Evolution of an Opinel No. 8 (raw cherrywood handle and carbon blade)

M

MacTech

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Jan 7, 2006
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A while ago I picked up an Opinel #8 with the unfinished handle, and set it aside and kinda' forgot about it...

I decided to put it to use, and detail it's evolution in this photo stream page

Right now it's pretty close to stock, I've knocked down some of the hotspots on the handle, and the blade is starting to patina, this will be a natural, unforced patina, derived from usage, and the handle will evolve as I get a feeling as to what I really want with it....
 
That's a great way to decide on handle shape. Enjoy using it. Thanks for sharing.
 
I went a little crazy with shaping the handle, I've got the basic shape down, I'm going for ergonomics primarily, so the handle is a little asymmetrical when viewed from above, the right side is a tad narrower than the left, the left retains some of the original coke-bottle swelling, as I found that it's pretty comfortable as is.

I did need to pull the tip of the blade down somewhat, as I removed a little more stock at the end of the handle than I thought, but the reprofiled tip is safely concealed in the handle now, and it was a subtle bit of reprofiling, almost undetectable

I just hit it with a light coat of Tru-Oil and the grain has some nice figure to it...

Before;
image_zpsec80918f.jpg


After;
image_zpsc4a4ef02.jpg
 
I modded the handle of a stock no. 6. Really enjoy carrying it now. Fits nicely in my hand and in my pocket. My work wasn't perfect by any stretch, but it is my own and that makes it pretty special to me. I imagine yours is equally as special. It's fun to make these great knives your own.
 
After cutting up some apples, oranges, pineapples, and dinner tonight (broccoli and cheese stuffed chicken breast)
 
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