This 4 3/4 inch Michael Vagnino hunter is really fantastic. It has perfect fit and finish and has all the hallmarks of knife made by an American Blade Smith Society Mastersmith. The hand forged 1080 carbon steel blade is differentially heat treated to make the edge very hard to take an extremely sharp while the spine is kept soft to protect the knife from breaking. The differential heat treatment also produces the visually striking hamone line in the blade. The features a 416 stainless steel guard and Koa wood handle.
Michael Vagnino has the coveted ranking of master bladesmith from the American Bladesmith Society.
This knife comes with a custom leather sheath
Knifemaker: Michael Vagnino
Blade Length: 4 ¾ inches Overall length 9 ½ inches
Blade Composition: 1080 High Carbon Tool Steel Hand forged. Differential heat-treated with Hamone temper line. 1080 is renowned for great sharpenability and toughness.
Carbon steel knife and requires care to avoid rust. It should be treated and cared for like a gun barrel.
Handle Material: Hawaiian Koa wood. Hidden full tang construction.
Bolster: 416 Stainless guard
Michael Vagnino
I have been fortunate to enjoy a variety of work experiences in my lifetime... from cooking in my own restaurant, farming 200 acres of plums and peaches to commercial salmon fishing off the coast of California. It wasn't until I started making knives though, that I found my true passion.
My journey down the custom knife making road began with a forging class from Karl Shroen in 1995. The pounding of hot steel and creating a useful tool was exciting to me.
I furthered my education under the tutorship of Tim Hancock and continue to hone my knifemaking skills and strive for excellence everyday in my shop.
As a member of the American Bladesmith Society, I received my Journeyman stamp in 2001 and my Mastersmith rating in 2003.