Howdy folks. We are just a couple of days away from Christmas, which means I am a week late getting this up on these digital pages. However, I did manage to get a full knife review and a mini-review out last week for above-the-fold content. So this got punted to Monday.
As always this disclaimer – This is not the freshest of news, as it was written for the December issue, which went to press at the end of November. However, with such limited space in print, it is an archive of the items we feel are worthy of mention in a very saturated news-space.
Boker Gets Nautical with Historic Anchor Pattern
The History Knife and Tool Collection from Boker seeks to “bring iconic designs from the past back to life – civilian and military classics reimagined with today’s precision manufacturing.” To this point, the collection has featured fixed blades such as a Fairbairn-style commando dagger, and a German Scout knife pattern. The latest in the Boker Knife and Tools Collection is their new Anchor Knife. Knives with this seafaring motif have been produced in Solingen and Theirs since the 19th century. The French refer to the pattern as “Le London,” in reference to Britain’s historic dominance of the seas.
Like all traditional anchor knives, Boker’s is made with seawater-resistant ebony wood, and has an inlaid anchor of solid brass. The 3.15” blade is German 1.4116 stainless steel, with a sheepsfoot profile. Overall length is 7.09”, and the knife weighs in at 3.03 ounces. Other details include a stainless bolster, nail nick, and even a lanyard hole to aid in retention. After all, no one would want to consign a nice slipjoint like this to Davey Jones’ Locker. MSRP is $62.95.
For more information on Boker’s History Knife and Tool collection, visit www.BokerUSA.com or call 1-800-835-6433.
Victorinox Brings a Modern Touch with Refined Alox Series
Victorinox was founded in 1884 by Karl Elsener, whose desire was to craft durable army knives for soldiers. Their iconic Swiss Officer’s Knife was patented in 1897. They debuted the stamped, anodized aluminum Alox scales in 1957 with their Pioneer model.
They are now taking it a step further with their Alox Refined series. These three knives blend traditional Alox styling with features such as a robust “locking leaf” (i.e. linerlock) mechanism for the blade, scale cutouts for weight reduction, and a carry-friendly pocket clip.
The minimalist OneFold strips it down to essentials: a single locking blade in 1.4110 stainless steel, measuring 3.7 inches closed, weighing in at a featherlight 1.9 oz. Ideal for those most used to carrying a single blade modern folder. (MSRP $56)
Stepping up, the Synergy ($78) adds versatility with a nail file/narrow screwdriver, bottle opener/flathead driver, and an innovative box opener tool exclusive to the Refined line. These are packaged together in a slim 0.9” width, with a 3.7-inch folded profile weighing 2.7 oz.
For fuller capability, the Synergy X ($96) adds spring-loaded scissors alongside the Synergy’s kit, maintaining the same compact dimensions and tipping the scales at 3.5 ounces.
All three models are available in red, blue, or natural silver. To learn more, contact Victorinox North America at 800-882-6513 or visit victorinox.com
Little Valley Hosts Pair of Historic Unveilings
Incorporated in 1818, Little Valley, New York earned its moniker “The Village of Knives” as the epicenter of the early American cutlery industry. Several famous companies were founded there over the past 150 years, and the impact the industry has had on the area and America was clearly illustrated in late October 2025, with a pair of historic unveilings.
Andrew Jackson Case was one of the original founders of Cattaraugus Cutlery (1886), later going into business with his brothers selling knives out of the back of a wagon, founding Case Brothers Cutlery around 1895. Andrew would go on to become part-owner of W.R. Case and Sons, which was founded by his nephew Russ, before ending his career at Union Cutlery/KA-BAR in nearby Olean, New York. In 1909, Andrew and his wife Sarah Wyatt Case built a home and large barn bordering Little Valley. Known as “Robins Roost,” the farm was fenced and whitetail deer were imported from as far away as Iowa to serve as a source for antler handle material. The home was acquired by the American Legion in 1947, serving as Post 531 since that time. The building has been granted historic status by the Pomeroy Foundation with a marker being dedicated October 25th, but this was only half the story.
Like in so many communities during World War II, wartime production in Little Valley was an all-hands affair. To boost morale and encourage manufacturing, the Army and Navy Production boards granted the “E for Excellence” award to around 5% of companies in recognition of superior effort and quality, represented by the big, bright “E” flag. According to local reports from June 15, 1945,
“Few, if any, small communities of less than 1,500 population have had the distinction of having the Army-Navy present them with an “E” award for their production of combat weapons during this war, to say nothing of thrice receiving that honor in six months time. Only a week ago, Kinfolks Inc., another local cutlery firm, received their coveted ‘E’.”
The same weekend as the Historic Marker dedication in Little Valley, the first of the banners awarded to Cattaraugus Cutlery was donated by descendants of John Brown Francis Champlin, one of the company’s founders, to American Legion Post 531 to be put on permanent display at Robins Roost. Given the banner being awarded to a company supporting America’s fighting men and women, and the Legion’s mission supporting those same men and women for decades, it is a fitting home for such an important artifact.
The best time to visit and view the historic marker and banner will be during next year’s Little Valley Knife Show, July 10th & 11th, 2026. The Legion has historically held a pig roast as part of the festivities. You can find out more by visiting www.VillageofKnives.com or you can search for the Village of Knives group on Facebook.
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