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Main Boards => Hunting Knives and Crafters => Topic started by: SveinD on January 08, 2013, 01:19:00 PM

Title: Bowie for a Friend
Post by: SveinD on January 08, 2013, 01:19:00 PM
Long time since last I've posted here, but been busy with the wee one.

Anyways, managed to get this Bowie done for a friend of mine. (Hope it's a bowie, going to read that topic later)

Blade is 440c "Texas Style Bowie"
Handle is made from Claro Walnut and Reindeer antler.

Total length is 13"
Blade length is 8"

  (http://i.imgur.com/hUoIt.jpg)

And as always, enjoy both praise and criticism, as long as they are constructive   :)

(Edit: I should add that I did not make the blade)
Title: Re: Bowie for a Friend
Post by: Rufus 25 on January 08, 2013, 01:28:00 PM
Beautiful knife; you did extemely well.  I really liked how you did the clip point. Your friend should be very happy with that knife.  The only thing I would change if you made another one would be to add properly shaped guard.
Title: Re: Bowie for a Friend
Post by: SveinD on January 08, 2013, 01:59:00 PM
Rufus, thanks for reminding me to add that I did not fashion the blade. though I will try to take a class in smithing this spring.  :)

Also, I ordered a stainless guard blank with the knife, hoping to add a small crescent guard, but the fitting was way off.

Oh, and thanks for honesty  :)
Title: Re: Bowie for a Friend
Post by: Lin Rhea on January 08, 2013, 04:14:00 PM
I saw this one on FB and it caught my eye. Very nice work. We're glad you're here Svein.
Title: Re: Bowie for a Friend
Post by: tomsm44 on January 08, 2013, 05:54:00 PM
I really like that handle profile and the way you combined the handle materials.  I'm thinking that handle would look even better on a recurved fighter style knife.  Something similar to a kukri except maybe slimmer and with a little less recurve.  Awesome work.
Title: Re: Bowie for a Friend
Post by: tomsm44 on January 08, 2013, 06:00:00 PM
Ok, after I made that last post, I came across Ben Tendick's Dead Mt. Chopper post.  The blade I was picturing would be similar to that, only maybe a little slimmer.    :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Bowie for a Friend
Post by: Bodork on January 08, 2013, 06:37:00 PM
Sweet knife!!
Title: Re: Bowie for a Friend
Post by: L. Harris on January 08, 2013, 07:19:00 PM
I know nothing of building knives, however I do know you have a very lucky friend and the "WOW" factor of this knife is up there!
Title: Re: Bowie for a Friend
Post by: DANA HOLMAN on January 08, 2013, 08:03:00 PM
Very. nice Bowie
Title: Re: Bowie for a Friend
Post by: Jedimaster on January 08, 2013, 08:28:00 PM
OK, I'm a knife user - not maker so I don't commonly comment in this forum (even though I look at every post). With that said, I'm not nuts about the blade design. Probably just me and I'll admit, I don't typically like bowies anyway.

With that said, I think your handle is perfect in size, shape and composition. I really love the way you incorparated the antler and the wedge shape you used. Your attention to detail and finish look excellent. The walnut was a beautiful choice and the knife just flows. Your friend is very lucky and should be very proud to own this knife.

Please don't take the blade comment as too big a jib. I simply feel that with your talent, a blade of your design will be more pleasing on some level. Hopefully it won't be too long before you are able to make that a reality.
Title: Re: Bowie for a Friend
Post by: Lin Rhea on January 08, 2013, 08:45:00 PM
QuoteI simply feel that with your talent, a blade of your design will be more pleasing on some level. Hopefully it won't be too long before you are able to make that a reality.
I couldn't agree more. Well said.
Title: Re: Bowie for a Friend
Post by: Steve Nuckels on January 08, 2013, 08:59:00 PM
Nice job!  I like the knife and especially the handle!

Steve
--------
Potomac Forge
W.F. Moran Jr. Museum & Foundation
Title: Re: Bowie for a Friend
Post by: Kevin Evans on January 08, 2013, 09:45:00 PM
I usually don't do this !
But I think you truly want advice.(My humble advice is.
I think its Cool!
Your on to something I really like the flow!
It maybe that I am an old guard guy,but Think it would look better if it had a guard.
Gentleman look! Not many straight lines on this knife,only (hints) and (Look at those curves)
Exceptional quality& efert     :thumbsup:    :thumbsup:    :thumbsup:
Kevin
Title: Re: Bowie for a Friend
Post by: Ray Hammond on January 09, 2013, 08:17:00 AM
Svein,
People can build knives for a long long time and never make a handle that well! You're going to go far as a knifemaker, sir.
Title: Re: Bowie for a Friend
Post by: SveinD on January 09, 2013, 01:52:00 PM
Thank you all for your kind words and opinions, they are appreciated! To get this kind of feedback from the good folks and masterful craftsmen here truly humbles me!  :)
Title: Re: Bowie for a Friend
Post by: snakewood3 on January 09, 2013, 02:37:00 PM
Beautiful ! Great profile and sculpting.
Title: Re: Bowie for a Friend
Post by: Lamey on January 13, 2013, 06:06:00 PM
I like it, a very nice carry size, and good lines/design etc....  Now you should have used some good carbon steel but thats a different matter   ;)
Title: Re: Bowie for a Friend
Post by: SveinD on January 17, 2013, 02:46:00 PM
QuoteOriginally posted by Lamey:
I like it, a very nice carry size, and good lines/design etc....  Now you should have used some good carbon steel but thats a different matter    ;)  
I know, but that was all I could afford  :p
When I know my way of making handles is solid enough to withstand the rigors of tough use, I will up the quality of the blades.

Masybe I'll msg you for a blade or two?  :)
Title: Re: Bowie for a Friend
Post by: Shinken on January 17, 2013, 10:04:00 PM
Great lookin' knife!

I really like the handle combination!

Shoot straight, Shinken

 :archer2:
Title: Re: Bowie for a Friend
Post by: skullworks on January 27, 2013, 01:30:00 PM
Love the Scandinavian influence in the handle work. Great all around package!
Title: Re: Bowie for a Friend
Post by: amar911 on February 02, 2013, 12:00:00 PM
I like the blade just fine, but it doesn't compare to the handle you have made. I can see the influence of Lin and Karl in that handle, and they have influenced others on this site too. The different style that you have added to the handle is obviously your own and looks to be very much a result of your Scandinavian upbringing. Like Ray said, you will go far as a knifemaker if you stay on your current path. I have seen steady improvement as you have progressed, and you seem to be maintaining your pace with this latest accomplishment.

Allan