Isshogai
26-06-05, 09:58 PM
Just before Christmas last year, I was looking for a compact fixed blade knife for general camping duties. I came across some of Allan Blade's knives here on BB, liked what I saw and contacted him for some information.
We kicked a few options around via e-mail and agreed the specifications I was looking for and by the end of March the knife had arrived.
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y162/Isshogai/1544DSCN0194.jpg
First a few specifications for the knife. It's made from 01 steel, has a 4 inch full tang blade and measures 8 1/2 inches overall. From cutting edge to spine the blade is 7/8 inch at it's greatest. The handle scales are black micarta.
First impressions of the knife were very favourable. It was sharp out of the packaging, though not shaving sharp. A quick strop on a loaded leather belt and it was very sharp indeed! It felt surprisingly chunky in the hand, weighing in at 4 1/2 ounces. My mora weighs 1 1/2!
This was my first experience with micarta handle slabs and I have to say I'm now a convert, them having a nice fine texture which aids grip. The fit of the scales was perfect, with no gaps at all.
The knife came with a black kydex sheath with ferro rod holder which is a bit too tactical looking for me. On a purely practical basis it does hold the knife very securely, either in standard, horizontal or inverted carry, the knife slotting into the sheath with a positive click.
I've had the knife now for just over 3 months, so how has it held up?
The knife came with a protective lacquer coating on the blade which started to look a little tatty after a few outings. This may have upset a few people but not me. The knife was bought to be used so I stripped the coating off with acetone and it's now got a lovely grey working patina. It's been used for food preparation, paunching rabbits and general bushcraft stuff. I've even carved a spoon with it and although not excelling in this area, it was passable! (I had to burn the bowl of the spoon out with an ember.)
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y162/Isshogai/DSCN0044.jpg
In conclusion? As an everyday bushcraft knife, it's not perfect. Instead of a flat grind, I think I'd prefer a scandi, but I've got one on order from Allan in D2 which should be with me in the not too distant future. The sheath isn't really my cup of tea but it is practical and very secure. The whole package feels well constructed and will probably last me and my son the rest of our bushcrafting days.
We kicked a few options around via e-mail and agreed the specifications I was looking for and by the end of March the knife had arrived.
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y162/Isshogai/1544DSCN0194.jpg
First a few specifications for the knife. It's made from 01 steel, has a 4 inch full tang blade and measures 8 1/2 inches overall. From cutting edge to spine the blade is 7/8 inch at it's greatest. The handle scales are black micarta.
First impressions of the knife were very favourable. It was sharp out of the packaging, though not shaving sharp. A quick strop on a loaded leather belt and it was very sharp indeed! It felt surprisingly chunky in the hand, weighing in at 4 1/2 ounces. My mora weighs 1 1/2!
This was my first experience with micarta handle slabs and I have to say I'm now a convert, them having a nice fine texture which aids grip. The fit of the scales was perfect, with no gaps at all.
The knife came with a black kydex sheath with ferro rod holder which is a bit too tactical looking for me. On a purely practical basis it does hold the knife very securely, either in standard, horizontal or inverted carry, the knife slotting into the sheath with a positive click.
I've had the knife now for just over 3 months, so how has it held up?
The knife came with a protective lacquer coating on the blade which started to look a little tatty after a few outings. This may have upset a few people but not me. The knife was bought to be used so I stripped the coating off with acetone and it's now got a lovely grey working patina. It's been used for food preparation, paunching rabbits and general bushcraft stuff. I've even carved a spoon with it and although not excelling in this area, it was passable! (I had to burn the bowl of the spoon out with an ember.)
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y162/Isshogai/DSCN0044.jpg
In conclusion? As an everyday bushcraft knife, it's not perfect. Instead of a flat grind, I think I'd prefer a scandi, but I've got one on order from Allan in D2 which should be with me in the not too distant future. The sheath isn't really my cup of tea but it is practical and very secure. The whole package feels well constructed and will probably last me and my son the rest of our bushcrafting days.