Hunter/Utility with Madagascar Rosewood and Box Elder Burl

Product Description for Hunter/Utility with Madagascar Rosewood and Box Elder Burl

Maker: Stuart Smith, J.S. (click to see more by this maker)
Item num: 101135
*** 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): 0.96 in.
Blade thickness (near bolster): 0.16 in.
Blade thickness (at midpoint): 0.16 in.
Blade thickness (near tip): 0.06 in.
Item weight: 5.00 oz.
Shipment weight: 7.2 oz.
Blade: 75Cr1 tool steel with a two tone finish
Bolster: Brass
Handle: Madagascar rosewood and box elder burl
Sheath: Nordic 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 two tone finished blade is 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 sharpness! The right ricasso features Stuart's maker's mark.
The handle is made from Madagascar rosewood (Dalbergia maritima). The wood has a beautiful wavy figure and dark brown tones. A box elder burl (Acer negundo) spacer brings excellent contrast into the handle. Brass and black fiber spacers will help the wood adjust to humidity and temperature changes. The handle is finished with a polished brass bolster.
To protect the knife during transportation, a Nordic style leather sheath is included.
Excellent work throughout!


Availability: Not currently available