Hi guys. I wanted to thank those of you who have advised me over the past few months and to tell you that I have decided on my next knife. I originally used a Schrade Uncle Henry folder. It was fairly heavy but worked well. Then I bought a Kershaw folder that was 7 long and weighed 2.7 ounces. It too has served me well but a few months ago I read an article in one of my hunting magazines that spurred some interest to get a better quality hunting knife. I liked pretty much everything about the Kershaw but felt that a higher quality steel would hold its edge better. I had figured on getting another locking folder with ATS-34 Steel. I had pretty much zeroed in on an AG Russell Production Brute at $100. But I decided to check with the local knife maker to see what he made. He showed me a beautiful knife made of BG 42 and Ironwood. He said the blade was tempered by Paul Bos. The price is right too at $100 including a functional but not fancy leather sheath. Length of knife is 7.5 with 3.5 blade and weighs 3.5 ounces. It balances very nicely in my hand. I was impressed at how relatively flexible the blade was. It was fairly thick but he put the tip on the bench and bent it sideways quite a bit. The wood is gorgeous. He had a few chunks of the ironwood and I was very surprised at how dense it is. He said that ironwood does not need to be oiled or varnished. That is something I wanted to ask you all about. Does it not dry out like most other woods?
I am excited. He said he would have it for me in about 2 weeks. He had the steel blanks in his shop (not sure if blanks is the right term- they were shaped already into the blade shape) as well as the wood so hopefully he will make good on his 2 week turn around time. He offers a lifetime warranty and free sharpening. I am glad I took the time to stop by. Sounds like BG 42, Ironwood and Paul Bos heat treatment make for a winning combination. Rufous.
I am excited. He said he would have it for me in about 2 weeks. He had the steel blanks in his shop (not sure if blanks is the right term- they were shaped already into the blade shape) as well as the wood so hopefully he will make good on his 2 week turn around time. He offers a lifetime warranty and free sharpening. I am glad I took the time to stop by. Sounds like BG 42, Ironwood and Paul Bos heat treatment make for a winning combination. Rufous.