My 3rd knife DIDN'T Sell for ANYthing!

W

WYK

Joined
Jan 11, 2005
Messages
238
I just made this one for my brother. It's a copy of the first Bowie I designed and had Chris Bowles grind out for me - I used it as a template for this one. The clip is not as straight and the blade grind is not perfectly flat as Chris', but I think my brother will enjoy his B'Day present. I'm gettin' there.

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WYK
 
Nothin wrong with that. Sweet looking knife with great proportions. I'd like to have someone giving me knives :( I seem to always the giver instead of the givee :)
 
If that's really your third knife I'm going to have to ask you to stop posting pictures here. :grumpy:
 
Wow that's a beauty especially given that it's your third knife!

I think you're gettin the hang of things.

Sean
 
Thanks. Well, truthfully, I have tinkered on and off, and have always been good at wood working. I have made a few hunters - but they always looked like Pakistani specials. I stopped making them for a while because I thought I had no talent. Then a short while ago while I was looking into getting me a Bowie I thought to myself "Hell, YOU can make one of these...maybe". I also thought "Why does a Bowie have to be designed with such a wide cross section where the clip meets the spine. It seems a more tapered clip would make it better at stabbing and faster in the hands - like that of a cross between a Confederate Saber-type Bowie and the Sheffields". So, I have some hack stuff behind me, but this is the 3rd knife I've made since I decided it was a hobby I wanted to get involved in, and got 'real' tools, and actually studied.

BTW, I have learned a LOT here. Don't let that knife dissuade you if yours didn't look like it on your 3rd try. Up close you can see the grind isn't perfect, the redwood burl could have been smoothed out a touch more before I installed the handle, and it isn't prefectly square with the elk horn. And most will never know I had to epoxy and redo the hole I made for the tang in the handle because I didn't get it trued up right the first try :( So, it's a presentation knife for my brother - and definitely not a hard use knife. I made a Bowie in 5160 for hard use, but gave it to a bud before I took some pics. I am about to make a 13" version in 5160 for myself with more of a coffin handle. I plan on using everything I've learned so far to best effect on this one.

Obliged y'all!

WYK
 
You're doing just fine!

No worries...

it's worth at least $35000....maybe even $35001....

Third or no...keep going....

Your attitude is right on...and I like your reasoning on the design.

Right on.

Shane
 
And most will never know I had to epoxy and redo the hole I made for the tang in the handle because I didn't get it trued up right the first try

That is why they make different pin sizes. :) A good mosiac pin would also usually fill the space. The knife looks very good.
There will be a knife show the last of July in Austin, are you going to it?
 
Ray,

That's the second time you've asked me. I feel all pressured now ;) I'll be there to see the real bladesmiths so I know how these things are supposed to look, but I doubt I'll have anything worth selling or showing. I'll see if I can get you that Bowie in 52100 to heat treat before then so you have another reason to show up if you're still debating it;) I do look forward to meeting you in person. But ya sound like you're planning to attend already, so that's good.
I'm still debating what sort of grinder to get. All my work so far is done with standard woodworking sanders. My 4X36 is a 3/4 HP variable speed that works surprisingly well for stock removal - especially with the blue zircs doing the main grinds, but I would really like a solid grinder with a solid platen. I'm still leaning towards a 2X72 Cootes. Can anyone suggest a good motor that won't break the bank?

Thanks for the kind words everyone. It really helps.

Wesley Y. Keller
WYK
Southern Cherokee Blades
 
I will be there for sure and it will be good to start making that one again. I went to the second one and until I retired, my job requirements interferred with going back.
Just make sure the grinds are the same on both sides as that can cause the blade to warp. I have broken some trying to fix them. :) But not lately.
 
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