Only Knives http://www.onlyknives.com Knives, Swords and Blades Thu, 29 Jul 2010 01:40:22 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.9.2 en hourly 1 Lord of the Rings Isildur Sword w/ Plaque | LOTR Replica Collectors Fantasy Longsword by United Cutleryhttp://www.onlyknives.com/lord-of-the-rings-isildur-sword-w-plaque-lotr-replica-collectors-fantasy-longsword-by-united-cutlery/ http://www.onlyknives.com/lord-of-the-rings-isildur-sword-w-plaque-lotr-replica-collectors-fantasy-longsword-by-united-cutlery/#comments Thu, 29 Jul 2010 01:40:22 +0000 JT Hats http://www.onlyknives.com/?p=9976 Lord of the Rings Isildur Sword w/One of the many legendary and often magical weapons from the Lord of the Rings saga, the Sword of Isildur would make an excellent display piece for the fantasy weapon collector. Less ornate than many LOTR blades, the Sword of Isildur looks like it was built for combat.

United Cutlery produced this 47-1/2-inch longsword and built the weapon with display standards in mind. Quality materials include cast metal pommel and handguard and a grip wrapped with woven leather. The blade itself has the weight of a battlesword but is made from a lower grade of 420 high carbon stainless steel. A blood groove runs down the spine of the blade. Decoration is limited to a simple etching on the base of the blade and a "one tree" symbol cast in the pommel.

Because this is a rat tail tang sword, that blade puts considerable stress on the handle. Trying out the sword on a real target could damage this display quality weapon. United provides a lacquered hardwood wall plaque for display of the Sword of Isildur.

Practical issues aren't unusual with reproductions of magical weapons, and in this case, the technical barriers are more than magical. The sword is too heavy for its light construction and too large for a normal person to grip and swing. Isildur, the wielder of the sword, was no ordinary person. Tolkien described him as seven feet tall and of massive stature. The Sword of Isildur from United Cutlery gets the look right.

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]]> http://www.onlyknives.com/lord-of-the-rings-isildur-sword-w-plaque-lotr-replica-collectors-fantasy-longsword-by-united-cutlery/feed/ 0 Highlander Duncan MacLeod Katana w/ Concealed Scabbard | United Cutlery Scottish Sword Replica w/ Ivory Handlehttp://www.onlyknives.com/highlander-duncan-macleod-katana-w-concealed-scabbard-united-cutlery-scottish-sword-replica-w-ivory-handle/ http://www.onlyknives.com/highlander-duncan-macleod-katana-w-concealed-scabbard-united-cutlery-scottish-sword-replica-w-ivory-handle/#comments Wed, 28 Jul 2010 01:30:05 +0000 JT Hats http://www.onlyknives.com/?p=9973 Highlander Duncan MacLeod Katana w/United Cutlery's licensed replica of Duncan MacLeod's katana from the Highlander saga exceeds what you'd expect in a display weapon. Made of hand forged high carbon steel, this comes very close to the quality of entry-level cutting katanas.

Although not as rugged as a sword truly designed for tamashigiri, this replica of the katana used by the famous Scottish immortal warrior compensates with accurate details taken from the actual prop specifications. In the movie, Duncan acquired the katana from his samurai teacher. Ordered to commit ritual suicide because of passing on his swordsmanship skills to a foreigner, Hideo Koto requested that Duncan behead him with his own sword, which Duncan then inherited.

This replica does have the feel of a sword which could do much more than decorate a wall. Forty inches long with a 27-inch blade, the sword is hand-forged and tempered 1045 high carbon steel. That's one of the same grades used for good wushu kung fu blades, able to strike and rebound without being damaged. Although it isn't as tough as a combat quality blade, it could survive light cutting practice unharmed. Since 1045 isn't stainless, some regular maintenance and cleaning with light oil will be necessary to keep the blade spotless. The sword's tsuba and handle are less durable than the blade. To mimic the qualities of carved ivory, United Cutlery cast the ornate dragon head grip from resin. The resemblance to the real material is good.

The katana includes a scabbard similar to the one Duncan used for concealing the weapon beneath an overcoat. Made of leather and imitation leather, the quality isn't as good as the details of the sword, but the carrying system does work.

