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Please visit this dedicated Halloween 2021 editions page to see what we’re doing this year.
There has always been a number of projects being researched and developed behind the scenes here at Olamic. Like most organizations we have a “skunkworks” or special projects division. It’s always a joy when something comes to fruition and two such joys have always stood out.
The first was in the works for awhile and the idea was to have our own in-house “fancy metal” akin to timascus, mokume, and the like. But we wanted it to stand out and, of course, on top of that the material had to be actually usable. Sometime in 2017 we succeeded and the result was dubbed “Fedokume” (the origin of the name is still classified).
at this point we still wanted more color
early batch, tighter pattern
Above you'll see two examples of very early versions our Fedokume material. We were happy with the results but one of the original goals was to have more color, and color that would stand out against mokume. So we kept at it to see what else is possible based on the proof of concept and what we learned from that first batch.
second batch, better contrast
third batch, more color, and an experiment in finishing
Getting closer there. Now we had blues/greens along side the gold/bronze tones, with good contrast in both glossy and more matte finishes. At this point we also did some carry tests to see how Fedokume would wear and saw that the color was very stable and resistant to fading or changing like many other materials do. The material was also very well received because it offered an exclusive alternative to mokume, timascus, and dragonskin while of course being something completely new. Because we still were only able to make it in very small quantities most of the Fedokume was reserved for truly special builds and iSolo Special Edition knives.
batch 3: now we're talkin'
batch 3 on a custom handmade 3D clip
Going into 2020 we were on the third small batch of Fedokume and things were beginning to look real hot. We had a lovely psychedelic pattern along with a wide spectrum of colors, one that before was not available in any single material of this kind. The colors remained durable under normal carry conditions. We were also happy to see that Fedokume worked just great as a clip material and had an excellent level of spring and tension. At this point there was a wait list for those who wanted to use it on a build. Going into 2021 we were ready for the next batch and so far it it's looking like always: each new attempt better than the one before it.
batch 3 on a polished, raised Whippersnapper inlay
Busker pocket clip w/ Fedokume batch 3.5
We were excited back in 2018 when Blade Magazine announced that they are bringing back the west coast edition of their show, dubbed simply Blade West. Of course we signed up immediately. For the first two years (2018-2019) it was held in Portland, OR and in 2020 it had to be cancelled. However the good news is that the show is back on this year and in a new location: Long Beach, CA. Conveniently it's just a 4.5 hour drive for us, so we're excited for a new show in our home state. Blade Show West is happening this week, on October 8th and 9th, at the Long Beach Convention Center. For all info visit the official show website.
We will be at table 148, against the left side wall after you come in.
And in line with our new tradition, there will be a virtual version of the show during actual show times, online at The Olamic Table.
