Custom In D-2 from SURSUM Knife Works

Mistwalker

Mistwalker

Gold Member
Joined
Dec 22, 2007
Messages
19,017
This knife is actually one that is on loan to me from one of my mentors, John Hutcheson, of SURSUM Knife Works...also of RMJ Tactical. He loaned for my studies in handle ergonomics and blade geometries in prep for one of my own personal projects. I was never expected to review it but the more I mess with it the more I like it and want to show it....so here goes.

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It has an over-all length of 9 7/8 inches and a blade length of 5.25 inches. John has an affinity for D-2 steel so that is what this one is made of. The handle scales are tan canvas micarta with some nice mosaic pins, and it has a brass guard. Not all of John's knives have guards but he knows how my tastes run :)

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This thing feels really good in my hand.

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The tapered tang is a nice touch.

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It has a nice edge and handles well.

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It also has great balance, just forward of the first finger.

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I like how John solders the guards, that's a nice touch.

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I also like his leather work a lot.

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I really like the retention strap on this one too and the way it wraps the handle. Even if it get unsnapped by briers and vines the knife won't easily fall out of the sheath.

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Looks like a well made, nicely executed knife---the subdued brass and canvas micarta are very complimentary.
 
That is pretty darn cool.

I like the non-standard approach of the wide chord blade and the narrow handle.

Looks really well done, and that is a great solder on top of some killer contours, it is not often you see the handles blended into the guard.

And that looks to be stout leather.

I bet it is a real joy to use.

Best,
Marion
 
Interesting leather strap, never seen one like that I think.
The handle looks a bit thin, but I won't judge since I haven't handled it. :)
But overall, looks very pleasant knife to use indeed!
 
t1mpani said:
Looks like a well made, nicely executed knife---the subdued brass and canvas micarta are very complimentary.
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I think John did a great job on it, the brass and micarta do go well together. He made this one for himself...but I may have to see what he will take for it.


Marion David Poff said:
That is pretty darn cool.

I like the non-standard approach of the wide chord blade and the narrow handle.

Looks really well done, and that is a great solder on top of some killer contours, it is not often you see the handles blended into the guard.

And that looks to be stout leather.

I bet it is a real joy to use.

Best,
Marion
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Thanks Bro, John is a lot like me in that he is about as non-standard as they come :)

I love the details on this knife a lot, and the sheath is great!

It is really comfortable to use. Now that I am more caught up on work I need to get it out and use it more.


A.L. said:
Interesting leather strap, never seen one like that I think.
The handle looks a bit thin, but I won't judge since I haven't handled it. :)
But overall, looks very pleasant knife to use indeed!
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I've never had one with a retention strap like this. I really like how it holds the knife in place even if accidentally unsnapped.

Johns hands are like mine... big palms, fat fingers...so it is actually quite comfortable to me and very pleasant to use!
 
Great review and it looks like a fantastic knife...I am a big fan of D2 knives and this really appeals to me, very very nice! I have big hands and this looks like it would still be comfortable to grip and tapered tang just sets it on another level.

I want one.
 
Robert.B said:
Great review and it looks like a fantastic knife...I am a big fan of D2 knives and this really appeals to me, very very nice! I have big hands and this looks like it would still be comfortable to grip and tapered tang just sets it on another level.

I want one.
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Thank you, I'm glad you enjoyed the post. I really enjoy using this knife.

I'm sure John could make up another one :)
 
mistwalker said:
Thank you, I'm glad you enjoyed the post. I really enjoy using this knife.

I'm sure John could make up another one :)
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Been outta work 2 months and just got a job today...it'll have to wait, but I am taking note and its on the top of my list, so does John work for Ryan? I love what I see so he'll get an email from me in the not so distant future hopefully.

Any ballpark on what something like this is worth? i'd love that sought of sheath for vertical back carry on a baldric sling.
 
This thing feels really good in my hand.
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I'll gladly take your word for it! The ergo's really look excellent and overall, she's just pure sweetness! I'd be so proud to have that thing ride on my hip! :thumbup: :thumbup: :thumbup:

I just subscribed to this thread!
 
Robert.B said:
Been outta work 2 months and just got a job today...it'll have to wait, but I am taking note and its on the top of my list, so does John work for Ryan? I love what I see so he'll get an email from me in the not so distant future hopefully.

Any ballpark on what something like this is worth? i'd love that sought of sheath for vertical back carry on a baldric sling.
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I know the feeling...last year I was laid off 3 times in 6 months...the last time two weeks before christmas, it really sucked!

I'm not sure if the right word is for...or...with Ryan.

I'll give John a call and ask some questions, maybe point him towards this thread.


untamed said:
I'll gladly take your word for it! The ergo's really look excellent and overall, she's just pure sweetness! I'd be so proud to have that thing ride on my hip! :thumbup: :thumbup: :thumbup:

I just subscribed to this thread!
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Thanks man, glad you enjoy the thread.

A discussion on ergonomics led to me receiving this knife on loan, he definitely picked a great example for me, then again I've liked the ergos on all of his knives I've messed with.

I'm definitely proud to sport it when I take it out :)
 
I know Ryans work all too well (i have one of his traditional hawks and its amazing) so when I saw him mentioned thats what peaked my interest. Either way great work.

And that sucks with the timing around Christmas, i'm glad I haven't been in that situation yet. I've been going through the immigration process to move to the US so my timing sucked as well...my wife wants to be home for Christmas (she promised me a custom knife lol). :)
 
Robert.B said:
I know Ryans work all too well (i have one of his traditional hawks and its amazing) so when I saw him mentioned thats what peaked my interest. Either way great work.

And that sucks with the timing around Christmas, i'm glad I haven't been in that situation yet. I've been going through the immigration process to move to the US so my timing sucked as well...my wife wants to be home for Christmas (she promised me a custom knife lol). :)
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Ryan does some amazing work with hawks. I have one of the RMJ Tactical Shrike Tomahawks which is really sweet, but his traditional works are simply stunning!

I can not get in touch with John today. I just got off the phone with Ryan and he said I probably wouldn't be able to get in touch with John until Monday. I'm looking for his email now and I'll post it later. The SURSUM knifeworks website isn't functioning at the moment.


Bear Claw Chris Lappe said:
I really like that knife!
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Thanks Chris, I really love this knife! It is beautiful just to look at, and truly a pleasure to work with!

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I just talked to Josh, John's son, and arranged to borrow another knife or two that John made and when I get some pics of those I'll post them.
 
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