Argiope
Argiope Tactical Art Knife
- Size: Length overall: 13.0" (33.0 cm), Blade Length: 8.25" (21.0cm), Thickness: .240" (6.1 mm)
- Weight: Knife: 1 lb., 1 oz. Sheath: 9.6 oz.
- Blade: 440C High Chromium Martensitic Stainless Steel, Hardened and Tempered to Rockwell C58, mirror finished
- Bolsters, Fittings: Hand-engraved 304 Austenitic High Nickel, High Chromium Stainless Steel
- Handle: Polished Polvadera Jasper Gemstone
- Sheath: Ostrich Leg Skin Inlaid in Hand-carved Leather
- Knife: Named a large and formidable spider
in the southeast, Argiope is an imposing tactical work of art.
This design has a proven combat record and my client wanted the
knife made in pure art form, finely finished, engraved, and with
gemstone and exotic skin accoutrements. I did my best not to
disappoint! The large, meaty, and thick blade is deeply hollow
ground and mirror finished 440C high chromium martensitic
stainless tool steel, for great durability, corrosion
resistance, longevity, and appearance. The edge has a slight
recurve, just enough to give the edge profile a good section of
curved belly, made for slicing. The point is thin yet stout,
with a top side half-length polished swage that reduces
cross-sectional profile without sacrificing strength. The blade
has full filework where it counts, on the spine and throughout
the handle, in a compact, modified deep-vee vine form, that
increases tactile strength while adding unique and original
character. I left the rear finger ring clean, smooth, and
polished for a comfortable feel inside and out. The bolsters are
triple-pinned high chromium, high nickel austenitic 304
stainless steel, for zero care and long lasting beauty. I
hand-engraved a carefully designed pattern on their faces, one
that incorporates the ring theme of the knife handle and the
vine motif of the filework. I enjoyed applying the complex and
graceful curves and lines of the blade into the engraving, and
if you know my work, you know that very few people ever attempt
to engrave this tough, hard, and beautiful stainless steel. The
bolsters are mirror finished throughout; even the sculpted faces
are mirrored. The dovetailed bolsters bed a stunning pair of
Polvadera Jasper gemstone handle scales, some of the most
beautiful jasper from our southwest. This is a hard, tough,
extremely durable material with the beautiful richness of
color... I'll let the pictures speak to that! The handle is
comfortable, smooth, and with significant weight and balance in
the hand.
- Sheath: A knife this extraordinary needed a
commensurate sheath, and I went all-out on a hand-carved,
hand-tooled sheath of 9 - 10 oz. leather shoulder, inlaid with
16 pieces of Burgundy Ostrich leg skin that match the complex
and graceful curves of the knife blade and engraving. I made the
sheath with a nicely placed "window" that echoes the round
finger ring, the engraved design, and displays the front bolster
well. I carried this ringed pattern on the rear of the sheath in
the fully inlaid belt loop. The sheath is adorned with carved
accents and outlined borders. The sheath is dyed a medium rich
brown, hand-stitched with polyester sinew, lacquered and
sealed.
- It's going to hurt to say goodbye to this one!
Thanks, T. G.!
Hi Jay
Jay, the knife is superb....well worth the wait. I am very
grateful that you have made this knife so brilliantly. Thank
you for everything. Thank you again for supplying me with the best custom knife money can
buy, it is truly outstanding. I will surely be placing an order for one
of my own very soon.
Thanks for everything
--T.
Please click on thumbnail photos