2. My name is Ryan Hurd, and I am an apprentice under Michael McCarthy.  I am 16 years old, and I have been in training for almost 3 years.  In addition to normal blacksmithing, I have been being trained in bladesmithing as well.  With the addition of hardening and tempering, grinding, finishing, and sharpening, I have found bladesmithing an enjoyable challenge to master.

 

This particular knife is a standard clip-point design.  I like to call it a survival style knife.  The total length of the knife is 8 inches long.  The width of the blade is 1 inch.  This knife is large enough for many general survival uses.  With this knife one can start a hole in your fireboard, and lash it to a stick with its cord for a spear.  One also can use the cord on the handle for traps, hanging up meat in the woods, and several other things.  This knife also is a unique collector's item and makes a great gift!

 

This knife is made 100% by hand from recycled truck springs.  It was forged quickly to shape, using standard blacksmithing techniques.  After beveling the edge to about 1/16 of an inch, it was then oil hardened and tempered.  It was then hollow ground on a wheel grinder, and sharpened on Japanese water stones.  The edge was then honed with a stropping material.  After being honed to a razor edge, it was wrapped in approximately 8 feet of 550 paracord.  This paracord is the same paracord used in the military with their parachutes.  It is very durable and provides an interesting addition to the metal handle.

This knife is $20.  This is a great deal for such a nice knife. It is the perfect $20 gift!

Thank you for looking.  If you have any questions please feel free to email me.