Something NON Traditional

Ed Caffrey

Ed Caffrey

Joined
Jul 23, 1999
Messages
1,409
Thought I would step out of my "norm" with this one and see how it was received. It's my standard Progression II pattern, but instead of 52100, I went with Spiders-N-Snakes mosaic. Another new addition is the anodized Ti Thumb bobs. I suspect it will be a love/hate kinda thing, but I let you folks tell me which.
G10spidersfolder.jpg
 
I like the knife but I think I would use somehing more traditional for the handle scales. The design cries out for mastodon or stag in my opinion. Then again I have never been big on black handles except for kitchen knives.
 
Awesome blade, but I think the plain black handle is overpowered by the pattern in the blade. A gorgeous blade like that needs pearl or some really fancy wood, IMHO.
 
Gotta agree with the previous comments. The blade and handle are a little mismatched. The profile is beautiful, though! I LOVE the anodized thumber and clip!
 
I LOVE that damascus pattern Ed. But I would Never consider buying a damascus bladed knife with any kind of synthetic handle material. Ironwood scales would make that design a winner in my book.

I know micarta is a great knife handle material, but it just seems out of place on a knife with a blade that special. I assume the customer is paying a little more for the spiders and snakes blade compared to 52100, but the use of micarta scales really turns me off. I also don't really like the splash of color from the anodized clip.

I hate to be so critical since I love your work, but I would not ever be a buyer of a knife with that combination of materials.

Paracelsus, naturalist
 
I like it a lot, as is. I think the handles give a nice contrast to the damascus. I would buy it in a heartbeat.
 
Hi Ed,
First of all that blade is a show stopper. Stunning.
My first thought was pretty much along the lines of the other suggestions. On the other hand you may be starting a sub-trend in tacticals here. It seems that the interest is getting a little fancier.

That combination may be a nice bridge between a user and a shelf sitter not a bad idea.
 
Ed,

I guess I side with Dennis on this one. I personally don't see anything wrong with damascus on a user blade. A user to me is defined more by handle material than blade choice. While pearl or ivory certainly would make the knife more visually stunning, they would also seriously detract from the utility and durabilty of a knife designed by you as a "working folder". The damascus blade however, will hinder the utility value of the knife very little if any in terms of performance when compared to a 52100 blade. So in the end, I think that damascus is both a very beautiful and practical way of dressing up a utility folder like the Progression II. Sure wish I had seen this before I ordered mine in 52100 :D

Jamie
 
Ed,
Love the overall design of the knife & that blade is to die for! The Micarta leaves me flat but I think Carbon Fiber would work well if going with a synthetic handle - would buy it in a NY minute with CF - would complement the Damascus blade a lot better! CF with a Damascus inlay might work also. Still that knife would be stunning with some nice Snakewood, Curly Koa, Juniper Burl scales and not detract from its "usability".

Bill :) :) :)
 
I think it is great just like it is, but these other, perhaps more learned, gentlemen seem to think it needs fancier scales. Maybe they're right from a sales perspective....I would leave this one as is and make another couple with other handle materials and see what sells. Beautiful knife BTW!
 
I love the knife - and agree with Gus that you might be on to something here...fancy blade and "simple" handle...maybe this will get us to actually use these beauties...;)
 
I think it's a beauty, but I too feel that the handle is seriously outclassed by that amazing blade. I'm thinking bolsters & ivory, or ironwood. Maybe pearl but I'm not sure. Basically, why not experiment around, because any of those you make WILL get sold!! :D
 
I really like the knife the way it is, Ed. I think the thumbstud and clip add a nice bit of color. The damascus is fantastic, but doesn't seem to offer any color itself. As much as I love the beautiful woods, something like juniper burl or buckeye, anything highly patterned is going to compete with that beautiful blade. I think something as simple as maroon micarta might look better than the black, or maybe a wood like snakewood, which is beautiful, but not so busy, would really compliment the steel. I love pearl, but think that would make it about too pretty to use.
 
Well folks............thanks for all the inputs, but I think I've discovered that the knife buying public likes the design! At the Montana show this past weekend, it was the first thing off the table. In fact there were several people who commented that they thought it was a great idea!
 
I NEVER meant for you to think it wasnt a great idea.....
I would LOVE to have a knife like that... just that the damascus is SO nice it begs for a nice handle to compliment it. :)
 
Ed, I like it as is. While it could very well go with pearl or ivory I think that this is the type of knife that will slot very easily between the plain steel / micarta work knife and the all out damascus and ivory art knife. It's a step up from plain Jane in both looks and cost.
 
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