For that price I think it might be hard to go too wrong. Someone (JRS) forged the knife. I usually like to have a better idea about who the maker is before buying a knife, but sometimes one will just 'call' to you.
I thought cable damascus Was made by forging carbon steel cables. Although the pics are a bit fuzzy, and I like the general design, the blade does look a bit crudely made. But the materials used make for an attractive knife. The handle looks well done. The lines of the knife are kind of odd, but it looks like it would be a good chopper.
A kydex sheath for that sort of knife strikes me as Odd. That knife is a pretty traditional sort of object, I would personally much prefer a leather sheath. And not all kydex sheaths are well made or fit the knife snuggly.
I am a very leery about a lot of the custom knives I have seen auctioned at ebay from relatively unkown or new makers. With an unkown maker, you have no idea how good the forging or the heat treatment are, so you are taking a bit of a gamble here. But $125 is a very reasonable price for many hours of someones time. Hopefully, every thing was done right and the blade will function well.
I have several inexpensive and relatively crude forged knives. But I bought them directly from the maker and had a chance to handle them first. I think this sort of knife is more fun to own and use than an equivalently priced production knife. It has the invaluable appeal of being made by hand.
If it is the early work of a new maker, it may appreciate in value. But may not. I think you should enjoy and use that knife. Do not worry about its economic value. It is Art. And hopefully, a well made tool.
Paracelsus
My Knives
