Sr Johnson Big engraved by Barry Lee Hands for Carlos Lopez

[Barry Lee Hands]

Many years ago, Steve Lindsay hooked me up with S R Johnson working on a knife for David Darom.
That has led to a series of colabs between SRJ and I including our most recent and spectacular for Carl Lopez.
Below is a series of pics showing some of the design work and execution of the installation of the gold and diamonds.
for more info please go to:
http://knifetreasures.com/viewKnife....elected_menu=1

The finished knife:




The original layout, with the main line of flow through the center:




More detail added:



Cutting the Layout on the soft blade:



First side cavities complete:



Second side cavities complete:



The piece is sent to heat treat and returns. The next step is the pearl.
Filing the pearl flush:


Sanding the pearl:



The pearl is ready to excavate the cavities for the gold:

[papart1]

Bad to bone stuf here Mr. Hands Beautiful

[keemaster]

Thank you for posting such detailed pictures of the process. It really helps a newcomer like me to understand how such a beautiful piece is made. Truly gorgeous!

[Steve Lindsay]

Another wonderful one Barry!

[Soco]

[SEngraver]

Hi Barry Lee,
An exquisite and very beautiful knife there.
And most important is also the photo tutorial that you avail on the post.Look forward to seeing the rest of the tutorial.It would be nice to see,if possible,how the pins in the handle were inlaid.

Many Thanks
SE

[Barry Lee Hands]

thank you for the interest, here is some more for you.


First we did the cavities for the gold in the pearl and undercut the edges, then inlay the gold stems:



Next we inlay the leaves which are made from sheet:



Then its sanded flat:



sculpted:



and shaded:

[SEngraver]

Hi Barry Lee
How are the inlay cavities/undercutting made in the pearl?
SE

[TE Knives]

Amazing!

[Barry Lee Hands]

Originally Posted by SEngraver

Hi Barry Lee
How are the inlay cavities/undercutting made in the pearl?
SE

With a pneumatic high speed rotary handpiece. I Would post a pic but its hard to photograph and do at the same time.

[joseph engraver]

Over the top with this work Barry! congratulation and a tip of my hat

[Barry Lee Hands]

Originally Posted by joseph engraver

Over the top with this work Barry! congratulation and a tip of my hat

Thank you Joseph! I hope to see you in Stresa again this fall!

[ClaesOldenburger]

Amazing work! Is inlaying on mother of pearl much different than metal? Is there a risk of it cracking?

[Barry Lee Hands]

Originally Posted by ClaesOldenburger

Amazing work! Is inlaying on mother of pearl much different than metal? Is there a risk of it cracking?

yup and yup.

[KDavid]

Wow ... Barry that is absolutely beautiful and Thank You for the Great tutorial.

[KDavid]

just curious... how thick are the leaf inlays and how deep are the pockets in the pearl?

[Barry Lee Hands]

Originally Posted by KDavid

just curious... how thick are the leaf inlays and how deep are the pockets in the pearl?

around .012, and .010 inch.

[Big-Un]

Just curious, does the pearl accept "holding teeth" like metal for precious metal? I know a piece like this will probably never be handled more than a few times, and then by knowledgeable and appreciative individuals, so it could be more delicately crafted. Wouldn't turn Rambo loose with it!

[KDavid]

Thanks Barry...also I'm assuming you are using annealed 24 k gold...would that be correct?

[Bert Edmonston]

Magnificent work as usual.

[Barry Lee Hands]

Originally Posted by Big-Un

Just curious, does the pearl accept "holding teeth" like metal for precious metal? I know a piece like this will probably never be handled more than a few times, and then by knowledgeable and appreciative individuals, so it could be more delicately crafted. Wouldn't turn Rambo loose with it!

Hi Big-un,
No teeth, just undercut.
It may be pretty, but stillagood Rambo knife.

[Barry Lee Hands]

Originally Posted by KDavid

Thanks Barry...also I'm assuming you are using annealed 24 k gold...would that be correct?

That is correct.

[Barry Lee Hands]

Originally Posted by Bert Edmonston

Magnificent work as usual.

Thanks Bert.
Thats why they call me Barry the magnificent!

[Soco]

Inspiring tutorial!

[SEngraver]

Hi Barry Lee

Thank you once again I always wanted how you inlaid the leaves.The picture tutorial is most valued and informative.The close up of the work is amazing.
Is the outline of the leaf undercut too ?
SE

[Steve Lindsay]

Hi Barry, Thank you very much for taking time to post these detailed photos! Wonderful to see your process.

[Barry Lee Hands]

Well thank you Steve. You helped me get this far with all your help and advice many years ago.