First knife (WIP)

Update: got her ready and out to heat treat, since I changed how the handle shape was I couldn't fit the scales I had anymore. Got some Lignum Vitae, so you can see the grain with the knife sitting on the wood.

Thought I'd use the line of lighter wood color along the top of the handle, moving into the green grains. You can see where the drill bit failed and jumped around when drilling the holes.

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Edit: I'll add that I know I don't like the hole placement much. I only had access to a friend's drill press for a very short period of time, and didn't go over placement as slowly and surely as I'd have liked.
 
Well just about done. Sending it out for a sheath made (decided this was more cost effective than buying all the tools and making my own). I will likely re-sand down the blade for a better finish after the sheath is made, and I know there are a few glue spots I have had a rough time getting out. The bevel isn't perfectly flat, but the more I tried the less even it got. I may practice some more on a blank that is annealed for the next build. The handle is a bit blocky, but it (honestly) is very comfortable and the 3 or 4 people I've had hold it said not to change it. Here she is, constructive feedback is WELCOME!

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My only suggestion would be to round over the back of the handle. Yes it probably feels great holding it, but under use it will dig in and create pressure and hot spots. It looks really good for your first. Keep it up.
 
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Half a dime's thickness...about .020-.030" thick.
Take the blade to a very good 400 grit finish and have everything smooth and ready before HT. Make sure to drill all holes and chamfer the hole edges.

The project has progressed well, especially the handle change.
 
Thanks for the kind words you two, very much appreciated coming from those much more experienced in cutlery than myself.


Couldn't have come remotely close to this knife without all the help received through this forum. Still have much to learn!
 
Really impressive job.

The handle needs to be rounded more...or to be more correctly stated, more oval. The corners are curved now, but the basic shape is still pretty square.
Also, I think the handle would have looked better without the bare metal sticking out the back. That may also be uncomfortable in use.

I wouldn't make any changes to this knife beyond sanding the handle a bit more oval.

You didn't mention the HT. How was it done?
 
I appreciate the input Stacy, thanks.

The HT was done by Peters.It was hardened 59-60rc. I didn't want to tackle 1095 on my own.

I chose to leave the butt exposed in case of any hammering motion I may need if I should only have a knife. I understand a knife is a cutting tool, in fact I do notice that back end may get slightly uncomfortable. It may need more shaping.
 
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