Sharpening at the Waxahachie Farmer’s Market for the next two Saturdays 7/27 & 8/3!

FIfi the Thinker

I will be set up and sharpening at the Waxahachie Farmer’s Market for the next two Saturdays from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.  Come see me at the market, pickup your fresh fruit and vegetables, and get your knives sharpened.  I look forward to seeing you on Saturday.  

Update on the Right to Carry Switchblades in Texas

After receiving the second most views to my website in a day and some questions on facebook and at the courthouse about the new law to take effect in Texas in September, I thought I would voice my lay and unbiased opinion as to the reason for the new law.  I believe the law is the result of the current popularity of assisted opening knives.  In the last 10-15 years, there has been a flood of assisted opening production and custom knives sold. It all started with the Ken Onion and his torsion bar assisted opening knife.  Assisted opening knives have become prevalent in all aspects of the knife community.  Over the past year, probably 30-40 percent of the knives that I sharpen at the shows are assisted opening.  They are some of the most popular knives made.  The knife community has tried to make a distinction between assisted opening knives and automatic knives (switchblades) to keep assisted opening knives legal to carry.    Switchblades involve pushing a button and a spring opens the knife. Assisted opening you have to push the blade to start the opening of the knife and some mechanism inside the knife assists in the rest of the opening.   That is the argument as to why assisted opening knives do not fit in the definition for a switchblade and therefore are legal to carry in Texas and in other states.  Each state has its own definition for a switchblade or automatic knife.

The definition of switchblade was amended in Texas in 2009 to seemingly address the distinction with assisted opening knives and to keep them out of the definition of switchblades, because switchblades are illegal in Texas to carry.  

Prior to September 1, 2009, the definition of a switchblade was:

“Switchblade knife” means any knife that has a blade that folds, closes, or retracts into the handle or sheath, and that: 
~ ~ ~ (A) opens automatically by pressure applied to a button or other device located on the handle; or 
~ ~ ~ (B) opens or releases a blade from the handle or sheath by the force of gravity or by the application of centrifugal force.

Switchblade was amended on September 1, 2009 to be defined as: 

“Switchblade knife” means any knife that has a blade that folds, closes, or retracts into the handle or sheath and that opens automatically by pressure applied to a button or other device located on the handle or opens or releases a blade from the handle or sheath by the force of gravity or by the application of centrifugal force. The term does not include a knife that has a spring, detent, or other mechanism designed to create a bias toward closure and that requires exertion applied to the blade by hand, wrist, or arm to overcome the bias toward closure and open the knife.

The Texas legislature tried in 2009 specifically excluded knives that require exertion applied to the blade by hand or wrist, or arm to overcome the bias toward closure and open the knife.  I love the language used by the legislature.  Once you start the blade moving then some inner mechanism that overcomes the bias toward closure and opens the knife, i.e. assisted opening.  I believe that instead of trying to define the distinction between assisted opening and switchblades, the legislature just chose to remove switchblades from the list of prohibited weapons listed in section 46.05 of the penal code.   

The organization lobbying the legislature for the change in the knife laws is Kniferights.org.  This organization is similar to the NRA but lobbies for knife rights.  They were responsible for the almost change in policy for the airlines accepting small knives on planes.  Here is the link for the recent post on KnifeRights.org on the new Texas law:

http://www.kniferights.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=221.

I hope this helps.  This is just my opinion and I have no research or facts to back it up.  It is worth what you pay for it.  Additionally, this is the knife I am looking at for my everyday carry on September 1st,. WOOOOT!

Protech TR-3 D2 USA Tactical Response Automatic Knife (3.5″ Black Plain)

or maybe 

TR-2.3 Protech Tactical Response 2 Automatic Knife (Black / PLN)

You can carry an automatic in Texas after September 1st, 2013

On June 14, 2013, Governor Rick Perry signed HB1862 into law repealing Texas' ban on automatic knives.  The law goes into effect on September 1st, 2013.  The changes to the Texas Penal Code Sec. 46.05 are as follows:

"Relating to the criminal consequences of engaging in certain conduct with respect to a switchblade knife.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:

SECTION 1.  Sections 46.05(a), (d), and (e), Penal Code, are amended to read as follows:

(a)  A person commits an offense if the person intentionally or knowingly possesses, manufactures, transports, repairs, or sells:

(1)   an explosive weapon;

(2)  a machine gun;

(3)  a short-barrel firearm;

(4)  a firearm silencer;

(5)  [a switchblade knife;

[(6)]  knuckles;

(6) [(7)]  armor-piercing ammunition;

(7) [(8)]  a chemical dispensing device;

(8) [(9)]  a zip gun; or

(9) [(10)]  a tire deflation device.

