Centipede Knife Designed by Brother Nathaniel Cutting/Review
Mar 19, 2022 19:07:00 GMT
Post by Kane Shen on Mar 19, 2022 19:07:00 GMT
I have done VERY GRAPHIC ON FLESH AND BONE test cutting and thrusting with this custom knife is designed by Brother Nathaniel a.k.a. Levin Lance, and forged by Gulzar Ahmed of Ursa International. The design takes inspiration from Japanese tanto and Arabic jambiya, with a coffin hilt found on certain antique bowie knives. It was designed to be a tertiary weapon in the loadout of a Seeker of the Lodge--an organization Brother Nathaniel created.
The statistics of the knife:
Overall length: 14.5"
Blade length: 8.75"
Weight: 494 grams (1 lb 1.4 oz)
Point of balance: 1" behind the base of the blade
Profile taper (width):
33.8mm at the base
27.3mm at 4" from the base
11mm at 8" from the base
Distal taper (thickness):
6.3mm at the base of the tang
6.1mm at the base of the blade
5.4mm at 4" from the base of the blade
2.8mm at 8" from the base of the blade
I did extensive testing from slashes across pork ribs wrapped around a cabbage but freely standing on a platform, to bottles and cartons. The blade cuts exceptionally well for a knife of this size--cleanly through multiple bones, and thrust effortlessly through all sorts of material. Pommel strike on wooden boards create deep dents. One regrettable fact is that I jammed the point deeply into a tree trunk and try to bend laterally when I got overly confident in its durability. It survived once, but the tip snapped on the second attempt, broke about half an inches off. This is as expected because the test is unreasonably hash due to the short blade length. The blade is almost like being fixed to a vice and forcibly flex laterally. The tip snapping off means it's properly hardened (but obviously a bit brittle), just like the edge, which is at hrc 56-58. The blade is forged from 5160 spring steel.
The blade has a flat ground from the spine to the edge and perhaps a slight concave geometry just below the spine. The edge has a stout secondary bevel, making it durable but not overall refined--perfectly suitable for a fighting knife. The surfaces of the blade is heat blued, and has a prominent differentially hardening artifact near the edge.
The coffin hilt features a full width tang sandwiched by two slabs black micarta, with 9 grooves carved on as a nod to the centipede motif. The slabs are secured by 5 hollow brass pins. The end of the tang has an obtuse protrusion for percussive maintenance.
Overall, I would say the test results speak for itself. The knife handles very well during the testing, with perfect point control. The only drawback I can think of is the hand shock I received from cutting through thick bones. It was quite painful, but probably expected, given the full width tang, and dense micarta handle, but also the short blade length so the impact happens close to the hand.
The base of the blade and the throat of the scabbard have Brother Nathaniel's design of the Lodge's sigil etched on--a cross with two full moons and rose vines. The scabbard is wooden core with nice leather wrapping, and blued steel fittings to be consistent with the blade's finish.
Overall, an exceptional knife that has a vicious look and a performance at being a close quarter combat small arm. I highly recommended it for its practicality as well as the fantastique aesthetics inspired by historical examples!
If you are interested in this design, or any design for arms and armor, or filming props, please contact Brother Nathaniel / Levin Lance at sbg-sword-forum.forums.net/user/46191
His YouTube showcase channel: www.youtube.com/channel/UCwp2DdqFKzcr83uva3Ylz2w/featured?fbclid=IwAR2NxvS1Mc-U463u6qgiT2vx_1pqU98v7DkuJXFwhIkkC2WR89-0fsb_A3o
He can also be reached by email:
Brothernathaniel666(at)gmail.com