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The Titusville, PA-based traditional maestros at Great Eastern Cutlery are readying a fresh batch of the H30 and H40, two hunting-style fixed blade models.Both of these Hunter models are no-frills hunting knives in the classic mode. To that end, they both have a very traditional clip point blade shape, with a very mild clip to their tips. This consideration gives these knives necessary piercing capabilities while minimizing the chances of accidental punctures during field dressing. The generalized blade shape can also be fairly easily flexed into a general purpose outdoors role, too, suitable for everything short of chopping and batoning.The difference between the two Hunter models comes down to blade length: the H30 is a little smaller, with a blade length of 4 inches, while the H40 runs to 4.5 inches in length. There are certainly specific scenarios where that half-inch difference will be key, but for most users the decision between the two (or the choice to acquire both) will come down to personal preference. GEC created both models with 1095 steel – which, as a carbon steel, will be subject to corrosion and staining in a hunting role; but this is probably something that most owners will welcome if they’re intending on using their knife.Beneath the H30 and H40’s finger guards we see thoroughly basic, rectangular handle shapes. If there’s anything unusual or remarkable about them, it’s in the acorn-style shield on the show side scales – a detail associated with slipjoint folders, not fixed blades. Users will be able to choose between two different woods for the material of the scales themselves: bocote or cocobolo. Gec opted for leather instead of Kydex for the sheaths on both Hunter models.This Hunter release will mark the first time the knives have been available since 2019, and the first time ever they’ve been available in cocobolo and bocote. As with most knives that GEC releases, they’ll be in limited supply and are likely to get snapped up quickly, so keep your eyes peeled for them if you’re interested. GEC hasn’t given a hard release date yet but says to expect them soon.

A new bill introduced in the Texas legislature last week would place some pretty stringent restrictions on the display of knives in a retail setting. HB 4415 aims to make it so that “A retail establishment that displays a knife at the establishment shall keep the knife in a locked transparent case accesible only with the assistance of an employee of the establishment.”As is often the case with legalese, there’s a veneer of specificity here which belies a certain underlying vagueness. In a recent news blast, Knife Rights lays out the problems. “For purposes of this bill, ‘knife’ is very broadly defined as ‘any bladed hand instrument that is capable of inflicting serious bodily injury or death by cutting or stabbing a person with the instrument,'” they write. “‘Retail establishment’ is also very broadly defined as ‘a place of business open to the general public for the sale of goods or services.'”This means that HB 4415 affects, not just cutlery stores, but any place that sells even a small selection of knives. Now, knives are often kept behind display cases in stores anyway, of course, but those cases are not always locked – and many knives are sold in blister pack-style packaging that can hang on shelf pegs like any other product. And, as Knife Rights points out, knife shows themselves also fall under HB 4415’s definition of “retail establishment.” If passed into law it would totally change the tenor of future knife shows in the Lone Star state.At this point, HB 4415 has only been introduced for consideration. It still needs to pass the Texas House and Senate and get signed by the governor before it becomes law. If it manages to clear these hoops, HB 4415 will go into effect on September 1, 2021.