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]]> http://www.onlyknives.com/highlander-duncan-macleod-katana-w-concealed-scabbard-united-cutlery-scottish-sword-replica-w-ivory-handle/feed/ 0 SOG Tomcat Knife 3.0, Carbon Fiber S95CF-N | Collectible Knife Of The Year Award Limited Editionhttp://www.onlyknives.com/sog-tomcat-knife-3-0-carbon-fiber-s95cf-n-collectible-knife-of-the-year-award-limited-edition/ http://www.onlyknives.com/sog-tomcat-knife-3-0-carbon-fiber-s95cf-n-collectible-knife-of-the-year-award-limited-edition/#comments Tue, 27 Jul 2010 00:46:42 +0000 JT Hats http://www.onlyknives.com/?p=9955 SOG Tomcat Knife 3.0, Carbon FiberSOG's Tomcat -- the company's first folding knife -- won Knife of the Year in 1988, with innovations that set the bar for large lockbacks. This updated model called the Tomcat 3.0 Carbon Fiber is a limited edition of 450 knives with the same improved features included in the new production model plus high-tech carbon fiber handle slabs.

The Tomcat 3.0 is heavily built for a pocket folder with a large stainless steel bolster and strong stainless steel liners. The strength is the Tomcat's best feature, with higher quality components extending throughout the build. A 3.75-inch VG-10 blade forged in Seki City, Japan and hardened to Rockwell 59 to 60 gives the knife a totally functional clip point shape.

The blade opens with either hand using the left and right thumb studs at the blade's base. The opening system includes some of the best safety features available. This isn't the usual linerlock knife depending on a thin sheet of carbon steel to lock the blade open. SOG's Arc-lock locks the blade both open and closed with a tempered steel rod. Shift the lock to either end of the lever's slot to change the Arc-lock's function. In independent lab tests, this bar-lock supported over 1,000 pounds of force. Few of us will exceed that when using the knife. The knife self-adjusts as the action wears, so with normal maintenance, you can expect the SOG Tomcat 3.0 to perform as well next year as it does today.

Either version of the 3.0 weighs only 6.5 ounces, but that's still a lot of weight to carry loose in the pocket. The Tomcat 3.0 should be handier carried in its black nylon belt pouch.

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]]> http://www.onlyknives.com/sog-tomcat-knife-3-0-carbon-fiber-s95cf-n-collectible-knife-of-the-year-award-limited-edition/feed/ 0 SOG Revolver SEAL Folding Bowie Knife FX21-N | Locking Black TiNi Survival Saw Bladehttp://www.onlyknives.com/sog-revolver-seal-folding-bowie-knife-fx21-n-locking-black-tini-survival-saw-blade/ http://www.onlyknives.com/sog-revolver-seal-folding-bowie-knife-fx21-n-locking-black-tini-survival-saw-blade/#comments Mon, 26 Jul 2010 00:37:39 +0000 JT Hats http://www.onlyknives.com/?p=9952 SOG Revolver SEAL Folding Bowie KnifeMore than a folding knife and not quite a fixed blade, the SOG Speciality Knives & Tools FX21-N Revolver SEAL shows some of the good features of both. Both knife and saw blades were ground from the same strong bar of 440A high carbon stainless steel.

The basics of the FX21-N Revolver match those of the higher quality Trev-7 Revolver which SOG no longer manufactures. The blade quality of the lesser 440A steel is still serviceable but will require more maintenance than the tougher and harder AUS-8 of the Trev-7. Although it's made in Taiwan for SOG, the FX21-N has earned a reputation as a reliable camp and survival tool.

The Revolver overcomes some of the structural weaknesses of the folding knife with its unusual revolving blade. One blade always remains in open position, locked in place by a pressure pin in the base of the handle. This locking system gives the knife nearly as much blade security as a fixed blade. Thumb pressure on the pin lever releases the blade, allowing the user to reverse it on the bearing, placing the second working edge in open and locked position. The knife functions well as both a 4.7-inch combo-edged Bowie clip point knife and a serrated double-tooth saw. Weight of the 10-inch knife is a surprisingly light 6 ounces due to the glass-reinforced nylon handle grip. The structure under that grip is reliable stainless steel.

