Ladder pattern Wa Chef.

[Salem Straub]

This is the latest knife I’ve finished- a 9-1/2” chef knife with a “wa” style handle. The handle features an ivory micarta bolster (Ken Coats came through for me, gave me a chunk of this great stuff through the mail when he found out I needed just a little bit, ASAP) and oddly enough a block of nice curly Kiawe wood from Hawaii that was given to me by the generous Mark Farley. Spacers are 410 SS and blue G10. Since the handle and bolster materials were given to me, I think it fitting that this knife will be a gift as well- from me to my wife for her birthday next week.

The blade is some Damascus I made up of CruForgeV and 15N20. This is the first time I’ve made dammy with CruForge, I must say it’s a pleasure to work with although it makes sanding a bit tougher. It should cut like a demon though. The billet was taken to 171 layers, profile forged and laddered by grinding. It has a really nice chatoyance when played around in the light, I tried to capture just a little bit of that in the last pic.

The blade is 9-1/2” in length, with overall length at 14”. Total weight is 7.25 oz. The spine is .100” thick at the ricasso, with long distal taper. The edge is at .010” before sharpening. The blade is 2-1/4” tall at the heel and features a full flat grind.

That’s enough chatter, here’s pics. Hope you like it!

 

[fishface5]

mi tee fine!!!!!

 

[BladeScout]

That’s enough chatter, here’s pics. Hope you like it!

Like it? I want to effing marry it!
That is a 'thang' of incredible beauty.
Thanks for brightening my day.

 

[G. Shahan]

Salem,

That is spectacular!

Greg

 

[Shaw Blades]

Flawless execution as usual. You do great work.

 

[billf]

Wow

that ladder is mesmerizing !

Knife should cut like the dickens with that geometry, and I like the handle treatment as well :thumbup:

Bill Flynn

 

[stereo.pete]

Beautiful knife Salem! I love the profile and the wa-handle looks quite nice as well.

 

[Burl Source]

Beautiful Knife Salem!
Great pattern in the steel and the profile looks just right.
Cool handle too.

 

[Salem Straub]

Thank you, all! I can't wait to cut with it, but I don't get first try...

 

[wdtorque]

Beautiful work Salem,
Dozier

 

[Kevin Jones]

That's a beautiful and well executed ladder pattern. :thumbup:

 

[Salem Straub]

Thanks guys! I was really pleased myself with the pattern on this knife, it was hard to forge the billet wide and thin enough after laddering.

 

[butcher_block]

thats a dam fine looking knife and im sure it will work like a champ in the kitchen
love the color of that "aged ivory" micarta

 

[Aaron Wilburn]

Love the Damascus !!! Well done ! Well done !

 

[Pete_H]

I'm worried that this could lead to matrimonial problems - now you'll both be bickering over who gets to prepare the meals!

 

[NickWheeler]

Salem, that is GORGEOUS!!! :thumbup:

 

[S.Grosvenor]

Fantastic!

 

[ggg16902002]

Beautiful!
I like the pattern, so vivid.

 

[Salem Straub]

Thanks again everyone, I've been away from the net on a road trip for a few days. My wife loves it! I get to try it out at the cafe tomorrow morning. Should be fun. Glad y'all enjoyed checking it out.

 

[chefdave]

Thanks for the shop tour this weekend Salem. The inspiration you give me by your unselfish knowledge is truly a gift I can only hope to repay someday.
To blade forums readers, that chefs knife is absolutely beautiful , perfectly balanced , comfortable warm handle ,and very sharp. I had the pleasure of holding this knife on my vacation when I met Salem and had the pleasure of eating an excellent breakfast at the Cafe Lune prepared by Salem's wife Heather. As a chef / knife maker I was thoroughly impressed by this knife and its maker.
Thanks Salem , can't wait to get back .
Dave