James Brand is back with its first 2021 release, the Wayland. The Wayland is the company’s third slipjoint effort and takes the extremely popular barlow pattern as its inspiration.Even though it’s filtered through James Brand’s clean, modern aesthetic, the Wayland’s barlow heritage is evident from tip to tail – starting with the EDC-oriented blade. Measuring 3 inches on the nose, it has a sheepsfoot profile not dissimilar from what we saw on the Pike last year. But, in addition to being almost an inch longer, the Wayland sports a notable upgrade in blade steel compared to its stablemate, benefiting from S35VN super steel instead of the Pike’s capable, but undeniably more entry-level, 12C27N.Instead of a standard traditional knife nail mark, James Brand gave the Wayland a larger, dished-out nail groove. This provides more purchase when opening the knife while also mirroring the cutouts on some of James Brands other folders, like the Folsom and the Ellis. The pivot uses phosphor washers, and naturally the Wayland is a non-locking tool.The Wayland’s nail mark differs somewhat from traditionLooking at the handle, barlow nerds will be happy to see James maintained the oversized bolster, a core element of the pattern. Beneath the bolster is a 2/3rds scale made of one of several different materials, framed by a letterbox frame underneath. Potential buyers have their choice of three different material configurations: there’s the flagship version, with a titanium bolster and rosewood scales, but two other variations swap out the titanium bolster for a steel one with a black PVD-coating. There’s a black G-10 model, which also has a black coated blade, and a black Micarta model with a satin blade.The black Micarta/steel bolster WaylandIt’s also worth noting that the Wayland is put together like a modern knife, with standard hardware underneath its scales instead of a pin-style construction. The Wayland has a lanyard hole and carries loose in the pocket; it weighs 2.8 oz.This is James Brand’s first new model of 2021, and showcases an ongoing interest in the slipjoint category. Last fall they gave their County knife a subtle renovation in the form of the aforementioned Pike. The article is shared from Internet...knifeglobal：https ://knifeglobal.com

Tactile Knife Company, the new knife-making branch of the EDC pen masters at Tactile Turn, is up and running, with big plans for the future and their first model, the Rockwall, available now.In 2019 we talked to Will Hodges, Founder of Tactile, as he was putting the finishing touches on the BAK, a pen-shaped, bolt-action utility knife. During that interview Hodges alluded to a full-fledged flipper he was working on; and now that knife has arrived as the Rockwall. But because the processes involved in making flippers were so different from those of Tactile’s pens, a fresh game plan was needed.“We’ve been a machine shop that has mostly focused on turning, so last August I hired several people to get the knife company started,” Hodges explains. He brought on two knife makers, Tim Harbert of Ardent Knives and Matt Palmore, and also relied on Kevin Taylor, a Tactile Turn Co. stalwart. “He’s brought tremendous turning skills to our Swiss lathe lineup. We have more turning capacity than almost any knife company out there,” Hodges says.The texturing on the handle is a detail carried over from Tactile’s pensAlong with the new personnel, Hodges had to find the right machinery for knife making. “In the last 6 months I’ve added a lot more equipment,” he says. “We now have three vertical mills, an EDM (Electrical Discharge Machining) hole popper, three wire EDMs, two surface grinders, and a lot of support equipment.” In the pen realm, Hodges’s work is well-known, and his success in that field, as well as the overlap in interest between knife and pen nerds, provided the perfect gateway into the industry. “People know and love our pens in the EDC community, and that success has allowed me to invest heavily into hitting the ground running making these knives.”The Rockwall, flagship folder for Tactile Knife Co., was designed to be a sweet spot EDC. “I really wanted a slim, light, and easy to carry flipper,” Hodges says. “I have a lot of larger flippers, but my main complaint is they just take up too much pocket real estate.” Thus this one has a 2.84-inch blade and a 4-inch closed length. Hodges focused on a thin grind for the Rockwall, too. “I like thin blades that are ground really thin so the behind the edge measurement is very small, while still being tough enough to hold up to some tougher tasks,” he explains. The Rockwall’s blade is made from CTS-XHP steel, but Hodges disclosed that CPM-20CV is planned for the future, alongside some ultra-premium Chad Nichols damascus blades.One of the most recognizable elements of Hodges’s work is the meticulous texturing on his pens – and he tells us he brought that same visual hallmark onto the Rockwall. “Tactile