18" Keffeler Sword (K18), AKA The KOD Piece

[Mecha]

If I could go back in time and not do this project I would. ...there are a number of reasons, which can be summed up by my own experience with the Dunning Kruger effect where I underestimated what would be involved in producing this large double edged piece. [snip] I've lost money on this project

Hey, that sounds like pretty much every single sword project I've ever done!

 

[madcap_magician]

One thing I've seen done on some larger knives is to have a piece of wood at the end of the box to keep the point from being able to poke thru.

This is good but there's no foolproof way to skip a long, heavy sword that doesn't have a sheath. I had a heavy kukri come to me from DLT that had a pine board in the end of the box to try and protect the tip, but the knife was heavy enough that it punched through both the maker's box just above the wooden end piece and the shipping box as well. I was also very displeased. So I can understand why he was mad. But at the same time, I mean, Nathan is reliable to fix it.

 

[Nathan the Machinist]

To be clear, the stuff is not just rattling around in a box. It is extremely secure and it was tested. I'm not disputing what happened happened, and we are taking additional measures to prevent it from happening again, but we did ship these very securely. You just can't idiot proof anything because the postal service keeps coming up with better idiots

 

[Mecha]

To be clear, the stuff is not just rattling around in a box. It is extremely secure and it was tested. I'm not disputing what happened happened, and we are taking additional measures to prevent it from happening again, but we did ship these very securely. You just can't idiot proof anything because the postal service keeps coming up with better idiots

 

[yoko]

To be clear, the stuff is not just rattling around in a box. It is extremely secure and it was tested. I'm not disputing what happened happened, and we are taking additional measures to prevent it from happening again, but we did ship these very securely. You just can't idiot proof anything because the postal service keeps coming up with better idiots

My oldest worked at a ups hub during this past summer....

He told me he doesn't know how everything people have shipped isn't broken ... no lie he said he seen people playing soccer with a box, and that wasn't even the worse thing

 

[Fonedork]

 

[xxwarderxx]

I just finished grinding the last K18 for this pre-order tonight. It's tumbling now. We will assemble it and I'll sharpen it tomorrow and that will complete this pre-order. Good grief what an epic saga the K18 turned out to be. I'm proud of the work and I'm sorry it took me so long.

Congrats! I (one of many I’m sure) am beyond ecstatic that you took on this challenge. These K18s are prized possessions. Everyone’s time line is different I’m sure, but I have no problem waiting for a quality product from a maker I trust and respect.

Thanks for this, and please try not to be dissuaded.

 

[Lorien]

finally! Been waiting so long to see this, but it was worth it

 

[Hard Knocks]

I just finished grinding the last K18 for this pre-order tonight. It's tumbling now. We will assemble it and I'll sharpen it tomorrow and that will complete this pre-order. Good grief what an epic saga the K18 turned out to be. I'm proud of the work and I'm sorry it took me so long.

Congrats man! I could feel the stress through the computer screen!!

 

[Benson X]

I am beyond amazed and super grateful for the dedication and perseverance from Nathan, Jo and Mark to get these to us. I can't imagine what an undertaking it must've been at every step to create such a monster.

A huge tip of the hat and cheers to you all for getting the last pre-order done and on it's way to a new home. Seriously - huge kudos to you all and I hope you celebrate with some tasty brewskis or perhaps something a bit stronger.

It's been quite awhile since I've had the pleasure of receiving a new CPK blade - especially one as impressive as the K18...it brings back fond memories of when I got the Zombie Behemoth Chopper a few years back. I got my K18 yesterday and Holy SHIT it's a sight to behold and a mighty beast to hold.

True to my "pain in the ass" form, I somehow sweet-talked Nathan (and Mark...sorry Mark) into doing an acid-wash on the blade for me. I won't mention what unspeakable things I had to do to convince them, but I'm hoping with enough bleach and scalding hot water I can wash the shame away.

Unfortunately, rain and early nightfall hasn't allowed me the opportunity to take 'er out and get some glorious natural/picturesque photos, but soon enough I'll get out and destroy some nature with this thing. I left a few fir trees standing specifically for the K-18 to whet its appetite. However, that didn't stop me from hobbling out to the shop last night to stage some fancy pitchurrs!!!

