Dan Jackson

Dan is the creator of BladeReviews.com. He founded the site in 2010, and for the first 5 years Dan wrote all of the reviews and recorded all of the video reviews. He grew up using pocket knives, and the decision to start the website stemmed from his fascination of all things sharp combined with a deep passion for writing. At this point he has personally reviewed almost 300 knives of all shapes, sizes, and price points. He is widely recognized as an authority on daily carry knives and has consulted with knife companies on product design and has been featured on national media outlets including the WireCutter. In 2016 Dan decided to branch out and experiment with the website by reviewing watches, flashlights, and multi-tools. Today BladeReviews.com features a number of expert authors reviewing a wide range of daily carry gear. He is proud to write detailed long format reviews with original photography. The website remains largely independent with the vast majority of the products reviewed being purchased by Dan personally. When he isn't writing knife reviews from his home in Southwest Florida, or talking about himself in third person, he enjoys practicing law, reading, fishing, cigars, and weight lifting.

At this point he has personally reviewed almost 300 knives of all shapes, sizes, and price points. He is widely recognized as an authority on daily carry knives. He has consulted with knife companies on product design and his opinions on pocket knives have been featured on national media outlets including the WireCutter. In 2016 Dan decided to branch out and experiment with the website by reviewing watches, flashlights, and multi-tools. Today BladeReviews.com features a number of expert authors reviewing a wide range of daily carry gear. He is proud to write detailed long format reviews with original photography. The website remains largely independent with the vast majority of the products reviewed being purchased by Dan personally.

When he isn't writing knife reviews from his home in Southwest Florida, or talking about himself in third person, he enjoys practicing law, reading, fishing, cigars, and weight lifting.

Kershaw Junkyard Dog II Review

by Dan Jackson 12 Comments

Last Updated: August 11, 2019
To the average person the pocket knife has remained virtually unchanged over the years. But as collectors and enthusiasts know, this industry is full of innovation. In fact, I argue that there has been more innovation in knife design over the past 20 years than in the previous 200 years. The Junkyard Dog II Composite (JYD II) is a great example of this, with its ultra cool composite blade. Designed by Tim Galyean, the JYD II is a fantastic blend of fantasy and function and is proudly made in the USA.

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Purpose

The JYD II is not a small knife. I’ve read reviews where people are calling it a tactical. I’m not ready to call it that, and review it from that perspective, but I can kinda see where they are coming from. I would say the JYD II is more of a heavy duty EDC/utility knife. In a pinch it could be pressed into tactical use, but I think the blade shape was meant more for daily tasks (and hard tasks at that). Your mileage may vary.

General Dimensions and Blade Details

The Junkyard Dog II has a 3-3/4 inch blade and a closed length of 4 7/8 inches. This puts it right around 8 11/16 inches overall with a weight of 5.2 ounces. Like I said, the JYD II is not a small knife. You probably won’t want to bust this one out in the office, but it could make for a nice EDC if your job allows it. Some might find it a little on the heavy side but I think it is well worth it when you consider how much knife you are getting.

The blade is probably the first thing you will notice (assuming you get the ultra cool composite blade version – which I totally suggest doing if you are interested in this knife). This blade is in fact made of two kinds of steel. Kershaw chose a high end steel for the edge (CPM D2 tool steel), and a tough but decidedly less expensive steel for the rest of the blade (Sandvik 14C28N). From what I’ve gathered this is to reduce cost and make for a cool looking knife. Both reasons sound great to me.

On the subject of steel, the D2 edge steel is a great choice, with the CPM version being better. CPM stands for “Crucible Partice Metalurgy” and is a special process developed by the steel’s manufacturer, Crucible Metals. What Crucible does here essentially is powder the steel (by forcing the molten metal through a high pressure nozzle) and puts it back together so the grains are ultra tight on the molecular level. This was a poor explanation, but understand that the result is a finer steel and holds a better edge. Since D2 is already great stuff, we are talking about a pretty fancy piece of steel here.

Sandvik 14C28N is less impressive than the CPM D2, but it is still a great steel on its own (used in many popular Kershaw knives, like the Skyline and Scallion) and makes for an awesome “placeholder” for the D2.

So you are probably wondering how Kershaw puts these 2 pieces of steel together, and I was very curious myself. Apparently both pieces are laser cut, and then braze welded together with copper. The end result is a single piece of steel which is subsequently finished like any other Kershaw knife. The final bond is very strong. Kershaw claims it is as strong as a single piece of steel. I’ve never heard of the metal coming apart.

Ok, so a quick word on the blade shape. Again, I am hesitant to label this a “tactical knife” (not that my labels even matter – use the knife however you like) because of the blade shape. The tip is fairly blunt, and quite sturdy. Great for tough jobs, especially with that D2, but perhaps not the best choice for a defensive tool. Also, I gotta say the blade shape and overall “flow” of the knife kind of has a Ken Onion feel to it. Tim did work with Ken Onion at Kershaw, so perhaps that is where we get this design cue. Personally, I like it.

Handle, Ergonomics and Pocket Clip

The handle design and construction on the Junkyard Dog II is outstanding. We are looking at fairly typical handle construction: G10 over 410 stainless steel liners. The liners themselves are far less typical because they are some of the thickest I have seen on a liner lock knife. The addition of a FRN backspacer provides even more strength and rigidity (but makes the knife more difficult to clean). The result is a heavily built handle with a rock solid feel. Kershaw did attempt to lighten things up a bit by milling out the liners, and I think 5.2 ounces is pretty good considering how big the blade is and how thick these liners are.

