Knife information needed.

[The Tourist]

I've been interested in a Cold Steel knife called the "Konjo," the one offered as a tanto.

Now, I'll be honest here, I'm not a CS fan, but this model has some things that tempt me. First, I like good high carbon, low chromium steel. The model I want is listed as VG-1, good stuff. And while a San Mai construction is more in the category of "clad," I do find a laminate a better choice.

Even with my resellers advantage, it's still a lot of dough for a toy, especially if my thoughts are "maybe."

Does anyone here have some experience with this model?

 

[DAVIDSDIVAD]

They are nice looking knives, but I just can't get over the butt ugly sheaths.


If I didn't already own one of the older hissatsus, I might think about them, maybe.

 

[The Tourist]

I might think about them, maybe.

What do you consider the features and benefits of this knife that make you consider it for possible purchase?

 

[hso]

Why pay more for the CS version of Bud Nealy's Aikuchi than you can get it from Bud?

Also, Boker's Nealy Specialist or this http://www.boker.de/us/index.php?c=3000&a=120549&s1=nealy&s2=0&s3=999&p=&pp=0 are cheaper.

The Bokers are of less exotic materials and you would have to get rid of the handle material and put your own on, but you're more than capable of that.

Bud's don't need any work and you get his sheath system with them.

 

[The Tourist]

hso, thanks for the info. I bookmarked it.

The reason for my curiousity on this CS is that I have never sharpened a VG-1 clad knife.

I did a 33 layer folder laminate with a VG-10 core--beautiful knife--but never one like the Konjo.

Yes, yes, I've gotten my heart broken before by CS, but my distributer is offering me a good price, one that I can easily recover.

I was kind of hoping the professional tinkers and cutlers here had seen one or serviced one and some "hands on" ideas.

I must admit, if I was in the market for a knife in this style, I would seek out a Kanetsune tanto. But then, I'd be looking at it all day long and never get anything done.

Besides, I think I can sharpen the CS (yikes, that a brash statement considering this is, in fact, a CS) and if I carry for SD, it's also one I won't mind surrendering to the investigating officer.

I've found I do a better job on a knife if I've seen one of them before.

 

[DAVIDSDIVAD]

What do you consider the features and benefits of this knife that make you consider it for possible purchase?

Well, I mean, it's a nice looking sharp and pointy that I'll never actually use.


Honestly, though, I think it's a little over-priced for what it is, and I agree with hso.

As to sharpening the VG-10, I think it's the same steel that Mcusta used in the Yoroi model that I own, and despite being really hard, and laminated, it's not too tough to get a nice edge on.

 

[The Tourist]

I agree with hso...VG-10...hard, and laminated

Yes, I've also learned that if hso has an opinion that I should listen. He also seems to know knives and cutlers I didn't even know existed.

I like VG-10, primarily as a "working" alloy. If I was going to make a knife live a horrid existence, then VG-10 (and this VG-1) would be in the top slot(s).

I can get it sharp, it has decent retention, I can afford it and it doesn't seem to have a history of chipping. In fact, if you could make a tanto out of VG-10 folded into H-1 steel, I'd be your first client.

Cost is not a factor here. I got it as a reseller, I also got a deal and I have enough insane clients who like razor sharp laminates. I like to work on test "mules" and test my abilities and get a "hands on" feel for what is in the marketplace.

And let's face it, CS disappoints me. I'd like nothing better to one day do some tests and be proud to christen a knife as the best I've seen Lynn Thompson produce.

 

[hso]

I've also learned that if hso has an opinion that I should listen

Pffft! If I'm our excuse for an expert around here ya'll are all in deep trouble.

I will say that Cold Steel's higher end knives can be depended upon to be excellent quality. I know Lynn well enough to know that he actually likes knives and that the top of the line stuff CS produces are of personal interest to him and he wants them to be as good as possible. So, the Konjo that TT wants will be very well made and of limited production so that it may actually be a good investment.

 

[The Tourist]

Pffft! If I'm our excuse for an expert around here ya'll are all in deep trouble.

No, I mean it sincerely.

Lots of folks think that since I am in "the knife industry" I know all facets of metallurgy, I have historical information memorized, I can appraise value by a simple touch and I have barbeques with Mick Strider.

