I took the plunge (first knife build)

Well I got all the extra wood and epoxy taken down along the spine with a 4 in hand!! that was a lot of fun!!!:eek:

I cut the pins off with a hacksaw blade equipped with black tape so I didn't saw my fingers too!!;)

I am in the process of thinning and shaping the scales.

Here is a close up of my tools and knife, and one of my little work area(built in desk in my bedroom)!! :eek:
To cold to work out on the deck!!;)

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I love your spirit dude !! You are building a family keepsake for sure. The first knife is your heart and soul. I still have the first one I made when I was about 10 years old, 40 plus years ago...whittled from a pine tree branch...not a real knife but it looked like one to me at the time, or so I thought..and the joy of making one has not changed. Keep us posted.
 
Eagerly awaiting the final photos.
It looks like a winner to me. I've done more than my share of file work and I can vouch that it IS work.
Nothing beats the feeling of a job well done. Especially when you have a nice new knife to show for your efforts. Keep it up.
 
I want to save this thread. I realize I'm a fairly new guy- only been doing this 3 years, but I get some questions from people.

I regularly say that I'd suggest getting some files and a drill press before a grinder. it's important to learn how to do the whole blade with files, a dowel and some sandpaper.

Now, go make Goddard's promised $16 knife shop book a reality! :D


Seriously, hell of a job - This has been an excellent read and an excellently executed project :thumbup:
 
OK, In the last couple of days I filed and rasped my way to a shape I am happy with, I have sanded through all the grits to 400, I have applied the first coat of tung oil tonight.
I will have picks a my first completed knife soon!!!
then I get to have fun trying to make my first sheath!!!:eek:

Thanks all for the kind words so far!!:D
 
get thee to a bookstore and get the all stohlman "art of hand stitching" book. :) then feel free to email any questions you may have. I've used a leather padded vise for stitching until I built a stitching horse, btw.
 
Well, I got the handle done this morning!!

Here is a little recap of my work.

Cut part of the knife blank out with a hacksaw and finished up with a 4 1/2'' grinder.
Hand filed the profile, plunge, and bevel.
Drilled holes with a friends drill press.
Sent to Texas Knifemakers Supply for Heat treat.
Glued on scales with Gorilla Glue Epoxy.
Hand rasped, filed, and sanded scales.
Put on a few coats of tung oil.

I still have to sharpen and make the sheath, I have the sheath cut out but I need a few more tools and some antique dye!!!

I will be posting more pics soon.

I also got the parts to build an etcher so I will have my mark on it also!!!!

Now for the pics..................

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I would have to say a real inspiration for a beginer like me. From working on it on the porch clamped to a rail and all done by hand. I think this was a great thread, Thank you for sharing your work looks great. John
 
Thank you all for the kind words, It really makes me feel like I built a really nice knife. I know there are a few flaws in it but I can fix them on the next knife!!

Thank you all for any help and all the encouragement!!!
 
Ok almost done with it, I built the sheath in the last couple days!!
Yesterday I wore it all day and I like the way it wears. I did have a couple mistakes but its all a learning process and I will not do them on my future sheaths!!!

I did some stamping with the couple stamps that I have, and there is a mark in the leather that you can easily see........ I thought that was
going to be the back of the sheath but I am not left handed. lol
I think it turned out really good for my first.

All I have left to do is condition and protect the sheath and then sharpen and my first knife will be completed!!

Here are some pics of the sheath!!!

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I really like that your scales arent overly thick. Very nice work! Be proud for sure.
 
excellent. if you want a smoother finish on the inside of the belt loop and the seam edge, you can rub mink oil in with a brass rod (or anything smooth and hard. No, don't go there)

I like the beveled finish on the welt seam, too. And the sheath design is top notch.

VERY GOOD FIRST KNIFE
 
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