Stuart Mitchell Deval Bushcrafter # 291

[JonathanD]

Never used since it was bought off Stu earlier this year, it's not actually a knife commissioned by me but by someone else and it is surplus to my requirements. The steel is polished 01 with Stuarts high scandi grind with highly polished and finished edge. Handles are slimmer than my own specifications and work very well and are superbly ergonomic, made from black micarta with red brick fibre liners with brass fittings. The sheath is a Dugan (Rapidboy) special with DC4 pouch and firesteel loop. Made from very thick leather, it compliments the knife really well. Looking for £275 all in.

 

[ged]

You have a deal.

 

[Woodcutter]

First refusal please if deal dosn't happen.

 

[Shewie]

That's a purdy knife

 

[JonathanD]

Cor blimey, I blinked.

 

[Alfredo]

Nice. Alfredo

 

[addo]

Looks great, love the liners, and the sheath is very handy. Good luck.

 

[JonathanD]

Ooops, forgot to mention it is SPF to Ged.

 

[ged]

It arrived this morning, and is everything Jonathan said. The sheath has a lovely lived-in look already, but the knife itself looks like it's just come out of the showroom!

I like the design even more now that I've handled it for a few minutes. It's quite a bit smaller in my hand than I was expecting, but I don't think that's an issue at all because the handle is (just) big enough and has nice smooth curves everywhere so it won't chafe. The blade reminds me a little of my favourite folder, it puts the point and the gently curved belly in just the right places. It isn't too big. I don't like too large a blade for general work and that was the only real question in my mind when I bought it without first handling it. Stu's work can't be faulted, and Jonathan has IMO come up with a classic design. Thanks both.

I'm well pleased, as you'll have gathered.

 

[JonathanD]

Hi Ged,

Glad you like it. I love Dugans leather that he uses for these knives. It's a little softer leather than most makers, but it is much thicker and looks luxurious and workmanlike at the same time. The knife is slimmer in the slabs than my own knife and possible the slimmest slabs to date on this design, but I find that they work very well for me as they are still deep due to the tang shape, I certainly wouldn't go any smaller tough personally. The smaller dimensioned full flat CF version I have isn't as deep and it isn't as comfortable for me due to that, even though the scales are wider. I doubt you'll get cramps or tiredness after prolonged use with it though, certainly not with that knife you have. Stu has yet to send me the certificate, I'll get him to send it out with my latest knife and get it to you asap. Use it in good health and pop some pics up. Be good to know your thoughts after you've spent time with it.

JD