My Precious
Featured in David Darom's Book, Custom Fixed Blade Knives

Product Description for My Precious
Featured in David Darom's Book, Custom Fixed Blade Knives

Maker: Chantal Gilbert (click to see more by this maker)
Item num: 86541
*** This is handmade and one-of-a-kind ***
Blade length: 2.25 in.
Total length: 6.50 in.
Blade height (at heel): 0.53 in.
Blade thickness (near bolster): 0.11 in.
Item weight: 2.08 oz.
Blade: Nick Smolen basket weave damascus
Bolster: Sterling silver ornamented with 18kt gold and a faceted garnet
Handle: .925 Sterling silver
Description: This exceptional art knife was created for David Darom's Book, Custom Fixed Blade Knives. It is featured on pages 142-143. In this book, David follows each maker through the creation of one of their knives and documents many examples of their work. This is the knife that Chantal selected to show her creative techniques.
The blade is formed from Nick Smolen basket weave pattern damascus forged from carbon steels. The spine is fileworked. The handle is an exceptional creation. Chantal utilized techniques from the world of jewelry and goldsmithing. The guard was molded in a wooden matrix, which allows the sides of the metal to close toward each other without provoking any alteration in the surface.
The handle of this knife was made in two parts, each shaped like a shell. A third "shell" previously soldered inside one of them creates an aperture within the body of the knife, for aesthetic and symbolic effect. Once the rough shaping of all the parts was completed, Chantal used different files and emery papers to bring the two parts of the knife to a high-quality finish before the final assembly.
All the parts were then soldered together, each covering the one inside it. This is the most delicate moment, demanding precise alignment and accurate soldering so as not to leave any smudge or blemish.
The decorate elements, made of 18kt gold were welded to the handle and the large faceted garnet set. The handle was oxidized to create many shades and contrasts, bringing out the different treatment and texturing of the metal surfaces. Finally, the removable pheasant's feathers were added as ornamentation.
Exceptional work throughout!


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