J&L Custom Cutlery Khyber Inspired Knife.

So, totally missed my self-imposed Sunday deadline on this, but better late than never. Today I'm sharing a pretty special knife. Why is it special? Because I've wanted one like it since I was a young boy who watched a cozy family flick called Nightbreed. It's a fun little romp that highlights some important issues, you should check it out. Anyway, a Khyber knife was frequently displayed, and even as a (too)young man it spoke to me(metaphorically. I'm not, like, crazy.) I had kind of given up on ever getting one, as even the prices of rough examples can run pretty high. Well, just out of pure masochistic curiosity I asked Lyndle Driggers of J&L Custom Cutlery how much an approximate version of the film knife would cost. It was surprisingly low. Like, attemptable, even for me. So, a few payments later it was made and on it's way to me.

I lied about the movie being a fun family flick. Probably shouldn't watch it with your kids(unless you're a super badass parent.)

Yes, I did pay for this one.

Again, I know Lyndle, have done a good deal of business with him, but have no financial stake in his enterprises. 

Some noteworthy notes to note. I made some requests regarding the shape/finish of the blade. I didn't want any kind of design on the blade like the original, nor did I elect to have a T back on the spine. T backs are kind of a Khyber knife's "thing", but I wanted a full flat grind. I asked him to give it a light etch to simulate an aged/used look. A really smooth, shiny finish just didn't sit right, as I've grown partial to the rugged look you see on antiques. Bear these facts in mind when you see it. It was all on purpose.

Blade length: 17 and 3/8".
Blade thickness: 3/8" at thickest.

Blade width: 1 and 13/16" at widest.

Blade material: 5160.
Handle length: 5 and 1/2"
Handle material: Bocote and brass.
Weight: 1lb, 4.7oz.

We loves it. We loves it so much.

The blade is made of 5160. It is 17 and 3/8" long, 1 and 13/16" at widest and 3/8" thickest. There is a good deal of taper in both width and thickness, and it terminates in a nice, stabby point. It is a full flat grind, and the edge is nice and sharp. The blade is nice and straight. As mentioned, it has a faux aged look. It is, however, difficult for me to get great pictures of the whole thing. I have the same issue with swords. My beauty shot angles don't translate to stuff this big, but here's a few pictures. I'll probably add more later once I get a better grip on how to photograph larger stuff and I have better light.

The handle is full tang with slab style scales. The wood is Bocote and the fittings are brass. It is 5 and 1/2" long from top to bottom. The grain of the wood is very handsome, and the grip is nice. The fitment is very good.

Well, you're aware you've got something in your hand, hahaha. The POB is roughly 1 and 1/2" out from the guard, so it's fairly nimble, but feels like it'd hit pretty hard.

I love it. However I'm disposed of when I die, this'll be going with me, hahaha. It's one of those "life goals" things, really. I provided Lyndle with a photo of the original and asked for a rough copy(as in, not an exact copy). Here it is, so you can see the differences and appreciate the spirit of the approximation.

I'm sincerely hoping to someday be able to afford a more elaborate one of these. One made from Lyndle's pattern welded or multi bar steels would be awesome(thanks randomnobody for getting that sh*t stuck in my head). Maybe one of those great big honking ones(seriously, "knife" is really misleading. They're as big as a freaking sword.)

As per usual, dealing with Lyndle is pretty easy, and I continue to recommend his services.

I hope you enjoyed reading this, and feel free to comment or ask questions.