Thanks, guys!
Tai, I actually thought it might be one of *yours* when I was told about it since it has a hikot. But some digging around turned up this:
I've been curious since someone asked me if he was carrying one of mine because I make integral socket handled blades. Not too many makers in the US doing so, and even fewer making the hikot scabbard (open faced board that allows moisture to drain and dry). I figured it was probably a Filipino rig since that's where that kind of setup comes from, but a little digging around turned this up on another knife forum, gleaned from Lucas' Facebook page:
"It's a custom forged knife, made by Jason Hawk of outlaw cutlery. Inspired by the hand forged blades of Indonesia , as well as the open face sheath, suited for wet environments . The hollow handle allows for an ever ready handle (no pins to break, etc) as well as a receiving space for a staff to convert into a spear . It also was built to be a pipe , in case medicine was needed to get into the lungs, if I got sick . About a 9" blade, forward heavy , great chopper, etc. Actually , it's quite balanced. Now that I handle it again. I usually use smaller blades in the bush, but the weight and the ability to hack and process brush for shelters was indispensable . I love smaller blades for crafting, traps, game, but I would take I knife like this again, of I could only take one blade ."