Just finished this up....opinions? Are flats with mill scale finish ok.....or not?

jonnymac44

jonnymac44

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Sep 27, 2007
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I just finished this up. It's the second Bowie Ness-Mac that I've made. .178" D2, flat grind, lightning strike tuxedo handle slabs.

My question is this.....what do you guys think of rough flats on a knife? I kind of like the look of the contrast, but also must admit that it's a product of some of my shop limitations. I usually make smaller blades and do my "surface grinding" on the flat platen on my KMG, which is only 8 inches long. This knife is over 9 inches, so that was a no go. I tried to do it by hand on another knife this size using paper and my surface plate, but that would take 3 months! Instead, I ended up bead blasting the mill scale to clean it up some and then did my usual satin finish on the bevels and swedge. I kind of like how it looks, a bit on the rugged side, but am curious if you think this will limit the appeal of this model.

One of these days, I have GOT to get a surface grinder!!

Here she is....

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It is a good looking knife; I think if there were more contrast (heavier scale) it would be a bit better.

I have done the flats of up to a 12" (biggest so far)knife using the KMG platen. Just let the tang/handle hang off.
 
For me it's a non issue. But I could see how some folks might not like the finish. But those folks are wrong.
Great looking knife!
 
Jonny, you asked, I'ma tell ya. I've tried similar ideas and have not been pleased with the results or how the knives sold. As a cost-saving measure, it simply doesn't hold up.

That knife is an excellent design; your grinds are crisp and clean, the handle is equally well-done. You've clearly put a great deal of thought and work into this knife!

The blotchy, rough, uneven flats are an absolute insult to the whole concept of handmade knives. Our job as handmade/custom knifemakers is to do better than the factories.
 
Thanks guys,

David, I agree heavier scale would be better. The one I did with the heayily acid washed scale compared to the satin flats looked a lot better. Guess I could bring the platen out a little farther and try your method. The way mine is set up now the contact wheels come out just a hair farther than the actual platen so I would end up with a divot. That's an easy adjustment to make though. Thanks for the tip.

James, you make a good point and I'll take it to heart....but I have no problem doing this on knives where the customer asks for it. Some people like it it. Look at Dan Koster's knives.....he had a rough or mill finish on lots of his flats and they have sold quite well, but I see where you're coming from. Thanks for the honest feedback!

Chris, 1shot, and blindfredy..... thank you!
 
Jonny.
(I think I spelt it right this time)
With your mill you can do it there, I've been told with a fly cutter or a grinding wheel set up of some sort. I'm sure someone will pop in say how. A good looking knife, Jonny !!! Frankj
 
I'm afraid I'll have to agree with James. It makes the knife look "unfinished", almost like you rushed to get it done. Scale on some knive is fine IMHO, such as rustic period forged knives or the neo tribal stuff, but you're knives have a reputation for very high quality. Just look at your grind lines and handles. High quality stuff there! I just don't think the scale compliments this knife in anyway.
 
Just me but I like it..I know some folks wont but you know I use knives so much that I know what happens to that pretty satin/1000x/mirror finish the first time I cut the head of a catfish with it:D
Id say try a few and see what happens..Also I completely understand what you mean by being restricted by your shop..Our shop is a blacksmiths shop with knives on the side..Blacksmiths dont have much of a call for surface grinders or variable speed disc grinders..Four anvils, post vices,two forges,umpteen tongs,hammers and hand tools but no KMG..
Our knife finishing equipment consists of a coote grinder, files and sandpaper..Sometimes you have to make due with what you got..Just saying, I understand where your coming from..
 
The first thing I thought of when I saw the knife was Hudson Bay Short Bowie. As such a rougher finish to the flats on the blade and the gentle contrast of the scales to the blade meld well. Growing up I had a friend from a family of honky tonk musicians. Their caveat was simple, "you play for the crowd, not for yourself." If this pattern and finish fits the desires of your customers then you have done very well.
 
Thanks for the input guys. It's been interesting. Naturally not everybody agrees, but that's the nature of opinions :D I appreciate both sides in this discussion.

I guess at this point I can say that I'll continue to work on and improve this rustic type of finish as well as do what I can to expand my abilities and finish a larger blade like this to the same standards as my smaller work. I guess I just need to be creative.

Those of you that like it as is......I'm glad! :) James and Mudbug.....thanks for pushing me a bit on this. I'm gonna see about making a couple that are full satin like my smaller knives.
 
Yeah Erik, but I have to make some adjustments. Check my post above.....my wheels on my platen stick out slightly farther than the platen itself. I'm going to adjust and try it out on the next one.
 
I personally like the to leave my flats a forge finish, as I like the contrast. I get way more orders requesting it that way than not. Everybody likes a different look, and I probably won't get orders from people who prefer a buffer polished blade, but that is ok because I make what I like! If you do another I think it would look better if you left it darker. Money talks, if people like it, they will buy it. If not, they won't. It's all about adapting to your market, while still staying true to what you enjoy making.
 
jonnymac44 said:
Yeah Erik, but I have to make some adjustments. Check my post above.....my wheels on my platen stick out slightly farther than the platen itself. I'm going to adjust and try it out on the next one.
Click to expand...

Got it, maybe I should get into the habit of reading the entire thread! Ha! I will talk to you soon, Blade Mag person.
 
BenR.T. said:
I personally like the to leave my flats a forge finish, as I like the contrast. I get way more orders requesting it that way than not. Everybody likes a different look, and I probably won't get orders from people who prefer a buffer polished blade, but that is ok because I make what I like! If you do another I think it would look better if you left it darker. Money talks, if people like it, they will buy it. If not, they won't. It's all about adapting to your market, while still staying true to what you enjoy making.
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I agree Ben, darker would have been better. I could still do that actually.........

Here is a pic of the one that I acid etched the flats on. I thought it turned out ok.

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Thanks for the post bud!

Erik....you're a smartass!:p:D Talk to ya later.
 
I have done a few knives with similar finishes and I liked the contrast as well. I think that you might make your handle a little more rustic to match the scale on the blade. Maybe bead blast some CF to give it more grip and a duller finish.
 
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