Who’s up and coming? Who’s making a big splash? Who’s going to continue to be at the head of the class? Taking a look at the knifemakers with prominent profiles in 2009 offers an insight for knife users, collectors and those who appreciate a finely crafted piece. Some of the makers noted here are new arrivals, while some are already well known and may be stepping out of their more familiar creative spheres. Still others are showcasing special efforts in handforged or tactical knives.

Richard Swain could be described as a knife collector’s everyman. His longtime love of knives developed into a collecting interest about 10 years ago, and his spending range of $400-to-$800 per piece represents an investment level within reach for many. Among the up-and-coming makers and their knives, he sees Kentuckian John Howser’s traditional folders, such as a three-blade whittler, gaining momentum. Howser’s knives are collectible but also made for daily use.

Another favorite rising star for Swain is Californian Joe Caswell. “I bought his CK-1 fixed blade, which is small enough to be everyday carry,” Swain says. The CK-1 features a 3.5-inch blade of CPM S30V stainless steel heat treated by Paul Bos, and a Micarta® or G-10 handle. Another Caswell creation that is getting attention is the EDC folder with its in-line retractable pocket clip, 3.25-inch damascus blade, titanium thumb stud, and G-10 handle.

According to collector Kevin Jones, the youth movement is well represented by 17-year-old Kyle Royer, while full-time bladesmith/blacksmith Dave Lisch (see page 42) is also worthy of note.

“Kyle is creating a lot of excitement among those knife enthusiasts who are fortunate enough to have been exposed to his work,” Jones notes. “Though only making knives for several years, he’s producing hunters, fighters and bowies to a high degree that even has many accomplished makers amazed. He plans to test for his ABS journeyman smith certification at the BLADE Show [May 29-31 at the Cobb Galleria Centre in Atlanta].”

As for Lisch, Jones gives a nod to his “passion for creating clean and artistic knives reminiscent of a past time.” He adds Lisch offers an assortment of handle materials, wrought iron and damascus steels to achieve his designs, which at times include carved handles.

Rising makers Mike Spangler, David Wesner and Steve Gatlin are on purveyor Les Robertson’s watch list. Though he uses the stock-removal method, Spangler incorporates carbon steel in many of his knives. “His work is very clean, and the ergonomics of his handles are a particular specialty. He does his own sheath work, which completes the package,” Robertson assesses.

“[Wesner] does both forged and stock removal,” he continues. “His work is very clean. The knives are designed to be used, as form follows function. He’s eager to incorporate design elements and loves the challenge of building a new design or modifying one to suit the client’s needs.

“[Gatlin] was the winner of the 2008 BLADE Show Best New Maker award, which was well deserved. He primarily builds Loveless-style knives. To say he is a perfectionist is an understatement. His work is clean and has the flow that represents in the best of terms what Loveless knives are known for.”

De Wet and Wild

South African De Wet Van Zyl is a headlining up-and-comer for Daniel O’Malley, president of Bladegallery.com. “De Wet is apprenticing under [ABS] master smiths Heather and Kevin Harvey in Belfast, South Africa,” O’Malley remarks. “Working under their watchful eye has given De Wet an appreciation for fit and finish that normally takes makers many years to find. Many of his pieces are collaborations with Kevin and Heather. He has a playful style that has set a direction for these collaborative pieces.”

O’Malley says Emil Bucharsky, Erik Fritz and Chris Owen are rising stars. “Emil is one of the most promising makers I’ve seen in some time,” O’Malley comments. “At 67, he is forging both carbon and damascus steels, as well as working in precious metals. Erik has done a lot of work under [ABS] master smith Shane Taylor, and most of Erik’s knives fit into the working group, both chute knives and hunters. At 41, Chris is a tool-and-die maker by trade. His silver-wire-inlaid handles are particularly well done and have a [Blade Magazine Cutlery Hall-Of-Famer©] Bill Moran flair.”
Other bladesmiths are gaining momentum as well, and demand for their knives is growing steadily. Robertson cites ABS master smith John White and ABS journeyman smiths Chuck Richards and Mike Ruth. “John’s quality and abilities have grown exponentially over the last several years,” the purveyor observes. “He creates not only stunning works of art but also builds entry-level knives that are priced so that a seasoned collector will find them to be a true value, and a new collector has to at least consider them.

