Photos Kepharts...They just Work

My 1st kephart was Nathan the Machinist Nathan the Machinist 's.

I bought it mainly because of the said maker's reputation and I am just a sucker for broomstick handle shaped knives.

And as an architect I tend to like simplicity in things/designs that just work. And kephart happened to be the pinnacle of that. I've had and used a lot of knives, but this particular design just did it for me. Many friends and family said it's too much money for a 'simple knife' but in the end it's the knife that ends up being used in our hiking trips/kitchen/etc.


20211223_084104.jpg


I have made a written review about this knife, but wrote it in my native language. You can read it here
 
cbach8tw said:
4 to 5 inches blade length is spot on for me, just wish some of the handles were a little longer at 4.5 to almost 5 inches.
Click to expand...

5" blade, 5" handle, 10" OAL is about the perfect "most things" knife, which I think all of the Kephart styled knives above are near. Probably closer to 4.5"-4.75" on the handle. I have a 5" handle on my bush brute and it makes a great camp knife. The handle would be perfect on a Kephart blade... since the handle is based on the Kephart and Hudson Bay knives I've used over the years.

Maybe I'll have to work up a run of something like that in a carbon steel.
 
bikerector said:
5" blade, 5" handle, 10" OAL is about the perfect "most things" knife, which I think all of the Kephart styled knives above are near. Probably closer to 4.5"-4.75" on the handle. I have a 5" handle on my bush brute and it makes a great camp knife. The handle would be perfect on a Kephart blade... since the handle is based on the Kephart and Hudson Bay knives I've used over the years.

Maybe I'll have to work up a run of something like that in a carbon steel.
Click to expand...
That sounds perfect.
 
Well poop, my first crack at these liners and I messed up already. I thought I'd cheat a little bit and line up the liners with the straight side of the handle. It worked on one side but the other is negatively proud. It sunk in a tad. Next time I'll just leave them proud all the way around except the top.
How do you all suggest I should grind the excess off. I have a 2x42 belt sander but what if I make contact with the walnut scales?
 

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762cal said:
My 1st kephart was Nathan the Machinist Nathan the Machinist 's.

I bought it mainly because of the said maker's reputation and I am just a sucker for broomstick handle shaped knives.

And as an architect I tend to like simplicity in things/designs that just work. And kephart happened to be the pinnacle of that. I've had and used a lot of knives, but this particular design just did it for me. Many friends and family said it's too much money for a 'simple knife' but in the end it's the knife that ends up being used in our hiking trips/kitchen/etc.


20211223_084104.jpg


I have made a written review about this knife, but wrote it in my native language. You can read it here
Click to expand...
Those Nathans kephies are some of the most handsome knives I know!

Archieving beauty in simple form is harded than people think and people who say ”they just threw that together in few minutes” are often not - not so surprisingly - any kind of designers or artisans.
 
bikerector said:
5" blade, 5" handle, 10" OAL is about the perfect "most things" knife, which I think all of the Kephart styled knives above are near. Probably closer to 4.5"-4.75" on the handle. I have a 5" handle on my bush brute and it makes a great camp knife. The handle would be perfect on a Kephart blade... since the handle is based on the Kephart and Hudson Bay knives I've used over the years.

Maybe I'll have to work up a run of something like that in a carbon steel.
Click to expand...

what about in AEBL or other stainless?
 
cbach8tw said:
what about in AEBL or other stainless?
Click to expand...

I could do that too, just takes a lot longer. Most od the stuff I have David make for me is in AEB-L or magnacut. It just seems like a lot of people like carbon steel in this genre of knife. The cost would be lower with carbon steel as well since it's easier to heat treat.

I don't like taking pre-orders, but that's probably the only way I would do a whole run of something like that in AEB-L for a while, since there's so many Kephart and Kephart-like options out there already.
 
A.L. said:
Those Nathans kephies are some of the most handsome knives I know!

Archieving beauty in simple form is harded than people think and people who say ”they just threw that together in few minutes” are often not - not so surprisingly - any kind of designers or artisans.
Click to expand...


I was watching a cooking show (*competition) where one of the Competitors opted to make "cacio e pepe", which is a pretty simple pasta dish. During the competition, a couple of the Judges were bagging on the guy for not choosing a more elaborate and less "safe" dish. As they were hatin' on the guy, one of the Judges piped-up and said something along the lines of, "Yes, cacio e pepe is a very simple dish. However, sometimes simplicity can be the hardest thing to execute."

That comment stuck with me, as I have always believed that but have never been able to articulate that concept so succinctly.
 
I took a chance on making a minimalist zero ground scandivex Kephart variant with no guard. But it's just been sitting, so maybe it was a bad idea. Bad design? Or does my cardboard and tape residue encrusted cutting mat just scare everyone away now? 🤣

img_8865-jpg.1954193
 
Uncle Timbo said:
How do you all suggest I should grind the excess off. I have a 2x42 belt sander but what if I make contact with the walnut scales?
Click to expand...

It should not be a big problem if you minimally contact the scales. You can blend any facets you create by hand sanding after the machine work is done. Nice to see you modding. It's a rewarding experience, and I wish you success! Don't forget to wear a respirator when cutting G10.
 
762cal said:
My 1st kephart was Nathan the Machinist Nathan the Machinist 's.

I bought it mainly because of the said maker's reputation and I am just a sucker for broomstick handle shaped knives.

And as an architect I tend to like simplicity in things/designs that just work. And kephart happened to be the pinnacle of that. I've had and used a lot of knives, but this particular design just did it for me. Many friends and family said it's too much money for a 'simple knife' but in the end it's the knife that ends up being used in our hiking trips/kitchen/etc.


20211223_084104.jpg
Click to expand...

That really is a fantastic looking knife.
 
Uncle Timbo said:
Well poop, my first crack at these liners and I messed up already. I thought I'd cheat a little bit and line up the liners with the straight side of the handle. It worked on one side but the other is negatively proud. It sunk in a tad. Next time I'll just leave them proud all the way around except the top.
How do you all suggest I should grind the excess off. I have a 2x42 belt sander but what if I make contact with the walnut scales?
Click to expand...
I'd cut new liners... or slot the holes?
Are they super short of the wood scales?


*If it's already "glued" on, you can usually get it to lose it's adhesive by boiling it off
 
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