#6 camp knife, critiques requested (pic heavy)

[PIndelicato]

Thanks again to all who have commented; I appreciate the kind words and the feedback on things that need improvement. I don't know if others experience this, but the more I handle and work on something...particularly if I have problems or frustrations with it...the more I need a fresh set of eyes for a different perspective on what is right and what is wrong with it. I can only learn and improve by knowing what is wrong and therefore what to work harder on in the future.

 

[silver_pilate]

I think you did a fine job on that knife, PJ. It looks very well put together, and I've always loved black with red liners. I'd agree to maybe rounding off that top corner on the exposed tang, but despite that, superb job!

Not to speak for Fred, but the only thing I can see that may stand out with your edges can be seen in the first picture in your second post. The edge tends to stray a bit. I've had similar issues, and something I've done to help is to grind the edge of the sheath flush on the belt, dampen the corners of the edge, and then carefully use the edging tool while still just slightly damp. Then, when I'm burnishing the edge on a higher grit belt (prior to using a piece of bone), I'll also take a real light pass on the corner down the length of the sheath on each side to even it out. Then I'll hand burnish to finalize everything.

Great job! That's a knife I'd gladly own, and overall, it's an excellent job on the sheath (better than my stuff ).

--nathan

 

[Josh Dabney]

Paul,
Amen to that !! The first step is to care about your work. The second is to find out where improvement is possible or needed. The tired eyes of the maker are biased and fresh unbiased opinions are GOLD to those of us who strive to do the best work they can do. To me one suggestion for improvement equals about 20 atta boys.

-Josh

 

[JasonSCarter]

Great Job The only change I'd have made is putting Gold or Yellow liners instead of red to make it true Boilermaker colors. other than that Excellant Job!

Jason

 

[PIndelicato]

Nathan, thanks for your feedback, nice words, and comments about the sheath edges. I do see what you are referring to, and I can say than when I use the edger tool I have a really hard time getting it to cut smoothly and uniformly around a convex curve. On the straight parts, it's OK, but when it starts to curve down towards the tip, it wants to either dig in or jump off the leather, and I haven't figured out a way to improve this process. So far, I have only used a dremel or belt sander for the flat parts of the edges, but not the corners...perhaps that is what I need to do in order to get them more uniform. (P.S. Better than your stuff??? I don't think so!!!!)

Josh, the 'attaboys' and 'nice work' comments sure feel good and are appreciated after you've put your blood, sweat, and tears into something, but as you say the real 'gold' lies in the suggestions for improvement. I would like to one day be able to perhaps sell some knives, and the sooner I can get myself to that level the better!

Jason, that's an awesome idea and now I'm kicking myself for not thinking of it. I had another comment that the brass snap on the sheath didn't fit the whole package, but now after hearing your idea I think a gold handle liner, brass snap, and brass handle pins may have further tied everything together in a Purdue theme. Thanks for your feedback.

 

[silver_pilate]

The pass I take on the corner is just one quick pass, running the corner somewhere around 45 degrees. Watch the Burrows video again, and you'll see him do the same.

Also, with the edging tool, if the leather is just damp, it cuts easier. Too wet or too dry and you'll have trouble. I hold the tool palmed with my fingers up close to the tip and slowly and carefully muscle it around the corners. I have the same trouble though; sometimes it just wants to wander off. When that happens, I try my best to even it out with the edge and then focus on that area when edging at the grinder.

--nathan

 

[PIndelicato]

Thanks for the additional suggestions, Nathan. I have been dampening lightly for edging, but I haven't mastered going around the curve yet. I'll try your suggestion of palming the tool and also some light passes on the corners on the belt. I do recall him doing that in the video, I believe when he's belt burnishing towards the end. Have to try that as well.

Thanks again!

 

[Fred.Rowe]

The close ups give a much better impression. The first photos didn't do it justice.

Thanks for the follow up pics, Fred

 

[PIndelicato]

Thanks Fred, I'm definitely struggling trying to take better photos. Here are a few more that I took this afternoon outside in the shade (no quasi lightbox this time.) They still need some work, but I think the color is more accurate and show better detail of the blade finish and sheath than the first batch did. I'd like to be able to take advantage of our endless free sunlight here in Arizona for taking photos, but if I cant' figure it out I will build or buy a proper lightbox.