First One Finally Finished!!!

Varga Knives

Varga Knives

Joined
Aug 12, 2006
Messages
1,302
I am actually a little nervous. This is a big moment for me and half of me is saying don't post this but the other half had just won. Long story short on the background since I already wrote about it in other posts...

I thought I screwed up the HT on my first six blades so they all went back except for this one. I chose this one to test out because it was my least favorite design (no design actually, just profiled on the fly) and I figured I would experiment a little on it and not waste more money on getting it heat treated again. It ended up passing my cutting tests with flying colors so I decided to knock down the edge and finish it out. This one was actually the third knife I ground and most definately not the one I would choose to know forever as my first knife but that's the way it all fell into place so what can you do? It was nearly done a few weekends ago but I thought the edge near the ricasso was not in line enough with the rest of the edge (too wide... I guess?) so I knocked it back after the handle was on. What a bad idea. I then had to refinish the blade and ricasso and even the front of the handle. Little things like this really put the emphasis on getting it right the first time. I know I could still finish it out a little better but sometimes you just have to leave well enough alone. I can't really explain why I went with the jigging at the last minute but I like the way the experiment turned out. Whatcha think? Reminds me of a cheapo knife I had as a kid but in a good way.

I would really like to thank so many people on this forum for helping me to finally finish off my first knife. I really could not have gotten here without you, so thank you very much. And, as corny as it sounds, sharing this post actually feels more like the final step in this knife than even the sharpening. All comments, concerns and questions are welcome.

So...

Aldo's 1084, 3/16"
HT by Darrin Sanders
Damn, I never actually measured it but I think the blade was just under 5"
Black paper micarta
304 1/4" stainless tubes @ .028" (still could never find Nickel Silver in .020 :()
West Systems G-Flex epoxy

Next chance I get I am going to make a light box.
3.jpg1.jpg2.JPG5.jpg6.jpg
 
Last edited:
Looks really nice. Reminds me of a Benchmade 806, but a fixed blade version. Again great work!
 
Thanks guys! Your words do really mean a lot.

The tubes were the biggest PITA. Maybe with more practice they will get easier but it sure wasn't as easy as Daniel Fairly makes it look. I have all the right equipment and I think I had the procedure down right (a little at a time, adjust, spin a little, flip it over, vaseline...) but I still managed to split the first one and had to drill it out. Also, impatience got the best of me and I didn't practice on any scrap pieces.

I doubt it has anything to do with it but I also approached it a little unorthodox. I didn't epoxy the tube in at the same time as I epoxied the handles. Instead I used the tubes as a guide until it was all clamped together and then pulled them out. When it was cured up I put the tubes in with some super glue gel and then flared.

The measurements from USA Knifemaker (Tracy) were spot on but I probably should have chamferred/prepped the tubes better.

Nothing like learning by doing.
 
So was that the first one this year after a long career of making knives? :D

Wow! Nice work, I am very impressed.


Don't worry too much about flaring the tube, you'll get it down fine. I still screw them up and have to drill them out on occasion. You have to "set" it right on the first flare, if that goes well you will be good. it is hard to explain but sometimes you can tweak it around depending on which side is up. I think epoxy holding them in is key but you have to make sure not to get it in the chamfered area which at first is really tricky. Just keep making 'em and that is what is important, you have some real skill and determination.

I shouldn't give away my secrets but it is the electrical press that is key! :D (that's a joke guys... video related)
 
Didn't think I'd like that blade and handle shape, but seeing it in your hand changed my mind. I didn't see any jimping for the thumbs so I might add that, but overall the ergonomics look quite nice....well done!!
 
You have an eye for attention to detail, that is what stands out the most. Looks great, not crazy about the handle curve, but I agree it does look comfortable in the hand. Look forward to seeing what's next.
 
Great job! Nice job on the finish work. I'm on my 30sh knife and I would be happy if it came out looking that good.
 
As the others have said, very nice work and great attention to detail. It's obvious that you've done your homework.

The somewhat-extreme "drop" of the handle relative to the blade will give that knife more chopping power than other blades of the same size. Nice use of leverage :thumbup:
 
james terrio said:
The somewhat-extreme "drop" of the handle relative to the blade will give that knife more chopping power than other blades of the same size. Nice use of leverage :thumbup:
Click to expand...

Even a blind squirrel gets a nut once in a while. :) It did chop suprisingly well for a five inch blade so maybe that splains it. It's the only knife I ground with such a severe handle drop but it does fit great in the hand and seems to work well. I may revisit something similar in the future despite the aesthetics.

Darrin - I got a happy surprise in the mail yesterday and I can't wait to attack that batch. Thanks!

Daniel - Keep your videos coming. Always an inspiration to me.

As far as the jimping goes, I contemplated it but opted for a cleaner line. Maybe on the next ones but definately not after HT.

A BIG thank you to all for your comments.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top