Here are the photos...

Joined
May 9, 2000
Messages
29,205
...of the big Adam DesRosiers knife and the completed sheath from Chuck Burrows.

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The quote below is from Chuck.

In keeping with the camp knife theme of Alan's beautiful knife this is a "Neo-Frontier" style sheath using the best materials and methods of the past but built in a "modern" style - it's my first in this style, but it won't be my last! Due to the size of the knife, a 12.5" blade, I built the sheath with a core made of heavy 10oz bark tan leather and then covered it with elk rawhide - the kydex of it's day - it will wear like iron and will keep the whole package very stiff for protection of both the knife and the user - bend or cut through this one and you've done something SERIOUSLY wrong..........The face of the sheath body is decorated with a sewn in beaver tail inlay and forged iron tacks. At the throat of the sheath is a brain/smoke tan deer skin leather liner/cap covering the raw edges of the rawhide and leather. The belt loop is made of doubled elk rawhide with a bark tan liner. It is made to swivel about 15 degrees either side of center to make it more comfortable when wearing. The belt loop is attached to a laced, doubled rawhide wrap, which is decorated with some free hand carving and forged iron tacks. The lace is locked in place with an hand made elk antler slide. All edges were sewn first with a double needle/thread saddle stitch and then finished with a double whip or cross stitch. All together 32 feet of linen thread was used in the construction. The rawhide is sealed in the time honored manner with spar varnish.
 
Thanks. I'm a firm believer that the sheath is an integral part of a fixed blade knife and should be of top quality. Many makers are fantastic at making knives, but their leather skills leave quite a bit to be desired. Chuck Burrows is a master with leather, and though he is busy and can take awhile, I have always found his work to be worth the wait. Sheath making is a small part of his business. He also makes holsters, saddles and many other works of leather art.
 
very nice, Keith. I completley agree that a sheath knife without a sheath is incomplete. This combo looks like you have it taken care of. Very nice.
 
Keith,
Firstly,that handle turned out beautifully on this new knife,IIRC,the mammoth didn't work out so you went with walrus,please correct me if I'm wrong.It looks gorgeous. :eek: :cool:
Now for the sheath,AMAZING!!.WOW! :cool:
I can't imagine the time and technique that went into this,much less the choice of sheath materials.
What everyone else said,a complete package.:thumbup:
Congrats!

Doug:)
 
Now THAT is a standout combination. The great lines and materials on the knife are met with the same quality on the sheath.

Keith, you need to be proud for orchestrating this project. Adam and Chuck also need congratulations for stepping up their game. I love it!

Coop
 
That is some beautiful work you have there Keith, by both makers.
Way to go - :thumbup:
Thanks! for sharing.
 
DAMN!! What a beautiful bowie. I own one of Adam's knives and I'd put him way up there in terms of forging, fit, finish, and function. I have something similar to that in the works with him - I can't wait! :D
 
Thanks all for the compliments - they are much appreciated! :D

Considering that I went through a bout with some spring time "bug" and then the mumps of all things it came out just fine. Working rawhide is a real "chore" it HAS to be worked while wet but the wet has to be just right - not too wet and not too dry - which means about a 1/2 - 3/4 an hour working time and then re-wet to the right temper...........each part then must dry before going onto the next - time consuming but well worth the effort.......

Just to keep things straight, while I have made saddles in the past it's no longer part of my repertoire - just too bloody much work and they are heavy! And while knife sheaths are a small part of my (I should say our as my wife, Linda does most of the bead work on our frontier pieces) work they are my favorite projects of all - besides I get to see and handle all those nice custom knives! :D ;) :D
 
This is really a great looking knife and sheath combo, Keith. :thumbup:
 
The knife has arrived. I thought I had some large knives, but this one dwarfs all the others. Walrus ivory is really sexy stuff. It is smoother than a baby's bottom and looks fantastic. The knife is as well made as some of the MS knives that I have. Adam has real talent. He is going places.

The sheath is really something. It is the nicest one that Chuck has made me to date.
 
I'm glad it is safely in your hands Keith. Enjoy! No doubt that this one was worth the wait.

Roger
 
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