Coffin Handle Vest Bowie

Jason Fry · Aug 24, 2013

I asked for pics of coffin handles a few days ago, as I was contemplating a project. Here's what I came up with. This knife represents several firsts for me. Its the first time Ive done a coffin handle, and the first time Ive used a frame handle construction. The 5 1/4″ blade is hand satin finished 1080 steel at RC 60 with drawn swedges. The guard and pins are 416 stainless steel. The handle is African blackwood with a red/black/red G10 frame. Overall length is 10 1/4″. This knife will be available at the Knifemakers Guild show in Louisville, KY in September.

eric brinkerhoff · Aug 25, 2013

Looks good . Looks like a "Jason Fry".

gredpe3 · Aug 25, 2013

When you say you're going to make a knife,you don't mess around now do ya.Outstanding job.It is clean and to the point.
Eddie

Ebbtide · Aug 25, 2013

Excellent execution.

Storm Crow · Aug 25, 2013

That came out good! That's about as ominous of a coffin handle as I've ever seen.

Kevin Jones · Sep 1, 2013

Very nice, and well executed. I like the general design. It has one of the best shaped coffin handles I have seen. That's where even experienced makers often struggle.
I love your pin configuration, especially the four closest the butt.
If you were making the knife for me, I would have specified a steel frame (personal preference). Right or wrong, I see coffin handle knives as a classic design and no place for G10.
Thanks for sharing with us. :thumbup::thumbup:

Marko3 · Sep 1, 2013

Jason..I like it a lot. You did a great job.

dsloan · Sep 1, 2013

Jason,

That is nice, but I have to ask. In the photo's is the knife sharpened yet?

Dave

Mhael · Sep 1, 2013

I'm with Kevin. I really like it overall but I would spec a metal frame as well. Great job!

Jason Fry · Sep 2, 2013

dsloan said:
Jason,

That is nice, but I have to ask. In the photo's is the knife sharpened yet?

Dave

No, not yet. I sharpen after the sheath is done, but since I don't like sheath making near as much as knife making, I usually shoot the pictures before I do the sheath. This knife is 1080, a steel I've made 100+ knives from, HT with a digital kiln and tested to 60 RC, so I've got the HT down to the point I don't feel obligated to hack up boards with every knife.