New chopper design: Bone Cutter (pic heavy)

[Calvin Richardson]

Hello to all. I am a new knifemaker located in Central Missouri. I have always wanted to make knives and have always been fascinated by the grace and fluidity of form that can be found therein. I have only made about thirteen knives in total since starting in the latter part of May of 2011. This has been my most ambitious knife to date. A good friend of mine wanted a knife for "when the poo hits the fan", his words not mine. He asked for something along the lines of a kukri, but I found the compound curves and bends somewhat problematic to recreate. Therefore I designed something that I liked a little more, or more appropriately, that I felt I could halfway pull off. Friends I give you Torrwr Esgyrn, which is Welsh for Bone Cutter. It's ground from a circular saw blade and the bevels are filed in by hand. They were hand rubbed to 1500 grit and then polished by my father on a buffer. The bevel at the front of the blade is as flat as I could possibly get it for slicing, while the bevels towards the back of the blade are more convex for strength in the chop. The blade was then edge hardened in peanut oil and double tempered at 475 for an hour and a quarter. The handle scales are local black walnut that my deceased uncle sawed himself over 20 years ago. They were shaped with a Nicholson four in one rasp and then hand sanded to 1500. After I got to 600 grit, the handles were exposed to steam from a hot vaporizer to make the grain stand up. The end result was a surface that literally gleamed even before any tung oil was applied. It received 7 coats. Hand pinned with 1/8" brass brazing rod and 3/16" copper tube. I must say that I could not be more pleased with outcome. Please let me know what you think. If you would like to see more pics, I posted a WIP in the Knifemakers section.
Thank you all very much! Any comments or suggestions are encouraged.





Thanks for looking folks!!

[BenR.T.]

That came out great Calvin, I like the contrasting polished edge and rough flats.

[Calvin Richardson]

Thanks Ben! That means a ton coming from you sir. I have gotten kinda mixed reviews about the contrasting pitted and polished look. I don believe wholeheartedly that it increases cutting efficiency. The edge seems to glide through your medium. My buddy told me today that he threw an empty can of a certain adult beverage into the air and cut it in half. I guess that means he likes it!! I forgot to explain the name of the knife. I have a friend that is a former Marine Scout Sniper and Force Recon operator. He took one look at the knife and said "Yep, that'll take an arm off." Hence the name Bone Cutter.

[Mountain Wildman]

I really like it, It's a little thin for a large chopper.
Make that Bad Boy in 1/4" and it would be even more perfect.

[gixxerman]

Sweet!!!!!

[Calvin Richardson]

Thanks for the comments guys!! I kinda like the knife in 1/8". Its nice and quick in the hand. In 1/4" it would be a total beast though! Love the pic of the bike gixxer. I sold many of them back in 2006.

[Lorien]

that's a rad knife, I like it a lot.

[Calvin Richardson]

Thanks Lorien. Your designs are amazing. Its nice to hear that from someone who has had a lifelong fascination with knives, just like I have. I love this knife and am looking forward to making it in several different permutations. A friend wants one with a cord wrapped handle and all kinds of other stuff. Thanks to everyone for looking and all the support!!

[Lorien]

Thanks Lorien. Your designs are amazing.

Wow! Thanks man!

[Shea550]

Hey, looks really good man! The handle looks great. I'm from missorui to, any places to get your hands on steel other than files, saw blades, and the occasional run in with a leaf spring?

[Calvin Richardson]

I'm not really sure. My uncle used to saw all his own lumber and my aunt oil painted saw mill blades too. When they both passed away I kinda inherited all those blades. That's where I've been getting my steel.

[Calvin Richardson]

Just giving credit where credit is due Lorien. All the designs I've seen that were credited to you had a very nice flow.

[Shea550]

well, thak you anyways. keep me updated on any of your knives! they look really nice i esspecialy like how you left the knife other than the bevel kinda gritty, it really adds a level of beauty to the knife.

[Calvin Richardson]

Thanks Shea. I've done a few others. I've got a boot knife that I'm going to post as soon as its done. I can't wait to finish it and show it. If you don't mind paying for shipping, there's a member named Aldo that sells excellent steel. I haven't gotten any of his many steels yet, but I've heard awesome things about it. Several of the excellent makers here use his steel.

[Shea550]

Thanks man, I'll make sure to look em up! And I can't wait to see your boot knife ither! What style is it??

[Calvin Richardson]

Kinda.... well its kinda hard to explain. I'll post some pics tomorrow.

[sooner7nc]

There are only two words to describe that knife...Bad & Ass. I love it.

[Calvin Richardson]

Lol. Thanks Sooner. This knife has received a ton of attention. The guy I made it for absolutely loves it. Last weekend he cut a 2" sapling down with one swing. Apparently it didn't even slow down. I can't put in words how much I appreciate everyone's kind words on this knife. I have a feeling that I'll be making a few more

[OldeWolf]

Now I want one.
How much would such a thing set me back?