CEO: Chris Byers
About: Born from the dreams of two students in high school ION Productions combines 2 unique and seemingly unrelated skillsets of entertainment software and innovative devices and has mashed the two together in their eloquent flagship product the XM42. What is the XM42? The XM42 is a flamethrower. A flamethrower? YEAHHHH. Some people would ask why would anyone want a flamethrower. My questions is why would someone not want one. From the cool factor alone it is certainly worth adding to one collection of other fine artifacts. OK, so beyond cool what value does it have? Easy. For firefighters this could be an indispensable tool. Ever heard of fighting fire with fire? In many cases that is exactly what firefighters do with a technique known as a back burn. Problem with current conventional methods is they often use drip systems that puts firefighters at greater risk do to close proximity of the fire they are fighting. A few feet can mean the difference between life and death, literally. The
VS.
Other practical uses include: melting snow and ice, clearing unwanted foliage, insect control, racing drag strip preparation and just plain fun.
Opportunities: Educating the public on the utility and practical applications.
Biggest Hurdles: Matching development capacity with market demand. Hysteria driven regulations that do not understand the product or value and utility it brings to the market.
If you have to have a flamethrower and you want one that is built on a high quality platform then the XM42-M is the one for you. To learn more check them out here: http://xm42.com
By: DL Austin
Categories
Shopify IS KILLING Gun and Knife Businesses
October 11, 2018
by Administrator
Shopify joins other tech and retail giants and wades into the realm of politics, political correctness and social justice while trying to maintain the false appearance that it has nothing to do with politics or censorship and that they are not political. Again the loud left whines loud enough to coerce action to be taken against free speech, capitalism and the 2nd Amendment, and Shopify bows to their pressure by amending their terms and conditions in ways they understand will cause great hardship and will in fact be the death nail to many small mom and pop retailers who take part in the legal sale of firearms and firearm related merchandise. That is right, once again guns are targeted. Guns, not criminals, are blamed for criminal activity and guns, gun owners and businesses are shut down seemingly without a voice or say in the matter.
Are guns really the only things being targeted though? Here we will discuss the policies of Shopify and let you decide if you think they will stop with your gun or if the gun is just the foot in the door and the excuse to start the process of taking action against other legitimate individual and business interests.
When asked by the Associated Press, Tobi Lutke, Shopify’s CEO states: “Solely deferring to the law, in this age of political gridlock is too idealistic and functionally unworkable”, “we had to accept that neutrality is not a possibility.”
So what does this mean? This means if you sell ANY weapon related items, services or accessories such as stun guns, knives, self-defense classes, or even simple paper targets you are in fact in the crosshairs of the left and their tech cronies.
While knives have not yet been mentioned we take these further statements by Shopify to mean that in fact they also are under serious consideration. “We have recently amended our Acceptable Use Policy (AUP) to restrict the sale of certain firearms and parts on our platform," and “we may further refine our policies as needed."
So while many knife retailers and brands are breathing a sigh of relief thinking the new rules surrounding guns does not affect them, at WeaponSeeker we would caution such thinking as being naive. To validate this point let’s look at what Shopify’s AUP actually states. If you are a knife related company (or any weapon related business) then we highly encourage you to evaluate your position based on the facts and prepare yourself for what we see as an inevitability.
Regulated products and services ( source: https://www.shopify.ca/legal/terms-payments-us )
Marijuana dispensaries and related businesses; alcohol or alcoholic beverages; sale of tobacco, e-cigarettes, or accessories including e-juice or e-liquid; online pharmacies or pharmacy referral services; age restricted goods or services; weapons and munitions; gunpowder and other explosives; fireworks and related goods; toxic, flammable, and radioactive materials; products and services with varying legal status on a state-by-state basis.
The naïve knife guy/gal will say “but (my) knives are not weapons they are tools”. REALLY? Can’t the same thing be said about a gun? Just for jollies though I will play the game. Okay, does your “tool” face different legal status in different states? Think not? Then this goes beyond naïve and you seriously need to research your business further. So you have no excuses, here is a great resource to help understand the peril you and your business in fact face: https://kniferights.org/about/accomplishments/
Still in denial? Let’s take this one step further. Stripe is the official payment processor for Shopify. Since a business is not much of a business without the ability to accept payments, let’s look at their “Prohibited Businesses” ( https://stripe.com/us/prohibited-businesses )
Regulated or illegal products or services
Marijuana dispensaries and related businesses; sale of tobacco, e-cigarettes, and e-liquid; online pharmacies; age restricted goods or services; weapons and munitions; gunpowder and other explosives; fireworks and related goods; toxic, flammable, and radioactive materials; products and services with varying legal status on a state-by-state basis; goods or services, the sale of which is illegal under applicable law in the jurisdictions to which your business is targeted or directed.
Notice the similarity? Now let’s dig a little deeper into actual knife dealers’ experiences. True Talon writes on Shopify’s discussion forum about Stripe “My website was disqualified by Stripe because we sell knives.” Another post on their forum by Charles Morris “Funny. Knives aren't weapons. They are tools! Nonetheless, how nice is it for shopify to not allow us to use their credit card gateway b/c we sell "weapons", then charge US an additional 1%, because we aren't using their gateway.”
So Shopify (currently) overlooks the weapons classification for knives but says you cannot use our payment processor because they are “weapons”. Is that typical lib-speak or what? To us this sounds like a double headed coin. So the question then becomes do you really think it wise to gamble your business?
However, for the convenience of oversight (Shopify) currently is still going to charge a gateway fee. REALLY!
And for the knife businesses (and other weapon related businesses and services) out there that think they are safe and still are not able to connect the obvious dots the questions becomes, when do you think the convenience of collecting the extra unearned 1% will be not worth the inconvenience of dealing with the crybaby snowflake crowd when their sights turn to knives/etc.? How many more terrorist stabbings will need to take place? Remember, in their minds it is NOT the criminal but the “tool” that is at fault instead.
Ironically, Shopify also stated that their gun policy change affected "a small number of merchants," but would not give a specific number. Reading between the lines and understanding the impact this has on so many means that what they are really saying is in the grand scheme of things this will not have much effect on their business and that they have little concern that they are literally destroying the lives of so many others who have worked so hard to grow and develop their own small businesses.
