SPECIFICATIONS:

The name of the knife - BUK III knife handmade by the master of the Fomenko Knifes studio, buy and order in Ukraine (Steel - Elmax 61-62 HRC)
Knife type: Fixed blade
Brand: Studio of exclusive handmade knives ANDROSHCHUK KNIVES 

Model: BUK III knife handmade by the master of the Fomenko Knifes studio, buy and order in Ukraine (Steel - Elmax 61-62 HRC)
Model number: 049
Country of birth: Ukraine
Artisan: Master Oleksandr Fomenko (Fomenko Knifes), Chuhuyiv , Ukraine Studio Studio of exclusive handmade knives ANDROSHCHUK KNIVES 
Best use: Multipurpose: 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 open and use very carefully. We are not responsible for 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, upon confirmation of your order, we will inform you about the availability or when the product will be ready. The product may differ slightly from the one shown in the photo.

Elmax: pros and cons, characteristics, reviews

Elmax is a powder steel, the birthplace of which is in Sweden (the developer is the Böhler company). Currently, there are a lot of powder steels, and it is difficult to surprise someone with this. But not all of them are well suited for making knives.

At the moment, Elmax is one of the best powder steels for the production of knives due to the high content of alloying components: vanadium, molybdenum and chromium, impact resistance, viscosity, corrosion resistance.

Chemical composition of Elmax steel

Elmax steel was developed as a tool steel, intended for the production of cutting parts of machines working with plastic. However, high technical characteristics made it possible to use the material for the manufacture of knives.

A stable and thin cutting edge, resistance to breakage due to plasticity, undeniable quality of the cut and high corrosion resistance - a successful balance of these qualities is achieved thanks to a unique selection of steel composition and powder metallurgy technology.

Characteristics of Elmax steel

Comparing knife steels is a thankless task. Every steel has its fans and those who like it for different reasons. Elmax has no obvious disadvantages, but given the fact that the steel is European, and the exchange rate of the euro to the ruble is far from the most favorable, the final price of the knife will add a "spoonful of tar".

The strength of 60 HRC makes it possible to use knives made of this brand of steel for a wide range of work. Due to the fact that powder steel is able to achieve high plasticity and impact toughness, which is a rarity for steels with a strength of 60 and above.

Elmax steel pros and cons

A good knife should not only please the eye. But also have high operational properties and ease of use. Let's consider how Elmax steel has proven itself.

Pros:

• the possibility of polishing the surface to a mirror shine,
• high anti-corrosion qualities,
• plasticity and the ability to perceive lateral loads,
• maintaining the sharpness of the edge for a long time.

There are no obvious disadvantages of steel, but it would be unfair not to highlight a few disadvantages.

Cons:

• the high price of knives due to the high price of this brand of steel,
• not 100% resistance to corrosion - with long-term work in a humid environment and lack of proper care, spot corrosion is possible.

Results:

• knives from Elmax are expensive, but this is compensated by their high TTX,
• for steel with high strength, very good impact toughness,
• requires only minimal care,
• keeps sharpening for a long time - easy to fix.

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

WHAT ARE MICARTA AND G10 AND HOW ARE THESE COMPOSITE MATERIALS DIFFERENT

For decades, Micarta and G10 composite materials have been undisputed leaders in the knife industry, in particular for the production of handles of various complexity. The materials are distinguished by their availability, ease of production and processing, as well as high strength, wear resistance and unpretentiousness in maintenance. Both materials are composite, based on polymer resin, which is supplemented with layers of different types of captive fabric.

Micarta material is an electrical insulating material consisting of a polymer film (based on cresolaldehyde, phenolaldehyde, xylenolaldehyde resin, or resin from a mixture of phenolic raw materials). It is glued with the help of various electrically insulating papers, fabric (mainly linen of natural or artificial origin), or other materials of a similar structure, there are also options made of fiberglass and carbon fiber. The color of the material depends on the resin and fabric base used for gluing. Micarta is a relatively soft material and requires careful manual handling. Therefore, it is used in the production of handles for more expensive knives.

Micart is registered as a trademark of the American company Industrial Laminates / Norplex, Inc. (Norplex-Micarta). Its domestic analogue can be considered a material called "Getinax", which is mainly used as a basis for printed circuit boards. The material also has a sheet pressed structure, which consists of a paper base with the addition of phenolaldehyde or epoxy resin impregnation.

Linen-based micarta has a more attractive optical effect when sanding the fibers. After grinding, the surface can be polished or sandblasted. In the first option, the surface of the material will be smooth, silky, warm and pleasant to the touch. And in the second, the material becomes rough and has a matte shade, besides, it is securely held in the hand and does not slip.

