Bolster embellishments

Sean Yaw

Sean Yaw

Gold Member
Joined
Feb 26, 2019
Messages
417
Referencing the pictures below, would files be used to create ornamental bolster flutes and concave handle features like in these knives? What sort of files would be used for that? It seems like it would require something more elaborate than a simple round file. Has anyone seen any reference where the process for producing features like this is discussed? Thank you.
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Loerchner is on Instagram and talks about his process. He does a lot of it with files and he names several brands. Needle and knife edge files come in many shapes and sizes and for that sort of work you need a good selection.
 
A very long time ago I've seen a vid of someone using first (dremel) cut off wheels then cratex wheels to do simular sculpting
 
Generaly done on grinding whels ansd small contact wheel,
From there it is done wide burrs in a flex shaft and then Cratex wheels.
There is a great DVD on sculpting blades and handles.
 
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Yep, i know a guy that does similar work and he uses a foredam flex shaft with different bits for the majority of it
 
If i was doing that as a one off i would use my riffler files, maybe some needle files too
more than once and i would get the Foredom or similar
 
Alex Topfer said:
If i was doing that as a one off i would use my riffler files, maybe some needle files too
more than once and i would get the Foredom or similar
Click to expand...
I ordered some fancy riffler files this weekend! It sounds like they can be quite handy for applications like this. Thanks.
 
No grinding wheels, no contact wheels, no cratex wheels. Only needle files, die sinkers rifflers and sandpaper with endless backing shapes.
Some photos of work in progress below. I had more detailed images, but can not locate them any longer.
Old fashioned, simple and very little to go wrong with no power tool is involved.

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This inlay piece of zirconium has been filed and is ready for sanding.

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Filing a nailnick on a folder blade

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A tiny gold inlay.

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Sanding to 180 - 8000 grit.

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To be a fly on your wall...

I purchased a bunch of riffler, escapement, and needle files to give this a try in the near future. Your work is truly inspiring.
 
wolfeknives said:
Make sure you have accurate scribed lines to work to. And have patience to give it a fair shot. Don't be afraid to reshape some of the files if needed.

Wolfgang
Click to expand...
I use those files you sent me many years ago all the time. Don't think I'll ever be able to achieve the results you do, though!
 
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