Fixed Traditional 'Brukskniv' Builld

scruffuk

scruffuk

Joined
Jan 14, 2010
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I thought I'd start a thread to document some of the steps and stages in a Nordic knife I'm putting together for one of our good members.

Uncle Andi had told me a while back he was looking at a certain knife made by Kellam. (This is a traditional Swedish 'Brukskniv' or 'Work knife').

I wasn't happy for him to have to buy one off the shelf, and after he kindly sent me my Otter Webermesser and Case SS Peanut, I was adamant I would repay his kindness with a bespoke knife, to suit his taste.

So I went ahead and got hold of the same blade as used in the knife he'd shared. It's a 100mm Swedish carbon steel blade. I had all the other bits I'd need....but having time to crack on with it has been tricky.

Anyway, the missus is away this weekend and the weather is wonderfully British; damp, gray and dreary. Perfect for a weekend in the workshop and piecing together this project.

Here's a quick snap of the components:

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Plenty more to follow (apologies in advance to what will most likely be more camera phone snaps - I don't wanna let any dust bunnies into my camera).

Thanks for following along.

- scruff
 
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Marking out:
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Essential preparation!
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- If you are using birch bark you MUST prepare it first by removing the top papery layers* (scraping) and smoothing both sides. The 'inner' side may have some lumps or bulges from lenticels etc that can be easily sliced off with a sharp knife.

*Try to take off only what is most easily liberated, making the surface even. It's easy to get carried away!

Handle profile sketch:
CE68F0B1-6171-4F95-8EB3-328047205FDE-3442-00000437F21F2C50_zpsb6b68297.jpg

- Very rarely do I draw out the handle shape on paper. My usual method is to orientate the wood to include what I hope will show the most activity, knurls and burls. Then I'll place the blade on one side, draw the tang and then, let the blade dictate the lines of the handle, applying a bit of previous experience and what I feel will work.

I know that's a bit of a flim-flam artsy 'feel' way to describe it, but hey, I've done a few of these, I wing it! And there is plenty of time to tweak when I'm actually shaping it.

NB. The first half inch (I've squiggled in) will be the area of the bolster and spacers. The whole block needs to be trimmed square.

This waste piece will have both activity, that would be covered by the bolster and therefore unseen, and also a fault that I want to remove so it doesn't lead to chipping out when rough shaping. I'll not scrap it though. It will be added to my ever growing box of offcuts and may later form a bolster for another knife in the future.
 
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Ill be watching this one for sure! I have been wanting to do a Puukko project for a while now, and love checking out in build pics and ideas for my mental toolbox:)
Thanks in advance Scruff!
 
That's all for now. I need a cat nap. My good lady was fidgeting all night due to her wo-man flu and although she slept great, I did not.

Drills, blades and saws do not make for good playthings when tired.
 
I have always enjoyed this type of build. I will be eagerly watching this thread to see how things are going.

Also, great gesture on your part, scruff...
 
Subscribed!!!!! I will be watching every step of the way. What a wonderfully generous WIP and gift!! Andi is going be elated, I'm sure
 
Great idea for a thread sir, will look forward to seeing you at work. I'm sure Andi will thank me for not taking you to the pub this weekend! ;)

Jack
 
Thanks again folks

Jack - My bro spent all day looking for CAMRA pubs yesterday. I HAVE to go to the pub later....he was very insistent.
 
Thank you for this thread Scruffuk:thumbup: I've been meaning to pick up a Lauri or Polar blank but didn't know where to start really:eek: I'll be paying close attention, these WIP threads are some of my favorite's!! Keep up the good work

Justin
 
scruffuk said:
Thanks again folks

Jack - My bro spent all day looking for CAMRA pubs yesterday. I HAVE to go to the pub later....he was very insistent.
Click to expand...

Have fun :) Hope to have a pint with you soon :)
 
Cool thread, great gesture behind it. I've seen your work and been impressed, so I'm looking forward to seeing the process! :)
 
Wow - Thom ... that´s just amazing. I´m speechless right now. I really don´t know what to say... I´m really looking forward getting this great looking knife.

This is really a stunning blade and great looking wood!! This will definitelly be a grail knife for.

Thank you so much, Thom!

Gevo - you are right, I´m really elated right now :)
 
Andi - It's my pleasure to be able to do this for you....besides, I've not done nearly enough knife-making of late and I don't wanna get rusty!
I do hope it comes together nicely and that it feels good in hand when it's done.

The pub and was very disappointing by the way.

I predict an early start to the day. When I get back from a trip to the barbers and town I'll be posting some updates again.
 
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