Integral Hunter with African Blackwood
JS Test Knife

Product Description for Integral Hunter with African Blackwood
JS Test Knife

Maker: Will Stelter, J.S. (click to see more by this maker)
Item num: 106280
*** This is handmade and one-of-a-kind ***
Blade length: 6.00 in.
Cutting edge length: 5.90 in.
Total length: 10.80 in.
Blade height (at heel): 1.50 in.
Blade thickness (near bolster): 0.14 in.
Blade thickness (at midpoint): 0.12 in.
Blade thickness (near tip): 0.07 in.
Item weight: 6.00 oz.
Shipment weight: 10.8 oz.
Blade: Hand forged 1085 carbon steel with an heirloom quality hand rubbed satin finish
Bolster: Integral 1085 carbon steel
Handle: African blackwood
Description: Twenty-two year old bladesmith Will Stelter is among the most promising knifemakers in the industry. He's been making knives since 13 years old and in that short time has developed skills that rival those with triple the years of experience. Originally a local maker from Kirkland, Washington, Will moved to Montana to begin a full time knifemaking career right after high school. He has spent a large amount of time traveling the country and learning from many of the greatest makers anywhere. He is also well known through his work with Alec Steele on their highly successful YouTube channel. Stelter received his journeyman smith credentials at the 2022 Blade Show.
This exceptional Hunter was part of Stelter's JS test set. When a maker tests to become a journeyman, they create five knives that are the height of their work. These five knives are then judged by established masters to determine if the maker's work is up to snuff. Often, prospective journeymen spend 2-3 times as long creating these five knives as they would generally do, as they know that their work will be poured over by the masters. These five knives are generally considered to be among the most collectable knives of a maker's career.
The blade was forged to shape from 1085 carbon steel and features a meticulous hand rubbed satin finish. The raised clip blade will excel at skinning and game processing tasks along with various tasks around the camp site.
An integral bolster moves into a hand sculpted African blackwood (Dalbergia melanoxylon) handle. Creating an integral bolster in a custom environment takes a particularly talented smith. Integral bolsters provide exceptionally strong construction. African blackwood is among the most dense, durable woods anywhere in the world and is highly prized for its jet black appearance. The sculpted handle feels comfortable in the hand.
Excellent work throughout!


Availability: Not currently available