First MS purchase - I can't wait.

[G3]

I've been scheming for weeks now trying to scrape up cash for my next OCD knife purchase. Finally I sold enough of my collection to cover the cost of this one.

(Thanks in advance for use of the photo and description from KnifeArt.com)

Season Opener

ARTIST: Master Smith John Fitch
BLADE SIZE: 4 3/4"
TOTAL SIZE: 9 3/4"
BLADE MATERIAL: Forged 1095 Carbon Steel
GUARD: Nickel Silver
HANDLE: Ancient Cactus Wood
WEIGHT: 5.0 oz.
COMMENTS: Classic Fitch styling. Long drop point blade shape flows with the natural curve of the rare ancient cactus wood. Nickel silver guard. Traditional Arkansas hunter style blade. Large contoured premium cactus wood handle. Hidden tang.

This is my first MS quality knife and I am just wondering how the rest of you knifer-lifers regard Johns work. I don't mind the comments being brutally honest so fire away. I half-expect that what I half-expect this knife to turn out to be to me will prove a most worthwhile purchase as well as my most trusted blade. I hope I'm half-right.

 

[Kohai999]

I have looked at a fair amount of Big John's work, and I think that it is excellent work, back in the day(before his MS) they were a super value. I am not too sure about that cactus wood handle, I am fairly certain that it is not high on any of our lists of handle material. Personally unless the price was around $450 or less, I would have passed on that point alone.

Most collectors make the leap to custom knives via drop point folders. If you are a hunter and plan on using this one, then I say "jolly good show, old man!", but if you are going to fondle the knife by candlelight in the early morning hours, then I say, "stop right there", after this purchase, and move to fighters and Bowies, as those are generally more sought after, and much more rare than drop-point hunters.

Of the internet dealers, I won't do business with KnifeArt. They don't take trades, they don't swap stuff that they already sold you, and if memory serves, they don't do layaway. In addition, they charge more for a knife than dealer/MSRP. This does not happen with Les Robertson, and I appreciate Les's other services as well(ie, swapping knives). YMMV, and caveat emptor.

Best Regards,

STeven Garsson

 

[Doug C]

GFarrell3,
Congrats on your Fitch MS hunter. :thumbup:
I think you already know he's one of the best,
one of my favorites as well, I have several of his Bowies
and two hunters.
Definitely a worthwhile purchase and I'm sure you will be
well pleased.

Nice snag.

Doug

 

[G3]

I have looked at a fair amount of Big John's work, and I think that it is excellent work, back in the day(before his MS) they were a super value. I am not too sure about that cactus wood handle, I am fairly certain that it is not high on any of our lists of handle material. Personally unless the price was around $450 or less, I would have passed on that point alone.

Most collectors make the leap to custom knives via drop point folders. If you are a hunter and plan on using this one, then I say "jolly good show, old man!", but if you are going to fondle the knife by candlelight in the early morning hours, then I say, "stop right there", after this purchase, and move to fighters and Bowies, as those are generally more sought after, and much more rare than drop-point hunters.

Of the internet dealers, I won't do business with KnifeArt. They don't take trades, they don't swap stuff that they already sold you, and if memory serves, they don't do layaway. In addition, they charge more for a knife than dealer/MSRP. This does not happen with Les Robertson, and I appreciate Les's other services as well(ie, swapping knives). YMMV, and caveat emptor.

Best Regards,

STeven Garsson

I hear ya. I figured 1095 and the wood was probably the reason it was still available but something about it really floats my boat. I do plan on using it but not heavily. For the next custom fixed blade I'll definitely be looking at damascus as it seems a natural progression for me. Hunters are more my style and speed compared to large bowies and fighters or subs. I would feel more compelled to hold onto the larger knives as collectables. Any recommendations for good retainable value without compromising skill level in the hunter dept.? Regarding materials I mean.

GFarrell3,
Congrats on your Fitch MS hunter. :thumbup:
I think you already know he's one of the best,
one of my favorites as well, I have several of his Bowies
and two hunters.
Definitely a worthwhile purchase and I'm sure you will be
well pleased.

Nice snag.

Doug

Thanks. I will need to spend the next 3 days in a vegetative state to stay calm.

 

[JeremyM]

I have looked at a fair amount of Big John's work, and I think that it is excellent work, back in the day(before his MS) they were a super value. I am not too sure about that cactus wood handle, I am fairly certain that it is not high on any of our lists of handle material.

Hadn't seen cactus wood previously, but personally I like the look of it. And being from the Southwest, it's something I'd consider ordering on a piece I intended to carry & use.

 

[Bladeandbarrel]

I like the knife and agree with everything except STeven's comments re:Knife Art-In my experience, Larry Connelly is a great guy to buy knives from and additionally has excellent service and first class products/website. I think Les is also at the top of the game and have seen some spectacular knves and deals at his site over the years.

Great user, IMO.

 

[Keith Montgomery]

My Fitch knife that was the last one he made as a JS was a screaming good deal.

I like this one, but I would have to get a better look at that cactus wood. It looks like it might have a lot of colour, but it is hard to tell from that image.

 

[Keith Montgomery]

Posted in the wrong thread, sorry.

 

[G3]

I'll snap my own pics when it arrives and try to capture the handle material better. Thanks for the feedback. :thumbup:

 

[Reggie Barker]

As I have had the oppertunity to work under John's tutelage his work is top shelve and his heat treating is also tops.He makes great using knives and spectacular collection pieces.
Reggie

 

[SpyderJon]

For Hunter recommendations, I can give you 2 names that offer great bargains: Burt Foster, and John P. Christensen. Both ABS Mastersmiths, and both offer a LOT of bang (and service) for the buck!

 

[RogerP]

Congrats on your new purchase! I predict you're going to love it, but do tell us after it arrives.

Roger

 

[G3]

It arrived safely last Thursday. This is one sweet knife. Everything about the ergonomics is right on cue. Wickedly sharp as I expected. The cactuswood is very dense and looks to be a strong handle material. It feels light in the handle so my guess is this type of wood is one comparable to a Japanese hardwood, maybe even lighter. The knife itself is perfectly balanced and a pleasure to use in any hand position I've tried. Here are some pics I took.

 

[Doug C]

GF3,
Glad it arrived safe and sound,really dig the contours and palm swell of
the handle.
Nice closeups too.

Very nice hunter. :thumbup:

Doug