The ergonomics are another outstanding aspect of this knife. The very nice (and unique!) design to the handle fits the hand comfortably and the textured G10 allows for a great grip. There is some jimping on the spine, but it is pretty “round” stuff. Probably due to the finish Kershaw puts on their blades. If jimping is your thing, you might want to modify this one, but I don’t mind it as is. Overall, I am very pleased with the handle design and ergonomics.

Now the pocket clip, well, that is probably my least favorite part of the knife. First of all, it isn’t reversible or ambidextrous, and I think it is far too big. I’m not a fan of the wide and flashy design either. The design is more a matter of taste (the look kind of “flows” with the rest of the knife) but I really hope Kershaw addresses the reversible and ambidextrous aspects of the clip. That said, this is an otherwise outstanding knife, and I would seriously consider getting the handle drilled/tapped and a custom low-rider clip made by a knifemaker like my friend STR.

Deployment and Lock

Like many Kershaw knives, the JYD II uses a flipper for deployment. I like flippers alright, but I’d love to see some thumb studs on here too – it’s what I’m used to most. That said, the flipper and the phosphor bronze bushings do a great job with deployment and the Junkyard Dog II moves very fast. Something to note is that this knife does not have the speed-safe assisted open mechanism common on a lot of Kershaw knives. I like the unassisted opening so I don’t count this against the knife. I know some people really like the assisted opening knives.

I’ve already commented on the liner lock, but just to reiterate, this is one of the more solid liner lock knives I’ve held. Kershaw did not skimp on the steel here and the liner covers almost 50% of the blade when the knife is open – very impressive. Despite this heavy liner, it is still an easy knife to close with one hand.

Kershaw Junkyard Dog II Review – Final Thoughts

One last thing to comment on is the value, and this knife has tons of it. If you go for the non-composite version the JYD II can easily be had for under $50. You will be hard pressed to find a new knife this big, strong and well made for under $50 folks, that’s just a fact (and it’s made in America too). The composite version is of course going to be more expensive at around $75, but even still that is a good deal for a very nice and unique knife with a high quality edge.

Well as you probably gathered, I really like this knife. Combine the heavy construction with a comfortable handle, a great blade and a cool innovation like the composite steel and there is not much left for me to desire. That said, the pocket clip definitely gives me some grief, but I can say that about a lot of knives on the market. All in all this is a very solid offering from Kershaw.

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Benchmade 915 Triage Review

by Dan Jackson 17 Comments

Last Updated: July 28, 2019
Rescue knives often go unnoticed in the knife community. There are large groups of enthusiasts gathered around tactical, survival, and EDC knives, but I have yet to see the rescue knife develop such a loyal following. One could argue that the average person doesn’t “need” a rescue knife, but do we really have a need for the collection of high end tactical knives stashed away in the safe? No, I argue that rescue knives traditionally “aren’t as cool” in the eye of the average consumer, and as a result most people haven’t been as excited about them.

Buy the Benchmade Triage at BladeHQ

Buy on Amazon

Well Benchmade is working hard to end that stigma and show that rescue blades can be just as cool and collectible as any other type of knife, by introducing the 915 Triage. But this knife doesn’t just look good. The Triage is part of Benchmade’s “Black Class,” which means it’s been designed and built with professional use in mind.

General Dimensions and Blade Details

The Triage has an overall length of 8.2″, a 3.5″ blade, weighs 5.1 ounces, and is made in America. The Triage, like most rescue knives, is a pretty big knife. This is a beefy knife and it has some heft when compared with something like the Benchmade Griptilian, which is comparable in length yet weighs only 3.2 ounces. However, we have to remember that the Triage has some extra hardware (a 440c safety cutter and a carbide glass breaker), has full stainless steel liners, G10 scales, and is built for maximum strength and durability.

The Triage sports a modified sheepsfoot shape blade with a high flat grind and a fine, slightly curved edge with just a slight amount of belly. This blade style is essential for a rescue knife because the blunted tip allows you to get in close to people you are rescuing without stabbing them. The flip side is, if you need something with stabbing capabilities, the 915 won’t have them. But this is a specialized tool so it was wise not to try and compromise. You have the option of a plain or combo edge, with a BK1 matte black coating or a plain satin-finished blade.

Benchmade chose N680 stainless steel for the blade. Made by Bohler-Uddeholm, this Swedish steel is specifically formulated for high corrosion resistance, even in salt water environments. It should come as no surprise that Benchmade has been using this steel in a few of their dive knives with great success.

Benchmade heat treated the N680 on this particular knife to 57-59 HRc, which will maximizes toughness for this particular steel while providing good edge retention and sharpenability. I think this was a great choice for a rescue knife because again, this thing is going to get abused. Its going to get wet and it probably won’t be sharpened as often so the unique properties of this steel will help preserve performance and enhance durability.

Handle, Ergonomics, and Pocket Clip

The 915 Triage handle is a semi-open design with textured G10 (available in black shown here, or safety orange) over full stainless steel liners. Like many Benchmade liners, they are made of 420J, which is tough stuff. As I mentioned previously, this adds weight, but it also adds strength. In the high stress hard use environments I could see this knife being used, I think it’s a good trade-off. The G10 used here is plain in appearance, but extremely grippy thanks to the aggressive texture applied in the factory.

