- Joined
- Oct 13, 1999
- Messages
- 567
Thanks to the helpful reviews of forumites such as Blues, I saw examples of Ray Kirk's work a while back . . .
So naturally I eventually had to get my own!
For those who aren't familar with Ray Kirk yet, he is a ABS Journeyman bladesmith who does very fine work, and is a forum member himself. His web site, Raker Knives: http://www.tah-usa.net/raker/index.html
I just received his "Lil Blue" model--a small utility blade, about 2.5" cutting edge, tapered tang, 52100 steel. It has notches for better grip retention.
Ray offers this model either with a skeleton handle or scales; I chose black ash burl w/ brass pins for the handle material.
The knife comes with a very well-made kydex sheath (snug fit, won't fall out, very flat profile) with an adjustable leather lace. It is meant to be worn as a neck knife, but the sheath is made such that it can be used in a horizontal carry system as well.
The knife arrived within a week, and the fit & finish is impeccable. I highly recommend Ray Kirk's work to anyone.
Here is a pic of mine (sorry, so far only a rough scan done by placing the knife on a flatbed):
So naturally I eventually had to get my own!
For those who aren't familar with Ray Kirk yet, he is a ABS Journeyman bladesmith who does very fine work, and is a forum member himself. His web site, Raker Knives: http://www.tah-usa.net/raker/index.html
I just received his "Lil Blue" model--a small utility blade, about 2.5" cutting edge, tapered tang, 52100 steel. It has notches for better grip retention.
Ray offers this model either with a skeleton handle or scales; I chose black ash burl w/ brass pins for the handle material.
The knife comes with a very well-made kydex sheath (snug fit, won't fall out, very flat profile) with an adjustable leather lace. It is meant to be worn as a neck knife, but the sheath is made such that it can be used in a horizontal carry system as well.
The knife arrived within a week, and the fit & finish is impeccable. I highly recommend Ray Kirk's work to anyone.
Here is a pic of mine (sorry, so far only a rough scan done by placing the knife on a flatbed):
