The development of raindrop damascus .... refining my collection >> Did it again

James Longstreet

James Longstreet

Joined
May 1, 2014
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First of all let me point out, that this is just about personal preference. So there is not really a "good" or "less good". It is just about MY personal taste.

Tracking back my initial Sebenza orders from various US shops it seems that I started collecting CRK in 2014 (sometimes it feels a much longer time than just approx. 3 years. Anyway.). At the beginning I wasn't really aware about the fact that some online stores are not showing pics of the actual knife for sale, but sample pics or pics of previously sold knives with the same specs. Well usually no CRK knife will disappoint you so everything was fine. Later I tried to buy only those Sebenza or Mnandi, where I was able to see actual pics of the knife for sale. Either buying from those online stores who are always updating their shop pics or requesting extra pics. Because I learned that particularely when it comes to damascus pattern, as well as with wood colors and grain, there are differences. So why not choosing the one which suits me best? We've had some discussion already over here about the developement of the raindrop damascus pattern. Other then ladder and basket weave, which do show minor differences among 2 pices of the same pattern, raindrop has changed over the years more "drastically". Originally the raindrop pattern consists of very tight "rolls". In between these "rolls" sometimes little "stars" appeared, as a result of the way the steel was folded and forged. Later the pattern became more "loose", "wild", however you want to describe it. It also has its charme and some people may even prefer the newer style. Recent examples of Sebenza with raindrop damascus pattern I saw at some dealer sites these days have even "streched" this pattern further. Again. A matter of personal preference. I do not like the new raindrop anymore. Particularely because it does not create any association with "raindrops" to me any longer. Maybe less capability of imagination. Who knows?

One example I have with the old style raindrop is my morning sun:

21, UG Morning Sun, Raindrop, 05

I think this is the raindrop with the "tighest" roll pattern I have within my collection. Maybe there are examples of even tighter ones out there. Feel free to add them here.

I think depending upon which part of the forged raindrop bar was used for a blade, this pattern may be tighter or wider.

One of my very 1st orders was a large 21 w. micarta inlays and raindrop damascus. I bought it in 2014 and it was made in 2014. By that time they seem to have changed already the design of the raindrop damascus at CRK. This one has the newer raindrop style:

21, Micarta, Raindrop, 05

21, Micarta, Raindrop, 07


These days another large micarta 21 w. raindrop damascus crossed my way. This one was built in 2012 and the pattern is more old style:

21, Black Canvas Micarta, Raindrop, 02

21, Black Canvas Micarta, Raindrop, 03

21, Black Canvas Micarta, Raindrop, 04

I like this old pattern a lot. Besides, it has dual lugs. Not key, but nice to have in terms of symetrics. So I bought this one and sold the 2014 micarta.

Again. Just my personal view when it comes to raindrop. Others may have the opposite taste and that is always appreciated.

Stefan
 
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The current Raindrop is a far cry from older DT Raindrop examples. Compare your pictures to the example picture on Devin Thomas's website and there is a visible difference. I much prefer his Basketweave and Spirograph patterns. I recall there being a thread on here where Mr. Thomas himself explained why the pattern has changed so much, but I would have to search for it. Excellent pictures and writeup. They really show the inconsistency.
 
Very interesting comparison

Like you, I am no fan of the new raindrop pattern
I think my next Damascus will be a ladder


Envoyé de mon iPhone en utilisant Tapatalk
 
You make some excellent points and your photos really illustrate how stunning this pattern can be. What you said about the importance of how seeing the knife and the pattern in this price range, is really key to me. Whenever I buy an expensive knife from a dealer (and any CRK is expensive to me) I much prefer to phone and speak with someone there. That way I can get a few photos to clarify any important details and deal with anything that comes up then, rather than be disappointed and having to return or sell the knife after the fact.

I have recently been looking at some of the CRK Damascus knives, truthfully I don't know if I will take the plunge as I would likely be afraid to use the knife, but that aside if I do indeed commit to a one, it would not be a new style Raindrop. In all honesty I would prefer a plain blade to the new pattern as I find the current pattern too rough and kind of fragmented looking to me. I do love the old pattern as well as the Basketweave and Spirograph.

Thanks for the great photos, beautiful, beautiful knives.
 
I share your opinion that the older raindrop patterns are much nicer than recent examples. Likewise, I always like to see a pic of the actual knife prior to making a purchase, at least when inlays or damascus are involved.
 
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