I did it - Ordered Damascus Hell's Belle

Thats a great piece congrats

Big one for sure and a nice piece of stag doesn't get much meaner than that
 
Thank you Roger, Joe, and Arakiel! It is SO SWEET - backcut flows are so nice with this one. The first HB Bill made for me back in '05 was very "power" oriented. This one is very finesse-oriented.

It is also very VERY beautiful and irresistible in real life. The GRIP is, IMHO, flawless. It feels like it was made for me, as if I've had her for 20 years.

Thank you guys! I'll keep you posted on the next order. :)
 
ANOTHER one? Ugh...you're killing me! Looks like I'll have to give Bill a call. Enjoy!
 
Arakiel, I plan to keep ordering while Bill keeps making them. He is (as far as I know) the only mastersmith who is also well versed in the combative blade arts. Because of this, he has a very VERY unique insight into the craftsmanship that goes into building a bowie knife. He understands the art that I practice. :)

I view him as a katana sword-maker, and those things go for $30,000 IF the seller deems you worthy! This is why I plan to keep ordering from the old master.
 
4 Ranges said:
I view him as a katana sword-maker, and those things go for $30,000 IF the seller deems you worthy! This is why I plan to keep ordering from the old master.
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If that is the case, you know NOTHING about katana, or any aspect of Nihonto.

It is one thing to announce an order, and happily rejoice in getting it....another thing entirely to insult an entire class of craftsmen dedicated to a specific pursuit entirely unrelated to what Bill does best, which is make superb fighting bowies of his own design.

Joe, you can just stay out of this one and let 4 Ranges speak for himself....otherwise, there will be scorched earth, and only the trees will suffer.

Best Regards,

STeven Garsson
 
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Kohai, no insult intended. I have great respect for samurai sword makers! I'm not sure where you read that I intended to demean anybody, but regardless I hope you realize that I meant no harm by my post. :)
 
11". I tried talking him into a 12", but he feels that my skeletal structure is best suited for the 11.

I'm thinking of getting the next two in eagle's head handles: one light one dark. One with silver fittings, while the other in brass. I'll call him tomorrow and see what he thinks!
 
4 Ranges said:
Kohai, no insult intended. I have great respect for samurai sword makers! I'm not sure where you read that I intended to demean anybody, but regardless I hope you realize that I meant no harm by my post. :)
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This is my issue, not yours, apologies for the hair-trigger, but there are FAR too many folks, both makers and collectors that bring up Nihonto as a comparison, due to it's legendary status, without having a fundamental understanding of what they are talking about.

Congratulations on your new knife, enjoy!

Best Regards,

STeven Garsson
 
Steve, no apologies necessary! Us blade-folk are a passionate lot. :).

Ebbtide, Jos, FF and Manix - thank you for the congratulatory words! I first saw the stag/Damascus combo back in '09 on this forum...and I was hooked. From an aesthetic standpoint, the lighter color of the stag handle offsets the stoic beauty of the Damascus blade. IMHO, some wood combos can actually mute the patterns of the Damascus, whereas a stag handle really brings them out. It's mesmerizing in real life, because it's beautiful without any effort. :)
 
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