La Grotte du Loup – SK5 forged blade with a battleworn finish, sanded deer antler handle, and brass guard

This creation by La Grotte du Loup draws inspiration from the lines of the Randall Model 1-7 and reinterprets them with a forged SK5 carbon steel blade, a battleworn finish, and a fully sanded deer antler handle. A knife with classic proportions, whose character stems as much from the metalwork as from the treatment of the natural material.

The 18.4 cm blade features a slender profile and a long upper bevel that extends to the tip. The various surfaces of the grind catch the light, while the battleworn finish retains a deliberately marked and irregular appearance. This interplay of reflections and more matte areas lends depth to the blade.

With a thickness of 6.2 mm and a full-tang construction, the knife has a substantial presence; the double brass guard (a classic feature of the Model 1) with its slightly curved ends creates a clear separation between the blade and the handle. Thin, colored spacers accentuate this assembly.

The handle is carved from a single block of deer antler. Its “ground” finish removes the external texture to reveal a smooth surface with shades of cream, beige, and gray-brown. The material’s natural variations remain visible beneath the sanding and give each side a distinct appearance. The handle gradually tapers toward its end, without the addition of a metal pommel.

A custom-made black leather sheath accompanies the knife; it features a belt loop, a snap-button retention tab, and a front pocket that holds the included whetstone. Decorative stitching on the back completes the leatherwork.

Technical specifications of the La Grotte du Loup Ground Stag Fighter SK5 battleworn fixed-blade knife:
Artisan: La Grotte du Loup
Production: October 2026, Brittany
General inspiration: Randall Model 1-7
Blade length: 18.4 cm
Total length: 30.2 cm
Blade thickness: 6.2 mm
Steel: Forged SK5 carbon steel
Blade finish: battleworn
Construction: full tang
Guard: double, brass
Handle: single-piece deer antler
Handle finish: smooth sanded, known as “ground”
Weight of knife only: 344 gr
Sheath: custom-made black leather
Retention: snap-button loop
Carry: belt
Accessory: sharpening stone in its dedicated pocket

Tellknives Review:
We particularly appreciate the choice of sanded deer antler; it offers a soft, understated take on this material, revealing its internal nuances rather than the usual textured surface. Its flared tip naturally extends the line of the handle and provides a comfortable, secure grip.

The combination with the brass guard and the battleworn blade works well: each material retains its own character while forming a cohesive whole. The inspiration from the Model 1-7 is evident in the overall silhouette, with a personal interpretation of the handle and finishes.

We also appreciate the complete presentation, which includes a custom sheath and a sharpening stone. This knife is designed for enthusiasts of traditional handcrafted knives who appreciate the art of craftsmanship and the variations inherent in natural materials.