Input wanted: Swedge or not on this one?

OK, I like Bruce's idea. Swedge this one and if it's not quite right, don't put a swedge on the next one (or ten ;)).

And then send one to me. (for a fee, of course).
 
Los Angeles said:
OK, I like Bruce's idea. Swedge this one and if it's not quite right, don't put a swedge on the next one (or ten ;)).

And then send one to me. (for a fee, of course).
Click to expand...

LOL, it's a nice idea, but so many people said no that now I'm scared to do it! You need to remember, this is only the fifth or sixth knife I've ever ground in my life, and I don't have an instructor:eek: (except for the fine members here on BF, that is:thumbup:). The swedge got messed up on the last one I did and I practiced on some junk 1/4" steel today with sketchy results. After so many people said it looked better without one, I was actually relieved that I didn't have to try to accomplish that right now. I think grinding a good swedge might even be harder than grinding the bevel!

I'll still sell you one when I get rolling!:p:D
 
I have swedged 3 knives now and none were done with a grinder, I did them with a file. The hard part for me wasn't filing them in, it was laying it out so things were even. they aren't perfect but looked good to me. Getting a really flexible straight edge helped with the layout, but I could have used an extra set of hands.
 
Swedges are not easy to do. I still find it a challenge to make a matched set. I think you should at least round the spine so its comfortable on your index finger. Maybe consider adding some checkering file grooves on some in the future. Buy a good checkering file from Brownells.
Nice little knife for sure.
 
I don't know about you, jonnymac, but I tend to want to see my ideas through. Others may offer opinions, and I may choose to integrate (or not) those opinions. In the end, however, the knife I make will be mine, and I want it to reflect my design.

While I happen to agree with the advice you've been given, I also think you have a unique viewpoint, and you should respect your own views. Personally, I don't like swedges or choils... but if you do, and if you think the knife will not look right without them, then I'd advise you to follow through. If you want to put a jade colored handle on you, you should... just to see your idea come to fruition. If you don't like it you can change it. Personally, I think the jade would be too soft a color, but if you think otherwise, see it through.

At some level you'll need to have your own 'voice' in what you do, and not concern yourself overmuch with what others think about it. Some will like it, others won't... and that's fine, because we all have different viewpoints.

- Greg
 
Thanks for that, Greg. All very relevant points....but if I wasn't interested in some opinions I wouldn't have asked the makers here for their ideas. I only asked because I wasn't 100% set on a particular plan. Trust me, if I knew wholeheartedly that I wanted a swedge on this blade I would've just started grinding away without saying anything!!:D

BTW, the jade green might be on hold for now, I just got a 15 pound box of G-10 and Micarta end cuts and there are some very cool possibilities!!!:thumbup:

tryppyr said:
I don't know about you, jonnymac, but I tend to want to see my ideas through. Others may offer opinions, and I may choose to integrate (or not) those opinions. In the end, however, the knife I make will be mine, and I want it to reflect my design.

While I happen to agree with the advice you've been given, I also think you have a unique viewpoint, and you should respect your own views. Personally, I don't like swedges or choils... but if you do, and if you think the knife will not look right without them, then I'd advise you to follow through. If you want to put a jade colored handle on you, you should... just to see your idea come to fruition. If you don't like it you can change it. Personally, I think the jade would be too soft a color, but if you think otherwise, see it through.

At some level you'll need to have your own 'voice' in what you do, and not concern yourself overmuch with what others think about it. Some will like it, others won't... and that's fine, because we all have different viewpoints.

- Greg
Click to expand...
 
This is the jade green that Tracy has for sale? Kind of translucent...? I have a set of the 1/8" I'm waiting to use. It's beautiful but hasn't been right for anything yet. I'm almost tempted to design something specifically for using them.
 
Remyrw said:
This is the jade green that Tracy has for sale? Kind of translucent...? I have a set of the 1/8" I'm waiting to use. It's beautiful but hasn't been right for anything yet. I'm almost tempted to design something specifically for using them.
Click to expand...

Speaking of Tracy......he had a few boxes of end cuts for sale last week, so I picked one up sight unseen for a reasonable price and was surprised to find out it was chock full of tons of slabs and colors. Should keep me busy for a long time!!:D
DSCN2547.jpg
 
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