Damascus Rings and Wooden Rings

Graham Fredeen

Graham Fredeen

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Aug 13, 2009
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Hey folks,

Been experimenting around with doing some damascus rings these past few weeks and I think I've reached the point where I'm comfortable selling them.

Here are a couple pictures of a few of the various shapes and designs I've been playing with:

DamascusRingscopy.jpg


DamascusRing1.jpg


DamascusRing2.jpg


I've also finally got a niter bluing setup going, so I'll most likley be bluing all of the rings... unless there is a special request not to. None of the rings in the above pictures were nitre blued (did those later, but didn't get any pictures and I don't have them any more :rolleyes: )

Below is an example of a nitre blued ring:

DamascusRingBlue.jpg


Despite my best photography efforts (lets face it, I'm no Coop) I still think the blued rings look a bit more impressive in person.

Anyway, figure I'd offer these up for sale here on BF.

I'm doing these in runs (forge weld up a large billet, then do rings out of it until I run out, and then weld up another when I get the chance, etc.)

This first run is done from 19 layer twist pattern damascus done out of 1095 and 15N20.

Each ring will cost $100 a piece, and will be custom made to your specifications (size, style, design). Rings will also ship in their own velvet ring box.

Unfortunately due to the many differences in finger sizes, I can't do any of these up ahead of time, so they'll have to be done as I get the requests.

There are approximately 8 rings left in this run (I'll know for sure as I get closer to the end of the billet). These are posted in a few different places, so first come first serve.

If you miss out on this run, there will be others, and I'll put you on the "wait list" for the next run.

Additionally, in the future I'll be playing with different patterns and different materials (more complex patterns, tweaking the billet mixes for more contrast/better color results with the bluing etc), these subsequent runs may be more expensive, so keep that in mind. I'll still try to produce some simple patterns like these every now and then for those on a budget, but hard to say the wait time (will depend on other work load, as well as interest, etc).

In addition to the damascus rings, I figured what the heck, why not try some wooden rings, so I've been experimenting with those as well.

WoodenRings.jpg


I plan on doing the vast majority of them out of stabalized woods. The woods I have in stock for these rings will vary, so you'll have to inquire to find out more, and what is in stock is suceptible to change frequently. If the wood is not stabalized, I'll give it a good CA/epoxy resin coating to act like stabalization, seal the rings against water, and give them a durable and really nice finish.

These wooden rings will start at $35 a piece, with prices varying per wood selection.

If you are interested in any of these rings, please drop me a PM or email at fredeenblades@hotmail.com.

Also please stop by my webpage and check out the Rings page for the latest news about the rings and more pictures as they come along.

Thanks for looking
 
Last edited:
A very good question LX.

There is that distinct possibility if the rings are not properly maintained.

The nitre bluing greatly reduces the risk of oxidation from the rings being in contact with the moisture and salts from skin (as well as hand washing, etc) and will provide some a great deal protection by itself (but not enough to make them completly maintainance free).

On top of that, the rings will need a good waxing every now and then (I use the Rennissance wax, but something like carnauba wax or even other automotive waxes do a good job as well), depending on how frequently you wear them and how much "contact" they recieve with objects that can wear through the wax. I've worn one for the past few weeks (almost straight, even sleeping with it on, only really taking it off when I'm in the shop so it doesnt get caught in machines and tear my finger off) and have had no problems yet. I also have about 5 circulated among family/friends who wear them constantly and have had no reported problems (even on one that I did not blue and is just waxed).

So, as long as you take a minute to rub a little wax on and lightly buff them once every few months, you should have no problems.
 
I've made a lot of rings and other jewelry from non-stainless steels. Rather than explain all of the ways to maintain it's condition, I eventually gave in and said "Sure, it will change over time. It will burnish and scratch and get a very cool patina. But it will not deteriorate or corrode until you take it off and leave it in a drawer forever. If you do that, just wipe a little oil on it."

With all types of jewelry, change is inevitable. Change is not a bad thing.
 
A valid point LA.

None the less, with just a couple minutes of maintaince every few months (or maybe even once or twice a year if you aren't a heavy wearer), you can keep these pretty nice.

So far I have about 5 of the original 10 tenatively spoken for (not 100% confirmed sales yet, so I havent updated the quantity above, save on two), but just an FYI for those interested.
 
A good idea mike. I've actually considered clear powder coating them as an option for protection, I just havent had enough time to experiment with the process yet. I don't have an actual powder coat system (spray gun which charges the powder so it will stick, etc), and don't think it would be worth the investment just for rings. However I have an idea about "hot dipping" the rings in the powder to coat them and then baking. Just need a bit more time to get some powder and play with the idea.

In the mean time, I have the nitre bluing setup which I think does a pretty good job protection wise, and makes the rings look pretty nice to boot.
 
Tenatively, Only 2 left in this run!

There might be one more that I can squeeze out, but I'll cut this off at 2 until I get to that point.

Get them while you can.

Don't forget about the wooden rings either ;)

Thanks for looking.
 
Alright folks, that leaves all of this run spoken for. If I happen to have enough for another when all is said and done, or if anyone currently on the list backs out, I'll be sure to keep you updated.

If someone is still interested in rings, let me know and I'll throw you on the list for the next run, or put you next in line if someone steps out.

Thanks folks. I'll also keep you guys updated when it comes time to do another run.

Graham
 
I'll be doing another run of rings in the next few weeks. If you are interested, drop me an email or PM and I'll get your name on the wait list.

Also, don't forget, I also do wood rings, if you would be interested. Got some nice pieces of stabalized wood :)

Thanks folks.
 
Graham,
Thanks for the awesome ring. Great craftsmanship and the fit and finish were superb. Fit was exact and I couldn't be happier. If you're thinking about one of these rings from Graham, don't hesitate, they are worth every nickel. :thumbup:

Thanks again Graham,

Larry
 
Hey Larry,

Glad your ring arrived safely and super happy you are pleased with it.

Thanks for the kind words, and the nice wood as well.

Graham
 
I love the Damascas rings,,,, and so does my Fiancee:thumbup:.
Is there still room on the list for the next batch.
 
Thanks Shadowknight,

I do believe that there should be room on the list for the next run. I'm currently sitting at 6 on that list. There's no telling exactly how many rings I can get out of a billet, but I'm thinking of doing a couple, which should put me a good ways over that.

If you want to be added to the list, let me know.

Thanks,

Graham
 
Graham Fredeen said:
Thanks Shadowknight,

I do believe that there should be room on the list for the next run. I'm currently sitting at 6 on that list. There's no telling exactly how many rings I can get out of a billet, but I'm thinking of doing a couple, which should put me a good ways over that.

If you want to be added to the list, let me know.

Thanks,

Graham
Click to expand...

:thumbup:Sounds great, put me on the list for 2 please sir.
Thanks,
Ed
 
You got it Ed, on the list for 2 rings (slots 7 and 8).

And you're on the list as well Brian (slot 9).

I'm hoping next weekend will be the weekend to get a couple ring billets done. Going to do enough to definately cover the current wait list, and probably at least that many more. We'll see how many rings I can squeeze out of the billets when they are all said and done however.

Thanks folks.
 
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