Knives Illustrated

DECEMBER 2013 • DISPLAY UNTIL: 1/14/14

VOLUME 27, NO.9 • $5.99 U.S.

knivesillustrated.com

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 make up the Case Carbon Fiber family,
each with satin finished Tru-Sharp™ surgical
steel blades that are ready for heavy
duty work.

Available at Case dealers everywhere.

BackPocket®
#42945

Sod Buster, Jr.® Additional models available Knives not shown at full scale.
#42941
Trapper Folding Hunter
#42940 #42947

Lockback Medium Stockman Sod Buster
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DECEMBER 2013
VOLUME 27, NO. 9
www.knivesillustrated.com

76

COVER STORY 44

14 Fiercest For The Fearless

A look at some of the hottest new
tactical blades

BY TERRILL HOFFMAN AND CLINT THOMPSON

FEATURES

26 True Survivors

Hollow-handle knives make a comeback

BY ABE ELIAS

34 An Eye For Style

How custom maker Alan Folts
hones his craft

BY LES ROBERTSON

50 Strong And Solid

The SOG Snarl and Chris Reeve Professional
Soldier epitomize solid-frame knives

BY JIM WEISS AND MICKEY DAVIS

60 On The Edge

Lansky leads the industry in
knife-sharpening systems

BY PAUL GRANGER, JIM WEISS
AND MICKEY DAVIS

66 Metal Worth Its Mettle

The experts pick their favorite steel

BY BETHANY MILLER

KNIVES ILLUSTRATED (ISSN 0898-8943) Vol. 27, No. 8 is published 9
times a year, January/February, April, May, June/July, August,
September, October, November and December, by Beckett Media,
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4 KNIVES ILLUSTRATED • DECEMBER 2013 knivesillustrated.com

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DECEMBER 2013 COLUMNS 34
Volume 27 • Number 9 22
8 Editor’s Letter
EDITORIAL 10 Points Of Interest
Editorial Director: Doug Jeffrey
Editor: Bethany Miller Name The Maker and Upcoming Events
Managing Editor: Jeffrey Rick
Art Director: Ronald Abella 12 SHOT Show Preview
Creative Director: Eric Knagg
What to expect at the world’s largest
CONTRIBUTORS sports, law enforcement and hunting
Mickey Davis, Abe Elias, Terrill Hoffman, trade show
Les Robertson, Clint Thompson, Jim Weiss
22 Behind The Scenes
ADVERTISING
Gabe Frimmel: Ad Sales Director (714) 200-1930 A Q&A with Pohl Force USA founder
[email protected] and CEO Dietmar Pohl
David Beckler: Outdoor Group Director (972) 448-9173
Casey Clifford: Senior Account Executive (717) 896-8956 44 Odds And Ends
Mark Pack: Senior Account Executive (714) 200-1939
Gennifer Merriday: Ad Traffic Coordinator The latest goings-on within the knife world

DIRECT MARKETING GROUP 72 For The Indoorsman
John Bartulin (866) 866-5146 ext. 2746
Paul Caca (866) 866-5146 ext. 4961 Our top 12 kitchen knives
Ryan Lauro (866) 866-5146 ext. 2756
Mary Ann Jaca (866) 866-5146 ext 2716 76 Bells And Whistles

OPERATIONS The best stocking stuffers for knife lovers
Gus Alonzo: Newsstand Sales & Marketing Manager
Celia Merriday: Newsstand Analyst 82 Show And Tell
Amit Sharma: Business Analytics Manager
Mohit Patel: Newsstand & Production Analyst Readers show off their favorite knives
Alberto Chavez: Senior Logistics & Facilities Manager
John Cabral: Creative Graphic Designer Cover photography by
TERRILL HOFFMAN
EDITORIAL, PRODUCTION & SALES OFFICE
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KNIVES ILLUSTRATED (ISSN 0898-8943) Vol. 27, No. 9 is published 9 times
a year, January/February, April, May, June/July, August, September, October,
November and December, by Beckett Media, LLC, 22840 Savi Ranch Parkway,
#200, Yorba Linda, CA 92887. Periodical postage paid at Anaheim, CA, and
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Beckett Media, LLC. All rights reserved. Reproduction of any material from
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6 KNIVES ILLUSTRATED • DECEMBER 2013

Now DW \RXU À QJHUWLSV

Knives

is now available on iTunes and Google Play

Your guide to the best knives -- hunting, chef ’s, tactical,
outdoor, collectibles, and more.

Download the Free Knives app to purchase each issue for only $3.99 today!
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LEDEITTOTRE’SR THERE’S
LaonodkFionrgwBaarcdk SOMETHING FOR
EVERYONE IN THIS
So this is it — our last issue of 2013! And what a year it has been. ISSUE, AND WE
Within these pages, we’ve covered knives that have appeared on HOPE YOU’LL HAVE
the big screen in “Zero Dark Thirty,” fearsome-looking zombie- AS MUCH FUN
themed blades, beautifully crafted hunting knives, the latest and greatest READING IT AS WE
tactical knives and everything in between — not to mention our most ex- DID PUTTING IT
tensive buyer’s guide yet just last month. TOGETHER.

Photo by Terrill Hoffman

To cap off the year, we’re looking both backward and forward. even included a list of accessories guaranteed to make great
You’ll find stories on a long-established custom designer and on stocking stuffers for anyone who loves and uses knives.
a fledgling company.
There’s something for everyone in this issue, and we hope
We took on one of 2013’s hottest trends with our cover story on you’ll have as much fun reading it as we did putting it together.
tactical knives, and we’re anticipating a new trend for 2014 with Here’s to a strong end of one year and the promise of exciting
our look at the resurgence of hollow-handled survival knives. things to come in the next! KI

We’ve got a preview of our favorite event of every year, January’s — Bethany Miller
SHOT Show in Las Vegas. And in the spirit of the season, we’ve

8 KNIVES ILLUSTRATED • DECEMBER 2013 knivesillustrated.com



PINOTINETRSEOSFT UPCOMING EVENTS

Name the Maker Dates and locations subject to change; please contact the show
managers before arranging your travel.
Correctly Identify the Maker of This Knife to Win a Free Subscription JAN. 11-12, 2014
PHOENIX, AZ
Photo by Terrill Hoffman Arizona Knife Collectors Annual Knife Show
[email protected]
HINT: This Portland, Oregon-based designer and craftsman is newer to the world of www.arizonaknifecollectors.com
knifemaking, but he’s been known to spend more than 100 hours meticulously bringing JAN. 14-17
even his simplest designs to life. He occasionally collaborates with engraving specialist LAS VEGAS, NV
Tim Herman. Shooting, Hunting and Outdoor Trade (SHOT) Show
(855) 355-7468
HOW TO WIN www.shotshow.org
JAN. 17-19
If you correctly identify the maker of the featured knife, you will be entered into a drawing for a LAS VEGAS, NV
free one-year subscription to Knives Illustrated. If you’re already a subscriber, you may choose to Antique Arms Show and Invitational Knifemakers Show
extend your current subscription or to receive a subscription to one of our sister magazines, Gun (760) 202-4489
World or Bow & Arrow Hunting. [email protected]
www.antiquearmsshow.com
All entries must be received by 4 p.m. PST on December 31. JAN. 25-26
Winners are determined by placing entries in numerical order and generating a random number SAN ANTONIO, TX
using www.random.org. American Bladesmith Society All Forged Blade Expo
Please submit guesses to [email protected] and specify your preferred prize option. Please (512) 446-3111
also include the mailing address where you would like to receive your subscription should you win. [email protected]
www.absknifeexpo.com
PREVIOUS WINNER FEB. 1-2
NOVI, MI
We congratulate Knives Illustrated reader Jeffrey Oldham, who correctly identified Cliff Parker Wolverine Knife Collectors Show
as the maker of the knife in our October issue. (586) 786-5549
1 0 KNIVES ILLUSTRATED • DECEMBER 2013 www.wolverineknifecollectorsclub.com
FEB. 1-3
LAKELAND, FL
Gator Cutlery Club Custom, Modern & Antique Knife Show
(813) 754-3908
[email protected]
www.gatorcutlery.com
FEB. 22-23
LITTLE ROCK, AR
Arkansas Custom Show
[email protected]
www.arkansasknifemakers.com
FEB. 28-MARCH 2
JERSEY CITY, NJ
East Coast Custom Knife Show
(417) 866-6688
www.fiftyfiftyproductions.net
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 KI

knivesillustrated.com

VISIT 511TACTICAL.COM/HOLIDAY

THIS YEAR, GET GEAR!
25% OFF SALE IN-STORE OR ONLINE
Starts on Black Friday, November 29 through December 5

SHOT SHOW
PREVIEW

PHOTO COURTESY OF SHOT SHOW

Anew year is almost upon us, and that means hot, new knives from EVENT INFO
all of our favorite makers — many of which will be unveiled at the January 14-17
2014 Shooting, Hunting and Outdoor Trade Show, better known as Sands Expo Center
SHOT. 201 Sands Ave.
Las Vegas, NV 19169
The SHOT Show, held annually since 1979, is the world’s largest trade show of its
kind, bringing together upwards of 62,000 industry professionals. While the show is not
open to the public — only to tradesmen and commercial buyers and sellers — Knives Il-
lustrated will be there getting the inside scoop for our readers. KI

SHOT Show organizers anticipate some KNIVES ILLUSTRATED • DECEMBER 2013 1 3
1,600 exhibitors. Here’s just a small
sampling:

• 5.11 Tactical Series
• Al Mar Knives
• Arno Bernard Custom Knives
• Bear & Son Cutlery, Inc.
• Benchmade Knife Company, Inc.
• Blade Tech Industries, Inc.
• Blue Ridge Knives
• Boker USA, Inc.
• Browning
• Buck Knives, Inc.
• Campco/UZI/Smith & Wesson
• Canal Street Cutlery
• Chris Reeve Knives
• Coast Products
• Columbia River Knife & Tool
• Condor Tool & Knife
• Eagle Grips
• ESEE Knives
• FAMARS USA
• Fox Outdoor Products
• Gerber Legendary Blades
• Havalon Knives
• Helle
• KA-BAR Knives, Inc.
• Katz Knives, Inc.
• Kershaw Knives
• Krudo Knives
• Lansky Sharpeners
• Leatherman Tool Group
• Meyerco
• Mil-Tac Knives & Tools
• Ontario Knife/Queen Cutlery
• Pro-Tech Knives, LLC
• Puma Knife Company USA
• SOG Specialty Knives, Inc.
• Spartan Blades, LLC
• Spyderco, Inc.
• Strider Knives, Inc.
• TOPS Knives
• United Cutlery Corporation
• Utica Cutlery/Kutmaster
• Victorinox Swiss Army, Inc.
• W.R Case & Sons
• White River Knife & Tool

CONTACT INFO
SHOT Show
11 Mile Hill Road
Newtown, CT 06470
(855) 355-7468
For exhibitor inquiries, contact:
Dave Jeannette
[email protected]
Chris Tatulli
[email protected]

knivesillustrated.com

A LOOK AT SOME OF THE HOTTEST NEW TACTICAL BLADES

STORY AND PHOTOS BY TERRILL HOFFMAN AND CLINT THOMPSON

For many, a knife is a useful tool for work or pastimes, from
collecting to carving to hunting. For others, however, a good
blade is not so much a commodity as it is a potentially life-
saving necessity.

When it comes to those who are ready to put their lives on the line at a mo-
ment’s notice, few assets are more valuable than the perfect tactical knife.
Among other demands, the blade must maintain an exceptional edge; it must
be sturdy enough to withstand heavy-duty use; the handle must afford a se-
cure grip; it must be large enough to present a formidable defense, yet small
enough to carry with ease.

We got our hands on nine tactical knives to evaluate how well they fulfill
these characteristics.

1 4 KNIVES ILLUSTRATED • DECEMBER 2013 knivesillustrated.com

WHEN IT COMES TO THOSE WHO ARE
READY TO PUT THEIR LIVES ON THE
LINE AT A MOMENT’S NOTICE, FEW
ASSETS ARE MORE VALUABLE THAN

THE PERFECT TACTICAL KNIFE.

knivesillustrated.com KNIVES ILLUSTRATED • DECEMBER 2013 1 5

5.11 Tactical SidePick

SIDEPICK COMBO EDGE

OVERALL: 5.5 inches
BLADE: 3.5 inches
STEEL: AUS-8
HANDLE: G-10
WEIGHT: 3.2 ounces
MSRP: $49

The SidePick from 5.11 Tactical is a 5.11 TACTICAL SIDEPICK
small fixed-blade designed to be carried
on a neck chain, belt or boot. You could "THE SIDEPICK WOULD FUNCTION MOST EFFECTIVELY IN
also carry the SidePick on web-gear; with TACTICAL SITUATIONS FOR CUTTING IN A TIGHT SPACE."
the included Velcro strap, the possibilities
multiply according to your imagination, in- cutting in a tight space, or in a last-ditch same hand as your keys. Place your index
genuity and needs. As a personal protec- situation requiring you to slash quickly be- finger in the hole a nd hold the knife in
tion tactical knife (PPTK), it will be best fore making a run to safety. your hand as if making a fist. Then using
carried as a hidden boot knife so that its your index finger, middle finger and thumb
sharp, partially serrated blade is quickly The SidePick is well designed, well you can hold your key-fob and keys and
accessible from a variety of positions and made and has great potential as a per- the knife at the same time. If attacked,
in tight areas. sonal protection tool. For example, the you can strike out at your assailant with a
large hole in the handle would make it punching motion.
The SidePick is not designed to be an possible to carry the knife securely in the
offensive weapon. While its twin edges
are very sharp, they only measure two
inches. You could use it in a knife fight, but
you would be wiser not to if you have oth-
er options. The SidePick would function
most effecti vely in tactical situations for

Buck Knives Intrepid XL BUCK KNIVES INTREPID XL Camo finishes. The molded scales are
held in place by torx-head screws and in-
INTREPID XL clude dual lanyard holes, joining with the
OVERALL: 10.5 inches ribbed portions of the tang just behind the
BLADE: 5.5 inches guard to give the user a secure and com-
STEEL: 420HC steel with black traction fortable grip.
coating
HANDLE: Molded nylon The Intrepid XL comes with a black,
MSRP: $130 MOLLE-compatible, heavy-duty nylon
sheath, which offers various methods of
If ever a vote was taken about who's re- carry and r etains the knife securely. It also
sponsible for founding the American knife includes a sharpening stone pocket. This
industry, Al Buck would be one of the knife and sheath combination is sure to
strongest contenders. Buck Knives has earn the reputation for strength and utility
not only a history of producing knives so for which Buck Knives is known.
well-crafted they’ve been used by military
personnel, but the company also contin- "THIS KNIFE AND
ues to create new designs for the tactical SHEATH COMBINATION
market. IS SURE TO EARN THE
REPUTATION FOR
One of the latest from Buck is the In- STRENGTH AND UTILITY
trepid XL fixed-blade tactical field knife. FOR WHICH BUCK
The tough 420HC steel tanto blade, KNIVES IS KNOWN."
measuring 5.5 inches long, has a full tanf
and both upper and lower integral guards. knivesillustrated.com

The molded nylon handle scales are
available in either black or Reaper Black

1 6 KNIVES ILLUSTRATED • DECEMBER 2013

FAMARS USA SRT Black 3.75 inches and an eighth of an inch thick. ability. The assisted opening feature may
The modified tanto blade design has a ro- be activated by with either the flipper pro-
SRT BLACK bust tip, while the razor-sharp, partially truding from the spine, or by the dual
OVERALL: 8.25 inches serrated edge enhances the SRT’s cutting thumb studs. Once opened, the liner-lock
BLADE: 3.75 inches mechanism ensures safe operation.
STEEL: 154CM "THE SRT BLACK …
WEIGHT: 165 grams DEMONSTRATES FAMARS The handle is fashioned with stainless
HANDLE: 6061T6 Aluminum steel liners and 6061 T6 aluminum handle
MSRP: $149 USA'S THOROUGH scales, which enable the hardest use and
UNDERSTANDING OF THE abuse. Additional features include a razor
FAMARS USA may be a newer player in AMERICAN TACTICAL KNIFE belt/strap cutter, as well as a glass-break-
the American market, but they have more er protrusion at the pommel. These fea-
than 50 years of experience in the Italian FIELD." tures, combined with the strength of the
knife industry. The SRT Black, part of their blade and the robust textured handle
new Azione SRT series, demonstrates the scales, speak to the tactical abilities of
company’s thorough understanding of the the SRT Black. Likewise, the fit of the
American tactical knife field. parts and smooth operation of the blade
testify to the quality of the knives pro-
Designed for military professionals, the duced by FAMARS USA.
SRT Black boasts a 154CM blade that is

FAMARS USA SRT BLACK

knivesillustrated.com KNIVES ILLUSTRATED • DECEMBER 2013 1 7

KA-BAR U.S. Army combat knife

KA-BAR ARMY COMBAT KNIFE The KA-BAR combat knife (the company's "CLASSICS CAN
OVERALL:11.9 inches original and so well-known that it is referred to BE HARD TO
BLADE: 7 inches simply as “the KA-BAR”) is a truly well-designed BEAT, AND THE
STEEL: 1095 Cro-Van and excellently made knife. At seven inches, the KA-BAR IS NO
HANDLES:Leather AUS-8 steel blade is an ideal length for a combat EXCEPTION."
WEIGHT: 11.2 ounces knife — which should generally measure between
MSRP: $102.64-$111.95 four and seven inches. The time-honored leather
handle is comfortable in the user's hand, inspir-
One cannot discuss tactical knives without in- ing confidence.
cluding the KA-BAR combat knife, arguably the
epitome of tactical blades. KA-BAR's knives are Classics can be hard to beat, and the KA-BAR
the product of good old American craftsmanship, is no exception — especially for it s affordable
and many military men and women trust KA-BAR price of just over $100. As a bonus, this combat
as the best of the best they can rely upon. knife is available with custom engravings for the
various military branches.