You'll need a good belt sheath for the Revolver since it handles and stores like a fixed blade. The light nylon sheath supplied with this SOG Revolver fares better if the saw blade is stored in the handle and the knife side of the blade is locked open, since teeth easily snag the fabric of the sheath.

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]]> http://www.onlyknives.com/sog-revolver-seal-folding-bowie-knife-fx21-n-locking-black-tini-survival-saw-blade/feed/ 1 Wusthof Knife Roll Bag Storage for 12 | Portable Black Cordura Duffel Casehttp://www.onlyknives.com/wusthof-knife-roll-bag-storage-for-12-portable-black-cordura-duffel-case/ http://www.onlyknives.com/wusthof-knife-roll-bag-storage-for-12-portable-black-cordura-duffel-case/#comments Sat, 24 Jul 2010 20:52:54 +0000 JT Hats http://www.onlyknives.com/?p=10073 Wusthof Knife Roll Bag Storage for 12 Machine-stitched from Cordura, the Wusthof 12-Pocket Knife Roll holds twelve prep knives securely and safely and stores pens and other small items in separate outer pockets. An inner flap covers and separates the knives and offers some additional storage for odds and ends.

The Wusthof knife roll is well-planned with elastic covers that hold knives in place and internal Velcro closures that lock down the corners of the second layer of the roll. More Velcro on the outside of the roll keeps the knife carrier shut tight. The main carrying system is a loop of Cordura strap sewn to the case in a duffel bag style. There's a pocket for a name tag or business card on the outside of the case, and access to the outside pockets via zippered closures.

The Wusthof knife roll also includes metal D-rings sewn to the ends of the bag, which accept the clips of a shoulder strap. The strap itself is not included with the bag, and the Cordura handle sewn to the bag is much stronger than the shoulder strap system.

Although this bag is good for occasional transport of your good cutlery and serves well for storage, it may not hold up to frequent heavy use. Cordura is a synthetic canvas often used for knife sheaths and tool pouches. While the cloth itself endures sunlight and resists abrasion and is moderately puncture-resistant, the stitching which holds Cordura products together is much more vulnerable to wear and tear. Inspect any weak points -- like the D-ring loops for the shoulder strap -- regularly before relying on them to support your good tools.

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]]> http://www.onlyknives.com/wusthof-knife-roll-bag-storage-for-12-portable-black-cordura-duffel-case/feed/ 0 Wusthof Knife Case for 25, Portable Storage & Travel Luggage | Professional Cutlery Suitcase, Black Naugahydehttp://www.onlyknives.com/wusthof-knife-case-for-25-portable-storage-travel-luggage-professional-cutlery-suitcase-black-naugahyde/ http://www.onlyknives.com/wusthof-knife-case-for-25-portable-storage-travel-luggage-professional-cutlery-suitcase-black-naugahyde/#comments Fri, 23 Jul 2010 20:43:46 +0000 JT Hats http://www.onlyknives.com/?p=10070 Wusthof Knife Case for 25, PortableThe luggage-quality Knife Suitcase from Wusthof safely transports up to 25 knives, plus kitchen utensils, gadgets, and even a few personal items. Made from leather-like naugahyde, the Knife Suitcase holds up to the rough handling all checked luggage can expect.

Storage capacity is good enough to transport a full kit to and from culinary school or professional appointments. The main compartment of the soft-sided bag is reinforced by a removable plastic storage tray, allowing chefs to lift out their knife collection as one piece. The back compartment of the white tray is a bin where essential gadgets can be kept handy. Internal flaps seal the knife compartment and provide extra separated storage for larger kitchen tools. Smaller pockets in an outer section store pen and pencil and other small odds and ends like notebooks and business cards. Access to that zippered compartment doesn't require opening the main bag. The dual zippers on the main compartments may be padlocked together for better security while in transport.

The bag will be carrying plenty of weight but is built to hold up to it, and the two carrying systems make hauling the knife case through airports as comfortable as possible. A canvas strap running around the case is the foundation for the wide suitcase-style naugahyde handle and puts very little stress on the bag's seams. Also connected to that foundation strap, the wide padded shoulder strap offers a restful second load support. The strap snaps on and off the bag quickly and stores in one of the outer pockets for check-in.

