All About Pocket Knives

I wanted to show off a new EDC I made for myself. I think it was seven or eight years ago Culpepper’s came out was Amber Impala jigged bone slab handles. I put a set of them on a Kershaw #4150, the Wild Turkey. Somebody threw a hand full of money at me in talked me out of it and I’ve regretted ever since because I have not been able to find another set of Amber Impala jigged bone slabs. A while back I saw that Culpepper had some Amber Impala jigged bone carvers so I bought one and it sat around here for three or four years until I finally cut into it last month.

I studied this stupid piece of bone for several months trying to figure out how to get the most slabs out of it, because the curvature in the bone itself made the whole process more difficult. I finally got brave cut the bone and got three handle slabs. Two of them I use in making my customized Wild Turkey.

The knife itself is from the mid-1980s and it’s from some of the earlier ones that still have the Oregon name on the tang stamp. The blade steel is AUS6 or AUS-8A. I believe the 1985 catalog says that the folding knives are AUS6 and the fixed blade knives are AUS-8A. But I do have an earlier catalog that quotes Pete Kershaw saying; “All of my knives are AUS-8A.” So I guess it’s up to the individual what they take away from that.

I included a picture of the Bone Carver cut up for the handles. I haven’t finished the whole thing yet, I have some more tinkering to do with it and I need to etch my name or logo on it. I have been using it and carrying it for a week or so now. Mother’s Day I gave it a good workout with a big rib eye steak! That poor rib eye didn’t stand a chance!

I hope you enjoy the pictures.

That's a neat looking piece of bone and looks great on that knife! I can't think of a better way, to christen a new knife...than with a ribeye!!!

Masterful job and now a beautiful & impressive knife.
Is this really impala bone ? or impala horn ?
kj

That is BEAUTIFUL!!!

kootenay joe wrote:Masterful job and now a beautiful & impressive knife.
Is this really impala bone ? or impala horn ?
kj

Great question. I was thinking horn, as well.

kootenay joe wrote:Masterful job and now a beautiful & impressive knife.
Is this really impala bone ? or impala horn ?
kj

Sorry, I should have explained it better; it is cow bone that has been jigged in the round to look like Impala horn.
It is pretty labor intensive to cut it into slabs and get them flattened on the back side. And there is a lot of waste.

I am glad you all liked it.

Like it? I love it! Those look great!

Dale, the bottom picture says it all! Very nice, seems like I have a Kershaw that's been specialized with a Globe and Anchor!
Treefarmer

Great problem solving and application Dale. Very nice looking.

Fantastic work and knife.
Great utilization of the bone into scales.
Love the finished product.

That really does look great! I like the texture of that material as much as the color and appearance.

looks phenominal ! What a unique piece The texture of the sides almost looks like finger grooves - I bet if fills the hand nicely ...

That Kershaw is over the Top ………. ………….. K.C

That looks cool!!!

..Dale, I wish I had your talent!!!!...... ..............

Thank you guys, I appreciate your feedback and all of your positive comments.
It is a very comfortable knife to hold and use and has become a regular EDC, one I carry most every day.

Great one Dale, beautiful color and deep grooves. Wow what a one of a kind looker. Beauty.

I have noticed how the handles have to match the look and feel of a knife. It is easy to ruin a good knife by putting on handles that just don't "work" with it.
As pretty as that bone is, it would not look right on most knives, but it really sets off that Kershaw! Looks just right.

Thanks Rev. It is true, that bone would not work on most knives. By widening the handles towards the end I was hoping to give myself a better grip and it really worked well, especially with the deep grooves between the higher ridges.
Thanks for the confirmation.

Dale, I cannot fathom how I missed your OP on this. That is one of the most beautiful handles I've ever seen. Wonderful work!

Thank you Garry! That is high praise indeed considering some of the beautiful knives in your collection. I am honored that you hold my knife in such high esteem!