Puukko with African Blackwood and Ironwood

Product Description for Puukko with African Blackwood and Ironwood

Maker: Stuart Smith, J.S. (click to see more by this maker)
Item num: 101134
** This is handmade and one-of-a-kind **
Blade length: 4.25 in.
Cutting edge length: 3.75 in.
Total length: 9.00 in.
Blade height (at heel): 1.02 in.
Blade thickness (near bolster): 0.14 in.
Blade thickness (at midpoint): 0.14 in.
Blade thickness (near tip): 0.05 in.
Item weight: 5.20 oz.
Shipment weight: 6.8 oz.
Blade: Satin finished 75Cr1 tool steel
Bolster: Brass
Handle: African blackwood with an Arizona desert ironwood spacer
Sheath: Traditional pouch style leather sheath
Description: Getting to meet bladesmith Stuart Smith was a real highlight of my recent trip to South Africa. Smith began making knives in 2000 after he took a class with Mastersmith Kevin Harvey. Stuart was immediately hooked and quite his job working as a salesman by 2004. Only a few years after that, in 2009, Stuart began teaching classes of his own. Among his many students is Neels van den Berg. Stuart has been very active over the years in the Southern African Bladesmiths Association (SABA) and the Knifemakers Guild of Southern Africa (KGSA). Stuart became a Journeyman Smith in June 2019.
The satin finished blade is made from 75Cr1 tool steel. This German made carbon steel is very similar to 1075 carbon steel with additional chromium added to achieve a higher hardness during heat treatment. The result is a long lasting edge that can be easily sharpened to razor sharpnes! The right ricasso features Stuart's maker mark.
The handle is made from jet black African Blackwood (Dalbergia melanoxylon), nicely sculpted for a comfortable grip. A desert ironwood (Olneya tesota) ferrule and brass spacers bring warmth that nicely complements the handle. The brass guard is hammer textured on the front face.
To protect the knife during transportation a traditional pouch style leather sheath is included.
Excellent work throughout!


Availability: Not currently available