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.!