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Today is Day 1 of SHOT Show On Demand, a digital variation of the big show that many are acutely feeling the cancellation of – and to kick things off right, Spyderco released their Product Reveal number 7, showcasing a major focus on steel variety amongst existing models.More K390 ModelsThe lion’s share of the Reveal concerns renditions of existing models in the blue handled, K390 steel variation. The Wharnie versions of both the Dragonfly 2 and Delica 4 have been inducted into the K390 club, alongside the SpyderEdge variants of the Endela, Endura 4, and Delica 4.Perhaps most excitingly, it looks like the straight spined Stretch 2, originally released as a Sprint Run in 2019, is joining the Spyderco lineup on a somewhat more permanent basis in the K390 series.Viele Phoenix ReturnsThe sole new Sprint Run in Reveal 7 brings back a classic Spyderco release called the Phoenix. This unusual knife was designed by Howard Viele, a knife maker and collaborator who passed away in 2019. The Phoenix Sprint Run has red G-10 scales and VG-10 steel.Latest MuleIt’s no surprise, in this steel-centric reveal, that we get a peek at the latest Mule Team fixed blade. This one is made from Z-Max, an extreme PM steel whose performance draws comparisons to things like HAP40 and Maxamet.S30V Dragonfly 2The pink-handled, leaf-bladed Dragonfly 2 gets an upgrade from VG-10 this year: to S30V, available in a satin finish or black coating.Salt 2 in LC200NThe Salt 2, Delica 4 equivalent in the Salt Series, is the latest Salt knife to get bumped from H-1 to LC200N – in both its standard and wharncliffe blade models. In addition to the metallurgical modification, the leaf blade version now sports the same full flat grind as its landlubber relation.New SlipitsThe non-locking arm of Spyderco’s catalog is joined by four more models. First of all we’re getting a new, Salt-ified UK Pen Knife with bright yellow scales and LC200N steel. The Li’l Native Slipit, which is exactly what it says on the tin, is also on the way. And last but not least, the Roadie series, which has remained unchanged since the knife’s original release, is getting two additional handle color options: brown and olive green.Cru-Wear Para Military 2Spyderco’s beloved PM2 continues to chug along, with another variation inbound. This one is made from Cru-Wear blade steel like a previous sprint run, but with brown canvas Micarta handle scales instead of G-10.Black Blade YojumboThe big and brash Yojumbo gets one small variation in Reveal 7: an all black version for those who prefer it to the satin finish predecessor.   The article is shared from Internet...knifeglobal：https ://knifeglobal.com

Buck Knives has revealed its suite of 2021 releases today. The spread is a generous one, with major line expansions, the return of the Shift bolster lock mechanism, and brand new EDC blades on offer.The Paradigm is BackBuck is bringing back the Paradigm model in 2021, in both automatic and assisted configurations. These spiffed up Paradigms have a new color scheme and S35VN blade steel, but the design itself remains largely the same. That means the Shift mechanism for a lock: to open or close the Paradigm, users push up on the bolster to flip out, fire, or fold the blade accordingly.417 BudgieThe Budgie is the only totally new US-made folder from Buck this year. A stubby 2-inch drop point makes the Budgie legal in lots of locales, and a breeze to carry; an opening hole gives it ambidextrous deployment, and S35VN blade steel means you’ll get plenty of use between sharpenings. The Budgie weighs just 2.1 ounces and has a money clip-style clip.251 LangfordThe budget-focused end of Buck’s catalog benefits from a big infusion of blades this year, with five models sporting MSRPS below $50. First up is the Langford, which has an all-purpose, EDC-ready 3.38-inch drop point blade made from 7Cr steel and opened with a flipper.252 TrunkBuck is breaking into the cleaver category with the Trunk, which takes the trendy blade shape in an EDC-friendly direction. Just under 3 inches long, it opens with either a flipper or a thumb stud. You can get the Trunk in tan or black G-10 scales, which are laid over a steel frame and liner lock.254 OdessaLike its stablemates above, the Odessa is an EDC-spec’d flipper knife, but with a stainless steel frame lock instead of a liner lock. A blade length of 3.13 inches lets the Odessa slot nicely between the Trunk and Langford in terms of cutting edge.256 DecaturThe slim, gentleman-ish Decatur brings a bit more blade length to the table than you might expect, with a full 3.5 inches at its disposal. The same steel choice and flipper deployment we see on its peers are carried over. You can have the Decatur in black G-10, or opt for the slicker Guibourtia ehie wood scales.259 HaxbyThe Haxby is the biggest of the new folders; its blade runs all the way to 3.88 inches. Once again the shape is a drop point, and once again it’s made from 7Cr steel – but the Haxby’s handle comes capped with carbon fiber top scales.More Fixed Blades Get Pro ModelsFive existing Buck fixed blades – the 120 General, 119 Special, 105 Pathfinder, 103 Skinner, and 102 Woodsman – are getting Pro material options. In this case that means green canvas Micarta scales and S35VN blade steel (enhanced, as usual with Buck, by a Paul Bos heat treat).The 200 series knives are available now, but the new fixed blades, the Budgie, and the pair of Paradigms won’t be on shelves until March.     The article is shared from Internet...knifeglobal：https ://knifeglobal.com

