1st forged bowie

[Chuck Gedraitis Knives]

In the years that I have been making knives I don't think that I have ever made a fully forged to shape bowie till now. This blade has been on my workbench for over a year. It was forged from a bar of 52100 that was 1inch wide and 3/8 in thick. It was a lot of steel to move.
Here are the finished results.
The blade is 6-1/2 inches tot he guard. Differentially heat treated and shows 2 distinct Hamons. Flat ground with a false edge. The flats have been textured on 4 sides which I think adds great character to the knife. The guard is Al May raindrop pattern in an oval coffin shape. It has had some filework. The handle is mortised tang construction and is a burl that was given to me by a customer. The handle has had some contouring for increased grip. Overall length is 11-1/4 inches. Any shadows on the blade other than the Hamons are reflections of me or the camera. This piece is available.
Thanks for looking,
Chuck

 

[saint o'killers]

i love the texture on the ricasso...it simulates a habaki. good work Chuck. a stout bowie like that can definitely find good work.

 

[Keith Montgomery]

I think I would have to see this one in person. There are things about the lines of this knife that just don't do it for me. I really like the blade shape until you get to the ricasso. It is the angle that I don't care for. The hamon is awesome. The handle looks a little too slim for the blade to me as well.

 

[Chuck Gedraitis Knives]

The handle does have a slight taper to it, getting larger at the end. Like I stated, this blade was forged over a year ago when I didn't have as much forging experience as I do now. I appreciate the construcive criticism. This is why I like folders. I may modify the ricasso area after more constructive criticism. How many makers use 3/8 in stock to start with anyways!

 

[Jose Reyes]

Nice work, it looks good. I agree with Keith, the handle does look a bit too straight to me. Good job though for an early attempt. :thumbup: