Thread: Bird & Trout knife - Blanks?

I stopped off at hunting and fishing in Otaki yesterday and I found a bloody nice lock blade bird & trout knife with deep grooved antler scales in their Beretta room, sadly the price didn't fit what I had in mind (had a price tag of $450-500, can't remember exactly).

I really want one of these knifes (bird & trout): the size, shape, silver bolster and grooved dark antler scales appeals to me, but I can't justify spending that much.


So I've done some research.

1. This is the blade shape I want.





More photos.
Link: http://wetlands.simplyaquatics.com/v...ird-and-trout/

2. This is a rough idea of what I want the antler handle (rusa/sambar) + moulded leather sheath to look like.

Photo example: Bird & trout knife by Bill Rediex, Palmerston North. Far left of the photo with orange rag attached. (Photo credit: Flintlock, posted on the other forum under a NZ Knife thread).

Link: http://i238.photobucket.com/albums/f...RNZ/Rediex.jpg

3. I want the blade to be good quality, preferably carbon steel around 58RC.

Problem: I don't really have the tools here to make one myself so I was thinking of importing or getting someone to make me a blade blank and then fix the handle/bolster myself. Does anyone have any good sites which may stock such blanks?

Or, does anyone have an idea of rough costs in regards to getting a professional to make me one similar to this?

I'm only looking at spending around $150 to $200 NZD max? Is this too optimistic?


Cheers,

Raging Bull