Copperhead Firestorm !!

Joined
Oct 9, 2002
Messages
1,419
Copperhead of mine have synthetic guards for weight reduction. This one is a presentation model with a hand-forged 1095 carbon steel blade, claybacked edge quench with hamon, flat ground, convex edge, 2000grit satin-mirror hand rubbed, black canvas Micarta guard, handles of stabilised Spalted Box Elder with a wild figure, hence the name "Firestorm", and inlaid with an Australian Opal in the centre of the "flames." Dot jigged by hand for added grip. More updates this week in my website http://www.jcbknives.com

copperhead4firestormL.jpg


Whadya thunk ? Cheers.
 
Dang, you make some nice knives Jason. This one has super lines and a great hamon. That opal is a nice touch.
 
Wow - there's so much I like about this knife: useful-looking blade shape with a strong point; nice visible hamon; gorgeous burl wood; attractive and functional texturing on the handle and guard; overall nice lines and a handy size.

The only thing I'm not stuck on is the use of micarta for the guard - I'd much prefer steel or n/s. I'm sure the weight penalty would be modest. On a presentation model with inlaid opal and all (very cool touch by the way) micarta just strikes a discordant note with me.

Overall it's a really terrific little knife.

Cheers,

Roger
 
That is friggin' awesome! A little while back I was looking for a forged tactical/utility blade and was looking for ideas. Where was this knife then? It is nearly perfect for what I wanted in the knife (except maybe the double guard). I think the guard material is wonderful as well. Looks very nice.
 
Yes, its really a taste thing, and I myself prefer the look of a brass, NS or SS guard, but unfortunately, having made a number of these type with Micarta guards, I prefer the feel. What do I choose ? What do I choose ?

So my decision - do both ! Heehee.

I guess the Copperhead Firestorm was (for me) a taste of things to come, since I am just as likely to make one with a SS guard. I am trying to use only brass of 416 stainless now for "metallic" guards. Given the recent demand for mil-spec types, many of the guys wanting custom patterns, when given the option, wanted the black Micarta instead of anything shiny, and KGI Gunkote black coating over carbon steel instead of plain "bare" stainless.

Micarta guards, my wife (Artistic Criticism Department) hates them too ...

Cheers.
 
I seldom buy anything with brass anymore. I like copper though and most things will have SS or NS. However, we will see how I like this one when it arrives. One thing that does look neat is the dot jigging that has been followed up from the handle into the micarta guard. It is something different and different is what my collection is so I'm sure it will be a welcome addition. Will of course let folks know when it actually walks in the door.
 
Good score Murray - now I get to play with it in person - I'm looking forward to it!

Cheers,

Roger
 
That is an awesome collection of truly fine bladeware. I feel most privileged that he's given me a go and would certainly be anticipating his comments when the knife's in his hands - good or bad. Cheers. Jason.
 
Jason,
Your work is fantastic. I'll buy a round at the bar for you when I'm visiting Melbourne next year.
-Jim
 
Jason,

That is a pretty sweet knife, I really like it. Nice site too, what type of grinder are you using in the pics?

Matt
 
That's a beauty Jason.., and thanks for the nice pictures.., really nice looking piece...


"Hunters seek what they [WANT].., Seekers hunt what they [NEED]"
 
tHANKS FOR THE COMMENTS, ONCE AGAIN.

JIM, you can buy me a drink anytime ! I don't actually drink alcohol (no tolerance - Asian genetics...) but I do enjoy my Coke (6-8litres/ week !!)See you in Melbourne hopefully.

Matt, the grinder is a little 36x2inch Multitool attachment. It fits to an Abbott and Ashby 6inch grinder and also has a 7inch disc grinder. Its my first grinder and still going strong, modified the flat platen. The original "flat" platen made beautiful convex grinds !! I think the attachment is marketted as the "Jet" Multitool and also comes with a 8inch contact wheel one and a 48x2inch belt.

Both have flat platens in the horizonatl position, so that weird position you see me using is my regular posture for flat grinding (everything).

Not fantastic, but I'm so used to it I dare not "progress" and all the work seen is done with that grinder. Mind you my knives are at least 25-50% hand work with files and abrasives.

Wishlist - a nice variable speed 72x2inch grinder that allows me to flat grind upright - so less neckache. I can now only grind for about 3 hours straight before I completely cramp up. It is actually quite difficult to set up for vertical grinding because it interferes with the way the disc grinder platen works.

But overall, its a good little unit.

Cheers. Jason.
 
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