|
|
|
There weren't any major trends evident this year, just lots of cool new knives, as well as a few that left us less than impressed. Not a lot of news on the multi-tool front, however. There was some evidence of more manufacturing moving back to the U.S., which we see as a good sign. Buck Knives is moving much of their production back home and Benchmade has removed all the Chinese produced knives from their namesake brand (though some are still found in their licensed brands)
The knives covered here are those that are appropriate for wilderness survival or general utility use or which otherwise captured my imagination or attention. This is not an all-inclusive coverage of every knife introduced at the show. Moreover, some manufacturers decline to make appointments and in some cases were not covered since we were unable to sit down and review the new product with them. Others failed to get us promised images of their new products in time. (By and large, we no longer photograph knives at the show if we're told images are available; just not enough hours in the day anymore and we're not to the point where we can afford a photographer to follow us around.)
We have provided the specifications we received from the manufacturers for the most part; some are much better than others in what they provide, so blame them if you are missing some spec you'd have liked to have seen.
Prices quoted are manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) as of January, 2010 (we don't waste bytes, or your intelligence, on 95 or 99 cents, we just round up). Most knives and tools covered here can be purchased at significantly discounted prices from those quoted. In some cases, items will not be available until much later this year. When we have been given an expected production date, we have included it, but manufacturers often miss such targets.
(Disclaimer: Editor Doug Ritter, author of a number of the articles in this SHOT Show cutlery review, is currently collaborating with Benchmade Knife Company, Columbia River & Tool and Lone Wolf on his RSK line of knives and may in the future collaborate with other manufacturers included in this report.)
Assembling this SHOT Show Report is a major undertaking. Please consider making a tax-deductible donation to the Equipped To Survive Foundation if you find this report to be of value to you. The Equipped To Survive Foundation is a tax-exempt non-profit corporation that supports the continued operation and expansion of Equipped To Survive® and which allows me to attend shows such as this and report to you on the latest and greatest gear. Again, donations are fully tax-deductible. Click here to make a tax-deductible donation or to find out more. Thanks very much for your support and consideration.
Shane Sibert joined Benchmade’s stable of
designers with his production MPR (755). With a blade 0.164 thick and a
titanium mono-lock, this is a robust folder. The M390 "super steel" 3.4-inch
drop point blade is hardened to 60-62 HRC and has a swedge running back half
its length and a well-integrated thumb ramp that is nicely rounded. Dual thumb
lugs allow ambidextrous opening, but the removable machined titanium tip-down
carry clip is right hand only, affixed to the titanium frame. The other handle
is a thick slab of green textured G10. Overall length closed is 3.80 inches,
so there’s a lot of blade in a compact frame, though weight is a hefty 5.5 oz.
MSRP is $235, $250 with black finish blade.
The Matt Lerch designed Subrosa is Benchmade's
first assisted opening mono-lock knife using their Nitrous Assist (also originally
designed by Lerch). The clip point blade, plain or combo-edged, of CPM S30V is
3.76 inches long in a 4.64-inch long titanium handle. It weighs in at 3.8 oz.
The removable tip-down stainless pocket clip is not reversible. MSRP is $240, $250
for a black coated blade.
The Bob Lum designed Onslaught is an Axis Lock
folder with full liners and sculpted black G10 scales. The 4.16-inch 154CM blade
has a round hole for opening and a clip point with a large swedge. This is large
folder, 5.47 inches closed. MSRP starts at $180.
The success of the Model 31 Morpho has spawned a
larger sibling, the Model 51 Bali-Song. This version comes with an inch longer
modified drop point blade, 4.25 inches, of polished D2 high carbon tool steel.
The blue anodized and jeweled titanium liners and skeletonized G10 scales make
for a very lightweight bali-song, only 3.3 oz. Lenght closed is 5.1 inches and
the blue anodized titanium pocket clip is reversible. MSRP is $265.
Benchmade introduced a new folder and fixed blade
to their H20 line of water activity knives. The blades are BÖHLER N680
stainless (at 57-60 HRC), a "highly corrosion resistant" German steel
that’s been used in a number of dive knives from other manufacturers and has a
good track record.
