aspects of self-defense. A
claim to having the world’s greatest knife writ- member of Black Belt Magazine’s prestigious Hall of
ers contributing feature articles on a myriad Fame, co-host of Outdoor Chan-
of blade-related subjects. I acknowledge them and nel’s “The Best Defense” TV show,
their contributions, and dedicate and founder of Martial Blade
this, the KNIVES 2015, book to Concepts, he is also a prolifi c
each of them. Rod Halvorsen knife designer. Jordan Clary is
has always been fascinated with a freelance writer and professional
indigenous and ethnographic blogger who became interested in
cutting tools and weapons. knives while visiting a primitive
Extensive travel has given him tribe of knifemakers in Burma.
an appreciation for the blades of Pat Covert started seriously
various cultures, designs he has collecting knives in the mid-80s
been able to modify and explore and penning articles about them
through knifemaking in his in 1996. He has been writing
own shop. Greg Bean’s stud- for BLADE and KNIVES since
ies of writing and history went 2010. James Morgan Ayres
perfectly with his passion for has written over 50 articles for
sharp, pointy things. He began BLADE, as well as eight books—
writing for BLADE® Magazine four of them on survival, fi rearms
and the KNIVES book series and knives. He served with the
while working for C.A.S Iberia. 82nd Airborne Division and the 7th
Accomplished custom knifemaker Special Forces Group (Green Be-
Vince Evans’ interest in his- rets). Knife collector and purveyor
torical knives and swords keeps Don Guild is a retired pharmacist
him traveling internationally who had a chain of 24 stores in
to research and study original California. He has written loads of
pieces in museums. He makes articles on art knives for BLADE
some of the most true-to-form re- and KNIVES. Evan Nappen
productions of knives and swords has dedicated his life to fi ghting
extant. Mike Haskew has been for gun and knife rights. He has
writing for BLADE for 23 years, practiced law since 1988 and was
and has developed a great ap- one of the fi rst attorneys to ever
preciation for the industry and its get a federal injunction against a
people. He is also an avid writer state gun law. He has written and
of military history and general produced DVDs, and authored a number of gun rights
interest articles, and is the au- books, as well as numerous articles that have appeared
thor of more than a dozen books. in national magazines. There, how’s that for the world’s
Michael Janich is an accom- greatest knife writers?!
plished author and recognized Joe Kertzman
3
DEDICATION
Contents
Introduction .....................................................................................................................................6
2015 Wooden Sword Award .............................................................................................................7
Features
“The First Knife I Ever Made” .............................................................................................................................8
Are Quality Knives Worth the Quid? ................................................................................................................14
Switching to Survival Knife Mode ....................................................................................................................20
A Sword for a Warrior King ...............................................................................................................................26
The Art Knife Goes International .....................................................................................................................32
Knives Hidden in Plain Sight .............................................................................................................................37
Knife Trading Along Emigrant Trails ...............................................................................................................41
Feeding His Fixed-Blade Fixation ....................................................................................................................45
Frame-Lock Fever! ..............................................................................................................................................52
Trends Section ...............................................................................................................................57
Sweeping Uppercuts ............................................................................................................................................58
Utility Knives & Choppers .................................................................................................................................61
Folds of Technology ............................................................................................................................................66
Belt and Boot Knives ..........................................................................................................................................72
Genteel Steel .......................................................................................................................................................74
Cool as a Camp Cutter ........................................................................................................................................82
Forever in Loveless .............................................................................................................................................83
Battle Honed .......................................................................................................................................................84
Telltale Temper Lines .........................................................................................................................................87
Picture-Perfect Pocketknives ............................................................................................................................90
Splayed in Their Coffi ns .....................................................................................................................................94
A Higher Class of Hunters .................................................................................................................................96
Push Dagger Presentation ................................................................................................................................105
Worldwide Weaponry ........................................................................................................................................106
Western Wares ..................................................................................................................................................112
A Bromance with the Bowie .............................................................................................................................114
Food Preppers ....................................................................................................................................................122
Natural-Handle Fighters .................................................................................................................................125
State of the Art Section ...............................................................................................................132
Handle Marquetry and Mosaics .......................................................................................................................133
Animal-Printed Points ......................................................................................................................................134
Ivory Artistry ....................................................................................................................................................136
Permanent Etchings & Engravings .................................................................................................................138
Gold Inlaid and Bladed .....................................................................................................................................146
Dyed in the Wood ..............................................................................................................................................149
Damascus Patterns Parade ..............................................................................................................................150
4
KNIVES 2015
