John Faulkner, Gisborne, NZ

Presentation / Display / Knife Box
NZ spalted Rewarewa, black ebony
Dimensions: 440 l x 160 w x 56mm d

Materials:
The exterior veneer is New Zealand spalted rewarewa, which was given to me when I first came to New Zealand. It was quarter sawn into strip through the log, at 6mm to 7mm thickness. To reduce it down further it was backed with a piece of Macrocarpa and put through a 12 inch plainer. The edging, interior up stands and linings are of pure black ebony.
The hinges are good quality, solid brass butts, which I have modified to make 10 degree stand hinges.
The two brass push locks are right and left opening and were made by me. They have been hand engraved with flower motifs, by jeweller and master engraver, Richard Purcell of Auckland.
The box is base constructed of 6mm meranti marine plywood – corners mitred and slip wedged – bottom and top rebated and the completely glued up carcase, veneered as construction progressed. Once the box was completed, it was parted off using the saw bench. The internal tray is French blocked in a nice blue case lining material with handmade brass fittings. It has been designed to present at an angle which aids unobstructed viewing.
Glues:
A variety of glues were used – Aerodux, waterproof resorcinol glue, Loctite 401 and Selleys 5 minute araldite, depending on the use and the result required.
Finish:
The finish is a hand rubbed oil finish, of which the base oil is Slackum – a product produced by Purdey’s of England and used to finish their gun stocks. Rottenstone is used to help bring out the beauty of the finish. Up to 14 coats being necessary to bring it to perfection. A further curing period of many months brings up the refractive index. The spalted Rewarewa is a very hard wood to finish, which is due in no little part, because of its porousity. Difficult areas being treated to many applications of Loctite 401, to bring it all to one.
Concept:
The piece has been built to display an antique Bowie knife of exceptional quality. This knife was made in the era of 1860. It was in need of a equally special, display box.

Photos: John Faulkner