Turn pens have a texture that helps hide wear, and the texture on the Rockwall does the exact same while also improving grip and maintaining a simple aesthetic.” Titanium is the current handle material of choice, but others are planned. Hodges also notes that the Rockwall’s pocket clip took a lot of effort to get just right. “I also wanted as deep of a carry clip as possible, and we’ve pulled off one of the only original clips that’s been done in a long time – something different than anything else out there and it is incredible.”Hodges is particularly proud of the Rockwall’s clipThe Rockwall is available now, rolling out in small batches; if you’re interested in getting one, you can sign up for the wait list to secure your place in line. And with this first project proceeding smoothly, Hodges is already looking towards the future: “We’re just getting started,” he asserts. “We started with a very challenging knife, and we’re working on a slip joint and we’ll get into some fixed blades as well as kitchen knives before too long.” The article is shared from Internet...knifeglobal：https ://knifeglobal.com

SOG has laid out a comprehensive roadmap for 2021, and it includes two waves of new releases. Things are kicking off with LTE revisions of the Terminus XR and Kiku XR, which focus on being as lightweight as possible; later in the year, new fixed blades and automatics will be rolled out.The Terminus and Kiku XR models showcase SOG’s XR Lock in compact, EDCable packages, and the company is emphasizing these traits with the new “LTE” variants. These LTE versions come with redesigned handles and materials to minimize their carry weight: the Kiku XR LTE makes use of G-10 or Micarta scales and a carbon fiber backspacer to shave off nearly 30% of its predecessor’s weight, tipping the scales at 4.1 oz.. Meanwhile, the Terminus XR LTE goes for thin, skeletonized carbon fiber liners beneath the laminated carbon fiber scales to bring the weight down to 2.2 oz. – a 25% drop from the standard XR model.Both LTE knives also have redesigned pocket clips, and bring premium steels to bear; S35VN in the case of the Terminus, and CTS-XHP for the Kiku.Pentagon Series ExpandsLater this year, SOG will build upon 2020’s Pentagon redesign with a two-pronged expansion into new genres. The Pentagon FX is a full-sized tactical fixed blade, hearkening back to the old Pentagon knives but with pointed, modern updates. The entire profile is streamlined, the handle reimagined, and the steel upgraded to S35VN. The Pentagon FX also comes with a highly modular GRN sheath that can have its draw strength adjusted, no tools required.Alongside the full-sized, 4.77 inch-bladed Pentagon FX is the Pentagon FX Covert which, as the name suggests, shrinks things down a bit to maximize carry potential. With a 3.41-inch blade it is significantly smaller, but has the same design and material upgrades its bigger brother, minus the adjustable sheath.These fixed blade variants will be joined by the Pentagon OTF automatic. It has a 3.79-inch, S35VN dagger blade, opened and closed via a large botton on the front scale. The handle is aluminum, and a loop over pocket clip keeps this 6.7 oz. OTF in place during carry. SOG-TAC AU FamilyThe Pentagon OTF isn’t the only new auto from SOG this year. The SOG-TAC, which re-released as a manual, XR Lock-equipped folder in 2020, is getting a whole suite of single action automatics in the summer. Dubbed the SOG-TAC AU line, there are multiple varieties on offer. All of them feature the same aluminum handles, D2 blade steel, and domestic manufacture.The standard SOG-TAC AU borrows its overall dimensions and look from the SOG-TAC XR. That means a 3.43-inch blade (available in drop point or tanto configurations), but it is joined by the SOG-TAC AU Compact, which shrinks the blade length down to 2.94 inches.SOG-TAC AU CompactFinally, there is the SOG-TAC Compact California Special which, as the name implies, caters to California’s automatic blade length requirements with a stubby 1.96-inch drop point or tanto.SOG-TAC AU Compact California SpecialThe LTE blades are available now, but the Pentagon and SOG-TAC AU lines will not debut until July.   The article is shared from Internet...knifeglobal：https ://knifeglobal.com

