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BLADE MAGAZINE TACTICAL KNIFE SPECIAL ISSUE FEB. 2026 THE “OTHER” EDC by Blade Field Editor, Les Robertson, pg. 30

When most blade fans talk everyday carry (EDC) knives, they usually mean folders.  The two main EDC advantages of folding knives are they are convenient to carry and easy to conceal. Fixed blades offer several advantages, as well. One the most significant is the full tang construction, providing added strength & durability.

REBEL by PIOTR GOSCINIAK TACTICAL FIXED EDC

Unlike the folding knife, there is much less chance of mechanical failure. Locks & pivots on folders can fail and require more maintenance. A fixed blade typically will have better handle ergonomics. Its handle is usually designed for prolonged use, featuring a more comfortable grip that also aids in balance. If your hands are cold, wet, injured or gloved it is harder to open a folder, especially a slip joint.

RIDGELINE by KOLAKOWSKI TACTICAL EDC

Whereas with a fixed blade EDC in an accessible sheath, it is ready for immediate deployment. Kydex sheaths are preferred over leather for EDC fixed blades because they do not hold moisture and does not require Tannic Acid. Tannic Acid can cause the carbon steel of the blade to discolor and the leather may shrink from moisture of outdoor elements. Most tactical fixed blades sold at Robertson’s Custom Cutlery come with a Kydex sheath that is molded to fit the blade, will not deform, providing a safer carry option for your tactical fixed EDC.

TRAILHEAD by TOMASZ DZIUBINSKI TACTICAL EDC

I’m not suggesting EDC folders do not have an advantage in some cases, it frankly depends on their use. They provide versatility for light tasks such as opening letters, boxes, cutting cord etc. and are more socially accepted. The majority of featured knives in this story have 3.75″ – 4″ blades; therefore, about the same size of an open tactical folder.

STREET SCALPEL by RAFAL KOLAKOWSKI TACTICAL NECK KNIFE

Depending on what you are using it for, you may want to consider a knife that has the mechanical advantage, requires less maintenance, can be easier to deploy in difficult environments and is more comfortable in the hand. With perhaps the exceptions of concealability and some legal restrictions; fixed blades, the “Other” EDC has the EDGE.

Click to read the whole article online

Blade Magazine March 2026

The latest Blade Magazine highlights the Magical Decades of the 80’s & 90’s when Custom Knives came of age. Many of the knife patterns and styles that were to become iconic were developed or refined. Several founding members of the knife maker organizations were in their prime. On pages 48-53, Les recalls the knives & knife makers that made collecting great back then.

Custom knives from the 1980’s-1990’s have become especially collectable, not just because of nostalgia.  To understand why, a trip down memory lane is in order, click to read the entire article online.

Knife makers like Schuyler Lovestrand, Rod Chappel, Jack Busfield, WC Davis, Willie Rigney & Corbet Sigman are featured in the article with photos taken and provided by Robertson’s Custom Cutlery. These craftsmen took pride in their work & were personally involved with every aspect of making the knife that came out of their shop. The knives made in this era encompassed a unique intersection of custom knife history, innovation, craftsmanship and scarcity.

A shout out to the Knifemaker’s Guild (est. 1970) & the American Bladesmith Society who are celebrating their 50th Anniversary this year.

If you were fortunate enough to be collecting custom knives in those Magical Decades and have some you might wish to sell or consign, please contact Les to discuss. customknives@comcast.net | 706.650-0252. We are always looking for quality, custom knives and will work with you to get a fair price.

5 TIPS AND 4 F’S
by Custom Knife Field Editor, Les Robertson
BLADE MAGAZINE  June 2024  Pages 78-82

Since 1985, Les has been collecting custom knives. What began as a necessary tool in the field at Ft. Campbell, KY; developed into a full-time business. Needless to say, his experience over the years is invaluable to today’s custom knife collector. He enjoys simplifying his knowledge in this article for the Blade Magazine’s June readers with 5 TIPS and 4 F’s.

What to look for in a custom hunting knife and some sharp examples.
by Custom Knife Field Editor, Les Robertson
BLADE MAGAZINE  NOV ISSUE 2023  PAGES 42-46

Les’ Five Favorite American Custom Knife Makers
by Custom Knife Field Editor, Les Robertson
BLADE MAGAZINE  MARCH ISSUE 2022  PAGES 24-28

Damascus comes in several patterns, each of which affects overall knife value.
by Custom Knife Field Editor, Les Robertson
BLADE MAGAZINE  MARCH ISSUE 2021  PAGES 56-59

Completing this 3-part series talking about Collectible Influencers.
by Custom Knife Field Editor, Les Robertson
BLADE MAGAZINE  NOV. ISSUE 2020  PAGES 34-38 

In this first article of a 3-part series, the subject is Collectible Users.
by Custom Knife Field Editor, Les Robertson
BLADE MAGAZINE  SEPT. ISSUE 2020  PAGES 30-33 

How to make the most of your time and money at the Blade Show?
by Custom Knife Field Editor, Les Robertson
BLADE MAGAZINE  NOV. ISSUE 2020  PAGES 34-37 

Knives Illustrated Magazine’s March/April 2017 issue features an article I wrote titled “10 At The Top”. This article showcases the top 10 makers to watch this year. As an on-going blog post, I will not only discuss the makers to watch, but also give you the opportunity to own knives from these top 10 makers.

Number 1: Wess Barnhill
There is no wasted effort on his knives. Every aspect of his knives is done with a purpose. While having the look of a piece of art; a closer examination shows they are all business.

Number 3: Ben Breda
His subtle lines and design elements incorporated into each of his knives immediately catch your eye, moving you to want to handle his knives….

doing so only further increases your interest in owning one of his knives.

Number 4: Steve Randall
When I think of his work the word clean comes to mind. He is extremely versatile in both his steels and his designs.

Knives Illustrated’s March/April issue features an article I wrote titled “10 At The Top”. This article showcases the top 10 makers to watch this year. As an on-going blog post, I will not only discuss the makers to watch, but also give you the opportunity to own knives from these top 10 makers.

Number 2: Tim Steingass
No matter the design his lines are clean and the flow from the tip of the blade to the end of handle is exceptional. These are 2 Forged Bowies from Tim.

Number 8: Shawn Ellis
His work is not the standard fare you would expect from a JS maker. Shawn uses a wide variety of handle materials to include wood, stag and Ivories.

Own the knife from the article

Number 10: Larry Chew
Larry’s tactical folders are the epitome of “bang for your buck.” One of the first to incorporate a bearing system into his folders and has upgraded his materials as well.

What’s next in custom knives?

Les discusses trends that could replace the slumping tactical folder market.

BLADE MAGAZINE- JAN 2017 pages 12-18

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