Price: About $80
Pros: Emerson opener attracts attention, remarkably light, cheap compared to a real Emerson
Cons: Can attract the wrong kind of attention, waving opening can damage the lock, no forward choil
Verdict: Decent option if you're set on a Wave opener, but consider the drawbacks.
Interview with Niagara Specialty Metals
We interviewed Bob Shabala, President of Niagara Specialty Metals (NSM). New York based NSM has been hot rolling sheet for the knife industry now for decades. If your knife blade was made from a CPM alloy or 154-CM the chances are it was from steel rolled and distributed by the team at NSM. In this interview we learn more about the company, their facility and how the whole process works.
Interview with Knifemaker Matthew Lerch
We jumped on the opportunity to interview knifemaker Matthew Lerch of Lerch Custom Knives based in Wisconsin, USA. Matthew has been designing and making knives for over 30 years now, focusing on custom knife creations as well as some interesting collaborations with big names like CRKT and ProTech. Read the full interview to learn more.
Spyderco Native 5 (S110V FRN) Review
Price: About $110
The Good: Outstanding S110V blade, lightweight, classic design, value for money
The Bad: Handle is only so-so, no love for the pocket clip
Bottom Line: Decent EDC option for those looking for a lightweight knife with 'super-steel'
Brous Blades
Headquarters: California, USA
Owner Jason Brous started Brous Blades relatively recently in 2010 while he was in his early 20's. From the beginning, Brous Blades targeted top-tier materials and manufacturing techniques. Jason's designs always begin with a simple pencil-to-paper drawing. Nothing fancy. One thing's for sure, Brous Blades are never cheap, never boring.
Hogue Knives
Headquarters: California, USA
Hogue Inc. is an American corporation founded by Guy Hogue in 1968. The early success of the business was primarily attributable to handgun grips and rifle stocks and the Hogue brand became synonymous with American manufacturing quality and tradition. Hogue's first venture into the world of knife making came in 2010 when they collaborated with knife-maker Allen Elishewitz.
Kizer Gemini Review
Price: About $170
The Good: Excellent build quality, smooth deployment, S35VN is remarkable
The Bad: Lockup is stiff to disengage, not US made (if that bothers you)
Bottom Line: Another superb, clean looking gentleman's folder that represents great value
Kizer Splinter Review
Price: About $120
The Good: Excellent fit/finish, top line materials, swift deployment, feature packed
The Bad: One too many logos/stamps on the blade, not US made
Bottom Line: Stylish, well-made gentleman's folder with a lot to offer for the money
Benchmade 531 Review
Price: About $130
The Good: G-10 is nice, slim and lightweight, decent performance especially slicing, good looker
The Bad: Sub-par thumb studs, handle edges could be smoother
Bottom Line: A top performer in the sleek ‘n’ slim EDC category
Interview with Colter O'Dell of ODellStudios.com
Interview time again folks and this time I caught up with Colter O'Dell who runs the O'Dell Studios Craft & Design website. I stumbled on this site recently and discovered some really great content associated with EDC gear, knives and tools with a unique perspective and focus on design. In reaching out to Colter he kindly agreed to do this interview and share his story with us.
