Forged Drop Point Hunter with Chittum Burl - 80CrV2 - Journeyman Smith Test Knife

Product Description for Forged Drop Point Hunter with Chittum Burl - 80CrV2 - Journeyman Smith Test Knife

Maker: Jan Vaterlaus, J.S. (click to see more by this maker)
Item num: 112810
** This is handmade and one-of-a-kind **
Blade length: 4.20 in.
Cutting edge length: 3.80 in.
Total length: 8.80 in.
Blade height (at heel): 0.94 in.
Blade thickness (near bolster): 0.14 in.
Blade thickness (at midpoint): 0.11 in.
Blade thickness (near tip): 0.03 in.
Item weight: 4.20 oz.
Shipment weight: 8 oz.
Blade: Hand forged 80CrV2 carbon steel with a hand rubbed satin finish
Bolster: Satin finished 416 stainless steel
Handle: Stabilized chittum burl
Sheath: Padded zipper case
Description: Journeyman Smith Jan Vaterlaus (b.1963) is an Idaho knifemaker known for forging durable, high-performance knives built for extreme outdoor use. Inspired by the rugged wilderness of his home state and his experience as a hunting guide in Alaska, Jan crafts blades with a focus on reliability, longevity, and natural materials. His pursuit of perfection led him to train under ABS Mastersmith Jim Crowell. Jan’s knives are proven hard-use tools — one is even credited with saving a biologist’s life during a grizzly attack. They embody his philosophy of creating knives that excel in the harshest conditions. Jan achieved his Journeyman Smith ranking in June of 2025.
This hunter was part of Jan's Journeyman Smith 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 80CrV2 carbon steel and features a meticulous hand rubbed satin finish. 80CrV2 carbon steel is tough, has high chip resistant, and maintains an excellent edge. It is a great choice for hard use knives. The blade is flat ground and razor sharp. Jan's touchmark is engraved on the left side of the blade.
The handle is hand contoured stabilized chittum burl wood. Chittum burl (Cotinus obovatus), also known as American smoketree burl, is a rare and highly sought-after wood burl known for its unique grain patterns and rich colors. The heartwood of this tree boasts a beautiful golden champagne to amber coloring. Chittum burl is considered one of the rarest wood burls domestic to North America. The front of the handle is sealed with a 416 stainless steel guard. A black fiber spacer will help the natural wood adjust to humidity and temperature changes.
A padded zipper case is included for long term storage.
Excellent work throughout!


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