Steve Dunn MS: Engraved Bowie

Stephen F

Stephen F

Joined
Sep 28, 2003
Messages
1,235
There are times when I question the sense of this interest in knives, there are other times when it seems like little else matters ........ the time spent photographing this piece most definitely falls into the latter.

Steve Dunn has been a Mastersmith in the ABS since 1994, has 17 years of knife making under his belt, is currently on the Board of Directors for the ABS, and he makes one hell of a nice knife. Steve is also a fantastic engraver, so it is little surprise that he has been in that top group of makers on my "Must Have" list.

The fates conspired in my favour this year as I was able to arrange to collect an order from Steve at this years Blade show. I had given Steve only a vague outline of what I was looking for - a 10-11in Bladed SW Bowie, carbon steel, frame coffin handle, stag slabs - all tied together with some of Steve's superb engraving. The only caveat I gave him is the the engraving could not be similar to that on some other important pieces in my collection.

What Steve presented me with was a piece that surpassed my expectations and then some. The Bowie you see below is a blend of quiet strength, simmering under the surface of some exquisite finery and elegance that is Steves engraving. Complimenting the clean blade and intricate patterns is some fantastic stag scales that are as rich and textured as any I have seen.

Steve took the engraving along the spine on the blade, checkering the ricasso and laying a banner around his Name and MS stamps. In a wonderful touch Steve has also engraved the top and bottom of the ferrule, taking the pattern up onto the frame. True to his word Steve also selected a unique pattern for the guard and spine that is a modification of a design that L.D. Nimschke did on top of a receiver, of a Winchester 66 Carbine.

Looking beyond the engraving you have a fantastic Bowie in its own right with Fit and Finish of the highest order, the visual balance being equalled by the feel and balance in the hand.

Specifications:

Blade Length: 10.5 in
OAL: 15.75 in
Frame handle, guard and bolsters: 416 SS
Inlays: 24K Gold
Scales: Stag
Blade: Modified 1086


Dunn-fin.jpg



Stephen
 
Another beauty you have there Stephen. I really like the way the guard has been done. My favorite Dunn knives are his renditions of the San Francisco style.
 
There are no words adequate to define the true beauty of that wonderfully crafted knife....If I can produce one half as nice in 20 years, I'll be thrilled.
 
Stephen,

Of all the treasures that you acquired at Blade, your Dunn Bowie is my absolute favorite. While your photos are great, actually holding that knife was simply thrilling. :cool: Just wonderful!

Steve Dunn is the only ABS Mastersmith in my TOP TEN, that I do not yet own an example of his work. This deficiency is in the process of being corrected. We are going to have to work triple overtime to get close to this sensational example. :eek:

Best,

Peter
 
Just STUNNING Stephen... STUNNING!!!

Steve is as great of a guy as he is a bladesmith. Top notch all the way around. He has become one of my favorites by far!!!

-Nick-
 
I'm gonna have to get me a Dunn knife someday. That knife is gorgeous! :eek:
 
Hi Stephen,

Congratulations on your fine taste. Steve really hit a homer on this one, and there is so much to consider. I love the treatment he gives to the bevel at the ricasso, among everything else. Damn.

That's a great composition. You've been paying attention... :D Congrats on YOUR work!

Coop
 
Truly Outstanding work
Steve doesnt Trumpet his own horn but rather in his un assuming way makes pieces like yours that take your breath away.
I believe Steve is right now in that Zone that the Best of Smiths attain..his work is clean uncluttered exact and self assured..and thats before embelishment.Beautiful and tasteful engraving man
Congrats to Steve and you Stephen...a piece like that needs to be fawned over!
 
Lovely piece. Good steel too, if that's what I think (.86C and a dash of Vanadium): it was designed by Howard Clark if I'm not mistaken.
 
That is an OUTSTANDNG bowie - easily one of my favorites of the show.

Roger
 
I was fortunate enough to see this knife at the show, a truly stunning peice of work. The photo's not to shabby either.

Doug
 
Holy crap, I don't know what's better, the pics or the knife, and just when I was starting to feel good about my collection too... :)

Seriously, congratulations, that is truly exceptional.
 
Naive question:
How stainless is "modified 1086"?

i.e. how well does it hold up to saliva, as in drool?

What a wonderful knife.
 
Stephen This knife is a true classic. I think all the makers know that Mr. Dunn's ability is in a class by it's self. When you question why you do this, just get that knife out and hold it,and rembember the friend's you've made. Larry
 
very impressive indeed. It all flows and that engraving is really special.
I would love one just like that (but without engraving) to hack around with.
 
Beautiful bowie Stephen and a very nice photo. I've had to go back and look more than a few times. Steve does great work !

Don Hanson lll
 
Stephen, fantastic knife! I'm most impressed with Steve's forging, he nails it every time. The engraving is perfectly suited to the knife, and equally impressive. Great stag and great lines. That's one hell of a snag.

~Great photo too :).
 
Stephen,
Wonderful knife and wonderful photograph too! Thanks for sharing the story and images. Terrific!
Buddy Thomason
 
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