At WeaponSeeker we find it incredibly ironic that out of one side of their mouth the leftists spew ideas of hate against what they consider corporate abuse, but when it instead suits their own agenda of subjugation and intolerance they laud the praises of the same corporate entities they claim to hate. I guess in their minds it only makes sense for them to Twitter gather using their iphones on Wallstreet mocking the very capitalist system that gave them Twitter and iPhone in the first place. What is even more ironic is that more companies continue to bow to the pressure thinking this somehow takes them out of the crosshair of lunacy.
If you are reading this you are guilty. You know you have probably said it hundreds of times on the fascist Facebook platform that someone needs to come up with an alternative. At WeaponSeeker we have done just that and more.
WeaponSeeker is a complete ecosystem ranging from full scale social network services to ecommerce. The purpose of WeaponSeeker is to serve the entire weapons, survival and outdoors community. If you are a business it’s time to consider a switch to an online social and e-commerce platform that not only will never abandon you, but actually supports your interests. It you are an individual it’s time to consider a switch to an organization that supports your God given rights to self-preservation and the protection of the ones you love.
At WeaponSeeker we like to say we are like Facebook minus the trash. Not only is this a funny statement but one that is also very true. On WeaponSeeker you will not be bogged down with fake news and misleading ads nor will your voice be drowned out by liberal tears. Setting up an account is free and for businesses additional free upgrades provide even more access to great services, including advertising, that can help you run your weapons, survival or outdoor related business without fear of political censorship.
The time to join WeaponSeeker is now. Through unity it’s time to make our voices heard. Together we too have a voice we can use. The time is now to fight fire with fire and stop letting the insane have their way and continually change the rules to suit their needs.
Martin Niemoller: Then they came for me—and there was no one left to speak for me.
Mantis
April 26, 2018
by Mantis
Personal Review: (Updated 3/3/22)
At Weapon Seeker, we are excited about the Mantix X10 Elite. At a time when ammo is both hard to find and expensive, it becomes easy to quit practicing. Our technique suffers, our accuracy suffers, our speed suffers, and associated risks increase. As a dry fire training system Mantis X10 Elite helps responsible gun owners overcome these obstacles while also saving money. Mantis has made dry fire practice mentally rewarding at many levels. Soon those dry clicks will sound like coins dropping in the coin jar for when ammo is again reasonable, and you’re ready for the range. Great! Take Mantis X10 with you. Yes, it is also a great tool for live-fire training.
Firearms Instructor: Adam Ratigan
About: Matis is a technology driven firearms training system to help improve one’s shooting performance. By keeping track of each shot’s details this allows the user to see where habits have been developed causing one to be less accurate. Because each shot is tracked in real time this also helps the shooter to make real time adjustments before bad habits do develop. With the added component of an online interface this also allows a shooter to share shot data with their instructor further aiding in the training process.
To see a nice video of the Mantis in action check this out: https://youtu.be/GD581peV75I
Opportunities: Expanding the use of technology and new innovation in the shooting industry
Biggest Hurdles: Community engagement with new innovations
To learn more about Mantis and how you can improve your shooting accuracy check Mantis out here: https://mantisx.com
By: DL Austin
BladeShow
June 11, 2018
by Administrator
Another year is in the books and once again BladeShow was a resounding success. Held in Atlanta, Georgia each year BladeShow is the world’s largest retail knife event. Over the years BladeShow has gained acclaim for being the go-to destination for those seeking to learn what new blades and accessories are on and coming to the market. Since its inception in 1982 BladeShow has matured well. The professionalism given in the structure and planning is recognizable upon entry and throughout the event.
Each year BladeShow averages around 800 vendors that come from around the world to bring their best and show their wares to the knife and blade loving community.
BladeShow exhibits all levels of makers ranging from those that only make a few highly customized pieces a year to companies that operate at a true commercial retail level in production.
With a turnout of around 20,000 BladeShow has a significant impact on the local Atlanta community bringing in several million dollars to the economy in terms of event revenue, accommodations, food, transportation and entertainment.
As a note of caution when reserving a hotel stay, make sure to do your research. After booking a room through Travelocity in what appeared to be a fairly nice place to stay (InTown Suites - 3000 Highlands Pkwy SE, Smyrna, GA 30082) based on their images we soon came to realize how easily things are distorted and how some businesses stay in business by ripping people off. Upon arrival, we were given a room that had a stench so bad it took your breath away. We soon realized all the furniture was broken down, the cabinets were in disarray and missing pieces, the bathroom had holes in the walls, there was old urine in the toilet, there appeared to be blood in the bathtub a dried brown liquid substance all over the walls. Quickly realizing the place was uninhabitable we returned the key to the night manager since the office was closed and told him we were unable to stay under such conditions. He simply remarked “it happens sometimes” he then said it would be no problem to cancel, he would return the key to management and that we would receive a refund. No such refund happened and in fact, we were charged for 2 nights instead. In speaking with Travelocity the evening of the canceled reservation they said they would handle everything. They did not and have since shuffled us through numerous agents and have said they cannot help in the situation any longer as they were restricted by the hotel's policies. In explaining to Travelocity they are responsible for the vendors they allow to use their service and sending them pictures of the room in its disheveled and filthy state they simply referred me again and have since not followed up.
Now back to the fun times.
Immediately upon entry to the actual show one will start to experience sensory overload. For the blade lover and enthusiast, it is easy to lose track of one’s priorities as you are quickly sucked into a vortex or beauty and craftsmanship. Row after row, table after table, booth after booth you will soon find your brain is fuzzy with the myriad of options, styles, makers and details of all the pieces you have seen.
I quickly learned after seeing a knife I thought I would later come by and purchase that if you want it you better get it right away as it likely will not be there upon return. In fact our very first interview on Friday with Michael Anderson Custom Knives we soon came to realize he was already bought out. It was immediately obvious that high-quality makers are highly prized and sought after. Fortunately, some of his buyers were kind enough to allow him to keep and show the merchandise until the show ended. This experience helped us to understand how important it is to have a plan of attack in place well in advance of attendance.
Before the show, we encourage you to download an event map and mark the location of your highest priority visits. Once you arrive, make sure to stick to your plan and hit the priority vendors right away. You will be easily distracted but stay focused and get your primary business taken care of first.
While at the show, as if the tons of vendors were not enough to keep one fully entertained, BladeShow also offers several training sessions (Blade University), competitions, entertainment, honor award events and tons of comradery.