In addition to the grippy G10, the ergonomics of the 915 are quite solid. There is no jimping on the spine of the blade, but there is a good amount on the handle, and it allows for good purchase and control. The handle is also nice and large, offering a comfortable forward or reverse grip. Also, the ergos are good when you are using the hook-shaped safety cutter, which is important since many people will be buying the knife for that feature.

The pocket clip is a blackened version of Benchmade’s typical deep carry pocket clip. This is a strong clip with good retention. It buries the knife discretely into the pocket, but still leaves enough for the user to grab easily. The handle has been drilled and tapped for ambidextrous tip up carry. The Triage is a heavier knife, but it still caries well thanks to the strong deep carry clip. All said, I am a fan of this pocket clip.

Lock and Deployment

The 915 Triage uses the tried and true Benchmade Axis lock. I’ve talked about this lock at length, but suffice to say it’s one of my favorite locks on the market. The Axis lock is strong, yet it is still smooth and easy to disengage. I also like how it is completely ambidextrous, and that you you can keep your fingers away from the blade when closing. Lock up is solid on my knife. It is not uncommon for axis lock knives to develop some side to side play, and if that happens a little lock-tite and the turn of a torx wrench puts you back in business.

Deployment on the Triage is fast and smooth thanks to prominent ambidextrous thumb studs and phosphor bronze washers. This is a time-tested formula for Benchmade and it works here as well. That said, I would be curious to see what this knife is like with a thumb hole. The blade is already pretty wide, but it might work well with a thumb hole. At any rate, the knife opens and closes smoothly. Blade centering is good on my knife.

Special Features: Safety Cutter and Carbide Glass Breaker

For many people a big part about what makes this a rescue knife is the additional features. Namely, the safety cutter and glass breaker. The safety cutter folds out and features a large (and sharp!) hook. Benchmade chose 440C for the cutter and I think it’s an excellent choice. 440C is good steel and when it’s properly heat treated it will work well. A cutter like this is used in those situations where the relatively big blade is either impractical or impossible to use.

The cutter doesn’t have a true lock, it clicks in place kind of like a slip-joint. It is reasonably secure and the rescue hook blade is extremely sharp. This is not a novelty or gimmick – this will cut through seat belts, clothing, and even shoe leather with ease.

The carbide glass breaker is sunk into the butt of the handle. It’s not big, but it will get the job done.

Benchmade 915 Triage Review – Final Thoughts

The Triage is a thoughtfully designed and well made knife. I like the practical design, the high quality materials, and the outstanding fit and finish – which is par for the course when you are talking Benchmade. What I like is how Benchmade took the rescue knife concept, upgraded it, and also turned it into something cool.

I am not a first responder, so I can’t comment on the knife with regards to how well it works in a first responder situation, but I can say that this is a robust knife and unique knife. I see no reason why it wouldn’t work well in a rescue situation. The glass breaker and safety cutter are fully functional and made to Benchmade’s typical standards. The knife itself is fully functional: it’s comfortable to use, it cuts well, and is easy to maintain.

Whether you are an actual first responder looking for an every day tool, or a normal person wanting a heavy duty EDC, I think the 915 Triage has a lot to offer, and remains the coolest rescue knife to ever cross my desk.

Sale

Benchmade - Triage 916 Rescue Knife, Safety Hook and Glass Breaker with Black G10 Handle (916SBK)

HIGH-QUALITY: The N680 stainless steel blade has the best corrosion resistance of any blade steel, making it ideal for saltwater applications. The G10 handle is durable, impervious to moisture, and stable under extreme temperatures.
MADE FOR RESCUE: The Triage 916's opposing bevel blunt-tip blade style, safety hook, and glass breaker make it ideal for rescue. It's al
WELL-DESIGNED: Benchmade's AXIS lock is exceptionally strong and fully ambidextrous. The Triage 916 is a manual knife that can be opened and closed with either hand.
ALWAYS READY: The 916's quick, one-handed opening makes it easy to hold and use. The reversible pocket clip offers ultimate accessibility.

I recommend purchasing the Benchmade 915 Triage at Amazon.com or BladeHQ. Please consider that buying anything through any of the links on this website helps support BladeReviews.com, and keeps the site going. As always, any and all support is greatly appreciated. Thank you very much.

Interview with Roman Pokorny of The Custom Spyderco Project

by Dan Jackson 2 Comments

As an unapologetic Spyderco fanboy, I argue that there are few things greater than a Spyderco knife. One thing that does come to mind is a custom Spyderco knife. That is why I asked Roman Pokorny to be featured on the site. A professional musician by trade, Roman is an avid collector of Spyderco knives and founded the Spyderco Custom Knife Project. Based out of the Czech Republic, the Custom Spyderco Project has turned out some awesome (and highly creative) custom pieces coveted by collectors all over the globe. I invite you to pull up a chair and follow along as I learn more about members of the project and their serious passion for one of a kind knives.

Hi Roman, welcome to BladeReviews.com. Can you tell us what started Project Custom Spyderco?

First I became a collector of Spyderco knives. Once I bought a blade from the Mule Project and I wanted to make a handle of the G-10. I did not know how to do it and I wrote to the cutlery www.knife.cz forum for advice. Some guys laughed at me, but knife maker Zdenek Stor invited me to his knife shop. He explained and taught me a lot of things about knife making. He also made the first models for CustomSpyderco. It was the Endura Cocobolo and D’allara of Pertinax. When I started in the Czech Republic Spyderco knives to sell, I began to go to knife shows and I could also show CustomSpyderco knives. When Czech knife makers saw custom Spyderco knives, they liked these very much, which encouraged me to further work.

