Custom Damascus Dagger.

[automantic]

Hi y'all,

This is my first post in this forum, if fact its my first visit to this forum!

I want to have a custom dagger made, and I guess this is as good a time as any so I figured I pick out a cool blade material for it now.

Here is what I like so for:

I like the Devin Thomas Spirograph damascus. I would want to have it blued though.

I also like a Darrel Ralph damascus. I am not sure what it is called, but it has gold streaks running through it like lightning.

The dagger is going to look double-edged, but only 1 edge will be sharpened. The blade will be 4-4 1/4" long and the handle will be no longer than 3 1/2" and will be constructed out of ebony wood. I want it to have a medieval look to it, so it will have a guard and a pommel. These are included in the overall length which cannot exceed 7 3/4". The pommel is included in the handle length, it will be from 1/4"-3/8". The guard is included in the blade length. the blade should be no more than 5/8" of an inch wide and 3/16 thick.

Please tell me what you think.

Also, if you know of any other cool damascus, or you know what Darrel calls the one I like please reply.

Thanks,
John

------------------
Absentem qui rodit amicum, qui non defendit alio culpante, solutos qui captat risus homimum famamque dicacis, fingere qui non visa potest, commissa tacere qui nequit: hic niger est, hung tu, lamnia lammina lamna forumites, caveto!

 

[Bruce Bump]

John, I am a full time maker and would be glad to work with you. I make quite a few daggers and like Devin Thomas steel alot. I also make my own damascus in several patterns. Devin is several months behind because of a recent illnes. If you want to run down your own steel that fine. Please Email me for more conversing. Bruce Bump

 

[shappa]

http://www.teleport.com/~jeramo/ is a good site of damascus daggers. R.Coon is a nice guy and is willing to work with you. He does his own damascus.

The site has great pics and descriptions.
Worth checking out even if all you get out of it is inspiration.

------------------
~~TOM~~

 

[Ryan Meyering]

Well, you're the only one who knows what you want, but that's an awfully small handle, isn't it? The pommels on most medieval style daggers I've seen are more like 3/4" minimum. With a 3/4" pommel, if you figure another 1/2" for the guard, your handle is only 2.5" with a 4" blade and OAL of 7 3/4".

Just a thought... maybe a maker could work within the specs you gave.

Good choice on the damascus, BTW. Devin Thomas's Firestorm is my favorite.


------------------
For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Romans 6:23



[This message has been edited by Ryan Meyering (edited 02-18-2000).]

 

[automantic]

Hi Tom,

Thanks for the link.

This looks like what I want:

Only the guards can only be 2" wide (at most), the handle it also to wide and the rest would have to be made to the specs. of my first post. I like the silver wire running through the handle and the pommel. I wonder if I could get tiger heads instead of dragons....

Hi Ryan,

Nice to hear from someone I know!

Actually my hand is only 3 1/4 wide at the knuckles. (My thumb is the same length! [Go figure!]) My thumb is 3/4" wide at its knuckle so the blade can be no less than that at the base (first 3/4") but it should narrow down for there and will not be a problem. I can also rest my hand on the pommel. (Its purely decorative, I don't plan of crushing any skulls.

)

I forgot to tell you guys in my first post will be carrying this knife rather frequently. (At least the first few months after I get it.

) I don't plan on using it to cut anything though, except for a few letters.

I also forgot to tell you the reason I want it to be less than 8". I am going to use it as a sleeve dagger and my forearm is only 10" long from elbow to wrist. That is also why the guard can only be 2" wide. (I don't want to it draw unwanted attention)

Thanks for the help.

Later,
John

P.S. I always wanted a dagger like this, but other knives got it the way. (How many times have you heard that before?)

------------------
Absentem qui rodit amicum, qui non defendit alio culpante, solutos qui captat risus homimum famamque dicacis, fingere qui non visa potest, commissa tacere qui nequit: hic niger est, hung tu, lamnia lammina lamna forumites, caveto!

[This message has been edited by automantic (edited 02-18-2000).]

 

[shappa]

Hi John,
since you have a definite style and size knife that is intended for a limited method of carry you might want to make a wooden or aluminum prototype of what you want. That way you will see if the lines "flow", how it will feel in the hand, will it fit in the area to be carried comfortably, will you be able to draw the blade safely/quickly, will the guards have to be shortened/eliminated.
Spend a few bucks for some balsa from a hobby shop, invest an evening of sanding/shaping and you'll be able to be certain that what you want is right, before you put out major bucks for the actual knife.