Damascus Seax with Red Ivory Wood and Antiqued Bronze
Best Novice Forged - Durban Easter Knife Show, 2022

Product Description for Damascus Seax with Red Ivory Wood and Antiqued Bronze
Best Novice Forged - Durban Easter Knife Show, 2022

Maker: Ch'ien Turner (click to see more by this maker)
Item num: 106088
*** This is handmade and one-of-a-kind ***
Blade length: 8.40 in.
Cutting edge length: 7.75 in.
Total length: 13.60 in.
Blade height (at heel): 1.15 in.
Blade thickness (near bolster): 0.18 in.
Blade thickness (at midpoint): 0.17 in.
Blade thickness (near tip): 0.07 in.
Item weight: 10.80 oz.
Shipment weight: 20.6 oz.
Blade: W's pattern damascus forged from carbon steels
Bolster: Antiqued bronze
Handle: Red ivory wood
Sheath: Ostrich shin leather overlay
Description: Ch'ien Turner (born in 2001) is a young, extremely talented South African bladesmith. He made his first knife at age 14 with the help of De Wet Van Zyl. At the time, he lived just down the street from De Wet and was able ask him constant questions. A friendship blossomed, and by 15, Van Zyl took him on as a part time apprentice. At 20, Turner began working full time with Van Zyl. Ch'ien has an exceptional grasp of forging, chef's knives, and even art knives. When Ch'ien presented his work at the 2022 Durban Easter Knife Show, he won seven awards, including, Best New Maker, Best Novice Hunter, Best Novice Forged, Best Novice Fighter, Best Novice Bird and Trout, and Best Novice Set. This Damascus Seax won Best Novice Forged at the show.
The Seax was essentially the bowie knife of the Viking Era. It was used for utility purposes as well as for fighting and dates back over 1500 years. It was an effective weapon as demonstrated by its widespread popularity over many centuries.
The W's pattern damascus blade is hand forged from carbon steels to ensure excellent edge holding and chip resistance. The high contrast pattern is extremely engaging and demands inspection. Ch'ien's mark is on the left side of the blade.
The contoured handle combines presentation grade red ivory with antiqued bronze. Red ivory (Berchemia zeyheri) is a South African hardwood that is "rarer than diamonds." According to folklore, the tree is considered sacred to the Zulus in South Africa and its use was reserved for royalty. Polished heirloom fit stainless spacers complete the handle.
To keep the knife close at hand, a custom leather sheath with ostrich leather overlay is included.
Exceptional work throughout!


Availability: Not currently available