One thing that always make me laugh it how critical Nathan is of the items he is producing; perhaps it's his own perfectionism, or perhaps to prevent setting unreal expectations for end-users expecting to receive a impeccable and meticulously finished blade. Perhaps it's a bit of both.

Case in point is his note in the "K18 Pre-Order" thread:
"Please don't buy this if you're looking for some flawless art piece."

The item I received is exactly contrary to this - and it is simply perfect and exceeded any and all expectations. The pictures DO NOT do it justice. Sure, it is first and foremost a (very capable) cutting instrument, but it is equally a work of art and a privilege to have in the collection. Any CPK fan knows the priceless sentimental and collector value (not in a monetary sense) that blades such as these possess, and I am definitely in agreement with others who have conceded the K18 to be the most impressive CPK offering to date (maybe second only to the flagship Integral Dagger).

I was actually surprised how light, nimble and well-balanced it is for the size. Of course, actually USING for any length of time will be a better gauge of that, but I found it to be quite comfortable and maneuverable while wielding it for a few minutes. The attention to detail is incredible but easy to overlook or take for granted - the slightly scalloped indentations on the quillon area, the slightly ribbed texture contouring the length of the handle(s), the beautifully ornate pommel and how the grooves terminate seamlessly into the smooth polished base (and the subtle rainbow hues), the perfect beveled edges throughout....and those GRINDS!!!

Here's couple pics of my "Zombie" collection....the Zombie Light Chopper (ZLC), the Zombie Behemoth Chopper (ZBC) and now the (Z)K18. I think it's about time for a photoshoot with the Whole (CPK) Fam Damily!!!

....and a picture with a li'l Leek for a bit of scale perspective:

....and some red spray paint on the shop floor lent itself to be a perfect backdrop for the K18:

A deeply sincere THANK YOU to Nathan the Machinist , Jo the Machinist , CPK Mark and Dan Keffeler for making these for us - I hope you all feel proud and accomplished from completing such a daunting task and doing it with the skill and precision that has been so consistent with the CPK brand. Bravo and well done!

 

[Casinostocks]

I am beyond amazed and super grateful for the dedication and perseverance from Nathan, Jo and Mark to get these to us. I can't imagine what an undertaking it must've been at every step to create such a monster.

A huge tip of the hat and cheers to you all for getting the last pre-order done and on it's way to a new home. Seriously - huge kudos to you all and I hope you celebrate with some tasty brewskis or perhaps something a bit stronger.

It's been quite awhile since I've had the pleasure of receiving a new CPK blade - especially one as impressive as the K18...it brings back fond memories of when I got the Zombie Behemoth Chopper a few years back. I got my K18 yesterday and Holy SHIT it's a sight to behold and a mighty beast to hold.

True to my "pain in the ass" form, I somehow sweet-talked Nathan (and Mark...sorry Mark) into doing an acid-wash on the blade for me. I won't mention what unspeakable things I had to do to convince them, but I'm hoping with enough bleach and scalding hot water I can wash the shame away.

Unfortunately, rain and early nightfall hasn't allowed me the opportunity to take 'er out and get some glorious natural/picturesque photos, but soon enough I'll get out and destroy some nature with this thing. I left a few fir trees standing specifically for the K-18 to whet its appetite. However, that didn't stop me from hobbling out to the shop last night to stage some fancy pitchurrs!!!

One thing that always make me laugh it how critical Nathan is of the items he is producing; perhaps it's his own perfectionism, or perhaps to prevent setting unreal expectations for end-users expecting to receive a impeccable and meticulously finished blade. Perhaps it's a bit of both.

Case in point is his note in the "K18 Pre-Order" thread:
"Please don't buy this if you're looking for some flawless art piece."

The item I received is exactly contrary to this - and it is simply perfect and exceeded any and all expectations. The pictures DO NOT do it justice. Sure, it is first and foremost a (very capable) cutting instrument, but it is equally a work of art and a privilege to have in the collection. Any CPK fan knows the priceless sentimental and collector value (not in a monetary sense) that blades such as these possess, and I am definitely in agreement with others who have conceded the K18 to be the most impressive CPK offering to date (maybe second only to the flagship Integral Dagger).

