THE COVENANT COLLECTION
I haven’t quite let go of my past. While I’m focussing my attention and efforts mainly on producing Japanese Swords, there is still one idea that I’m pursuing, the idea of The Covenant…
In my early knife making career, when I first began my long obsession with incorporating traditional Japanese elements into a modern knife, the idea struck me. Why do we not make knives today the way swords were made in Feudal Japan? I don’t mean in the sense of construction or purpose. I mean more in the sense of the philosophy behind the blade. For the Samurai, the blade wasn’t merely a utilitarian object, it was a spiritual companion. It was to be cherished, loved, cared for, decorated and beautifully appointed. It was an extension of your character, your style, and your status in the world. It was both a weapon and an object of art. And it was certainly expensive.
During the time of the Samurai, one may have spent the equivalent of a full year’s salary just to purchase a bare blade from a master smith.It would then still need polishing and koshirae made for it. It would then require yearly maintenance to keep it looking good. No self respecting Samurai would be caught dead with shabby Ito covering the handle of his blade.
This then feeds my curiosity. Why do we not care so much today?
The Covenant is for me the ultimate Defensive EDC Knife. It is the culmination of my years of experience producing some of the most sought after Defensive Knives in the world. I say this not as a prideful boast, but simply as a fact. I’ve distilled everything I know about this particular niche of EDC knives into one model. I consider this to be my swansong int he world of EDC Defensive Knives. The Covenant comes with certain rules however. This is not a knife for just anybody. This is a knife for the discerning user, the person who wants more than just a piece of sharpened steel. The Covenant is knife for the serious practitioner who wants a Divine Companion by their side for the rest of their life, and perhaps to pass it on oneday to the next generation.
The Covenant is made exclusively to order. I never make these for off the shelf sale, and those I have made for display at shows are my personal property. Each of these blades is made to exacting standards, tailored to the client in its dimensions. I craft each blade from the finest quality Japanese Aogami steel, using hand tools to ensure perfect symmetry. The blade is then clayed and quenched to a Rockwell hardness around 64. This is hard steel that produces a fine cutting edge. The blade is then polished by hand on finger stones to produce a brilliant Hamon, which is either left bright or darkened for a subdued look.
The handle is perfectly ergonomic and tailored to fit its user like a glove. It’s important to note that I only produce the Covenant with a tsukamaki handle, and that these knives are made to a theme. During the order process in discussions with my client, I will uncover various themes that could work for them. My aim here is to tailor the knife to them in some personal way. The theme dictates this. I reserve full creative control over how these knives look. What colours and materials are used in the handle construction. My goal as an artist is to produce something that resonates, with mature composition, ultimately producing a timeless master work.
Despite conventional thinking, The Covenant is also a knife made to be carried. Just because its beautifully appointed does not mean its not capable. To that end each one comes with a secure retention sheath and mount. It is also supplied with a companion blunt trainer, with its own sheath and mount. The warrior must practice with his blade, and the blunt version allows this in a safe way.
The Covenant takes at least 3 months to make, and I only work on them one at a time.
If you are interested in ordering one, or being placed on my waiting list to order one, please contact me.
Below you will find some examples of previous Covenant knives.
