First impressions of my Fighter knife by DL Knives (our own Valkman here on THR) were overall quite positive. The model I purchased is fitted with brown Micarta scales, and is made from CPMD2 steel .225" thick, HT by Paul Bos, with the usual "false edge" actually sharpened on my example. The polish, as received, was matchless (mirror finish), and displayed a stamp from both Bos and Mr. Llewellyn. As received, it wasn't razor sharp, but took a phenomenal edge with very little persuasion from a black Arkansas oilstone.
Minor problems were encountered, but all were just that - minor problems. The lanyard tube protrudes slightly from one side of the scales, epoxy resin (or similar adhesive-like residue) seeped out of the joint between the scales and the blade in the first few hours of use, and the forward finger groove has a sharp edge where it hits the flat of the blade. The last issue is the most significant, as it managed to give very minor cuts to my finger during testing outdoors - this is something I can probably clean up in a matter of minutes with a file, though I haven't done so as I've just got back from testing out in Harris Park.
Now, the great parts - this knife is a crowbar with a blade, friends. Batoning through wood is a cinch, whether green wood, standing dead wood, or processed lumber. Digging with the wide blade is fast and efficient, far surpassing my previous favorite (a USMC Ka-Bar) at the task. Prying can be easily accomplished with the tip of the blade - I managed to pry a lock off a trunk (think old-time footlocker) without any scratches or damage to the blade.
Unlike a crowbar, however, this knife also excels at other tasks such as food preparation. Slicing through thinner vegetables didn't work as well as a paring knife, but for a blade .225" thick at the spine it worked incredibly well. Tomatoes did prove problematic, however. Harder vegetables such as potatoes, carrots, and onions didn't give rise to any issues whatsoever. Meat was also cubed without too much effort - about on par with my less expensive non-serrated kitchen knives (which is MUCH more than can be said about similar "fighter" knives from other producers!) I'd rate it a touch less useful for food prep than a Henkel chef's knife, but not by much.
All in all, this knife seems to be a do-it-all knife that is so well built as to outlast me by generations. What is most surprising of all is that this versatile knife was only $225 and the patience to wait for Don to work his magic.
Folks, if you're looking for a great custom made knife for not too much money, get a DL Knives "Fighter". You will not be disappointed.
Minor problems were encountered, but all were just that - minor problems. The lanyard tube protrudes slightly from one side of the scales, epoxy resin (or similar adhesive-like residue) seeped out of the joint between the scales and the blade in the first few hours of use, and the forward finger groove has a sharp edge where it hits the flat of the blade. The last issue is the most significant, as it managed to give very minor cuts to my finger during testing outdoors - this is something I can probably clean up in a matter of minutes with a file, though I haven't done so as I've just got back from testing out in Harris Park.
Now, the great parts - this knife is a crowbar with a blade, friends. Batoning through wood is a cinch, whether green wood, standing dead wood, or processed lumber. Digging with the wide blade is fast and efficient, far surpassing my previous favorite (a USMC Ka-Bar) at the task. Prying can be easily accomplished with the tip of the blade - I managed to pry a lock off a trunk (think old-time footlocker) without any scratches or damage to the blade.
Unlike a crowbar, however, this knife also excels at other tasks such as food preparation. Slicing through thinner vegetables didn't work as well as a paring knife, but for a blade .225" thick at the spine it worked incredibly well. Tomatoes did prove problematic, however.
Harder vegetables such as potatoes, carrots, and onions didn't give rise to any issues whatsoever. Meat was also cubed without too much effort - about on par with my less expensive non-serrated kitchen knives (which is MUCH more than can be said about similar "fighter" knives from other producers!) I'd rate it a touch less useful for food prep than a Henkel chef's knife, but not by much.All in all, this knife seems to be a do-it-all knife that is so well built as to outlast me by generations. What is most surprising of all is that this versatile knife was only $225 and the patience to wait for Don to work his magic.
Folks, if you're looking for a great custom made knife for not too much money, get a DL Knives "Fighter". You will not be disappointed.