Having attended several other types of events what I immediately noticed is the attitude of the crowd. Everyone was happy, everyone was excited and everyone was friendly. It was easy to feel like you were part of a large family where everyone was eager to discuss and share their love of everything blades.
Once the interviews started it was an amazing experience. Each maker was excited to tell us their story, show us their products and treated us as if were their lifetime friends. In the end, several friendships were made that I look forward to growing as we continue to watch each maker continues to cultivate their craft.
Some interviews we conducted that we would like to we would like to bring special attention to the makers include:
Michael Andersson Custom Knives
Adv Tactical
Marsh Custom Knives
Simeon Custom Knives
Joel Chamblin
Jim Coffee Custom Handmade Knives
Tidal Ridge Knives & Leatherwork
Javier VOght
Lin Rhea
Aperion Bladeworks
KM Designs
Kee Made Knives
Ed Cope Designs
Mace Vitale
Huse Knives
Hofshommer Forge
Tansu Knives
Cultro Tech
A full list of vendors included:
Name
(TRM) Three Rivers Mfg
2Birds Metalworks-Mike Jeffries
A.B. Hudson Knives
A.G. Barnes
A.G. Russell
A2 Knives
AA Forge Custom Knives
Abraham & Moses Survival Equipment
Abrams & Co
Abrasives, Inc./ Hog Brand
Adam Unlimited Stingray
Adams, Bill
Adams, Les
Adkins Wood & Knife, LLC
Admiral Steel/Terry Summers
Adv Tactical
Affinity Tool Work
African Custom Knives
AIK - Adams International Knifeworks
Akeron
Akio
AKU Strike
Al Mar Knives
Alabama Damascus Steel
Alaskan Fossil Ivory/ Jerry Kochheiser
Alaska's Finest Ivory
Alexey Konygin
Alfa Knife
Allen Elishewitz
Alpha Knife Supply (AKS)
Alphahunter Tactical Design
American Bladesmith Society
American Buffalo Knife and Tool
American Knife & Tool Institute
AMK, LLC
Andersen Forge
Ankrom Exotics
Anso, Jens
Anthony Griggs
Antigua Fragua
Antique Switchblade Collectors
Antonini Knives Italy
Anyang USA Power Hammers and Presses
Apeiron Bladeworks
Apogee Culinary Designs, LLC
Appalachian Area Chapter of Blacksmiths
Arcform+Flytanium
Arduous Enterprises LLC
Arizona Custom Knives
Arizona Ironwood LLC
Armory Plastics LLC
Armour, Dave
Arno Bernard Knives
Artisan Cutlery
At The Helm Armory
Attleboro Knives
Attn2Detail Mercantile
Auctioneer-J. Bruce Voyles
Bad Dog Tools
Bader, Stephen
Badger Blades
Badger Claw Leatherworks
Bagley, Keith
Ball Custom Knives
Barnes, Britt
Barnett Custom Knives
Bartlow, John
Baskett Custom Knives
Bastinelli Knives
Bastion LLC
Batten's Exotic Knife Handle Supplies
BattlBox
Battle Horse Knives
Bawidamann Blades
Bear & Son Cutlery
Beauchamp Knives
Behring Made Knives
Ben Hulsey Pocket Knives
Ben Seward Knives
Benchmade Knife Co.
BergBlades
Best Russian Knives
BESTAR Steel Group
Bestech Knives Company
BG Blades
Biegler Bladeworks
Big Blu Hammer
Big Chris Custom Knives
Big City Custom Knives
Big Den's Knives
Big Hammer Forge-Aaron "Hyena" Schwartz
Bill Behnke Knives
Bill Buxton Knives
Bill Kennedy, Jr. Knives
Bill Ruple
Black Earth Knives, LLC
Black Widow Knifeworks
Blade HQ, LLC
BladeArt
BladeGallery
Bladepoint
BladeSports Int, Inc Knifemakers
Blue Grass Cutlery, Inc.
Blue Line Gear
Blue Ridge Knives
Bobby Hale
Boker USA
Booth, Philip
Borras Kustom Designs
Bose Knives
Bouchonville, Claude
Bouvier & Conkey
Boye Knives
Brad Mock Knives
Bradford Knives
Bradley, Dennis
Brainard, Dick
Breda, Ben
Breed Custom Knives
Brend Handmade Knives
Brennan Knives
Brian Efros Knives
Brian Tighe Group
Brian Tighe Group
Brnoborn Knives Inc
Broadwell, David
Brookshear, Chris
Brous Blades
Browning
BrrKnives.com
BRS
Bruce "Bing" Bingenheimer Memorial
Buchanan Knives & Ochs Worx
Buckeye Engraving-Steel Stamps
BucknBear Knives
Buddy Thomas
Burchtree Bladeworks
Burke Knives/ Marsh Custom Knives
Burke, Bill
Burn Knives
Burnley Knives
Burr King Mfg Co
Burtscher, Bob
Buy Brown Ind.
Buyknives.com - Granville Sales
Byington Blades
C. Luis Pina
Caffrey, Ed, "The Montana Bladesmith"
Camerer Knives
Captain Chris Stanaback
Carl Colson Knives
carlMichael Handmade Knives
Carothers Performance Knives
Carter Cutlery
CAS Brothers
CAS Iberia
Cashen, Kevin R.
Cathy's Knives
Cavedonart by Carlo Cavedon
Centofante Knives
CF Knives
Chad Weatherford
Chamblin, Joel
Chang Chun-Wei
Chaves Knives
Cheek, John E.
Chin, Jimmy
Chinnock, Dan
Chris Reeve Knives
Christensen Knifeworks
Chuck Cook Knives
Chuck Richards Knives LLC
Chuck Ward Photography
Clark, Jason
Clinton Knives
Clyde Challenor Knives
Coal Ironworks
Cold Steel, Inc.
Collectibles Insurance Services
Colonial Knife Corp
Combat Abrasives
Condor Tool & Knife
Cook, J.R.
