David Wesner - modified "Gus" model camp knife - WIP- Coop pics added!

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Roger, Thank you again, for giving me the opportunity to make this knife for you.

Since it's conception, you've been unbelievably easy to work with and extremely knowledgeable, in regards to what you wanted in the knife, and more important, why.

FWIW, I've learned something important in my progress as a knifemaker on every knife I've made, bar none.

Of course, some knives more than others ;)

This one however, takes the cake....
I think I've learned more about knifemaking while working on this project, than any in recent memory.

Thanks again my brother :thumbup:




:cool:
 
David Wesner said:
This is only the 2nd take-down I've made, so I still have a lot to learn.
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NOW you tell me! :eek:

Just kidding my man - you're doing great. I really like the way it is coming together and may have to get you to make me another one just like it, but more field-grade that I won't feel bad beating on real hard.

I know this knife CAN be worked good and hard, but a takedown with carbon steel blade and a simple, clean 600 grit satin finish that I can scratch up and easily buff up on my own would make for a great pair.

I have something similar in the works with Russ Andrews - only the beater is coming first, followed by the fancy.

Roger
 
Thank you for doing this David... it is awesome to see your approach.

Often times, many folks with a stringent machining background have a very linear approach to knife making. Lots of straight lines, not a lot of sweeping lines, blocky features...:eek: :foot:... (at least at their START in knife making) and it's sad because many have the machining skillz to make some crazy cool things...they just can't SEE it though.

But YOU David, have the skillz and an EYE for a clean, flowing, THINLY ground knife!!!

Those things coupled together result in a knife like this. It is quite simply 100% AWESOME!!! :thumbup: :cool: :)

That no spin finial plate, the indexed finial, the boss on the spacer... just freaking awesome my friend!!! :thumbup: :thumbup: :thumbup: :)
 
RogerP said:
NOW you tell me! :eek:

Just kidding my man - you're doing great. I really like the way it is coming together and may have to get you to make me another one just like it, but more field-grade that I won't feel bad beating on real hard.

I know this knife CAN be worked good and hard, but a takedown with carbon steel blade and a simple, clean 600 grit satin finish that I can scratch up and easily buff up on my own would make for a great pair.

I have something similar in the works with Russ Andrews - only the beater is coming first, followed by the fancy.

Roger
Click to expand...


:D ;) Like I said, don't worry, I have that knifemaking mill ........... in one side, out the other :D

I've been told there's even a little hobbit size engineer in there somewhere who auto-corrects any details that might have been missed in the sketch ;)


Oh Boy !! :confused: You're freak'in me out now Roger :eek:

We have to be, somehow, communicating telepathically.

In regards to a "Field Grade Take-Down" w/mono high carbon steel blade ??
This one has worked out so well, I was talking about making the very same field grade knife with my wife just last night.

You said it best !! " Yeah baby ! " :thumbup: :thumbup: :thumbup:






:cool: :cool:
 
NickWheeler said:
Thank you for doing this David... it is awesome to see your approach.

Often times, many folks with a stringent machining background have a very linear approach to knife making. Lots of straight lines, not a lot of sweeping lines, blocky features...:eek: :foot:... (at least at their START in knife making) and it's sad because many have the machining skillz to make some crazy cool things...they just can't SEE it though.

But YOU David, have the skillz and an EYE for a clean, flowing, THINLY ground knife!!!

Those things coupled together result in a knife like this. It is quite simply 100% AWESOME!!! :thumbup: :cool: :)

That no spin finial plate, the indexed finial, the boss on the spacer... just freaking awesome my friend!!! :thumbup: :thumbup: :thumbup: :)
Click to expand...


You're so welcome Nick :)

As you know, doing a WIP adds at least 2x the hours it takes to complete the build. But I've had so much fun doing it.

You nailed it with your discription of how a knifemaker with machining background can get caught up in exactly what you described.


Thank you again for the kind hearted compliments Nick :) You're a very cool cat !!! :thumbup:





:cool:
 
David

I can't believe I just found this thread today. This is a very cool piece and you do some amazing work with that mill!

Best wishes on your performance test -- although I hope to do that as well as congratulate you in person in a few days.