(d)  It is an affirmative defense to prosecution under this section that the actor's conduct:

(1)  was incidental to dealing with a [switchblade knife, springblade knife,] short -barrel firearm[,] or tire deflation device solely as an antique or curio;

(2)  was incidental to dealing with armor-piercing ammunition solely for the purpose of making the ammunition available to an organization, agency, or institution listed in Subsection (b); or

(3)  was incidental to dealing with a tire deflation device solely for the purpose of making the device available to an organization, agency, or institution listed in Subsection (b).

(e)  An offense under Subsection (a)(1), (2), (3), (4), (6), (7), or (8)[, or (9)] is a felony of the third degree.  An offense under Subsection (a)(9) [(a)(10)] is a state jail felony.  An offense under Subsection (a)(5) [or (6)] is a Class A misdemeanor.

SECTION 2.  The change in law made by this Act applies only to an offense committed on or after the effective date of this Act. An offense committed before the effective date of this Act is governed by the law in effect on the date the offense was committed, and the former law is continued in effect for that purpose. For purposes of this section, an offense was committed before the effective date of this Act if any element of the offense occurred before that date.

SECTION 3.  This Act takes effect September 1, 2013."

KnifeRights.org did a great job getting this passed in Texas.

You can bet that when the sun comes up on September 1, 2013, I will be sitting in a sunflower field with a loaded 60 year old plus Model 11 Remington 12 gauge shotgun and an automatic knife in my  pocket. waiting for the doves to come.  WOOOOOT!!!!!.  What a way to start the hunting season!  

Sharpening in Corsicana This Weekend, 7/20 & 7/21

Premier Gun Show in Corsicana at the I.O.O.F Event Center, 601 North 45th Street, Corsicana, Texas 75110, Sat 9-5 & Sun 10-4, Children under 12 and uniform peace officers free admission, General admission and weekend passes $10 cash only, free parking.  This is my first time in Corsicana.  Come see me.  Bring your scissors and knives.  Bring your chef knives, my favorite.  I hope to see you there.  

2013 BLADE Show Knives of the Year Awards

Knife enthusiasts converged on Atlanta in June for the annual BLADE Show + Living Ready Expo. This is the largest and most prestigious knife gathering of the year.   This is the Super Bowl of the knife industry.  Always eagerly anticipated are the Knife of the Year Awards.  Below is a list of this year’s winners:

• Overall Knife Of The Year: Zero Tolerance 0454
• American-Made Knife Of The Year: Hogue Elishewitz EX-04
• Imported Knife Of The Year: Fox Knives Modras
• Most Innovative American Design: Microtech D.O.C. Kill Switch
• Most Innovative Imported Design: CRKT Ken Onion Swindle
• Best Buy Of The Year: CRKT Endorser
• Kitchen Knife Of The Year: Ken Onion Chef Works
• Investor/Collector Knife Of The Year: Pro-Tech Newport
• Knife Collaboration Of The Year: Microtech Mick Strider
• Manufacturing Quality Award: Chris Reeve Knives
• Accessory Of The Year: CRKT Onion Survival Parasaw
• Industry Achievement Award: American Bladesmith Society (ABS) master smith Joe Keeslar for introducing  the ABS and modern bladesmithing to France through annual workshops, as well as teaching bladesmithing in the USA via seminars and his books, for his award-winning knives, and for his leadership via several terms on the ABS Board Of Directors and as chairman of the ABS, and;
• Publisher’s Award: Joyce Laituri, marketing manager of Spyderco, for almost two decades of setting the standard for how to best promote and publicize a knife company’s knives—in this case, those of Spyderco. Her ability to work with the media in terms of providing Spyderco knives, knife imagery, knife information and other materials has been a model for all others in public relations to emulate. No one has done it better.
  

  Zero Tolerance 0454 – Overall Knife of the Year!
  

  Hogue Elishiwetz EX-04 – American-Made Knife Of The Year
  

  Fox Knives Modras – Imported Knife Of The Year
  

  Microtech D.O.C. Kill Switch – Most Innovative American Design
  

  CRKT Ken Onion Swindle – Most Innovative Imported Design
  

  CRKT Endorser – Best Buy of the Year!
  

  Ken Onion Chef Works Rain – Kitchen Knife Of The Year
  

  Pro-Tech Newport – Investor/Collector Knife Of The Year
  

  Microtech Mick Stride – Knife Collaboration Of The Year!
  