Copper Shed Knife Works
Corrie Schoeman Custom Knives
Couteaux Michel Delanghe
Cox Custom Knives-Mayfly Forge
Crawford, Wes
Cromulent Knives
Cross, Kevin
Crouch Custom Knives
Crusader Forge
Crushing Force Blades-Brandt Noel
Culpepper & Company
Cultro Tech
Cunningham, Roger
Current Composites
Custom Knife Collectors Association
Cut Throat Custom Knives
Cutco Cutlery
Cutlery Specialties-Renaissance Wax/Polish
D.B. Webb Inc
Daddy Barlow Knives
Daggerr
D'Alton Holder
Damascus Depot
Damasteel AB
Damselfly Forge
Dan Peters Custom Knives
Daniel Stephan-Blue Planet Ordnance
Daniels Family Knives
Dan's Whetstone Company, Inc
Dark Timber Custom Knives
Darrin Thomas
David Patrick
David Sharp/ Sharpwerks
Davis, John
Davis, Steve
Dawson Knives
DB Customs
DDR Custom Knives
De Santis, Lou
Dead Crow Customs
Dean, Harvey
Deibert, Michael
Demberger's Knives
Demko Knives Inc
Demongivert Knives
Denis Mura
Denny Furey
Denton, John
Derr Knives
DesRosiers Knives
Deveraux, Butch Custom Knives
Diez Knives
Dilluvio, Mike
Dirk Loots
Diskin USA
DLT Trading
Doberman Forge
Doc Shiffer Knives
Dogwood Custom Knives
Double Star
Doyle Knives
Dozier Knives
DPx Gear, Inc.
Dragon Claw
Dragon Tech Design Knives
Dragon's Breath Forge
Draper Knives
Driver Defense
Dry Creek Forge
Dunlap Custom Knives
Durand, Raphael
Durio, Fred
E. Fritz Knives
EBossHoss.com
Ed Cope Designs
EDC Knives
Eddie J. Baca, LLC
Effenberk Custom Knives
Eggerling Damascus
EKA
Elmer Roush Blacksmith
Elsmore's Custom Knives
Emerson Knives, Inc.
Empire of Knives
Engravers Network
Entrek USA
EOS Knives
ESEE Knives
Esnyx Knives
Eutsler Custom Knives
Evans, Vince
Evenheat Kiln, Inc.
Exotac
EZ Designs
EZE-LAP Diamond Products
Famin Knives
Fanatic Edge Knives
Fayetteville Arms Room
Feldman Custom Knives
Fellhoelter Knives
Fenix Flashlights
Ferrum Technology
Fiddleback Forge Knives
Fiddleback Outpost
Fields Ancient Ivory
Fields Made
Fifty-Fifty Production LLC
Fine Turnage Productions
First Edge Knives & Tools
Fisk Knives
Fleming Knives
Fletcher Knives LLC
Flitz International, Ltd
Folts Knives
Ford Hardware Cutlery
Forrest Case Company
Foster, Tony
Fowler Blades
Fowler, Ed
Fox Hanx
Fox Knives
Franco Custom Knives
Free Hill Blades
Freeman Outdoor Gear
Friedly, Dennis
Frost Cutlery
Full Throttle Tools
Gahagan Knives
Gallery Hardwoods-Larry Davis
Gary House Mastersmith
Gary Martindale Custom Knives
Gary Wheeler Knives
Gaston Glock Style, LP
Gavko Knives
GD Skulls USA
Gedraitis, Chuck
Georgia Custom Knifemaker's Guild
Gerber Gear
Gerstner & Sons
GiantMouse Knives
Gillian's Knives
Glenn Waters Japan
Gloria Chopra
Glory Blades
Goat n Hammer
Gobles Knife Exchange
Golden Sun Imports
Gonzalez, Pedro L.-Tactical Folders
Goode, Brian
Gordon Romeis
Gottschalk Knives
GPKnives.com
Graham Knives/ JII Knives
Great Eastern Cutlery
Green Valley Custom Knives
Green, Arthur
Greg Bachley Fine Knives
Greg Dash Customs
Greulich Knives
Grissom Knife and Tool
Gritomatic
Groves Custom Knives
GRS Tools/ Glendo LLC
Grumpy's EDC
GTC Knives
GTI/ Gingrich Tactical Innovations
Guardian Tactical
Gudy van Poppel
Guinea Hog Forge
Gunner Products
Gunter Wilhelm Cutlery
Habilis Bush Tools LLC
Hafner Worldwide Inc.
Hammer Down Forge
Han Tang Forge
Hanko Machine Works
Hanson III, Don/Sunfish Forge
Hardcore Hammer
Hardcore Hardware Australia
Harrison, Mitchell
Hawk Designs
Hawkins Custom Knives
Hawkins Knifemaking Supplies
HDP Custom Knives
HEAdesigns
Heard, Tom
Heibel Knives
Helacious Blades
Hell-Bent Holsters
Helle Knives
Helm Enterprises
Hendrickson Knives
Hendrix Handmade Knives
Henry Torres Custom Knives
Hensley, Wayne G.
Heretic Knives
Herucus Blomerus Knives
Hibben Knives
Hill, Tobin
Hoffman Blacksmithing
Hoffman Haus Knives
Hofsommer Forge
Hogstrom, Anders
Hogue Knives
Holbrook, H.L.
Holstersmith.com
Holt Bladeworks
Holtan Knives
Horne, Grace
Hornet Custom Knives
Horrigan, John
Hoss Knives
Hossom Knives
Hovey's Knives of China
Huse Knives-James Huse II
Hutchinson, Alan
Hydrick Stewart
Igor Potapov
Illiknives
Imel, Billy Mace
Index Fasteners, Inc
Infinity Edge Sharpening Systems
Inspirs Design
Irie, Mike
Iron Creek Forge
Iron Man Steel
J. Hue Customs
J. Oeser Knives
J.C. Provost Knives
J.W. Bensinger Bladesmith
J.W. Randall Custom Knives
Jake Hoback Knives
Jantz Supply
Janus Designs
Jarvis, Paul
Jason Guthrie Custom Knives
JB Knife & Tool
Jeff Knox
Jen-Ken Kilns
Jernigan Knives
Jesse Mavity-Crump
Jim Coffee Custom Handmade Knives
Jim's Specialty Woods
JMD International, LLC
Joel Worley Knives
Johnny Stout Handmade Knives
Johnson, R.B.
