Those of you who know me...or have looked through my photos, know that I have some custom fixed blade knives made by Randy Haas/HHH Knives. They are all extraordinarily beautiful, well-made knives. In particular, their artistic qualities are outstanding. Randy's work is "out of this world" and quite unique.

The custom knife process is very different from what a buyer goes through when choosing a production knife. A lot more thought, discussion and "idea cooking" is required to refine the design. Sometimes those concepts evolve as the knife is being made. Suffice it to say that it is a fascinating process.

The knife shown in this photo is a custom folder that Randy recently completed for me. At the beginning of the process, we were trying to create a folding knife whose core design was derived from the Chopper that Randy made for me last year. If you look at the photo I've posted for the Chopper, you can see some of the folder's influence:

* Green Birch Burl handle scales. I really love this material. It has a depth and "movement" to it like no other material I've seen. Also, the handle shape on both knives is very organic and has a particularly ergonomic "flow".

* Damascus steel blade. While the patterns are different (both blade shape and Damascus layers), the two knives share this affinity.

* The use of mosaic pins.

* Vine design file work. On the Chopper, this is on the blade tang. On the folder, it's located on the steel liners.

While there definitely are some "similarities", ultimately, the folding knife took on a personality very much it's own. The differences:

* Steel bolsters with custom engraving (this photo doesn't begin to do this feature justice; it is extremely cool in person). The Chopper has Ebony bolsters.

* The use of black spacers between the steel bolsters, steel file worked liners and the birch scales.

* The blade shape. While this is a drop point, it has spear point influences...and an almost tactical shape. This is quite different from the Chopper's more organic shape.

* Green gemstones for the button lock and on the thumbstuds.

* The finish on the Green Birch Burl handle scales. The folder has a satin finish...which is a much softer looking (and feeling) top coat. The Chopper has a glossy finish. The sheen on the Chopper does add to the refractive depth of the wood's natural grain pattern.

This knife is a button lock. The button locking system can be a "tricky" one, though I happen to really love the mechanical aspect it lends to a folding knife. The button lock on this knife is very different from the other button locks in my collection; it not only serves to "lock" the blade in position when fully opened, it also holds it closed. To open the knife, I press the button lock, releasing the blade, and use a wrist snap to fully deploy it. Or...for a slower opening, I just barely move my wrist to get the blade "started" and then I use the thumbstuds to do the rest.

The folder feels outstanding in the hand. It's shape just seems to really fit my paws nicely. Technically, this is a larger MEDIUM-sized folder...at 8 1/8" overall (the blade is 3 3/8" long). It is neither too thick, nor too thin; or as Goldilocks would say, "It's just right!). The steel liners have the same vine file work design that the Chopper has...and it is immaculately done! The liners aren't skeletonized, so the knife has a little more "heft" to it...which, since I'm built like a bear, appeals to me.

As incredible as Randy's work was on the Fighter, the Chopper and the customized KaBar...the workmanship on this folding knife is even BETTER. Quite literally, every time I touch this knife, I'm blown away...and that is the hallmark of a truly special knife.

All good knife designs deserve a name. Given that this knife has a personality all it's own, I can't call it a "Mini Chopper". So, I've dubbed it "Greenthorne"!