I was actually surprised how light, nimble and well-balanced it is for the size. Of course, actually USING for any length of time will be a better gauge of that, but I found it to be quite comfortable and maneuverable while wielding it for a few minutes. The attention to detail is incredible but easy to overlook or take for granted - the slightly scalloped indentations on the quillon area, the slightly ribbed texture contouring the length of the handle(s), the beautifully ornate pommel and how the grooves terminate seamlessly into the smooth polished base (and the subtle rainbow hues), the perfect beveled edges throughout....and those GRINDS!!!

Here's couple pics of my "Zombie" collection....the Zombie Light Chopper (ZLC), the Zombie Behemoth Chopper (ZBC) and now the (Z)K18. I think it's about time for a photoshoot with the Whole (CPK) Fam Damily!!!

....and a picture with a li'l Leek for a bit of scale perspective:

....and some red spray paint on the shop floor lent itself to be a perfect backdrop for the K18:

A deeply sincere THANK YOU to Nathan the Machinist , Jo the Machinist and CPK Mark for making these for us - I hope you all feel proud and accomplished from completing such a daunting task and doing it with the skill and precision that has been so consistent with the CPK brand. Bravo and well done!

Very, very nice you lucky plucky son of gun! Why didn't I ever think of begging and borrowing for an acid wash finish on mine?! What did it take? Handwashing Mark's underwear and socks and then ironing them to a crisp and perfect flat shape using starch? Well worth it IMHO.

Just in case you wish, I had made a thread for the CPK acid washed blade way back when and I don't want to steal your photos. Feel free to add 'em in there if you'd like:

https://www.bladeforums.com/threads/cpks-with-acid-wash-finishes-lets-have-em-out.1726308/

 

[Benson X]

Very, very nice you lucky plucky son of gun! Why didn't I ever think of begging and borrowing for an acid wash finish on mine?! What did it take? Handwashing Mark's underwear and socks and then ironing them to a crisp and perfect flat shape using starch? Well worth it IMHO.

Just in case you wish, I had made a thread for the CPK acid washed blade way back when and I don't want to steal your photos. Feel free to add 'em in there if you'd like:

https://www.bladeforums.com/threads/cpks-with-acid-wash-finishes-lets-have-em-out.1726308/

Hahaha, no hand-washing Mark's undergarments. Honestly, it was a bit less exciting; I asked Jo, she asked Nathan, he must've been feeling extra benevolent and agreed, there was a premium added for the extra time, effort and supplies. He did advise against it, as the acid wash will wear with use and over time, but I prefer the worn/beat-up look and don't mind the wear; it adds character and prevents me from being too scared to actually use it as intended.

In hindsight, I'm guessing it should've been a bit higher upcharge with a blade of this size and I have no doubt it was a monumental task to achieve. Of course, I have no regrets - I just hope I didn't aggravate of the powers that be (too much).

...And I'll definitely add some pictures in your thread, too. Thank you for the heads-up!

 

[gunslinger387]

I am beyond amazed and super grateful for the dedication and perseverance from Nathan, Jo and Mark to get these to us. I can't imagine what an undertaking it must've been at every step to create such a monster.

A huge tip of the hat and cheers to you all for getting the last pre-order done and on it's way to a new home. Seriously - huge kudos to you all and I hope you celebrate with some tasty brewskis or perhaps something a bit stronger.

It's been quite awhile since I've had the pleasure of receiving a new CPK blade - especially one as impressive as the K18...it brings back fond memories of when I got the Zombie Behemoth Chopper a few years back. I got my K18 yesterday and Holy SHIT it's a sight to behold and a mighty beast to hold.

True to my "pain in the ass" form, I somehow sweet-talked Nathan (and Mark...sorry Mark) into doing an acid-wash on the blade for me. I won't mention what unspeakable things I had to do to convince them, but I'm hoping with enough bleach and scalding hot water I can wash the shame away.

