Minimalist street barong/first of the new stuff for BLADE 2016

[J W Bensinger]

Working up a simplified (and easier to forge!) street barong, hopefully with the same flavor as the originals-heres the original design:
And a big one:
And here's the Minimalist, on paper and in differential hardened 5160 (also a big one):
And with a temporary 550 wrap to test the handling:
Final design will likely be a 5" blade, full height convex in 80CrV2. Also thinking about a little borderline-necker in S35VN...but have to work out HT for that and I'm not fond of the idea of sending out for HT...

 

[1066vik]

I like the looks of that -- if you want, put some plain scales on it and I'd be willing to organize and manage a passaround with it - let 10 people put it through its paces then send it back so you can get some feedback on the new handle design.

 

[J W Bensinger]

I like the looks of that -- if you want, put some plain scales on it and I'd be willing to organize and manage a passaround with it - let 10 people put it through its paces then send it back so you can get some feedback on the new handle design.

Thanks!
I'll do one in the production (5" blade) size in 80CrV2 and we'll do just that.

 

[philllll]

Hey I like that!

The smaller model looks handy but for some reason I am more drawn to the big one!

 

[cmurphy]

Ive had a hatchula for the past 5 or so years and have yet to come across a knife that makes me think I need to upgrade. This knife is doing just that.
I dont own a bunch of knives, just three that I use everyday. This thing looks awesome.

 

[J W Bensinger]

Ive had a hatchula for the past 5 or so years and have yet to come across a knife that makes me think I need to upgrade. This knife is doing just that.
I dont own a bunch of knives, just three that I use everyday. This thing looks awesome.

Thanks. I've always loved the barong. Just forged and ground two more today-a big one (same size as the proto with even more belly) and a 5", flat ground 80CrV2 version. I'll put up pics post HT mañana.

 

[J W Bensinger]

First prototype with handle scales ready for final assembly, flat ground 80CrV2 with 5" blade, and another big one with even more belly that the first-sorry for the off the grid pic:

 

[1066vik]

I'm liking the looks of this.

 

[J W Bensinger]

A 5-1/2" DH'd 80CrV2 flatground, and the big 5160 with full height convex. Black gavrolite and natural micarta, respectively.

 

[1066vik]

Pics posted on FB this afternoon -- looks good.
Once the kydex is done, it'll come to me and I'll set up the passaround.
here are the teasers:

 

[Camber]

Nice!

 

[1066vik]

Sorry - due to weather, the passaround has melted.
Both of the street Barongs Jim sent me for the passaround will be at Blade.

 

[dresnor]

Did I see this knife at the gathering Jim? I really like it!

Jeremy

 

[1066vik]

you probably saw one a lot like it, but this one has been in Ks since the SE gathering.

 

[J W Bensinger]

Did I see this knife at the gathering Jim? I really like it!

Jeremy

There was one there, but it didn't really get passed around

 

[Teppojutsu]

Nice ..

The one in the first picture underneath the black handled one speaks to me