KA-BAR U.S. ARMY
COMBAT KNIFE

Pohl Force USA Hornet XL specializes in combat, tactical and sur- is etched with its individual serial number
vival knives. and includes a dated certificate of au-
HORNET XL OUTDOOR thenticity.
OVERALL: 7.25 inches Earlier in the company’s history, Pohl
BLADE: 3.35 inches Force collaborated with designer Spencer We were impressed with this stout, full-
STEEL: D2 A. Reiter on its first knife, the Hornet XL tang fixed-bladed knife. Though small in
HANDLE: G-10 Outdoor fixed blade. The knife went out of size, it’s large in strength and attitude. The
WEIGHT: 6.55 ounces production for a time, but with a spike in workmanship is excellent and the quality is
MSRP: $225 demand, Pohl Force has revived the Hor- top-notch. You can easily tell that this knife
net XL for a limited run of 999 knives, was designed for compact, discreet carry.
From Germany comes a newer knife made by Italy’s Lion Steel.
maker called Pohl Force. The company Those with larger hands may find the
was founded by Dietmar Pohl, an interna- The Hornet XL has a full-tang D2 stee l handle too small, but for everyone else,
tionally renowned knife designer who drop-point blade and black G-10 handles. this knife is one strong little tool for per-
The knife comes with a Kydex sheath and sonal protection, law enforcement and
customizable belt attachment. Each knife the military.

1 8 KNIVES ILLUSTRATED • DECEMBER 2013 knivesillustrated.com

"THOUGH SMALL IN SIZE,
[THE HORNET XL] IS LARGE IN
STRENGTH AND ATTITUDE."

POHL FORCE USA
HORNET XL

Spyderco Domino SPYDERCO DOMINO
and Szabo Folder Black
SZABO FOLDER BLACK
As a company, Spyderco
could be characterized as DOMINO SZABO BLACK
“prolific.” They recognize that
their customers have varying OVERALL: 7.68 inches OVERALL: 10.25
ideas of what makes a good BLADE: 3.13 inches inches
tactical knife, and are com- STEEL: CTS XHP BLADE: 4.6 inches
mitted to fulfilling each cus- WEIGHT: 4.2 ounces STEEL: CPM S30V
tomer's needs. In this en- HANDLE: Carbon WEIGHT: 7 ounces
deavor they have called upon fiber/G-10 laminate HANDLE: Carbon
the skills of outside design- and titanium fiber/G-10 laminate
ers such as Eric Glesser and MSRP: $329.95 MSRP: $329.95
Laci Szabo.
KNIVES ILLUSTRATED • DECEMBER 2013 1 9
The Domino, designed by
Glesser, is a new tactical
folder — o nly the second
Spyderco knife to feature the
Kit Carson-inspired flipper
opening mechanism. The
blade, flat ground, is made
from CTS XHP steel and
comprises 3.13 inches of the
knife's overall 7.68-inch
length. The handle is fash-
ioned from a solid titanium
scale on the lock side, and a
titanium liner with a carbon
fiber laminate scale on the
opposite side. The frame
lock, a Reeve Integral Lock,

knivesillustrated.com

includes a steel interface for high experience in law enforcement and as a "SZABO’S NEW DESIGN UPS
strength. For increased versatility, the world-class martial artist to raise the bar THE ANTE WITH A 4.6-INCH
Domino features a four-position pocket for defensive-blade design. The hollow- CPM S30V, SCIMITAR-
clip. ground blade is combined with an un- SHAPED BLADE PAIRED
sharpened swedge to enhance penetra- WITH A GENEROUSLY SIZED
Szabo’s new design ups the ante with a tion, while the trademark “Spyderco hole” HANDLE."
4.6-inch CPM S30V, scimitar-shaped and dropped choil act as a subtle hand
blade paired with a generously sized han- guard. The four-position clip ensures the
dle. The stainless steel handle liners are knife stays in place in your pocket, while
capped with carbon fiber and G10 lami- the compression-lock mechanism keeps
nated scales. Not only is the knife unique the blade secure once deployed.
aesthetically, Szabo has drawn from his

Wilson Combat Eagle Tactical Folder

A lower section of the blade, called the chined and tumble blasted for a great

EAGLE TACTICAL FOLDER flipper, protrudes slightly from the back of finish.
OVERALL: 8.5 inches open
BLADE: 3.6 inches the ha ndle. When the user presses the After opening boxes, cutting copper
STEEL: Carpenter CTS XHP stainless
HANDLE: Titanium flipper inward, the blade flies open and wire and prying staples out of wood, the
WEIGHT: 4.8 ounces
MSRP: $524.95 locks into position. A flick of the wrist can blade remains sharp and still looks nearly

To develop the Eagle, Wilson Combat help ensure the blade locks securely. like it’s fresh out of the box. We can rec-
commissioned Les George, a Marine and
knife designer and maker with more than The Eagle is one slim, rugged folding ommend the Eagle to anyone who wants
20 years of experience. This folding tacti-
cal knife uses a frame-lock system, which pocketknife. The blade, designed for an excellent cutting tool for hiking, camp-
keeps the blade fixed in the open position.
maximum functionality, is made from ing, hunting an d personal protection,

Carpenter XHP stainless tool steel, though the price tag of $500 may deter

which is corrosion-resistant and holds an civilians. Any law enforcement officer who

edge fantastically. The rest of the knife is demands excellence from their equip-

made from titanium, which makes it so ment may find this knife ideal, however.

lightweight that you’ll barely notice it’s in The Eagle would make an especially fine

your pocket. The Eagle is precision ma- complement to a Wilson 1911 pistol.

WILSON COMBAT
EAGLE TACTICAL
FOLDER

2 0 KNIVES ILLUSTRATED • DECEMBER 2013 knivesillustrated.com

Zero Tolerance 0300BW the rest of knife, its operation smooth and and law enforcement. The 0300BW is
secure. Once opened, the flipper acts as a proof they have been successful.
0300BW small lower guard and combines with the
OVERALL: 8.625 inches heavy jimping on the thumb ramp to fur- In Conclusion
BLADE: 3.75 inches ther enhance the grip. ZT's quad-mount
STEEL: S30V pocket clip can enable a tip-up, tip-down, Ultimately, the user alone can deter-
WEIGHT: 8 ounces left- or right-handed carry. mine whether a particular tactical knife
HANDLE: G-10/titanium will fulfill his or her needs. But when it
MSRP: $340 Zero Tolerance was formed to create a comes to determining the best options on
line of hard-use knives that would meet the market, these nine knives put up one
For those who may not know, Zero Tol- the needs of the military, first responders, heck of a fight. KI
erance is a division of Kai USA Ltd., which
also is the parent company for Kershaw ZERO TOLERANCE
Knives. In 2006 Kai saw a market for 0300BW
hard-use, American-made knives, and
thus Zero Tolerance was born. "THE [ZERO TOLERANCE 0300BW] IS EXTREMELY
SOLID, MADE OF PREMIUM MATERIALS, WITH
If there is a flagship model of ZT, the EXTRA CARE GIVEN TO THE ERGONOMIC DESIGN
classic Beast (model 300) would fill the OF THE KNIFE."
role. Recently Zero Tolerance has released
the 0300BW in their new blackwashed
fini sh. Blackwashing gives the knife an al-
ready-broken-in look, but also provides a
non-reflective surface, which is beneficial
for a tactical knife.

The 0300BW has all the standard ZT
features. The knife is extremely solid, made
of premium materials, with extra care given
to the ergonomic design of the knife. The
blade is 3.75 inches of S30V stainless steel
and has a width of about 1.5 inches, making
for a big, beefy appearance.

The handle is textured G-10 on one side
with blackwashed textured titanium on
the opposite side. The titanium side incor-
porates the frame lock, which supplies a
secure blade lock during use. The
0300BW is equipped with ZT’s Speed-
Safe assisted opening which activated by
either pulling back on the flipper or push-
ing forward on the thumb studs. The Zero
Tolerance opening system i s as robust as

CONTACT INFO

5.11 TACTICAL FAMARS USA POHL FORCE USA WILSON COMBAT
1360 Reynolds Ave. 2091 Nooseneck Hill Road 13012 Park Cresent Cir. 2234 CR 719
Irvine, CA 92614 Suite 200 Herndon, VA 20171 Berryville, AR 72616
(949) 800-1511 Coventry, RI 02816 (727) 468-2002 (800) 955-4856
www.511tactical.com (855) 326-2771 www.pohlforceusa.com www.shopwilsoncombat.com
www.famarsusa.com
BUCK KNIVES SPYDERCO ZERO TOLERANCE
660 South Lochsa St. KA-BAR 820 Spyderco Way Kai USA Ltd.
Post Falls, ID 83854 200 Homer Street Golden, CO 80403 18600 SW Teton Ave
(800) 326-2825 Olean, NY 14760 (800) 828-1925 Tualatin, OR 97062
www.buckknives.com (716) 372-5952 www.spyderco.com (800) 325-2891
www.kabar.com www.zt.kaiusaltd.com
knivesillustrated.com
KNIVES ILLUSTRATED • DECEMBER 2013 2 1

Q&A

Behind the Scenes

AReFcokrocenetod bWeith

BY BETHANY MILLER
PHOTOS COURTESY OF POHL FORCE USA

This month, we spoke with Pohl Force USA founder and
CEO Dietmar Pohl, who told us about the challenges and
accomplishments of his European company’s new state-
side offshoot.

KNIVES ILLUSTRATED: Pohl Force USA is a newer face on the knifemak-
ing scene. Can you give us a brief rundown of how the company came to be?

DIETMAR POHL: In the last 20 years, I have designed more than 100
knives, all of which went into production. In 2008, I decided to run my own
business after 15 years working for other knife companies. Now, I can realize
my own designs.

