- Joined
- May 22, 1999
- Messages
- 1,474
<center>Steve Isbell
(Steve45)</center>
<center>
</center>
Around the 18th of last month I was chatting with Yekim on ICQ. We got to talking about knives, what else? And I asked him what would be a good knife for a survival kit. I told him I gave my dad a CS Tanto San Mai when they first came out and that was the only fixed blade he was considering for his kit. I intended the CS to be entirely for display but my dad thought it was suitable for survival. I told Yekim I was going to get my dad a CS SRK or a Spec Plus Fighting Knife instead. Yekim then told me that he knew where to get a custom knife for around $100.00. Needless to say my interest was up and I asked for details. He gave me some details but insisted I talk directly to Steve and gave me his phone number.
Talking to Steve was a pleasure. He was patient and helped me understand which steel is best for my purpose. I told him what type of knife I wanted and for what purpose and he made some suggestions. The specs were finalized and the knife was ordered. I received the knife yesterday and I felt like a little kid on Christmas day. This was my first custom knife. Well my dads first custom knife. (My dad is smarter then he seems. He got me to buy him another knife.)
The fixed blade knife is made out of satin finished 3/16 5160 with a full tang. The blade is a clip point with a flat grind. The blade is 6 long. The scales are cocobolo and the handle is 4 3/4. That makes the OAL 10 3/4.
When I was working out the specs with Steve I admit the idea of a clip point knife with a flat grind was unique. And looking at it now it is different but handsome. The satin finish is well executed. There are some scratches. It does not take away from the purpose of the knife. And I attribute it to the USPS. The box was opened before I received it. I talked to Steve and he said it was completely sealed when it was sent. My only guess is the USPS inspected my package and scratched the blade in the process.
The first thing I looked was not the blade but the scales. The fit and finish is great. I looked for gaps where the scales fit on the tang and there are none. When Steve told me what handle materials were available I settled on cocobolo because I was familiar with it. I have some on my 1911. On the knife though they are absolutely gorgeous. With no checkering but a contoured and smooth finish the grain shows beautifully. Man! Now I wish I didnt tell my dad to expect a custom knife
The handle fits my hand perfectly and the balance of the knife is perfect.
The knife came with a kydex sheath. Steve had leather sheaths available but it would have taken extra time. I should have taken the extra time as my dad and I dont like kydex. I am leaving for Juneau on the 8th to visit my parents and I wanted the knife as soon as possible. The kydex sheath is well executed though. It holds the knife firmly while still having an easy draw. Putting the knife back in is a little harder though.
As this is a gift knife I cannot go out and field test it. If my father uses it immediately I will report back. I am thoroughly satisfied with the knife and plan to order one for myself. When I showed it to Yekim he decided to get one himself to his specs from Steve. I want a fixed blade rescue style knife for myself. The price at $100 makes this knife a bargain. My only problem with the knife is it is not marked. There is nothing to identify who made it and what the steel is.
But the time from order to delivery was only 16-18 days. Steve Isbell is a pleasure to do business with and he makes an excellent product. I highly recommend him. He can be reached at <A HREF="mailto:Steve_Isbell<knife_boy@msn.com>">Steve_Isbell<knife_boy@msn.com></A>
David Williams
------------------
"A knifeless man is a lifeless man"
-Nordic proverb
[This message has been edited by David Williams (edited 05 October 1999).]
(Steve45)</center>
<center>
Around the 18th of last month I was chatting with Yekim on ICQ. We got to talking about knives, what else? And I asked him what would be a good knife for a survival kit. I told him I gave my dad a CS Tanto San Mai when they first came out and that was the only fixed blade he was considering for his kit. I intended the CS to be entirely for display but my dad thought it was suitable for survival. I told Yekim I was going to get my dad a CS SRK or a Spec Plus Fighting Knife instead. Yekim then told me that he knew where to get a custom knife for around $100.00. Needless to say my interest was up and I asked for details. He gave me some details but insisted I talk directly to Steve and gave me his phone number.
Talking to Steve was a pleasure. He was patient and helped me understand which steel is best for my purpose. I told him what type of knife I wanted and for what purpose and he made some suggestions. The specs were finalized and the knife was ordered. I received the knife yesterday and I felt like a little kid on Christmas day. This was my first custom knife. Well my dads first custom knife. (My dad is smarter then he seems. He got me to buy him another knife.)
The fixed blade knife is made out of satin finished 3/16 5160 with a full tang. The blade is a clip point with a flat grind. The blade is 6 long. The scales are cocobolo and the handle is 4 3/4. That makes the OAL 10 3/4.
When I was working out the specs with Steve I admit the idea of a clip point knife with a flat grind was unique. And looking at it now it is different but handsome. The satin finish is well executed. There are some scratches. It does not take away from the purpose of the knife. And I attribute it to the USPS. The box was opened before I received it. I talked to Steve and he said it was completely sealed when it was sent. My only guess is the USPS inspected my package and scratched the blade in the process.
The first thing I looked was not the blade but the scales. The fit and finish is great. I looked for gaps where the scales fit on the tang and there are none. When Steve told me what handle materials were available I settled on cocobolo because I was familiar with it. I have some on my 1911. On the knife though they are absolutely gorgeous. With no checkering but a contoured and smooth finish the grain shows beautifully. Man! Now I wish I didnt tell my dad to expect a custom knife
The knife came with a kydex sheath. Steve had leather sheaths available but it would have taken extra time. I should have taken the extra time as my dad and I dont like kydex. I am leaving for Juneau on the 8th to visit my parents and I wanted the knife as soon as possible. The kydex sheath is well executed though. It holds the knife firmly while still having an easy draw. Putting the knife back in is a little harder though.
As this is a gift knife I cannot go out and field test it. If my father uses it immediately I will report back. I am thoroughly satisfied with the knife and plan to order one for myself. When I showed it to Yekim he decided to get one himself to his specs from Steve. I want a fixed blade rescue style knife for myself. The price at $100 makes this knife a bargain. My only problem with the knife is it is not marked. There is nothing to identify who made it and what the steel is.
But the time from order to delivery was only 16-18 days. Steve Isbell is a pleasure to do business with and he makes an excellent product. I highly recommend him. He can be reached at <A HREF="mailto:Steve_Isbell<knife_boy@msn.com>">Steve_Isbell<knife_boy@msn.com></A>
David Williams
------------------
"A knifeless man is a lifeless man"
-Nordic proverb
[This message has been edited by David Williams (edited 05 October 1999).]
