Knife: The Flamesteed pattern has a good field
reputation for survival and combat, and because of the unusual and
unique lines, curve and form of this knife, I knew it was time I
made one that is beautiful enough for collection. I wanted this
Flamesteed to be impressive and unique, so I started with a high
carbon tungsten-vanadium O1 tool steel blade, hardened and tempered
to 58 Rockwell for great wear resistance and good toughness. The
blade was deeply hollow ground for an amazing belly in the knife,
with a strong trailing point that benefits from a half-length top
swage The blade is thick and strong at the spine, supporting the
anvil that drives the heavy chisel cutter at the ricasso. Also, on
the ricasso, is a deeply ground line cutter. Though the knife is
suitable for collection, it's good to know these very tough and
durable features will support field survival use easily. The tang of
the blade is fully tapered and completely hand-fileworked with my
sunrise pattern. The most striking thing about the blade is the
finish. I've mirror polished the O1, which is difficult enough due
to the vanadium carbide in the alloy, but I've also professionally
hot blued the blade for a deep, rich, black glow. This is better
than the brightest black patent leather finish, and with over an
hour of bluing bath penetration, improves corrosion resistance of
this steel considerably. The knife is bolstered with zero-care 304
high nickel high chromium austenitic stainless steel, and I
hand-engraved a deep relief border pattern to blend the dark areas
of the engraving with the blade character. The bolsters are
well-contoured and radiused for a comfortable smooth feel, and the
front bolster is lightly sculpted to accent the blade features. The
dovetailed bolsters bed a pair of bright and striking Bird's Eye
Rhyolite gemstone handle scales, polished to a glossy, glassy
finish. Rhyolite is a hard, tough, and durable gemstone, formed in
the igneous activity deep within the earth. The round orbs give this
rhyolite its name, and it's fascinating to think of what wild and
bubbling action might have created this rock millions of years ago.
The knife feels smooth and very solid in the hand, with the balance
point right at the peak of the front quillon.
Sheath: A knife this striking needed a
unique and matching sheath, so I invested considerable time making
this one just to suit. I hand-carved 9-10 oz. leather shoulder and
hand-tooled the carving of long leaves and flowers, carefully and
meticulously hand-dying the leather in successive steps to achieve
the color that matches the handle perfectly. The sheath is wide and
robust to encompass this large knife, and is carved and finished
front and back. The belt loop is stitched with double rows for added
durability, and the
knife is fully hand-stitched with polyester sinew, and sealed with a
beautiful glossy hand-buffed finish.
A gorgeous, outstanding example of knife art; a culmination of
materials, finish, and execution.
Copyright 1996-2024 by The Jay Fisher Company. All rights reserved. Federal copyright law prohibits unauthorized reproduction by any means and imposes fines up to $25,000 for each violation.
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