Jay Fisher - Fine Custom Knives

"Raptor" Fine Custom Handmade Karambit Knife

• Size: Length overall: 9.8" (24.9 cm), Blade Length: 5.1" (13 cm), Thickness: 0.243" (6.1 mm)
• Weight: Knife: 9.5 oz. (269 grams) Sheath: 5.9 oz. (167 grams)
• Blade: ATS-34 high molybdenum martensitic stainless steel blade, T3 deep cryogenically treated with triple tempering to 59.5 HRC
• Bolsters, Fittings: 304 Austenitic Stainless Steel, Mirror polished
• Handle: Budstone (Verdite) Gemstone (Barberton, South Africa)
• Sheath: Hand-carved, hand-dyed leather shoulder inlaid with green rayskin, nylon stitching, stainless steel dot snap
• Knife: "Raptor" is one of the boldest knife designs I make, a double-edged karambit, with intense curves and lines, incredible grinds, a radically profiled handle, and rear finger ring with talon persuader. It is, of course, named for the talon of a Velociraptor claw, one of the most terrible natural weapons ever discovered. The karambit originated as a 16th century rice harvesting sickle, and evolved into a defensive and tactical weapon and tool. This raptor was custom made for a great client, and it was an honor to bring this piece to reality.
  • The steel I chose for this knife is ATS-34 high molybdenum martensitic stainless steel, chosen for its durability and toughness. Because it has high carbon and high molybdenum, this results in profuse molybdenum as well as chromium carbides, and high toughness (resistance to breakage), as well as wear resistance. To bring this steel to its zenith, I used my proprietary T3 deep cryogenic process in heat treating this blade; it's a highly detailed, extremely sophisticated process that takes 33 individual steps and takes over a week long. The result of this is an incredibly wear-resistant blade that has extremely high carbide development, fine grain, and extremely high corrosion resistance. Asperity is reduced; the microstructure development is superior to any other typical handmade knife, and far above any factory or manufactured knife. This is, simply put, ATS-34 at its very finest advanced condition. The convex blade edge grind for this knife blade is hollow, with a very thin and tough cutting edge and an extremely fine point, accomplished with a 3" contact wheel which leaves plenty of thick spine to support the curved blade. Because it's ATS-34, the thin point is resistant to breakage or fracture due to high toughness. The concave blade edge grind is a taper grind, producing a strong and durable edge without sacrificing strength. The blade is mirror polished and I fileworked the knife completely around the spine with a complex vine pattern, including the inside handle curves. The talon at the butt is clean and thick for strength and the finger ring is polished and smooth throughout.
  • I bolstered the knife with large, zero-care 304 high chromium, high nickel stainless steel bolsters, which are contoured, rounded and finished for a comfortable feel. The bolsters are secured with zero-clearance peened pins and dovetailed to bed the handle scales. The rear bolsters are wide and support the finger ring and talon. Both front and rear bolsters accommodate the deep finger grooves, which aid in grip in either forward or reverse grip style.
  • The handle scales of this knife are a beautiful pair of Budstone scales from Barberton, Mumalanga Province, South Africa. This stone is also known as Verdite, or Buddstone, or even "South African Jade," but it is not a jade. Instead, it is a bright green and colorful chalcedony-based stone with abundant fuchsite-mica inclusions. This stone comes from the "greenstone belt" of the Barberton Makhonjwa Mountains, dating back 3.5 billion years. It's a tough rock, taking a silky, pearly luster and has fascinating inclusions of quartz and colored chalcedony throughout. This is an increasingly rare gemstone to find in pieces large enough for a knife handle.
  • The knife feels as it looks: formidable. It's rigid, strong, and thick at the base and spine, with a firm and curvaceous handle that conforms to the hand in either forward grip with the little finger in the finger ring, or reverse grip with the thumb laid atop the rear talon at the finger ring. It is a unique and gorgeous weapon and art form in eternal materials demonstrating the solid beauty of form.
• Sheath: The sheath for a radically curved form like the Raptor is a challenge to create. I made this one in 9-10 oz. leather shoulder, and stitched it with heavy #346 nylon thread throughout including the wide belt loop. I inlaid the sheath with green rayskin, which is interlocking bone and very tough and durable. There are inlays in the front, the back, and in the belt loop. The dot snap is in marine-grade stainless steel for zero corrosion concerns. Because of the curve of the blade, the knife has to be "rolled" into the heavy welt-protective pocket following the curve of the spine. The sheath is sealed with saddle lacquer for longevity.
• A wonderful piece in durable high alloy stainless steel and stone, with radical curves and flowing design. Please admire this knife in the photos and enlargements below!