Key words: Gidgee...damascus...McIntyre...BOWIE!

RogerP

RogerP

Joined
Feb 28, 2002
Messages
13,348
I’ve been admiring the work of this Australian bladesmith for some time and when the opportunity recently arose to add one of his knives to my collection I decided to finally take the plunge. I’m very glad that I did.

This elegant fighter-bowie sports a 9” blade of tiger mosaic damascus forged from 1073 and 15N20 steels and features a long, graceful swedge (unsharpened). Overall length is 14 ½”. A very nicely-executed tooled leather sheath completes the package.

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The sculpted handle of ringed gidgee provides a comfortable and secure grip. The “stripes” in the wood provide a nice complement to those forged into the blade. The blued steel guard provides a nice visual separation between blade and handle as well as a welcome dash of colour.

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Here’s a closer look at the pattern in the blade:

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And a final shot of the whole knife:

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I am most pleased with this knife and now fully understand the praise heaped upon Shawn McIntyre and his work. The grinds are perfect as is the balance. This is one of those knives that “comes alive” in the hand. Fit and finish are beyond reproach. Well done Shawn!

Roger
 
One of the nicest styled bowies I have ever seen! Gonna bring that one to Little Rock, so I can slobber all over it?
 
I like that one a lot, im looking for one of his in the near future, right after i snag a Wheeler... :)
 
Wow!!! That is one of the most stricking knives that I have seen. I think that Shawn McIntyre is fast becoming one of the very best.
 
Roger, I've said it before and I'll say it again...

You ROCK!!!

What a knife. Congrats.

Coop
 
I get to see some amazing pieces in the making whenever I pop around to his place, but I don't think I've seen that one before. It joins the ranks of the many other awe-striking McIntyre bowies.

The 2 Aussie bladesmiths most familiar to me are Shawn and Steve Filicietti - they never fail to inspire me and many other with their work. Here you can see why !! :D Jason.
 
outSTANDing!!!!! that really is impressive. Sheath, blade, handle, guard, every bit of it rocks individually and even better in combination. Drool.
 
While I prefer a nice hand rubbed finish over damascus, there is no denying that this one is indeed striking. The handle and guard shape are just perfect. A real beaut!
 
Man, that's cool. I don't think I've ever seen anyone else do a "tiger damascus" like that, but it is really striking. I also have to agree that the shape and styling of this knife is fantastic. Sleek, confident, and with an air of understated elegance. And the fittings set everything off so nicely. That deep blue against the rich, warm brown handle is absolutely beautiful.

Just awesome
 
Roger - Simply fantastic. The blade profile, that gorgeous carved handle - the blued fittings, the pattern blade - all exceptional in their own right - but they come together incredibly well in that piece ........ if you ever get bored of it !!! ;)


Thanks for sharing.

Stephen
 
Thanks for all the comments guys :) .

Wulf - the only similarly-patterned damascus knife that I can recall coming across is this Crowell / Fitch collaboration piece described on the vendor's site as "tiger stripe mosaic" (pic from knifeart.com):

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Cheers,

Roger
 
:eek: Totally awesome package! And in particular, that is the style handle that seems to really fit large pieces like these...

Major score!

:cool:
 
Roger - thanks for pointing that out.

I have to say, I find McIntyre's interpretation much more striking.
 
I have handled this particular McIntyre, and can testify that Shawn did an amazing job on the balance and handling characteristics of this blade. Its lightness and quickness are superb. It just feels right in your hand, a quality that even the best of photographs simply cannot convey.:cool: ENJOY IT ROGER!
 
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