Replies to This Discussion

KnifeMakerPermalink Reply by Wolfgang Loerchner on December 12, 2015 at 12:52

Well, here we go with my lack of computer skills, attaching photos did not work out well. I better try to figure that one out if I am going to post here. Being a computer idiot can be so frustrating.

Wolfe

Permalink Reply by Jan Carter on December 12, 2015 at 12:56

Wolfe,

Don't worry I got ya!

The pics are easy to embed..above the box your typing in is a set of icons, the second on the left is photos.  Just click it and add :)

Permalink Reply by Ron Cooper on December 12, 2015 at 14:04

Wolfe,

Welcome to iKC, my friend! Your work is stunning! And that's an understatement. While I was taking a journey through some of your photographs I came upon one in particular (many actually) that really appealed to me on many levels. It was this one...

I mean, there just are not enough superlatives to describe the beauty of this piece. Would you care to elaborate on some of the various aspects of this knife and the process that went into designing and then constructing such a masterfully gorgeous piece of artistic achievement? I'm curious about the steel you used for that wharncliffe blade. I'm not sure if that's gold or brass(?) and the black lip pearl that you have inset and overlaid upon damascus - OMG! What a stunning effect! And how you have incorporated what I believe to be the lockback into the overall aesthetic of the design. Just an amazing piece of work! Kudos, my friend! If you'll excuse me, now, I need to fetch a towel to mop up my desk and keyboard of all of this drool that has resulted from viewing your work - Welcome aboard, mate!

KnifeMakerPermalink Reply by Wolfgang Loerchner on December 12, 2015 at 16:03

Thank you for your kind words Ron.

I spend a great deal of time designing, that is sketching knife designs. Every knife starts out with a drawing, full scale, with all the details shaded to show profiles. Some of my sketches sit for years before I use them to actually make the knife. Having the shaded drawings lets me remember the 3-D effects I had in mind at the time. I then work off the drawings to create the knife. The majority of my knives are one of a kind. I do however sometimes repeat a pattern with different inlay treatments. That is the case for this knife pattern.

All the decorative elements are inlayed into the folder frames, approx. 80 thousands deep. Meaning that all the elements, gold , pearl and damascus are fitted to each other. Fitting and sculpting is achieved with die sinkers and needle files. They are used for any sculpting as well. Finishing is done with sandpaper backed with a wide assortment of small sanding sticks.

The inlay cavity is cut by using a small drill press to drill a series of holes establishing the depth. These are then connected with a carbide burr chucked into the same drill press. The burr also provides a flat and even surface on the bottom of the cavity. Then careful filing brings the cavity to it's final outline.

As for my blade steel, I started with 440C many years ago, and that is still use to this day.

All this is really very simple, but does require a considerable amount of patience.

Wolfe

Permalink Reply by Ron Cooper on December 12, 2015 at 16:16

Thank you so much, Wolfe, for your detailed answer to my question. I especially loved it where you said, "All this is really very simple." I had to laugh out loud because what might be considered to be simple by someone who is as gifted with talent to create, like yourself, would be considered to be unbelievably difficult if not impossible by someone like myself. I am in awe of your talent and the beauty that you create! You bring such a wealth of knowledge to this forum. Again, as merely a member myself, please allow me to welcome you and to express my gratitude for your presence. Happy Holidays, my friend!

Ron

Permalink Reply by Michael Squier on December 12, 2015 at 16:37

Amazing work and design. I really like your drawings too, they remind me of renderings we did when I was in college, not your designs but the style of drwaing. Did you happen to study Industrial Design?

FeaturedPermalink Reply by Charles Sample on December 12, 2015 at 17:52

Wow, those are great looking knives!

Permalink Reply by Derek Wells on December 17, 2015 at 1:42

"but does require a considerable amount of patience" you must have patience by the truckload Wolfgang - stunning work!

I would love to see some more pics of your workshop - do you have a web site? 

Kind Regards

Derek

KnifeMakerPermalink Reply by Chris Sievert on February 10, 2016 at 3:03

A very Heart Felt WELCOME to a Maker who's work I've spent HOURS studying! Hello Wolfe! I have loved your Design Aesthetic since I saw your 1st knife. And someone who has possibly More files than I do ;) I also do most of if not all of my Miniatures with files and sandpaper as well. Again Love your work!

Chris