Michael Rader Integral Seward Sheath Photo Added

There are few people that can bring out the beauty of a wood handle. Michael is one of them. Wow the steel is amazing too.
 
That's a real beaut, Kevin. The handle styling and finish is fantastic... and I am never not impressed by Caleb's photos. :thumbup:
Erin
 
Thanks guys for the comments!

The Virginian said:
I don't know anything about this model, so I am curious from a design standpoint, why he uses a butt-cap instead of one solid piece of Koa. Is this a take-down / is the butt-cap is removable? Is there another advantage? Or is it an aesthetic choice? TIA!
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Reede said:
Aesthetics. It is kind of his signature look, with varying materials used in that shape of butt-cap.
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Thanks Reede for answering Ken's question. I will only add that often Michael uses ivory and other types of wood butt-caps to complement the predominate handle wood. He told me this is the only instance where he has used this same Koa/Koa/spacer set-up. I like it as it presents an interesting look with the opposing grain of the Koa meeting. I expect some may not like this look.

Anyway Ken, here's a photo depicting the handle make-up and assembly. It's quite a dramatic transformation from this stage of the build to the finished knife, especially from the Koa in it's natural state to it's current look after Michael has performed his magic on it.

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Thanks, Kevin (and Reede). It plays right into my wood fetish. I like the blade shape and the guard profile, too. Congrats on your acquisition.
 
It's a very nice knife Kevin, and the finish on the wood is striking.. I would love to use something like this on a food table for special occasions... Elegant and classy.... Thanks for showing it.... :thumbup:

Best Regards, Rich Slaughter
 
Thanks for your comments and interest guys!

Finally got the build photos loaded on my photo-site:

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The whole knife is awesome, but that handle looks almost too beautiful to be real...if that makes any sense:confused: It's almost impossible to believe that the pieces of wood in the build pics look like THAT when finished out. Mike's a genius when it comes to handles. Absolutely gorgeous knife Kevin!
 
I would just like to know what does he use to finish his handles? and what are his steps? amazzzzzing
I'm totally jealous!!!
 
Thanks guys for the comments.
In regard to the handle fit/finish, no seam can be felt/detected where the Koa buttcap, ivory spacer and Koa handle join. If handling it blindfolded, you would swear it was a one piece handle.

It's one of those knives where you could just walk around with it in your hand all day, it's that comfortable.
 
Looks awesome !! I bet getting that integral guard finished on top was a pita
 
I just received the sheath David Seward made for my Michael Rader knife.
An outstanding sheath in every way. Fine tooled leather with Ostrich overlay and lined with which appears to be soft leather or deerskin.
Beautiful, great fit and highest quality, can't ask more than that in a sheath.

I first assumed David just made sheaths for son Ben's knives, however please to say that's not the case and I will certainly be getting more from him.

 
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that dude makes amazing looking sheaths!
 
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