New Hayes Designs at Triple Aught

H

HJK

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Wally Hayes, ABS Mastersmith and Prez of the Canadian Knifemakers Guild, has been busily designing a bunch of new knives, including a few for Triple Aught. They're all beautiful, but there's one in particular you probably should look at before they disappear or are spoken for:
http://www.tripleaughtdesign.com/bmfk.htm [I would have posted a picture of the knife without the pricing details etc but for some reason my attempt to post the picture alone failed. Sorry]
I can't vouch for how it performs, because all I've seen of it is this picture. But based on the other knives Wally Hayes has made, it will probably be absolutely amazing.
I should declare my bias up front: Wally is one of my favourite knifemakers and a great guy to boot. But what do you think of this design? I think it's gorgeous. Feel free to comment on any of the other new ones Wally has come up with. If anyone has performance data or hands on experience with these models, hearing about it would be great!
[edited because I'm a techno-moron and screwed up the picture/link]



[This message has been edited by HJK (edited 06-12-2001).]
 
I hooked up with Wally and a couple of his proteges at the Blade Show. Wally's work continues to be excellent, whether in the tactical arena or something more upscale.

And, as you said, he is a true gentleman.

I got to handle all of the knives Wally brought to the show during a private viewing. Needless to say there wasn't a weak knife in the group.

By the way, Wally's proteges, Brent Beshara and Robert Douglas are making some fine tactical/utility pieces as well. Keep an eye out for their work.

Blues

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Live Free or Die

Blues' Knife Pix
 
Blues. are there examples of the protege's work anywhere on the net? I've never heard of their work.
 
HOLYMOLY!
That's a monster!
Not too crazy about the pommel though. If he could put an down-curve on to cradle the pinky that would be an AWSOME knife.
 
HJK,

Not sure. I sent a link to this thread to Wally last night, so he's aware of it.

Why not shoot him an email or a call and see?

BTW, the two gents are full time military, so I don't know how far they've gotten in terms of promoting their wares as yet. Still, under Wally's tutelage, it's only a matter of time before their names become known.

Blues

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Live Free or Die

Blues' Knife Pix
 
Thanks Blues. I did the email thing with Wally, which is how I found out about these new ones in the first place. Funny, I had just checked Triple Aught's site the day before and missed them, but I emailed the Master about something else and he told me to have a look. He's been a busy guy for sure!
I still prefer the more traditional designs and his incredible damascus and 52100, [look at the Tsunami at BladeArt or the Tanto at Les Robertson's] but some of the new " tactical" ones, like the one linked above, are IMHO, also outstanding looking and the prices aren't bad either. Given that every Hayes I have is an outstanding performer, this one promises to be as well.
That recurve and the deep lines are really very nice. I like the skullcrusher too. I don't have and have never used a stainless by Master Hayes. The 440V is a great idea.
I am very curious as to what everyone else thinks and would love to hear a first hand account of any of the newer knives. I don't expect to be able to see one until August [if he'll let me] and the suspense is too hard to bear
smile.gif
 
LOL! BMFK! That's hilarious. I wonder if Mr. Hayes thought that nobody could figure it out. BTW, I love that design- it's very graceful and looks deadly. Almost ghurki (sp?) like in a way.

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John Gonzalez
Exclusive Dealer
Mineral Mountain Hatchet Works
 
Thanks for all the nice words guys.
The bmfk is going to be called the Dominator. They just wanted something to label the photo to post it.
If you look at triple aughtdesign you will see a photo of it beside a tac 1 . It is not much bigger.
The Blade show was a lot of fun,Back to work,
Cheers, Wally
 
