Knife #12 Finished - A C O H

[Erin Burke]

Good Morning folks,

I finally finished Knife #12 over the last week. This knife was intended to be my first sale... I planned to auction it, with the proceeds going to a really great family going through some very trying times. You can learn more about the Parrieras by clicking this link to their "A Cash of Hope" blog. After communicating with Jack Parriera over the last couple of days, however, I am totally stoked to change my plans and gift this knife to their family.


Some Stats:
Length: 12-5/8"
Blade: 6-1/2" (tip to habaki) w/ cutting edge on the concave side
Steel: Differentially heat-treated ~3/16" W2 (from Don Hanson) Flat-Ground
Handle: WSSI Stabilized and Dyed Spalted Maple
"Tsuba"/Guard: 1080 from Kelly Cupples
Habaki/Fuchi/Kashira/Spacer: Copper

Yeah... the "Saya"/scabbard seems a bit plain to me too.

Yup... there's a bit of JB Weld near the mouth of the habaki. And yes, also a bit of a gap.

Yes I did poke a hole in my wife's fancy photo album.

And this one - while not a great picture - is fun because it shows my original artwork/design next to the finished knife.

This knife was definitely a learning process for me; by far my most complicated to date. I'm confident God was giving me a hand, because this thing turned out WAY better than it should have given my limited experience and skill set. Don't get me wrong, there are dozens of flaws that jump out at me like I'm standing on the lip of the Grand Canyon... but overall, I'm happy with the results.

Let me know what y'all think.

Erin

Note: If you're interested, you can find a WIP for this project HERE.

 

[tobinsmith]

That's a beautiful knife, Erin, outstanding! And very generous of you to gift it as well.

GREAT job!

 

[Atlas Knife Company]

Simply, WOW!

 

[Jack O'Neill]

That is real nice Erin , outstanding . You have come a long way fast since I meet you at Nicks .

 

[Fletch Helical]

Gorgeous Erin there is really nothing more I can say about it. Other than I would've loved a chance on a raffle to win it. But either way sounds like you're doing an awesome thing for them.

 

[Emphasiski]

WOW! :thumbup::thumbup::thumbup:

 

[Techtical]

Beautiful!!! You know somethings really awesome when you catch yourself realizing that your mouth is hung open.

 

[G. Shahan]

#12... Thats impressive! So is your generosity.

And yes, all talent is God given. I applaud you sir.

Greg

 

[Dan Pierson]

Very impressive indeed!

 

[godspeed]

Amazing!

 

[steveo83]

Very nice

 

[Erin Burke]

Thanks everyone for the kind words.

... there is really nothing more I can say about it. Other than I would've loved a chance on a raffle to win it.

Hah... the plan was for an auction, not a raffle. I couldn't raffle it... that wouldn't be fair to everyone else because YOU WIN EVERYTHING.

You have come a long way fast since I meet you at Nicks .

I'll agree with that. You met me before I had made anything... All I had was a brand new grinder that I didn't know how to use and enough gas-money to get me to Winlock and back.

 

[Salem Straub]

NICE work Erin. Some say there is no such thing as a "talent" for knifemaking but I believe you have it. That's your 12th knife for Pete's sake. Not that I mean to detract from the sheer amount of work involved...

 

[Erin Burke]

NICE work Erin.

Thanks Salem.
Hey, did you make it to the Okanogan County Fair this year. My kids had a good time there (visiting G'ma & G'pa)... well, until Zoe threw up her ice-cream.

I'm way better at making kids than knives.

 

[Landi]

Beautiful blade Erin! Amazing work!

 

[Raymond Richard]

Erin, What have you got planed for number 13? I don't think you could have made 12 any better! Congratulations on this fine piece of work!

 

[Erin Burke]

Erin, What have you got planed for number 13? I don't think you could have made 12 any better! Congratulations on this fine piece of work!

Well, now you done went and asked the million-dollar question (or maybe $1), so you get to be the first to see my evil plan.

Heh heh heh... how 'bout a bali to change things up? Something tells me I'm in for a world of hurt. I'm already beginning to experience the pains that come with drilling titanium... but that's for another post.

Edit: This one is for me and will go in my pocket.

 

[Raymond Richard]

Erin, I don't think 13 will be a problem for you other than dealing with the ti which I know absolutely nothing about. I'm not even going to wish you luck on this one. Been enjoying watching the progress you have been making in your knife building adventures!

 

[p moore]

DAAAAANG! That is one beautiful piece.

Paul

 

[childzplay]

Amazing knife, congratulations! Thanks for sharing #13 too. I really like the courage you show pushing yourself with complex designs.