Printing Details
URL: http://www.ianatkinson.net/photosets/blades.htm
Date: 10 Sep 2010 20:17
All content © Ian Atkinson
2000–2010, not to be re-used without permission
Cutlery Collection
These are photos of knives in my collection, or ones that I have had in the past.
I am interested both in the use of knives as a tool in everyday life, and also in martial blade craft
and how knives fit into self defense situations.
Although the media would like to condemn all knives as evil, there are plenty of normal people who enjoy collecting
and using knives for all sorts of activities!
Click any of the thumbnails to load more images and information.
Folding Knives
Spyderco Manix
A large, high-quality folder with a super strong back lock, manuafactured in the USA at Spyderco’s Golden factory.
See the Manix pouch page for leatherwork.
| Blade |
CPM-S30V |
| Handle |
black G10 |
| Sheath |
n/a |
| Blade length |
9.5cm |
| Overall length |
22.4cm |
| Weight |
174g |
| Origin |
Golden CO, USA |
Spyderco Delica 4
This is a black FRN (Fibreglass Reinforced Nylon) version of one of Spyderco’s stalwart models, the Delica.
Along with its bigger brother the Endura, this model had been in the Spyderco line-up since 1990, and with good reason. It’s one of the most popular and dependable models that they have ever made and broke new ground with its design when it was introduced nearly 20 years ago.
Delicas have appeared in many films and TV programmes including Anaconda, CSI, Entrapment, Point of No Return, Sudden Death and The Wire.
See the Spyderco Friction Sheaths page for leatherwork.
| Blade |
VG-10 |
| Handle |
black FRN |
| Sheath |
n/a |
| Blade length |
7.3cm |
| Overall length |
18.1cm |
| Weight |
71g |
| Origin |
Seki City, Japan |
Spyderco Delica 4
As above but in white with combo edge.
| Blade |
VG-10 |
| Handle |
white FRN |
| Sheath |
n/a |
| Blade length |
7.3cm |
| Overall length |
18.1cm |
| Weight |
71g |
| Origin |
Seki City, Japan |
Spyderco Santa Fe Stoneworks Delica
This is a Seki made, stainless, serrated Spyderco Delica which has been sent to Santa Fe Stoneworks for a beautiful green malachite scale adding to one side.
Santa Fe Stoneworks customise various Spyderco models and they all look stunning. They select mineral pieces with nice grains and patterns and then fit them by hand to the stock Spyderco model.
| Blade |
AUS-6 |
| Handle |
stainless steel with malachite scale |
| Sheath |
n/a |
| Blade length |
6.5cm |
| Overall length |
17.5cm |
| Weight |
127g |
| Origin |
Seki City, Japan |
Spyderco Tenacious
The Tenacious was the first ‘round hole’ Spyderco to be made in Asia, and as such broke new ground for Spyderco as all other models had been made in Seki or Golden.
The quality of the knife for the price (around £25) is fantastic, rivalling its more expensive American and Japanese counterparts well.
It goes to show that when a company like Spyderco selects good Asian manufacturers fantastic quality at a good price can be had in the end product. ‘Made in China’ should not necessarily indicate any sort of inferior product!
See the Spyderco Friction Sheaths page for leatherwork.
| Blade |
8CR13MOV |
| Handle |
G-10 |
| Sheath |
n/a |
| Blade length |
8.6cm |
| Overall length |
19.7cm |
| Weight |
115g |
| Origin |
China |
Spyderco UK Penknife
This Spyderco model was designed especially for the UK market in collaberation with the Britsh Blades Forum.
The friction belt sheath in the gallery below is by Vadim Grynko of Vess Leatherworks.
The knife is a sub 3", non-locking knife which falls within the bounds of UK knife legislation.
See the Spyderco Friction Sheaths and UKPK Pouch pages for leatherwork.
| Blade |
S30V |
| Handle |
G10 |
| Sheath |
n/a |
| Blade length |
6.8cm |
| Overall length |
17.5cm |
| Weight |
70g |
| Origin |
Golden CO, USA |
Spyderco Bug
Spyderco’s Bug model is their smallest ever knife, designed to be inexpensive and so small it can be carried on a keyring. These are great little knives and very handy to have around, they also make good presents!
