What's new at STKR Knives.......... The Scout knife!

[CanadianMike]

http://a7.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/315504_159719580779246_117036668380871_305494_1626 084722_n.jpg

So, a buddy of mine got married this summer, and asked me to make him three knives for $200 (since he loved my Shaman knives, but couldn't afford the $150 each I sell them for)........ so I had an idea for a smaller knife to make, a neck knife for utility, etc. and came up with this:

http://a4.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/262476_140248339393037_117036668380871_251397_2636 055_n.jpg

And the design caught on among my fans. So, seeing a good sized market for this, I invested.... paid for a CAD drawing of it, bought $170 worth of O-1 steel, paid $250 for laser cut blanks........got 19 in total, and picked them up on Monday, already have 6 confirmed orders, two unconfirmed, two promotion knives, one for a raffle at an airsoft game, one for video review by www.civiliansheepdog.com and the give away........ and I'm behind!!!

What I love about this is the flexibility of the design, I can do anything from tactical boot knife to wood handled skinning knife.

Here's the first one I finished (oh ya, got into Kydex because of these):

http://a8.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/303570_160357790715425_117036668380871_307779_3200 72479_n.jpg

And, this sheath design is modular, horizontal or vertical carry, remove the belt loop module completely to wear as a low profile neck knife, AND....... this type I have the option of putting a 3/4" magnet into to help hold the blade in (is cool, the knife literally gets sucked into the sheath three quarters of the way, friction takes over after that.)

http://a5.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/302018_160357894048748_117036668380871_307780_2082 514712_n.jpg

[LandRoverMatt]

nice looking knife

[nat110732]

love the design mate

[CanadianMike]

Thanks guys, looks like I really found a niche with my design as evidenced by the number of orders I received within days of showing off the new blanks I had cut out for me and the first completed knife.

[Notredame11211]

Very nicely done there Mike!

[Metal mug]

Can we have some free ones? ;)

[Notredame11211]

Can we have some free ones? ;)

I second that statement!!!:D

[CanadianMike]

Sheesh! You guys are worse than those that love it and want to promote it!!!! Lol, when the video review is posted, I'll link it here. Until then, I got credit cards to pay off for funding this batch of knives and materials. :D

[Adam Savage]

How did I miss this thread? Awesome work and great news buddy

[andy202wr]

Great Knife's mate, one day all knife's will be made this way.:happy-clapping:

[Metal mug]

How much are you thinking of selling them for Mike?

[CanadianMike]

Thanks guys, I can't keep up with the orders for these, sold a half dozen so far and have another half dozen to do in upcoming weeks.....

My pricing is fair and interesting, $60 for a bare knife, $75 for a cord wrapped handle, $10 for a basic Kydex neck sheath, $10 belt loop module that fits onto the basic sheath in vertical/horizontal, $5 to incorporate a 3/4" rare earth magnet into the belt loop module, $10 for a square sinnet tassle, etc. Also working on a wood handled one, will get pics up soon, in the sanding/finishing phase right now. :)

[Adam Savage]

Sounds interesting, Will be keeping my eyes peeled :)

[CanadianMike]

https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/305397_10150342294929207_510619206_7853860_7157814 24_n.jpg

[JEEP]

Nice T^

[jus_young]

https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/305397_10150342294929207_510619206_7853860_7157814 24_n.jpg

Look Adam, the pins are at different angles!

[Adam Savage]

I've seen the woodie clone before, the pins aren't as far out as mine ;)

The scout looks great with wooden slabs. The usual fantastic work mike. :)

[CanadianMike]

Thanks! And ya, I kinda led the charge on forgetting to line the pins up, so Adam can blame me for that. Lol

[Adam Savage]

We should see who can get their pins the furthest out of line :)

[CanadianMike]

Ok, you win! Lol

[Adam Savage]

LOL, what do i win? A spot on the wall of shame? lol

[CanadianMike]

I'l get back to you on that after I figure it out myself.....

[Adam Savage]

How about a wonky pin certificate? lol

[Adam Savage]

http://i1024.photobucket.com/albums/y304/crazysaint22/bushcraft%20locations/oddballs/achievement.png

[jus_young]

:happy-clapping: I like it! Gotta have a good sense of humour round 'ere.

