Click here to download the catalog as a PDF file. To view this site you need Adobe Flash Player and your browser must allow javaScripts. Go here to get the latest Flash Player. Story & Photos: Pat Covert CUTTING EDGE! Innovation, Diversification Drive Knife Market T T he annual Blade Show in Atlanta, held this year in May, is a prime barometer of how the cutlery industry is doing financially and where it’s going trend-wise. The two key words heard frequently at the show were “innovation” and “diversification.” Innovation comes in many forms, from hot new steels and machining tricks to en- velope-pushing design and locking mechanisms. Many consumers see their knife as more than a utility or self-defense tool — they see it as a conversation piece. Joyce Laituri, marketing director for Spyderco, says new and exotic materials are hot right now. “Spyderco has been working with some new blade and handle materi- als. For instance, we’re using what we call ‘peel-ply’ carbon fiber for handles, where we use the textured backside of the material as the handle surface, which offers a better grip. We’re also using new steel called H-1 that displaces carbon with nitrogen — this way it never rusts,” Laituri said. Jeff Goddard, director of sales and Benchmade marketing director Rob Morrison (front, right) says the company is offering 3-D machining on its handles and other “tricks” to appeal to consumers. www.shootingindustry.com SEPTEMBER 2008 41