New Roach Belly

peter nap

peter nap

Joined
Nov 27, 1999
Messages
3,745
Just finished a new Roach Belly, Round handled, scalper.

6" Blade of 1075
11" overall

Striped Maple handle.

I'm back to the stuff I enjoy :)

roach%20side.jpg

roach%20edge.jpg
 
I did use AquaFortis Ray and my wife had hidden my heat gun. Being lazy, I didn't use a heated rod to change it. I used a propane torch instead. Bad move. Instead of the nice reddish color, it is more gray.

Thanks Mark. Yep, start to finish ...2 hours not counting temper time.

This is what the color should have looked like Ray:
fkm1.jpg
 
Those pins were a PITA Dan. The next one will get a little longer handle and regular pins.

I wanted to be able to remove the handle so I used Chicago Screws cooked in a witches Brew to age them. Because of the shape of the handle, the things never were the right depth. I finally settled on the depth they are as the best solution. I don't care for it though.
 
Peter -
Roach bellys are one of my faves and this one is as nice as they get.

On another place you asked baout getting a grey patina to your wood- well using a torch is one way to speed up the process. Warm with a torch and lightly scorch - then take some of your used BP cleaning patches (water and BP glorp only - no Ballistol) and rub them in until you get a nasty looking mess on the wood. Let set and dry - scrub off with a coars cloth and steel wool to the point you want - finish up with oil.
Of course thinned gray paint wil also work.......
 
Thanks Chuck. I like them too. The older makers seemed to know what they were doing even on the bargain knives.
I'm going to try those suggestions this weekend.

No one's mentioned it yet.....I like to put a Little of myself in every knife and almost always manage to do it. :o

If you look down at the belly of the knife, there is a blood stain I hadn't cleaned off yet. I can't seem to build a knife without cutting myself. :eek:
 
I like the blade, and handle shape of the first one. Sort of a Mediterranean shape blade. Very simple and purposeful, and a nicely rounded handle. You don't often see such practical designs in this day of hideous "tactical" angularity.:barf: ;)
 
That is Nice. I like that it is simple yet you still skulpted the handle some.
What sort of sheath will you have?
 
No one's mentioned it yet.....I like to put a Little of myself in every knife and almost always manage to do it. If you look down at the belly of the knife, there is a blood stain I hadn't cleaned off yet. I can't seem to build a knife without cutting myself.
Click to expand...
Yep if my sheaths are ever connected to crime I know one persons DNA signature they'll be finding.... :(

For those interested in the historical back ground of the roach belly knives see...
http://home.cogeco.ca/~kgladysz/beltknives.html
 
Brian, that will get a very simple pouch sheath with a heavy toe. If I can ever get my email to go out :o I may have a Wild Rose sheath for the next one. ;)
 
Don - feel free to call anytime - Linda always says if I could just get paid for talking....

In fact you'll probably be the one saying your mother is calling... ;) :D ;)
 
So.... You gonna start marking them somehow

I'm not sure I follow you Mark. If you are talking about making the Roach Bellies, Yeah....I'm going to make a few.

After all these years it's pretty evident I'm not going to become a professional knife maker. As I get older, I do think of additional ways to keep the wolves from the door. You and I have discussed some of this and there are more ways to be involved in the knife making industry than being a world class maker. To start off, I don't have the artistic talent. anyway....

There are a lot of things on the fringe of the fire now. And yes...some do involve you if you are interested. In fact, a lot of people, knife makers, BP Riflesmiths, Blacksmiths, etc, etc....will be involved and should benefit.

The talent in this country is amazing. It is also a shame to see talent wasted because they can't make a living at it.

Better get off the soap box before Kit comes after me.
 
Mark, I thought Don said he marked it with his blood. That should be enough. Don, did you do the forehead again?
 
did you do the forehead again
Nope...left ring finger this time. Didn't even need the duct tape, just a little dab of Superglue. :D
 
Pretty cool Peter, and don't knock the tallent part, your making great knives, and they are your own style. I like them both, though The first one would look right at home with an early mountain man beside a kentucky rifle.
 
I just reread your post Mark......duh

You said Marking a few.....

Old age and not reading completely read it as Making a few........

Some days I should stay in bed.....
Yes ...I think I'll start marking them with a DUNCE CAP ! :o
 
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