knife number xvi

[Daniel Koster]

I have to use the "xvi" because I have yet to fully "author" an entire knife (which I will then call "1"). I'll get there eventually...

Just a little eye candy for those not going to Blade.


Full Specs:

OAL = 11 5/8"

Blade:
Hidden Tang
Carbon Steel, ~RC60
6 3/4"
"almost convex" edge

Handle:
4 7/8" combo
Moose antler
Brass and vulc. paper spacers
Finish: at least 1 coat of every method I know...

Sheath = 3 layers
4oz. Calf skin liner
6oz. Gold tanned Stingray Skin "inlay"
4oz. Calf skin "trim"

The trim was distressed using various "tools" and then dyed with British tan antiquing dye.

The whole thing was dipped in an elixir of parafin and mink oil, dried and buffed to help "age" it.

The intention of this whole knife is two-fold:

1 - be a real "user"
2 - look like a real "user"

Everything locks up real tight and is very solid.


Most interesting factoid about the sheath:

The stingray is so tough I had to cut it with the bandsaw!



Pics:

Dan

 

[Will52100]

Looks good, I realy like the handle, looks fantastic

Finish: at least 1 coat of every method I know...

 

[Bruce Evans]

She looks really nice,The sheath looks great also.
Bruce

 

[Daniel Koster]

Thanks, guys! Not necessarily looking for any validation. It's not up to spec - I know. Just wanted to share.

But Bruce - you get all the blame for me getting up to my elbows in parafin...!!

I followed your tutorial to a tee and it the result was better than expected.

Thanks!

Dan

 

[Bruce Bump]

Dan I like the design and sheath. I saw this one in your video thread. It cuts like a razor! Its a mans knife for sure. I wouldnt want that one in the hands of a mad woman!

 

[Phil Tham]

I really like your handle work! Great lookin knife!

 

[Andrew McLurkin]

I really like the handle. Good modern, yet earthy thing going on. Not easy to pull off. Looking forward to XVII.

 

[rlinger]

Dan! That's great work. What do mean you haven't made the entire knife yet?? What part of your's is so far missing??


Roger

 

[clint c]

Good job Dan, I'm impressed! The sheath is spectacular, and your handle work looks first rate. Keep it up!

Clint

 

[Daniel Koster]

Bruce, Phil, Roger and Clint - you guys are all great and have been so helpful to me. I have a lot of respect for you guys. I am truly in your debt. Thanks for the kind words.

Andrew - xvii is definitely in the works! However, I'm hoping I get to "1" first...

Roger - I've done everything except grind out a blade from raw stock. Most of my blades come from blanks or resurrected blades (like this one) - some get completely reprofiled (like this one as well). I'm pretty sure I'll do ok grinding, just haven't made the leap yet.


The sheath was definitely a lot of fun. You can't tell from the pic, but it's very thick. No messin' around with this one - like Bruce said.

Dan

 

[rlinger]

Dan,

You're go'n to have to start breathing some dust pal. It ain't fair you live forever and we die so soon .

I anticipate you having very little problem learning the grind. Really nice work.

Roger

 

[Daniel Koster]

Oh, I get my fair share of dust. I had to grind stingray yesterday - blech! :barf: :barf: :barf:

I reprofiled a bowie the other day that has a 7/16" thick spine and a 2.25" belly... *cough* *cough* *cough*...even with a respirator. Didn't matter though, I was completely covered with the stuff by nightfall. :grumpy:

I'm still paying my dues. Y'all keep me coming back.

 

[John Andrews]

Dusty Dan, that's what we will call you! I have came out of the shop so dusty I wasn't sure my dog wasn't going to bite me. Yep, you are getting the hang of it. You are ready for the blade grinding, guy. I like your work, too. Another good point is you stay with it and work to be a full fledged maker. Only makers stick it out and sharpen their skills. Handle making is my favorite part of making, too. Ya doin' alright, fella!

 

[RHINOKNIVES]

looks cool to me! now its time to grind your own!

 

[ddavelarsen]

Wow Dan you've been doing all this work in secret or what?! Good stuff man, can't wait to track you down at Blade. Did I hear you're stopping to see John on the way through Iowa? Hope so, they don't come any better than that. John Andrews is one in a million, you lucked out when you found him.

Good luck grinding your new blade! Once you've finished a knife all your own you'll never go back.

Your sheath is fantastic too! I know about cutting rayskin; I take it this is raw, not tanned? It's beautiful! You really got it going on this one Dan, congratulations.

Dave

 

[Daniel Koster]

Wahooo!!!!!!


The Blade Show rocks!!!

I've got internet access here at my hotel so perhaps I'll post some pics in the morning.

Dave and Roger - Got myself a few bars of steel...