AnsomMag.com |

The basic functions of sporting knives have undergone little change over the lifetime of this magazine or its readers, yet the cutlery itself has evolved. New blade and handle materials, new construction techniques and new silhouettes have all come into play. This isn’t done simply for the sake of novelty, but instead to improve on the effectiveness, user comfort and safety of the knives as they’re put to their intended purposes.

And what a long list of intended purposes: filleting a freshly caught bass, cutting a length of cordage, punching holes in paper targets on the firing range and so on. Many of your customers will need more than one knife to suit more than one purpose, but even if they’re only looking for one cutlery piece, they may still be interested in seeing a wide array of choices. There are customers who are always on the lookout for the latest and greatest, and those who make a hobby of collecting commemorative designs.

To satisfy all of them, it’s important to have a well-rounded knife selection, one that covers these bases while remaining current. One way to look at knives is to see them as high-tech gadgets—which helps explain why Victorinox brought out several new products this year at the Consumer Electronics Show rather than at a sporting goods confab—and in any permutation of high-tech gadgets, strong “buzz” will lead enthusiasts to track the products down. As always, stay in touch with your favorite cutlery distributors for their input.

What follows is an alphabetical list of some of the leading sporting cutlery manufacturers, and what they’ve been doing over the past few months in terms of product introductions:

Benchmade Knife Co. (Oregon City, OR): For 2010, Benchmade is partnering with Warn Industries to produce edged tools that complement Warn’s extensive line of off-road products. Under this partnership, announced in January, four new products are set to launch this year, with a variety of different mechanisms, materials, and price points. They include Large and Small AXIS Assist Folding Knives, the Model 9 CB-1 Utility Hook and the Houdini AET, which Benchmade describes as “the keychain that could save your life.” (800) 800-7427

BlackHawk Product Group (Norfolk, VA): The military, outdoor and law enforcement product maker has retooled its CQD Mark I into the Mark I Type E and two versions of its smaller counterpart, the Mark II, also subtitled Type E. With the same button-lock mechanism and secondary safety, recessed seatbelt/cord cutter and carbide glass breaker, the Mark I Type E features a handle made from injection-molded reinforced nylon mounted to a 420J stainless steel frame. It’s available with a plain or partially serrated edge and a pocket clip for right or left-side, tipdown carry. The Mark II comes with either a nylon/stainless steel handle or an aircraft aluminum one, the latter meaning a price point that’s twice as high. (757) 436-3101

Gerber Legendary Blades (Portland, OR): As one of more than 30 new products coming out for 2010, Gerber’s AO F.A.S.T. 3.0 brings the manufacturer’s proprietary F.A.S.T. technology to backpacking. F.A.S.T., which stands for Forward Action Spring Technology, denotes a spring- assisted blade opening mechanism designed for Gerber by custom knife maker Butch Vallotton. It offers “easy attachment options thanks to the handy carabiner clip,” according to Gerber. “Pop the top on your favorite beverage and revel at how good the modified drop point spreads peanut butter on your favorite campsite snack.” (800) 950-6161

Havalon Knives (Cincinnati, OH) Havalon’s new “Predator” Quik-Change Skinning Knife features scrimshaw-style laser etched handles and Havalon’s proprietary Quik-Change blades. The idea, according to Havalon, is that “when the blade gets dull, just pop it off and replace it with a new one.” (800) 638-4770

Leatherman Tool Group (Portland, OR): Arguably the originators of the multi-tool, Leatherman last fall brought back its Super Tool with a plethora of of new and upgraded features. The new Super Tool 300, or ST300, is described as “19 tools in one.” Among those 19 tools: a high-carbon stainless clip point knife with straight edge and a sheepsfoot serrated knife; needlenose and regular pliers; removable wire cutters and hard-wire cutters; stranded wire cutter, wire stripper, electrical crimper, 5/16,” 1/8” and 7/32” screwdrivers; Phillips screwdriver; wood/metal file; saw; bottle opener; can opener; ruler; and awl with thread loop. Reviews in the consumer press have been largely positive. At the other end of the spectrum, Leatherman last summer brought out the Freestyle and Freestyle CX, which it says will “fold up to be just larger than a pack of gum.” (800) 847-8665

Victorinox Swiss Army (Monroe, CT): William McKinley was the Oval Office occupant when Victorinox’s multi-tool was legally registered in its native Switzerland on June 12, 1897. McKinley’s successors since Lyyndon Johnson have presented these multi-tools as presidential gifts. “Over 34,000 of these pocket tools with the distinctive Swiss cross leave the factory in central Switzerland each day,” according to Victorinox. Ninety percent are for export to over 100 different countries and serve as ambassadors for Switzerland.”

With more than a century of history behind it, the Victorinox product line nonetheless keeps in step with the times. In the 1990s, the company introduced the Swiss Card, a credit card-sized multi-tool that can fit into a wallet (but needs to be removed before attempting to go through an airport security screening). This year, Victorinox brought out its newest wrinkle—electronic versions of its basic concept—at CES.