Made it ugly but learned some things I think (pics)

[Trick]

Well, I couldn't leave well enough alone and screwed it up but I learned a few things. Is there going to be a 2004 ugly knife contest?

1. I think most important.... NO MORE EBAY BELTS!!! It's no excuse but d@mnit, those belts won't track worth a crap. It throws the knife all over the platen and I have to push really hard to keep it from jumping. Not hopping and banging off the platen but doing like wax on, wax off circles. I have one wore out 3m 320 grit belt that I got at an auction that tracks awesome even though it won't grind. Throw any of the 10 400 grit ebay belts on and they run left to right probably 1/4" or more just running. I have to leave my grinder on the highest speed because the slower speeds makes it worse on all the cheap belts I have. I used the wore out 3m belt to get it where it is but it would not take out the deeper scratches.

2. I got to ease up and let the grinder do the work I think. I can kinda sorta grind putting weight on it but I am just so tense. I was putting a death grip on it and I think that makes it easier for me to move in and out.

I am sorry if it sounds like I am making excuses and I know I have so much to learn. But I was ready to throw this knife a bunch of times and I don't even want to feel like that doing something I want to do.
Here are some new pictures. I got my flash working so the pics have a little more detail but they still suck bad with out using my tripod and shutter release. I can't take a picture worth a crap when it shines like it does. I saw a picture of an old Bowie and thought I would put a false edge farther down the blade and now wish I didn't. Oh well. Thanks for any advice and advice already given.
Oh, if I finish this knife now at all I am going to go with copper. That stainless is a PitA to work. I still have to work the sholders for this copper I have.
Ric

 

[peter ryt]

your harder on you than I am on me. I looked hard, and the only thing I saw was that you did a great job turning the major skuffs into minor scratches. Look at it when it is nice and shiny, and it looks perfect. This is nuts for a first knife. Lighten up on yourself.

 

[Piney]

I think your doing great. Your obviously meticulous and very concerned with detail and it shows. If your progression continues at this rate I can’t wait to see what you are doing in a year.

 

[Will52100]

Not to shabby, I don't grind that well eigther, but I have learned how to clean up a grind, elbow grease and sand paper can work wonders! There's nothing wrong with that blade, just try a little hand rubing, starting with 220 or 320 grit and a flat piece of metal or wood with a strip of leather glued to it and work out any imperfections you see and go from there. I say imperfections you see as you will see more imperfections than the most eagle eyed customer.

Over all a good job, especialy on the secondary edge. If this is your first knife, your lightyears beyond where most of us started.

 

[Trick]

Thanks for the kind words. I have been checking out old bowies on the net and in books and I see what is different. Most have plunge lines on the spine on the secondary edge and I think that is what I don't like about mine. But I think I better not try to make them now. They are actually pretty even but the one picture with the shadow makes it look like they are not. I need to get it shipped to be heat treated. I don't think I am going to give up on it, just use it as a lesson. I still have to do the shoulders yet before I send it off. After I get it back I will clean it up some and then probably hand sand it for a few days. We will see what happens. I will post it even if I completely ruin it later.