Böker Tirpitz Knife

Posted on March 21, 2015 by Wilson

imageBöker’s Tirpitz folding knife literally contains an interesting bit of naval history.  The damascus of its blade has actual WWII German battleship Tirpitz steel folded into its layers.  I remember reading about this ship when I was a boy.  The official literature below is fascinating.  I am not condoning the Deutsche Marine or the Nazi Reich; I am simply drawn to the commemorative knife’s historical value.

Years ago, Bob Terzuola made a commemorative knife from stainless steel used in the U.S. Navy aircraft carrier USS Intrepid.  In 2011, Ernest Emerson built a U.S. Navy SEAL CQC-6 with original World Trade Center steel.  I wish I had the discretionary funds to buy one of these knives, but, alas, my priorities are grounded elsewhere.

Here is what Böker has to say about the Tirpitz: Continue reading →

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weBBem Traveler Watch Review

Posted on March 17, 2015 by Wilson

weBBem Earl Grey dial“Time for an Adventure.”  weBBem Watches’ slogan fairly dares you to travel into your own brand of jungle with one of their well-thought-out timepieces.  Whether urban or Amazonian, the environment will be just fine for this robust watch and strap combination.

Said weBBem founder Alexander Jackson, “I have worked in the watch industry for many years and have always been fascinated by the differences between the manufacturing price and the retail prices of watches.”

“Once distributors, agents, and retailers have their share, the price you pay for an average watch is insane.  So much so, that I decided to start my own small watch company to see if it is possible to offer a well-made product at a reasonable price by selling online, cutting out the middle men, and sharing the savings with the customer,” he concluded.

weBBem on wrist paracord strapJackson wanted to offer a product sold on the Internet directly to the wearer.  He felt that a custom-made paracord strap on a durable military-style field watch would Continue reading →

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Spyderco’s Amsterdam Meet 2015

Posted on March 15, 2015 by Wilson

imageThis is the time of year when I encourage you to make the electronic journey over to Wouter’s website, Spydercollector.com, to see the latest Spydeco prototypes from the annual Amsterdam Meet.

Spyderco entertained 80 guests at their Amsterdam Meet 2015.  Held March 1 at the Mercure Amsterdam Airport Hotel, this year’s was the 11th annual gathering.  Wouter, a.k.a. Mr. Blond on the Spyderco Forum, takes superlative photographs of the knives.  Check them out.

by Wilson

 

Photo:  Spydercollector.com

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Jani-Song Video from the IWA Show

Posted on March 10, 2015 by Wilson

The website Késportál posted this video to YouTube of Mike Janich explaining the Jani-Song.  It was taken at the IWA Show 2015, which is Europe’s version of SHOT Show.  Click here for my experience twirling a Jani-Song!

The Jani-Song is not yet available in the U.S.  It is made offshore and cannot be imported.  Mr. Glesser’s plan is to eventually begin production runs in Golden, so the Jani-Song can be sold here in the country.

by Wilson

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Zero Tolerance 0900

Posted on March 7, 2015 by Wilson

0900_profile_1020x400I was a bit puzzled at the Kershaw/Zero Tolerance SHOT Show 2015 booth.  When I asked to photograph some new models, the rep was hesitant and then sent me to another marketing person who would supposedly answer any questions.  This next rep offered to copy their own photos on to my thumb drive.  Well, okaaay.

Because there were many new models, I chose to handle a few and forgo taking my own pictures.  A very nice model that had a custom feel was Zero Tolerance’s 0900 by designer Les George.  This short flipper knife has a thick 2.75 inch blade of stonewashed Crucible S35VN stainless steel, working on ZT’s KVT ball-bearing pivot system.

The ZT knife is a frame lock with hardened steel lock bar insert.  Continue reading →

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New Spyderco Ronin 2

Posted on February 28, 2015 by Wilson

Spyderco Ronin 2Just after Blade Show 2014, I posted a Photoshopped image I had made of the Spyderco Ronin 2 prototype I handled in their booth.  Since the “Golden Bug” does not allow photographs to be taken of their protos at shows, I easeled one of my existing pictures of a Spyderco Yojimbo 2 and massaged its pixels.  The visual results were very similar to my notes and recollection of the proposed knife.

Spyderco has now released their own images of the soon-available Ronin 2, along with copy and specifications describing the new fixed blade.  Here is what we know.  The new Ronin 2 is more of a fixed-bladed Yojimbo 2 than it is a variation of original Spyderco Ronin, as designer Michael Janich had told me at Blade Show.  Despite the looks, there are differences.

