About the Graycloud Tracker Knife
The Graycloud Tracker Knife is a limited-run fixed-blade knife made by award-winning bladesmith Robb Gray. Only 30 were made, and each is individually numbered. The blade is 3.25 inches of Crucible's CPM 154 steel — an American steel with a fine grain structure that gives excellent edge retention. Full-tang construction and nickel-silver Corby bolts provide lasting durability. The handle is hand-shaped from spalted alder and leopardwood, with figuring unique to each knife. Each knife comes with a handmade sheath in heavily oiled latigo leather and a certificate of provenance in a custom presentation box.
Because this knife is both a functional tool and a collectible piece, proper care helps preserve its performance and appearance.
Cleaning and Oiling the Blade
Keep the CPM 154 blade clean and lightly oiled to prevent corrosion and maintain its edge.
- Clean after use: Wipe the blade with a dry, soft cloth to remove dirt, moisture, and any residue. For stubborn grime, use a slightly damp cloth and dry immediately.
- Apply a light oil: Apply a thin coat of food-safe mineral oil or a dedicated knife oil to the blade. This protects the steel from moisture and helps the edge stay sharp.
- Avoid abrasives: Do not use steel wool, scouring pads, or harsh chemicals. These can damage the blade's finish and the steel's fine grain structure.
Caring for the Leopardwood and Spalted Alder Handle
The handle is hand-shaped from spalted alder and leopardwood, with figuring unique to each knife. Wood handles need occasional conditioning.
- Clean gently: Wipe the handle with a dry cloth. If needed, use a barely damp cloth and dry immediately. Avoid soaking the wood.
- Condition sparingly: Apply a small amount of beeswax or a wood-safe conditioning oil to the handle every few months. This helps prevent the wood from drying out and cracking.
- Avoid extreme conditions: Do not leave the knife in direct sunlight, near heat sources, or in very humid areas. Rapid changes in temperature or humidity can affect the wood.
Maintaining the Latigo Leather Sheath
The knife comes with a handmade sheath in heavily oiled latigo leather. Natural color variation across the hide makes each piece unique. Leather needs periodic care to stay supple and protect the knife.
- Clean the sheath: Wipe the sheath with a dry cloth to remove dust and debris. For deeper cleaning, use a leather cleaner formulated for oiled leather. Avoid soaking the sheath.
- Condition the leather: Apply a leather conditioner or a light coat of neatsfoot oil every six months or when the leather feels dry. This keeps the leather flexible and prevents cracking.
- Store properly: Store the knife in its sheath in a cool, dry place. Do not store it in a damp or humid environment, as moisture can damage both the leather and the blade.
Key Details for Care
- Graycloud Tracker Knife - Spalted Alder / Leopardwood: Full-tang construction and nickel-silver Corby bolts provide lasting durability. The full-tang construction means the knife is built to last, but the Corby bolts are exposed metal. Wipe them dry after cleaning to prevent tarnish.
Graycloud Tracker Knife - Spalted Alder / Leopardwood - Graycloud Tracker Knife - Spalted Alder / Leopardwood: Each individually numbered knife comes with a handmade sheath in heavily oiled latigo leather. The heavily oiled leather is already conditioned from the start, but it still needs occasional care to stay supple and protect the blade.
- Graycloud Tracker Knife - Spalted Alder / Leopardwood: The knife comes in a custom presentation box with a certificate of provenance. The presentation box is ideal for long-term storage when the knife is not in use. Keep the certificate with the knife to maintain its collectible value.
General Storage and Handling Tips
Store the Graycloud Tracker Knife in its sheath inside the custom presentation box when not in use. This protects the blade from dust, moisture, and accidental damage. Keep the box in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
When handling the knife, avoid touching the blade with bare fingers — oils from your skin can lead to rust over time. Wipe the blade down after each use, even if it looks clean.
Because only 30 of these knives were made, each is a limited-run collectible. Regular care helps preserve both its function and its value.
