SPECIFICATIONS:

The name of the knife - ELEGANT II collection exclusive knife handmade by the master of Fomenko Knifes studio, buy order in Ukraine (Laminate center CPM® S125V™ 65-66 HRC)
Knife type: Fixed blade
Brand: Studio of exclusive handmade knives FOMENKO KNIFES

Model: ELEGANT II collection exclusive knife handmade by the master of Fomenko Knifes studio, buy order in Ukraine (Laminate center CPM® S125V™ 65-66 HRC)
number: 050
Country of birth: Ukraine
Craftsman: Master Oleksandr Fomenko (Fomenko Knifes), Chuhuyiv , Ukraine Studio Studio of exclusive handmade knives FOMENKO KNIFES
Best use: Multi-functional: hunting, fishing, cutting carcasses, slicing, etc.
Knife condition: new
Price is with scabbard.

A sharpened knife is not a cold weapon.

Our knives are very sharp, so be very careful when opening and handling them. We are not responsible for any injuries related to the use of our knives.
Our products are intended for legal use only by responsible buyers. We will not sell our products to anyone under the age of 18.

Availability changes regularly, after confirming your order we will notify you of availability or when the item is ready. The product may differ slightly from the one shown in the photo.

Crucible CPM® S125V™ powder steel
CPM® S125V™ is a highly alloyed martensitic stainless tool steel produced by the Crucible Industries concern (USA). The corrosion resistance of the alloy is comparable to ZDP-189, i.e. quite high. ZDP-189 steel contains 20% chromium versus 14% CPM S125V. The amount of carbon is about the same. It would seem that 125ya should rust more, but in ZDP-189 carbides, much more chromium is transferred than in S125V, where vanadium also goes into carbides. As a result, the chromium content in the solid solution for both steels is not so different.

Recently, many knife manufacturers have abandoned the CPM S125V, primarily due to the complexities of the finish. Custom master Phil Wilson (Phil Wilson) said that hand satin S125V took three times longer than for CPM 10V - one of the heaviest steels (more or less mass).

The steel is made using the technology of amorphous metal alloys, better known among manufacturers and knife lovers under the abbreviation СРМ (Crucible Particle Metallurgy). The CPM process produces a very uniform, high-quality steel that has superior stability, uniformity, and stiffness compared to steels produced in traditional smelting.

Powdered high-speed steel was developed at the end of the 60s of the last century in Sweden. The method of powder metallurgy allows introducing a larger number of alloying elements into steel, while there is no decrease in strength and machinability.

Powder steel, unlike ordinary steel, is fed in molten form through a special nozzle through a stream of liquid nitrogen. Steel quickly hardens in the form of small particles. The result is a powder with a uniform arrangement of carbides (the place of accumulation of carbides is the nucleation of cracks). Carbides in steel perform the same function as stones on the street: they (carbides) are harder than the steel that surrounds them, and contribute to increasing its wear resistance.

The resulting powder is sifted and placed in a steel container in which a vacuum is created. Next, the contents of the container are sintered at high temperature and pressure - in this way, the homogeneity of the material is achieved. This process is called hot isostatic pressing. After that, the steel is processed by pressure. The result is a high-speed steel with very small particles of carbides evenly distributed in the steel base. The obtained steel can be rolled in the traditional way, as well as serial grades of steel, as a result of which its increased strength is achieved.

Differences in wear resistance indicators of different brands of powder steel are explained by the presence in their composition of different carbides in different proportions and with different uniformity of distribution throughout the volume of steel. Of two steels that have approximately the same hardness, the one that contains more carbides or is harder will be more wear-resistant.

