And Dragons Gather... Introducing the IFS-20

Like the Poluchetkiy was the one knife that started my collecting journey.. this one CAD drawing on a screen was what started me onto the IFS-20 development as it unfolds..... staring at it for 45 mins to try and decipher what in the world was I actually looking at that time. Seems like any other knife design with a lot of words but I thought I saw something really unique and things never attempted before.  foto@snecx

Still in the midst of writing up my latest grail acquisition, another mega excitement surrounding edged things in recent months culminated in  awesome gatanhering with Snecx and his brother from Malaysia. Of course my resident knife guru friend, Koji-san would have to be present as well on this occasion.

Yes, for some who follow on Instagram... its the IFS-20.

Excitement doesn't even begin to describe it... We had been chatting for months and Snecx had shown me a number of things well before putting it out publicly. Being privy to all the development, the only thing remaining of course is seeing the real thing itself.

As luck would have it.. earlier in the week I was fortunate to receive an all time grail.. after a 20 month search.. something I never thought I would be able to get near, let alone own. The Shirogorov Sinkevich collaboration, Technobambuk.

Separated by time and conceived under very different circumstances, mindset and background, yet each hold certain elements in their lines and construction that I somewhat find an association. Shape wise and overall construction, up to now there hasn't been anything quite like the Technobambuk... An iconic knife which will definitely remain so, formed by the hands of arguably some of the best in the knife industry. The IFS on the other hand, I equate with the unveiling of a top notch supercar equivalent in the world of knives today. First time maker, unheard of, no prior background.. never mind, just let the knife speak for itself as more is unfolded...

Yet between these 2, I think the common thread is the kind of artistic thought process/ talent articulated into a piece of final functional art in the truest sense. Design and concepts that are refreshing. Not just another knife roving and striving to position itself among numerous ones already out there.  Even in the minutest feature, inexorable amount of time is spent to perfectly machine and fine tune during the final assembly. Many things seem impossible but yet they had been achieved respectively in both.

a sizing comparison in the hands

It would be difficult to explain merely by looking at pictures. Snecx has written quite a bit of info of each WIP posts on Instagram,  giving a certain amount of insight into those that have followed closely. Many are wondering why only 5 knives and pushing so hard on every pin and every bevel... There is no comparison out there as this is a one man show getting the parts made externally but stringent self QC to ensure measurements of everything he wants, down to no more than 5-10 micron tolerance in most nook and cranny of the parts. The time, effort and cost are prohibitive factors to churn this into a "production" knife with the full complement of all the bells and whistles.

This is as much as I can shortly summarize -- there are a ton of other technicalities he has mentioned which now escapes my memory on this "impossible" knife.

For my own experience on things CNC machined and having to fix up, precision was a lot more obtuse and forgiving. Only that having gone through tuning, dialing in setups and settings of various mechanical things, I was able to understand, extrapolating maybe by a hundred fold to appreciate the difficulty of this endeavor to create one's own "perfect" grail knife that doesn't have all the usual trappings found in various folders.

Curious as to why the Technobambuk, one of only two collabs that has 10 pieces made were produced in such limited quantity,  I searched out some past info/ comments on it. After reading, that is where I see the similarity. No, not within the knives themselves. Somewhere out there, there is a mention equating how the time spent for making each one is the equivalent of 15 production knives. And Shirogorov production knives are not the usual get off the CNC machine, quick touch up, into a box it goes to be shipped off kind of knives. There are several hours more put into it before each knife is considered finished and given the approving nod. Again I would leave more on the Technobambuk in my next article to espouse on some of the things I have observed to make it such a unique piece.

Back to the IFS-20. No screw, no tool. Designed and engineered such that taking apart and putting back requires no more than what we are born and evolved with.. 2 hands with opposing thumbs.  It sounds strange to mention it this way but that really is what it takes and a lot of those finger dexterity to get it right.

