Sunday, December 15, 2013

Paring Knife

This knife I just finished today and is a gift for my Dad. Hopefully he doesn't see this post before Christmas. It is a small and simple, but rugged design. The blade is 1/16 inch thick D2 with a full tang Canvas Micarta handle. The rivets are all stainless steel Loveless style. This is about the most practical style of construction that I can think of. It really doesn't even need epoxy, but I used it anyways. He said that he was tired of having to sharpen the pairing knives at home all the time and wanted one that would hold a better edge. D2 should fit the bill. I have been very impressed with it's ability to hold an edge. Even though it technically isn't "stainless steel" (Most people consider steel to have at least 13% Chrome in order to be called stainless and D2 has 12%), I have never had issues with it rusting or corroding.


Hunting Knife

This is the second knife that I have made in this style. I was lucky enough to try out the first one on a deer this year. It worked very well and is the best "overall" hunting knife shape and size that I have yet to come across. The D2 blade is 1/8 inch thick and about 4 inches long to the bottom of the finger guard. The overall length is 7.75 inches. Black paper based Micarta has a nice shine to it and set a striking backdrop for the stainless and brass Loveless style fasteners.


Here is another "kit" fillet knife that I made recently. A friend of mine bought it as a Christmas gift to himself. The blade is 1/16 inch thick by 5.5 inches long. The overall length is 10.25 inches. It is made from AUS 8A Stainless Steel. This is a Japanese steel with vanadium and chromium. This makes for a flexible blade that is easy to sharpen while still offering good edge holding capabilities. Many of my friends use this blade for more than fish. It has seen service with rabbits, ducks, deer and even elk. One of them has a home in my kitchen as well. The handle is Diamond wood which is a brand of plastic impregnated and laminated wood. It polishes to a nice shine and is waterproof. The fasteners are brass and stainless steel.