Knife #10 and a story

M

Mark Redmon

Joined
Nov 7, 2007
Messages
451
I just wrapped up #10. I’ll admit, I got in over my head on this, but it was for a good reason. Last fall my girlfriend came back from visiting her grandfather with whom she’s very close. He sent her home with a heavily abused knife that her father had. That in itself isn’t a big deal, but her father died when she was only three, and that knife is literally the only thing she has of his. The knife is a Case 523-5 early model. I did my best to remove the rust and polish it up, but there was severe pitting and I didn’t want to regrind it and remove the “character” left by her father and grandfather. After I got it cleaned up, I mentioned that I thought it was a pretty cool design, and maybe I’d make one similar someday. She said I should make one for her grandfather, and I thought that was an excellent Idea. Anyway, below are pictures of what I came up with. We’re heading up there to visit for the weekend, so I got it done just in time. It’s not perfect, and was a bit outside my comfort zone and skill level, but all-in-all, I thought it came out ok. It was my first soldered guard, first mirror polish (first that I didn’t give up on at least) and first time working with stag. Also my third leather sheath. As far as the stag goes… you’ll notice it’s been ground smooth. I misjudged the radius of the roll that I cut into slabs, and it all had to go. I actually like the look of it… lot’s of character, and take a great polish.

Here is the old knife that was the inspiration for this project (prior to being cleaned up):
Case523-5.jpg


Here's my interpretation of the design:
BK_a.jpg


BK_b.jpg


BK_c.jpg


BK_d.jpg

Specs:
1/8” thick D2
Blade Length: 5 1/8” tip to guard
Overall Length: 9 ½”
Hardware: 416 Stainless
Scales: Smooth Sambar Stag
Sheath: Hand stitched 8-9 oz. cowhide

Thanks for looking,
Mark
 
First off nice job, so so much nicer than the original.
I hope he appreciates it, but I am sure he will.
Chris
 
Wow what a great job. When I look at the original I am thinking the recuve in it might have come from a lot of sharpening but non the less yours really picks up on the essense of the old one. Also it is something like this project that hepls to to increase your skill, you did a really nice job.
I have a old knife like that from my father, I cleaned it up for my son and also decided to try and make a newer one for my son, which got me started in knifemaking.
 
I think you did a wonderful job Mark.....that new knife is probably better than the original ever was.
 
A great job,you should step outside your comfort zone more often.It will make you grow as a maker.
Stan
 
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