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5 Things You Need to Know Before Attending Blade Show

So you’re attending Blade Show and want to have the best experience possible? You’ve read the FAQ, maybe a Reddit post or two, and find yourself looking for more tips? Well I attended Blade Show for the first time in 2023 and have a couple suggestions you might not find elsewhere. If that sounds like what you’re looking for, read on!

My main knife purchase was a Spyderco Military 2, which I had laser etched by Way of Knife at the show. Looking back, I should have bought more knives!

1: Listen to other people’s suggestions… for the most part

There are LOTS of videos and articles out there about what you should and shouldn’t do at Blade Show. Check some of these out and listen to what they have to say… through your own filter of common sense and personal circumstances.

For example, you definitely should make sure to keep up with your hydration and hygiene (aka wear deodorant). It’s a crowded space where you’ll be walking all day (and Atlanta is HOT). Speaking of walking, wear reasonable shoes. But for most people those are probably common sense.

On the other hand, many suggest bringing cash over cards. While this might be true for the custom makers and smaller companies, most booths I spoke with took cards. In such a hectic environment, I would opt to keep my cash pool reasonable so as to not lose too much in a careless moment. There are ATMs available.

As many note, it’s better not to wear any large metal rings that can scuff knives when you pick them up. And on that note, it’s recommended to ask before handling any knives. If you aren’t SURE you know how the opening or closing mechanism works, just ask! You don’t want to be the person who cuts themselves at a knife show.

One tip that I should have taken more seriously is to plan your route within the show. Blade publishes a detailed MAP of the exhibitors. I would suggest taking a good close look at this and planning what you intend to see first, what you must see, and what all you want to see and then planning your walk through accordingly. It is EASY to get overwhelmed. Take your time, and if you’re going to make the trip give yourself the full 3 days. Two days is nowhere near enough to take everything in fully.

Floor Plan

2: There is Wifi… use it

I didn’t know until the second day that there was wifi available to attendees, and I sure could have used it on that first day. Whether to post all the sweet newly announced knives to your socials, video call your wife to get the okay on a massive custom knife purchase, or just to look up somewhere good to get dinner wifi comes in handy. Once I was on the wifi it worked well. Fun story, before I was aware of this the Hawk brothers’ mother allowed me to use her phone… and tried to sell me a Deadlock!

DISCLAIMER: There is no mention of the wifi on Blade Show’s site. They even recommend dealers purchase wifi from the Cobb Galleria. I recall the wifi being publicly accessible, but I don’t know if this was a fluke or something of that nature. As always, look to your security when using public internet access. Don’t get your phone hacked by using the public wifi at my recommendation, please!

3: Ask about pricing… you might be surprised

Show pricing is all over the place. Many knives are priced right in line with what you’d find normally online, but some are significantly discounted and others are actually more expensive (such as the Spyderco Military 2 I bought). Show exclusive knives are often lower priced than their normal counterparts and, being only available at the show, more desirable. I wish I had realized this about Microtech’s show exclusive, as I definitely would have bought one.

Above: A beautiful sword from a maker I didn’t note down, and Matt Collum’s offerings (I meant to and still need to get one of his Barlows)

4: Take pictures… with people

The connections you make are the best part of the show. At my first Blade Show last year I got to meet so many people that I’ve conversed with online through my time in the community, not to mention catch up with old friends. While it’s great to get pictures of the countless knives you’re sure to handle, I recommend focusing on the people. If you have a great conversation with a maker, company rep, or a fellow enthusiast take the time to snap a quick picture. You’ll be glad you did!

I love what Ben Petersen brings to the knife world and I grew up watching Lynn Thompson in his “Proof” videos, so it was great to meet them! I wish I had pictures with the other people I met and friends I caught up with.

5: Be Early… for Everything

The early bird gets the worm when it comes to Blade Show… literally. Early bird tickets allow for entry into the exhibit halls 1 hour before general admission. This extra hour is your chance to get that hard to snag custom or small batch knife that has eluded you… but it’s no guarantee. If you want a highly sought after knife, you should get in line early. I can’t tell you exactly when, but we’re talking the wee hours of the morning. I got in line at 8am and wasn’t even inside the building. You also will want to book your hotel early (and if you’re reading this for the 2024 Blade Show… good luck). I had to stay a little ways away in nearby Buckhead, but it worked out fine. Speaking of early, even the less sought after knives can sell out and auctions / raffles can close so make sure you get to any booths that have your “must buys” first. This will all ensure you have the experience you want without undue stress or FOMO.

Tickets

In Conclusion… Have Fun

All that said, the main thing is to have fun! I went in large part to make connections in person with people I’ve worked with through Knife Thoughts and it was a resounding success. I bought VERY few knives, but I would recommend getting that knife you really want (as long as it’s in your budget). The connections you make and the knives you get will all be reminders of your trip to Blade Show!

