Archery tourn. prize knife

[SDS]

I made this one up to give away as a prize at a traditional archery shoot here.

D2 steel, hollow ground, heat treat by Paul Bos to 59rc
Cocobolo handle, brass bolts, OAL = 7 1/2 "
cutting edge = 2 7/8"
tip to front of handle = 3 5/8"

The wood on this came out a little strange. Not sure if you can see it in the photos but the surface of the wood turned out darker than where I sanded away more material. Down inside the wood was lighter than the outside. These were unstabilized scales. I expected them to be more uniform in color throughout.

Observations, critiques, opinions are welcome. I just need to know what to work on to make the next one better.

Thanks for looking.
SDS

 

[Mark Redmon]

Nice! That looks very comfortable and functional. I'm still in the leaning phase of knifemaking myself...but I have done a little work with cocobolo. The darkness of the wood is probably a result of oxidation (and maybe u/v exposure). Working the wood brought out "fresh" areas that haven't been as exposed to the environment. The handles should even out a bit with time and use. As to stabilization, cocobolo is a very dense and oily wood. I see no reason to stabilize it and I haven't seen it offered that way... kinda doubt that it's even possible. I'm no expert... just relaying my own experience.

 

[SDS]

Your probably right about the wood. I went back and checked a thread about what woods could/should get stabilized and Chuck Bybee from Alpha Knife supply gave a great list. Cocobolo was listed as not being tested for suitablity to be stabilized. I can see why now. I hadn't thought a lot about the fact that the colors might even out over time.

Thanks,
SDS

 

[xaman]

Cool looking little blade, and good of you to donate it for the tournament.

 

[Dan Pierson]

Nice little blade.

The last cocobolo handle I made was surprisingly light at first but darkened quickly and evenly. I don't think you have anything to worry about there.

 

[SDS]

Well I doubt I'll see the knife again as I have no idea who won it. I wasn't able to attend the tournament but hopefully someone will get some good use out of it.

Thanks for looking and for the comments. Sorry the pics didn't work out better.
SDS