FOr the second month in a row, I am getting this out on time. Cue the applause. As always, we share the Knife News column not because it is incredibly timely by the time I am supposed to do so – mid month
So kick back a cold beverage, put up your feed, and see what is happening around the industry. Not always the freshest, in fact we have covered most of this before. But it is illustrative of what we think is deserving of making it into the very limited space in print.
Buck Modernizes Icons with New Crossbar Locking 110 & 112
Buck Knives already had a hit earlier this year when they released the Heritage Slim versions of their iconic 110/112 folding Hunter/Ranger. At this year’s Blade Show in Atlanta they continued the thinness trend when they unveiled new crossbar locking 110 and 112s (insert GLP-110 or Ozym-Buck joke here).
While there is a timeless charm to removing a 110 from a belt sheath, opening the blade with two hands, and getting to work, everyday carry (EDC) enthusiasts require something more in tune with the pace of modern life. The new crossbar lock 110 and 112 maintain the classic looks and heritage that made them icons while adding faster, more intuitive one-handed, ambidextrous operation. Features include lightweight aluminum handles with wood insets, reversible pocket clips, thumb studs, and premium blade steel options like MagnaCut.
The new crossbar locking 110 and 112 are expected to ship later this year. MSRPs are not available at the time of this writing. Keep an eye on www.BuckKnives.com or their socials to keep abreast of the release date.
The Passing of Dr. James L. Batson
On June 5, while many of us gathered in Atlanta for the largest knife show of the year, Jim Batson suddenly left this world at the age of 90. While there wasn’t time for us to process this tremendous loss, the timing did provide an opportunity to exchange a few thoughts about Jim and begin the grieving process with our brothers in blades.
“Batson,” as many of us knew him, was a knife industry legend, unlike anyone I have ever known. For all of the times folks have said that some topic “wasn’t rocket science,” to Jim it wouldn’t have mattered if it was, for he held a Ph.D. in Aerospace Engineering from the University of Texas and spent 33 years working at Redstone Arsenal, developing weapons used during Operation Desert Storm. He developed a fascination with bowie knives through the 1952 movie “The Iron Mistress” and a Popular Mechanics article about Randall Made Knives that same year.
While he was also experienced at sailing, hiking, and other ventures, the list of Batson’s accomplishments in the knife community is staggering. He began learning the blacksmith’s trade in 1974 at a time when few were interested, studying under Frances Whitaker and eventually serving as President of the Artist-Blacksmith Association of North America (ABANA). He founded the Batson Bladesmith Symposium and co-founded the Alabama Forge Council and the first commercial venture producing damascus steel in the US. He joined the American Bladesmith Society in 1981, earned his Mastersmith rating in 1991, and served on the ABS Board of Directors for over 30 years including two terms as ABS Director.
A genius in the truest sense of the word, Jim taught blacksmithing and bladesmithing techniques for many years and he loved to research, write and teach about knife history – the bowie knife in particular. Many of his books are still available today, inspiring others in their own pursuits of knowledge and achievement.
Among Batson’s many honors are membership in the ABS Hall of Fame along with the Blade Cutlery Hall of Fame, and the receipt of the Alex Bealer Froe from ABANA.
Our world is a better place because of Jim; we are grateful for the time we were given.
Ethan Becker Passes the Baton; BK25C Outpost Bowie Debuts
Legendary designer Ethan Becker has taken a major step to ensure that the Becker Knife and Tool legacy will endure beyond his working career. He has tapped David C. Andersen, knife media personality and designer, as his full time collaborator and eventual successor.
The first new model to come from this partnership is the BK25C Outpost Bowie. It is a frontier-style fixed blade built for serious work. Produced in limited numbers through KA-BAR’s Custom Shop, the BK25C features a 6-inch clip-point blade in tough CPM 3V steel and milled G10 handles. It excels at camp chores, wood processing, game processing, and even kitchen tasks thanks to its balanced design and geometry. Street price is expected around $275.
When asked why he chose David for the role, Ethan replied, “I figured (David) would honor my design philosophy because it’s very similar to (his).” For his part, Andersen stated, “It’s an incredible honor to be collaborating with my longtime friend and mentor, and I hope we get to work together for many years before I fully take the reins. The BK25C is the perfect introduction as it blends both of our design styles together into something that feels totally Becker!”
The BK25C Outpost is available now in limited quantities through KA-BAR and select dealers, though expect a 1095 steel version if customer response demands it. Visit www.KABAR.com for more.
ESEE and Robert Young Pelton Finally Deliver the Long-Awaited Izula Folder
After more than a decade of friendly badgering, ESEE Knives and DPx Gear founder Robert Young Pelton have released the folding Izula. “Jeff (Randall) bugged me for ten years to make a survival knife and then I bugged Jeff for ten years to make a folder,” Pelton quipped. “The two ugliest guys in the knife business just gave birth to a beautiful folder.”
Some have described the Izula as “the distilled essence of knife.” In its skeletonized fixed-blade form, it represents as simple of a modern blade as can be conceived. This simplicity belies the blend of strength, geometry, and ergonomics that have made the Izula a favorite among knife users worldwide.
The Izula Folder brings the legendary toughness of the fixed-blade original into a pocket-friendly package. Two configurations are available: a premium titanium-frame version with stonewashed MagnaCut blade and black burlap Micarta scale (3.26 oz., MSRP $375), and a rugged Ergal aluminum version with black Parkerized D2 blade and OD Micarta (2.80 oz., MSRP $218.75). Both feature IKBS bearings for smooth flipper deployment, deep-carry clips with Izula “Bullet Ant” logo, and modular hardware including a brass lanyard or tungsten glass breaker. It is produced in Maniago, Italy by LionSteel.
You can find ESEE online at www.ESEEKnives.com and DPx Gear at www.DPXGear.com. You can find Robert in a global hotspot or a booth at the nearest Waffle House.
Read the full article here