*COMPLETE*1075 chopper with hamon WIP

[video=youtube;4RtMY9s1RCE]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4RtMY9s1RCE[/video]
 
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I don't think I can get any more out of this hamon, so I oiled the blade, wrapped it up, and taped it.
The next thing I needed to do was pick some handle material. I have been sitting on this stabilized Koa for a while almost scared to use it. I have a lot of respect for wood like this so I try to be very careful when using it so I don't ruin it.

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Then I made a little stencil out of paper to get an idea of how it would look.

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Oh my gawd, perfect fit, how lucky :cool:

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This is where it got a little more complicated with the tapered tang.
I tried a new method after doing some research. I'll be sure to come back and give credit once I have these pics up because this wasn't original thought by me.
A fixture wasn't going to work because my ricasso isn't parallel, I carried the taper up to around the plunge.

Math...
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Math some more
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Basically according to this method you measure near the front of the handle at the ricasso, measure the bottom of the taper, subtract, divide x 2 then shim.

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I used a fresh drill bit so as not to have any tearout since part of the handle wouldn't have a backer.

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I drilled the holes with a number 30 bit, cut some 1/8" copper pins and chamfered the ends.

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Then roughed them up a little so the epoxy will grab them.

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I put a piece of scotch tape on the other side just to dry fit.

I know none of this is ground breaking, just trying to show how I do it.


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I mark the insides so I can trim the wood to get it close before the next step.

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Sheath work...



Kydex pressed, I prefer to use the .08 kydex and 1/4" eyelets.
I use a brad point drill after marking where I want the holes with the pencil and center punch.



I forgot to snap some pics of the shaping and cleaning of the kydex, but I clean it thoroughly on the inside before putting the eyelets in. Occasionally a small piece of grit will get pressed inside and will inevitably scratch the finish of your knife.
I also debur all of the holes.

 
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Once I have the exterior of the shape done, I put the knife in to check the fit.
I put it in and out until I'm happy o_O:cool:

Then I relieve it some with a heat gun so it's not super tight.

Next step for this knife is to remove the tape and sharpen it.
I've finally learned to use my belt grinder to do the initial sharpen at very slow speed and spraying water and dawn on a fresh new 220 grit belt.

Being extremely careful not to scratch it.

 
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Thanks Matt, and thanks for your coaching too. The back and forth with the powdered abrasive really brought out the ashi. Not sure how the oversized foam cowboy hat you told me to wear while I did it helped, but uh when in Rome I guess.
 
...did you have the bleu cheese under your arms, too? Trick won't work otherwise...


:rolleyes:
 
Ha! You guys are damn near too much..... :D

Great job on that buddy, the hamon looks great as done the entire knife. I'm very sure that you couldn't have done it without the hat and bleu cheese, well done. ;)
 
Thanks Dudley.
I don't question the experts.:confused:

Well, here it is all finished up.
Thanks for joining me for this WIP,
I had fun.
This one is off to the exchange later on tonight.






 
not shabby!
 
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