Are there ay Jot Singh Khalsa owners out there?

Joined
Jan 21, 1999
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For me, the C40 is one of the radical designs that came out from Spyderco. I'm curious if any forumites own one and would appreciate a review...

thanks!
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(sorry, the search engine is still down)
 
I think Greg (Kodiak PA) said he has one, if I remember correctly he said the design was quite functional and was really utilitarian..

YeK
 
Yek -- one of the reasons I asked is because somebody noted that the C40 has somewhat similar design as the REKAT Escalator and might function in the same way (although Bram Frank doesn't think so)...
 
Hi Titan,
I have a Jot and I like it. I wish I had the Spyderedge version since I do like the blade's size and I am slowly converting to the positive uses of a serrated knife
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. When I was in Las Vegas in February I met with fellow BF member Marv Edgeworth and really liked his serrated Jot. It's a very comfortable knife to carry, the over size hole makes it a breeze to open quickly and easily. The handle ergos are very functional and the knife is really comfortable. The micarata is quite nice, too. The edge out of the box needed a little touch up but I feel it cuts fine.

I would say that this knife is a good one for someone who wants a smaller blade to carry, a back up or even a conversation piece. People love to talk about this knife when they see it. They all want to hold it, too, so as a knife collector, I'm kind of proud to own it.

Sal, can you give us some of the history behind this knife. I would love to learn more abot Jot and how he designed this knife.

Oh...to touch on you comment about the Jot being used like a REKAT Escalator...I wouldn't advise it. I don't think it would be as functional as the escalator for applying pressure points, etc. It's well made but IMO not designed for that type of pressure.

I would like Sal's opinion on this, too.

Regards,

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~Greg~



[This message has been edited by Kodiak PA (edited 10 April 1999).]
 
Hey guys, it was me who made the comments about the Jot and the escalator. I just noticed a similarity in overall profife based on the pictures of the Escalator and my Jot. I picked up the Jot at the Timonium show in December (not form Jot although he was there) but have not carried it yet. It is quite comfortable in the hand and the action is great. I hope to pick up an Escalator soon but have to settle up with Uncle first. Anyway based on first impressions I would recommend the Jot and will post additional info on use after I work it into my carry rotation.

phantom4

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who dares, wins

 
phantom4 -- what made you decide to get a Jot?

i'll wait for your additional info
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Just sounding off. I'm a Jot owner and I'm proud. I love how the knife feels in my hand (and in my pocket), opening it is quick and has a smooth action, and every time I open it, the lock clicks into place.

It's a very distinctive looking blade and bloody sharp. I like my Jot a lot and have carried it since I've gotten it (a month and a half ago), replacing the Goddard lightweight as my daily carry.
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Hey Everyone~
Had to wait for some information from here and there (Thanks Joyce) before posting. Here are some details for you.

*Everything you wanted to know about the Jot Singh Khalsa
*but were afraid to ask...

The Man:
In 1977 Jot Singh Khalsa (pronounced Jote Sing Kalsa) began adapting his lifetsyle to accomodate the Sikh religion, which originates in North India. One of the basic guidelines of his religion is that a knife must be carried at all times. Jot's knifemaking career began when he was not able to find a knife of the quality he would feel comfortable carrying every day. Jot choose to put his jewelrysmith background to work and design a knife for himself. He enjoyed the art so much that he turned this task into a full time job. In 1979 he was inducted in to the Knifemaker's Guild. His workshop is located in Millis, MA where he and his wife reside.

His Knives:
Jot's knife designs hold the influence of such notable custom knifemakers as Buster Warenski, Michael Walker, Herman Scneider and Virgil England, as well as the guidance of his spiritual teacher, Yogi Bhajan. While he prefers to use his own high-carbon nickel damascus steel in his custom knives, he also likes to use other custom damascus for added variety. He searches rock shops to find the most unique configuration and combination of rocks and minerals for use as his handle materials. Jot has chosen to forego the use of some of the more traditional blade styles, instead concentrating on the creation of more unusual pieces. In the future he would like to incorporate more engraving in to his work.

The C40:
In the collaborative effort with Spyderco, the veteran knife artist created a novel piece with superior comfort and ergonomic control. The handle is black micarta, as you know, and it's shape feels really "at home" in the hand. The hole in the blade is very pronounced, creating a hump that gives this tool the feel of a cross guard. The design is robust, yet its light enough at 3.5 oz for everyday carry. The blade is GIN-1 and is 3" long. It reflects Jot's dedication to exceptional beauty and Spyderco's commitment to unmatched functionality. It comes in either Plain or Spyderedge, and retails for $134.95.

As for comparison to the REKAT Escalator, I can certainly see where the comparison would be made. Vince and I played around with a Jot trying the theory out that the Jot would function the same, and our conclusion is that the C40 was not designed to function or perform the same as an Escalator, and it doesn't. Was kinda fun, though....

Hope this helps a little!

Danelle

..someday we'll all look back on this...laugh nervously..and change the subject...



[This message has been edited by djo62 (edited 14 April 1999).]
 
Those of you that have seen the Spyderco Jot Khalsa ad with Jot riding the C40 over New York might be interested to know that we made a poster out of the ad.
sal
 
Addtional interesting info....

Born in Massachusetts as Lee Kelfer, Jot was drawn to study yoga with a Sikh teacher, and by 1972 was living the lifestyle of a Sikh. When he became a Sikh, Jot was introduced to the custom of carrying a "Kirpan", the Sikh word for knife. This custom was begun by the Sikh Guru Gobind Rai in the 1600s as part of, and an indication of, initiation into a fraternity of soldier-saints. It was to remind each of them his promise to protect the weak and innocent. This tradition eventually drew Jot into knifemaking. (source: TK Mag, Sept 98)

Guro Danelle and Guro Vince -- thanks for taking the time to test the potential (or non-potential) of the Jot vis-a-vis the REKAT Escalator. It sure would've been more fun if pics of the two of you doing a Bram vs Mike Escalator demo were taken and posted here
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Maybe co-forumites JoeT, sing, kysa can add to this thread?
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I don't know how much skill is required, but Bob Taylor opened the Khalsa "Escalator" style on my chin last year to show me how to do it. Don't try that at home kiddies, Bob has done that once before and the throat is very close to the chin.
sal
 
Great design. Really neat knife to have. It feels good in the hand, but would be perfect if the entire knife was about 20% larger. My hands aren't that big, but taking a full grip on it "scrunches" the fingers a bit under the handle. Only two other complaints....ball detent is not strong enough (maybe just mine), and the blade steel could be better. CPM would be perfect, but at least ATS or something on par with most of the other custom collaborations Spydie does. Fit and finish is very good, and I can't say enough about the radical design. Cool thing Spydie has going. No fear making knives that aren't aimed at the mainstream...jeff
 
Titan, I met Jot at the New York Custom knife show 10 or 12 years ago. He had just sold an absolutely exquisite dagger for about $10,000 and the new owner was letting him display it for the rest of the show. I was very impressed with his work and when I saw my first ad for the Spyderco I just had to have one. I am not disappointed!

phantom4

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who dares, wins


 
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