Knife #3

[raydermonk]

Just completed my 3rd knife, and thought I'd share a couple photos. It's my first time posting pics, so please pardon the quality. Now that summer's over here in AZ, I was able to get back into the shop (garage) without it being too brutal.

This is my 3rd attempt at completing a knife, so I obviously have LOTS of room for improvement. While I'm pretty happy with some aspects of this one (there's a reason I don't have pics of #1....:barf, the mistakes that I make seem to teach me a few more lessons for the next project. My grinds are awful, and I could probably be a little more patient with the finishing touches vs. getting excited to complete the job. This was the first time using a natural material for the handle, and I'm pretty pleased with the pattern.

At any rate, I welcome any and all comments, as this forum has been my #1 resource for learning what to do as I get started in this fantastic (and addictive) hobby. As you can see by my post count, I tend to do a lot more reading & learning than I do typing!

Specs:
1/8", O-1 Steel
Birdseye Maple scales
1/4" pins
OAL = 7 3/4"
Handle = 4"
Blade = 3 3/8th"
Convex Grind

Ah, what the heck. Here's my second knife I finished a few months ago.

Specs:
3/16", O-1 Steel
Olive Green Canvas Micarta
1/4" pins
OAL = 8"
Handle = 4.5"
Blade = 3"
Low Flat Grind

 

[Utican]

Nice work man, I love that maple where did you get it?

 

[fast14riot]

Great job! I cant give any advice on the metal work, but on the handle don't be afraid to go back and keep shaping even after you applied finish! What I do is think of the handle shape in facets or planes and do all my major material removal with a HARD sanding block or wood plane with sandpaper taped to it and clamped upside down in the vise. Much easier to get symmetry with flat shapes and then come back to round out the transitions.

That wood sure is purdy! I have always been a sucka for figured maple! Maple combined with the silver pins is a nice touch. What finish did you use? Is it stabilized?


-Xander

 

[raydermonk]

Thanks for the compliments guys, much appreciated!

It's been a while since I bought these scales, and I kind of got them on a whim....I've only worked with micarta, and this stuff was a bit more challenging IMO. Anyway, they're birdseye maple, and they were extremely cheap, from Texas Knifemaker Supply (I believe). Once I figured out that I needed a very coarse belt to keep this stuff from burning, it wasn't too bad. I just had to keep the Grizzly from taking off too much wood when I wasn't looking.

This wood is not stabilized (it can't be for what I paid for it), and I haven't done anything to seal it yet. I used the sander to shape with an 80 grit belt, then hand sanded with 150, 220, 400 & 600. Finished it on the buffer, put a little honing oil on it to brighten up the color, and wiped it down. That's it for now, but I'd gladly take any advice on how to complete it.

Great advice Fast14....I actually do want to take down some of the handle near the choil, so I'll definitely use your vice/sanding block method. And I like the SS pins too, but I kinda wish there was some mosaic stuff in my shop for this one. Next time I guess!