Field Testing and Making Goals

[gables]

I gave this hunter to my nephew for his birthday and he and my brother in law have been using it on three deer so far. My knife making goal for 2012 was to do a show and sponsor some forums for classified sales. I have found a market in simple and rugged full tang hunters in carbon and stainless. I belt finish with an A100 trizact belt. My 2013 goal is to get back into making forged hidden tang and half guard ABS quality knives in preparation for journeyman testing. This past year of repetition and higher volume has greatly improved my grinding and finish and the feedback from customers has helped tremendously.

I have the twin of this posted in the classifieds.
 http://tradgang.com/noncgi/ultimatebb.php?ubb=get_topic;f=48;t=002065

[gables]

[Lin Rhea]

I see a fine knife Gabriel. I'm also wishing you much success on your plans. We're rootin for ya.

[Izzy]

I like the looks of your knives very much. I also like CPM 154. Why is it that not a lot of makers here use it? It sure sharpens easily and holds an edge.

[gables]

Thanks guys. I started getting more and more requests for stainless and have a good friend with a heat treat oven. I have beeen pleased with how sharp we get them after refining the heat treatment. I think forums attract certain types of makers and perhaps with this being a traditional bow site, carbon steel blades are viewed as more traditional. I value having a predictable steel and procedure to offer to those who prefer the pros of stainless.

[Izzy]

I like the looks of your knives very much. I also like CPM 154. Why is it that not a lot of makers here use it? It sure sharpens easily and holds an edge.