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Don’t miss the latest Blade Magazine article March 2020, “FORGED SUB-HILTS FLOURISH”  by Les Robertson

The article, starting on page 12 through page 18, discusses the pros and cons of building one of the most challenging fixed blades; the SUB-HILT-FIGHTER.
Some featured world-class knife makers in the article: Bob Loveless, David Lisch; along with expert input on making a sub-hilt from David Broadwell, Samuel Lurquin, Steve Randall and Josh Fisher.

HERE ARE A FEW SUB-HILTS WE HAVE AVAILABLE IN STOCK BELOW: (click on the photos to link to the specs.)
TIM HANCOCK DAMASCUS FORGED SUB-HILT FIGHTER

SCHUYLER LOVESTRAND JR. BEAR SUB-HILT FIGHTER

JIM SISKA M-16 SUB-HILT FIGHTER

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Robertson’s Custom Cutlery is your source for custom knives from today’s leading custom knife makers. We only feature the highest quality knives at value prices. Our custom fixed and folding knife selection includes tactical fixed and folding knives, presentation fixed and folding knives, bowies, hunters and skinners, and a large selection of forged blades. Les Robertson, author and owner of Robertson’s Custom Cutlery, is also a Field Editor for Blade Magazine and an instructor at Blade University. If you have questions about the content in this article or about any knife or maker on our website, you can contact Les directly at les@robertsonscustomcutlery.com or (706) 650-0252.

My article, User Driven Design on hunting knives is in the October 2019 issue of Blade Magazine pages 50-53.

There is an overview of different types of knives used by hunters. Specifically, the designs and how they are used. I even discuss the dimensions, steels, guard, and handle material of the styles and  purpose of these blades. Basic maintenance for these knives is also addressed.

Incorporating this knowledge, will allow you to select the right tool for the job. Remember, it isn’t the firearm that creates the trophy, it is the knife.,

The following knives are featured in the User Driven Design article and are currently available with Robertson’s Custom Cutlery.

Click on the linked photos below for more detailed info:

Graham Damascus BW Forged Hunter

Mozolic Custom Forged Stag Hunter

Barnhill Forged Custom DI Hunter

Want to know more about these and other custom knives?

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Don’t miss Les’ latest article, “Collecting: The Art of the Steel,” published on pages 82-87 in the current June issue of Blade Magazine.

Today’s hottest forged knives are boasting flashy San-Mai and Damascus blades. More so than any time over the last 30 years, Damascus and San Mai blades are no longer the purview of just Master Smiths.  Due to improved equipment and the availability of information, Les finds several Apprentice Smiths and Journeyman Smiths creating some exceptional blades.

Some have the skills required to make the blades, but still need improvement on the overall knife.  Other makers, such as the ones featured in the article, have abilities that belie their status in the American Bladesmith Society.  They are few and far between; none the less, they do exist.  The problem is and has been, the price of their knives is not commensurate with their status in the market. That said, each collector will make up their mind with regards to the pricing.

His recommendation to collectors is to do your homework to understand the details of the knife you are looking at and judge them on their own merit.  This is important as there has been a growing trend, particularly among Journeyman Smiths, of pricing their knives more than they are worth in the marketplace.

This publication will be free with your admission into the Blade Show.  See ya in Atlanta at the show!!

KNIVES 2019

Be sure to pick up a copy of Knives 2019. In addition to all the incredible photos, you can read my article, “The Cyclical Nature of Handmade Knives.”

Starting on page 8, I discuss my take on the custom knife market from 1984 to now. Oh, the photo is ABS Master Smith Steve Randall’s First Sub-Hilt Fighter!

Please check out Les’ article on “4 Paths to the Collector Glory” in the Jan. issue of Blade Magazine pages 22-25.

Will Zermeno’s Saigo!
BLADE MAGAZINE • APRIL 2013 • By Les Robertson, Custom Knife Field Editor
Click here to read article

Part 1 Proportion and Balance, Handle Styles, Blade Traits and more.
BLADE MAGAZINE • SEPT 2013 • By Les Robertson, Custom Knife Field Editor
Click here to read article

Conclusion Standards of Quality, Delivery Times and Deposits, Bladesmith Business Practices and more.
BLADE MAGAZINE • OCT 2013 • By Les Robertson, Custom Knife Field Editor
Click here to read article

Paul Letourneau’s Tactical Knives Feature Form, Fit and Function
KNIVES ILLUSTRATED • JULY 2011 • By Les Robertson, Custom Knife Field Editor
Click here to read article

Jason Knight’s Knives Are Built Tough and Are Built to be Used
KNIVES ILLUSTRATED • AUGUST 2011 • By Les Robertson, Custom Knife Field Editor
Click here to read article