Sharp & Fiery
Leatherworks, Kydex/Holstex/Boltaron, Mods -Canada
Moderator
Knifemaker / Craftsman / Service Provider
- Joined
- May 14, 2012
- Messages
- 9,446
Happy Saturday to the BF folks,
Today I have a wonderful custom from
jjsmith
to review.
I have trouble trying to figure out where to start, so I will just dive right in!
When I first looked at the sales thread (I have been monitoring JJ for a while now), I thought that this knife would be in the same proportions as a DEK1. I was pleasantly surprised that it is slimmer!!
This is a W2 carbon steel knife, 1/8” bladestock, with tapered tang. I love a tapered tang, and it helps balance this knife well. With an overall length of a hair under 8” and a useable blade length of 3 3/8”, this is very easily carried on the belt everyday.
JJ’s hamon’s are absolutely stunning and the photo’s do not do it justice. The contrast between the “greys” on the blade, and the dark hamon just cause a smile on my face. The grinds are perfectly symmetrical and excellently executed. I’m generally not a fan of harpoon style blades, but JJ’s is so subtle and is terminated at the exact right spot to work as a very useable thumb ramp, that I just couldn’t pass this one up.
When looking at knives in the custom for sale section, I always pay close attention to the tip of the knife. For the most part, any maker who pays attention to the tip coming to an acute point generally finishes the rest of the details on the knife with close attention also. This harpoon tip from JJ, is executed with machine perfection, having the harpoon and the main edge come to a very sharp and pointed tip. His edges also come wickedly sharp and are not left wanting. Even the secondary bevels match!
JJ has adorned the handle with moccha paper micarta and a crosscut black micarta liner. These two join together so well that it just looks like the moccha micarta fades to black…absolutely gorgeous.
As carbon steel blades are prone to patina, choosing to use copper pins was a great idea. I will appreciate the patina on both the blade and pins in years to come.
The scales are subtly shaped and just melt into my hand. The polished finish on the moccha paper micarta scales is museum quality, all the way. I am beyond impressed with how JJ shaped the scales. I will let a photo do the talking. The full width of the assembled knife handle is 1/2”.
Another point of mention is the butt of the knife. It flairs out just enough to hold the blade from slipping, yet not even notice it is there.
The beautiful lines on this knife, the stunning scales, the wonderful hamon line and the painstaking attention to detail prompted me to make a custom sheath, that would do it justice, right away (within 3 days of knifes arrival) and it has been on my hip ever since.
I cannot say enough wonderful things about JJ‘s skill and the beauty of his customs. I am already pining for another, and I think anyone who passes on his knives is missing out on a diamond in the rough.
If you are a carbon steel fan and appreciate attention to detail, you cannot go wrong with one of JJ’s customs. Fully capable of slicing, a sharp edge, acute tip and comfortable in hand, his knives are worth every cent.
Hope you all enjoyed…I’m off to see if he has posted anything new. Lol.
Excellent job, JJ.
Photo for size comparison purposes:
Today I have a wonderful custom from
jjsmith
to review.I have trouble trying to figure out where to start, so I will just dive right in!
When I first looked at the sales thread (I have been monitoring JJ for a while now), I thought that this knife would be in the same proportions as a DEK1. I was pleasantly surprised that it is slimmer!!
This is a W2 carbon steel knife, 1/8” bladestock, with tapered tang. I love a tapered tang, and it helps balance this knife well. With an overall length of a hair under 8” and a useable blade length of 3 3/8”, this is very easily carried on the belt everyday.
JJ’s hamon’s are absolutely stunning and the photo’s do not do it justice. The contrast between the “greys” on the blade, and the dark hamon just cause a smile on my face. The grinds are perfectly symmetrical and excellently executed. I’m generally not a fan of harpoon style blades, but JJ’s is so subtle and is terminated at the exact right spot to work as a very useable thumb ramp, that I just couldn’t pass this one up.
When looking at knives in the custom for sale section, I always pay close attention to the tip of the knife. For the most part, any maker who pays attention to the tip coming to an acute point generally finishes the rest of the details on the knife with close attention also. This harpoon tip from JJ, is executed with machine perfection, having the harpoon and the main edge come to a very sharp and pointed tip. His edges also come wickedly sharp and are not left wanting. Even the secondary bevels match!
JJ has adorned the handle with moccha paper micarta and a crosscut black micarta liner. These two join together so well that it just looks like the moccha micarta fades to black…absolutely gorgeous.
As carbon steel blades are prone to patina, choosing to use copper pins was a great idea. I will appreciate the patina on both the blade and pins in years to come.
The scales are subtly shaped and just melt into my hand. The polished finish on the moccha paper micarta scales is museum quality, all the way. I am beyond impressed with how JJ shaped the scales. I will let a photo do the talking. The full width of the assembled knife handle is 1/2”.
Another point of mention is the butt of the knife. It flairs out just enough to hold the blade from slipping, yet not even notice it is there.
The beautiful lines on this knife, the stunning scales, the wonderful hamon line and the painstaking attention to detail prompted me to make a custom sheath, that would do it justice, right away (within 3 days of knifes arrival) and it has been on my hip ever since.
I cannot say enough wonderful things about JJ‘s skill and the beauty of his customs. I am already pining for another, and I think anyone who passes on his knives is missing out on a diamond in the rough.
If you are a carbon steel fan and appreciate attention to detail, you cannot go wrong with one of JJ’s customs. Fully capable of slicing, a sharp edge, acute tip and comfortable in hand, his knives are worth every cent.
Hope you all enjoyed…I’m off to see if he has posted anything new. Lol.
Excellent job, JJ.
Photo for size comparison purposes:
