Product Description for Ipe Fettle Bolo

Maker: Michael Rader, M.S. (click to see more by this maker)
Item num: 4387
*** This is handmade and one-of-a-kind ***
Blade length: 14.12 in.
Total length: 20.40 in.
Blade width: 1.90 in.
Blade thickness: 0.24 in.
Item weight: 25.28 oz.
Shipment weight: 37.28 oz.
Blade: Ladder pattern Damascus forged from 15N20, 5160 and 8660 carbon steels
Bolster: Oval Damascus guard -- 180 layer "ribbon" pattern Damascus toward the blade and pool and eye toward the handle
Handle: Ipe with maple accents and Damascus 'nut'
Sheath: Fully lined and sculpted ipe sheath
Description: This exceptional Damascus bolo is the work of up-and-coming maker Michael Rader. Bolo are similar stylistically to a machete and originate in the Philippians. True to form, the blade widens toward the tip, resulting in a powerful swing.
Michael forged the blade from three separate carbon steels -- 5160, 15N20 and 8660. The resulting ladder pattern Damascus is bold with high contrast. The spine is thinned at the middle, bringing the weight toward the tip. By forging the blade to shape, Michael has assured exceptional strength and beauty. A mar quench during the heat treatment results in optimal edge retention.
. The oval guard features a technique that is becoming a hallmark of Michael's work. The Damascus is differentially manipulated on opposing sides such that the front face is a "ribbon" pattern and the handle face is a pool and eye pattern. The result is exceptional.
The handle and sheath are both sculpted from ipe wood and nicely compliment each other. Maple accents and a Damascus pommel finish out the handle. Both are brought to a high polished gloss. Exceptional work throughout.
This knife was featured on page 96 of Knives 2007.
Availability: Not currently available