Soldier on: The military issue of Knives Illustrated has left the printer and is hitting newsstands and mailboxes now.

We’re excited to announce that we have a new editor!

It’s a bittersweet and exciting time as former editor Margaret Kavanagh, who’s been a wonderful steward to Knives Illustrated, this past year, says good-bye. She has landed her dream job at Happily Hooked. (Don’t judge, she urges!) If you crochet, or know anyone who does, be sure to check out the site and Margaret’s work!

Farewell from Margaret

I find it odd to be talking about big changes in the middle of summer—that’s usually a topic for spring or fall. Of course, this year has been anything but typical, as every single one of us knows. I’ll spare you from another “uncertain times” discussion or “new normal” essay because that’s not what I’m getting at.

The More Things Change

I’ve worked on Knives Illustrated for many years now, as managing editor and for the last year as print and digital editor. I’ve helped steer it through some difficult times and some wonderful changes as the economy has made running a magazine much more than putting words on a printed page.

And now, I’m ready to say “Welcome!” to a new editor who will take the reins and embrace Knives Illustrated and its community. I’m moving on to another passion of mine (crochet—don’t judge) and will miss the friends I’ve made here. But I’m looking forward to my future.

Please enjoy stepping into your future with my very good friend, Bryan J. Ball, who you may recognize from YouTube as Slicey Dicey. I’ll let him take if from here… It’s been knife knowing you all, Margaret Kavanagh

Slicing and Dicing with New Editor Bryan J. Ball

Bryan here! I want to start off by wishing Margaret all the best in her new endeavor. She’s been a friend for years and her talent is only exceeded by her personality. She did some great work here at Knives Illustrated, and I can’t thank her enough for giving me a great launching pad to start with. I’ve literally become obsessed with the knife world and community over the last several years. Being the Editor of Knives Illustrated is truly a dream job for me and I can’t wait to get going.

Who’s This Guy?

Many of you in the knife world may know me as the owner and rambler-in-chief of the Slicey Dicey YouTube channel. But I assure you, I’m not just a YouTuber. My primary job for the last 22 years has been as a product reviewer and writer, and I have more than a bit of print and digital editorial experience with many publications around the world.

Editor Is Planning Changes—Good Ones

Knives Illustrated has a long and illustrious history and a very loyal fanbase and readership that I truly appreciate and respect.

In that vein, I won’t be throwing the baby out with the bathwater. I will include some more modern folder content as that’s my wheelhouse, but I’ll be relying heavily on our past contributors (and some new ones) for the fixed blade, custom, and tactical content that we’ve become known for. We also really want to step up our social media presence, and I’ll be active there on Instagram and Facebook.

We also have a new podcast (cleverly named the Knives Illustrated Podcast) that you can find on our YouTube channel and wherever you like to consume your audio podcasts.

I very much look forward to interacting with all of you and to watching Knives Illustrated grow far beyond the already fine little magazine it is today.

Bryan J. Ball, Editor