Just Finished River Runner Bowie Knife

Archer Here

Archer Here

Knifemaker / Craftsman / Service Provider
Joined
Nov 2, 2008
Messages
1,323
Steel is ½ ton Spring. Heated in a forge to approximately 1500 to 1550 degrees Fahrenheit, until blade became nonmagnetic, then quenched in oil. Fine satin finished. Tempered at 400 degrees for 1 hour, letting it air cool, then putting it in 1 more hour at 400. Blade was file tested for hardness. Very hard.

Handle is made of Ebony Wood. Sheath is hand stitched out of dark brown gator hide.

Measurements:
Total Length: 16 ½ ", Blade Length=11 ½ ", Blade Width=2”, Blade Thickness= 3/16"
Handle Length: 5", Handle Width: 1 1/4"

Below are pictures of the finished knife.
Thanks

100_2488.jpg

100_2467.jpg

100_2474.jpg

100_2525.jpg

100_2526.jpg

100_2480.jpg

100_2463.jpg

100_2478.jpg

100_2506.jpg
 
Last edited:
Hi there,

I have seen your previous works and finally this. The blade profile looks much finished than your previous works, there is a real improvement IMO. But the handle looks very uncomfortable, also to work on the guard and butt cap a bit would compliment the blade. Also the steel you are working on is still an unknown steel, you are glad with the results and I understand you but my suggestion is for once make your next knife from a known steel and HT it not your way but what the technical sheet says. I bet you'll be surprised by the result...

I hate to criticize people personally, but you will really benefit from criticism I guess - you're very productive and talented but you move straight forward without looking around. I don't want to offend you, 4-5 years ago when I was started to knifemaking the most I benefited from was critics on this BF subforum. The good comments kept me on the track but the critics carried me to this point.
 
If I ever need to kill a few zombies, be sure I will give you a call to borrow that beast :D. Great job on that knife!
 
galadduin said:
Hi there,

I have seen your previous works and finally this. The blade profile looks much finished than your previous works, there is a real improvement IMO. But the handle looks very uncomfortable, also to work on the guard and butt cap a bit would compliment the blade. Also the steel you are working on is still an unknown steel, you are glad with the results and I understand you but my suggestion is for once make your next knife from a known steel and HT it not your way but what the technical sheet says. I bet you'll be surprised by the result...

I hate to criticize people personally, but you will really benefit from criticism I guess - you're very productive and talented but you move straight forward without looking around. I don't want to offend you, 4-5 years ago when I was started to knifemaking the most I benefited from was critics on this BF subforum. The good comments kept me on the track but the critics carried me to this point.
Click to expand...
I actually got the “idea” for my handle from a Hibben’s knife. See below. I liked the look of the grip, and it really feels good in my hand.

HibbensHandle.jpg


I am using leaf spring because it works well for me for the time being, and have been advised that it’s fine as long as you follow the HT process correctly. I don’t believe I’m on a straight and narrow path. Since I’ve started, I’ve read several books, lots of advice from many knife makers, and videos of knife makers on the internet. I’m using temperature sticks, magnets, good quality oil for quenching, and I file test each knife to ensure hardness. So as far as my HT goes, I am following each important milestone to ensure the blade reaches all acceptable results.

If you really knew me, you would understand I am not going down a straight path. I’m always trying to learn. The particulars should be fine, so now I focus on the design which is a blast to me; but don’t get me wrong, I do appreciate the input.

Thanks
 
Your knives are improving. I saw the Hibben/Rambo influnce right off. One criticism I have and I hope you take it as constructive, is that I would have left the lines on the edge and spine straight, like the lines of a classic bowie knife.
 
Chris,

What I really like is the name (River) being consistent with the form of the blade. You probably use another approach but consider using a wide Concave/convex water stone meant for gouges. A hand held water stone would nicely sharpen those gentle curves.

Speaking from my personal artistic perspective...I would have followed the river theme into the handle (the top is flat) and softened the butt corners to make it all consistent.

Dean
 
psycho78 said:
Your knives are improving. I saw the Hibben/Rambo influnce right off. One criticism I have and I hope you take it as constructive, is that I would have left the lines on the edge and spine straight, like the lines of a classic bowie knife.
Click to expand...

Hey psycho78,
Just wanted to respond to your thread and felt I probably need to clarify why I designed the knife the way I did. I like to do something just a little different from the next guy. If I would have kept the spine and edge straight it would have not been what I was going for, which was not a classic look.

Thanks for checking out my knife. Believe it our not, I do like the constructive criticism. :D
 
Looks like it wouldn't have any trouble with hordes of zombies!

I think it needs a little more refining, but it's a heck of a chopper as it. The fit and finish will come with time and more knives.

Don't let anyone tell you how to build or what to build. Listen to peoples suggestions and make up your own mind and do it your way.

I would suggest using new steel of a known alloy and heat treat, but I've made knives from scrap mystery steel before and ocasionly still do. I didn't get the consistant performance I get now, but I did get good performance and it was fun and educational and I learned a lot about back yard heat treating. And to me that's one of the things I love about knifemaking.:thumbup:
 
Looks great... I just starting making my first bowie today too. I might even try to incorporate a tutorial. So far, my total length is expected to be 11.5". However, I decided to go with a more classic look... Can't wait to share mine when its done too since I would also love to get critiques on my work...
 
I like it Chris. Make it your way and not like someone elses. That's why we are knifemaker's. Doing something different is one of the keys. You did a good job on the knife and I like doing it your way. :)

Terry
 
Bruce Bump said:
Thanks for the link
I think you should post a pic or two of your bows. Never saw gator on a bow before, should be cool!
Click to expand...

Thanks for the words of encouragement everyone. It means a lot. I'm just trying to do something just a little different, but I still appreciate the honest criticisms from this great forum.

Bruce. Below are some examples, you were asking about, of my bow work, using the dark red gator hide for backings and arrow rests. Enjoy

ExamplesofGatorHideBows.jpg
 
Last edited:
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top