This is version 2.0 of Jazzlet’s Eye Gouger, now with a much shorter blade for better leverage, and a thicker back for prying out recalcitrant spud-chunks.
The photo is not very good. Nor is the lighting.
Handle is maple burl and bog oak. Blade is 1095 wire rope damascus, which was forged end-on so that the cut ends of the wires make a kind of cool floral tile pattern. All I can say is “thank goodness for hydraulic presses!” when it comes to taking a 2″ chunk of steel end-on and flattening it into a little pancake, then turning the pancake into a blade.
I made the tang unusually thick because I was thinking perhaps Jazzlet’s real plan is to cut lorry tires with it. In which case, it’s ready.
That photo really doesn’t show how lovely it all looks, the maple burl is richly patterned the bog oak darker, nor of course how perfectly sized it is for a paring knife for my hand which has a short thumb. I am so pleased with it and really enjoy using it.
It’s lovely. The bog oak was a great choice and it looks fabulous next to the maple burl. It also looks damned functional and sturdy. The long handle and short blade look well balanced and comfortable for the hand. A paring knife is something you use every day – you develop a relationship with it and I’m sure this knife will give Jazzlet a lifetime of good gouging.