Alchemist's knives

[Alchemist]

A bit about our knives:

Our knives are all custom hand made. Even within a standard "type" i.e. Deba, Santoku,European style, etc. size and shape may vary a bit as requested by the patron of the work, and as dictated by the reality of creating such a knife. As a result, no two knives are EXACTLY the same. We will be posting some images over time. We will also describe the materials and making process as we go along. Please feel free to comment or ask any questions that may arise.

http://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb34/tcblades/01_08_2008_001.jpg

http://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb34/tcblades/jpkitchen055a.jpg

http://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb34/tcblades/25_07_2008_001a.jpg

http://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb34/tcblades/jpkitchen011.jpg

[Pascal]

Wow !!! Very nice :)

[Alchemist]

Hi pascal,

Which knife do you like the most? :)

[Pascal]

#1 and #3, then #2 and #4...

[Smells_Familiar]

Those are all gorgeous...and the sheath too! Did you make the sheath?

My personal favorite is probably the first pictured. Difficult decision though, they are all super nice.


clap clap good job!

[Alchemist]

Thanks... :)

Tha sheats... yes, I totally neglected to mention that we also make the sheaths. We use 100% recycled tire inter-tube rubber for the exterior with a collapsible felt over fiber interior "spine". I am the one who does most of the grunt work on gathering and recycling the materials for the sheaths - and Inesse designs the sheaths and makes them.

[Alchemist]

New one - just sent off to the client....

http://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb34/tcblades/05_02_2009_001.jpg

http://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb34/tcblades/05_02_2009_003.jpg

http://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb34/tcblades/05_02_2009_004.jpg

Carbon steel w/ Carbon steel hand engraved bolsters & hand engraved name plate of the new owner set in Hawaiian Koa scales & 316L SS pins. As always it comes with a custom made 100% recycled rubber sheath for carriage and storage.

[boar_d_laze]

Gevalt gyutos.

Yophi tophi.
BDL

[Alchemist]

Toda Raba :) Gevald indeed....

I'm still waiting to see who will be the first from this forum to dare and test drive one of these babies - or a similar one made to the specs requested....

[chefchad]

Hopefully you don't find it offensive to ask in the forum, but what is the ballpark cost for that custom knife?

[chefchad]

Also, what steel are you using for the blades?

[Alchemist]

I dont find it offensive at all. Our kitchen cutlery starts at around $US 180.00 for the simpler stuff, ballpark would be around $US 250.00 for the finer and / or larger pieces, and work with engraving on it inevitably brings the prices up because of the work involved.

All our knives are from 01 steel which we feel provides a superb blade (around 62 HRC although some are a bit higher and some are a bit lower)

[chefchad]

That is good pricing. Any idea on what shipping would be to Utah, US?

[Alchemist]

Shipping & Handling is already worked into the price - We ship EMS via the Israeli Postal authority and provide an online tracking number that is also trackable online through the USPS once the item has reached US soil. :)

[chefchad]

I like the handle from your very first knife pictured in this thread, and the blade shape from your most current custom picture.

Between 9" and 10" blade.

Do you have more pictures of knives/handle materials a guy could look at?

I may be interested in a custom piece for my father...

[Alchemist]

9"-10" blade is possible.

I have a few smaller ones that are in the works right now, but will only photograph them later this week. I can photograph a sample of some of the handle materials that are currently available, and if you see something you like, we can put it aside for you. But it is dark here now, and I would be able to bring you better photographs if I took them tomorrow morning...

meanwhile, If you would like to see more of our work you can find it on our site:

www.tcblades.com

Thanks for your interest :)

[chefchad]

Thanks, I will check the site for sure.

Please do send pics when available, I would appreciate it. My dad is more into the Western style of things, I think a custom piece like yours would fit him very nicely.

[Alchemist]

http://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb34/tcblades/Chad_sample.jpg

Here is a selection of seven possible handles. It's all top notch material, the question is which do you like best. They where selected first and foremost with the intended function in mind - to serve as a handle. They are also very beautiful in and of their own nature.

1. Black Ebony.

2. Afzelia Burl.

3. Curly Koa.

4. Two tone Waterfall Bubinga.

5. Claro Walnut.

6. Burmeze Teak Burl.

7. Aprikum Padok.

[AFKitchenknifeguy]

Curly Koa. I have a few with it and they are gorgeous, almost 3D. I also have a good bit of koa blanks (not too mention lots of other wood...thanks Stefan!) as I will be making my own handles soon.

[AFKitchenknifeguy]

I really like your work, I may look into your knives soon!

[Alchemist]

New one.

