First Bowie, first take-down (Final pics added)

Ok, I just could not do it. I understand what you guys said about the plunge and now that Nick said it it seems like it's the only thing I can see. :( But I just have too much time into this one and as you can see by the grind, my skills in that area are not good enough to assure I won't mess big time. :o

I did make a spacer for the pommel like suggested as well as work on the butt a little. I also angled the pommel a little more to give the impression of a more shapely handle. Makes sense?

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Lots more work but the good words from you guys is a very good motivator. :D
By the way yes, Spalted Maple.
 
I think it looks great from start to finish! Don't worry a bit about the handle shape or plunge line because both look great as is. You created a knife with character.

One of these days, I'm going to be good enough to produce work like that!
 
Patrice,

I have absolutely enjoyed your sharing with us your journey making knives. It is playfully creative, constantly progressing, always tasteful and completely honest. I cannot think of a more genuine pilgrimage as a craftsperson than the one you personify. It's folks like you that keep this virtual world of the cyber knife making forum REAL! Thank you my friend!!!

All the best, Phil
 
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Great job, Patrice! That's a fine looking piece of work. One of these days I'll tackle a take-down. I guess that means I have to actually finish some knives first, huh? :D I've got several forged out I need to play with.

Thanks for the inspiration!

--nathan
 
NickWheeler said:
....After a bit, we'll get you making the handle 0.010" proud of the ferrule spacer because it looks cool ;) :cool: and it is a good idea with natural handle material since it can move. :)
Click to expand...

Nick, any tips on how to go about crafting such a handle?
 
Sometimes when I am unsure of a piece I will add or take away from it and let it lay on the bench a while. The piece will generally let me know which way looks best. Just remember when you ask for advice, it doesn't mean you have to take it all. At least not all of it on one knife! A knife is an extension of yourself, and I respect your decision not to change the plunge. After all it has been said that not all makers do it that way. That is what makes us a diverse group; it would be boring if we all liked the same thing about knives! And all of us have our pet peeves, mine is a choil!:eek:

I like the adding of the spacer. My friend you have stepped up to your A game with this one! I have this feeling we will be seeing another fine knife with your name on it before long! :thumbup: :D
 
Hey, Pat, I hardly ever comment on anything here anymore but I had to add my two cents.

I loved the knife in the first picture. Yes the plunge line is a little different but that is what custom is about isn't it? If what you build suits you that's what counts. I thought the handle was great too but after you added the copper spacers to the pommel I like it even more. I enjoy seeing the different ideas people have. It would be a boring old world if we didn't have ideas wouldn't it?

By the way, your maker's mark is very nice too.
 
Thanks guys. Sometimes I don't use your suggestions because like you said, it just doesn't look right to me. Or it is just because I don't feel I can pull it off with my skill level. Like the plunge lines in this case. But be assured I save them all for use on future knives.

That's why I post knives in Shoptalk. I always get good feedback and suggestions.
Well it also doesn't hurt that you guys always have good words! :thumbup: Does that make me vain? :o

PS: Arrowhead, I was afraid that the mark was a little big. I know the knife is large but I did not want it to look presumptuous.
 
Sorry guys, I didn't see the new posts in this thread.

The 0.010" proud thing is actually a lot easier than one might guess. You build your handle however you do so that you can take it apart and put it back together (i.e. locating pins, screws, bedding compound/epoxy, etc) and then rough your handle to shape.

When you start getting close, put two wraps of green 3M pin-striping tape around your ferrule/spacer. I suggest starting with four or five wraps to start with because it's really easy to get excited and blow past the tape.

If you leave a little so that when you hand sand the handle down before buffing you end up JUST FLUSH with two wraps of tape... it will be 0.010" proud of the ferrule.

Then use a hard sewn wheel with pink no scratch buffing compound, and knock the sharp edge off. It takes VERY little pressure or time to put a tiny little radius on the end of the handle this way.

I think you can see what I'm talking about on this knife. Maybe I only see it in the picture because I know I put it there! :foot: lol

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Pat you have come a long way in the short time i have known you. This one will surely be your nicest to date keep up the great work!

Cheers Bob
 
Thanks Bob. I remember the knife I brought when I visited you. It was the best one I had made at the time. :o Small improvements with each new one is what I am shooting for.

Nick, thanks for the explanation. I'll have to give that a try.
 
As promise, here are pics of the finished knife. (apart picture included for the non-believers ;))

To be honest and and not misrepresent my skill level, I included shots that show some of the obvious problems/errors. These include:
1) Misalignment of the scales (should have used a block)
2) Irregular grooving of the ferrules
3) Hole for the alignment pin in the top ferrule too close to the edge (shows through)
4) Gap/bad fit between blade and guard
5) Clip grind off centered
6) Irregular plunge lines

Of course there are other things that I am not happy but I see them as needing improvement compared to outright errors for the problems above. But I guess have to stop somewhere and move on to the next knife if I want to improve.

Blade length: 8" OAL: 14"
Grind: flat
Steel: 5160
Handle: Spalted Maple (stabilized)
Guard & fittings: Stainless Steel (304), mild steel (1018), copper

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Thanks for looking.
 
This is a really cool bowie Patrice. Nice work, I know it wasnt an easy build but now that you've done your first take down I bet you wont be satisfied with a 3 piece knife ever again. You're ruined for life. hehe
 
Looks great. Good job with the pins and tang extension. I like what you did with the copper washer under the butt nut. Did you turn that nut yourself?
 
Good work Pat, and good assessment and evaluation. Thanks for sharing! I think BB might be right. You may never be the same again. Of course I thought that too when I saw that wild spirally knife you made!
 
Thanks for the good words guys! Merci Sean! :D

I was afraid of that Bruce. I want to try and sell a few knives in the future so I may go back to simpler designs but it's gonna be hard. Feels like going backward. And I also will be more critical of myself on a simpler design. :( Why didn't you warn me? ;)

Salem, yes I turned the nut on the lathe and finished it in the drillpress with sandpaper.

Phil, I am a little all over the place ain't I? :o
 
Great job, Patrice! That's a great looking knife. I bet you learned a lot through the process of making that assembly.

--nathan
 
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