stone inlays

[on_the_edge]

In your opinion, do stone inlays in the handle of a custom knife make the knife more or less desireable as a strict collection piece and/or user? I notice some folks do it (and when they do, they do it a lot) while many don't do it at all.

Are such knives less user-friendly from the perspective of fragility? I don't even see very many in collections. Is that due to general periodic changes in style preferences among collectors?

 

[enoreeriver]

Most desireable to me...that is all I seem to be shopping for these days.

So few makers have the equipment to do the work, plus there is some really beautiful material out there (Jade, Lapis, Petersite, Jasper, etc).

Fragility...I think it depends on the stone. Sawby, for example, will not use certain stones if exposed at the edge of the handle (ex...a non-interframe). Scott explained to me that he would use Jade or Jaspers if the inlay is exposed at the edge because they are tougher. Petersite, while beautiful, he said he would only use on interframes.

In any event, I wouldn't want to drop a stone inlayed knife.

To me, these stones offer a very refreshing change from the shells, stags, and wood that we see so much of. Not saying it is better, just refreshing.

 

[peterinct]

Stone is beautiful and there are many to choose from. In my opinion it does make the knife more fragile. Similar to pearl. Interframes seem to offer the most protection from damage to the stone. Amongst my favorites are tigereye, lapis, and jasper. I've also seen some spectacular fossilized dinosaur bone.

For the combination or looks and durability I like stag .

Enoreriver, those are some fine knives you posted in the engraving thread. Just beautiful work.

Peter

 

[enoreeriver]

Thanks Peter,

In case you wanted to know:
The green one is Jade obviously, the Mt. Lion and Antelope piece has petrified oak for inlays (still technically a stone), and the non-engraved on in the middle has some incredibly beautiful blue Petersite.

 

[Kevin Jones]

I'm not crazy about stone handles, however do like stone inlays.
Especially turquoise inlays in southwest style knives.

 

[peterinct]

Thanks for the info Enoreeriver. The Mountain lion/Antelope piece is my favorite of those posted. Absolutely stunning mountain lion.

Petrified wood can be exceptionally nice. Same with jade, there are SO many variations. The nice thing about jade is it is VERY hard.

Malachite can also be a spectacular stone, but it is very soft.

Peter

 

[Reggie Barker]

I talked to Warren Osborne who does it about as well as anyone I have seen. He says it cost to get set up to cut stone and stone is fragile as well as expensive to buy. I have to agree that it is beautiful when done right.
Reggie

 

[Murray White]

here are a couple examples of stone inlays

EG Peterson who does a lot of this kind of work produced this one from Brazilian Agate

Steve Mullin (retired) created this damascus framed midlock with Jade interframe

jade was also used in this sub-hilt fighter by Doug Casteel

Diana Casteel got into the act also with this Agate handled damascus boot knife

and this one is a fine dagger by Van Barnett with Dendretic Soapstone