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Handcrafted Blades by Ross Leidy

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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote lildudejds Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 12/27/2011 at 11:07pm
Originally posted by speedspin speedspin wrote:



I might be interested in a custom blade like the Viscaria in dimensions & composition (carbon/arylate), but about 85 g in weight. PM me.  Thanks.


He doesn't use composite materials in his blades. Also, it would probably be more appropriate to contact him from his website, as he is probably in contact with multiple people at this point.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote speedspin Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 12/27/2011 at 10:59pm
I might be interested in a custom blade like the Viscaria in dimensions & composition (carbon/arylate), but about 85 g in weight. PM me.  Thanks.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Ross Leidy Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 12/27/2011 at 10:52pm
Hey, no problem guys.  I always like how the sealer deepens the color and brings out the character of the wood.  For me, it's really the most rewarding stage of the building process - seeing the wood come alive.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote mmerkel Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 12/27/2011 at 10:12pm
Sorry Ross, that's nothing on you or your workmanship...just my opinion on what appeals to me personally. 
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote peter79 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 12/27/2011 at 10:05pm
Originally posted by mmerkel mmerkel wrote:

Why does the grain on the blade look so much darker now that it is sealed? I didn't like the look very much without the sealer, but now I think it looks really nice. The sealer reduced the colour difference between the blade and the handle.


Yes it's better looking if you seal the handle. I usually seal my new blade's handle, and it looks nicer.
Ross, I would like to apologize for uploading the unfinished products, next time I will just upload the finished products Embarrassed
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote mmerkel Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 12/27/2011 at 9:55pm
Originally posted by peter79 peter79 wrote:

Here is the finished products, what a nice looking blade!!!!

Why does the grain on the blade look so much darker now that it is sealed? I didn't like the look very much without the sealer, but now I think it looks really nice. The sealer reduced the colour difference between the blade and the handle.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote speedy Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 12/27/2011 at 9:38pm
Originally posted by Ross Leidy Ross Leidy wrote:

Originally posted by speedy speedy wrote:

Originally posted by fatt fatt wrote:

I was wondering how heavy is a Sotto Voce with mahogany outer plies and how heavy is Speedy's 7-ply blade (white limba-koto-black limba & kiri core).
 


My blade is around 87grams.

I have it written down as a bit heavier than that at 92.4g


Wow... it felt like 87-88 grams only...
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote peter79 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 12/27/2011 at 9:28pm
Here is the finished products, what a nice looking blade!!!!






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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Ross Leidy Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 12/27/2011 at 4:39pm
Originally posted by speedy speedy wrote:

Originally posted by fatt fatt wrote:

I was wondering how heavy is a Sotto Voce with mahogany outer plies and how heavy is Speedy's 7-ply blade (white limba-koto-black limba & kiri core).
 


My blade is around 87grams.

I have it written down as a bit heavier than that at 92.4g
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote speedy Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 12/27/2011 at 2:30pm
Originally posted by fatt fatt wrote:

I was wondering how heavy is a Sotto Voce with mahogany outer plies and how heavy is Speedy's 7-ply blade (white limba-koto-black limba & kiri core).
 


My blade is around 87grams.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Ross Leidy Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 12/27/2011 at 1:44pm
Originally posted by iliketurtles iliketurtles wrote:

So it's koto-ayc-ayous-ayc-koto?

I was actually referring to the top veneer, as it isn't the red koto that Ross has on his site.

I purchased some graphite-color dyed koto for this blade.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Ross Leidy Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 12/27/2011 at 1:43pm
Originally posted by peter79 peter79 wrote:



Since Spruce isn't available, Ross offer me to use Alaskan yellow Cheddar which has similar hardness with Spruce.

I love cheddar, but I rarely use it in blades.  :)  Of course, peter79 was referring to alaskan yellow cedar.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Ross Leidy Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 12/27/2011 at 1:40pm
Originally posted by fatt fatt wrote:

Originally posted by jcdi jcdi wrote:

Sotto voce with Mahogany is 87gr. I suppose it also depends of template and if Ross "empties" the handle as he did for mine. He did it so softly that I don't even notice it.
 