Blade: 190 mm in 01 (Carbon) tool steel. Differential heat treated X3 quench + drawn.

Handle: 120 mm full tang handle with alternating Ebony and Walnut Burl scales + Damascus bolsters and SS pins.

Spine: 3 mm spine

Weight: 237 grams

Grind: This is a "lefty" single side convex ground, hand rubbed, hand sharpened. I leave the polishing up to you unless you want me to polish it for you.

Misc: comes with a 100% recycled rubber carry & Storage case.
http://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb34/tcblades/11_02_2009_002.jpg
http://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb34/tcblades/11_02_2009_001.jpg

[Alchemist]

http://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb34/tcblades/jpkitchen053a.jpg

an assortment of small to medium sized pieces all high carbon tool steel + Brazilian cherry and antler handles. The steel on these is quiet hard. They are very willing to take a beating, but sharpening them is a bit of a challenge on users with less sharpening experience. All of these have new homes now, but I thought I might post this pic anyway. :)

[Alchemist]

http://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb34/tcblades/08_03_2009_3.jpg

[ordo]

Alchemist:

Can you tell us something about Kosher butchering and Kosher knives (if such exist)? Do you make Kosher blades? I’m intrigued about that, the blades, the sharpening, the procedures, the rituals... It could be an interesting thread I guess.

[Alchemist]

Hi Ordo,

I dont make kosher knives, as I am not an observing Jew (on the most part) and such items are usually produced by the ultra-orthodox (Haredim). However, having said this, I will say a few words about Kosher slaughter and the knives used- as much as I am aware anyhow.

In Judaism, Slaughter (Shechita Kshera) must be executed with utmost care to prevent any needless suffering on the part of the animal. As such, a Kosher slaughterer (Shochet) is a profession all on it's own and is passed down from master to apprentice - usually within the family.

The knives (Hallaf) used are special knives in that they are VERY sharp - I'm talking "hair splitting" sharp, and further more, are sharpened on special stones deemed "Kosher stones". One such stone is the Coticule Ardennese - the BEST most flawless portions of the quarry are put aside and sold to the kosher slaughter houses. This is because in order to be a kosher slaughter knife, the knife must be "le lo revav" literally - without a blemish.

This is as much as I know about it, but, if I find more information on it, I will be happy to post more. Perhaps there are others here that are more knowledgeable to the Jewish slaughter trade that will be able to further enlighten us on the subject...

After thought: I went ahead and ran a search for "Shechita" on Wikipedia - and they have quiet a bit of information on the rules and rituals involved if you care to do some further reading on the subject. Here is a link:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shechita

[ordo]

That was quite an interesting and comprehensive article. Thanks! What a mixture of religious traditions, rituals, superstitions and on the earth issues.
We, human beings...

[Alchemist]

Yes, I agree. Of course, if you notice the actual sources in Judaism where the various issues associated with Shechita are addressed "Shulhan Aruch" in particular you begin to realize that this is but ONE issue of many that make up the intricate network of rules and regulations dictated by the Jewish faith and pertains to every single aspect of life (and death for that matter) which comprises the code of conduct of a practicing Jew - and dogmatic as this may seem, there are still many open debates about many of the issues.

You may want to read this one as well:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/%E1%B8%8Eab%C4%AB%E1%B8%A5ah

It discusses the Muslim ritual of slaughter, known as Dhabīḥah (ذَبِيْحَة).

[ordo]

It’s a mirror of Kosher rules...
I’m sad tonight.
Why do we have to kill to live?

[Alchemist]

Well, it is the way of the world. I guess the way I always thought about it is :

"Animal gets the best deal possible - good feed, veterinary care, relative safety etc. - and there is a ticket it has to pay at the end of the meal: It becomes someone else's meal."

[Alchemist]

Paring knife...

http://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb34/tcblades/13_03_2009_03.jpg

[Harris Pilton]

Some beautiful work Alchemist, really really nice.


My hand keeps reaching to number 1..... & 2.....3...

[Alchemist]

I just saw #3 the other day by chance. Looks like it has a great home and is being maintained very well by it's Owner. 1 & 2 are over seas, but I am certain they are doing well too. :)

[Alchemist]

Paring knife. Single side ground, right handed. O1 carbon tool steel. Damascus bolsters. Ebony handle + Mosaic pins. Recycled rubber sheath. Currently residing in it's new home in the USA. :)

http://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb34/tcblades/13_03_2009_01.jpg

[Alchemist]

http://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb34/tcblades/Miki_009.jpg

[ordo]

I love that handle Alchemist. One of the best you’ve done in terms of beauty and functionality. Just one comment about the blade: I think the bevel is nicer and easier to sharpen if it runs parallel to the edge curve.

http://i40.tinypic.com/294kl6x.jpg
Togiharu hammered damascus petty.

