Closed, PRE-ORDER, 2023 BASIC 5

Nathan the Machinist said:
Disclaimer:

The first production run of Basic 5 had a pretty crude and basic finish. This next run is going to be made to our normal standards. But those standards do include visible tool and grind marks. We're making tools here, not wall art.

I'm going to try to start shipping these by the end of this year, but it may be the end of next year before they're all shipped out. I'll do my best, but if you need a tight deadline guarantee, this sale may not be for you.

Sometimes we will run into unexpected problems like a material shortage or an issue with some material that can make us late or even give refunds if a problem is bad enough, like our recent problems with the MC DEK3s. We might have a handle scale material not work out or run short and need to offer you an alternative etc.

If you are overseas and your order gets lost or stolen, please understand that this is out of our control and there really isn't anything we can do about it. You won't get a refund or a replacement. Once your package leaves our shop, there is nothing more we can do. If this risk of total and uncompensated loss doesn't work for you, please do not place an order here. There is an increased risk with shipping knives overseas and we are not able to assume that risk.

Other things of note:
The antique micarta appears to be Westinghouse, although the material we're working with has already been converted into a machined shape and there are no labels left on it. Some of it is streaky, most of it is dark brown. If you have a preference (streaky or solid dark brown) please let Jo know in your order and we will try to accommodate. But ultimately, it's an unpredictable naturally occurring color variation and you get what you get.

The vintage micarta is labeled International Paper. Westinghouse sold out to them before they eventually sold the micarta name to Norplex who has it today. I don't like Norplex micarta, I usually use Accurate Acculam because I have found it to be more consistent and dimensionally stable and it is made here in America (not all Norplex micarta is US material). However, the best micarta ever made was the original Westinghouse. This old International Paper is pretty similar to the original Westinghouse, but without the huge price tag. You can tell by looking at the load meter on the machine while milling it and also looking at how hard and translucent the phenolic is and how well the fibers are saturated, which becomes obvious when polishing it. This old IP Micarta is very good stuff and it's finally an affordable option to get you the best material available in your hands without the insane price tag of Westinghouse. This material isn't as old and the colors aren't as deep. We are sawing up thick monoliths of it and, while some of the material has some interesting color streaks that have developed in it, most of the material is still a natural micarta color. If you want a piece that came from the outside you can pay extra for "crusty" and get the piece that came from the outside edge for a little extra visual interest.

Our titanium hardware serves no purpose other than it looks cool. The weight savings is inconsequential. You should probably stick to regular stainless, it's fine.
Click to expand...
G

9/8 paid

10/7 shipping
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Nathan the Machinist said:
Disclaimer:

The first production run of Basic 5 had a pretty crude and basic finish. This next run is going to be made to our normal standards. But those standards do include visible tool and grind marks. We're making tools here, not wall art.

I'm going to try to start shipping these by the end of this year, but it may be the end of next year before they're all shipped out. I'll do my best, but if you need a tight deadline guarantee, this sale may not be for you.

Sometimes we will run into unexpected problems like a material shortage or an issue with some material that can make us late or even give refunds if a problem is bad enough, like our recent problems with the MC DEK3s. We might have a handle scale material not work out or run short and need to offer you an alternative etc.

If you are overseas and your order gets lost or stolen, please understand that this is out of our control and there really isn't anything we can do about it. You won't get a refund or a replacement. Once your package leaves our shop, there is nothing more we can do. If this risk of total and uncompensated loss doesn't work for you, please do not place an order here. There is an increased risk with shipping knives overseas and we are not able to assume that risk.

Other things of note:
The antique micarta appears to be Westinghouse, although the material we're working with has already been converted into a machined shape and there are no labels left on it. Some of it is streaky, most of it is dark brown. If you have a preference (streaky or solid dark brown) please let Jo know in your order and we will try to accommodate. But ultimately, it's an unpredictable naturally occurring color variation and you get what you get.

The vintage micarta is labeled International Paper. Westinghouse sold out to them before they eventually sold the micarta name to Norplex who has it today. I don't like Norplex micarta, I usually use Accurate Acculam because I have found it to be more consistent and dimensionally stable and it is made here in America (not all Norplex micarta is US material). However, the best micarta ever made was the original Westinghouse. This old International Paper is pretty similar to the original Westinghouse, but without the huge price tag. You can tell by looking at the load meter on the machine while milling it and also looking at how hard and translucent the phenolic is and how well the fibers are saturated, which becomes obvious when polishing it. This old IP Micarta is very good stuff and it's finally an affordable option to get you the best material available in your hands without the insane price tag of Westinghouse. This material isn't as old and the colors aren't as deep. We are sawing up thick monoliths of it and, while some of the material has some interesting color streaks that have developed in it, most of the material is still a natural micarta color. If you want a piece that came from the outside you can pay extra for "crusty" and get the piece that came from the outside edge for a little extra visual interest.

Our titanium hardware serves no purpose other than it looks cool. The weight savings is inconsequential. You should probably stick to regular stainless, it's fine.
Click to expand...
I would like to order one please
9/8 paid

5/17 shipped
 
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