Ducati Monster Forum

I'm in the market for a new knife and currently checking out the Mantis line..
http://www.mantisknives.com/products.html (http://www.mantisknives.com/products.html)

There are a lot of choices though1

I'm leaning towards the Chaos Folder with its titanium, G10 handle and tanto blade.
(http://images.knifecenter.com/knifecenter/mantis/images/MNTMTF4TI.jpg)

The Isosceles, Sicko and Alphonse are all favorites as well!  Plus, if I were to buy all three..it would cost less than the Chaos!  I don't think I need that many knives though.

Any input on this brand?  Post up your knives or favorites.   

www.crawfordknives.com (http://)  I have 4 of Pat's custom folders. One of the best knife makers in the business.


www.polkowskiknives.com (http://)  I have 2 of Al's fixed blade knives. Great blades.

I like my Columbia River KISS.

Nothing special, but it's lasted me quite some time and I've never had a problem with it.



eta:

Here's a link. Mine's a combination edge.

http://www.crkt.com/KISS (http://www.crkt.com/KISS)

^^ Those look serious!  [evil]


Crawford's though..those are kind of funky.  

THANK YOU Rams!!  I saw this brand at the military surplus store today and couldn't remember the name..CRKT.  That brand had a knife which was very similar to the Mantis Chaos but it was in digital camo.  That knife is what got me on this kick.  I do like the one you have though too!

 [beer]

Pat makes a lot of dress knives, but even those are tactically sound blades. If you look around on his site you will see other steel or Ti blades with Micarta handles. The Kasper folder is a killer (no pun) blade. I trained with Bob for a few years.

Liking that folder in CF.   

I have met Pat at a few shows and talked with him on the phone several times when ordering blades. He is a great person, and at a 3 day show (which most of them are). His knives on hand for the show will sell out on Friday.  ;)

I saw the commemorative one was.

       If you go to Polkowski's site, you will see Kasper blades there as well. Al made the first blades designed by Bob, but he only makes fixed blade knives, So Bob had Pat make some folders.

I carry Kershaw

than they are local and my uncle works there

at work I carry two

both Blur series for the grip tape

one with a rescue blade and one with a get-away-from-me-tweaker pointy blade

I lose them on a monthly bases

http://www.thekershawstore.com/Kershaw_Rescue_Blur_Serrated_p/k1675rdst.htm (http://www.thekershawstore.com/Kershaw_Rescue_Blur_Serrated_p/k1675rdst.htm)

right now my pocketses have two hardware store special by Winchester and Leatherman

can anyone explain why I cannot lose the cheapies but the spendy ones are gone in a month?

Hey IZ, check this guys videos out. He has reviews on just about every knife you can think of. He doesn't lean towards any particular company and his reviews are pretty thorough. I watched a lot of them before I started buying.

There are also links to some web sites that sell almost all of the knives he talks about for pretty good prices.

Anyhow, figured I'd pass it along if you're interested.

link??

Not a fan of the Chaos if meant for a daily carrier.  Too many nooks and crannies to hang up on for a quick draw and tanto blades suck imo (even though I've carried a tanto bladed Emerson for the past 5 years!!)

Check out the Emerson mini's with the wave feature.  I whip mine out on a daily basis.  Used it cutting bait while surfcasting to cutting drywall.  

Cool stats and look on the Chaos.

i carry a Benchmade H&K 14750S

Mini CQC-7B with "wave shaped feature   [thumbsup]

Its been there for me plus its faster to draw than a switchblade, and thinner and its never opened up in my pocket. Switchblades are also illegal to carry (at least in my C state).

 The Benchmades are a very good knife.  I believe Mr. Emerson used to work for Benchmade.

Benchmade-Osborne BM940.

just switched to kershaw blur after losing y 13 YO spyderco . I like the combo edge and the window punch feature

I have one of these on me pretty much 24/7 - not going to protect me, but I use the hell out of it everyday at work and home:

http://www.leatherman.com/product/Squirt_ES4 (http://www.leatherman.com/product/Squirt_ES4)

mitt

I've had this for daily use for 3 or so years.

http://www.benchmade.com/products/10750 (http://www.benchmade.com/products/10750)

It's been awesome.

I've also got several Microtechs, but I'm afraid to lose them.

Benchmade 310 Benchmite (http://www.benchmade.com/products/310) McHenry & Willams design.

I carry one of these, I've had great luck with kershaws, especially the Ken Onion knives.  This one is a switchblade of sorts.
http://www.thekershawstore.com/Kershaw_Chive_Black_Plain_Knife_p/k1600ckt.htm (http://www.thekershawstore.com/Kershaw_Chive_Black_Plain_Knife_p/k1600ckt.htm)

I've been carrying the Benchmade Strykers darn near since they came out.  It seems to be about the biggest, toughest folder that is still convenient and slim enough to carry and won't break the bank.  There are bigger, meaner, tougher knives out there but some of them are so large that they aren't convenient, or so expensive I dont want to put them through the abuse a pocket knife will take.  I am not sure I like the new Stryker Nitrous line though.  

As far as straight knives, I have been forging my own for the last 5 years or so, using Japanese clay tempering on simple carbon steels.  I forge in 1080, O1, W1, 5160.  They cut like mad and hold a great edge but my cosmetics are lagging behind my metallurgy.  

If anyone is interested, the Chicago International Custom Knife Show is Sept 10,11.  I've been to it several times.  There is always some real cool stuff there to seperate you from your cash.  Too broke to go this year, guess I'll just have to go out to the forge and beat out something cool myself.

I carry a Kershaw Leek. It has a nice weight to it and the assisted opening action is fast and smooth.
(http://www.thekershawstore.com/v/vspfiles/photos/K1660CKTST-2.jpg)

I've carried Spyderco Endura's since the early 1990's.

Great quality. I also much prefer the thumb hole to the thumb screw openers.
I have a little Gerber and the thumb screw gets caught on stuff, or my thumb slips off it when I try to open it. Never had a problem with my Spydercos.

http://www.spyderco.com/catalog/details.php?product=333 (http://www.spyderco.com/catalog/details.php?product=333)

But it also depends on why you want the knife. You asked "What are your favorites?"
My favorite every-day carry is my Spyderco. I also carry a little Gerber boot knife. I have a couplea others knives in my home, but I have a favorite knife that I rarely carry that is just pretty - a little double-edged Gerber Guardian Back-up. http://www.gerbergear.com/index.php/product/id/168 (http://www.gerbergear.com/index.php/product/id/168)

My Leatherman has knives, and it lives in my Tank Bag.

Different uses....

I'm a huge fan of Cold Steel knives, Used to have a Ti-Lite back when they were still made of titanium.  Kershaw is what I have now, Had a little Smith & Wesson as a cheapy work knife that always worked smoothly.  Benchmade was another favorite that I've seen and tinkered with but have yet to actually own. 

My Kershaw that Mother gave me:

(http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash2/hs309.ash2/58962_585534452173_7202497_34051370_4381078_n.jpg)

^^ That's pretty!  [thumbsup]

Yer uncles taking them so you'll buy more.  Job security for him. 



I carry a Benchmade McHenry and Williams axis lock for work and a Coast damascus for going out.  Good thread . [thumbsup]

that mini is sweet. 

mitt

Going to check out a few of the knife brands you've all listed at Cabellas, Bass Pro Shop, REI and whereever else I can find them. 

Unfortunately, I can't find any Mantis suppliers in the area? 

My favorites are steak and butter.  In that order.  Brand not important.

Sorry, I'm a damned idiot.....

http://www.youtube.com/user/nutnfancy?feature=chclk (http://www.youtube.com/user/nutnfancy?feature=chclk)

Use the CRKT for my billfold - very handy.  Less buky than a wallet too.

SOG Trident is my favorite though.  It is in my pocket at all times.

(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41kHsr-0nTL._SL500_AA300_.jpg)


I actually started a knife thread once when I got it and was all excited about knives but I think it was on TOB so unfortunately I can't yell derby and break IZ's balls but you know I would if I could  ;)

I knew I'd seen a knife thread before.  This one is cooler though FP!   [cheeky]


I just returned from shopping around.  The only one I found today that I would consider buying was the SOG Trident.  It had similar lines to the pic in my first post.  Not bad price either comparing the two.  $65 as opposed to $250-ish.

I have to go back to the military surplus store tomorrow and see those CRKT's again too.   

CRKT has been buying designs from some of the best custom makers.  For a while they were making most of their knives from AUS 6 steel, which is pretty tough and pretty stain resistant, it just didnt take or hold a great edge.  I just looked at their website and I see they have pretty much discontinued AUS 6 and have went with AUS 8 and several other better performing steels.  I saw a few made from 440A  which is again pretty tough and stain resistant, but unless it is perfectly heat treated, its not much of a blade steel.  Just keep an eye on the steel the specific knife you are looking at.  Buying a great looking knive made from less than desirable blade steel is like running your Duc on cheap tires.  

Thanks for the heads up!  [thumbsup]

this is what I wear on the boat:
(http://www.myerchin.com/A500_files/shapeimage_9.png)
myerchin a500.   simple if a bit heavy.  the slot works as a shackle key which gets used more than anything else.

Yeah, Knives made in Taiwan tend to cost less.  ;)

I carry a Kershaw Oso Sweet:

(http://www.knifecenter.com/knifecenter/kershaw/images/1830blog.jpg)

Sometimes I carry a Griptillian:

(http://images.usoutdoorstore.com/usoutdoorstore/products/full/bm_551s_griptilian.jpg)

For camping, I want something I can beat the hell out of and not worry about, so I have a Benchmade 515 Rant:

(http://jtknives.com/images/BM-515-RANTDPT-320.png)

Oso Sweet and the Griptillian    [thumbsup]

Statler..is that a Machete?! 

BTW..if you look at the Mantis homepage, you'll see a video clip of the knives being used by a couple of spokesmodels.  There's also a forum/chat with a few new knives being made.  One, in particular, is under a thread having to do with AZ.  I'm not sure what it's used for but it looks cool! 

http://www.mantisknives.com/forum/showthread.php/505-The-Bottlenecks-in-the-Arizona-Desert! (http://www.mantisknives.com/forum/showthread.php/505-The-Bottlenecks-in-the-Arizona-Desert!)

Mantis also makes mtn bikes too?!  The HQ bldg is in Orange County.  Think I may have to make a trip there when I visit!

I always liked these on jobsites because blade change was faster.  I don't really work as a carpenter anymore, but still wear it.

I carry one every day as a tool really, and not for protection.  It's razor sharp, super cheap and I use quite often. 

 (http://www.thelandscapersstore.com/media/sites/68/images/products//9972_1.jpg)

Cool..thanks Vin!  ^^



That's the reason I want a knife.  To use it as a tool.  I could've used one several times the past couple of weeks. 

generally rock any cheap gerber pocketknife for edc, comes in use all the time

for camping and just about everything else my go to is my Ka-bar

the ones that don't get stuck in my back

Made in the USA - and $50 on Wal-Mart's website.

http://sogknives.com/store/TF-1.html (http://sogknives.com/store/TF-1.html)

depends which part of SOG you're talking about, The only thing they make in Taiwan is their fusion series

through knife forum.net

From: Retail [mailto:retail@sogknives.com]
Sent: Thursday, March 20, 2008 7:32 PM
To: Zippilli
Subject: RE: Product question
Hello,
Sorry for the delay, presently we do not have 24 hour customer support and we are receiving many, many emails. As a result, a reply is sometimes a few days later. As for your question, the SEAL Pup knives are primarily manufactured in Seki Japan, but we are currently dual manufacturing the knife in order to fill demand. The Taiwan version is a higher grade steel as in the SEAL Pup Elite. (also Taiwan) The knives we manufacture in Taiwan are just as good, if not better due to the higher grade steel. The perception that Taiwan manufactured knives are inferior is a prevalent one for many knife enthusiasts, but I can confidently state that our Taiwan manufactured knives are held to the same standard as our Japan knives and the SEAL Pup Elite and Taiwan version SEAL Pup are superior knives due to the materials. We love our Seki Japan manufacturing plant, but these are the same people who made the original Vietnam bowie during the Vietnam war, so the experts there are getting a little slower at filling our orders.



We are able to manufacture more product by using our Taiwan manufacturer and for a growing company this is a huge plus. Our Taiwan made knives still carry our SOG lifetime warranty and are closely examined by our quality control department. The Military used knives we manufacture are both Taiwan and Japan made knives and we receive many compliments from Armed Forces personnel for all our product. We take feedback very seriously and we remain committed to maintaining our reputation for producing high quality products.
Regards,

Name removed

Retail Sales & Customer Service

SOG Specialty Knives & Tools

6521 212th St SW

Lynnwood, WA 98036

1-888-405-6433 ext 240

1-425-771-6230 ext 240

1-425-771-7689 Fax

retail@sogknives.com

www.sogknives.com (http://)

The famous " Bowie " knife.

Dolph      :)

+1 I love my Ka-Bar too - Dad gave me one when I was 15.  Not an outdoorsey type though so it hasn't seen much use, but makes a fine conversation piece.  Stays on top of my bedstand.

Gerber.  Very affordable.  [thumbsup]


Hoyden..I've been checking out the Spyderco brand.  They have several models I like.

Anyone have a Smith & Wesson?  I've seen a few Military/police models that are spring loaded and have gun-like handles.

This Mantis Z'mora is looking better everyday!!

(http://images.knifecenter.com/knifecenter/mantis/images/MNTMT8R.jpg)

Im very surprised only one spyderco post.
In my search for well performing everyday carry spyderco was top.
I prefer the locking mechanism and the fact the blade is ridgid when in the locked open position. All the other manufacturers blade locked open have a jiggle. Lock your blade open grab the blade in one hand, handle in the the other and flex the pivot point. I dont like that looseness, and from what ive seen spyderco is the only one that doesnt have play. and their serated blades are ridiculous sharp.

 For  day in and day out use, Spyderco makes some excellent knives at reasonable prices.  I like their knives with the stainless handles.  They are tough, real slim in the pocket and are usually made of excellent steel.  I frequently carry a 2.5" bladed stainless Sypderco when the Benchmade Stryker is a bit too bulky.  I think it is a "Navigator" made from AUS 8 steel.  It sharpens pretty easliy and holds a good edge.

I know you're looking for folders, but I simply adore these:

(http://www.ragweedforge.com/1.jpg)

Swedish Mora #1 -- I buy them two or three at a time for $10 apiece. Swedish steel & the traditional Scandinavian bevel - a tool that is beautiful because it is pared down to pure function. Incredibly easy to sharpen well, holds a brilliant edge whether you're cutting wood, cardboard, elk hide, rope, whatever. You can also get them fancier, with laminated blades & nicer handles, still quite inexpensive from places like Ragnar's:

http://www.ragweedforge.com/SwedishKnifeCatalog.html (http://www.ragweedforge.com/SwedishKnifeCatalog.html)

Day in and day out I carry a cheap Buck folder that was made in (let me check) China. Holds a good edge but is a little finicky to sharpen well, so I don't do it as often as I should. I still have the Kershaw Chive I used to carry, but the tiny Torx screws that hold the pocket clip kept coming loose & disappearing and I haven't taken the time to replace them with cut-down, locktited Phillips heads (why Kershaw didn't do that in the first place I'll never understand).

Since Statler hasn't chimed in, I'll answer your question, IZ -- the picture he posted is of a modern sailing knife. The blade profile is called a Sheepsfoot and according to the stories I've heard dates back to the days when Britannia ruled the waves under sail; the British Navy found that they tended to come back to port with more sailors if none of them were allowed on board with a knife that had a point. Traditionally, the blade has a straight or near straight edge; instead of cutting a line on board the way you or I would cut a rope (make a loop, put the knife in it & pull tight against the edge), you get a much neater cut by laying the line on a flat surface, putting the blade where you want to make the cut, and pushign straight down or whacking the spine of the blade with a wooden dowel (like those handle things you always see ringing the mast of a tall ship... anyone know what those are called?).

Another good reason for a "pointless" knife on a boat is that if you find yourself tangled in rigging & have to cut yourself free in an emergency, you don't want a sharp point anywhere near parts of yourself that you'd prefer to remain unpierced. That's why the Gerber River Runner that lives on my kayaking PFD has a flat, blunt tip, as do a lot of diving knives.