The 111H2O Axis Lock folder is based on the 950 Rift handle, 4.62 inches in length, but with molded Grivory (FRN) handles with a very aggressive non-slip textured design in either yellow or black. For those not familiar, think of Grivory as a step up from Zytel, with superior impact resistance. All bright stainless hardware is used and the tip-up "arrow" pocket clip is reversible. Somewhat inexplicably, there’s no lanyard hole, something many watersports enthusiasts would consider mandatory. The blade is 0.114 thick modified Sheepsfoot style with a wide chord and fairly high grind fitted with dual thumb lugs. A combo-edge version is also available. Weight is 4.9 oz. MSRP is $120.
The 110H2O replaces the discontinued 100H2O fixed
blade. Overall length is 7.56 inches. The 3.43-inch chisel point blade incorporates
a line cutter on the spine. The handle is molded Santoprene in black or yellow.
The full tang extends out the rear of the handle with a large lanyard hole. The
molded sheath has a push-button release and integral clip. MSRP is $100.
Benchmade worked with Michael Waddell for their licensed
Bone Collector line aimed at hunters and Waddell's Bone Collector fans. All
the knives in the line feature D2 high carbon tool steel and CNC machined G10
handles with a "rib cage" design for added grip. Handles come in
either black or layered black and green. The dual color G10 is quite striking
with the contoured machining.
The 15020 and 15030 folders are based on the Presidio frame with full liners and Axis Lock. The blade is hollow ground with a round opening hole, essentially the same style as the HG series Griptilian blade, but a bit thicker at 0.125 and 0.115 inches, respectively. It is available either plain or combo-edge. Blade length is 3.36 and 4.25 inches, respectively. Handle length is 4.84 and 4.13 inches, weight is 5.59 and 3.46 oz. The fittings are all black and the tip-up pocket clip is reversible. A lanyard hole is included. MSRP is $145 and $130, respectively.
The two fixed blades are very straightforward
full-tang designs with the G10 handle scales. Both have integral half guards.
The larger 15010 has a 1.125 thick, 4-inch drop point blade with a gut hook on
the spine. The 15000 "Skinning Fixed Blade" has a skinnier 4.3 inch, 0.140-inch
blade. Neither is equipped with a lanyard hole. Both come with a leather
sheath. MSRP is $115 and $100 respectively.
With the announced demise of Chris Reeve's One-Piece line a
few months ago and the last batch in production, we got another glimpse of
where he's headed with the new Nyala. The traditional drop point hunter has a
0.180 by 3.75 in. hollow ground blade of CPM S35VN steel. For those
unfamiliar, CPM S35VN is, essentially, CPM S30V alloy with the addition of
Niobium (also referred to as Columbium). The result is a finer grain steel that
has enhanced edge holding and toughness compared to CPM S30V.
Overall length is 8.5 inches. The handle is CNC machined
brown canvas micarta. The spiral handle design is reminiscent of the
distinctive spiral horns of the namesake male Nyala (antelope) of Chris' native
South Africa. The prototype we handled was well-balanced and comfortable to
grip, a fine addition to the Chris Reeve family. It comes with a fitted
leather sheath. MSRP is $230.
(Chris Reeve Knives report by Doug Ritter)
As usual Columbia River Knife & Tool (CRK&T) had a plethora of new models, of which a number made an impression.
First among these are production versions of two Ken Onion
Gentleman's Tactical Folders (Ken refers to them as "genticales"). Both Onion folders feature IKBS (Ikoma Korth Bearing System) pivot bearings, the first such use in production
folders. No question the ones we played with opened effortlessly using the
flipper built into the blade. CRKT is having these made in Taiwan and Ken spent a good deal of time at the factory to ensure they meet his standards.
Both folders come in a larger and smaller versions and both feature intricate CNC-milled frames with integral frame locks. The locking part is so well hidden within the overall design it is easy to miss unless you look carefully, Ken's genius at work. Both include a lanyard hole, a nice touch is not a feature of most gentlemen's folders.
