Expiramental Camp Bowie

LongRifle

LongRifle

Joined
Apr 5, 2000
Messages
2,018
I've been working on a slew of sheaths this past week, as much as I enjoy leather work :), I've been able to work on some expiramental bowies (I think I'm going to start farming most of my leather work out). I am still trying to get consistent utsuri, but I'm not having much luck. I am, however, nailing the variables down.

Anyway, here's one of the bowies, and I am hoping for some input. What handle material should I use on this knife? Right now I am planning on green canvas micarta, for the next bowie (which should come out soon) I'll use sheep horn.

The knife still needs swedges and I have to slot the guard. I already have the ferrule slotted but it needs to be shaped. The fittings will be stainless.

I will be applying everything I learn from these "expiramental" bowies to a couple massive bowies forged from 3/8" stock. I'm not sure if I'm going to sell any of the expiramental knives or not. But don't let that influence handle material choice ;).

Well, let me know what you guys think about the handle material.

~This is just a down and dirty etch, you can see etch line. The hardening line "turned back" a little better than I expected.

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Matt
 
~I think the hardening line might be a little too much, I'm considering leaving it unetched.
 
Do not leave it unetched!!!!! That is a beautiful blade (again) -- why don't you make something crappy so I can feel better about myself? :D
 
Thanks guys, I'm thinking green canvas more and more :).

I need to radius the choil, unfortunatly. I'm pretty arrogant when it comes to forging; I always like to forge as close as possible. This one pretty much came off the anvil looking like this :rolleyes: :p. Well, long story short, my 90% forging left a 91% mark right on the bottom of the choil, so it's coming off.

I'll post a few more photos as it comes along.

Matt
 
That blade looks great and I wouldnt do anything differnt, although I prefer putting natural classic type handle materials with classic old patterns but hey thats just me, looks good.
 
I agree, natural handle materials are the best. Although, I'm giving these "expiramental" knives away, so micarta sounds pretty good :). This one is going to my grandpa. For some reason non knife collectors seem to love micarta, especially when you tell them what it's made from. Thanks for the compliments guys.

I'll post another pic of the finished piece.
 
Green micarta will look great. A nice chunky blade with a sweet hardening line!
Can't wait to see those masshive 3/8" Bowies... :D
 
What's up Matt? It's been a while. Nice looking knives. I really like the temper lines. Are You using clay? I heard Bailey had some really fine swords at the Blade Show.

Later,
Chris Brown
 
Good to hear from you Chris.

I used clay on this one, I don't on my hunters and still get a pretty good hardening line. Try playing with the soak time and heat. I like to bring the blade up to sub critical several times and take the blade out of the forge for a few seconds and let it cool slightly, then back in. I also heat treat only at night so I can get an accurate read on the temps.

Get going on your JS knives, hopefully I can take the test with you.

Bailey had a few swords with him, they looked pretty sweet from the photos. I didn't get a chance to make it to Blade, hopefully this year.

Post some pics of some knives when you get a chance.

Matt
 
I did a little more expiramenting with the finish.

I was surprised to find utsuri. It's easily visible in person, but my photos just don't pick it up. If this knife wasn't a scrap piece I might actually spend some more time finishing it to bring out more of the hardening line.

I should probably stop taking up band width with this "piece" :).

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Please educate me..what is utsuri??

For the handle I like linen micarta far better than canvas personally and I haven't found canvas to be any better for "grip" than linen when finished and buffed. But I have to say a nice macassar ebony handle with SS fittings would be quite nice. Love the blade.
Mike
 
Mike, utsuri is the dark mirror image of the hardening line, behind the hardend area of the blade. I think the literal meaning is shadow. It happens when the steel is nearly at critical; the edge reaches critical but the rear portion is just below. I hope that explains it.

I'll probably put a linen micarta handle on some of these expiramental pieces, if I decide to finish any more of them out.
 
I like the hamon. I would etch if that will bring it out even more but that's me. however you do it I'm sure it 'll be very nice going by what I see so far.

Mike
 
Chris, the blade is 1065. The photos were here on the "Custom" forum. I'll see if I can dig up a link.

Mike, thanks for the compliments. The blade is etched in the photo, a higher finish would reveal more figure in the hardening line. I have no desire to sand this to 1500 :) ;). If the recipient has a complaint I'll tell him "beggars can't be choosers" ;).

Matt
 
Very nice job! I am wanting to experiment with clay hardening so all these posts are very helpfull.
 
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