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BONUS: The Atlanta Airport is busy… the busiest in THE WORLD

The fact that the Atlanta airport is the busiest in the world surprised me… until I was in it! It is incredibly large and bustling. There is a full on raised train that takes you between concourses. Security lines can get LONG. On a recent un-knife-related trip I waited about 1.5 hours in security at the Atlanta airport. All this amounts to the fact that you should give yourself extra time and be prepared for a little stress and delays. This of course goes along with being early to everything, but I decided to add it as a post script thought since it isn’t directly related to the show.

Live ATL Security Wait Times

I sincerely thank you for your time, support, and interest! Don’t forget to tell your friends about KnifeThoughts.com, subscribe via email, and share this article on social media. You can find Knife Thoughts on YouTube where I have hundreds of knife videos, as well as on Instagram and Facebook! You can find all my latest links at LinkTr.ee/KnifeThoughts

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There’s Never Been a Better Time to Try Jack Wolf Knives

If you’ve been following Knife Thoughts, you know I’m a fan of Jack Wolf Knives. I’ve been extremely fortunate to get to check out a knife from every run they’ve done. The quality, design, consistency, and style has blown me away and they’re really in their own category in the market. That said, I’m definitely aware that they’re not inexpensive. That’s why I’m excited about the Jack Wolf Knives Spring Sale!

From now till 4/21 all Jack Wolf Knives models (excluding the Gunslinger) are 20% off at dealers. For most models that amounts to $60 saved! I suggest getting yours at Traditional Pocket Knives or Knives Ship Free. Austin (TPK) and Jay (KSF) are two of the good guys in the industry and also offer nice rewards programs on top of the sale. Pickings are getting slim, but here’s a few great options from TPK and KSF;

Little Bro Jack: A classic Boy’s Knife. The Little Bro Jack is a regular jack pattern with a beautiful clip point blade shape. On the smaller side for a Jack Wolf Knife at 3.54″ closed (about the size of a GEC #15), so easy to carry but still plenty of knife. Available in Nebula Fat Carbon, Dark Matter Copper Fat Carbon, Flo Party CamoCarbon, and Rosewood as of this writing.

Little Bro Jack & Big Bro Jack

Midnight Jack: It doesn’t get any better than a Barlow! By the way, if you like Barlows you should check out the Barlow Bearcat Club. The Midnight Jack is an interesting and classy interpretation of the pattern, with a sculpted coffin shaped handle and a big sheepfoot blade. Available in Twill Carbon Fiber, “Reverse Tux” jigged titanium, White Storm Fat Carbon, and Dark Matter Copper Fat Carbon as of this writing.

Midnight Jack

Pioneer Jack: Ben, owner of Jack Wolf Knives, does an incredible job of creating modern versions of traditional patterns that respect the source. The Pioneer Jack is a great example of that as an updated Peasant Knife (aka Sod Buster or Bullnose or whatever name a company decides to call it). The Pioneer Jack feels ready for real work, and a little burlier than most other JWK models. Available in DLC coated Jigged Titanium as of this writing.

Pioneer Jack & Civivi Elementum

Sharpshooter Jack: The first Jack Wolf Knives model to be released, the Sharpshooter Jack is a superb rendition of the Gunstock pattern. With a beautiful clip point blade and surprisingly comfortable ergonomics, it makes for a great all around package. Available in Snowfire Fat Carbon, “Reverse Tux” smooth coated titanium, jigged titanium, and Arctic Storm Fat Carbon with DLC as of this writing.

Sharpshooter Jack & Advanced Knife Bro Stump Lifter

I hope you’re able to take advantage of this great opportunity to get a superb knife at a significant discount! If this will be your first Jack Wolf knife I think you’ll be thoroughly impressed with the quality. If it’s your first traditional / non-locking pocket knife, I hope it kicks off an enduring love of slipjoints. Either way, don’t forget to go out and do good!

Here’s a playlist of all my Jack Wolf Knives videos… there’s a lot of them!

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I sincerely thank you for your time, support, and interest! Don’t forget to tell your friends about KnifeThoughts.com, subscribe via email, and share this article on social media. You can find Knife Thoughts on YouTube where I have hundreds of knife videos, as well as on Instagram and Facebook! You can find all my latest links at LinkTr.ee/KnifeThoughts

P.s. Thanks as always to Ben, Donnie, and everyone at Jack Wolf Knives for bringing these incredible knives to fruition and giving me the opportunity to check them out and share my thoughts on them!

