Kozuka Vest Bowie in Crucible Laminate

Matthew Gregory

Matthew Gregory

Chief Executive in charge of Entertainment
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Jan 12, 2005
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I've named this cute little blade "Kozuka Vest Bowie" because, for whatever reason, the lines say 'vest bowie' to me, but the simple, austere blade profile has a distinct Japanese feel to it.

The 4" blade is made of an unusual Crucible laminate consisting of a CPM-10v core (an absurdly wear resistant tool steel containing nearly 10% Vanadium), clad in CPM154. The entire blade, including that infernal core, has been hand finished to a uniform 1000 grit finish. The guard, handle and scabbard or saya are made of Richlite, a unique paper-based composite akin to paper micarta. If you look carefully, you can make out the interesting 'watered' finish it has when its shaped and finished at an angle to its initial lamination. Stainless steel and red G10 spacers add a bit of dynamic and color to the otherwise monochromatic package. The handle and spacers are indexed and assembled with hidden pins, and a stainless steel Corby bolt anchors it all together.

2019121315514174-5061754738429037253-IMG_6086-X3.jpg




The scabbard is friction fit, and enhanced with recessed magnets, which get progressively stronger as the blade is inserted further into it.


2019121315514174--7390842670711639965-IMG_6085-X2.jpg





Thanks for looking!
 
Matthew Gregory said:
I've named this cute little blade "Kozuka Vest Bowie" because, for whatever reason, the lines say 'vest bowie' to me, but the simple, austere blade profile has a distinct Japanese feel to it.

The 4" blade is made of an unusual Crucible laminate consisting of a CPM-10v core (an absurdly wear resistant tool steel containing nearly 10% Vanadium), clad in CPM154. The entire blade, including that infernal core, has been hand finished to a uniform 1000 grit finish. The guard, handle and scabbard or saya are made of Richlite, a unique paper-based composite akin to paper micarta. If you look carefully, you can make out the interesting 'watered' finish it has when its shaped and finished at an angle to its initial lamination. Stainless steel and red G10 spacers add a bit of dynamic and color to the otherwise monochromatic package. The handle and spacers are indexed and assembled with hidden pins, and a stainless steel Corby bolt anchors it all together.

2019121315514174-5061754738429037253-IMG_6086-X3.jpg




The scabbard is friction fit, and enhanced with recessed magnets, which get progressively stronger as the blade is inserted further into it.


2019121315514174--7390842670711639965-IMG_6085-X2.jpg





Thanks for looking!
Click to expand...
Beautiful. Thinking about how you must've gone about mating the gaurd to the sheath with that recess has given me a headache.
 
reminds me of the Blackie Collins knives from Gerber in the 90s, with the innovative integration of sheath into the knife's design

except this one is very slightly nicer looking
 
navman said:
that's amazing! where did you find the laminate?
Click to expand...

This came from Niagara Specialty Metals @nsm

I'm not sure how much of it they have left, so you might want to call.


RuaridhHunter said:
Beautiful. Thinking about how you must've gone about mating the gaurd to the sheath with that recess has given me a headache.
Click to expand...


Making it was even more of a headache. ;)
 
ALL of Matt's knives are impressive. This one even more so. That sheath/scabbard/saya combi seemed to be SUCH a centerpoint of focus, it became the 'core' image. Rightfully so.

Matt, thank you! It is a privilege to capture your work. The viewers all over the world agree. :)
 
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