Because I was well known in Europe for all my activities within the knife in-
dustry, Pohl Force had a very successful start. We have now been in business
for five years and have also a NATO supplier code. We deliver many knives to
Special Forces teams in Germany and Europe.

We hesitated with the U.S. distribution and promotion because we were
looking for a strong and rel iable partner. We finally found Sylvia Ehinger and
Phil Cookson, who both have military backgrounds and excellent knowledge
of the tactical equipment market.

KI: Is there a particular philosophy that drives the way Pohl Force runs its
business?

DP: Our philosophy is to create knives and equipment that can be used by
soldiers and law enforcement around the world. Outdoorsmen also benefit
from the designs we make for professionals. Customer service is also a very
important point for us. If a soldier has problems with his knife in Afghanistan,
for example, we supply the same quality service we would in Germany.

2 2 KNIVES ILLUSTRATED • DECEMBER 2013 knivesillustrated.com

Alpha Three
Survival

Hornet XL
Survival

knivesillustrated.com Romeo One
Military

KNIVES ILLUSTRATED • DECEMBER 2013 2 3

KI: What is your research and development process like? Dietmar Pohl, founder and CEO
How do you conceptualize new products? Who is responsible of Pohl Force and Pohl Force
for that process, etc.? USA, has 20 years of experience
in the knife industry.
DP: I’m proud to say that I personally design and create all
the knives we produce. Most of our knives were designed to
meet professional demand in a way that other knife companies
do not.

As just one example, w hile other knife companies produce
excellent knives, many simply do not know that almost every
solider or SWAT officer wears gloves in service. This limits the
way they handle their weapons, gear tactical vests, radios and,
of course, knives. The dimensions of our handles are always
designed with that in mind. We make larger handles and all
moving parts like thumb studs, etc. are big enough for some-
one to operate while wearing gloves.

The second example of how Pohl Force goes the extra mile is
accessories for the knives. For almost every knife, we offer a
whole series of Kydex, leather or nylon sheaths/holster, etc.
Not many knife companies do this.

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

DP: I am very proud of the Alpha series, because in the Al-
pha design you will find a ll the features that a professional op-
erator needs. That knife has become standard issue for many
Special Forces teams.

KI: What upcoming product or line are you most excited
about?

DP: We are currently working on two new knife projects with
our partner LionSteel. One knife will reflect a modified classic
design from the Vietnam War era. I’m sure that this will be-
come a bestseller in the U.S. among co mbat-knife enthusiasts.

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

DP: The greatest challenge was to found my company in
2008, when the whole world economy was on the ground. Peo-
ple called me crazy for starting a company during that time.
But we were successful and have continued to grow. Our motto
is: “Who Dares, Wins.”

KI: What keeps your customers coming back?
DP: Since we are a small company, we can give our cus-
tomers a very personal service. People like that.

KI: What are Pohl Force’s goals as a company for the near
and distant future?

DP: Our goal for the future is to work more and more with
the Italian Maniago knife industry. We’re not interested in be-
coming a big company with hundred of models; we want to
stay small and specialized, like Randall Knives or Chris Reeve
Knives. We want to be the industry’s first choice when it comes
to Special Forces knives. KI

2 4 KNIVES ILLUSTRATED • DECEMBER 2013 knivesillustrated.com

ABOUT THE INTERVIEWEE

NAME: Dietmar Pohl
TITLE: Owner and CEO
HOW LONG EMPLOYED THERE: Five years

ABOUT THE COMPANY

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN IN BUSINESS?:
Five years in Europe, in U.S. since mid-2013.
HOW MANY EMPLOYEES?:
Two full time and two part time.
WEBSITE AND CONTACT INFORMATION
www.pohlforceusa.com
Pohl Force USA
1744 Golf View Dr.
Belleair, FL 33756
(727) 468-2002

Mike One

knivesillustrated.com KNIVES ILLUSTRATED • DECEMBER 2013 2 5

STORY BY ABE ELIAS Like them or hate them,
PHOTOS BY ABE ELIAS AND hollow-handle knives —
COURTESY OF MANUFACTURERS like this one featured in
“First Blood” — are
Hollow-handle knives have formidable tools.
waxed and waned in popu-
larity since they first ap-
peared on the scene in the 1920s.
Lately, demand for these survival
knives has seen a resurgence.

The all-time peak for public interest in
hollow-handle knives was 1982, when
Sylvester Stallone’s Rambo used a Jimmy
Lile hollow-handle survival knife in the
movie “First Blood.” Today, knife users are
attracted to hollow handles for storing
compact survival kits; the survival crowd
seems to love the idea that they only
need to grab a knife and know that they’ll
have all the basics they need.

Top options for hollow-handle knives
come from Schrade, Kizlyar Supreme,
Boker and, of course, Lile.

“THE SURVIVAL CROWD SEEMS TO
LOVE THE IDEA THAT THEY ONLY
NEED TO GRAB A KNIFE AND KNOW
THAT THEY’LL HAVE ALL THE
BASICS THEY NEED.”

2 6 KNIVES ILLUSTRATED • DECEMBER 2013 knivesillustrated.com

HOLLOW-HANDLE KNIVES MAKE A COMEBACK

knivesillustrated.com KNIVES ILLUSTRATED • DECEMBER 2013 2 7

Schrade SCHF1SM knivesillustrated.com

Schrade knives closely mimic the hol-
low-handle knives Chris Reeve used to
produce. The Schrade design leans to-
ward urban survival because the handles
are loaded with a bit-and-driver set. The
driver is part of the handle, but the whole
set is removable, allowing you to make
use of the space any way you see fit.

For this article , I worked with the
Schrade SCH1FSM. Its blade profile uses a
narrow spear-point design, and the blade
edge is created using a hollow grind. The
spine is a full .1875 inches, the grind only
running two-thirds of the way up the
blade, which measures 1.1875 inches wide.
In all, this is a stout, strong blade with a
good cutting edge.

The knife is constructed from one piece
of 1070 steel, bead blasted and fini shed in
a matte gray. I was very impressed with
how well this knife cut; Schrade definitely
got the edge right. Not too long, the blade
is easily maneuverable for small cutting
and carving. The guard, which on many
hollow-handle knives is too large, is quite
manageable on the SCH1FSM.

Another bonus is that Schrade did not
waste too much cutting edge with a large
ricasso; for carrying, the knife comes in a
M OLLE-compatible sheath with a remov-
able pouch and a plastic insert liner. The
retaining strap is not easy to operate,
however, requiring some concentration to
line up. To seal the handle, Schrade uses a
chunky bolt-like screw-on cap with O-
rings. This gives you a good grip to turn
the driver.

Schrade’s MOLLE-compatible sheath
features a removable utility pouch.

“I WAS VERY
IMPRESSED WITH
HOW WELL THIS
KNIFE CUT;
SCHRADE
DEFINITELY GOT THE
EDGE RIGHT.”

2 8 KNIVES ILLUSTRATED • DECEMBER 2013

Schrade’s SCHF1SM Schrade packs a FUN FACT
definitely has an urban removable
lean to it, with its screwdriver set in The popularity of hollow-handle knives kicked into gear in
concrete-gray color and the handle of the 1982, when Sylvester Stallone’s Rambo used a Jimmy Lile
combat-style profile. SCHF1SM. model in the movie “First Blood.”

Boker Apparo

Boker’s Plus Apparo is one of the company’s
newer offerings in the hollow-handle arena. Like the
Schrade knife, the Apparo’s profile used is a spear-
point design, but this one has a sabre grind. On the
spine, there’s a false grind near the tip and toward
the back is a saw blade.

For the blade, Boker uses a .25-inch-thick stock
that is sabre ground. Due to the thickness of the
blade, the knife has to be heeled up a little, causing
the angle to dig. The large, chunky guard prevents
you from creeping up on the blade to do detail work.
Usually people complain about the saw blades on
hollow-handle knives, but this one works like a
charm. You may not win any cutting contests with
it, but it will cut and make great sawdust for starting
fir es.

knivesillustrated.com KNIVES ILLUSTRATED • DECEMBER 2013 2 9

Boker’s saw back is exceptionally functional compared with similar knives.

Boker’s Apparo is a beefy mass of a knife with
full guard and .25-inch-thick blade.

A large guard is fitted to the Apparo and sheath: it’s universal, for either-side carry, many lines of cutlery. Amongst the Kizlyar
the hollow handle is wrapped in small but I feel such a knife warrants something Supreme is a line of survival and outdoor
cord resembling bank line. In fact, before sturdier. knives from Russia. I picked the Survival-
paracord-wrapped handles became pop- ist, made from titanium-coated AUS-8
ular, it was common to see the hollow- Cas Iberia Survivalist coated in titanium.
handle knives use a fine cord wrap. One
large disappointment would be the Cas Iberia is now importing Kizlyar Kizlyar’s design of the hollow-ground
Supreme knives to complement their blade provides two extra edges. The tip
has a double edge ground on it for 1.75
“THE (CAS IBERIA) SURVIVALIST HAS BEEN inches on the spine, while further back is a
ONE OF THE LIVELIEST CUTTERS FOR BOTH chisel grind in the middle of the spine,
WHITTLING AND LIGHT CHOPPING.” somewhat like the bone crusher on the
Cold Steel Outdoorsman.