Unfortunately, rain and early nightfall hasn't allowed me the opportunity to take 'er out and get some glorious natural/picturesque photos, but soon enough I'll get out and destroy some nature with this thing. I left a few fir trees standing specifically for the K-18 to whet its appetite. However, that didn't stop me from hobbling out to the shop last night to stage some fancy pitchurrs!!!

One thing that always make me laugh it how critical Nathan is of the items he is producing; perhaps it's his own perfectionism, or perhaps to prevent setting unreal expectations for end-users expecting to receive a impeccable and meticulously finished blade. Perhaps it's a bit of both.

Case in point is his note in the "K18 Pre-Order" thread:
"Please don't buy this if you're looking for some flawless art piece."

The item I received is exactly contrary to this - and it is simply perfect and exceeded any and all expectations. The pictures DO NOT do it justice. Sure, it is first and foremost a (very capable) cutting instrument, but it is equally a work of art and a privilege to have in the collection. Any CPK fan knows the priceless sentimental and collector value (not in a monetary sense) that blades such as these possess, and I am definitely in agreement with others who have conceded the K18 to be the most impressive CPK offering to date (maybe second only to the flagship Integral Dagger).

I was actually surprised how light, nimble and well-balanced it is for the size. Of course, actually USING for any length of time will be a better gauge of that, but I found it to be quite comfortable and maneuverable while wielding it for a few minutes. The attention to detail is incredible but easy to overlook or take for granted - the slightly scalloped indentations on the quillon area, the slightly ribbed texture contouring the length of the handle(s), the beautifully ornate pommel and how the grooves terminate seamlessly into the smooth polished base (and the subtle rainbow hues), the perfect beveled edges throughout....and those GRINDS!!!

Here's couple pics of my "Zombie" collection....the Zombie Light Chopper (ZLC), the Zombie Behemoth Chopper (ZBC) and now the (Z)K18. I think it's about time for a photoshoot with the Whole (CPK) Fam Damily!!!

....and a picture with a li'l Leek for a bit of scale perspective:

....and some red spray paint on the shop floor lent itself to be a perfect backdrop for the K18:

A deeply sincere THANK YOU to Nathan the Machinist , Jo the Machinist and CPK Mark for making these for us - I hope you all feel proud and accomplished from completing such a daunting task and doing it with the skill and precision that has been so consistent with the CPK brand. Bravo and well done!

Awesome pics. I also got my acid washed, totally worth it. I had a DEK1 acid washed and did my own on an FK2 and my BC. Obviously I also like the look.

 

[Benson X]

Awesome pics. I also got my acid washed, totally worth it. I had a DEK1 acid washed and did my own on an FK2 and my BC. Obviously I also like the look.

100% Agreed - I absolutely love the acid-wash finish and was very excited to get it done on the K18. I would love to have any EDC variant in acid-wash, since that is my main carry knife.

 

[Benson X]

I feel like an ass....

In my feverish haste to post pics and feedback about my K18, I failed to give credit where credit is due to one of the KEY players in this project. Dr. Dan Keffeler was an integral person in making this sword come to fruition and with his design, influence and contribution.

Thank you, Dan for lending your expertise to make the K18 a reality for us CPK'ers!

 

[Murphjd25]

And here I thought my LC was huge

 

[gunslinger387]

100% Agreed - I absolutely love the acid-wash finish and was very excited to get it done on the K18. I would love to have any EDC variant in acid-wash, since that is my main carry knife.

I‘ve done my own acid wash was on a couple of CPKs. Pretty simple process, especially for smaller knives. The K18=a whole different story.

 

[Benson X]

And here I thought my LC was huge

Same here! I thought my LC was big, then I got the Behemoth and felt like Crocodile Dundee...

Now with the K18...it seriously dwarfs anything else in my collection and I feel like a wannabe warlord who's compensating for something. Maybe that's true, but either way - it's a seriously impressive and formidable sword!!!

(Credit to Irish Mike/MichaelCthulhu pictured above who makes some awesome HUGE replicas, like Cloud's Buster sword from FF7)

I‘ve done my own acid wash was on a couple of CPKs. Pretty simple process, especially for smaller knives. The K18=a whole different story.

If I'm feeling brave enough, I may attempt this on one of my EDCs.

