It falls under the byline “Knife Magazine Staff”, but 95% of the time, it is me behind the keyboard. Occasionally, Mark will write 1 of the 4 slots, usually an obituary. Roger Eckstine wrote a piece a while back, and I struggle to think of anything else.
While it might not be the freshest, most breaking news by the time it makes it to these digital pages, it gives you a glance into what industry news or new releases are worthy of very limited space in print.
Montana Knife Company honors Classic WWII Stiletto.
While Montana Knife Company may be relatively new to the knife world, its co-founder Josh Smith is anything but. Josh began making knives at age 11 under the tutelage of ABS Master Smith Rick Dunkerly, who happened to be Josh’s baseball coach at the time. Fast forward 8 years, and Josh passed the ABS Master test himself, becoming at 19 the youngest ever to do so. He co-founded Montana Knife Company in 2020 along with friend and business partner Brandon Horoho.
Releasing in time for the holiday shopping season, the latest Montana Knife Company offering pays homage Case’s classic American V-42 stiletto from World War 2. Called the V-24, this made in Montana dagger is considerably more compact than its inspiration, with its MagnaCut blade measuring 4.25” in length. The G-10 handle has ribbing reminiscent of the V-42’s stacked leather handle, with a hollowed thumb-pad at the guard, functionally similar to the one found on the V-42’s elongated ricasso. Three handle color options (Black, Coyote, OD Green) are offered with either Black or Coyote Cerakote-treated blades. All combinations come with an MSRP of $475. A Kydex sheath with Ulti-Clip is included.
Montana Knife Company is located in Frenchtown, Montana. The best way to reach them is through the contact form on their website, www.montanaknifecompany.com
Benchmade Returns to its Roots with 82 Laro™
When you look at the Benchmade Knife Company logo, you get a clue as to the company’s history. While the Bugout and Osborne seem to get more attention these days, Les DeAsis founded the company in 1979 as Bali-Song, with one-half of the name emblazoned across each of the butterfly’s wings. After a brief period operating under the name “Pacific Cutlery Corporation”, they settled on the name “Benchmade” in 1988, shortly before the company’s 1990 move from California to Oregon.
The 82 Laro™ was released in late November, and has an MSRP of $650. It is essentially a scaled-down version of the 85 Ti Bali-Song which released early in 2024. Each of the matching handles feature thrust-bearing pivots and are integrally milled from a single titanium billet. The blade is a 3.6” MagnaCut drop point with an elongated swedge, giving the knife an asymmetrical dagger-like appearance. The holes in the perforated fuller (3 oval and 2 round) match the holes in the balisong’s handles. The latch features a magnetic catch, so it folds neatly away when not holding the knife closed. The 82 Laro also comes with a Boltaron sheath with pocket clip for ease of carry.
For more information on Oregon City-based Benchmade Knife Company or the Made in the USA 82 Laro™, visit www.Benchmade.com or call 1-833-557-2526.
Gerber Celebrates 85 Years with Limited Edition Chefs Knife
Joe Gerber, alongside sons Pete and Ham, began making knives in 1939, the first of which were culinary knives. To celebrate 85 years in business, Gerber is releasing a limited edition chefs knife, with 85 units in each of 3 micarta handle materials. The burlap heather micarta represents Joe, while the black and maroon linen represent Pete and Ham respectively.
The Gerber 85th Anniversary Chefs Knife is designed and made at Gerber’s zero-waste Portland production facility. It is made from MagnaCut steel, with a full-tang construction, 7.3” cutting edge, and an OAL of 12.4”. The micarta handle is contoured, with a shallow finger groove.
Included with the Gerber 85th Anniversary Chefs Knife is a walnut presentation box with a serialized plaque. MSRP for the 85th Anniversary Gerber Chefs Knife is $300, though it looks like they will have sold out by the time this issue goes to print. Look for them on the secondary market, or keep an eye on www.gerbergear,com for any further information.
Paul Alexander brings Automotive Design to Spyderco Nand
Paul Alexander is not your typical knife designer. He is actually a PhD mechanical engineer in the automotive industry with more than 100 patents to his name. He also happens to be a knife enthusiast who has been a designer for Spyderco for almost a decade. His Spyderco releases include the Ouroboros , Parata, and the Ikuchi. His latest design is called the Nand, and it has the futuristic angularity one would expect in a concept car coming out of Detroit, or perhaps Italy where this knife is made.
Because the Nand is non-locking, Spyderco is placing it in their SLIPIT™ family of knives. It is not a true slipjoint however, relying on a twin ball-bearing detent system rather than backspacing tension to hold the knife open or closed. The blade is 3.19” of M398 steel, with an extended tang that serves as an opening tab. Of course being a Spyderco, the Spydie Hole provides an alternative, equally ambidextrous means of deploying the blade one-handed. Scales are machined titanium, and the wire pocket clip is reversible for left or right hand, tip-up carry. MSRP is $325.
Spyderco is headquartered in Golden, Colorado (Earth), and can be found on the web at www.spyderco.com. Phone inquiries can be made by calling 1-800-525-7770.
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