How did you assemble your team of professional knifemakers and craftsmen?

Some of them are not professionals and have civilian job, but all of them do great job for CustomSpyderco. Karel Kočí is Catholic Priest for example. To get them together was fairly easily. They went to me, in essence themselves willing to cooperate. The first in team was Zdenek Stor. Later joined us Karel Koci, who made carbon models. Then came Roman Stoklasa, Tomas Vidomus and newly Richard Tesarik. I highly appreciate cooperation with craftsmen Libor Votava and Miroslav Makovicka, who is doing a superb job, although the ideas of engravings I do mostly by myself. I must say that most of the current contracts do by myself too. I have a small but well equipped workshop at the cottage, which is fully sufficient for my needs. When it’s nice weather, I’m working out there, which is great. 🙂

It’s great to hear how you guys all work together, sounds like a knifemaking fraternity. Needless to say I don’t see much of that in the States. Where exactly are you guys located and what went into making the custom shop?

I live in Prague, capital city of the Czech Republic. Other collaborators are living at different locations in the Czech Republic. Custom Shop was my idea, because I believed that people will enjoy our work and appreciated “humanized” factory knives. A handmade wooden handle can change a factory made knife beyond recognition. The truth is that from the beginning we sold mainly to the U.S., where natural materials and manual labor are more valued, but have recently gained an interest in the Czech Republic and Western Europe.

I think it’s really cool that your fellow Europeans are getting interested in your work as well. How did you guys decide to specialize in Spyderco knives?

As I wrote, Im Spyderco collector. I love most of Spyderco models and Spyderco firm philosophy. I like their cooperation with the world’s best cutlers. It inspired me to start cooperation with Czech knife makers. In the future I plan to highlight the work of several top Czech cutlers in the world. Among them are the true masters who deserve international recognition.

That sounds awesome! I have had a taste of the custom work to come out of your part of the world and it is exceptional stuff to say the least. I know I’m not the only one excited about the prospect of seeing some true masters show off their work.

Tell us a bit about those really cool “ancient” Spyderco knives on your website. They look almost like Native American artifacts.

Heh heh, this is the work of Tomas Vidomus. It was also my idea. He makes such great ancient stone and bone tools. He also looks like early man. All guys in the Czech cutlery community knows that I am a big fan of Spyderco. Sometimes I will enjoy a humorous “imitation” of Spyderco knife. It’s really nice of them. 😉

I think it’s something the everyone in the Spyderco community gets a kick out of, Sal and the rest of the team at Spyderco HQ included. What is your favorite part about running Project CustomSpyderco?

I can’t definitely say. The whole project is my baby. I’m quite proud with some of my suggestions of engravings. I think I succeeded with Lava Alien or Delica Billy the Kid. I also like the ultra light Carbon Endura or Delica. Now we do Endura with titanium back spacer and titanium liners. It reminds me, that I have to update our website soon! Anyway I have to say, the greatest success with customers have been the wooden handles.

I have to admit, the wood handles are probably my favorite. That is how I first learned about the project actually. I love the natural beauty of wood, and I’m not afraid to say it! What are your future plans for the Project?

I would like to develop more collaboration with the best Czech cutlers even if the cost of some art models will maybe be a little bit expensive for some customers. I definitely want to keep high quality manual production, and prefer natural materials, because that is exactly what customers expect from us. Touch of human hands and nature is what we can enrich a factory knife. It’s kind of a link between the factory knife and a knife from the cutler. I would also like to do some scrimshaw on handles, but all is about time and money on this world. If I could afford it, ideally I would have a well-equipped workshop in Prague and one or two permanent staff.

Also, I would welcome a formal partnership with Spyderco, that we could get some parts of the knives, we do not have to buy the whole knives. This could significantly reduce the cost of CustomSpyderco knives. It would then be things happening! These ideas are more than enough…

Lots of good ideas Roman! I hope you can make some of them happen because I really enjoy the direction you have taken the project so far.

Ok, last real question: what knife do you currently EDC?

To be honest, I have to say that now I use the Large Lum Chinese Folder with Wood Handle on one side and Chinese Lum CF, but the EDC of my heart is probably Sal’s Endura. I used Endura CF for a long time and believe it will return back to my pocket someday. I plan to make a carbon fiber Endura Emerson opener model with titanium back spacer and special skeletonized liners.

Great choices, the Endura is one of my favorite Spyderco models as well. Thanks so much for doing the interview Roman, is there anything else you would like to add?

Thanks for interview and stay with us!

My pleasure Roman, thanks so much for participating! I look forward to seeing more custom Spydercos in the future!

You can learn more about the Custom Spyderco Project by visiting them at either www.customspyderco.com or at www.spyderco-noze.cz

Mcusta Tactility Review

by Dan Jackson 8 Comments

Last Updated: August 3, 2019
I recently reviewed a Mcusta MC-1 and I was impressed by this relatively little-known Japanese knife manufacturer. Based out of Seki, Japan, Mcusta is part of the city’s proud cutlery making tradition that began hundreds of years ago. If you haven’t checked out my MC-1 review yet, I loved the high end materials and modern manufacturing integrated into its classic design.

