LMAO

Okay, okay.

First let me say that I love my Yarborough Knife.

OTOH, when I started the "Survive!" thread, I was thinking about the edged tool I would carry, and the YK was not the knife I would take if I could only have one or two.

One of the primary tasks for both an ground combat soldier and for survival is chopping, digging, constructing, breaking open ammo crates, and if it comes down to it, fighting. Rather than pack five different blades, I asked for one large blade to replace several of them.

I wanted a knife more like a kukri for chopping, but without the bent blade so that you could thrust and fence with it if need be. I asked for 10" of blade to compromise between portability and reach/leverage.

I wanted a blade to replace my machete, axe, prybar, cleaver, large fighter, etc.

I needed for it to be tough to handle repeated impacts, prying, chopping, or occasional digging.

I wanted as much weight forward as possible, but no heavier than it had to be to get the job done.

I asked for the surest, most comforable grip possible, in a "Coke bottle" configuration, to allow for chopping without transferring shock to the hand, a surface which would not promote blisters, and a material that gripped equally well wet, dry, greasy, or bloody.

I requested a guard, and relented at Mr. Harsey's suggestion to use an aluminum one to save weight. He also tapered the tang for that very same reason.

If I were dumped in a remote area with but one blade, this is the knife I would take. If I could choose a second to go with it, it would be a multi-tool like the Leatherman Charge XTi.

Here are some generic pics of the blade to satisfy your curiousity.

Hope that they help, I will put up a few more to respond to specifics.

TR

I will let Mr. Harsey answer that one.

Here it is in a size comparison with the Yarborough, which is not a small knife.

TR

Here is a brief work test.

Mr. Harsey and I were recently saying how hitting a knot in soft wood like pine is like hitting a rock buried in it.

I looked around the woods and found a fallen pine log. Upon examination, it was heart pine, which is the hard center of a pine tree, some had started turning into "lighter knot" (an extremely hard, very flammable resinous portion), and it was dirt encrusted on one side. I started at a 4" section, took the blade, and started chopping away. I am not a logger, or even much of a chopper anymore, but in less than 2 minutes, it was cut completely through.

The next picture shows a scrub oak or Blackjack oak that infest the pine forests here. I was going to time it as well, but it only took three strokes to cut through a 2.5" section of the trunk. It required less than 15 seconds to fell.

The last photo shows the knife is still hair popping sharp, after multiple cuts like the ones above. That CPM S-30V is the heat.

Folks, this is one cutting and chopping monster blade!

TR

A few more, just for show.

I am not normally a revolver man, unless it is black powder, or I am expecting bear, but it seemed to match the blade well. S&W 629 Classic Hunter.

Bill, the blade isn't shiny anymore, but it cuts just as well. You said to wring it out and I am trying. Can't beat the warranty, either!

TR

Wow, very impressive.
Great pics, TR.
The Knife That Sets The Standard is kind of a long name, but fitting.

Wow! TR, I will go stand over in the "that knife makes me jealous corner".

Bill, that is very strong work, Sir.

Holy smokes. :eek:

The biggest knife I used to have was a 4" Strider SLCC. I would open the drawer, look at it, scream, and slam the drawer shut.

I'm not sure what would happen if in the same room with The Reaper Knife :). (Just kidding. I'm not afraid of anything anymore :p )

Hey Bill Harsey, why not just call it The Reaper?
(Gee I hope the solenoid didn't get activated with that comment ::halo:: :D )

FrontSight

To all and Ms. FrontSight,

This knife is called "The Reaper."

I am deeply honored.

Thank you.

TR

Congratulations, a fitting name.

Perfect name.

"Honey get the check book I found what I want for Christmas"

Better get your order in soon, it takes a little while to make and Bill may have a full schedule with other projects.

Kind of hard to wear with your uniform, though. :D

TR

Guns or Knives
 

When Junior was commissioned in May of 03, he got two gifts, well three from me. Ono, a pair of real Corcoran Jump Boots; hi, a US Army KABAR (which he can't take anyplace including FT Drum), and a Cuban cigar. His Mom gave him a $1,500 party, guess what he remembers...sort of?

Hey Bill,

What would be the damage to my bank account if I wanted a Reaper?? PM me if you prefer, sir.