Featured in the “Foray Into the Far East” Trends section of the Knives 2013 book are a pair of Richard Van Dijk “Wing Chung” Chinese martial arts butterfly swords. Rarely do you see knifemakers tackle the pattern, and thus they catch your eye immediately, and then with the inclusion of 400-layer-damascus blades, ebony handles, brass fittings, iron guards and a side-by-side scabbard (not shown), they elevate themselves to one of the “Editor’s Favorites from the Knives 2013 book.”

I especially like how the brass fittings complement the ebony grips, and the D-guards trail down, extending into sword catchers for extra protection.

Neat stuff, Richard Van Dijk!