Frenzy Damascus and Other Fancy Things

[TekSec]

Blade: Flat ground 5/32" 1095 / 15N20 Chad Nichols Frenzy Damascus

Heat treated by Peters’ Heat Treat to RC 59-60
Handle: Reconstituted Turquoise Bolsters, two tone Kauri (front) / African Blackwood (butt)

Pins: Stainless Steel (hidden) with SS Thong

OAL: 9 1/8”
Blade Length: 5”
Sheath: 8-9 oz. hand stitched vegetable tanned shoulder with 4 in 1 maille wrap



Not sure if I'm going to sell this one. I'd have to ask an extensively larger amount than I ever have. My sheath work still needs some refining but the blade turned out perfect in my eyes! Let me know what you think in the poll!

 

[redneckswami]

That knife is hideously ugly!! I recommend that you simply mail it to me, and try making another one... OK - even Mrs.Redneckswami likes this knife, and she's not a "knife person" at all. WOW! That is seriously nice work, and the sheath is great too. :thumbup: How did you do the turquoise bolster?

 

[TekSec]

How did you do the turquoise bolster?

I actually bought the reconstituted stone scales from Jantz. Just chopped some off and came up with a bolster. No where near Jay Fisher quality as it's not real stone but I like it.

 

[TekSec]

oops.........

 

[TekSec]

Okay, can somebody please tell me why I haven't gotten but one response to this blade, please? I'm really confused as I thought this was a fantastic looking piece....

 

[pyrguy]

really nice blade. I like the shape. Bu I don't know about the handle shape. The materials look good but the shape looks wrong. I guess I'd have to hold it to make sure.

 

[TekSec]

I can see that. I think it's really comfortable with the slight swell at the butt to keep it secure. Thanks for the response.

 

[SDS]

I've come back to look at this knife several times. I like the combination of materials a lot and it looks very well put together. I didn't vote in the poll because I'm not sure which way I'd go with it.

If you aren't sure you want to sell it, keep it. If you don't think you can get what you want for it I'd put it in the for sale section at whatever price YOU think is fair and if it sells then great. If it doesn't then just keep it and enjoy it.

I have wanted to try some of that reconstituted stone but haven't had a piece that it would work on and I've been hesitant to try it. Looks good to me.

SDS

 

[TekSec]

If you aren't sure you want to sell it, keep it. If you don't think you can get what you want for it I'd put it in the for sale section at whatever price YOU think is fair and if it sells then great. If it doesn't then just keep it and enjoy it.

LOL...that's what I told my fiance I would do. No loss right?

 

[MacHete]

I'm about 50-50 with pyrguy and SDS here.

I like the combination, but not the materials. That is- I like the way you put them together, but I would have chosen two woods that contrasted a little more- either by color or texture/grain. I'm not a fan of turquoise, but it really makes that knife pop! You have a very striking piece there.

I like the blade and handle shape, the choil and thumb grooves and thong hole. I tend to prefer spear or drop points, but hey, that's simply a matter of taste.

In fact, all of my comments are about just that: How this knife reflects my tastes. Take them for that. They are in no way a critique of your craftsmanship or design acumen.

Please keep on crankin' 'em out! It's always nice to see something a little different, and I'm sure this knife is exactly what somebody, somewhere is looking for. :thumbup:

 

[Matthew Gregory]

You have to sell this knife, Erik... to keep it means that you'll only stare at it occasionally. You'll appreciate it, no doubt - but not like someone that purchased it from you might. They're likely to cherish it, where it will otherwise be nothing more than a milestone of your progress if left in your collection.

If you love it, set it free...

Great knife, btw... the turquoise and maille are a neat touch!

 

[SteelSlaver]

I know how you feel about responses on you knife. I sometimes post one I think is realy great and only get a couple. The D2 I posted is an example. Everyone who has actually held it and looked at it loved it. But, here only a couple reply. here is what I think. First of all quality of photos. I made a light box and have messed around with corel and photoshop, but, I think I need a better camera. Maybe your in the same boat as the handle on yours never really shows.

The knife itself. Love the blade and I have had a bunch of Chad's damascus and I love it, I have made a couple from his frenzy and it is great. Your grind looks great but, would like to see the detail better (photo) The bolster is great. I also don't know about the handle shape it doesn't quite fit, I think maybe a little boxy for the great blade and bolster set, also it doesn't seem to have no figure. I guess I think is to plain for that knife. The chain on the sheath is interesting, but, I don't think you need it. Looks like a great sheath without it and it distracts from the knife. I am sorry if any of this bothers you , I am really trying to be honest. I love it from to where bolster joins the wood. Jim

 

[Dusty One]

I think its a real Beauty !!

 

[mykulmorris]

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder...
I've made knives for collectors that I didn't like but they LUVVED... I've seen knives that others paid real money for that I wouldn't use to pick my toes... I've made cutters that I LUVVED that didn't sell... ib2v4u said it well...
-Michael

 

[TekSec]

Thank you all so much for the feedback. I think I need to revisit the sheath (have a new one working right now) and better pictures of the handle a close up of the pattern / grinds. I really appreciate the feedback as I don't have any contact in person with other makers, so I like the critiques. I never get upset at honest opinions. It's what helps me refine things! As soon as I finish the new sheath I'll be putting it up and if it sells, great. If not, I'll be wearing it to Ashokan! Didn't have anything that I wanted to wear last year

 

[jonesjp@surry.net]

ok, my two cents.

The blade is fantastic.

I like the sheath, but then again, I like maille. Did you rivet, weld, or butt the links?

The turgoise does "pop" as someone else said, but I am not a big fan of the stone. It's pretty brittle, isn't it? It makes the knife look colder somehow, where the woods are very warm.

It certainly is a striking knife, and shows a ton of skilll in multiple areas. It is beautiful work.

You've gotten great advice; put a number on it you are comfortable with, and be happy either way.

I didn't answer the poll 'cause I'd never be able to afford it

 

[TekSec]

Thanks for the feedback! The mail is just butted (hell, takes me forever as it is without soldering all the links!). I should have went a little smaller on the links but that was the smallest I had on hand. As far as the turquoise, yes, it will chip with any kind of real abuse but as this is more of a dress piece, I figured it would as a nice contrast to the woods. I may use it in future pieces as inlays and such, we'll see.