[Alchemist]

Thanks Ordo - I'll keep it in mind. :)

http://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb34/tcblades/26_04_2009_001a.jpg

[Alchemist]

http://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb34/tcblades/jpkitchen25_05_2009b.jpg

http://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb34/tcblades/jpkitchen25_05_2009a.jpg

[Saltydog]

Nice. If I may ask, what's with the squared handles?

BTW, I really like this last knife.

[sushicide]

wow, that's gorgeous :eek:

[Alchemist]

If I may ask, what's with the squared handles?



What about them?

[thebassguy]

Paring knife. Single side ground, right handed. O1 carbon tool steel. Damascus bolsters. Ebony handle + Mosaic pins. Recycled rubber sheath. Currently residing in it's new home in the USA. :)

http://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb34/tcblades/13_03_2009_01.jpg

I love mine :) I haven't had time to finish flattening the bevel, as you can see. But it still gets plenty of use. I'm very proud of this knife. I find myself taking it with me outdoors more often than not...

http://www.freedomjazztrio.com/pics/alchemist.jpg

http://www.freedomjazztrio.com/pics/alchemist2.jpg

[Alchemist]

http://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb34/tcblades/wedding%20cake%20knife/final5.jpg

http://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb34/tcblades/wedding%20cake%20knife/final2.jpg

http://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb34/tcblades/wedding%20cake%20knife/final3.jpg

O1 tool steel, constructed a bit like a trawl with a dullish blade on one side. It's a bit hard to see from the angle of the photo, but the handle is actually elevated over the blade. This way it can be used to both cut the cake, and serve it on to a plate.

The handle is Damascus bolsters, Mosaic pins, and ebony wood set with Star Sapphire, Star Rubby, and MOP (all of them 4mm cabs with .925 housings). The back of the blade is hand engraved with the names of the bride and groom as well as the date of the event. There is also a small engraved plate on the wooden saya with the same info on it.

As we say here - "Mazal Tov!" :)

[Alchemist]

http://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb34/tcblades/16_06_2009_001d.jpg

http://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb34/tcblades/16_06_2009_001c.jpg

http://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb34/tcblades/16_06_2009_001b.jpg

http://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb34/tcblades/16_06_2009_001a.jpg

[mattias504]

Wow. I need...

[Alchemist]

http://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb34/tcblades/04_07_2009_001.jpg

http://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb34/tcblades/04_07_2009_003.jpg

[Fred]

Love the 1 of 1 comment on the blade. Nice stuff.

[Q_Egg]

Woof !!!
Somthin' about that middle knife in the last pics! Really a fine, distinctive, and classy collection !!

Regards,
Tom B

[Alchemist]

Thanks folks :)

As always, these where shipped shortly after the pics where taken. But these last ones exemplify what our 2010 line will be like.

[Alchemist]

http://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb34/tcblades/14_08_2009_1a.jpg

[Alchemist]

http://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb34/tcblades/14_08_2009_2a.jpg

http://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb34/tcblades/14_08_2009_2b.jpg

[blwchef]

Looking good!

[Saltydog]

I see you're starting to take the edges off the handles. Is that a conscious decision or at request of the customer? Personally I prefer a more "rounded" handle.

I also can appreciate the nice ferules but it's not my cup o of tea and perhaps most. I LOVE the blades. Look great!

[Alchemist]

Thanks Salty :)

The handles are made a bit more round on account of customer requests. these are all custom ordered pieces. I can see the wisdom in making them rounder than in the past though...

The ferules.... well, to each his own I guess. I like the way the copper works into the whole wood & metal array, and a lot of folks really find them a refreshing change to buffalo bone (not to mention plastic) - but again - it's a matter of taste I guess.

[Saltydog]

I appreciate the skill in which they are made. Bet that takes some time.

[Alchemist]

http://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb34/tcblades/handles.jpg

Yes, they do take some time to make. These take even more time - but they are well worth it.

[Alchemist]

http://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb34/tcblades/d3acb7bc.jpg

Hand made 270 mm Hamaguriba ground, Hammer textured, right handed, Wa Gyuto w/customized cocobolo handle, brass spacer, and ebony kakumaki, Acacia Saya with Brazilian Cherry peg, 100% recycled rubber alternative carrying case, and sash.

