Camp/Utility knife with "Hamon" ???

TheFlash

TheFlash

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Oct 3, 2000
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Through the years, I've seen a few pics of camp or utility knives made with carbon steel blades that have been differentially heat-treated.
The blades look like they have the wavy 'hamon' heat-treat line like Japanese swords.

I would like to actually purchase and use a camp or utility knife that has been differentially heat-treated and feature a "hamon" on the blade.

Are there any production or custom knives being made with a basic drop-point or clip-point blade (~5"-6" in length) that are <$250 that feature a carbon steel blade with the noticable heat-treat line on the blade???

Thanks!
Mike

P.S. Note: I did find a "hunter's bowie" from Charlie and Harry Mathews (Twin Blades) for $250, but would prefer a handle with wood or synthetic material rather than stag.
 
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Hmmmm...most of Matt's webpages didn't work.
I've looked at Tim Horan and requested a quote.

Any other suggestions???

Thanks,
Mike
 
I have several western/mountain man/rustic style knives from Jeff Morgan that have a visible temper line. Most are 1095 or 52100. You can see a couple of his knives at Artknives' website but they aren't my favorites and the photos don't do a great job of showing off the temper lines. The fixed blade and red bone handled folder give a hint of what the temper lines look like.

Jeff is a great guy to work with and has reasonable prices. He's in Santee and his phone is 619-448-8430.

DancesWithKnives

[Oops---I committed the error of not reading the OP carefully. It appears that you are seeking a blade made with the clay technique and I don't know whether Jeff does that. Sorry.]
 
'IH8U',

Thank you!
Stephan makes some nice knives - I'll have to contact him...

And, thank you 'DKW2' - I'll check out Jeff Morgan's work, too!

Regards,
Mike
 
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Check out Matt Roberts knives. Many of his bowies have a hamon.
 
Thank you 'comoha'.

Matt's "Shop Built Series" look like they would be a good match.
(Didn't see many differentially heat-treated looking blades on his website, but I'll ask Matt...)

Regards,
Mike
 
For Camp/Utility knives with hamon that are very reasonable (< $100), check out David Farmer's work. http://www.dfarmerknives.com

These are quality custom knives built to be used, not necessarily showcase custom knives.

Here's a picture of my D Farmer Camp Knife.

HPIM0627-1.jpg


HPIM0630.jpg
 
Try Nick Allen. He made a camping knife for the wilderness survival forum last year, and makes very nice knives with a visbile hamon. I'll try and get a pic out later.

edit: Here we go:

IMG_2321.jpg


IMG_2320.jpg


My apologies for the crappy pics, but you get the idea. Blade (or was it tactical knives?) did a story on him a few months back, lots of good pics.
 
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If you strip off the coating, all of the larger Swamp Rat knives will have one also, they use 52100. Great steel!
 
Looking at Nick Allen and thank you 'fishwatcher' for David Farmer's info.

'sodak' - are you saying that Swamp Rat knives have a visible differential heat treat 'line' if the coating is removed?
(Can Swamp Rat knives be ordered without the coating?)

Regards,
Mike
 
The larger ones usually do, or at least did. Not sure if they've moved to a non-differential heat treat. I believe they are differentially tempered, not hardened. It's done in a way that leaves a perfectly uniform and straight temper line, not very exciting compared to clay coated blades.
 
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