Does anybody do this (and a small request)

[CUTS LIKE A KRIS]

I was recently talked into starting a display to promote knives at the local gun shows and came up with the idea for materials boards to show what makers use in their handles. It is starting to look like this-it is about 3' long MDF, covered in Brown Acraglas colored G2 epoxy I believe. There was another vendor who set up a good history of knives, so I thought I could focus more on the production aspect.

I was wondering if anybody has done something like this before, and if they have pictures/descriptions of how it was done and set up on site?

Here is the request I have for the forum if anybody would be so kind:
As I am a novice I have limited scraps to include in this board (and future ones as well). I was wondering if any of you fine people would be willing to send me some handle material scraps that you might have lying around so that I can make my display more complete. With this first board I just glued up what I had on hand for scraps and tried to keep figure with figure, chatoyance together, but it is fairly random. I would like to have more dedicated boards with different categories: chatoyance/figure/tradition (ipe/birch/oak...)/etc. I would also like to include as many manufactured materials as I could so those would be greatly appreciated as well.

I would love if some damascus makers would be able to include some damascus scraps as well, (including rough forged billet pieces to ground and etched would be more than appreciated). Most people I show my EDC damascus to love it and really want to know more about it. It would be great to be able to show people how the steel goes from stacked plates, to manipulation, to profile to etch. The varieties of manipulation is so vast that having a bunch of patterns with some construction descriptions would be the focal point of attention IMO.

I am also thinking of having a board with some (probably unHT'ed) blade blanks to show the different handle construction- hidden tang, full; and to show variations within- skeleton full tang, holes drilled, hidden end of tang vs peened vs threaded, mortised handles etc.

I'm not looking for full sized scales, blocks or blades as I am not looking to increase my supplies through this- just to bring the intricacies of knifemaking to a broader population. (that said if anybody wants to ship me larger sizes or profiled blade that is no longer wanted to try out I won't say no!)

I can't afford to pay for these items unfortunately (and I understand how much I am asking for- it has taken me a couple of months to get the "courage" to ask), but I will promise to do a knifemaker giveaway to supply new makers with materials for a couple of knives in appreciation. I will also give proper recognition of where the material came from in my display for anything that was donated.

I appreciate any feedback/suggestions on setup, where to go for write-ups (inspiration) to go alongside pictures and materials or anything that you feel may help- this is my first time organizing something like this, and it is a large subject. Also any inspirational phrases/quotes pertaining to knives would be great.

I thank you for your consideration.
Kris

 

[fast14riot]

Dude, I think that is a really cool idea! Unfortunatley at this time I am unable to contribute any materials (just don't have any), but I think exploded knives would be cool as part of your display. I wonder if some of the supply houses would be interested in helping you out, with you providing a web address or such. Maybe hit the thrift stores and flea markets for old knives you can take apart as well.

I am all for anyone who wishes to be an ambassador of our right to bear arms.


Good luck brotha!


-Xander

 

[james terrio]

I don't have any scraps to chip in, they all get used as spacers, parts of jigs etc. It's a cool idea though.

I've seen "exploded view" displays of both hand-made and production knives, that's cool too. The Smoky Mountain Knifeworks store in Sevierville TN has a bunch of them.

 

[CUTS LIKE A KRIS]

No worries if you can't help- I will be doing this slowly as I try new materials, and hoped I could help clean a few shops at the same time! I will have to try and remember the supply houses!

Thanks so far!

 

[Seals]

I could probably send some scrap pieces.Mammoth tooth might be a interesting addition.They would just be small pieces.I have ivory scraps,but its very illegal to ship those out of the country.Isnt the postal service down in Canada now?If you have a us address i would send a few ivory scraps.I have some nice bright celluloid also.Im a hoarder so i could probably make a decent contribution.Including damascus.PM me the address.

 

[CUTS LIKE A KRIS]

Seals- Thank you very much! Small pieces are all I would hope for and mammoth, damascus and Celluloid would be greatly appreciated. No use sending the elephant ivory to a US address as I wouldn't try to cross with it (don't like the glove snap!) As I do not care for it much I did not even think of the celluloids (that could be a display on its own)! Anything not illegal would be great and appreciated.

PM incoming!

Thanks!