That's my ideal weight!!! is the balance of your blade even? a bit head heavy?
 
My feeling is all high performance rubbers now are close to or over 50 grams cut so a bit handle heavy a blade can help to get a balanced final setup.
 
I am still debating over asking , when I order, a hollow handle or not because of that idea.

jcdi is quite right - the final weight depends on the size of the blade template that I use.  Unless requested otherwise, I aim for a neutral balance where the balance point is near the center point of the overall length.  I control the balance by the weight of the handle pieces, and will usually have to hollow them to achieve the balance.  If you have a specific target weight in mind, then I ignore balance and fine-tune the handle weight to hit the specified weight.  
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote iliketurtles Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 12/27/2011 at 1:38pm
So it's koto-ayc-ayous-ayc-koto?

I was actually referring to the top veneer, as it isn't the red koto that Ross has on his site.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote peter79 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 12/27/2011 at 12:40pm
Originally posted by iliketurtles iliketurtles wrote:

I am also going to be getting one of these blades Big smile

And Peter79, what is the composition of your blade?

You said hurricane king, but that doesn't look like the koto on the website, unless I have the plies of the HK wrong.

Actual Hurricane King is:

Koto-Spruce-Ayous-Spruce-Koto

Since Spruce isn't available, Ross offer me to use Alaskan yellow Cheddar which has similar hardness with Spruce.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote iliketurtles Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 12/27/2011 at 12:34pm
I am also going to be getting one of these blades Big smile

And Peter79, what is the composition of your blade?

You said hurricane king, but that doesn't look like the koto on the website, unless I have the plies of the HK wrong.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Jolan Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 12/27/2011 at 12:26pm
Sotto voce with Mahogany is 87gr. I suppose it also depends of template and if Ross "empties" the handle as he did for mine. He did it so softly that I don't even notice it.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (1) Thanks(1)   Quote peter79 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 12/27/2011 at 12:24pm
Here is my custom Hurricane King shape and handle size which is the same as Latika spec.
The handle now need to be hollowed so that it's not handle heavy.








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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote mmerkel Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 12/26/2011 at 7:20pm
Originally posted by Rich215 Rich215 wrote:

Originally posted by mmerkel mmerkel wrote:

the composition came out of the email exchanges about likes, dislikes, must haves, etc.
I don't know the exact criteria right at this moment, but it was a combination of balance, weight, feel, stiffness and my "no balsa" clause; all together with a target speed range of ~All+.



"The blade composition is white obeche - anigre - kiri - anigre - white obeche."

Cant wait to hear how your new RL blade performs mmerkle.  What is the weight of that blade? 
It's just under 80g with a neutral to slight handle balance.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote speedy Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 12/26/2011 at 5:25pm
I own one of these.  I am glad that I ordered it.  You guys also need to see the case go with it.  Ross, you need to upload a picture of one of those too.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Rich215 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 12/26/2011 at 5:11pm
Originally posted by mmerkel mmerkel wrote:

the composition came out of the email exchanges about likes, dislikes, must haves, etc.
I don't know the exact criteria right at this moment, but it was a combination of balance, weight, feel, stiffness and my "no balsa" clause; all together with a target speed range of ~All+.



"The blade composition is white obeche - anigre - kiri - anigre - white obeche."

Cant wait to hear how your new RL blade performs mmerkle.  What is the weight of that blade? 
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote assiduous Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 12/26/2011 at 4:29pm
Great! Just when I thought the Christmas spending was over you guys show me this! Angry

Now I must own one.

I hate it. I am feeling like Obama, spending all these money I don't have.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote lildudejds Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 12/26/2011 at 2:41pm
I WILL own one of these blades in the near future when I get some funds. I've made the switch to All wood with my recent purchase of an Adidas V1.5, and have no desire to go back to composite layers.

