i know, I'm just pointing out the obvious. Both you guys, Clint And Alexander, make some awesome knives. I do like the drop in sheaths, perfect for the pocket. I have a couple of older German hunting knives where only the blade is covered and they dont stay on so well.
I'd had some good luck with a pocket sheath from knives ship free. It holds my Krein TK4 really well. And also has a little area for debit/credit cards. Might try for a pic later.
This one is a lard knife (not a larding knife - that's different). In the age of cast iron cookware, this knife is used to scoop lard from a container (think Crisco) and apply to the cookware to both season it and protect it from rust. Today, these knives are purchased from me for all other kinds of uses.
Made of Oak with Turquoise inlay.
Another style of Lard knife - Hickory with River Stone inlay
This one is a baker's pie knife - Hickory with River Stone inlay
This is a condiment knife - Walnut with Onyx inlay
And finally, my trade mark Letter Opener (stretching as a knife!) - Purple heart wood. 100% of the sales of this piece when ordered is contributed to The Wounded Warrior Project. The good news is that it is hard to keep these in stock!
Beautiful woodwork! And very functional too! I have made a dozen or so wooden spoons and the last one that I made for my wife was made from a Calomondin tree (a citrus similar to a Kumquat with very bitter fruit). The wood was incredibly hard and pretty difficult to whittle by hand. My latest foray into woodworking/whittling has been to make wooden chains out of a single block of wood (either 1"x1"x12" or 18" pieces or 1.5"x1.5"x12" or 18" long pieces). I have done them in zebrawood, tulipwood, cherry, cocobolo, black and white ebony and black ebony. I have a piece of bocote that I may do my next chain with. I would've never thought of doing inlays as you have done, but that idea combines two beautiful materials into functional pieces of art! Well done Sir!
Here’s what’s going on. As I explained last week, Trestle Pine Knives will be a new tang stamp that will be a line of knives that I’ve found to be practical patterns that are made to use, not sit in a display box. Some will be existing patterns that will be slightly tweaked (with useful ‘tweaks’).
Having lived the majority of my adult life in Minnesota, the northern forests and lakes country have become a part of and shaped who I am. One of the lakes in the Arrowhead of Minnesota that has filled my life with some incredible memories of fishing and the outdoors is a lake called Trestle Pine.
I first started visiting this lake about 40 years ago when the primary access was a crude single lane trail following an old railroad grade. The grade ended at a narrow channel in the lake where the remnants of an old train trestle still stands in the water. It’s a gorgeous lake surrounded by miles and miles of forest. We’ve shared this lake with family and friends creating countless memories for all of us. I can’t begin to guess how many miles I’ve paddled on that lake or how many trout were caught over the years.
The trestle and railroad grade is one of many that were built to haul logs out of the old growth forests that were being harvested in the late 1800’s. Nearly all of these short spur lines were abandoned by the early 1900’s when the forests had finally been harvested. Some of the abandoned grades became hiking trails, fire roads and provided access to remote lakes.
The logs were hauled to local sawmills for processing by rail, pulled by horses in the winter or floated on the rivers or lakes in warm weather.
I've only acquired one fixed blade knife in the last few months; but, it's a treasure. Let me digress for a moment. A few years ago I meet a talented knife maker at the Blade show. He had made a split guard knife that was a real eye catcher. I talked to him a while and found out that he was a well known blacksmith and was expanding into custom knives. Let me say that his feather Damascus was outstanding. The whole knife was awe inspiring. The next year he came to the show with more work that was equally notable (of particular note was a Scottish theme dagger). All the while I was in wonder that he was just at the journeyman level; his work was better than some MS stamp holders (in my humble opinion). I talked to other collectors about this and decided that I really wanted him to make me a Quillon dagger. He was a bit hesitant; but, with me reminding him that should he seek a Master's stamp he would have to make one anyway, he told me that he would think about it. A few months later he told me that a take down dagger had been made and was ready for me. In was out of town at the time, bless his soul, he was patient and when I got home we completed the transaction. The knife is a beauty (see the photo). The maker is David Lisch. I've only taken it apart once and had no trouble getting it back together (amazingly).
