Maybe My Best Work So Far!

[raylaconico]

I know this is off topic and this knife isn't W&SS related. However, I really wanted to show it off as I'm very proud of it. Since this is the forum where I spend most of my time and where a lot of people know me, I wanted to show it here to you guys. Although it's off topic, I thought you guys might enjoy these pictures anyway..

I just finished putting this together last night and this morning I etched my mark on it. The blade is 8" in length and made of O1 steel. The handle is a framed tang construction with blackwood scales. All the fittings are steel. I still need to make a sheath for it. I know the knife doesn't look real fancy but there's a lot of work going on in there that I'm very happy with. The fit and finish is as good as I've ever done.. The construction is more complicated than I've ever done, and I think the design is one of my best. I just spent the last 3 days working on this thing (Mon-Wed) but it was worth it. Lately I've been making simple user knives mostly for the outdoorsmen here. I like making those knives and could have probably make 3 of them in the time it took to make this one. However, once in a while it's nice to make something a little more artistic and challenging like this bowie. This is the type of ambitious work that got me started making knives in the first place

Well, here it is... My masterpiece! Please give me your thoughts.. Thanks!

 

[dartanyon]

Very nice!

 

[Bolt-action bultema]

B-E-A-utiful!

 

[Rotte]

Ohhh, strong work Ray!

 

[WalterDavis]

Thats pretty dang impressive, Ray:thumbup: Aesthetically, IMO, I think the guard could be a little bit smaller, but the proportions and lines on the entire thing are otherwise spot on! The finish looks great, the handle looks top-notch and I can't even imagine the work and patience that you put into it The first time I saw a picture of an 'exploded' frame handle, the word that came to mind was "masochistic"

Really, I think you ought to send this one to Sharp-by-Coop and get some professional pics done:thumbup: Not that yours are lacking, but I truly think this piece is worth showing off!

 

[SpookyPistolero]

Just gorgeous! You can definitely 'see' the work that went into that one. Lovely, and elegant piece.

 

[Joezilla]

trash it and go get another job.


better yet just send it to me.

 

[m. wohlwend]

trash it and go get another job.


better yet just send it to me.

HA ! this one has a home!

 

[mtnfolk mike]

holy smokes Ray... that thing is gorgeous... fine work indeed..:thumbup: :thumbup: the new owner is one lucky dude..

 

[Switchblade61]

Lovely knife, beautiful workmanship !

 

[m. wohlwend]

I had the oportunity to handle this a few hours ago, the photos do not do it justice in my opinion. It is fantastic work. Matches anything I saw at the Visalia Hammer-in.

 

[Anrkst6973]

That is clean Ray! Its simple and yet elegant..I bet freind Dwight McClemore would just have biscuit fits over that...

 

[B Griffin]

Beautiful knife!

 

[raylaconico]

Thanks for the comments guys. I don't take great pictures. Wish I could get better ones but I can't afford pofessional photos and it's probably not practical at this time. I'll try taking better ones tomorrow.

Yes Mark, this knife has a home.. My home

 

[TheGame]

That is gorgeous. Beautiful. Just, awesome! :thumbup: :thumbup:

 

[Thalestin]

Looks amazing bro, keep up the amazing work

 

[m. wohlwend]

Yes Mark, this knife has a home.. My home

Take good care of my knife, Ray!!!

 

[fudo]

Stunning! It has everything I like in a knife and has none of thr froo-froo stuff. If it were mine, the only thing I would change is I would bend the guard on the back of the blade towards the tip 45 degrees for a thumb rest.
Really super work.

 

[d_filgate]

Ray,
That is a beautiful knife. Very nice!!!
Great work!

 

[untamed]

I just watched "Inglorious Basterds" on disk. Made me appreciated the "large fighting blade" again. Aside from the stag handle on that, this one's pretty cool with superb F&F as always!