March of Dimes charity project 2009 WIP

Thanks Keith. It really is turning out quite well. I just like a little more on my end before it leaves out again. I will post more shots this afternoon.
 
Hi John,

Your list of contributors is a superstars list, by every measure. I am privileged to be included. :thumbup:

Excellent.

Coop
 
Keith has it right, a heck of a nice knife for a good cause, and by a bunch of good folks.

John
 
This is going to be an awesome piece - that stag is dreamy. Hats off to all you guys that do those frame handles and do them well. The whole idea makes my head hurt. Love the result, though.

Roger
 
Hi Everyone,

When I was asked to participate on this knife I was honored. I do have a personal connection with the March of Dimes. My son was born premature 2 lbs 2 ozs, he dropped to 1lb 10ozs until he stablized and became a "feeder". If you have never been in a neo-natal wing of a hospital it is hard to imagine these little guys and gals fighting for their lives. I cannot thank the March of dimes enough on the research that they have sponsored over the years to give these children a fighting chance. Luckily my boy came through the ordeal just fine. He has none of the lasting effects that are possible when born premature. He is healthy, smart and just plain mischevious.

In fact the boy usually takes my pics for me during a tutorial but he was unavailble when I was making this. so unfortunately you will have to suffer through with my terrible pics.

Craig
 
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I started taking pics after I had the damascus made and surface ground. This is the piece I started with to make the guard.

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Here I have measured the width of the tang and transfered it to the stock. I have used a drill bit to measure the thickness of the tang and use it to mark my spots where I will center punch the center of the holes I will drill.
 
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Here is the center punched stock. From here I will drill out the holes. I then mill a slot to connect the holes.


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Here is the guard slot hand filed to fit up flush to the ricasso.
 
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This is the dapping block set that I use to form the domes on which the clam shels will be filed.


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I wish I would have had someone around when I forged the domes in and set the angles for the S guard but unfortunatly I didn't. Here is the rough forged domes and shaped S-guard.
 
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This is what the domes look like from the backside and the top.


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Here is a couple of shots as I worked the guard to final dimensions. Right after this I filed in the clamshells. I did not get any pics of the filing or of the completed guard. As I mentioned it was an honor to work on this and I hope everyone is enjoying the tutorials as this one comes togather.
 
Thanks everyone, and thank you Craig for coming on board with this project. After almost a week of stressing, and cussing:D I am finally finished with my handle. It has a wrought iron frame and spacer, with the wrought iron coming from a grain terminal that was built in Wisconson in the 1800's that is being torn down for reclaimed timbers. The spacer, frame and butt cap are lined with nickle silver with coined edges.The butt cap is carved and fluted random damascus I had on hand, and the finial nut is made from some of Craig's damascus that I carved into a shell.The scales are amber stag from Culpepper.There is a total of 19 parts in this handle.I am not going to post a shot of all the elements together until I get the glamor shot in from Coop. It goes to Terry next final blade finish and assembly.He is also going to peen the pins in the handle and spin them for me.Paul Long will be up after that. Anyone going to the Arkansas show in Feb. can see the completed piece there on either Terry's or Craigs table. They will both have donation tickets for purchase also.
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Here's a teaser pic of Paul Long's contribution ot this project.I tell ya, his work never ceases to amaze me!I could'nt get one of the shots to upload , but the sheath does also have Paul's trademark bowtie retention strap.
Anyone going tp the Arkansas show be sure to stop by Terry Vandeventer's table to see this piece and buy a chance or two. Craig will also have chances available on his table.
After the show this piece will be off to Coop for his magic. When I get the shot from Jim I will start another thread and post the knife and tell a little about it. I will also start the internet sales of the chances and tell everyone that wants to participate how to do so.

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Awesome job you guys its projects like this that say's a lot about knifemakers period.

Thanks for sharing
SPencer
 
Thanks Spence. I really am grateful to all the talented artistsans that came on board this year, and hopefully the funds we raise will make a difference in some child's life.
 
Thanks Kevin and Joe.Joe the ticket sales have'nt started yet, but they will soon and I will let everyone know when they do and how to purchase them.
 
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