When we learned of Rusty's talent for forging his own damascus by hand, we had to have a first-hand look for oursleves. We ordered this dagger that he had just finished. Three days later, the package arrived. I opened the box, and am just now recovering from the catatonic state that I was put in by the beauty of this blade. The intricate patterns and coloring in this damascus steel are amazing. The effect, as best as I can describe it, is like gasoline on water - irridescent colors that dance and shimmer with the light as the blade moves. Much of this is rather difficult if not immpossible to capture on film.
It's almost as if there is some kind of energy flowing through it.
Rusty won an award for "Best Damascus" at the KGA show in 2006 - this dagger shows every reason why. There are many, many damascus knives out there. However, there are not so many that live up to this kind of quality. This is due to the standards that Rusty has for his work and the fact that he'll just throw out a damascus blade that he feels isn't good enough. The end result is that the only knives that leave the forge are the ones he would want himself.
As amazing as the damascus is, this dagger goes way beyond the blade alone. The handle is made of premium Cocobolo wood - a super-hard wood known for its gorgeous grain patterns and its strength - which has been fluted by hand in line with the grain. This makes the pattern really flow. The handle is inlaid with a 14k gold wrap (there's enough gold to make a necklace out of!) The deep yellow gold goes along perfect with the blues and purples in the Damascus. The guard and buttcap are forged of the same Damascus as the blade. The blade is 10 inches with two, super sleek silvered edges that come to a needle point. The dagger is almost 15 inches total. This dagger has all the bells and whistles, but by no means goes overboard. It is a tribute to Rusty's artistic talent and creative style.
Overall, this is a dagger fit for a king and an investment worthy of the most prestigious of knife collectors. As there is more and more demand for Rusty's work, my prediction is that after 2008, when he receives his Master Stamp, it will be rather difficult to obtain a piece like this without a long wait - and impossible to get one at this price.
If you're looking for a damascus knife, but want a damascus knife that really transfers what hand forged damascus steel is, this dagger is for you. It exemplifies all of the qualities that we knife collectors seek - fit, finish, balance, quality in craftsmanship, artistic inspiration and performance (it's an art piece, but it is highly functional just like all of Rusty;s knives). Aesthetically. because of their double-edged, symetric nature, daggers are certainly fit to be the centerpiece of the collection. This one demands it.
It is the prelude to a master...
This dagger does come with a leather and snakeskin sheath with silver throat and tip fittings - I will have pictures soon.
More pictures of any part of this dagger are available upon request, as they are for all our knives.
Check back soon for a full featured profile about Rusty Polk and his work and don't forget to check out his other great knives in the "knives for sale" section.
