My first integral

Phillip Patton

Phillip Patton

Knifemaker / Craftsman / Service Provider
Joined
Jul 25, 2005
Messages
5,344
Hey all,
I've been wanting to try this technique for making integrals ever since I saw a Rodrigo Sfreddo tutorial several years back. I customer ordered one recently, so I finally tried it. :-)

Steels used are O1/L6 in explosion pattern damascus. Handle is desert ironwood with red liners and stainless Loveless bolts. The guard is forge welded on.

Sheath is my version of a traditional Loveless style.

Your comments and critiques are welcome as usual.

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Looks stout , sturdy and majestic. A perfect blending of materials with the handle and blade. The sheath looks thick and sturdy just like the knife. Just a beautiful package!
 
Looks like you nailed it on the first attempt! This is one of those knives I will find myself going back to take another look at periodically.
 
I truly hate to point out any issues, but have to in this case.

The plunge on the primary grind is not parallel to the guard face, and looks "off".

While my esteemed colleagues seem to have ignored that fact it stands out, and takes away from an otherwise very impressive rendition.

As well, the inside of the belt loop on the sheath would benefit from being dyed, as it draws the eye's attention.

It's a very fine knife overall, Phillip.

Best Regards,

STeven Garsson
 
Steve makes a good point . it was the first thing I saw . The plunges look to have a kind of S shape in an attempt to get the shoulders even . I also think the orange liners blend in with the Ion wood a bit and black would have been a better contrast. The integral bolsters are very well done and I hope my first attempts are as good as this , the steel is also really nice .
 
wow, it doesnt look like an integral guard , perfectly blended. nice. how do you taper the tang with the guard in the way ?
 
Impressive job!
I think the plunge design is wanted as is; the knife itself is the proof the knifemaker can do all he wants ;)
In my opinion it does smooth a bit the sharp corners of the ricasso. Due to the deep hollow of the grind and the edge being in line with the ricasso, this solution might help with sharpening on stones.
From an estetic point of view it'just a matter of taste and of what we are used to consider the "proper" feature. Part of the plunge is square to the spine/parallel to the guard, and its bottom end points toward the end of the bottom lug of the guard, it somewhat "frames" the center of the knife...unusual but not bad at all on a knife as thick in proportions
 
Nice integral indeed. Since it is your first one, can you tell us how you felt doing it ? What were your main issues compared to a standard construction ?
 
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