Name that Knife... Karelian Birch Utility Fighter

[Erin Burke]

Good morning all. This is how I spent my weekend. I'm not exactly sure what to call it... it's a bit small (in my opinion) to be a staight-up fighter, but that sharp clip makes it a bit more than a utility. So I'm calling it a Utility Fighter. I'm always up for a bit of education... so if y'all have thoughts on what to call it, please chime in.

The blade is some of Don's W2 that has been differentially heat-treated and mildly antiqued, while the handle is a lovely piece of stabilized Karelian Birch from Mark's recent batch. Let me be one of the first to say that this wood is fantastic. It doesn't really have any chatoyance like you'd find in koa or redwood, but it has a very warm, rich feel/look to it. It really reminds me of butterscotch. After receiving my first few blocks from Burl Source, I liked them so much that I went back for a second helping. :thumbup::thumbup:


Some Stats:
Length: 8-1/4"
Blade : 3-5/8" (Tip to choil)
Steel: Differentially Heat-Treated W2 (from DH3)
Handle: Stabilized Karelian Birch (Burl Source) w/ domed mild steel pin
Fittings: mild steel

This is probably my most complex sheath to date... and my first with a strap and Sam Brown stud to provide additional retention (though it is still possible to draw the knife even with the strap in place).

Thanks for checking it out. Erin

 

[Professor]

I've seen the raised clip edge section on the top of the blade referred to as a harpoon. I'd personally classify that knife as an edc-sized harpoon utility. I've always thought that blade style resembled a bird's talons. That would be a cool name, the Utilitalon.

Prof.

 

[Lorien]

I call boot or vest knife

 

[Erin Burke]

I've seen the raised clip edge section on the top of the blade referred to as a harpoon.

Nailed it, Prof. :thumbup:
I tend to miss the harpooniness of a blade if the raised clip is short... for some reason blades seem more harpoony to me when the clip is nearly as long as the main edge. Am loving the adjective harpoony... can't believe they missed it in the dictionary.

I call boot or vest knife

Tarzan... you man few words.

Vest knife is kind of a cool term. What would you consider to be distinguishing features of a vest knife? Is it only size?

Erin

 

[JAlexander]

Vest knife is kind of a cool term. What would you consider to be distinguishing features of a vest knife? Is it only size?

Erin

I'm with Lorien on this one - it's a vest knife. Small guardless fighter = vest knife. Of course, someone will likely come along and school me.

 

[Lorien]

Vest knife is kind of a cool term. What would you consider to be distinguishing features of a vest knife? Is it only size?

Erin

size and intended use, dictated by design features, is what says it all.

I always think about the sgian dubh when I see small knives designed primarily as weapons. A knife small enough to conceal but also for regular using, while at the same time, designed for self defence, ie; swedges and top edges.

the only thing that would differentiate a vest knife from a boot knife is the sheath and intention behind how it's carried. I would think that for most average sized people, that type of knife would have a max size of about 10"

 

[Dawkind]

Another GREAT knife my friend....

 

[Burl Source]

Looks great whatever you call it.
Beautiful Knife Erin!

 

[chuxwan]

Love it. "Piranha" popped into my head immediately.