tsterling Posted March 9, 2014 Share Posted March 9, 2014 Here are two knife scales I just finished for William Henry Studios. This is their B30 model, and the scales are 416 stainless steel. I’ve placed two main inlays on them, a dragonfly and a butterfly, both in shibuichi (25% silver, 75% copper) and 24k gold. Photos are courtesy of William Henry Studios. The rest of the engraving is done in a Japanese metal carving technique called shishiaibori. The technique starts out with very deep external outlines (takes me three times around with three different gravers, wide to thin, to get deep enough and cutting heavily each time). Then, the inside edges are carefully carved back, rounding them over to achieve a 3D look. Obviously, you need to have steeper sides in some areas, and shallower sides in others to achieve the 3D look. The main point is there is no background removal, as in “normal” engraving, and all of the design (not including the shibuichi inlays) is at or below the surface, so wear and tear on the engraving should be less of a concern. Anyway, that’s my story and I’m sticking to it! You can see a more exhaustive discussion of the shishiaibori technique on my blog here: http://sterlingsculptures.com/wp/?p=2781 And an ad nauseum step-by-step of engraving theses scales here: http://sterlingsculptures.com/wp/?p=2654 Thanks for Looking! Tom Tom SterlingTom's Instagram Tom's FacebookSterling Sculptures Web Site Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scott A. Roush Posted March 9, 2014 Share Posted March 9, 2014 Very nice and thanks for the clear description of the engraving. I've known about this style for a while but for some reason your description of it hit home. I've been wanting to do a hinomaki friction folder with iron scales using this technique.... http://www.bigrockforge.com Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kevin Colwell Posted March 9, 2014 Share Posted March 9, 2014 that is a lovely image. I agree with Scott, your description of the technique helped make things more clear to me. congratulations on an excellent piece. please visit my website http://www.professorsforge.com/ “Years ago I recognized my kinship with all living things, and I made up my mind that I was not one bit better than the meanest on the earth. I said then and I say now, that while there is a lower class, I am in it; while there is a criminal element, I am of it; while there is a soul in prison, I am not free.” E. V. Debs Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nate Bocker Posted March 9, 2014 Share Posted March 9, 2014 Gorgeous! How was it cutting stainless with a graver? I've practiced mild steel with tagane, and it was a little more difficult than copper. .. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Miles Hebbard Posted March 10, 2014 Share Posted March 10, 2014 Great stuff, and thanks for sharing the technique, always get excited seeing your posts! -Miles- To become old and wise... You first have to survive being young and foolish! Ikisu.blogsot.com. Email; milesikisu@gmail.com mobile: +27784653651 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
J.Arthur Loose Posted March 10, 2014 Share Posted March 10, 2014 Very pretty! jloose.com Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jason Brown Posted March 10, 2014 Share Posted March 10, 2014 Felt my jaw drop when the photo loaded. Stunning. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tsterling Posted March 10, 2014 Author Share Posted March 10, 2014 Thanks, guys, I'm glad you enjoyed it. Scott and Kevin, glad I could be of service... Gorgeous! How was it cutting stainless with a graver? I've practiced mild steel with tagane, and it was a little more difficult than copper. .. Nate, I find 416 and 410 stainless cuts just fine, maybe a little harder than mild steel. I use it when I want a silver background, although CP and Grade 2 titanium is sneaking up on me (but not 6Al4V). The 300 series stainless steel isn't nearly as nice - a lot tougher, not so much harder, but resistant, and not as clean cutting. I'm an engraving wimp and I shy away from 303 and 304. The bad news is the 300 series is the stuff you want for rust resistance, as the 400 series will rust and is more like stain resistant. Oh, well. Tom Tom SterlingTom's Instagram Tom's FacebookSterling Sculptures Web Site Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
B. Norris Posted March 13, 2014 Share Posted March 13, 2014 Congratulations! Nice composition as well. ~Bruce~ “All work is empty save when there is love, for work is love made visible.” Kahlil Gibran "It is easier to fight for one's principles than to live up to them." - Alfred Adler Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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