SHOW Show 2019: New blades make the cut
Eve Flanigan 02.01.19
Buck Knives and Magpul were looking sharp with new folders at SHOT Show, while Gerber displayed some impressive fixed-blade creations.
Buck wooed windblown onlookers to their booth with a fun tomahawk- and knife-throwing contest, and also displayed their new Sprint folder. The blade itself is 3-1/8 inches and drop point style. It opens with a ball bearing mechanism—something that emerged as a sort of theme among knife vendors at the show.
The Sprint is a chameleon of sorts, representing a specific profile and folding mechanism while the metal varies depending on the individual knife and price. Handles vary too, but have a great backstory. Buck has a new partnership with Taylor guitars. Taylor sources exotic woods from plantations around the world. In the process of making a guitar, offal is made. Buck is stepping in as a user of what would have been scrap wood to make use of these beautiful samples as handles for the Sprint line of knives. It’s a partnership that should appeal to anyone who loves the outdoors and natural beauty. Retail prices for Sprint blades will start at $50.
Magpul made headlines about their new blade even before the show. The Frame Lock Rigger was displayed in a glass case on the range, more like a museum piece than range kit. A factory rep did produce his own copy for inspection. This knife is the brainchild of Magpul employees—“we’re all knife guys,” said the rep—who got together to produce this folder that incorporates all the features the designers feel are important. Its modified Wharncliffe blade is made of S35VN steel. It’ll be released in black for the first edition. Small-batch production of 20-50 knives, only available for online order from Magpul, is the plan.
The Frame Lock Rigger has a dual lock system; one integral to the act of opening it and one requiring about a quarter turn of a dial on the flat side of the handle at the hinge. First public availability is predicted for February or March, at a yet-undetermined but “pricey” premium.
Gerber as always rocked a feast for the eyes. Among their colorful new products is a machete called Versaflex Pro. It’s made of 3CR stainless steel, which is said to have prevailed in impact resistance tests. It’s interesting Swiss cheese-like texture is meant to create air pockets that make the knife more aerodynamic during cutting—cheese, let’s say. It comes with a Kydex belt sheath with Level 2-style retention for $45.
Another eye-catching favorite from Gerber is the Tri-Tip pocket cleaver—a perfect name for this miniaturized cleaver made for everyday carry. The blade is 7CR steel. Handles are available in many colors. $38.
A company rep said the most popular new release is the Fastball folder. It has no internal spring, but the high-precision cut of all steel components allows fast, flip-action opening. Its 530V steel blade rides on ball bearings. It comes in several muted colors for $100.
Knife makers are answering the call for a greater variety of blades this year, especially for the EDC market. The mini-fixed blade arena appears ripe for expansion by popular demand in coming year