Ontario Knife Company has begun revealing its new for 2021 products, with a new folder and two new fixed blades on their way. Ti 22 UltrablueThe Ultrablue’s major selling point is the handle. It has been given an iridescent anodization that definitely catches the eye, but for most knife users it will be the handle material itself that intrigues. Even with an MSRP around the Ultrablue comes with full, front and back titanium scales. Titanium on a budget knife isn’t the rarity it was a few years ago, and indeed is something that OKC played with before on the Shikra, Besra, and Robert Carter-designed Trinity; but this is the first budget knife in their lineup with both scales made from the material.For the blade, OKC chose an American tanto shape, and it’s a very traditional interpretation of the form. The blade length runs to just over 3 inches, and the steel is AUS-8. The Ultrablue opens with a flipper tab; a primarily aesthetic fuller on the blade may provide a second, two-hand opening option for those interested. A loop over pocket clip caps off the Ultrablue’s feature list. It is repositionable for either tip-down or tip-up carry, but only on the lock side scale.Hiking Knife and TAK-2Alongside the new folder, OKC is rolling out a pair of fixed blades. The Hiking Knife is designed as a companion outdoors blade, with a weight-saving but still capable 3.4-inch drop point blade, made from 420HC steel. The handle arches down into a pistol-style grip, and the scales are made from multicolored Micarta; the Hiking Knife comes with a leather sheath.The Hiking Knife is a brand new design, but OKC is also expanding an existing line with the TAK-2, a sequel to their TAK-1 fixed blade. The TAK-2 keeps the versatile drop point blade and chunky, ergonomic handle that its predecessor has, but shaves about a quarter inch off the blade length, measuring in at 4.5 inches. It’s also dressed in more natural materials than the TAK-1: a leather sheath and stabilized wood handles instead of nylon and Micarta.No release date has been given for the either fixed blade at this time, but the Ultrablue is available now.   The article is shared from Internet...knifeglobal：https ://knifeglobal.com

KAI’s dynamic duo, Kershaw and Zero Tolerance, have revealed their 2021 lineups. In terms of the new releases’ tenor, it’s business as usual – which means a slew of varied designs from Kershaw, and a much smaller, premium-directed offering from ZT.ZT Looks Forward and Backward with Pair of New BladesThe 0762 comes to us from the in-house design team, and bears the hallmarks of that lineage. The ZT crew’s penchant for unusual blade shapes is in full display with a 3.4-inch modified wharncliffe blade – or is it a modified drop point? Either way it’s heavily modified, with a notably raised tip and quite a bit of belly. For the blade steel we’re getting CPM 20CV; the handle is prettied-up with full front-and back carbon fiber, skeletonized and laid over a steel fretwork frame. The pocket clip is made from titanium, as is the Sub-Frame Lock mechanism.Also from the in-house team is the 0990, a knife that looks back on the classic, collectible ZT 0999. That was an uber-premium limited release, so the 0990 makes things comparatively more utilitarian while retaining the original’s techy bio-mechanoid look. The CPM 20CV blade measures 3.25 inches long and the skeletonized blade and handle combo give the 0990 a very carry-friendly weight of 2.9 oz.Kershaw Fleet ArrivesKapsuleUsually you can tell a Jens Ansø knife when you see it, but the Kapsule is a bit of a departure for the veteran designer. It’s a manual OTF knife with a button lock and a tiny 1.9-inch spear blade.EndgameNothing in the 2021 Kershaw lineup could be considered “high-end,” but the Endgame aims to catch the eye on a relative budget. Its handle is a mix of steel and GFN, some of which has been given a bronze anodization. The Endgame’s 3.25-inch blade is made from D2 and opens manually.DrivetrainThe Drivetrain is an assisted opener with D2 blade steel. It also packs in two emergency-oriented secondary features, in the form of a glass breaker and a seatbelt cutter.Highball XLThe name says it all: the Highball XL is a larger variation of last year’s Highball – but at 3.3 inches in blade length, this is still an eminently EDCable blade.BracketOn one level, the Bracket is simply a scaled-up version of the Static, now sporting a 3.4 inch cleaver blade. But evidently the other, multiple altered elements make it more than an “XL” of an extant design. The Bracket has 8Cr13MoV blade steel and SpeedSafe deployment.PlatformThe Platform follows in the footsteps of minimalist multifunctional knives like the Victorinox Cadet. The main feature is a 2.75-inch slipjoint blade; but in lieu of a pocket clip it packs in a folding pair of nail clippers.StrataThe Strata knives are the latest blades to find inspiration in the Spanish navaja. Two sizes are available: the standard model’s blade is already large at 4.5 inches long, while the XL scales things all the way up to 5.4 inches.BraceOne of three fixed blades en route for 2021, the Brace is a tiny, 2-inch-bladed neck knife. With an 8Cr13MoV blade, it’s the only new fixed blade made from steel, but more on that below.AriseThe Arise fixed blade is part of what Kershaw is calling Project ATOM, a series of knives made not from steel but glass-reinforced plastic. A self-defense item, the Arise’s edge isn’t live; only the pointed tip offers any piercing capability.InverseThe Inverse is the other Project ATOM knife. It takes its visual inspiration from the kunai, and once again the only part that’s “sharpened” is the tip itself.CanonballObviously designed for hard work, the Cannonball is a beefy stainless steel frame lock with D2 blade steel. Its 3.5 inch blade length puts it right in the wheelhouse for an all-around daily tasker.AnalystThe Analyst hearkens back to the work-ready knives Kershaw was known for five or 10 years ago. Its SpeedSafe tanto comes only in a combo edge and is made from 8Cr13MoV.TremoloThe hyper budget-focused Starter series is getting a new model, the Tremolo. This one has a 3.125-inch recurved blade that opens with a SpeedSafe flipper tab.

