Khukri Progress Photos

a quick question......
Since the walnut has open pores, did the multiple coats of tru-oil with armorall fill them?
Did you sand between coats? or just build up multiple layers?
I am curious about your handle finishing process because the walnut turned out great.
Based on the last photo it looks like you were able to get a completely smooth surface on the wood.
 
Burl Source said:
a quick question......
Since the walnut has open pores, did the multiple coats of tru-oil with armorall fill them?
Did you sand between coats? or just build up multiple layers?
I am curious about your handle finishing process because the walnut turned out great.
Based on the last photo it looks like you were able to get a completely smooth surface on the wood.
Click to expand...

Hey Mark...
I actually took some advise from earlier threads by you and some other folks, and did some sanding with straight Tru-Oil early in the process. I built up a slurry in those early coats, and think that took care of most of the pore filling. Once I hit the ArmorAll stage, I just sprayed on a few drops of it, rubbed it until the handle was evenly damp all over, then rubbed Tru-Oil on after. While the oil was still wet, I'd remove excess by wiping off my finger with a paper towel... rub more, then wipe finger again. As the oil sets up, the handle starts taking on a glassy (semi-solid) feel... and then it's time to stop. If I kept rubbing after this, the finish just got goopy.

During the ArmorAll stage, I'd lay down maybe three applications before letting things really cure for awhile. After a solid cure, I'd rub down with Norton synthetic 0000 steel wool (white pad), then do some more.

Because of the issue mentioned at the end of post 10, my final (fixit) coats had to be done after the pin was installed and peened. These costs were straight oil, as the ArmorAll mix would set-up too quickly in the creases around the pin. The straight oil gave me a bit more time to smooth things out in that area. Lesson-learned though... I'll be way more careful with my pin length next time. ;)

I still have a long way to go with this Tru-Oil stuff... but it really seems to be a quality product for this type of project. Most of the beauty in this handle, though, is rooted in the awesome block of stabilized walnut that you sold me. :thumbup:

Now, I just need to find some time to shoot more photos.

Erin
 
Man! Thats gorgeous. Im a Khukri nut too. You really should post a pic of this over at Himalayan Imports forum (Cantina?). I know my buds would love to see that! Fantastic job. Love the bolster and all the subtle traditional touches:thumbup:...Wow!
Are you going to make a Karda and Chakma to go with it?:D
 
Here are a few more photos.

I wanted to try and bring out more detail... so I started digging around Youtube for tips on product/knife photography. That's when I stumble upon THIS little gem from Andy Shinosky on light painting and product photography. He comes up with some really nice knife photos using nothing but his camera, a tripod, an iPad, a keychain flashlight and a dark room. Oh... and Photoshop. ;)

This was my first attempt with his method.

18978577055_5696325536_b.jpg


Not too bad, but I still wanted to show more angles... and setup for multiple angles was a snap without big lights and the bulky tent.

18969335106_df4ea0769e_b.jpg


Overall, I think the images turned out fairly well.

Thanks again for following along.
Erin
 
The images turned out great.
If you ever give up on knife making, you might have a future in knife photography.

The finish on the walnut looks great! Very cool knife too.
 
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