Vapor-XL Persian Knife

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Taka

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Hey guys! I'm Taka...Eric Draven's apprentice.

I've been lurking around here for a while now, and I figured for my first post, I'd show off one of the knives I just finished.

This one is called the Vapor-XL...a four fingered version of my original Vapor (which was a 3 fingered ring knife).

It's made of 1095 steel, double zero ground, curly maple handle scales, mosaic pins, stippled "sirror" finish (cross between mirror and satin finish), and mad sharp.

Vapor-XL-0.jpg
Vapor-XL-00.jpg

This is the first one I've made with this kind of finish, and the first (for me) to have wood handle scales. So, I'm pretty proud of the way it turned out.

But, I wanna know what you think. I welcome your comments, and opinions. Thanks for looking. ;)
 
Welcome. :)

I like that blade shape pretty well.

With the shadow, it's hard to get a good feel for what those handles actually look like. Did you stain them, or...?

Say hi to Eric for me. Haven't talked to him in a while.

John
 
Thanks for the compliments. ;) The pictures just do not do this knife the justice it deserves.

The wood is Dyed Curly Maple. I didn't do it, although I wish I knew how...lol. I honestly have no idea how they make it look like that, but it's freakin sweet, IMO. :) It has a kind of 3-D look to it.

The ring is just for added retention and stability when you have it in your hand. :)
 
Taka,

Let us see a closeup of the inch on each side of the ricasso.

Stand it up on it's spine so we can see the shoulders of the grind.

That tells you 90% about the skills of a knifemaker in those 2 inches.

Good looking knife. Nice blade shape. Interesting stippling for decoration. I hope your sheath has folded thermoplastic in it because that sharp looking little critter won't stay corralled in that laced up sheath otherwise.

You fellas going to come to Blade this weekend?
 
Thanks for the positive feedback, guys. :) I'll have to see about getting more pics for you guys. I'll go get some pics right now for ya.
 
There's the requested pics fellas. I know I know....its badass. Yep, I am her teacher. *feels proud* :D

Hello to you JS...Call me whenever brother, I'm here. :) That goes for you too HSO.
 
I do like the blade shape and the execution of the knife! The grind looks VERY well executed, and the handle's a great piece of work.

To me, though, the sheath is inadequate. It doesn't LOOK like it belongs to that knife.

I'd have trouble keeping it sheathed anyway, though. Just sit there staring at it...

Overall, very nice work!

J
 
Thanx for the kind words fellas.

As for the sheath though...it is more than adequate, it is 9oz latigo leather sewnup with Kangaroo lace....the same lace we use on our whips. Its an incredible and strong lace. The sheath is tight and easy to use. Personally I think it works perfectly. :)
 
Eric, Taka,

The knife looks great. The shoulders on the grind are nicely done.

The sheath concerns me. I have trouble with any leather sheath that doesn't have rivets, end welt leather spacer or a synthetic liner. Just makes me concerned about slipping and falling and having it jammed through that hide and into mine.
 
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I'd be more comfortable with Kydex, but I'd also be afraid that pretty knife might get scratched in a Kydex sheath.
 
I would be more than happy to make a kydex sheath for the person who purchases it. As long as they understand that kydex will scratch those high polished bevels. :)
 
And I'm sure if someone bought it and wanted the sheath riveted Just in Case, she would do it. No problemo....that kinda stuff is simple to do. It doesnt really cause us any concern cuz we can make it any way someone wants. Occasionally when someone buys a knife from us, they request little changes....its easy to do.
I once helped a guy who bought one of my knives adjust his kydex over the phone with a hairdryer. LOL.
 
Peanut Gallery

I have no expertise in the making of these things, only in their using.

Even so, I have to say that's a superbly executed piece.

Nicely done.

 
Thank you for the positive feedback, guys....as well as all your concerns. :) I really appreciate it.
 
You really should consider going to Blade if not this year, next.

A female knifemaker would get tons of attention.
 
We actually do have plans on going next year, for sure. This year was just a bust, as I'm sure a lot of you have experienced the same thing. Definitely going to Blade West this year, though. :)
 
Lined kydex avoids the scratching problem. Just cut it to the shape of the sheath so that it folds around the point and then line it with synth suede or even velcro loop material. Punch a couple of holes for drainage and you're good to go.

In this case, though, I'd recommend a skeletonized steel sheath with maple inserts to cradle the blade. Replicate the pattern of the blade in the sheath.
 
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