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Materials and Finishes
D-2 Tool Steel
Of all the steels that I have worked with over the
past 35 years, none have stood out like D-2. I have used it, almost
exclusively for over 30 years. D-2 is an amazing, all American tool
steel that offers unparalleled performance for the type of knives that
I craft.
All of my knives are individually heat-treated in my
shop, by me personally, to ensure that each and every blade gets the
attention that it deserves. My in-house heat-treat protocol involves a
proprietary triple tempering process that greatly refines the grain
structure and allows for a durable, long-lasting edge. My D-2
blades have a hardeness of 59-61 Rc
Handle Materials
Most of my knives feature natural handle materials
and there are very few of these materials that I have yet to
encounter over the past 35 years. I make it a practice to pay
close attention to the individual characteristics of the particular
handle material being used. I work all ivory and bone slowly, and by
hand, instead of with heat generating grinders, in order to ensure that
checking will be at a minimum. Likewise, all woods, bone, horn, antler,
and ivory are kept in a humidity controlled environment in order to
control swelling and shrinking caused by excessive moisture.
I recommend Micarta handles for knives that will see
heavy use/abuse. Micarta has been proven over the years to be one of
the finest handle materials for high impact applications.
Guards and Bolsters
I use a variety of guard and bolster materials
including: Nickel Silver, Pure Silver, Gold, Brass, Mokume, Copper,
Bronze, etc. . . .
Blade Finishes
I prefer naked steel for most of the knives I make.
Therefore, High Polish, Satin, and Bead Blast are among my favorites.
Coatings are available, but I only recommend them for tactical style
blades or knives that will be subjected to heavy salt water
applications where the extra protection could prove to be most valuable.
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