My newest "Mini-Butterfly" knife...Topo Gigio #5

[Osprey Guy]

Here's my latest in the ongoing series...

I've revised the scales on this one to look a bit more like real "Ionic" columns (In order to help show you the difference I've included a pic of a previous Topo Gigio).

The specs-

3.9" open
2.5" closed
Eggerling Damascus blade -Heavily carved
Titanium liners-Fileworked and anodized
Carved Scales-Elephant Ivory (Pre-ban)
416 SS hardware
Inset Gems-Rubies in 14k

BTW-The "crowns" that I carved on either side of the blade are also a new design.

Here's a shot of Topo Gigio #4 showing the previous scale design:

Hope you like it!

FYI-This newest Topo Gigio is already sold and en route to its new owner.

Dennis Greenbaum

 

[SharpByCoop]

I really like every one of this series. You have found a great niche and deserve to explore it fully. Always glad to see it already sold.

These are tastefull, colorful, detailed, and unique. A good extension in our broad world of custom knives! (Make sure you apply for the Lark Books project.)

My only critique: Your name/mark would look better to me as an etch or a stamp. I love the sunrise.

Thanks.

Coop

 

[preacherman]

That is beautiful work Osprey. Wish I was the guy it was shipping to

You called it a series, how would one see your work?

 

[Osprey Guy]

Thanks Coop. Means a lot coming from a guy who has probably handled every type of knife from every level of skill. As for the mark...I've lost count of how many people have told me that they find the "carved" signature to be a warm, refreshing change from the usual stamp or etch. I do think it comes across a lot nicer in person than what appears in my photo (but then you have seen at least a couple of these in person). However I do think my "calligraphy" skills could probably stand to be improved a little. I did get an e-mail from Lark Books and I do intend to respond.

Preacherman- This one is Topo Gigio #5. The first "TG" was made several years ago and each one has been at least a little different from the one before. Here's a quick photo line-up:

Here's #1. You can see the (obvious) evolution of my skills (including my ability to take a halfway decent photo).

Here's #2. Shot by Coop (what a difference!).

And #3. Shot by me...followed by a Point Seven photo (under his lights the colors in the black lip went wild...not the way they appear in normal lighting conditions).

And #4 (You already got a glimpse of this one in the first post, in the half-closed position)

I'm starting #6 right away. It's already spoken for....And the (special) customer has requested a particular style that should prove to be a distinct departure from what I've been doing. I'll keep you posted. If #7 isn't claimed in advance there's a well-known dealer who wants it.

Thanks!

Dennis

 

[preacherman]

Do you make verything yourself? I have only just begun and most of mine so far have been handle work and mild straight blades.

I do love the balisong and the ionic columns look great. Curious what composite or doric would look like now.

I like the engraved blade designs also. Man I have so far to go in my skill level looking at some of the stuff you guys produce here.

 

[Osprey Guy]

Do I make everything myself?.... Everything but the steel, that I leave to experts such as my friend Bob Eggerling.

"Man I have so far to go in my skill level looking at some of the stuff you guys produce here."

We've all been there. It comes with time and practice. And the cool part is that if you have any questions, there's an extraordinary wealth of info available on the Internet... just for the asking.


Dennis

 

[Tom Krein]

Those are REALLY nice!

I enjoy the fact that they are original and beautiful crafted!!

Tom

 

[Keith Montgomery]

The workmanship on these knives is outstanding.

 

[Osprey Guy]

Thanks fellas. Someone in another forum asked me how I did my carving. In response I had posted some out-takes from my own section of our book "The Art of Modern Custom Knifemaking" (a perk of being the co-author) ... The pics seemed to be well-received....so I thought I thought maybe you guys would find them interesting as well. These were shot several years ago and say more than I could describe with words:

Tracing the pattern onto the ivory using red carbon paper:

Using a round, parallel mini-file:

Carving with my high speed GRS Turbo 850 (350,000 rpm's):

Scraping/sanding using a round, stone bur:

More detailing...this time with a ruby midget file:

Again with my Turbo 850 (love this piece of equipment!):

Again with a ruby file:

These are of course just some of the carving steps...but you get the idea.

Hope you found that interesting.

Dennis

 

[Tom Krein]

THANKS for the look in your shop and sharing your techniques!!

WOW!

Tom

 

[T.K.C.]

I really like your work!!

 

[Osprey Guy]

Thanks...I enjoy sharing these photos.

Here's a shot that shows me working with my wonderful, "ancient" Panavise (it was a gift from an old woodworker friend...it must be at least 20 yrs old...or older. Much more heavy duty than today's models...No plastic anywhere, even the knobs are cast metal). In this shot I'm doing some controlled, light-sanding using an emory board. You can get them in the cosmetic dept. of any drug store (Rite-Aid, CVS, etc). I buy them by the handful whenever they go on sale (typically buy-one-get-one-free). They come in a variety of grits, depending on the brand...80, 100, 120, 240, 280 320, 600. Often they'll come as a combo such as- 100 grit one side/180 on the other. I use them constantly!!!

Dennis

 

[cardoso5fr]

It's always incredible to see your little jewel bali