Input needed: Orientation of Swayback blade on Ealy Damascus

[JC in SC]

With many lessons learned from building my first slip joint (which is nearing completion), I've begun brainstroming what design I'll do next. I have a couple of ideas, some in my head, some on paper. One of those is a Swayback with some Delbert Ealy Lizard Pattern Damascus, bolsters and Sambar Stag scales. I've been playing around with some photocopies of the bar of Damascus and my preliminary sketch of the blade.

Originally, I was leaning towards 'Option 1', though I think they all look good. Right now I'm kind of digging 'Option 4' though.

Obviously I didn't put a lot of time into ensuring the consistency of my traces, so disregard any minor differences between the above blade shapes. They are supposed to be identical other than the orientation of the pattern. That being said, which orientation do you like best?

 

[T.A.DAVISON]

I think I like #4 - but I'm sure it will look great with any of them.

Look forward to seeing the knife done as well as #1 finished. - :thumbup:

Todd


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[Cubane]

I like #4 as well but you need to realise it is going to change completely once you start grinding as well. I haven't done too many damascus blades so I don't really know how it changes that well yet.

 

[tattooedfreak]

I like #3. #4 makes me want the edge on the curve.

 

[JC in SC]

I realize the pattern will change somewhat as the bevels are ground, but the blank is fairly consistent side-to-side.

It is kind of humorous, to me at least, that no one has voted for Option 2. Personally, I don't like all of the folds in the damascus bunched at the tip like that. I think Option 4 is the best because it will have the best combination of pattern on the bevels as well as pattern on the spine. With Option 1 and Option 3, pattern on the spine would be kind of scattered, if that makes sense.

 

[JasonSCarter]

5) all the above, but 1 or 4 if it were mine

Jason

 

[deker]

My vote was for #1, because I like seeing the flow of the pattern follow the direction/flow of the blade. As to the pattern changing, I'm familiar with this pattern from Del, and while it will change some in the grinding, the general flow of the pattern shouldn't shift in the middle of the piece.

Either way, make sure you show us how it turns out!

-d