Lion Hunter with Hairy Vitex Wood

Product Description for Lion Hunter with Hairy Vitex Wood

Maker: Kevin Harvey, M.S. (click to see more by this maker)
Item num: 105104
*** This is handmade and one-of-a-kind ***
Blade length: 6.20 in.
Cutting edge length: 5.80 in.
Total length: 10.60 in.
Blade height (at heel): 1.01 in.
Blade thickness (near bolster): 0.13 in.
Blade thickness (at midpoint): 0.12 in.
Blade thickness (near tip): 0.05 in.
Item weight: 4.20 oz.
Shipment weight: 6.4 oz.
Blade: Hand forged, differentially heat treated 5160 carbon steel
Handle: South African hairy vitex wood
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 attacked 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 cemetery in the Harvey's home town, Belfast, Mpumalanga.
The 6 inch spear 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 hairy vitex burl (Vitex obovata). This African wood has a warm brown tone and a tremendous grain pattern reminiscent of thuya burl. 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