Damascus blade Tanto with Graveyard Point Agate scales

[Redrummd]

This is a Tanto I just finished for a custom order, IT IS NOT FOR SALE. I do not usually do fixed blade knives so I thought this was worth sharing. The agate is from Oregon and was collected in the late 1960's or early 1970's. The material with this pattern in the agate is no longer found.

The agate just seems to be a perfect match for the Damascus in my opinion.

 

[knarfeng]

OK, a TRADITIONAL Japanese blade. I can go with that.

Very nice as always.

 

[RobbW]

That stonework is amazing, a really nice natural material.

I'm not familiar with stone hafting. If you don't mind, how long does it take to make and fit handles like that? Do you have to use diamonds? If you ever get the urge to post WIP pics, I'd love to see and appreciate the artistry that goes in to making something that unique.

Thanks for sharing.

 

[Redrummd]

Robbw - It takes about 8 hours of fine detail work to do a knife in stone. I use all diamond sawa, grinders, sander and wheels.

If you go to my website that is linked to my signature - you will find a VERY detailed tutorial that goes through the work step by step. With pictures it is over 30 pages long...

 

[swilliamf]

here it is great info and a cool look into the process http://www.allaboutpocketknives.com/tutorials/art_in_stone/index.php

 

[bluejaunte]

That's some really impressive stonework. For reasons not necessary to discuss here, I made a pathetic attempt at some stone engraving yesterday. I can't imagine the work involved in not only getting the shape right but also bringing it to such a high polish.

My grandfather used to practice lapidary and the time and effort he put in just to do a small stone was unreal.

 

[Phillip Dobson]

Beautiful agate. I learned to cut stones when I was growing up in Oregon. Graveyard and Priday were always at the top of the list for agates. It's good to see some in use on knives.

How does the other scale look?

 

[Redrummd]

Here is a shot of the back scale and spine.....

 

[RobbW]

Robbw - It takes about 8 hours of fine detail work to do a knife in stone. I use all diamond sawa, grinders, sander and wheels.

If you go to my website that is linked to my signature - you will find a VERY detailed tutorial that goes through the work step by step. With pictures it is over 30 pages long...

Thanks for the tip! I have Signatures/Avatars switched off to enhance rapid reading, so I never saw your link. I'll check it out tonight.

The fit of the stone to bolster is amazing. Thanks again for sharing.

 

[Redrummd]

In regard to the fit... I used to struggle to get a nice straight and tight fit and now nearly every seam turms out to be near invisible. I guess after doing 600+ knives even I can figure out something as simple as getting a rock cut straight..

 

[snorkem]

show us the filework, i can see alittle from the side but what does the spine look like from straight down

 

[Redrummd]

The filework is filled with JB Weld mixed with a black dye. It has tiny metal flakes in it and looks very nice in hand.