Buy the Mcusta Tactility at BladeHQ

Buy on Amazon

Today I am looking at another knife from Mcusta, the Tactility. I had high hopes for the Tactility and it didn’t let me down, so lets dive right into the review.

Purpose

As the name suggests, the Tactility is designed to be a tactical knife. However, I would narrow that down to “fighting knife” or “emergency tactical” – I would reserve it as a last ditch defensive tool. It is a very well made knife, but it is slim and lightweight and has a fragile tip. This isn’t a knife you would want to bring into the dark heart of war. Rather I see this as a highly specialized fighting blade.

Also, because this knife is so beautiful, it easily fills the role of a collectible. It’s an exquisite knife, balanced and light. Many people will want the Tactility just for their collection.

I do not recommend this knife for EDC. The blade is almost 4″ long and has little belly. The choil is set back on the handle and is designed to maximize reach. Sure, nothing is preventing you from EDCing this knife – and I certainly wouldn’t try and stop you, but to me this is not an EDC knife.

General Dimensions and Blade Details

The Tactility has an overall length of 8.2″ and a weight of 3.4 ounces. The 3.75″ blade is a modified drop point design with a partial hollow grind. The blade design has a very sharp point, ideal for for piercing movements, while the long swedge reduces weight and provides strength down to the tip. The hollow ground blade is pretty thin, which makes this knife an excellent slicer. This knife practically melts through paper, the point is so fine and the edge is so keen. It cuts like nothing I have seen before.

You have a couple options for the blade steel, both of which center around VG-10. You can get plain VG-10 or a laminated blade; damascus over a VG-10 core (shown in the photographs). VG-10 is a proven steel that I have written on at length. Suffice to say, I like VG-10 a lot. Mcusta applies an excellent heat treat so the extreme sharpness, edge retention and corrosion resistance that you expect from a VG-10 blade is in full effect with the Tactility.

Handle, Ergonomics and Pocket Clip

The handle of the Tactility is ultra slim and can come in a variety of different handle scale materials (various colors of corian or micarta in addition to several hardwood options) over solid steel liners. The handle is a pillar, or flow through design (which I love) that is held together by 3 torx bolts and provides for a clean look and easy maintenance. The liners haven’t been milled out, which would typically be a complaint, but the knife is still a mere 3.4 ounces so I can’t complain. One thing I like about liners that aren’t milled out is that they are very easy to clean.

One thing to notice is the absence of a lanyard hole with this knife. I would never put a lanyard on this knife, but I know some people like the option so I wanted to mention it.

As far as ergonomics are concerned, when you consider the primary purpose of the Tactility, Mcusta did a good job with this knife. The handle is spacious allowing for comfortable forward and reverse grips. I like how the wood has been nicely contoured and features 4 finger grooves that fit the hand very well. There is a large choil that sits about an inch back on the handle. It makes choking up on the blade unnatural but it maximizes reach – critical for a tactical knife like this.

There isn’t much of a thumb ramp, and the only jimping is found on the liner. Given the position of the choil, I find the jiming more than adequate.

The Tactility has a very nice pocket clip. I like how it allows for reversible tip up carry. It rides ultra deep and has a classy decorative look to it – more of that laser cut steel for you. I found clip retention to be very good.

Deployment and Lock

Depeding on if you get the VG-10 or Damascus version the Tactility has either dual thumb studs or a nice “modified spyder-hole” for deployment. The hole looks something like a half moon and allows for very easy ambidextrous one hand opening. The thumb studs (shown) are oversized and mine were made of blued titanium. Mcusta uses their signature teflon washer system for “buttery smooth” opening. This knife deploys quickly and quietly. While the teflon washers may be a departure from what we are used to seeing, they do an excellent job getting the blade out of the handle.

The Tactility uses a very strong liner lock. Mine locked up super early and there was no blade play at all. When you deploy the knife it makes a soft “click” – very stealthy. I was super impressed with the lockup and included a picture to show you what I am talking about.

Mcusta Tactility Review – Final Thoughts

The Tactility is just an outstanding knife. The tolerances, finish and materials are all top notch. It’s going to be hard to find a deadlier folding knife in this price range. If you are looking for an all out weapon of a knife and enjoy extreme craftsmanship, the Tactility could be the knife for you. That said, for those seeking a “hard use” folder or tactical knife, I don’t think this would be the best fit. I don’t think it’s a fragile knife, but find this knife better suited to the collector or someone wanting a high end EDC or a gentleman’s folder tactical knife.

As far as value is concerned, at the time of this article this knife can be found in the $130-150 range depending on configuration. At that price I think this knife is a great value. I would liken the build quality to a comparably priced Spyderco (which is superb), and I rank these among the highest quality production folders money can buy. For those on the fence, I suggest taking the plunge because you will not be disappointed with this knife.

Mcusta MCU122DR Damascus Tactility

Crafted from the highest quality materials
Built for performance and durability
Made in Japan

I recommend purchasing the Mcusta Tactility at Amazon or BladeHQ.

Interview with Master At Arms James A. Keating

by Dan Jackson 19 Comments

Today I am talking with the one and only James A. Keating. Internationally recognized as an authority on edged combat, James is a legend among enthusiasts of self defense, knives and everything in between.

Although this interview has been the product of a couple months of conversation, I knew from our very first exchange of emails that I had genuinely funny and interesting person on the other end of the line. Jim’s zaniness and warmth is perhaps unexpected from someone who could disarm you with the twitch of an eyebrow, but I immediately noticed that he is not only driven by a great passion for martial arts but also by a very human desire to share and connect… definitely a guy I want to have a beer with one day (which is perhaps my highest form of compliment 😉 ).

