JS practice knife

E

Erik Fritz

Joined
Aug 6, 2002
Messages
1,115
Here is one i just finished up. i am practicing some different things in order to get ready for my JS test knives. this one is 1084 with a n/s guard and ferule. the only question i had on this one is do you think i should have put a pin in the handle or left it like it is. Doing the ferule was not an easy job either. I went up and spent a couple of days with Wade Colter to figure out how to do these things. anyway let me know what ya'll think............erik.

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Looks great Eric
I think it needs one pin. I really like the way Don Hanson puts one small pin right in the center. I usually put one closer to the front of center. A pin gives the impression the handle is not relying on epoxy alone unless of coarse there is a finial nut on the pommel.
 
Nice looking knife. As for the pin, I would tend to say put one or more in, even if they are merely decorative. I have made a couple of Moran style knives without pins, but to my, you almost expect them on a handle like this one.
 
Very nice Erik! Love the blade. :D

I like a pin.

Love the ferrule... and hard to find a better teacher for it than Wade. I'd also gladly take a lesson from Russ :D

Just FYI- my gut reaction without really thinking too hard is that the handle is a little fat proportionately.

That's being a hard-ass just for the sake of letting you know an honest thought.

Overall I love it.
 
Nick has expressed my first thought re the handle as its widest point seems too wide compared to the blade. Actually, I prefer no pin for this particular handle as it presents a very sleek and smooth presentation. Blade and fittings look great. A very nice Gents Bowie indeed.
 
very nice work, I agreed with Nick 100% on his post, I like a 1/8 in pin in the handle and I also would like to learn from Russ.
 
Looks like a fine knife Erik. I don't know if I would try putting a pin in at this point for fear of it not matching on both sides, hitting a hard spot in the tang while drilling, wallowing out the wood, etc..... The knife is done and I would leave it alone.

I'll mention that the judges like to see a mechanical fit of some sort (pins, screwed-on pommel or the like) in addition to just glue. Not at all mandatory but generally a good policy on a fine knife.

Cheers,

Terry

Terry L. Vandeventer
ABS MS
 
I'll agree with Murray and Nick. that widdest part of the handle seems only slightly a little wide proportionately. Would probably work great on a larger Bowie sized animal.
You can always take some off.
Pin is not necessary, but if you were to put one in, I would make it as small as possible. 1/16th, or MAYBE 3/32.
1/8 is too big.
Ultimately, your JS and MS knives are an expression of YOU!
Disregard everything you read here.
Beautiful knife.
 
For purely easthetic reasons, I would prefer to see a pin on this piece. A small bright spot in the darkness of the handle would help pull the eye further along the whole piece. BUT - as Terry mentioned - I would be hesitant to add one at this late stage, unless you were planning on further shaping the handle for other reasons. (And on that point, I agree with Nick.)

Good looking knife. :thumbup:

Roger
 
Keith Montgomery said:
So Erik, do you think you should have put a pin in the handle?
Click to expand...

I flip flop on the idea all the time without the pin i think it has the sleek lines and flow of a D.E. Henry gonzalez Bowie which is one of my all time favorites. But on the other hand i like the looks of a single pin.
 
Great looking 'practice piece', Eric. ;)

Personally, since it does not have a handle of some spectacularly figured exotic hardwood.......I'd put a single pin in it. :cool:
 
Erik,

Nice knife. In regards to the Journeyman test it will not be an issue if you do or don't have a pin. The judges may be split about it just as the folks here are. More important is did you nail the fit and finish. If so then don't worry. If you want to add a pin because it's what YOU want to do then go for it. Otherwise let it be and be confident about it.

Josh
 
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