Broadwell/Foster subhilt final fotos

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billf

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Oct 9, 2003
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Here are the final images of Collaboration subhilt from David Broadwell and Burt Foster

Burt forged the laminated blade, heat treated it and forged the damascus for the fittings. He also made the sheath.

David carved and ground the blade, carved the subhilts and handle.

I supplied the Koa:D

Kudos to Coop as well, of course!

Not a "traditional" subhilt..... but one that I obviously think is outstanding!
Plus, Burt and David are 2 of the nicest and most cooperative makers you will ever run into.

with no further ado:

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orig.jpg



Bill
 
Let me be the first to say what a unique and fantastic piece this is. Superbly done from head to toe.
 
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Extraordinary would describe it IMO. Design, execution, fit/finish all seem to be top notch. One of the most pleasing handle/guard combinations I have seen.
The matching damascus shields for the sheath frog and on the butt add a super nice touch.
Don't think Burt could have designed a more appropriate and beautiful sheath.

Great Coop photos as usual.

I like Burt's laminated steel but it doesn't do it for me on this design. Not saying it looks bad by any means, just IMO the overall flow would have benefited from a damascus blade.
 
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Bill, you know my thoughts on this piece, but I will add them here all the same.

This is a spectacular piece - made so by the unique combination of makers' skill and outstanding materials. You really desrve to take a bow, because apart from supllying the Koa, it was your concept that brought it all together.

Not traditional - yes - and thank goodness for that. Not knocking traditionalism - the subhilt genre holds many travelers upon a well-defined path - and there is much to admire there. But taking the basic concept and turning out a piece such as this has reslted in something of unique beauty, IMHO.

I think the laminated blade was the perfect choice in part because damscus is "expected" - which in turn would raise the utterly predictable expectation of an ivory handle. But I wouldn't change a thing. For one, the stainless-over-carbon laminated blade is a unique signature of one of the two makers, just as the organic blend of curves and textures is very much a signature of the other. And that Koa is simply gorgeous - I very much suspect that even Coop's talents only give us an approximation of its rich color and figure. Looking at this piece, I can clearly see the skills of both David and Burt in a truly harmonious blend.

I expect to see this one again in December. :thumbup:

My sincere congratulations to all of you.

Roger
 
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That is something else! The way that sub-hilt has been done is truly a work of art. I love it. :D
By the way, whats the laminate made from?

Ian
 
The Laminate is 416 SS and 52100 at the cutting edge.

Roger - you are exactly right - one of the things I like the best is that you can instantly tell whose work is involved, because each of the makers has his own individual "flair", and yet it works so nicely together.

Having said that, it might have been my idea to get these 2 together on this project, but they designed it and implemented it - I was at least smart enough to stay out of the way of the creative process for the most part:D

Bill
 
It is very nice looking Bill. Love the handle treatment and the sheath but I have to agree with Kevin. While you can distinctly realize the combo work of the two makers, to me I feel that it creates two different knives. To me something is needed to break up the blank space in the laminated piece of steel. maybe nothing more than some additional carving would have done the trick.
 
Well, I happen to think the blade goes just fine with the rest of the knife. Extraordinary would be how I would describe this knife.
 
that's a killer photo, Coop!
Really brings out the best in what I see as one of the coolest looking knives I've ever seen.
What a fantastic knife!
:thumbup::thumbup::thumbup:
 
When this arrived, I took the box downstairs to my studio, and, in my most common usage of a knife, I cut into the large cardboard box. Carefully pulling the large pouch out, I continued the unveiling, with the joy that opening a special project often gives.

When I unzipped it, the knife was solidly mounted inside the sheath. I inspected the sheath with wonder and approval. There is Burt's mark (unseen) on the back of the sheath, very large. Unmistakably BF. Unmistakably elegant.

But the handle--so VERY David Broadwell, was flowing out of the sheath with layer after layer. Such pleasure in it's rich colors and stark grays. I admired it just as it was for a few moments.

As I pulled it out of the sheath the knife's glory resonated through my involuntary audible chuckle. I'm alone, yet I am laughing out loud with pleasure at the sight.

I am FIRMLY in the camp which states this blade is perfect for this knife. My body told me so on it's own.

David's mark is that small wonderful gold medallion. (As if he needs that!) Burt didn't officially sign it, although we ALL know it's that pattern running the length of the blade.

Coop
 
I agree that the blade is perfect for this knife. There is an ethereal quality to the design conveyed both by a cloud-like design and a photo negative appearance.
I think these are only heightened by the mystery and fantasy of Broadwell's design.

It's a spectacular knife and a very special collaboration.

You are truly lucky to have this. And thanks Coop for your story, it really conveys the wonder that is so apparent in this knife.
 
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