- Joined
- Oct 2, 1998
- Messages
- 45,041
Some months back I had ordered a Cliff Knife by Mike Mann (Idaho Knife Works) based on the positive comments I'd heard and read by the likes of my good friends Hoodoo and Steve Dick (Tactical Knives), as well as Dan Shechtman and Cliff Jacobson (for whom the knife is named).
To begin with, I must say that dealing with the Mann's (both Deb and Mike) is a pleasure. These are two folks who care about the knives they offer, and more, about the customer. I can't say enough, but more about that later.
Early on both Mike and Deb contacted me telephonically about how I wanted the knife done and what special touches I might like. I gave them an idea of what I was looking for and asked for Osage Orange (Bois D'Arc) scales for the knife. It turns out that the Osage Orange comes from fence posts from Mike's family farm back in Illinois and they are about a century old or so.
The hand forged blade of 5160 is about 4.25" long with a pronounced distal taper. The width at the spine is just a tad over 1/8" at the guard. The blade is about 1" wide and OAL is right at about 9".
The sheath is made from high grade leather and secured with brass rivets. The leather belt loop swivels to accommodate various positions, including when seated in a canoe or in a truck.
The overall feel and balance of the knife is excellent, and the looks you can judge for yourself. (Needless to say, I love it.) This is a knife well made for the outdoors.
When I first got the knife just before the holidays (at great effort by Deb and Mike) I noticed that the edge was not ground exactly as I had desired. Being pig headed I decided to try to alter it to my specs using bench stones and other sharpening media I have accumulated over the years. For whatever reason, instead of accomplishing my aim I ended up with a less than perfect (and scratched up) rendition of what I had been delivered. (Generally my sharpening and modifications have worked out well given my lack of power tools, but in this instance it was not to be.)
In any case, Deb and Mike asked me to send the knife back which I did and today I received back a knife that not only showed no trace of the butchery I had performed, but with a thinner, keener edge as I had desired.
Not only that, but I unexpectedly received a refund of my return shipping costs (which I had never requested).
So, what can I say? Mike and Deb Mann get very high marks for both their knives, and more importantly for the kind of people they are.
Idaho Knife Works (Deb and Mike) can be reached on the net at Idaho Knife Works or via cell phone at 509-994-9394.
Tell 'em both Blues sends his regards.
To begin with, I must say that dealing with the Mann's (both Deb and Mike) is a pleasure. These are two folks who care about the knives they offer, and more, about the customer. I can't say enough, but more about that later.
Early on both Mike and Deb contacted me telephonically about how I wanted the knife done and what special touches I might like. I gave them an idea of what I was looking for and asked for Osage Orange (Bois D'Arc) scales for the knife. It turns out that the Osage Orange comes from fence posts from Mike's family farm back in Illinois and they are about a century old or so.
The hand forged blade of 5160 is about 4.25" long with a pronounced distal taper. The width at the spine is just a tad over 1/8" at the guard. The blade is about 1" wide and OAL is right at about 9".
The sheath is made from high grade leather and secured with brass rivets. The leather belt loop swivels to accommodate various positions, including when seated in a canoe or in a truck.
The overall feel and balance of the knife is excellent, and the looks you can judge for yourself. (Needless to say, I love it.) This is a knife well made for the outdoors.
When I first got the knife just before the holidays (at great effort by Deb and Mike) I noticed that the edge was not ground exactly as I had desired. Being pig headed I decided to try to alter it to my specs using bench stones and other sharpening media I have accumulated over the years. For whatever reason, instead of accomplishing my aim I ended up with a less than perfect (and scratched up) rendition of what I had been delivered. (Generally my sharpening and modifications have worked out well given my lack of power tools, but in this instance it was not to be.)
In any case, Deb and Mike asked me to send the knife back which I did and today I received back a knife that not only showed no trace of the butchery I had performed, but with a thinner, keener edge as I had desired.
Not only that, but I unexpectedly received a refund of my return shipping costs (which I had never requested).
So, what can I say? Mike and Deb Mann get very high marks for both their knives, and more importantly for the kind of people they are.
Idaho Knife Works (Deb and Mike) can be reached on the net at Idaho Knife Works or via cell phone at 509-994-9394.
Tell 'em both Blues sends his regards.
