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[ARCHIVED THREAD] - The American Kami Thread (Page 1 of 2)
Posted: 11/30/2013 10:04:20 PM EDT
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I've had a chance recently to spend some time talking with D.J. DJ Urbanovsky, who is the founder, designer, and do-it-all guy from American Kami. DJ is a good dude, and I have had a chance to borrow some of his personal blades for some other work I'm doing. Combining his blades with the American Kami blades I own, I figured I may as well start a picture thread to show off some of his blades.
There are going to be people who look at the prices and cringe, that is fine, this isn't like buying a generic Buck or Gerber blade. If you are looking for custom, or semi-custom blades, you already know they aren't cheap. What I think DJ does is blend a variety of forms, ideas, and angles into his blades. Not only do they look unique, but they are functional as well. I think DJ is also a member here on ARFCOM, though I'm not sure how often he actually gets a chance to check the site with him being as busy as he is. It would be nice if he were able to comment here if he did get free time or if he could answers questions from people. http://americankami.com/ Feel free to post your own pics, comment, or ask questions. This first blade is the American Kami Super Colubris. 
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I really dig that first one. And I simply wont ask because after this past weekend I know I can't afford it.  There is also a standard size Colubris which is an authorized blade by Boker, and street price on that is under $70. Granted, that isn't the same thing as getting one from American Kami, but it is pretty close. |
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I love this Blade the American Kami Super Colubris but could not find it on his website how can one get about to order one Any help Stickman would be appreciated thanks I know he was going to update his website, and the Colubris series was going to be a part of that. I'm not totally sure, but emailing him would probably be the easiest way until that happens. |
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Hey guys, I am DJ.
Thanks so much for the support. Really glad that you dig my work. On the wait times: I have two primary product lines with blades - full custom, and midtech. Lead time for full customs is indeed running about 18 months. Lead time for midtechs is MUCH shorter - around -120 days. Sometimes sooner, depending on where I am in the cycle with a particular batch and which models I'm running in it. On the product lines: Here's how you can tell the difference between my full customs and midtechs. Full customs are left or right hand hollow chisel ground (bevel is on one side) with hand textured handles, are made of oil hardening tool steels like 1095, 5160, or O1, and will have a bright satin finish or antique gunmetal finish (on the rare occasion, they are coated). Midtechs are flat V-ground (bevels on both sides), handles are CNC machined, made of air hardening tools steels (CPM S35VN for blades, S7 for axe heads), and the finish is either tumble over heat treat oxide layer or coated in black or FDE DLC from Ionbond. I wanted to make sure that there was a clear divergence between the two product lines so that people know what they're looking at when they see one of my blades. |
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Ya need to put a link to his site in the first post....  Good call, my bad.
http://americankami.com/ |
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DJ, I've looked at your knives over the past 3-4 years and read several reviews.
I look forward to picking up a medium to small EDC style blade soon but I have to save my pennies since they are tough to order at a cop's salary. Glad to see you on here and available for questions. Stick.... Great pics as usual..! |
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Quoted:
Hey guys, I am DJ. Thanks so much for the support. Really glad that you dig my work. On the wait times: I have two primary product lines with blades - full custom, and midtech. Lead time for full customs is indeed running about 18 months. Lead time for midtechs is MUCH shorter - around -120 days. Sometimes sooner, depending on where I am in the cycle with a particular batch and which models I'm running in it. On the product lines: Here's how you can tell the difference between my full customs and midtechs. Full customs are left or right hand hollow chisel ground (bevel is on one side) with hand textured handles, are made of oil hardening tool steels like 1095, 5160, or O1, and will have a bright satin finish or antique gunmetal finish (on the rare occasion, they are coated). Midtechs are flat V-ground (bevels on both sides), handles are CNC machined, made of air hardening tools steels (CPM S35VN for blades, S7 for axe heads), and the finish is either tumble over heat treat oxide layer or coated in black or FDE DLC from Ionbond. I wanted to make sure that there was a clear divergence between the two product lines so that people know what they're looking at when they see one of my blades. I send you a e-mail on the 5th and also a IM once I saw you posted here but unfortunately I have not heard back from you. perhaps when you see this you can reply to my inquire about the knife I like to purchase. thank you |
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Quoted:
Hey guys, I am DJ. Thanks so much for the support. Really glad that you dig my work. On the wait times: I have two primary product lines with blades - full custom, and midtech. Lead time for full customs is indeed running about 18 months. Lead time for midtechs is MUCH shorter - around -120 days. Sometimes sooner, depending on where I am in the cycle with a particular batch and which models I'm running in it. On the product lines: Here's how you can tell the difference between my full customs and midtechs. Full customs are left or right hand hollow chisel ground (bevel is on one side) with hand textured handles, are made of oil hardening tool steels like 1095, 5160, or O1, and will have a bright satin finish or antique gunmetal finish (on the rare occasion, they are coated). Midtechs are flat V-ground (bevels on both sides), handles are CNC machined, made of air hardening tools steels (CPM S35VN for blades, S7 for axe heads), and the finish is either tumble over heat treat oxide layer or coated in black or FDE DLC from Ionbond. I wanted to make sure that there was a clear divergence between the two product lines so that people know what they're looking at when they see one of my blades. Based on the above, all axes are custom? Including the maniaxe? Link to latter just shows 'under construction'..... |
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How is the finish on the Boker version? I was just about to order one but then I ran across this picture: http://bladebarrelbezel.files.wordpress.com/2013/06/ak-colubris.jpg?w=640&h=480 And if that is how they really look then there is no way I'm going to buy one. I absolutely hate that "stonewash" metal trash can lid look. I like that look actually. Holds up well with wear too. |
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How is the finish on the Boker version? I was just about to order one but then I ran across this picture: http://bladebarrelbezel.files.wordpress.com/2013/06/ak-colubris.jpg?w=640&h=480 And if that is how they really look then there is no way I'm going to buy one. I absolutely hate that "stonewash" metal trash can lid look. Just paid for one of the Boker versions... I'll let you know if a few days how it looks.
