Named for a fundamental base particle in the realm of physics, the Quark is a great small utility knife, with a very sturdy blade and point. I made this one in bead blasted and hot blued O1 high carbon tungsten-vanadium tool steel blade, a knife steel that is tough, wear resistant, durable, and easy to sharpen. O1 can quickly achieve a formidable razor keen edge with just a few strokes on a sharpening stone. The blade design has a steep swage at the point to create a very tough tanto point and the straight edges are simple and useful. The knife is bolstered with nickel silver bolsters and the handle is Honduras Rosewood bedded and pinned with ten nickel silver pins for trustworthy mounting. Honduras Rosewood is a zero care hardwood, keeping its appearance for many years. The handle has a great and comfortable shape, and locks well in the first two fingers.
The deep and dependable sheath for the Quark is made in black dyed 9 - 10 oz. leather shoulder, hand-tooled in black basket weave pattern, hand-stitched with polyester sinew, lacquered and sealed.
A fundamental little knife that will endure many years of service with style.
What struck me first was the appearance of the knife. Without touching it, my first thought was - this
is entirely to pretty to be put to work. I would find out how far I was off the mark a week later. The knife
has superb balance and feel. It is an extremely versatile and effective ( i.e. lethal) design, despite it's
origins being a "working" knife. The simply utility of the design is incredible. I put the Quark through
the paces, no doubt. With my previous commercial and issue weapons, the edges had a short half life, and I
would usually spend some time every few days refining them. The Quarks edge has held up amazingly well, and
I confess that I found no need to resharpen after 3 weeks in the field. The Quark easily met all of the
criteria I asked about during our initial discussions.
I'm incredibly impressed - and from this point forward, a loyal patron.
Thank You Jay,
M.M.
The two knives I have from you remain in service and continue to perform excellently! I have many, many jealous colleagues who lack the patience to acquire a functional work of art. It has been a few years and my knives remain in incredible shape and continue to provide amazing service.
--M.
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