This project has been on my mind for a long time. I guess you could say it's 'my baby'. When I first drew this design, I knew it was going to be special to me. I made two prototypes, both of which are owned by fellow knifemakers and have received good reviews. After adding the shallow finger groove to the profile, the VEGA was born.
This profile is the foundation of what is, technically, four designs. Each design is distiguished by the type of edge geometry employed--each optimized for different purposes. The strength of the profile is that is serves as an excellent chassis for all four models.
The large tanto style blade profile provides a long cutting edge for big jobs considering the relativly small overall size. This same shape also provides for a lot of steel behind the edge, adding overall strength. The angle of the forward edge serves formidably for both utility and defense, where slash cutting or thrusting is needed.
At first glance, the handle may seem too thin or tappered to serve as a platform for such a versatile knife. The truth is, that you almost have to handle it to understand. The gentle arc of the spine makes the knife fit comfortably in the palm, adding purchase for both thrusting and pulling. The slight, but certainly useful, finger groove assists in all areas of dexterity without restricting the grip whatsoever. The tappered butt-end makes the knife ultra-wieldable with a full four-finger grip, while never feeling bulky or cumbersome. It also allows the sheathed knife to fit very comfortably down in any pants pocket.
The different models of the VEGA profile are defined by the way the blade is ground. That grind type, dictates what primary function the knife is optimized for.
The CLASSIC: Hollow ground on the forward and lower edges. Optimized for utility while providing excellent defense capabilities.
The PDK (Personal Defense Knife): Fully flat ground. Optimized for defense while providing excellent utility.
The UTILITAC: Hollow ground lower edge for utility with a strong, slightly convex forward edge for heavy duty slashing or thrusting. This is a good marriage of utilty and tactical defense. This is also the most difficult grind for me to do, but well worth the effort!
The '12': This geometry is a new addition to the VEGA line-up as of September '08. It is hollow ground on a 12 inch wheel all the up to the spine. It is optimized for fine utility given it's thinner edge gemetry which extends further up the bevels, but it still offer excellent defensive properties. This version has a very elegant look to it as well.
If you select a VEGA with my special three-sided file work, you will have a knife that provides excellent thumb purchase in either the classic Kali grip (spine of the knife verticle with the thumb along the spine) or the elegant Tantojitsu grip (knife tilted 90* in the hand with the spine horzontal and the thumb resting on the ricasso). The finger groove works great in either grip as well. More traditional 'spine-only' file work will also be available.
Options abound when it comes to steel choice and handle materials. I offer the VEGA primarily in 1095 and CPM154. This should satisfy both major camps of knife enthusiasts, but I'll also work with just about any high quality blades steel to fill any percieved performance gaps at the client's request.
Sheaths will be leather unless Kydex is custom ordered.
Prices for the VEGA will start at $130 in 1095 carbon steel. Material selection and other options will effect the price from that starting point. Available VEGAs will be listed on the Available page.
VEGA PDK in dark etched 1095 w/buffalo horn
VEGA Utilitac in blued 1095 w/paper Micarta
VEGA Utilitac in satin 1095 w/ G-10
VEGA PDK in custom 'flame' etched 1095 w/G-10
VEGA Classic in etched and polished 1095 w/Ironwood burl
