'8 Question

[Recluse]

I was looking at Sniper308's AWESOME photo of his '8's:

and I noticed that the third one from the left seems to have a much larger top grind and a little less curve than the others.

Is this an illusion, or the actual way the blade is ground? If so, can anyone tell what model year it is? (I realize that since they are customs that they will all be a little different, but I have the impression that each model year has a distinctive look, of which the wide angular 2000 CQC6 vs. the more streamlined 2001 model is just one example.)

Anyway, I really like the look of that particular piece, and since I eventually plan to own an '8, I need to know what model year to seek............

Thanks in advance.

 

[Tamishigiri]

Kevin,
Frankly there is no particular year model here that will help you.
Since they are Hand Ground each one has it's own unique attributes.
I have seen new 8's that have the DEEP grind on the top as you annotated.

That is a large part of what drives me to continually look for different sublties, nuances, abberations etc. et al.

I will tell you this, it helps to "get some chips" (read Custom Emersons) so that you can network or trade for a specific model that has what ypou want specifically. Otherwise it will be just "dumb luck"
to find exactly what you want.

There are other attributes that would apply to the year i.e. Logo's,
scale designs, Colors etc. I have seen HM CQC 6's that have narrow grinds and some have wide super exaggerated grinds.
Hope that helps..

 

[Sniper308]

Kevin:

You picked out one of my favorite 8's! The one you're admiring is a 2001 CQC8 Double Ground model, that I received in a trade with Joel Pirella at the 2000 Blade Show.

As far as finding one. . . . good luck! I'm only aware of three of these that have been made so far.

The CQC8 directly to the left, (the second one from the left) seems to be the object of the majority of the attention due to it having the "wave". (Only 4 of these, that I'm aware of).

And guys, go back and read the above post. Tam hit the nail on the head when he suggested that one pick up "trading material" when available, for when something interesting comes available and the only way to acquire it is to "network" and swap one knife for another!

 

[Recluse]

Tamishigiri-

You did indeed help. I guess I theoretically could have been a little discouraged by your reply, but instead I feel intrigued at the possibility of all the variation you described. If there is no easy answer, then that only means there is more challenge to savor in pursuit of EXACTLY the right piece. Thanks!

Sniper308-

Leave it to me to pick the rarest one! Of course, they are all awesomely beautiful, and I think I could learn to love even a "regular" one. I know I could look at that photo all day.........

Thanks to both of you for the advice on the "chips." I will keep it in mind.