Hippo Tooth Hunter

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Product Description for Hippo Tooth Hunter

Maker: Aaron Wilburn, M.S. (Wilburn Forge) (click to see more by this maker)
Item num: 91458
*** This is handmade and one-of-a-kind ***
Blade length: 5.40 in.
Total length: 10.25 in.
Blade height (at heel): 1.25 in.
Blade thickness (near bolster): 0.15 in.
Item weight: 9.12 oz.
Shipment weight: 15.2 oz.
Blade: Hand forged 52100 carbon steel with a low temp triple quench and triple temper for high performance edge retention
Bolster: Antiqued wrought iron
Handle: Hippo tooth
Sheath: Hand tooled pouch style leather sheath
Description: This Hippo Tooth Hunter shows Mastersmith Aaron Wilburn's work at its best. It shows an elegant, deceptively complex refinement of design brought into a hard-working, field-use knife. The fit and finish, as well as skill at design shown in this hunter, are exceptional! This dramatic variation on the classic Pronghorn Hunter shows the influence of work by Mastersmiths Ed Fowler and Mastersmith Bill Burke. This hunter was completed shortly before he became a Mastersmith at the start of June 2013.
The blade was forged to shape from 52100 carbon steel. Many makers and collectors feel that this is the best steel available anywhere for use as a knife blade. The drop point blade was differentially heat treated, bringing the edge to critical temperature then quenched with oil. This technique, involving low temperature forging, a triple quench and triple temper creates some of the sharpest and most long lasting edges found anywhere. Many thermal cycles and normalizing steps ensure consistent grain structure and exceptional durability. A cryogenic treatment between tempers enhances the edge holding ability.
The differential heat treatment results in a blade with a soft, supportive spine while still maintaining a keen edge. Clear differential heat treatment lines are dramatically visible moving through the blade. The characteristic grain pattern (sometimes called wootz-like) created by low temperature forging and many thermal cycles is evidence of the care taken while in the forge.
The handle is formed from a solid section of hippo tooth and is nicely shaped to fit comfortably in the hand. The guard is forged from wrought iron and provides nice contrast between the handle and blade. The damascene texture inherent in wrought iron also handsomely complements the natural texturing of the handle. A nickel silver spacer and pin are nice finishing touches that round out this piece. The handle feels so natural in the hand, you’ll have a hard time putting it down.
A custom fit, hand tooled leather sheath accompanies the knife. A serious field knife for the avid hunter or collector - excellent fit and finish throughout!


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