- Joined
- Mar 19, 2007
- Messages
- 7,440
Background:
I ordered a Bushcrafter Classic from Cody at Adventure Sworn over two years ago (A beauty in Cocobolo):
But decided later I wanted to have the closest thing I could ever get to a Alan Wood / Ray Mears Woodlore. So, I made another order with Cody. He communicated very well and sent me pictures along the way to keep me up to speed. I had decided to pass on his sheaths (although they are top notch) as I make my own. I have owned this knife for nearly years.
Actual Specs:
OAL: 8.487
Blade Length (from handle): 3.925
Edge Length: 3.770
Blade Thickness: 0.150
Blade Height: 0.937
Steel Type: 01 High Carbon Steel
Handle Length: 4.562
Handle Thickness at butt: 0.980
Handle Thickness at Pinky Taper: 0.815
Handle Thickness in middle: 0.970
Handle Thickness at Taper: 0.876 (Then tapers to the blade at nearly a 45 degree angle.
Handle Height at palm swell: About 1.070
Handle Material: Stabalized Birds Eye Maple wit Black Liners.
Initial Impressions:
As you likely know from other reviews of mine - I am fairly anal when it comes to my blades. When I am buying custom - and paying a good amount of money for a blade - I expect it to meet or exceed my expectations. I was very happy when this blade came as it came with a high polish on every portion of the handle and edge and everything looked to be in first rate order when I first opened the package. I used it on a piece of tulip out in the garage and it cut well and held its edge. It was time to get serious with my look at this knife.
Fit and Finish:
This picture was taken by Cody before he shipped it. You can tell that he finishes the blade very well. It came, not only, well polished - but he managed to keep the bevel nearly exactly flat. Usually what happens during the polishing process is that a scandi blade gets convexed. Cody did an excellent job of keeping this blade nearly flat and sending it with a high polish. The blade was very sharp upon receipt.
The blade flats were done very well. They had very fine matte finish grind lines that ran parallel to the blade. This finish is not something you often see and I like the looks of it a lot.
One concern I had with the bevel as it came was that the tip was not even from side to side. One side was about 0.050 off and was visible from the top. I contacted Cody immediately and he told me to return the knife and he would fix it and pay shipping both ways. I told him that I would try to make it even with my Japanese water stones and we would see. He told me that he guaranteed his work and he would take care of me. His communication was very fast.
When I sharpened the blade the first time - I made the edge perfectly flat to my freshly lapped Japanese water stones and I easily fixed the tip. It isn't like 5/100th of an inch is a lot - but again - when I am paying for a high quality custom knife - I expect it be perfect. However, I planned on sharpening the knife anyway - and a little extra times on the stones was no big deal.
One thing to keep in mind - Cody was then using a 1x30 grinder that is not the best for making blades with. He has since been able to afford a KMG and I have seen his work lately. A simple error like this would not happen again to the maker Kody has become. Besides - I like sharpening - and it gave me something to as I watched TV.
The handle also came in a very high polish - but had some areas that could have had more attention paid. There was one small rough patch in the wood and the loveless pins had a few areas where you could still see grind marks. A little more time on the polisher was needed in these areas to make them perfect. However, with a little sandpaper and my buffer - I had them out in no time.
Blade Geometry:
The blade is what has become a classic. Cody has stayed completely faithful to the woodlore design. It is a spear point traditional scandi ground (25 degree) inclusive. There is not really much else to say - It drills very well, it moves through soft wood like butter, and does a myriad of tasks. There is a reason this has become a classic amongst bushcrafters. The steel is 01, which is also a classic amongst bushcrafters, for its ability to take and hold and edge - while being high carbon. This blade is no different. Cody's heat treat is awesome and I have not had a problem with this knife while in use.
Being a scandi, I would rather have a convex with harder woods - but up north, when I am in Michigan, this type of blade is always on my hip.
In Hand / Handle Design:
I love the Woodlore handle. It fits my hand perfectly and is comfortable in nearly every position for extended periods of time. Although certainly not a neutral handle - the handle that Wood and Mears came up with is very very comfortable. If you are a larger handed guy - you will find this handle to be very comfortable.
The butt is flared to stop slipping when it is wet, the pinky portion is reduced to allow comfort, the palm swell is fattened to be comfortable in the palm and the blade tapers and then is chamfered to allow choking up. There was obviously a lot of thought that went into this handle - and Cody makes it very authentic to the original.
Sheath Shots:
I made my own sheath for this knife. 8-10 ounce leather from Wickett and Craig. 1/2th inch welt, double stitched with belt loop and dangler. I made my own sheath - but I have seen Cody's work - it is every bit as good as mine - if not better.
Overall feelings after nearly two years:
I love this blade. It allows me to to what I want with it - and have a blade that is legal in nearly all states. It gets a lot of looks and people recognize the shape immediately. This is one of the knives that will not be sold by me any time soon, if ever, and has found its place in my roll and on my hip.
TF
