"Freedom's Promise" Custom Art Knife

A stunning knife, Freedom's Promise was made from the paper design up, with careful consideration and application of materials for a very specific look. I started with at blade of 440C high chromium martensitic stainless steel, hollow ground and mirror polished, on which I hand-engraved a very early historic version of our nation's Great Seal. The eagle spreads his wings and holds the banner "E Pluribus Unum" (From the many, One). The hand-engraving is tough and detailed, on both sides of the blade, and the seal is flanked by stars. The blade has a top two-thirds hollow grind in addition to the main grind, and the straight length of the blade is fileworked, including the choil. This is a hidden tang knife, so has a full guard. The guard I designed and made with low carbon steel which is nitrate-blued for a bluish, reddish finish blending the colors of the handle with improved corrosion resistance. The guard is inlaid with Elephant Ivory, carved and polished in talons reflecting the eagle's claws. The pommel of the handle is also blued and hand-carved low carbon steel, and is inlaid with two solid Opals for the eagle's eyes. The handle is framed on the edges with polished cabochons of Crocidolite gemstone, with bits of Tiger Eye Quartz, Red Jasper and metallic gray Hematite. The handle scales are mounted inlay frames of nickel silver, and the inlays are a mosaic of Red River Jasper, White Milky Quartz, and Dark Blue Sodalite gemstone.

The sheath of this fine knife matches the theme of the eagle, so I hand-carved 9 - 10 oz. leather shoulder into wings, a detailed eagle, and stars and stripes, dyed it black, and washed the carvings with 24kt gold powder. The sheath is lacquered, hand-stitched with nylon, lacquered and sealed.

A unique and beautiful knife that was an honor to make.

Thanks, B. M.!