Wednesday, May 24, 2017
Monday, May 22, 2017
Saturday, May 13, 2017
On "tactical" knives
The question recently came up on a certain zombie forum what renders a knife as "tactical". This is something I've wanted to comment on in my blog for a while but haven't taken the time. It seemed an opportune moment to remedy that.
"Tactical" has been an over-used description for blades, tis true, but has some valid usage and I don't hesitate to use it to describe my own work.
As I see it, there are a couple different basic connotations. The first would be the original connotation, derived from the dictionary denotations such as "of or occurring at the battlefront" and "of or relating to small-scale actions serving a larger purpose". I believe, though I could be wrong, that the term was first applied in the bladed world to folding knives specifically designed for carry and usage by warfighters on the battlefront. The needs might range from cutting webbing to prying a jammed door to, in the worst-case scenario, killing an enemy combatant while locked in a grapple. Certain characteristics were needed to make it a feasible option on the modern battlefront, such as a high degree of toughness, the ability to open and possibly close one-handed, a strong lock, and materials that would continue to operate despite harsh environments. Fixed blades also picked up the moniker.
Common characteristics in both tactical folders and fixed blades are subdued coloration including blade coatings, the use of synthetic handle materials to minimize the effects of environmental conditions, a focus on designs for strength and/or fighting ability, and a carry system compatible with modern load-bearing equipment that will simultaneously provide good blade retention while allowing quick deployment.
Most of what I do these days would fall under this category of "tactical" in one way or another.
The other connotation is essentially a sub-genre of "fantasy" knife designs. Instead of the fantasy of killing dragons and rescuing scantily-clad damsels, the fantasy is somewhere on the spectrum of Rambo and Snake Eyes taking on armies of commies and terrorists. They take some of the cues from the "real" tactical knives, such as blade coatings and synthetic materials, but are much more concerned with looking cool than doing the job.
So the one is a purpose-built tool for warfighters on the front line and the other is a stylistic choice that derives from the former.
I'd consider the katzbalger I built for "Forged in Fire" to be tactical in both senses. In the first sense, I built it using the materials and techniques I do for all of my tactical knives and bush swords, with as strong a handle construction as I could come up with, using multiple redundant techniques to keep everything as solidly locked together as possible. If a warfighter wanted to carry a katzbalger on the battlefield, this is how I would build it for him.
But the absolute impracticality of carrying a katzbalger into battle these days pushes it, tongue-in-cheek, into the "fantasy tactical" realm. There are practical situations for carrying a blade, even larger blades, as part of a modern warfighter's gear, but a katzbalger is the last design I would go with.
"Tactical" has been an over-used description for blades, tis true, but has some valid usage and I don't hesitate to use it to describe my own work.
As I see it, there are a couple different basic connotations. The first would be the original connotation, derived from the dictionary denotations such as "of or occurring at the battlefront" and "of or relating to small-scale actions serving a larger purpose". I believe, though I could be wrong, that the term was first applied in the bladed world to folding knives specifically designed for carry and usage by warfighters on the battlefront. The needs might range from cutting webbing to prying a jammed door to, in the worst-case scenario, killing an enemy combatant while locked in a grapple. Certain characteristics were needed to make it a feasible option on the modern battlefront, such as a high degree of toughness, the ability to open and possibly close one-handed, a strong lock, and materials that would continue to operate despite harsh environments. Fixed blades also picked up the moniker.
Common characteristics in both tactical folders and fixed blades are subdued coloration including blade coatings, the use of synthetic handle materials to minimize the effects of environmental conditions, a focus on designs for strength and/or fighting ability, and a carry system compatible with modern load-bearing equipment that will simultaneously provide good blade retention while allowing quick deployment.
Most of what I do these days would fall under this category of "tactical" in one way or another.
The other connotation is essentially a sub-genre of "fantasy" knife designs. Instead of the fantasy of killing dragons and rescuing scantily-clad damsels, the fantasy is somewhere on the spectrum of Rambo and Snake Eyes taking on armies of commies and terrorists. They take some of the cues from the "real" tactical knives, such as blade coatings and synthetic materials, but are much more concerned with looking cool than doing the job.