Cold Steel has put out a typically massive 2021 catalog. This is an important year for the company, the first under its new owners GSM Outdoors, who we spoke to at the end of last year after their surprise acquisition of the company. To be fair, the 2021 products were already in place when GSM took the reigns, but there’s no doubt that now is a good time for them to make the right impression going forward.The catalog covers diverse categories, but features more fixed blades than folders; most of the new folders are expansions to current Cold Steel blades rather than entirely new models.Range BossThe Range Boss looks to be descended from the Broken Skull, albeit geared into an introductory price range, with corresponding material adjustments. It has a Zy-Ex handle available in several colors, and a 4-inch clip point blade made from 4034 steel, a basic stainless comparable to 420HC.OyabunCold Steel’s Tanto Fixed Blade is a company mainstay; this year, it’s getting a folding sequel called the Oyabun. This knife is a 3.5-inch tanto flipper, available in two different configurations. The standard model has 4034 blade steel and Griv-Ex scales; a Lynn C. Thompson Signature edition will also be available for a time. Restricted to 3,500 pieces, this version has S35VN blade steel, an aluminum frame and bolsters, and G-10 scales.Both versions of the Oyabun utilize the same liner lock with secondary safety that Cold Steel debuted on the Crawford Model 1.Double Safe Hunter Slock Master and Scalper Slock MasterCold Steel tapped bow hunter Tim Wells for multiple 2021 collaborations. First up is the Slock Master, a folding knife based on the Double Safe Hunter, but with a red handle and new drop point blade shape made to Wells’s specifications. Wells also put his name on the Scalper Slock Master, an outdoors fixed blade with a 6.5-inch drop point shape. It’s a different drop point profile than that on the folder, and made from 4116 steel instead of 8Cr13MoV.Drop Point VoyagersThe venerable Voyager series, always an accommodating platform for different blade shapes, is getting a new drop point variation. Available in Large (4 inch) and XL (5.5 inch) configurations, these are wide drop points with ample belly; like all recent Voyagers, they’re made from AUS-10A steel.AD-15 LiteReleased in 2019, Cold Steel’s version of Andrew Demko’s AD-15 marked the first time the Scorpion Lock mechanism appeared in a production format. The knife settled on the premium end of Cold Steel’s catalog, so this year they’re presenting a second, more affordable Lite version. The dimensions and headlining lock remain the same, but there are material switches on the handle, from G-10/Aluminum to Griv-Ex, and the steel, which is now AUS-10A instead of S35VN.Mini LeatherneckCold Steel’s Leatherneck fixed blade series is moving in an unusual direction this year with the Mini Leathernecks. Available in clip, tanto, or double edge dagger blades, these little fixed blades bring the sizable original’s profile down to a 3.5-inch blade length that is, frankly, pretty adorable. The blade steel on the Mini Leathernecks is 8Cr13MoV, no matter which variation you opt for.Kyoto SeriesAlongside the loveable Mini Leathernecks we’re getting the equally cute Kyoto knives, which emulate classic Japanese fixed blades – right down to the rare appearance of a traditional tanto in the Cold Steel lineup (although it’s available in their American-style tanto too). The blade length on both models is 3.38, and the blade steel is 8Cr13MoV.New Click-N-Cut KnivesThe Click-N-Cut knives can swap out their blades, letting users select a specific shape for the job at hand. The Click-N-Cut Hunter comes with blade options suited to that purpose, as does the Tim Wills-designed Click-N-Cut Slock Master. Finally, there’s the more universal and utilitarian Click-N-Cut Folder, which comes with durable drop point and serrated wharncliffe blades.Drop Forged BowieCold Steel’s ongoing SK-5 Drop Forged series gets its biggest-ever release in the form of this bowie. You’re looking at a 9.5-inch clip point blade, of a piece with its handle, which sports a full guard and even has faux stag handle inlays.Chaos Push KnifeInspired by trench knife design, the Chaos series gets its most uncoventional release this year in the form of the Chaos Push Knife, which appends a 5-inch dagger blade to the D-frame trench knife handle. Further embellishments come in the form of twin skull crushers – one on each side of the frame.3V Fixed BladesA slew of classic Cold Steel fixed blades will receive 3V steel variants: on deck for the durable tool steel are the Recon Scout, Trail Master, Laredo Bowie, Natchez Bowie, and Gurkha Kukri Plus. The article is shared from Internet...knifeglobal：https ://knifeglobal.com

  What’s the difference between 154CM SteelWhat’s the difference between CPM-154 vs 154CM? We almost titled this “A Tale of Two Steels” but steel is serious business, man. We’ll leave the quips for other articles. To be honest there’s not a lot of difference between the two steels. They’re a solid stainless-steel choice with a lot in common. They’re made by the same company, and have the same chemical composition. 154CM is almost as old as dirt. CPM-154 is not old as dirt. 154CM is a conventionally cast stainless-steel, while CPM-154 is powdered steel. The CPM process gives it a significantly higher toughness and better machinability than the 154CM. While CPM-154 may perform slightly better with day-to-day stuff than 154CM, most likely unless you’re a knife maker or sharpening fanatic, you’re probably not going to notice much difference between the two. Cut to the chase. Are they expensive steels or budget steels?Hogue X-1 MicroFlip with CPM-154 steelThat’s a whole soapbox for us here. There’s more that goes into the price of a knife than the cost of the steel. That said, neither steel is typically considered a budget steel. 