Another
article ported over from my left-for-dead Livejournal blog. Written on 11th Mar 2015
...and let the story unfold...
Michael Raymond Starlit - "Eclipse"
This
must be the hardest knife till date in terms of taking pictures.
Certainly no easy task to bring out the Timascus pattern set within the
subtle contours of the beautiful clip on this Starlit
"Eclipse"... and all I have is still my cheapo point and shoot cam.
Yes, the name, Eclipse is on the certificate itself.
Something that Michael certainly didn't miss out. :) I'm really glad as
the cosmic theme and eventually the name which was thought out as a
flow to the word, Starlit itself. I wanted something different but connected.
[Blade length: 3.3"] * [Handle length: 4.25"] * [Overall Length: 7.55"] * [Weight: 3.5 oz]
The
Starlit runs on the smaller side of things edged in my possession. As a
gentleman folder, for the kind of intended usage, there really isn't much of a need for anything bigger.
The Challenge
When
my young friend ask if I was interested to take up a slot on an
otherwise closed book for this grail, in all honesty it took awhile to
decide.
Why?
One look at any of Michael's works, it's about the elegance set
within the simplicity of his folders. Master pieces from a
perfectionist. Minimalist knives that are truly functional and
aesthetically pleasing for all who love things simple and uncluttered.
As much as I'm a minimalist, however for a full custom, it's only
natural one will desire elements that uniquely make it stand out. Yet how to not "overcook" it in the process.
So here comes the good ol' "to be or not to be" or rather "to get or not to get".
If
it can't be conceptualized- then grail or not, it would be a no go. I think
good knife makers are all artists in their own rights who can appreciate
producing a unique piece to bring out only the best in their
work.
Pouring through all the Starlit photos online... a
starting point was based on a recent piece spotting a buffalo horn pivot
cover with aged copper collar. This is a departure from the usual
Timascus. Having noted
the copper was engraved too, it opened up an array of possibilities in
my mind.
Next Michael spring a surprise and came out with
another piece of a "sun" radiating straight rays. Very nice but a little
too Hellenic for me. More idea definitely started to flow though.
Then... An option for spiral over the straight rays on the first "sun" was suggested.
Mind
working overtime by now... Eclipse! Umbra or penumbra.. to
follow like the copper one or have the horn as the collar? Some
Photoshop doodling from my end and further exchanges later...
... A Star is
born.
The most important thing was how would the end result on the
Timascus turn out. Oh, Timascus was chosen for the fact that such
intricate carving on this material would be a unique point. That's where
I strive for a difference. Michael raise the standard further by having
half of the spirals milled out from the handle itself!! Any mistakes or
miscalculation and the result would be glaringly obvious.
As
big and beautiful as it looks in the pictures here, the collar itself is
quite small, which only increases the appreciation of the fine
detailing in such a tiny area.
While envisaging the brighter yellow normally associated with Mokuti,
the decision was left to the maker for best results. Zipper Timascus and
the resultant darker hue than expected turns out with a very pleasing
interpretation to this theme, evoking an even stronger imagery of
cosmic forces.
The signature star bolt was treated to similar hues like the "sun" side to match things up.
...and the color theme extends right down to the next attraction on an otherwise simple knife. The clip.
The Timascus clip was my request. Not something seen on too many Starlit. To
increase the uniqueness? Sure it does but more importantly,
it would seem odd without it. Sort of hanging off "incomplete" after all
the attention given to the front end of the handle. Gotta admit part of
it was influenced after seeing that copper Starlit that also had a
matching aged copper clip. There's only so much originality my now
constipated mind could come up with.
For the actual shape and
ergonomics (if that is the right word) of the clip, it's really one of
the best if not the best of any knives in my collection. The pictures
are here for all to see but it truly has to be held and felt to
appreciate how non-intrusive be it in the hands or when clipping it.
With so much focus on the "presentation" side, I have to say
flipping over to the lock/clip side-- it is an equally impressive
presentation in itself.
Ever
pedantic over little things, I was hoping not to see dreaded silver
screws heads peeking out from the clip attachment point contrasting
inappropriately with Timascus that has been treated to a whole different
color spectrum.
Not disappointed. Seems like many things
resonate in the maker's mind and my own without needing to be spelled
out. Screws were treated to colors matching the clip itself.
Tiny little area few would
scrutinize. Yet in my book, it is these little details that sets things apart, truly making it worthwhile to be holding on to one of these.
The Grind
Just gotta love the
swedge here and a meticulous grind on the rest of the CPM-20CV blade
with a 62rc. From all that I have seen and read, there's no doubt the
blade has been given the full heat treatment, cryo ,oil quenching and
all- to bring out the full potential of the steel. This is one very
important reason for getting a full custom from a good maker.
and another...
Is that a fish or some big bug eye cephalopod staring up at the blade?:)
Finishing... On this count it ranks right up there on my "best" list.
Milled
out from a single piece of titanium blasted evenly for a smooth
finishing that isn't too much of a fingerprint magnet. Not sure if it's coincidental
but the wrap around chamfering matches up with the width of the swedge
really nicely. Too thin or wide on either one would really have offset
the look of the knife otherwise.
Just love knives that come sharp on
unboxing and with a tip that gives an "ouch".
A
thing I like when first seeing Michael's knives a while back is that
they come with their own tool to disassemble or adjust when needed.
Anyone with a number of knives using custom screws would understand what
a pain it is to find a tool that can fit without mauling things up.
Proudly printed. As a "tool person" myself, I would say this in itself is a work of art. Functional art
Centering
of immaculate knives where a maker's skill is never much of a concern. But like any review its almost a default
picture to have. From a slightly different perspective...
...the "traditional" tip-front centering pic.
and here is the one that intrigues me... now how did the lockbar
ever get in there. It's an integral, There's no observable patch up if
it was inserted via the side. Was it milled out from the one piece
titanium block itself? I think something was said on a forum thread
before but really can't remember it now.. still its nothing short of
amazing to me.
Nice positive lockup with no lock stick that can
be discerned. Fine jimping affording a good grip but
still looking refine as befitting this piece of exquisite work.
I'm glad to have made the decision and now to hold in the hand this piece of top notch craftsmanship. A story piece that has
captured some vivid imagination of powerful chaotic cosmic forces, yer embedded within a calm and clean looking minimalist knife.
The Missus is calling. Dinner's ready.
Update: Sep 2015 Blade Mag that bears the picture of this very knife :)
Everyone seems to be a little busy last weekend, leaving only three of us to bask in the warm afternoon sunshine at Merv's place and some rather tasty Indonesian snacks made by his very enthusiastic helper...