Jonas Iglesias (JI Knives)
Jordan LaMothe Blades
Josh Fisher Custom Knives
Jot Singh Khalsa
Jou Fuu Leathers
Jourget, Philippe
Joy Enterprises
JRP Knife and Tool
JSM Cutlery LLC
June's Jewelry & Gifts
Junpei Makari
KA-Bar Knives
Kamer, Micah
KC Gray Handmade Knives
Kee Made Knives
Keith Fludder Knives
Keith Knives
Ken Hall Knives
Ken Johnson
Kencrest USA
Kencrest USA
Kencrest USA
Kendall Hughes Knives
Kennedy's Knives
Kenneth George Knives (KEG Knives)
Kenneth King Custom Knives
Kershaw Knives/ Zero Tolerance Knives
KeyBar
KHDaily Knives
Kilby Knives
Kilimanjaro Creations
Kilroy, Kyle
Kirinite
Kistner Knives
Kitchen Craft
Kizer Cutlery
KJR Distributing Inc
Klecker Knives
KM Designs
KME Sharpeners
Knife Africa
Knife Geeks
Knife Hunter
Knife Legends-Paul Shindler
Knife Rights
Knife Treasures
KnifeKits.com
Knifeology
KnifePurveyor.com
Knives by Hand-Khukri Knives
Kobra EDC Tools
Koch Tools Co.
Koenig Knives LLC
Koert Knives
Koji Hara
Kolenko, Vladimir
Krause Handmade Knives
Krein Knives
Kritzman Custom Knives
Kroll International, LLC
Krudo Knives
KSCarbon
Kubasek Custom Knives
L and L Enterprises
L.T. Wright Handcrafted Knives
Lambert Knives
Landis, David
Lansky Sharpeners
Larevo Knives
LaserStar Technologies Corporation
LATAMA Cutlery
LATAMA Cutlery
Laurent Veronique
Layer Watches-Maxknives
Les George Knives
Liam Fuller
Lightfoot Knives
Lin Rhea
Lion Armory USA
Liong Mah Designs
Lionsteel Knife Italy
Lisch Knives
LIT Laser
Little Lake Lodge
Lloyd Studios
Logan Pearce
Lonewolf & Sons
Longship Armoury
Loomis, F. David
Loveless Knives
Loyd McConnell
Lozada Tampa Knifemaker
Lucky 13 Custom Knives
Luma Blades USA
Lunar Eclipse Forge
Lynch, Tad
Lyon Knives
Lyons Den Products
Mac Coltellerie
MacCaughtry, Scott
Mace Vitale
Magee, Jim
Malosh, Mike
Manley Knives
Mantis Knives
Maple Knife & Tool
MarcinS Custom Knives
Mariano Yannoni Knives
Mark D Smith
Mark Knapp Custom Knives
Markman, Erik
Martin, R.J.
Martindale, Jim
Marttini Knives Finland
Masecraft Supply Co
Maserin Cutlery
Matsuno, Kansei
Matsuoka, Scot
Matthew Martin Pens
Mauricio Daletzky Knives
Mazur Customs
MB Custom Knives
McCarthy Knives
McCoun Tomahawks
McFarland Knife & Tool
McGinnis/ Foster Knives
McNees, Jonathan
Medford Knife & Tool
Meers, Andrew
Merriken Knives
Merz Knives
Meshejian, Mardi
Messori Manuele Custom Knives
Michael Andersson Custom Knives
Michael Dean
Michael Presnell Knives
Michael Raymond
Michael West - Westknives
Mick Strider Customs
Microtech/ Marfione Custom Knives
Mike Norris Damascus
Mike Tyre Custom Knives
Mike Zscherny Knives
Miller Bros. Blades
Miller Industries
Millit Knives
Millner-Haufen Tool Company
Mil-Tac Knives & Tools
Minonokuni Yamahide
Mission Knives
ModusWorks
Moen Works+Hardcore Products
Molnar, Mark/ Burton, Bob
Monolith Knives
Montenegro, Facundo
Moro Knives
Mouzinho, Silvana
Muller, George
Mummert Knives
Myers Knives
Natalia Zabelina
Navarrete Knives
NC Custom Knifemakers Guild
Neels Van Den Berg (ABS JS)
Neely Forge
Nell, Chad
New England School of Metalwork
New Jersey Steel Baron LLC
Newton, Larry Knives
Niagara Specialty Metals
Nicholas-Rick Beam
Nichols Damascus
Nick Swan Knives
Nikolai Lomachenkov & Maria Stalina
Nini's Exotic Materials
No. 7 Knife and Tool Co
Noake Custom Knives
Nobu Yamamoto
Noren, Douglas
Northridge Tool LLC
Novatech Resources Pte Ltd
Novinc Knives
Nowland Knives
Nuclayer Systems-Daniel O'Connor
O.X. Knife Works-Daren Hamrick
Ober Metalworks
Oceantrd
O'Hare Knives
Ohta, Hiroaki
Olamic Cutlery
Olde Towne Cutlery
Olight Flashlights
O'Machearley Custom Knives
Omega Knives
Omnivore Blade-Works
Ontario Knife Company
OOAK Forge
Oostendorp, Toni
Origindia LLC
Outdoor Edge Cutlery Corp
Ouye, Keith
P.H. Jacob Custom Knives
Pacific Edge Cutlery
Page, Larry
Painted Pony Designs
Palawan Blade
Paragon Industries
Paragon Knives
Pardue Knives
Parker, Cliff
Patriot Bladewerx
Paul DiStefano Knives
PB&J Handmade Knives
Pease, W.D. Custom Knives
Pena, Enrique
Perrin, Fred
Perry, Johnny
Pete Crowl Knives
Peter Martin Knvies/ Cory Martin Imaging
Peters' Heat Treating, Inc
Peters, J.L.
Petersen, Dan L.
Phoenix Abrasives
Piergallini, Daniel Knives
Pierre Leblanc-Engraver
Pinkerton Knives
PirtleMade Custom Leather
Ploppert Custom Knives
Plumbob's Knives
Poling, Jim P.
Ponzio, Doug
Porterfield Knife & Tool
Potier, Timothy
PowerTac Flashlights
Preferred Abrasives, Inc.
Premium Knife Supply
Preston Custom Knives
Prince Customs
Prometheus Lights
Pro-Tech Knives, LLC
Quesenberry, Michael
Raffir USA
Ragsdale, Jim
Randall, Steve
Randall's Adventure and Training
Rapp Knives
Rassenti Knives
Rat Worx USA
Ray Murski
Ray Rybar-Stone Church Forge
Razor Sharp Unlimited
RB Tool & Design
Reate Knives & Tools
Rechsteiner, Carl E.
