Warenski "Main Gauche" Parrying Dagger - Custom Huey Case Construction

[betzner]

After emails and discussions, a decision was made to use Huey Cases to make the case/display for the Warenski Main Gauche (imaged below for those who haven't seen it before). The Main Gauche ships away for a few months on Monday and will probably be "encased" in about four months. Two or three other such case projects will likely follow, for other Warenskis.

The last image shows the cape bison material that will be used for the outside covering. The sketches are by Huey Cases. Riser blocks will be built into the case to use to display the Main Gauche at different angles. It will be French fitted with corner coverings of cape bison over cape bison, rather than brass. The construction will be wood frame, just like the gun cases, rather than the less sturdy Bouchard case style. An interior, probably, of forest green ultrasuede.

The other two pics below, from Huey's website, are of some of their work, the last gun case being that of Former Pres. Bush, Sr.

This should be an interesting project. It will be finished prior to the AKI, so those who are going and have expressed an interest in seeing the Main Gauche will be able to. This post will probably be the only opportunity to see the information on the Huey case from this point forward. More than likely, it, encasing the Main Gauche, will only be viewed when available for the AKI.

Best regards,

Bob

EDIT: Dagger images deleted. Dagger display will be available for viewing only at 2011 AKI.

 

[SharpByCoop]

Of course I'm liking this piece. I've been on the handling end.

A masterful choice. Alone, this dagger is stunning, but with the case, it lends it a larger 'sense of purpose'.

I look forward to seeing the final result. Thanks for the savoring repost of the dagger.

Coop

 

[JParanee]

Fantastic piece and I love fitted case's

I have a few for double rifles ans side by side shotguns but regretfully not all of this quality

Well deserveing project

 

[Kevin Jones]

I see an interesting trend perhaps developing in custom knives
from display cases to high end "carry type" cases.

A nice, interesting and classic alternative imo.

 

[eisman]

I find this very interesting, and more so than usual as I also am intending on using Huey for a project that's currently in the works. I would probably have chosen a Burgundy color interior over green (a main gauche to me suggests France, Burgundy plays on this a couple ways), but overall I think this is actually more of a traditional case than Kevin suggests. 18th and 19th century gun rooms and libraries (or a Gentleman's quarters) would be a perfect setting for arms cased in such a manner. Classic, and fitting.

 

[Kevin Jones]

I find this very interesting, and more so than usual as I also am intending on using Huey for a project that's currently in the works. I would probably have chosen a Burgundy color interior over green (a main gauche to me suggests France, Burgundy plays on this a couple ways), but overall I think this is actually more of a traditional case than Kevin suggests. 18th and 19th century gun rooms and libraries (or a Gentleman's quarters) would be a perfect setting for arms cased in such a manner. Classic, and fitting.

I meant traditional as in how contemporary custom knives are generally displayed in cabinets, wood often glass covered boxes/cases or on upright stands as opposed to handle and strap carry/travel type cases.

I agree that arms, but more dueling pistols, dueling swords and shotguns, rifles etc were traditionally stored/displayed and carried in fitted carrying cases. Carried being the key word, as dueling arms and hunting arms often had to be carried or traveled with by necessity. Of course you can carry a custom knife on your side or in a soft case to shows and such.

But as I said, a very nice way to display knives. I may go that route myself on an upcoming project as I display all my knives so always looking for ideas.

 

[betzner]

Kevin (eisman), the interior color was suggested to me. I had initially thought that a shade of red would be more in keeping with the period and with the regality of the piece. If I had taken the thought to it's conclusion, I would probably have gone with a burgundy choice myself. We are still talking over whether the exterior (all cape bison) will be black or brown. To a large degree, that might decide the interior color, which will either be forest green or burgundy.

Kevin (Jones), I think some projects could benefit from this kind of case functionality. By functionality, I mean a case that is designed to be as secure as possible (thus the french fitting), but in a manner that allows it to be a thing of beauty and a display setting as well (using a block approach). In the case of the Main Gauche, it's been a year of thought to figure out how to best display the piece. The Huey case gives the Main Gauche that added degree of majesty that was needed for display purposes.

