An amazing Knife, by a very modest man!

Well after much wait and discussing with Rob Bayley I have finally got my hands on the much sought after 'Bayley S4 Survival Knife'. Previously known as the 'Bear Grylls Knife'. It is essentially the same knife, however is not endorsed by Bear Grylls.

Not only did I get the knife, Rob (the knife maker) was also very kind enough to let me visit his home and talk at length about his interest in knives, his relationship with Bear Grylls and how the 'Bear Grylls/S4 knife' came to be.

I actually do not know where to start as I am new to this blogging lark, but I guess I will start at arriving at Robs house.

On arriving I was welcomed by Rob into his home where all of his knives are currently made, by his own hand. Including the leather Sheath. The only thing he doesnt make himself are the screws to hold the leather belt loops onto the sheath.

The knife itself oozes quality and design. Any photo that I put on here will not do it justice. Which is a shame. For those of you who know about this knife, dont need me to tell you about the metals or the processes that it goes through to become what it is. All I will say is that Bear Grylls only ever went through 4 during all the time he used the Rob Bayley knife. He lost one on a Glacier, Broke the tip off of one (this knife can be seen in the Will Ferrell episode), and still has 2 more to use now. He even commisioned Rob to make one specially for a member of his team as a gift.

Rob (given time) really will adjust what you need personalised on these knives. I will personally be wearing mine on a 50mm old 58 pattern army belt similar to Bear and Rob was kind enough to adjust the loops you see above to allow for a little more give to fit on these.

I am not great at sharpening knives, and this is something that Rob asked. He tried to explain and instruct me at length on how to correctly sharpen the 20degree blade, but Rob eventually offered me to return the knife to him at anytime and he will re-buff the blade back to its original shine and sharpness for me.

The knife comes sharp, but due to the thickness of the blade the knife is understandably not as sharp as a swiss army knife blade or the Ray Mears Woodlore. BUT you need to understand that these two knives are for completely different purposes. The Woodlore is a 'Bushcraft' knife. Used to carve and whittle wood. Where as the S4 is a 'Survival' knife which is going to be used to help you live and survive. Being beaten and hammered, dropped, used as a spear etc etc.

If you have any questions please feel free to ask, however I do think I will end it there as I dont want to bore anybody.