Wrought san mai, copper, ironwood

[M.Griffin]

Here is one I just finished. I lurk in this sub-forum quite a bit and would appreciate any constructive criticism you all have to offer. Don't hold back, let me know what you really think. I am here to learn and I can take it, don't worry. If it is a turd, call it a turd. Just tell me why.

Specs:
Steel: 1084 with wrought laminated
Guard: Copper/steel/copper with a forced patina
Handle: Desert ironwood
OAL: 8 3/4"
Guard to Tip: 4 5/8"
Width at Widest: 1"
Thickness: 3/16" at ricasso with distal taper

This was my first time laminating wrought and first time using copper for a guard. Also not sure what category this knife falls into....small fighter? Still have to make a sheath. Thanks for looking.
-Mike

 

[A C Richards]

Very nice. Good clean wrought iron. Nice crisp lines. I personally would have made the silver colored spacer a little thinner, just for accentuation. Over-all a nice piece. Good job

 

[winterbear]

First that is a awesome blade I see nothing wrong with it at all , the gaurd is well shaped and the copper goes well with the wood I do agree the silver /steel band seems a bith thick. I like the shape of the wood handle but it seems out of proportion to the overall look of the knife mainly at the top rear....
really like it overall and love the blade this is coming up quick on my to do list.
Hope this helps Chris

 

[Mike Turner]

Very nice wrought I have some real old stuff just waiting for a san mai job, hope it looks this good. I also agree about the spacer, some file work would have broken it up as well. But really a nice knife thanks for sharing.

 

[Kevin Jones]

First, very nice execution of a good looking laminate blade and I like your material selection. The single pin is a nice touch as well. Overall fit/finish looks very good. I would classify this piece as a hunter.

The thickness of the steel spacer only concerns me as (imo), it causes the overall guard thickness (distance ricasso to handle) to lack symmetry to the small lugs. In other words, less thickness or a little larger guard lugs would be my suggestion.
I feel the handle flares or mushrooms too much towards the butt as well. Handles are always one of the more difficult parts of a knife's construction and it's hard to give a real good critique from photos.

I also prefer a smaller or more subtle maker's mark for this size knife

Hope I don't appear overly critical, however it sounds like you are really looking for honest opinions.

 

[M.Griffin]

Thank you all for your critique. I agree completely that the silver spacer is a bit overwhelming. I should have put more thought into the guard as the spacer was kind of a spur of the moment decision, which was probably not a great idea.
Kevin, I see what you mean about the guard symmetry, and handle shaping is an area I always have a hard time with. Some makers handles just always look visually appealing as well as look like they would just melt into your hand. Someday, I hope to be able to do that consistantly.
As far as the stamp goes, it is the only one I have. Someday I will get a smaller version, but until then, I am stuck with this one. Do you think a horiozntal stamp just below the spine would have looked better? I debated on doing it that way.
Again, thanks for the comments. That was exactly what I was looking for.

-Mike

 

[Kevin Jones]

Kevin, I see what you mean about the guard symmetry, and handle shaping is an area I always have a hard time with. Some makers handles just always look visually appealing as well as look like they would just melt into your hand. Someday, I hope to be able to do that consistantly.
As far as the stamp goes, it is the only one I have. Someday I will get a smaller version, but until then, I am stuck with this one. Do you think a horiozntal stamp just below the spine would have looked better? I debated on doing it that way.
-Mike

Yes, I believe that would help as it's such a tight fit in the ricasso area of this knife.
I like how Ron Newton marks his knives in that fashion. It's just my opinion that a mark should be easily found however not demand attention at first glance. Usually a small font is the best way to accomplish this. I do like your mark design. It has a clean and sophisticated look.

I hope you share more knives with us.