MS Forged Knives - how strong?

gundy

gundy

Joined
Apr 6, 2001
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Hiya people. I have a question that I guess 'Knifemakers' could answer for me if possible.

I have just purchased a MS P.J Tomes 8" scagel bowie - beautiful knife. - The tip is quite thin. I was planning on using the knife and seeing how thin the tip is, I would hate myself if I damaged it during 'normal use'. i would not pry etc with this knife, and would love to use it as intended when created.

My Question in general: How strong are hand forged knives? If they are stronger than normal heat treat etc, then is the thin tip okay to use, say similar to heavier tips of cryo'ed or standard treatment steel types?

A hard question I know due to the fact that all steel types have different qualities. Steel is carbon, the usual that P.J uses - 5120?.

Thx in advance! A pic is over at the gallery, tonight anyway...:D
 
There are good mastersmiths and there are flat-out amazing masters...but the one thing I can say with confidence is that none of them would have that MS stamp if they could not produce a solid and dependable blade.

Tomes does really cool work, and I would love it if you posted a photo of this knife. Not at all because I am worried about the tip, but because I love great knives! :)

The one exception would be if it were a flat out art knife that he had little intention of it being used...but I would imagine a Scagel type bowie of his will stand up to whatever reasonable use you want to put it to :)

Nick
 
I'm not going to recommend you go out and pry with your new toy, but that's exactly what P.J. Tomes does at shows to demonstrate the strength of his blades. P.J. has been known to bring along a paint can, and use the tip of his very thin 52100 bladed pocketknife to pry open the can. Go ahead and use the knife with confidence.
 
I have seen him doing that with the tip of the folder and - taking this as an indication - wouldn't be concerned with the tip of the Scagel knife during normal use.
 
Thx for the info people, it makes me feel more comfotable hearing about that 'test'!!! Awesome....Well, playing with it last night I was 'Unco' and drew the tip of the blade across the leather gauging it slightly....Ooops! My first peice of history with it...:rolleyes:

I would love to hear more of P.J's 'tests' if anybody out there has seen them (just for interest).
 
Guy,
I don't have any test results to relate but here is one of my babies by the MS. They have all held up well.
20027307001699201373713.jpg

Regards,
Greg
 
Greg, that is awesome! Any pics of the point looking from the top?

Awesome! that is what I am now looking for!;)
 
Guy,
Here's a pic from the top.
The blade is a little over 4" long, .125" thick at the hilt and
.025" at the tip.
Regards,
Greg
20027304588871628447296.jpg
 
thx Greg.....yep, the bowie is the same, by the looks.

I tell you what, those 4" versions are very hard to come by. I have searched everywhere.
 
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