[claudeh]

http://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb34/tcblades/918228f5.jpg

Hand made 270 mm Hamaguriba ground, Hammer textured, right handed, Wa Gyuto w/customized cocobolo handle, brass spacer, and ebony kakumaki, Acacia Saya with Brazilian Cherry peg, 100% recycled rubber alternative carrying case, and sash.


TC, thanks again for the great service. Can't wait to get my hands on this baby.

[Alchemist]

You are very welcome. I hope she serves you well for many years to come. :)

[blwchef]

Damn that's nice. Just one more month, just one more month, just one more month

[anvlts]

http://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb34/tcblades/918228f5.jpg

Hand made 270 mm Hamaguriba ground, Hammer textured, right handed, Wa Gyuto w/customized cocobolo handle, brass spacer, and ebony kakumaki, Acacia Saya with Brazilian Cherry peg, 100% recycled rubber alternative carrying case, and sash.

Great looking set. I like the saya wood figure.

[sushicide]

Holy crap that is beautiful

[Alchemist]

The completed prototypes for the "Niji Masu" series. Niji Masu is the Japanese name for Rainbow trout. This series was named so because of the surface finish reminiscent of a speckled Rainbow trout. All the knives in this series will have this surface texture and are all etched with the name "Niji Masu" in Japanese. Beneath the name, is our Hanko seal that states our name, and the fact that this is a hand made knife and was crafted in Israel. Beneath the hanko seal, is our maker's mark.

O1 carbon, dif. heat treated, X3 quenched, normalized to around 62-64 HRC. These knives have a very basic, no nonsense, feel & finish. They are quiet different from the custom designed stuff. The handles are soft wood and the kakumaki is synthetic.

http://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb34/tcblades/428f6c30.jpg
http://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb34/tcblades/21e2097a.jpg
http://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb34/tcblades/acb874f9.jpg

[Alchemist]

http://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb34/tcblades/kitchen%20slave/09_09_09_008.jpg

http://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb34/tcblades/kitchen%20slave/09_09_09_007.jpg

Two hard workers from "Kitchen slave" (http://www.tcblades.com/kitchen_slave_series) series, inspired by Kitagawa Utamara's "in the kitchen". Rosewood & Copper handles, o1 carbon blades, and acacia sayas. Very elegant kitchen slaves indeed.

[Alchemist]

Used and tested by a pro.

http://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb34/tcblades/Sushi/mid_processing.jpg

http://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb34/tcblades/Sushi/TC_Blades_and_Friends2.jpg

http://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb34/tcblades/Sushi/TC_Blades_and_Friends_add.jpg

http://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb34/tcblades/Sushi/veggies_prep_002.jpg

http://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb34/tcblades/Sushi/carrot_prep_002.jpg

[Alchemist]

http://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb34/tcblades/Sushi/Salmon_yanagi001_001a.jpg

http://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb34/tcblades/Sushi/Palamida_fillet_slave_yanagiba.jpg

http://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb34/tcblades/Sushi/chef_joseph_dvir_002.jpg

http://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb34/tcblades/Sushi/cucumber_prep.jpg

http://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb34/tcblades/Sushi/processed_fish_assort_001_001a.jpg

[Alchemist]

http://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb34/tcblades/Sushi/palamida.jpg

http://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb34/tcblades/Sushi/dish_007.jpg

http://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb34/tcblades/Sushi/dish_003.jpg

http://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb34/tcblades/Sushi/dish_004.jpg

http://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb34/tcblades/Sushi/dish_005.jpg

[MadRookie]

....eish....now I am hungry :)

Well done !

[Super65]

Great pictures! I hope you actually got to eat the subject of the photo shoot.

- Jerome

[vienna_1]

Dont know what i appreciate more, the food or the knives :) Awesome pics!

[Alchemist]

http://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb34/tcblades/Natural_stones/covstone_007.jpg
http://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb34/tcblades/Natural_stones/covstone_004.jpg
http://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb34/tcblades/Natural_stones/covstone_003.jpg
http://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb34/tcblades/Natural_stones/covstone_001.jpg

Some of the material extracted on my latest outing. ... And for those of you who asked to know a bit more about them, here is a vid:


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GLgOLSAT5QE

:)

[Alchemist]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SUl_eYP6MVk

[vai777]

very cool

[Alchemist]

Making handles...


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kscVkVV21Pw

[Alchemist]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8MODvFnRW08

[pressure cooker]

WOW. Nice.

[Alchemist]

http://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb34/tcblades/misc/422f8753-1.jpg

[Alchemist]

http://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb34/tcblades/ce4a85d0.jpg?t=1297624999

[blwchef]

Now those are hot.

[kalaeb]

Very cool indeed, I gots to get me one of those.