Disassembled with a sub-chassis, that holds some of the most intricate parts in it's fold. From a casual glance, it is much like a firearm would look like when taken apart. Precision machined parts are truly --- precise. Not merely some claimed tacticool blade vying for recognition as "I'm the next coolest kid on the block" kind of knife. To prove the point, everything is laid out bare in the video... right down to sharpness and a "field" disassembly demonstration.

It looks easy enough for the creator of the knife showing it here. Given a hands on step by step live tutorial, I still fumble over 50% in pulling it apart and cobbling back up. It is nothing like any knife I've opened up so far... and if I do make a claim of any sort, it would be opening up many knives in the past 2 years... many that most people would be too scared to pull apart.

 Specs?
Ok most time I leave these out as the information for most knives are out there somewhere. In this case it is a little obscure.. if it is not easy to judge, the IFS-20 really is almost the same size as a large Sebbie, in both open and closed form. Hence a blade length of 3.625" and OAL should be almost the same if not same. A tad slimmer in hand feel due to a straighter butt of the handle.

The name...IFS-20?  
It stands for Interlocking Frame System 20 where the number comes from the 20th prototyping giving rise to this final form.

Features
I am merely skimming on the surface for now as this probably won't be the only write-up. A more in depth and technical piece later on is needed to give a better understanding into the mechanism of this knife.

If the video was a little too fast or small.. here is an "exploded view" of all 18 components...

photo@snecx

The "keys" or pins are well.. key to holding up the knife together. Again to stress, it's precision, precision and more precision on each of these parts to get things right. They are also the parts where everything is pivoted or locked against etc without a thread to provide any kind of possible adjustment. Yet upon assembly, everything is centered up and would need to stand the test of time and usage.

photo@snecx

Each cutout and shape has a specific purpose.

A fully detachable and hence replaceable lock bar insert and shaped detent. While I don't think this is the first ever attempted.. at least on a shaped metal detent but it serves dual function as an anti rock lock mechanism...a two point blade engagement in a perpendicular fashion, keeping things snug. Clean and functional but quite a challenge to final-fit it right...

photo@snecx

Next comes the convoluted part that I was obsessed  to find out every detail- which was only revealed late in the progress. The spring tail latch locking backspacer keeping the integrity of the knife in one piece when assembled. Each section of the convoluted look is not for aesthetics as once in place, almost nothing can be seen. Again it's form following function, each in itself a functioning section for something within the knife, holding it together.

photo@snecx

Having avoided mentioning the pivot, I will admit that is because for weeks, it got me stumped on how it actually worked until a few key pieces were in place and I saw how thy fit together on the knife... There really is a fair amount of interlocking not only on the handle and sub-chassis main pieces but in these smaller parts as well. Since there are no screws, the fit and alignment has to be spot on.  The clip is another dual functioning part. As a clip and the final piece in the assembly to latch the rear up.

photo@snecx

Just to complete and show the other side of the earlier full open pairing...

There are a ton of things to question apart from it's seeming complexity like why asymetric sized washers instead of bearings. Why the need for a different detent etc.

After a long winding post, I'm not sure if how these 2 are viewed by now has changed for some. It is not easy with just titanium sandwiching a piece of steel and make it attractive and classy.  What I see really is how design elements and concepts have materialized into a final functional form without the need for extraneous embellishments. In fact simplicity of material reduces the clutter letting many of the ideas and design show itself which are composed very much of clean lines in both. There is nothing wrong with adding other materials like Damascus or Timascus etc but rather than add, in these instances it would detract from the intended visuals and masculinity of such designs. To end it... I'll leave an inverted pic over here.. further simplified to see the actual lines by removing the colors.

TLC Time

And today....

Always suspected its an internal stop pin for the lack of an external visible one on this knife, the 100 piece collaboration, Tetra. But a pivot bushing! Wow! I certainly didn't expect that.. For all the Shirogorov I had.. this would be a first with such an assembly.. I was aware some of their knives were with bushing but never knew all the specific ones.

