Jay Fisher - Fine Custom Knives

"Axia EL" Fine Handmade Knife

• Size: Length overall: 11.4" (29.0 cm), Blade Length: 7.0" (17.8 cm), Thickness: 0.208" (5.3 mm)
• Weight: Knife: 15.3 oz. (434 grams) Sheath: 9.6 oz. (272 grams)
• Blade: CPM 154CM high molybdenum martensitic powder metal stainless steel blade, T3 deep cryogenically treated with triple tempering to 62.5 HRC
• Bolsters, Fittings: 304 Austenitic Stainless Steel, Mirror polished
• Handle: Linda Marie Moss Agate Gemstone (Oregon, USA)
• Sheath: Hand-carved, hand-dyed Leather Shoulder inlaid with green, black ray skin, nylon stitching, stainless steel welt screws
• Knife: Axia EL has a larger blade than my Axia pattern. The name Axia, is the Latin word for merit. I chose this name because the substantial presence, size, shape, and weight of the knife merits attention. This is a very substantial knife, a knife that could be used as a tactical combat form, extremely tough, hard, and durable, and with an extremely fine finish and premium materials throughout. The formidable blade is thick and strong, the handle massive, the bolsters meaty and bold. This is a knife that can't be ignored!
  • The steel I chose for this knife is CPM154CM, a powder metal tool steel, a high technology steel known for extremely even distribution of alloy elements and a uniform microstructure. It's a high molybdenum stainless steel, and the molybdenum aids in forming nucleation sites for complex carbide development. The moly also increases the toughness dramatically, resulting in a blade that's extremely durable. This allows me to temper the steel at a higher overall hardness, for great wear resistance as well. The high chromium and high carbon results in profuse chromium carbides, increasing corrosion resistance as well as wear resistance. To bring this steel to its zenith, I used my proprietary T3 deep cryogenic process in heat treating this blade; it's a highly detailed, extremely sophisticated process that takes 33 individual steps and takes over a week long. The result of this is an incredibly wear-resistant blade that has extremely high carbide development, fine grain, and extremely high toughness. Asperity is reduced; the microstructure development is superior to any other typical handmade knife, and far above any factory or manufactured knife. This is, simply put, 154CM Powder Metal steel at its very finest advanced condition. The grind is hollow and deep, well-matched and beautifully mirror polished. I tempered this knife to a high hardness of 62.5 because the geometry and steel type will support it, maintaining the sharp cutting edge an extremely long time. The spine is incredibly thick and strong, and the modified tanto blade has a curved edge tip (similar to fukura tsuku Japanese styles). The thumb rise puts the spine above the line of the handle, widening the blade and adding extra strength. The handle is full and solid, with a completely tapered tang with vine filework throughout. This knife exudes strength.
  • I bolstered the knife with large, zero-care 304 high chromium, high nickel stainless steel bolsters, which are contoured, rounded and finished for a comfortable feel. The bolsters are secured with zero-clearance peened pins and dovetailed to bed the handle scales. The front bolsters have a short extension above the grind line for increased strength and a positive place to apply thumb pressure. The rear bolsters support the rear hawk's bill quillon that locks the handle into the hand and allows easy unsheathing.
  • The handle scales of this knife are striking and bold. This is Linda Marie Moss Agate, a true chalcedony and agate from Oregon with tremendous fine and bold greens, tans, whites, and translucent areas. It's a very hard and tough rock, and will absolutely outlast the knife and all it's owners! Look at the 6x magnification photos below to examine this stunning gemstone. It's smooth and even, and will maintain its appearance indefinitely.
  • The knife feels incredibly strong and substantial in the hand, a combat knife design turned into a work of art. This is no lightweight flower, it's a mirror polished gem with the heft of a serious tool. This knife is food-contact safe.
• Sheath: I wanted a very bold look for the sheath, one that would compliment the knife with it's own style. A wide sheath was necessary for this big knife, and I chose some bold inlays of green and black ray skin in hardened and thick 10 oz. leather shoulder, hand-carved. There are 13 panel inlays of glossy black and emerald green to match the colors in the gemstone handle. I wanted great strength and durability here, so I double-row stitched the sheath in the welts, body, and belt loop. I added stainless steel welt screws at the mouth for extra strength. The sheath is lacquered and sealed, in a beautiful glossy black.
• A wonderful, heavy, massive and strong knife, a showstopper of elegance and strength.

Thanks, R. N.!