Slick Stabbers

OK lets take a look at two very sweet knives. I have been remiss in writing this blog, somehow getting sidetracked. The knives are recent kogatana made for me by Gary Bradburn. Traditionally kogatana are the tiny, flimsy, useless side knives housed in the saya (scabbard) of a katana or wakizashi. I asked Gary to make me one as a discreet carry knife but stout enough for actual defense use. He ground the prototype with a chisel format but was not happy with it. (This is the one riding on my Bug Out Bag.) The next two came with double bevel grinds and nice clay tempered blade with hamon.

A knife this size is easily carried without creating waves of fear in the general public. There are many general uses for it besides its intended personal defense use. The blade is substantial despite being only 0.145 inches thick. Since they are each custom made the blade lengths vary. One is 4.5 inches and the other is 5 inches. The slender blades are natural piercing weapons but, as you can imagine, no slouch at slicing. The graceful curvature gives the blades the look of a miniature katana. The tsuka (handles) are full tang, copper covered, and then wrapped in epoxy saturated cord. Beneath the tsuka ito wrapping Gary has placed a high quality menuki. The menuki are decorative, but they also create a nice palm swell. Each knife is sheathed in a custom fit kydex sheath with nylon belt loop. Check out Gary’s new website and contact him if you are interested in ordering a custom Japanese style knife. You will not be disappointed that you did. http://www.bradburncustomknives.com/