Finally got around to finishing this one. Aus-8 blade w/ desert ironwood from Larry!

[GrizzlyBear]

I started this one a while back and had to put it aside to focus on more personal matters for a while. I picked it up a couple days or so ago and was determined to finish it. The blade is Aus-8 and the scales are desert ironwood from Larry (Shaughnessy). Pins and lanyard tube are mosiacs from eBay.

Camera was dead and had no money to get a new one so I don't have any progress pics, had to borrow a cam to get the final pics.

Handle was taken to 2000 grit and wet sanded. I had first waxed it with some meguire's car wax and buffed but didn't like the matte finish it had. So I washed the wax off, resanded 800/1000/2000, then applied Tru Oil with a q-tip in extremely light coats over about 30 mins or so. Wiping with a paper towel periodically then finishing with an unwiped coat very thinly applied. About 3 coats total. Left slab didn't have as much figure and coloring as the right one did although they looked identical when I started. Presentation side will be on the right so thats ok too . In the pics it is almost dry and about ready for final polish.

Blade came mirror finished, but I took it down to a lengthwise brushed finish using 600 grit. Then, dangit, while sanding the handle, my dremel slipped and put a 1/4" set of scratches vertical to the finish through my tape. So, I attempted to refinish the blade and wound up ruining the finish from before which was beautiful. It's still brushed, but not as good as it was to start. Ah well, you live and learn. Plus, this one is going to be my personal carry/user so I'm fine with that.

Here are a few shots:

Overall I'm extremely pleased with how it turned out. Had a few messups, but they are those that won't happen again with the next knife. Misaligned one of the pin holes so the pin had to go through at an angle (hard to notice unless you really look), and I split the wood about 1/2" or so from the end when drilling for the lanyard tube. A couple fillings with super glue and it's barely noticable. Found out my nose doesn't like ironwood dust...before I had a chance to grab a mask I started sanding away and immediately felt like I was breathing in black pepper lol. Other than that, no major side effects.

Thanks again Larry for the kit, hope you like how I was able to finish it.

 

[amcardon]

Making mistakes is part of the process! How else are we supposed to learn?!? I think it turned out very nice! One of these days I'll convince myself to drop the coin on some ironwood I really like the way it looks/finishes, I just can't rationalize the price! Maybe once I'm done with school...

Anyway, well done and thanks for posting pics; I'm sure Larry appreciates seeing your enthusiasm and gratitude for his assistance!

When you gonna make the next one?

 

[GrizzlyBear]

Next is a Knife/Fork/Spoon kit set for my fiance. I think after that, I will take my first step into 'actual' knife making and grind my first blade.

 

[Shaughnessy]

Griz that looks really nice. You did a great job, and I hope you had some fun, even tho there were some "design changes"..... Welcome to the addiction. I think the support group meeting is on Wed nights, in chat. Heres a refurb on a few antique forks I did from awhile ago. Good luck with yours. -Larry

BEFORE >>>

AFTER >>>>

 

[Seals]

Good going Griz.Man,Love those old forks.Nothing better than making old stuff new again!

 

[GrizzlyBear]

I goofed up a bit ago trying to buff the handle with a microfiber thinking it was dry...lol, clouded the finish. SO, I resanded with 2000 and applied another smoother coat of tru-oil. It actually looks better now than it did in the pics! Plus, I took a fresh piece of 320 and pulled some larger/deeper finishing on the blade and wound up fixing it . Although, I couldn't get right up close to the handle so there is a small line between the new blade finish and the leading edge of the handle. Ah well, I'm stopping messing with it before I do something else hahaha

 

[GrizzlyBear]

Good going Griz.Man,Love those old forks.Nothing better than making old stuff new again!

That was the thought I had when I refinished 3 Forgecraft knives I found of my moms that are probably 50 years old or so.

Before; cleaned as good as possible:

After; original handles refinished and slightly reprofiled, stained with walnut stain and coated with Tru Oil. Blades sanded down and patina'd using mustard and vinegar: