[Jonathan Stanley]

Yay!
I finally finished my first damascus knife!
Way back in March I posted a topic on where to get some reasonably priced damascus. To my surprise MS Kyle Royer offered to make a custom billet for me as a gift! I have been biding my time on making it because I didn't want to go real fast and mess everything up.
But now I am finished and could not be more happy about the results! After I had finished forging the blade (this was my very first piece of damascus by the way) I thought "If I want this knife to turn out looking good I need to get some wood that will match the quality of the damascus. So I posted a topic on where to get some well priced burl wood. Then I got another surprise when Jim Clow replied to my post "Just send me your address". So I did and he sent me some beautiful burl wood that was just right for the handle.
So after almost 4 months, here it is!



I love the way the birdseye pattern came out!
Here is a close up on the blade.



Thanks again Kyle Royer and Jim Clow and everybody on the ABS who has helped me so far. I am proud to be a part of this organization.

[Kyle Gahagan]

I would love to see it but the links are not showing up. You may have to load your pictures to photobucket than put them on here.

[Kyle Gahagan]

Here you go. Tutorial on posting pictures.
http://www.youtube.c...h?v=jehxvujkalM

[jared_foster]

I can't wait to see it Jonathan. Fearless. I haven't ever tried making damascus or forging some other person's. It amazes me what you'll try when most kids your age can't be dragged from the couch or video game. Your parents must be proud. They must be doing something right. I look forward to seeing it.

[Jonathan Stanley]

Thanks Mr. Kyle!
I would also like to introduce another knife that I have been working on for a while.



I went to my first ABS event back in April, the Spring Piney Woods Hammer-in!
While I was there I had a lot of fun and learned even more, but the main highlight for me was being able to forge a knife right along side MS J. R. Cook! After he helped me Brion Tomberline pitched in and helped me profile the blade! Then when I got home Jim Clow of the ABS sent me some beautiful burl wood so I used it on the handle of my knife. Here is a cross section to show what materials I used.



Again I would like to thank everyone who helped with this knife and all those who have helped me on the ABS.

[Kyle Gahagan]

you are welcome. Those look good. Keep up the good work and dont be afraid to experiment.It is good you can find people that are willing to help you. I started when I was your age and gave up because there were not to many people willing to help out a 12-13 year old kid and those that were willing were to far away to help on a regular basis. Keep it up.

[Jonathan Stanley]

Same here Mr. Kyle, only my problem is trasportation. It's kind of hard to get out of the house with eight brothers and sisters.

[justin carnecchia]

Very nice Jonathan. I especially like the second one. I am impressed with your quality of finish, I frequently see adults post pictures of their knives that aren't as good. I look forward to seeing you progress, keep up the good work, -Justin

[Kyle Gahagan]

First you can just call me Kyle, secound I wish I was closer I would love to help you out. If you need anything let me know and I will help were I can.

[Greg Shahan]

Hey Jonathan,

Glad to see you are still hard at it. I like them both.

Greg

[Jonathan Stanley]

Thanks guys!