- Joined
- Mar 19, 2007
- Messages
- 7,443
Background:
I ordered a modified knife from Matt a ML knives perhaps a month ago. He originally quoted me June (give or take) and just finished up the knife.
I loved my other three ML knives and I wanted a knife that was a legal carry - but very similar to the Woods and Bush knife I have come to love.
I looked at his straight point Kephart on his site:
http://www.mlknives.com/image/kepstrightpoint64187.jpg
which had the following stock dimensions:
Overall size about: 8 3/8” blade Size about 4 1/4”
Handle size about 4 1/4”
Spine Tang about: 1/8” thick
I have slightly larger hands, and I wanted the blade to be legal - so I took 1/4 inch of the blade and added 1/4 inch to the handle. Because the handle was slightly longer - I had him add a lanyard tube.
The modified dimensions were:
JLM on one side (my initials)
4.5 inch handle or a hair longer tapered scales (I like to be able to choke up)
4 inch blade
Tiger maple scales
Brass pins and lanyard hole
pattern aged blade.
He sent me this photo last week of the blade:
http://i143.photobucket.com/albums/r141/talfuchre/Knives/StraightPointKephartBlade-Blade.jpg
I was originally concerned that the blade was not spear pointed enough - but I noticed why he did this (the 1/4 off the blade) and was happy. I told him to leave it and put the scales on.
He sent me this picture:
In Hand Measurements:
Blade Length (from handle): 4.055
Edge Length: 4.000
Blade Thickness: 0.125
Handle Length: 4.758
Handle Thickness: 0.850
Handle Thickness at Taper: 0.580
Handle Height: About 1.000
OAL: 8.055
Initial Impressions:
I have had this knife for a week and managed to make a sheath for it. I always think that Matt's stain on his handles are a little dark - so I strip the finish (Tung oil) and restain and reseal (Linseed oil). I never have an issue with the sanding or finishing, in terms of quality, just a little too dark.
Fit and Finish:
I have always been happy with Matt's finish, but I think it has been getting better over the last year or so. His handle scales have no gaps, are sanded very smooth, and the pins are always fit properly and are not proud of the wood. The lanyard tube is nicely fit, with no burrs on the inside.
The only nit pick I can think of on the fit an finish is that the lanyard tube is slightly lower than the pins - but that is a serious nit pick.
The blade is hand forged 1095 High Carbon Steel. and can be ordered with the forge marks or not. I love ML's rustic look and I like the idea of leaving some of the protection on the blade so I leave it rustic. I am always amazed at how flat Matt's knives come and, frankly, how well ground.
The convex grind on this blade is high but very slight and leaves a very sharp and very strong edge. Matt puts a lot of work into his edges and they come very sharp. With a little work (and I mean a little) I put a high polish on the blade and set to test it out.
It does everything I expect out of a convex knife. Although it is not as hungry as a scandi edge, it slices well and holds and edge very well. I enjoy different grinds, when well done, and this one is well done.
In Hand:
I am always glad I add a little length to Matt's handles, and they seem, for my hands, 1/4 or so too short. I also love adding the slight taper to the handles so that it is easier to choke up on the blade. Matt was very accommodating and asked questions in order to give me whatever I wanted.
Sheath Shots:
In short, I really like this knife, as much as I like all of Matt' knives - it is simply a matter of picking one for yourself.
