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Ex-TSA head: Passengers should be able to carry knives on planes

April 29, 2012 / Tim / 0 Comments

Former Transportation Security Administration head Kip Hawley is on a media tour criticizing the inefficiency and misplaced logic of searching for insignificant tools like knives and scissors. According to ABC News, Hawley says passengers should be able to carry knives on planes because they don’t pose a significant risk.

His thinking stems around the fact that no matter how many knives someone carries on board, they’ll never be able to get into the fortified cockpit or cause major damage. Instead, he argues, TSA agents should focus on finding things like explosives or toxins, which can kill far more people and actually take down a plane.

Here’s more of Hawley’s logic explained to Charlie Rose:

“You can’t take over a plane with a knife,” he told Charlie Rose, because the cockpit doors are now secure. “It’s a risk management issue. You could say, ‘Yes, somebody could bring a knife and stab the guy next to him,’ that’s a risk. When I tried to get small scissors taken off the prohibited items list, there was a scream of, ‘There’ll be blood running in the aisles!’

“I think what risk management would dictate is you’ve got to find the bombs, because a bomb will take down a plane. And if you’re so busy fishing around looking for Swiss Army knives, it diverts your focus. So my theory is, let’s not have the officers look for knives and small things. Focus on bombs, toxins, things that could destroy the plane.”

New Michigan legislation would remove ban on switchblades

April 25, 2012 / Tim / 0 Comments

Frank Foster The American Knife & Tool Institute (AKTI) is encouraging residents of Michigan to contact their state representatives about pending legislation that would remove the switchblade ban and reduce a ban on fixed-blade knives in the state, according to a press release from AKTI.

If this legislation passes, it would make Michigan one of many states to reverse the switchblade ban and properly clarify the definition of a gravity knife, something which has caused confusion and inconsistencies in enforcement (see NYC).

“HB 5544 provides clarity and simplicity for citizens of this State, visitors, especially those involved in the outdoor pursuits, as well as law enforcement, with respect to knives,” said Michigan state Rep. Frank Foster in the press release (pictured right). “It eliminates archaic terms, such as dirk and stiletto, and makes clear that a violation of the law occurs if a person with criminal intent carries any knife.”

Along with repealing the ban on switchblades, the legislation would also lessen the ban on fixed-blade knives. It would make the law more amenable to hunters, fishermen, hikers and those who use fixed blades for work.

Knife legend Bob Loveless has documentary premiering April 26

April 13, 2012 / Tim / 0 Comments

Before his death in 2012, Bob Loveless spent decades making a big impact on the knife making community by creating some of the most innovative knives around the world.

Now, his legacy is being honored in a documentary premiering on April 26 at the Beverly Hills Film Festival called “Robert Loveless, An American Legend.”

According to the film festival site, the documentary explores the legend of the man and how he became a superstar in the custom knife world. It also looks at his personality, gentle and fearless, but not without its flaws.

For those of you in the Los Angeles area, I recommend checking it out. Here’s the information about where/when/how to see the film from Joe Kertzman’s blog at Blade Magazine:

The screening will take place as follows:

Clarity Theater
100 North Crescent Drive
Beverly Hills

Red Carpet at 5:30 p.m.
Film Runs from 6:00 – 7:20 p.m.

This will be followed immediately by a cocktail reception. For those who will join Wormser, Lucarelli and Ellis, they are also hosting a pre-theatre get-together at 4:00 p.m. at Mel’s Diner, 8585 Sunset Boulevard in West Hollywood.

Please RSVP to Ed Wormser at edw11@aol.com.

Although there’s no information on whether the film is currently slated for a wider release, it’ll be interesting to see if it comes out on DVD for knife enthusiasts to buy.

Knife in a jar of mayo and other TSA screening stories

April 6, 2012 / Tim / 2 Comments

One of the most despised organizations in the United States is the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). It’s hard to find anyone who says anything good about the TSA because it’s inefficient, intrusive and many times ineffective. Nevertheless, I’m here to say that the TSA runs one of the most interesting blogs on the net.

If you haven’t had the chance to visit the site, I highly recommend it. It has some pretty helpful tips for traveling with hunting gear, latest news from the TSA and a “week in review” segment.

