WIP of Sheffield inspired 3 thick Sportsman's knife - Ken Erickson

Jake,
I know we're quite derailing from the thread, but...do you think Ethylene Oxide would be suitable for sterilizing a knife? Just a random thought that came to my mind :)
Ken,
this will probably not surprise you nor anyone else, but I think it's a nice thing to tell. I'm at work now, and we're not too busy (emergencies are over for the moment). So I was browsing the forum, and a colleague peeped from behind my back and saw the pictures of your WIP. So he asked me about it, and I explained him the whole thing...he is amazed. I don't know if he will become a knife enthusiast from now on, but if he does...he will owe it to you.

Fausto
:cool:
 
Ethylene Oxide is too dangerous for household use. I haven't used it and others like Frank will know much more than me about the properties of materials. Multi-bladed folding pocket knives have never been particularly sanitary. They hang out in your pocket and are difficult to thoroughly clean, especially if they have organic handle materials... wood is fairly good handle material though (if untreated). For removing a splinter, soap and then ethanol on the blade would probably be your best bet. Legal disclaimer: this post and non of my prior or subsequent posts should be taken as medical advice. ;) For general use, soap and water goes a long way. I removed glass from hand and stitches from shoulder and splinters and thorns from myself as well as my dog using small pliers multi-tools (SOG pocket power plier and Leatherman PST) since it provided more leverage than the tweezers on the Victorinox Classic (though those little guys have lots of good uses also). From the looks of Ken's tweezers, their performance will be on a similar level to his beautifully crafted knives.
 
Well, if I wanted to sterilize the tweezers, I would soak them in 100% EtOH for quite some time. that would be the best that I could do, although I would not consider something "sterilized" in that manner suitable for surgery. By the way, when in wilderness conditions, my first-aid kit includes a pair of #5 forceps.


I asked Ken for something approximating the biologie tips, but if they end up being more like the 5035 model I wouldn't complain.
And you are right--these will be impossible to replace if they get screwed up, as these tips have a tendency to do. but over the years, I have become quite good at sharpening forceps tips. Turns out that being a bit of a knife enthusiast has lots of side benefits (tell your wives!!!). One of those is having all sorts of grades of fine sharpening implements around the place, such as fine Japanese waterstones.

However, there are times that such things can't be replaced or fixed. One of the advantages of ordering a custom knife from a maker is that you can also order a spare set or two of these kind of implements, and he might just even agree.
 
I love the stuff that I learn from y'all. And not to poke the bear, but how's the decision coming on the covers, Ed?
 
Added INFO: I will be posting a few pictures of cover material that would or could be appropriate for this knife. I had told Ed that I would look for the best I can, no matter what he chooses. In the end, it will be(as it should) Ed's choice.


I got a couple of sets of white MOP in today. Of the two sets, this set in my mind, could be a possible contender. The other set while nice does not quite stack up to this one.
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Right on! MOP.

As if that knife needed to pop more than it already does.:D
 
That MOP looks amazing. I dont know why but when I first laid eyes on this knife I instantly started picturing what it would look like with some of Kens peach seed jigged bone, priceless in my opinion.
 
That MOP is incredible. Wow. This will be ridiculously cool.
 
I am not sure that Ed is going to choose pearl, but had told him that I would look for the best, be it MOP, Ivory or perhaps some other choice.

I wanted to post the scales here as a Possible choice for Ed.

I also have a line on some spectacular Gold Lip MOP.
 
Those slabs are beautiful, but I think that I'll wait till I see a pic of the gold lip alongside.
Especially since on my ipad, that while MOP looks gold to me.
All comments will be welcome, BTW.

Ken, email incoming in the next day or so.
 
I would have to ask for screws to hold the covers and ask for the pearl shown, and the best ivory possible. Both are so fine, how can one choose between them ? Ya need both. Pearl on pile, ivory on mark ? Totally u-neek.

Alcohol sterilizes as it evaporates off the surface and dehydrates bacteria to death. No need to 'prolong soak'.
roland
 
That's some amazing pearl. I'd have a hard time deciding on that one. Pearl or ivory ... win-win!
 
That is nice looking pearl, but my vote is still Ivory. It would be every single time though. When I think pearl I think of over the top sunday knife. Which is not a bad thing.
 
rprocter said:
I would have to ask for screws to hold the covers and ask for the pearl shown, and the best ivory possible. Both are so fine, how can one choose between them ? Ya need both. Pearl on pile, ivory on mark ? Totally u-neek.

Alcohol sterilizes as it evaporates off the surface and dehydrates bacteria to death. No need to 'prolong soak'.
roland
Click to expand...
Roland,
While having 2 sets of scales is a cool idea (I have a couple of customs like that) I don't think that it is feasible for me at this time.

And not to be a nitpicker, but alcohol does not kill all bacteria. Perhaps most, depending on strength and time. But definately not all. This is an empirical question, and I know the answer by observation.

I don't know how to make a knife, but I do have some expertise in other subjects, and this is one of them.
 
That pearl is outstanding. I especially like the top set due to the amount of figuring. Lots of depth and color seems a little more distinct, but both sets are stunning. I have a strong feeling that if by chance the gold lip comes close to those the choice will be made. ;)
 
Ken,
I haven't seen any further photos of your "Sportsman Knife" and I would like to see the finished result; Pearl or Ivory?
Jeff
 
Sorry for the delay guys!

The reason the knife is on hold is that I have some gold lip MOP inbound. I will shoot some pictures of the white, Ivory and gold lip together and Ed will make his final choice. That should happen in a week or two.

Thanks for everyone being patient!
 
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