I made one a number of years ago for a friend who was captaining one of the tourist tall ships off the coast of Maine... I'll have to hunt up a photo somewhere. I also made him a sheath that would hold the knife & a Marlinspike, which is useful to untie knots that have been under load.

My favorite knife was another one that I made -- an itty bitty little fixed-blade knife I forged from a Toyota Land Cruiser wheel bearing  with a short (1.5" or so), fat blade & a two-finger walnut handle that I'd wear on my belt in a sheath under a suit. I was working on Capitol Hill in a much simpler time and the Capitol Police running the metal detectors never had any concerns about such a cute little thing.

Belaying pins.

Finally, crewing on this (http://flagshipniagara.org/flagship_niagara/index.htm) for 4 years provides me with something useful to add to the conversation :D

And re: knives, I bought a cheap folder at Cabellas and after growing to love it, it disappeared.

This thread inspired me to get another one as I miss it a lot.

It's cheap but functional.  One hand open.  One hand close if you're right handed.  I got the green one with the serrated edge.  Not bad for $15

Link (http://www.cabelas.com/link-12/product/0040392517386a.shtml?cmCat=perf&rid=0987654321&cm_mmc=Performics-_-CSE-_-GoogleBaseUSA-_-0040392517386a&mr:trackingCode=1CDEA4C9-958E-DF11-A0C8-002219318F67&mr:referralID=NA)

(http://images.cabelas.com/is/image/cabelas/s7_517386_190_01?$main-Medium$)

thanks, triangleforge.  I missed that anyone even asked about it.  oops.

and yeah... belaying pin.  none of those on Pisces

Those will be on the next boat, right Statler?

;D

 ;D
Plus, you don't have to worry about anyone Stealing it!!  That is one green knife!

;D

Can ya name good blade steel? Next nife/sword I purchase will be based off it..

What's your intended use? Tool steels come in all kinds of flavors, and some are significantly better than others for specific uses.

Put another way, think of what's important to you in a knife: Toughness? Blade flex? Razor-sharp edge? Easy to sharpen? Resisting stains/rust? While "all of the above" would be nice, most steels do well at one or a couple while compromising on others. Some of those attributes you can control/enhance using blade design & heat treatment, but if you're starting from a blank slate, it's worth starting with a steel that will do best at the things you want to emphasize.

Triangleforge pretty much listed all the salient points.  I like the simpler carbon steels - when they are properly heat treated, they deliver amazing cutting performance, toughness and edge holding ability - the one drawback is that they are in no way stain resistant.  They will stain and rust at the first opportunity.  I've found for pure cutting performance, O1 is very very good.  For toughness, I really like 5160 (its what they make truck suspension springs from).  It's not quite the pure cutting steel of O1 but it is incredible tough and its easier to resharpen once it is dull.  I forge a lot of knives from 1080, which delivers a great edge, good toughness and allows for the development of a "Hamon" line when the blade is differentially heat treated.  

A lot of makers are using 5160 for swords due to its incredible toughness and shock resistance.  I prefer it also for hard use knives.  It doesn't polish up as well as O1 or other steels but WOW is it strong.  I've forged a short sword from 5160 and it has taken no end of abuse.

As far as stainless steels, D2 is pretty good for knives.  If properly heat treated, it is very strong and holds an edge for a long time.  It is very hard to sharpen.  I have heard D2 knives described "it takes a mediocre edge and holds it forever"

CMPs30V is another very popular stainless blade steel.  It is very tough and holds an edge quite well.  It is also a bit more expensive than other blade steels.  

Neither  of these stainless steels are really appropriate for swords as they are typically too hard and brittle for the high impacts that swords have to survive.

I have tested a number of knives made of different steels, designs and heat treatment options to failure.  There are plenty of websites online that discuss the merits of different steels.  There are no end of opinions on what is the best, but if you define your needs, it will make your options clearer.

You forge your own. . .

we'll need to see pics. . .

;D

I'll go first, since WarrenJ and several others are far better metalsmiths than me. It'll build a more dramatic narrative that way, trust me. I'll apologize in advance for the photo quality -- I wasn't a great photographer 15-20 years ago, and taking digital snapshots of the prints I have on hand hasn't improved things one bit.

First one is that little two-finger knife I mentioned; I gave it to a friend, bike framebuilder (last I heard, he was specializing in high-end framebuilding jigs & tools) Don Ferris of Anvil Bikes:

(http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4125/4969119700_e84c8cb5dd.jpg)

Here's the sheepsfoot sailing/rigging knife I made for that friend in Maine -- it's the only one I've ever done in stainless:

(http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4125/4969119704_74c5b53f25.jpg)

This one's probably my favorite. It's a knife I made for the silent auction at the Catamount Cruiser Challenge up in New Hampshire back in the late '90s. It's made from a wheel bearing race and one of the things I was proudest of was that you could read the stamp "KOYO" still on the spine of the blade:

(http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4084/4969119710_0b2703172c.jpg)

Here's the same blade right after I did heat treatment on it (yes, bladesmiths in the audience will understand why I'm still not entirely happy with the temper...), laying on the handle slabs of sliver maple:

(http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4110/4969119724_fff0b0166a.jpg)

I'll now yield the floor to folks who know what they're doing...

(http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4125/4969119704_74c5b53f25.jpg)

drool.

got a Kramer as a xmas gift... i haven't used another knife in the kitchen since  [thumbsup]

(http://kramerknives.com/photos/d-8Chef-Can-Snake.jpg)

That looks great!

Is that Damascus steel in the blade? Am I even close?? That looks like an awesome tool! [thumbsup] Even the handle is make the beast with two backsing gorgeous! What is that made of? The handmade knife making trade is such a cool link to the past when sword makers made a name for themselves when that was the tool of battle. Neat stuff and still useful every single day!

Yes that is Damascus.


http://www.kramerknives.com/kitchen.htm (http://www.kramerknives.com/kitchen.htm)

Any pictures of the knife making process would be drooled over as well...


mitt

Nice work TF!

Thanks for all the metal info too guys!!  [beer]

Obviously, I'm not going to find one knife that fits all the potential uses so I'll be doing more research and ordering a few to fit the bill.

Thats a beautiful chefs knife.  I got two from Takeda from Japan.  He was at the Chicago Custom Knife Show several years ago.  They are not nearly as pretty as that one but they cut real well.  They are very fragile and you have to be very careful what you cut, but wow, when you are using them as intended it makes kitchen prep pretty fun!

I am pretty good at the smithing part but my handle work still leaves a little to be desired.  Once all the fire and sparks are done and I've hand polished the blade and it cuts, I loose interest a bit.  I have a whole box full of blades waiting for handles.  When I want to use one, I do a quick cord wrap on it and get my cutting done.  I have done handles in micarta and several exotic woods but it isn't as fun to me as beating the steel into shape.  

(http://i838.photobucket.com/albums/zz306/LooseCannon_10/Timberbeast%20Forge%20Knives/DSC_0178.jpg)

Found a pic of one in process.  I will take some pics of blades in the next couple days and get them posted.

I picked up a couple of Mantis blades from "Mr. Knife Guy" yesterday here in Chandler.  http://www.mrknifeguy.com/ (http://www.mrknifeguy.com/)

Brent, the owner, was very knowledgable and had a nice selection of brands and styles.

"Chaos" 
(http://www.outdoorpros.com/images/prod/1/MAMF4HC.jpg)

"Cinq 1" Karambit
(http://www.maxblade.it/images/mantis_karambit_manmk1.jpg)

Cinq. I like..

I'm a little late to this thread, but I'll post up anyway.
My daily carry knife is a Gerber Mel Pardue SBT3550 auto. I use it as a tool, the auto feature is great when you're holding a piece of wood over your head, and have to mark a line or cut a sliver off to make it fit. It has also helped me avoid trouble a couple of times. Holding it up, pushing a button, and having it go *snick* and people back the make the beast with two backs off.
My camping knife is also a Gerber, a MkI belt/boot knife. Small enough that I don't feel like a Rambo wannabe, but tough enough to handle camping chores, and takes a great edge.
My dress knife is from Lone Wolf Knives, and is a Gerber Paul style with bubinga handles and a damascus blade. Gorgeous knife, but only about 2 1/2" long.
Some beautiful knives in this thread.

Thanks for the input BB.
I'm checking out a Pohl knife now. Any comments on this brand?

Any pics?

My new one!!  The Pohl H3 Alpha 2..

(http://www.specialoperationsgroup.com.au/media/images/products/alphatwo_1023_serrated_edge.png)


Check out the Hornet on the homepage too.  Liking that skull!!   [evil]

http://www.pohlforce.de/ (http://www.pohlforce.de/)

SOG Trident is my favorite though.  It is in my pocket at all times.


+1 My everyday knife

Isn't it funny, just thinking here, that in this day of incredible high technology with all the lap tops and smart phones that can do your laundry, wash your dishes, take pics and videos, etc. we all still revert to carrying the modern version of what the cave man used. A sharp bladed tool. And we use it every day in some manner or another. It may not be a piece of sharpened flint but it's still the same damn thing. Some things never change. Like most of you, I'd feel naked walking out the door without my knife. Screw my cell phone, ain't going anywhere without my folder. [thumbsup] Interesting... ;D

Interesting observation

I don't have a forge or anything but for the last year or so, I have wanted to start knifemaking along these lines.
http://www.knivesofflint.com/KNIVES_HUNTERS.php (http://www.knivesofflint.com/KNIVES_HUNTERS.php)

Flint knapping has always fascinated me.  I've chipped out a few flints for my flintlocks but trying a knife blade looks pretty interesting.  From what I understand, they cut pretty well.  I've found several knapped arrowheads and one stone knife on my farm over the last 20 years.  Always interesting to find!

I have a good friend that is really into excavating ancient American Indian sites in the Texas Hill Country area (Austin to San Antonio, etc) and he has found some really nice arrow points. He's actually very good at making primitive bows and arrows. He knows a thing or two about knapping out arrow points. Neat stuff. [thumbsup] Think I'd better stick to my Benchmade folder. ;D

I've got a Ken Onion Leek for daily civvie clothes carry. A protech auto-opener for uniform carry (it's a bit heavier). I've got a SOG trident. But, don't like the stippling on my knife handles. Pain in the butt to pull out of the pocket.

I was just checking out Ken Onions today.

I've used my Ken Onion Chive to gut more than one deer.  Handy size for the more delicate areas....

Great pocket knife!

I've given two Ken Onion Shun Chef Knives as wedding presents.  Wish someone would give me one.......   They are pretty awesome, laminated VG-10 and excellent ergos for the kitchen.

Nice Gift idea!! ^^


OK..couple pics of new blades.   [thumbsup]

My co-worker made me a lanyard with a skull..similar to the Pohl knife
(http://i199.photobucket.com/albums/aa14/akido10/IMG_0998.jpg)

New Kriega & knives..

(http://i199.photobucket.com/albums/aa14/akido10/IMG_0993.jpg)

Looks good.

I'd say phase one of your mall ninja training is complete.

;D

And that's only part of it!   [evil]

Have you figured out a good way to sharpen that convex curve in the Onions down near the ricasso?

Pencil thin diamond stick.  I found a "Fine" one that works very well. Leaves about an eighth inch unsharpened by the Ricasso.

So many brands out there!! Sebenza, RJ Martin, Raid Ops, Zero Tolerance, Cold Steel. etc.  Here are few of my new favorites..to keep in mind for the future. 

Extrema Ratio. 
(http://www.belisimo.com/prodimages/extrema/EX130RAO.JPG)
Homepage: http://www.extremaratioknivesdivision.eu/inglese/military_police_emergency.htm (http://www.extremaratioknivesdivision.eu/inglese/military_police_emergency.htm)

Lion Steel..
(http://www.lionsteel.it/data/gallery/210_1.jpg)

Strider Knives..
(http://members.cox.net/lv_usualsuspect/striders.jpg)



Also, I am looking at another Mantis  but this is for my brother.  My boss just had the Z'Mora delivered Monday.  It's a monster!  My lil' bro is 6'5" so it should fit in his hand nicely.  Yes, it is a close-quarters combat knife but hopefully, he'll find daily uses for it since he is a contractor.  The only problem we saw with it was the seatbelt cutter.  Wow..it is sharp as h*ll and one could easily slice their finger or leg on it.

(http://images.knifecenter.com/knifecenter/mantis/images/MNTMT8R.jpg)

I picked up the Mantis Alphonse Karambit this morning.  Flat black and steel blue.   [thumbsup]


(http://images.knifecenter.com/knifecenter/mantis/images/MNTMK3VX.jpg)

The belt knife from Bowen Knives

(http://www.bowenknife.com/images/products/beltknives/bk1624.jpg)

(http://www.themartialist.com/images/bowen07.jpg)

The Swiss Jedi Army Knife

(http://media.techeblog.com/images/swiss_army_knife_3.jpg)

 [laugh]



I took the s/o to the knife shop today.  She was spying on a Benchmade and a limited edition HK.   ;D 

Cool but what would you/ do you use this for?

my favorite:

(http://gearpatrol.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/04/Wenger-Mike-Horn-Ranger-Knife1.jpg)

but, on a daily basis, I carry a generic gerber w/ the manual assisted open tab on it. Good one hand quick open knife....but very dull  [laugh]

That knife would pss me off the first time I needed to slice something on a flat surface.  Dude, with all you spent on knives so far, you could have bought at least one Emerson!

I've only been looking/buying knives for the past two weeks.  I haven't even looked much at the Emerson brand yet.

They have a few I like.  The CQC-10 is a favorite.
http://www.emersonknives.com/ekTheKnives_Tact.php (http://www.emersonknives.com/ekTheKnives_Tact.php)

So Adam, I'm sure you've answered this already, but what's the new-found lust for blades?  

Here's what I would bring to the party...  

(http://i192.photobucket.com/albums/z53/b_upton/91AHugeFreakinKnife.jpg)

dood...

wrong thread.

 [laugh] I was just typing that, although you were nicer.  [evil]

Trying to change my image. ;)

I know.  I'm just F'ing with Adam.

(http://www.rangerknives.com/Knives/images/RDSeries/RD-9Montage.jpg)

My new 'in the mail' do anything knife

9.5" blade, 1/4" thick and damn near indestructible

Ontario RTAK II?

Sorry, excited and forgot to say what it is. It's the Ontario RD9 essentially the same thing just thicker.

 [laugh] [laugh] [drink]

Always had it.  Just haven't looked at them since I bought my last butterfly knife in the early 90's.

Paper..nice!! [evil]

Karambits are used in the Filipino martial arts.  I learned a little bit about them when I was taking Modern Arnis at Northern Arizona Univ. several years ago. 

Here's a little more info:   

MANTIS KNIVES KARAMBIT MK-3 "CINQ 3", STEVE TARANI/EMERSON KARAMBITS, & TRAVEL WRENCH... (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=smCdI5p0ARM#normal)

More in depth..
How to use a KARAMBIT by Luke Holloway: www.RAW-COMBAT.com (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eI9Hpn3uP7o&feature=related#normal)

^^^^ This is what happens in a knife fight (hell he used a pen), there is no time for fancy bullshit moves. It's not a sword fight like in a Steven Seagal movie. If someone wants to cut you with a knife, you are getting cut.


NSFW

Joe Pesci (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-UHNTkVqWpQ#normal)

I'm not looking to get cut.  The reason I take Aikido.

Like I said, if someone wants to cut you with a knife, your getting cut. They are going to ambush you, you don't have time to re-act. Action is faster than reaction.

Someone has a gun..they're going to shoot you.  But..if you have a gun, you have a chance to shoot back, right?

We practice knife take aways.  I'm sure you did the same in the military?  Gives you one more advantage.  

I assume most attackers don't anticipate someone with any kind of defensive knowledge.  Reminds me of this oldie but goodie!!  Granted it is boxing but goes along with my point.

Asking for trouble (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_y1sppoIEyU&feature=related#normal)

I'd rather have a fightng chance so I'll keep practicing.  Best thing to do though is not get myself in that kind of situation to begin with.  ;)

 

Try take aways with a live blade. I promise you, you will get cut.

