We are back from blade show 2019 and we saw some really cool stuff while we were
there. Make sure to click the link above to see all our great coverage but if you
want to know the best knives and gear from the show stick around. I'm David C
Andersen coming at you from the KnifeCenter and these are my personal
favorites in no particular order from BLADE show 2019.
The first you actually saw last week the Spyderco Endela lightweight. If there
was a theme to Spyderco's offerings this time around it was definitely the
lightweight variants of some of their most popular models. The Endela perfectly splits
the difference between the smaller Delica and the larger Endura models. To
create a knife that many are saying is just the right size and it has all the
same features that has made those other two knives a lasting part Spyderco's
line up. Bi-directional FRN, a strong lock back, four position pocket clip and a
vg-10 blade with a full flat grind. Keeping with the lightweight theme the
next thing I'm excited about is a new variant of the FGX balisong from Cold
Steel. The FGX Balisong contains no metal parts
at all being made entirely from synthetic materials. The first version
featured a serrated double edged spear point blade but the new FGX balisong
tanto features a plain edge synthetic tanto blade. These are fun to flip and
functional too but they're not a toy. Speaking of balisong we got to see a
prototype of a new offering from BRS the Nexus. Their aim was to create a
butterfly knife that was built for top-notch flipping without the sticker
shock of many of the capable knives out there today. They're going to be using
GFN handles, stainless liners and 440c blade steel. The pricing hasn't been
announced yet but they're aiming to be highly competitive with this product and
we can't wait for these to come out. Now speaking of highly competitive pricing
by now you've probably seen a lot of great things from artisan cutlery. They
already do a lot with high-end materials but they're looking to bring their great
build quality to an even lower price point. To that end they're launching a
new sub-brand called CJRB they're going to be using materials like
g10 and d2 steel to keep the prices down but they're going to be built with the
same ceramic pivots and built by the same people that build the artisan
knives. The prototypes we saw at the show don't have any names or finalized
pricing yet but I was really impressed by the feel and the action of all of
them I was especially impressed by the drop point model and how versatile it
looks like it's going to be. Once it's released it's going to be a contender
for the budget knife to beat. Now let's get into some higher-end things and
we're gonna start with CRKT. That's right CRKT is making a push into
the higher end by collaborating with lion steel. In celebration of their 25th
anniversary they are releasing a limited run of the award-winning Home
Front designed by Ken Onion. It still features that same great field-strip
mechanism that allows you to disassemble the knife with no tools but now it
features a full titanium frame with a frame lock instead of a liner lock and a
stonewashed m390 blade, a definite upgrade. I've always loved the home front
and the original is still awesome but this limited version is truly premium
and puts the design in a whole new light. This next knife is technically an update
as well. We Knife company has released the synergy 2, a modernized version of
the speed tech synergy. This knife was released in 1999 and was way ahead of
its time winning the most innovative American design at the blade show that
year. It was the first fully integral knife from a production company it
featured a button lock and a floating ball bearing pivot. Now those things may
be common today but they certainly weren't at the time since that was the
only knife that speedtech ever produced and they only made 200 of them. We're
excited to see this knife return the new synergy 2 is new and improved and built
by We knife company one of the finest production companies in the world. It
still features integral construction although it uses titanium instead of the
aluminum on the original it comes with a sturdy frame lock and instead of a thumb
stud. It's equipped with excellent flipping action that we does very well
in addition to the trailing point blade like the original there's also going to
be a trailing tanto blade both in m390 blade steel. The history behind the knife
is cool enough on its own but it certainly helps that the profile is
still distinctive and eye catching even after all these years. One of the biggest
pieces of news from the show is the new version of the classic Chris Reeves
Sebenza. The new Sebenza 31 looks great and it's
going to supersede the Sebenza 21. It still looks like a Sebenza should but
small improvements that made it even better. They've incorporated the ceramic
lock bar interface that appears in the inkosi for more longevity and they've
also angled the pocket clip so that it no longer rests on the lock bar. The
biggest visual difference comes on the inlaid models, rather than the two strips
of inlay like you see on the 21 they've eliminated the hole on the front side in
order to fit a larger single piece inlay that can really show off the grain of
the wood when using some of those nicer materials. All in all it looks like the
Sebenza 31 is set to maintain its position as one of the most desirable
production knives in the world. Next up are a few
items that are on my short list to purchase myself. First is the EDC edge
maintenance tool from Benchmade and work sharp. I'm a big advocate of using a
strop to maintain a keen edge but they've never been easy to carry in a
pocket until now. This little unit folds out to reveal not only a compound loaded
strop but also a ceramic honing rod it even has angle guides to help you
maintain the right degree of precision and thanks to the pocket clip this is a
great option for carrying an edge touch-up tool wherever you go. Next is
the Hogue Deca celebrating their 10th year in the knife business. The prototype
they brought along was very nice. It featured slim handles a thin 20CV clip
point blade and they're able lock which is a joy to use. I also really loved the
size for EDC not too big or small and the version they had at the show had a
really cool set of g10 handle scales with a copper inlay pattern. I can easily
see this becoming one of Hogues most popular designs. Last but not least is a
knife designed by Liong Mah and made by Reate knives. The Liong Mah Designs KUF
2. Kuf stands for kitchen utility folder and with my love of cooking i was
instantly drawn to the blade. Let's be honest I probably use a kitchen knife
more than any other blade and even if I don't wind up using this knife for any
sort of food prep the blade shape is both different and new yet instantly
familiar. The handles are titanium as you would expect with a frame lock and m390
steel. If that wasn't enough a cool top flipper puts a new spin on the front
flipper and between it and the large blade cutout that provides a ton of
opening options. The inlays are nice and the shape of the handles felt great. and
I'm eager to put this knife to work. So those are my favorites from blade show
2019 let us know what you think of the picks down below in the comments section
and let us know what your favorites were. In the meantime keep an eye out on
KnifeCenter.com if these items aren't already up they will be soon see you
next time.