Carving Out a Knife .........................................................................................................................................158
San Mai Warriors ..............................................................................................................................................161
Sculpted Steel ....................................................................................................................................................162
Mosaic Makers Union .......................................................................................................................................164
Dressed-Up Daggers .........................................................................................................................................168
Sheathing Review .............................................................................................................................................172
Factory Trends Section ................................................................................................................173
Blunt Tips Rule Tall Ships ...............................................................................................................................174
Fly-Open Factory Folders .................................................................................................................................178
In the Hunt ........................................................................................................................................................179
Tomahawk Chop! ...............................................................................................................................................180
Knives for Veterans ...........................................................................................................................................181
DIrectory .....................................................................................................................................193
Custom Knifemakers .......................................................................................................................................194
Knifemakers State-by-State ............................................................................................................................282
Knifemakers Membership Lists ......................................................................................................................291
Knife Photo Index ............................................................................................................................................294
Sporting Cutlers ...............................................................................................................................................296
Importers ..........................................................................................................................................................299
Knifemaking Supplies .....................................................................................................................................301
Mail Order Sales ..............................................................................................................................................304
Knife Services ..................................................................................................................................................306
Organizations ...................................................................................................................................................310
Publications ......................................................................................................................................................311
On The Cover
Fifty years working as a knifemaker, and when I medallion on the reverse side of the handle. To the right
contacted American Bladesmith Society master smith of Keeslar’s piece, spanning the bottom of the front cover
Joe Keeslar to ask him if he could send me a particular is knifemaker Jason Fry’s upswept bird-and-trout knife
knife (far left, front cover) for possible inclusion on the parading a stabilized spalted-pecan handle handsomely
KNIVES 2015 book, he was excited to be considered. Now partnered with juniper-burl bolsters, a 3 3/8-inch 154CM
that’s saying a lot, not only for the KNIVES annual, but blade and a tapered tang. It comes with a tooled-leather
also for Keeslar’s humility, particularly considering the sheath in a basket-weave pattern. In the center is a com-
workmanship of this particular knife. The “Brut de Forge” pletely sculpted and 18k-gold-inlaid Ronald Best art folder
clip-point (cid:191) xed blade is forged from a 19th-century French boasting a 4.25-inch Damasteel blade, a 416 stainless steel
(cid:191) le, and all work is that of the maker, including the vine frame, lapis-lazuli handle inlays and more TNT Damasteel
(cid:191) le work, “dragon scales” engraving on the bolsters and following the curve of the grip. All come together like
silver wire inlay embellishing the curly maple handle. The the instruments of a symphony orchestra, and each of the
10-inch blade is left with (cid:191) le marks intact, and the knife knives is similarly well orchestrated, making for a (cid:191) ne
also showcases a 50th year of knifemaking anniversary cover at that. (cover photo by Kris Kandler)
5
CONTENTS
Introduction
W
elcome to one of the most fantastical worlds touting their qualifi cations. And besides, the Knives
this side of Oz, Disney or Hogwarts. Scat- annual is known as The World’s Greatest Knife
tered throughout the landscape are gem- Book. Then fl ip to pages 8-56 to get lost in illustrated
stones, ivory, pearl, gold, meteorite and other pre- articles covering such subjects as knife trading
cious commodities. Edges keep watch, knife points along early emigrant trails, one author’s fi xed-blade
unsheathed, little soldiers standing guard. The fi xation, the popularity and quality of frame-lock
artists have left their marks, engraving enchant- folders, what features make an ideal survival knife,
ing images, scrimshawing ivory in brilliant hues, international art knives, blades used on tall ships,
building bezels for diamonds and rubies, inlaying, hidden or disguised knives, a sword for a warrior
overlaying and etching. Nothing is left to chance or king, whether quality outdoors, camp and hunting
left alone. The place is populated with only good- knives are worth the extra cost and the fi rst knives
looking beings whose ancestry has been researched some makers ever built.
and recorded. It’s always fascinating to discover what Trends
Population growth in knife fantasyland is the emerge each year in knife fantasyland, and the past
most miraculous aspect of the world’s best place year proved fruitful and ultimately fulfi lling, with
to live. Though there are some production pieces makers fashioning everything from technologically
herein, most are handmade, and no assembly line or advanced folders to belt and boot knives. Some pieces
manufacturing plant churned out those little num- are “Battle Honed,” while others are “Picture-Perfect
bers. Instead they are one-of-a-kind creations, like Pocketknives,” “Cool as a Camp Cutter” and “Food
snowfl akes or fi ngerprints, with no two being alike. Preppers.” Many knifemakers fi nd themselves in
To keep up such a pace, propagating the population, “A Bromance with the Bowie,” and more fashion
producers work long hours, often in less-than-ideal “Genteel Steel” and “Sweeping Uppercuts.” There
conditions, pounding, grinding, churning until the are utility knives and choppers, pieces inspired by
fi nished products are made, sharpened, shined and the late Bob Loveless, blades with telltale temper
oiled. Then the little numbers go to market where lines, coffi n-handle bowies, high-class hunters, push
they are displayed, priced and sold. And new pieces daggers and Western wares. Don’t miss the “Animal-
take their places, building a market and satisfying Printed Points” in the State of the Art section, as
the appetite of collectors who drink in this fantasti- well as etched and engraved knives, gold inlaid
cal world as if it were fi lled with the lifeblood and pieces, damascus patterns, sculpted steel, ivory
nutrients their bodies need. artistry, dyed wood, San Mai steel, mosaic damascus,
This is where knives are made, showcased and dressed-up daggers, a “Sheathing Review,” carved
lauded, and the Knives 2015 books captures them knives, and handle marquetry and mosaics.
