My first WIP

[Cornbread556]

Probably should have started this a few weeks ago when I started. Since then I've learned a few things.
Started out with a horse shoe rasp that was free. Learned after a while that this might not have been the best choice. Since it is an unknown material. Friend that gave it to me has a few made from them so I said what the heck

Skip a lot of hack saw and file work and get a block of koa.

Another lesson learned leave my table saw for pine,and if some one offers to cut your wood into scales free of charge. Let him do it.

Now I have modified a miter box and slowly cutting my scales. Still have a long ways to go before my knife will be ready for them. So no rush in getting them cut.


What I have learned so far. Use a known metal. Let burl cut your block into scales for you. Stabilized koa is some hard stuff. Filing a piece of metal into shape is therapeutic.

 

[thegeek574]

good looking blade. you are a braver man than i. i would make at least 47 knifes before i would look at that koa crosseyed, much less cut it

 

[Cornbread556]

Been slowly doing some work on this little project. Been a little caught up with grain season.:jerkit:
Here is where I'm at now any suggestions are appreciated. Did realize last night that I haven't ordered any bolts. I gave up on removing all of the file marks since it would make it thinner than I want it.

Since this wasn't a Nicholson file and it rained a good bit,and I brought a scrap piece up to non magnetic and threw it in some water. Hit it and it broke so maybe I'll be ok. Here is a pic if anyone can look at the inside and tell if ok or not.


Any comments and suggestions are welcome I have very thick skin. That and I'm playing things by ear. Figured this would be a learning experience and have ordered some 1084 from Aldo for future projects,and Burl keeps have these sales that are almost twisting my arm into rat holing wood.