Nick Wheeler W2 + Ironwood fighter

NickWheeler

NickWheeler

Joined
Dec 3, 1999
Messages
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***disclaimer- I think it's silly when a maker puts his own name in the subject line like that, but a friend said it helps in search results. IDK, but figured it couldn't hurt...





Hello my friends- :)


BLADE- W2, nearly 11" long, 1-7/8" wide at widest, and 0.330" thick at the guard (LOTS of distal taper)
GUARD- twisted 120 layer damascus
HANDLE- primo Desert Ironwood
SHEATH- tooled, veg tanned leather

I'll put a more detailed description following the photos.... :)


Thank you for looking!!! :)


[video=youtube;q-FmsmPz0m4]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q-FmsmPz0m4&list=UUM3ezocAUFI1HtIi4V7SLmw&index=1[/video]

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This fighter was forged from 1-3/4" W2 roundstock. The differential hardening was done with time and temperature, but no clay. (Just FWIW- that doesn't mean it was an accident or easy, it's taken me about as much blood, sweat, and tears to get a bit of a grip on the no clay stuff as it did to learn to use clay). It was given a full etch/polish to show all the white, whispy, glistening stuff...:)

The guard was formed from 120-ish layer twist damascus (1084+15N20). I went for the typical sculpted guard shape I put on my fighters, but I rounded the top, scalloped the sides, and filed a 3/16" flute all the way around it. I give full credit for the scallop inspiration to Samuel Lurquin! :) There's a 416 stainless, mirror polished spacer mated to the guard.

The handle was sculpted from a primo piece of Ironwood that I got from Chuck Bybee at Alpha Knife Supply several years ago. There's a domed 416 ss pin in there to "dot the i." ;)

Sheath is several thin layers of veg tanned cowhide with fully tooled front, differential dye job, and assembled with a hand-sewn saddle stitch.


Thanks for looking!!! :)
 
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And, of course, some shots to attempt to show more what the hamon looks like in hand...

This blade has more cloud-like, white and whispy stuff going on in it, than I have ever gotten before. :)

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A LOT of good stuff going on in this one Nick. This is my favorite knife you've made so far. I like everything about it. Really nice work.

Thanks for posting.
 
Everything looks perfect! Just amazing skill and workmanship, as always. Super job!
David
 
holy crap Nick!!!
That is a phenomenal piece.

How closely did you forge it to shape?

This knife has my vote!
 
Now that is the kind of knife you can see from across the room and know exactly who made it.

Congrats Nick a wonderful representation of the Bowie. You have become one of my favorite Bowie makers right there with D.E. Henry
 
Another fantastic piece Nick. I particularly like what you did with the guard/spacer... clean/elegant/comfortable (at least it looks comfortable).
Erin
 
Wow! I'm going to go and sell one of my kids so I can afford to start buying knives from other makers.
 
That's as nice a knife as any one that I have ever seen from you Nick. Deservedly proud you should be.

Best Regards,

STeven Garsson
 
Nick

Awesome my friend

Fantastic shape

Radical distal taper

Killer Hamon

Fittings and handle awesome

And superb leather work

What's not to love

This is why you are one of the best
 
Nicky, the knife is......well it's okay, but your sheath work is getting to be phenomenal!;) I think that's where your real talent lies.:D

Paul
 
Crikey! Nick thats fantastic all over. The leather is killer also. I'm sure I'm not the only one who is interested in how you produce hamon without the clay. Could you give us all a brief on it? If not I'll pack up my swag and lob on your door, make a nuisance of myself :eek: LOL
Cheers Keith
 
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