The Emerson CQC-7 Book Project

Posted on April 5, 2015 by Wilson

imageAs the Ernest Emerson CQC-7 knife turned 20 years old last year, it is fitting that Emerson is coming out with a book project about his groundbreaking folding knife.  And we get to participate!  But first, a bit of history.

Much has been written about the evolution of Emerson’s CQC knives, CQC for close quarters combat.  In the mid-1980’s, a West Coast U.S. Navy SEAL team requested a special folding knife for its operators.  They were referred to Ernest Emerson by knifemaker Phill Hartsfield, who had made fixed blades for the teams.  The knife born from this coalition was Emerson’s custom Specwar CQC-6, which would become a must-have among special operations warriors the world over.

In 1994, Emerson was approached by Benchmade Knives’ founder Les de Asis about making a production run of Emerson’s custom knife.  Emerson did not want to cede ownership of his original CQC-6 design, so when negotiating with de Asis, Emerson made some changes to the knife and named it the CQC-7. Continue reading →

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Special Gaston J. Glock Knives

Posted on March 31, 2015 by Wilson

knife_liner_lock_eurofighter_klappmesser_047_steckscheide_teylinlocke001After I had seen the Böker Tirpitz knife, I was amused that I stumbled upon these knives from Gaston J. Glock.  This folder’s blade is forged from the Mauser cannon of a Eurofigher aircraft.  Titanium and carbon fiber handles seem appropriate from this jet-age piece of cutlery.  Here are the specs:

  • This futuristic-looking pocket knife is constructed using only the highest quality materials, assembled and handcrafted with a lot of expertise. It possesses a harmonious style – a perfect knife for hunting wild boars.
  • The blade is made of 320-layer non-stainless Eurofighter Damascus steel using recycled elements from the on-board cannon Mauser BK-27 of a Eurofighter combat aircraft, and was handcrafted by Markus Balbach.
  • The inside planks are made of blue anodized grade 5 titanium.
  • The slip slices are made of bronze and the screws of stainless steel.
  • The handle is made of stable, lightweight carbon fiber.
  • Liner Lock Knife ─ the unlocking of the blade is triggered by pressing your thumb against the inside liner.
  • The sheath is made of traditionally-crafted manually stitched saddle leather. Solely vegetable tanning material is used during the tanning process.
  • Technical Information:
  • Total length: 7.28 inches (185 mm)
  • Blade length: 3.15 inches (80 mm)
  • Handle length: 4.18 inches (105 mm)
  • Blade strength: 0.12 inches (3.0 mm)
  • Hardness: 61° – 62° HRC
  • Pattern: Ladder Damascus

messer_gl001_largeOther knives in the Gaston Glock line feature full tang blades made from Glock 35 barrels used by competition shooter Dave Sevigny in training and in competition. Continue reading →

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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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