Steingass AK Prototype

TK Steingass

TK Steingass

Knifemaker - Buckeye
Knifemaker / Craftsman / Service Provider
Joined
Oct 16, 2010
Messages
5,715
Les Robertson asked me to work up a George Herron influenced design to carry exclusively on his website. Including Les' input, this is the first prototype I came up with. I named the knife the Steingass AK. The AK stands for Ass Kicker ..... my nickname for Les because of his martial arts background. This knife is a substantial handful - the specs are below. Included is photography using some of the techniques that Jim Cooper has graciously shared with us. Coop, I'd appreciate your assessment of the image - be brutally honest......I aim to improve.......Photoshop Elements 10 with shadow drop and digital background.

All comments welcome.

Best regards,

TK

3/16" D-2 stock
HT to Rc 60-61
9" OAL
4 1/2" Blade length
1 1/4' Blade height
Black micarta scales
Red liners on tapered tang
416 SS furniture
400 grit hand rubbed satin flats
400 grit cork belt finish hollow grinds
Thumb serrations on spine
8/9 oz leather sheath

AK-Knife.jpg
 
Last edited:
Hi Tim,

You are having FUN! LOL! First off, the knife appears to be really well done. Props to this model and this particular build.

Critiquing this here isn't the exact right place, that's why we have a Photography forum. Post in there in the future.

That said, Here's what I'd do differently:


  • Larger core image. The surrounding insets are overpowering the main subject.
  • Still not enough light on the handle. With this much contrast from shiny blade to deep dark handle, you really need to get 2:1 more light on the backside. Not equal.
  • Use natural shadows and a real backgrounds. Wait on a digital background until you have the basics nailed. Plus, it's easier to construct than selecting the object perimeter and adding a fake shadow.
  • If you are using a polarizer; this type of handle, and the sheath, would benefit from LESS polarization, than more. I can't see the highlights and shapes as easily.


Overall a great job. One rectangle = A LOT of information.

Props! :)

Coop
 
Coop - Many thanks for the great feedback - and yes, I'm having fun! The photography is every bit the challenge to me as designing and executing the knife. What a great journey.

Take care,

TK
 
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