"Wandering Vine" Hunter

[kbaknife]

A rather simple forged, 5160 Andersen Forge Hunter, but the customer wanted me to "get creative" with it!
So, he gave me the opportunity to hone my wire inlay "skills"!
I call this inlay theme "Wandering Vine".
When I sat next to Lin Rhea last year at the Blade Show, I got so enthralled in his wire inlay, I just had to start doing it.
The last two issues of blade Magazine had a two-part tutorial by Joe Keeslar on wire inlay, and that's what got me kicked into gear.
Thanks for the inspiration, Lin!
Thanks for letting me share!

[Lin Rhea]

Karl, I smiled when I saw it. That is so good.

It adds so much to the knife!    

I like to see a knifemaker really stretching and going for a very intimidating embellishment. That takes guts and you pulled it off in grand fashion. I'd like to hear more. Congratulations!
                                      Lin

[Kevin Evans]

Karl
Is that the first in-lay youv'e done on a knife??  

[kbaknife]

I just feel like I'm all "thumbs" when I'm doing it!
I did what Keeslar said to do, and made myself the "Bowling Ball Vise" which makes it all possible!!
That thing is cool.
Those wire "lines" go 'round and 'round the handle, and you can't just go incirles, so you need the work piece to go around!
I'm going to take some pictures tomorrow of my set-up.
I've actually been working on doing this since I saw your stuff last year.
Just finally got it all together.
You really do need to set aside a spot that is just for inlay!
Anyway, I'm not comfortable doing it yet, but I can see it'll get easier.
Thanks for inspiring us all, Lin.

[kbaknife]

Originally posted by Rooster1:
Karl
Is that the first in-lay youv'e done on a knife??        

First knife, but I did a hatchet a few weeks ago.
This makes my second "attempt".
It's all in the tools! (Which you've got to make)

[Kevin Evans]

Guess pends it your first one it will be worth a lot of money someday!!!  

[sticshooter]

 <><

[SKYLER W]

Beautiful!!!!!!!!

[Ray Hammond]

wow, Karl! I've got plans for that as well...but have to get my forge and H/T oven done first.

Very nice. I look forward to seeing more of that first hand at Blade I hope.

[Steve Nuckels]

Wow very Nice!  I just finished my first one but the wire work and knife is not close to that!

[Toecutter]

Man you guys sure take out all the stops!! Awesome!!

Nathan

[Bodork]

Real nice, Karl. What kind of wood is that?

[Chris Surtees]

WOW!!!!

[Doug Campbell]

Now that's cool, looking forward to the follow-up.

[Pig Sticker]

wonderful work from a true crafstman!

[robtattoo]

Very Groovy!

Fine craftsmanship Karl  :D

[OconeeDan]

Awesome, Karl!!!

[kbaknife]

Originally posted by Bodork:
Real nice, Karl. What kind of wood is that?

That is curly hard maple that I got from a gun stock maker.

[skullworks]

Awesome, awesome...AWESOME! Super work Karl!

[chiger]

You ARE the man Mr. Anderson!  Looks like the practice on that hawk paid off in spades.

You know how much I like your work.  I've told you often enough.  But you've hit a new high man.  You have an impeccable sense of style.  Even this embellishment is as simple, understated, and elegant as the rest of your knives.  Just pure class!

Absolutely beautiful.  

Take this for what it's worth, but it is from someone who's been making knives for 30+ years.  You're work is quickly surpassing the wood be Master Smiths that would be administering your Master Smith test.  

Any wannabe makers out there that want a role model...Karl's the guy!  His work is proof that fancy designs and exotic materials are NOT what makes a great knife maker!