  Once billed as the ‘World’s Deadliest Knife’, the WASP Injection Knife exploded onto the knife scene in early 2008. The knife received a great deal of attention in the media and on YouTube because of its unique and deadly action. After the blade penetrates a target, at the press of a button the WASP unleashes compressed air into the target that is capable of creating a cavity the size of a basketball.The secret is a replaceable handle that contains a CO2 cartridge. The knife is built with a hollow channel that runs from the handle to a small outlet hole in the blade. When the user presses the button near the blade’s guard, the CO2 cartridge contained in the handle is tapped releasing the gas at a high rate of velocity through the blade and into the target.According to Sean Florian, owner of Florian Tools, the manufacturer of the WASP Injection Knife – the story of the knife starts with inventor Greg Rondinone: “[He] came to us with the product to see if it was something that could be made, and we redesigned it. The knife was impractical to manufacture as it was – so we perfected it.”At the time the WASP was launched, some in the knife community saw the knife as a high functioning novelty and believed it would become just a fad. Initially, the unusual knife did not gain any traction. “It kinda didn’t go anywhere so we bought the company from [Greg Rondinone] and we basically developed what you see now,” said Florian.WHO IS BUYING THE WASP?The knife’s functionality has caught the eye of divers because the WASP offers several underwater benefits not available in a regular knife: First, the velocity and volume of gas released causes near immediate incapacitation and death – you don’t have to face an ongoing battle with a wounded and enraged adversary. Also, the icy blast of CO2 results in localized freezing and reduces wound bleeding – ideal for shark infested waters. Finally, the target – now filled with gas, has enough buoyancy to lift up and away to keep the diver safe from predators.The knife also started appealing to sportsmen: “Hunters are using it on wild boar for a quick kill,” said Florian. People are also continually discovering the WASP because the explosive power of the knife has a dramatic appeal to TV and film writers. “We’ve been in several TV shows: Law & Order, CSI, and on the Discovery Channel. It’s about to be in a major motion picture as the knife of choice of a lead character,” added Florian.   The article is shared from Internet...knifeglobal：https ://knifeglobal.com

