Just finished another type #11 - Ironwood handle!

Hokay! I just finished another type #11, and this one is actually not on order for somebody. Very unusual for me that I was able to find the time in between orders to make an extra.
This one has an ironwood handle, and the usual CPM154 steel. However, I did choose to install black micarta pins instead of the stainless fasteners used in the others.
I'm making the sheath right now; it will be a natural color and hot wax/oil dipped. That ought to be real pretty with the ironwood handles. BTW, you know how working with wood always smells kinda nice? Try ironwood... makes you wish for blocked sinuses. Don't worry, the finished knife won't stink- the handle is sealed with pure carnuba wax.
To give you an idea just how tough CPM154 is:
The optimum working hardness for a blade made of 440C would fall about 55-58 Rc. CPM154 is usually going to run 59-61 Rc. So right off the bat, it's going to have a much harder (and longer lasting) edge. This one (61 Rc) was a real chore to sharpen the first time. I broke the edge in using a new 600 grit belt, then started sharpening. Three hours later, I had a scary sharp edge. THREE HOURS.
Leave me your e-mail in the comments if you feel like you can't live without this knife, and I'll do my best to sooth your troubled spirit.

New style hunter

I really enjoyed making this one. It's for a brother in Christ, as a gift for his son. We made a wood model before starting the knife, since not everybody has hands like my big mitts. The blade's the usual CPM154 and hollow ground. The handle is an unusual wood called Narra, which was stabilized. The guard and pommel are made of a laminate of copper chromium and brass. And yes, the blade's dang sharp!

A matching set

These two are going to Greece. They're both type 11's, with amboyna handles. The steel as usual, is CPM154 and hollow ground.
Notice the logo and steel type on the face side of the blade, and the serial number on the obverse side. This number says it's a type 11, and second issued in the series.
The handles are one piece, in that the tang has been milled away just below the pin holes. This shows the strong backbone of the blade, but the user has the warmth of wood under his fingers. It also dramatically lowers the overall weight of the knife, and places the balance forward.
Not shown in this picture, both knives also have leather sheaths in a semi pouch style.