New Bowie from the Flatwoods Forge

[Spots]

*Was going to post in knifemakers gallery, but no "New thread" option. Can't find anything on what I need to do before I can post there, I'm assuming its either either a min. post count, or ???? Anyways away we go

This is a knife me and my dad made together in our coal fired forge. The thing I like most is that it was built with only two modern conveniences. The first is the blower on the forge, it is a shop vac on a variable switch. The other was the chainsaw used to cut the 4x4 piece off. The rest was done the old fashioned way. Hammer, anvil, file, rasp, etc etc. It was made in about 15 hours over two days. I'll be making a sheath tomorrow for it. The bowie is 15" overall. 5" handle, 10" inch blade. Seasoned, burned oak handle with a through tang. Hand guard and butt plate are made from horseshoes, knife itself started as a large chunk of 5160 leaf spring steel off a truck.

Let me know what you think. I'm still debating on leaving the handle as is, or doing some reshaping, and oil rubbing it. Also debating on leaving it with the dark color from the oil quench or doing a vinegar scrub to shine it up a lil. So give me your opinion there also. Thanks guys.

 

[Stacy E. Apelt - Bladesmith]

Not my thing, but I am sure you are proud of it.

You probably can't post in that forum because you don't have the required membership level.

Welcome to Shop Talk.

 

[mgysgthath]

I'm just wondering, how did you cut steel with a chainsaw?
There's a lot of room for improvement, but good on you for making your first knife. Welcome

 

[David Loukides]

Welcome,
I would add a oil finish to the handle and leave the knife blade the way it is.
I use each knife I make as a learning experience so I can improve on my next knife.
By the way I am learning right now from the spacer I just finished.
You should be proud of any knife you show.
Sincerely,
Dave

 

[Broomhead]

I think he meant he cut the wood with the chainsaw.

Good work Spots.

 

[Steinerj]

Is it just me or does it look like a mini?

 

[Spots]

I think he meant he cut the wood with the chainsaw.

Good work Spots.

Thanks man, I didnt know you were on here. Are you coming back up to the forge on the 19th for the meet? Qnd you are correct, I used the saw to cut a 10" piece of the oak 4x4 for the handle. The metal was cut with chiesel and hardies on the anvil and cutting block.

Is it just me or does it look like a mini?

I think it looks that way in pictures becauses it so wide. The blade exactly 10" and the knife is 15" overall. It isn't my first, but we get better with everyone, even though knives aren't are speciality in the blacksmith shop. Thanks for the encouragement guys.

 

[Hengelo_77]

I like the way you´ve made it and like the old days look.
I would have preferred the bellie to be rounder. It now almost looks like a straight edge, angle and an onter straight edge towards the point