First Knife Done

[TLR]

Well the pictures are terrible but my first knife is done. This big one was hard to sharpen on my 2x42 and with the belt speed I was scared to death I was going to screw it up.

Specs are
blade- 11" long x 2 1/2" wide
oal- just a hair over 16 1/2"
cpm 3v hardened by Peters to 58rc

I've still got a whole lot to learn but I appreciate your guys help and advice. Now onto the other 14 blades I had hardened

 

[fumbler]

That looks like it's just begging to be taken out in the woods for some chopping.

That's not my cup of tea but it does look well made, especially for a first knife. I like the handle shape.

The only thing I'd point out is the blade looks either a little bit dirty or the finish is uneven. Considering the huge surface area of the bevel and the difficulty in finishing 3V I'd say you still did a really good job. I'd also say the point is a little obtuse, but it's understandable because the knife is a chopper, not a smaller utility knife.

Where's your maker's mark? I think that knife is made well enough to put a name on it.

 

[theHobbyist]

Now that's a knife! </crocodile dundee>... I agree with Chris, it looks like it's begging to be used, and that's what I like about it!

 

[TLR]

The finish is actually pretty good. Those are smudges from me handling it. It has a machine finish from a nonwoven belt.

I appreciate the compliments and the design critiques. I built this one for a friend who paid for the materials. He picked the design after I drew a few out that matched what I thought he wanted. It gave him a relatively cheap knife in a good steel and me a LOT of practice.
No makers mark yet. Truthfully I haven't made it that far. All my money has gone for materials and cheap equipment to this point. Still trying to figure out what the makers mark will look like.
I hope someday to be able to sell some knives but I don't know that this one is up to what I'd like to put out. It's 100% from a function standpoint but I have a lot more experience to gain before I feel comfortable selling anything.

Since it was for a friend I did take it out and swipe through a few things, couldn't help myself It cuts branches like a hot knife through butter.

 

[Hesparus]

Looks great for a first knife! Keep it up! If I might offer a suggestion: try using tubing for your lanyard hole, as it will give it a more finished look.

- Chris

 

[BoxerBill]

I'd make another, similar knife & start testing the blade for edge holding, etc. by chopping limbs & 2X4s. Do lots of testing before worrying about selling anything. A well used knife can always be cleaned up later. Great first knife; you're on your way! Bill