Next two on the bench...Twins!

[tryppyr]

Patrice, want a block of Jade Ghost G10 to use for a handle?

 

[Patrice Lemée]

Blasphemy Greg!

Handle is drilled already, in WOOD!
Hopefully I have some progress to show you guys in chat tonight.

 

[Erin Burke]

Wow Patrice… I've been really impressed with some of your recent work… and I'm hoping these two will be no different. But I gotta say, I'm having a tough time warming up to that second handle. 8O

 

[tryppyr]

Blasphemy Greg!

Handle is drilled already, in WOOD!
Hopefully I have some progress to show you guys in chat tonight.

Hey, if that's the worst sin I commit today this will be a red-letter day.

 

[JGguns]

Patrice what do you use to laminate the metal to make the guards? The blades look awesome. I really lie the handle design on the left in the first pic.

 

[GTH11]

Patrice you may want to increase your fc ratios, and let them soak for a bit. The method to my madness changes from etch to etch. However i sand at least 3 times (i use steel wool) between etches, and imo if you let the etch sit for a bit before you neutralize with windex, you'll retain some of the darkness.
Heres a pic of some of Brads damascus in neckers, i etched all 10 in the same jar, and it looks like i actually used up the fc in my mixture, it went from brownish to green! Do some experimenting with your scraps.
Greg

 

[WilliamWoods]

I agree with Greg. Using a stronger FeCl mixture for longer and doing multiple etches should do the trick. To get a grey black finish I have been known to soak blades up to an hour in 50/50 FeCl/Vinegar. Just remember super delicate parts like tang threading can be etched away on a long hard etch.

 

[Patrice Lemée]

Thanks for the Damascus etching tips guys, I'll give that a try.
The laminated guard is not welded, just layers of stainless.

Erin, I am sad that you and others don't like that handle shape. I like it very much myself and see many possibilities. Like it so much I put the more traditional one aside to work on the fighter. Here is where we are at. This might still end up a glue up as I don't have much thread and I already messed up a few of them fitting everything. We'll see, I just wanted to see how if I could make the design work as a take down.
All in all, I like where this is going.

Thanks for looking and your help and feedback, much appreciated.

 

[panch0]

Dude thats looking good!

How did you get the bent thread through the handle block? I havent done it before and would like to try a through tang soon.

 

[Patrice Lemée]

With a lot of cursing Frank. Seriously, you have to drill at an angle from both sides and broach/file the inside to approximate he curve. Look at similar tangs by Bruce Bump (what I should have done ) and you'll see that a completely curved tang works better, compared to the straight bend of mine that is. Sorry, I can't describe it better but I sure hope you give them a try, they are a little harder to do but in some aspects but easier in others like being able to finish the different materials separately. WHen you do try them, don't hesitate to PM me, I'll do my best to help.

 

[Rick Marchand]

Work faster, Patrice.... WE WANT MORE PICS!!!!

Great looking blades!

 

[Patrice Lemée]

Thanks Rick. Sadly, as per your advice on the other thread, I am heading to the insurance office Monday to see where I stand with the shop.
If what you say applies here, further pics might never come.

 

[Rick Marchand]

Thanks Rick. Sadly, as per your advice on the other thread, I am heading to the insurance office Monday to see where I stand with the shop.
If what you say applies here, further pics might never come.

Please prove me wrong, brother.

 

[jonnymac44]

Patrice, looking good buddy! I'm liking the way that handle is shaping up on number two. A nice change of pace, and I can't wait to see it after final shaping.

.....on another note, what do you mean about no more pics and insurance for the shop??? You better not be shutting down your operations!

 

[Rob Cole]

That would be a damn shame. I'm hoping for a positive outcome for you.

 

[NickWheeler]

It makes me think of this....

 

[Patrice Lemée]

Jonny, I am calling the insurance agent this afternoon to see where I stand with the shop (garage) being attached to the house. I don't want to think about the worst scenario (denied coverage). I'll post what happened on Rick's thread about insurance. I appreciate the good thoughts guys.

Nick, it took me a while to make the connection. Of course the pin is just temporary and needs to be recessed so it should look a little less like high heels when I am done.

 

[panch0]

:yawn:

 

[Patrice Lemée]

Well we don't want Frank to fall asleep so a few more pics.
As you can clearly see, I am not sure I am right in the head anymore.

 

[RyanW]

Very cool Patrice. that reverse grip looks super comfy.