[stereo.pete]

That last knife is straight sexy. I love the way that green spacer contrasts well with the finish of the blade. Well done!

[Alchemist]

300 mm Yanagiba & 160 mm Deba Duo.

http://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb34/tcblades/eabd1657.jpg
http://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb34/tcblades/2362854a.jpg
http://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb34/tcblades/c9f181fb.jpg
http://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb34/tcblades/a9f9bdff.jpg
http://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb34/tcblades/3d9969d7.jpg

Someone is going to have a lot of fun with these... :)

[Pensacola Tiger]

Tsil, are those spoken for, or are they available?

Rick

[Alchemist]

We only make knives by special order so, yes - these are already spoken for. :o

[mad_dog]

This thread is just amazing to me
all the beauty
thanks

[Alchemist]

http://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb34/tcblades/98f7ecfa.jpg

http://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb34/tcblades/1a766c0c.jpg

http://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb34/tcblades/6bea971c.jpg

[Alchemist]

http://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb34/tcblades/302d1cec.jpg

http://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb34/tcblades/3739ba93.jpg

http://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb34/tcblades/4a930523.jpg

[mad_dog]

sweet
I'm glad I found this site. I really enjoy looking at the art.

[Alchemist]

http://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb34/tcblades/2d65bd09.jpg

http://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb34/tcblades/2d3f6bee.jpg

http://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb34/tcblades/cbe1dffe.jpg

http://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb34/tcblades/f481c60e.jpg

http://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb34/tcblades/ddb2bbaa.jpg

http://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb34/tcblades/faaa6ad7.jpg

[sanji]

Awesome!

[Alchemist]

http://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb34/tcblades/95a1ebb2.jpg

http://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb34/tcblades/294fba7f.jpg

http://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb34/tcblades/d4587764.jpg

http://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb34/tcblades/7f004a28.jpg

http://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb34/tcblades/adfb89d9.jpg

380 mm Gyuto. Ebony + cocobolo. O1 tool steel w/ etching & engraving of Koi in a pond...

[thombrogan]

That's stupifyingly amazing!

[Octaveman]

Okay, NOW I'm really impressed. :-) Beautiful.

[rhinoknives1]

http://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb34/tcblades/302d1cec.jpg

http://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb34/tcblades/3739ba93.jpg

http://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb34/tcblades/4a930523.jpg

This is exceptional Craftsmanship & Materials.
Could you tell me where the "Master Knife Maker" rating or title comes from? A guild or ??

Thanks for showing us this beautiful work.

Laurence

www.rhinoknives.com/

[thombrogan]

I'm pretty sure eyesight is the only certification needed to show that Mr. and Mrs. Censor are master level knifemaker. Not trying to be koi, er, coy about it, either.

[LumberJ]

http://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb34/tcblades/95a1ebb2.jpg

http://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb34/tcblades/294fba7f.jpg

http://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb34/tcblades/d4587764.jpg

http://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb34/tcblades/7f004a28.jpg

http://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb34/tcblades/adfb89d9.jpg

380 mm Gyuto. Ebony + cocobolo. O1 tool steel w/ etching & engraving of Koi in a pond...

Wow I would have commented sooner but I had to change my pants after seeing those photos. TC your knives are always gorgeous.

[ordo]

Gorgeous knives. Alchemist: what's the meaning of that Old Yiddish saying?

? איר געזאגט, ער האט געזאגט, זי געזאגט - פּלוצלינג יעדער שמוק איז אַ מומחה

I can't find a translation.

[Alchemist]

It means roughly: "You said, he said, she said - suddenly every shmuck is a specialist" :)

[MadRookie]

Simply BEAUTIFUL!!!

:)

[rhinoknives1]

I'm pretty sure eyesight is the only certification needed to show that Mr. and Mrs. Censor are master level knifemaker. Not trying to be koi, er, coy about it, either.

Thom,
I didn't post this Certificate, The gent trying to interest us in ordering one of this fine looking knives did.
My question is simple and sincere.

In the USA A Master Smith rating "MS" from the ABS is a equivalent of a University level degree.
They look great! There is more than looks when it comes to knives and words and titles mean things.

My question is again?

Is this a rating from a Guild or? It means nothing more! Or nothing less!

Laurence

www.rhinoknives.com/

[Alchemist]

Thom,
I didn't post this Certificate, The gent trying to interest us in ordering one of this fine looking knives did.
My question is simple and sincere.

In the USA A Master Smith rating "MS" from the ABS is a equivalent of a University level degree.
They look great! There is more than looks when it comes to knives and words and titles mean things.

My question is again?