Ross, I will be in contact with you soon. I have many qualities that would make my dream blade, I doubt it is even possible to make, but I'm convinced one of these will be the closest I'll get.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote jpenmaster Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 12/26/2011 at 2:41pm
I have one of Mr. Leidys blades and it is awesome.  Mine is something like an Acoustic so it is very well balanced.  The fit and finish on these blades is outstanding .  I would recommend them to anyone looking for a quality blade.  Honestly for the quality of blade you get the price is very reasonable.  I would not worry about labels or serial numbers you know right away looking at the blades who built them there is nothing else on the market like them,not even close...  One last thing his customer service is second to none, he works with you every step of the way building you exactly what you want. Great experience .  
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote mmerkel Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 12/26/2011 at 12:36pm
Originally posted by Ross Leidy Ross Leidy wrote:

Originally posted by fatt fatt wrote:

Originally posted by IanMcg IanMcg wrote:

Ross doesn't need a mark, his blades are beautiful enough to distinguish from the rest.
+1; nice thought. 
inversely, one can argue that they are so beautiful they deserve a serial number and a delivery date (when they leave the creator's shop). Such data could add value to the collector's beloved item.
We'll see what happens in the future; maybe Ross is just testing waters right now and will decide one day about an official launch of the "RL" brand with such serial numbers, dates itou but... maybe he does not care and just has fun making handcrafted blades.

I have thought about adding a serial number to the blades, but the only way that I've found that will result in a quality result is by laser engraving.  And, I don't have the budget for one of them quite yet.  :)

How would the numbers would look if they were burnt....like a branding with a heated typeface?
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote TheRobot99 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 12/26/2011 at 11:58am
Hmmm.....I got some money for Christmas...and I like how these blades are turning out....maybe I should get a custom?  Wink
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Ross Leidy Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 12/26/2011 at 10:57am
Originally posted by fatt fatt wrote:

Originally posted by IanMcg IanMcg wrote:

Ross doesn't need a mark, his blades are beautiful enough to distinguish from the rest.
+1; nice thought. 
inversely, one can argue that they are so beautiful they deserve a serial number and a delivery date (when they leave the creator's shop). Such data could add value to the collector's beloved item.
We'll see what happens in the future; maybe Ross is just testing waters right now and will decide one day about an official launch of the "RL" brand with such serial numbers, dates itou but... maybe he does not care and just has fun making handcrafted blades.

I have thought about adding a serial number to the blades, but the only way that I've found that will result in a quality result is by laser engraving.  And, I don't have the budget for one of them quite yet.  :)

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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Ross Leidy Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 12/26/2011 at 10:50am
Originally posted by mmerkel mmerkel wrote:

Originally posted by mercuur mercuur wrote:

He could use different colour woods for those pieces at the end of the handle ; Like a very dark colour one side and light other side. That way it has a recognizable difference between both sides for fh and bh also without rubber.
Or for the griphalves with two dark and one light in the middle (post above on this page) reversed at one side ; two light, one dark.

If you look closely at the handle gallery on his page, you can see that he did handles with different designs on fh and bh side. 

Mike's quite right.  Here's a photo of a blade with a slightly different FH/BH.  Because of the extra assembly time and fitting involved, I do charge extra for handles like this.  


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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Ross Leidy Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 12/26/2011 at 10:44am
Speedy - thanks for the generous reviews and for your willingness to give the blade a try at Nationals, no less.  Thumbs Up  I look forward to the next adventure.  
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote mmerkel Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 12/26/2011 at 10:00am
Originally posted by mercuur mercuur wrote:

He could use different colour woods for those pieces at the end of the handle ; Like a very dark colour one side and light other side. That way it has a recognizable difference between both sides for fh and bh also without rubber.
Or for the griphalves with two dark and one light in the middle (post above on this page) reversed at one side ; two light, one dark.

If you look closely at the handle gallery on his page, you can see that he did handles with different designs on fh and bh side. 
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