David Winston "Key-Knife"

K

Kentucky Rifle

Joined
Apr 1, 2002
Messages
38
I received a neat little item in the mail yesterday. It was a David Winston "Key-Knife". It comes in either stainless or Damascus steel. Also in "clip" or the "Wharncliff" style blade. I really wanted Damascus, but being that Kentucky summers are very hot and humid, I chose the stainless steel model with the Wharncliff style blade. This is a very nice piece! Incredibly sharp! Made me VERY glad that a Kydex sheath is also provided. The "key" has a depression that allows it to "lock" into the sheath and a split-ring type key ring is provided. I put it on, but I think I'll take it back off because with the key ring off the knife, even with it's little sheath, is thin enough to keep in my wallet. Either stainless steel or Damascus steel is $50.00 and this is one little custom knife that is definitely worth the price! I know I've seen a picture of these "Winston Key-Knives" on "Blade Forums" before, but I did a search and couldn't find it. Tell me if you find the photo because it's of the Damascus model and I want to see that one again.

KR
 
Clip point:

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and wharncliffe:

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Here's a link to the original thread as well. BTW, I ordered one of these too, as soon as I get the payment moving his way I should get one of my own in the mail! I ordered the wharncliffe model, it's a beaut.
 
I believe I'm getting mine x2 in the mail today:D

One for the wallet and one for the keyring.

I may have to order more.:eek:

These will make some very nice gifts for X-mas this year.

Brownie
 
Click on the link in my first post, it will take you to the for sale thread. Be forewarned, demand has FAR outstripped supply on these, I don't know if David is even taking orders anymore.
 
David sent me an e-mail a couple of days ago and stated that he had his Son cleaning up some of his Damascus. (Which he makes himself, by the way.) And will be making another batch of "key-knives" right away. I AM going to order a "Damascus" blade THIS time. So what if it turns a little dark? The benefits of Damascus steel outweigh the "cosmetics". This is a FAR better "key-knife" than I had hoped for. I've looked at the edge under a magnifying glass. I wonder how David (and a lot of other guys) get an edge like this. I ran it down my arm and PRESTO! ~"Bald arm" syndrome. :)

KR
 
I'm hoping I'll be getting a Wharncliffe one of these as a birthday present in October. My brother got a damascus clip-point. Its a very neat little knife.
 
David Winston is a great guy to work with and he does great work as well (mine is the wharnie in RoadRunner's post). :D
 
David Winston IS a great guy to work with. It's simple. You place your order~a little while later, you get your knife. Meanwhile, if you think of a question and send him an e-mail...He actually ANSWERS the e-mail, and right away too. "Communication" is what makes great customer service, and I sent David three or four e-mails when trying to decide which style of key I wanted. (Wharncliff is the only way to go! :) ) I've thought about a Damascus clip, however my order is going to be for another Wharncliff.
I still marvel at the edge on my stainless Wharncliff model. If I could do edges like that (or even get close to it), I'd be a happy man. Oh, one last thing. When I ordered my "Key", I had a kidney infection. That + a real bad back = trapped at home. I asked David if he would take a check because I don't have "PayPal" and I simply could NOT get out and purchase a money order. His answer was, "Sure Will, I've NEVER received a bad check from a *knife guy*. We're a honest bunch". Yes sir, I'll be a Winston customer~~and not just for "Key Knives", either. I'm just going to have to possess an "Ironwood handle/Damascus blade" sheath knife to wear on my belt when I go out shooting. :)

KR
 
Ya'll are just to kind. Thanks. I am going to try and put up some new pics tonight on the thread in the exchange if I am smart enough. As the fine people who are receiving "keys" know, the later ones are nothing like the original.
 
David,
Got the two keys today. Very nice indeed. You'll be making these fro awhile I think.

Question after handling them:

Can you make me two more with no keyhole in the blade but put a key ring hole in the middle of the kydex sheath at the other end so that I can take the knife out of the sheath without having the carkeys in my hand.

That way I can access the knife while it is on the keyring in the ignition.

Let me know and if thats possible, put me down for two more and let me know when you want the funds shipped.

Thanks again David,

I would suggest if you haven't ordered one of these, that you consider it. One is being dropped into a pocket somewhere, very flat indeed. Oh--and pointy to the extreme and a small razor blade on the edge. Splinters? No problem with this keys tip at all.

Just a note of interest. While looking at them, I could see that, for me, grabbing the end of the key by the thumb and inside edge of the middle finger allowed the index finger to come to rest on it's spine as it was drawn so that you are basically holding it like a scapel when it clears.

Brownie
 
Originally posted by brownie0486
I believe I'm getting mine x2 in the mail today:D

One for the wallet and one for the keyring.

I may have to order more.:eek:

These will make some very nice gifts for X-mas this year.

Brownie
Click to expand...

Gee brownie,I hope I'm on your Christmas list too!tom.LOL.
:D
 
I have seen the locksmith carefully look at the door key hanging from the ignition key in the locked car, cut the key and open the door with it. He said that this was especially easy with old GM cars, but other cars and even some house or business keys can be done in a few tries. This level of skill to get it right on the first or second try may or may not be common, but it does show that displaying real keys in our EDC and What's In Our Pockets Today threads may not be the wisest thing to do.
 
Could some kind sole please tell me the price of these little gems?
Thanks,
Lenny
 
I think everyone that knows me, knows I am a big Winston fan. His work is awesome and his prices are very very affordable. I have one of the original keys made and I love it. So now that he is making a newer version you better believe I am in. Mr.Winston if you are reading this, put me down for one of the new ones.:D

I have included a shot of my current Winston collection that I just took, but it came out crappy. I will have to lay them out better and share in the gallery soon. I was doing pretty good but haven't added one for about a month or two. That's b/c you guys are keeping him too busy with these darn keys:D



Winston%20Aug.jpg


Here was one of my last family photos taken in May, I have added a few since then, just haven't laid them out yet.

Winston%20May.jpg
 
In answer to the thickness question. The stainless keys are cut from Precision ground 440c at .093 (3/32"). I surface grind the damascus before cutting the key out. I try to get down to around .110. They will vary either side of this from time to time.

Something that might interest all the key fans. Nearly every key I sell here at my shop has been to the Ladies! They are buying them for self defense items. Something about a self defense manuever with the car keys that they have been taught. All agree that they can do more damage with one of these than a regular key. I think they are right on this one. Once they see that all the other keys on the ring serve as the handle they are convinced.
 
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