7thdragon Knifeworks Fingerling Knives.
Jan 20, 2019 3:26:01 GMT
Post by Adrian Jordan on Jan 20, 2019 3:26:01 GMT
Introduction:
Hey folks, long time no see(in this section at least). I've got some real nice stuff to share with you today. As some of you may know forum member mikeeman(aka, Michael Kerley) started his own blade making venture under the moniker 7thdragon Knifeworks. Since then he has competed on Forged in Fire, winning his episode and becoming a FiF champion. He has branched into different styles of knives, but really shines with his custom kitchen knives. Naturally as he gets better and ups his game the prices raise accordingly, so he wanted to create a line of budget friendly knives for those of us not rolling in dough. He calls these smaller blades "Fingerling knives." They are smaller utility type blades, made to accommodate a three-finger grip. I managed to purchase two of these, one made from a coil spring, and one made from pattern-welded steel, made by Michael himself from 1095 and 15n20. Let's take a peek.
Full Disclosure:
I've known Michael for quite some time. We co-moderate the SBG Facebook page. Having said that, I have no stake in his business dealings or professional ventures beyond wanting him to do well.
Michael has a big beard. I don't understand why you instantly need to grow out a beard the moment you start making blades. That being said, when you see him clean shaven you come to appreciate that beard. Cover that shizz up, bro. Ain't on one trying to see that.
Specifications: Knife 1.
Blade length: 2 and 3/4" edge, 3" overall.
Blade thickness: 1/8".
Blade material: Coil spring.
Handle length: 3 and 5/8".
Handle material: Cotton ito over twine.
Weight: 2 and 1/5oz.
Initial Impressions:
Pretty dang cool.
Blade:
The blade of this knife is made from a coil spring. Not sure of the exact steel type used, since coil springs tend to differ in the type of steel used based on many different factors. It is a drop point style with a high flat grind, partially satin with the rest having a forge scale finish. Blade is nice and straight. It easily passes paper cutting and is arm hair shaving sharp. It has a sharpening notch at the base of the edge.
Handle:
The handle is wrapped in blue twine with a Japanese style hineri-maki wrap using black cotton ito. It's not glued down so that it is easily removable should I want to replace it with scales. The tang is drilled for pins as well.
Handling:
As it is it's comfortable and easily held. My hands are actually small enough to hold it normally or in the intended three-finger style. It's very light and the wrap gives it good grip. It has a small finger guard built into the shape.
Specifications: Knife 2.
Blade length: 2 and 5/8" edge, 2 and 3/4" overall.
Blade material: Pattern-welded 1095 and 15n20.
Blade thickness: 1/8".
Handle length: 3 and 1/2".
Handle materials: African Blackwood with brass spacers.
Weight: 3oz.
Initial Impressions:
That's badass.
Blade:
Similar to the other knife, it has a drop point shape with a high flat grind and forge scale finish on the rest. This one is, as you can see, made of pattern-welded steel. It's actually sharper than the other one and cuts very well. It has a small sharpening notch.
Handle:
A little more complicated that the other. It is African Blackwood scales over brass spacers. There's also a layer of black material between the handle steel and the brass. It is heavily contoured and, for me, most comfortably held with my pinky in the divot(again, I have small hands). It also has a built-in finger guard, with this one being a little deeper than the other due to not being filled in with twine and ito.
Handling:
Likewise a very light, easy handling blade. The scales are smooth and the contours give it a good, locked-in feel when griping.
Final Thoughts:
They are pretty neat little knives. The plain steel blade will be used as a light-duty EDC and based off of the edge's performance so far should do very well. Michael has worked a lot on honing in his particular heat treatments for each steel he uses, so I don't imagine I'll have any issues on that front.
The pattern-welded one won't see use. Total vanity blade/safe queen. Michael loves making kitchen knives because he likes the idea of his knives seeing regular use. Too bad for him this thing will never be used. Like, ever. It's going to sit, totally unused, until the end of time.
Working with Michael is pretty easy. He'll keep you as updated as you like and is generally pretty quick to respond.
Prices on these differ depending on the materials and options you choose. For a basic one expect around $100, for a fully decked out fancy pattern-welded one with the higher grade materials and extensive contouring expect closer to $300.
There you go. A quick little peek at a couple of cool little knives. Hope you enjoyed it. Feel free to ask questions or make comments.