Big honkin' damascus bowie - Cashen style.

RogerP

RogerP

Joined
Feb 28, 2002
Messages
13,348
Within the rich diversity of the bowie genre, it is likely the big broad-bladed beast that ranks as the most iconic. While my own preferences generally lean slightly toward the slender and sleek, the big bad bowies always retain a strong elemental appeal.

This one graced the table of ABS Master Smith Kevin Cashen at the recent show in Janesville, Wisconsin where Danbo was kind enough to act as my proxy shopper. After a brief stop with Coop (and a considerably longer stop with Canada Customs) I finally got my mits on this fine piece yesterday.

Here are the specs:

* 11" bade of 3-bar damascus (01 / L6), 2" wide, overall length of 16 1/8"
* desert ironwood handle
* damascus double-guard and butt cap
* tooled leather sheath by maker

orig.jpg


The particularly attentive among you will realize that this is the companion piece to the terrific damascus bowie that Peter Gill posted about a month ago - same billet for blade and fittings, but different wood and overall design.

orig.jpg


While I am fond of the big bowies, I definitely am not a great fan of the ones that overwhelm with a pervasive sense of mass. I like 'em big, but I like 'em fast. Nothing kills the buzz faster for me than picking up a big beautiful bowie, only to find that it has all the lively feel of a masonry brick. I think what I like best about this knife is it's perfect balance and lively, quick feel. Your eyes tell you that you are holding far more knife than you feel in your hand - just the kind of disconnect that keeps me grinning.


Thanks for having a look.

Roger
 
Absolutely stunning

I was wondering why you sold the fighter from Ashokan. Now I know.

May want to rephrase your description of Peter's knife...
He's a fighter NOT a camper!!! I'm sure he'll agree. :D

I'd like a shot at that one if you grow tired of it

:thumbup::thumbup::thumbup:
 
Super Damascus,lovely DI.
That's a big boy.
Good to hear about the great balance.
In the pics,the DI doesn't look like it's flush with the fittings,is it radiused?

Great pics(as per usual) by Coop.
Another tremendous acquisition for you Roger,thanks for showing us. :thumbup:

Doug
 
Thats a beauty Roger. Danbo also picked up a Cashen O-1 fighter for himself at that show, I got the chance to see it up close last weekend at Corbin Newcombs hammer-in. :thumbup:

Bill
 
Doug C said:
In the pics,the DI doesn't look like it's flush with the fittings,is it radiused?
Click to expand...

Correct, Doug - good eye. Kevin has carefully radiused the wood slightly larger than the fittings so as to avoid the exposure of any sharp edges in the (unlikely) event of shrinkage. It's a thoughtful detail which I also happen to find aesthetically appealing.

Roger
 
The wood was an excellent choice for this piece. Love the blade, love the whole package!

Stephen
 
Oooh I like that one a LOT. The wood grain and the dark etch on the fittings add a lot of character. In the first photo it almost looks as though perhaps the wood was buffed to raise the grain a bit? Very cool effect, goes nicely with the damascus.
 
Sweet, Roger. Super bowie. Great damascus blade. Love the guard design on this one. It is so nice when that 'right' feel is present in a big one.

Congrats! :thumbup:

- Joe
 
One of the nicest bowies I have seen so far this year. Wonderful balance to the design. In the photo it doesn't look as large as you would think it would. To me, that's a sign that the proportions are spot on.
 
Roger,
That's a great looking knife. The ironwood is a great match to the damascus. Kevin's work is outstanding. Congradulations. Jim Treacy
 
Roger,

1. Kumbaya :thumbup:

2. I love the way that the swirling grain of the wood closely matches the patterns in the steel. :thumbup:

P
 
Great knife Roger. Will be glad to see it when you drop in next. I have a new one here too that you have not seen.
 
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