Steel composition:

• From 3.3% - the carbon content in the alloy is 3.3%. Carbon is the most important element of steel, it increases its strength and gives the metal good hardness.
• Сr 14.0% - the chromium content in the alloy is 14.0%. Chromium is a grayish-white shiny hard metal. Chromium affects the ability of steel to be hardened, gives the alloy anti-corrosion properties and increases its wear resistance. It is contained in stainless steel of any brand.
• Mo 2.5% - the molybdenum content in the alloy is 2.5%. Molybdenum is a silver-white metal. Molybdenum is a refractory element, it prevents brittleness and fragility of the blade, giving it the necessary rigidity, making it quite resistant to high temperatures.
• V 12.0% - the vanadium content in the metal is 12.0%. Vanadium is a grayish-white shiny metal that has great hardness. It is responsible for elasticity and strengthens the properties of chromium, gives the metal inertness to aggressive chemical environments.

Disadvantages can be considered only the cost of the material, the difficulty of sharpening and grinding.

Crucible CPM® S125V™ powder steel folding knife

The online store  Knife.net.ua  offers handmade knives, exclusive custom-made knives for discerning men and hunters, made by the hands of the best masters of Ukraine for use in hunting, in non-standard situations at a favorable price to order or to choose from in our store. A quality tool for individual use in the field or hunting. Delivery is carried out throughout Ukraine and the world within a few days. Knife.net.ua is the best selection of knives in Ukraine from handmade craftsmen.

Well,  you can buy a powder steel knife  on our website  knife.net.ua  or by contacting us by phone +380961711010

It is worth remembering that when using the knife for its intended purpose and with careful handling, the knife will serve you for a very, very long time

Ironwood Tree: Facts, Leaves, Flowers, Bark (Image) - Identification & Care

Ironwood Tree: Facts, Leaves, Flowers, Bark (Image) - Identification & Care

Ironwood (  Ostrya virginiana  ) is a small deciduous tree of the understory. It is recognized by its birch-like leaves, light brown hairy bark and yellowish-green flowers. Ironwood trees are attractive in the landscape with their pyramidal rounded crown and ability to grow almost anywhere. As an understory tree, ironwood does well in deep shade, and it grows equally well in full sun. 

Ironwood, also called  American hornbeam  , is known for its incredibly strong, durable wood, which is a result of its slow growth. An attractive frost-resistant tree grows well on slopes, as well as stony forests, compacted clay soil, relatively resistant to drought.

This article is a complete guide to ironwood identification. Descriptions and images of ironwood leaves, bark, flowers, and fruit will help you identify it in the landscape. If you decide that this tree is perfect for your garden landscape, there is a handy care guide at the end of the article.

Ironwood (  Ostrya virginiana  ) Facts

American hornbeam (Ostrya virginiana)

Zaliznyak is classified as a small or medium-sized ornamental tree belonging to the  Ostrya genus of the Betulaceae  birch family   . Ironwood grows 20 to 40 feet (6–12 m) tall and up to 30 feet (9 m) wide. It has a trunk diameter of up to 10 inches (25 cm), covered with scaly, shaggy bark. 

Ironwood trees grow slowly, averaging about 12 inches (30 cm) or less per year. It takes 15 years to grow 10-15 feet (3-4.5 m) tall. Young cast irons have a typical pyramidal shape that gradually becomes more oval and rounded as they mature. 

Ironwood trees thrive in USDA hardiness zones 3 through 9. This hardy tree does well in all growing conditions, from deep shade to full sun. As long as the soil is well-drained and not prone to flooding, ironweed grows well in most soils.

An attractive feature of ironwood trees is their horizontal, drooping branches covered with toothed, egg-shaped leaves. Immature trees have somewhat fuzzy branches that become smoother and grayer as the tree matures. 

The slow growth of ironwood trees is why the wood is so strong. Ironwood has one of the hardest woods of any native North American tree. It is heavier than  maple  , white oak, hickory, elm and  birch  . Because of this, the wood is used to make tool handles, fence posts, and mallets. 

Other common names for ironwood   refer to the tree's strength or growth characteristics. For example, the names American hop and woolly hornbeam refer to the hop-like fruits that the tree produces after flowering. It is also sometimes called leverwood or hardhack.

