7" Ring Guard Bowie with Elk Antler Handle. Shipped with two sheaths. One with a frog, the other a scout draw.

Wanted to share one of the more elaborate pieces to come off our bench lately. This was a private commission — made to a client's order, not for sale — I just wanted to share it, since a piece this heavily decorated is a rare thing to get as a commission.

It's a curved khanjar-style dagger with a stainless Damascus blade — the pattern is drawn out with artistic acid etching rather than plain polish, so the ornament reads as flowing scrollwork down the fuller.

The real time sink was the setting work. More than 100 individual gemstones were hand-set across the grip and scabbard — a mix of amethyst, garnet and green stones laid into engraved gold to follow the arabesque lines. Every stone was placed by hand to keep the color rhythm balanced from pommel to scabbard tip.

If I did anything wrong about posting my knife please let me know and I will re-correct it. Thanks

The shadow on the blade is caused by the recalescence, as the crystal structure changes from austenite to pearlite, temporarily reheating the metal. I alwas find thsi very cool when heat treating

I found this in my basement is this forgeable? if it is i am open for advice

Just wrapped up this one and wanted to share before it ships to the client. It's an art piece in the Middle East tradition — curved Damascus blade, 24k gold plated scabbard and fittings, hand engraved, with gemstones set into the metalwork.

The contrast was the whole idea: a dark, patterned blade hiding inside a fully gilded, jeweled scabbard. You only see the Damascus when it's drawn.

Biggest challenge was keeping the engraving crisp through the plating process and setting stones without damaging the gold surface around them. If anyone's curious about how we sequenced the work (engraving → plating → setting), glad to go into detail in the comments.

Sometimes, life just sucks. But now is not one of those times.

I've been trying to make a hamon for WEEKS! I did like 6 attempts, and it makes sense I've only made like 3 knives all of which barely qualify as knives.

And finally, finally! I did it! I used this scrap piece, mixed with the fire clay with water in a cup and then painted it on, then i put it in the oven for at 50°C for 30 minutes and then at 100°C for one hour which is way faster than waiting an entire day.

Then put it in the forge and preheated connola oil to 50°C, then when the scrap got to non magnetic temperature i plunged it.

I used 40 grit cause I had it on the sander to clean it and I cant believe it actually appeared! And now... its gone cause the 40 grit scratched it off...😫

Ok, its still there but extremely faint, I assume im gonna have to bath it in ferric chloride to make it pop and sand it to a higher grit but that can wait for the proper knife. Im just glad it actually worked!!!

316 stainless and nickel clad 1084 with a wenge handle :)

I ordered some long bars from admiral steel four months ago with no delivery or response regarding my order. I fortunately have a patient customer but it started to become clear I was not going to get my materials or money. I ended up having to call them repeatedly until they finally started to do something about it however when they finally sent the materials it had all been cut in half and was basically useless for what I had ordered it for. They were told in every single communication that I needed the full length bars. I will not be dealing with them any further and can't say I recommend them to anyone else unless you like throwing away money

Razor blades & 1084 powder with stabilized nara handle.

This may be a silly question, but I cant seem to find the answer myself.

Im new to this reddit, and new to metal etching over all & I have 2 of these KaBar's from when I was in. I was thinking of etching one, but im unsure as to what would be the best way to do so? Theyre both carbon steel, and ive been going the DIY route using either ferric, vinegar, or salt water. Would any of those techniques work here, especially with it being black carbon steel? Thanks in advanced for the assistance 😊

I am aware the handle has a crack.

CPM 4V at 63HRC, black G10, black Cerakote
4" blade length at 8.25" OAL