Out of Africa....

[Willem O'Kelly]

I guess this one qualifies as a true custom knife, designed to the client's specific requirements, (even though I might well make a few more at a later stage). Anyway, it is for a client in the Netherlands. The brief was for something "Out of Africa" and that was very short and suitable for EDC carry. Total knife was not allowed to be longer than 165mm or 6.5", and this knife is just that, although the pronounced curve does add to the length of the cutting edge a bit.

I used typically rustic and natural African materials - the steel is from an old circular saw blade, on which I left the pitting in place, handle scales are African Black Chacate and the bolsters warthog tusk. All pinning and the lanyard tube in brass.

Unlike many short fixed blade knives, this one has a full grip - I have large hands and it fits me perfectly. Despite this the knife, including sheath only weighs 185 grams or 6.5 ounces. It also fits inside the outline of my hand, even sheathed.

I cross cut the tusks to get the internal coloration and kept as much of the original external contours as possible.

The sheath is set up for inside the belt carry, where the belt goes over the sheath and through the loop, catching the sheath and knife between the belt and your body. It is also small enough to carry in your pocket.

Thanks for looking. Comments, as always, are welcome

 

[Hengelo_77]

Charming knife. That warthog is beautifull

 

[Willem O'Kelly]

Thank you Hengelo_77, I am glad you like it - and I appreciate you taking the time and making the effort to comment.

 

[TheOTBalisong]

Beautiful knife, but why the saw blade instead of a bar of steel?

 

[LeeBower]

Very nice, perfect size and weight. I have been looking for much the same. Looks like your customer will be very happy.

 

[Willem O'Kelly]

Thanks gentlemen. TheOTBalisong, two reasons mainly - I had done a knife in those same materials before, that the client had seen and wanted and secondly, I wanted something rustic to go with the wood and tusk. I'll post a pic of the other knife shortly.
cOLD, thank you, the knife should be with him by about the end of the week - then we'll know for sure!

 

[Willem O'Kelly]

Here are some pics of the knife the client saw - on this one the handle is African Black Wood, with warthog bolsters (steel from saw blade) - as you can see, a skinner:

 

[elementfe]

Great proportions, very nice all around, thanks for showing that!
I'm always surprised how many people really like the texture of saw blade- guess I shouldn't be, I like it too!
Andy

 

[Willem O'Kelly]

Thank you Andy - there is just something about an old saw blade, isn't there? It needs to be combined with the right kind of materials I think, but it does have some character - and I think that is what a lot of folks like.