[CanadianMike]

Lmao, love it!!!!

[Adam Savage]

I shall pin it on the bathroom wall. lol

[jus_young]

Emergency toilet paper?

[Adam Savage]

Something like that lol.

[CanadianMike]

My buddy Steve Wilson (Whiskey something on here) just posted up a review of my Scout knife on Civilian Sheep Dog if anyone wants to check it out.

http://www.civiliansheepdog.com/

[Adam Savage]

Awesome review. Great work mate, for making such a fantastic knife. I think you may have plenty of orders to keep you busy for the next few years ;)

Well done mate.

[CanadianMike]

Thank you sir, looks like I have things figured out, eh? Started a new style last night, a Scout with the HT scale left on the sides, Japanese water stone clouded bevel, blue and black Japanese style cord wrapped handle. Should be pretty sexy..........

[andy202wr]

Please, please,please. How do you do the para cord handle.

[CanadianMike]

Is pretty easy, the biggest part is attention to detail, twisting and lining up the sections properly. I started a small tutorial of pictures on my STKR page in the pics. Have to use gutted paracord though, first I tried was full paracord and it came out sloppy looking.

[Adam Savage]

Looking forward to seeing the new "Jap Style" blade :)

[CanadianMike]

Great thing about it is it'll be the same as my wood handled Scout I made for myself, 100% Scandi grind, is the sharpest knife I've made yet. Love the water stones, so easy to smooth out the main bevel, and in return also get a single bevel that is stupid sharp. Lol

[Adam Savage]

I have a Japanese water stone myself, but I used it in anger with my felling axe. Now it has a hollow :(

[CanadianMike]

You can flatten it down easy enough, and use the high ends as well. I have 5 water stones, a 700, two 1000, a 4000 and an 8000..........

[Adam Savage]

Cheers Mike. I always thought i needed a dressing stone to sort it out. Will see what I can do with it.

[CanadianMike]

Nah, even Murray Carter from Carter Cutlery said you can use the sidewalk to flatten a waterstone if you want. He prefers to just use the ends in various ways to conserve material. You can also put a coarse sheet of wet/dry on a piece of glass or other flat surface, using water as an adheasive, and do it that way. My old 1000x that I got in 1994 has had a hollow a couple times, once I used the big disk sander at work to flatten it. Now it still has a hollow from years of more use........ but i have a new one of a different brand. Lol

[Adam Savage]

I'll see if I can use the ends for something, and if not, use the glass/paper method lol. Thanks again Mike.

[CanadianMike]

No worries.......

[CanadianMike]

If "Flexibility is the key to airpower", then the same applies to a marketable knife design (especially if close to $500 is invested in getting blanks made...........)

A Scout knife donning it's Hallow'een costume:

Notice the heat treating scale left intact on the unground part of the blade:
https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/299153_10150357521849207_510619206_7936723_5689203 57_n.jpg

Wrapped in blue bamboo cord:
https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/302408_10150357499764207_510619206_7936631_1846073 443_n.jpg

Wrapping the handle:
https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/299512_10150358618054207_510619206_7943081_1414320 511_n.jpg

[Adam Savage]

Very cool Mike. I'm liking that a lot mate. T^

[CanadianMike]

Thank ya sir, little touch ups to do then a basic Kydex sheath........

https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/310286_10150358837329207_510619206_7943996_1994775 066_n.jpg

https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/311063_10150358837519207_510619206_7943998_1843484 314_n.jpg

https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/308517_10150358837734207_510619206_7944002_1209783 653_n.jpg

EDIT: Random ] slid in the last, thanks Adam for pointing it out!

[Adam Savage]

Looking even better. Like the concealed lanyard hoop now. :)

[CanadianMike]

Hehe, is subdued, and a handy place to finish the wrap and tie it.