Reclaimer Craft and Design
Recon 1
Red Horse Knife Works
Reeder Products, Inc
Reformed Knives
Regel, Jean-Louis MS
Revishvili, Zaza
RH Preyda Company
Rhineland Cutlery
Richard Rogers Knives
RichMade Knives
Rick Hinderer Knives
Rick Ward/ Randall Knives Dealer
Riddle, Jerry
Rietveld, Bertie
Rike Knife
RIP Knives
Ristinen, Lori, Scrimshander
Riverside Machine (Uncleal)
RMJ USA
Rob Carper Innovations
Robbins Custom Cases
Robert Champion Knives
Robert Oldaker Blades
Robert Stumphy Jr
Robo-Jet Waterjet Cutting Fabrication
Rockin' Blocks
Rockstead Knife
Rodebaugh, James
Rodney Watts Custom Knives
Ron Best Knives
Ron Chen - Sakae Forge
Ron Richerson Knives & Supplies
Ron Stepp's Yukon River Knives
Ronald Cotton Hewitt Custom Knives
Roosevelt, Russell
Root, Gary K.
Rowe's Leather
Royer, Kyle
RP Knives
Rudy Dean Custom Knives
Runyon, Gary
Russian Blades
RussianKnives.com
Rustick Knives, LLC
Rustworx
Ryan, Steve
S. Boeck J.S
S. Gallagher Knives
Samuel Lurquin
Sander Knives
Sandow, Brent
Sandra Brady/ Scrimshaw by,
Sanford Custom Knives
Santa Fe Stoneworks
Savidan, Thierry
Sayoc Global, LLC
Schutte Knives
Schwarzer Bladesmith
Scorpion 6 Knives
Scott Davidson -Solid Rock Knives
Scott Taylor Knives
Scruggs Woodworks
Seaton, David
SELECTOOL-Master Sharpener
Serge Knives
Shadetree Custom Composites
Shadow Tech Knives
Shane Taylor Knives
SharpbyCoop Photography
SharpByDesign/Brian Nadeau Custom Knives
Shaw, Grazyna
Shayne M Carter
Sheely, Butch
Sheffield Knifemakers Supply
Sheffield Knifemakers Supply
Shining Moon
Shirogorov Knives
Shore, John I.
Shosui Takeda
Shot N Sharp Stuff
Siggers Custom Knives
Silverline Knives
Simeon Custom Knives
Sinbad Glue
Sinclair Brothers Knives
Sinkevich Design
SK Knives-American Metal Exchange
Skike Custom Knives
Slice Fine Knives
Slysteel LLC
Smith & Sons Knife Company
Smith Handcrafted Knives
Smitty's Designs
Smoky Mountain Knife Works
Smoky Mountain Knife Works
Sof-stx Concepts
SOG Specialty Knives & Tools
Southard Knives/Grimsmo Knives
Southern Outdoor & Collectibles
Spake Handmade Knives
Spartan Blades USA
Special Operations Equipment
Springboard Engineering
Spyderco, Inc
Squid Industries
STA Custom Knives-Spencer Aplin
Staffiero Knife Works
StatGear
Steel Will Knives
SteelStampsInc.Com
Steier Custom Knives
Stek Knives
Stephenson Knives
Sterling Custom Knives
Steve Dumchus - Nova Blades
Steve Dunn Knives
Stice Handmade Knives
Sticker Knives
Stinging Edge Products
Stonehaven Knifeworks
Stoner CNC, LLC
Stover, Jeff
Summers, Nate
Sun Devil Service + Supply
Survival Teachings LLC
Sutton Custom Knives
SWAG Off Road
Swan Lake Knives
Swenson Knives
Swiss Bianco
SWIZA
SWZKnives
SZCO Supplies, Inc.
Szilaski Custom Knives
T Star Leather
T.M. Hunt Custom Knives
T.R. Overeynder Knives
Taber, David & Jason
Talon Holsters
Tandy Leather Factory
Tansu Knives
TBC Knives
Terrain 365-Michael Vagnino
Texan Knives
TFW
The Belt Grinder
The Brothersmiths
The Dylan Grace Blade Company
The Pathfinder Knife Shop
The Ultimate Knife
Theuns Prinsloo-African Custom Knives
Thie, Brian
Thomas CutCo
Ti Survival
Ti2 Design/Bond Knives
Tidal Ridge Knives & Leatherwork
Tietz Custom Designs
Tim Britton Custom Knives
Timberlee Tool & Trade
Tinker Workshop
Todd Begg Knives
TOJIRO Knife Atelier
Tom Ward/Tempest Craft
Tomberlin, Brion MS
Tommy Carroll (Mountain Rain Studio)
Tony's Knives & Collectibles
Tools For Gent
Top Quest Inc
TOPS Knives
Tormek
Toshiaki Michinaka
Tozaki, Shigeru & Yuko
Trae Gaenzel Designs
Trash Panda Knives
Treeman Knives
Trend
Tri-City Knife Works
Trollsky Custom Knives
Trout, George Knives
True North Knives
Truncali Custom Knives
TSPROF Knife Sharpener
Tuch Knives
Tuff Writer Mfg, LLC
Turnbull Knives
Twisted Kilt Forge
Ulticlip
Ultimate Defence Knives
Ultimate Survival Tips
Unique Traders
Urban Tactical
US Concealed Carry Association (USCCA)
USA Made Blade
USGladius
Utica Cutlery Co.
V Nives
Vallotton Custom Knives
Van Amburg Leathers
VanderMeulen, Jeff
Vanquest Tough-Built Gear
VDK Knives
Vegas Forge
Vehement Knives/Kopis Designs
Venier Forge
Vestal, Charles
Vickers Custom Knives
Vincenzo Balistreri
Viper Knives
Vogt, Javier
Voodoo Resins
Vox Knives
Vulcan Tactical LLC
VZ Grips
W.A. Surls Knives
W.C. (Bill) Johnson
W.R. Case & Sons Cutlery, Co.
Wahl Knives
Wander Tactical Research Team
Warlander Leather Inc
Warthog Knife Sharpeners
We Knife Co., Ltd
Weaver Leather
Wells, Robert
Wenger Blades
Wesley G. Hibben
Wess Barnhill Knives
West Tennesse Knifemakers Association
West, Brad
White River Knife & Tool, Inc.
