Page 13 - Blade (February 2020)
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hat collectors
look for in the Knife: Art Knife Folding Auto. Maker: Javier Vogt. Blade
Whottest custom m length: 4.75”. Blade steel: Ladder-pattern damascus
by Marcial Dos Santos. Opening mechanism: Automatic
knives is embodied in 14 ou ut-
guard release. Handle: Antique tortoise. Lock: Linerlock.
standing examples of fi fixed Closed length: 5.5”. Knife To Know: Vogt knives won the
blades and folders submitt ted to Best Folder Award at both BLADE Show 2019 and the
BLADE® by several top industry pur- 2019 BLADE Show West. Knife Treasures price: $8,500.
(SharpByCoop image)
veyors. The knives are built by some of
the most talented makers extant, makers
with talent levels that seem to be going
nowhere but up.
When it comes to show wcasing the
world’s top custom makers in terms of
knife mechanisms and locks, it’s hard to
beat those who build folders. Argentina’s
Javier Vogt is making some of f the slickest
and best looking autos anywhere,
including his Art Knife Folding Auto,
this issue’s cover knife. Vogt has the vote
of Carlos Lopez of Knife Trea asures.
“He is a young knifemak ker that has functionality of a tactical flipper,”
a very bright future. He is one of the stated Andrew McMichael, director of
hottest makers out there and d his knives consignment sales for Arizona Custom
are very hard to come by,” Lopez noted. Knives. “What is most extraordinary is
“His knives and presentation n are a 10!” that this knife is not just a flipper but a
Another auto in Lopez’s stable is front flipper. Enrique has designed the
the Automatic Dagger by Alex Gev. action in such a way that all ranges of
Sporting spectacular engraving, also by knife enthusiasts will be able to operate
Gev, the folder opens via t the maker’s it with proficiency and enjoyment.”
ingenious Wedge Lock on the knife’s In addition to collectible folders with
integral guard. “It is an amaz zing locking clever contraptions are those of the
mechanism that works incredibly well smaller, dressier variety. An example is
and is easy to operate,” Lopez observed. the Joule by Jonas Iglesias. FIXIN’ to
“The knife’s engraving is just top notch “Jonas’ combination of size, organic Fixed blades, especially those of
and the best.” feel and excellent mechanics have the forged variety, continue to be
A graduate of the Bill Ruple School of definitely caught many collectors’ hot, including those by makers who
Knifemaking, Enrique Pena makes the attention,” wrote Recon 1’s Sako have been in demand for some time
Trapper Front Flipper, a hybrid of a classic Rouchanian. “The design of the Joule in now. According to Les Robertson
slip-joint pattern and a tactical folder. particular has been most desirable, with of Robertson’s Custom Cutlery, the
“This knife has the timeless class collectors today going more towards the popularity of such knives is in part due
of a traditional slip joint and the smaller folder.” to some high-priced custom folders.
Knife: Bowie. Maker: Ben Breda. Blade length: 10”.
Blade steel: Ladder-pattern damascus. Blade fi nish: Acid
etched. Handle: Amber ironwood. Guard: Stainless steel w/
damascus and stainless steel spacers. Overall length: 15”.
Sheath: Leather, custom made by maker. Maker’s price
for a similar knife: $1,550. (Ben Breda image courtesy of
Robertson’s Custom Cutlery)
FEBRUARY 2020 blademag.com 13
