Pabu Fixed Blade, help identify please.

J

Jim_Linch

Joined
Dec 20, 2004
Messages
44
Hello Group,

This is my first post as I just found the forums yesterday while looking for information on the maker of Pabu Knives, Portland, OR.

I was given a fixed blade of his in trade for some future firearms training and while I didn't think much of the knife at first, it has really grown on me the past few days. It's a simple design, but the balance is awesome and the steel really took an edge, so I'm looking to find out as much info as I can on it and to locate a leather smith that will make a sheath of my design for it.

Included below are two images I took of it tonight, and clicking on links below the pics will open a larger 1024px image for closer review. Also I have a link to the sheath design I scratched out tonight.

If anyone can help identify when this blade was made, the steel likely to have been used, and just how rare Pabu's fixed blades are? It would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks, and hope to become a regular on the forums soon.

I have little knife experience/knowledge but am considering taking up the blades as a part of my training.


RP026.jpg

RP026_1024.jpg


RP027.jpg

RP027_1024.jpg


1024px image of sheath design


What little I do know:
  • Handle slabs look like sheep horn.
  • Blade seems to be a stainless.
  • OAL = 9-7/8"
  • Blade length = 4-1/2"
  • Blade thickness = 5/32"
  • No tapper of blade thickness in handle
  • Brass guard
 
Hi Jim,

Welcome to BF! Sounds like we have another 'convert' who will really start to enjoy the benefits of a handmade knife. :D

I know nothing about this maker or knife, other than your assesment, which seems right on.

I will say that once you start to admire and use a good custom, the world of exploration begins in earnest. Enjoy the journey! :p

Coop
 
Thanks for the welcome Coop,

Yep, I know too well about the trappings of custom work from my gun habit. Once I finally had a 1911 custom built, nothing stock seemed to do it for me anymore. I just dropped $1200.00 into a $650.00 Browning High Power so it would be the "ultimate" carry gun. I'm not a snob though, as you can tell by my Glock picture. :)

I've kept myself from customs knives for a reason, but if it were not for the 3-4 year wait on some like Blackwood, Snody, etc. I would be a poorer man today.

WOW! I just saw your website and knife photography. That's top notch!
 
Pabu Knife of Portland, Oregon is a family shop. The family, who are from the Philippines originally, have been making knives for many years. Their knives range broadly from simple, utilitarian kitchen knives to incredible art knife masterpieces. They are well-known in the Portland area, but only lately starting to draw well-deserved national attention. Their offerings include everything from big bolos to fixed-blade sheath knives to balisongs, gravity knives, lockback folders, and switchblades.

I'll make a few inquiries and see if I can get some details about your piece.
 
Thanks Gollnick,

Besides your Bali's I have not found any other pics on the internet. I would be interested in seeing more of their work for sure.
 
Information is arriving.

The blade is HSS steel.

The folks at Pabu would love to make a sheath for you. They do that too. You can contact them through me.
 
Ok, a little more information for you aside from what I e-mailed you separately.

The knife was made in 1998 or 1999 and the handles are Ram Mountian Goat horn.
 
Here is one of my favorite Pabu fixed blades

mopFixedBladeS.JPG


Click Here for a larger image.

Pabu has access to some of the biggest and best pieces of mother of pearl I've ever seen and they do wonderful things with it.
 
Gollnick, you are the man! I emailed you on the sheath. That is one purty knife there also.

It's been really cool finding out the history behind this blade. I put an edge on it with my EdgePro and would say it's the best take I have seen, especially for a thick blade. Looking forward to sheathing and wearing this baby!
 
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