A Quick Shout Out For Swonut & Suffolk Metalworks

[Mistwalker]

Recently picked up a few fire steels from Blaine, and man I love the classy packaging! The fire steels are beautifully made. I haven't started any fires yet, too busy working on other things lately, but I have something planned for this weekend. Just thought I would share some pics. The green buckeye one is to go with my buckeye burl Bushcrafter when the new sheath is done for it, The blue one obviously goes with Lisa's Bushboot. There is also a purple one to go with my daughter's Hiking Buddy, but I haven't opened it yet, I'm going to let her open it on our next outing.

I talked with Blaine about a few that will match the knives I carry when I am instructing classes which have natural micarta and black micarta handles, and I am reeeeally looking forward to those as well.

.

 

[catalystman80]

That's great work! The packaging and fatwood is a nice touch.

 

[FeralGentleman]

Those look real nice. Love the packaging and overall presentation

 

[Mistwalker]

I think they look great! Looking forward to playing with mine this weekend

 

[azapolnik46]

Awesome fire steels

 

[swonut]

Thanks mist. I got the materials in and haven't quite built up the support network to tap into the two cans of Epoxy. That stuff was expensive ten or so years ago when I built a kayak, but now--- WOW!!! So I need to build a tray/box to hold the cans so I don't have a spill. I also have to figure out how to adapt my new drill press clamp to the Jet t-channels so I don't lose a finger. Bottom line, I'll probably epoxy up some materials today or tomorrow and then plan a big day on Monday and bust out a few.

Got an ultra-fine DMT diamond sharpening plate today, so maybe I can sharpen the carbide turning tools and not have to replace the cutter head so often. I figure it's a fine balance and the reason I wear eye protection.

 

[kevroo]

Very neat!

 

[bonafide]

 

[Mistwalker]

Nice one Bud! I am wanting a couple that same shape to match a knife I have, and two I have coming

 

[swonut]

Been trying to figure out how to work with micarta and phenolic resins. Wow, tough stuff that is very sensitive to tool speeds and can create some wicked dust. Dylan at Shadetree sent me a few flavors of his offerings and I still am working to figure out how to bring the burlap patterns out. I tried with the purple and you can see the results. I just posted a bunch to the Suffolk Metal Works storefront. Thanks for looking.

 

[bonafide]

 

[Mistwalker]

Been trying to figure out how to work with micarta and phenolic resins. Wow, tough stuff that is very sensitive to tool speeds and can create some wicked dust. Dylan at Shadetree sent me a few flavors of his offerings and I still am working to figure out how to bring the burlap patterns out. I tried with the purple and you can see the results. I just posted a bunch to the Suffolk Metal Works storefront. Thanks for looking.

You do awesome work man, I'm sure you'll figure it out

Now that is really sweet!


The main reason I brought this thread back up is to do another shout out for how well these ferro rods throw sparks. I have the knives we use in classes set up with Blaines ferro rods and I have used mine twice in classes now and it throws awesome sparks. No pics of the lessons as it was just myself and a few students each time...


Keep working on that burlap Blaine. I am doing my best to land a BC Jr with forest green burlap and a black bolster if I can swing the money soon enough...

 

[schmittie]

The main reason I brought this thread back up is to do another shout out for how well these ferro rods throw sparks. I have the knives we use in classes set up with Blaines ferro rods and I have used mine twice in classes now and it throws awesome sparks. No pics of the lessons as it was just myself and a few students each time...

........ummm........I wanna take a class!

 

[Mistwalker]

........ummm........I wanna take a class!

Well what are your weekend plans for the end of August? We are planning a three day session that is one day in an actual classroom type setting, one day in a wilderness classroom type setting, and one day of out in the field. It is an experimental class

 

[MajorD]

I was looking for a firesteel to match up to my new Arete. I remembered this thread about Blaine's fire steels. I checked out his site and he had a natural micarta fire steel, which is exactly what I was looking for. I placed the order and received the package in just a few days. I opened the envelope and was totally surprised at the packaging. I forgot from this thread how nicely done it is. It was extremely cool! Most importantly I am very impressed with the quality of the fire steel. I also have uses for the leather cord and the fatwood is a bonus. I can't recommend Blaine's fire steels enough. These are one of the best values going when you compare them to other custom steels. I am already thinking about a couple more. I also like being able to support one of our own. Thanks Blaine!!

 

[Mistwalker]

Thanks for chiming in Dave. I agree, these are very well made, and a heck of a deal. Being able to support one of our own just makes it even better.

 

[Mistwalker]

I have rigged the knives my partner and I use in class instruction with Blaines fire steels that match the knives with natural micarta and brass. They look very classy and present an image I like, and they get oohs and aahs when it comes to throwing sparks, and the sparks get results. I think i have bought six or seven so far, and have more coming. Definitely worth the money. My partner and I are doing another class in a couple of weeks, I will capture some more images then so I can do a proper review of these great ferro rods.

I know these aren't Fiddlebacks, but in my defense... my original plan was to set up matching Fiddleback Bushcrafter Juniors for this application. I just had no idea going into that just how difficult that would be to do... I am still hoping to set up a couple of BC Jrs this way later.

 

[Onedog]

I had to bump this thread because I received my 2 firesteels from Swonut and Suffolk Metal Works yesterday. Man was I impressed. I was amazed at the packaging and the inclusion of both fat wood and PJ cotton balls. Between the great packaging, crazy fast shipping and just amazing service it seems like the firesteels were thrown in for free.

I also have to say that the FF community as a whole is an amazing one. I've had nothing but great experiences on this subforum and I feel like every dime I've ever spent through this forum, and that's a lot of dimes, is a dime extremely well spent.

Thanks a ton Swonut and keep up the great work.

Had to edit to say that, unfortunately, I didn't get any pics because I had a plane to catch. I'll try and add some when I get back home.

 

[Mistwalker]

I had to bump this thread because I received my 2 firesteels from Swonut and Suffolk Metal Works yesterday. Man was I impressed. I was amazed at the packaging and the inclusion of both fat wood and PJ cotton balls. Between the great packaging, crazy fast shipping and just amazing service it seems like the firesteels were thrown in for free.

I also have to say that the FF community as a whole is an amazing one. I've had nothing but great experiences on this subforum and I feel like every dime I've ever spent through this forum, and that's a lot of dimes, is a dime extremely well spent.

Thanks a ton Swonut and keep up the great work.

Had to edit to say that, unfortunately, I didn't get any pics because I had a plane to catch. I'll try and add some when I get back home.

Thanks for chiming in man. I think Blaine does awesome work. I have bought several and plan to buy more.

Not shown in this pic are a duplicate of the natural and brass one, two other near duplicates of the black and aluminum one.

Then yesterday I ordered another natural canvas one, and this one.

I think that one may be emerald burlap rather than evergreen, but I think it will still look awesome with this knife.