Forged Integral by Ron Leuschen

RogerP

RogerP

Joined
Feb 28, 2002
Messages
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I'm a big fan of big blades (never met a full-sized bowie I didn't like) but I've definitely got a bit of a soft spot for small forged integrals.

This is a real nice example by Ron Leuschen - forged from a 1" round bar of O1 tool steel. This particular knife is somewhat unusual in that it sports both an integral bolster and butt. With a 3 1/4" blade and an overall length of 6 7/8" it's a very handy and portable little package it fits my idea of a useful do-everything EDC-type of knife. Handle material is birch.

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A very nice surprise was the very nice sheath that accompanies the knife. I had asked for Ron's "heavy duty" sheath and I suppose, for that reason, expected something very utilitarian-looking. The sheath is really very nicely-finished, double-stitched and wet-formed to the knife for a secure fit. When the knife is inserted there's a bit of resistance and then it's like the whole knife is vacuum-sucked firmly into place. Very well done all around.

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Cheers,

Roger
 
Roger, I can't see your pix of Ron's integral (just shows a couple of x's) but I can really relate to the discussion of the sheath. After I received my first knife from Ron, we were talking on the phone & I was praising the knife & was really excited about the way the knife gave a 'click' as it seated in the sheath. I told Ron, "Your sheath is fantastic - I can hold this upside down & not lose the knife & yet it pulls out so smoothly!" Ron does make a very fine knife & sheath.
The sheath for the second knife Ron made for me has that same 'click' & a fancy Celtic pattern all around the sheath. Let's see if this will post.

Just checked back & now I see your pix's! Very, very nice! Looks like a nice solidly built knife - congratulations!
 
Nice! I like integrals too. Is it heavy? The bolster / ferrule area looks rather massive...
 
Thanks guys.

Clydetz - I hope you can see the pics now - there was some problem with fototime.com earlier today. That's a nice knife you have there from Ron and a great sheath too.

Joss - the knife definitely has a substantial heft relative to its overall size, but I don't find it unwieldly in the least. I find it imparts a reassuring feel of solidity and durability.

Cheers,

Roger
 
Mmmmmmm.... forged O1! And what a sleek knife. I really like it! Sheath looks great too and you did a heck of a job with the pictures. Great post, all around!
 
Ron's integrals definitely do have heft all right. They feel really good and not too heavy at all.

Ron made his first integral for me. I was looking for an integral and he wanted to try making one. It looks like he has found something he is really good at.

The one he made for me has an integral butt as well.
 
Wow!! thanks Roger and guys!! great pics Roger what kind of camera do you use.
Wow just reading over the comments you guys have posted really makes me feel good, and gives me the drive to keep on keepin on even when things get me down...not to run on but about a month ago we lost our family friend (Neko) our boxer, she was with us for 8 great years till she dissappeared unexplained, we will miss her very much and it brings a tear to my eye thinking about her not being here. yesterday began a new friendship as we got ourselves another pet, a Norwegian Elkhound, I know she is not Neko and that she is not a boxer, but I`m sure she will be loved the same.

sorry for the depressing post, just needed to get it out.

Thanks guys.
 
Hey Ron,

So sorry to hear about Neko - that is very sad. I've been there and know what it's like. Please accept my condolences.

Glad you like the pics. I use a Nikon Coolpix 5000 - but the key to the photos is not many megapixels, but rather, a good setup with controlled, filtered light. I live close to fellow forumner Murray White (now retired professional photographer) and make an absolute pest out of myself taking pics of my knives using his light tent. Murray and apparatus are pictured below:

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There's a great thread here in the gallery that contains a lot of helpful info on digital photography. You can find it here:

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=240994&highlight=boink

You could always send me that award-winning bowie - it'd be no problem to take a series of pics. Sending it back to you - that could be a problem ;)

Best regards,

Roger
 
She's a 'Cutie'! Did you train her to 'sit' on command or is she tired from playin'?:D
 
Just a beautiful example of an Integral! Fantasitic pictures.., and a great knife!

Very sorry about Neko Ron.., been there :(...


"Hunters seek what they [WANT].., Seekers hunt what they [NEED]"
 
You can't not like this one. There is always brilliance in simplicity. This has subtle features that keep me coming back for another look. :)

Ron seems to find some damn nice wood for his knives. Good score--really shweet!

Coop
 
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