In 2013, I was asked by Blade Magazine to contribute to a chapter in an upcoming book, “BLADE’s Best Factory Knives: The Best Factory Knives of BLADE’s First 40 Years.” Here is what I submitted for Chapter 2 entitled “The Best Factory Knives 1989-2000”:
Top Factory Knives 1989-2000 for BLADE
– KERSHAW / KEN ONION ‘SPEED-SAFE’ ASSISTED OPENERS, Model 1510 Random Task: The most significant development in one-hand opening knives of the decade and beyond, Ken Onion’s patented assisted opening folders made by Kershaw has been the most successful custom collaborative invention in this current cutlery renaissance. Since its introduction in 1999, Kershaw has experienced a rebirth to become an industry leader and major US manufacturer. This unique idea has generated a new category – mockingly the sincerest form of flattery.
– SPYDERCO C11 DELICA / C10 ENDURA: Spyderco, an industry innovator since 1978, is practically alone when it comes to continual improvement within their product line as exhibited with their most popular Delica and Endura models. Since their inception in 1990, this duo has continued to evolve with many subtle and major improvements, including an ambidextrous pocket clip, David Boye dent, and five different steels. Spyderco’s philosophy of uncompromising quality with maximum affordability is epitomized in these two knives. Through ardent R&D testing and re-thinking, in and out of the box, Spyderco is the industry standard, making the hardest working and best performing knives at every price level. They are frequently copied, but rarely equaled.
– BENCHMADE / EMERSON CQC7, Model 970: The folding tactical that helped put both Benchmade and Emerson on the map. Initially a joint project between manufacturer and custom knife maker, this knife eventually developed into a new company, Emerson Knives Inc. The CQC7 has the distinction of being the first ‘chisel ground’ production tactical and the first (and only) with a solid titanium blade and tantalum carbide edge.
– SPYDERCO C36 MILITARY MODEL: “No more than necessary, no less than perfect.” Spyderco’s mantra exemplified in the C36 Military Model. The cornerstone in their Save and Serve line, the Military Model was designed to “meet the requirements of a high-performance, light-weight folder designed for hard use.” The ultimate expression of this concept is the lock’s liner nested (inlayed) directly into the scale, pumping up lock strength without the addition of bulky liners. Creative and unconventional facades paired with a brilliant design sensibility underneath – in a nutshell, this is Spyderco. This truism has been proven over and over again, typifying the ‘ClipIt Revolution’ that began in 1981 and has spawned many inventions and innovations by the creative mind of Sal Glesser. Virtually every locking folding knife made today and in the last twenty years owes at least one design feature to Spyderco.
– WILLIAM HENRY STUDIO T10: The real gold standard of quality, this Oregon based studio has created the ultimate gentlemen’s folder. Matt Conable has bridged the gap between custom, production, and art knife, adding his egocentric sensibilities to design, style and the use of the highest quality materials coupled with impeccable craftsmanship that easily rivals the best custom makers earning his company multiple Blade Show awards.
– BENCHMADE MCHENRY/WILLIAMS AXIS LOCK Model 710: The first supremely successful locking system after the Linerlock®, with its ambidextrous ease of use and inherent strength, the Axis lock is the symbol of Benchmade’s pursuit of high quality and hi-tech that made tolerances of 0.0005” an industry standard.
– CRKT K.I.S.S.: Designed by Ed Halligan, the K.I.S.S. (Keep It Super Simple) single-sided knife series proved that ‘less is more.’ The overwhelming success of this knife pushed CRKT over the top and made them a company to watch. In addition to routinely introducing many utilitarian models, they have followed their unique tradition by creating many eclectic designs to the delight of the Gee Whiz collectors.
