The design is finished.

[Dougster]

After having a bit of a downer this week, I've concentrated on this.

It really is fantastic. Stuart hasn't seen these pics yet, but he has achieved perfection, the handling job is mine, because I have really wierd comfort tolerances and know how to get them. The handle is comfy in a range of holds, stupidly so in fact, and the blade is fabulous. It's a convex, but seems fine and immensely strong - just the right grind.

Stuart is without doubt a knifemaker of genius. He did this off a pencil sketch with numbers for dimensions.:notworthy

It's very deep, which will help with batoning, it's bead blasted, so I don't get sun glare and tufnol handles which nothing will bother. The bolts are brass and stainless, the 9mm lanyard hole brass.

I've just done some feather sticks and it ain't even proper sharp yet, this weekend it will tackle the three brace of pheasant hanging in my shed a week (time to start treating the dog too).

This already has confirmed itself as my main user, it's off for kydex soon, and I'm about to get cracking on the leather sheath, Jedediah gets first play with it on 9th Dec.

 

[Salix]

Very nice Dougster, a pinch at under £450 ?

 

[Dougster]

Just a tad Rangerman.

Be under no illusion though, the blade cost more than the total of any of my other knives so far. Worth every penny of it.

 

[Salix]

Well however much it cost, it's a mighty fine looking knife, and im sure that because it's a one off design for you, you will treasure it greatly.

Mark

 

[British Red]

Lovely looking knife there Rich. I'm sure you are as pleased as I have been with Stus work. I must admit, I think his work is very cheap when you think about the quality you get!

Red

 

[Dougster]

I wouldn't say cheap Red, I'd say excellent value for money, and I have to repeat, worth every penny. This blade is made from a very hard steel and was no doubt an utter pig to get right.

Stu's work is fantastic, you aren't buying a mora, so if you occasionally pop out and make a featherstick then it's not something you should maybe aim to own. They arrive perfect and his expertise has turned my sketch (and that's what it was) into all I wanted when it was in my head. I will pay people like Stu, in whatever field they specialise in, for their skill, their knowledge and the level of their service.

For me, this is just about the perfect outdoor tool. The overall experience has been worth paying double what I did.

 

[Salix]

I wouldn't say cheap Red, I'd say excellent value for money, and I have to repeat, worth every penny. This blade is made from a very hard steel and was no doubt an utter pig to get right.

Stu's work is fantastic, you aren't buying a mora, so if you occasionally pop out and make a featherstick then it's not something you should maybe aim to own. They arrive perfect and his expertise has turned my sketch (and that's what it was) into all I wanted when it was in my head. I will pay people like Stu, in whatever field they specialise in, for their skill, their knowledge and the level of their service.

For me, this is just about the perfect outdoor tool. The overall experience has been worth paying double what I did.

Dougster you hit the nail right on the head, it's an outdoor tool, an excellently crafted, specialist, well designed, individual tool.

A one off !

Mark

 

[JonathanD]

They arrive perfect and his expertise has turned my sketch (and that's what it was) into all I wanted when it was in my head. I will pay people like Stu, in whatever field they specialise in, for their skill, their knowledge and the level of their service.

For me, this is just about the perfect outdoor tool. The overall experience has been worth paying double what I did.

That is exactly how I feel with mine Dougster. From sketch to reality, it is perfect. That goes for yours too

 

[Jedadiah]

Fella, you must be real pleased. It looks great and i would be honoured to have a hold on the 9th Dec when we all meet up. I don't think i'll be tempted to use it as i am always terrified when holding someone elses knife, especially one as nice (and expensive) and personal as this one. All i can say is lovely, and as Lupo's new scales will be finished by then, i'd apprecate it if you swept your critical eye over it for me. Cheers Buddy, many thanks.

 

[topknot]

I like the Tufnol handle. I would not mind 50p a piece for all the tufnol inside switch gear i have binned in the past. I have seen old factory sparks with tool handle made from it.
Topknot

 

[Dougster]

I don't think i'll be tempted to use it as i am always terrified when holding someone elses knife, especially one as nice (and expensive) and personal as this one. .

Go for it - you ain't gonna break this thing.

 

[Ben Trout]

Beauty. The amount of tufnol that gets chucked out at work I shall have to start saving usable bits. Have you put any treatment on the handle? Excellent work both of you.

 

[Shewie]

Very nice indeed Rich

 

[Dougster]

Beauty. The amount of tufnol that gets chucked out at work I shall have to start saving usable bits. Have you put any treatment on the handle? Excellent work both of you.

No treatment - just polished, there isn't any white contrast in the grain anymore.

I notice you are quite close, we should go for a walk in the woods and you can tell me your thoughts on it.

 

[topknot]

Hi,
Made this one up years ago ,you can see by the green on the brass guard.
The blade is a Brusletto and the handle is made from Tufnol and brass.

sorry about the pics
Cheers Topknot.