Benchmade just put up its first batch of 2021 releases this morning. The 2021 catalog celebrates the versatility of existing and retired models, with revivals and line expansions comprising the bulk of the releases.Adamas Family RevampThe Adamas a true Benchmade staple, takes center stage for 2021 with a total line revamp. The original Adamas folder returns, but redrawn with an eye towards weight savings and ergonomics: the handle is more contoured, while still retaining the Axis Lock-powered rigidity that made it famous. At 6.45 oz., the 2021 Adamas’s weight is down by more than an ounce compared to its predecessor. The most exciting change, though, is the upgraded steel: Benchmade chose CPM-CruWear, a semi-stainless that scores high marks in both wear resistance and toughness.This Adamas is also being joined by a revised Automatic version sporting the same slew of upgrade. Alongside these two full-size models, there will now be a Mini version of the manual Adamas. This one shrinks the blade length down to 3.25 inches, and brings the weight all the way down to 4.6 ounces, while maintaining the new ergos and CruWear steel.Finally, the 2021 Adamas lineup is capped off by the new fixed blade variant. The 375 Fixed Adamas sports the same 4.2-inch blade length as the model it replaces, but benefits from a revised grind and the CruWear steel. The handle includes a paracord wrap, available in two different colors.ClaymoreThe Claymore is a mighty new automatic, with a 3.6-inch, partially serrated blade made from D2 steel. The only button lock auto on offer this year, it has a big, dagger-ish handle made from textured Grivory, available in either ranger green or black.Bugout Line Branches OutIt’s won’t surprise anyone that the ever popular Bugout line is growing once again. Like many of its popular peers, the Bugout is getting a “- X” premium variant, the 535-3. The upgrades are carbon fiber handle scales and S90V blade steel; it is a little heavier than the original Bugout at 2.02 oz., but few are likely to complain.The Mini Bugout gets some love too with the new 533BK-2, which features Benchmade’s CF-Elite handle material, a combination of polymer and carbon fiber. The steel on this variant remains S30V.4170BK Auto FactWith its super slim, stiletto-inspired design, the 417 Fact cried out for an automatic version, and now it’s here. The 4170BK Auto Fact also upgrades the handle to an aluminum frame with CF inlay, while the blade steel gets the boost to S90V.4850-1 OmThe Om takes the classic spine-firing OTF profile and shrinks it down to a teensy 2.475-inch blade length. The drop point blade can be had with or without a blade coating, but either way is made from S30V steel.5700SGY-1 Auto Presidio IIThe Auto Presidio II returns this year as well. You get the same Auto Axis deployment as before, but now with a combination blade made from Cerakote’d CPM-M4 steel.945 Mini OsborneWhen the long-awaited Mini Osborne debuted last year, it came with black G-10 scales like the more modern 940-2. Now we’re getting a Mini model with the original green aluminum chassis; otherwise the details remain the same as on last year’s award-winning hit.Mini SOCP RevisionThe Mini SOCP fixed blade got a makeover this year, with a new blade shape – but the dagger blade’s length remains the same at 2.22 inches.15500 MeatcrafterThe Meatcrafter, the unusual food prep fixed blade, is getting a “standard” version to run alongside the premium, S45VN-sporting original. This version has an orange Santoprene handle and CPM-154 blade steel, while still benefitting from the SelectEdge preparation that its predecessor did.601-211 Gold Class Tengu FlipperJared Oeser’s Tengu flipper graduates to the Gold Class this year. The new 601-211 goes nuts with the materials: a Damasteel blade, black and white marbled CF handle, and a carry pouch made from shark skin.Benchmade says that the new models will be releasing sporadically from February through April, other than the Mini Bugout, which is expected later this month.Knife in Featured Image: Benchmade Claymore     The article is shared from Internet...knifeglobal：https ://knifeglobal.com

3D printing is changing the way people think about manufacturing, and the knife world is no exception. LionSteel, the Italian cutlery company known for their ambitious and innovative manufacturing, is the maker of the TiDust, an early attempt at utilizing the technology with an impressive outcome. With a retail price of nearly $1,700, it’s certainly not accessible to everyone, but is it a sign of what’s to come?Typically, 3D printing can only produce parts made out of softer, easily-melted material like plastic or resin – neither of which are ideal for making a solid knife handle. But with the advent of direct metal laser sintering (DMLS) and other technologies like it, manufacturers are now starting to 3D print with metal. By focusing powerful lasers at powdered metal to heat & melt them together, the DMLS process slowly builds solid metal parts layer by layer. “It’s definitely 3D printing technology,” says John Pendleton at GPI Prototyping & Manufacturing Services, a company specializing in additive manufacturing based in Illinois. “We’re locally melting metal powder, letting it cool, and then starting the next layer.”Despite the design freedom that it allows, there are significant challenges to using 3D printing to make knives. “Titanium has a lot of residual stresses that build up during the manufacturing processes; the rapid heating and cooling makes it want to warp and twist on itself. Any part built via DMLS needs to be supported and stabilized as it gets made, so the structure doesn’t topple over before it’s finished,” says Pendleton.Because of limitations in the technology, LionSteel’s TiDust still required traditional milling to skeletonize the handle, according to LionSteel CEO Gianni Pauletta: “All the handles were [printed] without the holes; the .. technology does not have enough precision.” But despite the challenge and the cost, LionSteel hasn’t given up on pushing this new technology as far as it can go. “We are working on one other design, maybe it will be in the market next year,” says Pauletta.   The article is shared from Internet...knifeglobal：https ://knifeglobal.com

