Chunky Bowie.

Will Morrison

Will Morrison

Joined
Apr 25, 2009
Messages
329
Here's a little one I just finished.

Specs:

Blade: O1 tool steel, 115mm long, 36mm wide, 6mm thick at the ricasso

Handle: Redgum, 125mm long (from the face of the guard)

Guard/pin and spacer: 304 stainless and copper

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Thanks for looking.

Will.
 
That is a very nice little Bowie Will. Looks to be impeccably made and that thin guard just does it for me.
You know it's good when you think to yourself: "I wish I had made that". ;)
 
The proportions are off...significantly....to me.

You have a 4.5" blade and an almost 5" handle...with a fairly squat(wide) blade.

There are those who will love this piece....I'm not one of them.

From what I can see....you have excellent skills in the craft department....basics like grinding, fit, finish, as an example the fit between wood, spacer and handle...just wonderful....the tapering of the guard could be a textbook for makers, new and veteran alike.

The design of this knife is where there is room for discussion and clarification of preference. I'd like to see this blade a bit longer(5"), the handle a bit shorter....and a recurved blade with belly more towards the point.

Looking forward to seeing more work from you.

Best Regards,

STeven Garsson
 
Thanks for the feedback, STeven.

I had concerns about the squatness of the blade, so I tried to offset the fat blade with a chunky handle, but it may not have been enough.

I don't mind the short blade/long handle look, but I do think that this knife would look a lot better with a narrower blade, perhaps giving the impression of extra length, or at least not exaggerating its shortness. Ultimately though, my knives need to appeal to other people, not just me, so it's great to get insight into other peoples preferences.

I'll keep your critiques in mind when I next make a similar blade.
 
Patrice Lemée;12553690 said:
That is a very nice little Bowie Will. Looks to be impeccably made and that thin guard just does it for me.
You know it's good when you think to yourself: "I wish I had made that". ;)
Click to expand...

Thank you, Patrice, that means a lot. I feel that way about much of the work I see here.
 
Really clean Will and well made for sure. I just hope that you sealed the red gum very well as it is notorious for moving even when dry as a dead dingoes donger. As far as the proportions go it depends on wether you are just going to look at it or if it was made for a specific person with a specific job in mind. If a customer has a huge mitt he might have need for a bigger handle, I have done that a few times, and while it might not look like everyone else's bowies it's good to see something a bit different. I can't help but say the influences of Nick Wheeler are plain to see but so what. You couldn't pick a better maker to emulate when making that style of knife. Your attention to detail is spot on , Well done.
Adam.
 
I really like it. I think it reminds me of me.
Kinda "thick" yet strong. Tough yet elegant. Robust but put together nicely.
Yet, It's me in knife form. (I wish)
Well done Will. Dozier
 
Very graceful and impeccable craftsmanship. Your work and that of the craftsmen who have commented gives beginners like myself a high standard to strive for with each knife build.
 
There are tasks where a short blade just works best, but gorilla mitts like mine just can't get small handles to work as well as something that fills the hand better.

Maybe it won't look as well to some, but when it flat out works, pretty lines and mathematical proportions have to step aside a little.

I say you've done quite well! Wish I could afford to work it as hard as it deserves!
 
Cheers guys

Adam- The handle is sealed with two coats of danish oil and then wax. It certainly feels well sealed, water just beads up on the surface.

Dozier- That's great:D I like the idea of a knife with character.

Holmesmade- I know what you mean. For my hands, a smaller handle than this wouldn't work.

Hawkhead- The other makers on these forums set a very high standard indeed, it's great that you strive to reach it rather than settling for something less.

Hengelo- Thanks!:thumbup:
 
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