Latest Project -- Teaser!

[RoyalKooparillo]

I've had a project in the works for a few months now, and as it's getting close to the end I thought I'd share a little teaser with you fellas.

This project started out as a concept for a custom brush that would incorporate some of the finishing techniques I have come to appreciate from the fountain pen world. I wanted the brush to be in the style of an old-model Tulip 2, and as the idea approached reality I decided to have a razor handle made as well so it could be a set. As a collector of asian art and furniture, I sought to make the set an homage to the mastery of Japanese lacquer-ware.

The handles were both turned by CooncatBob (who did a beautiful job, by the way) out of Massacar Ebony. After a couple of minor tweaks to get them just as I wanted them, I sent them to Japan where they were hand-finished with Urushi Lacquer in a process that takes several months.

The urushi was applied with a technique known as "tamenuri," in which base layers of urushi are covered by top layers in a different color. Urushi requires a specific temperature and humidity to cure properly, and each additional coat can only be applied after the previous one has completely cured (which can take several days). As the tamenuri lacquer is exposed to light, the exterior color becomes translucent and the base color slowly comes through over the course of several years. The result is a very rich finish with a wonderful amount of depth. In this case, the base color is Kikyo (blue) and the top is black. This particular combination is known for being exceptionally subtle.

Using a Wajima technique known as "Chinkin," the finish was then free-hand engraved with an arabesque pattern that was typical during the Japanese Tenpyo period. The engraving occurs before the finish has fully cured, and charcoal is embedded into the lines. So, as the black finish slowly becomes translucent, the lines will remain black.

Hope you enjoyed the little teaser! Stay tuned for the finished products...

[MoJoe]

That's some spectacular work!

[firefly]

Subscribed to see the final results! Astonishing thus far.

[copperhead]

Talk about one of a kind! Thanks for sharing and keep us updated.

[richmondesi]

[r0ckrat]

Indeed, very beuatiful so far. Looking forward to the finished pieces.

[Eman]

That is stunning work. I would be afraid to use something of that quality.

[aquilla]

WOW. Very nice work, cant wait to see them finished.

[Pirate-M.Lifnen]

Wow, this sounds like a absolutely beautiful pair.
Subscribed to see the final product..well, before it beautifully begins to fade to blue.

[huntmol]

Yowza! That looks great! Can't wait to see the finished product.

[Jim]

Post of the week!

Fantastic project and result. Bravo!

[RoyalKooparillo]

Thanks guys! I'm glad you approve!

That is stunning work. I would be afraid to use something of that quality.

The cool thing about urushi is that it is exceptionally resilient material. Very resistant to scratches and abrasion once it has fully cured. The Samurai used urushi sap to attach arrow heads to their arrows, as well as to reinforce their armor, apparently.

[ogopogo]

Stunning, simply stunning.... can't wait to see the finished product.

[cmiwa]

+1 on what everyone else said.

This is the a terrific looking set and I'll definitely be checking back for pics of the finished product.

[Jack-in-the-Green]

Wow! *Runs to get towel to mop up drool*

[Evbo]

Holy crap ... that's absolutely beautiful! Bravo indeed! I can't wait to see the finished product!

[pizzaguy]

wow

[mdunn]

holy smokes!

cant wait to see them finished

[Subcutaneous]

that looks beyond amazing

[tgarza]

Stunning!