So, what does this have to do with knives?

Well, in nearly every weekly review, the TSA reveals some inventive or clever way people try to smuggle knives, guns, drugs, fire crackers, stun grenades and much more through security.

For example, this week the media seized on one case where a man tried to smuggle a knife on board by hiding it in a full jar of mayonnaise. Of course, the jar of mayonnaise was also a restricted item, so both objects were confiscated.

Hiding knives (and other confiscated items) in other items is nothing new if you’re a reader of the TSA blog. For the week ending on March 30, the TSA found a pocket knife in a deodorant cap, a knife inside a tissue box (yeah, like tissue would hide it from X-ray machines) and a gun inside a gutted book. In previous weeks, a knife was found inside a laptop and many many more were in people’s carry-on luggage.

Washington state enacts new pro-knife legislation

April 3, 2012 / Tim / 0 Comments

Washington state signed into law last week pro-knife legislation that clarifies the definition of switchblades and allows certain government employees to carry spring blade knives.

HB 2347, touted as a job creator among other things, allows spring blade knives to be made in the state and used by law enforcement, military personnel and fire and rescue workers.

According to a House Republicans of Washington state press release, it was a gross misdemeanor to manufacture, sell or have a spring blade knife in the state before this new legislation. Sometimes the army issues spring blade knives and that meant active military personnel were subject to violation of the state law. This new law changes all of that.

Here’s a quote about the effectiveness of the bill from one of the bill’s supporters Bruce Dammeier:

“This bill is good for two reasons. First, it will provide our ‘save-and-serve’ personnel with a better tool as they protect our communities. Secondly, it will allow a local manufacturer to expand its operations and not be forced to relocate to another state,” said Dammeier, R-Puyallup. “This is an example of how a small bill can make a big difference when it comes to job creation in our communities – at no cost to taxpayers.”

By allowing companies to manufacture spring blade knives, officials are hoping it prevents companies from moving to more lenient states and enables current knife manufacturers to hire more people to work making spring blade knives.

How to make a spear from a survival knife and channel your inner Fred Flintstone

March 27, 2012 / Tim / 2 Comments

We’ve all been there before: lost in the deep recesses of the woods, with nothing more than a trusty survival knife and an insatiable desire to build a badass spear. Whether you’re looking to pick up a new survival skill or simply channel your inner Fred Flintstone and impress some friends, spears are not only handy, they’re also downright cool.

Here’s the blow-by-blow on how you can build a spear from a survival knife. Check out our tips and let us know what you think.

Find a good stick

First, you’ll need to look for a sapling or a stick that’s approximately five feet long. It’s crucial that your stick is strong, so spend a few moments slashing and waving it around to ensure it’s comfortable and durable. If you think you found a winner, then chose the flatter side of the stick for the back and the other for the point.

Cut and Shave

Now that you’ve got your wood, hold it downwards at a 45° angle and place your knife approximately 4 inches from the back of the stick. Proceed to shave the stick down at a 45° angle and rotate the stick in your hand so that all edges are sharp and even. Continue this process until the stick forms a sharp point.

Harden in Fire

Now, you want to place your spear point over the hot coals of fire, rotating it for a few minutes. This will dry out the wood, making your spear sharper.

Create the Shelf

Find another sapling between 3 and 5 feet. You will need to cut off the ends to ensure that the stick is flat. Press your knife on the stick with the whole blade point over the edge and make a mark on on the stick where the blade handle ends with your knife.

Add the Knife

Split the stick in half lengthwise down to the point you made at the end of the knife handle. From here, use a knife to cut off half of the stick to create the shelf. Now, lay the knife in the shelf, with the handle on top and the blade sticking out the end of the stick. Lastly, lash the knife with rope, cord, twine or any other material available and unleash your most primal scream.

Check out the video below for a cool visual tutorial? Got a better version? Let us know in the comment section below.

New Cold Steel Products of 2012

March 23, 2012 / Tim / 1 Comment

One of the greatest things about each new year is the release of brand new knives. While most products are announced earlier, some of them don’t start shipping until later. Cold Steel’s new knives for 2012 are finally shipping, so here’s your chance to take a look at a few of the latest products.

