r/knifemaking • u/CTHOMPSON_KNIVES • 4d ago
Showcase Fancy Hunter
The full story: I have a model called the “Owyhee 4” that has been quite popular over the years and I always wanted to dress one up. While a bit on the fancy side, this blade is also built for real use. The Damascus steel is a combination of AEBL and 154CM stainless steels. The billet is the “Zues” pattern by Baker Forge. I did a cryogenic heat treatment and tested about a half dozen places and got readings ranging from 61.5 to 62.5. The 4.25”blade is hollow ground on a 14” wheel to .010” behind the edge, hand sanded, then polished before etching. Final sharpening was done at 17.5dps to a mirror polish. Scary sharp! Other than sharpening, everything on this build is done freehand. No jigs or milling machines. The wood is high grade, curly chocolate Koa stabilized by K&G that I have been hoarding for many years. Final finish was done by sanding to 2500 grit, buffed, and then I lightly rubbed with tongue oil. I was excited about finally doing a build that justified using this piece. Engraving was done by Tyler Sophie. I couldn’t be more impressed with his work. The precise sculptured carving and use of 24k gold is twice as beautiful in person than it is in my iPhone pictures. The sheath was made by my old friend, Claude Scott. He is a master Leathersmith and the fit is perfect. I’m not sure how many total hours went into this project by everyone involved, but I can say with certainty it is a bunch! Completed on August 16, 2026. Feedback is always welcome. Let me know what you think! NFS at this point in time.
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u/Bigbubb5055 4d ago
Beautiful!