Finished mosaic handle WIP pics w/sheath finally

Mark,

Actually, my comment was aimed more at the aesthetic than the structural aspects of the handle. The mosaic looks absolutely FABULOUS from the two sides where it is visible. But when you start shaping a hidden tang handle you have to consider how the material will look "in the round", so to speak, and not think about just two sides.

The pieces that make up the mosaic will look like irregular stripes from the non-facing angles once the handle is shaped/rounded. And if you assume that the hidden tang handle has a more complex shape than just a pole (as most do), it will create an even more irregular appearance on the non-facing parts of the mosaic.

That's why I thought for hidden tang applications you might want to cut a mosaic block into scales and apply them to a center block... sort of a sandwich... so the integrity of the mosaic design remains, and the parts of the handle that don't display the design also have a "regular" appearance.

Anyway, that's how I would use it if I was making a hidden tang from that beautiful pattern.

- Greg
 
tryppyr said:
Mark,

Actually, my comment was aimed more at the aesthetic than the structural aspects of the handle. The mosaic looks absolutely FABULOUS from the two sides where it is visible. But when you start shaping a hidden tang handle you have to consider how the material will look "in the round", so to speak, and not think about just two sides.

The pieces that make up the mosaic will look like irregular stripes from the non-facing angles once the handle is shaped/rounded. And if you assume that the hidden tang handle has a more complex shape than just a pole (as most do), it will create an even more irregular appearance on the non-facing parts of the mosaic.

That's why I thought for hidden tang applications you might want to cut a mosaic block into scales and apply them to a center block... sort of a sandwich... so the integrity of the mosaic design remains, and the parts of the handle that don't display the design also have a "regular" appearance.

Anyway, that's how I would use it if I was making a hidden tang from that beautiful pattern.

- Greg
Click to expand...

That's the thing that makes it so much fun to do, as you go around the corner the patterns change in a pleasing way, it's always a surprise the first time you do a new pattern. It will be different, but symetrical. Like in my rattlesnake knife the belly is amazingly a lot like a real snakes belly. To me, it makes it more interesting and organic, less formal. I was too busy to set up the photo booth for these quick shots but you get the idea. I appreciate the conversation.

rattlesnake005.jpg

rattlesnake002.jpg

rattlesnake004.jpg
 
Very interesting. Obviously you can use different sizes and shapes for the scales. Do you have problems with pieces not fitting together in different shapes?
 
zaph1 said:
Very interesting. Obviously you can use different sizes and shapes for the scales. Do you have problems with pieces not fitting together in different shapes?
Click to expand...

Usually things fit pretty well if you stack the two starter pieces and your bandsaw is square.
 
tryppyr said:
Very nice!
Click to expand...

Greg, you know, you bring up a very good point, (It took me a while but I think I'm smellin' what you're steppin' in) it would be cool if you could cut out leaves, for example, (to go with your leaf blade design) and have them still look like a leaves anywhere around the handle they should show up. I have a couple of ideas. We should investigate it more, I should finish this and a couple more projects before I start a new one though. Thanks Mark
 
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Incredible!! 20 hours...i think I would have cracked after 5 :eek: The end result is out of this world :thumbup:
 
Looking good Mark. Very talented, very patient and apparently, very bored!

Can't wait to see more. Is is possible to alternate wood and horn for patterns or two types of horn?

Kevin
 
Wow Mark! Thanks for sharing this. I have looked at your handles before and wondered how in the heck you did that. Very time consuming and tedious work but the end result is stunning.
 
I agree, the result is certainly stunning and I'm in awe of the patience and precision it takes to pull it off.
 
Hey Mark...are you sure you have a machine shop? Who does all the work? Great project and very imaginative to say the least.

John Lloyd
 
kdcknives said:
Looking good Mark. Very talented, very patient and apparently, very bored!

Can't wait to see more. Is is possible to alternate wood and horn for patterns or two types of horn?

Kevin
Click to expand...
I know you were kidding but I'm never bored, I jump from idea to idea like some kind of a crazy man.
It is possible to mix materials, but now you are treading where only fools or geniuses dare to tread :D. Different materials (as well as different woods) absorb moisture from the air and react to temperature change differently (throughout the life of the knife), so you can have trouble with cracks at joints. The only way to know what is safe is try them out. Procede carefully grasshopper. Of course, I do it as well as others but we are taking more chances, I think it's worth it.
 
Mark, your work is phenomenal. I can't stop looking at your site. Can't wait to see more like this knife.
 
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