See the Bug Trap page for leatherwork.
| Blade |
3Cr13MoV stainless steel |
| Handle |
stainless steel |
| Sheath |
n/a |
| Blade length |
3.3cm |
| Overall length |
7.3cm |
| Weight |
12g |
| Origin |
China |
Spyderco Byrd Raven
This is the Raven model from Spyderco’s new Byrd range. The Byrd knives are so called as they are made in China rather than the USA and Spyderco wish to make a clear distinction so that customers know which knives are made where!
| Blade |
8Cr13MoV |
| Handle |
anodised aluminium |
| Sheath |
n/a |
| Blade length |
8.9cm |
| Overall length |
20cm |
| Weight |
174g |
| Origin |
China |
Spyderco Byrd Robin
This is the Robin model from Spyderco’s Asian-made Byrd range. This is an excellent little knife which I was given by Spyderco at the 2008 Leeds meet.
| Blade |
8CR13MOV |
| Handle |
G10 |
| Sheath |
n/a |
| Blade length |
6.4cm |
| Overall length |
14.8cm |
| Weight |
88g |
| Origin |
China |
Kershaw Rainbow Chive by Ken Onion
This is the ‘Rainbow’ edition of the regular Kershaw Chive, designed by Ken Onion. It features a Speed-Safe torsion bar, which lets the knife be deployed with the index finger.
This special edition model has a scratch-resistant titanium oxide coating with a chameleon colour changing effect.
| Blade |
400 series surgical grade high carbon stainless steel |
| Handle |
410 Stainless Steel with TiO2 rainbow coating |
| Sheath |
n/a |
| Blade length |
5cm |
| Overall length |
12.3cm |
| Weight |
54g |
| Origin |
USA |
Kershaw Leek by Ken Onion
The Leek is another Kershaw knife designed by Ken Onion, and features the same Speed-Safe torsion bar as the Chive.
| Blade |
400 series surgical grade high carbon stainless steel 55-57Rc |
| Handle |
stainless steel |
| Sheath |
n/a |
| Blade length |
7.7cm |
| Overall length |
17.6cm |
| Weight |
88g |
| Origin |
USA |
Chris Reeve Small Classic Sebenza
Chris Reeve Small Classic Sebenza with cross cut cocobolo inlays.
| Blade |
S30V 58-59RC |
| Handle |
Titanium |
| Sheath |
Brown leather slip case |
| Blade length |
7.5cm |
| Overall length |
17.5cm |
| Weight |
85g |
| Origin |
USA |
Columbia River Knife and Tool Tighe Tac
Small locking folder designed for CRKT by Brian Tighe. This model is available in two sizes with a variety of blade types. This is the small version with the plain blade.
| Blade |
AUS-6M |
| Handle |
zytel |
| Sheath |
n/a |
| Blade length |
6.1cm |
| Overall length |
15.1cm |
| Weight |
57g |
| Origin |
Taiwan |
Cold Steel Classic Trapper
This is a small, non-locking double bladed trapper by Cold Steel. It has both a clip point blade and a spey blade for skinning.
| Blade |
Carbon V |
| Handle |
Black bone effect with nickel silver bolsters |
| Sheath |
n/a |
| Blade length |
7.6cm |
| Overall length |
19cm |
| Weight |
99g |
| Origin |
USA |
Victorinox Forrester
This is one of the larger SAKs that are available, with contoured and textured scales and a liner lock that locks the blade and phillips screwdriver.
| Blade |
Stainless Steel |
| Handle |
Plastic |
| Sheath |
n/a |
| Blade length |
8cm |
| Overall length |
19.6cm |
| Weight |
122g |
| Origin |
Switzerland |
Victorinox Alox Soldier
This small swiss army knife is the official issue knife to the Swiss Army themselves. These are reliable knives and superb value—sharp, well built and also legal to carry in the UK.
| Blade |
stainless steel |
| Handle |
textured alox |
| Sheath |
n/a |
| Blade length |
6.3cm |
| Overall length |
16.3cm |
| Weight |
69g |
| Origin |
Switzerland |
Cold Steel Ti-Lite
Made in the style of a 1950s switchblade, this is the cheaper version with the zytel handle as opposed to forged titanium.
