Christmas Knives, Please Give Me Feedback!

N

Nic.

Joined
Dec 8, 2014
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Hey all! Here are some knives I made for Christmas gifts. All are 1084, scales are figured walnut from a repurposed rifle stock blank. This was one of my first tries jimping, and I regret not using a hacksaw…I used a triangular file and the hacksaw idea was later brought to my attention…duh. I tried really really hard to get nice crisp plunge lines; I think they are a definite improvement from my last knives, but I know I still have improvements to make! They fit very well in hand and cut very well. Im pretty happy with them over all. My leatherwork is well, coming along; Im learning a lot and enjoying doing it! I still need to get some basic tools that will enhance the look of the sheaths a lot though (edge beveller, stitch groover, etc). Anyway, please give me any feedback you have!
Thank you for looking and Merry Christmas!



 
Nice looking handle materials. The finish on your handles is looking better too. The finish on your blades looks uneven though. Is it patina? Or epoxy?
 
Ah OK that makes sense. You already pointed out the plunge lines, which I think should be your main focus on your next knife.

Also, be careful using a triangle file for your jimping. They can be significant stress risers. One of my dad's cheapo knives broke right at the jimping.
 
I still need to get some basic tools that will enhance the look of the sheaths a lot though (edge beveller, stitch groover, etc).[/QUOTE]

I like the look of em now. More of a rustic appearance. Might need a belt loop on there to tote it around with and you can send me one for Christmas. :D
 
Thank you. They have belt loops...what good is a sheath if you have no way to carry it around:)! Haha, sure, if you send me a check in return :D
 
S.Alexander said:
Ah OK that makes sense. You already pointed out the plunge lines, which I think should be your main focus on your next knife.

Also, be careful using a triangle file for your jimping. They can be significant stress risers. One of my dad's cheapo knives broke right at the jimping.
Click to expand...
I'm really trying with the plunge lines...I'm having a heck of a time making it so they don't get washed out while grinding my bevels. I'm going to use a hack saw from here on out...but never thought they would be such a weak spot!
Thanks again Shane
 
I really like your sheaths.
I think you're going to make some people very happy worth those knives!
 
A trick to getting a good plunge line is to start about 1/4" ahead of the planned plunge line.

Grind your bevels, then overlap your belt on one side about 1/8-1/4" and then gently start at the planned plunge and gently blend in to the first plunge line. Gently is the key.

you will get a nice radiused plunge. If you use a file guide it will even go better.
 
Those look great, my advice would be to focus on your plunge lines a little more. Getting better every time Nic, keep it up girl!
 
You continue to improve Nic! The handles look really good.

If your using a triangle file for the jimping you can take a tiny dowel rod and wrap some 60 grit around it and wash out the point at the bottom. The key is to not have any sharp angles at the bottom as Shane mentioned.

If you're like me you don't want to waste knife steel, so experimenting with the good stuff is usually out of the question. Get some mild steel and practice grinding bevels and maybe try something new. My stepdaughter wanted me to grind a mini scimitar with a lot of recurve. It was challenge and took seven attempts but in the end I found a new technique (splitting my 2" belts) and it turned out pretty nice! Even at under 5" that would have wasted a lot of steel and I probably wouldn't have tried some of the stuff I did. Never know what you will discover when you throw caution to the wind!

Keep it up

-Clint
 
AVigil said:
A trick to getting a good plunge line is to start about 1/4" ahead of the planned plunge line.

Grind your bevels, then overlap your belt on one side about 1/8-1/4" and then gently start at the planned plunge and gently blend in to the first plunge line. Gently is the key.

you will get a nice radiused plunge. If you use a file guide it will even go better.
Click to expand...
Huh, ok, that sounds smart. Thank you for the tip! Boy, I want a 2x72.....
 
Augus7us said:
You continue to improve Nic! The handles look really good.

If your using a triangle file for the jimping you can take a tiny dowel rod and wrap some 60 grit around it and wash out the point at the bottom. The key is to not have any sharp angles at the bottom as Shane mentioned.

If you're like me you don't want to waste knife steel, so experimenting with the good stuff is usually out of the question. Get some mild steel and practice grinding bevels and maybe try something new. My stepdaughter wanted me to grind a mini scimitar with a lot of recurve. It was challenge and took seven attempts but in the end I found a new technique (splitting my 2" belts) and it turned out pretty nice! Even at under 5" that would have wasted a lot of steel and I probably wouldn't have tried some of the stuff I did. Never know what you will discover when you throw caution to the wind!

Keep it up

-Clint
Click to expand...

Great idea, thank you! Where do you get your mild steel? Just hardware store? Like you, I really don't like wasting stuff. I want something that will be about the same thickness of the steel I normally use. Do you have pictures, that sounds really neat! Now you have to get her into knife making:).
Thanks for the advice!!
 
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