Mike Quesenberry Integral Utility

Mike157

Mike157

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Aug 29, 2006
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One of the knife-makers that I've had the pleasure of meeting at the Seattle Knife Show (among a number of others here on BladeForums) was Mike Quesenberry. As most of you probably already know, Mike is a very talented knife-maker but was also a pleasure to meet and talk with in person. What made the meeting even more enjoyable was being able to go home with one of his knives.

I wanted to share this knife here, on BladeForums, but could not manage to take any photos that would do it justice - not that I have any photography talent in the first place. If I got a decent shot of the hamon, the rest of the blade looked terrible and vice versa. Pretty much same thing for the handle, spacers, and guard. I have never had a knife professionally photographed before, and was a little worried that the same problems I was having might even cause issues for someone who know what he or she was doing. Foolish, foolish, me.

I figured this knife should have a nice sheath if it is going to be professionally photographed and shown here. Mr. Paul Long graciously consented to make the sheath for this knife. He has made a few for me now and I'm always amazed at what he comes up with, and enjoy the conversations that we have. This sheath features a baby Nile crocodile inlay, along with the beautiful tooling, and leather liner. Thank you again Paul. Always appreciate and am very happy with our interactions.

So obviously, I'm happy to say that Mr. Cooper accepted my request for the photographic work. I must say, I'm pretty much blown away by what he has come up with. I really don't think I could have imagined it going this well. Though maybe I should have known better, given Jim's talent and skill. Jim was able to catch the fine details of the hamon, the overall profile of the knife, and show that silky smooth, sculpted handle and guard in the best way possible. He also was able to capture the absolute richness and details of Paul's sheath. So, thank you again, Jim. It was a real pleasure working with you.

One of the features that makes this knife special, aside from me getting to meet Mike in the process, is that it has an "integral, forged double lug guard." One might not realize from looking at it, but the guard is a continuous piece sculpted/forged from the blade/tang material. Mike had a WIP book showing the process - pretty darn interesting. The steel is W-2 with the polished hamon. The handle material is G-10 with a black and bronze three piece spacer. Blade length is 8-3/8" with the overall length being 13-5/8". Mike calls this model an "Integral Utility."

I apologize for excessive running on. I tend to get excited about these things. At any rate, enjoy the visuals. Thank you for looking. Mike
 
Congrats! That is a great knife. Excellent photo and the knife is even nicer in person.

Mike is one of the best makers and best guys all around.
 
Yes Sir, Mike….Coop knows his business…… and Quesenberry is getting good enough to be called a Master Smith. ;) It was a pleasure to work for you.

Paul
 
Wow! What a great result in so many ways. The knife, the sheath, the image.

Congratulations of such an enjoyable journey to such a fantastic finish.

Mike is such a great guy, and talented maker. You made all the right choices. :thumbup:

- Joe
 
big fan of everything here.
 
Thank you John, Paul, Joe, Tad, and Lorien, I appreciate all of the great comments. I'm pretty sure we bumped elbows at least a couple of times at the Seattle show, John. So you have seen this one in person. I saw Lorien across the room a few times also. Was just never on a collision course to be able to say hi. Mike
 
I'm a fan (sucker?) of synthetic handles done well. THIS one is done EXTREMELY well. Just look at that grain. :eek:

I was oohing and ahhing at the swells and the shapes. Mike's finishing of the guard and blade is, well, Mastersmith quality. The closer you look, the finer it is.

I had to use a bit of 'sorcery' to get that hamon to show like you were holding it in the hand, but it's real and it's there.

Thanks for this opportunity. Jealous of this score. :D

Coop
 
Best looking 'Utility' knife I ever did see!!!!

Congratulations!
 
Impeccable, pristine. The knife maker, the sheath maker, and the photographer are all at the top of their game. A pleasure to behold. A class act.
Kudos to you Mike for making it all happen. Enjoy! ;)
 
Yes, "Utility" seems like an understatement in my book, but those are Mike's words. Maybe compared to some of his more elaborate pieces....

Thanks again everyone for the nice comments. They definitely keep the thrill going and are appreciated. Mike
 
^^^ Lol. :eek: :D :thumbup:

That's as much a 'utility' knife, as this is a utility pickup truck:

cadillac-escalade-pikap-2.jpg


Right? :p Live LARGE!

Coop
 
Thanks for a good laugh Coop. That is pretty funny.
I also should have asked you to write the description that goes along with the layout. Your ability to bring life to the knife verbally is on par with your photographic skills. Mike
 
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