Inspired by the eponymous collection of Limited Edition writing instruments, the Celestial Knife collection embodies the magnificence of the Heavens and all things Eternal. Each color variation will be limited to an aggregate production of 88 pieces. Hand-crafted in solid Sterling Silver, the scales of the knife are engraved, or diamond-cut in high and low relief using a centuries-old technique known as Guilloché.
Using a mortar and pestle, a composition of glass, water and metal oxides is ground for hours by hand. When settled, the water is removed, leaving the fine paste that is the basis for hard enamel. A quill is then used to apply each coat of the mixture to the surface of the silver, ensuring that the entire guilloché area is completely covered in enamel. The components are then fired in a furnace at temperatures exceeding 1,000° F, fusing the enamel to the metal and forming a layer of glass.
After cooling, the pieces are manually ground with a diamond file, restoring their proper shape and surface. This tedious process is repeated at length until the level of enamel reaches the depth required to cover the peaks and fill the valleys of each intricate guilloché pattern. Each color of hot enamel requires multiple firings and a different firing temperature in the kiln. As many collection pieces feature multiple colors of enamel, many of these pieces are fired 15 to 20 times, after which each component is filed with a diamond file, re-enameled, re-fired and then filed again.
When the final stages of enameling, firing and filing are completed, each piece is polished and buffed, revealing the real glass finish of translucent hard enamel. Production of translucent hard enamel demands the highest levels of patience, experience and skill. A five-year apprenticeship is required to ensure that the highest levels of quality will be met in each individual Collection piece.
The Blade on the Celestial Folding Knife is forged using Swedish Stainless (Damasteel DS93X) Damascus and a diamond is set in each side of the silver thumb stud.
The sun and sunburst designs featured on the Celestial Knife require multiple levels of engraving; the rays of the sun remain in high relief while the sunburst pattern in the background features occasional omissions in engraving, reflecting heat and solar flares. Most remarkable perhaps is the three-dimensional face of the sun engraved on the slightly rounded surface.
The level of difficulty involved in the moon and stars featured on the Celestial knife equals that employed on the Sun. The four phases of the moon (new, quarter, half and full) are outlined in high relief while the stars are represented in various widths and depths. Three different diameters of stars are featured in high relief and three in low relief (above and beneath the midnight blue enamel) as a reflection of the midnight sky.