Main characteristics of Micarta:

• increased water resistance;
• excellent resistance to temperature changes;
• strength to mechanical processing;
• dense structure that does not absorb odors;
• the micro-relief of the material does not slip in the hand even when the surface is wet;
• tight fit to the blade, which leaves no gaps at all and prevents food residues and harmful microorganisms from accumulating.

G10 material is a light, hard and fairly stiff composite material with a textured surface, which is mainly used in the manufacture of handles of both folding pocket knives and knives with a fixed blade. This material is created by placing several layers of fiberglass, thoroughly impregnated with epoxy resin, in a special vacuum press, where, under the influence of compression and heat, the resin finally hardens, preserving the structure of the fiberglass.

The G10 material is characterized by good impact resistance, wear resistance, moisture resistance, as well as ease of processing and maintenance. The material can be painted in different colors, including in layers. The surface of G10 can also be polished to a glossy state, or have a rough anti-slip structure, under the influence of a grinding machine or sandblasting.

Key features of the G10:

• high stability of basic properties during temperature fluctuations;
• withstands high shock loads, compressive and tensile loads;
• high overall hydrophobicity and resistance to chemicals;
• weighs relatively little, in relation to the overall strength and density;
• low electrical conductivity;
• can take different forms.

Composite materials G10 and Micarta have almost the same composition and external similarity. At the same time, the G10 material has higher fire resistance, although it is not a non-flammable material, it has higher compressive, bending, impact and tear strength, and it is also simpler and more economical to manufacture. At the same time, G10 is inferior in terms of "stickiness" in wet conditions, and also, tactilely, it feels less "natural".

CARBON - KNIFE HANDLES FROM THIS PREMIUM MATERIAL

One of the most prestigious and expensive materials for knife handles, in addition to titanium and expensive types of wood, is a type of carbon fiber, the so-called "carbon". The material is valued for its exceptional lightness, strength and aesthetic beauty.

Carbon (from the English carbon - carbon) is a polymer material with a composite composition, made of interwoven carbon fiber threads. These threads are made using epoxy resins. The average density of the material is from 1450 kg/m³ to 2000 kg/m³. The main difference between carbon and other polymers used in the manufacture of knives is its very low weight. It is the weight, together with exceptional strength, that gives carbon an advantage over other handle materials: G10 polymer, micarta, FRN plastic, etc. At the same time, according to specific strength characteristics, carbon exceeds structural steels. The main qualities of carbon are high tensile strength, resistance to high temperatures, aggressive environments, slight expansion when heated, high electrical conductivity. Also, an important feature of carbon is its natural,

The basis of the material consists of carbon fiber threads with an average thickness of 0.005-0.010 mm in diameter. Carbon fibers are produced as a result of a complex process of heat treatment. The main fiber (polyacrylic, viscose) is first subjected to air oxidation at a temperature of 250 °C for 24 hours. As a result of oxidation, ladder structures are formed (polymers whose macromolecules are stitched in pairs by regular chemical bonds). Then there is carbonization (the process of enriching the threads with carbon), which takes place when the fiber is heated in nitrogen or argon at temperatures from 800 to 1500 °C. Carbonization results in the formation of graphite-like structures (alotropic modifications of carbon). The heat treatment process ends with graphitization (the formation of graphite in materials in which carbon is contained in a dissolved state or in the form of carbides), it takes place at a temperature of 1600-3000 ° C in an inert environment. Due to the war of graphitization, the amount of carbon in the fiber is brought up to 99%. In addition to ordinary organic fibers, special fibers from phenolic resins, lignin, coal and petroleum pitches can be used to obtain carbon threads.

Carbon fabrics, in turn, are obtained by weaving threads or ribbons. In the production of these threads, carbon roving is used as a basis - a bundle of thin continuous threads of carbon fiber with a thickness of 3 microns, formed by carbon atoms. After interweaving, they form a carbon fiber frame. The amount of carbon fiber in a thread is estimated by the number "K" - the number of thousands of elementary carbon fibers. The thinnest and most expensive carbon fiber is 1K, the most common carbon fiber is 3K, there are also carbon fiber threads with K = 6, 12, 24, 48. The fabric made of threads can have a variety of weaving patterns (herringbone, mat, weaving, etc. ). To give the fabric even greater strength, carbon threads are laid in layers, each time changing the angle of the weaving direction. The layers are fastened with the help of epoxy resins. This structure of carbon makes it possible to reinforce the fiber with additional elements that strengthen its structure and provide different colors and surface textures. These materials can be different threads, sequins, polymer materials of different colors.