White, Gordon
Whittaker Knives
Wicked Edge Precision Sharpeners
Wild Boar Knife
Wild Wood Design
Will Moon Knives
William F. Moran Jr. Foundation
Williams Blade Design
Williams Custom Knives
Williams, Jared
Williams/Bharucho/Barker Knives
Wilmont Knives
Wilson, Stan
Winkler Knives
WM Knives
Wood Dynamics SBI
Wood Stabilizing Specialist Int'l
Woody Handmade Cutlery
Work Sharp
WR Bladeworks
Wright's Oak Grove Knife & Iron Works
Wuertz Machine Works
X8 Tactical
Yobo Tool
Yooper Squatch
Young, John
Yurco, Mickey
Zac Brown's Southern Grind
Zach Wood Custom Tools
Zermeno Knives
Zhang Yan
Zieba New York
Zinker, Brad
Zladinox
Zombie Fabrication
Zombie Tools
MK Shows
January 15, 2019
by Administrator
Recently I had the privilege of attending the MK Shows Civil War show, in Franklin TN. While located at the spacious Williamson County Ag Expo Park I was surprised to see the building was jam-packed full of vendors. While most vendors were focused on the historical time period of the Civil War several other vendors were also present bringing in everything from as early as the crusades to as late as Vietnam.
This was a great educational opportunity for me. While having more modern day weapons experience I admittedly had lacked the historical knowledge in weaponry that has brought us to this point in modern history. Early on in my childhood, I was fortunate enough to have the experience of living at the top of a hill that just across the street was a field that once occupied a Civil War fort. I was always fascinated by a guy who came around regularly with a metal detector searching for treasure, which leads me to one of my first personal purchases as a child of a metal detector myself. I was regaled by the stories I had heard of treasures found literally within yards of my front doorstep and regularly tell people of the neighbor who once dug up a case full of cannon balls.
As time passed and I grew older I lost interest in history due to the way it was presented by teachers. History became that boring subject, with the boring teacher dribbling on about endless dates and names with zero enthusiasm. Adopting their lack of enthusiasm was easy. Unfortunately, this is the tragedy of public schools.
Later in high school, I was fortunate enough to have a couple of history teachers that broke the boring mold and would not simply recite endless names and dates but actually talked about military tactics and enacted scenes and prominent figures of the times. This made learning much more fun and more easily remembered. While I never did learn to appreciate history so much I did learn to appreciate tactical strategies such as the phalanx, the tactics of Vlad the Impaler, gorilla warfare, and Blitzkrieg.
Until the MK Show, I thought of military weapons from bygone eras as either rusty junk, reproductions or untouchable museum pieces. On the way to the show, I had no idea of really what to expect. WOW was I amazed to see so many authentic items that still looked virtually new. I was amazed to learn that as everyday citizens we too can own pieces that I once only thought available for viewing at museums.
Some of the great vendors I encountered were Tim Prince of College Hill Arsenal ( https://collegeHillArsenal.com ) who shared a wide range of items. A few things that captured my eye were his trench clubs. Tim’s knowledge of militaria history and weaponry is truly unsurpassed. Tim is highly respected author in the field of militaria and is one of the official appraisers for PBS’ Antiques Roadshow. As a historical resource Tim Prince truly tops the list.
Another vendor that caught my eye was Advance Guard Militaria. ( https://www.advanceguardmilitaria.com )Their primary focus was on what is known as trench art. Trench art is basically any decorative item that is made by soldiers or prisoners during wartime. Most items were made from scraps scavenged from the battlefield.
Another great vendor was Lost N Found Relics ( https://LostNFoundRelics.com ). The owner Robert Bushnell not only offered a gold mine of eclectic knowledge but a treasure trove of unique artifacts ranging from BC to the early 1900s including swords from the crusades, shaming masks and Native American Medicine Man sticks (one made with real human hair and partial scalping of bone).
Another great experience at the show was their cannon firing exhibition. Every couple of hours they would pull a group of Civil War actors together to do a cannon firing presentation to give spectators an idea of what it would have sounded like on the battlefield. I can honestly say it is a truly jarring experience (in a good way) especially the first time around. While a couple of cannon volleys can never really get people to understand the chaos of noise that goes along with war it can at least give them an appreciation through an experience of what soldiers dealt with to help them better understand the sacrifices so many have made and continue to make.
Whether you are an avid collector of militaria, considering becoming a new collector and looking for a fine piece to start your collection or you simply have a child or grandchild you want to help gain an appreciation for and interest in history than going to a Mike Kent Civil War show is a truly amazing experience.
To see a show schedule listing you can check them out here: http://MKShows.com
To see more than 140 pics of the event check them out here: https://weaponseeker.com/advancedphoto/album/9/events/
PhoneSkope
April 27, 2018
by Phone Skope
General Manager - Tanner
About: Phone Skope makes custom-molded, precisely engineered smartphone digiscoping adapters. That is a fancy way of saying we help you connect your phone to your optics. PhoneSkope is a simple two-part system that is completely interchangeable and works with most smartphone and optics combinations, including binoculars, spotting scopes, microscopes, and telescopes. This system consists of a cell phone case with an eyepiece adapter, either custom molded or universal.
So why is this such a great product? That is easy. Ever wanted to take a video of that perfect hunting shot, maybe you would like to take a picture of wildlife from a non-intrusive distance or maybe you find the micro-world around us super cool and you would like to take pics or video of microscopic things. Or just the opposite you find the universe to be fascinating and want to easily share your experiences with other. Well then the PhoneSkope is for you. From the avid hunter, to the budding astronomer, to the professional photographer, to the conservationist all can find value in adding this tool to their optic solutions.
Check out this video to see it in action: https://youtu.be/Vu0l1outBzo
To learn more about PhoneSkope and how they can help you check them out here: https://www.phoneskope.com
Opportunities: Capturing nature close up with an easy solution that everyone from the youngest to the oldest can appreciate.
Biggest Hurdles: Brand awareness and market penetration
By: DL Austin
5 Easy Steps To Succeeding At Shows
November 22, 2018
by Administrator
Having gone to numerous shows it is always interesting to observe and hear from vendors how successful shows are for them. Some seem to have wildly successful show experiences while others seem to have relatively no success. In gauging responses and comparing results of different vendors we have developed the following guide to help vendors find greater success from their show experience.
