Custom Sgian

[azwildcat96]

Wow!!!

[Sharkman]

That is absolutely beautiful. You've done well with that !!!

[English Bloke]

Yikes!! That's nice.

[Mipi]

Amazing!!!

[CMcG]

I've never seen such beautiful filework... and the damascus with bog oak ain't too shabby either! I think this was the one you were waiting for -- and had delays receiving -- thanks to postal errors? Worth the wait I'm sure

[Drac]

Thanks all.

James, I am not a craftsman and have nothing to trade. Would you consider taking my middle son instead (he's hoping to make 16 in January)?

Sorry, kids are really not a good currancy especially with your phasing.

Just out of curiosity, how long does it take to make a quality knife like that?

It varies. This one had more than it's share of issues. This is actually the second attempt. The first one isn't even worth showing. X's design was, for my level of skill, challenging.

Something I forgot to mention is that it is fully functional, meaning sharp !

I try to make them that way. A mentor of mine goes by the idea that "It's a knife. It cuts things. If it doesn't cut things it's sculpture and I don't do sculpture." I do try to take the time to use good ingredients. The wood was stabilized so it is water proof and the amont of care is minimized and has a lot less chance of shrinkage.

Very nicely done, I particularly love the filework.

I've never seen such beautiful filework... and the damascus with bog oak ain't too shabby either! I think this was the one you were waiting for -- and had delays receiving -- thanks to postal errors? Worth the wait I'm sure

That is the sourest taste out of this whole trade. I feel really bad it was caught up in the customs. If I had got it done a week sooner he may have had it in time for the wedding...

Jim

[FatherWilliam57]

This one had more than it's share of issues. This is actually the second attempt. The first one isn't even worth showing. X's design was, for my level of skill, challenging.

Fear not, no one here has any serious question about your level of skill! Well done!

[Ryan Ross]

Geez, Jim! Insanity!

[artificer]

Earlier this year I worked a trade with Jim (AKA Drac) for a custom sgian dubh. I finally found the pics and wanted to share them with you. Jim was excellent to deal with, very concerned about my happiness with the trade and his skills are ... well see for yourself. 'Impressive' is the word which comes to mind, but it doesn't really suit how pleased I am with this sgian. It is bog oak and Damascus steel.


That beautiful leaf and vine file work goes all the way around the tang.



Jim was uncertain about how a wooden sheath would come out, but it looks and fits perfectly!


X

Holy Cow, X! I don't know how I missed this thread when you posted it almost FOUR MONTHS ago, but I'm glad you directed me to it.

I love Drac's work. His filework is fantastic, his wood choices sublime, and his blades are always able to hold a nice sharp edge.

I have both your work and Drac's, so I can say with confidence- "Another great X-Marks "Makers" trade! Congratulations"

ith:

[Jock Scot]

Very nicely done, I particularly love the filework.

I agree. It is a smashing piece of work.