As a member of the birch family  Betulaceae  , ironwood shares characteristics of birch and  elm  . Its leaves are spear-shaped with serrated edges, like those of birch. In addition, its sprawling pyramidal or oval shape gives it the appearance of elms. However, ironwood trees are much smaller than elm and birch.

Iron tree flowers

Iron tree flowers

Flowers on iron trees have the form of drooping bunches - yellowish-green or reddish-brown drooping bunches. The tubular clusters are about 3 inches (75 mm) long and grow in groups of up to four. Ironwood is a monoecious tree, meaning male and female flowers appear on the same tree.

The male flowers of ironwood are yellowish brown and look like scaly spikes hanging from the branches. On the other hand, the female flowers of ironwood are pale green spikes that stand directly on new twigs. 

The peculiarity of iron tree flowers is that men's earrings are kept on the tree all winter. 

Iron tree leaves

Iron tree leaves

Ironwood leaves are light green, lanceolate with double serrated edges and a fine fuzzy texture on the upper side. The oval  -elliptic pointed leaves  are 3 to 6 inches (75-150 mm) long and 2 inches (50 mm) wide. Ironwood leaves are characterized by deep parallel ribs from the midrib to the margin.

Ironwood leaves are simple leaves that grow alternately on thin twigs. Pointed spear-shaped blades, as a rule, are small further up the canopy.

Iron tree leaves in autumn

Iron tree leaves are easily confused with birch leaves. However, ironwood leaves turn a slight yellow color in autumn compared to the bright golden-yellow leaves of birch. Also, ironwood leaves usually fall earlier than birch leaves. 

Iron tree bark

Iron tree bark

The bark covering the trunk of the ironwood is light brown and hairy, developing into rectangular plates. Bark on young iron trees is relatively smooth with a few lenticels. However, over time the bark peels and easily peels off the tree. Adult ironflies have grayish-brown loose scaly plates. 

Iron Tree Seeds (Fruit)

Fruits of the iron tree

The ironwood tree is recognizable by its hop-like fruits—clusters of papery sac-like seed pods, each containing a tiny oval nut. Suspended clusters of papery bodies grow 1 to 2 inches (25 to 50 mm) in length. Clusters of seeds develop in the summer and are stored on the tree during the winter. 

Identification of ironwood

The identifying features of the ironwood tree are its light green pointed lance-shaped leaves with doubly serrated edges, drooping copper-brown hop-like fruits, and light-dark brown hairy narrow strips of bark. Ironwood is a relatively small tree in the landscape compared to birch and elm. 

Iron trees in the landscape

Ironwood is an attractive shade-tolerant tree, making it ideal for growing as an understory. Ironwood does well in a variety of moisture and soil conditions, but grows best in well-drained soil in partial sun. In the landscape, the ironwood has a rounded canopy and a thin, rough trunk. 

Ironwood is an excellent tree for growing in urban and residential landscapes. The hardy tree copes well with various urban conditions such as pollution and compacted soil. This is one of the reasons why it is a popular street tree. Additionally, the tree's relatively small size makes it ideal for residential gardens to grow as a shade tree in the backyard or around patios, especially where space is limited.

One of the reasons for growing ironwood is that it needs little pruning to keep it in shape. In addition, its strong branching system means it is resistant to breakage in high winds or under heavy ice or snow.  

Where to plant an iron tree

Ironwood trees are best planted in sun to partial shade. However, as an attractive upright understory tree, it also grows well in deep shade. Ironwood also adapts well to different soil conditions. Therefore, you can plant it in dry, gravelly soil or heavily compacted clay soil. 

When planting an ironwood, the most important point of cultivation is that the soil drains well. The virginia sedge  does not like soggy roots, and it does not grow well in places prone to flooding. 

Another factor is its tolerance to salty conditions. Ironwood does not tolerate salt well, so it should not be planted near roads that are heavily salted in winter.

How to plant an iron tree

Ironwood is best planted as a container grown nursery. Ironwood trees are notoriously slow growing, and planting a tree from a nursery gives you a great advantage. 

