Forged Clip Point Bowie with Curly Koa - 52100 - Journeyman Smith Test Knife

Product Description for Forged Clip Point Bowie with Curly Koa - 52100 - Journeyman Smith Test Knife

Maker: Jan Vaterlaus, J.S. (click to see more by this maker)
Price: $650.00
Item num: 112812
** This is handmade and one-of-a-kind **
Blade length: 6.80 in.
Cutting edge length: 6.25 in.
Total length: 12.10 in.
Blade height (at heel): 1.47 in.
Blade thickness (near bolster): 0.15 in.
Blade thickness (at midpoint): 0.14 in.
Blade thickness (near tip): 0.04 in.
Item weight: 9.00 oz.
Shipment weight: 13.8 oz.
Blade: Hand forged 52100 carbon steel with a hand rubbed satin finish
Bolster: Fluted 416 stainless steel
Handle: Stabilized exhibition grade curly koa
Sheath: Zipper case
Description: Journeyman Smith Jan Vaterlaus (b.1963) is an Idaho knifemaker known for forging durable, high-performance knives built for extreme outdoor use. Inspired by the rugged wilderness of his home state and his experience as a hunting guide in Alaska, Jan crafts blades with a focus on reliability, longevity, and natural materials. His pursuit of perfection led him to train under ABS Mastersmith Jim Crowell. Jan’s knives are proven hard-use tools — one is even credited with saving a biologist’s life during a grizzly attack. They embody his philosophy of creating knives that excel in the harshest conditions. Jan achieved his Journeyman Smith ranking in June of 2025.
This bowie knife was part of Jan's Journeyman Smith 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 clip blade is hand forged 52100 carbon steel and features a meticulous hand rubbed satin finish. 52100 carbon steel is considered by many knifemakers and users to be among the very best steels used in high end knives. The blade is flat ground and razor sharp. It combines exceptional edge holding with durability and ease of sharpening. Jan's touchmark is engraved on the left side of the blade.
The handle is hand contoured presentation grade curly koa wood (acacia koa). This stabilized wood is only found on the Hawaiian Islands and is one of the most desired woods used in knifemaking. Its highly chatoyant curly figure is unrivaled. The 416 stainless steel guard protects your hand from sliding forward. A stainless steel and brass spacer finish the handle.
A padded zipper case is included for long term storage.
Excellent work throughout!


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