Damascus Swayback Hunter with Red Ivory Wood

Product Description for Damascus Swayback Hunter with Red Ivory Wood

Maker: Ch'ien Turner (click to see more by this maker)
Item num: 106094
*** This is handmade and one-of-a-kind ***
Blade length: 4.90 in.
Cutting edge length: 4.60 in.
Total length: 10.20 in.
Blade height (at heel): 1.44 in.
Blade thickness (near bolster): 0.20 in.
Blade thickness (at midpoint): 0.18 in.
Blade thickness (near tip): 0.08 in.
Item weight: 7.80 oz.
Shipment weight: 16.6 oz.
Blade: Damascus forged from carbon steels
Bolster: Bronze
Handle: Red ivory wood
Sheath: Ostrich shin leather sheath
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.
The damascus blade was forged to shape 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 a bronze guard. 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.
To keep the knife close at hand, a custom ostrich leather sheath is included.
Exceptional work throughout!


Availability: Not currently available