- Joined
- Oct 2, 1998
- Messages
- 44,935
Over the past while I've had an itch to add a large classic American piece to my collection.
At the Blade Show I'd heard lots of good things about the work of ABS journeyman smith John Fitch from friends like Gus Kalanzis, Anthony Lombardo, and Matt Lamey.
With recommendations like those and others found right here on BladeForums I wasn't going too far out on a limb moving "Big John" on to my short list of candidates for a forged Bowie style knife.
I had seen a stag handled "Trooper" model by John Fitch on Kevin Pensinger's site:
http://www.theedgeequipment.com/
and it had caused me to return to the site several times to look at it again and again.
Finally, having had enough of looking at the picture, I contacted Kevin and asked him if it was still available. It was.
Well, the knife just arrived, and I must say it's even nicer in person than in the picture.
Featuring an 8.75" blade with an OAL of 13.5", this knife is incredibly agile and well balanced. You hardly even sense its weight.
The 3/16" thick forged 1084 blade is well finished and came with a very nice, sharp cutting edge (as well as a nicely sharpened false edge).
The sambar stag grip is as comfortable in the hand as it is handsome.
Both the guard and grooved butt cap are nickel silver.
The knife was delivered with a very fine Kenny Rowe "Pin Loc" sheath featuring a basket weave finish.
All in all I would say that this knife represents great value for the dollar when you consider the fit and finish as well as the artistry it reflects.
I have been told that John will be going for his Master Smith rating at next year's Blade Show. Judging by this piece I don't doubt that he'll attain his goal.
Readers of Knives Illustrated can read a nice article about the maker in the August, 2000 issue on page 79.
This is my first Fitch knife and my first transaction with Kevin Pensinger. It won't be my last time dealing with either of these gentlemen.
Blues
------------------
Live Free or Die
Blues' Knife Pix
[This message has been edited by Blues (edited 08-02-2000).]
At the Blade Show I'd heard lots of good things about the work of ABS journeyman smith John Fitch from friends like Gus Kalanzis, Anthony Lombardo, and Matt Lamey.
With recommendations like those and others found right here on BladeForums I wasn't going too far out on a limb moving "Big John" on to my short list of candidates for a forged Bowie style knife.
I had seen a stag handled "Trooper" model by John Fitch on Kevin Pensinger's site:
http://www.theedgeequipment.com/
and it had caused me to return to the site several times to look at it again and again.
Finally, having had enough of looking at the picture, I contacted Kevin and asked him if it was still available. It was.
Well, the knife just arrived, and I must say it's even nicer in person than in the picture.
Featuring an 8.75" blade with an OAL of 13.5", this knife is incredibly agile and well balanced. You hardly even sense its weight.
The 3/16" thick forged 1084 blade is well finished and came with a very nice, sharp cutting edge (as well as a nicely sharpened false edge).
The sambar stag grip is as comfortable in the hand as it is handsome.
Both the guard and grooved butt cap are nickel silver.
The knife was delivered with a very fine Kenny Rowe "Pin Loc" sheath featuring a basket weave finish.
All in all I would say that this knife represents great value for the dollar when you consider the fit and finish as well as the artistry it reflects.
I have been told that John will be going for his Master Smith rating at next year's Blade Show. Judging by this piece I don't doubt that he'll attain his goal.
Readers of Knives Illustrated can read a nice article about the maker in the August, 2000 issue on page 79.
This is my first Fitch knife and my first transaction with Kevin Pensinger. It won't be my last time dealing with either of these gentlemen.
Blues
------------------
Live Free or Die
Blues' Knife Pix
[This message has been edited by Blues (edited 08-02-2000).]
