Project #5: Leaf Knife

I'm curious as to what made you decide to use antler instead of some kind of wood on a leaf shaped blade?
 
Destraal said:
I'm curious as to what made you decide to use antler instead of some kind of wood on a leaf shaped blade?
Click to expand...

Short answer is the shape.

As noted previously, my first attempt was done with wood. I was never terribly pleased with the shape it was giving me and when I sanded a hole in it I was actually kind of relieved. Besides, the wood was a burl and kinda busy. All of the pieces large enough for this project were either burl or lignum vitae.

I looked around at the other materials in my collection and saw a small piece of antler. I decided to play with that and soon found that I had put a hole in that too. However, that second attempt put the bug in me. So I looked over a full antler I had and found a joint that seemed well suited to the task. When I cut it and saw how thick the bony part was, I knew I was onto something. It was clear I would not be putting a hole in this piece.

I also liked the ridge lines and general detail of the piece. It was a natural branch-like shape I would never have thought to carve into wood, and would have found difficult to carve if I'd tried. It just seemed more right than anything else I'd tried.

When I holed it out and saw how well things fit together, I was sold. It felt like divine providence. :)
 
I'm not QUITE done yet, but the road between here and done is not going to change much.
 
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Very arty looking
One idea i'd like to share: the antler now has small cracks and openings on the survace.
You could fill them with dark or stained epoxy and sand it down after drying.
I've done it only once with a test piece but it gives a nice smooth texture with an interesting look.
And a matter of personal taste; the antler and ivories you've used are quite simular in colour, but not the same.
Personaly I would have used a thin layer of spacer material inbetween them in a contrasting colour (black)
But that's just a matter of taste.

So, any new projects in line?
I like bringing in idea's
(Im on the other side of the ocean, so I can talk all I like :D)
You like making knives, you are willing to put in as much time as needed, you like beautifull lines and shapes.
Gentleman's bowies
Some beautifull and fine knives were made roughly from 1800-1900 with astatics and beautifull materials being very important.
You might find a lot of inspiration from them and I think you'll be able to make some fine replica's or knives inspired by the styles.
 
Before I dive into another project I want to make a sheath for this one. I started that last night. Since the handle on this one is made from antler, I'm toying with the idea of making the outer sheath from a piece of cow hide with the hair still on... or at least incorporating a piece of hair-on hide into the design. You can see a piece of the hide in the picture of the knife.
 
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