I guess this would be a commission

silenthunterstudios

silenthunterstudios

Slipjoint Addict
Joined
Feb 2, 2005
Messages
20,039
I'm looking for a knife that I can use on the boat, and would like it to be a custom knife. I'll put it right out there that at this time, I can't buy one right now. After January, sure. Just not right now. I'm sort of fishing, no pun intended, around for some ideas on what to use.

I'm interested in a sailors rigging knife design, akin to the Buck 315, with bolsters, marlin spike and sheepsfoot blade. I've spoken recently with Scott from Razorback Knives, and he suggested 440C. This knife will be mainly used in fresh and brackish water. By used, I don't mean set on the shelf or in the safe, I mean used. I like to fish, and I don't mind staying out on the boat for the weekend. I already have a Rapala filet knife and a Mora knife, this rigging knife will be solely for other chores around the boat, chores that will hopefully not involve fish guts (I'd like to save those for the el cheapo Rapala and Mora ;)). I would basically like to know what type of steel to commission for the blade, spike, belt curve and bolsters, and what type of scales to use for the handle. I would also like to know if any knife makers would be interested in making something like this, and a roundabout cost, maybe a guesstimate.

Anyway, I know that time spent posting replies here takes away from time in the shop, and I want everyone who posts to know this, I appreciate your replies and the time taken.

Thanks

Dan


Oh yeah, forgot, heres my email. silenthunterstudios@hotmail.com
 
attachment.php


I made this one for a guy to use on his sailboat, as well as a smaller one of the same pattern. They were all 440C with linen micarta scales, and the last I had heard from him is that they were holding up well.
I'd suggest you choose similar materials, but in the end its going to depend alot on what the maker you choose wants to work with.
There are steels out there that should handle the corrosive environment just fine and will hold an edge better than 440C, but I think it would serve you just fine.
I think linen micarta has a nice look, while still giving a good grip. And it holds up well. Since your using bolsters you could probably use just about any synthetic or stabilized handle material. The main area that takes a beating on the scales would be the handle ends. So with bolsters, you don't necessarily have to go with something super tough, as long as the moisture won't get to it.
For bolsters I'd suggest stainless steel. Probably end up being 416 depending on what the maker wants to use. It won't tarnish, and should resist wear. I suppose titanium would be an option too. It would be cool if you could find somebody who could make integral liners/bolsters. That would be one less area for water and stuff to get to.

In the end, it really just depends on what you want the knife made with. There are a million combinations of materials that will hold up the environment you plan on using it in, and lots of accomplished makers who can put it together for you.
I'm not putting my name in though cause I don't make slip joints, and folders in general have been making me swear a lot lately :D
 
Buck 315


buck315nsb.jpg


c0_12_sb.JPG



a7_1_b.JPG


very interesting....have never seen one like it before...apparently discontinued by Buck.
 
Hey Matt, nice piece you've got there. ;) Huntin' season closing in. I'll be trying out the KITH knife I got from you. :D
Scott
 
Doesn't somebody make a Sheepsfoot fixed blade with a folding marlin spike on it? I Was thinking a handmade maker does it, but now I wonder if it's a production company, maybe even Buck? Hmmm.
 
I just won the auction for a 315 on eBay, thats definitely going to get used, but I just wanted to get a custom rigging knife. Matt, I really like that fixed blade you made, I would love to see something like that in a folder, with a marlin spike for ropes.
 
I once made a fixed blade wharncliff with a marlinspike in a separate pouch on the sheath. Not really ideal, a folder would certainly be more convenient, but the rig did work out okay. Maybe some day I'll get the huevos to start building folders, but it ain't this year! Let us see what you end up with, this sounds like a cool commission.
 
How about a fixed blade and a smaller fixed blade spike twin, fitted into a piggyback sheath? Somethin' different, anyhow. Some matching good looking stabilized wood on them would really make the pair stand out, and they wouldn't have to be big to do the job.
 
I forget the makers name, Benchmade also puts out a knife like the one I'm describing. A fixed blade wharncliffe style rigging knife with a spike that folds into the handle? It doesn't sound too safe, but anybody see anything like that?
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top