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Sowbelly Knife

The sowbelly pattern is a type of double-ended jack knife known for its handle shape rather than its blade setup. This pattern originated in the early 1900s and stayed well-liked until the 1940s when it was overshadowed by its relative, the stockman knife. Sowbelly knives can have various blade combinations, although often sticking to the traditional stockman knife style. Despite being overshadowed, its unique shape has made it easily recognizable and earned it a notable place in the history and knife collections today. The sowbelly knife typically adheres to the stockman blade configuration...

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Blade finishes are not just about aesthetics; they play a crucial role in enhancing the performance and durability of knife blades. From acid-etch techniques crafting intricate textures to specialized coatings like Cerakote offering a spectrum of colors, the world of knife blade finishes is diverse and fascinating. Acid Rain mimics nature's corrosive patterns, while DLC coating provides exceptional durability with its diamond-like properties. This article delves into the world of blade finishes, exploring the intricacies of techniques like acid rain, black oxide, and stonewash, each offering its own blend of aesthetics and functionality to cater to diverse preferences and needs...

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In the small town of Peachtree City, Georgia, a unique blend of craftsmanship and passion gave birth to Southern Grind, a knife-making company founded by none other than musician and knife enthusiast Zac Brown. Brown's journey from a passionate hobbyist to the creator of one of the most respected boutique knife brands in the United States is not just a tale of entrepreneurship but also of American ingenuity and dedication.

Zac Brown's love for knives isn't just a passing interest; it's a lifelong passion that transitioned into knife-making in the early 2000s. This enthusiasm laid the foundation for Southern Grind...

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The Boker story begins in the 17th century with a small hand tool factory under the shadow of a towering chestnut tree. This iconic tree would later become the company's enduring symbol, first appearing as a trademark in 1674. By the 18th century, Boker tools had gained renown for their quality, reaching leading status in Germany and neighboring countries.

Driven by the changing political climate and rising demand for weapons, the Boker brothers, Hermann and Robert, ventured into sword production in 1829, producing over 2000 blades a week. Their success paved the way for further diversification, leading to...

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Sal Glesser and his wife Gail founded Spyderco in Golden, Colorado in 1976. Sal drew inspiration for the brand's name from high-performance sports cars that often featured “Spyder” in their names. This led to the creation of Spyderco, a name meant to symbolize the high-performance nature of their cutting tools. Syderco’s first product, introduced later the same year, was the Tri-Angle sharp maker, a versatile sharpening tool that could be mastered by anyone.

During the early days of Spyderco, Sal, and Gail converted an old bread delivery truck into a motorhome, traveling to shows to showcase their products...

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Our Experts

T.C. Barnette

T.C. Barnette

T.C. Barnette is a dynamic media personality and the esteemed spokesperson for SMKW (Smoky Mountain Knife Works), where his passion for knives intersects with his captivating on-screen presence. With a magnetic charisma and deep expertise in cutlery, T.C. has become a beloved figure in the knife community.