- Joined
- Jan 25, 2000
- Messages
- 4,492
While many of you have seen the work from Kwong Yeang, aka "Jason Cutter", I just couldn't resist sharing my recently acquired Firestorm II. I just find these knives fascinating as the wild material choices provide many textures and contrasts for which the eye can feed.
The blade is approx 5" of forged 1095 that was sourced from an old Wiltshire file. The blade starts out approx. 7/32" at the guard and is distally tapered forward of the top edge. The blade is heat treated with a clay backed edge quench/deep freeze/double tempering process that results in an extrmely crisp hamon. The knife arrived with very nice grinds and is ground to a pleasingly thin, sharp edge. The knife definitely focuses more on the pure cutting end of the spectrum rahter than in the overbuilt one. All in all, the blade shows quite a bit of character and is a pleasure to behold.
The handle is quite interesting with lots to draw the eye. The double guard is made from black linen Micarta backed up with a natural Micarta spacer sandwiched between red/white/blue fiber washers. The handle consists of a beautifully mortised handle of stabilized Australian desert burl which looks very nice. The stainless fittings have been carved with Jason's signature "star" pattern and the front side of the knife features an inlaid Australian Opal that shimmers and catches the eye as the light is reflected. While certainly looking good, the handle also feels great, as does the whole knife. Balance is right on the index finger. Worth mentioning is the fact that the tang on this knife never narrows to less than 1/2" and is over 4 inches long. This is a stout knife by measure.
A beautiful boot clip sheath was provided which featured brown python skin overlay and rides high and tight on the belt. The sheath was also done in-house and is very well constructed and finished. It is really a nice mate to the knife.
I am really looking forward to carrying and using this knife. It is a super package IMO, and in lieu of it's competetive pricing, a real bargain. As a bonus, Jason also sent a CD of various shots of the completed knives (I also received an Imperial Kodzuka) and some shots of them being built. Quite informative and interesting and a really nice touch. I have attached some pics provided from the CD. This was my first experience with an overseas maker, but won't be my last. The quality of the knives, the value they represent and the whole experience of this transaction has me wanting to do it again.
The blade is approx 5" of forged 1095 that was sourced from an old Wiltshire file. The blade starts out approx. 7/32" at the guard and is distally tapered forward of the top edge. The blade is heat treated with a clay backed edge quench/deep freeze/double tempering process that results in an extrmely crisp hamon. The knife arrived with very nice grinds and is ground to a pleasingly thin, sharp edge. The knife definitely focuses more on the pure cutting end of the spectrum rahter than in the overbuilt one. All in all, the blade shows quite a bit of character and is a pleasure to behold.
The handle is quite interesting with lots to draw the eye. The double guard is made from black linen Micarta backed up with a natural Micarta spacer sandwiched between red/white/blue fiber washers. The handle consists of a beautifully mortised handle of stabilized Australian desert burl which looks very nice. The stainless fittings have been carved with Jason's signature "star" pattern and the front side of the knife features an inlaid Australian Opal that shimmers and catches the eye as the light is reflected. While certainly looking good, the handle also feels great, as does the whole knife. Balance is right on the index finger. Worth mentioning is the fact that the tang on this knife never narrows to less than 1/2" and is over 4 inches long. This is a stout knife by measure.
A beautiful boot clip sheath was provided which featured brown python skin overlay and rides high and tight on the belt. The sheath was also done in-house and is very well constructed and finished. It is really a nice mate to the knife.
I am really looking forward to carrying and using this knife. It is a super package IMO, and in lieu of it's competetive pricing, a real bargain. As a bonus, Jason also sent a CD of various shots of the completed knives (I also received an Imperial Kodzuka) and some shots of them being built. Quite informative and interesting and a really nice touch. I have attached some pics provided from the CD. This was my first experience with an overseas maker, but won't be my last. The quality of the knives, the value they represent and the whole experience of this transaction has me wanting to do it again.
hehe BTW it's a real beauty Jamie!
Cheers. Jason.
