African safari

Del Raso Knives

Del Raso Knives

Joined
Dec 24, 2005
Messages
853
Hi all, just finished up the sheath for this piece based on a Loveless Wilderness. Knife was commissioned by a couple to commemorate their trip of a lifetime to Africa in 2017. Engraving is by Marcello Pedini, the high relief gold inlay is just awesome. Blade is CPM154, guard is nickle silver, scales are Giraffe bone, and the front panel of the sheath is Ostrich skin.

Over all length is 13" X 8" blade. Very happy everything has come together for the buyers to get it just in time for Christmas. This has been a year in the making, hope you like it. Cheers Peter.


A1 by Peter Del Raso, on Flickr


A2 by Peter Del Raso, on Flickr


A3 by Peter Del Raso, on Flickr


A4 by Peter Del Raso, on Flickr


A5 by Peter Del Raso, on Flickr


A9 by Peter Del Raso, on Flickr
 
Thanks guys. I’ve been drooling over Marchello’s work for days. Not looking forward to handing this one over.
 
Bloody nice Peter.
I'd love to know how these inlay are done. Does he teach, or could we get him to a symposium?

Paul Arestan
 
Thanks Paul. I’ve spoken to Marcello about lessons and he is willing, finding the time has always been an issue.

Marcello has fifty years experience, trying to teach this over a few hours at a symposium would be a big ask. Inlaid engraving is something even engravers generally attempt after they have a few years experience behind them.

Basically a recessed window the shape of the inlay is removed first. The perimeter of the window is undercut and burrs in the centre are kicked up. The inlay material is cut to match the shape of the window and then peened into place. As the inlay spreads it locks in under the undercut, the burrs also help stabilise the inlay. Once firmly in place the inlay can be engraved.

I’m sure a web search would bring up a much more detailed description. I don’t think inlaying carbon steel blades would work as you would have to cut after heat treat into hardened steel. Much easier on stainless blades as all the preliminary cutting can be done before heat treat and the inlay inserted after. No scale or regrinding to deal with.
 
Thanks mate,
yes I understand that these techniques take years to master but skills like his and yours always fascinate me and get me interested. They motivate me to lift my game and improve my humble skills.
Hopefully we'll catch up at the Melbourne show. I'm looking at going next year.
 
This is one of the beautifulest loveless style knife i've ever seen! The quantity and quality of the details is incredible.
Thanks for sharing!
 
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