I really like the look of the handle and the blade angle on the ESEE knife. It looks like a good, comfortable working knife. Can't say much about the color; but, that's secondary in anyone's book for a tool.
Hope you like it, Steve. I figured a fixed blade would be the best choice for you. You guys do a lot of work around here, and it's nice to be able to give something back. I hope all the staff enjoy their treats. Thank you Jan, J.J. and Hog for all the awesome work you guys do around here.
I was quite impressed with the fit and finish on his knives. Not so much on the edgeholding front. But if you don't mind sharpening too much then they're not too bad for general use.
HUNTSMAN SPECIAL JAPAN HUNTER, BLACK COMPOSITION SCALES, BLADE Length:5 1/2 Inches and 11 Inches long, Tang Stamps, "THE HUNTSMAN SPECIAL 440 STAINLESS JAPAN", THE SHEATH IS MARKED MX4 MAXAM TOP GRAIN LEATHER MADE IN USA, $5.50
Buck knives are great knives. I have my first folder lock-back from 35 years ago. A good fix blade takes different shapes from one manly man to another. I saw the gearpatrol.com of which Ms. Data, thanks for that young lady, had posted. Some of the knives are great tools. My top ten fix blades to be used in the bush or woods would be a knife with a blade of 4.5 inches to 8.0 inches, with sufficient weight to be used as a chopping tool. Serration is not something I would want in my survival knife but a good sharp blade.
I just returned from the mountains backpacking and fishing. I tool my Leatherman Wave and in my backpack I had my Pro-Tech Brend #1 Combat knife. The Brend #1 Combat has a 7", .225 thick 154-CM Stainless Steel blade. This knife will do the job.
I like your choice Alexander. I have a fix blade which is very much like yours but made by Jantz Supply of Davis, OK. Keep us posted on the outcome of your testing. Thanks for the photo and post.
It kills me (as an aspiring knife maker myself) that some folks can put out a quality product and do so at such a low price point! I love it as a collector/consumer but not as a knife maker however. These folks are practically giving the knives away once you consider the material costs and the labor involved to make and assemble all of it. I'll never make a profit as a knife maker! lol!!! Guess that I'll have to learn how to speed up my production and streamline my models to tailor them to mass production if I want to compete or be content making knives for a different user group - or I'll just keep making knives just as a hobby - one that with which I occasionally make a sale to at least break even or make a slight profit. Better keep my day job I guess!!!
Boy do I understand that!! It just kills Donnie when I start wanting to buy a fixed blade LOL! I have waited for these to come out because of the uniqueness of them and because of the costs. You just cannot beat it.
Aint that the truth! I hope (as a maker speaking) that the firesteel doesn't come with it too?! Unless these knives are made in Asia somewhere I don't see how they can come close to making a profit off of them, but they seem to be a great deal for buyers! Their economy must be in mass production. I just can't figure out how they do it though. It would take me an hour or three to make the sheath and at least 4-6 hours to make the knife at a minimum. My grinds wouldn't be anywhere near as good as theirs though. Throw in etching the blades, sharpening them, stamping the leather sheaths, etc....Are these knives hand forged or done by stock removal? Whatever the case they are excellent buys!!! I'll get off my soapbox now! Hahaha!
They are stock removals Tom, made right here in the USA. The firesteel is an add on (still under 100). Greg went about this knife in a way to keep the cost low. He found his own woods, had them stabilized, cut the scales to size himself and shipped out to the maker. He truly wanted these knives to hit at under 100 and be quality. He did well !!
I see...Well you are right, Greg did a great job!!! Looks like they will be great users, EDC's or collector's. But at that price you might as well use the heck out of it and save the wear and tear on your more expensive pieces. I want one now! But my knife making list still has a bunch of stuff on it - kydex sheath making setup and some stencils for my etching machine. Plus I've got about 30 knife blanks that need to go to heat treat if I can ever get them finalized! I'll have to tell Santa about these/add them to my Christmas list!
Tom I completely agree with everything you've said. But keep in mind, these are production blades. Which means that they're probably water jetted/laser cut/bandsaw cut to profile. Which takes only seconds per blade. The steel cost (1095 is cheap) is negligable as is the heat treat when you do it in large batches.
Drilling holes for handles can be automated quite cheaply at any big machinepark and can be done very quickly.
