Over the course of the past year I have started sharing my Knife News column from each month’s issue. Many of the items have been mentioned in other formats, usually reblogging a Press Release or article from KnifeNews.com (we had the name first!). But this is my attempt to add context to the news, putting each piece or release into the larger industry picture, or highlighting the historical significance.
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Work Sharp unveils Upgraded Ken Onion M2 Knife and Tool Sharpener
Ashland, Oregon’s Work Sharp Tools has a sharpening system for everyone, whether you are looking for a pocket-portable manual unit for on-the-go touch up work, to a motorized unit, capable of grinding an entire knife from a piece of stock.
The Work Sharp Ken Onion Edition Knife and Tool Sharpener Mk. 2 (KO2) is the latter. Like its first generation predecessor, the KO2 features 3/4”x12” belts, an upgraded motor, and an available blade grinding attachment. This attachment is included with the Elite unit (MSRP $299), or is available as a $129 add-on to the $199 base unit.
“There are 3 things about the KO2 that I am most excited about”, said Onion. “These are the improvements to the variable speed, the 3 belt tension settings for precise convex grinds, and the ability to fine tune the angle while the machine is in operation”.
The KO2 is ideal for the hobbiest who is wants to dip a toe into grinding a few knives. Its versatility is great for a homeowner with a range of knives and tools to sharpen. Or, as Ken suggests, “With its speed and ease of use, it would be perfect for someone wanting to set up a side-hustle sharpening knives at farmers markets and the like”.
For more information on the Ken Onion Edition Mk. 2 Knife and Tool Sharpener, or any of Work Sharp’s vast array of sharpening systems, visit www.worksharptools.com.
American Bladesmith Society (ABS) Chairman Steve Dunn Passes away
American Bladesmith Society (ABS) Chairman, ABS Master Bladesmith, engraver and educator Steve Dunn passed away at his Smiths Grove, Kentucky home on May 21. He was 68.
A soft-spoken, easygoing man, Steve was well-liked in the bladesmith community and counted among his friends knifemakers from all over the world. He began making knives as a hobby in 1988 and in 1990 enrolled in the basic forging class at the ABS school in Washington, Arkansas. Steve progressed quickly through the Apprentice and Journeyman levels and in 1994 achieved his Master Bladesmith rating. He soon began teaching bladesmithing at the ABS school, and eventually at many other locations. In 2002, he enrolled in a basic engraving class at GRS Tools in Emporia, Kansas, and three years later Steve was asked to be an instructor at the GRS school.
As Dunn gained experience and skills, his sole authorship knives became exquisite works of art – first fixed blades, and then folding knives as well. His engraving work was sought out on both knives and firearms.
He was elected to the ABS Board of Directors in 2003 and in 2019 he rose to the position of Chairman, leading the ABS forward up to the present day. Steve was to have stepped down from this role at the upcoming Blade Show; this transition to the ever-capable Kevin Cashen has already taken place.Rest easy friend, you will be missed.
Ethan Becker and Dan Eastland collaborate on USA Made Joy of Cooking knife
Many people in the knife world know Ethan Becker as the affable designer of more than a dozen popular outdoor knives, through Becker Knife and Tool’s partnership with KA-BAR knives. What they might not realize, it that not only is Ethan an iconic figure in the knife industry, but that he is also a food industry icon as well. He is the grandson of one Irma Rombauer, the original author one of the most popular cookbooks in America – The Joy of Cooking, which has remained a family institution through Ethan’s mother Marion (Editions 5&6) through to today with Ethan’s son John and daughter-in-law Megan Scott editing the latest 9th Edition (2019). Ethan himself began to work on Joy in 1968, editing 1997’s 7th Edition and the 2006 8th Edition.
In what can be viewed as the closing of a circle of his life’s passions, Ethan has partnered with Dan Eastland (Dogwood Custom Knives) to design a USA Made 8” production chef’s knife, which will bear the Joy of Cooking name. The knife blends the best of the Western and Japanese culinary traditions, with a S35VN santoku blade and western style handle made from G10 or Micarta (MSRP $200).
Ethan and Dan are close friends whose mutual respect is evident. “Ethan has been a mentor to me, both in life and in my knife journey. His feedback and experience has had a considerable impact on my knife design philosophy”, said Eastland. Ethan appreciates Dan’s experience working with chef’s in modern kitchens. “Dan is a great friend, and who better to work with than someone who works so closely with chefs in high-end restaurants from Greenville, South Carolina to Atlanta, Georgia”.
The Joy of Cooking 8” chef’s knife made its debut at Blade Show 2024. They will be initially available through www.dogwoodcustomknives.com.
Cold Steel releases first MagnaCut offering: The Recon M1
With so many knives in their portfolio, one can’t really identify Cold Steel’s flagship model. One could argue it is the AD-10, which Cold Steel gave the ultra-premium, limited edition treatment recently. Another strong case could be made for the Recon Series of knives, which contains both fixed blades and folders, in various sizes and blade profiles.
Now Cold Steel is adding MagnaCut to its lineup for the first time in the new Recon M1 folder, which made its debut at this year’s Blade Show. It is essentially an upgrade of the existing Recon 1 folder, with a 4” stonewashed clip point blade, G10 handles, and Cold Steel’s iconic Andrew Demko designed Tri-Ad Lock. The country of manufacture has changed however, with the Recon M1 being made in Maniago, Italy instead of in Taiwan. MSRP for the Recon M1 is $269.95, roughly double the street price of the previous S35VN version.
Cold Steel is part of the GSM Outdoors family of brands, which includes SOG and the recently acquired Camillus Cutlery. You can find out more about the Recon M1 or any of Cold Steel’s knives at www.coldsteel.com
Read the full article here