Lion Hunter with Mopane

Product Description for Lion Hunter with Mopane

Maker: Kevin Harvey, M.S. (click to see more by this maker)
Item num: 103917
*** This is handmade and one-of-a-kind ***
Blade length: 5.75 in.
Cutting edge length: 5.50 in.
Total length: 10.25 in.
Blade height (at heel): 1.05 in.
Blade thickness (near bolster): 0.14 in.
Blade thickness (at midpoint): 0.10 in.
Blade thickness (near tip): 0.02 in.
Item weight: 4.80 oz.
Shipment weight: 7.8 oz.
Blade: Hand forged, differentially heat treated 5160 carbon steel
Handle: Mopane wood set on a distal tapered full tang
Sheath: Hand stitched cowhide sheath with lion tooling motif
Description: When I recently visited Mastersmiths Kevin and Heather Harvey at their home in Belfast, South Africa, I was very pleased to see they had some of their knives available. Kevin and Heather teach bladesmithing courses, with students travelling from all over the world to learn their techniques. Kevin uses the Heavin Forge mark on his knives when he creates a knife while demonstrating for his classes. This is one such knife.
This knife was inspired by the knife used by the Kruger National Park's first game ranger, Harry Wolhuter. In 1903, Wolhuter used the knife to kill a lion that attaked him while on patrol in the park.
The 5-3/4 inch spear point blade was hand forged from 5160 carbon steel. It was forged closely to shape, ensuring a keen, long lasting edge. A differential heat treatment creates a knife with a strong edge, supported by the resilience of a softer spine.
The handle is made from African Mopane (Colophospermum mopane). Mopane an extremely dense wood with nearl unrivaled durability. Handle scales are set on the distal tapered full tang using brass pins. Fiber liners add contrast and assist the wood to adjust to temperature and humidity changes.
The knife is accompanied by a hand stitched, tooled cowhide sheath with a lion motif.


Availability: Not currently available