Silver Wire Inlay Pattern Book?

Truelove

Truelove

Joined
Aug 16, 2005
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149
Can anyone recommend a book showing patterns and styles of wire inlay of handles, scales and stocks? I've gotten some great "how-to" advice but I'm not finding a lot of "what-to" stuff out there. Sorry if this has been covered before.
 
Truelove,
I haven't read or seen either of the books but this is an excerpt from Blade magazine January 2009 pg.26 . You can access this article at www.blademag.com on the HOW TO section

"It is obvious that the pattern or design development is what will make or break the final presentation of the wirework. Granted, the technical application of the wire is important, but no matter how good a job of inlaying is done on a poor design, it is and always will be a poor design. As Don Hastings, one of the four founders of the ABS, said, “There is no substitute for good design.” There are those people who are naturally talented when it comes to design layout and development and can draw a wirework pattern with little effort, while the rest of us have difficulty drawing a straight line using a straight edge. All I can suggest is to practice drawing proposed wire inlay patterns on paper whenever you find the time. For inspiration, consult two books by Dover Publications: Scroll Ornaments of Early Victorian Period and Florid Victorian Ornament. Both books are available from GRS."

GRS Tools- 800-835-3519 (Engraving tools design books)

Hope this helps - Josh
 
Yes there are two aspects to engraving, inlaying, wood carving .First learning the mechanical methods .Second learning the artistic or design methods. I would suggest you take some art courses in drawing.
 
Get/check out/borrow a book on engraving. Read about scroll work and how scroll design is laid out. practice laying out the curves and scrolls until you understand how they flow from one to the other.
Stacy
 
Best source for actual wire inlay patterns ar 17th and 18teh century firearms - many books out there:
you will find stuff like this:
pg-95.jpg


pistol-001.jpg
 
The book " Master of the forge" about Bill Moran has some nice examples.
Mace
 
I agree with Mace about Master of the Forge. Also Google Jay Hendrickson. A number of his knives are on the purveyor website in their "previously sold" sections. Chuck's suggestion is also very good because Bill Moran said that he had never seen this type of wire work on a knife handle, but he got the idea from seeing it done on old firearms. Fortunately, nowadays, you don't have to reinvent the wheel as far as technique and tools go. Joe Keeslar will sell you a wire inlay kit with all of the basic tools and the silver wire if you are not inclined to do it yourself. All you will need to buy other than that is a small jewelers chasing hammer or something similar and modify it to suit your needs.
 
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