Tag

E N L I G H T E N – What is a “CU Mai” Blade?

Dan Lewis calls his steel this because CU is the abbreviation for Copper and the sandwiched construction is similar to San Mai.  Dan’s “CU Mai” blades are very distinctive!  When Les first saw this unique combination of Carbon Steel/Copper/Damascus, he was immediately drawn to his work. These “CU Mai” blades have 5 layers:  The core is W-2 Carbon Steel.  On either side of the core is a layer of Copper.  The final two outside layers are Damascus, combining 1095 High-Carbon Steel and 15N25 Pure Nickel.

Copper looks great, but it doesn’t belong on the cutting edge so Dan always uses a high-carbon core for strength and sharpness.  Because of the melting point of Copper, the layers are brazed together, which is a technique where metal parts are fused together.  In the case of Copper this is around 1600 degrees.  A more common way to create Damascus billets is through forge welding, but this is done at a much higher temperature; therefore, utilizing this method would melt the Copper.

Precision & careful grinding are everything according to Dan. The billet must be measured exactly to keep a consistent core of high-carbon steel, with even layers of Damascus and Copper on either side. When it comes to etching, combining Pure Nickel and Copper allows him to use a stronger, proprietary acid. The result is a deep, dark etch in just seconds — creating a bold finish that highlights every layer.

RCC just received two hunting knives with “CU Mai” blades from ABS Journeyman Smith, Dan Lewis. Take a look…

Dan Lewis Forged CU Mai Clip Point Hunter

Dan Lewis Forged CU Mai Drop Point Hunting Knife with Desert Ironwood

If you’d like to be notified of new knives & learn more about everything “Custom Knives,” subscribe to RCC CONNECTION for free.

What is San Mai? Learn more from our RCC Channel YouTube Video.
Click to see our Dan Lewis YouTube Video.

The current issue of Blade Magazine, Fall 2017, features my article, “How Much To Pay For Forged Knives?” on pages 50 – 56.

I discuss the makers’ position in the market and how it pertains to the price they should be charging for their knives.

In 1994, I created my maker position matrix. This took into account roughly 3,000 makers. Each was put into a category for the type of knife they made. Example; if the maker built fighters, Bowies and hunters, they were put into those categories. Then when I apply my weighted criteria to each maker, it became obvious what makers should be charging for the knives. Not what they wanted to get; not the amount they hoped to get; but the amount they should get based on my weighted criteria through their position in a particular market. Knowing a knifemaker’s position in a particular market helps to simplify the question, “What should this knife cost?”

Price Point
Given there are 184 JS makers in current good standing with the ABS, the competition to sell your knives can be intense or so you would think. The truth is most JS makers do not know their position in their market(s). As such, they don’t know what the price should be for their knives. Too many rely on other makers, often their mentors/competitors to help price their knives. While this may come as a shock to many of you reading this, knifemakers are notorious for not buying knives. Subsequently, they are probably not the best source for current market information. Today, the majority of JS makers are asking too much for their knives. Just to double check my theory, I asked several ABS Master Smiths who I have known for 10+ years what their take was on JS pricing. They agreed that most were asking too much money for their work.

What does this mean for you the collector of forged blades? Sadly, homework. Perhaps creating your own mini-matrix would enlighten you as to what the actual price point should be for makers you are interested in. It isn’t as difficult as it sounds and I can tell you that mine has served me well over the last 23 years.

Matrix Reloaded
To help you get started with your homework, I am going to suggest 5 JS makers you should consider. To keep people from getting their feelings hurt, writing letters to the editor (which you are always welcome to do) or protesting in the streets. The following 5 makers are in this article because I feel they have met certain criteria which will be discussed about each maker. Yes, I work with every one of these makers. Some before they made JS and others after. The 5 knifemakers are in no particular order.

The makers are Scott Gallagher, Ben Breda, Wess Barnhill, Mike Deibert and Josh Fisher.

All are excellent makers and represent “Bang for the Buck” makers in today’s markets.

Check out the full article on newsstands today!

Robertson’s Custom Cutlery is your source for custom knives from today’s leading custom knife makers. We only feature the highest quality knives at value prices. Our custom fixed and folding knife selection includes tactical fixed and folding knives, presentation fixed and folding knives, bowies, hunters and skinners, and a large selection of forged blades. Les Robertson, author and owner of Robertson’s Custom Cutlery, is also a Field Editor for Blade Magazine and an instructor at Blade University. If you have questions about the content in this article or about any knife or maker on our website, you can contact Les directly at customknives@comcast.net or (706) 650-0252.