Received a couple great Spyderco folders in recently.  The Spyderco Starmate C55GP and the Spyderco Szabo folder C146CFP.  Below are pics and descriptions from Spyderco's website of both of these folders.

 

 

 

Spyderco Starmate, Model C55GP

 



Bob Terzuola
Widely recognized as the father of handmade tactical folding knives, Bob Terzuola is one of the most influential figures in custom knifemaking. He was born in Brooklyn, New York is a graduate of New York University. In 1967, he moved to Panama to serve as a Peace Corps trainer and ultimately studied jade carving and gemology in Guatemala. While living in Guatemala, he also developed an interest in knifemaking and by 1979 was making handmade knives for soldiers there. In 1981, he moved to Santa Fe, New Mexico and joined the Knifemakers Guild.

Terzuola is best known for his high-performance tactical folders and fixed blades, which are the tools of choice of many savvy military and special operations personnel worldwide. He is also the author of The Tactical Folding Knife, a definitive work on his meticulous method of custom knifemaking.

Construction and Materials
The latest version of the Starmate faithfully retains all the features of Terzuola’s original design, but differs from the first production of the knife in several ways. Manufactured in Japan, it features a saber-ground blade made from VG-10 stainless steel. Like the original version, its handle is constructed with stainless steel liners and textured G-10 scales; however, unlike the nested liners of the first generation, the new Starmate features full skeletonized liners for a balance of light weight and superior strength.

One of the distinguishing characteristics of a Bob Terzuola design is his improved Walker LinerLock mechanism, which features a concave ramp on the blade’s lock face. This lock geometry, pioneered by Terzuola in his custom knives, provides greater strength and security than conventional flat lock ramps and is proudly featured in the Starmate.

To ensure convenient, versatile carry, the Starmate also features a new four-position clip with a broad triangular base for security and extreme strength. The new clip can be easily configured for tip-up or tip-down carry on either side of the body, allowing you to tune your carry to meet your personal needs and preferences.

 

 

 

Spyderco Szabo Folder, Model C146CFP

Construction and Materials
The heart of the Laci Szabo folder is its 4.5625-inch CPM S30V scimitar-shaped blade. Its partial hollow grind creates excellent edge geometry while reinforcing the spine for increased strength. A Trademark Round Hole™ in the blade supports swift one-handed opening with either hand and, together with a subtle guard on the edge side of the blade, effectively protects the user’s hand during use.

The Szabo’s handle is constructed of full stainless steel liners capped by Gold Line carbon fiber scales. This striking material combines the strength and light weight of carbon fiber with an outer layer of embedded gold-colored wire. Visually stunning yet incredibly durable, it provides a secure, non-slip grip.

To cope with the extreme leverages associated with its longer blade, the Laci Sazabo folder features an enhanced version of Spyderco’s proprietary Compression Lock mechanism—one of the strongest folding knife locks ever designed. When the knife is opened, a split leaf spring integral in one of the handle’s stainless steel liners extends between the stop pin and an upward-facing ramp on the blade’s tang. The wedging force of this spring locks the blade securely and its placement on the back of the handle makes it virtually impossible to disengage during use.

The Szabo folder’s Compression Lock is also unique because it is accompanied by an internal “self-close” mechanism. Nested within one of the handle halves, this mechanism uses a spring piston to engage a plate attached to the blade tang. When the blade is closed, the piston gains mechanical leverage to rotate the plate, keeping the blade nestled securely in the handle for safe carriage. Convenient carry is further supported by a four-position clip that offers tip-up or tip-down carry on either side of the body.

The Laci Szabo folder is a technologically and artistically advanced folding knife from the mind of one of the knife industry’s most creative designers. We sincerely hope that yours serves you and your personal needs well.

Design Inspiration
Laci Szabo is a law enforcement officer, a veteran U.S. Marine, and a word-class martial artist. He is also one of the most visionary knife designers in the industry, combining a unique flair for aesthetics with an in-depth understanding of function and defensive application.

The Laci Szabo folder is a reflection of Szabo’s philosophies regarding folding knife design as it applies to both utility and personal defense. Its large size creates a commanding presence and offers increased reach when used with fencing-style skills. The dramatic scimitar-shaped blade has a long, gently curving belly to maximize cutting power, while leaving the tip well centered to support point-oriented tactics. An unsharpened swedge on the back of the blade ensures an acute point and flows smoothly into a scalloped area on the spine. This unique geometry reduces drag and enhances the blade’s trapping potential when applied with reverse-grip skills. The blade is mated to a generously sized handle that easily accommodates the largest hands and provides extreme leverage in all applications.
 