Now let me be the first to say that I am not a martial artist – not at all. So me talking with Jim about knife fighting technique would be like a child talking to Einstein about the theory of relativity. That’s why I’m not going to sit here and pretend like I was born with a sword in my hand. Instead, I decided to get another side of his story, and ask about his background, his history and philosophy… where he is from and where he is going.

I hope fans of James will find this interesting, and perhaps even a little refreshing. Either way, it is with the utmost honor and respect that I welcome James A. Keating to BladeReviews.com.

Welcome to BladeReviews, James! Lets start at the beginning. What got you into martial arts?

Well Dan, it was my mother who first introduced me to the martial arts, yoga and calligraphy. She encouraged me to pursue martial arts over the traditional sports of the time. This was around 1965, so martial arts had not gone mainstream yet. Once I began with the martial arts, it clicked with me and I intuitively knew that “this was for me”. It began with Judo, moved to Karate, matured into Kenpo, slid slowly into fencing, grew into Aiki-Jitsu, evolved into JKD and Kali, blossomed into TaiChi and Gung Fu. It truly became a life-long pursuit for me and its still on-going to this very day!

So at what point did you begin training with knives?

My father being a knifemaker always had cutlery about. Either his own designs or repairing the cutlery of friends seemed to always keep blades coming in and out of the small shop he worked out of. As a fighting man he was coming from the WWII generation mindset where knives were a part of the combat equation. Kabar knives, bolo knives, throwing knives were not uncommon items for me to play about with as a child. My father taught us kids to throw knives well. He also instructed us in the basics of knife combat. It was the real thing, simple and effective. Even to this day, I still have the first throwing knife he ever gave me. For my 19th birthday my Dad made me a Bowie Knife. I still possess it today in my collection. I am still proud of the gift though he’s been gone since ’94.

I took up formal training in blade with Fencing. Fencing is the ultimate in my book. Kali came into being for me around 1982 and I fell in love with it, I have practiced Kali (FMA) with great passion ever since that time. Silat has also provided fertile ground to learn skills from, I am grateful for the knowledge I have gleaned from Silat as well!

When did you start instructing others in self defense?

I began teaching as an assistant instructor in 1966 or ’67. I taught all kinds of classes for various teachers. They could see my seriousness and employed it to their benefit. It also helped me understand how it all came together and provided me ample growth for the time when I’d open my own studio. Nothing beats “experience” and I was grateful for the chance to help and learn more.

It was in 1972 when I opened my own (first) studio with my partner Randy Wanamaker. I have had an ongoing studio of some type ever since that time. My studio is my laboratory, my studio is a “gentleman’s club” more so than it is a dojo. It is a rich environment for the pursuance of combative abilities, a museum of mysteries waiting for those interested enough to come within and learn. Together we can discover the inner rewards that come from walking this ancient path of steel and stride forth boldly into the future secure in our capabilities as men and warriors.

Sounds like my kind of place! Running a dojo like that has to be both a fun and rewarding experience. At what point did you found Comtech?

Comtech (Combat Technologies Inc) came into being in 1989. It blossomed in 92 into the way I had envisioned it originally. Like any business it took time to get the public aware of what I offered and who I was.

Comtech IS a business that offers tactical training and solutions to real world problems. Many folks believe Comtech to be a martial arts style. I am here to tell you that it’s not.

Comtech is a corporation that offers tactical training, tactical solutions and customized gear for those who need such materials. If a person is seeking a rank belt or other such childish notions from their boyhood they needn’t visit me at all. I left that tripe behind me long ago and have moved on to wiser, better things to be concerned about. Rank is great for novices or children, beyond that it’s only fit fare for those sad scavengers who still seek out such worthless “attaboys” from the local Bing Bang Ryu studio somewhere downtown. It’s black & white simple really! In the real world all that counts is skill – you either do it, or you don’t… Comtech can be interpreted in many ways aka “My JKD is not your JKD” influence.

It is a martial method custom made for adults and those serious about their personal defense choices.

As a “no frills” kind of guy, this style of training is extremely attractive. Can you describe Comtech’s growth? Were there any big hardships you had to overcome?

Growth for Comtech was phenomenal in the mid to late nineties. It seemed that people were hungry for the knowledge of the knife. It was if people had been waiting for something like the knife arts to come along. As the cutlery business was growing from it’s cottage level beginnings into the larger version of itself I hopped on for the ride too. It was an ideal situation. I love working in the cutlery industry and wish I could do more in the future. The blending of the knife related martial arts and the cutlery industry itself was a key factor that put me out ahead of others initially.

Hardships were not too many. I was openly accepted by nearly everyone who had interest. Resistance came from the traditionalists, the naysayers and those who associated knife related martial arts with criminal behavior. (IE: You must be a criminal if you practice the knife… what else??) It did not take long to discard such a weak and pointless mindset and win over the resistant ones. The knife is no different from the gun. Owners of knives and guns are responsible people by and large. It only takes one or two bad apples though to ruin it for everyone. This why the arts must have the element of professionalism to them, legalities must be taught along with the techniques of application. We need to establish a win-win mindset and stay practical.

I totally agree. The uninformed can be especially quick to make snap judgments and latch onto the negative when it comes to “scary things” like knives, so really anyone who practices this kind of self defense needs to act as an ambassador for the art.