I have just recieved the Wally Hayes BMFK/Dominator and am a bit confused. When originally ordered from Triple Aught, the picture of the knife did not have the "Dominator" name to it, only BMFK. The knife was listed as using 0-1 steel with blade coat. The Triple Aught logo was show below and to the right (towards the handle) of the "Wally Hayes" name, the scales were also smooth. Knowing of Wally's work and having been looking for this exact same style in 0-1 steel I jumped on it and managed to get serial #01. This was what I had ordered. Later, I noticed that Triple Aught had a different picture, this one for the same looking knife but with 440V steel and notched scales. Since receiving the knife I have taken a closer look at the current picture displayed at Triple Aught and am 100% sure that I have recived the 440V steel version of this knife. My knife has the Triple Aught logo to the left of "Wally Hayes" name with the notched scales. After blowing the picture up, my knife even has the exact same spotting/finger print type discoloration as the photo, not something that could/would be duplicated in subseqent manufacture. Whats with this discoloration? It has wiped out part of the black etching on the Wally Hayes name. Part of the coating technique?>almost as if someone had held the knife in those spots to etch the serial number in.
So my question is, what steel do I actually have? I took a fine grit (1200) stone to the edge and produced a burr very easily. I thought that 440V was supposed to be harder than that, almost the same as M2? Also, is the blade coated? Is the blade differentially heat treated? I was looking at 0-1 steel to use the knife for chopping and other utitility chores around and outside the house (I live upcountry Thailand), and of course as a serious defense tool if needed (their is a minimum security prison just up the road). Can I chop with this blade without chipping the edge. I am afraid to try as I am still not sure exactly what type of steel I have, and am not used to 440V at all.
For those who would like to know, the knife is a perfect ergonomical design for the 6 1/2" blade length. As would be expected with the large belly and recurve, balance is superb, and the knife just seems to float during soft chopping and slicing tests I have done. Please note that the double ground edge comes very sharp, but it did have a strange step/nick in the front recurve portion of the blade though this is easily fixed. What was intereting to me was that the top sharpened edge is actually a chisel grind, with the flat side on the right side of the blade as for a left hander.
One last question, the handle is a bit narrow and I feel that some scales with a bit of swell to them would help control the blade better. This may be a sacriligeous question, but can the studs be drilled out to take off the current scales or are they bonded on? I really would like to replace them using some 100 year old Teak pieces I have laying around, to be hand crafted by a Thai wood worker.
Sorry for the long winded posting, and hope I havnt offended anyone, but that is what this forum is for right? To bring the makers and buyers closer together for better understanding?
Chok Dee
Rad
 
You will be dealing with two of the best as far as I am concerned when it comes to Wally and Patrick.

I would start with Patrick since you purchased the knife from TAD. He will be straight with you, answer your questions and make sure you are happy within reason. (I have no doubt or reservations about that.)
 
To Gus and Keith,
Gus: Oops didnt realize the chain of command (USMC ret) Sorry, but I emailed to Wally already.
Keith: Thank you for the post of the picture. If you tilt your screen a bit downwards you will notice the ligher discolarations, on the blade, such as the "HA" being lighter and faded out.
That is my knife.
Also please dont consider that I am trying to slight Wally Hayes or Tripe Aught Design. I have only the best respect for Wally's work and only wish I could afford some more of his work. As for TAD, I have ordred and received several shipment from them, and will do so again, I can only recomend TAD highly. Their sevice and products are outstanding.
Chok Dee
Rad
 
No problem Rad. This will work out for you!
 
Hi, The prototype was made out of 0-1 tool steel. Number 1 is made out of 440v.Stainless. Josh wanted a bunch out of 440v you can order them out of 0-1 if you like. Josh also wanted the groves in the handle. It is thin so it doesn't roll in your hand when you wear a glove.
The 440v is bead blasted and not coated only the 01 's will be coated with clear bake on laquer. You can change he hande in it Rad That should'nt be too much trouble.
Feel free to email me with any more questions.
Cheers,Wally. hayesknives@hayesknives.com
 
Wally,
Thank you for your reply. I am surprised that the 440V takes a razor edge so easily. I like the knife. I will email regarding specifics.
Rad
 
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