Jay Fisher - World Class Knifemaker

Flamesteed

• Size: Length overall: 11.5" (29.2 cm), Blade Length: 7.0" (17.8 cm), Thickness: .237" (6.0 mm)
• Weight: Knife: 16.0 oz. (454 grams) Sheath: 7.5 oz. (213 grams)
• Blade: O1 high carbon tungsten-vanadium tool steel, mirror polished, hot blued, hardened and tempered to 58HRC
• Bolsters, Fittings: 304 Austenitic Stainless Steel, mirror finished, hand-engraved
• Handle: Bird's Eye Rhyolite Gemstone
• Sheath: Hand-carved, Hand-dyed Leather Shoulder
• Knife: The Flamesteed pattern has a good field reputation for survival and combat, and because of the unusual and unique lines, curve and form of this knife, I knew it was time I made one that is beautiful enough for collection. I wanted this Flamesteed to be impressive and unique, so I started with a high carbon tungsten-vanadium O1 tool steel blade, hardened and tempered to 58 Rockwell for great wear resistance and good toughness. The blade was deeply hollow ground for an amazing belly in the knife, with a strong trailing point that benefits from a half-length top swage The blade is thick and strong at the spine, supporting the anvil that drives the heavy chisel cutter at the ricasso. Also, on the ricasso, is a deeply ground line cutter. Though the knife is suitable for collection, it's good to know these very tough and durable features will support field survival use easily. The tang of the blade is fully tapered and completely hand-fileworked with my sunrise pattern. The most striking thing about the blade is the finish. I've mirror polished the O1, which is difficult enough due to the vanadium carbide in the alloy, but I've also professionally hot blued the blade for a deep, rich, black glow. This is better than the brightest black patent leather finish, and with over an hour of bluing bath penetration, improves corrosion resistance of this steel considerably. The knife is bolstered with zero-care 304 high nickel high chromium austenitic stainless steel, and I hand-engraved a deep relief border pattern to blend the dark areas of the engraving with the blade character. The bolsters are well-contoured and radiused for a comfortable smooth feel, and the front bolster is lightly sculpted to accent the blade features. The dovetailed bolsters bed a pair of bright and striking Bird's Eye Rhyolite gemstone handle scales, polished to a glossy, glassy finish. Rhyolite is a hard, tough, and durable gemstone, formed in the igneous activity deep within the earth. The round orbs give this rhyolite its name, and it's fascinating to think of what wild and bubbling action might have created this rock millions of years ago. The knife feels smooth and very solid in the hand, with the balance point right at the peak of the front quillon.
• Sheath: A knife this striking needed a unique and matching sheath, so I invested considerable time making this one just to suit. I hand-carved 9-10 oz. leather shoulder and hand-tooled the carving of long leaves and flowers, carefully and meticulously hand-dying the leather in successive steps to achieve the color that matches the handle perfectly. The sheath is wide and robust to encompass this large knife, and is carved and finished front and back. The belt loop is stitched with double rows for added durability, and the knife is fully hand-stitched with polyester sinew, and sealed with a beautiful glossy hand-buffed finish.
• A gorgeous, outstanding example of knife art; a culmination of materials, finish, and execution.

Thanks, T. S.!