What accomplishments are you the most proud of?

Hmm, the reputation I have worked so hard for, to be a good man and a good teacher.. and to have that recognized worldwide. I am very pleased with that aspect of my success formula. The knives, gadgets and products I have designed or created have helped out many people around the world in finding their own martial paths or to establish some peace of mind in their worlds. I am pleased that I have helped so many people in such a wide array of areas.

What advice would you give to someone looking to learn a martial art or defense system?

I would advise them to learn to see the way clearly. To do their homework and discover that art which truly sparks their inner flame. Avoid factionalism and cult-like behavior, it is not the way. Avoid polarization, extremes of belief or training lead to cultism. Keep mental, physical and spiritual balance, seek the middle path Seek self knowledge and freedom through the martial arts. Do not be taken in by belt ranks, contracts and commercial based hoodwinking practices.

What, in your opinion, is the future of self defense?

The future of self defense lies with “RAYGUNS” Dan! Once we all have a Raygun it’s ZAP – problems all gone! Heh Heh, that’s me being “funny” – not to worry! (Its ok, I totally invited this 😉 -Ed.) Ok, seriously though, the future of self defense doesn’t lie with MMA or traditional arts. The future of personal defense begins and grows from the minds and endeavors of those individuals who are open enough and sharp enough to grasp that it is the individual – not the art which governs the future.

Bruce Lee was one of the first to publicly claim that the man should always be deemed more important than the art he practices – a revolutionary thought in it’s time. The art has always came before the practitioner and many still cling to this backward, self limiting thinking as if it were something to be proud of. It’s Not! Move on pilgrim, just move on! My Goju teacher Master Peter Urban used to say: “that which is not self evident, is not evident”. Reality realized! – Yes, there is the future for those who can handle it! Personal revelations – breakthroughs into confidence and skill, going beyond your teacher or style and finding yourself!

The Comtech Stinger may be one of your most widely known inventions, and has received critical acclaim from around the world. What went into designing this self defense tool?

I originally envisioned a blunt pushdagger. Basically a less than lethal knife type of design. By taking away the blade of the common pushdagger and replacing it with a rounded, blunt tip I achieved my goal(s). From there we experimented some with the design and refined it. I invested money in the project more so as a lark. I never expected it to create such a strong effect in the greater picture of things. But, as we know, it did! There are two versions now available, the original (sterile) (Gen I) version and the newer, slightly larger version (Gen II). I wanted an intuitive, ergo-dynamic, no-bullshit personal defense device that did not depend upon batteries, sprays or 20 years of training. It needed to something anyone could use with little or no advance training. The STINGER hit the bullseye in every respect!

What I find interesting about the Stinger is how well known it has become outside the martial arts community. I have a number of friends who couldn’t do a karate chop to save their lives, but know all about the Stinger. It’s really humbling to chat with the guy who created it.

On the subject of various products (and being a knife site) I wanted to talk about one of the knives you designed, (a personal favorite) the Spyderco Chinook. Any plans for future collaborations with knife manufacturers?

Indeed, the Chinook was a super project. It is now part of history, it was discontinued last year. I am very grateful to all concerned for the success of the Chinook project! I am currently working with Spyderco and Knife Master Mike Janich on a new design. I hope this new folder of the future will find it’s place in the minds, hands and hearts of those needing such a tool in the days to come (as did the mighty Chinook).

Awesome! I will certainly be keeping an eye out for it and hope to write all about this new knife in the not so distant future. While I’m on the lookout, do you have any other plans for future projects?

Indeed Dan, I do have a few new projects forthcoming. Besides the folder project with Spyderco that I’ve already mentioned I have a book coming out soon as well. Its on a topic that many do not associate with myself. The public image is that of Jim Keating being the “Knife Guy” and this newest book has no knife at all in it’s format. It is about Snake Fist style Kung Fu, a secret passion of mine for many years along with Tai Chi Chuan and Wing Chun. Both arts Tai Chi and Wing Chun have the snake and crane in their roots – so it is a logical extension of study to seek out snake boxing too.

My book will raise some eyebrows I am sure but given the chance the methods taught will bring about knowledge and skill swiftly. Skill banishes fear, ability cannot be denied. This book is a rare look into a side of my life that I do not often share publicly. I intend to do a seminar on these very things in the coming months. At this point in my life, my Kung Fu has never been better – now it’s time to give back to martial arts community for all they’ve given me over these many years. I hope that by sharing my knowledge I will inspire others to follow their hearts as I have. The old saying is thus: “He + Art = Heart” and so it is! It is a hard path to follow at times, but very rewarding just the same.

I’ll have some new DVDs coming out soon also. Seminars are few this year, I concentrate mainly on private instruction (one on one) these days. I enjoy the private training more too. Teaching tribal arts such as Kali has largely taken over my teaching format. Martial arts are stricter, more demanding than tribal arts. The easy going flow of the tribal art methods appeals to me in my old age more so than the harsh, punishment based methods I previously practiced as “martial” arts.

Sounds like you are staying incredibly busy – I look forward to hearing more about that book.

Ok, final question, and one I’m sure a lot of people are curious to hear the answer to: what knives do you carry with you every day?

