My new "camp knife" The HI JKM-1

[wildmanh]

Some people were asking to see my new JKM-1 from HI so I thought I'd post some pictures, but first a little background. The JKM-1 is named in honor of James K. Mattis who designed the knife for HI before he passed away. HI has been making variations on this design for many years.

Back in 2001 I picked one up that is 7.5" long with a very thick spine, just over 1/4" at the thickest spot and a really short handle. It was a cool knife but didn't see any use till years later when I reprofiled the edge and convexed it, I also added a small finger choil which I like. So last month Yangdu was having a sale on some knives and I was able to snag another one, this time 10.25" Long with a good sized handle and a 1/4" thick spine. Do to a postal/apt complex mixup it took about 3 weeks to arive at my apartment. Got it Friday and finally got aound to taking pictures and here they are. BTW I took pictures with both JKM-1's:

After playing with my 10" JKM1 I'm thinking I'll mod it the same way I modded the 7.5" model. It will make a better slicer and handle better in my hands. BTW HI Is known for making Thick over built knives like these but you can also get thinner ones too. Thanks for looking,

Heber

 

[pimpnugget]

great looking blade cant wait to see some in action pics i also have a HI commin my way but mine is a bit bigger

 

[BarberFobic1992]

very nice :thumbup:

 

[Carolina River Rat]

I want a JKM-1. My HI collection need one of those.

 

[wildmike]

I have an 8" horn handled JKM 1 with a spine thickness of just a little over 1/8 th inch. I have also convexed the edge as well as thinning it down with a diamond hone. It makes an excellent utility knife. I carry it in a homemade dangler sheath.

 

[Cpl Punishment]

The JKM is a cool little knife.

Mine is 8" OAL, with a satisal wood handle. All I did was a straight zero edge scandi grind on it and although it's .205" thick, it cuts like a razor.

 

[wildmanh]

Last night after taking the pictures I started convexing the edge. I took it out before lunch today and made some fuzz sticks, it did an okay job. Also used the tip as a striker for my Going Gear Fire steels and it worked well. While lunch was cooking I finished convexing and sharpening the blade. It's scary sharp now. While I was working on the edge I also rounded out the bell a little on the handle so it's more comfortable for me. Here are some pictures of it so far:

I've missplaced my Sanding drum, when I find it I'll add the choil. Thinking it will make a good heavy duty camp knife. They are a must for anyones HI collection. :thumbup:

Heber

 

[Rockywolf]

Looks good. I have only 1 HI-a R10 and while it has uneven handle scales and isn't the prettiest knife, it sharpens easily and can take a beating. I expect this will have the same great qualities.

 

[hollowdweller]

Wonder how it would compare price and performance wise with this, it looks similar:

http://www.worldknives.com/products/roselli-leuku-hand-forged-large-hunting-knife-r150-560.html

 

[Carolina River Rat]

Which Kami made that knife, Heber?

 

[Kismet]

It is a stout, well-made blade. Full tang, and built for punishment.

Kami mark looks like clouds, or four flower petals facing in same direction. Don't know name.


Sheath well done, but needed melted paraffin to stiffen it up a bit.


Kis
enjoy every sandwich

 

[wildmanh]

Which Kami made that knife, Heber?

I got the Large JKM-1 last month from the giveaway sale. The symble is a fish and since the Kami is no longer with HI I don't know anything else.

Kismet, thats a nice looking blade you have there. A little thinner then mine I would guess and probably a better slicer. My Kumar Karda is longer with a 3/16" thick blade and it's awesome in the kitchen.

Heber

 

[Kismet]

I got the Large JKM-1 last month from the giveaway sale. The symble is a fish and since the Kami is no longer with HI I don't know anything else.

Kismet, thats a nice looking blade you have there. A little thinner then mine I would guess and probably a better slicer. My Kumar Karda is longer with a 3/16" thick blade and it's awesome in the kitchen.

Heber

Heber?

I had emailed Yangdu and asked if it were possible to get a JKM design on a larger scale. I have a sufficient number of scandis. Think it worked out well. She's been offering them upon occasion since. Not "art" but function.

 

[wildmanh]

Heber?

I had emailed Yangdu and asked if it were possible to get a JKM design on a larger scale. I have a sufficient number of scandis. Think it worked out well. She's been offering them upon occasion since. Not "art" but function.

That has to be why mine is much bigger (longer) then the normal ones. Me likey! Thanks for emailing Yangdu about a bigger one.

-4,000 post!!!

Heber

 

[Kismet]

four thousand posts, herber congratulations !!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[wildmanh]

four thousand posts, herber congratulations !!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Thanks mate! Some how I thought I was a week or more away.

Heber