Pistol/dagger project

I think it needs a wooden handle, carved as a rope. My first thought was metal scales carved the same way, but that seems like it could be heavy. Think of what a 1" rope would look like layed down as a handle scale, and have that carved in. The tang could be engraved w/ a pattern reminiscient of a basket gaurd. That would drag the lines along from the shell pommel to the hammer and trigger that have been nicely rounde w/ the ball ends to match the pommel.:D Would look realy good in the sheath too.

I really like the way that is turning out. Would sure love to see it in person when it was done.

That would be awesome...Im not sure I'm ready for that yet.
 
Nice! what files did you use?

Thank you Bruce. I use a small Marking file with the flat side groung smooth so it wont cut, and a small Round file.


Thanks bluejaunte. I really like file work when it is understated and compliments the knife. I dont care for it when it looks like the filework came first and the knife was an after thought.
 
. Think of what a 1" rope would look like layed down as a handle scale, .

why not use rope made into a Micarta? using a clear medium .

I'd make the molds the same size as the grips should end up and mold the rope in to those.. now that done just right would be a differance type of COOL :)
 
why not use rope made into a Micarta? using a clear medium .

I'd make the molds the same size as the grips should end up and mold the rope in to those.. now that done just right would be a differance type of COOL :)

or even use some small rope and tie some nice knots and have them suspended in the resin

-matt
 
If you go all the way with the nautical theme and use ivory and scrimshaw, it would be neat if it could be walrus or narwhal ivory. I wonder if a splash of ocean derived color, black coral (or even red coral?) could be worked in?

Personally I'd stay away from the MOP. Some how it comes off as too much glitz...or something.

Its kind of cool that you've invited us to imagine possibilities with you. Thanks!
 
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If you go all the way with the nautical theme and use ivory and scrimshaw, it would be neat if it could be walrus or narwhal ivory. I wonder if a splash of ocean derived color, black coral (or even red coral?) could be worked in?

Personally I'd stay away from the MOP. Some how it comes off as too much glitz...or something.

Doesnt Narwhal Ivory have a natural spiral texture? I never see it for sale.
 
In retrospect, I think Phyl is right about the mother-of-pearl. Maybe as an inlay or accent but straight m-o-p scales might be a little bit much. The scales should contribute to the look but not distract from the excellence of the remainder of the piece.
 
Here is a full view so far. I still have some hand rubbing to do on the bevels but they are getting there.
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Amazing, and it's not even finished yet, I don't know what I'll say when it is.
 
Hey Narwhal would be cool, but spendy. I went out and met the people at Boone Trading CO. Great people and a very interesting place. Had a great time. Picked up a few things amongst them a piece of Stella sea cow bone. Now that might make interesting scales esp with some rope scrimshaw. Kind of an warm brown color. Mariners harvested them all and now extinct. http://www.boonetrading.com/RawMaterials.html
 
OK one bit of advice,


YEAH RIGHT, who am i bullshi*****, that is a totally bad a$$ piece, i can only dream of creating a piece of art like that. cant wait to see the finished product, Ive been following this thread like a hawk!

Andrew
 
WOW, that's some great work, fella! Just like the rest of your work you tease us with. The way you walk us through the making and the pictures is first class, too. You know, you are a mighty tough act to follow, Bruce.
 
All the company left so I finally got back to work.
Here is the new hammer and trigger spring. This one is two separate 1095 springs that slide into place back to back.
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Here they bent to shape, heat treated and the beginning stages of shaping. Before I can test them I need to remove the scratches (stress risers) and round off the square edges or they may snap.
 
The pre-ban ivory slabs arrived so I can begin fitting them. I flattened the back sides and super glued on a thin black fiber backing.
I decided to use white ivory and have a border scrimmed on them instead of mammoth that is so hard to find just the right set.
Stay tuned to see if I take off to much and have to use them on a miniture
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bruce...what is black fiber backing?.....do u just use it to make a contrast between the ivory and the steel or is it a structural thing.....thanks alot....it looks great....not like u needed anyone to tell u that!.....ryan
 
OH BOY IT'S GETTIN THERE! This is amazing Bruce thank you very much for sharing the most awesome process. Like any true master, you know what you are doing and make it look easy :) .
 
bruce...what is black fiber backing?.....do u just use it to make a contrast between the ivory and the steel or is it a structural thing.....thanks alot....it looks great....not like u needed anyone to tell u that!.....ryan

The spacer material is also sold as "Vulcanized Spacer" and is available in most all the knife makers catalogs. It comes in .015" thick and I use it to seal the back side of the ivory and to add a black contrast to the liner.
 
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