Hamon Fighter with Curly Koa

Product Description for Hamon Fighter with Curly Koa

Maker: Michael Quesenberry, J.S. (click to see more by this maker)
Item num: 89692
*** This is handmade and one-of-a-kind ***
Blade length: 7.50 in.
Total length: 12.60 in.
Blade height (at heel): 1.65 in.
Blade thickness (near bolster): 0.25 in.
Item weight: 10.75 oz.
Blade: Hand forged, satin finished W2 carbon steel, with a differential clay zone heat treatment
Bolster: Satin finished 416 stainless steel
Handle: Stabilized curly koa
Description: Michael Quesenberry has this to say about the art of knifemaking - "A custom knife should do three things well: be visually appealing, well-balanced in the hand, and hold a razor-sharp edge." BladeGallery was fortunate enough to meet Michael at the 2010 Boise knife show, very soon after he was honored as a journeyman smith. This fighter clearly manifests these three characteristics prized by Michael, and BladeGallery is excited to carry his work. This knife was kept in a private collection since it was made and is in near-mint condition.
Michael began by forging the blade to shape from W2 carbon steel. A clear undulating hamon (heat treatment line) is visible on the blade. This line shows the transition between the soft, supportive spine, and the hard, long lasting edge. This was achieved using a traditional Japanese technique of heat treating, whereby the blade is coated with clay prior to quenching. A long swedge creates an aggressive tip. Michael then hand-rubbed the blade to an elegant satin finish.
The handle is sculpted from presentation grade curly koa. Michael chose a piece with high-contrast grain definition and shaped the handle with attention to the pattern of the grain for maximum impact. A central domes pin completes the handle. The shape fills the hand comfortably, with a guard to prevent your hand slipping onto the blade during use. Red fiber spacers assist the handle to adjust to temperature and humidity changes. Excellent fit and finish throughout!


Availability: Not currently available