Strangers

[Raymond Richard]

Whoa! Those are wonderfuly interesting, all the elements and detail, too cool.....

I like the forge finish, do you Quench and Temper as you would a clean finished blade? Does the scale inhibit the process at all?

Also, what did you stain the antler with? Looks like leather dye!

Steve
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Potomac Forge
ABS Apprentice

Steve, Actually the blades are well cleaned before I heat treat although I don't think scale would be an issue anyway. Yes I do use leather dye to color the antler. I'll coat it real well and then I soak it in a mixture of linseed oil and turpentine for several hours. That usually gets the color to go into the bone.

stevomiller, As far as the 6150 goes I don't think its much different that the spring steels you mentioned. At the time I did the one knife it was the handiest 3/4" round steel I had.

Chuck, The face on the top sheath does seem to resemble Dave Lisch although I was trying for a self portrait.

And yes, I have been enjoying myself making these creations. I've got a ton of ideas I want to try also. Thanks for the replies!