Prototype 5" Fighter

[Valkman]

Just got this back from heat treat and finished it up - 2 " shorter than my "regular" fighter and it seems pretty slick to me!

This one is ATS-34 but future ones will be 154CM.

5" Blade, 5" handle



I wrote "proto" on this side:



Hope you like it!

 

[Rupestris]

it seems pretty slick to me!

Me too! Not big on fighters as I try not to get into many fights but I think I could put it to use as a field/hunting knife . Great work once again!

Chris

 

[theotherwaldo]

Nice design, good proportions. Looks like a good all-purpose compromise blade.

 

[Exmasonite]

is this one spoken for?

 

[Valkman]

No it is not! LOL

 

[Exmasonite]

Hey everybody... just wanted to follow up:

I was originally in for the 2nd group buy but when I saw this one, I contacted Don and snatched it up.

So i got it a few days ago and words just can't describe how incredible this knife is. This is my first custom knife and WOW is all i can say. Perfect balance, feels so natural in my hand. The single finger groove gives a great grip. Nice and hefty without being too heavy... planning as more of a general outdoors/camping knife (sorry, no fighting!) and looks like this knife can do anything.

I would say the only negative about this knife is that it may decrease the demand for the full size version! Personally, 5" is all the blade i think i'll ever need.

Kydex sheath is very nice with great retention (almost too good but i just need to work it in a little).

Don was great to deal with... highly recommended.


So, my pics don't come close to Don's but figured i'd share my first impressions. Haven't had a chance to put her to work yet but hunting season's just around the corner....

 

[Gordon]

MUCH nicer handle treatment IMHO. Don try this handle on the larger fighter.

 

[Valkman]

You want to see a 6" blade on that 5" handle? I could try that next batch of steel!

 

[PTK]

From the look, it'd give a touch less leverage from the shorter grip and less area on the spine to baton through things. I love my 6" version, but that does look nicer as a EDC knife for those that are outdoors less often.

 

[Gordon]

You can keep the length on the 6" handle, just form the grip into the 5" style. Then the front rivet head will not have to be ground away in a finger contour. This ground rivet head might really be a problem with a sharp edge as the knife ages. I find my self choking down on your 6" fighter handle to get away from the middle finger guard. I am still reviewing your nife. I have skinned and cut up a deer with it so far. I am gonna do a goat today and chop some rain induced saplings with it too. I do know I would prefer the 5" handle treatment from use so far.

 

[Valkman]

Interesting. I made the full size fighter to be held by the second choil only for most work and for "choking up" to the first choil when needed.

I am looking forward to your review, and for anyone thinking about a Fighter I can deliver one with a Kydex sheath in a month at the latest.

 

[PTK]

I made the full size fighter to be held by the second choil only for most work and for "choking up" to the first choil when needed.

I figured as much - it performs spectacularly well that way for me for outdoors work.