Maroon Northwest Special

BenR.T.

BenR.T.

Tanto grinder & High performance blade peddler
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Apr 18, 2011
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I just finished up another one of my Northwest specials. These are my version of the Loveless classic NYS.
This one has a 14c28n Blade, and classic maroon linen micarta. The blade has stonewashed bevels and polished edges. The pins are carbon fiber and it has a copper lanyard tube. This is the first one I have done that is hollow ground on my 12" wheel. It has a fine edge and should be a keen little cutter.
Comment and critiques are welcome.

Thanks for looking!







 
Hey Ben,

I like the pattern and materials, but I think the handle is chunky.

Just goes to show you can't please everyone. :)

Seth
 
best thing about leaving a micarta handle chunky is you can always whittle it down for a custom fit.
I like the looks of the double grind of the Loveless original, although less practical for using than that high hollow. Unless it's being used as designed- weapon-like. But really, people like using knives for other than weapons, so that grind is a better choice if this knife is utility oriented, as it looks to be and knowing you it's a fair guess I figure.
I think you should consider bolsters for future iterations.
Don't like the copper lanyard tube. It will darken in time, so no big whoop there.
 
Sweet rendition

I would prefer the handle to be a tad more contoured but that's just a personal preference

Tapered tang looks great

I also like the sheath and would hope that it is set up for horizontal carry

You have really been putting out some great stuff
 
Hello!

You know that I really like these, and this is another very nice one in my book! I also vote for a little more contoured handle finish though to go with the delicate line of the knife itself.

Best regards,
Alex
 
Thanks for all the comments and critiques guys!

Bladeplay74 said:
Hey Ben,

I like the pattern and materials, but I think the handle is chunky.

Just goes to show you can't please everyone. :)

Seth
Click to expand...

The spine shot is kind of deceiving, because it is such a small knife. The handle scales are only about an 1/8" thick at the blade, and the handle itself is only 1/2" thick there. I only used 1/4" micarta w/ liners whereas traditionally it would start with 3/8" and liners. The handle is flat on the top and bottom, but this really index's the knife nicely in hand.


Lorien said:
best thing about leaving a micarta handle chunky is you can always whittle it down for a custom fit.
I like the looks of the double grind of the Loveless original, although less practical for using than that high hollow. Unless it's being used as designed- weapon-like. But really, people like using knives for other than weapons, so that grind is a better choice if this knife is utility oriented, as it looks to be and knowing you it's a fair guess I figure.
I think you should consider bolsters for future iterations.
Don't like the copper lanyard tube. It will darken in time, so no big whoop there.
Click to expand...

You pretty much summed it up Lorien! The blade grind while being a bit more practical for edc use, is also a bit more legal to carry as the top edge is not sharp. And it is still plenty "stabby". :cool:
I thought about darkening the copper tube, but I figured it would take on a nice natural color with age or the end user could patina it. I am sure I will do one with bolsters at some point.

JParanee said:
Sweet rendition

I would prefer the handle to be a tad more contoured but that's just a personal preference

Tapered tang looks great

I also like the sheath and would hope that it is set up for horizontal carry

You have really been putting out some great stuff
Click to expand...

Thanks very much Joe! The sheath is setup for vertical carry. Although I have done a few with horizontal, generally I get more requests for vertical sheaths. Since this was not a commissioned piece I opted for what I thought the majority of people may want. I agree this design lends itself to a horizontal sheath very well.
For me (being the skinny guy I am) I prefer an inverted (handle down) kydex sheath on my weak side if I am carrying a small fixed blade. A horizontal sheath sticks out like a sore thumb under a T shirt. :)
 
Very cool Ben!

See, the replies followed by your post are a great example of when I think the "give and take" really works well here. You have informed collectors/users that made comments based on what they see/perceive in the photos, and then we get a well spoken knife maker that respectfully responds. Two thumbs up. :thumbup: :thumbup: :D


I was thinking the same thing about the handle looking kind'a thick... but after reading your reply I realize it's more just how it appears in the photo (even though they're very sharp/clear photos).

I was thinking the scales were 3/8" thick before reading your reply Ben. If I was more smarter I might have used the rounds as a reference. ;)

This is a really sharp looking knife that begs to be used, IMHO. Especially with that really cool stonewashed finish.


BTW- Have I ever told you how smart your maker's mark font is??? ;) :D
 
I like your Loveless style renditions.
I feel your photos (photo angle & lighting) are making the edges of your handle 'look' very 'squared off' creating a clunky look as opposed to having a nice contoured and ergonomic look.
 
Thanks Rolf, Nick and Kevin.
I think the scale is apparently not perceivable in the pictures. Like I said the top and bottom of the handle are "flat" (and so are pretty much every other NYS I have seen pictures of), I made it that way so the handle indexes in your hand. But it is far from being clunky.

Here is an in hand shot that may better show the scale of the knife and handle shape.



Again, thanks for the comments, I do appreciate the input!
 
^ A photo of knife in hand usually offers a better perspective, Thanks Ben.

The general 'New York Special' design somewhat gives an 'appearance' of handle heft.
I prefer the 'Hideout" design; a 'sort of' larger version of the New York Special. I prefer the proportions.

nyspecialsm-highoutlg_zps0b74a4f3.jpg
 
Agreed Kevin. The blade/handle ratio and proportions on the hideout are spot on in my opinion. I have an Elmax one on my bench, I will post it up when I get it finished.
 
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