Wolfgang Loerchner Dagger - Engr by Julie Warenski

[betzner]

A thread was done about this dagger a couple weeks ago, though it wasn't shown quite in it's entirety. It's now been imaged by Coop for all of us to see, and it's as expected - an outstanding image of an outstanding dagger - by a truly outstanding artist:

[Jos]

Oh my...

Speechless!

Kind regards,

Jos

[Joss]

This is absolutely lovely.

[Kevin Cross]

Simply Beautiful!

[peterinct]

WOW!! It is one fine sculpture in steel! Must be quite hard to put it down Bob!

Congrats again on a great addition to your collection.

Peter

[r connally]

Stunning objet d'art! A fine acquisition beautifully captured for us to envy by Coop.

[Lorien]

that is just about the exact opposite of ghetto.

[NickWheeler]

STUNNING!!!

Thank you for sharing this with us Bob!!!

[jonathan brand]

This is stunning.. Not to use the same word as everyone else.. but it really is!

[betzner]

Here's a second image from Coop showing more of the handle detail. The dagger is, of course, sole authorship by Wolfe (and what magnificent inlays!), with great engraving by Julie Warenski.

[Marcel54]

What's there more to say than WOW!!!!!!!

Marcel

[mknife]

extremely elegant!

[Kohai999]

I can only assume that the engraving was done in collaboration with Wolfe before it was heat treated?

It is a great example of Wolfe's work and certainly something to bring great pleasure to the owner.

Congratulations, Bob.

Best Regards,

STeven Garsson

[JParanee]

You are very fortunate to acquire such a piece

[RogerP]

Beautiful, elegant - congrats Bob!

[Dawkind]

Stunning.....quite the center-piece to ANY collection.....congrats my friend.

[betzner]

I can only assume that the engraving was done in collaboration with Wolfe before it was heat treated?

It is a great example of Wolfe's work and certainly something to bring great pleasure to the owner.

Congratulations, Bob.

Best Regards,

STeven Garsson

Actually, Wolfe and Julie didn't collaborate on this. The discussion about this piece started about two years ago, shortly after which Wolfe sent me the raw dagger frame. I had earlier decided I wanted to have it engraved by Julie, so had already discussed it with her. Once it was received from Wolfe, I sent it on to Julie. The only suggestion I made was that the "Wolfe" maker's mark be engraved (with permission already having been given by Wolfgang) - and that I would prefer she not use typical scroll. Beyond that, it was up to her (she's the artist).

About six months later, the engraving was finished. She forwarded the dagger directly to Wolfe, who then heat treated it. A few email exchanges and phone calls ensued with Wolfgang that brought the details of the dagger's inlays more into focus, but I still had no idea what the overall design would be. That's something one leaves up to the artist.

The dagger was finished a few weeks ago, at which time Wolfe forwarded it to Julie, for the final clean-up and contrast of the engraving, then Julie sent the dagger to me. It was only then that I had any idea what the finished dagger and engraving looked like - and was OVERWHELMED. So yes, STeven, it is bringing great satisfaction to the owner!

Best,

Bob

[Czechmate]

That is epic! Congrats on acquiring it.

[ptgdvc]

My eyes are bleeding. Absolutely magnificent!

[SharpByCoop]

All of Wolfe's works please the eye. As does Julie's enhancements. There is a simple combination of shapes and materials, which doesn't appear to be complicated. And then as you study and study, the complexity arouses the interest further...



The two pearl insets are almost mirrors, but then there is a slight color shift, too. The damascus patterns oppose another, and so do the engraving patterns; but then the gold inlays have unidirectional flutes and non symmetrical shapes.

The finger channels are polished and satin, too. The only straight line is when you look at the grind center, but then if you turn to look down at the edge, they taper and round to the tip.

It's a visual trap!

Thanks, Bob. This was important to capture well. I'm pleased you liked the composition.

Coop