Whiplash

[P. McKinley]

This is my latest just finished. I hadn't made a "bush sword" before and I had a request for one from a man who owns a hunting/fishing supply store on the First Nations reserve here in Sydney. My wife refers to this piece as a bondage toy - of sorts, but the long leather lanyards remind me of a cat-o-nine-tails whip, so "Whiplash" it is.
I didn't have much time for fine photography as the new owner was standing right in back of me as I took these shots. In fact he watched as I applied the finishing touches in my shop this afternoon (a bit disconcerting!) I hope these suffice.

WHIPLASH

Blade: 10 1/2" x 1/4"(at the ricasso) of Aldo's 1084fg. Hand forged with a bit of distal taper, flat ground, hand sanded to 800 grit then etched and cold blued w/ polished highlights.
Handle: 6 1/2" of leather over Birdseye Maple with hollow stainless steel pins, leather lacing and moose antler bead.
Sheath: Wickett & Craig 6-7 oz leather, fully lined, Birdseye maple inlay, polished natural edges, and a moose antler bead. The belt loop harness has a moose antler tip frog. All leather has a buffed Mink Oil finish.

Please offer up your comments and critiques.

Thanks for looking,
Peter

A few photos:

 

[fast14riot]

Very nicely done! Great job tying the whole thing together! Love the leather handle treatment.


-Xander

 

[SBranson]

You work is so unique but so identifiably yours. I enjoy it very much every time you post.
Wish I lived back in Antigonish to come for a visit.

 

[tobinsmith]

I really like what you've done with this! Since (to me, anyway) you have several contrasts going on, I would like to see the bevels sanded shiny to contrast with the flats. Great job.

 

[P. McKinley]

Thank you guys.

Stuart - We're in the midst of building a new house and a work shop for myself on our farm outside of Pictou. We'll be moving permanently at the end of the summer. You're always welcome to stop by for a beer or three. Thank you for the compliment.

 

[P. McKinley]

Tobin - Thank you very much.
I agonized over that. I had a beautiful 2500 grit finish on it at first, but after looking at it for three days I decided it just wasn't "right". I wanted a bit more rustic in it so into the ferric it went.

 

[Storm Crow]

This is something I really appreciate. I think you pretty much nailed the design. I'd be curious how the lacing feels in the hand. I think the etch was a good choice.