First kit knife, making for a friend

[jayd4wg]

I have a buddy who's generosity over the past year has me wanting to do something special for him. We are both avid hunters and I want to make him a custom knife. I don't want junk, and have been cruising the available kits online, i want a finished blank, mirror or fine finish, and will be using cherry from the trees in my back yard for scales. I have some very interesting pieces of cherry with very nice grains.

two of the kits that has caught my eye is the SG4 or the Delta 5 kits from Knifekits.com

Both feature 600 grit satin finish, AUS8 steel with 57-59r

Has anyone used these kits, and do you know of a decent review of the finished product? I have ZERO sheath making ability so Kydex is out of the question, and i'll be going with a premade pouch leather that fits the blade. I'll shrink it to fit with acetone and mink oil treatment.

I'd also like to know what can be done for a blade inscription (laser etch?) for my initials and since he's a Marine, "Devil Dog" will get inscribed onthe blade.

I'm not dead set on these kits or this supplier...just looking for advice on available kits and the steel available. I'm a TOTAL noob...

Thanks in advance for any input

 

[SharpByCoop]

A great choice and an honorable gift. Here is one that was done by a fellow for his bud, in the same spirit:

Knifekits.com Delta 5 Chute (From the KK.com Gallery)

I like kits. They are a great stepping stone or stopping point. All good.

Coop

 

[jayd4wg]

nice job, i like the inlay on the handle too. I was thinking about doing similar with a USMC globe from the surplus store. It is hard finding one small enough though.

 

[jayd4wg]

Are there "better" kits to work with than the Knifekits.com ones? the knife i am making will be used and abused for sure. I actually want to make 2 of the same kit, different treatments. I'm looking at one of their folders for myself too for an EDC.