coral as a handle material

Daniel Koster

Daniel Koster

www.kosterknives.com
Knifemaker / Craftsman / Service Provider
Joined
Oct 18, 2001
Messages
20,978
I asked the question a long time ago about using coral as a handle material (specifically Alaskan coral) and I've now had my chance - though I did not do much work on these slabs - they came "ready to go". Thanks, John!

This coral is Iowa Green Coral. Hopefully, John will chime in and tell us the full story about how he found it, what it's made from, etc.

attachment.php



This is not so much a showcase of my work, as it is a showcase of just how nice this coral is.

Here's a zoomed-in image:

attachment.php


Thanks for lookin'.
 
Beautiful piece, Dan. I like the tile background, it really accentuates the knife. Is that the IG damascus?
 
YowZa :eek: , the coral handle and the blade pattern are made for each other, excellent match Dan.

Larry T

Member of NECKA & NCCA
 
Not the IG damascus, raghorn....that one has been ground out, but not HT yet. As promised, I will post a pic when done with it. It's a pattern I've never seen before, yet eomthing just like I've seen all over the place! :eek:

(sorry for the cryptic response...:()

Roger - :eek: :confused: :eek:
 
Dan, have I told you lately you do excelent work? Thats some really NICE work, Dan! Thanks for posting the pictures, too. The said coral is fossilized coral from here in Iowa. Yes, this was all seabed here, at one time. The coral we find in creek and river beds, and this particular rare color rock I bought at a yard sale for a buck. The folks thought I was crazy when I saw the rock along side their sidewalk and asked them if it was for sale. Anyhow, it turned out to be a great investment because of the color and also it being coral. The stuff is pretty hard, about agate hardness. Dan's handle cabs have other mineral natural coloring, primarily iron coloring that gave it the brown/green color. This particular rock has a silica deposit that gives it a lot of sparkle in sunlight. Roger(Rlinger) has some of the same stone on hand and has some secret plans for it. You folks remember that beautiful knife Roger built for his daughter a while back, with white Iowa coral? Roger ground the rough coral slabs into scales at home, on his shop machines. Other colors of the coral is orange and some red, and black is common, too. Russ Andrews (no relation, I think) Has some on hand and plans to put it to use, too. I am looking forward to seeing what these fellas come up with.
 
IG, you talking to me, or Dan? Yep, I got your billet of great chainsaw damascus steel, and it's going to be a double bladed knife. Gotcha wondering yet? Good! I have been working out the locking mechanics and think I have it figured out. Actually, there is enough steel for at least 3 blades or more of the size I want. I will give you a hint, IG. It's the squirrel hunting knife with an added twist. No, it doesn't shoot, too.
 
I was talking to Dan. But that is alright I know how you guys are. ;) I think you told me, it going to have a folding blade in the handle. :cool: :cool:
 
Yes, with spring assist and a lock. I swore I would never do another blade within a handle of a fixed blade knife, but you know how things kinda grow on you. My last one was a lock back, and evidentally that wasn't enough frustration. I still have enough hair left to pull out and some of my general shop cusswords are rusty.
 
Yes, you did, IG.



I made the blade for this over a year ago.....which makes getting this coral that much sweeter....:D
 
I got a chance to see this knife at Blade. Great to meet you by the way Dan. This knife is a sight to see. The coral is very nice indeed. I think that the more you look at it the more detail that comes out of it. Goes very well with the damascus. Not what I expected but I mean that is a good way! :D
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top