The 'Ratel' EDC/Hunter - VG10 & Karelian Birch

The 'Ratel' - a general purpose EDC or hunting knife. On this design I have gone back to basics to provide a compact and lightweight workhorse for everyday or in the field. The 4" blade is big enough for most tasks and with a drop point is excellent for dressing game. At 3mm thick at the spine (just under 1/8") it is light-weight, has a fine geometry and cuts superbly.
 
The blade is in VG10 core, damascus clad stainless steel - an excellent all-round steel with great edge retention. The stabilized Karelian Birch handle scales are secured with two Corby bolts and it has a useful lanyard loop at the back. The stabilization process impregnates the wood with a specialist resin which is then cured - this makes the wood generally stronger, water resistant and a lot less likely to crack or warp.
 
A veg-tanned leather sheath made by my hands with saddle stitching and some toolwork compliments the piece and will keep your Ratel secure and at-hand.
 
A practical tool with a functional finger guard and sharpening notch. Like it's namesake, the 'Ratel' (pronounced Rah-tel) or Honey Badger is a compact, tough, no nonsense tool that will serve you well for many years.