Great photo Coop.
Perfect example of a photo being worth a thousand words as you told the entire story in a single beautiful image.
In looking at Kyle's scary video I believe I will take it as proof that the knife will twirl as intended.
No need in my becoming proficient in this task as it looks as one could possibly bleed-out trying.
But seriously, I received this knife about a week ago and the fit, finish and execution is outstanding. So much so that I examined the knife under good light and magnification which is often a bit of a let down even thought it's possibly beyond expectations for a knife to hold up to full expectations under such scrutiny. Not the case here, as this closer look raised my appreciation of Kyle's talent.
The knife finished out at the designed 9" blade and 14" OAL. Obviously, Kyle realized early on considering the substantial handle that he may have a weight/balance problem. This enticed him to cut as much weight out of the internal handle components. The result was a knife that balances right at the guard, important if the bowie was to actually function as a ring guard bowie.
Ivory selection is always like rolling the dice in regard to how the color and texture is going to finish out. I feel Kyle really maxed out the ivory's potential here in providing a nice uniform shape/finish without losing the character and brilliant color. I sold to a friend a very similar piece of ivory that was from the same tusk as these scales knowing Kyle had his to use. Sorry I sold them now.
The "ring guard" is quite spectacular on it's own. The detail in the clamshells and especially the cleanness where the the ring transitions into the clamshell palm and guard is amazing (basically seamless). This transition is where I was most worried considering the rough forging Kyle started with.
The sheath, considering Kyle has not made many over the year and a half he's been offering them, was probably my biggest surprise of all. It's even nicer than the photos depict. I can envision Kyle someday offering knife/sheath packages along the quality of Tim Hancock and Larry Fuegen.
In commissioning a knife, there's always at least one thing in the end that leaves me wondering if it should had been done differently. NOT this time.
Thank you Kyle for taking the considerable time from your busy knife build schedule and making the effort to create this beautiful work of fully functional art.