These knives can be opened in a variety of ways. There is a standard thumb stud which I find a little awkward as it’s partly housed in the handle.
There is also a pocket catch mechanism which is designed to open the knife as it is taken from the pocket without touching the blade at all.
When closed the knife is also designed to act as a kubotan/koppo stick style weapon, withthe base of the handle being built up for striking with.
| Blade |
AUS 8A stainless steel |
| Handle |
zytel |
| Sheath |
n/a |
| Blade length |
10.2cm |
| Overall length |
22.3cm |
| Weight |
100g |
| Origin |
Taiwan |
Fixed Blades (Bushcraft and Utility)
Fällkniven F1
The Fällkniven F1 is one of the most popular bushcraft knives in use today. It was originally designed for use by air crew of the Swedish Defence Forces as a survival knife, should they be involved in a plane crash or forced to land in hostile terrain.
There are micarta versions of this knife available as well, however that options adds considerably to the price!
See the horizontal sheath and vertical sheath pages for leatherwork.
| Blade |
Laminated VG-10 |
| Handle |
thermorun |
| Sheath |
fold over black leather |
| Blade length |
9.7cm |
| Overall length |
21cm |
| Weight |
150g |
| Origin |
Sweden |
Frosts Mora
Mora knives are one of the most inexpensive and widely used bushcraft knives available on the market. Costing only about £10 they keep the cost down by using cheap sheaths and handles, but you do get an excellent carbon steel blade which performs as well as much more expensive knives.
These knives are used on Ray Mears’ Woodlore bushcraft courses when teaching new students the basics of bushcraft.
See the Mora Sheath page for leatherwork.
| Blade |
high carbon steel |
| Handle |
plastic |
| Sheath |
plastic |
| Blade length |
10.9cm |
| Overall length |
22cm |
| Weight |
83g |
| Origin |
Sweden |
Spyderco Mule
This is my Spyderco Mule Team knife, handle by Quickbeam with fire steel by Pikebite from British Blades.
Spyderco sell the Mule Team knives as blade blanks in various steels; it’s up to you to sort out handles and sheathes!
See the Mule Sheath page for leatherwork.
| Blade |
CPM-S90V |
| Handle |
Stabilised horse chestnut |
| Sheath |
Made by me! |
| Blade length |
8.6cm |
| Overall length |
19.5cm |
| Weight |
119g |
| Origin |
Blade from Golden CO, USA, handled in Durham, England and sheathed in Yorkshire, England! |
Spyderco Bushcraft
One of the ill fated Claycombe knives!
The Spyderco Bushcraft knife was a collaboration with British Bushcrafter annd knife maker Chris Claycombe.
Much anticipated, the launch of the knife was sadly marred due to problems with the wood used for the scales having not been stabilised properly. This lead to cracking of the scales as soon as they left the factory. See this thread for discussion.
Spyderco sold the knives in a fire sale, letting people fix or re-handle the knives themselves. Like many others I fixed mine using thin CA glue and then re-applied Tru Oil over the top. So far it’s been OK but having said that it hasn’t seen any hard use to test it!
I think the wood on the scales is beautiful, it’s a real shame that there were problems with it.
