I will gt set up to post some pics later, but just a few first impressions:
I designed this knife to be a large Japanese style tactical tanto. It is similar to many of the popular Americanized tantos popular today (Martin, Hartsfield, JSP, etc) except that it is much more traditional. It has a double ground (to zero edge), traditional pointed, edge hardened O1 blade that is 3/16" thick. The handle has a black diamond wrap over natural rayskin with a silver dragon menuki on the right side. The handle is about 6" long, including the turk's head knot. It came with a leather sheath that has a couple of diferent carry options and is serial numbered with a certificate.
I want to say right off that I am very impressed with Wally Hayes as a knifemaker. This is my second knife from him, the first being a similar styled tanto purchased at the Blade '99 show. Wally is a true gentleman, an ABS master smith, and truly interested in giving you what you want. I only had to wait 3 months from the submittal of my design specs to the receipt of the knife. I think that is pretty good for an MS. I won't tell you what I paid for this thing until I post a pic, but let me tell you, it was a bit underpriced.
I just got it today, and after unwrapping for a bit, I took this baby out. The sheath is pretty well made, with a thick welt going all the way around it to prevent cutting the threads upon resheathing. I can play with this thing and find a few more mounting options than I had originally thought. Wally made some extra "lashing" holes in a couple of places to run cord throught to rig up some across the back rig or a traditional carry slung on the side, maybe. Unsheathing the blade was a treat. This is one good looking and big piece of steel. It is very light in the hand, with a balance point maybe 1.5" - 2" in front of the knot (in motion, it feels even closer). It has a nice polish to it, making for a pretty intimidating weapon when whipped around in the light. It is very sharp, but I am going to touch it up just a bit. I have become used to my RJ Martin and Sebenza, both of which stay extremely sharp, but for as big a knife as it is and with it's superb edge geometry, it is plenty sharp enough.
I have done only a little cutting with it as yet, but it did an impressive job on the cardbord box it came in when I rolled it up and stood it on end! I will post more later, so get your appetite worked up. Let me know your thoughts, and feel free to email me. Thanks.
-Bart
See Wally's work @: www.hayesknives.com
I designed this knife to be a large Japanese style tactical tanto. It is similar to many of the popular Americanized tantos popular today (Martin, Hartsfield, JSP, etc) except that it is much more traditional. It has a double ground (to zero edge), traditional pointed, edge hardened O1 blade that is 3/16" thick. The handle has a black diamond wrap over natural rayskin with a silver dragon menuki on the right side. The handle is about 6" long, including the turk's head knot. It came with a leather sheath that has a couple of diferent carry options and is serial numbered with a certificate.
I want to say right off that I am very impressed with Wally Hayes as a knifemaker. This is my second knife from him, the first being a similar styled tanto purchased at the Blade '99 show. Wally is a true gentleman, an ABS master smith, and truly interested in giving you what you want. I only had to wait 3 months from the submittal of my design specs to the receipt of the knife. I think that is pretty good for an MS. I won't tell you what I paid for this thing until I post a pic, but let me tell you, it was a bit underpriced.
I just got it today, and after unwrapping for a bit, I took this baby out. The sheath is pretty well made, with a thick welt going all the way around it to prevent cutting the threads upon resheathing. I can play with this thing and find a few more mounting options than I had originally thought. Wally made some extra "lashing" holes in a couple of places to run cord throught to rig up some across the back rig or a traditional carry slung on the side, maybe. Unsheathing the blade was a treat. This is one good looking and big piece of steel. It is very light in the hand, with a balance point maybe 1.5" - 2" in front of the knot (in motion, it feels even closer). It has a nice polish to it, making for a pretty intimidating weapon when whipped around in the light. It is very sharp, but I am going to touch it up just a bit. I have become used to my RJ Martin and Sebenza, both of which stay extremely sharp, but for as big a knife as it is and with it's superb edge geometry, it is plenty sharp enough.
I have done only a little cutting with it as yet, but it did an impressive job on the cardbord box it came in when I rolled it up and stood it on end! I will post more later, so get your appetite worked up. Let me know your thoughts, and feel free to email me. Thanks.
-Bart
See Wally's work @: www.hayesknives.com
He was great to correspond with. He answered all my questions and sent me pictures till I snapped. This will be my first real sword. My first forged blade as well. The next three months are going to be long ones...