We’re just back from the Blade Show in Atlanta. For us, it’s the perfect place to showcase what truly sets our knife steels apart, not only in terms of material performance, but also in how we support the makers who choose to work with our products.
A timely launch
The show coincided perfectly with the launch of our latest storytelling project in collaboration with our partner John Phillips; bladesmith and Forged in fire champion, the documentary film: “Beyond the Blade: A Journey with John Phillips and Primeaux Knives.”
The short film dives into the life and craft of custom knifemaker John Phillips, founder of Primeaux Knives, capturing the dedication, innovation, and artistry that define the knife community. It was rewarding to hear so many visitors at the booth recognize themselves in his journey, and to see the passion this community shares for steel that performs at the highest level.
If you haven’t seen the film yet, you can watch it here
Key takeaways from this year’s show
Material performance remains top of mind.
Much of this year’s conversation revolved around performance – particularly the balance between hardness, corrosion resistance, edge retention, and the increasingly discussed toughness. These four properties make up the core criteria for evaluating high-performance knife steel, whether for outdoor, culinary, or everyday carry applications.
Our high-alloy stainless steels, like 14C28N – continue to gain traction among both seasoned and emerging makers who want a reliable, proven material that delivers on all fronts.
Curious about how these performance categories really work?
Stay tuned – we’ll soon release a special article based on our recent interview with steel expert Larrin Thomas from Knife steel nerds, where he shares insights on what truly matters in stainless knife steel performance.
Sustainability is gaining traction.
More visitors asked about responsible sourcing and the environmental impact of steel production than in previous years. With over 94% recycled content in our knife steel portfolio, our materials continue to stand out not only for what they do, but how they’re made.
Community matters.
Whether it was catching up with long-time partners or meeting new makers testing their first prototypes, one thing was clear: innovation thrives in conversation. The enthusiasm, openness, and sheer creativity on display reminded us why we love what we do.
We left Atlanta energized and inspired. Thank you to everyone who stopped by, shared their work, asked tough questions – and reminded us that behind every great blade, there’s a story worth telling.