Skelton Bladeworks/Reate Knives Tibia: the perfect EDC fixed blade size
Published: 3 years ago
I am beyond excited to share with you my newest collaboration, a Reate Knives manufactured limited edition of my design. Available through most Reate dealers in the final week of April, 2021 at $295.
From Reate's press release:
Jim Skelton began making knives in Dallas, Texas in 2016. Drawing from the knowledge of several of his knifemaker friends, Jim hit the ground running and started off right away as a full time knifemaker. In 2018, Jim was welcomed into the Knifemaker’s Guild and now in 2020 he has become a voting member in the Guild.
“Skelton Bladeworks” began with the release of 2 designs, the second of which was the Tibia you see here. While his model selection has grown, the Tibia remains one of his personal favorites. It’s a tough, sleek modern Wharncliffe with a bit of a “tacticool” aesthetic. Practical for EDC as a tough tool for any cutting task, yet compact enough to carry discretely.
From Jim:
“When I designed the Tibia, my goal was to make the knife as compact as possible, but still practical for real use as a tool or for self defense. Most makers who design a compact fixed blade focus on a full sized handle, then size-down the blade to make it actually compact. I always saw that as backwards, so I made a full sized blade with a scaled down handle. As a cutting tool, the blade size is practical and efficient, and the handle is just large enough for proper purchase and retention. Easily concealed under nothing more than a T-shirt, you have a lightweight, unobtrusive EDC that will take on anything you throw at it.”
Prior to knifemaking, Jim spent years doing photography and video reviews on high end custom knives. During this time, Jim built a relationship with Reate Knives, being one of the first reviewers to shine a spotlight on the brand in the U.S., and praising their quality. Jim and David Deng share a mutual respect for each other’s work, and their friendship led them to this exciting collaboration. Designed by Jim, machined by Reate, offering a practical compact fixed blade EDC.
From Jim:
“I have a profound respect for Reate and what they’ve accomplished in such a short amount of time. They’ve perfected all areas of knife production with details & finishes that rival knives that cost significantly more. When David and I decided to produce the Tibia, I immediately retired the customs. I’m proud to be able to offer one of my favorite early designs at a fraction of the cost of the custom, and exhibiting quality that will make all collectors & users happy. I’m also proud to have worked with Reate to create their first-ever fixed blade knife.”
From its piercing tip, to the long straight edge and back to the slim carbon fiber scales: the Tibia is compact-carry fixed blade perfection.
From Reate's press release:
Jim Skelton began making knives in Dallas, Texas in 2016. Drawing from the knowledge of several of his knifemaker friends, Jim hit the ground running and started off right away as a full time knifemaker. In 2018, Jim was welcomed into the Knifemaker’s Guild and now in 2020 he has become a voting member in the Guild.
“Skelton Bladeworks” began with the release of 2 designs, the second of which was the Tibia you see here. While his model selection has grown, the Tibia remains one of his personal favorites. It’s a tough, sleek modern Wharncliffe with a bit of a “tacticool” aesthetic. Practical for EDC as a tough tool for any cutting task, yet compact enough to carry discretely.
From Jim:
“When I designed the Tibia, my goal was to make the knife as compact as possible, but still practical for real use as a tool or for self defense. Most makers who design a compact fixed blade focus on a full sized handle, then size-down the blade to make it actually compact. I always saw that as backwards, so I made a full sized blade with a scaled down handle. As a cutting tool, the blade size is practical and efficient, and the handle is just large enough for proper purchase and retention. Easily concealed under nothing more than a T-shirt, you have a lightweight, unobtrusive EDC that will take on anything you throw at it.”
Prior to knifemaking, Jim spent years doing photography and video reviews on high end custom knives. During this time, Jim built a relationship with Reate Knives, being one of the first reviewers to shine a spotlight on the brand in the U.S., and praising their quality. Jim and David Deng share a mutual respect for each other’s work, and their friendship led them to this exciting collaboration. Designed by Jim, machined by Reate, offering a practical compact fixed blade EDC.
From Jim:
“I have a profound respect for Reate and what they’ve accomplished in such a short amount of time. They’ve perfected all areas of knife production with details & finishes that rival knives that cost significantly more. When David and I decided to produce the Tibia, I immediately retired the customs. I’m proud to be able to offer one of my favorite early designs at a fraction of the cost of the custom, and exhibiting quality that will make all collectors & users happy. I’m also proud to have worked with Reate to create their first-ever fixed blade knife.”
From its piercing tip, to the long straight edge and back to the slim carbon fiber scales: the Tibia is compact-carry fixed blade perfection.