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Hey gang. Thanks for all the questions, support, and responses. :)
MONGO45: I have some new midtech stuff that I'll be releasing very soon which should be right up your alley. Shoot me over an email and I'll get you some pics. Fantomas: Love the user name, buddy. ;) Sorry for delay with coms, I needed to unplug myself from the Internet for a week to focus on some shop stuff. Responded to your email earlier this afternoon. MartyW: Basically, I've got two product lines for both knives and axes: Full custom, and midtech. The ManiAxe Modualr Axe System and MicrAxe are both midtech, and are based on my full custom axes that I've been building for nine years now. I still need to finish the buildouts for the midtech pages on the site, but if you shoot me over an email, I''d be happy to send you the complete info pack on the ManiAxe system. castiel: The knives in that pic are my OG Colubris midtechs. Those are the knives that the Boker is patterned after. Finish on the Bokers is also tumbled, but is a bit different. Sorry you don't like the finish, but these are user grade knives. The reason for this finish is that it keeps the knife looking newer for longer. Bright satin finishes on knives that are actually going to see real use don't stay looking factory fresh for long. OiRogers: Thank you for supporting me with your purchase! snipe555: All of the knives pictured in this thread thus far are midtechs, and thus all have flat v-grinds. |
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Just paid for one of the Boker versions... I'll let you know if a few days how it looks. Quoted:
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How is the finish on the Boker version? I was just about to order one but then I ran across this picture: http://bladebarrelbezel.files.wordpress.com/2013/06/ak-colubris.jpg?w=640&h=480 And if that is how they really look then there is no way I'm going to buy one. I absolutely hate that "stonewash" metal trash can lid look. Just paid for one of the Boker versions... I'll let you know if a few days how it looks. Please let us know how the knife holds up. It's a bit expensive for a Chinese knife, but I'd still like to get one at some point. |
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Please let us know how the knife holds up. It's a bit expensive for a Chinese knife, but I'd still like to get one at some point. Quoted:
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How is the finish on the Boker version? I was just about to order one but then I ran across this picture: http://bladebarrelbezel.files.wordpress.com/2013/06/ak-colubris.jpg?w=640&h=480 And if that is how they really look then there is no way I'm going to buy one. I absolutely hate that "stonewash" metal trash can lid look. Just paid for one of the Boker versions... I'll let you know if a few days how it looks. Please let us know how the knife holds up. It's a bit expensive for a Chinese knife, but I'd still like to get one at some point. Will do... I went on a bit of a mid-range fixed blade bender this week... Have the Boker version of the standard Colubris on it's way as well as an Esee Izula 2 I located used for a pretty good deal. The search for the perfect EDC fixed blade continues.
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Quoted:
Hey gang. Thanks for all the questions, support, and responses. :) MONGO45: I have some new midtech stuff that I'll be releasing very soon which should be right up your alley. Shoot me over an email and I'll get you some pics. Fantomas: Love the user name, buddy. ;) Sorry for delay with coms, I needed to unplug myself from the Internet for a week to focus on some shop stuff. Responded to your email earlier this afternoon. MartyW: Basically, I've got two product lines for both knives and axes: Full custom, and midtech. The ManiAxe Modualr Axe System and MicrAxe are both midtech, and are based on my full custom axes that I've been building for nine years now. I still need to finish the buildouts for the midtech pages on the site, but if you shoot me over an email, I''d be happy to send you the complete info pack on the ManiAxe system. castiel: The knives in that pic are my OG Colubris midtechs. Those are the knives that the Boker is patterned after. Finish on the Bokers is also tumbled, but is a bit different. Sorry you don't like the finish, but these are user grade knives. The reason for this finish is that it keeps the knife looking newer for longer. Bright satin finishes on knives that are actually going to see real use don't stay looking factory fresh for long. OiRogers: Thank you for supporting me with your purchase! snipe555: All of the knives pictured in this thread thus far are midtechs, and thus all have flat v-grinds. Holy crap, I just realized you guys are in Omaha. Do you do grind shop tours? Hell, looking for an apprentice? 
I'm a native Omahan and am now (unfortunately) across the river so come tax time I'll have to place an order for one. |
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Stickman, How about more pictures and details of that edged weapon in the sheath? I like what I see of it, but I haven't seen anything like it, except what I've already sketched out. Thanks, DBAR Sure, which one in the sheath? I've shot a bunch of pics so I'm not sure which one you mean. |
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This one. |
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This one. Quoted:
This one. 
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That looks like a neat, neat blade. |
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Yep, a very interesting blade. It looks to have some origins based on an Ulu. An Ulu is a very basic, no thrills kind of food prep knife.
This knife looks to be a cross between an Ulu, and an Axe. I've actually thought about making one for myself, just for kicks. This one is really quite similar to the one I've sketched, and hope to make someday. Thanks for sharing Stickman. DBAR |
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YO QUIERO
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Beautiful setup. Did the blade come colored like that? |
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Which one is that on the right? ANy updates on the ManiAxe project? Never received the Email. Thanks! |
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Just got mine from Blade HQ. Boker version is very nice and affordable |
[ARCHIVED THREAD] - The American Kami Thread (Page 1 of 2)
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