To plant  Ostrya virginiana  in a pot, prepare the site by digging a hole as deep as the root ball but three times as wide. Then remove the tree from the pot and loosen the roots as much as possible. Then set it in the center of the hole, making sure that the part where the trunk extends to the roots (the growth of the tree) is slightly above ground level.

The next step is to fill the hole halfway with native soil, firmly tamping the soil as you backfill the site. Then water the roots thoroughly to moisten them and eliminate air pockets. Finally, fill the hole up to the soil line, pressing as you go. 

After planting an ironwood, water the soil thoroughly and apply a  2-3 inch (5-7.5 cm) layer of mulch over the root area. Mulching a newly planted tree helps retain moisture, prevents evaporation, and prevents weed growth. 

Ironwood (  Ostrya virginiana) Care Guide  .

Iron trees are easy to care for as they can adapt to different environmental conditions. However, to obtain the best results, iron-resistant trees require special care, especially in the first years after planting. On the other hand, iron trees, which have proven themselves well, tolerate drought and do not require special care.

How to Water Ironwood Trees

Established ironwood trees do not require much watering for healthy growth. As a general rule, you can give the tree about 1 inch (25 mm) of water per week as long as the topsoil dries out between waterings. However, ironwood trees are relatively  drought tolerant  and  can withstand periods of dry conditions. 

Regular watering is important for the first two years after planting an ironwood tree. Regular watering of the roots promotes the development of a healthy and strong root system. During the first two years, water the tree abundantly twice a week, from spring to summer. In addition, it may be necessary to water the tree more often, especially in dry weather. 

Iron tree fertilizer

Ironwood trees  can benefit from regular fertilizing  to keep them healthy and prevent pest damage—but it's not usually necessary. You can use a fertilizer rich in nitrogen to promote the growth of green leaves. It is important to avoid excess nitrogen in the soil as this can affect flower and seed production. 

As a general rule, there is no need to amend the soil or apply fertilizer to newly planted ironwood trees. This is explained by the fact that the salts in the fertilizer can burn the roots. 

It is good to note that ironwood usually grows well in average soil without the addition of fertilizers. The best advice is to treat the root area with rotted manure or organic compost in the spring. However, if you decide that your tree needs additional nutrients, first do a soil test to determine the type of fertilizer for your tree. 

How to cut an iron tree

Ironwood does not require heavy pruning to develop a strong branch structure. While the tree is relatively young, you can remove some side branches to form a dominant central trunk. This is especially necessary for some ironwood trees that grow in multiple stems. However, an established ironwood does not require regular pruning.

As part of regular tree care, it's a good idea to do an annual inspection of ironwood trees in late fall after the leaves have fallen. Look for broken, dead, or diseased limbs, as well as branches that are rubbing against each other. You can remove these branches to promote healthy growth and prevent disease. 

Reproduction of the iron tree

Although stem cuttings are the most common method of propagating shrubs and trees, seed propagation is the preferred method of growing ironwood. Ironwood requires warm and cold stratification for successful seed germination. 

It is worth noting that gloves should be worn when working with ironwood seeds. The ornamental tree is also called  an itchy tree  because the accumulation of seeds can cause itchy fingers — for example, after using fiberglass insulation without protection.

How to grow an iron tree from seed

Ironwood trees are relatively easy to grow from seed by sowing them directly into the ground in early fall. 

Alternatively, you can collect ripe seeds between late summer and early fall and dry them. 

Ironwood seeds require 60 days of warm stratification followed by 120-140 days of cold stratification. This is necessary for successful germination.  Here's what you need to do  to grow  Ostria virginska from seeds:

• Immerse the seeds in a jar of boiling water and leave them for 24 hours.
• Place the seeds in a resealable plastic bag filled with moist sphagnum moss. 
• Place the seeds in a warm place with a temperature of 68°F to 86°F (20°C to 30°C) for 60 days. Then check the seeds regularly for mold and keep the soil slightly moist.
• After that, place the bag in a cool place between 39°F and 41°F (4°C - 5°C) (like your refrigerator) for 120 days.