Again..best to not even get in a situation like that.  Not going to deter me from practicing with wooden tantos.  I'd rather get cut while disarming an attacker and live..rather than not knowing what to do and being stabbed to death.

(http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs225.snc1/7224_1227972735718_1121052464_30750560_2758274_n.jpg)

Currently my favorite...  Not the best picture of it, but it's a Wustoff 10"

I use it pretty much daily....   [drool]

I always liked Kote Gaeshi against the knife in the dojo unless I was the uke - then it just sucks

I prefer

peace

followed by

retreat

followed by

burning-your-house-down-while-you-sleep-and-clubbing-you-in-the-make the beast with two backsing-head-as-you-try-to-escape-and-tossing-your-body-back-in-the-fire-you-make the beast with two backsing-prick

but that's just me, some people are more confrontational than I am

*choking on graham cracker. D*mn you Mom!  :)

Hey Paper how does that RD9 fit in your hand? I've read some reviews that say the handle is a bit short. I'm looking to pick up a survival knife and its between the RTAK II, the Marine Raider(for chopping), and the RD9.

The RD9 is on it's way, If you're talking about nutnfancy's review I dont necessarily agree with his survival blade reviews. I love the simplicity of the Ranger series and the RTAK/Esse knives....good steel with a handle slapped on the side. The handle is similar to the Rtak so i dont think length will be an issue. I'll update ya when It gets here.

I had an RTAKII and it was fantastic,  i beat the hell out of my camping/survival knives and it did great. sheath on the RD and the Rtak is shit though, get an aftermarket kydex one.

Also check out Esse knives, the newer versions of the Rtak, it's the company that had ontario make the Rtak's for them.

Mother and I got a small set of Shun knives gifted to us...

(http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4104/5034842646_7720fb4b6d.jpg)

pretty!!

Yeah, I don't always agree with his reviews either.

I want the RTAK bad but after seeing your pic of the RD9 I'm leaning more towards that. I'll give up the extra half inch in length for the extra thickness (that would be in reference to knives fellas  [roll]).

Did you order yours from rangerknives.com?

 [drool]



That was my first thought, but you stole it... :-\


 ;)




 [bacon]

Just got this bad boy in the mail today!!

(http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c363/swangas/Knives/IMG00045-20101002-1504.jpg)

(http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c363/swangas/Knives/IMG00046-20101002-1506.jpg)

It's the Ontario RTAK II. It's a lotta damn knife! Still waiting on the RD9.   [evil]

 [evil]

http://www.classicgunsandknives.com/ (http://www.classicgunsandknives.com/)

Found this guy's website today.  He's only a few miles away from here.  I wanted to check a few of these out until I saw the prices.  :o  

Beautiful craftmanship!  A few favorites..

Strider..limited edition of only 25.
http://www.classicgunsandknives.com/proddetail.php?prod=200393&cat=1160 (http://www.classicgunsandknives.com/proddetail.php?prod=200393&cat=1160)

Strider..
http://www.classicgunsandknives.com/proddetail.php?prod=200390&cat=1158 (http://www.classicgunsandknives.com/proddetail.php?prod=200390&cat=1158)

Strider Strarlinger Stealth..cool predator-like skull..
http://www.classicgunsandknives.com/proddetail.php?prod=200399&cat=1158 (http://www.classicgunsandknives.com/proddetail.php?prod=200399&cat=1158)

Emerson Black 6. This is #4 of 12 made..
http://www.classicgunsandknives.com/proddetail.php?prod=200411&cat=1071 (http://www.classicgunsandknives.com/proddetail.php?prod=200411&cat=1071)


  

Beautiful knives, I'm just so afraid to use a damascus blade. They're too beautiful to mess up.

I'm more of a simple man, this is one of my favorite blades...
(http://www.heinnie.com/uploads/images_products_large/4083.jpg)

I have this Bob Loveless/Baretta design. I love the bush knives and it's really a great design and fits in the hand well. The convex grind makes for an extremely sharp edge.
(http://www.bkcg.co.uk/products/manu/beretta/be178_l.jpg)

Yeah, those are works of art.  For those prices, I'm sure they're on display.


How long have you had that Emerson?  I like that blade.

Is that a custom Emerson, or a production version of a real Emerson?

I think I've had it for almost a year? It's a great blade.



It's a production. It's called the A-100.

^^^ Buy a real Emerson, the difference will amaze you. Probably has a 2-3 yr waiting list so you can make payments on it.  ;)

I didn't know there was a payment plan while on the waiting list. Oh jesus, I'm gonna get in some real trouble now.  :-\

Some cool looking blades here.  My coworker makes all off these lanyards too.  Those skulls with the glowing eyes are kind of neat.  I need a Preying Mantis head for my Mantis blades. 


Demko/Graham.  I'm liking that! (1st knife..2nd row)

http://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://www.knivesandlanyards.com/images/image002.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.knivesandlanyards.com/mylansonothers.htm&usg=__fnkOOsT2HuhjxklXTwr6T8ZWHCU=&h=819&w=1092&sz=89&hl=en&start=5&zoom=1&um=1&itbs=1&tbnid=2i9piFE1SwiomM:&tbnh=113&tbnw=150&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dstrider%2Bskulls%2Blogo%26um%3D1%26hl%3Den%26sa%3DN%26rlz%3D1T4GWYE_enUS306US306%26tbs%3Disch:1 (http://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://www.knivesandlanyards.com/images/image002.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.knivesandlanyards.com/mylansonothers.htm&usg=__fnkOOsT2HuhjxklXTwr6T8ZWHCU=&h=819&w=1092&sz=89&hl=en&start=5&zoom=1&um=1&itbs=1&tbnid=2i9piFE1SwiomM:&tbnh=113&tbnw=150&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dstrider%2Bskulls%2Blogo%26um%3D1%26hl%3Den%26sa%3DN%26rlz%3D1T4GWYE_enUS306US306%26tbs%3Disch:1)

I'm not much for neck knives either but this is beautiful!!!
(http://www.knivesandlanyards.com/images/neck002.jpg)

Sure there is, pay in full before knife is sent.  ;) Although I wouldn't buy any thing he makes.

Yeah, no use for a neck knife but..you never know!!  I like that design and the small wood handle.



#18 from Field & Stream's Top 20 knives ever made.   [thumbsup]
(http://www.fieldandstream.com/files/imagecache/photo-single-upscale/legacy/41787939.jpg)

Out of curiosity, why not?

That thing is mean looking!

If I ever find a need for a large tactical folder I'm going for this...
(http://www.pocketknives.com/images/070912-lone-wolf-harsey-t3-ranger-tactical-knife.jpg)

#16 on that list.

read this

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ernest_Emerson (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ernest_Emerson)

My potato peeler of course so I can have dinner........ I have no need for an army knife, poatoes dont fight back.

Girl in Underwear shoots Potato gun (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wtwlRcFZ1ws#normal)

Listening to that southern belle, I can't help but thinking she was first introduced to the male genitalia at the age of 15 by her cousin Joe as well.

 :-X

Bro, if you haven't lived down in LA, AL, GA, etc, you gotta come check out the women. They don't get much finer.  ;)

I went through everyone of them thar states driving from AZ to FL.  I believe you! 

Haven't spent much time wandering around in eastern Europe, have you?   [evil]

Oh, don't even get me started on women from that region. I still have marks.  [evil]

Shift change around the Ducati Factory.

wow, nice thread jack........ [thumbsup]

BGB

It's all good when the OP joins in effort.   [evil]

It's all under control here BGB..leading back to the topic! 


So, Dark..what kind of knives do those Eastern block women carry around so they rob you..or..what's the best knife to use to fight them off??

A very sharp character.  ;)

Thinking about buying this.

(http://www.gedraitisknives.com/Image_Knife.asp?Ident_Value=2362)

I won a Buck folding Hunter at the Safety conference.

(http://www.noordhaghe.nl/catalog/images/BUCK110.jpg)

Who makes that?

It's a custom by a knifemaker in Massachusetts. All he does are one offs.

Does it come with a complimentary tab of acid?   [cheeky]

It's Dave's brother.

http://www.gedraitisknives.com/ (http://www.gedraitisknives.com/)

I was trying not to shill for him.

That's why I filled in the blanks.

I like the work on the spine and that damascus blade.  

My dad went to a wine tasting this weekend and a local knife maker was there who gave him a good deal on a fixed blade.  

 
http://www.purvisknives.com/fixed.html (http://www.purvisknives.com/fixed.html)  
Model: 041..second to last.

There are several folders I wouldn't mind having.  I like the fact that most of his knives look like they've been used for years.


Mary..nice!  looks just like my first knife  

I have one of those that I found on the windowsill of the first place I rented after moving out of my parent's house 17 years ago.  [thumbsup]

Didn't feel like reading all the wiki stuff.  Why wouldn't you buy an Emerson?

I'm on the waiting list for 2 more......been on it for way too long, should probably check in.

Wish they would make an A100 with the wave feature......

Just get a Commander.

I've got the Super cqc 8.  The design is much more applicable to my needs than the Commander.  That blade holds an amazing edge! 

I would probably buy one of his customs, but I think Crawford makes a better blade, plus Ernie's affiliation with the SEALS is enough to turn me away.  ;)

  [laugh] [laugh] [laugh] [laugh]

Nothing wrong with being a groupie.   [cheeky]

If it wasn't for those make the beast with two backs Sticks his blades would never have been popular.  [bang]

But according to Marcus, they are the preeminent fighting force known to man.

http://www.ducatimonsterforum.org/index.php?topic=35957.0 (http://www.ducatimonsterforum.org/index.php?topic=35957.0)

LOL, so if on a desert Island with an Emerson or the pretty little rainbow knife pictured above, which would you choose?

Yosemitebear Mountain Giant Double Rainbow 1-8-10 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OQSNhk5ICTI#normal)

The Emerson, unless there was a pretty little Island girl around.

That could go for most of NMC, especially TOAST.  ;D (ning everyone, coffee's on)  [coffee]

That's what TOSAT is for.

If you want to talk knives...this is the thread.

If you want to talk random shit...take it there.

I thought we were (some sidebars, but that's normal) Knives, use of, likes, dislikes etc. Yes/no?

I'm going to bed.

You guys are pissing me off and in the mood I am in...

I'll do something about it...right or wrong. I've done it before.

Do me a favor and try to keep things on topic.

Thanks for your continued support.  [bang]

 [thumbsup]

and if weren't for Kyle Reese and "Wildthing", the SEALS wouldn't be popular!  [cheeky]

(http://trendliest.files.wordpress.com/2008/09/navyseals1.jpg)




/I believe they cropped the Emerson out of this pic.  

So..back on topic.

What are your TOP 3 (different brands)?

Pat Crawford, Al Polkowski, and RMJ Forge Tactical Hawks.  [evil]

Ok. What about affordable ones where I don't have to wait 5 years to receive my order?!

;)

besides the potato peeler I use in my kitchen being a fave knife currently there was a time when I had a sykes-fairborn.Mine was razor sharp.......google them to see a pic.They were a knife of choice .

Dammit BGB...that's too much work on a blackberry!  :p

I always loved this knife:

(http://img-srv.everestwebworks.com/w2/Pictures/My%20Files/1000013.1/RAMBO%202%20KNIFE.jpg)

What kind of guy didn't love the Rambo knife!!

Had one of those when I was 14. There was fishing line, hooks, matches, a finger saw and some other things in the handle.

By whom?

John J carried a Jimmy Lile knife.

http://www.jimmylile.com/detail.php?image1=next_fb.jpg (http://www.jimmylile.com/detail.php?image1=next_fb.jpg)

$3,500.  That's a Knife!

Good enough to spread butter on toast.   [thumbsup]

I'll still take a Hawk.  [thumbsup]

I can do that with a paint stick. [thumbsup]

Yea but with a tomohawk you can scalp someone......or off a turkey even!

Not so easy to carry though......

Dude..nobody wants to hear what you do with your "paint stick"!!    [puke]





 ;D

and I promise it will go right through the collarbone to the hilt.  ;)

Sounds like you speak from experience.

I can confirm nor deny this statement you honor.

 


  ;D

^^^^ Zing, ning, coffee's on.  :D

After seeing Mom & JB's wedding pics..I'm liking these!   [evil]

(http://ep.yimg.com/ca/I/yhst-91324301302029_2122_5125964)

http://www.xtremeknives.com/kukri.html (http://www.xtremeknives.com/kukri.html)

Your killing me dude.

What?!

It'll mount nicely on the frame of the 1100.   [laugh]

Hawk bro.  [evil]

I don't know that I would need a weapon that cuts right through a villager's collar bone.

RMJ makes a few rescue hawks, that can be used to cut into or out of a vehicle. Not unlike a Fire Axe, but much smaller.

These hawks will also open a gaping hole in someones head.  [evil]

The spike on my hawk will take a minute to remove it.  [evil]

we carry these

(http://www.candfsupply.com/images/Gemtor/Crash_Axe.gif)

very useful

Now your talking.  ;)

your brother's work is beautiful  [thumbsup]

You do know that the shape of the kukri's blade is what allows it to cleave through a neck and sever a person's head right?

Oh yeah and I'm about to go to town on some of the IZ-haters!!  >:(

Dude, someone's got to be on the receiving end now that JuddDDddD is gone.   [evil]

Hobbiton? :-*

[laugh] [laugh] [laugh] [laugh] [laugh] [laugh] [laugh] [laugh] [laugh] [laugh] [laugh] [laugh] [laugh]

SON OF A B*TCH!

I laughed   >:(

I'm off to the ban yourself thread. ;D

If I had any machining skilz, Id invent a Switch Hawk.......packs like a club, push a button and out comes the blade and cool skull spike. 

Maybe I'll make one out of Alder.........

Check out the new Strider Knife collection and their "hawk-like" creation around the 1:40 mark!  [evil]

Strider Knives ShotShow 2010 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EToS4Mr5qSc&feature=related#normal)

Not a big fan of Strider. The multiple angle head on the crash axe is subject to failure (imho).

I would take an RMJ Forge Hawk any day.


www.rmjtactical.com (http://)

My first thought as well.  It's still in design stages though.

True. The Ti handle needs some type of wrap to provide a positive grip. When you are trying to crash through a vehicle or an aircraft you are bringing the heat, and you don't want that thing twisting in your grip.

that and you don't want anything with moving parts to become fouled with with bits of glass and molding material

or

levers smaller than what can be manipulated with fire gloves

that strider thing is a novelty

 [thumbsup]  It'll make a great paper weight.  :D

On the tactical side of the house, we aren't wearing fire gloves. We still wear gloves , but not as bulky. Which would still be an issue,

Milspecmonkey   [laugh] [laugh] [laugh]

"pew pew pew"

Just checked my order with Emerson.......2 cqc-7w's. One plain edge, one with the combination edge.

13 more weeks......
 

[bang]

D*mn..maybe by Feb?!

Mr. Knife Guy in Chandler received his first shipment of the Mantis Bottlenecks today.

Basically a small butterfly knife with a bottle opener incorporated into the design.

(http://i571.photobucket.com/albums/ss158/izaac10_album/MantisBottleneck_2.jpg)

(http://i571.photobucket.com/albums/ss158/izaac10_album/MantisBottleneck_1.jpg)


It'll come in very handy when my wife is drinking her "No Retornable" Mexican Coke at America's Taco Shop.  [cheeky]

(http://i571.photobucket.com/albums/ss158/izaac10_album/CokeOrangeCrush.jpg)

Ordering one of these from Darrel Ralph designs..

HTM-DDR Gun Hammer.  Hopefully, it comes without that HTM logo on the blade!
(http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_az07PLfwhLw/TH2CFLWWwiI/AAAAAAAACOo/_7NN_L23qjM/s1600/107167239.jpg)
http://www.darrelralph.com/ (http://www.darrelralph.com/)

One of his knives can be seen in The Expendables when Jason Statham beat up that guy on the basketball court. There's also a video of Aerosmith member using his on TV.


BTW..I was watching The Hurt Locker last night and was trying to figure out what knives the main character used.  ???  