The main methods of manufacturing carbon plates are:

• Pressing , in which the fabric is laid out in a form previously lubricated with a so-called anti-adhesive, designed to reduce the adhesion of surfaces to each other. They can be soap, wax, etc. The fabric is then impregnated with resin, and its excess is removed in a vacuum (vacuum forming) or under pressure. After polymerization of the resin, the product takes on a finished look.
• Vacuum  infusion allows you to create a laminate package by stacking fabric layers on top of each other and applying a vacuum discharge under the layers. Then a binder is fed through the valve and under the action of vacuum it fills the voids and permeates the carbon fabric.
• Vacuum forming is the gluing of layers at high temperatures and then the effect of vacuum to form the volume of the product. This method is one of the cheapest.
• The method of winding , which consists in winding the impregnated roving on a previously prepared form. After winding the required number of layers, the form with the wound fabric is placed in a heating oven and polymerized.
• The SMC/BMC method  consists of placing the fabric in a mold heated to operating temperature. The press mold is closed, as a result, under pressure, the material spreads into the cavity of the mold and hardens. At the end of the cycle, the product is removed from the mold, and its final machining and painting is carried out.

 Carbon fiber is used in various fields. In particular, in aviation and rocket engineering, in the production of car and motorcycle body parts, household appliances and high-tech research devices. And for about 20 years now, carbon has been widely used in the production of knife handles of the medium and premium segment. At the same time, on fine knives, carbon can be both in the form of overlays on steel liners, and in the form of a single material of the handle, fixed with screws through bonks.

Carbon, which goes into the production of knives, in addition to its main characteristics of strength, should also have a rather attractive appearance. It is this factor that increases its cost, complicating the production technology and requiring the highest quality raw materials. The most expensive and high-quality resins and more expensive equipment, including chemical reactors (autoclaves), are used for gluing the layers. In addition, carbon is sandblasted to increase hand grip, which also increases production costs. It is also necessary to remember that working with carbon requires mandatory protection of respiratory organs and special rooms with good ventilation, and this also leads to an increase in the price.

The color palette and texture of the carbon used on the knives can be varied. Among the types of carbon, the following are used:

Mosaic carbon,  which can be both plain and multi-colored. Such carbon is used for radius spacers on knives with complex multi-section handles. Several dyeing techniques can be used in this carbon.

Marble carbon  is a chaotic interweaving of carbon threads, each of which reflects light differently, which allows it to shine from different viewing angles.

Carbon Lightning Strike  ("lightning strike") with a copper thread in the form of a mesh woven into the carbon fiber throughout its volume. Externally, it is similar to that used in the fuselages of American planes to protect against lightning strikes. This is a thin carbon, 3.2 mm thick twill weave. It has a deep and bright pattern.

Like any expensive and at the same time difficult to manufacture material, carbon has a number of disadvantages. In the production of carbon plastics, it is necessary to strictly adhere to the technological parameters, in case of violation of which the strength properties of the products are sharply reduced. Ultrasonic defectoscopy, X-ray and optical holography, as well as acoustic control can be used to control the quality of products. Without them, the manufacturer works "by touch" and may not notice hidden defects. Another serious disadvantage of carbon plastics is their low resistance to shock loads. It is also necessary to remember that carbon eventually fades and can significantly lose its main advantage - an attractive appearance. However, despite these shortcomings, carbon is rightfully a premium material for the best knives.

Ironwood - iron wood - handmade knives

In nature, ironwood is extremely rare, therefore it occupies an honorable place in the Red Book. However, in terms of its properties, each iron tree is not inferior to the density of cast iron. Its bark can withstand gunfire, but it sinks hopelessly in water. It is worth noting that this is not a separate class of trees, but a whole group assembled from different species. It includes several dozen species of plants with unusually dense wood. They can be found on every continent. Moreover, raw materials are used both in the industrial industry and in medical practice.

What is special about these trees?

With the naked eye, it is quite difficult to recognize the "stone" breed of a perennial plant. Especially if they are on the verge of extinction. However, they are characterized by the following features:

• the age of such long-lived people is not less than 2 hundred years;
• wood fiber is resistant to corrosion processes and does not deteriorate under the influence of strong acids;
• the bark contains many tannins that protect their "hosts" from all kinds of parasites, as well as from the rot fungus;
• the log will definitely go under water, since the density of wood is 1 t / m³, taking into account the humidity of 12%, for this reason, such breeds grow quite slowly;
• the height of each exceeds 25 meters, and the girth of the trunk reaches more than 200 cm.

All these properties are necessary for an iron tree to survive in the harshest climatic conditions. Sharp temperature changes in Russia, African drought or humid European climate will not be able to harm this natural phenomenon. Such varieties of trees perfectly adapt to any adverse environment. For this, they are equipped with a considerable number of devices, starting from the unique structure of the trunk / roots and ending with the chemical composition of the bark. In this regard, they are widely used in production:

• furniture;
• building structures;
• cars;
• cosmetics;
• decorative elements;
• underwater equipment.

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 in the online store https://knife.net.ua or by phone. +380961711010