Igor Gichkin is well known to collectors of Russian custom knives. The knife maker lives in Orel and like a typical Russian man loves barbecue and backpacking. But the biggest passion of the master is airplanes, even folders cannot overshadow it.
Igor Mikhailovich is a former military pilot. He waited for each flight with bated breath, for a good note in the "Pilot's Personal Book" he easily risked his life. When he retired, he healed his longing for the sky with a knife-making.
Like most military men, Igor Gichkin has been working with his hands for a long time and confidently. Now he mainly specializes in EDC folders. Despite his mature age, he actively uses social networks. Igor Mikhailovich gives Russian names to his knives: “Semerochka” (the Seven), “Osetr” (the Sturgeon), “Pyatuy karman” (Fifth Pocket). The knives are desirable already by the names. Each Gichkin’s knife has its character and unique charm.
The master uses attractive materials: mokuti, Karelian birch, mother-of-pearl, obsidian, mammoth tusk... He combines eye-catching textures, that successfully play along with each other.
Blades are made from various grades of steel. The author's preferences are given to the masterpieces of American and Swedish steelmakers: CPM S30v, M390, CTS-XHP, D2, 440C, and XHP, exotic Japanese ZDP-189. Among all types of finishes, the knifemaker prefers mirror polishing. As for the axle assembly, the famous Brazilian IKBS ball bearing system is among the favorites.
The Fifth Pocket model brought widely known among collectors. This flipper features a drop-point blade with a thumb notch. The handle is a smooth rectangle with rounded edges, only one corner is slightly beveled, and a miniature fin peeks out behind it. Igor Mikhailovich most often supplies the axial “Fifth Pocket” with the IKBS system and titanium liner lock. The blade goes completely into the handle, leaving only a tiny fin sticking out. Initially, the "Fifth Pocket" was opened using the front flip, which was not very convenient. To place the fin at the back, the craftsman had to completely rework the mechanics of the knife. The updated version appealed to knife lovers.
The "Semerochka" (the Seven) is another hit by Gichkin. The drop-point blade is massive. "The Seven" is closer to tactics than to costume knives. The handles of these two models also have a different styles. The simple and elegant geometry of the "Fifth Pocket" shape is accentuated by a full-length scale. The "Semerochka" has a more complex handle shape with recesses for the fingers. Stabilized Karelian birch inlays are highlighted with a vibrant Mokume Gane bolster.
One of the most interesting new models of the author was the "16-carat" custom. Its blade is made from the ZDP-189. The highlight of the model was the axial bearing, consisting of 46 high-precision balls made of the famous American steel 440C.
Gichkin's knives are famous not only for their design but also for the masterful finish of the handles. For example, in the prototype of the "16-carat" model, black carbon fiber scales are inlaid with greenish mother-of-pearl. And one of the "Seven" has islands of mammoth tusk over multi-colored carbon. Skillful engraving is also found on the folders of Igor Mikhailovich. A very good result was shown by the collaboration with the talented artist Maria Morsina, who decorated the ivory plates of the “Fifth Pocket” with an oriental-style plot.
The Maria Stalina Knives online store is pleased to present the works of Igor Gichkin.
