Chameleon

Product Description for Chameleon

Maker: Andrew Meers, M.S. (click to see more by this maker)
Item num: 92180
*** This is handmade and one-of-a-kind ***
Blade length: 3.75 in.
Total length: 8.75 in.
Blade height (at heel): 0.75 in.
Blade thickness (near bolster): 0.10 in.
Item weight: 1.72 oz.
Blade: Damascus forged from 1095 and L6 carbon steels with 24kt gold inlay
Handle: Shakudo with brass inlay
Style: Folding liner lock
Description: Andrew Meers is a talented knifemaker originally from Boston, where he studied under Mastersmith JD Smith. A recent graduate of Southern Illinois University Carbondale, he has been a part-time knifemaker and hopes to go full time. He is also the artist in residence at Appalachian Center for Crafts. Given the skill shown in this exceptional folder, he is clearly a maker to watch!
A unique knife at very first sight, the slim handle is made from Shakudo, a traditional Japanese alloy combining 4% gold with 95% copper. The Shakudo is distressed and antiqued. The Shakudo is set on 308 stainless steel liners, which in turn surround the O1 carbon steel backbar. The backbar is meticulously fileworked into fine ridges along its entire length. It protrudes out the end, offering a lanyard option. The inside portion of the spacer also features hand filework. The pivot is formed from matching damascus.
The blade shows off tremendous skill at the forge. Andrew combined 1095 and L6 carbon steels into a beautiful, fine, and intricate pattern. Mastersmith JD Smith's influence is perhaps most shown in the highly controlled, complex damascus. The blade is inlaid with 24kt gold details. The blade is easily opened with the forge welded cable damascus thumb stud.
Perhaps the highlight of this piece, and the reason behind its name, are two small chameleons inlaid in brass and carved. One side features a chameleon midstep, prowling on his hunt, while the opposite side shows him capturing his unfortunate prey with his tongue. The Chameleon's are tremendously lifelike and have eyes formed from inlaid fine silver. All together, this is an amazing work of art and tremendously inspiring! Words (and photos) cannot do this knife justice.


Availability: Not currently available