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The Axial Alpine Returns with MagFlex Inlay & USA Production

I have been intrigued by Axial knives since I first saw one of their (quite unique) ads on Instagram. I reached out and was thrilled to learn that they were a new brand planning to manufacture Out The Front knives in the USA. After reviewing some of their excellent OTFs, they shared that they had a fixed blade design coming out soon; the Alpine.

The USA made Axial Alpine

The first version of the Alpine was a fine little EDC fixed blade, but it had some things that could be improved. The first sheath I got didn’t have quite enough retention, allowing the knife to easily shake out if upside down. I also found the lack of a guard meant my finger would hit the heel of the edge at times, so I ground it down. Finally, I knew that the owners of Axial took pride in producing their knives in house in America, so the first version being made overseas made it feel a bit like a placeholder.

Enter the new Alpine V2. Not only does this new version of the Alpine fix all those areas of lacking from the original, it has a refined design and a new patent pending modular inlay system. The second version of the Alpine is made in the USA, primarily in house at Axial with some processes done at other domestic OEMs. The sheath has great retention and comes with an UltiClip, which can be adjusted for carry at any height and for carry in the waistband, in a pocket, on a belt, or really anywhere you can think of (like, for me, on a fanny pack strap). They added a solid finger guard and sharpening choil, so there’s almost no chance of your hand slipping onto the edge. While the original had only a drop point, the Alpine V2 comes in three blade shapes that coincide with those available on Axial’s flagship OTF the Shift; Wharncliffe, Tanto, and Drop Point.The handle shape is also adjusted some, and makes for incredible ergonomics considering the relatively small size of the knife.

The biggest change, however, is the addition of Axial’s patent pending MagFlex modular inlay system. With MagFlex, the handle is made up of an outer frame and inner magnetic inlay area. So far, they have offered the frame section in stonewashed titanium and inlays of Black G10 or OD Green Micarta, but TODAY (3/22/24 5PM EST) they are releasing several inlay variants in Fat Carbon. I’m planning to buy one, but they all look so good I’m not 100% sure which I’ll be picking up yet (leaning toward Black Dunes). I LOVE the idea of this inlay system because 1) it’s super easy to use and change & 2) it makes for basically endless opportunity for customization. I let them know that I’d love to see some natural materials, like jigged bone or checkered wood… maybe even abalone or pearl! Basically, the inlays work by having two magnets on each piece that pull them into the well fitted cutout area and then toward each other. They included a simple little pick tool to pop the inlays out for changing, but they recommended putting a slight bend in the tool to make it easier to use. I found it to be quick and easy once I applied the bend and got the hang of it. I would imagine that they’ll add different frame section options, as they already offered full handles (without the MagFlex inlay system) in anodized titanium, G10, and Micarta.

I found the Alpine to be a pleasure to carry and use. It was easy to carry with its slender design and UltiClip setup. I did find the sheath put some scratches on the blade from putting the knife in and out during use. Speaking of use, the blade cut great. I have the Wharncliffe version (which I would say is probably closer to a Sheepfoot) and it worked great for my normal daily tasks such as opening boxes, breaking down cardboard, and cutting food into little pieces for my son. The other two blade options look really great also, with a modern twist on classic shapes. The knife cut really well, and seemed to be ground nice and thin for slicing. Speaking of which, the Alpine V2 is in Magnacut, which is the undisputed hype king of knife steels right now. It has great edge retention and corrosion resistance. Overall, this knife has really impressed me and won me over to EDCing a fixed blade. In the past I have always shied away from carrying fixed blades unless I was hunting, fishing, or some other outdoor activity. The Alpine’s ease of carry, great design, and unique aesthetics make it a great option for true Every Day Carry.

If you decide to pick up your own Axial Alpine V2, make sure to use one of the links in this article (affiliate links that help support Knife Thoughts) and use my discount code “KNIFETHOUGHTS”.

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Stockman vs Cattle Knife; Two Classic Slipjoint Pocket Knife Patterns Contrasted

The Stockman and Cattle Knife are some of the most traditional and revered pocket knife patterns… but what are they? And what’s the difference?

GEC’s interpretations of the Cattle Knife (top) and a modified Stockman (bottom)

What are the Stockman and Cattle Knife patterns?

Both the Stockman and Cattle Knife patterns are types of traditional non-locking (now called “slipjoint”) pocket knives. They traditionally have three blades sharing two springs. They both historically were designed and used in agriculture, ranching, and animal husbandry. They’re both typically medium to large sized, compared to other traditional pocket knife patterns, ranging from 3.5″ to 4.25″ closed (with both smaller and larger outliers). So there’s a lot of similarity between the two patterns… so why do they have different names?

The Great Eastern Cutlery #35 Cattle Knife

What’s the difference between a Stockman and Cattle Knife?