After stratifying the seeds, you can place the seeds in small pots filled with moist, well-drained soil to germinate using standard procedures. 

How to grow Ironwood seedlings

To germinate stratified ironwood seeds, prepare a seed soil mix of 3 parts  peat moss  and one part  perlite  . Fill small individual pots with potting mix and misting mist. Then place the seeds in each pot about 0.25 inches (6 mm) below the surface, cover with plastic wrap, and place in a bright, warm location out of direct sunlight.

When the seeds germinate after a few weeks, place them in a brighter location where they get about 12 hours of light each day. After a month, you will need to transplant the ironwood seedlings into a larger pot. You can then plant them outdoors in the ground when the seedlings are about 15-20 inches (40-50 cm) tall.

Pests affecting the growth of ironwood

An advantage of growing ornamental ironwood in the landscape is that it is relatively pest free. Healthy trees rarely suffer from common wood bugs such as aphids,  scale insects  or leafhoppers. 

The only significant pest that affects ironwood leaves is the chestnut borer (  Agrilus bilineatus  ). This  slender black beetle  can live and feed on the inner bark of ironwood. Beetle activity can lead to defoliation. However, the best way to prevent this is to water ironwood well during periods of drought. 

Diseases affecting ironwood tree growth

Ironwood is a strong, hardy tree, and typical tree diseases rarely affect its growth. Sometimes ulcer diseases can lead to the death of individual branches. However, this can usually be avoided by preventing stress on the tree. Therefore, water well in dry weather. 

Occasionally, foliar diseases such as powdery mildew, blistering, and leaf spot can affect tree leaves. However, they never cause significant damage to the health of the tree, and there is no need to deal with them at all.

Walrus tusk for a handmade knife handle

How much is a walrus tusk worth today?

What is the real price for a walrus tusk, the cost of which is often unclear to the average person? How not to get into trouble, responding to ads with the headlines "buy a walrus tusk" or "buy a walrus tusk", how to find out how much a walrus tusk really costs? In order to get reliable answers to these questions, it is worth studying the modern demand for such a rare item as a walrus tusk, the price of which is significantly determined by size, as well as other factors. Taking into account these recommendations, you can count on the most favorable offer that can be given by those who want to buy a walrus tusk.

• It is worth knowing that the walrus tusk that you would like to sell must have maximum integrity, then its value will meet your best expectations.
• When selling, focus on the current exchange rate, which significantly affects how much a walrus tusk will cost, its price is formed taking into account exchange rate fluctuations.
• The competence of the experts who evaluate is very important in this matter: not every ad "I will buy a walrus tusk" is really backed by professionals, so you need to be careful and careful when choosing a buyer.

Products from walrus tusks

Rare hunters seek to buy a walrus tusk not only in its original form, souvenirs and products made from walrus tusk are no less popular and sought-after, the cost of which can also reach a decent amount, especially if they are antique items. The natural appeal of tusks, the peculiarities of their color and structure, embodied in works of art, create a special atmosphere of luxury in any room. This makes products made of tusks a unique, status gift, relevant at all times, capable of becoming a value that can even be passed down as an inheritance. The most common products made by the peoples of the North that reflect their life and lifestyle are:

• knives with walrus tusk handles are very expensive and popular among collectors and hunters

• group and single animalistic images (bears, seals, deer);
• sculptures depicting a team of dogs;
• images of people in typical occupations, such as hunter;
• images of deities.

A walrus is  a very large animal with thick, wrinkled skin. Males have large skin growths on the neck and shoulders. The larger these growths, the more attractive they seem to females. The thickness of the skin reaches 10 cm, and subcutaneous fat - 15 cm. Males are much larger than females - the weight of some individuals reaches 2 tons, but usually does not exceed 800 - 1500 kg. Females weigh 500-800 kg on average. The length of adult walruses is 2-3.5 m.

Young walruses have dark brown skin with yellowish hairs. Adult animals "go bald" over time, and their skin acquires a lighter shade. Old individuals become almost pink by the end of their lives.

