Forum Brother opaul’s work 3 years later

[6518John]

I always enjoy the glamor shots of the unused knife beauties and safe queens. I bought one of opaul’s early works a couple of years ago and it has seen hard use field dressing game and in the kitchen. Frankly, I enjoy it in the kitchen as much as in the field.

I was sharpening it this morning—I now have “knife-fighters mange” on my left arm, it takes a razors edge— and took a glamor shot.

[Rpg]

I’ve frequently lusted after knives he displays here.

Now I get to add jealousy to the mortal sins his knives inspire in me.

Mea Culpa!

[ladder13]

I’ve met him, he’s a good guy too.

[6518John]

While I was at it I did my son’s Canadian Belt knife—that went right back into the the sheath, on the belt, on the young man, who is now putting out round bales so no picture.

Also his favorite knife, my dad’s old deerslayer/sharp finger. (Like many young folks he likes a big, flashy knife. But I will admit that one is a dandy although too big for me).

Also did my much abused little Mora too that I like to stick in my coveralls.

[billwill]

Opaul does outstanding work. Lots of time, effort and skill there. And he has a great eye for design. Cut on!

[opaul]

Originally Posted by 6518John

I always enjoy the glamor shots of the unused knife beauties and safe queens. I bought one of opaul’s early works a couple of years ago and it has seen hard use field dressing game and in the kitchen. Frankly, I enjoy it in the kitchen as much as in the field.

I was sharpening it this morning—I now have “knife-fighters mange” on my left arm, it takes a razors edge— and took a glamor shot.

So glad to hear you are enjoying and using the knife! I believe it may have been closer to three years ago you got the knife. I found a picture of the blade just after I made it. If I remember correctly the scales were osage orange.

[opaul]

There have many a lot of knives under the bridge since you got that one. You were my first 'customer', something one never forgets .

So here I am today on this cool morning forging out a small Bowie type knife. A quick dip in the acid to see what the pattern is going to look like.

[6518John]

Originally Posted by opaul

So glad to hear you are enjoying and using the knife! I believe it may have been closer to three years ago you got the knife. I found a picture of the blade just after I made it. If I remember correctly the scales were osage orange.

Paul, I can’t believe it’s been 3 years! It has truly been a great knife. I am surprised the handle has darkened up as much as it has because I really like the Osage Orange. It must have stained from all the game it has dressed and regular use.

[Old_Cop]

I tried to find you on the net and facebook, but my skills are meager. I would be interested in one of your knives.

[p8riot]

Originally Posted by opaul

There have many a lot of knives under the bridge since you got that one. You were my first 'customer', something one never forgets .

So here I am today on this cool morning forging out a small Bowie type knife. A quick dip in the acid to see what the pattern is going to look like.

I love Damascus steel blades. How many layers would you say this one has?

[6518John]

I am going to lightly sand the scales and see if some of that Osage orange color wont come back out.

[Igiveup]

The OP's knife and the one opaul showed just don't look the same. The line up of the handle rivets and the butt end of the knife seem different, as well as the OP's knife doesn't seem to have brass in the hole for lanyard. Or is it just the angel of the pictures? Regardless, awesome knives.

[6518John]

I believe it is just the angle and quality of the pictures. I just polished the lanyard hole and low and behold there is a shiny brass lining in there! (I have never liked lanyards since I was wading through the brush and a sticker-bush caught the lanyard on my sheath knife and pulled in right out. It was a miracle I found the knife the next day. So I never use them or pay attention to them).

[opaul]

Originally Posted by Igiveup

The OP's knife and the one opaul showed just don't look the same. The line up of the handle rivets and the butt end of the knife seem different, as well as the OP's knife doesn't seem to have brass in the hole for lanyard. Or is it just the angel of the pictures? Regardless, awesome knives.

It’s the same knife, just the patina and camera angle making it look different. Thanks!

[opaul]

Originally Posted by 6518John

I believe it is just the angle and quality of the pictures. I just polished the lanyard hole and low and behold there is a shiny brass lining in there! (I have never liked lanyards since I was wading through the brush and a sticker-bush caught the lanyard on my sheath knife and pulled in right out. It was a miracle I found the knife the next day. So I never use them or pay attention to them).

That’s a good point about a lanyard and something I had not considered. I tend to install lanyard tubes more often than not. So it might be something I omit unless someone requests it.

[opaul]

Originally Posted by p8riot

I love Damascus steel blades. How many layers would you say this one has?

I’m not sure. My shop is not set up to make damascus so I purchase damascus billets from knife makers I know.

[6518John]

Originally Posted by opaul

It’s the same knife, just the patina and camera angle making it look different. Thanks!

Paul is being polite and not saying “the fool I sold it to is not taking care of it properly, much less babying it, and is gutting and field dressing deer and other critters with impunity.” In the three years I have had the knife it has probably field dressed or parted out at least 15 big bucks, and god only knows how many doves, ducks, rabbits and squirrels.

Our knives do not sit around in the safe.

[Igiveup]

I guess a little "patina" really makes a knife. I also have used the Old Timers Sharp finger for many years. I think I have given about five to grandkids for their first knives. Currently they are made in China, but for the dollar, still a good knife.

[opaul]

Originally Posted by 6518John

Paul is being polite and not saying “the fool I sold it to is not taking care of it properly, much less babying it, and is gutting and field dressing deer and other critters with impunity.” In the three years I have had the knife it has probably field dressed or parted out at least 15 big bucks, and god only knows how many doves, ducks, rabbits and squirrels.

Our knives do not sit around in the safe.

This is really refreshing to hear and glad it’s performing well for you. Those are some nice bucks!