Kyle Gahagan Full Integral Hunter/EDC- WIP Photos Added

[Kevin Jones]

I noticed Kyle's knives some time back and have become more and more impressed with them. So I contacted him and inquired as to if he would be interested in making me an Integral Hunter. He agreed, we discussed details and the below is the result.
Basically, a solid piece of beautiful high sheen Damascus with two outstanding Ironwood scales perfectly contoured and bull-nosed to be slightly proud of the tang and guard and held on with six stainless pins. Kyle also created the beautiful cross-draw sheath. Kyle's quite a talented knifemaker.

I couldn't be more please with the knife, sheath and Caleb's beautiful image.

Specifications:
Full Integral Damascus Hunter / EDC
Premium Ironwood Scales
Six 304 Stainless Steel 1/8" Pins
OAL= 9"
BL=4"
Blade Thickness = 3/16"
Sheath=Tooled Leather and Alligator Inlay Horizontal Carry Sheath also by Kyle Gahagan.

As always, I thank you in advance for your interest, views and opinions.

View Kyle's video of the knife:
http://vid216.photobucket.com/albums/cc138/10456kja/video-1444574602.mp4_zps95gx4nsl.mp4

 

[Jon Brand]

I would rather call it a small fighter then a hunter. Guess it depends how it feels? I really like it! Enjoy!

 

[Kevin Jones]

^ Thanks Jon. I don't know if I would classify it as a small fighter with only a 4" blade, however it would make a handy personal protection piece.
It's extremely comfortable in hand. You can get an idea of the handle shaping from Kyle's video. Multi-purpose may be the best classification.

 

[mwschilling]

Really nice, I like the design and the wood selection. Great leather work too.

 

[RogerP]

That's a very handsome knife.

I can definitely see where Jon is coming from - the pronounced raised clip (even if not sharpened - and I hope not if it is intended as a hunter) definitely says fighter to me. As does the fuller, which is not something usually seen on a hunting knife. And please don't try to tell the tactical crowd that "only" 4 inches of blade renders a knife unsuitable in a fighting role.

That said, I am guided by the maker's designation more than anything else. I've seen plenty of camp knives that looked more like bowies and vice versa. But if the maker created it for a particular application, then that's what I call it in deference to their choice.

 

[Doug C]

I've been digging Kyle's knives for a while also, Kevin.
This one looks awesome, both the overall profile, the DI and the damascus.
Congrats !

I'd call it a Hunter/Killer.

Whatever you call it, it's a fantastic package. :thumbup:

Doug

 

[Dawkind]

Another great piece by Dr. Gahagan.....superb and congrats.

 

[M.K.]

I like it. :thumbup:

 

[Kevin Jones]

That's a very handsome knife.

I can definitely see where Jon is coming from - the pronounced raised clip (even if not sharpened - and I hope not if it is intended as a hunter) definitely says fighter to me. As does the fuller, which is not something usually seen on a hunting knife. And please don't try to tell the tactical crowd that "only" 4 inches of blade renders a knife unsuitable in a fighting role.

I agree, a 4” blade is definitely not unsuitable in a fighting role as a knife with even a 2” blade can be extremely deadly in the hands of someone who know how to use it as such. To me a ‘fighter’ and a “tactical’ are two different knives. Personally, I would define the above piece as more a forged tactical than a fighter or hunter.

That said, I am guided by the maker's designation more than anything else. I've seen plenty of camp knives that looked more like bowies and vice versa. But if the maker created it for a particular application, then that's what I call it in deference to their choice.

I agree again, I bow to the creator’s designation.
One reason I like the EDC designation is that any knife that’s carried on a regular basics can be called such regardless of type/style.

 

[Kevin Jones]

Thanks for the comments guys!

 

[S.Alexander]

I like your taste in knives Kevin

I think the short guard and slight belly would make this a fine hunter. I also really like the sheath. The inlay looks fantastic.

 

[Chris Montgomery]

Whatever it's called I think it is outstanding. Kevin, you scored a very nice knife. Thanks for sharing it with us.

Chris

 

[Logan Pearce]

Very nice!

 

[Kevin Jones]

Thanks Shane, Chris and Logan.

Here's a couple 'WIP' shots.

 

[Justin Presson]

I really like the looks of that. Nice one for sure!

 

[erik markman]

I think it is a wonderful knife.

 

[canineforge]

Wonderful piece by Kyle! Call it what you want, it is a cool knife. That ironwood is beautiful.

- Joe

 

[Calhoon]

Kyle's knives have certainly caught my eye as well! Great design and execution Kevin/Kyle

 

[walterwhitejr]

Wow! Gorgeous blade.

 

[JParanee]

Wonderful knife my friend

Congrats