I received the knife and sheath today and would like to share my impressions with all of you. So, without further ado, I present:
The Large Fighter with Maple
A large package arrived for me, today. When I saw it was from Tobin, I grew excited. It's here! As I handled the box, I couldn't believe how light it was! I eagerly opened the box and beheld one of the most careful packing jobs I have ever experienced. The knife and sheath were wrapped individually in bubble wrap with the addition of a piece of thick leather protecting the point from piercing the box. The leather was not touching the blade but was expertly wrapped with the bubble wrap in such a way as to provide protection without affecting the finish of the blade. Around them all was a generous amount of paper, providing a secure and protective barrier.
As you can imagine, it took me a while to unwrap everything. I was careful because I didn't want to scratch or cut anything, so I took my time. It also added to the anticipation that I was about to behold something truly special. My feelings were spot on. When I gazed upon the sheath and the knife, I knew I was looking at something wonderful, something truly special.
The sheath is beautiful. It has all the attributes of one much heavier without the unnecessary weight. The cut is perfect and it holds the blade securely. The stamp work on front is absolutely lovely. The stitches are perfectly spaced and secure. I like how different colors and subtle shades were utilized to bring out the accents and make the finish extra special. In the original advertisement, Tobin stated that the sheath was extra. But because I was a disabled veteran, Tobin told me that he was giving it to me gratis. I am so very honored and want to thank him for his generosity. It is a truly special piece, the carry canted at 45 degrees, and along with the knife has earned pride of place in my collection.
The knife is a work of magic. Advertised as a "Large Fighter with Maple", it is so very much more than that. The steel is 1095 with an overall length of 15 and a half inches, a true beast of a blade. The blade, flat ground from tip to the stainless steel guard, is nine and five / eighths inches. The stainless steel guard is absolutely gorgeous with gorgeous filework. A beautiful ferrule follows the guard, spaced with a beautifully finished copper spacer. The handle is indeed crafted from maple, but in the most beautiful and subtle maple burl I have ever seen. Capping everything off is a steel end piece you have to see to believe.
I don't have a set of scales, but this knife is as light as a feather. It is perfectly balanced at the guard and handles with speed and agility. Tobin has masterfully blended strength, weight and art and in perfect expression has created the epitome of a true fighting knife. It fits the hand like it was designed specifically for me. It is also, drop dead gorgeous. Let me say that again, it is drop dead gorgeous.
This knife is a study in understatement. Tobin has created a beautiful masterpiece. His description is indeed accurate, but truly understates the care and craftsmanship that went into the design and construction of this, most wonderful, Bowie knife and sheath. Are there any mistakes or blemishes? Well, nothing is absolutely perfect, but this knife and sheath comes extremely close. Under the ricasso, there is a tiny place which could have used a slight bit of finishing. There are tiny dings or blemishes here and there. Knots were used in the back of the sheath to secure the stitching, which I personally don't have a problem with but know that some do. However! Tobin sold this knife to me for three hundred dollars. A steal. A bargain. This knife is EASILY worth three times as much, as is!
Tobin generously agreed to hold this knife for me until the first of the month due to my circumstances. He remained in contact and made sure to ask me about the sheath and what carry options I preferred. I gave him free reign, as I believe all knife makers should be given, and only specified a canted carry. I asked him to sharpen the clip, which he did. He didn't charge anything extra and as I said before, generously included the sheath for free.
If you ever see a knife advertised from Tobin Smith, run - don't walk - and snap it up as fast as you can. Believe me when I say you will be getting something truly special, no matter what price he places upon it.
Thank you, Tobin, for creating this beauty. You can account me to be one of your biggest fans and I eagerly look forward to more of your creations. You, sir, are a steely eyed knife maker.