A dynamic synthesis of form and function, the Laci Szabo folder faithfully captures both the creativity and practicality of its designer.

Thanks for looking,
Rob

New to the market - Fixed Blade Knives and Folding Knives

Over the past few months, there has been several new additions to the cutlery market.  I won't list them all, but will focus on a select few.

The Cold Steel Mackinac (pronounced Mackinaw) Hunter is an updated version of more traditionally styled folders.  The Hunter features Cold Steel's patented Tri-Ad Lock which essentially adds a stop pin to the mix of the internal workings.  That addition aids in the reduction or elimination of vertical blade play that is present in many lock back type folders. 

The blade is AUS-8A stainless steel and features a plain edge and a 3.5" (89 mm) length bringing the overall open length of the Hunter to approximately 8.25" (210 mm) and a overall weight of 6.6 ounces (187 grams).



 

Cold Steel Mackinac Hunter, 3-1/2" SS Blade, Faux Stag Handle 54FBT

Spyderco has put out some great knives in recent times and one of my favorites is the Gayle Bradley Air.  This sweet little liner lock features an M4 steel blade which is renown for it excellent cutting abilities.  The blade is a 2.5" (76 mm) sheepsfoot style, plain edge and is approximately 3/32" (2 mm) thick.

This incredible knife features gray glass fibers scales that offer a bit of texture for grip, but also helps keep the weight down.  As the name implies, the Air is a lightweight knife coming in about an incredible 1.3 ounces (37 grams).  That is a whole lot of knife in a very lightweight package.



Spyderco Bradley Air, 2-1/2" M4 Blade, Glass Fiber Handle C159GFP
 

The Air is definitely one of my favorites in the world of new releases, however, there is another Spyderco that is competing for top spot in my book.  It is the Spyderco Techno.  What a great knife!  Not as light as the Air, in fact if it is more than twice the weight of the Air and comes in about 3.5 ounces (99 grams).  Like the Gay Bradley Air, the Techno features a flat ground 2.5" (76 mm) blade, but that is where the similarities end.  The Techno's blade features Carpenter Steel's CTS-XHP stainless steel (stonewashed) and is almost twice as thick as the Air's blade at 5/32" (4 mm).

The Techno also features a titanium handle with a built in frame lock and accommodates a right hand or left hand tip up pocket clip option.



Spyderco Techno, Plain 2-1/2" CTS-XHP SS Blade, Ti Handle C158TIP

All these great knives can be found at National Knives, LLC along with many others.  Stop by and take a look.  While you are there, don't forget to scroll down to the bottom of the page and Join the Mailing List where you will receive occasional emails from National Knives, LLC introducing new products, email only specials and more.

Thanks for looking,
Rob

The Edge Obeserver Video Overview of the Caly 3.5 Sprint Run C144GPGY

WOW! Awesome video overview and written review of the Spyderco Caly 3.5 Sprint @ The Edge Observerer. Check it out. - http://www.edgeobserver.com/?p=952

Spyderco Caly 3.5, Plain 3-1/2" Aogami Super Blue Steel Blade, Gray G-10 Handle C144GPGY

Rob

What a Steel! - What do those ingredients mean to me?

In "What a Steel! Part 1" and in future "What a Steel!" posts, I will do my best to accurately list what each steel contains, giving them their characteristics.  In doing so, I won't be listing what each ingredient does each time it is listed, instead I will use this post as a reference and will point each "What a Steel!" post back to this one for reference.  This will allow you, my readers and customers, the ability to better determine how each of the ingredients affect the steel performance, both in a positive and negative manner. 

The one component that remains consistent amongst all steels is iron.  However, iron is not sourced from one or two locations, but multiple locations and from multiple sources.  Iron is inherently a soft metal and is hardened and made usable as a knife blade by the addition of other ingredients, each of which adds and/or detracts a quality or qualities, such a corrosion resistance.
Please feel free to comment on this post as well as any other post.

This post will be updated often as new information becomes available and does not contain all elements used in the production of various types of steel. 

Carbon - C

• Most common element added to iron.
• Increases hardness.
• Increased edge retention.
• High carbon steels tend to be a bit more resistant to corrosion.
• According to the American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI), a for a steel to be considered high carbon, it must contain at least 0.3% carbon.  Many high carbon steels used in knife manufacturing hover in the 1.00% area.