The difference between a Stockman and a Cattle Knife comes down to two main things: the handle shape, and the main blade shape. Whereas a Stockman typically uses a serpentine frame (either with rounded or squared ends), a Cattle Knife most often uses an equal end cigar frame (and I’ve never seen one with anything but rounded ends). Also, while both patterns traditionally include sheepfoot and spay secondary blades, a Stockman normally has a clip point main blade and a spear point for the Cattle Knife.

The Rough Ryder RR2102, a square end Stockman with modern steel and construction

That all said, like most “rules” for traditional knife patterns, Stockman and Cattle Knives often bend or break these definitions. For example some include a different secondary blade configuration, like the Great Eastern Cutlery Dixie Stock Knife below with a wharncliffe and drop point. Some even include different tools, like a bottler opener or awl / punch. Some manufacturers have included a lock on the main blade. There are also some modern interpretations with screw construction. As with other traditional knife patterns, the Stockman and Cattle Knife have evolved in their long years on the market. The Stockman and Cattle Knife are two similar but distinct patterns, and two of the most loved!

The Great Eastern Cutlery #82 Dixie Stock Knife

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3 Slipjoint Opinions You Probably Disagree With

Okay, I’ll admit it; I have some unpopular opinions about slipjoints. Sure, I like a good snappy action, a pinchable blade, and good fitment like everyone else. There are just some things that many like that I don’t prefer, and I can’t keep them a secret any longer!

Half Stops… Who Needs ‘Em?

I’d take a cam tang over a half stop any day. People claim that a half stop is a safety feature, that it helps stop the blade from closing on your hands if you accidentally put pressure on the spine. In my experience, half stops are as likely to cause a slip while opening the knife as they are to stop the blade from closing on your hand. I actually got a bad cut once while opening a knife that had a strong pull because my hands were oily and slipped when the blade hit the half stop. I also find pulling the blade all the way open or pushing it all the way closed to be more satisfying… no interruption from a half stop needed. So for me I prefer no half stop both from a practical and an aesthetic perspective.

I love the Great Eastern Cutlery #15 Pattern… despite it having a half stop

Sharpening Choils… Should Chill

Sharpening choils seem to be a frequent request on knife designs. I recall people griping in particular about the lack of sharpening choils on Spyderco knives when I frequented the forums. You still don’t see them on many traditional slipjoints, but they’re common on modern slipjoints. Unlike half stops, my preference against sharpening choils is mostly practical. I find that sharpening choils tend to catch when cutting, especially in breaking down cardboard, and moreso the larger the choil. Now, the main argument for a sharpening choil is also practical; they help to keep a consistent blade shape through numerous sharpenings. Sometimes, especially with fixed angle sharpening systems, a blade without a choil can be difficult to sharpen evenly all the way to the heel. For me though, being that I use stones to sharpen, I’d rather have the uninterrupted edge. All that said, I can’t say I have anything against the looks of a well designed sharpening choil.

Jack Wolf Knives have exaggerated sharpening choils, but it works well for them

Carbon Steel… Straight in the Can

I know this one will ruffle some feathers, but there’s never really a time that I’d prefer carbon steel over stainless steel. On a user, stainless steel means much less maintenance. While in the past it was true that stainless steel was often of lower quality, the opposite is more commonly true now. Modern stainless steel has advanced far beyond the capability of 1095 and its traditional brethren. Simple carbon steels are easier to sharpen, but much of it depends on the skills and tools available to the user. For a collection knife, stainless steel means you don’t have to worry that your knife will rust just sitting in its box if a little moisture finds its way in. It also means the etch will not lighten with storage care. While I can appreciate a patina as a visual reminder of the usefulness of the knife, I generally prefer the look of unaltered steel. So, for me, stainless steel is usually more practical and allows me to continue to enjoy the knife’s original intended look.

The vast majority of GEC knives are in carbon steel, like this #21 Bull Buster showing a healthy patina developing

That said…..

This is all not to say that I don’t like knives with those features. Many of my favorite knives have some or even all of the characteristics mentioned above. Most Great Eastern Cutlery knives have carbon steel and half stops. Almost all Jack Wolf Knives have sharpening choils and half stops. So it’s not that a half stop, or sharpening choil, or carbon steel are deal breakers on their own or even in concert for me. Rather, they’re just not features I would include on my ideal slipjoint.

What unpopular opinions do you have about slipjoints? Are there any features you dislike that others like, or vice versa?

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I sincerely thank you for your time, support, and interest! Don’t forget to tell your friends about KnifeThoughts.com, subscribe via email, and share this article on social media. You can find Knife Thoughts on YouTube where I have hundreds of knife videos, as well as on Instagram and Facebook! You can find all my latest links at LinkTr.ee/KnifeThoughts