Zero Tolerance Christmas?!   [thumbsup]

ZT301
(http://www.lighthound.com/assets/images/zt301.jpg)



The Ken Onion/ZT Damascas Prototype would be even sweeter though!!

(http://www.kenonionknives.com/images/25164.jpg)

A couple near done - the brown handled one is ground from 1/4" 5160 and clay tempered.  Very rugged and shaving sharp.

The white handled one is forged from 1080 and clay tempered with a nice hamon.  It is scary screaming sharp.  Its going to one of my former junior smallbore shooters as her hunting knife.

(http://i838.photobucket.com/albums/zz306/LooseCannon_10/DSC_5936.jpg)
(http://i838.photobucket.com/albums/zz306/LooseCannon_10/DSC_5926.jpg)

 [thumbsup]

Scary screaming sharp, is there any other way? [thumbsup]

I just picked up two pocket knives while at Fred Meyer.  I got them for about $40 each.








(http://www7b.biglobe.ne.jp/~bullseye/images/img1938.jpg)

First I saw this buck knife.  Buck 110 Folding Hunter: http://www.buckknives.com/index.cfm?event=product.detail&productID=3044 (http://www.buckknives.com/index.cfm?event=product.detail&productID=3044)  I think it was already mentioned on this thread.  This is the only knife out of the two that I have actually used yet.  I want to use this one out of the two, primarily as a tool.  It seems like a really good camping knife.  I don't do any hunting.  I wouldn't leave it behind if I ever did go hunting.  It has a very solid feel.  As you hold it, open it, you feel the quality aging and polishing of the design style that it has aquired, endowed by Hoyt H Buck.













(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/21P-Ah4hs3L._SL500_AA300_.jpg)

Then, after they opened the display case, I noticed this knife, hiding in plain sight.  Kershaw Ken Onion AO  http://www.amazon.com/Kershaw-Onion-Black-Scallion-Knife/dp/B002V7JOUM/ref=sr_1_8?s=sporting-goods&ie=UTF8&qid=1289315017&sr=1-8 (http://www.amazon.com/Kershaw-Onion-Black-Scallion-Knife/dp/B002V7JOUM/ref=sr_1_8?s=sporting-goods&ie=UTF8&qid=1289315017&sr=1-8)  I couldn't find my exact knife anywhere, but this link appears to be the blacked out version of my knife.  Mine says "

        1620
KAI Patented
   MADE IN USA

"
on the blade.  The blade has three circles, of decreasing radii, as you travel from thumbstud to tip along the spine and in between the swedge and the primary grind.  The handle has a space etched out which says "Kershaw Ken Onion USA" if you look closely.  Mine doesn't have the white lettering as in the photo.  On my knife, the handle has texture, the handle is black, and the blade is metal-colored.  The knife has the assisted opening feature, which makes it fun to open.  Once I feel confident that I can maintain a killers grip on the knife at all times it will be badass to pull open it front of someone.  It's not quite like being spring-loaded, as there is no bounce and the movement feels more controlled than say, a switchblade.  You flick your thumb on the thumbstud and the blade launches out.  Or if you just grab it the right way, you can make the final knuckle of your index finger press the thumb-ramp in, and the blade will click out.  You really feel the stored energy in the Assisted Opening mechanism this way, so you have to have a firm grip around the handle of the knife with the rest of your fingers/your thumb.

Once open, I can put the butt of the knife handle resting in my palm over my carpals, where the palm of my hand folds together, and I can grip the knife with the tip hiding just tucked under my finger tip when my hand is held palm-facing-down.  I have to stretch my fingers a little bit to hide the tip.  The knife feels good.  My hands are not very large.

In short, this is the most sophisticated, the most practical, and the most usable street knife to carry on my person that I have every come across.  Tuck it in your left pants pocket, clip out, so the blade won't open.  You forget it's on you until you need it.  Like I said, I haven't actually used it yet.  I want to save the blade for when I really need it.  I am not comfortable sharpening or honing knives...

I used to have a partial-serrated Kershaw Leek with a black handle and a rainbow blade.  That was an awesome knife.  I miss it dearly.  I dumped it while riding the bus once.  I was tripping paranoid they were going to search us and take me in for carrying weapons across states.  I was not thinking straight.  I have kicked myself many times for that loss.  On the bright side, this is a better knife.



Next on my list of knives is a good all-around solid handle knife. ... about 1 foot in total length.  Suggestions?

I'm looking at the Zero Tolerance 301. Might fit the bill?

Does your have a "cross point safety"?  My Ken Onion Chive has a small piece that slides in front of the tip to prevent accidental opening.  I am a big fan of those knives!

May sound silly, but the best way I have found to determine if a knife is "sharp" is if it will cleanly slice free hanging Bounty paper towel.  It takes a pretty darn sharp knive to slice it without tearing.  I will admit it does strain the relationship with my long suffering wife when she grabs a sheet of paper towel from the roller and finds that it has been "fringed"

No safety.  I am worried about it opening, so I keep the blade tucked against the back corner of my left pocket.

I've got a couple of scars on my thigh from my old school switchblade that had a habit of opening in my pocket.......that sucked!

I corked my khurkuri off a hearth stone today splitting kindling... [thumbsdown]

Funny.  I do that too. 

My dad prefers see if he can shave the hair off his arm.   :P

I test with the hair on my arm too but when I am in knifemaking mode, the supply of forearm hair gets depleted pretty quickly.  :P

 [laugh]

I got this a few weeks ago, just forgot to post a pic.   [thumbsup]

(http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c363/swangas/Knives/IMG00011-20101111-1238.jpg)

Ontario RD9 w/orange micarta slabs

Nice!  Orange for a specific purpose?  It's not an underwater knife. 

I finally saw the Cold Steel Rajah knives at Shooter's Vault yesterday.  WOW!!  That's a folder..and sharp too!!

AUS8 blade.

Rajah II $125 and the new Rajah III only $60.  I'll take both!!   ;D

BTW..Cold Steel marketing videos are LONG!!

http://www.coldsteel.com/rajahseries.html  (http://www.coldsteel.com/rajahseries.html)

Orange for visibility at night, in the off chance it leaves my hand.

I like that Rajah III. And I can only sit through a few minutes of their videos too!

Rajah III is pretty awesome and fits in the hand quite nicely.  Like I said, $60. It will be mine by the end of the week!

Why didn't you just get a knife with tritium inlay?!?!  ;)

That would have been pretty damn sweet!!!

Next time.

(http://images.trademe.co.nz/photoserver/67/86141667_full.jpg)

About two weeks until this shows up

Wow! Who you gonna chop into little pieces with that? The holidays can be stressful but damn! [laugh]

warrior knife...  lot of movies show people slashing it up with those.. damn, something else I want now..

only one place to get it

http://www.thekhukurihouse.com/catalog/
 (http://www.thekhukurihouse.com/catalog/)
Same place that makes them for the gurkas

hand made by 3 guys over 3 days in Nepal

cheap too, shipping's a pregnant dog though

this one was like $55 before shipping

fashioned out of leaf springs from trucks

..fixed

Where from,how do I get a set?

Seems like I heard about these guys from someone else though.. Mother?? ??? 
I like those khukuri blades.  Did you see the Rajah folders? 

He cut our wedding cake with one, not sure if it was from the same guys though...

always been a big fan of Benchmade and SOG. The CRKT M16 was a pretty good line also. But those are all obvious answers, rite? You want a real slck opener see is you can find a Mach l Lightening. its got a reverse clip on it with a spur on the spine or back of the blade and opens like butter. When you pull it out of you pocket the spur catches on the way and the blade opens practically before it is even clears your pocket. Its literally like carrying a fixed blade around in your pocket (without the whole severed-femoral issue!)

Yep, mine gets used to cut kindling and cake

too heavy for anything else

I got mine from The Khurkri House Thamel

I think the Khurkri House/ House Thamel/ Khurkriblades.com are all the same people

I believe they are all operated by Nepalmade.com

shipping is a pregnant dog, no exaggeration there

Emerson nice knives!

They are all the same place, gotta watch out as there are a lot of knockoff's from Pakistan on the market
I've always been a khukuri fan, very practical tool

I'll have to look into the rajah in a bit, it's about time for me to upgrade my gerber edc...i'd like something a littler bigger but still not a pain.

I prefer a short bladed  machete to a Khukri any day of the week.  Much easier to slice wedn cake with.....

:-)

(http://www.vintageseattle.org/wp-content/uploads/2007/07/post_largest_cake_01_front.jpg)

game on, I'll meet you on the other side

Check out th Rajah link I have a page or two back.  Like I said, the Cold Steel promo videos are long and a bit overdone but they look pretty damn durable!!  Rajah III (smallest)..approx. $65.  The Spartan..$80 Rajah II..$120.  Very affordable! 




I've seen several knives that have that quick draw feature.   [evil]
The Mantis Karambit I have does but it takes some practice.  I'd rather not cut myself. 
IIRC..the Rajah II has that feature as well. 

What's up with the terrorist on top of the cake? 

That's Paul Bunyan...

Speaking of Paul Bunyan and axes, here's a cheap 'hawk......

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d.html/ref=redir_mdp_mobile/192-3571754-5549762?ref_=sr_1_2&s=power-hand-tools&tag=dealswoot-20&qid=1287745604&a=B000PICTYC&sr=1-2 (http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d.html/ref=redir_mdp_mobile/192-3571754-5549762?ref_=sr_1_2&s=power-hand-tools&tag=dealswoot-20&qid=1287745604&a=B000PICTYC&sr=1-2)

Not quite a knife, but Mother bought me a hatchet thats just my size:

(http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs1202.snc4/155481_594588303183_7202497_34265437_7086399_n.jpg)

My cheapo no name everywhere carry..
(http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c174/cokey2/IMG_20101127_104839.jpg)

Hopefully xmas is good and I can get my Legionnaire

http://www.hoguestore.com/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=667 (http://www.hoguestore.com/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=667)

I see Hogue (known for pistol grips and rifle stocks) is currently offering a line of tactical folders.  They look pretty nice.  Most of them are made from 154CM which is an ok stainless blade steel.  Some of them have machined aluminum handles which are tough but I'm not crazy about them in cold conditions.

It looks like Alan Eleschwitz (sp) is the designer so there is another entry into the tactical folder market.

They have those ^ at my local knife shop.  A couple with the Damascus and also the gold handles.  Not digging either one.  There is one model I would consider though..the G10/Tanto/flat black.  Not a knife I would choose but that's just my own personal taste.  The grind isn't bad and I do like that it has a lock.  So many of the knives I've been looking at don't!   

Jbub..nice hatchet!!  Looks like Mom nominated you as the one who'll be gathering firewood this winter?!  ;)

You know it!

I think he actually bought it for himself cause he insists on using it. Something about my aim?  ???
 ;)

Wel I needed a new yard knife....and wanted something relativly cheap. My Cold Steel Recon Scout rusts too easy now that I've re-ground the profile and thinned the blade so that it cuts much better and deeper.

Anyways I ended up with this off fleebay for $50. shipped. It was sharp outta the box but had a crappy profile on the edge that would not cut very deep on denser/harder wood, so off to the grinder I went.

Now this thing scares me. [evil]

(http://i225.photobucket.com/albums/dd86/scbaran/IMG_5714.jpg)

It's sporting about a 10" blade that's about 3/16" thick. Makes for a nice short version of a machete with some more weight behind it.

Now THATS a knife!  That will beat a boomerang any day of the week!

Can't see the pic on the BB. I assume you bought another Cold Steel?  Rajah II?? 

Kershaw Outcast D2

Thanks  K.

I just received 4 silver skulls from Midwest Knifemakers. I bought my brother and dad a knives for Christmas and making lanyards for them. Found some videos on youtube. Shouldn't be too difficult.

I always have one of these belt buckle knives on. It comes out quick and is incredibly handy. I honed it with an 8000 stone and that mofo is like a razor.
http://www.bucklehead.com/index.html (http://www.bucklehead.com/index.html)

The 2 Emerson knives I ordered on June 27th are being shipped......3 day Express......after waiting just under 6 months.....love it.

 [roll]

Which Emersons did you order?

LApoliceGear.com is having a sale on the Leeks. Over 50% off. $30 is a good price.

http://www.emersonknives.com/miva/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Product_Code=CQC-7AW-SF&Category_Code= (http://www.emersonknives.com/miva/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Product_Code=CQC-7AW-SF&Category_Code=)

Plain edge and 1/2 serrated.

$200 for a non auto.........is it that good?


I think I'll stick with my microtech.

Great knife! I have an A-1 and I love it.

So much faster than any auto.  I was an auto fan before I learned about the wave feature.  While you are digging around your pocket, looking for the button, my blade has been out.

 [thumbsup]

Any knife only opens as fast as the user operating it practices opening it. Whether it be a classic, an auto, or a semi-assist. Same goes for a fixed blade pulling from a sheath.

my khukuri is in the us and making it's way from JFK....

Generally stuff i order i couldnt care less when it gets to me

with this i've been updating the tracking page at ocd intervals

Good point!  (couldn't resist)
 ;D

Yeaaa it's here, went out and a quick chopping test and it ate a 2x4

The handle is a bit big for me so i'll have to sand that down to my liking and put a slightly better edge on it

(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5207/5245270374_56112558c8.jpg)

Comes with a little utility knife
(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5088/5245271278_cb7de3a20d.jpg)
quite thick, looks just a bit over 1/4
(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5089/5245270906_517cdd6592.jpg)

After watching the video, the 6th thing that knife does is self-inflict a stabwound if you add a few more inches to that roll.   ;D 


pretty clever though and fast action.  [thumbsup]

 [thumbsup] [thumbsup]

I'd like to have a chop off between the Outcast and that khukri. [evil]

That's some bad ass blade! [thumbsup] If it were a gun it would be a magnum. ;D

I'm still playing with it, i havent been able to put it down.

something about it gives you that...I can do anything feeling, no wonder the Gurkhas are so badass

Will have to put a new edge on it as it leaves something to be desired

It's handmade which i think makes it feel more...soulful? I never really got to like any of my SOG's because they felt dead

I'm seriously digging this blade, comes well packed and the blade oiled and wrapped separably from the handle then wrapped in paper

It's been getting chilly here, but i may take a day off and go camping before all the holiday crap gets started and really play with it.

Cool stuff. We need an after action report on how you like it/what it could do. [thumbsup]

definitely, got something pretty big planned

Me want...

BTW, that's a good way to store any non-stainless steel blade when you're not carrying it -- wrapped in oilcloth, separate from the sheath. Leather sheaths hold moisture like crazy and some of the chemicals used in tanning can be quite corrosive. Leave that blade in the sheath for six months or so through a humid summer, and you're going to have an unpleasant shock when you next pull it out!

+1 on the handmade vibe -- your eyes and your hands intuitively know the difference.

(http://www.garrettwade.com/images/250/04D0411.jpg)

Surplus Swiss Army Axes for sale for anyone interested:

http://www.garrettwade.com/swiss-army-axes/p/04D04.11/ (http://www.garrettwade.com/swiss-army-axes/p/04D04.11/)

Serious wait time. Sounds like Milt Sparks.

I just bought a new one off ebay. I might have to wait 6 days.  :)

Ordered the BW BT. About $50 less then direct from Emerson???

http://www.emersonknives.com/ekCQC7BW_BTS.php (http://www.emersonknives.com/ekCQC7BW_BTS.php)

http://www.emersonknives.com/ekCQC7AW_SF.php (http://www.emersonknives.com/ekCQC7AW_SF.php)

New favorite knife.  The only way it could get better is if they made a "mini" version.  Extremely sharp right out of the box.  My only gripe is the handle is a little larger than I prefer.

  http://www.emersonknives.com/miva/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Product_Code=MiniCQC7BWBTS&Category_Code=Mini-CQC-7 (http://www.emersonknives.com/miva/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Product_Code=MiniCQC7BWBTS&Category_Code=Mini-CQC-7)

This has been my daily carrier for the past 4 years.  Never really liked the tanto blade but it holds an edge very well.  Its gutted deer and fish, cut bait, rope, drywall, tree branches among other things.

(https://lh5.ggpht.com/_om0JErZHvOU/TQFyXXUaiOI/AAAAAAAAR7I/u7c7joN2DRI/s800/IMAG0598.jpg)

They are expensive but they hold an edge like crazy and have a Ti subframe/liner lock.