Is this a rating from a Guild or? It means nothing more! Or nothing less!

Laurence

www.rhinoknives.com/

Dear Mr. Segal,

We do not reside in the USA - and the ABS will not allow members from outside of the USA, so no - we are not members. But if we where living in the USA I am confidant that we would surpass all the criteria for a Master rating from the ABS.


We no longer post anywhere else on the foodieforums besides this thread "Alchemist's knives" - we ARE NOT HERE TO SELL - as opposed to you, we do not include our home page's URL in our signature line - BECAUSE WE ARE NOT HERE TO SELL. If anyone wants our products they cannot get them here because WE ARE NOT HERE TO SELL.

We did not bother you about your knives, your qualifications, your craft, your trade, or your business. We did not question any aspect of your professionalism (this could be easily arranged, but we feel it would be less than gentlemanly business conduct - and I'm sure the ABS would agree).

A True Master Knife Maker would probably concentrate more on their own business, and less on other's.

[greendude]

are the yanagi & deba duo seen in the previous page honyaki? I can't find a kasumi patern. they are BEAUTIFUL!

[Alchemist]

They are. All our knives are Honyaki at this time - made out of one single piece of carbon steel.

[rhinoknives1]

Dear Mr. Segal,

We do not reside in the USA - and the ABS will not allow members from outside of the USA, so no - we are not members. But if we where living in the USA I am confidant that we would surpass all the criteria for a Master rating from the ABS.


We no longer post anywhere else on the foodieforums besides this thread "Alchemist's knives" - we ARE NOT HERE TO SELL - as opposed to you, we do not include our home page's URL in our signature line - BECAUSE WE ARE NOT HERE TO SELL. If anyone wants our products they cannot get them here because WE ARE NOT HERE TO SELL.

We did not bother you about your knives, your qualifications, your craft, your trade, or your business. We did not question any aspect of your professionalism (this could be easily arranged, but we feel it would be less than gentlemanly business conduct - and I'm sure the ABS would agree).

A True Master Knife Maker would probably concentrate more on their own business, and less on other's.


Sir/Alchemist,
You take offense much to easy.
I never said nor mean anything in disregard to your knives or your professionalism.
My comment to Thom was just that!
I was not implying that I suspected possible sub standard work or anything else you have read into it.
They are excellent looking knives , Saya & Engraving.
It was a SIMPLE question because I am a maker as well.

Also it's not necessary to list a URL to have people contact you. As some of the posters have asked about availability, I am sure you have obtained some orders from this thread showcasing your beautiful knives.

Of course you are here to show & tell and pick up a few orders! What is wrong with that?

The reason I stated this was that I have been referred to by uninformed people/Customers here in the USA As a Master knife maker. I politely inform them that is a rating here and I don't belong to the ABS.

If my comments seemed offense to you? That was not my intention. Just interested in the back round of the Maker from the information you provided.

Respectfully.


Laurence

www.rhinoknives

[JKerr]

Not to downplay how beautiful the engraving is, but the handle and saya are absolutely stunning; awesome work you two. Any chance you could tell us the materials used?

Cheers,
Josh

[greendude]

They are. All our knives are Honyaki at this time - made out of one single piece of carbon steel.

do you also do some of them with differential heat treatment? (hamon and such). and what is the black surface in the koi gyuto? the kurouchi?

[Alchemist]

Sir/Alchemist,
You take offense much to easy.
I never said nor mean anything in disregard to your knives or your professionalism.
My comment to Thom was just that!
I was not implying that I suspected possible sub standard work or anything else you have read into it.
They are excellent looking knives , Saya & Engraving.
It was a SIMPLE question because I am a maker as well.

Also it's not necessary to list a URL to have people contact you. As some of the posters have asked about availability, I am sure you have obtained some orders from this thread showcasing your beautiful knives.

Of course you are here to show & tell and pick up a few orders! What is wrong with that?

The reason I stated this was that I have been referred to by uninformed people/Customers here in the USA As a Master knife maker. I politely inform them that is a rating here and I don't belong to the ABS.

If my comments seemed offense to you? That was not my intention. Just interested in the back round of the Maker from the information you provided.

Respectfully.


Laurence

www.rhinoknives

Possibly I take offense easily. Possibly It is an allergy, aquired over time, to various instances I have encountered online - some of them right here on these forums. If so, I apologize for over reacting - it's only my name at stake here, after all. The way I see it, America is filled to the brim with Xenophobiacs. I'm not saying YOU are one - I'm only stating my overall experience with some folks in the good old US of A. It's OK not to trust foreighners or their products or their craftsmanship. It's OK to stick by American standard, and it's even OK to exclude Foreighn residents from joining National societies and guilds. However, once you take this path you pretty much forfeit the right to include any of these foreigners and their products or skills in any kind of national scale.

