Damascus Dagger (New Sheath Finished)

[davec2]

No time for big projects...really busy testing rocket and continuous detonation wave engines (CDWE).  However, I need to keep from going crazy (or any crazier) by doing something, so I made up this dagger to keep my hands occupied.  Not too sure what to do with it, but I like the look of it.  Right now it makes a dandy letter opener.  Now for the sheath.

Also...note to self... sharpen the blade LAST........this one was too sharp to work on, without a lot of band aids!















Finished the sheath.  Nothing fancy but it will keep me from cutting myself any more than necessary !

[smart dog]

Hi Dave,
Beautiful!!

"Note to self: pants before shoes"

dave
(now where are my teeth?)

[D. Taylor Sapergia]

Beautiful Dave!  It shouts, "I have an affinity for flesh!"

[Tim Crosby]

 Wow Dave...just Wow!

   Tim C.

[Elnathan]

Also...note to self... sharpen the blade LAST........this one was too sharp to work on, without a lot of band aids!

Or you could put the bandaids - or at least some tape and cardboard - over the the edge. 

Very nice dagger, dave. Did you make the damascus yourself?

[PPatch]

That is a serious looking dagger Dave and beautiful to boot. Oh, wait a minute... boot knife, yeah... (naww, it would probably cut your foot off just for spite).

dave

[pathfinder]

  Not too sure what to do with it, but I like the look of it.  Right now it makes a dandy letter opener.  Now for the sheath.

If I can make a suggestion on what to do with,it involves my address ,Don't worry about the sheath,just put tape on the edge.

 One fine knife there Dave! Again! You are one of a few here that continually blow me away with your work. Outstanding! Hate to see what you come up with if you put your mind to it.

Ps,continual detonation will NOT out perform solar sail! Just sayin'.

[LURCHWV@BJS]

BEAUTIFUL BLADE DAVE!!!
I can see I need to fold my next attempt at Damascus steel more than only three times.  thanks for sharing.

  Rich

[David Rase]

Great looking project as always.  I love the damascus pattern as well as the finish to make ithe pattern pop.  Your brass has just the right amount of discoloration for me.  What do you use to patina your brass?
David

[Topknot]

Dave, most beautiful and well made knife. The pattern in the blade is gorgeous. You do make some wonderful gadgets!!

                                                                          topknot

[davec2]

Thanks to all.

Dave - yes, pants before shoes...I'll remember

Taylor - now that you mention the "flesh" thing.....it's starting to look like something a Viking would have on his belt.

Tape on the edges....yes, I did that, but apparently I didn't use enough tape.

Elnathan - No, I didn't forge the blade.  I bought a rough forging from a fellow in India and then shaped, heat treated, and etched the blade.  It was a good forging and it cost $25 !  I couldn't buy the coal for that much.

Dave Rase - I use the same stuff Jim Kibler uses - Brass Darkening Solution from Historic House Parts.

Made a sheath for the dagger today.  I'll post a picture when I can get one taken.

[roamer]

WOW if I may, where did yiu obtain the steel or did you hammer it out yourself

[davec2]

Roamer,

Got the blade blank here:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Custom-Handmade-Damascus-steel-Fixed-Blade-german-dagger-Hunting-Knife-blank-/181090852094?pt=Collectible_Knives&hash=item2a29db1cfe

These look like they are finished, but they are not.  The blank is shaped but way too thick at the edges.  The blank I received needed considerable re- shaping, re-heat treating, and then re-etching to bring out the pattern.  For $25 plus $10 to get it from India to me in the US, I thought it was a good deal, but don't expect the blade to be ready to go when you get it.