Doug Campbell's knives are something more than incredible. Here are a couple he recently made for me that I fell in love with at first sight. The trouble was my "first sight" happened when I saw the top two photographs shown below -- then I had to wait for Doug to make up the sheaths and send the completed set to me. Well, I can tell you that this lovely pair are far more spectacular in real life than they even look in these pictures. I am blown away. One of our own is becoming a legend in his own time. Note the "JS" on the blades, reflecting Doug's present standing as a certified Journeyman Smith. If he has the time to pursue it, I know it won't be long before Doug earns his Master Smith certification. He certainly has the talent!
The smaller knife is a necker that came with a nice little sheath that can be hung handle up or down, whichever I decide. The other knife is a caper that came with a cross-draw sheath. Doug is good with his leather too, and the fit is tight, so the knives won't come out unless I forcefully pull them out.
The blades on these knives are carbon steel (maybe Doug will see this and tell us exactly what steel he used) with a polished finish, but not to the point of being a mirror finish which can look a little too flashy (literally) on what are designed to be working knives. While Doug's Damascus blades are exquisite (I am already talking with Doug about building one for me), I thought the simple, clean look of the polished blades would be best to accentuate the alternately rough and smooth patterns of the multi-colored sheep's horn. The underlying color of the horn is a rare, nearly black hue, which contrasts very well with the tan and brown outer growth rings and the silver colored blade and pins. I waited months while Doug searched for just the right horn material for me -- and what he found is perfect. These little treasures are works of art from the bladesmith's forge and bench. They will be with me on my hunts for as long as I am able to continue the chase, and they will be passed on to my son when I am gone. Thank you Doug for making such wonderful knives for me.
Allan
Topic: A couple from Doug Campbell (Read 645 times)
