[Thom R.]

Gordon beat me to the punch today nevertheless I wanted to share my latest blade which was custom forged by Dan Graves of Shreveport LA. It is a single edged sabre/hanger in the style of the 18th c. with a D-guard and a 20 inch blade. Dan is a GREAT guy to work with and he makes his own damascus. Dan has traditionally done a lot of knives but has also forged some larger billets of damascus in the 16-24 inch range. This particular design is "2nd generation" as he made a spec piece in the same vein last year, this one is a little larger and has different detail. It is not based on a specific antique but is rather a composite incorporating many aspects of the style of hangers and hunting swords of the early 18th c.

Here is Dan's propane forge


The power hammer


Two billets were made and combined and folded making 176 layers


The blade is born....


A closeup on the rough grind


the start of the d-guard


the filework on the d-guard


some filework on the blade spine


the carved handle


and the finished piece as of yesterday


I highly recommend Dan. He does really nice work, is easy to work with, communicates with you all through the process and sent me pics as he worked. This was just a great project all around. TR