154CM started out its knife-life in custom knives. CPM-154 is generally a more expensive option than 154CM. You can find knives with either of these steels across a number of price points.Knives with these steels run between the $60-ish and $200-ish range, depending on the knife and the maker and all sorts of other factors. For instance the Boker Pure CPM from the header and pictured below runs about $60. The new Kansept Copperhead with brown burlap micarta runs $99, and the Hogue X-1 MicroFlip with CPM 154 (pictured to the right) runs around $136, while the ProTech with 154CM runs close to $200. Why the variation? Well, there’s more to a knife than the steel used.What is CPM-154 and 154CM?CPM-154 and 154CM are both quality stainless-steels. They’re both high carbon, high chromium steels with very good corrosion and pitting resistance. We hear they’re both pretty easy to sharpen and do a fair job of holding an edge. One of the biggest differences between using these two blade steels is that CPM-154 (like in the Hogue MicroFlip pictured right) is almost double the toughness of 154CM.HistoryAccording to KnifeSteelNerds, Crucible developed 154CM back in 1959 as a high-speed stainless bearing steel. For a time, it was apparently actually called an “improved 440C”. Bob Loveless popularized it amongst custom knifemakers when he began using it in his knives in 1972. Crucible made stair-step improvements in their steels over the decades. 440C is the first step. 154CM is an improved form of 440C. CPM-154 is an improved form of 154CM.ProTech TR-3-X1 with 154CMData SheetsThe Crucible datasheets tells us that CPM-154 and 154CM both contain 1.05% carbon (hardness), 14% chromium (stain resistance), and 4% molybdenum (carbide former that increases strength at high temperatures aka “hot hardness”, and increased corrosion resistance.) Other than the descriptors, the science-y parts of the data sheets for both CPM-154 and 154CM are the same.However, in the descriptor parts of the data sheets, Crucible states, “CPM 154 is CPM-manufactured version of Crucible’s standard 154 CM. The CPM manufacturing process produces a uniform distribution of the carbides in this grade, giving this CPM 154 easier grinding and polishing, plus better toughness, than conventional 154 CM, while retaining similar heat treat response and wear properties.”How can this be? Crucible answers, “The CPM process produces very homogenous, high quality steel characterized by superior dimensional stability, grindability, and toughness compared to steels produced by conventional processes.”Let’s explain all that by oversimplifying a lot.Kizer Contrail with 154CMWhat’s the difference between powder metallurgy and conventional steel?With conventionally cast steel, the steel makers mix iron and other metals into a vat. They melt them. They mix them together. Then they pour it into a mold to let it cool. This is generally a steel ingot. After that, it is re-heated, treated, and eventually turned into a knife blade by knife makers.Powdered Steel is similar in concept to conventional steel. They take iron and other metals and pour them into a vat, and they melt them. Rather than directly pour the melted metal into large blocks, they funnel it through a liquid or a gas which instantly turns it into a powder which rapidly cools. Each of those tiny powdered particles is a wee small steel ingot. From there, there are number ways in which those tiny ingots are turned into blade steels, but generally, each of those teeny ingots go into another container, where they add heat and a lot of pressure which turns each teeny steel ingot into a big steel ingot. After that, it’s eventually re-heated, treated, and turned into a knife blade by knife makers.The powder metallurgy processes result in a finer, more even grain structure. This means all the similarly sized particles kind of work together to improve your knife. Additionally, because of the way it is made and cooled, some metals don’t break down into or stay in small enough pieces to mix well with the conventional process. The steel ends up with inclusions or non-metal chemicals which are generally not beneficial to the steel. The powder metallurgy process fixes that problem.Boker Pure CPM with CPM-154Okay, so what does all that mean?With almost double the toughness, and significantly improved machinability, CPM-154 is the better knife steel. But unless you’re making knives (or you’re a fairly serious sharpening enthusiast) the machinability of the steel is as largely irrelevant to you as that scary Prop 65 warning. The end user experience is about the same. Thus, as we said in the beginning, the difference between the two steels doesn’t mean much to the regular knife user.Both 154CM and CPM-154 will both work just fine to open your Doritos bags, your morning doughnut packages, and your daily knife delivery boxes. They’re highly stain and corrosion resistant steels that make for an excellent all-around, daily use. Think of 154CM as an improved 440C, and CPM-154 as a twice improved 440C.   The article is shared from Internet...knifeglobal：https ://knifeglobal.com