[Adam Savage]

Think the last pic should have been this...
https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/308517_10150358837734207_510619206_7944002_1209783 653_n.jpg

[Adam Savage]

loving the clouded bevel too... I'm getting those idea things again :p

[CanadianMike]

Lol, we are bad aren't we? I'm thinking of gun bluing the scale a bit to see if I can draw it out more, then a bit more stone work (to deal with drips), but also the rear of the edge isn't as sharp as the front half..........if a knife doesn't fling hairs easy, I'm not happy with it! :P

[Adam Savage]

lol. I've been trying to find out, how to get this finish on the bevel, but no luck so far. It's only a cheap tanto I have from a set.

http://i1024.photobucket.com/albums/y304/crazysaint22/projects%20and%20equipment/IMG_0044.jpg

[CanadianMike]

Nail polish and some kind of etching. This:

https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/248519_117123665038838_117036668380871_151053_5837 26_n.jpg

.......I did, first by soaking the blade in hot white vinegar, then used clear nail polish to cover the edge where I wanted the fake hamon to be and the shape of it, then I gun blued the blade.......... and got that effect.

So, what you can do is, polish the blade, cover most of it but the edge in nail polish, then soak in hot vinegar, hopefully that'd give you the dull edge with the shiney edge. Isn't as permanent as the gun bluing though, and to keep it there would call for repeated vinegar and nail polish treatments, a real hassle on a working knife.

This one is the opposite effect, I think I may have done nail polish on the edge and then soaked the blade in salty water with a power supply hooked up, red on the edge of the glass in the water, black on the blade handle........

https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/247981_117111231706748_117036668380871_150951_7976 732_n.jpg

[Adam Savage]

I have some ideas to play with now. thanks Mike.

[CanadianMike]

Atta boy, you are welcome and let me know what you come up with, I'm always looking for new finishing ideas. :)

[CanadianMike]

New idea, cord/seatbelt cutter slot in the sheath:

https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/374360_10150376426474207_510619206_8045699_2033919 873_n.jpg

Works great on paracord........ idea came from setting up camp last month and using lots of cordage to hang wind-break tarps between trees, tying down my tent on a skid-like platform instead of tent pegs, etc. Had a Scout in a neck sheath and each time I had to cut cord I'd have to unsheath it, cut, then use two hands to secure the knife back in the sheath. With this set up, if the cutting can be done around chest level, just grab the sheath and cut, then let go of the knife. Otherwise, just keep the knife & sheath in your pocket, do your cordwork, pull the sheath out, cut, place back in pocket, without ever having to unsheath the knife.

Worthwhile addition to the options? I think so................. ;)

[Adam Savage]

Fantastic idea mate. Well done that man. Why hasn't anyone thought of that before? Must be the Canadian genius in you :)
I may have to...erm...borrow...this idea for the two finger neckers...:rolleyes:

[CanadianMike]

Go for it, is partially the reason I posted it here, it is a great (ahem, lazy) idea overall, and a suggestion for you to add, but like I've always said, there is a fine line between laziness and efficiency............

But ya, so far my wearing of these Scouts has been in the handle down format, which requires two hands to resheath, but makes it easy to withdraw with one hand. Having it handle up makes it easy to sheath, but unless you pull the knife out straight in front of your chest, you'd need two hands to unsheath. This makes simple cord cutting chores very easy, for a neck style knife sheath anyways. Trying to add something like this to a belt sheath............. a challenge.

[Adam Savage]

Trying to add something like this to a belt sheath............. a challenge.
Now that all depends on how high you can get your leg :p

[CanadianMike]

More referring to to the modular system of sheath I've designed for the Scout.................... add in a magnet, too hard!!!

[jus_young]

Damn good idea that Mike

[Adam Savage]

More referring to to the modular system of sheath I've designed for the Scout.................... add in a magnet, too hard!!!

How about a small blade (like a box cutter blade) in a Kydex holder, of the same colour as the sheath, then mounted to the sheath, with either a clip, or a Kydex pocket (I know what I mean haha), or even magnets?


Damn good idea that Mike

You gotta watch this one, he's too clever for his own good lol

[CanadianMike]

Beer makes me think...............

Not a bad idea, a smaller box cutter blade in a Kydex housing to attach to a modular sheath, hmmmm, gives me a use for the thin ass'd Kydex I have! Lol, and you are calling me too smart for my own good! I like the idea. :)

[Adam Savage]

If it works, I'll also have a use for the thin ass'd Kydex haha

[CanadianMike]

There we go, great team we are. :D

[jus_young]

International relations at their best :) You will be starting a new global conglomerate soon and take over the world!

