- Joined
- Oct 8, 2001
- Messages
- 12,336
Folks,
Don's work has always been top-tier. Don and I go a long ways back on photo projects (mostly for the dealers I do) and because of such he is my MOST photographed maker. I did not own a knife by Don, regrettably.
Over a year ago we talked about creating a project that had a period aspect or look to it. Many of you know I enjoy the Mediterranean bowies or dirks in my Hill Pearce collection. Don loves them also.
The 'look' is largely identified by the exclusion of a finger guard and a long, relatively slender blade. Sometimes it may include a Spanish Notch.
Here is Don's initial drawing for me which we started:
I was already impressed as he started with EXACTLY the flavor and style I wished for. I did not want a damascus blade (too rich and largely out-of-period), but we felt that would work well on the bolster.
After a number of tweaks we discussed he finalized with this drawing to work off of:
After a hiccup I created in discussing the length via email (Tip: Pick up the phone often. It can save troubles....
) he had forged and ground the profile and started the layout. In-progress images were arriving daily..... 
Let's cut to the chase. I'll talk more about it when you look it over. Take your time to look VERY closely at the 'simple curves'.
Specs:
OAL: 12½" - Blade 7½"
Bolster: Random pattern forged by maker
Scales: Antique elephant ivory (chosen for it's historical accuracy and simpler beauty)
Pins: 14K gold
Name: Sinistre (French styling in it's curves and appearance, and this is the French translation of 'Sinister' -- a fitting adjective.)
The blade has a bit of a dark patina to it--this has not been enhanced in my photo work. The characteristic DH3 hamon is there, but not overpowering.
You should notice that this is the first sweeping grind Don has done on a knife. He felt this one deserved the look.
Communication with Don is always a pleasure. He knew this would take some time and never overpromised on completion.
I am MOST pleased with this knife and the process of it's build. I share with you my Fototime album with even more build shots and drawings with captions to follow. Click here for more of this knife.
I know you will enjoy this. This was an 'out-the-box' project for Don and he was well up to the task! :thumbup:
Coop
Don's work has always been top-tier. Don and I go a long ways back on photo projects (mostly for the dealers I do) and because of such he is my MOST photographed maker. I did not own a knife by Don, regrettably.
Over a year ago we talked about creating a project that had a period aspect or look to it. Many of you know I enjoy the Mediterranean bowies or dirks in my Hill Pearce collection. Don loves them also.
The 'look' is largely identified by the exclusion of a finger guard and a long, relatively slender blade. Sometimes it may include a Spanish Notch.
Here is Don's initial drawing for me which we started:
I was already impressed as he started with EXACTLY the flavor and style I wished for. I did not want a damascus blade (too rich and largely out-of-period), but we felt that would work well on the bolster.
After a number of tweaks we discussed he finalized with this drawing to work off of:
After a hiccup I created in discussing the length via email (Tip: Pick up the phone often. It can save troubles....
) he had forged and ground the profile and started the layout. In-progress images were arriving daily..... Let's cut to the chase. I'll talk more about it when you look it over. Take your time to look VERY closely at the 'simple curves'.
Specs:
OAL: 12½" - Blade 7½"
Bolster: Random pattern forged by maker
Scales: Antique elephant ivory (chosen for it's historical accuracy and simpler beauty)
Pins: 14K gold
Name: Sinistre (French styling in it's curves and appearance, and this is the French translation of 'Sinister' -- a fitting adjective.)
The blade has a bit of a dark patina to it--this has not been enhanced in my photo work. The characteristic DH3 hamon is there, but not overpowering.
You should notice that this is the first sweeping grind Don has done on a knife. He felt this one deserved the look.
Communication with Don is always a pleasure. He knew this would take some time and never overpromised on completion.
I am MOST pleased with this knife and the process of it's build. I share with you my Fototime album with even more build shots and drawings with captions to follow. Click here for more of this knife.
I know you will enjoy this. This was an 'out-the-box' project for Don and he was well up to the task! :thumbup:
Coop
