Raptor
"Raptor" Custom Karambit (Kerambit)
- Size: Length overall: 10.5" (26.7 cm), Blade Length: 5.75" (14.6 cm), Thickness: .254" (6.5 mm)
- Weight: Knife: 10.2 oz. (289 grams) Sheath: 5.2 oz. (147 grams)
- Blade: CPM154CM High Molybdenum Powder Metal Technology Martensitic Stainless Tool Steel, Cryogenically Treated, Hardened and Tempered to 60.5 HRC
- Bolsters, Fittings: 304 Austenitic Stainless Steel
- Handle: Lapis Lazuli Gemstone, Peru
- Sheath: Hand-carved leather shoulder inlaid with Caiman skin
- Knife: The Raptor is a striking form, a
kerambit (or karambit) that is based on a 16th century rice
harvesting sickle, adapted into a modern form and weapon. This
Raptor is custom made for a great client, to his specifications. The
blade is CPM154CM high molybdenum martensitic stainless steel.
This is modern powder metal technology steel, created as a finely
powdered mass fused into a solid bar with no segregation or density
variation of the alloy components. I've employed deep cryogenic
treatment at -325°F with additional deep thermal cycling at -325°F
for the ultimate in high wear resistance with high toughness this
steel offers. This radical and extensive heat treating process
creates the maximum carbide precipitation, maximum transformation of
martensite, deep thermal cycling and compression, and quite simply,
makes this steel the very best it can possibly be. The steel is
brightly mirror polished throughout, and the convex profile edge is
hollow ground with a 3" contact wheel for a thick spine but a razor
thin cutting edge. The concave edge has a thick taper grind, for a
durable, strong edge well supported by the spine of the knife. This
is a very difficult knife grind to do well; most karambits seen are
only single-edged. The blade has full vine filework for some
distinctive handmade beauty, and the rear finger ring is polished
throughout for smooth contact. The spine is fully tapered for
strength, yet enough thickness is left in the persuader point for
durability. This is a very tough steel, with high molybdenum,
critical in such a slender grind form. I bolstered the knife with
zero-care high nickel, high chromium 304 stainless steel bolsters,
the same material that is used to make stainless nuts, bolts, and
fasteners. The bolsters are contoured rounded, polished, and
finished for comfort, and are dovetailed to bed a pair of striking
gemstone handle scales. This is Peruvian Lapis Lazuli, with
extremely bold blues, whites, and bits of gold-colored pyrites. It's
a tough rock (not a mineral but a group of minerals) and has much
more distinctive character than the uniform blue of Lapis from
Afghanistan. The striking knife feels comfortable and solid in
locked in both
forward and reverse grip with the thumb draped over the rise at the
persuader on the finger ring.
- Sheath: The sheath was made to compliment the
knife, and my client requested Caiman skin inlays. I chose black
glazed Caiman side, and hand-carved 9 - 10 oz. leather shoulder for
large inlay pockets in the front, back and the wide belt loop. The
sheath is dyed a deep mocha brown, and the Caiman is black glazed. I
made the folding flap of the sheath to hide the striking gemstone
handle scale, for a bold display hiding beneath. The snap is nickel
plated steel, and the sheath is stitched with black nylon and sealed
with acrylic.
- A wild, bold, and beautiful custom karambit with a curvaceous
double-edged blade in premium steel and finesse.
Thanks, A. F.!
Jay,
The knife was absolutely beautiful, pictures can't do it justice! The "Raptor" is a surprisingly light knife when in
the hand and leads to quick maneuverability regardless of hand position. Despite the light and quick feel, the spine
is substantial and in no way feels weak or fragile. As usual, the fit and finish is perfect and the grinds are beyond
description! The Lapis inlay really sets the knife apart with the particles of pyrite and other minerals.
The sheath looks SO much better in person! The brown against the black caiman inlays both front AND back
compliment each other beautifully! In summation, this knife is now the pinnacle of my growing collection of Jay
Fisher knives!
Thank you,
A.
Please click on thumbnail knife photos