looking to purchase a japanese style tactical fixed blade, any suggestions?

D

Dan B.

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Apr 6, 2004
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I'm delving outside my area of expertise here, but i'm looking to purchase a japanese style, cord wrapped, fixed blade tactical style knife under say, 500 dollars and was wondering if anyone could offer some suggestions. Makers that I've been considering are Don Polzien, Kirby Lambert, RJ Martin, and wayne wantanabe. Of these Don Polzien is the only one I'm familiar with. Does anyone own anything from these other makers and if so can you tell me anything about them? Recommended?
 
Mike Snody does some nice work, I don't own any of his knives but he has a good reputation. He's currently on a 1 year backorder but check out his site
 
RJ Martin's a safe choice. I have a Manta Ray and a Kozuka I've used pretty hard.

Do you have blade length, grind, steel choice, ... already in mind?
 
I'll have to put in my vote for RJ Martin also. Did you check out True North Knives? Last time I checked, there were 3 Manta Rays and 3 Wasabis up for sale. Can't go wrong with a Martin.
 
It looks like rj Martin has a following. I've actually been looking at the manta ray and have put that on my to consider list. I've been looking for something with a little more traditional blade styling in the 5 inch range, but I confess the manta ray caught my eye. Dempsey's website also has some nice looking japanese styles. I'm very interested in Snody's work but i'm a bit cocerned about availablity. My search will continue. thanks for everyones suggestions
 
You could also go in this direction:

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"you could also go in this direction"

:) Wouldn't we all love to go in that direction? I know I would.
 
Wow thats a beauty! And definitely on track with what I'm looking for. Who is the maker?
 
That would be Don Fogg. I just e-mailed him about that knife :D. I know it's already sold, but maybe he's still taking orders. Anyone know if he is?
 
Anyone looking for a Japanese style fixed blade needs to look at Phill Hartsfield. This is the guy that started it all, even Ernie Emerson gives credit to Phill. You will pay a little more but I feel it's worth it. Keep in mind that Phill actually grinds the knife on the correct side for a right handed person. Duh!!
Not for the photographers. Here is a picture of one I owned until recently:

Win
 

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Thanks to everyone for giving me a starting point. the picture of the Don Fogg motivated me to spend most of my evening looking into his knives. Impressive!! Anyone know if Don Fogg is taking orders and about how long the wait would be? Also saw some steve corkum knives on the web today that looked appealing, anyone have some familiarity with these? Thanks again for everones suggestions. The quest for an awesome japanese style custom has turned into an obsession!!
 
It seems like you may have found a direction...but if it's not too late, I'll throw in additional votes for RJ Martin and Phil Hartsfield along with a vote for James Piorek of Bladerigger...these are among my three favourite makers...all three make VERY VERY sharp knives.

Here's my RJ Martin Kwaiken :)

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RL
 
Though Hayes does make a very good knife, i find the overall look and feel of RJM and Hartsfield to be more appealing, Nordic has a Hartsfield Strong Boy right now, very nice, around $1,000, but the RJM equivalent would run you about half that and is in many ways, its equal. Cant go wrong with either. Of course I'd take a nice Fogg over anybody else, but theyre not easy to find, or afford. :)

Heres my 5.5" RJM Kwaiken, and my Hartsfield 4" neck knife, i love each dearly... :)

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Another vote for RJM or Hartsfield here. RJM makes a great knife and they are pretty affordable too. I'm not sure if he's taking orders. Phil is the man who started it all. He is still taking orders and he has a 2 year waiting list for a reason. I have a Kozuka on order from Phil that is 7 1/4" long with a 3 1/4" blade. The price from Phil is $490.
 
I have an RJ Martin kozuka in A2 which is just about the sharpest knife I own. Check it out here: http://members.tripod.com/~limsk/krjm.htm

Another maker I am familiar with is RW Clark who makes what he calls a MAU with a cool hamon which I find really appealing. Hmmm... I was gonna post his website here but the link seems to be broken.

Andrew Lim
 
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How about 'our own' Jason Cutter?!? I don't think they come much better for the $$$'s.......... :)
 
I just got an e-mail back from Mr. Fogg. He is taking orders and said it should only be a couple weeks wait for one like the knife above.
 
Dan,

I don't have a lot of expertise with this particular type of knife, however I am very familiar with the work of Don Fogg, which is nothing short of exquisite. The knife pictured above falls within the upper range of your budget, and for me, it was would be a no-brainer.

If you want to look for something at a much more affordable price point, I'd suggest taking a look at a bladesmith who is turning out quality work and VERY reasonable prices and who does a fair bit of this type of knife - Jason Cutter (pic from www.jcbknives.com):

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Cheers,

Roger
 
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