My KITH WIP

Thanks. It has been challenging to rein in the part of me that always wants to push it farther. I probably rejected twice as many ideas as I implemented. ;)

Anyway, I'm hoping to have this done before November 3rd. On Stacy's advice, I ordered an appropriately sized box from Jantz, and will make a simple sheath (that may or may not include a belt loop). I'm close enough to done now that I can take my time on the last few steps and make sure I don't screw things up rushing to completion. Last night I finally got all the pieces to line up perfectly when trial fitting. Felt nice to have it all click into place without being forced.
 
Thanks, Patrice. It's nice that you're looking out for me! :)

Actually, I did think about putting one of the eye glyphs on either the pommel or the other side of the ricasso. Obviously, I refrained. That would have been my only nod to the bird thing.
 
Yesterday I started working on refining the blade in advance of etching. I've been working toward an edge, without actually taking it to the point of razor sharpness. My plan is to get it sharp enough along both sides such that there is no visible thickness at the edge so that when it comes time to hone in the real edge there won't be much material to remove and I won't lose much of the etching at the edge.

That's mostly done now, but I'm not satisfied. I'm going to see if I can find a suitable flat surface that I can use to sand the flats. I'm also not satisfied with the point. And after all that is done I have to work through the sandpaper grits to get the blade polished and shiny.

In any case, it will probably be the weekend before I get around to etching the blade.
 
I found the sanding surface where I least expected it... right in my office. It's a largish piece of petrified wood that had been made into a paperweight. It's been many years since I needed a paperweight... and this one is impervious to sandpaper. Exceptionally flat surface, and I also like the size and the curves. Onward!

KITH49.JPG
 
After spending MUCH of the day sanding the blade, I finally got to zero edge up and down the blade, then ran through the grits. I decided it was time to have a look at the pattern, so I did a very light (7 minutes) selective etch... and I really like the lighter etch on this piece. I doubt I'll do a deeper etch. Tell me if you think I'm crazy. Sorry for the poor photos... best I can do using the lighting at hand. And please pardon the filth on the back side of the blade.

KITH50.JPG


KITH51.JPG
 
Today I'm doing the cleanup sanding of the guard, getting rid of the file marks from the prior refining exercise. I'm still trying to decide whether to HT the guard.

In either case, I should be able to get to final assembly before I head out for my next business/personal travel phase.

- Greg
 
I decided to apply the real edge to the blade today, and in the process (predictably) messed up the etch.

Actually, I regard that as a blessing in disguise. Earlier today I watched the Nick Wheeler video on hand sanding and picked up some very useful tips on maintaining the sharp edge on the grind lines. I had another look at my own blade and decided the center line HAD gone soft during hand sanding.

So I made one of the tools Nick demonstrated and started going after it.

After seeing an image of someone else's damascus dagger with a super crisp center line, I knew I needed to step up my game. So that's what I'm up to now.

Yesterday I finished sanding the guard to 2000 grit. It's looking fine now. I also spent some time today marrying the pommel to the handle after gluing it in place last night. So far it's been filed and sanded to 180 grit. Still a lot to do there.

KITH52.JPG


KITH53.JPG
 
After several hours of work I have completed the re-sanding of the blade and have finished the pommel.

KITH55.JPG
 
Now the blade has been re-etched... a little darker this time. A little clean up and she should be about ready for final assembly.

KITH56.JPG


KITH57.JPG
 
While looking at larger versions of some of the pictures, I saw that there were some scratches and gouges in the handle that needed attention, so I started working on those today. It's never going to be "perfect" because there is a rather dark flaw in the ivory itself on the back side. That said, I don't want to leave scratches and gouges in it that were of my doing, so I'll spend some time today addressing those. My plan is to complete assembly tonight and start work on the sheath tomorrow.

I received the presentation box earlier in the week, so it seems pretty clear to me now this will be done before I start traveling again next month.

- Greg
 
No trick of the light, the scratches were real. I've already starting addressing them. And yes, I'm using my visor to do the job. Some of the gouges were pretty deep... some superficial. A few were actual flaws in the material... not sure how to address those other than apply CA and polish it out. Still working on it though. I won't assemble until I'm satisfied.
 
Not sure if its the pics, but one side seems "crisper" than the other, very ambitious project, ive yet to try my skills againist a dagger, whoever recieves this will be delighted Greg! Well done.
 
:thumbup::thumbup: Looking good!

The darker etch looks way better to me, the blade is looking great! The handle is looking very nice as well.

I use a loupe a lot to inspect my knives for flaws when I work, they help a lot and you don't have to wear them.

I think this is your best one yet! Keep on it. :D
 
Patrice Lemée;10122270 said:
At first the scratches looked like tiny gull feathers. :p;)
Click to expand...

Oh man!!! I should have left them on!!! ;)

I think I got all the gouges out and as many of the scratches as I could find. I'll take another look tonight, and then get on with assembly.

- Greg
 
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