Although not quite so durable as genuine leather, naugahyde is long-lived and easily wiped clean. With ordinary care, the Wusthof Knife Suitcase should last for years.

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]]> http://www.onlyknives.com/wusthof-knife-case-for-25-portable-storage-travel-luggage-professional-cutlery-suitcase-black-naugahyde/feed/ 0 Black Dragon Fantasy Spear for Display | High Carbon Stainless Steel Black Bladehttp://www.onlyknives.com/black-dragon-fantasy-spear-for-display-high-carbon-stainless-steel-black-blade/ http://www.onlyknives.com/black-dragon-fantasy-spear-for-display-high-carbon-stainless-steel-black-blade/#comments Fri, 23 Jul 2010 01:27:58 +0000 JT Hats http://www.onlyknives.com/?p=9970 Black Dragon Fantasy Spear for Display Slightly over six feet long, this fantasy weapon doesn't exactly match traditional patterns -- but if your traditions include comic books and anime, you'll find the Black Dragon Spear familiar.

The black steel spearhead catches the eye immediately and includes some extra cutting edges that hint at old halberd designs, combining the chopping blades of a light battleaxe with the piercing point of the spear. The shape is obviously stamped, not forged, and that does detract a little from the look of the 13-3/4-inch high carbon stainless steel spearhead. Edges are ground accurately and enough fine detail is included that the result is a balanced and symmetrical design that looks like it might actually transfer to a combat model.

The two-piece shaft limits what testing owners might do. The two parts of the black aluminum shaft fit together by threading onto a cast metal insert. Although it looks good when properly aligned, the aluminum threads could strip if over-tightened or cross-threaded, so be careful when putting the spear together for display. The spiked pommel and the spear head itself should fit permanently into the halves of the shaft, but neither fitting was made for rough use.

Apart from the shape of the weapon, there's little decoration on this spear except for the cast metal dragon emblem bonded to the throat of the shaft. The spear seems quite realistic if you've spent much time in the virtual worlds of gaming and will make a nice addition to your collector's wall.

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]]> http://www.onlyknives.com/black-dragon-fantasy-spear-for-display-high-carbon-stainless-steel-black-blade/feed/ 0 Bud K Celtic Spear w/ Clyde Caldwell Art Print | Fantasy Savage Pole Weapon Collectiblehttp://www.onlyknives.com/bud-k-celtic-spear-w-clyde-caldwell-art-print-fantasy-savage-pole-weapon-collectible/ http://www.onlyknives.com/bud-k-celtic-spear-w-clyde-caldwell-art-print-fantasy-savage-pole-weapon-collectible/#comments Thu, 22 Jul 2010 01:18:17 +0000 JT Hats http://www.onlyknives.com/?p=9967 Bud K Celtic Spear w/ Clyde CaldwellDefinitely a nice display piece for those interested in fantasy weaponry, the Savage Celtic Spear from Bud K. appears too advanced to be truly savage. The worksmanship is artistic, not crude nor functional.

Pole arms must be one of the most difficult of the old weapons to duplicate well today -- or at least to ship economically. A single shaft of straight-grained hardwood still ranks as the best handle material for quality long arms. This replica with black aluminum shaft and decorative Celtic cross-shaped spearhead must disassemble for shipping. That's the primary weak point -- any other weak points pale compared to it.

Re-assembled with a cast metal spacer threaded in the joint, the shaft of this six-foot spear is sturdy if you can resist testing it much. For display or for more ceremonial uses, the spear is well made and has an authentic look -- at least in New Age Celtic terms. The spearhead resembles Celtic weapons from gaming history more than any counterpart from old Europe. No one skimped on steel in this spearhead of 440 stainless steel. Cut from one plate of high carbon alloy, the blade reaches 15 inches in length with a strong tang reinforced by cast metal ornamental fittings. Central to the design is the Celtic cross medallion fastened to the hub of the main blade and two smaller axe-blade wings. The lower end of the spear's shaft holds a cast metal spiked pommel.

An 18-inch by 24-inch collectible art print by fantasy artist Clyde Caldwell is included with the Savage Celtic Spear and shows the weapon in the hand of a savage warrior princess.

