Silver wire inlay is one of several forms of embellishment—along with scrimshaw, decorative filework, metal engraving and carving—used on knife handles. For me, none of these decorative enhancements should replace what the basic knife should be: a well-designed, functional, well-made tool using the best materials and workmanship possible. Take a knife with these criteria and add some form of embellishment and you have a piece that a collector, user or aficionado of fine cutlery would drool over and want to own.

Equipment needs, steels, temperatures, references, forging the tip, taper, bevels and tang, and much more.

There's nothing better than spending time in the presence of an experienced knifemaker, except maybe, learning a few tricks of the trade.

Follow Joe Szilaski’s method and your knife handles will have no chips, cracks or errors.

The TOPS MAK-7 dagger goes against the grain - and one-on-one - with the author.

Glenn Marshall has lived through a World War II explosion that cost him an eye, ear, spleen and gall bladder. Next week he'll live through his 90th birthday party.

Ronald Best's knifemaking career began by grinding up old wrenches. See how far he's come.

Q&A: Joe Szilaski answers the question:
How do I cap off a cool knife?

See Video of the 2008 BLADE Show Here.

The new-Look BLADE Show World Championship cutting competition promises to be a title-tussle royal.

How straight should the blade on your knife be? Joe Szilaski gives it to you, pardon the pun, straight.