So the one is a purpose-built tool for warfighters on the front line and the other is a stylistic choice that derives from the former.
I'd consider the katzbalger I built for "Forged in Fire" to be tactical in both senses. In the first sense, I built it using the materials and techniques I do for all of my tactical knives and bush swords, with as strong a handle construction as I could come up with, using multiple redundant techniques to keep everything as solidly locked together as possible. If a warfighter wanted to carry a katzbalger on the battlefield, this is how I would build it for him.
But the absolute impracticality of carrying a katzbalger into battle these days pushes it, tongue-in-cheek, into the "fantasy tactical" realm. There are practical situations for carrying a blade, even larger blades, as part of a modern warfighter's gear, but a katzbalger is the last design I would go with.
Thursday, May 11, 2017
BLADE SHOW 2017, Price Announcement
In spite of my best intentions to get an early start on getting ready for the Blade Show, I find myself pushing hard to get a good showing ready in time, as usual. I have two tables (26R) again this year, and if I can get everything finished up in time I will have them overflowing.
I wanted to drop a quick line to say that I am going to be raising the prices on my forged work after Blade. This is something I've contemplated for a while, and it's overdue. It has nothing to do with my victory on Forged in Fire. My prices have been pretty static for the last couple of years (although the Price Guide has been in need of an update, the prices I have quoted to customers in correspondence has been consistent). I make working pieces, nothing fancy, but there are several factors behind it.
For one thing, the dollar don't buy what it used to when I started out. :) Materials cost more, shipping costs more. For another, I have become a more-established maker. I'm not an unknown factor, I have some very good repeat customers for whom I am grateful. As a craftsman establishes a reputation for producing good work, they tend to charge more than their juvenile efforts brought.
And that is really where the main reason comes into play: I make a better product than I used to. I have spent a great deal of time, effort, and aggravation trying to make a tool that will serve its owner well for a lifetime. I have had very positive feedback from customers who have used the heck out of their blades and have been quite happy with them. The only thing that really seems to aggravate some folks is how blasted long it takes me to get their blade finished and to them sometimes, for which I cannot blame them.
So the main reason is not inflation or fame (such as it is; a guy at the junkyard recognized me from Forged in Fire the other day!), but for an improved product.
I'm trying to get my mid-tech/stock removal line to a feasible production level to meet customers' desire for my more popular designs, and their prices will be more in line with my current work. Most of the designs are based on those that I've forged a lot, though as time goes on I hope to introduce all new designs into the lineup. I have a big list of things I want to do with the mid-tech line!
I'm not yet sure how much the increase will be. I am making working tools as simply as I can figure out how to while delivering excellent performance and ergonomics. I don't need to charge what makers building knives with a high degree of embellishment do.
If you already have an order with me, your price will be what I have already quoted you. Any inventory left after the Blade Show (and there always is inventory left, I take a *lot* of inventory!) will be the same price it was at the show. I'm still not taking new orders for forged work unless you are active duty military, law enforcement, or first responders. But when I do take new orders, or when I make something that is not intended for a particular customer, it will be more after Blade 2017 than before.
Ok, enjoy some pictures of what I have in progress for my tables at Blade 2017!
All forged blades are 80CrV2 steel and will receive various cord wraps for handles. All stock removal knives are 3/16" 80CrV2 and will have TeroTuf handles. The stock-removal tomahawks (I pick up the blanks tomorrow from the waterjetter) are 1/4" 4140 and will have TeroTuf handles.
Small forged blades:
Mid-tech Little Roks:
Mid-tech mini-parangs:
This variation on a sinuous bush sword will be my donation piece for Knife Rights:
And this post-nuclear barbarian sword, with a 21" blade and 33" overall length, will be my centerpiece.
I wanted to drop a quick line to say that I am going to be raising the prices on my forged work after Blade. This is something I've contemplated for a while, and it's overdue. It has nothing to do with my victory on Forged in Fire. My prices have been pretty static for the last couple of years (although the Price Guide has been in need of an update, the prices I have quoted to customers in correspondence has been consistent). I make working pieces, nothing fancy, but there are several factors behind it.
