- Joined
- Dec 24, 2012
- Messages
- 2,659
*1/18 update, see below review*
Since Josh is making and posting knives here for sale again I figured this would be a good time do a review. I realize his style is not for everyone and I hope this review will serve those who may be on the fence about trying a different style, as well as those of you who are unfamiliar with Josh's work all together.
I love traditional Japanese blades, they're my "thing" if you will. I have bought and handled quite a few over the few short years that I have been a knife knut. I have a very selective lineup and do not hold any safe queens. You can trust that this review is based off actual carry and use, as well as having previous experience with similar knives.
I bought my example off the custom exchange a few weeks ago, still new from the original owner who purchased it straight from Josh early this year.
Specs are as follows:
Steel is 1/8" Aldo's 1095, using Peter's Heat Treat to 60rc
OAL length of 7 1/2", blade length of 3 1/2"
Total length when sheathed is just a hair under 8"
Blade is an assymetrical chisel grind, fine scotch brite finished
Wrap is Hartsfield style, West System epoxy soaked black round cord
Sheath is black kydex
---
First impressions of the knife coming out of box were very positive. It's a lot heavier that I expected, but not in a negative way; just a very solid feeling package. You know it's gonna be a good day when your new knife oozes quality before you've removed it from it's sheath and a piece of newspaper used to package it is still sticking to it.
Drawing the knife is an extremely pleasant experience. The sheath is the most perfectly molded chunk of kydex that I have ever handled. It extends up on to the handle and hugs the cord flawlessly. Retention is snug but not overly tight and there is zero wiggle or rattling. Sheathing the blade is equally enjoyable, goes in smooth (
) and has one small hump to overcome before giving an authoritative click when locking into place. I find myself playing with this knife like one would with a flipper, it's that good.
The wrap is very tight and clean with a great grip and feel in hand. It's as comfortable as cord can get and I have no doubt that it will hold up to years of use. Because the wrap replaces any scale or handle material, that is a very important quality. I've held a few wraps that felt cheap and sloppy and that is more than enough to lose confidence in the entire knife.
Now on to the goods, that absolutely gorgeous blade. I mean come on everyone, just LOOK at it! Short of anybody named Pohan Leu this is the cleanest ground blade of this style that I've ever seen. Taking inspiration from Japanese long swords, the right hand zero chisel grind has a very pronounced line where the flat begins to curve to the tip. This is a feature that I enjoy very much and is not seen very often. The chisel side also has a small swedge cut into that runs most of the blade's length. While not really functional in any way, it is very aesthetically pleasing and compliments the knife's look. The blade is not a true chisel as the back side does have a relief edge ground to make sharpening easier. The flat side of the blade sports Josh's makers mark, it is very deep and precisely done. The entire blade is nicely finished and works well with Josh's overall, uber clean style. As one would expect from any custom maker, the blade arrived laser beam sharp.
Makers pics:
The whole package comes together beautifully during carry and use. It sits nicely in the pocket and is the perfect length where about 1/4" sticks out and makes for easy withdrawal. The blade has performed every task asked of it without missing a beat. It has broken down my pile of recycling, handled dozens of EDC tasks ranging from plastic packaging to lunch and served as the sole knife on a recent weekend trip with the girlfriend where food was the name of the game: One dinner and an embarrassing amount of cheese, salami and other miscellaneous drunken snacks later it is just about ready for a strop session.
It has developed quite a patina already and has solidified its place in my rotation. Every draw, cut and return to its sheath brings a smile to my face. It has captured the elusive emotional aspect of owning a certain piece. When a knife becomes more than a bar of steel and some molded plastic and becomes part of your life. I like many knives, but love very few of them. The only ones I keep now are the ones that I do love, and Josh Mason's Kwaiken is one of the four left on my dresser, waiting for it's next adventure.
*Update*
So I figured I would post this quick update as a testament to Josh's work and also how great he is as a person and to deal with.
I had been wanting to get a red sheath made for this knife so I reached out to josh about putting something together. He was more than happy to hook me up so I ordered a sheet of EMT red kydex and shipped it off to Kentucky.
As I mentioned in the review, josh's kydex is the most well fitted example ive ever used, which is why I didnt send it off to one of the many sheathmakers out there, I simply couldn't settle for anything less than josh's level of fit and retention.
After a few days the sheath was done and he sent me some initial pictures. I loved how it came out but the only thing I wanted was the have the corners rounded off. Before even sending me another message, he was back in the shop to do the final touches.
After everything was done I asked josh for his paypal address so I could send him the money for the work and return shipping and he wouldn't give it to me! He said that seeing one of his pieces come back and being able to keep the rest of the kydex sheet was payment enough. I was completely blown away by his generosity.
The sheath was shipped priority mail on his dime and was back to me a week after I sent it out. Somehow josh managed to outdo himself. I though the original sheath was amazing and this one is better in every way. The edges are nicely melted, the shape is perfect and the fit is by some form of witchcraft, better than the first!
Thanks again to josh for being an all around amazing person, both as a knife maker and a friend.
Josh has stated that he plans to move on from the Japanese style to focus on Bowie's and fighters. If youve been wanting a piece like this and you see one available, do yourself a favor and grab it, it may be the last.
