The Art of Competition Knives: Forging Excellence
As a passionate knifemaker, I’ve always been fascinated by the world of competition knives. These aren’t your average everyday blades – they’re meticulously crafted tools, engineered to push the boundaries of cutting performance. I recently had the privilege of sitting down with some of the biggest names in the American Bladesmith Society (ABS) to pick their brains on the art of competition knife design.
Mastering the Fundamentals
One of the first things that became clear in my conversations was the importance of heat treating and edge geometry. As Lin Rhea, an ABS Mastersmith, explained, “You have to be familiar with your chosen steel and know the heat treating regimen well. Another factor is edge geometry – too thick and your knife won’t cut well, too thin and it might chip or roll.” This attention to detail is what separates the average knives from the true cutting champions.
Brion Tomberlin, another Mastersmith, echoed this sentiment, noting that “The trick is to make a knife that does all these things fairly well. This is where design and heat treating come into play, especially heat treating.” He personally prefers working with 5160 or 9260 steels, but is also experimenting with a new steel that’s still in the testing stages.
Size Matters (But Not Too Much)
Another key aspect of competition knives is the size restrictions. As Lin pointed out, “The size restrictions provide a one-dimensional footprint for all the competitors’ knives to fit within. This is what pushes the makers to make better knives for the competition and forces them to think about the very small details of design that can make a big difference in the knife’s performance.”
Mike Williams, a Master Smith, elaborated on this, saying, “I believe a well-balanced and designed knife with a 9-inch blade will perform better than a poorly designed knife with an eleven-inch blade.” The standard size for competition knives is a 10-inch blade and a 5-inch handle, for an overall length of 15 inches.
Versatility and Technique
But it’s not just about the knife itself – the user’s technique plays a crucial role as well. As Dan Cassidy, a Journeyman Smith, explained, “The user has to provide the technique and the knife has to have the qualities to perform. One or the other will likely be stronger. The user has to tailor the knife to his techniques or tailor his techniques to the knife.”
This versatility is key, as competition knives need to be able to handle a wide range of cutting tasks, from slicing through 2x4s to deftly cutting through ropes and apples. JR Cook, a Master Smith, demonstrated this perfectly in a video where he, along with fellow Master Smiths Mike Williams and Jerry Fisk, showcased the cutting potential of their forged blades on a variety of materials.
Embracing Innovation
The world of competition knives is constantly evolving, with makers always seeking to push the boundaries of what’s possible. Gary, one of the participants in the discussion, mentioned that there’s talk of ABS competition knives needing to be differentially heat-treated in the future. This is just one example of the ongoing innovation in the field.
As Master Smith Adam DesRosiers demonstrated with his 2009 ABS Smoky Mountain Hammer-In Champion knife, featuring a 1095 blade steel and a curly American Walnut handle, creativity and craftsmanship are key to standing out in this highly competitive arena.
The Cutting Edge of Knifemaking
Ultimately, the world of competition knives is a microcosm of the larger knifemaking community – a place where passion, skill, and innovation converge to create truly remarkable tools. By delving into the insights and experiences of these Master Smiths, I’ve gained a deeper appreciation for the art and science behind these cutting-edge blades.
As I continue my own journey as a knifemaker, I’m inspired by the dedication and creativity of the ABS community. Who knows, maybe one day I’ll have the opportunity to step into the ring and showcase my own cutting-edge creation. For now, I’ll keep honing my craft, learning from the best, and exploring the endless possibilities of this fascinating field.
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