I find a lot of people lift their nose up at
AUS-8, but this blade held up well during

3 0 KNIVES ILLUSTRATED • DECEMBER 2013 knivesillustrated.com

The Cas Survivalist worked wonders for making a quickie bow drill set.

testing. Out of the group of knives re-
viewed for this feature, the Survival-
ist has been one of the liveliest cut-
ters for both whittling and light
chopping. I don’t see much use for
the sharpened back end; you can still
baton with it since there’s a flat spot
between the double grind and the
chisel grind. A downside to the knife
is the thin gu ard. With prolonged use,
your fingers will become irritated by
the crisp edges on the guard.

Made from a material called Dural,
the handle is 5.25 inches long and
knurled to form a textured grip. The
hollow handle comes with a pre-
packed survival kit in its own case.
The Survivalist comes with a
MOLLE-compatible sheath that has
two retaining straps and a plastic in-
sert for protection.

A WORD OF CAUTION The CAS Iberia
Kizlyar
When choosing a hollow-handle survival Supreme
knife, ensure the options you’re considering Survivalist has
are sturdy. A cheaper, poorly made hollow- a saw back
handle knife could break with heavy-duty and one-third
use, putting you at risk for injury. serrated edge.

knivesillustrated.com KNIVES ILLUSTRATED • DECEMBER 2013 3 1

For the Survivalist, Cas and Kizlyar Supreme provide a well-made MOLLE-compatible sheath with plastic blade
protection insert.

Lile First Blood makes it hard to choke up and do detail CONTACT INFO
work. The material used to construct the
The knife widely credited for igniting the handle is 303 stainless steel wrapped in BOKER USA INC.
hollow-handle knife craze is the Lile First cord. The handle is hollow, of course, and 1550 Balsam St.
Blood design. The knife I used for this article comes with a compass. The container is Lakewood, CO 80214
is a commemorative version made from sealed with O-rings. (800) 835-6433
CPM D2. The largest of the bunch, the First www.boker.de/us/
Blood is an effective small chopper and has In Conclusion
narrow enough blade geometry to be a CAS IBERIA
good slicer. A drawback, though, is that with Hollow-handle survival knives have been 650 Industrial Blvd.
the first .875 inches of the blade taken up around a long time, and I see no reason to Sale Creek, TN 37373
by r icasso, you miss out on your sweet spot expect they’ll fade from the scene any time (800) 635-9366
for power cuts. soon. They’re not right for everyone, but info@casiberia
they certainly serve their purpose. A well- www.casibera.com
The First Blood comes with a tradition- made hollow-handle knife can be as rough
al heavy guard that has a standard and tough as you need, yet still handle all JIMMY LILE, LLC.
screwdriver head in the bottom and a the tasks a knife is made to do. KI ATTN: John Henry Hill, Jr.
Phillips in the top. Such a heavy guard P.O. Box 849
Prosper, TX 75078
“THE KNIFE WIDELY CREDITED FOR IGNITING THE HOLLOW- www.jimmylile.com
HANDLE KNIFE CRAZE IS THE LILE FIRST BLOOD DESIGN.”
TAYLOR BRANDS LLC.
3 2 KNIVES ILLUSTRATED • DECEMBER 2013 1043 Ford Town Road
Kingsport, TN 37663
(800) 251-0254
[email protected]
www.schradeknives.com

knivesillustrated.com

COAST’S PATENTED DOUBLE-LOCK DX355.
FIXED BLADE SAFETY IN A G10 FOLDER.

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

TENSION DX355
ADJUST DOUBLE-LOCK

LOCK OFF

DOUBLE-LOCK

U.S. Patent 5,596,808

COAST Products • Portland, OR
COASTportland.com • [email protected]

SURVIVE

THE UNDEAD APOCALYPSE

ZoOmrdberietosd,ayZatowmwwb.eiengsagaednmdediaZmaogms.cobmies!

HOW CUSTOM MAKER ALAN FOLTS HONES HIS CRAFT

STORY BY LES ROBERTSON
PHOTOS BY LES ROBERTSON AND CHUCK WARD

All it took was the sight of his great-grandfather's kitchen
knives, handmade from old sawmill blades, to spark Alan
Folts’ interest in knifemaking — an interest that would
lead him into a prolific and thriving career.

3 4 KNIVES ILLUSTRATED • DECEMBER 2013 knivesillustrated.com

ORIENTAL BOWIE

BLADE LENGTH: 10 inches
OVERALL LENGTH: 14.75 inches
BLADE STEEL: Clay heat-
treated 1095
HANDLE HARDWARE: Copper
guard, spacers and pommel
HANDLE MATERIAL: Stingray
skin over wood handle wrapped
with cotton cord
SHEATH: Distressed calf inlaid
sheath with Mokume Concho
and laced loop

knivesillustrated.com “[ALAN] FOLTS HAS
CRAFTED JUST ABOUT
EVERY STYLE OF KNIFE

YOU CAN NAME.”

KNIVES ILLUSTRATED • DECEMBER 2013 3 5

History and Habits knivesillustrated.com

Folts has been making knives for nearly
a quarter-century now: 20 years as a hob-
by, three years as a full-time career.
Throughout that time, Folts has crafted
just about every style of knife you can
name. He primarily makes his knives using
the stock removal method, but he does
offer forged blades as well.

Folts’ fixed blades range from neck
knives to larger Japanese-style fighters to
filed-type knives such as the DFK (Desert
Fighting Knife). This 10-inch knife features
a 5.5-inch 154CM blade with epoxy pow-
der coating, an integral guard, and tan and
coyote G10 scales. Also included is a
matching multi-position Kydex sheath.
The blade features the re-curve style, giv-
ing an excellent cutting edge with the
weight slightly forwar d, which can aid in
chopping.

Greatest Hits

Folts reserves carbon steel — his fa-
vorites being CPM154, S35VN and Dam-
ascus — exclusively for his forged fixed
blades. For his Damascus he prefers work-
ing with steel from Chad Nichols. One ex-
ample of Folts’ forged blades is the Orien-
tal Bowie, featuring a 10-inch, clay
heat-treated blade made from 1095 com-
bined with Mokume made by Folts him-
self. The b lade is complemented by a
handle wrapped in ray skin and black cot-
ton cord and finished with a copper guard,
spacers and pommel.

My favorite Folts knife is the Inertia
folder. Folts has said he greatly admires
fellow knifemaker Jose De Braga, and in
the Inertia this influence is readily appar-
ent. In addition to the very cool-looking
and functional harpoon-style blade, the
cutouts in the bolster and hand le (often
displaying the anodization on the liners

“WHILE FOLTS
PRIMARILY USES
MODERN AND PROVEN
STEELS, HE’S NOT
AFRAID TO
EXPERIMENT WITH
NEWER STEELS AND
HANDLE MATERIALS.”

3 6 KNIVES ILLUSTRATED • DECEMBER 2013

JANTZ

OUTDOORSMAN
SERIES

This series of blades are perfect for any
camping or hunting trip. The non-glare
bead blasted finish blends nicely with
the sharp grind lines and edges. An easy
knifemaking project for the beginner, looks
fabulous, yet can be completed in a few
hours. Kit includes 3/16” pins, blade and
profiled and drilled dymondwood handle
material.

Yellowstone

Overall 9", blade 4" x 1" & 1/8" thick.

CAT.# DESPRIPTION PRICE

SS63209 Kit with Silver-Black 24.95
24.95
SS63225 Kit with Rosewood 24.95
14.50
SS63249 Kit with Black Ink Cocobolo

KT102 Leather Sheath

Bigfoot Skinner

Overall 9-1/8", blade 4" x 1" & 1/8" thick.

CAT.# DESPRIPTION PRICE

SS63309 Kit with Silver-Black 24.95
24.95
SS63325 Kit with Rosewood 24.95
14.50
SS63349 Kit with Black Ink Cocobolo

KT102 Leather Sheath

Dakota Drop Point

Overall 9 1/2", blade 4 3/4" x 1 1/2" & 1/8"

thick.

CAT.# DESPRIPTION PRICE

SS63909 Kit with Silver-Black 24.95
24.95
SS63925 Kit with Rosewood 24.95
14.50
SS63949 Kit with Black Ink Cocobolo

KT111 Leather Sheath

DESERT FIELD KNIFE Bear Paw Hatchet
BLADE LENGTH: 5.5 inches
OVERALL LENGTH: 10 inches Overall 9-5/8", blade 2-5/8" wide at cutting
BLADE STEEL: 154CM with epoxy powder coat
HANDLE MATERIAL: Tan G10 edge, 3/16" thick.
SHEATH: Kydex
CAT.# DESPRIPTION PRICE
knivesillustrated.com
SS63109 Kit with Silver-Black 29.95
29.95
SS63125 Kit with Rosewood 29.95
12.95
SS63149 Kit with Black Ink Cocobolo

KT631 Leather Sheath

1-800-351-8900

knifemaking.com

PO BOX 584
Davis, OK 73030
Add $9.95 for shipping.

KNIVES ILLUSTRATED • DECEMBER 2013 3 7

INERTIA “FOLTS HAS SAID HE GREATLY ADMIRES FELLOW
KNIFEMAKER JOSE DE BRAGA, AND IN THE INERTIA THIS
BLADE LENGTH: 3.25 inches INFLUENCE IS READILY APPARENT.”
OVERALL LENGTH: 7.5 inches
BLADE STEEL: S30V
BLADE FINISH: Two-tone, satin and black
BOLSTER MATERIAL: Titanium
FRAME FINISH: Anodized purple
HANDLE MATERIAL: Carbon fiber
OPENER: Flipper
LOCK: Liner
CLIP: Tip-up carry

underneath) add to the very distinctive
look of this knife.