Blades are modified drop points with long false edges. Blade
steel is "premium" Acuto+ stainless hardened to HRC 59-60. According to CRKT, this Japanese steel is equivilent to VG-10 and looking at the alloy make-up, they are pretty close.
The Ripple has a stainless frame that is titanium nitride coated in either black or blue and then buffed to give it a pocket worn appearance. Personally, the worn look doesn't do much for me, but most seem to like it. Closed length is 4.375 and 3.78, respectively.
The modified drop point blade is 3.125 or 2.7 inches. The larger is also available either plain or partially serrated. Weight is 2.9 and 2.3 ounces.
The drilled right hand pocket clip (tip down) is removable.
MSRP is $125 and $115, respectively.
The smaller Eros has a titanium frame, at corresponding higher prices, $200 and $150 MSRP. The very slim frame has a closed length of 4 and 3 inches, weighing in at only 1.4 and 0.7 ounces. A "course bead blast finish" combined with the milled design gives a very secure grip. The blade is equally slim and quite pointy, 3 and 2 inches respectively. The unique double legged tip down stainless pocket clip is removable.
The Russ Kommer designed ExiTool is CRKT's entry into the
vehicle escape tool category. The FRN body, 2.75 x 2.25 x 0.5 inches,
incorporates a safety belt cutter, window breaker and LED flashlight. The
window breaker isn't a spring loaded punch, like some of its competition, but
the triangularly milled point clearly works well based on the video CRKT had
was showing, and out experience with similar window breakers on knives. Weight
is 1.6 ounces.
What really sets the ExiTool apart is that it is designed to clip onto a seat belt so that it is always readily at hand. The back opens up and slips over the standard 1 7/8-inch belt webbing. It doesn't grip it tightly, but slips easily along the shoulder harness. Offset tabs make it a cinch to open to remove in an emergency. We installed one in our car and it is unobtrusive, but accessible when needed.
The white LED flashlight has a constant on switch which is
superior, in my opinion, to a switch that you have to continue to press to keep
the light on. The CR2032 lithium battery is user replaceable. with only
3-volts, it isn't all that bright, but is adequate. Currently, black is the
only body color. MSRP is $27.
Young knifemaker Gerry McGinnis contributed three new
folders to the CRKT line-up.
The Shrimp is a small, 2.5 inches closed, 1.75 inch blade, rugged frame lock folder. The 8Cr13MoV steel recurved drop point blade is relatively thick at 0.125 in. and has a teardrop shaped "nail nick" that I found was perfectly adequate to allow easy one hand opening. The blade is hollow ground and has a lightly jimpped thumb rest. The lock side is stainless, the other side is either stainless on one model or lighter weight anodized aluminum with large holes for additional weight reduction. It feels good in the hand, always a challenge on a small folder such as this. Colors are bead-blasted stainless or black, orange, pink or purple anodizing. The stainless pocket clip is removable. The back spacer is photoluminescent plastic that glows in the dark. Not sure how well that will work if the Shrimp is kept in the dark in your pocket, but on a keychain it'll charge up for sure. A "key chain loop" can be unfolded from between the frame at the tail to accommodate a small split ring. MSRP is $20.
The Notorious is another stainless frame lock, with a
stainless backspacer and a CNC machined G10 overlay on one side. It
incorporates CRKT's OutBurst assisted opening system with dual thumb studs to
initiate the opening. The 3.5-inch modified spear point 8Cr14MoV blade has a
high, early full height, hollow grind that should make it an excellent slicer.
With a handle length of 4.5 inches and all that stainless, this is no
lightweight at 5 oz.! The removable pocket clip is set up for tip-up carry.
There's no lanyard hole. The "sport" model has a satin finish blade,
bead-blasted frames and clip and gray G10 overlay. A "tactical" model
has black frame, blade, G10 and clip with partial Veff serrations. MSRP is $60,
$70 for black coated.