The acid wash part would be fairly simple for me, but the tumbling is a bit more daunting. Many ways to go about it on a budget without having to buy a tumbler or media, but still a bit nervous to attempt it on my own blades. I like the idea of doing an acid wash, toss the blade in a rugged/secure container with some small stones or ceramic media, then tow it behind my truck for a few minutes or lob it around the yard to "tumble" it. Seems archaic, but effective.

 

[Mecha]

I am beyond amazed and super grateful for the dedication and perseverance from Nathan, Jo and Mark to get these to us. I can't imagine what an undertaking it must've been at every step to create such a monster.

A huge tip of the hat and cheers to you all for getting the last pre-order done and on it's way to a new home. Seriously - huge kudos to you all and I hope you celebrate with some tasty brewskis or perhaps something a bit stronger.

It's been quite awhile since I've had the pleasure of receiving a new CPK blade - especially one as impressive as the K18...it brings back fond memories of when I got the Zombie Behemoth Chopper a few years back. I got my K18 yesterday and Holy SHIT it's a sight to behold and a mighty beast to hold.

True to my "pain in the ass" form, I somehow sweet-talked Nathan (and Mark...sorry Mark) into doing an acid-wash on the blade for me. I won't mention what unspeakable things I had to do to convince them, but I'm hoping with enough bleach and scalding hot water I can wash the shame away.

Unfortunately, rain and early nightfall hasn't allowed me the opportunity to take 'er out and get some glorious natural/picturesque photos, but soon enough I'll get out and destroy some nature with this thing. I left a few fir trees standing specifically for the K-18 to whet its appetite. However, that didn't stop me from hobbling out to the shop last night to stage some fancy pitchurrs!!!

One thing that always make me laugh it how critical Nathan is of the items he is producing; perhaps it's his own perfectionism, or perhaps to prevent setting unreal expectations for end-users expecting to receive a impeccable and meticulously finished blade. Perhaps it's a bit of both.

Case in point is his note in the "K18 Pre-Order" thread:
"Please don't buy this if you're looking for some flawless art piece."

The item I received is exactly contrary to this - and it is simply perfect and exceeded any and all expectations. The pictures DO NOT do it justice. Sure, it is first and foremost a (very capable) cutting instrument, but it is equally a work of art and a privilege to have in the collection. Any CPK fan knows the priceless sentimental and collector value (not in a monetary sense) that blades such as these possess, and I am definitely in agreement with others who have conceded the K18 to be the most impressive CPK offering to date (maybe second only to the flagship Integral Dagger).

I was actually surprised how light, nimble and well-balanced it is for the size. Of course, actually USING for any length of time will be a better gauge of that, but I found it to be quite comfortable and maneuverable while wielding it for a few minutes. The attention to detail is incredible but easy to overlook or take for granted - the slightly scalloped indentations on the quillon area, the slightly ribbed texture contouring the length of the handle(s), the beautifully ornate pommel and how the grooves terminate seamlessly into the smooth polished base (and the subtle rainbow hues), the perfect beveled edges throughout....and those GRINDS!!!

Here's couple pics of my "Zombie" collection....the Zombie Light Chopper (ZLC), the Zombie Behemoth Chopper (ZBC) and now the (Z)K18. I think it's about time for a photoshoot with the Whole (CPK) Fam Damily!!!

....and a picture with a li'l Leek for a bit of scale perspective:

....and some red spray paint on the shop floor lent itself to be a perfect backdrop for the K18:

A deeply sincere THANK YOU to Nathan the Machinist , Jo the Machinist , CPK Mark and Dan Keffeler for making these for us - I hope you all feel proud and accomplished from completing such a daunting task and doing it with the skill and precision that has been so consistent with the CPK brand. Bravo and well done!

Some really cool photos of the K18 there, Benson X.

 

[Benson X]

Some really cool photos of the K18 there, Benson X.

Thank you for kind words Mecha !
It helps if you have a good model to work with. If I could get paid to take knife pics all day long, I'd be a happy camper...but for now, I just stage cool pics while my girlfriend confusingly shakes her head and laughs at my childish excitement...