Latest sgian dubh for fun

**dfmacliam** · 2nd July 09, 05:49 PM

Very nice... I actually like the first one.. the shape of the blade... i like a good horn handle.. but I think I would like to see it pinned... they are both very beautiful knives...
tell us more about your knives.. inquiring minds would like to know....LOL

**Wolfhawk** · 2nd July 09, 08:48 PM

Very nice !!!!

**English Bloke** · 2nd July 09, 09:11 PM

The wood handle and blade on No.2 are lovely.

**St. Amish** · 2nd July 09, 09:14 PM

beautiful.

question, though.

pattern welded steel=damascus steel?

**Dan R Porter** · 3rd July 09, 05:42 AM

I prefer the first one, since everyone likes the 2nd one you can send the first one to me

**Panache** · 3rd July 09, 07:54 AM

Howard,

Absolutely lovely work as usual.

The second one is a real beauty

Cheers

Jamie :ootd:

**Howard Clark** · 3rd July 09, 11:22 AM

Pattern welded steel is commonly referred to as damascus, yes. It is splitting hairs, but in my mind "damascus" means the crucible steel of very high carbon content made in the east in times past in several locations, most notably in India. The look very similar, but under microscopic examination are quite different.

I do not have sheaths made for either of them, and the smaller on with snakewood is not marked in any way. I had intended to sell that one as a bare blade, but could not resist putting the handle on it in the end. The larger one made of W-2 is marked under the removable scale, which is held on with 1/8" threaded tubes and 2-56 stainless steel screws. They are both very sharp, the smaller one has bevels that go all the way to the edge, with no real secondary bevel to speak of.

I have been a full time bladesmith since 1988, and made pattern welded steel for other people for a long time, folders, hunting knives, bowies, filet knives, kitchen stuff, and for the last decade plus a little bit, Japanese style swords to the exclusion of almost all else.

Making sgian dubh has become a hobby for me, and something I do for fun, when I need a break from the swords. Both knives are available, please pm for details. Or e-mail me.

**St. Amish** · 3rd July 09, 11:48 AM

Originally Posted by Howard Clark

Pattern welded steel is commonly referred to as damascus, yes. It is splitting hairs, but in my mind "damascus" means the crucible steel of very high carbon content made in the east in times past in several locations, most notably in India. The look very similar, but under microscopic examination are quite different.

I saw an absolutely amazing blade made from a chainsaw blade. This would be more corectly referred to as pattern welded, then?

What kind of heat do you need to generate to weld the steel?

**Howard Clark** · 3rd July 09, 12:04 PM

Thanks for all the kind words fellows !

You can make pattern welded steel from near anything. The quality of it varies by the ingredients and the heat treatment at the end. I use all tool steel, new stock, at this point in my life. I have done chain-saw chain, roller chain, timing chain, and lots of other salvage materials in the past.

Forge welding heat is considered by many to be 2400 plus fahrenheit, though with the right conditions it can be done at much lower temperatures. It is a continuum of temperature/pressure and atmosphere. Lots of different combinations will work to varying degree.

**Moon** · 4th July 09, 04:35 PM

Two beautiful pieces from my favorite smith.

I have a huge collection of pictures of Howard's work - and I personally own a fully mounted 1086 katana that Howard crafted - one of the best and most dedicated smiths you will ever know.

I know Howard is modest - so let me toot the horn - owning something Howard made will be a treasure to be handed down.

Regards,

Matthew