Silver handle and sheath fully carved by Luis Chavez WIP. Ladder damascus criollo.

[hardingknives]

I didn't even know that there were silversmiths of that caliber anymore. Truly an Impressive talent. wow

 

[Ebbtide]

I didn't think it could get any better... but it did!

 

[Manuel Quiroga G.]

Luis asked me to thank you for your words.

Me, I knew you guys would love this thread...
Here in Argentina we have a BIG silversmith tradition. Our classic criollo knives have silver handle and sheath, so the craft is far from dead, nevertheless I believe that Luis's work is out of this planet, to hold a piece like this in your hands is amazing.

 

[Phil Dwyer]

Luis doesn't speak english so he ask me to thank you all for your comments and also if you have any question about the process you can ask him, through me.

Extraordinary!

What gauge sterling is he doing all that remarkable chasing in?

What kind of torch is he using?

Superb work! THANKS for sharing!!!

Aloha, Phil

 

[Patrice Lemée]

Manuel, I had a question for Luis. I was curious about the scabbard's construction, the throat to be exact. Is there something inside the scabbard guiding the knife so that the edges don't rub against the throat's opening? Silver is softer so it would not do any damage to the blade itself but would be afraid it could scratch the etched finish of the Damascus. Thanks.

 

[Gody]

Incredible, just incredible.

Brian

 

[Manuel Quiroga G.]

Phil, he used sterling silver of 0,8 mm thickness for most of the parts.
The torch is a jeweler's torch, such as this http://articulo.mercadolibre.com.ar...-optica-_JM?redirectedFromParent=MLA461727510

Patrice, when the sheath is ready he puts inside two pieces of 0,8 or 0,5 mm brass or nickel silver bent in opposite directions, forming two arcs on each side, with the belly facing the side of the blade. They run the entire lenght of the sheath, they call this "ribs" and they keep the blade tight in its place. Being soft metal they don't scratch the steel blade.

 

[Patrice Lemée]

Thanks for the explanation Manuel, very much appreciated.

 

[marthinus]

Wow! That is amasing work!

 

[rnbtexas]

I can only hope to see a knife of this caliber in person. Amazing work. Thank you for sharing.

Best,

 

[P. McKinley]

Anybody seen my jaw somewhere on the floor?

Patrice - I can clearly see it laying over there in the corner..... right next to mine.

Manuel/Luis - Beautiful and inspiring work of art!! Thank you for the efforts to show the work of a true master.

-Peter

 

[Bruce Bump]

My favorite thread this year. The artistry is fantastic. Thanks for the glimpse into your work. Do you take students?
Bruce

 

[Travis Fry]

My favorite thread this year. The artistry is fantastic.

^This. If Luis ever really does take students, I'd want to be in line. How does one go about collaborating with someone of Luis' caliber?

 

[Schleifstein]

Incredible. I think this thread is running out of superlatives, so I'll just say that I am grateful Luis and Manuel. The chances of me seeing or handling an item like this in person are slim to none, so the behind-scenes look is a real treat. Thank you!

 

[Luis Chavez]

Hola A todos ! mi nombre es Luis Chavez.

Ante todo mis eternos agradecimientos por tan cálida bienvenido en este espacio cultural para intercambiar conocimientos, dicho esto, les quiero contar que estoy abierto a cualquier pregunta o duda que surja con respecto a mi oficio de orfebre, les mando un gran saludo a cada uno de ustedes, en especial a Manuel Quiroga ya que sin su apoyo hoy no estaría participando de este espacio.

Luis Chavez: Thumbup:

 

[Bladeplay74]

LUIS,

Good to see you here mi amigo. Take a bow.

Seth

 

[Manuel Quiroga G.]

The man himself...
Nice to see you here my friend!

 

[Luis Chavez]

El placer es mio de estar aquí y poder ver tantos trabajos tan impresionantes, un gran saludo a todos !

 

[David Stifle]

I wish I could speak and read spanish. Wonderful work, Luis.

 

[Schleifstein]

Hola A todos ! mi nombre es Luis Chavez.

Ante todo mis eternos agradecimientos por tan cálida bienvenido en este espacio cultural para intercambiar conocimientos, dicho esto, les quiero contar que estoy abierto a cualquier pregunta o duda que surja con respecto a mi oficio de orfebre, les mando un gran saludo a cada uno de ustedes, en especial a Manuel Quiroga ya que sin su apoyo hoy no estaría participando de este espacio.

Luis Chavez: Thumbup:

Here is Luis's Response Straight from translate.google.com , so probably a little off:

"Hello to all! my name is Luis Chavez.

First of all, my eternal thanks for such a warm welcome in this cultural space to exchange knowledge, that said, I want to tell you I'm open to any questions arising with respect to my craft of a goldsmith, I send a big hello to each of you, especially Manuel Quiroga because without their support today would not be participating in this space."

Luis Chavez : Thumbup


then:

My pleasure to be here and to see so many jobs as impressive, a big hello to all!