specs for a siberian skinner?

[sls4ak]

As a long time arkansas blacksmith, expatriated to alaska, I am interested in making a presonal custom blade. The siberian skinner that I carried in my youth is a little smaller than I want in a custom blade though I have always liked the design. Does any one have dimensions for this design? I will upscale it to a 9" blade. If I remember correctly mine was 6 1/4" 13" overall.

My forge welding is good and tempering reliable. I have never worked much as a bladesmith. Most of my work has been decorative hardware, taps and dies, fish gigs, etc.

I have a large tuyre, anvil etc. and will be working with charcoal, and natural gas. Charcoal for forging and shaping, gas for tempering.

Any guidence in diferential tempering of this design will be appreciated.

Thanks,
Scott

 

[PayetteRucker]

I'm sure you've seen RosArms' website, but maybe you could cruise it again for some inspiration. They used to make a beautiful one but I can't find it on their website now-looks like it was just redone.

The standard dimensions seem to be pretty skinny at the base, considering blade length. My personal tastes would go wider. Maybe 1 3/8-1 1/2" wide at the base and scooping out from there at the belly... I'm a layman though, so take it for what it is. I think L6 would be a killer steel for the project. If you can't find RosArms' example, their customer service is almost immediate by email. I bet they'd dig up a product photo for you.

 

[Brian Ayres]

Welcome to BF sls,

Shoptalk sub-forum would be a great place for this question and any extra guidance you need.

I prefer hardening an entire blade and then drawing back the spine with a torch and the blade in water if a differentially hardened blade is desired.