Chromium - Cr

• Added to create stainless steel.
• A minimum of 10% chromium is required for a steel to be considered stainless according to AISI.
• When exposed to oxygen, chromium forms a protective barrier to aid in corrosion resistance.
• Corrosion resistance (rust resistance) is not the same as corrosion proof (rust proof) and most stainless steels will oxidize (corrode) given the ideal conditions.
• Hardness and toughness also benefit from the addition of chromium.

Copper - Cu

• Aides in corrosion resistance

Hydrogen - H

• Used in place of carbon to make H1 stainless steel.
• Used to partially replace carbon to make X15 stainless steel.
• H1 stainless steel has shown strong evidence to be the closest to a true "rust proof" stainless steel.

Manganese - Mn

• Aides in ability to harden and overall hardness
• Aides in overall toughness.
• Adds to corrosion resistance
• Aides in the ability to machine.

Molybdenum - Mo

• Aides in the ability to harden and in overall hardness.
• Aides in toughness and corrosion resistance.
• Helps with the ability to machine.

Nickel - Ni

• Aides in overall toughness.
• May aide in corrosion resistance.
• Necessary ingredient in austenitic (chromium/nickel) stainless steel, which is the most common variety. According to the AISI, this type of stainless steel accounts for approximately 70% of all stainless steel production.

Niobium - Nb

• Aides in grain production
• Aides in corrosion resistance

Phosphorous - P

• Aides in the ability to machine.
• Aides in the ability to harden.

Silicon - Si

• Added to metal in the molten state to aide in the removal of gases and oxidation.
• Aides in overall strength.

Sulfur - S

• Aides in the ability to machine.

Tungsten - W

• Aides in toughness and wear resistance.
• Aides in the ability harden.

Vanadium - V

• Added to aide in wear resistance and strength.
• Allows for fine grain production during heat treatment attributing to the overall hardness (HRc) of the finished blade, edge retention and overall sharpness.
• Toughness also benefits from the addition of vanadium.

Rob

What a Steel! Part 1 - Crucible Industries, LLC

Premium steels are revolutionizing the knife industry.  When premium steels are referred to, most often it is in reference to a high performance steel that maintains a cutting edge somewhere along the lines of forever.  Okay, forever is really stretching the truth quite a bit, but for those out there that don't often use a pocket knife, or a hunting knife, the possibility of literally going years between sharpening is possible.  Steel producers from all over the world are constantly challenging themselves to upgrade, not just out of competition, but because of demand.  Who creates this demand?  We (consumers) do.  For those out there that consider themselves steel junkies and are always looking at the latest and greatest, the mere thought of Spyderco releasing a knife with a blade in Crucible Industries CPM-S90V® stainless steel, gets the heart pumping and leads us to empty out the piggy banks and play the part of a laboratory experiment for little known drug companies for a few extra dollars so we can afford to add yet another knife to our collection.

Crucible Industries is headquartered in Syracuse, New York and produces some of the most popular and finest knife steels in the United States.  Crucible has been doing so since 1876 with roots going back to England a hundred years earlier.  With over 1000 patents, Crucible is a leader in the steel industry, not just for knives, but creating steel for just about any specialty and everyday use.  Crucible's premier line of steels are known as Crucible Particle Metallurgy®, or CPM® as it is most commonly referred to and are best known for their wear and corrosion resistance, toughness and their ease of grinding.

A list of CPM® stainless, high speed and tool steels most commonly used in knife manufacturing:

CPM-154®

• Offers easier grinding, polishing and better toughness over standard 154 CM and better edge retention (stays sharper longer) and resistance to chipping than 440C stainless steel. 
• Contains 1.05% Carbon, 14.00% Chromium and 4.00% Molybdenum
• Ideal hardness (HRc) range is between 55 and 62
• Does not offer the wear resistance of CPM-S30V stainless steel.
• Does offer the same toughness as CPM-S30V stainless steel.
• Does offer better grind ability than CPM-S30V stainless steel.

CPM-S30V®

• Offers better wear and corrosion resistance and toughness versus 440C and D2.
• Contains 1.45% Carbon, 14.00% Chromium, 4.00% Vanadium, and 2.00% Molybdenum
• Ideal hardness (HRc) range is between 58 and 61.

