First go-round with 440C

John Katt · Apr 13, 2014

Trekjeff

I really wanted to try the 1st method laid out by Sam, but chose the dye instead because I don't want to finish shaping the handle until after the burl has been stabilized and permanently fixed to the blade and bolster, by using a vacuum to apply the dye it should be deep into the wood so there will be no danger of sanding through the color ending up with a light spot, Its only a guess on my behalf but the ebonizing sounds like it would be fairly shallow,

I guess I'm between a rock and a hard place with what I want to accomplish, and what my skill level will allow, I feel like I'm taking the safer path

TrekJeff · Apr 13, 2014

Oh, I didn't think about the shaping after stabilizing......so yes, that would be an issue as the ebonizing will essentially be no deeper than 1/16-1/32....although after thinking about this and keep in mind I really don't know the details of knife building...but couldn't you form the handle, treat with what ever method you prefer and then stabilize?

John Katt · May 16, 2014

I finally got back around to stabilizing/ dyeing my handle, Its not as dark as I was hoping for but that might ok, I'm super happy with the contrast I got between soft and hard grain, I also changed the dye method and went instead with alumilite mixed with the cactus juice as recommended by the cactus juice guy, the handle is sanded to 220 and wet

well onward and upward to the pommel

rickmenefee · May 16, 2014

440c is underrated

kc custom · May 16, 2014

I'll second what Rick said about 440c being underrated. Very
nice job on the knife.
Ken.

John Katt · May 16, 2014

I think Jay Fisher sums 440C up nicely, And the guy makes wicked cool knives ;0)

http://www.jayfisher.com/440C_Love_Hate.htm scroll down for a long winded detailed discription of 440C

John Katt · May 16, 2014

Before and after shot ;0)

Thanks ken

John Katt · Feb 5, 2015

Well look what I found under a pile of rubble on my bench.... kidding

I kinda stalled out on this knife couldn't decide how I wanted the pommel to look, So after staring at it for a few months, I decided to leave the pommel plain (no wire) and add a lanyard to the back, which I will attach with a pin and a stainless loop twisted like the bolster, The lanyard will be black and white leather, 4 braid, still have to figure out how to do that ;0)

A lot of the black dye in the cactus juice sanded out, so it looks like I will need to put on another coat of dye

J.Babody · Feb 5, 2015

John Katt said:
Well look what I found under a pile of rubble on my bench.... kidding

I kinda stalled out on this knife couldn't decide how I wanted the pommel to look, So after staring at it for a few months, I decided to leave the pommel plain (no wire) and add a lanyard to the back, which I will attach with a pin and a stainless loop twisted like the bolster, The lanyard will be black and white leather, 4 braid, still have to figure out how to do that ;0)

A lot of the black dye in the cactus juice sanded out, so it looks like I will need to put on another coat of dye

That is a beauty! I know you wanted it darker, but I rather like the way it turned out. Really love the handle, from the twisted wire to the layering, really outstanding!

Judging by the dates this seems to be the project that never ends for you! By the time you call it done, it may have its own sentimental value and you will have to make another to take on the hunts

.

Justin

John Katt · Feb 5, 2015

J.Babody said:
Judging by the dates this seems to be the project that never ends for you!

One things for sure no one can accuse me of rushing into anything

J.Babody · Feb 6, 2015

John Katt said:
One things for sure no one can accuse me of rushing into anything

Yup, I share that sentiment! I tend to do things in the same fashion, but the end result usually isn't as nice as what you have there.

Justin

Brock Cutlery · Feb 6, 2015

John Katt said:
Well look what I found under a pile of rubble on my bench.... kidding

I kinda stalled out on this knife couldn't decide how I wanted the pommel to look, So after staring at it for a few months, I decided to leave the pommel plain (no wire) and add a lanyard to the back, which I will attach with a pin and a stainless loop twisted like the bolster, The lanyard will be black and white leather, 4 braid, still have to figure out how to do that ;0)

A lot of the black dye in the cactus juice sanded out, so it looks like I will need to put on another coat of dye

Well done! That looks very nice.

Ken H> · Feb 6, 2015

Very impressive knife. One your grandson will be proud to say Grandpa handed this down to me after making it so many years ago. VERY NICE!

Ken h>

John Katt · Feb 6, 2015

Thanks for the kind words fellas ;0)

Now that im getting close to the finish line, its getting exciting, The druge work is next however sanding the wood down to 1200, definetly not a big fan of sanding wood