My 2nd knife a few questions.

[Solvable]

My 2nd Knife, still needs some refining of the handle, final sharpening and a better polish on the blade.

1095 Steel, jade G10 handle.

After I acid etched I noticed that the blade came out two tone, which I assume is becaus ethe blade didn't heat treat evenly. The blade is definitely harder than the spine. What is the best way to finish it after the etch.? I like the black color, and I may dip it again, but is it ok to leave that coating on, it seemed pretty thick? Also any way to make that finish a little more scratch resistant.

Also any tips for filling in a small gap at the front of the handle where the epoxy didn't seem to fill in? I was trying not to get it on the blade and may have gone a little light up front.

I did get the blade hotter than that first photo shows, ran it up to non magnetic and soaked for a few minutes before I quenched in canola oil.

I'm only using a 1x40 belt grinder, so having a little trouble smoothing out the handle, ended up having to do most of it by hand.






[

 

[unwisefool]

You might want to post in the knifemakers subforum, lots of knowledgeable people there. You can request a mod move this thread for you.

 

[Solvable]

You might want to post in the knifemakers subforum, lots of knowledgeable people there. You can request a mod move this thread for you.

Thanks,
Didn't realize I did that, it's still early, and out of coffee.

 

[N.W. Gean]

Looks you got a hamon there. 1095 is shallow hardening and finicky about quench oil and temperature. In the future, you might try 1084 or 8670, both are fairly easy to harden.

 

[Ron Raducanu]

I'm very new so can't really offer any advice, but that's a cool little knife. I also really like the stand/frame you put together for the forge. Well done!

 

[Stacy E. Apelt - Bladesmith]

Looks good. The handle will look and work better if you make the front a curve from the spine to the handle. The angled end is not as attractive and will wear or chip in use.

 

[Solvable]

Looks good. The handle will look and work better if you make the front a curve from the spine to the handle. The angled end is not as attractive and will wear or chip in use.

Which angled end do you mean where it meets the blade? Or do you mean the spine of the knife should be curved?

 

[Solvable]

I'm very new so can't really offer any advice, but that's a cool little knife. I also really like the stand/frame you put together for the forge. Well done!

Thanks, its not as small as it looks it's 7ninches overall with a 3 7/8" blade. The forge stand was some scrap I had laying around. Works pretty well for a 40 dollar forge.

 

[Solvable]

Looks you got a hamon there. 1095 is shallow hardening and finicky about quench oil and temperature. In the future, you might try 1084 or 8670, both are fairly easy to harden.

I did my first out of 1084 and it heat treated more evenly. I don't mind the hamon, since it's going to be used for work the spine will be a little tougher this way I figure.

 

[Stacy E. Apelt - Bladesmith]

If you follow the front of the handle down from the spine, you see it stops above the choil and then changes direction back to the handle bottom. If this was a slight curve instead of an angle it would look better.
These images should show what I mean:

 

[TheEdge01]

If you follow the front of the handle down from the spine, you see it stops above the choil and then changes direction back to the handle bottom. If this was a slight curve instead of an angle it would look better.
These images should show what I mean:

Dang it!!!! I thought for a second that you finally posted some of your work.

 

[Solvable]

Dang it!!!! I thought for a second that you finally posted some of your work.

If you follow the front of the handle down from the spine, you see it stops above the choil and then changes direction back to the handle bottom. If this was a slight curve instead of an angle it would look better.

Gotcha, I think I can work that corner back without beating the blade up, at least I'll give it a shot. I knew something looked off couldn't put my finger on it though. Any advice on how to bring out the hamon. I feel like if I try to polish the blade after I etch I end up loosing it, even If I am very careful.