Sword by Mike Rader

[D lisch]

A few month's ago I gave Mike a sword blank I had made for myself to use. what I know about myself and swords is that I have a strong start with a week finish as I now have no less then 3 unfinished swords. so I thought I would like to see what mike could do with one of my sword blades. so I handed the blade to mike and said do your thing and toss me a bone when you sell it. well mike knows what to do with a sword blank he had it ground ready to heat treat that day. I had a chance to see the blade when it was done. but never the sword till now as Mike finished it just before he left for the Boise show where he sold it so I will never get to hold it . he did have a pro pic taken of it I will post them when I get them. for now this will have to do. I will throw in a pic or two of a chef knife he made with some mosaic damascus I call family ties. I call it that as I made the steel so that I could make a chef knife for my uncle Bob. there was enough steel in the billet to make 3 knives so I 2 integral's for myself full tang and one for Mike hidden tang just the way he like's them.

 

[D lisch]

 

[HTMD]

You guys are fired up! :thumbup:

 

[Lorien]

wow, man, wow.
:thumbup::thumbup::thumbup::thumbup::thumbup::thumbup:

 

[black mamba]

Lookin' good, Dave. The steel on that sword is amazing!

 

[Mike Quesenberry]

Dave, I really like the blade and handle profile on that second chef's knife, great job!

I got to meet Michael in Boise and had an opportunity to pick his brain. He gave me some great pointers and was a real pleasure to talk to, thanks Michael. I hope I didn't get to much drool on the knives while standing at his table and admiring his work.

 

[Kevin Jones]

Yes, really nice.

 

[Burl Source]

I was able to talk to Mr. Rader at the Boise knife show. The photos of his knives and swords look really good but when you see them in person.....WOW!

One of these days I hope to get one of his integral chef knives.
Maybe like this one.

 

[RogerP]

Great stuff. Love that sword in particular.

Roger

 

[STR]

That is all worthy of a big WOW! Some of the most stunning work I've seen in many years! Thanks for sharing. :thumbup:

STR

 

[Mark Knapp]

Yep, they are outstanding, but we've come to expect nothing less from you guys. Someday I will get a handle on the two knife blanks I got from you. Not enough time, too many knives. Take care.

 

[D lisch]

Thank you all. Mark I was wondering why I never saw you post one of your knives with one of the blades we traded for. I am looking forward to seeing what you do with it.

 

[D lisch]

Mike Q thank you. the handle did come out better then the first one but they both cut like a dream.

 

[Bruce Bump]

I handled both of these in Boise. Spectacular work from two great makers.

 

[JParanee]

Dave fantastic steel

All great but I love that first chef knife

 

[Lorien]

damn that sword is so f*@%!%* kick ass. I can barely stand it.
Dave it must kill you to not have been able to swing that thing around just a bit.

 

[spaknives]

AWESOME!! You guys do awesome work.

 

[xaman]

Wow, beautiful stuff Dave! That sword is all kind of sweet...

 

[Mike Turner]

Great looking knives Dave love the 2nd one in Redwood Burl, is that the wood you got from me? Great work all the way around.

 

[Michael Rader]

Holy crap guys... knock it off with the gushing here - I'm getting frikkin' embarrassed. And I didn't realize that I have such a goofy non-smile and lazy eye...hmm going to have to work on my image - ha. Thanks for that photo.

And, Dave will actually get to hold the sword, as I am having my friend, and Kydex master, Brian Wagner make a scabbard for it. I'll be getting it back for a brief moment for some better photos as well.

In addition, Dave and I have not even really started yet - it's only going to get better. Thanks again guys for your support. -m