Stag Hunters for Christmas

[manitou1]

A couple of knives I forged from 1084 for my sons for Christmas.  The top one has a beautiful hamon, but I can't get the picture to show it. I have a fighter style ready for a handle that I made for my son-in-law which also has a real nice hamon line.  Those were my first go at hamons... with the help of a buddy, of course! Two of the guys will be here for Christmas and one of them is still in Afghanistan.  These two will be going in the spring.  I hope they like them... It s     till takes a lot of time for me to make 'em.  Hope I get quicker! :-)

[manitou1]

I really need to figure out how to take good pictures of these things!  The plunge lines and "D"s don't even show up! :-O

[David Yukon]

Good work! I like both of them, with the top one being my favorite... I'm sure your boys will love them and be proud to cary them!!
Cheers

[amar911]

Both look very nice. I can't see the hamon either, but I believe you. I can see the plunge line.

Allan

[Lin Rhea]

Rick, those are some fine looking knives. Very nice designs and execution. You should be very proud of em.

I met up with your buddy Jason a couple weeks ago at the Crowell shop visit. You should have been there.

[manitou1]

Thanks Lin.  I really wanted to be there, but had my Reserve duties that weekend.
 That Jimmy Crowell is a hoot, huh.  I met him at a hammer-in at the Branson show a short time ago.
Jason has been a patient and good friend to me... always giving of his time for coaching others in bladesmithing/knife making.  He really enjoys teaching others the craft... and Jason makes some darned fine knives too.
Sorry I missed the Symposium as I wanted to meet you. I have admired your work for some time and find you to be a true gentleman and mentor here on the site.
Thanks for all your generous sharing here.
Rick

[Lamey]

very nice hunters, all a man needs!

[manitou1]

Okay Allan... I think this pic will somewhat show the hamon.  I think I need photography clahttp://i1295.photobucket.com/albums/b637/manitou11/StagHunterKnives161.jpgsses!

[manitou1]

http://i1295.photobucket.com/albums/b637/manitou11/StagHunterKnives161.jpg

And some computer classes too! :-)

[D.Ellis]

Nice looking knives.  
Darcy  

[gables]

Great looking blades. A couple ways to reveal damascus and hamons is to shield the blade with a small long piece of black matt board. The blade is being over exposed by your camera meter. The black board cuts some of the light on your blade to cause an underexposure which will show the detail. I see you are using a flash for your photos. If you use natural or studio lights, with your camera on a tripod, you can use the black board trick.

Another technique is to try to underexpose the image. There is typically a +/- button on your camera. Dial it down one click and take a shot, dial down another click and take a shot, etc.

[L. Harris]

Great looking knives!!! If one of them happens to "not" like one  , I am very adaptable!!! As I would LOVE either one!lol

[GWV]

Great work!

[manitou1]

Thanks guys.  I appreciate the comments...and thanks Gabriel, for the photo tips.  I will give them a try next go around. :-)

[raghorns]

Hey Manitou, those knives look awesome...if there are ever any knife building events in our area in the future please let me know...it looks very interesting.

Thanks,
Pastor Lyle ...from Fair Play
417-399-1820

[manitou1]

I will Lyle.  How did your elk hunt go this past season?

Thre is a big show in Arkansas in Feb. There will probably some kind of a "hammer in" then.  I'll keep ya posted.

Actually, every time I build a knife, you could call it an "event"!  Nothing seems to go as planned! :-)

I finally finished up my last Christmas knife today.  Now maybe I can spend a couple more evenings in the timber with my bow before season end.

You and your family have a terrific Christmas.
Rick

[Ray Hammond]

Nice knives!