I have a few other pieces that would benefit from such a display, but generally think that this type of casement could be overkill on most pieces, with which I'm sure you would agree. Anything to be displayed in a case like this needs to "not need" such a case, but rather stand on it's own merits.

Bob

 

[Kevin Jones]

I like burgundy as well. Black can be elegant, but shows every bit of lint.

Green always makes me think of a pool tables.

The only drawback I see on such a display for the Main Gauche is you loose
the 3D affect to a degree and back view of that beautiful basket that an upright display would offer.

 

[betzner]

I like burgundy as well. Black can be elegant, but shows every bit of lint.

Green always makes me think of a pool tables.

Haha, that's funny, same here.

I gave it some thought with regard to other knives that could be displayed and I can really imagine opening what appears to be a fine shotgun case, only to discover four or five of Jerry's finest NLT's, fitted diagonally into the longer casement, but with the exterior finished in the wood, rather than wrapping in leather. I think such a project would look stunning.

Bob

 

[Kevin Jones]

Haha, that's funny, same here.

I gave it some thought with regard to other knives that could be displayed and I can really imagine opening what appears to be a fine shotgun case, only to discover four or five of Jerry's finest NLT's, fitted diagonally into the longer casement, but with the exterior finished in the wood, rather than wrapping in leather. I think such a project would look stunning.

Bob

Yes, I've been trying to figure out a better way to display FISK Gambler Set along with their matching Paul Long sheaths. I've never been satisfied with how they are displayed now. A Huey case similar to as you describe above may be the answer.

 

[eisman]

Kevin - You might have Huey build a sliding drawer into the bottom or back of the case to store the sheath. Another option would be to store the sheath on the inside of the top cover, which would display it when the case is open.

I wish I could make Blade this year; I'd love to sit and talk stuff like this over a drink.

 

[betzner]

Kevin, the case will have a compartment or three, with blocks that rise out and hold the Main Gauche in different angled positions, perhaps including an upright position. When I discussed this all with Marvin Huey, he indicated he had a number of ideas and many included the angles at which the risers would hold the Main Gauche in the displayed position. The three D affect is how it will always be displayed, never just "laying" in the case.

Bob

 

[Kevin Jones]

Kevin - You might have Huey build a sliding drawer into the bottom or back of the case to store the sheath. Another option would be to store the sheath on the inside of the top cover, which would display it when the case is open.

I wish I could make Blade this year; I'd love to sit and talk stuff like this over a drink.

Yes, it was fun visiting with you at Blade last year and I really appreciated your helping out at the CKCA booth.
I really like your idea of storing the sheaths in the inside top cover.

 

[Kevin Jones]

Kevin, the case will have a compartment or three, with blocks that rise out and hold the Main Gauche in different angled positions, perhaps including an upright position. When I discussed this all with Marvin Huey, he indicated he had a number of ideas and many included the angles at which the risers would hold the Main Gauche in the displayed position. The three D affect is how it will always be displayed, never just "laying" in the case.

Bob

That will really be cool. Looking forward to seeing the completed project.

 

[RogerP]

Most excellent choice - I look forward to seeing the end result. Burgundy appeals to me as an interior colour as well.

Roger

 

[betzner]

Most excellent choice - I look forward to seeing the end result. Burgundy appeals to me as an interior colour as well.

Roger

Thanks, Roger. I am definitely now leaning WAY toward burgundy. It's so much more regal than forest green. And given the nature of this particular piece (ie, the "stones"), it makes more sense. I had already decided to cover the case entirely with cape bison, but it had been difficult to decide on color. The black cape material Huey has is fabulous but their brown is equally awesome. I think with burgundy, the black will probably happen.

Thanks to all for the observations on interior color.

Bob

 

[Bastid]

One of my (many) all time favorite works. The dagger needs that burgundy liner without a doubt. (and I am usually not a red or burgundy fan).
It seems to jump out of the shots that Jim took.

 

[JParanee]

Coop is very good at matching a background and he was right on with this one Burgundy really does look right In the case it would be stunning

 

[jklein7401]

Bob this appears to be a most fitting solution to a top quality storage and display for this exceptional piece. Sounds like you have spent some time thinking this through and I look forward to seeing the end result. I am sure it will be nothing short of spectacular.

Jon

 

[betzner]

Currently re-doing the display of images, will be back, however, at some point.