R.W. Clark MAU arrived

PeaceFrog · Oct 20, 2002

This summer, I decided it was about time I bought myself a fixed blade, since all my knives (until now) were folders. I looked long and hard for what I wanted, but never found anything that was quite it. Then lo and behold, while browsing BF.C, I find a link to Mr. R.W. Clark's web page, and am smitten with his M.A.U. (modernized Asian Utility) style. I ordered one, and a few months later, here it is. A very beautiful knife, all around. The handle wrap is awesome, and unfortunately the pic does not do the rayskin justice, it is a deep blue, not the gray that the scanner shows it as.

I haven't used it to cut anything but some paper, but it is nice and sharp. Great profile for utility work - a friend looked at it and the first thing he said was "This would make a great kitchen knife!"

I've been carrying it since I got it on Wednesday, and the sheath is awesome! The teklok is invaluable, and the sheath is damn comfortable. I carry it behind me, inverted at a 45 degree angle, handle down and to the right. I jogged about 4 blocks, then sprinted back, and the knife was nice and snug in the kydex. Excellent workmanship.

Vital Stats
blade steel O1
blade length 5.75 in
overall 9.75 in
handle wrap: black silk over blue rayskin
feather menuki
kydex sheath with TekLok

Click here for a really big pic

I highly recommend the work of Mr. Clark.

Sid Post · Oct 20, 2002

I have a similar model in ATS-34. This was my first knife in a traditional Japanese handle treatment. I was little skeptical at first but, the more I held it, the more I like it. The sheath is also a real nice piece of work, thick kydex covered in rayskin.

If you are looking for a traditional Japanese style knife but, want one that is more practical for everyday use and priced reasonably, check out Mr. Clark's offerings @

turkeyman · Oct 21, 2002

I have a couple of Ron's knives in 0-1 and have used them a lot and can tell you that they do hold an excellent edge and are easily re-sharpened. Also, easily maintained with a smooth steel.
Great workmanship and prices...I can recommend his work also!!

blademan 13 · Oct 21, 2002

Ron's knives ROCK, pure and simple. I am really partial to his O-1 blades. Take and hold a great edge. I have both a 2" and 3 1/2" model similar to yours and love them both.

I also agree with the sheaths. They are extremely well constructed and very flexible. I have not seen a a better Kydex sheath without having to pay extra to get it.

Trace Rinaldi · Oct 26, 2002

Ron Clark blades are a GREAT value! You aint gonna find BETTER work for a lesser price anywhere in traditional Jap stuff... I have seen CRAP that goes for several times the price Ron asks...
Just my humble opin...

Jazzman · Oct 27, 2002

I have one of the Mini neck versions and I really like it alot. I second what was said about Ron's O-1 steel.
Matt

redvenom · Oct 28, 2002

Anybody got a pic of a RW Clark MAU with blue or green rayskin? I plan to order a matched pair of a MAU and mini MAU soon and need some help deciding on options.

Cheers
Andrew Lim

Beltfed · Oct 28, 2002

Originally posted by redvenom
Anybody got a pic of a RW Clark MAU with blue or green rayskin?/B]

Here is a green Mini Mau off Ron's site........these things are cool, bought a few of them some months back (green and blue actually). The blue is fairly dark.

Chefget · Oct 28, 2002

Here's one in red...its a hard choice between this, a Martin or a Hartsfield everyday in the kitchen (and once and a while the TKK!

)...

-Michael