Cable Laminate Model 3's

[clint c]

Had a fella order 6 Randal Model 3 type knives in San Mai cable damascus. Was a big job for little old me! I made one several years ago, and he saw the pics and just had to share them with some friends.

Blades are 6" long, about 3/16" thick, cable damascus w/ some nickle weld rod mixed in, centre core of 1084. Guards are brass with aluminum butt caps, leather washer handles (alot of leather cutting there.) Pouch sheaths are 10 oz bridal leather.

I of course wasn't organized enough to get decent pics befor delivery, so I apologize for that.

Clint

 

[heavy_-j]

san mai cable damascus...is that comparable/better than the san mai steel that the super expensive cold steel knives are made with?
.....or is it anything special at all?

 

[Dawkind]

Looks like you did a helluva job to me.......VERY nice! :thumbup:

 

[jzink1702]

i love the grips . did you just polish them,or are they coated with something ?

-j

 

[tobinsmith]

Lookin good! Very nice work:thumbup:

 

[Keith Montgomery]

san mai cable damascus...is that comparable/better than the san mai steel that the super expensive cold steel knives are made with?
.....or is it anything special at all?

It is a completely different animal. The San Mai that Cold Steel uses is made from two stainless steels. The outer layers are a poor quality stainless that is very stain resistant and the central core is a much better stainless that will hold an edge well. This steel's outer layers are forge welded cable, which can be used to make a very good blade. It is also beautiful, but it is not stainless. 1084 is a very basic carbon steel that takes and holds a great edge. It is also not stainless. I would much rather have a blade made from this steel than the steel used by Cold Steel.

Clint, I think you did a great job on those knives.

 

[clint c]

Thanks for the compliments, and Keith for the excellent explanation of San Mai construction.

Kzink, the handles were polished, but I then added a layer of superglue to seal them. I've done leather handles and soaked them in various leather oils to seal them etc., but never tried the super glue method. Turned out nice either way, but I guess it is a personal preference type of thing.

Clint