Al Warren, Steve Mullins custom bowies/fighters

[MtMike]

Posted per request of the owner, Jim Kohl. Doncha just love it when a customer likes his new sheaths well enough to ask that they be posted !! Sorry no pics of the back-side --this is Jim's pic.
Funny the things I don't notice when I'm working on a piece -- the lines on the rod-pouches seemed straighter than they appear here. Must be some kind of light-angular displacement from the lens on Jim's camera
And just in case anyone is intereted in the knives (heheh) both are just wonderful pieces. The Warren in particular (top knife) just blew me away -- it's a new model for Al, BG 42 blade, and believe me it's as good or better than any kife of its type I've ever handled.
MtMike

[whv]

nice work, mike. seeing these two side by side prompts the question - does it really make a large difference to the safety of the strap being cut to have it on the spine side of the knife?
.
ps:
that looks like a new one for steve (pack river), too. last time i visited with him i don't think he had ever made a 'tactical'. that reminds me, how would you like to have scott sawby for your nextdoor neighbor. these two know how to make some nice knives!

[MtMike]

Wayne- -thank you sir - yes I think the strap-over-spine is a much better way of using a keeper strap. The Mullins' guard configuration really didn't allow me to make it that way, but I prefer it for all my double-guard sheaths. Randall sheaths have always done them both ways, model A with strap over sharp edge, model C with strap over spine -- hafta ask them why, or our friend Greg Gutcher. I'm guessing it's because the Model A sheath is used for several knives, only some of which have double guards.
Didn't know it was a new model for Steve, but it's a great addition to the line. I'd prefer the grip with a little more texture, but that's just me. And I know Al Warren may be a fairly new name here, but trust me -- this is one helluva knife !! I told Jim Kohl (the owner) that it's like a Randall 14 on steroids.
Mike

[whv]

g2 would know the answer, alright, but i would guess you nailed it on the randall sheath.
it's been two years since i talked to steve, so a lot of things have changed.
thanx, mike

[MtMike]

Probably time to talk to him again ! This is the only knife of his I've had the chance to handle, I was impressed
Mike

[whv]

steve has never made leather (that i know of) - says that he has it done by "a guy down the road", but i have only one example, for a skinner he made for me back when. nice 'cheapie' sort of leather - nothing special.
.
hey - i'm on a roll - why don't you and chuck team up and bring some stuff to eugene next week?

[MtMike]

I checked out his website -- some really beautiful knives, but nothing like this one. Seems like his hi-end pieces could use some good leather -- I'd hate to think of those beauts going into plastic sleeves
If I were to get on the West Coast circuit I'd have to raise my prices -- food for the sled-dogs, you know Guess I could always stop in Reno on the way
Mike

[DC KNIVES]

Great work buddy. Glad to see your staying busy, it helps keeping ya warm. Dave

[Sandy Morrissey]

Fine work , Mike! Guess that is what you do when you are snowed in---can you see daylight yet? Sandy

[MtMike]

Sandy -- I'm gassin up the generator so I'll be ready to watch the Masters this week.
And yes, cuttin 'n stitchin is agreat excuse for not shoveling
But that was 2 weeks ago -- we've been in shirtsleeves here until yesterday, but that's Springtime in the Rockies
Mike