Most time consuming is the grind (assuming that they do that by hand) and making the scales.
Sheathmaking also takes a LOT less time when you have all your leather machincut and stitched on a machine.
Seriously....with all those resources...I bet I could make a bunch of knives and spend less than 1 hour on each of them.
You'd have to do it in large batches though to spread out the cost of using expensive machinery but when done in that way I bet the actual cost per knife is <$30 in machines and material leaving a nice margin to make a profit.
If I were to make knives like this with a sheath it would cost me around 4-7 hours (very rough estimate) a piece. Depending on how many I'd have to make in a batch and depending on whether I'd have to include sheaths. Which means I'd make roughly $10 an hour........which is...ok. I guess....but not great like you said.
Advantage on what I'd make would probably be in: A nicer blade finish...(I can do a nice hand-satin finish in that time) a slightly better heat treat (I don't have to worry about 500 blades going wrong in one heat treat cycle so I can take more risk in my heat treat) and a thinner grind (Same argument as the heat treat.)
Tom, Alexander covered every area except one. The knives are all the same pattern. That makes blanking and rough handle preparation a whole lot easier. It is also very likely that the blades are machine ground. Jim
I'm a bit late on this Jeremy, but I was recently given an old (1967-1972) Buck 120. I think in those years, the 120 was made from 440C. I read that Buck switched to 425 in the '80s, and 420HC in the '90s. This one has seen some use, but is still in great shape. I haven't used it yet, myself,
Anyone have one of A.G. Russell's Shopmade California Bowies? Been looking at them longingly for some time now, and the more I look at them, the more I like them. I do like 154CM steel.
Yeah I like those too. In fact I love the look of most of A.G. Russell's shopmade line. Even more since I've had a tour of the shop and met Perry (whom I assume is) the current knifemaker in the A.G. Russell shop.
You both bring up some excellent points, many of which I hadn't given much thought to. I figured that the maker had to be doing some things in a more automated fashion or farming some things out to get prices that low though.
Howard, yeah I was lucky enough to be A.G. and Goldie's guest for a week back in 2012. Seriously...if you EVER get the chance to just visit the store and chat with A.G. (or Goldie or anyone else in the store for that matter) you'll create a memory for a lifetime.
Michael Squier
i know, I'm just pointing out the obvious. Both you guys, Clint And Alexander, make some awesome knives. I do like the drop in sheaths, perfect for the pocket. I have a couple of older German hunting knives where only the blade is covered and they dont stay on so well.
Jan 29, 2015
Graeme
I'd had some good luck with a pocket sheath from knives ship free. It holds my Krein TK4 really well. And also has a little area for debit/credit cards. Might try for a pic later.
Jan 29, 2015
Alexander Noot
Those are quite nice indeed Graeme.
Jan 29, 2015
Jan Carter
An excellent article from Knife World December 2011
Buchanan Knives
Feb 24, 2015
Lars Ray
This one is a lard knife (not a larding knife - that's different). In the age of cast iron cookware, this knife is used to scoop lard from a container (think Crisco) and apply to the cookware to both season it and protect it from rust. Today, these knives are purchased from me for all other kinds of uses.
Made of Oak with Turquoise inlay.
Another style of Lard knife - Hickory with River Stone inlay
This one is a baker's pie knife - Hickory with River Stone inlay
This is a condiment knife - Walnut with Onyx inlay
And finally, my trade mark Letter Opener (stretching as a knife!) - Purple heart wood. 100% of the sales of this piece when ordered is contributed to The Wounded Warrior Project. The good news is that it is hard to keep these in stock!
Feb 27, 2015
Alexander Noot
That's pretty cool stuff Lars, I've never thought about that. I'll have to make me one fom my own cast iron.
Mar 31, 2015
Tom Peterson
Lars,
Beautiful woodwork! And very functional too! I have made a dozen or so wooden spoons and the last one that I made for my wife was made from a Calomondin tree (a citrus similar to a Kumquat with very bitter fruit). The wood was incredibly hard and pretty difficult to whittle by hand. My latest foray into woodworking/whittling has been to make wooden chains out of a single block of wood (either 1"x1"x12" or 18" pieces or 1.5"x1.5"x12" or 18" long pieces). I have done them in zebrawood, tulipwood, cherry, cocobolo, black and white ebony and black ebony. I have a piece of bocote that I may do my next chain with. I would've never thought of doing inlays as you have done, but that idea combines two beautiful materials into functional pieces of art! Well done Sir!
