My BK14 Mod, Long Term WIP--Pic Heavy

So, picking the wood for the scales has been difficult as I have had trouble finding a piece that "spoke to me" when I saw it. I didn't want to just order something online - I wanted to handle it and get a close look at the grain pattern.

I had some extra time on my lunch break today, so I stopped in my local woodcraft supply store to check out their new shipment of exotics. I found a gorgeous piece of Burmese blackwood and a great looking piece of cocobolo. My first pick for the project is the cocobolo, but I'm not sure if it will be big enough. If it is, we're all set and I'll use the blackwood for a set of scales for my BK2 when I mod it. If the cocobolo isn't big enough, blackwood for the 14 AND the 2 as it is a pretty nice size chunk.

I'll try to get pictures posted after work.
 
Cocobolo on top, Burmese Blackwood on bottom...the piece of cocobolo appears to be JUST big enough to try to cut the scales from it. Unfortunately, it means I only get one shot at it. I'm thinking a mock up with a piece of pine or MDF might be in order before I start hacking away at this nice piece of cocobolo. :-)

 
Got a chance to trace out the pattern of the skeletonized handle on the cocobolo and rough cut the scales. A friend of mine let me borrow his band saw, scroll saw, and piece of scrap walnut cut to the same dimensions as my cocobolo stock to practice on. They're a little thick right now, but will get slimmed down as I shape them.



I did cut it close in a couple spots (no room to sand anything off in a couple of areas - the scales come just to the edge of the tang), but I'm very happy with the results.

Trying to decide if I should do the engraving or the patina next....thoughts?
 
So many options ;)

I'm no expert but I would patina first then engrave. If it doesn't stand out as much as you want you can always try etching afterwards.
 
It will be sweet when completed. Remember, there is no right or wrong, only desireable or not, and you get to decide.
Enjoy!

Phil 4:6,7
 
TBL said:
So many options ;)

I'm no expert but I would patina first then engrave. If it doesn't stand out as much as you want you can always try etching afterwards.
Click to expand...

tanglediver said:
It will be sweet when completed. Remember, there is no right or wrong, only desireable or not, and you get to decide.
Enjoy!

Phil 4:6,7
Click to expand...

Thanks for the feedback guys. This project has been both enjoyable and therapeutic. Need to do some more buffing on the blade and then will be ready for engraving and patina.
 
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