It's in the Details

Folts’ typical handle materials range
from synthetics to natural materials. He
prefers synthetics such as G10 and carbon
fiber for their stability, variety of colors
and the finishes they can take. For natural
materials, he opts for hardwoods with
easily discernible patterns that are partic-
ularly appealing to the eye. Of course, like
most professional knifemakers, Folts can
craft a knife according to the customer's
order using almost any material. He has
even previously worked with coprolite —
fossilized dinosaur dung.

The Finishing Touches

Folts is continually testing his own
knives. After building a new model, he
carries and uses it for some time in or-
der to test both the design and his steel
of choice, ensuring the knife can per-
form the tasks it was designed for. While
Folts primarily uses modern and proven
steels, he’s not afraid to experiment
with newer steels and handle materials
so that he can assess their strengths
and weaknesses.

Folts builds all of his Kydex sheaths
and many of his leather sheaths himself,

INERTIA (DAMASCUS)

BLADE LENGTH: 3.25 inches
OVERALL LENGTH: 7.5 inches
BLADE STEEL: Random-pattern
stainless steel Damascus
BOLSTER MATERIAL: Titanium
FRAME FINISH: Anodized blue
HANDLE MATERIAL: Desert Ironwood
OPENER: Flipper
LOCK: Liner
CLIP: Tip-up carry

3 8 KNIVES ILLUSTRATED • DECEMBER 2013 knivesillustrated.com

NEW YORK
SPECIAL
BLADE LENGTH: 3 inches
OVERALL LENGTH: 6.5 inches
BLADE STEEL: ATS-34
BOLSTER: Anodized titanium
HANDLE: Jigged amber
bone scales
SHEATH: Custom-made
by Dave Cole

CONTACT INFO

2406 Parsons Ave.
Melbourne, FL 32901
Phone: (252) 341-8140
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.foltsknives.com

A camp knife that teaches you.

A tuning fork embedded in
the handle helps you find the
sweet spot for every cut.

SHOP ONLINE AT
www.agrussell.com

A. G. Russell™ Lairson Utility Camp Knife

developed by Mastersmith Jerry Lairson, Sr. for Cutting Competitions

For a free catalog, call 479-878-1644, Dept #Y1213 RU-T762OW $149.95

2900 S. 26th St. - Rogers, AR 72758 To order, call 1-800-255-9034.

knivesillustrated.com © Copyright 2013 A.G. Russell Knives

KNIVES ILLUSTRATED • DECEMBER 2013 3 9

and to finish off each knife he of- priority is his customers’ happi-
fers a wide variety of embellish- ness with their new custom knife
ments. These include but are not or sheath. Now that’s true cus-
limited to simple titanium an- tomer service!
odization, special coatings, carv-
ing, sculpting of blades and fix- GOBLIN PROTOTYPE Above and Beyond
tures, exotic inlays and file work. BLADE LENGTH: 4 inches
He also is learning how to en- OVERALL LENGTH: 8.5 inches In addition to making knives,
grave. BLADE STEEL: 20V Folts enjoys educating others
HANDLE MATERIAL: Tan and black G10 about his craft. “Knifemakers in
Folts’ commitment to quality OPENER: Ambidextrous thumb stud general are a very generous about
drives him to do everything possi- LOCK: Liner sharing information with others,”
ble to make sure his clients get ex- he says, “so I try to be just as gen-
actly the knife they want — even if erous.” He is part of a local men-
it means referring the client to an- torship program that gives high
other maker if he feels a request is school students the opportunity
beyond his field of expertise. His to learn about metal working.

GED
BLADE LENGTH: 3 inches
OVERALL LENGTH: 7.38 inches
BLADE STEEL: Rob Thomas raindrop-
pattern Damascus
BOLSTER: Zirconium
HANDLE MATERIAL: Nitro composites —
electric blue flash cotton fiber
OPENER: Inlaid thumb stud

4 0 KNIVES ILLUSTRATED • DECEMBER 2013 knivesillustrated.com

Folts’ knives range in price from $75 to
$1,500, and currently he has a 12-month
delivery time. He does attend the Blade
Show in Atlanta, Georgia, and the SHOT
Show in Las Vegas, Nevada. As time per-
mits, he would like to add other shows.
You can contact him via email at alan-
[email protected] or you can check out
more of his work at: www.folts
knives.com.

A dedicated, practiced craftsman, Alan
Folts’ goal is to provide his customers with
exactly the knife they want. Having owned
several of his knives myself, I can guaran-
tee that should you commission his work,
you’ll be thoroughly happy you did. KI

WHERE TO FIND KNIVES ILLUSTRATED • DECEMBER 2013 4 1
FOLTS KNIVES

Folts’ knives range in price from $75 to
$1,500, and currently he has a 12-
month delivery time. You can find him
at the annual Blade and SHOT shows,
contact him through his website, or
order some of his designs from CRKT.

knivesillustrated.com

J A N T Z Your
ESSENTIALS ALABAMA DAMASCUS BLADE STEEL
The forging process on our damascus billets All steel offered below by JANTZ is mill finished

Heat starts out a mixture of 13 layers that include steel and made in the USA. Other widths and
Treat
Ovens 5160, 203E, 15N20 and 52100 high nickel, high thicknesses available. Visit www.knifemaking.com

In Stock Now alloy steels and then folded 5 times to produce to purchase blanchard ground and precision ground
for Immediate Shipment.
a high contrast 416 layer damascus billet. All steels. We also have available 154CM, 1095, 5160,

sizes are approximate. Sizes are over sized in 15N20, O1, A2, CPMS 90V and Cowry Steels

thickness up to .010". 440C SIZE PRICE

Random Pattern CAT.#

These Evenheat Knife Ovens are equipped with CF418 1/8” x 1” x 18” 14.95
19.95
the Rampmaster Control. The Rampmaster CF518 1/8” x 1 1/2” x 18” 24.95
22.95
Control allows up to 12 programs and uses a CF558 1/8” x 2” x 18” 30.95
26.95
numerical keypad for data entry. Available in CF618 5/32” x 1 1/2” x 18” 34.95
64.95
four sizes, all models measure 10” width x 6.5” SIZE PATTERN CF658 5/32” x 2” x 18” 34.95
height inside chamber. Maximum temperature CAT.# 3/32” x 3” x 15” Random PRICE CF718 3/16” x 1 1/2” x 18” 44.95
is 2200 degrees F.-all are 240 volt, single phase. AD100 119.95 CF758
3/16” x 2” x 18” PRICE
23.95
For more information visit www.knifemaking. AD120 1/8” x 3” x 15” Random 119.95 CF778 3/16” x 4” x 18” 32.95
42.95
com. Actual shipping charges apply. AD140 9/64” x 3” x 15” Random 139.95 CF918 1/4” x 1 1/2” x 18” 40.95
Random 56.95
CAT.# DEPTH SHIP WEIGHT PRICE AD155 5/32” x 3” x 15” Random 139.95 CF958 1/4” x 2” x 18” 51.95
65.95
KF135R 13.5” 87 LBS 1013.00 AD190 3/16” x 3” x 15” 149.95 CPMS 30V 125.95
KF180R 18.0” 95 LBS 1070.00
Ladder Pattern PRICE
KF225R 22.5” 104 LBS 1122.00 CAT.# SIZE 24.95
33.95
KF360R 36.0” 200 LBS 2089.00 LF118 1/8” x 1” x 18” 39.95
43.95
Knife Sharpening Wheels LF218 1/8” x 1 1/2” x 18” 58.95
51.95
Kit includes LF228 1/8” x 2” x 18” 69.95
two wheels, 129.95
one wheel is LF318 5/32” x 1 1/2” x 18”
slotted for PRICE
polishing CAT.# SIZE PATTERN PRICE LF328 5/32” x 2” x 18” 23.95
and the LF418 3/16” x 1 1/2” x 18” 30.95
other wheel AD300 3/32” x 3” x 15” Ladder 119.95 LF428 39.95
AD320 1/8” x 3” x 15” Ladder 119.95 LF448 3/16” x 2” x 18” 39.95
AD340 9/64” x 3” x 15” Ladder 52.95
AD355 5/32” x 3” x 15” Ladder 139.95 CPMS 3/16” x 4” x 18” 46.95
139.95 60.95
35VN 116.95
AD390 3/16” x 3” x 15” Ladder 149.95 CAT.#
is coated SIZE PRICE
with silicon Raindrop Pattern HF118 37.95
carbide grit for sharpening, white rouge, silicon HF218 1/8” x 1” x 18” 49.95
carbide grit, lubricant, appropriate bushings & HF228 1/8” x 1 1/2” x 18” 43.95
instructions. 7 1/2” diameter x 3/4” thick with 1” HF318 57.95
arbor hole & reducers for 1/2”, 5/8” & 3/4” holes. HF418 1/8” x 2” x 18”
5/32” x 1 1/2” x 18” 113.95
55.95
5/32” x 2” x 18” 73.95
143.95
CAT.# DESCRIPTION PRICE HF508 3/16” x 1 1/2” x 18”
PRICE
WKS800 Knife Sharpening Wheel Set 34.95 CAT.# SIZE PATTERN PRICE HF518 3/16” x 2” x 18” 13.95
HF548 3/16” x 4” x 18” 18.95
Knifemakers Center Scribe AD400 3/32” x 3” x 15” Raindrop 119.95 154 24.95
AD420 1/8” x 3” x 15” Raindrop 119.95 CPM SIZE 21.95
9/64” x 3” x 15” Raindrop 29.95
Use this precision scribe AD440 5/32” x 3” x 15” Raindrop 139.95 26.95
139.95 CAT.# 34.95
for marking center lines as AD455 63.95
41.95
a guide for grinding knife AD490 3/16” x 3” x 15” Raindrop 149.95 PF118 1/8” x 1” x 18” 78.95

blades. It is designed for Ferric Chloride PF218 1/8” x 1 1/2” x 18”
accuracy, this scribe can PF228 1/8” x 2” x 18”

be adjusted from 0-1/2”. PF318 5/32” x 1 1/2” x 18”