Zero Tolerance Bayonet, 7-1/2" CPM-S30V Stainless Steel Blade, Ranger Green G-10 Handle ZT-9

CPM-S35VN®

• Designed to be tougher than CPM-S30V stainless steel.
• Contains 1.40% Carbon, 14.00% Chromium, 3.00% Vanadium, 2.00% Molybdenum, and 0.50% Niobium
• Ideal hardness (HRc) range is between 58 and 61.
• Offers the ability to withstand 20% more impact energy than CPM-S30V stainless steel.
• Offers similar edge retention to CPM-S30V stainless steel.

Spyderco Native 5, 3" S35VN Stainless Steel Blade, Black G-10 Handle C41GP5

CPM-S90V®

• Designed to offer outstanding, long lasting edge retention.
• Contains 2.30% Carbon, 14.00% Chromium, 9.00% Vanadium, and 1.00% Molybdenum.
• Ideal hardness (HRc) range is between 56 and 59
• Offers better corrosion resistance than 440C and 154CM.
• Offers better toughness than 440C.

CPM-S110V®

• Designed to offer better corrosion resistance than 440C and CPM-S30V.
• Contains 2.80% Carbon, 15.25% Chromium, 9.00% Vanadium, 3.00% Niobium, 2.25% Molybdenum, and 2.50% Cobalt.
• Ideal hardness (HRc) range is between 58 and 61.

CPM-3V®

• Designed to offer outstanding resistance to chipping and breakage.
• Contains 0.80% Carbon, 7.50% Chromium, 2.75% Vanadium, and 1.30% Molybdenum.
• Ideal hardness (HRc) range is between 58 and 60.
• Offers better toughness than A2, D2 and CPM-M4 steels.

Zero Tolerance Military, 5-3/4" 3V Steel Blade, Matte Black G10 Handle 0100

CPM-M4®

• Designed to offer more wear resistance and toughness.
• Contains 1.42% Carbon, 4.00% Chromium, 4.00% Vanadium, 5.50% Tungsten, 5.25% Molybdenum, 0.30% (0.70%) Manganese, and 0.06% (0.22%) Sulfur.
• Ideal hardness (HRc) range is between 58 and 66.

Spyderco Gayle Bradley, 3-7/16" M4 Steel Blade, Black Carbon Fiber Handle C134CFP

A list of other steels produced by Crucible Industries, LLC:

154CM

• Designed as an upgraded 440C steel which offers better corrosion and wear resistance as well as better edge retention.
• Contains 1.05% Carbon, 14.00% Chromium, and 4.00% Molybdenum.
• Ideal hardness (HRc) range is between 55 and 62.

Benchmade Mini-Griptilian, 2.91" 154CM Steel Blade, Gray Handle, 555SGY-600 - Set

420

• General purpose stainless steel
• Contains >0.15% Carbon, 1.00% Manganese, 0.04% Phosphorous, 0.03% Sulfur, 1.00% Silicone, and 12.00% - 14.00% Chromium
• Ideal hardness (HRc) range is between 51 and 55.

440A

• Designed to be the toughest high Chromium cutlery steels
• Contains 0.60%/0.75% Carbon, 0.04% Phosphorous, 16.00%/18.00% Chromium, 1.00% Manganese, 1.00% Silicone, 0.03% Sulfur, and 0.75% Molybdenum.
• Ideal hardness (HRc) range is between 52 and 57.
• Ideal for cutlery requiring a "mirror" finish.

440C

• Designed to offer higher hardness, good corrosion resistance and good edge retention.
• Contains 0.95%/1.20% Carbon, 1.00% Manganese, 1.00% Silicone, 0.40% Phosphorous, 0.03% Sulfur, 16.00%/18.00% Chromium, and 0.75% Molybdenum.
• Ideal hardness (HRc) range is between 54 and 59.
• Ideal for cutlery requiring a "mirror" finish.

Spyderco Cat, 2-7/16" 440C Stainless Steel Blade, Black G-10 Handle C129GP

A2

• Designed to be tougher than D2 and CRUWEAR.
• Contains 1.00% Carbon, 0.85% Manganese, 5.25% Chromium, 1.10% Molybdenum, and 0.25% Vanadium.
• Ideal hardness (HRc) range is between 58 and 62.

CRUWEAR

• Designed as an upgrade to D2 tool steel with better wear resistance and toughness.
• Contains 1.10% Carbon, 7.50% Chromium, 2.40% Vanadium, 1.15% Tungsten, and 1.60% Molybdenum
• Ideal hardness (HRc) range is between 60 and 65.