The Premonition takes an entirely different tack, weighing
in at only 2 oz with blue G-10 handles and a stainless liner lock inset into
one side. The handle on the reverse side is lightened with nine holes. The
3.125-inch 8Cr14MoV drop point blade also has a high hollow grind. It
incorporates a flipper for opening, no thumb studs or assist. It opened
smoothly and quickly with the flipper forming a solid half guard when open, a
feature of most flipper opening knives that I really like. Handle length is
4.125 inches. The removable right hand clip is blue titanium nitride coated, as
is the liner. A version with black oxide coated blade also includes partial
Veff serrations. MSRP is $45, $50 for black coated.
(Revised 02/11/2010) Glenn Klecker's NIRK was designed around the concept
creating a frame and blade lock from a single piece of cut and folded metal.
The unique integral back lock does the job and is easy to operate. The robust
0.131 in. by 3.125 in. long, 3Cr13 stainless modified drop point blade opens
with an oval thumb hole. Weight is 3.5 ounces. The small lanyard hole in the image of the protoype (left) has been replaced by a larger slot and a pocket clip has also be added. Available with a stain finish in plain edge ($25) or
partially serrated with a black finish, ($30).
Kit Carson's M4-02 is a 3.25 inch blade, dressed-up EDC
version of the venerable M4 tactical folder. It has CRKT's OutBurst assisted
opening, dual thumb studs and a liner lock. The "lightweight"
version, relatively since it is 3.7 ounces, has G10 bolsters and white bone
scales. A version with polished stainless bolsters and LAWKS safety, comes with
either stag or "burled wood" scales, weighing in a 4.1 ounces. The
drop point blade is 8Cr13MoV stainless with a bead blast finish. The right hand
tip down pocket clip is removable. MSRP is $70.
The TA-BAR Tool, designed by Raleigh Tabor, is either a
small multi-function prybar with a knife included, or a small fixed blade knife
with a multi-function handle, take your pick. At 6.25-inches overall (1.6 oz),
the 2-inch Warncliff blade is ground out of the CR15MoV stainless 0.108 in.
thick bar stock and is held in a Kydex multi-position carry or neck sheath. The
other end is a flat ground prybar with nail puller. There's a bottle opener
along the bottom of the bar and a file edge along the top, as well as a ruler
(inch and metric). A 6mm hex hole will accommodate standard hex bits. A
double-ended bit, Phillips and common, is held in the bar with a Zytel
retainer. MSRP is $20.
Flux is CRKT's newest i.D.Works tool. Think of it as a modular Swiss Army Knife. A single or dual aluminum "chassis" incorporates one or two carbineer style clips and the components slide onto the chassis. There are 5 different components that you can mix on the dual chassis as desired:
A nylon packing case will hold the components. I am hard pressed to get very excited about this tool, which probably means it will be a huge success for CRKT. Conceptually, I suppose it makes some sense, you can select the components appropriate for the day's tasks. In reality, seems to me some of them are a stretch and you're bound to need exactly the one you left home, at least that how it would likely work for me.
You can get far better LED flashlights that are much
smaller. You can get much smaller pocket USB storage that is more convenient
(I carry an 8GB Verbatim TUFF-N-TINY on my keychain) . If you want to use
MicroSD, there are also smaller pocket solutions. Perhaps the gadget factor
will serve it well, just doesn't do much for me. The most expensive combo, the
GoNerd pack is a Bit Driver and Flash Drive for $70 MSRP. GoPlay Pack, the
Wine Tool and LED, is $60. Add a Flux Knife component and it'll cost another
$30. Other combos available and all the pieces are available separately.
(CRKT report by Doug Ritter)
The big news at KA-BAR, from our perspective, revolved
around the apparent offspring of a rowdy night and some hanky panky that
occurred between Ethan Becker's and Jeff Randall's neck knives, resulting in
the BK14 BRAT (Image at right: BK11 Necker (top), Izula (middle), BK14 BRAT (bottom)). It has the robust blade of a BK&T Necker (BK11) and the handle from Randall's
Adventure & Training's ESEE Knives (formerly RAT Cutlery) Izula. The
result is a functional and affordable neck knife with a much more comfortable
handle than that of the standard Necker, which suffers in that department from the wire breaker on
the end. Steelis BK&T's tough 1096 cro-van (non-stainless) with a
black powder coating. The standard molded and riveted Necker sheath fits, it's
the same blade. Price is the same as the Necker, $56.44 MSRP.