Adjusts 1/32” per revolution Used to acid etch damascus after PF328 5/32” x 2” x 18”
using fine adjustment screw. heat treating. Dilute with distilled PF418 3/16” x 1 1/2” x 18”
Replaceable carbide tip water or vinegar as needed. Keep PF428
marks even the hardest knife bottle sealed tightly and stored in a PF448 3/16” x 2” x 18”
steel. Made In USA. cool place. Can Not Ship Air. 3/16” x 4” x 18”
CMP 3V
CAT.# DESCRIPTION PRICE
CAT.# SIZE
JS304 Scribe without Adjustment 29.95 CAT.# DESCRIPTION SIZE PRICE VF618 5/32” x 1 1/2” x 18”
16 oz. 14.95 VF628
JS305 Scribe with Adjustment 39.95 BS110 Ferric Chloride VF718 5/32” x 2” x 18”
VF728 3/16” x 1 1/2” x 18”
JS307 Replacement Carbide Tip 9.95 ChevronTexaco VF748
3/16” x 2” x 18”
Hardened File Guide 70 Quench Oil 3/16” x 4” x 18”
1/4” x 1 1/2” x 18”
This versatile tool can be used for holding your Premium quality quenching oil designed to VF918 1/4” x 2” x 18”
knife blades to do complex file work, filing slots provide controlled cooling of steel which is VF928 1/4” x 4” x 18”
for guards to reach angles needed when hand important in steel hardening. When quenching VF948
D2machined SIZE
sanding your blades. Our file guide is precision is started, Chevron Quenching Oil 70 provides 1/8” x 1” x 18”
a high initial cooling rate inducing maximum 1/8” x 1 1/2” x 18”
and ground from A-2 tool hardness, yet once the critical transformation CAT.#
steel and hardened to temperature is passed, the ideal fluid cooling YF218
62RHc for long wear. rate decreases to eliminate the possibility of

Overall length 3.250”, stresses and metal distortion. This highly stable YF318

maximum blade width oil resists the oxidizing effects of quenching and YF328 1/8” x 2” x 18”

2”, each jaw is 3/8” is less sensitive to the effects of agitation. It is YF518 5/32” x 1 1/2” x 18”
highly heat resistant. No additive replacement 5/32” x 2” x 18”
x 3/4”. Made in is required and, in normal service, the product YF528
the USA. retains the original viscosity indefinitely. YF718 3/16” x 1 1/2” x 18”
YF728 3/16” x 2” x 18”

CAT.# DESCRIPTION SIZE PRICE YF748 3/16” x 4” x 18”

CAT.# DESCRIPTION PRICE BS101 Quench Oil 1 Gallon 49.95 YF818 1/4” x 2” x 18”

FG100 File Guide 49.95 BS105 Quench Oil 5 Gallon 149.95 YF848 1/4” x 4” x 18”

Complete Source For
USA MADE BLADES STABILIZED WOODS DESERT IRONWOOD
JANTZ custom quality blades are 100% made Hand selected for figure and color then impregnated We have the largest selection of ironwood burl
in the USA. Flat ground from the best USA made completely through with resins. Scales are 2-piece available. Ironwood is the hardest, rarest and most
stable wood on earth. It will not shrink or move.
steels available and cryogentically heat treated you matched sets.
California Buckeye This naturally stable wood is easy to work. Scales
will not find a better product or value. are bookmatched for perfect mirror imaged sets.
All sizes are approximate.
Pattern 21
High Contrast

Overall 7 7/8”, Blade 3 1/8”, 1 1/8” wide and 5/32” thick. CAT.# DESPRIPTION PRICE
TW119 3/8” x 1-1/2” x 5” Scales
39.95
CAT.# DESPRIPTION PRICE TW419 1/4” x 1-1/4” x 4” Scales 24.95
39.95 CAT.#
J2189 Pattern 21 Damascus Blade 99.95 TW219 1” x 1-1/2” x 5” Block DESPRIPTION PRICE

J2108 Pattern 21 440C Steel Blade 31.95 Spalted Birch EW170 3/8” x 1-1/2” x 5” Scales 16.00
J2128 Pattern 21 D2 Steel Blade 31.95 21.00
EW270 1-1/8” x 1-1/2” x 5” Block 14.95
1/4” Brass Bolster and Rivets
K218 9.95 EW370 1/4” x 1-1/4” x 4” Scales

K219 1/4” Stainless Bolster and Rivets 9.95 Dark Exhibition Burl

Pattern 22

CAT.# DESPRIPTION PRICE

TW141 3/8” x 1-1/2” x 5” Scales 29.95
19.95
TW441 1/4” x 1-1/4” x 4” Scales 29.95 CAT.#

Overall 8 3/8”, Blade 3 1/2”, 1 3/32” wide and 5/32” TW241 1” x 1-1/2” x 5” Block DESPRIPTION PRICE

thick. DESPRIPTION PRICE Maple Burl EW171 3/8” x 1-1/2” x 5” Scales 30.00
CAT.# 35.00
EW271 1-1/8” x 1-1/2” x 5” Block 24.95

J2289 Pattern 22 Damascus Blade 99.95 EW371 1/4” x 1-1/4” x 4” Scales
J2208 Pattern 22 440C Steel Blade 31.95
J2228 31.95 Exhibition Burl
K228 Pattern 22 D2 Steel Blade
K229 1/4” Brass Bolster and Rivets 9.95
1/4” Stainless Bolster and Rivets 9.95

Pattern 31 CAT.# DESPRIPTION PRICE

TW113 3/8” x 1-1/2” x 5” Scales 29.95
TW413 1/4” x 1-1/4” x 4” Scales 19.95
TW213 29.95
1” x 1-1/2” x 5” Block
CAT.#
Reddish Spalted Maple DESPRIPTION PRICE
EW172
Overall 7 5/8”, Blade 3”, 1 1/8” wide and 5/32” thick. EW272 3/8” x 1-1/2” x 5” Scales 35.00
EW372 1-1/8” x 1-1/2” x 5” Block 40.00
CAT.# DESPRIPTION PRICE 1/4” x 1-1/4” x 4” Scales 27.95

J3189 Pattern 31 Damascus Blade 99.95 Presentation Burl
J3128 Pattern 31 D2 Steel Blade 31.95
J3198 Pattern 31 1095 Steel Blade 24.95 DESPRIPTION PRICE
K318 1/4” Brass Bolster and Rivets
K319 1/4” Stainless Bolster and Rivets 9.95 34.95
9.95 CAT.# 24.95
34.95
Pattern 38 TW135 3/8” x 1-1/2” x 5” Scales
CAT.#
TW435 1/4” x 1-1/4” x 4” Scales
EW173
TW235 1” x 1-1/2” x 5” Block EW273
EW373
Black Palm EW473 DESPRIPTION PRICE

Overall 7”, Blade 2 1/2”, 15/16” wide and 5/32” thick. 3/8” x 1-1/2” x 5” Scales 40.00
1-1/8” x 1-1/2” x 5” Block 45.00
CAT.# DESPRIPTION PRICE 1/4” x 1-1/4” x 4” Scales 36.95
3/16”x1-1/4”x3-3/4” Scales 26.95

J3889 Pattern 38 Damascus Blade 69.95 1-800-351-8900
J3838 Pattern 38 CPMS 30V Blade
J3898 Pattern 38 1095 Steel Blade 39.95 PRICE
K388 1/4” Brass Bolster and Pins
K389 1/4” Stainless Bolster and Pins 24.95 CAT.# DESPRIPTION 29.95 O R D E R O N L I N E

7.95 TW191 3/8” x 1-1/2” x 5” Scales 19.95

7.95 TW491 1/4” x 1-1/4” x 4” Scales 29.95 K N I F E M A K I N G . C O M

Pattern 33 TW291 1” x 1-1/2” x 5” Block

Black Ash Burl Send orders to:

Overall 7 1/8”, Blade 3 3/16”, 5/8” wide and 1/8” thick. JANTZ SUPPLY

CAT.# DESPRIPTION PRICE DESPRIPTION PRICE 309 W MAIN
Davis OK 73030
J3389 Pattern 33 Damascus Blade 49.95 3/8” x 1-1/2” x 5” Scales 39.95
J3348 Pattern 33 154CM Steel Blade 24.95 CAT.# 1/4” x 1-1/4” x 4” Scales 24.95 ADD $9.95 FOR SHIPPING
J3328 19.95 TW117 39.95
K338 Pattern 33 D2 Steel Blade 1” x 1-1/2” x 5” Block Download Free Online.
K339 1/4” Brass Guard and Pins 7.95 TW417
1/4” Stainless Guard and Pins 7.95 TW217 JANTZ Catalog $5.00, Free with order
Knifemaking supplies, tools, equipment, leathercraft,
engraving and more.