Mar 31, 2015
Jan Carter
OK, I have to order a letter opener! Thank you for the commitment to great wood and WWP!
Mar 31, 2015
Jan Carter
Trestle Pine Knives Info
Here’s what’s going on. As I explained last week, Trestle Pine Knives will be a new tang stamp that will be a line of knives that I’ve found to be practical patterns that are made to use, not sit in a display box. Some will be existing patterns that will be slightly tweaked (with useful ‘tweaks’).
Having lived the majority of my adult life in Minnesota, the northern forests and lakes country have become a part of and shaped who I am. One of the lakes in the Arrowhead of Minnesota that has filled my life with some incredible memories of fishing and the outdoors is a lake called Trestle Pine.
I first started visiting this lake about 40 years ago when the primary access was a crude single lane trail following an old railroad grade. The grade ended at a narrow channel in the lake where the remnants of an old train trestle still stands in the water. It’s a gorgeous lake surrounded by miles and miles of forest. We’ve shared this lake with family and friends creating countless memories for all of us. I can’t begin to guess how many miles I’ve paddled on that lake or how many trout were caught over the years.
The trestle and railroad grade is one of many that were built to haul logs out of the old growth forests that were being harvested in the late 1800’s. Nearly all of these short spur lines were abandoned by the early 1900’s when the forests had finally been harvested. Some of the abandoned grades became hiking trails, fire roads and provided access to remote lakes.
The logs were hauled to local sawmills for processing by rail, pulled by horses in the winter or floated on the rivers or lakes in warm weather.
SEE THE PICS AND READ THE STORY HERE
Apr 29, 2015
Jim Kitchens
I've only acquired one fixed blade knife in the last few months; but, it's a treasure. Let me digress for a moment. A few years ago I meet a talented knife maker at the Blade show. He had made a split guard knife that was a real eye catcher. I talked to him a while and found out that he was a well known blacksmith and was expanding into custom knives. Let me say that his feather Damascus was outstanding. The whole knife was awe inspiring. The next year he came to the show with more work that was equally notable (of particular note was a Scottish theme dagger). All the while I was in wonder that he was just at the journeyman level; his work was better than some MS stamp holders (in my humble opinion). I talked to other collectors about this and decided that I really wanted him to make me a Quillon dagger. He was a bit hesitant; but, with me reminding him that should he seek a Master's stamp he would have to make one anyway, he told me that he would think about it. A few months later he told me that a take down dagger had been made and was ready for me. In was out of town at the time, bless his soul, he was patient and when I got home we completed the transaction. The knife is a beauty (see the photo). The maker is David Lisch. I've only taken it apart once and had no trouble getting it back together (amazingly).
Apr 29, 2015
Tom Peterson
Incredible knife!
Apr 29, 2015
elbin bunnell sr
my wife heats that i have to meany fix blades but that is what i like i've got about 200
Apr 30, 2015
Michael Squier
200, wow. Just tell her its your retirement investment.
Apr 30, 2015
Alexander Noot
David Lisch is amazing. You've got yourself a gorgeous piece right there. I'd love to see some more pictures of that.
May 1, 2015
Jan Carter
I am with Alexander, I would love to see a few more pics of that one! Congrats!!!!!!!!!!
May 1, 2015
Jan Carter
May 1, 2015
Jim Kitchens
There are some better pictures on David Lisch's Facebook page. They are much better than I could make.
May 1, 2015
Jim Kitchens
I really like the look of the handle and the blade angle on the ESEE knife. It looks like a good, comfortable working knife. Can't say much about the color; but, that's secondary in anyone's book for a tool.
May 1, 2015
Featured
Jeremy B. Buchanan
That is a great looking knife. I'll bet it is a great fit in the hand too. Hope to add an Esee to my collection someday.
