Some of My Latest Work...

N

Nic.

Joined
Dec 8, 2014
Messages
814
It's been awhile since I have posted any knives on here; I figured I would share some of my Christmas orders. All four of these knives are my 7" Bird and Trout model made from differentially heat treated 15N20. Handle materials from top to bottom are olivewood, zebrawood, canvas micarta, and Hawaiian Koa. These also all have hidden lanyard loops; the koa knife was made for an avid fly fisherman, so I did a fly-line whipping on the lanyard. Leather work still is not my strong point, but I'm learning!

Any comments and feedback are welcome,

-Nichole







 
skillgannon said:
How are you doing your hammons on 15n20?
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I clay quench the blades using Rutland's furnace cement. I hand sand out to 1500 grit and use 4:1 ferric chloride to etch. I do several etching/ polishing cycles until the desired look is reached- generally the more cycles, the more defined the hamon is. The trick with 15N20 is that the added nickle content can make the hamon look "fuzzy" if over polished so you want to use a mild abrasive when polishing and be sure not to over do it. You will know if you do because the hamon will get streaks and the "fuzzy" look. I use baking soda and soap initially- rubbing with a make-up remover pad- mainly to neutralize the FC but the baking soda also acts as a loose abrasive. Then, for 15N20 I use Mother's Chrome Restorer to complete the polishing cycle; it's what you would use on a vehicle, but is a mild abrasive and works well for this purpose.
I hope that answers some of your questions, please feel free to ask if you have any specific questions that I missed.
 
Good to see you posting new stuff, Nic.

You know, a LOT of new makers come through here (he says like he's been here forever...). They all ask for advice. But few new makers have LISTENED as carefully as you have, and it shows. You have made very steady and significant improvements since you began. Your leather work still needs a little help but even that has improved tremendously. Your knife designs are handsome, practical and well executed. Your attention to detail, symmetry and fit is very good. Kudos to you for showing the interest and dedication.
 
i4Marc said:
Good to see you posting new stuff, Nic.

You know, a LOT of new makers come through here (he says like he's been here forever...). They all ask for advice. But few new makers have LISTENED as carefully as you have, and it shows. You have made very steady and significant improvements since you began. Your leather work still needs a little help but even that has improved tremendously. Your knife designs are handsome, practical and well executed. Your attention to detail, symmetry and fit is very good. Kudos to you for showing the interest and dedication.
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Thank you very much Marc. I have been able to learn and progress so much from the advice and knowledge shared by folks on this forum. It’s been a fun journey so far and there is still a lot to learn, but that’s what keeps it fun! Thank you for your help and advice over the past couple of years...
 
Your designs, grinds and blade and handle finishes are looking great. Glad to see you listened to advice and improved wonderfully. Happy to see you still at it.
 
Horsewright said:
Was just thinking about ya the other day wondering why hadn't seen any posts from ya in a while. Nice work, very nice work. Smaller stitching on the sheath would bring it up another level. Also give this a try:

https://www.bladeforums.com/threads...ng-the-horsewright-way.1554236/#post-17863187

Simply beautiful knives.
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Hi Dave,
I know it’s been awhile; I havent had much time to get out in the shop lately. By smaller stitching do you mean thinner sinew or tighter spacing? Nice tutorial- you always have great detailed tutorials!
Thanks Dave-
 
Nic. said:
Hi Dave,
I know it’s been awhile; I havent had much time to get out in the shop lately. By smaller stitching do you mean thinner sinew or tighter spacing? Nice tutorial- you always have great detailed tutorials!
Thanks Dave-
Click to expand...

Tighter stitching. More stitches to the inch. Bout 6 to 7 per inch.
 
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