View Full Version : New Stuart Mitchell knife
After pleading on bended knee for a while SWMBO has finally let me have a new knife.
I sent Stuart an e-mail on Saturday morning and recieved a very fast response from him. There followed a few more e-mails to sort out what I really wanted and Stuart has just sent me these photos showing progress!
Brief was:-
A simple bushcraft knife
3 - 3.5mm
Scandi grind
Cabon steel
Double dangler sheath with DC3 pouch and Firesteel loop
Timber is cross cut curly birch.
http://i222.photobucket.com/albums/dd178/simonandbev/xcutstabbirch.jpg
http://i222.photobucket.com/albums/dd178/simonandbev/003.jpg
http://i222.photobucket.com/albums/dd178/simonandbev/002.jpg
Can't wait to get it dirty!
Simon
Looks like its going to be a nice simple knife mate! It will look the buisiness!
I cant wait to see this one when its done, I am really liking Stuarts work the more I see of it. I am sure you will have a fantastic knife there.
Simon.
British Red
27-11-2007, 16:15
Looks great! What wood is that for the scales?
Red
Timber is cross cut curly birch.
come on Red wake up, lol
British Red
27-11-2007, 16:50
Doh .......:o
Thanks for the positive comments!
I have been looking at a few of the knives that Stuart has done for members here and they all seem to have gone down well with their owners so took the plunge!
The blade goes for heat treatment tomorrow ....
Simon
British Red
27-11-2007, 18:55
You won't regret it Simon. Stu is the master of his craft - his work is absolutely flawless. I look forward to watching this develop -it'll be beautiful, trust me!
Red
I am sure it will be great when you get it.
Is just my eyes or is that a different blade to the one your talking about as it appears to have a full flat grind at the moment.:sad6:
Can't wait to get it dirty!
Simon
Looking nice there Simon, glad to here it`s going to get some hammer to. Nothing worse than a quality knife sitting in a drawer somewhere.
Those scales are gonna look sweet too
Rich
British Red
28-11-2007, 06:37
I am sure it will be great when you get it.
Is just my eyes or is that a different blade to the one your talking about as it appears to have a full flat grind at the moment.:sad6:
I think thats just the flat blank cut from steel brancho without the bevels having been ground
Red
Nice knife. Looks a bit like a clipper.
Can't wait to see the finished result!
Michiel
Nice knife. Looks a bit like a clipper.
Can't wait to see the finished result!
Michiel
I did mention to Stuart that I started with a Clipper and liked the simple style of it. He said he would come up with something similar - and has!
Simon
just had another e-mail from Stuart - latest photo of the knife blank! Getting closer ....
http://i222.photobucket.com/albums/dd178/simonandbev/004.jpg
:D
Dougster
13-12-2007, 19:13
It's dangerous though. You start with your simple 'the one' and then - well I need another to do this.... and another to do that. Then you end up like me - four SM blades.
Slippery slope, be careful.
Things of beauty and as close to perfection as I'm likely to see.
stuart m
13-12-2007, 19:27
It is now ground to it's final thickness and the flats almost finished, bevels next....
Jedadiah
13-12-2007, 21:45
Simon, a word of caution mate, be warned, i've just recieved a Stuart Mitchell knife mate and, well, how can i say this without putting anyone's nose out..........................I T'S AMAZING! I thought i'd seen some nice pieces in my time but, by the Popes danglies this knocks spots off the best of them. The knife is nice, the scales are nice, the pins are nice and the lanyard hole is nice. The bevel is quality and even the lanyard is nice. But when you put it all together and then add an unbelievable eye for detail, fit and finish combined with exacting standards, it is, simply put, more than the sum of it's parts. It would not surprise me if it glowed whenever an Orc was near! The thing is, everytime i walk past a tree, it starts pulling me toward it saying 'Feed me, feed me now'. I think it would be an insult if i did not use it. I'd like to take this opportunity to thanks Stu again for the little prezzie he has sent me just intime for Christmas, thanks Santa, erm, i mean Stu.:o
John Fenna
13-12-2007, 23:11
Shades of a Moorcock fan with a soul eating blade there eh Jed?
Sounds like a keen blade in more than one sence.......
I would like to see this eldrich blade but not from the sharp end!:o
Jedadiah
20-12-2007, 21:42
Here you go John, enjoy! The photo's really don't do it justice. To be honest, i cannot believe it's mine! I keep getting it out and stroking it (Now, now, that's enough of that!). Stuart is such a craftsman and, i'm proud to say, a fellow Yorkshireman!
http://i190.photobucket.com/albums/z207/spencerlocker/th_StuartMitchellBushcraft3.jp g (http://i190.photobucket.com/albums/z207/spencerlocker/StuartMitchellBushcraft3.jpg)
http://i190.photobucket.com/albums/z207/spencerlocker/th_StuartMitchellBushcraft2.jp g (http://i190.photobucket.com/albums/z207/spencerlocker/StuartMitchellBushcraft2.jpg)
http://i190.photobucket.com/albums/z207/spencerlocker/th_StuartMitchellBushcraft1.jp g (http://i190.photobucket.com/albums/z207/spencerlocker/StuartMitchellBushcraft1.jpg)
Came with a Rapidboy sheath, up to Lawrences usual high standards as you would expect. Both pieces truly stunning!
