Am I the only one who sees blades everywhere?

[tryppyr]

So I'm starting to get close to finishing the leaf knife, and naturally my mind starts to wander into the future... the bleak barren future in which no knife projects are on my table. As it happens I had a reason to go check out my medical benefits, and came across something that started singing to me, like the magical blade in some Bugs Bunny cartoon.

A caduceus...

So I went on wiki and found an image of a caduceus, then modified it a bit... this is what I came up with:

Am I the only one who thinks like this? Obviously, a blade made in this pattern would serve no useful purpose in this world, or any other. But for some reason I feel compelled to attempt it. Worse still, I know my skills are not up to it... but that's kind of the point... I might actually learn something if I try.

Sigh... I guess I'm doomed now. The idea won't leave my head.

- Greg

 

[Bufford]

It sounds like it's time for you to make an art knife. I get the same thought from time to time after making a bunch of using knives. The urge rises to get creative and make something that reflects that urge.

 

[stealthchaser13]

why not extend it, and shrink the "wingspan" some, and make it an art sword, instead of a knife.

or use the staff and wings part to make the sword, and the coiling snakes as a scabbard of sorts
something like this...

 

[12345678910]

That will be interesting

David Broadwell does alot of carving like that.
Have you seen the video ?
http://www.david.broadwell.com/merch.htm

 

[Wade Jones]

Makes me think of the snake dagger from Conan The Barbarian.

 

[Frank Niro]

Beauti has a use just as function does. Frank

 

[tryppyr]

If anyone is interested, I started work on the Caduceus blade yesterday. This one will take some time. It will be smaller than I originally envisioned... blade length will be only 4 inches, and overall length about double that when done. Of course, I'll be using damascus (1084/15N20)... actually, the other half of the billet that I used for the leaf knife.

As usual, I have some crazy ideas that may or may not work out and some problems to think through before I begin cutting.

- Greg

 

[godspeed]

You sir, are one of the most interesting people to watch on this forum. I love your crazy ass ideas! It seems that you are completely fearless when it comes to creation and I find that very inspiring. Thanks for sharing. I'll be eagerly awaiting W.I.P. pictures and status reports. Don't ever give up on what you do.
-Adam

 

[tryppyr]

Since you asked, here's what I've done so far. I transferred the image to the metal and used a scribe to etch it in (so I could see it when the ink got blasted off), then did primary profiling with the band saw, hand file, and slack belt sanding. Also drilled some starter holes so i can start filing out the inside details... until my drill bit went dull on me.

 

[12345678910]

That would be interesting in a ladder pattern

 

[Will52100]

Now that should be real interesting, looking forward to seeing what you come up with.

 

[Ed Fowler]

Years ago I was eating breakfast at a cafe in Eugene Ore. Saw a photo of Lauren Bacall studied her upper lib and found a design that came to be in a future bowie.

Studying the design features of the geometry of the hull of a racing sale boat I found encouragement for a fighter design and it influenced all the Bowie I have made since.

Knife design is everywhere when we have gained enough knowledge to see.

 

[tryppyr]

Today I began profiling the undulating edge. First, I drew the line with marker along the edge. I then used the Dremel to notch the plunge zones, and a small square file to cut it in. Obviously nowhere near complete with this stage, but I had to quit because the way I'm working puts a lot of strain on my neck.

 

[Jim Adams Customs]

Wow, We sometime forget that our knives are also art.

 

[JCaswell]

Neat project!

 

[tryppyr]

I haven't had a lot of time to work on this recently, what with the inlaws coming to town over the weekend and my work project becoming all-consuming. But I have set aside the odd hour here and there. The results are still extremely rough, but it's starting to look like something... almost... if you have a very active imagination...

 

[David Stifle]

Wait a dab gummed minute here! First, how's the leaf blade finally turn out? I must haved missed the final post. Second, on the new design, can't you work in a nude gal?

Dave

 

[tryppyr]

Here's a last look at the leaf knife:

 

[David Stifle]

Ahhh, nice! Thw last time I checked in on the leaf thread you were going to make it a folder. Sooo, now on with a new project. Sorry for the disrraction.

Dave

 

[tryppyr]

Latest on the Cad blade. Due to all the tight inside work that needs to be done, I'm using the Dremel more and the needle files less. At some point I'll switch back to needle files when it's time to switch from shaping to finishing.