Bill Burke fighter, progression thread

Keith Montgomery said:
Here are the specs for the knife.

Blade length 7.5 inches.
...
Handle 5.125 front of guard to tip of butt.
Click to expand...

I think the handle is a wee bit long for the size of the blade. It's tricky though, and it's a personnal taste issue. I have (at least one) bowie(s) with similarly short blade and in that case it doesn't bother me. Go figure. :confused:
 
Joss said:
I think the handle is a wee bit long for the size of the blade. It's tricky though, and it's a personnal taste issue. I have (at least one) bowie(s) with similarly short blade and in that case it doesn't bother me. Go figure. :confused:
Click to expand...

Because I have smallish hands, I tend to prefer handles inclusive of guard in the 4.75" and less area, but as you say, it is purely a personal taste issue, and with those of the larger mitt, also one of comfortable useage.

Best Regards,

STeven Garsson
 
Well, I've been waiting for the finished piece before I'd say anything...

And first thing I want to say is a big THANKS to Keith for providing a great WIP thread!!! :thumbup:

Having met Bill and his wife several years ago, he and I have traded "I wants" and "I'll sell it to ya's" for awhile. :D Well, I do own one of his, that is relatively similar in shape and style... And I admit, the comments about the handle appearing a bit long are sort of accurate - My hands aren't that big, but the handle is a wee longer than the 4.8" to 5.1" a lot of mid-sized bowie/fighters have... but not by much. And in the one I have, which again, appears very similar in proportion to Keith's, is actually very comfortable and in no way seems un-balanced or uncomfortable to handle. And actually, the slightly longer handle, coupled with the contouring, makes it swing a little better for a chopping motion - the butt swell makes such a swing very controllable and secure...

It may tend to look a bit disproportional, but I find it to be a very satisfactory solution to multiple grip positions and am extremely happy to have been able to afford mine... Lord knows he's got fit'n'finish down, and the ability to forge an exceptional blade... And I think Keith's piece is an outstanding example of Bill's work! :thumbup:

Nice snag Keith, and great work Bill!!!!!
 
Keith and Bill

Thanks for puting this together. An excellent display of skill and craftsmenship.

Brian
 
Very nice looking knife.

I still prefer the more traditional, Fowler-style workhorses.
But, i have no doubts he is equally at home in whichever designs he chooses. :)
Congratulations Keith, and Bill.
David
 
Here is a closeup of the blade...

36-web.jpg


...and the handle.

37-web.jpg
 
Great looking knife Bill. I really like the steel.
Thanks Keith for putting this on the forums, its very informative.
 
Kohai999 said:
Because I have smallish hands, I tend to prefer handles inclusive of guard in the 4.75" and less area, but as you say, it is purely a personal taste issue, and with those of the larger mitt, also one of comfortable useage.

Best Regards,

STeven Garsson
Click to expand...

Personal taste indeed - I generally don't want anything less than 5" on anything larger than a hunter.

Terrific knife Bill. Congrats Keith, and thanks for sharing the process with us.

I'm adding this one to my file for the next time somebody pipes up to say you can't/ shouldn't put wood with damascus.

Roger
 
Thanks Shane and Roger. This knife balanced right on the front of the guard and swings from a front hold to a reverse hold almost without thought.
 
Wow, that turned out nice! :D :thumbup:

Thanks for taking all the pics of your process Bill, these are, by far, my favorite threads!!! :D

I wish you would have taken some of actually making the "habaki."

I think the shadows on that first pic threw off the proportions.

Thanks guys! Great knife! :D
 
I wanna take back what I said about the handle. It looks just fine:thumbup:
 
I don't subscribe to the "golden rectangle rule" for handles
Looks awesome bet it feel just right and that steel is Beautiful..bet it it cuts some too

Nice!!! thanks for sharing the pains it takes to make a wonderful piece
 
Here are the final photos as supplied by Chuck Burrows after he made the sheath. The sheath was made with both Western and Japanese elements, as was the knife. The wrap is silk and the inlays are ray skin.

montgomery-burke-1.jpg


montgomery-burke-2.jpg


montgomery-burke-3.jpg
 
That's different. Maybe even a little weird.
But I like it.
Chuck is very creative in his sheath designs.
 
I wasn't sure I liked the sheath when I saw it at first. But it's growing on me. Definitely a unique approach - and I mean that in a good way.

Roger
 
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