For one thing, the dollar don't buy what it used to when I started out. :) Materials cost more, shipping costs more. For another, I have become a more-established maker. I'm not an unknown factor, I have some very good repeat customers for whom I am grateful. As a craftsman establishes a reputation for producing good work, they tend to charge more than their juvenile efforts brought.
And that is really where the main reason comes into play: I make a better product than I used to. I have spent a great deal of time, effort, and aggravation trying to make a tool that will serve its owner well for a lifetime. I have had very positive feedback from customers who have used the heck out of their blades and have been quite happy with them. The only thing that really seems to aggravate some folks is how blasted long it takes me to get their blade finished and to them sometimes, for which I cannot blame them.
So the main reason is not inflation or fame (such as it is; a guy at the junkyard recognized me from Forged in Fire the other day!), but for an improved product.
I'm trying to get my mid-tech/stock removal line to a feasible production level to meet customers' desire for my more popular designs, and their prices will be more in line with my current work. Most of the designs are based on those that I've forged a lot, though as time goes on I hope to introduce all new designs into the lineup. I have a big list of things I want to do with the mid-tech line!
I'm not yet sure how much the increase will be. I am making working tools as simply as I can figure out how to while delivering excellent performance and ergonomics. I don't need to charge what makers building knives with a high degree of embellishment do.
If you already have an order with me, your price will be what I have already quoted you. Any inventory left after the Blade Show (and there always is inventory left, I take a *lot* of inventory!) will be the same price it was at the show. I'm still not taking new orders for forged work unless you are active duty military, law enforcement, or first responders. But when I do take new orders, or when I make something that is not intended for a particular customer, it will be more after Blade 2017 than before.
Ok, enjoy some pictures of what I have in progress for my tables at Blade 2017!
All forged blades are 80CrV2 steel and will receive various cord wraps for handles. All stock removal knives are 3/16" 80CrV2 and will have TeroTuf handles. The stock-removal tomahawks (I pick up the blanks tomorrow from the waterjetter) are 1/4" 4140 and will have TeroTuf handles.
Small forged blades:
Large forged blades:
Mid-tech Little Roks:
Mid-tech Benghazi Warfighters:
Mid-tech mini-parangs:
This variation on a sinuous bush sword will be my donation piece for Knife Rights:
And this post-nuclear barbarian sword, with a 21" blade and 33" overall length, will be my centerpiece.
Hope to see as many of y'all as possible at the show, and hope the rest of y'all keep your eye on the website to get your hands on what comes back home with me. :D Thanks!
Thursday, May 4, 2017
Tantos and Bush Swords
I had a couple of finished up tantos go out to a good customer recently. He's been waiting for the shorter one for a while, and picked up the longer one, which I had forged as a demo of using my power hammer dies, when I posted as available on Instagram. The shorter one is forged from 80CrV2, with a 9 1/2" blade. The longer one is 5160, with a 12 1/2" blade.
I did a bit of a variation on my usual wrap with these, matching a wrap I had done on a chopper for him last year. Over a foundation of neoprene is an underlay wrap of white bleached hemp cord, with tan paracord for the overlay. And, of course, tan Kydex.
He sent me a video of him hacking up a large pumpkin with the longer tanto. Made short work of it. :)
And this bush sword was one that I had forged a while back and had the customer disappear on me. It was kicking around the shop for a while until another customer bought it as his first custom blade. It's forged from 5160, with a blade length of around 15" - 16" and an integral socket handle.
I had made a Kydex sheath for it, but the customer also got a leather sheath with baldric rig for it from fellow knifemaker Luke Swenson.
Nice little detail on the leather, Luke!
I did a bit of a variation on my usual wrap with these, matching a wrap I had done on a chopper for him last year. Over a foundation of neoprene is an underlay wrap of white bleached hemp cord, with tan paracord for the overlay. And, of course, tan Kydex.
And this bush sword was one that I had forged a while back and had the customer disappear on me. It was kicking around the shop for a while until another customer bought it as his first custom blade. It's forged from 5160, with a blade length of around 15" - 16" and an integral socket handle.
And a couple more bush swords in 80CrV2 steel, with integral socket handles, black paracord, and 16" blades.
And black Kydex.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