D2

• Offers a balance of toughness and wear resistance.
• Contains 1.55% Carbon, 11.50% Chromium, 0.80% Vanadium, and 0.90% Molybdenum.
• Ideal hardness (HRc) range is between 60 and 62
• Known for it's ability to take a very sharp edge and hold it.

What do those ingredients mean to me?  Click here.

Rob

Crucible Industries, LLC. "What a Steel! Part 1 - Crucible Industries, LLC." ::Crucible Industries:: Home :: You & Us. Crucible Industries, LLC. Web. 25 Sept. 2011. <http://www.crucibleservice.com>.

Spyderco Manix 2. Made in America. Made Right.



Spyderco Manix 2, 3-3/8" Plain 154CM Stainless Blade, Black G-10 Handle C101GP2

A great multi tasking folder that utilizes a ball bearing lock system, grippy black G-10 handles and a plain edge, 3-3/8" 154CM stainless steel blade.  The pocket clip is set up for right hand/left hand tip up carry and the knife features a lanyard hole.

The Spyderco Manix 2 is Made in the USA in Golden, Colorado and is now in stock at National Knives for $69.99 plus shipping (starting at $3.99).

Rob

Spyderco Delica 4. Great Value. Great Knife.

Spyderco Delica 4, 2-7/8" VG-10 Stainless Blade, Green Handle C11FPGR

One of Spyderco's best selling knives of all time is the Delica.  With a multitude of variations, from handle material types to blade steels, there is bound to be one made that fits your needs.  The Delica shown here is shown with a green Fiber Glass Reinforced, or FRN, handle which is a lightweight and extremely durable material.  The color is optional, you can get this particular model with a blue, purple, gray, black, brown and of course, green FRN handle.  The blade steel is a higher end stainless steel made in Japan called VG-10 which will offer great corrosion resistance and excellent edge retention.  The grind on this particular model is referred to as a full flat ground which means that when the blade was ground, starting at the cutting edge and moving to the spine, the blade begins thing and gradually gets thicker.  This grind is well suited for low resistance slicing.  This also features a right hand/left hand, tip up or tip down black pocket clip which allows you to adapt it to your needs.

This this particular model is $53.99 + shipping (starts at $3.99 for USPS Priority) at www.NationalKnives.com.  You can also view other Delica models here.


Rob

TOPS Tom Brown Tracker Knife

TOPS Tom Brown Tracker, 4-1/4" Blade, Linen Micarta Handle TBT-010

TOPS Knives are built tough.  These knives were designed to be used and used hard, to stand up in extreme conditions and have been proven in the hands of professionals from around the world.

Starting with the "working end" of the knife, the blade, it is noted that the overall shape of the blade is not of a traditional design, then again this is not a traditional knife by any means.  This knife is designed to be multifunctional and can be used to saw, chop, carve, split, scrape, etc.  Built of 1095 high carbon steel and hardened to HRc 58 allows this knife to be abused with limited concern of breakage.  It is easy to keep sharp and is willing to take a shaving sharp edge given the correct amount of attention and experience. 

The Linen Micarta handles finish off this 11-7/8" (302 mm) knife and wrap themselves around the full tang and provide excellent grip, with or without gloves and offer several hand placement positions for a multitude of tasks.

You can purchase this knife here for $239.20 with free USPS Priority shipping to all 50 U.S. states and APO/FPO addresses.

Rob

When it comes to keeping your knives sharp, do you shy away from all in one kits?

In my last post, I wrote of the Spyderco Sharpmaker and it's relative ease of use.  Some of you might prefer an alternative method of sharpening, whether it be a different manufacturer's kit, the use of bench stones or ?.  The only kit National Knives currently carries is the Spyderco Sharpmaker, in fact most of National Knives sharpening products are produced by Spyderco. 

Here are some of Spyderco's Bench Sharpening Stones. 

Spyderco Bench Sharpening Stone, 2" x 8" x 1/2", Fine Grit 302F

Spyderco Bench Sharpening Stone, 2" x 8" x 1/2", Medium Grit 302M

Spyderco Bench Sharpening Stone, 2" x 8" x 1/2", Ultra Fine Grit 302UF

These stones will take care of most sharpening tasks, but take a bit of time and practice to find a perfect technique.  One advantage to using bench stones over a kit, is the user can sharpen their knife to whatever angle they prefer, where as kits may limit the angle.

Purchasing a set of these stones, if one so chooses, can get a bit pricier than a kit.  The 302F and 302M (top two) are $39.99 each + shipping (starting at $3.99 and .99 for each additional item) and the 302UF is $51.99 + shipping (starting at $3.99). 

