No 77 - Many "Firsts"

ddavelarsen

ddavelarsen

Joined
Dec 7, 2000
Messages
5,179
Another maker, Roger Linger, has organized an effort by several others to make and donate knives to a spec ops unit in Afghanistan. Since I'm way too old ;) to join the effort in person, this was a good way for me to make my own small contribution.

Because it's going into a specialized environment I tried a bunch of stuff I hadn't done before. This was my first mortised handle, first false edge/clip point, first use of Gun Kote - heck this was the first time I'd used an air brush! :D I used Gun Kote for a couple of reasons; wanted to make as sure as possible the O1 didn't rust, wanted to reduce its potential for glare, and wanted to attempt a camoflage finish.

The Micarta handle has a special provenance. This was given to me by another maker who said it was made for use in military knives about 20 years ago. The block I cut this from does have the look of age, and oxidized as it was definately had a military color. I trust it'll darken over time on this knife too. Anyway, I don't doubt his tale. I've been holding this piece for several years for just the right project, and this one couldn't have been better!

Specs:

Overall Length - 11 7/8"
Blade Length to face of Guard - 6 3/8"
Steel - O1, differentially hardened, "Camo" Gun Kote finish
Guard - O1
Handle - Milspec Micarta
Handle Screws & Thong Hole Liner - Brass
Includes a Blackhawk aftermarket sheath and diamond hone

Hope you like it, and I hope it serves its new owner well.

77Sm.jpg
 
awesome work!! those are killer grinds :cool: and a really good story behind your reasoning.
Great job, I know I would be proud to carry that sucker. ;)
Steve.
 
outstanding! You are going to make a soldier's day! :cool:
 
Great knife and a cool story! Super job on all those firsts, too! Sheesh! Looks like one great military knife. That finish is really nice!
 
Well Done Dave.

I hope the new owner has the opertunity to send you a pic of him with it. Some of those special ops units don't let photos out of unit members.

Its a real beauty.
 
Thanks for the kind words gents! :D I had a time getting this one done what with vacation and then the flu and work etc - but it's finally done and ready to go. I want to see it in its owner's hands as soon as possible.

Reg these guys have promised each maker a picture of the new owner holding his knife and a note from him. I suppose they may blur the faces but that's okay. It'd be great to get some real life feedback on how well the knife and its coating perform too. I tempered it a bit hotter than normal to help reduce its likelihood of breaking when used as a prybar. We all know that's gonna happen! :D It has a toothy 220 grit edge topped off on the buffer and cuts like a demon.
 
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