Guppie Knife

Larry Hensley

Larry Hensley

Joined
Dec 31, 2007
Messages
420
My neighbor's 8 year old son came by the garage while I was cutting out a knife for a friend at work today. We noticed one of the scrap pieces below the saw was in the shape of a fish, so he decided he would help me design the knife. We trimed the front top to get it more fish shaped, and then sanded the tail a little bit to get it more Tail Shaped. He decided while i was cutting a couple of holes for the handle that he wanted three holes for the handle and then suggested an eye hole in the blade so people could tell better what it was. I told him I would show it here and let him know what you all had to say about our design. It came out pretty cool actually. and is one less piece of wasted steel in the world. it is ATS-34 5/32 thick. and the blade is a little over 3/4 of an inch at the deepest point. The kid's Dad left the family a while back and I think making this knife is the happiest I have seen him in a while. I think I will have it heat treated finish and let his Mother decide if he can have it or if he and I should sell it and split the money ( he also named it.)

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Looks good! It's very nice of you to spend time with him, with his dad out of the picture. Every boy needs someone to look-up to. Good on you Larry!
 
Hope you can find something "scaly" for the slabs. You had to have enjoyed that little bit of apprenticeship, I know he did!! SOmeone here was making
mycarta that looked like snakeskin. Maybe they have a small piece to donate to the GUPPY
 
thats a great thing you did there Larry. How about lace wood or leapord wood for the scales. Kinda looks like fish scales.

Dave
 
Instead of a "scale" pattern handle what about a handle material that looks like a tail? Maybe palm?

Neat knife. Looks like it would be a good hunting/fishing knife too.

SDS
 
The cool thing IMHO is that the kid got some attention that he might not have received. Good on you and good luck with the knife. Looks good!!
 
Thanks Guys I am gonna let him know that you like the knife. I am thinking Black Paper Micarta with brass pins. (Dont have any scale looking material.) It was fun teaching someone after all I am totaly knew to this myself and still in the Learning Curve.
 
Larry, I think I just might have a piece of lacewood that needs a new home. It's not a big piece, maybe 1.5x5" or so but i think it just might be enough for that handle with some creative layout. It's yours if you're interested.
 
That does look like a fish. Its a cool bird and trout style.

A man has never stood so tall as when he stoops to help a child.
 
Very nice!
The knife and also how you work together with the child. Don't sell the knife if he can't have it, let his mum keep it untill he is a bit older.
He'll be so proud!

If a sheath will be made I have a left over piece of carp skin leather here that could be used for inlay. It is not large but it could be used for some fishy accents :)

I can send it by mail.

Edit: it is fire engin red :)
 
I like that design. Good looking, looks useful, and is unusual. I think it would do well in the kitchen too.

Well done.
 
Well I think the design is neato, but I think the story is really really great. Its really something how badly kids need a dad. Ever gone to a community pool and play with your child, and suddenly you're surrounded by kids who just need dad attention?
 
Hey I think I might have a bit of leopord wood. It would look scaly. Let me know if you want it. Good cause.
 
Once again I say Bruce you were right the people on here are some of the nicest there is. I am taking the advice on keeping it, even if his mom wont let him have it now perhaps someday I can give it to him or just keep for me to remind me of the day making it. I believe it is also a good reminer of how important a Dad is in a childs life. and how this world has diminished the roll. I am thinking I may make a couple more of this style and see how they turn out, I kinda like it, it is a novelty that is usefull and would go great in a tackle box. ib2v4u you will have an Email shortly.
 
I think you could throw some very basic light maple scales on it (or birch) and then spend a few moments with a soldering iron (or let him) to burn in some gills and scales that will also help with the grip.
 
larry i have some lace wood if ya want i'll send ya some , long as the boy gets the knife, pm or e-mail me size of handle, if your interested
 
Awsome. I love it.
I recently lost my dad and this reminded me of when he and I made a wooden race car on a lathe. That was 40 years ago. thanks for the memories and have fun with that little boy. I'm sure he'll never forget it or you.
 
I asked his mom if he could have it today. and after she looked at me like I was crazy giving a knife to an 8 year old, I explained to her to put it up for him till he is older. theyn she said "Whew" and said he could have it. SO it is going to be gone to him when it is done. YEAHHHHH.

NOw my 5 year old is jelous and is saying Dad we can make a knife too. I am glad most of the kids in the neighborhood are girls LOL
 
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