Next came the washer.. hmmm funny shape with a cutout.



 Simple enough to put it back eh... or so I thought... and good thing I have not 1 but 2 of those club shaped bits... to help counter torque as things start to tighten...

Some knives behave nice and will simply
center upon pivot and back screws being assembled back without much fuss. afterwhich it is just a matter of fine tuning  the pivot tension right. Anymore desired will most likely need a tweak to lock bar tension or mucking with detent ball and tracks etc.

Some knives are more finicky and centers well only when assembled in an open position

Only problem was  no matter which way I try, there is a horrible amount of play of the blade between the handles when screw was already tight and there is no way to over tighten with a bushing assembly.

Tried doing it with blade close, open in locked up position and open with lock pushed aside like in pic.. in a bid to keep blade centered before screwing in to tighten

Zilch -- and the blade will stay rubbed on non lock side as the lock pushes against it when closed.

Troubleshooting:

(a) washer is worn too thin and bushing is extended now as a result?

(b) over clamped when in the vice?

(c) washer somehow was dropped away from pivot hole when assembling?

Nope.. all was good and only lightly slotted the backend on the vice., hardly any pressure at all?

The play...

about to give up... thinking of the worse scenario is finding a way to send it back to factory... Something that I really dread.

Break!

Came home and took it apart again.. then I started to think if the cutout bit on the washer means it has to be fitted in a specific position.

Place them on and turn. Bingo! the Cut out fits nicely to the stop pin. As I slowly move the blade.. the entire washer is now rotating. Something that just doesn't happen with most washer knives!

Proceeded to put everything back together with the washer cut out positioned against the stop pin and tighten.

Bingo! Knife was back in order. Almost perfect and "self centering" as pivot tension kicks in.
As what was mentioned somewhere, bushing system can't be overtightened. The adjustable range of the pivot tension is really narrow after  the full assembly but yup, everything is back in order now.

Shirogorov Neon

Woke up on the wrong side of the world only to find that the first serial production batch of Neons were sold out within minutes of being put up in Recon1.

But Lady Luck was smiling on me. Not more than 2 weeks had gone by and a Neon landed. Not just any but one of those rare pre-production limited run. Even after so many Shiros in my possession, this is one truly prize catch for a multitude of reasons. A definite keeper.

WARNING: Wall of Text and Picture Blasts
It's been awhile I've put up an epic post but with so much on this exquisite little knife, it's hard to keep things short this time


Much of the comparison drawn are with the serial production Neons, clear pics of those can be found at Shiro website.

Neon. Deceptive when first viewed from pictures. Even after reading it's a smaller 3.25" blade, the immediate image in the mind is to gauge it in the same sizing and hand feel capacity as its bigger "similar" shaped siblings, the F95, Hati and F3. In reality, nothing could be further from that.

After comparing with my other Shiros.. I just had to put it down beside the biggest in the line up...

How different is it from the serial production? ...was the next question I asked myself.

Again from a casual glance, many things would be missed. Not having the production model in hand, I could only go back to take a closer look. In the process gets to like what I have even more.

Normally special edition knives and production of the same model are differentiated by few differences be it a Shirogorov or most other brands, usually in the choice of material and a couple of design features.

Not so in this case where handle and blade materials are similar, premium S90V steel. Yet everything between the tip to the handle end of the knife is markedly different, making this a truly -- Special-- edition knife.

That's not to say that serial production are inferior in any way but it really shows the extra efforts to differentiate these 30 piece run.

The differences may seem trivial but from a collecting standpoint, there's much to be appreciated.

Blade and Grind.
Anyone who has followed me would invariably noticed that simple full flat, hi flat or hollow grinds are my preferred choices in blades, even safe queens. This preference first stemmed from a practical standpoint of being a user. However as the collection grew, an appreciation for nice subtle swedges that enhances the aesthetics of a knife slowly evolved. Compound grinds? They are some nice ones out there but as to actually owning them....  well maybe later.

