first-timer's work - beware!

Daniel Koster

Daniel Koster

www.kosterknives.com
Knifemaker / Craftsman / Service Provider
Joined
Oct 18, 2001
Messages
20,978
First knife: Puukko style
Ordered all the parts from Gary at http://www.harjusknives.com/

Overall, this was a fun little project. The curly birch was fairly easy to manipulate, yet held its shape well. The moose horn was a pain, though it was worth it. The filework was also a pain - but fun. I hand-rubbed the blade - a high carbon steel.

Not too bad, I guess, for a first time 'round. The pics do a good job of hiding the mistakes, I think...:D

I've already started a second one. ;) (not a puukko, though)

BTW, I'm a knife-hobbyist, not a maker. I did not make any of the materials myself. The blade came shaped and ready to finish/sharpen. I left the guard as is. And nature provided the curly birch and moose horn. ;)

Eventually, after I make a few more "kits", I think I'll move on to O1 and do a little stock removal.

Special thanks to Dave Larsen, Phil Tham, Bruce Bump, Ed Fowler, Terry Kranning, Ken Rangle, Richard Rosvall, Sarge, Gary Harju, and all others who have been willing to share tips and tecniques.
 
That is a beautiful job, I know we have talked about this
before, but what did you finish that handle with?
again,GOOD looking!! Paul
 
Paul = thanks. I used Tung Oil. 4 good coats, extra fine steel wool rub after each.
 
Really nice! Thanks for the great picture of your file work too. Have been pondering a lot about doing some on my next knife. Now you've helped me with some ideas. Nice steel work there big guy!

Nice handle work. The Tung finish looks good to me. I caution you though, if I may, that steel wool has a nasty tendency of embedding its steel dust into the grain. If you can see little sparkles in the grain its in there. This is real bad for rifle stocks exposed to weather because eventually the dust will rust and cause a yellowish tint in the grain. I used to use a lot of steel wool on wood but no longer.

Thanks for sharing.

Roger
 
Roger = Thanks! You are right, you have to be careful using steel wool, especially the superfine stuff because it leaves microfibres that eventually will cause discoloration rings. So, to combat this, I go over it with a soaked cloth and look for reflections. A little gentle scrubbing usually gets it out and then wipe it down again, let it dry and apply the oil. I used this technique in restoring old furniture and it has served me well.
 
Nice job. You should try to stain masur birch. It has a lot of life in it that doesn't show when left natural. I use it the same way as you too though - and as you said, it's easy to work with. Let us see the next one when it's finished.
 
Nice tip. I've gotten so far away from using steel wool on wood(I used to go down to 00000 wool when I could find it)that I'll probably stick with the super fine papers.

Your first really gives my first a run for the money. I'll ask you what I've been asked: What's next?

Roger
 
Originally posted by rlinger
I'll ask you what I've been asked: What's next?
Click to expand...
Roger = I have a few 440c blades sitting around that I'm going to throw some scales onto (one in the vice already). Once I get a good feel for that, then I'm going to do another puukko, probably with a Damascus blade - just for fun.
 
Dan- tuck your head between your legs and kiss your ass good-bye! You are lost now. Very nice effort, you can use that one with pride!:D
 
Well Dan, that is truly sweet! Nice job and a great selection of materiel... I sure hope you persue this, you have a good eye and clearly like what you're doing. Knives with such a pedigree are always pleasant to handle.

Thanks for sharing Dan, looking forward to your next one,

Dave
 
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