Damascus and Koa

[tomsm44]

The thread I started when I started this knife was a bit cluttered, so I figured I'd just post a new one now that it's finished.  I wasn't sure how the curly Koa would turn out at this angle, but it looks ok.  This is only my fourth hidden tang, so my fit up isn't as good as I usually get with my full tangs, but I'll get it figured out.  Anyway, here's the finished product, other than final sharpening and a little handle buffing.

Blade:  Damascus made from 52100 ball bearing & 4800kc steel (Not made by me)
Fittings:  Cold blued mild steel w/ SS spacers & pommel nut
Handle:  Koa w/ whitetail antler spacer
OAL:  7 3/4"
Blade:  3 7/8" guard to tip

[J.W.]

I like it. Very well put together and appealing.

[Fallguy]

Very Nice, if you wanted to that blade a I would suggest "Spotted Dick"  

[D.Ellis]

That turned out great Matt. Very nice use of contrasting colors in there.    

Darcy

[Bodork]

Very nice indeed! and the sheath looks great also!

[tomsm44]

Thanks guys.  This one was a little more complicated than I initially planned.  I intended to do a fairly simple handle, but the guy I built it for saw this piece of Koa and wanted it and what's there is about all I had to work with.  That's why it got the antler spacer.  Then I met with the group of guys that made the Damascus billet and I got to see one with this pattern finished.  That's when I came up with the idea for the blues/SS stacked guard, to match the colors in the blade.  It went from my initial plans for four total pieces in the handle/fittings to 14 counting the internal alignment pins.  I think that was part of the reason I struggled getting everything fit up just right.  I really like how the sheath came out.  I think I've improved more with my leather work lately than with my knives.  And I almost enjoy it more.

Darcy, I've been watching your work for inspiration on materials use in my handles.  You combine materials and finishing techniques as well as, if not better than anybody ive seen.  And Lin has inspired me a lot with my overall design work.  Not so much with his style directly, but more with his advice on here about design and flow, and in some articles I've seen from him in other media on the same subject.  He's really helped me develope more of a vision for my finished products before I even get started.  

Fallguy, I'm not even going to touch "spotted dick".  

[just_a_hunter]

Love it!

Todd

[TrackerNy]

Looking real good!

[1oldbowguy]

That is one fine looking blade, great combo.

[tomsm44]

Thanks again guys.