I usually avoid forums, but I've heard repeatedly that KnifeDogs was a great forum, filled with folks who spoke knowledgeably and with authority... and then here's this thread, where that is absolutely non-existent.
No one here understands the applications for these knives, or the manner of construction used... but you're all full of criticism and insults. That's truly special.
I guess some folks will buy anything if they think its unique...and the "cool factor" is high enough.
I'm sure the guy put a lot of effort into "laminating" those two materials, but I simply don't see a way to do it.....at least not one thats durable enough that I would be willing to put my name on.
The folks who buy knives from SCI would probably surprise you... LEO, Military, etc.
Perhaps you should contact Mr. Wendt at Special Circumstances and discuss his methods, before you slam them? Even if you don't have the character to speak directly to someone before insulting them with the full weight of your very recognizable name, perhaps avail yourself of Google Scholar or another search engine for professional and journal papers? There is a great deal of material available on joining carbon fiber and titanium, thanks to the aerospace industries among others. It is my understanding that Mr. Wendt has gone to great lengths to study the materials he uses, and understand their properties and how to best use them... But, I've known the man for years, and talk to him about processes and methods routinely; I have no bashfulness about reaching out to a fellow knife-maker and talking shop. It's actually a lot more fun than taking pot-shots at people I don't know, because I occasionally learn something.
There are plenty of applications where a lightweight, low-corrosion, knife is more desirable than a steel blade; Titanium, carbidized or not (Mr. Wendt carbidizes), will cut a man...
The strength is also not an issue; I've seen SCI knives put in a vise and leveraged, the layers are not separating without an extreme effort (equal to bending a steel blade); Far more than would be exerted on the knives in their intended uses. Again, anyone familiar with the materials used, particularly in combination, would be aware of this: The combination of CF and Ti. is not uncommon in industry, it's a done thing and for many valid reasons.
As for carbon fiber chipping... Again, gross ignorance of the material is being displayed here. How many knife-makers use CF to make non-metallic knives for specialty clients, without worry? Dozens. If chipping was a concern, it wouldn't be done. Having done it (to the tune of over 100+ pieces, including for Special Operations groups), I can assure you, chipping is a ridiculous concern.
This is laughable gentleman. I've casually observed KD from the sidelines for years, and had a lot of respect for Mr. Caffrey from various forums and seeing his work over the 15+ years I've been a knifemaker, and this is an extremely poor show. Ragging on someone, from positions of ignorance, without taking the time to contact them and ask about their methods, or raise your concerns is pretty low. Particularly when you're a recognizable name in our industry, whose opinion draws water: People will read what you'e said, assume you would know better than they, and move on from the work of a very skilled craftsman and grade-A human being when in fact you do not know of what you speak.
This is why I don't read forums and don't talk to most knife nuts or many other knifemakers socially; Everyone is an expert in the other guys work, no matter how little they know.
Morgan Atwood
BFE Labs.