A new Bob Dozier folder, the Phat Bob Folder, was introduced,
moving up-market from KA-BAR's prior Dozier offerings. It seems like a
faithful production version of Bob's custom folding hunters. The linerlock
folder has a 3.25-inch drop point blade, dual thumbstuds and green canvas
micarta handles. A thumb rest with deep grooves helps with control. The tip
down clip is reversible. MSRP is $70.
KA-BAR's three new Johnson ADVENTURE Blade knives are based
on designs by Steve Johnson, Field Editor for Boar Hunter Magazine. The
Potbelly has 7-1/8" long, 1/4" thick, hollow ground 1095 cro-van
blade with black powdercoat finish. The is clearly influenced by the kukri.
Its brown FRN handle is textured with a pebbly finish, KA-BAR calls
"Adventuregrip." The handle is comfortable to grip and definitely
doesn't slip, we'll have to see how well it works when used hard. The sheath
is a polyester multi-position carry affair with a plastic insert and a huge
pocket on the front. The pocket has a draw-string closure. Taking a note from
the KA-BAR BK&Ts with their included BK13 Remora, they are also including a
small "Piggyback" skeletonized knife, which will also be available
separately. The Potbelly with Piggyback is $128 MSRP, the Piggyback separately with a molded
FRN sheath is $11.69.
(KA-BAR report by Doug Ritter)
Leatherman's original Squirt models had the disadvantage of requiring you to choose between scissors or pliers. The new and improved Squirt PS4 has both pliers and scissors. The new contoured anodized aluminum handles make is easier to identify and open the internal tools. The pliers and scissors are both spring loaded. The pliers use the same cam operating off a back spring and the scissors use a direct acting spring, like on other Leatherman tools with fold out scissors. These new scissors are more robust than those found on the Charge or Wave. The combo makes for a much more appealing tool.
The new Squirt ES4 model replaces the pliers with a five gauge wire stripper (20GA, 18GA, 16GA, 14,GA, 12GA).
Both models come with:
Length closed is 2.25 inches, weight is 1.96 and 1.88 oz, respectively. MSRP for both is $40.
The new Style CS is a keychain sized take-off of the Skeletool, right down to a mini-carabiner. It features spring-action scissors as the primary tool, along with a knife, nail file/screwdriver and separate tweezers that store in a manner similar to a SAK. Length is 3 inches, weight 1.47 oz. MSRP is $27.
The smaller Style model (2.3 in.) weighs just 0.08 oz and features fold out scissors, a knife, screwdriver/nail file and the tweezers. MSRP is $20.
All four tools will begin shipping in May of 2010 and will come is "multiple color choices."
Leatherman also introduced the MUT, a new tactical multitool
aimed at those who shoot the M16/AR15 family of rifles. Leatherman worked with
Sgt. Aaron Hampton and Sgt. Robbie Johnson, well-known competitive military
shooters. Beyond Super Tool 300-sized pliers with replaceable 154CM wire
cutters, one-hand opening 420HC knife blade and wood saw, the MUT Utility
includes:
There is also a MUT EOD model that has a cap crimper built into the pliers and a C4 punch replacing the punch. Both models weigh in at 11.2 oz and are 5 inches closed.
The MUTs are expected to be available in September with an MSRP of $150 for the MUT Utility and $170 for the MUT EOD.
(Leatherman report by Doug Ritter)
Myerco Knives showed several new knives, including the Blackie Collins 'Rifleman', which is oriented toward the military and users of AR series rifles. The automatic opening 3.75 inch CPM 154CM blade is housed in an aluminum handle which has a small compartment that includes an M-16/AR-15 sight adjustment tool for the iron sights, and a ferro rod attached to the cap for starting fires in an emergency. The rod did not seem easily replaceable, but Myerco indicated that it was for emergencies only. There is also a glass punch on the exposed end of the cap. A small tool, presumably for carbon scraping, clips flush to the back of the knife. The Rifleman will have an MSRP of $449.
