- Joined
- Jan 13, 2007
- Messages
- 2,841
I've always wanted a fighter with a full guard for my collection. Grabbed this piece by Jerid Johnson recently and promised him I would post some thoughts on it, so here goes.
First of all, this is the description and photo from the original sales thread:
Blade 11″ - Handle 5″ plus pommel nut
Forged 5160 carbon steel blade
Stag antler handle
Stainless Steel D style guard, heat patina
Vintage wrought iron pommel nut
Removable take-down style handle.
Right handed leather two-tone brown belt sheath.
Clearly this won't be proper user review, as the knife is a dedicated fighter, and as such I don't plan on using it. I will display in a case with some other fighting bowies - all quick blades with good reach, which can stab and slice.
As a dedicated fighter, Jerid's design is just about perfect. The 11" blade is narrow for good penetration, but not so thin that it is fragile, and the balance is right at the front of the guard. The full guard and point on the tang nut offer protection, grip retention and alternative striking options. The handle and guard are nicely sized for a comfortable hammer, reverse hammer or sabre-grip (as shown in the bad in-hand photo below).
Workmanship is also high class - the grinds are clean, the guard is symmetrical and nicely heat-colored. The sheath is also attractive, very well-made and no bigger than it needs to be, which is what I like.
If I wanted to nit-pick, I could point out that:
- The handle could be a little more hand-filling, although that can easily be solved by wrapping it with a leather thong or something similar.
- The blade could have come a little sharper - it struggled to push cut thin paper.
- I like sheaths with retention straps that are designed so you can tuck the strap out of the way when it is un-buckled, but that is just a personal preference.
Those are all very minor points, though. Overall, I'm very happy with this as the epitome or a traditional-style fighter.
First of all, this is the description and photo from the original sales thread:
Blade 11″ - Handle 5″ plus pommel nut
Forged 5160 carbon steel blade
Stag antler handle
Stainless Steel D style guard, heat patina
Vintage wrought iron pommel nut
Removable take-down style handle.
Right handed leather two-tone brown belt sheath.
Clearly this won't be proper user review, as the knife is a dedicated fighter, and as such I don't plan on using it. I will display in a case with some other fighting bowies - all quick blades with good reach, which can stab and slice.
As a dedicated fighter, Jerid's design is just about perfect. The 11" blade is narrow for good penetration, but not so thin that it is fragile, and the balance is right at the front of the guard. The full guard and point on the tang nut offer protection, grip retention and alternative striking options. The handle and guard are nicely sized for a comfortable hammer, reverse hammer or sabre-grip (as shown in the bad in-hand photo below).
Workmanship is also high class - the grinds are clean, the guard is symmetrical and nicely heat-colored. The sheath is also attractive, very well-made and no bigger than it needs to be, which is what I like.
If I wanted to nit-pick, I could point out that:
- The handle could be a little more hand-filling, although that can easily be solved by wrapping it with a leather thong or something similar.
- The blade could have come a little sharper - it struggled to push cut thin paper.
- I like sheaths with retention straps that are designed so you can tuck the strap out of the way when it is un-buckled, but that is just a personal preference.
Those are all very minor points, though. Overall, I'm very happy with this as the epitome or a traditional-style fighter.
