Regardless, I think it's cool!

I agree with Karl. The first few may not have the desired pattern, but being a successful process is a victory. I would call this a victory Nicholas.

Chris

Good Job Nicholas pattern is cool and is the blade profile!

Scott

I think it looks cool!

If you managed to get a good weld, and it looks like you did, You are successful. Now build on that success. Study the patterns and techniques that you want to make and remain focused on getting good welds.

this was my latest attempt of Feather Damascus, I forged it to shape and took most of outward curve on it, I like the way it looked but is not what I had in my mind. It doesn't show well in the photo but it has a very fine and narrow "V" down the middle.

Nicholas: Looking good! Now that you've caught the "feather bug", it'll be hard to shake! <img src=' http://www.americanbladesmith.com/ipboard/public/style_emoticons//smile.gi f' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=':)' /> I know with every one that I do, there's always something that I wanna do a bit better on the next.

Steven: There's a LOT of things to think about when producing a feather pattern...... too much forging is one of those things. Everything you do in the way of manipulation will result in changing the pattern. Having gone down the same road, I tend to "pre-distort" more then I think is necessary, prior to stacking/cutting/re-welding..... MOST of the time it works out well, but of course, like everyone, I have those day when the bear eats me! <img src=' http://www.americanbladesmith.com/ipboard/public/style_emoticons//smile.gi f' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=':)' />

That's one of the things I love so much about this craft.....always something new to learn.

Wow that looks great!