Description :

Presenting an exceptional investment-grade masterpiece from one of the most legendary and iconoclastic figures in custom knifemaking history: a Roderick "Caribou" Chappel "Lady Diana" Custom Recurve Fighter. Handcrafted in 1981, this early vintage build dates back to Chappel's highly collectible operational era in Washington State. Renowned for his uncompromising grind lines, sweeping fantasy-forward silhouettes, and intense mirror polishes, Chappel’s work remains an indispensable cornerstone of late-20th-century custom knife artistry.

Blade & Markings

Blade Geometry: Features Chappel's legendary, aggressively swept recurve trailing-point profile. The masterful bevel transitions terminate into a razor-sharp edge, perfectly contrasted by a deep, flawless mirror-polished finish.

Maker Markings: The obverse blade flat is clearly stamped with the coveted early mark: "DAVIS KNIVES / SPOKANE, WA."Provenance & Serialization: Directly below the maker stamp, the blade features a hand-inscribed signature alongside the exact build date (1981) and production sequence number (12), signifying its status as an early-generation heirloom piece.

Signature Artistry: The reverse face displays Chappel’s distinct, highly stylized signature script, meticulously hand-etched: "Roderick 'Caribou' Chappel — My Knife."

An ultra-ergonomic, beautifully contoured handle measuring approximately 4.75 inches, designed to deliver exceptional balance to the substantial blade.

Handle Materials: Finished with premium, premium-grade cream micarta (or legal fossilized ivory) handle scales, showcasing a smooth, warm patina.

Accents: Built with Chappel’s iconic double-guarded design, featuring an aggressive sub-hilt style finger guard. The spacers feature eye-catching crimson-red and bright silver accent liners.

Hardware: Anchored by a heavy, seamlessly integrated, mirror-polished flared pommel cap.

Grade: Excellent / Near-Mint Vintage

Details: This knife shows pristine grind lines with an incredibly reflective mirror finish. There are minor, superficial handling lines on the polished flats consistent with age and long-term storage in a private collection. The handle scales are tight, smooth, and free of structural cracks. Edge appears original and unsharpened