To engrave or not to engrave

Bailey Bradshaw

Bailey Bradshaw

Joined
Sep 13, 2001
Messages
816
In a bit of a delima. Those big shiney bolsters are calling me to the engraving bench, but not sure I want to spend the time there or in the shop working on other knives.

This is my model FB5 Folding bowie. It is an interpretation of an antique I have seen pictured in one of my books. Blade is forged 1075, matching sambar stag scales and stainless everywhee else.

I like them, even though they are a little out of the ordinary. It comes with a sheath, so it can be carried when folded. The spring is really firm, and even though the blade is 6 1/2" long (11" overall), it snaps in with authority. It's not difficult to operate the lock however. BTW, it is a front release lockback with raised lockbar.

Anyway, I think I will wait for someone to tell me to engrave it just after they decide to give it a home.

Let me know what you think of the folder.
 
Bailey,
That would look great with some Germanic clusters as that is a pattern that to my eye is very Germanic in nature (although originally from Sheffield).

I say engrave. That big bolster is very inviting.
email incoming.
 
I like engraving and that knife is begging to get it.

It's stunning even as is. What a beaut!
 
What a great rendition. Stunning and out-of-the-ordinary.

Include your engraving, OR, flute a section of the bolster to break it up. But something is yearning to fill in that blank space.

Looks like this one won't hang around long... :D

Coop
 
If it was to be mine - Engrave - definitely - I have seen some engraving you have done on a hunter - Low Contast scroll work is how I can best describe it, the relief work is darkened rather than plain steel - looks beautiful with a gold inlayed frame! It would be perfect for this piece IMO.

Stephen
 
Very unusual. . . .yet very cool folder !

I agree. . . .engraving would add a nice touch. :)
 
Wow - a folder that even us fixed-blade types can love. ;) I think the bolster calls for something. Engraving would certainly work, as would some of that awesome gold inlay that you do. Great knife. Nice stag. The array of terrific bladeware continues here on the forums...

Roger
 
Beautiful knife Bailey.
I always try to make my folder blades appear longer than the handle but havn't come quite as close as you have here ;)

Good work, Don Hanson lll
 
Bailey, engrave it later for the person who buys it. For now, you need to get some more knives done for the Little Rock show.
 
Don't engrave it bud. I like it just like it is; clean and simple. Outstanding knife, by the way.

~M
 
That's a beautiful knife when unfolded. And if I were buying it, I'd prefer it not engraved.

But there's something I gotta ask. When the knife is folded, what's the theory behind leaving half of the blade edge and the blade tip exposed? I assume it's not meant for a pants pocket. I understand it's a historic design, but what's the purpose? Anyone who wants can answer, I'm sure Mr. Bradshaw is busy engraving that bolster. :)

Best Wishes,
-Bob
 
Hi Bob,

I am no authority on historical designs, though I have seen this pattern in antique bowie books. Others more informed than me will know better, but I have always regarded this design as something of a "variable length fixed blade" rather than a "folder" per se. The idea being that you have the portability and usability of hunter, with the extra "reach out and touch someone" blade length of the bowie available at the ready.

Of course I could be wrong. Wouldn't be the first time..... today.. :rolleyes:

Cheers,

Roger
 
LongRifle said:
Don't engrave it bud. I like it just like it is; clean and simple. Outstanding knife, by the way.

~M
Click to expand...
I must agree. Beautiful in its simplicity.

Ok... perhaps a single inlaid gold line on the bolster just to break up the expanse of shiny steel. But no more.

Best regards
Rod

:) PS. my 60th birthday looming up at the end of January
OK... OK... I know... I gotta be patient for mine ;)
 
Bailey, as nice of work as you do, some gold inlay work would really set that killer stag off............IMHO. ;)

Beautiful piece....... :)
 
Out of curiousity, how would you carry this knife, in a sheath made specially for its unusual profile?

I say hell yeah, engraving with gold inlays, I have several of Baileys knives with such engraving, and it is aweosme work.

Bailey, didnt you email me a pic of one of these once with a damascus blade?

I think some engraving along these lines would look very nice on this knife. :)

redivryhlfopn.jpg
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top