Is my edging okay?

Diomedes Industries

Diomedes Industries

Joined
Mar 19, 2007
Messages
7,440
I am not looking for a pat on the back. I am looking for honest criticism.

Here are examples of my edging - taken with a macro setting and decent lighting.

MLKephartandSheath007.jpg


MLKephartandSheath006.jpg


MLFisherSheathandKephartSet003.jpg


WSSKnifemakingGiveaway006.jpg


For those that have been doing this longer than me - some criticism and good advice would be awesome to get.

Thanks!

TF
 
I can't see anything to criticize. They look very well finished. Is there something going on in the 3rd picture? I'm guessing it's just a little uneven dye.
For your style of sheath these edges are perfect. They match the finish of the surface perfectly in sheen. What I mean about this is that if you were doing fancy work, ala Paul Long, I would say sand them more and even out the colouring and grain but for this style it is neither necessary nor desirable.

Your sheaths overall are very clean, quality work and I really like looking at your stitiching.
 
Tal, for your current style of sheath finish, I agree with Stuart. This level of finish matches up very well over all. Having said that, there is also nothing wrong with taking the finish to a minimum of 320 grit and bringing it down until it is glass smooth to the touch. The shine/sheen isn't necessary but the feel, I think is. The goal on my sheaths is always the final feel of the edge and if it has a little shine too then that's a bonus. Most of the time it does, but if not, no big deal as long as it feels like glass.

There also comes a point (and this is dependent on the specific leather being used at the time) when no matter how much more you sand using higher grits, it will just not improve. This can happen from 220 to 320 or from 320 on up to 400 and 600. When I realize this I just stop. The resulting edge is always very acceptable and will be judged so by your peers, but maybe just not what you had hoped for.

Finally, those edges look really good, but the important consideration is.....do you like them?

Paul
 
Edges look very good. I might be able to beat you:rolleyes: but they look good. (I just figured out how to do a nice edge...sorry for the attitude...in jest) But those stiches!!! My stiches couldn't carry your stitches' lunch box. That is some seriously beautiful stitching there...seriously professional. Nice job.
 
shoot... your everything is ok.

I'd say more than ok. There's nothing I can even see that I can say thats wrong, or not appealing to the eye. So...there's only one thing left to do, and that's pat you on the back...lol.
 
SBranson,

Yeah - the leather didn't want to take the dye evenly in a few spots. That one was for me - I was happy with it.

Paul,

I think your advice is good. I am happy enough with them - but I have no access to any one elses work. I probably need to get to a blade show where some custom sheath makers have booths and get them in my hand. Everything I have learned has been from a few small books, Chuck's video, and the internet. Nothing tangible.

I appreciate all the comments.

TF
 
I took a few of my pieces to the Blade show last year as I was meeting up with some guys who had ordered them.
After walking the floor the first time, I made sure to keep my stuff in my bag...it was quite the humbling experience.
The good news is, I'm so young, so still time to get mo betta!!:rolleyes:
 
I think your edges look great. But one factor to me would be the price of the work. Top $ I think would be even color on the edges. Dont get me wrong I really like your leather work and would be proud to own some. All the Best !
 
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