- Joined
- Jan 25, 2000
- Messages
- 4,492
My first custom folder was a Banshee model from Keith Coleman. While the knife was very nice, I decided I wanted one dressed a little differently and would like a clip on it as well. As a result, the first one was sold and a replacement was ordered. Here are the results of the wait. The knife has a 3 1/2" blade of Devin Thomas raindrop damascus, Eggerling 4 bar mosaic bolsters ("Crossroads to the Stars"), gold anodized Ti liners and stag scales. Finishing touches include filework on the spine and matching damascus backspacer and a beautifully floral carved thumbstud.
The knife opens very smoothly and the lock engages with a reassuring click. There is no blade play either horizontal or vertical and the lock just fully engages on the tang. I have used the knife for everyday tasks for the last month or so and it has performed admirably. While the edge holding is not in the same league as some of the exotic steels, it is still quite satisfactory. It is also easy to sharpen and takes a great hair-popping edge. I have found it to be quite durable and have not experienced any rust or discoloring of this carbon damascus. In all fairness though, it has not been exposed to salt, blood or acidic foods. General everyday tasks have been handled just fine and I do not consider it to be fragile by any means.
The knife carries very well due to both the clip design and the curve of the handle allows the knife to fit nicely into the backside of the pocket. While I really had second thoughts of putting a clip over the awesome mosaic bolsters, I decided that it was better to have a knife that would be easy to carry (and therefore, use) than to have a pretty knife that was not as versatile. I had Keith just satin finish the Ti clip and it actually compliments the damascus and blends in very well.
The details on this knife just really blew me away. It seemed as though everything was perfect and just as it should be. I purposely had the blade and bolsters etched a little darker than normal to enhance the appearance of the stag. The damascus patterns are crisp and clean and the mosaic pattern actually serves to blend the circular designs in the blade with the lateral presentation of the stag. I have found that there is alot more to choosing mosaic bolsters than just picking what you like (thanks for the help Keith!)
The filework is very nicely done with straight cuts that are evenly spaced. The carved thumbstud is a nice compromise between a plain stud or an inlayed one. I must admit that the filework and the thumbstud work were completely unexpected. They were just something that Keith thought would finish off the knife and surprise me. It certainly did and was very much appreciated.
This is my third knife from Keith and I don't plan on stopping yet. He does very nice work, maintains communication throughout (even drops you a line sometimes just to say hi and chat), is very cordial and easy to work with and at his prices his knives are a steal. I just wish my pictures were as nice as his knives :barf:
The knife opens very smoothly and the lock engages with a reassuring click. There is no blade play either horizontal or vertical and the lock just fully engages on the tang. I have used the knife for everyday tasks for the last month or so and it has performed admirably. While the edge holding is not in the same league as some of the exotic steels, it is still quite satisfactory. It is also easy to sharpen and takes a great hair-popping edge. I have found it to be quite durable and have not experienced any rust or discoloring of this carbon damascus. In all fairness though, it has not been exposed to salt, blood or acidic foods. General everyday tasks have been handled just fine and I do not consider it to be fragile by any means.
The knife carries very well due to both the clip design and the curve of the handle allows the knife to fit nicely into the backside of the pocket. While I really had second thoughts of putting a clip over the awesome mosaic bolsters, I decided that it was better to have a knife that would be easy to carry (and therefore, use) than to have a pretty knife that was not as versatile. I had Keith just satin finish the Ti clip and it actually compliments the damascus and blends in very well.
The details on this knife just really blew me away. It seemed as though everything was perfect and just as it should be. I purposely had the blade and bolsters etched a little darker than normal to enhance the appearance of the stag. The damascus patterns are crisp and clean and the mosaic pattern actually serves to blend the circular designs in the blade with the lateral presentation of the stag. I have found that there is alot more to choosing mosaic bolsters than just picking what you like (thanks for the help Keith!)
The filework is very nicely done with straight cuts that are evenly spaced. The carved thumbstud is a nice compromise between a plain stud or an inlayed one. I must admit that the filework and the thumbstud work were completely unexpected. They were just something that Keith thought would finish off the knife and surprise me. It certainly did and was very much appreciated. This is my third knife from Keith and I don't plan on stopping yet. He does very nice work, maintains communication throughout (even drops you a line sometimes just to say hi and chat), is very cordial and easy to work with and at his prices his knives are a steal. I just wish my pictures were as nice as his knives :barf:
. I may have to give Mr. Coleman another call soon...I'm getting that itch again 
.
