Custom hunting set by William Courtney, sheaths by Mike Bartol (a mini saga)

[Nic Ramirez]

Hey guys-

Man, unfortunately I lost all of the "work in progress" pics that Mr. Courtney gave me aurrrrrggggg.

Anyhoo, here is the project: I asked William for a set of hunting knives. I wanted one to be a bird and trout/caper and the other a dedicated skinner. I just gave rough perimeters and requested certain materials. Namely: 52100, ironwood, nickle silver and elk antler. I tried to just sit back and let him work his magic. Here is the sketch that he made and I altered.

After speaking I made a visual composite:

 

[Nic Ramirez]

Because I lost the original "work in progress" shots of the knives here is the finished product taken by him. He forged the blades out of very pure 52100 steel and gave them a fantastic convex edge. After a couple strops, HAIR POPPING SHARP, I MEAN IT!! :

I took a few shots with my buddy's camera. You can see the temper if you look closely:

Money shot!

 

[Nic Ramirez]

Now it was time to send them off to our dear friend Mike Bartol for his notorious tough as nails leather sheaths. Here are the scans of his work in progress that he sent me:

And finally, here is the nearly finished product from these two very talented men. The sheaths still need a final coat of beeswax and a gum tragacanth treatment on the edges.

When they arrive I'll be sure to take pics in their new clothes. Perhaps in September (bow huntin season ) I'll add a few shots of a trophy five point elk being processed by this wonderful set! Hopefully if anyone has any questions the talent can chime in here. Stay tuned and a special thanks to both William Courtney and Mike Bartol for making this wonderful set for me!

 

[joeshredd]

Nice project and an incredible result!
Awesome Nic!

 

[Nic Ramirez]

Thanks Joe, this was a fun project!! I can't wait for the next one

 

[joeshredd]

and that's the problem with this hobby...There'll always be another project! LOL!!!

 

[golok]

Very nice custom set. The knives a personality of their own.

 

[Nic Ramirez]

Got the set back from Mike today! Man the pics really don't do them justice. For everyone looking for a no-nonsense leather sheath, Mike is your man.

You really need to feel his sheaths to know what I'm talking about. Three words sum them up "Tough As Nails" also comfortable. I can wear both on one hip for easy accessibility!

Don't mean to rant and rave but I am one happy camper!

PS. Will try to get some pics when my buddy gets back from CA. THANKS MIKE AND WILL!