Vespula
"Vespula" fine handmade knife
- Size: Length overall: 14.25" (36.2 cm), Blade Length:
8.5" (21.6 cm), Thickness: .279" (7.1 mm)
- Weight: Knife: 1 lb. 3 oz. (538 grams), Sheath: 9.5 oz. (269 grams)
- Blade: 440C High Chromium Martensitic Stainless Tool Steel, Hardened
and Tempered to Rockwell C58, hollow ground and mirror polished
- Fittings/Bolsters: 304 stainless steel, mirror polished
- Handle: Polished Black Australian Nephrite Jade gemstone
- Sheath: Hand-carved leather inlaid with black glazed ostrich leg skin
- Knife: This fine handmade knife is named for
the genus of the Yellow Jacket wasp, reflected in the stinger-type double-edged blade. The
design is a
hybrid of my Treatymaker LT blade with my Patriot
handle. The blade length was extended to over 8", making the predominant feature the
double-edged blade. This is a substantial, graceful and elegant blade, ground from thick stock, over a quarter inch
at the spine. The hollow grinds are differential, one made with an 8" wheel, and
one with a 3" wheel for tight radiuses that create a very
thin and sharp cutting edge. This challenging grind leaves
substantial thickness at the center spine for great
strength. The mirror-polished hollow grinds are matched, crisp,
and bright, with gentle terminations that distribute
lateral forces on the blade, and deep choils to create a
cleanly defined inception of the razor-keen single bevel cutting
edges. The formidable blade is solidly supported by the
geometry of the handle, with a strong thumb rise on the thick
spine and deep finger grooves and canted quillons for
rigid grip security. This knife feels great in the hand,
neat and solid in either traditional or defensive grip styles. The omission of
filework makes for a solid and smooth spine
and handle. The tang is fully tapered for weight
balance, and the balance point is just in front of the
forefinger placement which gives some heft to the blade. The three matched pairs of
bolsters are constructed of thick, strong, and highly corrosion-resistant 304 austenitic high nickel-chromium stainless
steel for high durability and zero care. The rear bolsters include a
through-tang lanyard hole for additional security when
needed. The dovetailed
bolsters bed a handle of four book-matched scales of
Black Australian Nephrite Jade gemstone, one of the
toughest minerals on earth. The jade has bits of metallic
sparkle and a nice blend of deep red color for
character. The beautiful jade is brightly polished, and
will well outlast the blade. This is a very tough and durable
knife.
- Sheath: For a matching and
commensurate sheath, I went with 9-10 oz. thick leather
shoulder, dyed to a rich, deep, black cherry color to
echo the reddish hints in the jade. The sheath is
hand-carved and nests a set of 15 individual inlays of
shiny glazed black Ostrich leg skin panels in a design
that compliments the long blade and reach of the knife.
Even the large belt loop has inlays. The sheath has a clear finger cutout at the mouth to
accommodate easy unsheathing, and a full
back to protect the wearer and frame the handle for
display. The sheath is hand-stitched with polyester
sinew, lacquered, sealed, and finished.
- A striking combination worthy of the genus of the Vespula
itself.
Thanks, B.M.!
Much better in life than in the picture. Great Balance and a Fantastic double edge blade.
It has a fabulous handle and sheath.
The Black nephrite is superb. The knife is authoritative and expresses strength and dignity.
Thanks,
B.
Please click on thumbnail knife photos
