Follow up to Gathering Grind-In -- a solo effort

Another vote for "The XO". Nice work, sir! :)

I would bring the spine down to meet the edge and provide for a keener point/tip... but other than that I really like it. I love small handy knives like that!

If I may, I'd like to point out some other things that the Colonel did exactly right with this project...

All three pins are in line... that just plain looks good.

The handle has contours, but it's not so specific that you could only hold it in one position comfortably.

The spine, from the tip all the way down to the butt of the handle, has a gentle curve to it. That's very important for comfort in use, and I feel it helps a person point the knife exactly where they want it to go... especially in a smaller knife like this.

It looks great next to the 16 (one of my favorite production knives), and I'm glad you took inspiration from Ethan's Gathering/Grind-In to continue forward and make one on your own! :)
 
pure envy from me, seriously jealous of anyone who has the tools to even attempt knife making. I'm no expert but I say fine work for beginner level.
I cant really tell how your sears is set up, but a good adjustable guide table (made or bought). Should bump up quality by producing consistant angles. And reduce free hand error, fatigue or injury.
BEST OF LUCK TO YOU COL.
 
Thanks everyone! I should point out that there are flaws in the knife that the pic does not show - especially along the plunge line. I will do a bit more to fix some of that but I have learned that it is easy to create a new problem while trying to fix an existing one. So I am close to calling it "done", accept the imperfections and do better on the next one.
 
I just saw this thread a few minutes ago. Well done, Colonel. It has some nice lines and as JT said, the pins look good. Looking forward to hearing about how the heat treating works out.
 
Col Defender said:
Thanks everyone! I should point out that there are flaws in the knife that the pic does not show - especially along the plunge line. I will do a bit more to fix some of that but I have learned that it is easy to create a new problem while trying to fix an existing one. So I am close to calling it "done", accept the imperfections and do better on the next one.
Click to expand...

That's a great way to look at it.....since perfection is the enemy of good enough.

I think it looks great just the same. Really nice job for a first time from bar stock to finished product. Sure doesn't look like a noob knife.

And another vote for "XO".
 
Ray Settanta said:
Looking forward to hearing about how the heat treating works out.
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Pretty good I think - this morning I thought I would drill a hole or two in the handle of the unfinished but heat treated blank I still am working on, just to lighten it a bit. Prior to heat treating it, I had easily drilled some 1/8" holes for brass pins and a 1/4" lanyard hole.. But this morning even with a good sharp new bit in the drill press, drilling another hole was pretty much out of the question. FWIW
 
you need a cobalt or carbide bit, cutting fluid, and a well anchored vise to drill into hardened steel.
a cheap solution to this problem is a brand new masonry bit -- feed slow and it'll mostly chip out pieces rather than cut them, but it'll work.
 
I don't know how far you have made it since your last post. I personally think 2 or 3 pins look best. and if you use good epoxy. The brass pins become more about aesthetics than retension.

By the way I don't know if there is a huge price difference between 420 & 1084. But some find it easier to start learning with 420. Just because it heats up quickly and is softer. Meaning you will become more aware of quenching to keep heat down. And the softer metal will force you to watch your heavy handedness so to speak. All while gaining muscle memory. Akin to starting at expert then backing down to normal. P.S. use a big blue sharpie to color the blade. So that while grinding it's easier to see your work.

And if any professional grinders disagree please speak now and help guide the Col.
 
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