First knife of 2009

[John M Cohea]

And also the first one with my new stamped mark. 7 1/2 "OAL weathered oak scales finished in Tru Oil on a mild steel frame, hammered copper band with rawhide wraps and brass pins. Blade is forged from saw steel with an aged finish. Sheath is rawhide over veg-tan with natural edges on the front flap. Decorations are tin cones, deerskin fringe, antique trade beads, horse hair and copper tacks.The piece of wood in the pic is some of the rough handle material.

 

[Dan Pierson]

That's got lots of good rustic character. Really well done, though not my style personally.

 

[panch0]

Wow! I realy like the old timey look to it. Great job!

 

[Phil Dwyer]

Hey John,

Fascinating, simply fascinating! It's refreshing to see someone's work emphasizing values other than the machinist quality fit and finish look (not that I don't value that). I see you've added a maker's mark in addition to your coyote claw. I wish the photos were a little closer up so I could see it (and other details) better. How did you combine the mild steel handle frame with the HC blade steel?

All the best, Phil

 

[John M Cohea]

Thanks everyone. I really appreciate the kind words.Phil, this piece started off as a full tang, but I twisted the curl too much, too cold and tore it.The customer wanted the curl, so instead of tossing this one to the side and forging another, I cut the tang down to a stick, then cut a frame from mild steel.From there it is like any other frame handled knife. The pin near the copper band passes thru the tang.Glue up was done with Devcon epoxy. The front rawhide wrap hides the joint between the riccaso and handle frame. When people ask me what is the hardest part of knifemaking I tell them once you learn to grind, the hardest part is making your screw ups look like you intended to do it that way, and this is such an example!

 

[SDS]

I'd love to be a fly on the wall of your shop and watch you work for a few days. Very nice.

SDS

 

[John M Cohea]

Thanks Shaun. Your welcome to come down if you want!

 

[SDS]

It may be awhile but if I get the chance to be in your neck of the woods I may take you up on that offer.

SDS