The Allrounder
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The name says it all - the 'Allrounder' - Anytime, anywhere!
As evidenced by the feedback received, it seems that I've made some very decent useful knives to date from steels such as RWL-34, 52100 Bearing steel, Damascus, DC53 steel, 01 & D2 Tool steels and Damasteel. But it's only with experience that one can tell that some steels are to be favoured for a certain type of knife. When it comes to the Allrounder, which I made in all the previously mentioned steels at some time or other, two steels - AISI D2 and 440C Surgical stainless steel - stand out. The D2 steel version is for the more traditional of folk who prefer Carbon steel, but at a higher grade than 01 tool steel. D2 is an admirable tool steel that is tough, can take and hold a keen edge and it's far more resistant to staining and rusting than any other tool steel. As for the 440C stainless steel, it's easy to maintain and can take and hold a surgically sharp edge really well.
This knife is designed with the occasional outdoorsman in mind. It's a sturdy knife at 4mm thick and yet it'll tackle any cutting light to medium jobs easily, thanks to its deeper grind, be it a full Scandi type zero degree edge or with a Secondary bevel. It'll handle many other tasks where you need a solid knife that can take a fair share of rough handling when needed. I've been making the 'Allrounder' for a few years now and I've never had one back that failed its owner in any way whatsoever, so it has a proven track record of reliability you can depend on. It's important however, when ordering an Allrounder, to consider your needs and choose the right type of cutting edge. |
This Allrounder is in Carbon Fibre which is really stunning in real life than in this photo! I should know, I made it and I own it still! Both the above knives are mine. On the left has an Amboyna handle left and Carbon Fibre above
About AISI D2 steel: D-2 is an air-hardened high Carbon tool steel that has become a favourite of top end knife makers. It's a good choice for hard use applications with excellent wear resistance. Finish has a somewhat satin sheen to it and not quite mirror like. Takes and holds a great edge and very much appreciated by the advanced craftsman and knowledgeable outdoorsman. D2 steel has become a favourite of mine and I therefore have no hesitation in recommending it. Of all tool steels, D2 is the most resistant to staining and corrosion.
The many and varied knife handle materials on this site is testimony enough to how much one is able to choose from. I doubt that many other knife makers have as much of a varied wood in stock at any one time as I have. I just happen to love wood for its own sake and I always pick the best wood possible for a given knife.
Some of the not so dense woods I go to the trouble of stabilising as these happen to be, more often than not, very lovely burls and make for a stunning knife. I'm just like anybody else when it comes to choosing a handle material; so much to choose from and making a final decision never comes easy...
The knife on the left has a Scandi type grind to zero degree. |
LLROUNDERS IN 440C STEEL
On the left is Allrounder in 440C steel with Desert Ironwood handle and Mosaic pins (belongs to J. Dosset - USA) and on the right is another that's handled in Black Buffalo horn with Mosaic pins.
More about 44C steel: 440C is an excellent, high-end stainless steel, usually hardened to around 58 RC and was the first generally accepted custom knife makers' stainless and remains quite popular, particularly since the sub-zero process was developed to add toughness. Please note that 440A, 440B, 420 etc. are stainless variants with similar alloys, but can be confused with 440C. Non 440c type steels are nowhere near as good for survival and wilderness living knife making use. The shame is that some mass producing commercial knife companies often mark blades as 440, when in reality they're using one of the less desirable versions, thus giving the genuine 440C Surgical Steel grade a bit of a bad name in the process. However, for those in the know, 440C is the benchmark for many quality knives now and some top custom knife makers make good use of it. Corrosion resistance is excellent due to its high-chromium content, with a terrific balance of good hardness that takes and keeps a keen edge and is fairly easy to re-sharpen.
THE ALLROUNDER KNIFE APPROXIMATE DIMENSIONS:
Overall length: 228mm
Cutting edge length: 110mm
Handle length: 118mm
Blade thickness: 4mm
Blade width: 30mm
Max blade width (at Ricasso) : 32mm
Type of Primary Grind: D2 Steel - Flat Scandi grind to Zero degree for solid cutting performance.
Slightly hollow Scandi type grind with or without a secondary bevel - ideal for fine cutting up to medium general use.
Pin Holes: 3
Lanyard hole: 1
Sheath configuration: Standard British type made from 3-4mm thick natural Veg tanned leather dyed to compliment the knife and/or according to personal preferences. A Firesteel loop may be added if preferred. An adjustable extension loop may also be added if required. This adjustable extension loop helps in giving more freedom of movement and makes the knife more accessible when wearing long coats etc..
NB: ALL DIMENSIONS ARE APPROXIMATE AS NO TWO KNIVES ARE EXACTLY THE SAME AND PARTICULARLY SO IN THE HANDLE AREA. MY KNIVES' HANDLES ARE PROFILED ACCORDING TO END USERS HAND SIZE; BE IT SMALL, MEDIUM OR LARGE - HENCE THE SLIGHT VARIATIONS THAT MAY BE NOTED FROM IMAGE TO IMAGE.