Shaula
"Shaula" Fine Investment, Collector's, Working Handmade Knife
- Size: Length overall: 8.90" (22.6 cm), Blade Length: 4.6" (11.7 cm), Thickness: .129" (3.3 mm)
- Weight: Knife: 3.6 oz. (102 grams) Sheath: 3.5 oz. (99 grams)
- Blade: ATS-34 High Molybdenum Martensitic Stainless Steel, Hardened and Tempered to Rockwell C58, mirror polished
- Bolsters, Fittings: 304 Austenitic Stainless Steel, hand-engraved, mirror polished
- Handle: Polished Ruby in Fuchsite Gemstone
- Sheath: Hand-carved Leather Shoulder Inlaid with Lizard Skin
- Knife: Shaula is named for the brightest star
system in the constellation Scorpius, residing in the raised tail of
the scorpion. With a narrow, stinging shape, the slender blade is
well-named. This is a unique style of knife, with a modest and very
lightweight presence, yet complete with fine embellishment and
beautiful gemstone. I made the blade in ATS-34 high molybdenum, high
chromium martensitic stainless tool steel, for some of the highest
toughness at high hardness available; the slender and thin blade
required the superior toughness ATS-34 possesses. I ground the blade
with a 6" contact wheel for a tight grind radius and a very thin and
aggressive cutting edge while preserving full spine thickness for
strength along the blade. The blade has a half-length top swage to
further narrow the point profile and create a scalpel-thin, yet
durable edge. The blade has full filework of varying crescent cuts
around the fully tapered tang and a small, tight choil terminating
the cutting edge. This is one of the few knives I create that does
not have a pronounced forefinger quillon due to the very lightweight
and elegant nature of the profile. I bolstered the knife with
zero-care 304 high nickel, high chromium austenitic stainless steel,
hand-engraved with an overlapping leaf cluster motif. The bolsters
are dovetailed and bed a very beautiful pair of Ruby in Fuchsite
gemstone handle scales. The matrix of this stone is green chromium
muscovite with inclusions of brilliant ruby. The fuchsite is a micaceous (mica bearing)
mineral with reflective spangles and crystalline areas and derives
its green color from chromium. The ruby is
aluminum oxide corundum, an extremely hard and beautiful gemstone
usually seen in faceted mounts. The hard rubies stand slightly above
the softer fuchsite, and have a bright, glassy polish. This
beautiful contrasting gemstone handle compliments the light,
scalpel-like blade of the Shaula with elegant character. At under 4
ounces, the Shaula feels featherweight and crisp in the hand.
- Sheath: The sheath has a nice contrast with the
Shaula and I made this one in 9-10 oz. leather shoulder, dyed a
medium brown, and hand-carved to accept large panel inlays of brown
Teju lizard skin, hand-stitched with black nylon,
sealed and buffed. The mouth of the sheath drops enough for display of
the beautiful handle and bolster engraving, and allows easy access to the knife.
- An elegant, slender, and fine knife with a beautiful gemstone
handle, suitable for collection, investment, or use .
Thanks, G. L.!
The Shaula impressed me most with its featherweight lightness
and apparent strength, and its fine, elegant and simple form. Surely as sharp or sharper than a surgeon’s
scalpel, yet effortlessly wielded with precision, I foresee its constant companionship primarily as a fine
dining implement. In my email, I believe I mentioned some Kobe beef and a ’55 Cheval Blanc as
an adjunct to my upcoming birthday, and I was quite serious about it. I
believe I may also find it occasionally useful in some of my exacting model-building work. Similar
compliments as those made for the Sargon apply with equal validity to the Shaula, with regard to the spine
filework, engraved quillons, and flawless mirror finish. However, without natural sunlight for proper viewing,
I can only roughly observe the optical qualities bestowed by the mica-infused fuchsite/ruby scales. So I
have something more to look forward to tomorrow.
--G. L.
Please click on thumbnail photos