  Chris Reeve Knives – Manufacturing Quality Award

  CRKT Onion Survival Para-saw – Accessory Of The Year

  

  CRKT Onion Survival Para-saw – Accessory Of The Year!
  

  American Bladesmith Society (ABS) master smith Joe Keeslar – Industry Achievement Award
  

  Joyce Laituri, marketing manager of Spyderco – Publisher’s Award
  CUSTOM KNIFE WINNERS:
• Best Tactical Folder: Sniper Bladeworks
• Best Fixed Blade: David Lisch;
• Yvon Vachon Best Miniature Award: Yoshio Sakauchi;
• Best Sword: David Mirabile;
• Best Damascus: John White;
• Best Art Knife: Steve Rapp;
• Best Collaboration: Bob Terzuola and Brian Fellhoelter;
• Best New Maker: David Sharp; 
• Best Folder: Scott Sawby; 
• Best Bowie: John White;
• Best Handle Design: E. Scott McGhee;
• Best Fighter: E. Scott McGhee;
• Best of the Rest: Steve Culver;
• Most Innovative Design: Grant and Gavin Hawk;
• Best Utility Hunter: Alan Hutchinson;
• Hugh Bartrug Best of Show Award: John White.

Sharpening at the Cleburne Gun Show 7/13 & 7/14!

I will be sharpening at the Cleburne Gun Show this weekend.  Cleburne Conference Center, 1501 W.  Henderson St., Cleburne, TX 76033, Show Hours Sat 9-5 & Sun 9-4, Admission $7, Free Parking, 300 Tbls, Call 918-658-4500, Allen Bowles for information.  This is a great show, lots of knife people.  Bring your cutlery and shears!  Vance Hinds.

In Search of the Wire Edge!

When learning to sharpen a knife on stones growing up, Pop always told me to thin the edge.  For years I had no idea what he meant.  I just knew that some knives would get sharp and some wouldn't.  There was no rhyme or reason.  After sharpening many, many knives, I finally had my Eureka moment.  I found my wire edge.  Once you learn to get a wire edge on a knife, you can make it razor sharp, every time.  Pop was right, again.  As that edge thins, the very tip begins to roll and fold over.  The edge becomes rough.  You can see the wire edge fold to one side, and then to the other as you pass it over the stone, belt or steel.  Do this on a rougher surface until the wire edge forms.  You can run your finger up the side of the knife blade and feel the wire edge rolled over.  The rest of the sharpening process is simply knocking the wire edge off and honing the edge.    A medium grit stone or buffing wheel can knock off the wire edge.  Once gone, use a fine stone for final hone.  The last couple of strokes is just the weight of the blade on the finest stone or knife steel.  Hair popping sharp.  Just as Pop said, all you have to do is thin the edge.   Miss you Pop!

Sharpening at the Waxahachie Gun Show - 7/6 & 7/7!

The Civic Center will be busy with guns, knives, ammo, accessories and even a slot machine (for sale).  Come out and see me.  Bring your knives, scissors, and other edged tools.  Times are 9-5 on Saturday and 9-4 on Sunday.  Admission is $7 for one day or $12 for both.  My table is in the middle of the south wall.  I have a sign taped on the wall.  I hope to see you this weekend.  As always $5 to sharpen and $5 for heavy buffing and clean up.  Come See Me!  Waxahachie Civic Center, Waxahachie, Texas, 2000 Civic Center Lane Waxahachie, TX 75165

The Sharp Machine

If there is one constant at my shows, it is the comments I receive from my Sharp Machine.  This is absolutely the best sharpening device on the planet.  I used a Tormek Supergrind 2000 for more than thirteen years.  I am on my second grinding wheel with my Tormek.  I thoroughly enjoyed the Tormek, but it does not hold a candle to the Sharp Machine.  I watched the internet for a belt grinder that turned fairly slow and away from me while sharpening.  In my search I stumbled across this sharpener.  After a pleasant conversation with Gene Hoffpauir, I purchased the The Sharp Machine Professional Sharpening System.  My intent on buying the system was to use it for convex edge grinds only.  I intended to use the Tormek for everything else.  After receiving the system, I quickly began using it exclusively.  Although I carry the Tormek with me to the shows, I never plug it in anymore.  I have sharpened swords, lawnmower blades, knives, scissors, razors, hedge trimmers, shears, and all kinds of other edged tools with the Sharp Machine.  The system always performs tremendously.  I cannot endorse this machine enough.  If you are looking for a sharpening system to buy, this is the one.  You can find the machine on their website:

http://www.thesharpshoponline.com

Vance Hinds