At 7.88 inches, the Ronin 2 will be 5/16th inch longer than an opened Yojimbo 2, but Ronin’s blade, 4.12 inches, will be just over 1 inch longer than Continue reading →

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Benchmade Ultimate Experience Contest

Posted on February 25, 2015 by Wilson

imageOkay, knife fans, this is a terribly cool opportunity for two lucky lovers of the Big Blue Butterfly.  Factory visit, a meet and greet with Mr. De Asis, and working with the production staff to design a prototype knife?  Holy sharp things.  I have spoken to Mr. de Asis at SHOT Show a few times. He is good people, I assure you.  I’m not sure where this contest came from, but Yes, please!

(Oregon City, OR) Benchmade Knife Company, manufacturer of premium sports cutlery for over 26 years, is pleased to announce the Benchmade Ultimate Experience Contest.

Benchmade owners will have opportunity to share their “Benchmade Story” with the company for a chance to win a trip for two (2) to Oregon City, Oregon to visit the Benchmade Factory. Included in the grand prize is airfare for two (2) to Portland, hotel accomodations in Downtown Portland, a personal tour of the Benchmade factory, and a “meet & greet” with members of the Benchmade staff including founder and President, Les de Asis. In addition, the winner of the Benchmade Ultimate Experience will work with the Benchmade Product Team to design their own, one of a kind, prototype knife that will be built and sent out following the trip.

To enter visit http://www.benchmade.com/UltimateExperience and submit a highly detailed explanation about the history of your Benchmade knife(s) over time and provide a large image of our Benchmade knife(s) and pictures from the field. Stories must be factual.

All entries must be received by 11:59 pm PST on April 1st, 2015 to be eligible for the grand prize selection. Limit one (1) entry per person.

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More Gerber Knives from SHOT Show 2015

Posted on February 22, 2015 by Wilson

Gerber SkyridgeI posted photos of Gerber Legendary Blades’ Dime Traveler earlier this month.  Here are some more new knives for 2015 that I was able to see at their SHOT Show booth.  The first knife is the Skyridge.  It has a 3.3 inch blade that is actuated by Gerber’s FAST 2.0 assist system.

Skyridge has dual thumbstuds, a plunge lock with safety, and nice blue anodized liners under G10 handle scales.  The blue pattern under the black scales is called “slanted rain” by Gerber.  It has a very unique look to it.  The MSRP will be $44.99.

Gerber Skyridge reverse Gerber Skyridge closedThe folder below is Gerber’s new Air Ranger, designed by Oregon knifemaker Bill Harsey.  Harsey has a long Continue reading →

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GATCO/Timberline Gas Monkey Garage Knives

Posted on February 19, 2015 by Wilson

Timberline Gas MonkeyGATCO, the Great American Tool Company and maker of Timberline knives, is releasing a line of products promoting the Gas Monkey Garage in Dallas, Texas.  You may know the garage from the Discovery Channel TV show Fast N’ Loud.

Fast N’ Loud follows the reality show automotive adventures of perpetual self-promoter Richard Rawlings and his mega-bearded main mechanic Aaron Kaufman.  At SHOT Show 2015, I was drawn to the GATCO booth because of the Gas Monkey logo on the side of their booth.  Hmmm, this looked familiar, yet out of context.

Gas Monkey logoGuess you can’t fault the Fast N’ Loud guys for wanting to cash in on their current popularity.  The knives and other accessories, such as multi-tools, flashlights, and Continue reading →

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CRKT Deviation

Posted on February 14, 2015 by Wilson

CRKT DeviationColumbia River Knife & Tool had a new art knife at SHOT Show 2015 which showcased a sci-fi-ish design by Terry Lee Renner.  My photos of the knife do not do this one justice.  The lighting in the Sands Convention Center is sadly inadequate for good photography, especially of shiny things.

To continue, the Deviation evidences Renner’s past as a mechanical designer from a different industry.  When pen went to paper, the guy doing the work obviously had visions from elsewhere.  And the term “art knife” was not so far off.  Renner is an artist, as well.

From a knife standpoint, Deviation functioned like a proper tool.  The modified tanto rolls open on Flavio Ikoma’s IKBS ball bearing pivot system.  The large flipper spur gives ample leverage with which to fling the blade to lock.  When held in the hand, the Deviation is not uncomfortable, as it might appear. Continue reading →

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