So I finished a knife recently and I have been thinking on it. I was doing a basic "how to make Damascus" demonstration but there was an issue with the Forge press. It had a drawing die and flattening die. One of each and not the set. I was not about to hammer it out the hard way, the old way our ancestors did. But we made due.

It was funny really, trying to draw and flatten a billet simultaneously, at one point we even put some bar stock on top to act as a flat for the billet. We got through it, but later when I decided to draw it out and make a knife with it and dang, it was cool. Lovely standard pattern on one side, but the other looks like a raindrop pattern. so far this has been one of my favorite builds. What I was sure was going to be discarded, becomes a favorite. Even the handle was a failed dye during the stabilizing process so I got it cheap. but then it really came out well.

[15n20/80CRv2 billet, leather sheath with stingray inlay]

20241223_084220 by redstone71, on Flickr

20241222_230606 by redstone71, on Flickr

I think it looks fantastic!
You should be proud of the results of your effort.

That's a great looking knife, I'm a big fan of smaller Bowie knives. I especially like the fighter guard and the blade shape. Good job persisting on getting the Damascus done!

Very well done. I really like the "Rain Drop" pattern.

I think it is awesome that each side is unique. Well done.

Most excellent. Great work.