Shield Maiden Puukko with Damascus, Snake Bean, Ebony, and Maple

Product Description for Shield Maiden Puukko with Damascus, Snake Bean, Ebony, and Maple

Maker: Stuart Smith, J.S. (click to see more by this maker)
Price: $500.00
Item num: 106631
*** This is handmade and one-of-a-kind ***
Blade length: 4.00 in.
Cutting edge length: 3.80 in.
Total length: 9.40 in.
Blade height (at heel): 1.03 in.
Blade thickness (near bolster): 0.19 in.
Blade thickness (at midpoint): 0.18 in.
Blade thickness (near tip): 0.17 in.
Item weight: 7.20 oz.
Shipment weight: 12 oz.
Blade: Damascus forged from 1095 and 15n20 carbon steels
Handle: Snake bean wood with viking shield made from ebony and maple
Sheath: Custom leather sheath with ostrich shin leather overlay
Description: Getting to visit with bladesmith Stuart Smith is a 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 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. Over the years, he has become one of the best and most creative bladesmiths forging knives in South Africa.
The damascus blade was hand forged from 1095 and 15n20 carbon steels for excellent edge retention. A deep etch provides high contrast that will have you staring at the pattern for hours. Stuart's J.S. mark is on the left side of the blade and his touchmark is on the right. The blade features a high performance Scandi-grind, preferred by many bushcrafters.
The creative handle features a Viking shield maiden's shield created from sections of ebony and maple. The oversized central pin is domed like the iron boss of a shield. The woodwork is exceptional with no gapping. The shield is surrounded by snake bean wood and bronze and fiber spacers. A polished bronze bolster and end cap finish the handle. The handle fills out the hand nicely and provides excellent grip.
The knife is accompanied by a leather sheath with an ostrich shin leather front. The sheath design allows the sheath to be removed from the belt loop without taking off your belt.
Excellent work throughout!


Availability: In stock. Usually ships in 1-2 business days