Are the scales still nice and smooth? It certainly looks like the one I saw at Stuarts' grotto, err, I mean workshop! Very nice indeed.
Jedadiah
20-12-2007, 22:00
Smoother than a smooth thing that graduated from Smooth University with a B.A Hons in being Smooth! Firm in the grip though, delightfully balanced, different yet still discreet, it one of those knives that walks down the road towards you and as he comes level with you, casually leans over and whispers quality in your ear, rather than screams it out.
I liked it when i saw pictures of it but nothing prepared me for the standard of finish and the feeling of it in the hand.
Dougster
20-12-2007, 22:14
A thing of beauty as are they all.
Until now I've only had blades. Now I have traded the banger in I hope that garage bills will no longer prevent me from buying a dream. I have it in my head, Stu knows it's coming......
That's nice Jed, we can stroke each others Stu's in Feb.:eek:
This man really is a genius.
Jedadiah
20-12-2007, 22:22
That's nice Jed, we can stroke each others Stu's in Feb.:eek:
:eek: :eek: :eek: :eek: I've heard your's is bigger though!;)
just had another e-mail from Stuart - latest photo of the knife blank! Getting closer ....
http://i222.photobucket.com/albums/dd178/simonandbev/004.jpg
:D
very nice indeedy you coping off mine?
http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i202/spoony604/blanks.jpg
:eek: :cussing: :cool: :D
Latest installment - Blade finished! :D
http://i50.photobucket.com/albums/f344/stuartmitchell/129%20simonm%20O1%20curly%20bi rch/006.jpg
http://i50.photobucket.com/albums/f344/stuartmitchell/129%20simonm%20O1%20curly%20bi rch/007.jpg
http://i50.photobucket.com/albums/f344/stuartmitchell/129%20simonm%20O1%20curly%20bi rch/008.jpg
Handle next. Can't wait!
stuart m
15-01-2008, 17:34
'tis coming on :)
Jedadiah
15-01-2008, 20:07
Man, you must be scratching your palm's looking at that and wanting the time to go soooooo quickly! Mum, how many more sleep's?:D
Man, you must be scratching your palm's looking at that and wanting the time to go soooooo quickly! Mum, how many more sleep's?:D
Made all the worse because I am off work at the moment, recovering from a knee op - Bored to death, feel fine but can not walk around!
My existing knife has been sharpened to the point where I could shave and I have only been off for 2 days so far.
Tomorrow I start work on my old Scout axe which my Dad found in the shed - Rusty and in need of much TLC - hopefully that will see me through to Monday, when all being well I return to work!
Simon
Woodcutter
24-01-2008, 11:31
Got pics of the finished article yet?
Got pics of the finished article yet?
Not yet - Stu said he would handle it this week so .....
All you need now is some paracord...
All you need now is some paracord...
You lost me... why?
Jedadiah
24-01-2008, 22:13
You are going to post some pic's when you get this 'cause i think i'm getting as excited as you are!:rolleyes:
British Red
24-01-2008, 22:20
Its worth the wait Simon - trust me on this. I do genuinely think stu has become the knifemaker to those in the know for a reason - his fit and finish are superb, but best of all it isn't just re-cyling the same old design.I don't know about you but for me, chatting about shape and materials, purpose and what works and doesn't makes me feel like its MY knife not A knife. Sounds odd but I'm sure Simon understands.
Red
Jedadiah
24-01-2008, 23:20
I agree BR, i'm excited for Simon on two count's. Firstly, because, i can see in the way he writes that he'll appreciate it and secondly, it means MY SM knife is that bit closer to being finished!:D
Its worth the wait Simon - trust me on this. I do genuinely think stu has become the knifemaker to those in the know for a reason - his fit and finish are superb, but best of all it isn't just re-cyling the same old design.I don't know about you but for me, chatting about shape and materials, purpose and what works and doesn't makes me feel like its MY knife not A knife. Sounds odd but I'm sure Simon understands.
Red
Nah... its becasue he's got the same initials as me - thats all!
Have just heard from Stuart again and it is mixed news....
Bad because he is not happy with the scales and has taken them off to start again, meaning a slight delay ...:(
Good because he is a true craftsman and is not happy with second best :)
He has sent me some photos of the almost finished knife, just before stripping off the scales...
http://i222.photobucket.com/albums/dd178/simonandbev/Knife-withdamagedscales.jpg
And a choice of new scales materials...
http://i222.photobucket.com/albums/dd178/simonandbev/Newscalesselection.jpg
I was also given a choice of any of the material from Stu's supplier's website but have chosen to go with the one on the left of the photo :D
All of this has confirmed to me that I choose the right man to make my knife, after all it will the one and only time I have one made so it has to be right! :)
Anyway time to go out and lob a few arrows ...
