More Whittling!

T

T. C. Weston

Joined
Apr 10, 2011
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153
I've been flat on my back sick for the last few days, but finally got the energy up to go out and put the CAK to work. I had a scrap piece of yew, and this old Ukrainian axe head (circa 1984) that needed a handle. So far, so good!


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T. C. Weston said:
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I like the yew, it gives an old-world look that complements the head.

Your personal preference rules, but to my eye the head is meant to be hafted "upside down" from what is shown here. If the curved portion is underneath (instead of on top), then one's hand can fit better when choking up all the way for finer work.

(The top of the eye is usually wider than the bottom, so that the handle stays on better when wedged, so measurements might disprove my theory.)
 
The axe head is definitely different than what I am used to. It must be on right, because if you do a search for "Russian Axe" you will come up with all kinds of pictures showing it oriented this way. One thing I love about these axes is the way the metal rings when you chop with it. It kind of sings to you while your doing your work.

There was a big glob of steel in the eye at the back that needed filing down. I don't think I got it completely flush, so that will need more work in the future.

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Cool project! I have a similar gigantic Russian axe head that I've been meaning to haft. I'll post a picture of it when I get home.
 
And...done!

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The handle is done at least, the oil should be dry enough by tomorrow. I worked on the head a bit and sanded most of the rust and paint off, took a file to the edge. It's been a lousy vacation, but at least I have something to show for it now.
 
turned out nice. you now have a nice end to your vacation and will remember that axe, and forget whatever else happened. or didn't.
 
So, here are this weekend's efforts. My KLUVK came with a sheath, but no karda or chakma. A slight break with tradition, instead of a chakma to keep the edge straight, I'm incorporating a fire steel. The old Tramontina paring knife is ideal, just the right size, but I will have to cut down the handle. The handle material is seasoned yew.

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It was a nice try, but the while the yew worked fine for the firesteel, it split out on the blade. I instead had to use some of the cherry I recently cut down.
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There it is. I now have a complete rig!
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Additionally, I also re-handled the sledge hammer with a piece of black locust. It was a good weekend, with lots of quality time with the KLUVK!
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I done some whittling this weekend too, most productive weekend I've had in quite a spell. I wish I could make a handle like you do, I got a few sledges that need new handles for sure.

Here's what I done.


The light colored grips I had done I just half checkered them. The other "Walnut" was from scratch and got them done too. If my arms were a little longer I'd probably pat myself on the back, course my neck has a semi permanent kink in it which wouldn't help much.




Sorry to pile onto your thread TC but there wasn't a single post most of yesterday and none today till yours. I was just happy to see someone else was still alive out there.
 
By all means, pile on! Those grips are beautiful. I've got a 1911 that I want to put moose antler scales on someday. Got the antler, just haven't got to it yet. No, I welcome anyone to show off their woodworking skills on this thread.
 
Don't know that I ever held Moose Antler before, not idea what it's like.
Is it fibrous with a hard outside like many antlers or pretty dense all the way through?
 
Ivory is tough, I've worked it some and its darn tough.

Cut it on a bandsaw and sparks fly, you know it's hard.
 
T. C. Weston said:
My KLUVK came with a sheath, but no karda or chakma. A slight break with tradition
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Lucky you, the Keshar Lal Villager Utility Knife (KLVUK) usually don't come with scabbards.
But I've seen Auntie matching orphan scabbards with orphan Kuks before.
I once got one very large Bowie (not a giant) sold as a blem because the sheath was lost in transit. Auntie shipped it with a traditional wood/leather scabbard obviously made for a standard kukri.
The Bowie happened to sit nicely in it.
 
Bawanna said:
I done some whittling this weekend too, most productive weekend I've had in quite a spell. I wish I could make a handle like you do, I got a few sledges that need new handles for sure.

Here's what I done.
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Wahhhhhh! Me like it. I'd love to see my SR1911 in these pants!
 
TCW, yew make good handles. bawanna makes nice grips too! those light ones would have looked good on my worn out ol' mkIV series '70 with the pachmayr grips and the gold inlayed engraving. darn thing was so loose i had to be real careful to keep them in the black at 50 yds. bit easier when they weren't moving tho. last i saw of it she was guarding the family diner in hartselle, alabama for my BIL, who has now passed over the bridge.
 
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