I like that serrated blade.  [thumbsup]

bought a couple more for Christmas presents last night.

Dad just bought a place on a lake in Michigan so I bought him the Mantis "Phil A" knife.  Long folder.

(http://images.knifecenter.com/knifecenter/mantis/images/MNTMU2.jpg)

Step-dad is into guns.  The Boker Plus Kalishnikov's handle looks like a gun.  Nice serrated blade too.  [thumbsup]

(http://www.filofiel.com/tienda/images/KALASHNIKOV%2001AK09.JPG)

Found a new Zero Tolerance for myself too.   We'll see what Santa-wife has to say about that.  [cheeky]

Santa-wife surprised me with the Zero Tolerance 301.   [thumbsup]  [thumbsup]  [thumbsup]
 
(http://i571.photobucket.com/albums/ss158/izaac10_album/ZT301.jpg)

Beefy knife..compared to a Boker and a typical Strider.

Zero Tolerance 301
Kershaw/Ken Onion/Strider collaboration knife. Overall length is 8-1/2" and closed is 5"with an S30V stainless tungsten DLC tiger striped coated 3-3/4" blade. Features Speed-Safe assisted opening system. Ambidextrous thumb stud or index finger protrusion for one-handed opening. Clip can be mounted ambidextrous in tip-up or tip-down.  Handles are Titanium. RANGER GREEN

(http://i571.photobucket.com/albums/ss158/izaac10_album/BokerandColdSteel.jpg)

(http://i571.photobucket.com/albums/ss158/izaac10_album/ZeroTolerance301vsStriderRogueWarrior.jpg)

Girlfriend got me this for Xmas...

(http://www.charlesandhudson.com/tools/photos/sog-flash-2.jpg)

SOG Flash II, it's a difficult close one-handed but I'm getting the hang of it. Sharp as hell out of the box!!

Nice Sog Duc

I was in Shooter's Vault last week here in PHX and saw these..

http://www.medfordknife.com/ (http://www.medfordknife.com/)

All fixed blades and most have tools built into the handles.   [thumbsup]

Yeah, I've seen some of those Medford knives before. I really like a couple of them, I just don't know how much I like the 550 handles. I wonder if you can get some micarta slabs for it?

I can ask.  The guy lives about 15 miles away!

Thanks IZ, it's nice of you to offer only I'm not really in the position to spend that much money after the holiday.

Cool..I have a couple questions for him anyway.  Like..where are the tactical folders?! 

Sent in my Kershaw leek for warranty work. The spring mechanism wasn't opening completely. They sent me back a brand new one.

Excellant customer service and warranty.

Mr. Knife Guy had the Benchmade MPR 755 in stock.  

Titanium frame lock looks like it would break off it's so flexible.  

I'm liking it more and more though.  Next on the list is that Darryl Ralph Gunhammer Radian!  [evil]

(http://1818dao.net/pic/digi/2207_hug2.jpg)

(http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_az07PLfwhLw/TH2CFLWWwiI/AAAAAAAACOo/_7NN_L23qjM/s400/107167239.jpg)

But

It's neither a gun nor a hammer  ???

Ohhhh hats that gunhammer run? I'd check but I'm on my phone literally in the middle of no where Indiana.

Got a Leek for Christmas. It's so different from what I'm used to, but I'm really, really digging it so far. Seems to be very well made.

I've carried nothing but various CRKT M16's for about 8 years or so. The last few M16's didn't hold up near as well as the older ones did, so I switched to the Gerber EVO, which is essentially Gerber's version of the M16. Seems ok, haven't used it much as I've only had it since late Nov. Takes quite a bit more use to break in compared to the M16's.

I've never had a problem with them. I had one for 8+ years until I left it with the bouncer at a strip club and forgot to pick it up on my way out.

This is the first time I actually had them do anything to it (use the warranty). They're wonderful in their customer service. I'm trying to find some of their auto-openers locally.

I think you'll like that EVO, I had one for quite a while. I makes for a nice EDC that you won't be afraid to beat the shit out of, since it's relatively cheap.

I don't remember, since I don't have mine anymore, but I think you can still adjust the blade tension on those with a torx bit. That should help make the action as good as the M16. The blade wasn't as sharp as I like out of the box so I took some fine grit wet sand paper to the edge, helped out a lot!

Hey IZ
Many pages back in this thread you asked about Smith & Wesson knives (I went back and read some earlier posts).

I have this guy without the belt cutter...
(http://images.knifecenter.com/knifecenter/smith-and-wesson-knives/images/SWFR2S.jpg)

S&W's are pretty cheap, if you're in the market for one and you can beat the crap out of them without feeling bad about the price you paid. I've used this one for just about everything. It's built pretty well, the only downside is it doesn't have any adjustment for blade tension. Even though I didn't need it, and I've opened and closed it about half a million times, it would still be a nice option.

It's still pretty sharp and I've never sharpened it!

When I was looking at knives for the first time, this is the first S&W I saw.  Sharp looking and very affordable!  [thumbsup]

Just saw this at Zero Tolerance/Kershaw page..

The Kershaw/ZT factory is going to be on the History Channel's show "Modern Marvels." The crew was here shooting video today. The show is set to air on March 18th 9pm ET on the History Channel.

 [thumbsup] [thumbsup] [thumbsup]

I've got to somehow remind myself of this!!!

I've been a big fan of this guys work for a while, not the tactical folders you guys love so much though

http://www.jswords.com/noze.php (http://www.jswords.com/noze.php)

Those are pieces of art.  I'm digging the last 3!  [thumbsup]

Who cares if they're not tactical folders.  The folders are the only ones that we can use as an EDC.  I'd really like a fixed blade with a nicely carved wooden handle.   

Buck 110 conversion to automatic

Spyderco "Wayne Goddard"  The thinest toughest every day knife made.  The are very thin light and comfortable with a pocket clip.

Carrillo Designs.  They look cool but I'm prices at $800 and above..probably not.

(http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a374/BANE55/CIMG3822.jpg)

(http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a374/BANE55/CIMG3818.jpg)

(http://www.airkatknives.com/gallery/image/albums/pages/sized/X_Frame_Rear_View_copy.jpg)

Rajah III came in today.  It's a folding Kukri that's very sharp and has the wave feature to expose the blade quickly.  It's kind of light though compared to the ZT and feels a bit cheap.  Made in Taiwan.  It'll last forever though..I'm sure..and will get a lot of use.   [thumbsup]

(http://i199.photobucket.com/albums/aa14/akido10/RajahIIIandZT0301.jpg)

(http://i199.photobucket.com/albums/aa14/akido10/RajahIIIandZT0301_1.jpg)     

Blade Magazine highlighting a couple Zero Tolerance knives featured on the show NCIS, including, the ZT 0301.  [thumbsup]

Tosh.0 on Comedy Central did a parody of the Cold Steel Knives Video in which the owner of company cuts a few pigs in half with a ridiculously large dragon slayer-like sword.   [laugh]

What's a good sharpening stone or tool I can get for stainless steel swords?

http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-6511751461838547838&hl=en# (http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-6511751461838547838&hl=en#)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IuKSSQrmn0k&feature=player_embedded (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IuKSSQrmn0k&feature=player_embedded)

I picked this up last week ZT350st

(http://i885.photobucket.com/albums/ac51/rllout/DSCN0302.jpg)

I was looking at the 300 but decided it was a little bigger than what I wanted to carry.
I got it from this guy http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=796461 (http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=796461) he sells factory blems as well as new. Good price and fast shipping if anyone is interested.

Nice!  If the 350st came with the tiger stripe finish, I would have one of those.  I like the more compact size better than my 300. 

BTW..mentioned this a few weeks ago.  The ZT factory is going to be on TV in March.  I believe Ultimate Factories..March 16th?  I'll have to dig up the post.  Check it out!  [thumbsup]

want
(http://store.carbonfibergear.com/media/catalog/product/cache/1/image/300x225/17f82f742ffe127f42dca9de82fb58b1/1/-/1-john-kubasek-creditor-carbon-fiber-money-clip-knife.jpg)

http://store.carbonfibergear.com/creditor-carbon-fiber-money-clip-knife-by-john-kubasek# (http://store.carbonfibergear.com/creditor-carbon-fiber-money-clip-knife-by-john-kubasek#)

(http://www.aceros-de-hispania.com/image/swiss-army-knife/swiss-army-knife.jpg)

It may not be made of carbon, it may not look all Navy Seal like, but me an McGyver see eye to eye on how useful this knife really is!


[thumbsup]

 

Supposedly the German Army does too.
(http://countycomm.com/Swissknife1.jpg)

Weapon Of Choice - Action Figure Therapy (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cta-d7B41m8&feature=relmfu#normal)

 [laugh] [laugh]

Cool..looks very similar to the Boker money clip/knife. 

IIRC..Strider has a CF blade.  I'll see if I can dig it up.

 My favorites are the kind that stick people, ;D

Did anyone see this?  I was out of town for the week and missed it.

Finally got done with the funerals, illnesses, weather and other pestilence and got back to the forge.  A quick pic of some knives in progress.  The hamon in the knife in the foreground came out pretty nice. 
(http://i838.photobucket.com/albums/zz306/LooseCannon_10/IntheWorks.jpg)

Great job Warren!!   [thumbsup]

Is that something you do for profit or is it just a hobby?

I'm trying to get to the point where it is a bit more of a paying proposition.  I've sold a few and have given away a bunch more.  My metallurgy is good, but I'm still working on the cosmetics.

Hey j, can you make a set of  khukuris...? Like turf bought..  if you can do them for around the same price, it'll save me on shipping .. I can make my own handles..   want a set for defensive purposes..  they make some good zombie choppers...

I think they look pretty damn good!!

Hell, I'd be interested if you inclined to try a scandi grind!! No pressure though.   ;)

I think most people are interested in the blade for functionality, the cosmetics, IMO come from the handle.

What type of steel are you using?

Might have to jump on this one from Mr. Crawford.


 http://www.crawfordknives.com/ROGUE%20KASPER%20IVORY%20HANDLE.htm (http://www.crawfordknives.com/ROGUE%20KASPER%20IVORY%20HANDLE.htm)

if you spend 1800.00 on a pocket knife

you should be taken out back and beaten to death with it

Over the years I have bought 6-7 knives from Pat. None under $500, but none with as much work as this one has. Collectors item brother, pure work of Art. If you ever meet him at a show you will know what I mean.

Here is a really clean functional tactical fixed fighter.


http://www.crawfordknives.com/KASPER%20FIXED%20BLADE.htm (http://www.crawfordknives.com/KASPER%20FIXED%20BLADE.htm)

I've talked to him at the Chicago show a couple of times - good people.

I'll have to look at how the Kukri edge geometry works - might be interesting to pound out.

Most of my knives are made of 1080 or 5160.  I do mess with a few other steels, but they are my favorites so far.  I do have a chunk of S7 that I am going to attempt a short sword with but I understand it is very red hard and resists the hammer so lots of pounding. 

I like doing the Hamon, clay heat treating thing so 1080 is a good match for what I like to make.  They are tough, look good and hold a great edge.  5160 will get a faint hamon but boy does it make a tough knife.

Yes he is, very soft spoken man and will take time to talk to you on the phone at length. I have bugged him
on several occasions.

Here is a knife Mr. Crawford did for me 10yrs ago. He no longer makes this configuration (it was called a Point Guard), but I'm sure he would if asked.

I had him do this one with titanium bolsters and blade with Micarta handles. It has traveled quite extensively.

(http://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa91/chiflado/pat1.jpg)

(http://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa91/chiflado/pat.jpg)

(http://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa91/chiflado/pat2.jpg)

The idea of having to use one to pry open a battery terminal or open a can of beens would make a guy sick

its why I can't have nice things

I always enjoy looking at good tactical folders.  So many of them look great in pictures but end up being so large as to be awkward to carry.  The Pointguard aways has a great reputation, is big enough to be useful and still slim enough to work in the pocket.  I'd feel naked without a good folder or two.  

That what a screwdriver is for.  ;)

I have another Point Guard. Ti handles, drilled out with a steel blade. I have a belt stud on it instead of a pocket clip.

Nice work Warren! 



Like that. 

I loves me some kukri, I'd be interested depending how much you can do them for. just something I can slap some micarta slabs on maybe powdercoat and get to fending off zombie hordes. I was considering getting a ZT folder....but custom kukri's are farrr to appealing.

Speaking of ZT ^^  

I showed wife's coworker my 301.  First thing she said is "Oooh..I like the zebra stripes!!"   [roll]


Haven't gotten around to posting up these pics unitl now.  My step-mother makes jewlery so I asked her to make a bead to put on a lanyard.  She came up with the idea of a silver shark tooth.  She molded it from an actual Mako tooth.

(http://i571.photobucket.com/albums/ss158/izaac10_album/Silversharktooth.jpg)


Unfortunately, it's too big (sized more for a bolo tie) so I picked up one of these knife cases to put it on instead.
 
(http://i571.photobucket.com/albums/ss158/izaac10_album/MaxpeditionKnifeCase_1.jpg)
(http://i571.photobucket.com/albums/ss158/izaac10_album/MaxpeditionKnifeCase_2.jpg)

I've never heard of Maxpedition products before but they have a ton of gear!  The case is good quality for only being $25.
Anyway, the tooth goes along well with the shark "morale patch" I picked up a few months ago.   [thumbsup]

(http://i571.photobucket.com/albums/ss158/izaac10_album/MaxpeditionKnifeCase_5.jpg)

(http://i571.photobucket.com/albums/ss158/izaac10_album/MaxpeditionKnifeCase_6.jpg)

(http://i571.photobucket.com/albums/ss158/izaac10_album/MaxpeditionKnifeCase_4.jpg)

One more IZ_ phone pic.   [cheeky]

New Darly Ralph "Gunhammer" along with my ZT and "Rajah III" Kukri.  [thumbsup]

(http://i571.photobucket.com/albums/ss158/izaac10_album/DDR_ColdSteel_ZT.jpg)

This is another Point Guard that Mr. Crawford did for me. Titanium handles (drilled) steel blade and a Belt Stud in place
of a pocket clip.

(http://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa91/chiflado/k2.jpg)

(http://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa91/chiflado/k1.jpg)

(http://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa91/chiflado/k.jpg)

yeah

knives

fun

 :-\

(http://a4.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/226287_642268346993_7202497_34643206_5115204_n.jpg)

Back to the round ended scissors for you!   ;D

Crazyglue?

Its just a matter of time before I nick myself good.  Especially all the hours I spend hand sanding, its so easy to slip. 

Dermabond. Less staph, more sterile.

I finally had to toss a favorite a T-shirt I got at a Blacksmith swap-meet that had the silhouettes of dozens of antique tools and the caption:

"Every tool is a hammer, except for a chisel that's a screwdriver"

 

(http://www.discountcutlery.net/media/G1021.jpg)

Fits my hand.

Holds an edge.

Opens my beer.

Cost less than a valve adjustment.

 [laugh]

I have always had a thing for knives with very thick blades

they make better levers

Mom and son gave me a new knife for Father's Day...the CRKT Tiny Tighe Breaker. Textured grip, blade lock, cool titanium color, serrated blade...love the knife. 2 things though..no hole for a lanyard but that's because it has a tiny glass breaker (hence the name) and the thumb stud can and did get caught on ones pocket (causing the blade to open) when clipping it into a pocket. I wanted to carry this in my khaki pants because it was a lot smaller than my ZT, the thumbstud got caught and blade came out the front of my pants about 1 1/2 inches. That would have been interesting had it gone in my leg so that knife was taken back. Now in the works to find my dad a ZT 0350 and have a local guy coat the blade.

A new one.   Forged from 5160, Clay Tempered with Rayskin and Epoxy impregnated Cord Wrap. 
(http://i838.photobucket.com/albums/zz306/LooseCannon_10/DSC_7036.jpg)
(http://i838.photobucket.com/albums/zz306/LooseCannon_10/DSC_7031.jpg)

Nice chopper. [thumbsup] Did you cut that tree down with it? [laugh]

Is that a Kydex sheath?

