Fluted Damascus Dagger with Hairy Vitex Burl

Product Description for Fluted Damascus Dagger with Hairy Vitex Burl

Maker: Neels van den Berg, M.S. (click to see more by this maker)
Item num: 100777
** This is handmade and one-of-a-kind **
Blade length: 7.80 in.
Cutting edge length: 7.30 in.
Total length: 13.00 in.
Blade height (at heel): 0.90 in.
Blade thickness (near bolster): 0.33 in.
Blade thickness (at midpoint): 0.25 in.
Blade thickness (near tip): 0.06 in.
Blade: Twist pattern damascus forged from carbon steel and nickel
Bolster: Bronze quillion guard, spacer, and pommel
Handle: Fluted Hairy vitex burl inlaid with twisted sterling silver wire
Description: Visiting Journeyman Smith Neels van den Berg's workshop on a recent trip to South Africa with a real treat. His forge is pretty much in the middle of nowhere -- or at least if you kept driving down the road, that is clearly where it would shortly end. The twisting road travels through veldt populated by zebra and other wild animals. Neels is well known for his war hammers, spike hawks, and highly refined knives.
This dagger ground blade was forged to shape from Neel's own Twist pattern damascus. He began with 1070 carbon steel and nickel and created a highly controlled very tightly twisted pattern. The blade features a symmetrical hollow grind on both sides. Daggers are one of the hardest blades to grind because it becomes extremely obvious if the blade is not ground perfectly. Neels' makers mark is hand engraved.
The handle is made from hairy vitex burl (Vitex obovata). This African wood has a warm brown tone and a tremendous grain pattern reminiscent of redwood thuya burls. The dramatic wood was meticulously hand fluted and topped with sterling silver twisted wire. The quillion guard, spacer, and pommel are formed from matching bronze and feature a blackened patina. The handle is exceptionally comfortable in both the left or right hand.
This dagger is a prime example of Neels' exceptional skill as a knifemaker and could easily be the center of any collection.
Tremendous fit and finish throughout!


Availability: Not currently available