See the Spyderco Buchcraft Sheath page for leatherwork.
| Blade |
O1 Tool Steel |
| Handle |
Improperly stabilised spalted maple! |
| Sheath |
Best not to mention it... |
| Blade length |
10cm |
| Overall length |
22cm |
| Weight |
175g |
| Origin |
Taiwan |
Rob J. Evans Woodlore Clone
This is a clone of the famous Ray Mears Woodlore design made by Welsh maker Rob J. Evans.
| Blade |
4mm O1 at 58rc |
| Handle |
Stabilised birds eye maple |
| Sheath |
Heavyweight tan dangler |
| Blade length |
10.7cm |
| Overall length |
22cm |
| Weight |
213g |
| Origin |
Wales |
Fixed Blades (MBC)
Gil Hibben Kenpo Karate Knife
This is the United Cutlery production model (now discontinued) of the original Kenpo Karate knife, created by Gil Hibben and presented to Ed Parker in 1968 as his black belt thesis for the art of American Kenpo.
Mr. Hibben is a long time Kenpo Karate practitioner as well being a knife designer and manufacturer. There is information on Mr. Hibben at his offical website.
The knife was specially designed for use in Kenpo and other martial arts. The handle is inlayed with the American Kenpo crest, and the crest is also stamped into the leather sheath.
See the Kenpo 1 Sheath page for leatherwork.
| Blade |
420 J2 stainless |
| Handle |
mahogany staminawood |
| Sheath |
brown leather cordovan |
| Blade length |
18.9cm |
| Overall length |
32.8cm |
| Weight |
489g |
| Origin |
Taiwan |
Gil Hibben Kenpo Karate Knife II/Alaskan Survival Knife
This is the United Cutlery production model of Gil Hibben’s revised Kenpo Karate knife, the Kenpo II. The Kenpo II differs quite dramatically from the Kenpo I, with a completely different blade profile and a much more ergonomic grip. The model was also re-released as the Hibben Alaskan Survival Knife.
The Alaskan Survival model appeared after the Kenpo II and is virtually identical with the following exceptions: there is no Kenpo Karate insignia inlayed into the handle (fig 1.), there is no Kenpo Karate insignia inlayed into the sheath (fig 2.), the blade is etched with the Alaskan Professional Hunters Association logo (fig 3.), there is no filework on the handle (fig. 4), the grind on the blade is a slightly different profile and the Kenpo II is branded as being made in Taiwan whilst the Alaskan is branded as being made in China
On a more cosmetic slant the grain on the micarta is much finer and more pleasing on the Kenpo II and the leather used for the sheath with the Kenpo II is of much higher quality.
I remain unsure as to why this model appeared. This knife seems much more suited as a fighter than as a hunting or bushcraft knife.
Indeed, as a bushcraft knife is is far too big to be of much use at all! I suspect that it was a marketing issue that was raised by United Cutlery; since many people can associate with a ‘hunting’ knife yet a Kenpo Karate knife would appeal to a minority and therefore not sell as well.
Please note that they both bear the same model number (UC1168) even though they are clearly not the same, so please be careful in identifying what particular model you require if you are wanting to purchase one.
| Blade |
420 J2 stainless |
| Handle |
black spanish micarta |
| Sheath |
black leather |
| Blade length |
17.6cm |
| Overall length |
31.4cm |
| Weight |
507g |
| Origin |
Taiwan |
Spyderco Kumo
This is Spyderco’s Kumo model, a custom design by R.J. Martin. The knife is done in the style of Japanese nihonto (‘Kumo’ means spider in Japanese), with the handle being wrapped in traditional same, or ray skin, and wrapped with epoxied nylon. There is a little Spyderco menuki set under the wrapping.
I love this knife, I am a big fan of both Spyderco and Japanese sword design, so this is perfect. It feels great and is very light and maneuverable, as well as being extremely sharp.
| Blade |
VG-10 |
| Handle |
Black same with expoxied wrapping |
| Sheath |
Kydex with Tek-Lok adapter |
| Blade length |
9cm |
| Overall length |
21cm |
| Weight |
86g |
| Origin |
Japan |
Cold Steel Black Bear Classic
This is a double edged, sub-hilt fighter from Cold Steel which was originally designed by Bob Loveless.