“Chuck’s primary strength is in his blades, both carbon and damascus. The overall fit and finish of his knives is excellent, and this is particularly true of his big choppers. After a few years watching Mike’s damascus evolve, I can say that it has arrived. The quality and look of it belie the time he put into developing the skills to produce it.”
Jones agrees that White is a hot ticket among handforged enthusiasts these days. “He’s very creative in his designs, which often incorporate complex elements such as frame handles, fileworked fittings, and a wide range of well-executed damascus patterns,” the collector says.

Along with Bucharsky, ABS apprentice smith Dana Hackney and ABS journeyman smith Tommy Gann are worth watching, O’Malley adds. He relates that Hackney has shown a phenomenal design sense, often creating handles that provide a perfect feel in the hand, and differentially heat-treated blades with long-lasting, strong edges. Gann’s hunting knives exhibit a Michael Price influence and have an heirloom feel, O’Malley opines.

Assuming The Mantle

Among tactical makers, Swain says he favors Jeff Hall (see cover) and his Tyrant folder, along with Mike Mooney’s fixed blades. “I’m also left-handed,” Swain adds, “and appreciate guys that will make left-handed knives. Sometimes others forget about us [left-handers].”

Those looking for outstanding tactical craftsmanship cannot go wrong in 2009 with John W. Smith, R.J. Martin or Les George, Robertson says. He indicates that Smith is the only tactical folder maker who is part of a very elite group that shows its work at the Art Knife Invitational, while Martin received back-to-back BLADE Show awards for Best Tactical Folder in 2007 and 2008.

“In 2009, Les George will assume the mantle of [the maker of the] best tactical folder under $400,” Robertson predicts. “Solid construction, the best materials and an incredible value in price will have you looking very hard at picking up one of his knives.”
For O’Malley, well-known makers Todd Begg and South Africa’s Andre Van Heerden are tactical standouts. “Todd’s work spans art knives and tactical knives,” he remarks. “He also is experimenting with a ball-bearing pivot system. Since Bob Lum passed away in 2008, Todd has been finishing many of the not-yet-completed projects that Bob had under way.

“Andre has been making knives for quite some time, and in the last two years he’s focused on tactical folders,” O’Malley continues. “In South Africa it’s illegal to carry a folder with a thumb stud. This led to his interest in developing flipper-style folders. The folders have some of the best action I have ever felt. Andre is also an experienced maker of high-end gentleman’s folders.”

Bill Burke, Jody Muller, Michael Rader, Don Hanson and Mark Terrell are just a few of the hard-charging and/or established makers who are stepping up in 2009. Higher demand, new designs and innovation are bringing these guys even greater notoriety.
“Though he is by no means a new name, I look for Don Hanson to continue moving toward the uppermost level of knifemakers in 2009,” Jones states. “While he has been known for producing rugged working knives and some of the most beautiful folders in existence, his long and sleek fighters/bowies [page  76] are on fire as of late. He designs these pieces around using specimens from his amazing collection of exotic artifact ivories, bold damascus and artistic hamon patterns.”

Robertson identifies Terrell’s “Crowd Pleaser” model, his take on the knuckle knife, as a particular favorite. “It’s comfortable in the hand and is one that could actually be used,” Robertson praises. “Look for his folder-making skills to catch up with his fixed-blade skills in 2009. His ‘Harrier’ folder features a flipper opener and solid lockup.”

Burke became an ABS master smith in 2008 and continues to make high-performance hunters, among others. “Jody Muller is a good friend of Michael Burch, who taught him how to do a Japanese clay heat treatment for blades. Jody is also an accomplished engraver. Michael Rader is [an ABS] journeyman smith and does some of the best woodworking in the knife industry. In every case, the seam cannot be felt. Like Bill Burke, he has been making chef’s knives in addition to hunters and swords.”

Broad Appeal

While the field of cutlers is becoming more crowded, those identified here, along with a number of others, are sure to make 2009 a great year for the custom knife enthusiast. Their work transcends boundaries and appeals to a broad range of collectors and users.
Buying today may well result in a great investment tomorrow.