An Inside Look at the Blade Show: Meet Dan, New West KnifeWorks' Lead Buyer
At New West KnifeWorks, we’re always on the hunt for the finest craftsmanship, and when it comes to custom knives, our team leads the charge in curating some of the most unique and functional art pieces in the industry. Recently, we had the pleasure of sitting down with Dan Fiddler, our lead buyer and head of the custom knife program, to talk about his latest trip to Blade Show West and his process of selecting one-of-a-kind knives that end up in our shops and online catalog.
NWKW: Dan, thanks for taking the time to chat with us! You've been New West's lead buyer since 2019, and you've taken the reins on the custom knife program. Could you start by giving us a little background on the program and what your role entails?
Dan Fiddler: Absolutely. I've been the lead buyer at New West KnifeWorks for a few years now, and part of my role is heading up our custom program. We have two main branches of custom knives. The first is our in-house program, where we collaborate with artisans who work directly with us, like Jack Rellstab, a journeyman smith from Pinedale, Wyoming. The second is our third-party custom knife program, where we source pieces from custom makers around the world. This allows us to offer a broader range of unique knives, each with its own story and craftsmanship.
NWKW: It sounds like a dream job for someone who loves knives. Speaking of which, you just returned from Blade Show West. Can you tell us a little about the Blade Shows and why they’re so important for someone in your position?
Dan Fiddler: Definitely! There are three major Blade Shows every year: Blade Show Atlanta, Blade Show West in Salt Lake City, and Blade Show Texas. Blade Show Atlanta is the largest—it’s the biggest knife show in the world, really. But each of these shows is essential for the knife community, whether you’re a maker, collector, or buyer like me. Blade Show West, which I just got back from, is where I did most of my buying for the season. It’s not just a place to meet collectors; it’s an opportunity for makers to showcase their knives and for people like me to source some of the finest pieces out there.
NWKW: When you're at a Blade Show, what do you look for when selecting knives?
Dan Fiddler: There are a few key things I look for. First and foremost is the quality of the craftsmanship—fit and finish are everything. I look at how well the handles are made, the quality of the materials, the grinds on the blades, and those tiny details that might get overlooked by others but are so important to me. I also have a soft spot for up-and-coming makers, especially those who aren’t quite on the scene yet but are producing incredible work. I’m always on the lookout for something unique, something that our customers won’t find anywhere else. These knives are functional art. Whether it's a kitchen knife, pocket knife, or hunting knife, I want to make sure it’s something that will perform as well as it looks.
NWKW: You mention that these knives are works of art—functional art. Can you talk more about the balance between beauty and functionality?
Dan Fiddler: That’s exactly it—they’re functional art. Every knife maker puts a huge amount of time and effort into each piece. They’re not just making something that looks pretty; they’re designing tools that are meant to be used. Whether it’s a hunting knife that’s designed for the field or a kitchen knife for culinary precision, these knives are built to last and perform. The higher price points reflect that. You’re not just paying for a knife—you’re investing in the hours, sometimes tens or even hundreds, that go into creating a single piece. That includes everything from forging the Damascus steel to crafting the scales. These knives are heirloom-quality tools that are made to be passed down through generations.
NWKW: It’s incredible to think about the craftsmanship behind each piece. So, where can people find these knives?
Dan Fiddler: We’re lucky enough to offer these custom knives in all five of our retail locations: Jackson Hole, Park City, Big Sky, Denver, and St. Helena. But we also have a great selection available online, which we’re always updating. Whether you find us through our stores or discover us digitally, we want our customers to have access to the latest and greatest knives. We’re constantly adding new pieces from both our in-house artisans and third-party makers, so there’s always something new to check out.
NWKW: That’s great to hear. Before we wrap up, is there anything else you’d like our readers to know about the custom knife program or your experience at Blade Show?
Dan Fiddler: I’d just say that the Blade Shows are an amazing opportunity for us to meet the makers behind these knives and for me to get a first-hand look at their latest creations. Each knife has its own story, and we’re proud to be able to share those with our customers. Whether you’re a serious collector or someone just looking for a knife that will last a lifetime, we’ve got something for everyone.