A project brings peace outdoors - Thanks to my friend Sam

So far this is a lot more challenging than making handles for a fixed blade or machete. So much more dimension. I am really glad I got to try this, I am learning a lot so far.

My original idea was different in ways than where it is now. I wanted to do gunstock you can see my drawing. I also reversed the angle of the butt, it wasn't comfortable the other way. This is actually challenging for me to try to get the design I want while blending it with a round handle. Now I re traced the knife and I am going to try to draw before I work again (not that it did much good the first time :-p )

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I hope you like seeing these as I go, Sam :)

Kevin
 
Sam, you are correct, I could not put it down. I have a housewarming party I should be at, but I was hiding in the basement trying to learn to do checkering with no experience or info. I learned a lot :)

I probably should have used a different file and not tried to eye ball the lines, but I am happy and I am almost done with the rough shaping of this knife. Actually, I am going to carry it tonight.

Off to the party now :)

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Kevin
 
Wow! That is taking shape very nicely:thumbup:
Great idea on the checkering too!
 
Thanks! That means a lot coming from you, Sitflyer. I always admire your work.

I went back down and cleaned/evened out the checkering as well as I could. I sanded it all and buffed. I'm calling it finished. Its really awesome in person!

Thanks guys :)

Kevin
 
richstag said:
Sam, you are correct, I could not put it down. I have a housewarming party I should be at, but I was hiding in the basement trying to learn to do checkering with no experience or info. I learned a lot :)

I probably should have used a different file and not tried to eye ball the lines, but I am happy and I am almost done with the rough shaping of this knife. Actually, I am going to carry it tonight.

Off to the party now :)

1365290207.jpg


Kevin
Click to expand...

I like that a lot, way to think outside the box :thumbup:

Are you going to stain it?
 
Jeff,

Thanks bud!!!

I actually played with staining before I started shaping. I even made up a mixture just for this knife. The thing is after I sanded down to crocus cloth and buffed on the buffer it darked a good deal and just came out awesome. At any time I could acetone it off and give it the stain, but for now it just looks right and everyone that has held it in person agrees.

I do think staining would look good.

I'm up in the air about it for now.

Kevin
 
Kevin, It looks GREAT buddy. I really dig that checkering, it looks great and I'm sure it will make the handle a little
more "grippy" I like the natural look more than I would stain, It will get that real vintage look after you carry it for
a little while. Thanks for sharing with us. Enjoy your party my friend...

Jason
 
Nice job Kevin, I'm liking the chequered finish too.

Christian - that one is Walnut too. The Walnut comes with a lot of variation I've found.

I gave mine a soak in linseed oil which brought some of the colours out but I think it does depend on the individual handle.
 
Kevin, that just looks great. Are you planning to do it the whole handle or "just" the buttend of it?

However you are doing; this will be definitelly a great knife! Congratz, my friend!
 
pertinux said:
I can't wait to see this when it's finished. :thumbup:
Click to expand...
Me too! It looks great & I want to see the after polishing pics for sure.

It would be nice if Opinel offered some of the variations of the #8 in one of the smaller sizes as well. I flattened the handles of a #7 and then a #6, but I keep heading toward smaller knives. I think I'll try some checkering like yours on a #5 next.

~Neil
 
Thanks a lot everyone!! It means a lot.

Andi, I only did the checkering on the flat of the one side that my fingers sit on in hand. I did not want the other side checkered against my palm. It feels great.

After I buffed it the finish was like glass and highlights popped through with translucent qualities but it did look right to me. I went back and brought it down to a satin sheen. It is still reflective and translucent but slightly toned down.

I took some cell pics of it and have been trying to post them but I can't figure it out from my phone today for some reason its not working.

As soon as I can I have about 5 pics to share. I'm really happy with it. I love it.

Kevin
 
RGlzdHJpY3QgNCBNYXJzaGFsbC0yMDEzMDQwNy0wMDYyMy5qcGc.jpg


RGlzdHJpY3QgNCBNYXJzaGFsbC0yMDEzMDQwNy0wMDYyNi5qcGc.jpg


RGlzdHJpY3QgNCBNYXJzaGFsbC0yMDEzMDQwNy0wMDYyNS5qcGc.jpg


RGlzdHJpY3QgNCBNYXJzaGFsbC0yMDEzMDQwNy0wMDYyOC5qcGc.jpg


So here are the cell pics I took and never could post until now.

I know its nothing out of this world, but I really love this knife. I have been carrying it, gave it a quick sharpening and have been using it with pleasure.

I am calling it complete for now. It doesn't compete with any carved opi's but that doesn't matter to me. Its a very cool knife to use and carry.

Thanks again, Sam!!

Kevin
 
That design looks really hand-friendly. Bet she cuts like a laser...
 
Stunning job, I'd be proud of that Kevin!

They're such great knives, I think it's great to be able to make them your own:)
 
I'm glad I came back and saw the cell pics. That looks really great! Very well imagined and executed project:thumbup:
 
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