Coming Soon: Charlie Mike custom!

....If I was one of the intended audience for the defense of Charlie Mike, I ought to clear something up.

I always enjoy seeing his work, even if some of his projects seem a little strange to me. I like CM's unique combination of skill and tongue-in-cheek presentation. There are people who take knives way too seriously (Mantis Militia).

I filed a blank out of 1/4" 1095 with one of the old hand mill files. The big ones that were used before motorized grinding machines were readily availible. I don't mean to brag, I just want to show that I know how long it can take to make knives. The fact that he accomplishes so much with a very small tool set makes me want to see what he could accomplish with more efficent methods.
 
Big respect for CM. I really admire his passion and drive for this craft. I know how hard it is to do this with limited tools. I don't have much either.

I also admire that he makes, says, looks and does what he wants, when alot of knifemakers here seem to be so damned timid and reserved.

Rock on CM.
 
That straight razor is absolutely wicked Impressive design! I would definitely order a custom from CharlieMike if I wasn't so broke.

His mods on other knives made me notice them and it was obvious he is talented designer. He has a very unique style and will definitely make it big. I see production CM designs coming at some point ;)
 
When I saw the title "prison shank" in the custom exchange, I knew we had officially began the knife-making era of CM.

I cant wait to see what he makes next, because I will surely be making a purchase, sooner or later.

The uniqueness in his work is unquestionably his own, and I think we are all in for some great surprises there. :thumbup:

Cheers,

Max
 
Exactly. He definitely has a stile developing that is all his own. I would love to see les mirror polished blades and more non reflective nastiness from him.
 
Edwood7 said:
Exactly. He definitely has a stile developing that is all his own. I would love to see les mirror polished blades and more non reflective nastiness from him.
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Something like a 400 grit grinder finish?
 
220 satin finish. Shiny, but not a mirrior. Easier to live with, too; polished blades get scratched...
 
To be honest, I prefer a satin finish, the shinier the better! Especially with carbon steel. What were you thinking about for my knife CM?
 
However you want it... you da boss!
 
Charlie Mike said:
However you want it... you da boss!
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Haha, well in that case, as high of a grit as you feel comfortable with/ have equipment to allow for.

The polish you put on that little push dagger you gave me was perfect, if it isn't too much trouble
 
It doesn't get any better than a well executed hand rubbed satin finish
 
Charlie Mike said:
Exactly! The first custom I ever ordered was from Darrel Ralph while I was still in Iraq back in 03. From then on, I realized having a custom knife made was much more than having a sharpened hunk of Ti and steel in your pocket. It is a lifelong friendship built along with the knife that yoiu will look back on every time that knife is used.
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I'm a firm believer that nothing closer to your fantasy-turned-into-reality blade tested in one of the worst situation ever. With that you appreciate what you have.
Waiting to pick a CF from you in the future.

"May God have mercy upon my enemies, because I won't.” -General Patton
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Any time bro.
 
Charlie Mike said:
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Carrying the Straight Razor as a weapon was not always an easy task either. Due to it being prone to breakage, ya didn't want to sit on it in your back pocket. Some of the celluloid handled razors were quite delicate instruments. Some of the heavier mexican straights w/ horn handles and heavy blades were better suited to mayhem than the gentleman's Denbar razor was.

In fact the carry of the handy dandy straight of the past was done often via a cord about the neck. (perfect fer the shaving utillity-minded man ya know) This was one of the first neck-knives ever to be tactically and practically carried by almost all men at some point in their lives. The scoundrels who employed Straights as a weapon had no qualms about fashion in that era. It was all cut-throat minded!

The razor was light, it was there in daily use for shaving. Think about it for a moment. A hobo or neer do well has little place to carry anything. And being such, the neck was ideal for carry. And always ready it was for the viscious slash from the shadows or to wound the hand of another, more aggressive
vagabond who became too bold while seated about the fire in the bum-jungles of old.

THE FIGHT

The straight razor is used to snipe at another man's limbs and torso. SNIPE being the key word. It refers to a fast, whip-like action of the arm that in the FMA is called a "witik". Hit and retract back into guard! Due to the proximity and nature of the fight, razor men employ the same tactics as did the knifemen of the depression era. They used a blae-up grip that we today would say looks like a backcut. The weapon hits first, the limb avoids damge. Ideal strategy for this type of fighting!

The empty hand was used to slap and deflect the opponent's steel in order to apply your edge to one of his "sensitive spots". It's a semi-sacrifical method of fighting. Everyone gets blooded. Due to the sharpness of the razor, the cuts often heal into thin, spider web type scars. Once ya see them, you'll always recognize a veteran of razor wars. They are not as horrific as a wound(s) produced by a knife. But, bloody they are and one can certainly "bleed-out" an opponent in order to kill them. Targeting is everything ya see. Make a bad hit and ye'll pay fer dearly amigo. Make each move count. Stay calm and be fast! Know how to staunch wounds, yer own too! ! Learn to know the art of "stitching" things back together (sometimes using a mirror). All part of the gloriously gory habit of razor fighting !

Think of a fast, angled "pecking" action with the edge. Now add a short "swipe" into the motion. Yes, a "pecking swipe" indeed ... ah, there ye be mates, hillbilly science in it's purest rendition! Exempleary!
Anyway ..... getting on with things..... Another thing to work on is wrist articulation. One delicate edge, held upward needs to do a lot. In order to accomplish these chores, you'll need a limber wrist. Be able to cut from a variety of angles, positions and positional-redirects aka"dad burrned trick cuts" in hill-speak.
(Them thar treeck cuts aint even farr (fair).

The dreaded "Zipper Cut", fast and very "slashy". Named as such because when done well the zipper cut "opened them up like dey wuz a zipper there". Done in as straight of line as possible. Setting up to use the straight razors most powerful asset LINEAR CUTTING is a skill also. Seek that aspect at every chance. To get a real nice, open line for a true zipper cut may take some time and manuevering. It's one of the most telling, debilitating cut-actions there is! Make your stroke clean, plan to slice cleanly, articulate the slightly bent arm from the shoulder. Press into the target and stroke, stay on the surface of the target. Move with the target to maintain contact through the course of the action. Follow that line, it's called "contouring". Kenpo knife fighting employs this principle. It is deadly. Ths is fastest and best for the gangsters ZIPPER CUT of the past. Remember, edge out, straight as ya can, ZIP! Make a line in yer mind to infinity and cut, chase that line, follow that line! Stay on'em! If ya ain't doing this, then ya outta be "sniping". Be brave! Be quick! It's timing, timing and tricks, you can do it ! Win!

James A. Keating
 
I'll make you special razor. You are indeed as sick (edit DUE TO LACK OF op DISCIPLINE) as I am. Let me know when you are expecting to shave a Los Zeta.
 
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Another happy customer!

[video=youtube;wDNnXvO1fSg]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wDNnXvO1fSg[/video]
 
Wow. CM, the F+F on that looks amazing! If mine is going to look anything like that, I will be one very happy customer! :thumbup:
 
[video=youtube;qv0Nd0Q9LwE]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qv0Nd0Q9LwE[/video]
 
Always enjoy Charlie's videos and love his work. He gets a +1 from me for keepin' it goin'. Shine on brother!

SEMPER-FI TIL I DIE
 
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