Hunter/Utility (Model L) with Chakate Preto and Ironwood

Product Description for Hunter/Utility (Model L) with Chakate Preto and Ironwood

Maker: Stuart Smith, J.S. (click to see more by this maker)
Item num: 101507
** This is handmade and one-of-a-kind **
Blade length: 4.25 in.
Cutting edge length: 4.00 in.
Total length: 9.10 in.
Blade height (at heel): 1.00 in.
Blade thickness (near bolster): 0.16 in.
Blade thickness (at midpoint): 0.16 in.
Blade thickness (near tip): 0.03 in.
Item weight: 5.00 oz.
Shipment weight: 6.8 oz.
Blade: Differentially finished 75Cr1 tool steel
Bolster: Brass
Handle: Chakate preto and ironwood
Sheath: Nordic style leather sheath
Description: Getting to meet with bladesmith Stuart Smith is always a highlight of my trips to South Africa. Smith began making knives in 2000 after he took a class with Mastersmith Kevin Harvey. Stuart was immediately hooked and quit his job working as a salesman by 2004. Only a few years after that, in 2009, Stuart began teaching classes of his own. Among his many students is Neels van den Berg. Stuart has been very active over the years in the Southern African Bladesmiths Association (SABA) and the Knifemakers Guild of Southern Africa (KGSA). Stuart became a Journeyman Smith in June 2019.
The two tone blade is hand ground 75Cr1 tool steel. This German-made carbon steel is very similar to 1075 carbon steel with additional chromium added to achieve a higher hardness during heat treatment. The result is a long lasting edge that can be easily sharpened to razor sharpness! The right ricasso features Stuart's maker mark. A Scandi-grind, preferred by bushcrafters, ensures this will be a particularly efficient cutter.
The handle is sculpted from dark toned chakate preto wood (Guibourtia conjugata). This exotic hardwood grows only in Southern Africa. It has a beautiful interlocked grain and a durability that is virtually unrivaled among hardwoods. Chakate preto is often compared to African Blackwood for its density and color. A spacer formed from Arizona desert ironwood (Olneya tesota) provides excellent contrast to the dark tone chakate preto. Ironwood is one of the most sought after exotic woods used in knifemaking. Stainless steel and black fiber spacers assist the handle adjust to humidity and temperature changes. A brass bolster completes the handle.
To protect the knife during transportation, a traditional Nordic leather sheath is included.
Excellent work throughout!


Availability: Not currently available