Laminated Coco Bolo Hunter

Karl B. Andersen

Karl B. Andersen

Joined
Jul 27, 2003
Messages
5,686
This one is a result of a lot of challenges.
I got the original inspiration for this from fellow knife maker Matt Bailey.
When I saw his knives this past year at his table right next to mine, I was sure he had been laminating Damascus on top of a high carbon core. After some cajoling on my part, he explained his process of laminating 203E to his 1095 and W2 core steels.
For those who don't know, 203E is a 'pressure vessel' steel - think propane tanks. When was the last time you ever saw a propane tank rusted through? There is enough nickel in 203E to make it HIGHLY! corrosion resistant, yet not so much to inhibit carbon migration.
203E has been used for decades as a Damascus nickel layer due to its propensity for carbon migration, yet enough nickel to etch in the Damascus contrast we all enjoy.
Here we see 203E as the outer laminate on my hunter.
As we grind on up through from thin to thick, I exposed more - to - less of the carbon migration from the welding process, and this etches out in a graduation of hardness giving the appearance of a "Damascus-y" display.
It is really rather lively in person. Right along the bottom edge we get this shiny pure iron layer that makes a nice "frame" for the laminate.
Mated all this up with 416 stainless take-down fittings and a Cocobolo handle.
(Thanks, Matt)

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Congrats meeting your "challenges," Karl.

That's a nice one, and some neat steel, too.

John
 
Very good looking hunter....especially
like that laminate....
 
That is a Beautiful blade.....Great looking piece...........
 
Karl, simply fantastic! This new steel treatment brings your already great hunter to a new level.
 
peterinct said:
Looks good Karl. Did you test it out for performance characteristics?

Peter
Click to expand...

No pictures yet, but I couldn't resist chopping away at some of STeven's bamboo he sent me! (That is tough stuff!:eek:)

Additionally, I'm making another one right now that I will be taking to Texas on a week long wild hog hunt with about a dozen other guys.
Should be plenty of real-world "testing" opportunities available.;)
 
Karl,

A couple of questions.

#1. Is the 203E from a propane tank? If not, where did you get it in thin sections?

#2. Did you do what is called a "dry-weld"?

I have been wanting to try laminating for some time now, but can't seem to find 203E, 416, or 410 in thin enough sections. Help me out here if you will.

Inquiring minds want to know.

Great looking piece. Thanks for sharing.

Robert
 
Karl that is sweet but I think that block of Waterfall Bubinga sitting on my counter waiting for you would have looked better on it :p.

Hey can we get a close up of the blade?
 
Thats a sweet looking blade. Personal preference is I like more curly wood but that doesn't make a difference. Keep having fun with the laminates and I can't wait to see more!
 
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