Low Impulse Control Bowie-edited to add brief video

[J W Bensinger]

Thought you guys would enjoy this, since it's got a little heretofore unnoticed AK bowie groove to it. Differential hardened 5160 with full height convex zero grind and full distal taper both ways.
Was talking about deployment knives in another thread and had an overwhelming urge to make a replacement (first pic) for a knife I carried and sold almost immediately after

The original was the bottom one in this pic-that exposed tang foisted some serious indignity on the skin of my elbow getting in and outta the rig:
And this was it's grandaddy-a customer design that was first built for him by Shiva Ki, and then a couple years later he had me make him one as well-this is the one I did (don't have a pic of the Shiva, though it lived at my house during the build):

A little cutting-2" strip of newsprint, freestanding

 

[Bookie]

Looks like a very serious knife to me. The grip comfortable?

 

[J W Bensinger]

It is-had to checker the new one because the wood was very hard and kinda slick.

 

[Bawanna]

I like the blade shape of the top one, but the handle of the bottom one despite the disagreement with your elbow. I like the other handle as well but like that exposed tang for some reason.

What's the overall length on those out of curiosity.

My son is fixing to be deployed in March or April. I'm waiting to see him here in a week or two for a few days.
I want to fix him up with a handy useable knife, but need to find out what he's allowed and what not.
I'd like to go with him and just watch his back but I'm sure they won't go for that, I'm too mean and awnry.

 

[Bawanna]

It is-had to checker the new one because the wood was very hard and kinda slick.

Interesting pattern, it looks good. I like it.

 

[J W Bensinger]

Thanks Joe-top one is about a 6" cutting edge, just 'cause that's how big the piece of 5160 forged out to.
The one I carried was about a 5" blade. I liked the look of the exposed tang but it really tore me up, and bit my pinkie finger if I did a lot of cutting.

 

[moparsbob]

That does have some Ak bowie look to the blade shape. Nice looking bowie, and I like the handle, too. What kind of wood is that?

But why is it named "Low Impulse Control"?

 

[Bawanna]

Seems like a 4 to 6" cutting edge would be a good size. Not so large it's unwieldly along with all the other crap they make them carry these days. Large enough for most any chore but not too big for small everyday task.

 

[J W Bensinger]

That does have some Ak bowie look to the blade shape. Nice looking bowie, and I like the handle, too. What kind of wood is that?

But why is it named "Low Impulse Control"?

It's an exotic wood that starts with "C"-hafta get down to the shop and read the tag again.
"Low Impulse Control" because I ditched all the things I was supposed to be doing and knocked this out because I wanted one...

 

[gurkha berserka]

Very cool piece of steel you have there. It looks like it would cut anything that got near it. It reminds me of a "melted" 1911. Very cool JW!

 

[Bawanna]

Canary wood maybe?

 

[J W Bensinger]

Nah-it's an Aztec/Mayan sounding name.
I'll go look when i walk Murphy-now you'se got me wonderin.

 

[Bawanna]

Maybe Chakte Viga, Cumaro is usually darker.

I think we should keep guessing until we get it right. Todays challenge, name that wood.

 

[J W Bensinger]

I forgot to stop at the bloody shop-customer was supposed to drop off a knife for sheathwork and never showed/called -for the second time..and it interfered with my calm (and my afternoon) just a li'l bit

 

[khukoo head]

cocobolo?

 

[Bawanna]

Don't got enough red it in to be Cocobolo. I've whittled lots of that stuff, really nice.
Gets in your blood though if you work it too much.
Very pretty wood though.

 

[J W Bensinger]

I'll check when I get the forge going in the AM. Catalox? Something like that.

 

[Jens Schuetz]

Great work. I like the shape and size.

 

[Bawanna]

Watching the video the thing appears wicked sharp. Man could cut hisself with such a knife for sure.

I had one or two sharp knives before but I don't think I ever had one that could do that.

Single Edges bawanna bowie was wick sharp, cut paper really good. I can't seem to get that level of sharp myself.

Used to be better but lost it somewhere along the line. Not given up though, I'll get it again if there's enough days left.

 

[SingleGrind]

I do love that full convex zero grind. I redid the edge of my bowie (the one Bawanna mentioned) to be convex zero grind, and that's how I'm grinding a couple blanks. I like to use that or a convex single/chisel grind, but not everyone likes the chisel ground edges.

I use a Worksharp on slowest setting and finest grit belt I can get away with. Keep my fingers right by the edge so I can feel if it starts to get warm. I finish with what they call a stropping belt on more medium speed. Leaves just about a mirror polish, maybe one step down from a proper leather strop and some rouge.

JW, I'd love to come up there sometime and check out some of your knives, if you don't mind. Maybe even buy or order one if I have some knife-money? They look gorgeous to say the least, and your kydex forming makes mine look like the amateur work that it is!!