The Latest Work by Barry Lee Hands debuting at Ed Wormser's Chicago Knife Expo

[Randolf Eng]

Hi there

Barry,
A quick question on the gilding of the mother of pearl. Did you use gold leaf with a ground clay backround and glue of some description? Also may I ask.. how you carved the pearl so smoothly? Diamond bit? I have never cut MOP does it cut clean with a graver? Thank you for taking the time to answer, I know you are busy...Still learning so thanks!!!!

Randy

 

[Barry Lee Hands]

Randy, the Gilded Pearl is a technique I invented myself, and I have been sworn to secrecy by my students, but I can tell you there is no adhesive of any kind.

 

[Leonardo]

What a beautiful work Barry. I love the golden leaves on the MOP more and more every time you show us a new piece of art.
All the best to you too.
Leonardo.

 

[Leonard Francolini]

Barry,

The Ron Lake Dagger is stunningly beautiful. Love your sig; it's perfect.

 

[canadian]

Barry,
That is stunning work!
Very inspiring!
Thanks for showing.

Boris

 

[Barry Lee Hands]

Thanks Leonado, Boris, and Mr Francolini.
Corky, we have never met, but you have been a big influence on my work.
I was taught hammer and chisel by Huff and Goodwin in the 80's and then did about 50 Colts for Alaimo and Frascarelli as an outside vendor to The Colt Custom Shop in the 90's,
Francolini was always considered the ultimate, your body of work as a modern Colt Master is unsurpassed, and I am very grateful for you comments.

As it happens, this knife is being cased as a set with this Colt auto:

 

[Marrinan]

That is sure some pretty work Barry. Thanks for the share and explaination. With the Colt added it is quit a pair. Fred

 

[John B.]

Hi Barry,
I notice in the picture of the pair, gun and knife that the knife lacks the burnished leaf scroll on the blade that is shown in your lead picture post.
Different knife or later, additional work on the blade?
Just wanted you to know that I pay close attention to all your posts. HA HA.
Best, my friend. Like I said.......killer pieces.

 

[Barry Lee Hands]

Thanks Fred and John, That was a work in progress pic, as you probably know the Colt was finished last fall and won the FEGA award for "Best Engraved Handgun 2010" and then I started on the Lake.
The Burnished Blade ornament I applied last.
I will give you a ring the next time I am in LA my friend.

 

[John B.]

Great Barry. Thanks for the information.
It's always a pleasure to see or hear from you, look forward to it.
Best.

 

[Haraga.com]

Nice knife Barry. I didn't see you at the car show in Bigfork. Did you go?

 

[Barry Lee Hands]

Thanks,
I didn't know there was a car show in Bigfork, I just hide out in the shop, or head up in the hills when in Montana, for the most part.

 

[Charlie]

Did you get your hands on that Colt?

 

[Barry Lee Hands]

I am not sure if it's on there or not Charlie, I will take a look.