With the one angle it almost looks like a laminated wood (pakka-wood) or the like. Interesting. Either way, it certainly does not look like a material Tom has used often on his special. I always thought Tom's special looks like a cross between a stilletto and a Roman short sword.
Best, Capt. Chris

Dubie, thanks for the info. The seller couldn't remember what it was either. All I know is that I really liked the look of it and had to have it. It looks even better in person.
Dan Snyder RKS #5537

Dubie/Dan, we ordered six drop-point hunters from custom maker Dan Stucky of Oregon - FWIW, this particular knife is handled in Bocate Wood...

No Clinton Special's left in our collection, but I do have a funny TC story. When our order from Tom came in a few years back, it was followed by the arrival of its twin two days later - so I called Tom to thank him for the 'twofer'...there was a pause on the other end of the line, followed by "So, that's where that one went..."

We of course sent it back, but it was kinda cool to have two at once...if even for just a day

Nice knife Shel !!! Bocote is great wood, and it's going to be hard to find in the future, just like most exotic hardwoods will be. I'm stocking up.

Dubie

Well, if it is Bocate Wood, then I guess I was lucky and have a unique TC Special in my collection. Shel, if you come out for the BAKC show in October again I'll have to bring it with me so you can take a look at it. Thanks guys.
Dan Snyder RKS #5537

The mystery is now solved. I received an message from the person I bought this from and he tells me the wood is dealer supplied Cocobola.
Dan Snyder RKS #5537

I think this is bocote also.Bob

Sweet knife Bob! Yes, that's Bocate alright...

Dubie, thanks for the link old friend, but if you'll pardon the pun, I think you may be 'barking up the wrong tree'...these two shots of another Stucky drop-point hunter with Cocobolo handle slabs look a lot more like the wood type used on Dan's knife (to me anyway) - plus, he has what the original owner told him...



Sorry for the thread drift guys, but do you have a link for Cocobolo wood as well Dubie? (doh, I figured it out...lol) http://www.hobbithouseinc.com/personal/woodpics/cocobolo.htm

Shel, Cocobolo runs from the brownish-red to the purple range, where Bocote is more green/gold, to brown.

I have been collecting these hardwoods for years, and there is actually quite a difference between the two.

I'm sticking with Dan's knife as being Bocote.

Here's a link from the same site: http://hobbithouseinc.com/personal/woodpics/cocobolo.htm

Dubie Baxter