Shirogorov is partnering with custom maker RJ Martin on a very limited collaboration version of Martin’s Overkill design. The Russian Overkill, as it has been dubbed, highlights the styles of both collaborators, with Shirogorov’s detail-oriented touch highlighting the slick and work-ready profile of the Martin original.The Overkill is Martin’s flagship blade, a classic in the custom world. In terms of the broad strokes, the Russian Overkill retains the fundamentals its forbear. It has the same general profile and proportions, and thus is a big knife, with a cutting edge of 3.9-inches. The blade still opens with the classic RJ Martin flipper tab shape, albeit now turning on the Shirogorov Single-Row Roller Bearing System.Gone, however, is the Overkill’s recurve blade shape; in what is probably the most notable alteration, Shirogorov gave the Russian Overkill a blade in the straight drop point style, similar to the shop’s other in-house designs. Every Shirogorov releases comes decked out in a super steel, and this time it’s M398, the sequel to Bohler-Uddeholm’s longstanding M390; this formulation debuted in 2019, but is still something of a rare sight in the knife world.Small changes are also apparent on the handle: the original Overkill is a slim knife, but the Shiro collab is even thinner, with a narrowed handle that brings the weight down to 4.7 oz. The scales are titanium, with delicate concentric millwork on both sides, and subtly contoured: they’re actually thinner at the pivot and thicker at the back end. The lock is a titanium frame lock with steel insert, and a sculpted Ti pocket clip sits in a small divot formed by the lock bar relief.   The article is shared from Internet...knifeglobal：https ://knifeglobal.com

1. You buy product from dealers.2. You think you’re in control and can stop at any time.3. You can’t understand how everyone isn’t into it.4. You sometimes tell yourself: ‘this is the last time’.5. When you hear something new is coming out, you want to try it – and soon will be.6. When confronted by family, you deny there’s a problem.7. When dealers are out of what you want, withdrawal symptoms occur. These may include irritability, panic, craving, or restlessness. The article is shared from Internet...knifeglobal：https ://knifeglobal.com

6% of knife people have bought at least one knife at Walmart according to KnifeNews’ 2015 survey. This pales in comparison to the 86% of enthusiasts who buy from online dealers. When it comes to attracting knife people’s dollars, a Walmart store has difficulty competing against retailers like GPKnives because of Walmart’s limited selection, focus on lower quality knives, and the lack of available information in-store. 21% of knife people said they rely on knife store employees as a source of information according to our survey.Still, Walmart’s knife department may be a gateway for non-knife people into the world of knives. “We should all feel very fortunate that the major retailers in this country even have a knife selection today,” says Thomas Welk, Director of Sales and Marketing at KAI USA, the makers of Kershaw and Zero Tolerance knives – speaking on the Gear Geeks Live podcast. “The fact that we’re in 4,500 stores nationwide in Walmart is a beautiful thing.”With 90% of Americans living within 15 minutes of a Walmart, the retailer offers non-knife people the convenience of buying a knife on a regular shopping trip. But, unlike their electronics or consumer goods departments which offer a more consistent product selection; the knives for sale at your local Walmart might look very different from another Walmart location across the country, the state, or even the city.Some sporting goods departments have a display counter where you can ask to handle a knife in person before buying it. Other Walmart stores keep their knives loaded on racks in blister packs. The in-store selection can vary even within the same city – we found a big difference in the selection and display between stores located within 10 miles from one another.Why does Walmart’s knife department remain so patchy and unpredictable? As Thomas suggests, it may simply be that their priorities lie elsewhere: “I’ve never sat in a sales call for any mass retailer and had them once ask about blade steel or handle material. They ask about margins, about profitability .. they don’t care about making the best knife.” The article is shared from Internet...knifeglobal：https ://knifeglobal.com