Looking For Feedback |Hidden Tang

[J. Keeton]

Hey guys, I recently constructed my second forged hidden tang knife and per my normal process I videoed the build. I'm looking for some tips/tricks/SOPs/hacks from you guys to refine, improve, enhance, speed up my process.

It may not seem like the the area I had the most trouble with, but any tips on getting the through holes though the wood blocks would be great... I had some trouble getting the slot though the block straight and lined up with the hole I placed in the handle for the finnial. I was thinking of trying to mill a slot in the block as deep as I could next time to act as a large pilot. (Note I was also thinking of splitting my handle block next time and milling out the slot on both sides. Then epoxying the block back together. I think I've seen people use this technique with "frame" handles)

Any comments on what I could do to improve would be much appreciated!

Cheers,
JKeeton

 

[scott kozub]

Haven't had a chance to watch the video yet but the picture looks fantastic. Looking forward to the video. Your production level is always very good.

 

[Blackdirt cowboy]

Awesome build and I really enjoyed the video. Couple questions for you. What mini mill are you using and where did you get that awesome surface grinder attachment?

 

[Stacy E. Apelt - Bladesmith]

That looks superb! Nice video.

To get the end holes lined up, start a hole from each end. Let them meet where the bend in the handle is. That way you can use a broach or wobble a drill bit in the holes to make the curved tang go through.

 

[J. Keeton]

Haven't had a chance to watch the video yet but the picture looks fantastic. Looking forward to the video. Your production level is always very good.

Thank you, sir!

Awesome build and I really enjoyed the video. Couple questions for you. What mini mill are you using and where did you get that awesome surface grinder attachment?

I'm using the Sieg X2D mini mill. This one was purchased from Harbor Freight, but many companies sell the same mill with different stickers on it. If if you're in the market, I would highly advise purchasing the Sieg X2D from little machine shop. Their version has a fixed column and comes with some other upgrades on the machine. Well worth the few added dollars.

I built the SGA based on plans and help I received here on blade forums!

Home made SGA thread - https://bladeforums.com/threads/home-built-surface-grinder.1532559/

My SGA build:

That looks superb! Nice video.

To get the end holes lined up, start a hole from each end. Let them meet where the bend in the handle is. That way you can use a broach or wobble a drill bit in the holes to make the curved tang go through.

Thank you very much, sir! I will attempt that method.

 

[Richard Coyle]

Hey guys, I recently constructed my second forged hidden tang knife and per my normal process I videoed the build. I'm looking for some tips/tricks/SOPs/hacks from you guys to refine, improve, enhance, speed up my process.

It may not seem like the the area I had the most trouble with, but any tips on getting the through holes though the wood blocks would be great... I had some trouble getting the slot though the block straight and lined up with the hole I placed in the handle for the finnial. I was thinking of trying to mill a slot in the block as deep as I could next time to act as a large pilot. (Note I was also thinking of splitting my handle block next time and milling out the slot on both sides. Then epoxying the block back together. I think I've seen people use this technique with "frame" handles)

Any comments on what I could do to improve would be much appreciated!

Cheers,
JKeeton

Interesting video. I think the knife looks great!
My only little nitpick would be the guard. It seems a little meh, or uninteresting. You got the sweet filing on the spacer and the chamfer on the buttcap, but the guard is just flat. Obviously this is purely aesthetic and some people might like the flat look, but I feel like the guard could use more detail.
Overall though, I think it turned out fantastic!

 

[J. Keeton]

Interesting video. I think the knife looks great!
My only little nitpick would be the guard. It seems a little meh, or uninteresting. You got the sweet filing on the spacer and the chamfer on the buttcap, but the guard is just flat. Obviously this is purely aesthetic and some people might like the flat look, but I feel like the guard could use more detail.
Overall though, I think it turned out fantastic!

Thanks for your comments!

 

[john april]

i do the mortise as well, splitting the handle in half and either routing out each side with my dremel tool and router attachment tip, or the mini mill with an endmill. i like using it for takedowns especially because you can make it a hair too small, and fit each side with a file for a no-wiggle friction fit.

 

[Scaniaman]

Very nice work there, looks like great craftmanship.
I too would change the guard a little. Not so much because of looks, but because a flat guard with square edges can be uncomfortable to push up on when using the knife.

 

[FredyCro]

Another great vid and knife , I have seen all the techniques already on yt by the same makers you quoted, but your vid shows some great detail and I like that you explain why and how you did certain thing, its a great insight, thank you.
I would echo the others on the guard, but I understand your focus was on the general approach to a take down construction. Rounding the guard or taking the edges down to 45s, or doing some other file work will be a game next time.

 

[J. Keeton]

i do the mortise as well, splitting the handle in half and either routing out each side with my dremel tool and router attachment tip, or the mini mill with an endmill. i like using it for takedowns especially because you can make it a hair too small, and fit each side with a file for a no-wiggle friction fit.

Excellent, I will give this a go! Thank you.

Very nice work there, looks like great craftmanship.
I too would change the guard a little. Not so much because of looks, but because a flat guard with square edges can be uncomfortable to push up on when using the knife.

Thanks for your comment, sir. The scotch brite belt knocked down that corner a little, but I agree it should be fully rounded with sanding.

Another great vid and knife , I have seen all the techniques already on yt by the same makers you quoted, but your vid shows some great detail and I like that you explain why and how you did certain thing, its a great insight, thank you.
I would echo the others on the guard, but I understand your focus was on the general approach to a take down construction. Rounding the guard or taking the edges down to 45s, or doing some other file work will be a game next time.

Thank you! Much appreciated. I'll get that guard more rounded on the next round for sure.

 

[scott kozub]

Got around to watching the video. Great work as usual.

I have to admit the im surprised how well you mini mill worked on the stainless steel. I've been eying one but fears of not working on metal very well gave scared me. I'd love one with a dro for drilling and guards.

 

[Mattz1983]

Nice work!! Love the pattern of the wood grain on the handle!