Hunter/Utility (Model S) with Camphor Burl and Ironwood

Product Description for Hunter/Utility (Model S) with Camphor Burl and Ironwood

Maker: Stuart Smith, J.S. (click to see more by this maker)
Item num: 101498
*** This is handmade and one-of-a-kind ***
Blade length: 3.60 in.
Cutting edge length: 3.40 in.
Total length: 8.40 in.
Blade height (at heel): 0.89 in.
Blade thickness (near bolster): 0.16 in.
Blade thickness (at midpoint): 0.15 in.
Blade thickness (near tip): 0.07 in.
Item weight: 4.40 oz.
Shipment weight: 6 oz.
Blade: Satin finished 75Cr1 tool steel
Bolster: Brass
Handle: Camphor burl and ironwood
Sheath: Nordic style leather sheath
Description: My visits with South African bladesmith Stuart Smith are always a highlight of my trips there. 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 satin finished blade is made from 75Cr1 tool steel. This German-made carbon steel is very similar to 1075 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.
The handle is sculpted from warm toned camphor burl wood (Cinnamomum camphora). Perhaps known more famously for its beautiful burls, camphor is also cultivated for its aromatic oils, which are used in a variety of culinary and medicinal applications. Camphor gives off fumes that help prevent rusting or tarnish from taking place on silver or steel. For this reason, machinists often put a piece of camphor wood in their toolbox. A spacer formed from desert ironwood (Olneya tesota) nicely complements the camphor burl. Ironwood is one of the most sought after exotic woods used in knifemaking. This spacer combined both the heartwood and sapwood for a rare and appealing aesthetic. Brass and black fiber spacers help the handle adjust to humidity and temperature changes. A brass bolster completes the handle.
To protect the knife during transportation, a traditional Nordic style leather sheath is included.
Excellent work throughout!


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