Any folks here like Anza Knives?

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Kookla

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Usually don't read too much about them. I've had two- one I found about 20 years ago, turns out it was my brother's and he reclaimed it. Couple of years later, there was a small sporting goods store that carried some and got one. Always liked it- just found it after a couple of years tucked away in a bin. Sheath has a small tear in the leather, so will either have to fix it, or get a new sheath. Found one I always wanted today for sale and grabbed it. Will post pics of that one when I get it. Here's the current one.
20200403_131747.jpg

For those unfamiliar, Anza Knives are made from reclaimed files that are annealed.
 
They were popular back in the 90s. I had one and I remember that it was nicely crafted but for some reason we never bonded and it went on its way.
 
With the small size I guess I just treated mine more like an art work than a tool. Wasn't sure how it replace my trusty pocket knife. Like a tool is is tough and well made. Just for its size wasn't sure how I would use it.
 
20200406_112014.jpg So, the second Anza came in today. This is another blade I have no use for, but fell for it when I saw it years ago. It's an Anza Pig Slayer.
 
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I have one similar to DH1633pm. It sharpens up like a razor- in fact, I cut a finger to the bone with it dressing a deer a few years back. I never carried it due to the sheath not having a positive retention, but I have used it on many a deer once I got them out of the woods.
 
I recall seeing him at the local gun and knife shows. Decent users that weren't big $.
 
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I prefer a Buck 279 in horizontal sheath for everyday carry. That said, I live in Az. and have noticed more than a few rodeo competitors carry an Anza. I suppose that there are times in such a lifestyle positive retention would be of less value than cutting loose with a razor edge. In addition these are performers who accessorize their outfits with a good bit of "Cowboy Bling". The Anza knives would fulfill all these functions.

blindhari
 
I must be the only knife buff in the world who hates it when someone makes a knife out of a file and leaves the file finish on part of the knife... :(
 
That was the trade dress for ANZA knives. Without the groovy appearance, they were just another knife.
While he was in Belgium in WWII Dad carried a knife made by his hometown blacksmith from an old file. 8" blade, very sharp, with a guard made from a window crank from an old Hudson and a drilled 1" ball bearing for a butt. So sis used it to dig dandelions with predictable results. I still have the handle and about 4" of blade.
 
As you can see, my hasty attempt to reshape point annealed it. I may return to the task in the future. File lines are faintly evident on spine. I may try to post a closer detail but not sure phone cam has needed resolution.
 
I imagine that texture on the blades to be really useful if you need to choke up on the knife. Is that the right term? Texture, or would you just call it a finish?
 
I’ll say right up front I don’t know anything about knife making, but I still hope this question doesn’t sound too stupid. lol

Does the heat treating remove the ability to still use any remaining portion of the file as a file?
 
When it comes to heat treating, there are no stupid questions. Files are harder than most other steel and are brittle. Knives made out of files have been tempered down so they are not brittle but can no longer be used to file metal.
 
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