Raymond Richard dagger blank WIP

so, I basically scrapped my plan.
And came up with a new one:)

This way is going to be a lot more work, because it's more complicated, but I can take my time and I want to do this right. I don't want to let Ray and myself down by compromising in order to cut down on time and effort.

Besides, there are a few things going on here that I really want to learn how to do.

So, here is the new design;


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This is rough, but you can get the idea at least.


Awhile ago, Harry Matthews very kindly sent to me a really nice chunk of stabilized wood, and I've removed a piece already for a little dagger I started, oh, about 2 years ago:rolleyes:. Anyway, with all the beautiful texturing and the contrasts of the hammered blade, I felt that a figured wood handle would look a lot nicer than that monochromatic purple heart I originally thought I'd use.

I'm still not quite sure what the fittings will be made from, but I think I'd like to get my hands on some copper or bronze. I would even consider brass, but I think that it will basically come down to what I can scavenge from somewhere. Because that's how I roll:D.

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Anyway, don't hold your breath. This is gonna take awhile...
 
Wow Lorien, that's a very beautiful and ambitious drawing! Go for it man.
 
If you can pull that off it's going to be fantastic! Go for it man!

Until then I just like looking at your drawings. Great stuff!
 
I really like the changes you made to the handle! It is going to make an impressive looking knife. It will be more difficult, but challenging yourself is the only way to learn. Go slow and make your mistakes small ones. They are easier to fix. :D

The wood is bubinga. The piece I sent you is not stabilized, but it can be. I am not convinced that it helps bubinga very much, but might make it easier to finish.

Good luck with the project and keep us posted!
 
I've spent a bit of time on Alpha's website, and I think I owe it to myself and to this knife to use the materials I want to use and not settle for scavenged stuff.
Joe, I will take your advice, thanks for that.

Harry, I will also do my best to take your advice as well. It is always very, very much appreciated. I thought the bubinga was stabilized:eek:! Nice wood, it's super solid:thumbup:. I'm glad to finally have a project for it.

Anyone have any pointers for making a habaki?:confused:
 
Lorien I believe the book called The Craft Of The Japanese Sword shows some images and offers some info on habaki making

Fred lohman co. might be able to put you in touch with someone that can give you info.

STeven I am sure knows someone that makes Habaki's that could give you some tips
 
Joe, thank you, that is awesome.

Just got my materials list together for an order to AKS, and I think I will get some steel too. Just don't have a particular design in mind yet...
 
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unless you build em outta rocks, it's pretty tough to make a knife without a vise.

The day before yesterday I spent several hours moving crap around in my bombed out garage, and built a sturdy work bench that I could mount at least one vise to.

As luck would have it, I discovered today that Canadian Tire had 5" vises on sale for 50 bucks! Down from $90. So I bought two, one for home and one for the shop. It's a precision vise, the tolerances are great, it's got nicely machined areas and removable jaws, swivels about 60 degrees and has a sweet powder coated finish.

My fifty dollar knife workshop!
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I'm building a bombproof fence and outdoor workshop out of locally scavenged and milled yellow and red cedar. I had several offcuts and used every last one of them building this monstrosity. It is an extremely sturdy workbench and it probably weighs close to a hundred pounds. And it is glued together in addition to screwed. Screwed n glued! It ain't movin no way, no how.

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Ray's dagger blank has compelled me to take action and finally dial my shit in. Without a properly set up space, this project would have lame results, and because Ray's got his squint eye on me, I gotta do him proud. Which means I gotta do it right. Here's hopin. Left a message at AKS today...

I just installed the vise half an hour ago. I can't wait to go to bed so I can get up early tomorrow and get my workshop a little more dialed in!
 
well well, look what showed up in the mail today!
Thank you, Bybees!

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hmm, not sure what you mean- did you lose a bet?:D
 
Oh, What a bench you have there....Beastly. Lorien you have mail.

(just going to send it)
 
I'm not sure what the SV30 is for, Lorien- I hope it's not for the guard? Just a thought, but 416Stainless is a good steel to work, excellent for guards and shines up very nice.

Since Ray is so well known for his wraught iron work, have you thought of how that would look on this knife? I know you already have a design in mind, so forgive me for bringing this up, it's just a thought.

Dave
 
the bronze and copper is for this knife.
the S30V is for another project.
 
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