in glorious full color for all enthusiasts to see, drool Complementary Directories list Sporting Cutlers,
over, covet. The makers are many, with 2,200 of Importers, Knifemaking Supplies, Organizations,
them listed in the Custom Knifemaker Directory at and everyone from appraisers to custom grinders,
the back of the publication, including their contact handle makers, engravers, etchers, heat treaters,
information, specialties, patterns, technical informa- leather workers, photographers, sheath makers and
tion, prices, remarks and descriptions of their tang scrimshaw artists.
stamps or marks. Here’s hoping you enjoy your stay in this fantasti-
They’ve left their marks in the Trends, State Of cal knife world, where a feast has been prepared
The Art and Factory Trends sections of the book, as for you, spread out and served. While steely blades
well as in the feature articles penned by some of the refl ect the light, exotic materials make themselves
world’s best writers. Why the world’s best writers, known and embellishments pretty up the place,
and who says so? Read the Dedication and Acknowl- welcoming onlookers and soothing their senses.
edgements on page 3 for brief bios of the authors Joe Kertzman
6
KNIVES 2015
2015 WOODEN
SWORD AWARD
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ooff ffuuunnncctttiiiooonnaall aarrtt bbeeeeffffoorrreee ccrreeaattiinngg iiittt
iiisss bbbeeeyyyyooooooonnnnddd mmmeee.. BBBuuuttt ttthhhhhheeeeennn aaagggaaaiiinnn,, III’’mmm nnnnnnnooottt
aaa ttrruuee aarrttiisssaannn aaass iiss tthhee wwwiiinnnnneeerr ooff tthhee 220001155 WWWooooddeenn
SSwwwoorrdd AAwwwaarrdd,, DDDooonnaalldd VVVooggtt.. VVVooogggtt’’ss ““SSShhhoooott aannnddd SSttaabb
GGuunnn KKnnniiffee”” iiss aa ccooommmbbbiiinnnaattiioonn ssiinnngggllee---aaaccttiioonn aauuttooommmaaatttiicc
kkknnniiifffeeee aaaaannnddd aaa ..333666--cccaaallliiiiiibbbbbbbbeeerrr pppooowwwdddeeerrr pppeeeerrrrrrrccccuuussssssiiiooonnn pppiiissstttooolllll ((((yyyeeesss,,
iitt wwwooorrkkksss)).. LLeett’’ss ssttaaaarrrrtt wwwiitthh tthhee bbllaaadddeee... TThhee uuppsswweeeppptt,,, rree--
ccuuurrrvveedd,, aaalllmmoosstt PPPPeeeerrssiiaannn---llooookkiinnggg ffoollddiinnnggg bbllaaddeee iiiss RRoobbb and hardened 440C stainless steel.
TTThhoommaass ddaaammaaaassssccuuss sstteeeell ttthhaattt VVVooggtt mmeettiiicccuullooouuussllyy eenn-- Blade length is 5.5 inches, the overall
gggrraavveedd.. TThheee sssssccccuuulllppppttteeeddd,,,, cccaaarrrvvvveeeeeddd aanndd eenngggrraavvveeeeddd bboollsstteerrss,,, open length is over a foot long, at 12.25
ggguunn ttrriiggggeerrr,,, ggguuunn hhaammmmeerrrr aannndd gguunn bbaarrrrreeell aaarree aallssoo inches, and the gun barrel stretches 4
the same Thomas damascus steel, and the gun body inches. Because words can’t even begin to
is 303 stainless steel. Mammoth-ivory handle scales, describe the piece, Vogt had several images taken
carved by the maker in a fl oral/vine motif, fl ow into and sent to this KNIVES 2015 book editor, who was
the bolsters, interlocking with them like puzzle smitten and impressed all at the same time, and
pieces. The entire gun/knife, including such areas thus the 2015 Wooden Sword Award goes to Donald
as the previously noted trigger and gun hammer, Vogt. Thank goodness guys like him follow through
are carved using chisels on their incredible visions so the rest of us can enjoy
and a chase hammer, and the fruits of their labor.