Simon
British Red
09-02-2008, 17:56
Good choice!
Its completely worth the wait Simon trust me - the only thing is you won't ever part with it when you have it :)
Red
Im in the same boat. Expecting one from Stu next month based of his 001 pattern. He kindly handled one of his Kitchen knives for me so I have had a recent treat. His work is great, the anticipation is the hardest part.
After a few "issues" with handles and scale materials, here are a few pictures of the finished knife.
It now sports scales of double dyed Box Elder Burl.
http://i222.photobucket.com/albums/dd178/simonandbev/004-1.jpg
http://i222.photobucket.com/albums/dd178/simonandbev/005.jpg
http://i222.photobucket.com/albums/dd178/simonandbev/003-2.jpg
http://i222.photobucket.com/albums/dd178/simonandbev/002-3.jpg
Knife goes to Rapidboy tomorrow for a sheath. :D
Heres hoping I can have it by month end to take to the Middlewood meet! :approve:
Simon
Dougster
18-03-2008, 18:10
Very very very nice.
You'll be equally pleased with the RB sheath.
British Red
18-03-2008, 18:23
Now THAT's why you deal with stu!
Lovely - good choice on the scales too
Red
Celt_Ginger
18-03-2008, 18:48
Ohhh, that looks really good. I've just ordered a Skookum knife from Ray Garcia in the USA, but I feel the need to start saving up again. These blooming pages are going to cost me a fortune, lol
Very nice I love the handle:approve:
Jedadiah
18-03-2008, 20:39
Handsome Simon, very nice, hope you get it soon mate, RB sheath will be the icing on the cake! Can't wait for mine!
Making me jealous, Stu is crafting me a knife as we speak, he told me it was going for heat treatment this week, i haven't seen any pics yet but if its anything like yours i will be over the moon.
Adam.
Very nice looking knife, the scales really work well, that double dyed box elder burl scales make it that bit more individual.
Bernie Garland
23-03-2008, 17:19
I must confess the fit and finish is exemplary, but the handle is a bit to square for me personally and. i like a bit of pommel swell.
Bernie
Matt Weir
23-03-2008, 20:35
Biyeshuash! That's nice. I look forward to a brief fumble :)
Biyeshuash! That's nice. I look forward to a brief fumble :)
Sadly will not be bringing it to Middlewood :( - It is with RB for sheath fitting as we speak. Stu did offer me an old sheath from his workshop to put me on, but that would only delay getting the finished item.
RB is also making me a matching cover for my SFA - Don't tell SWMBO tho! :eek:
Simon
Cool, you will be very happy with Laurence's work as well as Stu's
Just had a PM from Rapidboy saying the sheath & SFA mask are due a final polish then they are all mine! :D
http://i222.photobucket.com/albums/dd178/simonandbev/DSC00276-1.jpg
http://i222.photobucket.com/albums/dd178/simonandbev/DSC00275-2.jpg
Can't wait to get them dirty! :rolleyes:
Simon
nice mate they look great. Hope mine won't be much longer ...hint... hint
:D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D
Bodge
Lemoneyewash
10-04-2008, 19:12
Very classy :)
stuart m
17-04-2008, 15:50
I must confess the fit and finish is exemplary, but the handle is a bit to square for me personally and. i like a bit of pommel swell.
:rolleyes:
The awaited day has arrived ... the knife and leatherwork were delivered today. :D
I am well pleased with both, the craftsmanship and attention to detail shows through on all three items.
The knife looks and feels fantastic. It is set off perfectly by the Rapidboy sheath and fits home snugly. RB also made a mask for my SFA and this is also a fine piece of work!
I shall give my new toys a chance to impress even more over the weekend, as I am on an Archery Leaders course.
Simon
stuart m
17-04-2008, 17:48
Glad you got it safely mate, and glad you like it... Let me know how you get on over the weekend please :)
I should have said...
The knive arrived in a soft, zip up, fleece lined case emblazoned with Stuart's stylised name on it. It also came with a very nice certificate listing the knife details and lifetime guarantee.
I have just made a couple of feathersticks using the knife, and once I got used to the feel was curling tissue thin slivers of wood off. I lit the lounge fire using a firesteel struck with the knife and was rewarded with a good shower of sparks.
So far so good .... thanks Stuart :You_Rock_
Simon
stuart m
17-04-2008, 18:13
I have just made a couple of feathersticks using the knive, and once I got used to the feel was curling tissue thin slivers of wood off. I lit the lounge fire using a firesteel struck with the knife and was rewarded with a good shower of sparks.
Straight into it, excellent :D
Woodcutter
03-10-2010, 18:04
Never got to see the finished knife, all the pics have gone?
Still my main user, so not as shiney as this any more...
http://i222.photobucket.com/albums/dd178/simonandbev/Sharps/DSC00276-1.jpg
... in fact, it was used to prep 4 wabbits for a stew only last week:cool:
Simon
Were they wascily wabbits?