Andy's 1st Po-Boy Knife

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Well, after much coaching and reading and rereading of the Po-Boy Pukko thread, I have completed my first knife. I got all my methodology from Sarge, to whom I am very grateful. This was a very rewarding project, and my costs were less than $5 ($1 file, and $3 Devcon 2 ton epoxy). The blade is 4.5" long and its 9" long overall. My handle is teak and there is a 1/16" brass spacer between blade and ferule. I have done 3 coats of Watco Danish Oil on the handle.

Here are the pics:

This one is the blade and block of teak.



This one is the parts ready for epoxy.

blade31hf.jpg


This one is the finished knife.

 
And so, his first steps were rewarding...hesitantly, he began to investigate other power tools to facilitate further exploration into this world of creation.

He did not know he would never return....











Very nice, Andy.
 
A forge huh? I think for now I'm going to practice with thad grinder. It took me forever to grind the blade, and its nowhere near perfect. Besides, I've still got several files to work. I think I'm going to do a couple of kardas and chakmas next. Very excited to grind the steel.
 
That's a pretty nice bevel on the blade, Andy. Nice work.

Grinding's fun, isn't it? Especially all the cool sparks.
 
Nice work:thumbup: way to jump in with both feet into something brand new--not an easy thing to do.
 
Going to post better pics when the camera battery recharges.
 
Great job Andy, you'll be putting me to shame in no time. Something I noticed in one of the pics that I'm always happy to see, a good dust mask and proper eye protection are imperative guys. All the knives in the world ain't worth damaging your health over.

Well now, since you can't walk around with that sharp devil in your pocket, I reckon you'll be wanting to make a sheath for it. Here's a very good article, borrowed from Ragnar over at Ragweed Forge, that explains sheath making pretty well http://ragweedforge.com/sheath.html

Git 'r done :thumbup:

Sarge
 
You, Sarge, are way too modest. I've set the two of them side by side, and you are light years ahead of me. That doesn't daunt me. This is the most fun I've had in my shop (or at work either) in a while and I'm going to keep going. I just traced the karda that came with my 18" GRS onto a large file. I can get two out of the file I think, so I'll make a karda too.

Sheath is a problem. I can't find a cheap source of leather. I checked out Tandy, but they want you to buy a large piece. I can't afford it with Christmas and the daughter and WIFE! Oh well It'll wait till January just fine. You should feel it whittle its way through white oak. That edge is damn sharp lemme tell you.
 
Hmmm, "can't find a cheap source of leather", what's a "Po Boy" to do? Andy, check the Hotlanta yaller pages and see if you can locate a boot/shoe repair shop or a saddlemaker's shop. Them boys buy their leather in bulk lots, so they're generally willing to make you a fair price on some of their scrap stuff.
That's how I scrounged leather "back in the day". Nowadays I have a Wholesale Club membership with Tandy (make so many sheaths, arrow quivers, arm guards and such that it became necessary), so if you run into a dead end just holler and I'll send you a hunk of veg tanned cowhide big enough to make a sheath from.

Sarge
 
Well the battery is back, so here are a couple of clearer pics. Thanks Sarge, I'll check the phone book. I'm packing up the Khuk rack I made you today. Sorry for being such a slack ass!



 
Thanks Ripper. I've gone and ground the general outline for replacement karda and chakma for my 18" GRS. May just make a little neck knife. This type of thing is fun, and I have time to kill at work.
 
I'd say everybody needs at least one puukko. See if you can collect odd wood to spice up the handle a bit. I'm currently working on manzanita burl for my nieces puukko. What a bitch to work with(Wood, not my niece)! Cavities, rocks, dirt. What looked like a piece I could get several handles from turned out to be just one. Hard as hell too.
 
That's awesome Andy! Ya' know....alot of us think about making our own knife, talk about it....plan on it...but never do. work, family, home projects, etc. There's always an excuse nearby.

You done went an' did it. Not only did ya' do it, but it came out lookin' really nice for a first project. That's awesome, and says alot about your character.

Now I'm planning to go make me one!:rolleyes:
 
I'm putting some tru oil on her now. That teak will come alive when that's done. I've got some others at home, I'll have to join a couple of pieces and see how that comes out on these Kardas I'm doing now.
 
look for leather pieces on eBay. Don't remember titles. Maybe craft/hobby/sections....dunno.
 
Thanks Kis, I'll check that out. :thumbup:
 
looking good!


Man...talk about bringing back some painful memories! I remember how hard my first few knives were....man....it was exciting, but at the same time awful. Took sooooooo long and mistake after mistake after mistake. Blech....Guess I must have had a ton of enthusiasm - else I wouldn't have made it through it.

Now you know why we dote on budding knifemakers so much. ;)
 
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