Stavros Gizelis made his first knife using a scrap iron bar at the age of 7 years old. He has been a serious knifemaker since 2002. His has a technical background as a weapon smith and armorer, and after 18 years of working in this sector became interested in "tactical" oriented edged tools. He is entirely self-taught and works hard at making "original" designs. His knives are 100% handmade using only the most basic tools - no belt sander or electric furnace. He uses a handmade propane forge, an old anvil, a small angle grinder, and many hand files. The passion he has for knives is the real driving force behind his work. He uses only high carbon alloys and especially tool steels such as Swedish O-1 tool steel, Austrian D-2 tool steel, L-6 steel as well as old files, steel cables and leaf springs of trucks (5160). All of his knives are razor sharp and they stay in that condition even after hard usage. For larger knives and axes he uses a zone hardening / tempering method so as to combine strength and sharpness but without brittleness. He calls his knives "overbuilt", so as to be tough and strong for the needs of his clients. He does not make knives for collectors, but knives for hard working users, such as Law Enforcement officers, members of the Special Operations community, and anyone wanting a tough sharp blade. He does not have a basic line of knives, but rather makes every knife to be one of a kind. He is always willing to listen to an interesting idea about a new knife design. Contact us if you have a specific idea. Stavros is not only a talented knifemaker, but a true gentleman and super nice individual.
Stavros calls this knife the "Tribal Scalpel". The Wharncliffe-shape, chisel ground blade is hand forged and triple tempered O-1 tool steel. The acid finish on the steel is made using a specialty acid bath. The jute wrapped handle is impregnated with Marine epoxy. Jute is a long, rough, shiny bast fiber that can be spun into coarse, strong threads. Includes a custom Kydex sheath. The texture of the jute wrapped handle is "grippy" and comfortable. The hole at the bottom of the sheath is perfect for a small carabiner, to hook it on your backpack or camping gear. You'll see "G.H. K." etched on the blade.
Stavros puts a little oil on the blades when shipped, so you might have some oil residue on the blade when you receive the knife.
Condition: New from the Maker.
Overall length: 6 1/2"
Blade length: 2 1/4" (cutting edge)