The Secret Edge

The Secret Edge is an amazingly sharp and well-designed neck knife. It’s light, thin and unobtrusive, so it won’t be burdensome when you’re carrying it for a long time.

Micro Recon 1

The two knives in the Recon 1 series may be small, but they have a big bite. These little knives easily hook onto your keys and come in either a tanto style or spear point blade.

Medieval Buckler

How to Channel Your Inner Ninja

March 22, 2012 / Tim / 0 Comments

A ninja is the ultimate fighter. He is stealthier than a tiger hunting his prey. He can camouflage as though he is invisible. Most importantly, he can finish off his enemy with one fell swoop from his blade of choice.

If you’re reading this, it’s unlikely you’re much of a ninja, but more likely you’re a big-time knife fan sitting on the couch. No worries. Here are a few ways you can channel your inner ninja.

Throwing Star
When the Samurai sword fails, a ninja has his handy throwing stars to rely upon. Ninjas don’t use these as primary weapons. They are meant to distract the enemy, while a more dangerous weapon is used for fighting. These little guys aren’t just shaped like stars, and they are always concealed. So be careful – you may not know when you’ve encountered a throwing star until a sword is coming close behind!

Of course, you can use throwing stars for recreation, as tossing them into targets makes a great hobby.

Throwing Knife

Throwing knives are the less common version of a throwing star. Even though they have just two blades, instead of four, throwing knives are a badass way to get into top-flight ninja shape. Buy a set of throwing stars and blow away onlookers at your next BBQ

Sword
The sword is the most important weapon a ninja can carry. The typical ninja sword used in movies and depicted in books is short and heavy – more of a blade than a sword. It is perfect for ninja combat. Historically, there is actually no proof that this standard ninja sword existed. However, experts agree that it would look like this because ninjas would have carried an easier-to-wield version of the standard samurai sword and this modern image fits that need.

Check out the new Gerber multi-tools of 2012

March 17, 2012 / Tim / 1 Comment

The pliers multi-tool is a staple of the well-prepared handyman who is able to pull out the right tool for any job at any time. While Leatherman truly pioneered that style of knife, other companies have made some notable designs of their own, particularly Gerber. Gerber has its own line of well-respected multi-purpose tools. Here’s a look at some of the new Gerber multi-tools of 2012.

Crucial Black Multi-Tool

This multi-tool is one of the best-looking tools released by Gerber with its slick black design and ergonomic shapes. The stainless steel tool comes with two types of screwdrivers, a wire cutter, a strap cutter and a blade. Although not packed with all the tools multi-purpose knives have become known for, it cuts down on weight for easy carry. It costs $50.

Steady Tool

One of the great things about knives is that they’re always being improved and adapted with technology. The Steady Tool is one of the most innovative designs in a while because it functions as both a multi-purpose tool and a tripod for your camera. That means you’ll be able to film yourself in the wild Man vs. Wild-style with this tool. Aside from the tripod, it has needlenose pliers, various types of blades and screwdrivers and a bottle opener. The Steady Tool costs $64.

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The Sypderco portable hand, the knife that gave Sypderco their start

March 12, 2012 / Tim / 0 Comments

Today, Spyderco knives are known across the world for their unique shapes and stellar performance, but have you ever wondered about the early days of this famous knife company?

Spyderco was founded by Sal Glesser in 1976, but Glesser’s first product wasn’t actually a knife, but a spider-shaped device called “The Portable Hand,” which was the inspiration for the company’s name.

Of course, despite being freakishly cool to look at, it wasn’t exactly a bestselling product, so Glesser moved on to producing knife sharpeners and eventually folding knives.

In 1981, he constructed his first folding knife, the CO1 worker, which was the first knife to feature a round hole in the blade that helped it achieve lightning-quick opening.

According to Spyderco, it was also the first’s knife to feature a pocket clip on the handle.

In those days, Glesser and his wife Gail would travel from knife show to knife show in a converted old bread delivery truck. Thirty years later, they’re the founders of one of the world’s most premiere knife companies.