Oosic Artifact Forge Finish Skinner

Product Description for Oosic Artifact Forge Finish Skinner

Maker: Aaron Wilburn, M.S. (Wilburn Forge) (click to see more by this maker)
Item num: 92442
*** This is handmade and one-of-a-kind ***
Blade length: 5.00 in.
Total length: 9.60 in.
Blade height (at heel): 1.10 in.
Blade thickness (near bolster): 0.20 in.
Blade thickness (at midpoint): 0.16 in.
Blade thickness (near tip): 0.04 in.
Item weight: 7.00 oz.
Shipment weight: 10.6 oz.
Blade: Hand forged 52100 carbon steel with forge finished flats
Bolster: Nickel silver
Handle: Stacked handle combining an oosic artifact end with ancient ivory, micarta, and leather
Sheath: Hand tooled pouch style leather sheath
Description: This Oosic Artifact Forge Finish Skinner shows Mastersmith Aaron Wilburn's work at its best. It shows an elegant, deceptively complex refinement of design brought into a hard-working, field-use knife. The fit and finish, as well as skill at design shown in this hunter, are exceptional!
The blade was forged to shape from 52100 carbon steel. Many makers and collectors feel that this is the best steel available anywhere for use as a knife blade. The drop point blade was differentially heat treated, bringing the edge to critical temperature then quenched with oil. This technique, involving low temperature forging, a triple quench and triple temper creates some of the sharpest and most long lasting edges found anywhere. Many thermal cycles and normalizing steps ensure consistent grain structure and exceptional durability. A cryogenic treatment between tempers enhances the edge holding ability. A forge finish remains on the flats -- showing Aaron's skill at the forge as he created this piece by forging very closely to shape. The differential heat treatment results in a blade with a soft, supportive spine while still maintaining a keen edge. Clear differential heat treatment lines are dramatically visible moving through the blade.
The stacked handle is influenced by knives by Scagel. A central section of stacked leather is surrounded by is an oosic artifact on one side and stacked layers of burgundy and black micarta and ancient ivory on the other. The handle is nicely shaped to fit comfortably in the hand -- it feels so natural in the hand, you’ll have a hard time putting it down. During the 1700s and 1800s Inuit used ancient ivories and oosic for tools. The oosic end cap is an artifact that was originally likely used as a tool handle in an earlier time.
A custom fit, hand tooled leather sheath accompanies the knife. A serious field knife for the avid hunter or collector - excellent fit and finish throughout!


Availability: Not currently available