Semi-Persian? Bog Oak and W2

SBranson

SBranson

Joined
Oct 29, 2006
Messages
2,912
There is something semi-Persian about this profile though the grind is not typical so for lack of a better title... :p


A little while back Mark at Burl Source brought in some ancient Bog Oak and I have been itching to use it.
This piece is carbon dated at 5460 years old! It boggles my mind to use a piece of wood so old.

The fittings are wrought and what I thought was bronze but it seemed to act like copper.. hmm.

Blade is W2 clay coated with a new mix...

The inletted butt cap is a new thing for me as is the sweeping plunge. This was an experimental knife and touches on some themes and techniques I want to develop.

For the sheath I tooled it with a Persian inspired motif.

Something a little different...

BogOakSheath_1.jpg


BogOakSheath_3.jpg


BogOak_3.jpg


BogOak_1.jpg


BogOak_5.jpg


BogOakSheath_4.jpg


BogOakSheath_5.jpg
 
L-O-V-E the curved plunge - something I wish more makers would do in general, but particularly well-suited to a piece like this. Yes, the ancient bog oak really blows my mind. Terrific work as always Stuart.
 
Thats a fine looking knife, I really like what you did with the ferrule. And that hamon is spectacular!! I have some W2 and 1075 on the way from Aldo, I might have to pick your brain when it arrives!!
:thumbup:
 
Stuart,

You keep on impressing. Beautiful lines on the blade, carried through into the faceted handle, along with super details.

John
 
Everything about that piece is 'right' and that hamon is wonderful.... :cool:
 
Very cool. One of the things I love about your style is your willingness to study and incorporate into your work the designs and influences of different blade cultures. Bowies, Japanese tanto, Roman gladii, Scottish sgian dubhs, and now a Persian kard. It seems the only limit is your imagination. I'm sure I'm not the only one who looks forward to these threads.
 
Thanks!!

The Bog Oak is an interesting wood to work. Like last time on the Sgian Dubh, when I sanded it, it looked like mud. Maybe because it's been under the mud for 5000 years?!?! So I sanded it to get the shape and lines smooth then used a scraper to get the final finish. The scraper cuts the wood rather than abrades it and results in a clean surface with the nice open grain of oak. The wood comes alive under a scraper, a look that I just find lacking when sanded.
 
Your work keeps raising the bar. Well done sir, well done indeed! Guys like you keep me striving for better everytime I step into my shop.

Chris
 
"Yay! A new post by Sturt Branson!"

*jaw drops open*

This is my typical reaction. Happened again this time. :)

You know how to let the knife do the talking and not load it down with extra embellishments. Just enough. :)
 
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