May 2, 2015
tim payne
May 2, 2015
Steve Scheuerman (Manx)
Hope you like it, Steve. I figured a fixed blade would be the best choice for you. You guys do a lot of work around here, and it's nice to be able to give something back. I hope all the staff enjoy their treats. Thank you Jan, J.J. and Hog for all the awesome work you guys do around here.
May 2, 2015
Steve Scheuerman (Manx)
Shipping was much cheaper for me to send all 3 knives to Jan, and ask her to send them to you guys. Hope I chose well on the styles.
May 2, 2015
Alexander Noot
That looks like a nice knife Steve...Steves?
I was quite impressed with the fit and finish on his knives. Not so much on the edgeholding front. But if you don't mind sharpening too much then they're not too bad for general use.
May 4, 2015
tim payne
that is a grrrreat looking fixed blade hog!
May 4, 2015
tim payne
May 4, 2015
tim payne
May 4, 2015
Featured
Jeremy B. Buchanan
One of my favorite fixed blades is my Buck 119.
May 4, 2015
Featured
Charles Sample
I like the hat and the knife!
May 5, 2015
Wendell Watson
Im in with Charles. I like the hat and well you know how much I like buck. lol
Jun 15, 2015
Jan Carter
The hat does indeed compliment a great knife Jeremy
Jun 15, 2015
Ms Data
One of each please . . .
http://gearpatrol.com/2015/01/19/10-best-fixed-blade-knives/
Jul 19, 2015
Clint Thompson
Buck knives are great knives. I have my first folder lock-back from 35 years ago. A good fix blade takes different shapes from one manly man to another. I saw the gearpatrol.com of which Ms. Data, thanks for that young lady, had posted. Some of the knives are great tools. My top ten fix blades to be used in the bush or woods would be a knife with a blade of 4.5 inches to 8.0 inches, with sufficient weight to be used as a chopping tool. Serration is not something I would want in my survival knife but a good sharp blade.
I just returned from the mountains backpacking and fishing. I tool my Leatherman Wave and in my backpack I had my Pro-Tech Brend #1 Combat knife. The Brend #1 Combat has a 7", .225 thick 154-CM Stainless Steel blade. This knife will do the job.
http://www.protechknives.com/knives/switchblades/brend-1-combat.asp
Jul 19, 2015
Jan Carter
Clint,
When and where do we get to read about your trip?
Jul 19, 2015
Alexander Noot
I've got my personal EDC carry.
This coming week I'll be testing it to it's limits during a camping trip.
Jul 20, 2015
Jan Carter
Excellent Alexander, can't wait to hear about it! Have some fun and be safe
Jul 20, 2015
Clint Thompson
I like your choice Alexander. I have a fix blade which is very much like yours but made by Jantz Supply of Davis, OK. Keep us posted on the outcome of your testing. Thanks for the photo and post.
Jul 20, 2015
Jan Carter
I have been waiting for these to hit the market!
The story is here http://www.trestlepineknives.com/ and at less that 90.00 they are now available here http://shop.tsaknives.com/Trestle-Pine-Knives_c252.htm
Jul 27, 2015
Tom Peterson
Jan,
It kills me (as an aspiring knife maker myself) that some folks can put out a quality product and do so at such a low price point! I love it as a collector/consumer but not as a knife maker however. These folks are practically giving the knives away once you consider the material costs and the labor involved to make and assemble all of it. I'll never make a profit as a knife maker! lol!!! Guess that I'll have to learn how to speed up my production and streamline my models to tailor them to mass production if I want to compete or be content making knives for a different user group - or I'll just keep making knives just as a hobby - one that with which I occasionally make a sale to at least break even or make a slight profit. Better keep my day job I guess!!!
Jul 27, 2015
Jan Carter
Tom,
Boy do I understand that!! It just kills Donnie when I start wanting to buy a fixed blade LOL! I have waited for these to come out because of the uniqueness of them and because of the costs. You just cannot beat it.
Jul 27, 2015
Tom Peterson
Aint that the truth! I hope (as a maker speaking) that the firesteel doesn't come with it too?! Unless these knives are made in Asia somewhere I don't see how they can come close to making a profit off of them, but they seem to be a great deal for buyers! Their economy must be in mass production. I just can't figure out how they do it though. It would take me an hour or three to make the sheath and at least 4-6 hours to make the knife at a minimum. My grinds wouldn't be anywhere near as good as theirs though. Throw in etching the blades, sharpening them, stamping the leather sheaths, etc....Are these knives hand forged or done by stock removal? Whatever the case they are excellent buys!!! I'll get off my soapbox now! Hahaha!
