First Knife made for Soldier

H

Hmathews

Joined
Feb 22, 2005
Messages
1,004
This is my son Pratt's first handmade knife. He is a senior in High School and has to do a Senior project. The project he chose to do was to research how to build a knife, including design aspects, and then make the knife. He would then present it to a member of the armed forces that is going to either Iraq or Afghanistan as a gift showing his support for what they are doing for our country. Preferably a graduate of Statesboro High School, but it may end up being someone he knows from another school.

Until now he has shown little interest in knife making, choosing to spend most of his time with his friends and working on his Tahoe. I was somewhat surprised at his choice of projects and proud at the same time. I told him if that was what he wanted to do I would support him and help him in any way I could, but that he was going to have to build the knife himself.......I would not make it for him. I didn't.

The combat knife has a 5 inch blade made of 1/4 inch CPM S30V that is flat ground. The handles are green canvas micarta, with stainless bolts and a stainless thong hole liner. It is heat treated to 59 on the Rockwell C scale and has a bead blasted finish. It will be delivered in a kydex sheath with removable belt loop.

I was amazed at his concentration and commitment to the project including the paper he had to write (got an A). I told him when he was finished, to design a logo and if he didn't want to that I would be glad to put the Twin Blades logo on it. He came up with his own logo and said the next knife he's keeping.


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Great talent runs in the family! Thanks for posting the story, Harry. He deserves extra dessert at the dinner table for this.
David
 
Harry,
He has done very well:thumbup::thumbup: nice clean lines.
Thanks for sharing.
mitch
 
For his first knife I'd have to say he did a remarkable job and I'm sure the lucky soldier that receives it will be well served :thumbup:
 
An inspiring story and a proud moment for YOU!

Some soldier is going to be very pleased. Thanks for the smile. :D

Coop
 
Would not have imagined it was his first knife unless you told me.

Very nice.

Donating it to a Soldier is a really nice touch. You both should be very proud of what he's done.


Mitch
 
Hmathews said:
He would then present it to a member of the armed forces that is going to either Iraq or Afghanistan as a gift showing his support for what they are doing for our country.
Click to expand...

As a veteran of Iraq and Afghanistan, this will mean a great deal to a soldier. I thank him for all soldiers in harms way and truly appreciate his show of support through action. A very mature young man. You should be and have the honor to be proud of him. Well done Pratt.
 
Wow, that knife looks great! A young MS in the making, such clean grinds on it... Did you oversee the HT of the blade?
 
Thanks for the comments guys. I did oversee the heat treatment but did not touch. He and his Uncle Charlie were manning the HT oven and quench plates. He found out how many tedious steps are involved in each knife. I wanted him to learn how to make a knife not just make one. So I explained how each step should be done, demonstrated it on another knife and then watched him with his. When it came to the grinding, it amazed me how patient he was and careful not to rush the grind. I'd have never done it at 18.....heck I have trouble not pushing it now sometimes.

Charlie and I have given a number of combat knives to soldiers that were heading over seas. Most were sons of friends of ours or related to people we know. Others we give a discount and work on their knives when we would be working on a knife for a show. When we got out of school in the spring of 1973, the military wasn't hiring. We have felt that this is a good way to show our support to the military and in a small way contribute to the effort. I can't tell you how proud I was when he said he wanted to give it to a man in the service that was heading overseas. I told him it would have to be right because someone was going to be depending on it.

This all most made up for wrecking my 68 Chevelle while street racing. :D
 
Guys, I have had the honor of watching this project from the start and I can tell you the knife is as good as it looks. The plunge cuts are right on the money, the edge is thin and down the middle and the tang is full of holes. Pratt learned a lot with this project including how fast a 60 grit belt will remove hide. Some things you just have to learn for your self.
 
Awsome project and impressive knife!
I know some soldier will be honored to carry it into combat!

Thank you for doing something so kind for a soldier!!!

Very Respectfully,
Renegade6
Soon to be home from my deployment!
 
Harry,
Great knife and you deserve to be proud. Hope you boys are doing well.
All the best.
Scott Devanna
 
That's a great looking knife and if you told me it was made by someone still at school I would not believe you!
 
That is a REALLY excellent effort - he deserves a big pat on the back.

Roger
 
....not just for you, but proud of you.

Kid must have been raised right to come up with this one on his own.....so be proud of the work Pratt did, be proud of him, but while you are doing that, reflect on how you raised him, and enjoy the beer, water or soda pop that I'll be buying for you at Blade for a better than usual job done well.

Best Regards,

STeven Garsson
 
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