I had an interesting opportunity pop up recently when I was contacted about making a couple of knives to be used as diplomatic gifts between the US Army and a couple of generals in the Mexican Army.  I didn't have a whole lot of time to work with, but I happened to have some prototype mid-tech Benghazi Warfighter and Little Rok blades already ground, heat treated, and powdercoated, so I agreed. 

 

3/16" 80CrV2 steel, TeroTuf handles, and flared stainless steel tube handle rivets.

 

 

diplomacy01 by James Helm, on Flickr

 

 

diplomacy02 by James Helm, on Flickr

 

When I was given the names and ranks to be laser engraved in the blades, I was surprised to find that the knives were gifts for the Mexican Secretary of Defense and his Chief of Staff!   :o

 

 

diplomacy03 by James Helm, on Flickr

 

 

diplomacy04 by James Helm, on Flickr

 

It was an honor to be chosen for the task. 

 

And, on an entirely different tack, a couple of choppers finished up recently.  Forged 80Crv2, paracord over neoprene, marine epoxy, the usual.

 

13 1/2" blade, black and gold.  Customer commented, "Love my knife."

 

 

chopper01 by James Helm, on Flickr

 

 

chopper02 by James Helm, on Flickr

 

14 1/4" blade, tan and black.  This customer, a fellow knife maker, commented, "Dude!  This thing is perfect.  I love it!"

 

 

zw01 by James Helm, on Flickr

 

 

zw02 by James Helm, on Flickr

 

Always glad to have happy customers. 

All of them are exceptional. Wow! And what an honor to craft those diplomatic gifts. And you knocked it out of the park on those

Interesting how the meaning of the names match the rank.

Not a prank is it? 

Certainly an interesting commission. They came out great too! Clean, as always. 

8 hours ago, Marc1 said:

Interesting how the meaning of the names match the rank.

Not a prank is it? 

Not a prank. They are real.

https://www.gob.mx/sedena/estructuras/1-general-salvador-cienfuegos-zepeda

https://www.gob.mx/sedena/estructuras/5-general-de-division-diplomado-de-estado-mayor-roble-arturo-granados-gallardo

 

Beautiful work. What an honor!

That's pretty awesome. Great job, and thank you for representing our country so well!

I am so impressed every time I see your work! They are great! 

Question, when giving a diplomatic knife which language is normally used for the markings. Our's or theirs? 

Thanks, guys!

It was a prank that paid well, if was a prank. 

Biggundoctor - No idea, I just engraved what they told me to put on the blade.