Tag: WTT

We collaborated again with our friends over at Appalachian Arms in Hayesville, NC. Together, we’ve crafted a truly unique grip set for a recent 1911 handgun auction. Continue below for project details and progress photos.

Overview

Starting with raw materials, Appalachian Arms provided us with the wood 1911 blank grip set. They also supplied the Damascus sheet steel. It was not just any steel, but steel that was reclaimed from the World Trade Towers site. Literally forged in fire, the steel was worked into Damascus and machined to the thickness shown below.

Design & Layout

Specific project requirements were provided: Use the Damascus steel to fabricate the metal inlays. Install metal inlays created from the 160th SOAR A Designated Unit Insignia (DUI).

Shown above is the extents of each DUI centered within the grip panels. The proper inlet (recess) was achieved using our CO2 laser and in-house designed and fabricated fixture. These design steps are integral – they must be completed without error. The same design files are exported for use on our fiber laser for the inlay manufacturing.

Inlay Fabrication

Using our fiber laser, the design elements of the 160th DUIs were annealed into the metal. This action creates a high-contrast, permanent dark mark. Afterward we modified the program routine, directing the laser to trace the DUI perimeter at high power. It operates at low speed to cut each inlay from the stock material.

The metal inlays show residual marks from the cutting process. The fiber laser was used to clean and polish the steel surface.

Grip Finishing

Once the inlay pieces are verified as a ‘pass’ for fit and finish, they are set in place with epoxy. The final step of sealing each grip is completed over the course of several days. Each seal coat cures in about 24 hours; multiple applications yield a durable mellow gloss finish. (Noted the images below are still wet and not yet buffed; the final coat was not yet cured.)

Inspired by this one-of-a-kind 1911 grip set? Honor history, craftsmanship, and precision with a custom build of your own. Whether it’s a tribute piece, a tactical upgrade, or a work of art — let’s bring your vision to life. Contact us today to discuss your project, or explore our galleries for more inspiring designs.