Lion Hunter with African Blackwood

Product Description for Lion Hunter with African Blackwood

Maker: Jean Wilke (click to see more by this maker)
Price: $350.00
Item num: 105688
*** This is handmade and one-of-a-kind ***
Blade length: 5.50 in.
Cutting edge length: 5.25 in.
Total length: 10.20 in.
Blade height (at heel): 1.07 in.
Blade thickness (near bolster): 0.14 in.
Blade thickness (at midpoint): 0.12 in.
Blade thickness (near tip): 0.05 in.
Item weight: 4.60 oz.
Shipment weight: 10 oz.
Blade: Hand forged 5160 carbon steel
Handle: African blackwood set on a distal tapered full tang
Sheath: Hand stitched cowhide sheath
Description: I was very excited when I first got a look at Jean Wilke's knives. Jean is a young custom knifemaker from Pretoria, South Africa. His knives are exceptionally well designed and tested. His attention to detail is clearly evident in each of his creations. He is currently working with Mastersmiths Kevin and Heather Harvey, travelling back and forth every two weeks, alternating between working at Heavin Forge and home forge, Fire Goby Forge. It is very exciting to see such a young make with such tremendous talent.
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.
The 5-1/2 inch spear point blade was hand forged from 5160 carbon steel. It was forged closely to shape, ensuring a keen, long lasting edge. An antiqued, hand rubbed satin finish adds an heirloom quality to the blade.
African blackwood handle scales are set on the distal tapered full tang using nickel silver pins. White Formica liners add a nice contrast.
The knife is accompanied by a hand stitched, custom leather sheath.
Exceptional work throughout!


Availability: In stock. Usually ships in 1-2 business days