Potentially dumb-ass question about knife ID: Timberline fixed-blade specwar

[Zenpanther]

So; Emerson's SPECWAR series is very well established, and their catalog is pretty and easily browsable.

As well, when I GIS "specwar knife", there's a great pic of mine [http://www.knifeclub.com/product/timberline_p2.html] ... alas, in Japanese.

I got this knife in a trade four years ago, and have never been able to get a straight story about it. She's been solid through four years of backpacking through 8 states and 3 countries. I've sharpened her on paving stones, roof tiles, and (once) a Buddha statue. As such, she looks a little rough, but has always #1) maintained a working edge, and #2) kept the blade emblem: {san juan mountains/TIMBERLINE/colorado // [EMERSON/NEELEY / S.P.E.C.W.A.R]}

Blade is fixed in a polymer grip with a solid metal disk buttcap. Tanto-style tip measuring about 5.25" top and 5.5" edge (6.5" w/finger-grip). Single-bevel throughout the edge. Knife is 11.75" from tip to buttcap. Sheath is a 2-piece polymer riveted together with a "button" release locking at the finger-grip. Various nylon straps came with the sheath, and I've reconfigured them with so many other strapping-systems that I honestly can tell you how I found them.

I looked through Emerson's catalog, and searched Timberline. I haven't been able to find the original specs for this knife, and would love to hear about her design history. I'm unable to check this site regularly, so please forward all useful info to me at the following address (remove all "W"s from the addy, if you will): Zenwpanther@gwmail.com

p.s. I temporarily have broadband access, and will host pics of my knife if needed.

 

[Cobalt]

Ok the Specwar is made of 60Rc, ATS34. The handle is made of Grivory, which is a thermoplastic cross that has some flexibility and hardness while being non-conductive and heat resistant.

Made in the USA

The knife was deigned with Prying, insulated cutting, chopping, swing cutting and light hammering, in that order of priority.

The 304 stainless steel pommel is not attached to the blade but can be used for light hammering, but will not conduct electricity from the blade.

Ernest Emerson and Timberlines Vaugh Neely collaborated on the Timberline Specwar and was made in Timberlines Colorado Facility using hadnmade techniques to get it right.

The knife retailed for $400 which at the time was way too high and I think that is what killed it. I also heard that at the prices that they ended up being sold (around $272 was normal), timberline was taking a loss and decided it wasn't worth making anymore.

Production of the Specwar stopped and the Aviator was born. A low cost alternative.


Just a little history about the Specwar. It was a collaboration between Nealy and Emerson. Timberline produced it and the retail was near $400 when new. The knives ended up selling for under $300 and from what I understand Timberline took a loss on the knives and thus stopped producing them. The handle material was non conductive and impervious to everything including heat, and chemicals. The coating on the blade was not a corrosion resistant coating. It was a wear resistant coating that was reputed to be a Rockwell hardness of 80-90. Harder than even Chrome. The edge was chisel like all the emerson specwars. The Aviator was much smaller and cheaper and sold better, I think. The knife was top quality and you could tell. I have two and will not part with them.


Here is the link to that thread

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=361762&highlight=Timberline+specwar

A search may drag up more information than what I posted.