Fall Piney Woods Hammer-in

[Reggie Barker]

For those who weren't there it was great. Saw some great knives at the mini show and learned a lot. Lin Rhea kicked our butts in the cutting comp.
Reggie

 

[RogerP]

Thanks Reggie and congrats Lin - anybody got pics? Lin, how about a peek at your competition cutter?

Roger

 

[Keith Montgomery]

Thanks Reggie and congrats Lin - anybody got pics? Lin, how about a peek at your competition cutter?

My congratulations as well, and yes please to some photos of the winning knife.

 

[lwrhea]

Thanks guys. Reggie, I was as surprised as anyone. What an honor! The whole weekend was full of learning and excitement.

I dont know if you guys really want to see this knife. I'm not sure your ready for it. I have to say this knife is one of my experiments in blade design. It's not pretty, but boy does it cut!

The blade is just about 10 inches and the OAL is 14 7/8. I made this blade from a late model Chevy truck spring. I felt like I needed the mass for the heavy spine, which is about .035 at the ricasso tapering to the tip. I had to rush this one because I used my former competition knife to pass my JS test and did'nt have much time to make another. I used the opportunity to try some ideas I wanted to try. Of course, seeing the designs of others did influence my choice of features, but I definitely wanted more weight foreward and wanted my handle to have more pull/power. There was other things too, but those were the major things I was trying to accomplish. As you can see, I did'nt finish the blade or the handle. I am thinking about going ahead and rehandleing it and bringing the blade to a better finish. Heck, the handle is from a peice of oak railing that I just picked up from the job. As I said , it was just an experiment that turned out well for me this time.

This shows the botom of the handle.
This is the top.

I'm stressing design and not looks by showing these photos. The knife was meant to be a "beater" and it looks it. I am pleased with the way it cuts. If I rehandle it, I may add a minimal guard for added protection for slipping forward, although I did'nt notice this problem during the competition. I would be glad to hear you guys suggestions. Really, what do you think?

I do have a few shots of the Hammer In and Ken Patterson graciously sent me some candids of what went on including Bill Moran and some of the Cutting Challenge. I will add a few of them if you want.

 

[Keith Montgomery]

Actually, it looks great. Not sure if a guard would add to the functionality, but I think it would improve the looks. That doesn't matter in a competition knife, but if you plan on selling a few of these, then I think the guard would be a good idea.

Also, I bet you meant to post .35", not .035.

 

[lwrhea]

Thats right Keith, its slightly thicker than .035 . Lin

 

[RogerP]

Thanks Lin - I love seeing these knives and hearing about their design.

Roger

 

[lwrhea]

Thanks Roger. I will probably go ahead and finish the blade and put new wood and fittings, but of course, keep the profile and handle contour the same. I am thinking Walnut and brass. What do you guys think? Lin

 

[RogerP]

Walnut is always a winning choice in my book. I'm not a great fan of brass - but a brush-finished piece of bronze would work if you wanted that warm gold-ish tone to the metal. My pic would be plain ol' stainless. Again, great knife.

Roger

PS - And yes, please post up some pics from the show when you have some time.

 

[lwrhea]

Here are a few:

This is Ricardo Vilar forging an integral.Super nice guy!

Here Jay Hendrickson and Joe Keeslar teach wire inlay under the supervision of Bill Moran.

Reggie Barker is about to try to cut a ring off the remainder of the cola can for bonus points.

Mr Moran showing his everyday carry knife.

It was a pleasure getting to know Mr Moran and hearing about the early days of the ABS. My stepson, his buddy,and I just had to get a picture with him after the Cutting Challenge.

I'm sure there will be more pictures coming along by others that were there. Lin

 

[mike577]

Lin if it was my knife I wouldn't rehandle it. It would take you all of several hours to forge and grind one just like it. What you have there is the exact knife you won with. I'd keep it just like it is. Heck, my five cutters are just as they were at the end of the contest and I never even came close to winning one.

 

[lwrhea]

Mike, I'm sure you can see why I would be inclined to rehandle it. It looks like homemade soap, but then again, this aint Hollywood. The jury's still out.

You guys are what will decide this. I'd like to hear some pro's and con's with your reasons why. Thanks, Lin

 

[RogerP]

Thanks for those extra pics Lin. Nice to see Mr. Moran and his oh so cool everyday knife. Gotta be the only guy on the planet actually using a Moran blade as an EDC.

Roger

 

[brucew]

:thumbup:

Thanks guys. Reggie, I was as surprised as anyone. What an honor! The whole weekend was full of learning and excitement.

I dont know if you guys really want to see this knife. I'm not sure your ready for it. I have to say this knife is one of my experiments in blade design. It's not pretty, but boy does it cut!

The blade is just about 10 inches and the OAL is 14 7/8. I made this blade from a late model Chevy truck spring. I felt like I needed the mass for the heavy spine, which is about .035 at the ricasso tapering to the tip. I had to rush this one because I used my former competition knife to pass my JS test and did'nt have much time to make another. I used the opportunity to try some ideas I wanted to try. Of course, seeing the designs of others did influence my choice of features, but I definitely wanted more weight foreward and wanted my handle to have more pull/power. There was other things too, but those were the major things I was trying to accomplish. As you can see, I did'nt finish the blade or the handle. I am thinking about going ahead and rehandleing it and bringing the blade to a better finish. Heck, the handle is from a peice of oak railing that I just picked up from the job. As I said , it was just an experiment that turned out well for me this time.

This shows the botom of the handle.
This is the top.

I'm stressing design and not looks by showing these photos. The knife was meant to be a "beater" and it looks it. I am pleased with the way it cuts. If I rehandle it, I may add a minimal guard for added protection for slipping forward, although I did'nt notice this problem during the competition. I would be glad to hear you guys suggestions. Really, what do you think?

I do have a few shots of the Hammer In and Ken Patterson graciously sent me some candids of what went on including Bill Moran and some of the Cutting Challenge. I will add a few of them if you want.

I knew your stuff was sharp, I'm not surprised you won!

 

[SharpByCoop]

Reggie: thanks for the post.

Lin: Don't spend time changing this one. This knife is like a winning race car. Not pretty up close, but a winner. Spend time on 'Comp Cutter 2.0' with a new handle, etc. Then sell them....

Congrats on your win. Thanks for the photos. Doesn't look like it was overwhelmed with too many people.

Coop

 

[Keith Montgomery]

Lin, in an effort to be able to place a face to your posts, I have a question for you. In the latest American Bladesmith magazine there is a photo on page 23 of the 2005 Journeyman Smith class. Which one are you?

 

[RogerP]

Lin, in an effort to be able to place a face to your posts, I have a question for you. In the latest American Bladesmith magazine there is a photo on page 23 of the 2005 Journeyman Smith class. Which one are you?

Let me help you out Keith,

Here is Lin,

And some of his knives,

From this past Blade show where Lin received his JS stamp.

Roger

 

[Frank-H]

Darned nice...

And Lin, I'd keep that puppy as it is and chat a bit about that "oak picked up off the jobsite" right before the competitions, just for the stealth factor... they won't see ya comin'...

Frank H.

 

[Keith Montgomery]

I guess I could have figured out what he looked like from the photo he posted of himself, and his stepson and buddy.

By the way, thanks Roger, having two photos makes it easier for me.

 

[lwrhea]

I have both those pictures in my modeling portfolio now. I'm just waitin for a talent scout to "discover" me.

You guys are probably right about the knife. Thanks to Roger, now you know I can make one with a little nicer wood and finish. Lin