1st quarter 2016 lookback--hunters and a new plan

[Travis Fry]

I haven't posted anything in a while, so I thought I should catch up. Q1 of this year has been a lively one in the knife shop, though hampered significantly by a kitchen remodel and my 28 on/28 off work schedule. It's also a turning point in a lot of ways. I've mostly been a stock removal guy, but 2016 is going to be the year of the forged blade. I spent a few days with Lin Rhea in Arkansas in March, and he can testify that I have a long way to go. However, my goal is to submit my JS test knives at Blade 2017, so it's time to start pounding. I have some really interesting ideas, and I'm pretty excited about seeing the come to life.

Below are some samples of what I've made in the last 3-4 months. I hope you enjoy.

One I call the Comanche with 1095 and stabilized Black Ash burl:

One I wish I would have kept. My Smithwick with dyed and stabilized Bigtooth Maple burl and 1080:

Something a little different, also 1080:

And a little differenter. This was an experiment. I designed it as a skinner, which I think it's perfect for. I'll not likely make any more unless for myself. Steel is O1:

Thanks for looking. Let me know what y'all think.

 

[Bob Leedy]

Nice. I particularly like the Smithwick. And good luck on your forging.

 

[snubbie]

Love them all but particularly the Comanche. And the "little different" one...and the skinner, heck, they're all handsome knives. Simple clean lines, no nonsense workers.

 

[Matthew Gregory]

The best part of these forged blades, to my eye, is that they look like your knives. Your style has translated from grinding to forging perfectly. Great work, man!!!!

 

[Travis Fry]

The best part of these forged blades, to my eye, is that they look like your knives. Your style has translated from grinding to forging perfectly. Great work, man!!!!

I didn't intend to communicate that these were forged--they weren't-- though reading back over my original post I can see that it wasn't particularly clear. I just meant to say that I'll be transitioning much more that way in the future. I would be VERY happy if it works out as you describe--a perfect transition.

Thanks for the kind words!

 

[Lorien]

that first one is a winner, with a couple tweaks
call me

 

[Travis Fry]

that first one is a winner, with a couple tweaks
call me

There have been many iterations of that knife, and the one posted here is honestly not my favorite though it does have one of the nicest sets of scales I've ever used.

Here are some more.

PM me your number.

 

[zenaldiak]

Nice works!.I like them all.