I love that blade, too, both the shape and the pattern. And Phillip, you'ld probably see more of the butterfly if more of us knew how it was done....(hint)
John
I got the directions for butterfly pattern from Jim Hrisoulas' book on damascus. It's just a modified ladder pattern. Instead of perpendicular lines like ladder rungs, you make a series of X's all down the blade, making sure they're staggered on the two surfaces.
Nick Wheeler said:
That's beautiful Phillip!
I'd like it even more with something like elephant ivory on the handle... but it's beautiful just how it is. Does the butterfly pattern refer to the steel or the blade profile? I can see it in both.
Not sure if the steel is perfect for the profile, or the profile is perfect for the steel...
but it all has a nice harmony to it. :thumbup:
Thank you sir, I kind of like it myself.
"Butterfly refers to the pattern, but I agree that the pattern and blade shape compliment each other very well. I can't remember if I did that on purpose. Let's just say I did.
Kohai999 said:
Don Fogg once told me that he created the Shiv series with the HOPE that some enterprising and motivated collector would tear off the lacing that he did over the wood cores and give the whole knife a proper finishing.....in that particular case, I was of the opinion that the way Don did them was just fine.
In this particular case, imo, the piece calls out for bronze or stainless fittings and ironwood, ivory or flamed maple scales.
Best Regards,
STeven Garsson
STeven,
Would you see this as being full tang, like it is, with bolsters, or hidden tang, with a guard?
Joss said:
Phillip,
I like it, but I think silk would be more appropriate than paracord, and white isn't a great color for wrap because it stains so quickly.. Also, the wrapping / knot work is not to the level of the damascus and grinding. Some threads cross over, others don't, etc. It just needs to be super clean to work well. I also wouldn't mind seeing some color accent under the wrap, menuki style - either a piece of stainless, or bronze, or white micarta, etc.
This would work well with a handle, but it would obviously change the whole look & balance thing. Personally, I like the wrap (if clean
).
As a side issue the picture is badly underexposed if the wrap is meant to be white.
You're absolutely right about the wrap not being very good. I realized that and re-wrapped it friday. I think it's better. Pictures below.
I coated the cord with epoxy, hoping that that would help with staining issues. We'll see.
I haven't yet aquired any silk cord, but I'd sure like to. What color do you think would go well with this piece?
The reason I used white was, I saw a Bailey Bradshaw katana with white silk wrap, and I just thought it was the most beautiful katana I'd seen, and I wanted to try it on something.
Anyway, this project and thread has been very educational for me. I appreciate the compliments and comments from every one of you. Thank you!
I'll certainly do it different on the next one, but, since this one sold in less than 5 hours, I don't think this was too bad.