When Manly USA shut its doors last year, they did so with the intention to shift their focus to a new brand called Maker Blades. The project aimed to showcase, and make available for purchase, the work of talented Bulgarian custom knife makers. The COVID-19 pandemic delayed this project somewhat but now, a year later, Maker Blades is on the cusp of releasing its first round of knives.Teofil Simov, who works under the shop name Working Blades, is the first bladesmith to partner with Maker. Focused primarily on fixed blades, Simov cultivated a style that marries organic curvatures to traditional outdoors fixed blade patterns, creating workhorse knives with a distinct, pronounced look and feel.According to Maker Blades’s Lyubomir Trayanov, four Simov models will be on offer to begin with: the Shaman, Voin Trail, Perin, and Perin Recurve. All of these knives are made with 66mn4, a relatively simple, German-made carbon steel that Simov imbues with a differential heat treat formula to maximize toughness.And Trayanov tells us that more models are already in the offing. “Teofil is already working on a couple of new models,” he says. “One of them will be a khopesh inspired model, a modern version of the Bulgarian karakulak knife, a balisong knife for outdoors, and some axes.”Despite the relatively low prices, Trayonov confirms that these knives are indeed custom blades, made by Simov in his Sofia, Bulgaria shop. The handmade nature is an important element of the Maker Blades concept. “That being said, if demand increases Simov has plans to get a couple of guys to work with him,” Trayanov adds. All of these models will be available on an ongoing basis, although limited/special runs are a possibility in the future for unique blade shapes and styles. A wakizashi design is one such special order, and will be available alongside the four “main line” offerings shortly. The article is shared from Internet...knifeglobal：https ://knifeglobal.com

CRKT’s M16 ‘Carson Flipper’ started it all Any knife designed by an avid outdoorsman will carry the mark of hard use and quality, but add to that twenty years of military service and that knife will be just as tough as its designer. Master Sergeant Harold Joseph “Kit” Carson’s CRKT M16 design was the first knife made in mass quantities to feature the rarely before seen rapid deployment opening system known as the ‘flipper’.Originally released in 1999, Kit’s CRKT M16 design broke into the market at a crossroads for knives and the world itself and was shipped to military personnel by the pallet.“Kit was the real deal, while he worked very hard on form and function his primary goal was to build designs that served the user” CRKT President, Rod Bremer, said, “Kit’s military background served him extremely well and over the years his M16 design has served hundreds of thousands of the troops he cared so deeply for.”Who invented the flipper? That remains a mystery to knife makers and enthusiasts. Legend has it that its origins may trace as far back as the late 19th century. What is clear is that CRKT’s M16 became so popular that the opening mechanism was often referred to as the ‘Carson Flipper’ soon after its launch.Kit passed away last fall and CRKT is releasing the M16 Classic Series as a tribute.   The article is shared from Internet...knifeglobal：https://knifeglobal.com

Knife lovers everywhere are mourning the loss of legendary maker Tony Bose today. Bose passed away yesterday at the age of 74. The name “Tony Bose” is one of the legendary names in the custom slipjoint world. Bose’s work became synonymous with the best traditional knives in the custom realm, blending unearthly beauty with the rugged, dependable performance that has been a cornerstone of the traditional knife philosophy from the beginning. But Bose didn’t just perfect existing traditional knife patterns: he also created some classics of his own. It takes a lot, in the modern age, to create a traditional pattern that stands toe to toe with those classics in terms of beauty and utility; but Bose managed to do it with the Zulu, a hard-working single blade slippie that has been as influential as it was lusted after. Dozens of other patterns flowed from Bose’s pen. Bose’s work wasn’t solely relegated to the lofty custom slipjoint realm. He partnered with W.R. Case and Sons to produce high-end production versions of some of his most famous work – a sort of small batch production project before that practice became commonplace in the industry. Reese, Bose’s oldest son, studied under his father and is a master knife maker as well. So the Bose name will continue in the industry; and Tony Bose’s legacy was, and will be, cherished by knife collectors and historians – as well anyone who appreciates the work of a master artist. The article is shared from Internet...knifeglobal：https://knifeglobal.com