Bootes ST
"Bootes ST" Fine Working, Collector's Custom Knife
- Size: Length overall: 7.0" (17.8 cm), Blade Length: 3.0" (7.6 cm), Thickness: .223" (5.7 mm)
- Weight: Knife: 7.0 oz. (198 grams) Sheath: 4.3 oz. (122 grams)
- Blade: 440C High Chromium Martensitic Stainless
Steel, Hardened and Tempered to Rockwell C58, hand-engraved, mirror polished
- Bolsters, Fittings: 304 Austenitic Stainless Steel, hand-engraved, mirror polished
- Handle: Polished Green Orbicular Jasper/Agate Gemstone
- Sheath: Hand-carved Leather
- Knife: Custom made for a great client, the
Bootes ST is a short (ST) version of my original Bootes pattern, named for
the constellation of The Herdsman in the northern sky. The ST has a
shorter blade and comfortably proportioned handle. My client requested the full
treatment for this very nice knife. It starts with tough and wear-resistant 440C high chromium martensitic stainless tool steel blade,
hollow ground, mirror polished, and hand-engraved with an
intersecting leaf blade pattern, which matches and fills the tight
flat area on the blade nicely. The blade is fully fileworked in a
graduated, proportional filework down the tapering tang, with a
beautiful pattern that becomes microscopic on the butt of the
handle, the narrowest part of the tang. This is one of the most
complicated and difficult filework patterns to execute well. The
knife is bolstered with zero-care 304 high nickel, high chromium
austenitic stainless steel. This is the same stainless steel used to
create high strength nuts, bolts and fasteners, and I've mirror
polished and hand-engraved the bolsters with the elegant
intersecting leaf blade pattern. Most makers would never attempt
to engrave the super hard and tough 304 and 440C, but I strive for
the very best. The bolsters are dovetailed and bed
a pair of striking Green Orbicular Jasper gemstone handle scales.
This is a very hard and tough jasper with clear areas of crystalline
agate and complicated and fascinating visual interest for a striking and unique
appeal. This hard gem is brightly polished to a glassy finish.
The knife feels great in the hand, with a light blade that will be
ready for any task asked of a small knife.
- Sheath: My client requested a horizontal
sheath, to be mounted on the left side for right hand draw. I made
this one in 9-10 oz. leather shoulder, hand-carved and dyed to match
the knife, hand-stitched with polyester sinew. The sheath has a deep
and protective face that reveals a bit of the handle for show, with
a retention welt that holds the knife in the sheath at the rear
bolster. The belt loops will accommodate either a 1.5" belt through
a single loop or a 1" belt through both loops. They will tightly
hold the sheath against the body, essential on a horizontal sheath
made for low profile.
- This is a great knife, suitable for carry, yet beautiful enough for display and investment.
Thanks, S. E.!
Jay,
I just got home from out of town and finally got to see the knife. I have read the reviews that the other
customers have written. No one can truly understand the craftsmanship and beautiful artwork that you do
until they hold one of your works of art in their own hands. This is truly one of a kind. I'm sure this
piece will be handed down from generation to generation.
Thank you Jay for such an amazing knife.
--S.
Please click on thumbnail photos