Forged Drop Point Hunter with Paper Bark
(Journeyman Smith Test Knife)

Product Description for Forged Drop Point Hunter with Paper Bark
(Journeyman Smith Test Knife)

Maker: Francois Mazieres, J.S. (click to see more by this maker)
Item num: 108741
** This is handmade and one-of-a-kind **
Blade length: 5.60 in.
Cutting edge length: 5.30 in.
Total length: 10.20 in.
Blade height (at heel): 1.11 in.
Blade thickness (near bolster): 0.15 in.
Blade thickness (at midpoint): 0.14 in.
Blade thickness (near tip): 0.04 in.
Item weight: 6.00 oz.
Shipment weight: 9.8 oz.
Blade: Hand forged 1084 carbon steel with a hand rubbed satin finish
Bolster: Polished stainless steel
Handle: Australian paper bark wood
Sheath: Tooled leather sheath
Description: Francois Mazieres is a bladesmith from Alice Springs, Australia. He is a multi-award-winning knifemaker, having won Best Utility Knife, Best Kitchen Knife, Best Hunting Knife and the coveted Best In Show at Australian Knife Art Association shows. He received his journeyman smith rating with the American Blade Society in June of 2023. He creates knives with great designs and excellent fit and finish.
This hunter was part of Francois' JS test set. When a maker tests to become a journeyman, they create five knives that are the height of their work. These five knives are then judged by established masters to determine if the maker's work is up to snuff. Often, prospective journeymen spend 2-3 times as long creating these five knives as they would generally do, as they know that their work will be poured over by the masters. These five knives are generally considered to be among the most collectable knives of a maker's career.
The drop point blade is hand forged 1084 carbon steel and features a meticulous hand rubbed satin finish. 1084 carbon steel is tough, chip resistant, and holds an exceptional edge. The blade is flat ground and razor sharp. Mazieres' touchmark is on the spine of the blade.
The handle is highly figured Australian paper bark (Melaleuca quinquenervia). The swirling black figure moving throughout the medium toned handle is extremely engaging. The sculpted handle swells nicely in the palm and is very comfortable. The handle is finished with a polished stainless steel guard and copper spacer.
To keep the knife close at hand, a hand tooled leather sheath is included.
Excellent work throughout!


Availability: Not currently available