W2 and Ironwood Hunter

Chris Montgomery

Chris Montgomery

Joined
Dec 8, 2011
Messages
2,183
First a little about me. I have been making knives for a year now. I got started through a friend that is a very accomplished knifesmith, thanks Lin. I built a forge, got an anvil and have worked very hard at learning the methods and focused a lot of time on propper Heat Treat from the first heat in the forge until the knife is complete. I am looking toward JS and eventually MS and try to make each knife better than the one before.

This is the 6th knife I completed and the first one to get a Pro photo. Thanks Chuck.

Specs;
Blade, 4" forged W2
OAL, 8 1/2"
Fittings, 416SS
Finish, Hand rubbed to 400gt
Handle, Desert Ironwood
6814328477_9485523335_b.jpg


Comments, critiques and advice always welcome.
Chris
 
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Looks like you had a great teacher! Very nicely done.
Darcy:)
 
Chris, you hang in there with Lin.
Seems you have a good eye for flow.
Remember what you "saw" in your mind when you designed this knife, 'cause it was the right thing.;)
 
Thats a nice one Chris, your mark is cool too.:thumbup:
 
I really like this knife with one small suggestion/opinion.
The overall design looks really good.
I really like the guard and blade profile.
Everything fits together nicely and the knife has a nice flow to it.
But...... to me the 400 grit makes look like it is not finished yet.
On a beautiful knife like this I think it deserves a finer finish on the blade.
My opinion is that would change this knife from a really nice knife to an exceptional knife.

For knife #6, it looks fantastic.
My gut feeling is that you will be one of the new makers to watch.
 
Chris, I commented on our "Home" forum, this knife is one to be proud of and is "Way Cool" nice work Bro!

Steve
--------
Potomac Forge
ABS Apprentice
 
Thanks for all the kind comments. I really appreciate the advise too. I will probably take the next one a little higher. I did this one with the intent of it being used. I would love to see a picture of this one in a hero shot of a great elk or the likes. Would you recommend a higher finish for a field use knife?

Chris
 
Very nice hunter Chris. You have a good person to learn from with Lin. I like the overall design and the fit and finish looks good. Great job. I hope to see you in Little Rock. Thumbs up here.
Brion
 
Thanks Brion, yes Lin has been the greatest asset in my development I could ask for. I will be there as a spectator/ customer. Lin and I have talked about you and I am looking forward to meeting you and others. I have admired your work on multiple occasions, especially your Persian Fighter. I love that knife.

I also hope to have another project completed that I would like to have you and several other MS's critique for me, if you don't mind. I need to know my weaknesses to overcome them.


Chris
 
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Chris, First, this is a very nice knife, great workmanship, great ironwood, great teacher, I think the finish is fine IF it is meant to be a working knife, keep up the good work.
 
Chris Montgomery said:
Thanks for all the kind comments. I really appreciate the advise too. I will probably take the next one a little higher. I did this one with the intent of it being used. I would love to see a picture of this one in a hero shot of a great elk or the likes. Would you recommend a higher finish for a field use knife?

Chris
Click to expand...

Hey Chris - my preference would be for 600 grit. I find that a good combination of an attractive finish that is easy to maintain on a working knife. 400 wouldn't be a deal-breaker by any stretch - but given the choice, I'd go up a level.

Roger
 
weird, before I read your blurb there, I looked at the picture and Lin Rhea went through my mind although I could tell it wasn't his work due to his high level of finish. The man has a great eye for line, and if nothing else, if you pick up a little of that from him, (as it appears you have) it will no doubt serve you as well as the construction stuff that he has to teach you.
You're a lucky man to have a mentor such as Lin. He definitely knows what time it is.
 
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