Gary Mulkey 1,280 Posted January 6 Share Posted January 6 It's been some time since I've posted here and I apologize for that. Since this isn't my normal project, I thought some here might be interested. I'm scheduled to do the Arkansas Knifemaker's Show next month and wanted something to enter into the "Best Fighter" competition so I'm making this to be my entry: This rapier blade is of a 336 layer damascus in a random pattern. The guard is of 416. The knuckle bow that you see here is also of 416 which will eventually get forged into a semi-circle, welded to one quillon and have an ivory cabochon inlaid into the center. The hilt is of some pre-ban ivory that I've been saving for a project such as this. It will eventually get eight spiral flutes and twisted silver wire between each flute. 8 Link to post Share on other sites
Joshua States 1,661 Posted January 6 Share Posted January 6 Oh Yeah! The Mulkey-man is back in action! 1 Link to post Share on other sites
Alex Middleton 480 Posted January 6 Share Posted January 6 Great to see you back Gary. This one is going to be sweet! 1 Link to post Share on other sites
Alan Longmire 2,639 Posted January 7 Share Posted January 7 WooHoo! Welcome back, Gary! Great project, too. 1 Link to post Share on other sites
Gary Mulkey 1,280 Posted January 8 Author Share Posted January 8 I got the ivory fluted and slotted for a twisted wire inlay. I'm not satisfied with the first pommel that I made so I'll need to construct a new one. Then I'll need to forge a knuckle bow to shape and weld to one quillon of the guard. I'm planning on inlaying an ivory cabochon into the center of the knuckle bow but that will come later. 4 Link to post Share on other sites
C Craft 176 Posted January 8 Share Posted January 8 You know Gary, I always expect your work to be impeccable and yet you continue to impress me!!! I am tuned in for this one! 1 Link to post Share on other sites
Chris Christenberry 333 Posted January 8 Share Posted January 8 Really like that handle, Gary. I've tried doing that a couple of times and it just never seems to turn out right. That's going to be a sweet rapier when you get it finished. 1 Link to post Share on other sites
Gary Mulkey 1,280 Posted January 8 Author Share Posted January 8 (edited) Lot's of sand & polish left to do and I'm sure that I will need to bend it slightly to fit the hilt but the hilt now has a knuckle bow: Edited January 8 by Gary Mulkey Link to post Share on other sites
Rob Toneguzzo 774 Posted January 8 Share Posted January 8 Awesome Gary...as always but perhaps just a bit more awesome than usual. 1 Link to post Share on other sites
Alan Longmire 2,639 Posted January 8 Share Posted January 8 22 minutes ago, Rob Toneguzzo said: Awesome Gary...as always but perhaps just a bit more awesome than usual. Quite true. 1 Link to post Share on other sites
Gary Mulkey 1,280 Posted January 10 Author Share Posted January 10 (edited) Though I spent much of my shop time getting ready for a class that I'm teaching tomorrow, I got the pommel made, drilled, and the knuckle bow bent to fit today. It's always a bit of a challenge to bend it exactly to fit and I heated & re-heated it several times before the end fit the hole in the pommel exactly right. As my class is reproducing "Bowie No. 1", it will be lengthy so I may not have the time to work more on this for a while.. I'll post more on this rapier when I can devote the time to it. If you look closely you can see the indention that I forged into the center of the knuckle bow. This will be to accept an ivory cabochon inlay once I have everything sanded & polished. It's hard to see but there is a hole drilled in the center for a stainless pin to hold the cabochon in place. Edited January 10 by Gary Mulkey 4 Link to post Share on other sites
Alan Longmire 2,639 Posted January 10 Share Posted January 10 A good stopping point. Have fun with the class! That'll be a good one. 1 Link to post Share on other sites
Gary Mulkey 1,280 Posted January 10 Author Share Posted January 10 Thanks, Alan. I'm waiting on a different gauge silver wire for the handle inlay anyway so it's a good stopping point. I'll post more when I can. 1 Link to post Share on other sites
Gerhard Gerber 337 Posted January 14 Share Posted January 14 I've missed seeing you do your magic Gary! Link to post Share on other sites
Gary Mulkey 1,280 Posted Monday at 02:12 AM Author Share Posted Monday at 02:12 AM After spending a week teaching a class, I got enough shop time to get the silver wire inlaid in my ivory hilt. There's still a good bit of work left to do on the ivory as you can only do so much before the inlay. Once I get the final shaping done to the flutes I will sand & polish it before applying a gloss clear coat. This hilt has eight wire inlays which may seem like a high number but I wanted this handle so have a lot of silver for contrast. 5 Link to post Share on other sites
Brian Dougherty 1,094 Posted Monday at 03:47 PM Share Posted Monday at 03:47 PM I think the number of inlaid wires is just perfect! 1 Link to post Share on other sites
Bill Schmalhofer 82 Posted Monday at 08:26 PM Share Posted Monday at 08:26 PM Looking beautiful Gary. 1 Link to post Share on other sites
Doug Lester 270 Posted Monday at 08:47 PM Share Posted Monday at 08:47 PM Can't wait for the final assembly. Doug 1 Link to post Share on other sites
Gary Mulkey 1,280 Posted Monday at 11:15 PM Author Share Posted Monday at 11:15 PM My next step with this one is to do the final shaping, sand & polish of the guard in preparation for the ivory inlay. I'm still debating as to whether or not to add a little engraving/filework around the cabochon inlay. 2 Link to post Share on other sites
Charles dP 458 Posted yesterday at 06:48 AM Share Posted yesterday at 06:48 AM 7 hours ago, Gary Mulkey said: I'm still debating as to whether or not to add a little engraving/filework around the cabochon inlay FWIW, I’d say go for it Link to post Share on other sites
Alan Longmire 2,639 Posted yesterday at 05:33 PM Share Posted yesterday at 05:33 PM I'd say a little subtle engraving wouldn't hurt. Link to post Share on other sites
Bill Schmalhofer 82 Posted yesterday at 08:36 PM Share Posted yesterday at 08:36 PM Go for broke Gary. Link to post Share on other sites
Joshua States 1,661 Posted 19 hours ago Share Posted 19 hours ago I'm rather partial to file work. Link to post Share on other sites
Clifford Brewer 357 Posted 19 hours ago Share Posted 19 hours ago WOW !! I totally missed this one's start !!! Beautiful work as always Gary............................ Link to post Share on other sites
Recommended Posts
Create an account or sign in to comment
You need to be a member in order to leave a comment
Create an account
Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!
Register a new accountSign in
Already have an account? Sign in here.
Sign In Now