Whoppin' Chopper Collaboration - Rhea, Lurkin, Gustaaf

Buddy Thomason

Well-Known Member
This beautiful and very BIG blade with its excellent leather carry system is from the collection of Ryan and Mary Hays. I met Ryan recently at Jerry Fisk's annual Microshow where Ryan whupped me in the cutting competition. Naturally we were talking choppers. He told me about this one and then sent it my way for some additional photography to go with a project he's working on. It is spectacular in every way.

The blade is 10 3/4 inches and OAL is 16 1/2 inches. That makes for a generous handle and if you haven't met Ryan I'll tell you he's got big hands! Spine to edge is 2 5/8 ths inches and a hair under 3/8 ths thick at the top of the spine in front of the guard. The handle is one of the finest chunks of dessert ironwood I've seen and masterfully shaped.

Lin Rhea and Samuel Lurkin collaborated on the knife itself and the excellent leather work is by Van Bellegem Gustaaf.

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I've had the priveledge of seeing this one as it developed. WOW!!! What a remarkable piece of craftsmanship!
 
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