Okay..., went to the Blade show and *STILL* couldn't find what I'd consider and "ideal" utility knife.
For a "large" knife, I ordered a Battle Mistress.. which I consider probably the "best of type". For folder, I've got a small Sebenza.. again, among "best of type".
But for a mid-sized "utility"... I haven't found "perfection". I've got a Lile #5 in D2, Dozier Yukon Pro and Guide knives in D2, a Randall #5, a new 4" Mike Irie hunter in ATS34..., but I have no great leanings toward any of these knives.
So I'm approaching a local knife maker, Keith Kilby, and I gonna try to have him make "my" ideal utility knife.
I'm looking for a blade between 4 1/2 and 5 inches... straight, or *very slight* drop point, with just a little belly. 5" handle (I've got big hands).
I'd like to have the handle made of fossilized mastodon ivory, either "blue ivory", for surface ivory..., but I'm unsure about it's durability. I don't know if it can be "stabilized". I want a full tang, so the ivory would have to be scales, which I assume would help with durability... I might even consider using ivory inserts, if necessary.
For blade steel.. obviously, I want toughness, plus edge taking and holding. Stain and rust resistance would be nice, but are lower on my desireability scale. I'm thinking damascus..., but I'm not well-versed in what's the best damascus out there. I'm willing to pay a premium to get good steel.
Any suggestions... on the steel, or the ivory, etc..., would be appreciated.
For a "large" knife, I ordered a Battle Mistress.. which I consider probably the "best of type". For folder, I've got a small Sebenza.. again, among "best of type".
But for a mid-sized "utility"... I haven't found "perfection". I've got a Lile #5 in D2, Dozier Yukon Pro and Guide knives in D2, a Randall #5, a new 4" Mike Irie hunter in ATS34..., but I have no great leanings toward any of these knives.
So I'm approaching a local knife maker, Keith Kilby, and I gonna try to have him make "my" ideal utility knife.
I'm looking for a blade between 4 1/2 and 5 inches... straight, or *very slight* drop point, with just a little belly. 5" handle (I've got big hands).
I'd like to have the handle made of fossilized mastodon ivory, either "blue ivory", for surface ivory..., but I'm unsure about it's durability. I don't know if it can be "stabilized". I want a full tang, so the ivory would have to be scales, which I assume would help with durability... I might even consider using ivory inserts, if necessary.
For blade steel.. obviously, I want toughness, plus edge taking and holding. Stain and rust resistance would be nice, but are lower on my desireability scale. I'm thinking damascus..., but I'm not well-versed in what's the best damascus out there. I'm willing to pay a premium to get good steel.
Any suggestions... on the steel, or the ivory, etc..., would be appreciated.