Defense Spike

[Murray White]

This is a most unusual knife and from, for most collectors, a most unusual source. A quiz was in order but when the images, were named, I had to use the makers name in the file and so properties rather gives it away.

Anyone wanting to guess the makers name without looking can do so. Might be fun lol. I find the grinds on this knife most fascinating and the opportunity to talk with a legend in the knife making world was certainly worth the trip recently to the Western Washington Knifemakers show in Puyallup, WA.

Unfortunately, because it was associated with a major gun show, photos were not permitted. There was a good group of makers there and some wonderful collections including one of almost every Al Mar knife ever made. It was truly a one of a kind collection and worth the price of admission.

I also picked up from Mitch Lum a nice dagger from a South African maker via www.bladegallery.com (Daniel O'Malley. Thanks again Mitch. It will be posted soon to this forum.

other images of the Defense Spike

in this image, note the hollow grind of the top of the blade

now for some close ups of the grinds and the "blood let out hole"

The Defense Spike is 12 1/4" overal with a 6 3/4" 5/16" stock 440C blade and a 5 1/2" black linen micarta (white linen micarta space) handle. There are a couple of red spacers and a brass spacer also.
This piece is a body armour piercer and will easily pass thru 4 thickness of kevlar according to the maker.

 

[Chubbs]

Rod Chappel's works are really nice and are often thought provoking! I've seen and handled two different versions of the 'Spike' in the past at Central Gun Exchange (just off of 1st and Madison in Downtown Seattle). They currently have four of Chappel's knives there on display and for sale. Check them out if you're in the neighborhood.

Kevin

 

[Murray White]

Kevin--are these new pieces or older knives? Rod had a nice Lady Diana for sale from a collector which tempted me. Unfortunately, after having been a Seattleite '60-'65, I have since lived in the Toronto area and was not aware that a retail store would have carried some of Rod's knives.

Nice to know other collectors remember this maker from years gone by who still produces some very intersting knives.

Can you tell us what the knives avaialable were and prices by chance?

I think the one I have is rather unique compared to most things I have in the collection.

 

[tom mayo]

whats up with that hole? wouldnt that weaken the blade?

 

[Murray White]

never tried to stab anyone Tom but it does not appear to weaken the blade. it runs on an angle and the steel at that area is pretty thick still. supposedly for releasing the blood. again supposedly the style of blade make wound healing more difficult. What do I know anyway lol

I'll soon be posting the two pronghorns that I photographed at BAKCA. I trust that you have seen the Pronghorn thread in Custom.

 

[Chubbs]

Hello Murray...!

I just came back from Central and had a long chat with Alan Goldman, the owner. It was quite exciting for me, because Alan let me examined and handled each of the dozen Chappel knives in their collection.

Everyone of the Chappel knives are for sale to the right collector. Come to find out that these are knives from Rod Chappel's own personal collection. A few of these are even "the original" knives. A couple had dates marked on them back to 1970 and they are as fine as can be (all mirror polished and with leather sheaths). Steels used were: 440C, ATS-34, and 440V. The Chappel knives have intrigued me for years, because they are larger than life and the detail and finish are just incredible.

These are the knives they have at Central:
- Great Alaskan Bowie, Ser.#001, (huge knife)
- SAS 9"-Blade Fighter, Ser.#002
- Barren Ground Caribou, Ser.#044
- Defense Spike, Ser.#001
- Night Raven, Ser.#005
- Quail II
- Fox Hunter
- Persian Style Hunter/Skinner originally made by Rod for Rod Jr.
- Persian Style Hunter/Skinner originally made for Rod by Rod Jr.
- Large 12"-Blade Tanto Fighter with polished blue wood scabbard
- 2 other Persian Style Hunter/Skinner merely marked "by Rod Caribou Chappel"

Alan was kind enough to share with me the background of this collection. And he invites you to give him a call if you're seriously interested in any or all of these fine pieces. Alan can be reached at (206)624-0430 from 10am-5pm PST.

Hope that help answer some of your questions. If I can be of further assistance, feel free to drop me an e-mail directly at: kaleo_hawaii@hotmail.com. BTW, from what I've seen in your photo gallery, you have a gorgeous collection of knives...!

Cheers...!
Kevin