[Adam Savage]

Shhhhh, that's all hush hush at the moment. :p

[CanadianMike]

Agreed, we are still working out the bugs..........

[CanadianMike]

For TreeFrog:

https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/318680_10150401386279207_510619206_8141054_1733332 555_n.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/375901_10150401385989207_510619206_8141053_7885579 78_n.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/317081_10150401385769207_510619206_8141052_2051973 45_n.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/391139_10150401385489207_510619206_8141051_6398498 69_n.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/310246_10150401385149207_510619206_8141050_9457334 34_n.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/376887_10150401384649207_510619206_8141048_1710775 052_n.jpg

[Notredame11211]

For TreeFrog:

https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/318680_10150401386279207_510619206_8141054_1733332 555_n.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/375901_10150401385989207_510619206_8141053_7885579 78_n.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/317081_10150401385769207_510619206_8141052_2051973 45_n.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/391139_10150401385489207_510619206_8141051_6398498 69_n.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/310246_10150401385149207_510619206_8141050_9457334 34_n.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/376887_10150401384649207_510619206_8141048_1710775 052_n.jpg

That is sexy!

[Ben Casey]

Very nice :)

[treefrog]

That's a beautiful thing. As you know it's a Christmas gift for my wife to replace her cheapo Mora. And speaking of that, she and I each have moras, mine is about
30 years old, hers is about 5. They are both carbon steel, but hers seems to be susceptible to extreme patina. It may be rust, but not entirely. It discolours very
dark; stays sharp enough, mind you, but I'm sure the steel qualities are not the same. Any thoughts?

Mine is the one on top.

http://i390.photobucket.com/albums/oo345/barefoot_01/kniven003.jpg

After sharpening.

http://i390.photobucket.com/albums/oo345/barefoot_01/kniven005.jpg

[CanadianMike]

Thanks!

I have one of those, the laminated blade one, it tends to get pockmark corrosion on it, not really rust. Looks like rust on hers due to the red colour, mostly I've seen patinas form in greys and blacks on carbon blades. Maybe try the hot viniegar treatment on the blade, it'll eat away at some of the crap on there and will leave a nicer patina that might be resistant to rust. I have three Opinels, one stainless, the other two carbon, both the carbon ones I turned the blades black in about 2mins soaking in hot vinegar, hasn't come off yet nor has any corrosion occured.

[Adam Savage]

Nice knife Mike. What wood did you use for the scales? Looks like aboudikro/sapele.

[CanadianMike]

Thanks Adam, it's purpleheart that hadn't regained it's purple colour after sanding.

[Adam Savage]

Cool. Well it looks great either way mate.

[CanadianMike]

Thanks dude, am liking yours too. :)

[Adam Savage]

Cheers Mike

[CanadianMike]

Update on Treefrog's knife......

https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/384943_10150430149109207_510619206_8222158_2593158 51_n.jpg

https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/390575_10150430149514207_510619206_8222159_2022686 562_n.jpg

Just need to wax and buff the handle. Purpleheart and mahogany leather dye work great together!

[Notredame11211]

Beautiful work!

[CanadianMike]

Thanks man, lots went into this, I love adding wood handles to knives! Will post up pics of new ones I make, have some rich curly maple and birdseye maple I recently bought that I'm itching to into one of these knives. Upcoming weeks, stay tuned!

[Ben Casey]

Love it :)

[andy202wr]

Update on Treefrog's knife......

https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/384943_10150430149109207_510619206_8222158_2593158 51_n.jpg

https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/390575_10150430149514207_510619206_8222159_2022686 562_n.jpg

Just need to wax and buff the handle. Purpleheart and mahogany leather dye work great together!

That is a beautifull knife. Love the four pins and lanyard hole.

[CanadianMike]

Thanks guys, can't wait to get onto the other wood handled knives. Have a couple orders to fill first or during though. :)

[Adam Savage]

Awesome work as usual Mike. The purple heart really turned out great. Looking forward to seeing many more to come. :)

[CanadianMike]

Thanks dude, purpleheart always is a joy to add, is interesting in how when working it, it becomes a light brownish purple, and when done it regains it's full purple colour.