D2 and 1095 Steel Tracker Fixed Blade Knife Blank, for Knifemaking (1095 Steel, 4.5 Inch Blade)

From what I can tell (not a blacksmith) the metallurgical properties of this knife are s***-hot. It holds a fine edge going through cardboard repeatedly so I don't think the hardness coefficient is wrong. I believe it is well made. I'm working on building a handle and sheath for it currently and I promise to update this post when I do.As far as I can tell this is a reputable seller and the product got to my house in 2.5 days.It doesn't get better than that.If you're a handyman and you enjoy making things uniquely your own, this is for you.If you're trying to use this thing without putting in work (girlyman) it's not gonna happen. Simple as that.It arrived sharp... for those of you withlut knife sharpeners who purchase knives.

My blade came with a micro crack at the back serrations. Awaiting replacement. Like what I saw, but may have a heat treating problem if it is causing cracks.

I must say I was surprised at the excellent quality. As far as the blade thickness, mine measured at more than 5.5 mm, not the 4 mm in the description. So it is not far from the 1/4" of the Tom Brown original. This gives it a very good heft. It is very sharp as delivered. I have read that the handle portion is left in the annealed state, so the small pin holes should not be a significant factor. Some might prefer to use 5 smaller pins rather than larger screws or rivets, but it may be possible to easily drill to suit.

For a knife of this size, I personally don't like the small size pin holes. The saw on the back is a straight cut and does not work very well on branches, but does small things like for figure four traps. The steel in this knife is excellent. I have chopped about 15-20 3 inch or larger branches on elm and pinion pine, I made a long bow from cutting down stave to tillering the limbs with this blade, along with a half dozen willow arrows. All this was done on the initial sharpening. I ended up grinding the saw off the back for a cleaner look. For the price, I am very happy with this product, with only the two small drawbacks that were mentioned.

Great looking blade. I was very happy when I received it. Comes very sharp. The filings in the handle add a very cool look. It inspired me to do something similar with the micarta material I used for the handle.

Tang is warped. So no way to safely attach a handle with out additional finishing of the blank.Edit: I got a replacement blank from them. It is also warped. So basically these knives are worthless unless you have a way to straigten warped metal.I do not recommend this product unless you are a blacksmith.

The blade was beautiful and expensive. I was anxious to select wood for the handle. However, there were several blemishes on one side of the blade. Not even going to try to get them out. Not sure what caused them. For the price I would put on the finished product my customers would not purchase with those blemishes. Had to return. Going further. This is the second time I have received an imperfect piece from Whole Earth. 'Nuff said!

This was bought for me, can’t review under my account. First pros:Hardened steel, seriously could not drill bigger pin holes, that’s actually a good sign.Size and shape are about perfect.Under legal limit in Texas.Cons: finding the right sheath is tricky. Overall nothing bad about this blade.Just finished making the handle, it is beautiful! Still working the fine details but finally made one for me and not just to sell.