14k-gold and ruby inlays Joe Kertzman
are set smartly on the
top, or spine, of the gun/
knife, as is a gold plate
stating the caliber—“36
Cal.” Oh, and while
admiring the spine of the
piece, note the vine and scrooollllll fififi llleee
work on the titanium liners aaaanndd sstteeeell
spacer, respectively. The kniiffeeee llllaaatttccchhh iiiissss cccaaarrrvvveeeedddd
7
2015 WOODEN SWORD AWARD
“The First Knife
I Ever Made”
They’re not all pretty, and their makers aren’t always
proud, but the “fi rstborns” remain special
By Mike Haskew
E
verybody has to
start somewhere.
The greatest
knifemakers the world
has ever known, the up
and coming, the dab-
blers in knife kits and
the absolute novices all
share a common experi-
ence—the fi rst knife
they ever made.
Looking back on
that fi rst knife, there
are more smiles than
regrets, there is pride
in progress, and there
is real history. Begin-
ning with the basics
and using everything
from saw blades to old
springs, that fi rst knife
has launched many a
storied career in the
custom knife industry.
“I guess everybody
has made a knife in
school, out of a piece of
iron or something,” rea-
soned Bob Dozier, who
at age 73 has passed the
half-century mark in his
knifemaking journey.
“My grandfather, Milton
Bihm, made knives
At the age of 23, Bob Dozier was out on an oilrig, rough-necking in the Gulf of Mexico.
out of 14-inch fi les,
With time on his hands, he found a small fi le lying unattended on a bench. A nearby
and we called them grinder drew him close like a magnet. In a few hours, he’d made his fi rst knife.
8
KNIVES 2015
saddle knives. The deer hunters would carry them on thheeiirr
saddles. They were big old choppers.”
Dozier made his fi rst knife at age 12 with his grandd--
father at his side. “I went to Grandpa and asked, ‘Can
you teach me how to do this?’ We built a forge out of thee
bottom of a barrel and took my mother’s canister vacuuumm
cleaner and reversed the hose on it, put a damper in thee
pipe and controlled the fi re. And I forged. I was the onlyy
grandson who showed interest in knifemaking,” he conttiinn--
ued, “and Grandpa showed me how to take a crosscut saaww
blade, break it up and make knives.”
That knife had lead alloy bolsters and an old hickorryy
handle taken from a hammer. Bob says he made seven oorr
eight pieces with his grandfather and admits that theyy
were “terrible looking.”
For several years, Dozier’s knifemaking went dormanntt..
He had read an article in True magazine about Randall
knives selling for the princely sum of $18, and that notioonn
stayed in the back of his mind. At the age of 23, he was
out on an oilrig, rough-necking in the Gulf of Mexico. Wiitthh
time on his hands, he found a small fi le lying unattendedd
on a bench. A nearby grinder drew him close like a magnneett..
“In a few hours, I had a knife blade,” Bob grinned. ““II
had that knife for years, and my wife and I used it to oppeenn
cans in the kitchen. Then it got lost for a while. I found
it again six or seven years ago mixed in with a bunch off
other knife stuff. I made that knife after I was a grownn
man, and my interest was rekindled, so I really call thaatt
one my fi rst knife.”
Functional, Usable Artwork
Michael Ruth Jr. learned custom knifemaking fromm
a couple of the best teachers around. It all started whenn
Jerry Fisk wanted some business cards and came into tthhee
Ruth family’s print shop. Jerry happened to have a few ooff
his handmade knives and laid them out for everyone too The fi rst knife
Michael Ruth
look at.
Jr. fashioned is
“That was in the late 1980s, and we were all fascinateedd this hunter with a
by his work,” said Michael. “These were clearly somethingg 5160 blade and an
ironwood handle. He
more than just tools—they were artwork—fully functionaall,,
keeps it in a drawer
usable artwork. I don’t think I’ve ever looked at knives thee
in his shop and uses
same way after that day.” one side of the handle
Michael and his father, Michael Ruth Sr., made to experiment with
new carving and cutting
countless trips to Fisk’s shop, and B.R. Hughes, who
ideas. The side he keeps
brought Jerry into the Ruth’s print shop that day, pristine is shown.
was a guiding presence as well. “Jerry taught us the
process of creating each piece from raw materials to
the fi nished product. B.R. was always there to help us
understand the concepts of design and the standards
of performance that the ABS [American Bladesmith
Society] teaches its students,” Michael Jr. noted.
99
FFEEAATTUURREESS
