The Downeast Bowie by Don Fogg, MS

ptgdvc

ptgdvc

Joined
Feb 27, 2003
Messages
2,369
This is Don Fogg's first knife since returning to Maine.
The hamon reminds me of Maine's rocky coastline.

The Blade is 9.75" of 1095 and the knife is 14.625" overall.
The fittings are heat blued damascus with silver spacers.
The handle is sculpted Ebony.

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I also find Don Fogg's work interesting probably similar in the way Anthony does and I appreciate his ability in recognizing him as top forger that has been a driving force in the industry, however his designs are just not my cup of tea.
Sure not meaning to offend anyone.
 
Anthony Lombardo said:
It is interesting, isn't it?

I liked it better the first time.
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I don't think he is repeating himself...there are many subtle differences between the pieces that he does.

I LOVE this knife, but am troubled by the ebony, I wish that he had done it in blackwood, as it is much more stable.

It is however, Fogg at his best!

Best Regards

STeven Garsson
 
I think it's a terrific piece - and it's great to see a new knife from Don here on the forums. Congrats Peter and thanks for the peek.

Roger
 
Its a good looking Fogg. Is this the one that originally had a Stag handle?I think that maybe what Anthony was referring to.

I think his oriental inspired designs are some of the most interesting around.

STeven - I have to disagree with you on the stability of Ebony - it can be one of the most stable woods around IF dried properly, the problems tend come in the working and drying process where it is more susceptible to chips and splitting than the oft used African Blackwood. However if it has been worked and dried properly it has the potential to be more stable than many others.

Stephen
 
Stephen F said:
Its a good looking Fogg. Is this the one that originally had a Stag handle?I think that maybe what Anthony was referring to.

I think his oriental inspired designs are some of the most interesting around.

STeven - I have to disagree with you on the stability of Ebony - it can be one of the most stable woods around IF dried properly, the problems tend come in the working and drying process where it is more susceptible to chips and splitting than the oft used African Blackwood. However if it has been worked and dried properly it has the potential to be more stable than many others.
Stephen
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The Fogg with the knobby stag handle is actually one of my favorites of his. I must be missing something here. Is this that bowie re-handled? :confused:

Many times certain handle materials get a bad reputation because of elements outside the handle material itself such as inferior stabilization, improper care both before and after the manipulation of the material, unstable levels of humidity and/or heat, and the lack of ability of the maker working or shaping the material.

But then one could argue that materials that are MORE prone to these negative conditions should or could be avoided.

I have heard the same complaints regarding the shortcomings of ebony as a handle material, but then I don't believe makers such as Tim Hancock would use so much of it if they were not able to produce a durable handle of quality from it.
But then the fact that Tim uses so much of it supports my statements above regarding the bad reputations of some handle materials.:thumbup:
 
Just to be clear, This knife is not related in any way to THE STAG Bowie by Don. I had provided Don with a very large stag carver which just didn't work with the blade. Don subscribes the "if you aren't happy, I not happy" school of bladesmithing and life, so he built me a completely new and larger knife with a sculpted ebony handle. Needless to say, I am very happy.

Don has moved to Auburn-Lewiston ME.
 
ptgdvc said:
Just to be clear, This knife is not related in any way to THE STAG Bowie by Don. I had provided Don with a very large stag carver which just didn't work with the blade. Don subscribes the "if you aren't happy, I not happy" school of bladesmithing and life, so he built me a completely new and larger knife with a sculpted ebony handle. Needless to say, I am very happy.

Don has moved to Auburn-Lewiston ME.
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Thanks Peter. Once again, you relieved my confusion. ;):D

Good for you in that you now have a piece you are very happy with and good that Don demonstrated the fine maker and individual that he is.
I have never heard anything but good about him. :thumbup:
 
I like it. And with the proper lighting on this piece, I am certain it would really come 'alive'. Peter does a great job--but the combo of that shiny blade and the DARK ebony require extra skills. Not an easy piece to capture.

Those facets on the handle make it, and that hamon can glow.

I didn't know Don moved to Maine. Now he's that much closer to Murad Sayen and Jim Kelso. Hmmmmmmm...... :)

Coop
 
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