1. Be excited about your product. Enthusiasm sells. While at shows as I walk the isles, I always run across the table that the attendant is doing everything but attending to the prospective buyers. Why? This ranges from being solely focused on their smartphones to reading books to napping. Prospects know when someone is excited about their products and they are eager to engage with those who are. When someone sees an attendant that is not excited, they immediately feel that there is nothing to be excited about and quickly pass by. No matter how great the product is if the attendant is not excited neither will be prospects.
2. Have a story. Everyone likes a good story. If the product has made it to the show, then there is a story behind it. If you are the owner, it is critical you learn how to tell this story. If you are sending someone to represent your product it is critical that they know the story. When it comes to collectors, I have been personally told that it is often times the story that has more value than the product itself. Stories can be timeless, but a failing brand is quickly forgotten.
3. Business Cards. I always find it intriguing when I go to a show and the vendor does not have a business card readily available. Just as bad as not having a business card readily available is making someone go through an interrogation in order to get one that is kept under a table. Why would you spend hundreds of dollars on a show, hundreds of dollars on transportation and lodging, etc. to deny people the easy opportunity of contacting you to do business? If having them contact you for business is really so inconvenient then why is so much money being spent to put yourself/product in front of the person in the first place? Simply hoping a prospect will by some miracle remember you from the hundreds of other dealers at a show who have made it convenient to be remembered is beyond naïve.
4. Click Fishing. This is a little trick I learned from a seasoned showman during slow times at shows. What click fishing is, is basically engaging the product in such a way that it makes a sound. It is a subliminal sales call. Knife lovers love to hear the sound of an engaged blade, gunners love the sound of a racked firearm, hunters love the sound of a great call. Why not use this to your advantage? Doing so engages show-goers in a way that gets their attention and draws them to you. Engage your customers by engaging the sounds that capture their subconscious and they will flock to your table like fish in a feeding pond.
5. Have a decent (better yet, a GREAT) website to promote your brand. Decent/GREAT does not have to be big, fancy or complicated. Every brand and the goals of the owner(s) requires a unique and different approach. What the Yellowpages used to be, websites are today to the global community. A website is by far the most cost-effective way a company can effectively advertise its products and grow awareness to their brand. In fact, website development often will cost less than the expenses incurred at a single show. Yet a website can literally be a show to the entire world 24/7/365. Many entrepreneurs are intimidated by technology and website development to the point they neglect it all together. In fact, some are so intimidated they do not even take the first step to inquire about the development of a website as they feel it is way out of their league. While we cannot help you with the 4 steps above, we can with this one. At WeaponSeeker help is literally one click away. Every great brand at some point MUST have a website. It is time for you to decide whether your brand is a truly great one or not. Are you selling yourself short with a bad, outdated or no website presence at all? Contact us and we will be happy to provide a free consult on how you can be up and going in no time pain-free and cost-effectively.
Contact Us Here!
Gatorz Eyeware
April 26, 2018
by Gatorz
Brand Manager: Andrew Fontes
About: Eyewear specifically designed using the highest-grade material available - 7075 Billet Aircraft Aluminum – Gatorz Eyewear provides the sharpest, clearest vision possible, Gatorz are a MUST for riders, racers, outdoorsmen, or extreme sports enthusiasts who demand the best.
Opportunities: Using technology and events to expand brand awareness
Biggest Hurdles: Market penetration of the brand
If you need a great set of eyewear with a fantastic lifetime warranty check out Gatorz Eyewear here: https://www.gatorz.com/
By: DL Austin
Alternative to Shopify For Gun and Knife Stores
October 26, 2018
by Administrator
Are you a gun dealer looking for an alternative to Shopify? Maybe you are a knife store and you see the writing on the wall and would like a viable alternative to your current Shopify e-commerce platform?
As many retailers in the weapons-related industry have found out Shopify has followed the lead of Facebook, Youtube and other tech giants in their left-leaning censorship and suppression efforts. Recently Shopify announced it is now removing gun related products from their platform and has given a time frame of only a few months for owners to remove their stores from the platform before being shut down completely.
Shopify’s CEO Tobi Lutke has stated “Solely deferring to the law, in this age of political gridlock is too idealistic and functionally unworkable”, “we had to accept that neutrality is not a possibility.”
Additionally, Lutke has inferred other weapons-related products and services such as knives, accessories and even direct services are currently also under consideration. “we may further refine our policies as needed."
A look at their new terms is quite enlightening and helps give understanding to the direction Shopify and other tech-related companies are now moving.
Regulated products and services ( source: https://www.shopify.ca/legal/terms-payments-us ):
Marijuana dispensaries and related businesses; alcohol or alcoholic beverages; sale of tobacco, e-cigarettes, or accessories including e-juice or e-liquid; online pharmacies or pharmacy referral services; age-restricted goods or services; weapons and munitions; gunpowder and other explosives; fireworks and related goods; toxic, flammable, and radioactive materials; products and services with varying legal status on a state-by-state basis.
Given that Shopify has decided to abandon good business principles and instead is now focusing on a liberal political agenda this should give all gun and knife related businesses on their platform reason for concern.
Because you are here reading this article this shows you have had the foresight to at least begin searching for a viable alternative that will support your business efforts.
While there are options at WeaponSeeker we think it is important not just to weigh the benefits of various platforms but also their associated risks. At WeaponSeeker we feel the wisest choice given the current political environment and the mass exodus of current tech providers from serving the industry is to fully own the platform you eventually choose. Without ownership you may very well be stuck in the same trap Shopify has put so many gun and knife store owners recently.
At WeaponSeeker we believe in one’s right to protect their life, their loved ones, and their business. We are a pro 2nd Amendment organization focused on all things weapons, survival and outdoors.
If you either currently need an e-commerce solution and agree it is a good time to begin the switch to a company that not only will but is eager to support your brand feel free to contact us and we will be happy to help. Whether it be through simple consultation on your options all the way up to developing a robust full-scale e-commerce solution that you, in fact, will own, we can help.
The clock is ticking so don’t be caught off guard. The life of your business may very well depend on you taking action sooner rather than later.
Need help with advertising? Yep, we can help there too. At WeaponSeeker we provide a robust full-service social platform where you can additionally provide laser-focused advertising for your brand, products, and services. We additionally provide an option of including your inventory feed in our shopper service to allow the community to better shop your product line giving you even greater exposure.