Five people you must see at Blade Show 2016

Blade Show 2016 is literally right around the corner. Whether it is your 1^st or 71^st time attending the largest knife show in the world, there's always something new to see — and a few must see people. We'd be remiss if we didn't tell you about a few of the latter.

Choosing 5 was hard to do. Not all knives appeal to everyone. Some fans of the forged blade cannot stomach a CNC design, and fans of precise tactical offerings cannot fathom how one forged blade cannot be identical to the next one.

This Blade Show will feature numerous clinics and classes showing the differences from master knife makers like Tom Krein, Ryan M. Johnson and Abe Elias throughout the weekend. If you do not care for knife making as a craft but prefer something a little more actively martial you can check out Ernest Emerson’s “Surviving the Active Shooter” course, James Keating's katana demos or Bobby Branton's knife throwing clinic the same weekend.

Like we said, something for everyone.

Five people you must see at Blade Show 2016

1. John Gonzalez at Dervish Knives.

Dervish Knives will be at table 12U.

They will have a nice selection of custom and mid-tech knives, ranging from small fixed blades (starting at $100) to higher end customs like their popular Alchemy and Navajo folders. A portion of the long-awaited batch #2 of the Ursa Minor midtech fixed blade (featured in a previous RecoilWeb article) will be available first-come-first-served. Please stop by, check out their work, enter a lottery drawing, or just say hello!

2. PB&J Handmade Knives 

The world famous Jones Brothers can be found at table 22-F under the name of PB&J Handmade Knives (the show promoters may have incorrectly listed them as PB&J Custom Knives).

People should come see the partnership of a fairly new maker teamed with a pair of 30-year veteran knife makers. They are taking old American-made saw blades and re-purposing the steel. Recycling if you will, into what are some of the best bush craft and hunting style blades on the market, all with a unique look.

Expect Barry Jones to maybe have a few tactical devices on hand as well.

3. Rick Hinderer

Hinderer Knives can be found at table/booth 612.

This is an exciting Blade Show for Rick Hinderer Knives, who will be launching a new knife design at the show, the MP-1 model, which will feature their latest innovation: the HMBS (Hinderer Modular Back spacer).

The HMBS is an easy to install accessory that increases both the customization and versatility of the MP-1. The HMBS can be changed out without disassembling the knife. They will be introducing a HMBS system that will fit the XM-18 3.5″.

They will have a wide range of products will be available to purchase at Blade that will include some limited run offerings in the XM-18 3.5″ line, a new Harpoon Tanto FATTY Edition as well as a Spanto FATTY. Their full line of fixed blade knives can be found at the show: LP-1, FXM and Fieldtac. Of course they will have all of the popular productions from their line up as well: Investigator Pens, Extreme Duty Pens, Titanium replacement scales, tools, and more! Rick will be teaching an hour long class on Saturday morning at 9:45 about his ventures.

4. Les George 

Les George Knives can be found at Booth 721.

There he will have an all g10 handled version of the m1918 trench knife, Damascus commando dagger with a color case hardened handle and some of his custom folders, in particular some 3v/XHP Damascus and Tanto bladed VECP midtechs. Additionally he will be showcasing the Defiant7 brand (collaborations with Chad Nichols) in the same booth, and will have Midtech Kumus and hand ground Servos available.

Ryan M Johnson of RMJ Forge

In our opinion, you cannot visit Blade Show without seeing the master tomahawk maker of the 21^st Century. He'll be at booth 619. Ryan M Johnson of RMJ Forge will be on hand with more than just his awesome tomahawks, but hand forged custom knives and kukris as well.

The one we have our eye on is the Iron Ulu.

Don't miss Ryan's seminar at 1100 on Saturday.

The 2016 BLADE Show will take place June 3-5, 2016 at the Cobb Galleria Centre in Atlanta, Georgia.

NEXT STEP: Download Your Free Target Pack from RECOIL

For years, RECOIL magazine has treated its readers to a full-size (sometimes full color!) shooting target tucked into each big issue. Now we've compiled over 50 of our most popular targets into this one digital PDF download. From handgun drills to AR-15 practice, these 50+ targets have you covered. Print off as many as you like (ammo not included).

Get your pack of 50 Print-at-Home targets when you subscribe to the RECOIL email newsletter. We'll send you weekly updates on guns, gear, industry news, and special offers from leading manufacturers - your guide to the firearms lifestyle.

You want this. Trust Us.