"Dorado" is named for the constellation, the Swordfish, and the shape of the knife well-illustrates the graceful, streamlined form. The lines of this knife are very clean, the curves inviting and balanced. This is a knife that begs being handled and is comfortable and strong. For the blade, I chose ATS-34 high chrome-molybdenum martensitic stainless tool steel, that allows a very thin hollow grind without sacrificing toughness. The hollow grind is deep and full, very well balanced side to side, and the blade has a significant spine that extends well down toward the point. I put a top swage on the blade, to decrease point angle without sacrificing strength. The fully tapered tang is fileworked with a staggered and refined pattern. The front bolster is sculpted to match the accent points of the blade and lines, with a graceful curved front quillion to guard the hand well. Both bolsters are dovetailed for a rigid, seamless fit, and are made of my favorite 304 high nickel, high chromium austenitic stainless steel for the greatest longevity, corrosion resistance, and toughest wear of any bolster material. The handle curves away from the blade in an inviting, natural arc that is comfortable to hold.

The gemstone handle is Seagrass Jasper. You won't find this jasper anywhere; it's so rare that this is the ONLY piece I've ever seen, and will probably ever see. It's harvested from a large block of otherwise plain sea green jasper, and I carefully laid out the lines and angles of the cut for the best display, and the greatest view of the stone's pattern. The handle scales are also carefully book-matched and aligned, and brightly polished. The pictures cannot describe this gemstone; it has wavy layers and pockets of clear agate, and even some muted pinks floating in foamy matrix. This is one of those gemstones that I wish I saw more of, but probably never will again!

A knife with this character deserved a special sheath, so I constructed this one with graceful curves and steep angles echoed in the knife and in the oceanic theme, and inlaid my carvings with super-tough shark skin, interesting in texture and left in natural gray color. The sheath is deep and protective, shaped and fitted to display the handle angle and line, hand-stitched with polyester sinew, lacquered and sealed.

Thanks, T.H.!