Thank you again to josh and everybody who has read and commented on this review. You guys are why I take the time to do this.
Since Josh is making and posting knives here for sale again I figured this would be a good time do a review. I realize his style is not for everyone and I hope this review will serve those who may be on the fence about trying a different style, as well as those of you who are unfamiliar with Josh's work all together.
I love traditional Japanese blades, they're my "thing" if you will. I have bought and handled quite a few over the few short years that I have been a knife knut. I have a very selective lineup and do not hold any safe queens. You can trust that this review is based off actual carry and use, as well as having previous experience with similar knives.
I bought my example off the custom exchange a few weeks ago, still new from the original owner who purchased it straight from Josh early this year.
Specs are as follows:
Steel is 1/8" Aldo's 1095, using Peter's Heat Treat to 60rc
OAL length of 7 1/2", blade length of 3 1/2"
Total length when sheathed is just a hair under 8"
Blade is an assymetrical chisel grind, fine scotch brite finished
Wrap is Hartsfield style, West System epoxy soaked black round cord
Sheath is black kydex
---
First impressions of the knife coming out of box were very positive. It's a lot heavier that I expected, but not in a negative way; just a very solid feeling package. You know it's gonna be a good day when your new knife oozes quality before you've removed it from it's sheath and a piece of newspaper used to package it is still sticking to it.
Drawing the knife is an extremely pleasant experience. The sheath is the most perfectly molded chunk of kydex that I have ever handled. It extends up on to the handle and hugs the cord flawlessly. Retention is snug but not overly tight and there is zero wiggle or rattling. Sheathing the blade is equally enjoyable, goes in smooth (
) and has one small hump to overcome before giving an authoritative click when locking into place. I find myself playing with this knife like one would with a flipper, it's that good.
The wrap is very tight and clean with a great grip and feel in hand. It's as comfortable as cord can get and I have no doubt that it will hold up to years of use. Because the wrap replaces any scale or handle material, that is a very important quality. I've held a few wraps that felt cheap and sloppy and that is more than enough to lose confidence in the entire knife.
Now on to the goods, that absolutely gorgeous blade. I mean come on everyone, just LOOK at it! Short of anybody named Pohan Leu this is the cleanest ground blade of this style that I've ever seen. Taking inspiration from Japanese long swords, the right hand zero chisel grind has a very pronounced line where the flat begins to curve to the tip. This is a feature that I enjoy very much and is not seen very often. The chisel side also has a small swedge cut into that runs most of the blade's length. While not really functional in any way, it is very aesthetically pleasing and compliments the knife's look. The blade is not a true chisel as the back side does have a relief edge ground to make sharpening easier. The flat side of the blade sports Josh's makers mark, it is very deep and precisely done. The entire blade is nicely finished and works well with Josh's overall, uber clean style. As one would expect from any custom maker, the blade arrived laser beam sharp.
Makers pics:
The whole package comes together beautifully during carry and use. It sits nicely in the pocket and is the perfect length where about 1/4" sticks out and makes for easy withdrawal. The blade has performed every task asked of it without missing a beat. It has broken down my pile of recycling, handled dozens of EDC tasks ranging from plastic packaging to lunch and served as the sole knife on a recent weekend trip with the girlfriend where food was the name of the game: One dinner and an embarrassing amount of cheese, salami and other miscellaneous drunken snacks later it is just about ready for a strop session.
It has developed quite a patina already and has solidified its place in my rotation. Every draw, cut and return to its sheath brings a smile to my face. It has captured the elusive emotional aspect of owning a certain piece. When a knife becomes more than a bar of steel and some molded plastic and becomes part of your life. I like many knives, but love very few of them. The only ones I keep now are the ones that I do love, and Josh Mason's Kwaiken is one of the four left on my dresser, waiting for it's next adventure.
*Update*
So I figured I would post this quick update as a testament to Josh's work and also how great he is as a person and to deal with.
I had been wanting to get a red sheath made for this knife so I reached out to josh about putting something together. He was more than happy to hook me up so I ordered a sheet of EMT red kydex and shipped it off to Kentucky.
As I mentioned in the review, josh's kydex is the most well fitted example ive ever used, which is why I didnt send it off to one of the many sheathmakers out there, I simply couldn't settle for anything less than josh's level of fit and retention.
After a few days the sheath was done and he sent me some initial pictures. I loved how it came out but the only thing I wanted was the have the corners rounded off. Before even sending me another message, he was back in the shop to do the final touches.
After everything was done I asked josh for his paypal address so I could send him the money for the work and return shipping and he wouldn't give it to me! He said that seeing one of his pieces come back and being able to keep the rest of the kydex sheet was payment enough. I was completely blown away by his generosity.
The sheath was shipped priority mail on his dime and was back to me a week after I sent it out. Somehow josh managed to outdo himself. I though the original sheath was amazing and this one is better in every way. The edges are nicely melted, the shape is perfect and the fit is by some form of witchcraft, better than the first!
Thanks again to josh for being an all around amazing person, both as a knife maker and a friend.
Josh has stated that he plans to move on from the Japanese style to focus on Bowie's and fighters. If youve been wanting a piece like this and you see one available, do yourself a favor and grab it, it may be the last.
Thank you again to josh and everybody who has read and commented on this review. You guys are why I take the time to do this.
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