The fact of the matter is I know only what I study, I sharpen because I have previously destroyed, it's my BIL who is the professional metallurgist, and I repair knives and pots and pans because that's the scope of tinkers.

What I have done is to study polishing and then apply those principles to modern, western knives. We "togi a Buck 110," so to speak.

I feel this is a correct way to approach the craft for me. In history, one artisan might have made the metal blank, another the sword, a polisher provided the finishing and a separate craftsman made the sword's wooden sheath.

So, hso, I come here for info. Many have a more in-depth overview of our industry. I have taken this idea to even joining a section of another forum frequented by other professional sharpeners. It's a humbling experience, as well.

Edit: BTW, I wish I could meet Lynn Thompson. Just as I wish good things for American companies like Harley and Victory, I'd like Lynn to be the best cutlery reseller on record. If it said CS on the ricasso it would flat out be the best knife a man could own.

For example, his method for securing Carbon V steel should be his mission statement. He might not smelt the steel, it might not even be the same alloy year to year, but there is a standard of excellence that must be met if it is to carry his branding.

I hope the Konjo is part of that idea.

 

[The Tourist]

I'd like to give you an update on this project.

An affordable CS Konjo has been located and is already in the hands of UPS.

I have done some further research on the knife, including seeking out a gym buddy who trains with kendo folks. Like all rough ideas, this thing has all of the earmarks of "mission creep."

For example, several months ago, an MA buddy of ours successfully fought off a mugger using a mixed method of a fixed blade and closed fist blows. The question we had at that time was would our friend have been better served by a self-defense weapon more in keeping with his training equipment.

In other words, if we train these guys with Asian skills, based on Asian tradition replete with period swords and knives, so how would that training translate out on the street using the real stuff?

Are our real knives actually good copies? Would it make a difference?

And another issue, I feel a guy should be as quick to defend a man just as fast as he is quick to criticize. It is no secret that I have issues with some of the CS line of products. My study of the Konjo has provided nothing but superior materials and design. I like the choices Lynn Thompson has made on this model.

In fact, if I was going to design a fixed tanto style knife, I would chose a blade blank of laminate steel, a full tang, solid fittings and a useful, durable handle. Keeping the debate to defense, I would choose elements of history that provide superior ideas on penetration and slashing--you cannot schedule an emergency.

I would then give this tool to an out-of-the-park tinker who is capable of putting a 12th century edge on a blade made last week.

I'm getting jazzed about this project.

 

[DAVIDSDIVAD]

Tinker?

As in the sword smith?

 

[The Tourist]

Tinker? As in the sword smith?

LOL. No, a tinker is a tradesman that repairs small objects, like pots, knives and jewelry clasps.

On theory claims the name derives from their early roots of searching city dumps for old pots, repairing them, hanging them on a horse drawn wagon and traveling to the next village.

As the wagon bounced, it went, "Tinka-tinka-tinka."

And we still use it today. You often hear of a hobbyist who "tinkers" with radios.

In my trade it is used to define a tradesman who is more skilled than a sharpener, but does not actually make knives like a cutler. In my case, I'm careful because it defines my credentials.

I use the tools of a Japanese polisher, but I do not wish to imply I am trained in that art.

(BTW, there is a unique legend on tinkers. Like a chimney sweep, the dirty hands of a tinker are said to impart good luck to the client. The sad end to this tale is that luck and ease never befall the tinker. In the youtube segments of the Japanese Sword Polisher, even the sword polisher refers to "the curse of the sharpener.")

 

[DAVIDSDIVAD]

hahah, that's funny; I thought you meant Michael Tinker Pearce.

 

[The Tourist]

I just googled that name and found that "Tinker" is in quotes. He is obviously referring to his job in cutlery.

I haven't obtained that threshold yet. For example, you might hear the expresion, "That's a Barrett-Jackson Ford." The viewer is complimenting the beautiful car, but he is elevating the men who built it, not the car.

The better phrase should be, "What a beautiful Ford Mustang." The 'hand' of the craftsman should be unseen and seamless.

I hear it myself. I might take a Buck 110 stained by verdigris and with a very dull edge, then polish the cosmetic portion, and sharpen the blade. I often hear the owner refer to that knife as "a Tourist's knife." Whether or not I ever saw the knife, it is still a Buck. And if I do my job correctly, an observer should say, "What a beautiful Buck."