"W" Feather Hunter and Desert Ironwood

ptgdvc said:
Kyle,

Your feather Damascus has a few guys, with MS after their names, sweating bullets.

Your selection of handle materials is first rate.

Suggestions:

Give away your German/Nickle silver.

Buy a supply and use 416 Stainless for your fittings.

At the Blade Show, look up Jason Knight, MS Nick Wheeler, JS and Dan Farr, JS and ask each one for their thoughts and advice regarding handles in particular, and guards. This should jump start you by about 3 years.

I look forward to seeing your knives in person. Good work. :thumbup:

P
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Stainless steel is sterile and has absolutely no character, but if that‘s what you like,… nothing wrong with it…

Most bladesmiths hate stainless. It is associated with frying pans and cheap wash and wear crap.

If anything, substitue for real sterling silver.

The knife is great and stands on it's own.
 
Tai Goo said:
Most bladesmiths hate stainless.
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Most collectors/buyers love stainless.

The kid has talent, I would would like to see him be successful artistically and commercially.

Hey, he may do as he pleases. I agree about the sterling silver.

P
 
Simply stunning!

Doing all I can not to publicly compare the knife to the three smiths that come to mind when I see it.

Would love to see a new version made per the collectors' specs and fitted with a Paul Long-caliber sheath.
 
Wow looks really good. The damascus is truely amazing. As far as the handle I agree with John it seems a bit off. That being said I am seriously looking at ordering a knife from you so keep it up.

Trevor
 
ptgdvc said:
Most collectors/buyers love stainless.

The kid has talent, I would would like to see him be successful artistically and commercially.

Hey, he may do as he pleases. I agree about the sterling silver.

P
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Stainless steel and damascus steel don't really go together, and most bladesmiths would consider it a bad combination. However, there are some great damascus knives out there with stainless guards, but the quality of them really rests on the craftsmanship, and whatever properties the stainless might add to their concept and working methods.

Sterling silver would elevate this knife to the next level, but I think the choice of materials as he has them are perfectly acceptable and appropriate for this particular expression and point in time for this maker.
 
Thanks for all the recommendations everyone, I am changing the handle shape right now and will start a new thread and show you what it looks like later tonight or tomorrow.

Also I will not be going to the blade show this year but next year I will be, and I will be going for my JS stamp while I'm there.

Kyle
 
Kyle Royer said:
Thanks for all the recommendations everyone, I am changing the handle shape right now and will start a new thread and show you what it looks like later tonight or tomorrow.

Also I will not be going to the blade show this year but next year I will be, and I will be going for my JS stamp while I'm there.

Kyle
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Talented, a good attitude and gutsy too. The traits of a winner in my book. :thumbup:
 
Tai Goo said:
Stainless steel and damascus steel don't really go together, and most bladesmiths would consider it a bad combination. However, there are some great damascus knives out there with stainless guards, but the quality of them really rests on the craftsmanship, and whatever properties the stainless might add to their concept and working methods.

Sterling silver would elevate this knife to the next level, but I think the choice of materials as he has them are perfectly acceptable and appropriate for this particular expression and point in time for this maker.
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Tai, how about ALL the beautiful knives out there that have damascus blades with engraved stainless steel guards? ;)

Not so sure most bladesmiths would consider it a bad combination with or without the engraving.
 
Kevin Jones said:
Tai, how about ALL the beautiful knives out there that have damascus blades with engraved stainless steel guards? ;)

Not so sure most bladesmiths would consider it a bad combination with or without the engraving.
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"However, there are some great damascus knives out there with stainless guards, but the quality of them really rests on the craftsmanship, and whatever properties the stainless might add to their concept and working methods."

Talk to some more bladesmiths... and see what they say. I think you'll find that the general consensus is that it is somewhat of a queer combination... from a traditional standpoint.
 
Tai,
I am curious as to why you advocate sterling over other materials? It is nice to work with but is prone to tarnish (unless using argentium sterling) and is relatively soft.

Peter
 
Beautiful. Love it. This is one case where I think the 'white' silver of stainless would look better. The shades of gray in the damascus would compliment the stainless the way the colors of the handle compliment each other. Normally I like to use N/S with non damascus blades because it give a slight visual dividing line that adds a little detail and separation between blade and guard.
Dan Farr
 
peterinct said:
Tai,
I am curious as to why you advocate sterling over other materials? It is nice to work with but is prone to tarnish (unless using argentium sterling) and is relatively soft.

Peter
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It's matching a tarnishing metal with another tarnishing metal, and with time and proper care can develop a rich and beautiful patina. Copper is added to the silver (in sterling) to make it harder, and it also will "work harden" more readily to an acceptable degree than fine silver. Sterling silver is also more closely associated with fine art, jewelry, and intrinsic monetary value.

"However, there are some great damascus knives out there with stainless guards, but the quality of them really rests on the craftsmanship, and whatever properties the stainless might add to their concept and working methods."
 
In all fairness however, there is one more point I feel I should make. A stainless guard and or fittings would be very well suited and more appropriate on a stainless steel or stainless damascus steel blade.
 
What John White said Kyle!!! :thumbup:

NICE!!! :D

I am intrigued that there are a lot of "for your age" or "for your first attempt" type comments... when I think it's outstanding whether you consider that other stuff or NOT.

I also want to say I hope you realize people here are being as picky with you as they are because it already shows that you "have it" and that from here you will just continue to go up.

Most excellent Kyle! :thumbup: :cool:
 
Great knife, Kyle. They just keep getting better. Your willingness to utilize damascus early in your knifemaking career is already paying dividends. Great pattern on this one. Plus, I see from your website that you have already used a damascus guard and fittings on your Gentleman's Bowie.

Plus, braving the forums for critique is a huge step toward your advancement. There is a great review panel present here at all times. Keep up the outstanding work. :thumbup:


- Joe
 
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