New knives new profits: gun dealers can carve out impressive sales in this strong segment of the marketplace!

Shooting Industry, Sept, 2003 by Dexter Ewing

New Outdoor Knives Ready For Stout Duty

Gun dealers look to hunters and other customers who are drawn to the outdoors as a vital part of their market. New hunting models, fixed-blade and folding models, will hold up under heavy use of field dressing game, blended with edge-holding qualities and ease of maintenance.

These outdoor knives are always popular, and as long as there are hunters, fishermen, hikers, campers, and others who venture afield, then there will be a market for this style of knife.

Blade-Tech offers a high-end folder for the serious hunter. Company president Tim Wegner designed the knife to handle all field duties from skinning to caping. The Wegner Pro Hunter features a 4-inch blade of S30V premium stainless steel, dual-nested steel liners and a choice of G-10 or carbon fiber handles.

Outdoor Edge's new Hybrid Hunter was designed by custom maker Neil Blackwood to fit the hand naturally--and it does. It has a 3 1/2-inch AUS-8 drop-point blade. It is a stylish and functional piece that will please any hunter.

Browning has introduced the Extreme F.D.T. folders for hunters. There are three models in the series. The Model 693 has three 3 1/2-inch 440 C-type stainless-steel blades: a contoured drop point, a saw and a drop point with guthook.

SOG Specialty's' newest creation, the SEAL Revolver, is a unique fixed blade that actually has two blades--a modified clip point and a crosscut saw. Both blades are on a pivot system. To switch from the main blade to the saw, the entire blade assembly rotates around--hence the name. The unused blade stored securely and safely inside the molded thermoplastic handle.

Columbia River Knife & Tool's K-AT multi-carry fixed blade has a unique integrated lanyard system. It offers greater security in working conditions where chances of knife loss is greater. The knife has a modified drop point, Zytel handles and a flexible sheath carry system.

Gerber Legendary Blades' GamePro folding skinner is designed by custom knifemaker Rick Hinderer. It has a 3-inch skinner blade and stainless-steel handles with rubber inserts to enhance grip quality. A pocket clip allows the knife to be carried easily during hunting season. Gerber also rolled out its Freeman Hunter series. with 4-inch blades, ergonomic handles with hardwood overlays and a choice of a drop point or drop point with guthook blades. The knives come with a leather belt sheath.

While Chris Reeve's New Green Beret knife falls under the tactical-knife category, as smaller version of the blade will be of interest to hunters. The smaller model has a 5 1/2-inch CPMS30V blade. The handle is the same as its bigger brother, a rugged canvas micarta handle with integral hand guards.

Gun Company Knives Are Popular Sellers

Firearm customers exhibit a lot of brand loyalty. So do knife customers. Combined the two and you have a selling bonus. That's why a number of gun companies market their own line of knives.

Smith & Wesson knives, marketed by Taylor Cutlery, has models in its line that range from tactical to pocket knives. The new Border Guard tactical folder offers unique styling with a useful blade shape. The 4-inch drop-point blade is made of sturdy 440C steel. A stylized handle of T6 6061 aluminum has a contrasting flame pattern. The Extreme Ops series offers three blade shapes, tanto, drop point and clip point--set into an ergonomic handle of G-10 fiberglass laminate. The Extreme Ops are designed and built for use and easy carry with a pocket clip. Their blades are made of black Teflon-coated 440C steel.