Back to the Neon...  Same S90V on both but a full flat with jimping on the serial runs. (edit 19 May 2016: just realize the serials also come in M390 apart from the S90 I saw earlier).
Here it's a tricked out milling resulting in a mirror-like swedge with loads of bevels, multiple angular grinds on a small piece of real estate. Considering that both length and thickness of blade are lesser than the usual Shiros, it's really quite an amount of work built onto the spine alone. Rich tactile feel running one's finger and watching the profile change while moving the blade in the light is simply mesmerizing.

Yet with this much packed, it doesn't convey a sense of claustrophobia or being overly done despite the size. Each change in contour is no more than a millimeter, flowing subtly from one to the  next...

The closest to all these on a knife I always admired is my Cannabis Real but size wise with a nice swedge, it now fills a longing gap in the collection ever since parting with my Starlit 'Eclipse'. One knife I truly truly miss.

Another view on the Neon below. Note the minute "clipped" drop that's barely discernible from the main drop  starting at mid blade. A tiny detail that's only present here. At certain angles it gives a more mellow, less menacing look but the tip is sharp nevertheless.

Excuse the dust on the pics from here on... just impossible to be rid of them where I live.

When first holding it up, the flipper tab look inadequate. Again look is deceiving. One flip and any doubts on the design/ ergonomics of the tab are dissolved.  "How does a Shiro flip?"- is probably the most redundant question for any Shiroholic. But in case any reader indeed still must ask...

"So how does the Neon flip?"
Answer: F#&king "A" !  A for Awesome of course

Having tuned a number of different Shiros, old and new, it has become somewhat of an innate ability by now which of those  right of of the box where it's against my own better judgement to tinker with them.

The Neon in hand needs zilch from me. Action is fast and crisp right off the bat. No dirt or lint to cause hindrance to the bearing actions.

Given the smaller size, that "bank vault" shut on closing was not expected on this knife. Yet the final few millimeter when closing imparts a feel quite different from the few MRBS I came across.

Just couldn't quite pin it down until realizing that this doesn't run on the double row MRBS like the production models!

This one is on SRRBS (Single Row Rod Bearing System). Given the length and width, I would say it is way more than sufficient and a very adequate bearing system on this knife. That mystery is now solved... Yes the action felt a lot like those SRRBS and DRRBS knives belonging to my friends. More resistance when dropping down but rigid, no flex and always smooth.

SRRBS logo: Single Row Rod Bearing System

Back to the flipper tab... the protrusion is much lesser than say on a F95 or a Hati. It could be due to both the actual size, being smaller here and how much is visible when the knife is open. For lack of a better term-- it feels like a "semi-hidden" flipper when open.

The Neon is the gentlemen folder equivalent, a first of such in the Shirogorov line up. A subtle tab like this certainly fits the image and the intended niche well.

All edges and corners smooth out, yet no slipping the finger off the flipper tab. 100% "hotspot-less". Miniscule yet flies open with authority.

There's more to it though. What was thought to be a departure from the signature jimping on a Shirogorov flipper tab is again something found only here. Production Neons remain with the usual jimping feature.

In my opinion, Shiros have one of the best designed tabs in the business. Even on other models, they don't stick out like a sore thumb and ergonomics are always top notch, easy on the fingers. A criteria that has made me skip over many other knives in favor of my Shiros.

Still, a good smooth action on a knife is more than just the tab itself. Only the very best flippers, designed, produced and tuned to perfection can get away leaving a user with the satisfaction every time.. Almost every part of the knife especially the bearing system and detent placement position has to be integrated well with the tab for things to work smoothly. It gets more difficult when things become smaller, while needing to maintain the kind of leverage and initial force associated with bigger knives to let fly the blade.

