Lion Hunter with African Wattle Burl

Product Description for Lion Hunter with African Wattle Burl

Maker: Kevin Harvey, M.S. (click to see more by this maker)
Item num: 104115
*** This is handmade and one-of-a-kind ***
Blade length: 5.40 in.
Cutting edge length: 5.25 in.
Total length: 9.75 in.
Blade height (at heel): 0.94 in.
Blade thickness (near bolster): 0.13 in.
Blade thickness (at midpoint): 0.12 in.
Blade thickness (near tip): 0.04 in.
Item weight: 3.40 oz.
Shipment weight: 6 oz.
Blade: Hand forged, differentially heat treated 5160 carbon steel
Handle: Indigenous South African wattle burl wood set on a distal tapered full tang
Sheath: Hand stitched cowhide sheath
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. Wolhuter used the knife in 1903 to kill a lion that attaked him while on patrol in the park. His memories of this event (along with others) can be read in his autobiography, Memories of a Game Ranger. Wolhuter's parents are buried in a cemetary in the Harvey's home town, Belfast, Mpumalanga.
The 5-3/4 inch drop point blade was 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 wattle burl (Peltophorum africanum). African wattle is a deciduous tree growing throughout tropical and southern Africa. The warm toned wood has a dramatic, swirling figure. Handle scales are set on the distal tapered full tang using brass pins.
The knife is accompanied by a hand stitched, embossed cowhide sheath.


Availability: Not currently available