Fixed Traditional 'Brukskniv' Builld

[scruffuk]

Despite an early rise, I have been unexpectedly delayed by a wait in the barbers.

Finally today's steps are underway!

After cutting all my brass bolsters and spacer to size I have set to the bolster proper. This is has got to be the most laborious part of the process.

I start by chain drilling a series of holes by hand:

- The blade is pretty narrow, only 2.5mm thick so I use a 1.5mm bit (oh sorry, I'll probably be using a bit of metric here) for the holes.

I now need to join these holes up. This is head-scratcher number one.

Normally I just use needle files to 'cut' through to each hole. Then file the slot square. However, most of my needle files are two thick to be able to do this, and keep the slot below 2.5mm.

Expect a short delay whilst I experiment with coping saw blades.....

....or remember I bought a fine tapering round for such an instance! Whoops.

Sloooooooow progress:

- Finally the gap is wide enough to work a flat needle file in there:

- Now it's a case of working the width of the slot. I need to keep offering the tang of the blade up so that it's a nice tight mechanical fit.

- I'm sure the pros have a quicker way to do this. I know it's common to drive the brass bolster on with a mallet. Am not really a fan of that method.

 

[puukkoman]

Scruff, that's exactly how I've fitted brass bolsters in the past.
I just fitted & soldered a steel guard onto a bowie the other day, and it was a little more difficult since the steel is harder than brass... got it close, and then banged it into place with a piece of tubing over the tang, and a hammer.

Nice pics! Looking forward to the rest!

 

[scruffuk]

To be honest Alex, I seldom do thin &/or metal bolsters anymore. I prefer to use other materials. However, I didn't want to deviate too much from Andi's reference knife.

Back to the fitting. Eventually I have to ditch the soft jaws in the vice, so that I can use the straight edge of the metal jaws to help guide me. I pop a little bit of tape on the presentation side to reduce the risk of any deep scratches. I'll 'sand' in anyway, it just saves time later.

- I keep back clear so that I can see my scribed lines. One other thing, I always work from this backside, working at a very slight angle.
This is why:

- Basically, it allows me to work to a better fit and correct for the natural lopsidedness which can occur when filing.

Finally the bolster fits good and true:

I mask off the ricasso and bolster, key the backside of the brass and break out the epoxy. It'll take a while to go off and it's getting late.

Really the bolster part of the process can drag, especially with metal bolsters (I have some neat tricks for wooden ones that speed things up ), maybe it's because I am a bit of a perfectionist when it comes to this step though.

Tomorrow I shall rattle through slotting out the other spacers (birch bark, brass and antler) and also making the blind hole in the handle (this knife will have a hidden tang). It should all be glued up with 24 hour epoxy by the afternoon.

Now I'll just kick back with a pint of Pimms and Ginger Beer. Chin chin!

 

[shrapne1]

awesome, i love wips and this is fun to watch. Thanks for taking the time to post pictures, i know when im doing a project i sometimes get so caught up i completely forget to take pictures; youre displaying the processes nicely

 

[pertinux]

awesome, i love wips and this is fun to watch. Thanks for taking the time to post pictures, i know when im doing a project i sometimes get so caught up i completely forget to take pictures; youre displaying the processes nicely

+1.

Thanks for doing this, scruffuk. The processes involved are so far beyond me, I seldom know what I'm looking at step-by-step(!). However, I love following along (as best I can), and appreciate all that you're investing not only in Humppa's knife, but in sharing its progress with us. I love watching it come together, especially knowing to whom it's headed once you're done. (I'm not good with suspense.)

:thumbup:

~ P.

 

[Doug Add]

Fascinating to watch a craftsman at work. A local gallery is having an open house this weekend with potters and glass blowers exhibiting their artistic talent. Too much going on today to get over there, but I hope to make it tomorrow. Your WIP on this Puukko is in some ways even better than a live demonstration because we can return to it time and again. Thank you so much for sharing your gift with us!

 

[scruffuk]

Thanks again folks.

Craftsman? I'm just a hobbiest Doug

Okay, so, here are a couple of snaps of the bolster/spacer components, all slotted out:

- I changed the orientation of the antler in the end to give me a bit extra to play with in the handle depth.

