Grapes of Wrath II - Ivory Bowie by Bailey Bradshaw, MS

RogerP

RogerP

Joined
Feb 28, 2002
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For those who may have missed the series premiere, Grapes of Wrath was the name given to a bowie I commissioned from Bailey some years ago. It was based on the design of Bailey's Master Smith Test bowie that won the coveted Hughes Award for best knife submitted by a MS applicant. The intricate and vibrant grape vines and leaves motif lent it it's name:

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It was easily one of the finest bowies I have owned and one that I sorely missed when I sold it. A little while back I got to speaking with Bailey about a replacement. As much as we both liked the first knife, we were of a mind that while its second rendition should harken to the original, duplication was not the way to go. The features carried forward would include: S-guard; mastadon ivory handle; grape vine and leaves engraving and multi-bar damascus blade.

Within that basic framework I essentially backed out and let Bailey do his thing. Well, almost. Bailey had envisioned slender, faster and more flowing blade, and to that end suggested a re-curve profile. Initially, I wasn't sure that was what I wanted - but a few sketches convinced me it could work and THEN I backed out and surrendered to the talent. I'm glad I did. Coop's own talent shows why:

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Specs are as follows:

* 9 ¾" blade (very deceptive - every time I pick it up I swear it's longer - no wise cracks please ) with an overall length of 15"
* Handle of carved mastadon ivory;
* Blade composed of milti-bar explosion pattern Damascus, forged from W1 and L6;
* Blued mild steel fittings with engraved grape vines and leaves providing the backdrop to 24 gold grape clusters;

Well, what can I say - other than Bailey really nailed this one. I had an inkling that it was a good deal better than average when I got an e-mail from Coop that led off with the word "WOW!". We all know what kind of bladeware passes through his hands.

Bailey certainly achieved his goal - this is an extremely quick blade - one that speaks of eagerness when in hand. And it is beautiful from tip to tip. The deeply-relieved golden grapes really stand out against the blued background and look good enough to eat.
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Combining a recurve blade profile with traditional clip point won't always result in aesthetic harmony, but it does here. And I am most taken with the compact s-guard with scrolled tips.

Sequels are so often a let-down, but I am happy to report that blade is anything but.

My thanks to Bailey - always a pleasure to work with you.

Roger
 
That is a magnificent piece to say the least. :thumbup: :thumbup: :thumbup: :thumbup:

I have been interested since it showed up as your avatar. Must have seemed like an impossible project in the beginning to improve upon the first, however Bailey diffidently aced it.

The materials, design, proportions, flow, damascus, engraving, inlay, execution all top notch.

It's so elegant, yet would be a very effective choice if involved in an ominous encounter.

Some may not like the flow of the guard, however it works for me.

Great job Bailey, Roger and Coop.
 
When Bailey nails it he REALLY nails it.

I often say he has the potential and the technical ability to be one of the greats.
 
The first one is magnificent. I like the second one more. I prefer the slimmer lines, and feel that the engraving is much more advanced. I also prefer the shape of the handle on the latest knife.
 
Great looking knife Roger. Looking forward to seeing it. Bailey has done a great job and Coop has shown it in its finest.
 
Those are both STUNNING. It's a shame you let go of the first; a matched set would've been the bee's knees!
 
Simply outstanding:thumbup: :thumbup: :thumbup: :thumbup: . Congratulations to all involved in such a gratifying project.

Guido
 
Kevin Jones said:
Some may not like the flow of the guard, however it works for me.
Click to expand...

The guard works for me BIGTIME. I think it is sensational!

The piece is simply superb in virtually everyway, however the blued skull crusher take down bolt, in the middle of the butt cap, is killing me. I understand Bailey's logic in having the ability to take apart the knife, and it is a bit of a signature trademark, but I would have insisted on crazy glued butt cap. :foot:

Great piece Roger & Bailey! :thumbup:

P
 
When you have an ivory one piece handle, it is always a good idea to use take down construction. That way, if/when the ivory shrinks, you can tighten things up. However, I do think that finials should be finished in a way that matches the rest of the hardware.
 
Roger, not only a great bowie, but a wonderful story behind it. Tremendous work by all involved. Really like this one! The blade design turned out well.

- Joe
 
:eek:

That thing is freakin' gorgeous! I still can't take my eyes off that guard- just the way he laid out the design on it...

If there's a nit I could pick, it would be with that pommel nut thingie. But overall, it's, uh, great. (the joy of beholding this piece has overwhelmed my feeble possum brain and left me searching for words)

Bailey- I love your work. I don't think I've ever seen a piece from you I didn't like.
 
That guard and butt cap is amazing. And I usually don't like damascus, but the tight patterns here and color of the blade appeals to me.
 
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