I have never cut a handle off any #5 of mine, but most short tangs have had enough weight in back end to balance weight of blade plus guard with center of gravity either at index finger or at guard. Assuming a normal proportion tang circa 1/2"x1/4", I could see about 3/4 of handle length. The back part of tang/handle takes very little stress and think anything past 3/4 main need is for a pommel hangar.

Nice knives there, Bill. I would be scared to death of the 8 option jobber but a rarer and rarer thing and a beauty. If someone has posted a 9 option #5 here, I do not recall one and have watched this site for a while, long enough to see many early posters no longer here, and they had some humdingers.

Thank you Lofty and Max.

nothing to be afraid of Lofty, the original owner had something in mind for this knife and is very usable. just thing of the bragging rights at Deer camp.

Thanks Lofty, that's sturdy enough.

This piece inspired me to to change my order from a Model 1 7" to a Model 5 6"(carbon),black BPH, with reduced brass hilt & butt plate.

My thinking is that the reduced hilt will accommodate a pouch sheath.

Very sleek and elegant user!

Gustaf, here are the specs on this one from Capt. Chris

Max,
Your new acquisition has 8 options! They are:
* Stainless
* STN (Sawteeth/No sawteeth grind)
* Nickel silver hilt
* Aluminum & red spacers
* Maroon micarta handle (or possibly "CW")
* Border patrol handle shaping
* Nickel silver butt plate
* Wrist thong
On top of that you have a ninth option (reduced hilt) but it is "non-chargeable". You also have a black sheath ($30 charge)and, because of the STN, a long "TB" (top bevel sharpened) which is a chargeable option with a standard #5 blade grind..."BUT"...(I know: I can't help myself)...it is "standard", therefore non-chargeable, with the STN.
Helluva' knife! Hope this helps,
Best, Capt. Chris

You're a stand up guy, providing info maxpastor!

As a user, I went for the standard grind & brass fittings, I enjoy the patina of old brass and a well used carbon steel, and someone needs to bring that steel back home to Sweden, right...?
(it's most likely made in Germany now though...)

I do like the standard sheath, but find the pouch with dangler attachment more "field friendly" - hence reduced hilt.

A very special piece, maxpastor - congrats!



I like carbon steel with a nice patina as well. Here is my #5-5, not in Germany but on holidays in Italy, though

That's a beuty Litch, thanks for the peek!

Sunday Morning Eye Candy!
I picked up this outstanding #5-8" at the recent Gator Cutlery Show, in Lakeland, Fl.! (Thanks Mitchell)
Hope you like it, Capt. Chris

Time capsule piece Cap. About as good as it gets, thanks for sharing.