Zowada Damascus "One Knife"

RogerP

RogerP

Joined
Feb 28, 2002
Messages
13,348
Greetings all,

You may recall a thread from STeven earlier this year about a sweet knife he had made by Tim Zowada:

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/s...-Zowada-quot-puukko-quot-WIP?highlight=Zowada

We got to talking on the phone soon afterwards, and STeven mentioned that one or both of the remaining blades from the original three that Tim forged out might still be available. I quickly got hold of Tim, who happily agreed to finish out the top blade in this group of three for me:

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Communication with Tim throughout the process was superb. We discussed all aspects of materials and design, and he kept me posted on every stage of the process. It was quite easy from my end, as I thought the original design was pretty much perfect. The only change I requested was a handle 1/4" greater in length ( 4 3/4" ) to better balance the larger blade and my general preference for slightly longer handles.

Upon examining the blade I had selected, Tim decided that he wasn't happy with how the bevel blended into the edge, so he re-blended the edge with 400 grit sandpaper then refinished the blade:

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Here we have the forged bronze fittings:

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All polished up:

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Milled:

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And fitted:

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Here we have the components assembled and ready to come togther. I had provided Tim with a lovely piece of curly Claro Walnut for the handle:

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Which polished up nicely:

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I thought a simple pouch sheath would nicely complement the elegant simplicity of this piece and Tim was happy to oblige. Following a short trip to Coop, the knife made its way home to me.

My initial impression on handling the knife - apart from the immaculate fit and finish - was that this would make a terrific "one knife". Short of heavy chopping - which can't be expected of any knife of this size - it feels like just a perfectly balanced tool that is ready for any task. My second impression was that Tim puts a seriously scary sharp edge on his blades. It's no surprised that someone who excels at making straigth razors would do so, but still, you want to be VERY careful handling Tim's blades! :eek:

Thanks for reading. And thanks to Steven, Tim and Coop.

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More than the sum of its parts, and just what I expect from Tim. Congrats, bud.


Tim's edges are beyond reproach. I bought a razor from him many moons ago, and still continue to send it back to him for honing, as I can't replicate it.
 
It is fantastic to see a master turn a simple design into a work of art.
 
Good to go, bro!!

I'm glad you jumped on that piece Roger, Tim's knives come up so rarely, that someone who knows and enjoys great forged blades like you do HAS to have one of these.

Best Regards,

STeven Garsson
 
That is one beautiful knife!

Although he is certainly qualified, I was not aware that Tim had joined the ABS or become a Master Smith. Are you sure that's correct? Please take no offense if I am ill informed.
 
Exceptional my friend.....I've got one of Tim's folders in Damascus and Sheephorn, superb work from a longtime Maker.
 
Chris Meyer said:
That is one beautiful knife!

Although he is certainly qualified, I was not aware that Tim had joined the ABS or become a Master Smith. Are you sure that's correct? Please take no offense if I am ill informed.
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Hi Chris,

Thanks for the correction. That's MY mistake. With all the good hype surrounding Tim, I thought he was a veteran and under-the-radar ABS MS. You are right, his website bio mentions nothing of the sort.

No foul. I've sent Roger the edited photo with the exclusion of the MS in the text. He will edit his post, I am certain.

Overall: A good thread! :thumbup:

Coop
 
Done - and you weren't alone in that mistake Coop!

Thanks for the comments, gents.
 
Amazing. I wish I owned it. SOOO Elegent and dangerous.. Every "gentleman" should have one.
 
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