Hey All,
I think I missed it last month but we are back with this month’s Knife News column from the September issue. By the time we share it hear, the news is a bit out of date, and we have often shared on the relevant topics on the Newsfeed in one form or another. But sharing this column gives yo an idea of what we might find newsworthy enough to occupy very limited print space in the magazine.
Leatherman Debuts First Knife Lineup and New Portland Facility
Founded in 1983 by Timothy Leatherman and Steve Berliner, the Leatherman Tool Group sprang from Tim’s frustrations during budget travels in Europe, where flimsy hotel tools couldn’t handle car repairs or quick fixes. That sparked the invention of the Pocket Survival Tool (PST), the original pliers-based multi-tool, and set Leatherman on a path to becoming a staple for adventurers and everyday problem-solvers, all crafted in Portland, Oregon.
Leatherman is branching out with its inaugural knife collection — a premium set of five models blending the brand’s rugged utility with cutting edge (pun-intended) production technology. All knives boast MagnaCut steel blades for the edge retention, corrosion resistance, and toughness that one expects from a Leatherman branded tool.
Kicking off the folders, the Blazer is a go-anywhere EDC with a 3.15-inch drop-point blade for slicing, piercing, and utility work. Its machined 416 stainless steel handle packs an ambidextrous Compression Wedge Lock, dual thumb studs, and caged ceramic bearings for slick one-handed deployment. Other features include a reversible square wire pocket clip, a lanyard hole, and a clever multi-purpose bead that doubles as a quarter-inch driver with included T8 and T6 bits. Available in Denim Blue, Alpine White, and Stainless Steel finishes, MSRP is $299.95.
The Glider complements it with a 3-inch modified sheepsfoot blade geared toward controlled cuts and scraping tasks. Sharing the same handle and lock setup, it includes Torx bits for easy disassembly and maintenance. Color options run Alpine, Jet Black, and Okra, also at $299.95 MSRP. Like the Blazer, the Glider prioritizes ergonomics and ambidextrous design, and includes driver bead and bits for tuning and customization.
For fixed blades, the Pioneer tackles tougher jobs with an unusual (for an outdoor knife) 5-inch Japanese Tanto blade with a Scandi grind, excelling at heavy piercing and wood processing. The G10 handle offers durability, and a hybrid leather/Kydex sheath handles belt carry. Offered in Alpine and Orange Pop, it hits $299.95 MSRP.
The Trac delivers a 4.20-inch drop-point with hollow grind for hunting or camping use. The G10 handle edges are rounded for comfort, and the vegetable-tanned leather sheath offers vertical or horizontal carry modes. Colors include Alpine, Jet Black, and Earth Brown, MSRP $299.95.
Rounding things out, the Rustle ($279.95) features a 4-inch Santoku blade for food prep, slicing, and camp cooking duties. It too includes a Kydex sheath and its G10 handles are available in Alpine, Evergreen, and Vapor Gray.
This launch coincides with Leatherman’s new dedicated facility, Leatherman East, also in Portland. What started as an empty building in August 2024 now handles everything from the vertical milling of raw steel, to laser cutting, heat treatment, hand sharpening, and Cerakote finishes. It complements the longstanding Leatherman South plant for multi-tools.
For details on the knives or to pick one up yourself, head to www.leatherman.com or call 800-847-8665.
Jack Wolf Knives Releases K9 Redesign with a Splash of Color
Ben Belikin started his knife journey when his grandfather gave him his first Swiss Army knife, and slipjoints have been a passion of his since that time. He founded Jack Wolf Knives, named after said grandfather, in 2020. A collector himself with a background in CAD and entrepreneurship, Ben became a frequent customer of Enrique Peña. As their friendship grew, Ben was able to offer advice on aspects of business, while receiving priceless slipjoint knowledge in return. Jack Wolf Knives made their first Blade Show appearance in 2021, and has developed a strong following since.
Jack Wolf Knives released the original K9 Jack, a “Dogleg” pattern in 2022, and this redesign features changes to the handle shape, upgrades the steel of the 2.84” spear point blade to 154CM, and offers not only the traditional “Steel Series” version (Jack Wolf’s mid-priced line), but has added an Ultralight Series to the lineup.
The Steel Series offers polished stainless bolsters, liners, and springs with scales in yellow jigged bone or red saw-cut Richlite (MSRP $185). The Ultralight Series skips metal liners for a featherweight 1.76 ounces, using G10 liners (purple under black canvas Micarta or gray under blue G10 with opposing arcs milling). These feature titanium hardware, belt satin finishes, and colorful snake knot lanyards in purple or blue, priced at $165.
You can find out more by visiting www.JackWolfKnives.com, or drop an email to [email protected]
Bear & Son Cutlery Introduces the Lawman Folder
Bear & Son Cutlery, a Jacksonville, Alabama-based manufacturer known for premium USA-made knives since 1991, has unveiled its latest folding pocketknife: the Lawman.
This 2025 addition blends American craftsmanship, rugged functionality, and a blast of style with its smooth, polished, white bone scales and sleek carbon fiber bolster. Stainless steel spacers and Torx screw construction enhance durability, and at just 3.5 ounces and 4 3/8” closed, it is unobtrusive in the pocket. The crossbar-style lock mechanism is ambidextrous, though the deep cary clip offers only right-hand, tip-up carry.
The 31/4-inch blade deploys smoothly via thumb studs and ball-bearing washers. Options include mirror-polished D2 tool steel (MSRP $119.99) for exceptional edge retention and toughness, or a patterned damascus variant ($229.99) for an even bolder statement piece.
The Bear and Son Lawman folder is available now, and comes with their limited lifetime warranty. For more information or to view Bear and Son’s catalog, visit www.bearandsoncutlery.com or call 256-435-2227.
Read the full article here