Walrus Ivory Bowie
Journeyman Smith Test Knife

Product Description for Walrus Ivory Bowie
Journeyman Smith Test Knife

Maker: Bruce Barnett (click to see more by this maker)
Item num: 89242
*** This is handmade and one-of-a-kind ***
Blade length: 9.15 in.
Total length: 13.80 in.
Blade height (at heel): 1.40 in.
Blade thickness (near bolster): 0.18 in.
Item weight: 12.25 oz.
Blade: Hand forged, convex ground 1075 carbon steel with a hand rubbed satin finish
Bolster: Nickel silver guard and ferrule
Handle: Ancient walrus ivory
Description: Each year, at Blade Show, bladesmiths test to join the ranks of journeymen and masters. Five knives are made by each applicant that are the height of their work at the time. Often, makers spent 2-3 times as long making these knives as their other knives -- making sure that everything is perfect. These knives are judged by Mastersmiths on fit and finish, as well as general artistry. Each must be forged to shape. The standards are exacting. The five journeyman smith test knives are considered to be the most collectable work of a maker's career. With this exceptional knife, Bruce Barnett joined the ranks of ABS Journeyman Smiths at the 2011 Blade Show.
Bruce Barnett is a Western Australian knifemaker living in the hills of Perth. Bruce is one of the fine Australian makers who is drawing the attention of the knifemaking world to the wealth of knifemaking talent in his country. Bruce's attention to detail and fine design aesthetic is clearly apparent in this elegant and high performing bowie knife.
This bowie features a hand forged 1075 carbon steel blade, measuring at just over nine inches. A differential heat treatment line is clearly evident on the blade. This shows the division between the soft, supportive spine and the ultra-hard edge steel. The result: superior edge holding with exceptional durability.
The nickel silver guard and ferrule are precision fit and are finished with a combination of satin and mirrored surfaces for a dramatic two-tone effect. It co-ordinates well with both the satin finish of the blade and the high gloss of the handle.
The handle is formed from ancient walrus ivory, polished to a gleaming luster - the warmth of the nickel silver compliments the fawn and ecru striations of the ivory perfectly. It is sculpted to ensure a sure, comfortable grip.
As you would expect, excellent work throughout!


Availability: Not currently available