Myerco also introduced several new emergency/defense neck knives, including, the Guppy (top), and the Bottle Rocket (bottom). The Guppy includes a screwdriver and a bottle opener in the design. Both come with a compact plastic sheath for neck wear.
(Myerco report by Clifford Grout)
Spyderco offered up a number of variations of existing designs as well as a few reincarnations of older designs, plus the usual assortment of new knives.
The popular Military is now available in a left handed version, model C36LH. MSRP is $220. More interesting for most is a titanium handled version, C36TI, with R.I.L. (Reeve Integral Lock). MSRP is $350. Both available only with a plain edge and both "limited production."
The Stretch, one of my favorite Spyderco lockbacks, is now available in a lightweight version with molded Zytel handles, even better. It is still fitted with skeletonized steel liners. The basic version has a VG-10 blade and black handles (C90BK) plus there's one with ZDP-189 steel and blue handles (C90BL). You get the same Stretch 3.5 in./3 3/8 inch edge, modified drop point full flat ground blade in both with the VG-10 in both plain, combo and SpiderEdge, the ZDP-189 in plain edge only. Weight is 3.4 oz, compared to 3.9 for the standard Carbon Fiber handled version. MSRP is $130 band $170, respectively.
The Manix is back as the Manix2 (C101). Made in Golden, the Mainx2 features Spyerdco's Encased Ball Bearing Lock. The drop point 154-CM blade is 3 3/8 inches long with a 2 7/8-in. edge, available plain, combo or SpyderEdged. The full steel liners are scaled in black G-10 and there is jimping on the liners top and bottom for added grip, as well as jimping on the thumb ramp and finger choil. Combined with a deeply scalloped handle with a definite half guard, this is a knife you'll be able to grip securely, no matter what. Weight is 5 oz. There's a good sized lanyard hole and the stainless pocket clip is reversible. MSRP is $130
Spyderco introduced a number of new non-locking Slipits, primarily to have product they can sell in countries that irrationally prohibit the safety of locking blade knives. These only serve to remind those of us who live in the U.S. how lucky we are, how badly many others have it in supposedly free and civilized countries and why fighting to keep our knives here in the U.S. is so important. If you haven't already, please check out Knife Rights, a grassroots organization working to ensure a Sharper FutureTM for all of us.
One of the more interesting of these is the Bob Terzuola Slipit (C131) with a 3-inch CPM-S30V modified Wharncliff blade. It incorporates Bob's "Ball Joint non-locking system." To close, the blade must overcome the resistance of a small ball bearing. The Ball Joint also half-stops the blade when closing for at least some measure of safety. A finger choil serves as both a guard and keeps the blade from closing on the hand when cutting. The handles and backspacer are carbon fiber with a reversible pocket clip. Weight is 2.5 oz. MSRP is $160.
(Spyderco report by Doug Ritter)
Tool Logic Tool Logic this year showed an improved version of the Credit Card Companion tool kit, with additional screwdrivers. They also had a prototype firestarter/whistle combination called the Signalfire, which combines a ferro rod, striker and whistle in one unit that is small enough (3.125 in.) to be clipped onto key-chain or zipper pull. The Signalfire will have an MSRP of $10, and will be available in black and camouflage. Tool Logic said they should be out in April.
(Tool Logic report by Clifford Grout)
|
 | SELECT AND USE OUTDOORS AND SURVIVAL EQUIPMENT, SUPPLIES AND TECHNIQUES AT YOUR OWN RISK. Please review the full WARNING & DISCLAIMER about information on this site. |
Publisher and Editor: Doug Ritter
Email: Doug Ritter
URL:
http://www.equipped.org/shot_show_2010_knives.htm
First Published: February 03, 2006
Revision: 02 March 17, 2010
|
![[Previous]](icons/1left.gif){kind=icon}
![[Next]](icons/1right.gif){kind=icon}