big knives for the holidays

J

jonvalblades

Joined
Oct 16, 2004
Messages
121
this is a bowie knife in the works....
specs.
length :12 in
blade length:8 1/4 in
blade width:1 1/2 in
blade material: o1
handle material:canvas micarta
landle pins:mosaic pins
Dsc00018.jpg

like i said in the works. first time using micarta and mosaic pins.how do you guys get such a good finish on ur micarta handles mine always turn out to be a really light shade.....i have been hand rubbing the handle and it is at 320 grit now.giving this one away at christmas. :rolleyes: heres a close up at the handle
Dsc00020.jpg


honest opinions needed!!
 
Hiya Jon,

If I were to make any suggestions, it would be basic geometry ones-mostly stuff that it's probably too late for now, but just for future reference-

The handle shape could use smoothing for ergonomics. The blocky outline looks like it might cause some blisters if the knife was used with a lot of pressure, and at 8+ inches, that blade is likely to see some chopping. I'm not too knowledgable about handle pins, but I would be inclined to reserve mosaics for smaller knives and use a couple loveless for a large blade. As for the extended tang pommel, you might want to '86 that in the future, it probably won't serve much purpose except as a hammer, and that's what rocks are for :D

As for the scale color- Micarta absorbs oils from your skin, and that will make it darken. When you clean it, it will lighten again. I know that mineral oil and WD40 will work on g10, so you might want to give those a shot, but I think that after cleaning you'll need to repeat the process.

Good luck!
 
thanks
this is manly going to be a display knife. that is why i chose the mosaic pins.
( I will be giving this to my grandfather for christmas so i dont think it will see a whole lot of action. I bet it could take it tho :D )

Darkining : it was driving me crazy i just had the right color and then i decied to take out a small indentation or two and my color was all messed up again! :mad: i tried wd 40 and it worked well but sence the handle isnt done yet ill probably have to put it on again.

thanks alot,
jonathan V
 
Another suggestion for future knives is to align the pattern of the mosaics up.Square patterns look best with the point up (diamond shape),on stars and other patterns,make sure they are pointing the same way.A good way to dress up a handle,and still have it strong is to put the mosaic pin in the center and two Corbys (or whatever bolt style rivet you use) on each end.
SA

Here are a couple of so-so photos of a lignum vitae handle on a chefs knife.This should give you the idea.
 
If you want to get the handle material darker, and smoother, like it was before you put it on the knife, go higher than 320 grit. I go to 600 grit, then buff.

Putting oils like WD40, and the like on the material to darken it is only a cosmetic cover up, and doesn't last.

Try using a couple of pieces if 8oz., leather glued together skin side in(smooth sides out), as a backing(rubbing block)for the paper. Make it about 3-4" long, and about 1 1/2-2" in width.
You will be able to flex it a little, but it will still be stiff enough for whatever flats you might have on the handle material.

You will be able to control your sanding a lot better that way, versus just using your hand as a backing.!:eek:
 
wow cool idea with the leather mike! i had tried to make a file by glueing sandpaper th the extra large popsicle sticks :barf:
Thanks alot

Never thought of lining the patterns up.....guess i should have
 
For a smooth, shinny black Micarta, weather paper, linen or canvas, I apply a few coats of Danish Oil Finish, after sanding to 600 grit and buffing. The Danish Oil will soak in and "Set-Up", sealing the pours in the Micarta, and will not wash off. I use it on all my knife handles from exotic hardwoods, to stag, ivory and buffalo horn. It really brings out the colors and grain patterns, and a can of it will last for years.

Best Regards,
Jay Maines
www.sunrisecustomknives.com
 
jonvalblades said:
wow cool idea with the leather mike! i had tried to make a file by glueing sandpaper th the extra large popsicle sticks :barf:
Thanks alot
Click to expand...

Just a note, don't glue the sandpaper to the rubbing block, just cut a piece to the size you need, and either wrap it around it, or just hold it with your fingers to the front as you sand.
Stuff like Micarta, and most woods work pretty easily, at least compared to metal, and finish sand quite readily.
 
I steal the old ladies finger nail files,
some of those new foam ones go up to a very fine grit
 
I go with what Mike said, work up to a higher grit. I rough shape the micarta with a sanding drum on a dremel around the tang. Then I go at it with hand sanding. I start with 100 grit and finish with 600 grit then buff.
Scott
 
I've also heard it said that micarta will darken somewhat with age(takes several years I believe). On a big choper like that I would leave the grip at around 400 grit for a better grip, even if it was a lighter color.

Looks like you could cut fire wood with that monster :D
 
Dsc00022.jpg

hmmmmm......wont let me post more that 1 pic at a time....
looks like the pin is groundat an angle but it is perfecly flat :(

ok time 4 some stats
oal:11in
blade length:6in
file work on the hammer (couldnt get a decent pic)
mosaic pins
linnen micarta handle to 320 grit then heavy buffed
balence point right on the tip of the handle
differentualy tempered o1 blade


???how much do u guys think i could sell this for???? :footinmou ($5 :D )
comments needed negitive and positeve
(maby even tell me how to spell)
 
Looks pretty good, but for function, what is the extended tange for?, and seems to me the but needs to be a little rounder. I'm a firm believer that the only sharp edges on a knife belong on the cutting edge and everything else needs rounded and smoothed off. Good overall shape and design, just a little on the rough side in a few areas. Good job, now make anouther.:)
 
how much do u guys think thease could sell for
#1 larger bowie
#2 drop piont bowie

:confused: :confused: :confused:
y does no one like the hammer? I think that alot of creativity could be put into it and be a decrative usful thing.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top