Its a chopper you can shave with.  I've been making kydex sheaths for most of my knives, mainly because my leatherwork sucks.  Kydex is super easy to work with.  A heat gun, some ove gloves, a drill, rivet setting tool and rivets and its done.  My attachment is real simplistic but it works real well for me.  I put a loop of leather or paracord through the top two rivets and run my belt through the loop so the knive is between the belt and my pants.  I usually put it behind the hip, sort of like the Argentine Gaucho knives are carried.  Out of the way but very quick access.  One of my issues with most sheaths is by the time you add your attachment method, it gets too thick and bulky. 

Nice work!!!!   [thumbsup]

Nice Warren!!  Finally able to see the pic on the computer

www.woot.com (http://) has the sog swedge II for 49.99 if anyone is interested...

as usual, it's a one day sale so if you want it, you gotta pick it up fast

(http://sale.images.woot.com/SOG_Swedge_with_Kydex_Sheathh2qStandard.jpg)

Step son brought two.  Seems pretty solid...

(http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c174/cokey2/IMG_20110723_234038.jpg)

(http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c174/cokey2/IMG_20110723_234106.jpg)

Finally found a ZT 0350 today for my dad.  
(http://milspecmonkey.com/blades/zt-0350-005.jpg)

A belated Father's Day/b-day gift.  I want to have the black blade coated to look like the 0301.  Although, there are a few other ideas I'm now considering after finding this page: http://uparmored.tripod.com/id40.html  (http://uparmored.tripod.com/id40.html)  

Notice the ZT in snakeskin and tiger-striped blade halfway down.   [evil]
(http://i571.photobucket.com/albums/ss158/izaac10_album/UparmorZTcustom1.jpg)

The 0350 is perfect size for an EDC.  It goes nicely with my 0301 but I'm holding out for the 0350 ST (serrated edge).

New Heavy Tanto - forged from 1/4" 5160  5.5" blade, 10.75 OAL  Rayskin and cordwrap.

(http://i838.photobucket.com/albums/zz306/LooseCannon_10/HeavyTantoRayskinandCord31of1.jpg)

Warren,

You been chopping down trees again with your knives? You really need to ease up on the George Washington, cherry tree, never tell a lie thing. [laugh]

It saves the wear and tear on my crosscuts and chainsaws plus its better for the environment!  Its so sharp, all I have to do is point it at a tree and it falls down into split, dry 16" pieces.   ;D   I've got to get cracking on the woodpile, we're supposed to have a killing frost Wednesday and I have about 2/3 of my wood split.  I burn about 6-8 full cords a winter. 

I actually did chop through a 2 X 4 with it.  Still shaved after I was done. 

A killing frost on Weds?? Seriously? It's only about 105 today and yesterday we tied the 1980 record for the most 100+ degree days in a year. Today we break it. [bang] Now what were you saying about this thing called a frost and a wood pile? ;D

I'll take the frost and woodpile anytime over 100+ weather - we actually had a couple days in the 100's here.  102 in the summer and -25 in the winter  - and they call it the temperate zone.

Got an email about this and thought I'd throw it in the knife thread:
(http://www.surlatable.com/images/stores/whats_happening_stores.jpg)

I reckon I just don't trust those newfangled contraptions...........

Finally..Modern Marvels tonight on History channel.  "Mad by Hand" 

Kershaw/Zero Tolerance factory    [thumbsup]
 

I'd like to look at one of those Kershaw Rake folders as an EDC knife.  The pictures are pretty but handling them tells more of the story.

My work knife- SOG Flash II
(http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6239/6232084167_38d953d0b4.jpg) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/grandpanate/6232084167/)

My fun knife- Cold Steel Recon
(http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6159/6232617814_0c59cd1c5b.jpg) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/grandpanate/6232617814/)

(http://i838.photobucket.com/albums/zz306/LooseCannon_10/BocoteHunter.jpg)

A little hunter I just finished  Forged from 1080, clay differential heat treated with Bocote handle and brass pins.  Its a sharp little bugger - It bit me pretty good while I was polishing it. 

Now...

that's a knife.

Nice work.

+ a whole bunch.

Reminds me of that great/funny Crocodile Dundee line! "That ain't no knife! Now, this is a knife!" [laugh]

 [thumbsup]

Not entirely sure I like these, but they are different.
http://www.fontenille-pataud.com/le-thiers (http://www.fontenille-pataud.com/le-thiers)®-damascus_C105xuk.html

Hi people's,

Looking for advice, never bought a folding knife before.  I'm looking for a really nice quality folding knife that looks like the kind your Grandad would have had, something that looks kinda old, classy but great quality and holds a really good edge.

I've checked though most of the links on this thread and found loads of really nice tacticals but nothing that fits the above description, any ideas?

Thanks

http://www.gedraitisknives.com/ (http://www.gedraitisknives.com/)

This link has been posted before and I personally like his style...

YMMV

I've seen several "like the kind grand dad used to carry" here  http://www.arizonacustomknives.com/ (http://www.arizonacustomknives.com/)

Not really into knives but I needed something to carry.  I just bought this.

(http://www.leatherman.com/images/products/skeletool/Carousel/skeletool-fanned.jpg)


(http://www.leatherman.com/images/products/skeletool/Carousel/skeletool-closed.jpg)


http://www.leatherman.com/product/Skeletool (http://www.leatherman.com/product/Skeletool)

 8)

I've got their little CS on my keyring. Handy little bastard.  [thumbsup]

Next time I have $90 that doesn't have another priority tugging at it's sleeve, I'm going to replace my knife sharpening system with this:

(http://images.cabelas.com/is/image/cabelas/s7_530418_999_03?rgn=0,0,1441,790&scl=3.792105263157895&fmt=jpeg&id=0Uncbo5IOZVprguURQgFfO)

Under $100 for a belt based sharpener (with a 6,000 grit belt option to polish) is pretty amazing...

http://www.cabelas.com/product/Work-Sharp-Knife-and-Tool-Sharpener/1218828.uts?Ntk=AllProducts&searchPath=%2Fcatalog%2Fsearch.cmd%3Fform_state%3DsearchForm%26N%3D0%26fsch%3Dtrue%26Ntk%3DAllProducts%26Ntt%3Dwork%2Bsharp%26WTz_l%3DHeader%253BSearch-All%2BProducts%26x%3D18%26y%3D10&Ntt=work+sharp&WTz_l=Header%3BSearch-All+Products (http://www.cabelas.com/product/Work-Sharp-Knife-and-Tool-Sharpener/1218828.uts?Ntk=AllProducts&searchPath=%2Fcatalog%2Fsearch.cmd%3Fform_state%3DsearchForm%26N%3D0%26fsch%3Dtrue%26Ntk%3DAllProducts%26Ntt%3Dwork%2Bsharp%26WTz_l%3DHeader%253BSearch-All%2BProducts%26x%3D18%26y%3D10&Ntt=work+sharp&WTz_l=Header%3BSearch-All+Products)

They had those at the gun show last fall.  dad and his friends all bought one.  Group purchase..4 all together @ $70.   

The guy at the kiosk demonstrated and it worked well!

actually going to the gun show again this Sat.  I'm sure the guy will be there if you're coming down to the valley T?

That's a great price - enjoy the show!  I'm going to be spending tomorrow starting to learn how to be a high school math teacher, hopefully in time for classes in January. While it's seldom actually true, in my case it's entirely appropriate to grouse "those who can't do, teach."

If you do pick one up, I'm going to be bundling up a whole bag of dull chisels next time I head down into Phoenix.  ;D

Local guy, makes some nice knives.

http://stevehillknives.com/ (http://stevehillknives.com/)

Bit out of my price range.   

(http://i1089.photobucket.com/albums/i356/Firefighter1291/DSC04000.jpg)

(http://i1089.photobucket.com/albums/i356/Firefighter1291/340pd10.jpg)

I have about 50 knives. But those two are the only ones in my carry rotation. Benchmade tumult auto and spyderco caly3 carbon.

Picsnot working for me..

The guy was there selling the knife sharpeners again.  We watched a long demo of him sharpening a tanto blade.  Come on down to PHX with all your knives and we'll go to my dad's in Tucson.  He'll sharpen all them for ya!

BTW..Cold Steel was at the show today.  That guy from all of their promo videos was there too, i.e.: the one who cuts through pigs with Conan swords.  [roll]  Anyway, he another guy were doing some close-quarter knife fighting behind the display.  Pretty crazy!   

Some of my french knife collection.

(http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm259/andrewb172/knives/DSCN0667.jpg)
(http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm259/andrewb172/knives/DSCN0655.jpg)

Any Emerson knives in that collection?

I've got a couple of Emersons that I like. But my daily carry is a standard issue Benchmade/Osborne. Smaller, lighter. Can't even remember the model number. Got a black handled one with standard blade, tanto point and a green handled one with a blackened blade, tanto point and half serrations. Nice everyday cutters. [thumbsup]

I've always loved the intricate file work on the Laguiole knives.  [thumbsup]

Never have seen the non-wood handled Opinels before. Those are kind of cool!

(http://i838.photobucket.com/albums/zz306/LooseCannon_10/DSC_9625.jpg)

A new tanto forged from 5160, clay differential heat treat, rayskin, cordwrap and Turkshead knot,  Appleseed tip with a 5" blade.  

The big blade is forged from 1065, clay differential heat treat.  Its 15" overall.   Polishing is about 80% done, need to etch it to accentuate the hamon - its a nice billowy pattern- I'll post a pic when its done.

 Gotta bend up a sheath out of kydex for the tanto and get it out the door as a Christmas present.

 [thumbsup] on both, but I'm particularly taken with that tanto - which is especially striking as they're generally not my favorite blade shape.  VERY nice work!

The tanto is a hefty handful - I forged it from 1 1/4 x 1/4 5160 and I have yet to find anything as grippy as that Japanese style cordwrap.  Its razor, shaving sharp even along the convex tip edge.  I am really ambivalent about sending it out - I think it would go just great behind my right hip. 

The big one has me a bit puzzled about what I should do about the handle.  The style really isn't amenable to cordwrap - It'll probably be bocote or micarta.  I'm also forging a wakizachi (sp) out of S7.  Forging and working with S7 is really different as its an air hardening steel with some other weird properties.  That one may take a while.

Thanks for the comments!

Awesome Warren. [thumbsup] [clap] I too really like the 5" tanto knife. Sending it out as a Christmas present? Funny, I didn't know you had my home address! [laugh]

Really cool stuff. Nice talent. ;)

Its actually going to Texas - If you have an "In" with the Frisco Post Office, maybe you could snag it.

I could hit the Frisco PO with a .308... is that close enough? [laugh]

Interesting; I've used S7 for things like hot-cut chisels & hardies, and other stuff that needs to cut or shape orange-hot metal, but never thought of using it for a knife. I'm all ears about how it works out.

A friend of mine has made several knives out of S7.  Its even tougher than 5160.  Those knives will withstand some terrible abuse and keep cutting. 

 [thumbsup] [thumbsup]

 [thumbsup] [thumbsup]

Made up a couple of test mules for a knife I think might be fun to make in significant numbers. I was remembering the tiny little sheath knife I made & used to carry on my belt - under a suit, as I was working on Capitol Hill at the time - it was perfect for 98% of the things I use a knife for in my daily, office-bound life. Basically, a box-cutter blade on a handle that's small enough to fit into the standard size of a folding pocket knife. While the one I made years ago had a fairly thick walnut handle, I want to make these flat enough that they'll fit in a sheath and take up as little room as possible in a pocket.

Here's the Baby Box Cutter 1.0:

(https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-lwMY1egVnIE/Tv9YpkjAXsI/AAAAAAAAAgI/XYF8QzqNjrU/s512/IMG_20111231_114349.jpg)

The steel is just bits of 1095 file steel for now. I put edges on them just a few minutes ago, and there's no longer a cardboard box within sight that doesn't have a collection of gashes & big pieces missing. So far, they're fun little knives that cut like they're supposed to.

(https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-dys1aM0iwgE/Tv9Yc3pJmpI/AAAAAAAAAfY/S2y7_T0In4E/s640/IMG_20111231_113814.jpg)

I'm going to carry one of these for a while, give the other to Ann-Marie and seed them out to friends as I make more to get some feedback on the blade & edge shape (one's got an extremely fine, compound-bevel edge, the other has a single-bevel, relatively rugged edge), handle shapes, etc. That, and whether or not this is an idea that people on Etsy or elsewhere might actually buy...

When all you have is a hammer, all the world looks like a nail.

I do the same thing.  [beer]

You need to make one with a bottle opener for the handle.

What cupcake said.. ill take 2..

1095,good choice.

http://www.crawfordknives.com/bottle%20neck-bottle%20key.htm (http://www.crawfordknives.com/bottle%20neck-bottle%20key.htm)

Nice.. but crawfords not in the dmf :)

First production Auto Striker by Benchmade
I love it and recommend it to anyone looking to get a daily use, flawlessly made, auto push button, lockable blade knife.  

(http://i992.photobucket.com/albums/af43/alexbodle/th_120101-020736.jpg) (http://s992.photobucket.com/albums/af43/alexbodle/?action=view&current=120101-020736.mp4)

Its 0230 in the video... yes, i look like a wreck.  :P

No worries - there's plenty of room for lots of different styles; to be honest, I've got no intention of competing in the $100+ tactical bottle opener market.  ;D

That said, incorporating a bottle opener in the handle portion would be fairly straightforward and something I'll try on future iterations - the trick will be to make it both functional and good-looking.

I'd take at least 1, maybe 3.

Nice blade!


btw..is that the guy from The Spin Doctors?!   ;)

You can do it.

I'd really like to carry a knife you made.

Those little 1095 forged cutters are pretty neat!  Its a great steel choice - they should cut like mad and pretty darn tough to boot.

DO WANT!

Thanks for the feedback; I've got some ideas about how to add a bottle opener tab to the handle so that it'd work while the sharp bit remains in the sheath  -- I'll give that a try on an upcoming iteration, and see if I can get it to both open a bottle AND still fit comfortably in a pocket.

Alas, it looks like most of my shop time for the week will be taken up this afternoon doing an introduction to welding with 21 high school students in a "Found Object Art" class. It'll definitely be rewarding it its own way, but not all that productive in terms of getting my stuff done.

I like em!

I'm interested.

Personally not worried about the bottle opener.  I like them they way they are and interested in getting a few once you start banging them out.

I think the easiest way to do a bottle opener would be to open up the little curlicue on the bottom of the knife with the twisty handle. Just a thought.

Just signed up for a basic blacksmithing class.  I've been forging knives for 6 or 7 years but I ran right past the part of learning the basic blacksmithing techniques.  I'm looking forward to adding some skills and abilities.  They also run a forge welding class and an axe making class where hardened steel is forge welded into the formed eye of the axe.  I've got a pile of axes but it would be cool to forge one of my own.

(http://i838.photobucket.com/albums/zz306/LooseCannon_10/DSC_9744.jpg)

A little one I just finished - Forged 1/8" 1080, clay differential heat treat, bocote handles.  Sharp little gentlemans knife.

 [drool]

That's beautiful work, as always.  [thumbsup]

Have fun with the blacksmithing class -- it's pretty amazing what you can induce steel to do with the proper persuasion!

Picked up a CRKY M16 Zytel w/ combination blade at the gun show for $35... hadn't seen them anywhere for less than $50, so I'm pretty happy about that.  It's my reward to myself for finally being grown-up enough to not lose my pocketknife for over a year.  If I can keep tabs on this one for about that long I may reward myself with one of those sexy tactical folders that are all over this thread...

This'll be my first knife that didn't come out of a plastic blister pack from the local sporting goods store since I started EDC about three years ago.  The difference in the finish of the parts and the fit of the various pieces is just miles apart from what I'd been working with.  I've only had it for two days, but so far I'm very pleased with it.


Stock photo:

(http://www.crkt.com/crkt/content/images_inv/a/u/246/CRM16-13Z_xlarge_1994_large_246.jpg)

Love that knife, I had Gerber's version for quite a while. It's so light that I forgot to take it out of my pocket at the airport, TSA at the security checkpoint wasn't too pleased to find a knife on me...