I love the Old West look and feel of this knife,it looks to me like something Pat Garret would have worn while chasing Billy the Kid accrossNew Mexico!
| Blade |
AUS 8A stainless steel with 300 series stainless guards |
| Handle |
black linen micarta with nickel silver sub-hilt |
| Sheath |
black leather with fine india sharpening stone |
| Blade length |
21.1cm |
| Overall length |
34cm |
| Weight |
360g |
| Origin |
Japan |
SOG Gov Tac
This is the black TiNi coated version of SOG’s Gov Tac model.
See the Gov-Tac Sheath page for leatherwork.
| Blade |
AUS 8 |
| Handle |
kraton |
| Sheath |
kydex |
| Blade length |
15.5cm |
| Overall length |
30cm |
| Weight |
272g |
| Origin |
Taiwan |
SOG Bowie
This is SOG’s replica of the original knife used by the 5th Special Forces Group in the Vietnam War, who were known as the Studies and Observation Group (SOG).The knife was developed for use on covert missions during the Vietnam War.
SOG was originally set up to make this particular high quality replica and the company was named after the original SOG accordingly.
The knife bears the original insignia of the 5th Special Forces Group as seen below.
This knfe is used in the film Terminator 2. During the scene at Salceda’s camp, Sarah Connor scratches the words ‘No Fate’ into the table using a SOG Bowie (see below).
| Blade |
Sk-5 gun blued carbon steel Rc.57-58 |
| Handle |
stacked leather with micarta spacers |
| Sheath |
black leather with sharpening stone |
| Blade length |
15.9cm |
| Overall length |
27.3cm |
| Weight |
349g |
| Origin |
Japan |
SOG Desert Dagger
This is a sleek fighter which was originally requested by military personnel, and as such it’s very light and manouverable.
Throughout Quentin Tarantino’s excellent Kill Bill films The Bride (Uma Thurman) carries a SOG Desert Dagger, which was specifically referenced in the screenplay by Tarantino.
The knife is most prominantly seen during the knife fight scene with Vernita Green (video clip).
The knife is also used in the Samual L. Jackson film Snakes on a Plane.
See the Desert Dagger sheath page for leatherwork.
| Blade |
AUS 6 stainless steel Rc.56-57 |
| Handle |
kraton |
| Sheath |
kydex jump-rated tactical sheath |
| Blade length |
17cm |
| Overall length |
29.7cm |
| Weight |
227g |
| Origin |
Japan |
Misc
Gil Hibben Jackal
This is the 1999 model from the Gil Hibben Custom Range. The knife is purely ormnamental, though very sharp, and features a split blade fantasy design and a rat tail tang.
Throughout the latter half of series three of Buffy the Vampire Slayer Faith uses a Gil Hibben Jackal. Mayor Wilkins makes a gift of this knife to Faith (video clip), which Buffy then stabs her with in the episode ‘Graduation Day, Part 1’. It is said in the extras on the DVD that the knife was just picked out of a catalogue as it looked ‘cool’
Praetor Shinzon also uses a Jackal in the film Star Trek: Nemesis.
| Blade |
420 J2 stainless steel |
| Handle |
simulated red bone |
| Sheath |
leather |
| Blade length |
23.2cm |
| Overall length |
38.2cm |
| Weight |
667g |
| Origin |
Taiwan |
Gil Hibben Throwing Knives
A set of three throwing knives. These are a little bit small for me!
| Blade |
420 J2 stainless steel |
| Handle |
n/a |
| Sheath |
brown leather |
| Blade length |
n/acm |
| Overall length |
15.5cm |
| Weight |
48g |
| Origin |
Taiwan |
German Bayonet
This German bayonet was made in 1918 and is marked ‘Waffenfabrik, Mauser A.G., Oberndorf a.N.’.I bought it from a military museum in Cornwall. Since it was made in 1918 it was possibly used in the First World War.
| Blade |
unknown |
| Handle |
unknown wood |
| Sheath |
metal |
| Blade length |
25.3cm |
| Overall length |
40.5cm |
| Weight |
463g |
| Origin |
Germany |
