Damascus and blackwood fighter by Kevin Cashen, MS

I'll draw your attention to the way the handle meets the fittings. As you can see, it is not flush with the metal parts, but instead is very slightly thicker, with a nice radius leading to the fittings. This makes it very comfortable and provides a very nice tactile input. In addition, if the materials were to ever expand / contract, you wouldn't get the jarring sensation of a sharp edge. Very few makers realize the importance of this (or alternatively very few collectors do).
 
Thanks gents. I find blackwood a particularly compelling choice when set against a VERY bold damscus pattern such as this one. Highly figured wood could become "too much" very quickly. That's my preference, though I don't dispute that others may have a different and equally valid preference.

The other area where I like blackwood is - as Joe mentioned - on a plain user where micarta might otherwise be considered. It is a tough, dense, stable wood that lends itself to hard use, and if I am going to have a plain black handle anyway, I would rather it be this than a synthetic (again, my preference).

But keep in mind that blackwood needn't be "all black" I have seen many examples with rich dark-brown streaks running through the black - beautiful stuff.

Like Keith, blackwood is easily in my top 3 or 4 favorite woods.

Joss said:
I'll draw your attention to the way the handle meets the fittings. As you can see, it is not flush with the metal parts, but instead is very slightly thicker, with a nice radius leading to the fittings. This makes it very comfortable and provides a very nice tactile input. In addition, if the materials were to ever expand / contract, you wouldn't get the jarring sensation of a sharp edge. Very few makers realize the importance of this (or alternatively very few collectors do).
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Excellent point by Joss and also Sookie. Movement of natural handle materials is an ever-present concern for me, and when a maker gives attention to details which mitigate against the effects of such movement, I am most grateful.

Roger
 
I had a chance to see this one at Ashokan, and I've got to say that you scored big on this purchase.

Congrats!

-d
 
really graceful piece...Tasteful Indeed
Love Blackwood its cool to the touch like marble
Enjoy Roger
 
RogerP said:
Excellent point by Joss and also Sookie. Movement of natural handle materials is an ever-present concern for me, and when a maker gives attention to details which mitigate against the effects of such movement, I am most grateful.

Roger
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Very good thing to point out. Don Hanson always does this on his mammoth and walrus ivory handled knives. Though it is much easier to finish flush, this should be a given on natural handled blades.

- Joe
 
RogerP said:
Thanks gents. I find blackwood a particularly compelling choice when set against a VERY bold damscus pattern such as this one. Highly figured wood could become "too much" very quickly. Roger
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My thoughts precisely!!!! Most excellent rendition of something that would fit nicely in my collection!!!! :D

Nice score, Roger! :thumbup:
 
Great Piece from a Great Maker. I love Black wood .... it is my favourite wood bar none!

Stephen
 
Roger - Most excellent! IMHO, Kevin Cashen's blades are in a class by themselves. One day I would love to have one of his full-on swords...
Unless I'm mistaken Kevin often uses (intentionally, I assume) darker toned materials through-out his creations. This gives them a weighty, substantial aura which I like. There are some similarities between yours and mine (one of Kevin's cutting comp blades):

 
Buddy, that is an outstanding piece! Thank you for showing it. I think it is very much to Kevin's credit that he puts his damascus to the test in cutting competitions. They are much more than just pretty. :) The blackwood / damscus combo is clearly a favorite of Kevin's, though he will occasionally brighten things up with some beautiful ivory.

Speaking of which - oh Mr. Gill - care to add yours?

Roger
 
RogerP said:
Greeetings all,

This piece recently made it's way to me from the Matherton Forge in Hubbardston, Michigan to Oakville, Ontario - one of the VERY few occasions where new forged blade doesn't actually have to travel north to get to me. :)
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Man, that's one beauty of a piece.

By my observation though, it still came north. Maybe only a few k's, but still north.

Canada: Still number in the world at being north of the U.S.A.
 
Roger,

I think this is the one you have in mind.

P

orig.jpg


But the Blackwood is easy to live with also.

orig.jpg
 
HTMD said:
Roger - Most excellent! IMHO, Kevin Cashen's blades are in a class by themselves. One day I would love to have one of his full-on swords...
Unless I'm mistaken Kevin often uses (intentionally, I assume) darker toned materials through-out his creations. This gives them a weighty, substantial aura which I like. There are some similarities between yours and mine (one of Kevin's cutting comp blades):

Click to expand...


Buddy,
That's the one Kevin used in the cutting demo at Troy last year, right?
 
dulleddown said:
Man, that's one beauty of a piece.

By my observation though, it still came north. Maybe only a few k's, but still north.

Canada: Still number in the world at being north of the U.S.A.
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Yep, most of Canada is north of most of the US, but there are plenty of places in Michigan that lie WELL north of us here in Southwestern Ontario. I'd have to look up Hubbardston to be sure, though.

Roger

PS - Peter - thanks! Anyone else please feel free to join in with your Cashen pieces.
 
Thanks Keith - I stand corrected - the knife came to me East-North-East(assuming it didn't go by ground along the 401 through London). ;)

Roger
 
Phillip Patton said:
That's the one Kevin used in the cutting demo at Troy last year, right?
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Yeah! Remember, during his excellent cutting demonstration, when he cut both pieces of this doubled up monster rope with one quick slice? The crowd loved it (and Kevin looked pretty pleased too).
 
Roger, that is a superb piece in EVERY aspect. Congrats on your score!:thumbup: I know Danbo is going to soil himself over this one!;):D
 
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