It was cut to shape; the only grinding was the sharpening. I remember because he complained about how often the serrated side cut his hands up during sharpening. One of the advantages of working with Rob was Rob had access to a Vancouver milling company that was using high-pressure water to cut shapes from flat-stock metal (sheet or bar) leaving virtually no burrs on the edges. Shortly before The Can Opener vanished, we got a look at the sequel, which sadly was never finished because Rob had it in his custody when he disappeared. In order to lighten the yes, MAJOR weight, some of the metal in the center had been removed, turning the shape into a thick outline. I always swore it had to weigh at least twenty pounds! Bear in mind the several inches of curved tip out of frame at lower right; the original bar stock may have been 6 inches wide because he specifically mentioned how nice it was not to have to hammer in those plate-prying curves. If I ever find the one photo of Mr. Bannister that I know I took, I'll pop it in here as well. Maybe someone who knows him will spot it!
