Nick Wheeler • Integral Bowie

I have seen many beautiful knives by many talented makers, but I think this one takes the cake at this point.

Outstanding is a word, but it does little to describe what has been presented here.

Congrats to Jim, Nick, and Paul.
 
Never thought I would say I liked a Bowie without a guard. Fantastic piece Nick, great sheath Paul .
Coop you are one very lucky man!!! I envy you.
 
Nick


great job - and it OUGHT be, after 5 years :p

Coop

wow - I am envious! A knife that is truly worth waiting for. Awesome shots as always

Bill
 
Holy Smokes:eek::eek:Everything is just superb, knife sheath and photos!Enjoy Coop and congrats to all involved:thumbup::thumbup:
 
I must admit, this knife proves that Nick lives up to all the hype. He is a very talented knife maker.
Gary
 
I'm stunned. There is nothing left to chance in this. Every line, plane and angle is so clearly thought out, planned, schemed. So beautifully finished...

Wow...

And that sheath Paul... just lovely. The photo.. just perfect - 3 great artists at the very top of their game... Bravo.
 
Wanted to repost this here:

I had the extreme fortune of being able to handle this at the ABS Expo last weekend, and the pictures, as top-notch and superb as they are, don't do the knife full justice.

Being able to feel the curves and fit of the handle to your hand, experience the balance, lightness, and quickness of the blade, and marvel and the blade finish and cleanliness of lines just puts everything together in your mind about how a big knife is suppose to be.

This bowie is the most nicely balanced knife I've ever handled. Nick's grinds and transitions and tips are inhumanly crisp and clean. And the flow of the knife is clearly evident from the pictures.

As I was wandering around the show and talking with Nick a few times, I heard several different people comment that this knife was the best knife at the show. And there were many TOP makers present.

Congrats on getting that one delivered, Nick. I appreciate getting to meet you, pick your brain, and handle your work. God bless.

Congrats to you, Coop!

--nathan
 
John White said:
I had a chance to handle and enjoy this knife at length in San Antonio. In my opinion, for elegance of design, clarity of line, and cleanliness of execution, this one has no equal that I have ever seen in person.

The feel of this knife in hand is almost ethereal. Jim will have to tie it down with a silk thread, to keep it from floating away.

Coop is a winner, here, and Nick is back with a vengeance!

John
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Wow... I really don't know what to say. Coming from a man that I respect and admire as much as John White... that just puts me on the floor.

I don't agree with him, mind you... but I sure do appreciate it!!! ;) :)

An interesting note--- I decided this needed a domed pin. Problem! I'd never done one before. I had so much time and emotion invested in this knife that I really didn't want to crack the handle with a domed pin.

I called up my friend John White, who very cordially explained just how he does domed pins!!! :)

After 5 hours (which included a few practice junk handles, and making a little fixture to help out) I had my first domed pin on a real knife. Thanks to John White!!!

Nathan, your check will be in the mail! ;)

Gary, I really don't know who/where/how the fuss/hype started (because I really don't think I started it!!! lol) but it's nice to hear I'm holding up my end of the deal ;) :)

Thanks again guys!!! :)
 
SBranson said:
Every line, plane and angle is so clearly thought out, planned, schemed. So beautifully finished...

Wow...
Click to expand...

Wow is right! Great looking bowie, awesome hamon, love the blade profile, Paul Long perfection, super images...I am a fan!

As we say in the turkey woods, patience has its rewards.

Congrats all!!

- Joe
 
Hi guys,

I'm gushing almost as much as Nick. I want to quote all of you to say thanks, but that would be unnecessary, really. I appreciate the warm comments.

Your choice of words shows me how thoughtful and important you think this is for Nick and for me. Much appreciation.

I am really pleased with my photo on this as well. I think it looks startlingly clear. I chose another background, took a BUNCH of shots and smartly decided it wasn't up to this knife's standard. Off with it's head....!

I will probably discuss the shot in the Photography forum, just to keep giving this project some traction. :p

Nick, we only remember greatness, and time becomes irrelevant once it passes. We can all think of incredible works of art that Masters took TENS of years to produce in days gone by. Your work here will be an icon of this genre in this 'Golden Age' as some have called it. :thumbup: ;) To the knifemakers who are calling this extra special, I am listening closely. Thanks for your comments.

Next post I have some WIP photos that ought to be shared. They show again and again that this entire piece was intentional in every aspect, and Nick the Toolmaker creates his methods when he needs to execute his vision.

Back soon....

Coop
 
First we discussed what I wanted and Nick agreed. My Hill Pearce Knives are very influential in my collection and Nick wanted in on this integral, Med Bowie type of design, too.

Here's his preliminary sketches, which he continued to redraw:
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Then the work began:
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He got it this far in the first two years.... :rolleyes: ;)
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Continuing....
 
Detail work on the bolster area:

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Check out the ground hacksaw blade:
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OK, that's done:
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I'll flute it:
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And polish that flute with another new tool:
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OK, that's a good start:
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And here it was just before he had to pause for the Blade Show in 2007:
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After that, was a long artistic hibernation and retreat, which apparently was conducive to the final output.

And that's all I have.

I would do it again, and wait just as long. :thumbup: Here's to you Nick!

And a shoutout again to Paul Long who also confides he strived to do HIS best work on this. We can certainly see that. What a man!

Coop
 
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