These sharpening stones do not require the used of any type of lubricant, they are autoclave save, dishwasher safe and can be easily cleaned using a plastic scouring pad and an abrasive cleanser.  The high alumina ceramic used to make these is produced in the United States.

Rob

Spyderco Caly 3.5 Sprint Run with Aogami Super Blue Steel Blade

Spyderco Caly 3.5, 3-1/2" Super Blue Steel Blade, Gray Handle C144GPGY

I really like this knife!  The Spyderco Caly 3.5 Sprint Run with gray G-10 handle and Aogami Super Blue Steel blade is home run in my opinion.  There are some of you that don't like the color of the handle, being a lighter shade of gray, you feel as though this particular color is prone to show more dirt and I won't argue with you as it probably will.  If I was keeping this knife in the safe or as part of a collection and was concerned about getting it dirty, I could relate, but if I am carrying this knife on a day to day basis, then I would expect it to get dirty and if it didn't, then I would know that I don't need to carry a knife at all as I am not using it. 

This knife comes wrapped in a corrosion preventing paper wrap as the blade is not 100% corrosion resistant, in fact, it will "tarnish" as time goes by and some fans of this knife have been purposely "tarnishing" the blade as some feel it adds to the beauty of the knife.  I would suggest you visit some knife forums and get some suggestions and ideas on how to go about it and what to expect. 

The name of the steel used to manufacture the blade on this knife, as mentioned earlier, has nothing to do with the color of the blade.  When the steel is produced it is wrapped in paper that is blue before being shipped to be made into knife blades, etc. and that's it, nothing more to it and nothing less.\

National Knives has these in stock and ready to ship.  They are a great buy at $145.99 + shipping (starting at $3.99 for USPS Priority).

Rob

Get a grip! Wood as a knife handle material.

I would like to expand our knowledge of handle materials and their advantages and disadvantages. A knife handle is simply the part of a knife that was built with the specific purpose of being able to safely hold and use the knife it's attached to. In the beginning, the handle material was the part of the cutting tool that didn't cut you, not much as changed regarding the concept of the handle. However, the materials used and their purposes have changed.

I won't be covering all the different types of handle materials as just about anything that is relatively hard can be used. A shortened list of those materials would include, metal, wood, plastics, animal horns and more. I will cover some of the more basic materials of knives that National Knives has in stock and for sale or had in stock at some point.  This blog will focus on wood.

The first material I am going to address is wood. It's all around us and used virtually everywhere in just about everything, or so it seems anyways. Knife manufacturers don't simply rely on one type of wood to all their products. Different species of woods offer different textures, grains and either add or detract from the overall appearance of the knife. Wood can add to the cost of the knife or detract from it, depending on the type of wood used and how attractive it makes the knife when it is on the dealers shelves waiting to find a new home. A scarce wood that is plain in appearance and offers no usable advantages probably won't increase the value much, but probably wouldn't be used by a manufacturer to begin with. A scarce wood that offers visual appeal and/or usable advantages will not only add to the appearance of the knives but will usually add the the price of the knife too. Some of the more common wood types that are used in the manufacturer of knife handles are : Cocobolo, wood laminates (often dyed), Pakkawood, Rosewood, Oak and Sandalwood.
I would like to expand our knowledge of handle materials and their advantages and disadvantages. A knife handle is simply the part of a knife that was built with the specific purpose of being able to safely hold and use the knife it's attached to. In the beginning, the handle material was the part of the cutting tool that didn't cut you, not much as changed regarding the concept of the handle. However, the materials used and their purposes have changed.

The picture attached to this post features a Mcusta model 13D folding knife. Mcusta used ebony wood as the handle material with this knife. This particular model is finished smooth but has indents where the user can rest their fingers. I would not consider this knife a "hard use" knife, in other words, it would not be good for military, police, fire, EMS, survival applications. I would classify it more of a gentleman's knife and a great every day carry (EDC) knife and with it's Damascus style blade adding to the visual beauty, this would make a great special occasion folder.

Some woods are absolutely beautiful, but are difficult to keep stable so they won't split, crack or chip. One manufacturer recently used Spalted Maple, which is a heavy grained wood, as a handle material on a fixed blade knife that resulted in the manufacturer having to switch to a non-wood material and selling the defective knives at a discount. The knives were easy on the eyes with the beautiful heavy grained wood handle, unfortunately it just didn't work out for the manufacturer.

Please feel free to contact me at Sales@NationalKnives.com.

Rob