Here is my second try at a hidden tang. On this one I used a very nice popcorny piece of stag that I picked up at last years OKCA (Wish I had more!). The blade is Aldos 1095 with a nicely polished hamon. The collar is browned/antiqued mild steel. OAL is 9.5", with a 5" blade (tip to collar).
I just realised I didn't snap a pic of the front of the collar, but it is hammer textured as well.
I tried some different thing on it, and its not perfect, but overall I am pretty pleased with it.
Any and all comments and critiques are welcome! Thanks for looking.
(http://i1023.photobucket.com/albums/af354/srtben/IMG_2756.jpg)
(http://i1023.photobucket.com/albums/af354/srtben/IMG_2761.jpg)
(http://i1023.photobucket.com/albums/af354/srtben/IMG_2759.jpg)
(http://i1023.photobucket.com/albums/af354/srtben/IMG_2758.jpg)
(http://i1023.photobucket.com/albums/af354/srtben/IMG_2757.jpg)
(http://i1023.photobucket.com/albums/af354/srtben/IMG_2763.jpg)
Ben, that has got to be my favorite knife you have made to date. I love the collar. and the hamon, and the stag handle. Oh heck, i love it all.
I bet that would look sharp in a cross draw chocolate leather sheath.
I like that subdued brown bolster. Fits so well with the dark stag. Really nice hamon too.
I'd like to see a buttcap on it but it is VERY nice. Super job.
You got a winner there!
Golly! That's perfect!!
Great looking knife Ben! Like I wrote some where else, it deserve a nicely tooled leather sheet!! I'm with Jack on the style and color!!
Very attractive knife Ben. I like the direction you went with this one. A buttcap would be a nice feature also.
Chris
Very nice Ben! I like the facets on the spine the collar and the stag!
Your photos are excellent!
Steve
--------
Potomac Forge
W.F. Moran Jr. Museum & Foundation
I agree with Lin about the butcap, but otherwise that is one sweet looking knife. :thumbsup:
I like that collar a lot. Did you use plum brown?
Darcy
Have to add, you take great photo's too.
Darcy :)
That is easily my favorite of any knife you have produced, and I have liked many of them. It's not too late to add a buttcap, is it? I'm sure no one thinks the knife is unattractive without a buttcap; however, you are SO close to attaining a crowning achievement that most of us would love to see you go just that little bit farther. I hope I'm not speaking out of turn, but it's killing me to see just how incredibly close you are to dazzling us.
Allan
One more thing. That blade grind at top and bottom is very interesting. I like the way it changes the look. Very imaginative. You're head in a very good direction Ben. This is such a nice knife.
Very nice finish on that blade!
If you get all the stag you need like that please send some my way LOL :thumbsup:
That is one handsome knife. It has it all, presented with understatement.
Thanks guys, I really appreciate the feedback!
And since only about 20 makers that I respect say it needs a butt cap........The butt cap is gluing up right now.
More pics tomorrow. : )
There is a magnetism to this knife, I keep coming back to look at it. It all fits so well. The collar flows seamlessly from stag to unique grinds. The execution of all the feature you put on this knife were so well executed.
Ben please don't take the comments about a buttcap dampen your enthusiasm for this knife. It's a very beautiful knife.
Chris
Ben, I am really excited to hear that you have put a buttcap on the knife. I can hardly wait to see the pictures. I know everyone is going to be amazed, since it is already such an incredible knife. As you can tell from all the feedback, we are all very happy for this wonderful accomplishment of yours. My son is a classically trained oil painter, and I am able to see when he produces a single painting that shows he has reached an entirely new level of skill and artistry. I see that for you in this knife. There will be other advances for you like this in the future, but this knife truly puts you in the big leagues in my books. By the way, you are just about 8 months younger than my son.
Allan
I really do appreciate all the kind words guys!
Here it is with the butt cap.
(http://i1023.photobucket.com/albums/af354/srtben/IMG_2767.jpg)
(http://i1023.photobucket.com/albums/af354/srtben/IMG_2766.jpg)
(http://i1023.photobucket.com/albums/af354/srtben/IMG_2770.jpg)
Mucho better, way to step up and put the finishing touch on that fine knife Ben. :thumbsup: :thumbsup: Real nice photography too, thanks for sharing.
QuoteOriginally posted by Doug Campbell:
Mucho better, way to step up and put the finishing touch on that fine knife Ben. :thumbsup: :thumbsup: Real nice photography too, thanks for sharing.
Amen, Doug!
Allan
OH YEAH! That's what I'm talkin' about!
Nice work Ben. :thumbsup:
Darcy
Nice way to finish it up!! Good work, outstanding knife!!
Man that is nice ! And great way to handle constructive criticism by the way. It's hard to get.
OOOooooWEEeeeee!!! Man! That is mighty fine!
Ben I have not commented on your knives before but I always check them out. They are very practical in design. Your first pictures were of a great knife. The addition of the butt cap is the finishing touch that took your knife from Great to Grand. Congratulations!!!!!!!
That is one tough, rugged looking knife, all the while maintaining some elegance.
I just thought it was perfect before. NOW it's perfect!
Thanks very much for the kind comments guys, I am very pleased with how it came out. I think I will be bringing it to the OKCA show in April before it goes up for sale.
very practical knife, and the butt cap really set it off, great stag too!
That is one nice knife! :campfire:
Very nice knife Ben. I love the hardware.
CTT
Very nice Ben. The finishing touch to an already fine knife.
Chris
Youre there man, right at the top of the heap. Super knife!
Very nice Ben!
Well done Ben, nice finishing touch with the cap. I like everything about this knife. You've come a long way in a couple of years.