Further more, it is my undestanding that many higher education institutions in the USA offer academic degrees in a vast array of subjects that not 20 years ago would have been considered anything but academic - so Im not entirely sure what the significance is. I seen young Nepalese boys make better knives than some ABS members will ever make. Now, lets see, I am also a print maker. I feel perfectly capable of making an EXACT copper plate that will print ANY kind of certificate you can think of. Want one that says you are a Dentist? Lawyer? Pilot? Will they really make you one of the above? Does this make me a Master engraver ? Im not sure. Perhaps It makes me capable of earning the title of a "Master Forger". I choose to be honest and printing out my very own original CERTIFICATE OF AUTHENTICITY, using the title MASTER on it is perfectly legitimate in view of who we are, what we do, how we do it, and how long we been doing it.

2842

No offense taken.

[Alchemist]

do you also do some of them with differential heat treatment? (hamon and such). and what is the black surface in the koi gyuto? the kurouchi?

The material of the blade is o1 carbon tool steel. We do make dif. HT blades also, and with the proper polishing, their Hamon (temper lines) will show. The process used to create the blade is a combination of etching with acid and engraving with hammer and tagane chisles. The black color is acid etch (after being neutralized), and cold blueing. It is relieved - that is to say "lower" than the 0 level of the surface. Hence it is not very easily removed or polished out. It has actual texture - like a print plate.

[rhinoknives1]

Possibly I take offense easily. Possibly It is an allergy, aquired over time, to various instances I have encountered online - some of them right here on these forums. If so, I apologize for over reacting - it's only my name at stake here, after all. The way I see it, America is filled to the brim with Xenophobiacs. I'm not saying YOU are one - I'm only stating my overall experience with some folks in the good old US of A. It's OK not to trust foreighners or their products or their craftsmanship.[QUOTE]

Who said anything about not trusting Foreigners or their Crafts etc..?

[QUOTE] It's OK to stick by American standard, and it's even OK to exclude Foreighn residents from joining National societies and guilds. However, once you take this path you pretty much forfeit the right to include any of these foreigners and their products or skills in any kind of national scale. [QUOTE]

Yes, They are National scales, Not international measures.

[QUOTE]
Further more, it is my undestanding that many higher education institutions in the USA offer academic degrees in a vast array of subjects that not 20 years ago would have been considered anything but academic - so Im not entirely sure what the significance is.[QUOTE]

The significance is that I don't call myself a Master here because I don't want to be mixed up with the American Blade-smith Society.
I don't disregard who and what the are,But at the same time they can be a self servicing group like others that can forget what they are really there for and just end up self assuring themselves.

[Quote] I seen young Nepalese boys make better knives than some ABS members will ever make.
[QUOTE]
I never said that you need to be a member of anything to make a great knife. I hold no degrees or Titles when it comes to my knives except the knowledge I retain, the scars on my hands, and my finished products that provide my Livelihood.


[Quote]
Now, lets see, I am also a print maker. I feel perfectly capable of making an EXACT copper plate that will print ANY kind of certificate you can think of. Want one that says you are a Dentist? Lawyer? Pilot? Will they really make you one of the above? Does this make me a Master engraver ? Im not sure. Perhaps It makes me capable of earning the title of a "Master Forger". I choose to be honest and printing out my very own original CERTIFICATE OF AUTHENTICITY, using the title MASTER on it is perfectly legitimate in view of who we are, what we do, how we do it, and how long we been doing it. [Quote]

It's your choice what you wish to call yourself and I didn't know you weren't in the USA.

Excellent Copper Plate work, By the way!





No offense taken.

I look forward to seeing more of your work and I hope you sell many more than you can ever make!

Cheers!

Laurence

www.rhinoknives.com/

[Johnny.B.Good]

Mr. Censor,

Thank you for sharing pictures of your impressive work with us. The Koi engraved gyuto is jaw-dropping. Your creativity and attention to detail really shows in your handle and saya work. Fit and finish on all of your work looks impeccable.


My question is simple and sincere.

:rolleyes:

You're not doing yourself (or your business) any favors with posts like these Laurence. So transparent and annoying. And for the record, I wouldn't be caught dead with a "Rhino Chop" in my kitchen. What a joke.

Cheers!

Johnny

[rhinoknives1]

Mr. Censor,

Thank you for sharing pictures of your impressive work with us. The Koi engraved gyuto is jaw-dropping. Your creativity and attention to detail really shows in your handle and saya work. Fit and finish on all of your work looks impeccable.