I worked at the local county criminal courthouse for years. I occasionally go back to see friends or meet them for lunch. Can't tell you how many times I have gotten within a few feet of the security check points and scanners when I remembered I had my tactical folder in my back pocket. I always have it, my money clip and car keys with me all the time so I never even think about it. Since I don't work there anymore if they found it I would probably loose it for good. If I still worked there and had my security ID on me they would give me the option of taking it back to my car. Not anymore. [bang] I'm just lucky I've remembered at the last moment. I like my knife too much to loose it to stupidity. ;)

Yeah, I bumped into that at a State building a couple of weeks ago... that was a big part of the reason my EDC blade was a $19.99 p-o-s.  Sometimes you're just not going to make the appointment on time if you have to walk the blade back to the parking garage, and surrendering the cheapo blade is easier to swallow than parting with the good one.

I suppose I'll just have to be more aware of where I'm attempting to take my deadly weapon in the future if I want to keep possession of it.

All this dang grown-up responsible behavior is HARD.

(http://i1229.photobucket.com/albums/ee478/superduc/Swords.jpg)

Nice.. who made them?

The top one is more of a decorative collector's item, non-functional.
The second one, I bought an old rusty blade from auction when I stationed in Okinawa Japan then had it polished and fitted one of the local sword-smiths.
I bought the third blade from CAS Han Wei and fitted it myself with using parts from various sources. This sword is fully functional.

Nice.. I need me a real hand made sword.. I've got 4 (set of 3) and another one from a coworker years back. Commercial made it feels.. 

Gorgeous... [thumbsup]

http://www.outdoorpros.com/ (http://www.outdoorpros.com/)

Anyone order from here?  They have a cheaper Kukri Machete..  im guessing quality is slightly less them the one turf got..

www.chriscrawfordknives.com (http://)

nice stuff

(http://i838.photobucket.com/albums/zz306/LooseCannon_10/DSC_9901.jpg)

Just finished this out as a prototype.  1/4" Forged 5160, clay differential heat treated, rayskin, cordwrap and turkshead knot guard.  Sharp and pointy!  5" blade - 10.5 OAL

Great looking knife Warren  [thumbsup]

Thanks!  I'm thinking about making this a design I make frequently.

BTW - Woot.com has a bunch of Kershaw folders for cheap this morning.

You should make me one. ;)

+1

mitt  [Dolph]

I'm sure if you started making them you could sell a lot of them right here.
I'd be interested in one too

I just got back from getting propane for the forge.  I need to make 12 of them for an A-Team so I guess I better get some more steel on hand and start pounding.

+2!! [thumbsup] If you get enough interest on the board and really decide to do this throw us out a $$$ figure that's cool for you. Oh yeah... and don't tell my wife!! [laugh]

Looks good WarrenJ, could be some interest down in these parts too.

I sense "minor board sponsor" status coming your way, Warren.  ;)

It's only a years supply of vodka... [cheeky]

I've been thinking about setting up a still.  Maybe some homemade potato vodka?

Considered bacon flavored vodka? Just askin'. ;)

(http://stylecrave.frsucrave.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/05/bacon-vodka.jpg)

///DMF logo handle knife bank account started...

sign me up brother... [thumbsup]

(http://www.polish-texans.com/images/stories/articles/ROV_0148.jpg)

T and I are talking about doing the same.

Ditto, Let's start a still thread

That's a plan with merit....

Back to knives... I just bought the wife a small T-handle knive to carry when she's jogging. Chile is actually a very safe place, but when she runs, the asshole Chileans are harrasing her from their cars. Anyway, we both agreed that it would be better to have the blade accessible instead of concealing it. We want to find a way to strap it to her thigh instead of her hip. Other than using a belt, can you guys recommend anything to strap it on?

Try on the inside of her off hand forearm or as a neck knife (suspended from a chain inside the shirt).  My wife carries a small folder with a clip in her waistband while she is running.  Make sure if you use the neck knife method, you use ball chain and not cord as ball chain will break if someone grabs it as apposed to wearing a ready made garrotte. 

I used to have a Cold Steel Recon 1 Tanto.

I thought the Recon 1 was a great knife. it took some getting used to as an everyday knife being that its over 8 inches when opened. I had a lot of issues with a tanto for certain things. IT wasnt that easy to really pick at something fine being how thick the knife really is. But it cut things really well, but that 2nd point on a tanto was always hard to keep sharp and dulled very easily. it was also VERY Strong. i droped it on the tip onto concrete several times and it did need to get sharpened again, but it never broke or chipped. But in the end, im not sure a tanto would serve much purpose as a survival knife, or an everyday knife. Its defintely cool to have though.


So, i lost the tanto in the amazon rain forest. and picked up this bad boy. I liked it too much and just had to have one again.

(http://kuixihe.com/gallery3/var/resizes/blog/P1020340.JPG?m=1330143876)

So I took advantage of the Woot.com $17.99 Kershaw deal and ended up with a Kershaw VoltII:
(http://www.hand-tools.com/images/brk/KS3650CKTST.jpg)

And while shopping, ended up picking the wife up a purse blade...Kershaw Chive Rainbow:
(http://practicalarmscorp.com/practicalarmscorp/images/1620VIB-1.jpg)
She said it's "pretty"...

I bought my wife a Chive too. I like it a lot, might pick one up for myself.
Just not in pink.  ;D
(http://www.bladehq.com/images/knives/kershaw/kershawscallionpinkdamascusfront.jpg)

Meh.

I had an Onion back in the day. Could be that I just got a bad one, but mine wouldn't hold an edge for crap.

http://zombietools.net (http://zombietools.net)
I can't decide if it is
A) Awesome
B) Hillbilly Awesome
C) Lame

just got a kershaw rogue auto and love it so far.

(http://www.bladehq.com/imgs/shop-by-brand/all-kershaw/kershaw-rogue-black-2001ckt-large.jpg)

What's a good non assist, non gravity, basically wont open unless you force it open it knife?

As far as the zombie tools go - they are made of 5160 which is probably the best hard use steel in that price range if it is heat treated correctly.  The profit margin on those has to be pretty good.
It looks like they are laser blanked with a few simple grinds and a painted finish which eliminates the need to polish or finish out the knife, which is where all the labor is.  Heavy 5160 blades, heat treated and drawn back into the Rockwell C mid 50's are incredibly tough.  They will sure work.  If you feel the need for an apocalyptic tool or two, let me know.  Their swords are actually a pretty good deal though, considering the amount of work I would have to do to forge one.  Swords are a pregnant dog to keep straight when you are bashing them with a hammer.

Buy a real "ZT" before any of these. As in Zero Tolerance

Good link iz.  Seems ill get the zt200

I get dealer pricing on ZT (and a bunch of other knives)  PM me and I'll see what I can get in in for.

Any group buy possibilities?

Don't see why not.  I had a bunch of interesting, inexpensive, heavy duty folders I was going to sell, but they all just went into a box to Afghanistan.  If there are commercial knives you are looking for, PM me - I'll see if I can save you some money.

I am anxiously awaiting for my distributor to get the new Boker Albatross in.  Look em up - sort of interesting - not everyones cup of tea but I'd probably abuse the heck out of one.

Extrema Ratio makes some real interesting heavy duty folders also - not cheap but pretty solid.

The Boker Albatross looks perfect

Let us know how you like it

I have 3 Zero Tolerance and bought my dad one.  Great knives! 

Warren..I've been wanting an Extreme Ratio.  You have any?  There were 3 or 4 in the line up I wouldn't mind having..especially the one that comes with a Lambo! ;)

I don't have any Extrema Ratio knives - I have handled a couple - they are nice.  My distributor carries them so if you are interested, let me know.  I contacted Extrema Ratio directly to ask about direct dealership but I don't have the minimum cash to lay out - plus they aren't the fastest selling knives in the world at their price point. If I could get 3 inventory turns a year on them, I'd consider it.

(http://i838.photobucket.com/albums/zz306/LooseCannon_10/DSC_0373.jpg)
(http://i838.photobucket.com/albums/zz306/LooseCannon_10/DSCN1559.jpg)

Got a little carried away at the forge the last couple weeks.

 [thumbsup]

Out of curiosity, how many of those already have homes picked out?

12 for sure - going to a group of 12 fellers with beards running around in some 'stan.  The forging and rough grinding are the fun easy part.  The finishing, handling and sheaths are the work.  Some are prototypes and practice pieces.  I learn something every time I stick a piece of steel in the forge.  As some come available, I'll post them.  I am prioritizing the 12  - I'm hoping I can get them done in the next two weeks. 

Well, if you don't have plans for #7 from the left, I'd be perfectly happy to handle/sheath it myself. If it's heat treated, I can handle the rest.

Either way, nice work, and looks like a hell of a lot of fun.  [thumbsup]

Yeah, looks like you did go a little crazy W! 
Nice work!

Great looking knives. 
Looks like soon as you can bang them out you'll have them sold without having to leave the DMF

Very nice work, as always!   [thumbsup]

What steel & heat treat are you using?

I use primarily 1080 and 5160.  I clay up the backs of the blades, heat them just past non-magnetic and quench them in oil.  I clean them up and drop them in the oven for an hour and a half to draw them back at the appropriate temp.  The last batch of 5160 knives I treated came out with a pretty respectable hamon line, which is not that common (but I'll take it).  The short japanese style sword in the pic is forged from S7.  I had to heat it up and pack it in ashes for a day so I could grind the damn thing.  That is some tough stuff.  I didn't think it forged that bad, but it sure does not like to grind. 

I really like 5160 for hard use knives.  It may not hold an edge like O-1 but it is far easier to resharpen in the field and it is way tougher.  Once you differentially heat treat 5160 and draw it back a little (into the high 50's RC) they are pretty indestructible. 

Its very important to clean the quenching oil off the blades before you draw them back in the kitchen oven.  Wives do not appreciate the kitchen (and the rest of the house for that matter) smelling like a fire in an auto repair garage. 

I have a couple of sticks of CRU-FORGE V that I am going to play with.  If you get the heat treat right, its supposed to be darn impressive.

I'm interested in one or two finished knives of the style on the far right.  Would like to get one for me and one for my old man. 

What kind of knife suggested for kayaking Warren?

(http://i838.photobucket.com/albums/zz306/LooseCannon_10/DSCN1561.jpg)

The first knife I designed for use in the kayak was a large heavy brute that I could cut limbs with, brain a carp with, use as an anchor point, etc.  The problem is that in a kayak there is very little room and everything needs to be simple, small and accessible or it just doesn't work.  I find in the kayak I like a small neck knife, sort of kiridashi shaped.  I can grab it quick to cut fishing line, use the fine tip to poke the paint out if a jig eye, cut bait, etc.  When I know I am going after large fish like catfish or bowfishing for carp, I'll take a big heavy knife and slide it under the front edge of the seat, under my leg, but when you are trying to chop a fishpoint out of a carp skull or trying to brain a 15lb catfish flopping around on your legs, you need to be super careful not to gash yourself severely.  You are working right over your femoral arteries with a large sharp knife.  You cannot underestimate the destructive potential of a large sharp knife.  I have taken large sharp knives and went through a deer skull in one blow - it even cut through the teeth.  The little bit of meat between your skin and your femoral artery is just an oops in the close confines of a kayak.

The one issue with my knives and blood and kayaks is they are simple carbon steels.  They rust if you look at them sideways, so you need to make sure to dry and oil them after you have been out and make sure that the inside of the sheath is clean and dry when you stick the blade back in after cleaning.  They cut better than most stainless steels but they do stain and rust.

I'll try to grab a pic of the little kiridishi neck knife I carry.  Its real simple and unpretty but it works real well.  it is chisel ground,meaning that it is only ground on one side, the other side being flat.

(http://i838.photobucket.com/albums/zz306/LooseCannon_10/DSCN1570.jpg) 

Is this the one you are looking at?

Gerber Applegate Fairbairn Combat Folder
(http://messerforum.net/fotoalbum/data/1289/combat_folder1.jpg)
(http://messerforum.net/fotoalbum/data/1289/combat_folder2.jpg)
Best knive I've ever owned.
This was the knife issued to my brother when he was stationed in Afghanistan.
Interesting, the Afghani locals fear this knife more than a gun. Reason: a gun is a quick death... a knife can be used for torture...

A good kayak knife?

<cliche>

It depends.

</cliche>

For me, a kayaking knife needs to be stainless, serrated and to have a blunt tip; I like the Gerber River Shorty like this one:

(http://store.allaboutrivers.com/photos/pid2/lg_19377.jpg)

It stays permanently attached to the left shoulder strap of my PFD, handle down, where it's out of the way while paddling but instantly accessible. The plastic sheath doesn't fit close, so water drains out quickly. So far, I've only needed it to spread peanut butter or cut sausage while lunching beside various rivers, but the design is primarily for use in rescue or self rescue situations in moving water. (Disclaimer - my Swiftwater Rescue Instructor cert expired a couple of months ago, so the ACA takes no responsibility for any advice I might offer!  :) )

You can see reviews of the Shorty and a wide range of similar knives at http://www.allaboutrivers.com/river-knive-reviews-gs79.html (http://www.allaboutrivers.com/river-knive-reviews-gs79.html) - the one they don't have there that I've handled a bit and liked is by Benchmade:

(http://www.knifeworks.com/ProductImages/benchmade/bm100sh2O.JPG)

These knives are designed for a different purpose than the ones Warren describes - the primary function is to be instantly accessible and cut rope or even saw through a plastic boat hull in a big hurry.

While none of the real or drill whitewater rescues I've been involved in have involved knives, I want to re-emphasize something Warren said: do not use any knife casually when you're boating, especially in the close quarters of a kayak. The blunt tip on most of the river knives above is intended so you don't stab yourself or the person you're attempting to help while cutting at a line or whatever's fouled, but it's no guarantee of safety. The Mid-Atlantic boating community was rocked a few years back by a rescue gone horribly wrong - a kayaker was pinned by the force of fast-moving water on a submerged stump that was hung up inside his cockpit, between the pinned boater's legs. His friend (a very experienced boater,  and - if I remember the story right - a surgeon) was attempting to free him by cutting away his sprayskirt from the stump with a blunt-tip river knife, and nicked the pinned boater's femoral artery. Just remember to be careful, OK?

The confines of a kayak is a real poor place to try and administer first aid to yourself.  I almost always paddle alone so I think things through very carefully before I act. 

The only thing I don't like about most stainless dive or rafting knives is they are hard to sharpen and really don't take a very good edge at all.  The ability to clip them on your PDF or use as a neck knife so they are instantly accessible is fantastic in a kayak.  Anything on your belt, or in a pants pocket might as well be on the moon when you are wedged into a kayak.  The zero maintenance of the stainless knives is certainly nice but I am spoiled by sharp knives.  If some of the dive type knives were made of some of the better grades of stainless instead of 440A, they would probably be ideal as long as the heat treatment was done correctly.  Serrations are very nice for emergency cutting of cord and plastic and certainly have a place on a boat knife.

One of the things that's got me intrigued about the Benchmade 100SH20 is that they use H1 steel, which - according to the reviews I've seen - takes & holds a much better edge than most stainless steels on the market. And while searching for photos of that knife just now, I came across a newer Benchmade  design (110H2O) that I'd never seen, using N680 (57-60HRC) steel, which also seems to get good reviews.

http://davesknifeworld.com/benchmaderiverandrescuefixedbladeblackhandleh1blade-1.aspx (http://davesknifeworld.com/benchmaderiverandrescuefixedbladeblackhandleh1blade-1.aspx)

I also remember really liking the design of the Benchmade 100SH20's sheath, which has a more positive lock (with a thumb release) than the Gerber - I've never had my knife fall out, but I'd prefer it to be a bit more secure. Looking at the picture I posted above, I don't remember if the sheath is ambidextrous; if it's not, the handle would be backwards from the way I currently wear mine.

The full link from the photo of the 100H20:

http://www.knifeworks.com/browseproducts/Benchmade-River---Rescue-Fixed-Blade--Yellow-Handle--H1-Blade.HTML (http://www.knifeworks.com/browseproducts/Benchmade-River---Rescue-Fixed-Blade--Yellow-Handle--H1-Blade.HTML)

Spyderco also uses H1 in its "Salt" knife line, and some of these might be good candidates for boating.

http://www.knivesplus.com/spyderco-h1-salt-i-pacific-salt-knives.html (http://www.knivesplus.com/spyderco-h1-salt-i-pacific-salt-knives.html)

VG-10 would make a great boat knife. 

