Jay Fisher - Fine Custom Knives

"Vespula" fine handmade knife

• Size: Length overall: 14.25" (36.2 cm), Blade Length: 8.5" (21.6 cm), Thickness: .279" (7.1 mm)
• Weight: Knife: 1 lb. 3 oz. (538 grams),  Sheath: 9.5 oz. (269 grams)
• Blade: 440C High Chromium Martensitic Stainless Tool Steel, Hardened and Tempered to Rockwell C58, hollow ground and mirror polished
• Fittings/Bolsters: 304 stainless steel, mirror polished
• Handle: Polished Black Australian Nephrite Jade gemstone
• Sheath: Hand-carved leather inlaid with black glazed ostrich leg skin
• Knife: This fine handmade knife is named for the genus of the Yellow Jacket wasp, reflected in the stinger-type double-edged blade. The design is a hybrid of my Treatymaker LT blade with my Patriot handle. The blade length was extended to over 8", making the  predominant feature the double-edged blade. This is a substantial, graceful and elegant blade, ground from thick stock, over a quarter inch at the spine. The hollow grinds are differential, one made with an 8" wheel, and one with a 3" wheel for tight radiuses that create a very thin and sharp cutting edge. This challenging grind leaves substantial thickness at the center spine for great strength. The mirror-polished hollow grinds are matched, crisp, and bright, with gentle terminations that distribute lateral forces on the blade, and deep choils to create a cleanly defined inception of the razor-keen single bevel cutting edges. The formidable blade is solidly supported by the geometry of the handle, with a strong thumb rise on the thick spine and deep finger grooves and canted quillons for rigid grip security. This knife feels great in the hand, neat and solid in either traditional or defensive grip styles. The omission of filework makes for a solid and smooth spine and handle. The tang is fully tapered for weight balance, and the balance point is just in front of the forefinger placement which gives some heft to the blade. The three matched pairs of bolsters are constructed of thick, strong, and highly corrosion-resistant 304 austenitic high nickel-chromium stainless steel for high durability and zero care. The rear bolsters include a through-tang lanyard hole for additional security when needed. The dovetailed bolsters bed a handle of four book-matched scales of Black Australian Nephrite Jade gemstone, one of the toughest minerals on earth. The jade has bits of metallic sparkle and a nice blend of deep red color for character. The beautiful jade is brightly polished, and will well outlast the blade. This is a very tough and durable knife.
• Sheath: For a matching and commensurate sheath, I went with 9-10 oz. thick leather shoulder, dyed to a rich, deep, black cherry color to echo the reddish hints in the jade. The sheath is hand-carved and nests a set of 15 individual inlays of shiny glazed black Ostrich leg skin panels in a design that compliments the long blade and reach of the knife. Even the large belt loop has inlays. The sheath has a clear finger cutout at the mouth to accommodate easy unsheathing, and a full back to protect the wearer and frame the handle for display. The sheath is hand-stitched with polyester sinew, lacquered, sealed, and finished.
• A striking combination worthy of the genus of the Vespula itself.

Thanks, B.M.!