A distinctive feature of these pinnipeds is huge tusks. Their length can reach 1 m. They help the animal when moving on a slippery surface and for breaking ice. Tusks are elongated upper canines that point downward. In males, they are larger and are used for battles with other males during the mating season. Males with the largest tusks occupy a dominant position in the herd.

The muzzle is wide, with thick stiff antennae-bristles on the upper lip. The eyes are small. The ear holes are hidden under the skin and there is no way out. The tail is small. The front flippers are well developed, allowing walruses to move more or less normally on land, unlike many other pinnipeds, which can only crawl on land.

There are three populations of walruses with slight external differences - the Pacific, Atlantic and Laptev Sea populations.

The Pacific population of walruses is the largest both in terms of number and size of animals. She lives on the northern coast of Eastern Siberia, on Wrangel Island, in northern Alaska. In winter, herds of walruses move south to the Bereng Sea, to Kamchatka and to the southern coast of Alaska. According to estimates, the population is 200,000 animals.

The Atlantic walrus is about a third smaller than its Pacific relatives. Lives in the north of Canada, Greenland and in the western region of the Russian Arctic. It was almost completely exterminated by man as a result of uncontrolled fishing. Estimated population size - 15,000 - 20,000 individuals.

The Laptiv walrus population is the smallest — about 5,000 individuals. It is isolated from other populations in the Laptev Sea and the Kara Sea.

The state of the population and the attitude towards people
In the 18th and 19th centuries. commercial fishing of the Atlantic walrus led to the almost complete disappearance of this animal. Currently, its hunting is prohibited everywhere, but some indigenous peoples of the north are allowed to harvest a small number of walruses, but necessarily for their own consumption, with a ban on selling the meat, fat or bones of the animal. For a European, walrus meat dishes do not seem tasty, but cooked walrus tongue is considered a delicacy.

Chukchi,  Yupik peoples (Far East of Russia) and Inuit (North America) consume walrus meat all winter, fins are preserved and stored until spring, tusks and bones are used to make various tools, charms and ornaments. Waterproof thick skin - for finishing houses and boats. Modern cheap building materials are available in the far north, and walruses no longer play as important a role for survival as they did 100 years ago, but are still in demand for many indigenous peoples, and walrus skin carving and beading is an important art form.

The number of walrus populations is difficult to determine. The fecundity of animals and their mortality was not fully understood. Complicating the calculation are the complex climatic conditions of the walrus environment. The Pacific walrus is currently classified as "threatened" by the Endangered Species Act. The Atlantic walrus and the Laptev population are listed in the Red Book and are assigned to the second (decreasing numbers) and third (rare) groups of rarity, respectively.

The consequences of global warming are another subject of concern for zoologists. The volume and thickness of pack ice (at least 3 meters thick and older than 2 years) is constantly decreasing, which affects the birth rate of animals and the disappearance of their usual habitats.

According to various estimates, the number of all walrus populations is 200-250 thousand.

Interesting facts about walruses

• During the last ice age, walruses were distributed up to 37 degrees north latitude. This is evidenced by the remains found, dated to the age of 28,000 years. near San Francisco in the USA. At the same latitude is the northern border of the African continent, Greece, Japan, and Turkey.
• Despite their large size, walruses are sometimes attacked by killer whales.
• With a strong current, walruses cling to the edge of the ice with their tusks, keeping themselves under water. They also help animals to climb high ice. This use of tusks gave walruses the generic name Odobenus rosmarus, which translates from Greek as "one who walks on teeth."
• The stomach of the walrus is so large that the peoples of the north made waterproof capes from it.
• In cold water, the animal's blood vessels are greatly reduced, which makes the animal's skin almost white.

High-quality and original steel inserts are a wonderful decoration of exclusive and unique knives of the Studio of exclusive handmade knives FOMENKO KNIFES (Ukraine), which offers to order and buy online store https://knife.net.ua or order by phone. +380961711010