- Once the front sections were complete, I turned my attention to the main section of the handle. I didn't take too any photos of this stage. I simply drilled three holes and linked them up. An extra long bit came in hand here.

In case any of you were questioning the hidden tang, it's worth pointing out it would not be long enough to do any other way. There wasn't a long rat tail for peining, such as those more commonly found on Finnish blades.

- You can see the mark I've made on the tang, about half an inch up. There'll still be two thirds (or there aboots) of the tang in the main section so it'll be plenty strong. Also, just after this section I will be 'waisting' in the handle profile a little. I don't wanna run the risk of exposing the void when shaping.

Dry fit:

Epoxied and clamped:

- Now the wait....

 

[greg c]

Fantastic WIP, thank you!

 

[screened porch]

Clever clamp. Scruff.
Ever try jeweller's saws for connecting the drilled dots? They're miserable things too, actually.

 

[scruffuk]

Clever clamp. Scruff.

Thanks, it's a better option than a caulking gun.

Ever try jeweller's saws for connecting the drilled dots? They're miserable things too, actually.

EDIT: You wrote 'saw' and I read 'drill'. Silly me.
I've tried fret saws and coping blades for metal in the past, but I find the blades don't cope so well with the thickness and hardness of the metal I use. I should pick up some cutting discs for the rotary tool I have.

 

[Halfneck]

Great gesture, and I look forward to watching this as it gets built.

 

[Campbellclanman]

Im in as well! - subscribed!!
This looks soooooooo interesting, good on you scruff, and Andi - this must be exciting to watch!!

 

[Jack Black]

Fantastic work ScruffUK, and great pics too :thumbup: Andi is really going to have something to treasure here

 

[screened porch]

Thanks, it's a better option than a caulking gun.



EDIT: You wrote 'saw' and I read 'drill'. Silly me.
I've tried fret saws and coping blades for metal in the past, but I find the blades don't cope so well with the thickness and hardness of the metal I use. I should pick up some cutting discs for the rotary tool I have.

That's a good idea.

 

[sturzi]

Wow, Andi will be pleased

I love WIP threads, they are most inspiring. Did you do anything to the tang so the epoxy can bond better, like holes, dents or a rough grind?

 

[scruffuk]

^^ Well, its already got a hole in it

Of course its standard practice to key any of the smooth surfaces to be glued.

 

[Humppa]

Fantastic work ScruffUK, and great pics too :thumbup: Andi is really going to have something to treasure here

Wow, Andi will be pleased

I love WIP threads, they are most inspiring. Did you do anything to the tang so the epoxy can bond better, like holes, dents or a rough grind?

This knife will be a treasure for me! Definitelly. All the hours which are behind the handle and the great shape of this knife. I´m looking forward so much getting this wonderful piece of craftmanship!!

And it will be my first Pukkoo at all

 

[richstag]

I'm quietly waiting to see this beauty come to life and I know this is going to be something for Andi to treasure.

A great place that just gets better!

 

[scruffuk]

I hope you will find this knife to your liking Andi....hopefully a better alternative than the one you had your eye on.

Not sure if I got a bit carried away with the brass!! Still, at least we know where the balance point will be.

I must let you know now though, no updates today. It was a loooong day at work and the weather was too good to pass up a peaceful walk through the woods when I got back.
Chill time right now.

Here's some knife content though, to keep things on topic

Normal service will be resumed shortly.

 

[Humppa]

I hope you will find this knife to your liking Andi....hopefully a better alternative than the one you had your eye on.

Not sure if I got a bit carried away with the brass!! Still, at least we know where the balance point will be.

I must let you know now though, no updates today. It was a loooong day at work and the weather was too good to pass up a peaceful walk through the woods when I got back.
Chill time right now.

Here's some knife content though, to keep things on topic

Enjoy the wait! Mwahahahah!!

I really love the knife the first time I saw the blade and the handle materials... just plain wonderful, Thom.
I hope you had a good day outside of work and workshop.

BTW: I carried the Svörd Peasant Knife today, as well