a little something different

D

dclevinger

Joined
Mar 26, 2008
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12
This Cara Cara was my test run for some non-traditional engraving designs and has been fairly popular so far. I will definitely be doing some similar work very soon. The interior of the iron cross and flames are stippled which adds a little traction to the handles. Please feel free to comment.
 

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I am not sure of symbolism behind the iron cross, but that would be a negative for me, personally. The work is very nice and the look is appealing.
 
I like it. I think I would like it better if there were more contrast between the engraving and the background, but it is nice as it is. FWIW I don't find the Maltese cross to be offensive. It's a far cry from a swastika and is pretty much accepted as a generic biker thing. Unless the Red Baron still has people riled:D.

P.S. It would be great to see some pics/tutorial on the setup and process.

Regards,

Dave
 
General Specific said:
FWIW I don't find the Maltese cross to be offensive. It's a far cry from a swastika and is pretty much accepted as a generic biker thing. Unless the Red Baron still has people riled:D.
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Thanks for clearing that up. I knew it was no swastika, but somehow missed the biker connection. Even though I have owned motorcycles, I am not into biker culture and that would still be a negative for me (in the same way that a sports team mascot would be if it were for a team that I do not support).

But symbolism aside, I do like the engraving work. The knife looks like it was always meant to be that way-- it is well integrated. And I like that the design seems to just about fill the whole scale. The extra grip texture is a big plus, too.
 
Lurker, the iron cross was used as a medal of valor long before the nazis started using it. It has a long tradition of use in the "biker" community as a symbol of rebellion rather than racism. Many of the custom bike builders use it in their work as well. I would never use something that I thought was racist in my work.

Dave, I thought about blackening it but because the stippling is flush with the surface, it wouldn't hold up well. I'll try and get some "in progress" pics of the next project and post them.
 
OK, just for the record, I never thought you were a racist. I do not mean to criticize your use of the symbol, just that the symbol doesn't appeal to me, personally. But your engraving work definitely does.
 
Lurker, I didn't intend to sound like I thought you were calling me a racist or anything. Sorry about that. I am glad you like the work. For the next knife, I plan to do bulino style flames which should look really good. They should have an almost 3D look.
 
I like that this design does not have ink. It draws more attention to the fact that it is actually engraved rather than appearing to be screen printed. It also seems classier and more likely to hold up in the long run whereas coloration might show scratches.
 
That's a very good point. The bulino style work would look like it was screen printed an is kind of delicate. I have plans to do some sculpted work as well and may just try that next. Thanks for the input.
 
Looks like you have done really well with the Engraving. I agree some differential texturing would add depth and eye appeal but I don't know anything about Engraving so I can's suggest how to achieve that. ;)

I suggest that you find some Titanium and explore how the Engraving works on that, then you will want to learn to anodize the Ti and you will be golden.

IMO, Folks who will want to pay for this type of upgrade will usually want it on higher end knives (unless your work is very reasonably priced in the beginning) thus practicing on Ti will put you in front of the power curve.

Keep it up!
 
Thanks guys!

I've done a little cutting on Ti. I just have to adjust the angles on my gravers to get them to cut properly.

The rest will be on better knives. This one was just a test run and I wasn't sure if I would be able to sell it. If it doesn't sell, I can afford to eat the cost of this one easier than a higher end knife.

I look forward to more feedback.
Thanks again.
 
That looks amazing. (Like Lurker, the iron cross doesn't appeal...but hey, neither would a knife with Big-Bird on it...although it may be a good comic-relief with the whole Byrd series, especially given the Cara-Cara's size. I digress...lol)

Is it an etch or true engraving? I see a lot of potential either way.

Here's a hair-brained idea that may really test your process/skills/patience.

Brace yourself:


How about Paisley(sp?) designs? You know like the old neck ties. I could see that working out really well with the thumb-hole design on these knifes and may take it another step towards being a large "gents" knife.


EDIT: Went to your sight. Very nice, I don't think the paisley would be too much of a challenge at all! Solid prices as well.
 
Thanks Soilarch. It is true engraving and cut with a single point graver(see pic below). Even the stippling was done with a single point tool and took about four hours to do.

My main income comes from engraving guns, the knife thing is more for fun and lets explore new ideas. The majority of my work is on double rifles and custom bolt actions. Although, I have put flames on a few custom 1911s in the past.
 

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Wow, the finish and engraving on that 1911 is beautiful! Really nice stuff. Wish I had the skills to do that with my knife bolsters.

Regards,

Dave
 
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