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]]> http://www.onlyknives.com/bud-k-celtic-spear-w-clyde-caldwell-art-print-fantasy-savage-pole-weapon-collectible/feed/ 0 British Military Commando Knife, WWII Collectible | Forged Fairbairn Sykes Dagger Replicahttp://www.onlyknives.com/british-military-commando-knife-wwii-collectible-forged-fairbairn-sykes-dagger-replica/ http://www.onlyknives.com/british-military-commando-knife-wwii-collectible-forged-fairbairn-sykes-dagger-replica/#comments Tue, 20 Jul 2010 15:16:20 +0000 JT Hats http://www.onlyknives.com/?p=9949 British Military Commando Knife, WWIIDesigned by William Fairbairn and Eric Sykes just prior to WWII, the Fairbairn-Sykes combat dagger was first produced for the British Army in 1940. Built to the specifications of these two veterans of the Shanghai Municipal Police, the dagger design first produced by Wilkinson Sword became the most popular Allied commando knife of WWII. Many other companies produced their own versions such as this replica forged in Sheffield, England.

The Fairbairn-Sykes dagger evolved through several patterns, but changes included only minor refinements. The ricasso, or unsharpened section at the base of the blade, was replaced by sharpened diamond-cross-section blade all the way to the cross guard. Blade length varied, and this 11-3/4-inch model with 7-inch blade is a little shorter than some. The WWII version allowed penetration of three inches of heavy clothing and several inches of body beyond that, using the Soviet Army Greatcoat as a target standard. Although Fairbairn went on to design a second type of combat dagger, many professionals preferred this first design. The older version of the commando dagger saw continued use by many military forces long after WWII ended.

This Parkerized dagger of high carbon steel uses a ridged metal handle over a rat-tail tang, held fast by an end bolster peened solidly in place. The non-reflective black coating extends to all parts of the knife, including the stainless steel blade guard. You'll appreciate the sleek black leather belt sheath almost as much as the knife.

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]]> http://www.onlyknives.com/british-military-commando-knife-wwii-collectible-forged-fairbairn-sykes-dagger-replica/feed/ 1 Ka-Bar Last Ditch LDK TDI w/ Pistol Grip | Tactical Law Enforcement Neck Knifehttp://www.onlyknives.com/ka-bar-last-ditch-ldk-tdi-w-pistol-grip-tactical-law-enforcement-neck-knife/ http://www.onlyknives.com/ka-bar-last-ditch-ldk-tdi-w-pistol-grip-tactical-law-enforcement-neck-knife/#comments Sun, 18 Jul 2010 15:05:08 +0000 JT Hats http://www.onlyknives.com/?p=9946 Ka-Bar Last Ditch LDK TDI w/ PistolThe smallest knife so far in the Ka-Bar TDI series, the Tactical Defense Institute LDK neck knife could actually be stored in your wallet. The Last Defense Knife isn't much larger than a credit card and wields a wicked cutting edge just 1-5/8 inches long.

The flat build uses the same pistol handle theory as TDI's larger knives, but the grip only accommodates two fingers. The jimped spine of the blade allows some backup pressure from your thumb, but there's very little knife here to hang on to. The hard plastic sheath of the LDK could be worn on a necklace, with the knife hanging upside down in the friction lock scabbard. A firm tug on the handle pulls it loose, but the bouncing and vibration of a hard run should leave it in place.

The small size makes the knife easily concealed. Ka-Bar suggests that the LDK tucks discreetly away under harness straps -- stitched on through the edges of the sheath -- if you're suited up for tactical assault. Tucked away in a civilian pocket or purse, or strapped to running gear, the LDK could be a confidence builder for some. TDI's fighting concept regards the knife as a claw, and the unique handle orientation presents the blade in that instinctive way. Made from 9Cr18 high carbon steel, hollow ground at a shallow 15-degree angle, the tiny LDK holds a razor-sharp edge.

The small size is also the knife's biggest problem -- the LDK isn't large enough to grip securely. You'll want something bigger as a primary defense, and something bigger as a backup. As a backup for the backup blade, the LDK is still borderline, but it might be all you have left. At 0.15 lbs, it won't drag you down.

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