Hunter Model R with Curly Maple

Product Description for Hunter Model R with Curly Maple

Maker: Stuart Smith, J.S. (click to see more by this maker)
Item num: 102937
*** This is handmade and one-of-a-kind ***
Blade length: 4.30 in.
Cutting edge length: 3.75 in.
Total length: 9.10 in.
Blade height (at heel): 1.07 in.
Blade thickness (near bolster): 0.18 in.
Blade thickness (at midpoint): 0.16 in.
Blade thickness (near tip): 0.03 in.
Item weight: 6.20 oz.
Shipment weight: 9.4 oz.
Blade: Hand forged 52100 carbon steel with a hand rubbed satin finish
Bolster: Satin finished 303 stainless steel
Handle: Stabilized curly maple
Sheath: Tooled cow hide leather sheath
Description: Getting to meet with bladesmith Stuart Smith is a real highlight of my trips to South Africa. Smith began making knives in 2000 after he took a class with Mastersmith Kevin Harvey. Stuart was immediately hooked and quit 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.
Stuart hand forged the drop point blade from 52100 carbon steel. This high performing steel is considered to be among the best steels (if not the very best) by many knifemakers and knife users. Makers such as Mastersmiths Bill Burke, Bob Kramer, and Ed Fowler have pioneered this long edge holding steel. It features an heirloom quality hand rubbed satin finish and is distal tapered, ensuring perfect balance. Jimping on the spine allows for a secure, comfortable grip.
The handle is hand contoured from stabilized and dyed curly maple, secured to the hidden tang using a hand domed stainless steel pin. The curly maple has a chatoyant pattern that appears to move when turned in the light, revealing the curled figure. The handle is finished with a satin finished 303 stainless steel guard that prevents your hand from slipping over the blade.
The knife is accompanied by a hand stitched and tooled black leather sheath.
Exceptional work throughout!


Availability: Not currently available