That's very nice work. The maple looks excellent. I've never seen maple that red before, but I like it. Was it dyed?
Yeah, I didn't realize how big of a change it is until I put them side by side. I guess because I stretched the process over a week, the transformation was more or less gradual for me. But now that I look at it, it is very different.
The before-n-after really highlights the quality of your work and how big a difference it made. The original knife is something that I would have gladly passed by if I saw it on a website or shop window. Your rework, however, transformed the knife into a timeless classic that I'd be glad to own.
What a transformation! I have a couple RMDs and I would not have been able to tell that you started with one. Beautiful work. However, unlike an ESEE, I'll bet you voided the warranty.
The original is more of a tactical knife. I thought of it as the missing link between ESEE-4 and ESEE-5. It's thinner stock and grind than the 5, but it's sturdier than 4. I just wanted a different handle shape and something prettier. Think PLSK, in SR101, FFG, and maple burl handle.
Thank you. Yeah, the feeling is familiar to me, I void the warranty with pretty much every knife I own.