Trying to find the perfect kit knife is like trying to find the proverbial needle in the haystack. Something that is small, but durable and affordable is always the issue. Various kits on this forum have been built with a multitude of edged devices, from SAK's to scalpels. I was always interested in the small knife that David Alloway once supplied in the Australian pocket kits. Australian laws prevented it from being included any more but I was still interested.

I got this small Gene Ingram Pocket fixed blade recently and I think I have found a perfect blade to include in a kit. I am not taping this up in an Altoids tin just yet as it is too handy but I thought some of you may be interested.



Gene also has made it in a naked version which would be considerably flatter.



My knife has jigged micarta scales on a D2 blade and it is super handy to use. The two finger grip is secure, and the blade is very sharp.

http://www.geocities.com/porchswings/

Gene is a custom maker and his service and prices are both exceptional. The pocket model is not listed on his site. I also just got one of his #6 fixed blades and it too is a grand knife.

Here is an image of the Alloway kit knife. It was double edged with a chisel grind, made outside of Australia, so new laws prevented it from being imported and consequently exported to the US. Quality of this blade was likely not too high, but the concept was good in my view.

Looks like a great knife, alright. I would think that since the pocket model is not listed on his site, it is not a regular production knife of his.

Schwert,

how much was your small blade?

Matt

Yes, I would also like to know how much the mini knife is.

Frank

This little Ingram was $115. It is simply the handiest knife I have ever carried. I cannot see myself closing it up in a kit, but have found it perfectly useful for all sorts of stuff in the last couple of weeks. I use it essentially as a utility knife. It's spine is flat and square edged, another fellow I know has used it to strike sparks on a firesteel, the steel is stout and the flat grind was sharpened superbly and mainitains this edge remarkably well. I have only had to strop mine to mainitain a razor edge.

Best is it is useful in a work environment because it is so small it is both acceptable and interesting to my workmates.

I have another larger Ingram and it too was superbly done.

Here it is, a #6 with Stellar Sea Cow scales and D2:

Schwert,
WOW! great picture, it shows the scales of the Ingram off much better than the other one I saw.....

BTW, is the Sea Cow handle something that can be normally special ordered from Gene?

That is one slick little knife, I think it is just a bit too pricey for me. I think I will stick to my zwickey eskimo. I saw an interesting knife on ebay, a united guardian skinner that is very similar but no where near the quality. Chris

Thanks Bill,

This image just worked out. One of those fortunate happenings that I always try for, but rarely achieve.

This #6 Sea Cow was a piece that Gene had nearly finished and available when I contacted him with some questions. I requested the green micarta for the pocket knife and he had no difficulty or issue getting that for me. My guess is that he will work on any reasonable request for scale materials. I can only say that this material is an excellent choice both for its interest and feel. Stellar's Sea Cows were hunted to extinction in the mid 1700's so this bone has picked up a couple of centuries of interest. This material added a few bucks to the package but it was definitely worth it. Gene's handle design with the finger grooves is very comfortable and secure. The Sea Cow bone edges are smooth and slightly radiused to be comfortable. He added a black liner material under the bone which added a nice line.

I highly recommend Gene Ingram's work. His custom knives are in many cases much less expensive than production pieces and his workmanship is absolutely beautiful.

Both of these knives have excellent blade geometry and grind symmetry, are sharper than anything else I own, and have superb fit and finish of the total package. While neither of these knives has yet seen extensive use, my guess is that the heat treat has been very well done to maximize the utility of this blade steel. His leather work is also excellent, simple designs but excellent work.

He has several nice fixed blades in the 2.5 to 3" zone that are less than $150. Bargains considering the workmanship.

You really are a bad influence..... <img src="images/graemlins/mad.gif" alt="" />

I have one of Gene's small Wharncliffes that I like alot. I may explore another one with the bone scales. The #6s is a bit on the large size for my tastes, maybe a #7.

I have my eye on a #20...rumor has it there may be one with second cut Stag scales available <img src="images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

Schwert,

Since his web site lacks pictures of the smaller knives. What style exactly did you get? Was "pocket fixed blade" name of it? How does the knife fit inside the sheath? Is it a tight fit for upside down wear? I really like this knife and think about it as permanent addition to my everyday carry.

Matt

Gene will know if you refer to it as the "Pocket Fixed".

The sheath encloses nearly all the knife. I do not have any images of it housed but only about 15mm of the handle is out of the sheath when seated. The attached lanyard, or something like it would be required to easily remove the knife from the sheath.

My knife is securly held by the leather, but I am not sure that upside down carry would work in the long run. There are no mechanical blocks etc to hold the knife in the sheath only a good tight fit and the resultant molding of the leather around the finger cutouts. Gene offer to work with me on the leatherwork if I saw any changes needed. I saw nothing, but definately ask him about upside down carry.

As EDC this little blade is handy, sharp, and useful for many daily tasks.