A fighter (My first crack at ladder damascus)

M.Griffin

M.Griffin

Joined
Nov 8, 2007
Messages
460
A while back I handled one of Mike Q's ladder damascus blades, and man it was something I just had to try. While mine isn't even in the ballpark of his (just look at that dagger he posted), I am happy with the results of my first effort.

So, here is one I just finished up for a guy at my work. He is giving it to his dad as a retirement gift. I still have to make a sheath, but should have that done this week. He says this knife will be a user, so that puts a bit of a smile on my face. I am looking for honest critique. Believe me, I already know I don't have it all figured out so any comments are greatly appreciated. Thanks for looking.

OAL: 13"
Cutting Edge: 7 7/8"
Guard: Stainless
Handle: Redwood burl

-Mike

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Mike.....


i think you have a great knife there....the only thing that stands out to me is the swedge along the spine.....it might of looked better tapered into the spine about half way between where the clip drops and the guard
 
I'm thinking the same thing Mike said! I really like this knife!!!

You obviously went to the right guy for advice--- for your first ladder to turn out THAT NICE is frig'n awesome. That's a terrific ladder pattern. :cool:

The only thing I would personally have done different, is take the plunge all the way to the edge of the dropped edge--- but that's just a personal stylistic thing.

Keep up the great work! :)
 
NickWheeler said:
take the plunge all the way to the edge of the dropped edge--- but that's just a personal stylistic thing.
Click to expand...

I was thinking the same thing. Maybe a bit more guard as well, but it looks pretty sweet.
 
Great damascus. I just finished out my first billet. Ladder is my next project.
 
Mike,
Outstanding Work. Really nice.
Nice Damascus.
I agree with Lorien, a bit more guard perhaps, but that is personnel preference.
 
Thanks for the comments and suggestions everyone, they are much appreciated. After all was said and done, the thing that bothered me the most was the guard being a bit too short. For some reason, I have a tendency to make guards too short. You would think I would learn by now since I have done it a few times. To make the ladder pattern, I used an angle grinder to cut grooves into the billet and then forged it flat on the power hammer. I don't have a press. I know (at least I think I know) most people press in the pattern and grind off the high points. Is there a benefit to doing it one way or another? I wish my pattern would have been a bit tighter and more uniform. Guess I could get that if I had taken a bit more time cutting the grooves tighter and more uniform??

Having the ability to post up a picture of a knife and get constructive criticism from some of the best makers and collectors around is an unbelievable resource. Thanks again.

-Mike
 
That's a helluva "first crack" to my notion.....wonderful fighter with exceptional proportions. :cool:
 
wonderful job, great damascus and redwood burl for the handle? a recipe me likes!!

regards Jeff
 
the more I look at this knife, the more I'm convinced that it isn't that the guard is too small, but that the blade is too long.
 
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