Many smaller flippers of this size opens with a hollow feel due to having lesser materials on the blade. In this aspect it is not pronounced in the Neon. Together with the much aforementioned swedge , the feel of having adequate amount of steel (normally appreciated when push cutting) imparts a svelte yet practical overall feel. I'm just really pedantic over such things, even if a knife is a  safe queen, it must give a feel that I have no qualms using when time comes.

At first glance, the handle looks plainer and the fine milling lines might be missed. Running through the entire handle, it adds to the grip purchase. Great for a smaller knife which can be prone to higher chance of an accidental slip off the hand as it's being fired open.

The surface on the handle outside of the milled out channel is not flat but has a very subtle and consistent contouring that can be felt rather than seen even when holding close up. To match up the simplicity on the presentation side, the back screw is on the clip side as versus having both screws on this side as found on the serial Neons. Again another small but differentiating aspect on this knife.

The 3D clip is simple looking, keeping in line with the rest of the knife. Even the screw holding it secure is a flush one installed from the inside of the handle. None of the sharp edges or discomfort to the finger when pulling it out of the pocket.

Customary shot on the back-spacer, centering and lock up. Pretty self explanatory here.

Again the jimping on backspacer is different... running the entire length with more milling and angles.

1 screw pattern for all the Neons including the one on the lock bar insert... something different from the rest of the line up.

Last Easter Egg found! 
Thought I would have spotted all the difference by now only to realize that the inner side of the handles are actually skeletonized like Custom Division knives. One of the pic had what looked like a smudge.

Nope.. there's something else engraved, a stylized bear head logo with a number, again like Custom Div. Not at the bottom but facing the SRRBS logo though!

Grouping them together.. it has all the things that's present on a Custom Division but it's not classified as one... Hmmm ;)

SRRBS sunburst logo, Skeletonized inner and stylized bear head logo+number.

Verdict?   A definite keeper.
The next best option-- stay tune and grab the next run of serial production when they are out.

Take-Down: Cannabis Real

Did this awhile back, not long after getting the knife but forgotten all about it. There really wasn't a need as everything was quite smooth. Lke most of my blades, it's a matter of trying to get them to where I want with the movements of it's actions... nothing really of practical value in doing them but as knifenuts... oh well. :)

This certainly requires a special tool...

... which fortunately came with the knife.

And who would have thought.. my 30 yr old rifle cleaning kit came into play too

 The bit part is a pretty snug fit. However due to the overall shape, it could potentially slip if a "lever" is not secured in the hole... the cleaning rod was a good fit and with an entire hand grabbing, twisting the screw open without excessive stress on the pivot itself wasn't an issue. By the way the pivot itself looks to be made of a softer material... can't really tell though.

As mentioned in my earlier post.. the pivot is a double male end with a hollow shaft.

I read about the different MRBS but up until now had only seen the asymmetric one on my 111.
So this is how the "Mickey Mouse" MRBS look like.

For a comparison with the asymmetric version...

"Stand-by Knife"... :)  I think it carried over from the days where I really love stripping my weapon to clean... when everyone else in the platoon is cursing and wanting to send arms back to the armory.

Cleaned up the old grease (I doubt this one like most of my Shiro had ever been open up before since leaving the factory)...

A healthy dollop of "Anvil's  no. 38"...

Rest of it will let the action speak for itself...

Shirogorov Kannabis REAL

It has been a long time coming for this one... One of the first Shiro I eyed.

My second MRBS but this isn't the later version running an asymetric 27, 21 bearings like my 111.
This one used the first MRBS designed by Dimitry Sinkevich.. 9 triangles of 3balls each per side.

 I wonder how many people have actually noticed the indentation behind the clip :)

The kannabis runs on a pivot that is a little different from the usual. Apart from the custom signature shape from many of Sidi's design, this is one of those double male ends pivot. That is the center shaft is actually a tube holding up everything. Yes the 2 male ends can be switched around which I have already did. After some tune up to the bearings, by switching the adjustable end the other way it made for easier tension adjustment to what I prefer in the action for this knife.



