RJ Martin-style kwaiken

Matthew Gregory

Matthew Gregory

Chief Executive in charge of Entertainment
Joined
Jan 12, 2005
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It's no secret that my pal RJ is one of my knifemaking heroes, and I hope he sees this homage as just that, rather than a shameless cobbing of his excellent kwaiken. I've done a few things differently for mine, although the basic theme is the same. This one used 1084, with a much less pronounced chisel tip from RJ's design. It is entirely chisel ground, though, with that wonderful scallop along the spine that adds so much motion. I've fully tapered the tang to reduce as much unnecessary mass and weight as possible, and increased the length of the handle a pinch (although I think the usual 4.5" or so is usually enough, my own hand is just wide enough to make it feel as though I'm kind of choking up on it, so this one is just shy of 4.75"). The reduction in weight from the tapered tang is incredible! I think it will be a staple of my own kwaiken designs, three more of which I hope to have done soon.

Thanks for looking, and all comments welcome!

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That is SWEET! The scalloped spine really adds a lot of dimension and visual motion. The little bit extra length definitely appeals to me. Really nice work my man.

Roger
 
I'm a fan!
 
What Lorien said!

I love everything about that. Looks wicked! I'm going to have to try that scallop thing... Nice tsukamaki and turks head too!
 
wow, that looks great Matt! Clean crisp grinds, beautiful lines all around
 
never used a chisel ground blade except for one on a chisel. I've been thinking recently about the ultimate bicycle mechanic's knife, and a one side grind would actually work better for a couple key things. Gonna look into this one.
 
Love the lines and the grinds, Matt !
As nice as your bowies.
Thanks for sharing !

Doug
 
That is really well done, I especially like that you used the scalloped spine and the Turkshead knot.

Win
 
Well, I was lucky enough to be able to purchase this kwaiken from Matt, and I’m totally blown away by the quality of the blade…he really hit this one out of the park! I knew the kwaiken would be nice, but I was unprepared for the beautiful finish on the blade. It feels great in the hand, and it’s sized perfectly for me. This is probably the nicest Asian-styled blade I’ve handled. Keep an eye on this guy…he’s the real deal.
 
Congrats Jim! I love the dramatc grinds on this piece. I just received a Kwaiken from Matt and was so pleased I already have him working on a macthing "big brother" piece.

Cheers,

Roger
 
Matt, as I have said before, I am lov'n these kwaiken blades you have been making.

Best,
Eric
 
I'm so glad you're digging this one, Jim! I've made a few of this style over the course of the last year or so, and none of them have felt 'right' like this last batch. Thanks for posting!

Master Paul was gracious enough to allow me to use the photo he took of your sheath and knife - the sharkskin was the perfect touch, man - great call!

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I've got two more bigger ones in progress that ought to draw some attention here... they just came out of the second tempering cycle, and I'm DYING to get them to the point where I can start hard sanding! Stay tuned!!!!!
 
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