ENDSODDS AND

Tinhtehleawteosrtldgooifnkgnsi-voens

BY BETHANY MILLER

A LIVING LEGEND

Bowie knife enthusiasts won’t want to miss
this event. “A Sure Defense: The Bowie Knife in
America” promises to be the largest Bowie ex-
hibit ever assembled, featuring more than 200
knives, including those owned by American leg-
ends such as Davy Crockett and Teddy Roo-
sevelt.

The exhibit will not only pay homage to the
iconic design — named for frontiersman and sol-
dier Jame s Bowie, who died in the Battle of the
Alamo — but will also trace the Bowie knife’s in-
fluence on knifecraft throughout American his-
tory and on the knife world at large.

The exhibit opens December 13 at the Historic
Arkansas Museum in Little Rock, Arkansas, and
will run through June 22, 2014.

For more information, contact Ellen Korenblat
at (501) 324-9351.

Photo courtesy of Mark Zalesky

SLIK AS CAN BE scales and a 4-millimeter 440C blade, perfect for detailed
cutting tasks thanks to its thin-ground tip.
If you’re looking for an everyday carry that is compact and
capable, while also aesthetically unique, Boker USA’s latest just The Mini Slik includes a lanyard with an anodized titanium
might fit the bill. The Mini Slik tanto is just less than 5 inches bead and a Kydex sheath.
long and checks in at an extremely lightweight 1.7 ounces.
Boker USA can be reached by phone at (303) 462-0662 or
Its angular, futuristic-looking body features titanium handle online at www.bokerusa.com.

Photo courtesy of Boker USA

4 4 KNIVES ILLUSTRATED • DECEMBER 2013 knivesillustrated.com

THE ULTIMATE GET
EVERYDAY CARRY
WHAT’S
Your iPhone can do almost everything: make
calls, send emails, get directions, track your fit- HOT
ness regimen, and now, with the Tacti-Call case,
it can even function as a tactical pocketknife. AT

The case is available in three models, each of
which features a 440 stainless steel blade, bottle
opener, nylon fiber sides and coated aluminum
front shields. The Alpha 1 model retails fo r $59.99,
while the Pocket Ace and TSA Over & Out are still
in production.

For more information, visit www.tacticall.com.

Photo courtesy of Tacti-Call

SCALED-DOWN STYLE miniature knives after meeting Carl CATALOG 50
Rechsteiner of C-Rex Custom Knives, AVAILABLE NOW!
Sometimes good things come in who also makes miniatures, at the
small packages — really small pack- 2012 Blade Show. VISIT
ages. Tam’s Mini Knives specializes in WWW.KNIFEMAKING.COM
handcrafted Damascus cutlery as tiny Since then, Tamera has sold 17 of her DOWNLOAD FOR FREE!!
as ¾ of an inch (about the size of a own miniatures, all crafted from scrap
dime). materials from her father’s workshop. FINISHED BLADE BLANKS
Her designs range in price from $100 to KNIFE COMPONENTS
The face behind the Fitzgerald, $500, and some models can be made FOLDER PARTS
Georgia-based business is Tamera into pendants for jewelry. CPM BLADE STEEL
Kitchens, daughter of custom knife- DAMASCUS BILLETS
maker Larry Pridgen. At age 15, she be- Tamera can be reached through her
gan working in her father’s knife shop, Tam’s Mini Knives Facebook page or at EXOTIC HANDLE MATERIAL
even designing two of his knives. She [email protected]. SHEATHS
was inspired to start crafting her
Photo courtesy of Tamera Kitchens FINISHING SUPPLIES
TOOLS

EQUIPMENT
HEAT TREAT OVENS
LEATHERCRAFTING

BOOKS/DVDS
PARACORD
PARACORD CLASPS

BEADS

1-800-351-8900

WWW.KNIFEMAKING.COM

knivesillustrated.com KNIVES ILLUSTRATED • DECEMBER 2013 4 5

KNOW YOUR
RIGHTS

Before you take
your trusty blade out
in public, be sure you
know where and
how you’re allowed
to carry it. Knife laws
vary significantly
from state to state —
and even city to city.
Here’s just a small
sampling of exam-
ples from various
codes of ordinances:

ATLANTA, GEORGIA any person to sell, offer for sale or possess a switchblade
“It shall be unlawful for any person to have in such person's knife within the city. For the purposes of this section, the term
"switchblade knife" shall mean a knife having the appearance
possession, except within such person's own residence or of a pocket knife, the blade of which can be opened by a flick
place of business, any of the following implements unless se- of a button, pressure on the handle, or other mechanical de-
curely wrapped so as not to be readily available for use: vices.” (Section 14.4.14.103-103)

1. Any knife which has a blade which opens automatically LOS ANGELES COUNTY, CALIFORNIA
by hand pressure applied to a button, spring or other device in “As used in this chapter, the terms "knives and daggers"
the handle, the blade of which when open projects from the
handle more than two inches; shall include any knife having a blade of three inches or more
in length; any spring-blade, switch-blade or snap-blade knife;
2. Any knife which has any obstruction or other device of any knife any blade of which is automatically released by a
any kind which holds the blade partly open, the blade of spring mechanism or other mechanical device; any ice pick or
which when open projects from the handle more than two similar sharp stabbing tool; any straight-edge razor or any ra-
inches; zor blad e fitted to a handle. … It is unlawful for any person to
carry on his person, in plain view, any knife or dagger.” (Section
3. Any knife of any kind, the blade of which when open proj- 13.62.010-020)
ects from the handle more than three inches; this is intended
to include all knives such as butcher knives or other knives NASHVILLE AND DAVIDSON COUNTY, TENNESSEE
which do not close; “It is unlawful for any person within the urban services dis-

4. Any razor; or trict, to carry, publicly or privately, any dirk, razor concealed
5. Any ice pick or similar device having a sharp point.” (Sec- about his person, sword cane, loaded cane, slung-shot or
tion 106.6.3.106-306) brass knucks, Spanish stiletto, belt or pocket pistol, revolver or
any kind of pistol, except the army or navy pistol usually used
CHEYENNE, WYOMING in warfare, which shall be carried openly.” (Section
“No person shall wear or carry concealed any knife the 11.2.11.36.110)

blade of which exceeds four inches in length, any dirk, dagger, SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS
sword-in-cane, slingshot, revolver, pistol or any other danger- “It shall be unlawful for any person under the age of seven-
ous or deadly weapon. No person shall openly wear or carry
any such weapon or any combustible or explosive material teen (17) to possess or carry any knife on a public roadway or
with the intent or avowed purpose for i njuring any person. … public right-of-way; on any other property in which a govern-
No person shall possess, own, carry, wear, buy or sell within mental entity has an interest; or on private property without
the city any weapons commonly called blackjacks, saps, brass the permission of the owner or the person in control of the
knucks or switch knives.” (Section 9.24.040-050) property within the city limits of the City of San Antonio.”
(Section 2.21.6.21-155) KI
COLUMBIA, SOUTH CAROLINA
Photo courtesy of Wikimedia Commons
“It shall be unlawful for any person to carry about his per-
son any pistol, dirk, butcher knife, case knife, sword or spear,
cane, metal knuckles, razors or other weapons of offense
within the corporate limits of the city. … It shall be unlawful for

4 6 KNIVES ILLUSTRATED • DECEMBER 2013 knivesillustrated.com



In Every Issue

You Will Find ...

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www.knifeandgun.com
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We can stabilize your wood, horn, bone,
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FREE Buyer’s Guide TLF_Knives Illustrated_1111
available

THE SOG SNARL AND CHRIS REEVE PROFESSIONAL
SOLDIER EPITOMIZE SOLID-FRAME KNIVES

STORY BY JIM WEISS AND MICKEY DAVIS
PHOTOS BY JIM WEISS, MICKEY DAVIS AND P.J. RYAN

CRK Professional Soldier

Chris Reeve of Chris Reeve
Knives (CRK) learned about
knives as an infantryman in
the South African Army, first lug-
ging 81mm mortar tubes and then
becoming a mortar forward ob-
server. Reeve began a company in
South Africa making one-piece
knives and learned his skills
there. Later, in 1989, he moved his
knife company to Boise, Idaho.

According to Chris Reeve Knives, this
collaboration with designer Bill Harsey
was created at the request of the owners
of the website, www.professionalsol-
diers.com, a discussion forum for active
duty and retired Special Forces soldiers.
The company is proud to continue the
tradition of honoring the military elite
and, in this knife, it feels it offers a dis-
creet, no-nonsense tool.

Custom Knifemaker Paul
Granger’s Review

of the Professional Soldier

In defining solid-frame knives, Paul
Granger notes that they are skeletonized
knives with a number of positives.

5 0 KNIVES ILLUSTRATED • DECEMBER 2013 knivesillustrated.com