Author Topic: Damascus Knife (Update #2) (Read 9367 times)

davec2 · « **on:** January 14, 2012, 05:42:00 AM »

I have been up to my eyeballs with aerospace work for quite some time and have not had the time to build a rifle or anything very complicated. So, I thought a knife would be a quick project. I made this one with a plain ebony grip, brass grip parts, and a 9 inch damascus blade. I had intended to engrave the brass work, install some brass inlays in the ebony, and flute the rest of the grip. Now that I have it this far, I can't decide if I want to do the engraving and fluting or if I should just leave it rather plain. Any thoughts? (I need to come up with a scabbard as well.)

alyce-james · « **Reply #1 on:** January 14, 2012, 06:24:41 AM »

Good evening Sir; I think this quality knife deserves the complete treatment. engraving, fluted grip and inlays in the ebony. I also see a black grained, pig skin, leather scabbard with engraved metal protectors, much like the style sheaths of the English Sheffields. (1850,s) Great looking project. Thanks, Jim & Alyce.

Jerry V Lape · « **Reply #2 on:** January 14, 2012, 07:02:33 AM »

Dave as always great work. However I have to say that bolt in the butt sort of lacks artistry consistent with the rest of the work. Fluted handle with engraving fully justified.

smokinbuck · « **Reply #3 on:** January 14, 2012, 07:39:02 AM »

Dave,
That bolt head can be treated to some of your fine, simple, engraving along with some inlays in the handle. It will only make a fine piece even better.
Mark

smylee grouch · « **Reply #4 on:** January 14, 2012, 07:47:11 AM »

Engrave acanas leafs on the dome and checker the bolt head, strip of checkering in a barbor pole fasion on wood. Looks great the way it is too. Smylee

jrice · « **Reply #5 on:** January 14, 2012, 06:08:15 PM »

Dave very nice work. Clean sharp well defined detail work. Jerry

Ben I. Voss · « **Reply #6 on:** January 14, 2012, 06:24:18 PM »

I agree with the general opinion: don't stop now! It's looking good now and it will look even better after the full "dave" treatment!

Tim Crosby · « **Reply #7 on:** January 14, 2012, 07:28:19 PM »

Looks good to me just the way it is. I would probably dirty it up some add some dings and make a second generation scabbard for it but that's just me. I have never seen anything Dave's made that wasn't artfully done and I'm sure this will be no exception.

Tim C.

The other DWS · « **Reply #8 on:** January 14, 2012, 11:15:02 PM »

Excellent piece Dave.
Over the years I have seen a few museum historical "side-knives" that were created out of cut-down single-edged hangar or hunting- type swords that probably had broken or damaged blades. This resulted in a substantial knife that had a grip that was slightly more massive in proportion to the blade. As I recall the MIssouri State Historical museum has several in its collection.
The one that really sticks in my mind had a spirally fluted dark wood grip with fine braided bright wire in a small groove in the peak of each flute. It might have originally had a leather wrapped grip but the leather was long gone and I suspect that the wire was a later and higher grade replacement. It originally probably had a "d"-shaped grip that had been cut away leaving small non-symetrical guard quillions that looked a mite too small in proportion to the actual grip. In many ways your better proportioned piece reminds me of my mental image of it

davec2 · « **Reply #9 on:** January 16, 2012, 12:44:19 AM »

Thanks for the comments. Since I am not any sort of knife smith I am feeling my way along here. To Jerry L., yes the bolt is a little clunky but I attached the grip that way (for now) so I could take the grip apart and play with different options. I am making two other different grips including the brass guard and pommel pieces. I took the advice about engraving to heart and thought I would give this guard a new kind of boarder. After the boarder was on, I thought a little scroll work might not look bad. I still haven't made a final decision on the engraving and may just file all this away and start over. (Tim C - after all is said and done I might just revert to the plain version and let it all tarnish.)

smokinbuck · « **Reply #10 on:** January 16, 2012, 12:57:44 AM »

Dave,
Although the second picture is beautiful, I think I like the simplicity of just the boarder.
Mark

davec2 · « **Reply #11 on:** January 16, 2012, 01:23:37 AM »

Mark,

I think you are right. Well, right now there is scroll work on one side and not on the other so I can flip the knife over and have it either way....

DC

alyce-james · « **Reply #12 on:** January 16, 2012, 01:57:26 AM »

David; I think both sides should be engraved. Looking great. AJ

Trkdriver99 · « **Reply #13 on:** January 16, 2012, 04:05:41 AM »

I wish I were talented. You do wonderful work Dave.

Ronnie

Levi Garrett · « **Reply #14 on:** January 16, 2012, 04:37:31 AM »

The scroll work is gorgeous, I wouldn't stop if I could engrave like that!

nthe10ring · « **Reply #15 on:** January 16, 2012, 10:08:32 PM »

Nicely done Dave, quite elegant as is all your stuff. Nice bevels on that blade, did you forge it.

Jerry Fisher

greybeard · « **Reply #16 on:** January 20, 2012, 08:08:45 AM »

Now thats "CHERRY"
Bobby

davec2 · « **Reply #17 on:** April 13, 2012, 03:21:03 AM »

Had a chance to work on this knife again. Didn't like the original grip or pommel. Made a new grip with brass inlays and lost the round pommel. Might change it again...have a completely different idea for a new grip. Good thing I don't do this sort of thing for a living.

smokinbuck · « **Reply #18 on:** April 13, 2012, 05:28:34 AM »

Dave,
Now you've gone and done it, you made a beautiful knife even beautifuller!
Mark

Ben I. Voss · « **Reply #19 on:** April 13, 2012, 05:37:55 AM »

OK, you may stop now - perfection has been achieved! Nice job, Dave.

smart dog · « **Reply #20 on:** April 13, 2012, 05:42:35 AM »

Hi Dave,
It is a long time since we spoke. Wonderful knife! Your engraving is so bold and has an excellent vintage look. You have a style that would grace an 18th century English gun very, very well. If I may, on this particular knife I would not have sectioned the handle. Rather, I would carry the fluting all the way through. That gives the handle flow and a delicacy that compliments the knife. The damascus pattern is like lace work and needs a delicate touch on the handle. You already have the bold designs on the guard and pommel, the handle would look great if it complimented the delicacy of the blade. If I wanted a silver accent, I might inlay silver wire along the crests of the flutes. Just my opinions, Dave. I am in awe of your talents and work.

dave

davec2 · « **Reply #21 on:** April 13, 2012, 07:36:30 AM »

David !

Yes, too long since we have spoken. Your observation on the grip is right on the mark. I didn't like something about this one and I just couldn't put my finger on it. And you're right, the sectioning breaks up the lines. I have made two other grips and I haven't liked any of them, but the one you suggest will be exactly what I should have been heading for all along. As soon as I have a chance I will make one with long straight flutes the full length of the grip. Thanks for the excellent advice !!

Dave C

Ahtuwisae · « **Reply #22 on:** April 13, 2012, 06:18:38 PM »

Dave...Did not want to comment until now...I love the progress and thought behind your work. It shows in the end result. I like the knife the way it turned out but agree on the handle. Another option may be a tulip flare.

Great work.
Regards - John

Daryl · « **Reply #23 on:** April 14, 2012, 08:08:31 PM »

That is just exquisitely wonderful work, Dave - World Class!

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Author Topic: Damascus Knife (Update #2) (Read 9367 times)

jrice

The other DWS

Trkdriver99

nthe10ring

greybeard

Ahtuwisae

Daryl