Matt Lamey ECO Camp Knife

RogerP

RogerP

Joined
Feb 28, 2002
Messages
13,348
Greetings - and a Happy New Year to all!

Barring the unforseen, this will be my last knife of 2007 - a very cool piece by Matt Lamey.

Dial-up users may want to view the pictures here:

http://www.fototime.com/inv/C04F13370E82345

orig.jpg


What we have here is essentially an aggressive Southwest bowie blade profile (but with an un-sharpened clip), with a cord-wrapped tang - about as elemental as a knife can be. The striking combination of curved and angles represented in this piece are something to behold in person. Turn the knife at a different angle and it presents a new "look" - revealing subtleties in the lines that you had not noticed before. I hope the following photos will demonstrate this.

orig.jpg


Specs on this one are as follows:

  • 9" blade of forged 1095, 14" overall length, 2" at its widest point
  • brown cord wrapped handle
  • browned tang and spine
  • and edge so sharp is scares the heck out of me! :eek:

Matt calls this his "ECO" - or "economy" model. It is not taken to the fine hand-rubbed finish that his higher-end bowies possess, but is rather taken to a functional level of finishing. It's not a belt finish, but more of a matte grey finish, with a couple very tiny hammer dings and small scratches left behind. These are so small as to be mostly to the camera, and don't detract from what is intended to be a hard-use piece.

This is further proof, in my opinion, that a working knife can be quite beautiful. The striking, agggressive lines really define this piece. The brown cord wrap in combination withe the browned tang and spine impart a warm visual balance to the piece. The active hamon provides yet more visual interest.

orig.jpg


orig.jpg


I could hardly be more pleased with this knife. I really warm to the bold Southwest profile - it's the type of blade that instantly makes sheeple nervous. It's also the type of knife that makes you wish you had a bunch of stuff to chop - right now!

orig.jpg


orig.jpg


I generally don't go into the whole "price" thing, but it must be said that this piece really reflects an exceptional value. If you can find a comparable quality forged blade of this size at anywhere near this price of this one, buy three of them. ;)

Great job Matt! Looking forward to the other two. ;)

Roger
 
That is really nice. Funny, I get into discussions with folks that just don't like the cord handle. I really like a "basic" knife, at least done this way.. Matt, you better get practicing your turks heads, though.

Thanks, Roger, and a very Happy New Year.

Win
 
Another clean beauty from Matt. Oh my .. how nice :thumbup:
Thanks for showing it Roger.

Mohd.
 
Thanks for showing such a beauty. The photos seem to illustrate your points very well.

Matt's work is very rich in variety and I find it amazing that he manages to produce one piece after another with remarkable lines, textures and feel.

Two of the measures I use to judge a knife are how strongly I'm drawn to use it, and how the urge to examine it endures. I have three of his blades (all users), never tire of admiring them, and don't own any of better value.

Happy New Year,
Dave
 
Really like the bold blade design, too! Great work, Matt...Great grab, Roger! :thumbup: Like your image angles a lot.

- Joe
 
Buy knives from Matt now. Before you know it he will be 3-5 years behind. No one can match him for value.
 
Love the blade... dislike the handle. I would prefer a simple micarta handle for a "economy" model. Nice score though.
 
I'm with Mongo - Wonderfully executed Blade but the rear seems to be totally out of place (IMO). But I admit I am not a fan of any but a true Japanese Cord Wrap.

Bladeandbarrel - Matt has been making for a long time, he took off for a spell but he seems to plug along keeping his Quality and his prices stable. I don't forsee his prices escalating dramatically anytime soon.
 
Hillbillenigma said:
Bladeandbarrel - Matt has been making for a long time, he took off for a spell but he seems to plug along keeping his Quality and his prices stable. I don't forsee his prices escalating dramatically anytime soon.
Click to expand...

Matt is turning out a great variety of quality knives that are unbeatable from a value perspective. I have seen his work evolve since his first knives and have examined and owned his work since then. He has made massive capital improvements to his shop and his knives have improved by leaps and bounds. I didn't say his prices were going up, but in my opinion the demand will quickly outstrip the production. I have this happen a time or two before with makers who provide tremendous quality and performance for the dollar.
 
Bladeandbarrel said:
I didn't say his prices were going up, but in my opinion the demand will quickly outstrip the production. I have this happen a time or two before with makers who provide tremendous quality and performance for the dollar.
Click to expand...

Agreed on all points.

Thanks for all of your comments, gents.

Roger
 
Thanks for the nice thread Roger, im glad you like the knife. I didnt really try to pull the hamon out on this blade, so its an added bonus. The handle was designed to be used as a "hammer" hence the shape. This knife was a "1 of" just wanted to tinker around with a block of 2 x 3 +/- of 1095.

As far as pricing, i will be increasing in 08 due to the fact i will be finally making some damascus, laminates, integrals etc... Finally getting a shop set up how it should be to do the things that have been stored in my head for years, 08 will be a good year.
 
Like I said great blade. Matt is finishing up on a fighter?bowie for me and say's it will be done soon from the pics so far i am pumped 10" from ricasso to tip, 1-3/4" wide, 4-3/4" clip, handle will be 5+/-" long, bead blasted stainless guard with black micarta sculpted Handle. Talked to matt today simple put great guy way talented and a real pleasure to do business with. Will post pics when I get blade
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top