Bark Mammoth/Damascus Shell Guard Bowie-P.Long Sheath-with a few extra fun photos

[John White]

Two years ago I made a carbon shell-guard bowie for a client, using some brown bark mammoth ivory scales.

I had an additional set of scales from the same tusk, so when he asked for a slightly smaller, damascus version of the same knife this year, they were ready to match.

Here's the result; a 9 1/2 inch, 4-bar damascus blade, with shell-guard, collar, butt-cap, finial and studs from a "stepped-down" version of the same damascus.

The file-worked accent spacers and frame liners are stainless steel.

It's a take-down, and Paul Long added his "papoose" holder for the T-D tool to the brown Alligator insert sheath.

(If you're wondering what a "stepped-down" version of a damascus pattern is, note the extra lines in the twist on the blade. Those are actually "W's" running the other way. The fittings have solid 1080 in their place. Right?)

Just for fun, here's a couple pics of the carbon "older brother." Note the Mammoth from the same tusk.

And finally, two photos from the damascus forging day. Here's a pic of the first weld on the billet. This is a kerosene weld. Note the lack of flying flux.

And after the first weld, the second welding pass is made with flux, to seal the edges.

This stuff is fun...don't you wish your Mom would let you play with fire?

John

 

[Burton Harruff]

Very inspiring work John. Beautiful knifes and I love the hot pictures.

 

[Bronco]

Just stunning, John.

 

[Bigfattyt]

Both really work for me!

 

[SBranson]

Beautiful work John. That damascus makes my head swim.

So very clean work.. Man, those are nice.

 

[Jos]

WOW! My kind of knife.

That is some fantastic Mammoth Bark! Beautiful damascus. And the sheath? Well, "Paul Long" is the American word for "Good Sheath" right?

Kind regards,

Jos

 

[RogerP]

Wow - how cool it must be for your client to have a matching blade made with scales from the same tusk. Both are beauties. I'd love to be able to look over the details of that damscus with the knife in hand - something the fortunate owner will surely be doing quite a bit.

 

[Calhoon]

Amazing work John... in every way! Thanks for the WIP..... Possessing one of your sublime knives gives me an insider's appreciation of just how crazy good you are...

 

[Steve Randall]

WOW that is a fantastic knife. I like the damascas on the blade and the Ivory a lot.

steve

 

[B . Buxton]

Beautiful piece John, fantastic damascus.

Bill

 

[jjtjr]

John,

That's a great knife!

The Ivory is super and as usual your Damascus is top notch.

That is a set of knives anyone would be proud to own.

Jim Treacy

 

[Bruce Bump]

Beautiful pair of Bowies John. I like those hot shots even more.

 

[Erik Fritz]

Great knives John your work is truly inspirational.

 

[Kevin Jones]

Good looking knife. That's some prime ivory and the sheath color really matches it well.
Congrats to the owner.

 

[peterinct]

GREAT work John and excellent pictures too!

That must be one VERY happy client to have that pair!

Thanks for showing them.

Peter

 

[rhswanson]

Sweet knives.

 

[Mike Quesenberry]

I love em' both. Beautifully clean work as always and that leather work is equally fantastic.

 

[John White]

Guys, thanks for the interest and compliments.

This pair is an illustration of one of the nicest things about making custom knives, the friendship and interaction over time with the collectors who support us makers.

(Not to mention that rascal Paul L, who's been razzing me for so long now while he works his leather magic)

John

 

[JParanee]

Another gorgeous combo from 2 of the best

 

[Don Hanson III]

Very Nice, John!!!