Photos Kepharts...They just Work

I just made a pair of them in 3V at 60 HRC.
They just emerged from the USPS black hole to arrive at a kydex sheathmaker today.
I looked at an article about the original and it emphasized the raised part of the front of the handle that is missing in many modern versions.
Here is a pic from that article and a few of mine.
I took the grind quite thin with a slight convex.
I left a bit more meat near the tip and did a swedge.
The final bevel is 20 degrees per side.
(cuts very well)
S2H2GLr.png

5SNvvNJ.jpg

CMfzzmR.jpg

Z7VDa5A.jpg
 
Richard338 said:
I just made a pair of them in 3V at 60 HRC.
They just emerged from the USPS black hole to arrive at a kydex sheathmaker today.
I looked at an article about the original and it emphasized the raised part of the front of the handle that is missing in many modern versions.
Here is a pic from that article and a few of mine.
I took the grind quite thin with a slight convex.
I left a bit more meat near the tip and did a swedge.
The final bevel is 20 degrees per side.
(cuts very well)
S2H2GLr.png

5SNvvNJ.jpg

CMfzzmR.jpg

Z7VDa5A.jpg
Click to expand...
Beautiful work, Richard. Absolutely beautiful. Are they for sale or keeps?
 
Here's my latest, a custom order in NitroV with client spec'ed blue terotuff scales, black micarta liners and brass pins. All the usual features including convex grinds on spine and bevel and the flared fronts. One slight variant is a subtle leaf shaped blade that I really like. Shipped out today.21-18 3.jpg 21-18 4.jpg 21-18 9.jpg 21-18 2.jpg
 
John Cahoon said:
Here's my latest, a custom order in NitroV with client spec'ed blue terotuff scales, black micarta liners and brass pins. All the usual features including convex grinds on spine and bevel and the flared fronts. One slight variant is a subtle leaf shaped blade that I really like. Shipped out today.View attachment 1537850 View attachment 1537851 View attachment 1537852 View attachment 1537853
Click to expand...

That's the nicest terotuf finish I've ever seen. Usually it looks a bit rougher by the nature of the material. Almost looks like a blue dyed maple. I like the slight hues of black that came through (from the liners?).
 
John, she's one sweet-arse blade. Somebody's getting a blade that will serve them very well for life!
Thanks for the description and pics.
I'm sure Horace would be proud of that modern Kephart.
 
Hi bikerector bikerector we decided on a 400 grit finish, so not too slick. Getting rid of the white fuzzy fibers was a chore. I'm not sure on the translucence though, the scales are pretty thin but I didn't notice any light shining thru before glueup? I had assumed it was part of the structure of the terotuff. Maybe someone who's worked with it a lot more can enlighten us?
 
John Cahoon said:
Hi bikerector bikerector we decided on a 400 grit finish, so not too slick. Getting rid of the white fuzzy fibers was a chore. I'm not sure on the translucence though, the scales are pretty thin but I didn't notice any light shining thru before glueup? I had assumed it was part of the structure of the terotuff. Maybe someone who's worked with it a lot more can enlighten us?
Click to expand...

Not sure. I'm used to seeing the white fibers. Really makes it stand out from micarta. I only have one example with terotuf but I really like the feel. Would've sprung for a CPK Kephart had he offered it as an option.
 
Custom Kephart from Erickson Knife Works in 3v with ironwood handles. I used FeCl3 to etch the blade. Wanted a traditional Kephart with a steel that wouldn't need to be sharpened often and could withstand the narrow 3/32 blade stock. Couldn't be happier with the knife. He made it to my exact specs and then I was able to age it and give it the look I wanted.

OctTsVH.jpg
 
Midwest Firecraft said:
Custom Kephart from Erickson Knife Works in 3v with ironwood handles. I used FeCl3 to etch the blade. Wanted a traditional Kephart with a steel that wouldn't need to be sharpened often and could withstand the narrow 3/32 blade stock. Couldn't be happier with the knife. He made it to my exact specs and then I was able to age it and give it the look I wanted.

OctTsVH.jpg
Click to expand...
Looking real good Midwest. She should serve you well.
I too have a Kephart (inspired) in 3V and would love to know your technique with the forced patina.
 
Made FeCL3 with Hydrochloric acid, steel wool, and an aquarium pump. Store in a 3-4 inch pvc with threaded cap. Make sure the steel is clean, then wipe with alcohol. Use metal wire to lower knife in. 1095 goes in about 5 minutes. 3v can take 20 minutes depending on desired outcome. I like to lightly (I use a fine ,white) 3M scotch-bright pad to knock down the patina.
"The problem with corrosion on 3V is the presence of oxides in the steel at the surface. It's a product of the production process and is what makes the steel susceptible to the rust spots/pitting that can happen. By etching the steel, I remove those oxides and even though the patina in many circumstances might increase susceptibility to corrorion, it doesn't in this case, possibly because I brush the steel back to a fine finish after etching." Jerry Hossom
 
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Midwest Firecraft said:
Made FeCL3 with Hydrochloric acid, steel wool, and an aquarium pump. Store in a 3-4 inch pvc with threaded cap. Make sure the steel is clean, then wipe with alcohol. Use metal wire to lower knife in. 1095 goes in about 5 minutes. 3v can take 20 minutes depending on desired outcome. I like to lightly (I use a fine ,white) 3M scotch-bright pad to knock down the patina.
"The problem with corrosion on 3V is the presence of oxides in the steel at the surface. It's a product of the production process and is what makes the steel susceptible to the rust spots/pitting that can happen. By etching the steel, I remove those oxides and even though the patina in many circumstances might increase susceptibility to corrorion, it doesn't in this case, possibly because I brush the steel back to a fine finish after etching." Jerry Hossom
Click to expand...
Thanks brother. Is there a process for making the FeCL3? I've been wanting to go this for a few years with no luck of finding hope until you came along.
 
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