Jul 27, 2015
Jan Carter
They are stock removals Tom, made right here in the USA. The firesteel is an add on (still under 100). Greg went about this knife in a way to keep the cost low. He found his own woods, had them stabilized, cut the scales to size himself and shipped out to the maker. He truly wanted these knives to hit at under 100 and be quality. He did well !!
Jul 27, 2015
Tom Peterson
I see...Well you are right, Greg did a great job!!! Looks like they will be great users, EDC's or collector's. But at that price you might as well use the heck out of it and save the wear and tear on your more expensive pieces. I want one now! But my knife making list still has a bunch of stuff on it - kydex sheath making setup and some stencils for my etching machine. Plus I've got about 30 knife blanks that need to go to heat treat if I can ever get them finalized! I'll have to tell Santa about these/add them to my Christmas list!
Jul 27, 2015
Alexander Noot
Tom I completely agree with everything you've said. But keep in mind, these are production blades. Which means that they're probably water jetted/laser cut/bandsaw cut to profile. Which takes only seconds per blade. The steel cost (1095 is cheap) is negligable as is the heat treat when you do it in large batches.
Drilling holes for handles can be automated quite cheaply at any big machinepark and can be done very quickly.
Most time consuming is the grind (assuming that they do that by hand) and making the scales.
Sheathmaking also takes a LOT less time when you have all your leather machincut and stitched on a machine.
Seriously....with all those resources...I bet I could make a bunch of knives and spend less than 1 hour on each of them.
You'd have to do it in large batches though to spread out the cost of using expensive machinery but when done in that way I bet the actual cost per knife is <$30 in machines and material leaving a nice margin to make a profit.
If I were to make knives like this with a sheath it would cost me around 4-7 hours (very rough estimate) a piece. Depending on how many I'd have to make in a batch and depending on whether I'd have to include sheaths. Which means I'd make roughly $10 an hour........which is...ok. I guess....but not great like you said.
Advantage on what I'd make would probably be in: A nicer blade finish...(I can do a nice hand-satin finish in that time) a slightly better heat treat (I don't have to worry about 500 blades going wrong in one heat treat cycle so I can take more risk in my heat treat) and a thinner grind (Same argument as the heat treat.)
Jul 28, 2015
James Cole
Tom, Alexander covered every area except one. The knives are all the same pattern. That makes blanking and rough handle preparation a whole lot easier. It is also very likely that the blades are machine ground. Jim
Jul 28, 2015
Howard P Reynolds
I'm a bit late on this Jeremy, but I was recently given an old (1967-1972) Buck 120. I think in those years, the 120 was made from 440C. I read that Buck switched to 425 in the '80s, and 420HC in the '90s. This one has seen some use, but is still in great shape. I haven't used it yet, myself,
Jul 29, 2015
Howard P Reynolds
Anyone have one of A.G. Russell's Shopmade California Bowies? Been looking at them longingly for some time now, and the more I look at them, the more I like them. I do like 154CM steel.
Jul 29, 2015
Alexander Noot
Yeah I like those too. In fact I love the look of most of A.G. Russell's shopmade line. Even more since I've had a tour of the shop and met Perry (whom I assume is) the current knifemaker in the A.G. Russell shop.
Jul 29, 2015
Howard P Reynolds
Wow! Got a tour of A.G. Russell's shop? Great!
Jul 29, 2015
Tom Peterson
Alexander & James,
You both bring up some excellent points, many of which I hadn't given much thought to. I figured that the maker had to be doing some things in a more automated fashion or farming some things out to get prices that low though.
Jul 29, 2015
Alexander Noot
Howard, yeah I was lucky enough to be A.G. and Goldie's guest for a week back in 2012. Seriously...if you EVER get the chance to just visit the store and chat with A.G. (or Goldie or anyone else in the store for that matter) you'll create a memory for a lifetime.
Aug 1, 2015