Quality brands/models with interesting file work?

[usuallyspyderco]

I have one of these Hunt N’ Fisch knives and really enjoy the file work on the spine, as well as the decorative bolsters and spacers. But I’m finding it hard to find similarly decorated knives that aren’t chintzy faux Damascus blades that are more like props. Can you recommend any brands/models? I’m mainly looking for fixed blade hunters/camp/bush craft knives. Thanks!

 

[killgar]

Welcome to Bladeforums usuallyspyderco.

I wouldn't call that "file work", I'd call it jimping (CRKT calls them "friction grooves"). "File work" is done with actual files for the purpose of adding artistic decoration to a knife, and some people are true artists at it. The jimping on that CRKT were done by a grinding machine, probably one operated by a computer.

Any knife can have decorative file work added, it's just a matter of finding the right artist to do the work. Or, you could find a custom maker who will make exactly the knife you want from scratch. I don't believe there are many production-made fixed-blades that come with decorative file work.

And you're right, there is a lot of low-quality file work out there, often on cheap knives from places like Pakistan.

 

[rlewpolar]

I’m not sure this answers the OPs question but here is an example of a knife made from an actual file that already had markings before the bevels were ground in. I find them interesting, particularly since they are not symmetrical. They are different on each side of the knife since it was made from a farriers rasp file (used to file horseshoes)

https://imgur.com/a/qBuJBWM

 

[K.O.D.]

Here is also a knife made from a file (farriers rasp) and a folder with a file worked spine. The fixed is a one off custom by Warpath Strategies, the folder a custom from Alan Davis.

 

[usuallyspyderco]

Thanks, guys. By “file work”, I simply meant the carvings along the spine. Especially intricate patterns like vines.

 

[TC]

Most, if not all, Lagiuole knives have filework. Some quite a bit more than this model (not my photo, but I've got that exact same knife).

 

[usuallyspyderco]

Most, if not all, Lagiuole knives have filework. Some quite a bit more than this model (not my photo, but I've got that exact same knife).

That’s what I’m talking about!

 

[TC]

That’s what I’m talking about!

A few more, as shown at the laguiole-dot-store:



There are backlock models, but the backspring tends to be on the strong side on most models, so I don't mind mine not having locks.