Thanks guys, I was excited about this piece, just wanted any feedback good or bad. The blade may show a little Lurquin influence just so I don't get called out on that, but I think the ricasso and guard utilized is my own, don't think I have seen a lot of subhilts with both single lug guards.
It is not my personal cup of tea.
1. I think the hamon is WAY too high, and the line between hard and soft is not clearly demarcated.... by general standards it shows that you didn't necessarily have a strong understanding of the steel in heat treat this way, especially towards the tip and turnback(boshi).
2. The handle sculpt is very wide from spine to edge, am not sure this would feel comfortable in my medium-small girly hands.
3. Kevin posted that he liked the ricasso/choil treatment. That rounded edge NEVER looks right to me and in this particular case, the angular version would have been superior. I think, because of the other rounded areas, other posters who are predisposed to like this look are commenting on it.
4. Is the clip sharp?
I DO very much like the sculpting on the hilts themselves, that shows command of art and craft, as well as the steel plug in the butt of the knife, not proud of the wood and nicely integrated. You have some good and interesting stuff going on, but for me, if I was at a show, I would want to pick this knife up(always the goal of the maker), but would probably just hold it, and put it down.
Fit and finish look to be above average in all respects.
Best Regards,
STeven Garsson