NEW MODEL Proto type Mountaineer

Thanks everyone for your comments and compliments, I am working up a leather sheath for this one and cant wait to go play. Doug
 
I like it. It would be easy for that many mosaic pins to overwhelm the eye, but with the relatively straight grained handle material, it looks good.
 
Thanks James, I cant wait to get my grinds just a little better. I have another very simular only with a 6.5" blade I am calling the Pioneer come soon as well. Doug
 
Hey Doug - I like your knives. I don't own one yet but I did have the pleasure of handling a number of your knives from other members here who own them.

This model really shows that you can step up your game in terms of fit and finish. I have conflicted emotions about it though. I love the overall design, but at the same time this one is inching towards the art/collector knife category based on several design features which are aesthetically very pleasing but also increase production time and cost.

So - first - I love the design of the knife. I think this is a great size and compliments the other models you have on offer very well without competing with them. I think the blade shape and handle are perfect. They look great.

I think the filework and mosaic pins are pretty - but I'm a little bit with Baldtaco - these are features that sell a knife to a collector market more so than a user market. Same with the mirror finish. It looks awesome, it is also the kind of feature that will prevent me from actually using the knife and might even cause me to re-think my purchase of it. A nice bead blasted or lower grit finish is a better selling point for me.

I think your steel choice, blade thickness (3/16") and handle really work with this thing. The grinds look great to me. I love the handle. Despite all my - end user comments above, I really love a quality wood handle and you've provided an excellent example of one with this blade. The cocobolo looks great and your finish looks excellent. In a blade this size - I really like to see a lanyard hole. I just think that option is a must if you actually use a knife of this size for chopping.

Great knife and I'm sure it will be a hit on the 'for sale' sub-forums. I hope you take my comments above as constructive. They are after all just one knife lover's opinion and meant for your benefit in the spirit of communication that W&SS provides. Having played with your blades, I can attest to, and respect, the quality and effort you put into your work!

Sincerely,

Ken
 
Thanks everyone so far for your comments and compliments.

Kgd I can see what you are saying. I figured I would try to step it up a notch and give something new a try. This one is actually for me and I do have another that I kind of made a few mistakes on so that one will not be for sale either. I figured with the new belt sander I would see what I can do for finishes and so forth.

The good part this model or any of the models I make can be changed to pretty much what any one wants. It could be finished with lower grit belts, it does not have to have the file work, and to add a lanyard hole no problem.

Personally I love this design and it was quite an undertaking to step up to after doing mostly full flat grinds. As I said I have not perfected the grinds on it as of yet and that is why it is a prototype. I feel this would make a great overall outdoors man type knife, and yet it still has some lines and shapes that make someone that wanted a little fancier knife a very nice piece. That is the best thing that I see with all the great knife makers here on the forums getting a "TRUE CUSTOM" will truly make it the individuals knife. As stated before I think it will add a lot to and compliment my others models as well. Thanks again everyone for your input, compliments and comments. Doug
 
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