Couple finished today...

[Doug Campbell]

This first one has been on the bench a bit. Didn't have a hundred interruptions today so got around to finishing it. Some of you will remember Steve Nuckles really cool atypical coffin handled knife he posted a while back. Well I really liked it and wanted to do something in that handle style so here she be.

5 1/8" Damascus, wrought guard and some really nice Koa I picked up in HI and had stabilized.
 
   

This second one is the first handled from the batch of antler I had dyed recently. Really cool stuff! This was scales mortised with red and black fiber spacers.

4 1/4" Damascus blade and guard, stag and 1/16 stainless peened pins.
 
   

Thanks for looking

[2treks]

Man I really like them Doug.
Would be tuff to choose between em.
Nice!
CTT

[bretto]

Very nice Doug.

bretto

[Lin Rhea]

Great work Doug! I really like the way you show that you are the boss when making the knife. You're not afraid to use scales and pin them or mixing methods to meet the situation. That elk looks great.

[Roughcountry]

Both are extremely nice. I like the red spacers with the elk. That knife looks like it would be a pleasure to peel hide with.

[srtben]

Out of sight Doug! Great work on the coffin, it is a very unique design that you executed perfectly.

If I had to pick one for myself, it would definitely be the stag one. Simple clean lines, an understated guard and a beautiful damascus blade. Yep, perfect! I might have to get one from you just like that someday... : )

[D.Ellis]

That antler hunter is firing on all cylinders! I love the spacers and pretty much everything else about it.    
I like the curved coffin one too, but I think it looks like there is something missing without a spacer behind the guard. Very nice Damascus.
Darcy  

[tomsm44]

The little stag hunter is sweet.  Can't find anything about it I don't like.  I'm torn about the crooked coffin handle though.  I love coffin handle bowies, but I think I prefer more traditional style handles for hunters.  Just my personal preference so don't take it as an insult.  I might like the curved handle on a Bowie but hard to say without actually seeing it.  The Blade looks great though.  Definitely an interesting design idea, and looks way better than most of the "interesting ideas" I've had.

[Doug Campbell]

Thanks for the comments guys, appreciate the feedback. I've got to agree on the Koa handle, when I finished it I thought maybe it needed a little something more. A spacer with some file work would have helped. I'm thinking the new owner will like it fine.

Matt, Having done both the straight traditional style coffin handle and this now I have to say this slight curve sure feels nicer in the hand. Course it is a different look.  

That dyed antler is some nice stuff, like Lin said it is pretty dirty but sure looks good.  

Thanks again!

[Steve Nuckels]

Doug, both knives are special in their own right!  

The dye on the smaller knife is just the color I like and the the red & black spacers really pop.  That damascus is very appealing.

I love the coffin handle!  I like the fluted chamfering on the profile and the coffin shaped guard is very cool too! Also I like the slight curve you left in the handle, I sanded mine flat which does not look as nice.  The Damascus is bold and to my eye goes well with the Koa.

The curved coffin handle really does feel nice in the hand!

Two great looking knives!

Doug, thanks for the mention, that means alot when established Bladesmiths comment on your work!

Steve
----------
Potomac Forge
Member, W.F. Moran Museum & Foundation
ABS AP

[Ray Hammond]

That coffin knife has a really neat Damascus pattern Doug....both are great looking!

[4est trekker]

Love 'em both! Very we'll executed in all respects, and that koa is stunning!

[gables]

Thanks for sharing Doug. They both look great! Applaud the new approached. Like the replicated coffin guard shape and tying the spacers in like a frame on the hunter.

[Track]

Real nice work on both. Beauty and function.

[FerretWYO]

Those are spectacular Doug as always.

[Bowwild]

Holy smoke!  I thought I had a couple cool knives. Not according to these works of art! These great knives sell out quicker than the nicest bows. Every time I see one I like it is SOLD!