Hamon Hunter (Model LR) with Elk and Maple Burl

Product Description for Hamon Hunter (Model LR) with Elk and Maple Burl

Maker: Stuart Smith, J.S. (click to see more by this maker)
Item num: 106981
*** This is handmade and one-of-a-kind ***
Blade length: 4.80 in.
Cutting edge length: 4.25 in.
Total length: 9.60 in.
Blade height (at heel): 1.03 in.
Blade thickness (near bolster): 0.20 in.
Blade thickness (at midpoint): 0.16 in.
Blade thickness (near tip): 0.06 in.
Item weight: 9.00 oz.
Shipment weight: 13.2 oz.
Blade: Hand forged, 1070 carbon steel with a differential heat treatment
Bolster: Bronze
Handle: Elk antler with a stabilized maple spacer
Sheath: Hand tooled pouch style leather sheath
Description: Getting to meet with bladesmith Stuart Smith is a real highlight of my trips to South Africa. Smith began making knives in 2000 after he took a class with Mastersmith Kevin Harvey. Stuart was immediately hooked and quite his job working as a salesman by 2004. Only a few years after that, in 2009, Stuart began teaching classes of his own. Among his many students is Neels van den Berg. Stuart has been very active over the years in the Southern African Bladesmiths Association (SABA) and the Knifemakers Guild of Southern Africa (KGSA). Stuart became a Journeyman Smith in June 2019.
Stuart hand forged the drop point blade from 1070 carbon steel. He borrowed his heat treatment technique from the world of high performance Japanese swords. Prior to quenching, the spine was coated in clay, acting as a heat sink. The undulating line travelling across the blade (called a gunome hamon) shows the transition between the hard, keen edge and the softer, supportive spine.
The handle combines a bronze spacer pommel, and guard with elk antler and stabilized maple burl. The handle has a comfortable oval shape and provides a sure grip.
The knife is accompanied by a hand stitched and tooled leather sheath.
Exceptional work throughout!


Availability: Not currently available