I like that Benchmade.  Thanks guys!

IZ, I carry the NRS Copilot on my PFD.  Its a neat little knife but the thing that bugs me is the "bottle opener" is too small......will not fit a beer bottle!   [bang]

Price is good especially compared to the Ti version.

http://www.altrec.com/nrs/co-pilot-knife (http://www.altrec.com/nrs/co-pilot-knife)

Even when Im on the water, my Emerson is in my pocket.  If I drop it/lose it, I will scream like a woman.

I'll check into that knife Rg!

That Benchmade isn't made anymore Triangle.  The newest model isn't that great.
 [thumbsdown]

I found the CRKT ABC Aqua though and really liking that.

my personal opinion, Emerson is probably the best feeling knife. they are typically made from the 154cm which is a more than good steel. i also make knives. i work specifically with cpm154, cpm s30v and 440c for my bigger blades.

s30v is probably my favorite steel and is great for razor sharp edges but fawk its not easy to sharpen in the field.

production knives though... emerson gentleman jim has got to be the sickest knife on the market.

Wish they made the gentleman Jim with the wave feature.

From what I've seen, S30-V is a pretty awesome steel.  What is the heat treat procedure for it?

Argh..that Benchmade and the CRKT ABC Aqua have both been discontinued!!

Checking out the Underwater Kinetics.  Any FHE with these?

http://www.bladehq.com/cat--All-Items--1--1--search=dive (http://www.bladehq.com/cat--All-Items--1--1--search=dive)

A few benchmade, spyderco, etc dive knives here.

Though CRKT lists it as discontinued, the Hammond appears to be fairly widely available still at retailers - and at a discount! Personally, I prefer single-edge knives for almost everything, mostly because I have a tough enough time not opening a vein with just one edge to keep track of...  YMMV

I'm not a diver, but I've always found true dive knives (like the Underwater Kinetics) to be more bulky & heavy than what I'd want to keep handy in a kayak.

Have you looked at the NRS Pilot & Co-pilot? They look to me like clever designs for a freshwater knife, and there's a titanium version if you want bling and absolutely no rust ever.

the gent does come with or without the wave feature. Emerson is always on back order with their popular knives. From what i understand ernie no longer runs the business. i believe his son and daughter run it now.

Just saw the NRS at REI. May pick it up tomorrow.  Has a few more features than that CRKT and only $39.

well powder steel isnt like other stainless and to really get a good treat and temper i chose not to do it myself and sub it out. ive tried a few times to do it myself but without using the freezing procedure and dry ice, i just couldnt achieve the finish i wanted. That said, it doesnt cost much to get it subbed out and works out betterin the long run since i can spend less time of my own doing the heat treat and temper and more time on designs, grinding and shaping the handles. if youre really interested in the s30v, check out the crucible website and they have a full spec sheet on all their steels.

Want.


http://www2.knifecenter.com/item/EMMICROCOMMSF/Emerson-Micro-Commander-Folding-Knife-29-inch-Stonewash-Plain-Blade-with-Wave-G10-Handles (http://www2.knifecenter.com/item/EMMICROCOMMSF/Emerson-Micro-Commander-Folding-Knife-29-inch-Stonewash-Plain-Blade-with-Wave-G10-Handles)

 




 I love the "This item typically ships in 3-6 months".   [bang]

At least you know they're not popping them out like Cold Steel!


Just my tastebuds but I have not seen one Emerson knife that I like.     

There are a lot of Goofy looking Emersons.....Ill give you that.  The Mini-CQC7, the Micro Commander and the A100 are my faves.  My wife bought me a full size Commander a few years ago and that thing is way too bulky for daily carry.  Will gut a deer like no ones business though!

Their factory edge is stoopid sharp!

From what I hear, the Emerson are as sharp as they come. They look pretty basic. I just haven't found one for me out of all the ones that have been posted. I should check out the website though to see the whole line.

I just noticed that SOG knives are on sale again for the next two and a half days at The Clymb - http://www.theclymb.com/home (http://www.theclymb.com/home) (it's a sign-in only site; if you want to sign up for their daily deal e-mails on outdoor gear you can do it at the link above, or you can have them toss me a $10 credit if you buy something after signing up through this link http://www.theclymb.com/invite-from/triangleforge (http://www.theclymb.com/invite-from/triangleforge)). If you're already signed up with them, the direct link to the SOG Tool sale is http://www.theclymb.com/brand-event/1315/SOG (http://www.theclymb.com/brand-event/1315/SOG)

SOG Tool seems to pop up there every couple of months; last time around, I picked up a SOG Aura Hunting like this one:

(http://www.sog-knives.net/images/SOG-Aura-Hunting-AU-02-600x500.jpg)

Hopefully, I'll get to give it more of a workout this fall, but so far I like the blade quite a lot. The handle design, not so much - it grips best an inch or more below the bolster, while I prefer a grip with my index finger right up under it. Looking at the photos, I'd probably have been happier with one of the variations of the Field Pup, which wasn't on offer last time around. Time (and a deer or elk on the ground) will tell.

Just picked up the NRS Copilot river knife. $39. Not bad. Haven't tested it yet.

Lookit what UPS dropped off today:

(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-WYwNsqDmwYg/T8AMhaGJc1I/AAAAAAAAAb8/2DpTONhwzpU/s732/2012-05-25_15-49-22_793.jpg)

This thing is a serious piece of metal. Thanks Warren!

Glad you like it!  Now go cut some stuff-just nothing that requires a trip to the ER!  I'm just about done with the 13 that I am working on.  Hope the other one met with approval too. 

Friggin "bottle opener" doesnt work.......

That's what the flip flops with the bottle opener in the sole is for!


Warren..that's pretty sharp!

Mine!

(http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8010/7255603320_15b74ca575.jpg)

(http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7215/7255602518_ddaa091887.jpg)

(http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7095/7255601646_ee51e89f4d.jpg)

(http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7092/7255600346_62219fdf0b.jpg)

That is an awesome piece of work!

Did bro cut you a deal? ;D

Let me put it this way.



One of us is happy  ;)

The better question...

is anyone really unhappy?

Your brother does beautiful work.

I could never bring myself to actually  carry one of his pieces.

I need a knife that's built like a pry bar. ;D

The sad thing is I'm the type of person who would pry open a beer bottle with it.

If you're gonna do that just send it to me and when I break it you won't be mad at you. ;)

Like it D! 

Dia de Los Muertos meets Damascus

(http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2036/2081531941_fd97b7fdef.jpg)

Not necessarily my favorite, but the favorite of what I currently own due to the quick ambi 1 hand open/close.

Sog Vulcan Tanto.
(http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y126/hundredpercentkill/Knives/a67f4901.jpg)
(http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y126/hundredpercentkill/Knives/3bbefd4f.jpg)

DarkStar,I like the look of that knife and was thinking about getting one but then found this thread.
http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php/899473-SOG-Vulcan-Tanto (http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php/899473-SOG-Vulcan-Tanto)

Huge thanks to Warren J for gifting me a piece of red ray skin & sending a link to how to do the traditional wraps on the handle, I finally finished up this tiny knife for my sister's birthday:

(https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-d8JGNh2e53Y/UDAO3LJ_OiI/AAAAAAAABA0/fIZ0A4YIoRQ/s640/IMG_20120818_144914.jpg)

^^^ Nice.

Beautiful job.  
So when are you starting to sell to the DMF public?
I'm sure we could keep you busy for quite a while

One more - I've had this piece of steel in more or less this shape & rattling around in the bottom of my blacksmith box for probably a decade now, and I'm finally done putting off finishing the stupid thing.

(https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-yz6mnlT6qIE/UD0S2ojuqAI/AAAAAAAABL4/iV7YPuyG1Rs/s640/IMG_20120828_114211.jpg)

(https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-P17AU6jjJVM/UD0XH8Yg49I/AAAAAAAABMg/bfluP6hmCw0/s640/IMG_20120828_114058.jpg)

One part of the puzzle fell into place when I scored some big scraps of walnut & birdseye maple earlier this month from construction of friends' new microbrewery/bar, and I wanted to try using both. I burned through a whole lot of cutlers rivets trying to get fancy, before realizing that - with my current skills - K.I.S.S. was the proper approach.

Both pieces very nice Brad. [thumbsup]

 [thumbsup]

This book was started by my friend Bob Kasper. He passed away several years ago and Fred has finished the book. RIP brother. GHCA forever.


http://www.crawfordknives.com/fred%20bauer%20book.htm (http://www.crawfordknives.com/fred%20bauer%20book.htm)

Just came in..  gerber gator line.. hunting knife, machete, machete junior,machete pro..    some good hiking, camping, zombie gear...

 (http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c174/cokey2/2012-09-28_18-59-41_783.jpg)

Take some better pics if anyone wants...

Ive got a hankering for a new blade......maybe fixed this time.  Loves me a drop point, hate tantos.
Any suggestions?

Take a look at the Bark River Knife & Tool Fox River Hunter - nice drop point made from A2

A friend of mine runs a big re-enactor rendezvous every year (1840s trapper era), and asked me to come out and demo blacksmithing. I was introduced there to a fun tradition called the trading blanket - think of it as Ebay, but with barter. Someone will start things off by tossing something on the blanket - a bear-fur hat or a flintlock, say - and everyone else has the chance to offer items they're willing to trade for it & sweeten their offer to compete with other bidders. When the bidding slows, the "seller" can take any offer that's on the blanket, or say no thanks and the whole thing starts again.

I traded one of my Triangleforge knives & a half-finished sheath (with a promise to finish it the next morning!) for this, an old Western Knife Co. blade from Boulder, Colorado:

(https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-DkOJtZTSJ6U/UNR9C4EdAtI/AAAAAAAABUs/I_EhpnFuqcQ/s640/IMG_20121221_081223.jpg)

It's a pretty ragged, relatively common old factory knife, and needs repair to the guard - though the edge is excellent - so it doesn't seem like a great deal at first glance. But consider: Rick Hartner, the metal sculptor who's generously opened his shop to me, used to work in the Western factory back in the era this one was likely made, so there's a small chance this one passed through his hands at the polishing station many decades back.

Even more important, my dad had one just like it. I know I borrowed it for most of my first post-Boy Scouts forays backpacking and paddling into the backcountry of Oregon & Washington, the first trips without any adults around to tell us what to do, or to pull us out of the soup if we screwed up. I remember losing & finding my dad's knife several times - once from a flipped raft in the Deschutes River - though my recollection is a little hazy on whether I ever found it that last time it got away from me.

When I pick up this knife, I'm transported back to those trips on whitewater rivers all over the Northwest, or long trips on foot through the Cascades, or skiing & camping for days above timberline on the north side of Mt. Hood. I think of the people who introduced me to those things, and remember that I have an obligation to pass those things along to someone else.

Knife for knife, it probably wasn't a great swap. But considering that I got a time machine out of the deal, I'm going to consider it a better than even trade.

Cool pocket knife! [evil]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=X4xqSt46DPw# (http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=X4xqSt46DPw#)!

^ One of my buddies uses that Cold Steel Rajah for his EDC.  Insanely large!  I have the Rajah III.   



BTW..the s/o is checking out a job with Kershaw.  This could get interesting!  [evil]

Finally, a Spyderco I like

Crazy Para 2 with tritium!! (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vpOjH4p33Qo#)

S/o ever get that job?

S/o?  si

That is one cool knife, I have been carrying spiders Wayne Goddard for ever, nice and thin.

Yeah, I'm going to investigate this brand tomorrow at the knife shop.   

After 13 years my spiderco finally got to where I can't carry it. The clip broke. I need to find somewhere that sells them so I can get one with a blade that isn't broken and the aforementioned functional clip.

13 years.  Sounds like it had a good life with a lot of use!

Hmmm, any chance for an employee discount group buy?

Sorry..it wasn't the one with Kershaw/ZT

The Man  [bow_down]



http://youtu.be/JOacMzdch7o (http://youtu.be/JOacMzdch7o)

Agreed, I love watching videos on that guy.

GF got me this a while ago just forgot to post up.

(http://www.edenwebshops.co.uk/productimages/photogallery/photos/mcusta-tactility-cocobolo-damast-MC122D-d1.jpg)

Kind of a "classy" carry, if there's such a category. Haven't beat up on it because the damascus is too damn pretty. It's mostly used for light chores and fondling ;D.

 [thumbsup]



Knice TBD!  Glass breaker at end too?

My wife tells me she likes a good Dick in the kitchen.

(http://www.pastryitems.com/images/81947-21.jpg)

 [laugh] [laugh] [laugh]

[laugh]

mother-in-law kitchen

(http://i199.photobucket.com/albums/aa14/akido10/kitchencock-1.jpg)

Makes me want to invest in one and spend more time in kitchen!
 

"This process is very labor and material intensive. In some cases up to 70% of the material is lost along the way to achieve a desired pattern. This is why Damascus knives are much more expensive than the straight carbon steel knives."

http://www.aljacobsladder.com/tools-of-the-culinary-trade/knives-by-brands/bob-kramer-knives.html (http://www.aljacobsladder.com/tools-of-the-culinary-trade/knives-by-brands/bob-kramer-knives.html)

Those Mcusta folders are some of the nicest out there.  They are extremely well made of the very best steels.  They aren't made for cutting yourself out of a tank, but they are elegant, razor sharp and very very nice. 

I agree. I did a lot of background/review reading on them then told the GF that's what I wanted for my birthday this past year and it's been in my pocket ever since.

It's big for an EDC but it rides nicely in the pocket and I hardly notice it at all.

Anyone here have any experience with Blind Horse Knives?

I'm looking at the Scandi grind Bushcrafter, I've always had a thing for that style of blade. I have 3 so far [evil].

Seems like a good deal for a great working steel.

Never heard of the brand but may have to look more. That's a good looking blade.

http://kramerknives.com/ (http://kramerknives.com/)

?

Did it not post?

(http://www.spyderco.com/pix/products/large/C142G_L.jpg)


My EDC, Spyderco Resilience. 2 years of ED use and no issues. Takes and holds a damn fine edge, in spite of where its made. ;D

I have a lot of knives, all over the price spectrum but my favorite EDC is:

The Kershaw "Needs Work"...one of the sharpest blades I own and stays that way;

(http://www.knivesplus.com/media/kershaw/KE-1820.jpg)

Favorite high end blade in terms of it's "bad assery" is the Zero Tolerance 0350

(http://www.knifeworks.com/images/products/detail/ZT0350.jpg)

Favorite budget priced knives by far are the Boker's. The Magnum series in particular...like the Bulldog. Best quality knife for under $20 I've found.

(http://i01.i.aliimg.com/wsphoto/v0/795224649/BOKER-MAGNUM-font-b-BULLDOG-b-font-FOLDING-POCKET-G-10-HANDLE-font-b-KNIFE-b.jpg)

The link to Kramer Knives did. Were you trying to show something in particular?

Some of the Spydercos have some really good-great things going for them, and then I get to the thumb hole on the blade and thy loose me. It just seems kind of silly to have a blade so wide that it's half the size of a second knife just to put a thumb hole in it. I know that's their thing and this is just my opinion.

BeardedOne : You are right about a lot of Spider knives but the new and older Goddards are the exception, at only 3/8 thick, very light and easy to handle they are the best pocket clip knife made IMO.  And then they start using the hard to handle side lock, go figure.  The new model which is the third gen are just as nice.  At over 5" which is big for a pocket knife, they are so flat it disappears.  The steel could be a little better but all and all a great knife for the pocket.  Shiet, I sound like the sales dept.  They also make a smaller version but why carry a small knife.

(http://i1234.photobucket.com/albums/ff406/DucatiRocket/Goddard2.jpg)

See, that one isn't bad. At least the back of the blade doesn't look like a hump back whale.

Not a Spyderco fan, I might buy one made here, but....


Depending on the model, they are made in any of the following countries: Japan, Taiwan, USA, China.