Engraved Fixed Blade

[ballknives]

Sorry it's been so long since I've posted anything,but anyway.I just finished this knife and thought it turned out pretty nice. It is ats34 steel with ss damascus bolsters that were engraved by Ken Hurst and some beautiful pieces of mammoth ivory. What ya'll think of it?

 

[Burton Harruff]

I like the dark feel of it.

 

[ArtinNC]

Very nice.

 

[dbl-edge]

What ya'll think of it?

It's a nice design, Butch. However, I believe that since the front bolsters were engraved the rear ones should be also to give it visual balance. Get Ken to work on the rear bolsters and it will be a very nice piece.

David

 

[stabber]

Looks great Butch!!:thumbup:

having the rear bolster engraved may be a bit too much?

 

[ballknives]

Thanks all for the comments.David I kind of had the same feeling as Stabber that it might be a little too much with all the filework.The bolsters are hardened now so I doubt Ken wants any part of that.Ha Maybe the next one as I will be doing more of this model.What would you guys consider this knife,a small bowie or a fighter or a hunter.I can't decide which description would fit best. Talk to me.

 

[ballknives]

Here are some pics of the filework on the spine of the knife.

 

[dbl-edge]

Thanks all for the comments.David I kind of had the same feeling as Stabber that it might be a little too much with all the filework.The bolsters are hardened now so I doubt Ken wants any part of that.Ha Maybe the next one as I will be doing more of this model.What would you guys consider this knife,a small bowie or a fighter or a hunter.I can't decide which description would fit best. Talk to me.

Butch,

My thoughts were that the bolsters should match in style. Sort of like putting brass bolsters up front and stainless in back. It would be a bit busy with engraving and file work, but you do view the engraving from the side and the file work from the top, so the two don't cancel each other out. You are right though, Ken wouldn't want to cut on them now!

I'd call it a nice sized hunter. Be a good size for a lot of game. Seems a bit small for a fighter or bowie.

Your file work is good. It shows some creativity in its design. And this is from a guy who doesn't really like most file work!

While I like the overall look you've created (except for the lack of engraving at the rear) one specific area I particularly like is the engraved damascus. For years makers have used damascus primarily for blades, but that has shifted in recent years and we are seeing more damascus used in a decorative manner. You've minimized the actual damascus look by only etching the perimeter of the bolster, leaving the scrolls smooth. I think it's a nice technique, one I've wanted to try for some time.

David