I carry two folders usually. I don’t vary too much from either Spyderco or Cold Steel products. The rare times that I do carry a fixed bladed knife it’s usually a four inch blade model. Nothing too big. Of course being Jim Keating – the popular public image of me is one where I carry ONLY Bowie knives. That is a fun image to be saddled with but its hardly practical or intelligent. Yes, I do have Bowies, but to carry one is the rare opportunity for me and only in the right setting. As I write this, I have two Cold Steel Voyagers on each side of my body. They are the older style with non-metallic clips. I carry my own knife too. The Spyderco / Keating Chinook is a great all around folder. I love it. It’s why I designed that way, so men would value it and most of all use it!

Thanks so much for doing the interview James, is there anything else you would like to add?

Thanks for allowing me to communicate these things to those who are interested in such material Dan. Your efforts are greatly appreciated in the cutlery community and I look forward to inter-acting with yourself and your readership again in the future. Good training and much success to everyone!

James Keating
http://www.jamesakeating.com

James, thanks again. It has really been an honor to have you here and you are welcome back any time.

For those interested in learning more about James Keating, I encourage you to visit his website. Also, for a taste of something new I would check out MAAJAK, where James shares interesting links, stories and more in his often-updated and always interesting web magazine.

An Interview with Custom Knifemaker Jason Brous

by Dan Jackson Leave a Comment

Today I am speaking with young knifemaker Jason Brous. Jason is one of those guys that you are going to want to watch. Although relatively new to the world of custom knifemaking, Jason as already created quite a stir among the knife community with his wild and inventive designs. Additionally, his work has received international recognition, and has been published in Blade Magazine. I never doubted that he was talented, but in our exchange of emails I also found Jason to be polite, humble and highly professional. It is with great pleasure that I welcome Jason Brous to BladeReviews.com.

Hey Jason, welcome to the site. How did you get into making knives?

My initial take on knife making is not typical of most makers. I believe that is why my work looks so unusual, or from another planet. My inspiration came from a particular art style that I was introduced to through an amazing artist from Brazil named Lango. This art form is known as bio-mechanical, and it is basically a combination of abstract robotics intertwined with the human body in a mechanical formation.

This type of art got me interested in fantasy style knives. I began doing some research and I found a lot of cool unique designs, my favorite by Paul Eller. Being a Machinist by trade meant that I had all of the resources to potentially make one myself. Having not the slightest clue on what I was doing I was able to pop out a half way decent knife.

Very cool. It’s a very unique style. Can you tell us a bit about your background as a Machinist?

I have been working as a CNC Machinist at my father’s company for about 10 years now. A common misconception is that I use CNC machines to make my knives. However, this couldn’t be further from the truth. I use the stock removal method, grinding bevels with my 2×72 KMG grinder, and mill complex serrations with a Bidgeport Manual Mill. Many, many hours and exact calculations go into my designs.

That is cool man. For those interested, there are some nice photos of Jason’s shop on his website.

Ok, so tell us a bit about your most popular design, the “Silent Soldier.”

The “Silent Soldier” design was actually made early in my knifemaking career. I posted it on a few forums and it was even featured in the January 2011 issue of Blade Magazine. The response I got was phenomenal. I received so many orders for them that I could not keep up making them by hand. I was basically working my full time job by day, and making Silent Soldiers by night. This went on for many sleepless months and minimal time with my family. I finally considered the idea of outsourcing. I was able to find a reputable company to help in the production of this design. We made 500 total and about half are already sold through pre-orders. You can see more info and purchase at BrousBlades.com. My confidence for these Silent Soldiers is through the roof. I will put these up against any neck knife in the entire industry.

At 24 years old you have already started making a big name for yourself in the world of custom knives, what kind of response have you received?

It is very tough being a 24 year old knife maker. Although the majority of people appreciate the craftmanship in my work, there are always a few people that are going to loathe it. I have had people tell me that my work is silly and pointless. I do realize that I have a lot to learn about knife making, but everyone must start somewhere. I wasn’t lucky enough to have some great accomplished knifemaker teach me what to do and what not to do. Because of that, I’ve made my fair share of mistakes, and I have leaned from them. I will continue to strive to be the best knife maker I can be while staying true to myself.

Your style may not be everyone’s cup of tea, but I respect the fact that you are doing your thing, putting your knives out there, and asking for advice and opinions. It’s easy to be hyper-critical of someone’s work, especially behind a computer screen.

I think you have the right idea with simply continuing forward to make the best knives you can and ignoring the “haters.” What are your future plans for Brous Blades, do you plan to make knives full time?

My plans for Brous Blades is to continue making top quality and creative custom knives and I hope to release a few more production knives. I am also working on a collaboration with SOG Specialty Knives and Tools. The collaboration will feature a full Brous Blades line of about 5 to 6 designs.

I would eventually love to make knives full time. I definitely have enough work to keep me busy, but I do not want to add the pressure of knifemaking being my sole source of income. It is very difficult to stay creative under that kind of pressure. The fact that I dont make a lot of knives makes the ones I do a little more exclusive.

Congrats on the SOG collaboration, that is really cool. I’ll definitely be keeping an eye out for that. Ok, one last question; What is your current EDC (Every Day Carry) Knife?

I actually carry the Silent Soldier around my neck every day. I literally use it for everything; from splitting wood pallets, to cutting boxes, to even opening mail. The versatility of this knife makes it perfect for everyday use.

Very cool, it’s a neat little design. Thanks again for the interview Jason, best of luck in your knifemaking endeavors!

You can learn more about Jason by visiting his website BrousBlades.com, following him on Facebook or watching his videos on YouTube.