[To be continued...]



My trio of Shiro/ Sinkevich collabs so far...

Tools

It was only a matter of time...

Prior to this I was using taped up  flat #8 and #6-#7 bits to prevent any gouging of the screws. Type of tapes and their thickness is an exercise in trial and error to get that "right" feel. I think sometimes we all go a little overboard trying to keep things looking perfect and pristine. Then again, these are proprietary screws which aren't easy to get replacements. So there really are good reasons to keep them in good conditions especially if you plan on opening them up over the years.

After disassembling a few Shiros rather carefully, I was wondering if it is really necessary to get the proprietary bits to fit those pac-man screw heads. For all the ones I have opened, they were easy enough without need of much force to twist and loosen things up. Don't think Loctite or equivalents are used on the screw threads of those mauled by my paws.

Hesitated on getting the older standalone driver bits and did not hunt for those. Ergonomically speaking, those didn't appeal as there is much chance of a slippage when using them. Perspective changed when a couple months back, the news of this screwdriver/pen was made official, together with the comments from people who know their Shiros. Not sure about all the Google Translation I've been relying upon but seems that officially this item is called the "Pen-Transformer" (Ручка-трансформер)

Opening with plain jane flat bits.
Some people have problems with theirs up but if its not new, then it's likely someone else might have opened up and while putting it back, adding Loctite as a measure to keep things from coming apart. I think it should never be done.

Except for the older generation pac man screws, which are smaller in diameter from an older F95 I have seen, the female screw is also hollow) most Shiro now have a female side that is flat.. There is almost no way to "grab" and create any kind of force in opposing direction if Loctite had been applied. Of course the usual methods like immersing in hot water etc can be applied. But...

Keeping the screws down sans Loc-tite.
When opening up my F95 that was bought used, I saw the remnant of those yellow cobbler glue which gets rubbery when dried. Reckon when applied to underside of the screw head and let dried.. it sort of create a thin "glued-on bushing" but it's only to one side.  Put the screw in and tighten down.. it would have a suction/friction effect with the handle side to help things stay in place.

In my opinion it is a much better way to keep things together if ever needed though not the most aesthetically pleasing when u open it up. Then again all pivots of knives that are actually used get black and gunky over time anyway.

But whatever tools, it pays to take that extra care in case of accidental slip ups by having proper leverage and protecting interface where possible..

Shirogorov Collection

Going back to the time when I have no idea where to even buy a Shiro, any Shiro, there was a little smug feeling, looking at my present collection yesterday...

Floral arrangement..

In my little humble abode...

When I stumbled upon those motherlode pics of the most top notch Shiro custom on the forum today... Oh what a jaw dropping sight!

Well can't really complain, still do love all my knives now... Hopefully more to come  #shiromania

Shirogorov F95 - "Banner"

Nothing quite like highly anticipated mail calls these days... Aaahhh the world of knives, knives and nothing but more knives.

Another F95 today.  S30V Nudie.

Doesn't sound quite that exciting and palate tingling?

Yea, I know, it's just the basic configuration for one of the most common Shirogorov knife. Nothing wrong, as they still stand out as really good knives. I'm not moving into the realm of discussing production vs midtech and custom, pricing or which super duper steel today. Only on the basis of a knife as a knife. Form follows function.

Of course as one moves from basic factory production, there is always a growing acquired taste for the exquisite exotica brought on by the psychedelic assault of things edged in various social media and the internet realm.

Oh wait... something looks different already. No other Shiro I seen is ever packaged up this way... 

Inside the nice canvas bag is the familiar black box from which, out comes....... 

...HOLY EDGE!

"Banner" Project F95,  1#70.   by Vadim (Nasgul) that turns 70 pieces of factory Nudist into what's seen here.

For those unfamiliar but had seen a couple of other strange looking F95 called the "Golf" or "Dragon", these are two other past projects. Each with only 10 and 30 pieces respectively (I think).

Why the 70 pieces this time...

That being the 70th anniversary of Victory Day marking the end of WWII in Russia and Europe with the raising of Victory banners over the Reichstag.

Some of us maybe more familiar with the iconic photograph of US Marines raising the Stars and Stripes in Iwo Jima but equally iconic is Yevgeny Khaldei's photograph (on the right) of this momentous day.

Sure it would be a nice knife to have with all the significance attached to it. But how are these linked to me? Nothing in a direct way I'm afraid.  But as a die hard Shiro fan, coupled to being a life time avid reader of all thing military and being a soldier once myself....

Ok Shut up, Enough justification... Alright, 'fess time.  I'm just a knife junkie experiencing withdrawal. Need fix :)

There were a couple of flag designs to choose from but of course nothing could have dissuaded me from the option of the sickle, hammer and star version.

It all started when reading about the project on guns.ru (ok I can't read Cyrillic but if you are as fanatic as me, spending a couple of hours each time using online translator and further deciphering the nuances and syntax of a foreign language to acquire info would be a small price to pay).

Next, a Banner 95 pops up on Instagram. For the next few days I bypass pics of almost every other knife, only returning each time to the Banner pics and videos as I checked into Instagram. Something kept calling out to me... Obsession? Like all those other Shiro I owned to date?  Maybe.

Fired up an email...

Long story short... a month plus of exchanges later where one  speaks no Russian and the other speaks no English are now happily chatting away. Things involved some shuffling around for help on formal translating of important bits. Aided by Suspects [ you guys- if you are reading this... Thanks :)  ] who are fluent in both languages...

With the last few nerve wrecking days of "postage tracker-no-update", the anxiety is a thing of the past as excitement takes over with the un-boxing lasting up till this write-up...   Enjoy the pics.

It's been awhile.. guess it's show time for Yawny and Grinny.
The ano gold over the diamond scales changes hue under different lighting condition. By and large it is a nice bronzy shade. The smooth matt periphery looks very much to have the anodization removed afterwards yet has been left with an ever slight tinge behind, creating a "now-you-see-it-now-you-don't" effect. Making it into a soft blending with the original factory smooth ti grey finish.. hence it can look grey or "brown" depending on the lighting cast. A good contrast of matt and reflective surface play for a two tone finish.

...and the usual array of left, right, center and oblique shots..

Gold ano standoff.

Not the oldest nor the latest but this is still my favorite clip design on Shiros

Classic blade pose: "The Guillotine". No writeup would be complete without one of these :)

"V" for Victory...
sans photoshop. took quite a few shots to find two that aligns up nicely.

 Now the details...

Not too sure if the stock factory handle camewith the logo but was removed during the anodization and engraving process. Whatever the case, it's definitely put back on, together with the "1#70" and the engraver's own logo as a trio on the inside. Of course not to be missed are all those millings too... much like what's found on Custom Divison Shiros these days. This is a totally transformed knife, customized from inside to out that bears little or no resemblance to original factory stock.

This little guy that came along is most appreciated... 

Neat little surprise. One of Vadim's little bear bead with glow inserts on each side.
A nice little addition to my small collection of beads

This has been quite an epic two months....what started out ordinarily enough as a quest for a nice knife became a journey that has build up into a friendship with someone in a faraway land. Adding on more significance than when I first started out with just the hunt for a nice blade.  Quite sure I would be seeing a few of these on the secondary market later on but I know none will ever quite compare in the same way as the one that just made it's way to me...

Been a long day.. need those 40 winks now. Gonna close it with a last shot. One that captures the tranquility of the moment as I reach out to switch off the lights. Good night.

... as I drift into dreams, a Sevastopol in my hands next?  :)