How many people here own and carry a hand made knife? Get them out and show them off!

This is my S.Potts knife, the discoloration is my fault from leaving it touching the leather sheath. Excellent knife.


This is my Chops, green fossil coral scales with carbon fiber bolster, full file work, and Damascus

It is my understanding that discoloration, etc is generally due to the sheath leather being tanned wrong. If it is tanned with vegetable oils, it shouldn't have a problem.

Meh, whatever the reason it doesn't effect the knife, that sucker is sharp. I call it early patina

What do you look for as a end user/collector in a handmade knife?

Dave, that isn't always the case. There are variables based off of steel type and humidity. If you put a wet stainless steel blade in a leather sheath and leave it long term it can corrode. High carbon steel blades that are not stainless are even more susceptible to this tarnish or corrosion. It is true though that some leathers ie: chrome tanned, leather will rust a blade.

Yep, this is a high carbon steal, like I said, it was my fault and I was warned of this buy the knife maker I just failed to make sure it wasn't touching.

As the end user, I look first and foremost quality blade materials and how well that will hold an edge. Then comes the dress up, I don't buy two knives that are alike. Each knife has a personality of its own. I've already planned out my next 5 knives, now I'm waiting for the bank account to catch up so I can start having them made.

A knife is generally kept in its sheath, if for no other reason - to protect the edge. Given that, why would a knifemaker knowingly use a sheath-leather process that would harm the blade?

I don't know of any makers who intentionally use leather that will harm a blade. That being said, do you store a non-stainless pistol in a leather holster? Most collectors will tell you not to. In the same way as a maker I advise my customers that if it is not going to be carried daily they should not store a high carbon steel blade in a leather sheath especially in a humid climate. Also a light coating of gun oil helps to protect against rust.

The knife came with a kydex sheath, but I requested a leather sheath knowing what could happen. I don't store my knives in the sheath unless going in my hunting bag, but that's only for a few days at a time. Then hey go in the safe, which is where this one sat for a few months touching the sheath

Griggs... You're new here, please post up some pics. There are some very high quality knife makers in this forum

Here is one I finished recently. CPM 154 stainless steel, Mammoth Ivory bolsters and Spalted Maple handle.

Here is a little wharncliff I made for another knifemaker. CPM 154 steel and Carbon Fiber for both the bolster and handle. Matte finish on the blade and hand rubbed satin finished handle.

This is a one of a kind with A2 tool steel blade, Carbon Fiber bolsters and Cholla cactus handle.

[img]https://texashuntingforum.com/forum/pics/...608081084860447[/img]

My chops mammoth tusk folder. I wouldn't take for it.

My Mike Conner

My S Potts

And lastly, my Trimble Custom

Didn't mean to leave Mike out. A Conner oosik bone skinner. Also one of my favorites.

One day, one day I will have one of his mammoth tusk folders, just have to sell a kid first

Couple of my custom knives...

I'm surprised there aren't more people sharing their handmade knives they own. Some good looking knives so far.

a couple in Elk horn.

I see the knives I make every day so it is inspiring to see other makers knives like this. Keep sharing you pics. Tell us about the performance of the knives in the field.

A few of my Customs listed top to bottom. Most of my knives are MacBrayer's

Middlebrook-Haskell
Dale White- Sweetwater
Mackey- Blanket
MacBrayer- Big Spring

Was on a hunting trip to Missouri in November and met up with Russ Kommer. He does custom knives but also does special orders for Browning.

http://www.russkommerknives.com/content/...4&Itemid=53

Here's one I recently had made by BK Knives out of a ferriers rasp and elk horn.