Pistol/dagger project

I need input from you guys on filework too. It has liners that may look good with some petite pattern all the way around. What is the real feeling about filework? I generally leave it off but this one is fairly plain as there is no damascus patterns to complicate things so maybe it needs filework?

Well, I'm still a real newbie around here but that doesn't mean I don't have an opinion. ;)

In my opinion, filework can be a great accent to a piece but it very quickly and easily be taken too far. So please plan carefully. :D I personally think the rope and/or vine patterns have been played out, and prefer something a little more interesting. Since you've got those beautiful shell bolsters I'd see if there's something "oceanic" you could do to stay in the theme?

What are the plans for the engraving?
 
^^^ agreed

i can really like a nice file work on a knife but theres that nice little range you have to stay in

maybe just a little file work that matches up with the shells at the back?

-matt
 
i like the idea of filework.....and i also like a handle material other than ivory.....it seems like every high end piece has to have ivory.....i don't know what else would look good with your piece but i can understand using ivory....it is such a beautiful piece i guess there isn't much less....i too agree if the filework can somehow tie in witht the shells it would look cool.....ryan
 
... aye Mate
A nautical theme scrimed in old Ivory and a rough seas in steel ,,, :thumbup: :)

every Pirate should have one .. :thumbup:


Sweet looking so far :thumbup:
 
If you're looking to continue the nautical leitmotif ($5 word, eh?) then have you considered mother-of-pearl? It's pretty and I don't know what the cost is vs. pre-ban ivory but it sure doesn't look cheap. :D
 
The Nautical theme sounds good. I wonder if I can find someone who can engrave a French sailing ship on the bolsters, you know like in the midst of a storm with waves and wind. Right and left view of the ship on the bolsters perhaps?

I agree the vine file work is overplayed. Too much file work looks too busy. Simple is best in most cases I think.
 
Rope-style filework could augment the nautical nature, if that's what you've decided to shoot for, particularly if it's just on the liners and the tang is left smooth. I wonder if you could do a French grapevine in filework?
 
Personally, I like file work.
If you will have engraving, I would see how your shell carving, file work and the engraving will all fit together.

I would also speak with the engraver to see what they envision. I believe they would have a much more artistic eye, than I as to the aesthetics of it all.
 
The nautical theme with the mother of pearl sounds good. Black lip maybe?
Does wire inlay work with mother of pearl?

Maybe if you can't get big enough pieces of Mother of pearl you can machine a couple of metal scales to inlay smaller pieces? I would think it would help keep the cost down.
 
I would have to go with Rope as well, it would fit the piece, but not be over done. I have done what I called half rope where I filed from the inside of the liner to the edge, but didn't file to the other side, I can file the pattern and post a pic if you want.
 
Ivory ,no scrimshaw or file work.Engraving will set the pistol dagger off enough
with the patterns you have already.
I like the cannon style barrel....great work:thumbup:
 
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I think it needs a wooden handle, carved as a rope. My first thought was metal scales carved the same way, but that seems like it could be heavy. Think of what a 1" rope would look like layed down as a handle scale, and have that carved in. The tang could be engraved w/ a pattern reminiscient of a basket gaurd. That would drag the lines along from the shell pommel to the hammer and trigger that have been nicely rounde w/ the ball ends to match the pommel.:D Would look realy good in the sheath too.

I really like the way that is turning out. Would sure love to see it in person when it was done.
 
I would have to go with Rope as well, it would fit the piece, but not be over done. I have done what I called half rope where I filed from the inside of the liner to the edge, but didn't file to the other side, I can file the pattern and post a pic if you want.

Yes please post a pic of it.
 
I like Bruce Evans' idea!
The checkering would fit in with the gun part of the project and if you can find some of that bark ivory with the blues and greens in it, it would look awesome!!!
 
Here's a piece I did real quick, hope this helps.

IMG_5158.jpg
 
If you're looking to continue the nautical leitmotif ($5 word, eh?) then have you considered mother-of-pearl? It's pretty and I don't know what the cost is vs. pre-ban ivory but it sure doesn't look cheap. :D

MOP would be beautiful if done correctly. It would have to be inlayed into somethink like wood or ivory. I am currently making a set of pistol grips with MOP inlayed into claro walnut. I'll let ya know how that turns out. Great Lakes Waterjet made the plates for it. Very precise work too.
 
I like Bruce Evans' idea!
The checkering would fit in with the gun part of the project and if you can find some of that bark ivory with the blues and greens in it, it would look awesome!!!

Bruce E. does have good taste.
 
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