Got myself 2 really great knives from Wally Hayes. He is an absolute gentleman who worked really hard to meet my punishing deadline and showed great flexibility over payment too.
First knife is a forged tanto in 1084 steel (quarter inch stock). 6" blade and just short of 12" overall with a really nice hamon (temper line) with utsuri (ghost temper line) above. Handle is a beautiful cord wrap (epoxied) over black same (Stingray leather) with silver dragon menuki and turks head guard. Spine is about 45RC and edge 58RC. This tanto feels a lovely handful with point of balance just forward of the guard. It is a quality piece which shows Wally's talents well and justifies why he is a Master Smith (MS). Sheath is kydex lined black nylon. A similar tanto is on Wally's front page here: http://www.hayesknives.com/menu.html
Second knife is a Hayes Tac Custom in differentially heat treated O1 steel (quarter inch stock). Blade is 7" long and handle 4 and a half giving 11.5" overall, is nicely polished and has about an inch of 'blunt serrations' as a thumb rest for a more controlled grip. Single guard is built-in and handle is again (epoxied) cord over black same and it is a great grip. The tanto is a strong influence in the tip point and it looks incredibly strong. The weight of this knife is all in your hand and it feels like I don't want to let it go. You just have to hold a knife of this quality to know the thinking and craftsmanship that has gone into it - Wally designed this knife for the Canadian Special Forces ERT. Sheath is kydex in black nylon with pouch on front for multi-tool. You can see the same knife on Wally's site:
http://www.hayesknives.com/tact.html
I have some nice photos which I would like to share if allowed (!) Again, anyone out there looking for top quality work from a man who can be trusted - I thoroughly recommend Wally Hayes. His knives are outstanding and he is a pleasure to speak to and deal with.
First knife is a forged tanto in 1084 steel (quarter inch stock). 6" blade and just short of 12" overall with a really nice hamon (temper line) with utsuri (ghost temper line) above. Handle is a beautiful cord wrap (epoxied) over black same (Stingray leather) with silver dragon menuki and turks head guard. Spine is about 45RC and edge 58RC. This tanto feels a lovely handful with point of balance just forward of the guard. It is a quality piece which shows Wally's talents well and justifies why he is a Master Smith (MS). Sheath is kydex lined black nylon. A similar tanto is on Wally's front page here: http://www.hayesknives.com/menu.html
Second knife is a Hayes Tac Custom in differentially heat treated O1 steel (quarter inch stock). Blade is 7" long and handle 4 and a half giving 11.5" overall, is nicely polished and has about an inch of 'blunt serrations' as a thumb rest for a more controlled grip. Single guard is built-in and handle is again (epoxied) cord over black same and it is a great grip. The tanto is a strong influence in the tip point and it looks incredibly strong. The weight of this knife is all in your hand and it feels like I don't want to let it go. You just have to hold a knife of this quality to know the thinking and craftsmanship that has gone into it - Wally designed this knife for the Canadian Special Forces ERT. Sheath is kydex in black nylon with pouch on front for multi-tool. You can see the same knife on Wally's site:
http://www.hayesknives.com/tact.html
I have some nice photos which I would like to share if allowed (!) Again, anyone out there looking for top quality work from a man who can be trusted - I thoroughly recommend Wally Hayes. His knives are outstanding and he is a pleasure to speak to and deal with.
