- Joined
- Oct 2, 1998
- Messages
- 39,630
Today, I was fortunate enough to take possession of a Model 4 Clip Point made for me by my friend, Kit Carson.
This is the first handmade/custom knife that I have ever had actually made for me, and I must say that Kit did a first class job. (Why am I not surprised? <g>)
The idea was for a knife that would be both a bit dressy, yet rugged and functional enough for daily carry. A bit of a retro look, but using modern high tech materials.
The knife Kit made for me satisfied all of the above. It is his classic Model 4, made with titanium liners, but with jigged red bone scales and a titanium bolster. The steel chosen was CPM 420V, with a satin finish. The back spacer has been fileworked, and adds immeasurably to the overall look of the piece. The liners have been engine turned, and Kit was kind enough to engrave my online nickname, "Bluesman", on the inside of the backspacer. The thumb buttons are lightly fileworked for better purchase.
The overall fit and finish of the piece is impeccable and virtually seamless. I am extremely impressed by the close tolerances Kit builds into his knives, having had the opportunity to examine many other customs and handmades at several shows over the past year or so.
The action is as smooth as glass, and the liner lock engages fully at the left side of the tang with a distinctive click, like a round going into battery. Needless to say, there is no discernible play, and the knife has passed the few lockup tests I have thrown at it thus far. When closed, the blade is smack in the middle of the liners. In essence, the knife is flawless.
I prefer deep pocket carry vs. having much of the knife visible, and Kit took care of this by mounting a clip as high as possible on the bolster.
(Oh yeah, I guess I should mention that the knife shaves hair, for those of you who wondered! <g>)
I don't know what else to say other than that I have had a smile on my face most of the day, and that I am truly pleased and impressed way beyond the technical aspects of this knife.
I realized that "pride of ownership" entered into the equation, having owned a Fred Perrin "La Griffe", and with a Sean Perkins "Kerver" due to be delivered later today. (Look for that review soon.)
All I can say is that there is something special about carrying a knife made by a true artist, a person whom you respect, and even better, can call friend.
My hat is off to you, Kit. Well done.
Blues
------------------
Live Free or Die
This is the first handmade/custom knife that I have ever had actually made for me, and I must say that Kit did a first class job. (Why am I not surprised? <g>)
The idea was for a knife that would be both a bit dressy, yet rugged and functional enough for daily carry. A bit of a retro look, but using modern high tech materials.
The knife Kit made for me satisfied all of the above. It is his classic Model 4, made with titanium liners, but with jigged red bone scales and a titanium bolster. The steel chosen was CPM 420V, with a satin finish. The back spacer has been fileworked, and adds immeasurably to the overall look of the piece. The liners have been engine turned, and Kit was kind enough to engrave my online nickname, "Bluesman", on the inside of the backspacer. The thumb buttons are lightly fileworked for better purchase.
The overall fit and finish of the piece is impeccable and virtually seamless. I am extremely impressed by the close tolerances Kit builds into his knives, having had the opportunity to examine many other customs and handmades at several shows over the past year or so.
The action is as smooth as glass, and the liner lock engages fully at the left side of the tang with a distinctive click, like a round going into battery. Needless to say, there is no discernible play, and the knife has passed the few lockup tests I have thrown at it thus far. When closed, the blade is smack in the middle of the liners. In essence, the knife is flawless.
I prefer deep pocket carry vs. having much of the knife visible, and Kit took care of this by mounting a clip as high as possible on the bolster.
(Oh yeah, I guess I should mention that the knife shaves hair, for those of you who wondered! <g>)
I don't know what else to say other than that I have had a smile on my face most of the day, and that I am truly pleased and impressed way beyond the technical aspects of this knife.
I realized that "pride of ownership" entered into the equation, having owned a Fred Perrin "La Griffe", and with a Sean Perkins "Kerver" due to be delivered later today. (Look for that review soon.)
All I can say is that there is something special about carrying a knife made by a true artist, a person whom you respect, and even better, can call friend.
My hat is off to you, Kit. Well done.
Blues
------------------
Live Free or Die
