Need some advice

[Kev0]

So, I started on this knife (my first actual knife) and i really didnt put a ton of forethought into it. Figured i could go through it step by step and learn as i go. Now i know it is nowhere near perfect but i need some help. I modeled this knife after a seax-type design, blade is about 9 inches, the tang is about 5.
The steel is 1095, only stuff i had when i started. It was pretty tough so i put it in the bbq and let it sit overnight to let the metal get softer, then i filed it to shape by hand. The edge i know i went overboard with, its really sharp now, and i know its not going to fair well when i heat treat it. But the main concerns and tips i am needing to get on the knife is the bevel. I didnt put in a gap between the bevel and the handle, which is the general style, but i have no idea where to begin on making a bolster for it, should i use wood or metal? How would yall go about making one?

Any help is greatly appreciated! Thanks guys!

 

[A.McPherson]

Hey, I'm in the process of making a saex styled knife too!! My advice would be to keep it as simple as possible, since the style is generally a "working-class" tool. Make the whole handle out of wood, including the bolster area and cover it with leather, like the originals. Of course I'm just a beginner and my opinions don't matter much!!

 

[bronyblacksmith]

from lots of historical research all of the designs that i have seen have had simple wood handles without any bolster.

 

[Patrickknives]

I would be good to see a picture or drawing of what you are modeling your knife from. To correct the boslter issue I would cut the bottom of the tang up, you have way more steel there than you need. This will give you some steel to work with when you fit your guard, you can round the corner to make a natural transition into the edge. I would use a thin steel or brass bolster (1/4 or to) to make the transition from the blade to the handle and then fit a wood handle, leather wrap if you like.