Pierced D guard

Bailey Bradshaw

Bailey Bradshaw

Joined
Sep 13, 2001
Messages
816
I had this one in Reno, so some of you have seen and handled this one. A local customer owns it now, but wants a little carving on the ivory. I will shoot pics of that once I am finished.

The blade is 10.5" of forged W-2, clay heat treated and hand rubbed to 1500. The rest of the fittings are nitre blued mild steel with gold inlays and engraving. The center of the guard is pierced using a jewelers saw. It is a lot of monotonous work, but the effect is really nice. The handle is ivory with silver pins and silver spacer. It is a takedown piece too BTW.

Hope you enjoy it!!

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Wow great job, the detail in the guard I can only imagine how long and tedious that was!

The hamon rocks as well

Spencer
 
Thanks for the photos Bailey.
In addition to being absolutely beautiful, it feels wonderful in hand.
 
Exquisite piece, and everything about the styling and
workmanship say Bradshaw...!

What's between the scales...?
 
I love the knife. I've been a big fan of d guard bowies since an Army battle staff ride at Gettysburg and one of the officers brought his great (to whatever power) grandfather's d guard bowie he carried at Gettysburg (was a member of the Alabama Brigade.) A friend from work has a D guard that was carried by a member of the Alabama Brigade during the Civil War. These seem more like short swords than what I would consider a "bowie" knife though.

Bailey, one question, are you doing the final finish before or after you do the scroll on the guard?

Wonderful knife.
 
Will,

The scroll is forged in ( assuming you mean the scroll at the top of the guard) so it is done before the guard is even fitted to the blade. The guard is then shaped and the handle is fitted up. Then the engraving, piercing and inlaying. The nitre blue is the last thing I do before final assembly.

Doesn't look like I will make it to Little Rock this time Brett. I would like to, but will have to see what comes up.
 
Bailey..

I forgot about the engraving scrollwork. :p How are you doing the finish sanding on the guard scroll after forging? Little pieces of sandpaper on wire? The trouble I have getting a nice finish on scrolled pieces is why I don't do them.
 
Will,

Go with as low a heat as you can and still get the steel to move. The lower heat will reduce the scale, and lets face it, a little forging character is what makes scroll guards appealing. Make them as consistent as you can, and show some of your hammer talents.

I finish with stones to 600 grit where I can reach, but don't worry with making everything flat inside there.
 
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