My first knife design and build.

Couldn't wait for the file guide to arrive, so I decided to start the "plunge" line for my knife. I marked a line perpendicular to the lower and upper edge. Slowly I filed the plunge line. The radius came out very well. The small blank is a 4" sheath knife. The knife design was changed after the drawing was photographed and I wanted to tweak the measurements and shape. There will be two versions: one with scales and the other with hidden tang. I will start another thread for the small knife



 
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25 years making gunstocks. I have pictures of only three or four pieces, which were at the end of my active stock making years. I took a few years off and became a dentist for 23 years. Some of that time overlapped. I am now retired again and have a desire to pursue the things I put on hold for so many years. I have to thank all the master craftsmen who have been watching and those who have commented. All of you have taken time from your work to help those of us who are neophytes. I feel as though I am in a post doctoral course taught by the best professors in the world.
 
Thanks for the background info. I would love to see those pics of your gun stock work. Between that and dentistry you sure have a good base for knifemaking.
I am looking forward to seeing your progress.
 
Thank you Mr. Niro and Mr. Lemee for taking the time to view and comment. Knifemaking for me is more than a hobby and will never be a business. The enjoyment is the pursuit of excellence in my fabrication and craftsmanship. Mr. Lemee, I sent the gunstock link to you via email.
 
Removed the step from the tang, radiused the inside angle, added a bevel along the edge of the tang and added more guide lines to the sides of the blade. So far everything is even. I think it is time to start draw filing to get the proper taper to the blade. We 're having a rainy day here, so the light is poor and there are raindrops on the blade.

 
Great work so far. I'm glad to see you smoothed out that sharp 90 degree angle on the tang. If it's not too late, I think a blade always looks better if your plunge does not break the spine. Leave 1/8th or so, and it just gives it a nice look. It could be be my personal preference though. Welcome to the world of handcrafted custom knives!
 
3/8" from top of plunge line to the spine at present. The plunge line will go higher, but not to the spine. My goal for this build will be 3/16". On the 4" hunter the distance is 3/32" with a subtle curve throughout and forward slant. It was a P.I.A. for me to do by hand, although no guts no glory. So I just did it.
Willi71 advised me about eliminating the 90 degree internal angle thereby greatly reducing stress in that area on the 4" knife and I did that. The tang on the 8" was wrong and I fixed that mistake. Your comments and advice, also those of other craftsmen are very much appreciated. The fresh pairs of eyes most often pick up mistakes or prevent major problems from occurring. Thank you.
 
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