Apprentice's first knife!

Salem Straub

Salem Straub

Joined
Oct 20, 2008
Messages
5,547
My friend Zack has been coming up to the shop to work on knives, he just finished his first one. I told him I'd post some pics of it in shoptalk, and get some feedback. I'm proud of this knife, it feels good in the hand and cuts well.

Materials are purpleheart, stainless corbys, pinned and soldered stainless guard, and clay quenched Hanson W2 steel blade, full flat ground.

He put in a lot of time on this, and has good attention to detail/perfectionism. I stepped in only very occasionally to tweak it here and there during the forging and grinding. We both drew out the stock using 8# and 10# sledges in striker mode.

Enough talk, here's the knife!

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Thanks for looking, y'all.
 
I think I would have to nit-pick to find something to criticize. I hope to some day do as well as Zack did. Excuse me now while I go slam my head against the wall in frustration. ;-)

- Paul Meske, Wisconsin
 
I love the purpleheart. I have a friend that makes cutting boards from purpleheart and walnut and always like to see it on a knife.
 
Obviously he's been paying attention - excellent job, especially on a first knife!
 
that's a great looking knife. Did he come up with the design, and can we see any original drawings? Strange request I know, but that's how I roll. Design is king for me.
 
My teacher is one of the best.... Thorough and patient. I am really looking forward to my next knife. There seems to be so much to learn and forget all at the same time! The knife building process is amazing. I FEEL AT HOME. This knife was longer and thicker when i started, but grinding is an art to learn all in it's self. I would mostly like to give a huge thanks to my friend and teacher for turning me on to such a wonder form of artistry. Many more knives to come!~!! watch out!!!!
promethianknives.com
 
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Great Knife Zack! I really like the shape of the blade, I would put it to use in the kitchen. The handle looks really comfy as well. Must be nice to have someone like Salem to help you along...
 
Looks good, and I'd have to nit pick it to find anything wrong as well. Good overall shape too, looks like it'd be very usefull!
 
Hey dude, welcome to the forums.

Whoever taught you to make that knife didn't know beans.

It's surprising then, that it turned out so well. Huh.
 
Welcome to the forum and the addiction. Kudos to you both! That is a great first knife, I hope we see more from you. Great job!
 
ZacharyRoach said:
My teacher is one of the best.... Thorough and patient. I am really looking forward to my next knife. There seems to be so much to learn and forget all at the same time! The knife building process is amazing. I FEEL AT HOME. This knife was longer and thicker when i started, but grinding is an art to learn all in it's self. I would mostly like to give a huge thanks to my friend and teacher for turning me on to such a wonder form of artistry. Many more knives to come!~!! watch out!!!!
promethianknives.com
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Welcome to bladeforums! Awesome job on the knife, keep up the great work.
 
Nice to see you passing the knowledge along, Salem!! He did a fine job I think. I am picturing the two of you swinging in time, alternating strikes on some red hot steel! Nice job.
 
Good on you for sharing your knowledge Salem !

Zach- Your off to a heck of a start ! Great looking knife. Now make another ......

-Josh
 
Spend every moment you can with that teacher that don't know beans---or until he kicks you out of the shop.
Serious Very nice knife.
Ken.
 
Thats a great knife.You're lucky to have Salem to hang out with.He's helped many here(myself included)by freely sharing his skill and experience.Keep up the good work.It sounds like you're hooked for sure.( :
 
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