See ya in Troy

Brian
 
David,

This is a great thread. Roger is going to have a super knife when you are done.

I can't wait to see the finished knife.

Good luck with your JS Performance test this weekend.

Jim Treacy
 
BrianThie said:
David

I can't believe I just found this thread today. This is a very cool piece and you do some amazing work with that mill!

Best wishes on your performance test -- although I hope to do that as well as congratulate you in person in a few days.

See ya in Troy

Brian
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Mr. T :) What a pleasure (and an honor) to have you here, watching this knife build.


It's ironic, I was just telling my wife about the knifemaker I met next to Kevin Caseys table at Blade.

I won't ever forget the deeply etched Damascus knife you had on your table.

Awesome, awesome work !!


Thanks for the :thumbup: on this knife build.

It's killing me to know I have to set it down for a week before I can finish :grumpy:



Which brings me to Troy ;) Thanks Brian :thumbup: I'll be seeing ya soon :)



:cool:
 
jjtjr said:
David,

This is a great thread. Roger is going to have a super knife when you are done.

I can't wait to see the finished knife.

Good luck with your JS Performance test this weekend.

Jim Treacy
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Hi Jim ! Thanks for checking out the build :)

I can't wait to see it finished too ! ;)


In regards to the performance test, Thank you very much :thumbup:




:cool:
 
Most of the work I did today was in the handle and guard area.

In this pic I'm using my 14" contact wheel to add some sexy curves to the handle

RogerWez108.jpg



And then to a rasp to blend the curves


RogerWez109.jpg



Here I'm using the tried and true shoe shine method ;)


RogerWez110.jpg





:cool:
 
I have a few pieces from David's Shop, but THIS is would be a crown piece!!!

Great work David!!!
 
And this is where I have to set the project down for a week or so.

Tomorrow I'm heading to the 7th Mid-America Bladesmithing Expo in Troy Ohio, then back to Michigan for a quick visit to see my folks.

The knife is pretty much to shape.

I still have some blending and fine tuning to do in the guard area, both on top and where the index finger sits. Also some work to do where it transitions into the handle. And of course I need to hand finish the blade.

RogerWez113.jpg



RogerWez112.jpg



RogerWez111.jpg



All in all it's starting to look pretty good. Next stop should be amazing !! ;)


I haven't even left yet and I can't wait to get back to work on this knife :rolleyes: :D


Thanks again for checking out the build thread and posting.


See you guys soon.






:cool:
 
Gravelface said:
I have a few pieces from David's Shop, but THIS is would be a crown piece!!!

Great work David!!!
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Hey Ol' Buddy :thumbup:

Thanks a LOT for checking the thread out !!

Thanks even more for posting ;)


"Crown Piece" ...... perfect :thumbup: I can't wait to etch this piece of work !

I just can't wait !!!!




:cool:
 
Go get 'em on that performance test. I'll be tuning in when you get back.

Roger
 
Seems strange to say "good luck" with JS testing as we all know its ability not luck that makes the grade.
From this WIP progress, I certainly "see" the ability and predict you will "pass" easily.

Enjoy the show, give your parents a big hug & tell them how much you love them...
then take some more pictures, finish this masterpiece and relieve us of the anticipation of how its going to to out!
 
David Wesner said:
And this is where I have to set the project down for a week or so.

Tomorrow I'm heading to the 7th Mid-America Bladesmithing Expo in Troy Ohio, then back to Michigan for a quick visit to see my folks.
Click to expand...

David

It would be great if you brought this knife to Troy -- with Roger's blessing of course. I am sure I am not the only one that would like to see this knife in person -- and taken apart.

Brian
 
Michael Starr said:
Seems strange to say "good luck" with JS testing as we all know its ability not luck that makes the grade.
From this WIP progress, I certainly "see" the ability and predict you will "pass" easily.

Enjoy the show, give your parents a big hug & tell them how much you love them...
then take some more pictures, finish this masterpiece and relieve us of the anticipation of how its going to to out!
Click to expand...

Thank you Michael :)


I can't wait to get back and finish this knife ;)



:cool:
 
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