255mm gyuto in random pattern Damascus

This knife was rough forged during my visit to Bill Burke's shop , just managed to finish it . It is random pattern Damascus in 60 layers of 1084/15n20 . It has a slight asymmetric ground for right handed person . I am going to stop calling it workhorse grind , with some modifications this grind I believe offers the best balance between food release and ease of cutting . It will be the default grind on my knives. I have done some comparison test against good japanese knives a friend graciously lent and I am very happy with the results .
The western handle is stabilised amboyna burl and brass with coke bottle shape contours .
By the way I have used my good old reliable epoxy on this one
There are a few spots of not so clean welds at the billet and it is visible at the spine of the knife wanted to clarify it as disclaimer .
It is 253mm at the edge and 55.6 mm tall . It is 3.88mm thick at the spine tapering to 2.7mm at the middle and then 1.7mm an inch before the tip . It weighs 218 grams and the balance point is just in front of the makers mark ideal for pinch grip.




Detail of the pattern from the left side





Right side pattern detail



Handle



Choil







Not so good weld at the spine

 

I want to see this Mert. If it's like the grind on the knife I tried, it'll be a winner. Pics?

 

More pics








Hand finished to 1500 grit ,

It is differentially heat treated for a softer spine , around 61-62 hrc.

 

Clicked send to early Mike , the grind is similar to what you tried with thinner tip and better food release

 

Just to be clear , that spot at the spine is not a crack , I have polished up to make it visible rather than leaving it etched, it happened when I have folded the billet , that line runs through the billet some places more noticeable than the others , also can be seen if you look closely midway the blade , wanted to say it upfront

 

What's the odds of you ever forging more Damascus in Bill Burkes shop? Pretty much a unique piece .

 

I am hoping to visit him again in 2016

 

Somebody scored an amazing knife at a stellar price here, I didn't see the final addiction bid price, but even at the buy it now price this was a steal. I came SO close to grabbing this one for myself

 

It's going to Pensacola , Florida

 

This does not surprise me. That's a pretty good place to go

 

Darn sexy knife! :likeump:cool1

 

Thanks Al