Here's that Fighter I'm working on - it's the same as I've been making but with the addition of a milled groove that I then grind to. My problem is that my left elbow has problems and isn't as strong as my right one so I can't grind in a straight line! I was so mad the other night trying to get it straight with the 60-grit belt I threw the knife across the grinding room, but tonight finally got he idea to use a slower turning 220-grit belt to fix it. Here's the whole knife - 6" blade, 12" OAL: Here's the milled grooves and how straight I got the grinds: Way better than before I used the 220 but I still wish they were better. Lately I'm not happy with anything, especially this CPM D2 I'm using. It's so rough and pitted getting any kind of a finish on it takes way too much work! I have to literally run the knife blank over the 60-grit belt to take all the crap off and then start with 100-grit on the disk sander to make it look good at all. And rust? This stuff rusts like O1!
Yikes ! Valkman that's some sweet work! You've sure come a long long long long way from that Strider, the Wally Hayes videos and the soft fire brick! That's a beauty! What kind of handle you gonna put on that ?
That's a beauty, Don. I still cherish my skinners you made for me although I must confess, the Ivory macarta one got put in my display case, I just can't make myself put it to use. what do you want for one of your fighters?
I'm still trying to figure out that one - I made two that are going to Iraq and someone made the sheaths for those but I have no one to make Kydex for them yet. I can't sell them without sheaths and do have a regular leather guy but these are probably better off in Kydex, as much as I don't like the stuff. Around $250, and the next batch will be CPM D2 and it looks like some will have milled grooves! The Ironwood one was $275 and I also made a Damascus one with Snakewood that was over $300. But when I find a regular Kydex sheath maker I'll be able to give a better fixed price.
I have changed my line of knives a lot from when you guys were buying them - I no longer make the 4" hunter that I did but replaced it with the Landshark that has an integral guard. I still sell the Small Skinner as it works so well, and the Bird & Trout, and have added the Super Camp, Fighter and Recon models. Landshark - this one is Black Micarta with red liners: Super Camp in D2 - this is the 6" version: Recon also in 1/4" D2, 7" blade and 12" overall: The Landshark runs $200 and the SC and Recon are $225. I can have leather sheaths made for them for $45 extra.
Those are awesome Valkman!... I like the new lineup alot... That name "LandShark" still cracks me up when I think about it... but I guess I'm showing my age... Kydex is pretty easy to work with... why not get or make yourself a press and a cheap arbor press and make your own... there are some tricks to it but they are easy to master... an inexpensive toaster oven and heat gun will round it all out and then you're in business... all you need are the hollow rivets and you can make or buy your own attachment or belt loops.... man if you can create those beautiful knives... making just as awesome sheaths would be a breeze for you! Nice looking stuff.... glad to see you back here.... Bear
I have all the stuff to make Kydex, but I can't get it right and spend way too much time trying to make a good looking sheath. David Brown will make them but he wants a minimum order of 10!
My eyes are tearing and my nose is running. I'm Jonesen for a beautiful knife. Good thing it's only the holidays. Georgous they are. Elliott
does this come in a 5 " blade just curious as to what material you used for this handle or is this some kind of covering ?
That does come in 5" and the handle is Green Canvas Micarta. Very popular stuff. Here's a 5", the first one I made of this model:
emk, you will NOT go wrong with one of Valk's knives. His first knives were not quite what these are, but damn nice at that.
I've got a special one he made for me in my safe... I'll post a pic later on... I wanted one of his first ones... but I think someone else from this board got it... darn!
I appreciate all the comments, and it's good to see everyone again! I have some small skinners available and have some other knives coming back from the sheathmaker - if anyone needs X-Mas presents I'll have some!