:rolleyes:

You're not doing yourself (or your business) any favors with posts like these Laurence. So transparent and annoying. And for the record, I wouldn't be caught dead with a "Rhino Chop" in my kitchen. What a joke.

Cheers!

Johnny

Johnny,
You have 5 posts here and two of them are slamming me in matter's and threads that don't concern you and are really none of your Business! Do you ever have anything constructive to add to the topics?

Have you made any knives? Or do any sharpening work? or cook anything you wish to discuss? Or talked about your favorite knife or any other posts relating to the topics of discussion? Have you started any threads of topic's of interest?

My questions and stands in debates are mine! You don't have to like them. But I suggest you respect them or I and most of the people I know here won't respect yours!

Laurence

www.rhinoknives.com/

[Alchemist]

Jhony, Thank you for the kind words regarding our work. I appreciate it, and I am always happy to discuss our work.

Regarding the matter of the small misunderstanding between me and Mr. Segal:

Please know that me and Laurence have settled the matter between us amicably in private. I do not wish to see this misunderstanding between us turn into a heated exchange or anything of the sort. In a perfect world, your remark about the Rhino Chop would be deleted. The world is not perfect, but I would really appreciate if you considered removing or at least rephrazing it.

[Johnny.B.Good]

In a perfect world, your remark about the Rhino Chop would be deleted. The world is not perfect, but I would really appreciate if you considered removing or at least rephrazing it.

I apologize to you Mr. Censor. This thread should be about your amazing work, not my opinion of Mr. Segal. I assumed he was taking a shot at you and/or trying to start another one of his "debates" and let my temper get the best of me.

Mods, if you see this, please feel free to delete my earlier post (and this one). Sorry for the trouble.

[Alchemist]

http://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb34/tcblades/bf9e5c80.jpg

http://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb34/tcblades/f3bc2af0.jpg

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http://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb34/tcblades/71afb5fe.jpg

[Michael374]

I like the knife that has black handle. It is a good gift for my mom who loves to cook.

[rhinoknives1]

Hi Buddy!
Excellent! Is this fine looking knife a Deba Grind or 50/50? I can't tell for sure in the picture?

Your choice of materials is excellent as well, A birds eye wooden handle and what looks like a Black Walnut Saya & Damascus bolsters.

Thanks again for sharing this fine piece of work.

Laurence

www.westsidesharpening.com

[pressure cooker]

Sweet work T.C. One of these days I'm getting one of our knives.

[blwchef]

It's pics of knives like that, that get me in trouble.

[thombrogan]

But the bevel is on the "keep Brandon from unloading a bass to buy a new knife" side of the blade.

[pressure cooker]

But the bevel is on the "keep Brandon from unloading a bass to buy a new knife" side of the blade.
When has that ever stopped him:)

[rhinoknives1]

When has anything every stopped any of use?

Being a maker, collector & home cook wasn't enough! I had to open a Cutlery store so I could spend almost all my waking hours with knives! ;)

Laurence

www.rhinoknives.com/

[pressure cooker]

When has anything every stopped any of use?

Being a maker, collector & home cook wasn't enough! I had to open a Cutlery store so I could spend almost all my waking hours with knives! ;)

Laurence

www.rhinoknives.com/
OCD..errr I mean .OCBEHAVIOR. Hehe

[Alchemist]

The Western style ones are always double sided unless stated otherwise. It's pretty easy to see - the double sided ones are about half the bevel hight of the single side ones.

[Alchemist]

http://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb34/tcblades/9969dafe.jpg

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[thombrogan]

Just when you think it's safe to stop drooling... Whoa!

[Alchemist]

http://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb34/tcblades/33451461.jpg

http://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb34/tcblades/e0f3269d.jpg

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http://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb34/tcblades/eae6c734.jpg

[MadRookie]

....damn that is just GORGEOUS!

:)

[Alchemist]

http://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb34/tcblades/dbe1fde0.jpg

http://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb34/tcblades/0ba833a7.jpg

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http://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb34/tcblades/3507a9ab.jpg

[MadRookie]

Dang....stop please.....

This porn is killing me!

:)

[rhinoknives1]

Hello to my Pal TC,

Is that Victory Loves preparation? Not a Latin reader myself.

Excellent work as always! More Porn! More Porn!

Laurence

www.rhinoknives.com/

[Alchemist]

http://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb34/tcblades/DSC_5880_zpsf53eb40c.jpg

http://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb34/tcblades/DSC_5881_zpsf9cddfcf.jpg

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